Steering wheel

Abstract

In the steering wheel, the leakage of light emitted from the light guide member is suppressed. [Solution] The steering wheel comprises a light source, a light guide member having an optical passage portion with a first emission surface formed at its end, which guides the light output from the light source through the optical passage portion and emits it from the first emission surface, a transmission suppression portion that covers the side surface of the optical passage portion and suppresses the transmission of light, and a lens member having a second emission surface that receives the emitted light and emits it to the outside. In the radial cross-section of the steering wheel, the position of the first emission surface in the optical axis direction along the optical axis of the emitted light is further from the position of the intersection of the second emission surface and the optical axis than the position of the end of the transmission suppression portion in the optical axis direction, which is the end on the lens member side, in the optical axis direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a steering wheel.

Background Art

[0002] In a steering wheel, it has been proposed to attach and use a device (hereinafter referred to as an "illumination device") that emits light such as visible light or infrared light at a position visible to a driver. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a steering wheel provided with an illumination device including a substrate provided with a light source, a diffuser that extends along the rim and constitutes an outer wall from which light is emitted, and a light guide member that guides light emitted from the light source to the diffuser. The diffuser is housed in a recess of a holder whose surface is covered with a cover made of leather or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the steering wheel of Patent Document 1, in the fitting portion between the leather covering the recess and the diffuser, if a gap occurs due to assembly error, aging deterioration, etc., there is a problem that part of the light emitted from the light guide member leaks through such a gap. For this reason, a steering wheel capable of suppressing the leakage of light emitted from the light guide member is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve at least part of the above problems and can be realized in the following forms.

[0006] (1) As one embodiment of the present disclosure, a steering wheel is provided. The steering wheel comprises a light source, a light guide member having an optical passage portion with a first emission surface formed at its end, which guides light output from the light source through the optical passage portion and emits it from the first emission surface, a transmission suppression portion that suppresses the transmission of the light, which covers the side surface of the optical passage portion, and a lens member having transmittance of emitted light, which is light emitted from the first emission surface, which receives the emitted light and emits the emitted light to the outside thereof, wherein in a radial cross-section of the steering wheel, the position of the first emission surface in the optical axis direction along the optical axis of the emitted light may be further from the position of the intersection of the second emission surface and the optical axis than the position in the optical axis direction of the end of the transmission suppression portion in the optical axis direction, which is the end on the lens member side. In this configuration of the steering handle, in the radial cross-section of the steering handle, the position of the first emission surface in the optical axis direction is further from the intersection of the second emission surface and the optical axis than the position of the optical axis direction end of the transmission suppression section, which is on the lens member side, in the optical axis direction. Therefore, the transmission suppression section can block the light emitted from the first emission surface that is traveling in a direction different from the optical axis direction. As a result, leakage of light emitted from the light guide member can be suppressed. (2) In another form of the present disclosure, a steering wheel is provided. The steering handle comprises a light source, a light guide member having an optical path portion with a first emission surface formed at its end, which guides light output from the light source through the optical path portion and emits it from the first emission surface, a transmission suppression portion that suppresses the transmission of the light and covers a part of the side surface of the optical path portion, a lens member having transmittance of emitted light which is light emitted from the first emission surface, which receives the emitted light and emits the emitted light to the outside of itself, and another member different from the light source, the light guide member, and the transmission suppression portion, which contacts the peripheral edge of the lens member, wherein in the radial cross-section of the steering handle, the position of the first emission surface in the optical axis direction along the optical axis of the emitted light may be closer to the position of the intersection of the second emission surface and the optical axis than to the position in the optical axis direction of the end of the transmission suppression portion in the optical axis direction that is the end on the lens member side, and the contact position between the peripheral edge and the other member in the optical axis direction. With this configuration of steering handle, in the radial cross-section of the steering handle, the position of the first emission surface in the optical axis direction along the optical axis of the emitted light is closer to the intersection of the second emission surface and the optical axis than to the position in the optical axis direction of the end of the transmission suppression section in the optical axis direction, which is the end on the lens member side, and the contact position between the peripheral edge and other members in the optical axis direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the emitted light emitted from the first emission surface from heading towards the contact position. As a result, leakage of light emitted from the light guide member can be suppressed. (3) In the steering wheel of the above form, the separate member may be a leather member that forms at least a part of the outer surface of the steering wheel. In this configuration of the steering wheel, the separate component is a leather material that forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the steering wheel, thus preventing light leakage from the contact point between the peripheral edge of the lens material and the leather material. (4) In the steering handle of the above form, the substrate on which the light source is mounted and the lens member are attached, and the steering handle further comprises a base member that holds the substrate and the lens member, and the transmission suppression part may be configured as part of the base member. With this type of steering wheel, the light transmission suppression section is configured as part of the base member, so compared to configurations where the light transmission suppression section is configured with a dedicated component, the number of parts can be reduced, resulting in lighter weight and lower cost. (5) In the steering handle of the above form, the transmission suppression portion may surround the side surface of the light passage portion over its entire circumference and be in contact with the side surface of the light passage portion. With this type of steering handle, the light transmission suppression section surrounds the entire side of the optical path section and is in contact with the side of the optical path section, thereby suppressing light leakage from the optical path section and allowing the light transmission suppression section to be used for positioning the optical path section. This makes assembly easier and prevents misalignment due to aging. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing the external shape of a steering wheel as one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the external shape of the steering wheel with the lens member, light guide member, and base member removed. [Figure 3] This is the first exploded perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the illumination device. [Figure 4] This is a second exploded perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the illumination device. [Figure 5] This is the first cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the steering wheel. [Figure 6] This is a second cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of the steering wheel. [Figure 7] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of the steering wheel. [Figure 8] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the steering wheel of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the steering wheel of the third embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the steering wheel of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the steering wheel of the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] A. First Embodiment: A1. Overall configuration of steering wheel 100: Figure 1 is a plan view showing the external shape of a steering wheel 100 as one embodiment of the present disclosure. The steering wheel 100 is used in the driver's seat of a vehicle. Examples of vehicles include engine-powered vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). The steering wheel 100 is part of the steering system operated by the driver of the vehicle. Figure 1 shows the steering wheel 100 in the state when it is connected to the steering shaft SH in the vehicle and the vehicle is moving straight (hereinafter also referred to as the "reference state"). Figure 1 also shows the external configuration of the side of the steering wheel 100 facing the driver (the "rearward" side described later). The steering wheel 100 is configured to be rotatable around the axis AX of the steering shaft SH. The rotation of the steering wheel 100 is transmitted via the steering shaft SH to a steering gearbox (not shown).

