Steering device

Abstract

To provide technology of a steering device which can suppress variation in brightness of a peripheral section to be visually recognized when an occupant views the steering device along a rotary shaft direction.SOLUTION: A steering device includes: a rotating section which is rotatably mounted in a movable body; and a peripheral section which is at least arranged so as to sandwich a rotary shaft of the rotating section and is connected to the rotating section. The rotating section has a plurality of light irradiation sections for emitting light toward a predetermined portion of the peripheral section. Each of optical axes of light emitted by the plurality of light irradiation sections is configured to pass through a portion positioned on one plane including a rotary shaft direction to be a direction along the rotary shaft of the movable body, a vertical direction to be a direction perpendicular to a right and left direction of the movable body, and the right and left direction of the movable body, of the predetermined portion. When viewed along the right and left direction of the movable body, each of the plurality of light irradiation sections is arranged on the same side with respect to the plane.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a steering device.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, a steering wheel lighting device is disclosed that irradiates visible light onto a steering wheel by a plurality of light emitting portions mounted on a pad portion and a spoke portion of the steering of a vehicle. Each of the plurality of light emitting portions emits light upward from the pad portion and the spoke portion of the vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the specific arrangement location of the light emitting portion in the pad portion or the spoke portion is not described. Generally, it is considered that the intensity of light is greater the closer it is to the optical axis, and the intensity decreases as it moves away from the optical axis. Depending on the position of each of the plurality of light emitting portions in the pad portion or the spoke portion, when the occupant looks at the wheel, the light from the plurality of light emitting portions may not uniformly illuminate the wheel. In this case, there is a possibility that the brightness of each part of the wheel visually recognized by the driver varies. In a steering having a plurality of light emitting portions, there is room for improving the appearance of the wheel.

