JP6392948B2 - Armrest control device and armrest device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an armrest control device and an armrest device.

  Conventionally, a technique for adjusting the position of an armrest is known. In the adjustment of the position of the armrest, techniques relating to the adjustment of the position of the armrest according to various situations have been proposed.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, in order to reduce driver fatigue in various driving situations, the armrest is applied to the upper arm or the elbow by changing the position of the armrest based on the vehicle speed and the yaw rate of the vehicle. A technique for adjusting the reaction force is disclosed.

JP 2011-148383 A

  By the way, in recent years, a vehicle capable of traveling in an automatic driving mode in which the vehicle automatically travels irrespective of operations such as a steering operation, an accelerator operation, and a brake operation by a driver has been proposed. Such a vehicle does not always travel in the automatic driving mode, but also travels in the manual driving mode in which the vehicle is driven based on various operations of the driver, and the automatic driving mode and the manual driving mode can be switched. It has become.

  In the manual operation mode, the driver needs to perform a steering operation. On the other hand, in the automatic driving mode, the driver does not need to grip the steering wheel, so that the armrest is positioned corresponding to the comfort posture set as the driver posture in the automatic driving mode in order to reduce driver fatigue. It is possible to adjust. Thereby, the driver can place an arm on the armrest and take a comfortable posture.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to switch from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode in a vehicle capable of switching between the automatic operation mode and the manual operation mode. An object of the present invention is to provide an armrest control device and an armrest device capable of causing a driver to take a posture in an automatic operation mode when the above is performed.

In order to solve the above-described problem, according to an aspect of the present invention, an operation mode determination unit that determines a switching state of a vehicle operation mode that can be switched between an automatic operation mode and a manual operation mode, and at the time of the automatic operation mode An armrest control unit that moves a support unit supporting the arm of the driver of the armrest to a position corresponding to the posture of the driver in the automatic operation mode, and in the manual operation mode, the position of the support unit is The armrest control unit is set to a lower position than the position corresponding to the posture of the driver in the automatic operation mode, and the armrest control unit switches from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode by the operation mode determination unit. There when it is determined that it has begun to move so as to increase the support portion, the armrest of the control device It is provided.

The armrest control unit may move the support unit to a position corresponding to the comfort posture set as the posture of the driver in the automatic driving mode in the automatic driving mode.

  The armrest control unit may move the support unit so as to approach the steering wheel when the operation mode determination unit determines that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode is started.

  A driver gripping state determination unit that determines a gripping state of an object by the driver, and when the armrest control unit determines that switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started, the driver gripping state determination unit When it is determined that the driver is holding the steering wheel, the support portion may be moved away from the steering wheel.

  A notification control unit that controls notification by the notification device of various information to the driver is provided, and when it is determined that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started, the driver gripping state determination unit determines that both hands of the driver Is determined to hold an object different from the steering wheel, the armrest control unit holds the position of the support unit, and the notification control unit is switched to the manual operation mode. May be notified to the notification device.

  When it is determined that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started, the armrest control unit is holding one object of the driver different from the steering wheel by the driver gripping state determination unit, If it is determined that the other hand is not gripping an object different from the steering wheel, the portion of the support that supports the other hand may be moved closer to the steering wheel. .

  The armrest control unit moves the support unit away from the steering wheel when the operation mode determination unit determines that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode is started according to the input of the driver. May be.

In order to solve the above-described problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, an operation mode determination unit that determines a switching state of a vehicle operation mode that can be switched between an automatic operation mode and a manual operation mode; Whether or not a predetermined steering by the driver is performed , and an armrest control unit that moves a support unit that supports the arm of the driver of the armrest to a position corresponding to the posture of the driver in the automatic driving mode in the driving mode. A driver steering prediction unit that predicts, and the armrest control unit reduces the armrest when the driver steering prediction unit predicts that the predetermined steering by the driver is performed, thereby reducing the armrest. the Before moving away from the steering wheel, the control apparatus of the armrest is provided.

In order to solve the above-described problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, an operation mode determination unit that determines a switching state of a vehicle operation mode that can be switched between an automatic operation mode and a manual operation mode; Whether or not the armrest control unit that moves the support unit that supports the arm of the driver of the armrest to the position corresponding to the posture of the driver in the automatic operation mode and whether the driver's arousal level is in a reduced state during the driving mode and a driver awareness determination unit determines, the armrest control unit, when the awakening level of the driver by the driver awareness determination unit is determined to be a degraded state, it is reciprocated the support portion An armrest control device is provided.

In order to solve the above-described problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, an operation mode determination unit that determines a switching state of a vehicle operation mode that can be switched between an automatic operation mode and a manual operation mode; An armrest control unit that moves a support unit supporting the arm of the driver of the armrest to a position corresponding to the posture of the driver in the automatic operation mode during the operation mode, and the position of the support unit in the manual operation mode. Is set to a position lower than the position corresponding to the posture of the driver in the automatic operation mode, and the armrest control unit is changed from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode by the operation mode determination unit. when the switching of is determined to have started to move to increase the support portion, and a control device, said control Position of the supporting portion on the basis of the placed these operation instruction and the armrest to be adjusted, the armrest device comprising is provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in a vehicle capable of switching between the automatic operation mode and the manual operation mode, the driver takes the attitude in the automatic operation mode when switching from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode is performed. It becomes possible to make it.

