Steering wheel

Abstract

To provide a steering wheel that is able to transmit more appropriate vibration at a desired point.SOLUTION: A steering wheel 1 includes a steering wheel body 10 having a core metal 20. In addition, the core metal 20 includes a hub core metal 21. Further, the core metal 20 includes a first connecting portion 22 having: a first rim core metal 221; and a first spoke core metal 222 connecting the first rim core metal 221 to the hub core metal 21. Furthermore, the core metal 20 includes a second connecting portion 23 having: a second rim core metal 231 separate from the first rim core metal 221; and a second spoke core metal 232 connecting the second rim core metal 231 to the hub core metal 21. Additionally, at least one first vibrator 71 capable of vibrating the first connecting portion 22 is provided for the first connecting portion 22, and at least one second vibrator 72 capable of vibrating the second connecting portion 23 is provided for the second connecting portion 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering wheel. [Background technology]

[0002] As disclosed in the following Patent Document 1, a steering wheel has been proposed in which a vibrator such as an electric actuator is attached to the steering wheel, and vibrations are transmitted to the entire steering wheel by vibrating the vibrator. The vibrations transmitted to the entire steering wheel by the vibrator are sensed by a passenger gripping the rim, allowing the passenger to be notified of any abnormalities or other matters that need to be communicated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-010007 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this way, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, some information can be communicated to the occupant by vibrating the steering wheel.

[0005] In addition, when transmitting vibrations of the steering wheel to the occupant, it is conceivable to provide a plurality of vibrators on the steering wheel so that various information can be communicated to the occupant. For example, it is conceivable to switch the vibrators to vibrate depending on the information to be communicated to the occupant, thereby vibrating different parts of the steering wheel, thereby making it possible to communicate various information to the occupant.

[0006] In this way, when different parts of the steering wheel are vibrated depending on what is to be communicated to the occupant, it is preferable to be able to vibrate the parts that are to be vibrated more appropriately.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the problems inherent in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a steering wheel that can transmit vibrations more appropriately to desired locations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A steering wheel according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a steering wheel body having a core, the core comprising a hub core, a first connecting portion having a first rim core that forms part of the rim of the steering wheel body, and a first spoke core that connects the first rim core to the hub core, and a second connecting portion that is arranged spaced apart from the first rim core and has a second rim core that forms part of the rim, and a second spoke core that connects the second rim core to the hub core, the first connecting portion having at least one first vibrator that can vibrate the first connecting portion, and the second connecting portion having at least one second vibrator that can vibrate the second connecting portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a steering wheel that can transmit vibrations more appropriately to desired locations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a steering wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a core bar according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a steering wheel according to a first modified example, and is a plan view showing a core metal, a first vibrator, and a second vibrator. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a steering wheel according to a second modified example, and is a plan view showing a core metal, a first vibrator, and a second vibrator. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a steering wheel according to a third modified example, and is a plan view showing a core metal, a first vibrator, and a second vibrator. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a steering wheel according to a fourth modified example, and is a plan view showing a core metal, a first vibrator, and a second vibrator. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a steering wheel according to a fifth modified example, and is a plan view showing a core metal, a first vibrator, and a second vibrator. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a steering wheel according to a sixth modified example, and is a plan view showing a core metal, a first vibrator, a second vibrator, and a third vibrator. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a steering wheel according to a seventh modified example, and is a plan view showing a core metal, a first vibrator, and a second vibrator. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a steering wheel according to an eighth modified example, and is a plan view showing a core metal, a first vibrator, and a second vibrator. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a steering wheel according to a ninth modified example, and is a plan view showing a core metal, a first vibrator, and a second vibrator. [Figure 12] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a steering wheel according to a tenth modified example, and is a plan view showing a core metal, a first vibrator, and a second vibrator. [Figure 13] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a steering wheel according to an eleventh modified example, and is a plan view showing a core metal, a first vibrator, and a second vibrator. [Figure 14] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a steering wheel according to a twelfth modified example, and is a plan view showing a core metal, a first vibrator, a second vibrator, and a third vibrator. [Figure 15] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a steering wheel according to a thirteenth modified example, and is a plan view showing a core bar, a first vibrator, a second vibrator, a third vibrator, and a fourth vibrator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The steering wheel according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0012] In the following description, the up-down direction is defined as the state in which the steering wheel attached to the steering shaft is viewed from the driver (passenger) side. The front side of the vehicle, i.e., the windshield side on the upper front side, is the rear side (front side), and the rear side of the vehicle, i.e., the lower rear side, is the front side (rear side: near side).

