JPH10247442A - Vehicular equipment switch device and vehicular equipment switch system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular equipment switch device in which an objective switch can be easily selected without turning eyes thereon every time, and vehicular equipment switch system in which the operation state thereof can be confirmed without turning the eyes thereon. SOLUTION: When various settings on an audio device, an air conditioner, and a television receiver are conducted, or when the car navigation information of a car navigation device is watched, the grip portion 11c of an operation switch device 10 main body 11 is grasped by bending four fingers in a state where the near-to-root inside place of arranged four fingers from a forefinger to a little finger is abutted on either of both guide protrusions 11d, 11e. Therefore, the tips of respective fingers except the little finger touch the corresponding selection push switches 11k, 11m, 11n in one to one relationship, and also, by bending the remaining thumb, the tip of the thumb is caused to touch the determining push switch 11 of a flange portion 11a.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a switch device and a switch system which are disposed inside a vehicle and used when operating accessories of the vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, vehicles have been equipped with many devices such as air conditioners, car audio devices, and car navigation devices, so that a driver not only performs driving operation but also creates a comfortable living space. Various switch operations have been performed in order to make and run efficiently.

Up to now, the switch operation of the devices mounted on the vehicle has been generally performed on an operation panel arranged on the front of each device or the like. It is necessary to operate the vehicle in a different posture, which may hinder safe driving. ing.

FIG. 24 shows an example of a conventional operation switch independent of such a device main body.
FIG. 24 is an explanatory view showing the arrangement of the switch device in the car in Japanese Patent No. 928, and the switch device indicated by reference numeral A in FIG.
On the underside of the instrument panel 5 of the vehicle or on the front of the instrument panel 5 next to the steering wheel 6,
It has a switch box 1 fixed via a stay 3 and a flexible arm 2.

[0005] As shown in an enlarged perspective view of FIG. 25, an operation surface 1 a of the switch box 1 has six switches necessary for operating the accessories 4 on the front of the instrument panel 5 shown in FIG. 24. a to f are provided.

In the above-described switch device A, the flexible arm 2 is appropriately bent, the switch box 1 is disposed in a place where the driver can easily operate, and the operation surface 1a is oriented so as to be easily operated. Specifically, specific switches a to f corresponding to a target operation to be performed by the equipment 4 are selected and pressed from the six switches a to f.

[0007]

However, in the above-described conventional switch device A, specific switches a to f corresponding to a target operation to be performed by the accessory 4 are selected from the six switches a to f. In order to perform the pressing operation with, the vehicle must be checked for its position by looking at the operation surface 1a of the switch box 1, especially when the vehicle starts and stops when acceleration is applied. There was a problem that it was unsuitable for middle operation.

Further, as described at the beginning, the number of devices mounted on a vehicle is increasing year by year in order to improve the commercial value of the vehicle. Therefore, in particular, a single switch device A is connected to a plurality of devices. When used as a common device, it is necessary to increase the number of switches as the number of devices increases, and if the user does not look at the operation surface 1a of the switch box 1 for a relatively long time, the desired device and operation It becomes difficult to specify and select a switch corresponding to the above, and the above-mentioned problem becomes more prominent.

Further, in the above-described conventional switch device A, when the passenger in the passenger seat operates with the right hand and when the driver operates with the left hand, the operational feeling is reversed in the left and right direction. For example, if a person who normally operates the switches a to f of the switch device A in the driver's seat tries to operate it in the passenger seat, there is a problem that the operation is very difficult to perform. When the switch box 1 is disposed in the first position, there is a problem that the switch box 1 and the flexible arm 2 are in the way when the shift lever (not shown) is operated.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances,
A first object of the present invention is to provide a switch device for a vehicle accessory capable of easily selecting a target switch without having to turn the line of sight each time, and to direct an operation state of the switch device for the vehicle accessory to a line of sight. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle accessory switch system which can be checked without any trouble.

A second object of the present invention is to operate a switch for operating a vehicle accessory even if the switch box and the main body of the accessory are connected by wire. An object of the present invention is to provide a switch device for a vehicle accessory which can be operated in a place where it is easy to operate without obstructing other operations involved in driving or the like.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switch device for a vehicle accessory, which achieves the first object. The present invention relates to a switch system for vehicle accessories. According to a second aspect of the present invention, which achieves the second object, the present invention relates to a switch device for vehicle accessories.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switch device for a vehicle accessory according to the present invention, wherein the switch device is disposed inside a vehicle and is used when operating the accessory of the vehicle. A pillar-shaped main body that is gripped and held by the main body, a grip portion formed on a peripheral surface of the main body, and having irregularities according to the inner shape of the hand in a state where the main body is gripped, and the hand having the irregularities of the grip portion. At least one switch operated by a finger of the hand gripping the main body so that the inner shape of the hand is adjusted, wherein the switch is the gripping portion, and a tip of a finger of the hand gripping the main body. Is disposed on the grip portion where the is disposed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switch device for a vehicle accessory according to the present invention, wherein the cable is provided on one of the vehicle and the main body, and is connected to the cable. And a winding urging means for urging the reel in a rotation direction in which the cable is wound.

Further, the vehicle accessory switch system according to the present invention is provided inside the vehicle as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. Product switch device 10, display means 25 provided in the vehicle and arranged in a driver's view when driving the vehicle, and switch device 10 for the vehicle equipment.
Operation candidate display means 20A for displaying on the display means 25 an operation candidate of the equipment A selected from a plurality by operation of the switch 11A, and the main body 11 of the vehicle equipment switch device 10. In response to the selected selection confirmation switch 11B and the operation of the selection confirmation switch 11B, the operation of the switch 11A corresponds to the operation candidate of the equipment A selected from the plurality and displayed on the display unit 25. And an operation execution means 20B for causing the equipment A to perform the operation to be performed.

Further, in the switch system for vehicle accessories according to the present invention, the selection confirmation switch 11 is provided.
B is the main body 11, and the unevenness 11 d, 11 of the grip portion 11 c of the vehicle accessory switch device 10.
e, the inner shape of the hand is adjusted to the position of the main body 11 which can be operated by the thumb of the hand gripping the main body 11.

According to the switch device for a vehicle accessory of the present invention described in claim 1, when the main body is gripped by hand according to the unevenness of the grip portion, the main body can be moved without checking the position of the switch. Since the tips of the fingers of the grasped hand are arranged at locations where the switch can be operated, there is no need to check the arrangement of the switches each time the finger is touched to the target switch. Even in this case, it is possible to operate the switch without diverting the line of sight facing forward.

Further, according to the switch device for a vehicle accessory according to the present invention, since the main body is gripped by the hand when the switch is operated, for example, when the driver operates the switch. Even when the switch is operated by different hands, such as when a passenger in the passenger seat operates the switch, the arrangement of the fingers with respect to the switch remains unchanged. It is possible to always operate the switch with the same operation feeling even with the fingers.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the hand is released from the main body, the main body and the vehicle are connected to each other by the reel urged by the winding urging means. Is wound up, and the main body is drawn to the vehicle side, so that it is possible to prevent the main body and the cable from interfering with the operation of the shift lever or the like, thereby hindering the operation.

Further, according to the switch system for vehicle equipment according to the present invention, the operation candidate selected by operating the switch 11A from the plurality of operation candidates for the equipment A is visually recognized during driving. Display means 2 arranged on a line
Selection confirmation switch 11 while checking the display by 5
By operating B, the operation corresponding to the operation candidate is actually performed in the equipment A of the vehicle. Therefore, even if the vehicle is traveling, the equipment A is operated without distracting the line of sight facing forward. It becomes possible.

Further, according to the switch system for vehicle accessories of the present invention described in claim 4, when an operation of grasping an object with a hand is performed, the switch is operated by another finger arranged in a lined up state. 11A, the operation of selecting the operation candidate is performed, and unlike the other fingers, the operation of selecting the operation candidate is performed by the selection confirmation switch 11B using the thumb that is arranged only one finger apart. Therefore, the functions of the switches 11A and 11B are performed. Can be easily discriminated from the difference in operation feeling.

