JP2014076714A - Direction indicator operating device and steering wheel - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a direction indicator operating device that can easily perform operation without releasing a hand from a steering wheel, has a simple and compact structure, and can prevent erroneous actuation, and a steering wheel including the direction indicator operating unit.SOLUTION: A direction indicator operating device 10 includes a stationary member 11 fixed to a steering wheel, a movable member 12 movable relative to the stationary member 11, a first touch sensor 21 disposed on the surface of the movable member 12, and a pair of second touch sensors 22L and 22R disposed on the stationary member 11 so that the first touch sensor 21 is held between the pair of the second touch sensors 22L and 22R. The movable member 12 has a momentary structure that is restored from a depressed position to an initial position when a depressing operation performed on the first touch sensor 21 is released. When the movable member 12 is moved from the initial position to the depressed position, a controller validates an operation input from the first touch sensor 21 to the second touch sensors 22L and 22R.

Description

  The present invention relates to a direction indication operation device and a steering wheel for operating a direction indicator of an automobile.

  Conventionally, the direction indication operation of an automobile has been performed by operating a direction indication lever of a combination switch provided in a steering column (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-B-2-47047

However, in the conventional method as described above, when operating the direction indicator, it is necessary for the driver to operate the direction indicating lever of the combination switch with one hand away from the steering wheel.
In addition, the combination switch has a complicated structure and is difficult to downsize.
Furthermore, for the operation of the direction indicator, from the viewpoint of safety of vehicle operation, it is required to be easy to operate and not to malfunction when it is not intended. It was not possible to use a method such as attaching the to the steering wheel.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a direction indicating operation device that can be easily operated without releasing a hand from the steering wheel, has a simple structure, is small, and can prevent malfunction, and a steering wheel including the direction indicating operation device. Is to provide.

  The present invention solves the above problems by the following means. In addition, in order to make an understanding easy, although the code | symbol corresponding to embodiment of this invention is attached | subjected and demonstrated, it is not limited to this.

  The invention according to claim 1 is based on a direction operation unit (11, 12, 21, 22) that is provided on the steering wheel (1) of the vehicle and receives an operation for instructing a direction, and an output signal from the direction operation unit. A control unit (30) for controlling lighting of the direction indicator, and the direction operation unit is provided so as to be movable with respect to the fixing member (11) fixed to the steering wheel and the fixing member. A movable member (12), a first operation portion (21) provided on the surface of the movable member, and a pair of first members provided on the fixed member so as to sandwich the first operation portion from both sides. And the movable member has a momentary structure that returns to the initial position from the pressed position when the pressing operation on the first operating section is released, The control unit is the movable unit. Is a direction indication operation device (10) characterized in that when the first operation unit is moved from the initial position to the pressed position, an operation input from the first operation unit to the second operation unit is validated. .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the direction indicating operation device according to the first aspect, the control unit (30) is held for a predetermined time or more in a state where the movable member (12) is moved to the pressed position. In some cases, the direction indication operation device (10) is characterized in that an operation input from the first operation unit (21) to the second operation unit (22) is validated.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the direction indicating operation device according to the first or second aspect, the control unit (30) is configured such that the first operation unit (21) to the second operation unit (22). A direction indicating operation characterized by canceling the operation input by the second operation unit when the movable member (12) is moved again to the pressed position after the operation input to the position is validated. Device (10).

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the direction indicating operation device according to the first aspect, the touch sensor (22) provided in the second operation portion and the light shielding portion (12b) provided in the movable member (12). ), A light sensor (14) disposed so that the light shielding portion blocks the optical path of the detection light when the movable member is moved to the pressed position, and a touch provided on the second operation portion. A sensor and a substrate (13) electrically connected to the optical sensor, and the control unit (30) is configured such that when light from the light emitting unit of the optical sensor is blocked by the light shielding unit, A direction indication operation device (10) characterized in that operation input from the first operation unit (21) to the second operation unit is validated.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the direction indicating operation device according to the fourth aspect, the touch sensor (21) provided in the first operation unit, the touch sensor provided in the first operation unit, and the Provided between the substrate (13), electrically connecting the first operating portion (21) and the substrate (13), and attaching the movable member (12) in a direction away from the substrate. And a biasing member (15) formed of a conductive member that urges the movable member back to the initial position.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the direction indicating operation device according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the control unit (30) is configured such that the light-shielding unit (12b) causes the light-emitting unit (14a) of the photosensor (14) to be used. The operation input from the first operation unit (21) to the second operation unit (22) is validated when the state where the light from the light is blocked continues for a predetermined time or more. A direction indicating operation device (10).

