DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MATERIALLY JOINTING AT LEAST ONE MATERIAL SEGMENT TO A STEERING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for the material-locking connection of at least one material segment to a steering device according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for the material-locking connection of at least one material segment to a steering device according to the preamble of claim 9.

[0002] The covering of steering wheel rims with material segments (e.g., leather coverings) is known from the prior art. For example, DE 10 2007 031 014 A1 describes a method for covering a steering wheel segment with a leather cutout. Further devices for the integral bonding of a material segment to a steering device are described in JP 2011 126395 A and EP 1 531 036 A1.

[0003] The problem to be solved on which the invention is based is to provide a device or a method for more efficiently connecting a material segment to a steering device.

[0004] This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1 or a method having the features of claim 9.

[0005] A device for the material-locking connection of at least one material segment with a steering device (connecting device) is proposed, with at least two fit segments, wherein at least one of the fit segments is movably mounted relative to the at least one other fit segment, wherein the fit segments are designed such that they can at least partially enclose the steering device, in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device; a receptacle for receiving the steering device; a drive mechanism for displacing the at least one movably mounted fit segment towards the steering device (and / or towards the receptacle and / or a free space for receiving a steering device); wherein the at least two fit segments are laterally movable towards or away from the steering device; and at least one fixing element designed to fix the at least one material segment selectively to the steering device before the fit segments are brought together.

[0006] With such a device, the time required for gluing can be significantly reduced compared to conventional techniques. The device can, for example, offer the advantage of even gluing (with consistent leather tension and reduced wrinkles).

[0007] The device can be partially or fully automated. Such a device can offer the advantage that the at least one material segment can be bent and bonded around the steering device in an automated manner. Partial or full automation can enable a consistent bonding process with fewer potential errors compared to a manual bonding process.

[0008] A material segment is understood to mean, in particular, a flat material, e.g., a material strip, which can be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces. "Integral or multi-piece" means, for example, that the material strip is either assembled from at least two individual parts, i.e., the at least two individual parts are sewn or glued together, and / or that the material strip has a multi-layer structure. "Multi-layer structure" means, in particular, that it is constructed from multiple layers of one material or from layers of multiple materials.

[0009] Multilayer materials can be composite materials, functional materials, or functional elements. These can be functional mats such as heating mats, sensor mats (e.g., hands-on detection (HOD) sensor mats), or soft mats. The material segment can be, for example, leather, synthetic leather, or a (synthetic) fabric.

[0010] Steering device means in particular a steering wheel blank or a steering wheel blank foamed or covered with plastic (foam or foam blank). A steering device is understood to mean, for example, a steering device not yet covered with leather. A steering device (steering handle) can be any device with which a steering angle is specified, e.g. a steering wheel, a half-steering wheel or a joystick. A typical steering device comprises a steering wheel rim, a steering wheel hub that can be coupled to the steering column and at least one spoke, in particular two or three spokes, that connect the steering wheel rim to the steering wheel hub. The steering wheel rim has, in particular, curved surfaces so that it can be comfortably gripped by the hand of the vehicle occupant.

[0011] The at least two fitting segments can be joined together to form a fitting for the steering device. The device has a plurality (e.g. three or four) lateral fitting segments that move laterally towards or away from the steering device. The device can, for example, have one or more upper fitting segments that move towards or away from the steering device at the top (from the side facing away from the ground). The device can, for example, have one or more lower fitting segments that move towards or away from the steering device at the bottom (from the side facing the ground). The device has, for example, four lateral fitting segments, one upper fitting segment and one lower fitting segment.

[0012] At least one of the fit segments is mounted so that it can move relative to at least one other fit segment. All fit segments can also be mounted so that they can move relative to each other (toward each other).

[0013] The fitting segments can be designed in such a way that they can enclose the steering device, in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device, at least in sections in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0014] The fit segments can be at least partially curved. For example, the fit segments have a curvature on the side facing the steering device (or on the side facing the free space and / or the receptacle for receiving a steering device) that allows them to at least partially enclose the steering device (the curved steering wheel rim of the steering device). The at least two fit segments can be configured such that the at least two fit segments together can enclose at least 50%, at least 65%, at least 75%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of the circumference of the radial cross-section of the steering wheel rim.

