Vehicle and steering unit

Abstract

Regarding the configuration around the steering wheel of a vehicle, this technology provides a solution that contributes to at least one of the following: the visibility of information and the operability of the controls. [Solution] A vehicle is provided comprising a steering unit having a steering shaft, a steering wheel, and a steering column, a display device attached to the steering column, and a control unit. The steering unit tilts the steering shaft vertically via the steering column. The control unit causes at least one first image representing vehicle information to be displayed on the inside of the rim portion in the vehicle width direction of the display area when the display area of ​​the display device is viewed along the extending direction of the steering shaft. The at least one first image has an upper end and a lower end, and a central portion located between the upper end and the lower end, which protrudes from the upper end and the lower end in a direction away from the vehicle width direction from the central region above the hub portion of the display area.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle and a steering unit.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle including a display device that displays vehicle information which is information about the vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Regarding the configuration near the steering wheel of a vehicle, there is a desire to improve at least one of the visibility of information and the operability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve at least part of the above problems, and can be realized, for example, in the following aspects.

[0006] A first embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle comprising a steering unit, a display device, and a control unit. The steering unit comprises a steering shaft, a steering wheel, and a steering column. The steering wheel includes an annular rim, a hub provided inside the rim and attached to the steering shaft, and spokes connecting the rim and the hub. The steering column is configured to support the steering shaft so as to be rotatable about the axis of the steering shaft. The steering unit tilts the steering shaft vertically relative to the vehicle body via the steering column. The display device has a display area on which vehicle information representing the state of the vehicle is displayed. The display device is positioned opposite the back surface of the steering wheel. The display device is mounted on the steering column spaced apart from the vehicle's dashboard and is configured to tilt integrally with the steering column. The control unit outputs the vehicle information to the display device for display. The control unit displays at least one first image representing the vehicle information on the inside of the rim in the vehicle width direction of the display area when the display area is viewed along the extending direction of the steering shaft. The at least one first image has an upper end and a lower end, and a central portion located between the upper end and the lower end. The central portion protrudes from the upper end and the lower end in a direction away from the central region above the hub portion within the display area in the vehicle width direction.

[0007] A second embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle comprising a steering unit and a display device. The steering unit comprises a steering shaft, a steering wheel, and a steering column. The steering wheel includes an annular rim portion, a hub portion provided inside the rim portion and attached to the steering shaft, and spoke portions connecting the rim portion and the hub portion. The steering column is configured to support the steering shaft so as to be rotatable about the axis of the steering shaft. The steering unit tilts the steering shaft vertically relative to the vehicle body via the steering column. The display device has a display area on which vehicle information representing the status of the vehicle is displayed. The display device is positioned opposite the back surface of the steering wheel. The display device is mounted on the steering column spaced apart from the vehicle's dashboard and is configured to tilt integrally with the steering column. The steering wheel includes a switch portion provided on the spoke portion. The switch portion is provided on the spoke portion in a direction away from the hub portion in the vehicle width direction. The switch portion is configured to accept manual operation by the user. The switch section includes a first switch, a second switch, and a central switch positioned between the first and second switches. The first and second switches are configured such that the amount of protrusion from the surface of the spoke portion decreases monotonically as they approach the central switch. In the portion adjacent to the central switch, the amount of protrusion of the first switch and the amount of protrusion of the second switch are less than the amount of protrusion of the central switch.

[0008] A steering unit is provided according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The steering unit comprises a steering shaft, a steering wheel, and a steering column. The steering wheel includes an annular rim, a hub provided inside the rim and attached to the steering shaft, and spokes connecting the rim and the hub. The steering column is configured to support the steering shaft so as to be rotatable about the axis of the steering shaft. The steering wheel includes a switch portion among the spokes, provided away from the hub in the vehicle width direction and configured to accept manual operation by a user. The switch portion includes a first switch, a second switch, and a central switch located between the first and second switches. The first and second switches are configured such that the amount of protrusion from the surface of the spokes decreases monotonically toward the central switch. In the portion adjacent to the central switch, the amount of protrusion of the first switch and the amount of protrusion of the second switch are less than the amount of protrusion of the central switch. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side view of the vehicle. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged view of section S in Figure 1, and is a schematic side view of the steering unit and display device. [Figure 3] This is a top view of the steering wheel and display device. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates how the steering shaft tilts together with the display device, starting from the state shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a view of the steering wheel and display device in direction D. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram of the vehicle's configuration. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the first and second images displayed in the display area. [Figure 8]This figure shows specific examples of the first and second images displayed in the display area. [Figure 9] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the switch section from line IX to IX. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of Vehicle 1 as one embodiment of the present disclosure. Vehicle 1 is a vehicle that travels mainly on grasslands, gravel roads, and sandy areas, as well as off-road terrain such as unpaved mountain roads, forest roads, muddy areas, and rocky areas. In Figure 1 and subsequent figures, the longitudinal, vertical, and lateral directions of Vehicle 1 are shown as appropriate. Each direction is orthogonal to the others. The longitudinal direction is also the vehicle length direction. In the longitudinal direction, the front is the forward direction of Vehicle 1, and the rear is the reverse direction of Vehicle 1. The lateral direction is also the vehicle width direction. In the vertical direction, the lower side is the side of Vehicle 1 on which the wheels are located.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 1 comprises a body 10 with a body frame 11, wheels 12 supporting the body 10, an engine 15 as a power source for the vehicle 1 to run, a steering unit 2, a display device 4, and a control device 5. The wheels 12 consist of a pair of left and right front wheels 12F and a pair of left and right rear wheels 12R. In this embodiment, the engine 15 is located in the rear portion 13 of the body 10. The control device 5 is located in the front portion 14 of the body 10.

