Steering wheel

Abstract

To provide a technique enabling coupling and electric connection between divided skin sensor layers by a simple method, in a steering wheel.SOLUTION: A steering wheel includes a gripping part gripped by a driver of a vehicle when the steering wheel is operated. The gripping part includes: a first skin sensor layer which includes a first end, a first skin layer arranged on an outermost layer of the gripping part, and a conductive first sensor layer to the first end that is provided on an inner layer side of the first skin layer; a second skin sensor layer which includes a second end, a second skin layer arranged on the outermost layer of the gripping part, and a conductive second sensor layer to the second end that is provided on an inner layer side of the second skin layer; and an electric connection part which connects at least the first end and the second end, and electrically connects the first sensor layer and the second sensor layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known a steering wheel provided with a sensor for detecting whether or not an occupant is in contact with the steering wheel. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a steering wheel including a skin material including a conductive elastic body layer functioning as a sensor electrode and a coat layer laminated on the elastic body layer. In this steering wheel, the skin material covers the rim portion in a state of being divided into four regions of up, down, left, and right. The elastic body layers for each of the divided skin materials are electrically connected to each other by lead wires.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional technique, the skin material connected by lead wires is to be covered on the rim portion, and there is a possibility that the lead wires are disconnected or the manufacturing becomes difficult. Therefore, in a steering wheel, a technique for facilitating the electrical connection of the conductive material for each of the divided skin materials and the connection between the divided skin materials is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms. [Embodiment 1] A steering wheel comprising a grip portion that is grasped by the driver of a vehicle when the steering wheel is operated, the grip portion comprising a first end, a first surface layer disposed on the outermost layer of the grip portion, and a conductive first sensor layer provided on the inner side of the first surface layer and extending to the first end, a second end, a second surface layer disposed on the outermost layer of the grip portion, and a conductive second sensor layer provided on the inner side of the second surface layer and extending to the second end, and connecting at least the first end and the second end, and the first sensor A steering wheel comprising: an electrical connection portion for electrically connecting a sensor layer and the second sensor layer, wherein the electrical connection portion is a conductive bonding material, the first sensor layer and the second sensor layer are electrically connected by contact with the bonding material, the first end and the second end are connected by bonding with the bonding material, the bonding material is a conductive adhesive, and the conductive adhesive covers the first end, the second end, a part of the side surface of the first sensor layer that is in contact with the first end, and a part of the side surface of the second sensor layer that is in contact with the second end. [Embodiment 2] A steering wheel comprising a grip portion that is held by the driver of the vehicle when the steering wheel is operated, wherein the grip portion comprises a first end, a first surface layer disposed on the outermost layer of the grip portion, and a first conductive sensor layer provided on the inner side of the first surface layer and extending to the first end, and a second end, a second surface layer disposed on the outermost layer of the grip portion, and a second conductive sensor layer provided on the inner side of the second surface layer and extending to the second end, and at least the first end and the second end are connected A steering wheel comprising an electrical connection portion for electrically connecting the first sensor layer and the second sensor layer, wherein the first sensor layer includes a first projection that protrudes beyond the first surface layer at the first end, the electrical connection portion includes a thread-like material and the first projection, the first sensor layer and the second sensor layer are electrically connected by the first projection covering the second end in contact with the second sensor layer, and the first end and the second end are connected by being sewn together with the first projection by the thread-like material. [Embodiment 3] A steering wheel comprising a grip portion that is gripped by the driver of the vehicle when the steering wheel is operated, the grip portion comprising a first end, a first surface layer disposed on the outermost layer of the grip portion, and a first conductive sensor layer provided on the inner side of the first surface layer and extending to the first end, a second end, a second surface layer disposed on the outermost layer of the grip portion, and a second conductive sensor layer provided on the inner side of the second surface layer and extending to the second end, and at least the first end and the second end are connected, and the first sensor layer and the second sensor layer A steering wheel comprising an electrical connection portion for electrically connecting a first sensor layer and a second sensor layer, wherein the first sensor layer includes a first projection that protrudes beyond the first surface layer at the first end, the second sensor layer includes a second projection that protrudes beyond the second surface layer at the second end, the electrical connection portion includes a thread-like material, the first projection, and the second projection, the first sensor layer and the second sensor layer are electrically connected by contact between the first projection and the second projection, and the first end and the second end are connected by the thread-like material stitching the first projection and the second projection together.

