JP2021020560A - Steering wheel - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a steering wheel which dispenses with complicated efforts, can be used as a pillow and enables smooth steering operation.SOLUTION: A steering wheel includes a boss part 23 on a rotary central shaft C1 side, an outer peripheral edge part 25 that is arranged on the outer peripheral edge side in an orthogonal direction of the rotary central shaft in the periphery of the boss part and is provided with a holding part 26 that allows a driver to hold in steering, and a central part 30 covering the whole region on the boss part side of the outer peripheral edge part including the upper side of the boss part. The central part includes a raised part 32 projecting to the upper side along the rotary central shaft C1 from the outer peripheral edge part 25. The raised part 32 has a cushion part 34 having such elasticity as to be restorably recessed to the lower side, provided on an upper surface 32a side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a steering wheel used by a driver to grip and rotate around a center axis of rotation when steering a vehicle.

Conventionally, as a steering wheel, a driver can attach a pillow when he / she takes a rest or a nap when he / she does not steer directly (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Jikkenhei 3-25375 Gazette

However, in the conventional steering wheel, a pillow separate from the steering wheel is attached at the time of use, which requires a lot of time and effort at rest.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to provide a steering wheel that can be used like a pillow and can be smoothly used for steering operation without the need for complicated labor.

The steering wheel according to the present invention is a steering wheel used by the driver to grasp and rotate around the center axis of rotation when the vehicle is steered.
The boss portion arranged on the rotation center axis side and
An outer peripheral edge portion that is arranged on the outer peripheral edge side in the direction orthogonal to the rotation center axis around the boss portion and is provided with a grip portion that can be gripped by the driver during steering.
A central portion that covers the entire area of the outer peripheral edge portion on the boss portion side, including the upper side of the boss portion, and
Is configured with
The central portion includes a raised portion that projects upward from the outer peripheral edge portion along the rotation central axis.
The raised portion is characterized in that a cushion portion having elasticity that can be restored and is dented downward is arranged on the upper surface side.

In the steering wheel according to the present invention, when the driver puts the head on the upper surface side of the raised portion in the central portion, the cushion portion having the elasticity of the raised portion is arranged on the upper surface side of the cushion portion. Due to the elasticity, the driver's head has good cushioning and is supported by the ridge, and the driver can use the ridge like a pillow. In particular, the central portion provided with the raised portion is arranged so as to block the entire inside of the outer peripheral edge portion provided with the grip portion to be gripped by the driver during steering, including the upper portion of the boss portion on the rotation center axis side. It does not have an opening that penetrates the top and bottom, and can support the driver's head etc. in the entire area on the upper surface side of the raised part that blocks the entire area inside the outer peripheral edge, comfortably in the center. The raised part of the part can be used like a pillow. Of course, the raised portion provided with the cushion portion in the central portion is disposed inside the outer peripheral edge portion and is disposed on the steering wheel itself, and can be used without being separately attached at the time of use. The grip portion to be gripped at the time of steering is arranged on the outer peripheral edge portion around the raised portion that can be used like a pillow, and the driver grips the grip portion and steers smoothly. Can be done.

Therefore, the steering wheel according to the present invention can be used like a pillow without the need for complicated mounting work, and can be smoothly used for steering operation.

In the steering wheel according to the present invention, it is desirable that the cushion portion has a cloth material arranged on the outer surface side.

In such a configuration, the cushion portion can be touched well even if it comes into contact with the face or the like due to the cloth material on the outer surface side, so that the raised portion provided with the cushion portion can be more preferably used as a pillow.

Further, in the steering wheel according to the present invention, the outer peripheral edge portion and the raised portion inside the outer peripheral edge portion are substantially elliptical in which the width dimension in the front-rear direction is smaller than the width dimension in the left-right direction when viewed from above. It is desirable to have a shape.

In such a configuration, the width dimension in the front-rear direction can be narrowed as the width dimension in the left-right direction can be gripped. For example, the left and right elbows are placed near the left and right ends on the upper surface side of the raised portion. In addition, the left and right arms can be overlapped and the driver's head can be placed on the arm pillow, and the upper body including the driver's head can be placed on the steering wheel. , The driver can take a good rest. Since the width dimension in the front-rear direction is narrow, interference with the driver's thigh and the like on the trailing edge side of the outer peripheral edge can be suppressed, and for example, even if the backrest of the seat is tilted backward, the outside of the steering wheel The trailing edge side of the peripheral edge is less likely to interfere with the driver's thigh, and the degree of freedom of the driver's posture when resting can be ensured.

