JP2006151192A - Operating device of steering wheel and vehicle operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operating device for a steering wheel fitted with an operation part for a car-mounted device, capable of enhancing the operating easiness of the operation part without degrading the driver's visibility to the environment outside the vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: A display 4 is installed on an instrument panel 1 assuring good ahead visibility for the driver, and an operation switch 41 of the car-mounted device is installed in the stationary part 22 of a pad part 12 of the steering wheel W fitted with a doughnut-shaped airbag. The operation switch 41 is installed approximately in the center in the vehicle width direction of the pad part 12 and configured capable of moving a pointer in all directions on the display screen 4a of the display 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an operating device for operating an in-vehicle device, and particularly belongs to the technical field of a structure when the operating device is provided on a pad portion of a steering wheel.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, it is generally known that an operation unit of an in-vehicle device is provided on a steering wheel in consideration of operability of the in-vehicle device by an occupant. As such a thing, what provided the operation part in the ring part of the steering wheel as shown in patent document 1, for example, what provided the touch panel etc. in the pad part as shown in patent document 2, etc. are known, for example. Yes.

  Specifically, the operation unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided at a position where the driver of the ring unit can easily touch the driver, and a portion corresponding to the right hand of the driver is selected. A switch having a click ball mechanism is provided so that an operation can be performed, and a push button switch for performing a determination operation is provided in a portion corresponding to the left hand. Thereby, for example, various operations such as function selection in a navigation device or the like can be performed while the driver holds the steering wheel.

Further, the steering wheel disclosed in Patent Document 2 is a so-called donut airbag in which a portion other than the center of the pad portion is deployed at the time of a vehicle collision, and the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed in a donut shape on the passenger side. A touch panel as an operation unit for operating the in-vehicle device is provided in the fixing unit that is provided and is not expanded even when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed. Various operations of the in-vehicle device can be performed by the passenger operating the touch panel.
JP 2001-296134 A US Patent Application Publication No. 2002/135163

  By the way, as in Patent Document 1, if an operation unit is provided in the ring portion of the steering wheel, it is difficult to provide the operation unit in the ring portion with a small installation space, and the operation unit is provided in the ring portion temporarily. Even if it can, the operation part becomes extremely small, so if an operation part is provided on the side of the steering wheel that is not the dominant hand of the driver, it must be operated with a hand that is not the dominant hand, so fine operation Therefore, it cannot be said that the configuration is easy to operate.

  Further, as in Patent Document 2, when a liquid crystal panel is provided at the fixed portion of the steering wheel, it is necessary to perform an operation while constantly looking at the liquid crystal panel, and the driver is seated in the driver's seat. Thus, there is a problem in that it becomes difficult to recognize the environment outside the vehicle during the operation of the liquid crystal panel.

  In addition, it is conceivable that the operation unit is provided not on the steering wheel with many restrictions as described above, but on the instrument panel or the center console unit. Because it will be provided on one side, if the driver wants to be able to perform a fine selection operation regardless of the dominant hand, it is necessary to enlarge the operation unit, and the design of the passenger compartment is restricted by the operation unit Occurs.

  The present invention has been made in view of such various points, and the object of the present invention is to devise the configuration of the operation unit in the steering wheel operation device provided with the operation unit for the in-vehicle device. Thus, the operability of the operation unit is improved without impeding the visibility of the driver to the environment outside the vehicle.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the steering wheel operation device according to the present invention, the display screen is displayed around the instrument panel which is difficult to impair visibility in front of the vehicle, while the operation unit is a pad unit with good operability. It was provided at the approximate center in the vehicle width direction.

  That is, the invention of claim 1 includes a ring part on the outer peripheral side that is gripped by a vehicle occupant, and a pad part that is positioned substantially at the center of the ring part and connected to the ring part via the spoke part, It is assumed that the steering wheel operating device is provided with an airbag device in which an airbag cushion accommodated in a ring shape is inflated and deployed on the occupant side in the event of a vehicle collision.

  The pad portion is covered with a cover on the occupant side, and is positioned at the center portion of the pad portion, and a fixing portion where the cover is not deployed even when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, and around the fixing portion. And a deployment part that is deployed when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, and the fixed part has an operation for operating the in-vehicle device on the screen of the screen display device provided on the instrument panel. It is assumed that the portion is provided at a substantially central position in the vehicle width direction of the pad portion.

  With this configuration, a screen display device for displaying operation information and the like of the in-vehicle device is provided on the instrument panel, and separately from this, the pad portion of the steering wheel provided with an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys in a donut shape in the event of a vehicle collision By providing the operation part of the in-vehicle device in the fixed part of the steering wheel, it is provided at a position with good operability such as a pad part of the steering wheel without largely moving the line of sight from the front of the vehicle when the driver is seated in the driver's seat Since the operation unit can be operated, it is possible to prevent the driver's visibility with respect to the environment outside the vehicle from being hindered, and to improve the operability of the operation unit.

  In addition, since the operation portion is provided at the approximate center in the vehicle width direction of the pad portion, the operation portion can be operated by the dominant hand regardless of the driver's dominant hand, and operability is improved. Can do. In addition, since the driver can operate the operation unit with his / her dominant hand in this way, it is not necessary to enlarge the operation unit so that fine selection operations can be performed even when it is not operated with the dominant hand, and the degree of freedom of design is expanded. be able to.

  In the above-described configuration, it is preferable that screen display means capable of moving the selection display on the screen of the screen display device in all directions on the screen in accordance with the operation of the operation unit is provided. ). As a result, for example, the pointer or the like can be moved obliquely on the screen, so that the operation time during the selection operation can be shortened, and the operability can be improved.

  Further, it is preferable that a projecting portion for positioning the occupant's hand supported on the pad portion when the occupant operates the operation portion is formed on the upper end portion of the pad portion. Invention). As a result, when the occupant operates the operation unit, the position of the occupant's hand in the vehicle width direction is always determined to be the same by the protrusion at the upper end of the pad unit. There is no need to see and confirm, and operability can be improved. In addition, when operating the operation unit as described above, the occupant's hand is supported on the pad unit, so that the operation unit can be operated in a stable posture.