[0015] A radial cross-section is defined as a cross-section through the steering wheel rim that is parallel or approximately parallel to the steering axis or steering column. "Approximately parallel" means with a maximum deviation of up to 45° from the steering axis or steering column.

[0016] A circumferential cross-section is defined as a cross-section through the steering wheel rim perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the steering axis or steering column, or a horizontal cross-section that runs circumferentially around the steering wheel hub. Approximately perpendicular means with a maximum deviation of up to 45° from the vertical of the steering axis or steering column.

[0017] The radial cross-section runs perpendicular to the circumferential cross-section. The radial cross-section is smaller than the circumferential cross-section of the steering wheel rim.

[0018] The fit segments can be interchangeable. This allows the fit segments to be adapted to different materials (e.g., leather or plastic), to different functional elements or materials, or to different steering devices (e.g., steering wheel types or joysticks). This can offer the advantage of making the machine more versatile and adaptable to customer-specific requirements. The respective fit segments can be manufactured, for example, by optically measuring the steering device and using component manufacturing techniques known to those skilled in the art, such as additive manufacturing, 3D printing, laser sintering, casting, milling, etc.

[0019] The fit segments are made of a material suitable for the device or at least contain this. The fit segments can be made of, for example, metal (e.g. aluminum, titanium), an alloy or steel (e.g. stainless steel) or a suitable plastic (silicone, heat- and / or pressure-stable plastic, plastic foam) or a suitable ceramic (heat- and / or pressure-stable ceramic), or at least contain these. Alternatively, the fit segments can also be made of one of the aforementioned materials which has a layer of a softer material (with a lower Shore hardness) on the surface than the aforementioned. The fit segments can be made of, for example, silicone-coated steel or silicone-coated aluminum or a material with a coating of (3D-) printed material (with a lower Shore hardness).

[0020] The device can have a pressure generating unit for applying a pressure (e.g., 0.001 mbar to 10 bar) to at least one of the fitting segments. The pressure generating unit for applying pressure can be an overpressure generating unit for applying an overpressure (e.g., 1.1 bar to 10 bar), so that the compression mold segments are pressed against the steering device with a pressure between 1.1 bar and 10 bar. The pressure generating unit for applying pressure can alternatively be a negative pressure generating unit for applying a negative pressure (e.g., 0.001 mbar to 1 bar), so that the compression mold segments exert a negative pressure on the steering device, so that the compression mold segments are sucked onto the steering device.

[0021] The device can have at least one heatable fitting segment and at least one heating unit connected to the at least one heatable fitting segment. The fitting segments can be heated, for example, to a temperature in a range of 21 to 200°C, in particular 75°C to 125°C or 50°C to 95°C. Alternatively, the device can also have unheated fitting segments.

[0022] The device may include at least one temperature sensor. The at least one temperature sensor may, for example, be arranged on the at least one heatable fitting segment.

[0023] The device can have at least one coolable fitting segment and at least one cooling unit connected to the at least one coolable fitting segment. The fitting segments can be cooled, for example, at a temperature in a range of -30°C to 21°C. The cooling can be water-cooled, for example.

[0024] The device has an interior space. The device can have a housing that surrounds the interior space or that can be arranged outside the interior space. The device can have a housing that surrounds an interior space with the at least two fitting segments and / or the receptacle and / or the at least one drive mechanism. The fitting segments can also be arranged at least partially outside the housing and be movable into the housing.

[0025] The device has a receptacle for receiving a steering device, in particular a steering wheel. The receptacle is arranged in particular in the interior of the housing. The receptacle has, in particular, a free space for receiving a steering device. The receptacle can be formed, for example, by a housing.

[0026] The free space and / or the receptacle for accommodating a steering device is designed in its shape according to the shape of the steering device, in particular circular or oval.

[0027] The receptacle may have a holding device for receiving a steering device. The steering device can, for example, be detachably mounted on the holding device.

[0028] The device has at least one fixing element for fixing the at least one material segment to the steering device. For example, the device can have two, three, four, or more than four fixing elements. The at least one fixing element is designed to fix the steering device at specific points; for example, the fixing elements can be equipped with a pointed or blunt tip. The at least one fixing element can also be designed to fix the steering device at multiple locations simultaneously; for example, the fixing element is designed to fit precisely to the steering device.

