Steering device

Abstract

To improve operability while securing excellent appearance.SOLUTION: A plurality of operation switches SW that have light emitting parts 42 that can be lighted up and lighted off individually and operate functions loaded on a vehicle are arranged at a wheel part 102 of a steering device 100. The operation switches SW can be individually operated through a design panel 40. The design panel 40 includes a design surface 40a through which light from the light emitting part 42 which has been lighted up is transmitted and visibility of the light emitting part 42 which has been lighted off can be is made lower in comparison with visibility of the part that has been lighted up. A highly operable function is determined based on at least one of user operation information, environmental information, operation information and vehicle position information, and the light emitting part 42 that is associated with the determined function is lighted up.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in the field of vehicles, an input device having an operation switch that can be individually turned on and off and can be individually operated is known. Patent Document 1 discloses an input device that is a switch operation for operating in-vehicle equipment and has an illumination function (light-emitting unit) for each switch operation. In Patent Document 1, when an operation to operate a switch operation is detected, the switch operation is illuminated. For example, the switch operation is illuminated using, as a trigger, an approach or contact to the operation surface, the amount of seat belt pulled out, the steering angle of the steering wheel, body weight movement, or the like.

[0003] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for changing the illumination position of a display unit as a finger moves on a display board on which a plurality of display units are formed. The input device may be applied to a steering device as in Patent Document 2.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] From the viewpoint of operability, it is preferable that the light-emitting unit of the operation switch is always lit, but the lighting and extinguishing of the light-emitting unit also affect the appearance. Therefore, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of achieving both ensuring a good appearance and improving operability.

[0006] An object of the present technology is to improve operability while ensuring a good appearance.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the steering device of the present technology is a steering device for steering a vehicle, which includes a rim portion to be gripped during steering, a wheel portion located inside the rim portion, a plurality of operation switches disposed on the wheel portion, each having a light-emitting portion capable of being individually lit and extinguished, and for operating functions mounted on the vehicle, a design panel, an acquisition unit for acquiring at least one of user operation information, environmental information, driving information, and vehicle position information, a determination unit for determining a highly operable function based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a control unit for controlling the light-emitting portion. The operation switches are individually operable via the design panel. The design panel includes a design surface that transmits the light of the lit light-emitting portion and reduces the visibility of the extinguished light-emitting portion compared to when it is lit. The control unit lights the light-emitting portion associated with the function determined by the determination unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present technology, it is possible to improve the operability while ensuring a good appearance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a steering device according to an embodiment of the present technology. This steering device 100 is applied to a vehicle 200 as an example. The vehicle 200 is, for example, a four-wheeled vehicle, but is not limited thereto.

[0012] The steering device 100 is a device for steering the vehicle 200. The steering device 100 generally includes a rim portion 101 that is gripped during steering and a wheel portion 102 located inside the rim portion 101. Steering switch groups 10 and 20 are arranged on the wheel portion 102. The steering switch group 10 is mainly operated with the left hand, and the steering switch group 20 is mainly operated with the right hand.

[0013] The steering switch groups 10 and 20 each include a plurality of operation switches for operating functions mounted on the vehicle 200. For example, the steering switch group 10 includes operation switches 12 to 18, and the steering switch group 20 includes operation switches 21 to 26. The operation switches 12 to 16 are included in the cross switch 11. In addition, marks 19A and 19B indicating a propeller are arranged on the left and right of the cross switch 11.

[0014] The operation switches 12 to 18 and 21 to 26 are individually operated by the user. Although the detailed configuration will be described later with reference to FIG. 2, each of the operation switches 12 to 18 and 21 to 26 is provided with a symbol mark and a light-emitting portion. The symbol mark is visually recognized when the light-emitting portion corresponding to each operation switch is lit (emits light). In addition, each of the marks 19A and 19B is also provided with a light-emitting portion, and the marks 19A and 19B are visually recognized when the corresponding light-emitting portion is lit (emits light). That is, by changing the light-emitting portion corresponding to each operation switch from the non-lighting state to the lighting (emitting light) state so that the symbol mark becomes visible, it is possible to achieve both ensuring a good appearance and improving operability.

