JP2011111102A - Steering wheel - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steering wheel preventing a decorative ring part from coming off from a hard part when a large force is applied together with deformation of a rim part. <P>SOLUTION: A cylindrical decorative member 41 attached to an attachment part 32 of the hard part 30 includes the decorative ring part 51 with decoration given on its outer surface between a decorated part 31 of the hard part 30 and leather 61. The decorative member 41 is formed by arranging a pair of divided pieces 42, 43 divided in a halved shape around the attachment part 32 and relatively joining them. Each of the divided pieces 42, 43 includes a locking part 45 adjacent to a soft part 60 side of the decorative ring part 51 and including a locking groove 47 for locking the end of the leather 61, a first extended part 48 extended to the soft part 60 side from the locking part 45 and covered with the leather 61, and a second extended part 49 further extended to the soft part 60 side from the first extended part 48 and covered with the soft part 60. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a steering wheel used for a vehicle steering device such as a vehicle, and more specifically, a circumferential portion of an outer shell portion of a substantially annular rim portion is covered with a hard portion and leather. The present invention relates to a steering wheel including a soft portion and a decorative ring portion positioned therebetween.

  As an aspect of a steering wheel used in a vehicle steering device, for example, there is one described in Patent Document 1. In this steering wheel, a part of the outer shell portion of the rim portion having a substantially annular shape in the circumferential direction is constituted by a decorative portion whose outer surface is decorated. The outer surface of the decoration part is comprised with the wooden decorating board. Moreover, the other part about the circumferential direction of an outer shell part is comprised including the hard part adjacent to a decorating part, and the soft part adjacent to the hard part. These soft parts and hard parts are covered with leather.

  The steering wheel further includes a decorative ring portion and a rib. The decorative ring portion is composed of a pair of divided pieces whose outer surfaces are plated. Then, both the split pieces are annularly arranged around the end portion of the leather, and are joined to each other on the split surface, whereby the decorative ring portion is formed around the hard portion and the leather. The rib protrudes from the hard part and is fitted into the recessed part of each divided piece in a state of penetrating the end part of the leather.

According to said steering wheel, the designability (appearance) of a rim | limb part is improved by the metallic luster which the decoration ring part arrange | positioned between a decoration part and leather emits.
Further, the ribs restrict movement of each divided piece in the circumferential direction of the rim portion and movement (rotation) around the end portion of the leather.

  Since the decorative ring portion is located outside the end portion of the leather through which the rib is penetrated, the decorative ring portion restricts the end portion from being detached from the rib.

JP 2009-173102 A

  By the way, when an impact is applied to the vehicle from the front due to a frontal collision while the vehicle is running, the vehicle stops but the driver tries to move forward with respect to the vehicle due to inertia. On the other hand, in response to the impact, the airbag device built in the steering wheel is operated to inflate and deploy the airbag. This airbag protects the driver from impact. Further, at this time, a large pressing force is applied from the driver to the steering wheel via the airbag, so that the rim portion is deformed or displaced. The above-mentioned impact is absorbed by these deformations, displacements, etc., and the driver is protected from this point as well.

  However, in the above situation, a large force may be applied to the decorative ring portion directly through the airbag or indirectly with the deformation of the rim portion. In this case, in the steering wheel described in Patent Document 1 in which the pair of divided pieces are joined to each other only on their divided surfaces, the two divided pieces cannot be held in the joined state. May be separated from the hard part.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to suppress the decorative ring portion from being detached from the hard portion when a large force is applied due to deformation of the rim portion or the like. It is to provide a steering wheel that can be used.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that the outer shell portion of the rim portion having a substantially annular shape is formed of a hard portion, a soft portion covered with leather, and a cylinder made entirely of a hard material. And a decorative member having a decorative ring part formed between the hard part and the leather, wherein the hard part has a decorative part on the outer surface. A decorative part, and an attached part adjacent to the soft part side of the decorative part, wherein the decorative member is arranged with a pair of divided pieces divided in a half-shape around the attached part A steering wheel formed by joining together, wherein each of the divided pieces is adjacent to the soft portion side of the decorative ring portion in addition to the decorative ring portion, and an end portion of the leather A locking portion having a locking groove to be locked, and extending from the locking portion to the soft portion side Said first extending portion leather is covered Te, and summarized in that and a second extending portion which is coated out further extends to the soft portion side from the first extending portion by the soft portion.

  In the steering wheel in which the rim portion has the above-described configuration, the outer surface of the decorative ring portion with decoration is separated between the decorative portion with decoration on the outer surface and the leather covered with the soft portion. The design surface appears, which improves the appearance of the rim.

  A pair of divided pieces constituting the decorative member are arranged around the adherend and are joined to each other. By this joining, both divided pieces are connected in a cylindrical shape around the adherend portion to form a decorative member. In addition to the above-mentioned joining, in each divided piece, the end of the leather covers the first extending portion of each divided piece extending from the locking portion to the soft portion side, and the direction (diameter away from the adherend portion). The movement of the first extending portion toward the outside in the direction is restricted. Further, the second extending portion of each divided piece extending from the first extending portion to the soft portion side is covered with the soft portion and the leather, and the second extending portion in the direction away from the adherend portion (outward in the radial direction). 2 Restrict the movement of the extension.

