Steering device for a vehicle

Abstract

[Problem] To reduce structural complexity while improving the operability of the input device during automatic driving. [Solution] The steering device (100) includes: an input device (20) for operating equipment (39) inside the passenger compartment; and a rim portion (11) which is held during manual driving. The rim portion (11) is movable relative to the input device (20) and can be moved to a first position corresponding to manual driving and a second position corresponding to automatic driving. The rim portion (11) includes a palm rest portion (12) for placing the user's hand when operating the input device (20) in the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology relates to a steering device for a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In vehicles capable of autonomous driving, a design has been proposed that includes a user-operated input device and a wheel rim for manual driving. When the input device includes a keyboard, a palm rest for placing the hand would make input easier.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a palm rest is provided at the hub. In Patent Document 2, a wrist rest for operation input is provided as a component that is different from the hand rest and equivalent to the palm rest (fourth embodiment). In Patent Document 3, a steering component of a vehicle with a keyboard provided on an auxiliary plate (table) is disclosed, and it can be considered that the auxiliary plate can be used as a palm rest.

[0004] (Existing technical documents)

[0005] (Patent Documents)

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-137654

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 7045354

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 6468522 Summary of the Invention

[0009] (The problem that the invention aims to solve)

[0010] However, in any of patent documents 1 to 3, the palm rest is separated from the wheel rim. Furthermore, since the positional relationship between the palm rest and the input device is fixed, input operations can become difficult depending on the user. Therefore, there is room for improvement in avoiding structural complexity and enhancing operability.

[0011] The purpose of this technology is to reduce structural complexity while improving the operability of input devices during autonomous driving.

[0012] (The measures taken to solve the problem)

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the steering device of the vehicle of this technology includes: an input device for operating equipment inside the passenger compartment; and a rim portion that is held during manual driving, the rim portion being capable of relative movement with respect to the input device, and being capable of moving to a first position corresponding to manual driving and a second position corresponding to automatic driving, the rim portion including a portion that serves as a palm rest for placing the hand when operating the input device when in the second position.

[0014] (The effect of the invention)

[0015] According to this technology, it is possible to suppress structural complexity while improving the operability of input devices during autonomous driving. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle's steering mechanism.

[0017] Figure 1B It is along Figure 1A A cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0018] Figure 2A It is a schematic side view showing the posture of the steering device during manual driving and automatic driving.

[0019] Figure 2B It is a schematic side view showing the posture of the steering device during manual driving and automatic driving.

[0020] Figure 3 It is a block diagram of the control system.

[0021] Figure 4A This is a transitional diagram showing the rim and input device being housed in the storage compartment.

[0022] Figure 4B This is a transitional diagram showing the rim and input device being housed in the storage compartment.

[0023] Figure 4C This is a transitional diagram showing the rim and input device being housed in the storage compartment.

[0024] Figure 4D This is a transitional diagram showing the rim and input device being housed in the storage compartment.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic side view showing the rim portion being housed within the storage compartment.

[0026] Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram of a steering wheel with a modified palm rest section.

[0027] Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram of a steering wheel with a modified palm rest section.

[0028] Figure 6C This is a schematic diagram of a steering wheel with a modified palm rest section. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following describes the implementation of this technology with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle steering device according to one embodiment of the present technology. As an example, the steering device 100 is applied to a vehicle 200. The vehicle 200 is, for example, a four-wheeled vehicle, but is not limited thereto.

[0031] The steering system 100 generally includes a steering wheel 10 and an input device 20. The steering wheel 10 is rotatable about a rotation center C0. The main part of the steering wheel 10 is the rim portion 11.

[0032] The vehicle 200 has two driving modes: automatic driving mode and manual driving mode. The wheel rim 11 is the part held by the user as the driver in manual driving mode (hereinafter referred to as manual driving). In manual driving, the steering wheel 10 (wheel rim 11) and the input device 20 rotate as a unit around the rotation center C0 through the user's operation. In automatic driving mode (hereinafter referred to as automatic driving), the steering wheel 10 (wheel rim 11) and the input device 20 do not rotate around the rotation center C0. When viewed from the axial direction of the rotation center C0, the overall shape of the wheel rim 11 is annular.

[0033] Furthermore, the steering wheel 10 is not physically connected to the steering mechanism (not shown) of the vehicle 200. During manual driving, the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is detected, and the steering mechanism is controlled based on the detected angle.