  Furthermore, the screen display device is preferably a head-up display that reflects the inner surface of the windshield and displays the screen (invention of claim 4). In this way, by making the display screen a head-up display with good forward visibility, when the driver is seated in the driver's seat, it is possible to operate the in-vehicle device without moving the line of sight almost from the front. Thus, the operability can be improved while ensuring visibility of the driver's environment outside the vehicle.

  Then, the steering device is arranged such that, in a state where the steering wheel is steered and rotated, an operation direction of the operation unit by the occupant and an operation direction on the screen of the screen display device are substantially the same. Operation control means for correcting an output signal from the operation unit according to a corner may be provided (invention of claim 5). Thus, even when the steering wheel is steered and rotated, the movement direction of the pointer or the like on the display screen is substantially the same as the operation direction of the operation unit by the occupant. A sense of incongruity due to a deviation from the movement direction of the pointer or the like on the screen can be eliminated, and operability can be improved.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ring portion on the outer peripheral side to be gripped by an occupant and a pad portion connected via the ring portion and the spoke portion, and an airbag cushion housed in a ring shape is provided in the pad portion. On the premise of a vehicle operating device comprising a steering wheel provided with an airbag device that is inflated and deployed on the occupant side in the event of a collision, and a screen display device that is provided on the instrument panel and displays operation information of the in-vehicle device. To do.

  The pad portion of the steering wheel is covered with a cover on the occupant side, and is positioned at the center portion of the pad portion, and the fixing portion where the cover is not expanded even when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, and the fixing portion Is provided with a deployment part that is deployed when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, and the fixed part has an operation unit for operating the in-vehicle device on the screen of the screen display device. It is assumed that the pad portion is provided at a substantially central position in the vehicle width direction.

  With this configuration, as in the first aspect, the screen display device is provided on the instrument panel that is difficult to impair the visibility to the front, and the operation portion is provided on the pad portion of the steering wheel with good operability. The operability of the in-vehicle device can be improved without impeding visibility to the environment outside the vehicle.

  In the above-described configuration, it is preferable to provide screen display means that can move the selection display on the screen of the screen display device in all directions on the screen in accordance with the operation of the operation unit (the invention of claim 7). Thereby, the same effect as that of the above-described second aspect can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the steering wheel operation device according to the present invention, the display screen is provided around the instrument panel with good visibility, while the operation unit is provided in the fixing portion of the pad portion with good operability. The operability of the operation unit can be improved without impeding visibility to the environment outside the vehicle. In addition, since the operation unit is arranged at the approximate center in the vehicle width direction of the steering wheel, it is possible to operate with the dominant hand regardless of whether the driver's dominant hand is left or right, and the operability can be improved. . Furthermore, since it is not necessary to increase the size of the operation unit on the assumption that it is operated by a non-dominant hand, the degree of freedom in design can be expanded.

  Further, the operability can be further improved by configuring the operation unit to be selectable in all directions on the display screen, or by providing a protrusion for positioning the operator's hand on the pad unit. In addition, by making the display screen a head-up display, the driver's visibility with respect to the environment outside the vehicle can be improved.

  Furthermore, even when the steering wheel is steered and rotated, the operability can be further improved by making the operation direction of the operation unit substantially the same as the movement direction of the pointer or the like on the display screen.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description of the preferred embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its application, or its use.

(Embodiment 1)
<Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 shows a schematic structure of a front part of a passenger compartment provided with a steering wheel W according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. A resin instrument panel 1 is disposed in the front part of the vehicle compartment, and a windshield 2 is disposed above the instrument panel 1.

  A center console portion 3 is provided at a substantially central portion in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel 1 so as to extend in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the inclined surface portion 3a located at the front portion of the center console portion 3 includes: A lever guide groove 3b through which the shift lever is inserted is formed, and a setting dial of the air conditioner is disposed on the front side of the vehicle. The instrument panel 1 above the setting dial is provided with various operation buttons of the audio apparatus, air-conditioning air outlets, and the like. Further above that, a display 4 (screen display device) is provided for displaying information such as operation of various in-vehicle devices such as an audio device and an air conditioner, and displaying a guidance screen of the navigation device.

  The steering wheel W includes a ring portion 11 on the outer peripheral side for a passenger M (hereinafter also referred to as a driver) to grip, a pad portion 12 disposed substantially at the center of the ring portion 11, and the ring portion 11. It consists of four spokes 13, 13, 14, and 14 (spoke portions) that connect the pad portion 12. Inside the pad portion 12, an airbag cushion 51 is occupant as shown in FIG. An airbag device 15 that is inflated and deployed on the M side is provided. In the case of the present embodiment, the airbag cushion 51 is a so-called donut airbag cushion that inflates and deploys in a ring shape when viewed from the passenger side, as will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the spokes 13, 13, 14, 14 include a pair of left and right lateral spokes 13, 13 extending in the vehicle width direction from the left and right ends of the upper portion of the pad portion 12, and a lower portion of the pad portion 12. A pair of left and right diagonal spokes 14 and 14 extending diagonally downward from both left and right end portions of the left and right sides of the steering wheel W, the space between the ring portion 11 and the pad portion 12 of the steering wheel W is partitioned vertically. In addition, the lower space is further divided into three spaces by the diagonal spokes 14 and 14. By providing these spaces in the steering wheel W, as shown in FIG. 3, when the occupant M collides with the inflated airbag cushion 51, it becomes a refuge for deformation of the airbag cushion 51, and the impact received by the occupant M Can be effectively reduced.