Further, according to the switch system for vehicle accessories of the present invention, when the main body 11 is gripped by hand according to the unevenness of the grip portion, the selection confirmation switch 11B
Even if it is not confirmed by looking at the position, the tip of the thumb of the hand holding the main body 11 is arranged at a position where the selection confirmation switch 11B can be operated. It is not necessary to check the arrangement of the selection / confirmation switch 11B each time, so that even if the vehicle is traveling, it is possible to operate the selection / confirmation switch 11B without diverting the line of sight facing forward. Becomes

In addition, according to the switch system for vehicle accessories of the present invention described in claim 4, since the main body 11 is gripped by hand when the selection confirmation switch 11B is operated, for example, the driver As in the case where the selection confirmation switch 11B is operated and the case where the passenger in the front passenger seat operates the selection confirmation switch 11B, even when the hand that operates the selection confirmation switch 11B is different from the left and right, the selection confirmation switch 1
The placement of the thumb of the hand with respect to 1B remains the same,
The selection and confirmation switch 11B can always be operated with the same operation feeling by the thumb of either the left or right hand.

[0024]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a switch device for vehicle accessories according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the arrangement of the vehicle accessory switch device in the vehicle in the vehicle accessory switch system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is indicated by reference numeral 10 in FIG. The vehicle accessory switch device is disposed between the steering wheel 31 and the center console 33 on the front surface 30a of the instrument panel 30 of the vehicle, for example.

The center console 33 houses an air outlet 41 of an air conditioner (hereinafter abbreviated as an air conditioner) 45 (see FIG. 6) and an audio device 43.

The vehicle equipment switch device (hereinafter abbreviated as switch device) 10 includes a main body 11 disposed outside the instrument panel 30 as shown in an enlarged perspective view in FIG. A cable 13 having one end connected to the main body 11, a reel 15 rotatably disposed behind the front surface 30 a of the instrument panel 30, and a second end of the cable 13 wound therearound, and a cable 13 wound around the reel 15. And a spring 17 (corresponding to a winding urging means) for urging in the rotating direction to be taken.

The main body 11 has a columnar shape with a substantially elliptical cross section, and flanges 11a, 11b are provided at both ends of the main body 11.
Is formed, and between these flange portions 11a and 11b,
A grip portion 11c which is slightly smaller than the flange portions 11a and 11b is formed.

The gripping portion 11c of the gripping portion 11c facing the major axis of the ellipse having a cross-sectional shape has a shape such that four fingers except the thumb of the hand are aligned and follow the inside of the fingers. Guide projections 11d and 11e are formed, respectively, and in the present embodiment, these guide projections 11d and 11e correspond to the projections and depressions of the grip portion in the claims.

Each of the guide projections 11d and 11e has a first recess 11f corresponding to the index finger, a second recess 11g corresponding to the middle finger, a third recess 11h corresponding to the ring finger, and a fourth recess corresponding to the little finger. 11j.

Further, both guide projections 1 of the grip portion 11c are provided.
The first to third recesses 11 are formed at one of the gripping portions 11c of the pair of gripping portions 11c located between 1d and 11e.
At positions corresponding to f, 11g, and 11h, three selection push switches 11k, 11m, and 11n are provided.

In the present embodiment, the pressing switch 11k for selecting the first recess 11f corresponding to the index finger and the pressing switch 11n for selecting the third recess 11h corresponding to the ring finger are used when changing the options of the operation candidates. In some cases (including when the screen is scrolled), it functions as a cursor switch for each direction, and the selection pressing switch 11m of the second concave portion 11g corresponding to the middle finger is used as an operation candidate from an option different from the current option. Function as an option switch when it is desired to select.

Further, the flange portions 11 at both ends of the main body 11 are provided.
a, 11b, flange portion 11 near first recess 11f
The a is provided with a pressing switch 11p for confirmation.

The cable 13 is connected to the selection push switches 11k, 11m, 11n and the confirmation push switch 11k.
A lead wire (not shown) for transmitting an operation signal generated by the pressing operation of p is inserted therein. One end of the cable 13 is connected to the flange portions 11a at both ends of the main body 11,
11b is connected to the flange portion 11b near the fourth concave portion 11j, and the other end of the cable 13 is provided with a through hole 30b formed in the front surface 30a of the instrument panel 30.
Through the back, that is, the instrument panel 30
Inside.

The reel 15 is disposed at a position behind the front surface 30a of the instrument panel 30 facing the through hole 30b. The reel body 15a around which the other end of the cable 13 is wound, and the reel body 15a The reel body 15a is rotatably supported with respect to the support shafts 15b, 15b, and both ends of the support shafts 15b, 15b are provided with an instrument. It is supported by a support portion (not shown) inside the ment panel 30.

The mainspring 17 is housed inside the reel body 15a in a spirally wound state, and one end of the mainspring 17 is attached to the reel body 15a.
The other ends are fixed to the support shafts 15b, respectively, and the mainspring 17 is wound up by rotating the reel body 15a in the direction in which the cable 13 is fed out, thereby urging the reel body 15a in the rotation direction in which the cable 13 is wound up. The urging force is accumulated in the mainspring 17.

In the reel body 15a, for example,
A ratchet mechanism (not shown) such as a reel device for winding a power cord of a home appliance is further provided.
Pull out the required length and release your hand.
When the reel 3 is rewound, the ratchet mechanism is locked to the reel body 15a, the rotation of the reel body 15a by the urging force of the mainspring 17 is stopped, and the pull-out length of the cable 13 is fixed to that length. When the cable 13 is slightly pulled, the reel body 15 of the ratchet mechanism is pulled.
a is released, and when the user releases the cable 13, the cable 13 is rotated by the rotation of the reel body 15 a by the urging force of the mainspring 17.
You may be comprised so that it may be wound up.

The switch device 10 according to the present embodiment as described above
As shown in enlarged perspective views in FIGS. 4 and 5, four fingers A, I, U, and D from the index finger A to the little finger D are aligned,
Each finger A is placed on one of the guide projections 11d and 11e.
With the inner part near the base of a, c and d abutting,
By bending these four fingers A, A, U, and D and gripping the gripping portion 11c of the main body 11, each of the other fingers A except the little finger D
The tips of a and c are three selection push switches 11k and 11
It is configured to touch m and 11n in one-to-one correspondence.

As described above, while holding the main body 11 with the four fingers A, A, C, and D from the index finger A to the little finger D, the remaining thumb O is bent, so that the tip of the thumb O is flanged. The pressing switch 11p for confirmation of the part 11a is configured to be touched.

Next, the electrical configuration of the vehicle accessory switch system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

The vehicle accessory switch system of this embodiment includes a microcomputer (hereinafter abbreviated as a microcomputer) 20 and a display 25 in addition to the switch device 10.

The microcomputer 20 has a CPU (Central Pr
ocessing Unit (central processing unit) 20a and RAM (Ra
mdom Access Memory (ROM) 20b and ROM (Read-Only Me)
mory) 20c.

The CPU 20a includes, in addition to the RAM 20b and the ROM 20c, three selection pressing switches 11k, 11m, and 11n of the switch device 10 and a fixing pressing switch 11p via lead wires (not shown) in the cable 13. The display 25 is connected via a driver 25a. The audio device 43, the air conditioner 45, the television receiver 47, and the GPS
A car navigation device 49 including a receiver is connected. The audio device 43 is a component type including an AM / FM tuner, an MD player, a CD player, a cassette player, and the like.

The RAM 20b has a data area for storing various data and a work area used for various processing operations. The ROM 20c stores a control program for causing the CPU 20a to perform various processing operations. .

The display 25 (corresponding to display means)
Is a device that functions as a display screen of the television receiver 47 or the car navigation device 49, and displays an operation candidate corresponding to the operation of the selection push switches 11k, 11m, 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p of the switch device 10. It is.

Although not shown in FIG. 2, the display 25 is, for example, an inset type color provided above the center console 33 or in a combination meter indicated by reference numeral 35 in FIG. An image is displayed on a liquid crystal screen, a stand-alone color liquid crystal screen attached to the instrument panel 30 via a flexible arm (not shown), or a see-through panel or a windshield 37 that appears and disappears on a dashboard. What can be visually recognized in the field of view toward the front at the time of driving, such as a so-called head-up display for projecting, is used.

Next, the processing performed by the CPU 20a in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 20c will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

When the microcomputer 20 is started by turning on a power supply (not shown) and the program starts, the CPU 20a
Displays an initial screen as shown in FIG. 7 (step S1), and then checks whether or not the start of operation of the switch device 10 has been detected (step S3).