[0015] The functions installed in the vehicle 200 include an air conditioner function, an audio function, a car navigation function, a driving assist function, etc. Whether to activate which of these functions can be specified according to the user's instructions, or may also be automatically set according to the judgment of the control unit 30.

[0016] An example of the function corresponding to each operation switch will be described. For example, the operation switches 12 to 16 on the cross switch 11 are used for the air conditioner function, the audio function, or the car navigation function. The operation switch 16 corresponds to the OK (confirmation) button. The operation switches 12 and 14 are used for adjusting the volume and room temperature, and the operation switches 13 and 15 are used for adjusting the air volume and switching channels.

[0017] The operation switch 17 corresponds to the home button, has a mark indicating home as a symbol mark, and has a function of returning the setting state to the initial state. The operation switch 18 corresponds to the cancel button, has the character "CANCEL" as a symbol mark, and has a function of canceling the setting.

[0018] Regarding the operation switches 21 to 26, although the example of the mark is not illustrated, they each have a symbol mark corresponding to their respective functions. As an example, the operation switches 21 and 26 correspond to functions such as increasing or decreasing the vehicle speed and setting, and each has a character mark such as "RES / +" and "SET / -". The operation switch 22 corresponds to the setting cancel function and has a character mark such as "CANCEL". The operation switch 23 corresponds to a function related to the traffic jam follow-up function (ADAS) and has a predetermined pattern mark. The operation switch 24 corresponds to a function related to the inter-vehicle distance setting in traffic jam follow-up and has a predetermined pattern mark. The operation switch 25 corresponds to a function related to lane keeping (LKAS) and has a predetermined pattern mark.

[0019] Note that the functions and symbol marks corresponding to each operation switch are not limited to those exemplified.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of one operation switch. Since the basic configurations of the operation switches 12 to 18 and 21 to 26 are common, the configuration of the operation switch SW will be described as a representative. The operation switch SW is a name used when collectively referring to each operation switch.

[0021] The operation switch SW is disposed on the substrate 41. The operation switch SW includes a light emitting portion 42 such as an LED mounted on the substrate 41. The light emitting portion 42 of each operation switch SW can be individually turned on and off. Above the operation switch SW, a sheet 43 and a design panel 40 are laminated. Note that the sheet 43 and the design panel 40 may be provided in common across a plurality of operation switches SW. The operation switch SW can be individually operated via the sheet 43 and the design panel 40.

[0022] The symbol mark is provided, for example, by forming a light transmissive portion in the shape of the symbol mark on the upper surface of the sheet 43 or the operation switch SW. Alternatively, conversely, the symbol mark may be provided by making only the portion other than the shape of the symbol mark the light transmissive portion. Note that the formation location and formation method of the symbol mark are not limited to these.

[0023] Note that the operation switch SW may be, for example, a device driven by an opening / closing operation of a micro switch incorporated therein by a pressing operation or the like, or a device driven by detecting a change amount of capacitance that changes due to the proximity of an object to the operation switch SW and comparing it with a threshold value.

[0024] The design surface 40a of the design panel 40 is configured to transmit the light of the lit light-emitting part 42 and reduce the visibility of the extinguished light-emitting part 42 as compared with when it is lit. The design surface 40a is decorated. For example, the design surface 40a may be constituted by at least one of a wood grain pattern, an aluminum pattern, or a carbon pattern. Thereby, an aesthetic appearance can be produced. Note that the design panel 40 or the design surface 40a may be darkly colored and transparent. Note that reducing the visibility of the light-emitting part 42 as compared with when it is lit also includes making it not visible at all. Note that although the design surface 40a is disposed on the surface of the design panel 40, it may be disposed on the back surface or on both surfaces.

[0025] Therefore, when the light-emitting part 42 is lit, the light of the light-emitting part 42 is transmitted and reaches the user, so the symbol mark is visible to the user. When the light-emitting part 42 is extinguished, the light-emitting part 42 does not emit light and thus cannot be seen. Moreover, due to the decoration of the design surface 40a and the relatively low light transmittance of the design panel 40, the light-transmitting part in the shape of the symbol mark becomes difficult to be seen. As a result, the symbol mark is not visible or becomes difficult to be seen.

