WO2005025936A2

WO2005025936A2 - Steering wheel for vehicle, vehicle, and direction indication device

Info

Publication number: WO2005025936A2
Application number: PCT/JP2004/013634
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fumio Watanabe; Yumiko Watanabe
Original assignee: Fumio Watanabe; Yumiko Watanabe
Priority date: 2003-09-18
Filing date: 2004-09-17
Publication date: 2005-03-24
Also published as: JP3987994B2; WO2005025936A3; JP2005088792A

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To indicate to a driver that a direction indicator indicating the traveling direction of a vehicle is erroneously lit and also increase the safety of the vehicle. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A steering wheel part (2) is formed in a generally ring shape, and light transmission parts (5) and (6) are partly formed in the steering wheel part (2). The light transmission parts (5) and (6) comprise lighting parts (3) and (4) therein, and are extended to lengths longer than the size of the hand of the driver so that light generated by the lighting parts (3) and (4) is not shielded by the hand. Also, since the lighting parts (3) and (4) are lit in conjunction with the lighting of the direction indicator, the lighting parts (3) and (4) can indicate to the driver that the direction indicator is erroneously lit. Thus, the possibility of indicating erroneous direction to the periphery of the vehicle can be reduced to reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents.

Description

Specification

Vehicle steering wheel, vehicle and direction indicating device

Technical field

The present invention relates to a vehicle handle and a vehicle that allow the driver to check the operation state of various devices such as a turn signal and a headlight.

Background art

[0002] Conventionally, when an automobile gives a direction indication to make a left turn, a right turn, a lane change or an overtaking, a driver of the automobile operates an operation lever provided on a steering column upward or downward. The direction of travel of the vehicle was displayed by blinking the direction indicator.

[0003] Such an operation lever is automatically turned by rotating a handle portion, which is a handle main body held by the driver in a direction in which the vehicle turns, by a predetermined angle or more, and further rotating the handle portion back to an original position. Then, it returns to its original position, and the blinking of the turn signal stops.

[0004] However, when changing the running direction of the vehicle to the left or right, the direction in which the operation lever is operated is upward or downward. The operation direction of the operation lever is different from the operation direction, and there is a problem that an erroneous operation is caused. For the purpose of solving such a problem, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a left display and a right display are provided on the left and right sides of an operation panel fixed to a steering column that supports a steering wheel, respectively. Discloses a turn signal device for an automobile which displays the operation state of a turn signal.

[0005] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses that by providing various pointing devices, switches, and buttons on a part of a handle portion gripped by a driver, the driver surely confirms these pointing devices, switches, and buttons. Disclose a car handle that can be

[0006] In some cases, the operation lever does not return to its original position, or the vehicle is running without the driver noticing that the turn signal is lit. In such a case, incorrect information will be given to the vehicles traveling around, which may cause a traffic accident. For example, at an intersection, the turn signal blinks to indicate a right turn Therefore, if the driver drives the vehicle straight ahead while noticing that, the turning right of the oncoming vehicle may cause a serious traffic accident. For the purpose of solving such a problem, for example, Patent Document 3 discloses an automobile provided with an indicator light for notifying an operation state of a turn signal indicator at an appropriate position of a handle portion held by a driver. You.

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 58-59636

Patent Document 2: Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 3-25376

Patent Document 3: JP 2001-301487 A

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] Meanwhile, the right display and the left display disclosed in Patent Document 1 are provided on the operation panel of the steering column to which the steering wheel is connected. These indicators may not be in the driver's field of view while driving while gazing forward. Further, these indicators may not have sufficient light emitting area to alert the driver that the indicator is lit. Therefore, the driver may not notice that these indicators are turned on when driving!

[0009] Further, the steering wheel of the vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 2 has only an operating device for operating the direction indicator on a steering wheel portion gripped by the driver, and the direction indicator lights up. No mention is made of a function for making the driver aware that the vehicle is running. In addition, when the driver grips the steering wheel, it is also possible that the operating device will be covered by the driver's hand.

[0010] Further, according to the vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 3, the indicator light provided on the handle portion gripped by the driver is covered by the driver's hand when the driver grips the handle portion. In some cases, it may not be possible to notify the driver that the turn signal is on. Further, the above-described indicator lamp is formed by embedding a case made of a transparent material, a lamp, and a transparent substance filling the case into a part of the handle portion. Such a handle portion may not have sufficient mechanical strength because a transparent material is embedded in a specific radial direction from a center portion on a cross section of the handle portion. Such handles are easily damaged by impact, and the damaged nozzles can cause serious injury to the driver. You may owe it.

[0011] In addition, the driver often forgets to turn off the headlights turned on in a tunnel or the like. In some cases, useless energy is consumed by the headlights that are forgotten to be turned off. Therefore, there is a need not only for the above-mentioned direction indicators, but also for means capable of surely confirming the operating state of the device such as a headlight to a driver.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a vehicle handle and a vehicle capable of reducing malfunctions of devices such as headlights and direction indicators by reliably informing the driver that the devices are operating. The purpose is to do. A further object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle handle excellent in mechanical strength.

Means for solving the problem

[0013] A vehicle handle that embodies the present invention includes a handle portion having a light transmitting portion that is extended by a length longer than the size of a hand by which a driver grips the handle portion, and a shape formed inside the light transmitting portion. And a lighting unit that lights according to the operation state of the turn signal indicator of the vehicle. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the vehicular steering wheel of the present invention, even when the driver grips the steering wheel portion, the entire light transmitting portion is not covered with the driver's hand, and the driver transmits the light transmitted through the light transmitting portion. You can check. Therefore, the driver can surely confirm that the lighting section is lit even while gazing ahead, and can confirm that the turn signal is erroneously lit and V. It becomes.

[0014] In the vehicle handle according to the present invention, a plurality of the light transmitting portions may be provided and separated from each other at a required interval. This makes it possible to set the layout of the light transmitting portion so that the driver can easily confirm that the lighting portion is lit.

