Method for manufacturing a covered steering wheel for a vehicle

Abstract

Method for manufacturing a covered steering wheel (100) for a vehicle, comprising the steps: - Providing a steering wheel to be covered, which has a steering wheel rim (13) to be covered with an outer circumferential length (Ua) to be covered and an inner circumferential length (Ui) to be covered and with a cross-sectional circumference (Q) to be covered, - Cutting a cladding material (20) according to a cutting specification (30), - Applying the cut-to-size trim material (20) to the steering wheel rim (13) to be trimmed, so that its non-visible side faces the steering wheel rim (13), and - Joining longitudinal edges (24) of the cladding material (20) together; characterized in that the cutting specification (30) has a cutting length (L) which corresponds to 85 to 95% of the mean circumferential length (Um) of the steering wheel rim (13) to be covered, where the mean circumferential length (Um) is the mean of the outer and inner circumferential lengths (Ua, Ui) to be covered, and the cutting specification (30) has a cutting width (B) which corresponds to 104 to 110 % of the cross-sectional circumference (Q) of the steering wheel rim (13) to be covered.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a covered steering wheel for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle.

[0002] Conventional steering wheels consist of a metal or hard plastic frame encased in a space-filling matrix, usually a plastic foam. The matrix material typically defines the steering wheel's functional geometric shape. A covering, usually made of leather or fabric, forms the final visible layer surrounding the matrix.

[0003] For manufacturing, the trim material is typically cut to the appropriate final dimensions and machine-sewn into a ring, leaving a longitudinal slit open. Then, an adhesive is manually applied to the overmolded steering wheel or to the non-visible side of the trim material, the steering wheel is covered, and the longitudinal seam is manually closed by sewing.

[0004] In the process described in the generic document DE 10 2015 218 424 A1, the cladding material is coated on its non-visible side with an activatable material, applied to the steering wheel rim overmolded with the matrix, the longitudinal edges of the cladding material are closed with a suitable closing technique, and finally the activatable material is activated, for example thermally, to create a material-bonded connection between the cladding material and the matrix material.

[0005] A particular challenge lies in cutting the trim material. Typically, the cut corresponds to the dimensions of the unfolded surface of the steering wheel to be covered. After applying it to the steering wheel rim, the fit is optimized in an iterative process by repeatedly removing the trim material, trimming it, and reapplying it to the steering wheel rim as needed. This process is extremely time-consuming, requires considerable skill, and does not always produce reproducible results.

[0006] To solve these problems, WO 2006 / 013029 A1 describes a method for covering a steering wheel in which the covering material is cut to size, wrapped around the steering wheel, and the edges are closed using a shrinkable material, such as shrink yarn. Finally, the shrinkable material undergoes a shrinking process so that the edges butt together. However, this solution is not suitable for every closure technique and does not always necessarily result in an optimal fit.

[0007] Further state of the art is known from the publications DE 41 29 664 A1, DE 10 2010 063 440 A1, DE 10 2011 104 994 A1, EP 1 939 063 A1 and JP 2000-43736 A.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a covered steering wheel for a vehicle that overcomes or at least mitigates the problems of the prior art described above. In particular, a good and reproducible fit of the covering material on the steering wheel should be achieved with minimal effort.

[0009] This problem is solved wholly or partially by a method comprising the features of the independent claim and by a steering wheel manufactured according to the method. Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the remaining features mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0010] The inventive method for manufacturing a covered steering wheel for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprises the following steps: - Providing a steering wheel to be covered, which has a steering wheel rim to be covered with an outer and an inner circumferential length to be covered and with a cross-sectional circumference, - Cutting a cladding material according to a cutting specification, - Applying the cut-to-size trim material to the steering wheel to be covered, so that its non-visible side faces the steering wheel to be covered, and - Joining the longitudinal edges of the cladding material together.

[0011] According to the invention, the cutting template has a cutting length that corresponds to 85 to 95% of the mean circumferential length of the steering wheel rim to be covered, where the mean circumferential length is the average of the outer and inner circumferential lengths. In addition, the cutting template has at least a cutting width that corresponds to 104 to 110% of the cross-sectional circumference of the steering wheel rim to be covered.