The switching device 10 of the above-described step S3
The detection of the operation start is performed, for example, by the reflection type sensor (not shown) arranged near the through hole 30b on the front surface 30a of the instrument panel 30 so that the cable 13 approaches the main body 11 wound on the reel 15. The detection may be performed by detecting the hand, or may be performed by detecting the extension of the cable 13 from the reel 15, or the pressing switch for confirming the main body 11 in a state where the initial screen is displayed on the display 25. The detection may be performed by a special operation of the switch device 10 under special conditions such as a pressing operation of 11p.

If the start of the operation of the switch device 10 is not detected (N in step S3), step S3 is repeated until it is detected, and if it is detected (Y in step S3), the display 25 is displayed. The display is switched from the initial screen to the menu screen (step S5).

As shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 15, the menu screen includes “Navi”, “Character information”, “Audio”,
The five operation candidates "air conditioner" and "vehicle information" are displayed. At the first display of the initial screen, "navigation" is displayed to indicate that "navi" is currently selected. The current time is always displayed in the upper left corner of the initial screen.

In step S5, when the display on the display 25 is switched from the initial screen to the menu screen, the selection push switch 1 corresponding to the index finger A is pressed.
It is confirmed whether one of 1k and the selection pressing switch 11n corresponding to the ring finger C has been operated (step S7).

If none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n has been operated (N in step S7), the process proceeds to step S11 described later. If one of them has been operated (Y in step S7), the menu After changing the operation candidate to be highlighted on the screen (step S9),
It returns to step S7.

In changing the operation candidate to be highlighted on the menu screen in step S9, if the selection push switch 11k corresponding to the index finger A is operated,
The operation candidate to be reversely displayed is changed to the operation candidate on the left side in FIG. 15 of the operation candidate currently being reversely displayed, and when the selection push switch 11n corresponding to the ring finger C is operated, the operation candidate to be reversely displayed is displayed. Is changed to the operation candidate on the right side in FIG. 15 of the operation candidate currently highlighted.

However, when the selection push switch 11k corresponding to the index finger A is operated in a state where the "vehicle information" at the right end in FIG. 15 is highlighted, the operation candidate to be highlighted is "navi". When the selection push switch 11n corresponding to the ring finger C is operated in a state in which “Navi” at the left end in FIG. 15 is highlighted, the operation candidate to be highlighted is changed to “vehicle information”. You.

If none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n are operated in step S7 (N)
In step S11, the confirmation push switch 11p
It is checked whether or not has been operated. If it has been operated (Y in step S11), the process proceeds to step S17 described below. If it has not been operated (N in step S11), the selection push switches 11k and 11n are turned off. Confirmation push switch 11
After switching the display of the display 25 from the initial screen to the menu screen, it is confirmed whether or not the time during which neither p is operated has continued for a specified time or more (step S).
13).

If the time during which none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p are operated is not continued until the specified time (step S1).
3), returns to step S7, and if it has continued for more than the specified time (Y in step S13), the display 25
Is switched from the menu screen to the initial screen (step S15), and the process returns to step S3.

Further, in step S17, in which the operation proceeds to the case where the confirmation push switch 11p is operated in step S11 (Y), as shown in FIG.
It is checked whether or not the operation candidate highlighted at the time when 1p is operated is “navi”. If it is not “navi” (N in step S17), the process proceeds to step S23 to be described later and “navi” is performed. If Y (Y in step S17), the display on the display 25 is switched from the menu screen to the navigation screen (step S19).

As shown in the explanatory view of FIG. 16, the navigation screen displays a map on which the current position, roads near the current position, and the names of major towns are placed. The current time is displayed in the upper left corner of the navigation screen, and the current temperature inside and outside the vehicle is always displayed in the lower part of the navigation screen.

In step S19, the display 25
Is switched from the menu screen to the navigation screen, it is confirmed whether or not the fixing push switch 11p has been continuously operated for a predetermined time (step S21), and if it has not been operated (N in step S21). Step S21 is repeated until the operation is continuously performed for a predetermined time, and when the operation is performed (Y in step S21), the process proceeds to step S33 described later.

If the operation candidate highlighted at the time when the depressing switch 11p is operated in step S17 is not "navigation", the process proceeds to step S (N).
At 23, it is checked whether or not the operation candidate that has been highlighted when the confirmation push switch 11p is operated is "character information", and if it is "character information" (step S23).
If it is not "character information" (N in step S23), the operation candidate that is highlighted when the depressing switch 11p is operated is "audio". It is confirmed whether or not (step S25).

If the operation candidate that has been highlighted is "audio" (Y in step S25), the flow advances to step S49 described later. If not (N in step S25), the depressing switch 11p It is confirmed whether or not the operation candidate highlighted at the time when is operated is "air conditioner" (step S27).

If the operation candidate highlighted is "air conditioner" (Y in step S27), the process proceeds to step S63, which will be described later. If it is not "air conditioner" (N in step S27), the display on the display 25 is displayed. Switching from the menu screen to the vehicle information screen (step S2)
9).

As shown in the explanatory view of FIG. 17, the vehicle information screen displays the consumed fuel and the actual traveling distance with the consumed fuel, the radiator water temperature, the brake oil temperature, the tire pressure, the brake lamp, and the like. It displays various status information of the vehicle such as the lighting status of the vehicle, like the navigation screen, the current time is in the upper left corner of the vehicle information screen, and the current vehicle interior is in the lower part of the vehicle information screen. And the temperature outside the vehicle are always displayed inset.

In step S29, the display 25
Is switched from the menu screen to the vehicle information screen, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the display was switched from the menu screen to the vehicle information screen (step S31). In this case (N in step S31), step S31 is repeated until the time elapses, and when the time elapses (Y in step S31), the process proceeds to step S33.

When the fixing push switch 11p is operated continuously for a predetermined time in step S21 (Y),
When the predetermined time has elapsed since the switching of the display of the display 25 from the menu screen to the vehicle information screen in step S31 (Y), the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, the display of the display 25 is switched from the navigation screen or the vehicle information screen to the initial screen. Then, the process returns to step S3.

In step S35, when the operation candidate highlighted at the time when the fixing push switch 11p is operated in step S23 is "character information" (Y), the process proceeds to step S35, as shown in FIG. The display on the display 25 is switched from the menu screen to the character information menu screen.

The character information menu screen has five operations of "program information", "business news", "weather forecast", "traffic information", and "shopping information" as shown in FIG. When the character information menu screen is displayed for the first time, "program information" among these five operation candidates is highlighted to indicate that it is currently selected, and the upper left corner of the character information menu screen is displayed. The current time is always displayed in the corner.

In step S35, when the display on the display 25 is switched from the menu screen to the character information menu screen, the selection push switch 11k corresponding to the index finger A and the selection push switch corresponding to the ring finger C are next turned on. It is checked whether any one of 11n has been operated (step S37).

If none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n is operated (N in step S37),
The process proceeds to step S41 to be described later. If either one is operated (Y in step S37), the operation candidate to be inverted and displayed on the character information menu screen is changed (step S39), and the process returns to step S37.

The change of the operation candidate to be reversely displayed on the character information menu screen in step S39 is performed in the same manner as the change of the operation candidate to be reversely displayed on the menu screen in step S9 described above.

As a source of the character information, for example, a character multiplex broadcast of a television or FM radio can be used. In this case, “program information”, “ Each display screen of "business news", "weather forecast", "traffic information", and "shopping information" is generated by the CPU 20a based on radio waves received by the television receiver 49 and the audio device 43.

If it is determined in step S37 that none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n has been operated (N), the flow advances to step S41. In step S41, it is confirmed whether or not the confirmation push switch 11p has been operated. (Y in step S41), the process proceeds to step S45 described below, and if no operation has been performed (N in step S41),
It is checked whether or not the time during which none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p are operated has continued for a specified time or more after switching the display on the display 25 from the menu screen to the text information menu screen. (Step S43).

If the time during which none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p are operated has not continued until the specified time (step S4).
(N in 3), the process returns to step S37, and if it has continued for the specified time or longer (Y in step S43), the process proceeds to step S47 described later.

In step S45, where the decision push switch 11p is operated in step S41 (Y), character information display processing is performed.

In this character information display processing, first, the display on the display 25 is changed from the character information menu screen to the character information screen relating to the operation candidate which is highlighted when the confirmation push switch 11p is operated. .

