Vehicle display device

Abstract

To obtain a vehicle display device which can achieve visibility of information and operability.SOLUTION: A vehicle display device is disposed between a steering 12 that is gripped by an operator for steering and an instrument panel 16 and includes: a body 30 extending to both left and right sides farther than the steering 12 and having a surface which faces a driver seat and serves as a display surface 32; and elongated operation switches 34R, 34L which are provided at an upper edge of the body 30 and in each of which a vehicle width direction is set to a longitudinal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a side wall is provided between an instrument section in an instrument panel and a door trim, thereby shielding an air conditioner outlet from being seen by a passenger. Patent Document 1 also discloses a display device provided on the side wall. Meanwhile, Patent Document 2 discloses a structure that includes a center display unit provided in front of the steering wheel and side display units provided on both the left and right sides of the center display unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-124951 A [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-62735 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As in the structures described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, by providing a display unit in front of the instrument panel, information can be easily viewed. However, the display unit may get in the way when operating an operation switch provided on the instrument panel. One possible solution to this problem would be to provide an operation switch on the display unit itself, but there is room for improvement in terms of operability.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle display device that is capable of achieving both visibility of information and operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle display device of claim 1 has a main body portion disposed between a steering wheel held by a driver to steer and an instrument panel, extending to both the left and right sides of the steering wheel, the main body portion having a display surface facing the driver's seat, and a long operating switch provided on an upper edge of the main body portion and having a longitudinal direction in the vehicle width direction.

[0007] In the vehicle display device according to claim 1, the main body is disposed between the steering wheel and the instrument panel, and the main body extends beyond the steering wheel to both the left and right sides. This allows the occupant to view the display contents displayed on the display surface without moving their line of sight significantly, as compared to a structure in which information is displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, because the main body extends beyond the steering wheel to both the left and right sides, the occupant's hands gripping the steering wheel do not get in the way when viewing the display surface.

[0008] Furthermore, an operating switch is provided on the upper edge of the main body, and this operating switch is formed in an elongated shape with its longitudinal direction aligned with the vehicle width direction, making it easy for the occupant to operate the operating switch even when his or her eyes are facing forward.

[0009] The vehicle display device of claim 2 is in accordance with claim 1, wherein the main body includes a plate-shaped right side display portion located in front of the vehicle on the right side of the steering wheel and inclined toward the rear of the vehicle as it moves toward the right side of the vehicle in a planar view, and a plate-shaped left side display portion located in front of the vehicle on the left side of the steering wheel and inclined toward the rear of the vehicle as it moves toward the left side of the vehicle in a planar view, and the operation switch is provided on the upper edge of the right side display portion and the upper edge of the left side display portion, respectively.

[0010] In the vehicle display device according to claim 2, information can be displayed on the right and left display sections. In addition, since the right and left display sections are plate-shaped, the display sections can be arranged in a minimum space. Furthermore, since the operation switches are provided on the upper edge of the right and left display sections, respectively, different functions can be assigned to the operation switches.

[0011] The vehicle display device according to claim 3 is the display device according to claim 2, wherein the display surfaces of the right-side display unit and the left-side display unit include touch panels that can be operated by an occupant by touching them.

[0012] In the vehicle display device according to claim 3, the driver can operate the display device without moving his / her hands significantly from the steering wheel.

[0013] The vehicle display device according to claim 4 is the display device according to claim 3, wherein the touch panel is provided only on portions extending to both the left and right sides of the steering wheel.

[0014] In the vehicle display device according to claim 4, the touch panel is provided only on the portion of the right display unit that extends to the right of the steering wheel, so that erroneous operation caused by touching other portions of the right display unit while holding the steering wheel can be suppressed.Similarly, the touch panel is provided only on the portion of the left display unit that extends to the left of the steering wheel, so that erroneous operation caused by touching other portions of the left display unit while holding the steering wheel can be suppressed.

[0015] The vehicle display device of claim 5 is the same as claim 3, in which the touch panel is provided over the entire display surface, and operation items that are operated relatively frequently are displayed in an area to the right of the steering wheel on the right-side display unit and an area to the left of the steering wheel on the left-side display unit, and operation items that are operated relatively less frequently are displayed in an area to the left of the steering wheel on the right-side display unit and an area to the right of the steering wheel on the left-side display unit.