[0012] According to the invention, an optimized cutting template is used, the cutting length of which is shorter than the mean circumference of the steering wheel rim to be covered, and whose cutting width is greater than the cross-sectional circumference of the steering wheel rim to be covered. When the covering material cut in this way is applied to the steering wheel, a stress-induced longitudinal elongation of the material occurs, as a result of which its width contracts. It has been shown that, by adhering to the aforementioned cutting parameters, a tight and essentially wrinkle-free fit of the covering material is achieved. The time-consuming manual adjustment described in the introduction is therefore unnecessary. Thus, the production cycle is significantly shortened, and good and reproducible results are achieved.

[0013] In principle, the advantages of this process apply to all types of upholstery materials, including natural leather, synthetic leather, textiles, and films. The process is particularly advantageous for natural leather due to its variable properties in terms of thickness, strength, and therefore elasticity.

[0014] The cutting length of the pattern is determined based on the average circumference of the steering wheel rim to be covered. The outer and inner circumferences refer to the frontal view of the steering wheel rim. If the steering wheel model specifies that only a portion (segment) of the total circumference of the steering wheel rim is to be covered, or that the circumference to be covered is to be covered by several longitudinal segments of the covering material, the circumference is understood to be the section of the steering wheel rim to be covered. In other words, the circumference to be covered (outer or inner) can refer to a segment that is therefore smaller than the total circumference of the steering wheel rim.

[0015] The cutting width of the cutting template refers to the cross-sectional circumference of the steering wheel rim at at least one position on the steering wheel rim to be covered. In a preferred embodiment, the cutting template has a plurality of cutting widths, which are assigned to different cross-sectional circumferences at different positions on the steering wheel rim to be covered. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the steering wheel rim has different cross-sectional circumferences at the various positions.

[0016] As previously explained, the cutting specification specifies a cutting length that corresponds to 80% to 98% of the average circumferential length of the steering wheel rim to be covered, resulting in longitudinal stretching of the covering material when applied to the steering wheel rim. Preferably, the cutting length of the specification corresponds to 85% to 95%, more preferably 88% to 94%, and most preferably 90% to 93% of the average circumferential length of the steering wheel rim to be covered (or its section or segment to be covered). Particularly when leather is used as the covering material, this method achieves a particularly good fit.

[0017] According to the invention, the cutting width of the specified cut corresponds to 102% to 112% of the cross-sectional circumference of the steering wheel rim to be covered, so that the width contraction occurring as a result of the longitudinal expansion of the material when applied to the steering wheel rim to be covered causes the longitudinal edges of the cut covering material to butt against each other. Preferably, the cutting width corresponds to 104% to 110%, more preferably 105% to 109%, and most preferably 106% to 108% of the cross-sectional circumference of the steering wheel rim to be covered. Particularly when using leather as the covering material, this method achieves a particularly good fit.

[0018] The cutting lengths and widths according to the invention refer to the net dimensions of the finished steering wheel cover. If material allowances are required for joining the longitudinal edges of the cover material, which are not visible in the finished product, the cutting length of the cutting specification is increased by a corresponding seam allowance. The same applies to the cutting width. If a material allowance is required for joining transverse edges of the cover material, the cutting width is increased by a corresponding seam allowance. In other words, the gross dimensions of the cut cover material may be larger than the net dimensions by corresponding seam allowances.

[0019] In some cases, it is advantageous for the cut-to-size trim material to be composed of several segments, for example, two, three, four, or five segments, which together cover the circumference to be covered. The segments are joined together before or after cutting, for example, by sewing. Before being applied to the steering wheel to be covered, the individual segments are joined to form a closed ring, although the longitudinal edges of this ring are not yet closed. In the case of a trim material composed of several longitudinal segments, the cutting specifications according to the invention, comprising cutting length and cutting width for each individual longitudinal segment, are applied, with the cutting length referring to the respective circumference to be covered.Preferably, the cut lengths are increased by predetermined seam allowances, which are required for the production of the cross connections between the longitudinal segments.

[0020] The cladding material can be cut using any method, such as cutting or punching. In the case of punching, the punch contour is designed according to the cutting specifications (gross dimensions). In the case of machine cutting, the cutting specifications are usually in a computer-readable file format, so the cutting machine is controlled accordingly. It is also conceivable that the cutting specifications are in the form of a template, according to which the cutting is carried out manually or by machine.

