JP2014046904A - Steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steering device capable of reducing increasing complication of the operation of on-vehicle functional parts.SOLUTION: A steering device includes a steering part 30, a steering angle detector 70, a direction indication change-over switch and a controller 100. The steering part 30 rotates a column shaft 11. The steering angle detector 70 detects a steering angle of the column shaft 11. The direction indication change-over switch is attached to the steering part 30 and operates a directional light 5. The controller 100 controls lights-out of the directional light 5 on the basis of a steering angle detected by the steering angle detector 70.

Description

  The present invention relates to a steering apparatus having a steering component that rotates a steering shaft.

  A conventional steering apparatus has a combination switch. The combination switch has a first operation lever, a second operation lever, and a cable reel. The first operation lever is operated to change the lighting state of the direction indicator lamp. The second operation lever serves both as an operation for changing the lighting state of the headlamp that illuminates the front of the vehicle and the operation of the wiper. The cable reel electrically connects the steering component and the DC power source. The cable reel has a cancel cam. The cancel cam operates the first operation lever based on the rotation of the steering component to turn off the direction indicator lamp. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional steering device.

  Another conventional steering device has a steering position adjusting device and a switch. The steering position adjusting device adjusts the position of the steering component by tilting and telescopically operating the steering shaft. The switch operates the steering position adjusting device. Patent Document 2 discloses an example of another conventional steering device.

JP 2000-3638 A JP 2006-264486 A

  The steering device of Patent Literature 1 operates blinking and extinguishing of the direction indicator lamp by operating the first operation lever. For this reason, the operator may release his / her hand from the steering component in order to operate the first operation lever at a position away from the steering component. Further, in the steering device of Patent Document 2, a switch is located between the steering component and the front panel. For this reason, the operator may release the hand from the steering component in order to operate the switch located at a position away from the steering component. As described above, in the steering devices of Patent Documents 1 and 2, the operation of the direction indicator lamp and the operation of adjusting the position of the steering component are complicated.

  The problem that this operation becomes complicated is not limited to the operation for changing the lighting state of the direction indicator lamp and the operation for adjusting the position of the steering component, but to change the operation state of the audio equipment and the lighting state of the headlamp. The same applies to the operation of the in-vehicle functional parts such as the operation of, and the operation for changing the operation state of the wiper.

  The present invention was created based on the above background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a steering device capable of suppressing the complicated operation of the in-vehicle functional component.

  (1) The first means is attached to the steering device according to claim 1, that is, a steering component that rotates the steering shaft, a steering operation detection device that detects the operation of the steering shaft, and the steering component. A steering device having a steering switch for operating the in-vehicle functional component; and a control device for controlling the in-vehicle functional component based on a detection result of the steering operation detecting device.

  In the above steering device, the operator does not need to release his / her hand from the steering component in order to operate the in-vehicle functional component by the steering switch. In addition, since the control device controls the in-vehicle functional component based on the detection result of the steering motion detection device, the operator controls the in-vehicle functional component by operating the steering component. For this reason, it is not necessary to release the hand from the steering component. Therefore, the operation of the on-vehicle functional component is suppressed from becoming complicated.

  (2) The second means is the steering device according to claim 2, that is, the control device executes turn-off control for turning off the turn signal lamp as the in-vehicle functional component, and the steering operation detecting device is The steering apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a steering angle detection device that detects a steering angle of the steering shaft.

  (3) The third means is the steering device according to claim 3, that is, the control device causes the direction indicator lamp to blink when the steering switch is changed from the off state to the on state, and The steering apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the direction indicator lamp is turned off based on a change amount of the steering angle that is changed toward the neutral position being greater than or equal to a threshold value.

  (4) A fourth means is the steering device according to claim 4, that is, the steering device has a steering position adjusting device as the in-vehicle functional component for adjusting the position of the steering component, and the control device is The steering part position control for adjusting the position of the steering part is executed, and the steering motion detection device includes a torque detection device for detecting a torque applied to the steering shaft in accordance with a rotation operation of the steering component. It has a steering device given in any 1 paragraph of 1-3.

  (5) The fifth means is the steering device according to claim 5, that is, the control device adjusts the position of the steering component based on the direction of torque applied to the steering shaft. The steering device is provided.

  In the steering device, the control device adjusts the position of the steering component based on the direction of the torque applied to the steering shaft by the torque detection device. For this reason, it is possible to adjust the position of the steering component even if the steering component does not rotate. Therefore, it is possible to easily adjust the position of the steering component even when the vehicle is stopped, that is, when the steering shaft is difficult to rotate due to the operation of the steering component.

  (6) A sixth means is the steering device according to claim 6, that is, the steering device has an assist device for assisting a rotation operation of the steering component, and the assist device applies torque to the steering shaft. An assist motor to be applied, the control device has a drive circuit for driving the assist motor, the steering position adjustment device has a position adjustment motor, and the position adjustment motor is driven by the drive circuit. The steering apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 is provided.

  In the steering apparatus, the position adjustment motor is driven by the drive circuit of the assist motor. Therefore, the drive circuit of the assist motor also serves as the drive circuit of the position adjustment motor. For this reason, a dedicated drive circuit for driving the position adjustment motor can be omitted.

  (7) A seventh means includes the steering apparatus according to the seventh aspect, that is, a transmission apparatus that is attached to the steering component and transmits a signal based on an operation of the steering switch to the control apparatus by wireless communication. It has a steering device given in any 1 paragraph of 1-6.

  In the above steering device, the transmission device transmits the operation of the steering switch as a signal to the control device by wireless communication, so that it is possible to omit a configuration in which the transmission device and the control device are connected by a wire such as a cable. For this reason, it is avoided that the wire is damaged by applying a load to the wire as the steering component is rotated.

  (8) The eighth means is the steering device according to claim 8, that is, a power transmission device connected to a DC power source of the vehicle and the power receiving device that is attached to the steering component and is supplied with power from the power transmission device wirelessly. The steering device according to claim 7, further comprising: a device, and a power source that is attached to the steering component, stores power when power is supplied from the power receiving device, and supplies power to the transmission device.

  In the steering device, since the power transmission device transmits and receives power to the power reception device by wireless communication, a configuration in which the power transmission device and the power reception device are connected by a cable or the like can be omitted. For this reason, it is avoided that the wire is damaged by applying a load to the wire as the steering component is rotated.

  This steering device can prevent the operation of the in-vehicle functional component from becoming complicated.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the steering device of embodiment. The front view which shows the front structure of a steering component about the steering device of embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the cross-section of a steering component and its peripheral part about the steering device of embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of a communication electric power feeder about the steering device of embodiment. The circuit diagram which shows the drive circuit of a control apparatus about the steering device of embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the light extinction control performed by the control apparatus about the steering device of embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the drive switching control performed by the control apparatus about the steering device of embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the tilt drive control performed by the control apparatus about the steering device of embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the telescopic drive control performed by the control apparatus about the steering device of embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the steering component position control performed by the control apparatus about the steering apparatus of other embodiment.

The configuration of the steering device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
The steering device 1 includes a steering device body 10, an assist device 20, a steering component 30, a steering position adjustment device 40, a communication power supply device 50, a steering angle detection device 70, a torque detection device 80, a vehicle speed sensor 90, and a control device 100. . The steering device 1 has a configuration as a column assist type electric power steering device that assists the operation of the steering component 30 by the assist device 20. Note that the steering position adjusting device 40 corresponds to an “in-vehicle functional component”. The steering angle detection device 70 and the torque detection device 80 correspond to a “steering motion detection device”.

  The steering device body 10 includes a column shaft 11, an intermediate shaft 12, a pinion shaft 13, a rack shaft 14, a rack and pinion mechanism 15, two ball joints 16, two tie rods 17, a rack housing 18, and a column housing 19. Have The steering device body 10 integrally rotates the column shaft 11, the intermediate shaft 12, and the pinion shaft 13 as the steering component 30 rotates. The steering device body 10 reciprocates the rack shaft 14 in the longitudinal direction by the rotation of the pinion shaft 13. The steering device main body 10 changes the steering angle of the steered wheels 2 via the knuckle 3 by reciprocating the rack shaft 14. Note that the column shaft 11, the intermediate shaft 12, and the pinion shaft 13 correspond to “steering shafts”.