[0006] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a steering wheel is provided. The steering wheel includes a grip portion which is gripped by the driver of a vehicle when the steering wheel is operated. The grip portion includes a first end and a first surface sensor layer comprising a first surface layer disposed on the outermost layer of the grip portion and a conductive first sensor layer provided on an inner layer side of the first surface layer and extending to the first end; a second end and a second surface sensor layer comprising a second surface layer disposed on the outermost layer of the grip portion and a conductive second sensor layer provided on an inner layer side of the second surface layer and extending to the second end; and an electrical connection portion which connects at least the first end and the second end and electrically connects the first sensor layer and the second sensor layer. With this type of steering wheel, the electrical connection section has the function of connecting the first skin sensor layer and the second skin sensor layer, and the function of electrically connecting the first sensor layer and the second sensor layer. Therefore, the connection and electrical connection of the divided skin sensor layers can be performed in a simpler way than when lead wires are used. (2) In the steering wheel of the above form, the grip portion may further include a core material layer having a core metal and grooves on its surface. The first end and the second end may be arranged in the grooves with the surfaces of the first surface layer and the second surface layer overlapping each other. The electrical connection portion may connect the first end and the second end arranged in the grooves. With this type of steering wheel, the electrical connection, the first end, and the second end are positioned in the groove, which helps to prevent or suppress the visibility of the connection between the electrical connection, the first end, and the second end from outside the steering wheel. (3) In the steering wheel of the above form, the gripping portion may be divided into two or more regions, including a first region where the first surface sensor layer is arranged and a second region adjacent to the first region where the second surface sensor layer is arranged. With this type of steering wheel, the surface sensor layer can be divided into two or more regions, which facilitates the attachment of the surface sensor layer to the core material layer. (4) In the steering wheel of the above form, the electrical connection portion may be a conductive bonding material. The first sensor layer and the second sensor layer may be electrically connected by contact with the bonding material. The first end and the second end may be connected by bonding of the bonding material. With this type of steering wheel, the first skin sensor layer and the second skin sensor layer can be connected, and the first sensor layer and the second sensor layer can be electrically connected, using a simple method of bonding material. (5) In the steering wheel of the above form, the electrical connection portion may include a conductive fabric containing a conductive material and a fibrous material, and a thread-like material. The first sensor layer and the second sensor layer may be electrically connected by contact with the conductive fabric. The first end and the second end may be connected by sewing the thread-like material together with the conductive fabric. With this type of steering wheel, the connection between the first and second surface sensor layers, and the electrical connection between the first and second sensor layers, can be made by a simple method of sewing conductive fabric together. (6) In the steering wheel of the above embodiment, the first sensor layer may include a first projection that protrudes from the first surface layer at the first end. The electrical connection portion may include a thread-like material and the first projection. The first sensor layer and the second sensor layer may be electrically connected by covering the second end with the first projection in contact with the second sensor layer. The first end and the second end may be connected by sewing them together with the first projection using the thread-like material. With this configuration of steering wheel, the first and second sensor layers can be electrically connected without using a separate conductive material for the first and second surface sensor layers. (7) In the steering wheel of the above embodiment, the first sensor layer may include a first projection that protrudes beyond the first surface layer at the first end. The second sensor layer may include a second projection that protrudes beyond the second surface layer at the second end. The electrical connection portion may include a thread-like material, the first projection, and the second projection. The first sensor layer and the second sensor layer may be electrically connected by contact between the first projection and the second projection. The first end and the second end may be connected by stitching the first projection and the second projection together with the thread-like material. With this configuration of steering wheel, the first and second sensor layers can be electrically connected without using a separate conductive material for the first and second surface sensor layers. (8) In the steering wheel of the above form, the electrical connection portion may be a conductive thread. The first end and the second end may be connected by sewing the conductive thread together. The first sensor layer and the second sensor layer may be electrically connected to each other via the conductive thread. With this type of steering wheel, the first and second end layers can be connected, and the first and second sensor layers can be electrically connected, by a simple method of suturing the first and second ends together. (9) In the steering wheel of the above embodiment, the groove portion may include an outer circumferential groove portion formed on the outer circumference of the grip portion along the extending direction of the grip portion, and an inner circumferential groove portion formed on the inner circumference of the grip portion along the extending direction. This type of steering wheel allows for the provision of different surface sensor layers on the front and back of the steering wheel. This disclosure can also be implemented in various forms other than a steering wheel. For example, it can be implemented in the form of a vehicle equipped with a steering wheel, a steering device, a gripping part, a capacitance sensor, a method for manufacturing a steering wheel, a method for manufacturing a gripping part, a method for manufacturing a capacitance sensor, and so on. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Explanatory drawing showing the external appearance configuration of the steering wheel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view showing the position II-II of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] Explanatory drawing schematically showing the method of attaching the skin sensor layer. [Figure 4] Explanatory drawing showing in cross-section the state where the first end portion of the first skin sensor layer and the second end portion of the second skin sensor layer are connected. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of the position V-V of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] Explanatory drawing showing the configuration of the gripping portion of the steering wheel according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Explanatory drawing showing the configuration of the gripping portion of the steering wheel according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] Explanatory drawing showing the configuration of the gripping portion of the steering wheel according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] Explanatory drawing showing the configuration of the gripping portion of the steering wheel according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] Explanatory drawing showing in cross-section the configuration of the gripping portion of the steering wheel according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] Explanatory drawing showing the configuration of the gripping portion of the steering wheel according to a modified example of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] Explanatory drawing showing the configuration of the gripping portion of the steering wheel according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 13] Explanatory drawing showing the configuration of the gripping portion of the steering wheel according to a modified example of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] Explanatory drawing showing the configuration of the gripping portion of the steering wheel according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 15] Explanatory drawing showing the configuration of the gripping portion of the steering wheel according to a modified example of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 16] Explanatory drawing showing the configuration of the gripping portion of the steering wheel according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 17] Explanatory drawing showing the configuration of the gripping part of the steering wheel according to a modification of the eighth embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] A. First Embodiment: FIG. 1 is an explanatory drawing showing the external configuration of a steering wheel 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The steering wheel 100 is provided, for example, in the driver's seat of a vehicle. The vehicle is, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV). The steering wheel 100 is a part of a steering device operated by a driver of the vehicle. The steering wheel 100 is connected to a steering shaft 10 and is configured to be rotatable about an axis AX of the steering shaft 10. Rotation of the steering wheel 100 is transmitted via the steering shaft 10 to a steering gear box (not shown).

[0009] FIG. 1 shows the steering wheel 100 on the rear side in the traveling direction of the vehicle. The direction along the axis AX of the steering shaft 10 is also referred to as the "front-rear direction" in accordance with the traveling direction of the vehicle. Also, when the orientation of the steering wheel 100 in a front view when the vehicle is traveling straight is taken as the reference state, among the directions orthogonal to the axis AX, the direction parallel to the vertical direction in the steering wheel 100 in the reference state is also referred to as the "up-down direction", and the direction orthogonal to the axis AX and orthogonal to the up-down direction is also referred to as the "left-right direction". Note that FIG. 1 shows the steering wheel 100 in the reference state.

[0010] The steering wheel 100 comprises a pad portion 20, a connecting portion 22, and a grip portion 24. The pad portion 20 is positioned within the area enclosed by the grip portion 24. A detection circuit 30 is provided within the pad portion 20. The connecting portion 22 is provided between the grip portion 24 and the pad portion 20, connecting the grip portion 24 and the pad portion 20. The grip portion 24 is the part that is gripped by the driver when operating the steering wheel 100. In the example shown in Figure 1, the grip portion 24 has a substantially annular shape centered on the axis AX of the steering shaft 10. However, the grip portion 24 is not limited to an annular shape, but may be any shape such as a polygon or an ellipse, or it may be an asymmetrical shape such as a so-called D-shape. Furthermore, the grip portion 24 is not limited to an annular shape, but may be a plurality of grip portions that are not continuous with each other, for example, a right grip portion and a left grip portion.

