Steering wheel relay structure

Abstract

A relay structure of a steering wheel, an inner cylinder portion (32) of an inner cover (31) is fixed with respect to a spoke portion (17) in a state of surrounding the spoke portion. An outer cover (41) has an outer cylinder portion (42) formed around the inner cylinder portion and forms an annular housing portion (47) with the inner cylinder portion, and is fixed to a boss portion (15). A wire harness (51) for relay has a cable (52) disposed mainly in the annular housing portion. The cable has a first end portion (53) connected to an electronic instrument (27) on a grip portion side, a second end portion (54) connected to a wire harness (21) on the boss portion side, and a main body portion (55) between the first and second end portions, which is wound around the inner cylinder portion one or more times in a manner that an inner diameter thereof is larger than an outer diameter of the inner cylinder portion and an outer diameter thereof is smaller than an inner diameter of the outer cylinder portion to constitute the main portion. The first end portion is fixed to the inner cover, and the second end portion is fixed to the outer cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay structure for a steering wheel operated by a driver when steering a vehicle or other means of transportation. Background Technology

[0002] As part of the steering control system, vehicles and other means of transportation are provided with a steering shaft that rotates around a first axis. The steering wheel, which is held and operated by the driver of the vehicle, is mounted on this steering shaft.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a steering wheel that, even when turned significantly in the same direction around the first axis from the position when the vehicle is traveling straight, for example by an angle greater than or equal to 90°, the load is not easily applied to the driver's wrist.

[0004] The steering wheel has a boss, a pair of spokes, and a grip for each spoke. The boss is mounted on the steering shaft in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally. The two spokes are supported on the boss in a manner that allows them to rotate around a second axis extending in opposite directions from the boss. The grips are fixed to each spoke.

[0005] Regarding the aforementioned steering wheel, both grip parts can rotate about a second axis. Therefore, by rotating both grip parts about the second axis and about the first axis, the driver can maintain a natural wrist angle and perform steering operations, thus reducing the load on the wrists.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-34849 Summary of the Invention

[0007] However, regarding the aforementioned steering wheel, sometimes electronic devices such as touch sensors and heaters (controller-side electronics) are located in the control area. In this case, a relay wiring harness is used to electrically connect the control-side electronics to the boss-side wiring harness located in the boss area.

[0008] However, the relay structure is not described in the aforementioned patent document 1.

[0009] On the other hand, regarding the aforementioned steering wheel, the spokes and the grip rotate around the second axis. At this time, the electronic instruments on the grip side also rotate around the second axis along with the grip. In contrast, the boss portion and the wiring harness on the boss portion side do not rotate around the second axis. Therefore, the force required to deform the relay wiring harness is applied to the relay wiring harness from the grip side. Therefore, a relay structure that improves the durability of the relay wiring harness is desired.

[0010] The relay structure for a steering wheel that solves the above-mentioned problems is applied to a steering wheel having: a boss mounted integrally to a steering shaft that rotates about a first axis; a pair of spokes supported on the boss in a manner rotatable about a second axis extending from the boss in opposite directions; and grips fixed to each spoke. The relay structure electrically connects electronic instruments located on the grip side of at least one of the two grips to a wiring harness located on the boss side of the boss. The structure includes: an inner cover having an inner cylinder; an outer cover formed around the inner cylinder and having an outer cylinder forming an annular receiving portion with the inner cylinder; and a relay wiring harness having a main portion... The cable placed in the annular receiving portion has one of the inner cover and the outer cover fixed as a rotating cover to the disc portion of the grip portion on which the grip portion-side electronic instrument is provided, and the other as a fixed cover directly or indirectly fixed to the boss portion. The cable has: a first end connected to the grip portion-side electronic instrument; a second end connected to the boss portion-side wire harness; and a main body portion located between the first end and the second end, which is wound around the inner cylinder portion at least once with its inner diameter being larger than the outer diameter of the inner cylinder portion and its outer diameter being smaller than the inner diameter of the outer cylinder portion, forming the main body portion. The first end is fixed to the rotating cover, and the second end is fixed to the fixed cover.

[0011] According to the above structure, if the driver applies a force to the two grips to rotate them about the first axis, this force is transmitted to the steering shaft via the two spokes and the boss. This transmission causes the two grips, the two spokes, the boss, and the steering shaft to rotate about the first axis. The steering control device operates to steer the vehicle and change its direction of travel. The rotation of each grip centered on the first axis is accompanied by the rotation of each grip centered on the second axis.

[0012] Along with the aforementioned rotation of the gripping part, the electronic instrument on the gripping part side of the gripping part also rotates around the second axis. On the other hand, the boss part and the wiring harness on the boss part side do not rotate around the second axis.

