Steering device

Abstract

To inhibit an occupant side space from being occupied and improve occupant's convenience.SOLUTION: A steering device 1 of an embodiment includes: a steering rim part 4 which is held by an occupant of a vehicle; a boss part 5 which rotatably supports the steering rim part 4; and a connection part 6 which connects a rear surface F2 of the steering rim part 4 with the boss part 5. The connection part 6 varies so that the steering rim part 4 may be stored at the side of the boss part 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, steering devices that are attached to the vehicle body of a vehicle such as an automobile are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which the hub portion of a steering wheel is formed so as to be bendable at a central portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The hub portion includes a base portion connected to the steering shaft and a rotating portion provided so as to be rotatable relative to the base. The rotating portion is connected to the base so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis along the vehicle width direction. A plurality of spoke portions are connected to the rotating portion. The rotating portion of the hub portion, each spoke portion, and the rim portion are rotatable integrally about the rotation axis relative to the base. The tilt angle of the central axis of the rotating portion (angle around the rotation axis) can be changed together with the rim portion. When the tilt angle of the central axis within the rotation range of the rotating portion is at its smallest, the rim portion is positioned on the occupant side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-100058 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if the rim portion is positioned on the occupant's side, it may occupy space on the occupant's side. In this case, the rim portion may get in the way when the occupant gets in and out of the vehicle. Therefore, there is room for improvement in suppressing the occupant's space from being occupied and improving convenience for the occupant.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a steering device that can prevent the space on the occupant's side from being occupied and improve convenience for the occupant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A steering device according to one aspect of the present invention (for example, the steering device 1 in the embodiment) includes a steering rim portion (for example, the steering rim portion 4 in the embodiment) that is gripped by a vehicle occupant, a boss portion (for example, the boss portion 5 in the embodiment) that rotatably supports the steering rim portion, a rear surface of the steering rim portion (for example, the rear surface F2 of the steering rim portion in the embodiment) and the boss portion. the outer peripheral surface (for example, the outer peripheral surface 31 of the boss portion in the embodiment) and a connecting portion (for example, connecting portion 6 in the embodiment) that connects the The deformation of the connecting portion causes the steering rim portion to move in a direction pushing the steering rim portion toward the front of the vehicle and be stored on the side of the boss portion. .

[0007] (2) One aspect of the present invention The steering device according to the present invention (for example, the steering device 1 in the embodiments) includes a steering rim portion (for example, the steering rim portion 4 in the embodiments) that is gripped by a vehicle occupant, a boss portion (for example, the boss portion 5 in the embodiments) that rotatably supports the steering rim portion, and a connecting portion (for example, the connecting portion 6 in the embodiments) that connects a back surface of the steering rim portion (for example, the back surface F2 of the steering rim portion in the embodiments) and the boss portion, and the connecting portion is variable so that the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion, The connecting portion is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion (for example, the outer peripheral surface 31 of the boss portion in the embodiment), and when the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion, the inner peripheral surface of the steering rim portion (for example, the inner peripheral surface 11 of the steering rim portion in the embodiment) abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion. do .

[0009] ( 3 ) One aspect of the present invention The steering device according to the present invention (for example, the steering device 1 in the embodiments) includes a steering rim portion (for example, the steering rim portion 4 in the embodiments) that is gripped by a vehicle occupant, a boss portion (for example, the boss portion 5 in the embodiments) that rotatably supports the steering rim portion, and a connecting portion (for example, the connecting portion 6 in the embodiments) that connects a back surface of the steering rim portion (for example, the back surface F2 of the steering rim portion in the embodiments) and the boss portion, and the connecting portion is variable so that the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion,In an initial state before the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion, the connecting portion comprises a first extending portion (for example, first extending portion 41 in the embodiment) that extends from the back surface of the steering rim portion toward the front of the vehicle and is connected to the back surface of the steering rim portion in a manner that allows it to bend, and a second extending portion (for example, second extending portion 42 in the embodiment) that extends from the outer circumferential surface of the boss portion toward the rear of the vehicle and is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the boss portion, the first extending portion and the second extending portion being connected to each other in a manner that allows them to bend, and in a stored state where the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion, the first extending portion and the second extending portion extend toward the front of the vehicle and overlap each other when viewed from the circumferential direction of the boss portion. R .

