steering wheel

Abstract

The objective of this invention is to provide a steering wheel in which the driver can easily identify the location of the operating switch while observing the front of the vehicle and operating the steering wheel. In this invention, the hub is fixed to the vehicle's steering axle. Furthermore, when viewed along the axial direction of the hub, a rim portion for the driver to grip is disposed on the outer periphery of the hub, and the hub and the rim portion are connected by a connecting portion. A finger insertion hole with an opening on the front side (driver's side) of the steering wheel is provided on the left and right connecting portions, and an operating switch protruding inside the hole is configured to be rotatable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a steering wheel. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a structure in which an operating switch is provided on the spoke portion of a steering wheel.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-148335 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in making it easier for drivers to identify the location of operating switches while observing the front side of the vehicle and operating the steering wheel.

[0005] In view of the above facts, the present invention aims to provide a steering wheel that allows the driver to easily identify the position of the operating switch while observing the front side of the vehicle and operating the steering wheel.

[0006] A steering wheel according to the first embodiment includes: a hub fixed to the steering shaft of a vehicle; a grip portion disposed on the outer periphery of the hub and for the driver to grip when viewed along the axial direction of the hub; a connecting portion connecting the hub and the grip portion and having a finger insertion hole with an opening on the front side; and an operating switch protruding inside the hole and configured to be rotatable.

[0007] In addition, the "front side" in the connecting part refers to the same side as the front side of the steering wheel; in other words, it refers to the driver's side.

[0008] According to the steering wheel of the first embodiment, the hub is fixed to the vehicle's steering axis. Furthermore, when viewed along the axial direction of the hub, a grip for the driver to hold is provided on the outer periphery of the hub, and the hub and the grip are connected by a connecting part. Therefore, the driver can perform a rotational operation around the steering axis while holding the grip. Here, a finger insertion hole with an opening on the front side (driver's side) of the steering wheel is provided on the connecting part, and an operating switch protruding inside the hole is configured to be rotatable. Thus, when the driver operates the steering wheel while observing the front side of the vehicle, the driver can easily touch the operating switch by inserting their finger into the opening of the hole, allowing for easy identification of the operating switch's position by tactile sensation.

[0009] In the first method, the axis of rotation of the operation switch is set to the axial direction along the hub.

[0010] In addition, "the direction along the axial direction of the hub" includes not only the direction parallel to the axial direction of the hub, but also the direction that is slightly inclined relative to the direction parallel to the axial direction of the hub. Strictly speaking, it cannot be said to be the direction parallel to the axial direction of the hub, but it is understood as the direction that is substantially along the axial direction of the hub.

[0011] According to the steering wheel of the second type, the axis of rotation center of the operation switch is set to the axial direction along the hub, so the driver can easily operate the operation switch with his fingers on both sides of the rotation direction.

[0012] In the third type of steering wheel, in the first or second type, the protrusion of the operating switch inside the hole is greater than the distance between the protruding tip of the operating switch and the inner surface of the hole in a direction parallel to the protrusion direction of the operating switch.

[0013] According to the steering wheel of the third method, the amount of protrusion of the operation switch inside the hole is greater than the distance between the protruding front end of the operation switch and the inner surface of the hole in a direction parallel to the protrusion direction of the operation switch. Therefore, when the driver inserts his finger into the hole, the driver can easily hook his finger onto the operation switch.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] As explained above, the steering wheel according to the present invention has the following excellent effect: when the driver is observing the front side of the vehicle while operating the steering wheel, the driver can easily identify the position of the operating switch. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a simplified representation of a portion of the front interior of a vehicle having a steering wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the driver's side.

[0017] Figure 2 It means including Figure 1 A side view of part of the front of the car interior, showing the steering wheel.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A magnified front view of the steering wheel.

[0019] Figure 4 It means along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the state of being cut along line 4-4.

[0020] Figure 5 It is an enlarged representation Figure 3 The diagram shows the area near the hole in the connector on the left side. Detailed Implementation

[0021] use Figures 1-5 A steering wheel according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, in Figures 1-5 The arrows FR, UP, and RH, appropriately shown in the figures, indicate the front side of the vehicle, the top side, and the right side in the width direction. Furthermore, some symbols are sometimes omitted in the figures for easier observation.