[0013] Regarding the relay structure, the fixed cover, which is directly or indirectly fixed to the boss portion, does not rotate around the second axis. In contrast, the rotating cover, which is fixed to the disc spoke portion, rotates together with the disc spoke portion around the second axis.

[0014] The cable of the relay harness is fixed to a rotating cover at the first end and to a fixed cover at the second end. A force is applied to deform the main body of the cable located between the first and second ends, in conjunction with the aforementioned rotation of the rotating cover.

[0015] Regarding this, according to the above structure, the main body is arranged in the annular receiving portion with the inner cylinder wound at least once. Therefore, the main body, to which the aforementioned force is applied, deforms either in a tightening direction (diameter reduction) or in a loosening direction (diameter expansion) towards the inner cylinder. This makes it difficult to apply stretching or contracting forces along the second axis to the main body, which has its diameter changed in this way. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the main body is larger than the outer diameter of the inner cylinder, and the outer diameter of the main body is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer cylinder. Therefore, the main body is less likely to come into contact with the inner and outer cylinders. Consequently, stress is less likely to concentrate in the main body, improving the durability of the relay harness.

[0016] Regarding the aforementioned relay structure of the steering wheel, preferably, the main body of the inner cover, the outer cover, and the relay wiring harness is disposed inside the grip portion.

[0017] According to the above structure, the interior of the grip section serves as the space for arranging the inner and outer covers of the relay structure and the main body of the relay wiring harness. Therefore, it is possible to miniaturize the steering wheel along the direction of the second axis.

[0018] Regarding the relay structure of the steering wheel described above, preferably, the rotating cover is composed of the inner cover, the fixed cover is composed of the outer cover, and the inner cylinder portion of the inner cover is fixed relative to the disc spoke portion in a state of surrounding the disc spoke portion.

[0019] According to the above structure, the outer cover, which is directly or indirectly fixed to the boss portion, functions as a fixed cover and does not rotate around the second axis. In contrast, the inner cover, which is fixed to the inner cylinder portion relative to the disc spoke portion in a state of surrounding the disc spoke portion, functions as a rotating cover and rotates around the second axis together with the disc spoke portion.

[0020] The cable of the relay harness is fixed to the inner cover at the first end and to the outer cover at the second end. A force is applied to the main body of the cable located between the first and second ends, which deforms the main body as the inner cover rotates as described above.

[0021] However, the main body portion subjected to the aforementioned forces has either a reduced or increased diameter. Furthermore, the main body portion is less likely to come into contact with the inner and outer cylinder portions. Therefore, as described above, stress is less likely to concentrate in the main body portion, thus improving the durability of the relay harness.

[0022] In the aforementioned relay structure of the steering wheel, preferably, the inner cover further has a first sidewall portion formed at the end of one of the two ends of the inner cylinder portion along the direction of the second axis, away from the boss portion, and the outer cover further has a second sidewall portion formed at the end of one of the two ends of the outer cylinder portion along the direction of the second axis, near the boss portion. The two ends of the annular receiving portion along the direction of the second axis are closed by the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion. The first end of the cable is fixed to the inner cover in a state of being inserted into the first sidewall portion, and the second end is fixed to the outer cover in a state of being inserted into the second sidewall portion.

[0023] According to the above structure, the first end of the cable is fixed to the inner cover by being inserted into the first side wall portion. Furthermore, the second end of the cable is fixed to the outer cover by being inserted into the second side wall portion. Thus, the main body portion between the first and second ends is formed in a state where it is positioned between the first and second side walls portions. This allows the main body portion disposed in the annular receiving portion to be held separate from the inner and outer cylinder portions and wound around the inner cylinder portion.

[0024] In the aforementioned relay configuration of the steering wheel, preferably, the relay harness further comprises: a first connector for connecting to the electronic instrument on the grip side; and a second connector for connecting to the harness on the boss side, wherein the first connector is disposed at a location further away from the boss than the first sidewall, and the second connector is disposed at a location closer to the boss than the second sidewall, wherein the first end is connected to the first connector, and the second end is connected to the second connector.

[0025] According to the above structure, for the first connector located at a position further away from the boss than the first side wall of the inner cover, the first end of the cable inserted into the first side wall is connected to it. For the second connector located at a position closer to the boss than the second side wall of the outer cover, the second end of the cable inserted into the second side wall is connected to it.

[0026] Therefore, if the first connector is connected to the electronic instrument on the grip side and the second connector is connected to the wiring harness on the boss side, the wiring harness on the boss side and the electronic instrument on the grip side are electrically connected via the second connector, the cable and the first connector.

