STEERING WHEEL

Abstract

Steering wheel (1) for a vehicle, comprising a rim (40) adapted to be grasped and turned by a driver for steering purposes, a hub section (3) arranged in a vicinity of the center of the rim (40), and a spoke section (10) connecting the hub section (3) and the rim (40), where the spoke section (10) has a left spoke-forming area (12L) and a right spoke-forming area (12R) which extend backwards and to the left and right of the hub section (3) in such a way that they point away from each other; Each of the spoke-forming areas (12L, 12R) has on its upper side a hand support area (13L, 13R) designed to support a palm (DP) of the driver; Each of the palm rest areas (13L, 13R), as viewed from above, exhibits: a front edge area (15) which is located in a front end area of ​​the hand support area (13L, 13R) and which extends straight in a left and right direction from the hub section (3) and continues to the rim (40); an inner rim region (20) extending rearward from a region of the hub section (3) at the rear of a hub-side end (15b) of the front rim region (15); and a rear edge region (25) located in a rear end region of the hand rest area (13L, 13R) and on the rear of the front edge region (15), extending straight outwards in the left and right directions from a rear end (20a) of the inner edge region (20), then extending towards an outer end (15a) of the front edge region (15) and continuing to the rim (40); wherein each of the hand support areas (13L, 13R) further comprises on a surface therein between an upper edge (16) of the front edge area (15) and an upper edge (26) of the rear edge area (25) a palm resting surface (33) adapted to support at least one upper palm area (DPF) of the driver when his palm (DP) is placed on the hand support area (13L, 13R), and which is formed in a curved surface which, in a cross-sectional shape as taken along a front and rear direction, arches upwards; and wherein each of the hand rest areas (13L, 13R) further comprises a thumb-storing space (35) for storing a thumb (F0) of the driver on an inside of a vertical inner surface (23) of the inner rim area (20) which extends flat downwards from an upper edge (21) to a lower edge (22) of the inner rim area (20), the front edge area (15) of each of the hand rest areas (13L, 13R) has a downwardly sloping surface (18) that curves gently forward and downward from the upper edge (16) of the front edge area (15) towards a lower edge (17) of the front edge area (15), the rear edge area (25) of each of the hand rest areas (13L, 13R) has a vertical surface (28) that extends flat from an upper edge (26) to a lower edge (27), and in each of the hand rest areas (13L, 13R) at least one area is located in a vicinity of an intersection (30) of the upper edge (26) of the rear edge area (25) and the upper edge (21) of the inner edge area (20) further up than a top (41) of the rim (40).

Description

BACKGROUND 1. TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates to a steering wheel on which the driver can rest his hands. 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0002] JP 2015-067101 A discloses a known steering wheel comprising a rim adapted for gripping by the driver for steering, a hub generally located in the center of the rim, and three spokes connecting the rim and the hub. The spokes are configured to extend from the hub to the left, right, and rearward, and each has a spoke-shaped area on which one or more switches of an audio device or similar are arranged.

[0003] In the steering wheel described above, the spoked areas are not designed in such a way that the driver can rest their hands on them, as the switches for the audio system or similar devices are located on these spoked areas. However, when a vehicle is driving autonomously, continuously gripping the rim can tire the driver. It would be desirable for steering wheels to be designed in such a way that they allow the driver to rest their hands on them.

[0004] Further steering wheels are known from DE 10 2008 048 078 A1, JP S62-55 263 A, US 464 595 S, and US 578 940 S. US 470 445 S describes a steering wheel with two vertical lateral grip areas, a hub, and essentially horizontal connecting areas between the hub and the grip areas. The hub is positioned further forward than the vertical lateral grip areas. The grip areas are connected to the hub at their upper and lower ends via the essentially horizontal and forward-extending connecting areas. SUMMARY

[0005] Based on the prior art, the invention is based on the objective of providing a steering wheel that allows a driver to rest his hands on it and that allows the driver to quickly move his hands back to gripping areas of the rim when needed.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention with a steering wheel having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] A steering wheel according to the invention for a vehicle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment has a rim adapted to be gripped by a driver for steering, a hub section arranged in a vicinity of a center of the rim, and a spoke section connecting the hub section and the rim.

[0008] The spoke section has a left spoke-shaped area and a right spoke-shaped area that extend backward and to the left and right of the hub section in such a way that they point away from each other. Each of the spoke-shaped areas has a hand rest area on its upper surface, upon which the rider can rest their palm and surroundings.

[0009] As viewed from above, each of the hand rest areas has: a front edge area located in a front end region of the hand rest area, which generally extends straight in a left and right direction from the hub section and continues to the rim; an inner rim area, which generally extends straight rearward from a region of the hub section at the rear of a hub-side end of the front rim area; and a posterior border area located in a posterior end region of the palmar rest area and at the rear of the anterior border area, generally extending straight and in the left and right directions from a posterior end of the inner border area outwards, then extending towards an outer end of the anterior border area and continuing to the rim.