In the case of such a configuration, it is desirable that the outer peripheral edge portion has an arc shape such that the outer peripheral shape on the front edge side has a radius of curvature larger than the outer shape on the trailing edge side when viewed from above.

In such a configuration, the rear edge side of the outer peripheral edge portion has a shape that sharply bends forward toward both the left and right ends, so that the outside is near the front side near the thigh near both the left and right knees of the driver. Spaces are generated on both the left and right sides of the rear end of the peripheral edge, and interference with the driver's thigh on the trailing edge side of the outer peripheral edge of the steering wheel is suppressed, further increasing the degree of freedom of the driver's posture. Can be guaranteed.

Further, in the steering wheel according to the present invention, the outer peripheral edge portion has the grip portion arranged on the entire circumference.
The raised portion of the central portion is arranged so that the width dimension between the raised portion and the trailing edge of the outer peripheral edge portion is wider than the width dimension between the raised portion and the front edge of the outer peripheral edge portion when viewed from above. It is desirable to have.

In such a configuration, even if the grip portion on the front edge side of the outer peripheral edge portion narrows the width dimension in the front-rear direction, the palm is turned downward and placed on the grip portion on the front edge side, and the fingers are placed. If bent, the grip portion on the front edge side can be easily gripped. On the other hand, in the grip portion on the trailing edge side of the outer peripheral edge portion, the grip portion is gripped by turning the palm upward and wrapping the grip portion from the lower side. At that time, when the thumb is placed on the upper surface side of the grip portion, the grip is stable. If the space for placing the thumb can be widened between the trailing edge of the outer peripheral edge and the raised portion, it can be easily secured and the grip portion on the trailing edge side of the outer peripheral edge can be easily secured. Can be easily grasped.

Further, in the steering wheel according to the present invention, it is desirable that the cushion portion in the central portion is formed of a bowl-shaped elastic material in which a space portion is provided inside to form a convex shape of the raised portion.

In such a configuration, the bowl-shaped elastic material can secure the elastic force of the cushion part, and unlike the cushion part having a structure like a rubber ball as a closed space, the influence of the temperature inside the vehicle interior is suppressed. Therefore, stable elasticity of the cushion portion can be ensured.

In such a configuration, a projection device capable of projecting a predetermined image on the back surface side of the cushion portion is arranged inside the central portion, and the projection device is projected on the front surface side of the raised portion. A sheet material that makes the image visible from the outer surface side may be arranged.

In such a configuration, a predetermined image projected by the projection device can be displayed on the surface side of the raised portion, the decorative effect of the steering wheel can be enhanced, and predetermined information can be transmitted to the driver. Is possible.

It is a schematic perspective view of the steering wheel of an embodiment. It is a top view of the steering wheel of an embodiment. It is a side view of the steering wheel of an embodiment. It is a bottom view of the steering wheel of an embodiment. It is the schematic cross-sectional view of the steering wheel of an embodiment, and shows the VV part of FIG. It is the schematic cross-sectional view of the steering wheel of an embodiment, and shows the VI-VI part of FIG. It is the schematic which shows the state which the driver rests with the arm and the elbow resting on the raised part of the steering wheel of embodiment. It is a top view and the bottom view explaining the state which holds the grip part of the steering wheel of embodiment. It is plan view and bottom view explaining the state which grips the grip part of the other part of the steering wheel of embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the steering wheel 10 of the embodiment is a boss portion 23 arranged on the rotation center axis C1 side during steering. The outer peripheral edge portion 25, which is arranged on the outer peripheral edge side in the direction orthogonal to the rotation center axis C1 around the boss portion 23 and is provided with the grip portion 26 that can be gripped by the driver during steering, and the upper side of the boss portion 23. It is configured to include a central portion 30 that covers the entire area on the boss portion 23 side of the outer peripheral edge portion 25 including the above. In other words, in the case of the embodiment, the boss portion 23 is arranged on the lower surface side in the substantially central region of the central portion 30. In the steering wheel 10 of the embodiment, the central portion 30 that covers the entire area of the outer peripheral edge portion 25 on the boss portion 23 side is arranged so as not to have an opening for inserting a finger.

