Steering wheel

Abstract

The problem addressed by the present invention is to suppress peeling of the tip of an outer skin layer with respect to a steering wheel. A steering wheel is provided with: an illumination unit; an illumination arrangement unit in which the illumination unit is arranged; and an outer skin layer formed of a leather member. The lighting arrangement part is provided with a covering part which is covered by the outer leather layer and is provided with a concave part which accommodates the tail end part of the leather component and at least one part of the lighting part and is opened towards the outer side. The lighting unit has: a light-emitting unit; and a closing member which has the permeability of light emitted from the light-emitting part and closes the opening of the recessed part. The covering portion has: a recess side wall forming portion that forms a side surface of the recess; and a recess bottom wall forming portion forming a bottom surface of the recess. The tail end part of the leather component is continuously arranged along the concave part side wall forming part and the concave part bottom wall forming part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a steering wheel. Background Art

[0002] A steering wheel is known that is installed at a position where a component (hereinafter referred to as "illumination unit") that emits light such as visible light and infrared light can be visually confirmed by a driver. The steering wheel of Patent Document 1 has a structure in which an outer skin layer made of natural leather or the like is wrapped around the outer surface of a covering layer surrounding a core, and a lamp pole corresponding to the illumination unit is embedded in a recessed portion of the covering layer.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-113040 Summary of the invention

[0004] However, in the steering wheel of Patent Document 1, the end portion of the outer skin layer is simply bent at the opening end portion of the recess and arranged along the side wall of the recess. The structure of bonding the end portion to the side wall of the recess using an adhesive has a problem that the bonding margin is small and the outer skin layer is easily peeled off. In addition, the bend at the opening end portion of the recess is at a steep angle, so there is a problem that the outer skin layer (natural leather, etc.) must be restored by the restoring force of the outer skin layer to make it easy to peel off from the side wall of the recess. Therefore, in the steering wheel, a technology that can suppress the peeling of the end portion of the outer skin layer is desired.

[0005] The present invention is proposed to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems and can be implemented in the following manner.

[0006] (1) According to one embodiment of the present invention, a steering wheel is provided. The steering wheel comprises: a lighting unit that emits light; a lighting configuration unit that configures the lighting unit; and an outer skin layer that is formed of a leather component, wherein the lighting configuration unit comprises a covering unit that is covered by the outer skin layer and has a recessed portion that is open to the outside and accommodates the end portion of the leather component and at least a portion of the lighting unit, wherein the lighting unit comprises: a light emitting unit; and a sealing unit that has the transmittance of light emitted from the light emitting unit and seals the opening of the recessed portion, wherein the covering unit comprises: a recessed portion side wall forming unit that forms a side surface of the recessed portion; and a recessed portion bottom wall forming unit that forms a bottom surface of the recessed portion, wherein the end portion of the leather component is continuously arranged along the recessed portion side wall forming unit and the recessed portion bottom wall forming unit.

[0007] According to the steering wheel of this embodiment, the tip of the leather component is continuously arranged along the recess side wall forming portion and the recess bottom wall forming portion, so that the tip can be arranged along the wall surface of the recess longer than in a structure in which the tip is arranged only along the recess side wall forming portion, and the tip can be prevented from peeling off from the wall surface of the recess. In addition, in the case of a structure using an adhesive, compared with a structure in which the tip is only bonded to the recess side wall forming portion using an adhesive, a larger amount of adhesive can be applied, and the tip can be prevented from peeling off, and the bonding operation can be performed easily.

[0008] (2) In the steering wheel of the above aspect, the recess may have a shape in which a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the depth direction of the recess gradually decreases as it moves away from the opening in the depth direction of the recess.

[0009] According to the steering steering wheel of this method, the recess has a shape in which the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the depth direction gradually decreases as it moves away from the opening along the depth direction of the recess. Therefore, compared with a structure in which the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the depth direction is the same at any position along the depth direction of the recess, or a structure in which the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the depth direction increases as it moves away from the opening along the depth direction, excessive bending of the outer leather layer at the opening end can be suppressed, and peeling of the end portion of the outer leather layer caused by the restoring force of the leather component can be further suppressed.

[0010] (3) Based on the steering wheel of the above-mentioned embodiment, the closing component may include: an outer surface forming portion which continuously forms the outer surface of the steering wheel with the outer leather layer; and a protruding portion which protrudes from the inner side surface of the outer surface forming portion opposite to the recess in the depth direction of the recess, and the front end of the protruding portion contacts the terminal end of the leather component arranged on the bottom wall forming portion of the recess.

[0011] According to the steering wheel of this aspect, since the front end of the protrusion of the closing member contacts the end portion of the leather member disposed in the recessed bottom wall forming portion, the protrusion can press the end portion to further suppress the end portion from peeling off.

[0012] (4) In the steering wheel of the above aspect, no adhesive member may be disposed between the distal end portion of the leather member and the recess side wall forming portion and the recess bottom wall forming portion.