For example, if the reversed motion candidate is "traffic information", the display on the display 25 will display congestion information on a nearby highway or general road as shown in FIG. If the operation candidate that has been highlighted is "shopping information", the display on the display 25 is changed to a special sale item in a nearby store or supermarket as shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. The screen is changed to a shopping information screen that displays information and the like.

In the traffic information screen and the shopping information screen, like the navigation screen and the vehicle information screen,
The current time is displayed at the upper left corner of the screen, and the current temperature inside and outside the vehicle is always displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Further, on the shopping information screen, a scroll mark is displayed at the bottom of the screen, and when the selection push switch 11k corresponding to the index finger A is pressed, the content of the shopping information screen is updated to the content of the next screen. When the pressing switch 11n corresponding to the ring finger C is pressed, the content of the shopping information screen is updated to the content of the previous screen.

After the display on the display 25 is changed from the character information menu screen to the character information screen described above,
When it is confirmed that the selection push switches 11k and 11n are not operated for a predetermined time or more, the character information display process ends, and the process proceeds to step S47.

In step S43, if the time during which none of the selection pressing switches 11k and 11n and the confirmation pressing switch 11p are operated has continued for a specified time or more (Y), the character information display processing in step S45 is terminated. In step S47, the display on the display 25 is switched from the character information menu screen to the initial screen.
Then, the process returns to step S3.

In step S49, when the operation candidate highlighted at the time when the fixing push switch 11p is operated in step S25 is "audio" (Y), the process proceeds to step S49, as shown in FIG. 2
5 is switched from the menu screen to the audio menu screen.

As shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 21, the audio menu screen includes “TV”, “MD”, “CD”,
This displays five operation candidates of “AM / FM” and “sound setting”, and is generated by the CPU 20a based on information taken from the audio device 43 or the television receiver 47. In the first display, the "program information" of the five operation candidates is displayed in reverse video to indicate that it is currently selected, and the current time is always displayed in the upper left corner of the audio menu screen.

Then, in step S49, if the display on the display 25 is switched from the menu screen to the audio menu screen, then the selection pressing switch 11k corresponding to the index finger A and the selection pressing switch 11n corresponding to the ring finger C are next performed. It is checked whether any one of the above has been operated (step S51).

If none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n is operated (N in step S51),
The process proceeds to step S55 to be described later. If either one is operated (Y in step S51), the operation candidate to be inverted and displayed on the audio menu screen is changed (step S53), and the process returns to step S51.

The change of the operation candidate to be inverted on the audio menu screen in step S53 can be changed by changing the operation candidate to be inverted on the menu screen in step S9 described above, or by changing the character candidate in the character information menu screen in step S39. Is performed in the same manner as the change of the operation candidate to be highlighted.

At step S51, if none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n are operated (N), the process proceeds to step S55. At step S55, it is confirmed whether or not the confirmation push switch 11p is operated. (Y in step S55), the process proceeds to step S59 described below, and if no operation has been performed (N in step S55),
It is determined whether or not the time during which none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p are operated has continued for a specified time or more after switching the display on the display 25 from the menu screen to the audio menu screen. (Step S57).

If the time during which none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p are operated is not continued until the specified time (step S5).
(N in 7), the process returns to step S51, and if it has continued for the specified time or longer (Y in step S57), the process proceeds to step S61 described later.

In step S59, when the decision switch 11p is operated in step S55 (Y), an audio setting process is performed.

In the audio setting process, first, the display on the display 25 is changed from the audio menu screen.
The screen is changed to an audio screen related to the operation candidate which is highlighted when the confirmation push switch 11p is operated.

For example, if the reversed operation candidate is “AM / FM”, the display on the display 25 is
Changed to radio tuning screen.

As shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 22, the tuning screen includes the current reception frequency, the type of AM / FM, and “S” during stereo broadcast reception at the top of the screen.
The letter “T” is displayed together, and the tuning frequency “UP”, “DOWN”, “AM / F”
"M" band switching and preset "1c"
h "and" 2ch ".
During the initial display of the tuning screen, the half corresponding to the currently selected band of “AM / FM” among these five operation candidates is highlighted to indicate that it is currently selected.

In the radio tuning screen, as in the navigation screen, the vehicle information screen, the traffic information screen, and the shopping information screen, the current time is displayed in the upper left corner of the screen, and the current time is displayed in the lower part of the screen. The temperatures inside and outside the vehicle are always displayed inset.

Then, after the display on the display 25 is changed from the audio menu screen to the audio screen, the selection push switch 11 corresponding to the index finger A is pressed.
By confirming the operation of the selection push switch 11n corresponding to k or the ring finger c, the change of the operation candidate to be highlighted is changed to the change of the operation candidate to be highlighted on the menu screen in step S9 described above, or to step S39. Change the operation candidate to be highlighted on the character information menu screen of
This is performed in the same manner as the change of the operation candidate to be reversed on the audio menu screen in step S53.

After changing the display on the display 25 from the audio menu screen to the audio screen,
By confirming the operation of the selection push switch 11m corresponding to the middle finger A in a state where "UP" and "DOWN" are highlighted, the reception frequency is increased or decreased and reflected on the audio device 43; , "1ch" and "2ch"
Selection switch 11 in a state where is highlighted.
By confirming the operation of m, the reception frequency is changed to the preset 1ch or 2ch and reflected on the audio device 43.

Further, after the display on the display 25 is changed from the audio menu screen to the audio screen,
By confirming the operation of the selection push switch 11m in a state where the half of “AM / FM” is highlighted, the AM / F
The M band is switched and reflected on the audio device 43.

After the display on the display 25 is changed from the audio menu screen to the audio screen, the operation of the pressing switch 11p for a predetermined period of time before the specified time has elapsed is confirmed. After the display on the display 25 is changed and the selection push switches 11k and 11n are not operated for a continuation of the specified time or more, the audio setting process ends, and the process proceeds to step S61.

In step S43, when the time during which none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p are operated is longer than a specified time (Y), after the audio setting process of step S59 is completed. In step S61, the display 25
Is switched from the audio menu screen to the initial screen, and thereafter, the process returns to step S3.

On the other hand, in step S63, when the operation candidate highlighted at the time when the fixing push switch 11p is operated in step S27 is "air conditioner" (Y), in step S63, as shown in FIG. 25
Is switched from the menu screen to the air conditioner setting screen.

As shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 23, the air conditioner setting screen includes four operation candidate groups of “chest”, “chest + foot”, “foot”, and “foot + defroster” in the upper row. And a “wind direction group selection mark” formed by a downward arrow at the left end of these operation candidate groups, and two operation candidate groups of “low” and “high” at the set temperature in the middle, and these operation candidate groups A "set temperature group selection mark" consisting of a downward arrow at the left end of the mark is arranged, and further, two operation candidate groups of "decrease" and "increase" of wind power are provided at the lower stage, and from the downward arrow at the left end of these operation candidate groups And a “wind power group selection mark”.

The air conditioner setting screen is generated by the CPU 20a based on information taken from the air conditioner 45. When the air conditioner setting screen is first displayed, the three "group selection marks" in the upper, middle, and lower stages are displayed. Among them, the “wind direction group selection mark” in the upper row is highlighted to indicate that it is currently selected, and in the air conditioner setting screen,
Like the navigation screen, vehicle information screen, traffic information screen, shopping information screen, and radio tuning screen, the current time is in the upper left corner of the screen, the current temperature inside and outside the vehicle is in the lower part of the screen, Each is always inset.

If the display on the display 25 has been switched from the menu screen to the air conditioner setting screen in step S63, then the selection pressing switch 11k corresponding to the index finger A and the selection pressing switch 11n corresponding to the ring finger C are next performed. It is checked whether any one of the above has been operated (step S65).

If none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n is operated (N in step S65),
Proceeding to step S69 to be described later, if either one is operated (Y in step S65), after changing the “group selection mark” of each operation candidate group to be highlighted on the air conditioner setting screen (step S67) , And the process returns to step S65.

In the change of the “group selection mark” of each operation candidate group to be reversely displayed on the air conditioner setting screen in step S67, when the selection push switch 11k corresponding to the index finger A is operated, the reverse display is performed. The “group selection mark” to be displayed is the currently highlighted “group selection mark”.
23 is changed to the “group selection mark” adjacent to the upper part in FIG. 23, and when the selection pressing switch 11n corresponding to the ring finger C is operated, the “group selection mark” to be highlighted is currently highlighted. The group selection mark is changed to the "group selection mark" on the lower side in FIG.