[0010] ( 4 In one aspect of the present invention, the connecting portion comprises a forward extending portion (for example, forward extending portion 240 in the embodiments) extending from the back surface of the steering rim portion toward the front of the vehicle, a first engagement portion (for example, first engagement portion 241 in the embodiments) provided on the forward extending portion on the front side of the vehicle, a second engagement portion (for example, second engagement portion in the embodiments) provided on the front extending portion on the side of the steering rim portion, and a boss side engagement portion (for example, boss side engaging portion 243 in the embodiments) provided on the outer surface of the boss portion and with which the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion can engage, and the first engagement portion may be engaged with the boss side engaging portion in an initial state before the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion, and the second engagement portion may be engaged with the boss side engaging portion in a stored state where the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] (1) above From (3) According to this aspect, the steering device comprises a steering rim portion that is gripped by a vehicle occupant, a boss portion that rotatably supports the steering rim portion, and a connecting portion that connects the back surface of the steering rim portion to the boss portion, and the connecting portion is variable so that the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion, thereby achieving the following effects. The connecting portion can be adjusted so that the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion, allowing the steering rim portion to be stored on the side of the boss portion, away from the occupant. By storing the steering rim portion on the side of the boss, the space on the occupant's side can be effectively utilized, making it easier for the occupant to get in and out of the vehicle. This reduces the occupation of space on the occupant's side and improves convenience for the occupant.

[0012] According to the above aspect (2), the connecting portion is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion, and when the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion, the inner peripheral surface of the steering rim portion abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion, thereby achieving the following effects. In the retracted state of the steering rim, the steering rim can be moved further forward in comparison with when the inner peripheral surface of the steering rim is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the boss, thereby moving the steering rim further away from the occupant, further improving convenience for the occupant.

[0014] the above( 3 According to the aspect of the present invention, in an initial state before the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion, the connecting portion comprises a first extending portion that extends from the back surface of the steering rim portion toward the front of the vehicle and is bendably connected to the back surface of the steering rim portion, and a second extending portion that extends from the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion toward the rear of the vehicle and is bendably connected to the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion, the first extending portion and the second extending portion are bendably connected to each other, and in a stored state where the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion, the first extending portion and the second extending portion extend toward the front of the vehicle and overlap each other when viewed in the circumferential direction of the boss portion, thereby achieving the following effects. The first extension portion connected to the back surface of the steering rim portion and the second extension portion connected to the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion are bendably connected to each other, allowing the occupant to easily store the steering rim portion. In addition, because the first extension portion and the second extension portion extend toward the front of the vehicle when the steering rim portion is stored, the space on the occupant side can be increased compared to when the first extension portion and the second extension portion extend toward the rear of the vehicle when the steering rim portion is stored. In addition, because the first extension portion and the second extension portion overlap each other when viewed circumferentially from the boss portion when the steering rim portion is stored, the connecting portion can be made smaller.

[0015] the above( 4 According to the aspect of the present invention, the connecting portion comprises a forward extending portion extending from the back surface of the steering rim portion towards the front of the vehicle, a first engaging portion provided on the forward extending portion on the front side of the vehicle, a second engaging portion provided on the forward extending portion on the side of the steering rim portion, and a boss-side engaging portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion and with which the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can engage, and the first engaging portion engages with the boss-side engaging portion in the initial state before the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion, and in the stored state where the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion, the second engaging portion engages with the boss-side engaging portion, thereby achieving the following effects. The steering rim can be changed to a stored state using a simple structure in which a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion are provided on the forward extension portion that extends from the back surface of the steering rim toward the front of the vehicle, and a boss-side engagement portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a steering device according to an embodiment, showing an initial state before a steering rim portion is stored on the side of a boss portion; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a steering device according to an embodiment, showing a state in which a steering rim portion is being stored on the side of a boss portion; FIG. [Figure 3]1 is a perspective view of a steering device according to an embodiment, showing a stored state in which a steering rim portion is stored on the side of a boss portion; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the upper connecting portion of the steering rim portion in the initial state according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the upper connecting portion of the steering rim portion of the embodiment in a partially retracted state. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the upper connecting portion of the steering rim portion in a stored state according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the steering rim portion of the embodiment in an initial state, as viewed from the right side of the vehicle. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the steering rim portion of the embodiment in a mid-storage state, as viewed from the right side of the vehicle. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the steering rim portion of the embodiment in a stored state, as viewed from the right side of the vehicle. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view of the initial state of the steering rim portion of the first modified example of the embodiment, as viewed from the right side of the vehicle. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a view of the steering rim portion of the first modified example of the embodiment in a stored state, as viewed from the right side of the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, a steering device steered by a driver (passenger) of an automobile (vehicle) will be described as an example. Directions such as front, rear, left, and right in the following description are the same as those in the vehicle in which the steering device is installed, unless otherwise specified. In the drawings used in the following description, an arrow FR indicating the front of the vehicle, an arrow LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, and an arrow UP indicating the top of the vehicle are shown in appropriate places.

[0018] <Steering device> 1, the steering device 1 includes a steering wheel 3 rotatably connected to a steering shaft 2. The steering wheel 3 includes a steering rim portion 4 that is gripped by a vehicle occupant, a boss portion 5 that rotatably supports the steering rim portion 4, and a connecting portion 6 that connects the back surface F2 of the steering rim portion 4 to the boss portion 5.

