Steering device

Abstract

The steering device can reduce the possibility that a user or an occupant visually confirms light passing through a holding part. The present invention is provided with a rotating unit rotatably attached to a moving body, and a gripping unit, the rotating unit having: one or more light irradiation units that emit light toward at least a portion of the gripping unit; and one or more light adjustment units that are disposed between the one light irradiation unit and the gripping unit on the optical path of the light toward the gripping unit, and that allow passing light, which is a part of the light, to pass therethrough. When a direction in which at least a portion of the gripping portion irradiated with light extends is defined as a first direction, a direction perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis and the first direction is defined as a second direction, a surface including the optical axis and the first direction is defined as a first surface, and a surface including the optical axis and the second direction is defined as a second surface, the first surface and the second surface are perpendicular to each other. The light adjustment unit blocks other portions of the light emitted from the light irradiation unit, i.e., non-passing light, such that a first angular range in the first surface is larger than a second angular range in the second surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a steering device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a steering wheel lighting device that uses LEDs mounted on the pad and spokes of a vehicle's steering wheel to emit visible light toward the steering wheel. The driver visually confirms the light emitted toward the steering wheel, thereby urging the driver to hold the wheel of the steering wheel when the vehicle switches from automatic driving to manual driving.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-111440 Summary of the invention

[0004] Usually, the dimension of the wheel portion of the steering device in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle is smaller than the dimension of the left-to-right direction of the vehicle. In the technology of Patent Document 1, regarding the LED that can illuminate the wheel portion in a range greater than a certain degree in the left-to-right direction of the vehicle, if light is emitted to the wheel portion, the light that is not irradiated to the wheel portion passes from the front and back of the wheel portion. The light that passes from the front and back of the wheel portion may be incident on the windshield and ceiling of the vehicle. In the case where the driver visually confirms the light incident on the windshield, it may hinder driving. In the case where the driver and the occupants of the vehicle visually confirm the light incident on the ceiling, it may be cumbersome.

[0005] The present invention can be implemented as the following aspects.

[0006] (1) According to one embodiment of the present invention, a steering device is provided. The steering device is a steering device provided on a mobile body, and comprises: a rotating part, which is rotatably mounted on the mobile body; and a holding part, which is held by a user and connected to the rotating part, and the rotating part comprises: one or more light irradiation parts, which emit light toward at least a part of the holding part; and one or more light adjustment parts, which are respectively arranged between the one light irradiation part and the holding part on the optical path of the light emitted by one of the one or more light irradiation parts and toward the holding part, so that the passing light as a part of the light passes through, and when the light in the holding part is adjusted, the passing light passes through. When the direction in which at least a portion irradiated by the light extends is set as the first direction, the direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the light emitted by the light irradiation portion and the first direction is set as the second direction, the surface including the optical axis and the first direction is set as the first surface, and the surface including the optical axis and the second direction is set as the second surface, the light adjustment portion blocks non-passing light, which is the other portion of the light emitted from the light irradiation portion, in the following manner, i.e., the angular range of the passing light within the first surface, i.e., the first angular range, is greater than the angular range of the passing light within the second surface, i.e., the second angular range.

[0007] According to the steering device of this mode, compared with a mode in which the angle range of the light passing through the light adjusting portion in the first plane, i.e., the first angle range, and the angle range of the light passing through the light adjusting portion in the second plane, i.e., the second angle range, are equal, the amount of light passing excessively from the gripping portion in the second plane can be reduced. By making the angle range of the light in the second plane smaller than the angle range of the light in the first plane, the possibility of the user or passenger visually recognizing the light passing through the gripping portion can be reduced.

[0008] (2) In the steering device of the above-mentioned manner, it can be formed that the rotating part has a cushion part, the cushion part is formed with a hole part located between the light irradiation part and the holding part when viewed in the direction of the optical axis, the light adjustment part covers the hole part and constitutes a surface continuous with the surface dividing the hole part, and when viewed in the direction of the optical axis, the light adjustment part has: a passing part, which is arranged in the part through which the optical axis passes and can allow the light to pass; and a non-passing part, which is arranged continuously relative to the passing part and does not allow the light to pass.

[0009] According to the steering device of this aspect, compared with an aspect in which the light irradiation section and the light adjustment section are arranged between the pad section and the grip section, it is possible to prevent the light irradiation section and the light adjustment section from being damaged by the user's operation.

[0010] (3) In the steering device of the above-mentioned manner, the light irradiation portion can be formed to have: a light emitting element, which emits the light within a predetermined angle range; and a lens, which narrows the angle range of the light emitted by the light emitting element, wherein the lens narrows the angle range of the light emitted by the light emitting element in the following manner, i.e., the angle range within the first surface of the light emitted by the light irradiation portion, i.e., the first emission angle range, is larger than the angle range within the second surface of the light emitted by the light irradiation portion, i.e., the second emission angle range.

[0011] According to the steering device of this mode, the proportion of light in the second emission angle range in the light emitted from the light irradiation portion can be increased compared to a mode in which the first emission angle range and the second emission angle range are equal. Therefore, even if the non-passing light is blocked by the light adjustment portion, the proportion of the passing light can be increased. Therefore, the proportion of light irradiated to the gripping portion can be increased.

[0012] (4) In the steering device of the above-mentioned method, it can be formed that as the greater than or equal to one light irradiation part, there are a first light irradiation part and a second light irradiation part, and as the greater than or equal to one light adjustment part, there are: a first light adjustment part, which is arranged between the first light irradiation part and the holding part; and a second light adjustment part, which is arranged between the second light irradiation part and the holding part, and the holding part is arranged to surround the periphery of the rotating part, and the first light irradiation part and the second light irradiation part are respectively constructed so that when the rotating part is in a reference angular position, a part of the passing light is irradiated to a part of the holding part that is located on the upper side of the rotating part in the vertical direction, and when the rotating part is in the reference angular position and the direction toward the upper side is set to 0°, the first light irradiation part is configured so that the angle of the optical axis in the first plane is 0

[0013] The second light irradiation unit is configured so that the angle of the optical axis in the first plane is in the range of 0° to -30°.

[0014] In addition to the above-described embodiment of the steering device, the present invention can be implemented in various embodiments such as a method for manufacturing a steering device and a vehicle equipped with the steering device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicle equipped with the steering device according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram showing a steering device.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining the pad portion.

[0018] Figure 4 Yes Figure 2 The configuration is an enlarged view of the periphery of the first light irradiation unit.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of the first light irradiation unit.

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 VI-VI cross-sectional view.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining the light adjustment unit.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining a state where the light adjustment unit blocks the hole.

[0023] Fig. 9 It is an explanatory diagram showing a control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] A. First Implementation Method:

[0025] A1. Structure of the first embodiment:

[0026] Figure 1 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicle VW equipped with the steering device 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 In the example, the vehicle VW is placed on a horizontal surface. Figure 1 The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown as being orthogonal to each other. The X-axis is the left-right direction of the vehicle VW. The direction from the near front side to the back side of the paper is the positive direction of the X-axis. The Y-axis is a direction parallel to the direction in which the rotation axis AR described later extends. The Z-axis is a direction orthogonal to the X-axis and the Y-axis. Figure 1 In the diagram, the VU axis indicates the vertical direction. The upward direction in the vertical direction is the positive direction of the VU axis.

