Display device for vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a display device for a vehicle. A display device for a vehicle is provided with: a main body which is disposed between a steering device, which is gripped by a driver to steer, and an instrument panel, extends to the left and right sides of the steering device, and has a surface facing the driver's seat as a display surface; and an operation switch which is in a long strip shape and is arranged at the upper edge of the main body part, and the width direction of the vehicle is set as the length direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-124951 discloses a structure in which a side wall portion is provided between an instrument panel and a door interior trim to shield the air outlet of an air conditioner so that it cannot be observed from the perspective of a passenger. In addition, in Patent Document 1, a display device is provided on the side wall portion. On the other hand, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-62735 discloses a structure having a central display portion provided at the front of a vehicle of a steering device and side display portions provided at the left and right sides of the central display portion.

[0003] By providing the display unit closer to the front than the instrument panel, as in the structures described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-124951 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-62735, it becomes easier to visually confirm the information. On the other hand, when operating the operating switch provided on the instrument panel, the display unit sometimes becomes an obstacle. Although as a countermeasure, a method of providing the operating switch on the display unit itself is considered, there is room for improvement from the perspective of operability. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the present disclosure provides a vehicle display device capable of achieving a balance between visual confirmation of information and operability.

[0005] The vehicle display device involved in the first embodiment includes: a main body, which is arranged between a steering device for the driver to grasp for steering and an instrument panel, and is extended to the left and right sides compared to the steering device, and the surface opposite to the driver's seat is set as a display surface; an operating switch, which is long and arranged at the upper edge of the main body, and the vehicle width direction is set as the length direction.

[0006] In the vehicle display device according to the first embodiment, a main body is arranged between the steering device and the instrument panel, and the main body is extended to the left and right sides of the steering device. Thus, compared with a structure in which information is displayed on the instrument panel, the passenger can visually confirm the display content displayed on the display surface without having to move his / her sight significantly. In addition, since the main body is extended to the left and right sides of the steering device, the hand holding the steering device will not become an obstacle when the passenger observes the display surface.

[0007] Furthermore, an operation switch is provided at the upper edge of the main body, and the operation switch is formed in a strip shape with the vehicle width direction as the longitudinal direction. Thus, the occupant can easily operate the operation switch even when the occupant directs his / her sight forward.

[0008] The vehicle display device involved in the second embodiment is that, in the first embodiment, the main body is constructed in a manner including a right-side display portion and a left-side display portion, the right-side display portion is plate-shaped and located in front of the vehicle on the right side of the steering device, and is inclined toward the rear side of the vehicle as it tends to the right side of the vehicle when viewed from above, the left-side display portion is plate-shaped and located in front of the vehicle on the left side of the steering device, and is inclined toward the rear side of the vehicle as it tends to the left side of the vehicle when viewed from above, and the operation switches are respectively arranged at the upper edge of the right-side display portion and the upper edge of the left-side display portion.

[0009] In the vehicle display device involved in the second embodiment, information can be displayed on the right display unit and the left display unit. In addition, since the right display unit and the left display unit are plate-shaped, the display units can be arranged in a minimum space. Furthermore, since the operation switches are respectively arranged at the upper edge of the right display unit and the upper edge of the left display unit, different functions can be assigned to each.

[0010] A vehicle display device according to a third aspect is the vehicle display device according to the second aspect, wherein the display surfaces of the right display unit and the left display unit include touch panels that can be operated by a passenger touching the display surfaces.

[0011] In the vehicle display device according to the third aspect, the driver can perform operations without having to largely move his hands from the steering wheel.

[0012] A vehicle display device according to a fourth aspect is the display device according to the third aspect, wherein the touch panel is provided only in a portion extending to both left and right sides of the steering device.

[0013] In the vehicle display device involved in the fourth aspect, since the touch panel is provided only at the portion of the right display unit that extends to the right side compared to the steering device, it is possible to suppress erroneous operation caused by touching other portions of the right display unit when the steering device is being grasped. Similarly, since the touch panel is provided only at the portion of the left display unit that extends to the left side compared to the steering device, it is possible to suppress erroneous operation caused by touching other portions of the left display unit when the steering device is being grasped.

[0014] The vehicle display device involved in the fifth embodiment is that, in the third embodiment, the touch panel is arranged in the entire area of ​​the display surface, and operation items with a higher operation frequency are displayed in the area on the right side of the steering device in the right display part and in the area on the left side of the steering device in the left display part, and operation items with a lower operation frequency are displayed in the area on the left side of the steering device in the right display part and in the area on the right side of the steering device in the left display part.