It is a mimetic diagram showing an example of the schematic structure of the armrest control system concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of the armrest apparatus which concerns on the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of the armrest pillar expansion-contraction apparatus of the armrest apparatus which concerns on the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of adjustment of the reference position of the armrest of the armrest apparatus which concerns on the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a function structure of the control apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a process in switching from the manual operation mode to automatic operation mode which the control apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment performs. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the position adjustment of the armrest by the process in the switch in manual operation mode to automatic operation mode which the control apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the 1st process in switching to the manual operation mode from the automatic operation mode which the control apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment performs. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the position adjustment of the armrest by the 1st process in the switch to the manual operation mode from the automatic operation mode which the control apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment performs. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the position adjustment of the armrest by the 1st process in the switch to the manual operation mode from the automatic operation mode which the control apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the 2nd process in the switching from automatic operation mode to manual operation mode which the control apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment performs. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the armrest control system which concerns on a 1st application example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of the armrest air discharge part which concerns on a 1st application example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of a structure of the armrest air discharge part which concerns on a 1st application example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a function structure of the control apparatus which concerns on a 1st application example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the position adjustment of the armrest by the process of the control apparatus which concerns on a 1st application example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a function structure of the control apparatus which concerns on a 2nd application example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the installation position of the armrest apparatus which concerns on other embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the installation position of the armrest apparatus which concerns on other embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

<1. Configuration of armrest control system>
First, with reference to FIGS. 1-4, schematic structure of the armrest control system 10 of the vehicle which concerns on embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an armrest control system 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the armrest control system 10 includes a blower suction device 104, a passenger compartment air conditioner 106, a notification device 108, an armrest device 200, a steering torque sensor 302, a vehicle state sensor 304, and imaging. The apparatus 306 and the control apparatus 400 are provided. The armrest control system 10 according to the present embodiment can be applied to a vehicle that can switch between an automatic operation mode and a manual operation mode.

  The blower suction device 104 supplies air to various devices of the vehicle and sucks air from the various devices. The air blowing / suction device 104 is connected to each of the passenger compartment air conditioning device 106 and the armrest device 200 via a ventilation path through which air can pass. By supplying air to the passenger compartment air conditioner 106 by the blower suction device 104, the passenger compartment air conditioning is performed by the passenger compartment air conditioner 106. Further, when air is supplied to the armrest device 200 by the blower suction device 104 or air is sucked from the armrest device 200, the pressure of the air inside the armrest of the armrest device 200 can support the driver's arm. Maintained. Details of the armrest device 200 will be described later. In supplying air to the armrest device 200 and sucking air from the armrest device 200, the blower suction device 104 is driven based on an operation instruction from the control device 400.

  The blower suction device 104 takes in air from the outside of the vehicle or the passenger compartment, and supplies the taken air to each of the passenger compartment air conditioner 106 and the armrest device 200. Moreover, the air sucked from the armrest device 200 is sent to the outside of the vehicle or the vehicle interior. Note that the air suction device 104 may be configured integrally with the passenger compartment air conditioner 106 or the armrest device 200.

  The vehicle interior air conditioner 106 performs air conditioning of the vehicle interior by sending the air supplied from the blower suction device 104 into the vehicle interior. Specifically, the vehicle interior air conditioner 106 may perform air conditioning of the vehicle interior by controlling at least one of the temperature, direction, and flow rate of the air blown into the vehicle interior.

  The notification device 108 notifies various information to the driver. For example, the notification device 108 notifies various information to the driver by displaying various screens. The function of displaying a screen is realized by, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) device. Further, the notification device 108 may notify the driver of various types of information by outputting sound. The function of outputting sound is realized by, for example, a speaker or a handset. Further, the notification device 108 may notify the driver of various information by generating vibration. The function of generating vibration is realized by, for example, a vibrator device. The notification of the various information to the driver by the notification device 108 is performed based on an operation instruction from the control device 400.

  The armrest device 200 includes an armrest that supports the driver's arm, and adjusts the position of the armrest based on an operation instruction from the control device 400. By adjusting the position of the armrest by the armrest device 200, the position of the support portion that supports the arm of the driver of the armrest is adjusted. Hereinafter, the detail of a structure of the armrest apparatus 200 is demonstrated with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the armrest device 200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the armrest device 200 includes a hinge guide rail 202, a hinge 204, an armrest 206, an armrest pillar 208, and an armrest pillar expansion / contraction device 210.

  The armrest 206 is provided on the side of the seat B10 of the driver A10 where the steering wheel 310 is provided in front, and is used to support the arm of the driver A10. The upper surface of the armrest 206 may correspond to the support portion 206a that supports the arm of the driver A10. The rear end of the armrest 206 is connected to a hinge 204 provided on a hinge guide rail 202 that extends along the side surface of the backrest B12 of the seat B10 of the driver A10. The armrest 206 is rotatably provided with the hinge 204 as a rotation axis. The position of the hinge 204 is fixed when the armrest device 200 is used, but can be adjusted along the hinge guide rail 202. The armrest 206 is hollow, and the air supplied from the blower suction device 104 is sent to the inside of the armrest 206 via the hinge 204. Thereby, the air pressure inside the armrest 206 is maintained at a pressure that can support the arm of the driver A10.

  The front end of the armrest 206 and the upper end of the armrest pillar 208 are connected. The armrest pillar 208 is hollow, and the inside of the armrest pillar 208 and the inside of the armrest 206 communicate with each other. Therefore, since the air sent to the armrest 206 is supplied to the armrest pillar 208, the air pressure inside the armrest pillar 208 is maintained at a pressure that can support the arm of the driver A10. The armrest pillar 208 is provided to be extendable and retractable by the armrest pillar extension device 210.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the armrest pillar expansion / contraction device 210 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the armrest pillar expansion / contraction device 210 includes a pair of non-driving rollers 212 and a driving roller 214.

  The lower part of the arm rest pillar 208 is sandwiched between a pair of non-driving rollers 212, and the lower end side of the arm rest pillar 208 is connected to the driving roller 214. As the drive roller 214 rotates, the amount wound up by the drive roller 214 below the armrest pillar 208 is adjusted. As a result, the length of the portion of the armrest pillar 208 extending upward from the non-driving roller 212 is adjusted, so that the armrest 206 connected to the armrest pillar 208 rotates about the hinge 204 as a rotation axis. Therefore, the position of the armrest 206 is adjusted. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the driving roller 214 is rotated so that the amount of the lower portion of the armrest pillar 208 taken up is reduced, the length of the portion of the armrest pillar 208 that extends upward from the non-driving roller 212 is increased. Lengthens. Therefore, the position of the armrest 206 can be raised. The drive roller 214 is driven based on an operation instruction from the control device 400. The driving roller 214 is driven by, for example, an electric motor.