[0009] In this embodiment, the direction along the axis AX of the steering shaft SH is referred to as the "forward and backward direction" (forward and rearward direction) in correspondence with the direction of travel of the vehicle. Furthermore, among the directions perpendicular to the axis AX, the direction that overlaps with the vertical direction (vertically upward and vertically downward) as seen from the driver's perspective is referred to as the "up and down direction". Also, among the directions perpendicular to the axis AX, the direction parallel to the left and right direction (width direction) of the vehicle is referred to as the "left and right direction".

[0010] The steering wheel 100 comprises a ring-shaped grip portion 110, a boss portion 130 located approximately in the center of the grip portion 110, three spoke portions 120, and an illumination device 200 located on a part of the grip portion 110.

[0011] The gripping portion 110 is gripped by the driver when operating the steering handle 100. In this embodiment, the gripping portion 110 has a substantially annular shape. The central axis of the gripping portion 110 coincides with the axis AX of the steering shaft SH. The shape of the gripping portion 110 may be any shape other than a substantially annular shape, such as a polygon or an ellipse, or it may be an asymmetrical shape such as a so-called D shape. Furthermore, the shape of the gripping portion 110 is not limited to an annular shape, but may be any shape formed by multiple parts provided at positions far apart from each other. As will be described later, the gripping portion 110 is constructed by stacking multiple members in the thickness direction. The outermost layer is formed by an outer skin layer (outer skin layer 80 described later) made of leather material. Although not shown in Figure 1, a recess (recess C1 described later) is formed in a part of the upper part of the gripping portion 110 in the standard state. A part of the illumination device 200 described later is housed in the recess C1. In other words, the illumination device 200 is fitted into the recess C1, and the opening of the recess C1 is closed by the illumination device 200.

[0012] The three spoke portions 120 connect the grip portion 110 and the boss portion 130. The boss portion 130 corresponds to the connection site when connecting the steering wheel 100 to the steering shaft SH. Inside the boss portion 130, a folded airbag and an inflator (not shown in any figure) are accommodated. Note that inside the boss portion 130, a temperature adjustment circuit constituting a heater device and various sensor devices for detecting the room temperature and the grip of the grip portion 110 by the user may further be accommodated. Various operation buttons and the like for operating a navigation device, an audio device, etc. mounted on the vehicle may be provided on the three spoke portions 120 and the boss portion 130.

[0013] The illumination device 200 emits light. In the present embodiment, the light emitted by the illumination device 200 is visible light and infrared light (infrared rays). By emitting visible light from the illumination device 200, various information can be notified to the driver. For example, by emitting light of various colors or blinking light, some information can be notified to the driver. Specifically, by emitting red light, it is possible to prompt the driver to grip the steering wheel. Also, by emitting infrared light from the illumination device 200, a part of the driver's body can be clearly photographed by an infrared camera in the dark vehicle interior at night.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the external shape of the steering wheel 100 with the lens member 10, the light guide member 20, and the base member 40 removed. As will be described later, in the illumination device 200, a lens member 10 having light transmissibility is disposed at a position facing the driver, and a light guide member 20 and a base member 40 described later are disposed on the front side of the lens member 10. In FIG. 2, the steering wheel 100 in a state where the lens member 10, the light guide member 20, and the base member 40 are removed is schematically represented.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, when the lens member 10, light guide member 20, and base member 40 are removed, the light-emitting unit 30, which is one of the elements constituting the illumination device 200, is exposed. The light-emitting unit 30 comprises a substrate 31 and a plurality of light-emitting elements provided on the surface of the substrate 31. In this embodiment, the "multiple light-emitting elements" include a plurality of first LEDs 32 and a plurality of second LEDs 33. The substrate 31 has an arc-shaped and strip-like appearance that is curved along the circumferential direction of the grip portion 110 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "circumferential direction") as seen from the driver. Hereinafter, the radial direction of the grip portion 110 (the direction perpendicular to the axis AX) will also be simply referred to as the "radial direction". The radial direction of the grip portion 110 can also be said to be the radial direction of the steering handle 100. The plurality of first LEDs 32 are arranged along the circumferential direction at a predetermined distance from each other, near the lower end on the rearward surface of the substrate 31. The first LEDs 32 emit visible light. In this embodiment, a visible light LED capable of emitting red, green, and blue light is used as the first LED 32. Multiple second LEDs 33 form two groups g1 and g2, which are spaced apart from each other. Each group g1 and g2 consists of multiple second LEDs 33 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction. Both groups g1 and g2 are located near the upper edge on the rear surface of the substrate 31. When viewed along the circumferential direction, these two groups g1 and g2 are spaced apart from each other so as to sandwich the multiple first LEDs 32. The second LEDs 33 emit infrared light.

