JP2021020561A

JP2021020561A - Steering wheel

Info

Publication number: JP2021020561A
Application number: JP2019138127A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 文平森田; Bunpei Morita; 里実明比; Satomi Akehi
Original assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd
Current assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-07-26
Filing date: 2019-07-26
Publication date: 2021-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-26
Also published as: JP7144657B2

Abstract

To provide a steering wheel which enables smooth steering operation while having good touch feeling in steering even when being configured not to have an opening that allows fingers to be inserted in a region from an upper part of a boss part to an outer peripheral edge part held in steering.SOLUTION: A steering wheel includes a boss part 23 on a rotary central shaft C1 side, an outer peripheral edge part 25 provided with a holding part 26 that can be held by a driver in steering, a central part 30 covering the whole region on the boss part side of the outer peripheral edge part, and a support material 11 having such rigidity as to connect each of the parts. An outer peripheral edge side support material part 16 arranged in the holding part in the support material includes an annular projection 17 that is continuous to the whole circumference of the outer peripheral edge part and projects downward, and a plane-like annular flat part 18. The holding part has a holding body part 27 obtained by interposing a covering material 20 in the periphery of the annular projection, and has a storage recess 28 that allows fingers of the driver to enter when the driver holds in a covering material arrangement region on the inner peripheral side of the annular projection on the lower surface side of the annular flat part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

本発明は、車両の操舵時、運転者が把持して回動中心軸回りに回動操作するように使用するステアリングホイールに関する。 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.

従来、ステアリングホイールとしては、回動中心軸側に配設されるボス部と、ボス部の周囲における回動中心軸の直交方向の外周縁側に配置されて、運転者が操舵時に把持可能な把持部を設けた略円環状の外周縁部（リング部・リム部）と、ボス部と外周縁部とを連結するスポーク部と、を備える構成としていた（例えば、特許文献１参照）。スポーク部は、相互に離れてボス部から放射状に延びて外周縁部に連なるように配設されていた。そして、運転者は、操舵時、スポーク部間の開口を利用して、手の親指側を、開口側に差し込むように、略円環状の外周縁部の内周面側に配置させて、他の人差し指等を利用しつつ、外周縁部を把持し、所定方向に外周縁部を回動操作していた。また、外周縁部は、アルミニウム軽合金等の略円環状の芯材（支持材）を配設させ、感触を良好にするように、芯材の周囲に、ウレタン等からなる被覆材を配設させていた。 Conventionally, as a steering wheel, a boss portion arranged on the rotation center axis side and a grip on the outer peripheral edge side in the direction orthogonal to the rotation center axis around the boss portion so that the driver can grip the steering wheel during steering. It has a configuration including a substantially annular outer peripheral edge portion (ring portion / rim portion) provided with a portion and a spoke portion connecting the boss portion and the outer peripheral edge portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The spoke portions were arranged so as to be separated from each other and extend radially from the boss portion so as to be connected to the outer peripheral edge portion. Then, during steering, the driver uses the opening between the spokes to arrange the thumb side of the hand on the inner peripheral surface side of the outer peripheral edge portion of the substantially annular shape so as to insert it into the opening side. While using the index finger and the like of the above, the outer peripheral edge portion was grasped and the outer peripheral edge portion was rotated in a predetermined direction. Further, on the outer peripheral edge portion, a substantially annular core material (support material) such as an aluminum light alloy is arranged, and a coating material made of urethane or the like is arranged around the core material so as to improve the feel. I was letting you.

特開２０１２−２０１１６４号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-201164

しかし、従来のステアリングホイールでは、ボス部側の回動中心軸と直交方向の外周縁部の内周側に、把持する際の指を挿入させる開口を備えており、把持し易いものの、ステアリングホイールが、デザイン上、外周縁部からボス部の中央部側において、開口を設けていない構成の場合には、把持し難くなることから、円滑な操舵操作に課題が生じる。 However, the conventional steering wheel is provided with an opening on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral edge portion in the direction orthogonal to the rotation center axis on the boss portion side, so that a finger can be inserted when grasping the steering wheel. However, in terms of design, if there is no opening from the outer peripheral edge portion to the central portion side of the boss portion, it becomes difficult to grip the steering wheel, which causes a problem in smooth steering operation.

本発明は、上述の課題を解決するものであり、ボス部の上方から操舵時に把持する外周縁部までの領域に、指を差し込むような開口を備えていない構成としても、操舵時の感触を良好にしつつ、円滑に操舵操作できるステアリングホイールを提供することを目的とする。 The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and even if the region from above the boss portion to the outer peripheral edge portion to be gripped during steering is not provided with an opening for inserting a finger, the feeling during steering can be obtained. It is an object of the present invention to provide a steering wheel that can be steered smoothly while being improved.

