Vehicle steering device

Abstract

A vehicle steering device (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) is provided with: a spoke (2) of a steering wheel; and a pair of arc-shaped or linear handles (10) disposed on the left and right of the spokes (2), the pair of handles (10) having a structure capable of rotating relative to the spokes (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle steering device provided on a steering wheel of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, a vehicle steering device is disclosed, which includes: a lateral movement mechanism that moves a steering wheel between an operation position set in front of a driver's seat and a retracted position set on a position closer to the front passenger seat side than the operation position; and a movement control unit that controls the operation of the lateral movement mechanism. In this vehicle steering device, it is possible to switch between manual steering and automatic steering. When switching from manual steering to automatic steering, the movement control unit moves the steering wheel from the operation position to the retracted position, thereby expanding the space in front of the driver's seat.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-142539 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, in the vehicle steering device of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to arrange a lateral movement mechanism for moving the steering wheel from the operation position to the retracted position, resulting in a complicated structure around the steering wheel.

[0008] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a vehicle steering device capable of simplifying the structure around the steering wheel.

[0009] Solutions to the Problems

[0010] A vehicle steering device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: spokes of a steering wheel; and a pair of handles in an arc shape or a linear shape, the pair of handles being arranged on the left and right of the spokes, wherein the pair of handles have a structure capable of rotating relative to the spokes.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the vehicle steering device of the present disclosure, the structure around the steering wheel can be simplified. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle steering device in which a pair of handles can automatically rotate.

[0014] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a vehicle steering device in which a pair of handles can automatically rotate.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the state of a table board in a vehicle steering device in which a pair of grips can automatically rotate.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a flowchart showing a vehicle steering device in which a pair of grips can automatically rotate.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing a vehicle steering device in which a pair of grips can be rotated manually.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a flowchart showing a vehicle steering device in which a pair of grips can be rotated manually.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing a vehicle steering device in which a steering device can automatically rotate.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a block diagram showing a vehicle steering device in which a steering device can automatically rotate.

[0021] Figure 9 It is a flowchart showing a vehicle steering device in which a steering device can automatically rotate.

[0022] Figure 10 It is a block diagram showing a vehicle steering device in which a steering device can be rotated manually.

[0023] Figure 11 It is a flowchart showing a vehicle steering device in which a steering device can be rotated manually.

[0024] Figure 12 It is a block diagram showing a vehicle steering device of other modified examples.

[0025] Figure 13 It is another block diagram showing a vehicle steering device of other modified examples. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] In addition, the embodiments described below all represent general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions of the constituent elements, connection methods, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In addition, regarding the constituent elements in the following embodiments that are not described in the independent claims, they are described as optional constituent elements.

[0028] In addition, the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily illustrated strictly. Also, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same constituent elements.

[0029] In addition, in the following embodiments, expressions such as rod-shaped and horizontal direction are used. For example, the rod-shaped and horizontal direction do not only refer to a complete rod and horizontal direction, but also refer to substantially a rod and horizontal direction, that is, including an error of about several percent. In addition, the rod and horizontal direction refer to the rod and horizontal direction within the range where the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to cases where other expressions of "shape" and "direction" are used.

[0030] (Embodiment)

[0031] <Structure and Function in Automatic Mode>

[0032] First, with reference to Figures 1 to 3 the vehicle steering device 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle steering device 1 in which a pair of handlebars 10 can rotate automatically. Figure 1 In (a) of Figure 1 shows the case where the steering position during driving is in the neutral position. Figure 1 In (b) of Figure 1 shows the case where a pair of handlebars 10 are tilted to be in a horizontal direction posture. Figure 2 In (c) of Figure 3 shows the case where the handlebar 10 on the door 9 side of the vehicle 3 adjacent to the vehicle steering device 1 is in a vertical direction posture and the other handlebar 10 is in a horizontal direction posture. Figure 3 In (d) of Figure 3 shows the case where a pair of handlebars 10 are tilted to be in a horizontal direction posture and the table board 50 is pulled out.

[0034] In Figure 1 etc., the vehicle steering device 1 provided in the vehicle 3 with the driver's seat on the left side in the traveling direction is exemplified. In addition, the vehicle steering device 1 of the present disclosure can also be mounted on a vehicle 3 with the driver's seat on the right side in the traveling direction.

[0035] The vehicle steering device 1 is a device capable of imparting a steering angle to the steering wheel of the vehicle 3, but is also a device capable of changing the posture of the grip 10 of the steering wheel disposed in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle 3.

[0036] Specifically, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the vehicle steering device 1 includes a spoke 2, a pair of grips 10, a pair of first drive units 21, and a control unit 30.

[0037] The spoke 2 is a rod-shaped member that is connected to the steering column 4 and extends from the steering column 4 in the left and right directions when in the neutral position during driving. In addition, the neutral position means a state in which the spoke 2 assumes a posture parallel to the left and right directions (horizontal direction) so that the vehicle 3 can travel straight.

[0038] A pair of grips 10 are disposed at both ends in the left and right directions of the spoke 2. That is, the pair of grips 10 are disposed on the left and right of the spoke 2. The pair of grips 10 are each in an arc shape. In addition, in the present embodiment, a structure in which the pair of grips 10 are in an arc shape is illustrated, but it is not limited to this structure, and the pair of grips 10 may also be in a straight line shape.

[0039] The pair of grips 10 can rotate relative to the spoke 2. The pair of grips 10 can be automatically rotated relative to the spoke 2 by a pair of first drive units 21 controlled by the control unit 30. The pair of grips 10 can be separated by rotating independently about the left and right directions of the spoke 2. Therefore, the pair of grips 10 can rotate independently of each other about the left and right directions of the spoke 2.

[0040] Each of the pair of grips 10 has a first part and a second part.

[0041] The first part is a part that extends toward the ceiling direction of the vehicle 3 relative to the spoke 2 when in the neutral position during driving.

[0042] The second part is a part that extends toward the floor direction of the vehicle 3 relative to the spoke 2 when in the neutral position during driving.

[0043] When in the neutral position during driving, the length of the first part of the pair of grips 10 is different from the length of the second part. The longer one of the first part and the second part is set as the long part 11a, and the shorter one is set as the short part 12a. In addition, in Figure 1In (a) of [the figure], as the neutral position, an example is shown where the long portion 11a extends toward the floor side of the vehicle 3 and the short portion 12a extends toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, but it is not limited thereto. For example, as the neutral position, it may also be a posture where the long portion 11a extends toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 and the short portion 12a extends toward the floor side of the vehicle 3. Therefore, when the first portion is the long portion 11a, the second portion becomes the short portion 12a, and when the first portion is the short portion 12a, the second portion becomes the long portion 11a.

[0044] As Figure 1 shown in (a) of [the figure], during driving, the short portion 12a of each of the pair of grips 10 can rotate toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, and the long portion 11a can rotate toward the floor side of the vehicle 3. That is, each of the pair of grips 10 can rotate relative to the spoke 2, and thus the long portion 11a can be in a posture extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2, and the short portion 12a can be in a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2. In addition, during driving, the short portion 12a of each of the pair of grips 10 may also be able to rotate toward the floor side of the vehicle 3, and the long portion 11a may also be able to rotate toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3.

[0045] In addition, since each of the pair of grips 10 can rotate relative to the spoke 2, as Figure 1 shown in (b) of [the figure], when parking the vehicle, the short portion 12a can rotate toward the rear side of the vehicle 3, and the long portion 11a can rotate toward the front side of the vehicle 3. That is, each of the pair of grips 10 can rotate relative to the spoke 2, and thus the short portion 12a can be in a posture extending toward the rear side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2, and the long portion 11a can be in a posture extending toward the front side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2.

[0046] In addition, as Figure 1 shown in (c) of [the figure], when the driver gets in and out of the vehicle 3, the long portion 11a of the grip 10 disposed on the door 9 side of the vehicle 3 adjacent to the vehicle steering device 1 can be in a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, and the short portion 12a can be in a posture extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3 so that the driver can hold the grip 10 to get in and out of the vehicle 3. At this time, the other grip 10 can be in a posture where the short portion 12a extends toward the rear side of the vehicle 3 and the long portion 11a extends toward the front side of the vehicle 3.

[0047] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the driver gets on or off the vehicle, the long portion 11a assumes a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, and the short portion 12a assumes a posture extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3, but it is not limited to this structure. That is, when the driver gets on or off the vehicle 3, in order to prevent the handle 10 from becoming an obstacle, in addition to rotating toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, the long portion 11a can, for example, also rotate toward the front side of the vehicle 3 or rotate toward the front window direction between the front side and the ceiling side of the vehicle 3. However, in these structures, it is sometimes difficult for the driver to hold the handle 10 to get on or off the vehicle 3. Therefore, it is desirable that the long portion 11a assume a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 when the driver gets on or off the vehicle.

[0048] In addition, for a pair of handles 10, when the steering position during driving is in the neutral position, a gap is formed between the long portion 11a of one handle 10 and the long portion 11a of the other handle 10 among the pair of handles 10. Therefore, when the pair of handles 10 rotate respectively, the pair of handles 10 can avoid interfering with the steering column 4 and the column cover 6 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0049] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, a pair of first drive units 21 are respectively provided corresponding to the pair of handles 10. Therefore, the pair of first drive units 21 rotate the pair of handles 10 in one-to-one correspondence.

