STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING MODULE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-103746 filed on Jun. 23, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND
Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a steering wheel and a steering module.

Related Art

International Patent Publication No. 2018/78740 discloses a steering wheel equipped with an indicator that is capable of lighting up. The steering wheel recited in International Patent Publication No. 2018/78740 is configured such that the indicator lights up when it is possible to start autonomous driving, when autonomous driving has started, and the like.

However, in the steering wheel recited in International Patent Publication No. 2018/78740, because the indicator is illuminated for multiple reasons, a vehicle occupant may not be able to understand a reason why the indicator is illuminated. In particular, in a state in which hands-off operation is permitted, in which the vehicle occupant removes their hands from the steering wheel, there is scope for improvement in regard to notifying the occupant to grip the steering wheel.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a steering wheel and steering module that enable instinctive understanding of when to grip the steering wheel.

A steering wheel according to a first aspect includes a left and right pair of grip portions that extend in a vehicle vertical direction and are configured to be gripped by a vehicle occupant, wherein the left and right pair of grip portions illuminate in a case in which a need for the vehicle occupant to grip the left and right pair of grip portions arises.

In the steering wheel according to the first aspect, in a case in which a need for the vehicle occupant to grip the grip portions arises, the left and right pair of grip portions are illuminated. As a result, the vehicle occupant may instinctively understand to grip the illuminated portions.

In a steering wheel according to a second aspect, the first aspect further includes: a base portion that extends in the vehicle vertical direction and a vehicle width direction; a connecting portion that connects a lower end portion of the base portion with lower end portions of the left and right pair of grip portions in the vehicle width direction; an upper right perimeter portion that extends toward a left side from an upper end portion of a grip portion at a right side and that extends toward a vehicle front and is connected with an upper end portion of the base portion; and an upper left perimeter portion that extends toward the right side from an upper end portion of a grip portion at the left side and that extends toward the vehicle front and is connected with the upper end portion of the base portion.

The steering wheel according to the second aspect includes the base portion that extends in the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle width direction. The left and right pair of grip portions respectively extend in the vehicle vertical direction at both left and right sides relative to the base portion. The lower end portion of the base portion and the lower end portions of the left and right pair of grip portions are connected in the vehicle width direction by the connecting portion. The upper right perimeter portion extends to the left side from the upper end portion of the grip portion at the right side, and the upper right perimeter portion extends to the vehicle front and is connected to the upper end portion of the base portion. Similarly, the upper left perimeter portion extends to the right side from the upper end portion of the grip portion at the left side, and the upper left perimeter portion extends to the vehicle front and is connected to the upper end portion of the base portion. Thus, because an upper portion and a lower portion of the steering wheel are each connected to the base portion, the steering wheel is more resistant to deformation than a cantilever structure in which only one of the upper portion and lower portion of the steering wheel is fixed.

In a steering wheel according to a third aspect, in the second aspect, a steering wheel switch is provided at least one of the upper right perimeter portion and the upper left perimeter portion.

In the steering wheel according to the third aspect, the vehicle occupant may operate the switch without greatly moving a hand from a state in which the vehicle occupant is gripping the grip portions.

In a steering wheel according to a fourth aspect, the second aspect further includes a column portion that projects toward a vehicle rear from an instrument panel, wherein the base portion is turnably attached to the column portion.

In the steering wheel according to the fourth aspect, because the base portion is attached to be turnable with respect to the column portion, the steering wheel may steer without the column portion being turned.

In a steering wheel according to a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, a sensor that is configured to detect the vehicle occupant is provided at a distal end portion of the column portion.

In the steering wheel according to the fifth aspect, the vehicle occupant may be detected by the sensor. Because this column portion does not turn, detection accuracy may be excellently maintained regardless of steering angles of the steering wheel. The meaning of the term “sensor” as used herein is intended to broadly include sensors that are capable of detecting at least portions of a vehicle occupant and encompasses, for example, a sensor that detects the whole face of the vehicle occupant, a sensor that detects the eyes, a sensor that detects an eyeline direction, a sensor that detects posture, and the like.

In a steering wheel according to a sixth aspect, in the fourth aspect, an air blowing hole that is configured to blow air toward the vehicle rear is provided at a distal end portion of the column portion.

