Steering wheels and steering switch units

Abstract

To provide a steering wheel to which a driver can easily input, and a steering switch unit.SOLUTION: A steering wheel 5 comprises a gripping part 11 which a driver grips, a hub part 13 connected to a steering shaft 7, and a spoke part 15 connecting the hub part to the gripping part. A receiving part 27 that receives operation input from the driver and two protrusions 29A and 29B protruding rearward in the receiving part and extending in a predetermined direction are provided on a rear surface of the spoke part, where the two protrusions extend in directions different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering wheel that receives steering input from a driver, and a steering switch unit provided on the steering wheel. [Background technology]

[0002] Steering wheels equipped with a touch panel that detects touch operations are known (for example, see Patent Document 1). The touch panel in Patent Document 1 has a menu area and a direct area. Corresponding icons are displayed in the menu area and the direct area, respectively. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-144496 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the steering wheel of Patent Document 1, the driver must visually check the touch panel while steering and input data. Therefore, the steering wheel of Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is not easy for the driver to input data while steering.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a steering wheel and a steering switch unit that allow a driver to easily perform inputs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a steering wheel (5) having a grip portion (11) gripped by a driver, a hub portion (13) connected to a steering shaft (7), and spoke portions (15) connecting the hub portion and the grip portion, and a receiving portion (27) for receiving operational input from the driver is provided on the rear surface of the spoke portion, and two ridges (29A, 29B) protruding rearward from the receiving portion and extending in a predetermined direction, the extending directions of the two ridges being different from each other.

[0007] According to this aspect, the driver can understand the extension direction of the ridge by touching the ridge, and can selectively input operation to each receiving section based on the extension direction, thereby providing a steering wheel that is easy for the driver to input.

[0008] In the above aspect, preferably, one of the protrusions (29A) extends from above toward the axis of the steering shaft, and the other protrusion (27B) extends from above toward the axis of the steering shaft, and the other of the protrusions (27B) extends from above toward the axis of the steering shaft.

[0009] According to this aspect, the driver can distinguish the ridge by tracing the ridge in the up-down direction and determining whether the extension direction of the ridge approaches the axis line. This allows the driver to selectively perform an operation input to each reception unit.

[0010] In the above aspect, preferably, at least one of the reception sections receives the operation input corresponding to an amount of swipe in a direction intersecting the corresponding protrusion.

[0011] According to this embodiment, the driver can easily understand the position where a swipe input should be performed based on the position of the protrusion.

[0012] In the above aspect, preferably, the rear surface of the spoke portion is provided with an inclined surface (25) inclined with respect to an imaginary plane perpendicular to the axis of the steering shaft, and each of the protrusions passes through the inclined surface.

[0013] According to this aspect, the driver can easily grasp the position where the protrusion is provided based on the inclination angle of the inclined surface.

[0014] In the above aspect, preferably, the inclined surface has a first inclined surface (25A) and a second inclined surface (25B) provided on the outer edge side of the first inclined surface in the spoke portion and having a larger inclination angle with respect to the imaginary plane than the first inclined surface, and each of the protrusions passes through the second inclined surface.

[0015] According to this aspect, the receiving portion is arranged to pass through the second inclined surface which is located radially outward from the first inclined surface. Therefore, the receiving portion is closer to the gripping portion than when only the first inclined surface is arranged, making it easier to input operations.

[0016] In the above aspect, preferably, the receiving portion (27A) corresponding to one of the protrusions is located on the left and right side edges of the rear surface of the spoke portion, and the receiving portion (27B) corresponding to the other protrusion is located on the upper edge of the rear surface of the spoke portion.

[0017] According to this aspect, the locations for performing an operation input are provided on the left and right side edges and the upper edge of the spoke portion, so that the driver can easily know the locations for performing an operation input.

[0018] In the above aspect, preferably, at least one of the receiving portions (27A) extends downward while inclining so as to approach the grip portion.

[0019] According to this aspect, the receiving portion is provided along an area where the driver can move his / her thumb while holding the grip portion, making it easy to input operations to the receiving portion.

[0020] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a steering switch unit (53) that is provided on the rear surface of a spoke body (51) that connects a grip portion (11) gripped by a driver and a hub portion (13) that is connected to a steering shaft (7) and has a body recess (55) that is recessed forward, and that constitutes a spoke portion (15) that cooperates with the spoke body to connect the grip portion and the hub portion, the steering switch unit (53) having a base (51) that is fitted into the body recess and constitutes the rear surface of the spoke, and a touch sensor (33) that acquires the amount of swipe by the driver on a detection area provided on the rear surface, and two protrusions (29A, 29B) that protrude rearward and extend in a predetermined direction are provided on the rear surface of the base inside the detection area, and the extension directions of the two protrusions are different.

[0021] According to this aspect, the driver can understand the extending direction of the ridge by touching the ridge, and can selectively perform a touch operation on each receiving portion based on the extending direction, thereby providing a steering switch unit that is easy for the driver to input. Effect of the Invention

[0022] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a steering wheel (5) having a grip portion (11) gripped by a driver, a hub portion (13) connected to a steering shaft (7), and spoke portions (15) connecting the hub portion and the grip portion, and a receiving portion (27) for receiving operational input from the driver is provided on the rear surface of the spoke portion, and two ridges (29A, 29B) protruding rearward from the receiving portion and extending in a predetermined direction, the extending directions of the two ridges being different from each other.

[0023] According to this aspect, the driver can understand the extension direction of the ridge by touching the ridge, and can selectively input operation to each receiving section based on the extension direction, thereby providing a steering wheel that is easy for the driver to input.

[0024] In the above aspect, preferably, one of the protrusions (29A) extends from above toward the axis of the steering shaft, and the other protrusion (27B) extends from above toward the axis of the steering shaft, and the other of the protrusions (27B) extends from above toward the axis of the steering shaft.

[0025] According to this aspect, the driver can distinguish the ridge by tracing the ridge in the up-down direction and determining whether the extension direction of the ridge approaches the axis line. This allows the driver to selectively perform an operation input to each reception unit.

[0026] In the above aspect, preferably, at least one of the reception sections receives the operation input corresponding to an amount of swipe in a direction intersecting the corresponding protrusion.

[0027] According to this embodiment, the user can easily understand the position where he or she should swipe input based on the position of the protrusion.

[0028] In the above aspect, preferably, the rear surface of the spoke portion is provided with an inclined surface (25) inclined with respect to an imaginary plane perpendicular to the axis of the steering shaft, and each of the protrusions passes through the inclined surface.

[0029] According to this aspect, the driver can easily grasp the position where the protrusion is provided based on the inclination angle of the inclined surface.

[0030] In the above aspect, preferably, the inclined surface has a first inclined surface (25A) and a second inclined surface (25B) provided on the outer edge side of the first inclined surface in the spoke portion and having a larger inclination angle with respect to the imaginary plane than the first inclined surface, and each of the protrusions passes through the second inclined surface.

[0031] According to this aspect, the receiving portion is arranged to pass through the second inclined surface which is located radially outward from the first inclined surface. Therefore, the receiving portion is closer to the gripping portion than when only the first inclined surface is arranged, making it easier to input operations.