[0050] The control unit 30 is electrically connected to the pair of first drive units 21 and controls the pair of first drive units 21 independently.

[0051] Specifically, as Figure 1 (a) of Figure 2 shown, when manually driving the vehicle 3, the control unit 30 controls the pair of first drive units 21 so that either the long portion 11a or the short portion 12a of the pair of handles 10 assumes a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3. Thus, when manually driving the vehicle 3, the long portion 11a of the pair of handles 10 assumes a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, and the short portion 12a of the pair of handles 10 assumes a posture extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3. Or, as Figure 1 (a) of

[0052] shown, the short portion 12a of the pair of handles 10 assumes a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, and the long portion 11a of the pair of handles 10 assumes a posture extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3. Figure 1 (b) of Figure 2As shown, when the vehicle 3 is parked or in autonomous driving, the control unit 30 controls a pair of first drive units 21 so that the short portion 12a of a pair of handlebars 10 assumes a posture extending toward the rear side of the vehicle 3, and the long portion 11a of the pair of handlebars 10 assumes a posture extending toward the front side of the vehicle 3. Thus, when the vehicle 3 is parked or in autonomous driving, the short portion 12a of the pair of handlebars 10 assumes a posture extending toward the rear side of the vehicle 3, and the long portion 11a of the pair of handlebars 10 assumes a posture extending toward the front side of the vehicle 3.

[0053] In addition, as Figure 1 shown in (c) and Figure 2 when the driver gets on or off the vehicle 3, the control unit 30 controls the first drive unit 21 on the door 9 side of the vehicle 3 adjacent to the vehicle steering device 1 so that the long portion 11a of the handlebar 10 disposed on the door 9 side assumes a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, and the short portion 12a of the handlebar 10 disposed on the door 9 side assumes a posture extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3. Thus, when the driver gets on or off the vehicle 3, the long portion 11a of the handlebar 10 disposed on the door 9 side of the pair of handlebars 10 assumes a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, and the short portion 12a of the handlebar 10 assumes a posture extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3. In addition, when the driver gets out of the vehicle 3, the control unit 30 may also maintain the posture in which the long portion 11a of the handlebar 10 disposed on the door 9 side extends toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 and the short portion 12a extends toward the floor side of the vehicle 3. In this case, the driver can hold the handlebar 10 to get into the vehicle 3.

[0054] In addition, as Figure 1 shown in (d), Figure 2 and Figure 3 the vehicle steering device 1 may further include a table board 50 and a second drive unit 22.

[0055] The table board 50 is disposed on the lower side of the vehicle steering device 1 and can move in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 3. The table board 50 is stored in a storage space in a column cover 6 that covers the lower part of the steering column 4. In addition, the table board 50 moves closer to the driver's seat by being pulled out from the storage space in the column cover 6.

[0056] The table board 50 further includes an input unit 51. The input unit 51 is a touchpad, a touch panel, or a projection keyboard. In the case of a touchpad and a touch panel, the input unit 51 may be built into the table board 50. In addition, the projection keyboard can be realized by irradiating a keyboard image onto the surface of the table board 50 by a projection device disposed on the spoke 2 or the like and detecting the position of the driver's finger by a detection unit disposed on the spoke 2 or the like.

[0057] The second drive unit 22 drives the table board 50 to move in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 3. Specifically, when the second drive unit 22 drives the table board 50 to move rearward of the vehicle 3 from the steering column 4, the second drive unit 22 moves the table board 50 rearward of the vehicle 3 to push out the table board 50 from the column cover 6 and position it directly in front of the driver's seat. In addition, the second drive unit 22 drives the table board 50 to move forward of the vehicle 3 to store the table board 50 in the storage space within the column cover 6.

[0058] When parking the vehicle, the control unit 30 controls the second drive unit 22 to move the table board 50 rearward of the vehicle 3 from the steering column 4. In addition, when driving or getting on / off the vehicle, the control unit 30 controls the second drive unit 22 to move the table board 50 forward of the vehicle 3 to store the table board 50 in the storage space within the column cover 6.

[0059] <Operation Example 1>

[0060] Next, with reference to Figure 4 etc., the operation example of the vehicle steering device 1 will be described.

[0061] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a vehicle steering device 1 in which a pair of grips 10 can automatically rotate.

[0062] First, the control unit 30 determines whether the vehicle 3 is in the driving state (S11). For the determination of whether it is in the driving state, for example, it can also be determined by whether the control unit 30 obtains information indicating that the ignition switch is turned on and the shift lever is in the D gear (drive) from an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) or the like.

[0063] As Figure 1 shown in (a) of Figure 2 and Figure 4 when the control unit 30 determines that the vehicle 3 is in the driving state (Yes in S11), the control unit 30 controls a pair of first drive units 21 so that the long portion 11a or the short portion 12a of the pair of grips 10 assumes a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 and the short portion 12a or the long portion 11a assumes a posture extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3 (S14). As a result, the pair of grips 10 rotates so that the long portion 11a or the short portion 12a assumes a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 and the short portion 12a or the long portion 11a assumes a posture extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3. The control unit 30 advances the process to step S18.

[0064] On the other hand, when the control unit 30 determines that the vehicle 3 is not in the driving state ("No" in S11), the control unit 30 determines whether the vehicle 3 is in the parked state (S12). The determination of whether the vehicle is in the parked state can be made, for example, by whether the control unit 30 obtains information from the ECU or the like indicating that the ignition switch is on and the shift lever is in the P position (parking), or the ignition switch is off and the door 9 is closed.

[0065] When the control unit 30 determines that the vehicle 3 is in the parked state ("Yes" in S12), as Figure 1 shown in (b) of Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, the control unit 30 controls a pair of first drive units 21 so that the long portions 11a of the pair of handlebars 10 extend toward the front side of the vehicle 3 and the short portions 12a of the pair of handlebars 10 extend toward the rear side of the vehicle 3 (S15). As a result, the pair of handlebars 10 rotate so that the long portions 11a extend toward the front side of the vehicle 3 and the short portions 12a extend toward the rear side of the vehicle 3.

[0066] In addition, in step S12, the control unit 30 determines whether the vehicle 3 is in the parked state. However, it is not limited to this, and it may also determine whether the vehicle 3 is in the autonomous driving state.

[0067] Next, the control unit 30 determines whether the switch of the table 50 is on (S16).

[0068] When the control unit 30 determines that the switch of the table 50 is off ("No" in S16), the control unit 30 returns the process to step S11.

[0069] When the control unit 30 determines that the switch of the table 50 is on ("Yes" in S16), as Figure 1 shown in (d) of Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, the control unit 30 controls the second drive unit 22 to move the table 50 toward the rear of the vehicle 3 (S17). As a result, the table 50 moves from the storage space in the pillar cover 6 toward the rear side of the vehicle 3 and is pulled out to the front of the driver's seat. Then, the control unit 30 returns the process to step S11.

[0070] In addition, in step S12 above, when the control unit 30 determines that the vehicle 3 is not in the parked state ("No" in S12), it means that the driver is getting in or out of the vehicle 3. Therefore, as Figure 1 shown in (c) of Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the control unit 30 controls a pair of first drive units 21 so that the long portion 11a of the handle 10 on the door 9 side adjacent to the vehicle steering device 1 of the vehicle 3 assumes a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 (S13). As a result, the handle 10 on the door 9 side rotates so that the long portion 11a assumes a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 and the short portion 12a assumes a posture extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3. In addition, for the determination of whether it is during boarding or alighting, for example, it can also be determined by whether the control unit 30 obtains information indicating that the ignition switch is off and the door 9 is open from an ECU or the like.

[0071] Next, the control unit 30 determines whether the table board 50 is stored in the storage space within the pillar trim 6 (S18).

[0072] When the control unit 30 determines that the table board 50 is stored in the storage space within the pillar trim 6 (Yes in S18), the control unit returns the process to step S11.

[0073] On the other hand, when the control unit 30 determines that the table board 50 is not stored in the storage space within the pillar trim 6 (No in S18), the control unit 30 controls the second drive unit 22 to store the table board 50 in the storage space (S19). As a result, the table board 50 moves toward the front side of the vehicle 3 and is stored in the storage space within the pillar trim 6. Then, the control unit 30 returns the process to step S11.

[0074] <Structure and Function in Manual Operation>

[0075] The above example shows the case where a pair of handles 10 can rotate automatically. However, with reference to Figure 5 the case where a pair of handles 10 can be rotated manually relative to the spoke 2 will be described.

[0076] Figure 5 It is a block diagram of a vehicle steering device 1a in which a pair of handles 10 can be rotated manually.

[0077] In this case, the vehicle steering device 1a may further include a pair of position sensors 60, a table board 50, a stopper 80, and a warning unit 70. In addition, the vehicle steering device 1a may not include the second drive unit 22 and the pair of first drive units 21.

[0078] A pair of position sensors 60 are provided for a pair of handles 10 in a one-to-one correspondence. The pair of position sensors 60 detect the respective rotational positions of the pair of handles 10 in a one-to-one correspondence. The pair of position sensors 60 respectively output the respective rotational positions of the pair of handles 10 to the control unit 30a. The rotational position is represented by the posture (position) of the pair of handles 10 relative to the spoke 2, the rotational angle of the pair of handles 10, and the like.

[0079] The control unit 30a is electrically connected to a pair of position sensors 60, and acquires the respective rotational positions of the pair of grips 10 from the pair of position sensors 60.