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, the steering wheel 1 according to this embodiment includes a steering wheel body 10. This steering wheel body 10 functions as a handle equipped on an automobile (vehicle) or the like, and is usually attached to a steering shaft (not shown) that is attached in an inclined state to the automobile (vehicle) or the like.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the steering wheel body 10 includes a rim 40, spoke portions 50, and a boss portion 60.

[0015] In this embodiment, the rim 40 has a substantially circular ring shape when viewed along the axial direction of a steering shaft (not shown), and the cross section of the rim 40 cut along a plane perpendicular to the circumferential direction is substantially circular. The rim 40 forms the grip portion (handling portion) of a steering wheel of an automobile (vehicle) or the like.

[0016] In this embodiment, the rim 40 includes a metal rim core 41 arranged on the inside, and a resin rim covering portion 42 that covers the outer periphery of the rim core 41 .

[0017] The rim core metal 41 has a generally circular ring shape with some interruptions (two interruptions at the top and bottom in this embodiment) when viewed along the axial direction of the steering shaft. Note that Figure 1 shows an example of a rim core metal 41 whose cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the rim 40 is a solid circle, but the cross section of the rim core metal 41 does not have to be a solid circle and can have various other shapes, such as an inverted U-shaped cross section.

[0018] Meanwhile, the rim covering portion 42 is formed to cover the entire rim core metal 41. By covering the entire rim core metal 41 with the rim covering portion 42, a substantially annular rim 40 is formed whose entire circumference is connected when viewed along the axial direction of the steering shaft. This rim covering portion 42 can be composed of, for example, a covering resin made by finely foaming a soft polyurethane foam resin and a sheet-like skin body made of leather such as natural leather or synthetic leather, or synthetic resin. When the rim covering portion 42 is thus composed of the covering resin and the skin body, the skin body is the part that is directly gripped by the driver (occupant) and functions as a decorative part of the steering wheel 1. In this case, a sheet-like heater member having an electric heating wire as a heating element may be interposed between the skin body and the resin covering portion to heat the steering wheel 1.

[0019] The spoke portion 50 is a member that connects the rim 40 and the boss portion 60, and comprises a metal spoke core 51 that connects the rim core 41 of the rim 40 and the boss plate 61 of the boss portion 60, which will be described later, and a resin spoke covering portion 52 that covers the spoke core 51.

[0020] The spoke cores 51 are arranged to extend radially from the boss plate 61 towards the radially outer side of the annular rim 40. In this embodiment, two spoke cores 51 are arranged to extend to the right and left from the boss plate 61, and two spoke cores 51 are arranged to extend downward. In this manner, in this embodiment, each of the four spoke cores 51 is connected to the inner peripheral side of the rim core 41. Note that it is not necessary for all spoke units 50 to be equipped with a spoke core 51; some spoke units 50 may be constructed using a finisher, cover body, etc. without using a spoke core 51.

[0021] On the other hand, spoke covering portions 52 are provided so as to cover at least the front side (rear side: near side) of spoke cores 51. Spoke covering portions 52 can be formed, for example, from finely foamed soft polyurethane foam. Spoke covering portions 52 can be formed integrally with rim covering portion 42 described above, or can be formed separately from rim covering portion 42.

[0022] The boss portion 60 also includes a metal boss plate 61 to which the spoke cores 51 are connected. A metal boss (not shown) is attached to the rear side (front side) of the boss plate 61, which faces the vehicle body. A resin pad (not shown) is attached to the passenger side of the boss plate 61.