[0016] In the vehicle display device according to claim 5, the driver can easily touch the operation items by displaying the operation items with high operation frequency in the area to the right of the steering wheel on the right display unit and in the area to the left of the steering wheel on the left display unit. Also, by displaying the operation items with relatively low operation frequency in other areas of the display surface, the convenience for the occupants can be improved compared to a configuration in which the operation items are not displayed.

[0017] The vehicle display device according to claim 6 is the device of claim 3, wherein finger hooks are provided on surfaces of the right-side display portion and the left-side display portion opposite to the display surfaces.

[0018] In the vehicle display device according to claim 6, the driver can place his / her finger on the finger rest while holding the right or left display unit in order to operate the touch panel. This allows accurate operation even while driving.

[0019] The vehicle display device according to claim 7 is the display device according to claim 1, wherein a central portion in a vehicle width direction of a lower end of the main body is located higher than both end portions in the vehicle width direction.

[0020] In the vehicle display device according to claim 7, it is possible to prevent the knees of the occupant from hitting the lower end of the main body. In addition, since both ends of the main body in the vehicle width direction are located above the center of the main body in the vehicle width direction, the occupant can easily operate the display device.

[0021] The vehicle display device according to claim 8 is the display device of claim 7, wherein a center part in a vehicle width direction at a lower end part of the main body is located above a lower end of the steering wheel when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle.

[0022] In the vehicle display device according to claim 8, the center part in the vehicle width direction at the lower end part of the main body is located above the lower end of the steering wheel, so that it is possible to effectively prevent the knees of the occupant from hitting it.

[0023] The vehicular display device according to claim 9 is the display device according to claim 2, wherein a portion between the right-side display portion and the left-side display portion is recessed toward the front side of the vehicle with respect to the right-side display portion and the left-side display portion.

[0024] In the vehicle display device according to claim 9, the hands of a passenger gripping the steering wheel can be prevented from hitting the main body. Also, by forming a step between the right and left display parts and the recessed parts, the rigidity of the main body can be improved.

[0025] The vehicle display device according to claim 10 is the display device according to claim 2, wherein the main body has a hollowed-out portion between the right-side display portion and the left-side display portion.

[0026] In the vehicle display device according to claim 10, it is possible to prevent the hands of a passenger gripping the steering wheel from hitting the main body, and also to reduce the weight of the main body.

[0027] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the display device for a vehicle according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the main body is configured so that the position in the vertical direction can be adjusted independently of the steering wheel.

[0028] In the vehicle display device according to the eleventh aspect, the relative position of the main body with respect to the steering wheel can be adjusted according to the driver's physique, posture, and the like. Effect of the Invention

[0029] As described above, the vehicle display device and the vehicle seat according to the present invention can achieve both visibility of information and operability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of a driver's seat of a vehicle to which a steering module according to an embodiment is applied, viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of the driver's seat and its periphery in FIG. 1, viewed obliquely from above and behind. [Diagram 3]2 is an enlarged view of the steering module in FIG. 1 as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. [Figure 4] 2 is an enlarged view of the steering module in FIG. 1, as viewed from the right rear side of the vehicle. [Diagram 5] 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the steering wheel has been moved from the state shown in FIG. 2 to a stored position. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a view of a steering module according to a first modified example, as viewed from the rear side of a vehicle. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a view of a steering module according to a second modified example, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] A vehicle V to which a steering module 10 according to the embodiment is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the arrows FR, UP, and LH in each drawing indicate the front side, upper side, and left side of the vehicle, respectively. When describing using the directions of front-rear, left-right, top-bottom, and bottom-top, unless otherwise specified, they indicate front-rear in the vehicle front-rear direction, left-right in the vehicle width direction, and top-bottom in the vehicle top-bottom direction.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 1, an instrument panel 16 is provided at the front of the passenger compartment of a vehicle V. The instrument panel 16 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a steering wheel 12 is provided on the left side of the instrument panel 16. That is, in this embodiment, as an example, a left-hand drive vehicle in which the steering wheel 12 is provided on the left side, and the driver's seat is set on the left side of the vehicle, but this is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to a right-hand drive vehicle in which the steering wheel 12 is provided on the right side of the vehicle.

[0033] A windshield glass 18 is provided at the front end of the instrument panel 16. The windshield glass 18 extends in the vertical direction and the width direction of the vehicle, and separates the inside and outside of the vehicle compartment.