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the direction pointing operation device according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, wherein the control unit (30) receives an operation input from the second operation unit (22). After the light is activated, the operation input by the second operation unit is canceled when the light from the light emitting unit (14a) of the optical sensor (14) is blocked by the light shielding unit (12b) again. A direction indicating operation device (10) characterized by the above.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the direction indicating operation device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the control unit (30) is configured to perform the second operation from the first operation unit (21). The direction indicator is turned on when the second operation unit is operated within a predetermined time from when the operation input to the operation unit (22) is validated. An operating device (10).

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the direction indicating operation device according to the eighth aspect, the control unit (30) inputs an operation input from the first operation unit (21) to the second operation unit (22). A direction indicating operation device (10), wherein an operation input from the second operation unit is invalidated when the second operation unit is not operated within a predetermined time from the time when the operation is activated. is there.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is the direction indicating operation device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the direction operation portion (11, 12, 21, 22) is the steering wheel (1). A pair of the second operation parts (22) are arranged around the first operation part (21) within the movable range of the driver's thumb that can be operated with the grip part (1c) held. It is a direction indication operation device (10) characterized by that.

  The invention of claim 11 is a steering wheel (1) provided with the direction indicating operation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a direction indication operation device that can be easily operated without releasing a hand from the steering wheel, has a simple structure, is small, and can prevent malfunction, and a steering wheel including the direction indication operation device. Can be provided.

It is the schematic which shows the steering wheel 1 provided with the direction indication operation apparatus 10 by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the direction instruction | indication operating device 10, and is a figure which shows the state which has the movable member 12 in an initial position. It is a figure which shows the direction indication operation apparatus 10 seen from the arrow B direction in FIG. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the optical sensor 14 by the arrow CC in FIG. FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which the movable member 12 is moved by the finger F to the pressed position from the initial position of FIG. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the optical sensor 14 by the arrow DD in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which moved the finger F to the 2nd left touch sensor 22L from the state of FIG. It is a figure which shows the direction instruction | indication operating device 10 seen from the arrow E direction in FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration related to control of a direction instruction operation device 10. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the direction indicating operation device 10 performed by the control unit 30 together with the operation of the operator.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a steering wheel including a direction indicating operation device according to the present invention.
In addition, each figure shown below including FIG. 1 is the figure shown typically, and the magnitude | size and shape of each part are exaggerated suitably for easy understanding.
In the following description, specific numerical values, shapes, materials, and the like are shown and described, but these can be changed as appropriate.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a steering wheel 1 including a direction indicating operation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the steering wheel 1 is shown as a rotational position where the vehicle goes straight, and this position is hereinafter referred to as a straight drive position. Further, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, left and right refer to the left and right in the direction of FIG. 1 (left and right in a state in which the vehicle is traveling).

  The steering wheel 1 includes a direction indicating operation device 10 on a surface on the passenger side of the spoke portion 1a. In the direction indicating operation device 10 of the present embodiment, the first touch sensor 21 of the movable member 12 to be described later is centered within the movable range of the driver's thumb that can be operated with the grip portion 1c of the steering wheel 1 held. As a pair, a second touch sensor 22 of the fixing member 11 described later is disposed. In the present embodiment, the direction indicating operation device 10 is provided only on the right side from the passenger side toward the steering wheel 1. However, the steering wheel 1 may be provided with the direction indicating operation device 10 in the left spoke portion 1b, for example.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the direction indicating operation device 10, and is a diagram showing a state where the movable member 12 is in the initial position.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the direction indicating operation device 10 as viewed from the direction of arrow B in FIG.
Note that FIG. 2 basically shows a shape according to a cross section cut at the position of the arrow AA in FIG. 1, but various configurations are appropriately overlapped for explanation of the configuration. So it is not an accurate sectional view. Further, the operator's (driver's) finger F is included as appropriate in the drawings after FIG.
The direction indicating operation device 10 includes a fixed member 11, a movable member 12, a substrate 13, an optical sensor 14, an urging member 15, and wires 16 and 17 as direction operating units that receive an operation for instructing a direction. I have.