[0013] According to the steering wheel of this embodiment, no adhesive member is arranged between the end portion of the leather component and the recess side wall forming portion and the recess bottom wall forming portion, so the manufacturing process of the steering wheel can be simplified. In addition, even if an adhesive is not used, the end portion can be prevented from peeling off according to the shape of the recess.

[0014] (5) Based on the steering wheel of the above-mentioned embodiment, the lighting portion may further include a light-guiding portion, which guides the light emitted from the light-emitting portion, and at least a portion of the light-guiding portion is accommodated in the recessed portion, at least a portion of the light-guiding portion close to the closing portion is arranged in the recessed portion along the depth direction, and the protruding portion is arranged to surround the light-guiding portion.

[0015] According to the steering steering wheel of this method, at least a portion of the light guide portion close to the closing component is arranged in the recess along the depth direction, and the protrusion is arranged to surround the light guide portion, so that the protrusion can be used to suppress the displacement of the portion of the light guide portion that is present in the recess, and the emission of light from an unpredicted position of the light guide portion can be suppressed.

[0016] (6) In the steering wheel of the above aspect, the edge of the outer surface forming portion may be in contact with the leather member covering the end of the opening.

[0017] According to the steering wheel of this aspect, since the edge of the outer surface forming portion contacts the leather member covering the end portion of the opening, the outer surface forming portion presses the leather member to further suppress the end portion of the leather member from peeling off.

[0018] The present invention can be implemented in various forms other than a steering wheel, for example, in a method for manufacturing a steering wheel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a plan view showing the appearance of a steering wheel as one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 It is a plan view showing the external appearance of the steering wheel in a state where a sealing member and a light guide portion are removed.

[0021] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view showing the detailed structure of the lighting unit and the lighting configuration unit.

[0022] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the detailed structure of the front side of the sealing component.

[0023] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a steering wheel.

[0024] Figure 6 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a detailed structure of the vicinity of the recessed portion according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the detailed structure of the rear side of the lighting arrangement portion according to the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a steering wheel according to a second embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 9 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a detailed structure of the vicinity of the recessed portion according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] A. First Implementation Method:

[0029] A1. Overall structure of the steering wheel 100:

[0030] Figure 1 1 is a top view showing the appearance of a steering wheel 100 as one embodiment of the present invention. The steering wheel 100 is disposed in a driver's seat of a vehicle for use. Examples of vehicles include vehicles equipped with an engine, hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), battery electric vehicles (BEV), fuel cell vehicles (FCV), etc. The steering wheel 100 is a part of a steering control device operated by a driver of the vehicle. Figure 1 1 shows a steering wheel 100 connected to the steering shaft SH in the vehicle and in a state when the vehicle is moving straight (hereinafter also referred to as a "reference state"). Figure 1 , the external appearance structure of the steering wheel 100 on the side opposite to the driver (the "rear" side described later) is shown. The steering wheel 100 is configured to be rotatable about the axis AX of the steering shaft SH. The rotation of the steering wheel 100 is transmitted to a steering gear box (not shown) via the steering shaft SH.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the direction along the axis AX of the steering shaft SH is referred to as the "front-rear direction" (front and rear) in association with the traveling direction of the vehicle. In addition, the direction that overlaps with the vertical direction (vertically upward and vertically downward) as viewed from the driver among the directions orthogonal to the axis AX is referred to as the "upward and downward direction". In addition, the direction that is parallel to the left-right direction (width direction) of the vehicle among the directions orthogonal to the axis AX is referred to as the "left-right direction".

[0032] The steering wheel 100 includes an annular grip portion 110 , a boss portion 130 disposed substantially at the center of the grip portion 110 , three spoke portions 120 , and a lighting portion 200 disposed at a portion of the grip portion 110 .

[0033] The grip portion 110 is gripped by the driver when operating the steering wheel 100. In the present embodiment, the shape of the grip portion 110 is approximately annular. The central axis of the grip portion 110 coincides with the axis line AX of the steering shaft SH. In addition, the shape of the grip portion 110 may be replaced by an approximately annular shape and may be any shape such as a polygon, an ellipse, or may be an asymmetric shape such as a so-called D-shape. Furthermore, the shape of the grip portion 110 is not limited to an annular shape, but may be any shape formed by a plurality of components disposed at positions separated from each other. As described later, the grip portion 110 is constructed such that a plurality of components overlap in the thickness direction. The outermost layer is formed by an outer skin layer (an outer skin layer 80 described later), which is formed by a leather component. In Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, a recess (recess C1 described later) for receiving a part of the lighting unit 200 is formed in a part of the upper side of the holding unit 110 in the reference state of the holding unit 110. A part of the lighting unit 200 is received in the recess C1. In other words, the lighting unit 200 is embedded in the recess C1. Moreover, the opening of the recess C1 is blocked by the lighting unit 200.