[0027] In the above-described relay structure of the steering wheel, preferably, a steering switch is fixed to the boss portion and disposed between the boss portion and the fixing cover, the fixing cover is fixed to the housing that constitutes the outer shell portion of the steering switch, and a portion of the wiring harness on the side of the boss portion is disposed inside the housing.

[0028] According to the above structure, the fixing cover is indirectly fixed to the boss portion by being fixed to the housing of the turn signal switch.

[0029] Furthermore, the internal space of the aforementioned housing is used as space for arranging a portion of the wiring harness on the boss side. Therefore, compared to the case where the entire wiring harness on the boss side is arranged outside the housing, the steering wheel can be miniaturized.

[0030] The effects of the invention

[0031] Based on the aforementioned relay structure of the steering wheel, the durability of the relay wiring harness can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a steering wheel that utilizes a relay-based structure in one implementation.

[0033] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the interior of a relay structure and the surrounding parts of the relay structure.

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the relay structure in the plane orthogonal to the second axis.

[0035] Figure 4 Viewed from the side of the boss Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the relay structure.

[0036] Figure 5 Observation from the gripping side Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the relay structure.

[0037] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the relay structure. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the relay structure of a steering wheel, specifically for a steering control device of a vehicle, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Furthermore, in the following description, the forward direction of the vehicle is defined as "front" and the reverse direction as "rear". Additionally, "vertical" refers to the vehicle's vertical movement, while "left and right" is defined as the vehicle's width and is consistent with the left and right direction when the vehicle is moving forward.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, the steering control device 10 is located in front of the driver's seat inside the vehicle compartment. The steering control device 10 includes: a steering shaft 11 having a first axis L1 extending in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the paper; and a steering wheel 12 according to this embodiment. The steering shaft 11 is capable of rotating in both forward and reverse directions about the first axis L1. Figure 1 Rotation can be clockwise or counterclockwise. Furthermore, below, rotation in both directions will be referred to as "rotation".

[0041] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The image shows only the skeleton portion of the steering wheel 12. The steering wheel 12 has a boss 15, a turn signal switch 23, a pair of spokes 17, a grip portion 19 for each spoke 17, and a relay structure 30 (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0042] The boss portion 15 is a component mounted on the rear end of the steering shaft 11, and rotates integrally with the steering shaft 11 about the first axis L1. The shape of the boss portion 15 is as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows a circle, but is not limited to this. A portion of the boss-side wiring harness 21 is disposed on the boss portion 15. A control device (not shown) that controls the operation of various electronic instruments provided on the steering wheel 12, etc., is mounted on the boss portion 15. These various electronic instruments include sensors, actuators, etc. A cable 22 constituting a part of the boss-side wiring harness 21 is connected to the control device. In this embodiment, a pair of boss-side wiring harnesses 21 are provided, and the cable 22 of each boss-side wiring harness 21 is connected to the control device.

[0043] The turn signal switch 23 is a switch operated by the driver to activate or deactivate various electronic instruments mounted on the vehicle, such as indicator lights and windshield wipers. The steering wheel 12 may have only one turn signal switch 23 or multiple turn signal switches 23. Figure 1 An example using two turn signals 23 is shown.

[0044] Each turn switch 23 has a housing 24 as its outer casing. Each turn switch 23 is fixed to the boss 15 within the housing 24. The disc 17 can be inserted into the housing 24 in a rotatable manner, or it can be left uninserted. Inside the housing 24 of each turn switch 23, a busbar 25 that forms part of the aforementioned boss-side wiring harness 21 and a connector 26 are respectively disposed. Each busbar 25 is connected to the aforementioned cable 22 via the connector 26.

[0045] The two spoke portions 17 have second axes L2 extending from the boss portion 15 in opposite directions. When the vehicle is traveling straight, the two second axes L2 change to extend in opposite directions to the left and right from the boss portion 15. The above-described states of the second axes L2 include not only extending along a plane orthogonal to the first axis L1, but also extending along a plane that intersects the first axis L1 in a nearly orthogonal state. For example, the state in which the second axes L2 extend along a plane that intersects the first axis L1 in a nearly orthogonal state, in a manner that moves radially outward from the first axis L1 toward the driver, is also included in the above-described states of the second axes L2.

[0046] A pair of disc spokes 17 are supported on the boss 15 at the end near the first axis L1 in such a way that they can rotate about the second axis L2.

[0047] A pair of grips 19 are gripped by the driver. Each grip 19 is fixed to one of the two ends of each spoke portion 17 along the direction of the second axis L2, away from the first axis L1 (protrusion portion 15). Each grip 19 is capable of rotating integrally with the spoke portion 17 about the second axis L2.

