steering

Abstract

To provide a steering wheel that can suppress the deterioration of design due to misalignment of the cutting line. [Solution] A steering wheel mounted on a moving body and having a rim portion that is gripped by the occupant of the moving body, wherein the rim portion comprises a rim body portion, a sheet-like functional layer wrapped around the rim body portion and functioning as at least one of a sensor and a heater, a surface portion covering the functional layer, the surface portion comprising a plurality of surface members, and a suture portion formed by stitching the ends of the plurality of surface members together, the suture portion being provided along the circumferential direction in a front view of the steering wheel, and the rim body portion having a groove provided along the circumferential direction that accommodates a part of the functional layer and is provided at a position corresponding to the position of the suture portion, the opening area of ​​the groove gradually widens from the bottom of the groove toward the opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to steering.

Background Art

[0002] Steerings provided with a skin body in which a plurality of skin materials are sewn to each other have been variously proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a steering provided with a recess along the radial direction of the rim of the ring. In the recess, a sewing portion formed by overlapping and sewing the ends of a plurality of skin materials is housed together with a functional member that is a heater or a touch sensor. On the surface of the skin body opposite to the surface where the sewing portion is located, a cut-off line is formed at a position corresponding to the position of the sewing portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Attempts have been made to manufacture a steering that uses different skin materials on the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of the rim in a front view of the steering. In such a steering, the sewing portion and the recess are provided along the circumferential direction in the front view of the steering. Similarly, the cut-off line is also formed along the circumferential direction. The cut-off line along the circumferential direction is more likely to enter the field of view of the occupant than the cut-off line along the radial direction as in Patent Document 1. Therefore, there is a risk that the design property may deteriorate when the cut-off line is displaced from the desired position.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms.

[0006] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a steering wheel is provided which is mounted on a mobile body and has a rim portion that is grasped by the occupant of the mobile body. In this steering wheel, the rim portion has a rim body portion, a sheet-like functional layer wrapped around the rim body portion and functioning as at least one of a sensor and a heater, and a skin portion that covers the functional layer, the skin portion has a plurality of skin members and a suture portion where the ends of the plurality of skin members are sewn together and the suture portion is provided along the circumferential direction in a front view of the steering wheel, the rim body portion has a groove provided along the circumferential direction that accommodates a part of the functional layer and is provided at a position corresponding to the position of the suture portion, the opening area of ​​the groove gradually widens from the bottom of the groove toward the opening. With this type of steering, the opening area of ​​the groove gradually widens from the bottom to the opening, which restricts the movement of the functional layer housed in the groove compared to a configuration where the opening area is uniform from bottom to opening. This suppresses misalignment of the sutures caused by the movement of the functional layer, and also suppresses misalignment of the trim line formed at the position corresponding to the sutures. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reduction in aesthetic appeal that may occur due to misalignment of the trim line. Furthermore, by suppressing the misalignment of the sutures together with the functional layer within the groove, the surface layer and functional layer can be easily positioned when assembled to the rim body, reducing the number of man-hours required. (2) In the steering wheel of the above form, the bottom may be rounded. With this type of steering, the bottom is rounded (R-shaped), allowing for a tighter fit between the bottom and the functional layer compared to a configuration where the bottom is not rounded. This further reduces the likelihood of the functional layer shifting within the groove. (3) In the steering wheel of the above form, the rim portion has a first region which is a region facing the axis of rotation of the steering wheel and along the circumferential direction, and a second region which is a region along the circumferential direction that does not face the axis of rotation, and the suture portion and the groove may be provided extending across the first region and the second region. With this type of steering wheel, the seams and grooves extend across the first and second regions, allowing a dividing line to be formed across both regions. Since the boundary between the first and second regions is easily visible to the occupant when viewing the steering wheel from the front, providing the seams and grooves in this position makes the dividing line more prominent. This improves the aesthetic appeal of the steering wheel. (4) In the steering wheel of the above form, the rim portion has a first region which is a region facing the axis of rotation of the steering wheel, and a second region which is a region which is not facing the axis of rotation, and the suture portion and the groove may be provided in the first region of the first region and the second region. In this type of steering wheel, the seams and grooves are located in the first region of the two regions, allowing the cutting line to be formed in the first region. This suppresses the reduction in the tactile feel of the steering wheel that can occur when the cutting line portion of the steering wheel comes into contact with the occupant's hands, compared to a configuration where the cutting line is formed in the second region. (5) In the steering wheel of the above form, the rim portion has a first region which is a region facing the axis of rotation of the steering wheel, and a second region which is a region which is not facing the axis of rotation, and the suture portion and the groove may be provided in the second region of the first region and the second region. With this type of steering wheel, the seams and grooves are located in the second region of the first region, allowing the cutting line to be formed in the second region. This makes it less likely for the cutting line to be in the occupant's field of vision compared to a configuration where the cutting line is formed in the first region. Therefore, even if the cutting line is misaligned, the resulting decrease in the aesthetic appeal of the steering wheel can be suppressed. (6) In the steering wheel of the above form, the distance from the bottom to the opening may be greater than the length of the suture in the thickness direction of the surface portion in the cross section of the rim portion cut by a plane parallel to and passing through the axis of rotation. With this type of steering wheel, the distance from the bottom to the opening is greater than the length of the suture in the thickness direction of the surface portion when the rim portion is cut by a plane parallel to and passing through the axis of rotation. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the distance from the bottom to the opening is smaller than the length of the suture, the outward protrusion of the position corresponding to the suture on the surface portion is suppressed. This helps to suppress a decrease in the tactile feel of the steering wheel.