[0026] Note that in a normal daytime and nighttime in-vehicle environment, when the light-emitting part 42 is extinguished, the design surface 40a appears as a uniform surface, the presence of the operation switch SW is not recognized, and the boundary between adjacent operation switches SW is not recognized either. The lighting and extinguishing of the light-emitting part 42 of the operation switch SW are individually controlled by a control unit 30 described later.

[0027] Note that the marks 19A and 19B (FIG. 1) are not operation switches and thus are not operated. However, the marks 19A and 19B are visible by the light emission of a corresponding light-emitting part (not shown) and become not visible when extinguished. The marks 19A and 19B are visible (displayed) only when, for example, a situation where the air-conditioning function can be operated occurs.

[0028] That is, the cross switch 11 (Fig. 1) is shared for air conditioner operation, audio operation, and car navigation operation. When the mode allows air conditioner operation, the symbol marks of the operation switches 12 to 14 and the marks 19A and 19B on the cross switch 11 become visible. By being able to see the marks 19A and 19B, the user recognizes that air conditioner operation is possible. When the marks 19A and 19B are visible, the operation switches 13 and 15 correspond to decreasing and increasing the air conditioner air volume, respectively, and the operation switches 12 and 14 correspond to increasing and decreasing the room temperature by the air conditioner, respectively.

[0029] On the other hand, when the mode allows audio operation or car navigation operation, the symbol marks of the operation switches 12 to 14 are visible, and the marks 19A and 19B are not visible. In this state, the user recognizes that audio operation or car navigation operation is possible. As an example, when the marks 19A and 19B are not visible, the operation switches 12 and 14 correspond to increasing and decreasing the volume, respectively, and the operation switches 13 and 15 correspond to advancing and rewinding the channel, respectively.

[0030] Although audio operation or car navigation operation is exemplified as an example, it may also be used for switching operations of displays such as switching the display unit of a multifunctional information display unit provided on an instrument panel such as a speedometer, etc., other than these.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the steering device 100. The steering device 100 includes a control unit 30, a memory 35, and a plurality of the above-described operation switches SW (operation switches 12 to 18, 21 to 26), and also includes a plurality of devices 34 mounted on the vehicle 200. The control unit 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, and a RAM 33.

[0032] The CPU 31 controls the entire steering device 100. The ROM 32 stores programs executed by the CPU 31. The RAM 33 provides a work area when the CPU 31 executes programs. The memory 35 is a non-volatile memory and stores various information.

[0033] The device 34 includes, for example, an air conditioner, a car navigation system, an audio device, a display device, etc. In addition, the device 34 includes various devices (sensors, actuators, etc.) for realizing a driving assist function. The types of the device 34 are not limited to those exemplified.

[0034] The CPU 31 receives operation inputs and detection information at the operation switch SW and outputs drive commands to the device 34. The operation switch SW is provided with an operation detection mechanism (not shown), and the operation detection result is supplied to the CPU 31. Further, the CPU 31 outputs commands for lighting and extinguishing to the light emitting unit 42 of the operation switch SW.

[0035] The CPU 31 as an acquisition unit acquires at least one of user motion information, environment information, driving information, and vehicle position information as information used for controlling the light emitting unit 42. These information are information detected by corresponding sensors or information acquired from the outside and are input to the control unit 30.

[0036] First, the motion information is information indicating the behavior and motion of the user. As an example, it includes information on the grip strength of the rim portion 101, information indicating proximity to the operation switch SW, etc. The grip strength of the rim portion 101 is detected by, for example, a piezoelectric sensor (not shown) provided on the rim portion 101. Proximity to the operation switch SW is detected by, for example, a capacitive proximity sensor or the like (not shown) provided on the operation switch SW.

[0037] The environmental information is information regarding the environment outside or inside the vehicle, and includes information such as the outside temperature and humidity, and the inside temperature. The driving information is information regarding the driving situation and driving operations, and includes the vehicle speed. In addition, the driving information may include information on the accelerator operation and brake operation. The vehicle position information is, for example, information from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) or GPS (Global Positioning System), and is acquired by the ECU (not shown) receiving it from an external server (not shown). The information used for controlling the light emitting unit 42 is not limited to the exemplified ones, and may include, for example, weather information and the like.

