Steering and steering module

Abstract

To provide a steering and a steering module that enable an intuitive grasp of the need to grip the steering.SOLUTION: A steering 10 extends in a vehicle vertical direction and includes a pair of left and right grip portions 42R and 42L that can be gripped by an occupant. When the occupant needs to grip the grip portions 42R and 42L, the pair of left and right grip portions 42R and 42L emit light. This makes it possible to cause the occupant to intuitively grasp the need to grip the light emitting portions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering and a steering module.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a steering wheel provided with a lit indicator. In the steering wheel described in Patent Document 1, the indicator is configured to be lit when automatic driving can be started or when automatic driving has been started.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the steering described in Patent Document 1 above, since the indicator emits light for a plurality of reasons, there is a possibility that the driver may not understand the reason why the indicator is emitting light. In particular, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of conveying to the driver to grip the steering wheel in a state where handoff, in which the driver releases their hand from the steering wheel, is permitted.

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain a steering and a steering module that can intuitively grasp the need to grip the steering wheel.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The steering according to claim 1 extends along the vehicle up-down direction and can be gripped by the driver. The device comprises a right grip portion and a left grip portion, a base portion extending in the vehicle's vertical and vehicle width directions, a connecting portion connecting the lower end of the base portion, the lower end of the right grip portion, and the lower end of the left grip portion in the vehicle width direction, an upper right side portion extending to the left from the upper end of the right grip portion and further extending forward to the upper end of the base portion, and a left upper side portion extending to the right from the upper end of the left grip portion and further extending forward to the upper end of the base portion, wherein the upper right side portion includes a steering upper right portion extending diagonally to the left and forward from the upper end of the right grip portion, and a right eye-tracking portion extending further forward from the end of the steering upper right portion and connected to the upper end of the base portion, and the left upper side portion includes a steering upper left portion extending diagonally to the right and forward from the upper end of the left grip portion, and a left eye-tracking portion extending further forward from the end of the steering upper left portion and connected to the upper end of the base portion. When the driver needs to grip the above The right gripping portion and the left gripping portion the following The right gripping portion and the left gripping portion emits light.

[0007] In the steering wheel according to claim 1, when the occupant needs to grip the gripping portion, the left and right gripping portions illuminate. This allows the occupant to intuitively understand that they need to grip the illuminated portion.

[0009] Also The steering wheel has a base portion that extends in the vertical and horizontal directions of the vehicle, with a pair of left and right grip portions extending from both sides of the base portion along the vertical direction of the vehicle. The lower end of the base portion and the lower end connecting portions of the left and right grip portions are connected in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, an upper right side portion extends from the upper end of the right grip portion to the left, and this upper right side portion extends further forward of the vehicle and is connected to the upper end of the base portion. Similarly, a left upper side portion extends from the upper end of the left grip portion to the right, and this left upper side portion extends further forward of the vehicle and is connected to the upper end of the base portion. In this way, since the upper and lower parts of the steering wheel are each connected to the base portion, the steering wheel is less prone to deformation compared to a cantilever structure in which only one of the upper or lower parts of the steering wheel is fixed.

[0010] Claim 2 The steering relating to the claim 1 In this configuration, a steering switch is provided on at least one of the upper right and upper left edges.

[0011] Claim 2 With this type of steering, the occupant can operate the switches without having to move their hands significantly while gripping the handle.

[0012] Claim 3 The steering relating to the claim 1 In this configuration, a column portion is provided that protrudes from the instrument panel toward the rear of the vehicle, and the base portion is rotatably attached to the column portion.

[0013] Claim 3In this type of steering system, the base is rotatably mounted relative to the column, allowing the steering to be operated without rotating the column.

[0014] Claim 4 The steering relating to the claim 3 In this configuration, a sensor capable of detecting occupants is provided at the tip of the column section.

[0015] Claim 4 In the steering system described above, the occupant can be detected by sensors. Since the steering column does not rotate, good detection accuracy can be maintained regardless of the steering angle. The term "sensor" here broadly includes sensors capable of detecting at least a part of the occupant, such as sensors that detect the occupant's entire face, sensors that detect the pupil, sensors that detect the direction of gaze, and sensors that detect posture.