[0080] Specifically, when the control unit 30a determines, based on the respective rotational positions of the pair of grips 10 detected by the pair of position sensors 60, that the long portion 11a or the short portion 12a of the pair of grips 10 is in a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, the control unit 30a outputs a drivable signal. That is, since the long portion 11a of the pair of grips 10 extends toward the ceiling side or the floor side of the vehicle 3, and the short portion 12a of the pair of grips 10 extends toward the floor side or the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, a posture is formed in which the driver can hold the pair of grips 10 to drive the vehicle 3. In this case, the control unit 30a outputs a drivable signal.

[0081] In addition, when the control unit 30a determines, based on the respective rotational positions of the pair of grips 10 detected by the pair of position sensors 60, that the short portion 12a of the pair of grips 10 faces the rear side of the vehicle 3 and the long portion 11a is in a posture extending toward the front side of the vehicle 3, the control unit 30a outputs a park stop signal. That is, when the steering position during driving is in the neutral position, the pair of grips 10 is in a posture tilted parallel to the horizontal direction, so the driver does not drive the vehicle 3. In this case, the control unit 30a outputs a park stop signal.

[0082] In addition, when the control unit 30a determines, based on the respective rotational positions of the pair of grips 10 detected by the pair of position sensors 60, that the long portion 11a of the grip 10 disposed on the door 9 side of the vehicle 3 adjacent to the vehicle steering device 1a of the pair of grips 10 is in a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 and the short portion 12a is in a posture extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3, the control unit 30a outputs a door unlock permission signal. That is, when the driver wants to unlock the door 9 of the vehicle 3 adjacent to the vehicle steering device 1a, the driver manually adjusts the long portion 11a of the grip 10 disposed on the door 9 side to be in a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 and the short portion 12a of the grip 10 disposed on the door 9 side to be in a posture extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3. Thereby, the control unit 30a outputs a door unlock permission signal, so the driver can get out of the vehicle 3. In addition, when the driver wants to enter the vehicle 3, the driver can hold the long portion 11a of the grip 10 disposed on the door 9 side and sit on the driver's seat. Therefore, it is easy for the driver to get in and out of the vehicle 3.

[0083] The table board 50 can be pulled out manually. The table board 50 is arranged on the lower side of the steering wheel and can move in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 3. The table board 50 is stored in a storage space in a column cover 6 that covers the lower part of the steering column 4. In addition, the table board 50 is pulled out from within the column cover 6 and moves closer to the driver's seat. The table board 50 also includes an input unit 51.

[0084] The stopper 80 is electrically connected to the control unit 30a and is used to limit the movement of the table board 50. The stopper 80 is, for example, a solenoid stopper composed of an electromagnetic actuator or the like.

[0085] The stopper 80 can limit or release the movement of the table board 50 by being controlled by the control unit 30a. When the stopper 80 has been released, the stopper 80 outputs a signal indicating that it has been released to the control unit 30a. In addition, when the stopper 80 has not been released, the stopper 80 outputs a signal indicating that it has not been released to the control unit 30a.

[0086] When the control unit 30a outputs a parking signal, it releases the stopper 80 that restricts the movement of the table board 50 in the rear direction of the vehicle 3. That is, when the vehicle 3 has been parked, sometimes the driver will pull out the table board 50 stored in the storage space in the column cover 6, so the control unit 30a releases it by driving the stopper 80.

[0087] When the control unit 30a outputs a drivable signal or a door unlocking permission signal, if the stopper 80 has been released, it causes the warning unit 70 to output a warning urging the storage of the table board 50.

[0088] The warning unit 70 is an audio device mounted on the vehicle 3 or a display device mounted on the vehicle 3, etc. The warning is a warning urging the storage of the table board 50 through a sound output by the audio device, a warning urging the storage of the table board 50 through a display content displayed by the display device, etc.

[0089] <Operation Example 2>

[0090] Next, refer to Figure 6 etc. to describe the operation example of the vehicle steering device 1a.

[0091] Figure 6 It is a flowchart showing a vehicle steering device 1a in which a pair of grips 10 can be rotated manually.

[0092] First, as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the control unit 30a determines whether the long portions 11a or the short portions 12a of the pair of handles 10 extend toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 and the short portions 12a or the long portions 11a of the pair of handles 10 extend toward the floor side of the vehicle 3 based on the rotational positions of the pair of handles 10 detected by the pair of position sensors 60 (S21).

[0093] When the control unit 30a determines that the long portions 11a or the short portions 12a of the pair of handles 10 extend toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 and the short portions 12a or the long portions 11a of the pair of handles 10 extend toward the floor side of the vehicle 3 (Yes in S21), the control unit 30a outputs a drivable signal to the ECU (S24). Thereby, the vehicle 3 can be driven. The control unit 30a advances the process to step S27.

[0094] On the other hand, when the control unit 30a determines that the long portions 11a or the short portions 12a of the pair of handles 10 do not extend toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 (No in S21), the control unit 30a determines whether the long portions 11a of the pair of handles 10 extend toward the front side of the vehicle 3 and the short portions 12a of the pair of handles 10 extend toward the rear side of the vehicle 3 (S22).

[0095] When the control unit 30a determines that the long portions 11a of the pair of handles 10 extend toward the front side of the vehicle 3 and the short portions 12a of the pair of handles 10 extend toward the rear side of the vehicle 3 (Yes in S22), the control unit 30a outputs a parking stop signal (S25).

[0096] Next, when the control unit 30a has output the parking stop signal, it controls to release the stopper 80 that restricts the movement of the table 50 toward the rear of the vehicle 3 (S26). Then, the control unit 30a returns the process to step S21.

[0097] In addition, when in step S22 above the control unit 30a determines that the long portions 11a of the pair of handles 10 do not extend toward the front side of the vehicle 3 and the short portions 12a of the pair of handles 10 do not extend toward the rear side of the vehicle 3 (No in S22), since it is neither Figure 1 the state of (a) nor Figure 1 the state of (b), it is determined to be Figure 1 the state of (c), and the control unit 30a outputs a door unlocking permission signal to the ECU (S23).

[0098] Next, the control unit 30a determines whether the stopper 80 has been released (S27).

[0099] When the control unit 30a determines that the stopper 80 has not been released (No in S27), the process returns to step S21. That is, if the stopper 80 has not been released, it means that the table board 50 has been stored in the storage space of the column cover 6. Therefore, it can be in a posture where the long portion 11a or the short portion 12a of the pair of handles 10 extends toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, and the short portion 12a or the long portion 11a of the pair of handles 10 extends toward the floor side of the vehicle 3.

[0100] When the control unit 30a determines that the stopper 80 has been released (Yes in S27), the control unit 30a causes the warning unit 70 to output a warning urging the storage of the table board 50 (S28). Then, the control unit 30a returns the process to step S21.

[0101] In addition, in the present embodiment, a structure in which the vehicle steering device 1a includes the table board 50 is illustrated, but the vehicle steering device 1a may also have a structure that does not include the table board 50.

[0102] (Modification of the embodiment)

[0103] Next, with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 8 the vehicle steering device 1b of this modification will be described.

[0104] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a vehicle steering device 1b in which the steering device 100 can automatically rotate. Figure 7 (a) shows the case where the steering position during driving is in the neutral position. Figure 7 (b) shows the case where the steering device 100 is tilted to be in a horizontal posture. Figure 7 (c) shows the case where the steering device 100 is in a vertical posture with the connecting portion 13 above the spoke 2. Figure 7 (d) shows the case where the steering device 100 is tilted to be in a horizontal posture and the table board 50 is pulled out. Figure 8 is a block diagram of a vehicle steering device 1b in which the steering device 100 can automatically rotate.

[0105] The difference between this modification and the embodiment is that, in the pair of handles 10, one of the ends of the handle 10 is connected to each other integrally. Since the structure of the vehicle steering device 1b in this modification is the same as the structure shown in the embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to the structure of the vehicle steering device 1b in this modification and the description is appropriately omitted.

[0106] <Structure and function in automatic mode>

[0107] In this modified example, a semicircular handle is formed by connecting the end portion (long portion 11a) of one of a pair of handles to the end portion (long portion 11a) of the other handle with a connecting portion 13. In this modified example, the pair of handles (semicircular handle) connected by the connecting portion 13 is collectively referred to as a steering device 100.

[0108] As Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, the vehicle steering device 1b of this modified example includes a spoke 2, a steering device 100, a third drive unit 23, and a control unit 30b.

[0109] The left end of the spoke 2 is connected to the left end of the steering device 100, and the right end of the spoke 2 is connected to the right end of the steering device 100.

[0110] The steering device 100 can rotate relative to the spoke 2. The steering device 100 can automatically rotate relative to the spoke 2 by the third drive unit 23 controlled by the control unit 30b. Since the pair of handles 10 are integrated by the connecting portion 13, the steering device 100 rotates integrally relative to the spoke 2.

[0111] In addition, the steering device 100 has a connecting portion 13 corresponding to the above-mentioned long portion 11a and the above-mentioned short portion 12a.