The pinion shaft 13 has a pinion gear 13 </ b> A over a predetermined range in the longitudinal direction of the pinion shaft 13.
The rack shaft 14 has a rack gear 14 </ b> A over a predetermined range in the longitudinal direction of the rack shaft 14. The rack shaft 14 is meshed with the pinion gear 13A of the pinion shaft 13 in the rack gear 14A.

  The rack and pinion mechanism 15 includes a pinion gear 13A and a rack gear 14A. The rack and pinion mechanism 15 converts the rotation of the pinion shaft 13 into the reciprocating movement of the rack shaft 14 by the meshing of the pinion gear 13A and the rack gear 14A.

  The rack housing 18 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the rack shaft 14. The rack housing 18 accommodates the pinion shaft 13, the rack shaft 14, and the ball joint 16.

  The column housing 19 is formed in a shape that covers the column shaft 11. The column housing 19 accommodates the assist device 20, the steering position adjustment device 40, a part of the communication power supply device 50, the steering angle detection device 70, and the torque detection device 80.

  The assist device 20 includes an assist motor 21 and a speed reducer (not shown). The assist device 20 has a configuration in which a worm shaft and a worm wheel (both not shown) mesh with each other as a reduction gear. The assist device 20 has a configuration in which a worm shaft is connected to an assist motor 21 and a worm wheel is fixed to the column shaft 11. The assist device 20 applies a force for rotating the column shaft 11 to the column shaft 11 by transmitting the rotation of the assist motor 21 to the worm wheel via the worm shaft. The assist motor 21 has an armature 22 (both see FIG. 5) configured by a U-phase coil 22U, a V-phase coil 22V, and a W-phase coil 22W.

  The steering position adjusting device 40 is connected to the column shaft 11. The steering position adjusting device 40 includes a tilt device 41 and a telescopic device 42. In the steering position adjusting device 40, the tilt device 41 has a tilt motor 41A as a position adjusting motor, and the telescopic device 42 has a telescopic motor 42A as a position adjusting motor. In the steering position adjusting device 40, the tilt motor 41A has a configuration as a motor with a brush, and the telescopic motor 42A has a configuration as a motor with a brush.

  The tilt device 41 moves the column shaft 11 within the tilt movement range. The tilt device 41 tilts the column shaft 11 upward as the tilt motor 41A rotates forward. As a result, the steering component 30 moves upward. The tilt device 41 tilts the column shaft 11 downward by the reverse rotation of the tilt motor 41A. Along with this, the steering component 30 moves downward. Note that the upward direction indicates a direction toward the upper side in the front view of the steering component 30. Further, the downward direction indicates a downward direction in the front view of the steering component 30. Further, the tilt movement range indicates a range from the lower movement limit position of the column shaft 11 to the upper movement limit position of the column shaft 11. The tilt movement range is set in advance at the design stage of the steering device 1.

  The telescopic device 42 moves the column shaft 11 within the telescopic movement range. The telescopic device 42 moves the column shaft 11 in the forward direction when the telescopic motor 42A rotates forward. As a result, the steering component 30 moves toward the front. The telescopic device 42 moves the column shaft 11 in the back direction by the reverse rotation of the telescopic motor 42A. Along with this, the steering component 30 moves in the back direction. The front direction indicates a direction in which the steering component 30 approaches the operator in the axial direction of the column shaft 11. The back direction indicates the direction in which the steering component 30 is separated from the operator in the axial direction of the column shaft 11. The telescopic movement range indicates a range from a movement limit position in the front direction of the column shaft 11 to a movement limit position in the back direction of the column shaft 11. The telescopic movement range is set in advance at the design stage of the steering device 1.

  The steering angle detection device 70 includes a steering angle sensor. The steering angle detection device 70 detects the rotation angle of the column shaft 11 with the steering angle sensor based on the position of the column shaft 11 when the steering component 30 is in the neutral position as a steering angle. The steering angle detection device 70 transmits a signal corresponding to the steering angle (hereinafter, “steering angle signal”) to the control device 100. The steering angle detection device 70 transmits the steering angle in the clockwise direction to the control device 100 as a positive (+) steering angle signal. The steering angle detection device 70 transmits the steering angle in the counterclockwise direction to the control device 100 as a negative (−) steering angle signal. The steering angle detection device 70 transmits “0” to the control device 100 as a steering angle signal when the steering component 30 is in the neutral position. The neutral position of the steering component 30 indicates the position of the steering component 30 when the vehicle goes straight.

  The torque detection device 80 includes a torque sensor. The torque detector 80 detects the magnitude and direction of the torque applied to the column shaft 11 by the torque sensor. The torque detection device 80 transmits a signal corresponding to the magnitude and direction of the torque (hereinafter, “torque signal”) to the control device 100. The torque detection device 80 transmits clockwise torque as a positive (+) torque signal to the control device 100. The torque detection device 80 transmits the counterclockwise torque as a negative (−) torque signal to the control device 100. The torque detection device 80 transmits “0” to the control device 100 as a torque signal when the steering component 30 is in the neutral position.

  The communication power supply device 50 is accommodated in the column housing 19 that covers the inside of the steering component 30 and the column shaft 11. The communication power supply device 50 includes a power transmission device 51 and a power reception device 55 (both refer to FIG. 3). In the communication power supply device 50, the power transmission device 51 supplies power to the power reception device 55 by electromagnetic induction between the power transmission device 51 and the power reception device 55.

The vehicle speed sensor 90 transmits a signal (hereinafter, “vehicle speed signal”) corresponding to the rotational speed of a drive shaft (not shown) of the vehicle to the control device 100.
The control device 100 calculates the steering angle based on the steering angle signal. The control device 100 calculates the magnitude and direction of the torque applied to the column shaft 11 based on the torque signal. The control device 100 calculates a vehicle travel speed (hereinafter “vehicle speed”) based on the vehicle speed signal. The control device 100 controls the turn-off of the direction indicator lamp 5 based on the steering angle. The control device 100 performs control to adjust the position of the steering component 30 based on the torque and the vehicle speed. The direction indicator lamp 5 corresponds to an “in-vehicle functional component”.

  The configuration of the steering component 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The left direction indicates a direction toward the left side when the steering component 30 is viewed from the front. Further, the right direction indicates a direction toward the right side when the steering component 30 is viewed from the front.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the steering component 30 includes a steering component main body 31, a direction instruction changeover switch 32 as a steering switch, and a steering position changeover switch 33 as a steering switch.

  The steering component body 31 has a steering portion 31A and a device housing portion 31B. The steering component main body 31 has a configuration in which a device accommodating portion 31B is positioned inside a steering portion 31A formed in an annular shape. The steering component body 31 has a configuration in which a steering portion 31A and a device housing portion 31B are individually formed, and the steering portion 31A and the device housing portion 31B are coupled to each other. The steering component main body 31 has a configuration in which the tip end portion of the column shaft 11 (see FIG. 3) is fixed in the device housing portion 31B. The steering component main body 31 rotates the column shaft 11 by the operator holding the steering portion 31A and rotating the steering portion 31A.

  The direction instruction changeover switch 32 is attached to the device housing portion 31B. The direction indication changeover switch 32 includes a left direction indication switch 32A, a right direction indication switch 32B, and two transmission antennas (not shown). In the direction instruction changeover switch 32, the left direction instruction switch 32A is attached to the left portion of the device housing portion 31B, and the right direction switch 32B is attached to the right portion of the device housing portion 31B. A transmission antenna is attached to each switch 32A, 32B.

  The direction indicating changeover switch 32 is turned on when the left direction indicating switch 32A and the right direction indicating switch 32B are pressed. The direction indication changeover switch 32 is turned off when the switches 32A and 32B are pressed while the left direction indication switch 32A and the right direction indication switch 32B are on.

  When the left direction indicating switch 32A is in the ON state, the signal indicating that the left direction indicating switch 32A is in the ON state (hereinafter referred to as the “left indicating lamp ON signal”) )). When the left direction indicating switch 32A is in the off state, the left direction indicating switch 32A similarly transmits a signal indicating that the left direction indicating switch 32A is in the off state (hereinafter, “left indicating lamp off signal”) to the transmitting device 60.