In the steering wheel according to the sixth aspect, because the air blowing hole is provided at the distal end portion of the column portion, air may be blown from closer to the vehicle occupant than in a structure that blows air toward a vehicle occupant from an air blowing hole provided at an instrument panel.

A steering module according to a seventh aspect includes: a steering wheel according to any one of the first to sixth aspects; and a display device for a vehicle that displays information, the display device for a vehicle being disposed between the left and right pair of grip portions and an instrument panel.

In the steering module according to the seventh aspect, because the display device for a vehicle is provided nearer than the instrument panel, information may be viewed just by moving an eyeline to a vicinity of the steering wheel.

In a steering module according to an eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the steering wheel is movable in a vehicle front-rear direction between a usage position, at which the vehicle occupant may steer and the display device for a vehicle and the left and right pair of grip portions are spaced apart in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a stowed position, at which the left and right pair of grip portions touch against the display device for a vehicle.

In the steering module according to the eighth aspect, because the base portion and the column portion are moved to the stowed position when steering by the vehicle occupant is not required, such as during autonomous driving or the like, more space may be obtained in the vicinity of the driving seat.

As described above, according to the steering wheel and steering module according to the present disclosure, rigidity of the steering wheel may be excellently maintained even with diversely shaped steering wheels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view in which a driver seat vicinity of a vehicle in which a steering module according to an exemplary embodiment is employed is seen from the vehicle rear side;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view in which the driver seat vicinity of FIG. 1 is seen diagonally from the upper rear;

FIG. 3 is a magnified view in which the steering module of FIG. 1 is magnified and seen from the vehicle rear side;

FIG. 4 is a magnified view in which the steering module of FIG. 1 is magnified and seen diagonally from the rear right side;

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a state in which a steering wheel is moved to a stowed position from the state in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a state in which grip portions are illuminated from the state in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a view in which a steering module according to a first variant example is seen from the vehicle rear side;

FIG. 8 is a view in which a steering module according to a second variant example is seen from the vehicle rear side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A vehicle V in which a steering module 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is employed is described with reference to the drawings. The arrow FR, arrow UP and arrow LH in the drawings indicate, respectively, a vehicle front side, vehicle upper side and vehicle left side. Below, where descriptions are given using directions to front and rear, left and right, and upper and lower, unless particularly specified these refer to front and rear in the vehicle front-rear direction, left and right in the vehicle width direction, and upper and lower in the vehicle vertical direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an instrument panel 16 is provided at a front portion of a cabin interior of the vehicle V. The instrument panel 16 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a steering wheel 12 is provided at the vehicle left side of the instrument panel 16. That is, the present exemplary embodiment is an example of a left-hand drive car in which the steering wheel 12 is provided at the left side and a driver seat is set at the vehicle left side, but this is not limiting. For example, the exemplary embodiment may be applied to a right-hand drive car in which the steering wheel 12 is provided at the vehicle right side.

A windshield glass 18 is provided at a front end portion of the instrument panel 16. The windshield glass 18 extends in the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle width direction, dividing the cabin interior from the cabin exterior.

A vehicle left side end portion of the windshield glass 18 is fixed to a front pillar 20 at the vehicle left side. The front pillar 20 extends in the vehicle vertical direction, and the windshield glass 18 is fixed to a vehicle width direction inner side end portion of the front pillar 20.

A vehicle seat 22 is disposed at the vehicle rear side relative to the instrument panel 16. The vehicle seat 22 is a driver seat on which a vehicle occupant sits. The vehicle V according to the present exemplary embodiment is a vehicle that is equipped with an autonomous driving mode for running without the vehicle occupant conducting driving operations. The vehicle V is configured so as to enable running in the autonomous driving mode when predetermined conditions are satisfied in a manual driving mode. The steering module 10 is provided to the front of the vehicle seat 22.

Steering Module 10

FIG. 2 is a schematic view in which the driver seat vicinity is seen diagonally from the upper rear. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the steering module 10 includes the steering wheel 12 and a display device for a vehicle 14 (which may below be referred to as the display device 14). The vehicle occupant grips the steering wheel 12 and steers.