本発明に係るステアリングホイールは、車両の操舵時、運転者が把持して回動中心軸回りに回動操作するように使用するステアリングホイールであって、
前記回動中心軸側に配設されるボス部と、
前記ボス部の周囲における前記回動中心軸の直交方向の外周縁側に配置されて、運転者が操舵時に把持可能な把持部を設けた外周縁部と、
前記ボス部の上方側を含めた前記外周縁部の前記ボス部側の全域を覆う中央部と、
を備える構成として、
前記ボス部、前記中央部、及び、前記外周縁部を相互に連結するように、前記ボス部に配置されるボス側支持材部と、前記外周縁部に配置される外周縁側支持材部と、前記中央部に配設されて、前記ボス側支持材部と前記外周縁側支持材部とを連結する連結部と、を備えて、剛性を有して構成される支持材、が配設されるとともに、
少なくとも、前記支持材の前記外周縁側支持材部と、前記外周縁側支持材部近傍の前記連結部と、の周囲に、前記支持材より軟質の被覆材、が配設され、
前記把持部が、前記外周縁部の全周にわたって、配設されるとともに、
前記把持部に配設される前記外周縁側支持材部が、
外周縁側に、前記回動中心軸に沿った下方側に突出して、前記外周縁部の全周にわたって連なる環状凸部、を配設させ、
該環状凸部の上面側に、前記外周縁部の全周にわたって連なり、前記回動中心軸と略直交方向に前記連結部側に平面状に延びる環状平坦部、を配設させて構成され、
前記把持部が、
前記環状凸部の上面側から外周面側を経た下面側の領域を、前記被覆材を介在させて、運転者の把持する把持本体部として、構成されるとともに、
前記外周縁側支持材部の前記環状平坦部の下面側における前記環状凸部の内周側の前記被覆材の配設領域に、少なくとも運転者の把持時に、前記環状凸部の下端側における前記被覆材の部位の下面より上方側へ凹んで運転者の指先の進入可能な収納凹部、を配設させる構成としていることを特徴とする。 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
As a configuration with
A boss-side support material portion arranged on the boss portion and an outer peripheral edge-side support material portion arranged on the outer peripheral edge portion so as to connect the boss portion, the central portion, and the outer peripheral edge portion to each other. , A support member which is arranged in the central portion and is configured to have rigidity and includes a connecting portion for connecting the boss side support member portion and the outer peripheral edge side support member portion. At the same time
At least, a coating material softer than the support material is arranged around the outer peripheral edge side support material portion of the support material and the connection portion in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge side support material portion.
The grip portion is arranged over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge portion, and
The outer peripheral edge side support material portion disposed on the grip portion is
An annular convex portion that protrudes downward along the rotation center axis and is continuous over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge portion is arranged on the outer peripheral edge side.
On the upper surface side of the annular convex portion, an annular flat portion that is continuous over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge portion and extends in a plane on the connecting portion side in a direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation center axis is arranged.
The grip portion
The region on the lower surface side from the upper surface side to the outer peripheral surface side of the annular convex portion is configured as a gripping main body portion to be gripped by the driver with the covering material interposed therebetween.
The coating on the lower end side of the annular convex portion in the arrangement region of the covering material on the inner peripheral side of the annular convex portion on the lower surface side of the annular flat portion of the outer peripheral edge side support material portion, at least when the driver grips the annular convex portion. It is characterized in that a storage recess, which is recessed upward from the lower surface of the material portion and allows the driver's fingertip to enter, is arranged.

