Steering wheel and motor vehicle

Abstract

A steering wheel and a motor vehicle. The steering wheel comprises a frame (2), a foamed body (3) and a functional pad (4), wherein the foamed body (3) is integrally molded by means of placing the frame (2) in a foaming mold; a step portion (5) having a first surface contour (51) and an accommodating groove (6) having a second surface contour (61) are formed on a rim (1), the radius of the first surface contour (51) being greater than that of the second surface contour (61); and the functional pad (4) is disposed in the accommodating groove (6), the step portion (5) at least partially extends to the other side of a normal extension direction of an end portion of the accommodating groove (6) adjacent thereto to form an elastic portion (9), a deformation gap (7) is formed between the elastic portion (9) and the second surface contour (61), and the end portion of the functional pad (4) is arranged at the edge of or inside the deformation gap (7). When being subjected to a pressure, the elastic portion (9) deforms synchronously with the functional pad (4), such that no dent is formed therebetween, and thus the uneven feel of the steering wheel can be improved. Moreover, during a subsequent stretching and overmolding process, even if the functional pad (4) is pulled, the surface thereof can still be kept flush with the surface of the first surface contour (51).

Description

A steering wheel and a motor vehicle TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present specification relates to the technical field of steering wheels, in particular to a steering wheel and a motor vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] The steering wheel is a tool for the driver to operate the steering of the motor vehicle. The current steering wheel is generally formed by foaming on the frame. For some steering wheels with more functions, a recess is generally arranged on the foaming body, and then a functional pad is placed in the recess according to the functional requirements, so that the steering wheel has corresponding functions. However, the recess arranged on the foaming body is generally a vertical step for the convenience of demolding. The appearance of the joint between the vertical step and the functional pad has problems. Whether it is the pulling during the leather covering process or the concave printing that may be formed on the surface of the leather after long-term use, it will affect the driving experience of the driver and also affect the appearance of the steering wheel. SUMMARY

[0003] Therefore, the present specification provides a steering wheel and a motor vehicle. The end of the functional pad extends into the gap between the elastic part and the accommodating groove. When the elastic part is subjected to pressure, the elastic part and the functional pad deform synchronously, no concave mark is formed between them, the uneven feel of the steering wheel can be improved, and even if the functional pad is pulled during the subsequent stretching and covering process, the surface of the functional pad can still be flush with the first surface profile.

[0004] The present specification provides the following technical solutions: a steering wheel, comprising a frame, a foaming body and a functional pad, the foaming body is integrally molded by being placed in a foaming mold by the frame, a step part with a first surface profile and an accommodating groove with a second surface profile are formed on a rim, the radius of the first surface profile is greater than the radius of the second surface profile, the functional pad is arranged in the accommodating groove,

[0005] The step part at least partially extends to the other side of the normal extension direction of the end of the accommodating groove adjacent to the step part to form an elastic part, a deformation gap is formed between the elastic part and the second surface profile, and the end of the functional pad is arranged at the edge or inside of the deformation gap.

[0006] Preferably, the surface of the elastic part towards the second surface profile is a continuous plane.

[0007] Preferably, the step part is arranged along at least part of the extension direction of the rim, the functional pad is wrapped around the second profile surface along the circumference of the rim, and at least part of the end extends to the edge or inside of the deformation gap.

[0008] Preferably, the accommodating groove is provided with the stepped portion on both sides of the circumference of the rim, the two side ends of the functional pad are respectively abutted against the elastic portion, the surface of the functional pad away from the second surface profile forms a continuous circumferential profile with the first surface profile, and the steering wheel further comprises an outer sheath covering the circumferential profile.

[0009] Preferably, the first surface profile of the stepped portion is towards the driver, and the second surface profile of the accommodating groove is away from the driver.

[0010] Preferably, the foaming mold comprises an inner mold inside the rim of the steering wheel and an outer mold outside the rim of the steering wheel, and the extension direction of the continuous plane is at an angle a of less than or equal to 30° with the demolding axis of the inner mold and / or the outer mold.

[0011] Preferably, when the elastic portion is subjected to pressure, the elastic portion deforms synchronously with the functional pad in the deformation gap, and the elastic portion has a tendency to recover in the opposite direction of the deformation direction.

[0012] Preferably, the functional pad has at least one of heating function and induction function.

[0013] Preferably, the foaming body is polyurethane foam.