[0029] In one embodiment, the at least two fitting segments and the at least one fixing element can be joined together to form a fitting for the steering device. For this purpose, the fitting segments can have recesses for the fixing elements. The device can, for example, have four lateral fitting segments, an upper fitting segment, and a lower fitting segment, as well as two, three, or four fixing elements that can be joined together to form a fitting for the steering device.

[0030] The drive mechanism for joining the at least two fitting segments can have at least one push and pull unit and / or at least one lifting and lowering unit connected to at least one fitting segment. The at least one lifting unit can be connected to the at least one upper fitting segment. The at least one lowering unit can be connected to the at least one lower fitting segment. The at least one push and pull unit can be connected to the at least one lateral fitting segment.

[0031] The device has at least one drive mechanism. The drive mechanism can comprise at least one motor, hydraulic and / or pneumatic drive. However, the drive mechanism can also comprise at least one hand or foot drive. The drive mechanism can move the fitting segments and / or the fixing element towards the steering device or away from the steering device. In this case, for example, the at least one fixing element can first be moved towards the steering device and then the at least one fitting segment can be moved towards the steering device. It is also possible for several fixing elements to be moved towards the steering device simultaneously or one after the other. Subsequently, several fitting segments can be moved towards the steering device simultaneously or one after the other.After the bonding process, the at least one fixing element and / or the at least one fitting segment can be moved away from the steering device simultaneously or sequentially. The drive mechanism can, for example, comprise at least one pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder that is operatively connected to at least one fitting segment. Each of the fitting segments can also comprise a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

[0032] The device may also comprise at least one control unit for controlling the at least one drive mechanism, the at least one pressure generating unit, heating unit or cooling unit.

[0033] Furthermore, a method is described for the material-locking connection of at least one material segment to a steering device, in particular by means of a device according to the invention, comprising the following method steps: i) bringing at least one section of the steering device into contact with at least one material segment, wherein either the at least one material segment has at least one adhesive on the side facing the steering device and / or the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) has at least one adhesive on the side facing the material segment (or is in contact with an adhesive), or an adhesive is applied to the side of the at least one material segment facing the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and / or to the side of the steering device facing the material segment;and subsequently ii) bringing together at least two fitting segments with the aid of a drive mechanism, in such a way that the fitting segments enclose the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) at least in sections and that the at least one material segment arranged between the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and the fitting segments is pressed against the steering device, wherein the at least two fitting segments are moved laterally towards or away from the steering device, and wherein the at least one material segment is fixed at points on the steering device by a fixing element before the fitting segments are brought together.

[0034] This process can significantly reduce the time required for gluing compared to conventional manual techniques. For example, the process offers the advantage of even gluing (with consistent leather tension and reduced wrinkles).

[0035] The device used in the process can be partially or fully automated. This can offer the advantage, for example, that the at least one material segment can be bent and bonded around the steering device automatically, thus saving time. Partial or full automation enables a consistent bonding process, with fewer potential errors and fewer opportunities for errors compared to a manual bonding process.

[0036] The material segment has an inner side facing the steering device and an outer side facing away from the steering device. The steering device has an outer side facing the inner side of the material segment. The adhesive is thus applied to the inner side of the material segment, to the outer side of the steering device, in particular the steering wheel rim, and / or in the space between the inner side of the material segment and the outer side of the steering device, in particular the steering wheel rim.

[0037] The at least one material segment can, in particular, comprise or consist of leather or synthetic leather. Alternatively, the at least one material segment can comprise or be a functional element, in particular a heating mat, a sensor mat (e.g., a HOD sensor mat), or a soft mat. The at least one material segment can, for example, consist of individual segments sewn together.

[0038] An adhesive is understood to mean, in particular, an adhesive (e.g., an adhesive, especially a thermally activated adhesive, a dispersion or powder adhesive, or a spray adhesive), an adhesion promoter (e.g., an adhesive strip or adhesive net), or an adhesion agent. The process may, for example, comprise a wet lamination step (bonding using a wet adhesive), a dry lamination step (bonding using a dry adhesive), or a thermal lamination step (bonding using heat and / or pressure).