[0016] A2. Detailed configuration of illumination device 200: Figure 3 is a first exploded perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the illumination device 200. Figure 4 is a second exploded perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the illumination device 200. Figure 5 is a first cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the steering wheel 100. Figure 6 is a second cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the steering wheel 100. Figure 3 corresponds to an exploded perspective view of the illumination device 200 viewed from approximately the rear to the front. Figure 4 corresponds to an exploded perspective view of the illumination device 200 viewed from approximately the front to the rear. Figure 5 shows the VV cross-section shown in Figure 2. Figure 6 shows the VI-VI cross-section shown in Figure 2.

[0017] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the illumination device 200 includes, in addition to the light-emitting unit 30 described above, a lens member 10, a light guide member 20, and a base member 40. The illumination device 200 has a structure in which the light guide member 20, the light-emitting unit 30, and the lens member 10 are assembled in the front-to-back direction with the base member 40 in between, forming an integrated structure.

[0018] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lens member 10 comprises a second injection surface 11, a surrounding portion 12, and a plurality of engaging walls 15. The second injection surface 11 shown in Figure 3, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, forms the outer surface of the steering handle 100 in a continuous manner with the outer skin layer 80. Similar to the substrate 31 described above, the second injection surface 11 has a curved, strip-like appearance that follows the circumferential direction of the grip portion 110 when viewed from the driver. The second injection surface 11 is transparent to visible light and infrared light. In this embodiment, the second injection surface 11 has a transmittance of approximately 25% for visible light and approximately 90% for infrared light. Note that the transmittance of visible light and infrared light may be any value higher than 0%. In this embodiment, the second injection surface 11 is formed of a black transparent synthetic resin to match the black outer skin layer 80. Note that the second injection surface 11 may be covered by the outer skin layer 80. Even in this configuration, the light-transmitting properties of the outer layer 80 allow the second emission surface 11 to diffuse the visible light emitted from the first LED 32 into the vehicle interior.

[0019] The second emission surface 11 has the function of protecting the light-emitting section 30, as well as the function of limiting the area through which visible light emitted from the first LED 32 is transmitted (in other words, the function of masking areas that should not be illuminated), and the function of deflecting the direction of infrared light emitted from the second LED 33 so that it is directed upward towards the rear, towards the driver. Furthermore, the second emission surface 11 may also have the function of diffusing the visible light emitted from the first LED 32. The light-emitting region 19 shown in Figure 1 is an area through which visible light is transmitted. On the other hand, in Figure 1, the areas of the second emission surface 11 other than the light-emitting region 19 are areas in which the transmission of visible light is restricted.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4, the enclosing portion 12 is provided on the front-facing surface (back surface) of the second emission surface 11. When the illumination device 200 is assembled (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "assembled state"), the enclosing portion 12 is positioned to surround the entire circumference of the transmission suppression portion 41, which protrudes rearward from the recess C1 of the base member 40 shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, and the first light path portion 21, which corresponds to a part of the light guide member 20 housed in the transmission suppression portion 41 and will be described later. The recess C1 opens on the front-facing surface of the base member 40 and has a groove-like structure that extends along the circumferential direction. Of the enclosing portion 12, the protruding portion 13, which corresponds to the side wall along the radial direction, protrudes from the front-facing surface of the second emission surface 11, in other words, from the inner surface, in the depth direction of the recess C1. In this embodiment, the "depth direction of the recess C1" is approximately the same as the front-rear direction, as is clear from Figures 3, 5, and 6. As shown in Figure 4, the protruding portion 13 has a plurality of engagement holes 14. In the assembled state, the engagement claws 44 (see Figure 3) provided on the outer circumferential surface of the permeability suppression portion 41 of the base member 40 engage with the engagement holes 14. This engagement is achieved as a so-called snap fit. The plurality of engagement walls 15, as shown in Figure 4, have a thin, wall-like external shape that protrudes forward and are provided with engagement holes. In the assembled state, the engagement walls 15 are positioned in contact with the engagement walls 45 (see Figure 3) of the base member 40. In the assembled state, the engagement claws provided on the engagement walls 45 engage with the engagement holes of the engagement walls 15. This engagement is also achieved as a so-called snap fit.