  Here, the ring portion 11 and the spokes 13, 13, 14, and 14 are covered with a metal core by a synthetic resin coating layer made of, for example, a urethane material, and the pad portion 12 is made of polypropylene or the like. The airbag device 15 and the core metal are covered with an occupant side and a vehicle front side cover made of the above resin.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the pad portion 12 is formed in a substantially inverted trapezoidal shape when viewed from the passenger side, and breaks when the airbag cushion 51 housed in a ring shape inside is inflated and deployed. It consists of a deployment part 21 that breaks along the groove 21c and is developed around the hinge part 21d, and a fixing part 22 that is fixed to the pad part 12 without being deployed even when the airbag cushion 51 is inflated and deployed. The unfolding portion 21 is provided so as to surround the fixing portion 22.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a storage chamber 25 in which an airbag cushion 51 is stored is formed in a portion corresponding to the development portion 21 in the pad portion 12. A substantially cylindrical inflator 52 for supplying gas into the airbag cushion 51 is disposed at a portion corresponding to the fixed portion 22. That is, the airbag cushion storage chamber 25 is a ring-shaped space that surrounds the inflator 52 when viewed from the occupant side, and the airbag cushion 51 is folded in the storage chamber 25 in a ring shape. It is stored in. The airbag cushion 15 and the inflator 52 constitute the airbag device 15.

  The airbag cushion 51 is formed in a bag shape, and an opening edge portion located on the front side of the vehicle is fixed to the pad portion 12 (not shown), while a central portion of the bottom portion 51a is fixed to the pad portion 12. It is sandwiched between the portion 22 and a support bracket 27 described later. Thus, the airbag cushion 51 is disposed so as to cover the occupant side of the inflator 52, and when the central portion of the bottom 51a is fixed and gas is supplied to the inside, the airbag cushion 51 is substantially donut-shaped when viewed from the occupant side. It is designed to expand into a shape.

  The inflator 52 includes a case 52a in which a gas generating agent (not shown) for generating a gas is enclosed. The inflator 52 generates gas by igniting the gas generating agent, and the gas is supplied to the air. It is configured to be supplied to the bag cushion 51. That is, the side surface of the case 52a is provided with a plurality of gas ejection ports 52b, 52b,... For discharging the gas generated by the gas generating agent, and the airbag cushion 51 is inflated as described above. 52, the gas discharged from the gas ejection ports 52b, 52b,... Is reliably supplied into the airbag cushion 51.

  Further, in the fixing portion 22, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a mortar-shaped support member 23 is disposed so as to open toward the occupant side, and at the peripheral portion of the support member 23, It is comprised so that the said expansion | deployment part 21 may be engaged. Specifically, a through-hole having a size that allows the support member 23 to be disposed at the approximate center thereof is formed in the development portion 21, and the peripheral portion of the support member 23 is the peripheral edge of the through-hole. The portion engages with a bent portion 21a formed to be bent in a crank shape forward of the vehicle.

  The support member 23 of the fixing portion 22 is bolted to a top plate portion 27a of a support bracket 27 having a substantially U-shaped cross section disposed so as to cover the passenger side of the inflator 52. Although not shown, the support bracket 27 is connected and fixed to a retainer (not shown) whose end on the opening side is fixed to the pad portion 12, and the bag-like airbag cushion 51 is connected to the connecting portion. The opening end side of is held. As a result, the fixing portion 22 is fixed to the pad portion 12 via the support bracket 27, and the inner portion of the airbag cushion 51 is also fixed to the pad portion 12. When the airbag cushion 51 is inflated and deployed, the fixing portion is fixed. 22 is not expanded.

  With the configuration as described above, when gas is supplied from the inflator 52 to the inside of the airbag cushion 51 and the airbag cushion 51 is inflated in the event of a vehicle collision, only the deployment portion 21 of the pad portion 12 is torn and deployed. Then, the airbag cushion 51 is inflated and deployed on the passenger side. At this time, since the fixing portion 22 of the pad portion 12 is fixed to the pad portion 12, the fixing portion 22 does not expand, and the airbag cushion 51 is also fixed at its inner portion, so that it can be seen from the passenger side. It expands and expands in a substantially ring shape.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the fixed portion 22 has a horn switch 30 for sounding a horn (warning sound) on the occupant side of the support member 23 and an in-vehicle device such as an audio or navigation device. The operation switch 41 (operation unit) to be described later, an EL or liquid crystal display, for example, a display unit 42 for displaying a warning or the like, a speaker 43 for outputting voice guidance or the like, and an occupant's voice are recognized. A microphone 44 is provided. The operation switch 41, the display unit 42, the speaker 43, and the microphone 44 are provided in a storage space formed on the upper side when viewed from the occupant side of the support member 23 of the fixing unit 22, and the storage space is The space where the horn switch 30 is disposed is partitioned.

  Thus, by providing various switches on the fixing portion 22 located substantially in the center of the pad portion 12, it becomes possible to easily operate regardless of the driver's dominant hand, and operability can be improved.

  Further, in order to further improve the operability of the operation switch 41 described above, as shown in FIG. 2, the pad portion 12 above the fixed portion 22 (substantially the center in the vehicle width direction of the pad portion 12) when viewed from the passenger side. A protruding portion 21b that is long in the front-rear direction is formed on the upper end portion. By providing such a protruding portion 21b, the occupant places his palm on the pad portion 12 and four fingers other than the thumb are hung on the upper end of the pad portion 12 (the state indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2). ), Since the thumb of the occupant is positioned on the operation switch 41, it is not necessary for the occupant to visually check the position of the switch when operating the switch. Note that the protruding portion 21b is not limited to the one provided in the approximate center in the vehicle width direction of the pad portion 12 as shown in FIG. 2, for example, when the hand of the passenger is hung on the upper end portion of the pad portion 12. It is only necessary that the occupant's thumb be positioned on the operation switch 41, for example, to be provided on the outer side in the vehicle width direction relative to the position or to have an uneven shape that conforms to the shape of the finger.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the horn switch 30 has a switch cover 31 elastically connected to the support member 23 via a spring member 32, and the switch cover 31 is relative to the vehicle longitudinal direction. It is movable. In this way, by configuring the switch cover 31 to be relatively movable, when the switch cover 31 is pressed toward the front of the vehicle (in the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 5), the switch cover 31 is provided on the switch cover 31 side. A horn (warning sound) sounds when the contact 33 and the contact 34 (see FIG. 4) provided on the support member 23 side come into contact with each other.