The steering module 10 is provided with a module base 26 that is attached to the instrument panel 16. The module base 26 is formed in a shape that tapers in plan view from the vehicle rear side to the vehicle front side. A front end portion of the module base 26 is fixed to an upper face of the instrument panel 16.

A column portion 24 that structures the steering wheel 12 is provided at the vehicle width direction middle of a rear end portion of the module base 26. The display device 14 is provided at both of vehicle width direction end portions of the rear end portion of the module base 26. The display device 14 is disposed between the steering wheel 12 and the instrument panel 16, and displays information to the vehicle occupant.

Display Device for a Vehicle 14

FIG. 3 is a magnified view in which the steering module 10 is magnified and seen from the vehicle rear side. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the display device 14 is provided with a main body portion 30. The main body portion 30 extends further to both left and right sides (both sides in the vehicle width direction) than the steering wheel 12, and is configured such that information is displayed on screens opposing the vehicle seat 22.

More specifically, the main body portion 30 is provided with a center portion 30C, a right side display portion 30R and a left side display portion 30L. The center portion 30C is disposed at a vehicle width direction middle portion of the steering module 10, the right side display portion 30R is disposed at the vehicle right side relative to the vehicle width direction middle of the steering module 10, and the left side display portion 30L is disposed at the vehicle left side relative to the vehicle width direction middle of the steering module 10.

The right side display portion 30R is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape. The right side display portion 30R is disposed to the vehicle front of a right side portion of the steering wheel 12 and, in plan view, is angled to the vehicle rear side toward the vehicle right side. The left side display portion 30L is formed in a shape with left-and-right symmetry with the right side display portion 30R. That is, the left side display portion 30L is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, is disposed to the vehicle front of a left side portion of the steering wheel 12 and, in plan view, is angled to the vehicle rear side toward the vehicle left side.

A surface at the vehicle rear side of the right side display portion 30R that opposes the driver seat is a right display screen 32R, and a surface at the vehicle rear side of the left side display portion 30L that opposes the driver seat is a left display screen 32L. In the descriptions below, where the right display screen 32R and left display screen 32L are not being distinguished, they are referred to simply as the display screens 32.

Each of the display screens 32 is equipped with a touch panel that the vehicle occupant may operate by touching. Accordingly, the display device 14 is configured such that the vehicle occupant may touch images and the like displayed at the display screens 32 to select functions corresponding with the images.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as an example, the touch panels are provided at the whole of the display screens 32. That is, a touch panel is formed such that information is displayed at the whole of the surface at the vehicle rear side of the right side display portion 30R, and the vehicle occupant may operate images displayed at the right side display portion 30R as appropriate. Similarly to the right side display portion 30R, a touch panel is formed such that information is displayed at the whole of the surface at the vehicle rear side of the left side display portion 30L, and the vehicle occupant may operate images displayed at the left side display portion 30L as appropriate.

In particular, operation items with relatively high frequencies of operation are displayed in a region PR at the right side of the right side display portion 30R relative to the steering wheel and a region PL at the left side of the left side display portion 30L relative to the steering wheel 12.

For example, information concerning operations relating to air conditioning equipment, music playback and entertainment is displayed in the region PR; the vehicle occupant may hold the right side display portion 30R and select images displayed in the region PR with a finger of the right hand. Meanwhile, information relating to driving support functions such as active cruise control, switching between driving modes and so forth is displayed in the region PL; the vehicle occupant may hold the left side display portion 30L and select images displayed in the region PL with a finger of the left hand.