[0112] As Figure 7 shown in (a), during driving, the short portion 12a of the steering device 100 can rotate toward the ceiling direction side of the vehicle 3, and the connecting portion 13 can rotate toward the floor direction side of the vehicle 3. That is, since the steering device 100 can rotate relative to the spoke 2, the connecting portion 13 can be in a posture disposed on the floor direction side of the vehicle 3 relative to the spoke 2, and the short portion 12a can be in a posture extending toward the ceiling direction side of the vehicle 3 relative to the spoke 2. In addition, during driving, the short portion 12a of the steering device 100 can rotate toward the floor direction side of the vehicle 3, and the connecting portion 13 can rotate toward the ceiling direction side of the vehicle 3.

[0113] In addition, since the steering device 100 can rotate relative to the spoke 2, as Figure 7 shown in (b), when parking, the short portion 12a can rotate toward the rear direction side of the vehicle 3, and the connecting portion 13 and the long portion 11a can rotate toward the front direction side of the vehicle 3. That is, since the steering device 100 can rotate relative to the spoke 2, the short portion 12a can be in a posture extending toward the rear direction side of the vehicle 3 relative to the spoke 2, and the connecting portion 13 can be in a posture disposed on the front direction side of the vehicle 3 relative to the spoke 2.

[0114] In addition, as shown in Figure 7 (c) of FIG.

[0115] When the driver gets on and off the vehicle 3, the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 can be in a posture disposed on the ceiling direction side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2, and the short portion 12a can be in a posture extending toward the floor direction side of the vehicle 3, so that the driver can hold the steering device 100 to get on and off the vehicle 3.

[0116] The third drive unit 23 rotates the steering device 100 by driving.

[0117] The control unit 30b is electrically connected to the third drive unit 23 to control the third drive unit 23.

[0118] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7 (a), (c) of FIG. Figure 8 When the vehicle 3 is being driven, the control unit 30b controls the third drive unit 23 so that either the connecting portion 13 or the short portion 12a of the steering device 100 is in a posture disposed on the ceiling direction side of the vehicle 3. Thus, when the vehicle 3 is being driven, the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is in a posture disposed on the ceiling direction side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2, and the short portion 12a of the steering device 100 is in a posture extending toward the floor direction side of the vehicle 3. Or, as shown in Figure 7 (a) of FIG.

[0119] In addition, as shown in Figure 7 (b) and Figure 8As shown, when the vehicle 3 is parked or in autonomous driving, the control unit 30b controls the third drive unit 23 so that the short portion 12a in the steering device 100 assumes a posture extending toward the rear side of the vehicle 3 and the connecting portion 13 in the steering device 100 is arranged on the front side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2. Thus, when the vehicle 3 is parked, the short portion 12a in the steering device 100 assumes a posture extending toward the rear side of the vehicle 3, and the connecting portion 13 in the steering device 100 assumes a posture arranged on the front side of the vehicle 3.

[0120] In addition, as Figure 7 shown in (c) and Figure 8 when the driver gets in or out of the vehicle 3, the control unit 30b controls the third drive unit 23 so that the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 assumes a posture arranged on the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2 and the short portion 12a of the steering device 100 assumes a posture extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3. Thus, when the driver gets in or out of the vehicle 3, the connecting portion 13 in the steering device 100 assumes a posture arranged on the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2, and the short portion 12a in the steering device 100 assumes a posture extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3.

[0121] Furthermore, if the connecting portion 13 in the steering device 100 is arranged on the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 during driving, in order to distinguish it from the case where the connecting portion 13 in the steering device 100 is arranged on the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, the control unit 30b controls the third drive unit 23 so that the position of the connecting portion 13 is different during driving and getting in or out. That is, during driving, the control unit 30b controls the third drive unit 23 so that the connecting portion 13 is arranged on the ceiling side close to the front window, and during getting in or out, the third drive unit 23 is controlled so that the connecting portion 13 is arranged on the ceiling side close to the seat.

[0122] In addition, the vehicle steering device 1b may also include a table board 50 and a fourth drive unit 24 in the same manner as the above-described embodiment.

[0123] As Figure 7 shown in (d), the table board 50 is arranged on the lower side of the vehicle steering device 1b and can move in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 3. The table board 50 is stored in a storage space in a column cover 6 (refer to Figure 3 ) that covers the lower part of the steering column 4. In addition, the table board 50 moves closer to the driver's seat by being pulled out from the storage space in the column cover 6.

[0124] The table board 50 further includes an input unit 51. The input unit 51 is a touch panel, a touch screen, or a projection keyboard.

[0125] The fourth drive unit 24 drives the table board 50 to move in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 3. Specifically, when the fourth drive unit 24 drives the table board 50 to move rearward of the vehicle 3 from the steering column 4, the fourth drive unit 24 moves the table board 50 rearward of the vehicle 3 to push out the table board 50 from within the column cover 6 and position it directly in front of the driver's seat. Further, the fourth drive unit 24 drives the table board 50 to move forward of the vehicle 3 to store the table board 50 in the storage space within the column cover 6.

[0126] When the vehicle is parked, the control unit 30b controls the fourth drive unit 24 to move the table board 50 rearward of the vehicle 3 from the steering column 4. Further, when driving or boarding / alighting, the control unit 30b controls the fourth drive unit 24 to move the table board 50 forward of the vehicle 3 to store the table board 50 in the storage space within the column cover 6.

[0127] <Operation Example 1>

[0128] Next, with reference to Figure 9 the operation example of the vehicle steering device 1b will be described.

[0129] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the vehicle steering device 1b in which the steering device 100 can automatically rotate. Further, here, the case where the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is disposed on the floor side of the vehicle 3 during driving will be described.

[0130] First, the control unit 30b determines whether the vehicle 3 is in the driving state (S31).

[0131] When the control unit 30b determines that the vehicle 3 is in the driving state (Yes in S31), the control unit 30b controls the third drive unit 23 so that the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is disposed on the floor side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2 and the short portion 12a assumes a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 (S34). As a result, the steering device 100 rotates so that the connecting portion 13 is disposed on the floor side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2 and the short portion 12a assumes a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3. The control unit 30b advances the process to step S38.

[0132] On the other hand, when the control unit 30b determines that the vehicle 3 is not in the driving state (No in S31), the control unit 30b determines whether the vehicle 3 is in the parked state (S32).

[0133] When the control unit 30b determines that the vehicle 3 is in the parked state (Yes in S32), as in Figure 7 (b) of Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the control unit 30b controls the third drive unit 23 so that the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is disposed on the front side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2, and the short portion 12a is in a posture extending toward the rear side of the vehicle 3 (S35). Thereby, the steering device 100 rotates so that the connecting portion 13 is disposed on the front side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2, and the short portion 12a is in a posture extending toward the rear side of the vehicle 3.

[0134] In addition, in step S32, the control unit 30b determines whether the vehicle 3 is in a parked state, but is not limited thereto, and may also determine whether the vehicle 3 is in an autonomous driving state.

[0135] Next, the control unit 30b determines whether the switch of the table 50 is turned on (S36).

[0136] When the control unit 30b determines that the switch of the table 50 is turned off (\"No\" in S36), the control unit 30b returns the process to step S31.

[0137] When the control unit 30b determines that the switch of the table 50 is turned on (\"Yes\" in S36), as shown in (d) of Figure 7 and Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the control unit 30b controls the fourth drive unit 24 to move the table 50 toward the rear of the vehicle 3 (S37). Thereby, the table 50 moves from inside the pillar cover 6 toward the rear side of the vehicle 3 and is pulled out to the front of the driver's seat. Then, the control unit 30b returns the process to step S31.

[0138] In addition, when the control unit 30b determines in step S32 that the vehicle 3 is not in a parked state (\"No\" in S32), it means that the driver is getting on or off the vehicle 3. Therefore, as shown in (c) of Figure 7 and Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the control unit 30b controls the third drive unit 23 so that the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is in a posture disposed on the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2 (S33). Thereby, the steering device 100 rotates so that the connecting portion 13 is in a posture disposed on the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2, and the short portion 12a is in a posture extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3.

[0139] Next, the control unit 30b determines whether the table 50 is stored in the storage space inside the pillar cover 6 (S38).

[0140] When the control unit 30b determines that the table 50 is stored in the storage space inside the pillar cover 6 (\"Yes\" in S38), the process returns to step S31.

[0141] On the other hand, when the control unit 30b determines that the table board 50 is not stored in the storage space in the column cover 6 ( "No" in S38), the fourth drive unit 24 is controlled to store the table board 50 (S39). As a result, the table board 50 moves toward the front side of the vehicle 3 to be stored in the storage space in the column cover 6. Then, the control unit 30b returns the process to step S31.

[0142] <Structure and function during manual operation>

[0143] In the above, the case where the steering device 100 can be automatically rotated is illustrated. Refer to Figure 10 to describe the case where the steering device 100 can be rotated manually relative to the spoke 2.

[0144] Figure 10 It is a block diagram of the vehicle steering device 1c showing that the steering device 100 can be rotated manually.

[0145] In this case, the vehicle steering device 1c may further include a position sensor 60, a table board 50, a stopper 80, and a warning unit 70. In addition, the vehicle steering device 1c may not include the third drive unit 23 and the fourth drive unit 24.

[0146] The position sensor 60 detects the rotational position of the steering device 100. The position sensor 60 outputs the rotational position of the steering device 100 to the control unit 30c.

[0147] The control unit 30c is electrically connected to the position sensor 60 and acquires each rotational position of the steering device 100.