[0014] A motor vehicle comprises the steering wheel according to any one of the above.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the above at least one technical solution adopted by the embodiments of the present specification can achieve at least the following beneficial effects:

[0016] The foaming body is integrally molded in the foaming mold to form the stepped portion with the first surface profile and the accommodating groove with the second surface profile on the rim, the stepped portion at least partially extends to the outside of the accommodating groove to form the elastic portion, the end of the functional pad extends into the gap between the elastic portion and the accommodating groove, when the elastic portion is subjected to pressure, the elastic portion deforms synchronously with the functional pad, no indentation is formed between the two, the hand feeling of the steering wheel can be improved, and even if the functional pad is pulled in the subsequent stretching and coating process, the surface of the functional pad can still be flush with the surface of the first surface profile. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a steering wheel rim in the prior art;

[0019] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of A in Fig. 1;

[0020] Fig. 3 is a deformation view of A in Fig. 1 under pressure;

[0021] Fig. 4 is a structural view of a steering wheel provided by the present application;

[0022] Fig. 5 is a sectional view of A-A in Fig. 4;

[0023] Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of B in Fig. 5;

[0024] Fig. 7 is a deformation view of B in Fig. 5 under pressure;

[0025] Fig. 8 is a foaming mold stripping direction view of a steering wheel provided by the present application.

[0026] In the figures, 1, rim; 2, frame; 3, foamed body; 4, functional pad; 5, stepped portion; 51, first surface profile; 6, accommodating groove; 61, second surface profile; 7, deformation gap; 8, outer sheath; 9, elastic portion; 10, inner mold; 11, outer mold. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0028] The above embodiments of the present application are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, and other advantages and effects of the present application will be more clearly understood from the following examples. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described above are merely a part of the embodiments of the present application, and not all of the embodiments. The present application can be implemented or applied in other different specific embodiments, and the details in the specification can be modified or changed based on different views and applications without departing from the spirit of the present application. It should be noted that the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of the present application.

[0029] It is to be appreciated that various aspects described herein are described in the context of examples that are within the scope of the claims. It is to be understood that the aspects described herein can be implemented in a wide variety of forms and that any particular structure and / or function described herein is merely illustrative. An aspect described herein can be implemented alone or in combination with any other aspect or aspects. For example, an apparatus can be implemented using any number and combination of the aspects described herein. Additionally, an apparatus can be implemented using other structures and / or functionality in addition to or instead of the aspects described herein.

[0030] It is also to be appreciated that the illustrations provided herein are schematic and that the drawings are merely intended to provide a conceptual understanding of the application. The drawing is merely intended to provide a conceptual understanding of aspects of the application and is not intended to be a definition of the application. It should be appreciated that in the various illustrative drawings, like reference numerals can be used to indicate like elements.

[0031] In addition, in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the examples. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the aspects can be practiced without these specific details.

[0032] At present, the recesses provided on the foams for placing functional pads are generally vertical steps, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, in order to facilitate demolding. The vertical steps and the splicing appearance of the functional pads have problems. Whether it is the pulling during the leather covering process or the possible concave printing on the leather surface after long-term use, it will affect the driving experience of the driver and will also affect the appearance of the steering wheel.

[0033] The inventor has designed a steering wheel after extensive and in-depth experiments.

[0034] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the application are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 4-7, a steering wheel includes a frame 2, a foam 3 and a functional pad 4. The foam 3 is integrally molded by being placed in a foaming mold by the frame 2, to form a step portion 5 having a first surface profile 51 and a receiving groove 6 having a second surface profile 61 on a rim 1. The radius of the first surface profile 51 is greater than the radius of the second surface profile 61. The functional pad 4 is arranged in the receiving groove 6,

[0036] The step portion 5 at least partially extends to the other side of the normal extension direction of the end of the accommodating groove 6 adjacent thereto to form an elastic portion 9, a deformation gap 7 is formed between the elastic portion 9 and the second surface profile 61, and the end of the functional pad 4 is arranged at the edge of the deformation gap 7 or inside the deformation gap 7.