  In addition, when the length of the portion of the armrest pillar 208 that extends upward from the non-driving roller 212 becomes longer, air is supplied into the armrest pillar 208 by the blower suction device 104. On the other hand, when the length of the portion of the armrest pillar 208 that extends upward from the non-driving roller 212 is shortened, air is sucked from the inside of the armrest pillar 208 by the blower suction device 104. Thereby, the air pressure inside the armrest 206 and the armrest pillar 208 is maintained at a pressure that can support the arm of the driver A10.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of adjustment of the reference position of the armrest 206 according to the present embodiment. The reference position of the armrest 206 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the hinge 204 along the hinge guide rail 202 and adjusting the amount of expansion / contraction of the armrest pillar 208. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the position of the armrest 206 corresponding to the comfort posture set as the posture in the automatic operation mode of the driver A10 is adjusted as a reference position as an example. Thereby, the reference position of the armrest 206 can be adjusted to an appropriate position according to the physique of the driver A10 and the position of the steering. Hereinafter, returning to FIG. 1, the description of the armrest control system 10 according to the present embodiment will be continued.

  The steering torque sensor 302 detects the steering torque in the steering operation by the driver A10 and outputs the detection result to the control device 400.

  The vehicle state sensor 304 detects various state quantities of the vehicle and outputs detection results to the control device 400. Specifically, various state quantities of the vehicle detected by the vehicle state sensor 304 are state quantities for determining the driving mode of the vehicle. More specifically, the various state quantities of the vehicle include state quantities that indicate switching states by a driver A10 of a switch (not shown) for switching the driving mode. The various state quantities of the vehicle include state quantities used for automatic driving control in the automatic driving mode. The state quantity used for the automatic operation control may include, for example, at least one of a temperature, a vehicle speed, a yaw rate, and a state quantity indicating a relative position of the lane with respect to the vehicle.

  The imaging device 306 is configured to include an imaging element such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor. The imaging device 306 can image a vehicle interior and recognize an object shown in an image obtained by the imaging process. For example, the imaging device 306 can recognize the positional relationship between an object around the driver A10 and the hand of the driver A10 as image information based on the obtained image. Information obtained by the imaging device 306 is output to the control device 400.

  The control device 400 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that is an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that is a storage element that stores programs and arithmetic parameters used by the CPU, a program used in the execution of the CPU, A RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like, which is a storage element that temporarily stores parameters that change as appropriate during execution, is used.

  The control device 400 controls the operation of each device constituting the armrest control system 10. Specifically, the control device 400 issues an operation instruction to each actuator to be controlled using an electrical signal. More specifically, the control device 400 controls the driving of the air blowing and suction device 104, the notification of various information to the driver A10 by the notification device 108, and the driving of the armrest pillar expansion / contraction device 210 of the armrest device 200. Moreover, the control apparatus 400 receives the information output from each sensor. The control apparatus 400 may communicate with each sensor using CAN (Controller Area Network) communication. Note that the functions of the control device 400 according to the present embodiment may be divided by a plurality of control devices. In that case, the plurality of control devices may be connected to each other via a communication bus such as CAN. . Details of the control device 400 will be described later. Moreover, the control device 400 and the air blowing / suction device 104 may be included in the armrest device 200.

<2. Configuration of control device>
Subsequently, a functional configuration of the control device 400 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the control device 400 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the control device 400 includes an operation mode determination unit 402, a driver grip state determination unit 404, and a control unit 410.

(Operation mode judgment part)
The driving mode determination unit 402 determines the switching state of the driving mode of the vehicle, and outputs the determination result to the control unit 410. Specifically, operation mode determination unit 402 determines whether or not operation mode switching has started. The switching of the operation mode is performed in a switching transition period of about several seconds between the time when the switching of the operation mode is started and the time when the switching is completed.

  The driving mode determination unit 402 determines whether or not switching of the driving mode of the vehicle has started based on various state quantities output from the vehicle state sensor 304. For example, the driving mode determination unit 402 may determine whether or not the switching of the driving mode of the vehicle has started based on a state quantity indicating a switching state by the driver A10 of the switch for switching the driving mode. Specifically, when the driving mode of the vehicle is the manual driving mode, the driving mode determination unit 402 switches from the manual driving mode to the automatic driving mode when the driver A10 switches the switch to switch to the automatic driving mode. It may be determined that switching to has started. Further, when the driving mode of the vehicle is the automatic driving mode, the driving mode determination unit 402 switches from the automatic driving mode to the manual driving mode when the driver A10 switches the switch to switch to the manual driving mode. It may be determined that has started.

  Whether the driving mode determination unit 402 has started switching of the driving mode of the vehicle based on the state quantity such as the temperature, the vehicle speed, the yaw rate, the state quantity indicating the relative position of the lane with respect to the vehicle, which is used for the automatic driving control in the automatic driving mode. It may be determined whether or not. For example, when the driving mode of the vehicle is the automatic driving mode, for example, when a state quantity such as a temperature, a vehicle speed, a yaw rate, or a state quantity indicating a relative position of the lane with respect to the vehicle is an abnormal value or not detected. Switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode is performed by a control device that performs automatic operation control different from the control device 400.

  Specifically, if the state quantity indicating the relative position of the lane to the vehicle is not detected because the lane cannot be recognized because the white line of the lane is unclear, it is automatically detected by the control device that performs automatic driving control. Switching from the operation mode to the manual operation mode can be performed. In addition, when a state quantity that should be detected by the sensor is not detected due to a failure of various sensors, the automatic operation mode can be switched to the manual operation mode by the control device that performs the automatic operation control. . In such a case, the operation mode determination unit 402 may determine that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started. The control device that performs automatic operation control and the control device 400 may be the same control device.

  Further, when the operation mode determination unit 402 determines that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started, whether or not the switch from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started according to the input of the driver A10. You may determine about.