  Specifically, a bottomed cylindrical guide member 35 is provided inside the mortar-shaped support member 23 so as to open toward the occupant side, while on the vehicle front side of the switch cover 31. Is integrally formed with a protruding portion 31a protruding toward the front of the vehicle so as to be slidable inside the guide member 35. In addition, a spring member 32 for elastically supporting the switch cover 31 with respect to the support member 23 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the guide member 35, and corresponds to the front side of the switch cover 31 and the vehicle. Contacts 33 and 34 are provided on the passenger side of the guide member 35, respectively. With this configuration, when the switch cover 31 is pressed toward the front of the vehicle, the switch cover 31 moves against the elastic restoring force of the spring member 32, and a horn circuit (shown in FIG. (Omitted) is closed, and a horn sounds from the speaker (not shown) to the outside of the vehicle. On the other hand, when the pressing force to the switch cover 31 disappears, the switch cover 31 returns to the initial position by the elastic restoring force of the spring member 32.

<Lighting device>
On the passenger side of the switch cover 31, there is provided a lighting device 60 (illuminating means) composed of a transparent acrylic plate 61 (clear plate) and an LED 62 (illuminant) to enhance the decoration effect and darkness such as at night. However, it plays the role of improving the visibility of the horn switch 30. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the lighting device 60 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

  On the passenger side of the switch cover 31 of the horn switch 30, a transparent acrylic plate 61 is disposed so as to cover the base 31b of the switch cover 31, and on the passenger side surface of the acrylic plate 61, A mask portion 63 is configured by applying a light-shielding paint so as to emulate a manufacturer's emblem or the like. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, in the portion where the paint is not applied, the surface of the acrylic plate 61 is exposed to the occupant side, and the manufacturer's emblem or the like appears by the exposed portion. On the other hand, the surface of the switch cover 31 on the occupant side of the base portion 31b, that is, the surface in contact with the acrylic plate 61, is coated with a bright color paint such as white or silver and has a reflecting portion 64 that reflects light toward the occupant side. It is configured. The reflecting portion 64 may be formed on the surface of the acrylic plate 61 on the vehicle front side.

  An LED 62 as a light emitter is disposed inside the acrylic plate 61. The LED 62 is supplied with electric power via wiring and is turned on or off by a control device (not shown) mounted on the vehicle. The turn-off control is performed. The LED 62 may be turned on in conjunction with a vehicle width lamp, a headlamp, or the like, or may be turned on in conjunction with a room lamp.

  When the LED 62 is turned on in response to a signal from the control device, the light from the LED 62 is reflected inside the acrylic plate 61, and light leaks from the portion where the paint is not applied, that is, from the emblem portion to the passenger side. Thus, the emblem portion appears to shine. The LED 62 is disposed on the vehicle front side of the portion where the paint is applied so as to provide indirect illumination, that is, so that light does not reach the occupant's field of view directly through the reflecting portion 64. It is preferable to provide a plurality of locations (5 locations as shown in FIG. 2 in the case of this embodiment) so that the entire emblem portion shines.

  That is, the lighting device 60 includes a transparent plate 61 such as an acrylic plate provided so as to cover the passenger side of the base portion 31b of the switch cover 31 provided on the fixing portion 22 of the pad portion 12, and the transparent plate 61. For example, a mask portion 63 coated with paint or the like so as to cover a part of the surface, and an LED that diffuses light from a portion covered by the mask portion 63 to a portion not covered by the mask portion 63 in the transparent plate 61. The light emitter 62.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cord 62 a for supplying electric power to the LED 62 is disposed so as to extend in the fixed portion 22 toward the front of the vehicle. That is, the cord 62a extending to the bottom of the mortar-shaped support member 23 is inserted through the through holes of the support member 23 and the support bracket 27, and then the surface of the top plate portion 27a of the support bracket 27 on the vehicle front side ( (The lower surface in the figure) is disposed so as to extend through the through-hole provided in the side plate portion 27b of the support bracket 27 and to the vehicle front side along the side plate portion 27b. Is done. The cord 62a extends to the control device through the inside of a steering shaft (not shown) connected to the vehicle front side of the pad portion 12. In this way, by laying the cord 62a in the fixed portion 22, the cord 62a is not wired in the deploying portion 21, thereby preventing the deployment portion 21 from inhibiting the inflation and deployment of the airbag cushion 51. be able to. It should be noted that other cords such as the LED and the operation switch 41 are also preferably twisted in the vicinity of the through hole of the support member 23 and wired to the control device through the above-described path.

  Further, the lighting device 60 is controlled by the control means from the instrument panel illumination device (instrument panel illumination means) that illuminates the instrument panel of the instrument panel when the amount of light reaching the driver's eyes from the illumination device 60 when the vehicle travels. It is set to be smaller than the amount of light that reaches. Thereby, it can prevent that the light which reaches a driver | operator from the illuminating device 60 provided in the pad part 12 inhibits a driver | operator's visibility ahead of a vehicle during driving | running | working, and can ensure safety. it can.

  Note that the lighting device 60 may be configured to perform a lighting operation different from the normal time in an emergency (when a collision is predicted, during automatic braking, when a vehicle abnormality is detected, or the like) by a control device. That is, in the event of an emergency, by performing an operation such as increasing the amount of illumination light or blinking it, it may serve as a notification means for notifying the driver that the state is highly urgent. Good. As a result, it is possible to notify the driver at a closer position, and the safety can be improved.

  With the above configuration, in the pad portion 12 of the steering wheel W, the horn switch 30 is provided in the fixing portion 22 that is not deployed even when the airbag cushion 51 is inflated and deployed, and illumination for the horn switch 30 is also provided. Therefore, the visibility of the horn switch 30 can be improved, and the horn switch 30 can be reliably operated even in the case of high urgency. Moreover, by providing the horn switch 30 in the fixed portion 22 in which the airbag cushion 51 is not housed, the horn can be sounded with good responsiveness without the airbag cushion 51 obstructing the pressing operation of the occupant.

  In addition, the illumination for the horn switch 30 is such that the emblem portion is illuminated by indirect illumination, so the amount of light is not as great as that of direct illumination, and does not impair the visibility ahead of the driver. It is possible to ensure a high-quality decoration effect.