Therefore, even when a large force accompanying the deformation of the rim portion or the like is applied to the decorative member, each divided piece is held in a state where it is attached to the adherend portion, and the phenomenon of coming off from the hard portion is less likely to occur.
The gist of the invention of claim 2 is that, in the invention of claim 1, the outer surface of the second extension portion is reduced in diameter as it gets farther from the first extension portion.

  Here, if leather is covered with a tension | tensile_strength with respect to a soft part and a decoration member, the pressing force which goes to the axis line of a rim | limb part will be added with respect to those soft parts and a decoration member. The hardness is different between the decorative member formed of the hard material and the soft part. Therefore, in the boundary part with the 1st extension part of a soft part, when hardness changes rapidly, a level | step difference will arise and there exists a possibility that an external appearance may be reduced.

  In this respect, in the second aspect of the invention, since the outer surface of the second extending portion is reduced in diameter toward the distance from the first extending portion, the boundary portion is hard in the circumferential direction of the rim portion. Will gradually change, making it difficult for steps to occur. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the appearance due to the step without taking a separate measure to make it difficult to generate the step.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the soft portion may be configured such that after the decorative member is formed around the adherent portion, a part of the soft portion is the two split pieces. The gist of the present invention is that it is molded so as to cover the second extending portion.

  Here, if the soft part is molded and then the two split pieces are attached to the adherend part to form a decorative member, a gap is generated between the soft part and the decorative member. A filling work is required separately.

  In this regard, in the third aspect of the invention, after the decorative member is formed around the adherend portion, the soft portion is molded such that a part of itself is covered with the second extension portion of the two split pieces. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent a gap from being generated between the soft portion and the decorative member by molding the soft portion in contact with the second extending portion. Along with this, the work of filling the gap becomes unnecessary.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the first extending portion is formed by pressing the burr cutting portion of the mold apparatus when the soft portion is formed. The gist is that the leakage of the molding material from the cavity to be controlled is regulated together with the burr cutting portion.

  According to said structure, when forming a soft part using a metal mold apparatus, a burr cutting part is press-contacted with respect to a 1st extension part, elastically deforming. In this state, a molding material is supplied into the cavity to mold the soft part. At this time, the first extension part, together with the burr cutting part, regulates leakage of the supplied molding material from the cavity through between the first extension part and the mold apparatus.

The gist of the invention according to claim 5 is that, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the adherent portion has a groove portion into which the locking portion can be fitted.
Here, the steering wheel is generally used under severe conditions with respect to heat, light, and the like. Further, the leather may deteriorate over time due to long-term use under such circumstances, and may shrink greatly. Due to this contraction, when each divided piece to which the leather is locked is pulled, a gap may be formed between the divided piece and the decorative portion.

  In this respect, in the invention described in claim 5, the engagement portion is fitted into the groove portion, whereby each divided piece is positioned at a predetermined position of the adherend portion in the circumferential direction of the rim portion. Moreover, the wall surface of the groove part with which the latching | locking part was fitted controls that each division | segmentation piece moves to the circumferential direction of a rim | limb part. Therefore, even if the leather locked to the decorative member is about to shrink greatly, it is unlikely that each divided piece is pulled and moved to the leather side to create a gap with the decorative portion.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the invention, in each of the divided pieces, a projecting portion that protrudes toward the adherend portion is provided at a location constituting the decorative ring portion. The gist of the invention is that the adherend portion is provided with a second groove portion into which the protrusions can be fitted.

  According to said structure, each division | segmentation piece is positioned in the predetermined location of the to-be-adhered part about the circumferential direction of a rim | limb part by fitting a protrusion to a 2nd groove part. Moreover, the wall surface of the 2nd groove part by which the protrusion part was fitted controls that each division | segmentation piece moves to the circumferential direction of a rim | limb part. Therefore, the effect of making the gap of the invention according to the fifth aspect less likely to occur is further ensured.

  According to the steering wheel of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the decorative ring portion from being detached from the hard portion when a large force is applied with the deformation of the rim portion or the like.

The front view which abbreviate | omits and shows a part of steering wheel in one Embodiment which actualized this invention. The side view of a steering wheel. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the cross-section of the rim | limb part along the PP line of FIG. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the cross-sectional structure along the QQ line of FIG. The front view which shows the steering wheel before a soft part is formed on a rim | limb core metal. Sectional drawing which shows the cross-section of the rim | limb part along the RR line | wire of FIG. The partial front view of the rim | limb part which expands and shows the S section of FIG. The perspective view which shows the state which looked at the pair of front and rear divided pieces constituting the decorative member from the decorative portion side toward the soft portion side. The partial front view which shows the relationship between a decoration member and its peripheral part. Sectional drawing which shows the cross-section of the decoration member along the TT line | wire of FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional structure of the decorative member along the line U-U in FIG. 9. Sectional drawing which shows the cross-section of the decoration member along the VV line | wire of FIG. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the state before shape | molding a soft part using a metal mold apparatus.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a vehicle steering wheel will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in at least one of FIGS. 1 and 2, a steering shaft (steering shaft) 11 that rotates about the rotation axis L <b> 1 is located in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle (left side in FIG. 2). It is arranged in an inclined state so as to become higher (right side in FIG. 2). A steering wheel 12 of the present embodiment is attached to the rear end portion of the steering shaft 11 so as to be integrally rotatable.