[0021] The light guide member 20 guides the light (visible light) emitted from the first LED 32 to the lens member 10. In this embodiment, the light guide member 20 is made of polycarbonate (PC) resin. However, it may be made of acrylic resin instead of PC resin. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the light guide member 20 has an external shape in which the cross-sectional shape along the axis AX is substantially L-shaped. In addition, the light guide member 20 has an external shape that is arc-shaped when viewed from the driver, in accordance with the arrangement positions of the multiple first LEDs 32.

[0022] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the light guide member 20 comprises a first optical path section 21, a second optical path section 22, and a deflection section 23. The first optical path section 21 includes a first emission surface S1 from which visible light is emitted from the light guide member 20 to the lens member 10. The first optical path section 21 extends along the direction from the surface (rear-facing side) of the substrate 31 toward the lens member 10. This direction is parallel to the direction along the optical axis (hereinafter also referred to as the "optical axis direction") of the light emitted from the first emission surface S1 (hereinafter referred to as "emitted light"). In this embodiment, the first emission surface S1 is a plane, and diffused light with a wide spread is output from the first emission surface S1 as emitted light. The direction of the center of the irradiation range of this diffused light, when viewed in a radial cross-section, is a direction that passes through the center of the first emission surface S1 and is parallel to the perpendicular to the first emission surface S1, and coincides with the optical axis of the emitted light (optical axis LX, described later). The emitted light from the first emission surface S1 is received by the lens member 10 and emitted to the outside from the second emission surface 11. Therefore, the second emission surface 11 can be described as the surface that emits the received emitted light to the outside of the lens member 10 (into the vehicle interior).

[0023] The second optical path section 22 has an incident surface S2 into which visible light output from the first LED 32 is incident. As shown in Figure 5, the incident surface S2 is located above the first LED 32. Therefore, visible light is incident on the incident surface S2 from the first LED 32 in an upward direction. The deflection section 23 connects the first optical path section 21 and the second optical path section 22, and reflects the visible light guided by the second optical path section 22 to input it into the first optical path section 21. More specifically, the deflection section 23 deflects the visible light incident from the incident surface S2 into the second optical path section 22, which is moving upward, so that it is moving forward and input into the first optical path section 21. As shown in Figure 4, the deflection section 23 has a deflection surface 24 that deflects the visible light. Multiple diffusion sections 25 are formed on the deflection surface 24. Each diffusion section 25 is positioned in a corresponding position in front of each first LED 32. Each diffusion section 25 has a recessed structure with a partially chamfered deflection surface 24. Specifically, each diffusion section 25 has a recessed structure such that the position corresponding to the front of the first LED 32 is the most recessed, and the depth gradually decreases as it moves circumferentially toward the position corresponding to the adjacent first LED 32. In addition, the width of each diffusion section 25, i.e., the vertical dimension, is largest at the position corresponding to the upward direction (more precisely, radially outward direction) of the first LED 32, and gradually decreases as it moves circumferentially toward the position corresponding to the adjacent first LED 32. With the deflection section 23 having such a structure, the visible light of the point light source output from each first LED 32 is diffused in the circumferential and vertical directions when deflected in the deflection section 23. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the assembled state, the first light path section 21 is housed in the recess C1. On the other hand, in the assembled state, the second light path section 22 and the deflection section 23 are located on the front side of the base member 40 and are not housed in the recess C1.

[0024] The base member 40 holds the light guide member 20 and the light-emitting part 30 attached to its front side, and also holds the lens member 10 attached to its rear side. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the base member 40 has an external appearance that is curved in the circumferential direction and is band-shaped when viewed from the driver. In this embodiment, the base member 40 is configured as a single part made of ABS resin. Alternatively, it may be configured as a single part made of PC resin instead of ABS resin, or in addition to ABS resin. It may also be configured as a composite part made by combining multiple parts. In this embodiment, the base member 40 is configured to suppress the transmission of visible light. Specifically, the base member 40 is made of colored ABS resin that does not transmit visible light.

[0025] As described above, a circumferentially continuous recess C1 is formed on the rear surface of the base member 40. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, on the front surface of the base member 40, a circumferentially continuous covering portion 42 is provided on the upper and lower sides of the recess C1. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the covering portion 42 has an acute angle between the surface located above the top portion 43 and the surface located below it. The covering portion 42 is covered by an outer skin layer 80, which will be described later.