[0015] In the vehicular steering wheel according to the present invention, the light transmitting portion may be provided at a symmetric position of the steering wheel portion when the driver's force of the vehicle is viewed from the steering wheel portion. By lighting the lighting section provided on the same side as the turn signal or the left turn signal, the driver can confirm which turn signal is on.

[0016] In the vehicle handle according to the present invention, the lighting portion may be provided substantially at the center of the cross section of the light transmitting portion, and the lighting portion may be provided at a position shifted from the substantially central force of the cross section. It is also possible to increase the mechanical strength of the vehicular steering wheel as compared with the case where the steering wheel is provided.

[0017] The vehicle handle according to the present invention may further include a light diffusing unit that diffuses the light generated at the lighting unit when the light is emitted to the outside of the handle unit. According to such a light diffusing means, it is possible to diffuse the light generated in the lighting part by the light diffusing means and to emit the light to the outside, and the driver emits light with a wide and wide area of the steering wheel. Looks like it is. Further, as such a light diffusion means, a light diffusion film provided outside the lighting section may be used.

[0018] The vehicle handle according to the present invention may include not only the light emitted from the lighting part, which may have the vibration means for vibrating the handle part according to the operation state of the turn signal indicator. The driver can notice that the turn signal is erroneously turned on even by the vibration of the steering wheel. Further, the vibration of the vibrating means may be gradually increased as the time elapsed since the turn-on of the direction indicator is increased. This makes it possible for the driver who does not notice the vibration to reliably notice that the turn signal is erroneously lit.

[0019] A vehicular steering wheel according to the present invention is provided by vibrating according to an operating state of at least one of a vehicular turning indicator and a headlight of the vehicular steering wheel. Vibrating means for vibrating the handle portion. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the vehicular steering wheel of the present invention, when the driver looks at the vicinity of the vehicular handle, even if the driver does not turn on the vehicle, the driver may notice that the turn signal is erroneously turned on by vibration. be able to. Therefore, the driver can drive safely while paying attention to the situation around the vehicle. Furthermore, even if the user forgets to turn off the headlights, it is possible to reliably inform the driver that the headlights are on.

[0020] In the vehicle handle according to the present invention, the vibrating means may be provided inside the handle part. Further, the vibrating means may be provided when a driver looks at the handle part. By providing the steering wheel at a symmetrical position on the left and right, the driver can confirm which of the left and right direction indicators is erroneously lit.

[0021] A vehicle handle according to the present invention includes a handle portion having a light transmitting portion extending from a substantially central portion to an outer peripheral portion of a cross section of a part of the handle portion, and a handle portion formed inside the light transmitting portion. Is And a lighting unit that lights in accordance with the operation state of the turn signal indicator of the vehicle. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the vehicle handle concerning this invention, the light radiate | emitted from a lighting part can be radiate | emitted outside via a light transmission part. Further, since the distance from the lighting portion to the outer peripheral portion is substantially constant along the circumferential direction of the light transmitting portion, the mechanical strength of the handle portion can be increased.

[0022] The vehicle according to the present invention includes a protrusion protruding from an instrument disposition portion on which an instrument for displaying a running state of the vehicle is disposed, and a vehicle handle when the driver looks at the vehicle handle. A pair of light sources are provided at predetermined positions of the protrusion that are symmetrical with respect to the top of the dollar and are turned on according to the operation state of the turn signal indicator of the vehicle. . According to the vehicle according to the present invention, the distance between the lighting section and the driver is shorter than when the lighting section that lights in accordance with the operation state of the turn signal indicator is provided in the instrument disposition section. In other words, a driver who is driving while gazing at the front can see the lighting section without largely moving his / her gaze. Furthermore, the driver can confirm which of the left and right direction indicators is lit by illuminating the pair of lighting units in accordance with the illumination of the left and right direction indicators, respectively.

[0023] The vehicle according to the present invention includes a protrusion protruding from an instrument disposition portion in which an instrument for displaying a traveling state of the vehicle is disposed, and a vehicle handle when the driver looks at the vehicle handle. A lighting unit that is provided at a predetermined position of the protrusion that faces the driver from the upper side of the dollar, and that lights according to the operation state of at least one of the direction indicator of the vehicle and the headlight of the vehicle. It is characterized by having. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the vehicle which concerns on this invention, when a driver's power lighting part is seen, the said lighting part is not obstructed by a vehicle handle | steering-wheel, and the operation | movement of at least one of the direction indicator of the said vehicle, and the headlight of the said vehicle The condition can be checked by the driver. Further, since the lighting section is arranged closer to the driver than the instrument arrangement section, the driver can easily confirm that the lighting section is lit.

[0024] The vehicle according to the present invention vibrates according to an operating state of at least one of a vehicle handle for determining a traveling direction of the vehicle, a direction indicator of the vehicle, and a headlight of the vehicle. Vibrating means for vibrating the vehicle handle. And features. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the vehicle which concerns on this invention, a driver | operator's hand feels the vibration of the vehicle steering wheel which a driver always grips at the time of driving | running, and the driver | operator gives direction indication without confirming it visually. It is possible to notice that at least one of the lamp and the headlight is lit. In the vehicle according to the present invention, the vibration means may be provided in the vicinity of a shaft portion rotatably supporting the vehicle handle without complicating the structure of the vehicle handle. Can be vibrated. Further, the vibration of the vibrating means is gradually increased as at least one of the direction indicator and the headlight is turned on and the elapsed time of the force is increased, so that the driver can reliably feel the vibration, and Can correct incorrect operation of these devices

The invention's effect

According to the vehicle handle and the vehicle of the present invention, it is possible to display the traveling direction of the vehicle. It is possible to surely make the driver aware that the direction indicator such as the indicator is erroneously turned on. it can. As a result, provision of erroneous information around the vehicle is reduced, and traffic accidents and the like can be reduced. In addition, the driver can be notified that the headlights are erroneously turned on, and the wasteful energy consumed by the headlights can be reduced. Further, the handlebar for a vehicle according to the present invention is not easily damaged even when an impact is applied since the mechanical strength is enhanced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the driver being injured by the damaged vehicle steering wheel, and to enhance the safety of the vehicle.