  When the right direction indicating switch 32B is in the ON state, the signal indicating that the right direction indicating switch 32B is in the ON state (hereinafter, “right indicating lamp ON signal”) is transmitted to the transmitting device 60 by wireless communication using the transmission antenna. . When the right direction switch 32B is in the off state, the right direction switch 32B similarly transmits a signal indicating that the right direction switch 32B is in the off state (hereinafter, “right indicator lamp off signal”) to the transmission device 60.

  The steering position changeover switch 33 is attached to the device housing portion 31B. The steering position changeover switch 33 includes a tilt switch 33A, a telescopic switch 33B, and two transmission antennas (not shown). In the steering position changeover switch 33, a tilt switch 33A is attached to the left portion of the device housing portion 31B, and a telescopic switch 33B is attached to the right portion of the device housing portion 31B. A transmission antenna is attached to each switch 33A, 33B.

  The steering position changeover switch 33 is turned on when the operator presses the tilt switch 33A and the telescopic switch 33B. The steering position change-over switch 33 is turned off when the operator stops pushing the tilt switch 33A and the telescopic switch 33B, that is, when the operator releases the hand from the tilt switch 33A and the telescopic switch 33B.

  When the tilt switch 33A is in the on state, the transmitting switch transmits a signal indicating that the tilt switch 33A is in the on state (hereinafter, “tilt signal”) to the transmitting device 60 by wireless communication. The tilt switch 33A does not transmit a tilt signal to the transmission device 60 when in the off state.

  When the telescopic switch 33B is in the on state, the telescopic switch 33B transmits a signal indicating that the telescopic switch 33B is in the on state (hereinafter, “telescopic signal”) to the transmission device 60 by wireless communication using the transmission antenna. The telescopic switch 33B does not transmit a telescopic signal to the transmission device 60 when it is in the off state.

The configuration of the communication power supply device 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the communication power supply device 50 includes a power transmission device 51, a power reception device 55, and a transmission device 60. In the communication power supply device 50, the power transmission device 51 is accommodated in the column housing 19, and the power reception device 55 and the transmission device 60 are accommodated in the device accommodation portion 31 </ b> B of the steering component 30. The communication power supply device 50 has a configuration in which the power transmission device 51 and the power reception device 55 face each other when the steering component 30 is in the neutral position. In the communication power supply device 50, the power reception device 55 and the transmission device 60 rotate integrally with the steering component 30 as the steering component 30 rotates. In the communication power supply device 50, the power transmission device 51 does not rotate with respect to the rotation of the column shaft 11 due to the rotation of the steering component 30.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the power transmission device 51 is connected to the DC power supply 4. The power transmission device 51 includes a power transmission control unit 52, a primary coil 53, and an oscillator 54. The power transmission device 51 has a configuration in which an oscillator 54 is connected to the power transmission control unit 52 and a primary coil 53 is connected to the oscillator 54.

  The power transmission control unit 52 includes a microcomputer. The power transmission control unit 52 controls the amount of power supplied to the primary coil 53 and the oscillation frequency of the oscillator 54. The primary coil 53 is configured by forming a conductive wire in a spiral shape. The primary coil 53 forms a magnetic field around it when electric power is supplied to the conductive wire. The oscillator 54 generates alternating power having a predetermined frequency supplied to the primary coil 53.

  The power receiving device 55 includes a secondary coil 56, a power supply circuit 57, a power reception control unit 58, and a power supply 59. The power reception device 55 has a configuration in which a power circuit 57 is connected to the secondary coil 56, a power reception control unit 58 is connected to the power circuit 57, and a power source 59 is connected to the power reception control unit 58.

  The secondary coil 56 is configured by forming a conductive wire in a spiral shape. The secondary coil 56 faces the primary coil 53 when the steering component 30 (see FIG. 3) is in the neutral position. The power supply circuit 57 includes a rectifier bridge formed by combining four diodes and a capacitor that smoothes the current that has passed through the rectifier bridge. The power supply circuit 57 is connected to the secondary coil 56. The power source 59 is composed of a rechargeable secondary battery. The power reception control unit 58 is configured by a microcomputer. The power reception control unit 58 controls the DC power supplied to the power source 59 according to the degree of charge of the power source 59.

  The transmission device 60 includes a reception unit 61, a transmission control unit 62, and a transmission unit 63. The receiving unit 61 has a circuit board and a copper foil antenna pattern formed on the circuit board. The receiving unit 61 receives a left indicating lamp on signal, a right indicating lamp on signal, a left indicating lamp off signal, a right indicating lamp off signal, a tilt signal, and a telescopic signal. The transmission control unit 62 includes a microcomputer. The transmission controller 62 transmits a left indicator lamp on signal, a right indicator lamp on signal, a left indicator lamp off signal, a right indicator lamp off signal, a tilt signal, and a telescopic signal to the transmitter 63. The transmitter 63 has a circuit board and a copper foil antenna pattern formed on the circuit board. The transmitter 63 transmits a left indicator lamp on signal, a right indicator lamp on signal, a left indicator lamp off signal, a right indicator lamp off signal, a tilt signal, and a telescopic signal to the control device 100 by wireless communication.

With reference to FIG. 4, the power feeding operation of the power transmitting device 51 and the power receiving device 55 will be described.
The power transmission control unit 52 controls the oscillator 54 to supply alternating power having a predetermined frequency to the primary coil 53. The primary coil 53 generates alternating magnetic flux when supplied with alternating power. The secondary coil 56 generates alternating power by interlinking with the alternating magnetic flux of the primary coil 53. The power supply circuit 57 converts the alternating power of the secondary coil 56 into DC power. The power reception control unit 58 supplies DC power to the power source 59 and stores the power in the power source 59.

The configuration of the control device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
The control device 100 includes a control unit 101, a drive circuit 102, and a housing (not shown) that houses the control unit 101 and the drive circuit 102.

  The drive circuit 102 is configured by mounting a plurality of circuit elements and a plurality of integrated circuits on a circuit board. The drive circuit 102 includes field effect transistors (FETs) as six switching elements 103, an assist first relay 104, an assist second relay 105, a tilt first relay 106, a tilt second relay 107, and a telescopic first relay 108. And a telescopic second relay 109. The switching element 103 includes a first FET 103A, a second FET 103B, a third FET 103C, a fourth FET 103D, a fifth FET 103E, and a sixth FET 103F.

  The drive circuit 102 has a series circuit that connects the first FET 103A and the second FET 103B in series, a series circuit that connects the third FET 103C and the fourth FET 103D in series, and a series circuit that connects the fifth FET 103E and the sixth FET 103F in series. In the drive circuit 102, three series circuits are connected in parallel with each other between the DC power supply 4 and the ground.

  In the drive circuit 102, the U-phase coil 22U is connected to a connection point between the first FET 103A and the second FET 103B. In the drive circuit 102, the V-phase coil 22V is connected to a connection point between the third FET 103C and the fourth FET 103D via the assist first relay 104. In the drive circuit 102, the W-phase coil 22W is connected to a connection point between the fifth FET 103E and the sixth FET 103F via the assist second relay 105.

  In the drive circuit 102, the positive terminal of the tilt motor 41A is connected to the connection point between the fifth FET 103E and the sixth FET 103F via the tilt second relay 107. In the drive circuit 102, the negative terminal of the tilt motor 41A is connected to a connection point between the third FET 103C and the fourth FET 103D via the tilt first relay 106.

  In the drive circuit 102, the positive terminal of the telescopic motor 42A is connected to a connection point between the first FET 103A and the second FET 103B via the telescopic first relay 108. In the drive circuit 102, the negative terminal of the telescopic motor 42A is connected to a connection point between the third FET 103C and the fourth FET 103D via the telescopic second relay 109.

  The control unit 101 includes a microcomputer including a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory (ROM, RAM, rewritable nonvolatile memory, etc.) that stores an operation program of the CPU, and other components. The control unit 101 controls switching between the on state and the off state of the six switching elements 103 of the drive circuit 102. The control unit 101 controls switching between the on state and the off state of the relays 104 to 109 of the drive circuit 102.

