Steering wheel and steering module

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a steering wheel provided with a pair of left and right gripping parts which extend in the vertical direction of a vehicle and which can be gripped by an occupant, the pair of left and right gripping parts emitting light when it is necessary for the occupant to grip the gripping parts. As a result, it is possible for an occupant to intuitively understand that a light-emitting portion should be held.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a steering wheel and a steering module. Background Art

[0002] International Publication No. 2018 / 78740 discloses a steering wheel having an indicator that can be illuminated. The steering wheel described in Patent Document 1 is configured to illuminate the indicator when autonomous driving can be started or when autonomous driving has already started.

[0003] However, since the steering wheel described in International Publication No. 2018 / 78740 can illuminate the indicator for various reasons, the occupant may not understand the reason for the indicator to illuminate. In particular, in the hands-off state where the occupant is allowed to take their hands off the steering wheel, there is room for improvement in conveying that the steering wheel should be held. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a steering wheel and a steering module that enable intuitive understanding of whether the steering wheel should be held.

[0005] The steering wheel according to the first aspect includes a pair of left and right grips extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle and capable of being gripped by an occupant, and the pair of left and right grips emit light when the occupant needs to grip the grips.

[0006] In the steering wheel according to the first aspect, when the passenger needs to grip the gripping portion, the pair of left and right gripping portions emit light, thereby enabling the passenger to intuitively understand that the illuminated portion should be gripped.

[0007] The steering wheel involved in the second embodiment further comprises, in the first embodiment: a base portion extending in the up-down direction and the width direction of the vehicle; a connecting portion connecting the lower end portion of the base portion and the lower end portions of a pair of left and right holding portions in the width direction of the vehicle; a right upper side portion extending from the upper end portion of the holding portion on the right side to the left side, and further extending to the front of the vehicle and connected to the upper end portion of the base; and a left upper side portion extending from the upper end portion of the holding portion on the left side to the right side, and further extending to the front of the vehicle and connected to the upper end portion of the base.

[0008] In the steering wheel involved in the second embodiment, there is a base extending in the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle width direction, and a pair of left and right grips extend along the vehicle vertical direction on the left and right sides relative to the base. In addition, the lower end of the base and the lower ends of the pair of left and right grips are connected in the vehicle width direction by a connecting portion. Further, the upper right side extends from the upper end of the grip on the right side to the left side, and the upper right side further extends to the front of the vehicle and is connected to the upper end of the base. Similarly, the upper left side extends from the upper end of the grip on the left side to the right side, and the upper left side further extends to the front of the vehicle and is connected to the upper end of the base. In this way, the upper and lower parts of the steering wheel are respectively connected to the base, and therefore, the steering wheel is less likely to deform compared to a cantilever structure in which only one of the upper and lower parts of the steering wheel is fixed.

[0009] The steering wheel according to the third aspect is characterized in that, in the second aspect, a steering wheel switch is provided on at least one of the right upper side portion and the left upper side portion.

[0010] In the steering wheel according to the third aspect, the occupant can operate the switch without significantly removing his / her hand from the state of gripping the grip portion.

[0011] A steering wheel according to a fourth aspect is provided in the second aspect, and includes a column portion that protrudes from an instrument panel toward the rear of the vehicle, and the base portion is rotatably attached to the column portion.

[0012] In the steering wheel according to the fourth aspect, since the base portion is rotatably attached to the column portion, the steering wheel can be steered without rotating the column portion.

[0013] A steering wheel according to a fifth aspect is characterized in that, in the fourth aspect, a sensor capable of detecting an occupant is provided at a tip end portion of the column portion.

[0014] In the steering wheel involved in the fifth aspect, the occupant can be detected by a sensor. At this time, since the column does not rotate, it is possible to maintain good detection accuracy regardless of the steering angle of the steering wheel. In addition, the "sensor" mentioned here refers to a concept that broadly includes sensors that can detect at least a part of the occupant, for example, including sensors that detect the entire face of the occupant, sensors that detect pupils, sensors that detect the direction of sight, and sensors that detect postures.

