JPH09240487A - Steering wheel unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a driver to exactly select a desired operating knob by placing many operating knobs on a space-limited pad body. SOLUTION: A roll bar 4 is rotatably journalled to a pad body 3 integrated with a steering wheel 1 at its central part. A plurality of operating knobs 6 aligned in the horizontal direction on the peripheral face of the roll bar 4 are defined as one group. Operating knob groups 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D in four rows are placed in the rotating direction with about 90-degree intervals. A driving mechanism such as a motor 8, etc., for rotating the roll bar 4 in both positive and negative directions is placed in the pad body 3. An operating switch 5 for starting or stopping the driving mechanism is placed on the upper face of the pad body 3. Only two rows out of each operating group, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D are visualized from a driver. The driver selects the visible operating knob groups 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D by operating the operating switch 5 to rotate and drive the roll bar 4.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a steering wheel unit in which electric parts such as switches are incorporated and integrated into a pad body of a steering wheel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-270816, operation knobs for various switches such as an audio switch and an air conditioner switch are attached to a pad body attached to a central portion of a steering wheel. The one arranged is known. An air bag module such as an inflator and a bag is housed inside the pad body, and when the inflator is actuated at the time of a collision of an automobile, the bag opens by expanding the center of the upper surface of the pad body. In addition, the operation knobs are arranged in a horizontal row on the flat surface on the lower side of the pad body, and the driver selectively presses the plurality of operation knobs to turn on the switches corresponding to the pressed operation knobs.・ Off operation is performed.

[0003]

By the way, in recent years, automobiles have been required to have many functions, and accordingly, attempts have been made to dispose many operation knobs on the pad body. However, when the air bag module is housed inside the pad body as in the above-mentioned conventional example, the operation knob cannot be arranged at the center of the upper surface of the pad body, and many operation knobs are placed on the lower side of the pad body. There is a problem that it is difficult for the driver to accurately select a desired operation knob because the driver needs to be arranged close to the side.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a plurality of rows of operation knob groups are arranged close to each other on adjacent different surfaces on the upper side of the pad body, or a rotary body rotatably provided on the pad body. We decided to place them on different surfaces. In this way, by arranging them in close proximity to different surfaces adjacent to each other on the upper side of the pad body, or by arranging a plurality of rows of operation knob groups on different surfaces of the rotating body, it is possible to effectively utilize the limited space and reduce The operation knob can be arranged, and the driver can accurately select the desired operation knob.

[0005]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the handle unit of the present invention,
A steering wheel having a pad body in the central portion and first and second operation knob groups arranged on the upper side of the pad body at a rotation neutral position of the steering wheel are provided, and the first operation knob group is provided. The second operation knob group is arranged adjacent to each other on different surfaces.

The first operation knob group and the second operation knob group may be arranged in the same plane in any manner.
It is preferable that each operation knob group is composed of a plurality of operation knobs arranged in the horizontal direction.

Further, in the handle unit of the present invention, a steering wheel having a pad body in the central portion, a rotating body rotatably provided on the pad body, and a plurality of operation elements arranged on different surfaces of the rotating body. And a group of knobs.

Although various shapes such as a cylindrical shape and a polygonal column shape can be used as the rotating body, if a positioning means for holding the rotating body at a predetermined angle is provided, a group of operation knobs in a desired row can be padded. It can remain exposed on the surface of the body.

Although the rotating body may be manually rotated, if a drive source for rotationally driving the rotating body and an operating means for operating the drive source are provided, the rotating body can be rotated with one touch. It can be operated.

Further, when a convex or concave partition is formed between the operation knobs constituting the operation knob group, the operation of each operation knob is surely performed by a blind touch by guiding the partition with a finger. You can

Each of the operation knobs constituting the operation knob group may be any knob of an electric component operated by the driver's fingers, but a push type switch or a seesaw type switch is preferable and can be changed according to the application. It is also possible to add a knob for the resistor.

Further, although the operation knob group can be applied to any pad body, there is no space for arranging the operation knob group in the central portion of the upper surface unlike the pad body accommodating the air bag module inside. It is effective when applied to a pad body.