[0012] The vehicle frame 11 is a frame structure made of sectioned material. The vehicle frame 11 functions as the skeleton of the vehicle body 10. The vehicle frame 11 is configured to realize a Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS).

[0013] Between the front wheels 12F and the rear wheels 12R of the vehicle body 10, there is a cabin 16 in which passengers board. The cabin 16 is surrounded by a door 161, a dash panel 162 that separates the cabin 16 from the front section 14, a rear panel 163 that separates the cabin 16 from the rear section 13, a floor panel 164, etc. The cabin 16 may be further surrounded by windows, a roof, etc.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the steering unit 2 includes a steering shaft 24, a steering wheel 20 attached to the rear end 241 of the steering shaft 24, and a steering column 25. The steering unit 2 is configured to impart a steering angle to the steering wheels of the wheels 12.

[0015] The steering shaft 24 rotates around its axis AX in response to the rotation (rotation) of the steering wheel 20, and is configured to transmit the rotation of the steering wheel 20 to the wheels 12, for example, via a gearbox. The steering shaft 24 protrudes from the front portion 14 through the dash panel 162 into the cabin 16. The rear end 241, which is the protruding end of the steering shaft 24, has a known locking structure for detachably locking the steering wheel 20.

[0016] The steering column 25 supports the steering shaft 24 so as to be rotatable about the axis AX. The steering column 25 has a tilt mechanism for tilting the steering shaft 24 in the vertical direction with respect to the vehicle body 10. In the present embodiment, the steering column 25 includes a cylindrical portion 26, a first bracket 27, and a joint portion 28. Inside the cylindrical portion 26, the steering shaft 24 is disposed rotatably. The first bracket 27 is connected to the cylindrical portion 26 rotatably. The joint portion 28 includes a shaft that connects the lower end portion 271 of the first bracket 27 and the vicinity of the rear end 241 of the steering shaft 24 in the cylindrical portion 26. The steering column 25 tilts the steering shaft 24 in the vertical direction with respect to the vehicle body 10 by the cooperation of each part including these members. The steering column 25 may have a telescopic mechanism for adjusting the steering shaft 24 in the front-rear direction.

[0017] The steering column 25 further includes a column cover 29. The column cover 29 covers the rear end 241 of the steering shaft 24 via the cylindrical portion 26. As shown in FIG. 3, the column cover 29 has a convex portion 291 that protrudes in the vehicle width direction. In the present embodiment, the convex portion 291 protrudes in the right direction when viewed from above the vehicle. Inside the convex portion 291, wiring for electrically connecting the switch portion 9 provided on the steering wheel 20 and the control device 5 is disposed. Details of the switch portion 9 will be described later.

[0018] The display device 4 notifies the user of various vehicle information indicating the driving state of the vehicle 1. Examples of the various vehicle information include speed, engine speed, travel distance, boost pressure, oil temperature, remaining fuel, drive wheels, suspension mode, gear mode, various warnings, and the like.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the display device 4 includes a display 40 and a frame 49 that holds the display 40. The display 40 has a rectangular display area Ar (see FIG. 5) with a long side in the vehicle width direction. The display 40 may be composed of a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL. The display device 4 displays vehicle information in the display area Ar under the control of a display control unit 54. The display control unit 54 will be described later. As shown in FIG. 2, a cover 491 for improving the visibility of the display area Ar for the user is provided on the upper part of the frame 49. The cover 491 is appropriately omitted in other figures.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the display device 4 is fixed to the steering column 25 at a position spaced apart from the dash panel 162 in the vehicle interior direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the display 40 (display area Ar) is fixed to the steering column 25 via the frame 49 so as to face the upper part of the back surface 201 of the steering wheel 20.

