Steering device

Abstract

To reduce intensity of light for each portion in a light emission portion arranged in a steering device.SOLUTION: A steering device (1) of a movable body (VC) includes an optical fiber (130) at least a part of which is arranged along a predetermined first direction (DR). When light (Lp) is supplied to one end (E1) of the optical fiber (130), the optical fiber (130) emits light (Ls) in a direction (DS) different from the first direction (DR) from at least a part arranged along the first direction (DR).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a steering device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a steering device that provides a warning light to a driver of a vehicle (Patent Document 1). The steering device of Patent Document 1 includes an optical member that is a light-emitting diode (LED) and a lens. The optical member is disposed along the steering grip in the upper half and inside of the steering grip. The lens covers the optical member. Filler and fiber are added to the lens to guide the light to the driver and increase brightness. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-31286 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the steering device described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of light-emitting diodes, each of which is a point light source, are used as light sources. Therefore, even if a lens containing a filler and fiber is arranged, the driver recognizes that there are areas of strong and weak light intensity in the light-emitting portion arranged along the steering grip. In addition, since it is necessary to prepare a board on which a plurality of light-emitting diodes are arranged along the steering grip, a lot of space is required. Furthermore, for different types of steering devices with light-emitting portions of different sizes, it is necessary to individually design a circuit board on which a plurality of light-emitting diodes are arranged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The technology of the present disclosure can be realized in the following forms.

[0006] (1) According to one aspect of the technique disclosed herein, there is provided a steering device for a moving body, comprising an optical fiber at least a portion of which is arranged along a predetermined first direction, the optical fiber receiving light at one end and emitting light from at least a portion of the optical fiber arranged along the first direction in a direction different from the first direction. By adopting such an embodiment, the steering device can be illuminated with light that has less difference in light intensity at different positions in the first direction, compared to an embodiment in which multiple light-emitting diodes are arranged along the first direction. In addition, by adjusting the length of the optical fiber arranged in the steering device, it is possible to accommodate steering devices with light-emitting parts of different sizes, which means that there is no need to design circuit boards with different numbers of light sources for each steering device with light-emitting parts of different sizes. (2) In the steering device of the above embodiment, a reflecting unit may be provided at the other end of the optical fiber, which reflects light that has reached the other end within the optical fiber and supplies the light to the optical fiber. With this configuration, at least a portion of the light that has reached the other end of the optical fiber can be returned into the optical fiber and effectively utilized as light that is emitted from the optical fiber in a direction different from the first direction. As a result, the steering device can be illuminated more brightly with the same amount of light from one end of the optical fiber, compared to a configuration in which the light that has reached the other end of the optical fiber is emitted to the outside as is. (3) In the steering device of the above aspect, the reflecting portion may be a coating of white paint. By adopting such an embodiment, it is possible, with a simple configuration, to utilize the light that has reached the other end within the optical fiber as light that is emitted in a direction different from the first direction. (4) The steering device according to the above aspect may further include a groove portion that is provided along the first direction and that houses the optical fiber. By adopting such an embodiment, the extent to which the optical fiber protrudes outward in the steering device is reduced or the optical fiber does not protrude outward. This improves the aesthetic appearance of the steering device. Also, even if the optical fiber is disposed in a portion of the steering device that can be gripped by the driver of a moving object, the possibility that the optical fiber will cause discomfort to the driver gripping the steering device can be reduced. (5) In the steering device of the above aspect, the wall portion that defines the groove portion may be configured to reflect light. With this configuration, the steering device can be illuminated by effectively utilizing the light emitted from the optical fiber toward the wall of the groove that houses the optical fiber, and therefore the steering device can be illuminated more brightly with the same amount of light from one end of the optical fiber, compared to a configuration in which the wall of the groove that houses the optical fiber is configured to absorb most of the light received. (6) In the steering device of the above-mentioned form, an embodiment can be adopted in which the steering device includes a gripping portion that is gripped by a driver of the moving body and rotated around a rotation axis located outside the gripping portion, the gripping portion includes a sheet portion that constitutes at least a part of an outer surface of the gripping portion, the sheet portion having an end along the direction of rotation, and the optical fiber is arranged in contact with a part of a surface of the sheet portion that is opposite to the surface that constitutes the outer surface, the part including the end. By adopting such an embodiment, the seat portion can be configured to improve the tactile sensation of the driver when gripping the grip portion and the aesthetic appearance of the grip portion, while the steering device can be illuminated by the optical fiber. (7) In the steering device of the above aspect, the end of the seat portion may be located on a side of the grip portion that faces the rotation shaft. With this configuration, the driver's hands are less likely to touch the edge of the sheet and the optical fiber when gripping the steering device, which makes it possible to improve the tactile sensation of the driver when gripping the steering device while illuminating the steering device with the optical fiber. (8) In the steering device of the above aspect, the optical fiber may be arranged substantially parallel to a plane perpendicular to a rotation axis when the steering device is rotated. In such an embodiment, the optical fiber in the steering device is not bent toward or away from the driver who turns the steering device, and as a result, the intensity of the light emitted from the optical fiber is approximately uniform as seen by the driver, regardless of the location of the optical fiber. The technology of the present disclosure may be realized in various forms other than a steering device, for example, in a design component of a moving body, a steering device, or a moving body including a design component. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a steering device 1 for a vehicle VC according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between a cover portion 120, an optical fiber 130, and an LED 140. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic diagram showing light propagating within an optical fiber 130. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the cover portion 120, the optical fiber 130, and the groove portion 111Rs of the first portion 111 in a cross section taken along the line II-II in FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between each component of a sheet-like member 121 of a cover portion 120 and an optical fiber 130 in a cross section perpendicular to the direction of rotation DR. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] A. First embodiment: 1 is a front view of a steering device 1 for a vehicle VC as a first embodiment. The steering device 1 is mounted on the vehicle VC. The steering device 1 is operated by a driver of the vehicle VC to control the traveling direction of the vehicle VC. The steering device 1 includes a grip portion 100, a rotating portion 200, a central member 300, a pair of mounting members 400, 400, and a control portion 900.

