JP2018167730A - Vehicular steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a vehicular steering device configured to prevent an operation body provided in a steering column from being improperly operated.SOLUTION: The vehicular steering device comprises a steering handle 2, a steering column, and a spoke 6 through which the steering handle 2 is connected to the steering column. The steering column is provided with operating bodies 7L and 7R for instructing operation of a function that a vehicle has. The operating bodies 7L and 7R have operating parts 21L and 21R opposing to a driver. The operating parts 21L and 21R are provided with a front wiper dial 24 and a headlight dial 42 which rotate in a vertical direction with a shaft part as a center and a left indicator button 23 and a right indicator button 41 which indicate movements of a direction indicator. The left indicator button 23 and a right indicator button 41 are positioned above the front wiper dial 24 and the headlight dial 42 respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle steering apparatus including an operating body that issues an operation instruction to a direction indicator or the like.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an automobile steering apparatus in which first and second lever switches are provided on left and right side portions of a steering column of a vehicle. The first lever switch includes a first operation lever that instructs a turn signal operation, and the second lever switch includes a second operation lever that instructs a wiper operation. The turn signal operation instruction is performed by raising and lowering the first operation lever in the vertical direction. The first operating lever instructs the transmission to shift up when the driver pulls up in the forward direction, and the second operating lever instructs the shift down of the transmission when the driver pulls up toward the front. It is the composition to do.

Japanese Patent No. 3718646

  When a turn signal operation instruction is given, the first switch is lifted and lowered by placing a finger on the side of the push switch protruding from the outer side of the first control lever. Since it is not large, it may not be easy to raise and lower the first operation lever with a finger. In addition, when the transmission upshift instruction and the turn signal operation instruction are performed simultaneously, the first operation lever needs to be operated in different directions, which causes a problem of poor operability. This is problematic in that the movements of buttons and levers for exhibiting various functions of the vehicle are not independent of each other.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems and to provide a vehicle steering device having a good operability provided with an operation instruction button of a direction indicator.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle steering apparatus that prevents erroneous operation of a switch of an operating body provided in a steering column.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vehicle steering apparatus includes a steering handle, a steering column, and spokes that connect the steering handle and the steering column, and the steering column has a function of a vehicle. An operating body for instructing an operation is provided, the operating body has an operating portion facing the driver, and the operating portion is disposed on the inner side of the steering handle and substantially on the same plane as the steering handle, The operation unit is provided with a rotary switch that rotates in the vertical direction around the shaft part, and a push-type switch that instructs the operation of the direction indicator. Projecting toward the driver, the push switch is formed lower than the rotary switch, and the push switch is located above the rotary switch. It is characterized in.

  In the vehicle steering apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the operation unit is provided with a slide switch that is slidable in the left-right direction, and the slide switch protrudes from the operation unit in the driver direction. The sliding switch is provided below the rotary switch and in a position close to the rotary switch.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle steering apparatus, wherein a gap is provided between the steering handle and the operating body.

  The vehicle steering apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the operation portion is curved so that a central portion in the vertical direction is recessed.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle steering apparatus, the operating body and the steering column are connected via a distance adjusting mechanism, and the distance between the steering handle and the operating body is adjusted by the distance adjusting mechanism. It is possible.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to instruct the operation of the direction indicator by pressing the push switch. In addition, it is possible to make it difficult to operate the push switch erroneously when operating the rotary switch.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the rotary switch is rotated downward, even if the operator's finger moves downward due to the moment of the operation, the slide switch is positioned below the rotary switch. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the finger from coming into contact with the slide switch and further moving the finger downward.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the operability of the steering wheel from being lowered by the operating body.

  According to invention of Claim 4, the operativity of an operation part can be improved.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the distance between the steering handle and the operating body can be adjusted according to the size of the driver's hand, the length of the finger, and the like.