  The control unit 101 has an assist drive mode, a tilt drive mode, and a telescopic drive mode as control modes. The control unit 101 changes the control mode by controlling the relays 104 to 109 based on the operation of the steering position changeover switch 33. Specifically, the control unit 101 changes the control mode to the tilt drive mode based on the fact that the tilt switch 33A is pressed, that is, based on the fact that the state where the tilt signal is received is maintained. . The control unit 101 changes the control mode to the telescopic drive mode based on the pressing operation of the telescopic switch 33B, that is, based on the state in which the telescopic signal is received.

  Note that the ON state of the switching element 103 is a state in which a current flows between the source terminal and the drain terminal of the element. The OFF state of the switching element 103 is a state where no current flows between the source terminal and the drain terminal of the element.

  The ON state of each of the relays 104 and 105 is a state in which power can be supplied to the assist motor 21. The OFF state of each relay 104, 105 is a state in which power supply to the assist motor 21 is impossible. The ON state of each of the relays 106 and 107 is a state in which power can be supplied to the tilt motor 41A. The OFF state of each relay 106, 107 is a state in which power supply to the tilt motor 41A is impossible. The ON state of each of the relays 108 and 109 is a state in which power can be supplied to the telescopic motor 42A. The OFF state of each relay 108 and 109 is a state in which power cannot be supplied to the telescopic motor 42A.

  The assist drive mode is a control mode in which the assist motor 21 can be driven and the tilt motor 41A and the telescopic motor 42A cannot be driven. In the assist drive mode, in the drive circuit 102, the assist first relay 104 and the assist second relay 105 are turned on, and the tilt first relay 106, the tilt second relay 107, the telescopic first relay 108, and the telescopic second relay 109 Is turned off.

  The tilt drive mode is a control mode in which the tilt motor 41A can be driven and the assist motor 21 and the telescopic motor 42A cannot be driven. In the tilt drive mode, the tilt first relay 106 and the tilt second relay 107 are turned on in the drive circuit 102, and the assist first relay 104, the assist second relay 105, the telescopic first relay 108, and the telescopic second relay 109 are turned on. Turns off.

The tilt drive mode has a first tilt drive mode and a second tilt drive mode.
In the first tilt drive mode, the steering component 30 is moved upward by rotating the tilt motor 41A forward. In the first tilt drive mode, in the drive circuit 102, the fourth FET 103D and the fifth FET 103E are turned on, and the first FET 103A to the third FET 103C and the sixth FET 103F are turned off.

  In the second tilt drive mode, the steering component 30 is moved downward by rotating the tilt motor 41A in the reverse direction. In the second tilt drive mode, in the drive circuit 102, the third FET 103C and the sixth FET 103F are turned on, and the first FET 103A, the second FET 103B, the fourth FET 103D, and the fifth FET 103E are turned off.

  The telescopic drive mode is a control mode in which the telescopic motor 42A can be driven and the assist motor 21 and the tilt motor 41A cannot be driven. In the telescopic drive mode, the telescopic first relay 108 and the telescopic second relay 109 are turned on, and the assist first relay 104, the assist second relay 105, the tilt first relay 106, and the tilt second relay 107 are turned off. .

The telescopic drive mode has a first telescopic drive mode and a second telescopic drive mode.
In the first telescopic drive mode, the steering component 30 is moved forward by rotating the telescopic motor 42A forward. In the first telescopic driving mode, in the driving circuit 102, the first FET 103A and the fourth FET 103D are turned on, and the second FET 103B, the third FET 103C, the fifth FET 103E, and the sixth FET 103F are turned off.

  In the second telescopic drive mode, the steering component 30 is moved in the back direction by rotating the telescopic motor 42A in the reverse direction. In the second telescopic drive mode, in the drive circuit 102, the second FET 103B and the third FET 103C are turned on, and the first FET 103A and the fourth FET 103D to the sixth FET 103F are turned off.

Control executed by the control device 100 will be described.
The control device 100 performs turn-off control, drive switching control, tilt drive control, and telescopic drive control based on the steering angle, torque, and vehicle speed. Note that tilt drive control and telescopic drive control correspond to “steering part position control”.

  In the turn-off control, the direction indicator lamp 5 is turned off based on the re-operation of the operator's direction instruction changeover switch 32 or the steering angle in a state where the direction indicator lamp 5 blinks when the operator operates the direction indication changeover switch 32. To control.

  In the drive switching control, any one of the assist device 20, the tilt device 41, and the telescopic device 42 is driven based on the operation of the vehicle speed and the direction instruction switch 32 and the steering position switch 33 (both see FIG. 2) of the steering component 30. Switch what to do.

The tilt drive control controls the drive of the tilt device 41 based on the torque detected by the operator operating the steering component 30 in the tilt drive mode.
The telescopic drive control controls the drive of the telescopic device 42 based on the torque detected by the operator operating the steering component 30 in the telescopic drive mode.

  With reference to FIG. 6, the process procedure of light extinction control is demonstrated. The turn-off control is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals during a period in which the direction indicator lamp 5 is blinking by operating the direction indication changeover switch 32. In the following description with reference to FIG. 6, each component related to the steering apparatus 1 to which a reference numeral is attached indicates each component described in FIG. 1.

  In step S11, the control device 100 determines whether or not the right direction indicator lamp 5B is blinking. When the determination in step S11 is affirmative, that is, when the right indicator lamp on signal is received, the control device 100 determines that the right direction indicator lamp 5B is blinking, and when the determination in step S10 is negative, that is, the left indicator lamp. When the ON signal is received, it is determined that the left direction indicator lamp 5A is blinking.

  In step S12, the control device 100 determines whether or not the amount of change in the steering angle due to the switching back operation that rotates the steering component 30 counterclockwise is greater than or equal to the first threshold value. The first threshold is a steering angle at which the column shaft 11 changes counterclockwise, and the magnitude of the steering angle is 90 °.

  The control device 100 determines whether or not the right direction indicating switch 32B has been operated again in step S13. The control device 100 performs the determination in step S13 based on whether or not a right indicating lamp off signal has been received.

  In step S14, the control device 100 determines whether or not the amount of change in the steering angle due to the switching back operation that rotates the steering component 30 clockwise is greater than or equal to the second threshold value. The second threshold is a steering angle at which the column shaft 11 changes in the clockwise direction, and is the same size as the first threshold.

  The control device 100 determines whether or not the left direction instruction switch 32A is operated again in step S15. The control device 100 performs the determination in step S15 based on whether or not a left indicator lamp off signal has been received.

  The control device 100 turns off the right direction indicator lamp 5B in step S21 when the right direction indicator lamp 5B is blinking and when an affirmative determination is made in step S12, or a negative determination is made in step S12 and an affirmative determination is made in step S13. .

  The control device 100 turns off the left direction indicator lamp 5A in step S22 when the left direction indicator lamp 5A is blinking and when an affirmative determination is made in step S14, or a negative determination is made in step S14 and an affirmative determination is made in step S15. .

  With reference to FIG. 7, the processing procedure of drive switching control will be described. The drive switching control is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals. In the following description with reference to FIG. 7, each component related to the steering apparatus 1 to which a reference numeral is attached indicates each component described in FIG. 1 or FIG. 5.

  In step S31, the control device 100 determines whether or not the vehicle speed is “0”. When the determination in step S31 is affirmative, the control device 100 determines that the state can be changed to the tilt drive mode and the telescopic drive mode, that is, the state in which the position of the steering component 30 can be adjusted by the steering position adjusting device 40. . When the determination in step S31 is negative, the control device 100 determines that the change to the tilt drive mode and the telescopic drive mode is impossible, that is, the adjustment of the position of the steering component 30 by the steering position adjustment device 40 is impossible. .

The control device 100 performs the following determination when an affirmative determination is made in step S31.
In step S32, the control device 100 determines whether or not the tilt switch 33A is in an on state. The control device 100 performs the determination in step S32 based on whether or not the tilt signal is being received.

In step S33, the control device 100 determines whether or not the control mode is the tilt drive mode.
In step S34, the control device 100 determines whether or not the telescopic switch 33B is on. The control device 100 performs the determination in step S34 based on whether or not the telescopic signal is being received.