[0021] In the present embodiment, a second bracket 30 for holding the display device 4 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 26 of the steering column 25. The second bracket 30 is between the first bracket 27 and the column cover 29 in the direction of the axis AX and is fixed to the cylindrical portion 26 at a position spaced apart from the dash panel 162. The second bracket 30 projects upward from the cylindrical portion 26 and holds the display device 4. FIG. 2 shows a virtual plane P1 including the display 40 (display area Ar) and a virtual plane P2 including the surface 202 of the steering wheel 20. The plane P1 is orthogonal to the axis AX of the steering shaft 24. Also, the plane P1 is parallel to the plane P2.

[0022] Figure 4 shows the steering unit 2 when the steering shaft 24 is tilted upward from the state shown in Figure 2. As described above, the display device 4 is fixed to the steering column 25. Therefore, when the steering shaft 24 is tilted upward, the display device 4 is tilted upward together with the steering shaft 24 via the steering column 25. Thus, the positional relationship of the display device 4 with respect to the steering wheel 20 is maintained regardless of the tilt angle of the steering shaft 24. In this embodiment, regardless of the tilt angle of the steering shaft 24, the virtual plane P1 is perpendicular to the axis AX. Also, regardless of the tilt angle of the steering shaft 24, the virtual plane P1 is parallel to the virtual plane P2. Note that the display device 4 and the dash panel 162 do not interfere with each other even when the steering shaft 24 is tilted.

[0023] Figure 5 shows a view of the steering wheel 20 and the display device 4 from a direction D parallel to axis AX (see Figures 2 and 4). The steering wheel 20 includes an annular rim portion 22, a hub portion 21 provided inside the rim portion 22 and connected to the rear end 241 of the steering shaft 24, and spoke portions 23 connecting the rim portion 22 and the hub portion 21. In this embodiment, the spoke portion 23 includes a left spoke 23L extending to the left from the hub portion 21 in the initial state where the steering angle is zero, a right spoke 23R extending to the right from the hub portion 21, and a lower spoke 23D extending downward from the hub portion 21. A switch portion 9 is further provided on the spoke portion 23 of the steering wheel 20. The switch portion 9 will be described later.

[0024] The steering wheel 20 has openings 204, 205L, and 205R defined by the rim portion 22, the hub portion 21, and the spoke portion 23. Opening 204 is defined by the upper end 231L of the left spoke 23L, the upper end 231R of the right spoke 23R, the upper end 211 of the hub portion 21, and the inner circumference 22u of the upper part of the rim portion 22. Opening 204 is approximately semicircular. Opening 205L is mainly defined by the left spoke 23L, the lower spoke 23D, and the inner circumference of the lower left portion of the rim portion 22. Opening 205R is mainly defined by the right spoke 23R, the lower spoke 23D, and the inner circumference of the lower right portion of the rim portion 22. In the initial state where the steering angle is zero, opening 204 faces the display area Ar.

[0025] Since the steering shaft 24 can be tilted vertically relative to the vehicle body 10 depending on the user's physique and posture, the positional relationship between the axis AX of the steering shaft 24 and the user's head does not change significantly even when the steering shaft 24 is tilted. As described above, the display device 4 tilts vertically together with the steering shaft 24, so the positional relationship between the user and the display 40 is also largely maintained. Therefore, regardless of the tilt angle of the steering shaft 24, the user will view the display 40 (display area Ar) through the opening 204 in a direction D parallel to the axis AX of the steering shaft 24. When viewing the display area Ar through the opening 204 in direction D, the steering shaft 24 overlaps a portion of the display area Ar. In the example shown in Figure 5, the rim portion 22 overlaps the upper left and upper right corners of the display area Ar, and the spoke portion 23 and hub portion 21 overlap the lower end of the display area Ar.

[0026] In this embodiment, in a vehicle 1 having such a relationship between the steering wheel 20 and the display area Ar, the user's visibility of the vehicle information displayed in the display area Ar can be improved by the control of the display control unit 54. The following describes how the control device 5, which includes the display control unit 54, causes vehicle information to be displayed in the display area Ar, using Figures 6 to 8.

[0027] As shown in Figure 6, the control device 5 is connected to the detection unit 8, the switch unit 9, the display 40, and the output device 7 via an interface (not shown).