[0015] In the vehicle display device involved in the fifth embodiment, the operation items with high operation frequency are displayed in the area on the right side of the steering device in the right display unit and in the area on the left side of the steering device in the left display unit, so that the driver can easily touch the operation items. In addition, by continuously displaying the operation items with low operation frequency in other areas of the display surface, the convenience of the occupants can be improved compared with a structure in which the operation items are not displayed.

[0016] A vehicle display device according to a sixth aspect is configured such that, in the third aspect, a finger hook portion is provided on a surface of the right display portion and the left display portion that is opposite to the display surface.

[0017] In the vehicle display device according to the sixth aspect, the driver can hook his finger on the finger hook portion while gripping the right display unit or the left display unit to operate the touch panel, thereby enabling accurate operation even while driving.

[0018] A vehicle display device according to a seventh aspect is configured such that, in the first aspect, a vehicle width direction center portion of a lower end portion of the main body portion is located above both vehicle width direction end portions.

[0019] The vehicle display device according to the seventh aspect can prevent the passenger's knees from hitting the lower end of the main body. Also, since both ends of the main body in the vehicle width direction are located below the center in the vehicle width direction, the passenger can easily operate.

[0020] A vehicle display device according to an eighth aspect is configured such that, in the seventh aspect, a center portion in the vehicle width direction of a lower end portion of the main body portion is located above a lower end of the steering device when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle.

[0021] In the vehicle display device according to the eighth aspect, since the vehicle width direction center portion of the lower end portion of the main body portion is located above the lower end of the steering device, it is possible to effectively suppress the occupant's knees from hitting the steering device.

[0022] A vehicle display device according to a ninth aspect is configured such that, in the second aspect, a portion between the right display unit and the left display unit is recessed toward the vehicle front side relative to the right display unit and the left display unit.

[0023] In the vehicle display device according to the ninth aspect, the hand of the occupant holding the steering device can be prevented from touching the main body. In addition, the rigidity of the main body can be improved by forming a height difference between the right display unit and the left display unit and the recessed portion.

[0024] A vehicle display device according to a tenth aspect is configured such that, in the second aspect, a portion of the main body between the right display section and the left display section is hollowed out.

[0025] In the vehicle display device according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to suppress the hand of the occupant who has gripped the steering device from touching the main body, and to reduce the weight of the main body.

[0026] A vehicle display device according to an eleventh aspect is any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the main body is configured to be positionally adjustable in a vertical direction independently of the steering device.

[0027] In the vehicle display device according to the eleventh aspect, the relative position of the main body with respect to the steering device can be adjusted according to the physique and posture of the driver.

[0028] As described above, according to the vehicle display device and the vehicle seat according to the present disclosure, it is possible to achieve a balance between the visibility of information and the operability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail based on the following drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the periphery of a driver's seat of a vehicle to which the steering device module according to the embodiment is applied, viewed from the rear side of the vehicle.

[0031] Figure 2 To face from behind and above Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the area around the driver's seat.

[0032] Figure 3 For the general Figure 1 An enlarged view of the steering module as seen from the rear of the vehicle.

[0033] Figure 4 For the general Figure 1 An enlarged view of the steering module as viewed from the right rear side of the vehicle.

[0034] Figure 5 To indicate from Figure 2 A diagram of a state in which the steering device moves from a state in which the steering device moves to a storage position.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a diagram of a steering device module according to a first modified example when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a diagram of a steering device module according to a second modified example as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] A vehicle to which the steering device module 10 according to the embodiment is applied will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, arrows FR, UP, and LH in the accompanying drawings represent the front side of the vehicle, the upper side of the vehicle, and the left side of the vehicle, respectively. When the directions of front, rear, left, right, up, and down are used for description, unless otherwise specified, the directions of front, rear, left, right, and down are used to represent the front and rear of the vehicle front and rear direction, the left and right of the vehicle width direction, and the up and down of the vehicle up and down direction.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, an instrument panel 16 is provided at the front portion of the vehicle compartment in the vehicle V. The instrument panel 16 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a steering device 12 is provided at the vehicle left side of the instrument panel 16. That is, although in the present embodiment, as an example, a left-hand drive vehicle in which the steering device 12 is provided on the left side and the driver's seat is provided on the vehicle left side is used, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be applied to a right-hand drive vehicle in which the steering device 12 is provided on the vehicle right side.

[0039] A windshield 18 is provided at the front end of the instrument panel 16. The windshield 18 extends in the vehicle up-down direction and the vehicle width direction, and divides the vehicle cabin interior and the vehicle cabin exterior.