[0032] In the above aspect, preferably, the receiving portion (27A) corresponding to one of the protrusions is located on the left and right side edges of the rear surface of the spoke portion, and the receiving portion (27B) corresponding to the other protrusion is located on the upper edge of the rear surface of the spoke portion.

[0033] According to this aspect, the locations for performing an operation input are provided on the left and right side edges and the upper edge of the spoke portion, so that the driver can easily know the locations for performing an operation input.

[0034] In the above aspect, preferably, at least one of the receiving portions (27A) extends downward while inclining so as to approach the grip portion.

[0035] According to this aspect, the receiving portion is provided along an area where the driver can move his / her thumb while holding the grip portion, making it easy to input operations to the receiving portion.

[0036] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a steering switch unit (53) that is provided on the rear surface of a spoke body (51) that connects a grip portion (11) gripped by a driver and a hub portion (13) that is connected to a steering shaft (7) and has a body recess (55) that is recessed forward, and that constitutes a spoke portion (15) that cooperates with the spoke body to connect the grip portion and the hub portion, the steering switch unit (53) having a base (51) that is fitted into the body recess and constitutes the rear surface of the spoke, and a touch sensor (33) that acquires the amount of swipe by the driver on a detection area provided on the rear surface, and two protrusions (29A, 29B) that protrude rearward and extend in a predetermined direction are provided on the rear surface of the base inside the detection area, and the extension directions of the two protrusions are different.

[0037] According to this aspect, the driver can understand the extending direction of the ridge by touching the ridge, and can selectively perform a touch operation on each receiving portion based on the extending direction, thereby providing a steering switch unit that is easy for the driver to input. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steering wheel according to a first embodiment, seen from the rear; [Diagram 2] Close-up of the right half of the steering wheel [Diagram 3] III-III cross section of Figure 2 [Figure 4] IV-IV cross section of Figure 2 [Diagram 5] VV cross section of Figure 2 [Figure 6] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a steering wheel according to a second embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a change in the display mode of a head-up display by a steering wheel according to the present invention; [Figure 8] First Modification of the Steering Wheel According to the Invention [Figure 9]Second variant of the steering wheel according to the present invention [Figure 10] Third variant of the steering wheel according to the present invention [Figure 11] Fourth variant of the steering wheel according to the present invention [Figure 12] Fifth variant of the steering wheel according to the present invention [Figure 13] Sixth variant of the steering wheel according to the present invention [Figure 14] Seventh variant of the steering wheel according to the present invention [Figure 15] Eighth variant of the steering wheel according to the present invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A steering wheel and a steering switch unit according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0040] <<First embodiment>> The steering wheel 5 according to the first embodiment is provided in front of the driver's seat. In the following, as shown in Fig. 1, a case where the driver's seat is located on the right side of the vehicle (so-called right-hand drive) will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the position of the driver's seat.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 1, the steering wheel 5 is coupled to a steering shaft 7 provided in front of the driver's seat on the vehicle body. The steering shaft 7 is provided in front of the driver's seat and rotatably held by a steering column (not shown) supported on the vehicle body. This allows the steering wheel 5 to be supported on the vehicle body so as to be rotatable about the axis X of the steering shaft 7. The axis X extends in a straight line obliquely upward toward the rear of the vehicle body.

[0042] The steering wheel 5 comprises a rim 11 (grip portion) that is gripped by the driver, a hub 13 (hub portion) that is connected to the steering shaft 7, and spokes 15 (spoke portions) that extend radially from the hub 13 and connect to the rim 11.

[0043] The rim 11 has an annular shape centered on the axis X of the steering shaft 7 (i.e., the steering axis), and defines the outer edge of the steering shaft 7. The rim 11 functions as a gripping part that the driver grips to perform steering input. When the driver rotates the rim 11 around the axis X, the steering angle of the wheels changes according to the rotation angle (i.e., the steering angle). In other words, the rim 11 functions as a gripping part that the driver grips to perform steering input, and the steering wheel 5 functions as a steering operator that receives steering-related operations from the driver.

[0044] The steering wheel 5 is provided with a pair of spokes 15. The spokes 15 are connected to the hub 13 at their base ends, extend in directions away from each other from the axis X, and connect at their extending ends to the radially inner surface of the rim 11. When the steering angle is zero, each of the spokes 15 extends generally in the left-right direction.

[0045] A rim recess 16 that is recessed radially outward and downward is provided on each upper edge of the connection portion between the spokes 15 and the rim 11. The rim recess 16 is formed to be about the size of a rider's thumb, so that the rider can hook his or her finger into the rim recess 16.

[0046] In this embodiment, the base ends (radial inner ends) of the spokes 15 are bifurcated into two branches, each of which is connected to the hub 13. As a result, each spoke 15 is provided with a spoke through-hole 17, which is a through-hole that penetrates in the front-rear direction. Below, the state of the spokes 15 will be described in detail, based on the steering angle being zero.

[0047] <Steering switch configuration> 1 and 2, a steering switch 19 for receiving operational inputs from the driver is provided on the rear surface of each spoke 15 (spoke portion). Since the left and right spokes 15 are roughly symmetrical, the following description will focus on the right spoke 15.

[0048] In the following description, the direction along the axis X of the steering shaft 7 that faces the front side of the vehicle body is referred to as the forward direction, and the direction that faces the rear side of the vehicle body is referred to as the rearward direction. In addition, the directions perpendicular to the axis X are defined as the left side of the vehicle body as the leftward direction, the right side of the vehicle body as the rightward direction, the upper side of the vehicle body as the upward direction, and the lower side of the vehicle body as the downward direction. However, this definition is provided for the convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not limited by this definition.

[0049] The steering switch 19 has a peripheral edge portion 21 extending along the upper edge and right edge (the edge portion on the side away from the axis X) of the spoke through-hole 17, and a lower edge portion 23 extending along the lower edge of the spoke through-hole 17. The rear surfaces of the peripheral edge portion 21 and the lower edge portion 23 each constitute the rear surface of the spoke 15.

[0050] An inclined surface 25 is provided on the rear surface of the peripheral portion 21, which is inclined with respect to an imaginary plane S (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 5) perpendicular to the axis X of the steering shaft 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the inclined surface 25 surrounds the spoke through-holes 17 at a distance. The inclined surface 25 is inclined forward toward the inside in the radial direction of the axis X.

[0051] The inclined surface 25 includes a first inclined surface 25A extending along the outer edge of the spoke through-hole 17, and a second inclined surface 25B extending along the outer edge of the first inclined surface 25A (the edge portion on the side away from the spoke through-hole 17). The first inclined surface 25A and the second inclined surface 25B each form a surface inclined with respect to an imaginary plane S perpendicular to the axis X of the steering shaft 7. As shown in FIG. 3, an inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 25B with respect to the imaginary plane S is greater than an inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 25A with respect to the imaginary plane S.

[0052] 1 and 2, the peripheral portion 21 is provided with two receiving portions 27 for receiving operational input from the driver. One receiving portion 27 (hereinafter, first receiving portion 27A) extends along the radially outer side edge of the peripheral portion 21 in a substantially vertical direction in a front view. The other receiving portion 27 (hereinafter, second receiving portion 27B) extends along the upper edge of the peripheral portion 21 in a substantially horizontal direction in a front view. The first receiving portion 27A and the second receiving portion 27B are each disposed so as to overlap the second inclined surface 25B.