It is a front view of the steering device showing Example 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a right perspective view of the steering device. FIG. 3 is a right perspective view of the steering device with the cover member removed. FIG. 4 is a left side view of the steering apparatus in a state where the steering handle is closest to the steering shaft. FIG. 6 is a left side view of the steering apparatus with the steering handle furthest away from the steering shaft. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the operation panel. FIG. 3 is a front view of the operation panel. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the steering device. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the steering device in terms of design. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the steering device in terms of design. It is a design front view of the steering device. It is a design rear view of the steering device. It is a design top view of a steering device. It is a design bottom view of a steering device. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the steering device in terms of design. FIG. 2 is a design right side view of the steering device.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The embodiments described below do not limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. In addition, all of the configurations described below are not necessarily essential requirements of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 and 8, the vehicle steering apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is provided in a driver's seat (not shown) of a vehicle (not shown), and has an annular steering handle 2. A steering column 4 containing the steering shaft 3, a horn pad portion 5 provided on the steering column 4, a spoke 6 connecting the steering handle 2 and the steering column 4, and left and right sides of the steering column 4. The operation panels 7L and 7R as the operation bodies are provided. Gaps 8L and 8R are provided between the steering handle 2 and the operation panels 7L and 7R. The gaps 8L and 8R have a width that allows a driver's finger to pass through when the steering wheel 2 is gripped.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the steering column 4 is composed of a front column 4F arranged to face the driver and a rear column 4B arranged on the steering shaft 3 side, and both are connected. A horn pad portion 5 formed in an arch shape in a side view so as to cover the steering column 4 is provided on the upper side of the circular arc surface 11 which is a surface facing the driver of the front column 4F. An airbag (not shown) is accommodated in the steering column 4.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the steering shaft 3 and the steering column 4 are connected via a substantially cylindrical connecting portion 12, and the connecting portion 12 has a so-called telescopic mechanism. It is provided so that it can be stored. By this connecting portion 12, the steering handle 2, the steering column 4, the horn pad portion 5, and the spoke 6 are integrally movable in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the position of the steering handle 2 can be moved in the front-rear direction according to the physique of the driver. The amount of the connection portion 12 exposed from the steering column 4 can be arbitrarily adjusted and can be held at a desired position. An enlarged diameter portion 13 is formed at the end of the connection portion 12 on the steering shaft 3 side.

  The horn pad portion 5 is configured to sound a horn when pressed by the driver. However, as described above, the horn pad portion 5 of the present embodiment is only on the surface facing the driver seated in the driver's seat. Since it is also extended to the upper side, a horn can be sounded even if the horn pad portion 5 is pressed downward from the upper side.

  The spoke 6 includes a front spoke 6F that extends downward from the lower portion of the front column 4F and a rear spoke 6B that extends downward from the lower portion of the rear column 4B. The front spoke 6F is formed integrally with the lower portion of the front column 4F, and the rear spoke 6B is formed integrally with the lower portion of the rear column 4B. The lower ends of the front spokes 6F and the rear spokes 6B are slightly directed toward the driver's seat, and the lower ends are connected to the steering handle 2. Further, the front spoke 6F and the rear spoke 6B are also connected. In the present embodiment, one spoke 6 is provided, and a wide range for gripping the steering handle 2 is secured. A plurality of spokes 6 may be provided in consideration of the strength to support the steering handle 2, the operability of the steering handle 2, and the like.

  Next, operation panels 7L and 7R provided on the left and right sides of the steering column 4 will be described with reference to FIG. The operation panels 7L and 7R are made of synthetic resin and are formed in a plate shape bent at approximately 90 °. The operation panel 7L attached to the left side surface portion 4L of the steering column 4 when viewed from the driver's seat has an operation portion 21L facing the driver and an attachment portion 22L contacting the left side surface portion 4L of the steering column 4. Yes. The operation panel 7R attached to the right side surface 4R of the steering column 4 when viewed from the driver's seat has an operation portion 21R facing the driver and an attachment portion 22R contacting the right side surface 4R of the steering column 4. doing.

  Since the operation portions 21L and 21R of the operation panels 7L and 7R are disposed on the inner side of the steering handle 2 and substantially on the same plane as the steering handle 2, the driver holding the steering handle 2 can operate the operation portions 21L and 21R. It becomes easy to operate 21R.

  A left indicator button 23 for instructing an operation of a left direction indicator (not shown) of the vehicle is provided at the upper left end portion of the operation unit 21L. The left indicator button 23 is a so-called push-type button, and the left direction indicator blinks when pressed, and the left direction indicator turns off when the left indicator button 23 is pressed in the blinking state. Since it is considered that the left indicator button 23 is frequently used during driving of the vehicle, the left indicator button 23 is provided at the upper left end of the operation unit 21L that is easy for the driver to press. In the present embodiment, the surface of the left indicator button 23 is formed to be flush with the surface of the operation unit 21L, but may be formed to be lower than the surface of the operation unit 21L. If it is lower than the front wiper dial 24 described later, it may be protruded from the surface of the operation portion 21L. An arrow indicating the left direction is displayed on the surface of the left indicator button 23.