[0027] The vehicle VW of this embodiment can be driven automatically or manually by a driver DR who is a user of the vehicle VW. The vehicle VW has a distance measuring device RF, a vehicle control unit VC, and a steering device 1. The distance measuring device RF and the steering device 1 are electrically connected to the vehicle control unit VC, respectively, and can send and receive signals with the vehicle control unit VC.

[0028] The distance measuring device RF obtains the distance to other vehicles, pedestrians and other objects in front of the vehicle VW. The distance measuring device RF sends the acquired data of the distance to the object to the vehicle control unit VC. In this embodiment, a millimeter wave radar is used as the distance measuring device RF. In addition, a sonar, a LIDAR sensor, etc. can be used as the distance measuring device RF.

[0029] The vehicle control unit VC calculates the speed of the object based on the relative moving distance of the object relative to the vehicle VW within a predetermined time. When the speed of the object in front of the vehicle VW is greater than the predetermined speed, the vehicle control unit VC sends a preceding vehicle start signal to the control unit 30 of the steering device 1 described later. The preceding vehicle start signal is a signal indicating that the other vehicle as the object has started. Figure 1 The control unit 30 is omitted in the figure.

[0030] In addition, the vehicle control unit VC acquires the current position of the vehicle VW and the section of the road that can be driven automatically through the wireless network communication. When the vehicle VW is in a place at a predetermined distance to the section of the road that needs to be driven by the driver DR while the vehicle VW is driving automatically, the vehicle control unit VC sends a manual driving change signal to the control unit 30 of the steering device 1, and the manual driving change signal is a signal indicating that the driving of the vehicle VW should be changed from automatic driving to manual driving.

[0031] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram showing the steering device 1 . Figure 2 is looking towards the positive Y axis Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a steering device 1. Figure 2 A simplified diagram of the steering device 1 is shown in FIG. Figure 2 In the figure, for easy understanding, the holding portion 10 is marked with a hatching line. Figure 1 As shown, the steering device 1 is held by the driver DR. The steering device 1 is a device that is operated by the driver DR to steer the vehicle VW.

[0032] The steering device 1 is connected to a rotation shaft AR protruding from the inside of the front FRO of the vehicle VW (see Figure 1 The steering device 1 is mounted on the vehicle VW via the rotation shaft AR. The rotation shaft AR transmits the rotation to a torque sensor (not shown) of the vehicle VW. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the steering device 1 includes a gripping portion 10, a rotating portion 20, and a control portion 30. Figure 2 The control unit 30 is omitted in the figure.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the grip portion 10 is a portion gripped by a driver DR who is a user of the vehicle VW. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the gripping portion 10 is connected to the rotating portion 20 at the inner circumference of the gripping portion 10. The gripping portion 10 is configured to surround the periphery of the rotating axis AR. Figure 2The rotation axis AR is omitted in the figure. The holding portion 10 is configured to be symmetrical across the rotating portion 20. In the present embodiment, the holding portion 10 is configured to be symmetrical with respect to the Z axis when the rotating portion 20 is in a reference angular position. The reference angular position will be described later. In the present embodiment, the holding portion 10 has a substantially annular shape. The holding portion 10 has a core portion 11 and a covering portion 12. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the core portion 11 is indicated by a dotted line.

[0034] The core portion 11 is covered by the covering portion 12. The core portion 11 has an annular shape. The core portion 11 is configured to be symmetrical with respect to the rotating portion 20. Figure 2 Although not shown in the figure, the core portion 11 is connected to a component extending in the X-axis direction, namely, a fixing component, through the center of the core portion 11 in the Z-axis direction. The fixing component is formed of the same material as the core portion 11. When the fixing component is observed in the Y-axis direction, a hole located on the inner side of the pad hole portion 211 described later is formed. The above-mentioned rotating shaft AR is connected to the hole of the fixing component. The covering portion 12 covers the core portion 11 to protect the core portion 11. In addition, the covering portion 12 covers a portion of the rotating portion 20. The covering portion 12 has a first covering portion 121 and a second covering portion 122. In Figure 2 , only the second covering portion 122 is shown, and the illustration of the first covering portion 121 is omitted. The first covering portion 121 covers the core portion 11. In addition, the first covering portion 121 covers a portion of the rotating portion 20. The first covering portion 121 is covered by the second covering portion 122. The first covering portion 121 is formed of a soft synthetic resin. In the present embodiment, foamed polyurethane is used as the synthetic resin. The second covering portion 122 covers the first covering portion 121. In the present embodiment, leather is used as the material of the second covering portion 122. The driver DR holds the core portion 11 via the covering portion 12 to operate the grip portion 10.

[0035] The rotating part 20 is rotatably mounted on the vehicle VW. Specifically, the rotating shaft AR passes through the pad hole 211 of the pad 21 described later, thereby enabling the rotating part 20 to be rotatably mounted on the vehicle VW. In addition, the rotating part 20 is connected to the gripping part 10. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the rotating unit 20 is not rotated by the driver DR, the rotating unit 20 is symmetrical with respect to a plane including the Y axis and the Z axis. The symmetry plane of the rotating unit 20 defines the position of the rotating unit 20 including the VU direction as the vertical direction as the “reference angular position of the rotating unit 20”. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , it is shown that the rotating unit 20 is in the reference angular position of the rotating unit 20. Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the rotating part 20 includes a pad part 21, a holding part HP, a first light irradiation part 22, a second light irradiation part 23, a third light irradiation part 24, a fourth light irradiation part 25, a first light adjustment part 26, a second light adjustment part 27, a third light adjustment part 28, a fourth light adjustment part 29, and a storage space SP. Hereinafter, when the first light irradiation part 22, the second light irradiation part 23, the third light irradiation part 24, and the fourth light irradiation part 25 are not distinguished, they are labeled as "light irradiation part LI". In addition, when the first light adjustment part 26, the second light adjustment part 27, the third light adjustment part 28, and the fourth light adjustment part 29 are not distinguished, they are labeled as "light adjustment part LA".

[0036] Figure 3 2 is a diagram for explaining the pad 21. The pad 21 is a portion that is partially covered by the grip 10. The pad 21 is connected to the above-mentioned fixing member. Figure 3 In the figure, the rotation axis AR and the grip portion 10 are omitted. The pad portion 21 is recessed in the positive direction of the Y axis, which is the direction away from the center of the grip portion 10 and the direction away from the driver DR. Polyurethane is used as the material of the pad portion 21. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the pad portion 21 has a pad hole portion 211, a first hole portion 212, a second hole portion 213, a third hole portion 214, and a fourth hole portion 215. Hereinafter, when the first hole portion 212, the second hole portion 213, the third hole portion 214, and the fourth hole portion 215 are not distinguished, they are labeled as "hole portion HL".