[0034] The left end of the windshield glass 18 is fixed to a front pillar 20 on the left side of the vehicle. The front pillar 20 extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the windshield glass 18 is fixed to the inner end of the front pillar 20 in the vehicle width direction.

[0035] A vehicle seat 22 is disposed on the vehicle rear side of the instrument panel 16. The vehicle seat 22 is a driver's seat where an occupant sits. The vehicle V according to this embodiment is equipped with an automatic driving mode in which the vehicle runs without the occupant performing driving operations, and is configured to be allowed to switch to the automatic driving mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied in a manual driving state. Here, a steering module 10 is provided in front of the vehicle seat 22.

[0036] (Steering module 10) Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the driver's seat and its surroundings viewed from diagonally above and behind. As shown in Fig. 2, the steering module 10 includes a steering wheel 12 that is held by an occupant for steering and a vehicle display device 14 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "display device 14" as appropriate).

[0037] The steering module 10 includes a module base 26 attached to the instrument panel 16. The module base 26 is formed in a shape that narrows from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle in a plan view, and the front end of the module base 26 is fixed to the upper surface of the instrument panel 16.

[0038] A column section 24 constituting the steering wheel 12 is provided at the center in the vehicle width direction at the rear end of the module base 26. In addition, a display device 14 is provided at both ends in the vehicle width direction at the rear end of the module base 26. The display device 14 is disposed between the steering wheel 12 and the instrument panel 16, and displays information to the occupant.

[0039] (Vehicle display device 14) Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the steering module 10 as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 3, the display device 14 includes a main body 30. The main body 30 extends beyond the steering wheel 12 to both the left and right sides (both sides in the vehicle width direction), and is configured to display information on a surface facing the vehicle seat 22.

[0040] Specifically, the main body 30 includes a center portion 30C located in the center of the steering module 10 in the vehicle width direction, a right side display portion 30R arranged on the right side of the vehicle relative to the center of the steering module 10 in the vehicle width direction, and a left side display portion 30L arranged on the left side of the vehicle relative to the center of the steering module 10 in the vehicle width direction.

[0041] The right-side display unit 30R is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, is located in front of the vehicle on the right side of the steering wheel 12, and is inclined toward the rear of the vehicle as it moves toward the right side of the vehicle in a plan view. The left-side display unit 30L has a shape symmetrical to the right-side display unit 30R. That is, the left-side display unit 30L is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, is located in front of the vehicle on the left side of the steering wheel 12, and is inclined toward the rear of the vehicle as it moves toward the left side of the vehicle in a plan view (see FIG. 2).

[0042] Here, the surface of the right display unit 30R facing the driver's seat toward the rear of the vehicle is the electronic right display surface 32R, and the surface of the left display unit 30L facing the driver's seat toward the rear of the vehicle is the electronic left display surface 32L. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the right display surface 32R and the left display surface 32L, they may be simply referred to as "display surface 32."

[0043] The display surface 32 is equipped with a touch panel that can be operated by the occupant by touching it. Therefore, the display device 14 is configured so that the occupant can select a function corresponding to an image by touching an image displayed on the display surface 32.

[0044] In the present embodiment, as an example, a touch panel is provided over the entire display surface 32. That is, information is displayed over the entire surface of the right display unit 30R on the rear side of the vehicle, and the occupant can appropriately operate the image displayed on the right display unit 30R. Similarly to the right display unit 30R, information is displayed over the entire surface of the left display unit 30L on the rear side of the vehicle, and the occupant can appropriately operate the image displayed on the right display unit 30R.

[0045] Here, in particular, an area PR to the right of the steering wheel 12 on the right display section 30R and an area PL to the left of the steering wheel 12 on the left display section 30L are configured to display operation items that are operated relatively frequently.

[0046] For example, area PR displays information related to air conditioning, music playback, and entertainment-related operations, and is configured so that the occupant can grasp the right display unit 30R and select an image displayed in area PR with the fingers of the right hand. Area PL displays information related to driving support functions such as active cruise control and driving mode switching, and is configured so that the occupant can grasp the left display unit 30L and select an image displayed in area PL with the fingers of the left hand.