本発明に係るステアリングホイールでは、運転者が把持部を把持する際、把持本体部を把持し、その際、手の親指と母指球付近とを、把持本体部の上面側に配置させ、人差し指、中指、薬指、小指を、曲げて、把持本体部の下面側に配置させて、把持本体部を把持することとなる。この把持時には、把持部に配設される剛性を有した外周縁側支持材部が、ボス部側の連結部から延びる環状平坦部の下面側に、下方へ突出する環状凸部を備えて、環状凸部の内周側の環状平坦部の下面側に、収納凹部を配設させるための凹部を配設させる構成であり、環状凸部の配設部位を、軟質の被覆材を介在させて、良好な感触として、的確に、握ることができる。すなわち、把持本体部の上面側では、剛性を有した環状平坦部の連結部側までの延びる平面状の部位が、配設されており、把持本体部の上面側の軟質の被覆材を弾性変形させて、感触を良好な状態を維持しつつ、親指と母指球付近とを、広い平面状の環状平坦部側に押し付けることができ、そして、把持本体部の下面側では、収納凹部の凹面側を含めて、周囲の軟質の被覆材を弾性変形させて、感触を良好にしつつ、人差し指、中指、薬指、小指が、把持本体部の下面側を掴むことができて、その結果、環状凸部付近の把持本体部の周囲を的確に把持できて、親指等を差し込むような開口を備えていなくとも、安定して操舵操作を行える。 In the steering wheel according to the present invention, when the driver grips the grip portion, the grip body portion is gripped, and at that time, the thumb of the hand and the vicinity of the ball of the thumb are arranged on the upper surface side of the grip body portion, and the index finger. , The middle finger, ring finger, and little finger are bent and placed on the lower surface side of the gripping main body to grip the gripping main body. At the time of this gripping, the rigid outer peripheral edge side support member portion disposed in the grip portion is provided with an annular convex portion protruding downward on the lower surface side of the annular flat portion extending from the connecting portion on the boss portion side, and is annular. A recess for arranging the storage recess is arranged on the lower surface side of the annular flat portion on the inner peripheral side of the convex portion, and the portion where the annular convex portion is arranged is interposed with a soft covering material. It feels good and can be gripped accurately. That is, on the upper surface side of the gripping main body portion, a flat portion extending to the connecting portion side of the annular flat portion having rigidity is arranged, and the soft covering material on the upper surface side of the gripping main body portion is elastically deformed. The thumb and the vicinity of the ring finger can be pressed against the wide flat annular flat portion side while maintaining a good feel, and the lower surface side of the gripping main body portion has a concave surface of the storage recess. The index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger can grip the lower surface side of the gripping body while elastically deforming the surrounding soft covering material, including the side, to improve the feel, resulting in an annular convexity. Gripping in the vicinity of the part It is possible to accurately grip the periphery of the main body part, and stable steering operation can be performed even if there is no opening for inserting a thumb or the like.

したがって、本発明に係るステアリングホイールでは、ボス部の上方から操舵時に把持する外周縁部までの領域に、指を差し込むような開口を備えていない構成としても、操舵時の感触を良好にしつつ、円滑に操舵操作をすることができる。 Therefore, even if the steering wheel according to the present invention is not provided with an opening for inserting a finger in the region from above the boss portion to the outer peripheral edge portion to be gripped during steering, the steering wheel feels good during steering. The steering operation can be performed smoothly.

そして、本発明に係るステアリングホイールでは、収納凹部は、運転者が把持する前に予め形成されていてもよい。すなわち、把持部の被覆材が、外周縁部の下面側において、外周縁側支持材部の環状凸部の下方の下面より、収納凹部の領域を、上方へ凹ませる肉厚として、配設されていればよい。 Then, in the steering wheel according to the present invention, the storage recess may be formed in advance before being gripped by the driver. That is, the covering material of the grip portion is arranged on the lower surface side of the outer peripheral edge portion as a wall thickness that dents the area of the storage recess upward from the lower surface below the annular convex portion of the outer peripheral edge side support member portion. Just do it.

勿論、本発明にステアリングホイールでは、収納凹部は、運転者が把持する際に、形成されるように構成してもよい。すなわち、把持部の被覆材が、外周縁部の下面側において、外周縁側支持材部の環状凸部の下方から、収納凹部の領域を経て、連結部近傍の下方までの領域を、略平面状の肉厚として、配設されるとともに、運転者の把持時に、弾性変形して、収納凹部を形成可能な硬度として、配設されていてもよい。 Of course, in the steering wheel of the present invention, the storage recess may be configured to be formed when the driver grips it. That is, the covering material of the grip portion has a substantially flat region on the lower surface side of the outer peripheral edge portion, from below the annular convex portion of the outer peripheral edge side support member portion, through the region of the storage recess, to the lower portion near the connecting portion. It may be arranged as a wall thickness of the above, and may be arranged as a hardness capable of elastically deforming and forming a storage recess when the driver grips it.

このような構成では、把持部を実際に把持するまで、外周縁部の下面側が凹みの無い平面状となることから、斬新なデザインのステアリングホイールとすることができる。 In such a configuration, the lower surface side of the outer peripheral edge portion becomes a flat surface without a dent until the grip portion is actually gripped, so that a steering wheel having a novel design can be obtained.