[0053] The first receiving portion 27A is provided with a first ridge 29A, and the second receiving portion 27B is provided with a second ridge 29B. The first ridge 29A and the second ridge 29B are each formed as a stripe (rib) that protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the spoke 15 (specifically, the inclined surface 25) and extends in a predetermined direction. The first ridge 29A and the second ridge 29B are located at the center of an area (hereinafter, detection area, see the dashed line portion in FIG. 2) that detects the operation input of the first receiving portion 27A and the second receiving portion 27B. The extension direction of the first ridge 29A is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first receiving portion 27A. The first ridge 29A and the second ridge 29B each pass through the inclined surface 25. In this embodiment, the first ridge 29A and the second ridge 29B each pass through the second inclined surface 25B.

[0054] The extending direction of the first ridge 29A and the extending direction of the second ridge 29B are different from each other. Specifically, the first ridge 29A extends from above toward the axis X of the steering shaft 7. The second ridge 29B extends from above toward the axis X of the steering shaft 7.

[0055] The first reception portion 27A extends generally vertically on the left and right side edges on the radially outer side of the spoke 15. The first reception portion 27A extends downward from approximately the center of the rim 11 in the vertical direction while inclining so as to approach the rim 11. The extension direction of the first reception portion 27A generally intersects with the extension direction of the first protrusion 29A. The first reception portion 27A acquires an operation amount (swipe amount) related to a swipe operation (also called a scroll operation or a tracing operation) by the driver in the extension direction, i.e., in a direction intersecting the first protrusion 29A. It is preferable that the first reception portion 27A overlaps with the first protrusion 29A at approximately the center in the extension direction.

[0056] The second receiving portion 27B extends generally inward and outward radial directions (left and right directions) of the axis X at the upper edge of the rear surface of the spoke 15. The second receiving portion 27B intersects with the second ridge 29B. The second receiving portion 27B acquires the position of the touch input by the driver and receives an operation input relating to a selection of left or right, that is, a binary selection. The second receiving portion 27B overlaps with the second ridge 29B at approximately the center in the extension direction and may receive an operation input relating to a selection of left or right based on whether an input has been made to the left or right with respect to the second ridge 29B.

[0057] 2, second receiving portion 27B is located above first receiving portion 27A and below rim recess 16. Second receiving portion 27B is also provided at a position closer to hub 13 than first receiving portion 27A. Alternatively, the detection area of ​​second receiving portion 27B may be provided in a form separated into areas located to the left and right of second ridge 29B (for example, the parts indicated by the two triangles in FIG. 2), and input related to the selection operation may be received based on an input to each area.

[0058] Each of the first reception section 27A and the second reception section 27B is configured by one (or multiple) touch sensors 33 provided on the rear surface of the steering switch 19. The touch sensor 33 is a sheet-like member, and acquires a position contacted (touched) by the driver. The touch sensor 33 is disposed so as to cover the rear surfaces of the peripheral edge portion 21 and the lower edge portion 23.

[0059] The touch sensor 33 acquires the driver's contact (touch) position or approach position in the detection area corresponding to the first reception unit 27A and the second reception unit 27B. Furthermore, the touch sensor 33 can acquire the swipe amount (the amount of tracing in a tracing motion, also called the scroll amount) based on the change over time of the contact position (or approach position) in the detection area.

[0060] The lower edge 23 is provided with spoke recesses 35 that are recessed forward. As shown in FIG. 4, the spoke recesses 35 are recesses that are recessed forward with respect to an imaginary plane S. At least one receiving portion 27 is provided in the spoke recesses 35. Each receiving portion 27 provided in the spoke recesses 35 receives an operation input from the driver, in particular an operation input by touch. In this embodiment, each receiving portion 27 provided in the spoke recesses 35 is configured to also receive a pressing operation from the driver. In this embodiment, five receiving portions 27 are provided in the spoke recesses 35.

[0061] The spoke recess 35 is defined by three surfaces: a first surface 37, a second surface 39, and a third surface 41. The first surface 37, the second surface 39, and the third surface 41 are each substantially flat surfaces with different inclination angles. A step 42 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) is provided on the right side of the spoke recess 35, i.e., on the right side of the third surface 41.

[0062] The first surface 37 is inclined downward, rearward and radially outward from the axis X (in a direction away from the axis X).

[0063] The second surface 39 is provided below the first surface 37. The second surface 39 is connected to the lower edge of the first surface 37. The second surface 39 is inclined upward, forward, and radially outward from the axis X. The angle between the first surface 37 and the second surface 39 is set to be 90 degrees or more.

[0064] The third surface 41 is provided on a side farther away from the axis X of the steering shaft 7 than the first surface 37 and the second surface 39. The third surface 41 is connected to the radially outer edge (the edge portion away from the axis X) of the first surface 37 and the radially outer edge of the second surface 39. The third surface 41 is inclined rearward toward the radially outer side of the axis X.

[0065] A first ridgeline 43 is formed between the first surface 37 and the second surface 39. The first ridgeline 43 is an intersection line between the first surface 37 and the second surface 39, and connects the first surface 37 and the second surface 39. A second ridgeline 45 is formed between the second surface 39 and the third surface 41. The second ridgeline 45 is an intersection line between the second surface 39 and the third surface 41, and connects the second surface 39 and the third surface 41. A third ridgeline 47 is formed between the third surface 41 and the first surface 37. The third ridgeline 47 is an intersection line between the third surface 41 and the first surface 37, and connects the third surface 41 and the first surface 37.

[0066] A second ridge line 45 between the second surface 39 and the third surface 41 is inclined rearward and downward in a direction (radially outward) away from the axis X. The angle between the first ridge line 43 and the second ridge line 45, the angle between the second ridge line 45 and the third ridge line 47, and the angle between the third ridge line 47 and the first ridge line 43 are each set to be 90 degrees or more.

[0067] The first surface 37 is provided with a third ridge 29C that protrudes rearward and extends generally in the vertical direction. The third ridge 29C divides the first surface 37 into two portions: a side close to the axis X (radially inner side) and a side away from the axis X (radially outer side). A receiving portion 27 is provided in each of the divided portions of the first surface 37. Hereinafter, the receiving portion 27 provided radially inner than the third ridge 29C on the first surface 37 will be referred to as a third receiving portion 27C, and the receiving portion 27 provided radially outer will be referred to as a fourth receiving portion 27D.

[0068] The third reception portion 27C receives an input from the driver to a portion of the first surface 37 that is radially inward from the third protrusion 29C. The third reception portion 27C is configured with a touch sensor 33 that constitutes the first reception portion 27A and the second reception portion 27B. The touch sensor 33 can detect a touch input to a portion of the first surface 37 that is radially inward from the third protrusion 29C (see the dashed line in FIG. 2).

[0069] The fourth reception portion 27D receives an input from the driver to a portion of the first surface 37 that is radially outward from the third protrusion 29C. The fourth reception portion 27D is configured with a touch sensor 33 that constitutes the first reception portion 27A and the second reception portion 27B. The touch sensor 33 can detect a touch input to a portion of the first surface 37 that is radially outward from the third protrusion 29C (see the dashed line in FIG. 2).