Further, the steering wheel 10 is internally provided with a rigid support member 11 so as to connect the boss portion 23, the outer peripheral edge portion 25, and the central portion 30 to each other. The support member 11 is arranged at the boss side support member portion 12 arranged at the boss portion 23, the outer peripheral edge side support member portion 16 arranged at the outer peripheral edge portion 25, and the outer peripheral edge side support member portion 16 arranged at the central portion 30. It is composed of a connecting portion 14 for connecting the boss side supporting material portion 12 and the boss side supporting material portion 12. The support material 11 is made of a metal material made of a light alloy such as aluminum or a steel material so as to have rigidity, or a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene, polyamide or ABS resin containing a filler as appropriate, and is cast or molded. It is formed by such means.

The boss-side support member portion 12 arranged on the boss portion 23 is connected to the steering shaft 1 on the vehicle body side arranged coaxially with the rotation center axis C1 to rotate the steering shaft 1 during rotational steering of the steering wheel 10. Rotate. Further, the boss side support member portion 12 is provided with a boss core member 12a made of steel or the like so as to improve the bonding strength with the steering shaft 1.

A sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation angle is provided on the steering shaft 1, and a predetermined control device (not shown) that inputs an electric signal of the rotation angle (steering angle) by the sensor allows the steering wheel of the vehicle to be operated. It will be steered.

Further, on the steering shaft 1 side, a tilt mechanism 3 capable of adjusting the column angle θc (see FIG. 3) of the steering shaft 1 is provided together with the rotation center shaft C1, and the operating lever 6 of the tilt mechanism 3 is provided. By the unlocking operation, the stopped state around the swing center axis 5 of the case 4 supporting the steering shaft 1 can be released, and the column angle θc of the steering shaft 1 can be adjusted. Then, when the column angle θc of the steering shaft 1 is adjusted to a desired angle, the operating lever 6 is returned to the locked position, and the case 4 is stopped at the adjusted angle position around the swing center axis 5. Can be done. In the adjustment of the column angle θc by the tilt mechanism 3 as described above, the arrangement angle of the cushion portion 34 described later in the central portion 30 can be adjusted by adjusting the angle of the steering shaft 1, and the driver MD (FIGS. 5 and 6). The two-dot chain line) can be rested by the cushion portion 34 having a desired arrangement angle.

The outer peripheral edge side support member portion 16 of the support member 11 is configured to include an annular convex portion 17 and an annular flat portion 18 as an annular shape arranged on the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge portion 25 (FIGS. 2, 5 and 6). reference). The annular convex portion 17 projects downward along the rotation center axis C1 and is arranged so as to be continuous over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge portion 25, and the annular flat portion 18 is arranged on the upper surface side of the annular convex portion 17. It is arranged so as to be continuous over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge portion 25 and extend in a plane on the connecting portion 14 side in a direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation center axis C1. Then, when the covering main body portion 21 of the covering material 20 described later is interposed on the inner peripheral side of the annular convex portion 17 on the lower surface side of the annular flat portion 18, the grip portion 26 is gripped when the driver MD is steered. Fingers (index finger F1, middle finger F2, ring finger F3, little finger F4) enter the storage recess 28 so that the thumb F0 and the ball DPM can smoothly grip the gripping main body 27 described later (FIG. 8), a recess 16a is formed (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

The connecting portion 14 is configured as a substantially elliptical plate shape (specifically, a substantially elliptical bowl shape) that connects the boss side support member portion 12 and the outer peripheral edge side support member portion 16. A plurality of through holes 15 penetrating the upper and lower surfaces are appropriately arranged in the connecting portion 14, and the material for forming the covering main body portion 21 of the covering material 20 is passed through the through holes 15 to the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the connecting portion 14. The forming material of the covering main body 21 that can be flown to the side and is filled in the through hole 15 prevents the covering main body 21 from being displaced on the outer peripheral edge side supporting material portion 16 and the connecting portion 14. ..

