CN113574621A - Operating device and vehicle door - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an operating device that can be easily mounted on a vehicle door and a vehicle door including the operating device. The operation device 20 of the present invention includes: a grip 40 provided on an inner surface of the door 1 of the vehicle; an operation interface 48 provided on an inner side surface of the grip for receiving an operation input to operate the at least one in-vehicle device 21 input by the occupant; a first sensor 45 provided on an outer side surface of the grip for detecting a finger of the occupant; a second sensor 46 provided on at least one of an inner side surface and an upper surface of the grip for detecting a finger of the occupant; and a controller 55 connected to the operator interface, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the at least one in-vehicle device. The controller controls the at least one vehicle-mounted device based on a signal from the operation interface when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the occupant, and prohibits the at least one vehicle-mounted device from being controlled based on the signal from the operation interface when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect the occupant.

Description

Operating device and vehicle door

Technical Field

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

Background

Known door armrests include an armrest provided with a power window switch for operating a power window up and down (see patent document 1, for example). Such a vehicle door generally includes a grip sensor mounted in a pocket forming a handle of an armrest for detecting a finger of an occupant, and a door sensor provided on a hinge portion of the vehicle door for detecting an open/close state of the vehicle door to prevent an improper operation. The door controller allows the power window to be opened or closed in response to an operation of the power window switch by the occupant only when the grip sensor detects the finger of the occupant and the door sensor detects the closed state of the door.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: JP2017-114382A

Disclosure of Invention

Task to be accomplished by the invention

However, the above-described operating device of patent document 1 has a problem that it is difficult to configure the device as a single independent unit because the door sensor of the device needs to be provided on the hinge portion of the door. This problem results in an increase in the number of work processes for assembling the device to the door.

The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art, and a main object of the present invention is to provide an operating device that can be easily mounted to a vehicle door. It is a further object of the invention to provide a vehicle door comprising such an operating device.

Means for accomplishing tasks

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, a first aspect of the present invention provides an operating device (20) for a vehicle having a front-rear direction and a lateral direction, the operating device comprising: a grip (90) provided on an inner surface of a door (1) of a vehicle, the grip extending in a front-rear direction and including an outer side surface (33), an inner side surface (38), and an upper surface (41) connecting an upper edge of the outer side surface to an upper edge of the inner side surface; an operation interface (48) provided on an inner side surface of the grip for receiving an operation input by the occupant to operate the at least one in-vehicle device (21); a first sensor (45) disposed on the outer side surface for detecting a finger of the occupant; a second sensor (46) provided on at least one of the inner side surface and the upper surface, for detecting a finger of the occupant; and a controller (20) connected to the operator interface, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the at least one in-vehicle device, wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the operator interface when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect an occupant, and wherein the controller inhibits the at least one in-vehicle device from being controlled based on the signal from the operator interface when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect an occupant.

According to the first aspect, since the first sensor, the second sensor, and the operation interface are provided on the grip, the operation device can be realized as a relatively compact independent unit. Therefore, the present invention can provide an operating device that can be easily mounted on a door. Since the first sensor and the second sensor are disposed on different surfaces of the grip, the position of the finger of the occupant can be identified with relatively high accuracy based on the detection signals from the first sensor and the second sensor. As a result, the apparatus can accurately determine whether the input to the operation interface is caused by the occupant's intentional input or the occupant's unintentional touch.

In the first aspect, the second sensor may be provided on the outside surface.

According to this configuration, in order to operate the operation interface, the occupant needs to grasp the grip in such a manner that both the first sensor and the second sensor can detect the fingers of the occupant. As a result, when the occupant places the occupant's finger on the grip so as to close the door, the apparatus does not operate any in-vehicle apparatus in response to the occupant's unintentional touching of the operation interface. This can prevent incorrect operation of the occupant from occurring in some way.

In some cases, the first sensor and the second sensor may be disposed to overlap each other when viewed from the lateral direction.

According to this configuration, the apparatus can detect that the occupant has gripped the grip from above based on the detection signals from the first sensor and the second sensor.

In some cases, the inner side surface may include an inclined surface (43) at an upper portion thereof, the inclined surface being inclined upward and toward an outer side of the vehicle, and wherein the second sensor is disposed on the inclined surface.

According to this configuration, when the occupant grips the grip, the palm of the occupant's hand is easily brought into contact with the inclined surface. As a result, the second sensor can appropriately detect that the occupant grasps the grip.

In the above configuration, the operation interface may be located below the second sensor.

This configuration allows the occupant to operate the operation interface with the first finger while gripping the grip with the palm and the second to fifth fingers.

In the above configuration, the second sensor extends in the front-rear direction, and wherein a rear end of the second sensor is located rearward of a rear end of the operation interface.

According to these configurations, it is ensured that the second sensor detects the palm of the occupant when the occupant grips the grip.

In some cases, the at least one in-vehicle device comprises a plurality of in-vehicle devices, wherein the grip is provided with a selection interface (52) for selecting one of the plurality of in-vehicle devices, wherein the operation interface and the selection interface are arranged to extend in a front-to-rear direction so as to at least partially overlap each other when viewed from a lateral direction, and wherein a front end of the second sensor is located rearward of a rear end of the selection interface.

This configuration allows the operation device to operate two or more in-vehicle devices. Since the operation interface and the selection interface are provided to extend in the front-rear direction so as to at least partially overlap each other when viewed from the lateral direction, the occupant can operate the operation interface and the selection interface while gripping the grip.

A second aspect of the present invention provides an operating device (100) for a vehicle having a front-rear direction and a lateral direction, the operating device comprising: a handle (70) provided on an inner surface of a door (1) of a vehicle, the handle extending in a front-rear direction to have a front end and a rear end, both of which are connected to the door; a first operation interface (111) provided on an inner side surface (105) of the handle, for receiving an operation input by the occupant to operate at least one in-vehicle device (21); a first sensor (113) disposed on an outside surface (106) of the handle for detecting a finger of the occupant; a second sensor (114) provided on a surface (105, 17, 108) of the handle other than the outside surface for detecting a finger of the occupant; and a controller (55) connected to the first interface, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the at least one in-vehicle device, wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the first interface when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect an occupant, and wherein the controller inhibits the at least one in-vehicle device from being controlled based on a signal from the first interface when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect an occupant.

According to the second aspect, since the first sensor, the second sensor, and the operation interface are provided on the handle, the operation device can be realized as a relatively compact independent unit. Therefore, the present invention can provide an operating device that can be easily mounted on a door. Since the first sensor and the second sensor are disposed on different surfaces of the handle, the position of the finger of the occupant can be identified with relatively high accuracy based on the detection signals from the first sensor and the second sensor. As a result, the apparatus can accurately determine whether the input to the operation interface is caused by the occupant's intentional input or the occupant's unintentional touch.

In the second aspect, the operation device may further include: a second operation interface (112) provided on an inner side surface of the handle for receiving an operation input to operate at least one of the in-vehicle devices input by the occupant; a third sensor (115) disposed on an outer side surface of the handle for detecting a finger of the occupant; and a fourth sensor (116) disposed on a surface of the handle other than the outside surface for detecting a finger of the occupant, wherein the second operation interface, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor are connected to the controller, and wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the second operation interface when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect the occupant, and wherein the controller prohibits the at least one in-vehicle device from being controlled based on the signal from the second operation interface when at least one of the third sensor and the fourth sensor does not detect the occupant.

This configuration allows the occupant to operate the second operation interface while grasping the handle so that the third sensor and the fourth sensor can detect the fingers of the occupant. As a result, the occupant can select the first operation interface or the second operation interface to operate by changing the position where the fingers grasp the handle.

Preferably, the control performed by the controller based on the signal from the first operation interface is different from the control performed based on the signal from the second operation interface.

This configuration allows the occupant to cause the in-vehicle apparatus to perform different operations depending on whether the occupant operates on the first operation interface or the second operation interface.

In the above configuration of the second aspect, the second operation interface is located in front of the first operation interface, wherein the third sensor is located in front of the first sensor, and wherein the fourth sensor is located in front of the second sensor.

According to this configuration, the occupant can select the first operation interface or the second operation interface to operate by moving the position where the fingers grasp the handle in the front-rear direction.

In the above configuration of the second aspect, the operation device further includes: a first lighting device (131) arranged around the first operation interface of the handle; and a second illumination device (141) disposed around the second operation interface of the handle, wherein the first illumination device and the second illumination device are connected to the controller, wherein the controller causes the first illumination device to emit light when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the occupant, and wherein the controller causes the second illumination device to emit light when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect the occupant.