[0019] The connecting portion 6 is movable so that the steering rim portion 4 is stored on the side of the boss portion 5. The movable connecting portion 6 allows the steering device 1 to change from the state shown in FIG. 1 to the state shown in FIG. 3. For example, when the steering rim portion 4 is in the state shown in FIG. 1 (the initial state before it is stored on the side of the boss portion 5) and the occupant grasps the steering rim portion 4 and pushes it toward the front of the vehicle, the steering device changes from the state shown in FIG. 1 to the state shown in FIG. 3 (a stored state in which the steering rim portion 4 is stored on the side of the boss portion 5). On the other hand, when the occupant grasps the steering rim portion 4 and pulls it toward the rear of the vehicle in the state shown in FIG. 3, the steering device changes from the state shown in FIG. 3 to the state shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] Hereinafter, the initial state before the steering rim portion 4 is stored on the side of the boss portion 5 (the state shown in Figures 1, 4 and 7) will be referred to as the "initial state of the steering rim portion 4", the state in the middle of storing the steering rim portion 4 on the side of the boss portion 5 (the state shown in Figures 2, 5 and 8) will be referred to as the "state in the middle of storing the steering rim portion 4", and the stored state in which the steering rim portion 4 is stored on the side of the boss portion 5 (the state shown in Figures 3, 6 and 9) will be referred to as the "stored state of the steering rim portion 4".

[0021] <Steering rim section> As shown in Figure 1, the steering rim portion 4 has an annular rim main body portion 10 and a palm outer support portion 20 that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 12 of the rim main body portion 10 and supports the outer side of the palm when the occupant grips the steering rim portion 4.

[0022] The rim main body 10 is annular. The axial direction of the rim main body 10 is the direction along the central axis C1 of rotation of the steering wheel 3. The radial direction of the rim main body 10 is the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rim main body 10. The circumferential direction of the rim main body 10 is the direction around the axial direction of the rim main body 10.

[0023] Hereinafter, the occupant side in the axial direction of the rim main body 10 will be referred to as the front side, and the side opposite the occupant will be referred to as the back side. As shown in FIG. 4, the front side F1 of the steering rim portion 4 is the surface on the occupant side of the outer surface of the steering rim portion 4 with respect to the axial center position P1 of the rim main body 10. The front side F1 of the steering rim portion 4 corresponds to the surface on the rear side of the vehicle (driver's seat side) when the steering wheel 3 is mounted on the vehicle. Meanwhile, the back side F2 of the steering rim portion 4 is the surface on the outer surface of the steering rim portion 4 opposite the surface on the occupant side (front side F1 of the steering rim portion 4) with respect to the axial center position P1 of the rim main body 10. The back side F2 of the steering rim portion 4 corresponds to the surface on the front side of the vehicle when the steering wheel 3 is mounted on the vehicle.

[0024] The inner circumferential surface 11 of the rim main body portion 10 is the surface on the inside relative to the radial center position P2 of the rim main body portion 10. On the other hand, the outer circumferential surface 12 of the rim main body portion 10 is the surface on the outside relative to the radial center position P2 of the rim main body portion 10. In other words, the outer circumferential surface 12 of the rim main body portion 10 is the surface on the opposite side to the surface on the inside relative to the radial center position P2 of the rim main body portion 10 (the inner circumferential surface 11 of the rim main body portion 10).

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the steering rim 4 is connected to the boss 5 by a connecting portion 6. The steering rim 4 can rotate integrally with the boss 5 around the central axis C1 of rotation of the steering wheel 3. Each figure shows the state before the steering rim 4 is rotated. Hereinafter, the front view seen from the driver's side before the steering rim 4 is rotated will also be referred to as the "front view before rotation."

[0026] <Polar support part> A pair of palm outer support portions 20 are provided on the left and right sides of the rim body 10. The pair of palm outer support portions 20 consists of a right palm outer support portion 20A that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 12 on the right side of the rim body 10, and a left palm outer support portion 20B that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 12 on the left side of the rim body 10, in a front view before rotation. For example, the right palm outer support portion 20A and the left palm outer support portion 20B may be symmetrical about the vehicle widthwise centerline C2 that passes through the rotation center axis C1, in a front view before rotation.

[0027] The right palm outer support portion 20A is provided from near the circumferential center of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the upper right part of the rim body 10 to near the circumferential center of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the lower right part of the rim body 10. The right palm outer support portion 20A curves in an arched shape radially outward of the rim body 10, connecting near the circumferential center of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the upper right part of the rim body 10 and near the circumferential center of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the lower right part of the rim body 10.

[0028] The right palm outer support portion 20A has an upper apex 21 that protrudes radially outward most at the upper circumferential center of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the right side of the rim body 10, and a lower apex 22 that protrudes radially outward most at the lower circumferential center of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the right side of the rim body 10. For example, the part of the right palm outer support portion 20A between the upper apex 21 and the lower apex 22 of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the right side of the rim body 10 supports the outer side of the palm of the right hand when the occupant grips the steering rim 4.