[0016] Claim 5 The steering relating to the claim 3 In this configuration, the tip of the column section is provided with an air outlet that allows air to be blown toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0017] Claim 5 In the steering system, by providing air vents at the tip of the column, air can be supplied from a position closer to the occupant compared to a configuration where air is supplied to the occupant from air vents in the instrument panel.

[0018] Claim 6 The steering module relating to this is as described in claim 1 to 5 The steering wheel described in any one of the following items, The right gripping portion and the left gripping portion It comprises a vehicle display device positioned between the instrument panel and the instrument panel for displaying information.

[0019] Claim 6 In the steering module related to this system, the vehicle display device is located in front of the instrument panel, allowing information to be viewed simply by shifting one's gaze to the area around the steering wheel.

[0020] Claim 7 The steering module according to Claim 6 In , the steering is steerable by an occupant, and the vehicle display device and the The right gripping portion and the left gripping portion are configured to be movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction between a use position where they are separated in the vehicle longitudinal direction and a storage position where the The right gripping portion and the left gripping portion contacts the vehicle display device.

[0021] In the steering module according to Claim 8, when steering by an occupant is not required, such as during autonomous driving, the base portion and the column portion are moved to the storage position, thereby ensuring a wide space around the driver's seat.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] As described above, according to the steering and the steering module according to the present invention, even in the case of an irregular-shaped steering, the rigidity of the steering can be maintained well.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a schematic view of the vicinity of the driver's seat of a vehicle to which the steering module according to the embodiment is applied, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. [Figure 2] It is a schematic view of the vicinity of the driver's seat in FIG. 1, as viewed from the upper rear diagonal. [Figure 3] It is an enlarged view of the steering module in FIG. 1, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged view of the steering module in FIG. 1, as viewed from the rear right diagonal side of the vehicle. [Figure 5] It is a view showing a state in which the steering has moved to the storage position from the state of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] It is a view showing a state in which the gripping portion emits light from the state of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] It is a view of the steering module according to the first modification, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. [Figure 8]This is a view of the steering module according to the second modified example, seen from the rear of the vehicle. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] A vehicle V to which the steering module 10 according to the embodiment is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, arrows FR, UP, and LH indicate the front, top, and left sides of the vehicle, respectively. When describing the front, rear, left, right, up, and down directions, unless otherwise specified, they refer to the front and rear in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the left and right in the vehicle's width direction, and the up and down in the vehicle's vertical direction.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, an instrument panel 16 is provided at the front of the passenger compartment in vehicle V. The instrument panel 16 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a steering wheel 12 is provided on the left side of the instrument panel 16. In other words, in this embodiment, as an example, it is a left-hand drive vehicle with the steering wheel 12 on the left side, and the driver's seat is set on the left side of the vehicle, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may also be applied to a right-hand drive vehicle with the steering wheel 12 on the right side of the vehicle.

[0026] A windshield glass 18 is provided at the front end of the instrument panel 16. The windshield glass 18 extends in the vertical and horizontal directions of the vehicle, separating the interior of the vehicle from the exterior.

[0027] The left-side end of the windshield glass 18 is fixed to the left-side front pillar 20 of the vehicle. The front pillar 20 extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the windshield glass 18 is fixed to the inner end of this front pillar 20 in the vehicle width direction.

[0028] A vehicle seat 22 is positioned behind the instrument panel 16. The vehicle seat 22 is the driver's seat where the occupant sits. In this embodiment, the vehicle V is equipped with an automatic driving mode that allows the vehicle to run without the occupant performing any driving operations, and is configured to allow a transition to the automatic driving mode when predetermined conditions are met while in manual driving mode. In front of the vehicle seat 22, a steering module 10 is provided.

[0029] (Steering module 10) Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the area around the driver's seat viewed from the rear and slightly above. As shown in Figure 2, the steering module 10 consists of a steering wheel 12 that the occupant grips and steers, and a vehicle display device 14 (hereinafter, it may be referred to as "display device 14" as appropriate).