[0037] The pad hole 211 is a portion through which the rotation axis AR passes. Specifically, the rotation axis AR passes through a hole of a fixing member (not shown) disposed inside the pad hole 211. The pad hole 211 is formed at the center of the pad 21 when viewed in the Y-axis direction.

[0038] The structure common to the hole portion HL is described. The hole portion HL is a hole through which light emitted from the light irradiation portion LI passes. Figure 2 As shown, the hole HL is covered by the light adjustment part LA. When viewed in the direction of the optical axis of the light emitted from the light irradiation part LI, the hole HL is formed between the light irradiation part LI and the grip part 10. Figure 2 In FIG. 2 , only the optical axis OA of the light emitted from the first light irradiation unit 22 is shown. Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the hole portion HL has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0039] like Figure 2As shown, the light emitted from the first light irradiation portion 22 passes through the first hole portion 212. The first hole portion 212 is formed at the end of the pad portion 21 in the positive direction of the Z axis when the rotating portion 20 is in the reference angular position. When viewed in the direction of the optical axis OA of the light emitted from the first light irradiation portion 22, the first hole portion 212 is formed between the first light irradiation portion 22 and the holding portion 10. The light emitted from the second light irradiation portion 23 passes through the second hole portion 213. The second hole portion 213 is formed at the end of the pad portion 21 in the positive direction of the Z axis and at a position on the negative side of the X axis relative to the first hole portion 212 when the rotating portion 20 is in the reference angular position. When viewed in the direction of the optical axis of the light emitted from the second light irradiation portion 23, the second hole portion 213 is formed between the second light irradiation portion 23 and the holding portion 10. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the optical axis of the light emitted from the second light irradiation unit 23 is omitted from illustration.

[0040] The light emitted from the third light irradiation unit 24 passes through the third hole 214. The third hole 214 is formed at a position on the negative side of the Z axis relative to the first hole 212 of the pad 21 when the rotating unit 20 is at the reference angular position. When viewed in the direction of the optical axis of the light emitted from the third light irradiation unit 24, the third hole 214 is formed between the third light irradiation unit 24 and the gripping unit 10. Figure 3 , the illustration of the optical axis of the light emitted from the third light irradiation section 24 is omitted. The light emitted from the fourth light irradiation section 25 passes through the fourth hole portion 215. The fourth hole portion 215 is formed at a position on the negative side of the Z axis relative to the second hole portion 213 of the pad portion 21 when the rotating portion 20 is in a reference angular position. In addition, the fourth hole portion 215 is formed at a position on the negative side of the X axis relative to the third hole portion 214 when the rotating portion 20 is in a reference angular position. When viewed in the direction of the optical axis of the light emitted from the fourth light irradiation section 25, the fourth hole portion 215 is formed between the fourth light irradiation section 25 and the holding portion 10. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the optical axis of the light emitted from the fourth light irradiation unit 25 is omitted from illustration.

[0041] Figure 4 Yes Figure 2 The configuration is an enlarged view of the periphery of the first light irradiation unit 22. The holding portion HP is a component for holding the light irradiation unit LI. The holding portion HP is configured to be detachable relative to the pad portion 21. Figure 4 As shown, the holding portion HP is fixed to the pad portion 21 by bolts BI while holding the light irradiation portion LI. The holding portion HP can be easily removed from the pad portion 21 by removing the bolts BI from the pad portion 21. Thus, the light irradiation portion LI can be replaced. In addition, the holding portion HP is fixed to the pad portion 21 to prevent the light irradiation portion LI from being misaligned. Therefore, the light irradiation to the grip portion 10 can be performed with high precision. Figure 2As shown, the holding portion holding the first light irradiation portion 22 is marked as the first holding portion HP1, the holding portion holding the second light irradiation portion 23 is marked as the second holding portion HP2, the holding portion holding the third light irradiation portion 24 is marked as the third holding portion HP3, and the holding portion holding the fourth light irradiation portion 25 is marked as the fourth holding portion HP4.

[0042] The structure common to the light irradiation unit LI is described. The light irradiation unit LI emits light toward a part of the gripping unit 10. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the light irradiation unit LI is fixed to the pad 21 by bolts BI via the holding portion HP in the accommodation space SP of the pad 21 (see FIG. 2 ). Figures 2 to 4 ).

[0043] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of the first light irradiation unit 22. Figure 5 The first light irradiation unit 22 is described, and thus the elements commonly included in the light irradiation unit LI are described. The first light irradiation unit 22 has a shape that is approximately rectangular. The first light irradiation unit 22 has a housing 221, a light emitting element 222, a light source substrate 223 (not shown), and a lens 224. The housing 221 is a component that accommodates the light emitting element 222, the light source substrate 223, and the lens 224. The housing 221 has a shape that is approximately rectangular. Silicone resin is used as a material for the housing 221.

[0044] The light emitting element 222 emits light within a predetermined angle range. The angle range in this specification refers to the angle range of light passing through a plane including the optical axis OA. In the present embodiment, the light emitting element 222 emits light in an angle range extending 60° in the left and right directions in a certain plane with the optical axis OA as the center. In addition, the light emitting element 222 can emit light in an angle range other than 60°, such as 30°, 90°, etc. in the left and right directions in a certain plane with the optical axis OA as the center. In the present embodiment, a light emitting diode is used as the light emitting element 222. The light source substrate 223 is provided with the light emitting element 222. The light source substrate 223 is a printing substrate.

[0045] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 VI-VI section diagram. Figure 6 In the figure, a portion of the cross section is shown. In addition, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view including the optical axis OA. Figure 2 In order to distinguish it from the optical axis OA, the position of the cross section is deliberately staggered. Figure 6The shape of the cross section of the gripping portion 10 is incorrect. When describing the lens 224, the surface including the optical axis OA and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA is described. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the direction in which a portion of the irradiated light in the gripping portion 10 extends is marked as the first direction FD. The first direction FD is a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA. The surface including the optical axis OA of the light emitted by the first light irradiation portion 22 and the first direction FD is marked as the first surface FS. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , a portion of the first surface FS is represented by a box. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA and the first direction FD is referred to as the second direction SD. The surface including the optical axis OA and the second direction SD is referred to as the second surface SS. Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , a portion of the second surface SS is represented by a box.

[0046] In the following, the direction of the optical axis OA toward the gripping portion 10 is marked as the positive direction of the optical axis OA, and the opposite direction is marked as the negative direction of the optical axis OA. The direction of the first direction FD toward the right side of the vehicle VW is marked as the “positive direction of the first direction FD,” and the opposite direction is marked as the “negative direction of the first direction FD.” The direction of the second direction SD toward the front of the vehicle VW is marked as the “positive direction of the second direction SD,” and the opposite direction is marked as the “negative direction of the second direction SD.” Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the figure, the symbols indicate the optical axis OA, the first direction FD, and the axes of the second direction SD.