[0040] The vehicle left side end portion of the windshield 18 is fixed to a front pillar 20 on the vehicle left side. The front pillar 20 extends in the vehicle up-down direction, and the windshield 18 is fixed to the vehicle width direction inner end portion of the front pillar 20 .

[0041] A vehicle seat 22 is provided at the rear side of the vehicle relative to the instrument panel 16. The vehicle seat 22 is a driver's seat for a passenger to sit on. In addition, the vehicle V involved in this embodiment is a vehicle equipped with an automatic driving mode that travels without the passenger performing a driving operation, and is configured in a manner that allows the conversion to the automatic driving mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the manual driving state. Here, a steering device module 10 is provided in front of the vehicle seat 22.

[0042] (Steering device module 10)

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the driver's seat and surrounding area viewed from the upper rear. Figure 2 As shown, the steering module 10 is configured to include a steering device 12 that is grasped by an occupant to steer the vehicle, and a vehicle display device 14 (display device 14 ).

[0044] The steering module 10 includes a module base 26 mounted on the instrument panel 16 . The module base 26 is formed in a shape that narrows from the rear of the vehicle toward the front of the vehicle in a plan view, and a front end of the module base 26 is fixed to the upper surface of the instrument panel 16 .

[0045] A steering column portion 24 constituting the steering device 12 is provided at the center in the vehicle width direction of the rear end portion of the module base 26. In addition, a display device 14 is provided at both ends in the vehicle width direction of the rear end portion of the module base 26. The display device 14 is arranged between the steering device 12 and the instrument panel 16, and displays information to the occupants.

[0046] (Vehicle Display Device 14)

[0047] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the steering device module 10 when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. Figure 3 As shown, the display device 14 includes a main body 30. The main body 30 extends to both left and right sides (both sides in the vehicle width direction) of the steering device 12, and is configured to display information on a surface facing the vehicle seat 22.

[0048] Specifically, the main body 30 includes a central portion 30C located at the center of the steering device module 10 in the vehicle width direction, a right display portion 30R arranged on the right side of the vehicle relative to the center of the steering device module 10 in the vehicle width direction, and a left display portion 30L arranged on the left side of the vehicle relative to the center of the steering device module 10 in the vehicle width direction.

[0049] The right display unit 30R is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and is located in front of the vehicle on the right side of the steering device 12, and is inclined toward the rear side of the vehicle as it approaches the right side of the vehicle when viewed from above. In addition, the left display unit 30L is set to be symmetrical with respect to the right display unit 30R. That is, the left display unit 30L is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and is located in front of the vehicle on the left side of the steering device 12, and is inclined toward the rear side of the vehicle as it approaches the left side of the vehicle when viewed from above (refer to Figure 2 ).

[0050] Here, the surface on the rear side of the vehicle facing the driver's seat in the right display unit 30R becomes the electronic right display surface 32R, and the surface on the rear side of the vehicle facing the driver's seat in the left display unit 30L becomes the electronic left display surface 32L. In addition, in the following description, when the right display surface 32R and the left display surface 32L are used in a manner not to be distinguished, they may be simply referred to as "display surface 32".

[0051] The display surface 32 includes a touch panel that can be operated by the passenger by touching it. Therefore, the display device 14 is configured so that the passenger can select a function corresponding to an image or the like by touching the image displayed on the display surface 32 .

[0052] In addition, in the present embodiment, as an example, a touch panel is provided in the entire area of ​​the display surface 32. That is, information is displayed in the entire area of ​​the surface on the rear side of the vehicle in the right display unit 30R, so that the passenger can appropriately operate the image displayed on the right display unit 30R. Similarly to the right display unit 30R, information is displayed in the entire area of ​​the surface on the rear side of the vehicle in the left display unit 30L, so that the passenger can appropriately operate the image displayed on the left display unit 30L.

[0053] Here, operation items with high operation frequency are displayed particularly in the area PR on the right side of the steering wheel in the right display unit 30R and in the area PL on the left side of the steering wheel 12 in the left display unit 30L.

[0054] For example, the configuration is such that information related to the operation of the air conditioner, music playback, and entertainment is displayed in the region PR, and the passenger can grasp the right display unit 30R and select the image displayed in the region PR with the finger of the right hand. In addition, the configuration is such that information related to the driving assistance function such as active cruise control and switching of the driving mode is displayed in the region PL, and the passenger can grasp the left display unit 30L and select the image displayed in the region PL with the finger of the left hand.