<Screen display control according to operation switch operation>
The structure and operation of the operation switch 41 provided above the horn switch 30 when viewed from the passenger side in the fixed portion 22 will be described in detail below. The operation switch 41 is, for example, a stick-type operation switch for operating an in-vehicle device such as an audio device or a navigation device. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a cylindrical portion 41a having a substantially hat-shaped cross section, It consists of a shaft part 41b provided at the lower part and a spherical part 41c provided at the tip thereof.

  The operation switch 41 is arranged such that the cylindrical portion 41a protrudes from the fixed portion 22 toward the occupant side, and the shaft portion 41b and the spherical portion 41c are located inside the fixed portion 22. It is configured to be tiltable in all directions when viewed from the passenger side. When the occupant tilts the cylindrical portion 41a in an arbitrary direction, the movement is transmitted to the spherical portion 41c via the shaft portion 41b, and the movement of the spherical portion 41c is detected by a detection unit (not shown). It has become so. The operation switch 41 is configured to be movable also in the front of the vehicle (in the axial direction) and functions as a switch when pressed toward the front of the vehicle, as will be described later.

  The signal detected as described above is displayed as an occupant operation on the display screen 4a of the display 4 by the image control device 90 described later, and is also output to a control device (not shown). Yes. This control device is configured to control various in-vehicle devices based on the output signal, screen information displayed on the display screen 4a of the display 4, and the like.

  The operation switch 41 is not limited to a stick type switch, and may be a track pad 41 ′ that is operated by touching a flat pad surface with a finger as shown in FIG. 11, or a ball-shaped member. It may be a trackball operated by rotating in a predetermined direction. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 11, the operation switch 41 is provided on the upper side of the horn switch 30 when viewed from the driver. You may make it provide.

  The image control device 90 displays the movement of the operation switch 41 as described above on the display screen 4 a of the display 4, and as shown in FIG. 10, the display is displayed according to the output signal from the operation switch 41. The image control unit 91 (screen display means, operation control means) that controls the image displayed on the display screen 4a 4 includes a parking brake and sensors 92 and 93 for detecting the operation of the brake, an operation switch 41, and a steering angle sensor. 94, the vehicle speed sensor 95 and the display 4 are connected. With this configuration, when the parking brake and the brake are not operated, or when the vehicle speed is not zero, the image control unit 91 does not operate even when a signal from the operation switch 41 is input, and the display 4 The selection operation cannot be performed on the display screen 4a.

  An example of an image displayed on the display screen 4a of the display 4 by the image control device 90 when operating the vehicle-mounted device such as a navigation device or an air conditioner using the operation switch 41 will be described below.

  First, an in-vehicle device operated by the operation switch 41 is selected. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6B, since a list of various in-vehicle devices is displayed on the display screen 4a of the display 4, the operation switch 41 is operated in the direction a of FIG. 6A. As a result, the pointer on the display screen 4a (in the case of the present embodiment, an arrow) is moved in the same A direction as the a direction to move to a predetermined in-vehicle device item to be operated. Here, it can be clearly seen that the area where the pointer is located is selected, for example, because the color changes from other areas, or the brightness changes even if it is the same color. It has become.

  In FIG. 6B, for example, after the pointer is moved into the area of the item “Navigation device”, the operation switch 41 is pressed toward the front of the vehicle, whereby the area where the pointer is located. The selection is determined. In addition, when pressing the operation switch 41 and determining selection, you may be comprised so that a sound may sound. By making a sound in this way, the operator can recognize that the selection has been confirmed.

  When a navigation device is selected by the above-described operation, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, a screen for selecting the current location, destination setting, and various settings is displayed on the display screen 4a of the display 4. Then, the operation switch 41 is operated (direction b) as shown in FIG. 7A to move the pointer (direction B) to select any one item (various settings in this embodiment). Thereafter, by pressing the operation switch 41 toward the front of the vehicle, selection is determined, and each item as shown in FIG. 8B is displayed.

  Also in FIG. 8B, the operation switch 41 is operated as shown in FIG. 8A (direction c), for example, the pointer is moved to the item “gas station search” (direction C), and the item is selected. To do. By making the operation switch 41 operable in all directions, the pointer can be moved freely in an oblique direction on the display screen 4a of the display 4 as shown in FIG. Can be improved. Further, by providing the operation switch 41 at the approximate center in the vehicle width direction of the steering wheel W in the pad portion 12, a fine operation such as moving in an oblique direction can be performed regardless of whether the driver is a dominant hand. Therefore, even when there are many selection items and the area where the items are displayed is narrow as shown in FIG. 8B, the operation can be performed reliably and easily.

  In this way, the operation switch 41 performs, for example, a selection operation of searching for a gas station using a navigation device, so that the position of the gas station is superimposed on the map data on the display screen 4a as shown in FIG. Is done. In addition, when the map data is displayed on the display screen 4a of the display 4 as described above and the current position display item is selected by moving the pointer to the upper left of the screen by the operation switch 41, the area around the current position indicated by the dotted line in FIG. An enlarged view is displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the pointer is moved on the screen of the display 4 by operating the operation switch 41. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The selection area may be displayed only by the change in the above.

  Here, the movement direction of the pointer on the display screen 4a of the display 4 is configured to be substantially the same as the operation direction of the operation switch 41 even when the steering wheel W is steered and rotated. It is preferable.

  That is, in the state where the steering wheel W is steered and rotated, the operation switch 41 is also rotated as a matter of course, and in this state, the pointer moves in the same direction as the operation direction intended by the driver. As described above, the image control unit 91 may correct the output signal from the operation switch 41 according to the steering angle of the steering wheel W so that the image is displayed on the display screen 4a of the display 4.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the operating device for operating the in-vehicle device, the display 4 is provided on the instrument panel 1 with good visibility, and the operation switch 41 is provided with the steering wheel W that has good operability for the driver. When the operation switch 41 is operated, it is not necessary to move the line of sight downward greatly while the driver is seated in the driver's seat. The operability of the in-vehicle device can be improved without impairing the visibility.