[0029] The left palm outer support portion 20B extends from near the circumferential center of the outer peripheral surface 12 at the upper left of the rim body portion 10 to near the circumferential center of the outer peripheral surface 12 at the lower left of the rim body portion 10. The left palm outer support portion 20B curves in an arched shape radially outward of the rim body portion 10, connecting near the circumferential center of the outer peripheral surface 12 at the upper left of the rim body portion 10 with near the circumferential center of the outer peripheral surface 12 at the lower left of the rim body portion 10. Note that the upper and lower apexes 21 and 22 of the left palm outer support portion 20B are similar in configuration to the upper and lower apexes 21 and 22 of the right palm outer support portion 20A, although their left-right positional relationship is different, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted.

[0030] <Lighting Department> As shown in Fig. 1, for example, the steering rim 4 may further include an illumination unit 15 that can brightly illuminate the steering rim 4. The illumination unit 15 may be provided on at least the surface F1 of the steering rim 4. For example, the steering device 1 may include a control unit that controls the light emission timing of the illumination unit 15. Note that the illumination unit 15 is not shown in the figures other than Fig. 1.

[0031] For example, it is preferable that the lighting unit 15 emits light when the steering rim unit 4 is in the stored state. For example, it is preferable that the lighting unit 15 does not emit light when the steering rim unit 4 is in any state other than the stored state (for example, the initial state or a state in the middle of being stored). This makes it possible to visually inform the occupant that the steering rim unit 4 is in the stored state.

[0032] <Boss part> The boss portion 5 is disposed radially inward of the rim main body portion 10. The boss portion 5 is cylindrical and extends along the axial direction of the rim main body portion 10. The boss portion 5 is disposed on the central axis C1 of rotation of the steering wheel 3. The boss portion 5 is attached to the steering shaft 2. The boss portion 5 is rotatable integrally with the steering shaft 2 around the central axis C1 of rotation.

[0033] The boss portion 5 includes a cylindrical boss main body portion 30. The boss main body portion 30 has an outer peripheral surface 31 that follows the inner peripheral surface 11 of the rim main body portion 10 when viewed from the front before rotation. The axial direction of the boss main body portion 30 is a direction along the rotation center axis C1 of the steering wheel 3. The radial direction of the boss main body portion 30 is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the boss main body portion 30. The circumferential direction of the boss main body portion 30 is a direction around the axial direction of the boss main body portion 30. Hereinafter, the occupant side in the axial direction of the boss main body portion 30 is referred to as the front side. The surface G1 of the boss portion 5 is the surface of the outer surface of the boss portion 5 that faces the occupant.

[0034] For example, an optional part 100 such as a tablet (an example of an electronic device) may be removably provided on the boss part 5. The optional part 100 may be rectangular with its longitudinal axis in the vehicle width direction. For example, the boss part 5 may have a recess 32 that opens so that the optional part 100 can be fitted in. The recess 32 may be recessed from the surface G1 (the surface on the passenger side) of the boss part 5 toward the front of the vehicle.

[0035] <Connection part> As shown in Figure 1, the connecting portion 6 connects the back surface F2 of the steering rim portion 4 and the boss portion 5 in a direction perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 6 is not connected to the front surface F1 of the steering rim portion 4. Multiple connecting portions 6 (three in this embodiment) are provided between the boss portion 5 and the steering rim portion 4.

[0036] The three connecting portions 6, in a front view before rotation, are an upper connecting portion 6A connecting the upper part of the back surface F2 of the rim body portion 10 to the upper part of the outer periphery of the boss portion 5, a lower right connecting portion 6B connecting the lower right part of the back surface F2 of the rim body portion 10 to the lower right part of the outer periphery of the boss portion 5, and a lower left connecting portion 6C connecting the lower left part of the back surface F2 of the rim body portion 10 to the lower left part of the outer periphery of the boss portion 5. For example, the lower right connecting portion 6B and the lower left connecting portion 6C may have an axisymmetric shape with respect to the vehicle width center line C2 passing through the rotation center axis C1 as the axis of symmetry, in a front view before rotation. For example, the upper connecting portion 6A, the lower right connecting portion 6B and the lower left connecting portion 6C may have a rotationally symmetric shape (three-fold symmetry) with respect to the rotation center axis C1 as the center, in a front view before rotation.