[0039] Bringing at least one section of the steering device into contact with at least one material segment, wherein the at least one material segment has at least one adhesive on the side facing the steering device and / or the steering device has at least one adhesive on the side facing the material segment, means that the material segment already has a surface with an adhesive before it is brought into contact with the steering device. A material segment with an adhesive top side (e.g. an adhesive film) can be purchased commercially. A material segment that already has an adhesive before it is brought into contact with the steering device can also have been created by a process step x) preceding process step i) of applying an adhesive to one side of the material segment.

[0040] In step i), applying an adhesive to the side of the at least one material segment facing the steering device and / or to the side of the steering device facing the material segment means that the material segment (still without adhesive) is arranged around the steering device and the adhesive is applied either to the inside of the material segment and / or to the outside of the steering device and / or between the steering device and the material segment (e.g. sprayed on, applied by brush or inserted as an adhesive strip).

[0041] The adhesive can be applied to the respective material segment with an adhesive quantity of 5 g / m 2< to 150 g / m 2< , in particular 30 g / m 2< to 100 g / m 2<.

[0042] Between process steps i) and ii), the at least one material segment can be aligned on the steering device and / or fixed by means of at least one fixing element. For example, the material segment can be fixed in the grooves (recesses) of the steering device. This can have the advantage, for example, of preventing or reducing slippage of the material segment and counteracting the formation of a material bulge in the groove area. The at least one material segment can also be fixed at the seams of the material segment (if present). This can have the advantage, for example, that possible imprints that a fixing element could leave would not be visible.

[0043] The adhesive can be applied mechanically to the side of the at least one material segment facing the steering device and / or to the side of the steering device facing the material segment in step i) or x). The adhesive can be applied mechanically in the same device or in a separate device.

[0044] Between process steps i) and ii) or after process step ii), the at least one material segment can be sewn to itself. The material segment is sewn to itself in particular in such a way that the at least one material segment encloses the circumference of the radial cross-section of the steering wheel rim; thus, the material segment is sewn around the steering wheel.

[0045] For example, after process step i), the material segment is arranged on the steering device. Subsequently, the material segment is sewn to itself in such a way that, viewed in radial cross-section, it at least approximately completely encloses the steering device, and then process step ii) is carried out. The fact that the sewing takes place before the fitting segments are brought together (before step ii)) can, for example, have the advantage that the material segment can be positioned and / or fixed more easily, particularly if an adhesive is used that does not adhere immediately but still allows the material segment to be moved before the adhesive has firmly bonded (materially bonded) to the steering device.

[0046] Before the fitting segments are brought together, the steering device is, for example, placed in the free space provided for the steering device in the interior of the device and releasably connected to a holding device.

[0047] The fit segments then press against the steering device in step ii), so that the adhesive located between the fit segment and the steering device forms a material bond with the steering device, in particular the steering wheel rim. The fit segments can enclose the steering device in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, ensuring a particularly uniform, material bond between the material segment, adhesive, and steering device. The material segment, e.g., the leather, is bent to match the curvature of the steering wheel.

[0048] The fit segments can be moved toward the steering device simultaneously or sequentially, or pressed against the steering device (especially the steering wheel rim). For example, the side fit segments can be moved toward the steering device first, followed by the upper and / or lower fit segments.

[0049] The fit segments can at least partially or completely enclose the steering device, in particular the steering rim of the steering device. The fit segments can together enclose at least 50%, at least 65%, at least 75%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of the circumference of the radial cross-section of the steering wheel rim. This achieves a uniform, material-to-material bond.

[0050] Heated fit segments, for example, allow a thermally activated adhesive to be thermally activated, creating a bond between the at least one material segment and the steering device. Heated fit segments also allow other adhesives to be distributed more easily, for example, to achieve a better bond between the at least one material segment and the steering device.

[0051] In the method, at least one section of the steering device can be heated by at least one heated fitting segment simultaneously with step ii). The at least one section of the steering device can be heated in a temperature range from 21°C to 200°C, in particular from 75°C to 125°C or from 50°C to 95°C. Alternatively, following step ii), the at least one section of the steering device can be heated by at least one heated fitting segment in a temperature range from 21°C to 200°C, in particular from 75°C to 125°C or from 50°C to 95°C.

[0052] In the method, after step ii), at least one section of the steering device can be cooled by at least one cooled fitting segment. Cooling the fitting segments after the material bonding (bonding process) allows the adhesive to cure more quickly, for example, resulting in a shortened process time. Cooling allows the fitting segments to be removed from the steering device more quickly without having to peel the material segment off the steering device again.