In step S35, the control device 100 determines whether or not the control mode is the telescopic drive mode.
When a positive determination is made in step S32 and a negative determination is made in step S33, the control device 100 changes the control mode to the tilt drive mode in step S41. The control device 100 once ends the process when an affirmative determination is made in step S32 and step S33.

  When a negative determination is made in step S32, a positive determination is made in step S34, and a negative determination is made in step S35, control device 100 changes the control mode to the telescopic drive mode in step S42. When the determination is positive in steps S34 and S35, control device 100 once ends the process. When the determination is negative in step S34, the control device 100 proceeds to step S36.

  When a negative determination is made in step S31, the control device 100 determines whether or not the assist drive mode is set in step S36. When the determination in step S36 is affirmative, that is, when the control mode is the assist drive mode, control device 100 once ends the process. When a negative determination is made in step S36, that is, when the control mode is the tilt drive mode or the telescopic drive mode, the control device 100 changes the control mode to the assist drive mode in step S43.

  With reference to FIG. 8, a processing procedure of tilt drive control will be described. The tilt drive control is executed while the control mode is in the tilt drive mode. In the following description with reference to FIG. 8, each constituent element related to the steering device 1 to which a reference numeral is attached indicates each constituent element described in FIG. 1.

  The control device 100 determines whether or not torque is applied to the column shaft 11 in step S51. The control device 100 determines whether the clockwise torque, the counterclockwise torque, or the torque is “0” based on the torque signal.

  When it is determined in step S51 that the torque is clockwise, that is, when a positive torque signal is received, the control device 100 moves the steering component 30 upward in step S52. Specifically, the control device 100 changes the control mode to the first tilt drive mode. Then, the control device 100 moves the column shaft 11 upward by rotating the tilt motor 41A forward. For this reason, the steering component 30 moves upward. Further, the control device 100 rotates the tilt motor 41A in the forward direction over the period when the control mode is the first tilt drive mode. That is, the steering component 30 moves upward in the tilt movement range over a period in which the steering component 30 is rotated clockwise. Note that the control device 100 rotates the tilt motor 41A forward at a constant rotation speed regardless of the magnitude of the clockwise torque.

  When it is determined in step S51 that the torque is counterclockwise, that is, when a negative torque signal is received, the control device 100 moves the steering component 30 downward in step S53. Specifically, the control device 100 changes the control mode to the second tilt drive mode. Then, the control device 100 moves the column shaft 11 downward by rotating the tilt motor 41A in the reverse direction. For this reason, the steering component 30 moves downward. In addition, the control device 100 rotates the tilt motor 41A in the reverse direction over the period in which the control mode is the second tilt drive mode. That is, the steering component 30 moves downward in the tilt movement range over a period in which the steering component 30 is rotated counterclockwise. Note that the control device 100 reversely rotates the tilt motor 41A at a constant rotation speed regardless of the magnitude of the counterclockwise torque.

  When it is determined in step S51 that the torque is “0”, or when steps S52 and S53 are executed, the control device 100 determines in step S54 whether or not the tilt switch 33A is in an OFF state. If the determination is affirmative in step S54, the control device 100 ends the process. When a negative determination is made in step S54, the control device 100 proceeds to step S51 and adjusts the position of the steering component 30 again. Note that the control device 100 determines that the tilt switch 33A is in the OFF state based on the fact that no tilt signal has been received for a predetermined period. The predetermined period is set in advance by experiments or the like.

  With reference to FIG. 9, a processing procedure of telescopic drive control will be described. Telescopic drive control is executed while the control mode is in the telescopic drive mode. In addition, in the following description with reference to FIG. 9, each component regarding the steering device 1 to which the code | symbol was attached | subjected shows each component described in FIG.

  The control device 100 determines whether or not torque is applied to the column shaft 11 in step S61. The control device 100 determines whether the clockwise torque, the counterclockwise torque, or the torque is “0” based on the torque signal.

  When it is determined in step S61 that the torque is clockwise, that is, when a positive torque signal is received, the control device 100 moves the steering component 30 in the forward direction in step S62. Specifically, the control device 100 changes the control mode to the first telescopic drive mode. Then, the control device 100 moves the column shaft 11 forward by rotating the telescopic motor 42A forward. For this reason, the steering component 30 moves forward. In addition, the control device 100 rotates the telescopic motor 42A in the forward direction over the period in which the control mode is the first telescopic drive mode. That is, the steering component 30 moves forward in the telescopic movement range over a period in which the steering component 30 is rotated clockwise. Note that the control device 100 rotates the telescopic motor 42A forward at a constant rotational speed regardless of the magnitude of the clockwise torque.

  When it is determined in step S61 that the torque is counterclockwise, that is, when a negative torque signal is received, the control device 100 moves the steering component 30 in the backward direction in step S63. Specifically, the control device 100 changes the control mode to the second telescopic drive mode. Then, the control device 100 moves the column shaft 11 in the back direction by rotating the telescopic motor 42A in the reverse direction. For this reason, the steering component 30 moves in the back direction. In addition, the control device 100 reversely rotates the telescopic motor 42A over the period in which the control mode is the second telescopic drive mode. That is, the steering component 30 moves in the back direction within the telescopic movement range over a period in which the steering component 30 is rotated counterclockwise. Note that the control device 100 reversely rotates the telescopic motor 42A at a constant rotation speed regardless of the magnitude of the counterclockwise torque.

  When it is determined in step S61 that the torque is “0”, or when steps S62 and S63 are executed, the control device 100 determines in step S64 whether or not the telescopic switch 33B has been operated again. If the determination is affirmative in step S64, the control device 100 ends the process. When a negative determination is made in step S64, the control device 100 proceeds to step S61 and adjusts the position of the steering component 30 again. Note that the control device 100 determines that the telescopic switch 33B is in the OFF state based on not receiving a telescopic signal for a predetermined period. The predetermined period is set in advance by experiments or the like.

The operation of the steering device 1 of this embodiment will be described.
The conventional steering device has a configuration in which a control switch having an operation lever for changing the lighting state of the direction indicator lamp is attached to the column shaft on the far side from the steering component. In addition, as a conventional steering apparatus, the steering apparatus of patent document 1 is mentioned.

  In the conventional steering apparatus, it is necessary to operate the operation lever at a position away from the steering component in order to blink the direction indicator lamp. For this reason, the operator may release the hand from the steering component and operate the operation lever. Therefore, the operation of the operation lever becomes complicated.

  On the other hand, the steering device 1 causes the direction indication lamp 5 to blink by the direction indication changeover switch 32 attached to the steering component 30, and turns off the direction indication lamp 5 based on the steering angle. For this reason, the operator does not need to release his hand from the steering component 30 when blinking and turning off the direction indicator lamp 5. For this reason, it is possible for the operator to prevent the operation of changing the lighting state of the direction indicator lamp 5 from becoming complicated.

  Another conventional steering apparatus has a configuration in which a switch for adjusting the position of the steering component is positioned between the steering component and the front panel. In addition, as another conventional steering apparatus, the steering apparatus of patent document 2 is mentioned.

  In another conventional steering device, in order to adjust the position of the steering component, it is necessary to operate a switch at a position away from the steering component. For this reason, the operator may release the hand from the steering component and operate the switch. Therefore, the adjustment of the position of the steering component becomes complicated.

  In addition, the operator removes his / her hand from the steering component and changes the position of the steering component, and then grasps the steering component to check whether or not the position is appropriate. For this reason, the operator cannot change the position of the steering component and confirm whether or not the steering component is in an appropriate position at the same time. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately adjust the position of the steering component. .

  In contrast, the steering device 1 adjusts the position of the steering component 30 based on the operation of the steering component 30. This eliminates the need for the operator to release his / her hand from the steering component 30 when adjusting the position of the steering component 30. For this reason, the operator is prevented from making the adjustment of the position of the steering component 30 complicated. In addition, since the operator can simultaneously change the position of the steering component 30 and confirm whether or not the steering component 30 is in an appropriate position, the operator can adjust the position of the steering component 30 with high accuracy. .