[0070] Second surface 39 is provided with a fourth ridge 29D that protrudes rearward and extends generally in the vertical direction. Fourth ridge 29D divides second surface 39 into two portions: a side closer to axis X (radially inner side) and a side farther away from axis X (radially outer side). Receiving portions 27 are provided in each of the divided portions of second surface 39. Hereinafter, receiving portion 27 provided radially inner than fourth ridge 29D on second surface 39 will be referred to as fifth receiving portion 27E, and receiving portion 27 provided radially outer will be referred to as sixth receiving portion 27F.

[0071] Fifth reception portion 27E receives an input from the driver to a portion of second surface 39 that is radially inward from fourth ridge 29D. Fifth reception portion 27E is configured with touch sensor 33 that constitutes first reception portion 27A and second reception portion 27B. Touch sensor 33 can detect a touch input to a portion of second surface 39 that is radially inward from fourth ridge 29D (see dashed line in FIG. 2).

[0072] The sixth reception portion 27F receives an input from the driver to a portion of the second surface 39 that is radially outward from the fourth ridge 29D. The sixth reception portion 27F is configured with a touch sensor 33 that constitutes the first reception portion 27A and the second reception portion 27B. The touch sensor 33 can detect a touch input to a portion of the second surface 39 that is radially outward from the fourth ridge 29D (see the dashed line in FIG. 2).

[0073] One reception unit 27 (hereinafter, seventh reception unit 27G) is provided on the third surface 41. The seventh reception unit 27G receives an input from the driver to the third surface 41. The seventh reception unit 27G is configured by a touch sensor 33 that constitutes the first reception unit 27A and the second reception unit 27B. The touch sensor 33 can detect a touch input to the third surface 41 (see the dashed line in FIG. 2).

[0074] Each of the first reception unit 27A to the seventh reception unit 27G can receive an operation input from the driver by a pressing operation (also called a pushing operation) in addition to a swipe or touch by the driver on a surface or a portion that defines the corresponding spoke recess 35. Also, each of the third reception unit 27C to the seventh reception unit 27G receives an input related to a selection operation of an operation target corresponding to the operation input received by the first reception unit 27A and the second reception unit 27B, and other operation inputs.

[0075] For example, the third reception unit 27C receives an operation input for stopping the operation input received by the first reception unit 27A or the second reception unit 27B and selecting a corresponding operation target. The fourth reception unit 27D receives an operation input for returning to a state before the operation input was started. The fifth reception unit 27E receives an operation input related to a warning device (horn). The sixth reception unit 27F receives an operation input related to various meters, for example, the sixth reception unit 27F receives an operation input related to changing the display mode of a meter panel located in front of the driver.

[0076] The seventh reception unit 27G receives operation input for the turn signal. For example, when the driver presses the seventh reception unit 27G provided on the right spoke 15, the right turn signal blinks. When the driver presses the seventh reception unit 27G provided on the left spoke 15, the left turn signal blinks.

[0077] In this embodiment, the seventh reception unit 27G is configured to be able to receive touch and pressing operations from the driver. Therefore, for example, when only a touch operation is input to the seventh reception unit 27G, the turn indicator may be configured to flash a predetermined number of times (for example, three times), so-called one-touch blinker operation. In this case, when a touch operation and a pressing operation are input to the seventh reception unit 27G, the turn indicator may start flashing, and thereafter, the turn indicator may continue flashing until the vehicle has completed turning. This allows the seventh reception unit 27G to perform the same operation as a lever switch for operating a conventional blinker or a blinker lever.

[0078] <Spoke structure> Next, a detailed description will be given of the structure of the spokes 15. As shown in Fig. 2, each spoke 15 includes a spoke body 51 that connects the hub 13 and the rim 11, and a switch unit 53 (steering switch unit) provided on the spoke body 51.

[0079] Each spoke body 51 is connected to the hub 13 at its base end, and extends radially outward in the left-right direction from the axis X. The spoke body 51 is connected to the radially inner side of the rim 11 at its extended end. In this embodiment, the spoke body 51 is bifurcated at the base end.

[0080] 3 to 5, a main body recess 55 recessed forward is provided on the rear surface side of the spoke main body 51. In this embodiment, the main body recess 55 is formed in an arc shape surrounding the spoke through-hole 17 from the side away from the axis X. The upper edge, left and right side edges, and lower edge of the main body recess 55, as well as wall surfaces defining the boundaries with the through-hole (hereinafter, side wall surfaces 57) are each parallel to the axis X, and the wall surface (bottom surface 59) defining the front edge of the main body recess 55 is preferably perpendicular to the axis X.

[0081] The switch unit 53 includes a unit body 61 , a touch sensor 33 , a circuit board 67 having a plurality of light sources 65 , and a diffusion material 69 .

[0082] The unit body 61 is formed of a resin member. The unit body 61 is fitted into the body recess 55. The unit body 61 includes a front housing 71 that forms the rear portion thereof, and an intermediate housing 73 that extends forward from the front housing 71.

[0083] The front housing 71 has a flat plate shape, and its rear surface (also referred to as the front surface) forms a surface that is continuous with the spoke main body 51. The first inclined surface 25A, the second inclined surface 25B, and the spoke recesses 35 are each provided on the rear surface of the front housing 71.

[0084] At least in the portions corresponding to first receiving portion 27A to seventh receiving portion 27G, front housing 71 has translucency that transmits light from light source 65. When front housing 71 is entirely made of a translucent resin member, the rear side of front housing 71 may be in an embodiment where other portions excluding the portions corresponding to first receiving portion 27A to seventh receiving portion 27G are covered with a coating of non-translucent paint (for example, black paint).

[0085] The intermediate housing 73 has a wall shape that protrudes forward from the front surface (also called the back surface) of the front housing 71. The intermediate housing 73 may be configured to form a wall extending along the side wall surface 57 of the main body recess 55. A gap is provided between the front end (protruding end) of the intermediate housing 73 and the bottom surface 59 of the main body recess 55. The front end of the intermediate housing 73 is provided with a folded portion 75 that is folded in a direction away from the side wall surface 57 that defines the main body recess 55. The folded portion 75 may be in the shape of a plate having a main surface that is approximately parallel to the bottom surface 59 of the main body recess 55.

[0086] Between the intermediate housing 73 and the wall surface defining the main body recess 55, an elastic member 77 is provided to connect the two. In this embodiment, the elastic member 77 is provided between the folded portion 75 of the intermediate housing 73 and the bottom surface 59 of the main body recess 55. The elastic member 77 is bonded to the intermediate housing 73 and the wall surface defining the main body recess 55. When a load is applied from the intermediate housing 73 toward the wall surface defining the main body recess 55, the elastic member 77 deforms and becomes smaller, and when the load is no longer applied, the elastic member 77 returns to approximately its original shape. The elastic member 77 may be constituted by a biasing member such as a spring, or may be constituted by an elastically deformable rubber member (e.g., silicone rubber) or the like.

