US 12,473,007 B2
Steering device
Shotaro Odate, Tokyo (JP)
Assigned to HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., Tokyo (JP)
Filed by HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., Tokyo (JP)
Filed on Nov. 23, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/518,460.
Prior Publication US 2024/0174282 A1, May 30, 2024
Int. Cl. B62D 1/04 (2006.01); B62D 1/10 (2006.01); B62D 15/02 (2006.01); G01D 5/24 (2006.01)
CPC B62D 1/046 (2013.01) [G01D 5/24 (2013.01); B62D 1/10 (2013.01); B62D 15/02 (2013.01)] 8 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A steering device comprising:
a steering wheel which accepts a steering operation by a driver;
an electrode device provided to the steering wheel;
a controller which measures electrostatic capacitance of the electrode device, and determines presence/absence of gripping of the steering wheel based on a measurement result of the electrostatic capacitance;
a steering shaft coupled to a hub of the steering wheel; and
a torque sensor which detects a steering torque acting on the steering shaft,
wherein the steering wheel includes an annular rim, the hub provided at an inner side of the rim and having a columnar shape, and a spoke connecting the hub and the rim,
wherein the electrode device includes an electrode of an arc shape provided to an outer circumferential edge of the hub opposing the rim,
wherein the electrode and the rim are arranged concentrically viewing from the driver, and
wherein the controller determines presence/absence of gripping of the steering wheel based on a measurement result of the electrostatic capacitance and a detection value of the torque sensor.