Vehicle steering wheel switch structure

Abstract

The objective is to provide a vehicle steering wheel switch structure that can improve the recognition and identification of the control unit by touch. [Solution] The switch 5 is a touch switch provided on the spoke 4 of the steering wheel 1 and has an operating surface 10 consisting of a single plane. In the initial state before operation of the steering wheel 1, a recess 21 or protrusion is formed on the first operating surface portion 6 of the operating surface 10 in the vertical direction and in the vehicle width direction, in the middle portion, forming a step on the first operating surface portion 6. Multiple switch function portions 11, 12, 14, and 15, each with a different function, are formed on the first operating surface portion 6 at different positions adjacent to the recess 21 or protrusion in the vertical direction or in the vehicle width direction.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle steering switch structure in which a switch is provided on a steering wheel.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to switch the driving mode and operate various functions in the vehicle while holding the steering wheel during driving of the vehicle, various vehicle steering switch structures in which switches having a plurality of functions are provided on the steering wheel have been proposed.

[0003] The vehicle steering switch structure described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a switch having a plurality of operation surfaces on a spoke connecting a rim and a hub of a steering wheel. The plurality of operation surfaces each have a different switch function. Moreover, the plurality of operation surfaces are such that adjacent operation surfaces face different angles across a boundary region, and a plurality of operation surfaces in a central column in the vertical direction are recessed and arranged more than operation surfaces other than the central column.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] <00000,19>

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above structure, although adjacent operation surfaces face different angles across a boundary region, it is not possible to accurately recognize each operation surface by the tactile sensation of a finger only by the angular difference between adjacent operation surfaces. Also, although a plurality of operation surfaces in the central column are recessed, it is not possible to accurately recognize each of the operation surfaces adjacent in the vertical direction in the central column by the tactile sensation of a finger. Therefore, it is difficult to improve the recognition and discrimination of the operation portion by the tactile sensation of a finger in the above structure.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle steering switch structure that can improve the recognition and identification of the operating part by touch. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a vehicle steering switch structure in which a switch is provided on a steering wheel for steering a vehicle, the steering wheel comprising a rim which is a shaft portion, a hub which has a shape that can be gripped by the driver, and spokes which connect the hub to the rim, wherein the switch is a touch switch provided on the surface of the spoke facing the rear side of the vehicle and having an operating surface composed of a single flat plane which is operated by contact of the driver's finger, wherein a recess or protrusion is formed on the operating surface in the middle of the vertical and vehicle width directions in the initial state before the steering wheel is operated, forming a step on the operating surface, and furthermore, a plurality of switch function parts which have different functions from each other are formed on the operating surface at different positions adjacent to the recess or protrusion in the vertical direction or vehicle width direction.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the switch is a touch switch having an operating surface composed of a single flat plane. Since recesses or protrusions are formed in the middle of the operating surface in the vertical and vehicle width directions, the driver can understand the position of the center of the operating surface by touch alone. Therefore, the positions of multiple switch function parts adjacent to the central position in the vertical or vehicle width direction can be easily and instantly recognized by touch alone. As a result, the recognition and identification of the steering switch operating parts by touch can be improved.

[0009] In the above-described steering wheel switch structure for a vehicle, it is preferable that the switch has a projection that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle from the operating surface at the peripheral edge of the operating surface which is the boundary between the operating surface and the spoke.

[0010] With this configuration, since the operating surface has a protrusion at its periphery, the boundary between the operating surface and the spokes can be recognized solely by touch.

[0011] In the above-described steering switch structure for a vehicle, it is preferable that the hub is provided so as to protrude further rearward than the switch, the switch is positioned adjacent to the hub, and the protruding portion is positioned on the peripheral edge of the operating surface, excluding the portion of the switch adjacent to the hub.

[0012] With this configuration, it is possible to touch the hub, which protrudes further rearward than the switch, with a finger, and then touch the operating surface adjacent to the hub without being obstructed by the protrusion. Therefore, the part of the operating surface closest to the hub can be easily recognized by touch alone.

[0013] In the above-described steering switch structure for a vehicle, it is preferable that the switch is installed on the spoke that extends in the vehicle width direction in the initial state before the steering wheel is operated.