[0034] The three spokes 120 connect the grip 110 and the boss 130. The boss 130 corresponds to the connection portion when the steering wheel 100 is connected to the steering shaft SH. The boss 130 contains a folded airbag and an inflator, both of which are not shown. In addition, the boss 130 can also contain a temperature adjustment circuit constituting a heater device, and various sensor devices for detecting room temperature based on the grip of the grip 110 by the user. Various operation buttons for operating a navigation device, an audio device, etc. mounted on the vehicle can be provided on the three spokes 120 and the boss 130.

[0035] The lighting unit 200 emits light. In the present embodiment, the light emitted by the lighting unit 200 is visible light and infrared light (infrared rays). By emitting visible light from the lighting unit 200, various information can be notified to the driver. For example, by emitting light of various colors or flashing light, any information can be notified to the driver. Specifically, by emitting red light, the driver can be prompted to hold the steering wheel. In addition, by emitting infrared light from the lighting unit 200, a part of the driver's body can be beautifully photographed using an infrared camera in a dark vehicle interior at night.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the appearance of the steering wheel with the sealing member 10, the light guide 20, and the lighting arrangement 40 removed. As described later, in the lighting section 200, the light-transmitting sealing member 10 is arranged at a position opposite to the driver, and the light guide 20 and the lighting arrangement 40 described later are arranged in front of the sealing member 10. Figure 2Schematically shows the steering wheel 100 in a state where the sealing member 10, the light guide portion 20, and the lighting arrangement portion 40 are removed.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, if the sealing member 10, the light guide 20 and the lighting configuration part 40 are removed, the light emitting part 30, which is one of the elements constituting the lighting part 200, is exposed. The light emitting part 30 has: a substrate 31; a plurality of first LEDs 32, which are mounted on the substrate 31; and a plurality of second LEDs 33, which are mounted on the substrate 31. The substrate 31 has an arc-shaped and band-shaped appearance shape that is curved along the circumferential direction of the grip 110 (hereinafter referred to as "circumferential direction") as viewed from the driver. In addition, the radial direction (the direction orthogonal to the axis AX) of the grip 110 is also referred to as "radial direction" below. The plurality of first LEDs 32 are arranged at a predetermined distance apart from each other along the circumferential direction at a position close to the end of the lower side of the rear side surface of the substrate 31. The first LED 32 emits visible light. In this embodiment, as the first LED 32, a visible light LED that can emit red light, green light and blue light is used. The plurality of second LEDs 33 form two groups g1 and g2 that are arranged separately from each other. Each group g1, g2 is composed of a plurality of second LEDs 33 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Both groups g1, g2 are arranged at positions close to the upper end of the rear side surface of the substrate 31. The two groups g1, g2 are arranged separately from each other with the plurality of first LEDs 32 interposed therebetween when viewed in the circumferential direction.

[0038] A2. Detailed structure of the lighting unit 200 and the lighting configuration unit 40:

[0039] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view showing the detailed structure of the lighting unit 200 and the lighting arrangement unit 40 . Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the detailed structure of the front side of the closing member 10. Figure 5 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the steering wheel 100. Figure 5 It is shown in Figure 2 The VV section is shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 As shown, the lighting unit 200 has a sealing member 10 and a light guide 20 in addition to the light emitting unit 30. The lighting unit 200 has a structure in which the light emitting unit 30, the light guide 20 and the sealing member 10 are assembled and integrated with each other in the front-rear direction via a lighting arrangement portion 40.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the closing member 10 includes an outer surface forming portion 11 , a surrounding portion 12 , and a plurality of engaging walls 15 . Figure 5The outer surface forming portion 11 shown forms the outer surface of the steering wheel 100 continuously with the outer skin layer 80. As with the substrate 31 described above, the outer surface forming portion 11 has an arc-shaped and band-shaped appearance shape that is curved along the circumferential direction of the grip portion 110 when viewed from the driver. The outer surface forming portion 11 has the transmittance of visible light and infrared light. In the present embodiment, the outer surface forming portion 11 has a transmittance of about 25% for visible light and a transmittance of about 90% for infrared light. In addition, the transmittances of visible light and infrared light are arbitrary values ​​higher than 0%, respectively. In the present embodiment, the outer surface forming portion 11 and the black outer skin layer 80 are formed of a black transparent synthetic resin. In addition to the protection function of the light emitting portion 30, the outer surface forming portion 11 also has a function of limiting the area through which the visible light emitted from the first LED 32 is transmitted (in other words, a function of covering the area where the light is not intended to be emitted), and a function of deflecting the emission direction of the infrared light emitted from the second LED 33 in a manner toward the rear side and above the driver's side. Furthermore, the outer surface forming portion 11 may have a function of diffusing the visible light emitted from the first LED 32 .