[0013]

Embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
In FIG. 1, a pad body 3 is integrated with a central portion of an annular steering wheel 1 via spokes 2, and the steering wheel 1 is fixed to a steering shaft on the back side of the pad body 3. An air bag module (not shown) such as an inflator or a bag is housed inside the pad body 3 so that the thin portion 3a formed in the center of the upper surface of the pad body 3 can be opened to expand the bag in the event of an automobile collision. Has become. A cylindrical roll bar 4 is rotatably supported on the pad body 3, and the roll bar 4 is arranged on the upper side of the pad body 3 at the rotation neutral position of the steering wheel 1. The roll bar 4 is rotationally driven in both forward and reverse directions by a driving means described later, and an operation switch 5 for starting or stopping the driving means is arranged on the upper surface of the pad body 3. A plurality of operation knobs 6 are arranged on the peripheral surface of the roll bar 4, and a contact portion is arranged inside the roll bar 4 corresponding to each operation knob 6. The total number of the operation knobs 6 is appropriately set according to the application, but in the case of the present embodiment, the four operation knobs 6 arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction) of the roll bar 4 are set as one. As the operation knob group, four rows of operation knob groups 6A and 6 are provided at intervals of about 90 degrees in the rotation direction of the roll bar 4.
B, 6C and 6D are arranged. The operation knobs 6 in each row form knobs for push switches of a navigation system, an audio system, an air-conditioning system, etc., and the top surface of each operation knob 6 is a display showing its function, for example, an operation knob group for a navigation system. ON / OFF, FUNC, TV, SCALE, and ON / OFF, DEF, T for operation knobs for air conditioning systems
EMP, RE / FR, etc. are formed. On the other hand, on the front panel in front of the steering wheel 1, there is provided a display section 7 for displaying the functions of the operation knobs 6 in the row located in front of the pad body 3.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pad body 3 is formed.
A motor 8 and a reduction gear train 9 are arranged inside the
The rotation of the motor 8 is transmitted to the roll bar 4 via the reduction gear train 9. Further, a prismatic regulating body 10 is attached to the other end of the roll bar 4, and a leaf spring 11 is elastically contacted with two opposing surfaces of the regulating body 10. The operation knob groups 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D are arranged at positions corresponding to the respective surfaces of the regulation body 10, and although not shown in the drawings, the contact portions of the operation knobs 6 are provided inside the roll bar 4. A flat cable or lead wire for connecting the to the external printed circuit board is arranged.

In the handle unit thus constructed, the driver can visually observe each of the operation knobs 6 in the two rows of the operation knobs 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D in the four rows. For example, when the operation knob group 6A is exposed in substantially the same plane as the upper surface of the pad body 3 as shown in the figure, the operation knob group 6B is located in front of the pad body 3 substantially orthogonal to the arrangement surface of the operation knob group 6A. It is exposed in the plane, and the remaining operation knob groups 6C and 6D are hidden inside the pad body 3. Therefore, the driver can press the desired operation knob 6 from the operation knob group 6A or the operation knob group 6B. At this time, since the operation knobs 6 of the operation knob group 6A face upward, the driver can visually check the function display on the top surface thereof, but the operation knobs 6 of the operation knob group 6B face forward. Therefore, by displaying the functions equivalent to those of the operation knobs 6 on the display unit 7 of the front panel, the driver can visually check the function display of the operation knob group 6B from the display unit 7.

On the other hand, when the driver presses the operation switch 5, the motor 8 is started and the rotational force is transmitted to the roll bar 4 via the reduction gear train 9, so that the roll bar 4 is either forward or reverse. Rotate in the direction. For example, when the roll bar 4 is rotated 180 degrees in the clockwise direction in FIG. 3, the operation knob group 6C that has been hidden until now is exposed in substantially the same plane as the upper surface of the pad body 3, and the operation knob group 6D is operated. Knob group 6
It is exposed in the front surface of the pad body 3 that is substantially orthogonal to the arrangement surface of C, and the operation knob groups 6A, 6B are hidden inside the pad body 3 instead. Therefore, the driver can press the desired operation knob 6 from the operation knob group 6C or the operation knob group 6D, and in this case also, the function display of the operation knob group 6D that faces the front of the pad body 3 is displayed. Displayed in part 7.

At this time, the rotation angle of the roll bar 4 is determined by the number of times the operation switch 5 is pressed and the pressing time,
Since the leaf springs 11 are elastically contacted with the two surfaces of the regulating body 10 that rotates integrally with the roll bar 4,
It can be held in a stable position for each degree. Further, the rotation range of the roll bar 4 is ± 1 in both forward and reverse directions from the reference position.
For example, when the roll bar 4 rotates clockwise and the operation knob group 6D is exposed on the upper surface of the pad body 3, the roll bar 4 rotates counterclockwise from that position. Therefore, the flat cable, the lead wire, or the like for guiding the contact portion of each operation knob 6 to the outside of the roll bar 4 is not twisted.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the roll bar 4
Since a convex partition 12 located between the operation knobs 6 of the operation knob group is formed on the peripheral surface of the driver, the driver blindly operates the operation knob 6 while guiding his / her finger to the projection 12. It can be operated. Further, in the present embodiment, a knob 13 of a switch called a seesaw switch or a lever switch and a knob 14 of a rotary variable resistor are used in a part of each operation knob 6, and the seesaw switch (lever switch) is a push switch. Since the number of contact parts is doubled as compared with the above, it is suitable for controlling many functions, and the rotary variable resistor is suitable for adjusting an analog amount such as audio volume.