[0010] Each hand rest area has, on its surface between an upper edge of the front rim area and an upper edge of the rear rim area, a palm rest area adapted to support at least the upper part of the rider's palm when the rider's palm is placed on the hand rest area. Each hand rest area further has a thumb-stowing space for stowing the rider's thumb on an inner surface of the inner rim area, extending downwards from an upper edge of the inner rim area.

[0011] The front edge of each hand rest area has a downward-sloping surface that curves gently forward and downward from the top edge towards the bottom edge. The inner edge of each hand rest area has a vertical surface that extends flat from the top edge to the bottom edge. The rear edge of each hand rest area has a vertical surface that extends flat from the top edge to a bottom edge.

[0012] With the steering wheel designed as described above, if the vehicle is switched to automated driving mode, for example, and the driver wishes to rest their hands, they can place their palms on the palm rest surfaces of the left and right hand rest areas. At least the balls of the hands (upper palms) are then supported by these palm rest surfaces, and the driver's thumbs are stored in the thumb resting spaces adjacent to the palm rest surfaces on their inner sides. This means that if the driver places their left and right palms, slightly rolled and facing downwards, on the palm rest surfaces of the left and right hand rest areas, their thumbs, extending from the palms, automatically fit into the thumb resting spaces, allowing the driver to rest and relax their hands.For example, if an emergency occurs during automated driving that requires manual steering, the driver must remove their hands from the hand rest areas and move them back to the grip areas of the rim. At this point, the driver is able to move their hands quickly with the steering wheel in accordance with the exemplary embodiment, since the hand rest areas are located in the spoke-shaped areas of the spoke section that connects the hub section and the rim, that is, close to the grip areas of the rim.

[0013] Consequently, the steering wheel of the exemplary embodiment provides hand areas on which the driver can rest his hands, and also allows the driver to quickly move his hands back to the grip areas when necessary.

[0014] In the steering wheel described above, the front edge of each of the hand rest areas can be configured such that the upper edge has a length within a range of 80 to 150 mm and extends diagonally rearward from the hub section in both the left and right directions. Simultaneously, the angle of intersection between the upper edge of the front edge area and the upper edge of the rear edge area can be within a range of 25 to 35°. The angle of intersection between the upper edge of the inner edge area and the upper edge of the rear edge area can be within a range of 90 to 160°.

[0015] The average palm width of a typical rider is approximately 79.8 mm. This means that the upper edge of the front rim of each hand rest area is larger than this. Consequently, each hand rest area is suitable for comfortably accommodating the palm. Furthermore, since the length of the upper edge of the front rim is no greater than 150 mm, the outer dimensions of the rim are not unnecessarily large.

[0016] An average angle of intersection of a straight line connecting the second joints of the fingers of a normal rider's hand (i.e., index, middle, ring, and little fingers) and a boundary line of the palm (upper part of the hand) on a side facing away from the viewer, relative to the fingers, is approximately 30°. This falls within the range of 25° to 35° of the angle of intersection of the upper edges of the front and rear rim sections. Furthermore, the upper edge of the front rim extends diagonally rearward from the hub section in both the left and right directions. This design allows the rider to rest their palms on the palm rest surfaces of the hand support area with the palms (upper part of the hand) positioned along the left and right sides, while distant parts of the fingers (i.e.,The index, middle, ring, and little fingers bend downwards at the second joints along the upper edge of the front edge. In other words, the driver is able to rest their palms on the palm resting surfaces, generally along the front and back, with the fingers slightly bent and the palms facing down; consequently, the driver is able to relax.

[0017] Furthermore, the angle of intersection between the upper edges of the inner rim and the rear end can be within a range of 90° to 160°. The range of motion of a typical rider's thumb relative to the palm is 160° in three dimensions, which is the sum of an approximately 90° limit angle of bending towards the palm and an approximately 70° limit angle of bending away from the palm. That is, the angle of intersection between the upper edges of the inner rim and the rear end is no greater than this. With this design, when the rider places their palms on the palm rest surfaces, their thumbs are automatically stowed in the thumb-storing spaces without the need for forceful bending.Furthermore, since the angle of intersection between the upper edges of the inner rim area and the rear rim area is no less than 90°, the rider would be able to easily place the inner surfaces (padded sides) of their thumbs onto the inner surfaces of the inner rim areas by moving each thumb towards the palm and then lowering the thumb into the thumb-storing space. By bringing the inner surfaces of the thumbs into light contact with the inner surfaces of the inner rim area, the rider would be able to stow their thumbs in the thumb-storing spaces in a more suitable manner and, consequently, would be able to relax with their palms resting on the hand rest areas.

[0018] In the steering wheel described above, the palm rest area of ​​each hand rest is formed in a curved shape that arches upwards in a cross-sectional form taken along the front and rear directions. The palm rest area, which has this shape, will fit the palm of the hand and will consequently enable the driver to rest their palms on the palm rest areas with a feeling of stability.

[0019] Furthermore, each of the hand rest areas described above is designed such that at least one area in a vicinity of an intersection of the upper edges of the rear edge area and the inner edge area is arranged further up than a top surface (upper surface) of the rim.