[0048] The pair of spokes 17 and the pair of grips 19 are symmetrical to each other across the first axis L1.

[0049] Here, the position around the second axis L2 of each handle 19 when the vehicle is traveling straight is defined as the "neutral position". In addition, the direction in which the part of each handle 19 that is higher than the second axis L2 rotates toward the side closer to the driver is defined as the "forward direction", and the direction in which the above upper part rotates toward the side farther away from the driver is defined as the "deep direction".

[0050] At least one of the two grip sections 19 is provided with a grip section-side electronic device 27, which consists of a touch sensor, a grip-type heater, etc. In this embodiment, a grip section-side electronic device 27 is provided in either grip section 19.

[0051] A rotation control mechanism with the following functions is provided between the boss portion 15 and each disc portion 17 (illustration omitted).

[0052] • The maximum rotation angle θ1 from the neutral position of the grip 19 toward the forward direction is specified.

[0053] • The maximum rotation angle θ2 from the neutral position of the gripping part 19 toward the depth direction is specified.

[0054] The combined maximum rotation angles θ1 and θ2 are approximately 180°.

[0055] • When the vehicle is traveling straight, the handle 19 is restored to the neutral position.

[0056] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a relay structure 30 is provided on the steering wheel 12 to electrically connect the grip-side electronic instrument 27 to the busbar 25 of the corresponding boss-side wiring harness 21. In this embodiment, where each grip 19 is provided with a grip-side electronic instrument 27 and a pair of boss-side wiring harnesses 21 are provided, a pair of relay structures 30 are provided. The two relay structures 30 have a structure in which they are symmetrical to each other across the first axis L1. Therefore, here, one (right-side) relay structure 30 will be described, and the other (left-side) relay structure 30 will be omitted from the illustration and description.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the relay structure 30 includes an inner cover 31 serving as a rotating cover, an outer cover 41 serving as a fixed cover, and a relay wiring harness 51. The inner cover 31, outer cover 41, and the main body 55 of the relay wiring harness 51 (described later) are disposed inside the holding part 19. The components constituting the relay structure 30 will now be described. Furthermore, in Figure 2 In order to show as many structural components of the relay structure 30 as possible, only the outer casing 41 is shown in cross-section. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 In the middle, cross-sections of the outer cover 41 are shown in different planes, showing the portion that is higher than the disc 17 and the portion that is lower.

[0058] <Inner Cover 31>

[0059] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the inner cover 31 is positioned further away from the boss portion 15 than the aforementioned turn switch 23. The inner cover 31 has an inner cylinder portion 32 and a first sidewall portion 34, and is entirely formed of an insulating material, such as resin. The inner cylinder portion 32 is cylindrical, extending in the direction along the second axis L2, and surrounds the disc-shaped portion 17. The first sidewall portion 34 is formed in an annular shape around the end of the inner cylinder portion 32 located away from the boss portion 15 in the direction along the second axis L2. The first sidewall portion 34 has an insertion hole portion 35 extending through in the direction along the second axis L2 (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 ).

[0060] A cable support portion 36 protruding toward the boss portion 15 is formed around the insertion hole portion 35 of the first side wall portion 34. The cable support portion 36 is shaped to divide the cylindrical component into two halves along the second axis L2, and opens toward the inner cylinder portion 32. The cable support portion 36 has an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the cable 52 described later. In addition, the length of the cable support portion 36 along the second axis L2 is set to the minimum length that can stop the first end 53 of the cable 52.

[0061] The inner cover 31 is fixed to the disc-shaped part 17 in the inner cylinder part 32 and rotates integrally with the disc-shaped part 17.

[0062] <Outer Cover 41>

[0063] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the outer cover 41 is positioned further away from the boss portion 15 than the aforementioned turn switch 23. The outer cover 41 has an outer cylindrical portion 42 and a second side wall portion 44 (see reference). Figure 2 The outer cylinder portion 42 extends along the second axis L2 and is coaxially disposed with the disc-shaped portion 17 and the inner cylinder portion 32. The outer cylinder portion 42 has a large diameter, which is slightly larger than that of the first sidewall portion 34. An annular receiving portion 47 is formed between the outer cylinder portion 42 and the inner cylinder portion 32.

[0064] The second sidewall portion 44 is formed at one of the two ends of the outer cylinder portion 42 along the direction of the second axis L2, near the end of the boss portion 15. The second sidewall portion 44 has a hole 45 and an insertion hole 46 that extend along the direction of the second axis L2 (both refer to...). Figure 2 A hole 45 is formed in the region including the center portion of the second sidewall portion 44. The hole 45 has a large diameter, slightly larger than that of the disc spoke portion 17. Moreover, the disc spoke portion 17 is inserted into the hole 45 in a rotatable manner. An insertion hole 46 is formed in the second sidewall portion 44 at a location that moves radially outward from the hole 45.