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the surrounding portion 12 is provided on the front side surface (inner side surface) of the outer surface forming portion 11. When the surrounding portion 12 is in a state where the lighting portion 200 is assembled (hereinafter also referred to as “assembled state”), the surrounding portion 12 is configured to Figure 3 and Figure 5 The light guide receiving portion 41 shown in the figure is protruding from the recessed portion C1 of the lighting configuration portion 40 to the rear side, and a part of the light guide portion 20 received in the light guide receiving portion 41 is surrounded. The recessed portion C1 has a groove-like structure that is open on the front surface of the lighting configuration portion 40 and extends in the circumferential direction. The protruding portion 13 corresponding to the radial side wall in the surrounding portion 12 protrudes from the front side surface of the outer surface forming portion 11, in other words, the inner side surface, in the depth direction of the recessed portion C1. In this embodiment, the "depth direction of the recessed portion C1" refers to the depth direction of the recessed portion C1. Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 It is clearly shown that the front-to-back direction is substantially consistent. Hereinafter, the "depth direction of the concave portion C1" is also referred to as the "depth direction". Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of engagement holes 14 are formed in the protruding portion 13. In the assembled state, the engagement claws 44 (see Figure 3 ) is engaged with the engagement hole 14. Such engagement is realized as a so-called buckle. Figure 4 As shown, the plurality of engagement walls 15 have a thin wall-like appearance shape protruding forward and are provided with engagement holes. In the assembled state, the engagement walls 15 are configured to engage with the engagement walls 45 (refer to Figure 3) contact. And, in the assembled state, the engagement claw provided on the engagement wall 45 engages with the engagement hole of the engagement wall 15. Such engagement is also realized as a so-called snap fit.

[0042] The light guide 20 guides the light emitted from the light emitting unit 30. Specifically, the visible light emitted from the plurality of first LEDs 32 of the light emitting unit 30 is guided toward the sealing member 10 from behind. Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the light guide 20 has an L-shaped cross-sectional shape along the axis AX. In addition, the light guide 20 has an arc-shaped appearance when viewed from the driver, corresponding to the configuration position of the plurality of first LEDs 32. The light guide 20 has a shape in which the first light guide 21 and the second light guide 22 are connected to each other at the deflection portion 23. Figure 5 As can be clearly seen from the cross-sectional view shown, the visible light emitted from the first LED 32 is incident upwards into the first light guide portion 21. The visible light incident into the first light guide portion 21 is reflected on the inner side surface of the first light guide portion 21 while being directed upwards, deflected backwards by the deflection portion 23 and guided toward the second light guide portion 22. Furthermore, the visible light is reflected on the inner side surface of the second light guide portion 22 while being directed backwards, and is emitted from the rear end surface of the second light guide portion 22 toward the sealing component 10 (outer surface forming portion 11). Figure 5 As shown, in the assembled state, the second light guide 22 is accommodated in the recess C1. On the other hand, in the assembled state, the first light guide 21 and the deflection portion 23 are located in front of the lighting arrangement portion 40 and are not accommodated in the recess C1.

[0043] The lighting unit 200 is disposed in the lighting configuration unit 40. Specifically, the lighting configuration unit 40 holds the light guide unit 20 and the light emitting unit 30 at the front side thereof, and holds the sealing member 10 at the rear side thereof. Figure 3 As shown, the lighting configuration part 40 has a circular arc curved along the circumferential direction and a band-like appearance when viewed from the driver. In the present embodiment, the lighting configuration part 40 is configured as a single component formed of ABS resin. In addition, it can be configured as a single component formed of polycarbonate (PC) instead of ABS resin or on the basis of ABS resin. In addition, it can be configured as a composite component composed of a plurality of components. As described above, a concave portion C1 that is continuous in the circumferential direction is formed on the surface on the front side of the lighting configuration part 40. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , on the front side of the lighting arrangement portion 40, a covering portion 42 is provided on the upper side and the lower side via the recess C1 so as to be continuous in the circumferential direction. Figure 5As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the covering portion 42 has an acute angle between the upper and lower surfaces across the top 43. The covering portion 42 is covered by an outer skin layer 80 described later. The lighting arrangement portion 40 is also referred to as a holding member or a base member.

[0044] In the recessed portion C1, a through hole penetrating in the thickness direction is formed in a portion corresponding to the light guide portion 20. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second light guide portion 22 of the light guide portion 20 is inserted into such a through hole. Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 2 , the light guide receiving portion 41 is provided in the recess C1 so as to surround the through hole into which the second light guide portion 22 is inserted. Figure 4 Similar to the surrounding portion 12 of the sealing member 10 shown in FIG. 1 , the light guide receiving portion 41 is formed to protrude forward so as to surround the through hole and the second light guide portion 22 inserted into the through hole. Figure 3 As shown, the light guide receiving portion 41 has an appearance shape of a flat cylinder bent in an arc shape. As described above, a plurality of engaging claws 44 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the light guide receiving portion 41. Such engaging claws 44 engage with the engaging holes 14 of the sealing member 10 in the assembled state. In addition, the detailed structure of the recess C1 will be described later.