[0021] Preferably, the steering wheel rim to be covered comprises a steering wheel skeleton, more precisely a steering wheel skeleton rim of a steering wheel skeleton, and a matrix material overmolded around the steering wheel skeleton. The matrix material is, in particular, an elastic and / or foamed plastic material. The matrix material serves both to define the shape and to provide crash safety.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the covering material is coated with an adhesive on its non-visible side before it is applied to the steering wheel rim and / or before it is cut to size. It is also possible to apply the adhesive (instead of to the covering material or in addition to it) to the steering wheel rim, in particular to the matrix material (see DE 10 2015 218 424 A1). However, it is technically simpler and therefore preferred to coat the flat, essentially two-dimensionally shaped covering material with the adhesive before applying it to the steering wheel rim, rather than to coat the more complex, three-dimensionally shaped steering wheel rim. In any case, the adhesive creates a metallurgical bond between the covering material and the steering wheel rim to be covered, in particular the matrix material.

[0023] The adhesive can be a passive adhesive that exerts its adhesive effect immediately. Alternatively, and with particular advantage, the adhesive can be an activatable adhesive that only acquires its adhesive properties through appropriate activation. Suitable activatable materials are described in DE 10 2015 218 424 A1, the contents of which form part of this invention.

[0024] The process step of joining the longitudinal edges of the applied covering material can include, for example, closing zipper halves, sewing, gluing, welding the longitudinal edges together, or the like.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, zipper halves (zipper teeth) are attached to the longitudinal edges of the covering material before application. These are closed after the coated covering material has been applied to the steering wheel rim to be covered. The use of a zipper has the advantage that joining the longitudinal edges of the covering material is quick and easy. Furthermore, advantageous visual design effects can be achieved using the zipper. The zipper halves can be made in one piece or comprise several segments. Attaching the zipper halves to the longitudinal edges can also be done by sewing, gluing, or welding.The zipper halves can be attached in such a way that the zipper remains visible when closed or, preferably, is concealed by the lining material, meaning that the longitudinal edges of the same lie butted together and can be sewn together as desired.

[0026] Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a covered steering wheel that can be produced using the method according to the invention.

[0028] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a fully enclosed steering wheel (without hub cover) in top view according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a cross-section through the steering wheel rim of the steering wheel Fig. 1, A: without fairing, B: with fairing; Fig. 3 a cutting guide for a steering wheel cover made of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 according to the cutting specifications Fig. 3. Cut-to-size cladding material; and Fig. 5 a partially enclosed steering wheel according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a leather-covered steering wheel of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention. The steering wheel, designated 100 in its entirety, comprises a steering wheel hub 11 from which any number of steering wheel spokes 12 extend radially. The steering wheel 100 further comprises a circumferential steering wheel rim 13, which is connected to the steering wheel hub 11 via the steering wheel spokes 12. Fig. 1 Not shown is a hub cover, which usually covers the steering wheel hub 11 and, if applicable, the steering wheel spokes 12.

[0030] As particularly in Fig. As shown in Figure 2A, the basic structure of the steering wheel is provided by a steering wheel skeleton 10, which, for example, is U-shaped in the area of ​​the steering wheel rim 13. The steering wheel skeleton is usually made of a metallic material, such as magnesium or a magnesium alloy, and can be manufactured, for example, using a die-casting process. At least in the area of ​​the steering wheel rim 13, the steering wheel skeleton 10 is overmolded with a matrix material 14, which embeds the steering wheel skeleton 10 and gives the steering wheel its functional and ergonomic outer contour.

[0031] How the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be further seen from Figure 2B, the steering wheel 100 also has a cover 20, which encloses at least the steering wheel rim 13 and optionally the steering wheel spokes 12. In the present example, the cover is a leather cover. The cover 20 of the present example comprises three cover segments, namely a first, left cover segment 20.1, a second, middle cover segment 20.2, and a third, left cover segment 20.3 (see Figure 2B). Fig. 1) The trim segments are each connected to one another by transverse seams 21. Furthermore, a longitudinal seam 22 runs along the inner circumference of the steering wheel rim 13, which connects the longitudinal edges in the trim 20 to one another. The trim material is bonded to the matrix material 14 of the steering wheel via a layer of adhesive or an activatable material ( Fig. 2B).

