Device and method for joining at least one material section to a steering device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for attaching at least one material section to a steering device, comprising: at least two form-fitting die sections, wherein at least one of these form-fitting die sections is mounted so as to be movable relative to at least one other form-fitting die section, and wherein the form-fitting die sections are designed such that they can at least partially surround the steering device, in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device; a receptacle for receiving the steering device; and a drive mechanism for moving at least one movably mounted form-fitting die section onto the steering device. Furthermore, a method for attaching at least one material section to a steering device by means of at least two form-fitting die sections is described.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for attaching at least one material section to a steering device, and to a method for attaching at least one material section to a steering device. Background Art

[0002] Sheaths for the rim of a steering wheel with material sections (e.g., with a leather covering) are known from the prior art. DE10 2007 031 014 A1 describes a method for covering a steering wheel section with a leather blank. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method for more effectively connecting a material section to a steering device.

[0004] This object is achieved by a device having the features of the present invention and a method having the features of the present invention.

[0005] The present invention provides a device (attachment device) for attaching at least one material section to a steering device, comprising:

[0006] - at least two form-fitting sections, wherein at least one of the at least two form-fitting sections is movably mounted relative to at least one other form-fitting section, and wherein the form-fitting sections are configured such that they can at least partially surround the steering device, in particular the rim of the steering wheel of the steering device;

[0007] - a receiving portion for receiving the steering device;

[0008] - a drive mechanism for moving the at least one movably mounted form-fitting section onto the steering device (and / or onto the receiving portion and / or into the free space for receiving the steering device);

[0009] - wherein the at least two form-fitting sections can move laterally towards or away from the steering device; and

[0010] - at least one fixing element configured to fix the at least one material section at some points on the steering device before engaging the form-fitting sections, wherein

[0011] - the form-fitting sections include cutouts for the at least one fixing element.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, with this device, the time consumption for adhesive bonding can be significantly reduced. The device can provide advantages such as uniform bonding (with uniform leather tension and reduced creases).

[0013] The device can be of a partially automated or fully automated type. Such a device can provide the advantage that at least one material section can be bent around a deflection device and joined in an automated manner. Partial automation or full automation can provide a consistent joining process, wherein the influence and possibility of errors are reduced compared to a manual joining process.

[0014] A material section is understood in particular to be a flat material, for example a material strip, which can be formed as one piece or as several pieces. Formed as one piece or as several pieces means, for example, that the material strip is joined from at least two separate parts, i.e. the at least two separate parts are in particular sewn or joined to one another, and / or that the material strip has a multilayer structure. Having a multilayer structure means in particular that it consists of several layers of one material or layers of several materials. For example, the multilayer material can be a composite material, a functional material or a functional element. This can be, for example, a functional pad, such as a heating pad, a sensor pad (for example a touch-on-detection (HOD) sensor pad) or a cushion. The material section can be, for example, leather, artificial leather or plastic (material).

[0015] A steering device is particularly understood to mean a steering wheel blank or a steering wheel blank (foam piece or foam blank) which is foam-coated or covered with a plastic material. A steering device is understood, for example, to be a steering device which has not been covered with leather. The steering device (steering handle) can be any device for specifying the steering angle, for example a steering wheel, a semicircular steering wheel or a joystick. A typical steering device comprises a steering wheel rim, a steering wheel hub which can be coupled to a steering column, and at least one spoke, in particular two or three spokes which connect the steering wheel rim to the steering wheel hub. In particular, the steering wheel rim comprises a curved surface so that it can be comfortably gripped by the hands of a vehicle occupant.

[0016] At least two form-fitting sections can be joined to form a form-fitting mold for a steering device. The device may include, for example, several (for example, three or four) lateral form-fitting sections that move laterally toward the steering device or away from the steering device. The device may include, for example, one or more upper form-fitting sections that move toward the top of the steering device (from the side facing away from the floor) or away from the top of the steering device. The device may include, for example, one or more lower form-fitting sections that move toward the bottom of the steering device (from the side facing the floor) or away from the bottom of the steering device. The device includes, for example, four lateral form-fitting sections, an upper form-fitting section and a lower form-fitting section.