Means for Solving the Problems

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

[0006] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a steering device provided on a moving body is provided. This steering device includes a rotating portion rotatably attached to the moving body, and a peripheral portion disposed at least so as to sandwich the rotation axis of the rotating portion and connected to the rotating portion. The rotating portion includes a plurality of light irradiation portions that emit light toward a predetermined portion of the peripheral portion, and each of the optical axes of the light emitted by the plurality of light irradiation portions passes through a portion located on one plane including the rotation axis direction, which is the direction along the rotation axis of the moving body, the vertical direction, which is the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction of the moving body, and the left-right direction of the moving body, among the predetermined portions. When viewed along the left-right direction of the moving body, each of the plurality of light irradiation portions is arranged on the same side with respect to the plane. According to the steering device of this aspect, light emitted by each of the plurality of light irradiation portions enters a portion of the peripheral portion located in a predetermined direction with respect to the rotating portion. Each of the optical axes of the plurality of light irradiation portions is configured to pass through a portion located on one plane including the vertical direction and the left-right direction of the moving body among the predetermined portions. When viewed along the left-right direction of the moving body, since each of the plurality of light irradiation portions is arranged on the same side with respect to the plane, for example, compared with a mode in which each of the optical axes of the plurality of light irradiation portions does not pass through a portion located on one plane including the rotation axis of the moving body, the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction of the moving body, and the left-right direction of the moving body, or a mode in which when viewed along the left-right direction of the moving body, one light irradiation portion is arranged on the right side with respect to one plane and the other light irradiation portion is arranged on the left side with respect to one plane, it is possible to suppress the variation in the brightness of the peripheral portion visually recognized when the occupant views the steering device along the rotation axis direction. (2) In the steering device of the above aspect, as the plurality of light irradiation portions, two light irradiation portions are provided. Each of the two light irradiation portions includes a plurality of light emitting elements that emit light of different colors. When the rotating portion is at a reference angular position, among the plurality of light emitting elements of the two light irradiation portions, the light emitting elements that emit light of the same color may be arranged to be symmetric with respect to a plane including the rotation axis direction and the vertical direction. (3) In the steering device of the above-described embodiment, when the direction in which a predetermined portion of the peripheral portion extends is defined as the first direction, and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction is defined as the second direction, the optical axis may be configured to pass through the center of the cross-section of the peripheral portion in a plane including the optical axis and the second direction. Generally, the dimension of the peripheral portion of the steering device in the front-rear direction of the moving body is smaller than the dimension in the left-right direction of the moving body. Therefore, when light is emitted to the peripheral portion by a light irradiation unit that can irradiate the peripheral portion in the left-right direction of the moving body within a certain range or more, the light may pass through the space located outside the peripheral portion in the direction parallel to the rotation axis in the front-rear direction of the peripheral portion. Also, generally, it is considered that the intensity of light is greater closer to the optical axis and decreases as the distance from the optical axis increases. Therefore, if the light close to the optical axis passes through the peripheral portion, the light emitted by the light irradiation unit may not be used efficiently. According to the steering device of this embodiment, by passing the optical axis through the center of the cross-section of the peripheral portion in the plane including the optical axis and the second direction, light with high intensity can be efficiently incident on the peripheral portion when viewed in the front-rear direction of the peripheral portion. As a result, it becomes possible to efficiently use the light emitted by the light irradiation unit. (4) In the steering device of the above-described embodiment, as the plurality of light irradiation units, two light irradiation units may be provided, and a part of the light emitted by each of the two light irradiation units overlaps, and when the rotating portion is at the reference angular position, the overlapping light may be configured to hit a portion of the peripheral portion that is located above the rotating portion in the vertical direction. According to the steering device of this embodiment, since the overlapping light is configured to hit a portion of the peripheral portion that is located above the rotating portion in the vertical direction, the light incident on the peripheral portion by the occupant is more easily visible. (5) In the steering device of the above-described embodiment, when the rotating portion is at the reference angular position, each of the optical axes of the light emitted by the two light irradiation units may be configured to be parallel to a plane including the rotation axis direction and the vertical direction. According to the steering device of this form, among the two light irradiation units, the optical axis of the light of the light irradiation unit located on the right side of the moving body inclines toward the right side of the moving body with respect to the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction of the moving body, and the optical axis of the light of the other light irradiation unit inclines toward the left side of the moving body with respect to the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction of the moving body. Compared with this mode, the ratio of overlapping light increases. Compared with the mode in which each of the optical axes is not configured to be parallel to the plane including the rotation axis direction and the perpendicular direction, the light incident on the peripheral part by the occupant is more easily visible in the part of the peripheral part located above the rotation part in the vertical direction. Also, among the two light irradiation units, the optical axis of the light of the light irradiation unit located on the right side of the moving body inclines toward the left side of the moving body with respect to the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction of the moving body, and the optical axis of the light of the other light irradiation unit inclines toward the right side of the vehicle with respect to the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction of the moving body. Compared with the mode in which the light does not overlap, the light incident on the peripheral part by the occupant is more easily visible in the part of the peripheral part located above the rotation part in the vertical direction. The present disclosure can also be realized in various forms other than the steering device. For example, it can be realized in the form of a manufacturing method of the steering device, a vehicle equipped with the steering device, and the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] A. This Embodiment: FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a vehicle VW provided with the steering device 1 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the steering device 1 is shown in a simplified manner. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the steering device 1 is provided in a vehicle VW which is a moving body. The steering device 1 is a device operated by a driver DR who is an occupant of the vehicle VW. The steering device 1 is connected to a rotation axis AR of the vehicle VW and is configured to be rotatable about an axis AX of the rotation axis AR. The rotation of the steering device 1 is transmitted to a steering gear box (not shown) via the rotation axis AR. The direction along the axis AX of the rotation axis AR is denoted as the X direction. The direction away from the driver DR is denoted as the +X direction. Among the directions orthogonal to the axis AX, the direction along the left-right direction of the vehicle VW is denoted as the Y direction. The direction along the direction toward the right of the vehicle VW is denoted as the +Y direction, and the direction along the direction toward the left is denoted as the -Y direction. The direction orthogonal to the axis AX and the Y direction is denoted as the Z direction. Also, in FIG. 1, the vertical direction is represented by the VU axis. The upward direction in the vertical direction is the positive direction of the VU axis.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the steering device 1. The steering device 1 shown in FIG. 2 is in a state of not rotating with respect to the vehicle VW. Although it appears in FIG. 2 that the rotation axis AR and the steering device 1 are not connected, a fixing device of the steering device 1 (not shown) is connected to the rotation axis AR, and the fixing device is connected to a peripheral portion 10 and a rotating portion 20 which are components of the steering device 1. The steering device 1 includes a peripheral portion 10 and a rotating portion 20.

[0010] The peripheral part 10 is located around the rotating part 20 described later. The peripheral part 10 is a part that can be gripped by the driver DR. In the present embodiment, the peripheral part 10 has a substantially annular shape when viewed in the X direction. The peripheral part 10 is arranged so as to sandwich the rotation axis AR. The peripheral part 10 is connected to the rotating part 20 on the inner peripheral side of the peripheral part 10. The peripheral part 10 covers a part of the rotating part 20. Thereby, the peripheral part 10 is connected to the rotating part 20.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a view of the steering device 1 from an angle different from that of FIG. 2. The rotating part 20 is rotatably attached to the vehicle VW. The rotating part 20 rotates in conjunction with the fixture when the fixture connected to the peripheral part 10 rotates. As shown in FIG. 3, the rotating part 20 has a shape that protrudes in the +X direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the fact that the rotating part 20 is at an angular position indicating the front as the traveling direction to the vehicle VW is expressed as "the rotating part 20 is at the reference angular position". As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rotating part 20 includes a first light irradiation part 210, a second light irradiation part 220, a third light irradiation part 230, a fourth light irradiation part 240, a rotating case part 250, a rotating hole part 260, and an accommodation space SP.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the light emitted from the first light irradiation unit 210 and the second light irradiation unit 220. As shown in FIG. 4, the first light irradiation unit 210 emits light toward a predetermined site 110 of the peripheral portion 10. The predetermined site 110 of the peripheral portion 10 is a site located in a predetermined direction with respect to the axis AX of the rotation axis AR when the steering device 1 is viewed in the +X direction. The predetermined direction is any one of the +Y direction, -Y direction, +Z direction, -Z direction described above, or a direction between the +Y and +Z directions, a direction between the +Y and -Z directions, a direction between the -Y and +Z directions, or a direction between the -Y and -Z directions. The predetermined direction varies depending on the shapes of the peripheral portion 10 and the rotating portion 20. In the present embodiment, the predetermined site 110 is a site of the peripheral portion 10 that is located in the +Z direction with respect to the axis AX of the rotation axis AR when the steering device 1 is viewed in the +X direction as shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the predetermined site 110 is hatched.