[0026] Further, according to the vehicle that empowers the present invention, it is possible to surely inform the driver that the direction indicator or the headlight is erroneously turned on without the driver who gazes ahead changing the line of sight almost. It can be noticed. Therefore, the driver can drive safely without losing his attention to the front, and can reduce unnecessary energy consumed by the headlights that are erroneously turned on. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a vehicle handle and a vehicle according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The lighting of the turn signal used in the following description means that the turn signal is activated. The handle portion is the main body of the vehicle handle when the driver grips the vehicle handle.

[First Embodiment]

First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a description will be given of a vehicle handle and a vehicle that are used in the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a structural view of a vehicle steering wheel 1 according to the present embodiment viewed from a driver side. The vehicle handle 1 is provided with a handle portion 2 which is rotatable by the driver in order to determine a traveling direction of the vehicle, and a light provided inside the light transmitting portions 5 and 6 which constitute a part of the handle portion 2. It has parts 3 and 4.

The handle portion 2 has a substantially ring shape, and light transmission portions 5 and 6 are provided in a part thereof. An inner peripheral portion of the handle portion 2 is connected to a handle column 7 rotatably supported by a steering column via a spoke 8. The driver can drive the vehicle in a required direction by rotating the handle portion 2 which is the main body of the vehicle handle 1. Further, the handle portion 2 is not limited to a substantially ring shape, and may be further separated into left and right, and light transmitting portions may be formed on each of the left and right handle portions.

The light transmitting portions 5 and 6 are provided from the middle portion of the upper arc portion of the handle portion 2 having a substantially ring shape to the lower arc portion. Further, the light transmitting portions 5 and 6 are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to a center line 9 that divides the handle portion 2 into a left-side arc portion and a right-side arc portion, and the size of a hand by which a driver grips the handle portion 2 is provided. It is longer than it is and is extended by the length L. For example, the length L is set to be about 10 cm or more, so that even when the driver holds the light transmitting portions 5 and 6, the entire light transmitting portions 5 and 6 are not covered with a hand.

The lighting units 3 and 4 are provided inside the light transmitting units 5 and 6. The light generated in the lighting sections 3 and 4 is emitted to the outside through the light transmitting sections 5 and 6, and this light can be confirmed by the driver. The lighting sections 3 and 4 are extended in accordance with the length of the light transmitting sections 5 and 6, and can emit the entire power of the light transmitting sections 5 and 6.

[0032] Further, the lighting units 3 and 4 are turned on in conjunction with a direction indicator such as a turn signal indicating the traveling direction of the vehicle. The lighting units 3 and 4 are controlled by the required control means in accordance with the lighting of the blinkers. When either the left or right blinker is lit, both the lighting units 3 and 4 are lit, so that the left and right lighting units are turned on. Can not identify whether the blinker is lit or not. Even if it is, the driver can notice that the turn signal is on.

The lighting sections 3 and 4 are symmetrical with respect to a center line 9 that divides the handle portion 2 into a right arc portion and a left arc portion when the handle portion 2 is also viewed from the driver side. Position. When the turn signal indicating that the vehicle is turning to the right is on, the lighting section 3 provided inside the right-side arc-shaped section of the handle section 2 having a substantially ring shape is turned on. The lighting section 4 provided inside the left arc-shaped section of the handle section 2 is turned on in conjunction with the turning on of the turn signal indicating that the vehicle is turning left.

[0034] As described above, according to the lighting units 3 and 4, which are provided at the symmetrical positions of the steering wheel unit 2 and indicate the traveling direction of the vehicle and are turned on in conjunction with the turn signals, it is noticed that the turn signals are turned on. In addition, it is possible to make the driver notice that the turn signal is turned on by driving the vehicle with the turn signal, and also to check which of the right and left turn signals is turned on. Furthermore, since the lighting sections 3 and 4 are provided on the handle section 2, the driver when driving can be compared with the case where the lighting sections 3 and 4 are provided on the surface of the handle column 7 or on the dashboard. It is possible to make the driver notice that the lighting sections 3 and 4 are lit surely so that the driver can easily enter the field of view.

According to the lighting units 3 and 4 which are turned on in conjunction with the lighting of a direction indicator such as a turn signal, it is possible to reduce a traffic accident or the like caused by running the vehicle with an erroneous direction displayed. Therefore, safety at the time of running the vehicle can be improved. Further, by lighting the lighting sections 3 and 4 independently of a turn signal such as a blinker, the light emitted from the lighting sections 3 and 4 can be used for decoration of the vehicle 1 and the handle 1. Further, by lighting the lighting units 3 and 4 in conjunction with the lighting of the headlights, it becomes possible for the driver to notice that the headlights are still on. For example, even if the headlights lit in the tunnel remain lit after passing through the tunnel, the driver who sees the lighting of the lighting sections 3 and 4 can immediately turn off the headlights. . Thus, useless energy consumed by the headlight can be reduced.

Further, a vibration device 13 is provided inside the lower arc-shaped portion of the handle portion 2. The vibrating device 13 is a vibrating means for vibrating the handle portion 2. When the vibrating device 13 vibrates in conjunction with the turning on of the direction indicator, it is not possible to notice that the lighting portions 3 and 4 are lit. It is possible to reliably inform the divers that the direction indicator is illuminated through the feel of the hand holding the handle 2. Furthermore, by vibrating the vibrating device 13 gradually as the turning-on time of the direction indicator is increased and the lighting time of the force is longer, the direction indicator is surely turned on even for a driver who does not immediately notice the vibration of the steering wheel portion 2. You can also let them know that you are Such a vibration device 13 is controlled by a required control circuit so as to vibrate in conjunction with the lighting of the lighting units 3 and 4.