[0009] The rotating part 200 is rotated by the driver via the grip part 100 (see the center of FIG. 1). The traveling direction of the vehicle VC is determined by the orientation, i.e., the angular position, of the rotating part 200. In FIG. 1, the rotating part 200 is covered by a central member 300.

[0010] The central member 300 covers the rotating part 200 and a part of the grip part 100 from both sides in the direction of the rotation axis CA of the rotating part 200 (see the center part in FIG. 1). When the steering device 1 specifies the front as the traveling direction of the vehicle VC, the central member 300 connects the first part 111 of the grip part 100 and the rotating part 200 at the 6 o'clock position on a clock. The first part 111 of the grip part 100 will be described later.

[0011] The pair of mounting members 400, 400 are detachably attached to the pair of second portions 112, 112 of the grip part 100, respectively (see the middle part of FIG. 1). The pair of mounting members 400, 400 are disposed at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions on a clock when the steering device 1 specifies the forward direction as the traveling direction of the vehicle VC. Specifically, the mounting members 400 are a switch unit that allows the driver to input instructions to control the vehicle VC. The second portion 112 of the grip part 100 will be described later.

[0012] The control unit 900 is connected to the LEDs 140, 140 included in the grip unit 100, and controls the LEDs 140, 140 (see the center of FIG. 1). The control unit 900 specifically includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which is a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The RAM includes a main memory which is a semiconductor memory, and an auxiliary storage device. The CPU can cause the LEDs 140, 140 to emit light in various patterns by loading a computer program stored in the ROM or the auxiliary storage device into the main memory and executing it.

[0013] The grip part 100 is a part that is gripped by a driver of the vehicle VC. The grip part 100 is located around the rotating part 200. The grip part 100 is rotated around a rotation axis CA located outside the grip part 100 (see the center part and the outer periphery part in FIG. 1). The grip part 100 includes an operated part 110, a cover part 120, a pair of optical fibers 130, 130, and a pair of LEDs 140, 140.

[0014] The operated part 110 is disposed symmetrically with respect to the rotating part 200. The operated part 110 is a member having a substantially circular outer shape located around the rotating part 200. The operated part 110 is moved by the driver and rotated together with the rotating part 200. The operated part 110 includes a first part 111 and a pair of second parts 112, 112.

[0015] The first portion 111 extends along a direction of rotation DR in which the operated portion 110 rotates together with the rotating portion 200. More specifically, the first portion 111 has an annular outer shape. The annular first portion 111 is disposed so as to surround the rotating portion 200. The annular first portion 111 is disposed approximately parallel to a plane RF perpendicular to a rotation axis CA when the steering device 1 is rotated.

[0016] Note that "the annular first portion is disposed substantially parallel to the plane P0" means that when a plane P1 parallel to the plane P0 is defined for the first portion so that the plane P1 and the first portion are most closely matched, the distance between the plane P1 and the portion of the first portion that is farthest from the plane P1 is less than 1 / 10 of the dimension of the annular first portion. Note that the "dimension of the annular first portion" is the distance measured along the outer periphery of the annular first portion within the plane P1 when the annular first portion is projected onto the plane P1.

[0017] The first portion 111 includes an annular metal core and a polyurethane coating layer 111c that covers the surface of the core. The first portion 111 is also called a "wheel portion." The first portion 111 includes a groove portion 111Rs and a holding portion 111a in the coating layer 111c. The groove portion 111Rs and the holding portion 111a will be described later together with the optical fiber 130.

[0018] The pair of second parts 112, 112 connect the first part 111 of the grip part 100 and the rotating part 200 (see the middle part of FIG. 1). More specifically, the pair of second parts 112, 112 connect the rotating part 200 and the annular first part 111 at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions on a clock when the steering device 1 is in a state in which the front is designated as the traveling direction of the vehicle. The second parts 112 are also called "spoke parts."

[0019] The cover portion 120 covers the annular first portion 111 and parts of the second portions 112, 112 of the operated portion 110. The cover portion 120 is held by the driver together with the operated portion 110 and moved by the driver (see arrow DR in FIG. 1). The cover portion 120 includes a sheet-like member 121.