[0026] In the recess C1, a through-hole is formed in the portion corresponding to the light guide member 20, extending in the thickness direction. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first optical passage portion 21 of the light guide member 20 is inserted into this through-hole. As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the aforementioned light transmission suppression portion 41 is provided in the recess C1 so as to surround the through-hole into which the first optical passage portion 21 is inserted. The light transmission suppression portion 41 has a through-hole, similar to the surrounding portion 12 of the lens member 10 shown in Figure 4, and is formed to protrude forward so as to contact and cover the entire circumference of the side surface of the first optical passage portion 21 inserted into the through-hole. As shown in Figure 3, the light transmission suppression portion 41 has an external shape that is a flattened cylindrical shape curved in an arc. As described above, a plurality of engaging claws 44 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the light transmission suppression portion 41, and these engaging claws 44 engage with the engaging holes 14 of the lens member 10 when assembled. The light transmission suppression portion 41 suppresses the transmission of visible light, similar to other parts of the base member 40. In this embodiment, the entire base member 40 is made of a material that exhibits a predetermined color and does not transmit visible light. Alternatively, the entire base member 40 may be made of a light-transmitting material, and only the portion corresponding to the transmission suppression portion 41 may have a black film attached or be painted with a predetermined color. In addition to suppressing the transmission of visible light, the transmission suppression portion 41 also suppresses the vertical and horizontal positional displacement of the light guide member 20, including the first light passage portion 21.

[0027] A3. Detailed configuration of the gripping part 110: In the gripping portion 110, the cross-sectional configuration of the portion other than the portion to which the illumination device 200 is attached differs from the cross-sectional configuration of the portion to which the illumination device 200 is attached shown in Figures 5 and 6, in that the illumination device 200 is not attached, but the other configurations are the same.

[0028] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the gripping portion 110 comprises a core metal 50, a core portion 60, an element layer 70, the illumination device 200 described above, and an outer layer 80.

[0029] The core metal 50 is made of metal and is a structural component of the gripping portion 110. In this embodiment, the core metal 50 is made of an aluminum alloy. However, the core metal 50 may be made of any type of metal other than an aluminum alloy, such as a magnesium alloy or steel. The core portion 60 is arranged to cover the entire core metal 50 and forms the core of the gripping portion 110. The core portion 60 is made of a soft synthetic resin with cushioning properties. Specifically, in this embodiment, the core portion 60 is made of a soft foamed material such as foamed polyurethane. The element layer 70 partially covers the core portion 60. The element layer 70 is a layer on which heating wires constituting the heater device and electrodes for detecting gripping are provided. For example, it is made of a conductive fabric with a surface treatment such as carbon coating or metal plating applied to a fibrous fabric. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the portion of the gripping portion 110 where the illumination device 200 is attached, the element layer 70 also covers a part of the base member. The outer surface of the element layer 70 and a portion of the outer surface of the base member 40 form a continuous curved surface. The outer skin layer 80 continuously covers the outer surface of the element layer 70, the outer surface of the covering portion 42 of the base member 40, and the inside of the recess C1 of the base member 40. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the terminal portions of the leather members constituting the outer skin layer 80 are housed in the recess C1. The outer skin layer 80 is formed of leather members. In this embodiment, the leather members are made of natural leather such as top leather or split leather separated from top leather. However, the leather members may be made of any type of leather material other than natural leather, such as synthetic leather or artificial leather.

[0030] A4. Manufacturing method of steering wheel 100: The manufacturing method (assembly method) for the steering handle 100 having the above-described configuration will now be explained. First, the components of the illumination device 200 excluding the lens member 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "illumination sub-assembly") are manufactured. Specifically, the lens member 10, the light guide member 20, the light-emitting part 30, and the base member 40 are manufactured first. Then, the light guide member 20 and the light-emitting part 30 are attached to the back surface of the base member 40 (the front surface in the assembled state). At this time, the three screws 90 shown in Figures 3 and 4 are housed in the notches 35 provided on the upper edge of the substrate 31 and screwed into the screw holes 46 (see Figure 6) provided in the base member 40. In this way, the illumination sub-assembly is completed. Next, the core metal 50 is formed. The core portion 60 and the element layer 70 are formed so as to surround the core metal 50. Hereafter, the components obtained in this way will be referred to as the "handle material". The handle material may be formed, for example, by two-color molding. Next, the illumination sub-assembly is fastened to the core metal 50 using screws. This integrates the handle material and the illumination sub-assembly. Figures 5 and 6 show cross-sections of the parts without fastening screws. In this way, by fastening the illumination sub-assembly and the core metal 50 together with screws, the heat generated by the illumination of the light-emitting part 30 can be transferred to the core metal 50, thereby suppressing excessive overheating of the illumination device 200. Next, a leather material is wrapped around the outer surface of the integrated member of the handle material and illumination sub-assembly to form the outer skin layer 80. The outer skin layer 80 may be formed, for example, by wrapping multiple leather material parts around it in the circumferential direction. Next, adhesive is applied to the wall surface of the recess C1, the end portion of the outer skin layer 80 is bent along the shape of the covering part 42 and housed in the recess C1, and the end portion is adhered to the wall surface of the recess C1. Next, the lens member 10 is fitted into the recess C1 and attached to the base member 40 using a snap-fit ​​mechanism. In addition to the above procedure, there are other steps, such as housing the airbag and inflator in the boss portion 130 (not shown), but these steps will not be explained.