According to this configuration, the occupant can recognize which operation interface can be operated.

A third aspect of the invention provides a vehicle door including an operating device having any one of the above-described configurations.

According to a third aspect, the present invention can provide a door including an operating device that can be easily mounted to the door.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides an operating device (20) for a vehicle, the vehicle having a front-rear direction and a lateral direction, the operating device comprising: a grip (90) provided on an inner surface of a door (1) of a vehicle, the grip extending in a front-rear direction and including an outer side surface (33), an inner side surface (38), and an upper surface (41) connecting an upper edge of the outer side surface to an upper edge of the inner side surface; an operation interface (48) provided on an inner side surface of the grip for receiving an operation input by the occupant to operate the at least one in-vehicle device (21); a first sensor (45) disposed on the outer side surface for detecting a finger of the occupant; a second sensor (46) disposed on at least one of the inside surface and the top surface for detecting a finger of the occupant; and a controller (20) connected to the operator interface, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the at least one in-vehicle device, wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the operator interface when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect an occupant, and wherein the controller inhibits the at least one in-vehicle device from being controlled based on the signal from the operator interface when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect an occupant. According to this configuration, in order to operate the operation interface, the occupant needs to grasp the grip in such a manner that both the first sensor and the second sensor can detect the fingers of the occupant. As a result, when the occupant places the fingers of the occupant on the grip so as to close the door, the apparatus does not operate any in-vehicle apparatus in response to the occupant's unintentional touching of the operation interface. This can prevent incorrect operation of the occupant from occurring in some way.

In some cases, the first sensor and the second sensor may be arranged to overlap each other when viewed from the lateral direction. According to this configuration, the apparatus can detect that the occupant has gripped the grip from above based on the detection signals from the first sensor and the second sensor.

In some cases, the inner side surface may include an inclined surface (43) at an upper portion thereof, the inclined surface being inclined upward and toward an outer side of the vehicle, and wherein the second sensor is disposed on the inclined surface. According to this configuration, when the occupant grips the grip, the palm of the occupant easily comes into contact with the inclined surface. As a result, the second sensor can appropriately detect that the occupant grasps the grip.

In the above configuration, the operation interface may be located below the second sensor. This configuration allows the occupant to operate the operation interface with the first finger while gripping the grip with the palm and the second to fifth fingers.

In the above configuration, the second sensor extends in the front-rear direction, and wherein a rear end of the second sensor is located rearward of a rear end of the operation interface. According to these configurations, it is ensured that the second sensor detects the palm of the occupant when the occupant grips the grip.

In some cases, the at least one in-vehicle device comprises a plurality of in-vehicle devices, wherein the grip is provided with a selection interface (52) for selecting one of the plurality of in-vehicle devices, wherein the operation interface and the selection interface are arranged to extend in a front-to-rear direction so as to at least partially overlap each other when viewed from a lateral direction, and wherein a front end of the second sensor is located rearward of a rear end of the selection interface. This configuration allows the operation device to operate two or more in-vehicle devices. Since the operation interface and the selection interface are arranged to extend in the front-rear direction so as to at least partially overlap each other when viewed from the lateral direction, the occupant can operate the operation interface and the selection interface while gripping the grip.

A second aspect of the present invention provides an operating device (100) for a vehicle having a front-rear direction and a lateral direction, the operating device comprising: a handle (70) provided on an inner surface of a door (1) of a vehicle, the handle extending in a front-rear direction to have a front end and a rear end both connected to the door; a first operation interface (111) provided on an inner side surface (105) of the handle, for receiving an operation input by the occupant to operate at least one in-vehicle device (21); a first sensor (113) disposed on an outside surface (106) of the handle for detecting a finger of the occupant; a second sensor (114) provided on a surface (105, 17, 108) of the handle other than the outside surface for detecting a finger of the occupant; and a controller (55) connected to the first interface, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the at least one in-vehicle device, wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the first interface when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect an occupant, and wherein the controller inhibits the at least one in-vehicle device from being controlled based on a signal from the first interface when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect an occupant. According to the second aspect, since the first sensor, the second sensor, and the operation interface are provided on the handle, the operation device can be realized as a relatively compact independent unit. Therefore, the present invention can provide an operating device that can be easily mounted on a door. Since the first sensor and the second sensor are disposed on different surfaces of the handle, the position of the finger of the occupant can be identified with relatively high accuracy based on the detection signals from the first sensor and the second sensor. As a result, the apparatus can accurately determine whether the input to the operation interface is caused by the occupant's intentional input or the occupant's unintentional touch.

In the second aspect, the operation device may further include: a second operation interface (112) provided on an inner side surface of the handle for receiving an operation input to operate at least one of the in-vehicle devices input by the occupant; a third sensor (115) disposed on an outer side surface of the handle for detecting a finger of the occupant; and a fourth sensor (116) disposed on a surface of the handle other than the outside surface for detecting a finger of the occupant, wherein the second operation interface, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor are connected to the controller, and wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the second operation interface when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect the occupant, and wherein the controller prohibits the at least one in-vehicle device from being controlled based on the signal from the second operation interface when at least one of the third sensor and the fourth sensor does not detect the occupant. This configuration allows the occupant to operate the second operation interface while gripping the handle so that both the third sensor and the fourth sensor can detect the fingers of the occupant. As a result, the occupant can select the first operation interface or the second operation interface to operate by changing the position of the grasping handle of the finger.

Preferably, the control performed by the controller based on the signal from the first operation interface is different from the control performed based on the signal from the second operation interface. This configuration allows the occupant to cause the in-vehicle apparatus to perform different operations depending on whether the occupant operates on the first operation interface or the second operation interface.

In the above configuration of the second aspect, the second operation interface is located in front of the first operation interface, wherein the third sensor is located in front of the first sensor, and wherein the fourth sensor is located in front of the second sensor. According to this configuration, the occupant can select the first operation interface or the second operation interface to operate by moving the position where the fingers grasp the handle in the front-rear direction.

In the above configuration of the second aspect, the operation device further includes: a first lighting device (131) arranged around the first operation interface of the handle; and a second illumination device (141) disposed around the second operation interface of the handle, wherein the first illumination device and the second illumination device are connected to the controller, wherein the controller causes the first illumination device to emit light when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the occupant, and wherein the controller causes the second illumination device to emit light when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect the occupant. According to this configuration, the occupant can recognize which operation interface can be operated.

A third aspect of the invention provides a vehicle door including an operating device having any one of the above-described configurations. The present invention can provide a door including an operating device that can be easily mounted to the door.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle door according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the operating device;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an operation device, an in-vehicle device, and a display;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2;

fig. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing an example of the surface shape of the operation interface;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the operating device when the upper plate is in the stowed position;

fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the fingers of the occupant when the occupant operates the operation interface;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the occupant's fingers when the occupant operates the selection interface;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the positions of the fingers of the occupant when the occupant holds the fingers on the recessed portion to open or close the door;

fig. 10 is a schematic view showing the positions of the fingers of the occupant when the occupant uses the operation interface as an armrest;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a vehicle door according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an operation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 13 is a perspective view of an operating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 14 is a perspective view of an operating device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a vehicle door according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 16 is a perspective view of an operating device of the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a handle of the sixth embodiment;

fig. 18 is a side view of the first operation region (second operation region);

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the inside surface of the handle (taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG. 18);

fig. 20 is a block diagram showing the operation device and the in-vehicle device;

fig. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the fingers of the occupant when the occupant operates the first operation interface or the second operation interface; and

fig. 22 is a sectional view showing an inside surface of a handle according to a modification of the sixth embodiment;

fig. 23 is a side view of an operating device according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

fig. 24 is a perspective view of an operating device according to a seventh embodiment;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are cross-sectional views of the operating device taken along lines XXVA-XXVA and XXVB-XXVB of FIG. 24, respectively;

fig. 26 is a perspective view of an operating device according to a modification of the seventh embodiment; and

fig. 27 is a perspective view of an operating device according to a modification of the seventh embodiment.

Detailed Description

An operating device and a vehicle door including the same according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in fig. 1, a vehicle door 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes adoor panel 2 provided as a door frame member, and adoor trim 3 configured to cover an inside surface of thedoor panel 2, thedoor panel 2 including an inner panel and an outer panel formed of steel plates. The inner and outer panels are connected to each other at their front, lower and rear edges, and are not connected at their upper edges to define a central space therebetween.