(Driver gripping state determination unit)
The driver gripping state determination unit 404 determines the gripping state of the object by the driver A10 and outputs the determination result to the control unit 410. Specifically, the driver gripping state determination unit 404 determines the gripping state of the object by the driver A10 based on information output from the imaging device 306. For example, the driver gripping state determination unit 404 may determine whether or not the driver A10 is gripping the steering wheel 310 based on information output from the imaging device 306. Specifically, the driver gripping state determination unit 404 may determine whether or not the driver A10 is gripping the steering wheel 310 based on the positional relationship between the steering wheel 310 and the hand of the driver A10.

  The driver gripping state determination unit 404 may determine whether or not the driver A10 is gripping the steering wheel 310 based on information indicating the steering torque output from the steering torque sensor 302. Specifically, the driver gripping state determination unit 404 may determine that the driver A10 is gripping the steering wheel 310 when the steering torque is greater than zero.

  When the steering wheel 310 is provided with an electrostatic sensor, the driver gripping state determination unit 404 determines whether the driver A10 is gripping the steering wheel 310 based on the change in the electrostatic capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor. It may be determined whether or not. Specifically, the driver gripping state determination unit 404 determines that the driver A10 is gripping the steering wheel 310 when the amount of change in capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor is greater than the noise component. Also good.

  The driver gripping state determination unit 404 may determine whether or not the driver A10 is gripping an object different from the steering wheel 310 based on information output from the imaging device 306. For example, the driver gripping state determination unit 404 may determine whether or not the driver A10 is gripping an object different from the steering wheel 310 based on the positional relationship between the object different from the steering wheel 310 and the hand of the driver A10. Good. When it is determined that the driver A10 is gripping an object different from the steering wheel 310, the driver gripping state determination unit 404 further determines whether or not both hands of the driver A10 are gripping an object different from the steering wheel 310. You may judge.

  Further, when the vehicle is provided with a weight sensor that detects the weight of the driver A10, the driver gripping state determination unit 404 causes the driver A10 to grip an object different from the steering wheel 310 based on the weight detected by the weight sensor. It may be determined whether or not. When driver A10 holds an object in his hand, the weight detected by the weight sensor is considered to change according to the weight of the object. Therefore, the driver gripping state determination unit 404 may determine that the driver A10 is gripping an object different from the steering wheel 310 when the amount of change in weight detected by the weight sensor is larger than the noise component.

  Various threshold values used for determining the gripping state of the object by the driver A10 performed by the driver gripping state determination unit 404 can be stored in a storage element of the control device 400, for example.

(Control part)
Control unit 410 includes an armrest control unit 412 and a notification control unit 414.

  The armrest control unit 412 controls the position of the support unit 206a of the armrest 206. Specifically, the armrest control unit 412 controls the position of the support unit 206a by controlling the position of the armrest 206 by outputting operation instructions to the armrest pillar expansion / contraction device 210 and the air blowing / suction device 104.

  The armrest control unit 412 controls the position of the support unit 206 a of the armrest 206 based on the determination result by the operation mode determination unit 402. For example, when the operation mode determination unit 402 determines that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started, the armrest control unit 412 moves the armrest support unit 206a so as to approach the steering wheel 310. Also good.

  Further, the armrest control unit 412 may control the position of the support unit 206a of the armrest 206 based on the determination result by the driver gripping state determination unit 404. For example, when it is determined that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started, the armrest control unit 412 determines that the driver A10 is gripping the steering wheel 310 by the driver gripping state determination unit 404. Alternatively, the support portion 206 a of the armrest 206 may be moved away from the steering wheel 310.

  When it is determined that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode is started, the armrest control unit 412 determines that both hands of the driver A10 are gripping an object different from the steering wheel 310 by the driver gripping state determination unit 404. When it is done, you may hold | maintain the position of the support part 206a of the armrest 206. FIG.

  When it is determined that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started, the armrest control unit 412 has one hand of the driver A10 gripping an object different from the steering wheel 310 by the driver gripping state determination unit 404. If it is determined that the other hand is not gripping an object different from the steering wheel 310, the portion of the support portion 206a of the armrest 206 that supports the other hand is moved closer to the steering wheel 310. May be. For example, in the armrest control system 10, the armrest 206 for the left arm and the right arm of the driver A10 may be provided on the left side and the right side of the seat B10 of the driver A10, respectively. In such a case, when the right hand of the driver A10 grips an object different from the steering wheel 310 and the left hand does not grip an object different from the steering wheel 310, the armrest control unit 412 supports the armrest 206 for the left arm. The part 206a may be moved so as to approach the steering wheel 310.

  The armrest control unit 412 moves the support unit 206a of the armrest 206 from the steering wheel 310 when it is determined by the operation mode determination unit 402 that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started according to the input of the driver A10. You may move it away.

  When the operation mode determination unit 402 determines that the switching from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode is started, the armrest control unit 412 sets the support unit 206a of the armrest 206 as the posture of the driver A10 in the automatic operation mode. Move to the position corresponding to the comfortable posture.

  Further, when the armrest control system 10 includes a sensor that detects a force applied to the armrest 206 from the outside, the armrest control unit 412 determines that the armrest 206 is in a case where the force detected from the sensor is greater than a predetermined value. The position of the support portion 206a may be held. The predetermined value can be set to a value that can determine whether or not the force detected by the sensor is greater than the noise component. For example, when the driver A10 intentionally stops the movement of the armrest 206 while the armrest 206 is moving, or when the clothing of the driver A10 is caught on the armrest 206, the armrest 206 continues to move. Damage to equipment and clothing can be prevented.

  The notification control unit 414 controls notification by the notification device 108 of various information to the driver A10. Specifically, the notification control unit 414 controls notification by the notification device 108 of various information to the driver A10 by outputting an operation instruction to the notification device 108. The notification control unit 414 controls the notification of various information to the driver A10 based on the determination result by the operation mode determination unit 402 and the determination result by the driver gripping state determination unit 404. For example, when it is determined that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started, the notification control unit 414 is holding the object different from the steering wheel 310 by the driver gripping state determination unit 404 with both hands of the driver A10. Is determined, the notification device 108 is notified of information indicating that switching to the manual operation mode is being performed.