[0087] The touch sensor 33 is composed of a sheet-like member having translucency. The touch sensor 33 may be a capacitance type proximity sensor or contact sensor, or may be a resistive film type contact sensor. The touch sensors 33 are arranged along the surface of the front housing 71 and are connected to the front housing 71.

[0088] The circuit board 67 is disposed on the back side of the front housing 71. The circuit board 67 is a so-called printed circuit board having a flat plate shape, and in this embodiment, is a double-sided board with patterns on both sides. The circuit board 67 is disposed so that its main surface is perpendicular to the axis X. Hereinafter, the surface of the circuit board 67 facing rearward will be referred to as the front surface, and the surface facing forward will be referred to as the back surface, as appropriate. The circuit board 67 is supported by the front housing 71 via a diffusion material 69.

[0089] The light sources 65 are provided on the surface of the circuit board 67 that faces the front housing 71, i.e., on the rear surface (hereinafter, the front surface). The light sources 65 are so-called LED elements (light-emitting diode elements) and may be chip-shaped. The light sources 65 are aligned in the front-rear direction with the receiving units 27, respectively, and are arranged at positions overlapping each other in the front-rear direction.

[0090] The diffusion material 69 has a wall shape that protrudes forward from the back surface of the front housing 71. The diffusion material 69 is bonded to the back surface of the front housing 71 and the front surface of the circuit board 67. The diffusion material 69 is a member that diffuses the light incident from the light source 65. The diffusion material 69 may be formed, for example, by dispersing particles having different refractive indices in a transparent resin. The diffusion material 69 may be formed of polystyrene resin, polymethyl methacrylate resin, or the like.

[0091] The diffusion material 69 has a wall shape extending between the light sources 65. In other words, no two light sources 65 exist in the area on the circuit board 67 divided by the diffusion material 69, and the number of light sources 65 present in each area is set to one or less.

[0092] When light source 65 emits light, the portion of surface housing 71 corresponding to reception unit 27 is illuminated from the front. Since surface housing 71 is translucent, the portion of surface housing 71 corresponding to reception unit 27 appears to the driver as if it is emitting light. Since diffusion material 69 is provided between light sources 65, diffusion material 69 prevents light emitted from light source 65 from reaching the portion of surface housing 71 where uncorresponding reception unit 27 is provided, and prevents the portion where uncorresponding reception unit 27 is provided from emitting light.

[0093] A press switch 79 is provided on the surface of the circuit board 67 facing away from the front housing 71, i.e., on the back surface. The press switch 79 is a switch that turns on and off when a press surface 79S is pressed, and is disposed so that the press surface 79S faces the bottom surface 59 of the spoke recessed portion 35. In this embodiment, a column 81 that protrudes forward (i.e., in the direction of the press switch 79) is provided on the bottom surface 59 of the spoke recessed portion 35 at a portion corresponding to the press surface 79S of the press switch 79. The press switch 79 may be a switch (such as a push button switch) that applies a reaction force to the circuit board 67 and the bottom surface 59 of the spoke recessed portion 35 when the press surface 79S is pressed, i.e., that provides a sense of moderation.

[0094] The touch sensor 33 is connected to the circuit board 67 via a cable 83. The cable 83 may pass through a through hole (not shown) provided in the front housing 71, or may be configured to pass through a gap between the front housing 71 and a wall surface that defines the main body recess 55. The cable 83 may be a flat cable formed by sandwiching conductors arranged in parallel between insulating films, that is, a so-called FPC (Flexible Flat Cable).

[0095] The circuit board 67 is connected to a control device 85 (see FIG. 1) provided on the vehicle body via a cable (not shown). The control device 85 is composed of a computer equipped with a central processing unit (CPU), memories such as RAM (random access memory) and ROM (read only memory), and storage devices such as SSD (solid state drive) and HDD (hard disk drive). The control device 85 operates the operation target in response to the operation input received by each reception unit 27, and also supplies power to the light source 65 provided on the circuit board 67 to drive it.

[0096] In this embodiment, the control device 85 acquires, as an operation input, the amount of swiping on the first reception portion 27A (see the dashed line in FIG. 2; hereinafter, referred to as the detection area) on the rear surface of the spoke 15 by the touch sensor 33. Furthermore, when there is contact with the center portion (the portion marked OK) of the area corresponding to the first reception portion 27A and a press is detected by the push switch 79, the control device 85 may determine that an operation input different from the amount of swiping has been made on the first reception portion 27A.

[0097] When the control device 85 detects a touch operation on the second reception portion 27B on the rear surface of the spoke 15 by the touch sensor 33, it determines whether the touch position is located on the left or right side of the second protrusion 29B, and accepts input related to a selection operation relating to either the left or right side.

[0098] The control device 85 determines that an operational input has been made to the third reception section 27C to the seventh reception section 27G when the touch sensor 33 detects contact in an area (see the dashed line in Figure 2) corresponding to the third reception section 27C to the seventh reception section 27G and the push switch 79 detects a press.

[0099] When only a touch operation is input at the seventh reception unit 27G, the control device 85 causes the turn indicator to flash a predetermined number of times (e.g., three times), and when a touch operation is detected at the seventh reception unit 27G and the push switch 79 is turned on, the control device 85 causes the turn indicator to start flashing and continue flashing until the turn is completed.

[0100] Next, the effects of the steering wheel 5 and the switch unit 53 thus configured will be described.

[0101] First receiving portion 27A and second receiving portion 27B are provided on inclined surface 25 inclined with respect to imaginary plane S perpendicular to axis X of steering shaft 7. Therefore, the driver can easily grasp the positions of first receiving portion 27A and second receiving portion 27B from the inclination angle of inclined surface 25. Therefore, the driver can input an operation without looking, and inputting an operation to steering switch 19 is easy.

[0102] First receiving portion 27A and second receiving portion 27B are provided on inclined surface 25 that is inclined forward toward the radial inside of axis line X. Since first receiving portion 27A and second receiving portion 27B are provided on inclined surface 25 that is inclined so as to follow the thumb of a driver who is gripping rim 11, it is easy to input operations to first receiving portion 27A and second receiving portion 27B.

[0103] The first receiving portion 27A and the second receiving portion 27B are provided so as to overlap the second inclined surface 25B located radially outward from the first inclined surface 25A. Therefore, compared to the case where the first receiving portion 27A and the second receiving portion 27B are provided only on the first inclined surface 25A, they are provided radially outward and positioned closer to the rim 11. Therefore, the first receiving portion 27A and the second receiving portion 27B are positioned closer to the thumb of the driver's hand (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2) holding the rim 11. This makes it easy to input an operation to the first receiving portion 27A and the second receiving portion 27B. In this embodiment, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2, the driver can input an operation to the second receiving portion 27B by moving his or her thumb while holding the rim 11.

[0104] The lower edge 23 of the spoke 15 is provided with a spoke recess 35 recessed forward with respect to the imaginary plane S. As a result, a space A defined by the spoke recess 35 is formed at the lower edge 23 of the spoke 15. A driver who grips the rim 11 and operates the vehicle can place his or her thumb in the spoke recess 35 and store the thumb in the internal space A. This makes it possible to provide a steering wheel 5 that is easy for the driver to grip and operate while driving.