The door trim 3 is formed of a plastic material. The door trim 3 includes a trimmain body 3A that is substantially flat and can be disposed on the inner side of thedoor panel 2, and atrim edge wall 3B that protrudes from the periphery of the trimmain body 3A such that when thedoor trim 3 is disposed on thedoor panel 2, thetrim edge wall 3B abuts against the periphery of the inner side surface of thedoor panel 2. Thegarnish edge wall 3B extends along the periphery of thegarnish body 3A.

Adoor handle 11 for opening and closing the vehicle door is provided at an upper portion of thegarnish body 3A. Thespeaker 12 may be provided at a front lower portion of thegarnish body 3A. Further, a bag-like body extending outward to the vehicle interior may be provided on the lower portion of thegarnish body 3A behind thespeaker 12.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, an operatingdevice 20 is provided at a vertically intermediate portion of the inside surface of thegarnish body 3A. Theoperation device 20 is a device for receiving an input of an occupant who operates one or more in-vehicle devices 21. As shown in fig. 3, examples of the in-vehicle device 21 include apower window device 22, apower seat device 23, acar navigation device 24, anaudio device 25, and anair conditioner 26.

Thepower seat device 23 may include a front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A for moving the seat in the front-rear direction with respect to the vehicle body, aheight adjustment mechanism 23B for changing the height of the seat with respect to the vehicle body, a seat back tilt mechanism 23C for changing the angle of the seat back with respect to the seat, and/or a seat heater 24D provided in the seat for changing the temperature of the seat. Each of the front-rear adjusting mechanism 23A, theheight adjusting mechanism 23B, and the seat back tilting mechanism 23C includes a motor for driving the mechanism. The seat heater 24D includes a heating wire, and changes temperature according to supplied current.

As shown in fig. 2, the operatingdevice 20 includes amain body 31, which is a housing of the device. Thebody 31 is formed from a plastics material. Themain body 31 is attached to a vertically intermediate portion of the inner side surface of the garnishmain body 3A, and extends in the front-rear direction. Themain body 31 may be connected to the garnishmain body 3A by screws or any other coupling means. Alternatively, themain body 31 may be integrally formed with the garnishmain body 3A.

Themain body 31 of the operatingdevice 20 has a main bodyupper surface 32 at an upper portion of the main body and a mainbody side surface 33 at an inboard end of the main body, wherein the main bodyupper surface 32 faces upward and extends inward relative to thegarnish body 3A, and the mainbody side surface 33 faces the interior of the vehicle. The bodyupper surface 32 can support the forearm of the occupant and can therefore function as an armrest.

As shown in fig. 2 and 4, a recess 35 (a bag-like body) is formed on the upper surface of themain body 31 of theoperation device 20. Therecess 35 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and extends in the front-rear direction. Therecess 35 is defined by arecess bottom wall 36 and a recess side wall 37 (or tubular recess side wall) extending upwardly from therecess bottom wall 36. Thefirst side surface 38 is an inner surface of an inner portion of therecess side wall 37, thefirst side surface 38 facing outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle. The first side surface 28 extends substantially vertically. At an upper end portion of an inner side portion of therecess side wall 37 corresponding to thefirst side surface 38, a protrudingportion 39 extends outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle. In the main bodyupper surface 32, the firstupper surface 41 is a surface extending between the upper end of the mainbody side surface 33 and the recess 35 (i.e., the upper end of the first side surface 38). The firstupper surface 41 connects the upper end of thefirst side surface 38 with the upper end of the mainbody side surface 33. Thegrip 40 is formed by thefirst side surface 38, the firstupper surface 41, and thebody side surface 33. Thegrip 40 is a wall portion that protrudes upward and extends in the front-rear direction, so that the occupant can hold/grasp thegrip 40 with the fingers of the occupant. The occupant can grasp thegrip 40 to open or close the door 1.

Theinclined surface 43 extends at the upper end portion of the mainbody side surface 33 such that theinclined surface 43 is inclined to extend upward and outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Preferably, the upper end of theinclined surface 43 is smoothly connected to the firstupper surface 41. Theinclined surface 43 is not an essential feature and may be omitted in some embodiments. Theinclined surface 43 may be provided to minimize the width of the firstupper surface 41 in the lateral direction.

Afirst sensor 45 for detecting the fingers of the occupant is provided in the first side surface 38 (the side of thegrip 40 facing the inner space of the recess). Asecond sensor 46 that detects the fingers of the occupant is provided in the main body side surface 33 (the side of thegrip 40 that faces the interior of the vehicle). Thefirst sensor 45 and thesecond sensor 46 are sensors configured to detect contact or proximity of a finger of an occupant, and examples of sensors that can be used as thefirst sensor 45 and thesecond sensor 46 include a capacitive sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a membrane switch, and an infrared switch.

Thefirst sensor 45 extends in the front-rear direction on thefirst side surface 38. Thefirst sensor 45 is preferably disposed at an upper end of thefirst side surface 38. In the present embodiment, thefirst sensor 45 is provided in the protrudingportion 39. Thefirst sensor 45 may be embedded in thefirst side surface 38 such that a surface of thefirst sensor 45 is flush with thefirst side surface 38.

Thesecond sensor 46 extends in the front-rear direction on the mainbody side surface 33. Thesecond sensor 46 is preferably provided at an upper end portion of thebody side surface 33. In the present embodiment, thesecond sensor 46 is provided on theinclined surface 43. Thesecond sensor 46 may be embedded in thebody side surface 33 such that a surface of thesecond sensor 46 is flush with thebody side surface 33. Thefirst sensor 45 and thesecond sensor 46 are arranged to overlap each other when viewed from the lateral direction of the vehicle. In other words, thefirst sensor 45 and thesecond sensor 46 are located at the same position in the vertical direction. Thefirst sensor 45 and thesecond sensor 46 are arranged on the concave side and the inner side of the upper end portion of thegrip 40, respectively. The major surfaces of thefirst sensor 45 and thesecond sensor 46 may not be parallel to each other.

The rear end of thesecond sensor 46 is located forward of the rear end of the grip 40 (the rear end of the first side surface 38). Further, the front end of thesecond sensor 46 is located rearward of the front end of the grip 40 (the front end of the first side surface 38).

As shown in fig. 2, anoperation interface 48 is provided on the main body side surface 33 (inside the grip 40). Theoperation interface 48 is configured to receive an input of an occupant to operate at least one in-vehicle device 21. Theoperation interface 48 is a switch operated by a finger of the occupant, and examples of theoperation interface 48 include a capacitance sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, and a membrane switch. In the present embodiment, theoperation interface 48 is a capacitive touch panel, and receives a slide operation and a touch operation performed thereon by the finger of the occupant.

Theoperation interface 48 is located below thesecond sensor 46 on thebody side surface 33. Further, the rear end of thesecond sensor 46 is located rearward of the rear end of theoperation interface 48. The front end of theoperation interface 48 is located in front of the front end of thesecond sensor 46. Preferably, as shown in fig. 7, theoperation interface 48 is disposed so that the occupant can operate thegrip 40 with the first finger of the occupant while gripping it with the palm of the occupant's hand and the second to fifth fingers.

Preferably, theoperation interface 48 is embedded in the mainbody side surface 33 such that a surface of theoperation interface 48 is flush with the mainbody side surface 33. The surface of theoperation interface 48 preferably has a surface shape different from that of the mainbody side surface 33. The surface of theoperator interface 48 is preferably a patterned dimpled surface, for example. The patterned dimple surfaces can include regularly arranged polygonal planes, for example, as shown in fig. 5A and 5B. Although the examples shown in the figures include only quadrilateral patterns, the patterned dimple surfaces can include other polygonal patterns such as triangular and pentagonal patterns.

As shown in fig. 2, anupper plate 50 is provided at the front end of themain body 31 of the operatingdevice 20. Theupper plate 50 is a plate-like member extending from its base end toward its free end, and has anupper surface 50A and aback surface 50B. The base end of theupper plate 50 is rotatably supported by the front end of themain body 31 such that theupper plate 50 is rotatable about a rotation axis X extending in the lateral direction. In the present embodiment, the base end of theupper plate 50 is disposed within therecess 35 and is supported by the left and rightrecess side walls 37.

Theupper plate 50 is rotationally movable between a use position (fig. 2) and a storage position (fig. 6). When theupper plate 50 is in the use position, the free end is positioned forward and above the base end, and theupper surface 50A is positioned above theback surface 50B. When theupper plate 50 is in the stowed position, the free end is located rearward of the base end and theupper surface 50A is located below theback surface 50B. In the storage position, theupper plate 50 closes the open end of therecess 35. In other words, theupper plate 50 serves as a cover for closing therecess 35.