[0022] (Structure of the implementation method)

[0023] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows a simplified view from the driver's side (driver's seat side), representing a portion of the front interior 10F of a vehicle 10 having a steering wheel 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, an instrument panel 12 is provided in the front part 10F of the vehicle interior of the vehicle 10. A windshield 13 is disposed above the front end of the instrument panel 12. A front pillar 14 is disposed on the outer side of the windshield 13 in the vehicle width direction along the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0024] exist Figure 2 The image shows a portion of the front 10F of the vehicle interior in a side view. Figure 1 The instrument panel 12 shown is located on the rear side of the vehicle. Figure 2 The front seat 16 is shown. The driver's seat 16D is located on the left and right sides (right side in this embodiment) of the front part 10F of the vehicle interior, and the passenger seat is located on the other left and right sides (left side in this embodiment). Furthermore, a [missing information - likely a design feature] is provided on the front side of the driver's seat 16D on the left and right sides (right side in this embodiment) of the front part 10F of the vehicle interior. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The steering wheel shown is 20. (As shown) Figure 2 As shown, the steering wheel 20 is operated by the driver PD, who is seated in the driver's seat 16D. Additionally, the steering wheel 20 is sometimes also referred to as a handle.

[0025] exist Figure 3 The image shows an enlarged front view of the steering wheel 20. (See image below.) Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the steering wheel 20 is fixed to the vehicle 10 (reference). Figure 1 The hub 22 of the steering shaft 18. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown, the front end (upper end) of the steering shaft 18 is covered by the steering column cover 19. Figure 3 As shown, the hub 22 is located in the central area of ​​the steering wheel 20. The hub 22 uses nut N (see reference). Figure 4 The hub 22 is fixed to the front end of the steering shaft 18 by a fixing mechanism such as a wheel hub 22.

[0026] The steering wheel 20 has a rim portion 24, which is an annular grip portion located on the outer periphery of the hub 22 when viewed along the axial direction of the hub 22 and is held by the driver. The hub 22 and the rim portion 24 are connected by a plurality of (three in this embodiment) connecting portions (also called "spoke portions") 26, 27, 28.

[0027] exist Figure 4 In the middle, it shows along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view showing the state of being cut along line 4-4. (See image below.) Figure 4 As shown, the hub 22 is part of the core metal 21 that forms the frame of the steering wheel 20. A diagram showing the shape of the core metal 21 when viewed from the front is omitted. The core metal 21 is formed, for example, of aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, or steel. The core metal 21 includes an annular core metal portion 21B that forms the frame of the hub 22 and the rim portion 24, and connecting portions 26, 27, and 28 (see reference). Figure 3 The spoke core metal part 21C is formed by the skeleton part of the spoke core metal part 21C. In the spoke core metal part 21C, through holes 21H are formed in the left and right connecting parts 26, 27, which are part of the skeleton part.

[0028] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a pad 30 made of synthetic resin is disposed on the front side (driver's side) of the hub 22. The pad 30 is sometimes also called a steering wheel pad. The pad 30 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape with one side closed and is disposed with the open side facing the hub 22. It has a top wall portion 30A facing the driver's side and a peripheral wall portion 30B extending from the outer periphery of the top wall portion 30A to the side opposite to the front side (driver's side). The peripheral wall portion 30B is composed of left and right side wall portions 30L and 30R.

[0029] like Figure 4 As shown, an airbag device 50 is disposed in the inner space of the cushion portion 30. The airbag device 50 includes a metal base plate 52 disposed on the front end side (open end side) of the peripheral wall portion 30B of the cushion portion 30. The base plate 52 is composed of a rectangular flat base portion 52A on which a gas generator 56 is fixed and a mounting portion 52B formed by bending from the edge of the base portion 52A toward the side opposite to the driver's side. On the other hand, a metal or resin insert plate 54 is embedded in the side wall portions 30L and 30R of the cushion portion 30 by insert molding, and the mounting portion 52B of the base plate 52 is fixed to the insert plate 54. The airbag 58 in a folded state is stored in the space formed by the base plate 52 and the cushion portion 30. Figure 4 For convenience, the cross-section of the airbag 58 is shown with a thick line instead of indicating the wall thickness. The opening of the airbag 58 is fixed to the base portion 52A of the base plate 52, and it inflates and deploys when supplied with inflation gas from the gas generator 56 during a vehicle collision.