Meanwhile, a region of the right side display portion 30R that is at the left side relative to the steering wheel 12 and a region of the left side display portion 30L that is at the right side relative to the steering wheel 12 are regions that are more difficult for the vehicle occupant to operate. Accordingly, operation items with relatively low frequencies of operation are displayed in these regions. For example, settings of a navigation system that are conducted while the vehicle V is stopped and the like may be displayed in these regions.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the touch panels are provided at the whole surfaces of the display screens 32, but this is not limiting. Structures are possible in which touch panels are provided only at the region PR and the region PL, in which case a touch panel does not necessarily react when the hand of a vehicle occupant operating the steering wheel 12 touches the display screen 32. More specifically, consequent to a touch panel being provided only at a region of the right side display portion 30R extending at the right side beyond the steering wheel 12, misoperation due to a hand touching another portion of the right side display portion 30R in a state in which the hand is gripping the steering wheel 12 may be suppressed. Similarly, consequent to a touch panel being provided only at a region of the left side display portion 30L extending at the left side beyond the steering wheel 12, misoperation due to a hand touching another portion of the left side display portion 30L in a state in which the hand is gripping the steering wheel 12 may be suppressed.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, finger rest portions 31 are provided at surfaces at the opposite sides of the right side display portion 30R and left side display portion 30L from the sides thereof at which the display screens 32 are provided. In the present exemplary embodiment, as an example of each finger rest portion 31, a protrusion portion for resting a finger is formed. When a finger is hooked on this protrusion portion, operability of the display screen 32 is improved. Alternatively, a recess portion for resting a finger that is recessed relative to a general surface may be provided as the finger rest portion.

A right operation switch 34R and a left operation switch 34L are provided at an upper edge of the main body portion 30. The right operation switch 34R is provided at the upper edge of the right side display portion 30R and is formed in a long, narrow shape whose length direction is in the vehicle width direction. In some embodiments, functions that may be operated regardless of information displayed at the display device 14 are assigned to the right operation switch 34R and left operation switch 34L. As an example in the present exemplary embodiment, a hazard lamp function is assigned to the right operation switch 34R and a high beam function is assigned to the left operation switch 34L, but this is not limiting.

A lower end portion of the center portion 30C of the main body portion 30 is disposed further upward than a lower end portion of the right side display portion 30R and a lower end portion of the left side display portion 30L. More specifically, the center portion 30C is disposed to the vehicle front relative to the right side display portion 30R and the left side display portion 30L, and the lower end portion of the center portion 30C is disposed further upward than the lower end of the steering wheel 12 as viewed from the vehicle rear side. A lower edge of the right side display portion 30R, a lower edge of the center portion 30C, and a lower edge of the left side display portion 30L are joined so as to be connected by smoothly curved surfaces.

Steering Wheel 12

The steering wheel 12 includes the column portion 24, a base portion 40, a right grip portion 42R, a left grip portion 42L, a connecting portion 44, an upper right perimeter portion 46R and an upper left perimeter portion 46L.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the column portion 24 projects from the instrument panel 16 through the module base 26 toward the vehicle rear. Sensors, which are capable of detecting a vehicle occupant and are not illustrated in the drawings, are provided at a distal end portion of the column portion 24. The sensors include a sensor that detects the whole face of a vehicle occupant, a sensor that detects the eyes, a sensor that detects an eyeline direction and a sensor that detects posture, or the like.

Air blowing holes, which are capable of blowing air toward the vehicle rear and are not illustrated in the drawings, are also provided at the distal end portion of the column portion 24. For example, an air conditioning apparatus is provided at the vehicle front side relative to the instrument panel 16 and structures are formed such that air whose temperature is controlled by the air conditioning apparatus is blown through the interior of the column portion 24 and from the air blowing holes toward the driver seat. Thus, because the air blowing holes are provided in the distal end portion of the column portion 24, there is no need to dispose a register at the instrument panel 16, and flexibility of design of the vehicle interior is improved. Moreover, air may be blown from closer to the vehicle occupant than in a structure in which air is blown from the instrument panel 16.

As an example in the present exemplary embodiment, the column portion 24 is structured to be tiltable in the vertical direction relative to the module base 26. That is, the main body portion 30 is structured to enable adjustment of a position thereof in the vertical direction independently of the steering wheel 12.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the base portion 40 is provided at the column portion 24. The base portion 40 extends in the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle width direction. The base portion 40 is turnably attached to a portion of the column portion 24 between a base end portion and the distal end portion.

The right grip portion 42R, which may be gripped by the vehicle occupant, is disposed at the right side relative to the base portion 40. The left grip portion 42L, which may be gripped by the vehicle occupant, is disposed at the left side relative to the base portion 40. The right grip portion 42R and left grip portion 42L both extend in the vehicle vertical direction and are formed in shapes with left-and-right symmetry about the center of the steering wheel 12.