  Below the left indicator button 23, a front wiper dial 24, which is a cylindrical rotary switch for instructing the operation of a front wiper (not shown), is provided. The front wiper dial 24 is provided so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction around the shaft portion 19 in the horizontal direction. On the surface of the front wiper dial 24, characters of OFF, INT, Lo, and Hi are displayed. The front wiper rotates the front wiper dial 24 and performs operations corresponding to characters (OFF, INT, Lo, Hi) exposed and displayed from the operation unit 21L. When the front wiper dial 24 is set to the OFF position, the front wiper stops. When the front wiper dial 24 is set to the INT position, the front wiper operates intermittently at a reduced operation speed. The intermittent time can be arbitrarily set according to the amount of raindrops attached to the windshield (not shown) by a rain sensor or the like (not shown). When the front wiper dial 24 is set to the Lo position, the front wiper operates at a low speed. The low speed is set to 45 times per minute, for example, but can be set to a desired speed. When the front wiper dial 24 is set to the Hi position, the front wiper operates at high speed. The high speed is set to 70 times per minute, for example, but can be set to a desired speed. The front wiper dial 24 has approximately half the diameter direction embedded in the operation portion 21L, and the left end portion 25 protrudes outward from the left end of the operation portion 21L. In this embodiment, the surface of the front wiper dial 24 is displayed in the order of OFF, INT, Lo, and Hi, but when the OFF is displayed, the front wiper dial 24 can be rotated downward. The front wiper dial 24 cannot be rotated upward when Hi is displayed. That is, the front wiper dial 24 can rotate only in the range of OFF to Hi. The front wiper dial can be rotated 360 °, and each operation is performed as follows: OFF → INT → Lo → Hi → OFF → INT → Lo → Hi or OFF → Hi → Lo → INT → OFF → Hi → Lo → INT It may be possible to select continuously.

  A mist button 26 is provided adjacent to the front wiper dial 24 on the right side of the front wiper dial 24. The mist button 26 is a so-called push-type button. When the mist button 26 is pressed once, the front wiper operates once. If the mist button 26 is continuously pressed, the front wiper continues to operate while being pressed. In the mist button 26, the left side portion 27 is linear, while the right side portion 28 is formed in a convex arc shape on the right side. Mist characters are displayed on the surface of the mist button 26.

  A rear wiper switch 29 for operating the operation of a rear wiper (not shown) is provided below the front wiper dial 24 and the mist button 26. The rear wiper switch 29 is a so-called slide-type switch, is formed in a horizontally long substantially oval shape, and is provided so as to be slidable left and right in a horizontally long groove portion 30 formed in the operation portion 21L. Below the rear wiper switch 29 and on the surface of the operation unit 21L, characters of ON, INT, and OFF are displayed. When the rear wiper switch 29 is positioned above the ON, the rear wiper is at a normal speed. When the rear wiper switch 29 is positioned above the INT, the rear wiper operates intermittently, and when the rear wiper switch 29 is positioned above the OFF, the rear wiper stops without operating. On the surface of the rear wiper switch 29, “Rear” is displayed. A schematic diagram of the rear wiper is displayed on the right side of the groove portion 30 and on the surface of the operation portion 21L.

  A front liquid button 31 for ejecting a washer liquid onto the windshield is provided at the lower left end of the operation section 21L. The front liquid button 31 is a so-called push button, and when pressed once, a predetermined amount of washer liquid is applied to the windshield from the windshield washer outlet (not shown) provided in the vehicle. Is ejected and the front wiper is activated a predetermined number of times. If the front liquid button 31 is continuously pressed, the washer liquid is ejected while the front liquid button 31 is pressed, and the front wiper continues to operate. On the surface of the front liquid button 31, a schematic view of the sprayed washer liquid and the windshield is displayed. The letter F is displayed in the schematic of the windshield.

  On the right side of the front liquid button 31, a rear liquid button 32 is provided adjacent to the front liquid button 31 for ejecting a washer liquid onto a rear glass (not shown). The rear liquid button 32 is a so-called push-type button, and when pressed once, a predetermined amount of washer liquid is ejected from the rear glass washer liquid discharge port (not shown) provided in the vehicle to the rear glass. In addition, the rear wiper is activated a predetermined number of times. If the rear liquid button 32 is continuously pressed, the washer liquid is ejected while the rear liquid button 32 is pressed, and the rear wiper continues to operate. On the surface of the rear liquid button 32, a schematic view of the sprayed washer liquid and the rear glass is displayed. In addition, the letter R is displayed in the schematic diagram of the rear glass.