[0013] Note that the light emitted from the first light irradiation unit 210 toward the predetermined site 110 of the peripheral portion 10 does not illuminate all of the predetermined site 110 of the peripheral portion 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the light emitted from the first light irradiation unit 210 illuminates a part 111 of the predetermined site 110 of the peripheral portion 10.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing only the rotating case portion 250. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the first light irradiation unit 210 and the second light irradiation unit 220. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the first light irradiation unit 210 constitutes a surface that is continuous with an outer surface 251 which is a part of the surface of the rotating case portion 250 and faces the peripheral portion 10. The first light irradiation unit 210 is configured to be detachable from the rotating case portion 250. In the present embodiment, the first light irradiation unit 210 is fixed to the rotating case portion 250 by engaging with the rotating case portion 250. Further, the first light irradiation unit 210 is engaged with the second light irradiation unit 220.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a view of the steering device seen in the -Y direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the first optical axis OA1, which is the optical axis of the first light irradiation unit 210, is in the X direction, which is the direction along the axis AX of the rotation axis AR of the vehicle VW among the predetermined parts 110, and the Y direction, which is the left-right direction of the vehicle VW. It is configured to pass through a part located on the first plane PL1, which is a plane including the Z direction perpendicular to the Y direction. The X direction is also referred to as the rotation axis direction. Note that the optical axis passing through the part located on the first plane means that the light on the optical axis is incident on the part located on the first plane among the predetermined parts 110. It does not include the extension of the optical axis incident on the peripheral part 10 passing through the part located on the first plane.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 2. Note that hatching is omitted in FIG. 8. Hereinafter, the direction in which the predetermined part 110 of the peripheral part 10 extends is denoted as the first direction FD as shown in FIG. 4. The direction perpendicular to the first direction FD and the first optical axis OA1 is denoted as the second direction SD. As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the first optical axis OA1 is configured to pass through the center C1 of the cross-section of the peripheral part 10 in the plane S1 including the second direction SD and the first optical axis OA1. Note that in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, two cross-sections of the peripheral part 10 are arranged in the Z direction. In this specification, the optical axis being configured to pass through the center of the cross-section of the peripheral part 10 means that the optical axis is configured to pass through one of the centers of the cross-section. Also, in this specification, the optical axis passing through the center of the cross-section of the peripheral part 10 in the plane including the second direction and the optical axis means that the extension of the optical axis incident on the peripheral part 10 passes through the center of the cross-section of the peripheral part 10 in the plane including the second direction and the optical axis. Further, it means that the optical axis is included within an angular range of 10° from the straight line in the plane including the second direction and the optical axis with respect to the straight line passing through the center of the cross-section of the peripheral part 10 as a reference. In the present embodiment, with respect to the straight line SL1 shown in FIG. 8, the first optical axis OA1 is included within an angular range of 10° in the plane S1 including the second direction SD and the first optical axis OA1, represented by the straight lines SL2 and SL3.

[0017] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, when the rotating portion 20 is at the reference angular position, the first optical axis OA1 of the light of the first light irradiation unit 210 is configured to be parallel to the second plane PL2. The second plane PL2 is a plane including the X direction and the Z direction.

[0018] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the first light irradiation unit 210 in FIG. 8. In FIG. 9, a part of the steering device 1 is not shown. The first light irradiation unit 210 includes a first light emitting element 211a, a second light emitting element 211b, a third light emitting element 211c, a substrate 212, a lens 213, a lens pedestal 214, a lens cover 215, a cover 216, a bottom wall portion 217, and a connector 218. Note that in FIG. 9, the second light emitting element 211b, the third light emitting element 211c, and the connector 218 are not shown.

[0019] The first light emitting element 211a, the second light emitting element 211b, and the third light emitting element 211c each emit light of a different color. The first light emitting element 211a emits red light, the second light emitting element 211b emits green light, and the third light emitting element 211c emits blue light. The control unit of the steering device 1 (not shown) controls which of the first light emitting element 211a, the second light emitting element 211b, and the third light emitting element 211c emits light. In the present embodiment, the first light emitting element 211a to the third light emitting element 211c are arranged such that the optical axes of the light emitted by the first light emitting element 211a, the second light emitting element 211b, and the third light emitting element 211c are each included in the first plane PL1. In the present embodiment, light emitting diodes are used as the first light emitting element 211a to the third light emitting element 211c.