[0028] The detection unit 8 includes various sensors for detecting the state of the vehicle 1. Examples of these sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a position / attitude sensor using GPS or GNSS, an engine speed sensor, a gear position sensor, a throttle opening sensor, an intake air temperature sensor, an oil temperature sensor, an intake pressure sensor, an accelerator pedal operation amount sensor, a brake pedal operation amount sensor, and a gear shift operation sensor. The detection unit 8 outputs the detection results to the control device 5 while power is supplied from the battery mounted on the vehicle 1.

[0029] The output device 7 is a device that provides various outputs by operating switches provided on the switch unit 9 or the dashboard panel 162 of the vehicle 1. Examples of output devices 7 include speakers and air conditioners. The output device 7 may also include the display device 4.

[0030] The control device 5 is configured as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) comprising a CPU 50, a memory 51, and an interface (not shown). The CPU 50 functions as a vehicle control unit 53 and a display control unit 54 by loading and executing programs stored in the memory 51. The functions of the CPU 50 may also be realized by processing circuits or a processor.

[0031] The vehicle control unit 53 acquires the detection results from the detection unit 8 and generates various vehicle information. The display control unit 54 generates an image corresponding to the vehicle information calculated by the vehicle control unit 53 according to the display mode stored in the memory 51 and outputs it to the display device 4. As a result, images representing various vehicle information are displayed in the display area Ar of the display 40.

[0032] The display mode includes the relationship between the position (area) within the display area Ar where each piece of vehicle information is displayed and the display manner of the vehicle information displayed in that area, with respect to various types of vehicle information. The display manner includes the display means that represent the vehicle information, such as analog gauges and bar displays or digital numerical displays, as well as the shape, color, and size of the image represented by said means, the background color of the entire display area Ar, and background images.

[0033] Figure 7 illustrates the overlapping region Ar1, the central region Ar2, regions Ar3 and Ar4, and the positions and shapes of the first image 41 and second image 45 as vehicle information within the display area Ar of the display 40. The overlapping region Ar1 is the area of ​​the display area Ar that overlaps with the steering wheel 20 when viewed from the surface 202 of the steering wheel 20 in direction D through the opening 204 to the display 40. The overlapping region Ar1 is an area that is relatively difficult to see when a user of the vehicle 1 looks at the display 40. The central region Ar2 is the area of ​​the display area Ar that is approximately in the center in the vehicle width direction, and is located above the hub portion 21 when the display 40 is viewed from direction D through the opening 204 to the display 40. Regions Ar3 and Ar4 are the areas to the left and right of the central region Ar2, respectively. Regions Ar3 and Ar4 are also the areas inside the rim portion 22 in the vehicle width direction.

[0034] The display control unit 54 displays a first image 41 representing vehicle information in at least one of regions Ar3 and Ar4. The first image 41 has an upper end 42 and a lower end 43, and a central portion 44 located between the upper end 42 and the lower end 43, which protrudes away from the central region Ar2 in the vehicle width direction. In the vertical direction, the upper end 42 defines one end of the first image 41 in the extending direction, and the lower end 43 defines the other end of the first image 41 in the extending direction. In the example shown in Figure 7, the upper end 42 and the lower end 43 do not overlap with the superimposed region Ar1. In Figure 7, the first images 41L and 41R are displayed in regions Ar3 and Ar4. The first image 41L is displayed to the left of the central region Ar2, and the first image 41R is displayed to the right of the central region Ar2.

[0035] The first images 41L and 41R shown in Figure 7 are arc-shaped. The first image 41 should be an approximately arc shape in which the central portion 44 protrudes away from the central region Ar2 in the vehicle width direction relative to the upper portion 42 and lower portion 43. An approximately arc shape includes, for example, an angle bracket shape.

[0036] The display control unit 54 further displays the second image 45 in the central region Ar2 on the inner side of the first images 41L and 41R in the vehicle width direction. In Figure 7, the second image 45 is circular, but the second image 45 may also be roughly arc-shaped. The upper end 46 of the second image 45 is located above the upper end 42 of the first images 41L and 41R.

[0037] Figure 8 shows specific examples of the first image 41L, 41R, and second image 45 displayed in display area Ar. The first image 41L shown in area Ar3 is a gauge image representing boost pressure. The gauge image includes a roughly arc-shaped gauge g corresponding to the possible numerical range of the vehicle information, and a bar b that represents the current value in a band along the gauge. The first image 41R shown in area Ar4 is a gauge image representing the remaining fuel. The second image 45 is a gauge image representing the oil temperature of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

[0038] The display area Ar can also display multiple pieces of vehicle information. For example, in the example shown in Figure 8, the central area Ar2 inside the second image 45 displays the speed and gear mode. The upper area Ar5 of the display area Ar displays image 401, which represents the engine speed 15. The lower area Ar6 of the display area Ar displays the total mileage and battery level. At least a portion of these upper area Ar5 and lower area Ar6 overlaps with the superimposed area Ar1. The user can view the vehicle information (images representing vehicle information) displayed in areas Ar5 and Ar6 by looking at the display 40 through the opening 204 from a direction intersecting direction D.