  A bolt hole 34 through which a bolt 33 as a distance adjusting mechanism for attaching the operation panel 7L to the steering column 4 is inserted is formed above the attachment portion 22L. A spring groove 36 for positioning a coil spring 39 as a distance adjusting mechanism is formed around the bolt hole 34 of the contact surface 35 that is a surface that contacts the steering column 4 of the mounting portion 22L.

  A right indicator button 41 for instructing an operation of a right direction indicator (not shown) of the vehicle is provided at the upper right end portion of the operation unit 21R. The right indicator button 41 is a so-called push-type button, and the right direction indicator flashes when pressed, and the right direction indicator turns off when the right indicator button 41 is pressed in the blinking state. Since the use frequency of the right indicator button 41 is considered to be high during the driving of the vehicle, the right indicator button 41 is provided at the upper right end portion of the operation portion 21R that is easy for the driver to press. In the present embodiment, the surface of the right indicator button 41 is formed to be flush with the surface of the operation unit 21R, but may be formed to be lower than the surface of the operation unit 21R. If it is lower than the headlight dial 42 described later, it may be protruded from the surface of the operation portion 21R. On the surface of the right indicator button 41, an arrow indicating the right direction is displayed.

  Below the right indicator button 41, a headlight dial 42, which is a cylindrical rotary switch that instructs the operation of a headlight (not shown) that illuminates the front of the vehicle, is provided. The headlight dial 42 is provided so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction around the shaft portion 20 in the horizontal direction. On the surface of the headlight dial 42, characters of OFF, Pos, Lo, AUTO, and Hi are displayed. The headlight rotates the headlight dial 42 and performs an operation corresponding to characters (OFF, Pos, Lo, AUTO, Hi) that are exposed and displayed from the operation unit 21R. When the headlight dial 42 is set to the OFF position, the headlight is turned off. When the headlight dial 42 is set to Pos, a vehicle width lamp (not shown) is turned on. When the headlight dial 42 is set to the Lo position, the headlight illuminates downward. Lo is a so-called low beam. When the headlight dial 42 is set to the AUTO position, the headlight, the width light (not shown), the taillight (not shown), and the number light (not shown) are automatically turned on / off depending on the brightness outside the vehicle. . When the headlight is turned on, an indicator lamp (not shown) in the vehicle meter is also turned on. When the headlight dial 42 is set to the Hi position, the headlight illuminates light upward. Hi is a so-called high beam. In this embodiment, the surface of the headlight dial 42 is displayed in the order of OFF, Pos, Lo, AUTO, Hi, but the headlight dial 42 is rotated downward when OFF is displayed. The headlight dial 42 cannot be rotated upward when Hi is displayed. That is, the headlight dial 42 can be rotated only in the range of OFF to Hi. The headlight dial 42 can be rotated 360 °, and OFF → Pos → Lo → AUTO → Hi → OFF → Pos → Lo → AUTO → Hi or OFF → Hi → AUTO → Lo → Pos → OFF → Hi → AUTO → Lo → As in Pos, each operation may be selected continuously. It should be noted that on the surface of the headlight dial 42, on the left side of the characters Pos, Lo, Hi, there is a schematic diagram of the lit vehicle light, a schematic diagram of the headlight that illuminates downward, and the light that illuminates upward. A schematic diagram of the headlight is displayed respectively.

  On the left side of the headlight dial 42, a flash button 43 is provided adjacent to the headlight dial 42. The flash button 43 is a so-called push-type button, and the headlight is lit upward while being pressed. The flash button 43 is an operation button for a so-called overtaking signal (passing). In the flash button 43, the right side portion 44 is linear, but the left side portion 45 is formed in a convex arc shape on the left side. Flash characters are displayed on the surface of the flash button 43.