  The steering wheel 12 includes a rim portion (sometimes referred to as a handle portion or a ring portion) 13, a pad portion 14, and a spoke portion 15. The rim portion 13 is a member that is gripped and steered by the driver, and has a substantially annular shape centered on the rotation axis L1 (see FIG. 1). Since the steering shaft 11 is inclined as described above, the rim portion 13 is also slightly inclined so as to approach the driver's seat toward the lower side (see FIG. 2).

  The pad portion 14 is disposed in a space surrounded by the rim portion 13. A front portion of the pad portion 14 is constituted by a lower cover 16. A plurality of spoke portions 15 (four in this case) are provided between the rim portion 13 and the pad portion 14.

  In the present embodiment, when describing each part of the steering wheel 12, the rotation axis L1 of the steering shaft 11 is used as a reference. The direction along the rotation axis L1 is referred to as the “front-rear direction” of the steering wheel 12, and among the directions orthogonal to the rotation axis L1, the direction in which the steering wheel 12 stands is referred to as the “vertical direction”. Therefore, the front-rear direction and the vertical direction of the steering wheel 12 are slightly inclined with respect to the front-rear direction (horizontal direction) and the vertical direction (vertical direction) of the vehicle.

  Further, in order to identify the circumferential position of the annular rim portion 13, in this embodiment, the vehicle is traveling straight (see FIGS. 1 and 5), that is, based on the neutral state. , “Upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”.

  FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional structure along the line QQ in FIG. FIG. 5 shows the steering wheel 12 before the soft part 60 described later is formed on the rim part 13. As shown in at least one of these FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, iron, aluminum, magnesium, or these may be present in each of the components of the steering wheel 12 (rim portion 13, pad portion 14, spoke portion 15) A metal core 20 formed of an alloy or the like is disposed. Among the metal cores 20, the one located in the rim part 13 has a substantially annular shape when viewed from the driver side (in front view), and is called a rim part metal core 21, and the skeleton of the rim part 13. I am doing.

  In addition to the rim core metal 21, the core metal 20 includes a boss core metal 22 on the rotation axis L <b> 1, a skeleton of the spoke portion 15, and a boss core metal 22 and a rim core metal 21. The spoke core metal 23 is provided. The core metal 20 having the above-described configuration is attached to the rear end portion of the steering shaft 11 at the boss core metal 22 so as to be integrally rotatable.

  As shown in at least one of FIGS. 1, 5, and 9, a part of the rim core metal 21 in the circumferential direction, here, an upper part and a lower part is covered with a hard part 30. The upper hard portion 30 includes a decorative portion 31 that occupies most of the circumferential direction of the rim portion 13, and a pair of left and right attached portions 32 provided adjacent to both ends of the decorative portion 31. . In addition, in FIG. 9, these decorating parts 31 and the adherend parts 32 are drawn with the thick dashed-two dotted line. The description of the configuration of the lower hard portion 30 is omitted.

  FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional structure along the line RR in FIG. The decoration part 31 is formed in the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 6 with hard resin materials, such as a polypropylene resin, an ABS resin, and a polyester resin.

  Further, the other part (the left and right side parts in FIG. 1) of the rim core metal 21 in the circumferential direction is covered with a soft part 60 made of a soft resin material softer than the hard part 30. Many portions of these soft portions 60 (excluding the boundary portion with the spoke portions 15) have the same thickness as both end portions of the decorative portion 31. Examples of the soft resin material include soft polyurethane, soft polyvinyl chloride, and thermoplastic elastomers (polyester, polyurethane, polyamide, polyolefin, and polystyrene). The entire soft portion 60 is covered with leather 61 (see FIG. 4).

  The both adherends 32 have the same structure. Therefore, only the structure of one of the adherend parts 32 (left side in FIG. 5) will be described here. In FIG. 5, a decorative member 41 (described later) is attached to the right adherend portion 32, and the adherend portion 32 is covered with the decor member 41.

  FIG. 7 shows the S portion in FIG. 5 in an enlarged manner. As shown in at least one of FIGS. 3, 7, and 9, the adherend portion 32 has a central shaft portion 33 that is thinner than the decorating portion 31 around the rim core metal 21. On the central shaft portion 33, a rib 34 that is thicker than the central shaft portion 33 and thinner than the decorative portion 31 is formed at the end far from the decorative portion 31 (the lower side of each figure). Has been. A concave portion 35 is formed in the front portion of the rib 34 for restricting rotation of divided pieces 42 and 43, which will be described later, around the central axis L2 of the rim portion 13 (see FIG. 11).