[0014] With this configuration, the driver can easily operate switches mounted on spokes extending in the width direction of the vehicle with their thumb while gripping the rim of the steering wheel.

[0015] In the above-described steering switch structure for a vehicle, it is preferable that the switch has a projection extending vertically on the operating surface, which divides the operating surface into a first operating surface portion having a recess or a protrusion and a second operating surface portion adjacent to the first operating surface portion on the hub side.

[0016] With this configuration, even while driving, the driver can accurately operate the steering wheel by individually recognizing the first and second operating surfaces, which are divided by protrusions, solely through the sense of touch, without having to look at the steering wheel.

[0017] In the above-described vehicle steering switch structure, the first operation surface portion has an acceleration portion as the switch function portion for increasing the vehicle speed above the concave portion or convex portion and a deceleration portion as the switch function portion for decreasing the vehicle speed below it, and it is preferable that these acceleration portion and deceleration portion detect a swipe operation of a finger in the vertical direction.

[0018] According to such a configuration, when operating the second operation surface portion on the hub side with the thumb, it is assumed that the thumb accidentally contacts the first operation surface portion and makes a downward swipe operation on the first operation surface portion. However, since the deceleration portion as the switch function portion for decreasing the vehicle speed is arranged below the concave portion or convex portion in the first operation surface portion, even if a finger touches the deceleration portion, it functions in the direction of decelerating the vehicle, so it does not give the driver a sense of uneasiness.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] As described above, according to the vehicle steering switch structure of the present invention, the recognition and discrimination of the operation portion by the tactile sensation of the finger can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a view showing a steering wheel provided with switches according to an embodiment of the present invention on both the left and right sides and arranged inside a vehicle. [Figure 2] It is a front view of a steering wheel provided with the switches of FIG. 1 on both the left and right sides. [Figure 3] It is an enlarged perspective view of the switch on the right side of FIG. 1 and its periphery. [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, a vehicle steering switch structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0022] In FIG. 1, in the passenger compartment of a vehicle such as an automobile, in front of the driver's seat, a steering wheel 1 for vehicle steering arranged on the rear side (front side of the paper) of an instrument panel 40 that displays information such as vehicle speed is shown.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2, the steering wheel 1 includes a rim 2 that is a shaft portion, a hub 3, and a pair of spokes 4 that connect the hub 3 to the rim 2.

[0024] The hub 3 may have any shape that can be grasped by the driver, for example, a ring shape or a shape close to it. The driver can steer the vehicle by grasping the hub 3 with both hands and rotating the steering wheel 1.

[0025] The pair of spokes 4 of the present embodiment are respectively provided so as to extend in the vehicle width direction Y in the initial state before the operation of the steering wheel 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 2.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the spoke 4 has a concave portion 4a on the surface facing the rear side Z1 of the vehicle. A switch 5 is housed in the concave portion 4a. A slope 4b for improving the design is formed on the periphery of the concave portion 4a. By having the slope 4b, the protruding portion​​​​​​​Furthermore, although the switch 5 shown in Figures 5-7 is depicted in white to make its external shape easier to understand, the actual cross-sectional shape shown is that of the switch 5 in Figure 4, either the VV line cross-section or the VI-VI line cross-section.

[0029] Switch 5 primarily has multiple switch functions related to the vehicle's operation and is located on the right-hand spoke 4 relative to the rim 2.

[0030] Additionally, a switch 35 with multiple audio and other auxiliary switch functions is located on the left spoke 4. Since switch 35 is a touch switch with almost the same shape as switch 5, a description of switch 35 will be omitted. Below, we will describe switch 5 on the right side, representing switches 5 and 35 provided on the steering wheel 1.

[0031] As shown in Figures 3-7, switch 5 is a touch switch located on the surface of the spoke 4 facing the rear side Z1 of the vehicle. Switch 5 has an operating surface 10 which is made up of a single flat plane that is operated by contact with the driver's finger. The switch 5 can be any touch switch having a single operating surface 10 that is operated by the driver's finger contact, and various types of touch switches such as electrostatic switches, resistive switches, and others can be used.