[0020] The substrate 212 has the first light-emitting element 211a to the third light-emitting element 211c mounted thereon. In the present embodiment, the substrate 212 is a printed circuit board. The lens 213 converges the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 211a to the third light-emitting element 211c. The lens pedestal 214 has the lens 213 mounted thereon. The lens cover 215 transmits the light that has passed through the lens 213. The cover 216 houses the first light-emitting element 211a to the third light-emitting element 211c, the substrate 212, the lens 213, the lens pedestal 214, and the lens cover 215, and engages with the rotating case portion 250. The bottom wall portion 217 engages with the cover 216 to maintain the state in which the first light-emitting element 211a to the third light-emitting element 211c, the substrate 212, the lens 213, the lens pedestal 214, and the lens cover 215 are housed in the cover 216. When the engagement between the bottom wall portion 217 and the cover 216 is released by an operator, the first light-emitting element 211a to the third light-emitting element 211c, the substrate 212, the lens 213, the lens pedestal 214, and the lens cover 215 can be removed from the cover 216. The connector 218 is electrically connected to the control unit of the steering device 1 via a cable (not shown).

[0021] The second light irradiation unit 220 shown in FIG. 4 emits light toward a predetermined site 110 of the peripheral portion 10. The configuration of the second light irradiation unit 220 is the same as that of the first light irradiation unit 210. The second light irradiation unit 220 is controlled by the control unit so as to emit the same color of light as the color of the light emitted by the first light irradiation unit 210, and so that the timing at which the second light irradiation unit 220 emits light is the same as the timing at which the first light irradiation unit 210 emits light. In the following, the differences between the second light irradiation unit 220 and the first light irradiation unit 210 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the second light irradiation unit 220 is arranged on the +X direction side, which is the same side as the first light irradiation unit 210 with respect to the first surface PL1, when viewed in the Y direction. The second light irradiation unit 220 is arranged at a position different from that of the first light irradiation unit 210 with respect to the rotating case unit 250. The second light irradiation unit 220 is configured to be symmetric with the first light irradiation unit 210 on the second surface PL2 when the rotating unit 20 is at the reference angular position. As shown in FIG. 6, the second light irradiation unit 220 is engaged with the first light irradiation unit 210. Then, the second light irradiation unit 220 is engaged with the rotating case unit 250 by an operator in a state of being engaged with the first light irradiation unit 210.

[0022] Since the second light irradiation unit 220 and the first light irradiation unit 210 are arranged at different locations, as shown in FIG. 4, the main part of the peripheral portion 10 irradiated with the light emitted by the second light irradiation unit 220 is not the same as the part of the peripheral portion 10 irradiated with the light emitted by the first light irradiation unit 210. As shown in FIG. 4, when the steering device 1 is viewed in the +X direction, among the light emitted by the second light irradiation unit 220, the ratio of the light hitting the part on the +Y direction side with respect to the part of the steering device 1 irradiated with the light emitted by the first light irradiation unit 210 is high.

[0023] The second optical axis OA2, which is the optical axis of the light emitted by the second light irradiation unit 220, is configured to pass through a site located on the same plane as the first plane PL1 among the predetermined sites 110. (See FIG. 3 and FIG. 7). That is, the first optical axis OA1 and the second optical axis OA2 are configured to pass through a site located on the first plane PL1, which is one plane. Passing through a site located on one plane, the first plane, means that the light on the optical axis is incident on the site located on the first plane. In FIG. 7, the second optical axis OA2 overlaps with the first optical axis OA1. In this specification, each of the optical axes of the light emitted by the plurality of light irradiation units is configured to pass through a site located on one plane including the vertical direction and the left-right direction of the moving body among the predetermined sites of the peripheral portion 10, which means that when viewed in the Y direction, among the planes including the Z direction and the Y direction, the distance between the plane including the site of the peripheral portion 10 where one optical axis is incident and the plane including the site of the peripheral portion 10 where the other optical axis is incident is within the range of 10% of the dimension in the X direction at the site of the peripheral portion 10 where one optical axis is incident. As an example, the plane including the site of the peripheral portion 10 where the optical axis of the overhead light irradiation unit is incident is represented as the third plane PL3. If the distance between the third plane PL3 and the first plane PL1 is within the range of 10% of the dimension in the X direction at the site of the peripheral portion 10 where the first optical axis OA1 is incident, it is included that they are located on one plane.