[0020] When a rider places their palms on the palm rest areas, a region of the upper palm rests on the area where the upper edges of the rear and inner rims overlap. Then, when the rider removes their hands from the palm rest areas and grasps the grip areas of the rim, if the area where the upper edges of the rear and inner rims overlap is located higher than the top of the rim in each palm rest area, the fingers will be less likely to strike the rim compared to a case where the area where the upper edges of the rear and inner rims overlap is located lower than the top of the rim.This means the rider is able to move their hands from the hand rest areas to the grip areas of the rim with minimal risk of injury between their fingers and the rim. This will be suitable for an emergency requiring a quick movement.

[0021] The steering wheel described above can also be designed such that the grip areas of the rim, to be grasped by the driver, are arranged to the left and right of the hub section, and that the left and right grip areas generally extend straight forward from the outer front ends of the left and right hand rest areas, each at an angle such that the grip areas converge. The angle of inclination, relative to the front and rear, is in the range of 10 to 20°.

[0022] In this configuration, when the driver grips the left and right handlebars, their upper arms and elbows are held close to their sides. This posture allows for fine control of the steering angle compared to a situation where the driver's arms are further away from their sides. Consequently, this configuration will be suitable for a steering system for a vehicle where a small change in the steering angle of a steering wheel significantly alters the rudder angle of the wheels.

[0023] Each grip area can have a wide section on the inside of its front end, projecting towards the hub section and increasing the gripping area. This design allows the rider to place their thumbs on the upper surfaces of these wide sections. This increased thumb contact area, crucial for both gripping and steering, enables precise steering. Therefore, this design is also suitable for a steering system in a vehicle where a small change in the steering angle would significantly alter the wheel rudder angle.

[0024] The steering wheel can further be designed such that each of the grip areas has a generally oval cross-sectional shape in an intermediate region in the front and rear directions. An angle of the long axis of the oval cross-sectional shape with respect to a straight line extending in an upper and lower direction along a central steering axis is located in the region of 5 to 15°, such that an apex on the upper side of the grip area is directed towards the hub section.

[0025] In this configuration, when the rider grips the left and right handlebars, their upper arms and elbows are brought close to their sides. This position allows for finer control of the steering angle compared to a position where the rider's arms are further away from their sides.

[0026] Each grip area may also feature a raised section that is slightly raised on the upper surface at the rear of the intermediate area, both in the front and rear directions of the grip area. These raised sections will fit snugly against the palms of the rider's hands when gripping the handlebars. Consequently, the rider will be able to grip the handlebars for steering with a feeling of security and stability.

[0027] Each of the grip areas may further feature a flange-like section raised on the upper surface of the rear end. When the rider grasps the left and right grip areas, they are able to place portions of their palms, specifically the base of the little fingers, on these flange-like sections. The flange-like sections support the palms and reduce the weight of the hands, which would otherwise be borne solely by the arms. Consequently, this design will alleviate hand strain and facilitate steering. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a steering wheel according to the invention in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the steering wheel from Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a side view of the steering wheel. Fig. 1 as mounted on board. Fig. Figure 4 is a front view of the steering wheel as seen from a horizontal direction. Fig. Figure 5 is a top view of the steering wheel as mounted on board. Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a hand rest area, extending along line VI-VI from Fig. 5 has been taken. Fig. Figure 7 is a top view of the steering wheel, showing how a driver can easily grip the hand rest areas. Fig. 8A, Fig. 8B, Fig. 8C and Fig. 8D represents the palm, thumb and fingers of the driver, as well as the range of motion of the thumb. Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a grip area of ​​the steering wheel, extending along line IX-IX. Fig. 1 is taken. Fig. Figure 10 is a sectional view of the steering wheel grip area, extending along line XX. Fig. 5 has been taken. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0029] Referring to Fig. 1 to 5 a steering wheel 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment has a rim 40 adapted to be gripped and turned by a driver, a hub section 3 arranged in a vicinity of the center of the rim 40 and a spoke section 10 connecting the hub section 3 and the rim 40.

[0030] The hub section 3 is adapted to be connected to a steering shaft (not shown) and has a cushioning area 5 located at the top and a lower cover 6 located at the bottom, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the steering wheel 1 is designed such that a central steering axis 4 passes through the hub section 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the tilt angle (or "column angle") is Fig. 3) θc of the central steering axis 4 with reference to the horizontal plane 25.3°. The spoke section 10 has two spoke-shaped areas 12 (12L, 12R) extending rearward from the left and right sides of the hub section 3 in such a way that they point away from each other. The rim 40 is formed in an inverted U-shape around the hub section 3 in such a way that it connects the front ends 12a of the left and right spoke-shaped areas 12L and 12R. The rim 40 has left and right grip areas 42 (42L, 42R) arranged to the left and right of the hub section 3 for gripping and steering, and has a crossbar area 52 connecting the front end areas 42a of the left and right grip areas 42L and 42R.