[0030] The top wall portion 30A of the pad portion 30 is designed to be pressed when the horn device (not shown) is operated. Furthermore, a horn switch (not shown) is disposed near the front end of the peripheral wall portion 30B of the pad portion 30. That is, the pad portion 30 is configured such that when the top wall portion 30A is pressed, the front end of the peripheral wall portion 30B presses the horn switch. And, if the horn switch is pressed, the horn device operates. Moreover, a known structure can be applied to the structure used to operate the horn device; therefore, detailed drawings and descriptions are omitted.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the rim portion 24 is configured to surround the hub portion 22 when viewed along the axial direction of the hub portion 22, and has a ring-shaped core metal portion 21B covering it (see reference). Figure 4 The rim portion 24A is covered by the steering shaft 18. The rim portion 24 is rotated by the driver who holds the rim portion 24.

[0032] Of the three connecting portions 26, 27, and 28, connecting portion 26 is located on the left side relative to hub portion 22, connecting portion 27 is located on the right side relative to hub portion 22, and connecting portion 28 is located on the lower side relative to hub portion 22. Connecting portions 26, 27, and 28 are provided with a spoke core metal portion 21C (see reference). Figure 4 And covers 26A, 27A, and 28A made of synthetic resin that cover the portion including the spoke core metal part 21C.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the left and right covers 26A and 27A form a space together with the spoke core metal portion 21C on the front side relative to the spoke core metal portion 21C. In one example, a substrate (not shown) on which a cruise control switch is mounted is accommodated in the space formed by the left cover 26A, etc. Furthermore, in one example, a substrate on which an audio switch is mounted is accommodated in the space formed by the right cover 27A, etc.

[0034] And, as Figure 3 As shown, as one example of the three connecting parts 26, 27, and 28, the left and right connecting parts 26 and 27 are provided with finger insertion holes 32 and 34 having openings 32A and 34A on the front side (driver's side). As an example, holes 32 and 34 are formed by notch-shaped notches 26K and 27K formed on the pad 30 side of the cover 26A and 27A, and a portion of the sidewalls 30L and 30R of the pad 30. Holes 32 and 34 are formed in a longitudinal shape that is longer than the lateral direction when viewed from the front, and are designed to allow a thumb to be inserted from the front side. The width of holes 32 and 34 can be, for example, larger than the width of an average adult male's thumb and smaller than the combined width of the average adult male's index and middle fingers, among other settings.

[0035] Furthermore, the steering wheel 20 has operation switches 42 and 44 that protrude from the interior of the holes 32 and 34 and are operable by rotation. The operation switch 42, located in the left-hand hole 32, is used to increase or decrease the set speed of the cruise control. The operation switch 44, located in the right-hand hole 34, is used to select tracks for playback on the in-vehicle audio system. The operation switches 42 and 44 allow the protruding front ends to... Figure 3 The initial position (neutral position) shown is moved to the upper and lower sides.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown in the enlarged partial view of the cross-sectional view, the operating switches 42 and 44 are part of the toggle switch devices 36 and 38. Known toggle switch devices can be used for the toggle switch devices 36 and 38, therefore detailed descriptions are omitted. As an example, the operating switches 42 and 44 are formed as plates that are approximately rectangular in length along the direction of penetration of the holes 32 and 34, but they can also be formed as plates that are approximately rectangular in width along the direction of penetration of the holes 32 and 34, or they can be formed as rods.

[0037] As an example, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The operating switches 42 and 44 shown are located on the longitudinal wall portions 26K1 and 27K1 (opposite to the side wall portions 30L and 30R) of the notches 26K and 27K, and protrude towards the side wall portions 30L and 30R of the pad portion 30. Figure 4 As shown, toggle switch devices 36 and 38, equipped with operating switches 42 and 44, are arranged through the longitudinal walls 26K1 and 27K1. Detailed structural diagrams of the portions of the toggle switch devices 36 and 38 disposed inside the covers 26A and 27A are omitted. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the operation switches 42 and 44 shown, as an example, the rotation shafts 42S and 44S of the operation switches 42 and 44 are located near the longitudinal wall portions 26K1 and 27K1 inside the holes 32 and 34. However, the rotation shafts 42S and 44S can also be arranged to be located inside the covers 26A and 27A or to penetrate the covers 26A and 27A.