[0007] This disclosure can be implemented in various forms. For example, it can be implemented in the form of a vehicle equipped with a steering wheel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the steering wheel in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the steering wheel, excluding the outer layer and functional layer. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing the rim portion cut along line III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows an enlarged view of region IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the steering wheel of the comparative example. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the steering wheel according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the steering wheel according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A. First Embodiment: A1. Equipment configuration: <Configuration of Steering 100> Figure 1 is a front view of a steering wheel 100 in one embodiment of the present disclosure. The X, Y, and Z axes shown in the figure are axes indicating directions in which they intersect each other. In this embodiment, the Y axis is parallel to the left-right direction of the vehicle. The Z axis is parallel to the rotation axis 101. The X axis is perpendicular to the Y and Z axes. The steering wheel 100 in this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle and used to indicate the direction of travel of the vehicle. The steering wheel 100 comprises a hub portion 110, a rim portion 120, and spoke portions 130. The hub portion 110 is located at the center of the steering wheel 100 when viewed from the front and is connected to the rotation axis 101 of the vehicle. The rim portion 120 is provided so as to surround the hub portion 110. The rim portion 120 is grasped by the occupant who steers the vehicle. The rim portion 120 in this embodiment has an annular external shape. Furthermore, the rim portion 120 in this embodiment has a rim body portion 300 as a frame, a functional layer 400 as a touch sensor and grip heater, and a surface portion 121 as an outer surface. Details will be described later. The spoke portion 130 connects the hub portion 110 and the rim portion 120. Functional members such as switches are provided on the spoke portion 130.

[0010] <Outer surface configuration of rim portion 120> The outer surface of the rim portion 120, comprising the skin portion 121, includes a first skin portion 210 and a second skin portion 220. The first skin portion 210 is located on the inside of the radial direction RD of the steering wheel 100 when viewed from the front, and extends along the circumferential direction CD of the steering wheel 100. The second skin portion 220 is located on the outside of the radial direction RD of the steering wheel 100 when viewed from the front, and extends along the circumferential direction CD of the steering wheel 100. In this embodiment, the first skin portion 210 and the second skin portion 220 are colored differently from each other. In Figure 1, hatching is applied to the second skin portion 220 for illustrative purposes.

[0011] In this embodiment, the first surface portion 210 is composed of a single first surface member 211. The first surface member 211 is a sheet of synthetic leather, natural leather, etc. The longitudinal ends of the first surface member 211 are sewn together to form an annular shape. The longitudinal ends of the first surface member 211 are sewn together with the right sides facing each other. In other words, the first surface member 211 is sewn together so that the surfaces that will be the design surfaces are overlapped and the seams are hidden. A first seam portion 212 is formed at the seam portion of the first surface member 211. The first seam portion 212 includes a seam and a seam allowance. The first surface member 211 is positioned such that the surface of the first seam portion 212 that does not have a seam allowance becomes the design surface. In this embodiment, the first seam portion 212 is located at the 6 o'clock position of the steering wheel 100 when viewed from the front. A first trim line PL1 is formed on the design surface at the location of the first suture 212. The first trim line PL1 is the boundary line of the sutured first skin member 211. The first trim line PL1 extends in the radial direction RD of the steering 100.