[0031] In this description, an up and down direction of the steering wheel is understood to refer to an up and down direction extending along the central steering axis 4. A front and rear direction is understood to refer to a front and rear direction perpendicular to the central steering axis 4, and a left and right direction is understood to refer to a left and right direction perpendicular to the central steering axis 4.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the width WL in a front and rear direction of the steering wheel 1 is approximately 220 mm, the width WB in a left and right direction of the steering wheel 1 is approximately 370 mm, the width WF between the centers of the area of ​​the front end region 42a of the grip area 42L and 42R is approximately 260 mm, and the width RW of a center area of ​​each of the grip areas 42L and 42R is approximately 31 mm.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the spoke section 10 and the rim 40 of the steering wheel 1 consist of a core (not shown) extending from the hub section 3 and made of an aluminum alloy or similar material, and a sheathing layer made of urethane or similar material covering the core.

[0034] The left and right spoke-shaped sections 12L and 12R extend rearward and to the left and right from the hub section 3 in such a way that they point away from each other. Each of the spoke-shaped sections 12L and 12R has a left and right hand rest area 13L / 13R on its upper surface, upon which the rider can place their left and right palms DP and their surroundings. Each of the left and right hand rest areas 13L and 13R is surrounded by a front edge area 15, an inner edge area 20, and a rear edge area 25, as viewed from above.

[0035] Each of the front edge regions 15 is arranged in a front end region of the left and right hand support regions 13L and 13R, respectively, and generally extends straight in the left and right directions from the hub section 3 and continues to a rear end 42b of the grip region 42. Each of the inner edge regions 20 extends rearward (more precisely, rearward and outward in the left and right directions, in this specific embodiment) generally straight from a region of the hub section 3 at the rear of a hub-side end 15b of the front edge region 15. Each of the rear edge regions 25 is arranged in a rear end region of the left and right hand support regions 13L and 13R, respectively, and generally extends straight and outward in the left and right directions from the rear end 20a of the inner edge region 20 at the rear of the front edge region 15.The rear edge area 25 then extends towards an outer end 15a of the front edge area 15 and continues to the rear end 42b of the grip area 42L, 42R of the wreath 40.

[0036] A surface extension of each of the left and right hand support areas 13L, 13R between an upper edge 16 of the front edge area 15 and an upper edge 26 of the rear edge area 25 serves as a hand support surface 33 which is adapted to cover at least one area of ​​the palm (in other words, an upper palm area) DPF (see Fig. 8B) of the rider when his palm DP is placed on the left or right hand support area 13L, 13R. An inner surface 23 of the inner edge area 20, extending downwards from an upper edge 21, provides in its interior a thumb-storing space 35 for storing a thumb F0 of the rider.

[0037] The left and right hand support areas 13L and 13R are symmetrical on both sides around the hub section 3. The following description refers to the right hand support area 13R, which is representative of hand support area 13, and a description of the left hand support area 13L is omitted.

[0038] The front edge area 15 has a downwardly sloping surface 18 ( Fig. 6) which curves gently forward and downward from the upper edge 16 towards the lower edge 17. The inner edge region 20 has a vertical inner surface 23 ( Fig. 4) which generally extends flat from the upper edge 21 to the lower edge 22, and the rear edge area 25 also has a vertical surface 28 ( Fig. 4), which generally extends flat from the upper edge 26 to the lower edge 27.

[0039] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the upper edge 16 of the front edge region 15 has a length LF of approximately 90 mm, which lies within a range of 80 to 155 mm. The angle θ1 of the upper edge 16 with respect to both a left and a right direction passing through the hub section 3 is approximately 30°. That is, the front edge region 15 is designed such that the upper edge 16 extends diagonally backward. The angle θ1 of the upper edge 16 can be appropriately selected within a range of 0 to 45°.

[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the angle of intersection θ2 between the upper edge 16 of the front edge region 15 and the upper edge 26 of the rear edge region 25 is approximately 30°, which lies within a range of 25° to 35°. Furthermore, the angle of intersection θ3 between the upper edge 21 of the inner edge region 20 and the upper edge 26 of the rear edge region 25 is approximately 150°, which lies within a range of 90° to 160°.

[0041] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the palm resting surface 33 of the hand support area 13 is formed in a curved surface that arches upwards in a cross-sectional view taken along a front and back direction (more precisely, a curved surface with a bending radius AR of approximately 75 to 90 mm). This curved surface is designed to fit together with the palm DP, as if it were rolled up.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the width LHI is ( Fig. 5) The width LHO of a hub-side region of the hand rest area 13, as viewed from above, is approximately 80 mm, while the width LHO of a rim-side region, as viewed from above, is approximately 44 mm. The palm rest surface 33 has a generally pentagonal shape, with a width in the front and rear directions of a root-side region 13b of the hand rest area 13 being greater than that of a front-end region 13a of the hand rest area 13, and the upper edge 26 of the rear edge region 25 extending in the left and right directions.