[0015] A steering wheel according to a sixth aspect is characterized in that, in the fourth aspect, an air blowing hole capable of blowing air toward the rear of the vehicle is provided at the tip end portion of the column portion.

[0016] In the steering wheel according to the sixth aspect, by providing the air supply hole at the tip end portion of the column portion, air can be supplied from a position closer to the occupant than in a configuration in which air is supplied to the occupant from the air supply hole provided in the instrument panel.

[0017] A steering module according to a seventh aspect is configured to include: the steering wheel according to any one of the first to sixth aspects; and a vehicle display device that is disposed between the pair of left and right grips and an instrument panel and displays information.

[0018] In the steering module according to the seventh aspect, since the vehicle display device is provided in front of the instrument panel, information can be visually confirmed simply by moving the line of sight around the steering wheel.

[0019] The steering module involved in the eighth embodiment is configured in the seventh embodiment, wherein the steering wheel is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle between a use position and a storage position, wherein in the use position, the occupant can operate the steering wheel and the vehicle display device and the grip portion are separated in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and in the storage position, the grip portion and the vehicle display device are connected.

[0020] In the steering module according to the eighth aspect, since the base and the column can be moved to the stowed position when the vehicle occupant does not need to operate the vehicle during automatic driving or the like, a wide space around the driver's seat can be ensured.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] As described above, according to the steering wheel and the steering module according to the present disclosure, it is possible to intuitively understand that the steering wheel should be gripped. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of a driver's seat of a vehicle to which the steering module according to the embodiment is applied, viewed from the rear side of the vehicle.

[0025] Figure 2 Observed from above and behind Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the driver's seat area.

[0026] Figure 3 To magnify the view from the rear of the vehicle Figure 1 An enlarged view of the steering module.

[0027] Figure 4 To magnify the view from the right rear side of the vehicle Figure 1An enlarged view of the steering module.

[0028] Figure 5 To indicate the steering wheel Figure 2 A diagram of a state in which the state is moved to the storage position.

[0029] Figure 6 To indicate that the grip Figure 3 A diagram of the state of the light emitting state.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a diagram of a steering module according to a first modification example as viewed from the rear side of a vehicle.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a diagram of a steering module according to a second modified example as viewed from the rear side of a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The vehicle V to which the steering module 10 according to the embodiment is applied will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the arrow marks FR, UP, and LH in each figure respectively represent the front side of the vehicle, the upper side of the vehicle, and the left side of the vehicle. When the directions of front, back, left, right, up, and down are used for description, unless otherwise specified, the directions represent the front and back of the vehicle front-to-back direction, the left and right of the vehicle width direction, and the up and down of the vehicle up and down direction.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, an instrument panel 16 is provided at the front part of the cabin of the vehicle V. The instrument panel 16 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a steering wheel 12 is provided on the vehicle left side of the instrument panel 16. That is, in the present embodiment, as an example, a left-hand drive vehicle in which the steering wheel 12 is provided on the left side, and the driver's seat is provided on the left side of the vehicle is set, but it is not limited to this. For example, it can also be applied to a right-hand drive vehicle with a steering wheel 12 on the right side of the vehicle.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The left end of the windshield 18 is fixed to a front pillar 20 on the left side of the vehicle. The front pillar 20 extends in the vehicle vertical direction, and the windshield 18 is fixed to the inner end of the front pillar 20 in the vehicle width direction.

[0036] A vehicle seat 22 is arranged 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 in an automatic driving mode in which a passenger does not perform a driving operation, and is configured to allow the automatic driving mode to be shifted when a predetermined condition is met in a manual driving state. Here, a steering module 10 is provided in front of the vehicle seat 22.

[0037] (Steering module 10)

[0038] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the driver's seat and its surroundings viewed from above and behind. Figure 2 As shown, the steering module 10 is configured to include a steering wheel 12 that is gripped and operated by an occupant, and a vehicle display device 14 (hereinafter sometimes appropriately referred to as a “display device 14 ”).