  The fixing member 11 is fixed to the steering wheel 1. A second touch sensor 22 is provided as a second operation unit on a surface facing the occupant side of the fixing member 11, that is, a surface facing the occupant side of the steering wheel 1. The second touch sensor 22 is divided into two, that is, left and right so as to sandwich a first touch sensor 21 (first operation unit) of the movable member 12 to be described later from both sides. Hereinafter, among the second touch sensors 22, the left side is referred to as the left second touch sensor 22 </ b> L, and the right side is referred to as the right second touch sensor 22 </ b> R. To do.

  The movable member 12 has a first touch sensor 21 as a first operation unit on the surface on the passenger side. The first touch sensor 21 and the second touch sensor 22 described above are electrostatic capacitance sensors. When the operator touches the first touch sensor 21 with the operator's finger F, the change in the electrostatic capacitance is detected and input. A corresponding signal is output as an operation. As the touch sensor, another type of sensor such as a pressure-sensitive type may be used. The movable member 12 is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction in FIG. 2 within the fixed member 11. Specifically, the movable member 12 has a surface of the first touch sensor 21 from the initial position of FIG. 2 where the surface of the first touch sensor 21 protrudes from the surface of the second touch sensor 22. The touch sensor 22 can move to a pressed position that is substantially flush with the surface of the touch sensor 22. Both ends of the movable member 12 are guided by the guide grooves 11b of the fixed member 11, and can move smoothly. Further, the movable member 12 has a momentary structure in which when the pressing operation by the operator (driver) on the first touch sensor 21 is released, the urging force of the urging member 15 returns to the initial position from the pressing position. ing. In a state where the operating force is not loaded, the movable member 12 holds the initial position by the shelf 12c formed above the both ends thereof contacting the positioning shelf 11c of the fixed member 11. Further, at a position facing the substrate 13 of the movable member 12, a light shielding portion 12b and a positioning convex portion 12d are provided.

  The substrate 13 is a circuit board on which a wiring pattern is formed, and is fixed to the fixing member 11 so as to face the second touch sensor 22 on the side opposite to the second touch sensor 22. The substrate 13 is electrically connected to the second touch sensors 22L and 22R individually by wiring 16, and the optical sensor 14 is mounted on the surface and electrically connected. Further, the substrate 13 is electrically connected to the first touch sensor 21 via the biasing member 15 and the wiring 17.

4 is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor 14 taken along the arrow CC in FIG.
The optical sensor 14 is a photointerrupter in which a light emitting unit 14 a and a light receiving unit 14 b are integrally provided in a housing 14 c and is mounted on the substrate 13. When the movable member 12 is in the initial position, the detection light emitted from the light emitting unit 14a can reach the light receiving unit 14b.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the biasing member 15 is a compression coil spring provided between the movable member 12 and the substrate 13. The urging member 15 is formed of a conductive member, one end of which is in contact with the substrate 13 and is electrically connected, and the other end is electrically connected to the wiring 17. Therefore, the substrate 13 can ensure electrical connection with the first touch sensor 21 via the biasing member 15 and the wiring 17.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a state in which the movable member 12 is moved from the initial position of FIG. 2 to the pressed position by the finger F, as in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensor 14 taken along the arrow DD in FIG.
In the pressed position, the positioning convex portion 12d of the movable member 12 contacts the substrate 13, and the movable member 12 stops at a predetermined position (pressed position). Further, at this pressed position, the light blocking portion 12b enters between the light emitting portion 14a and the light receiving portion 14b of the optical sensor 14, and blocks the detection light emitted by the light emitting portion 14a. Therefore, the detection light cannot reach the light receiving unit 14b. Thereby, the optical sensor 14 can detect that the movable member 12 has moved to the pressed position.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the finger F is moved to the second touch sensor 22L on the left side from the state of FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the direction indicating operation device 10 as viewed from the direction of arrow E in FIG.
When the finger F is moved to the left second touch sensor 22L from the state of FIG. 5, the finger F comes into contact with the second touch sensor 22L and the finger F is separated from the movable member 12. Accordingly, the force for holding the movable member 12 in the pressed position disappears, and the movable member 12 returns to the initial position by the urging force of the urging member 15.
Although not shown, the case where the finger F is moved to the right second touch sensor 22R is the same as the case where the finger F is moved to the left.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration related to the control of the direction instruction operation device 10.
The direction instruction operation device 10 includes a control unit 30 in addition to the configuration as the direction operation unit illustrated in FIG.