[0038] In addition to the above, the environmental information may include time information. The operation information may include information on the user's voice, gesture, line of sight, posture, and emotion (by driver monitoring). The driving information may include information on the presence or absence of parking. Note that the multimedia linkage operation and the turning on of the headlights may be included in the operation information or driving information.

[0039] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the light emitting unit control process. This process is realized by the CPU 31 executing a program stored in the ROM 32 and the like. This process starts when the power (or engine) key is turned on, and ends when the power key is turned off. Immediately after the start of this process, the light emitting unit 42 is in the off state.

[0040] Note that in this flowchart, it is exemplified that the process ends when the power key is turned off, but even after the power key is turned off by the vehicle, a standby state may be entered where a specific function is operable or the light emitting unit is lit. That is, the light emitting unit may be in a powered-on state where it is off but a specific operation can be performed, or a state where the light emitting unit 42 continues to be lit.

[0041] First, in step S101, the CPU 31 as an acquisition unit waits (standby state) until it can acquire the information (operation information, environmental information, driving information, and vehicle position information) used for controlling the light emitting unit 42. When it can acquire the information, it proceeds to step S102.

[0042] In step S102, the CPU 31 as a determination unit determines a highly operable function based on the acquired information and outputs a signal corresponding to the determined function. Examples of the determination methods here include the following examples (a), (b), (c), (d), etc., and at least one of these examples is adopted.

[0043] In example (a), when the grip strength of the rim portion 101 exceeds a predetermined strength, the CPU 31 determines a predetermined specific function as a highly operable function. The specific function mentioned here is, for example, an audio function or a car navigation function. When the rim portion 101 is strongly gripped, it is possible that the user intends to operate these functions. Note that either the audio function or the car navigation function may be registered in advance as a specific function. By adopting this determination method, a specific function (for example, an audio function or a car navigation function) can be operated without adopting other preliminary methods.

[0044] In example (b), when the temperature difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined temperature (for example, 6°C), the CPU 31 determines the air conditioner function as a highly operable function. This is because when a certain temperature difference occurs, it is highly likely that the user intends to operate the air conditioner. By adopting this determination method, a specific function (for example, the air conditioner function) can be operated without adopting other preliminary methods.

[0045] In addition, in example (b), a highly operable function may be determined based on the humidity difference between the outside humidity and the inside humidity of the vehicle. Alternatively, a highly operable function may be determined based on only the inside temperature or only the inside humidity of the vehicle. Alternatively, a highly operable function may be determined by comprehensively considering at least two of the temperature difference, humidity difference, inside temperature, and inside humidity.

[0046] In case (c), when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed (for example, 80 km / h), the CPU 31 determines that the driving assist function is a highly operable function. This is because as the vehicle speed increases, the user is more likely to intend to operate driving assist functions such as the traffic jam following function and lane keep. By adopting this determination method, a specific function (for example, the driving assist function) can be operated without adopting other preliminary methods.

[0047] In case (d), when the vehicle position information indicates that the vehicle 200 has entered the highway, the CPU 31 determines that the driving assist function is a highly operable function. This is because when entering the highway, the user is more likely to intend to operate driving assist functions such as the traffic jam following function and lane keep. By adopting this determination method, a specific function (for example, the driving assist function) can be operated without adopting other preliminary methods.

[0048] Steps S103 to S116 are processed by the CPU 31 as a control unit that controls the light emitting unit 42.

[0049] In step S103, the CPU 31 determines the light emitting unit 42 to be lit (the light emitting unit 42 to be lit). Here, it is determined that the light emitting unit 42 corresponding to the function determined to be highly operable is the light emitting unit 42 to be lit. For example, when the air conditioner function is determined to be a highly operable function, since the light emitting unit 42 provided in the operation switches 12 to 16 corresponds to the air conditioner function, these are determined to be the light emitting unit 42 to be lit. Also, when the driving assist function is determined to be a highly operable function, since the light emitting unit 42 provided in the operation switches 21 to 26 corresponds to the driving assist function, these are determined to be the light emitting unit 42 to be lit.