[0039] 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 vehicle rear to the vehicle front in a plan view, and a front end of the module base 26 is fixed to the upper surface of the instrument panel 16 .

[0040] A column portion 24 constituting the steering wheel 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 wheel 12 and the instrument panel 16, and displays information to the occupant.

[0041] (Vehicle Display Device 14)

[0042] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the steering module 10 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 wheel 12, and is configured to display information on a surface facing the vehicle seat 22.

[0043] Specifically, the main body 30 includes a central portion 30C located at the center of the steering 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 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 module 10 in the vehicle width direction.

[0044] 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 wheel 12, and is inclined toward the rear side of the vehicle as it moves toward 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 wheel 12, and is inclined toward the rear side of the vehicle as it moves toward the left side of the vehicle when viewed from above (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 ).

[0045] Here, the surface of the right display unit 30R on the vehicle rear side facing the driver's seat is called the right display surface 32R, and the surface of the left display unit 30L on the vehicle rear side facing the driver's seat is called the left display surface 32L. In addition, in the following description, when the right display surface 32R and the left display surface 32L are not distinguished, they are sometimes simply referred to as "display surface 32".

[0046] The display surface 32 includes a touch panel that can be operated by the passenger's touch. Therefore, the display device 14 is configured so that the passenger can select a function corresponding to an image or the like displayed on the display surface 32 by touching the image.

[0047] In addition, in the present embodiment, as an example, a touch panel is provided over the entire area of ​​the display surface 32. That is, information is displayed over the entire area of ​​the surface on the rear side of the vehicle in the right display unit 30R, and the passenger can appropriately operate the image displayed on the right display unit 30R. Similarly to the right display unit 30R, information is displayed over the entire area of ​​the surface on the rear side of the vehicle in the left display unit 30L, and the passenger can appropriately operate the image displayed on the left display unit 30L.

[0048] 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.

[0049] For example, information on the operation of the air conditioner, music playback, and entertainment is displayed on the area PR, and the passenger can grasp the right display unit 30R and select the image displayed on the area PR with the finger of the right hand. In addition, information on driving assistance functions such as active cruise control and switching of driving modes is displayed on the area PL, and the passenger can grasp the left display unit 30L and select the image displayed on the area PL with the finger of the left hand.

[0050] On the other hand, since the area on the left side of the steering wheel 12 in the right display unit 30R and the area on the right side of the steering wheel 12 in the left display unit 30L are areas that are difficult for the occupant to operate, operation items with a low operation frequency are displayed. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which setting items of a navigation system implemented while the vehicle V is parked are displayed.

[0051] In addition, in the present embodiment, a touch panel is provided on the entire surface of the display surface 32, but it is not limited to this, and a structure in which a touch panel is provided only in the area PR and the area PL may be provided. In this case, even if the hand of the occupant operating the steering wheel 12 touches the display surface 32, no reaction will be made. Specifically, since the touch panel is provided only in the portion extending to the right side compared to the steering wheel 12 in the right display unit 30R, it is possible to suppress erroneous operations caused by touching other portions of the right display unit 30R while holding the steering wheel 12. Similarly, since the touch panel is provided only in the portion extending to the left side compared to the steering wheel 12 in the left display unit 30L, it is possible to suppress erroneous operations caused by touching other portions of the left display unit 30L while holding the steering wheel 12.

[0052] Here, if Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the finger hook portion 31 is provided on the surface of the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L on the side 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 convex portion with a finger, the operability of the display unit 32 is improved. In addition, as the finger hook portion, a concave portion that is recessed from the general surface in order to hook a finger may be provided.

[0053] 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 long strip with the vehicle width direction as the long side direction. Preferably, functions that can be operated independently of the information displayed on the display device 14 are assigned to the right operating switch 34R and the left operating switch 34L. In the present embodiment, as an example, the function of the hazard indicator light is assigned to the right operating switch 34R. In addition, the function of the high beam light is assigned to the left operating switch 34L, but it is not limited to this.