[0053] The at least one of the fitting segments can be pressed against the at least one section of the steering device with a pressure of 1 bar to 300 bar, in particular 1 bar to 50 bar or 1 bar to 6 bar.

[0054] The time for pressing the at least one fitting segment onto the at least one section of the steering device can be, for example, 1 second to 60 minutes, in particular 10 seconds to 5 minutes.

[0055] For example, in a first embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: a) bringing at least one section of the steering device into contact with at least one material segment; and then b) applying an adhesive to the side of the at least one material segment facing the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and / or to the side of the steering device facing the material segment; and then c) optionally sewing the at least one material segment to itself; and then d) inserting the steering device into the connecting device;and subsequently e) bringing together at least two fitting segments with the aid of a drive mechanism in such a way that the fitting segments enclose the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) at least in sections and that the at least one material segment arranged between the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and the fitting segments is pressed against the steering device. ;

[0056] For example, in a second embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: a) bringing at least one section of the steering device into contact with at least one material segment; and then b) applying an adhesive to the side of the at least one material segment facing the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and / or to the side of the steering device facing the material segment; and then d) inserting the steering device into the connecting device; and then e) bringing at least two fitting segments together with the aid of a drive mechanism, such that the fitting segments enclose the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) at least in sections and that the at least one material segment arranged between the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and the fitting segments is pressed against the steering device;and then c) optionally sewing the at least one material segment to itself. ;

[0057] For example, in a third embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: b) applying an adhesive to the side of the at least one material segment facing the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and / or to the side of the steering device facing the material segment; and then a) bringing at least one section of the steering device into contact with at least one material segment; and then d) inserting the steering device into the connecting device; and then e) bringing at least two fitting segments together with the aid of a drive mechanism, such that the fitting segments enclose the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) at least in sections and that the at least one material segment arranged between the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and the fitting segments is pressed against the steering device;and then c) optionally sewing the at least one material segment to itself. ;

[0058] For example, in a fourth embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: b) applying an adhesive to the side of the at least one material segment facing the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and / or to the side of the steering device facing the material segment; and then a) bringing at least one portion of the steering device into contact with at least one material segment; and then c) optionally sewing the at least one material segment to itself, and then d) inserting the steering device into the connecting device;and subsequently e) bringing together at least two fitting segments with the aid of a drive mechanism in such a way that the fitting segments enclose the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) at least in sections and that the at least one material segment arranged between the steering device (in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device) and the fitting segments is pressed against the steering device. ;

[0059] For example, the use of the device according to the invention or the use of the method according to the invention for bonding at least one leather segment or at least one functional element to a steering device, in particular a steering wheel rim of a steering device, is described.

[0060] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. They show: Fig. 1A a view of a component group of a connecting device according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 1B a view of another component group of the connecting device with a pressure generating unit, Fig. 2 a detailed view of a section of the assembly from Fig. 1A , Fig. 3 an exploded view of the steering device with fitting segments, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of various methods for the material-locking connection of at least one material segment to a steering device.

[0061] The component groups from Fig. 1A and Fig. 1Btogether form a device 1 for the materially bonded connection (connecting device) of at least one material segment, in particular leather or a functional mat, to a steering device (not shown), in particular a steering wheel rim of the steering device. The connecting device 1 has an interior space 7 and a receptacle 5 located therein for receiving the steering device. The receptacle can have a circular shape that corresponds to a fit of the steering wheel to be inserted. The connecting device 1 comprises a plurality of fit segments 4, which are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another. The fit segments 4 are designed such that they can enclose the steering device, in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device, at least in sections. The plurality of fit segments 4 can, for example, comprise an upper fit segment 42, a lower fit segment 43, and a plurality of lateral fit segments 41.The upper fitting segment 42 can be inserted into the free space 12 for the steering device 3, e.g., lowered or folded. Furthermore, the connecting device 1 has a drive mechanism for displacing the movably mounted fitting segments 4 toward the steering device 3 (or interior space 7 and / or the free space 12).