[0148] Specifically, when the control unit 30c determines, based on each rotational position of the steering device 100 detected by the position sensor 60, that the connecting portion 13 or the short portion 12a in the steering device 100 is in a posture disposed on the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, a drivable signal is output. That is, the connecting portion 13 in the steering device 100 is disposed on the ceiling side or the floor side of the vehicle 3, and the short portion 12a in the steering device 100 extends toward the floor side or the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, so that it becomes a posture in which the driver can hold the steering device 100 to drive the vehicle 3. In this case, the control unit 30c outputs a drivable signal.

[0149] In addition, when the control unit 30c determines based on the respective rotational positions of the steering device 100 detected by the position sensor 60 that the short portion 12a in the steering device 100 faces the rear side of the vehicle 3 and the connecting portion 13 is in a posture arranged on the front side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2, a parking stop signal is output. That is, when the steering position during driving is in the neutral position, the steering device 100 assumes a posture tilted parallel to the horizontal direction, so the driver does not drive the vehicle 3. In this case, the control unit 30c outputs a parking stop signal.

[0150] In addition, when the control unit 30c determines based on the respective rotational positions of the steering device 100 detected by the position sensor 60 that the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is in a posture arranged on the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2 and the short portion 12a extends toward the floor side of the vehicle 3, a door unlocking permission signal is output. That is, when the driver wants to unlock the door 9 of the vehicle 3 adjacent to the vehicle steering device 1c, the driver manually adjusts the posture so that the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is arranged on the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2 and the short portion 12a of the steering device 100 extends toward the floor side of the vehicle 3. Thereby, the control unit 30c outputs a door unlocking permission signal, so the driver can get out of the vehicle 3. In addition, when the driver wants to enter the vehicle 3, the driver can hold the long portion 11a and / or the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 and sit on the driver's seat. Therefore, it is easy for the driver to board and alight from the vehicle 3.

[0151] In addition, if the connecting portion 13 in the steering device 100 is arranged on the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 during driving, when the driver boards and alights, in order to distinguish from the case where the connecting portion 13 in the steering device 100 is arranged on the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, the control unit 30c determines whether it is during driving or boarding / alighting based on the position of the connecting portion 13 through the position sensor 60. That is, for example, it is previously set so that the connecting portion 13 can be positioned by the restricting mechanism to be arranged on the ceiling side near the front window during driving and on the ceiling side near the seat during boarding / alighting. Thereby, the control unit 30c can determine whether it is during driving or boarding / alighting based on the output of the position sensor 60.

[0152] The table board 50 can be pulled out manually. The table board 50 is arranged on the lower side of the steering wheel and can move in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 3.

[0153] The stopper 80 is electrically connected to the control unit 30c and is used to limit the movement of the tabletop 50. The stopper 80 can limit the movement of the tabletop 50 or release the limitation by being controlled by the control unit 30c. When the stopper 80 has been released, the stopper 80 outputs a signal indicating that it has been released to the control unit 30c. In addition, when the stopper 80 has not been released, the stopper 80 outputs a signal indicating that it has not been released to the control unit 30c.

[0154] When the control unit 30c outputs a parking signal, the stopper 80 that restricts the movement of the tabletop 50 in the rear direction of the vehicle 3 is released. That is, when the vehicle 3 has been parked, sometimes the driver will pull out the tabletop 50 stored in the storage space in the pillar trim 6, so the control unit 30c releases the stopper 80.

[0155] When the control unit 30c outputs a drivable signal or a door unlocking permission signal, if the stopper 80 has been released, the warning unit 70 is made to output a warning urging the storage of the tabletop 50.

[0156] <Operation Example 2>

[0157] Next, with reference to Figure 11 the operation example of the vehicle steering device 1c will be described.

[0158] Figure 11 is a flowchart of the vehicle steering device 1c in which the steering device 100 can be manually rotated. In addition, the case where the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is disposed on the floor direction side of the vehicle 3 during driving will be described here.

[0159] First, the control unit 30c determines whether the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is disposed on the floor direction side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2 and the short portion 12a of the steering device 100 extends toward the ceiling direction side of the vehicle 3 based on the rotation position of the steering device 100 detected by the position sensor 60 (S41).

[0160] When the control unit 30c determines that the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is disposed on the floor direction side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2 and the short portion 12a of the steering device 100 extends toward the ceiling direction side of the vehicle 3 ( "Yes" in S41), the control unit 30c outputs a drivable signal to the ECU (S44). Thereby, the vehicle 3 can be driven. The control unit 30c causes the process to proceed to step S47.

[0161] On the other hand, when the control unit 30c determines that the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is not disposed on the floor side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2 and the short portion 12a of the steering device 100 extends toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 ( "No" in S41), the control unit 30c determines whether the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is disposed on the front side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2 and the short portion 12a of the steering device 100 extends toward the rear side of the vehicle 3 (S42).

[0162] When the control unit 30c determines that the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is disposed on the front side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2 and the short portion 12a of the steering device 100 extends toward the rear side of the vehicle 3 ( "Yes" in S42), the control unit 30c outputs a parking stop signal (S45).

[0163] Next, when the control unit 30c outputs the parking stop signal, it controls to release the stopper 80 that restricts the movement of the table board 50 toward the rear of the vehicle 3 (S46). Then, the control unit 30c returns the process to step S41.

[0164] In addition, in the above step S42, when the control unit 30c determines that the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is not disposed on the front side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2 and the short portion 12a of the steering device 100 extends toward the rear side of the vehicle 3 ( "No" in S42), since it is neither Figure 7 the state of (a) nor Figure 7 the state of (b), it is determined to be Figure 7 the state of (c), and the control unit 30c outputs a door unlocking permission signal to the ECU (S43).

[0165] Next, the control unit 30c determines whether the stopper 80 has been released (S47).

[0166] When the control unit 30c determines that the stopper 80 has not been released ( "No" in S47), the process returns to step S41.

[0167] When the control unit 30c determines that the stopper 80 has been released ( "Yes" in S47), the control unit 30c causes the warning unit 70 to output a warning urging the storage of the table board 50. Then, the control unit 30c returns the process to step S41.

[0168] In addition, in a modification of the present embodiment, a structure in which the vehicle steering device 1c includes the table board 50 is illustrated, but the vehicle steering device 1c may also have a structure that does not include the table board 50.

[0169] (Other modified examples)

[0170] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the first part and the second part may also have the same length. In this case, for example, the short part 12a may be referred to as the first part or the second part, and the long part 11a may be referred to as the second part or the first part.

[0171] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the vehicle steering device 1d may also be structured as Figure 12 shown. Figure 12 is a block diagram of the vehicle steering device 1d showing other modified examples. In addition, in Figure 12 the structure, since the vehicle steering device 1d does not include the second drive unit 22 and the stopper 80, it is a structure in which the vehicle steering device 1d does not have the table 50.

[0172] As Figure 12 shown, the vehicle steering device 1d further includes a detection unit 90 that detects the connection between the tongue of the seat belt provided in the vehicle 3 and the buckle provided in the driver's seat. When the detection unit 90 detects the connection between the tongue and the buckle, it outputs a signal indicating that the tongue and the buckle are connected to the control unit 30. In this case, the control unit 30 controls the pair of first drive units 21 so that Figure 1 as shown in (a) of Figure 7 either the long part 11a or the short part 12a of the pair of grips 10 assumes a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3. In addition, the control unit 30b controls the third drive unit 23 so that

[0173] as shown in (a) of Figure 1 the connecting portion 13 in the steering device 100 is arranged at a position closer to the floor side of the vehicle 3 than the spoke 2. Figure 7 In addition, when the detection unit 90 detects that the connection between the tongue and the buckle has been released, it outputs a signal indicating that the connection between the tongue and the buckle has been released to the control unit 30. In this case, the control unit 30 controls the pair of first drive units 21 so that

[0174] as shown in (b) of Figure 13 the long part 11a of the pair of grips 10 assumes a posture extending toward the front side of the vehicle 3 and the short part 12a of the pair of grips 10 assumes a posture extending toward the rear side of the vehicle 3. In addition, the control unit 30b controls the third drive unit 23 so that Figure 13 as shown in (b) of Figure 13In the structure of the vehicle steering device 1e, since the vehicle steering device 1e does not have the second drive unit 22 and the stopper 80, it is the structure in which the vehicle steering device 1e does not have the table 50.

[0175] As Figure 13 shown, the vehicle steering device 1e further includes an operation input unit 91 that enables a driver to perform operation input. The operation input unit 91 is, for example, a capacitive touch panel. The operation input unit 91 is provided on the end surfaces of the short portions 12a of the pair of grips 10. In addition, the operation input unit 91 may be provided only on either one of the pair of grips 10, or may be provided on both of the pair of grips 10.

[0176] (Function and effect)

[0177] Next, the function and effect of the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e in the above-described embodiments, modification examples of the embodiments, and other modification examples will be described.

[0178] The vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e of the technology 1 in the present embodiment and the like include: the spokes 2 of the steering wheel; and a pair of grips 10 in an arc shape or a straight line shape, the pair of grips 10 being arranged on the left and right of the spokes 2, wherein the pair of grips 10 has a structure capable of rotating relative to the spokes 2.

[0179] Accordingly, since it is a structure capable of rotating the pair of grips 10 relative to the spokes 2, the space in front of the driver sitting in the driver's seat can be enlarged by rotating the pair of grips 10. Therefore, it is not necessary to configure a lateral movement mechanism for laterally moving the steering wheel from the front position of the driver's seat to the front position of the passenger seat as in the vehicle steering device of Patent Document 1 described above.