<3. Operation>
Subsequently, a flow of processing performed by the control device 400 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Processing in switching from manual operation mode to automatic operation mode)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in switching from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode performed by the control device 400 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, in the process for switching from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode, first, the operation mode determination unit 402 determines whether or not the switch from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode has started. (Step S502). If the operation mode determination unit 402 does not determine that switching from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode has started (step S502 / NO), the determination process of step S502 is repeated. On the other hand, when the operation mode determination unit 402 determines that the switching from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode has started (step S502 / YES), the armrest control unit 412 moves the support unit 206a of the armrest 206 to the driver A10. It moves to the position corresponding to an easy posture (step S504), and the process shown in FIG. 6 is complete | finished.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of position adjustment of the armrest 206 by processing in switching from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode. As shown in FIG. 7, in the manual operation mode, the position of the armrest 206 is adjusted to a position that does not hinder steering by the driver A10. Specifically, the position of the armrest 206 in the manual operation mode is set to a lower position than the position of the armrest 206 corresponding to the comfort posture of the driver A10 in the automatic operation mode. When it is determined by the operation mode determination unit 402 that switching from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode has started, the position of the armrest 206 is raised based on an operation instruction from the armrest control unit 412, and the support unit of the armrest 206 206a is adjusted to a position corresponding to the comfort posture of the driver A10 in the automatic driving mode. Accordingly, in the automatic driving mode, the driver A10 can place an arm on the armrest 206 and take an easy posture.

(First process in switching from automatic operation mode to manual operation mode)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a first process in switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode performed by the control device 400 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in the first process in switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode, first, the operation mode determination unit 402 determines whether or not the switch from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started. (Step S602). If the operation mode determination unit 402 does not determine that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started (step S602 / NO), the determination process of step S602 is repeated. On the other hand, when the operation mode determination unit 402 determines that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started (step S602 / YES), the operation mode determination unit 402 switches from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode. It is determined whether or not switching has started in response to an input from the driver A10 (step S604).

  When the operation mode determination unit 402 does not determine that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started in response to the input of the driver A10 (step S604 / NO), the armrest control unit 412 supports the armrest 206. The part 206a is moved so as to approach the steering wheel 310 (step S606). Next, the driver gripping state determination unit 404 determines whether or not the driver A10 is gripping the steering wheel 310 (step S608). When the driver gripping state determination unit 404 determines that the driver A10 is gripping the steering wheel 310 (step S608 / YES), the armrest control unit 412 moves the support portion 206a of the armrest 206 away from the steering wheel 310. (Step S610), and the process shown in FIG. 8 ends.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of position adjustment of the armrest 206 by the first process in switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode when the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode is automatically started. It is explanatory drawing. When the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode is automatically started, in the determination process of step S604 shown in FIG. 8, the operation mode determination unit 402 determines that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode is a driver. It is not determined that the operation has started in response to the input of A10 (step S604 / NO).

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the automatic operation mode, the position of the armrest 206 is adjusted to a position corresponding to the comfort posture of the driver A10. In the determination process of step S604 shown in FIG. 8, when it is not determined that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode is started in response to the input of the driver A10, the armrest 206 is configured such that the support portion 206a has the steering wheel 310. Ascends based on the operation instruction. Thereby, the arm of the driver A10 supported by the armrest 206 can be guided to a position where the steering wheel 310 can be gripped. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the driver A10 to hold the steering wheel 310 while the automatic operation mode is switched to the manual operation mode.

  Next, when the steering wheel 310 is gripped by the driver A10, the driver gripping state determination unit 404 determines that the driver A10 is gripping the steering wheel 310. Then, the armrest 206 is lowered so that the support portion 206a of the armrest 206 moves away from the steering wheel 310, and the position of the armrest 206 is adjusted to a position that does not hinder steering by the driver A10. Thereby, in the manual operation mode, it is possible to prevent the steering by the driver A10 from being hindered by the armrest 206.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the determination process in step S608, when the driver gripping state determination unit 404 does not determine that the driver A10 is gripping the steering wheel 310 (step S608 / NO), the driver gripping state The determination unit 404 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S612). Here, the predetermined time is, for example, a time set as a transition time for switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode. When the driver gripping state determination unit 404 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S612 / YES), the armrest control unit 412 moves the support portion 206a of the armrest 206 away from the steering wheel 310 (step S610). The process shown in FIG. 8 ends. Thereby, even if it is not determined that the driver A10 is holding the steering wheel 310, the position of the armrest 206 is adjusted to a position that does not hinder the steering by the driver A10 in the manual operation mode. be able to. On the other hand, if the driver gripping state determination unit 404 does not determine that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S612 / NO), the process returns to the determination process of step S608.

  In the determination process of step S604, when the operation mode determination unit 402 determines that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started in response to the input of the driver A10 (step S604 / YES), armrest control The part 412 moves the support part 206a of the armrest 206 away from the steering wheel 310, thereby adjusting the position of the armrest 206 to a position that does not hinder the steering of the steering by the driver A10 (step S610). The process shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the position adjustment of the armrest 206 by the first processing in switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode when the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode is started in response to the input of the driver A10. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating. As shown in FIG. 10, in the automatic operation mode, the position of the armrest 206 is adjusted to a position corresponding to the comfort posture of the driver A10. When the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode is started in response to the input of the driver A10, the driver A10 is considered to recognize that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode is performed. It is done. Therefore, it is possible to omit the control for raising the armrest 206 in order to urge the steering wheel 310 to be gripped. Therefore, in such a case, as shown in FIG. 10, the armrest 206 is lowered based on the operation instruction so that the support portion 206a moves away from the steering wheel 310, and the position of the armrest 206 is set in the manual operation mode. In step S1, the position is adjusted so as not to hinder the steering of the driver A10.