A lower end portion of the base portion 40, a lower end portion of the right grip portion 42R and a lower end portion of the left grip portion 42L are connected in the vehicle width direction by the connecting portion 44. The connecting portion 44 is a long, narrow member that is disposed at the lower side relative to the column portion 24 and whose length direction is in the vehicle width direction. A vehicle width direction central portion of the connecting portion 44 is formed to be wider in the vehicle front-rear direction than both vehicle width direction end portions.

An attachment piece 40A projects to the vehicle front side from a lower end portion of the base portion 40. The vehicle width direction central portion of the connecting portion 44 is fixed to the attachment piece 40A. A car horn switch may be provided at the vehicle width direction central portion of the connecting portion 44.

Both the vehicle width direction end portions of the connecting portion 44 are gently curved so as to gradually rise towards the two vehicle width direction sides and are formed integrally with the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L.

The upper right perimeter portion 46R is provided at an upper end portion of the right grip portion 42R. The upper right perimeter portion 46R includes an upper right steering portion 48R and a right sightline guide portion 50R. The upper right steering portion 48R extends diagonally to the front-left side from the upper end portion of the right grip portion 42R. The right sightline guide portion 50R extends further to the vehicle front from an end portion of the upper right steering portion 48R and is connected with an upper end portion of the base portion 40.

The upper left perimeter portion 46L is provided at an upper end portion of the left grip portion 42L. The upper left perimeter portion 46L includes an upper left steering portion 48L and a left sightline guide portion 50L. The upper left steering portion 48L extends diagonally to the front-right side from the upper end portion of the left grip portion 42L. The left sightline guide portion 50L extends further to the vehicle front from an end portion of the upper left steering portion 48L and is connected with an upper end portion of the base portion 40.

A gap is provided between the upper right perimeter portion 46R and upper left perimeter portion 46L. A base end region of the module base 26 may be viewed through this gap. Accordingly, a display portion such as a display screen or the like may be provided in a region of the module base 26 between the upper right perimeter portion 46R and the upper left perimeter portion 46L.

Steering wheel switches are provided at one or both of the upper right perimeter portion 46R and the upper left perimeter portion 46L. As an example in the present exemplary embodiment, two right steering wheel switches 52R are provided at the upper right perimeter portion 46R. The two right steering wheel switches 52R are provided side by side in a face at the vehicle rear side of the upper right steering portion 48R. Respectively different functions are assigned to the two right steering wheel switches 52R. For example, functions such as a right indicator, switching between low beam and high beam, launching a voice input device, and the like may be assigned to the right steering wheel switches 52R.

Meanwhile, two left steering wheel switches 52L are provided at the upper left perimeter portion 46L. The two left steering wheel switches 52L are provided side by side in a face at the vehicle rear side of the upper left steering portion 48L. Respectively different functions are assigned to the two left steering wheel switches 52L. For example, functions such as a left indicator, starting a windshield wiper, launching active cruise control, and the like may be assigned to the left steering wheel switches 52L.

The steering module 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment is structured as described above. The display device 14 and the steering wheel 12 are disposed to be spaced apart in the vehicle front-rear direction.

FIG. 4 is a magnified view in which the steering module 10 of FIG. 1 is magnified and seen diagonally from the rear right side. As illustrated in FIG. 4, a gap is provided between the right grip portion 42R of the steering wheel 12 and the right side display portion 30R of the display device 14. The gap is large enough that, in a state in which a vehicle occupant is gripping the right grip portion 42R, the hand of the vehicle occupant does not touch the right side display portion 30R.

In some embodiments, the gap between the right grip portion 42R and the right side display portion 30R is at least 5 cm and at most 30 cm or at least 7 cm and at most 20 cm. A gap is also provided between the left grip portion 42L of the steering wheel 12 and the left side display portion 30L of the display device 14, of a similar size to the gap at the right side.

In the steering module 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the steering wheel 12 is structured to be stowable. For example, after the driving mode of the vehicle V is switched to the autonomous driving mode, if switching to the manual driving mode is not expected for a long time, the steering wheel 12 is stowed.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a state in which the steering wheel 12 is moved to a stowed position from the state in FIG. 2. In FIG. 5, a state in which the steering wheel 12 is at a usage position is depicted by two-dot chain lines and a state in which the steering wheel 12 is at the stowed position is depicted by solid lines.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the steering wheel 12 is structured to be relatively movable in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the display device 14. For example, the steering wheel 12 is locked in a state in which the column portion 24 of the display device 14 is inserted into the module base 26, and when this locked state is released, the column portion 24 is switched to a state that is relatively movable with respect to the module base 26.