[0012] In this embodiment, the second skin part 220 is composed of four second skin members 221. Each of the four second skin members 221 is arranged to be continuously annular along the circumferential direction CD of the rim part 120. The second skin member 221 is a sheet-shaped synthetic leather, natural leather, etc. The thickness of the second skin member 221 is substantially the same as the thickness of the first skin member 211. The second stitching part 222 is formed by stitching the ends of adjacent second skin members 221 in the longitudinal direction with each other, with the inner and outer sides facing each other. The second stitching part 222 includes a stitch and a seam allowance. In this embodiment, since the second skin part 220 is composed of four second skin members 221, four second stitching parts 222 are formed. Each of the four second stitching parts 222 is located at the 2 o'clock direction, 4 o'clock direction, 8 o'clock direction, and 10 o'clock direction of the steering wheel 100 when viewed from the front. The positions of the first stitching part 212 and each of the second stitching parts 222 are offset from each other in the circumferential direction CD of the steering wheel 100. A second cut-off line PL2 is formed on the design surface at the position of the second stitching part 222. The second cut-off line PL2 is the boundary line of the stitched second skin members 221. The second cut-off line PL2 extends in the radial direction RD of the steering wheel 100. The positions of the first cut-off line PL1 and each of the second cut-off lines PL2 are offset from each other in the circumferential direction CD of the steering wheel 100.

[0013] The third stitching part 230 is formed by stitching one end of each of the first skin part 210 and the second skin part 220 in the short direction with each other, with the inner and outer sides facing each other. The third stitching part 230 includes a stitch and a seam allowance. The third stitching part 230 is provided over the entire circumference along the circumferential direction CD in the front view of the steering wheel 100. The third cut-off line PL3 is formed at a position corresponding to the position of the third stitching part 230 along the circumferential direction CD of the steering wheel 100.

[0014] Furthermore, the fourth seam portion 240 is formed by sewing together the other ends of the first skin portion 210 and the second skin portion 220 in their respective short directions, with their outer surfaces facing each other. In other words, the first skin portion 210 and the second skin portion 220 are sewn together so that the seam is exposed. The fourth seam portion 240 is provided along the circumferential direction CD in a front view of the steering wheel 100. More specifically, the fourth seam portion 240 is provided along the circumference of the rim portion 120 in a front view on the side closer to the axis of rotation 101.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view of the steering 100 excluding the skin portion 121 and the functional layer 400. That is, in FIG. 2, the rim body portion 300 as the skeleton in the rim portion 120 is in an exposed state. In the rim body portion 300, grooves 310 are provided at positions corresponding to the positions of the first stitching portion 212, the second stitching portion 222, and the third stitching portion 230, respectively. In FIG. 2, for the sake of explanation, the grooves 310 are hatched. The groove 310 accommodates a part of the functional layer 400. Further, the groove 310 is provided to reduce an increase in the thickness of the rim portion 120 due to the stitching margins of the first stitching portion 212, the second stitching portion 222, and the third stitching portion 230, respectively. The groove 310 includes a first groove 311, a second groove 312, and a third groove 313. The first groove 311 is provided at a position corresponding to the position of the first stitching portion 212. Specifically, the first groove 311 is provided so as to extend in the radial direction RD of the rim body portion 300 at the 6 o'clock direction of the rim body portion 300. The second groove 312 is provided at a position corresponding to the position of the second stitching portion 222. Specifically, the second groove 312 is provided so as to extend in the radial direction RD of the rim body portion 300 at each of the 2 o'clock direction, 4 o'clock direction, 8 o'clock direction, and 10 o'clock direction in the rim body portion 300. The third groove 313 is provided at a position corresponding to the position of the third stitching portion 230. Specifically, the third groove 313 is provided over the entire circumference along the circumferential direction CD of the rim body portion 300. It can also be said that the first groove 311 extends from the third groove 313 toward the rotation axis 101 at the 6 o'clock direction of the rim body portion 300. It can also be said that the second groove 312 extends from the third groove 313 toward the rotation axis 101 at each of the 2 o'clock direction, 4 o'clock direction, 8 o'clock direction, and 10 o'clock direction in the rim body portion 300. The positions of the first groove 311 and the second groove 312 are shifted from each other in the circumferential direction CD of the rim body portion 300.