[0055] On the other hand, since the area on the left side of the steering device 12 in the right display unit 30R and the area on the right side of the steering device 12 in the left display unit 30L are areas where the occupants are difficult to operate, operation items with low operation frequency are displayed. For example, it is also possible to set a structure to display setting items of the navigation system implemented for the vehicle V during parking. In addition, as operation items with low operation frequency, items that do not need to be operated can also be displayed. For example, items that do not need to be operated by the occupants, such as warning displays and SNS (Social Networking Service) messages, can be displayed, and items that are not operated during driving but only operated when parking can also be displayed.

[0056] In addition, although the touch panel is provided on the entire surface of the display surface 32 in the present embodiment, it is not limited to this, and a structure in which the touch panel is provided only in the area PR and the area PL may also be used. In this case, even if the hand of the passenger who is operating the steering device 12 touches the display surface 32, no reaction is required. Specifically, since the touch panel is provided only at the portion of the right display unit 30R that extends to the right side compared to the steering device 12, it is possible to suppress erroneous operations caused by touching other portions of the right display unit 30R when the steering device 12 is being grasped. Similarly, since the touch panel is provided only at the portion of the left display unit 30L that extends to the left side compared to the steering device 12, it is possible to suppress erroneous operations caused by touching other portions of the left display unit 30L when the steering device 12 is being grasped.

[0057] Here, if Figure 2 As shown in the figure, a finger hook portion 31 is provided on the surface of the right display portion 30R and the left display portion 30L opposite to the display surface 32. In this embodiment, as an example of the finger hook portion 31, a convex portion for hooking a finger is formed, and by hooking the finger on the convex portion, the operability of the display surface 32 can be improved. In addition, as the finger hook portion, a concave portion that is recessed compared to the general surface can be provided in order to hook the finger.

[0058] A right operating switch 34R and a left operating switch 34L are provided at the upper edge of the main body 30. The right operating switch 34R is provided at the upper edge of the right display unit 30R and is formed into a strip shape with the vehicle width direction as the length direction. The right operating switch 34R and the left operating switch 34L are preferably assigned functions that can be operated regardless of the information displayed on the display device 14. In the present embodiment, as an example, the function of the emergency signal light is assigned to the right operating switch 34R. In addition, although the function of the high beam light is assigned to the left operating switch 34L, it is not limited to this.

[0059] The lower end of the central portion 30C of the main body 30 is located above the lower end of the right display portion 30R and the lower end of the left display portion 30L. Specifically, the central portion 30C is located toward the front of the vehicle compared to the right display portion 30R and the left display portion 30L, and the lower end of the central portion 30C is located above the lower end of the steering device 12 when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. In addition, the lower edge of the right display portion 30R, the lower edge of the central portion 30C, and the lower edge of the left display portion 30L are connected in a continuous manner by a smooth curved surface.

[0060] (Steering device 12)

[0061] The steering device 12 is configured to include a steering column portion 24 , a base portion 40 , a right grip portion 42R, a left grip portion 42L, a connecting portion 44 , a right upper side portion 46R, and a left upper side portion 46L.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the steering column 24 protrudes from the instrument panel 16 to the rear of the vehicle via the module base 26. Here, a sensor (not shown) capable of detecting the occupant is provided at the top end of the steering column 24. The sensor includes a sensor for detecting the entire face of the occupant, a sensor for detecting the pupil, a sensor for detecting the direction of sight, a sensor for detecting the posture, and the like.

[0063] In addition, at the top end of the steering column portion 24, an air supply hole (not shown) is provided that can supply air toward the rear of the vehicle. For example, an air conditioner is provided at the front side of the vehicle compared to the instrument panel 16, and air whose temperature is adjusted by the air conditioner passes through the inside of the steering column portion 24 and is supplied from the air supply hole to the driver's seat. In this way, by providing the air supply hole at the top end of the steering column portion 24, it becomes unnecessary to configure a ventilation device on the instrument panel 16, thereby increasing the degree of freedom of the exterior design in the vehicle cabin. In addition, compared with the case where air is supplied from the instrument panel 16, air can be supplied from the vicinity of the occupant.

[0064] Here, in the present embodiment, as an example, the steering column portion 24 is configured to be able to swing in the vertical direction relative to the module base 26. In other words, the main body portion 30 is configured to be able to adjust the position in the vertical direction independently of the steering device 12.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, a base portion 40 is provided on the steering column portion 24. The base portion 40 extends in the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle width direction, and is rotatably mounted at a portion between a base end portion and a top end portion of the steering column portion 24.

[0066] A right grip portion 42R that can be gripped by an occupant is disposed on the right side relative to the base portion 40, and a left grip portion 42L that can be gripped by an occupant is disposed on the left side relative to the base portion 40. The right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L each extend in the vehicle up-down direction and are formed in a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the center of the steering device 12.