[0023] The boss plate 61 is formed of a generally rectangular flat plate, and is disposed behind (in front of) the rim 40 with its thickness direction generally aligned with the axial direction of the steering shaft (not shown). By disposing the boss plate 61 behind (in front of) the rim 40 in this way, a space is secured in front of the boss plate 61 (rear side: near side) for disposing devices such as an airbag device and a horn switch device.

[0024] As described above, in this embodiment, the steering wheel body 10 includes the rim core metal 41, the boss plate 61, and the spoke core metals 51 that connect the rim core metal 41 and the boss plate 61. The rim core metal 41, the spoke core metals 51, and the boss plate 61 are integrated together, and the rim core metal 41, the spoke core metals 51, and the boss plate 61 form a single core metal 20. In this way, the steering wheel body 10 according to this embodiment includes the core metal 20.

[0025] In this embodiment, the steering wheel 1 is provided with a vibrator 70 that can transmit vibrations to the steering wheel body 10. Vibrations are generated by activating the vibrator 70, and the generated vibrations are transmitted to the steering wheel body 10, so that the occupant gripping the rim 40 can sense the vibrations and can be notified of any abnormalities or other matters that need to be communicated to the occupant.

[0026] As the vibrator 70 that generates such vibration, for example, an actuator or a vibration output device equivalent thereto can be used.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the steering wheel 1 is provided with a plurality of vibrators 70, so that various matters can be communicated to the occupant. Specifically, the vibrators 70 to be vibrated are switched depending on the matter to be communicated to the occupant, so that different parts of the steering wheel 1 are vibrated. By vibrating different parts of the steering wheel 1 depending on the matter to be communicated to the occupant, various matters can be communicated to the occupant.

[0028] Furthermore, when different parts of the steering wheel 1 are vibrated depending on what is to be communicated to the occupant, it is possible to more appropriately vibrate the desired parts.

[0029] Specifically, the core 20 includes a hub core 21, a first connecting portion 22 connected to the hub core 21, and a second connecting portion 23 connected to the hub core 21 while being independent of the first connecting portion 22. Here, in this embodiment, a boss plate 61 fixed to the steering shaft functions as the hub core 21.

[0030] At least one first vibrator 71 capable of vibrating the first connecting portion 22 is provided in the first connecting portion 22, and at least one second vibrator 72 capable of vibrating the second connecting portion 23 is provided in the second connecting portion 23.

[0031] In this way, the steering wheel body 10 is provided with the first connecting portion 22 and the second connecting portion 23 which are connected to the hub core metal 21 in a mutually independent state. Then, by operating the first vibrator 71, vibrations are transmitted to the first connecting portion 22 by the first vibrator 71, and by operating the second vibrator 72, vibrations are transmitted to the second connecting portion 23 by the second vibrator 72.

[0032] With this configuration, vibrations transmitted by the first vibrator 71 to the first connecting portion 22 are transmitted to the second connecting portion 23 via the hub core 21 fixed to the steering shaft. Similarly, vibrations transmitted by the second vibrator 72 to the second connecting portion 23 are transmitted to the first connecting portion 22 via the hub core 21 fixed to the steering shaft. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent vibrations generated by the first vibrator 71 from being transmitted to the second connecting portion 23 when transmitting vibrations to the first connecting portion 22. Similarly, it makes it possible to more reliably prevent vibrations generated by the second vibrator 72 from being transmitted to the first connecting portion 22 when transmitting vibrations to the second connecting portion 23.

[0033] This allows the desired portion of the steering wheel body 10 to be vibrated more appropriately, allowing the occupant to more accurately determine which portion of the steering wheel 10 is vibrating. As a result, the desired message can be more reliably conveyed to the occupant.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first connecting portion 22 comprises a first rim core metal 221 that forms part of the rim 40, and a first spoke core metal 222 that connects the first rim core metal 221 to the hub core metal 21. The second connecting portion 23 is arranged spaced apart from the first rim core metal 221 and comprises a second rim core metal 231 that forms part of the rim 40, and a second spoke core metal 232 that connects the second rim core metal 231 to the hub core metal 21.