[0047] The light emitted by the light emitting element 222 is Figure 5 The lens 224 shown passes through. In the present embodiment, the lens 224 reduces the angular range of the light emitted by the light emitting element 222. The lens 224 has a lens portion 224a and a base 224b. The lens portion 224a is the portion through which the light emitted by the light emitting element 222 passes. The lens portion 224a is connected to the base 224b. The lens portion 224a has a shape that is convex from the end connected to the base 224b toward the positive direction of the optical axis OA. The lens portion 224a has a curved surface formed from the vertex 224aA of the lens portion 224a toward the negative direction of the optical axis OA. The curved surface extending from the vertex 224aA of the lens portion 224a in two directions of the first direction FD forms a curved surface that is gentler than the curved surface extending in two directions of the second direction SD.

[0048] Generally, it is known that a light emitting element has a property of emitting light in a cone shape with the optical axis as the center. Therefore, when the curvatures of the lens portion 224a in the first direction FD and the second direction SD are the same, the light emitted from the light emitting element 222 passes through the lens portion 224a in a circular shape with the optical axis OA as the center. As described above, the steering device 1 is an annular component held by the driver DR, so in the mode of emitting light in a circular shape with the optical axis OA as the center, when viewed from the direction of the X-axis, the proportion of light that passes through the periphery of the grip portion 10 in the Y-axis direction is large.

[0049] In this embodiment, the curved surface extending from the vertex 224aa of the lens portion 224a in the two directions of the first direction FD forms a curved surface that is gentler than the curved surface extending in the two directions of the second direction SD, so the curvature of the lens portion 224a in the second direction SD is greater than the curvature in the first direction FD. Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the angle range within the first surface FS of the light emitted by the first light irradiation unit 22, that is, the first emission angle range FIA, is greater than the second emission angle range SIA within the second surface SS of the light emitted by the first light irradiation unit 22. In addition, the first emission angle range FIA ​​refers to a range in which the amount of light passing through the straight line intersecting the plane perpendicular to the optical axis OA and the first surface FS is greater than or equal to 10% of the peak light amount. The second emission angle range SIA refers to a range in which the amount of light passing through the straight line intersecting the plane perpendicular to the optical axis OA and the second surface SS is greater than or equal to 10% of the peak light amount.

[0050] Specifically, the lens portion 224a is used to converge the light emitted from the light emitting element 222 in such a manner that the first emission angle range FIA ​​is greater than or equal to 40° and less than or equal to 70°. In the present embodiment, the lens portion 224a is configured so that the first emission angle range FIA ​​becomes 56°. In addition, the lens portion 224a is used to converge the light emitted from the light emitting element 222 in such a manner that the second emission angle range SIA is greater than or equal to 10° and less than or equal to 20°. In the present embodiment, the lens portion 224a is configured so that the second emission angle range SIA becomes 15°. In addition, Figure 6 The angle range shown is exaggerated for the purpose of explanation and is not accurate. In this embodiment, acrylic is used as the material of the lens portion 224a.

[0051] right Figure 2The first light irradiation unit 22, the second light irradiation unit 23, the third light irradiation unit 24, and the fourth light irradiation unit 25 shown in the figure are described separately. The first light irradiation unit 22 emits light toward the first hole portion 212. In the present embodiment, the first light irradiation unit 22 is configured to irradiate light to a portion of the gripping portion 10 that is located on the upper side in the vertical direction relative to the rotating portion 20 when the rotating portion 20 is at the reference angular position. In addition, in the present specification, "the upper side in the vertical direction relative to the rotating portion 20" means a range above the range occupied by the rotating portion 20 in the vertical direction. When an object A is "on the upper side in the vertical direction relative to the rotating portion 20", it does not mean that it is directly above the rotating portion 20 in the vertical direction. That is, when projected in the vertical direction, the horizontal position of the object A may not overlap with the rotating portion 20. Similarly, in the present specification, "the lower side in the vertical direction relative to the rotating portion 20" means a range below the range occupied by the rotating portion 20 in the vertical direction. The fact that an object A is "on the lower side in the vertical direction relative to the rotating part 20" does not mean that it is directly below the rotating part 20 in the vertical direction. That is, when projected in the vertical direction, the horizontal position of the object A may not overlap with the rotating part 20. The first light irradiation part 22 is arranged at the end of the pad part 21 in the positive direction of the Z axis, and is arranged in the storage space SP. The first light irradiation part 22 is held by the first holding part HP1. In the present embodiment, the direction toward the upper side is set to 0°, the clockwise direction when the steering device 1 is observed in the positive direction of the Y axis is set to the positive direction of the angle, and the counterclockwise direction is set to the negative direction of the angle. The direction toward the upper side refers to the upward direction of the holding part 10 within the plane defined by the circular ring. In the present embodiment, the plane defined by the circular ring refers to a plane including the Z axis and the X axis. When the rotating part 20 is in the reference angular position, the first light irradiation part 22 is configured so that the angle of the optical axis OA within the first surface FS is in the range of 0° to 30°. In the present embodiment, the first light irradiation unit 22 is disposed on the pad portion 21 so that the angle of the optical axis OA in the first surface FS becomes 15°.

[0052] The second light irradiation unit 23 emits light toward the second hole portion 213. In the present embodiment, the second light irradiation unit 23 is configured to irradiate light to a portion of the holding portion 10 that is located on the upper side in the vertical direction relative to the rotating portion 20 when the rotating portion 20 is in the reference angular position. The second light irradiation unit 23 is arranged at the end of the pad portion 21 in the positive direction of the Z axis, and is arranged in the negative direction of the X axis relative to the first light irradiation unit 22. The second light irradiation unit 23 is arranged in the accommodation space SP. The second light irradiation unit 23 is held by the second holding portion HP2. The second light irradiation unit 23 is arranged so that the angle of the optical axis OA in the second surface SS is in the range of 0° to -30°. In the present embodiment, the second light irradiation unit 23 is arranged on the pad portion 21 in such a manner that the angle of the optical axis OA in the second surface SS becomes -15°.

[0053] The third light irradiation unit 24 emits light toward the third hole portion 214. The third light irradiation unit 24 is configured to irradiate light to a portion that is lower in the Z direction than the center of the gripping portion 10 and located in the positive direction of the X axis when the rotating portion 20 is in the reference angular position. The third light irradiation unit 24 is arranged on the negative side of the Z axis relative to the first light irradiation unit 22. The third light irradiation unit 24 is held by the third holding unit HP3. The fourth light irradiation unit 25 emits light toward the fourth hole portion 215. The fourth light irradiation unit 25 is configured to irradiate light to a portion that is lower in the Z direction than the center of the gripping portion 10 and located in the negative direction of the X axis when the rotating portion 20 is in the reference angular position. The fourth light irradiation unit 25 is arranged on the negative side of the Z axis relative to the second light irradiation unit 23. In addition, the fourth light irradiation unit 25 is arranged on the negative side of the X axis relative to the third light irradiation unit 24. The fourth light irradiation unit 25 is held by the fourth holding unit HP4.