The steering device 1 of the present embodiment has the following effects.
(1) The steering device 1 includes a direction instruction changeover switch 32 and a steering position changeover switch 33 attached to the steering component 30. The steering device 1 controls the turn-off of the direction indicator lamp 5 based on the steering angle in the turn-off control. The steering device 1 controls the adjustment of the position of the steering component 30 based on the torque in the tilt drive control and the telescopic drive control. According to this configuration, the operator manually moves the steering indicator 30 from the steering component 30 in order to cause the direction indicator lamp 5 to blink and the steering position selector switch 33 to adjust the position of the steering component 30. There is no need to release. In addition, since the control device 100 turns off the direction indicator lamp 5 based on the turning angle and adjusts the position of the steering component 30 based on the torque, the operator does not need to release his hand from the steering component 30. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the operation of blinking and turning off the direction indicator lamp 5 and the operation of adjusting the position of the steering component 30 from being complicated. In addition, since the operator simultaneously adjusts the position of the steering component 30 and confirms whether or not the steering component 30 is in an appropriate position, the operator can adjust the position of the steering component 30 with high accuracy.

  Further, since the direction indication changeover switch 32 is attached to the steering component 30, a control switch such as an operation lever for operating the direction indication lamp in the conventional steering device can be omitted.

  (2) In the steering device 1, the control device 100 adjusts the position of the steering component 30 based on the direction of torque. According to this configuration, the position of the steering component 30 can be adjusted without the steering component 30 rotating. Therefore, the position of the steering component 30 can be easily adjusted even when the vehicle speed is “0”, that is, in a state where the column shaft 11 is difficult to rotate due to the rotation operation of the steering component 30.

  (3) In the steering device 1, the drive circuit 102 of the control device 100 drives the assist motor 21, the tilt motor 41A, and the telescopic motor 42A. According to this configuration, one drive circuit 102 serves to drive the assist motor 21, the tilt motor 41A, and the telescopic motor 42A. Therefore, a dedicated drive circuit for driving the assist motor 21, the tilt motor 41A, and the telescopic motor 42A can be omitted.

  (4) In the steering device 1, the transmission device 60 transmits the signal of the direction indication changeover switch 32 and the signal of the steering position changeover switch 33 to the control device 100 by wireless communication. According to this configuration, it is possible to omit a configuration in which the transmission device and the control device are connected by wire such as a cable. For this reason, it is avoided that the wire is damaged by applying a load to the wire as the steering component 30 is rotated.

  (5) In the steering device 1, the power transmission device 51 supplies power to the power reception device 55 by wireless communication. According to this configuration, it is possible to omit a configuration in which the power transmission device and the power reception device are connected by wire such as a cable. For this reason, it is avoided that the wire is damaged by applying a load to the wire as the steering component 30 is rotated.

  The steering apparatus includes an embodiment different from the above embodiment. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment as other embodiments of the steering apparatus will be described. The following modifications can be combined with each other.

  The communication power supply device 50 according to the embodiment has a configuration in which the power receiving device 55 includes a power source 59. On the other hand, the communication power supply device 50 according to the modification has a configuration in which the power receiving device 55 and the power source 59 are individually formed. In the communication power supply device 50 of the modification, the power source 59 supplies power to the transmission device 60.

  The communication power supply device 50 of the embodiment has a configuration in which power is supplied from the power transmission device 51 to the power reception device 55 by electromagnetic induction between the primary coil 53 of the power transmission device 51 and the secondary coil 56 of the power reception device 55. . On the other hand, the communication power supply device 50 according to the modification has a configuration in which power is supplied from the power transmission device 51 to the power reception device 55 by magnetic resonance between the primary coil 53 and the secondary coil 56. Moreover, the communication power supply apparatus 50 of another modified example has a configuration in which the power transmission apparatus 51 and the power reception apparatus 55 are connected to each other by wire such as a cable.

  The communication power supply device 50 of the embodiment has a configuration in which the primary coil 53 and the secondary coil 56 face each other when the steering component 30 is in the neutral position. On the other hand, the communication power supply device 50 of the modified example has a configuration in which the primary coil 53 and the secondary coil 56 are formed so that the conductive wire is wound around the column shaft 11. According to the configuration of the communication power supply device 50 of the modified example, power can be supplied from the power transmission device 51 to the power reception device 55 regardless of the steering position of the steering component 30.

  Moreover, the communication power supply apparatus 50 of another modification has a configuration in which a plurality of primary coils 53 and a plurality of secondary coils 56 are arranged around the column shaft 11. The plurality of primary coils 53 and the plurality of secondary coils 56 face each other when the steering component 30 is in the neutral position. According to the configuration of the communication power supply device 50 of another modified example, if the steering component 30 is at a position where the primary coil 53 and the secondary coil 56 face each other at a steering position other than the neutral position, the power receiving device receives power from the power transmission device 51. Power can be supplied to 55.

The steering component 30 according to the embodiment includes an annular steering portion 31A. On the other hand, the steering component 30 of the modified example has a pair of steering portions 31A formed in an arc shape or a rod shape.
The steering position adjusting device 40 according to the embodiment includes a tilt device 41 and a telescopic device 42. On the other hand, the steering position adjusting device 40 of the modified example has a configuration in which one of the tilt device 41 and the telescopic device 42 is omitted.

  In the embodiment, the control device 100 drives the assist motor 21, the tilt motor 41A, and the telescopic motor 42A by the drive circuit 102. On the other hand, the control device 100 of the modified example drives the assist motor 21 and the tilt motor 41 </ b> A by the drive circuit 102. The control device 100 according to the modification includes a telescopic drive circuit for driving the telescopic motor 42A. In addition, the control device 100 according to another modified example drives the assist motor 21 and the telescopic motor 42 </ b> A by the drive circuit 102. The control device 100 of another modified example has a tilt drive circuit for driving the tilt motor 41A. Further, the control device 100 of still another modified example includes a telescopic drive circuit for driving the telescopic motor 42A and a tilt drive circuit for driving the tilt motor 41A in addition to the drive circuit 102.

  The control device 100 of still another modified example has steering component position control instead of drive switching control, tilt drive control, and tilt drive control. With reference to FIG. 10, a processing procedure for steering component position control will be described. In addition, in the following description with reference to FIG. 10, each component regarding the steering device 1 to which the code | symbol was attached | subjected shows each component described in FIG.

  In step S71, the control device 100 determines whether or not the vehicle speed is “0”. When the determination in step S71 is affirmative, the control device 100 determines that the position of the steering component 30 can be adjusted by the steering position adjustment device 40. When the determination in step S71 is negative, the control device 100 determines that the adjustment of the position of the steering component 30 by the steering position adjustment device 40 is impossible.

In step S72, the control device 100 determines whether or not the tilt switch 33A has been operated.
In step S74, the control device 100 determines whether or not the telescopic switch 33B has been operated.

  When the determinations in steps S71 and S72 are affirmative, the control device 100 determines whether torque is applied to the column shaft 11 in step S73. The control device 100 determines whether the clockwise torque, the counterclockwise torque, or the torque is “0” based on the torque signal.

  When determining that the clockwise torque is applied in step S73, the control device 100 moves the steering component 30 upward in step S81. When determining in step S73 that the counterclockwise torque has been applied, the control device 100 moves the steering component 30 downward in step S82.

  When step S71 is positively determined, step S72 is negatively determined, and step S74 is positively determined, the control device 100 determines whether torque is applied to the column shaft 11 in step S75.

  When determining in step S75 that the clockwise torque has been applied, the control device 100 moves the steering component 30 in the forward direction in step S83. When it is determined that the counterclockwise torque is applied in step S75, the control device 100 moves the steering component 30 in the backward direction in step S84.

When it is determined in step S73 and step S75 that the torque is “0”, control device 100 proceeds to step S71.
The control device 100 ends the process when Step S71 is negative or when Step S72 and Step S74 are negative.