[0017] At least one form-fitting section is mounted so as to be displaceable relative to at least one other form-fitting section. It is also possible to mount all the form-fitting sections so as to be displaceable relative to one another (towards one another).

[0018] The form-fitting sections can be configured such that they can at least partially form-fittingly and / or friction-locked surround the steering device, in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device.

[0019] The form-fitting sections can be at least partially curved. For example, the form-fitting sections on the side facing the steering device (or on the side facing the free space and / or the receiving portion for receiving the steering device) have a curvature that provides at least partial surrounding of the steering device (the curved steering wheel rim of the steering device).

[0020] At least two form-fitting sections can be formed such that the at least two form-fitting sections together can surround at least 50%, at least 65%, at least 75%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 99% of the outer circumference of the radial cross-section of the steering wheel rim.

[0021] The radial cross-section is understood to be a cross-section of the steering wheel rim that is parallel or approximately parallel to the steering axis or the steering column. Approximately parallel means that the maximum deviation from the steering axis or the steering column can be up to 45°.

[0022] The circumferential cross-section is understood to be a cross-section of the steering wheel rim that is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the steering axis or the steering column, or a horizontal cross-section that extends circumferentially around the steering wheel hub. Approximately perpendicular means that the maximum deviation from the vertical direction of the steering axis or the steering column can be up to 45°.

[0023] The radial cross-section extends perpendicular to the circumferential cross-section. The radial cross-section is smaller than the circumferential cross-section of the steering wheel rim.

[0024] The form-fitting sections can be interchangeable. Thus, the form-fitting sections can be adapted to different materials (e.g., leather or plastic), to different functional elements or functional materials, or to different steering devices (e.g., steering wheel types or joysticks). This can provide the advantage of more diverse use of the machine and can be adapted to customer-specific requirements. For example, the corresponding form-fitting sections can be manufactured by optical measurement of steering devices and component manufacturing techniques known to technicians or by additive manufacturing, 3D printing, laser sintering, casting, milling, etc.

[0025] The form-fitting section is formed of or at least contains a material suitable for the device. The form-fitting section can be formed of or at least contain, for example, metal (e.g., aluminum, titanium), alloy, or steel (e.g., stainless steel) or a suitable plastic (silicone, heat-resistant and / or pressure-resistant plastic, plastic foam) or a suitable ceramic (heat-resistant or pressure-resistant ceramic). Alternatively, the form-fitting section can also be formed of one of the aforementioned materials that has a layer of a material softer (with a lower Shore hardness) on its surface. The form-fitting section can be formed, for example, of steel coated with silicon or aluminum coated with silicon or a material with a (3D-) printed material coating (with a lower Shore hardness).

[0026] The device can include a pressure generating unit for applying a pressure (e.g., 0.001 millibar (mbar) to 10 bar (bar)) to at least one of these form-fitting sections. The pressure generating unit for applying pressure can be an overpressure generating unit for applying overpressure (e.g., 1.1 bar to 10 bar) such that these form-fitting sections are pressed against the steering device with a pressure between 1.1 bar and 10 bar. Alternatively, the pressure generating unit for applying pressure can be a negative pressure generating unit for applying negative pressure (e.g., 1.1 mbar to 10 bar) such that these form-fitting sections apply negative pressure on the steering device, causing the form-fitting sections to be suctioned against the steering device.

[0027] The device can include at least one heatable form-fitting section and at least one heating unit in communication with the at least one heatable form-fitting section. The form-fitting section can be heated, for example, to a temperature in the range of 21 °C to 200 °C, in particular 75 °C to 125 °C or 50 °C to 95 °C. Alternatively, the device can also include non-heated form-fitting sections.

[0028] The device can include at least one temperature sensor. The at least one temperature sensor can be arranged, for example, on the at least one heatable form-fitting section.

[0029] The device can include at least one coolable form-fitting section and at least one cooling unit in communication with the at least one coolable form-fitting section. The form-fitting section can be cooled, for example, to a temperature in the range of -30 °C to 21 °C. The cooling unit can be, for example, a water-cooling unit.