A covering material 20 is arranged around the support material 11 so as to improve the feel. The covering material 20 includes a covering main body portion 21 that covers the outer periphery of the boss side supporting material portion 12, the connecting portion 14, and the outer peripheral edge side supporting material portion 16 of the supporting material 11, and the upper surface of the covering main body portion 21 of the outer peripheral edge portion 25. It is composed of an extended covering portion 22 which is arranged so as to overlap the sides. The covering main body 21 is arranged around the support member 11 by molding or the like. The extended covering portion 22 is a portion on the upper surface side of the grip portion 26 (F, L, R), and in the case of the embodiment, the front edge of the edge 34a of the cushion portion 34 described later, which is separate from the covering main body portion 21. It is composed of 34af and the vicinity of the left and right edges 34al and 34ar, and is interposed between the outer peripheral edge side support member portion 16 when the driver MD grips the grip portion 26 (F, L, R) during steering. It is a portion that is integrally gripped together with the covering main body portion 21. Unlike the hard support material 11, the coating body portion 21 of the coating material 20 is formed of a soft synthetic resin material such as urethane so as to improve the feel when gripped, and the extension coating portion 22 is formed. Is also formed of a synthetic resin material such as urethane, which is softer than the support material 11.

In the embodiment, the covering material 20 is also covered with the outer peripheral edge side supporting material portion 16 around the boss side supporting material portion 12 and the connecting portion 14 near the boss side supporting material portion 12 in a region where the driver MD is difficult to grasp. Although the covering main body portion 21 of the above is extended, the covering material 20 is provided around the boss side supporting material portion 12 and the connecting portion 14 in the vicinity of the boss side supporting material portion 12, particularly on the lower surface side of the central portion 30. Instead of the covering main body 21, a lower cover made of a synthetic resin such as polyamide, which is separately assembled and arranged on the support member 11 side, may be arranged.

The outer peripheral edge portion 25 of the steering wheel 10 is formed by covering the outer peripheral edge side support member portion 16 of the support member 11 with the covering material 20, and in the case of the embodiment, the grip portion 26 is arranged over the entire circumference. I'm letting you. The grip portion 26 includes a grip body portion 27 having a substantially circular cross section having an upper surface 27a on the driver MD side, a lower surface 27c, and a substantially arcuate outer peripheral surface 27b connecting the upper surface 27a and the lower surface 27c. At the same time, a storage recess 28 recessed upward is provided on the lower surface 27c side connected to the connecting portion 14.

In the case of the embodiment, the boundary portion between the central portion 30 and the outer peripheral edge portion 25 is the region of the storage recess 28.

The central portion 30 is provided with a raised portion 32 that projects upward from the outer peripheral edge portion 25 along the rotation central axis C1. The raised portion 32 is provided with a cushion portion 34 having elasticity that can be restored and is dented downward on the upper surface 32a side. In the case of the embodiment, the raised portion 32 is composed entirely of the cushion portion 34.

The cushion portion 34 is configured by disposing a cushion material 35 including an inner layer 36 made of transparent urethane, silicon, or the like and an outer layer 37. The inner layer 36 of the cushion material 35 is elastically deformable and has shape retention, and the outer layer 37 is configured to be softer than the inner layer 36 (having flexibility close to that of human skin). In the embodiment, the thickness dimension t1 of the inner layer 36 is about 2 mm, the thickness dimension t2 of the outer layer 37 is about 15 mm, the hardness of the inner layer 36 is about 35 (shore A hardness), and the outer layer 37 The hardness is about 0 (Asker C hardness).

Further, in the embodiment, the cushion portion 34 made of the cushion material 35 is configured as a bowl shape having a communication hole (not shown) inside and a space portion 43 communicating with the atmosphere, and the outer surface is soft. A sheet material 39 made of a cloth material (fabric) such as a woven cloth or a non-woven fabric is attached so as to give a tactile sensation. Specifically, the seat material 39 is composed of a cover material for pillows and cushions, or a cloth material such as a upholstery cloth for beds and sofas so that the driver MD feels good even if it touches the face. Has been done. Further, the sheet material 39 has a certain degree of translucency, and the image F projected from the projection device 50 described later is projected onto the back surface 39b side so that the image F can be visually recognized from the front surface 39a side of the sheet material 39. It is configured in.