Further, a projection 36 for restricting the rotation of the split pieces 42 and 43 is formed on the central shaft portion 33 in the vicinity of the rib 34 on the decorative portion 31 side. The protrusions 36 are provided at two locations facing each other across the central axis L2 (see FIG. 10).
On the central shaft portion 33, a second rib 37 that is thicker than the central shaft portion 33 and thinner than the decorative portion 31 is formed at a position slightly away from the decorative portion 31.

  A space around the central shaft portion 33 and sandwiched between the ribs 34 and the second ribs 37 forms a substantially annular groove 38. Further, the space around the central shaft portion 33 and sandwiched between the second rib 37 and the decoration portion 31 forms a substantially annular shape and forms a second groove portion 39 that is narrower than the groove portion 38. ing. A restricting portion 40 for restricting the rotation of the split pieces 42 and 43 around the central axis L2 of the rim portion 13 is formed at the front portion of the second groove portion 39 (see FIG. 12).

  Decoration is given to the outer surface of at least the decorative portion 31 of the hard portion 30. In the present embodiment, in addition to the decorative portion 31, the outer surface of the adherend portion 32 is also decorated. Here, a pattern layer A made of a wood grain pattern or the like is formed as a decoration (see FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the pattern layer A is formed by performing a hydraulic transfer method (hydraulic transfer method), and has a thickness of several μm (for example, 1 to 3 μm).

  As shown in at least one of FIGS. 3, 8, and 9, a cylindrical decorative member 41 having both ends opened is formed around the adherend portion 32. In FIG. 9, the decorative member 41 is drawn with a solid line. The decorative member 41 includes a pair of front and rear divided pieces 42 and 43 that are divided in half. Each of the divided pieces 42 and 43 is formed of a hard resin material, like the hard portion 30 described above. Both the split pieces 42 and 43 have a projecting portion 44, a locking portion 45, a first extending portion 48 and a second extending portion 49 as a common configuration.

  The projecting portion 44 projects from the end of each of the divided pieces 42 and 43 on the decorating portion 31 side to the adherend portion 32 side (the central axis L2 side of the rim portion 13). The protrusion 44 has a thickness that can be fitted into the second groove 39.

  The locking part 45 is located at a predetermined distance from the protrusion 44 toward the soft part 60, and is connected to the protrusion 44 via a connecting part 46. The locking portion 45 has a thickness that can be fitted into the groove portion 38. The locking portion 45 is provided with an arc-shaped locking groove 47 that is open on the outer peripheral surface thereof and that is centered on the central axis L <b> 2 of the rim portion 13. The locking groove 47 is a portion where the end portion of the leather 61 is locked, and is also referred to as a “wood grain groove”. The locking groove 47 has a width that can lock the end portion of the leather 61.

And the decoration ring part 51 is comprised by the said connection part 46 and the protrusion 44. FIG. In the decorative ring portion 51, the connecting portion 46 is located between the decorative portion 31 and the leather 61.
The first extending portion 48 extends from the locking portion 45 to the soft portion 60 side. The diameter of the outer surface of the first extending portion 48 is uniform everywhere in the circumferential direction of the rim portion 13. The entire first extending portion 48 is covered with the end portion of the leather 61. The second extending portion 49 extends further from the first extending portion 48 toward the soft portion 60 and is covered with the end portion of the soft portion 60. The outer surface of the second extending portion 49 is reduced in diameter as the distance from the first extending portion 48 increases.

  As a configuration peculiar to the front-side divided piece 42, a positioning projection 52 is provided at a position near the central axis L2 of the dividing surface 42A of the divided piece 42 at a position substantially opposed across the central axis L2. (See FIG. 11). These pairs of protrusions 52 are provided at a plurality of locations (two locations in the present embodiment) in the circumferential direction of the rim portion 13 (see FIG. 8). Further, a raised portion 53 that can be fitted into the concave portion 35 of the adherend portion 32 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first extension portion 48 (see FIG. 11). Moreover, the notch part 54 which can be engaged with the said control part 40 of the to-be-adhered part 32 is formed in the front part of the protrusion 44 (refer FIG. 12).

  As a configuration peculiar to the split piece 43 on the rear side, on the inner peripheral surface of the first extension portion 48 and at a position substantially opposite to each other across the central axis L <b> 2 of the rim portion 13, A notch 55 that can be engaged with the protrusion 36 is formed (see FIG. 10).

  In both the divided pieces 42 and 43 having the above-described configuration, at least the outer surface of the decorative ring portion 51 is decorated with a metallic luster or the like by a decoration method such as plating. Here, not only the decorative ring portion 51 but also the entire outer surfaces of the two split pieces 42 and 43 are plated.