Note that the vibration device 13 may be provided inside the force light transmitting portions 5 and 6 provided in the lower arc-shaped portion of the handle portion 2. Further, a plurality of vibrating devices 13 may be provided, and the vibrating devices provided on each of the right-side arc portion and the left-side arc portion of the handle portion 2 may be vibrated in conjunction with the lighting of the lighting portions 3 and 4. it can. Which of the left and right turn indicators is lit by vibrating the vibration devices provided on the right and left arc portions of the handle 2 in accordance with the lighting of the left and right turn indicators, respectively. Can be noticed by the driver.

Subsequently, the configuration of the vehicle handle 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. Since the left-hand arc portion of the vehicle handle 1 has substantially the same configuration, only the right-hand arc portion of the vehicle handle 1 will be described in detail.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the light transmitting part 5 in a cutaway manner. As shown in FIG. 2, the lighting section 3 is provided substantially at the center of the cross section S of the light transmitting section 5 forming a part of the handle section 2. The cross section S is a cross section orthogonal to the direction in which the light transmitting portion 5 extends. Since the light transmitting portion 5 has a substantially cylindrical shape, the distance from the lighting portion 3 to the outer peripheral portion of the light transmitting portion 5 is substantially constant in the entire circumferential direction of the cross section S. Therefore, the mechanical strength can be increased as compared with the case where the lighting section is provided at a position shifted from the center of the cross section S, and the damage to the light transmitting section 5 due to the shock applied to the light transmitting section 5 can be reduced. Becomes possible. For example, it is possible to reduce injuries to the driver due to the light transmitting portion damaged by the impact of the traffic accident, and it is possible to enhance the safety of the vehicle.

A light diffusion film 10 is formed near the surface of the light transmitting section 5. The light diffusion film 10 is a light diffusion unit that diffuses light generated in the lighting unit 3 and emits the light to the outside. The light diffusing film 10 is provided so that the light emitted from the lighting section 3 provided inside the light transmitting section 5 can be diffused. It is sufficient if it is provided outside. The light diffusing film 5 is provided over the entire circumferential direction of the light transmitting part 5 and is provided near the surface of the light transmitting part 5 with a length substantially equal to the length of the lighting part 3 being extended. Accordingly, the light generated in the lighting section 3 can be emitted to the outside of the light transmitting section 5 without leakage. Therefore, even when the light source 3 has a point light source with a narrow light emission angle, the light from the entire surface of the light transmission part 5 can be emitted. The driver can confirm that is lit. The light diffusing film for diffusing the light generated in the lighting section 3 may be formed on the surface of the light transmitting section 5. The light diffusing means for diffusing the light generated in the lighting section 3 may be provided on the light diffusing film 10. The present invention is not limited thereto, and may be an uneven portion directly formed on the surface of the light transmitting section 5. In addition, as described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, by forming a part of the lighting part with a light diffusion film, the surface of the light transmission part can be provided without providing a light diffusion film separately from the lighting part. Nearly total power can also emit light.

Subsequently, another example of the lighting section will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example in which a point light source such as a light emitting diode is disposed on a light diffusion film forming a lighting unit. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a point light source such as a light emitting diode disposed on a light diffusion film forming a lighting unit. It is a figure which shows another example.

As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of light emitting diodes 12 are arranged on the surface of a light diffusion film 11 having a sheet shape and a substantially rectangular shape. The lighting portion composed of the light diffusion film 11 and the light emitting diode 12 is wound by turning the surface of the light diffusion film 11 on which a point light source such as the light emitting diode 12 having a narrow light emission angle is arranged inside. It is formed. The longitudinal direction L1 of the light diffusing film 11 is a direction along the direction in which the light transmitting portion is extended when the light diffusing film 11 is wound and disposed on the handle portion, and the width direction W1 is a cross section of the light transmitting portion. The direction is along the circumferential direction. The light emitting diodes 12 are arranged substantially in a line along the longitudinal direction L1 of the light diffusion film 11, and are arranged at substantially equal intervals. When the light emitting diodes 12 arranged as described above are turned on, the lighting section can generate light in a wide range along the direction in which the light transmitting section is extended.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a light emitting diode 15 may be arranged on substantially the entire surface of a light diffusion film 14 having a configuration substantially similar to that of the light diffusion film 11. The light-diffusing film 14 on which the light-emitting diodes 15 are disposed is wound with the surface on which the light-emitting diodes 15 are disposed on the inner side, so that the lighting portion is formed. Can be configured. The longitudinal direction L2 of the light diffusing film 14 is a direction along the extension direction of the light transmitting portion when the light diffusing film 14 is wound and disposed on the light transmitting portion, and the width direction W2 is a cross section of the light transmitting portion. In the circumferential direction. The lighting section having the light emitting diode 15 arranged as described above can also generate light over a wide range along the extension direction of the light transmitting section.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of a vehicle handle 16 provided with a lighting section 17 having substantially the same configuration as the lighting section described with reference to FIG. 3 or FIG. . The lighting section 17 is disposed substantially at the center of the cross section of the light transmitting section 18 forming a part of the handle section 90 and extends along the extension direction of the light transmitting section 18. The lighting section 17 is configured to be wound with the surface of the light diffusion film 19 on which the light emitting diode is disposed facing inside. According to such a lighting section 17, it is possible to emit light at a wide emission angle with a large surface force of the light transmission section 18 without separately providing a light diffusion film in the light transmission section 18. Further, according to such a vehicle handle 16, since a light diffusion film is not provided separately from the lighting portion, the vehicle handle 16 can be easily manufactured.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the interior of an automobile provided with the vehicle handle 21. The vehicle handle 21 has substantially the same configuration as the vehicle handle 1 described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 6, the light transmission portion 22 of the vehicle handle 21 is located at a position where the driver can surely enter the field of view of the driver looking forward through the windshield 23 of the vehicle. Inside the light transmitting unit 22, a lighting unit that lights up in conjunction with the lighting of a direction indicator such as a blinker of the vehicle is provided. The light transmitting section 22 emits light in conjunction with the turn signal, and can make the driver aware that the turn signal of the automobile is on. Further, the light transmitting portion 22 located at the right-side arc portion of the vehicle handle 21 having a substantially ring shape is turned on in conjunction with turning on of a turn signal indicating that the vehicle turns right.