[0050] In step S104, the CPU 31 determines the lighting mode based on the function determined to have high operability. Here, the modes related to light emission include a lighting mode and a non-lighting mode. The lighting mode includes, in addition to simple lighting, aspects of light emission such as the presence or absence of blinking, the emission luminance, and the change in the lighting color. Note that the lighting mode or the non-lighting mode may be specified in advance according to the grouping desired by the user or the like.

[0051] In step S105, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the light emitting unit 42 corresponding to another function is already lit. Then, if the light emitting unit 42 corresponding to another function is already lit, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S106, and if the light emitting unit 42 corresponding to another function is not lit, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S109.

[0052] In step S106, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the new trigger is due to the user's intention. Here, the occurrence of the "new trigger" means that the light emitting unit 42 to be lit has been determined. Whether or not the new trigger is due to the user's intention is determined based on the information acquired in step S101. For example, if the acquired information is any one of the gripping of the rim portion 101, the proximity detection to the operation switch SW, voice, gesture, the cooperative operation of multimedia, and the turning on of the headlight, since it is caused by a user operation, the new trigger is determined to be due to the user's intention.

[0053] Then, if the new trigger is due to the user's intention, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S107, and if the new trigger is not due to the user's intention, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S108.

[0054] In step S107, the CPU 31 excludes those with a lower priority among the light emitting units 42 determined to be lit. Here, for example, the CPU 31 excludes those unrelated to the user's intended operation. The priority may be determined in advance for each light emitting unit 42. Then, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S109.

[0055] In step S108, the CPU 31 determines whether the function determined in step S102 is a function that can simultaneously light up the corresponding light emitting unit 42. If the function is not a function that can simultaneously light up the corresponding light emitting unit 42, the CPU 31 returns to step S101. This is because if the light emitting unit 42 determined to be lit is uniformly lit, there is a risk of confusing the driver if the light emitting units 42 at the same position are lit so as to overlap. On the other hand, if the function is a function that can simultaneously light up the corresponding light emitting unit 42, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0056] In step S109, the CPU 31 starts lighting the light emitting unit 42 corresponding to the function determined to be highly operable. When migrating from step S107, only the light emitting unit 42 that has not been excluded starts lighting. When lighting, the CPU 31 makes the function operable (operable by operating the operation switch SW). That is, in response to the output of the signal corresponding to the function determined to be highly operable, the CPU 31 makes the function determined to be highly operable operable and starts lighting the light emitting unit 42 associated with the function.

[0057] For example, when the air conditioner function is determined to be a highly operable function, the CPU 31 makes the air conditioner function operable, starts lighting the light emitting units 42 of the operation switches 12 to 16, and also starts lighting the light emitting units 42 corresponding to the marks 19A and 19B. Also, when the audio function is determined to be a highly operable function, the CPU 31 makes the audio function operable and starts lighting the light emitting units 42 of the operation switches 12 to 18. When the driving assist function is determined to be a highly operable function, the CPU 31 makes the driving assist function operable and starts lighting the light emitting units 42 of the operation switches 21 to 26.

[0058] Here, the lighting mode of the light emitting unit 42 is not limited. For example, the emission luminance may be gradually increased, or it may start blinking and then transition to lighting. Alternatively, the emission color may be gradually changed.

[0059] Further, based on the acquired information, the operability may be determined, and the lighting mode of the light emitting unit 42 may be varied according to the determined level of operability. For example, it may be determined that the higher the grip strength of the rim portion 101, the higher the operability. It may be determined that the higher the temperature difference between the outside temperature of the vehicle and the inside temperature of the vehicle, the higher the operability. It may be determined that the higher the vehicle speed, the higher the operability. Then, the higher the operability, the higher the emission luminance may be set, or the change speed of the luminance or emission color when gradually increasing the emission luminance or emission color may be increased. By varying the lighting mode of the light emitting unit 42, the operable portion can be more clearly visually recognized.