[0034] Although not shown in the diagram, the input device 20 includes a mechanical switch assembly, a touch switch assembly, a touchpad, and a touch panel on its operation surface 21. The input device 20 is used for equipment 39 within the carriage (see reference). Figure 3 The operation of the device and the separately provided display device 35 (see reference) Figure 3 It enables text input and cursor operation in conjunction with other functions. Furthermore, the input device 20 is used for connection and operation with an external personal computer (not shown).

[0035] Figure 1B It is along Figure 1A The cross-sectional view along line AA. The rim portion 11 includes a palm rest portion (hereinafter referred to as palm rest portion 12) for the user to place their hand when operating the input device 20 during automatic driving. Since the palm rest portion 12 includes a flat surface 12a for hand contact, it is easy for the user to place their hand. The input device 20 is disposed on the axis of the rotation center C0. When viewed from the axial direction of the rotation center C0, the input device 20 is disposed inside the annular shape of the rim portion 11. Therefore, it is easy for the user to place their hand on the palm rest portion 12 and operate the input device 20. Furthermore, the palm rest portion 12 does not necessarily have to include a flat surface 12a.

[0036] Figure 2A , Figure 2BThese are schematic side views showing the posture of the steering device 100 during manual driving and automatic driving, respectively. The wheel flange 11 is capable of relative movement with respect to the vehicle and the input device 20. The input device 20 is also capable of relative movement with respect to the vehicle and the wheel flange 11.

[0037] First, the wheel flange 11 can be moved to the first position corresponding to manual driving. Figure 2A ) and the second position corresponding to autonomous driving ( Figure 2B Furthermore, the rim portion 11 can also be moved to a storage position (described later). Figure 4D Palm support section 12 ( Figure 1A , Figure 1B When the rim portion 11 is in the second position, it becomes a portion suitable for placing a hand when operating the input device 20.

[0038] The input device 20 can be moved to a position corresponding to the first position (first corresponding position), a position corresponding to the second position (second corresponding position), and a position corresponding to the storage position (storage corresponding position). Both the rim portion 11 and the input device 20 move with a rotational motion centered on an axis parallel to the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the movement of the rim portion 11 and the input device 20 can also be accompanied by movements other than rotation. Additionally, the rim portion 11 and the input device 20 can move along different paths. In particular, the input device 20 moves with a rotational motion, thereby changing the tilt angle, which improves the operability of the input. The input device 20 can move independently of the rim portion 11 when the rim portion 11 is at least in the second position, but it can also move independently of the rim portion 11 when the rim portion 11 is in a position other than the second position. Furthermore, the rotation axis of the rim portion 11 and the input device 20 is not limited to an axis parallel to the horizontal direction. Hereinafter, the positions of the rim portion 11, including the first position, the second position, and the storage position, will be used synonymously with the positions of the steering wheel 10.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the control system of this embodiment. The steering device 100, in addition to the input device 20, also includes a CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, memory 34, a first drive unit 36, a second drive unit 37, and a storage drive unit 38. The CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, and memory 34 are included in the control unit 30. The vehicle 200 includes a display device 35 and multiple devices 39. Furthermore, the drive units 36 and 37 are configured to be included in the input device 20. Figure 2B However, it can also be installed separately from the input device 20. Additionally, the storage drive unit 38 is provided as part of the storage unit 40 described later (see reference). Figure 4D It can be structured as a separate unit (40) from the storage unit (40).

[0040] CPU 31 controls the entire steering mechanism 100. ROM 32 stores the program executed by CPU 31. RAM 33 provides the working area for CPU 31 when executing the program. Memory 34 is non-volatile memory that stores various information.

[0041] Device 39 is operated via input device 20, such as an air conditioner, car navigation system, or audio equipment. The type of display device 35 is not limited; it can be a vehicle-mounted display or have sound generation capabilities. Display device 35 can also be, for example, a head-up display, instrument cluster display, or CID (center information display). Multiple display devices 35 can exist, and some can form part of input device 20, such as a touch panel display.

[0042] Drive units 36, 37, and 38 all include motors, gears, and linkage mechanisms (not shown). The CPU 31 in the control unit 30 controls the drive units 36, 37, and 38 to move the wheel rim 11 and / or the input device 20. The first drive unit 36 ​​moves the wheel rim 11 between a first position and a second position. The second drive unit 37 moves the input device 20 between a first corresponding position and a second corresponding position.