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the case where the roll bar 4 is rotationally driven in both forward and reverse directions has been described, but a slip ring or the like is used instead of the flat cable or the lead wire for leading out the contact portion of each operation knob 6. If the connecting means is used, the roll bar 4 can be rotated in one direction to select a desired operation knob group 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the roll bar 4 is rotated by using the motor 8 as a drive source has been described, but it is also possible to manually rotate the roll bar 4, and in this case, the above-described restricting body 10 and the plate. Positioning means for the roll bar 4 by the spring 11 or the like is essential.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a support 15 is provided on the upper side of the pad body 3 at the rotation neutral position of the steering wheel 1, and an upper surface 15a of the support 15 and a front surface 15b substantially orthogonal to the upper surface 15a. The operation knob group described above, for example, each operation knob 6 of the operation knob groups 6A and 6B is arranged. The support 15 may be formed integrally with the pad body 3, but in the present embodiment, it is formed of a synthetic resin separate from the pad body 3, and the support knob 15 is formed on the support body 15. After incorporating the above-mentioned components into a unit, the unit body is fixed to the pad body 3.

In the embodiment constructed as described above,
Since the two rows of the operation knob groups 6A and 6B are arranged in close proximity to the adjacent different surfaces 15a and 15b of the support body 15 so that both can be operated with fingers, the operation knobs are provided in a limited effective space on the upper side of the pad body 3. 6 can be arranged in a separated state, and the driver can accurately select a desired operation knob 6.

[0022]

The present invention is embodied in the form described above and has the following effects.

By arranging the first and second operation knob groups in close proximity to each other on different adjacent surfaces of the pad body integrated with the steering wheel, many pads are provided in the limited effective space on the upper side of the pad body. The operation knobs can be arranged in a separated state, and the driver can accurately select a desired operation knob.

A rotary body is rotatably provided on a pad body integrated with a steering wheel, and a plurality of operation knob groups are arranged on different surfaces of the rotary body, whereby a large number of operation knobs are arranged in a limited space. In addition to being able to perform, it is possible to select a required one from the plurality of operation knob groups, and it is possible to enhance operability.

Further, by providing the positioning means for holding the rotating body at a predetermined angle, it is possible to keep the operation knob group in a desired row exposed on the surface of the pad body.

Further, by providing a drive source for rotationally driving the rotary body and an operating means for operating the drive source, the rotary body can be rotationally operated with one touch.

Further, when a convex or concave partition is formed between the operation knobs constituting the operation knob group, the operation of each operation knob is surely performed by blind touch by guiding the finger to the partition. You can

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a handle unit according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a drive mechanism of a roll bar included in the handle unit of FIG.

3 is a side view of the drive mechanism of FIG. 2. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the handle unit.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing a modified example of the handle unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Handle unit 3 Pad body 4 Roll bar 5 Operation switch 6 Operation knob 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D Operation knob group 7 Display section 8 Motor 9 Reduction gear train 10 Restriction body 11 Leaf spring 12 Partition section 13, 14 Knob (operation knob ) 15 support 15a upper surface 15b front surface

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A steering wheel having a pad body at a central portion thereof, and a first and a second operation knob group arranged on an upper side of the pad body at a rotation neutral position of the steering wheel. The handle unit in which the operation knob group and the second operation knob group are arranged close to each other on different adjacent surfaces. 2. The handle unit according to claim 1, wherein the first or second operation knob group includes a plurality of operation knobs arranged in a horizontal direction. 3. A steering wheel having a pad body in a central portion, a rotating body rotatably provided on the pad body, and a plurality of operation knob groups arranged on different surfaces of the rotating body. Handle unit. 4. The handle unit according to claim 3, further comprising positioning means for holding the rotating body at a predetermined angle. 5. The handle unit according to claim 3, further comprising a drive source that rotationally drives the rotating body, and an operating unit that operates the drive source. 6. The handle unit according to claim 1, wherein a convex or concave partition is formed between the operation knobs forming the operation knob group. 7. The handle unit according to claim 1, wherein at least one operation knob of the operation knob group is a switch knob. 8. The handle unit according to claim 1, wherein at least one operation knob of the operation knob group is a knob of a variable resistor.