[0045] A3. Detailed structure of the holding portion 110:

[0046] The cross-sectional structure of the holding portion 110 other than the portion where the lighting unit 200 is installed is different from that of the portion where the lighting unit 200 is installed. Figure 5 The cross-sectional structure of the portion of the lighting unit 200 shown is different, but the other structures are the same.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, the grip portion 110 includes a core 50 , a core body portion 60 , a component layer 70 , the lighting arrangement portion 40 , and an outer skin layer 80 .

[0048] The core bone 50 is made of metal, and is a component that serves as the skeleton of the holding portion 110. In the present embodiment, the core bone 50 is made of an aluminum alloy. In addition, the core bone 50 may be formed of any type of metal such as a magnesium alloy or steel instead of the aluminum alloy. The core body portion 60 is configured to cover the entire core bone 50 to form the core of the holding portion 110. The core body portion 60 is formed of a soft synthetic resin having a cushioning property. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the core body portion 60 is formed of a soft foam material such as foamed polyurethane. The component layer 70 partially covers the core body portion 60. The component layer 70 is a layer provided with a heating wire constituting a heater device and an electrode for detecting holding. For example, it is formed of a conductive cloth to which a surface treatment such as carbon coating or metal plating is applied to a fiber cloth. As Figure 5As shown, in the portion where the lighting unit 200 is mounted on the gripping portion 110, the component layer 70 also covers a portion of the lighting configuration portion 40. The outer surface of the component layer 70 and a portion of the outer surface of the lighting configuration portion 40 form a continuous curved surface. The outer skin layer 80 continuously covers the outer surface of the component layer 70, the outer surface of the covering portion 42 of the lighting configuration portion 40, and the inner side of the recess C1 of the lighting configuration portion 40. Figure 5 As shown, the end portion 81 of the leather component constituting the outer skin layer 80 is accommodated in the recess C1. The detailed structure of the covering portion 42 and the end portion 81 will be described later. The outer skin layer 80 is formed by a leather component. In this embodiment, the leather component is composed of natural leather such as top-grade leather and split leather split from top-grade leather. In addition, the leather component can be composed of any type of leather material such as synthetic leather, artificial leather, etc. instead of natural leather.

[0049] A4. Manufacturing method of steering wheel 100:

[0050] A method for manufacturing the steering wheel 100 having the above-mentioned structure is described. First, a core bone 50 is formed. A core body portion 60 and a component layer 70 are formed in a manner that surrounds the core bone 50. Hereinafter, the component obtained in this way is referred to as a "steering wheel material". The formation of the steering wheel material can be achieved, for example, by two-color molding. Different from the formation of the steering wheel material, the lighting unit 200 is installed on the lighting configuration portion 40. In addition to the above-mentioned buckle, the lighting unit 200 can be installed on the lighting configuration portion 40 by screws. Hereinafter, the component in the assembled state of the lighting configuration portion 40 and the lighting unit 200 is referred to as a "lighting auxiliary component". Next, the lighting auxiliary component is fastened to the core bone 50 by screws. In this way, the steering wheel material and the lighting auxiliary component are integrated. In addition, in Figure 5 , a cross section of a portion without fastening screws is shown. In this way, by fastening the lighting auxiliary component and the core metal 50 to each other using screws, the heat generated by the light emission of the light emitting unit 30 can be conducted to the core metal 50, and excessive heating of the lighting unit 200 can be suppressed. Next, the leather component is wound around the outer surface of the component in which the steering wheel material and the lighting auxiliary component are integrated to form an outer skin layer 80. For example, the outer skin layer 80 can be formed by winding a plurality of leather components in the circumferential direction. Next, an adhesive is applied to the wall surface of the recess C1, and the terminal portion 81 of the outer skin layer 80 is bent along the shape of the covering portion 42 and accommodated in the recess C1, so that the terminal portion 81 is adhered to the wall surface of the recess C1. Next, the closing component 10 is embedded in the recess C1. In addition, in addition to the above process, there is also a process of accommodating an airbag or an inflator not shown in the figure in the boss portion 130, etc., and the description of these processes is omitted.

[0051] A5. Detailed structure of the terminal end portion 81 of the recess C1:

[0052] Figure 6 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a detailed structure of the concave portion C1 and the vicinity of the first embodiment. Figure 6 The enlarged view shows Figure 5 The area Ar1 is shown by the dotted line in the figure. As described above, in the lighting configuration portion 40, a recess C1 is formed in the covering portion 42. The covering portion 42 has: a recess side wall forming portion S1, which forms the upper and lower side walls of the recess C1; and a recess bottom wall forming portion S2, which forms the bottom surface of the recess C1. In the present embodiment, the recess side wall forming portion S1 is formed parallel to the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the recess C1 orthogonal to the depth direction is the same at any position along the depth direction. The recess bottom wall forming portion S2 is formed parallel to the up-down direction. Therefore, the angle formed by the recess side wall forming portion S1 and the recess bottom wall forming portion S2 is 90 degrees in the present embodiment.