[0037] The foaming body 3 is molded on the frame 2 by a foaming mold to form the rim 1 of the steering wheel, the foaming body 3 is formed with the step portion 5 having the first surface profile 51 and the accommodating groove 6 having the second surface profile 61 in the foaming mold, the step portion 5 at least partially extends to the outside of the accommodating groove 6 to form the elastic portion 9, the deformation gap 7 is formed between the elastic portion 9 and the second surface profile 61 of the accommodating groove 6, the end of the functional pad 4 extends into the deformation gap 7 between the elastic portion 9 and the accommodating groove 6, and the outer surface of the functional pad 4 is flush with the surface of the first surface profile 51. In the process of stretching and covering the functional pad 4 on the rim 1, the end of the functional pad 4 is embedded in the deformation gap 7, and the surface of the functional pad 4 can remain flush with the surface of the first surface profile 51 even if the functional pad 4 is pulled. The appearance of the covered steering wheel is guaranteed, when the driver holds the steering wheel, the elastic portion 9 is subjected to pressure, the elastic portion 9 deforms synchronously with the functional pad 4, no indentation is formed between the elastic portion 9 and the functional pad 4, and the uneven feel of the steering wheel can be improved.

[0038] It should be noted that in the more preferred embodiments, the end of the functional pad 4 extends to the inside of the deformation gap 7, the end of the functional pad 4 is fitted to the inner wall of the deformation gap 7, and the functional pad 4 is guaranteed to fill the deformation gap 7. In some other embodiments, the functional pad 4 can only extend to the edge of the deformation gap 7, and the functional pad 4 is guaranteed to be at least partially in the deformation gap 7.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 5-6, in some embodiments, the surface of the elastic portion 9 towards the second surface profile 61 is a continuous plane. By setting the side of the elastic portion 9 close to the surface of the second profile (i.e. the inner surface of the elastic portion 9) as a continuous plane, the mold stripping of the foaming mold is facilitated, and the contact area between the functional pad 4 and the inner surface of the elastic portion 9 is guaranteed, and the functional pad 4 is facilitated to be embedded in the deformation gap 7.

[0040] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the surface of the elastic portion 9 towards the second surface profile 61 is a continuous inclined surface. In some other embodiments, the inner surface of the elastic portion 9 can also be other continuous planes, which can be set according to actual conditions.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 4-6, in some embodiments, the step portion 5 is arranged at least partially along the extending direction of the rim 1, the functional pad 4 is wrapped along the circumferential direction of the rim 1 on the second profile surface, and at least partially extends to the edge of the deformation gap 7 or inside thereof, and the step portion 5 is arranged at least partially along the extending direction of the rim 1, so that the at least partially end portion of the functional pad 4 wrapped along the axial direction of the rim 1 can extend into the deformation gap 7 formed between the step portion 5 and the second profile surface.

[0042] It should be noted that, in a more preferred embodiment, the step portion 5 is arranged partially along the axial direction of the rim 1 on the surface of the rim 1, so that the end portion of the functional pad 4 can extend into the deformation gap 7 formed between the step portion 5 and the second profile surface.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 4-6, in some embodiments, the step portion 5 is arranged on both sides of the accommodating groove 6 along the circumferential direction of the rim 1, the two side end portions of the functional pad 4 respectively abut against the elastic portions 9, the surface of the functional pad 4 away from the second surface profile 61 forms a continuous circumferential profile with the first surface profile 51, and the steering wheel further comprises an outer sheath 8 wrapped on the circumferential profile. By arranging the step portion 5 on both sides of the accommodating groove 6, the step portions 5 on both sides extend to the outside of the accommodating groove 6 to form the elastic portions 9, the two side end portions of the functional pad 4 are respectively inserted into the deformation gaps 7 formed by the two sets of elastic portions 9 and the accommodating groove 6, and the outer surface of the functional pad 4 is flush with the first surface profile 51 of the step portion 5, so as to ensure the flatness after the outer sheath 8 is wrapped on the outside of the rim 1.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 4-7, in some embodiments, the first surface profile 51 of the step portion 5 faces the driver, and the second surface profile 61 of the accommodating groove 6 faces away from the driver. By arranging the first surface profile 51 of the step portion 5 to face the driver, when the driver holds the steering wheel, the driver's thumb is on the side close to the step portion 5, and the thumb will press the elastic portion 9, the elastic portion 9 is subjected to pressure, the elastic portion 9 deforms synchronously with the functional pad 4, and no indentation is formed between the two, which conforms to the stress deformation angle in normal driving.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the foaming mold comprises an inner mold 10 inside the steering wheel rim 1 and an outer mold 11 outside the steering wheel rim 1, the extension direction of the continuous plane is less than or equal to 30° with the demolding axis of the inner mold 10 and / or the outer mold 11, and the foaming body 3 is molded by setting the inner mold 10 and the outer mold 11 matched with each other, the extension direction of the continuous plane is not greater than 30° with the demolding axis of the inner mold 10 and / or the outer mold 11, which can ensure that the foaming body 3 can be smoothly demolded and the step part 5 with good appearance can be formed.