[0054] 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 in 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 wheel 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 through a smooth curved surface.

[0055] (Steering wheel 12)

[0056] The steering wheel 12 is configured to include the column portion 24 , the base portion 40 , 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.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the 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 an occupant is provided at the top end of the 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 posture, and the like.

[0058] In addition, an air supply hole (not shown) capable of supplying air toward the rear of the vehicle is provided at the top end of the column 24. For example, an air conditioner is provided at the front side of the vehicle relative to the instrument panel 16, and the air temperature-regulated by the air conditioner passes through the inside of the column 24 and is supplied from the air supply hole toward the driver's seat. In this way, by providing the air supply hole at the top end of the column 24, it is not necessary to configure a vent hole on the instrument panel 16, thereby improving the degree of freedom in the design of the interior of the vehicle. In addition, compared with the case of supplying air from the instrument panel 16, air can be supplied from a position closer to the occupants.

[0059] Here, in the present embodiment, as an example, the 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 vertical position independently of the steering wheel 12.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, a base 40 is provided on the column 24. The base 40 extends in the vehicle up-down 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 column 24.

[0061] A right grip portion 42R that can be gripped by an occupant is arranged on the right side relative to the base 40, and a left grip portion 42L that can be gripped by an occupant is arranged on the left side relative to the base 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 wheel 12.

[0062] The lower end of the base 40, the lower end of the right grip 42R, and the lower end of the left grip 42L are connected in the vehicle width direction by the connecting portion 44. The connecting portion 44 is an elongated member arranged below the column 24 and having the vehicle width direction as the long side 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 the vehicle width direction both ends.

[0063] On the other hand, the mounting piece 40A extends from the lower end of the base 40 toward the vehicle front side, and the vehicle width direction center portion of the connecting portion 44 is fixed to the mounting piece 40A. In addition, a horn switch may be provided at the vehicle width direction center portion of the connecting portion 44.

[0064] Both ends of the connecting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction are gently curved so as to be gradually positioned upward toward both sides in the vehicle width direction, and are formed integrally with the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L.

[0065] 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 steering wheel 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 toward the front of the vehicle from the end of the steering wheel right upper portion 48R and connected to the upper end of the base 40.

[0066] 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 steering wheel 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 steering wheel left upper portion 48L and connected to the upper end of the base 40.

[0067] 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 from the gap. Therefore, a display 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.

[0068] A steering wheel switch is provided on at least one of the upper right side portion 46R and the upper left side portion 46L. In the present embodiment, as an example, two right steering wheel switches 52R are provided on the upper right side portion 46R. The two right steering wheel switches 52R are arranged side by side on the surface of the vehicle rear side in the upper right side portion 48R of the steering wheel, and are assigned different functions. For example, the right steering wheel switch 52R may 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.

[0069] On the other hand, two left steering wheel switches 52L are provided on the left upper side 46L. The two left steering wheel switches 52L are provided side by side on the surface of the vehicle rear side in the left upper side 48L of the steering wheel, and are assigned different functions. For example, the left steering wheel switch 52L may be assigned functions such as a left direction indicator, activation of the wipers, and activation of the active cruise control.

[0070] The steering module 10 of the present embodiment is configured as described above, and the display device 14 and the steering wheel 12 are arranged separately in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0071] Figure 4 To magnify the view from the right rear side of the vehicle Figure 1 An enlarged view of the steering module 10. Figure 4 As shown, a gap is provided between the right grip 42R of the steering wheel 12 and the right display unit 30R of the display device 14 to such an extent that the hand of the occupant does not touch the right display unit 30R even when the occupant grips the right grip 42R.

[0072] 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 wheel 12 and the left display unit 30L of the display device 14.

[0073] The steering module 10 of the present embodiment is configured to accommodate the steering wheel 12. For example, after the driving mode of the vehicle V is shifted to the automatic driving mode, if it is not expected to shift to the manual driving mode for a while, the steering wheel 12 is stored.