[0030] The device includes an interior space. The device can include a housing that surrounds the interior space or can be arranged outside the interior space. The device can include a housing that surrounds an interior space having at least two form-fitting sections and / or receiving portions and / or at least one drive mechanism. The form-fitting sections can also be at least partially arranged outside the housing and be able to move into the housing.

[0031] The device includes a receiving part for receiving a steering device (in particular a steering wheel). The receiving part is particularly arranged in the interior space of the housing. The receiving part particularly includes a free space for receiving the steering device. The receiving part can be formed by the housing, for example.

[0032] The free space for receiving the steering device and / or the receiving part is configured to correspond in shape to the shape of the steering device, in particular a circular or oval shape.

[0033] The receiving part can include holding means for receiving the steering device. The steering device can be releasably mounted on the holding means, for example.

[0034] The device can include at least one fixing element for fixing at least one material section to the steering device. For example, the device can include two, three, four or more than four fixing elements. The at least one fixing element can be configured to fix the steering device at certain points, and the fixing element can be equipped with a pointed or blunt tip, for example. The at least one fixing element can also be configured to fix the steering device simultaneously at several points, for example, the fixing element is configured to fit precisely with the steering device.

[0035] In one embodiment, at least two form-fitting sections and at least one fixing element can be joined to form a form-fitting mold for the steering device. For this purpose, the form-fitting sections can include cutouts for the fixing elements. The device can include, for example, four lateral form-fitting sections, an upper form-fitting section and a lower form-fitting section, and two, three or four fixing elements, and these form-fitting sections and fixing elements can be joined to form a form-fitting mold for the steering device.

[0036] The drive mechanism for joining at least two form-fitting sections can include at least one push-pull unit and / or at least one lifting unit connected to at least one form-fitting section. At least one lifting unit can communicate with at least one upper form-fitting section. At least one lowering unit can communicate with at least one lower form-fitting section. The at least one push-pull unit can communicate with at least one lateral form-fitting section.

[0037] The device includes at least one drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may include at least one motorized, hydraulic, and / or pneumatic actuator. However, the drive mechanism may also include at least one hand or foot actuator. The drive mechanism can move the form-fitting section and / or the fixing element towards or away from the steering device. For example, at least one fixing element can first move towards the steering device, and then at least one form-fitting section can move towards the steering device. It is also possible for several fixing elements to move towards the steering device simultaneously or one after another. Subsequently, several form-fitting sections can move towards the steering device simultaneously or one after another. After the joining process, the at least one fixing element and / or the at least one form-fitting section can move away from the steering device simultaneously or one after another. The drive mechanism can include, for example, at least one pneumatic cylinder or hydraulic cylinder, which is operatively connected to at least one form-fitting section. In addition, each form-fitting section can include a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0038] The device may further include at least one control unit for actuating the at least one drive mechanism, at least one pressure generating unit, a heating unit, or a cooling unit.

[0039] The invention also describes a method for joining at least one material section (in particular via a device according to the invention) to a steering device, which includes the following method steps:

[0040] i) bringing at least a part of the steering device into contact with at least one material section, wherein the at least one material section on the side facing the steering device and / or the steering device on the side facing the material section (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) includes at least one binder (or is in contact with a binder), or the binder is applied to the side of the at least one material section facing the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and / or is applied to the side of the steering device facing the material section; subsequently

[0041] ii) engaging at least two form-fitting sections via the drive mechanism such that these form-fitting sections at least partially surround the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device), and wherein at least one material section arranged between the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and the form-fitting sections is pressed against the steering device,

[0042] wherein the at least two form-fitting sections can move laterally towards or away from the steering device, and wherein, before engaging the form-fitting sections, the at least one material section is fixed to the steering device at some points by at least one fixing element,

[0043] Wherein, the shape - mating section includes a cutout for the at least one fixing element.

[0044] Compared with the commonly used manual techniques, by this method, the time spent for adhesively bonding can be significantly reduced. This method can offer advantages such as a uniform bond (with uniform leather tension and reduced creases), for example.

