Vehicle display device

Abstract

To obtain a vehicle display device which can achieve visibility of information and operability.SOLUTION: A vehicle display device is disposed between a steering 12 that is gripped by an operator for steering and an instrument panel 16 and includes: a body 30 extending to both left and right sides farther than the steering 12 and having a surface which faces a driver seat and serves as a display surface 32; and elongated operation switches 34R, 34L which are provided at an upper edge of the body 30 and in each of which a vehicle width direction is set to a longitudinal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle display device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a side wall portion is provided at a portion between an instrument panel and a door trim, so that an air outlet of an air conditioner is shielded from being visible to a passenger. In Patent Document 1, a display device is provided on the side wall portion. On the other hand, Patent Document 2 discloses a structure including a center display portion provided in front of the vehicle of a steering wheel and side display portions provided on both left and right sides of the center display portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By providing a display portion in front of an instrument panel as in the structures described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 above, information can be more easily visually recognized. On the other hand, the display portion may interfere when operating an operation switch provided on the instrument panel. As a countermeasure against this, it is conceivable to provide an operation switch on the display portion itself, but there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of operability.

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain a vehicle display device capable of achieving both visibility and operability of information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle display device according to claim 1 is positioned between the steering wheel, which is held and steered by the driver, and the instrument panel, and extends beyond the steering wheel to both the left and right sides, with the surface facing the driver's seat serving as the display surface, and is provided on the upper edge of the main body, with an elongated shape whose longitudinal direction is in the vehicle width direction. right Operation switch and left operating switch and, have The main body includes a plate-shaped right-side display section located in front of the vehicle on the right side of the steering wheel and inclined toward the rear of the vehicle as it moves toward the right side of the vehicle in a plan view, and a plate-shaped left-side display section located in front of the vehicle on the left side of the steering wheel and inclined toward the rear of the vehicle as it moves toward the left side of the vehicle in a plan view, the right operation switch extends from one end to the other along the upper edge of the right-side display section, and the left operation switch extends from one end to the other along the upper edge of the left-side display section.

[0007] In the vehicle display device according to claim 1, the main body is positioned between the steering wheel and the instrument panel, and the main body extends beyond the steering wheel to both the left and right sides. This allows the occupant to view the display content on the display surface without having to move their eyes significantly, compared to a structure that displays information on the instrument panel. Furthermore, because the main body extends beyond the steering wheel to both the left and right sides, the occupant's hands gripping the steering wheel do not obstruct their view of the display surface.

[0008] Furthermore, an operating switch is provided on the upper edge of the main body, and this operating switch is formed in an elongated shape with the vehicle width as its longitudinal direction. This makes it easy for occupants to operate the operating switch even when their gaze is directed forward.

[0010] Also, Information can be displayed on both the right and left display sections. Furthermore, because the right and left display sections are plate-shaped, the display units can be positioned in a minimal space. In addition, right Operation switch and left operating switch Since these are located on the upper edge of the right-hand display and the upper edge of the left-hand display, different functions can be assigned to each.

[0011] Claim 2 The vehicle display device relating to the claim 1 In this system, the display surfaces of the right-side display unit and the left-side display unit are equipped with touch panels that can be operated by the occupants.

[0012] Claim 2In the vehicle display device related to this, the driver can operate it without having to move their hands far away from the steering wheel.

[0013] Claim 3 The vehicle display device relating to the claim 2 In this configuration, the touch panel is provided only in the portion that extends to the left and right sides beyond the steering wheel.

[0014] Claim 3 In the vehicle display device described above, the touch panel is provided only on the portion of the right-side display unit that extends to the right of the steering wheel, thereby preventing accidental operation caused by touching other parts of the right-side display unit while holding the steering wheel. Similarly, the touch panel is provided only on the portion of the left-side display unit that extends to the left of the steering wheel, thereby preventing accidental operation caused by touching other parts of the left-side display unit while holding the steering wheel.

[0015] Claim 4 The vehicle display device relating to the claim 2 In this configuration, the touch panel is provided across the entire display surface, and relatively frequently used operation items are displayed in the area to the right of the steering wheel in the right-side display unit and in the area to the left of the steering wheel in the left-side display unit, while relatively infrequently used operation items are displayed in the area to the left of the steering wheel in the right-side display unit and in the area to the right of the steering wheel in the left-side display unit.

[0016] Claim 4 In the vehicle display device mentioned above, frequently used operation items are displayed in the area to the right of the steering wheel on the right-hand display unit and in the area to the left of the steering wheel on the left-hand display unit, allowing the driver to easily touch the operation items. Furthermore, by displaying relatively infrequently used operation items in other areas of the display surface, passenger convenience can be improved compared to a configuration where no operation items are displayed.

[0017] Claim5 The vehicle display device according to claim 2 In, on the surface opposite to the display surface in the right display portion and the left display portion, a finger hook portion is provided.

[0018] Claim 5 In the vehicle display device according to, with the driver gripping the right display portion or the left display portion to operate the touch panel, a finger can be placed on the finger hook portion. Thereby, accurate operation can be performed even while driving.