[0038] Figure 4 The axial direction of the rotation center of the operating switches 42 and 44 shown (the extension direction of the dashed lines 42X and 44X) is set along the axial direction of the hub 22 (the extension direction of the dashed line CL). Furthermore, in Figure 2 In the diagram, the operation switches 42 and 44, marked with single-dot dashes 42X and 44X respectively, are used for side observation. (Reference) Figure 4 The axis of rotation of the hub 22 is represented by the extension direction of the dashed line CL.

[0039] exist Figure 5 The image shows a magnified view. Figure 3 The diagram shows the area near the hole 32 of the connecting portion 26 on the left side. Additionally, in... Figure 5 For simplicity, the shape of the operating switch 42 is simplified in the representation. Furthermore, the size is enlarged. Figure 3 The diagram near the hole 34 of the connecting part 27 shown on the right side is related to... Figure 5 The diagram is essentially symmetrical from left to right, therefore its illustration is omitted. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the protrusion L of the operating switch 42 inside the hole 32 on the left side is greater than the distance G between the protruding tip 42T of the operating switch 42 and the inner surface 32B of the hole 32 in a direction parallel to the protrusion direction of the operating switch 42. Similarly, Figure 3 The protrusion of the operating switch 44 inside the hole 34 shown on the right is also greater than the distance between the protruding tip of the operating switch 44 and the inner surface of the hole 34 in a direction parallel to the protrusion direction of the operating switch 44.

[0040] Furthermore, the aforementioned "protrusion amount of operating switches 42, 44" and the "distance between the protruding front end of the operating switches 42, 44 and the inner surface of the holes 32, 34" in the direction parallel to the protrusion direction of the operating switches 42, 44 are in the through direction of the operating switches 42, 44 in the holes 32, 34 (and... Figure 3 In the region of the operation switches 42 and 44 (located in the direction perpendicular to the paper), comparisons can be made at each position in the through-path of the holes 32 and 34 (in other words, by changing the position of the through-path). In this embodiment, the above relationship is established at each position in the through-path where the comparison can be made.

[0041] (The role / effect of the implementation method)

[0042] Next, the function and effects of this embodiment will be explained.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, in the steering wheel 20 according to this embodiment, the hub 22 is fixed to the steering shaft 18. Furthermore, when viewed along the axial direction of the hub, a rim portion for the driver to hold is disposed on the outer periphery of the hub, and the hub and the rim portion are connected by a connecting portion. Therefore, the driver can perform a rotation operation with the steering shaft 18 as the center of rotation while holding the rim portion 24.

[0044] Here, finger insertion holes 32 and 34 with openings 32A and 34A on the front side (driver's side) of the steering wheel 20 are provided on the left and right connecting parts 26 and 27. Operating switches 42 and 44 protruding inside the holes 32 and 34 are configured to be rotatable. Therefore, when the driver is observing the front of the vehicle while operating the steering wheel 20, the driver can easily touch the operating switches 42 and 44 by inserting their fingers into the openings 32A and 34A of the holes 32 and 34. Thus, the position of the operating switches 42 and 44 can be easily identified by touch.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, operate switches 42 and 44 (reference). Figure 4 The axial direction of the rotation center of the hub (the extension direction of the single-dotted lines 42X and 44X) is set along the axial direction of the hub 22 (the extension direction of the single-dotted line CL). Therefore, the driver can use his finger to... Figure 3 The operating switches 42 and 44 shown can be easily operated from both sides (upper and lower in this case) in the direction of rotation.