However, if the selection push switch 11k corresponding to the index finger A is operated while the uppermost “wind direction group selection mark” in FIG. 23 is highlighted, the “group selection” is highlighted. Mark is changed to the "wind power group selection mark", and the selection push switch 11n corresponding to the ring finger C is operated in a state where the "wind power group selection mark" at the bottom in FIG. 23 is highlighted. Is changed from the “group selection mark” to be displayed in reverse to the “wind direction group selection mark”.

If it is determined in step S63 that none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n has been operated (N), the flow advances to step S69 to confirm whether or not the confirmation push switch 11p has been operated. (Y in step S69), the process proceeds to step S75 described below, and if no operation has been performed (N in step S69),
After switching the display on the display 25 from the menu screen to the air conditioner setting screen, it is confirmed whether or not the time during which none of the selection pressing switches 11k and 11n and the confirmation pressing switch 11p are operated has continued for a specified time or more. (Step S71).

If the selection push switches 11k and 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p are not operated for a specified time (Y in step S71), the display on the display 25 is initialized from the air conditioner setting screen. After switching to the screen (step S73), the process returns to step S3, and if it has not continued until the specified time (N in step S71), returns to step S65.

In step S75, when the selection push switch 11m corresponding to the middle finger A is operated in step S69 (Y), in step S75, the "group" which is highlighted when the selection push switch 11m is operated is displayed. It is checked whether the “selection mark” is a “wind direction group selection mark”.

If the reversed "group selection mark" is a "wind direction group selection mark" (Y in step S75), the process proceeds to step S91 described later, and if not, the "wind direction group selection mark" is not (step S75). N), it is confirmed whether or not the “group selection mark” highlighted when the confirmation push switch 11p is operated is the “set temperature group selection mark” (step S77).

If the "group selection mark" displayed in reverse is the "set temperature group selection mark" (step S7)
7), the process proceeds to step S103 to be described later, and if it is not the “set temperature group selection mark” (N in step S77), the selection pressing switch 11k corresponding to the index finger A
Then, it is confirmed whether or not one of the selection push switch 11n corresponding to the ring finger C is operated (step S79).

If none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n is operated (N in step S79),
Proceeding to step S83 to be described later, if either one is operated (Y in step S79), the reverse display of the “wind power group selection mark” is stopped, and according to the operated selection push switches 11k and 11n. The set wind force of the air conditioner 45 is weakened or strengthened, and the segments that are highlighted on the set wind gauge at the lower right end of the air conditioner setting screen in accordance with the current set wind force are operated by the selected selection push switches 11k and 11n. (Step S81), and the process returns to step S79.

In step S83, when the selection push switches 11k and 11n are not operated in step S79 (N), the process proceeds to step S83 where it is confirmed whether or not the confirmation push switch 11p is operated. In this case (Y in step S83), the “wind power group selection mark” is highlighted (step S85), and the process returns to step S65. If no operation has been performed (step S83).
N), the time during which none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p are operated is determined in step S69 by the confirmation push switch 11p.
After the above operation is confirmed, it is confirmed whether or not the operation has continued for a specified time or more (step S87).

If the time during which none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p are operated has not continued until the specified time (step S8).
7), returns to step S79, and if it has continued for the specified time or longer (Y in step S87), the display 2
After the display of No. 5 is switched from the character information menu screen to the initial screen (step S89), the process returns to step S3.

When the “group selection mark” highlighted in step S75 is the “wind direction group selection mark” (Y), the process proceeds to step S91, where the selection corresponding to the index finger A is performed as shown in FIG. Push switch 11
It is checked whether any one of k and the selection pressing switch 11n corresponding to the ring finger C has been operated, and if none of the selection pressing switches 11k and 11n has been operated (N in step S91). , Step S9 to be described later
Go to 5.

On the other hand, the selection push switch 11k,
If any one of 11n is operated (Y in step S91), the reverse display of the “wind direction group selection mark” is stopped, and the operation candidate regarding the setting of the wind direction to be reverse displayed on the air conditioner setting screen is “ One of "Chest", "Chest + feet", "Foot", and "Foot + defroster"
One is changed to the other one and reflected on the air conditioner 45 (step S93), and thereafter, the process returns to step S91.

The change of the operation candidate related to the setting of the wind direction to be reversed on the air conditioner setting screen in step S93 can be changed by changing the operation candidate to be reversed on the menu screen in step S9 described above, or by changing the character in step S39. This is performed in the same manner as the change of the operation candidate to be inverted on the information menu screen and the change of the operation candidate to be inverted on the audio menu screen in step S53.

In step S95, when the selection push switches 11k and 11n are not operated in step S91 (N), the process proceeds to step S95 where it is confirmed whether or not the confirmation push switch 11p is operated. In this case (Y in step S95), the "wind direction group selection mark" is highlighted (step S97), and the process returns to step S65. If no operation has been performed (step S95).
N), the time during which none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p are operated is determined in step S69 by the confirmation push switch 11p.
After the operation is confirmed, it is confirmed whether or not the operation has continued for a prescribed time or more (step S99).

If the time during which none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p are operated is not continued until the specified time (step S9).
9), returns to step S91, and if it has continued for more than the specified time (Y in step S99), the display 2
After switching the display of No. 5 from the character information menu screen to the initial screen (step S101), the process returns to step S3.

Further, when the "group selection mark" highlighted in step S77 is the "set temperature group selection mark" (Y), the process proceeds to step S103, where as shown in FIG. Selection push switch 11k and selection push switch 1 corresponding to ring finger c
It is checked whether any one of 1n and 1n has been operated, and if none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n has been operated (N in step S103), the process proceeds to step S107 described later.

On the other hand, the selection push switch 11k,
If any one of 11n is operated (Y in step S103), the reverse display of the "set temperature group selection mark" is stopped, and the operated selection push switch 1 is turned off.
The set temperature of the air conditioner 45 is lowered according to 1k, 11n,
Alternatively, when the segment is highlighted and displayed on the set temperature gauge at the middle right end of the air conditioner setting screen in accordance with the current set temperature, the selected push switch 1 is operated.
1k and 11n (step S10).
5), and return to step S103.

In step S107, when none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n is operated in step S103 (N), in step S107, it is confirmed whether or not the confirmation push switch 11p is operated, and is operated. In this case (Y in step S107), the "set temperature group selection mark" is highlighted (step S109), and the process returns to step S65. If not operated (N in step S109), the selection push switch is pressed. 11k, 1
After the operation of the depressing switch 11p is confirmed in step S69, it is confirmed whether or not the time during which neither the 1n nor the depressing switch 11p is operated has continued for a specified time or more (step S111).

If the time during which none of the selection push switches 11k and 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p are operated is not continued until the specified time (step S1).
(N in 11), the process returns to step S103, and if it has continued for the specified time or more (Y in step S111), the display on the display 25 is switched from the character information menu screen to the initial screen (step S113), and then the process returns to step S3. I do.

As is clear from the above description, in the present embodiment, the operation candidate display means 20A in the claims is constructed as shown in FIG.
8, step S35 in the flowchart of FIG. 9, step S49 in the flowchart of FIG. 10, and step S63 in the flowchart of FIG. 11, and the operation executing means 20B performs step S19 in the flowchart of FIG. And step S29, step S4 in FIG.
5, Step S59 in FIG. 10, Step S in FIG.
81, step S9 in the flowchart of FIG.
7, and step S in the flowchart of FIG.
109.

In the present embodiment, the audio device 4
3. The air conditioner 45, the television receiver 47, and the car navigation device 49 correspond to the equipment A in the claims, and the selection pressing switches 11k and 11n corresponding to the index finger A and the ring finger C are in the claims. The confirmation push switch 11p corresponding to the switch 11A and corresponding to the thumb o corresponds to the selection confirmation switch 11B in the claims.

Next, the operation (operation) of the vehicle accessory switch system of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

First, when the main body 11 of the switch device 10 is not gripped, the cable 13 is wound up by the reel 15 and the front surface 30 of the instrument panel 30 is moved.
The main body 11 is drawn near the through hole 30b of a.
As shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 14, the display 25 displays an initial screen showing an odometer, a trip meter, remaining fuel in a fuel tank, and an estimated distance that can travel in the future without refueling.