実施形態のステアリングホイールの概略斜視図である。It is a schematic perspective view of the steering wheel of an embodiment. 実施形態のステアリングホイールの平面図である。It is a top view of the steering wheel of an embodiment. 実施形態のステアリングホイールの側面図である。It is a side view of the steering wheel of an embodiment. 実施形態のステアリングホイールの底面図である。It is a bottom view of the steering wheel of an embodiment. 実施形態のステアリングホイールの概略断面図であり、図２のＶ−Ｖ部位を示す。It is the schematic cross-sectional view of the steering wheel of an embodiment, and shows the VV part of FIG. 実施形態のステアリングホイールの概略断面図であり、図２のVI−VI部位を示す。It is the schematic cross-sectional view of the steering wheel of an embodiment, and shows the VI-VI part of FIG. 実施形態のステアリングホイールの把持部の拡大断面図である。It is an enlarged sectional view of the grip part of the steering wheel of an embodiment. 実施形態のステアリングホイールの把持部を把持する状態を示す平面図と底面図である。It is a top view and the bottom view which shows the state which holds the grip part of the steering wheel of embodiment. 実施形態のステアリングホイールの把持部を把持する状態の概略断面図である。It is schematic cross-sectional view of the state which grips the grip part of the steering wheel of embodiment. 実施形態のステアリングホイールの把持部の別位置を把持する状態を示す概略断面図である。It is schematic cross-sectional view which shows the state which grips another position of the grip part of the steering wheel of embodiment. 実施形態の変形例のステアリングホイールの平面図である。It is a top view of the steering wheel of the modification of embodiment. 図１１に示すステアリングホイールの概略断面図であり、図１０のXII−XII部位を示す。It is the schematic sectional view of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 11, and shows the XII-XII part of FIG. 図１１に示すステアリングホイールの把持部の把持状態を説明する概略断面図である。It is schematic cross-sectional view explaining the gripping state of the gripping part of the steering wheel shown in FIG.

以下、本発明の一実施形態を図面に基づいて説明すると、実施形態のステアリングホイール１０は、図１〜６に示すように、操舵時の回動中心軸Ｃ１側に配設されるボス部２３と、ボス部２３の周囲における回動中心軸Ｃ１の直交方向の外周縁側に配置されて、運転者が操舵時に把持可能な把持部２６を設けた外周縁部２５と、ボス部２３の上方側を含めた外周縁部２５のボス部２３側の全域を覆う中央部３０と、を備えて構成されている。換言すれば、実施形態の場合、ボス部２３は、中央部３０の略中央領域における下面側に、配設されている。そして、実施形態のステアリングホイール１０では、外周縁部２５のボス部２３側の全域を覆う中央部３０は、指を差し込むような開口を設けていない構成として、配設されている。 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.

また、ステアリングホイール１０は、ボス部２３、外周縁部２５、及び、中央部３０を相互に連結するように、剛性を有した支持材１１を内部に配設させている。支持材１１は、ボス部２３に配置されるボス側支持材部１２と、外周縁部２５に配置される外周縁側支持材部１６と、中央部３０に配置されて、外周縁側支持材部１６とボス側支持材部１２とを連結する連結部１４と、から構成されている。支持材１１は、剛性を有するように、アルミニウム等の軽合金や鋼材からなる金属材、あるいは、適宜、フィラー入りとしたポリプロピレン、ポリアミド、ＡＢＳ樹脂等の合成樹脂材等からなり、鋳造や型成形等により、形成されている。 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.

ボス部２３に配置されるボス側支持材部１２は、回動中心軸Ｃ１と同軸上に配置される車体側の操舵軸１に連結されて、ステアリングホイール１０の回転操舵時、操舵軸１を回動させる。また、ボス側支持材部１２には、操舵軸１との結合強度を向上させるように、鋼等からなるボス芯材１２ａが配設されている。 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.

なお、操舵軸１には、その回動角度を検出する図示しないセンサが配設され、センサによる回転角度（操舵角）の電気信号を入力した図示しない所定の制御装置により、車両の操舵輪が操舵されることとなる。 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.

また、操舵軸１側には、回動中心軸Ｃ１とともに、操舵軸１のコラム角θｃ（図３参照）を調整可能なチルト機構３が配設されており、チルト機構３の操作レバー６のロック解除操作により、操舵軸１を支持するケース４の揺動中心軸５周りの停止状態を解除できて、操舵軸１のコラム角θｃを調整できる。そして、操舵軸１のコラム角θｃを所望の角度に調整したならば、操作レバー６をロック位置に復帰させて、ケース４を、調整した揺動中心軸５周りの角度位置で、停止させることができる。なお、このようなチルト機構３によるコラム角θｃの調整では、操舵軸１の角度調整により、中央部３０の後述するクッション部３４の配置角度を調整できて、運転者ＭＤ（図５，６の二点鎖線参照）は、所望の配置角度のクッション部３４により、休息できることとなる。 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.