[0043] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the hand rest area 13 is designed such that an area in the vicinity of an intersection 30 of the upper edge 26 of the rear edge area 25 and the upper edge 21 of the inner edge area 20 is arranged further up than a top surface 41 of the rim 40. In the embodiment shown, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the general entirety of the palm resting area 33 has the upper edge 26 of the rear edge region 25 and, except for a hub-side area of ​​the hand support area 13, is arranged further up than the upper surface 41 of the rim 40.

[0044] Referring to Fig. 1. The left and right grip areas 42 (42L, 42R) of the rim 40 are designed such that they extend forward from outer regions in the left and right directions of the left and right hand support areas 13 (13L, 13R) generally at an angle θ4 such that the grip areas 42L, 42R converge. The inward inclination angle θ4 of each of the grip areas 42 (42L, 42R) is approximately 15°, which is within a range of 10 to 20° with respect to the front and rear directions.

[0045] Each of the grip areas 42 (42L, 42R) has a wide area 45 on the inside of the front end region, projecting towards the hub section 3 and increasing the graspable area of ​​the grip area 42. Each wide area 45 is formed in a trapezoidal plate, where a width W1 of the front end region 45b is approximately 36 mm, a width W2 of the root region 45c is approximately 45 mm, which is larger than that of the front end region 45b, and a projecting width W3 is approximately 34 mm, as shown in Fig. 1 shown. A top surface 45a of the area 45 with a large width has such an area that accommodates a normal rider's thumb F0 when gripping the grip areas 42 (42L, 42R) with the palm DP and fingers F1, F2, F3 and F4 (i.e. index finger F1, middle finger F2, ring finger F3 and little finger F4).

[0046] Each grip area 42 (42L, 42R) has a length GL of approximately 140 mm in the front and rear directions ( Fig. 1) and has a generally oval cross-sectional shape at an intermediate region 42c in the anterior and posterior directions, as shown in Fig. 9 can be seen. The oval cut shape is such that an angle θx of the long axis LX of the cut shape, running from a bottom towards a top 42d (in other words, an angle θx of the long axis LX of the oval cut shape with respect to a straight line extending in an up-and-down direction along the central steering axis 4), is approximately 8°, which is within a range of 5 to 16°, so that a region of a vertex 42e of the top 42d of the grip area 42 is directed towards the hub section 3.

[0047] Furthermore, the diameter Dh of a cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate region 42c along the long axis LX is approximately 39 mm, and the diameter Db of the cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate region 42c along the short axis SX is approximately 31 mm, which generally corresponds to the width RW of the grip area 42 described above.

[0048] Each of the grip areas 42 (42L, 42R) further has a raised area 48 which is convex with slight curvature on the top side 42d of a region on the back side of the intermediate region 42c, as shown in Fig. Figure 10 shows the raised area 48 having a front end 48a, a rear end 48b, and a central area 48c located between the front end 48a and the rear end 48b, projecting relative to the front end 48a and the rear end 48b. The projecting height TP of the central area 48c with respect to the front end 48a and the rear end 48b is approximately 2.5 mm. The length LP of the raised area 48 between the front end 48a and the rear end 48b is approximately 64 mm.

[0049] Each of the grip areas 42 (42L, 42R) further has a flange-like area 50 which is raised in the upper surface 42d of the rear end 42b, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 10 can be seen.

[0050] As with double-dipped lines in Fig. As indicated in Figure 1, a rider, while riding, grasps the left and right grip areas 42 (42L, 42R) with their left and right hands DH. More precisely, the rider places their left and right thumbs F0 of hands DH on the tops 45a of the wide areas 45 and grasps the left and right grip areas 42 (42L, 42R) with their palms DP and fingers F1, F2, F3 and F4 (i.e. index finger F1, middle finger F2, ring finger F3 and little finger F4).

[0051] When the vehicle switches to automated driving mode and the driver wishes to rest their hands DH, they can place the palms DPF (i.e., the upper palm areas) in their palms DP on the palm rest surfaces 33 of the left and right hand rest area 13 (13L, 13R), as shown in Fig. 7 can be seen.

[0052] At this point, at least the driver's palms (upper palm areas) DPF are supported by the palm rest surfaces 33, and the driver's thumbs F0 are stowed in the thumb-storing spaces 35, which adjoin the palm rest surfaces 33 on their inner surfaces. That is, when the driver places their left and right palms DP, slightly rolled and facing downwards, on the palm rest surfaces 33 of the left and right hand support area 13 (13L, 13R), their thumbs F0, extending from the palms DP, automatically fit into the thumb-storing spaces 35, allowing the driver to rest their hands and relax. In the event that, for example,If an emergency occurs during automated driving that requires manual handling of the steering wheel 1, the driver must move their hands DH away from the hand rest areas 13 (13L, 13R) and back to the grip areas 42 (42L, 42R) of the rim 40. With the steering wheel 1 of the illustrated embodiment, the driver is able to move their hands DH quickly because the hand rest areas 13 (13L, 13R) are located in the spoke-shaped areas 12 (12L, 12R) of the spoke section 10 that connects the hub section 3 and the rim 40, i.e., close to the grip areas 42 (42L, 42R) of the rim 40.