[0016] <Layer structure of the rim portion 120> FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the rim portion 120 cut along the line III-III in FIG. 1. It can also be said that FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the rim portion 120 cut by a plane parallel to the rotation axis 101 and passing through the rotation axis 101. The rim portion 120 has a rim body portion 300, a functional layer 400, and the above-described skin portion 121.

[0017] <Configuration of the rim body 300> The rim body portion 300 is the skeleton of the rim portion 120. The rim body portion 300 has a rim core 301 and a cushion portion 302. The rim core 301 is made of metal. The rim core 301 has a U-shape that is recessed in the +Z direction when cut by a plane parallel to and passing through the rotation axis 101. The cushion portion 302 is made of an elastic material such as urethane. The cushion portion 302 covers the rim core 301. The cushion portion 302 is provided with the third groove 313 described above. The opening area of ​​the third groove 313 gradually widens from the bottom 303 to the opening 304. In addition, the third groove 313 in this embodiment has a rounded bottom 303. Therefore, the third groove 313 has a U-shape in cross-sectional view. The third groove 313 is provided across the first region AR1 and the second region AR2 of the rim portion 120. "First region AR1" is the region of the rim portion 120 that faces the axis of rotation 101 and is along the circumferential direction CD of the steering wheel 100. First region AR1 can also be described as the "inner circumference side" of the steering wheel 100 when viewed from the front. "Second region AR2" is the region of the rim portion 120 that does not face the axis of rotation 101 and is along the circumferential direction CD of the steering wheel 100. Second region AR2 can also be described as the "outer circumference side" of the steering wheel 100 when viewed from the front. Third groove 313 can also be described as being provided at the end of the rim portion 120 in the +Z direction. Therefore, the position of the groove 310 on the rim portion 120 is the position that is most easily visible to the occupant when viewing the steering wheel 100 from the front.

[0018] <Configuration of Functional Layer 400> The functional layer 400 is wrapped around the rim body 300. The functional layer 400 is a sheet-like material wrapped around the rim body 300. The functional layer 400 is aligned with the inner surface SF1 in the groove 310. In this embodiment, the functional layer 400 includes a heater element 410 and a sensor element 420. The heater element 410 generates heat when energized and is used to warm the hands of the occupant. The heater element 410 is, for example, a piece of cloth with a heater wire embedded in it. The sensor element 420 is used to detect when the occupant grips the rim 120. Specifically, the sensor element 420 is used as an electrode for a capacitive touch sensor. The sensor element 420 is, for example, a piece of cloth with conductive fibers woven into it. In this embodiment, the sensor element 420 is laminated on top of the heater element 410. Furthermore, the functional layer 400 may further include an adhesive layer made of any adhesive on the surface that contacts the rim body 300.

[0019] <Structure of the epidermal portion 121> Figure 4 is an enlarged view of region IV in Figure 3. As described above, the epidermal portion 121 includes a first epidermal portion 210 and a second epidermal portion 220. The third suture portion 230, which is the suture portion between the first epidermal portion 210 and the second epidermal portion 220, is provided across the first region AR1 and the second region AR2, similar to the third groove 313. As shown in Figure 4, the third suture portion 230 includes a seam allowance portion 231. The seam allowance portion 231 is the folded portion between the respective ends of the first epidermal portion 210 and the second epidermal portion 220.

[0020] In the cross-section of the rim portion 120 cut by a plane parallel to and passing through the rotation axis 101, the distance D1 from the bottom 303 to the opening 304 in the third groove 313 (also called the depth D1 of the third groove 313) is longer than the length L1 of the third suture portion 230 in the thickness direction TD of the epidermal portion 121. By setting the depth D1 of the third groove 313 in this way, the third groove 313 can adequately accommodate a portion of the functional layer 400 that is pressed by the third suture portion 230.

[0021] Furthermore, in the cross-section of the rim portion 120 cut by a plane parallel to and passing through the rotation axis 101, the width W1 of the opening 304 of the third groove 313 (also called the groove width W1 of the third groove 313) is greater than twice the sum of the thickness T1 of the surface portion 121 and the thickness T2 of the functional layer 400 in the thickness direction TD. By setting the groove width W1 of the third groove 313 in this way, the third groove 313 can adequately accommodate a portion of the functional layer 400 that is pressed by the third suture portion 230.