Here, audio device 43, air conditioner 4
5. When operating the television receiver 47 and the car navigation device 49, and setting or changing the settings, the cable 13 is wound up by the reel 15, and the through hole 30b of the front surface 30a of the instrument panel 30 is wound. The main body 11 of the switch device 10 in the vicinity is grasped and pulled to the hand, and the cable 13 of a required length is pulled out from the reel 15.

At the same time, the four fingers except for the thumb
With the flanges 11a and 11b in a state where a, c and d are aligned.
Hold the grip portion 11c so as to fit between the four fingers A, I, U, and D so as to fit in one of the first to fourth concave portions 11f to 11j of the guide protrusions 11d and 11e. In this state, if the thumb O does not touch the confirmation pressing switch 11p by groping, the two flange portions 11a, 11b
Is reversed, and the grip portion 11c is grasped again.
If the two selection push switches 11k, 11m, 11n touch the palm, the current guide projections 11d, 1
The guide projections 1e and 11d respectively touch the parts of the hands touching each other with the guide projections 1e.
The positions of 1d and 11e are reversed, and the grip portion 11c is gripped again.

Thus, the tip of the index finger A is set to the selection push switch 11k, and the tip of the middle finger A is set to the selection push switch 1k.
At 1 m, the tip of the ring finger C touches the selection push switch 11n, and the tip of the thumb O touches the determination push switch 11p. When the user holds the main body 11 of the switch device 10 as described above, the initial screen displayed on the display 25 has been changed to the menu screen of FIG.

Here, the selection push switches 11k, 11k
If n or the depressing switch 11p is not pressed at all for a specified time or more, the display on the display 25 automatically returns from the menu screen to the initial screen.

When the car navigation device 49 is used, while the menu screen is being displayed on the display 25, the selection push switches 11k and 11n are pressed by the index finger A or the ring finger C as appropriate to operate the menu. The operation candidate highlighted on the screen is set to “navi”, and in this state, the user presses the confirmation push switch 11 with the thumb o.
Press p.

Then, the display on the display 25 changes from the menu screen to the navigation screen shown in FIG. 16. After that, when the depressing switch 11p is continuously operated for a predetermined time, the display on the display 25 changes from the navigation screen to the initial screen. Return.

When the user wants to see the vehicle information, the index switch A or the ring finger C is used to select the selection switch 11k, 1 while the menu screen is displayed on the display 25.
1n is appropriately pressed to set the operation candidate highlighted on the menu screen as "vehicle information", and in this state, the confirmation push switch 11p is pressed with the thumb o.

Then, the display on the display 25 changes from the menu screen to the vehicle information screen shown in FIG. 17, and if the selection push switches 11k, 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p are not pressed at all for a prescribed time or longer, the display is not displayed. The display 25 automatically returns from the vehicle information screen to the initial screen.

Further, when the user wants to see the character information, while the menu screen is displayed on the display 25,
Pressing switch 11k for selection by index finger A or ring finger C,
11n is pressed as appropriate to set the operation candidate highlighted on the menu screen as "character information", and in this state, the pressing switch 11p is pressed with the thumb o.

Then, the display on the display 25 changes from the menu screen to the character information menu screen shown in FIG. 18, and if the selection push switches 11k and 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p are not pressed at all for a prescribed time or more, The display on the display 25 automatically returns from the character information menu screen to the initial screen.

When the user wants to see the traffic information, the index switch A or the ring finger C is used to select the switch 1 while the character information menu screen is displayed on the display 25.
1k and 11n are appropriately pressed to set the operation candidate highlighted on the character information menu screen as "traffic information",
In this state, the confirmation push switch 11p is pushed by the thumb O.

Then, the display on the display 25 changes from the character information menu screen to the traffic information screen shown in FIG. 19. After that, the selection push switches 11k and 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p must be depressed at all for a specified time or more. The display on the display 25 automatically returns from the traffic information screen to the initial screen.

Similarly, when it is desired to view shopping information, the user can press the selecting switch 11k, 1 with the index finger A or the ring finger C.
1n is pressed as appropriate to set the operation candidate highlighted on the character information menu screen as "shopping information", and in this state, the thumb pressing the depressing switch 11p.

Then, the display on the display 25 changes from the character information menu screen to the shopping information screen shown in FIG. 20. Thereafter, when the selection push switches 11k and 11n are pressed by the index finger A and the ring finger C as appropriate, the shopping information screen is displayed. Is updated to the contents of the next screen or the previous screen, and if the selection push switches 11k, 11n or the confirmation push switch 11p are not pressed at all for a specified time or longer, the display on the display 25 is displayed as shopping information. Automatically return from the screen to the initial screen.

[0141] When the user wants to view other character information, that is, program information, business news, and weather forecast, similarly to the case of traffic information or shopping information, the user can press the selection finger with the index finger A or the ring finger C for selection. Switches 11k, 11n
Is appropriately pressed to set the operation candidates highlighted in the text information menu screen to “program information”, “business news”, or “weather forecast”, so that the respective information is displayed on the display 25. Then, the selection push switches 11k and 11n and the confirmation push switch 1
By not pressing 1p at all for a prescribed time or more, the display on the display 25 can be returned to the initial screen.

When setting the audio device 43, while the menu screen is displayed on the display 25, the selection push switches 11k and 11n are appropriately pressed by the index finger A or the ring finger C, and The operation candidate highlighted on the menu screen is "audio", and in this state, the confirmation push switch 11p is pressed with the thumb o.

Then, the display state of the display 25 becomes
The menu screen is changed to the audio menu screen of FIG. 21. Here, when tuning of the radio, that is, when tuning is desired, the selection push switches 11k and 11n are appropriately pressed and operated with the index finger A or the ring finger C. The operation candidate highlighted on the audio menu screen is set to "AM / FM", and in this state, the pressing switch 11p is pressed with the thumb O.

Then, the display on the display 25 is changed from the audio menu screen to the tuning screen shown in FIG. 22. Here, when it is desired to switch the AM / FM band, the selection finger is pressed by the index finger A or the ring finger C. By pressing the switches 11k and 11n as appropriate, the operation candidate highlighted on the tuning screen is set to "AM / FM".
Press m.

Accordingly, for example, if AM is selected before that and only half of “AM” of “AM / FM” is highlighted, the half of “FM” is displayed. When the FM is selected, the reverse of the above-described reverse display is performed, and at the same time,
The band of the tuner of the audio device 43 is changed from AM to FM.
Or from FM to AM.

When it is desired to change the frequency to be received, the index switch A or the ring finger C is used to select the selection switch 11.
k and 11n are pressed as appropriate to set the operation candidate highlighted on the tuning screen to “UP” or “DOWN”. In this state, the selection push switch 11 is pressed with the middle finger A.
Press m.

Accordingly, the display of the reception frequency in the upper part of the tuning screen becomes higher or lower, and the reception frequency of the tuner of the audio device 43 becomes higher or higher as displayed on the tuning screen. The frequency is changed to a lower frequency.

Further, when it is desired to change the frequency to be received to a preset (pre-stored) frequency (including the band), the selection push switches 11k and 11n are pressed by the index finger A and the ring finger C as appropriate. The operation candidate highlighted on the tuning screen is “1ch”
Or "2ch", and in this state, the selection pressing switch 11m is pressed by the middle finger A.

Accordingly, the display of the reception band type and frequency at the top of the tuning screen are changed to “1ch” or “2ch”.
ch "and the reception band type and frequency of the tuner of the audio device 43 are changed to the reception band type and frequency preset as" 1ch "and" 2ch ". Is done.

When the confirmation push switch 11p is continuously pressed with the thumb O for a predetermined time while the tuning screen is displayed on the display 25, the display on the display 25 returns from the tuning screen to the audio menu screen.

Although a specific description is omitted, other operation candidates on the audio menu screen, that is, “T
When it is desired to perform operations relating to "V", "MD", "CD", and "sound setting", the selection push switches 11k, 11n are appropriately pressed with the index finger A or the ring finger U, and the audio menu screen is displayed. The operation candidate highlighted is set as a target operation candidate, and in this state, pressing the confirming push switch 11p with the thumb o allows TV station selection, MD selection, CD selection, and sound setting (volume, volume). Each screen of (sound quality, balance) is displayed 25
Will be displayed.

Therefore, in each screen, when the selection push switches 11k and 11n are appropriately pushed by the index finger A or the ring finger C, the target of the target operation is selected. In this state, the selection push switch 11m is pushed by the middle finger A. When a pressing operation is performed, various settings are made for the selected target, and the settings are reflected on the corresponding television receiver 47 and audio device 43.