As described above, according to the vehicle handle 21, the driver can confirm that the direction indicator is erroneously lit, and the left or right direction indicator is lit. Can be checked by the driver. Further, since the light transmitting portion 22 is extended to a length longer than the size of the driver's hand, the light generated from the lighting portion provided inside the light transmitting portion 22 can be manually transmitted to the vehicle handle 21. The lighting part that can not be interrupted lights up, It is possible to surely make the driver aware of the fact.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a brightness switching switch 24 for switching the brightness of the lighting section provided inside the light transmitting section 22 may be provided on a side surface of the steering column. According to such a brightness switching switch 24, the brightness of the lighting section can be switched according to the driver's preference.

[0048] In addition, the vehicle including the vehicle handle 21 may include a lighting unit 27 that lights in conjunction with the direction indicator separately from the lighting unit provided on the vehicle handle 21. As shown in FIG. 6, the lighting section 27 is provided on a projection 40 projecting from the dashboard 28 to the driver's seat side. The instrument mounting section 26 on which various instruments for displaying the running state of the vehicle such as the speed of the vehicle, the number of revolutions of the engine, and the remaining amount of fuel are disposed is covered with a projection 40. Since the protruding portion 40 protrudes from the dashboard 28, the lighting portion 27 provided at the end of the protruding portion 40 is located closer to the vehicle handle 21 than the instrument disposition portion 26. Therefore, the lighting part 27 is lit at a position closer to the driver than when the lighting part 27 is provided in the instrument disposition part 26, and the driver can easily notice that the lighting part 27 is lit. be able to.

Further, a pair of lighting portions 27 are provided at symmetrical positions so as to sandwich the top portion 29 of the vehicle handle 21 when the driver views the vehicle handle 21. By lighting the pair of lighting sections 27 in conjunction with the lighting of the left and right turn indicators, it is possible to inform the driver which of the left and right turn indicators is on. In addition, the lighting section 27 is provided at a position where the driver does not obstruct the lighting section 27 when the driver looks at the lighting section 27, and the driver can surely see the lighting section 27. it can. Further, the lighting section 27 may be turned on in conjunction with the lighting of the headlight.

[0050] Lighting section 95 is lit when at least one of the turn signal and the headlight of the vehicle is turned on, and notifies the driver that the turn signal or the headlight is erroneously turned on. The lighting section 95 is provided at a position facing the driver from the upper side of the vehicle handle 21 when the driver power also looks at the vehicle handle 21.In this example, the lighting section 95 is provided at the end of the projection 40. I have. The lighting section 95 is provided so that the lighting section 95 is not obstructed by the vehicle handlebar 21 when viewed from the driver sitting in the driver's seat, and is closer to the driver than the instrument arrangement section 26. The driver can surely confirm that the lighting section 95 is lit because the lighting section 95 is lit.

Next, another embodiment of the vehicular steering wheel according to the present invention will be described. The vehicle handle according to the second to seventh embodiments has substantially the same configuration as the vehicle handle according to the first embodiment. Omitted.

[Second embodiment]

FIG. 7 is a view showing a vehicle handle 31 that is used in the present embodiment. The vehicle handle 31 has a light transmitting portion 30 provided on substantially the entire handle portion 32 having a substantially ring shape, and a lighting portion 33 provided inside the light transmitting portion 30.

The light transmitting portions 30 are separated at a required interval along the circumferential direction of the handle portion 32 having a substantially ring shape, and a lighting portion 33 is provided inside each of the separated light transmitting portions 30. Have been. Six light-transmitting portions 30 are provided in a left-side arc portion forming the left half of the vehicle handle 31 and a right-side arc portion forming the right half of the vehicle handle 31. The light transmitting portions 30 disposed in the left arc portion and the right arc portion, respectively, are located at symmetrical positions with respect to a center line 34 that divides the handle portion 32 into a left arc portion and a right arc portion. Therefore, the lighting section 33 provided inside the light transmitting section 30 is also located at a symmetrical position with respect to the center line 34. The number of the light transmitting portions 30 provided in the handle portion 32 is such that the light transmitting portion 30 is disposed at a symmetrical position with respect to a center line 34 that divides the substantially ring-shaped handle portion 32 into an upper right arc portion and a left arc portion. If it is, it is not limited to the number mentioned above!

[0054] The lighting unit 33 is lit in conjunction with a win force indicating the traveling direction of the vehicle provided with the vehicle handle 31, and allows the driver to confirm which of the left and right turn signals is lit. it can. For example, when the turn signal indicating that the vehicle is traveling is lit on the right side, the lighting section 33 provided in the right-hand arc portion of the handle portion 32 is illuminated, and the left side indicates that the vehicle is traveling. When the blinker is turned on, the lighting section 33 provided on the left-hand arc of the handle section 32 is turned on.

[0055] Further, according to the vehicle handle 31, the lighting portion 33 has a substantially ring-shaped handle portion. Since it is provided almost entirely along the circumferential direction of 32, even when the driver grips the handle portion 32, all the lighting portions 33 are not blocked by the driver's hand. Therefore, the lighting section 33 can surely make the driver notice that the lighting section 33 is lit, and can safely drive the vehicle provided with the vehicle handle 31.

[Third embodiment]

Next, another example of the vehicle handle according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The vehicle handle 35 has a light transmitting portion 38 provided in an upper arc-shaped portion of a handle portion 36 having a substantially ring shape.