  As shown in at least one of FIGS. 10 to 12, the divided piece 42 is attached to the adherend portion 32 from the front side, and the divided piece 43 is attached from the rear side. The split surface 42A of the split piece 42 and the split surface 43A of the split piece 43 are joined together by a joining means such as adhesion. A cylindrical decorative member 41 is formed around the adherend portion 32 by the pair of front and rear divided pieces 42 and 43 joined in this manner. In the decorative member 41, as shown in FIG. 3, the locking portion 45 for each of the divided pieces 42 and 43 is fitted in the groove portion 38 of the adherend portion 32 (see FIG. 10). The protrusion 44 for each of the split pieces 42 and 43 is fitted into the second groove 39 of the adherend 32 (see FIG. 12). The locking portion 45 and the second extending portion 49 for each of the divided pieces 42 and 43 sandwich the rib 34 of the adherend portion 32.

  Further, the notch portion 54 of the front split piece 42 is engaged with the restriction portion 40 of the adherend portion 32 (see FIG. 12), and the raised portion 53 is engaged with the recess portion 35 (see FIG. 11). Each notch 55 of the rear split piece 43 is engaged with the corresponding protrusion 36 of the adherend 32 (see FIG. 10). These engagements restrict the front and rear divided pieces 42 and 43 from rotating around the central axis L2.

  A part of the end portion of the soft portion 60 enters between the second extending portion 49 and the rim cored bar 21 for each of the divided pieces 42 and 43. The second extending portion 49 is covered from the outside by a part of the end portion of the soft portion 60.

  Further, as described above, the leather 61 is covered on the entire soft portion 60, but the end portion on the decorative portion 31 side of the leather 61 is the first extension portion for each of the divided pieces 42 and 43. 48 is also put on. The leather 61 is sewn on the inner peripheral side (rotation axis L1 side) of the rim portion 13 with a suture thread. The end of the leather 61 on the decorative portion 31 side is locked to the decorative member 41 by being pushed into the locking groove 47 of the locking portion 45 and bonded and fixed to the wall surface.

  Note that an airbag device (not shown) is built in the central portion of the steering wheel 12. The airbag device includes an inflator as an inflation gas generator and an airbag that is inflated by the inflation gas generated from the inflator.

  Therefore, when an impact is applied to the vehicle from the front due to a frontal collision while the vehicle is running, the vehicle stops but the driver tries to move forward with respect to the vehicle due to inertia. On the other hand, in the airbag device, inflation gas is supplied from the inflator to the airbag in response to the impact. An airbag is inflated and deployed between the steering wheel 12 and the driver, and the driver is protected from impact by the airbag. Further, at this time, a large pressing force is applied to the steering wheel 12 from the driver via the airbag, and the rim portion 13 is deformed or displaced. The above-mentioned impact is absorbed by these deformations, displacements, etc., and the driver is protected from this point as well.

  In the steering wheel 12 of the present embodiment configured as described above, when the rim portion 13 is manufactured, (I) molding of the hard portion 30, (II) formation of the pattern layer A (decoration), (III) decorative member The steps of forming 41, (IV) forming the soft part 60, and (V) attaching the leather 61 are performed in this order.

(I) Molding process of the hard part 30 In this process, the cored bar 20 is set in a mold unit (not shown) for molding the hard part. After the mold device is clamped, the molding material for the hard portion 30 is injected, and the hard portion 30 is molded at predetermined locations (two locations, upper and lower) of the rim core metal 21 (see FIG. 5). Thereafter, the rim cored bar 21 provided with the hard part 30 is taken out from the mold apparatus.

(II) Formation (decoration) process of pattern layer A In this process, hydraulic transfer, which is a method of decorating a transferred object having a three-dimensional surface such as irregularities by forming a pattern such as a grain pattern. The law is implemented. In this hydraulic transfer method, a film (transfer film) made of a material dissolved in the liquid and having a pattern layer printed on the surface is floated on the liquid surface of the liquid stored in the transfer tank. For example, a film (transfer film) made of a water-soluble material such as polyvinyl alcohol and having a pattern layer printed on the surface (water surface) of water stored in the transfer tank has the pattern layer on top. It is floated in the state. The transferred object (here, the rim cored bar 21 in which only the hard part 30 is molded) is submerged in this water. Water pressure is applied to the transfer film, and the transfer film is deformed and attached along at least the shape of the hard portion 30, and accordingly, the pattern layer A is transferred to at least the outer surface of the hard portion 30.

(III) Forming process of decorative member 41 In this step, as shown in FIG. 3, the split piece 42 is brought closer to the adherend portion 32 from the front side, and the split piece 43 is brought closer from the rear side. As approaching the adherend portion 32, the locking portion 45 of each of the divided pieces 42 and 43 enters the groove portion 38, and the protrusion 44 enters the second groove portion 39. By these penetrations, the division pieces 42 and 43 are positioned in the circumferential direction of the rim portion 13.

  Further, as the front divided piece 42 approaches the adherend portion 32, the notch 54 covers the restricting portion 40 (see FIG. 12), and the raised portion 53 enters the recess 35 (see FIG. 11). The notch 55 of the rear split piece 43 covers both protrusions 36 (see FIG. 10).