[0024] Although not shown, in the present embodiment, the second optical axis OA2 is configured to pass through the center of the cross-section of the peripheral portion 10 in a plane including the direction in which the predetermined site 110 of the peripheral portion 10 extends, a direction perpendicular to the second optical axis OA2, and the second optical axis OA2. Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the second optical axis OA2 is configured to be parallel to the second plane PL2. As described above, the first optical axis OA1 is also parallel to the second plane PL2. Therefore, when viewed in the +X direction, the second optical axis OA2 is parallel to the first optical axis OA1.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, a part of the light emitted from each of the first light irradiation unit 210 and the second light irradiation unit 220 overlaps. Then, when the rotating unit 20 is at the reference angular position, the overlapping light is configured to hit a portion of the peripheral portion 10 that is located above the rotating unit 20 in the vertical direction (see the hatching in FIG. 4). In this specification, "above the vertical direction with respect to the rotating unit 20" means a range above the range occupied by the rotating unit 20 in the vertical direction. For an object A to be "above the vertical direction with respect to the rotating unit 20" does not mean directly above the rotating unit 20 in the vertical direction. That is, when projected in the vertical direction, the horizontal position of the object A does not have to overlap with the rotating unit 20. Similarly, in this specification, "below the vertical direction with respect to the rotating unit 20" means a range below the range occupied by the rotating unit 20 in the vertical direction. For an object A to be "below the vertical direction with respect to the rotating unit 20" does not mean directly below the rotating unit 20 in the vertical direction. That is, when projected in the vertical direction, the horizontal position of the object A does not have to overlap with the rotating unit 20.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the light-emitting elements of the first light irradiation unit 210 and the light-emitting elements of the second light irradiation unit 220 in the present embodiment. As described above, the second light irradiation unit 220 has the same configuration as the first light irradiation unit 210, and includes a first light-emitting element 211a, a second light-emitting element 211b, and a third light-emitting element 211c. In the present embodiment, when the rotating unit 20 is at the reference angular position, among the three light-emitting elements provided in each of the first light irradiation unit 210 and the second light irradiation unit 220, the light-emitting elements that emit the same color of light are arranged to be symmetric with respect to the second plane PL2. Specifically, the first light-emitting element 211a of the first light irradiation unit 210 that emits red light and the first light-emitting element 221a of the second light irradiation unit 220 are arranged to be symmetric with respect to the second plane PL2. Also, the second light-emitting element 211b of the first light irradiation unit 210 that emits green light and the second light-emitting element 221b of the second light irradiation unit 220 are arranged to be symmetric with respect to the second plane PL2. And, the third light-emitting element 211c of the first light irradiation unit 210 that emits blue light and the third light-emitting element 221c of the second light irradiation unit 220 are arranged to be symmetric with respect to the second plane PL2.

[0027] In the present embodiment, each of the optical axes of the light emitted by the light-emitting elements that emit the same color of light is configured to pass through a part of the peripheral portion 10 located on the first plane PL1. The first optical axis OA1 of the light emitted by the first light-emitting element 211a of the first light irradiation unit 210 and the second optical axis OA2 of the light emitted by the first light-emitting element 221a of the second light irradiation unit 220 are each configured to pass through a part of the peripheral portion 10 located on the first plane PL1. Similarly, the first optical axis OA1 of the light emitted by the second light-emitting element 211b of the first light irradiation unit 210 and the second optical axis OA2 of the light emitted by the second light-emitting element 221b of the second light irradiation unit 220 are each configured to pass through a part of the peripheral portion 10 located on the first plane PL1. Similarly, the first optical axis OA1 of the light emitted by the third light-emitting element 211c of the first light irradiation unit 210 and the second optical axis OA2 of the light emitted by the third light-emitting element 221c of the second light irradiation unit 220 are each configured to pass through a part of the peripheral portion 10 located on the first plane PL1.

[0028] The third light irradiation unit 230 shown in FIG. 2 emits light toward a part of the peripheral part 10 other than a predetermined part 110. Specifically, when the steering device 1 is viewed in the +X direction, the third light irradiation unit 230 emits light toward a part of the peripheral part 10 located between the -Y direction and the -Z direction with respect to the axis AX of the rotation axis AR. The third light irradiation unit 230 has the same configuration as the first light irradiation unit 210. The shape of the cover of the third light irradiation unit 230 is different from the shape of the cover 216 of the first light irradiation unit 210. The fourth light irradiation unit 240 emits light toward a part of the peripheral part 10 other than a predetermined part 110. Specifically, when the steering device 1 is viewed in the +X direction, the fourth light irradiation unit 240 emits light toward a part of the peripheral part 10 located between the +Y direction and the -Z direction with respect to the axis AX of the rotation axis AR. The fourth light irradiation unit 240 has the same configuration as the first light irradiation unit 210. The shape of the cover of the fourth light irradiation unit 240 is different from the shape of the cover 216 of the first light irradiation unit 210.

[0029] The rotation case part 250 shown in FIG. 1 defines the outer shape of the rotating part 20 together with the first light irradiation unit 210. The rotation case part 250 is engaged with the first light irradiation unit 210. The rotation hole part 260 forms a hole through which the rotation axis AR passes. The accommodation space SP accommodates a part of the first light irradiation unit 210, an ECU that controls the steering device 1, an airbag, etc. The ECU and the airbag, etc. are not shown.