[0105] A second ridge 45 between the second surface 39 and the third surface 41 is inclined backward and downward toward the radially outer side. This allows the second ridge 45 to be oriented along the thumb of the driver gripping the rim 11. This allows the driver to easily place the thumb between the second surface 39 and the third surface 41, and easily perform operation input to the reception unit 27.

[0106] The seventh receiving section 27G that receives an operation input related to the turn signal operation is provided on the third surface 41. Therefore, compared to the case where the seventh receiving section 27G is provided on the first surface 37 and the second surface 39, the seventh receiving section 27G is disposed radially outward, so that the driver can easily perform an operation input related to the turn signal operation. In particular, the turn signal operation is input more frequently than, for example, an operation related to a warning sound, so that the operability and convenience of the steering wheel 5 are improved. In addition, a step portion 42 is provided on the radial outside of the third surface 41. Therefore, the step portion 42 functions as a guide that indicates the position of the third surface 41, and the driver can easily understand the position of the third surface 41 by touching the step portion 42.

[0107] The third reception portion 27C to the seventh reception portion 27G that receive operational input from the driver are provided to overlap the spoke recess 35. Since the spoke recess 35 is formed as a recess in the rear surface of the spoke 15, the driver can grasp the position of the spoke recess 35 by touching it. Therefore, the driver can grasp the positions of the third reception portion 27C to the seventh reception portion 27G without visually checking. Therefore, it is possible to provide a steering wheel 5 and a switch unit 53 that are easy for the driver to input operational inputs when driving.

[0108] The angle between first surface 37 and second surface 39 is set to 90 degrees or more. Therefore, even if third reception portion 27C to seventh reception portion 27G are provided on first surface 37 and second surface 39, respectively, spoke recess 35 does not become too deep, and the rider can easily perform operation input (touch operation) to third reception portion 27C to seventh reception portion 27G.

[0109] The first surface 37, the second surface 39, and the third surface 41 each have a different inclination angle. Therefore, the driver can distinguish between the first surface 37, the second surface 39, and the third surface 41 by the inclination angle. Therefore, the driver can selectively perform operation input to the receiving unit 27 provided on each of the first surface 37, the second surface 39, and the third surface 41.

[0110] The angle between the first ridge line 43 and the second ridge line 45, the angle between the second ridge line 45 and the third ridge line 47, and the angle between the third ridge line 47 and the first ridge line 43 are each set to 90 degrees or more. This prevents the spoke recesses 35 from being too deep, allowing the rider to easily perform operation input (touch operation) to the third reception portion 27C to the seventh reception portion 27G.

[0111] 2, a third ridge 29C is provided on the first surface 37. This divides the first surface 37 into two portions, a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion, by the third ridge 29C. A third receiving portion 27C and a fourth receiving portion 27D are provided on each of the portions of the first surface 37 divided by the third ridge 29C.

[0112] A fourth ridge 29D is provided on second surface 39. As a result, second surface 39 is divided into two portions, a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion, by fourth ridge 29D. Fifth receiving portion 27E and sixth receiving portion 27F are provided in the portions of second surface 39 divided by fourth ridge 29D.

[0113] A driver holding the rim 11 can grasp the positions of the third ridge 29C and the fourth ridge 29D by touching the first surface 37 or the second surface 39. This allows the driver to recognize the portions of the first surface 37 or the second surface 39 separated by the third ridge 29C and the fourth ridge 29D without visually checking. Therefore, the driver can easily perform selective operation input to the third reception portion 27C to the sixth reception portion 27F.

[0114] When the driver presses any one of the third reception section 27C to the seventh reception section 27G forward with a sufficient load, the touch sensor 33 acquires the contact position of the driver, and the press switch 79 is turned on. This allows the control device 85 to determine whether an operation input of a sufficient load to turn on the press switch 79 has been made at the contact position acquired by the touch sensor 33. This prevents erroneous input due to unintended contact with the steering wheel 5 by the driver.

[0115] A first ridge 29A is provided on the first receiving portion 27A, and a second ridge 29B is provided on the second receiving portion 27B. The first ridge 29A and the second ridge 29B extend in different directions. Therefore, the driver can distinguish between the first ridge 29A and the second ridge 29B based on the extending directions. This allows the driver to selectively input an operation to either the first ridge 29A or the second ridge 29B without visually checking, thereby providing a steering wheel 5 and a switch unit 53 that are easy for the driver to input.

[0116] To distinguish between the first ridge 29A and the second ridge 29B, the driver only needs to trace the ridges in the up-down direction. The first ridge 29A extends from top to bottom, approaching the axis X of the steering shaft 7. The second ridge 29B extends from top to bottom, away from the axis X of the steering shaft 7. Therefore, by tracing the ridges in the up-down direction and determining whether the extension direction of the ridge is approaching the axis X, the driver can distinguish between the first ridge 29A and the second ridge 29B.

[0117] First reception unit 27A acquires the amount of swiping by the driver in a direction intersecting first protrusion 29A, and second reception unit 27B acquires the contact position of the driver in a direction intersecting second protrusion 29B. In this way, since the corresponding protrusions of first reception unit 27A and second reception unit 27B are located in the center of their respective detection areas, the driver can easily recognize the position to contact or approach (i.e., the position to input operation) based on the position of the protrusion without having to look at it.

[0118] First protrusion ribs 29A and second protrusion ribs 29B each pass through inclined surface 25. Therefore, the driver can easily grasp the positions where first protrusion ribs 29A and second protrusion ribs 29B are provided based on the inclination angle of inclined surface 25.

[0119] First ridge 29A and second ridge 29B are each provided to pass through second inclined surface 25B. Therefore, first receiving portion 27A and second receiving portion 27B are each disposed to overlap second inclined surface 25B. As a result, first receiving portion 27A and second receiving portion 27B are closer to rim 11 than when first receiving portion 27A and second receiving portion 27B are provided only on first inclined surface 25A, making it easier for the driver holding rim 11 to input operations.

[0120] The first receiving portion 27A is located at the upper edge of the rear surface of the spoke 15, and the second receiving portion 27B is located at the left and right side edges of the rear surface of the spoke 15. This allows the driver to easily grasp the location where the operation input should be made. Furthermore, the first receiving portion 27A extends downward from approximately the center of the rim 11 in the vertical direction while inclining so as to approach the rim 11. Therefore, the first receiving portion 27A is arranged so as to follow the movable area when the driver moves his / her thumb while holding the rim 11. This makes it easier to input an operation to the first receiving portion 27A compared to when the first receiving portion 27A extends vertically without inclining.

[0121] In this way, the steering switch 19 that receives an operational input from the driver is configured by the spoke body 51, the touch sensor 33 provided on the rear surface of the spoke body 51, and one push switch 79. In other words, the steering switch 19 configures the base of the spoke body 51.

[0122] The steering switch 19 acquires the operation input position and swipe amount from the driver by the touch sensor 33, and judges whether or not a sufficient load has been applied to the reception unit 27 by the push switch 79. By configuring in this way, there is no need to provide a push switch 79 for each reception unit 27, and therefore the configuration of the steering wheel 5 is simplified. In addition, when the driver presses the reception unit 27, the push switch 79 conveys a sense of moderation to the driver, so that the driver can reliably recognize that an operation input has been performed.