[0045] The device used in this method can be of a semi - automated or fully automated type. For example, this can offer the following advantages: at least one material section can be bent around the steering device and bonded in an automated manner, which can save time. Semi - automatic or fully automatic provides a consistent bonding process, in which the influence and probability of errors are reduced compared to the manual bonding process.

[0046] The material section has an inner side facing the steering device and an outer side facing away from the steering device. The steering device has an outer side facing the inner side of the material section. Thus, the binder is applied to the inner side of the material section, to the outer side of the steering device (especially the steering wheel rim), and / or to the space between the inner side of the material section and the outer side of the steering device (especially the steering wheel rim).

[0047] The at least one material section can in particular comprise leather or artificial leather or consist of leather or artificial leather. Alternatively, the at least one material section can comprise functional elements, especially a heating pad, a sensor pad (e.g., a HOD sensor pad) or a cushion pad, or can be such an element. The at least one material section can for example consist of separate segments stitched together.

[0048] In particular, the binder is understood to be an adhesive (e.g., a glue, especially a heat - activatable adhesive, a dispersion or a powder adhesive or a spray adhesive), a bonding promoter (e.g., a bonding tape or a bonding web) or an adherent. The method can for example include steps of wet lamination (gluing by a wet adhesive), dry lamination (gluing by a dry adhesive) or thermal lamination (joining by heat and / or pressure).

[0049] Bringing at least a part of the steering device into contact with at least one material section, wherein at least one material section on the side facing the steering device and / or the steering device on the side facing the material section includes at least one binder means that the material section already has a surface with a binder before coming into contact with the steering device. Material sections with a binder upper side (e.g., a bonding film) can be commercially available. A material section that already includes a binder before contact with the steering device can also be obtained by a method step x) of applying a binder to one side of the material section before method step i).

[0050] In step i), applying the binder to the side of at least one material section facing the steering device and / or to the side of the steering device facing the material section means that the material section (which has no binder yet) is arranged around the steering device, and the binder is applied (e.g., sprayed, applied with a brush, or inserted as an adhesive strip) to the inner side of the material section and / or to the outer side of the steering device and / or applied between the steering device and the material section.

[0051] The binder can be (already) applied in an amount of 5 g / m 2 to 150 g / m 2 , in particular 30 g / m 2 to 100 g / m 2 to the corresponding material section.

[0052] Between method steps i) and ii), at least one material section can be aligned with the steering device and / or fixed via at least one fixing element. For example, the material section can be fixed in the groove (recess) of the steering device. For example, this can have the advantage of preventing or reducing the sliding of the material section and counteracting the formation of material beads in the groove area. The at least one material section can also be fixed at the seam of the material section (if any). For example, this can have the advantage that the possible marks that the fixing element might leave will be invisible.

[0053] Applying the binder to the side of at least one material section facing the steering device and / or to the side of the steering device facing the material section in step i) or x) can be achieved by a machine. The application of the binder can be achieved by a machine in the same device or in a separate device.

[0054] Between method steps i) and ii) or after method step ii), stitching of at least one material section to itself can be achieved. In particular, the material section is stitched to itself such that the at least one material section surrounds the outer periphery of the radial cross-section of the steering wheel rim, i.e., the material section is stitched around the steering wheel.

[0055] For example, after method step i), the material section is arranged on the steering device, and subsequently, the material section is stitched to itself such that, as seen from the radial cross-section, it at least approximately completely surrounds the steering device, and then method step ii) is performed. For example, the fact that the stitching has been achieved before engaging the form-fitting section (before step ii) can have the advantage that the material section can be more easily positioned and / or fixed, especially when using the following adhesive, which does not become sticky immediately but still allows the material section to be moved before the adhesive firmly (adhesively) binds to the steering device.

[0056] For example, before joining the form-fitting section, the steering device is moved into the free space provided for the steering device in the interior space of the device and releasably connected to the holding device.