[0022] A2. Comparison of the steering 100 of the first embodiment and the steering 500 of the comparative example: Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the comparative example steering 500. The comparative example steering 500 differs from the steering 100 of the first embodiment in the shape of the third groove 501. The other components of the comparative example steering 500 are the same as those of the steering 100 of the first embodiment, so their description is omitted below.

[0023] As shown in Figure 5, the third groove 501 has a uniform opening area from the bottom 503 to the opening 504. In such a third groove 501, the functional layer 400 may shift position in the direction indicated by the thick arrow (left-right direction on the paper). Along with this shift in position of the functional layer 400, the position of the third suture portion 230 also shifts. When the position of the third suture portion 230 shifts, the position of the third trim line PL3 also shifts, which may reduce the aesthetic appeal of the steering 500.

[0024] In contrast, in the steering 100 of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the opening area of ​​the third groove 313 gradually widens from the bottom 303 to the opening 304. That is, the third groove 313 of the first embodiment has a smaller volume compared to the third groove 501 of the comparative example. Therefore, the displacement of the third suture portion 230 housed in the third groove 313 of the first embodiment is suppressed compared to when it is housed in the third groove 501 of the comparative example. This also suppresses displacement of the position of the third trim line PL3.

[0025] According to the steering wheel 100 of the first embodiment described above, since the opening area of ​​the third groove 313 gradually widens from the bottom 303 to the opening 304, the movement of the functional layer 400 housed in the third groove 313 can be restricted compared to a configuration in which the opening area is uniform from the bottom 503 to the opening 504. This suppresses the displacement of the third suture portion 230 caused by the movement of the functional layer 400. By suppressing the displacement of the third suture portion 230, the displacement of the third trim line PL3 can be suppressed. Therefore, the reduction in aesthetic appeal that may occur due to the displacement of the third trim line PL3 can be suppressed. Furthermore, by suppressing the displacement of the third suture portion 230 together with the functional layer 400 within the third groove 313, the surface portion 121 and the functional layer 400 can be easily positioned when assembled to the rim body portion 300, and the number of man-hours can be reduced.

[0026] Furthermore, since the opening area of ​​the third groove 313 gradually widens from the bottom 303 to the opening 304, the contact area between the side wall of the third groove 313 and the functional layer 400 can be increased compared to a configuration where the opening area of ​​the third groove 313 is uniform from the bottom 303 to the opening 304. As a result, if the functional layer 400 is further equipped with an adhesive layer made of an adhesive or the like, the adhesive force between it and the side wall can be made stronger. Therefore, the displacement of the functional layer 400 within the third groove 313 is further suppressed.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the steering 100 of the first embodiment, since the bottom 303 is rounded, the bottom 303 and the functional layer 400 can be brought into closer contact compared to a configuration in which the bottom 303 is not rounded. This further suppresses the functional layer 400 from shifting within the third groove 313.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the steering wheel 100 of the first embodiment, the third groove 313 and the third stitching portion 230 are provided across the first region AR1 and the second region AR2, so the third boundary line PL3 is also formed across the first region AR1 and the second region AR2. The boundary between the first region AR1 and the second region AR2 is a part that is easily visible to the occupant when viewing the steering wheel 100 from the front. By providing the third groove 313 and the third stitching portion 230 in this position, the third boundary line PL3 can be made more prominent. This improves the aesthetic design of the steering wheel 100.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the steering wheel 100 of the first embodiment, the distance D1 from the bottom 303 to the opening 304 in the third groove 313 is greater than the length L1 of the third suture portion 230 in the thickness direction TD of the surface portion 121 in the cross-section of the rim portion 120 cut by a plane parallel to and passing through the rotation axis 101. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the distance D1 from the bottom 303 to the opening 304 is smaller than the length L1 of the third suture portion 230, it is possible to suppress the outward protrusion of the position corresponding to the third suture portion 230 in the surface portion 121. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the aesthetic appeal of the steering wheel 100.

[0030] Furthermore, compared to a configuration where the distance D1 from the bottom 303 to the opening 304 in the third groove 313 is the same as the length L1 of the third suture 230, even if the length L1 of the third suture 230 is longer than a predetermined length due to manufacturing tolerances, the excess length can be contained within the third groove 313. This prevents the position of the third suture 230 on the surface portion 121 from protruding outward, thereby preventing a decrease in the tactile feel of the steering wheel 100.