Urging members (not shown) are provided between theupper plate 50 and themain body 31. The biasing member may comprise a spring. The urging member urges theupper plate 50 to the use position when theupper plate 50 is located between the use position and an intermediate position between the use position and the storage position. The urging member urges theupper plate 50 to the storage position when theupper plate 50 is located between the intermediate position and the storage position.

As shown in fig. 2, adisplay 51 and aselection interface 52 are provided on anupper surface 50A of theupper plate 50. Thedisplay 51 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display (organic electroluminescence display). Theselection interface 52 is configured to receive an input of an occupant to operate at least one in-vehicle device 21. Theoperation interface 48 is a switch operated by a finger of the occupant, and examples of theoperation interface 48 include a capacitance sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, and a membrane switch. In the present embodiment, theselection interface 52 is a capacitive touch panel, and receives a slide operation and a touch operation performed thereon by the finger of the occupant. Further, theselection interface 52 may be integrally formed with thedisplay 51. In some embodiments, thedisplay 51 is a touch panel display, and a portion of thedisplay 51 may form theselection interface 52. Theselection interface 52 is provided at a position on theupper surface 50A of theupper plate 50 on the base end side. Thedisplay 51 is provided at a position on the free end side of theselection interface 52 on theupper surface 50A of theupper plate 50.

Theselection interface 52 and theoperator interface 48 are arranged on different surfaces of the operating device. Theoperation interface 48 and theselection interface 52 are provided to extend in the front-rear direction so as to at least partially overlap with each other when viewed from the vehicle lateral direction. Theselection interface 52 is located forward of thegrip 40. The front end of thesecond sensor 46 is located behind the rear end of theselection interface 52. Preferably, as shown in fig. 8, theselection interface 52 is disposed such that the occupant can operate thegrip 40 with the second finger (index finger) of the occupant while gripping it with the palm and the third to fifth fingers of the occupant. Preferably, theselection interface 52 is inclined downwardly and towards the base end in use.

Thefirst sensor 45, thesecond sensor 46, theoperation interface 48, theselection interface 52, thedisplay 51, and the at least one in-vehicle device 21 are connected to thecontroller 55. Thecontroller 55 is an electronic controller including a processing device such as a CPU. In the present embodiment, thecontroller 55 is provided in themain body 31. In other embodiments, thecontroller 55 may be provided between thedoor panel 2 and thedoor trim 3, or on the vehicle body.

Thecontroller 55 is configured to select one of the in-vehicle apparatuses 21 to be operated based on a signal from theselection interface 52, and also select one or more of the in-vehicle apparatuses 21 to be displayed on thedisplay 51. In some embodiments, thecontroller 55 detects a slide operation; that is, it slides to the left or right on the interface based on the signal from theselection interface 52, and changes the in-vehicle apparatus 21 to be operated according to the sliding operation. Thecontroller 55 displays the device operation state image for the selected in-vehicle device 21 on thedisplay 51. The device operation state image may include, for example, an icon or character for the selected in-vehicle device 21, and a symbol or mark (e.g., a mark indicating the moving direction of the in-vehicle device) showing how to operate the selected in-vehicle device 21. For example, when the selected in-vehicle apparatus 21 is the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A of theelectrical seat apparatus 23, the apparatus operation state image may include an icon of the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A and an arrow indicating the front-rear direction. In some embodiments, when a plurality of the same type of in-vehicle apparatuses 21 are provided, thecontroller 55 may be used to select one of the same type of in-vehicle apparatuses 21. For example, when the right front seat and the left front seat are provided with the respectivepower seat devices 23, thecontroller 55 may be configured to select the power seat device for the right front seat and the power seat device for the left front seat, and to control the selectedpower seat device 23 independently.

Thecontroller 55 detects whether the finger of the occupant is in contact with thefirst sensor 45 or whether the finger is close to thefirst sensor 45 based on the signal from thefirst sensor 45. Thecontroller 55 also detects whether the finger of the occupant is in contact with thesecond sensor 46 or whether the finger is close to thesecond sensor 46, based on the signal from thesecond sensor 46. When both thefirst sensor 45 and thesecond sensor 46 detect the occupant (the finger of the occupant), thecontroller 55 controls the selected in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from theoperation interface 48. Specifically, when the finger of the occupant is detected based on the signal from thefirst sensor 45 and also detected based on the signal from thesecond sensor 46, thecontroller 55 controls the selected one of the respective in-vehicle apparatuses 21 based on the signal from theoperation interface 48. When at least one of thefirst sensor 45 and thesecond sensor 46 does not detect an occupant, thecontroller 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from theoperation interface 48. Specifically, when the finger of the occupant is not detected based on the signal from thefirst sensor 45 and/or the finger of the occupant is not detected based on the signal from thesecond sensor 46, thecontroller 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from theoperation interface 48.

As shown in fig. 7, in the present embodiment, theoperation interface 48 receives a slide operation for each of a plurality of directions including upward, downward, forward, and backward directions. Thecontroller 55 detects the direction and the stroke length of each slide operation based on the signal from theoperation interface 48. Thecontroller 55 controls the selected in-vehicle apparatus 21 based on the detected direction of the slide operation performed on theoperation interface 48 and the signal of the stroke length.

For example, in the case where the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A of theelectric seat apparatus 23 for the right front seat is selected, when the slide operation in the forward direction is detected based on the signal from theoperation interface 48, thecontroller 55 controls the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A of theelectric seat apparatus 23 to move the seat forward. Thecontroller 55 may determine the forward movement amount of the seat caused by thepower seat apparatus 23 based on the stroke length of the slide operation.

Further, in the case where theheight adjustment mechanism 23B of thepower seat apparatus 23 for the left front seat is selected, when the slide operation in the upward direction is detected based on the signal from theoperation interface 48, thecontroller 55 controls theheight adjustment mechanism 23B of thepower seat apparatus 23 to raise the seat higher. Thecontroller 55 may determine the amount of upward movement of the seat caused by thepower seat apparatus 23 based on the stroke length of the slide operation.

The selection of what input operations are performed on theoperation interface 48 for each control and how to control each in-vehicle apparatus 21 is a matter that can be appropriately decided by the apparatus designer.

When the in-vehicle apparatus 21 is controlled based on the operation of the occupant on theoperation interface 48, thecontroller 55 preferably displays an image indicating that the selected in-vehicle apparatus 21 is being controlled on thedisplay 51. For example, when controlling the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A of thepower seat apparatus 23 to move the seat forward, thecontroller 55 may display an image and/or text information indicating that the seat is moving forward on thedisplay 51. In some cases, when the in-vehicle apparatus 21 is controlled based on the operation of the occupant on theoperation interface 48, thecontroller 55 may output a sound from thespeaker 12 indicating that the selected in-vehicle apparatus 21 is being controlled. Preferably, different images and/or sounds are used for different in-vehicle devices 21 to inform the occupant which device is being controlled. This allows the occupant to easily recognize which in-vehicle device 21 is being controlled.

In the operatingdevice 20 according to the present embodiment, since thegrip 40 includes thefirst sensor 45, thesecond sensor 46, and theoperation interface 48, the operatingdevice 20 can be made as a single unit having a relatively small size. Therefore, the present invention can provide anoperating device 20 that can be easily attached to the vehicle door 1. Since thefirst sensor 45 and thesecond sensor 46 are provided on the respective different surfaces of thegrip 40, the operating device is able to grasp the positions of the fingers of the occupant with relatively high accuracy based on the detection signals from thefirst sensor 45 and thesecond sensor 46. In this way, the operation device can accurately determine whether the input to theoperation interface 48 is made by the occupant's intentional input or the occupant's unintentional touch.

To operate theoperation interface 48, the occupant needs to grasp thegrip 40 in such a manner that both thefirst sensor 45 and thesecond sensor 46 can detect the fingers, as shown in fig. 7. As a result, the apparatus does not operate any of the in-vehicle apparatuses 21 even in the case where the occupant inadvertently touches theoperation interface 48 when the occupant places the occupant's finger on thegrip 40 as shown in fig. 9 in order to close the door. Specifically, when the occupant places the occupant's finger on thegrip 40 to close the door, thefirst sensor 45 detects the occupant's finger, while thesecond sensor 46 does not. When the occupant uses theoperation device 20 as an armrest as shown in fig. 10 and places the occupant's hand on thegrip 40, thesecond sensor 46 detects the occupant's finger, but thefirst sensor 45 does not. These features can prevent the occurrence of incorrect operation of the occupant in a certain manner.