支持材１１の外周縁側支持材部１６は、外周縁部２５の全周に配置される環状として、環状凸部１７と環状平坦部１８とを備えて構成されている（図２，５〜７参照）。環状凸部１７は、回動中心軸Ｃ１に沿った下方側に突出して、外周縁部２５の全周にわたって連なるように配設され、環状平坦部１８は、環状凸部１７の上面１７ａ側に、外周縁部２５の全周にわたって連なり、回動中心軸Ｃ１と略直交方向に連結部１４側に平面状に延びるように、配設されている。そして、環状平坦部１８の下面１８ｂ側における環状凸部１７の内周面１７ｂ側には、後述する被覆材２０の被覆本体部２１を介在させて、運転者ＭＤの操舵時に把持部２６を把持する際、指（人差し指Ｆ１、中指Ｆ２、薬指Ｆ３、小指Ｆ４）が収納凹部２８内に進入して、親指Ｆ０や母指球ＤＰＭとで、円滑に、後述する把持本体部２７を把持できるように（図８参照）、凹部１６ａが形成されている（図５〜７参照）。 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 to 7). 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 located on the upper surface 17a 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, on the inner peripheral surface 17b side of the annular convex portion 17 on the lower surface 18b side of the annular flat portion 18, the covering main body portion 21 of the covering material 20 described later is interposed to grip the grip portion 26 when the driver MD is steered. At that time, the 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. (See FIG. 8), a recess 16a is formed (see FIGS. 5 to 7).

連結部１４は、ボス側支持材部１２と外周縁側支持材部１６とを連結する略楕円板状（詳しくは、略楕円形の椀形状）として、構成されている。連結部１４には、適宜、上下を貫通する複数の貫通孔１５が配設されて、被覆材２０の被覆本体部２１の形成材料を、貫通孔１５を経て、連結部１４の上面側と下面側とに流し可能とし、かつ、貫通孔１５に充填される被覆本体部２１の形成材料により、被覆本体部２１の外周縁側支持材部１６上や連結部１４上でのずれが防止されている。 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. ..

支持材１１の周囲には、感触を良好にするように、被覆材２０が配設されている。被覆材２０は、支持材１１のボス側支持材部１２、連結部１４、及び、外周縁側支持材部１６の外周を被覆する被覆本体部２１と、外周縁部２５の被覆本体部２１の上面側に重なって配設される延設被覆部２２と、から構成されている。被覆本体部２１は、型成形等により、支持材１１の周囲に配設されている。延設被覆部２２は、把持部２６（Ｆ，Ｌ，Ｒ）の上面側の部位であり、実施形態の場合、被覆本体部２１と別体とした後述するクッション部３４の縁３４ａの前縁３４ａｆと左右の縁３４ａｌ，３４ａｒ付近から構成されて、運転者ＭＤが操舵時に把持部２６（Ｆ，Ｌ，Ｒ）を把持する際に、外周縁側支持材部１６との間に介在されて、被覆本体部２１とともに一体的に把持される部位となる。被覆材２０の被覆本体部２１は、硬質の支持材１１と相違して、把持した際の感触を良好にするように、軟質としたウレタン等の合成樹脂材料から形成され、延設被覆部２２も、同様に、支持材１１より軟質のウレタン等の合成樹脂材料から形成されている。 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.

なお、実施形態では、運転者ＭＤが把持し難い領域のボス側支持材部１２やボス側支持材部１２近傍の連結部１４の周囲にも、外周縁側支持材部１６を被覆した被覆材２０の被覆本体部２１を延設させているが、これらのボス側支持材部１２やボス側支持材部１２近傍の連結部１４の周囲、特に、中央部３０の下面側では、被覆材２０の被覆本体部２１でなく、別途、支持材１１側に組み付けて配設させるポリアミド等の合成樹脂製のロアカバー、を配設させてもよい。 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.

そして、ステアリングホイール１０の外周縁部２５は、支持材１１の外周縁側支持材部１６を被覆材２０により被覆させて形成されており、実施形態の場合、全周にわたって、把持部２６を配設させている。把持部２６は、運転者ＭＤ側の上面２７ａと、下面２７ｃと、上面２７ａと下面２７ｃとを連結する略円弧状の外周面２７ｂと、を有した断面略円形とする把持本体部２７を備えるとともに、連結部１４に連なる下面２７ｃ側に、上方へ凹む収納凹部２８を配設させて構成されている。 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.