[0037] Below, we will explain in detail the upper connecting portion 6A of the three connecting portions 6. The lower right connecting portion 6B and the lower left connecting portion 6C are located at different circumferential positions relative to the upper connecting portion 6A but have the same configuration, so detailed explanations will be omitted. 4, in the initial state of the steering rim portion 4, the upper connecting portion 6A includes a first extending portion 41 that extends from an upper portion of the back surface F2 of the steering rim portion 4 toward the front of the vehicle and is bendably connected to the upper portion of the back surface F2 of the steering rim portion 4, and a second extending portion 42 that extends from an upper portion of the outer circumferential surface 31 of the boss portion 5 toward the rear of the vehicle and is bendably connected to the upper portion of the outer circumferential surface 31 of the boss portion 5. The first extending portion 41 and the second extending portion 42 are bendably connected to each other.

[0038] 7, the upper connecting portion 6A has a plurality of (three in this embodiment) shafts 43, 44, 45 for connecting the first extending portion 41 and the second extending portion 42 in a bendable manner to each other. The three shafts 43, 44, 45 are: a first shaft 43 that connects an upper portion of the rear surface F2 of the rim main body 10 to one end (rear end in FIG. 7) of the first extending portion 41 in the initial state of the steering rim portion 4; a second shaft 44 that connects an upper portion of the outer peripheral surface 31 of the boss portion 5 to one end (front end in FIG. 7) of the second extending portion 42; and a third shaft 45 that connects the other end (front end in FIG. 7) of the first extending portion 41 to the other end (rear end in FIG. 7) of the second extending portion 42.

[0039] The first shaft portion 43 extends in a direction tangential to the outer periphery of the rim main body portion 10 (vehicle width direction in FIG. 7) at the top of the back surface F2 of the rim main body portion 10. The second shaft portion 44 extends in a direction tangential to the outer periphery of the boss portion 5 (vehicle width direction in FIG. 7) near the upper front end of the outer periphery surface 31 of the boss portion 5. The third shaft portion 45 extends in a direction tangential to the outer periphery of the boss portion 5 (vehicle width direction in FIG. 7) near the upper rear end of the outer periphery surface 31 of the boss portion 5. The first shaft portion 43, second shaft portion 44, and third shaft portion 45 extend parallel to each other. In the initial state of the steering rim portion 4, the third shaft portion 45 is located between the first shaft portion 43 and the second shaft portion 44 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0040] The first extension portion 41 is rotatably connected to the upper part of the back surface F2 of the rim main body portion 10 about a first shaft portion 43. The second extension portion 42 is rotatably connected to the upper part of the outer peripheral surface 31 of the boss portion 5 about a second shaft portion 44. The first extension portion 41 and the second extension portion 42 are rotatably connected to each other about a third shaft portion 45. The first extension portion 41 and the second extension portion 42 are bendable relative to each other between the upper part of the back surface F2 of the rim main body portion 10 and the upper part of the outer peripheral surface 31 of the boss portion 5.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 8 , when the steering rim 4 is in the middle of being stored, the first extension 41 and the second extension 42 are bent in an inverted V shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction. When the steering rim 4 is in the middle of being stored, the first extension 41 extends from the first axle 43 toward the front and upper part of the vehicle. When the steering rim 4 is in the middle of being stored, the second extension 42 extends from the second axle 44 toward the rear and upper part of the vehicle. When the steering rim 4 is in the middle of being stored, the front upper part of the first extension 41 and the rear upper part of the second extension 42 overlap each other when viewed from the vehicle width direction. When the steering rim 4 is in the middle of being stored, the third axle 45 is located between the first axle 43 and the second axle 44 in the front-to-rear direction. When the steering rim 4 is in the middle of being stored, the third axle 45 is located higher on the vehicle than the first axle 43 and the second axle 44.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 9 , when the steering rim 4 is in the stored state, the first extension 41 and the second extension 42 extend toward the front of the vehicle. When the steering rim 4 is in the stored state, the first extension 41 extends toward the front of the vehicle from the first axle 43. When the steering rim 4 is in the stored state, the second extension 42 extends toward the front of the vehicle from the second axle 44. When the steering rim 4 is in the stored state, the first extension 41 and the second extension 42 overlap each other when viewed in the vehicle width direction (an example of the circumferential direction of the boss 5). When the steering rim 4 is in the stored state, the second extension 42 is contained within the front-rear range of the first extension 41. When the steering rim 4 is in the stored state, the second extension 42 is located below the upper end of the first extension 41. When the steering rim 4 is in the stored state, the third axle 45 is located further forward of the second axle 44.