[0020] The sheet-like member 121 covers the annular first portion 111 of the operated portion 110 and parts of the second portions 112, 112. More specifically, the sheet-like member 121 is adhered to the surfaces of the annular first portion 111 of the operated portion 110 and parts of the second portions 112, 112 with an adhesive 121a1. As a result, the sheet-like member 121 constitutes part of the outer surface of the grip portion 100. The sheet-like member 121 is flexible. The sheet-like member 121 can be made of, for example, genuine leather, synthetic leather, cloth, or the like.

[0021] The sheet-like member 121 has a plurality of openings 121o in a portion covering the annular first portion 111 of the operated portion 110 and facing the driver. In Fig. 1, the openings 121o are shown larger than their actual size in order to facilitate understanding of the technology.

[0022] When the steering device 1 specifies the front as the traveling direction of the vehicle VC, the multiple openings 121o include multiple openings 121o located on the upper side with respect to the rotation axis CA and multiple openings 121o located on the lower side with respect to the rotation axis CA. The multiple openings 121o located on the upper side with respect to the rotation axis CA are arranged along the rotation direction DR within an angular range of approximately 170 degrees around the rotation axis CA. The multiple openings 121o located on the lower side with respect to the rotation axis CA are arranged along the rotation direction DR within an angular range of approximately 170 degrees around the rotation axis CA. When the steering device 1 specifies the front as the traveling direction of the vehicle VC, the multiple openings 121o are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane including the vertical direction VU and the rotation axis CA.

[0023] The pair of optical fibers 130, 130 are arranged in an annular first portion 111 of the operated portion 110. The pair of optical fibers 130, 130 are covered by a cover portion 120. A portion of each optical fiber 130 is arranged so as to be visible from the outside through an opening 121o of the cover portion 120.

[0024] The optical fiber 130 is arranged along the rotation direction DR in the first portion 111. When the steering device 1 is in a state in which the front is specified as the traveling direction of the vehicle VC, one of the pair of optical fibers 130, 130 is located on the upper side with respect to the rotation axis CA, and the other of the pair of optical fibers 130, 130 is located on the lower side with respect to the rotation axis CA. The optical fiber 130 located on the upper side with respect to the rotation axis CA is arranged in an angular range of about 175 degrees around the rotation axis CA. The optical fiber 130 located on the lower side with respect to the rotation axis CA is arranged in an angular range of about 175 degrees around the rotation axis CA. The angular range in which the optical fiber 130 located on the upper side with respect to the rotation axis CA is arranged includes the angular range in which the multiple openings 121o located on the upper side with respect to the rotation axis CA are provided. The angular range in which the optical fiber 130 located on the lower side with respect to the rotation axis CA is arranged includes the angular range in which the multiple openings 121o located on the lower side with respect to the rotation axis CA are provided.

[0025] One end E11 of the optical fiber 130 is optically connected to one LED 140. The other end E21 of the optical fiber 130 is optically connected to the other LED 140. Both of the optical fibers 130, 130 include a reflecting portion 130Rf at the other end. The reflecting portion 130Rf will be described later.

[0026] The pair of LEDs 140, 140 are arranged in the annular first portion 111 of the operated portion 110 (see the middle left and middle right portions of FIG. 1). More specifically, the pair of LEDs 140, 140 are arranged in the annular first portion 111 near a portion connected to the pair of second portions 112, 112. The pair of LEDs 140, 140 are covered by the cover portion 120 and cannot be seen from the outside. The pair of LEDs 140, 140 are optically connected to one ends E11, E21 of the pair of optical fibers 130, 130, respectively.

[0027] The LED 140 shown in the middle right part of FIG. 1 emits light L in the upward direction in FIG. 1. The light L propagates through the optical fiber 130 located above the rotation axis CA over an angular range of 170 degrees from one end E11 to the other end E12. The LED 140 shown in the middle left part of FIG. 1 emits light L in the downward direction in FIG. 1. The light L propagates through the optical fiber 130 located below the rotation axis CA over an angular range of 170 degrees from one end E21 to the other end E22. As a result, the steering device 1 can emit light Ls from the opening 121o over almost the entire circumference of the annular first portion 111.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the cover portion 120, the optical fiber 130, and the LED 140. In order to facilitate understanding of the technology, FIG. 2 shows a pair of the LED 140 and the optical fiber 130. In FIG. 2, a configuration corresponding to one end E11, E21 of the optical fibers 130, 130 is shown as one end E1. A configuration corresponding to the other end E12, E22 of the optical fibers 130, 130 is shown as the other end E2. The optical fiber 130 is supplied with light L at one end E1, and emits light Ls in a direction DS different from the rotation direction DR from a portion arranged along the rotation direction DR. In FIG. 2, a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction DR is shown as a representative direction DS. The light Ls is visible from the outside through the opening 121o of the cover portion 120.

[0029] 3 is a schematic diagram showing light propagating in the optical fiber 130. The LED 140 emits light L in a certain angle range including the direction in which the strongest light is emitted (see the right part of FIG. 3). That is, the LED 140 emits light L in various directions. In this embodiment, a portion of the optical fiber 130 including one end E1 connected to the LED 140 is arranged along a direction that matches the direction in which the LED 140 emits the strongest light. As a result, the core of the optical fiber 130 is supplied with light L from the LED 140 in various directions including the direction in which the strongest light is emitted.