[0030] The steering module 10 includes a module base 26 attached to the instrument panel 16. The module base 26 is shaped to become narrower from the rear to the front of the vehicle in a plan view, and the front end of the module base 26 is fixed to the upper surface of the instrument panel 16.

[0031] A column portion 24 constituting the steering wheel 12 is provided at the center in the vehicle width direction at the rear end of the module base 26. Display devices 14 are also provided at both ends in the vehicle width direction at the rear end of the module base 26. The display devices 14 are positioned between the steering wheel 12 and the instrument panel 16 and display information to the occupants.

[0032] (Vehicle display device 14) Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the steering module 10 as seen from the rear of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 3, the display device 14 includes a main body 30. The main body 30 extends beyond the steering wheel 12 to both the left and right sides (both sides in the vehicle width direction), and is configured to display information on the surface facing the vehicle seat 22.

[0033] Specifically, the main body 30 includes a center section 30C located in the center of the steering module 10 in the vehicle width direction, a right-side display section 30R positioned to the right of the vehicle relative to the center of the steering module 10 in the vehicle width direction, and a left-side display section 30L positioned to the left of the vehicle relative to the center of the steering module 10 in the vehicle width direction.

[0034] The right-side display unit 30R is formed in a roughly rectangular plate shape and is located on the right side of the steering wheel 12, in the front of the vehicle, and inclined towards the rear of the vehicle as it moves towards the right side in a plan view. The left-side display unit 30L is symmetrical to the right-side display unit 30R. That is, the left-side display unit 30L is formed in a roughly rectangular plate shape and is located on the left side of the steering wheel 12, in the front of the vehicle, and inclined towards the rear of the vehicle as it moves towards the left side in a plan view (see Figure 2).

[0035] Here, the right-side display section 30R, facing the driver's seat and towards the rear of the vehicle, is the right display surface 32R, and the left-side display section 30L, facing the driver's seat and towards the rear of the vehicle, is the left display surface 32L. In the following explanation, when the right display surface 32R and the left display surface 32L are used interchangeably, they may simply be referred to as "display surface 32".

[0036] The display surface 32 is equipped with a touch panel that can be operated by the occupant. Therefore, the display device 14 is configured so that the occupant can select a function corresponding to an image by touching the image displayed on the display surface 32.

[0037] In this embodiment, as an example, a touch panel is provided across the entire surface of the display surface 32. That is, information is displayed across the entire surface of the right-side display unit 30R facing the rear of the vehicle, and the occupant can operate the image displayed on the right-side display unit 30R as appropriate. Similarly, information is displayed across the entire surface of the left-side display unit 30L facing the rear of the vehicle, and the occupant can operate the image displayed on the right-side display unit 30R as appropriate.

[0038] In particular, the area PR to the right of the steering wheel in the right-side display unit 30R, and the area PL to the left of the steering wheel 12 in the left-side display unit 30L, are configured to display operation items that are operated relatively frequently.

[0039] For example, the PR area displays information related to the air conditioning system, music playback, and entertainment-related operations, and is configured so that the occupant can grasp the right-side display unit 30R and select the image displayed in the PR area with the fingers of their right hand. In addition, the PL area displays information related to driver assistance functions such as active cruise control and driving mode switching, and is configured so that the occupant can grasp the left-side display unit 30L and select the image displayed in the PL area with the fingers of their left hand.

[0040] On the other hand, the area to the left of the steering wheel 12 in the right-side display unit 30R, and the area to the right of the steering wheel 12 in the left-side display unit 30L, are areas that are difficult for the occupant to operate, and therefore, relatively infrequently operated items are displayed in these areas. For example, the system may be configured to display settings for the navigation system that are performed while the vehicle V is stopped.