[0011] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the position II-II in Figure 1. Figure 2 schematically shows the laminated structure inside the gripping portion 24. The gripping portion 24 is formed by laminating a core material layer 40 and a surface sensor layer 90 in that order from the inside. Note that in Figure 2, each component of the gripping portion 24 is schematically shown to facilitate understanding of the technology, and the thickness of each component and the ratio of the thicknesses of each component are not precisely shown.

[0012] The core layer 40 comprises a core metal 42 and a coating layer 44. The core metal 42 is a conductive structure that functions as the skeleton of the steering wheel 100. The core metal 42 is formed from, for example, iron, aluminum, magnesium, or an alloy thereof. The core metal 42 is sometimes also called the "core material". The coating layer 44 is an insulating structure arranged around the core metal 42. The coating layer 44 can be formed, for example, by in-mold molding using a soft material such as foamed polyurethane or an elastic material. The coating layer 44 may also be formed from a hard material.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, grooves 40S1, 40S2, 40S3, and 40S4 are formed on the surface of the core material layer 40. When viewed from the front, the grooves 40S1, 40S2, 40S3, and 40S4 are formed in a direction that intersects the extension direction DC of the gripping portion 24. In the example of Figure 1, the extension direction DC is approximately the same as the circumferential direction of the gripping portion 24. That is, the grooves 40S1, 40S2, 40S3, and 40S4 are formed in a direction along the radial direction DR of the gripping portion 24. Furthermore, when viewed in cross-section, the grooves 40S1, 40S2, 40S3, and 40S4 are formed along the circumferential direction centered on the core metal 42, extending around the entire circumference of the core material layer 40. Electrical connection portions 70 are provided in the grooves 40S1, 40S2, 40S3, and 40S4, as will be described later.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the surface sensor layer 90 comprises a surface layer 80 and a sensor layer 60. The surface layer 80 is the outermost layer of the gripping part 24 and is gripped by the driver. The surface layer 80 can be made of top leather, split leather separated from top leather, natural leather, artificial leather, synthetic leather, nonwoven fabric, rubber sheet, or woven fabric. Natural leather is, for example, leather from mammals such as cows, birds, reptiles, etc. Artificial leather is, for example, leather coated with resin on a nonwoven fabric. Synthetic leather is, for example, leather coated with resin on woven and knitted fabrics such as cloth or cotton.

[0015] In this embodiment, the surface sensor layer 90 further comprises an inner surface layer 82. The inner surface layer 82 is located on the inner side of the sensor layer 60. In this embodiment, the structure of the inner surface layer 82 is the same as that of the surface layer 80. However, the inner surface layer 82 may be made of resin material, rubber material, or the like. The inner surface layer 82 and the surface layer 80 may be made of the same material or different materials.

[0016] The sensor layer 60 is, for example, a conductive fabric with a surface treatment such as carbon coating or metal plating applied to a fibrous fabric. A metal sheet or a metallic fiber material may also be used for the sensor layer 60. The sensor layer 60 generates capacitance between the sensor layer 60 and the driver's hand when the gripping portion 24 is being held. The sensor layer 60 is bonded to the inner surface of the surface layer 80, for example, using an adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape. In the example in Figure 2, the sensor layer 60 is on the inner layer side of the surface layer 80 and is provided between the surface layer 80 and the inner surface layer 82. "Provided between layers" means being provided at any position between each layer, and includes states where it is in contact with each layer and states where it is separated from each layer without contact, for example, by an adhesive. If the gripping portion 24 does not have an inner surface layer 82, the sensor layer 60 may be laminated on the core material layer 40.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the sensor layer 60 is electrically connected to the detection circuit 30 via lead wires LR. The detection circuit 30 includes various circuits such as an oscillation circuit, a resonant circuit, a detection circuit, and an amplification circuit, and detects the gripping status of the gripping part 24 based on the change in capacitance generated in the sensor layer 60. Specifically, when the gripping part 24 is gripped by the driver, the capacitance between the sensor layer 60, which acts as a detection electrode, and the driver changes compared to the capacitance when the gripping part 24 is not gripped. In the detection circuit 30, the resonant frequency that has changed due to the change in capacitance is amplitude modulated. The original signal is extracted from the amplitude modulated signal, amplified, and output as a voltage. This voltage value is compared with a preset threshold, and by using the comparison result, it is possible to detect whether or not the gripping part 24 is being gripped. The detection result may be used, for example, to control the ON / OFF of a heater grounded in the steering wheel 100, or to control an airbag, etc. Furthermore, if it is detected that the hands have been released from the gripping section 24 while the vehicle is in operation, the driver may be notified by a buzzer or the like. The detection result may be displayed, for example, on the steering wheel 100 or on an unillustrated display unit located around it.

[0018] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the method of attaching the surface sensor layer 90. In Figure 3, to facilitate understanding of the technology, the illustration of components other than the surface sensor layer 90 and the core material layer 40 is omitted. As shown in Figure 3, the surface sensor layer 90 is formed as a single surface sensor layer 90 by connecting multiple divided surface sensor layers to each other. Specifically, the surface sensor layer 90 is made up of four divided surface sensor layers: the first surface sensor layer 90B, the second surface sensor layer 90R, the third surface sensor layer 90U, and the fourth surface sensor layer 90L, which are connected to each other. In Figure 3, the first surface sensor layer 90B, the second surface sensor layer 90R, the third surface sensor layer 90U, and the fourth surface sensor layer 90L are in a state before being attached to the core material layer 40 and are laid out on a plane. In this specification, the surface sensor layer in the connected state will be referred to as the "surface sensor layer 90".