  The control unit 30 is a control circuit that controls the operation of the direction indicating operation device 10. The control unit 30 receives a result of detecting contact (touch) of the finger F from the first touch sensor 21 and the second touch sensor 22. Further, the detection result by the optical sensor 14 is also input to the control unit 30. Further, the control unit 30 controls the light emission of the left winker 40L and the right winker 40R according to the result of the operation input by the second touch sensor 22.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the direction instruction operation device 10 performed by the control unit 30 together with the operation of the operator.

  In step (hereinafter, referred to as S) 110, the control unit 30 invalidates the input by the second touch sensor 22. Thereby, it is possible to prevent malfunction when the operator's finger F is touched by mistake.

  In S <b> 120, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the finger F touches the first touch sensor 21. If the finger F is touching the first touch sensor 21, the process proceeds to S130. On the other hand, when the finger F is not touching the first touch sensor 21, the determination in S120 is repeated. By performing this step, it can be confirmed that the finger F is pressing the movable member 12.

In S <b> 130, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the movable member 12 is pressed down to the pressed position. Specifically, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the movable member 12 is pressed down to the pressed position depending on whether or not the optical sensor 14 is OFF. If it is determined that the optical sensor 14 is OFF and the movable member 12 is pressed to the pressed position, the process proceeds to S140. On the other hand, if it is determined that the optical sensor 14 remains ON and the movable member 12 is not pressed down to the pressed position, the determination in S130 is repeated.
Here, it is assumed that the control unit 30 proceeds to S140 only when the movable member 12 is held in a state where it can be determined that the movable member 12 has been moved to the pressed position (the optical sensor 14 is OFF) for a predetermined time or longer. Therefore, even if the optical sensor 14 is turned off, if the optical sensor 14 is turned on within a predetermined time, the determination in S130 is repeated without proceeding to S140. This is because the input by the second touch sensor 22 is not effective until the movable member 12 is pushed down by accidentally hitting the movable member 12 or the so-called chattering state. .
By performing this step, it can be confirmed that the finger F is surely pressing the movable member 12 to the pressed position.

  In S <b> 140, the control unit 30 validates the input by the second touch sensor 22. Based on the determination in S120 and S130, it can be confirmed that the operator has pressed the movable member 12 with the intention of operating the blinker. Therefore, the control part 30 validates the input by the 2nd touch sensor 22 for making a blinker light-emit after this S140.

  In S150, the control unit 30 confirms whether or not there is a contact (touch) with the finger F with respect to the left second touch sensor 22L, so that the operator moves the finger to the left second touch sensor 22L. It is determined whether or not F is slid. When it is determined that the operator has slid the finger F to the left second touch sensor 22L, the process proceeds to S160. If it is not determined that the operator has slid the finger F to the left second touch sensor 22L, the process proceeds to S180. When the operator slides the finger F to the left second touch sensor 22L, the movable member 12 automatically returns to the initial position by the urging force of the urging member 15.