[0123] When the light source 65 emits light, the portion of the front housing 71 where the corresponding touch sensor 33 is provided is illuminated from the front. Since the front housing 71 and the touch sensor 33 are translucent, the light that reaches the portion of the front housing 71 where the corresponding touch sensor 33 is provided passes through the front housing 71 and the touch sensor 33. This allows the driver to visually recognize the corresponding reception unit 27 as emitting light backward. This allows the driver to easily recognize the position of the reception unit 27, i.e., the position where an operation input should be performed.

[0124] Of the light emitted from light source 65, light directed toward areas other than between the diffusion materials 69 is diffused by the diffusion material 69. As a result, the portion of front housing 71 corresponding to light source 65 is selectively illuminated from the front. Therefore, reception unit 27 corresponding to light source 65 is visually recognized as emitting light more strongly than other portions, improving visibility of the position to perform operation input.

[0125] An elastic member 77 that connects the intermediate housing 73 and the wall surface that defines the main body recess 55 is provided between them. Therefore, the base material is housed in the main body recess 55 so as to be displaceable relative to the spoke main body 51. When the rider presses the reception portion 27 forward, the base material moves forward relative to the spoke main body 51, and the push switch 79 is pressed by the bottom surface 59 of the spoke recess 35.

[0126] In this way, since the circuit board 67 is supported on the front end of the intermediate housing 73 and the push switch 79 is provided on the front surface of the circuit board 67, the push switch 79 is operated by a forward pushing force applied to the base. In other words, by supporting the circuit board 67 on the front end of the intermediate housing 73 and arranging the push switch 79 on the front surface of the circuit board 67, the push switch 79 can be arranged between the base and the wall surface that defines the main body recess 55 so as to be operated by a pushing force.

[0127] The touch sensor 33 is connected to the circuit board 67 via the cable 83. Therefore, when the base material moves forward due to the pressing force of the rider, the touch sensor 33 and the circuit board 67 move forward without any relative displacement. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a tensile load from being applied to the cable 83 connected to the touch sensor 33 due to the displacement of the base material relative to the spoke main body 51.

[0128] <<Second embodiment>> The steering wheel 5 according to the second embodiment differs in the position of the push switch 79, and other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment, so description of the other configurations will be omitted.

[0129] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a steering wheel 5 according to a second embodiment, which corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. In the second embodiment, a push switch 79 is provided on the bottom surface 59 of the main body recess 55. In detail, the push switch 79 is disposed so as to face the circuit board 67 at the tip surface of a pillar 81 provided on the bottom surface 59 of the main body recess 55. The push switch 79 is preferably connected to the circuit board 67 via a wire.

[0130] Next, the effects of the steering wheel 5 and the switch unit 53 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0131] When the driver presses the base forward to input an operation to the reception unit 27, the board fixed to the circuit board moves forward in response to the pressing. This causes the push switch 79 to be pressed by the circuit board 67, turning the push switch 79 on. By providing the push switch 79 on the bottom surface 59 of the main body recess 55 in this manner, the push switch 79 can be disposed between the base and the wall surface that defines the main body recess 55 so as to perform a switching operation.

[0132] <Head-up display> The steering switch 19 according to the present invention can be used to change the display content of a display. A possible example of a display whose display content can be changed is a head-up display 89 that displays information on a windshield 87 located in front of the driver.

[0133] However, when the head-up display 89 is provided on the windshield 87, there is a risk that the display thereon may impede the driver's driving operations. Here, as one embodiment, a display system 88 will be described in which the control device 85 changes the display content on the head-up display 89 based on an input to the steering switch 19, and which can prevent the driving operations from being impeded. However, this embodiment merely shows one example of the processing performed by the control device 85 based on an input to the steering switch 19, and the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 7, the display system 88 is configured by, in addition to the control device 85, a user interface, a head-up display 89, and a vehicle condition sensor 91 that detects the vehicle condition.

[0135] The user interface is composed of various devices including the steering switch 19. The vehicle state sensor 91 includes a vehicle speed sensor that detects the speed of the vehicle, and a vehicle distance detection sensor that detects the vehicle distance. The vehicle state sensor 91 may also include an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle. The vehicle distance detection sensor may be composed of, for example, a lidar, radar, sonar, etc.

[0136] The head-up display 89 displays information at a position that is easily within the driver's line of sight by projecting an image onto the windshield 87. The head-up display 89 may display, for example, vehicle speed, remaining fuel or battery power, route information or direction indications provided by a car navigation system, or the like.

[0137] The control device 85 sets the contents (e.g., a speedometer) to be displayed on the head-up display 89 based on input from the vehicle condition sensor 91 and the user interface. Furthermore, the control device 85 controls the head-up display 89 to display the contents based on the set contents. The control device 85 also determines whether or not careful driving is required, or the degree to which carefulness is required, based on the information acquired by the vehicle condition sensor 91, and changes the display mode of the head-up display 89 based on the determination result.

[0138] The control device 85 judges whether or not careful driving is required based on the vehicle state acquired by the vehicle state sensor 91. Specifically, the control device 85 judges whether or not the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined vehicle speed threshold (for example, 80 km or lower) and the vehicle distance is equal to or higher than a predetermined distance threshold (for example, 30 m or higher). When the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the vehicle speed threshold and the vehicle distance is equal to or higher than the distance threshold, the control device 85 sets the display area of ​​the head-up display 89 to a first display area 93A at the lower front in front of the driver's seat on the windshield 87 as shown by the solid line in FIG. 7.

[0139] When the vehicle speed is greater than the vehicle speed threshold or the inter-vehicle distance is smaller than the distance threshold, the control device 85 sets the display area of ​​the head-up display 89 to a second display area 93B on the windshield 87. The second display area 93B differs from the first display area 93A and is set to be smaller than the first display area 93A, as indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG.

[0140] 7, the second display area 93B may be set in an area shifted from a position in front of the driver's eyes (i.e., an area where driving operations are less likely to be hindered) compared to the first display area 93A. For example, the second display area 93B may be set closer to the passenger seat than the first display area 93A, or may be set at the upper edge or lower edge of the front window 87. Furthermore, the second display area 93B may be set to be smaller than the first display area 93A.

[0141] In addition, when the vehicle speed is higher than the vehicle speed threshold or the vehicle distance is smaller than the distance threshold, the control device 85 may set the display of the head-up display 89 to be dimmed. When the vehicle speed is higher than the vehicle speed threshold or the vehicle distance is smaller than the distance threshold, the control device 85 may be configured to set the display of the head-up display 89 so that driving operations are not hindered, and to notify the driver by another notification means (audio, light, vibration, etc., or a combination thereof).

[0142] <Steering wheel> The configuration of the steering wheel 5 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the spokes 15 may be provided with a surface 101S (for example, a surface that changes from above to the rear, also called a twisted surface) whose direction changes continuously toward the radially outward direction. In this case, the receiving portion 27 of the steering switch 19 may be provided on that surface.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the receiving unit 27 for detecting the amount of swiping is provided on the peripheral portion 21, but this is not limited to the embodiment. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the receiving unit 27 for detecting the amount of swiping may be provided on a surface 103S (a surface three-dimensionally connected to the rim 11) that is radially outward of the peripheral portion 21 and is a connecting portion of the spoke 15 to the rim 11 and faces rearward. The receiving unit 27 for detecting the amount of swiping may be provided along the lower edge of the lower edge portion 23.