[0057] The light transmitting portion 38 is extended to such a length that the entire light transmitting portion 38 is not hidden by a hand even when the driver grips the light transmitting portion 38, and a lighting portion 37 is formed inside the light transmitting portion 38. Have been. Therefore, the light emitted from the light transmitting portion 38 is hardly blocked by the hand. Further, a pair of light transmitting portions 38 are provided at symmetrical positions of the handle portion 36 with respect to a center line 39 dividing the handle portion 36 having a substantially ring shape into an upper right arc portion and a left arc portion. That is, since the lighting section 37 is also disposed at the same left-right symmetrical position as the position of the light transmitting section 38, the lighting section 37 is turned on in conjunction with the turn-on of the turn signal. Thus, the lighting section 37 can display whether the left or right blinker is lit.

[Fourth embodiment]

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, still another example of a vehicular steering wheel according to the present invention will be described. The vehicle handle 41 has a light transmitting portion 44 provided in a top region of a handle portion 42 having a substantially ring shape, and a lighting portion 43 is provided inside the light transmitting portion 44. The lighting section 43 is located at the top of the handle section 42, so that it is easy for the driver to enter the field of view when driving. Therefore, the lighting section 43, which lights up in conjunction with the turn on of the turn signal, allows the driver to confirm that the indicator light is on, and even when the driver turns on the turn signal by mistake. In addition, the driver can immediately stop turning on the blinkers. Also, since one lighting part 43 is provided at the top of the handle part 42, it is difficult to display whether the left or right turn signal is on or not. The driver can be noticed. Further, since the light transmitting portion 44 is extended to a length longer than the size of the driver's hand, the light transmitting portion 44 has been transmitted. The light is almost always blocked by hand!

[Fifth Embodiment]

FIG. 10 is a view showing still another example of a vehicular steering wheel according to the present invention. The vehicle handle 45 has a light transmitting portion 48 provided in a lower arc-shaped portion of a handle portion 46 having a substantially ring shape. The plurality of light transmitting portions 48 are provided on the lower arc-shaped portion constituting the lower half of the handle portion 46, and are provided apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the handle portion 46. Further, a lighting section 47 is provided inside the light transmitting section 48. Since the light transmitting portion 48 is provided at a position avoiding the right arc portion or the left arc portion of the handle portion 46 gripped by the driver, the light is emitted from the lighting portion 47 through the light transmitting portion 48. Light is hardly obstructed by hand. Therefore, the driver can surely confirm that the lighting section 47 that operates in conjunction with the turning on of the blinker is on.

The lighting section 47 is positioned symmetrically with respect to a center line 49 that divides the handle section 46 having a substantially ring shape into a right-side arc section and a left-side arc section. Two lighting parts 47 are provided on both sides of a lighting part 47 provided over the right side of the handle part 46 with respect to the center. According to such a lighting part 47, by turning on the lighting part 47 arranged in the left arc part or the right arc part of the handle part 46 in accordance with the lighting of the left and right turn signals, either the left or right turn signal is turned on. Can be displayed to the driver.

[Sixth embodiment]

FIG. 11 is a view showing still another example of a vehicular steering wheel according to the present invention. The vehicle handle 51 has a handle portion 52 having a substantially ring shape, and a light transmitting portion 50 is provided in an upper arc-shaped portion of the handle portion 52. The light transmitting portion 50 is disposed at a position symmetrical to the center of the handle portion 52 with respect to the center line 54, and the left and right mid-abdominal region forces of the upper arc portion forming the handle portion 52 also extend in the direction in which the handle portion 52 is extended. Is extended along

[0062] The lighting section 53 provided inside the light transmitting section 50 is configured as a set of two light sources, and the brightness is increased as compared with the case where the lighting section 53 is configured with one light source. You. Therefore, the lighting section 53 is turned on in conjunction with the turn on of the turn signal, thereby It is possible to make the driver aware that the lighting is on.

Further, the light transmitting portion 50 is extended along the circumferential direction of the handle portion 52 so that all of the light transmitting portion 50 is not hidden by the hand even when the driver grips the handle portion 52. In addition, since the lighting section 53 is provided in a pair symmetrically with respect to the center line 54 of the handle section 52 with respect to the center line 54 of the handle section 52, it indicates to the driver that the turn signal lights up. It can also indicate which of the left and right blinkers are illuminated.

[Seventh Embodiment]

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing still another example of a vehicle handle that is useful in the present invention. The vehicle handle 55 has a plurality of light transmitting portions 58 along the circumferential direction of the handle portion 56 having a substantially ring shape. The light transmitting portions 58 are spaced apart from each other at a constant interval. One light transmitting portion 58 is formed on each of the top and lower regions of the handle portion 56 having a substantially ring shape, and two light transmitting portions 58 are provided on each of the right and left arc portions of the handle portion 56. Is provided. Further, two light transmitting portions 58 provided on each of the right-side arc portion and the left-side arc portion of the handle portion 56 are provided at left-right symmetric positions of the handle portion 56 with respect to a center line 59 of the handle portion 56. The number of the light transmitting portions 58 provided in the handle portion 56 is not limited to the above-mentioned number.

[0065] The lighting section 57 provided inside the light transmitting section 58 is interlocked with the turn signal indicating the traveling direction of the vehicle in which the vehicle handle 55 is provided. Can be notified to the driver. Further, it is also possible to turn on the lighting portions 57 provided on the right arc portion and the left arc portion of the handle portion 56 in conjunction with the turn signals. For example, if the turn signal indicating that the vehicle is running is lit on the right side, the lighting section 57 provided on the right arc-shaped portion of the handle section 56 is lit, and the vehicle is running on the left side. When the turn signal indicating that is turned on, the lighting portion 57 provided on the left-side arc-shaped portion of the handle portion 56 is turned on. Therefore, according to the vehicle handle 55, not only can the blinker be erroneously illuminated, it can be displayed to the driver, but also the left or right blinker can be illuminated depending on the position of the illuminated lighting section 57. It is also possible to indicate to the driver whether or not the vehicle is performing.