  In S160, the control unit 30 makes an operation input to the left second touch sensor 22L within a predetermined time after enabling the input by the second touch sensor 22 in S140, that is, to the left second touch sensor 22L. On the other hand, it is determined whether or not there is contact (touch) with the finger F. If there is an operation input to the left second touch sensor 22L within a predetermined time, the process proceeds to S170. On the other hand, when there is no operation input to the left second touch sensor 22L within a predetermined time, the process returns to S110 and the input by the second touch sensor 22 is invalidated. Thereby, when the operator stops the direction instruction operation on the way, it is possible to prevent the second touch sensor 22 from remaining valid and to prevent an erroneous operation.

  In S170, the control unit 30 performs output to the left winker 40L, and controls the left winker 40L to emit light.

  In S180, the control unit 30 confirms whether or not there is a contact (touch) with the finger F with respect to the right second touch sensor 22R, so that the operator moves the finger to the right second touch sensor 22R. It is determined whether or not F is slid. If it is determined that the operator has slid the finger F to the right second touch sensor 22R, the process proceeds to S190. If it is not determined that the operator has slid the finger F to the right second touch sensor 22R, the process proceeds to S210. When the operator slides the finger F to the right second touch sensor 22R, the movable member 12 is automatically returned to the initial position by the urging force of the urging member 15.

  In S190, the control unit 30 applies an operation input to the right second touch sensor 22R within a predetermined time after the input by the second touch sensor 22 is validated in S140, that is, the right second touch sensor 22R. On the other hand, it is determined whether or not there is contact (touch) with the finger F. If there is an operation input to the right second touch sensor 22R within a predetermined time, the process proceeds to S200. On the other hand, when there is no operation input to the right second touch sensor 22R within a predetermined time, the process returns to S110, and the input by the second touch sensor 22 is invalidated. Thereby, when the operator stops the direction instruction operation on the way, it is possible to prevent the second touch sensor 22 from remaining valid and to prevent an erroneous operation.

  In S200, the control unit 30 performs output to the right winker 40R and controls the right winker 40R to emit light.

  In S <b> 210, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the finger F has left the first touch sensor 21. If the finger F has moved away from the first touch sensor 21, the process returns to S110. If the finger F is not separated from the first touch sensor 21, the process returns to S150.

  In S220, the operator determines whether or not to cancel the blinker (stop the light emission). When canceling the blinker, the process proceeds to S230. If the winker is not canceled, the process returns to S110.

  In S230, the operator presses the movable member 12. When the movable member 12 is pressed, the optical sensor 14 is turned off. Accordingly, the control unit 30 stops the light emission of the left winker 40L or the right winker 40R and returns to S110.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the direction indicating operation device 10 uses a touch sensor, the structure is simple and the size can be reduced. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the direction indicating operation device 10 can be disposed within the movable range of the driver's thumb that can be operated while holding the grip portion 1c of the steering wheel 1. Therefore, the operation can be easily performed without releasing the hand from the steering wheel 1. Further, an operator who operates the direction indicating operation device 10 according to the present embodiment needs to touch the first touch sensor 21, press the movable member 12, and perform an operation using the second touch sensor 22 within a predetermined time. is there. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunction when a hand operating the steering wheel 1 during a steering operation or the like accidentally contacts the direction indicating operation device 10. Further, the above-described operation for operating the winker is merely to slide the finger F while pressing the movable member 12 with the finger F, and the direction can be instructed with a simple operation. Furthermore, since a touch sensor and an optical sensor are used, a mechanical switch is unnecessary, and the risk of failure due to wear or the like occurring in the mechanical switch can be avoided.

(Deformation)
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications and changes are possible, and these are also within the scope of the present invention.

(1) In the embodiment, the second touch sensor 22 (second operation unit) is arranged in a straight line on the left and right (lateral direction) with the first touch sensor 21 (first operation unit) interposed therebetween. And explained. For example, the second operation unit may be arranged in the vertical direction or the arc direction with respect to the first operation unit.

(2) In the embodiment, an example in which the optical sensor 14 is provided to detect pressing of the movable member 12 has been described. For example, a mechanical switch (mechanical switch) may be used to detect pressing of the movable member 12.