[0067] The lower end of the base portion 40, the lower end of the right grip portion 42R, and the lower end of the left grip portion 42L are connected in the vehicle width direction by a connecting portion 44. The connecting portion 44 is an elongated member arranged below the steering column portion 24 and having the vehicle width direction as its length direction, and the vehicle width direction center portion of the connecting portion 44 is formed to be wider in the vehicle front-rear direction than both ends in the vehicle width direction.

[0068] On the other hand, a mounting piece 40A extends from the lower end of the base 40 toward the vehicle front side, and the vehicle width direction center of the connecting portion 44 is fixed to the mounting piece 40A. In addition, a horn switch may also be provided at the vehicle width direction center of the connecting portion 44.

[0069] Both ends of the connecting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction are gently curved so as to be gradually positioned upward as they approach both sides in the vehicle width direction, and are formed integrally with the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L.

[0070] A right upper side portion 46R is provided at the upper end of the right grip portion 42R. The right upper side portion 46R is configured to include a right upper portion 48R extending obliquely to the left and front from the upper end of the right grip portion 42R, and a right sight line guide portion 50R extending further to the front of the vehicle from the end of the right upper portion 48R and connected to the upper end of the base portion 40.

[0071] In addition, a left upper side portion 46L is provided at the upper end of the left grip portion 42L. The left upper side portion 46L is configured to include a left upper portion 48L extending obliquely to the right and front from the upper end of the left grip portion 42L, and a left sight line guide portion 50L extending further to the front of the vehicle from the end of the left upper portion 48L and connected to the upper end of the base portion 40.

[0072] Here, a gap is provided between the upper right side 46R and the upper left side 46L, and the base end portion of the module base 26 can be visually confirmed through the gap. Therefore, a display unit such as a display can be provided in the area between the upper right side 46R and the upper left side 46L in the module base 26.

[0073] A steering device switch is provided at at least one of the upper right side portion 46R and the upper left side portion 46L. In the present embodiment, two right steering device switches 52R are provided on the upper right side portion 46R as an example. The two right steering device switches 52R are arranged side by side on the surface of the vehicle rear side in the steering right upper portion 48R, and are assigned different functions. For example, the right steering device switch 52R may also be assigned functions such as a right direction indicator, switching between a low beam and a high beam, and activation of a voice input device.

[0074] On the other hand, two left steering switches 52L are provided on the left upper side portion 46L. The two left steering switches 52L are arranged side by side on the surface of the vehicle rear side in the left upper steering portion 48L, and different functions are assigned to each of them. For example, the left steering switch 52L may be assigned functions such as a left direction indicator, activation of the wipers, activation of active cruise control, etc.

[0075] The steering module 10 of the present embodiment is configured as described above, and the display device 14 and the steering device 12 are disposed so as to be separated in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0076] Figure 4 For the general Figure 1 The steering device module 10 is enlarged and viewed from the right rear side of the vehicle. Figure 4 As shown, a gap is provided between the right grip 42R of the steering device 12 and the right display unit 30R of the display device 14 to such an extent that the passenger's hand does not touch the right display unit 30R even when the passenger grips the right grip 42R.

[0077] The distance between the right grip 42R and the right display unit 30R is preferably 5 cm or more and within 30 cm, more preferably 7 cm or more and within 20 cm. In addition, a gap of the same degree as the right side is provided between the left grip 42L of the steering device 12 and the left display unit 30L of the display device 14.

[0078] The steering device module 10 of the present embodiment is configured to accommodate the steering device 12. For example, after the driving mode of the vehicle V is switched to the automatic driving mode, and when there is no scheduled switching to the manual driving mode for a period of time, the steering device 12 is accommodated.

[0079] Figure 5 To indicate from Figure 2 The state of the steering device 12 is moved to the storage position. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , the state where the steering device 12 is located at the use position is depicted by a two-dot chain line, and the state where the steering device 12 is located at the storage position is depicted by a solid line.

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown, the steering device 12 is configured to be relatively movable in the vehicle front-rear direction relative to the display device 14. For example, a structure may be provided in which the steering column portion 24 of the display device 14 is locked in a state where it is inserted into the module base 26, and the steering column portion 24 is converted into a state where it can be relatively movable relative to the module base 26 by releasing the locked state.

[0081] As Figure 5 As shown by the two-dot chain line, in the use position, the base portion 40 and the steering column portion 24 can be steered by the occupant, and the vehicle display device 14 is separated from the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L of the steering device 12 in the vehicle front-rear direction. On the other hand, as shown by the solid line, in the storage position where the steering device 12 has moved to the front side of the vehicle, the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L are in contact with the display device 14.