Then, in the case of the embodiment, the cushion portion 34 (raised portion 32) is arranged so as to be raised in a substantially half-divided elliptical sphere from the outer peripheral surface 27b side of the gripping main body portion 27 of the grip portion 26 of the outer peripheral edge portion 25. Has been done. By the way, the cushion portion 34 (raised portion 32) has a gentle curved surface with the top portion 33 at a position slightly shifted forward from the upper position of the boss portion 23 on the boss core material 12a along the rotation center axis C1. The lower end is fixed to the upper surface side of the covering main body 21 so as to be arranged so as to be raised in a shape.

Further, in the case of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the outer peripheral edge portion 25 has a substantially elliptical shape in which the width dimension WL in the front-rear direction is smaller than the width dimension WH in the left-right direction when viewed from above. In particular, the outer peripheral edge portion 25 has an arcuate shape in which the radius of curvature is larger than the outer shape on the trailing edge 25b side when viewed from above (front edge 25a side). Radius of curvature rf> Radius of curvature rb on the trailing edge 25b side). In the embodiment, the width dimension WH in the left-right direction is about 380 mm, and the width dimension WL in the front-rear direction is about 200 mm.

The raised portion 32 inside the outer peripheral edge portion 25 also has a substantially elliptical shape in which the width dimension in the front-rear direction is smaller than the width dimension in the left-right direction when viewed from above. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the raised portion 32 is between the outer peripheral edge portion 25 and the trailing edge 25b from the width dimension Bf between the outer peripheral edge portion 25 and the front edge 25a when viewed from above. The width dimension Bb is widened and arranged. In the case of the embodiment, the width dimension Bf between the outer peripheral edge portion 25 and the front edge 25a of the raised portion 32 is almost 0.

Inside the central portion 30 covered with the cushion portion 34, the projection device 50 is arranged supported by the support member 11. The projection device 50 transmits a transparent cushion portion 34 and projects a predetermined image GF (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) on the back surface 39b side of the sheet material 39. In the case of the embodiment, the LED is used. A matrix panel is used to project an image GF such as a time display or a relaxing moving image on the back surface 39b side of the sheet material 39.

Further, on both the left and right edges of the cushion portion 34, operation switches 53 and 54 that can operate the horn and operate the audio device by pressing are provided (see FIGS. 2 and 6).

In the steering wheel 10 of the embodiment, when steering, the driver MD operates at the grip portions 26L and 26R on the left and right edges 25c and 25d of the outer peripheral edge portion 25, for example, as shown in A and B of FIG. Place the thumb F0 to the thumb ball DPM of the left and right hands DH (L, R) of the person MD on the upper surface 27a and bend the fingers (index finger F1, middle finger F2, ring finger F3, little finger F4) to store the recess. The region from the outer peripheral surface 27b to the lower surface 27c side of the gripping main body 27 up to the vicinity of 28 can be gripped, and the steering wheel 10 can be easily rotated.

Then, in the steering wheel 10 of the embodiment, if the driver MD puts the head MH on the upper surface 32a side of the raised portion 32 of the central portion 30, as shown by the two-point chain line in FIGS. 5 and 6, the raised portion 32 has an elastic cushion portion 34 arranged on the upper surface 32a side, and due to the elasticity of the cushion portion 34, the head MH of the driver MD has good cushioning properties and is supported by the raised portion 32 for driving. The person MD can use the raised portion 32 like a pillow. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the central portion 30 provided with the raised portion 32 includes a grip portion gripped by the driver MD during steering, including the upper portion of the boss portion 23 on the rotation center axis C1 side. A raised portion 32 that is arranged so as to block the entire inside of the outer peripheral edge portion 25 provided with 26, does not have an opening that penetrates the upper and lower sides, and blocks the entire inner surface of the outer peripheral edge portion 25. The head MH and the like of the driver MD can be supported over the entire area on the upper surface 32a side, and the raised portion 32 of the central portion 30 can be comfortably used like a pillow. Of course, the raised portion 32 provided with the cushion portion 34 in the central portion 30 is arranged inside the outer peripheral edge portion 25 and is arranged on the steering wheel 10 itself, and can be used without being separately attached at the time of use. .. The grip portion 26 to be gripped at the time of steering is arranged on the outer peripheral edge portion 25 around the raised portion 32 that can be used like a pillow, and the driver MD has the grip portion 26 as described above. Can be gripped and steered smoothly.