Then, a television station is selected on the display 25,
While the MD selection, CD selection, and sound setting screens are displayed, when the pressing switch 11p for confirmation is continuously pressed for a predetermined time with the thumb o, the display on the display 25 is changed from the above-described screens. Return to the audio menu screen.

After the audio menu screen is displayed on the display 25, the screen selection push switch 11 is turned on.
If the user does not press any of k, 11n or the depressing switch 11p for a specified time or more, the display on the display 25 automatically returns from the audio menu screen to the initial screen.

When the setting of the air conditioner 45 is performed, while the menu screen is displayed on the display 25, the selection push switches 11k and 11n are pressed by the index finger A and the ring finger C as appropriate to operate the menu. The operation candidate highlighted on the screen is set to “audio”, and in this state, the thumb pressing switch 11 is used to confirm the operation.
Press p.

Then, the display state of the display 25 becomes
The menu screen is changed to the air conditioner setting screen shown in FIG. 23. If the user wants to switch the air direction of the air conditioner 45, he or she presses the selection push switches 11k and 11n with an index finger or a ring finger to appropriately operate the air conditioner. The operation candidate reversely displayed on the setting screen is referred to as a “wind direction group selection mark”, and in this state, the pressing switch 11p is pressed with the thumb o.

Then, the inverted display on the air conditioner setting screen is changed from “wind direction group selection mark” to “chest”, “chest + foot”, “foot” and “foot +
Defroster ”(the first is“ chest ”, and thereafter, the currently set motion candidate).

Here, for example, when it is desired to change the wind direction currently set at “the chest” to “under the feet”, the selection push switches 11k and 11n are appropriately pressed by the index finger A or the ring finger C to operate the air conditioner. The operation candidate highlighted on the setting screen is set to “foot”, and in this state, the pressing switch 11p for confirmation is pressed with the thumb o.

Then, the wind direction of the air conditioner 45 changes from "the chest" to "the feet", and thereafter, the selection push switch 11 is pressed.
If the user does not press any of k, 11n or the depressing switch 11p for a specified time or more, the display on the display 25 automatically returns from the air conditioner setting screen to the initial screen.

To change the set temperature of the air conditioner 45, while the air conditioner setting screen is displayed on the display 25, the selection push switches 11k and 11n are pressed by the index finger A or the ring finger C as appropriate. The operation candidate highlighted on the air conditioner setting screen is set as a "set temperature group selection mark", and in this state, the pressing switch 11p for confirmation is pressed with the thumb o.

Then, the inverted display on the air conditioner setting screen changes from the “set temperature group selection mark” to one of two operation candidates of the set temperature, “low” and “high”.

Here, for example, when it is desired to set the set temperature lower than the current temperature, the selection push switch 11k is pressed by the index finger A. Then, the “low” operation candidate on the air conditioner setting screen is highlighted, the set temperature of the air conditioner 45 is reduced according to the pressing operation of the selection push switch 11k, and the air conditioner is set according to the decrease in the set temperature. The number of segments highlighted on the set temperature gauge at the middle right of the setting screen decreases.

On the other hand, when it is desired to set the set temperature higher than the present temperature, the selection push switch 11n is pushed by the ring finger C. Then, the “high” operation candidate on the air conditioner setting screen is highlighted and the selection push switch 11n is displayed.
The set temperature of the air conditioner 45 is increased in accordance with the pressing operation of, and the segments highlighted on the set temperature gauge increase as the set temperature increases.

After that, the selection push switch 11
If the user does not press any of k, 11n or the depressing switch 11p for a specified time or more, the display on the display 25 automatically returns from the air conditioner setting screen to the initial screen.

Further, when it is desired to switch the wind power of the air conditioner 45, the selection push switches 11k and 11n are appropriately pressed with the index finger A or the ring finger C to select the operation candidate highlighted on the air conditioner setting screen. In this state, the confirmation push switch 11p is pressed by the thumb O in this state.

Then, the inverted display on the air conditioner setting screen changes from the “wind power group selection mark” to one of two operation candidates of the wind power operation, “decrease” and “increase”.

Here, for example, when it is desired to make the wind force weaker than at present, the selection push switch 11 is operated by the index finger A.
Press k. Then, "Reduce" on the air conditioner setting screen
Are displayed in reverse video, and the wind force of the air conditioner 45 is weakened in response to the pressing operation of the selection push switch 11k, and the wind force is weakened. The highlighted segment decreases.

On the other hand, when it is desired to make the wind force stronger than at present, the selection push switch 11n is pressed by the ring finger C. Then, the operation candidate of “increase” on the air conditioner setting screen is highlighted, the wind force of the air conditioner 45 is increased according to the pressing operation of the selection push switch 11n, and the set wind gauge is set according to the increase of the wind force. The segment highlighted above increases.

The above-mentioned wind direction, set temperature, and
After the operation for changing the wind force, the selection push switch 1
If 1k, 11n or the pressing switch 11p for confirmation is not pressed at all for a specified time or more, the display on the display 25 automatically returns from the air conditioner setting screen to the initial screen.

As described above, according to the vehicle accessory switch system of the present embodiment, when various settings relating to the audio device 43, the air conditioner 45, and the television receiver 47 are performed, and the navigation information of the car navigation device 49 is viewed. The main body 11 of the switch device 10 operated at the time is
Align the four fingers A, A, U, and D from the index finger A to the little finger D, and apply the inner part near the base of each finger A, A, U, or D to either of the guide projections 11d or 11e. In a state where the fingers are in contact with each other, the four fingers A, A, U, and D are bent to grip the gripping portion 11c of the main body 11, so that the tips of the fingers A, A, and C other than the little finger D become three. Selection switch 11
While touching k, 11m and 11n in a one-to-one correspondence,
By bending the remaining thumb O, the tip of the thumb O touches the depressing switch 11p of the flange portion 11a.

For this reason, the index finger A, ring finger C, middle finger A or thumb O is operated to select the operation candidate when selecting the operation candidate, or the operation candidate is fixed. Selection switch 1 operated at the time
1m and the confirmation push switch 11p can be arranged so that the fingertips can be touched without confirming their positions, and therefore, even if the vehicle is running, without diverting the line of sight toward the front. The switch can be operated.

Further, according to the vehicle accessory switch system of the present embodiment, each of the fingers A, A, and B is attached to one of the two guide projections 11d and 11e of the holding portion 11c of the main body 11.
When the driver operates because the four fingers A, B, C, and D are bent and the grip portion 11c of the main body 11 is used in a state where the inner portions near the bases of C and D are in contact with each other. And the main body 11 as in the case of operation by a passenger in the passenger seat.
Even if the hand holding is changed from one side to the other,
Except for the little finger d for the selection pressing switches 11k, 11m, 11n and the fixing pressing switch 11p,
There is no change in the arrangement of (a), (c), and (e). Therefore, the selection push switches 11k, 11m, and 11n and the confirmation push switch 1 always have the same operation sensation with the right or left hand.
1p can be manipulated.

Note that the cable 13 of the switch device 10 employed in the present embodiment is connected to the instrument panel 3.
The structure in which the reel 15 urged in the winding direction by the mainspring 17 and disposed on the back side of the front surface 30a of the "0" so as to be able to be fed out may be omitted.

However, if the above-described configuration is employed, even when the switch device 10 is not used, the cable 13 is arranged near the instrument panel 30 and hinders the operation of the shift lever and the like. This is advantageous because it can be prevented.

The operation candidates selected by operating the selection pressing switches 11k and 11n with the index finger A and the ring finger C, and selecting the operation candidates selected by the middle finger A and the thumb O, and the selection pressing switches 11m and The configuration in which the confirmation is performed by the confirmation push switch 11p and the state of the selection or the confirmation of the selection is displayed on the display 25 that can be visually recognized in the field of view facing forward during driving may be omitted.

However, if the above-described configuration is adopted, the audio device 43, the air conditioner 45, and the television receiver 4
From the various settings related to 7, set the
A display 25 for performing the operation without looking at the arrangement of the selection push switches 11k, 11m, 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p and displaying the state of operation of the selection push switches 11k, 11m, 11n and the confirmation push switch 11p. Even when watching, the driver can visually recognize the audio device 43, the air conditioner 45,
Also, the television receiver 47 can be operated without looking away from the front, which is advantageous.