  In the control device 100 of the embodiment, in the drive circuit 102, the positive terminal of the telescopic motor 42A is connected to the connection point between the first FET 103A and the second FET 103B, and the negative terminal of the telescopic motor 42A is the third FET 103C and the fourth FET 103D. It has the structure connected to the connection point between. On the other hand, in the control device 100 of the modified example, in the drive circuit 102, the positive terminal of the telescopic motor 42A is connected to the connection point between the third FET 103C and the fourth FET 103D, and the negative terminal of the telescopic motor 42A is the first FET 103A and the first FET 103A. It has a structure connected to the connection point between 2FET103B. Further, in the control device 100 of another modified example, in the drive circuit 102, the positive terminal of the telescopic motor 42A is connected to the connection point between the fifth FET 103E and the sixth FET 103F, and the negative terminal of the telescopic motor 42A is the third FET 103C. And a fourth FET 103D. In the control device 100 of yet another modification, in the drive circuit 102, the positive terminal of the telescopic motor 42A is connected to a connection point between the third FET 103C and the fourth FET 103D, and the negative terminal of the telescopic motor 42A is connected to the fifth FET 103E. It has the structure connected to the connection point between 6th FET103F.

  In the control device 100 of the embodiment, in the drive circuit 102, the positive terminal of the tilt motor 41A is connected to the connection point between the fifth FET 103E and the sixth FET 103F, and the negative terminal of the tilt motor 41A is the third FET 103C and the fourth FET 103D. It has the structure connected to the connection point between. On the other hand, in the control device 100 of the modified example, in the drive circuit 102, the positive terminal of the tilt motor 41A is connected to the connection point between the third FET 103C and the fourth FET 103D, and the negative terminal of the tilt motor 41A is connected to the fifth FET 103E. It has a configuration connected to a connection point between the 6FET 103F. Further, in the control device 100 of another modified example, in the drive circuit 102, the positive terminal of the tilt motor 41A is connected to a connection point between the first FET 103A and the second FET 103B, and the negative terminal of the tilt motor 41A is the third FET 103C. And a fourth FET 103D. In the control device 100 of yet another modified example, in the drive circuit 102, the positive terminal of the tilt motor 41A is connected to the connection point between the third FET 103C and the fourth FET 103D, and the negative terminal of the tilt motor 41A is connected to the first FET 103A. It has the structure connected to the connection point between 2nd FET103B.

  In the steering device 1 according to the embodiment, the direction instruction changeover switch 32 transmits a signal to the transmission device 60 by wireless communication. On the other hand, the steering device 1 of the modified example has a configuration in which the direction instruction changeover switch 32 and the transmission device 60 are connected by a cable or the like. The steering apparatus 1 of this modification transmits the signal of the direction instruction changeover switch 32 to the transmission apparatus 60 by wired communication.

  In the steering device 1 of the embodiment, the steering position changeover switch 33 transmits a tilt signal and a telescopic signal to the transmission device 60 by wireless communication. On the other hand, the steering device 1 according to the modified example has a configuration in which the steering position changeover switch 33 and the transmission device 60 are connected by a cable or the like. The steering apparatus 1 according to this modification transmits a tilt signal and a telescopic signal to the transmission apparatus 60 by wired communication with a signal from the steering position changeover switch 33.

  The steering device 1 of the embodiment has a configuration in which the steering angle detection device 70 transmits a steering angle signal to the control device 100. On the other hand, the steering device 1 according to the modification has a configuration in which the steering angle detection device 70 transmits a steering angle signal to the power transmission device 51. In the steering device 1 of this modification, the power transmission device 51 has a transmission antenna, and the power reception device 55 has a reception antenna. The communication power supply device 50 of the modified example transmits a steering angle signal from the power transmission device 51 to the power reception device 55 by wireless communication. The power receiving device 55 transmits the steering angle signal to the transmission device 60. The transmission device 60 transmits a steering angle signal to the control device 100 by wireless communication.

  The steering device 1 of the embodiment has a configuration in which the torque detection device 80 transmits a torque signal to the control device 100. On the other hand, the steering device 1 according to the modification has a configuration in which the torque detection device 80 transmits a torque signal to the power transmission device 51. In the steering device 1 of this modification, the power transmission device 51 has a transmission antenna, and the power reception device 55 has a reception antenna. The communication power supply device 50 of the modified example transmits a torque signal from the power transmission device 51 to the power reception device 55 by wireless communication. The power receiving device 55 transmits a torque signal to the transmission device 60. The transmission device 60 transmits a torque signal to the control device 100 by wireless communication.

  -Steering device 1 of an embodiment changes the lighting state of direction indicator lamp 5 by operating direction indication changeover switch 32. On the other hand, the steering device 1 according to the modified example includes a first sensor that detects the radial force of the column shaft 11 applied to the steering component 30 by the steering component 30 and the axial direction of the column shaft 11 applied to the steering component 30. And a second sensor for detecting the force of. One of a piezoelectric sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a torque sensor is used as the first sensor and the second sensor.

  In the steering apparatus 1 of the modified example, the control device 100 controls the change of the lighting state of the right direction indicator lamp 5B and the left direction indicator lamp 5A based on the detection signal detected by the first sensor. Specifically, when the first sensor detects a rightward force, that is, when a right detection signal is transmitted from the first sensor to the control device 100, the control device 100 blinks the right direction indicator lamp 5B. When the first sensor detects the rightward force again while the right direction indicator lamp 5B is blinking, the control device 100 turns off the right direction indicator lamp 5B. For example, when the operator strikes the steering component 30 in the right direction, the first sensor can detect the right direction force. Moreover, since it is the same also about control of the change of the lighting state of 5 A of left direction lamps, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Moreover, the control apparatus 100 controls the change of the lighting state of a hazard based on the detection signal which the 2nd sensor detected. Specifically, when the second sensor detects a force in the back direction in the axial direction of the column shaft 11, that is, when a back detection signal is transmitted from the second sensor to the control device 100, the hazard blinks. Then, when the second sensor detects the force in the back direction while the hazard is blinking, the control device 100 turns off the hazard. For example, the second sensor can detect the force in the back direction when the operator pushes the steering component 30 in the back direction or the operator strikes the steering component 30 in the back direction.

  -The control apparatus 100 of embodiment determines whether the right direction indicator lamp 5B is blinking in step S11 of light extinction control. On the other hand, the control device 100 of the modified example determines whether or not the left direction indicator lamp 5A is blinking in place of the right direction indicator lamp 5B in step S11 of the turn-off control. The control device 100 of the modification proceeds to step S12 when step S11 is negative, and proceeds to step S14 when step S11 is positive.

  -The control apparatus 100 of embodiment has set the magnitude | size of the 1st threshold value and the 2nd threshold value to 90 degrees in light extinction control. On the other hand, the control device 100 according to the modified example sets the magnitudes of the first threshold value and the second threshold value to a magnitude of a steering angle different from 90 ° such as 45 ° or 180 °.

  -The control apparatus 100 of embodiment determines whether vehicle speed is "0" in step S31 of drive switching control. On the other hand, the control device 100 of the modified example determines whether or not the shift position of the shift lever of the vehicle is “parking (P)” in step S31.

  -The control apparatus 100 of embodiment determines whether the tilt switch 33A was operated in step S32 of drive switching control. On the other hand, the control device 100 of the modified example determines whether or not the telescopic switch 33B is operated in place of the tilt switch 33A in step S32. The control device 100 of the modified example determines whether or not the tilt switch 33A is operated in place of the telescopic switch 33B in step S34. When the determination in step S32 is affirmative, the control device 100 of the modified example proceeds to step S35, and when the determination is negative in step S32, the control apparatus 100 proceeds to step S34. The control device 100 of the modified example proceeds to step S33 when an affirmative determination is made in step S34, and proceeds to step S36 when a negative determination is made in step S34.

  In the steering device 1 of the embodiment, when the clockwise torque is applied to the column shaft 11 in the tilt drive control, the steering component 30 is moved upward, and the counterclockwise torque is applied to the column shaft 11. The steering component 30 is moved downward. On the other hand, the steering device 1 according to the modified example moves the steering component 30 downward and applies the counterclockwise torque to the column shaft 11 when the clockwise torque is applied to the column shaft 11 in the tilt drive control. When this is done, the steering component 30 is moved upward.

  In the steering device 1 of the embodiment, the tilt motor 41A rotates at a constant rotation speed regardless of the magnitude of torque applied to the column shaft 11 in tilt drive control. On the other hand, in the steering device 1 of the modified example, the rotation speed of the tilt motor 41A changes according to the magnitude of the torque applied to the column shaft 11 in the tilt drive control. Specifically, the rotational speed of the tilt motor 41A increases as the torque applied to the column shaft 11 increases.