[0144] As shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the reception unit 27 for receiving inputs related to the up, down, left and right directions may be provided as a cross key 27K on the steering wheel 5. In this case, the cross key 27K may be provided on the rear surface of the spoke 15, on its approximately flat surfaces 105S, 107S. This configuration makes the cross key 27K easier to see. Also, as shown in Fig. 10, the reception units 27 provided on the steering wheel 5 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis X of the steering wheel 5.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 12, a recess 109 having an inverted truncated pyramid shape recessed forward may be provided in the spoke 15. The recess 109 is defined by a rectangular recess bottom surface 111 and four trapezoidal recess edge surfaces 113 surrounding the recess bottom surface 111. In this case, a cross key 27K may be provided on the recess bottom surface 111. Also, the cross key 27K may be provided on the trapezoidal recess edge surface 113. In this way, by providing the cross key 27K in the recess 109, the rider can easily understand the position of the cross key 27K, improving the operability of the cross key 27K.

[0146] 13, there are cases where the spoke 15 is provided with a pyramidal convex portion 115 that protrudes rearward. In that case, the receiving portion 27 is preferably provided on a wall surface that defines the convex portion 115. The receiving portion 27 is preferably configured with a touch sensor 33. This allows the driver to grasp the position of the receiving portion 27 by touching the convex portion 115, thereby improving the operability of the steering switch 19.

[0147] Also, as shown in FIG. 14, a touch panel 117 may be provided on the rear surface of the spoke 15, and the touch panel 117 may display a reception unit 27 for receiving operational input from the driver.

[0148] 15, a cross-shaped rib 119 may be provided between the reception portions 27, and the reception portions 27 (touch sensors 33) may be provided at positions adjacent to the rib 119. In this case, the rib 119 may be provided so as to pass between adjacent reception portions 27. As a result, the rib 119 functions as a boundary line between the reception portions 27 (touch sensors 33), allowing the driver to ascertain the position of the reception portions 27 without visually inspecting them.

[0149] Although the specific embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in a wide range of ways.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the third ridge 29C and the fourth ridge 29D are provided on the first surface 37 and the second surface 39, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this aspect. For example, any aspect may be used as long as a ridge extending in a predetermined direction and dividing the corresponding surface into two parts is provided on any one of the first surface 37, the second surface 39, and the third surface 41, and a receiving portion 27 is provided in each of the parts divided by the ridge.

[0151] In the above embodiment, the receiving portion 27 is provided inside each of the first surface 37, the second surface 39, and the third surface 41, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Any embodiment may be used as long as the receiving portion 27 is provided so that at least a part of the receiving portion 27 overlaps with the spoke recessed portion 35. This allows the driver to grasp the position of the spoke recessed portion 35 by touching it without visually checking it. Therefore, it is possible to provide a steering wheel 5 that allows the driver to easily input operations.

[0152] In the above embodiment, an example in which the reception unit 27 is configured with one touch sensor 33 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this aspect, and for example, a touch sensor 33 may be provided for each reception unit 27, or one or two reception units 27 may be configured with a touch sensor 33. Also, the third reception unit 27C to the seventh reception unit 27G may be configured with one touch sensor 33. The operation input received by each reception unit 27 is not limited to the above aspect, and may be contact, proximity, swipe (scroll, trace), pressure, or a combination thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 5: Steering wheel 7: Steering shaft 11: Rim (grip) 13: Hub (hub part) 15: Spokes (spoke part) 16: Rim recess 17: Spoke through holes 19: Steering switch 21: Periphery 23: Lower edge 25: Inclined surface 25A: 1st slope 25B: 2nd slope 27: Reception 27A: First reception area 27B: Second reception area 27C: 3rd Reception Section 27D: 4th reception area 27E: 5th Reception Section 27F: 6th Reception 27G: 7th Reception Department 27K: Cross key 29A: 1st protrusion 29B: 2nd protrusion 29C: 3rd protrusion 29D: 4th protrusion 33: Touch sensor 35: Spoke recess 37: 1st page 39:Second side 41:Side 3 42 :Double part 43: First Ridge 45: Second ridge 47: The third ridge 51: Spoke body (base) 53: Switch unit (steering switch unit) 55: Main body recess 57: Side wall 59: Bottom 61: Unit body 65: Light source 67: Circuit board 69: Diffusion material 71: Surface case 73: Intermediate housing 75: Folded part 77: Elastic material 79: Press switch 79S: Pressing surface 81: Column 83: Cable 85: Control device 87: Front window 88: Display system 89: Head-up display 91: Vehicle status sensor 93A: 1st display area 93B: 2nd display area 101S:Surface 103S:Surface 105S:Surface 107S:Surface 109: Recess 111: Bottom of recess 113: Recessed edge surface 115: Convex 117: Touch panel 119: Rib A: Space S: Virtual surface X: Axis line

Claims

1. A steering wheel, A gripping portion that is gripped by a driver; A hub portion connected to a steering shaft; a spoke portion connecting the hub portion and the grip portion, A reception portion that receives an operation input from the driver and two protrusions that protrude rearward from the reception portion and extend in a predetermined direction are provided on a rear surface of the spoke portion, A steering wheel in which the two protrusions extend in mutually different directions.

2. One of the protrusions extends downward from above in a direction approaching the axis of the steering shaft, 2. A steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein the other of the protrusions extends downward in a direction away from the axis of the steering shaft.

3. The steering wheel according to claim 2 , wherein at least one of the reception sections receives the operation input corresponding to an amount of swipe in a direction intersecting the corresponding protrusion.

4. The rear surface of the spoke portion is provided with an inclined surface inclined with respect to a virtual plane perpendicular to the axis of the steering shaft, 4. A steering wheel according to claim 3, wherein each of said ridges passes through said inclined surface.

5. The inclined surface includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface that is provided on an outer edge side of the first inclined surface in the spoke portion and has a larger inclination angle with respect to the virtual plane than the first inclined surface, 5. The steering wheel of claim 4, wherein each of the ridges passes through the second inclined surface.

6. the receiving portion corresponding to the one of the protrusions is located at the left and right side edges of the rear surface of the spoke portion, 6. The steering wheel according to claim 3, wherein the receiving portion corresponding to the other of the protrusions is located at an upper edge of the rear surface of the spoke portion.

7. 7. The steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the receiving portions extends downward and inclines toward the grip portion.

8. A steering switch unit comprising a spoke part that connects a grip part that is gripped by a driver and a hub part that is connected to a steering shaft, the spoke part being provided on a rear surface of a spoke body having a main body recess that is recessed forward, the spoke part connecting the grip part and the hub part in cooperation with the spoke body, A base body that is fitted into the main body recess and forms a rear surface of the spoke portion, and a touch sensor that is provided on the rear surface of the base body and acquires an amount of swiping of the driver on the detection area, Two protrusions are provided on the rear surface of the base within the detection area, protruding rearward and extending in a predetermined direction, A steering switch unit in which the two protrusions extend in different directions.

Images