(Second process in switching from automatic operation mode to manual operation mode)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the second process in switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode performed by the control device 400 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, in the second process in switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode, the driver A10 is different from the steering wheel 310 as compared to the first process described with reference to FIG. The difference is that the determination of whether or not an object is held and the armrest 206 is controlled based on the result of the determination.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the second process, when it is not determined in the determination process in step S604 that switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started in response to the input from the driver A10 (step S604). / NO), the driver gripping state determination unit 404 determines whether or not the driver A10 is gripping an object different from the steering wheel 310 (step S702). If the driver gripping state determination unit 404 does not determine that the driver A10 is gripping an object different from the steering wheel 310 (step S702 / NO), the process proceeds to step S606. On the other hand, when the driver gripping state determination unit 404 determines that the driver A10 is gripping an object different from the steering wheel 310 (step S702 / YES), the driver gripping state determination unit 404 determines that both hands of the driver A10 are steering. It is determined whether or not an object different from the wheel 310 is gripped (step S704).

  When the driver gripping state determination unit 404 determines that both hands of the driver A10 are gripping the object (step S704 / YES), the armrest control unit 412 holds the position of the support unit 206a of the armrest 206, The notification control unit 414 notifies the notification device 108 of information indicating that switching to the manual operation mode is being performed (step S706). If it is determined that both hands of the driver A10 are gripping an object different from the steering wheel 310, the driver A10 may not be able to grip the steering wheel 310. In such a case, if the control for moving the support portion 206a of the armrest 206 is performed, the object held by the driver A10 or the object accommodated in the object may be dropped. Therefore, information indicating that switching to the manual operation mode is performed without performing control to raise the armrest 206 in order to urge the steering wheel 310 to be gripped. Accordingly, it is possible to prompt the driver A10 to hold the steering wheel 310 while preventing the object held by the driver A10 or the object accommodated in the object from falling.

  Then, the armrest control unit 412 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S708). Here, the predetermined time is, for example, a time set as a transition time for switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode. When the armrest control unit 412 does not determine that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S708 / NO), the determination process of step S708 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined by the armrest control unit 412 that the predetermined time has passed (step S708 / YES), the armrest control unit 412 moves the support portion 206a of the armrest 206 away from the steering wheel 310 (step S610). The process shown in FIG. 11 ends. Thereby, in the manual operation mode, it is possible to prevent the steering by the driver A10 from being hindered by the armrest 206.

  In the determination process of step S704, if the driver gripping state determination unit 404 does not determine that both hands of the driver A10 are gripping the object (step S704 / YES), one hand of the driver A10 is This corresponds to the case where it is determined that the other hand is not holding the object. In such a case, the armrest control unit 412 moves the portion of the support unit 206a of the armrest 206 that supports the other hand that is not gripping the object so as to approach the steering wheel 310 (step S710). Then, the process proceeds to the determination process in step S608. Thereby, even when one hand is holding an object different from the steering wheel 310, the arm corresponding to the other hand of the driver A10 can be guided to a position where the steering wheel 310 can be held. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the driver A10 to hold the steering wheel 310 while the automatic operation mode is switched to the manual operation mode.

<4. Application example>
[4-1. First application example]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16, a first application example for predicting whether or not steering wheel steering with the intention of the driver A <b> 10 is performed and controlling the armrest based on the prediction result will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the armrest control system 12 according to the first application example. As shown in FIG. 12, in the armrest control system 12 according to the first application example, the armrest air discharge unit 250 is provided in the armrest device 200a as compared with the armrest control system 10 described with reference to FIG. The point is different.

  The armrest air discharge unit 250 can discharge the air enclosed in the armrest 206 to the outside. The discharge of air in the armrest 206 by the armrest air discharge unit 250 is controlled by the control device 450. When the air in the armrest 206 is exhausted, the armrest 206 contracts.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the armrest air discharge unit 250a according to the first application example. As shown in FIG. 13, for example, the armrest air discharge unit 250 a includes a notch 216 provided so that the inside and the outside of the armrest 206 can communicate with each other. The notch 216 is closed when the pressure of the air inside the armrest 206 is lower than a predetermined pressure. On the other hand, when the pressure of the air inside the armrest 206 becomes higher than a predetermined pressure, the notch 216 is opened. For example, in a state where air from the armrest device 200 is not sucked by the blower suction device 104, the lower end of the armrest pillar 208 is wound up by the driving roller 214 shown in FIG. The pressure can increase. When the pressure of the air inside the armrest 206 becomes higher than a predetermined pressure, the notch 216 is released. Thereby, the armrest 206 is reduced. The predetermined pressure is higher than the pressure capable of supporting the arm of the driver A10 that is the pressure of the air inside the armrest 206 that is maintained in a normal time when the steering of the steering wheel with the intention of the driver A10 is not expected to be performed, and The pressure can be reached by the driving force of the driving roller 214.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an armrest air discharge unit 250b according to another example. As shown in FIG. 14, for example, the armrest air discharge unit 250 b includes an opening 218 and a cap 220 provided in a part of the armrest 206. The opening 218 is closed by the cap 220 when the pressure of the air inside the armrest 206 is lower than a predetermined pressure. On the other hand, when the pressure of the air inside the armrest 206 becomes higher than a predetermined pressure, the cap 220 is released to the outside, and the opening 218 is opened. For example, in a state where air from the armrest device 200 is not sucked by the blower suction device 104, the lower end of the armrest pillar 208 is wound up by the driving roller 214 shown in FIG. The pressure can increase. When the air pressure inside the armrest 206 becomes higher than a predetermined pressure, the cap 220 is released to the outside, and the opening 218 is opened. Thereby, the armrest 206 is reduced.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the control device 450 according to the first application example. As shown in FIG. 15, the control device 450 according to the first application example is different from the control device 400 described with reference to FIG. 5 in that a driver steering prediction unit 452 is provided.

  The driver steering prediction unit 452 predicts whether or not predetermined steering by the driver A10 is performed. Specifically, the driver steering prediction unit 452 may predict whether or not predetermined steering by the driver A10 is performed based on information indicating the steering torque output from the steering torque sensor 302. Predetermined steering refers to steering of the steering wheel with the intention of the driver A10, and when it is predicted that such steering is performed, it is considered that steering with a large amount of operation is likely to be performed. For example, the driver steering prediction unit 452 may predict that predetermined steering by the driver A10 is performed when the steering torque output from the steering torque sensor 302 exceeds a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is set to a value that can predict whether or not steering with a large amount of operation with the intention of the driver A10 will be performed.