[0019] Figure 3 shows multiple regions AR1, AR2, AR3, and AR4 that divide the gripping portion 24. Regions AR1, AR2, AR3, and AR4 indicate the regions where multiple divided skin sensor layers are arranged. The first skin sensor layer 90B is arranged in region AR1, the second skin sensor layer 90R is arranged in region AR2, the third skin sensor layer 90U is arranged in region AR3, and the fourth skin sensor layer 90L is arranged in region AR4. Region AR1 is also called the "first region AR1," region AR2 is also called the "second region AR2," region AR3 is also called the "third region AR3," and region AR4 is also called the "fourth region AR4."

[0020] In the example shown in Figure 3, regions AR1, AR2, AR3, and AR4 are separated by grooves 40S1, 40S2, 40S3, and 40S4. The positions of regions AR1, AR2, AR3, and AR4 on the gripping portion 24 can be arbitrarily determined. In the example shown in Figure 3, region AR1 is the region below axis AX, region AR2 is the region to the right of axis AX, region AR3 is the region above axis AX, and region AR4 is the region to the left of axis AX. Adjacent skin sensor layers are connected to each other using electrical connection parts 70. The gripping portion 24 is formed when the connected and integrated skin sensor layers 90 are wrapped around the core material layer 40.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the first surface sensor layer 90B comprises a first surface layer 80B, a first sensor layer 60B, and a first inner surface layer 82B. The first surface sensor layer 90B can be formed, for example, by stacking a rectangular first surface layer 80B, a first sensor layer 60B, and a first inner surface layer 82B of a predetermined size in plan view, and then cutting them out into a desired shape. Similarly, the second surface sensor layer 90R comprises a second surface layer 80R, a second sensor layer 60R, and a second inner surface layer 82R. The third surface sensor layer 90U comprises a third surface layer 80U, a third sensor layer 60U, and a third inner surface layer 82U. The fourth surface sensor layer 90L comprises a fourth surface layer 80L, a fourth sensor layer 60L, and a fourth inner surface layer 82L. In this specification, the state in which each surface sensor layer is connected and the first sensor layer 60B, second sensor layer 60R, third sensor layer 60U, and fourth sensor layer 60L are integrated together is also referred to as "sensor layer 60". Similarly, the state in which the first surface layer 80B, second surface layer 80R, third surface layer 80U, and fourth surface layer 80L are integrated together is also referred to as "surface layer 80", and the state in which the first inner surface layer 82B, second inner surface layer 82R, third inner surface layer 82U, and fourth inner surface layer 82L are integrated together is also referred to as "inner surface layer 82".

[0022] In Figure 3, the first skin sensor layer 90B, the second skin sensor layer 90R, the third skin sensor layer 90U, and the fourth skin sensor layer 90L are positioned in locations corresponding to regions AR1, AR2, AR3, and AR4, respectively. In this state, when one end of the first skin sensor layer 90B along the extension direction DC of the gripping portion 24 is designated as the first end E1, and one end of the second skin sensor layer 90R is designated as the second end E2, the first end E1 is connected to the second end E2 using the electrical connection portion 70 and positioned in the groove portion 40S1. Similarly, when one end of the third skin sensor layer 90U along the extension direction DC is designated as the third end E3, and one end of the fourth skin sensor layer 90L is designated as the fourth end E4, the third end E3 is connected to the fourth end E4 using the electrical connection portion 70 and positioned in the groove portion 40S3.

[0023] Furthermore, when the other end of the first skin sensor layer 90B, which is aligned with the stretching direction DC, is designated as the first other end E12, and the other end of the fourth skin sensor layer 90L, which is designated as the fourth other end E42, the first other end E12 is connected to the fourth other end E42 using the electrical connection part 70 and positioned in the groove 40S4. Similarly, when the other end of the second skin sensor layer 90R, which is aligned with the stretching direction DC, is designated as the second other end E22, and the other end of the third skin sensor layer 90U, which is designated as the third other end E32, the second other end E22 is connected to the third other end E32 using the electrical connection part 70 and positioned in the groove 40S2.

[0024] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the state in which the first end E1 of the first epidermal sensor layer 90B and the second end E2 of the second epidermal sensor layer 90R are connected. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of position VV in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the first epidermal sensor layer 90B and the second epidermal sensor layer 90R are bent toward the gripping portion 24 at the first end E1 and the second end E2. The surfaces of the first epidermal layer 80B and the second epidermal layer 80R are overlapped, and the first end E1 and the second end E2 are overlapped and bound together. The bound first end E1 and the second end E2 are connected to the second end E2 using an electrical connection portion 70 at a position corresponding to the groove portion 40S1. As shown in Figure 4, in addition to the electrical connection portion 70, the first end E1 and the second end E2 may also be sutured using a thread-like material 88 made of general natural or chemical fibers. By suturing, the application of the electrical connection portion 70 to the first end E1 and the second end E2, and the insertion of the first end E1 and the second end E2 into the groove portion 40S1 become easier.

[0025] In this embodiment, the electrical connection part 70 is a conductive bonding material. Specifically, the electrical connection part 70 is a liquid conductive adhesive containing a conductive filler as a conductive material. The electrical connection part 70 mainly consists of an elastomer material, a rubber material, or polyvinyl chloride. For example, elastomer materials can be acrylic, styrene, silicone, olefin, urethane, and epoxy. For rubber materials, butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, and ethylene propylene diene rubber can be used. The electrical connection part 70 may be a material in which the resin material or rubber material is dissolved in a solvent such as an organic solvent or water, and may be a thermosetting or photocuring material. Note that the electrical connection part 70 may be a tack instead of an adhesive. That is, bonding by the electrical connection part 70 may be done by tack or by adhesion.

[0026] The conductive filler contained in the electrical connection part 70 can be a variety of conductive fillers, such as silver, copper, gold, platinum, palladium, iron, aluminum, nickel, or carbon, including metallic, carbon-based, metal oxide-based, and metal-plated types. The conductive filler can be in various forms, such as powder or fiber.

[0027] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of position VV in Figure 1. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of groove 40S1 where the connecting portion between the first end E1 and the second end E2 is located. As shown in Figure 4, the first end E1 and the second end E2, covered by the electrical connection portion 70, are inserted into groove 40S1. As shown in Figure 5, the first end E1 and the second end E2 are connected to each other by the joining of the electrical connection portion 70 and are also joined to groove 40S1 by the electrical connection portion 70. The configuration of grooves 40S2, 40S3, and 40S4 other than groove 40S1 is the same as that of groove 40S1, so the following explanation will use the example of groove 40S1.