[0065] The annular protrusion 48 is formed along the entire circumference of the inner circumference surface 43 of the end portion 42 on the side away from the boss portion 15, slightly away from the end face 49 of that end portion towards the boss portion 15. The annular protrusion 48 has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the first sidewall portion 34. The area between the annular protrusion 48 and the end face 49 at the end portion 42 on the side away from the boss portion 15 constitutes an annular fitting portion 50. Furthermore, the first sidewall portion 34 fits into the fitting portion 50 of the outer cylinder portion 42.

[0066] The two ends of the annular receiving portion 47 along the direction of the second axis L2 are closed by the first side wall portion 34 and the second side wall portion 44.

[0067] The outer cover 41, which is surrounded by the inner cover 31, is fixed to the housing 24 of the turn signal switch 23. Alternatively, the outer cover 41 is indirectly fixed to the boss 15 via the housing 24 (see reference 15). Figure 2 ).

[0068] <Relay harness 51>

[0069] like Figures 3-6 As shown, a portion of the relay harness 51 consists of cables 52, the main part of which is arranged in the annular housing 47. The cables 52 bundle multiple wires used for power supply and signal communication.

[0070] The cable 52 has: a first end 53 on the side away from the boss portion 15; a second end 54 on the side closer to the boss portion 15; and a main body portion 55 located between the first end 53 and the second end 54. The main body portion 55 is the part that constitutes the main part of the cable 52. The main body portion 55 is wound into a coil shape by being wound around the inner tube portion 32 at least once to satisfy the following conditions.

[0071] Conditions: such as Figure 3 As shown, the inner diameter ID1 of the main body 55 is greater than the outer diameter OD2 of the inner cylinder 32, and the outer diameter OD1 of the main body 55 is smaller than the inner diameter ID2 of the outer cylinder 42.

[0072] Here, the inner diameter ID1 mentioned above is the inner diameter of the coil-shaped portion in the main body 55. Additionally, the outer diameter OD1 mentioned above is the outer diameter of the coil-shaped portion in the main body 55.

[0073] Furthermore, the main body 55 is wound around the inner cylinder 32 in a manner that satisfies the above conditions, whether it is at its maximum diameter reduction or maximum diameter expansion as the inner cover 31 rotates.

[0074] like Figures 3-6 As shown, the first end portion 53 extends along the second axis L2 away from the boss portion 15 by being partially disposed within the cable support portion 36. The first end portion 53 is fixed to the inner cover 31 in the state of being inserted into the insertion hole portion 35 of the first side wall portion 34. Multiple wires are respectively mounted on the first end portion 53 and the first terminal portion (not shown).

[0075] A first connector 57, forming part of a relay harness 51, is disposed at a location further away from the boss portion 15 than the first sidewall portion 34, and the first terminal portion of each wire is connected to the first connector 57. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the first connector 57 is connected to the aforementioned grip-side electronic device 27. Thus, multiple wires of the cable 52 are electrically connected to the grip-side electronic device 27 via the first terminal and the first connector 57.

[0076] The second end portion 54 extends along the second axis L2 toward the boss portion 15. The second end portion 54 is fixed to the outer cover 41 in the state of being inserted into the insertion hole portion 46 of the second side wall portion 44. Multiple wires are respectively installed on the second end portion 54 and the second terminal portion (not shown).

[0077] A second connector 58, forming part of the relay harness 51, is disposed closer to the boss portion 15 than the second sidewall portion 44. The second terminal portion of each wire is connected to the second connector 58. A portion of the second connector 58 is located within the housing 24 of the diverter switch 23 and is connected to the busbar 25. Thus, multiple wires of the cable 52 are electrically connected to the boss-side harness 21 via the second terminal portion and the second connector 58.

[0078] Next, the operation of this embodiment configured as described above will be explained. Furthermore, the effects that accompany this operation will also be explained.

[0079] <Regarding the miniaturization of the steering wheel 12>

[0080] (1-1) As Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the interior of the grip portion 19 is used as a space for arranging the inner cover 31, the outer cover 41, and the main body portion 55. Therefore, it is possible to miniaturize the steering wheel 12 along the direction of the second axis L2.

[0081] (1-2) In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the interior of the housing 24 of the turn signal switch 23 is used as a space for a portion of the boss-side wiring harness 21 and a portion of the second connector 58. Therefore, compared to the case where the entire boss-side wiring harness 21 and the entire second connector 58 are disposed outside the housing 24, the steering wheel 12 can be miniaturized.