Therefore, the steering wheel 10 of the embodiment can be used like a pillow without the need for complicated mounting work and the like, and can be smoothly used for steering operation.

Then, in the steering wheel 10 of the embodiment, the cushion portion 34 has a seat material 39 made of a cloth material arranged on the outer surface side.

Therefore, in the embodiment, since the cushion portion 34 can be touched well even if it comes into contact with the face or the like by the sheet material 39 made of the cloth material on the outer surface side, the raised portion 32 provided with the cushion portion 34 is further provided. , Can be suitably used as a pillow.

Further, in the steering wheel 10 of the embodiment, the outer peripheral edge portion 25 and the inner raised portion 32 of the outer peripheral edge portion 25 have a width dimension WL in the front-rear direction smaller than the width dimension WH in the left-right direction when viewed from above. It has a substantially elliptical shape (see FIG. 2).

Therefore, in the embodiment, the width dimension WL in the front-rear direction can be narrowed by setting the width dimension WH in the left-right direction as the width dimension that can be gripped. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the upper surface 32a side of the raised portion 32 Place the left and right elbow MEs (L, R) near the left and right ends 25c and 25d, overlap the left and right arm MAs (L, R), and place the driver MD's head MH in the arm pillow state. It is possible to put the upper body including the head MH of the driver MD in the steering wheel 10 so that the driver MD can rest appropriately. Since the width dimension ML in the front-rear direction is narrow, interference with the thigh MF (L, R) of the driver MD on the trailing edge 25b side of the outer peripheral edge 25 can be suppressed, for example, the backrest of the seat. Even if the portion is tilted backward, the trailing edge 25b side of the outer peripheral edge portion 25 of the steering wheel 10 is less likely to interfere with the thigh portion MF (L, R) of the driver MD (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2). The degree of freedom of the driver MD's posture at rest can be guaranteed.

In particular, in the embodiment, the outer peripheral edge portion 25 has an arcuate shape (front edge) such that the outer peripheral shape on the front edge 25a side is larger in radius of curvature than the outer shape on the trailing edge 25b side when viewed from above. Radius of curvature rf on the 25a side> radius of curvature rb on the trailing edge 25b side) (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

Therefore, the steering wheel 10 of the embodiment has a shape that sharply bends forward toward the left and right ends 25c and 25d on the trailing edge 25b side of the outer peripheral edge portion 25, so that the driver MD is near the left and right knees. Spaces S (L, R) are generated on the left and right sides of the rear end 25bc of the outer peripheral edge portion 25 near the front side near the thigh portion MF (L, R), and the outer peripheral edge portion 25 of the steering wheel 10 Interference with the thigh MF (L, R) of the driver MD on the trailing edge 25b side is suppressed, and the degree of freedom in the posture of the driver MD can be further ensured.

Further, in the steering wheel 10 of the embodiment, the outer peripheral edge portion 25 arranges the grip portion 26 on the entire circumference, and the raised portion 32 of the central portion 30 is the front edge 25a of the outer peripheral edge portion 25 when viewed from above. The width dimension Bb between the outer peripheral edge portion 25 and the trailing edge 25b is wider than the width dimension Bf between the two and the outer peripheral edge portion 25 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

Therefore, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, even if the grip portion 26F on the front edge 25a side of the outer peripheral edge portion 25 narrows the width dimension Bf in the front-rear direction, the palm DP of the hand DH (L, R) Is placed downward on the grip portion 26F on the front edge 25a side, and the fingers (index finger F1, middle finger F2, ring finger F3, little finger F4) are bent to easily grip the front edge 25a side. The part 26F can be gripped. On the other hand, in the grip portion 26B on the trailing edge 25b side of the outer peripheral edge portion 25, the palm DP is turned upward and the grip portion 26B is wrapped from the lower side to grip the grip portion 26B. At that time, the thumb F0 is held on the upper surface of the grip portion 26B. When placed on the 27a side, the grip can be stabilized, and it is easy if the space on which the thumb F0 is placed has a wide width dimension Bb between the trailing edge 25b of the outer peripheral edge 25 and the raised portion 32. The grip portion 26B on the trailing edge 25b side of the outer peripheral edge portion 25 can be easily gripped.