[0032] The steering wheel 100 according to Fig. 1 is produced using a method according to the invention, which is explained below in an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] In the first step of the process, the steering wheel frame 10 is manufactured, for example, using a die-casting process. Subsequently, the steering wheel frame 10 is overmolded with a matrix material 14 in the area of ​​the steering wheel rim 13. In this way, a steering wheel with a steering wheel rim 13 to be covered is provided.

[0034] In the following process step, the cladding material is cut according to a predetermined cutting specification. An example of such a cutting specification according to the invention is shown in Figure 30. Fig. 3. In the present example, the cutting specification 30 comprises the three trim segments 20.1, 20.2 and 20.3 of the steering wheel. Fig. 1 Three cutting specification segments, namely a first cutting specification segment 30.1, a second cutting specification segment 30.2, and a third cutting specification segment 30.3. The respective cutting lengths L1, L2, L3 of the three cutting specification segments 30.1, 30.2, 30.3 are specified such that they correspond to 85% to 95% of the mean circumferential length Um of the respective cladding segment 20.1, 20.2, and 20.3 of the steering wheel rim 13 to be covered, in particular 90% to 93% of the respective mean circumferential length Um. The mean circumferential length Um corresponds to the average of the outer circumferential length Ua and the inner circumferential length Ui to be covered. This is in Fig. This is illustrated using the example of the second trim segment 20.2. First, the inner circumferential length Ui of the section of the steering wheel rim 13 to be covered with the second trim segment 20.2, as well as the outer circumferential length Ua of this section, are determined, for example, by measurement. Then, the mean circumferential length Um is determined as the arithmetic mean of the outer and inner circumferential lengths (Um = (Ua + Ui) / 2). Alternatively, the mean circumferential length Um can also be determined directly, for example, by measurement. The cutting length L2 of the second cutting specification segment 30.2 is then specified as 85% to 95% of the mean circumferential length Um thus determined. If material allowances are still necessary for the transverse seams 21 to be produced, the corresponding seam allowances Z are added to each of the two transverse edges 31 of the second cutting specification segment 30.2. The cutting length L of each segment is thus determined according to the following equation (1). L=X%⋅Um+2 Z wherein X corresponds to the mean circumferential length Um of the respective segment in the range of 85% to 95%, in particular 88% to 94%, preferably 90% to 93%, and the seam allowance has a value of 0 to 15 mm, in particular 0 to 10 mm, depending on the selected closure technique.

[0035] For the width B2 of the second cutting specification segment 30.2, the cross-sectional circumference Q of the steering wheel rim 13 to be covered is first determined in the area of ​​the second covering segment 20.2 (see Fig. 2A), for example by measuring. The width B2 of the second cutting specification segment 30.2 is then specified as 104% to 110% of the cross-sectional perimeter Q, specifically 106% to 108% of the cross-sectional perimeter Q. If material allowances for the production of the longitudinal closure, for example the longitudinal seam 22, are still necessary at the corresponding longitudinal edges 32 of the second cutting specification segment 30.2, the width B2 is increased by the respective seam allowance Z. If different cross-sectional perimeters Q are present in the area of ​​the second cladding segment 20.2, the second cutting specification segment 30.2 can be equipped with correspondingly different cutting widths. Thus, the cutting width B of each segment is determined according to the following equation (2). B=Y%⋅Q+2 Z wherein Y corresponds to 104% to 110%, in particular 105% to 109%, preferably 106% to 108% of the cross-sectional area Q of the respective segment, and the seam allowance has a value of 0 to 15 mm, in particular 0 to 10 mm, depending on the chosen closure technique for the longitudinal closure.

[0036] The cutting widths B1 and B3 and cutting lengths L1 and L3 of the first and third cutting specification segments 30.1 and 30.3 are determined in the same way as for the second cutting specification segment 30.2.

[0037] The determination of the cutting specification 30 or the cutting specification segments 30.1, 30.2 and 30.3 is preferably carried out only once for each steering wheel model and applied for the manufacture of all steering wheels of this model.

[0038] The covering material, for example a leather hide, is then cut according to the cutting specification segments 30.1, 30.2 and 30.3, resulting in three cut covering segments 20.1, 20.2 and 20.3.