  Moreover, since the operation switch 41 is provided at the approximate center of the steering wheel W in the vehicle width direction, the operability is not deteriorated regardless of whether the driver's dominant hand is left or right. In particular, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, since the operation switch 41 is provided in the upper part of the pad portion 12, that is, substantially in the center of the steering wheel W, the operation switch can be used even when the steering wheel W is rotated. 41 is always located at substantially the center of the steering wheel W, and can always be operated by a dominant hand. Further, since the operation switch 41 is operated with a dominant hand, it is not necessary to increase the size of the operation switch 41 in consideration of operability, and the degree of freedom of design is widened. Movement in the direction is also possible, and operability can be improved.

  Further, by providing the pad portion 12 with a protruding portion 21b for positioning the driver's hand when operating the operation switch 41, the position of the operation switch 41 is confirmed each time the operation switch 41 is operated. The driver's hand is supported on the pad portion 22 and the operation switch 41 can be operated in a stable posture.

  Further, even when the steering wheel W is steered and rotated, the operation direction of the operation switch 41 and the movement direction of the pointer on the display screen 4a of the display 4 are made substantially the same, so that the driver can use the dominant hand. The operability can be further improved.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the display 4 is provided at the approximate center in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel 1. However, the display 4 is not limited to this and is provided at another position of the instrument panel 1. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, an overhead display 5 may be used in which an image from the display device 5a is reflected and displayed on a surface (inner surface) of the windshield 2 on the vehicle interior side. In this way, the overhead display 5 can improve the visibility of the driver in front of the vehicle, and while viewing the screen in the position with the highest visibility when the driver is seated in the driver's seat. The operation switch 41 can be operated, and the operability can be improved.

-Modification 1 of Embodiment 1-
The lighting device 60 is not limited to the one that applies a light-shielding paint to the occupant-side surface of the transparent acrylic plate 61 and illuminates the LED 62 from the front side of the vehicle, as in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of groove portions 61a, 61a,... (Uneven portions) are provided on the surface of the acrylic plate 61 on the front side of the vehicle, and light is applied from the side of the groove portions 61a, 61a,. Good. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Specifically, the acrylic plate 61 disposed on the passenger side of the switch cover 31 of the horn switch 30 is provided with a plurality of grooves 61a, 61a,. A space having a substantially V-shaped cross section is formed between the acrylic plate 61 and the base 31b of the switch cover 31.

  In addition, a dark paint such as black is applied to a portion of the front surface of the acrylic plate 61 where the grooves 61a, 61a,... Are not formed, and the same mask as in the above-described embodiment. On the other hand, a bright color paint such as white or silver is applied to the surface of the occupant side of the base portion 31b of the switch cover 31 to form a reflective portion 64. The groove portion is viewed from the occupant side. The portion where 61a, 61a,... Are formed, that is, the emblem portion is visible.

  Since the LEDs 62 and 62 as light sources are disposed so as to illuminate the acrylic plate 61 from the side, the light incident from the side of the acrylic plate 61 is the groove portion formed in the acrylic plate 61. Reflected by 61a, 61a,..., The grooves 61a, 61a,.

  Thereby, the visibility of the horn switch 30 can be improved, and a high-quality decoration effect can be obtained.

  In addition, the surface of the said groove part 61a, 61a, ... may not be a smooth surface but the fine uneven | corrugated process may be performed. By performing the unevenness treatment in this manner, the groove portions 61a, 61a,... Shine milky white in the case of a white light LED, and the groove portions 61a, 61a,... Appear milky and reddish in the case of a red light LED. Therefore, a more luxurious decoration effect can be obtained.

-Modification 2 of Embodiment 1
The illumination device 60 is provided with grooves 61a, 61a,... On the surface of the transparent acrylic plate 61 on the vehicle front side as in the first modification of the first embodiment. 14, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, it is constituted by two acrylic plates 71 and 72, and a space having a substantially V-shaped cross section is provided between the two so that the light is emitted from the front side of the vehicle. May be irradiated. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Specifically, of the two acrylic plates 71, 72, grooves 71a, 71a,... Having a substantially V-shaped cross section are formed on the vehicle front side surface of the passenger-side acrylic plate 71. A mask portion 63 is configured by applying a paint of a dark color such as black to a portion of the front surface of the vehicle where the grooves 71a, 71a,... Are not provided. On the other hand, a bright color paint such as white or silver is applied to the surface of the occupant side of the base portion 31b of the switch cover 31 to form the reflecting portion 64. Thereby, as seen from the occupant side, the portion where the groove portions 71a, 71a,... Are formed, that is, the emblem portion appears to float.

  The LED 62 is disposed inside the acrylic plate 72 on the front side of the vehicle, and light is applied to the space formed by the grooves 71a, 71a,... From the front side of the vehicle. Only the part appears to shine stereoscopically.

  By doing so, the visibility of the horn switch 30 can be improved, and a high-quality decoration effect can be obtained.

  The groove portions 71a, 71a,... May be provided not on the front surface of the occupant side clear plate 71 but on the occupant side surface of the clear plate 72 on the front side of the vehicle. 63 may be formed on the passenger-side surface of the acrylic plate 72 on the front side of the vehicle, or the reflection part 64 may be formed on the surface of the acrylic plate 72 on the front side of the vehicle.

  Further, instead of the two acrylic plates 71 and 72 as described above, the acrylic plate 71 is disposed only on the passenger side, and a space as an air layer is provided on the front side of the vehicle. You may make it arrange | position LED62 in it. Thereby, since the light from LED62 diffuses in space, the diffusibility of light can be improved and more uniform and bright indirect illumination can be obtained.

-Modification 3 of Embodiment 1-
The lighting device 60 is not limited to indirect lighting in which the light source is not visible directly from the occupant side, as in the first embodiment and the modifications 1 and 2 described above. For example, as illustrated in FIG. The emblem portion may be configured to shine from the front side of the vehicle, and the amount of light may be reduced by performing a process to become a magic mirror on the acrylic plate. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Specifically, of the two acrylic plates 81 and 82, a plurality of groove portions 81 a, 81 a,... Having a substantially V-shaped cross section are formed on the front surface of the passenger-side acrylic plate 81. The LED 62 is disposed on the vehicle front side of the acrylic plate 82 on the vehicle front side corresponding to the grooves 81a, 81a,. And in the surface corresponding to the said groove part 81a, 81a, ... among the passenger | crew side surfaces of the acrylic board 82 of the said vehicle front side, while providing the magic mirror part 83 which performed the process which becomes a magic mirror, The mask portion 64 is formed by applying a dark paint such as black to the other portions.