[0041] In this embodiment, a touch panel is provided across the entire surface of the display surface 32, but the system is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the touch panel is provided only in areas PR and PL is also possible. In this case, the display surface 32 will not react even if the occupant's hand touches it while operating the steering wheel 12. Specifically, since the touch panel is provided only on the portion of the right-side display section 30R that extends to the right of the steering wheel 12, accidental operation caused by touching other parts of the right-side display section 30R while gripping the steering wheel 12 can be suppressed. Similarly, since the touch panel is provided only on the portion of the left-side display section 30L that extends to the left of the steering wheel 12, accidental operation caused by touching other parts of the left-side display section 30L while gripping the steering wheel 12 can be suppressed.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, finger rests 31 are provided on the surfaces of the right-side display section 30R and the left-side display section 30L that are opposite to the display surface 32. In this embodiment, as an example of a finger rest 31, a protrusion for gripping a finger is formed, and the operability of the display section 32 is improved by hooking a finger onto this protrusion. Alternatively, a recessed area that is recessed from the general surface may be provided as a finger rest for gripping a finger.

[0043] Right operation switch 34R and left operation switch 34L are provided on the upper edge of the main body 30. The right operation switch 34R is provided on the upper edge of the right display unit 30R and is formed in an elongated shape with the vehicle width direction as its longitudinal direction. It is preferable to assign functions to the right operation switch 34R and the left operation switch 34L that can be operated regardless of the information displayed on the display device 14. In this embodiment, as an example, the function of the hazard lamp is assigned to the right operation switch 34R. The function of the high beam is assigned to the left operation switch 34L, but this is not limited to this.

[0044] The lower end of the center section 30C of the main body section 30 is located above the lower end of the right display section 30R and the lower end of the left display section 30L. Specifically, the center section 30C is located in front of the vehicle above the right display section 30R and the left display section 30L, and the lower end of the center section 30C is located above the lower end of the steering wheel 12 when viewed from the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, the lower edge of the right display section 30R, the lower edge of the center section 30C, and the lower edge of the left display section 30L are connected by a smooth curved surface so as to be continuous.

[0045] (Steering 12) The steering wheel 12 is composed of a column section 24, a base section 40, a right grip section 42R, a left grip section 42L, a connecting section 44, an upper right side section 46R, and an upper left side section 46L.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the column portion 24 protrudes from the instrument panel 16 toward the rear of the vehicle via the module base 26. Here, the tip of the column portion 24 is equipped with sensors (not shown) capable of detecting occupants. The sensors include sensors for detecting the occupant's entire face, sensors for detecting the pupils, sensors for detecting the direction of gaze, and sensors for detecting posture.

[0047] Furthermore, the tip of the column section 24 is provided with an air vent (not shown) that can blow air toward the rear of the vehicle. For example, if an air conditioning system is installed in front of the instrument panel 16, the air conditioned by the air conditioning system is configured to pass through the inside of the column section 24 and be blown to the driver's seat through the air vent. By providing an air vent at the tip of the column section 24 in this way, it becomes unnecessary to place a register on the instrument panel 16, improving the design freedom of the vehicle interior. In addition, air can be blown from closer to the occupants than when air is blown from the instrument panel 16.

[0048] In this embodiment, as an example, the column section 24 is configured to swing vertically relative to the module base 26. In other words, the main body section 30 is configured to be able to adjust its vertical position independently of the steering 12.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the column portion 24 is provided with a base portion 40. The base portion 40 extends in the vehicle's vertical and vehicle width directions, and is rotatably attached to the portion between the base end and the tip end of the column portion 24.

[0050] A right gripping section 42R, which can be grasped by an occupant, is positioned to the right of the base section 40, and a left gripping section 42L, which can be grasped by an occupant, is positioned to the left of the base section 40. The right gripping section 42R and the left gripping section 42L each extend along the vertical direction of the vehicle and have a symmetrical shape with respect to the center of the steering wheel 12.

[0051] The lower end of the base portion 40, the lower end of the right grip portion 42R, and the lower end of the left grip portion 42L are connected in the vehicle width direction by a connecting portion 44. The connecting portion 44 is a long member positioned below the column portion 24 and oriented longitudinally in the vehicle width direction. The central part of the connecting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction is wider in the vehicle front-rear direction than both ends in the vehicle width direction.

[0052] On the other hand, a mounting piece 40A extends from the lower end of the base portion 40 toward the front of the vehicle, and the central part of the connecting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction is fixed to this mounting piece 40A. A switch for the horn may be provided in the central part of the connecting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction.