[0043] 6, when the steering rim portion 4 is in the retracted state, the inner peripheral surface 11 of the steering rim portion 4 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 31 of the boss portion 5. For example, when the steering rim portion 4 is in the retracted state, the inner peripheral surface 11 of the steering rim portion 4 may abut against the outer peripheral surface 31 of the boss portion 5 over the entire circumference.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 9 , when the steering rim 4 is in the retracted state, the surface F1 of the steering rim 4 is flush with the surface G1 of the boss 5. Here, flush does not necessarily mean that the surface F1 of the steering rim 4 is completely flush with the surface G1 of the boss 5, but also includes the concept of being approximately flush (substantially flush). For example, when the steering rim 4 is in the retracted state, the surface F1 of the steering rim 4 does not necessarily mean that there is no step between the surface F1 of the steering rim 4 and the surface G1 of the boss 5 and that the surface F1 is completely flat. For example, when the steering rim 4 is in the retracted state, the surface F1 of the steering rim 4 may be slightly stepped between the surface F1 of the boss 5 and the surface G1 of the boss 5, but may appear flat. For example, when the steering rim 4 is in the retracted state, the portion of the surface F1 of the steering rim 4 closest to the occupant (the portion that protrudes most toward the rear of the vehicle) may be located on the same plane as the surface G1 of the boss 5.

[0045] <Action and effect> As described above, the steering device 1 of the above embodiment comprises a steering rim portion 4 that is gripped by a vehicle occupant, a boss portion 5 that rotatably supports the steering rim portion 4, and a connecting portion 6 that connects the back surface F2 of the steering rim portion 4 to the boss portion 5, and the connecting portion 6 is movable so that the steering rim portion 4 is stored on the side of the boss portion 5. According to this configuration, the connecting portion 6 can be adjusted so that the steering rim portion 4 is stored on the side of the boss portion 5, allowing the steering rim portion 4 to be stored on the side of the boss portion 5, away from the occupant. By storing the steering rim portion 4 on the side of the boss, the space on the occupant's side can be used effectively, making it easier for the occupant to get in and out of the vehicle. This prevents the space on the occupant's side from being occupied and improves convenience for the occupant. However, if the rim portion is positioned on the occupant's side, it will occupy space on the occupant's side, which will cause the following problems (1) to (3). (1) When the vehicle is in automatic driving mode or when the vehicle is stopped, if a passenger comes into contact with the rim, it may disrupt the steering. (2) When the occupant is in a relaxed state, it may hinder the occupant's natural body movements. (3) When an occupant operates the control pad mounted on the steering wheel, there is a possibility that part of the body may come into contact with the rim. In contrast, according to the configuration of the embodiment, the connecting portion 6 is variable so that the steering rim portion 4 is stored on the side of the boss portion 5, thereby solving the above problems (1) to (3).

[0046] In the above embodiment, the connecting portion 6 is connected to the outer peripheral surface 31 of the boss portion 5, and the inner peripheral surface 11 of the steering rim portion 4 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 31 of the boss portion 5 when the steering rim portion 4 is in the retracted state. With this configuration, the steering rim 4 can be moved further forward in the vehicle compared to when the inner peripheral surface 11 of the steering rim 4 is separated from the outer peripheral surface 31 of the boss 5 in the stored state. This allows the steering rim 4 to be moved further away from the occupant, further improving convenience for the occupant.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the surface F1 of the steering rim portion 4 is flush with the surface G1 of the boss portion 5 when the steering rim portion 4 is in the stored state. With this configuration, the steering rim 4 can be positioned further away from the occupant than when the surface F1 of the steering rim 4 is shifted toward the occupant relative to the surface G1 of the boss 5 in the stored state. This further improves convenience for the occupant. In addition, the design of the steering device 1 can be improved even when the steering rim 4 is in the stored state, compared to when the surface F1 of the steering rim 4 is shifted toward the occupant relative to the surface G1 of the boss 5.

[0048] In the above embodiment, in the initial state of the steering rim portion 4, the connecting portion 6 comprises a first extension portion 41 that extends from the back surface F2 of the steering rim portion 4 toward the front of the vehicle and is bendably connected to the back surface F2 of the steering rim portion 4, and a second extension portion 42 that extends from the outer peripheral surface 31 of the boss portion 5 toward the rear of the vehicle and is bendably connected to the outer peripheral surface 31 of the boss portion 5, and the first extension portion 41 and the second extension portion 42 are bendably connected to each other, and when the steering rim portion 4 is in the stored state, the first extension portion 41 and the second extension portion 42 extend toward the front of the vehicle and overlap each other when viewed circumferentially of the boss portion 5. According to this configuration, the first extension portion 41 connected to the back surface F2 of the steering rim portion 4 and the second extension portion 42 connected to the outer peripheral surface 31 of the boss portion 5 are connected to each other in a bendable manner, allowing the occupant to easily store the steering rim portion 4. In addition, because the first extension portion 41 and the second extension portion 42 extend toward the front of the vehicle when the steering rim portion 4 is stored, the space on the occupant's side can be increased compared to when the first extension portion 41 and the second extension portion 42 extend toward the rear of the vehicle when the steering rim portion 4 is stored. In addition, because the first extension portion 41 and the second extension portion 42 overlap each other when viewed circumferentially of the boss portion 5 when the steering rim portion 4 is stored, the connecting portion 6 can be made smaller.