[0180] Thus, the structure around the steering wheel can be simplified.

[0181] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1d, 1e of the technology 2 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1d, 1e described in the technology 1. In this case, the pair of grips 10 are separated on the left and right of the spokes 2 so as to be capable of rotating independently.

[0182] Accordingly, the posture of the pair of grips 10 can be freely adjusted left and right, so that the size of the space in front of the driver sitting in the driver's seat can be adjusted.

[0183] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1d, 1e of Technology 3 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1d, 1e described in Technology 1 or 2. In this case, when the steering position of the driver driving the vehicle 3 is in the neutral position, the length of the first portion of the pair of grips 10 extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2 is different from the length of the second portion extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2.

[0184] Accordingly, since the length of the first portion is different from the length of the second portion, for example, if the short portion 12a is arranged to extend toward the driver side, the long portion 11a can be arranged on the side opposite to the driver side, so that the space between the driver and the steering wheel can be enlarged. In particular, by arranging the short portion 12a to extend toward the driver side when parking the vehicle, it is easy for the driver to get on and off the vehicle 3.

[0185] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1d, 1e of Technology 4 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1d, 1e described in Technology 3. In this case, when the longer one of the first portion and the second portion is defined as the long portion 11a and the shorter one is defined as the short portion 12a, when the vehicle 3 is parked, the short portion 12a of the pair of grips 10 can rotate toward the rear side of the vehicle 3, and the long portion 11a can rotate toward the front side of the vehicle 3.

[0186] Accordingly, when parking the vehicle, by rotating the pair of grips 10 so that the long portion 11a is arranged on the front side of the vehicle 3 and the short portion 12a is arranged on the driver side, the space near the driver's feet can be enlarged.

[0187] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1d, 1e of Technology 5 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1d, 1e described in Technology 4. In this case, the pair of grips 10 can rotate independently of each other. In addition, when the driver gets on and off the vehicle 3, the long portion 11a of the grip 10 on the door 9 side of the vehicle 3 adjacent to the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1d, 1e assumes a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, and the short portion 12a assumes a posture extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3.

[0188] Generally, a steering wheel or the like is arranged at the driver's seat of a vehicle, so that the space in the front is narrower than that at the passenger seat or the like. Therefore, it is difficult for the driver to get on and off compared with other seats.

[0189] However, according to the present embodiment and the like, the driver can hold the long portion 11a of the handle disposed on the door 9 side of the vehicle 3 to get out of the driver's seat of the vehicle 3 or get into the driver's seat of the vehicle 3. Therefore, for the driver's seat, it is easy for the driver to get in and out.

[0190] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1, 1d, 1e of Technology 6 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1, 1d, 1e described in Technology 5. In this case, it further includes: a pair of handles 10; a pair of first drive units 21 that rotate the pair of handles 10; and a control unit 30 that is electrically connected to the pair of first drive units 21. In addition, when the steering position during driving the vehicle 3 is in the neutral position, the length of the first portion of the pair of handles 10 extending toward the ceiling direction of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2 is different from the length of the second portion extending toward the floor direction of the vehicle 3 with respect to the spoke 2. When the longer one of the first portion and the second portion is set as the long portion 11a and the shorter one is set as the short portion 12a, when the vehicle 3 is parked, the short portion 12a of the pair of handles 10 can rotate toward the rear side of the vehicle 3, and the long portion 11a can rotate toward the front side of the vehicle 3. Moreover, during manual driving, the control unit 30 controls the pair of first drive units 21 so that either the long portion 11a or the short portion 12a of the pair of handles 10 assumes a posture extending toward the ceiling direction of the vehicle 3. During parking or autonomous driving, the control unit 30 controls the pair of first drive units 21 so that the short portion 12a of the pair of handles 10 assumes a posture extending toward the rear side of the vehicle 3 and the long portion 11a assumes a posture extending toward the front side of the vehicle 3. During getting in and out, the control unit 30 controls the pair of first drive units 21 so that the long portion 11a of the handle 10 on the door 9 side of the vehicle 3 adjacent to the vehicle steering devices 1, 1d, 1e assumes a posture extending toward the ceiling direction of the vehicle 3, and the short portion 12a of the handle 10 on the door 9 side assumes a posture extending toward the floor direction of the vehicle 3.

[0191] Accordingly, according to the state of the vehicle 3 such as during driving, parking, and getting in and out, the rotation position of the handle 10 automatically changes. Therefore, there is no need for the driver to perform special operations such as rotating the pair of handles 10. Therefore, the convenience of the driver can be improved.

[0192] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1d, 1e of Technology 7 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1d, 1e described in Technology 6. In this case, the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1d, 1e further include: a table board 50 that is housed in a storage space within a column cover 6 that covers the lower side of the steering column 4; and a second drive unit 22 that drives the table board 50 to move from the steering column 4 toward the rear side of the vehicle 3 and also drives the table board 50 to move toward the front side of the vehicle 3 to house the table board 50 in the storage space within the column cover 6. Moreover, when parking the vehicle, the control units 30, 30a control the second drive unit 22 to move the table board 50 from the steering column 4 toward the rear side of the vehicle 3, and when driving or getting on / off, control the second drive unit 22 to move the table board 50 toward the front side of the vehicle 3 to house the table board 50 in the storage space within the column cover 6.

[0193] Accordingly, when the vehicle 3 is parked, the table board 50 is automatically pulled out in front of the driver. Therefore, the driver can perform operations on the table board 50 without performing special operations. As a result, the convenience of the driver can be improved.

[0194] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1a, 1d, 1e of Technology 8 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1a, 1d, 1e described in Technology 5. In this case, the vehicle steering devices 1a, 1d, 1e further include: a pair of position sensors 60 that detect the rotational positions of the respective pair of grips 10; and control units 30, 30a that are electrically connected to the position sensors 60. In addition, the pair of grips 10 can each be rotated manually. Moreover, the control units 30, 30a are electrically connected to the pair of position sensors 60, and when it is determined based on the rotational positions of the respective pair of grips 10 detected by the pair of position sensors 60 that the long portion 11a or the short portion 12a of the pair of grips 10 is in a posture extending toward the ceiling side of the vehicle 3, a drivable signal is output, and when it is determined based on the rotational positions of the respective pair of grips 10 detected by the pair of position sensors 60 that the short portion 12a of the pair of grips 10 faces the rear side of the vehicle 3 and the long portion 11a of the pair of grips 10 is in a posture extending toward the front side of the vehicle 3, a parking signal is output, and when it is determined based on the rotational positions of the respective pair of grips 10 detected by the pair of position sensors 60 that the long portion 11a of the grip disposed on the door 9 side faces the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 and the short portion 12a is in a posture extending toward the floor side of the vehicle 3, a door unlocking permission signal is output.

[0195] Accordingly, each signal is output to the ECU according to the position of the grip, so the ECU can appropriately control the vehicle 3 based on these signals.

[0196] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1a, 1d, and 1e of Technology 9 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1d, and 1e described in Technology 8. In this case, the vehicle steering devices 1a, 1d, and 1e further include: a table board 50 that is housed in a storage space within a column cover 6 that covers the lower part of the steering column 4 and can be pulled out manually; and a stopper 80 that is electrically connected to the control units 30 and 30a and is used to restrict the movement of the table board 50. Moreover, when a parking stop signal is output, the control units 30 and 30a release the stopper 80.

[0197] Accordingly, since pulling out the table board 50 is permitted only during parking stop, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the safety when the vehicle 3 is traveling, and at the same time, it is possible to improve the convenience of being able to use the table board 50 only during parking stop.

[0198] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1a, 1d, and 1e of Technology 10 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1a, 1d, and 1e described in Technology 9. In this case, when a drivable signal or a door unlocking permission signal is output, if the stopper 80 has been released, the control units 30 and 30a cause the warning unit 70 to output a warning urging the storage of the table board 50.

[0199] Accordingly, at the start of driving and at the start of boarding and alighting, when the table board 50 is pulled out from the storage space within the column cover 6, a warning can be issued to the driver. Therefore, the driver can be urged to store the table board 50 in the storage space within the column cover 6. As a result, a decrease in safety when the vehicle 3 is traveling and when the driver boards and alights from the vehicle 3 can be suppressed.

[0200] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e of Technology 11 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e described in Technology 1. In this case, a pair of grips 10 constitute a steering device 100 in which the end of one grip 10 and the end of the other grip 10 are connected to each other integrally. Moreover, when the part where the pair of grips 10 are connected is a connection part 13, the steering device 100 can rotate in such a way that the connection part 13 is located on the front side of the vehicle 3 during parking stop of the vehicle 3.

[0201] Accordingly, during parking stop, it is possible to expand the space near the driver's feet by rotating the steering device 100 so that the connection part 13 is disposed on the front side of the vehicle 3 and the short part 12a on the side opposite to the connection part 13 is disposed on the driver side.

[0202] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e of Technology 12 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e described in Technology 11. In this case, when the driver gets on or off the vehicle 3, the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is arranged at a position closer to the ceiling direction of the vehicle 3 than the spoke 2.

[0203] Generally, a steering wheel or the like is arranged at the driver's seat of the vehicle 3, so the space in the front becomes narrower compared to the passenger seat and the like. Therefore, it is difficult for the driver to get on or off the vehicle compared to other seats.