  When the vehicle is provided with a steering angular velocity sensor that detects the steering angular velocity of the steering wheel 310, the driver steering prediction unit 452 performs predetermined steering by the driver A10 based on the steering angular velocity detected by the steering angular velocity sensor. It may be predicted whether or not For example, the driver steering prediction unit 452 may predict that the predetermined steering by the driver A10 is performed when the steering angular velocity detected by the steering angular velocity sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is set to a value that can predict whether or not steering with a large amount of operation with the intention of the driver A10 will be performed.

  Note that various threshold values used for predicting whether or not predetermined steering by the driver A10 performed by the driver steering prediction unit 452 is performed can be stored in a storage element of the control device 400, for example.

  The armrest control unit 412 moves the support unit 206a of the armrest 206 away from the steering wheel 310 by reducing the armrest 206 when the driver steering prediction unit 452 predicts that the predetermined steering operation by the driver A10 is performed. Let Specifically, the armrest control unit 412 does not suck the air from the armrest device 200 to the blower suction device 104 when the driver steering prediction unit 452 predicts that the predetermined steering by the driver A10 is performed. Then, the driving roller 214 is driven so that the lower end portion of the armrest pillar 208 is wound up. As a result, the air in the armrest 206 is discharged to the outside by the armrest air discharge unit 250, so that the armrest 206 is reduced.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of position adjustment of the armrest 206 by the processing of the control device 450 according to the first application example. FIG. 16 illustrates an example in which the armrest air discharge portion 250a described with reference to FIG. 13 is provided on the rear end side of the lower portion of the armrest 206. As shown in FIG. 16, when the driver steering prediction unit 452 predicts that the driver A10 will perform predetermined steering while the position of the armrest 206 is moving, the armrest control unit 412 Reduce. As a result, the armrest 206 is quickly lowered, and the position of the armrest 206 is quickly adjusted to a position that does not hinder steering by the driver A10. Therefore, in the case where there is a high possibility that steering with a large operation amount accompanying the intention of the driver A10 is likely to be performed, it is possible to quickly prevent the steering by the driver A10 from being hindered by the armrest 206.

  The prediction as to whether or not the predetermined operation by the driver A10 by the control device 450 according to the first application example is performed and the control of the armrest based on the result of the prediction have been described with reference to FIG. 7 or FIG. 9, for example. It may be performed when the armrest 206 is raised. Further, the control of the armrest based on the prediction and the result of the prediction may be performed when the armrest 206 is lowered as described with reference to FIG. 9 or FIG.

  The mechanism for reducing the armrest 206 is not limited to the above-described example using the armrest air discharge unit 250. For example, a mechanism for exhausting air in the armrest 206 by piercing a part of the armrest 206 using heat generated by gunpowder or melting by impact or chemicals may be applied. Further, when a fastener capable of communicating the inside and the outside of the armrest 206 is provided in a part of the armrest 206, a mechanism for discharging the air in the armrest 206 by applying an electric actuator to release the fastener is applied. May be.

[4-2. Second application example]
Next, with reference to FIG. 17, a second application example will be described in which it is determined whether or not the awakening level of the driver A10 is in a lowered state and the armrest is controlled based on the result of the determination.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the control device 470 according to the second application example. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the control device 470 according to the second application example is different from the control device 400 described with reference to FIG. 5 in that a driver arousal level determination unit 472 is provided.

  The driver arousal level determination unit 472 determines whether or not the driver A10 has a low level of arousal. Specifically, the driver arousal level determination unit 472 may determine whether the arousal level of the driver A10 is in a lowered state based on the information output from the imaging device 306. Here, the imaging device 306 can be configured to recognize the arousal level of the driver A10 from the face image of the driver A10 obtained by the imaging process. The driver arousal level determination unit 472 may determine whether or not the driver A10 has a reduced arousal level based on the awakening level of the driver A10 recognized by the imaging device 306. Specifically, the lowered state is a state where the arousal level of the driver A10 is lowered to such an extent that normal steering wheel steering cannot be performed.

  The armrest control unit 412 reciprocates the support unit 206a of the armrest 206 when the driver arousal level determination unit 472 determines that the awakening level of the driver A10 is in a lowered state. For example, when the driver arousal level determination unit 472 determines that the awakening level of the driver A10 is in a lowered state, the armrest control unit 412 repeats the vertical movement of the support unit 206a of the armrest 206. Thereby, when the arousal level of the driver A10 is in a lowered state, the arousal level of the driver A10 can be increased.

<5. Summary>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the operation mode determination unit 402 determines that the switch from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode is started, the armrest control unit 412 The support part 206a that supports the arm is moved to a position corresponding to the posture of the driver A10 in the automatic operation mode. Accordingly, when switching from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode is performed, the driver A10 can take the posture in the automatic operation mode.

  Although the example which controls the position of the support part 206a of the armrest 206 by the armrest control part 412 controlling the position of the armrest 206 was demonstrated above, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. For example, the armrest 206 may be configured to be able to expand and contract, and in this case, the position of the support portion 206a of the armrest 206 can be adjusted by the armrest 206 expanding and contracting. In such a case, the armrest control unit 412 may be configured to control the position of the support unit 206a of the armrest 206 by controlling expansion and contraction of the armrest 206. Thereby, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  In the above description, the armrest 206 is hollow, and the example in which the air pressure inside the armrest 206 is maintained at a pressure that can support the arm of the driver A10 has been described. It is not limited to examples. For example, the armrest 206 may be solid as long as it can support the arm of the driver A10.

  In the above description, the example in which the position of the armrest 206 is adjusted by the expansion and contraction of the armrest pillar 208 has been described. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the position of the armrest 206 may be adjusted by driving an electric actuator (not shown) connected to the armrest 206.