把持本体部２７の上面２７ａ側は、外周縁部２５の前縁２５ａと左右の縁２５ｃ，２５ｄの部位では、図５，７に示すように、外周縁側支持材部１６の環状平坦部１８の上面側を覆う被覆材２０の被覆本体部２１の上面側部２１ａと、クッション部３４の縁３４ａ（前縁３４ａｆ、左縁３４ａｌ，右縁３４ａｒ）側の延設被覆部２２とが、配設されており、外周縁部２５の後縁２５ｂ側では、被覆本体部２１の厚みを増した上面側部２１ａが配設されている。把持本体部２７の外周面２７ｂ側は、外周縁側支持材部１６の環状平坦部１８と環状凸部１７との外周面側を覆う被覆本体部２１の外周面側部２１ｂが、配設され、把持本体部２７の下面２７ｃ側では、環状凸部１７の下面側を覆う被覆本体部２１の下面側部２１ｃが配設されている。収納凹部２８の部位では、環状凸部１７の内周面１７ｂ側から環状平坦部１８の下面１８ｂ側を覆う被覆本体部２１の内側面部２１ｄが配設されている。 On the upper surface 27a side of the gripping main body 27, at the front edge 25a of the outer peripheral edge 25 and the left and right edges 25c and 25d, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the annular flat portion 18 of the outer peripheral edge supporting member portion 16 The upper surface side portion 21a of the covering main body portion 21 of the covering material 20 covering the upper surface side and the extended covering portion 22 on the edge 34a (front edge 34af, left edge 34al, right edge 34ar) side of the cushion portion 34 are arranged. On the trailing edge 25b side of the outer peripheral edge 25, an upper surface side portion 21a having an increased thickness of the covering main body 21 is arranged. On the outer peripheral surface 27b side of the gripping main body 27, the outer peripheral surface side portion 21b of the covering main body 21 that covers the outer peripheral surface side of the annular flat portion 18 and the annular convex portion 17 of the outer peripheral edge side support member portion 16 is arranged. On the lower surface 27c side of the gripping main body 27, a lower surface side portion 21c of the covering main body 21 that covers the lower surface side of the annular convex portion 17 is arranged. At the portion of the storage recess 28, an inner side surface portion 21d of the covering main body portion 21 that covers the lower surface 18b side of the annular flat portion 18 from the inner peripheral surface 17b side of the annular convex portion 17 is arranged.

さらに、被覆本体部２１は、内側面部２１ｄから連結部１４の下面側を覆う下面側延設部２１ｆと、下面側延設部２１ｆから延びてボス側支持材部１２の外周を覆うボス側部２１ｇと、を備えている。また、被覆本体部２１は、連結部１４の貫通孔１５内に充填される充填部２１ｈ、を備えている。 Further, the covering main body portion 21 has a lower surface side extending portion 21f that covers the lower surface side of the connecting portion 14 from the inner side surface portion 21d and a boss side portion that extends from the lower surface side extending portion 21f and covers the outer periphery of the boss side supporting material portion 12. It is equipped with 21 g. Further, the covering main body portion 21 includes a filling portion 21h, which is filled in the through hole 15 of the connecting portion 14.

なお、実施形態の場合、中央部３０と外周縁部２５との境界部位は、収納凹部２８の領域としている。 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.

また、把持部２６に配設される被覆材２０の被覆本体部２１と延設被覆部２２との硬度は、柔らか過ぎず、かつ、堅過ぎず、良好な触感として、運転者ＭＤが把持できるように、３０〜５０（アスカーＣ硬度）の範囲内としている。具体的には、把持部２６に配設される被覆材２０の被覆本体部２１は、略４０（アスカーＣ硬度）とし、延設被覆部２２は、殆ど後述する柔らかい外側層３７の領域となることから、略０（アスカーＣ硬度）としている。 Further, the hardness of the covering main body portion 21 and the extending covering portion 22 of the covering material 20 disposed on the grip portion 26 is not too soft and not too hard, and the driver MD can grip the covering material 20 with a good tactile sensation. As described above, the hardness is within the range of 30 to 50 (Asker C hardness). Specifically, the covering main body 21 of the covering material 20 disposed on the grip 26 is approximately 40 (ascar C hardness), and the extended covering 22 is almost a region of the soft outer layer 37 described later. Therefore, it is set to about 0 (Asker C hardness).

そして、外周縁部２５のボス部２３側を覆う中央部３０は、外周縁部２５より回動中心軸Ｃ１に沿って上方側に突出する隆起部３２を備えている。隆起部３２は、上面３２ａ側に、復元可能として下方側へ凹み可能な弾性を有したクッション部３４、を配設させている。実施形態の場合、隆起部３２は、その全域をクッション部３４から構成されている。 The central portion 30 that covers the boss portion 23 side of the outer peripheral edge portion 25 is provided with a raised portion 32 that projects upward from the outer peripheral edge portion 25 along the rotation center 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.

このクッション部３４は、図５，６に示すように、透明なウレタンやシリコン等からなる内側層３６と外側層３７とを備えてなるクッション材３５を配設させて構成されている。クッション材３５の内側層３６は、弾性変形可能で、かつ、形状保持性を有し、外側層３７は、内側層３６より柔らかく（人肌に近い柔軟性を有して）構成されている。実施形態では、内側層３６の厚さ寸法ｔ１を約２ｍｍ程度、外側層３７の厚さ寸法ｔ２を約１５ｍｍ程度とし、内側層３６の硬度を約３５（ショアーＡ硬度）とし、外側層３７の硬度を約０（アスカーＣ硬度）としている。 As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, 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).