[0047] On the other hand, the area to the left of the steering wheel 12 on the right display unit 30R and the area to the right of the steering wheel 12 on the left display unit 30L are areas that are difficult for the occupant to operate, so operation items that are operated relatively infrequently are displayed thereon. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which setting items of a navigation system to be operated while the vehicle V is stopped are displayed. In addition, items that do not need to be operated may be displayed as operation items that are operated relatively infrequently. For example, items that do not need to be operated by the occupant, such as warning displays and SNS (Social Networking Service) messages, may be displayed, or items that are not operated while driving but are operated only when the vehicle is stopped may be displayed.

[0048] In this embodiment, the touch panel is provided on the entire surface of the display surface 32, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the touch panel may be provided only in the region PR and the region PL. In this case, even if the hand of the occupant who is operating the steering wheel 12 touches the display surface 32, no reaction occurs. Specifically, since the touch panel is provided only on the portion of the right display unit 30R that extends to the right of the steering wheel 12, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation caused by touching other portions of the right display unit 30R while holding the steering wheel 12. Similarly, since the touch panel is provided only on the portion of the left display unit 30L that extends to the left of the steering wheel 12, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation caused by touching other portions of the left display unit 30L while holding the steering wheel 12.

[0049] 2, finger hooks 31 are provided on the surfaces of the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L opposite to the display surface 32. In this embodiment, as an example of the finger hook 31, a convex portion for hanging a finger is formed, and by hanging a finger on this convex portion, the operability of the display surface 32 is improved. Note that the finger hook may be a recessed portion recessed from the general surface for hanging a finger.

[0050] A right operation switch 34R and a left operation switch 34L are provided on the upper edge of the main body 30. The right operation switch 34R is provided on the upper edge of the right display unit 30R, and is formed in an elongated shape with the vehicle width direction as the longitudinal direction. The right operation switch 34R and the left operation switch 34L are preferably assigned functions that can be operated regardless of the information displayed on the display device 14. In this embodiment, as an example, the right operation switch 34R is assigned the function of a hazard lamp. Also, the left operation switch 34L is assigned the function of a high beam, but is not limited thereto.

[0051] The lower end of the center portion 30C of the main body 30 is located higher than the lower end of the right display portion 30R and the lower end of the left display portion 30L. Specifically, the center portion 30C is located further forward of the vehicle than the right display portion 30R and the left display portion 30L, and the lower end of the center portion 30C is located higher than the lower end of the steering wheel 12 when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. In addition, the lower edge of the right display portion 30R, the lower edge of the center portion 30C, and the lower edge of the left display portion 30L are connected by smooth curved surfaces so as to be continuous.

[0052] (Steering 12) The steering wheel 12 includes a column portion 24, a base portion 40, a right grip portion 42R, a left grip portion 42L, a connecting portion 44, an upper right side portion 46R, and an upper left side portion 46L.

[0053] 2, the column portion 24 protrudes from the instrument panel 16 toward the rear of the vehicle via the module base 26. A sensor (not shown) capable of detecting an occupant is provided at the tip of the column portion 24. The sensor includes a sensor for detecting the entire face of the occupant, a sensor for detecting the pupils, a sensor for detecting the line of sight, a sensor for detecting the posture, and the like.

[0054] In addition, a ventilation hole (not shown) capable of blowing air toward the rear of the vehicle is provided at the tip of the column portion 24. For example, an air conditioner is provided forward of the instrument panel 16, and air temperature-adjusted by the air conditioner passes through the inside of the column portion 24 and is blown from the ventilation hole to the driver's seat. In this way, by providing the ventilation hole at the tip of the column portion 24, it is not necessary to place a register on the instrument panel 16, and the degree of freedom in designing the interior of the vehicle is improved. In addition, air can be blown closer to the occupants than when air is blown from the instrument panel 16.

[0055] In this embodiment, as an example, the column portion 24 is configured to be swingable in the vertical direction relative to the module base 26. In other words, the main body portion 30 is configured to be able to adjust its position in the vertical direction independently of the steering wheel 12.

[0056] 3, a base portion 40 is provided on the column portion 24. The base portion 40 extends in the vehicle up-down direction and the vehicle width direction, and is rotatably attached to a portion between the base end and the tip end of the column portion 24.

[0057] A right grip portion 42R that can be held by an occupant is disposed on the right side of the base portion 40, and a left grip portion 42L that can be held by an occupant is disposed on the left side of the base portion 40. The right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L each extend along the vertical direction of the vehicle and are shaped symmetrically with respect to the center of the steering wheel 12.