  As described above, by forming the portions corresponding to the grooves 81a, 81a,... As magic mirrors, when viewed from the occupant side, when the LED 62 is not lit, the groove portions serve as emblem portions of the magic mirror occupant. On the other hand, the emblem portion appears to shine in a state in which the amount of light from the LED 62 is reduced when the LED 62 is lit, while the color of the side, that is, a mirror action, generally appears silver. Moreover, the emblem portion can be seen three-dimensionally from the occupant side by the grooves 81a, 81a,..., And the light of the LED 62 can be diffused thereby, so that a more luxurious decoration effect can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, a space is provided between the acrylic plate 82 on the vehicle front side and the base 31b of the switch cover 31 of the horn switch 30, but this is not restrictive. Alternatively, opaque resin or the like may be filled.

  In the above-described embodiment, the mask portion 64 and the magic mirror portion 83 are formed on the surface of the occupant side of the acrylic plate 82 on the front side of the vehicle. The mask portion 64 may be formed on the front surface of the vehicle, and the magic mirror portion 83 may be formed on the passenger side surface of the acrylic plate 82 on the front side of the vehicle.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 16 shows a longitudinal section of a pad portion of a steering wheel W ′ equipped with an airbag device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Since the configuration of the horn switch is different from that of Embodiment 1, The same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only different parts will be described. That is, in the second embodiment, the horn switch is configured by the fixing portion 122 and the developing portion 121 of the pad portion 102.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the vehicle front side of the deployment portion 121 is covered with a retainer 28 that is a flat plate-like member, and a storage chamber 25 for storing the airbag cushion 51 therein. Is to be formed. Then, the unfolding portion 121 and the fixing portion 122 have a plurality of horn switch devices 26 (in FIG. 16) provided with spring members 26c with respect to the cored bar 10 disposed on the vehicle front side in the pad portion 102. Only one horn switch device is disclosed), and is configured to be relatively movable in the vehicle front-rear direction.

  In this way, by configuring the entire pad portion 102 so as to be relatively movable, when the pad portion 102 is pressed forward of the vehicle (in the direction of the white arrow in the figure), the horn switch device 26 operates to activate the horn ( Warning sound). Hereinafter, the structure and operation of the horn switch device 26 will be described.

  The horn switch device 26 has a lower end screwed to the cored bar 10 and a guide shaft 26a disposed so as to extend toward the occupant side, and a bottomed cylinder constituting a part of the airbag cushion housing chamber 25. A plate-like extension portion 26b that extends outward from the steering wheel W from the wall portion 25a of the shaped member and passes through the guide shaft 26a, and the guide shaft between the extension portion 26b and the cored bar 10 The pad member 102 is elastically supported with respect to the cored bar 10.

  The extending portion 26b is provided with a sleeve contact 26d at the periphery of the insertion hole through which the guide shaft 26a is inserted, and a pin contact 26e is provided on the core metal 10 side of the guide shaft 26a. . As a result, when the pad portion 102 is pressed forward of the vehicle (in the direction of the white arrow in the figure), the extending portion 26b moves relative to the vehicle front side against the elastic restoring force of the spring member 26c, and When the sleeve contact 26d and the pin contact 26e are in contact with each other, a horn circuit (not shown) is closed, and the horn sounds. On the other hand, when the pressing force to the pad portion 102 disappears, the pad portion 102 returns to the initial position by the elastic restoring force of the spring member 26c.

  In the pad portion 102 configured as described above, the occupant side of the fixed portion 122 is provided with an illuminating device 60 in which an emblem or the like emerges, and an operation switch 41 that allows the occupant to operate the in-vehicle device. Yes. Since the configuration of the lighting device 60, the operation switch 41, and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted (however, in this embodiment, the display unit 42 is not provided in the pad unit 12 or However, the lighting device 60 is provided on the occupant side of the mortar-shaped support member 123 that constitutes the fixing portion 122, and is disposed inside the transparent acrylic plate 61. The light from the LED 62 is reflected in the acrylic plate 61 and passes from the portion of the occupant side surface where the mask portion 63 is not formed toward the occupant side. Here, the mask part 63 is formed so as to emulate an emblem or the like when viewed from the occupant side, for example, and the LED 62 is positioned on the vehicle front side of the mask part 63 to constitute indirect illumination. Yes.

  The operation switch 41 can move the pointer on the display screen 4a of the display 4 provided on the instrument panel 1 in all directions. From the items displayed on the screen 4a, a predetermined item can be selected. When selecting, selection is confirmed by pressing toward the front of the vehicle. When the selection is determined in this way, a sound (for example, an electronic sound) is generated when pressed.

  As described above, in the configuration in which the fixing portion 122 and the deployment portion 121, that is, the pad portion 102 as a whole is a horn switch, by providing the fixing device 122 with the lighting device 60, a decorative effect can be obtained, and the air The bag cushion 51 is not housed, and the visibility of the fixed portion 122 that is responsive to the operation can be improved without being obstructed by the airbag cushion, and is highly urgent. Even in this case, it becomes possible for the occupant to reliably sound the horn. Note that the configuration of the illumination device 60 is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment as described above, and may be a configuration as in the first to third modifications of the first embodiment.

  Further, as described above, the operation switch 41 provided on the fixed portion 122 is pressed toward the front of the vehicle, and a sound is generated when the item selection is confirmed, so that the occupant can unnecessarily press the operation switch 41. Pressing can prevent the horn from ringing.

(Other embodiments)
The configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes various other configurations. That is, in each said embodiment, although indirect illumination is used as an illuminating device for illuminating the horn switch 30 or the fixing | fixed part 122 provided in the fixing | fixed part 22 of the pad part 12, not only this but EL etc. are used. The fixing unit 22 (emblem portion) may be directly illuminated.