  When the two divided pieces 42 and 43 further approach the adherend portion 32, the vicinity of the dividing surface 43 </ b> A of the rear divided piece 43 covers the plurality of protrusions 52 of the front divided piece 42 from the outside. Become. These protrusions 52 restrict the division piece 43 from moving in the direction along the division surface 43 </ b> A, and the division piece 43 is positioned in the same direction with respect to the division piece 42. The front and rear divided pieces 42 and 43 are joined to each other by joining means such as adhesion on the divided surfaces 42A and 43A. By this joining, a cylindrical decorative member 41 is formed around the adherent portion 32 in a state of covering the adherend portion 32.

(IV) Molding Step of Soft Portion 60 In this step, as shown in FIG. 13, a rim cored bar having a hard portion 30 and a pattern layer A and having a decorative member 41 formed around the adherend portion 32. 21 is set in the mold device 70 for forming the soft part. In the mold 71 of the mold apparatus 70, a portion of the mold apparatus 70 in contact with the first extending portion 48 in a state where the mold apparatus 70 is clamped is a thin annular plate made of a soft material that can be elastically deformed such as silicone. A burr cutting portion 73 is attached.

  When the mold apparatus 70 is clamped, the mold apparatus 70 includes a molding space surrounded by the mold 71, the rim core metal 21, the decorative member 41, and the hard portion (attached portion 32). A cavity 72 is formed. Further, the burr cutting portion 73 is pressed against the first extending portion 48 while being elastically deformed. A liquid molding material obtained by mixing and injecting a predetermined material is supplied to the cavity 72. When the supplied molding material reacts (foams), the soft portion 60 (see FIG. 3) is in contact with the second extension portion 49 and the adherend portion 32 around a specific portion of the rim core metal 21. ) Is formed. The second extending portion 49 is covered with the end portion of the molded soft portion 60.

  When the soft portion 60 is molded, the molding material in the liquid state before reaction or in the gel state during the reaction is between the mold 71 and the decorative member 41 (first extension portion 48) from the cavity 72. The phenomenon of leaking through the gap is regulated by the first extending portion 48 and the burr cutting portion 73. Therefore, it is difficult for the molding material to adhere to the member closer to the decorating part 31 than the first extending part 48 and deteriorate the appearance.

  Here, if the divided part 42, 43 is attached to the adherend part 32 after the soft part 60 is molded and joined to each other to form the decorative member 41, the soft part 60 is interposed between the soft part 60 and the decorative member 41. Since a gap is generated somewhat, a work for filling the gap is required separately.

  However, in the present embodiment in which the soft portion 60 is formed after the decorative member 41 is formed around the adherend portion 32, the soft portion 60 in a state of being in contact with the second extension portion 49 is formed. It is difficult for a gap to be generated between the portion 60 and the decorative member 41. There is no need to fill the gap.

After molding of the soft part 60, the mold device 70 is opened, and the rim cored bar 21 provided with the hard part 30, the decorative member 41, and the soft part 60 is taken out from the mold device 70.
(V) Wearing process of leather 61 In this process, as shown in FIG. 3, the leather 61 is covered over the entire outer surface of the soft part 60 and the entire outer surface of the first extension part 48 of the decorative member 41. It is done. The leather 61 is sewn in a state where both outer edge portions are brought close to each other. Further, the end portion of the leather 61 in the circumferential direction of the rim portion 13 is pushed into the locking groove 47 and bonded to the wall surface of the locking groove 47, so that the leather 61 is locked to the locking portion 45. The

  At this time, if the thickness of the second extending portion 49 is uniform, the following phenomenon may occur. That is, when the leather 61 is put on the soft portion 60 and the decorative member 41 (the first extending portion 48, the locking portion 45, etc.) in a tensioned state, the rim portion 13 of the soft portion 60 and the decorative member 41 is covered. A pressing force toward the central axis L2 is applied. On the other hand, the hardness is greatly different between the decorative member 41 formed of a hard resin material and the soft portion 60 formed of a soft resin material. Therefore, the hardness rapidly changes at the boundary portion between the first extension portion 48 and the soft portion 60 of the decorative member 41. When the pressing force by the leather 61 is applied, the first extending portion 48 is not deformed at all or hardly, whereas the boundary portion between the soft portion 60 and the first extending portion 48 is compressed and elastically deformed and becomes thin. As a result, a step is generated at the boundary between the first extension portion 48 and the soft portion 60, and the appearance may be deteriorated.

  In this respect, in the present embodiment, the outer surface of the second extending portion 49 is reduced in diameter as it moves away from the first extending portion 48, so that the hardness is increased in the circumferential direction of the rim portion 13 at the boundary portion. Change gradually. The hardness of the rim portion 13 decreases as the distance from the first extension portion 48 increases. This is because the degree to which the second extending portion 49 contributes to the hardness of the rim portion 13 decreases as the distance from the first extending portion 48 increases. Therefore, even if the soft portion 60 is compressively elastically deformed at the boundary portion with the first extension portion 48 due to the pressing force of the leather 61, the rim portion 13 is not sharply thinned. The thickness of the rim portion 13 gradually decreases as the distance from the first extension portion 48 increases. Therefore, the level | step difference which arises in the boundary part of the 1st extension part 48 and the soft part 60 is small.