[0046] And, as Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the protrusion L of the operating switch 42 inside the left-side hole 32 is greater than the distance G between the protruding tip 42T of the operating switch 42 and the inner surface 32B of the hole 32 in a direction parallel to the protrusion direction of the operating switch 42. Similarly, Figure 3 The protrusion of the operating switch 44 inside the hole 34 on the right side is also greater than the distance between the protruding tip of the operating switch 44 and the inner surface of the hole 34 in a direction parallel to the protrusion direction of the operating switch 44. As a result, when the driver inserts his finger into the holes 32 and 34, the driver can easily hook his finger onto the operating switches 42 and 44.

[0047] As explained above, according to Figures 1-5 The steering wheel 20 shown in this embodiment allows the driver to easily identify the positions of the operation switches 42 and 44 while observing the front side of the vehicle and operating the steering wheel 20.

[0048] (Supplementary explanation of the implementation method)

[0049] In addition, in the above embodiment, the rim portion 24, which serves as the grip portion for the driver, is formed in a ring shape. However, as a variation of the above embodiment, the grip portion that is disposed on the outer periphery of the hub portion (22) and gripped by the driver when viewed along the axial direction of the hub portion (22) may be a grip portion other than the one formed in a ring shape, such as a grip portion formed in an arc shape or a grip portion formed in a generally U-shape.

[0050] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the finger insertion holes 32 and 34 are provided on the left and right connecting portions 26 and 27, and the operation switches 42 and 44 are provided inside these holes 32 and 34. However, for example, the following structure can also be adopted: the finger insertion hole with an opening on the front side is provided on the lower connecting portion (28), and the operation switch that can be rotated protrudes inside the hole.

[0051] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the finger insertion hole portions 32 and 34 includes a portion of the peripheral wall portion 30B of the pad portion 30 (more specifically, a portion of the side wall portions 30L and 30R), but the finger insertion hole portion provided at the connection portion connecting the hub portion (22) and the grip portion (rim portion 24) and having an opening on the front side may also exclude a portion of the peripheral wall portion (30B) of the pad portion (30) from a portion of its inner peripheral surface.

[0052] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the axial direction of the rotation center of the operating switches 42 and 44 (the extension direction of the single-dot dashed lines 42X and 44X) is set to the direction along the axial direction of the hub 22 (the extension direction of the single-dot dashed line CL). This structure is preferred, but as a variation of the above embodiment, for example, the following structure can also be adopted: the axial direction of the rotation center of the operating switch is set to the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the hub (22).

[0053] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the protrusion of the operation switches 42 and 44 is greater than the distance between the protruding front end of the operation switches 42 and 44 and the inner surface of the holes 32 and 34 in a direction parallel to the protrusion direction of the operation switches 42 and 44. This structure is preferred. However, as a variation of the above embodiment, it is also possible to adopt the following setting: the protrusion of the operation switch is less than or equal to the distance between the protruding front end of the operation switch and the inner surface of the holes (32 and 34) in a direction parallel to the protrusion direction of the operation switch.

[0054] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and their various modifications can be appropriately combined and implemented.

[0055] The present invention has been described above as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above description, and various modifications can be made without departing from its spirit.

[0056] Symbol Explanation

[0057] 10-Vehicle, 18-Steering shaft, 20-Steering wheel, 22-Hub, 24-Wheel flange (handle), 26-Connecting part, 27-Connecting part, 32-Hole, 32A-Opening, 32B-Inner surface of hole, 34-Hole, 34A-Opening, 42-Operating switch, 42T-Protruding front end of operating switch, 42X-Axis of rotation center, 44-Operating switch, 44X-Axis of rotation center, G-Difference between the protruding front end of operating switch and the inner surface of hole, L-Protrusion amount of operating switch.

Claims

1. A steering wheel, characterized in that, have: The hub, which is fixed to the vehicle's steering shaft; A grip, which, when viewed along the axial direction of the hub, is positioned on the outer periphery of the hub and is gripped by the driver; A connecting part that connects the hub and the gripping part, and is provided with a finger insertion hole having an opening on the front side; and An operating switch protrudes inside the hole and is configured to be rotatable.

2. The steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axis of the rotation center of the operating switch is set to be along the axial direction of the hub.

3. The steering wheel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The amount by which the operating switch protrudes into the hole is greater than the distance between the protruding tip of the operating switch and the inner surface of the hole in a direction parallel to the protrusion direction of the operating switch.

Images