[0028] The first sensor layer 60B of the first skin sensor layer 90B contacts the electrical connection part 70 at its first end E1, and the second sensor layer 60R of the second skin sensor layer 90R contacts the electrical connection part 70 at its second end E2. As a result, the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R are electrically connected to each other via the electrical connection part 70.

[0029] Similarly, the first sensor layer 60B is electrically connected to the fourth sensor layer 60L of the fourth skin sensor layer 90L by an electrical connection part 70 provided in the groove 40S4. The third skin sensor layer 90U is electrically connected to the second skin sensor layer 90R at the location of the groove 40S2 and to the fourth skin sensor layer 90L at the location of the groove 40S3. The third sensor layer 60U of the third skin sensor layer 90U is electrically connected to the second sensor layer 60R of the second skin sensor layer 90R by an electrical connection part 70 provided in the groove 40S2, and is also electrically connected to the fourth sensor layer 60L of the fourth skin sensor layer 90L by an electrical connection part 70 provided in the groove 40S3. As a result, as shown in Figure 1, the first sensor layer 60B, the second sensor layer 60R, the third sensor layer 60U, and the fourth sensor layer 60L are formed as a single sensor layer 60 that functions as a capacitive sensor.

[0030] As described above, according to the steering wheel 100 of this embodiment, the grip portion 24 includes a first skin sensor layer 90B having a conductive first sensor layer 60B extending to the first end E1, a second skin sensor layer 90R having a conductive second sensor layer 60R extending to the second end E2, and an electrical connection portion 70 that connects the first end E1 and the second end E2 and electrically connects the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R. Since the electrical connection portion 70 has the function of connecting the first skin sensor layer 90B and the second skin sensor layer 90R, and the function of electrically connecting the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R, the divided skin sensor layers can be connected and electrically connected in a simpler way than when lead wires are used. In addition, the contact area between the electrical connection portion 70 and the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R can be made larger than when lead wires are used, and the possibility of a short circuit between the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R can be suppressed.

[0031] In the steering wheel 100 of this embodiment, the first end E1 and the second end E2 are arranged in the groove 40S1 with the surfaces of the first surface layer 80B and the second surface layer 80R overlapping each other. The electrical connection part 70 connects the first end E1 and the second end E2 arranged in the groove 40S1. By arranging the electrical connection part 70, the first end E1, and the second end E2 in the groove 40S1, it is possible to suppress or prevent the electrical connection part 70 and the connected first end E1 and second end E2 from being visible from the outside of the steering wheel 100. Therefore, the design of the steering wheel 100 can be improved. In addition, it is possible to prevent the conductive electrical connection part 70 from being exposed on the surface of the grip part 24. By utilizing the groove 40S1, it is easier to fix the first end E1 and the second end E2 to the core material layer 40 compared to when the first end E1 and the second end E2 are arranged on the surface of the core material layer 40.

[0032] According to the steering wheel 100 of this embodiment, the gripping portion 24 is divided into two or more regions, including a first region AR1 where the first surface sensor layer 90B is located, and a second region AR2 adjacent to the first region AR1 where the second surface sensor layer 90R is located. By dividing the surface sensor layer 90 into two or more regions, it becomes easier to attach the surface sensor layer 90 to the core material layer 40, thereby improving the productivity of the steering wheel 100. Furthermore, for example, it becomes easier to switch the presence or absence of the sensor layer 60 in each divided region, or to switch the color of the surface layer 80 in each divided region, thereby improving the design freedom of the steering wheel 100 in terms of aesthetics and grip detection function.

[0033] In the steering wheel 100 of this embodiment, the electrical connection portion 70 is a conductive bonding material. The first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R are electrically connected by contact with the bonding material, and the first end E1 and the second end E2 are connected by bonding with the bonding material. By the simple method of bonding with a bonding material, the connection between the first surface sensor layer 90B and the second surface sensor layer 90R, and the electrical connection between the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R can be achieved. Furthermore, by applying the electrical connection portion 70 to the contact surface of the surface sensor layer 90 with the core material layer 40, the surface sensor layer 90 can be bonded to the core material layer 40.

[0034] B. Second Embodiment: Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the grip portion 24 of the steering wheel 100 according to the second embodiment. The steering wheel 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a first surface sensor layer 90Bb and a second surface sensor layer 90Rb instead of the first surface sensor layer 90B and the second surface sensor layer 90R. In the first embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the first surface sensor layer 90B is equipped with a first inner surface layer 82B and the second surface sensor layer 90R is equipped with a second inner surface layer 82R. In contrast, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first surface sensor layer 90Bb is not equipped with a first inner surface layer 82B and the second surface sensor layer 90Rb is not equipped with a second inner surface layer 82R. The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, it is not limited to cases where both the first inner surface layer 82B of the first surface sensor layer 90Bb and the second inner surface layer 82R of the second surface sensor layer 90Rb are omitted; at least one of them may be omitted.

[0035] The steering wheel 100 configured in this way can obtain the same effects as the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, the contact area between the first sensor layer 60B and the electrical connection part 70, and the contact area between the second sensor layer 60R and the electrical connection part 70 can be made larger than when the inner surface layer 82 is provided, making it easier to electrically connect the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R by the electrical connection part 70. In addition, the possibility of a short circuit between the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R can be further suppressed.

[0036] C. Third Embodiment: Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the gripping portion 24 of the steering wheel 100 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the steering wheel 100 of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it has a core material layer 40c without grooves 40S1, 40S2, 40S3, and 40S4 instead of the core material layer 40, and a first surface sensor layer 90Bc and a second surface sensor layer 90Rc instead of the first surface sensor layer 90B and the second surface sensor layer 90R, but the other configurations are the same.