[0204] However, according to the present embodiment and the like, the driver can hold the connecting portion 13 of the vehicle 3 to get off the driver's seat of the vehicle 3 or sit on the driver's seat of the vehicle 3. Therefore, it is easy for the driver to get on or off the vehicle for the driver's seat.

[0205] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1b, 1d, 1e of Technology 13 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1b, 1d, 1e described in Technology 12. In this case, the vehicle steering devices 1b, 1d, 1e further include: a third drive unit 23 that rotates the steering device 100; and control units 30, 30b that are electrically connected to the third drive unit 23. Moreover, when the driver manually drives the vehicle 3, the control units 30, 30b control the third drive unit 23 to arrange the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 at a position closer to the floor direction of the vehicle 3 than the spoke 2, when parking or during autonomous driving, control the third drive unit 23 to arrange the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 at a position closer to the front direction of the vehicle 3 than the spoke 2, and when getting on or off, control the third drive unit 23 to arrange the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 at a position closer to the ceiling direction of the vehicle 3 than the spoke 2.

[0206] Accordingly, according to the state of the vehicle 3 such as during driving, parking, and getting on or off, the rotational position of the steering device 100 automatically changes, so there is no need for the driver to perform special operations such as rotating the steering device 100. Therefore, the convenience of the driver can be improved.

[0207] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1b, 1d, and 1e of Technology 14 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1b, 1d, and 1e described in Technology 13. In this case, the vehicle steering devices 1b, 1d, and 1e further include: a table 50 that is stored in a storage space in a column cover 6 that covers the lower part of the steering column 4; and a fourth drive unit 24 that moves the table 50 from the steering column 4 toward the rear side of the vehicle 3 and moves the table 50 toward the front side of the vehicle 3 to store the table 50 in the storage space in the column cover 6. Moreover, when parking the vehicle, the control units 30 and 30b control the fourth drive unit 24 to move the table 50 from the steering column 4 toward the rear side of the vehicle 3, and when driving or boarding and alighting, control the fourth drive unit 24 to move the table 50 toward the front side of the vehicle 3 to store the table 50 in the storage space in the column cover 6.

[0208] Accordingly, when the vehicle 3 is parked, the table 50 is automatically pulled out in front of the driver's eyes. Therefore, the driver can perform operations on the table 50 without performing special operations. As a result, the convenience of the driver can be improved.

[0209] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1c, 1d, and 1e of Technology 15 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1c, 1d, and 1e described in Technology 12. In this case, the vehicle steering devices 1c, 1d, and 1e further include: a position sensor 60 that detects the rotational position of the steering device 100; and control units 30 and 30c that are electrically connected to the position sensor 60. In addition, the steering device 100 can be rotated manually. Moreover, the control units 30 and 30c are electrically connected to the position sensor 60. When it is determined based on the rotational position of the steering device 100 detected by the position sensor 60 that the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is disposed at a position closer to the floor side of the vehicle 3 than the spoke 2, a drivable signal is output. When it is determined based on the rotational position of the steering device 100 detected by the position sensor 60 that the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is disposed at a position closer to the front side of the vehicle 3 than the spoke 2, a parking signal is output. When it is determined based on the rotational position of the steering device 100 detected by the position sensor 60 that the connecting portion 13 of the steering device 100 is disposed at a position closer to the ceiling side of the vehicle 3 than the spoke 2, a door unlocking permission signal is output.

[0210] Accordingly, each signal is output to the ECU according to the position of the steering device 100. Therefore, the ECU can appropriately control the vehicle 3 based on these signals.

[0211] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1c, 1d, and 1e of Technology 16 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1c, 1d, and 1e described in Technology 15. In this case, the vehicle steering devices 1c, 1d, and 1e further include: a table board 50 that is stored in a storage space within a column cover 6 that covers the lower part of the steering column 4 and can be pulled out manually; and a stopper 80 that is electrically connected to the control units 30 and 30c and is used to limit the movement of the table board 50. Moreover, when the parking stop signal is output, the control units 30 and 30c release the stopper 80.

[0212] Accordingly, since the pulling out of the table board 50 is permitted only during parking stop, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the safety during the travel of the vehicle 3, and at the same time, it is possible to improve the convenience of being able to use the table board 50 only during parking stop.

[0213] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1c, 1d, and 1e of Technology 17 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1c, 1d, and 1e described in Technology 16. In this case, when the drivable signal or the door unlocking permission signal is output, if the stopper 80 has been released, the control units 30 and 30c cause the warning unit 70 to output a warning urging the storage of the table board 50.

[0214] Accordingly, at the start of driving and at the start of boarding and alighting, when the table board 50 is pulled out from the storage space within the column cover 6, a warning can be issued to the driver. Therefore, the driver can be urged to store the table board 50 in the storage space within the column cover 6. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the safety during the travel of the vehicle 3 and when the driver boards and alights from the vehicle 3.

[0215] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e of Technology 18 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e described in any one of Technologies 7, 9, 14, and 16. In this case, the table board 50 further includes an input unit 51.

[0216] Accordingly, it is possible to easily operate the display of the vehicle 3 on the table board 50.

[0217] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e of Technology 19 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e described in Technology 18. In this case, the input unit 51 is a touch pad, a touch panel, or a projection keyboard.

[0218] Accordingly, the driver can perform an input operation using the input unit 51 on the table board 50, and when the input unit 51 is not used, it can be used as a table board 50 with a flat top surface.

[0219] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1d, 1e of Technology 20 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1, 1a, 1d, 1e described in Technology 6 or 7. In this case, the vehicle steering devices 1a, 1d, 1e include a detection unit 90 that detects the connection between the tongue of the seat belt provided on the vehicle 3 and the buckle provided on the driver's seat. When the longer one of the pair of grips 10 is set as the long portion 11a and the shorter one is set as the short portion 12a, when the detection unit 90 detects the connection between the tongue and the buckle, the control units 30, 30a electrically connected to the detection unit 90 control the pair of first drive units 21 so that either the long portion 11a or the short portion 12a of the pair of grips 10 assumes a posture extending toward the ceiling direction side of the vehicle 3. Moreover, when the detection unit 90 detects that the connection between the tongue and the buckle has been released, the control units 30, 30a control the pair of first drive units 21 so that the long portion 11a of the pair of grips 10 assumes a posture extending toward the front direction side of the vehicle 3 and the short portion 12a of the pair of grips 10 assumes a posture extending toward the rear direction side of the vehicle 3.

[0220] Accordingly, if the driver and other occupants do not wear seat belts, the vehicle 3 cannot be driven, so that the driver and other occupants can be made to wear seat belts.

[0221] In addition, the vehicle steering devices 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e of Technology 21 in the present embodiment and the like are the vehicle steering devices 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e described in Technology 13 or 14. In this case, the vehicle steering devices 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e include a detection unit 90 that detects the connection between the tongue of the seat belt provided on the vehicle 3 and the buckle provided on the driver's seat. When the detection unit 90 detects the connection between the tongue and the buckle, the control units 30, 30b electrically connected to the detection unit 90 control the third drive unit 23 so that the connection portion 13 of the steering device 100 is disposed at a position closer to the floor direction side of the vehicle 3 than the spoke 2. Moreover, when the detection unit 90 detects that the connection between the tongue and the buckle has been released, the control units 30, 30b control the third drive unit 23 so that the connection portion 13 of the steering device 100 is disposed at a position closer to the front direction side of the vehicle 3 than the spoke 2.

[0222] Accordingly, if the driver and other occupants do not wear seat belts, the vehicle 3 cannot be driven, so that the driver and other occupants can be made to wear seat belts.

[0223] In addition, the vehicle steering device 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e of the technique 22 in the present embodiment and the like is the vehicle steering device 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e described in any one of the techniques 1 to 21. In this case, an operation input unit 91 is further provided, and the operation input unit 91 is provided at at least one end of the pair of handles 10 (steering device 100) and can be used by the driver to perform operation input.

[0224] According to this, the driver can hold the pair of handles 10 (steering device 100) to perform operation input to the operation input unit. Therefore, the operability of the in-vehicle device by the driver can be improved.

[0225] In particular, when the operation input unit 91 is provided at the end of the short portion 12a, the driver can operate the operation input unit 91 of the short portion 12a with a finger while holding the handle. The operation input unit 91 is, for example, a capacitive touch panel. In addition, when the vehicle 3 is parked or in automatic driving, the device operated by the operation input unit 91 may be a smartphone or a game console connected through communication with the control unit 30, 30a, 30b, 30c in addition to the vehicle-mounted device.

[0226] (other)

[0227] The vehicle steering device involved in the present disclosure is described above based on the above-mentioned embodiments, variations of the embodiments, and other variations, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, variations of the embodiments, and other variations. As long as it does not depart from the main purpose of the present disclosure, the various variations that can be thought of by those skilled in the art on the embodiments may also be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0228] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiments, variations of the embodiments and other variations, all or part of the components such as the control unit may be formed by dedicated hardware, or may be implemented by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded in a recording medium such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor memory.

[0229] In addition, the division of the functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks can also be implemented as one functional block, or one functional block can be divided into multiple blocks, or a part of the function can be transferred to other functional blocks. In addition, the functions of multiple functional blocks with similar functions can also be processed in parallel or in time-sharing by a single hardware or software.