Thebody side surface 33 includes aninclined surface 43, and thesecond sensor 46 is located in theinclined surface 43. With this configuration, when the occupant grasps thegrip 40 with the fingers from above, the palm of the occupant is in contact with thesecond sensor 46. As a result, thesecond sensor 46 can appropriately detect the grasping of thegrip 40 by the occupant.

Theoperator interface 48 is located below thesecond sensor 46. This configuration allows the occupant to operate theoperation interface 48 with the first finger while gripping the grip with the palm and the second to fifth fingers.

In other embodiments, thecontroller 55 may control at least one in-vehicle device 21 in response to the occupant's turning operation of theupper plate 50. In this case, theupper plate 50 is rotatably supported by themain body 31 such that theupper plate 50 is rotatable to one side (downward) or the other side (upward) by a corresponding limit angle about the rotation axis X. Theupper plate 50 is urged toward the use position by urging means. Preferably, a rotation angle sensor for detecting the rotation angle of theupper plate 50 is provided between themain body 31 and theupper plate 50, and thecontroller 55 controls the in-vehicle device 21 based on a signal from the rotation angle sensor. In this case, thecontroller 55 may control the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the rotation angle sensor, regardless of the signals from thefirst sensor 45 and thesecond sensor 46.

Although in the above-described embodiment, thegrip 40 is formed by one of therecess side walls 37 defining therecess 35, thegrip 40 may be configured to have a different shape. For example, according to the second embodiment shown in fig. 11, thegrip 40 may be a rod-shapedhandle 70 connected to thegarnish body 3A. In some cases, thehandle 70 of the second embodiment may extend in the front-rear direction, and have both front and rear ends connected to thegarnish body 3A. The intermediate portion of thehandle 70 and thegarnish body 3A define a space therebetween. Thefirst sensor 45, thesecond sensor 46, and theoperation interface 48 may be disposed at a middle portion of thehandle 70. In this case, thehandle 70 serves as an operating device. Thehandle 70 may be integrally formed with thegarnish body 3A. Alternatively, thehandle 70 may be formed as a separate component from thegarnish body 3A, and may be connected to thegarnish body 3A by screws or other coupling means. Thearmrest portion 71 may be connected to a rear end of thehandle 70 and extend rearward. Thearmrest portion 71 extends inward from the inner side surface of the garnishmain body 3A.

Thehandle 70 may be inclined upward from the rear end to the front end. Thefirst sensor 45 and thesecond sensor 46 may be provided on the outer surface (facing the space between thehandle 70 and thegarnish body 3A) and the inner surface (facing the interior of the vehicle) of thehandle 70, respectively. Thefirst sensor 45 and thesecond sensor 46 may be located at the same height. Theoperator interface 48 is disposed in front of thesecond sensor 46 on the inner surface of thehandle 70. Theoperator interface 48 may be disposed above thesecond sensor 46 on the inner surface of thehandle 70. Theselection interface 52 is provided on the upper surface of thehandle 70. Theselection interface 52 may be disposed in front of theoperator interface 48. More specifically, the rear end of theselection interface 52 may be disposed in front of the front end of theoperation interface 48. Preferably, when the occupant grasps thegrip 70 with the palm of the occupant's hand and the third to fifth fingers, theoperation interface 48 is located at a position that can be reached by the occupant's first finger, and theselection interface 52 is located at a position that can be reached by the occupant's second finger.

In the third embodiment shown in fig. 12, thecontroller 55 may be connected to a door open/close sensor 80. The door open/close sensor 80 is provided between the vehicle door 1 and the vehicle body, and supplies a signal indicating the open or closed state of the vehicle door 1 to thecontroller 55. In some embodiments, the door open/close sensor 80 may be a push button switch. When the door 1 is in the closed state, the sensor is pushed by the door 1 and is in the open state (outputs an open state signal). When the door 1 is in the open state, the sensor is separated from the door 1 and is in the closed state (outputs a closed state signal). The door opening/closing sensor 80 may be provided at a hinge portion that rotatably supports the vehicle door 1 with respect to the vehicle body, or at a free end of the vehicle door 1.

When both thefirst sensor 45 and thesecond sensor 46 detect the occupant and the door open/close sensor 80 provides a signal indicating that the vehicle door 1 is in the closed state, thecontroller 55 allows the selected vehicle-mounteddevice 21 to be controlled based on the signal from theoperation interface 48.

In the above embodiment, theupper plate 50 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis X between the use position and the storage position with respect to themain body 31. However, in the fourth embodiment shown in fig. 13, theupper plate 50 may be provided on themain body 31 such that theupper plate 50 is slidable between the use position and the storage position. In this case, guide rails (not shown) may be provided on therecess side walls 37, and respective engaging portions for engaging with the guide rails are provided on both sides of theupper plate 50. In the storage position, theupper surface 50A of theupper plate 50 on which thedisplay 51 and theselection interface 52 are located faces upward. Theupper plate 50 can slide rearward from the use position (fig. 2) to reach the storage position (fig. 13). When theupper plate 50 slides rearward, the inclination (angle) of theupper surface 50A of theupper plate 50 changes so that theupper surface 50A becomes horizontal. In this case, even when theupper plate 50 is in the storage position, thedisplay 51 and theselection interface 52 can be used.

Theoperator interface 48 may be provided with aguide feature 90 for allowing the occupant to identify the correct operating direction. Theguide feature 90 may be a feature in which a plurality of protrusions or recesses are intermittently formed, or a feature in which continuous protrusions or recesses are formed. In a fifth embodiment shown in fig. 14, theguide feature 90 may be a ridge (rib) that extends to indicate the correct operating direction. Theguide feature 90 may extend partially in the front-rear direction and also partially in the up-down direction at its front end. The occupant may perform the input operation by sliding the first finger along theguide feature 90. In other embodiments, theguide feature 90 may be cruciform.

Theoperation interface 48 may be provided with anillumination device 91 for allowing the occupant to recognize the operation direction. Theillumination device 91 may be formed, for example, by a plurality of LEDs or a combination of a plurality of LEDs and a light guide. As shown in fig. 14, thelighting device 91 may be disposed along the operation direction. Thelighting device 91 may partially extend in the front-rear direction, and may also partially extend in the up-down direction at a front end portion thereof. The occupant can check the emitted light from theillumination device 91 and perform an input operation by sliding theoperation interface 48 with the first finger in the direction indicated by the light.

Anoperating device 100 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicle door 1 to which theoperating device 100 is attached has a configuration similar to that of the vehicle door 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts or components of the vehicle door of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in fig. 15 and 16, anarmrest portion 71 is provided at a vertically intermediate portion of thegarnish body 3A of thedoor garnish 3 such that thearmrest portion 71 protrudes beyond the interior of the vehicle and extends in the front-rear direction on the inner side surface of thegarnish body 3A. Alever handle 101 is provided on the inner side surface of thegarnish body 3A. Thehandle 101 extends in the front-rear direction, and is coupled to thegarnish body 3A at front and rear ends thereof. In the present embodiment, the rear end of thehandle 101 is connected to thearmrest portion 71, and is also connected to the garnishmain body 3A via thearmrest portion 71. The front end of thehandle 101 is located above the rear end, and thehandle 101 is inclined upward from the rear end toward the front end. The intermediate portion of thehandle 101 in its longitudinal direction and thegarnish body 3A define a space therebetween. As a result, the occupant can grasp the entire outer periphery of thehandle 101 with the fingers. Thehandle 101 may have any cross-sectional shape, such as circular, oval, or rectangular.

As shown in fig. 17, thehandle 101 may primarily include an inner member and an outer member that form an inner portion and an outer portion of the handle, respectively. The two parts of thehandle 101 define a space between them at their central portions. That is, thehandle 101 has a hollow shape. Thehandle 101 is preferably formed from a plastics material.

Thehandle 101 has aninside surface 105 facing the interior of the vehicle, anoutside surface 106 facing the space (and thegarnish body 3A), alower side surface 107 facing downward and forward, and anupper side surface 108 facing upward and rearward. Theinner side surface 105 is connected with both thelower side surface 107 and theupper side surface 108. Theouter side surface 106 is connected with both thelower side surface 107 and theupper side surface 108. Theinner side surface 105, thelower side surface 107, and theupper side surface 108 may be connected to each other by a smoothly curved surface. Similarly, theouter side surface 106 and thelower side surface 107 and theupper side surface 108 may be connected to each other by a smoothly curved surface. Each of theinner side surface 105, theouter side surface 106, thelower side surface 107, and theupper side surface 108 may be formed as a flat surface or a curved surface. Theinside surface 105, theoutside surface 106, thelower side surface 107, and theupper side surface 108 face in different directions from each other.