[0019] Claim 6 The vehicle display device according to claim It comprises a main body positioned between the steering wheel, which the driver grips and steers, and the instrument panel, extending beyond the steering wheel to both the left and right sides, with the side facing the driver's seat serving as a display surface, and an elongated operating switch provided on the upper edge of the main body, with the vehicle width as its longitudinal direction. The lower end portion of the main body portion is such that the central portion in the vehicle width direction is located above both end portions in the vehicle width direction.

[0020] Claim 6 In the vehicle display device according to, it is possible to suppress the knees of the occupant from hitting the lower end portion of the main body portion. Also, since both end portions of the main body portion in the vehicle width direction are located above the central portion in the vehicle width direction, it is easy for the occupant to operate.

[0021] Claim 7 The vehicle display device according to claim 6 In, the central portion in the vehicle width direction at the lower end portion of the main body portion is located above the lower end of the steering wheel as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle.

[0022] Claim 7 In the vehicle display device according to, since the central portion in the vehicle width direction at the lower end portion of the main body portion is located above the lower end of the steering wheel, it is possible to effectively suppress the knees of the occupant from hitting.

[0023] Claim 8 The vehicle display device according to claim 1 In, the portion between the right display portion and the left display portion is recessed toward the front side of the vehicle with respect to the right display portion and the left display portion.

[0024] Claim 8In the vehicle display device described above, it is possible to prevent the occupant's hands, which are gripping the steering wheel, from hitting the main body. Furthermore, by creating a step between the right-side display section, the left-side display section, and the recessed portion, the rigidity of the main body can be improved.

[0025] Claim 9 The vehicle display device relating to the claim 1 In this configuration, the main body has a section cut out between the right-side display section and the left-side display section.

[0026] Claim 9 In the vehicle display device relating to this invention, it is possible to prevent the occupant's hands, which are gripping the steering wheel, from coming into contact with the main unit. Furthermore, the main unit can be made lighter.

[0027] Claim 10 The vehicle display device relating to this is as described in claim 1 to 9 In any one of the above, the main body is configured to be able to adjust its vertical position independently of the steering.

[0028] Claim 10 In the vehicle display device related to this, the relative position of the main unit to the steering wheel can be adjusted according to the driver's physique and posture. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] As described above, the vehicle display device and vehicle seat according to the present invention make it possible to achieve both visibility and operability of information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the area around the driver's seat of a vehicle to which the steering module according to the embodiment is applied, as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the area around the driver's seat in Figure 1, viewed from the rear and slightly above. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an enlarged view of the steering module as seen from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 4]This is an enlarged view of the steering module from the right rear side of the vehicle, as seen from the right rear side of Figure 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows the steering wheel in the retracted position, compared to the state shown in Figure 2. [Figure 6] This is a view of the steering module according to the first modified example, seen from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 7] 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]

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] A windshield glass 18 is provided at the front end of the instrument panel 16. The windshield glass 18 extends in the vehicle's vertical and vehicle width directions, separating the interior of the vehicle from the exterior.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] (Steering module 10) Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the area around the driver's seat viewed from the rear and diagonally 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] (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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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).

[0042] Here, the right-side display unit 30R, on the vehicle rear side facing the driver's seat, is the electronic right display surface 32R, and the left-side display unit 30L, on the vehicle rear side facing the driver's seat, is the electronic 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".

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 there. For example, the system may be configured to display settings for the navigation system that are performed while the vehicle V is stopped. Alternatively, items that do not require operation may be displayed as relatively infrequently operated items. For example, items that do not require operation by the occupant, such as warning displays or SNS (Social Networking Service) messages, may be displayed, or items that are not operated while driving but only when the vehicle is stopped may be displayed.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Here, 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 surface 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] (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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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 of the steering wheel 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 of the steering wheel 48L are in contact with the display surface 32L of the left-side display section 30L.

[0074] Furthermore, the steering module 10 of this embodiment is configured to emit light when the occupant is to grip the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L, the connecting portion 44, the upper right side portion 46R, and the upper left side portion 46L, with a light source provided inside at least one of them.

[0075] In particular, in this embodiment, the surface texture of the steering wheel 12 is that of a typical synthetic leather, and it is made of a material that does not allow the interior to be seen. When a light source is emitted, the light passes through the surface, making it appear as if the surface of the surface is shining.

[0076] (action) Next, the operation of the steering module 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0077] 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 moving 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 6 and the second modified example shown in Figure 7 may be adopted.

[0091] (First variation) Figure 6 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 6, 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] (Second variation) Figure 7 is a view of the steering module according to the second modified example, seen from the rear of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 7, 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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 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. Note that the portion of the right-side display section 30R excluding the display surface 32R and the portion of the left-side display section 30L excluding the display surface 32L do not need to be hollowed out; they can simply be made thinner in the thickness direction than the display surfaces 32R and 32L.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiment and its modified form, two right steering switches 52R are provided on the upper right side portion 46R and two left steering switches 52L are provided on the upper left side portion 46L, 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.