[0082] <Regarding the reduction of load on the driver's wrists>

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown, when the vehicle is traveling straight, each disc spoke 17 and each handle 19 are located to the left and right of the boss 15. In addition, each handle 19 is in a neutral position in the rotational direction centered on the second axis L2.

[0084] If, from the aforementioned state, the driver applies a force to the two grips 19 to rotate them about the first axis L1, this force is transmitted to the steering shaft 11 via the spokes 17 and the boss 15. This transmission causes the two grips 19, the two spokes 17, the boss 15, and the steering shaft 11 to rotate about the first axis L1. The steering control device 10 operates to perform vehicle steering, changing the vehicle's direction of travel. As the grips 19 rotate about the second axis L2, each grip 19 rotates about the first axis L1.

[0085] (2-1) Thus, each grip portion 19 rotates about the second axis L2. Therefore, compared to when each grip portion 19 does not rotate about the second axis L2, the driver can rotate the steering wheel 12 about the first axis L1 by a large amount (greater than or equal to 90 degrees) while gripping each grip portion 19. The driver can avoid bending his wrists at an unnatural angle, and the load is not easily applied to the wrists.

[0086] <Regarding relaying via relay structure 30>

[0087] (3-1) such as Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the inner cover 31 (rotating cover) uses a structure having an inner cylinder portion 32 and a first side wall portion 34. Similarly, the outer cover 41 (fixed cover) uses a structure having an outer cylinder portion 42 and a second side wall portion 44. Furthermore, the inner cover 31 and the outer cover 41 are arranged coaxially with the disc-shaped portion 17. Therefore, it is possible to easily form an annular receiving portion 47 for accommodating the main body portion 55 of the cable 52.

[0088] (3-2) such as Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the first connector 57 is positioned further away from the boss portion 15 than the first sidewall portion 34. The first end 53 of the main body portion 55 of the cable 52, which is fixed to the inner cover 31 while inserted into the first sidewall portion 34, is connected to the first connector 57.

[0089] In this embodiment, the second connector 58 is positioned closer to the boss portion 15 than the second sidewall portion 44. The second end portion 54 of the main body portion 55, which is fixed to the outer cover 41 when inserted into the second sidewall portion 44, is connected to the second connector 58.

[0090] Therefore, the first connector 57 is connected to the electronic instrument 27 on the gripping side, and the second connector 58 is connected to the busbar 25 of the wiring harness 21 on the boss side. Through the above connection, the wiring harness 21 on the boss side and the electronic instrument 27 on the gripping side can be electrically connected via the second connector 58, the cable 52, and the first connector 57 constituting the relay wiring harness 51.

[0091] <Regarding the improvement of the durability of relay harness 51>

[0092] Along with the aforementioned rotation of the grip 19 during steering, the electronic instrument 27 on the grip side also rotates around the second axis L2. On the other hand, the boss 15 and the wiring harness 21 on the boss side do not rotate around the second axis L2.

[0093] Regarding the relay structure 30, the outer cover 41, which is indirectly fixed to the boss portion 15 via the turn switch 23, does not rotate about the second axis L2. In contrast, the inner cover 31, which is fixed to the disc-spoke portion 17, rotates together with the disc-spoke portion 17 about the second axis L2.

[0094] A force is applied to deform the main body 55 relative to the cable 52, which is fixed to the inner cover 31 at the first end 53 and to the outer cover 41 at the second end 54, as the inner cover 31 rotates as described above.

[0095] Here, assuming that if the aforementioned force is applied to the main body 55 to stretch it in the direction along the second axis L2 and to contract it in the same direction, the main body 55 will deform in the direction along the second axis L2. If this deformation causes the main body 55 to come into contact with surrounding components, the following phenomenon may occur. Surrounding components include, for example, the inner cylinder portion 32 of the inner cover 31, the first side wall portion 34, the outer cylinder portion 42 of the outer cover 41, the second side wall portion 44, etc.

[0096] The aforementioned concern is that the contact may shorten the length of the portion of the main body 55 that is potentially deformable, namely the portion between the contact portion and the first end 53, causing stress concentration in that portion. This stress concentration may lead to a decrease in the durability of the relay harness 51 and potential breakage.

[0097] Specifically, regarding the steering wheel 12 of this embodiment, during steering, the rotation frequency of the grip portion 19 is relatively high whenever it rotates around the first axis L1 and around the second axis L2. Consequently, the frequency at which a force is applied to the main body 55 to deform it is also relatively high. Therefore, the aforementioned durability of the relay wiring harness 51 is particularly likely to decrease.