[0030] In the steering apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the light emitted from each of the first light irradiation unit 210 and the second light irradiation unit 220 is incident on a part of the peripheral part 10 that is located in a predetermined direction with respect to the rotating part 20. The first optical axis OA1 and the second optical axis OA2 of each of the plurality of light irradiation units are configured to pass through a part located on a first plane PL1, which is a plane including the vertical direction and the left - right direction of the moving body, among the predetermined parts. And when viewed along the left - right direction of the moving body, each of the first light irradiation unit 210 and the second light irradiation unit 220 is arranged on the same side with respect to the first plane PL1. For example, compared with a mode in which the optical axes of the plurality of light irradiation units do not pass through a part located on a plane including the rotation axis AR of the moving body, a direction perpendicular to the left - right direction of the moving body, and the left - right direction of the moving body, or a mode in which when viewed along the left - right direction of the moving body, one light irradiation unit is arranged on the right side with respect to a plane and the other light irradiation unit is arranged on the left side with respect to the plane, it is possible to suppress the variation in the brightness of the peripheral part 10 that is visually recognized when the driver DR views the steering apparatus 1 along the direction of the rotation axis AR.

[0031] Generally, in a light irradiation unit including a plurality of light - emitting elements, the arrangement positions of the plurality of light - emitting elements on the substrate vary depending on the number of light - emitting elements and the size of the substrate. For example, depending on the arrangement position of the electrical wiring connected to the light irradiation unit and the position where the light irradiation unit can be arranged, the optical axes of the light - emitting elements that emit the same color among the plurality of light irradiation units may not pass through a plane including the rotation axis AR of the vehicle VW, a direction perpendicular to the left - right direction of the vehicle VW, and the left - right direction of the vehicle VW. For example, by using a lens to totally reflect the light emitted from the light - emitting element and change the direction of the optical axis of the light emitted from the light - emitting element, it is conceivable that the optical axes of the light - emitting elements that emit the same color are included in the same plane including the left - right direction of the vehicle. In that mode, it is necessary to devise the shape of the lens.

[0032] According to the steering apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, light emitting elements that emit the same color of light in the first light irradiation unit 210 and the second light irradiation unit 220 are symmetric with respect to the second surface PL2, and their respective optical axes are configured to pass over the first surface PL1. Therefore, the first optical axis OA1 and the second optical axis OA2 can pass through a portion located on the first surface PL1, which is one surface including the vertical direction and the left - right direction of the moving body, among the predetermined portions 110. For example, by devising the shape of the lens 213, it is possible to suppress the variation in the brightness of the peripheral portion 10 visually recognized by the driver DR without changing the direction of the optical axis of the light emitted from the light emitting element.

[0033] Generally, the dimension of the peripheral portion 10 of the steering apparatus 1 in the front - rear direction of the vehicle VW is smaller than the dimension in the left - right direction of the vehicle VW. Therefore, when light is emitted to the peripheral portion 10 by a light irradiation unit that can illuminate the peripheral portion 10 in the left - right direction of the vehicle VW within a certain range or more, there is a possibility that the light passes through the space located outside the peripheral portion 10 in the direction parallel to the rotation axis AR in the front - rear direction of the peripheral portion 10. Also, generally, it is considered that the intensity of light is greater closer to the optical axis and decreases as it moves away from the optical axis. Therefore, if the light close to the optical axis passes through the peripheral portion 10, the light emitted by the light irradiation unit may not be used efficiently. According to the steering apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, by the optical axis passing through the center of the cross - section of the peripheral portion 10 in the plane including the optical axis and the second direction, when viewed in the front - rear direction of the peripheral portion 10, light with high intensity is efficiently incident on the peripheral portion 10. Thereby, it becomes possible to efficiently use the light emitted from the first light irradiation unit 210 and the second light irradiation unit 220.

[0034] In the steering apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, since overlapping light is configured to hit a portion of the peripheral portion 10 that is located above the rotating portion 20 in the vertical direction, the light incident on the peripheral portion 10 by the driver DR is more easily visible.

[0035] In the steering apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, for example, when the rotating portion 20 is at the reference angular position, and when the steering apparatus 1 is viewed in the +X direction, the second optical axis OA2 of the second light irradiation portion 220 is inclined toward the right direction of the vehicle VW with respect to the second plane PL2, and the first optical axis OA1 of the first light irradiation portion 210 is inclined toward the left direction of the vehicle VW with respect to the second plane PL2. Compared with the aspect where the inclination occurs, the ratio of overlapping light increases. Compared with the aspect where each of the first optical axis OA1 and the second optical axis OA2 is not configured to be parallel to the second plane PL2, the light incident on the peripheral portion 10 by the driver DR in the portion of the peripheral portion 10 located above the rotating portion 20 in the vertical direction is more easily visible.