As illustrated by the two-dot chain lines in FIG. 5, when the base portion 40 and column portion 24 are at the usage position, the vehicle occupant may steer and the display device 14 is spaced apart in the vehicle front-rear direction from the right grip portion 42R and left grip portion 42L of the steering wheel 12. In contrast, as illustrated by the solid lines, at the stowed position to which the steering wheel 12 is moved in the vehicle front-rear direction, the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L touch against the display device 14.

More specifically, in a plan view of the present exemplary embodiment, an angle of the right side display portion 30R and an angle of the upper right steering portion 48R are substantially the same, and an angle of the left side display portion 30L and an angle of the upper left steering portion 48L are substantially the same. Therefore, at the stowed position, the right grip portion 42R and upper right portion 48R of the steering wheel 12 are in contact with the display screen 32R of the right side display portion 30R, and the left grip portion 42L and upper left portion 48L are in contact with the display screen 32L of the left side display portion 30L.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the steering module 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment is structured such that the right grip portion 42R and left grip portion 42L illuminate when a need for a vehicle occupant to grip the right grip portion 42R and left grip portion 42L arises.

More specifically, a light source 43R is disposed inside the right grip portion 42R and a light source 43L is disposed inside the left grip portion 42L. The light source 43R and light source 43L are configured so as to light up or flash in accordance with signals from a control section that is not illustrated in the drawings. At a time of handover to the vehicle occupant from a hands-off state in which driving assistance is conducted, the light source 43R and light source 43L light up and the right grip portion 42R and left grip portion 42L illuminate. In particular in the present exemplary embodiment, the material feel of a cover of the steering wheel 12 is the material feel of an ordinary synthetic leather, but the cover is formed of a material that enables the interior to be seen. When the light sources emit light, the light is transmitted through the cover and is visible as if surfaces of the cover are lighting up.

If the vehicle occupant does not grip the right grip portion 42R and left grip portion 42L within a predetermined duration, the light source 43R and light source 43L may be made to flash, and may be made to illuminate in an alternative color.

Operation

Now, operation of the steering module 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment is described.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the steering module 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment, when a need for a vehicle occupant to grip the right grip portion 42R and left grip portion 42L arises, the grip portions are illuminated. As a result, the vehicle occupant may instinctively understand to grip the illuminated portions.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the steering module 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the main body portion 30 of the display device 14 is disposed between the steering wheel 12 and the instrument panel 16, and the main body portion 30 extends further to both the left and right sides than the steering wheel 12. Therefore, display content displayed at the display screen 32 may be seen by a vehicle occupant greatly moving their eyeline less than with a structure in which a display portion is provided at the instrument panel 16. Because the main body portion 30 extends to both the left and right sides relative to the steering wheel 12, hands gripping the steering wheel are not an obstacle when the vehicle occupant looks at the display screen 32.

In the display device 14 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the right operation switch 34R and left operation switch 34L are provided at the upper edge of the main body portion 30. These operation switches are formed in long, narrow shapes whose length directions are in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the operation switches are easy to operate even in a state in which the eyeline of the vehicle occupant is directed forward.

In the display device 14 according to the present exemplary embodiment, because the right side display portion 30R and left side display portion 30L are in plate shapes, the display portions may be arranged in minimal space. In addition, because the right operation switch 34R is provided at the upper edge of the right side display portion 30R and the left operation switch 34L is provided at the upper edge of the left side display portion 30L, respectively different functions may be assigned to the display switches.

In the display device 14 according to the present exemplary embodiment, because a touch panel is provided at the display screen 32, the vehicle occupant may conduct operations without greatly moving a hand from the steering wheel 12.