[0082] Specifically, in the present embodiment, when viewed from above, the angle of the right display unit 30R is substantially the same as the angle of the steering upper right portion 48R, and the angle of the left display unit 30L is substantially the same as the angle of the steering upper left portion 48L. Therefore, in the stowed position, the right gripping portion 42R and the steering upper right portion 48R in the steering device 12 are in contact with the display surface 32R of the right display unit 30R, and the left gripping portion 42L and the steering upper left portion 48L are in contact with the display surface 32L of the left display unit 30L.

[0083] Furthermore, the steering device module 10 of the present embodiment is configured such that a light source is provided inside at least one of the right grip portion 42R, the left grip portion 42L, the connecting portion 44, the right upper side portion 46R and the left upper side portion 46L, and the light source is illuminated when the occupant is supposed to grip the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L.

[0084] In particular, in this embodiment, the texture of the skin of the steering device 12 is a texture of general synthetic leather, and is formed of a material whose interior cannot be visually confirmed. Moreover, when the light source emits light, the surface of the skin is visually confirmed by allowing light to pass through the skin.

[0085] (effect)

[0086] Next, the operation of the steering module 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0087] like Figure 2 As shown, in the steering device module 10 of the present embodiment, the main body 30 of the display device 14 is arranged between the steering device 12 and the instrument panel 16, and the main body 30 is extended to the left and right sides of the steering device 12. Therefore, compared with the structure in which the display unit is provided on the instrument panel 16, the passenger can visually confirm the display content displayed on the display surface 32 without having to move the line of sight significantly. In addition, since the main body 30 is extended to the left and right sides of the steering device 12, the hand holding the steering device will not become an obstacle when the passenger observes the display surface 32.

[0088] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of the present embodiment, a right operating switch 34R and a left operating switch 34L are provided at the upper edge of the main body 30, and these operating switches are formed into a strip shape with the vehicle width direction as the length direction. Thus, the occupant can easily operate the operating switch even when the occupant wants to direct his / her sight forward.

[0089] In addition, in the display device 14 of the present embodiment, since the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L are plate-shaped, the display units can be arranged in a minimum space. In addition, since the right operation switch 34R is provided at the upper edge of the right display unit 30R, and the left operation switch 34L is provided at the upper edge of the left display unit 30L, different functions can be assigned to each other.

[0090] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of the present embodiment, since the touch panel is provided on the display surface 32 , the occupant can perform operations without having to largely move his hands from the steering device 12 .

[0091] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of the present embodiment, the operation items with a high operation frequency are displayed in the area on the right side of the steering device 12 in the right display unit 30R and in the area on the left side of the steering device 12 in the left display unit 30L, so that the occupant can easily touch the operation items. In addition, by continuously displaying the operation items with a low operation frequency in other areas of the display surface, the convenience of the occupant can be improved compared with a structure in which the operation items are not displayed.

[0092] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of the present embodiment, the passenger can hook his / her finger on the finger hook portion while holding the right display unit or the left display unit to operate the touch panel, thereby enabling accurate operation even while driving.

[0093] In addition, in the display device 14 of the present embodiment, since the vehicle width direction center portion of the lower end portion of the main body portion 30 is located above the lower end of the steering device 12, it is possible to suppress the passenger's knee from hitting the lower end portion of the main body portion 30. In addition, since both vehicle width direction end portions of the main body portion 30 are located below the vehicle width direction center portion, the passenger can operate without having to move his hands significantly from the steering device 12, and the operation is easy.

[0094] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of the present embodiment, since the steering column portion 24 is configured to be vertically swingable relative to the module base 26 , the relative position of the main body portion 30 relative to the steering device 12 can be adjusted according to the physique and posture of the occupant.

[0095] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, in the steering device 12 of the present embodiment, the lower ends of the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L are connected to the lower end of the base portion 40 via the connecting portion 44, and the right upper side portion 46R and the left upper side portion 46L are connected to the upper end of the base portion 40. In this way, since the upper and lower portions of the steering device 12 are respectively connected to the base portion 40, the steering device 12 is less likely to deform compared to a single-arm support structure in which only one of the upper and lower portions of the steering device 12 is fixed to a steering column or the like.

[0096] Furthermore, in the steering device 12 of the present embodiment, since a right steering device switch 52R is provided on the right upper side 46R and a left steering device switch 52L is provided on the left upper side 46L, the occupant can operate the steering device switch while gripping the steering device 12 .