[0054] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining the light adjustment unit LA. Figure 7 The relative positions of the light adjustment parts LA shown in FIG. Figure 2 The relative positions of the light adjustment parts LA correspond to each other. Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the situation where the light adjustment unit LA blocks the hole HL. The structure common to the light adjustment unit LA is explained. The light adjustment unit LA allows a part of the light emitted from one of the four light irradiation units LI to pass through, and blocks the other part of the light. Hereinafter, the part of the light passing through the light adjustment unit LA is marked as "passing light PL". In addition, the other part of the light blocked by the light adjustment unit LA is marked as "non-passing light NPL". As shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the light adjustment portion LA covers one hole portion HL. More specifically, the light adjustment portion LA blocks the hole portion HL and covers the hole portion HL. Furthermore, the light adjustment portion LA forms a surface continuous with the surface of the pad portion 21 that divides the covered hole portion HL. Figure 4 As shown, the surface of the first light adjustment unit 26 is continuous with the surface of the pad 21 around the first hole 212. The light adjustment unit LA is disposed between the light irradiation unit LI and the holding unit 10 on the optical path of the light emitted from one of the light irradiation units LI and directed toward the holding unit 10. Next, the first light adjustment unit 26 will be described, and the elements commonly included in the light adjustment unit LA will be described. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 2 , the first light adjustment part 26 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a cover part 261 , a locking part 262 , and a coating part 263 .

[0055] The cover 261 is a portion that blocks the first hole 212. In the present embodiment, the cover 261 is formed of glass. The cover 261 forms a surface that is continuous with the surface of the pad 21 that divides the first hole 212. The stopper 262 is a portion for fixing the first light adjustment unit 26 to the pad 21. The stopper 262 has elasticity. When the operator arranges the first light adjustment unit 26 in the first hole 212, the stopper 262 is elastically deformed so that the stopper 262 is embedded in the not-shown fitting portion of the cover.

[0056] The coating portion 263 has a function of dividing the light emitted from the first light irradiation portion 22 and incident on the cover portion 261 into the through light PL and the non-through light NPL. The function of the coating portion 263 will be described in detail later. Figure 8 As shown, the coating portion 263 is arranged by coating on the surface of the cover portion 261 that is continuous with the surface of the pad portion 21. In the present embodiment, the coating portion 263 is coated on the two outer sides of the approximately rectangular range including the center 261a on the surface of the cover portion 261. The material of the coating portion 263 has a light-shielding property. In the present embodiment, the material of the coating portion 263 is the same material as the material coated on the pad portion 21. As a result, a sense of unity is created between the coating portion 263 and the pad portion 21, and the aesthetic appearance of the rotating portion 20 is improved compared to a method in which the material of the coating portion 263 is different from the material coated on the pad portion 21. In addition, Figure 8 In the figure, only the coating portion 263 is hatched.

[0057] use Figure 6 The function of the coating portion 263 will be described. As described above, the light emitted from the first light irradiation portion 22 travels toward the first hole portion 212. That is, the light emitted from the first light irradiation portion 22 travels toward the cover portion 261 that blocks the first hole portion 212. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 2 , the first light adjusting section 26 is configured so that a portion of the light incident on the cover 261 passes through the portion not coated with the coating section 263 in the second surface SS and is incident on the holding section 10. In addition, the first light adjusting section 26 is configured so that the other portion of the light emitted from the first light irradiation section 22 is blocked by the coating section 263 of the cover 261 and does not pass through the cover 261. On the other hand, as Figure 2 As shown, in the first surface FS, the light incident on the cover portion 261 is not blocked by the coating portion 263 and passes through the cover portion 261 and is incident on the holding portion 10 (see Figure 2 In addition, Figure 2 The coating portion 263 is omitted in the figure.

[0058] like Figure 6As shown, the portion of the cover 261 through which light can pass toward the grip 10 is marked as a "passing portion PA". The passing portion PA is composed of the portion of the cover 261 to which the coating portion 263 is not attached. Figure 6 As shown, when viewed in the direction of the optical axis OA, the through portion PA is arranged at the portion through which the optical axis OA passes. The portion of the cover portion 261 that does not allow light to pass is marked as a "non-through portion NPA". The non-through portion NPA is composed of a portion of the cover portion 261 to which the coating portion 263 is attached. When viewed in the direction of the optical axis OA, the non-through portion NPA is arranged continuously with respect to the through portion PA.

[0059] Will Figure 2 The angle range of the passing light PL in the first surface FS is indicated as the first angle range FA. Figure 6 The angle range of the passing light PL in the second surface SS is marked as the second angle range SA. As described above, in the first surface FS, the light emitted from the first light irradiation section 22 is not blocked by the non-passing portion NPA. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first angle range FA of the first surface FS is the same angle range as the first emission angle range FIA. Figure 6 As shown, part of the light emitted from the first light irradiation unit 22 in the second surface SS passes through the passing portion PA, but the other part is blocked by the non-passing portion NPA. Therefore, the second angle range SA in the second surface SS is smaller than the second emission angle range SIA.

[0060] As described above, in the present embodiment, the angle range of the light emitted by the first light irradiation unit 22 within the first surface FS, i.e., the first emission angle range FIA, is larger than the second emission angle range SIA within the second surface SS of the light emitted by the first light irradiation unit 22. The other part of the light emitted from the first light irradiation unit 22 is blocked by the non-passing portion NPA, so that the difference in the angle range between the first angle range FA and the second angle range SA is increased relative to the difference in the angle range between the first emission angle range FIA ​​and the second emission angle range SIA. The first angle range FA is larger than the second angle range SA. In the present embodiment, as described above, the second emission angle range SIA is reduced to 15° by the lens portion 224a of the first light irradiation unit 22. And, the second angle range SA is reduced to 13° by the first light adjustment unit 26.

[0061] The first light adjusting unit 26, the second light adjusting unit 27, the third light adjusting unit 28, and the fourth light adjusting unit 29 are described separately. The first light adjusting unit 26 transmits a part of the light emitted from the first light irradiation unit 22 and blocks the other part of the light. The first light adjusting unit 26 is configured so that the passing light PL passing through the first light adjusting unit 26 is irradiated to the part of the holding unit 10 located on the upper side in the vertical direction relative to the rotating unit 20. The first light adjusting unit 26 is arranged in the first hole 212 and covers the first hole 212.

[0062] The second light adjusting section 27 transmits a part of the light emitted from the second light irradiation section 23 and blocks the other part of the light. The second light adjusting section 27 is configured so that the passing light passing through the second light adjusting section 27 is irradiated to a part of the gripping section 10 located on the upper side in the vertical direction with respect to the rotating section 20. The second light adjusting section 27 is disposed in the second hole section 213 and covers the second hole section 213.

[0063] The third light adjusting unit 28 transmits a part of the light emitted by the third light irradiating unit 24 and blocks the other part of the light. The third light adjusting unit 28 is disposed in the third hole 214 and covers the third hole 214. The fourth light adjusting unit 29 transmits a part of the light emitted by the fourth light irradiating unit 25 and blocks the other part of the light. The fourth light adjusting unit 29 is disposed in the fourth hole 215 and covers the fourth hole 215.

[0064] Figure 3 The storage space SP shown is a space formed inside the cushion portion 21. The storage space SP stores an airbag and an inflator (not shown). In addition, the light irradiation unit LI is stored in the storage space SP. Although not shown, the storage space SP is covered by a cover. The cover protects the components stored in the storage space SP from external impact.