[0098] (4-1) Regarding this point, in this embodiment, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the main body 55 of the cable 52 is wound into the inner tube 32 at least once. The first end 53 of the cable 52 is fixed to the inner cover 31, and the second end 54 is fixed to the outer cover 41.

[0099] Therefore, the main body 55, to which the aforementioned force is applied, deforms in a tightening direction (diameter reduction) or a loosening direction (diameter expansion) in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 32. For the main body 55 with such a diameter change, it is difficult to apply a force that stretches along the second axis L2 or a force that contracts in that direction. Furthermore, the inner diameter ID1 of the main body 55 is larger than the outer diameter OD2 of the inner cylinder 32, and the outer diameter OD1 of the main body 55 is smaller than the inner diameter ID2 of the outer cylinder 42. Therefore, even when the main body 55 is maximally reduced in diameter, it is difficult for it to contact the outer circumferential surface 33 of the inner cylinder 32. Similarly, even when the main body 55 is maximally expanded in diameter, it is difficult for it to contact the inner circumferential surface 43 of the outer cylinder 42.

[0100] Therefore, it is less likely to cause stress concentration in the main body 55 and wire breakage, thus improving the durability of the relay harness 51.

[0101] (4-2) such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the first end 53 of the cable 52 is fixed to the inner cover 31 in a state where it is inserted into the insertion hole 35 of the first side wall portion 34. In addition, the second end 54 of the cable 52 is fixed to the outer cover 41 in a state where it is inserted into the insertion hole 46 of the second side wall portion 44.

[0102] Therefore, the main body 55 can be positioned between the first side wall portion 34 and the second side wall portion 44. The main body 55 disposed in the annular receiving portion 47 can be kept separate from the inner cylinder portion 32 and the outer cylinder portion 42 and wound around the inner cylinder portion 32. Therefore, the effects described above (4-1) are more easily obtained.

[0103] (4-3) such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, a cable support portion 36 is formed on the first sidewall portion 34 and around the insertion hole portion 35. The cable support portion 36 is open toward the inner cylinder portion 32. Therefore, by covering the first end portion 53 from the outside in a direction orthogonal to the second axis L2 with the cable support portion 36, the radial movement of the first end portion 53 with the rotation of the inner cover 31 can be restricted. Therefore, in this respect, the durability of the first end portion 53 and even the relay harness 51 can be improved.

[0104] Furthermore, the length of the cable support portion 36 along the direction of the second axis L2 is only set to the length required to stop the first end 53. Therefore, the cable support portion 36 has a relatively small impact on the reduction and expansion of the diameter of the main body portion 55.

[0105] According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects described above, the following effects can also be obtained.

[0106] (5-1) such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, an annular receiving portion 47 is formed between the inner cover 31 and the outer cover 41, which are arranged coaxially with each other, and the main body portion 55 is disposed therein. If the description is changed, the main body portion 55 is surrounded by the inner cover 31 and the outer cover 41. Therefore, the main body portion 55 can be protected by the inner cover 31 and the outer cover 41.

[0107] (5-2) such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, multiple individual components such as the inner cover 31, the outer cover 41, and the relay harness 51 (cable 52, first connector 57, and second connector 58) are used, thereby enabling the relay structure 30 to be modularized. Therefore, the modularized relay structure 30 can be treated as a single assembly during installation and replacement, making it easier to handle.

[0108] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can also be implemented as variations modified as follows. The above-described embodiments and the following variations are implemented in combination with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0109] ·exist Figure 1 In this case, the electronic instrument 27 on the grip side can be provided only on a single grip 19. In this case, the number of relay structures 30 applied to the steering wheel 12 is one.

[0110] • There can be multiple electronic instruments 27 on the gripping side of a gripping part 19.

[0111] • The relay structure 3, which has an inner cover 31, an outer cover 41 and a main body 55, can be disposed outside the handle 19, for example, between the turn switch 23 and the handle 19.

[0112] Alternatively, only a portion of the aforementioned relay structure 30 may be disposed inside the holding portion 19. In this case, the aforementioned relay structure 30 is disposed across both the interior and exterior of the holding portion 19.

[0113] ·exist Figure 2 In the middle, the outer cover 41 can be directly fixed to the boss part 15 without going through the turn switch 23.

[0114] Conversely to the above embodiment, the first sidewall portion 3 of the inner cover 31 may be formed at the end of the inner cylinder portion 32 along the direction of the second axis L2, on the side closest to the boss portion 15. Furthermore, the second sidewall portion 44 of the outer cover 41 may be formed at the end of the outer cylinder portion 42 along the direction of the second axis L2, on the side furthest from the boss portion 15.