[0053] The ends of the connecting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction are gently curved so that they gradually rise upward as they move toward both sides in the vehicle width direction, and are integrally formed with the right gripping portion 42R and the left gripping portion 42L.

[0054] An upper right side portion 46R is provided at the upper end of the right grip portion 42R. The upper right side portion 46R is composed of a steering upper right portion 48R that extends diagonally to the left and forward from the upper end of the right grip portion 42R, and a right eye-tracking portion 50R that extends further forward from the end of the steering upper right portion 48R and is connected to the upper end of the base portion 40.

[0055] Furthermore, a left upper edge portion 46L is provided at the upper end of the left grip portion 42L. The left upper edge portion 46L is composed of a left upper part of the steering wheel 48L that extends diagonally to the right and forward from the upper end of the left grip portion 42L, and a left eye-tracking portion 50L that extends further forward from the end of the left upper part of the steering wheel 48L and is connected to the upper end of the base portion 40.

[0056] Here, a gap is provided between the upper right edge portion 46R and the left display portion 30L, and the base portion of the module base 26 can be seen through this gap. For this reason, a display unit such as a screen may be provided in the area between the upper right edge portion 46R and the left display portion 30L of the module base 26.

[0057] A steering switch is provided on at least one of the upper right side portion 46R and the upper left side portion 46L. In this embodiment, as an example, two right steering switches 52R are provided on the upper right side portion 46R. The two right steering switches 52R are provided side by side on the rear side of the steering upper right portion 48R, and each is assigned a different function. For example, the right steering switches 52R may be assigned functions such as right turn signal, switching between low beam and high beam, and activating the voice input device.

[0058] On the other hand, two left steering switches 52L are provided on the upper left side 46L. The two left steering switches 52L are located side by side on the rear side of the vehicle on the upper left side 48L of the steering wheel, and each is assigned a different function. For example, the left steering switches 52L may be assigned functions such as activating the left turn signal, activating the wipers, or activating the active cruise control.

[0059] The steering module 10 of this embodiment is configured as described above, with the display device 14 and the steering wheel 12 being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0060] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the steering module 10 in Figure 1, seen from the right rear side of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 4, a gap is provided between the right grip portion 42R of the steering wheel 12 and the right display portion 30R of the display device 14, such that the occupant's hand does not touch the right display portion 30R even when the occupant is gripping the right grip portion 42R.

[0061] The distance between the right grip portion 42R and the right display portion 30R is preferably 5 cm or more and 30 cm or less, and more preferably 7 cm or more and 20 cm or less. A similar gap is provided between the left grip portion 42L of the steering wheel 12 and the left display portion 30L of the display device 14.

[0062] Furthermore, the steering module 10 of this embodiment is configured so that the steering wheel 12 can be retracted. For example, if the vehicle V's driving mode has been switched to automatic driving mode and there is no planned transition to manual driving mode for a while, the steering wheel 12 is retracted.

[0063] Figure 5 shows the state after the steering wheel 12 has moved to the retracted position from the state shown in Figure 2. In Figure 5, the state in which the steering wheel 12 is in use is depicted with a dashed line, and the state in which the steering wheel 12 is in the retracted position is depicted with a solid line.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, the steering wheel 12 is configured to be movable relative to the display device 14 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. For example, the column portion 24 of the display device 14 may be locked in a state where it is inserted into the module base 26, and by releasing the lock, the column portion 24 may be moved to a state where it is movable relative to the module base 26.

[0065] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 5, in the operating position, the base portion 40 and the column portion 24 are steerable by the occupant, and the vehicle display device 14 and the right grip portion 42R and left grip portion 42L of the steering wheel 12 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. On the other hand, as shown by the solid line, in the stowed position where the steering wheel 12 is moved towards the front of the vehicle, the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L are in contact with the display device 14.

[0066] Specifically, in this embodiment, in a plan view, the angle of the right-side display section 30R and the angle of the upper right part of the steering wheel 48R are approximately the same, and the angle of the left-side display section 30L and the angle of the upper left part of the steering wheel 48L are approximately the same. Therefore, in the stowed position, the right grip section 42R and the upper right part 48R of the steering wheel 12 are in contact with the display surface 32R of the right-side display section 30R, and the left grip section 42L and the upper left part 48L are in contact with the display surface 32L of the left-side display section 30L.