[0074] Figure 5 To indicate that the steering wheel 12 is Figure 2 The state of moving to the storage position is shown in FIG. Figure 5 , a state in which the steering wheel 12 is in the use position is depicted by a two-dot chain line, and a state in which the steering wheel 12 is in the storage position is depicted by a solid line.

[0075] like Figure 5As shown, the steering wheel 12 is configured to be relatively movable in the vehicle front-rear direction relative to the display device 14. For example, the column 24 of the display device 14 may be locked in a state where it is inserted into the module base 26, and the column 24 may be unlocked to be relatively movable relative to the module base 26.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown by the two-dot chain line, when the base 40 and the column 24 are in the use position, the occupant can operate the steering wheel, and the vehicle display device 14 is separated from the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L of the steering wheel 12 in the vehicle front-rear direction. On the other hand, as shown by the solid line, in the storage position where the steering wheel 12 is 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.

[0077] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the angle of the right display unit 30R and the angle of the right upper portion 48R of the steering wheel are substantially the same angle, and the angle of the left display unit 30L and the angle of the left upper portion 48L of the steering wheel are substantially the same angle when viewed from above. Therefore, in the retracted position, the right grip 42R and the right upper portion 48R of the steering wheel 12 are in contact with the display surface 32R of the right display unit 30R, and the left grip 42L and the left upper portion 48L are in contact with the display surface 32L of the left display unit 30L.

[0078] Here, if Figure 6 As shown, the steering module 10 of the present embodiment is configured so that when the passenger needs to grip the right grip 42R and the left grip 42L, the right grip 42R and the left grip 42L emit light.

[0079] Specifically, a light source 43R is disposed inside the right grip 42R, and a light source 43L is disposed inside the left grip 42L. In addition, the light sources 43R and 43L are configured to light up or flash based on a signal from a control unit not shown in the figure, and when the vehicle is to be handed over to the occupant from the hands-free state of implementing driving assistance, the light sources 43R and 43L are lit, and the right grip 42R and the left grip 42L emit light. In particular, in the present embodiment, the texture of the surface of the steering wheel 12 is the texture of general synthetic leather, and is formed of a material that cannot be visually confirmed inside. Furthermore, when the light source emits light, the light passes through the surface, so that the surface of the surface can be visually confirmed to be glowing.

[0080] Furthermore, when the occupant does not grip the right grip 42R and the left grip 42L within a predetermined time, the light sources 43R and 43L may be flashed or may be illuminated in other colors.

[0081] (effect)

[0082] Next, the operation of the steering module 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, in the steering module 10 of the present embodiment, when the passenger needs to hold the right grip 42R and the left grip 42L, these grips light up. Thus, the passenger can intuitively understand that the illuminated portion should be held.

[0084] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, in the steering module 10 of the present embodiment, the main body 30 of the display device 14 is arranged between the steering wheel 12 and the instrument panel 16, and the main body 30 extends to both left and right sides of the steering wheel 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 moving the line of sight significantly. In addition, since the main body 30 extends to both left and right sides of the steering wheel 12, the hand holding the steering wheel will not become an obstacle when the passenger views the display surface 32.

[0085] 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 long side direction. Thus, the occupant can easily operate the operating switch even when the occupant intends to look forward.

[0086] Furthermore, 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.

[0087] 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 removing his hands significantly from the steering wheel 12 .

[0088] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of the present embodiment, since the operation items with high operation frequency are displayed on the area on the right side of the steering wheel 12 in the right display unit 30R and the area on the left side of the steering wheel 12 in the left display unit 30L, it is possible for the passenger to easily touch the operation items. In addition, by displaying the operation items with low operation frequency on other areas of the display surface, the convenience of the passenger can be improved compared with a structure in which the operation items are not displayed.

[0089] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of the present embodiment, the passenger can hook his finger on the finger hook portion while holding the right display unit or the left display unit to operate the touch panel. This allows the passenger to operate correctly even while driving.