[0065] Fig. 9 : is an explanatory diagram showing the control unit 30. The control unit 30 has a CPU, a ROM and a RAM as processors. The CPU expands the program stored in the ROM on the RAM to realize the following functions. The control unit 30 controls the light irradiation unit LI. Specifically, the control unit 30 controls the timing of light emission of the light irradiation unit LI. The control unit 30 receives a signal sent by a leading vehicle and a manual driving change signal from the vehicle control unit VC. The control unit 30 controls in the following manner, that is, when receiving a signal sent by a leading vehicle from the vehicle control unit VC, the light is emitted to the light irradiation unit LI. The control unit 30 emits light to the light irradiation unit LI for a predetermined time. As a result, the driver DR who receives the reflected light from the grip 10 can notice that the leading vehicle has started by observing the front of the vehicle VW.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the control unit 30 controls the light irradiation unit LI in the following manner, that is, when receiving the manual driving change signal, the light irradiation unit LI repeatedly emits light at a predetermined time interval. In the present embodiment, the predetermined time interval is 0.5 seconds. As described above, regarding the sending of the manual driving change signal to the control unit 30, it is sometimes necessary for the driver DR to drive the vehicle VW. At this time, it can be imagined that the level of urgency that the driver DR should pay attention to is higher than the situation where the preceding vehicle has started. The light irradiation unit LI repeatedly emits light at a predetermined time interval, thereby being able to produce a light flashing state on the handle 10. Therefore, even in a state where the driver DR does not notice the handle 10, the driver DR is more likely to notice the light.

[0067] In the present embodiment, the angle range of the passing light PL passing from the light adjusting unit LA in the first surface FS, i.e., the first angle range FA, is larger than the angle range of the passing light PL passing from the light adjusting unit LA in the second surface SS, i.e., the second angle range SA. Therefore, compared with a method in which the first angle range FA and the second angle range SA are equal, the amount of light passing excessively from the gripping unit 10 in the second surface SS can be reduced. By making the angle range of light in the second surface SS smaller than the angle range of light in the first surface FS, the possibility of a user or passenger visually recognizing the light passing from the gripping unit 10 can be reduced.

[0068] In addition, compared with a method in which the light irradiation portion LI and the light adjustment portion LA are arranged between the pad portion 21 and the grip portion 10, it is possible to prevent the light irradiation portion LI and the light adjustment portion LA from being lost due to the operation of the driver DR as a user. In addition, the light adjustment portion LA covers the hole portion HL and forms a surface continuous with the surface that divides the hole portion HL, thereby improving the appearance of the steering device 1.

[0069] Furthermore, compared with the method in which the first emission angle range FIA ​​and the second emission angle range SIA are equal, the proportion of light in the second emission angle range SIA in the light emitted from the light irradiation unit LI can be increased. Therefore, even if the non-passing light NPL is blocked by the light adjustment unit LA, the proportion of light in the passing light PL can be increased. Therefore, the proportion of light irradiated to the gripping unit 10 can be increased.

[0070] In addition, the light irradiation part LI is arranged on the pad part 21, so that, for example, compared with a method in which the light irradiation part LI is arranged on the grip part 10 and the user visually confirms direct light emitted from the light irradiation part LI, the light irradiation part LI can be assembled without grinding the core part 11 and the covering part 12. The appearance of the grip part 10 does not need to be changed, and the aesthetic appearance of the grip part 10 can be maintained. In addition, the same light irradiation part LI can be used for steering devices 1 having different types of grip parts 10 and rotating parts 20.

[0071] B. Second Implementation Method:

[0072] The steering device 1B of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the light emitted from the first light irradiation unit 22 and the second light irradiation unit 23 overlap. The other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment, so detailed description is omitted and the same reference numerals are used.

[0073] In the second embodiment, a part of the light emitted from the second light irradiation unit 23 and incident on the gripping unit 10 is emitted from the first light irradiation unit 22 and overlaps with a part of the light incident on the gripping unit 10. Specifically, the first light irradiation unit 22, the second light irradiation unit 23, the first light adjustment unit 26, and the second light adjustment unit 27 are configured so that a part of the light emitted from the first light irradiation unit 22, passes through the first light adjustment unit 26, and incident on the gripping unit 10 overlaps with a part of the light emitted from the second light irradiation unit 23, passes through the second light adjustment unit 27, and incident on the gripping unit 10. The portion of the gripping unit 10 where the light overlaps is marked as an "overlapping portion". The first light adjustment unit 26 and the second light adjustment unit 27 are configured so that when the rotating unit 20 is at the reference angular position, a straight line parallel to the Z direction and passing through the center of the rotating unit 20 passes through the overlapping portion.

[0074] It is considered that the intensity of light increases as the first light irradiation unit 22 and the second light irradiation unit 23 are closer to the optical axis OA, and decreases as they are farther away from the optical axis OA. Since the areas irradiated with light overlap, the user can easily visually recognize the light.

[0075] In addition, as described above, the first light irradiation unit 22 and the second light irradiation unit 23 are configured so that, when the rotating unit 20 is at the reference angular position, a part of the passing light PL is irradiated to a portion of the gripping unit 10 located on the upper side in the vertical direction relative to the rotating unit 20. In the second embodiment, the overlapping portion is configured to be located at the uppermost portion in the vertical direction of the gripping unit 10. In the second embodiment, compared with a configuration in which the overlapping portion is not located at the uppermost portion in the vertical direction of the gripping unit 10, it is easier for the user to visually confirm the light.

[0076] C. Other implementations:

[0077] C1. Other implementations 1:

[0078] (1) In the above-described embodiment, the steering device 1 is mounted on the vehicle VW. Alternatively, the steering device may be provided on a mobile object other than a vehicle, such as a ship or an airplane.

[0079] (2) In the above embodiment, the light irradiation unit LI irradiates light toward a portion of the grip 10. Alternatively, the light irradiation unit may irradiate light toward the entire grip. The light irradiation unit irradiates light toward at least a portion of the grip.

[0080] (3) In the above embodiment, the steering device 1 includes the first light irradiation unit 22, the second light irradiation unit 23, the third light irradiation unit 24, and the fourth light irradiation unit 25. The steering device is not limited to four light irradiation units, and may include one light irradiation unit or five light irradiation units.

[0081] (4) In the above embodiment, the steering device 1 includes the first light adjusting unit 26, the second light adjusting unit 27, the third light adjusting unit 28, and the fourth light adjusting unit 29. In addition, for example, in a mode in which the steering device includes one light irradiation unit, the light adjusting unit may be one. The steering device may include light adjusting units of a number corresponding to the number of light irradiation units, and each light adjusting unit may be arranged between one light irradiation unit and the gripping unit.

[0082] (5) In the above embodiment, the light irradiation unit LI is accommodated in the accommodation space SP. In addition, the light irradiation unit can be arranged outside the accommodation space. For example, the light irradiation unit and the light adjustment unit can be arranged between the pad portion and the gripping portion. In this embodiment, the rotating portion has a structure for holding the light irradiation unit and the light adjustment unit. In addition, for example, the first light irradiation unit and the second light irradiation unit can be arranged in the Y-axis direction.