  Below the headlight dial 42 and the flash button 43, a fog light switch 46 for instructing the operation of a fog light (not shown) is provided. The fog light switch 46 is a so-called slide-type switch, is formed in a horizontally long substantially oval shape, and is provided so as to be slidable left and right in a horizontally long groove 47 formed in the operation portion 21R. The characters “OFF” and “ON” are displayed below the fog light switch 46 and on the surface of the operation unit 21R. When the fog light switch 46 is positioned above the OFF, the fog light is turned off and the fog light is turned off. When the switch 46 is positioned above ON, the fog light is turned on. Fog characters are displayed on the surface of the fog light switch 46. In addition, on the left side of the groove portion 47 and on the surface of the operation portion 21R, a schematic diagram when the fog light is turned on is displayed.

  A bolt hole 49 through which a bolt 48 as a distance adjusting mechanism for attaching the operation panel 7R to the steering column 4 is inserted is provided above the attachment portion 22R. A spring groove 51 for positioning a coil spring 54 as a distance adjusting mechanism is formed around a bolt hole 49 of a contact surface 50 that is a surface that contacts the steering column 4 of the mounting portion 22R.

  Next, attachment of the operation panels 7L and 7R to the steering column 4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the heads 37 and 52 of the bolts 33 and 48 are fixed inside the steering column 4 so as not to rotate and move, and the screw portions 38 and 53 of the bolts 33 and 48 are external to the steering column 4. It protrudes in the horizontal direction (left-right direction). The screw portions 38 and 53 are inserted into the coil springs 39 and 54, and are further inserted into the bolt holes 34 and 49 of the operation panels 7L and 7R, and the hexagon nuts 40 and 55 provided on the back side of the operation panels 7L and 7R. And are screwed together. Since the coil springs 39 and 54 are sandwiched between the steering column 4 and the operation panels 7L and 7R, the operation panels 7L and 7R are urged in the left-right direction by the coil springs 39 and 54, respectively. Accordingly, when the hexagon nuts 40 and 55 are rotated about the screw portions 38 and 53 of the bolts 33 and 48 and moved away from the steering column 4, the operation panels 7L and 7R are also moved by the biasing force of the coil springs 39 and 54. It moves away from the steering column 4. Further, when the hexagon nut 55 is moved in the direction approaching the steering column 4 against the urging force of the coil springs 39 and 54, the operation panel 7R can be moved in the direction approaching the steering column 4. Thus, since the distance from the steering column 4 of the operation panel 7R, that is, the widths of the gaps 8L and 8R can be adjusted, the positions of the operation panels 7L and 7R are adjusted according to the size of the driver's hand. It is possible to improve the operability of the operation panels 7L and 7R. In this embodiment, the bolts 33 and 48, the coil springs 39 and 54, and the hexagon nuts 40 and 55 constitute a distance adjusting mechanism.

  In this embodiment, the hexagon nuts 40 and 55 are used to adjust the positions of the operation panels 7L and 7R, but various conventionally known types such as a hexagon cap nut, a wing nut, and a penetrating knob nut are known. A nut can be used. Moreover, in order to prevent the hexagon nuts 40 and 55 from falling off from the bolts 33 and 48, various conventionally known fallout prevention tools (not shown) may be used. In addition, a known elastic member may be used in place of the coil springs 39 and 54 as long as the members can bias the operation panels 7L and 7R in the left-right direction.

  Cover members 57 and 58 that cover the screw portions 38 and 53 of the bolts 33 and 48 and the hexagon nuts 40 and 55 are detachably attached to the back surfaces of the operation panels 7L and 7R. The cover members 57 and 58 are made of synthetic resin, and are attached by locking the claw portions (not shown) to the claw receiving portions (not shown) formed on the back surfaces of the operation panels 7L and 7R. . The cover members 57 and 58 of the present embodiment are shaped along the back surfaces of the operation panels 7L and 7R. The cover members 57 and 58 are configured by operation portion back surface portions 59 and 60 that cover the back surfaces of the operation portions 21L and 21R and attachment portion back surface portions 61 and 62 that cover the back surfaces of the attachment portions 22L and 22R, and are substantially L-shaped in plan view. Is formed. Therefore, the driver can also hold the steering handle 2 in a state where the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger are in contact with the operation portion back surface portions 59 and 60. The cover members 57 and 58 cover the bolts 33 and 48 and the hex nuts 40 and 55 to improve the appearance, and the driver's hand hits the hex nuts 40 and 55 during the operation of the vehicle. Since the positions of the operation panels 7L and 7R are prevented from being changed, the bolts 33 and 48 and the hexagon nuts 40 and 55 are externally attached with the cover members 57 and 58 attached to the operation panels 7L and 7R. The shape and the like can be arbitrarily determined as long as they are not exposed. For example, the operation panels 7L and 7R and the cover members 57 and 58 may be integrally formed so that the cover members 57 and 58 can be opened and closed by a living hinge. The cover members 57 and 58 may be removed when adjusting the positions of the operation panels 7L and 7R, closed after the adjustment, and closed during normal operation such as operation.