As shown in fig. 16, thehandle 101 is provided with afirst operation interface 111, asecond operation interface 112, afirst sensor 113, asecond sensor 114, athird sensor 115, and afourth sensor 116. Thefirst operation interface 111 and thesecond operation interface 112 may have the same configuration as theoperation interface 48 of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, thefirst operation interface 111 and thesecond operation interface 112 are capacitive touch panels. The first tofourth sensors 113 to 116 are sensors for detecting the fingers of the occupant, and may have the same configuration as the first andsecond sensors 45 and 46 of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the first tofourth sensors 113 to 116 are capacitance sensors. As shown in fig. 20, the first and second operation interfaces 111 and 112 and the first tofourth sensors 113 to 116 are connected to thecontroller 55.

As shown in fig. 16 and 17, thefirst sensor 113 is disposed at the rear of the outside surface 106 (facing the space) of thehandle 101. Thesecond sensor 114 is provided on one of an inner side surface 105 (facing the interior of the vehicle), alower side surface 107, and anupper side surface 108, which is different from theouter side surface 106 of thehandle 101. In the present embodiment, thesecond sensor 114 is provided at the rear of thelower surface 107. Thefirst sensor 113 and thesecond sensor 114 are disposed to extend along the longitudinal direction of thehandle 101 so as to at least partially overlap each other when viewed from the vehicle lateral direction. Each of thefirst sensor 113 and thesecond sensor 114 is disposed so that the hand (finger) of the occupant can be detected when the occupant grasps the rear portion of thehandle 101.

Thethird sensor 115 is disposed at the front of theouter side surface 106 of thehandle 101. Therefore, thethird sensor 115 is located in front of thefirst sensor 113. Thefourth sensor 116 is provided on one of theinner side surface 105, thelower side surface 107, and theupper side surface 108, which is different from theouter side surface 106 of thehandle 101. In the present embodiment, thefourth sensor 116 is disposed at the front of thelower surface 107. Therefore, thefourth sensor 116 is located in front of thesecond sensor 114. Thethird sensor 115 and thefourth sensor 116 are disposed so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of thehandle 101 so as to at least partially overlap each other when viewed from the vehicle transverse direction. Each of thethird sensor 115 and thefourth sensor 116 is disposed so as to be able to detect the hand (finger) of the occupant when the occupant grasps the rear portion of thehandle 101.

As shown in fig. 16, a plate-like surface member 120 is provided on theinside surface 105.Surface member 120 is provided to cover the surface ofinside surface 105. Thesurface member 120 extends in the front-rear direction along theinner side surface 105. Thesurface member 120 is a transparent or translucent member. Thesurface member 120 may be formed of, for example, plastic or glass.

As shown in fig. 16, 18 and 19, a patterneddimple surface 121 is formed on thesurface 120A of thesurface member 120. The patterneddimple surface 121 has a plurality ofridges 122 that define a plurality ofrecesses 123. Eachridge 122 extends linearly, and the plurality ofridges 122 collectively form a grid made up of a plurality ofquadrilateral grid members 124. Eachrecess 123 is defined by agrid member 124 and forms a concave surface having a perimeter formed byridges 122.

At the rear of thesurface member 120, afirst operation region 125 including a plurality ofrecesses 123 is provided. At the front of thesurface member 120, asecond operation region 126 including a plurality ofrecesses 123 is provided. In the present embodiment, each of the first andsecond manipulation areas 125 and 126 includes fourmesh members 124 arranged to form a quadrangle. Preferably, thefirst operation region 125 is disposed so that the occupant can operate the rear portion of thehandle 101 with the first finger of the occupant while gripping it with the palm of the occupant's hand and the second to fifth fingers.

Thefirst operation interface 111 is provided in a portion of theback surface 120B of thesurface member 120, the portion corresponding to thefirst operation area 125. In the present embodiment, thefirst operation interface 111 includes four portions corresponding to the fourrecesses 123 such that each portion is located at thecorresponding recess 123. In other embodiments, thefirst manipulation interface 111 may be a single portion corresponding to the fourrecesses 123. Thefirst operation interface 111 may be provided in the accommodating portion 128 in theback surface 120B of the recessedsurface member 120.

Thefirst lighting device 131 is disposed around thefirst operation interface 111 of thesurface member 120 of thehandle 101. Thefirst illumination device 131 includes a firstlight source 132 and alight guide member 133 for transmitting light from the firstlight source 132. Thelight guide members 133 extend along therespective ridges 122 included in thefirst operating region 125 and are arranged in a grid pattern. Preferably, thelight guide member 133 is disposed in the receiving portion 134 in theback surface 120B of theconcave surface member 120. The firstlight source 132 is, for example, an LED. The firstlight source 132 is disposed in contact with thelight guide member 133. The firstlight source 132 is connected to thecontroller 55. The firstlight source 132 receives power from thecontroller 55 and emits light. As shown in fig. 19, when the firstlight source 132 emits light, thelight guide member 133 emits light to illuminate theridge 122 included in thefirst operation region 125.

Eachrecess 123 included in thefirst operation region 125 is provided with amark 137 indicating an object to be operated. Themark 137 may be, for example, an icon indicating an operation of tilting the seatback 23C rearward. When thefirst lighting device 131 is turned off, themark 137 is visually indistinguishable from thesurface member 120, and it is difficult for the occupant to recognize the mark. When thefirst illumination device 131 is turned on, themark 137 is illuminated by light from thelight guide member 133, and the occupant easily recognizes the mark. Theindicia 137 may be engraved on thesurface member 120 or drawn or printed with a fluorescent paint on thesurface 120A of thesurface member 120.

Thesecond operation interface 112 is provided on a portion of theback surface 120B of thesurface member 120, which corresponds to thesecond operation area 126. In the present embodiment, thesecond operation interface 112 may be composed of four parts in the same manner as thefirst operation interface 111.

Thesecond lighting device 141 is disposed around thesecond operation interface 112 of thesurface member 120 of thehandle 101. Thesecond illumination device 141 includes a secondlight source 142 and alight guide member 133 for transmitting light from the secondlight source 142 in a similar manner to thefirst illumination device 131.

Eachrecess 123 included in thesecond operation region 126 is provided with amark 137 indicating an object to be operated. Theindicia 137 of the secondoperational area 126 may be configured in the same manner as the indicia of the firstoperational area 125.

Thefirst operation interface 111 includes four switches corresponding to the fourrecesses 123 of thefirst operation area 125. Similarly, thesecond operation interface 112 includes four switches corresponding to the fourrecesses 123 of thesecond operation region 126. When the finger of the occupant contacts therecess 123 serving as one of these switches, thecontroller 55 detects that the occupant has operated the switch based on the signal from thefirst operation interface 111 or thesecond operation interface 112. In the present embodiment, since thefirst operation interface 111 and thesecond operation interface 112 are capacitance sensors, when the finger of the occupant contacts theconcave portion 123 in thefirst operation region 125 or thesecond operation region 126, the capacitance of thefirst operation interface 111 or thesecond operation interface 112 changes. Thecontroller 55 detects an operation by the occupant on thefirst operation interface 111 or thesecond operation interface 112 based on the signal indicating the change in capacitance from thefirst operation interface 111 or thesecond operation interface 112.

Thecontroller 55 detects whether the finger of the occupant contacts (or approaches) any one of the first tofourth sensors 113 to 116 based on the signals from thesensors 113 to 116.

When both thefirst sensor 113 and thesecond sensor 114 detect the occupant (the finger of the occupant), thecontroller 55 supplies power to the firstlight source 132 of thefirst lighting device 131. As a result, theridges 122 in thefirst operation region 125 emit light in a grid pattern, and themark 137 emits light, whereby the occupant can visually recognize thefirst operation region 125. When both thefirst sensor 113 and thesecond sensor 114 detect an occupant, it can be considered that the occupant is gripping the rear portion of thehandle 101, as shown in fig. 21. Thefirst operation area 125 is illuminated so that the occupant can recognize that thefirst operation interface 111 can be operated.

When both thefirst sensor 113 and thesecond sensor 114 detect the occupant (the finger of the occupant), thecontroller 55 controls the selected in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from thefirst operation interface 111. Specifically, when the finger of the occupant is detected based on the signal from thefirst sensor 113 and also detected based on the signal from thesecond sensor 114, thecontroller 55 controls the selected in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from thefirst operation interface 111. When at least one of thefirst sensor 113 and thesecond sensor 114 does not detect an occupant, thecontroller 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from thefirst operation interface 111. Specifically, when the finger of the occupant is not detected based on the signal from thefirst sensor 113 and/or when the finger of the occupant is not detected based on the signal from thesecond sensor 114, thecontroller 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from thefirst operation interface 111.