Further, according to the vehicle handle 55, the lighting portion 57 is provided on substantially the entire handle portion 56. Therefore, even when the driver grips the steering wheel portion 56, the light generated by the lighting portion 57 is not blocked by the driver's hand. Therefore, it is possible to surely make the driver aware that the lighting section 57 is lit.

[Eighth Embodiment]

Next, still another embodiment of a vehicular steering wheel that empowers the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the vehicle handle described in the eighth to tenth embodiments operates by vibrating the handle to check that at least one of the direction indicator and the headlight is erroneously lit. Can be noticed.

[0068] The vehicle handle 61 working in the present embodiment has a handle portion 62 for determining the traveling direction of the vehicle, and a vibration device 63 provided inside the handle portion 62. The handle portion 62 vibrates in conjunction with the lighting and the lighting of the headlight. The handle portion 62 has a substantially ring shape, and its inner peripheral portion is connected to a handle column 64 rotatably supported by the steering column via spokes 65.

[0069] A plurality of vibration devices 63 are provided along the circumferential direction of the handle portion 62. The vibrating device 63 is a vibrating means for vibrating the handle portion 62 by vibrating according to the operation state of the direction indicator and the headlight of the vehicle. At least one of the direction indicator such as a blinker and the headlight is turned on. Vibrates when you are. Further, the vibration device 63 is provided at the center of the handle portion 62 and the left-right symmetric position when the driver force is viewed from the handle portion 62. Vibration devices 63 provided on the left arc portion and the right arc portion of the handle portion 62 vibrate in accordance with the lighting of the left direction indicator and the right direction indicator, and either the left or right direction indicator is lit. It can also inform the driver.

[Ninth embodiment]

Next, still another embodiment of a vehicular steering wheel according to the present invention will be described.

As shown in FIG. 14, a vehicle handle 71 according to the present embodiment has a substantially similar structure to the vehicle handle 61 described in the eighth embodiment, and has a substantially ring-shaped handle portion 72. And a vibration transmitting member 74 connected to the vibrating device 73.

[0071] The vibration device 73 is provided with a direction indicator and a head of a vehicle provided with the vehicle handle 71. Vibrates in conjunction with lighting of at least one of the lights. The vibration transmitting member 74 is connected to the vibration device 73 and provided inside the handle portion 72. The vibration transmitting member 74 extends in the circumferential direction in which the handle portion 72 extends, and one end is connected to the vibration device 73 and the other end is also connected to the vibration device 73. According to such a vibration transmission member 74, the entire handle portion 72 can be vibrated by providing only one vibration device 73 inside the handle portion 72.

[Tenth embodiment]

Next, still another embodiment of a vehicle handle that works on the present invention will be described.

As shown in FIG. 15, the vehicle handle 81 for this embodiment has substantially the same structure as the vehicle handle 61 described in the eighth embodiment. Two vibrating devices 83 are provided inside each of the left and right arc portions when divided into right portions.

The vibration device 83 is provided at a symmetric position of the handle portion 82 with respect to the center line 85. The two vibrating devices 83 are provided along the direction in which the handle portion 52 is extended. Since the middle part of the upper arc-shaped part of the handle part 82 is usually gripped by the driver, the vibration of the vibration device 83 is easily transmitted to the driver's hand. According to the vibration device 83 arranged as described above, the driver can be notified that at least one of the direction indicator and the headlight is turned on by vibrating the nozzle portion 82. Furthermore, it is easy to vibrate each of the vibration devices 83 arranged symmetrically to the left and right in synchronization with the lighting of the left and right blinkers.

[Eleventh embodiment]

Next, an example of a vehicle that works on the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the interior of an automobile, which is an example of a vehicle that works on the present invention. The vehicle according to the present embodiment includes a vibration device 92 that vibrates according to the operating state of at least one of a direction indicator and a headlight of a vehicle, in addition to a vehicle handle 91 for determining a traveling direction of the vehicle. .

[0074] The vibration device 92 is provided near a shaft portion that rotatably supports the vehicle handle 91. For example, it is provided on a steering column 93 having the shaft portion. The vibrating device 92 vibrates in conjunction with lighting of at least one of the direction indicator and the headlight, and vibrates the handle portion serving as the main body of the vehicle handle 91 via the steering column 93. Since the driver grips the steering wheel to drive, it becomes possible for the driver to notice that the direction indicator and the headlights are turned on by the vibration of the steering wheel. In this manner, the vibration device can be provided at a required position where vibration can be transmitted to the handle portion, instead of providing the vibration device at the handle portion. In addition, the vibration of the vibrating device can be increased as the time that the power has passed since the turn signal and the headlights are turned on increases, and the driver is surely aware that the turn signal and the headlights are turned on. It becomes possible.

[Twelfth embodiment]

Next, an example of a vehicle that works on the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 17 and FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the interior of an automobile, which is an example of a vehicle working on the present invention, and FIG. 18 is an optical path diagram from a light source. A pair of projection lighting sources 103 and 104 are provided on the upper surface of a dashboard 101 installed in the interior of the car on the side near the windshield 102. Light is emitted from these projection lighting sources 103 and 104 in a substantially vertical direction, is reflected on the surface of the front glass 102, and enters the driver's eyes 105. These projection lighting sources 103 and 104 are configured to be turned on in accordance with the operation state of the turn signal of the vehicle. This indicates that the turn signal is operating as if it were floating, and it is possible to prevent a situation that could lead to an accident such as forgetting to turn off the turn signal. In addition, by utilizing the reflection on the windshield 102, the driver can recognize the driver in the field of view in a normal driving state, thereby creating an operation state of a translucent turn signal which can be well sensed day and night. Can be. Various light sources can be used as the projection lighting sources 103 and 104, and for example, a light emitting diode can be used as the light source.