[0090] Furthermore, 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 portion of the steering wheel 12, it is possible to prevent the passenger's knees 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 significantly remove his hands from the steering wheel 12, thereby facilitating operation.

[0091] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of the present embodiment, since the column 24 is configured to be vertically swingable relative to the module base 26 , the relative position of the main body 30 to the steering wheel 12 can be adjusted according to the physique and posture of the occupant.

[0092] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, in the steering wheel 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 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 40. In this way, since the upper and lower portions of the steering wheel 12 are respectively connected to the base 40, the steering wheel 12 is less likely to deform compared to a cantilever structure in which only one of the upper and lower portions of the steering wheel 12 is fixed to a column or the like.

[0093] Furthermore, in the steering wheel 12 of the present embodiment, since a right steering wheel switch 52R is provided on the right upper side 46R and a left steering wheel switch 52L is provided on the left upper side 46L, the occupant can operate the steering wheel switch while holding the steering wheel 12 .

[0094] Furthermore, in the steering wheel 12 of the present embodiment, since the base 40 is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the column 24, the steering wheel 12 can be operated without rotating the column 24. In particular, in the present embodiment, since a sensor capable of detecting an occupant is provided at the top end of the column 24, the sensor does not rotate even when the steering wheel 12 is being operated, and thus the detection accuracy of the sensor can be well maintained.

[0095] Furthermore, in the steering wheel 12 of the present embodiment, by providing the air supply holes at the top end of the 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 the air supply holes provided in the instrument panel 16 .

[0096] Further, in the steering wheel 12 of the present embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, since the base 40 and the pillar 24 are configured to be movable to the storage position on the front side of the vehicle, when no operation by the occupant is required during automatic driving, the base 40 and the pillar 24 can be moved to the storage position to ensure a wide space around the driver's seat.

[0097] Although the steering module 10 according to the present embodiment has been described above, it can of course be implemented in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle, the display surface 32 is provided to the area inside the steering wheel 12, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 7 The first variant shown and Figure 8 The structure of the second modified example is shown.

[0098] (First Modification)

[0099] Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a diagram of the steering module 10 according to the first modified example as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. Figure 7 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.

[0100] 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 and 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 and the display surface 32L.

[0101] Due to the step portion 60R and the step portion 60L, the base end side of the right operating switch 34R and the left operating switch 34L is narrower than the top end side, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, it is also possible to set the top end side and the base end side to have the same width without providing the step portion only at the upper edge of the main body 30. 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.

[0102] In this modification, the hand of the occupant holding the steering wheel 12 can be prevented from hitting the main body 30. In addition, the rigidity of the main body 30 can be improved by forming the step portions 60R, 60L between the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L and the recessed portions.

[0103] (Second Modification)

[0104] Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a diagram of a steering module according to a second modified example as viewed from the rear side of a vehicle. Figure 8 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.

[0105] Specifically, the portion of the right display unit 30R other than the display surface 32R is hollowed out, thereby forming a through portion 62R 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, thereby forming a through portion 62L that penetrates in the thickness direction of the left display unit 30L.

[0106] In this modification, it is possible to prevent the hand of the passenger holding the steering wheel 12 from hitting the main body 30. In addition, by forming a part of the main body 30 in a hollowed-out shape, the main body 30 can be made lighter. Furthermore, the passenger can visually check the vehicle front side of the display device 14 through the penetration portions 62R and 62L.

[0107] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment and the modified example, although two right steering wheel switches 52R are provided at the upper right side portion 46R and two left steering wheel switches 52L are provided at the upper left side portion 46L, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a steering wheel switch may be provided only at one of the upper right side portion 46R and the upper left side portion 46L. In addition, a structure without a steering wheel switch may be adopted.