  In the steering device 1 according to the embodiment, the steering component 30 can be adjusted by the tilt device 41 when the tilt switch 33A is in the on state in the tilt drive control. That is, the operator continues to push and operate the tilt switch 33A over the period of adjustment of the steering component 30 by the tilt device 41. On the other hand, the steering device 1 according to the modified example is in a state in which the steering component 30 can be adjusted by the tilt device 41 when the operator presses the tilt switch 33A once. Then, in the steering device 1 according to the modified example, when the operator presses the tilt switch 33A once again, the steering component 30 cannot be adjusted by the tilt device 41. That is, the operator does not have to keep pressing the tilt switch 33A during the adjustment period of the steering component 30 by the tilt device 41.

  In the steering device 1 according to the embodiment, when the clockwise torque is applied to the column shaft 11 in the telescopic drive control, the steering component 30 is moved forward, and the counterclockwise torque is applied to the column shaft 11. The steering component 30 is moved in the back direction. On the other hand, in the steering device 1 according to the modified example, when the clockwise torque is applied to the column shaft 11 in the telescopic drive control, the steering component 30 is moved in the backward direction, and the counterclockwise torque is applied to the column shaft 11. When this is done, the steering component 30 is moved in the forward direction.

  In the steering device 1 according to the embodiment, the telescopic motor 42A rotates at a constant rotation speed regardless of the magnitude of the torque applied to the column shaft 11 in the telescopic drive control. On the other hand, in the steering device 1 of the modified example, the rotational speed of the telescopic motor 42A changes according to the magnitude of the torque applied to the column shaft 11 in the telescopic drive control. Specifically, the rotational speed of the telescopic motor 42A increases as the torque applied to the column shaft 11 increases.

  The steering device 1 of the embodiment can adjust the steering component 30 by the telescopic device 42 when the telescopic switch 33B is on in the telescopic drive control. That is, the operator continues to push and operate the telescopic switch 33B during the adjustment period of the steering component 30 by the telescopic device 42. On the other hand, the steering device 1 of the modified example is in a state in which the steering component 30 can be adjusted by the telescopic device 42 when the operator pushes the telescopic switch 33B once. And the steering apparatus 1 of a modification will be in the state which cannot adjust the steering components 30 by the telescopic apparatus 42, when an operator pushes the telescopic switch 33B once again. That is, the operator does not have to keep pressing the telescopic switch 33B during the adjustment period of the steering component 30 by the telescopic device 42.

  In the steering device 1 according to the embodiment, the control device 100 performs the light-off control. On the other hand, in the steering device 1 according to the modified example, the auxiliary control device that is individually formed independently of the control device 100 performs turn-off control. In the steering device 1 of this modification, the transmission device 60 sends a left indicator light on signal, a right indicator light on signal, a left indicator light off signal, a right indicator light off signal, a tilt signal, and a telescopic signal to the auxiliary controller. Send.

  In the steering device 1 of the embodiment, a steering switch for at least one of the operation of the acoustic device as the in-vehicle functional component and the operation of the car navigation device can be attached to the steering component 30.

  In the steering device 1 according to the embodiment, a steering switch for operating the headlamp as the in-vehicle functional component and a steering switch for operating the wiper as the in-vehicle functional component can be attached to the steering component 30. According to this configuration, the headlamp and the wiper control switch can be omitted. For this reason, the combination switch arrange | positioned between steering components and a front panel (not shown) is omissible. As a result, the portion of the column shaft 11 between the steering component 30 and the front panel can also be used as an energy absorbing mechanism. Therefore, the length of the energy absorbing mechanism can be increased as compared with a steering device having a combination switch.

  In the steering device 1 of the embodiment, the transmission device 60 is attached to the steering component 30. On the other hand, the steering apparatus 1 according to the modification uses a mobile device such as a smartphone as the transmission device 60. The portable device is attached to the device housing portion 31B of the steering component 30. In the steering device 1 of this modification, the signal of the direction instruction changeover switch 32 and the signal of the steering position changeover switch 33 are transmitted to the portable device by wireless communication. The portable device transmits the received signal to the control device 100 by wireless communication.

  -Steering device 1 of another modification has a left direction indicator switch and a right direction indicator switch as an application of portable equipment. The operator changes the lighting state of the left direction indicator lamp 5A and the right direction indicator lamp 5B by operating the left direction indicator switch and the right direction indicator switch of the portable device.

  -Steering device 1 of another modification changes the lighting state of left direction indicator lamp 5A and right direction indicator lamp 5B in conjunction with the car navigation device mounted in the vehicle. Specifically, the mobile device receives audio for guiding left and right turns of the vehicle by the car navigation device. Then, the portable device transmits a right indicator lamp on signal and a left indicator lamp on signal to the control device 100 based on the voice of the car navigation device. The control device 100 blinks the left direction indicator lamp 5A and the right direction indicator lamp 5B based on each indicator lamp ON signal.

  The steering device 1 of the embodiment has a configuration as a column assist type electric power steering device. On the other hand, the steering device 1 according to the modification has a configuration as a pinion assist type, dual pinion assist type, rack coaxial type, or rack parallel type electric power steering device.

  The steering device 1 of the embodiment has a configuration as an electric power steering device having the assist device 20. On the other hand, the steering device 1 according to the modification has a configuration as a mechanical steering device in which the assist device 20 is omitted. In the steering apparatus 1 according to the modified example, the control device 100 includes a tilt drive circuit that drives the tilt motor 41A and a telescopic drive circuit that drives the telescopic motor 42A.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Steering device, 4 ... DC power supply, 5 ... Direction indicator light (vehicle-mounted functional component), 11 ... Column shaft (steering shaft), 12 ... Intermediate shaft (steering shaft), 13 ... Pinion shaft (steering shaft), 20 Assist device, 21 Assist motor, 30 Steering component, 32 Direction direction changeover switch (steering switch), 33 Steering position changeover switch (steering switch), 40 Steering position adjustment device (in-vehicle functional component), 41A Tilt motor (position adjustment motor), 42A ... telescopic motor (position adjustment motor), 51 ... power transmission device, 55 ... power reception device, 59 ... power supply, 60 ... transmission device, 70 ... rudder angle detection device (steering motion detection device), 80 ... Torque detection device (steering motion Detection device), 100 ... controller, 102 ... driving circuit.

Claims (8)

A steering component that rotates the steering shaft;
A steering operation detecting device for detecting the operation of the steering shaft;
A steering switch attached to the steering component for operating the in-vehicle functional component;
And a control device that controls the in-vehicle functional component based on a detection result of the steering motion detection device. The control device executes turn-off control for controlling turning-off of the direction indicator lamp as the in-vehicle functional component,
The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the steering operation detection device includes a steering angle detection device that detects a steering angle of the steering shaft. When the steering switch is changed from an off state to an on state, the control device blinks the direction indicator lamp, and the amount of change in the steering angle that is changed toward the neutral position of the steering component is based on a threshold value or more. The steering device according to claim 2, wherein the direction indicator lamp is turned off. The steering device has a steering position adjusting device as the on-vehicle functional component for adjusting the position of the steering component,
The control device executes steering component position control for adjusting the position of the steering component,
The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the steering operation detection device includes a torque detection device that detects a torque applied to the steering shaft in accordance with a rotation operation of the steering component. The steering device according to claim 4, wherein the control device adjusts a position of the steering component based on a direction of torque applied to the steering shaft. The steering device includes an assist device that assists a rotation operation of the steering component,
The assist device has an assist motor that applies torque to the steering shaft;
The control device has a drive circuit for driving the assist motor,
The steering position adjusting device has a position adjusting motor,
The steering apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the position adjustment motor is driven by the drive circuit. The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a transmission device that is attached to the steering component and transmits a signal based on an operation of the steering switch to the control device by wireless communication. A power transmission device connected to the DC power supply of the vehicle;
A power receiving device attached to the steering component and supplied with power from the power transmitting device by wireless communication;
The steering device according to claim 7, further comprising: a power source that is attached to the steering component, stores power when power is supplied from the power receiving device, and supplies power to the transmission device.