[0035] As described above, in this embodiment, the rim core metal 41 comprises a first rim core metal 221 and a second rim core metal 231 that are arranged spaced apart from each other. In other words, the rim core metal 41 has at least two spaced apart portions 30, 30. Specifically, the first rim core metal 221 and the second rim core metal 231 are formed so that a pair of spaced apart portions 30, 30 are formed between the first rim core metal 221 and the second rim core metal 231.

[0036] 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the first rim core metal 221 is connected to the hub core metal 21 (boss plate 61) by two of the four spoke core metals 51 located on the left side. In other words, of the four spoke core metals 51, the spoke core metal 51 extending leftward from the boss plate 61 and the spoke core metal 51 located on the left side of the two spoke core metals 51 extending downward form the first spoke core metal 222.

[0037] Meanwhile, the second rim core metal 231 is connected to the hub core metal 21 (boss plate 61) by two of the four spoke core metals 51 located on the right side. In other words, of the four spoke core metals 51, the spoke core metal 51 extending rightward from the boss plate 61 and the spoke core metal 51 located on the right side of the two spoke core metals 51 extending downward form the second spoke core metal 232.

[0038] The above-mentioned right and left sides refer to the right and left sides when viewed from the occupant's side with the steering wheel body 10 in the normal position. Here, the normal position of the steering wheel body 10 refers to the position of the steering wheel body 10 when the steering wheel 1 is not being rotated, that is, the position of the steering wheel body 10 when driving straight ahead.

[0039] The first vibrator 71 is attached to the downwardly extending first spoke core 222 of the two first spoke cores 222. In this embodiment, a bolt insertion hole 222a is formed in the downwardly extending first spoke core 222, and the first vibrator 71 is attached to the downwardly extending first spoke core 222 by inserting a bolt 80 into this bolt insertion hole 222a.

[0040] Furthermore, the second vibrator 72 is attached to the downwardly extending second spoke core 232 of the two second spoke cores 232. In this embodiment, a bolt insertion hole 232a is formed in the downwardly extending second spoke core 232, and the second vibrator 72 is attached to the downwardly extending second spoke core 232 by inserting a bolt 80 into this bolt insertion hole 232a.

[0041] In this way, at least one first vibrator 71 capable of vibrating the first connecting portion 22 is provided in the first connecting portion 22, and at least one second vibrator 72 capable of vibrating the second connecting portion 23 is provided in the second connecting portion 23.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the steering wheel body 10 is in the normal position and viewed from the occupant's side, the separation portions 30 are formed at the upper and lower ends of the rim 40. That is, the separation portions 30 are formed at the 12 o'clock (midnight) position and the 6 o'clock position of the steering wheel body 10 in the normal position, respectively. In this way, when the steering wheel body 10 in the normal position is viewed from the occupant's side, the entire first connecting portion 22 is located in the left region of the steering wheel body 10, and the entire second connecting portion 23 is located in the right region of the steering wheel body 10. That is, when the steering wheel body 10 is in the normal position and viewed from the occupant's side, the first connecting portion 22 is located on the left side, and the second connecting portion 23 is located on the right side.

[0043] This allows the vibration of the first connecting portion 22 to be sensed by the left hand, and the vibration of the second connecting portion 23 to be sensed by the right hand.

[0044] In this manner, in this embodiment, the first connecting portion 22 and the second connecting portion 23 are each independently connected to the hub core 21 fixed to the steering shaft, so that when vibration is transmitted to one side, it is transmitted to the other side via the hub core 21. When vibration is transmitted to one side, transmission of vibration to the other side can be suppressed. This allows vibration to be transmitted more appropriately to the desired location on the steering wheel body 10.