[0097] In addition, in the steering device 12 of the present embodiment, since the base portion 40 is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the steering column portion 24, the steering device 12 can be steered without rotating the steering column portion 24. In particular, in the present embodiment, since a sensor capable of detecting an occupant is provided at the top end portion of the steering column portion 24, the sensor does not rotate even when the steering device 12 is being operated, thereby maintaining the detection accuracy of the sensor well.

[0098] Furthermore, in the steering device 12 of the present embodiment, by providing the air supply holes at the tip of the steering column portion 24 , air can be supplied from a position closer to the occupant than in a configuration in which air is supplied to the occupant from air supply holes provided in the instrument panel 16 .

[0099] Furthermore, in the steering device 12 of the present embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, since the vehicle is constructed so as to be movable to a storage position on the front side of the vehicle, when no steering by the occupant is required during automatic driving, the base portion 40 and the steering column portion 24 can be moved to the storage position to ensure a wider space around the driver's seat.

[0100] Although the steering device module 10 involved in this embodiment has been described above, it is obvious that it can be implemented in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the display surface 32 is provided to the area inside the steering device 12 when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 6 The first variation shown, and Figure 7 The structure of the second modified example is shown.

[0101] (First Modification Example)

[0102] Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the steering device module 10 according to the first modified example when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. Figure 6 As shown, in the present modification, a portion between the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L is recessed toward the vehicle front side relative to the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L.

[0103] Specifically, the portion of the right display unit 30R other than the display surface 32R is located on the vehicle front side relative to the display surface 32R, and a step portion 60R is formed between the display surface 32R. Similarly, the portion of the left display unit 30L other than the display surface 32L is located on the vehicle front side relative to the display surface 32L, and a step portion 60L is formed between the display surface 32L.

[0104] The step portion 60R and the step portion 60L make the base end side of the right operating switch 34R and the left operating switch 34L narrower than the top end side, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, only the upper edge of the main body 30 may be provided with no step portion and the top end side and the base end side may be formed to have the same width. In this case, the width of the right operating switch 34R and the left operating switch 34L can be made the same at the top end side and the base end side.

[0105] In this modification, the hand of the occupant holding the steering device 12 can be prevented from touching the main body 30. In addition, by forming the step portions 60R, 60L between the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L and the recessed portion, the rigidity of the main body 30 can be improved.

[0106] (Second Modification Example)

[0107] Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the steering device module according to the second modified example when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. Figure 7 As shown, in this modification, a portion between the right display portion 30R and the left display portion 30L of the main body portion 30 is hollowed out.

[0108] Specifically, the portion of the right display unit 30R other than the display surface 32R is hollowed out, and a through portion 62R is formed that penetrates in the thickness direction of the right display unit 30R. Similarly, the portion of the left display unit 30L other than the display surface 32L is hollowed out, and a through portion 62L is formed that penetrates in the thickness direction of the left display unit 30L.

[0109] In this modification, it is possible to suppress the hand of the passenger who has grasped the steering device 12 from touching the main body 30. In addition, by setting the shape in which a part of the main body 30 is hollowed out, the main body 30 can be made lighter. In addition, the passenger can visually check the vehicle front side of the display device 14 through the penetration parts 62R and 62L. In addition, even if the part of the right display part 30R other than the display surface 32R and the part of the left display part 30L other than the display surface 32L are not hollowed out, they can be made thinner in the thickness direction than the display surfaces 32R and 32L.

[0110] In addition, although two right steering switches 52R are provided on the upper right side 46R and two left steering switches 52L are provided on the upper left side 46L in the above-mentioned embodiment and the modified example, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a steering switch may be provided on only one of the upper right side 46R and the upper left side 46L. In addition, a structure without a steering switch may be adopted.

[0111] The following supplementary notes are disclosed with respect to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0112] (Note 1)

[0113] A display device for a vehicle, comprising:

[0114] A main body portion is disposed between a steering device for the driver to grasp for steering and an instrument panel, and is extended to the left and right sides of the steering device, and has a surface facing the driver's seat as a display surface;

[0115] The operating switch is in an elongated shape and is disposed at the upper edge of the main body, with the vehicle width direction being the longitudinal direction.

[0116] (Note 2)

[0117] The main body is configured to include a right display portion and a left display portion.

[0118] The right display portion is plate-shaped and is located in front of the vehicle at the right side of the steering device, and is inclined toward the rear side of the vehicle as it approaches the right side of the vehicle when viewed from above.

[0119] The left display portion is plate-shaped and is located in front of the vehicle at the left side of the steering device, and is inclined toward the rear side of the vehicle as it approaches the left side of the vehicle when viewed from above.