[0032] As shown in Figures 4 and 6-7, the switch 5 has a projection 23 that extends vertically X on the operating surface 10 and protrudes toward the rear side Z2 (driver side) of the vehicle. The projection 23 divides the operating surface 10 into two operating surface sections 6 and 7, namely, a first operating surface section 6 and a second operating surface section 7 adjacent to the first operating surface section 6 on the hub 3 side. In other words, the operating surface 10 has a first operating surface section 6 and a second operating surface section 7 adjacent in the vehicle width direction Y, and the projection 23 is located at the boundary between the first operating surface section 6 and the second operating surface section 7.

[0033] In the initial state before operation of the steering wheel 1, a recess 21 or protrusion is formed on the first operating surface portion 6 of the operating surface 10 in the intermediate portion between the vertical direction X and the vehicle width direction Y, creating a step on the first operating surface portion 6. Note that a protrusion may be formed instead of the recess 21 shown in Figures 3-7. The protrusion only needs to project from the surface of the first operating surface portion 6 toward the rear side Z1 (driver side) of the vehicle.

[0034] Furthermore, the first operating surface portion 6 of the operating surface 10 has two switch function portions 11 and 12 with different functions, located at different positions adjacent to the recess 21 in the vertical direction X. Switch function portion 11 is a portion that increases the set speed of the cruise control and can be called the speed-increasing portion 11. Switch function portion 12 is a portion that decreases the set speed of the cruise control and can be called the deceleration portion 12. These speed-increasing portion 11 and deceleration portion 12 detect a finger swipe operation (an input operation in which a finger is slid on the operating surface) in the vertical direction X.

[0035] Furthermore, a switch function section 13 is located in the recess 21. The switch function section 13 is the part that returns the cruise control speed to the initial set speed, and can be called the resume section 13.

[0036] The first operating surface 6 has two switch function parts 13 and 14, each with a different function, formed at different positions adjacent to the recess 21 in the vehicle width direction Y. Switch function part 14 is a part that temporarily cancels the cruise control and can be called a cancellation part 14. Switch function part 15 is a part that changes the distance to the preceding vehicle in the cruise control and can be called a distance changing part 15.

[0037] Furthermore, two switch function sections 16 and 17 are formed on the second operating surface section 7 of the operating surface 10, on the side closer to the hub 3, adjacent to each other in the vertical direction X. The switch function sections 16 and 17 are for switching between multiple drive modes (for example, normal, off-road, sport, and towing modes), and can be called mode switching sections 16 and 17. These mode switching sections 16 and 17 detect finger swipe operations in the vertical direction X.

[0038] Furthermore, below the operating surface 10 of switch 5 are three other switches 26-28: a steering assist switch 26, a cruise control switch 27 for switching between activating and deactivating the cruise control mode that follows the vehicle ahead, and a camera switch 28 for switching on and off a television camera that takes pictures of the scenery behind the vehicle, which is used for parking assistance when the vehicle is reversing.

[0039] As shown in Figures 3-7, the switch 5 has a projection 22 that protrudes from the operating surface 10 toward the rear side Z1 (driver side) of the vehicle at the periphery of the operating surface 10, which is the boundary between the operating surface 10 and the spoke 4. The projection 22 protrudes continuously and smoothly from the operating surface 10 as an integral part. Therefore, in the parts of the projection 22 that overlap with each of the switch function parts 11, 12, 14, 16, and 17 (see the periphery of the operating surface 10 in Figures 3-4), the projection 22 has the switch function of each switch function part. Note that the projection 22 may be omitted, and only a flat operating surface 10 may be used.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the hub 3 in this embodiment is provided projecting Z1 towards the rear of the vehicle from the switch 5. The switch 5 is positioned adjacent to the right side of the hub 3 in the vehicle width direction Y. The projection 22 of the switch 5 is located on the peripheral edge of the operating surface 10, excluding the portion of the switch 5 adjacent to the hub 3. That is, the projection 22 is not formed on the peripheral edge of the operating surface 10 that faces the hub 3 (the peripheral edge of the second operating surface portion 7 on the hub 3 side).