[0053] The outer skin layer 80 is arranged in contact with the outer surface of the covering portion 42 to cover the covering portion 42. Figure 6 As shown, the terminal portion 81 of the outer skin layer 80 (leather component) is bent at the top 43 of the covering portion 42 and accommodated in the recess C1. The terminal portion 81 is continuously arranged along the recess side wall forming portion S1 and the recess bottom wall forming portion S2. Therefore, the terminal portion 81 is bent at approximately 90 degrees in the recess C1. In the present embodiment, the terminal portion 81 is bonded to the recess side wall forming portion S1 by an adhesive. In addition, the terminal portion 81 is bonded to the recess bottom wall forming portion S2 by an adhesive. The terminal portion 81 is arranged not only along the recess side wall forming portion S1 but also along the recess bottom wall forming portion S2, thereby making it possible to make the terminal portion 81 longer along the wall surface. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the terminal portion 81 from peeling off from the wall surface constituting the recess C1. Furthermore, the terminal portion 81 is bonded not only to the recess side wall forming portion S1 but also to the recess bottom wall forming portion S2 by an adhesive, thereby further suppressing the terminal portion 81 from peeling off.

[0054] The upper and lower edges 11e of the outer surface forming portion 11 are in contact with the outer skin layer 80 (leather component) covering the top portion 43. More specifically, the edge 11e of the outer surface forming portion 11 presses the leather component toward the top portion 43. In addition, the front end portion of the protruding portion 13, that is, the front end 13e, is in contact with the terminal portion 81 disposed in the recessed bottom wall forming portion S2. More specifically, the front end 13e of the protruding portion 13 presses the leather component toward the recessed bottom wall forming portion S2. Thus, the terminal portion 81 of the leather component is pressed against the covering portion 42 by the closing member 10, so that the terminal portion 81 can be prevented from peeling off.

[0055] According to the steering wheel 100 of the first embodiment described above, the terminal portion 81 of the outer skin layer 80 (leather component) is continuously arranged along the recessed side wall forming portion S1 and the recessed bottom wall forming portion S2. Therefore, compared with a structure in which the terminal portion 81 is arranged only along the recessed side wall forming portion S1, the terminal portion 81 can be arranged longer along the wall surface of the recessed portion C1, and the terminal portion 81 can be prevented from peeling off from the wall surface of the recessed portion C1. In addition, compared with a structure in which the terminal portion 81 is bonded only to the recessed side wall forming portion S1 by an adhesive, the coating margin of the adhesive can be greatly ensured, the terminal portion 81 can be prevented from peeling off, and the bonding operation can be easily performed.

[0056] In addition, since the tip of the protrusion 13 of the closing member 10 (enclosing portion 12) contacts the terminal portion 81 of the leather member arranged in the recessed bottom wall forming portion S2, the terminal portion 81 can be pressed by the protrusion 13 to further suppress the terminal portion 81 from peeling off.

[0057] In addition, the second light guide portion 22 in the light guide portion 20 is arranged along the depth direction in the recess C1, and the protrusion 13 is arranged to surround the second light guide portion 22. Therefore, the protrusion 13 can be used to suppress the displacement of the second light guide portion 22 and suppress the emission of visible light from an unpredicted position of the second light guide portion 22.

[0058] Furthermore, since the edge 11e of the outer surface forming portion 11 contacts the leather member (outer leather layer 80) covering the opening end of the recess C1, the outer surface forming portion 11 can press the leather member to further suppress the end portion 81 of the leather member from peeling off.

[0059] In addition, regarding the closing member 10, the engaging hole 14 provided in the protruding portion 13 and the engaging claw 44 provided in the lighting arrangement portion 40, 40a (light guide receiving portion 41) are fixed by a buckle, so the greater the width of the closing member 10 in the vertical direction, the greater the length of the recess bottom wall forming portion S2 in the vertical direction can be ensured. Therefore, the length along the recess bottom wall forming portion S2 can be further increased at the terminal portion 81.