[0115] • The first end 53 of the cable 52 can be fixed to a location different from the first side wall portion 34, such as the inner tube portion 32, within the inner cover 31. Additionally, the second end 54 of the cable 52 can be fixed to a location different from the second side wall portion 44, such as the outer tube portion 42, within the outer cover 41.

[0116] • The outer cover 41 can be a rotating cover and fixed to the disc spoke portion 17. In addition, the inner cover 31 can be a fixed cover and directly or indirectly fixed to the boss portion 15.

[0117] • The aforementioned relay structure 30 can also be applied to the steering wheel of the steering control device of vehicles other than vehicles, such as airplanes and ships.

[0118] Explanation of the label

[0119] 11… Steering Axle

[0120] 12… Steering wheel

[0121] 15… Bossed section

[0122] 17…Disc spokes

[0123] 19…Control Department

[0124] 21… Side harness of the boss section

[0125] 23…Directional Switch

[0126] 24…shell

[0127] 27…Electronic instruments on the control side

[0128] 30…Relay Construction

[0129] 31…Inner cover (rotating cover)

[0130] 32…inner cylinder part

[0131] 34…First side wall portion

[0132] 41…Outer Cover (Fixed Cover)

[0133] 42...Outer cylinder part

[0134] 44…Second side wall portion

[0135] 47… Circular containment section

[0136] 51…Relay harness

[0137] 52… cable

[0138] 53…First end

[0139] 54…Second end

[0140] 55…Main Body

[0141] 57… Connector 1

[0142] 58…Second Connector

[0143] ID1, ID2…inner diameter

[0144] L1…First Axis

[0145] L2…Second Axis

[0146] OD1, OD2...outer diameter

Claims

1. A relay structure of a steering wheel applied to a steering wheel having a boss portion installed to a steering shaft rotating around a first axis in an integrally rotatable manner, a pair of spoke portions supported to the boss portion in a manner of rotating around a second axis extending from the boss portion to opposite directions from each other, and a grip portion fixed to each spoke portion, the relay structure electrically connecting a grip portion side electronic instrument provided to at least one of the grip portions and a boss portion side wire harness arranged at the boss portion, wherein the relay structure of the steering wheel has: an inner cover having an inner cylinder portion; an outer cover formed around the inner cylinder portion and having an outer cylinder portion forming a ring-shaped accommodation portion with the inner cylinder portion; and a relay wire harness having a cable of which a main portion is arranged at the ring-shaped accommodation portion, one of the inner cover and the outer cover is fixed to the spoke portion in which the grip portion provided with the grip portion side electronic instrument is fixed as a rotating cover, and the other is fixed to the boss portion directly or indirectly as a fixed cover, the cable has a first end portion connected to the grip portion side electronic instrument, a second end portion connected to the boss portion side wire harness, and a body portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, and is wound around the inner cylinder portion more than or equal to one time in a manner that an inner diameter thereof is larger than an outer diameter of the inner cylinder portion and an outer diameter thereof is smaller than an inner diameter of the outer cylinder portion, constituting the main portion, the first end portion is fixed to the rotating cover, and the second end portion is fixed to the fixed cover, and the inner cover, the outer cover, and the body portion of the relay wire harness are arranged inside the grip portion.

2. The relay structure of the steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein the rotating cover is constituted by the inner cover, and the fixed cover is constituted by the outer cover, and the inner cylinder portion of the inner cover is fixed to the spoke portion in a state of surrounding the spoke portion.

3. The relay structure of the steering wheel according to claim 2, wherein the inner cover further has a first side wall portion formed at an end portion of the inner cylinder portion on a side away from the boss portion among both end portions of the inner cylinder portion in a direction along the second axis, the outer cover further has a second side wall portion formed at an end portion of the outer cylinder portion on a side close to the boss portion among both end portions of the outer cylinder portion in the direction along the second axis, both end portions of the ring-shaped accommodation portion in the direction along the second axis are closed by the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion, and the first end portion of the cable is fixed to the inner cover in a state of being inserted into the first side wall portion, and the second end portion is fixed to the outer cover in a state of being inserted into the second side wall portion.

4. The relay structure of the steering wheel according to claim 3, wherein the relay wire harness further has a first connector connected to the grip portion side electronic instrument, and a second connector connected to the boss portion side wire harness. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The first connector is arranged at a position farther from the boss portion than the first side wall portion, and the second connector is arranged at a position closer to the boss portion than the second side wall portion, The first end portion is connected to the first connector, and the second end portion is connected to the second connector.

5. The relay structure of a steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein A steering switch is fixed to the boss portion so as to be arranged between the boss portion and the fixing cover, The fixing cover is fixed to a housing that constitutes a housing portion of the steering switch, A part of the wire harness on the boss portion side is arranged inside the housing.

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