[0058] The lower end of the base portion 40, the lower end of the right grip portion 42R, and the lower end of the left grip portion 42L are connected in the vehicle width direction by a connecting portion 44. The connecting portion 44 is an elongated member that is disposed below the column portion 24 and has the vehicle width direction as its longitudinal direction, and the central portion of the connecting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction is formed to be wider in the vehicle front-rear direction than both ends in the vehicle width direction.

[0059] On the other hand, a mounting piece 40A extends from the lower end of the base portion 40 toward the front side of the vehicle, and the center portion of the connecting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction is fixed to this mounting piece 40A. Note that a horn switch may be provided in the center portion of the connecting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction.

[0060] Both ends of the connecting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction are gently curved so as to be gradually positioned upward toward both sides in the vehicle width direction, and are formed integrally with the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L.

[0061] An upper right edge 46R is provided at the upper end of the right grip portion 42R. The upper right edge 46R includes a steering upper right portion 48R that extends diagonally leftward and forward from the upper end of the right grip portion 42R, and a right gaze guidance portion 50R that extends further forward from the end of the steering upper right portion 48R and is connected to the upper end of the base portion 40.

[0062] In addition, a left upper side portion 46L is provided at the upper end of the left grip portion 42L. The left upper side portion 46L includes a steering left upper portion 48L that extends obliquely to the right and front from the upper end of the left grip portion 42L, and a left gaze guidance portion 50L that extends further toward the front of the vehicle from the end of the steering left upper portion 48L and is connected to the upper end of the base portion 40.

[0063] Here, a gap is provided between the upper right side 46R and the left side display unit 30L, and the base end portion of the module base 26 can be seen through this gap. For this reason, a display unit such as a display may be provided in the region of the module base 26 between the upper right side 46R and the left side display unit 30L.

[0064] A steering switch is provided on at least one of the upper right side 46R and the upper left side 46L. In this embodiment, as an example, two right steering switches 52R are provided on the upper right side 46R. The two right steering switches 52R are arranged side by side on the surface of the steering wheel upper right portion 48R facing the rear of the vehicle, and different functions are assigned to each of them. For example, the right steering switch 52R may be assigned functions such as a right turn signal, switching between low beam and high beam, and starting a voice input device.

[0065] On the other hand, two left steering switches 52L are provided on the upper left side 46L. The two left steering switches 52L are provided side by side on the surface of the steering left upper part 48L facing the rear of the vehicle, and different functions are assigned to each of them. For example, the left steering switch 52L may be assigned functions such as activating a left turn signal, windshield wipers, and active cruise control.

[0066] The steering module 10 of this embodiment is configured as described above, and the display device 14 and the steering wheel 12 are disposed apart from each other in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0067] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the steering module 10 in Fig. 1, as viewed from the right rear side of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 4, a gap is provided between the right grip part 42R of the steering wheel 12 and the right display part 30R of the display device 14, such that the occupant's hands do not touch the right display part 30R even when the occupant is gripping the right grip part 42R.

[0068] The distance between the right grip portion 42R and the right display portion 30R is preferably 5 cm to 30 cm, and more preferably 7 cm to 20 cm. Note that there is a gap between the left grip portion 42L of the steering wheel 12 and the left display portion 30L of the display device 14, which is approximately the same as that on the right side.

[0069] Moreover, the steering module 10 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to store the steering wheel 12. For example, when the driving mode of the vehicle V is shifted to the automatic driving mode and the shift to the manual driving mode is not scheduled for a while, the steering wheel 12 is stored.

[0070] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the steering wheel 12 has been moved to a stored position from the state in Fig. 2. In Fig. 5, the state in which the steering wheel 12 is in the use position is depicted by a two-dot chain line, and the state in which the steering wheel 12 is in the stored position is depicted by a solid line.

[0071] 5, the steering wheel 12 is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle relative to the display device 14. For example, the column portion 24 of the display device 14 may be configured to be locked in a state where it is inserted into the module base 26, and the column portion 24 may be shifted to a state where it is movable relative to the module base 26 by releasing the locked state.

[0072] 5, in the use position, the base portion 40 and the column portion 24 are steerable by the occupant, and the vehicle display device 14 is spaced apart from the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L of the steering wheel 12 in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. On the other hand, in the storage position in which the steering wheel 12 has moved toward the front of the vehicle, as shown by the solid line, the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L are in contact with the display device 14.