[0043] Figures 4A to 4D This is a transitional view showing the wheel rim portion 11 and the input device 20 housed in the storage compartment 40. The storage compartment 40 is provided in the vehicle 200, and is, for example, a glove box. The storage compartment 40 includes a storage compartment body 41 and a lower cover 42, which together form a storage space. The lower cover 42 is movable relative to the storage compartment body 41. Under the control of the CPU 31, the storage drive unit 38 moves the wheel rim portion 11 and the input device 20, and simultaneously drives the lower cover 42 to open and close.

[0044] exist Figure 4A In the middle position, the rim portion 11 and the input device 20 are respectively located in the first position and the first corresponding position, and the lower cover 42 is closed. When the lower cover 42 is opened, the rim portion 11 rotates counterclockwise around an axis parallel to the horizontal direction, and at the same time, the input device 20 moves downward, thus becoming... Figure 4B The state shown. Afterwards, as... Figure 4C As shown, the rim portion 11 and the input device 20 move toward the storage position in the direction of the arrow. After the rim portion 11 and the input device 20 move to the storage position, the lower cover 42 closes, thereby storing the rim portion 11 and the input device 20 in the storage section 40. Figure 4D This allows for better use of the interior space while protecting the wheel rim 11 and the input device 20.

[0045] Furthermore, the rim portion 11 can move from either the first position or the second position to the storage position, during which time the input device 20 also moves synchronously. Moreover, the movement paths of the rim portion 11 between the first position, the second position, and the storage position, and the movement paths of the input device 20 accompanying these movement paths, are not limited. Additionally, the movement of the rim portion 11 or the input device 20 does not necessarily require a rotational motion.

[0046] The primary concept here is to move the wheel rim 11 to a storage position when the vehicle is parked, but this can also be applied during autonomous driving. Furthermore, the position of the wheel rim 11 when parked can be either a first position or a second position. These positions of the wheel rim 11 when parked can also be selected according to the user's preferences.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic side view showing the rim portion 11 housed in the receiving portion 40. It is not necessary to house both the rim portion 11 and the input device 20, as... Figure 5 As shown, the input device 20 may also protrude from the storage section 40, with only the rim portion 11 stored within the storage section 40. In this case, the input device 20 may also be placed in the second position. Figure 2B Thus, for example, when parking, the user can use the input device 20 without being obstructed by the wheel rim 11.

[0048] Furthermore, the driving mode of vehicle 200 can be switched according to user instructions or based on the judgment of CPU 31. Various user instructions can be implemented through input device 20.

[0049] In autonomous driving mode, it is assumed that the user places their hand on the palm rest 12 to operate the input device 20. Therefore, the user's preference for the position and posture of the wheel rim 11, as well as the position and posture of the input device 20, will vary. Thus, the user can set a second position for autonomous driving.

[0050] Here, the settable second position of the rim portion 11 can be set in multiple levels, or the second position can be set steplessly. The second corresponding position of the input device 20 can also be set by the user. The second corresponding position can be set independently, or it can be set automatically in correspondence with the second position.

[0051] Furthermore, the CPU 31 can store the set second position and second corresponding position in the memory 34 for controlling the first drive unit 36 ​​and the second drive unit 37. Thus, during autonomous driving, the wheel rim 11 and the input device 20 move to the position desired by the user. By storing and reproducing multiple second positions and second corresponding positions, even under different user conditions, it is unnecessary to manually adjust the position of the wheel rim 11 or the input device 20, thereby reducing complexity.

[0052] Furthermore, the object that can be stored and reproduced from multiple locations can be either the second location or the second corresponding location. Alternatively, the first location and the first corresponding location can also be used as storage locations for objects to be reproduced.

[0053] According to this embodiment, the rim portion 11 is movable relative to the input device 20. Furthermore, when the rim portion 11 is in the second position, the palm rest portion 12 becomes a part for placing the hand when operating the input device 20. Therefore, during automatic driving, the hand can be placed on the palm rest portion 12 to operate the input device 20 in a relaxed posture. Moreover, since the palm rest portion 12 is part of the rim portion 11, the structure is simple. Therefore, structural complexity can be suppressed while improving the operability of the input device 20 during automatic driving.

[0054] In addition, the wheel flange 11 and the input device 20 can also be stored in the storage section 40 during autonomous driving, thereby making better use of the vehicle interior space even during autonomous driving.

[0055] Furthermore, when the rim portion 11 is at least in the second position, the input device 20 can move independently of the rim portion 11. As a result, the position and orientation of the input device 20 during automatic driving are more free, making it easier to perform input operations.