[0039] In the vehicle 1 described above, the display device 4 is fixed to the steering column 25 so as to tilt integrally with the steering shaft 24. Therefore, even if the user tilts the steering shaft 24 to suit their physique, the positional relationship between the display 40 and the steering wheel 20 is maintained. This also maintains the positional relationship of the display 40 to the user. In vehicle 1, where the steering unit 2 and the display device 4 are in this positional relationship, a first image 41 is displayed inside the rim portion 22 in the vehicle width direction of the display area Ar, having an upper end portion 42 and a lower end portion 43, and a central portion 44 that protrudes away from the central area Ar2 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, most or all of the first image 41 is displayed in a position that is less likely to be covered by the steering wheel 20, regardless of the tilt angle of the steering shaft 24. Thus, the visibility of the first image 41 to the user can be improved. In addition, the amount of eye movement required by the user to view the first image 41 due to the rotation of the steering wheel 20 can be suppressed.

[0040] Representing vehicle information with a gauge image including gauge g and bar b requires a relatively long strip-shaped area, but when this strip-shaped area is displayed on the display 40, it tends to overlap with the steering wheel 20. In this embodiment, the gauge image is realized by a first image 41 in which the central part 44 protrudes in the vehicle width direction relative to the upper end 42 and lower end 43. Therefore, while ensuring the length from one end to the other in the extending direction of the gauge image, the upper end 42 and lower end 43 can be positioned in a location that is less likely to overlap with the steering wheel 20. Thus, the user's visibility of vehicle information can be further improved.

[0041] In this embodiment, a second image 45 is further displayed on the inside of the first images 41L and 41R in the vehicle width direction. Since the first images 41L and 41R are substantially arc-shaped, and the second image 45 is circular or substantially arc-shaped, the overall design of the vehicle information displayed in the display area Ar is improved. In addition, it is possible to suppress the increase in the amount of eye movement required by the user to view the second image 45 due to the rotation of the steering wheel 20.

[0042] The second image 45 is located inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the first images 41L and 41R, that is, near the central region Ar2, and the upper end 46 of the second image 45 is located above the upper end 42 of the first image 41. The central region Ar2 where the second image 45 is located is less likely to be covered by the rim portion 22 of the steering wheel 20. Therefore, the display area Ar can be effectively utilized while improving user visibility.

[0043] The switch section 9 provided on the steering wheel 20 will be described below, mainly using Figures 5 and 9. In this embodiment, the switch section 9 is fixed to the steering wheel 20 from the back surface 201 (see Figure 2) by bolts. As shown in Figure 5, the switch section 9 includes a switch section 9L provided on the left spoke 23L and a switch section 9R provided on the right spoke 23R. The shape of the switch section 9R is symmetrical to the switch section 9L provided on the left spoke 23L with respect to a plane P3 that includes the axis AX and is perpendicular to the plane P2. In the following, the shape of the switch section 9 will be described using the switch section 9L provided on the left spoke 23L as an example.

[0044] The switch section 9L includes a central switch 90, a switch 91 located to the left of the central switch 90, a switch 92 located to the right of the central switch 90, a switch 93 located above the central switch 90, and a switch 94 located below the central switch 90. Switches 91, 92, 93, and 94 are peripheral switches surrounding the central switch 90. Each of the switches 91, 92, 93, and 94 is adjacent to the central switch 90. These switches 90, 91, 92, 93, and 94 are configured to adjust the output of the output device 7 (see Figure 6) provided by the vehicle 1. Switches 90, 91, 92, 93, and 94 receive manual operation from the user and output to the control device 5. Based on the signals received from switches 90, 91, 92, 93, and 94, the control device 5 causes the output device 7 corresponding to the switch to output, or changes the mode of the output.