[0099] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0100] (Note 1) The main body is positioned between the steering wheel, which the driver grips and steers, and the instrument panel, extending beyond the steering wheel to both the left and right sides, with the side facing the driver's seat serving as a display surface. An elongated operating switch is provided on the upper edge of the main body, with the vehicle width direction as its longitudinal direction, A vehicle display device having the following features. (Note 2) The main body comprises a plate-shaped right-side display section located on the right side of the steering wheel, inclined towards the rear of the vehicle as it moves towards the right side of the vehicle in a plan view, and a plate-shaped left-side display section located on the left side of the steering wheel, inclined towards the rear of the vehicle as it moves towards the left side of the vehicle in a plan view. The vehicle display device as described in Appendix 1, wherein the operation switches are provided on the upper edge of the right-side display unit and the upper edge of the left-side display unit, respectively. (Note 3) The vehicle display device as described in Appendix 2, wherein the display surfaces of the right-side display unit and the left-side display unit are equipped with touch panels that can be operated by the occupant. (Note 4) The vehicle display device described in Appendix 3, wherein the touch panel is provided only in portions extending to the left and right of the steering wheel. (Note 5) The touch panel is provided across the entire surface of the display surface. In the area to the right of the steering wheel in the right-side display unit, and in the area to the left of the steering wheel in the left-side display unit, relatively frequently used operation items are displayed. The vehicle display device described in Appendix 3, wherein the area to the left of the steering wheel in the right-side display unit and the area to the right of the steering wheel in the left-side display unit display operation items that are operated relatively infrequently. (Note 6) A vehicle display device according to any one of Appendix 3 to Appendix 5, wherein a finger rest is provided on the right-side display section and the left-side display section opposite to the display surface. (Note 7) The vehicle display device described in any one of the appendices 2 to 6, wherein the lower end of the main body is such that the center in the vehicle width direction is located above both ends in the vehicle width direction. (Note 8) The vehicle display device as described in Appendix 7, wherein the central portion in the vehicle width direction at the lower end of the main body is located above the lower end of the steering wheel when viewed from the rear of the vehicle. (Note 9) The vehicle display device according to any one of Appendix 2 to Appendix 8, wherein the portion between the right-side display unit and the left-side display unit is recessed toward the front of the vehicle relative to the right-side display unit and the left-side display unit. (Note 10) The main body is a vehicle display device as described in any one of the appendices 2 to 9, wherein the portion between the right-side display unit and the left-side display unit is cut out. (Note 11) The vehicle display device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 10, wherein the main body is configured to be able to adjust its vertical position independently of the steering wheel. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 12 Steering 14. Vehicle display devices 16 Instrument Panel 30 Main body 30R Right side display 30L Left side display 31 Finger rest 32 Display surface 34R Right-hand control switch 34L Left-hand control switch

Claims

1. The main body is positioned between the steering wheel, which the driver grips and steers, and the instrument panel, extending beyond the steering wheel to both the left and right sides, with the side facing the driver's seat serving as a display surface. A right-hand and left-hand operation switch, which are elongated in the direction of the vehicle width, are provided on the upper edge of the main body, It has, The main body comprises a plate-shaped right-side display section located on the right side of the steering wheel, inclined towards the rear of the vehicle as it moves towards the right side of the vehicle in a plan view, and a plate-shaped left-side display section located on the left side of the steering wheel, inclined towards the rear of the vehicle as it moves towards the left side of the vehicle in a plan view. A vehicle display device wherein the right operating switch extends from one end to the other end of the upper edge of the right display section, and the left operating switch extends from one end to the other end of the upper edge of the left display section.

2. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein the display surfaces of the right-side display unit and the left-side display unit are equipped with touch panels that can be operated by the occupant.

3. The vehicle display device according to claim 2, wherein the touch panel is provided only in portions that extend to the left and right sides beyond the steering wheel.

4. The touch panel is provided across the entire surface of the display surface. In the area to the right of the steering wheel in the right-side display unit, and in the area to the left of the steering wheel in the left-side display unit, relatively frequently used operation items are displayed. The vehicle display device according to claim 2, wherein the area to the left of the steering wheel in the right-side display unit and the area to the right of the steering wheel in the left-side display unit display operation items that are operated relatively infrequently.

5. The vehicle display device according to claim 2, wherein a finger rest is provided on the right-side display unit and the left-side display unit on the side opposite to the display surface.

6. A main body positioned between the steering wheel, which is held and steered by the driver, and the instrument panel, extending to both the left and right sides beyond the steering wheel, with the side facing the driver's seat serving as a display surface, The main body portion is provided with an elongated operating switch whose longitudinal direction is in the vehicle width direction, The lower end of the main body is a vehicle display device in which the center portion in the vehicle width direction is located above both ends in the vehicle width direction.

7. The vehicle display device according to claim 6, wherein the central portion in the vehicle width direction at the lower end of the main body is located above the lower end of the steering wheel when viewed from the rear of the vehicle.

8. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein the portion between the right-side display unit and the left-side display unit is recessed toward the front of the vehicle relative to the right-side display unit and the left-side display unit.

9. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a portion cut out between the right-side display unit and the left-side display unit.

10. The vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the main body is configured to be able to adjust its vertical position independently of the steering wheel.

Images