[0046] It should be noted that the demolding direction of the inner mold 10 is perpendicular to the innermost side of the rim 1, and the demolding direction of the outer mold 11 is perpendicular to the outermost side of the rim 1, so that the inner mold 10 and the outer mold 11 are demolded along the horizontal direction.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, when the elastic part 9 is subjected to pressure, the elastic part 9 deforms synchronously with the functional pad 4 in the deformation gap 7, and the elastic part 9 has a tendency to recover in the opposite direction of the deformation direction, the elastic part 9 has a certain elastic modulus, and when the elastic part 9 is subjected to pressure, it deforms synchronously with the functional pad 4 below, avoiding the formation of indentations between the elastic part 9 and the functional pad 4, and when the force disappears, the elastic part 9 returns to the initial position, avoiding the formation of indentations at the pressing position.

[0048] In some embodiments, the functional pad 4 has at least one of heating function and induction function, and the functional pad 4 can be a heating pad, an induction pad, or a pad with both heating and induction functions, and the function of the functional pad 4 can be selected according to actual conditions.

[0049] In some embodiments, the foaming body 3 is a polyurethane foam, and the foaming body 3 is a polyurethane foam (such as PU, PUR) or an injection moldable material made of such a foam, which has a certain elasticity and is convenient for the molding of the foaming body 3 in the foaming mold.

[0050] Based on the same inventive concept, please refer to FIGS. 4-8, the embodiment of the present specification provides a motor vehicle comprising the steering wheel according to any one of the above.

[0051] In the implementation, by using the above-mentioned steering wheel, when the driver holds the steering wheel, the elastic part 9 deforms synchronously with the functional pad 4 under pressure, and no indentations are formed between the two, which can improve the uneven feel of the steering wheel and ensure the aesthetics of the steering wheel.

[0052] The same or similar parts among various embodiments in the specification can be referred to each other, and each embodiment focuses on the difference from other embodiments. Especially, for the method embodiments described later, since they are corresponding to the system, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the part of the system embodiment.

[0053] The above merely illustrates the specific embodiments of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited to this. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of the changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed by the present application, which should be covered in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A steering wheel, comprising a frame, a foamed body and a functional pad, the foamed body is integrally molded by the frame placed in a foaming mold, forming a stepped portion with a first surface profile and a receiving groove with a second surface profile on a rim, the radius of the first surface profile is greater than the radius of the second surface profile, the functional pad is arranged in the receiving groove, characterized in that, the stepped portion at least partially extends to the other side of the normal extension direction of the end of the receiving groove adjacent thereto to form an elastic portion, a deformation gap is formed between the elastic portion and the second surface profile, and the end of the functional pad is arranged at the edge of the deformation gap or inside the deformation gap.

2. Steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that The surface of the elastic portion towards the second surface profile is a continuous plane.

3. A steering wheel according to claim 2, characterised in that The stepped portion is arranged along at least part of the extension direction of the rim, the functional pad is wrapped around the second profile surface along the circumferential direction of the rim, and at least part of the end extends to the edge of the deformation gap or inside the deformation gap.

4. A steering wheel according to claim 3, characterised in that The receiving groove is provided with the stepped portion on both sides along the circumferential direction of the rim, the two side ends of the functional pad respectively abut against the elastic portions, the surface of the functional pad away from the second surface profile forms a continuous circumferential profile with the first surface profile, and the steering wheel further comprises an outer sheath wrapped on the circumferential profile.

5. A steering wheel according to claim 4, characterised in that The first surface profile of the stepped portion is towards the driver, and the second surface profile of the receiving groove is away from the driver.

6. Steering wheel according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that The foaming mold comprises an inner mold inside the rim of the steering wheel and an outer mold outside the rim of the steering wheel, the extension direction of the continuous plane forms an angle α with the demolding axis of the inner mold and / or the outer mold, and the angle α is less than or equal to 30°.

7. Steering wheel according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that When the elastic portion is subjected to pressure, the elastic portion deforms synchronously with the functional pad in the deformation gap, and the elastic portion has a tendency to recover in the opposite direction of the deformation direction.

8. The steering wheel of claim 1, wherein, The functional pad has at least one of a heating function and an induction function.

9. The steering wheel of claim 1, wherein, The foamed body is a polyurethane foam.

10. A motor vehicle characterised in that, The steering wheel comprises the steering wheel according to any one of claims 1-9. The steering wheel comprises the steering wheel according to any one of claims 1-9.

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