[0039] Before or after cutting, the non-visible side of the cladding material is coated (laminated) with a direct adhesive or (preferably) an activatable adhesive 15. The coating technique can be designed in virtually any way and depends on the type of adhesive 15, in particular whether it is used in the form of a powder, a melt, a solution or dispersion, or as a pre-formed layer in the form of a film or mesh, or a nonwoven fabric, such as spunbond nonwoven. Accordingly, wet and dry coating, coatings with or without solvents, thermal coating, and other methods are used. If the adhesive 15 is in the form of a powder, solution, dispersion, or melt, doctor blade or spray techniques can be used.If the adhesive material 15 is already formed as a layer in the form of a film, a mesh, or the like, lamination or coating techniques are used. The adhesive material 15 may also be provided on a carrier film to prevent premature bonding. This carrier film is removed before or after coating. Coating is preferably carried out by machine, but can also be done manually.

[0040] Preferably, the non-visible side of the cladding material is coated with the adhesive material 15 before the cladding material is cut to size; that is, it is first coated and then the coated cladding material is cut (prepared). Cutting can be done by slicing or punching.

[0041] The activatable adhesive material 15 is a material that, after suitable activation, is capable of forming a metallurgical bond between the trim material and the matrix material 14 of the steering wheel rim 13. Preferably, the activatable adhesive material 15 develops adhesive properties; that is, an activatable adhesive, for example a hot melt adhesive, is used as the activatable adhesive material 15. Suitable hot melt adhesives include, for example, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, modified polyolefins, polyesters, etc. Other suitable adhesives include polyurethanes, polymers based on acrylate or acrylic acid monomers, polyvinyl alcohol, silicones, synthetic elastomers, or natural rubber compounds.A thermoplastic polyurethane composition (mixture of polyol and isocyanate) is particularly preferred, which can be used especially as a powder.

[0042] After cutting, the cut panel segments 20.1, 20.2, 20.3 are joined together at their transverse edges 23, for example by sewing, creating the transverse seams 21. The result is a ring consisting of the three panel segments, which is Fig. 4 is shown in a roll-up view, and which is still open at its longitudinal edges 24. The total cut length L of the trim material thus obtained is therefore, according to equation (1), X % of the mean circumferential length Um of the entire steering wheel rim 13.

[0043] If the longitudinal edges 24 are to be closed with a zipper, corresponding zipper halves are attached to the longitudinal edges 24 of the cut covering material, for example by sewing or gluing.

[0044] In a subsequent process step, the trim material, cut to size and sewn into a ring, is applied to the steering wheel rim 13. The trim material is positioned so that its non-visible side, coated with the adhesive material 15, faces the steering wheel rim 13. After the trim material has been applied to the steering wheel rim 13, the longitudinal edges 24 are joined together, for example by manual stitching, to form the longitudinal seam 22 (see figure). Fig. 1, Fig. 2B) to create. Alternatively, in the case of a zipper connection, the previously attached zipper halves are closed. If the covering material has been coated with a direct adhesive, a material-bonded connection is spontaneously formed between the covering material and the matrix material 14. If, on the other hand, an activatable adhesive material 15 has been used (preferred), the activatable adhesive material 15 is activated in a subsequent process step. The type of activation depends on the type of activatable material and can include thermal treatment, irradiation, in particular infrared irradiation, pressure treatment, pressing, chemical activation, etc. If, for example, the activatable adhesive material 15 is a hot melt adhesive, activation is carried out by external heat input, for example in an oven or by infrared irradiation.After activation, the steering wheel 100 is available as a finished product and can be fitted with further retrofits, especially in a motor vehicle.

[0045] Another embodiment of a steering wheel 100 according to the invention is described in Fig. 5 is shown, where matching elements have the same reference symbols as in Fig. are designated as 1. Unlike in the Fig. In the example shown, the steering wheel 100 depicted here is only partially covered by a fairing 20 (see hatched area). The upper section of the steering wheel rim 13, however, remains uncovered. In this example, the fairing 20 consists of two fairing segments 20.1 and 20.2, which are connected to each other by a transverse seam 21, in particular by stitching. The fairing 20 is manufactured according to the first embodiment, wherein the corresponding circumferential lengths of the fairing segments 20.1 and 20.2 are used for the cut lengths L1 and L2 of the fairing segments 20.1 and 20.2 (see first and second outer circumferential lengths Ua1 and Ua2 in Figure 1). Fig. 5).