[0060] B. Second Implementation Method:

[0061] Figure 7It is a perspective view showing the detailed structure of the rear side of the lighting configuration part 40a of the second embodiment. The steering wheel 100a of the second embodiment is different from the steering wheel 100 of the first embodiment in that the lighting configuration part 40a is used instead of the lighting configuration part 40, and the terminal part 81 of the outer skin layer 80 is not bonded to the covering part 42 by an adhesive. The other structures of the steering wheel 100a of the second embodiment are the same as those of the steering wheel 100 of the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same structural elements and their detailed descriptions are omitted. The lighting configuration part 40a is different from the lighting configuration part 40 of the first embodiment in that a recess C1a is formed instead of the recess C1. The other structural elements of the lighting configuration part 40a are the same as those of the lighting configuration part 40 of the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same structural elements and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0062] Figure 8 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a steering wheel 100a according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 Zhongyu Figure 5 Similarly, it is shown that Figure 2 A cross section at the same position as the VV cross section shown. Fig. 9 : is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the detailed structure of the concave portion C1a and the vicinity of the second embodiment. More specifically, Fig. 9 The enlarged view shows Figure 8 The area Ar2 is shown by the dotted line.

[0063] like Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 As shown, in the lighting arrangement portion 40a of the second embodiment, the covering portion 42 has a recessed side wall forming portion S1a instead of the recessed side wall forming portion S1, and has a recessed bottom wall forming portion S2a instead of the recessed bottom wall forming portion S2. The recessed side wall forming portion S1a of the second embodiment is different from the recessed side wall forming portion S1 of the first embodiment, and is not parallel to the front-to-back direction. Specifically, in the area Ar2, the recessed side wall forming portion S1a is formed as an inclined surface that gradually faces downward as it approaches the front. As a result, the recessed bottom wall forming portion S2a of the second embodiment is configured so that the length in the direction parallel to the up-down direction is shorter than that of the recessed bottom wall forming portion S2 of the first embodiment.

[0064] The recess side wall forming portion S1a and the recess bottom wall forming portion S2a have the above-mentioned structure, so that the recess C1a of the second embodiment has a shape in which the cross-sectional area orthogonal to the depth direction (front-back direction) gradually decreases as the recess C1a moves away from the opening of the recess C1a in the depth direction. Figure 6 and Fig. 9As can be clearly seen from the comparison, the cross-sectional shape of the front end of the rear of the covering portion 42, that is, the vicinity of the top 43, is not sharp but blunt compared with the cross-sectional shape of the first embodiment. In other words, in the steering wheel 100a of the second embodiment, the angle formed by the two sides extending from the top 43 is larger than that of the steering wheel 100 of the first embodiment. According to this structure, the restoring force generated by the terminal portion 81 that is bent at the top 43 and along the recessed side wall forming portion S1a can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the terminal portion 81 from peeling off. Furthermore, the above-mentioned restoring force can be suppressed, so even if the terminal portion 81 and the recessed side wall forming portion S1a are not bonded by an adhesive, and even if the terminal portion 81 and the recessed bottom wall forming portion S2a are not bonded by an adhesive, it is possible to suppress the terminal portion 81 from peeling off from the recessed side wall forming portion S1a and the recessed bottom wall forming portion S2a.

[0065] The steering wheel 100a of the second embodiment described above can achieve the same effects as the steering wheel 100 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the recess C1a has a shape in which the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the depth direction gradually decreases as it moves away from the opening in the depth direction. Therefore, compared with a structure in which the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the depth direction is the same at any position along the depth direction of the recess, or a structure in which the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the depth direction increases as it moves away from the opening in the depth direction, it is possible to suppress excessive bending of the outer skin layer 80 at the end of the opening, and further suppress peeling of the terminal portion 81 of the outer skin layer 80 (leather component) caused by the restoring force of the leather component.

[0066] In addition, no adhesive member is disposed between the terminal end 81 of the outer skin layer 80 (leather component) and the recessed side wall forming portion S1a and the recessed bottom wall forming portion S2a, so that the manufacturing process of the steering wheel 100a can be simplified. Moreover, even if an adhesive is not used, the shape of the recessed portion C1a can be used to suppress the peeling of the terminal end 81 as described above.

[0067] C. Other implementations:

[0068] (C1) In each embodiment, the front end 13e of the protrusion 13 is in contact with the portion of the terminal portion 81 along the recessed bottom wall forming portion S2, S2a, but the front end 13e may be separated from the terminal portion 81. Similarly, in each embodiment, the edge 11e of the outer surface forming portion 11 is in contact with the outer skin layer 80 (leather component) covering the top portion 43, but the edge 11e may be separated from the outer skin layer 80 (leather component). Even in such a structure, the terminal portion 81 is arranged not only along the recessed side wall forming portion S1, S1a but also along the recessed bottom wall forming portion S2, S2a, so that the terminal portion 81 can be prevented from peeling off.

[0069] (C2) In each embodiment, the covering portion 42 including the recessed portions C1 and C1a has the lighting arrangement portions 40 and 40a, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the lighting arrangement portions 40 and 40a may be omitted, and the shape of the core portion 60 may be changed so that the core portion 60 has the functions of the lighting arrangement portions 40 and 40a, and the core portion 60 has the covering portion 42 and the recessed portions C1 and C1a are formed in the core portion 60. In such a structure, the core portion 60 is equivalent to the lighting arrangement portion of the present invention.