[0073] Specifically, in this embodiment, the angle of the right display section 30R and the angle of the steering wheel upper right portion 48R are substantially the same in plan view, and the angle of the left display section 30L and the angle of the steering wheel upper left portion 48L are substantially the same. Therefore, in the stored position, the right grip section 42R and the steering wheel upper right portion 48R of the steering wheel 12 are in contact with the display surface 32R of the right display section 30R, and the left grip section 42L and the steering wheel upper left portion 48L are in contact with the display surface 32L of the left display section 30L.

[0074] Furthermore, the steering module 10 of this embodiment is provided with a light source inside at least one of the right grip portion 42R, the left grip portion 42L, the connecting portion 44, the upper right edge portion 46R, and the upper left edge portion 46L, and is configured to emit light from the light source when the occupant is to grip the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L.

[0075] In particular, in this embodiment, the texture of the skin of the steering wheel 12 is that of general synthetic leather, and is made of a material that does not allow the inside to be seen. When the light source emits light, the light passes through the skin, and the surface of the skin is visually perceived as shining.

[0076] (action) Next, the operation of the steering module 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0077] 2, in the steering module 10 of this embodiment, the main body 30 of the display device 14 is disposed between the steering wheel 12 and the instrument panel 16, and the main body 30 extends beyond the steering wheel 12 to both the left and right sides. This allows the occupant to view the display contents displayed on the display surface 32 without moving their line of sight significantly, as compared to a structure in which the display unit is provided on the instrument panel 16. In addition, because the main body 30 extends beyond the steering wheel 12 to both the left and right sides, the occupant's hands gripping the steering wheel do not get in the way when viewing the display surface 32.

[0078] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of this embodiment, a right operation switch 34R and a left operation switch 34L are provided on the upper edge of the main body 30, and these operation switches are formed in an elongated shape with the vehicle width direction as the longitudinal direction. This makes it easy for the occupant to operate the operation switches even when he or she wants to look forward.

[0079] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of this embodiment, the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L are plate-shaped, so that the display units can be arranged in a minimum space. Also, the right operation switch 34R is provided on the upper edge of the right display unit 30R, and the left operation switch 34L is provided on the upper edge of the left display unit 30L, so that different functions can be assigned to each of them.

[0080] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of this embodiment, a touch panel is provided on the display surface 32, so that the occupant can operate the device without moving his / her hands significantly from the steering wheel 12.

[0081] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of this embodiment, the occupant can easily touch the operation items by displaying the operation items that are operated frequently in the area on the right side of the steering wheel 12 on the right display unit 30R and in the area on the left side of the steering wheel 12 on the left display unit 30L. Also, by displaying the operation items that are operated relatively less frequently in other areas of the display surface, the convenience for the occupant can be improved compared to a configuration in which the operation items are not displayed.

[0082] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of the present embodiment, the occupant can place his / her finger on the finger rest while holding the right or left display unit in order to operate the touch panel. This allows accurate operation even while driving.

[0083] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of this embodiment, the center in the vehicle width direction at the lower end of the main body 30 is located higher than the lower end of the steering wheel 12, which prevents the occupant's knees from hitting the lower end of the main body 30. In addition, both ends of the main body 30 in the vehicle width direction are located higher than the center in the vehicle width direction, so the occupant can operate it without moving their hands much from the steering wheel 12, making it easy to operate.

[0084] In addition, in the display device 14 of this embodiment, the column portion 24 is configured to be able to swing up and down relative to the module base 26, so that the relative position of the main body portion 30 with respect to the steering wheel 12 can be adjusted according to the physique and posture of the occupant.

[0085] 3, in the steering wheel 12 of this embodiment, the lower ends of the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L are connected to the lower end of the base portion 40 by a connecting portion 44, and the upper right side portion 46R and the upper left side portion 46L are connected to the upper end of the base portion 40. In this manner, since the upper and lower portions of the steering wheel 12 are each connected to the base portion 40, the steering wheel 12 is less likely to deform compared to a cantilever structure in which only one of the upper and lower portions of the steering wheel 12 is fixed to a column or the like.

[0086] Furthermore, in the steering wheel 12 of this embodiment, a right steering switch 52R is provided on the upper right side 46R and a left steering switch 52L is provided on the upper left side 46L, so that the occupant can operate the steering switch while holding the steering wheel 12.