[0030] Of the light L supplied from the LED 140, the light that is incident on the boundary between the core and clad of the optical fiber 130 at an incident angle equal to or greater than a predetermined angle is totally reflected at the boundary between the core and clad in the core of the optical fiber 130. The light that is totally reflected in this way and propagates through the optical fiber 130 is referred to as light Lp in this specification. The "incident angle" is the angle that the optical path of the incident light makes with respect to the perpendicular to the boundary surface between the core and the clad at the point where the light is incident.

[0031] Of the light L supplied from the LED 140, light that is incident on the boundary between the core and the clad of the optical fiber 130 in the core at an incident angle less than a predetermined angle passes through the boundary between the core and the clad of the optical fiber 130 and is radiated to the outside of the optical fiber 130 (see the upper center part of FIG. 3). Even if the light is once totally reflected at the boundary between the core and the clad of the optical fiber 130, if the light then enters the boundary between the core and the clad of the optical fiber 130 at an incident angle less than the above-mentioned predetermined angle, the light passes through the boundary between the core and the clad of the optical fiber 130 and is radiated to the outside of the optical fiber 130 (see the upper left part of FIG. 3). In this specification, the light radiated to the outside of the optical fiber 130 in this manner is referred to as light Ls.

[0032] According to the above-described principle, the optical fiber 130 to which the light L is supplied from one end E1 not only emits the light Lp propagated therein at the other end E2, but also emits the light Ls from the side surface of the optical fiber 130. The light Ls is visible from the outside through the opening 121o of the cover part 120 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0033] In this embodiment, light emitting diodes 130 having a homogeneous structure in the longitudinal direction are arranged in the range where the steering device 1 emits light, to realize light emission of the steering device 1 (see FIG. 1). With this configuration, the steering device 1 can emit light with light Ls with less difference in intensity at different positions in the rotation direction DR, compared to a steering device in which a plurality of light emitting diodes are arranged along the rotation direction. The upper and lower ranges where the steering device 1 emits light through the opening 121o are indicated by symbols AL1 and AL2 in FIG. 1.

[0034] In a steering device in which multiple light-emitting diodes are arranged over a light-emitting range, if one or more of the multiple light-emitting diodes malfunction, a clear unevenness in the shading will occur in the light-emitting portion. However, in this embodiment, one light-emitting portion is illuminated by one LED. This reduces the risk of such malfunctions. In addition, the number of light-emitting diodes used can be reduced, which reduces the manufacturing cost of the device for emitting light.

[0035] In this embodiment, there is no need to prepare a substrate on which a plurality of light emitting diodes are arranged along the annular first portion 111. This makes it possible to reduce the mounting space required for a device for emitting light.

[0036] According to this embodiment, it is possible to accommodate steering devices 1 having light emitting portions AL1 and AL2 of different sizes by adjusting the length of the optical fiber 130 arranged in the steering device 1. Therefore, it is not necessary to design circuit boards on which different numbers of light sources are arranged for steering devices having light emitting portions of different sizes.

[0037] In this embodiment, the optical fiber 130 is arranged along the rotation direction DR in the first portion 111. As a result, the optical fiber 130 is arranged approximately parallel to a plane RF perpendicular to the rotation axis CA when the steering device 1 is rotated. That is, in the steering device 1, the optical fiber 130 is not bent in a direction toward the driver who operates the steering device 1 or in a direction away from the driver. Therefore, regardless of the part of the optical fiber 130, the intensity of the light Ls emitted from the optical fiber 130 is approximately uniform when viewed from the driver.

[0038] In this specification, "the optical fiber is disposed approximately parallel to the plane P0" means that when a plane P1 parallel to the plane P0 is defined for the optical fiber so that the plane P1 and the optical fiber are most closely matched, the distance between the part of the optical fiber that is farthest from the plane P1 and the plane P1 is less than 1 / 10 of the dimension of the optical fiber. Note that the "dimension of the optical fiber" is the distance measured along the optical fiber within the plane P1 when the optical fiber is projected onto the plane P1.

[0039] The optical fiber 130 includes a reflecting portion 130Rf (see the middle left part of FIG. 2). The reflecting portion 130Rf is located at one end E2 opposite to the end E1 connected to the LED 140, out of both ends E1 and E2 of the optical fiber 130. The reflecting portion 130Rf reflects the light Lp that reaches the other end E2 in the optical fiber 130 and supplies it to the optical fiber 130.

[0040] With this configuration, at least a part of the light Lp that reaches the other end E2 in the optical fiber 130 can be returned into the optical fiber 130 and effectively utilized as light Ls emitted from the optical fiber 130 in a direction DS different from the rotation direction DR. As a result, the steering device 1 can be illuminated more brightly with the same amount of light from one end E1 of the optical fiber 130, compared to a mode in which the light Lp that reaches the other end E2 in the optical fiber 130 is directly emitted to the outside.

[0041] Specifically, the reflecting portion 130Rf is a coating of white paint arranged so as to cover the other end E2 of the optical fiber 130. With such a simple configuration, the light Lp that reaches the other end E2 in the optical fiber 130 can be returned to the optical fiber 130 again and utilized as light Ls emitted in a direction DS different from the rotation direction DR. In addition, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the light emitted from the other end E2 of the optical fiber 130 leaks from gaps between members such as the sheet-like member 121 and the mounting member 400, damaging the aesthetic appearance of the steering device 1 that is emitting light.