  In addition, although embodiment and a deformation | transformation form can also be used in combination as appropriate, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering wheel 1a, 1b Spoke part 1c Grip part 10 Direction instruction | indication operation apparatus 11 Fixed member 11b Guide groove 11c Positioning shelf part 12 Movable member 12b Light-shielding part 12c Shelf part 12d Positioning convex part 13 Substrate 14 Optical sensor 14a Light-emitting part 14b Light-receiving part 14c Housing 15 Biasing members 16, 17 Wiring 21 First touch sensor 22 Second touch sensor 22L Second left touch sensor 22R Right second touch sensor 30 Control unit 40L Left turn signal 40R Right turn signal

Claims (11)

A direction operation unit that is provided on a steering wheel of the vehicle and receives an operation of instructing a direction;
Based on an output signal from the direction operation unit, a control unit that controls lighting of the direction indicator,
With
The direction operation unit is
A fixing member fixed to the steering wheel;
A movable member provided movably with respect to the fixed member;
A first operating portion provided on a surface of the movable member;
A pair of second operation parts provided on the fixing member so as to sandwich the first operation part from both sides;
Have
The movable member has a momentary structure that returns to the initial position from the pressed position when the pressing operation on the first operation unit is released,
The control unit validates an operation input from the first operation unit to the second operation unit when the movable member is moved from the initial position to the pressed position;
A direction indicating operation device characterized by the above. In the direction indication operation device according to claim 1,
The control unit validates an operation input from the first operation unit to the second operation unit when the movable member is moved to the pressed position and held for a predetermined time or more. ,
A direction indicating operation device characterized by the above. In the direction indicating operation device according to claim 1 or 2,
After the control unit validates the operation input from the first operation unit to the second operation unit, the second operation unit is moved again when the movable member is moved to the pressed position. Canceling the operation input by
A direction indicating operation device characterized by the above. In the direction indication operation device according to claim 1,
A touch sensor provided in the second operation unit;
A light shielding portion provided on the movable member;
An optical sensor disposed so that the light shielding portion blocks an optical path of detection light when the movable member is moved to the pressed position;
A touch sensor provided in the second operation unit and a substrate electrically connected to the optical sensor;
With
The control unit validates an operation input from the first operation unit to the second operation unit when light from the light emitting unit of the photosensor is blocked by the light shielding unit;
A direction indicating operation device characterized by the above. In the direction indication operation device according to claim 4,
A touch sensor provided in the first operation unit;
A touch sensor provided between the movable member and the substrate, electrically connected to the touch sensor provided in the first operation unit, and urged in a direction away from the substrate. And an urging member formed of a conductive member that returns the movable member to the initial position;
Providing
A direction indicating operation device characterized by the above. In the direction indicating operation device according to claim 4 or 5,
The control unit receives an operation input from the first operation unit to the second operation unit when the light from the light emitting unit of the photosensor is blocked by the light shielding unit for a predetermined time or longer. Enable,
A direction indicating operation device characterized by the above. In the direction indication operation device according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
After the control input from the second operation unit is validated, the control unit again performs the operation by the second operation unit when light from the light emitting unit of the photosensor is blocked by the light shielding unit. Canceling the operation input,
A direction indicating operation device characterized by the above. In the direction indication operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
When the second operation unit is operated within a predetermined time from the time when the operation input from the first operation unit to the second operation unit is validated, the control unit Starting lighting,
A direction indicating operation device characterized by the above. In the direction indicating operation device according to claim 8,
When the second operation unit is not operated within a predetermined time from when the operation input from the first operation unit to the second operation unit is validated, the control unit is configured to operate the second operation unit. Disabling operation input from,
A direction indicating operation device characterized by the above. In the direction indication operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The direction operation unit includes a pair of second operation units centered on the first operation unit within a movable range of a driver's thumb that can be operated while gripping the grip unit of the steering wheel. That
A direction indicating operation device characterized by the above.   A steering wheel comprising the direction indicating operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.