[0087] Furthermore, in the steering wheel 12 of this embodiment, the base portion 40 is rotatably attached to the column portion 24, so that the steering wheel 12 can be steered without rotating the column portion 24. In particular, in this embodiment, a sensor capable of detecting an occupant is provided at the tip portion of the column portion 24, so that the sensor does not rotate even when the steering wheel 12 is being operated, and the detection accuracy of the sensor can be maintained at a good level.

[0088] In addition, in the steering wheel 12 of this embodiment, by providing an air outlet at the tip of the column portion 24, air can be blown from a position closer to the occupant compared to a configuration in which air is blown to the occupant from an air outlet provided in the instrument panel 16.

[0089] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the steering wheel 12 of this embodiment is configured to be movable to a storage position at the front of the vehicle. Therefore, when steering by the occupant is not required, such as during automatic driving, the base portion 40 and the column portion 24 can be moved to the storage position to ensure ample space around the driver's seat.

[0090] Although the steering module 10 according to the present embodiment has been described above, it is needless to say that the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the display surface 32 is provided up to the inner region of the steering wheel 12 as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the structure of the first modified example shown in Fig. 6 and the second modified example shown in Fig. 7 may be adopted.

[0091] (First Modification) Fig. 6 is a view of the steering module 10 according to the first modified example seen from the vehicle rear side. As shown in Fig. 6, in this modified example, the portion between the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L is recessed toward the vehicle front side with respect to the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L.

[0092] Specifically, the portion of the right-side display unit 30R excluding the display surface 32R is located further forward of the vehicle than the display surface 32R, and a step portion 60R is formed between the display surface 32R. Similarly, the portion of the left-side display unit 30L excluding the display surface 32L is located further forward of the vehicle than the display surface 32L, and a step portion 60L is formed between the display surface 32L.

[0093] The step portions 60R and 60L make the right operation switch 34R and the left operation switch 34L narrower on the base end side than on the tip end side, but this is not limited to this. That is, only the upper edge of the main body 30 may be formed to have the same width on the tip end side and the base end side without providing a step portion. In this case, the width of the right operation switch 34R and the left operation switch 34L can be made the same on the tip end side and the base end side.

[0094] In this modified example, it is possible to prevent the hands of an occupant gripping the steering wheel 12 from hitting the main body 30. In addition, by forming the step portions 60R, 60L between the right-side display portion 30R and the left-side display portion 30L and the recessed portions, it is possible to improve the rigidity of the main body 30.

[0095] (Second Modification) Fig. 7 is a view of a steering module according to a second modified example seen from the rear side of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 7, in this modified example, the main body 30 is hollowed out in a portion between the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L.

[0096] Specifically, the portion of the right-side display unit 30R excluding the display surface 32R is hollowed out, and a through-hole 62R is formed that penetrates through the thickness direction of the right-side display unit 30R. Similarly, the portion of the left-side display unit 30L excluding the display surface 32L is hollowed out, and a through-hole 62L is formed that penetrates through the thickness direction of the left-side display unit 30L.

[0097] In this modified example, it is possible to prevent the hands of an occupant gripping the steering wheel 12 from hitting the main body 30. Also, by forming a shape in which a part of the main body 30 is hollowed out, it is possible to reduce the weight of the main body 30. Furthermore, the occupant can view the vehicle front side of the display device 14 through the through-holes 62R, 62L. Note that the portion of the right display unit 30R other than the display surface 32R and the portion of the left display unit 30L other than the display surface 32L do not have to be hollowed out, but may simply be thinner in the thickness direction than the display surfaces 32R, 32L.

[0098] In the above embodiment and modified example, the two right steering switches 52R are provided on the upper right side 46R, and the two left steering switches 52L are provided on the upper left side 46L, but this is not limited to the above. For example, a steering switch may be provided on only one of the upper right side 46R and the upper left side 46L. Also, a structure without a steering switch may be adopted.

[0099] Regarding the above embodiment, the following notes are disclosed.