[0045] Various matters that may be conveyed to the occupant include, for example, the presence of danger on the left side of the vehicle, the presence of danger on the right side of the vehicle, etc. In this case, when the vehicle detects danger on the left side, the first vibrator 71 can be activated to transmit vibrations to the left half of the steering wheel body 10. When the vehicle detects danger on the right side, the second vibrator 72 can be activated to transmit vibrations to the right half of the steering wheel body 10.

[0046] In this way, by transmitting vibration to either the left or right half of the steering wheel body 10 and informing the occupant that there is danger in the direction in which the vibration is detected, the occupant can accurately determine whether there is danger on either the left or right side of the vehicle.

[0047] The two spaced portions 30 may be positioned at various positions.

[0048] Furthermore, the configuration of the steering wheel 1 is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but may be variously configured.

[0049] For example, the configurations shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 are possible.

[0050] The core metal 20 shown in Figures 3 to 7 has the same configuration as the core metal 20 shown in the above embodiment. Also in Figures 3 to 7, the first connecting portion 22 is provided with at least one first vibrator 71 capable of vibrating the first connecting portion 22, and the second connecting portion 23 is provided with at least one second vibrator 72 capable of vibrating the second connecting portion 23.

[0051] Here, the positions where the first vibrator 71 and the second vibrator 72 are attached are different between FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0052] In this way, the first vibrator 71 can be provided at various locations on the first connecting portion 22, and the second vibrator 72 can be provided at various locations on the second connecting portion .

[0053] It is also possible to adopt the configuration shown in Figure 8. In Figure 8, the core metal 20 is provided with a third connecting portion 24 having a third rim core metal 241 and a third spoke core metal 242, and three spaced portions 30 are formed in the rim core metal 41. Note that in Figure 8, the spaced portions 30 are formed at the 12 o'clock (midnight), 4 o'clock, and 8 o'clock positions of the steering wheel body 10 in the normal position, but the positions of the three spaced portions 30 can be various.

[0054] The third connecting portion 24 is provided with at least one third vibrator 73 that can vibrate the third connecting portion 24. The positions at which the first to third vibrators 71 to 73 are attached are not limited to the positions shown in Fig. 8, and various positions are possible. It is also possible not to provide a vibrator on the third connecting portion 24.

[0055] It is also possible to use the configurations shown in Figures 9 to 13. While Figures 3 to 8 show an example having four spoke cores 51, Figures 9 to 13 show an example having two spoke cores 51. That is, in Figures 9 to 13, one first rim core 221 and one first spoke core 222 form the first connecting portion 22, and one second rim core 231 and one second spoke core 232 form the second connecting portion 23. Also in Figures 9 to 13, the first connecting portion 22 is provided with at least one first vibrator 71 that can vibrate the first connecting portion 22, and the second connecting portion 23 is provided with at least one second vibrator 72 that can vibrate the second connecting portion 23.

[0056] Here, the positions where the first vibrator 71 and the second vibrator 72 are attached are different between FIGS. 9 to 13.

[0057] A configuration shown in Fig. 14 is also possible. In Fig. 14, the core metal 20 is provided with a third connecting portion 24 having a third rim core metal 241 and a third spoke core metal 242, and three spaced portions 30 are formed in the rim core metal 41. Note that in Fig. 14, the spaced portions 30 are formed at the 3 o'clock position, the 6 o'clock position, and the 9 o'clock position of the steering wheel body 10 in the normal position, but the positions of the three spaced portions 30 can be various. Also, in Fig. 14, the first connecting portion 22 is formed by one first rim core metal 221 and two first spoke core metals 222, and the second connecting portion 23 is formed by one second rim core metal 231 and two second spoke core metals 232. The third connecting portion 24 is formed by one third rim core metal 241 and two third spoke core metals 242.

[0058] The third connecting portion 24 is provided with at least one third vibrator 73 that can vibrate the third connecting portion 24. The positions at which the first to third vibrators 71 to 73 are attached are not limited to the positions shown in Fig. 14, and various positions are possible. It is also possible not to provide a vibrator on the third connecting portion 24.