In the display device 14 according to the present exemplary embodiment, operation items with high frequencies of operation are displayed in the region at the right side of the right side display portion 30R relative to the steering wheel 12 and the region at the left side of the left side display portion 30L relative to the steering wheel 12. Thus, the vehicle occupant may easily touch these operation items. Operation items with relatively low frequencies of operation are kept displayed in other regions of the display screen. Therefore, convenience for the vehicle occupant may be improved compared to a structure in which these operation items are not displayed.

In the display device 14 according to the present exemplary embodiment, in a state in which the vehicle occupant grips the right side display portion or left side display portion in order to operate a touch panel, the vehicle occupant may rest a finger at the finger rest portion. As a result, the driver may conduct operations precisely even while driving.

In the display device 14 according to the present exemplary embodiment, because the vehicle width direction central portion of the lower end portion of the main body portion 30 is disposed further upward than the lower end of the steering wheel 12, contact by the knee area of the vehicle occupant with the lower end portion of the main body portion 30 may be suppressed. Moreover, because both the vehicle width direction end portions of the main body portion 30 are disposed further downward than the vehicle width direction central portion, the vehicle occupant may conduct operations without greatly moving a hand and may conduct operations easily.

In the display device 14 according to the present exemplary embodiment, because the column portion 24 is structured to be tiltable in the vertical direction relative to the module base 26, a relative position of the main body portion 30 with respect to the steering wheel 12 may be adjusted in accordance with the physical build of a vehicle occupant, posture and the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the steering wheel 12 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the lower end portions of the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L are connected to the lower end portion of the base portion 40 by the connecting portion 44, and the upper right perimeter portion 46R and upper left perimeter portion 46L are connected to the upper end portion of the base portion 40. Thus, because the upper portion and lower portion of the steering wheel 12 are each connected to the base portion 40, the steering wheel 12 is less likely to deform than in a cantilever structure in which only one of the upper portion and lower portion of the steering wheel 12 is fixed to a steering column or the like.

In the steering wheel 12 according to the present exemplary embodiment, because the right steering wheel switches 52R are provided at the upper right perimeter portion 46R and the left steering wheel switches 52L are provided at the upper left perimeter portion 46L, the vehicle occupant may operate the steering wheel switches in a state in which the vehicle occupant is gripping the steering wheel 12.

In the steering wheel 12 according to the present exemplary embodiment, because the base portion 40 is turnably attached to the column portion 24, the steering wheel 12 may steer without the column portion 24 being turned. In particular, because the sensors capable of detecting the vehicle occupant are provided at the distal end portion of the column portion 24 in the present exemplary embodiment, the sensors are not turned even in states in which the steering wheel 12 is operated and detection accuracy of the sensors may be excellently maintained.

In the steering wheel 12 according to the present exemplary embodiment, because the air blowing holes are provided at the distal end portion of the column portion 24, air may be blown from a position closer to the vehicle occupant than in a structure that blows air toward a vehicle occupant from air blowing holes provided in the instrument panel 16.

In the steering wheel 12 according to the present exemplary embodiment, because the steering wheel 12 is structured so as to enable movement to the stowed position at the vehicle front side as illustrated in FIG. 5, the base portion 40 and column portion 24 may be moved to the stowed position and space in the vicinity of the driving seat may be kept more open when steering by the vehicle occupant is not required, such as during autonomous driving and the like.

The steering module 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment is described above, but it will be clear that numerous embodiments are possible within a scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure. In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, each display screen 32 is provided as far as a region at the inner side of the steering wheel 12 as viewed from the vehicle rear side, but this is not limiting. For example, the structures of a first variant example illustrated in FIG. 7 and a second variant example illustrated in FIG. 8 may be employed.

First Variant Example

FIG. 7 is a view in which the steering module 10 according to the first variant example is seen from the vehicle rear side. As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the present variant example, a region between the right side display portion 30R and the left side display portion 30L is recessed to the vehicle front side relative to the right side display portion 30R and the left side display portion 30L.

More specifically, a region of the right side display portion 30R excluding the display screen 32R is disposed further to the vehicle front side than the display screen 32R, and a step portion 60R is formed between that region and the display screen 32R. Similarly, a region of the left side display portion 30L excluding the display screen 32L is disposed further to the vehicle front side than the display screen 32L, and a step portion 60L is formed between that region and the display screen 32L.