[0045] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the switch section 9L from IX-IX. The IX-IX cross-section is perpendicular to the virtual plane P2. The virtual plane P2 can be roughly considered to be the surface 232 of the spoke section 23. As shown in Figure 9, the amount of protrusion of the left spoke 23L from the surface 232 at switch 91 decreases monotonically as it approaches the central switch 90. The amount of protrusion of the left spoke 23L from the surface 232 at switch 92 decreases monotonically as it approaches the central switch 90. Monotonic decrease means broad monotonic decrease. Broad monotonic decrease can also be called monotonic non-increase. Figure 9 further shows the adjacent portion 911 of switch 91 to the central switch 90, and the adjacent portion 921 of switch 92 to the central switch 90. The amount of protrusion of the adjacent portions 911 and 921 is less than the amount of protrusion of the central switch 90. In other words, near the boundary between switches 91, 92 and switch 90, the central switch 90 protrudes more than switches 91 and 92. The extension direction D1 of the surfaces of switches 91 and 92 intersects with the side wall 901 of the central switch 90. The relationship between the shapes of switches 93 and 94 adjacent to the central switch 90 in the vertical direction and the central switch 90 is the same as the relationship between switches 91 and 92 and the central switch 90, so the explanation is omitted.

[0046] As explained above, the switch section 9 is configured such that the amount of protrusion decreases monotonically as it moves from switches 91, 92, 93, and 94 toward the central switch 90. The extension direction D1 of the surfaces of the surrounding switches 91, 92, 93, and 94 intersects with the side wall 901 of the central switch 90. Therefore, the user's fingers moving from switches 91 and 92 toward the central switch 90 come into contact with the side wall 901 of the central switch 90. In this way, the switch section 9 is formed in a stepped shape in which the amount of protrusion decreases toward the central switch 90, and the central switch 90 protrudes. As a result, the user can grasp the position of each switch by its position relative to the central switch 90 and the stepped shape. Specifically, a user manually operating the switch section 9 can easily recognize the boundary between switch 91 and the central switch 90 with their fingers without visually inspecting the switch section 9. Similarly, the boundaries between switches 92, 93, and 94 and the central switch 90 can be easily recognized with the fingers. Therefore, the switch unit 9 of this embodiment can suppress user errors in operating each of the switches 90, 91, 92, 93, and 94.

[0047] Furthermore, since the user can operate each switch without shifting their gaze to the switch unit 9, the likelihood of overlooking vehicle information displayed on the display device 4 when operating switches 90, 91, 92, 93, and 94 is reduced. Therefore, the switch unit 9 also contributes to improving the visibility of vehicle information.

[0048] The correspondence between each component (feature) of the above embodiments and each component (feature) of the present disclosure or invention is shown below. However, each component of the embodiments is merely an example and does not limit each component of the present disclosure or invention.

[0049] Vehicle 1 is an example of a "vehicle". The steering shaft 24, steering column 25, and steering wheel 20 are examples of a "steering unit". The rear end 241 of the steering shaft 24 is an example of a "mounting end". The cylindrical portion 26, the first bracket 27, the joint portion 28, the column cover 29, the second bracket 30, and the steering column 25 are examples of a "steering column". The display area Ar, display 40, and display device 4 are examples of "display devices". The central region Ar2 is an example of a "central region". The CPU 50 and the display control unit 54 are examples of "control units". Upper ends 211, 231L, and 231R are examples of "upper ends of the hub and spoke sections." Axis AX and direction D are examples of the "extension direction of the steering shaft". Opening 204 is an example of an "opening". Images 41, 41L, and 41R are examples of "at least one first image". The upper end portion 42, the lower end portion 43, and the central portion 44 are examples of the "upper end portion," "lower end portion," and "central portion" in the first image, respectively. Image 45 is an example of "at least one second image". The first images 41L, 41R, gauge g, and bar b are examples of "gauge images". Left and right are examples of "first direction" and "second direction." Upper edge 46 and upper edge 42 are examples of the "upper edge of the second image" and the "upper edge of the first image," respectively. Switches 9, 9L, and 9R are examples of "switch sections". The central switch 90 is an example of a "central switch". Switches 91 and 92, and switches 93 and 94 are examples of "first and second switches". Adjacent sections 911 and 921 are examples of "adjacent sections". Virtual plane P1 is an example of a "virtual plane". Detection unit 8 is an example of a "detection unit".

[0050] The vehicles relating to this disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, modifications are possible, as are not limited to those described below.

[0051] In the above configuration, the memory 51 may store multiple display modes, and the display control unit 54 may display vehicle information on the display 40 using the selected display mode. The display mode may be selectable by the user by operating the switches on the switch unit 9 provided on the steering wheel 20 or other input devices. The position and shape of the first and second images displayed on the display 40 by the display control unit 54 are the same regardless of the display mode. This configuration makes it possible to display vehicle information according to the user's preferences.

[0052] The first image 41L and the first image 41R do not necessarily have to be symmetrical in the vehicle width direction. Also, the second image 45 may be displayed multiple times in an arc shape in the central region Ar2.