[0036] Further, when the first optical axis OA1 of the first light irradiation portion 210 is inclined toward the right direction of the vehicle VW with respect to the second plane PL2, and the second optical axis OA2 of the second light irradiation portion 220 is inclined toward the left direction of the vehicle VW with respect to the second plane PL2, the ratio of overlapping light can be made smaller compared with the aspect where a large ratio of light overlaps. While illuminating a wider part of the peripheral portion 10, the light incident on the peripheral portion 10 in the portion of the peripheral portion 10 located above the rotating portion 20 in the vertical direction can be made more easily visible by the driver DR. Further, when the first optical axis OA1 of the first light irradiation portion 210 is inclined toward the right direction of the vehicle VW with respect to the second plane PL2, and the second optical axis OA2 of the second light irradiation portion 220 is inclined toward the left direction of the vehicle VW with respect to the second plane PL2, compared with the aspect where the light does not overlap, the light incident on the peripheral portion 10 by the driver DR in the portion of the peripheral portion 10 located above the rotating portion 20 in the vertical direction is more easily visible.

[0037] B. Other Embodiments: B1. Other Embodiment 1: (1) In the above-described embodiment, the steering device 1 includes a first light irradiation unit 210 and a second light irradiation unit 220, which are a plurality of light irradiation units that emit light toward a predetermined site 110. For example, the steering device may include a plurality of light irradiation units that emit light toward a predetermined site, such as three or five, other than two. For example, in an aspect where the steering device includes three light irradiation units, each of the two light irradiation units may be configured to be symmetric in the left-right direction of the moving body with respect to one light irradiation unit disposed at the center. Each of the optical axes of the light emitted by the plurality of light irradiation units that emit light toward the predetermined site is configured to be included in the same plane including the left-right direction of the moving body.

[0038] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the predetermined site 110 is a site of the peripheral portion 10 that is located in the +Z direction with respect to the axis AX of the rotation axis AR when the steering device 1 is viewed in the +X direction. Note that the predetermined site 110 may be located in the +Z direction with respect to the position including the axis AX of the rotating portion 20.

[0039] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the steering device 1 is mounted on the vehicle VW. Note that the steering device may be mounted on a moving body other than a vehicle, such as a ship or an airplane.

[0040] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the peripheral portion 10 has a substantially annular shape when viewed in the X direction. For example, the peripheral portion may have a rectangular or trapezoidal shape when viewed in the X direction. For example, the peripheral portion may have a substantially straight shape surrounding the rotating portion. Further, for example, the peripheral portion may have a shape in which a plurality of rod-shaped members are connected on the Y-direction side and the -Z-direction side of the rotating portion when the rotating portion is at a reference angular position. Further, the peripheral portion may be two rod-shaped members respectively arranged in the +Y direction and the -Y direction of the rotating portion when the rotating portion is at a reference angular position. The peripheral portion 10 is at least arranged so as to sandwich the rotation axis AR of the rotating portion 20.

[0041] (5) In the above-described embodiment, the first light irradiation unit 210 to the fourth light irradiation unit 240 are configured to be detachable from the rotating case unit 250. For example, in an aspect where the light irradiation unit is adhered to the rotating case unit with an adhesive, the light irradiation unit may not be configured to be detachable from the rotating case unit.

[0042] (6) In the above-described embodiment, the second light irradiation unit 220 is arranged on the +X direction side, which is the same side as the first light irradiation unit 210 with respect to the first surface PL1 when viewed in the Y direction. For example, in an aspect where a part of the light irradiation unit overlaps one surface when viewed in the Y direction, when the optical axes of the light emitted from the plurality of light irradiation units are arranged on the same side with respect to one surface, it is included that each of the plurality of light irradiation units is arranged on the same side with respect to one surface.

[0043] B2. Other Embodiment 2: (1) In the above-described embodiment, among the plurality of light-emitting elements included in each of the first light irradiation unit 210 and the second light irradiation unit 220, the light-emitting elements that emit light of the same color are configured to be symmetric with respect to the second surface PL2. For example, by using a lens to totally reflect the light emitted from the light-emitting element and change the direction of the optical axis of the light emitted from the light-emitting element, the optical axes of the light of the light-emitting elements that emit light of the same color are each located on a plane including the rotation axis of the moving body, a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction of the moving body, and the left-right direction of the moving body among predetermined sites. In such an aspect, the light-emitting elements that emit light of the same color may not be configured to be symmetric with respect to the second surface.

[0044] (2) For example, in a case where light-emitting elements that emit light of the same color cannot be arranged symmetrically with respect to the second surface depending on the position where the light irradiation unit can be arranged, the lens totally reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element and changes the direction of the optical axis of the light emitted from the light-emitting element, so that the optical axes of the light-emitting elements that emit the same color each pass through a part located on the same plane including the rotation axis of the moving body, the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction of the moving body, and the left-right direction of the moving body among the predetermined parts.

[0045] B3. Other Embodiment 3: In the above embodiment, the optical axis is configured to pass through the center of the cross-section of the peripheral portion 10 in the plane including the optical axis and the second direction among the predetermined portions 110 of the peripheral portion 10. For example, in a mode where the optical axis passes through any of the predetermined portions of the peripheral portion, the optical axis may not be configured to pass through the center of the cross-section of the peripheral portion. In this mode, light with higher intensity enters the peripheral portion compared to a mode where the optical axis does not pass through the predetermined portion of the peripheral portion.