[0230] In addition, the order in which the steps in the flowchart are executed is illustrated for the purpose of specifically explaining the present disclosure, and may also be an order other than the above. In addition, a part of the above steps may also be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0231] In addition, the modes obtained by applying various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments, modification examples of the embodiments, and other modification examples, and the modes achieved by arbitrarily combining the constituent elements and functions in the embodiments, modification examples of the embodiments, and other modification examples without departing from the gist of the present disclosure are also included in the present disclosure.

[0232] Industrial Applicability

[0233] The vehicle steering device according to the present disclosure can be mounted on the steering wheel of a vehicle.

[0234] Description of Reference Numerals

[0235] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e: Vehicle steering device; 2: Spoke; 4: Steering column; 6: Column cover; 9: Door; 10: Handle; 13: Connection part; 21: First drive part; 22: Second drive part; 23: Third drive part; 24: Fourth drive part; 30, 30a, 30b, 30c: Control part; 50: Table board; 51: Input unit; 60: Position sensor; 70: Warning part; 80: Stopper; 90: Detection part; 100: Steering device.

Claims

1. A vehicle steering device, comprising: the spokes of the steering wheel; and A pair of handles in an arc shape or a straight line shape, the pair of handles are arranged on the left and right of the spokes, wherein, The pair of handles has a structure capable of rotating relative to the spokes.

2. The vehicle steering device according to claim 1, wherein: The pair of handles are separated at the left and right of the spokes in an independently rotatable manner.

3. The vehicle steering device according to claim 2, wherein: When the driver's steering position is in a neutral position when driving the vehicle, the length of a first portion of the pair of handles extending toward the ceiling direction of the vehicle relative to the spokes is different from the length of a second portion extending toward the floor direction of the vehicle relative to the spokes.

4. The vehicle steering device according to claim 3, wherein: When the longer one of the first part and the second part is set as the long part and the shorter one is set as the short part, when the vehicle is parked, the short parts of the pair of handles can be rotated toward the rear side of the vehicle, and the long parts can be rotated toward the front side of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle steering device according to claim 4, wherein: The pair of handles can rotate independently of each other. When the driver gets on or off the vehicle, the long portion of the handle disposed on the door side of the vehicle adjacent to the vehicle steering device extends toward the ceiling of the vehicle, and the short portion extends toward the floor of the vehicle.

6. The vehicle steering device according to claim 5, wherein: Also available: a pair of first driving parts, the pair of first driving parts causing the pair of handles to rotate; and a control unit electrically connected to the pair of first driving units, During manual driving, the control unit controls the pair of first driving units so that one of the long portion and the short portion of the pair of handles is in a posture extending toward the ceiling direction of the vehicle. During parking or automatic driving, the control unit controls the pair of first driving units so that the short portion of the pair of handles is in a posture extending toward the rear side of the vehicle and the long portion is in a posture extending toward the front side of the vehicle. During boarding or disembarking, the control unit controls a pair of the first driving units so that the long portion of the handle arranged on the door side of the vehicle adjacent to the vehicle steering device is in a posture extending toward the ceiling direction of the vehicle, and the short portion of the handle arranged on the door side is in a posture extending toward the floor direction of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle steering device according to claim 6, wherein: Also available: a table top stored in a column cover covering the lower side of the steering column; and a second driving unit that drives the table top to move from the steering column to the rear side of the vehicle and drives the table top to move to the front side of the vehicle to store the table top in the column cover, During the parking, the control unit controls the second driving unit to move the table from the steering column to the rear side of the vehicle. During driving or during boarding and alighting, the control unit controls the second drive unit to move the table top toward the front side of the vehicle to store the table top in the pillar cover.

8. The vehicle steering device according to claim 5, wherein: Also available: a pair of position sensors, the pair of position sensors detecting the rotational position of each of the pair of handles; and a control unit electrically connected to the pair of position sensors, The pair of handles can be rotated manually. The control unit outputs a drivable signal when it is determined that the long portion or the short portion of the pair of handles is in a posture extending toward the ceiling direction side of the vehicle based on the rotational positions of the pair of handles detected by the pair of position sensors. The control unit outputs a parking signal when it is determined based on the rotational positions of the pair of handles detected by the pair of position sensors that the short portions of the pair of handles are facing the rear side of the vehicle and the long portions of the pair of handles are extending toward the front side of the vehicle. The control unit outputs a door unlocking permission signal when it is judged based on the rotational positions of the pair of handles detected by the pair of position sensors that the long portion of the handle arranged on the door side is toward the ceiling direction side of the vehicle and the short portion is extended toward the floor direction side of the vehicle.

9. The vehicle steering device according to claim 8, wherein: Also available: A table top is stored in a column cover covering the lower part of the steering column and can be pulled out manually; and a stopper, which is electrically connected to the control unit and is used to limit the movement of the table top, The control unit releases the stopper when the parking stop signal is output.

10. The vehicle steering device according to claim 9, wherein: When the control unit outputs the drivable signal or the door unlock permission signal, if the stopper is in a released state, the control unit causes the warning unit to output a warning urging the user to store the table top.

11. The vehicle steering device according to claim 1, wherein: The pair of handles constitute a steering device in which the end of one handle and the end of the other handle are connected to each other as one body. When the portion connecting the pair of handles is a connection portion, the steering device can be turned so that the connection portion is located on the front side of the vehicle when the vehicle is parked.

12. The vehicle steering device according to claim 11, wherein: When a driver gets on or off the vehicle, the connection portion of the steering device is arranged at a position closer to the ceiling direction side of the vehicle than the spoke.

13. The vehicle steering device according to claim 12, wherein: Also available: a third driving unit that rotates the steering device; and a control unit, which is electrically connected to the third driving unit, When the driver manually drives the vehicle, the control unit controls the third drive unit so that the connection portion of the steering device is arranged at a position closer to the floor direction side of the vehicle than the spoke. During parking or automatic driving, the control unit controls the third drive unit so that the connection portion of the steering device is disposed at a position closer to the front side of the vehicle than the spokes. During the boarding and alighting, the control unit controls the third drive unit so that the connection portion of the steering device is disposed at a position closer to the ceiling direction side of the vehicle than the spoke.

14. The vehicle steering device according to claim 13, wherein: Also available: a table top stored in a column cover covering the lower side of the steering column; and a fourth driving unit that moves the table top from the steering column to the rear side of the vehicle and moves the table top to the front side of the vehicle to store the table top in the column cover, During the parking, the control unit controls the fourth drive unit to move the table plate from the steering column to the rear side of the vehicle. During driving or during the boarding and disembarking, the control unit controls the fourth drive unit to move the table top toward the front side of the vehicle to store the table top in the pillar cover.

15. The vehicle steering device according to claim 12, wherein: Also available: a position sensor that detects a rotational position of the steering device; and a control unit electrically connected to the position sensor, The steering device can be rotated manually. The control unit outputs a drivable signal when it is determined that the connection portion of the steering device is arranged closer to the floor direction side of the vehicle than the spoke based on the rotation position of the steering device detected by the position sensor. The control unit outputs a parking stop signal when it is determined that the connection portion of the steering device is arranged on the front side of the vehicle relative to the spokes based on the rotation position of the steering device detected by the position sensor. The control unit outputs a door unlock permission signal when determining that the connection portion of the steering device is disposed closer to the ceiling direction of the vehicle than the spoke based on the rotation position of the steering device detected by the position sensor.

16. The vehicle steering device according to claim 15, wherein: Also available: A table top is stored in a column cover covering the lower part of the steering column and can be pulled out manually; and a stopper, which is electrically connected to the control unit and is used to limit the movement of the table top, The control unit releases the stopper when the parking stop signal is output.

17. The vehicle steering device according to claim 16, wherein: When the control unit outputs the drivable signal or the door unlock permission signal, if the stopper is in a released state, the control unit causes the warning unit to output a warning urging the user to store the table top.

18. The vehicle steering device according to any one of claims 7, 9, 14 and 16, wherein: The table top further includes an input unit.

19. The vehicle steering device according to claim 18, wherein: The input unit is a touch pad, a touch panel, or a projection type keyboard.

20. The vehicle steering device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The vehicle further includes a detector that detects the connection between a tongue of a seat belt provided on the vehicle and a buckle provided on a driver's seat. When the detector detects the connection between the lock tongue and the lock buckle, the control unit electrically connected to the detector controls a pair of first drive units to make one of the long portion and the short portion of the pair of handles extend toward the roof direction side of the vehicle. When the detector detects that the connection between the lock tongue and the lock buckle has been released, the control unit controls the pair of first driving units so that the long portion of the pair of handles is in a posture extending toward the front direction side of the vehicle, and the short portion of the pair of handles is in a posture extending toward the rear direction side of the vehicle.

21. The vehicle steering device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The vehicle further includes a detector that detects the connection between a tongue of a seat belt provided on the vehicle and a buckle provided on a driver's seat. When the detector detects the connection between the lock tongue and the lock buckle, the control unit electrically connected to the detector controls the third drive unit so that the connecting portion of the steering device is arranged at a position closer to the floor direction side of the vehicle than the spoke. When the detector detects that the connection between the tongue and the buckle has been released, the controller controls the third drive unit so that the connection portion of the steering device is disposed on the front side of the vehicle relative to the spoke.

22. The vehicle steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein: An operation input unit is further provided. The operation input unit is provided at an end of at least one of the pair of handles and is capable of allowing a driver to perform an operation input.

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