[0042] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the cover portion 120, the optical fiber 130, and the groove portion 111Rs of the first portion 111 in the II-II cross section of Fig. 1. In Fig. 4, the center plane of the annular first portion 111 in the direction of the rotation axis CA is shown as a line RF. The center plane RF is a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis CA.

[0043] The first portion 111 has two combinations of a groove portion 111Rs and a holding portion 111a (see the upper and lower parts of FIG. 1 and FIG. 4). The pair of groove portions 111Rs, 111Rs is provided along the rotation direction DR in the annular first portion 111 of the operated portion 110. When the steering device 1 is in a state in which the front is designated as the traveling direction of the vehicle, one of the pair of groove portions 111Rs, 111Rs is located above the rotation axis CA, and the other of the pair of groove portions 111Rs, 111Rs is located below the rotation axis CA (see FIG. 1).

[0044] The groove 111Rs located on the upper side with respect to the rotation axis CA is disposed in an angular range of about 175 degrees around the rotation axis CA. The groove 111Rs located on the lower side with respect to the rotation axis CA is also disposed in an angular range of about 175 degrees around the rotation axis CA. The grooves 111Rs, 111Rs house the optical fibers 130, 130 therein (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 1). That is, the angular range in which the groove 111Rs located on the upper side with respect to the rotation axis CA is provided includes the angular range in which the optical fiber 130 located on the upper side with respect to the rotation axis CA is provided. The angular range in which the groove 111Rs located on the lower side with respect to the rotation axis CA is provided includes the angular range in which the optical fiber 130 located on the lower side with respect to the rotation axis CA is provided.

[0045] The grooves 111Rs, 111Rs house the optical fibers 130, 130 therein. Therefore, in the steering device 1, the optical fiber 130 does not protrude from the outer shape of the cross section of the first portion 111 (see the upper part of FIG. 4). As a result, the aesthetic appearance of the steering device 1 can be improved. In addition, the possibility that the outer shape of the optical fiber 130 will cause discomfort to a driver holding the steering device 1 can be reduced.

[0046] The groove 111Rs includes a bottom wall 111Rw1 and side walls 111Rw2 and 111Rw3 (see the middle part of FIG. 4). The bottom wall 111Rw1 and the side walls 111Rw2 and 111Rw3 define the groove 111Rs. The bottom wall 111Rw1 and the side walls 111Rw2 and 111Rw3 are configured to reflect light emitted from within the groove 111Rs. More specifically, the bottom wall 111Rw1 and the side walls 111Rw2 and 111Rw3 have surfaces having a white color. As a result, the light Ls emitted from the side surface of the optical fiber 130 is reflected by the bottom wall portion 111Rw1 and the side walls 111Rw2 and 111Rw3, and is emitted to the outside of the steering device 1 through the opening 121o of the cover portion 120 (see the upper center part of FIG. 4).

[0047] A part of the light reflected by the bottom wall portion 111Rw1 and the side wall portions 111Rw2 and 111Rw3 passes through the holding portion 111a and is again incident on the optical fiber 130. Another part of the light reflected by the bottom wall portion 111Rw1 and the side wall portions 111Rw2 and 111Rw3 passes through the holding portion 111a and is emitted to the outside of the steering device 1 through the opening 121o without passing through the optical fiber 130.

[0048] With this configuration, the steering device 1 can emit light by effectively utilizing the light emitted from the side surface of the optical fiber 130 toward the wall portions 111Rw1, 111Rw2, and 111Rw3 of the groove portion 111Rs that houses the optical fiber 130. Therefore, the steering device 1 can emit light more brightly with the same amount of light Ls from one end E1 of the optical fiber 130, compared to a configuration in which the wall portions 111Rw1, 111Rw2, and 111Rw3 are configured to absorb most of the received light.

[0049] The holding portion 111a holds the optical fiber 130 arranged in the groove portion 111Rs. Specifically, the holding portion 111a is an adhesive that fills gaps between the optical fiber 130 and the bottom wall portion 111Rw1 and the side wall portions 111Rw2, 111Rw3. The holding portion 111a is made of a transparent material. The holding portion 111a exerts a function of holding the optical fiber 130 in the groove portion 111Rs, while transmitting light emitted from the side surface of the optical fiber 130 and light reflected from the walls 111Rw1, 111Rw2, 111Rw3, and allowing the light to exit the groove portion 111Rs.

[0050] In this embodiment, the vehicle VC is also referred to as a "moving body." The rotation direction DR is also referred to as a "first direction." The sheet-like member 121 is also referred to as a "seat portion." The bottom wall portion 111Rw1 and the side wall portions 111Rw2, 111Rw3 are also referred to as "wall portions."