[0059] A configuration shown in FIG. 15 is also possible. In FIG. 15, the core metal 20 is provided with a third connecting portion 24 having a third rim core metal 241 and a third spoke core metal 242, and a fourth connecting portion 25 having a fourth rim core metal 251 and a fourth spoke core metal 252. In other words, four spaced portions 30 are formed in the rim core metal 41. In FIG. 15, the spaced portions 30 are formed at the 12 o'clock (midnight), 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock positions of the steering wheel body 10 in the normal position, but the positions of the three spaced portions 30 can be various. In FIG. 15, the first connecting portion 22 is formed by one first rim core metal 221 and two first spoke core metals 222, and the second connecting portion 23 is formed by one second rim core metal 231 and two second spoke core metals 232. The third connecting portion 24 is formed by one third rim core metal 241 and two third spoke core metals 242, and the fourth connecting portion 25 is formed by one fourth rim core metal 251 and two fourth spoke core metals 252.

[0060] The third connecting portion 24 is provided with at least one third vibrator 73 that can vibrate the third connecting portion 24. Similarly, the fourth connecting portion 25 is provided with at least one fourth vibrator 74 that can vibrate the fourth connecting portion 25. The positions at which the first to fourth vibrators 71 to 74 are attached are not limited to the positions shown in Fig. 15 and can be various positions. It is also possible to provide no vibrator on the third connecting portion 24, and it is also possible to provide no vibrator on the fourth connecting portion 25.

[0061] The configurations shown in FIGS. 3 to 15 can also achieve substantially the same functions and effects as the configurations shown in the above embodiments.

[0062] The following describes the characteristic configurations of the steering wheel 1 shown in the above embodiment and its modified examples, and the effects obtained thereby.

[0063] The steering wheel 1 shown in this embodiment and its modified examples includes a steering wheel body 10 having a core metal 20. The core metal 20 also includes a hub core metal 21, a first connecting portion 22 connected to the hub core metal 21, and a second connecting portion 23 connected to the hub core metal 21.

[0064] Here, the first connecting portion 22 has a first rim core 221 that forms part of the rim 40 of the steering wheel body 10, and a first spoke core 222 that connects the first rim core 221 to the hub core 21.

[0065] On the other hand, the second connecting portion 23 is arranged apart from the first rim core 221 and has a second rim core 231 that forms part of the rim 40, and a second spoke core 232 that connects the second rim core 231 to the hub core 21.

[0066] The first connecting portion 22 is provided with at least one first vibrator 71 capable of vibrating the first connecting portion 22, and the second connecting portion 23 is provided with at least one second vibrator 72 capable of vibrating the second connecting portion 23.

[0067] As described above, the core steering wheel 1 shown in this embodiment and its modified examples includes the first connecting portion 22 and the second connecting portion 23 that are connected to the hub core 21 in a mutually independent state. The first connecting portion 22 and the second connecting portion 23 are each provided with a vibrator (first vibrator 71 and second vibrator 72) that can vibrate the respective connecting portions.

[0068] In this way, when the first oscillator 71 is activated, the first connecting portion 22 is vibrated by the first oscillator 71. The vibrations generated by the first oscillator 71 are transmitted from the vicinity of the first oscillator 71 to a location away from the first connecting portion 22. At this time, the vibrations generated by the first oscillator 71 are transmitted to the second connecting portion 23 mainly via the hub core metal 21, so that the vibrations generated by the first oscillator 71 can be transmitted to the second connecting portion 23 in a state where they are attenuated by the hub core metal 21. Similarly, when the second oscillator 72 is activated, the vibrations generated by the second oscillator 72 can be transmitted to the first connecting portion 22 in a state where they are attenuated by the hub core metal 21.

[0069] In this way, in the steering wheel 1 shown in this embodiment and its modified examples, when the vibrators (first vibrator 71 and second vibrator 72) are activated, it is possible to suppress transmission of vibration to parts other than the predetermined part of the steering wheel body 10. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately transmit vibration to the predetermined part of the steering wheel (the desired part to vibrate).

[0070] In this way, the steering wheel 1 according to this embodiment and its modified examples can transmit vibrations more appropriately to desired locations.