  As shown in FIG. 6, from the mounting portions 22L and 22R of the operation panels 7L and 7R, the left indicator button 23, the front wiper dial 24, the mist button 26, and the rear wiper switch disposed on the operation portions 21L and 21R. 29, wires 63 and 64 connected to the front liquid button 31, rear liquid button 32, right indicator button 41, headlight dial 42, flash button 43, and fog light switch 46 are drawn out. Is electrically connected to a control device (not shown) and a power supply device (not shown) disposed inside the vehicle through the steering column 4. Thereby, the left indicator button 23, the front wiper dial 24, the mist button 26, the rear wiper switch 29, the front fluid button 31, the rear fluid button 32, the right indicator button 41, the headlight dial 42, the flash button 43, the fog light. By operating the switch 46, an operation instruction is issued to the device corresponding to the button or the like, and the device can be operated. The wirings 63 and 64 are formed long enough to prevent the operation panels 7L and 7R from being cut or damaged even when they are farthest from the steering column 4.

  As described above, the vehicle steering apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the steering handle 2, the steering column 4, and the spokes 6 that connect the steering handle 2 and the steering column 4 to the steering column 4. Operation panels 7L and 7R are provided as operation bodies for instructing operations of functions of the vehicle. The operation panels 7L and 7R have operation units 21L and 21R facing the driver, and the operation units 21L and 21R are steering handles. The front wiper dial 24 and the headlight as a rotary switch that is arranged on the inner side of the steering wheel 2 and substantially on the same plane as the steering handle 2 and rotates up and down around the shaft portions 19 and 20 on the operation portions 21L and 21R. The left indicator button 23 and the right indicator button 41 as a push switch for instructing the operation of the dial 42 and the left and right direction indicators. The front wiper dial 24 and the headlight dial 42 protrude from the operation portions 21L and 21R toward the driver, and the left indicator button 23 and the right indicator button 41 are connected to the front wiper dial 24 and the head. It is formed lower than the light dial 42, does not protrude from the operation portions 21L and 21R toward the driver, and the left indicator button 23 and the right indicator button 41 are located above the front wiper dial 24 and the headlight dial 42. ing. Note that the left indicator button 23 and the right indicator button 41 are formed lower than the front wiper dial 24 and the headlight dial 42. The surfaces of the front wiper dial 24 and the headlight dial 42 are the left indicator button 23. Means that the surface of the left indicator button 23 and the right indicator button 41 is flush with the surfaces of the operation units 21L and 21R. The surface of 21L, 21R may protrude toward the driver side, or may be recessed from the surface of operation portions 21L, 21R.

  When the driver holding the steering handle 2 operates the front wiper dial 24 and the headlight dial 42, it is considered that the driver normally operates the thumb abdomen. Since the abdomen of the human thumb is warped toward the nail, the tip of the thumb is in a state where the abdomen of the thumb is in contact with the front wiper dial 24 and the headlight dial 42 protruding from the operation units 21L and 21R toward the driver. The side is warped away from the left indicator button 23 and the right indicator button 41. Therefore, it becomes difficult to accidentally press the left indicator button 23 and the right indicator button 41 when the front wiper dial 24 and the headlight dial 42 are rotated.

  Further, in the vehicle steering apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the operation units 21L and 21R are provided with a rear wiper switch 29 and a fog light switch 46 that are slidable in the left-right direction, and the rear wiper switch 29 and The fog light switch 46 protrudes from the operation portions 21L and 21R toward the driver. The rear wiper switch 29 and the fog light switch 46 are below the front wiper dial 24 and the headlight dial 42, and the front wiper dial 24 Since the front wiper dial 24 and the headlight dial 42 are rotated downward, the operator's finger moves downward with the momentum during the operation. Even the front wiper dial 24 and Since the rear wiper switch 29 and the fog light switch 46 are provided below the light dial 42, the finger is brought into contact with the rear wiper switch 29 and the fog light switch 46 to prevent further movement of the finger downward. be able to. Therefore, even when the front liquid button 31 and the rear liquid button 32 which are push buttons are provided below the rear wiper switch 29 as in the present embodiment, the front wiper dial 24 and the headlight dial 42 are It is possible to prevent the front liquid button 31 and the rear liquid button 32 from being pressed by mistake when rotating downward.