[0051] B. Second embodiment: In the steering device 1 of the first embodiment, the optical fiber 130 is arranged in the groove portion 111Rs of the grip portion 100 (see FIG. 4). However, in the steering device 1B of the second embodiment, the optical fiber 130 is arranged between the operated portion 110 and the sheet-like member 121 of the cover portion 120. Other points of the steering device 1B of the second embodiment are the same as those of the steering device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between each component of the sheet-like member 121 of the cover portion 120 and the optical fiber 130 in a cross section perpendicular to the direction of rotation DR. In FIG. 5, the center plane of the annular first portion 111 in the direction of the rotation axis CA perpendicular to the rotation axis CA is shown as a line RF. The annular first portion 111 actually has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Therefore, the outer shape of the coating layer 111c of the first portion 111 and the sheet-like member 121 actually draws a convex curve that is closest to the rotation axis CA on the center plane RF. However, in order to facilitate understanding of the technology, in FIG. 5, the coating layer 111c of the first portion 111 and the sheet-like member 121 are shown as flat shapes.

[0053] In the steering device 1B, the sheet-like member 121 constituting the cover portion 120 covers the outer periphery of the first portion 111 having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape in a cross section perpendicular to the direction of rotation DR. The sheet-like member 121 has ends 121e1 and 121e2 along the direction of rotation DR (see the center of FIG. 5).

[0054] An end 121e2 of the sheet-like member 121 is bonded to the annular first portion 111. On the other hand, an end 121e1 is not bonded to the annular first portion 111 (see the center of FIG. 5). The end 121e1 is located on the side of the gripping portion 100 facing the rotation axis CA (see the lower part of FIG. 5). In other words, the end 121e1 of the sheet-like member 121 extends along the inside of the annular first portion 111. To facilitate understanding of the technology, the location where the end 121e1 is located is indicated by a dashed leader line in FIG. 1 (see the upper center part of FIG. 1).

[0055] The optical fiber 130 is bonded to an end portion, including the end 121e2, of the sheet-like member 121 constituting the cover portion 120. To facilitate understanding of the technique, the adhesive 121a2 bonding the optical fiber 130 and the sheet-like member 121 is shown by a schematic line in FIG.

[0056] The optical fiber 130 is disposed in contact with a part of the inner surface IS opposite to the surface OS constituting the outer surface of the sheet-like member 121, including the end 121e1. The end including the end 121e1 is sewn to a part including the other end 121e2 by thread 121t. The optical fiber 130 is disposed in a region of the sheet-like member 121 surrounded by a part including the one end 121e1, a part including the other end 121e2, and thread 121t. As a result, the optical fiber 130 is disposed so as to be visible to the driver's eye ED (see the middle right part of FIG. 5).

[0057] In this embodiment, the optical fiber 130 is disposed in contact with a part of the inner surface IS of the sheet-like member 121, including the end 121e1. Therefore, when gripping the grip portion 100, the driver's fingers touch the outer surface OS of the sheet-like member 121, including the ends 121e1 and 121e2, and are unlikely to directly touch the optical fiber 130. Therefore, the sheet-like member 121 can be configured to improve the tactile sensation of the driver when gripping the grip portion 100 and the aesthetic appearance of the grip portion 100, while the steering device 1 can be illuminated by the optical fiber 130.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the end 121e1 of the sheet-like member 121 with which the optical fiber 130 is in contact is located on the side of the gripping portion 100 facing the rotation axis CA. As a result, the end of the sheet-like member 121 and the optical fiber 130 are less likely to come into contact with the driver's hands when gripping the steering device 1. This makes it possible to further improve the tactile sensation of the driver when gripping the steering device 1 while causing the steering device 1 to emit light through the optical fiber 130.

[0059] In this embodiment, the optical fiber 130 is disposed at a position farther from the driver than the center plane RF of the annular first portion 111 in the direction of the rotation axis CA perpendicular to the rotation axis CA. In an actual structure, the coating layer 111c and the sheet-like member 121 of the first portion 111 form a convex curve that is lowest at the center plane RF. Therefore, according to the structure of this embodiment, the structure in which the optical fiber 130 is attached to the annular first portion 111 is unlikely to be directly visible to the driver.

[0060] C. Other embodiments: C1. Alternative embodiment 1: (1) In the above embodiment, the annular first portion 111 is illuminated using a combination of two pairs of the LEDs 140 and the optical fibers 130. However, the first portion may be illuminated by a combination of one pair of the LEDs 140 and the optical fibers 130, or a combination of three or more pairs of the LEDs 140 and the optical fibers 130.

[0061] (2) In the above embodiment, the optical fiber 130 is arranged in the first portion 111 along the rotation direction DR (see FIG. 1). However, the optical fiber may extend in other directions, such as a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the steering device, or a horizontal direction when the steering device specifies the forward direction as the traveling direction of the vehicle. The direction in which at least a part of the optical fiber is arranged may be a direction along a curve such as a circular arc, a parabola, or a catenary, or may be a direction along a straight line.

[0062] (3) In the above embodiment, the entire optical fiber 130 is arranged along the rotation direction DR (see the upper and lower parts of FIG. 1). However, a part of the optical fiber may be arranged along the first direction, and another part may be arranged along a second direction different from the first direction. In this specification, "a part of the optical fiber is arranged along the first direction" includes a case where the optical fiber is shifted from a position strictly along the first direction by a distance of 5% or less of the length of the part of the optical fiber.