[0083] (6) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the holding portion 10 has an approximately annular shape. In addition, for example, the holding portion may have an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape surrounding the periphery of the rotating portion. In addition, the holding portion may have a shape connected to a plurality of rod-shaped components on the left and right sides of the rotating portion and on the lower side in the vertical direction when the rotating portion is in a reference angular position. In addition, the holding portion may be two rod-shaped components respectively arranged in the left and right directions of the rotating portion when the rotating portion is in the reference angular position. In this embodiment, the light irradiation portion and the light adjustment portion may be configured in such a manner that, when the rotating portion is in the reference angular position, a portion of the passing light from the light adjustment portion is irradiated to a portion of the holding portion that is located in either the left or right direction relative to the rotating portion.

[0084] (7) In the above embodiment, a light emitting diode is used as the light emitting element 222. Alternatively, a laser diode may be used as the light emitting element, for example.

[0085] (8) In the above embodiment, urethane is used as the material of the core portion 11. Alternatively, stainless steel, magnesium alloy, or the like may be used as the material of the core portion.

[0086] (9) In the above embodiment, foamed polyurethane is used as the material of the first covering portion 121. Alternatively, a soft material other than foamed polyurethane may be used.

[0087] (10) In the above embodiment, leather is used as the material of the second covering portion 122. Alternatively, resin, for example, may be used as the material of the second covering portion.

[0088] (11) In the above embodiment, silicone resin is used as the material of the housing 221. Alternatively, for example, a material other than silicone resin, such as polyurethane or polycarbonate, may be used as the material of the housing.

[0089] (12) In the above embodiment, acrylic is used as the material of the lens portion 224a. Alternatively, for example, glass may be used as the material of the lens portion.

[0090] (13) In the above embodiment, the steering device 1 is installed in a vehicle VW that can be driven automatically or manually by the driver DR. Alternatively, the steering device may be installed in a vehicle that can only be driven manually.

[0091] (14) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the control unit 30 controls the light irradiation unit LI in such a manner that, when the vehicle VW is switched from automatic driving to manual driving, the light irradiation unit LI emits light at a predetermined time interval. In addition, for example, in a mode in which the steering device is installed in a vehicle that can only be driven manually, the control unit may not control the light irradiation unit in such a manner that the light irradiation unit emits light at a predetermined time interval. In addition, the predetermined time interval may be a time other than 0.5 seconds, such as 0.1 seconds or 1 second.

[0092] (15) In the above embodiment, the vehicle VW has a distance measuring device RF. In addition, for example, in a mode in which the vehicle control unit does not send a signal sent by the preceding vehicle to the control unit, the vehicle may not have a distance measuring device. In addition, the distance measuring device may calculate the speed of the object in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0093] (16) In the above embodiment, the gripping portion 10 is configured symmetrically with respect to the rotating portion 20. In addition, the gripping portion does not need to be configured symmetrically with respect to the rotating portion.

[0094] C2. Other implementation methods 2:

[0095] (1) In the above embodiment, the light adjusting unit LA covers the hole HL and forms a surface continuous with the surface defining the hole HL. For example, the light adjusting unit may not form a surface defining the hole, but may cover the hole and form a surface bulging relative to the surface defining the hole.

[0096] (2) In the above embodiment, the light adjustment unit LA includes the cover 261, the stopper 262, and the coating 263. In addition, the light adjustment unit may not include the coating. For example, the cover of the light adjustment unit may be formed of a material that allows light to pass through and a material that does not allow light to pass through. The material that allows light to pass through can function as a passing part, and the material that does not allow light to pass through can function as a non-passing part. In addition, the light adjustment unit may not include the stopper.

[0097] (3) In the above embodiment, the rotating part 20 has the hole HL. In addition, for example, in a mode in which the light adjustment part and the light irradiation part are arranged between the pad part and the grip part, the rotating part may not have the hole.

[0098] (4) In the above embodiment, in this embodiment, the coating portion 263 is coated on both outer sides of the approximately rectangular parallelepiped range including the center 261A on the surface of the cover portion 261. In addition, for example, the coating portion may be coated only in the positive direction of the second direction of the approximately rectangular parallelepiped range including the center 261A on the surface of the cover portion 261. As shown in the above embodiment, the coating portion may not be applied separately to two locations, but may be applied only to one location.

[0099] (5) For example, the pad portion around the hole can function as a non-through portion. Figure 8 In the portion of the cover portion to which the coating portion is attached, the cover portion to which the coating portion is not attached is provided in the portion including the center of the hole portion, thereby making the cover portion function as a through portion. In addition, in a method in which the pad portion is formed to the portion of the cover portion to which the coating portion is attached, the cover may not be provided in the hole portion.

[0100] (6) In the above embodiment, in the first surface FS, the light emitted from the first light irradiation section 22 is not blocked by the non-passing portion NPA. In addition, for example, the light irradiation section and the light adjustment section may be configured in such a manner that the first angle range is larger than the second angle range, and the light emitted from the first light irradiation section in the first surface is blocked by the non-passing portion.

[0101] (7) In the above embodiment, the cover 261 is formed of glass. Alternatively, the cover may be, for example, an acrylic plate.

[0102] C3. Other implementation methods 3:

[0103] (1) In the above embodiment, the light irradiation unit LI includes the lens 224 that narrows the angle range of the light emitted by the light emitting element 222. Alternatively, for example, the lens of the light irradiation unit may not narrow the angle range of the light emitted by the light emitting element.

[0104] (2) For example, among a plurality of light irradiation units, when the rotating unit is at a reference angular position, a lens of the light irradiation unit arranged at the upper end of the pad unit in the Z direction can narrow the angular range of light emitted by the light emitting element, and a lens of the light irradiation unit arranged at a position other than the upper end of the pad unit in the Z direction may not narrow the angular range of light emitted by the light emitting element.

[0105] C4. Other implementation methods 4:

[0106] (1) In the above embodiment, the first light irradiation unit 22 is configured so that the angle of the optical axis OA in the first surface FS becomes 15°, and the second light irradiation unit 23 is configured so that the angle of the optical axis OA in the first surface FS becomes -15°. In addition, for example, the first light irradiation unit can be configured so that the angle of the optical axis in the first surface is less than 0° or greater than 30°, and the second light irradiation unit can be configured so that the angle of the optical axis in the first surface is greater than 0° or less than -30°.

[0107] For example, the first light irradiation unit may be configured so that the angle of the optical axis in the first surface is in the range of 0° to 30°, and the second light irradiation unit may be configured so that the angle of the optical axis in the first surface is greater than 0° or less than -30°. In addition, the second light irradiation unit may be configured so that the angle of the optical axis in the first surface is in the range of 0° to -30°, and the first light irradiation unit may be configured so that the angle of the optical axis in the first surface is less than 0° or greater than 30°.

[0108] (2) For example, regarding the light irradiation unit, in one embodiment, the light irradiation unit may be arranged so that the angle of the optical axis in the first surface becomes 0°.