[0070] (C3) In each embodiment, the lighting configuration part 40, 40a is provided on the grip part 110, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the following structure may be adopted, that is, the lighting configuration part 40, 40a is provided on any part of the steering wheel 100 such as the boss part 130 and the spoke part 120. In this case, the shape and structure of the lighting part 200 may be appropriately changed according to the size and shape of the place where the lighting configuration part 40, 40a is provided. In addition, the position of the lighting configuration part 40, 40a is preferably a position that can be directly visually confirmed by the driver. However, for example, when the light emitted from the lighting part 200 is reflected on the surface of any part in the vehicle, such as the surface of the instrument panel, and such reflected light can be visually confirmed by the driver, the position of the lighting configuration part 40, 40a may be a position that cannot be directly visually confirmed by the driver.

[0071] (C4) The structure of the steering wheel 100, 100a in each embodiment is only an example and various changes can be made. For example, in each embodiment, the light guide portion 20 can be omitted. In addition, in each embodiment, the protrusion 13 can be omitted. In addition, in each embodiment, any one of the plurality of first LEDs 32 and the plurality of second LEDs 33 can be omitted. In addition, the substrate 31 is located in front of the lighting configuration portion 40, 40a, but can be located in the rear instead. In addition, only the second light guide portion 22 in the light guide portion 20 is accommodated in the recessed portion C1, C1a, but on the basis of the second light guide portion 22, at least a portion of the first light guide portion 21 and the deflection portion 23 can be accommodated in the recessed portion C1, C1a.

[0072] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be implemented in various structures within the scope of the main purpose. For example, the technical features in each embodiment corresponding to the technical features in the method described in the invention content column can be appropriately replaced or combined in order to solve part or all of the above-mentioned problems or achieve part or all of the above-mentioned effects. In addition, if the technical feature is not described as an indispensable technical feature in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0073] Description of the label

[0074] 10…sealing member, 11…outer surface forming portion, 11e…edge, 12…enclosing portion, 13…protruding portion, 13e…front end, 14…engaging hole, 15…engaging wall, 20…light guide portion, 21…first light guide portion, 22…second light guide portion, 23…deflecting portion, 30…light emitting portion, 31…substrate, 32…first LED, 33…second LED, 40…illumination configuration portion, 40a…illumination configuration portion, 41…light guide accommodating portion, 42…covering portion, 43…top portion, 44…engaging claw, 45…engaging wall, 50… Core bone, 60…core body, 70…component layer, 80…skin layer, 81…terminal portion, 100…steering wheel, 100a…steering wheel, 110…handling portion, 120…spoke portion, 130…boss portion, 200…illumination portion, AX…axis line, Ar1…area, Ar2…area, C1…recess, C1a…recess, S1…recess side wall forming portion, S1a…recess side wall forming portion, S2…recess bottom wall forming portion, S2a…recess bottom wall forming portion, SH…steering shaft, g1…group, g2…group

Claims

1. A steering wheel, wherein: The steering wheel has: an illumination portion that emits light; A lighting configuration unit, which is used to configure the lighting unit; as well as an outer skin layer, which is formed of leather components, The lighting arrangement portion includes a covering portion, which is covered by the outer skin layer and has a recessed portion that is open to the outside and accommodates the end portion of the leather component and at least a part of the lighting portion. The lighting unit comprises: a light emitting portion; and a sealing member having a property of transmitting the light emitted from the light emitting portion and sealing the opening of the recessed portion, The covering portion includes: a recessed portion side wall forming portion, which forms a side surface of the recessed portion; and a recessed portion bottom wall forming portion, which forms a bottom surface of the recessed portion. The terminal end portion of the leather member is disposed continuously along the recess side wall forming portion and the recess bottom wall forming portion.

2. The steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein: The recess has a shape in which a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the depth direction of the recess gradually decreases as the area moves away from the opening in the depth direction of the recess.

3. The steering wheel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The closing member comprises: an outer surface forming portion which continuously forms the outer surface of the steering wheel with the outer skin layer; and a protrusion that protrudes from an inner side surface of the outer surface forming portion opposite to the concave portion in a depth direction of the concave portion, The front end of the protrusion is in contact with the terminal end of the leather member disposed in the recess bottom wall forming portion.

4. The steering wheel according to claim 3, wherein: No adhesive member is disposed between the distal end portion of the leather member and the recess side wall forming portion and the recess bottom wall forming portion.

5. The steering wheel according to claim 3, wherein: The lighting unit further includes a light guide unit that guides the light emitted from the light emitting unit, and at least a portion of the light guide unit is accommodated in the recessed portion. At least a portion of the light guide portion close to the sealing member is arranged in the recess along the depth direction. The protruding portion is configured to surround the light guiding portion.

6. The steering wheel according to claim 3, wherein: The edge of the outer surface forming portion is in contact with the leather member covering the end of the opening.

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