[0031] According to the manufacturing method described above, the lens member 10 is fitted into the recess C1 covered by the outer layer 80. Therefore, the outer edge of the lens member 10, in other words, the outer edge of the second emission surface 11, is in contact with the outer layer 80. However, due to assembly errors or aging, the contact may be released, and a small gap may form between the outer edge of the lens member 10 and the outer layer 80. However, according to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the leakage of light emitted from the first emission surface S1 to the outside through such a gap. The specific configuration for achieving this effect will be explained below with reference to Figure 7.

[0032] A5. Suppression of light leakage: Figure 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the steering wheel 100. In Figure 7, the region near the first injection surface S1 of the steering wheel 100 is extracted and enlarged. As with Figures 5 and 6, Figure 7 corresponds to a radial cross-section.

[0033] As shown in Figure 7, the direction of the emitted light along the optical axis LX (hereinafter referred to as the "optical axis direction") emitted from the first emission surface S1 is approximately parallel to the forward and backward directions. Four points p1, p2, p3, and p4 are clearly indicated in Figure 7. Point p1 corresponds to the intersection point ip of the second emission surface 11 on the lens member 10 and the optical axis LX. Point p2 is the end of the transmission suppression section 41 in the optical axis direction, and corresponds to the position in the optical axis direction of the end e1 on the lens member 10 side. Point p3 corresponds to the position of the first emission surface S1 in the optical axis direction. Point p4 corresponds to the position in the optical axis direction of the contact position cp between the peripheral edge of the lens member 10 and the outer layer 80.

[0034] In the radial cross-section of the steering handle 100, the position of point p3 is further from the position of point p1 (intersection ip) than the position of point p2. In other words, the position of the first emission surface S1 in the optical axis direction is further from the intersection ip of the second emission surface 11 and the optical axis LX than the position of the end e1 of the transmission suppression section 41 in the optical axis direction. In other words, the position of the first emission surface S1 in the optical axis direction is set back in the forward direction from the position of the end e1 of the transmission suppression section 41 in the optical axis direction. With this configuration, of the emitted light emitted from the first emission surface S1, light that is trying to travel in directions other than backward is blocked by the transmission suppression section 41. Therefore, leakage of emitted light from the contact position cp can be suppressed.

[0035] Furthermore, since point p3 is closer to intersection ip than point p4, the first emission surface S1 and the lens member 10 can be brought closer together compared to a configuration where point p3 is further from intersection ip than point p4. As a result, the brightness of the light emitted to the outside from the second emission surface 11 can be increased.

[0036] According to the steering handle 100 of the first embodiment described above, in the radial cross-section of the steering handle 100, the position of the first emission surface S1 in the optical axis direction is further from the intersection of the second emission surface 11 and the optical axis LX than the position of the optical axis direction end e1 of the transmission suppression section 41, which is the end e1 on the lens member 10 side, in the optical axis direction. Therefore, the transmission suppression section 41 can block the light emitted from the first emission surface S1 that is traveling in a direction different from the optical axis direction. As a result, leakage of light emitted from the light guide member 20 can be suppressed.

[0037] Furthermore, since the light transmission suppression section 41 is configured as part of the base member 40, the number of parts can be reduced, resulting in lighter weight and lower cost compared to configurations where the light transmission suppression section 41 is configured with a dedicated component.

[0038] Furthermore, since the transmission suppression section 41 surrounds the entire side surface of the first optical path section 21 and is in contact with the side surface of the first optical path section 21, it can suppress light leakage from the first optical path section 21 and can also be used to position the first optical path section 21. This makes assembly easier and suppresses the occurrence of positional displacement due to aging.

[0039] B. Second Embodiment: Figure 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the steering handle 100a of the second embodiment. Figure 8 shows a cross-section of the same range as in Figure 7. The 100a of the second embodiment differs from the steering handle 100 of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7 in that the length of the first optical path portion 21 in the optical axis direction is shorter, and the position of point p3 in the optical axis direction is located forward of point p4, which corresponds to the position of contact position cp in the optical axis direction. The other components of the steering handle 100a of the second embodiment are the same as those of the steering handle 100 of the first embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0040] In the second embodiment shown in Figure 8, in the radial cross-section of the steering handle 100a, the position of the first emission surface S1 in the optical axis direction (point p3) is further from the position of the intersection point ip (point p1) between the second emission surface 11 and the optical axis LX than the position of the optical axis direction of the optical axis end e1 of the transmission suppression section 41, which is the end e1 on the lens member 10 side (point p2), in the optical axis direction. Therefore, the transmission suppression section 41 can block the light emitted from the first emission surface S1 that is traveling in a direction different from the optical axis direction. As a result, leakage of light emitted from the light guide member 20 can be suppressed.

[0041] The steering handle 100a of the second embodiment described above provides the same effects as the steering handle 100 of the first embodiment.