[0049] <First Modification> Figure 10 is a view of the steering rim portion 4 of the first modified embodiment in an initial state as viewed from the right side of the vehicle. Figure 11 is a view of the steering rim portion 4 of the first modified embodiment in a stored state as viewed from the right side of the vehicle. In Figures 10 and 11, the same components as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted. As shown in Figure 10, the connecting portion 206 may include a forward extending portion 240 extending from the back surface F2 of the steering rim portion 4 toward the front of the vehicle, a first engagement portion 241 provided on the front side of the vehicle in the forward extending portion 240, a second engagement portion 242 provided on the front extending portion 240 on the side of the steering rim portion 4, and a boss side engagement portion 243 provided on the side of the outer surface 31 of the boss portion 5 and with which the first engagement portion 241 and the second engagement portion 242 can engage.

[0050] For example, the first engagement portion 241 is a rectangular pillar-shaped protrusion that protrudes in the vehicle width direction from the front side of the vehicle on the front extending portion 240. For example, the first engagement portion 241 may be a claw shape that can be hooked onto the boss-side engagement portion 243. For example, the second engagement portion 242 is a rectangular pillar-shaped protrusion that protrudes in the vehicle width direction from the steering rim portion 4 side of the forward extending portion 240. For example, the second engagement portion 242 may be a claw shape that can be hooked onto the boss-side engagement portion 243.

[0051] The boss-side engagement portion 243 includes a bulging portion 244 that bulges outward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface 31 of the boss portion 5. The bulging portion 244 has an engagement hole 245 with which the first engagement portion 241 and the second engagement portion 242 can engage. For example, the engagement hole 245 is a rectangular through-hole that opens in the vehicle width direction at the top of the bulging portion 244.

[0052] As shown in Figure 10, in the initial state of the steering rim portion 4, the first engagement portion 241 engages with the engagement hole 245 of the boss-side engagement portion 243. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11, in the stored state of the steering rim portion 4, the second engagement portion 242 engages with the engagement hole 245 of the boss-side engagement portion 243.

[0053] For example, when changing the steering rim portion 4 from the initial state (the state in FIG. 10) to the stored state (the state in FIG. 11), the occupant releases the engagement of the first engagement portion 241 with the engagement hole 245 of the boss-side engagement portion 243. For example, after releasing the engagement of the first engagement portion 241, the occupant engages the second engagement portion 242 with the engagement hole 245 of the boss-side engagement portion 243. This allows the steering rim portion 4 to be changed to the stored state (the state in FIG. 11).

[0054] In this modified example, the connecting portion 206 comprises a forward extending portion 240 extending from the back surface F2 of the steering rim portion 4 towards the front of the vehicle, a first engagement portion 241 provided on the front side of the vehicle in the forward extending portion 240, a second engagement portion 242 provided on the front extending portion 240 on the side of the steering rim portion 4, and a boss side engagement portion 243 provided on the side of the outer surface 31 of the boss portion 5 and with which the first engagement portion 241 and the second engagement portion 242 can engage, and the first engagement portion 241 engages with the boss side engagement portion 243 in the initial state before the steering rim portion 4 is stored on the side of the boss portion 5, and the second engagement portion 242 engages with it when the steering rim portion 4 is in the stored state. According to this configuration, the steering rim portion 4 can be changed to a stored state with a simple structure in which a first engagement portion 241 and a second engagement portion 242 are provided on the forward extension portion 240 that extends from the back surface F2 of the steering rim portion 4 toward the front of the vehicle, and a boss-side engagement portion 243 is provided on the outer peripheral surface side of the boss portion 5.

[0055] In this modified example, the first engagement portion is a convex portion that protrudes in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle front side of the forward extension portion, the second engagement portion is a convex portion that protrudes in the vehicle width direction from the steering rim side of the forward extension portion, and the boss-side engagement portion has an engagement hole with which the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion can engage. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the boss-side engagement portion may have a convex portion that protrudes in the vehicle width direction, the first engagement portion may be a first engagement hole with which the convex portion of the boss-side engagement portion can engage on the vehicle front side of the forward extension portion, and the second engagement portion may be a second engagement hole with which the convex portion of the boss-side engagement portion can engage on the steering rim side of the forward extension portion. For example, the engagement mode between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion of the forward extension portion and the boss-side engagement portion can be changed according to required specifications.

[0056] <Other variations> In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the connecting portion is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion, and the inner peripheral surface of the steering rim portion abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion when the steering rim portion is in the retracted state, but this is not limited to this. For example, the inner peripheral surface of the steering rim portion does not have to abut against the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion when the steering rim portion is in the retracted state. For example, the inner peripheral surface of the steering rim portion may be separated from the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion when the steering rim portion is in the retracted state. For example, the arrangement of the inner peripheral surface of the steering rim portion and the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion when the steering rim portion is in the retracted state can be changed according to required specifications.