[0046] Compared to conventional methods, where the cutting length(s) of the cutting specification(s) are set at 100% of the mean circumferential length and the cutting width(s) at 100% of the cross-sectional circumference, it has been shown that the cutting specifications according to the invention result in significantly more precise and wrinkle-free coverings. The preferred dimensions take particular account of the material properties of leather and its behavior during processing. When a zipper is used to join the longitudinal edges of the covering, the zipper halves are aligned more precisely, without any displacement or compression of the longitudinal edges occurring or becoming necessary. Thus, creasing at the abutting material edges can also be avoided. Furthermore, subsequent ironing, which is conventionally necessary for smoothing, is unnecessary according to the invention.By using the optimized cutting specifications, the production time is significantly reduced, especially for leather coverings. Reference symbol list 100 steering wheel 10 Steering wheel frame 11 Steering wheel hub 12 steering wheel spokes 13 Steering wheel rim 14 Matrix / Matrix material 15 Adhesive / Adhesive material 20 Fairing / Fairing material 20.1 first fairing segment 20.2 second fairing segment 20.3 third fairing segment 21 Cross seam 22 Longitudinal seam 23 horizontal margin 24 Longitudinal edge 30 cutting specifications 30.1 First cutting specifications segment 30.2 second cutting specifications segment 30.3 third cutting specifications segment 31 Cross edge 32 Long edge B Cutting width L Cut length Q cross-sectional area to be covered Ua outer circumferential length to be covered Ui inner circumferential length to be covered Mean orbital length Z seam allowance

Claims

[1] Method for manufacturing a covered steering wheel (100) for a vehicle, comprising the steps: - Providing a steering wheel to be covered, which has a steering wheel rim (13) to be covered with an outer circumferential length (Ua) to be covered and an inner circumferential length (Ui) to be covered and with a cross-sectional circumference (Q) to be covered, - Cutting a cladding material (20) according to a cutting specification (30), - Applying the cut-to-size trim material (20) to the steering wheel rim (13) to be trimmed, so that its non-visible side faces the steering wheel rim (13), and - Joining longitudinal edges (24) of the cladding material (20) together; characterized by , that the cutting specification (30) has a cutting length (L) which corresponds to 85 to 95% of the mean circumferential length (Um) of the steering wheel rim (13) to be covered, where the mean circumferential length (Um) is the mean of the outer and inner circumferential lengths (Ua, Ui) to be covered, and the cutting specification (30) has a cutting width (B) which corresponds to 104 to 110 % of the cross-sectional circumference (Q) of the steering wheel rim (13) to be covered. [2] Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the cutting length (L) of the cutting specification (30) corresponds to 88 to 94 % of the mean circumferential length (Um) of the steering wheel rim (13) to be covered. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting width (B) of the cutting specification (30) corresponds to 105 to 109 % of the cross-sectional circumference (Q) of the steering wheel rim (13) to be covered. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting specification (30) has a plurality of cutting widths (B1, B2) which are assigned to different cross-sectional circumferences (Q) at different positions of the steering wheel rim (13) to be covered. [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cut cladding material (20) is composed of several cladding segments (20.1, 20.2, 20.3), wherein the cladding segments (20.1, 20.2, 20.3) are joined together before or after cutting. [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein the cutting guide (30) for each cladding segment (20.1, 20.2, 20.3) comprises a corresponding cutting guide segment (20.1, 20.2, 20.3). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steering wheel rim (13) to be covered comprises a steering wheel skeleton (10) and a matrix material (14) overmolded around the steering wheel skeleton (10), wherein the matrix material (14) is an elastic and / or foamed plastic material. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering material (20) is coated on its non-visible side with a directly adhesive or activatable adhesive material (15) prior to its application and / or prior to its cutting, in order to form a material-bonded connection with the steering wheel rim (13) to be covered. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein joining the longitudinal edges (24) of the covering material (20) comprises closing zipper halves which are attached to the longitudinal edges (24) of the covering material (20) prior to applying the covering material (20), or joining comprises sewing. [10] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the covering material (20) is natural leather or artificial leather.

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