[0071] As a result, the occupant can more accurately determine which part of the steering wheel 1 is vibrating, and the desired message can be more reliably conveyed to the occupant.

[0072] Furthermore, in the steering wheel 1 shown in this embodiment and its modified examples, vibrations can be transmitted more appropriately to desired locations simply by connecting the first connecting portion 22 and the second connecting portion 23 independently to the hub core metal 21. Therefore, the steering wheel 1 shown in this embodiment and its modified examples has the advantage of being able to transmit vibrations more appropriately to desired locations while simplifying the configuration.

[0073] Also, when the steering wheel body 10 is in the normal position and viewed from the occupant's side, the first connecting portion 22 may be arranged on the left side and the second connecting portion 23 may be arranged on the right side.

[0074] This makes it possible to sense the vibration of the first connecting portion 22 with the left hand and the vibration of the second connecting portion 23 with the right hand, thereby more reliably conveying different information to the occupant.

[0075] Also, a pair of separation portions 30, 30 may be formed between the first rim core metal 221 and the second rim core metal 231. When viewed from the occupant side with the steering wheel body 10 in the normal position, the separation portions 30 may be formed at the upper and lower ends of the rim 40.

[0076] This makes it possible to separate the rim core metal that makes up part of the rim 40 into left and right halves, while making the sizes of the left and right rim core metals as large as possible. This makes it possible to transmit vibrations more appropriately to the desired locations while preventing a decrease in the rigidity of the rim 40.

[0077] The rim 40 may also be continuous around the circumference.

[0078] In this way, even if the rim 40 is connected circumferentially, by connecting the first connecting portion 22 and the second connecting portion 23 to the hub core 21 in a state where they are independent of each other, it becomes possible to transmit vibrations more appropriately to the desired location.

[0079] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment.

[0080] For example, it is possible to appropriately combine the configurations shown in the above-described embodiment and its modified examples.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiment and its modified examples, the rim 40 is illustrated as being annular and connected circumferentially, but the shape of the rim 40 is not limited to this and various other shapes are possible. For example, the rim could be elliptical (non-circular), or it could be partially discontinuous (not connected circumferentially).

[0082] Furthermore, the position and number of the spokes 50 can be set arbitrarily depending on the design of the steering wheel 1, etc.

[0083] The steering wheel 1 can be used as a steering handle for any vehicle, not just an automobile.

[0084] In addition, the steering wheel body, core wire, and other detailed specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) can also be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1 steering wheel 10 Steering wheel body 20 Core 21 Hub core 22 1st connection part 221 First rim core 222 1st spoke core 23 2nd connection part 231 Second rim core 232 Second spoke core 30 Separated area (area where rim core does not exist) 40 rims 71 First oscillator 72 Second oscillator

Claims

1. A steering wheel body having a core metal, The core metal is Hub core metal, a first connecting portion including a first rim core metal that constitutes a part of the rim of the steering wheel body and a first spoke core metal that connects the first rim core metal to the hub core metal; a second connecting portion including a second rim core metal that is spaced apart from the first rim core metal by at least two separation portions and that forms part of the rim, and second spoke core metals that connect the second rim core metal to the hub core metal; It is equipped with the first connecting portion is provided with at least one first vibrator capable of vibrating the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion is provided with at least one second vibrator capable of vibrating the second connecting portion, the rim is circumferentially connected by a rim covering portion formed to cover the first rim core metal, the second rim core metal, and the spaced portion, The steering wheel, wherein the rim covering portion is formed of a soft covering resin.

2. When the steering wheel body is in the normal position and viewed from the occupant's side, the first connecting portion is disposed on the left side and the second connecting portion is disposed on the right side.

2. The steering wheel of claim 1.

3. a pair of the spaced portions is formed between the first rim core metal and the second rim core metal, When the steering wheel body is in the normal position and viewed from the occupant's side, the separation portions are formed at the upper and lower ends of the rim.

3. A steering wheel according to claim 2.

Images