[0056] Furthermore, since the input device 20 is located on the inner side of the ring-shaped rim portion 11, it is easy to operate the input device 20 by placing both hands on the palm rest portion 12. However, this configuration is not mandatory, and the input device 20 can also be located on the outer side of the ring. Alternatively, a portion of the input device 20 (input operation element, etc.) can be located on the inner side of the ring, while another portion (display screen, etc.) can be separately located on the outer side of the ring. In this case, the display on the display screen can be changed in conjunction with the operation of the input operation element of the input device 20.

[0057] Furthermore, the second position and the second corresponding position set by the user are stored in the memory 34 to control the first drive unit 36 ​​and the second drive unit 37. As a result, the positions of the wheel rim 11 and the input device 20 are automatically reproduced according to the driving mode. This eliminates the need for manual fine-tuning of each position, thus reducing complexity.

[0058] Furthermore, the system can be configured such that the user can select any position from a plurality of positions, including a first position, a second position, and a storage position, as the position of the wheel rim 11 when parking. When parking, the CPU 31 controls the wheel rim 11 to move to the selected position. Similarly, the input device 20 can be configured with a first corresponding position, a second corresponding position, and a storage corresponding position. This improves the working environment and comfort when parking.

[0059] Furthermore, the movement to the second position or the storage position can be achieved not only by automatically moving the wheel flange 11 in conjunction with the switching of driving modes, but also by manually changing the position of the wheel flange 11.

[0060] Furthermore, the overall shape of the rim portion 11 when viewed from the axial direction of the rotation center C0 is not limited to a roughly rectangular shape in the transverse direction. For example, it can also be circular, elliptical, D-shaped, U-shaped, or H-shaped. In addition, the overall shape of the rim portion 11 can also be a partially unconnected, roughly annular shape.

[0061] In addition, such as Figures 6A to 6C As shown in the variation example, the palm support portion 12 can take various shapes.

[0062] Figures 6A to 6C This is a schematic diagram of a steering wheel 10 with a modified palm rest section. (See diagram below.) Figure 6A As shown, when viewed from the axial direction of the rotation center C0, a recess 121 that is concave outward in an annular shape can be formed in a part of the palm rest 12. Or, as Figure 6B As shown, the palm rest 12 can be entirely concave 122. Or, as... Figure 6C As shown, the entirety or part of the palm support portion 12 may be a U-shaped curved portion 123.

[0063] Furthermore, it is not necessary to separately provide the first drive unit 36 ​​and the second drive unit 37; a single drive unit capable of performing the functions of both can be provided. In this case, the CPU 31 can store the set second position and second corresponding position in the memory 34 for controlling the aforementioned drive unit. For example, the CPU 31 can switch the moving object as needed, causing either or both of the wheel rim 11 or the input device 20 to move.

[0064] The present invention has been described in detail above based on preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various methods that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0065] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-200732, filed on November 28, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0066] (Explanation of the labels in the attached diagram)

[0067] 11: Wheel rim; 12: Hand support; 20: Input device; 39: Equipment; 40: Storage unit;

[0068] 100: Steering mechanism.

Claims

1. A steering device for a vehicle, comprising: Input device, used to operate equipment inside the carriage; as well as The wheel rim, which is gripped when manually driving. The wheel rim is movable relative to the input device, and can move to a first position corresponding to manual driving and a second position corresponding to automatic driving. The rim portion includes a palm rest portion for placing the hand when the input device is operated, when the device is in the second position.

2. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, During autonomous driving, the wheel flange can also be moved to a storage position within the storage compartment of the vehicle.

3. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The overall shape of the rim is annular, and when viewed from the axial direction of the rotation center of the rim, the input device is disposed on the inner side of the annular shape of the rim.

4. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the rim portion is at least in the second position, the input device can move independently of the rim portion to a second corresponding position corresponding to the second position.

5. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 4, comprising: A first drive unit moves the wheel rim portion; as well as The control unit controls the first drive unit. The second position can be set by the user. The control unit stores the set second position in the memory and uses it to control the first drive unit.

6. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 5, further comprising: The second drive unit moves the input device. The control unit controls the second drive unit. The second corresponding position can be set by the user. The control unit stores the set second corresponding position in the memory and uses it to control the second drive unit.

7. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 4, comprising: A drive unit that moves the wheel rim and the input device; as well as The control unit controls the drive unit. The second position and the second corresponding position during autonomous driving can be set by the user. The control unit stores the set second position or the second corresponding position in the memory and uses it to control the drive unit.

8. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: A first drive unit moves the wheel rim portion; as well as The control unit controls the first drive unit. The second position can be set by the user. The control unit stores the set second position in the memory and uses it to control the first drive unit.

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