[0053] The display control unit 54 may arrange at least a portion of the multiple vehicle information in an arc shape between the first image and the second image. This configuration improves the overall aesthetic appeal of the vehicle information displayed in the display area Ar.

[0054] In the above embodiment, Vehicle 1 is given as the vehicle, but the display mode of the vehicle information, including the first image and second image 45 that the display control unit 54 displays on the display 40, is not limited to Vehicle 1 and may be applicable to other vehicles in which the steering shaft 24 and the display device 4 tilt together.

[0055] The steering shaft 24 may be configured to allow the steering wheel 20 to be attached and detached, and the steering wheel 20 does not have to be in the shape of the above embodiment. Also, the steering wheel 20 does not have to have a switch section 9. If a switch section 9 is provided on the steering wheel, the number of switches provided in the switch section 9 may be changed as appropriate.

[0056] At least some of the functions of the display control unit 54 may be provided in the display device 4.

[0057] The switch section 9 as a whole should be configured such that the amount of protrusion decreases monotonically from switches 91, 92, 93, and 94 toward the central switch 90. The switch section 9 may also be applied to structures that do not have a steering unit 2 or a display device 4. For example, the switch section 9 may be provided on the dashboard panel 162 of the vehicle 1, or on a vehicle other than the vehicle 1, or on an operating device. In this configuration as well, the effect of suppressing erroneous operation of each switch 90, 91, 92, 93, and 94 is achieved.

[0058] This disclosure can also be implemented in various forms other than those described above. For example, it can be implemented in the form of a computer program for implementing the functions of the display control unit, or a non-transitory storage medium on which the computer program is recorded. For example, the computer program may be a program that causes a computer to perform the following actions: acquire vehicle information indicating the status of the vehicle from the vehicle by communication, output the vehicle information to the display based on a predetermined mode stored in memory, and display a first image inside the rim portion in the vehicle width direction of the display area of ​​the display. The first image may have an upper end and a lower end, and a central portion located between the upper end and the lower end, the central portion projecting away from the central area above the hub portion in the vehicle width direction relative to the upper end and the lower end.

[0059] The functions of the elements disclosed herein can be performed using circuits or processing circuits, including general-purpose processors, dedicated processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. A processor is considered a processing circuit or circuit because it includes transistors and other circuits. In this disclosure, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs the enumerated functions, or hardware programmed to perform the enumerated functions. The hardware may be hardware disclosed herein, or other known hardware that is programmed or configured to perform the enumerated functions. If the hardware is a processor, which is considered a type of circuit, then the circuit, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used to configure the hardware and / or the processor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1: Vehicle, 2: Steering unit, 4: Display device, 40: Display, 49: Frame, 491: Cover, 5: Control device, 7: Output device, 8: Detection unit, 10: Body, 11: Body frame, 12: Wheels, 12F: Front wheels, 12R: Rear wheels, 13: Rear section, 14: Front section, 15: Engine, 16: Cabin, 161: Door, 162: Dash panel, 163: Rear panel, 164: Floor panel, 20: Steering wheel, 201: Underside, 202: Front, 204: Opening, 205L, 205R: Opening, 21: Hub section, 211: Upper end, 22: Rim section, 22u: Inner circumference section, 23: Spoke section, 23D: Lower spoke, 23L: Left spoke, 23R: Right spoke, 231L: Upper end, 231R: Upper end, 232: Front, 24: Steering shaft, 241: Rear end, 25: Steering column, 26: Cylindrical part, 27: First bracket, 271: Lower end, 28: Joint part, 29: Column cover, 291: Protrusion, 30: Second bracket, 41, 41L, 41R: First image, 42: Upper end, 43: Lower end, 44: Center part, 45: Second image, 46: Upper end, 401: Image, 50: CPU, 51: Memory, 53: Vehicle control unit, 54 : Display control unit, 9, 9L, 9R: Switch unit, 90: Center switch, 901: Side wall, 91, 92, 93, 94: Surrounding switches, 911: Adjacent part, 921: Adjacent part, D: Direction, g: Gauge, b: Bar, P1, P2, P3: Virtual plane, Ar: Display area, Ar1: Overlay area, Ar2: Center area, Ar3: Left area, Ar4: Right area, Ar5: Upper end area, Ar6: Lower end area, AX: Axis

Claims

1. It is a vehicle, A steering unit, The steering shaft and A steering wheel including an annular rim portion, a hub portion provided inside the rim portion and attached to the steering shaft, and spoke portions connecting the rim portion and the hub portion, A steering unit comprising a steering column that rotatably supports the steering shaft around the axis of the steering shaft, and which tilts the steering shaft vertically relative to the vehicle body via the steering column, A display device having a display area for displaying vehicle information representing the status of the vehicle, the display device being positioned opposite the back surface of the steering wheel, mounted on the steering column at a distance from the vehicle's dashboard panel, and tiltable integrally with the steering column, The system includes a control unit that outputs the vehicle information to the display device for display, The control unit causes the display area to be viewed along the extending direction of the steering shaft, and to display at least one first image representing the vehicle information on the inside of the rim portion in the vehicle width direction of the display area. The at least one first image has an upper end and a lower end, and a central portion located between the upper end and the lower end, the central portion projecting from the upper end and the lower end in a direction away from the central region above the hub portion in the display area in the vehicle width direction, vehicle.