[0057] Then, the form-fitting section in step ii) is pushed against the steering device such that the binder present between the form-fitting section and the steering device adherently bonds to the steering device, in particular to the steering wheel rim of the steering device. The form-fitting section can enclose the steering device form-fittingly and / or friction-locked, such that a particularly uniform material adhesion connection of the material section, the binder, and the steering device is achieved. The material section (e.g., leather) is curved corresponding to the curvature of the steering wheel.

[0058] The form-fitting sections can be moved towards the steering device simultaneously or one after another or pressed against the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device). For example, first the lateral form-fitting section and then the upper form-fitting section and / or the lower form-fitting section can be moved towards the steering wheel device.

[0059] The form-fitting section can at least partially or completely enclose the steering device, in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device. Together, the form-fitting sections can enclose at least 50%, at least 65%, at least 75%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 99% of the outer circumference of the radial cross-section of the steering wheel rim. This results in a uniform adhesive bond.

[0060] By using a heated form-fitting section, a heat-activatable binder can, for example, be heat-activated such that an adhesive connection is formed between at least one material section and the steering device. By using a heated form-fitting section, for example, other binders can also be more easily spread in order to achieve a better adhesive connection between the at least one material section and the steering device.

[0061] Simultaneously with step ii) of the method, at least a part of the steering device can be heated by at least one heated form-fitting section. The at least part of the steering device can be heated in a temperature range of 21°C to 200°C, in particular 75°C to 125°C or 50°C to 95°C. Alternatively, after step ii), the at least part of the steering device can be heated by at least one heated form-fitting section in a temperature range of 21°C to 200°C, in particular 75°C to 125°C or 50°C to 95°C.

[0062] After step ii) of the method, at least a part of the steering device can be cooled by at least one cooled form-fitting section. By cooling the form-fitting section after the adhesion connection (gluing process), the binder can cure faster, for example, which means a shorter process duration. Due to the cooling, the form-fitting section can be removed from the steering device faster without pulling the material section away from the steering device again.

[0063] At least one form-fitting section can be pressed against at least a part of the steering device with a pressure of 1 bar to 300 bar, in particular 1 bar to 50 bar or 1 bar to 6 bar.

[0064] The time for pressing at least one form-fitting section against at least a part of the steering device can be, for example, 1 second to 60 minutes, in particular 10 seconds to 5 minutes.

[0065] In a first embodiment, the method includes, for example, the following steps:

[0066] a) bringing at least a part of the steering device into contact with at least one material section; subsequently

[0067] b) applying a binder to the side of the at least one material section facing the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and / or applying it to the side of the steering device facing the material section; subsequently

[0068] c) optionally sewing the at least one material section to itself; subsequently

[0069] d) incorporating the steering device into a binding device; subsequently

[0070] e) engaging at least two form-fitting sections via a drive mechanism such that the form-fitting sections at least partially surround the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device), and the at least one material section arranged between the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and the form-fitting sections is pressed against the steering device.

[0071] In a second embodiment, the method includes, for example, the following steps:

[0072] a) bringing at least a part of the steering device into contact with at least one material section; subsequently

[0073] b) applying a binder to the side of the at least one material section facing the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and / or applying it to the side of the steering device facing the material section; subsequently

[0074] d) incorporating the steering device into a binding device; subsequently

[0075] e) Engage at least two form - fitting sections via a drive mechanism such that the form - fitting sections at least partially surround the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device), and the at least one material section arranged between the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and the form - fitting sections is pressed against the steering device; subsequently

[0076] c) Optionally sew at least one material section to itself.

[0077] In a third embodiment, the method includes, for example, the following steps:

[0078] b) Apply an adhesive to one side of the at least one material section facing the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and / or to the side of the steering device facing the material section; subsequently

[0079] a) Bring at least a part of the steering device into contact with the at least one material section; subsequently

[0080] d) Incorporate the steering device into a binding device; subsequently

[0081] e) Engage at least two form - fitting sections via a drive mechanism such that the form - fitting sections at least partially surround the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device), and the at least one material section arranged between the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and the form - fitting sections is pressed against the steering device; subsequently

[0082] c) Optionally sew at least one material section to itself.