When both thethird sensor 115 and thefourth sensor 116 detect the occupant (the finger of the occupant), thecontroller 55 supplies power to the secondlight source 142 of thesecond lighting device 141. As a result, theridges 122 in thesecond operation region 126 emit light in a grid pattern, and the markers emit light, whereby the occupant can visually recognize thesecond operation region 126. When both thethird sensor 115 and thefourth sensor 116 detect the occupant, it can be assumed that the occupant is gripping the front portion of thehandle 101, as shown in fig. 21.

When both thethird sensor 115 and thefourth sensor 116 detect the occupant (the finger of the occupant), thecontroller 55 controls the selected in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from thesecond operation interface 112. Specifically, when the finger of the occupant is detected based on the signal from thethird sensor 115 and also detected based on the signal from thefourth sensor 116, thecontroller 55 controls the selected in-vehicle apparatus 21 based on the signal from thesecond operation interface 112. When at least one of thethird sensor 115 and thefourth sensor 116 does not detect an occupant, thecontroller 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from thesecond operation interface 112. Specifically, when the finger of the occupant is not detected based on the signal from thethird sensor 115 and/or when the finger of the occupant is not detected based on the signal from thefourth sensor 116, thecontroller 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from thesecond operation interface 112.

Preferably, the control performed by thecontroller 55 based on the signal from thefirst manipulation interface 111 is different from the control performed based on the signal from thesecond manipulation interface 112. For example, thecontroller 55 may be configured to control the front-rear adjusting mechanism 23A and the seat back tilting mechanism 23C in response to a signal from thefirst operation interface 111, while controlling theheight adjusting mechanism 23B and the seat heater 23D in response to a signal from thesecond operation interface 112. Further, thecontroller 55 may be configured to select the in-vehicle apparatus 21 to be operated based on the signal from thesecond operation interface 112, and determine the movement direction and the movement amount of the selected in-vehicle apparatus 21 based on the signal from thefirst operation interface 111.

In theoperation device 100 according to the variation of the sixth embodiment shown in fig. 22, thefirst operation interface 111 and thefirst illumination device 131 may be implemented by atouch panel display 150. Thetouch panel display 150 is used to detect a contact operation by an occupant, and also illuminates thefirst operation region 125 by emitting light. Thetouch panel display 150 is disposed on theback surface 120B of thesurface member 120. Thetouch panel display 150 may function as thefirst operation interface 111 in the form of a switch at a position corresponding to eachrecess 123 in thefirst operation region 125 for detecting contact (or approach) of the finger of the occupant. Thetouch panel display 150 may also function as thefirst illumination device 131 by emitting light from a position corresponding to eachridge 122 in thefirst operation region 125. Similarly, thesecond operation interface 112 and thesecond illumination device 141 can also be implemented by thetouch panel display 150.

Anoperating device 200 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicle door 1 to which theoperating device 200 is attached has a configuration similar to that of the vehicle door 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts or components of the vehicle door of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in fig. 23, the operatingdevice 200 is provided at a vertically intermediate portion of the inside surface of thegarnish body 3A. Theoperation device 200 is a device for receiving an input of an occupant who operates one or more in-vehicle devices 21, similar to theoperation device 20 of the first embodiment.

As shown in fig. 24, the operatingdevice 200 includes amain body 231, which is a housing. Thebody 231 is formed of a plastic material. Themain body 231 is attached to a vertically intermediate portion of the inner side surface of the garnishmain body 3A, and extends in the front-rear direction. Thebody 231 may be connected to thegarnish body 3A by screws or any other coupling means. Alternatively, thebody 231 may be integrally formed with thegarnish body 3A.

Themain body 231 of theoperating device 200 has a main bodyupper surface 232 at an upper portion of the main body and a mainbody side surface 233 at an inboard end of the main body, wherein the main bodyupper surface 232 faces upward and extends inward relative to the garnishmain body 3A, and the mainbody side surface 233 faces the interior of the vehicle. The bodyupper surface 232 can support the forearm of the occupant and can therefore function as an armrest.

As shown in fig. 24 and 25, arecess 235 is formed on the upper surface of themain body 231 of theoperating device 200. Therecess 235 extends in the front-rear direction, and has arecess front portion 235A and a recessrear portion 235B.Recess 235 is defined by arecess bottom wall 236 and arecess side wall 237 extending upwardly fromrecess bottom wall 36. Thefirst side surface 238 is an inner surface of an inner portion of therecess side wall 237, thefirst side surface 238 facing outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Thefirst side surface 238 extends in the front-rear direction, and has a first sidesurface front portion 238A and a first side surfacerear portion 238B.

Therecess front portion 235A has a smaller width in the lateral direction of the vehicle than the recessrear portion 235B. A rearward facingshoulder surface 238C is provided at the boundary between the first sidesurface front portion 238A and the first side surfacerear portion 238B.

As shown in fig. 25A, the first side-surface front portion 238A is inclined to extend downward and outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle, which can make it difficult for the occupant to hold his or her fingers on the first side-surface front portion 238A. Therefore, it is difficult for the occupant to grip therecess front portion 235A with his fingers in order to open/close the door 1.

As shown in fig. 25B, at the upper end portion of the first side-surfacerear portion 238B, aprojection 239 extends outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle. In the bodyupper surface 232, the firstupper surface 241 is a surface extending between the upper end of thefirst side surface 238 and the upper end of thebody side surface 233. The firstupper surface 241 connects the upper end of thefirst side surface 238 to the upper end of the mainbody side surface 233. Thegrip 240 is formed by the first side surfacerear portion 238B, the firstupper surface 241, and the mainbody side surface 233. Thegrip 240 is a wall portion that protrudes upward and extends in the front-rear direction so that the occupant can hold/grasp thegrip 40 with the occupant's fingers. The occupant can grasp thehandle 240 to open or close the door 1. Thus, the recess back 235B serves as a handle.

As shown in fig. 24, afirst sensor 245 for detecting the finger of the occupant is provided in a portion of thefirst side surface 38, which corresponds to therecess front portion 235A in the front-rear direction. Thefirst sensor 245 is a sensor configured to detect contact or proximity of a finger of an occupant, and examples of sensors that may be used as thefirst sensor 245 include a capacitive sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a membrane switch, and an infrared beam switch. Thefirst sensor 245 extends in the front-rear direction on the firstupper surface 241. Thefirst sensor 245 is connected to thecontroller 55.

Thefirst operation interface 248 and thesecond operation interface 249 are provided on a portion of the mainbody side surface 233, which corresponds to therecess front portion 235A in the front-rear direction. Thefirst operation interface 248 is configured to receive an input of an occupant operating the at least one in-vehicle apparatus 21. Thefirst operation interface 248 is a switch to be operated by a finger of the occupant, and examples of thefirst operation interface 248 include a capacitive sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, and a membrane switch. In the present embodiment, thefirst operation interface 248 is a capacitive touch panel and receives a touch operation performed by a finger of an occupant thereon. Thesecond operation interface 249 is a switch operable by a finger of the occupant, and examples of thesecond operation interface 249 include a tactile switch and a push button switch.

Preferably, thefirst operation interface 248 is located in front of thesecond operation interface 249. Thefirst operation interface 248 and thesecond operation interface 249 are provided on the mainbody side surface 233 at the same height. Thefirst operation interface 248 and thesecond operation interface 249 are connected to thecontroller 55 in the same manner as the first embodiment.

Thefirst operation interface 248 includes a plurality ofinput portions 248A. Eachinput portion 248A is surrounded by a correspondingconvex strip 248B protruding from the mainbody side surface 233. Therefore, the plurality ofinput portions 248A are separated from each other by theconvex strips 248B. This allows the occupant to tactilely find theribs 248B and theinput 248A with his fingers rather than visually. Theinput portions 248A may be provided at the bottoms of the respective concave portions formed on the mainbody side surface 233. Preferably, the surface of eachinput 248A is provided with a protruding feature that can be felt by the fingers of the occupant.

Eachinput portion 248A is provided for and outputs a signal for a corresponding one of the front-rear adjusting mechanism 23A, theheight adjusting mechanism 23B, the seat back tilting mechanism 23C, and the seat heater 24D. The occupant can control each of the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A, theheight adjustment mechanism 23B, the seat back tilt mechanism 23C, and the seat heater 24D to adjust the position, angle, and temperature of the seat by operating thecorresponding input portion 248A.