[0042] C. Third Embodiment: Figure 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the steering handle 100b of the third embodiment. Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the same range as in Figure 7. The 100b of the third embodiment differs from the steering handle 100 of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7 in that the length of the first optical path portion 21 in the optical axis direction is shorter and the length of the transmission suppression portion 41 in the optical axis direction is shorter. The other components of the steering handle 100b of the third embodiment are the same as those of the steering handle 100 of the first embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0043] In the third embodiment, in addition to point p3, point p2 is also located further forward than point p4, which corresponds to the position in the optical axis direction of the contact position cp. However, even in the third embodiment shown in Figure 9, in the radial cross-section of the steering handle 100b, the position of the first emission surface S1 in the optical axis direction (point p3) is further from the position of the intersection point ip (point p1) between the second emission surface 11 and the optical axis LX than the position in the optical axis direction of the end e1 of the transmission suppression section 41 in the optical axis direction, which is the end e1 on the lens member 10 side (point p2). Therefore, the transmission suppression section 41 can block the light emitted from the first emission surface S1 that is directed in a direction different from the optical axis direction. As a result, leakage of light emitted from the light guide member 20 can be suppressed.

[0044] The steering handle 100b of the third embodiment described above provides the same effects as the steering handle 100 of the first embodiment.

[0045] D. Fourth Embodiment: Figure 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the steering handle 100c of the fourth embodiment. Figure 10 shows a cross-section of the same range as in Figure 7. The 100c of the third embodiment differs from the steering handle 100 of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7 in that the length of the transmission suppression section 41 in the optical axis direction is shorter. The other components of the steering handle 100c of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the steering handle 100 of the first embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0046] In the fourth embodiment, in the radial cross-section of the steering handle 100c, the position of the first emission surface S1 in the optical axis direction (point p3) is closer to the intersection point ip between the second emission surface 11 and the optical axis LX than to the position of the end e1 of the transmission suppression section 41 in the optical axis direction (point p2) or to the position of the contact position cp in the optical axis direction (point p4). In other words, the position of the first emission surface S1 in the optical axis direction is located further back than to the position of the end e1 of the transmission suppression section 41 in the optical axis direction or to the position of the contact position cp in the optical axis direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the emission light emitted from the first emission surface S1 from heading towards the contact position cp, and to suppress the leakage of light emitted from the light guide member 20. Note that in the fourth embodiment, the position of the end e1 of the transmission suppression section 41 in the axial direction (point p2) is closer to the intersection point ip than to the position of the contact position cp in the axial direction (point p4).

[0047] According to the steering handle 100c of the fourth embodiment described above, in the radial cross-section of the steering handle 100c, the position of the first emission surface S1 in the optical axis direction along the optical axis LX of the emitted light is closer to the position of the intersection point ip between the second emission surface 11 and the optical axis LX than to the position in the optical axis direction of the end e1 of the transmission suppression part 41 in the optical axis direction, which is the end e1 on the lens member 10 side, and the contact position cp between the peripheral edge and the outer layer 80 in the optical axis direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the emitted light emitted from the first emission surface S1 from heading towards the contact position cp. For this reason, leakage of light emitted from the light guide member 20 can be suppressed.

[0048] E. Fifth Embodiment: Figure 11 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the steering handle 100d of the fifth embodiment. Figure 11 shows a cross-section of the same range as in Figure 10. The 100d of the fifth embodiment differs from the steering handle 100c of the first embodiment shown in Figure 10 in that the length of the transmission suppression section 41 in the optical axis direction is shorter. The other components of the steering handle 100d of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the steering handle 100 of the first embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0049] In the fifth embodiment, in the radial cross-section of the steering handle 100d, the position in the optical axis direction of the optical axis end e1 of the transmission suppression section 41, which is the end e1 on the lens member 10 side (point p2), is further from the position of the intersection point ip between the second emission surface 11 and the optical axis LX than the position in the optical axis direction of the contact position cp (point p4). In other words, the position in the optical axis direction of the optical axis end e1 of the transmission suppression section 41 (point p2) is located forward compared to the position in the optical axis direction of the first emission surface S1 (point p3) and the position in the optical axis direction of the contact position cp (point p4). Even in this configuration, the position in the optical axis direction of the first emission surface S1 is located backward compared to both the position in the optical axis direction of the end e1 of the transmission suppression section 41 and the position in the optical axis direction of the contact position cp, thus producing the same effect as the steering handle 100c of the third embodiment.

[0050] F. Other embodiments: (F1) In each embodiment, the transmission suppression section 41 was configured as part of the base member 40, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the transmission suppression section 41 may be configured as another member independent of the base member 40.

[0051] (F2) In each embodiment, the contact position cp was the contact position between the peripheral edge of the lens member 10 (second ejection surface 11) and the outer layer 80, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In a configuration in which the outer layer 80 is omitted, the contact position may be between the peripheral part of the lens member 10 and a part of the base member 40 different from the transmission suppression part 41 (for example, the top part 43). In such a configuration, the "part of the base member 40 different from the transmission suppression part 41" corresponds to a "separate member" different from the light source (first LED 32), the light guide member 20, and the transmission suppression part 41.

[0052] (F3) In each embodiment, the transmission suppression portion 41 surrounded the entire side surface of the first optical passage portion 21 and was in contact with the side surface of the first optical passage portion 21, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The transmission suppression portion 41 may be configured to surround only a part of the side surface of the first optical passage portion 21. Alternatively, the transmission suppression portion 41 may be positioned slightly away from the side surface of the first optical passage portion 21.