[0100] (Appendix 1) a main body portion disposed between a steering wheel which is held by a driver and steered by the driver and extending beyond the steering wheel to both the left and right sides, the main body portion having a display surface facing the driver's seat; An operation switch provided on an upper edge of the main body and having a long shape with a longitudinal direction aligned with the vehicle width direction; A vehicle display device having the following: (Appendix 2) the main body portion includes a plate-shaped right side display portion located in front of the vehicle on the right side of the steering wheel and inclined toward the rear side of the vehicle as it moves toward the right side of the vehicle in a plan view, and a plate-shaped left side display portion located in front of the vehicle on the left side of the steering wheel and inclined toward the rear side of the vehicle as it moves toward the left side of the vehicle in a plan view, The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein the operation switches are provided on an upper edge of the right-side display portion and an upper edge of the left-side display portion, respectively. (Appendix 3) The display device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the display surfaces of the right-side display unit and the left-side display unit are provided with touch panels that can be operated by an occupant by touching them. (Appendix 4) The vehicle display device according to claim 3, wherein the touch panel is provided only on portions extending to both left and right sides of the steering wheel. (Appendix 5) The touch panel is provided over the entire display surface, an area to the right of the steering wheel in the right-side display unit and an area to the left of the steering wheel in the left-side display unit display operation items that are operated relatively frequently; The vehicle display device according to claim 3, wherein an area to the left of the steering wheel on the right-side display unit and an area to the right of the steering wheel on the left-side display unit display operation items that are operated relatively infrequently. (Appendix 6) The vehicle display device according to any one of Supplementary Note 3 to Supplementary Note 5, wherein a finger hook is provided on a surface of the right-side display portion and the left-side display portion opposite to the display surface. (Appendix 7) The vehicle display device according to any one of Supplementary Note 2 to Supplementary Note 6, wherein a central portion of a lower end portion of the main body in a vehicle width direction is located higher than both end portions in the vehicle width direction. (Appendix 8) The vehicle display device according to claim 7, wherein a central portion in a vehicle width direction at a lower end portion of the main body is located above a lower end of the steering wheel when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. (Appendix 9) The vehicular display device according to any one of Supplementary Note 2 to Supplementary Note 8, wherein a portion between the right side display portion and the left side display portion is recessed toward a front side of the vehicle with respect to the right side display portion and the left side display portion. (Appendix 10) The vehicle display device according to any one of Supplementary Note 2 to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the main body has a hollowed-out portion between the right-side display portion and the left-side display portion. (Appendix 11) The vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the main body is configured so that a position in a vertical direction can be adjusted independently of the steering wheel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 12 Steering 14 Vehicle display device 16 Instrument Panel 30 Main body 30R Right side display 30L Left side display 31 Finger rest 32 Display surface 34R Right operation switch 34L Left operation switch

Claims

1. a main body portion disposed between a steering wheel which is held by a driver and steered by the driver and extending beyond the steering wheel to both the left and right sides, the main body portion having a display surface facing the driver's seat; An operation switch provided on an upper edge of the main body and having a long shape with a longitudinal direction aligned with the vehicle width direction; A vehicle display device having the following:

2. the main body portion includes a plate-shaped right side display portion located in front of the vehicle on the right side of the steering wheel and inclined toward the rear side of the vehicle as it moves toward the right side of the vehicle in a plan view, and a plate-shaped left side display portion located in front of the vehicle on the left side of the steering wheel and inclined toward the rear side of the vehicle as it moves toward the left side of the vehicle in a plan view, The display device for a vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the operation switch is provided on an upper edge of the right-side display portion and an upper edge of the left-side display portion, respectively.

3. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein the display surfaces of the right-side display unit and the left-side display unit are provided with touch panels that can be operated by an occupant by touching them.

4. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 3 , wherein the touch panel is provided only on portions extending to both left and right sides of the steering wheel.

5. The touch panel is provided over the entire display surface, an area to the right of the steering wheel in the right-side display unit and an area to the left of the steering wheel in the left-side display unit display operation items that are operated relatively frequently; 4. The vehicle display device according to claim 3, wherein operation items that are operated relatively infrequently are displayed in an area to the left of the steering wheel in the right-side display section and an area to the right of the steering wheel in the left-side display section.

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

7. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein a central portion of the lower end of the main body in a vehicle width direction is located higher than both end portions in the vehicle width direction.

8. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 7 , wherein a central portion in a vehicle width direction at a lower end portion of the main body is located above a lower end of the steering wheel when viewed from a rear side of the vehicle.

9. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein a portion between the right-side display portion and the left-side display portion is recessed toward a front side of the vehicle with respect to the right-side display portion and the left-side display portion.

10. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein the main body has a hollowed-out portion between the right display portion and the left display portion.

11. The display device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the main body is configured so that a position in a vertical direction can be adjusted independently of the steering wheel.

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