[0053] Consequently, the steering wheel 1 of the illustrated embodiment provides the hand rest areas 13 on which the driver can rest his hands DH and also allows the driver to move his hands DH from the hand rest areas 13 and quickly grasp the grip areas 42 (42L, 42R) of the rim 40 when necessary.

[0054] In the steering wheel 1 of the illustrated embodiment, the front edge region 15 of each of the left and right hand rest regions 13 (13L, 13R) is designed such that the upper edge 16 extends diagonally rearward from the hub section 3 in the left and right directions, and the length LF of the upper edge 16 is approximately 90 mm, which lies within a range of 80 to 150 mm. The angle of intersection θ2 of the upper edge 16 of the front edge region 15 and the upper edge 26 of the rear edge region 25 is approximately 30°, which lies within a range of 25 to 35°. Furthermore, the angle of intersection θ3 of the upper edge 21 of the inner edge region 20 and the upper edge 26 of the rear edge region 25 is approximately 150°, which lies within a range of 90 to 160°.

[0055] An average width PW ( Fig. 8A) The palm diameter DP of a normal rider is approximately 79.8 mm. The upper edge 16 of the front edge area 15 is longer than this, with a length LF of 90 mm, which is within a range of 80 to 150 mm. Consequently, each of the left and right hand support areas 13L and 13R, respectively, is suitable for easily accommodating the palm diameter DP with the palm resting surface 33. Furthermore, the length LF, which is not greater than 150 mm, does not make the outer dimension (width) WB of the rim unnecessarily large.

[0056] An average cutting angle θP ( Fig. 8B) of a straight line L2 connecting the second joints of the fingers (i.e., index finger F1, middle finger F2, ring finger F3, and little finger F4) of the hand DH of a normal driver and a boundary line L1 of the palm (upper palm area) DPF on a side of the fingers facing away from the viewer, is approximately 30°, thus falling within the range of 25 to 35° of the intersection angle θ2 of the upper edge 16 of the front edge area 15 and the upper edge 26 of the rear edge area 25. Furthermore, the upper edge 16 of the front edge area 15 extends diagonally to the left and right from the hub section 3 at an angle θ1 of approximately 30° to the rear. This design allows the driver to place his palms DP on the palm rest surfaces 33 of the left and right hand support areas 13L, 13R with the palm areas DPF resting along the left and right directions, while distant parts of the fingers (i.e.The index finger (F1), middle finger (F2), ring finger (F3), and little finger (F4) are bent downwards beyond the second joints at the upper edge 16 of the anterior border area 15. In other words, the driver is able to place and rest his palms DP on the palm rest surfaces 33, generally along the front and back directions, with fingers F1, F2, F3, and F4 slightly bent and palms DP facing downwards; consequently, the driver is able to relax.

[0057] Furthermore, the intersection angle θ3 of the upper edge 21 of the inner edge region 20 and the upper edge 26 of the rear edge region 25 is approximately 150°, which lies within a range of 90 to 160°. A range of motion of the thumb F0 of a normal driver with respect to the palm DP is 160°, three-dimensionally, which is a sum of a limiting angle θv of approximately 90° ( Fig. 8C) a bending angle in the direction of the palm DP and a limiting angle θw of approximately 70° ( Fig. 8D) of an angle moving away from the palm DP. That is, the angle of intersection θ3 of the upper edge 21 of the inner edge region 20 and the upper edge 26 of the rear edge region 25 is not greater than this. In this embodiment, if the driver places his palms DP on the palm rest surfaces 33, his thumbs F0 are automatically stowed in the thumb-storing spaces 35 without having to be forcibly bent. Furthermore, since the angle of intersection θ3 of the upper edge 21 of the inner edge region 20 and the upper edge 26 of the rear edge region 25 is not less than 90°, the driver would be able to use the inner surfaces (padding sides) F0I of the thumbs F0 ( Fig. 7B) to place lightly on the vertical walls or the inner surfaces 23 of the inner edge regions 20 when he moves each of the thumbs F0 towards the palm DP and moves the thumb F0 downwards to stow it in the thumb-storing space 35. By bringing the inner surfaces F0I of the thumbs F0 into light contact with the vertical inner surfaces 23 of the inner edge region 20, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the driver would be able to stow his thumbs F0 in the thumb-storing spaces 35 in an even more suitable manner and would consequently be able to relax with his palms DP resting on the left and right hand resting areas 13L and 13R, respectively.

[0058] In the preceding embodiment, as in Fig. 6 shows the palm resting surface 33 of each left or right hand support area 13L, 13R formed in a curved surface which, in a cross-sectional shape, as taken along the front and rear directions, is curved upwards (more precisely a curved surface with a bending radius AR of approximately 75 to 90 mm).

[0059] The palm rest surface 33, which has such a shape, will fit together with the palm DP, and consequently the driver will be able to rest his palm DP on the palm rest surfaces 33 with a feeling of stability.