[0060] During this process, the CPU 31 constantly monitors the operation of the operation switch SW, and stores the operated operation switch SW and the operation time in the memory 35. These processes are performed for each operation switch SW.

[0061] In step S110, the CPU 31 determines whether an operation input has been made to the operation switch SW having the light emitting unit 42 lit in step S109. If no operation input has been made to the operation switch SW having the lit light emitting unit 42, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S112, and if an operation input has been made to the operation switch SW having the lit light emitting unit 42, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S111.

[0062] In step S111, the CPU 31 resets the timeout time and continues the lighting of the light emitting unit 42 that started lighting. The timeout time is set to an initial value at the start of this process.

[0063] In step S112, the CPU 31 determines whether a trigger for changing the mode related to light emission has been received. If no trigger for changing the mode related to light emission has been received, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S115, and if a trigger for changing the mode related to light emission has been received, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S113.

[0064] In step S113, the CPU 31 determines whether the trigger for changing the mode related to light emission is a trigger for changing to the light-off mode. If the trigger for changing the mode related to light emission is a trigger for changing to the light-off mode, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S116; otherwise, it proceeds to step S114.

[0065] In step S114, the CPU 31 changes the lighting mode based on the trigger for changing the mode related to light emission. In step S115, the CPU 31 determines whether the timeout time (predetermined time) has elapsed. If the timeout time has not elapsed, the CPU 31 returns to step S110; if the timeout time has elapsed, it proceeds to step S116.

[0066] In step S116, the CPU 31 starts to turn off the lit light-emitting unit 42. Here, when migrating from step S113, the corresponding lit light-emitting unit 42 is turned off. Also, when migrating as S110→S112→S115→S116, it is the case where the light-emitting unit 42 is lit based on the user's intention but the operation of the corresponding operation switch SW has been left unattended. In this case, the corresponding lit light-emitting unit 42 is turned off.

[0067] Among the operation switches SW having the light-emitting unit 42 lit in step S109, those that have been operated and for which the timeout time has elapsed after the operation is completed are referred to herein as "operated switches". When migrating as S110→S111→S112→S115→S116, the CPU 31 turns off the light-emitting unit 42 (lit light-emitting unit) of the operated switch. At the same time, if there is another light-emitting unit 42 that is lit and is associated with the function corresponding to the light-emitting unit 42 of the operated switch, the CPU 31 also turns off the other light-emitting unit 42.

[0068] For example, when the air conditioner function is operable, after a room temperature increase operation is performed by the operation switch 12 and a predetermined time has elapsed, the light emitting portions 42 of the operation switches 12 to 16 are turned off, and the light emitting portions 42 corresponding to the marks 19A and 19B are also turned off. That is, after any one of the operation switches 12 to 16 is operated and a predetermined time has elapsed, all the light emitting portions corresponding to the air conditioner function are turned off simultaneously. By turning off the light emitting portion 42 after such a predetermined time has elapsed, the appearance can be maintained and the power consumption of the vehicle can also be suppressed.

[0069] Controlling in this way is because it can be determined that the intention of subsequent operations related to the air conditioner function has disappeared after a predetermined time has elapsed since a certain operation related to the air conditioner function was performed. Also, it is to avoid the reflection on the glass surface from continuing especially at night and to ensure a good appearance. Other functions are controlled in the same way. In this way, the group of light emitting portions corresponding to the function corresponding to the operated switch is turned off simultaneously.

[0070] Note that the mode of turning off the light in step S116 is not limited. For example, the light emission luminance may be gradually decreased, or it may be shifted to turning off through blinking. Alternatively, the light emission color may be gradually changed when turning off the light. After step S116, the CPU 31 returns to step S101.

[0071] According to the present embodiment, the light emitting portion 42 associated with the function determined to be highly operable based on the acquired information such as operation information, environment information, driving information, and vehicle position information is turned on. When the light emitting portion 42 of the operation switch SW is turned on, the corresponding symbol mark is visually recognized, and when the light emitting portion 42 is turned off, the symbol mark is no longer visually recognized.