[0083] In a fourth embodiment, the method includes, for example, the following steps:

[0084] b) Apply an adhesive to one side of the at least one material section facing the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and / or to the side of the steering device facing the material section; subsequently

[0085] a) Bring at least a part of the steering device into contact with the at least one material section; subsequently

[0086] c) Optionally sew at least one material section to itself; subsequently

[0087] d) Incorporate the steering device into a binding device; subsequently

[0088] e) engaging at least two form-fitting sections via a drive mechanism such that the form-fitting sections at least partially surround the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device), and the at least one material section arranged between the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and the form-fitting sections is pressed against the steering device.

[0089] For example, the use of the device according to the invention or the use of the method according to the invention for attaching at least one leather section or at least one functional element to a steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of a steering device) is described. Description of the Drawings

[0090] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using exemplary embodiments, wherein:

[0091] Figure 1A A view of a component group of an attachment device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown,

[0092] Figure 1B A view of another component group of an attachment device including a pressure generating unit is shown,

[0093] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1A a detailed view of a part of the assembly of

[0094] Figure 3 An exploded view of a steering device including form-fitting sections is shown,

[0095] Figure 4 Schematic views of various methods for attaching at least one material section to a steering device are shown. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0096] Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe component groups together form a device 1 (bonding device) for bonding at least one material section (in particular leather or a functional pad) to a steering device (not shown) (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device). The bonding device 1 includes an internal space 7 and a receiving portion 5 provided therein for receiving the steering device. The receiving portion may have a circular shape corresponding to the shape - mating mold of the steering wheel to be inserted. The bonding device 1 includes a plurality of form - fitting sections 4, which are movably mounted relative to each other. The form - fitting sections 4 are configured such that they can at least partially surround the steering device, in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device. The plurality of form - fitting sections 4 may include, for example, an upper form - fitting section 42, a lower form - fitting section 43, and a plurality of lateral form - fitting sections 41. The upper form - fitting section 42 may be adapted to be incorporated (e.g., lowered or folded) into the free space 12 for the steering device 3. In addition, the bonding device 1 has a drive mechanism for moving the movably mounted form - fitting sections 4 towards the steering device 3 (or the internal space 7 and / or the free space 12).

[0097] The form - fitting sections may be arranged on a form - fitting section carrier 44. Figure 1B The component group of the bonding device in includes a housing 6 and a pressure - generating unit 10, Figure 1A The component group can be combined in its space 13. The pressure - generating unit 10 can be actuated, for example, via a control unit 14 so as to move the form - fitting section carrier 44 in the direction of the steering device 3 or the free space 12 or the receiving portion 5 for receiving the steering device 3. The cylinder 11 can be a guiding cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0098] The form - fitting section carrier 44 can be pivoted or lowered and raised respectively, such that for example the upper form - fitting section 41 moves towards the steering device 1. In the case where the form - fitting section carrier 44 is of a pivotable design, the guiding cylinder can, for example, consist of two guiding parts which can contact each other or engage with each other during operation, for example not less than a specified distance between the form - fitting section carriers 44. For example, it can also be envisaged that the form - fitting section carrier 44 is interconnected with a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder which can be compressed by applying pressure, so that the upper form - fitting section 42 can move into the free space 12 for the steering device and press against the steering device.

[0099] Figure 2View showing another embodiment of a bonding device having (at least) one fixing element. The steering device can be incorporated into the free space 12 provided for the steering device within the receiving portion 5 of the bonding device and arranged on the holding device 8. The (at least one) fixing element 9 can fix at least one material section 2 to the steering wheel rim 31 of the steering device 3 by at least partially (particularly form-fittingly) surrounding the steering wheel rim 31, or by fixing at least one material section 2 to certain points on the steering wheel rim 31 or on the spokes of the steering device. The bonding device 1 includes four laterally form-fitting sections 41 which are movably mounted relative to each other and can be moved towards the steering device 3 via a drive mechanism. These form-fitting sections at least partially surround the steering device 3 such that the at least one material section 2 arranged between the steering device 3 and the form-fitting sections 4 is pressed against the steering device 3. The form-fitting sections 4 and the (at least one) fixing element 9 can be engaged to form a form-fitting mold for the steering device 3, wherein the form-fitting sections 4 include cutouts for the (at least one) fixing element 9.