  In the first embodiment, the horn switch 30 provided in the fixed portion 22 is caused to emit light by indirect illumination. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other switches such as the operation switch 41 provided in the fixed portion 22 are provided. You may make it light by indirect illumination. Furthermore, you may make it use things other than LED (for example, a light bulb etc.) as a light-emitting body.

  In the first and third modifications of the first embodiment, the groove portion is provided on the surface of the acrylic plate on the vehicle front side. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a protrusion may be provided, or the surface on the passenger side. An uneven portion may be provided on the surface. Even in this case, it is necessary to provide the mask portion 63 on either the occupant side or the vehicle front side of the acrylic plate.

  Moreover, in each said embodiment, the fixing | fixed part 22,122 of the pad parts 12 and 102 and the expansion | deployment parts 21 and 121 are formed separately, and the perimeter part of this fixing | fixed part 22 and 122 and penetration | deployment of the expansion | deployment parts 21 and 121 are carried out. The bent portions 21a and 121a provided on the peripheral edge of the hole are engaged and integrated, and when the airbag cushion 51 is inflated and deployed, the engagement is released and the deployed portions 21 and 121 are deployed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fixing portions 22 and 122 and the development portions 21 and 121 may be integrally formed, and a fracture groove may be provided therebetween.

  Furthermore, in each said embodiment, although the four spokes 13, 13, 14, and 14 are provided in the steering wheel W, it is not restricted to this, You may make three spokes.

  As described above, the steering wheel operation device according to the present invention provides a display screen at a position with good visibility, while providing an operation portion at the approximate center in the vehicle width direction of the steering wheel, thereby enabling the driver's exterior environment. Since the operability of the operation portion can be improved without hindering the visibility of the air bag, for example, the airbag cushion is particularly useful in the case where the operation portion is provided in the fixed portion of the pad portion where the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed in a donut shape. is there.

It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the compartment front part of the motor vehicle provided with the steering wheel which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a front view which shows schematic structure of a steering wheel. It is a figure which shows the state which the airbag cushion provided in the steering wheel developed. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. 2 which expands and shows the internal structure of a fixed part periphery among the pad parts of a steering wheel. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example ((a) Movement of an operation switch when selecting the vehicle-mounted apparatus to operate, (b) Display screen of a display) when performing selection operation on the display screen of an operation using an operation switch. . FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 illustrating a state in which the operation content is selected after selecting the in-vehicle device in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6 illustrating a state in which more specific operation content is selected from the operation content selected in FIG. 7. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen displayed on a display as a result of selection operation of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an image control apparatus. It is a front view which shows the fixing | fixed part in case an operation switch is a track pad. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the compartment front part at the time of providing a head-up display. It is a partial expanded sectional view which shows an example of the illuminating device provided in the switch cover of the horn switch. It is a partial expanded sectional view which shows an example of the illuminating device provided in the switch cover of the horn switch. It is a partial expanded sectional view which shows an example of the illuminating device provided in the switch cover of the horn switch. It is sectional drawing which shows the longitudinal cross-section of the pad part of the steering wheel which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

W, W 'Steering wheel 1 Instrument panel 2 Windshield 4 Display (screen display device)
4a Display screen 5 Head-up display 11 Ring part 12, 102 Pad part 13, 14 Spoke (spoke part)
15 Airbag devices 21, 121 Deployment part 21 b Projection part 22, 122 Fixing part 23, 123 Support member 30 Horn switch 31 Switch cover 41 Operation switch (operation part)
51 Airbag Cushion 60 Illumination Device 61, 71, 72, 81, 82 Acrylic Plate 61a, 71a, 81a Groove 62 LED
91 Image control unit (screen display means, operation control means)

Claims (7)

A ring part on the outer peripheral side gripped by a vehicle occupant, and a pad part positioned approximately at the center of the ring part and connected to the ring part via a spoke part, are housed in a ring shape within the pad part. A steering wheel operating device provided with an airbag device for inflating and deploying the airbag cushion to the occupant side in the event of a vehicle collision,
The pad portion is covered with a cover on the occupant side, is located in the center portion of the pad portion, and is provided around a fixed portion where the cover is not expanded even when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, and around the fixed portion. A deployment portion that is deployed when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed,
The fixing portion is provided with an operation portion for operating the in-vehicle device on the screen of the screen display device provided on the instrument panel at a substantially central position in the vehicle width direction of the pad portion. A steering wheel operating device. In claim 1,
A steering wheel operating device comprising screen display means capable of moving a selection display on the screen of the screen display device in all directions on the screen in accordance with an operation of the operation unit. In any one of Claim 1 or 2,
A steering wheel operation is characterized in that a protrusion for positioning the occupant's hand supported on the pad portion is formed at the upper end of the pad portion when the occupant operates the operation portion. apparatus. In any one of Claims 1-3,
The screen display device is a head-up display that reflects the inner surface of the windshield and displays the screen. In any one of Claims 1-4,
In a state where the steering wheel is steered and rotated, the operation unit according to the steering angle of the steering wheel so that the operation direction of the operation unit by the occupant and the operation direction on the screen of the screen display device are substantially the same. An operation device for a steering wheel, comprising operation control means for correcting an output signal from the steering wheel. It has a ring part on the outer peripheral side that the occupant grips and a pad part that is connected to the ring part via the spoke part, and in this pad part, an airbag cushion stored in a ring shape is inflated and deployed on the occupant side in the event of a vehicle collision A vehicle operating device comprising: a steering wheel provided with an airbag device to be provided; and a screen display device that is provided on an instrument panel and displays operation information of an in-vehicle device,
The pad portion of the steering wheel is covered with a cover on the occupant side, and is located in the center portion of the pad portion, and a fixed portion where the cover is not expanded even when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, and the periphery of the fixed portion A deployment portion that is deployed when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed,
Operation of the vehicle characterized in that an operation unit for operating the in-vehicle device on the screen of the screen display device is provided in the fixing unit at a substantially central position in the vehicle width direction of the pad unit. apparatus. In claim 6,
An operating device for a vehicle, comprising screen display means capable of moving a selection display on a screen of a screen display device in all directions on the screen in accordance with an operation of an operating section.

Images