[0031] Furthermore, since the positions of the first suture portion 212 and the second suture portion 222 are offset from each other in the circumferential direction CD of the steering 100, the continuity between the first suture portion 212 and the second suture portion 222 can suppress the formation of a weak area in the epidermal portion 121.

[0032] B. Second Embodiment: Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the steering 100b of the second embodiment. Similar to Figure 3, Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the rim portion 120b cut by a plane parallel to and passing through the rotation axis 101. The steering 100b of the second embodiment differs from the steering 100 of the first embodiment in the position where the third suture portion 230b and the third groove 313b are provided. The other configurations of the steering 100b of the second embodiment are the same as those of the steering 100 of the first embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the third suture portion 230b and the third groove 313b are located in the first region AR1 of the two regions AR2. Therefore, the third border line PL3b is also formed in the first region AR1 of the two regions AR2.

[0034] According to the steering wheel 100b of the second embodiment described above, the third suture portion 230b and the third groove 313b are provided in the first region AR1 of the first region AR1 and the second region AR2, so the third boundary line PL3b can be formed in the first region AR1 of the first region AR1 and the second region AR2. This makes it possible to suppress the deterioration of the tactile feel of the steering wheel 100b that may occur when the third boundary line PL3b portion of the steering wheel 100b comes into contact with the occupant's hands, compared to a configuration in which the third boundary line PL3b portion of the steering wheel 100b is formed in the second region AR2. Specifically, the third boundary line PL3b portion is the boundary between the first surface portion 210 and the second surface portion 220, and has a relatively poor tactile feel. Here, of the first region AR1, which is the area mainly touched by the occupant's fingers, and the second region AR2, which is the area mainly touched by the occupant's palm, the area in contact with the occupant in the first region AR1 is smaller than that in the second region AR2. Therefore, the formation of a third boundary line PL3b in the first region AR1 can suppress the deterioration of tactile sensation.

[0035] C. Third Embodiment: Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the steering 100c of the third embodiment. Similar to Figure 3, Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the rim portion 120c cut by a plane parallel to and passing through the rotation axis 101. The steering 100c of the third embodiment differs from the steering 100 of the first embodiment in the positions where the third suture portion 230c and the third groove 313c are provided. The other configurations of the steering 100c of the third embodiment are the same as those of the steering 100 of the first embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0036] As shown in Figure 7, the third suture portion 230c and the third groove 313c are located in the second region AR2 of the first region AR1 and the second region AR2. Therefore, the dividing line PL3c is also formed in the second region AR2 of the first region AR1 and the second region AR2.

[0037] According to the steering wheel 100c of the third embodiment described above, the third suture portion 230c and the third groove 313c are provided in the second region AR2 of the first region AR1 and the second region AR2, so the dividing line PL3c can be formed in the second region AR2 of the first region AR1 and the second region AR2. As a result, compared to a configuration in which the dividing line PL3c is formed in the first region AR1, the dividing line PL3c is less likely to be in the occupant's field of vision. Therefore, even if the dividing line PL3c is misaligned, the deterioration of the design of the steering wheel 100c due to the misalignment of the dividing line PL3c can be suppressed.

[0038] D. Other embodiments: (D1) In each of the above embodiments, the third sutures 230, 230b, 230c and the third grooves 313, 313b, 313c were provided along the entire circumference of the steering wheel 100 as viewed from the front, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The third sutures 230, 230b, 230c and the third grooves 313, 313b, 313c may be provided along the circumference of the steering wheel 100 as viewed from the front, along the circumferential direction CD.

[0039] (D2) In each of the above embodiments, the first skin portion 210 was composed of a single first skin member 211, and the second skin portion 220 was composed of four second skin members 221, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The first skin portion 210 may be composed of a plurality of first skin members 211. The first skin portion 210 may also be composed of a plurality of skin members that are different from each other. The second skin portion 220 may be composed of any number of second skin members 221 other than four. The second skin portion 220 may also be composed of a plurality of skin members that are different from each other.

[0040] (D3) In each of the above embodiments, the first groove 311 and the second groove 312 may have an opening area that gradually increases from the bottom toward the opening, similar to the third groove 313, 313b, and 313c.