[0057] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the surface of the steering rim is flush with the surface of the boss when the steering rim is stored, but this is not limited to this. For example, the surface of the steering rim does not have to be flush with the surface of the boss when the steering rim is stored. For example, the surface of the steering rim may be shifted toward the occupant relative to the surface of the boss when the steering rim is stored. For example, the arrangement of the surface of the steering rim and the surface of the boss when the steering rim is stored can be changed according to required specifications.

[0058] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first extension portion and the second extension portion extend toward the front of the vehicle when the steering rim portion is in the stored state, but this is not limited to this. For example, the first extension portion and the second extension portion do not have to extend toward the front of the vehicle when the steering rim portion is in the stored state. For example, the first extension portion and the second extension portion may extend toward the rear of the vehicle when the steering rim portion is in the stored state. For example, the arrangement of the first extension portion and the second extension portion when the steering rim portion is in the stored state can be changed according to required specifications.

[0059] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first extension portion and the second extension portion overlap each other when viewed from the circumferential direction of the boss portion in the retracted state of the steering rim portion, but this is not limited to this. For example, the first extension portion and the second extension portion do not have to overlap each other when viewed from the circumferential direction of the boss portion in the retracted state of the steering rim portion. For example, the first extension portion and the second extension portion may be offset from each other when viewed from the circumferential direction of the boss portion in the retracted state of the steering rim portion. For example, the arrangement of the first extension portion and the second extension portion when viewed from the circumferential direction of the boss portion in the retracted state of the steering rim portion can be changed according to required specifications.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the steering rim portion has been described as having palm outer support portions that protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the rim body and support the outer side of the palm when the occupant grips the steering rim portion. However, this is not limiting. For example, the steering rim portion does not have to have palm outer support portions. For example, the installation mode of the palm outer support portions can be changed according to required specifications.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the rim body portion is described as being annular, but this is not limiting. For example, the rim body portion does not have to be annular. For example, the rim body portion may be rectangular frame-shaped. For example, the rim body portion may be annular. For example, the shape of the rim body portion can be changed according to required specifications.

[0062] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which three connecting portions are provided between the boss portion and the steering rim portion, but this is not limited to this. For example, only one connecting portion, two connecting portions, or four or more connecting portions may be provided. For example, the number of connecting portions can be changed depending on the required specifications.

[0063] The above describes preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications to the configuration are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, and the above-mentioned modifications can also be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1...Steering device 4...Steering rim 5...Boss section 6...Connection part 11...Inner surface of steering rim 31...Outer surface of boss 41...First extension part 42…Second extension part 206...Connection part 240...Front extension part 241...First engagement portion 242...Second engagement portion 243...Boss side engagement portion F1...Surface of the steering rim (side of the steering rim facing the driver) F2...Back side of steering rim G1...Boss surface (side of boss facing the passenger)

Claims

1. a steering rim portion that is gripped by a vehicle occupant; a boss portion that rotatably supports the steering rim portion; a connecting portion that connects the rear surface of the steering rim portion and the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion, The connecting portion is deformed to move the steering rim portion in a direction pushing the steering rim portion toward the front of the vehicle and store the steering rim portion in the side of the boss portion. Steering device.

2. A steering rim portion that is gripped by a vehicle occupant; a boss portion that rotatably supports the steering rim portion; a connecting portion that connects the rear surface of the steering rim portion and the boss portion, the connecting portion is variable so that the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion, the connecting portion is connected to an outer peripheral surface of the boss portion, When the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion, the inner peripheral surface of the steering rim portion abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion. Steering device.

3. A steering rim portion that is gripped by a vehicle occupant; a boss portion that rotatably supports the steering rim portion; a connecting portion that connects the rear surface of the steering rim portion and the boss portion, the connecting portion is variable so that the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion, In an initial state before the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion, the connecting portion is a first extension portion that extends from a rear surface of the steering rim portion toward a front of the vehicle and is bendably connected to the rear surface of the steering rim portion; a second extension portion that extends from the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion toward the rear of the vehicle and is bendably connected to the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion, the first extension portion and the second extension portion are bendably connected to each other, In a stored state in which the steering rim portion is stored on the side of the boss portion, the first extension portion and the second extension portion extend toward the front of the vehicle and overlap each other when viewed from the circumferential direction of the boss portion. Steering device.

4. The connecting portion is a forward extension portion extending from a rear surface of the steering rim portion toward the front of the vehicle; a first engagement portion provided on the front extension portion on a vehicle front side; a second engagement portion provided on the forward extension portion on a side of the steering rim portion; a boss-side engaging portion provided on an outer peripheral surface of the boss portion and with which the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can be engaged, The first engaging portion is engaged with the boss-side engaging portion in an initial state before the steering rim portion is stored on the boss portion side, and the second engaging portion is engaged with the boss-side engaging portion in a stored state in which the steering rim portion is stored on the boss portion side. A steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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