[0053] (F4) In each embodiment, the substrate 31 was attached to the base member 40, core metal 50, and lens member 10 by screws, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the base member 40, etc., may be equipped with engaging claws, and the substrate 31 may be attached by engaging with the substrate 31 with such engaging claws. Alternatively, it may be attached by bonding with an adhesive or by welding, for example.

[0054] (F5) In each embodiment, the illumination device 200 was provided on the grip portion 110, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the illumination device 200 may be provided on any part of the steering handle 100, 100a to 100d, such as the boss portion 130 or the spoke portion 120. In this case, the shape and configuration of the illumination device 200 can be appropriately changed to suit the size and shape of the location where the illumination device 200 is provided. It is desirable that the illumination device 200 be located in a position that is directly visible to the driver. However, for example, if the light emitted from the illumination device 200 is reflected off the surface of any part inside the vehicle, such as the surface of the instrument panel, and such reflected light is visible to the driver, the illumination device 200 may be located in a position that is not directly visible to the driver.

[0055] (F6) The configurations of the steering handles 100, 100a to 100d in each embodiment are merely examples and can be modified in various ways. For example, the protruding portion 13 may be omitted in each embodiment. Also, the multiple second LEDs 33 may be omitted in each embodiment. Furthermore, in each embodiment, the light guide member 20 had a cross-sectional shape that was approximately L-shaped along the axis AX. That is, the first direction and the second direction were orthogonal to each other. However, the first light path portion 21 and the second light path portion 22 may be arranged so that these directions intersect at any angle other than 90°.

[0056] 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 each embodiment corresponding to the technical features in the embodiments described in the summary of the invention can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-mentioned effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 10...Lens member, 11...Second emission surface, 12...Enclosure, 13...Protruding part, 14...Engagement hole, 15...Engagement wall, 19...Light-emitting area, 20...Light guide member, 21...First light path, 22...Second light path, 23...Bend, 24...Bend surface, 25...Diffusion part, 30...Light-emitting part, 31...Substrate, 32...First LED, 33...Second LED, 35...Notch, 40...Base member, 41...Transmission suppression part, 42...Coating part, 43...Top, 44...Engagement claw, 45...Engagement wall, 46...Screw hole, 50...Core metal, 60...Core part, 70...Element layer, 80...Outer skin Layer, 90...Screw, 100...Steering handle, 100a...Steering handle, 100b...Steering handle, 100c...Steering handle, 100d...Steering handle, 110...Grip part, 120...Spoke part, 130...Boss part, 200...Illumination device, AX...Axis, C1...Recess, LX...Optical axis, S1...First emission surface, S2...Incident surface, SH...Steering shaft, cp...Contact position, e1...End, g1...Group, ip...Intersection, p1...Point, p2...Point, p3...Point, p4...Point

Claims

1. It is a steering wheel, Light source and A light guide member having an optical passage portion with a first emission surface formed at its end, which guides the light output from the light source through the optical passage portion and emits it from the first emission surface, A light transmission suppression portion that suppresses the transmission of the aforementioned light, comprising a light transmission suppression portion that covers the side surface of the light passage portion, A lens member having transmittance for emitted light, which is light emitted from the first emission surface, and having a second emission surface that receives the emitted light and emits the emitted light to the outside thereof, Equipped with, In the radial cross-section of the steering handle, the position of the first emission surface in the optical axis direction along the optical axis of the emitted light is further from the position of the intersection of the second emission surface and the optical axis than the position of the end of the transmission suppression portion in the optical axis direction that is on the lens member side, in the optical axis direction. Steering wheel.

2. It is a steering wheel, Light source and A light guide member having an optical passage portion with a first emission surface formed at its end, which guides the light output from the light source through the optical passage portion and emits it from the first emission surface, A light transmission suppression portion that suppresses the transmission of the aforementioned light, comprising a light transmission suppression portion that covers a part of the side surface of the light passage portion, A lens member having transmittance for emitted light, which is light emitted from the first emission surface, and having a second emission surface that receives the emitted light and emits the emitted light to the outside thereof, A separate component, distinct from the light source, the light guide member, and the transmission suppression portion, which contacts the peripheral edge of the lens member, Equipped with, In the radial cross-section of the steering handle, the position of the first emission surface in the optical axis direction along the optical axis of the emitted light is closer to the position of the intersection of the second emission surface and the optical axis than to the position in the optical axis direction of the end of the transmission suppression portion in the optical axis direction that is on the lens member side, and the contact position between the peripheral portion and the other member in the optical axis direction. Steering wheel.

3. A steering wheel according to claim 2, The steering wheel is a leather member that forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the steering wheel.

4. In the steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A base member is provided to which the substrate on which the light source is mounted and the lens member is attached, and to which the substrate and the lens member are held. The aforementioned transmission suppression portion is a steering handle, which is configured as part of the base member.

5. A steering wheel according to claim 4, The transmission suppression portion is a steering handle that surrounds the entire side surface of the light passage portion and is in contact with the side surface of the light passage portion.

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