[0067] Here, as shown in Figure 6, the steering module 10 of this embodiment is configured such that when the occupant needs to grip the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L, these right grip portion 42R and left grip portion 42L emit light.

[0068] Specifically, a light source 43R is located inside the right grip section 42R, and a light source 43L is located inside the left grip section 42L. The light sources 43R and 43L are configured to light up or blink based on signals from a control unit (not shown). When the steering wheel is handed over to the occupant from a hands-off state where driving assistance is being provided, the light sources 43R and 43L light up, causing the right grip section 42R and the left grip section 42L to emit light. In particular, in this embodiment, the surface of the steering wheel 12 has the texture of a typical synthetic leather, and is made of a material that does not allow the interior to be seen. When the light sources emit light, the light passes through the surface, making it appear as if the surface of the surface is shining.

[0069] Furthermore, if the crew does not grasp the right gripping section 42R and the left gripping section 42L within a predetermined time, the light sources 43R and 43L may be made to flash or emit light in another color.

[0070] (action) Next, the operation of the steering module 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0071] As shown in Figure 6, in the steering module 10 of this embodiment, when the occupant needs to grip the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L, these grip portions illuminate. This allows the occupant to intuitively understand that they need to grip the illuminated portion.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, in the steering module 10 of this embodiment, the main body 30 of the display device 14 is positioned between the steering wheel 12 and the instrument panel 16, and the main body 30 extends beyond the steering wheel 12 to both the left and right sides. As a result, compared to a structure in which the display unit is provided on the instrument panel 16, the occupant can view the display content displayed on the display surface 32 without having to move their eyes significantly. In addition, because the main body 30 extends beyond the steering wheel 12 to both the left and right sides, the occupant's hands gripping the steering wheel do not obstruct their view of the display surface 32.

[0073] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of this embodiment, a right operation switch 34R and a left operation switch 34L are provided on the upper edge of the main body 30, and these operation switches are formed in an elongated shape with the vehicle width direction as the longitudinal direction. This makes it easy for occupants to operate the operation switches even when they want to look forward.

[0074] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of this embodiment, since the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L are plate-shaped, the display units can be arranged in a minimal space. Also, since the right operation switch 34R is provided on the upper edge of the right display unit 30R and the left operation switch 34L is provided on the upper edge of the left display unit 30L, different functions can be assigned to them.

[0075] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of this embodiment, a touch panel is provided on the display surface 32, allowing the occupant to operate it without moving their hands far away from the steering wheel 12.

[0076] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of this embodiment, frequently used operation items are displayed in the area to the right of the steering wheel 12 in the right display unit 30R and in the area to the left of the steering wheel 12 in the left display unit 30L, allowing the occupant to easily touch the operation items. In addition, by displaying relatively infrequently used operation items in other areas of the display surface, the convenience of the occupant can be improved compared to a configuration in which no operation items are displayed.

[0077] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of this embodiment, the occupant can place their fingers on the finger rest while holding the right-side or left-side display unit to operate the touch panel. This allows for accurate operation even while driving.

[0078] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of this embodiment, the center of the lower end of the main body 30 in the vehicle width direction is located above the lower end of the steering wheel 12, thus preventing the occupant's knees from hitting the lower end of the main body 30. Also, since both ends of the main body 30 in the vehicle width direction are located above the center in the vehicle width direction, the occupant can operate it without moving their hands far away from the steering wheel 12, making it easy to operate.

[0079] Furthermore, in the display device 14 of this embodiment, the column portion 24 is configured to swing vertically relative to the module base 26, so that the relative position of the main body portion 30 with respect to the steering wheel 12 can be adjusted according to the occupant's physique and posture.

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, in the steering wheel 12 of this embodiment, the lower ends of the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L are connected to the lower end of the base portion 40 by a connecting portion 44, and the upper right side portion 46R and the upper left side portion 46L are connected to the upper end of the base portion 40. In this configuration, the upper and lower parts of the steering wheel 12 are each connected to the base portion 40, so the steering wheel 12 is less prone to deformation compared to a cantilever structure in which only one of the upper or lower parts of the steering wheel 12 is fixed to a column or the like.