[0120] The operation switches are respectively provided at an upper edge of the right display portion and an upper edge of the left display portion.

[0121] (Note 3)

[0122] A vehicle display device as described in Supplementary Note 2, wherein:

[0123] The display surfaces of the right display unit and the left display unit include touch panels that can be operated by a passenger by touching.

[0124] (Note 4)

[0125] A vehicle display device as described in Supplementary Note 3, wherein:

[0126] The touch panel is provided only at a portion extending to the left and right sides of the steering device.

[0127] (Note 5)

[0128] A vehicle display device as described in Supplementary Note 3, wherein:

[0129] The touch panel is provided in the entire area of ​​the display surface,

[0130] The operation items with a high operation frequency are displayed in an area on the right side of the steering device in the right display unit and in an area on the left side of the steering device in the left display unit,

[0131] In a region on the left side of the steering device in the right display unit and in a region on the right side of the steering device in the left display unit, operation items with a low operation frequency are displayed.

[0132] (Note 6)

[0133] A vehicle display device as described in any one of Appendix 3 to Appendix 5, wherein:

[0134] A finger hook portion is provided on a surface of the right display portion and the left display portion that is opposite to the display surface.

[0135] (Note 7)

[0136] A vehicle display device as described in any one of Appendix 2 to Appendix 6, wherein:

[0137] A vehicle width direction center portion of a lower end portion of the main body portion is located above both end portions in the vehicle width direction.

[0138] (Note 8)

[0139] A vehicle display device as described in Supplementary Note 7, wherein:

[0140] A vehicle width direction center portion of a lower end portion of the main body portion is located above a lower end of the steering device when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle.

[0141] (Note 9)

[0142] A vehicle display device as described in any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 8, wherein:

[0143] A portion between the right display portion and the left display portion is recessed toward the vehicle front side relative to the right display portion and the left display portion.

[0144] (Note 10)

[0145] A vehicle display device as described in any one of Appendix 2 to Appendix 9, wherein:

[0146] A portion of the main body portion between the right display portion and the left display portion is hollowed out.

[0147] (Note 11)

[0148] A vehicle display device as described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 10, wherein:

[0149] The main body portion is configured to be able to adjust a position in a vertical direction independently of the steering device.

Claims

1. A vehicle display device, comprising: A main body portion, which is arranged between a steering device for the driver to grasp for steering and an instrument panel, and extends to the left and right sides of the steering device, and has a surface facing the driver's seat as a display surface; The operating switch is in an elongated shape and is disposed at the upper edge of the main body, with the vehicle width direction being the longitudinal direction.

2. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein: The main body is configured to include a right display portion and a left display portion. The right display portion is plate-shaped and is located in front of the vehicle at the right side of the steering device, and is inclined toward the rear side of the vehicle as it approaches the right side of the vehicle when viewed from above. The left display portion is plate-shaped and is located in front of the vehicle at the left side of the steering device, and is inclined toward the rear side of the vehicle as it approaches the left side of the vehicle when viewed from above. The operation switches are respectively provided at an upper edge of the right display portion and an upper edge of the left display portion.

3. The vehicle display device according to claim 2, wherein: The display surfaces of the right display unit and the left display unit include touch panels that can be operated by a passenger by touching.

4. The vehicle display device according to claim 3, wherein: The touch panel is provided only at a portion extending to the left and right sides of the steering device.

5. The vehicle display device according to claim 3, wherein: The touch panel is provided in the entire area of ​​the display surface, The operation items with a high operation frequency are displayed in an area on the right side of the steering device in the right display unit and in an area on the left side of the steering device in the left display unit, Operation items with a low operation frequency are displayed in a region on the left side of the steering device in the right display unit and in a region on the right side of the steering device in the left display unit.

6. The vehicle display device according to claim 3, wherein: A finger hook portion is provided on a surface of the right display portion and the left display portion that is opposite to the display surface.

7. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein: A vehicle width direction center portion of a lower end portion of the main body portion is located above both end portions in the vehicle width direction.

8. The vehicle display device according to claim 7, wherein: A vehicle width direction center portion of a lower end portion of the main body portion is located above a lower end of the steering device when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle.

9. The vehicle display device according to claim 2, wherein: A portion between the right display portion and the left display portion is recessed toward the vehicle front side relative to the right display portion and the left display portion.

10. The vehicle display device according to claim 2, wherein: A portion of the main body portion between the right display portion and the left display portion is hollowed out.

11. The vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The main body portion is configured to be able to adjust a position in a vertical direction independently of the steering device.

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