  Moreover, although the above demonstrated the example in which the armrest 206 is provided in the side part of the seat B10 of driver A10, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the armrest 286 may be provided on the front side or the rear side of the backrest B12 of the seat B10 of the driver A10. In such a case, in the manual operation mode, for example, at least a part of the armrest 286 is accommodated inside the backrest B12 of the seat B10 of the driver A10 as shown in FIG. Further, when switching from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode is performed, the armrest 286 moves so that the support portion 286a of the armrest 286 moves to a position corresponding to the comfort posture of the driver A10. In the automatic operation mode, the support portion 286a of the armrest 286 is adjusted to a position corresponding to the comfort posture of the driver A10, for example, as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the armrest 296 may be provided on the seat belt B14 that holds the driver A10 to the seat B10 during driving. In such a case, in the manual operation mode, for example, the armrest 296 is contracted and positioned along the seat belt B14 as shown in FIG. Further, when switching from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode is performed, the armrest 296 expands so that the support portion 296a of the armrest 296 moves to a position corresponding to the comfort posture of the driver A10. In the automatic operation mode, the support portion 296a of the armrest 296 is adjusted to a position corresponding to the comfort posture of the driver A10, for example, as shown in FIG.

  Further, in the first application example described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the mechanism for discharging the air in the armrest 206 has been described, but by applying a mechanism for mechanically dropping the armrest 206, The same effect as the first application example can be obtained. For example, when the driver steering prediction unit 452 predicts that a predetermined steering operation by the driver A10 is performed, the armrest 206 is mechanically dropped from the seat B10 of the driver A10, so that the steering operation by the driver A10 is performed by the armrest 206. It can be prevented quickly from being disturbed.

  Further, the processing described using the flowchart in the present specification may not necessarily be executed in the order shown in the flowchart. Some processing steps may be performed in parallel. Further, additional processing steps may be employed, and some processing steps may be omitted.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications or application examples within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 12 Armrest control system 104 Air blower suction apparatus 106 Car interior air conditioner 108 Notification apparatus 200, 200a Armrest apparatus 202 Hinge guide rail 204 Hinge 206, 286a, 296a Support part 208 Armrest pillar 210 Armrest pillar expansion / contraction apparatus 212 Non-driving roller 214 Driving roller 218 Opening 220 Cap 250, 250a, 250b Armrest air discharge unit 302 Steering torque sensor 304 Vehicle state sensor 306 Imaging device 310 Steering wheel 400, 450, 470 Control device 402 Operation mode determination unit 404 State determination unit 410 Control unit 412 Armrest control unit 414 Notification control unit 452 Driver steering prediction unit 472 Driver awakening degree determination unit

Claims (10)

An operation mode determination unit for determining a switching state of the vehicle operation mode capable of switching between the automatic operation mode and the manual operation mode;
An armrest control unit that moves a support unit that supports the arm of the driver of the armrest during the automatic operation mode to a position corresponding to the posture of the driver in the automatic operation mode;
Equipped with a,
In the manual operation mode, the position of the support portion is set to a lower position compared to a position corresponding to the posture of the driver in the automatic operation mode,
The armrest control unit moves the support unit to rise when it is determined by the operation mode determination unit that switching from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode has started.
Armrest control device. The armrest control unit moves the support unit to a position corresponding to the comfort posture set as the posture of the driver in the automatic driving mode during the automatic driving mode.
The armrest control device according to claim 1. The armrest control unit moves the support unit so as to approach the steering wheel when the operation mode determination unit determines that switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started.
The armrest control device according to claim 1 or 2. A driver gripping state determination unit that determines a gripping state of an object by the driver
When the armrest control unit determines that the driver is gripping the steering wheel by the driver gripping state determination unit when it is determined that the switching from the automatic driving mode to the manual driving mode is started, Moving the support part away from the steering wheel;
The armrest control device according to claim 3. A notification control unit that controls notification by the notification device of various information to the driver,
When it is determined that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started, when the driver gripping state determination unit determines that both hands of the driver are gripping an object different from the steering wheel, The armrest control unit holds the position of the support unit, and the notification control unit notifies the notification device of information indicating that switching to the manual operation mode is performed.
The armrest control device according to claim 4.   When it is determined that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode has started, the armrest control unit is holding one object of the driver different from the steering wheel by the driver gripping state determination unit, When it is determined that the other hand is not gripping an object different from the steering wheel, a portion of the support portion that supports the other hand is moved so as to approach the steering wheel. The armrest control device according to 4 or 5.   The armrest control unit moves the support unit away from the steering wheel when the operation mode determination unit determines that the switching from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode is started according to the input of the driver. The control apparatus of the armrest as described in any one of Claims 3-6. An operation mode determination unit for determining a switching state of the vehicle operation mode capable of switching between the automatic operation mode and the manual operation mode;
An armrest control unit that moves a support unit that supports the arm of the driver of the armrest during the automatic operation mode to a position corresponding to the posture of the driver in the automatic operation mode;
A driver steering prediction unit that predicts whether or not predetermined steering by the driver is performed ;
With
The armrest control unit moves the support unit away from the steering wheel by reducing the armrest when the driver steering prediction unit predicts that the predetermined steering by the driver is performed .
The control device of the A Muresuto. An operation mode determination unit for determining a switching state of the vehicle operation mode capable of switching between the automatic operation mode and the manual operation mode;
An armrest control unit that moves a support unit that supports the arm of the driver of the armrest during the automatic operation mode to a position corresponding to the posture of the driver in the automatic operation mode;
A driver arousal level determination unit that determines whether or not the driver's arousal level is in a lowered state ;
With
The armrest control unit causes the support unit to reciprocate when the driver arousal level determination unit determines that the awakening level of the driver is in a lowered state .
The control device of the A Muresuto. An operation mode determination unit for determining a switching state of the vehicle operation mode capable of switching between the automatic operation mode and the manual operation mode;
An armrest control unit that moves a support unit that supports the arm of the driver of the armrest during the automatic operation mode to a position corresponding to the posture of the driver in the automatic operation mode;
Equipped with a,
In the manual operation mode, the position of the support portion is set to a lower position compared to a position corresponding to the posture of the driver in the automatic operation mode,
The armrest control unit moves the support unit to rise when it is determined by the operation mode determination unit that switching from the manual operation mode to the automatic operation mode has started.
A control device;
An armrest whose position of the support is adjusted based on an operation instruction from the controller;
An armrest device comprising:

Images