[0081] Furthermore, in the steering wheel 12 of this embodiment, a right steering switch 52R is provided on the upper right side 46R, and a left steering switch 52L is provided on the upper left side 46L, so that the occupant can operate the steering switches while gripping the steering wheel 12.

[0082] Furthermore, in the steering 12 of this embodiment, the base portion 40 is rotatably attached to the column portion 24, so that the steering 12 can be operated without rotating the column portion 24. In particular, in this embodiment, a sensor capable of detecting an occupant is provided at the tip of the column portion 24, so that the sensor does not rotate even when the steering 12 is being operated, and the detection accuracy of the sensor can be maintained well.

[0083] Furthermore, in the steering wheel 12 of this embodiment, by providing air vents at the tip of the column portion 24, air can be supplied from a position closer to the occupant compared to a configuration in which air is supplied to the occupant from air vents provided in the instrument panel 16.

[0084] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the steering wheel 12 of this embodiment is configured to move to a storage position on the front side of the vehicle. Therefore, when steering by an occupant is not required, such as during autonomous driving, the base portion 40 and the column portion 24 can be moved to the storage position to secure more space around the driver's seat.

[0085] Although the steering module 10 according to this embodiment has been described above, it goes without saying that it can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the display surface 32 is provided in the area inside the steering 12 when viewed from the rear of the vehicle, but it is not limited to this. For example, the structures of the first modified example shown in Figure 7 and the second modified example shown in Figure 8 may be adopted.

[0086] (First variation) Figure 7 is a view of the steering module 10 according to the first modified example, as seen from the rear of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 7, in this modified example, the portion between the right-side display section 30R and the left-side display section 30L is recessed toward the front of the vehicle relative to the right-side display section 30R and the left-side display section 30L.

[0087] Specifically, the portion of the right-side display unit 30R excluding the display surface 32R is located further forward than the display surface 32R, forming a stepped portion 60R between it and the display surface 32R. Similarly, the portion of the left-side display unit 30L excluding the display surface 32L is located further forward than the display surface 32L, forming a stepped portion 60L between it and the display surface 32L.

[0088] The stepped portions 60R and 60L make the right operating switch 34R and the left operating switch 34L narrower at the base end than at the tip end, but this is not limited to this. That is, the upper edge of the main body portion 30 may be formed with the same width at both the tip and base ends without providing a stepped portion. In this case, the widths of the right operating switch 34R and the left operating switch 34L can be the same at both the tip and base ends.

[0089] In this modified example, it is possible to prevent the occupant's hands, which are gripping the steering wheel 12, from hitting the main body 30. Furthermore, by forming stepped portions 60R and 60L between the right-side display portion 30R and the left-side display portion 30L and the recessed portion, the rigidity of the main body 30 can be improved.

[0090] (Second variation) Figure 8 is a view of the steering module according to the second modified example, seen from the rear of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 8, in this modified example, the main body 30 has a section cut out between the right-side display section 30R and the left-side display section 30L.

[0091] Specifically, the right-side display section 30R has a hollowed-out shape, excluding the display surface 32R, and a through-hole 62R is formed that penetrates the right-side display section 30R in the thickness direction. Similarly, the left-side display section 30L has a hollowed-out shape, excluding the display surface 32L, and a through-hole 62L is formed that penetrates the left-side display section 30L in the thickness direction.

[0092] In this modified example, it is possible to prevent the occupant's hand, which is gripping the steering wheel 12, from hitting the main body 30. Furthermore, by hollowing out a portion of the main body 30, the weight of the main body 30 can be reduced. In addition, the occupant can see the front side of the display device 14 through the through-holes 62R and 62L.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment and modified examples, two right steering switches 52R are provided on the upper right side portion 46R and two right steering switches 52R are provided on the upper left side portion 46R, but this is not limited to this. For example, steering switches may be provided on only one of the upper right side portion 46R and the upper left side portion 46L. Alternatively, a structure without steering switches may be adopted.