The number of the selection push switches 11k, 11m, and 11n provided on the holding portion 11c is not limited to three as in the present embodiment, but corresponds to four fingers A, A, C, and D. There may be four, and conversely, two or one. Similarly, the confirmation pressing switch 11p provided corresponding to the thumb O is provided as needed, and may be omitted in other cases.

Further, in the present embodiment, two guide projections 11d and 11e are provided on the holding portion 11c, but either one may be omitted, and the number of recesses 11f to 11j of each guide projection 11d and 11e is also reduced. , Not limited to four
The number may be increased or decreased, for example, in accordance with the number of selection push switches provided in c.

In this embodiment, the flanges 11a and 11b are provided at both ends of the main body 11, respectively. However, one or both of the flanges 11a and 11b may be omitted.

[0180]

As described above, according to the vehicle accessory switch device of the first aspect of the present invention, the switch device is disposed inside the vehicle and used when operating the accessory of the vehicle. A switch device, comprising: a pillar-shaped main body that is gripped and held by a hand; a grip portion formed on a peripheral surface of the main body, the grip portion having irregularities corresponding to an inner shape of a hand in a state where the main body is gripped; At least one switch operated by the fingers of the hand holding the main body by adjusting the inner shape of the hand to the irregularities of the part, wherein the switch is the gripping part and grips the main body. The configuration is such that the tips of the fingers of the other hand are arranged at the grip portion where the fingers are arranged.

For this reason, the configuration is such that the main body is grasped with the hand when operating the switch. For example, when the driver operates the switch and when the passenger in the passenger seat operates the switch, Even if the hand that operates the switch is left and right different, the arrangement of the fingers with respect to the switch remains the same, so that the switch can always be operated with the same operation sensation using either the left or right hand.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switch device for vehicle equipment according to the present invention, wherein a cable connecting the vehicle and the main body is provided on one of the vehicle and the main body, The reel further includes a reel around which the cable is wound, and a winding urging means for urging the reel in a rotation direction in which the cable is wound.

For this reason, when the hand is released from the main body,
The cable connecting the main body and the vehicle is wound by the reel urged by the winding urging means, and the main body is drawn to the vehicle side, so that when the shift lever is operated, the main body and the cable are obstructed. It is possible to prevent the operation from being hindered.

Furthermore, according to the switch system for vehicle accessories of the present invention described in claim 3, the switch device for vehicle accessories according to claim 1 or 2 disposed inside the vehicle, and A display unit disposed on the driver's view when the vehicle is driven, and an operation candidate of the equipment selected from a plurality of the equipment selected by operating the switch of the vehicle equipment switch device. An operation candidate display unit to be displayed on a display unit, a selection confirmation switch provided on the main body of the vehicle accessory switch device, and a selection from a plurality of operations by operating the switch according to an operation of the selection confirmation switch. And operation execution means for causing the equipment to perform an operation corresponding to the operation candidate of the equipment displayed on the display means.

For this reason, the operation selection switch is operated while confirming the operation candidate selected by operating the switch from the plurality of operation candidates of the equipment by looking at the display by the display means arranged on the line of sight during driving. By doing so, the operation corresponding to the operation candidate is actually performed in the equipment of the vehicle, so that the equipment can be operated without deviating from the line of sight, even during traveling.

According to the vehicle accessory switch system of the present invention, the selection confirmation switch is the main body, and the unevenness of the grip portion of the vehicle accessory switch device. The shape of the hand is adjusted to the inside of the hand, and the body is arranged at a position of the main body which can be operated by the thumb of the hand holding the main body.

For this reason, when an operation of grasping an object with a hand is performed,
The operation of selecting an operation candidate by the switch is performed by another finger arranged in a lined up state, and unlike the other fingers, the operation of the operation candidate by the selection confirmation switch is performed by the thumb arranged only one finger apart. Since the selection is confirmed, the difference in the function of the switch can be easily determined based on the difference in the operational feeling.

Moreover, if the user grips the main body in accordance with the unevenness of the grip, the tip of the thumb of the hand holding the main body can operate the selection confirmation switch without checking the position of the selection confirmation switch. Since it is arranged at the place, it is not necessary to check the arrangement of the selection confirmation switch each time the thumb is touched to the target selection confirmation switch, so that even if the vehicle is running, it is pointed forward. The selection confirmation switch can be operated without diverting the line of sight.

In addition, since the main body is gripped by hand when the selection confirmation switch is operated, for example, when the driver operates the selection confirmation switch, and when a passenger in the passenger seat operates the selection confirmation switch. Even when the hand that operates the selection confirmation switch is different from the right side, the arrangement of the thumb with respect to the selection confirmation switch remains unchanged.
The selection confirmation switch can always be operated with the same operation feeling by the thumb of either the left or right hand.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram of a vehicle accessory switch system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement in a vehicle of a vehicle accessory switch device in a vehicle accessory switch system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the vehicle accessory switch device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the switch device for vehicle accessories shown in FIG. 2 is gripped with a left hand.

5 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the switch device for vehicle equipment shown in FIG. 2 is gripped by a right hand.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the vehicle accessory switch system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the microcomputer of FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing a process performed according to a program stored in the program.

FIG. 8 shows a CPU of the microcomputer shown in FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing a process performed according to a program stored in the program.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a CPU of the microcomputer shown in FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing a process performed according to a program stored in the program.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a case where the microcomputer of the microcomputer shown in FIG.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed according to a program stored in M.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the microcomputer of FIG.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed according to a program stored in M.

FIG. 12 shows a case where the microcomputer of the microcomputer shown in FIG.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed according to a program stored in M.

FIG. 13 shows a case where the CPU of the microcomputer shown in FIG.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed according to a program stored in M.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an initial screen displayed on the display of FIG. 6;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a menu screen displayed on the display of FIG. 6;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a navigation screen displayed on the display of FIG. 6;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a vehicle information screen displayed on the display of FIG. 6;

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a character information menu screen displayed on the display of FIG. 6;

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a traffic information screen displayed on the display of FIG. 6;

20 is an explanatory diagram of a shopping information screen displayed on the display of FIG.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of an audio menu screen displayed on the display of FIG. 6;

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a tuning screen displayed on the display of FIG. 6;

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of an air conditioner setting screen displayed on the display of FIG. 6;

FIG. 24 is an explanatory view showing an example of an operation switch independent of a main body according to a conventional example.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of an operation surface of a switch box in the operation switch of FIG. 24;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Switch device 11 Main body 11c Gripping part 11d, 11e Guide projection (unevenness) 11A switch 11B Selection confirmation switch 13 Cable 15 Reel 17 Mainspring (winding urging means) 20 Microcomputer 20a CPU 20b RAM 20c ROM 20A Operation candidate display means 20B Action execution means 25 Display means A Equipment A, A, C, D Fingers E Thumbs

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A switch device disposed inside a vehicle and used when operating accessories of the vehicle, comprising: a pillar-shaped main body held and held by a hand; A grip portion formed and having irregularities corresponding to the inner shape of the hand in a state where the main body is gripped, and operated by fingers of the hand gripping the main body by adjusting the inner shape of the hand to the irregularities of the grip portion And at least one switch button, wherein the switch button is disposed on the grip portion where the tip of a finger of the hand holding the body is disposed. A switch device for vehicle accessories. 2. A cable for connecting the vehicle and the main body, a reel provided on one of the vehicle and the main body, the reel around which the cable is wound, and a rotation direction in which the cable is wound. The switch device for a vehicle accessory according to claim 1, further comprising a winding biasing unit that biases the reel. 3. The vehicle according to claim 1, which is disposed inside the vehicle.
A switch device for a vehicle accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, a display means provided on the vehicle and arranged on a field of view of a driver when the vehicle is driven, Operation candidate display means for displaying on the display means an operation candidate of the equipment selected from the following: a selection confirmation switch button provided on the main body of the vehicle equipment switch device; and the selection confirmation switch button. Operation execution means for causing the equipment to perform an operation corresponding to an operation candidate of the equipment displayed on the display means, which is selected from a plurality of operations by operating the switch button in response to the operation of A switch system for vehicle accessories, comprising: 4. The thumb of the hand holding the main body, wherein the selection confirming switch button is the main body, and the shape of the inside of the hand is adjusted to the unevenness of the grip portion of the switch device for a vehicle accessory. The switch system for a vehicle accessory according to claim 3, wherein the switch system is disposed at an operable main body.