[Thirteenth embodiment]

Next, an example of the direction indicating device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Will be described. FIG. 19 is a view of the front and outside of the automobile as viewed from the side, and FIG. 20 is a view showing an attached state of an LED device as a light source. The LED device 111 is formed in a shape protruding slightly from the upper part 110 of the tire house of the vehicle body. The position of the LED device 111 is a position that the driver can recognize in the field of view in a normal driving state, and the LED device 111 is turned on according to the operation state of the turn signal of the vehicle. Therefore, the direction indicator continues to operate even if the switch lever returns to its initial position despite the steering wheel returning to the straight position after the course change angle, such as a right or left turn of the vehicle, is small. The driver can be immediately noticed that the driver is in the vehicle. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation that may lead to an accident such as forgetting to return the turn signal. The emission color of the LED device 111 should be changed at the beginning and end of the forget-to-return warning to strongly warn of forget-to-return, regardless of the spectrum within the visible light range. It is also possible to change the interval of blinking.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a structural view of an example of a vehicular handle that works in the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the handle for the vehicle in a cutaway manner.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lighting unit, and is a diagram illustrating an example in which a light emitting diode is disposed on a light diffusion film.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a lighting section, and showing another example in which a light emitting diode is arranged on a light diffusion film.

FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway perspective view of another example of a vehicle handle that works in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the interior of an automobile provided with a vehicle handle according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a structural view of a vehicular handle according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a structural view of a vehicular handle according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a structural view of a vehicle steering wheel according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a structural view of a vehicular handle according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a structural view of a vehicle handle that works in a sixth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a structural view of a vehicle handle that works according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a structural view of a vehicular handle according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a structural view of a vehicle handle that works in a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a structural view of a vehicular handle according to a tenth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the interior of an automobile according to an eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the interior of an automobile according to a twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an optical path of a projection lighting unit of an automobile according to a twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a view showing a direction indicating device according to a thirteenth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a main part of a direction indicating device according to a thirteenth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1, 16, 21, 31, 35, 41, 45, 51, 55

2, 18, 32, 36, 42, 46, 52, 56

3, 4, 17, 33, 37, 43, 47, 53, 57 Lighting section

7 Node column

8 spokes

12, 15 light emitting diode

23 102 Windshield

103, 104 Projection lighting source

111 LED device

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] a handle portion having a light transmitting portion that is extended with a length longer than the size of the hand on which the driver grips the handle portion;

A lighting section formed inside the light transmitting section and illuminated in accordance with an operation state of a turn signal indicator of a vehicle.

A vehicle handle characterized by the above-mentioned.

[2] A plurality of the light transmitting portions are provided and are separated from each other at a required interval.

The vehicle handle according to claim 1, wherein:

[3] The light transmitting portion is provided at a position symmetrical left and right of the handle portion when the driver views the handle portion.

The vehicle handle according to claim 1, wherein:

[4] The lighting section is provided substantially at the center of a cross section of the light transmitting section.

The vehicle handle according to claim 1, wherein:

[5] Further, when the light generated in the lighting section is emitted to the outside of the handle section, light diffusion means for diffusing the light is provided.

The vehicle handle according to claim 1, wherein:

[6] Further, there is provided a vibrating means for vibrating the handle in accordance with an operation state of the direction indicator.

The vehicle handle according to claim 1, wherein:

[7] The vibration of the vibrating means gradually increases as the time that the force has passed since the turn signal is lit is longer.

7. The vehicle handle according to claim 6, wherein:

[8] a handle portion for determining a traveling direction of the vehicle,

Vibration means for vibrating the handle portion by vibrating in accordance with at least one of an operation state of a direction indicator of the vehicle and a headlight of the vehicle.

[9] The vibration means is provided inside the handle portion.

9. The vehicle handle according to claim 8, wherein:

[10] A protruding portion protruding from an instrument disposition portion where an instrument for displaying a traveling state of the vehicle is disposed, and a driver's force when looking at the vehicle handle, a symmetrical position sandwiching the top of the vehicle handle. And a lighting section that is provided at a predetermined position of the projecting section and lights up in accordance with an operation state of the direction indicator of the vehicle.

A vehicle characterized by the following.

[11] A protruding portion protruding from an instrument disposition portion on which an instrument for displaying a running state of the vehicle is disposed, and a driver force, an upper force of the vehicle handle when looking at the vehicle handle, the driver A lighting unit that is provided at a predetermined position of the projecting portion facing the vehicle and that lights up in accordance with an operation state of at least one of a direction indicator of the vehicle and a headlight of the vehicle.

A vehicle characterized by the following.

[12] a vehicle handle for determining a traveling direction of the vehicle;

Vibrating means for vibrating the vehicle handle by vibrating according to an operation state of at least one of a direction indicator of the vehicle and a headlight of the vehicle.

A vehicle characterized by the following.

[13] The vibrating means is provided near a shaft portion that rotatably supports the vehicle handle.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein:

[14] The vibration of the vibrating means may gradually increase as the time that at least one of the direction indicator and the headlight is turned on and the power has passed becomes longer.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein:

[15] The dashboard has a projection lighting unit that is arranged to emit light from the top surface of the dashboard and is lit according to the operation state of the turn signal indicator of the vehicle, and a part of the light emitted from the projection lighting unit is The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the projection lighting unit is provided so as to be reflected by the front glass and reach the driver.

[16] The upper portion of the light source is a covering portion integrally coated with a synthetic resin material, the covering portion protrudes from the vehicle body surface force in the front portion of the vehicle, and the light source is turned on or off in accordance with the operation state of the turn signal indicator of the vehicle. A turn signal device characterized by being lit.

17. The direction pointing device according to claim 16, wherein the light source is a semiconductor light emitting element.