[0037] In the first embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the first end E1 and the second end E2 are joined to each other by an electrical connection part 70 and arranged in the groove part 40S1. In contrast, as shown in Figure 7, the connection between the first surface sensor layer 90B and the second surface sensor layer 90R by the electrical connection part 70, and the electrical connection between the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R may be performed at a location other than the groove parts 40S1, 40S2, 40S3, and 40S4, such as the surface of the core material layer 40. With the steering wheel 100 configured in this way, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained without providing groove parts 40S1, 40S2, 40S3, and 40S4.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first surface sensor layer 90Bc differs from the first surface sensor layer 90B in that the first surface sensor layer 80Bc protrudes toward the second surface sensor layer 90Rc side than the first inner surface sensor layer 82B and the first sensor layer 60B. The second surface sensor layer 90Rc differs from the second surface sensor layer 90Bc in that the second surface sensor layer 80Rc protrudes toward the first surface sensor layer 90Bc side than the second inner surface sensor layer 82R and the second sensor layer 60R. By connecting the first end E1 and the second end E2 with the first surface sensor layer 80B protruding toward the first sensor layer 60B and the second surface sensor layer 80R protruding toward the second sensor layer 60R, it is possible to suppress or prevent the electrical connection portion 70 from being exposed on the surface of the gripping portion 24.

[0039] D. Fourth Embodiment: Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the gripping portion 24 of the steering wheel 100 according to the fourth embodiment. Note that Figure 8 and Figures 9 to 11, which will be described later, show the state before the surface sensor layer 90 is attached to the core material layer 40.

[0040] In this embodiment, the gripping portion 24 differs from the first embodiment in that it includes an electrical connection portion 70d instead of the electrical connection portion 70, but the other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the electrical connection portion 70 was a liquid conductive adhesive. In contrast, in this embodiment, the electrical connection portion 70d differs in that it includes a conductive fabric 76 on which a surface treatment such as metal plating has been applied to a fibrous fabric, and a thread-like material 78 made of general natural or chemical fibers. Note that conductive yarn may be used instead of the thread-like material 78. The conductive fabric 76 may be made of the same material as the sensor layer 60.

[0041] The conductive fabric 76 is positioned to cover the first end E1 and the second end E2. The first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R are in contact with the conductive fabric 76 and are electrically connected to each other via the conductive fabric 76. In this state, the first end E1 and the second end E2 are connected by being sewn together with the conductive fabric 76 by a thread-like material 78.

[0042] The steering wheel 100 configured in this way can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above. The first surface sensor layer 90B and the second surface sensor layer 90R can be connected and the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R can be electrically connected by the simple method of sewing the conductive fabric 76 together. Furthermore, if the conductive fabric 76 made of the same material as the sensor layer 60 is used for the electrical connection part 70d, the process of preparing a dedicated material for the electrical connection part 70d can be omitted, thereby improving productivity.

[0043] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the gripping portion 24 of the steering wheel 100 according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the first skin sensor layer 90Bb and the second skin sensor layer 90Rb shown in the second embodiment may be used instead of the first skin sensor layer 90B and the second skin sensor layer 90R. Even in this case, the same effects as in the fourth embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, by increasing the contact area between the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R and the conductive fabric 76, the electrical connection between the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R by the electrical connection portion 70d becomes easier.

[0044] E. Fifth Embodiment: Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the grip portion 24 of the steering wheel 100 according to the fifth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it is equipped with an electrical connection portion 70e instead of the electrical connection portion 70, but the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0045] In the first embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the electrical connection part 70 is a liquid conductive adhesive. However, in this embodiment, the electrical connection part 70e is made of conductive double-sided adhesive tape. The steering wheel 100 configured in this way can obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, by using double-sided adhesive tape, the coating work on the first end E1 and the second end E2, and the work of inserting the joined first end E1 and second end E2 into the groove 40S1 are made easier.

[0046] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the grip portion 24 of the steering wheel 100 according to a modified example of the fifth embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the first skin sensor layer 90Bb and the second skin sensor layer 90Rb shown in the second embodiment may be used instead of the first skin sensor layer 90B and the second skin sensor layer 90R. Even in this case, the same effects as in the fifth embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, by increasing the contact area between the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R and the electrical connection portion 70e, the electrical connection between the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R by the electrical connection portion 70e becomes easier. In the examples of Figures 10 and 11, the thread-like material 88 is omitted, but as in the first embodiment, the first end E1 and the second end E2 may be sewn together with the thread-like material 88.

[0047] F. Sixth Embodiment: Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the gripping portion 24 of the steering wheel 100 according to the sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, the gripping portion 24 is provided with a first skin sensor layer 90Bf instead of the first skin sensor layer 90B, and with an electrical connection portion 70f instead of the electrical connection portion 70. The rest of the configuration is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0048] The first skin sensor layer 90Bf differs from the first skin sensor layer 90B in that it is provided in place of the first sensor layer 60B. The first sensor layer 60Bf has a first projection 60BE that protrudes beyond the first skin layer 80B at the first end E1. As shown in Figure 12, the first projection 60BE is bent to cover the second end E2. The second sensor layer 60R is in contact with the first projection 60BE that covers the second end E2, thereby electrically connecting the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R to each other via the first projection 60BE.

[0049] The electrical connection portion 70f includes a thread-like material 78 and a first projection 60BE. The thread-like material 78 may be conductive or non-conductive. As shown in Figure 12, the first end E1 and the second end E2 are connected by being sewn together with the first projection 60BE covering the second end E2 by the thread-like material 78. Furthermore, a joining material may be provided in the groove 40S1 for joining the first end E1 and the second end E2 to the groove 40S1. If the joining material can maintain the electrically connected state between the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R, the thread-like material 78 can be omitted.

[0050] The steering wheel 100 configured in this way can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, according to the steering wheel 100 of this embodiment, the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R can be electrically connected without using a separate conductive material for the first surface sensor layer 90B and the second surface sensor layer 90R. Therefore, the number of parts in the steering wheel 100 can be reduced.

[0051] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the grip portion 24 of the steering wheel 100 according to a modified example of the sixth embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, similar to the second embodiment, at least one of the first inner surface layer 82B of the first surface sensor layer 90Bf and the second inner surface layer 82R of the second surface sensor layer 90R may be omitted. Even in this case, the same effects as the sixth embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, by increasing the contact area between the first protrusion 60BE and the second sensor layer 60R, electrical connection between the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R by the electrical connection portion 70f becomes easier.