[0100] Figure 3 Exploded view of a steering device 3 is shown, which has a plurality of form-fitting sections 4 that can be engaged to form a form-fitting mold for the steering device 3. The form-fitting sections 4 can, for example, form-fittingly and / or friction-lockingly surround at least one material section 2 applied to the steering wheel rim 31 of the steering device. In particular, the plurality of form-fitting sections 4 can include four laterally curved form-fitting sections 41 (adapted to the curvature of the steering wheel rim), an upper form-fitting section 42 and a lower form-fitting section 43. The form-fitting sections 4 have a curvature on the side facing towards the steering device. The lateral form-fitting sections 41 are concave-curved on the one hand towards the outer region of the steering wheel rim so as to be able to surround the outer region of the steering wheel rim 31, and on the other hand are curved corresponding to the cross-section of the steering wheel rim extending around the steering wheel hub. The upper form-fitting section 42 and the lower form-fitting section 43 are each convex-curved so as to be able to surround the inner region of the steering wheel rim 31.

[0101] Figure 4 Schematic diagrams showing various embodiments of a method for bonding at least one material section (particularly a leather section) to a steering device (particularly the steering wheel rim of a steering device). The method includes the following steps:

[0102] a) bringing the leather section into contact with the steering wheel rim of the steering device;

[0103] b) applying an adhesive to the side of the leather section facing the steering wheel rim and / or to the side of the steering wheel facing the leather section;

[0104] d) Incorporate the steering device into the coupling device,

[0105] c) Sew the leather section to itself;

[0106] e) Engage at least two form - fitting sections via a drive mechanism such that the form - fitting sections at least partially surround the steering wheel rim of the steering device, and at least one leather section arranged between the steering wheel rim of the steering device and the form - fitting sections is pressed against the steering device.

[0107] One embodiment includes the above - mentioned method steps in the order a, b, c, d, e, while another embodiment includes the above - mentioned method steps in the order a, b, d, e, c. Yet another embodiment includes the above - mentioned method steps in the order b, a, d, e, c.

[0108] By comparison, a typical method of the prior art is shown, in which a leather covering is manually applied to the steering wheel, an adhesive is manually applied to the leather section by using a brush, the leather is manually bent and fixed to the steering device by using pliers, and then it is manually sewn around the steering wheel.

[0109] List of reference numerals

[0110] 1 Device

[0111] 2 Material section

[0112] 3 Steering device

[0113] 31 Steering wheel rim

[0114] 4 Form - fitting section

[0115] 41 Lateral form - fitting section

[0116] 42 Upper form - fitting section

[0117] 43 Lower form - fitting section

[0118] 44 Form - fitting section carrier

[0119] 5 Receiving part

[0120] 6 Housing

[0121] 7 Internal space

[0122] 8 Holding device

[0123] 9 Fixing element

[0124] 10 Pressure generating unit

[0125] 11 Cylinder

[0126] 12 Free space

[0127] 13 Space

[0128] 14 Control Unit

[0129] R Radial Section

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for attaching at least one material section (2) to a steering device (3), comprising: - at least two form-fitting sections (4), wherein at least one of these form-fitting sections (4) is movably mounted relative to at least one other form-fitting section (4), and wherein the form-fitting sections (4) are configured such that the form-fitting sections (4) can at least partially surround the steering device (3); - a receiving portion (5) for receiving the steering device (3); - a drive mechanism for moving at least one movably mounted form-fitting section (4) towards the steering device (3); - wherein the at least two form-fitting sections (4) can move laterally towards or away from the steering device; and - at least one fixing element (9) configured to fix the at least one material section (2) at some points on the steering device (3) before engaging the form-fitting sections (4), where - the form-fitting sections include cutouts for the at least one fixing element.

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two form-fitting sections (4) can be engaged to form a form fit for the steering device (3).

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the form-fitting sections (4) are at least partially bent.