[0041] (Features of this embodiment) (1) The steering switch structure for a vehicle in this embodiment is a structure in which a switch 5 is provided on the steering wheel 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The switch 5 is a touch switch provided on the surface of the spoke 4 facing the rear side Z1 of the vehicle, and has an operating surface 10 composed of a single flat plane that is operated by contact with the driver's finger.

[0042] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, in the initial state before operation of the steering wheel 1, a recess 21 (or protrusion) is formed in the intermediate portion of the first operating surface portion 6 of the operating surface 10 in the vertical direction X and the vehicle width direction Y, creating a step in the first operating surface portion 6.

[0043] Furthermore, the first operating surface 6 has multiple switch function parts 11, 12, 14, and 15, each with a different function, formed at different positions adjacent to the recess 21 (or protrusion) in the vertical direction X or the vehicle width direction Y.

[0044] As described above, in a touch switch where the switch 5 has an operating surface 10 composed of a single flat plane, and the first operating surface portion 6 of the operating surface 10 has multiple switch function portions 11, 12, 14, and 15 with different functions formed thereon, the multiple 11, 12, 14, and 15 cannot be individually recognized by simply touching them with a finger.

[0045] Therefore, according to the above configuration, a recess 21 is formed on the first operating surface portion 6 of the operating surface 10 in the middle of the vertical direction X and the vehicle width direction Y. This recess 21 allows the driver to understand the position of the center of the operating surface 10 by touch alone. As a result, the positions of the multiple switch function portions 11, 12, 14, and 15 adjacent to the central position in the vertical direction X or the vehicle width direction Y can be easily and immediately recognized by touch alone. As a result, the recognition and identification of the steering switch operating parts by touch can be improved.

[0046] This allows the driver to easily and accurately touch the switch 5 with their thumb while holding the rim 2, significantly improving operability.

[0047] Furthermore, since the operating surface 10 of the switch 5 (specifically, the first operating surface portion 6 and the second operating surface portion 7) is made of a flat plane, the design is improved, and the smooth feel to the touch makes it easy to perform swipe operations by sliding your finger along the surface of the operating surface 10.

[0048] (2) In the vehicle steering switch structure of this embodiment, the switch 5 has a projection 22 that protrudes from the operating surface 10 toward the rear side Z1 (driver side) of the vehicle at the peripheral edge of the operating surface 10, which is the boundary between the operating surface 10 (specifically, the first operating surface portion 6 and the second operating surface portion 7) and the spoke 4.

[0049] With this configuration, since the operating surface 10 has a protrusion 22 at its periphery, the boundary between the operating surface 10 and the spoke 4 can be recognized by touch alone.

[0050] In particular, in this embodiment, at the position of the spoke 4 closest to the protruding portion 22, a slope 4b is formed at the upper edge of the recess 4a, which is spaced apart from the protruding portion 22, making it easier to recognize the protruding portion 22 by touch alone.

[0051] (3) In the steering switch structure for a vehicle of this embodiment, the hub 3 is provided so as to protrude from the rearward side Z1 (driver side) of the vehicle than the switch 5. The switch 5 is positioned adjacent to the hub 3. The protruding portion 22 is positioned on the peripheral edge of the operating surface 10, excluding the portion of the switch 5 adjacent to the hub 3.

[0052] With this configuration, it is possible to touch the hub 3, which protrudes Z1 towards the rear of the vehicle from the switch 5, with a finger, and then touch the operating surface 10 adjacent to the hub 3 without being obstructed by the protrusion 22. Therefore, the part of the operating surface 10 closest to the hub 3 can be easily recognized by touch alone.

[0053] Therefore, when you want to operate the mode switching parts 16 and 17 of the second operating surface 7 of the operating surface 10 that is closer to the hub 3, you can touch the protruding hub 3 with your finger to confirm the position of the hub 3 and the hub-side end of the operating surface 10, and then easily touch the mode switching parts 16 and 17.

[0054] (4) In the steering switch structure for a vehicle of this embodiment, the switch 5 is installed on a spoke 4 that extends in the vehicle width direction Y in the initial state before operation of the steering wheel 1. With this configuration, the driver can easily operate the switch installed on the spoke 4 that extends in the vehicle width direction Y with their thumb F (see Figure 4) while gripping the rim 2 of the steering wheel 1.