[0052] G. Seventh Embodiment: Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the gripping portion 24 of the steering wheel 100 according to the seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the gripping portion 24 differs from the first embodiment in that it is equipped with a first skin sensor layer 90Bg instead of the first skin sensor layer 90B, a second skin sensor layer 90Rg instead of the second skin sensor layer 90R, and an electrical connection portion 70g instead of the electrical connection portion 70, but the other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0053] The first skin sensor layer 90Bg differs from the first skin sensor layer 90B in that it includes a first sensor layer 60Bg instead of the first sensor layer 60B. The first sensor layer 60Bg has a first protrusion 60BE that protrudes beyond the first skin layer 80B at its first end E1. The second skin sensor layer 90Rg differs from the second skin sensor layer 90R in that it includes a second sensor layer 60Rg instead of the second sensor layer 60R. The second sensor layer 60Rg has a second protrusion 60RE that protrudes beyond the second skin layer 80R at its second end E2. As shown in Figure 14, the first protrusion 60BE and the second protrusion 60RE are in contact with each other, thereby electrically connecting the first sensor layer 60Bg and the second sensor layer 60Rg.

[0054] The electrical connection portion 70g includes a thread-like material 78, a first protrusion 60BE, and a second protrusion 60RE. The thread-like material 78 may be conductive or non-conductive. As shown in Figure 14, the thread-like material 78 stitches together the first sensor layer 60Bg and the second sensor layer 60Rg, which are in contact with each other, thereby connecting the first end E1 and the second end E2. Furthermore, a joining material may be provided in the groove 40S1 for joining the first end E1 and the second end E2 to the groove 40S1. If the joining material can maintain the electrically connected state between the first sensor layer 60Bg and the second sensor layer 60Rg, the thread-like material 78 can be omitted. The joining material may be conductive or non-conductive.

[0055] The steering wheel 100 configured in this way can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, according to the steering wheel 100 of this embodiment, the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R can be electrically connected without using a separate conductive material for the first surface sensor layer 90Bg and the second surface sensor layer 90Rg. Therefore, the number of parts in the steering wheel 100 can be reduced.

[0056] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the grip portion 24 of the steering wheel 100 according to a modified example of the seventh embodiment. Similar to the second embodiment, at least one of the first inner surface layer 82B of the first surface sensor layer 90Bg and the second inner surface layer 82R of the second surface sensor layer 90Rg may be omitted. Even in this case, the same effects as the seventh embodiment can be obtained.

[0057] H. Eighth Embodiment: Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the grip portion 24 of the steering wheel 100 according to the eighth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the grip portion 24 has an electrical connection portion 70h instead of an electrical connection portion 70, but the other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment. The electrical connection portion 70h is a conductive thread. A conductive thread refers to a thread-like material having conductivity, such as a fibrous material such as a chemical fiber, which is coated with a conductive material such as metal or carbon by plating or coating. The conductive thread may be formed from metal fibers made of a metal such as stainless steel.

[0058] As shown in Figure 16, similar to the first embodiment described above, the first end E1 and the second end E2, which are bound together, are sewn together and connected to each other by an electrical connection portion 70h which is a conductive thread. The first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R are in contact with the conductive thread that penetrates the first end E1 and the second end E2, and are electrically connected to each other via the conductive thread.

[0059] The steering wheel 100 of this embodiment can also obtain the same effects as the first embodiment described above. In the steering wheel 100 of this embodiment, the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R are electrically connected to each other via conductive thread. Therefore, the connection between the first surface sensor layer 90B and the second surface sensor layer 90R, and the electrical connection between the first sensor layer 60B and the second sensor layer 60R can be achieved by a simple method of suturing the first end E1 and the second end E2.

[0060] Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the gripping portion 24 of the steering wheel 100 according to a modified example of the eighth embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, the first skin sensor layer 90Bb and the second skin sensor layer 90Rb shown in the second embodiment may be used instead of the first skin sensor layer 90B and the second skin sensor layer 90R. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the eighth embodiment can be obtained.

[0061] I. Other embodiments: (I1) In each of the above embodiments, an example was shown in which the vehicle equipped with the steering wheel 100 is an electric vehicle. However, the vehicle is not limited to an electric vehicle, but may be, for example, a gasoline vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a fuel cell vehicle. The vehicle may be a passenger car, truck, bus, or construction vehicle, and may also include various automobiles such as two-wheeled vehicles and four-wheeled vehicles, as well as trains.

[0062] (I2) In the first embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the gripping portion 24 is divided into four regions AR1, AR2, AR3, and AR4, with the grooves 40S1, 40S2, 40S3, and 40S4 as boundaries. However, the regions are not limited to being divided along the grooves, but may also be divided along any position on the gripping portion 24. Furthermore, each region may be divided to have any size, shape, or range. The number of regions is not limited to four (up, down, left, and right), but may be divided into any number of regions, such as two regions on the left and right, two regions on the top and bottom, or six or eight regions. In this case, the skin sensor layer 90 includes at least a first skin sensor layer 90B and a second skin sensor layer 90R, and is divided into any number of regions, two or more, corresponding to the number of divided regions.

[0063] (I3) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the gripping portion 24 comprises a core material layer 40 and a surface sensor layer 90. In contrast, the gripping portion 24 may further include another member, such as a heater layer, between the surface sensor layer 90 and the core material layer 40. The heater layer is formed, for example, of a flexible sheet material in which a heating element is arranged in a resin material, and generates heat when electricity is applied, raising the temperature of the gripping portion 24.

[0064] (I4) In the first embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the grooves 40S1, 40S2, 40S3, and 40S4 are formed in a direction along the radial direction DR of the gripping portion 24. In contrast, the grooves may be formed along the extension direction DC of the gripping portion 24. In this case, the groove may be a single groove formed over the entire circumference of the core material layer 40, or it may be a plurality of grooves. Furthermore, the groove may include an outer circumference groove formed along the extension direction DC of the gripping portion 24 on the outer circumference of the gripping portion 24, and an inner circumference groove formed along the extension direction DC on the inner circumference of the gripping portion 24.