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the form-fitting sections (4) are configured such that they can jointly surround at least 50%, at least 65% or 90% of the outer periphery of the radial cross-section of the steering wheel rim (31).

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the form-fitting sections (4) can be interchanged.

6. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the form-fitting sections (4) are made of steel coated with silicone or aluminum coated with silicone.

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus (1) includes a housing (6) surrounding an internal space (7).

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the receiving portion (5) is provided in the internal space (7) of the housing (6) and includes a free space (12) for receiving the steering device (3).

9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the free space for receiving the steering device and / or the receiving portion is configured to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the steering device.

10. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving portion (5) includes a holding device (8) for receiving the steering device (3).

11. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least two form-fitting sections (4) and the at least one fixing element (9) can be joined to form a form fit for the steering device (3).

12. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (1) comprises at least one pressure generating unit (10) for applying pressure to at least one of these form-fitting sections (4).

13. The device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the pressure generating unit (10) is a negative pressure generating unit.

14. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (1) comprises at least one heatable form-fitting section and at least one heating unit in communication with the at least one heatable form-fitting section.

15. The device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one temperature sensor is arranged on the at least one heatable form-fitting section.

16. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive mechanism comprises at least one motorized, hydraulic and / or pneumatic drive, or the drive mechanism comprises at least one pneumatic cylinder operatively connected to at least one form-fitting section.

17. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (1) is partially automated or fully automated.

18. A method for joining at least one material section (2) to a steering device (3) by using the device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following method steps: i) bringing at least a part of the steering device (3) into contact with at least one material section, wherein the at least one material section on the side facing the steering device (3) and / or the steering device (3) on the side facing the material section comprises at least one binder, or a binder is applied to the side of the at least one material section facing the steering device (3) and / or to the side of the steering device (3) facing the material section; subsequently ii) engaging the form-fitting sections (4) of the device (1) via a drive mechanism such that the form-fitting sections (4) at least partially surround the steering device (3), and the at least one material section arranged between the steering device (3) and the form-fitting sections (4) is pressed against the steering device (3), wherein the at least two form-fitting sections (4) can move laterally towards or away from the steering device, and wherein, before engaging the form-fitting sections (4), the at least one material section (2) is fixed to the steering device (3) at some points by at least one fixing element (9), wherein the form-fitting section comprises a cutout for the at least one fixing element.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that simultaneously with step ii), at least a part of the steering device (3) is heated by at least one heated form-fitting section.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that at least a part of the steering device (3) is heated in a temperature range of 21 °C to 200 °C.

21. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that at least one of these form - fitting sections (4) is pressed against at least a part of the steering device (3) at a pressure of 1 bar to 300 bar.

22. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the form - fitting section (4) exerts a negative pressure on the steering device (3).

23. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that at least one form - fitting section (4) is pressed against at least a part of the steering device (3) for 1 second to 60 minutes.

24. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the form - fitting section (4) surrounds the steering device (3) form - fittingly and / or friction - lockingly.

25. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the form - fitting sections (4) together surround at least 50%, at least 65% or 90% of the outer periphery of the radial cross - section of the steering wheel rim (31).

26. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that before engaging the form - fitting section (4), the at least one material section (2) is aligned with the steering device (3) and fixed to the steering device (3) at at least one point by the at least one fixing element (9).

27. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that between method steps i) and ii), a self - stitching of the at least one material section (2) to itself is achieved.

28. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that after method step ii), a self - stitching of the at least one material section (2) to itself is achieved.

29. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that after method step i), the material section (2) is arranged on the steering device (3), and subsequently, the material section (2) is stitched to itself such that in a radial cross - section view, the material section (2) at least approximately completely surrounds the steering device (3), and then, method step ii) is performed.

30. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the at least one material section (2) comprises leather or artificial leather or is made of leather or artificial leather.

31. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the at least one material section (2) comprises a functional element, or the at least one material section (2) is such a functional element.

32. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that by a machine, the application of an adhesive is achieved on the side of the at least one material section (2) facing the steering device (3) and / or on the side of the steering device (3) facing the material section (2).

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