[0060] Furthermore, in each left or right hand support area 13L, 13R in the preceding embodiment, at least the area in a vicinity of the intersection 30 of the upper edge 26 of the rear edge area 25 and the upper edge 21 of the inner edge area 20 is arranged further up than the top 41 of the rim 40.

[0061] When a driver places their palms DP on the palm rest areas 33, an area of ​​each of the upper palm areas DPF rests in a region of the palm DPM on the region of the intersection 30 of the upper edge 26 of the rear edge region 25 and the upper edge 21 of the inner edge region 20. Then, when the driver removes their hands DH from the left and right palm rest areas 13L and 13R, respectively, and grasps the grip areas 42L and 42R of the rim 40, the region of the intersection 30 of the upper edge 26 of the rear edge region 25 and the upper edge 21 of the inner edge region 20 is positioned higher than the top 41 of the rim 40 in each of the left and right palm rest areas 13L and 13R, respectively.With right hand support areas 13L, 13R, it is less likely that fingers F4, F3, F2, and F1 will collide with the rim 40 compared to a case where the area surrounding the intersection 30 of the upper edge 26 of the rear edge area 25 and the upper edge 21 of the inner edge area 20 (i.e., the area from each of the upper palm areas DPF in the vicinity of the palm DPM) is located further down than the top 41 of the rim 40. This means the driver is able to move their hands DH from the left and right hand support areas 13L, 13R to the grip areas 42L, 42R of the rim 40 with little fear of collision between fingers F4, F3, F2, and F1 and the rim. This will be suitable for an emergency requiring rapid movement.

[0062] In the steering wheel 1 of the preceding embodiment, the grip areas 42L, 42R of the rim 40, which are to be grasped by the driver, are arranged to the left and right of the hub section 3, and the left and right grip areas 42L, 42R extend from the outer front ends 13a of the left and right hand rest areas 13L, 13R generally straight forward, each with such an angle of inclination θ4 ( Fig. 1) that the grip areas 42L, 42R converge. The tilt angle θ4 with respect to the front and rear directions is approximately 15°, which is within a range of 10 to 20°.

[0063] With this configuration of the grip areas 42L, 42R, when the driver grips the left and right grip areas 42L, 42R, their upper arms and elbows are brought into contact with their side. This driver posture allows for fine control of the steering angle compared to a situation where the driver's arms are away from their side. Consequently, this configuration will be suitable for a steering system for a vehicle where a small change in the steering angle of the steering wheel significantly alters the rudder angle of the wheels.

[0064] If the angle of inclination θ4 of each of the grip areas 42L, 42R, which are inclined towards their counterpart, is greater than 20°, the rider's elbows are likely to point / extend away from their side. If the angle θ4 is less than 10°, even though the rider's elbows are held close to their side, one of the rider's wrists, positioned in the direction in which the ring 40 rotates, is likely to be significantly twisted. This will make steering difficult.

[0065] Furthermore, in the steering wheel 1 of the preceding embodiment, each of the grip areas 42L, 42R has, on the inside of the front end region 42a, the area 45 with a large width, which projects towards the hub section 3 and increases a graspable area of ​​the grip area 42L, 42R, as shown in Fig. 1 shown.

[0066] In this configuration, the driver is able to place their thumbs F0 on the upper surface 45a of area 45 with a large width. This configuration increases the contact area of ​​the thumbs F0, which plays a significant role in both gripping and steering, and will consequently enable precise control of the steering wheel. Accordingly, this configuration will also be suitable for a steering system for a vehicle where a small change in the steering angle of a steering wheel significantly alters the rudder angle of the wheels.

[0067] In the steering wheel 1 of the preceding embodiment, each of the grip areas 42L, 42R has a generally oval cut shape at the intermediate area 42c of the front and rear directions, and the tilt angle θx ( Fig. 9) the long axis LX of the oval cut shape with reference to the straight line extending in the top-and-bottom direction along the central steering axis 4 is 8°, which is within a range of 5 to 15°, so that the area of ​​the vertex 45e of the top 42d of the grip area 42 is directed towards the hub section 3.

[0068] In this configuration, when the rider grips the left and right handlebars 42L and 42R, their upper arms and elbows are held close to their sides. This riding position allows for finer control of the steering angle compared to when the rider's arms are away from their sides.

[0069] If the tilt angle θx is less than 5°, the rider's elbows will likely be separated from his side, which is not desirable. If the tilt angle θx is greater than 15°, the rider's arms will be too close to his side, making operation of the ring 40 difficult.

[0070] In the steering wheel 1 of the preceding embodiment, each of the grip areas 42L, 42R further comprises the raised area 48, which is convex with a slight curvature in the front and rear directions on the upper surface 42d at the rear of the intermediate area 42c, as shown in Fig. 10 shown.

[0071] The raised areas 48 will align with the palms DP of the rider's hands DH when they grip the grip areas 42 (42L, 42R). Consequently, the rider will be able to grip the grip areas 42 for steering with a feeling of security and stability.