[0109] (3) In the above embodiment, the clockwise direction when the steering device 1 is viewed in the positive direction of the Y axis is set as the positive direction of the angle, and the counterclockwise direction is set as the negative direction of the angle. In addition, for example, the counterclockwise direction when the steering device is viewed in the negative direction of the Y axis may be set as the positive direction of the angle, and the clockwise direction may be set as the positive direction of the angle.

[0110] (4) In the second embodiment described above, the first light irradiation unit 22, the second light irradiation unit 23, the first light adjustment unit 26, and the second light adjustment unit 27 are configured so that a portion of the passing light PL passing through the first light adjustment unit 26 and the second light adjustment unit 27 overlap each other. For example, in a configuration in which the first light irradiation unit is configured so that the angle of the optical axis in the first plane is in the range of 0° to 30°, and the second light irradiation unit is configured so that the angle of the optical axis in the first plane is in the range of 0° to -30°, and the first light irradiation unit is not configured so that the angle range in the first plane of the light emitted from the first light irradiation unit and the second light irradiation unit, that is, the first emission angle range, is greater than or equal to 40° and less than or equal to 70°, the first light adjustment unit and the second light adjustment unit may be configured so that a portion of the passing light passing through the first light adjustment unit and the second light adjustment unit overlap each other.

[0111] C5. Other implementation methods 5:

[0112] (1) In the above embodiment, the light irradiation unit LI is configured so that the angle range of each light emitted, that is, the first emission angle range FIA, becomes 56°. In addition, for example, each light irradiation unit or a part of the plurality of light irradiation units may be configured so that the first emission angle range is less than 40° or greater than 70°.

[0113] (2) In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the first light adjusting section 26 and the second light adjusting section 27 are configured so that a part of the passing light PL passing through the first light adjusting section 26 and the second light adjusting section 27 overlap each other. For example, the first light irradiation section is not configured so that the angle of the optical axis in the first plane is in the range of 0° to 30°, and the second light irradiation section is not configured so that the angle of the optical axis in the first plane is in the range of 0° to -30°, and the first light irradiation section is configured so that the angle range in the first plane of the light emitted from the first light irradiation section and the second light irradiation section, that is, the first emission angle range, is greater than or equal to 40° and less than or equal to 70°. In the above-mentioned method, the first light adjusting section and the second light adjusting section may be configured so that a part of the passing light passing through the first light adjusting section and the second light adjusting section overlap each other.

[0114] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be implemented in various structures within the scope of the main purpose. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each mode recorded in the invention content column can be appropriately replaced or combined in order to solve part or all of the above-mentioned problems or to achieve part or all of the above-mentioned effects. In addition, if the technical feature is not described as an indispensable technical feature in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0115] Description of the label

[0116] 1, 1B...steering device, 10...holding part, 11...core part, 12...covering part, 20...rotating part, 21...pad part, 22...first light irradiating part, 23...second light irradiating part, 24...third light irradiating part, 25...fourth light irradiating part, 26...first light adjusting part, 27...second light adjusting part, 28...third light adjusting part, 29...fourth light adjusting part, 30...control part, 121...first covering part, 122...second covering part, 211...pad hole part, 212...first hole part, 213...second hole part, 214...third hole part, 215...fourth hole part, 221...housing, 222...light emitting element, 223...light source substrate, 224...lens, 224a...lens part, 224aa...apex of lens part, 224b...base, 261...cover part, 2 61a…center of cover, 262…stopping portion, 263…coating portion, AR…rotation axis, BI…bolt, DL…straight line, DR…driver, FA…first angle range, FD…first direction, FIA…first emission angle range, FS…first surface, HL…hole portion, HP…holding portion, HP1…first holding portion, HP2…second holding portion, HP3…third holding portion, HP4…fourth holding portion, LA…light adjustment portion, LI…light irradiation portion, NPA…non-through portion, NPL…non-through light, OA…optical axis, PA…through portion, PL…through light, RF…distance measuring device, SA…second angle range, SD…second direction, SIA…second emission angle range, SP…accommodation space, SS…second surface, VC…vehicle control portion, VW…vehicle

Claims

1. A steering device, which is provided on a moving body, in, The steering device comprises: a rotating portion rotatably mounted on the moving body; and a holding portion, which is held by a user and connected to the rotating portion, The rotating part has: greater than or equal to one light irradiation portion, which irradiates light toward at least a portion of the holding portion; and greater than or equal to one light adjustment unit, which are respectively arranged between the one light irradiation unit and the holding unit on the optical path of the light emitted from one of the greater than or equal to one light irradiation units and directed toward the holding unit, so that the passing light as a part of the light passes through, When the direction in which the at least a portion of the holding portion irradiated with the light extends is set as a first direction, the direction perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis of the light emitted by the light irradiation portion and the first direction is set as a second direction, the surface including the optical axis and the first direction is set as a first surface, and the surface including the optical axis and the second direction is set as a second surface, The light adjustment unit blocks non-transmitted light, which is the other part of the light emitted from the light irradiation unit, in the following manner, i.e., makes the angle range of the transmitted light in the first surface, i.e., the first angle range, larger than the angle range of the transmitted light in the second surface, i.e., the second angle range.

2. The steering device according to claim 1, in, The rotating portion includes a pad portion having a hole portion formed therein between the light irradiation portion and the grip portion when viewed in the direction of the optical axis. The light adjustment portion covers the hole portion and forms a surface continuous with a surface defining the hole portion. When viewed in the direction of the optical axis, the light adjustment section has: a passing portion, which is disposed at a portion where the optical axis passes and enables the light to pass therethrough; and The non-transmission portion is disposed continuously with respect to the transmission portion and does not allow the light to pass therethrough.

3. The steering device according to claim 1, in, The light irradiation unit has: a light emitting element that emits the light within a predetermined angle range; and a lens that reduces the angular range of the light emitted by the light emitting element, The lens narrows the angle range of the light emitted by the light emitting element in the following manner, i.e., makes the angle range within the first surface of the light emitted by the light irradiation portion, i.e., the first emission angle range, larger than the angle range within the second surface of the light emitted by the light irradiation portion, i.e., the second emission angle range.

4. The steering device according to claim 1, in, The one or more light irradiation units include a first light irradiation unit and a second light irradiation unit, The one or more light adjustment unit includes: a first light adjustment unit disposed between the first light irradiation unit and the holding unit; and a second light adjustment unit disposed between the second light irradiation unit and the holding unit, The holding portion is configured to surround the periphery of the rotating portion, The first light irradiation unit and the second light irradiation unit are respectively configured so that a part of the passing light that passes through when the rotating unit is at a reference angular position is irradiated to a part of the holding unit that is located on the upper side in the vertical direction relative to the rotating unit. When the rotating part is at the reference angular position and the upward direction is set to 0°, The first light irradiation unit is configured so that the angle of the optical axis in the first plane is in the range of 0° to 30°. The second light irradiation unit is arranged so that the angle of the optical axis in the first surface is in the range of 0° to -30°.

Images