[0094] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0095] (Note 1) A base portion extending in the vertical and horizontal directions of the vehicle, A pair of left and right gripping portions are provided on both the left and right sides of the base portion, extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and capable of being grasped by the occupant. A connecting portion that connects the lower end of the base portion and the lower ends of the left and right pair of grip portions in the vehicle width direction, The upper right edge portion extends from the upper end of the gripping portion on the right side to the left side, and further extends forward of the vehicle and is connected to the upper end of the base portion, The left upper edge extends from the upper end of the gripping portion on the left side to the right side, and further extends forward of the vehicle and is connected to the upper end of the base portion, A steering wheel with (Note 2) The steering wheel as described in Appendix 1, wherein a steering switch is provided on at least one of the upper right and upper left portions. (Note 3) It features a column section that protrudes from the instrument panel towards the rear of the vehicle. The base portion is rotatably attached to the column portion, as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2. (Note 4) The steering wheel as described in Appendix 3, wherein a sensor capable of detecting an occupant is provided at the tip of the column section. (Note 5) The steering wheel as described in Appendix 3 or Appendix 4, wherein the tip of the column section is provided with a ventilation hole that can blow air toward the rear of the vehicle. (Note 6) A light source is provided inside at least one of the gripping portion, the connecting portion, the upper right side portion, and the upper left side portion. A steering wheel as described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5, wherein the light source is illuminated when the occupant is to grip the gripping portion. (Note 7) The steering wheel described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6, A vehicle display device that is positioned between the left and right pair of gripping parts and the instrument panel to display information, A steering module comprising the above components. (Note 8) The steering module as described in Appendix 7, wherein the base portion and the column portion are configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between a usage position in which the occupant can steer and the vehicle display device and the grip portion are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a storage position in which the grip portion is in contact with the vehicle display device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10 Steering Modules 12 Steering 14. Vehicle display devices 16 Instrument Panel 24 Column Section 40 Base section 42R Right grip part 42L Left grip 44 Connecting part 46R Upper right edge 46L Upper left edge 52R Right steering switch 52L Left Steering Switch

Claims

1. It extends along the vertical direction of the vehicle and has a right gripping section and a left gripping section that can be grasped by the occupant, A base portion extending in the vertical and horizontal directions of the vehicle, A connecting portion that connects the lower end of the base portion, the lower end of the right grip portion, and the lower end of the left grip portion in the vehicle width direction, The upper right edge portion extends from the upper end of the right gripping portion to the left, and further extends forward of the vehicle and is connected to the upper end of the base portion, It has a left upper edge portion that extends to the right from the upper end of the left grip portion and further extends forward of the vehicle and is connected to the upper end of the base portion, The aforementioned upper right portion includes a steering upper right portion that extends diagonally to the left and forward from the upper end of the right grip portion, and a right eye-tracking portion that extends further forward from the end of the steering upper right portion and is connected to the upper end of the base portion. The aforementioned upper left portion includes a left steering upper section that extends diagonally to the right and forward from the upper end of the left gripping section, and a left eye-tracking section that extends further forward from the end of the left steering upper section and is connected to the upper end of the base section. A steering wheel in which the right grip portion and the left grip portion illuminate when the occupant needs to grip the right grip portion and the left grip portion.

2. The steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein a steering switch is provided on at least one of the upper right and upper left portions.

3. It features a column section that protrudes from the instrument panel towards the rear of the vehicle. The steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein the base portion is rotatably attached to the column portion.

4. The steering wheel according to claim 3, wherein a sensor capable of detecting an occupant is provided at the tip of the column portion.

5. The steering wheel according to claim 3, wherein the tip of the column portion is provided with a ventilation hole that can blow air toward the rear of the vehicle.

6. A steering system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A vehicle display device that displays information is positioned between the right grip portion and the left grip portion and the instrument panel, A steering module comprising the above components.

7. The steering module according to claim 6, wherein the steering is configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between a usage position in which the occupant can steer and the vehicle display device and the right grip portion and the left grip portion are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a storage position in which the right grip portion and the left grip portion are in contact with the vehicle display device.

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