  Further, in the vehicle steering apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, since the gaps 8L and 8R are provided between the steering handle 2 and the operation panels 7L and 7R, the driver places his fingers in the gaps 8L and 8R. The steering handle 2 can be gripped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operability of the steering wheel 2 from being lowered by the operation panels 7L and 7R.

  Further, in the vehicle steering apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the operation parts 21L and 21R are curved so that the center part in the vertical direction is recessed, so that the operation parts 21L and 21R have the shape of the abdomen of the driver's thumb. Therefore, the driver has left indicator button 23, front wiper dial 24, mist button 26, rear wiper switch 29, front fluid button 31, rear fluid button 32, right indicator button 41, headlight dial 42. It becomes easy to operate the flash button 43 and the fog light switch 46.

  In the vehicle steering apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the operation panels 7L and 7R and the steering column 4 are connected via bolts 33 and 48, coil springs 39 and 54, and hexagon nuts 40 and 55 as distance adjusting mechanisms. The distance between the steering handle 2 and the operation panels 7L and 7R (the widths of the gaps 8L and 8R) can be adjusted by the bolts 33 and 48, the coil springs 39 and 54, and the hexagon nuts 40 and 55. And the distance between the operation panels 7L and 7R according to the size of the driver's hand, the length of the finger, and the like, so that the driver can operate the operation panels 7L and 7R most easily.

  Further, as an effect of the embodiment, since the single spoke 6 is connected to the lower portion of the steering handle 2, the driver grips the steering handle 2 when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead. Since the spoke 6 does not get in the way, the operability of the steering wheel 2 can be improved. Further, since the operation panels 7L and 7R are not directly connected to the steering handle 2, and there is a space between the operation panels 7L and 7R and the steering handle 2, a handle turning assist device (not shown) such as a handle spinner is provided. The degree of freedom of the mounting position is improved.

  9 to 16 are design diagrams of the vehicle steering apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, in which a part of the shape of buttons and the like, and the display of arrows, characters, and the like are omitted. Further, the reference numerals indicating the respective parts are also omitted to clearly show the appearance.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various deformation | transformation implementation is possible within the range of the summary of this invention. For example, an instruction button for causing the vehicle to have functions other than the above, such as an air conditioner operation button, may be provided in the operation unit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering device for vehicles 2 Steering handle 4 Steering handle 6 Spoke 7L, 7R Operation panel (operating body)
8L, 8R Air gap 19 Shaft part 20 Shaft part 21L, 21R Operation part 23 Left indicator button (push type switch)
24 Front wiper dial (rotary switch)
29 Rear wiper switch (sliding switch)
33 bolts (distance adjustment mechanism)
39 Coil spring (distance adjustment mechanism)
40 Hex nut (distance adjustment mechanism)
41 Right indicator button (push type switch)
42 Headlight dial (rotary switch)
46 Fog light switch (sliding switch)
48 bolts (distance adjustment mechanism)
54 Coil spring (distance adjustment mechanism)
55 Hex Nut (Distance Adjustment Mechanism)

Claims (5)

A steering handle, a steering column, and a spoke connecting the steering handle and the steering column;
The steering column is provided with an operating body for instructing the operation of the function of the vehicle,
The operating body has an operating portion facing the driver,
The operation portion is inside the steering handle, and is disposed on substantially the same plane as the steering handle;
The operation part is provided with a rotary switch that rotates in the vertical direction around the shaft part, and a push-type switch that instructs the operation of the direction indicator,
The rotary switch protrudes from the operation unit toward the driver,
The push switch is formed lower than the rotary switch,
The vehicle steering apparatus, wherein the push switch is positioned above the rotary switch. The operation unit is provided with a slide switch that can slide in the left-right direction,
The sliding switch protrudes from the operation unit toward the driver,
2. The vehicle steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sliding switch is provided below the rotary switch and in a position close to the rotary switch.   The vehicle steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a gap is provided between the steering handle and the operating body.   4. The vehicle steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation portion is curved so that a central portion in a vertical direction is recessed. 5.   The operation body and the steering column are connected via a distance adjustment mechanism, and the distance between the steering wheel and the operation body can be adjusted by the distance adjustment mechanism. The vehicle steering device according to claim 1.