Further, in the steering wheel 10 of the embodiment, the cushion portion 34 of the central portion 30 is formed of a bowl-shaped elastic material (cushion material) 35 that is provided with a space portion 43 inside and forms a convex shape of the raised portion 32. ing.

In such a configuration, the cushion material 35 as a bowl-shaped elastic material can secure the elastic force of the cushion portion 34, and unlike the cushion portion having a structure in which a rubber ball is formed as a closed space, the passenger interior It is possible to suppress the influence of the temperature of the cushion portion 34 and secure the stable elasticity of the cushion portion 34.

Further, in the embodiment, a projection device 50 capable of projecting a predetermined image GF on the back surface side of the cushion portion 34 is arranged inside the central portion 30, and the projection device is arranged on the front surface (upper surface) 32a side of the raised portion 32. A sheet material 39 that makes the image projected by 50 visible from the outer surface 39a side is arranged.

Therefore, in the embodiment, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 1, a predetermined image GF projected by the projection device 50 can be displayed on the surface 32a side of the raised portion 32, and the steering wheel 10 is decorated. It is possible to enhance the effect and transmit predetermined information to the driver MD.

In the image GF of the embodiment, the time is displayed, but a relaxing moving image or the like may be displayed.

10 ... Steering wheel, 23 ... Boss part, 25 ... Outer peripheral edge part, 25a ... Front edge, 25b ... Rear edge, 26 (L, R, F, B) ... Grip part, 30 ... Central part, 32 ... Raised part, 32a ... top surface / surface, 34 ... cushion part, 35 ... (elastic material) cushion material, 39 ... (cloth material) sheet material, 43 ... space part, 50 ... projection device,
C1 ... Rotation center axis, MD ... Driver.

Claims (7)

A steering wheel that is used by the driver to grip and rotate around the center axis of rotation when the vehicle is steered.
The boss portion arranged on the rotation center axis side and
An outer peripheral edge portion that is arranged on the outer peripheral edge side in the direction orthogonal to the rotation center axis around the boss portion and is provided with a grip portion that can be gripped by the driver during steering.
A central portion that covers the entire area of the outer peripheral edge portion on the boss portion side, including the upper side of the boss portion, and
Is configured with
The central portion includes a raised portion that projects upward from the outer peripheral edge portion along the rotation central axis.
A steering wheel characterized in that the raised portion is configured by disposing a cushion portion having elasticity that can be restored and is dented downward on the upper surface side. The steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein the cushion portion is provided with a cloth material on the outer surface side. The claim is characterized in that the outer peripheral edge portion and the raised portion inside the outer peripheral edge portion have a substantially elliptical shape in which the width dimension in the front-rear direction is smaller than the width dimension in the left-right direction when viewed from above. 1 or the steering wheel according to claim 2. The third aspect of the present invention, wherein the outer peripheral edge portion has an arcuate shape in which the outer peripheral shape on the front edge side is larger than the outer shape on the trailing edge side in an arc shape when viewed from above. Steering wheel. The outer peripheral edge portion disperses the grip portion on the entire circumference.
The raised portion in the central portion is arranged so that the width dimension between the raised portion and the trailing edge of the outer peripheral edge portion is wider than the width dimension between the raised portion and the front edge of the outer peripheral edge portion when viewed from above. The steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the steering wheel is provided. Any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cushion portion in the central portion is formed of a bowl-shaped elastic material that is provided with a space portion inside and forms a convex shape of the raised portion. The steering wheel according to item 1. Inside the central portion, a projection device capable of projecting a predetermined image is arranged on the back surface side of the cushion portion.
The steering wheel according to claim 6, wherein a sheet material that makes the image projected by the projection device visible from the outer surface side is arranged on the surface side of the raised portion.

Images