[0108] The following supplementary notes are disclosed with respect to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0109] (Note 1)

[0110] A steering wheel, comprising:

[0111] a base portion extending in the vehicle up-down direction and the vehicle width direction;

[0112] A pair of left and right gripping parts, which extend along the up-down direction of the vehicle at the left and right sides relative to the base, and can be gripped by the passengers;

[0113] a connecting portion connecting a lower end portion of the base portion and lower ends of a pair of left and right grip portions in a vehicle width direction;

[0114] A right upper edge portion, which extends from the upper end portion of the grip portion on the right side to the left side, and further extends to the front of the vehicle and is connected to the upper end portion of the base portion;

[0115] The left upper side portion extends from the upper end portion of the grip portion on the left side to the right side, further extends to the front of the vehicle and is connected to the upper end portion of the base portion.

[0116] (Note 2)

[0117] The steering wheel according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein a steering wheel switch is provided on at least one of the upper right side portion and the upper left side portion.

[0118] (Note 3)

[0119] A steering wheel as described in Supplement 1 or Supplement 2, wherein:

[0120] A column portion is provided, the column portion protruding from the instrument panel toward the rear of the vehicle,

[0121] The base is rotatably mounted on the column.

[0122] (Note 4)

[0123] The steering wheel as described in Supplementary Note 3, wherein a sensor capable of detecting an occupant is provided at a top end portion of the column portion.

[0124] (Note 5)

[0125] The steering wheel as described in Supplementary Note 3 or Supplementary Note 4, wherein an air supply hole capable of supplying air toward the rear of the vehicle is provided at a top end portion of the column portion.

[0126] (Note 6)

[0127] A steering wheel as described in any one of Notes 1 to 5, wherein:

[0128] A light source is disposed inside at least one of the grip portion, the connection portion, the upper right side portion, and the upper left side portion.

[0129] The light source is illuminated when the occupant should hold the grip portion.

[0130] (Note 7)

[0131] A steering module, comprising:

[0132] A steering wheel as described in any one of Notes 1 to 6;

[0133] A vehicle display device is arranged between the pair of left and right grips and the instrument panel to display information.

[0134] (Note 8)

[0135] In the steering module as described in Note 7, the base and the column are constructed to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle between a use position and a storage position, wherein in the use position, the occupant can operate the steering wheel and the vehicle display device and the grip portion are separated in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and in the storage position, the grip portion and the vehicle display device are connected.

Claims

1. A steering wheel having a pair of left and right grips, the grips extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle and capable of being gripped by a passenger, When the passenger needs to hold the gripping parts, the pair of left and right gripping parts emit light.

2. The steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein: The steering wheel also has: a base portion extending in the vehicle up-down direction and the vehicle width direction; a connecting portion connecting a lower end portion of the base portion and lower ends of a pair of left and right grip portions in a vehicle width direction; A right upper edge portion, which extends from the upper end portion of the grip portion on the right side to the left side, and further extends to the front of the vehicle and is connected to the upper end portion of the base portion; The left upper side portion extends from the upper end portion of the grip portion on the left side to the right side, further extends to the front of the vehicle and is connected to the upper end portion of the base portion.

3. The steering wheel according to claim 2, wherein: A steering wheel switch is provided on at least one of the upper right side portion and the upper left side portion.

4. The steering wheel according to claim 2, wherein: A column portion is provided, the column portion protruding from the instrument panel toward the rear of the vehicle, The base is rotatably mounted on the column.

5. The steering wheel according to claim 4, wherein: A sensor capable of detecting an occupant is provided at a tip end portion of the pillar portion.

6. The steering wheel according to claim 4, wherein: The top end of the pillar portion is provided with an air supply hole capable of supplying air toward the rear of the vehicle.

7. A steering module, comprising: The steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 6; as well as A vehicle display device is arranged between the pair of left and right grips and the instrument panel to display information.

8. The steering module according to claim 7, wherein: The steering wheel is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle between a use position and a storage position, wherein in the use position, the occupant can manipulate the steering wheel and the vehicle display device is separated from the grip portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and in the storage position, the grip portion is connected to the vehicle display device.

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