[0063] (4) In the above-described first embodiment, the pair of optical fibers 130, 130 are covered by the cover portion 120. The light Ls is visible from the outside through the opening 121o of the cover portion 120 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). However, the optical fiber may not be covered by the sheet portion of the cover portion and may be exposed in the steering device. Also, the optical fiber may be covered by one or more of a light-transmitting cover, a lens, and a brightness enhancement film in the steering device. The optical fiber may be embedded in a transparent material in the steering device as in the first embodiment, and the structure may be exposed to the outside.

[0064] (5) In the above embodiment, the pair of LEDs 140, 140 are disposed near the portion of the annular first portion 111 that is connected to the pair of second portions 112, 112 (see the middle left and right portions of FIG. 1). However, the light source may be disposed in another portion. For example, by disposing the light source inside the rotating portion 200 or the central member 300, the circuit having the light source can be disposed under conditions with fewer space constraints.

[0065] Furthermore, in the light-emitting diode 130, in the vicinity of the portion connected to the LED 140, the light Ls emitted from the side surface may be particularly large (see the middle right part of FIG. 2). For this reason, it is preferable that the LED 140 and a portion of the light-emitting diode 130 including the one end E1 connected to the LED 140 are disposed in a position that is difficult to see from the outside, for example, inside the rotating part 200 or the central member 300. The portion that is visible from the outside may be a portion other than the portion including the one end E1 connected to the LED 140.

[0066] (6) In the above embodiment, the light source that supplies light L to one end E1 of the optical fiber 130 is an LED 140 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). However, various light sources such as a light source that uses fluorescent light, a light source that uses discharge light, a light source that uses electroluminescence, and a light source that uses chemical luminescence may be used as the light source that supplies light to one end of the optical fiber. However, it is preferable to use a device that can simultaneously emit light having various emission angles as the light source. It is even more preferable to use a device that can simultaneously emit light in a continuous range of angles as the light source.

[0067] (7) In the first embodiment, the bottom wall 111Rw1 and the side walls 111Rw2 and 111Rw3 are configured with white surfaces (see FIG. 4). However, the walls defining the grooves may be configured with a silver material or may be configured with a mirror surface. However, it is preferable that the walls defining the grooves are configured to reflect 30% or more of the light received.

[0068] (8) In the second embodiment, end 121e1 of sheet-like member 121 is located on the side of gripping portion 100 facing rotation axis CA (see FIG. 5). In this specification, "the side of gripping portion facing the rotation axis" means "the side of gripping portion facing the rotation axis" when the outer periphery of the gripping portion is equally divided into two, "the side of gripping portion facing the rotation axis" and "the side of gripping portion opposite to the side facing the rotation axis," in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation direction of the gripping portion.

[0069] (9) In the above embodiment, the sheet-like member 121 constitutes a part of the outer surface of the grip part 100. However, the sheet part may constitute the entire outer surface of the grip part.

[0070] (10) In the above embodiment, the sheet-like member 121 is adhered to the surfaces of the annular first portion 111 and parts of the second portions 112, 112 of the operated portion 110 with adhesive 121a1 (see 121a1 in FIG. 2 and 121a2 in FIG. 5). However, the sheet portion can also be fixed to the operated portion by other methods, such as by a wire fastener or a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0071] (11) In the second embodiment, the inner surface IS of the sheet-like member 121 with which the optical fiber 130 is in contact may be colored white or silver, or may be configured as a mirror surface (see FIG. 5). The surface of the sheet with which the optical fiber is in contact is preferably configured to reflect 30% or more of the received light.

[0072] (12) In the above embodiment, the steering device 1 is mounted on the vehicle VC. However, the steering device may be mounted on various devices for controlling the orientation of a real or virtual moving object, such as a ship, an aircraft, a piloting device for a drone, or a game machine.

[0073] (13) In the second embodiment, the optical fiber 130 is bonded to the surface OS of the end including the end 121e2 of the sheet-like member 121 constituting the cover part 120 (see the center part of FIG. 5). However, the sheet-like member 121 may be configured so that the end 121e2 of the sheet-like member 121 does not reach the optical fiber 130 on the surface of the first part 111, and the optical fiber 130 may be fixed to the surface of the first part 111. With such a configuration, the amount of protrusion of the optical fiber 130 from the outer shape of the annular first part 111 can be further reduced by the thickness of the sheet-like member 121. As a result, the possibility that the optical fiber causes discomfort to the driver who grips the steering device can be further reduced. Note that, even in such an embodiment, the end 121e2 of the sheet-like member 121 is preferably arranged on the side opposite to the driver with respect to the part of the first part 111 that is closest to the rotation axis CA (see RF and 130 in FIG. 5).

[0074] C2. Alternative embodiment 2: In the above embodiment, the optical fiber 130 includes a reflector 130Rf at the other end opposite to the end that receives the light (see the middle left part of FIG. 2). However, the optical fiber may also be configured not to include a reflector at the other end and to emit light from the other end.

[0075] C3. Alternative embodiment 3: In the above embodiment, the reflecting portion 130Rf is a coating of white paint arranged to cover the other end E2 of the optical fiber 130 (see FIG. 2). However, the reflecting portion may be a coating of silver paint. The reflecting portion may also be a device that reflects light using a mirror or a prism. Furthermore, the reflecting portion may be the end face of an optical fiber that is processed into a shape that reflects light that has propagated inside.