[0055] (5) In the steering switch structure for a vehicle of this embodiment, the switch 5 has a projection 23 extending in the vertical direction X on the operating surface 10. The projection 23 divides the operating surface 10 into a first operating surface portion 6 having a recess 21 (or protrusion) and a second operating surface portion 7 adjacent to the first operating surface portion 6 on the hub 3 side.

[0056] With this configuration, even while driving, the driver can accurately operate the steering wheel 1 by individually recognizing the first operating surface 6 and the second operating surface 7 of the operating surface 10, which are divided by the protrusions 23, solely by the sense of touch of their fingers, without having to look at the steering wheel 1.

[0057] Furthermore, even if the protrusion 23 of this embodiment is omitted, the effects and advantages of (1) to (4) and (6) of this embodiment can still be achieved.

[0058] (6) In the steering wheel switch structure for a vehicle of this embodiment, the first operating surface 6 has a speed-increasing portion 11 on the upper side of the recess 21 (or protrusion) as a switch function portion that increases the vehicle speed, and a deceleration portion 12 on the lower side of the recess 21 as a switch function portion that decreases the vehicle speed. These speed-increasing portion 11 and deceleration portion 12 detect a finger swipe operation in the vertical direction X.

[0059] With this configuration, when operating the second operating surface 7 on the hub 3 side with the thumb F (see Figure 4), it is conceivable that the thumb F may accidentally come into contact with the first operating surface 6 and swipe downwards on the first operating surface 6. However, since a deceleration section 12, which functions as a switch to reduce vehicle speed, is located below the recess 21 (or protrusion) of the first operating surface 6, even if a finger touches the deceleration section 12, it will function to decelerate the vehicle, thus not causing anxiety to the driver. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1. Steering wheel 2 rims 3 Hubs 3a protrusion 4 spokes 5 switches 6. First operating surface 7. Second operating surface 10 operation surfaces 11-18 Switch function section 21 Recess 22 Protrusion 23 protrusion

Claims

1. A steering switch structure for a vehicle, comprising a rim which is the shaft portion, a hub having a shape that can be gripped by the driver, and spokes connecting the hub to the rim, wherein a switch is provided on the steering wheel for steering the vehicle, The switch is a touch switch provided on the surface of the spoke facing the rear of the vehicle, and has an operating surface consisting of a single flat plane that is operated by contact with the driver's finger. In the initial state before operation of the steering wheel, a recess or protrusion is formed on the operating surface in the vertical and vehicle width direction, in the intermediate portion of the operating surface, which forms a step. Furthermore, the operating surface has multiple switch function portions formed at different positions adjacent to the recess or protrusion in the vertical or vehicle width direction, each with a different function from the others. A steering switch structure for vehicles characterized by the following features.

2. In the vehicle steering switch structure according to claim 1, The switch has a projection at the peripheral edge of the operating surface that forms the boundary between the operating surface and the spoke, which projects from the operating surface toward the rear of the vehicle. A steering switch structure for vehicles characterized by the following features.

3. In the vehicle steering switch structure according to claim 1 or 2, The hub is provided so as to protrude further to the rear of the vehicle than the switch. The switch is positioned adjacent to the hub, The protrusion is located on the peripheral edge of the operating surface, excluding the portion of the switch adjacent to the hub. A steering switch structure for vehicles characterized by the following features.

4. In the vehicle steering switch structure according to claim 1 or 2, The switch is installed on the spoke that extends in the vehicle width direction in the initial state before the steering wheel is operated. A steering switch structure for vehicles characterized by the following features.

5. In the vehicle steering switch structure according to claim 4, The switch has a projection extending vertically on the operating surface that divides the operating surface into a first operating surface portion having the recess or protrusion and a second operating surface portion adjacent to the first operating surface portion on the hub side. A steering switch structure for vehicles characterized by the following features.

6. In the vehicle steering switch structure described in claim 5, The first operating surface has a speed-increasing portion on the upper side of the recess or protrusion, which functions as a switch to increase the vehicle speed, and a deceleration portion on the lower side, which functions as a switch to decrease the vehicle speed. These speed-increasing and deceleration portions detect vertical finger swiping operations. A steering switch structure for vehicles characterized by the following features.

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