[0062] The fitting segments can be arranged on a fitting segment carrier 44. The component group of the connecting device in Fig. 1B has a housing 6 and a pressure generating unit 10, in the space 13 of which the component group of Fig.1A can be introduced. The pressure generation unit 10 can be controlled, for example, via a control unit 14 to move the fit segment carriers 44 in the direction of the steering device 3 or the free space 12 or the receptacle 5 for receiving the steering device 3. The cylinders 11 can be guide cylinders or pneumatic cylinders.

[0063] The fit segment supports 44 can be pivoted or lowered or raised so that, for example, an upper fit segment 41 is moved towards the steering device 1. In the case that the fit segment supports 44 are designed to be pivotable, the guide cylinders can be constructed, for example, from two guide parts that can come into contact with one another or can engage with one another during operation, for example in order to ensure that a predetermined distance between the fit segment supports 44 is not exceeded. For example, it would also be conceivable for the fit segment supports 44 to be connected to one another by pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders that can be moved together by applying pressure, whereby the upper fit segment 42 can be moved into the free space 12 for the steering device and presses against the steering device.

[0064] In Fig. 2A view of another embodiment of the connecting device with (at least) one fixing element is shown. The steering device can be inserted into the free space 12 provided for it within the receptacle 5 of the connecting device and arranged on a holding device 8. The (at least one) fixing element 9 can fix the at least one material segment 2 to the steering wheel rim 31 of the steering device 3 by at least partially enclosing the steering wheel rim 31 (in particular in a form-fitting manner) or by selectively fixing the at least one material segment 2 to the steering wheel rim 31 or the spokes of the steering device. The connecting device 1 comprises four lateral fitting segments 41, which are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another and can be moved toward the steering device 3 via a drive mechanism.The fitting segments enclose the steering device 3 at least in sections such that the at least one material segment 2 arranged between the steering device 3 and the fitting segments 4 is pressed against the steering device 3. The fitting segments 4 and the (at least one) fixing element 9 can be joined together to form a fitting for the steering device 3, wherein the fitting segments 4 have recesses for the (at least one) fixing element 9.

[0065] Fig. 3shows an exploded view of the steering device 3 with several fitting segments 4, which can be joined together to form a fitting for the steering device 3. The fitting segments 4 can enclose the at least one material segment 2 applied to the steering wheel rim 31 of the steering device, for example, in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. The several fitting segments 4 can in particular comprise four lateral, curved fitting segments 41 (adapted to the curvature of the steering wheel rim), an upper fitting segment 42, and a lower fitting segment 43. The fitting segments 4 have a curvature on the side facing the steering device. Here, the lateral fitting segments 41 are, on the one hand, concavely curved towards the outer regions of the steering wheel rim in order to be able to enclose the outer regions of the steering wheel rim 31, and, on the other hand, are curved according to the cross-section of the steering wheel rim surrounding the steering wheel hub.The upper fitting segment 42 and the lower fitting segment 43 are convexly curved in order to be able to enclose the inner regions of the steering wheel rim 31.

[0066] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of various embodiments of a method for the integral joining of at least one material segment, in particular a leather segment, to a steering device, in particular the steering wheel rim of the steering device. The methods comprise the following steps: a) bringing a leather segment into contact with the steering wheel rim of a steering device; b) applying an adhesive to the side of the leather segment facing the steering wheel rim and / or to the side of the steering wheel facing the leather segment; d) inserting the steering device into the connecting device, c) sewing the leather segment to itself, e) bringing at least two fitting segments together with the aid of a drive mechanism in such a way that the fitting segments enclose the steering wheel rim of the steering device at least in sections and that the at least one leather segment arranged between the steering wheel rim of the steering device and the fitting segments is pressed against the steering device.

[0067] One embodiment contains the above-mentioned method steps in the following order: a, b, c, d, e, whereas another embodiment contains the above-mentioned method steps in the following order: a, b, d, e, c. Yet another embodiment contains the above-mentioned method steps in the following order: b, a, d, e, c.