The right operation switch 34R and left operation switch 34L are narrower at base end sides thereof than at distal end sides due to the step portion 60R and step portion 60L, but this is not limiting. That is, the step portions may be formed not only at the upper edge of the main body portion 30 and each distal end side and base end side of the upper edge may be formed with the same width, in which case the widths of the right operation switch 34R and left operation switch 34L may be the same at the distal end sides and base end sides.

In the present variant example, contact by a hand of the vehicle occupant gripping the steering wheel 12 with the main body portion 30 may be suppressed. Moreover, because the step portions 60R and 60L are formed between the right side display portion 30R and left side display portion 30L and the recessed region, rigidity of the main body portion 30 may be improved.

Second Variant Example

FIG. 8 is a view in which a steering module according to the second variant example is seen from the vehicle rear side. As illustrated in FIG. 8, in the present variant example, regions of the main body portion 30 between the right side display portion 30R and the left side display portion 30L are cut out.

More specifically, a region of the right side display portion 30R excluding the display screen 32R is formed in a cut out shape, and a penetrating portion 62R is formed penetrating in the thickness direction of the right side display portion 30R. Similarly, a region of the left side display portion 30L excluding the display screen 32L is formed in a cut out shape, and a penetrating portion 62L is formed penetrating in the thickness direction of the left side display portion 30L.

In the present variant example, contact by a hand of the vehicle occupant gripping the steering wheel 12 with the main body portion 30 may be suppressed. Moreover, because portions of the main body portion 30 are formed in cut out shapes, the main body portion 30 may be reduced in weight. The vehicle occupant may view the vehicle front side of the display device 14 through the penetrating portions 62R and 62L.

In the exemplary embodiment and variant examples described above, two of the right steering wheel switches 52R are provided at the upper right perimeter portion 46R and two of the left steering wheel switches 52L are provided at the upper left perimeter portion 46L, but this is not limiting. For example, steering wheel switches may be provided at only one of the upper right perimeter portion 46R and the upper left perimeter portion 46L. Structures are also applicable in which no steering wheel switches are provided.

The following additional notes are disclosed in relation to the exemplary embodiment described above.

Additional Note 1

The steering wheel includes:

- a left and right pair of grip portions that extend in a vehicle vertical direction and are configured to be gripped by a vehicle occupant,
- wherein the left and right pair of grip portions illuminate in a case in which a need for the vehicle occupant to grip the left and right pair of grip portions arises.

Additional Note 2

- In the steering wheel according to additional note 1, a base portion that extends in the vehicle vertical direction and a vehicle width direction;
- a connecting portion that connects a lower end portion of the base portion with lower end portions of the left and right pair of grip portions in the vehicle width direction;
- an upper right perimeter portion that extends toward a left side from an upper end portion of a grip portion at a right side and that extends toward a vehicle front and is connected with an upper end portion of the base portion; and
- an upper left perimeter portion that extends toward the right side from an upper end portion of a grip portion at the left side and that extends toward the vehicle front and is connected with the upper end portion of the base portion.

Additional Note 3

In the steering wheel according to additional note 1 or additional note 2, a steering wheel switch is provided at least one of the upper right perimeter portion or the upper left perimeter portion.

Additional Note 4

In the steering wheel according to additional note 1 or additional note 2, a column portion that projects toward the vehicle rear from an instrument panel is provided, and the base portion is turnably attached to the column portion.

Additional Note 5

In the steering wheel according to additional note 4, a sensor that is configured to detect the vehicle occupant is provided at a distal end portion of the column portion.

Additional Note 6

In the steering wheel according to additional note 4 or additional note 5, an air blowing hole hat is configured to blow air toward the vehicle rear is provided at a distal end portion of the column portion.

Additional Note 7

A steering module includes:

- a steering wheel according to any one of additional notes 1 to 6; and a display device for a vehicle that displays information, the display device for a vehicle being disposed between the left and right pair of grip portions and an instrument panel.

Additional Note 8

In the steering module according to additional note 7, the base portion and column portion are movable in a vehicle front-rear direction between a usage position, at which the vehicle occupant may steer and the display device for a vehicle and the grip portions are spaced apart in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a stowed position, at which the grip portions touch against the display device for a vehicle.

STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING MODULE

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Priority Claims (1)