[0046] B4. Other Embodiment 4: (1) In the above-described embodiment, when the steering device 1 is viewed in the +X direction, there are provided two light irradiation units that emit light toward a portion 110 of the peripheral portion 10 located in the +Z direction with respect to the axis AX of the rotation axis AR. For example, in an aspect where the peripheral portion has a shape in which a plurality of rod-shaped members are connected on the Y-direction side and the -Z-direction side of the rotating portion when the rotating portion is at a reference angular position, the steering device may include two light irradiation units that emit light toward a portion of the peripheral portion located in the -Z direction with respect to the axis of the rotation axis when the steering device is viewed in the +X direction. In this aspect, when the rotating portion is at a reference angular position, the overlapping light emitted from the two light irradiation units may be configured to hit a portion of the peripheral portion that is located vertically below the rotating portion. In this aspect, when gripping the steering device, it is considered that it is easier for the driver to move the line of sight to a portion of the peripheral portion that is located in the -Z direction with respect to the axis of the rotation axis. Therefore, when the overlapping light hits a portion of the peripheral portion that is located vertically below the rotating portion, the light incident on the peripheral portion by the driver is more easily visible.

[0047] (2) For example, the overlapping light may not be configured to hit a portion of the peripheral portion that is located vertically above the rotating portion.

[0048] B5. Other Embodiment 5: (1) In the above-described embodiment, when the rotating portion 20 is at a reference angular position, each of the first optical axis OA1 and the second optical axis OA2 is configured to be parallel to the second plane PL2. For example, when the steering device is viewed in the +X direction, the first optical axis may be inclined in the -Y direction with respect to the second plane, and the second optical axis may be inclined in the +Y direction with respect to the first plane. In this aspect, the light emitted from the first light irradiation unit and the light emitted from the second light irradiation unit may overlap.

[0049] (2) For example, the first optical axis may be inclined in the +Y direction with respect to the second plane, and the second optical axis may be inclined in the -Y direction with respect to the first plane. In this aspect, the light emitted from the first light irradiation unit and the light emitted from the second light irradiation unit may overlap.

[0050] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the summary of the invention can be appropriately replaced or combined in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0051] 1... Steering device, 10... Peripheral part, 110... Predetermined part, 20... Rotating part, 210... First light irradiation part, 211a... First light emitting element of the first light irradiation part, 211b... Second light emitting element of the first light irradiation part, 211c... Third light emitting element of the first light irradiation part, 212... Substrate, 213... Lens, 214... Lens pedestal, 215... Lens cover, 216... Cover, 217... Bottom wall part, 218... Connector, 220... Second light irradiation part, 221a... First light emitting element of the second light irradiation part, 221b... Second light emitting element of the second light irradiation part, 221c... Third light emitting element of the second light irradiation part, 230... Third light irradiation part, 240... Fourth light irradiation part, 250... Rotating case part, 251... Outer surface, 260... Rotation hole part, AR... Rotation axis, AX... Axis, DR... Driver, FD... First direction, OA1... First optical axis, OA2... Second optical axis, PL1... First plane, PL2... Second plane, SD... Second direction, SP... Accommodation space, VW... Vehicle

Claims

1. A steering device provided on a moving body, a rotating part rotatably attached to the moving body, a peripheral part disposed at least so as to sandwich the rotation axis of the rotating part and connected to the rotating part, comprising: the rotating part includes a plurality of light irradiation parts that emit light toward a predetermined part of the peripheral part, each of the optical axes of the light emitted by the plurality of light irradiation parts is configured to pass through a part located on one plane including the rotation axis direction, which is the direction along the rotation axis of the moving body, the vertical direction, which is the direction perpendicular to the left - right direction of the moving body, and the left - right direction of the moving body, among the predetermined parts, a steering device in which each of the plurality of light irradiation parts is arranged on the same side with respect to the plane when viewed along the left - right direction of the moving body.

2. The steering device according to claim 1, comprising two light irradiation parts as the plurality of light irradiation parts, the two light irradiation parts each include a plurality of light - emitting elements that emit light of different colors, a steering device in which, when the rotating part is at a reference angular position, the light - emitting elements that emit light of the same color among the plurality of light - emitting elements of the two light irradiation parts are arranged to be symmetric with respect to a plane including the rotation axis direction and the vertical direction.

3. The steering device according to claim 1, when the direction in which the predetermined part of the peripheral part extends is defined as the first direction, and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction is defined as the second direction, the optical axis is configured to pass through the center of the cross - section of the peripheral part in a plane including the optical axis and the second direction. A steering device.

4. The steering device according to claim 1, comprising two light irradiation parts as the plurality of light irradiation parts, the two light irradiation parts have a part of the light emitted by each overlapping, a steering device in which, when the rotating part is at a reference angular position, the overlapping light is configured to hit a part of the peripheral part located above the rotating part in the vertical direction.

5. The steering device according to claim 4, a steering device in which, when the rotating part is at a reference angular position, each of the optical axes of the light emitted by the two light irradiation parts is configured to be parallel to a plane including the rotation axis direction and the vertical direction.

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