Thesecond operation interface 249 includes a plurality ofinput sections 249A, which are fourinput sections 249A in the present embodiment. Eachinput section 249A is a switch for operating the correspondingpower window device 22 of one of the plurality of seats. Theinput portions 249A are arranged adjacent to each other. Eachinput portion 249A partially protrudes from the mainbody side surface 233.

Thefirst operation interface 248 is located at a position that the first finger of the occupant can reach when the second to fourth fingers of the occupant are in contact with the first sidesurface front portion 238A of therecess front portion 235A. Further, thefirst operation interface 248 is located at a position that the first finger of the occupant cannot reach when the second to fourth fingers of the occupant are in contact with the first side surfacerear portion 238B of the recessrear portion 235B.

Adisplay portion 250 for indicating the operation state of the in-vehicle apparatus 21 is provided in front of therecess 235 on the main bodyupper surface 232. Thedisplay section 250 may be a display screen configured to instruct the operation of each in-vehicle apparatus 21 by using a change or animation of light emission.

Thecontroller 55 detects whether the finger of the occupant is in contact with thefirst sensor 245 or whether the finger is close to thefirst sensor 245 based on the signal from thefirst sensor 245. When thefirst sensor 245 detects the occupant (the finger of the occupant), thecontroller 55 controls the in-vehicle device 21 corresponding to the operatedinput portion 248A based on the signal from thefirst operation interface 248. When thefirst sensor 245 does not detect an occupant, thecontroller 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from theoperation interface 248. Specifically, when the finger of the occupant is not detected based on the signal from thefirst sensor 245, thecontroller 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from thefirst operation interface 248.

Since the first side-surface front portion 238A is inclined, it is difficult for the occupant to hold his or her finger on the first side-surface front portion 238A. However, since the first side-surfacerear portion 238B includes theprojection 239, it is easy for the occupant to hold his or her finger on the first side-surfacerear portion 238B. Therefore, when opening or closing the door 1, the occupant naturally uses the recessedrear portion 235B as a handle. As a result, when the occupant is closing the vehicle door 1, the fingers of the occupant become less likely to come into contact with thefirst sensor 245 and thefirst operation interface 248, thereby preventing an improper operation of thefirst operation interface 248.

Theshoulder surface 238C is provided at the boundary between the first sidesurface front portion 238A and the first side surfacerear portion 238B. Therefore, when the occupant holds the first side surfacerear portion 238B with the fingers so as to close the vehicle door 1, the fingers of the occupant abut theshoulder surface 238C, thereby preventing the fingers from moving to the first sidesurface front portion 238A. Accordingly, theshoulder surface 238C helps to keep the occupant's fingers away from thefirst sensor 245 and thefirst operation interface 248, thereby preventing improper operation of thefirst operation interface 248.

In theoperating device 200 according to the modification of the seventh embodiment shown in fig. 26, thefirst side surface 238 may include aninclined surface 260 in place of theshoulder surface 238C. Theinclined surface 260 is inclined to extend rearward and inward in the lateral direction of the vehicle. In this case, when the occupant holds the finger on the first sidesurface front portion 238A to close the vehicle door 1, theinclined surface 260 guides the finger from the first sidesurface front portion 238A toward the first side surfacerear portion 238B. Therefore, when the occupant holds the fingers on the first side-surfacerear portion 238B to close the vehicle door 1, theinclined surface 260 helps to hold the fingers on the first side-surfacerear portion 238B, preventing them from moving forward.

As shown in fig. 27, the first sidesurface front portion 238A may be provided with aguide groove 270 that is recessed toward the inside of the vehicle. The upper end of theguide groove 270 reaches the firstupper surface 241. The firstside surface front 238A may be provided with a plurality ofguide grooves 270. Theguide groove 270 may have a semicircular or rectangular cross section when viewed from above. The occupant can hold the second to fourth fingers in theguide groove 270 so that the first finger of the occupant is properly placed at thefirst operation interface 248.

Description of the reference numerals

1 vehicle door

3 door decorations

11 door handle

20 operating device

21 vehicle-mounted device

31 main body

32 upper surface of the main body

33 side surface of the main body

35 concave part

38 first side surface

39 projection

40 handle

41 first upper surface

43 inclined surface

45 first sensor

46 second sensor

48 interface

50 upper board

51 display

52 selection interface

55 controller

70 handle

100 operating device

101 handle

105 inner side surface

106 outside surface

111 first operation interface

112 second operation interface

113 first sensor

114 second sensor

115 third sensor

116 fourth sensor

131 first lighting device

141 second lighting device

200 operating device

235 recess

235A recess front

235B recess rear

236 recess bottom wall

237 recess side wall

238 first side surface

238A first side surface front

238B rear of the first side surface

238C shoulder surface

239 projection

240 handle

245 first sensor

248 first operation interface

249 second operation interface

250 display element

260 inclined surface

270 guiding groove

The X axis of rotation.

Claims (15)

1. An operating device for a vehicle having a front-rear direction and a lateral direction, the operating device comprising:

a grip provided on an inner surface of a door of the vehicle, the grip extending in the front-rear direction and including an outer side surface, an inner side surface, and an upper surface connecting an upper edge of the outer side surface to an upper edge of the inner side surface;

an operation interface provided on the inner side surface of the grip for receiving an operation input to operate at least one in-vehicle device input by an occupant;

a first sensor disposed on the outer side surface for detecting the finger of the occupant;

a second sensor provided on at least one of the inner side surface and the upper surface for detecting the finger of the occupant; and

a controller connected to the operator interface, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the at least one in-vehicle device,

wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the operation interface when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the occupant, and wherein the controller prohibits control of the at least one in-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation interface when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect the occupant.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the second sensor is provided on the outer side surface.

3. The operating device according to claim 2, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are disposed so as to overlap each other when viewed from the lateral direction.

4. The operating device according to claim 3, wherein the inside surface includes an inclined surface at an upper portion thereof, the inclined surface being inclined upward and toward an outside of the vehicle, and

wherein the second sensor is disposed on the inclined surface.

5. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operation interface is located below the second sensor.

6. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second sensor extends in the front-rear direction, and wherein a rear end of the second sensor is located rearward of a rear end of the operation interface.

7. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a rear end of the second sensor is located forward of a rear end of the grip.

8. The operating device according to claim 7, wherein a front end of the second sensor is located rearward of a front end of the grip.

9. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one in-vehicle device includes a plurality of in-vehicle devices,

wherein the grip is provided with a selection interface for selecting one of the plurality of in-vehicle devices,

wherein the operation interface and the selection interface are provided so as to extend in the front-rear direction so as to at least partially overlap with each other when viewed from the lateral direction, an

Wherein a front end of the second sensor is located behind a rear end of the selection interface.

10. An operating device for a vehicle having a front-rear direction and a lateral direction, the operating device comprising:

a handle provided on an inner surface of a door of a vehicle, the handle extending in the front-rear direction to have a front end and a rear end, both of which are connected to the door;

a first operation interface provided on an inner side surface of the handle for receiving an operation input by an occupant to operate at least one in-vehicle device;

a first sensor disposed on an outer side surface of the handle for detecting the fingers of the occupant;

a second sensor provided on a surface of the handle different from the outer side surface for detecting the finger of the occupant; and

a controller connected to the first operator interface, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the at least one in-vehicle device,

wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the first operation interface when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the occupant, and wherein the controller prohibits control of the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the first operation interface when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect the occupant.

11. The operating device according to claim 10, further comprising:

a second operation interface, provided on the inner side surface of the handle, for receiving an operation input by the occupant to operate the at least one of the in-vehicle devices;

a third sensor provided on the outer side surface of the handle for detecting the finger of the occupant; and

a fourth sensor provided on a surface of the handle different from the outer side surface for detecting the finger of the occupant,

wherein the second operation interface, the third sensor and the fourth sensor are connected to the controller, an

Wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the second operation interface when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect the occupant, and wherein the controller prohibits control of the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the second operation interface when at least one of the third sensor and the fourth sensor does not detect the occupant.

12. The operating device according to claim 11, wherein control performed by the controller based on the signal from the first operation interface is different from control performed by the controller based on the signal from the second operation interface.

13. The operating device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second operation interface is located in front of the first operation interface,

wherein the third sensor is located in front of the first sensor, an

Wherein the fourth sensor is located in front of the second sensor.

14. The operating device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising:

the first lighting device is arranged around the first operation interface of the handle; and

a second illumination device disposed around the second operation interface of the handle,

wherein the first and second lighting devices are connected to the controller,

wherein the controller causes the first illumination device to emit light when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the occupant, and wherein the controller causes the second illumination device to emit light when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect the occupant.

15. A vehicle door comprising an operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images