さらに、実施形態では、クッション材３５からなるクッション部３４は、内側に、図示しない連通孔を有して大気に連通する空間部４３を設けた椀形状として構成され、外表面には、ソフトな触感となるように、織布や不織布等の布材（ファブリック）からなるシート材３９が、貼着されている。シート材３９は、具体的には、運転者ＭＤの顔が触れても、良好な感触となるように、枕やクッションのカバー材、あるいは、ベッドやソファ等の張り布等の布材から構成されている。また、このシート材３９は、ある程度の透光性を有して、後述する投影装置５０から投影される画像ＧＦ（図１の二点鎖線参照）を、裏面３９ｂ側に投影させて、シート材３９の表面３９ａ側から視認できるように構成されている。 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 GF (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) projected from the projection device 50 described later is projected onto the back surface 39b side to project the sheet material 39. It is configured so that it can be visually recognized from the surface 39a side of the 39.

そして、実施形態の場合、クッション部３４（隆起部３２）は、外周縁部２５の把持部２６の把持本体部２７における外周面２７ｂ側から、略半割り楕円球状に隆起するように、配設されている。ちなみに、このクッション部３４（隆起部３２）は、ボス部２３のボス芯材１２ａにおける回動中心軸Ｃ１に沿った上方位置より、僅かに前方側にずれた位置を頂部３３として、緩やかな曲面状に隆起する形状として、下端を被覆本体部２１の上面側に固着させて、配設されている。 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.

また、実施形態の場合、図２に示すように、外周縁部２５は、上方から見て、左右方向の幅寸法ＷＨより、前後方向の幅寸法ＷＬを小さくした略楕円形としている。特に、外周縁部２５が、上方から見て、前縁２５ａ側の外形形状を、後縁２５ｂ側の外形形状より、曲率半径を大きくするような円弧状とした形状としている（前縁２５ａ側の曲率半径ｒｆ＞後縁２５ｂ側の曲率半径ｒｂ）。なお、実施形態では、左右方向の幅寸法ＷＨを約３８０ｍｍ、前後方向の幅寸法ＷＬを約２００ｍｍとしている。 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.

外周縁部２５の内側の隆起部３２も、上方から見て、左右方向の幅寸法より、前後方向の幅寸法を小さくした略楕円形としている。特に、隆起部３２は、上方から見て、外周縁部２５の前縁２５ａとの間の幅寸法Ｂｆより、外周縁部２５の後縁２５ｂとの間の幅寸法Ｂｂを広くして、配設されている。実施形態の場合、隆起部３２における外周縁部２５の前縁２５ａとの間の幅寸法Ｂｆは、殆ど、０としている。 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, the raised portion 32 is arranged so that 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 outer peripheral edge portion 25 and the front edge 25a when viewed from above. It is set up. 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.

クッション部３４に覆われた中央部３０の内部には、支持材１１に支持されて、投影装置５０が配設されている。投影装置５０は、透明なクッション部３４を透過して、シート材３９の裏面３９ｂ側に、所定の画像ＧＦ（図１の二点鎖線参照）を投影するものであり、実施形態の場合、ＬＥＤマトリクスパネルを使用して、シート材３９の裏面３９ｂ側に、時刻表示やリラックスできるような動画等の画像ＧＦを投影させるように構成されている。 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.

また、クッション部３４の左右両縁には、押圧操作して、ホーンを作動させたり、オーディオ装置を操作できる操作スイッチ５３，５４が配設されている（図２，６参照）。 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).