[0072] Furthermore, in the steering wheel 1 of the preceding embodiment, each of the grip areas 42L and 42R has the flange-like area 50, which is raised in the upper surface 42d of the rear end 42b.

[0073] When the rider grips the left and right grip areas 42 (42L, 42R), the rider is able to grip areas of the palms DP in a vicinity of the little fingertips DPS ( Fig. 8B) to be placed on the flange-like areas 50. The flange-like areas 50 hold the palm areas DP described above and reduce the weight of the hands DH, which would otherwise be borne solely by the arms. Consequently, this design will ease the strain on the hands and make operating the ring 40 easier.

Claims

[1] Steering wheel (1) for a vehicle, comprising a rim (40) adapted to be grasped and turned by a driver for steering, a hub section (3) arranged in a vicinity of the center of the rim (40), and a spoke section (10) connecting the hub section (3) and the rim (40), where the spoke section (10) has a left spoke-forming area (12L) and a right spoke-forming area (12R) which extend backwards and to the left and right of the hub section (3) in such a way that they point away from each other; Each of the spoke-forming areas (12L, 12R) has on its upper side a hand support area (13L, 13R) designed to support a palm (DP) of the driver; Each of the palm rest areas (13L, 13R), as viewed from above, exhibits: a front edge area (15) which is located in a front end area of ​​the hand support area (13L, 13R) and which extends straight in a left and right direction from the hub section (3) and continues to the rim (40); an inner rim region (20) extending rearward just from a region of the hub section (3) at the rear of a hub-side end (15b) of the front rim region (15); and a rear edge region (25) located in a rear end region of the hand rest area (13L, 13R) and on the rear of the front edge region (15), extending straight outwards in the left and right directions from a rear end (20a) of the inner edge region (20), then extending towards an outer end (15a) of the front edge region (15) and continuing to the rim (40); wherein each of the hand support areas (13L, 13R) further comprises on a surface therein between an upper edge (16) of the front edge area (15) and an upper edge (26) of the rear edge area (25) a palm resting surface (33) adapted to support at least one upper palm area (DPF) of the driver when his palm (DP) is placed on the hand support area (13L, 13R), and which is formed in a curved surface which, in a cross-sectional shape as taken along a front and rear direction, arches upwards; and wherein each of the hand rest areas (13L, 13R) further comprises a thumb-storing space (35) for storing a thumb (F0) of the driver on an inside of a vertical inner surface (23) of the inner rim area (20) which extends flat downwards from an upper edge (21) to a lower edge (22) of the inner rim area (20), the front edge area (15) of each of the hand rest areas (13L, 13R) has a downwardly sloping surface (18) that curves gently forward and downward from the upper edge (16) of the front edge area (15) towards a lower edge (17) of the front edge area (15), the rear edge area (25) of each of the hand rest areas (13L, 13R) has a vertical surface (28) that extends flat from an upper edge (26) to a lower edge (27), and in each of the hand rest areas (13L, 13R) at least one area is located in a vicinity of an intersection (30) of the upper edge (26) of the rear edge area (25) and the upper edge (21) of the inner edge area (20) further up than a top (41) of the rim (40). [2] Steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein: the front edge area (15) of each of the hand support areas (13L, 13R) is designed such that the upper edge (16) has a length (LF) within a range of 80 to 150 mm and extends diagonally rearward from the hub section (3) in the left and right directions; a section angle (θ2) of the upper edge (16) of the front edge region (15) and of the upper edge (26) of the rear edge region (25) is within a range of 25 to 35°; and a section angle (θ3) of the upper edge (21) of the inner edge region (20) and of the upper edge (26) of the rear edge region (25) is within a range of 90 to 160°. [3] Steering wheel according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: the ring (40) has a pair of grip areas (42L, 42R) for the rider to grasp on the left and right of the hub section (3); the left and right grip areas (42L, 42R) extend straight forward from outer regions in the left and right direction of the left and right hand support areas (13L, 13R), each at such an angle (θ4) that the grip areas (42L, 42R) converge; and the angle (04) with reference to the front and rear directions is within a range of 10 to 20°. [4] Steering wheel according to claim 3, wherein each of the grip areas (42L, 42R) has in an inner side of a front end area (42a) therein a wide area (45) which protrudes towards the hub section (3) and increases a grippable area of ​​the grip area (42L, 42R). [5] Steering wheel according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein: Each of the grip areas (42L, 42R) has an oval cut shape at an intermediate area (42c) in the front and rear directions; and an angle (θx) of a long axis (LX) of the oval section shape with reference to a straight line extending in an up-and-down direction along a central steering axis (4) lies within a range of 5 to 15°, such that a region of a vertex (42e) of a top (42d) of the grip area (42) is directed towards the hub section (3). [6] Steering wheel according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein each grip area (42L, 42R) has a raised area (48) which is gently raised in a top (42d) on the rear of an intermediate area (42c) in the front and rear direction of the grip area (42L, 42R). [7] Steering wheel according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein each of the grip areas (42L, 42R) has a flange-like area (50) which is raised in a top side (42d) of a rear end (42b) thereof.

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