[0068] In comparison, a typical prior art process is shown in which the leather cover is manually applied to the steering wheel, the adhesive is manually applied to the leather segment with a brush, the leather is manually bent and fixed on the steering device with pliers and is then manually sewn around the steering wheel. List of reference symbols

[0069] 1Device 2Material segment 3Steering device 31Steering wheel rim 4Fitting segment 41Side fitting segment 42Upper fitting segment 43Lower fitting segment 44Fitting segment carrier 5Receptacle 6Housing 7Interior 8Holding device 9Fixing element 10Pressure generation unit 11Cylinder 12Free space 13Gap 14Control unit RRadial cross-section

Claims

1. Device (1) for an integrally bonded connection of at least one material segment (2) to a steering device (3), comprising - at least two fitting segments (4), wherein at least one of the fitting segments (4) is mounted so as to be movable relative to the at least one other fitting segment (4), wherein the fitting segments (4) are configured so as to be able to surround the steering device (3), in particular the steering wheel rim (31) of the steering device (3), at least in portions; - a receptacle (5) for receiving the steering device (3); - a drive mechanism for displacing the at least one movably mounted fitting segment (4) toward the steering device (3); characterised in that - the at least two fitting segments (4) are movable laterally towards the steering device (3) or away from it; and - at least one fixing element (9) which is configured for fixing the at least one material segment (2) at points on the steering device (3), prior to the fitting segments (4) being brought together.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least two fitting segments (4) can be joined together to form a close fit for the steering device (3).

3. Device (1) according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that - the fitting segments (4) extend in a curved manner at least in part, and / or - the fitting segments (4) are configured in such a way that they can together surround at least 50%, at least 65% or 90% of the periphery of the radial cross-section of the steering wheel rim (31), and / or - the fitting segments (4) are interchangeable, and / or - the fitting segments (4) consist of a silicone-coated steel or a silicone-coated aluminium.

4. Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device (1) comprises a housing (6) that surrounds an interior (7).

5. Device (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the receptacle (5) is located in the interior (7) of the housing (6) and comprises a free space (12) for receiving a steering device (3), in particular wherein the free space and / or the receptacle for receiving a steering device is configured in a shape corresponding to the shape of the steering device, in particular circular or oval.

6. Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the receptacle (5) comprises a holding device (8) for receiving the steering device (3).

7. Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device (1) comprises at least one pressure generating unit (10) for applying a pressure to at least one of the fitting segments (4), wherein the pressure generating unit (10) is in particular a negative pressure generating unit.

8. Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device (1) comprises at least one heatable fitting segment and at least one heating unit which is connected to the at least one heatable fitting segment, in particular wherein at least one temperature sensor is arranged on the at least one heatable fitting segment.

9. Method for an integrally bonded connection of at least one material segment (2) to a steering device (3) using a device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the following method steps: i) bringing at least one portion of the steering device (3) into contact with at least one material segment (2), wherein either the at least one material segment (2) comprises at least one adhesive agent on the side facing the steering device (3), and / or the steering device (3) comprises at least one adhesive agent on the side facing the material segment (2), or an adhesive agent is applied to the side of the at least one material segment (2) facing the steering device (3) and / or to the side of the steering device (3) facing the material segment (2); and subsequently ii) bringing together the fitting segments (4) of the device (1) with the aid of the drive mechanism, in such a way that the fitting segments (4) surround the steering device (3) at least in portions and that the at least one material segment (2) arranged between the steering device (3) and the fitting segments (4) is pressed against the steering device (3), wherein the at least two fitting segments (4) are moved laterally towards the steering device (3) or away from it, and wherein the at least one material segment (2) is fixed at points on the steering device (3) by a fixing element (9), prior to the fitting segments (4) being brought together.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterised in that at the same time as step ii), the at least one portion of the steering device (3) is heated by at least one heated fitting segment.

11. Method according to either claim 9 or claim 10, characterised in that between method steps i) and ii) the at least one material segment (2) is stitched to itself, or after method step ii) the at least one material segment (2) is stitched to itself.

12. Method according to any of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that after method step i) the material segment (2) is arranged on the steering device (3), and subsequently the material segment (2) is stitched to itself in such a way that it at least approximately completely surrounds the steering device (3) viewed in radial cross-section, and then method step ii) is carried out.

13. Method according to any of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that the at least one material segment (2) comprises or consists of leather or artificial leather.

14. Method according to any of claims 9 to 13, characterised in that the at least one material segment (2) comprises or is a functional element, in particular a heating mat, a sensor mat, or a soft mat.

15. Method according to any of claims 9 to 14, characterised in that the application of the adhesive agent to the side of the at least one material segment (2) facing the steering device (3) and / or to the side of the steering device (3) facing the material segment (2) is carried out by machine, in particular by spraying on.