[0041] (D4) In each of the above embodiments, the functional layer 400 had both a heater element 410 and a sensor element 420, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The functional layer 400 may have only one of the heater element 410 and the sensor element 420. The sensor element 420 may also be a sensor used for purposes other than detecting occupant gripping.

[0042] (D5) In each of the above embodiments, the bottom 303 of the third groove 313 was rounded, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The bottom 303 of the third groove 313 does not have to be rounded.

[0043] (D6) In each of the above embodiments, the distance D1 from the bottom 303 of the third groove 313 to the opening 304 was greater than the length L1 of the third suture portion 230 in the thickness direction TD of the skin portion 121, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The distance D1 may be less than or equal to the length L1. Also, in each of the above embodiments, the width W1 of the opening 304 of the third groove 313 was greater than twice the sum of the thickness T1 of the skin portion 121 and the thickness T2 of the functional layer 400 in the thickness direction TD, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The width W1 may be less than or equal to twice the sum of the thickness T1 and the thickness T2.

[0044] (D7) In each of the above embodiments, the rim portions 120, 120b, and 120c had an annular shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The rim portions 120, 120b, and 120c may have any shape, such as a D shape or a butterfly shape.

[0045] (D8) In each of the above embodiments, the steering 100, 100b, and 100c may be provided on any moving body other than a vehicle. Such moving bodies include, for example, ships, airplanes, spacecraft, and so-called flying cars. Furthermore, the moving body is not necessarily limited to an object that realizes actual movement, but may also be an object that realizes virtual movement, such as a simulator.

[0046] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the summary of the invention can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 100, 100b, 100c…Steering, 101…Rotation axis, 110…Hub section, 120, 120b, 120c…Rim section, 121…Surface section, 130…Spoke section, 210…First surface section, 211…First surface member, 212…First stitching section, 220…Second surface section, 221…Second surface member, 222…Second stitching section, 230, 230b, 230c…Third stitching section, 231…Seam allowance, 240…Fourth stitching section, 300…Rim body section, 301…Rim core, 302…Cushion section, 303…Bottom, 304…Opening, 310 ...groove, 311...first groove, 312...second groove, 313, 313b, 313c...third groove, 400...functional layer, 410...heater element, 420...sensor element, 500...steering, 501...third groove, 503...bottom, 504...opening, AR1...first region, AR2...second region, CD...circumferential direction, D1...distance, L1...length, PL1...first trim line, PL2...second trim line, PL3, PL3b, PL3c...third trim line, RD...radial direction, SF1...inner surface, T1, T2...thickness, TD...thickness direction, W1...width

Claims

1. A steering wheel mounted on a mobile vehicle and having a rim portion that is grasped by the occupant of the mobile vehicle, The rim portion comprises a rim body, a sheet-like functional layer wrapped around the rim body and functioning as at least one of a sensor and a heater, and a surface portion covering the functional layer. The surface portion comprises a plurality of surface members and a suture portion formed by stitching the ends of the plurality of surface members together, the suture portion being provided along the circumferential direction in a front view of the steering wheel. The rim body has grooves provided along the circumferential direction, which accommodate a part of the functional layer and are located at positions corresponding to the suture portion. The opening area of ​​the groove gradually widens from the bottom of the groove towards the opening. Steering wheel.

2. The steering wheel according to claim 1, The aforementioned bottom is rounded, and it is a steering wheel.

3. The steering wheel according to claim 2, The rim portion has a first region which is a region facing the rotation axis of the steering and along the circumferential direction, and a second region which is a region along the circumferential direction that does not face the rotation axis. The suture portion and the groove are provided across the first region and the second region, respectively, for the steering.

4. The steering wheel according to claim 2, The rim portion has a first region which is a region facing the axis of rotation of the steering, and a second region which is a region which is not facing the axis of rotation. The suture portion and the groove are provided in the first region of the two regions, which is a steering element.

5. The steering wheel according to claim 2, The rim portion has a first region which is a region facing the axis of rotation of the steering, and a second region which is a region which is not facing the axis of rotation. The suture portion and the groove are provided in the second region of the first region and the second region, respectively, for steering.

6. A steering wheel according to any one of claims 3 to 5, A steering wheel in which the distance from the bottom to the opening is greater than the length of the suture in the thickness direction of the surface portion when the rim portion is cut by a plane parallel to and passing through the axis of rotation.

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