  By going through the steps (I) to (V) described above in order, the hard part 30 in which the pattern layer A is formed on the outer surface of the decorative part 31, the soft part 60 covered with the leather 61, and its own The rim | limb part 13 provided with the decoration member 41 which has the decoration ring part 51 by which decoration (plating) was given to the outer surface between the decoration part 31 and the leather 61 is obtained.

  Then, by providing the decorative ring portion 51 in this way, another design surface (metallic glossy surface) by the decorative ring portion 51 appears between the pattern layer A and the leather 61, and this appears on the rim portion 13. Improve the appearance.

  In the rim portion 13, a pair of divided pieces 42 and 43 constituting the decorative member 41 are arranged around the adherend portion 32 of the hard portion 30 and joined to each other. By this joining, the two divided pieces 42 and 43 are connected in a cylindrical shape around the adherend portion 32, and a decorative member 41 is formed around the adherent portion 32. In addition to the above joining, in each of the divided pieces 42 and 43, the end portion of the leather 61 covers the first extending portion 48 extending from the locking portion 45 to the soft portion 60 side. The movement of the 1st extension part 48 to the direction (diameter direction outward) which leaves | separates is controlled. Furthermore, each end part of the soft part 60 and the leather 61 is covered with respect to the 2nd extension part 49 for every division | segmentation piece 42 and 43 extended from the 1st extension part 48 to the soft part 60 side, The movement of the second extending portion 49 in the direction away from the direction 32 (outward in the radial direction) is restricted.

  Accordingly, a shock is applied to the vehicle from the front due to a frontal collision or the like, and a driver who tries to move forward directly through the inflated airbag or indirectly to the decoration member 41 with the deformation of the rim portion 13. Even when a large force is applied, each of the divided pieces 42 and 43 is held in a state of being attached to the adherend portion 32, and a phenomenon of coming off from the adherend portion 32 is less likely to occur.

  Incidentally, the steering wheel 12 is generally used under severe conditions with respect to heat, light, and the like. Then, the leather 61 may deteriorate over time due to long-term use under such circumstances, and may shrink greatly. Due to this contraction, when each of the split pieces 42 and 43 to which the end portion of the leather 61 is locked is pulled, there is a possibility that a gap is generated between the projecting portion 44 of the split pieces 42 and 43 and the decoration portion 31. .

  However, in the present embodiment in which the locking portion 45 is fitted in the groove portion 38 and the protrusion 44 is fitted in the second groove portion 39, the wall surfaces of the groove portion 38 and the second groove portion 39 are each divided piece 42. 43 are restricted from moving in the circumferential direction of the rim portion 13. Accordingly, even if the leather 61 locked to the decorative member 41 is about to contract greatly, the split pieces 42 and 43 are pulled and moved toward the leather 61 to create a gap between the decorative portion 31 and the leather 61. Hateful.

According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) As the divided pieces 42 and 43 constituting the decorative member 41, those provided with a locking portion 45, a first extending portion 48 and a second extending portion 49 in addition to the decorative ring portion 51 are used. The end portion of the leather 61 is locked in the locking groove 47 of the locking portion 45, the first extending portion 48 enters the inside of the leather 61, and the second extending portion 49 is placed in the leather 61 and the soft portion 60. (See FIG. 3). Therefore, even if a large force is applied due to deformation of the rim portion 13 or the like, the decorative ring is formed by the leather 61 outside the first extension portion 48 and the soft portion 60 and leather 61 outside the second extension portion 49. It is possible to make it difficult for the portion 51 to be detached from the adherend portion 32.

  (2) The outer surface of the second extending portion 49 is reduced in diameter as the distance from the first extending portion 48 increases. For this reason, it can suppress that the thickness of the rim | limb part 13 changes rapidly in the boundary part of the 1st extension part 48 and the soft part 60. FIG. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the appearance due to the step without taking a separate measure to make it difficult for the step to occur at the boundary portion between the first extension portion 48 and the soft portion 60.

  In addition, as said another countermeasure, before covering the leather 61, for example, a metal tape is wound around the first extension part 48 and the soft part 60, and the leather 61 is covered thereon. It is done. According to this countermeasure, the soft portion 60 is not greatly compressed and elastically deformed by the pressing force of the leather 61 at the portion where the tape is wound. Therefore, a large step does not occur at the boundary portion between the first extension portion 48 and the soft portion 60.

  However, if the above measures are taken, a tape is required and a work for winding the tape is required. In the present embodiment, not only the tape itself but also the work of winding the tape is unnecessary.

  (3) After the decorative member 41 is formed around the adherend portion 32, the soft portion 60 is formed so that a part of itself is covered with the second extending portion 49 of the two split pieces 42 and 43. Yes. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a gap from being generated between the soft part 60 and the decorative member 41, and an operation for filling the gap can be made unnecessary.

  (4) The first extending portion 48 of the decorative member 41 is a portion that contacts the burr cutting portion 73 when the soft portion 60 is molded by the mold device 70. Therefore, the molding material supplied to the cavity 72 for molding the soft part 60 can be prevented from leaking from the cavity 72 through the space between the decorative member 41 and the mold 71.