[0065] With the steering wheel 100 configured in this way, different surface sensor layers 90 can be provided on the front and back of the steering wheel 100, i.e., on the front and back surfaces of the steering wheel 100. Therefore, it becomes easy to switch the presence or absence of the sensor layer 60 in the front-to-back direction, or to switch the color of the surface layer 80 in the front-to-back direction, thereby improving the design freedom of the steering wheel 100 in terms of aesthetics and grip detection function.

[0066] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the summary of the invention can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 10...Steering shaft, 20...Pad section, 22...Connecting section, 24...Gripping section, 30...Detection circuit, 40, 40c...Core material layer, 40S1, 40S2, 40S3, 40S4...Groove section, 42...Core metal, 44...Coating layer, 60...Sensor layer, 60B, 60Bf, 60Bg...First sensor layer, 60BE...First protrusion, 60L...Fourth sensor layer, 60R, 60Rg...Second sensor layer, 60RE...Second protrusion, 60U...Third sensor layer, 70, 70d, 70e, 70f, 70g, 70h...Electrical connection part, 76...Conductive fabric, 78...Thread-like material, 80...Skin layer, 80B, 80Bc...First skin layer, 80L...Fourth skin layer, 80R, 80Rc...Second skin layer, 80U...Third skin layer, 82...Inner side skin layer, 82B...First inner surface layer, 82L...Fourth inner surface layer, 82R...Second inner surface layer, 82U...Third inner surface layer, 88...Thread-like material, 90...Surface sensor layer, 90B, 90Bb, 90Bc, 90Bf, 90Bg...First surface sensor layer, 90L...Fourth surface sensor layer, 90R, 90Rb, 90Rc, 90Rg...Second surface sensor layer, 90U...Third surface sensor layer, 100...Steering wheel, AR1...First region, AR2...Second region, AR3...Third region, AR4...Fourth region, AX...Axis, E1...First end, E12...First other end, E2...Second end, E22...Second other end, E3...Third end, E32...Third other end, E4...Fourth end, E42...Fourth other end, LR...Lead wire

Claims

1. It is a steering wheel, The steering wheel is equipped with a gripping portion that is held by the driver of the vehicle when the steering wheel is operated, The gripping portion is, A first skin sensor layer comprising a first end, a first skin layer disposed on the outermost layer of the gripping portion, and a conductive first sensor layer provided on the inner layer side of the first skin layer and extending to the first end, A second skin sensor layer comprising a second end, a second skin layer disposed on the outermost layer of the gripping portion, and a conductive second sensor layer provided on the inner side of the second skin layer and extending to the second end, It comprises an electrical connection portion that connects at least the first end and the second end, and electrically connects the first sensor layer and the second sensor layer, The aforementioned electrical connection portion is made of a conductive bonding material. The first sensor layer and the second sensor layer are electrically connected by contact with the bonding material. The first end and the second end are connected by joining the joining material. The aforementioned bonding material is a conductive adhesive. The conductive adhesive covers the first end, the second end, a portion of the side surface of the first sensor layer that is in contact with the first end, and a portion of the side surface of the second sensor layer that is in contact with the second end. Steering wheel.

2. A steering wheel according to claim 1, The gripping portion further comprises a core material layer that includes a core metal and has grooves on its surface, The first end and the second end are positioned in the groove with the surface of the first epidermal layer and the surface of the second epidermal layer overlapping each other. The electrical connection portion connects the first end and the second end, which are located in the groove. Steering wheel.

3. A steering wheel according to claim 1, The gripping portion is divided into two or more regions, including a first region where the first skin sensor layer is arranged and a second region adjacent to the first region where the second skin sensor layer is arranged. Steering wheel.

4. A steering wheel, The steering wheel is equipped with a gripping portion that is held by the driver of the vehicle when the steering wheel is operated, The gripping portion is, A first skin sensor layer comprising a first end, a first skin layer disposed on the outermost layer of the gripping portion, and a conductive first sensor layer provided on the inner layer side of the first skin layer and extending to the first end, A second skin sensor layer comprising a second end, a second skin layer disposed on the outermost layer of the gripping portion, and a conductive second sensor layer provided on the inner side of the second skin layer and extending to the second end, It comprises an electrical connection portion that connects at least the first end and the second end, and electrically connects the first sensor layer and the second sensor layer, The first sensor layer includes a first projection that protrudes from the first surface layer at the first end, The electrical connection portion includes a thread-like material and the first protrusion, The first sensor layer and the second sensor layer are electrically connected by the first protrusion covering the second end while in contact with the second sensor layer. The first end and the second end are connected by being sewn together with the first protrusion by the thread-like material. Steering wheel.

5. A steering wheel, The steering wheel is equipped with a gripping portion that is held by the driver of the vehicle when the steering wheel is operated, The gripping portion is, A first skin sensor layer comprising a first end, a first skin layer disposed on the outermost layer of the gripping portion, and a conductive first sensor layer provided on the inner layer side of the first skin layer and extending to the first end, A second skin sensor layer comprising a second end, a second skin layer disposed on the outermost layer of the gripping portion, and a conductive second sensor layer provided on the inner side of the second skin layer and extending to the second end, It comprises an electrical connection portion that connects at least the first end and the second end, and electrically connects the first sensor layer and the second sensor layer, The first sensor layer includes a first projection that protrudes from the first surface layer at the first end, The second sensor layer includes a second protrusion at the second end that protrudes more than the second skin layer, The electrical connection portion includes a thread-like material, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion. The first sensor layer and the second sensor layer are electrically connected by contact between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The first end and the second end are connected by the thread-like material, which sews the first and second protrusions together. Steering wheel.

6. The steering wheel according to claim 2, The groove portion comprises an outer circumferential groove portion formed on the outer circumference of the gripping portion along the extending direction of the gripping portion, and an inner circumferential groove portion formed on the inner circumference of the gripping portion along the extending direction. Steering wheel.

Images