[0076] C4. Alternative embodiment 4: In the first embodiment, the first portion 111 of the gripping portion 100 includes the groove portion 111Rs (see FIG. 4). However, as shown in the second embodiment, the first portion 111 of the gripping portion 100 may not include the groove portion 111Rs, and the optical fiber 130 may be provided so as to protrude from the outer shape of the first portion 111.

[0077] C5. Alternative Embodiment 5: In the first embodiment, the bottom wall 111Rw1 and the side walls 111Rw2 and 111Rw3 that define the groove 111Rs are configured to reflect light (see FIG. 4). However, the walls of the groove that accommodates the optical fiber may be configured to absorb most of the light received.

[0078] C6. Alternative Embodiment 6: In the second embodiment, the optical fiber 130 is disposed in contact with a part of the inner surface IS opposite to the surface OS constituting the outer surface of the sheet-like member 121, including the end 121e1 (see FIG. 5). However, the optical fiber may be disposed in the groove as shown in the first embodiment, or may be disposed exposed in the first portion of the gripping portion. However, in a mode in which the optical fiber is disposed exposed in the first portion of the gripping portion, it is preferable that the optical fiber is disposed in a position that is not directly visible to the driver, for example, on the opposite side to the driver with respect to the bottom of the first portion.

[0079] C7. Alternative Embodiment 7: In the second embodiment, the end 121e1 of the sheet-like member 121 is located on the side of the grip part 100 facing the rotation axis CA (see Figs. 1 and 5). However, the end of the sheet-like member on which the optical fiber is arranged may be located in another position, for example, on the side opposite the driver with respect to the central axis of the first part.

[0080] C8. Alternative Embodiment 8: In the first embodiment, the optical fiber 130 is arranged substantially parallel to a plane RF perpendicular to the rotation axis CA when the steering device 1 is rotated (see FIGS. 1 and 4). However, the optical fiber can be arranged in any orientation other than substantially parallel to the plane perpendicular to the rotation axis when the steering device is rotated. For example, if the optical fiber is arranged with a constant curvature including 0, the optical fiber can be arranged in any orientation, such as parallel to the rotation axis when the steering device is rotated, perpendicular to the rotation axis, or twisted.

[0081] The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the Summary of the Invention column can be appropriately replaced or combined in order to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems or to achieve some or all of the above-mentioned effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1...Steering device, 1B...Steering device, 100...Grip portion, 110...Operated portion, 111...First portion, 111Rs...Groove portion, 111Rw1...Bottom wall portion, 111Rw2...Side wall portion, 111Rw3...Side wall portion, 111a...Holding portion, 111c...Covering layer, 112...Second portion, 120...Cover portion, 121...Sheet-like member, 121a1...Adhesive, 121a2...Adhesive, 121e1...One end of sheet-like member, 121e2...Other end of sheet-like member, 121o...Opening, 121t...Thread, 130...Optical fiber, 130Rf...Reflecting portion, 140...Light-emitting diode, 200...Rotating portion, 300...Central member, 400...Attachment Attachment member, 900...control unit, AL1...light emitting portion, AL2...light emitting portion, CA...rotation axis, DR...rotation direction of the steering device, DS...direction different from the rotation direction, E1...one end of the optical fiber, E11...one end of the optical fiber, E12...the other end of the optical fiber, E2...the other end of the optical fiber, E21...one end of the optical fiber, E22...the other end of the optical fiber, ED...driver's eye, IS...inner surface of sheet-like member, L...light emitted by the light emitting diode, Lp...light propagating within the optical fiber, Ls...light emitted from the side of the optical fiber, OS...outer surface of sheet-like member, RF...plane perpendicular to the rotation axis, VC...vehicle, VU...vertical direction

Claims

1. A steering device for a moving body, comprising: A steering device comprising an optical fiber, at least a portion of which is arranged along a predetermined first direction, wherein light is supplied to one end of the optical fiber and the optical fiber emits light in a direction different from the first direction from at least a portion of the optical fiber arranged along the first direction.

2. 2. The steering device according to claim 1, A steering device comprising: a reflector located at the other end of the optical fiber, the reflector reflecting light that has reached the other end within the optical fiber and supplying the light to the optical fiber.

3. 3. The steering device according to claim 2, A steering device, wherein the reflective portion is a coating of white paint.

4. 2. The steering device according to claim 1, A steering device comprising a groove portion extending along the first direction and accommodating the optical fiber.

5. 5. The steering device according to claim 4, A steering device, wherein the walls defining the groove are configured to reflect light.

6. 2. The steering device according to claim 1, a gripping unit that is gripped by a driver of the moving body and rotated around a rotation axis located outside the gripping unit; The grip portion includes a sheet portion that constitutes at least a portion of an outer surface of the grip portion, the seat portion has an edge aligned along the direction of rotation, A steering device, wherein the optical fiber is disposed in contact with a part of a surface of the sheet portion opposite to a surface that constitutes the outer surface, the part including the end.

7. 7. The steering device according to claim 6, A steering device, wherein the end of the seat portion is located on a side of the grip portion facing the rotation shaft.

8. A steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A steering device, wherein the optical fiber is arranged substantially parallel to a plane perpendicular to a rotation axis when the steering device is rotated.

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