  (5) A groove portion 38 opened on the outer surface of the adherend portion 32 is provided, and a locking portion 45 of the decorative member 41 is fitted in the groove portion 38. Therefore, even if the leather 61 locked to the decorative member 41 tends to contract greatly, it is possible to restrict the movement of each of the divided pieces 42 and 43 to the leather 61 side. It can suppress that a clearance gap produces between the decoration parts 31. FIG.

  (6) In each of the divided pieces 42 and 43, a protrusion 44 that protrudes toward the attachment portion 32 is provided at a location that constitutes the decorative ring portion 51, and both protrusions 44 are fitted to the attachment portion 32. The 2nd groove part 39 which can be united is provided. Therefore, the second groove 39 fitted with the protrusion 44 can exhibit a function of restricting the movement of the divided pieces 42 and 43 in the circumferential direction of the rim portion 13, as described in (5) above. The effect of the invention (effect of making gaps less likely to occur) can be made even more reliable.

Note that the present invention can be embodied in another embodiment described below.
<About the decorative member 41>
-You may change the position and number of the decoration member 41 in the circumferential direction of the rim | limb part 13 into a thing different from the said embodiment. In this case, the positions and numbers of the hard part 30 and the soft part 60 in the circumferential direction are also changed.

-As the decoration member 41 (divided pieces 42 and 43), you may use the hard material different from a synthetic resin, for example, the thing formed with the metal.
-In the decoration member 41, the decoration should just be given to the outer surface of the decoration ring part 51 at least. This is because a portion of the decorative member 41 that is different from the decorative ring portion 51 is covered with the leather 61. Therefore, the decoration may be omitted for a portion different from the decoration ring portion 51.

-You may make the diameter of the outer surface of the 2nd extension part 49 uniform in any location of the circumferential direction of the rim | limb part 13. As shown in FIG.
<About the hard part 30>
-As the hard part 30, you may use the hard material different from a synthetic resin, for example, the thing formed with the metal.

-As an aspect which decorates the outer surface of the decoration part 31, you may stick to the decoration part 31 what was entirely formed with the timber.
<About pattern layer A>
-Unlike the said embodiment, the pattern layer A may be formed only in the outer surface of the decorating part 31. FIG.

A transparent coating layer made of polyurethane, polyester resin, acrylic resin or the like may be further provided on the outer surface of the pattern layer A to protect the pattern layer A.
The pattern of the pattern layer A may be different from the wood grain pattern.

In forming the pattern layer A, a hydraulic transfer method may be performed using a liquid other than water.
The pattern layer A may be formed by a method other than the hydraulic transfer method, for example, printing such as tampo printing or ink jet printing.

<Others>
The present invention can be applied not only to a vehicle but also to a steering wheel of a steering device in another vehicle such as an aircraft or a ship. In this case, the vehicles include not only private vehicles but also various industrial vehicles.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Steering wheel, 13 ... Rim part, 30 ... Hard part, 31 ... Decoration part, 32 ... Adhering part, 38 ... Groove part, 39 ... 2nd groove part, 41 ... Decoration member, 42, 43 ... Divided piece, 44 ... Projection, 45 ... Locking part, 47 ... Locking groove, 48 ... First extension part, 49 ... Second extension part, 51 ... Decoration ring part, 60 ... Soft part, 61 ... Leather, 70 ... Gold Mold device, 72... Cavity, 73.

Claims (6)

The outer ring part of the rim part, which has a substantially annular shape, is a hard part, a soft part covered with leather, and a decorative ring that is entirely formed of a hard material and is decorated on its outer surface. A decorative member having a part between the hard part and the leather,
The hard part includes a decorative part decorated on the outer surface, and an adherent part adjacent to the soft part side of the decorative part,
The decorative member is a steering wheel that is formed by arranging a pair of divided pieces divided in a half shape around the adherend part and joining them together,
In addition to the decorative ring portion, each divided piece is adjacent to the soft portion side of the decorative ring portion, and has a locking portion having a locking groove to which an end portion of the leather is locked, and the locking A first extension portion that extends from the first portion toward the soft portion and covers the leather, and a second extension portion that extends further from the first extension portion toward the soft portion and is covered with the soft portion. And a steering wheel. 2. The steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the second extension portion is reduced in diameter as the distance from the first extension portion increases. The soft part is formed so that a part of itself is covered with the second extension part of the two split pieces after the decorative member is formed around the adherent part. Or the steering wheel of 2. The first extending portion regulates the leakage of the molding material from the cavity for forming the soft portion together with the burr cutting portion by pressing the burr cutting portion of the mold apparatus when the soft portion is formed. The steering wheel according to claim 3, which is a thing. The steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein the adherend portion has a groove portion into which the locking portion can be fitted. In each of the divided pieces, a protrusion that protrudes toward the adherend portion is provided at a location that constitutes the decorative ring portion.
The steering wheel according to claim 5, wherein the adherend portion is provided with a second groove portion into which the both protrusions can be fitted.

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