2. A vehicle according to claim 1, The steering wheel is located above the hub portion in the initial state where the steering angle of the vehicle is zero, and has an opening defined by the hub portion, the upper end of the spoke portion and a part of the rim portion. A vehicle wherein the control unit causes the display area to be viewed through the opening along the extending direction of the steering shaft, and displays at least one first image on the inside of the rim portion in the vehicle width direction of the display area.

3. A vehicle according to claim 1, The aforementioned at least one first image includes a gauge image of a vehicle.

4. A vehicle according to claim 1, A vehicle in which the at least one first image is a pair of first images displayed in a first direction in the vehicle width direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the central region.

5. A vehicle according to claim 1, The control unit displays at least one second image in the shape of a circle or a substantially arc in the central region of the vehicle.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, A vehicle in which the upper end of at least one second image is located above the upper end of the first image in the vertical direction.

7. A vehicle according to claim 1, The steering wheel includes a switch portion, which is provided on the spoke portion in a direction away from the hub portion in the vehicle width direction and is configured to accept manual operation by the user. The switch section includes a first switch, a second switch, and a central switch positioned between the first switch and the second switch. The first and second switches are configured such that the amount of protrusion from the surface of the spoke portion decreases monotonically as one approaches the central switch. A vehicle in which, in the portion adjacent to the central switch, the protrusion amount of the first switch and the protrusion amount of the second switch are less than the protrusion amount of the central switch.

8. A vehicle according to claim 1, A vehicle in which the display device is fixed to the steering column such that the virtual plane including the display area is perpendicular to the axis of the steering shaft.

9. A vehicle according to claim 1, The vehicle further comprises a detection unit for detecting the state of the vehicle, The control unit generates vehicle information using the detection results of the detection unit, and outputs the first image based on the generated vehicle information to the display device.

10. A vehicle according to claim 1, The steering shaft has a detachable mounting end for the hub portion of the steering wheel, in a vehicle.

11. It is a vehicle, A steering unit, The steering shaft and A steering wheel including an annular rim portion, a hub portion provided inside the rim portion and attached to the steering shaft, and spoke portions connecting the rim portion and the hub portion, The steering unit includes a steering column that supports the steering shaft so as to be rotatable around the axis of the steering shaft, The steering wheel includes a switch portion, which is provided on the spoke portion in a direction away from the hub portion in the vehicle width direction and is configured to accept manual operation by the user. The switch section includes a first switch, a second switch, and a central switch positioned between the first switch and the second switch. The first and second switches are configured such that the amount of protrusion from the surface of the spoke portion decreases monotonically as one approaches the central switch. A vehicle in which, in the portion adjacent to the central switch, the protrusion amount of the first switch and the protrusion amount of the second switch are less than the protrusion amount of the central switch.

12. A vehicle according to claim 11, The steering unit tilts the steering shaft vertically relative to the vehicle body via the steering column.

13. A vehicle according to claim 12, A vehicle comprising a display device having a display area for displaying vehicle information representing the status of the vehicle, the display device being positioned opposite the back surface of the steering wheel, mounted on the steering column at a distance from the vehicle's dashboard panel, and tiltable integrally with the steering column.

14. A steering unit, The steering shaft and A steering wheel including an annular rim portion, a hub portion provided inside the rim portion and attached to the steering shaft, and spoke portions connecting the rim portion and the hub portion, The steering column supports the steering shaft so that it can rotate around the axis of the steering shaft, The steering wheel includes a switch portion, which is provided on the spoke portion in a direction away from the hub portion in the vehicle width direction and is configured to accept manual operation by the user. The switch section includes a first switch, a second switch, and a central switch positioned between the first switch and the second switch. The first and second switches are configured such that the amount of protrusion from the surface of the spoke portion decreases monotonically as one approaches the central switch. In the portion adjacent to the central switch, the protrusion amount of the first switch and the protrusion amount of the second switch are less than the protrusion amount of the central switch. Steering unit.

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