[0072] Therefore, the user can visually recognize the operation switch SW to be operated by the symbol mark, so that the operability can be improved. In addition, the operation switch SW with a low possibility of operation intention is not visually recognized through the design panel 40, so the appearance is good. In particular, since the design panel 40 is recognized as a uniform flat surface, the awareness of the existence of the operation switch SW is reduced. Moreover, by decorating the design surface 40a of the design panel 40 with a wood grain finish or the like, it is possible to further enhance the aesthetic appearance. Therefore, the operability can be improved while ensuring a good appearance. Although a wood grain finish or the like is exemplified as an example, the type of decoration is not limited, and further, it may be decorated with natural wood, genuine leather, synthetic leather, cloth, etc.

[0073] In addition, according to the determined high level of operation possibility, by varying the lighting mode of the light emitting part 42 corresponding to the determined function, control such as enhancing the visibility as the operation intention becomes stronger becomes possible.

[0074] In addition, among the operation switches SW corresponding to the light emitting parts that are lit, after being operated, the light emitting part group corresponding to the function corresponding to the operation switch SW for which a predetermined time has elapsed is turned off all at once. Thereby, it is possible to avoid wastefully ensuring the visibility of the operation switch SW with low operation possibility and to ensure a good appearance.

[0075] As described above, the present technology has been described in detail based on its preferred embodiments. However, the present technology is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope not departing from the gist of this technology are also included in the present technology.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0076] SW Operation switch, 31 CPU, 40 Design panel, 40a Design surface, 42 Light emitting part, 100 Steering device, 101 Rim part, 102 Wheel part

Claims

1. A steering device for steering a vehicle, comprising: a rim portion to be gripped during steering; a wheel portion located inside the rim portion; a plurality of operation switches disposed on the wheel portion, having light emitting portions capable of being individually turned on and off, and for operating functions mounted on the vehicle; a design panel; an acquisition unit that acquires at least one of user motion information, environmental information, driving information, and vehicle position information; a determination unit that determines a highly operable function based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit; a control unit that controls the light emitting portions, wherein the operation switches are individually operable via the design panel, the design panel includes a design surface that transmits light from the turned-on light emitting portions and reduces the visibility of the turned-off light emitting portions as compared with when they are turned on, and the control unit turns on the light emitting portion associated with the function determined by the determination unit. A steering device.

2. The determination unit determines the degree of operability based on the information, and the control unit varies the lighting mode of the light emitting portion corresponding to the determined function according to the determined degree of operability. The steering device according to claim 1.

3. After an operation switch having a turned-on light emitting portion is operated and a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation ends, the control unit turns off the turned-on light emitting portion, and if there is another light emitting portion that is lit and associated with the function corresponding to the light emitting portion, the other light emitting portion is also turned off. The steering device according to claim 1.

4. The motion information includes the grip strength of the rim portion, and when the grip strength of the rim portion exceeds a predetermined strength, the determination unit determines a predetermined specific function as the highly operable function and outputs a signal corresponding thereto, and the control unit makes the specific function operable and turns on the light emitting portion associated with the specific function in response to the output of the signal. The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The environmental information includes the temperature difference between the outside temperature of the vehicle and the inside temperature of the vehicle, and when the temperature difference exceeds a predetermined temperature, the determination unit determines the air conditioner function as the highly operable function and outputs a signal corresponding thereto, The control unit can operate the air - conditioning function and turn on the light - emitting unit associated with the air - conditioning function in response to the output of the signal, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, for the steering device.

6. The driving information includes vehicle speed. When the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed, the determination unit determines that the driving assistance function is a highly operable function and outputs a corresponding signal. The control unit can operate the driving assistance function and turn on the light - emitting unit associated with the driving assistance function in response to the output of the signal, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, for the steering device.

7. When the vehicle position information indicates that the vehicle has entered a highway, the determination unit determines that the driving assistance function is a highly operable function and outputs a corresponding signal. The control unit can operate the driving assistance function and turn on the light - emitting unit associated with the driving assistance function in response to the output of the signal, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, for the steering device.

8. The design surface is decorated and arranged on the front or back surface of the design panel, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, for the steering device.

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