実施形態のステアリングホイール１０では、図８〜１０に示すように、運転者ＭＤが把持部２６（Ｆ，Ｂ，Ｌ，Ｒ）を把持する際、把持本体部２７を把持し、その際、手ＤＨ（Ｌ，Ｒ）の親指Ｆ０と母指球ＤＰＭ付近とを、把持本体部２７の上面２７ａ側に配置させ、人差し指Ｆ１、中指Ｆ２、薬指Ｆ３、小指Ｆ４を、曲げて、把持本体部２７の下面２７ｃ側に配置させて、把持本体部２７を把持することとなる。この把持時には、把持部２６（Ｆ，Ｂ，Ｌ，Ｒ）に配設される剛性を有した外周縁側支持材部１６が、ボス部２３側の連結部１４から延びる環状平坦部１８の下面１８ｂ側に、下方へ突出する環状凸部１７を備えて、環状凸部の内周面１７ｂ側の環状平坦部１８の下面１８ｂ側に、収納凹部２８を配設させるための凹部１６ａを配設させる構成であり、環状凸部１７の配設部位を、軟質の被覆材２０を介在させて、良好な感触として、的確に、握ることができる。すなわち、把持本体部２７の上面２７ａ側では、剛性を有した環状平坦部１８の連結部１４側までの延びる平面状の部位１８ａが、配設されており、把持本体部２７の上面２７ａ側の軟質の被覆材２０を弾性変形させて、感触を良好な状態を維持しつつ、親指Ｆ０と母指球ＤＰＭ付近とを、広い平面状の環状平坦部１８側の平面状部位１８ａに押し付けることができる。詳しくは、図８〜１０に示すように、外周縁部２５の前縁２５ａ側や左右の縁２５ｃ，２５ｄ側では、被覆本体部２１の上面側部２１ａと延設被覆部２２とが弾性変形し、外周縁部２５の後縁２５ｂ側では、被覆本体部２１の上面側部２１ａが弾性変形して、共に、親指Ｆ０と母指球ＤＰＭ付近とが、感触を良好な状態を維持しつつ、広い平面状の環状平坦部１８側の平面状部位１８ａに押し付けられることとなる。そしてまた、把持本体部２７の下面２７ｃ側では、外周縁部２５の全周にわたって、収納凹部２８の凹面２８ａ側を含めて、周囲の軟質の被覆本体部２１の下面側部２１ｃや内側面部２１ｄを弾性変形させて、感触を良好にしつつ、人差し指Ｆ１、中指Ｆ２、薬指Ｆ３、小指Ｆ４が、把持本体部２７の下面２７ｃ側を掴むことができて、その結果、環状凸部１７付近の把持本体部２７の周囲を的確に把持できて、親指Ｆ０等を差し込むような開口を備えていなくとも、安定して操舵操作を行える。 In the steering wheel 10 of the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, when the driver MD grips the grip portion 26 (F, B, L, R), the grip body portion 27 is gripped, and at that time, the hand The thumb F0 of the DH (L, R) and the vicinity of the ball DPM are arranged on the upper surface 27a side of the gripping body 27, and the index finger F1, the middle finger F2, the ring finger F3, and the little finger F4 are bent to bend the gripping body 27. The gripping main body 27 is gripped by arranging it on the lower surface 27c side of the above. At the time of this gripping, the rigid outer peripheral edge side support member portion 16 disposed on the grip portion 26 (F, B, L, R) extends from the connecting portion 14 on the boss portion 23 side to the lower surface 18b of the annular flat portion 18. An annular convex portion 17 projecting downward is provided on the side, and a recess 16a for disposing the storage recess 28 is provided on the lower surface 18b side of the annular flat portion 18 on the inner peripheral surface 17b side of the annular convex portion. It has a structure, and the arrangement portion of the annular convex portion 17 can be accurately grasped with a good feel by interposing a soft covering material 20. That is, on the upper surface 27a side of the gripping main body 27, a flat portion 18a extending to the connecting portion 14 side of the rigid annular flat portion 18 is arranged, and is arranged on the upper surface 27a side of the gripping main body 27. The soft covering material 20 can be elastically deformed to press the thumb F0 and the vicinity of the ball DPM against the flat portion 18a on the wide flat annular flat portion 18 side while maintaining a good feel. it can. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, on the front edge 25a side of the outer peripheral edge portion 25 and the left and right edges 25c and 25d sides, the upper surface side portion 21a of the covering main body portion 21 and the extended covering portion 22 are elastically deformed. However, on the trailing edge 25b side of the outer peripheral edge 25, the upper surface side 21a of the covering main body 21 is elastically deformed, and both the thumb F0 and the vicinity of the ball DPM maintain a good feel. , It will be pressed against the flat portion 18a on the wide flat annular flat portion 18 side. Further, on the lower surface 27c side of the gripping main body 27, the lower surface side portion 21c and the inner side surface portion 21d of the surrounding soft covering main body portion 21 including the concave surface 28a side of the storage recess 28 over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge portion 25. The index finger F1, the middle finger F2, the ring finger F3, and the little finger F4 can grip the lower surface 27c side of the gripping body portion 27, and as a result, gripping near the annular convex portion 17 while elastically deforming the gripping body portion 27 to improve the feel. The circumference of the main body 27 can be accurately grasped, and the steering operation can be performed stably even if the opening for inserting the thumb F0 or the like is not provided.

したがって、実施形態のステアリングホイール１０では、ボス部２３の上方から操舵時に把持する外周縁部２５までの領域に、指を差し込むような開口を備えていない構成としても、操舵時の感触を良好にしつつ、円滑に操舵操作をすることができる。 Therefore, the steering wheel 10 of the embodiment has a good feel during steering even if the region from above the boss portion 23 to the outer peripheral edge portion 25 to be gripped during steering is not provided with an opening for inserting a finger. At the same time, the steering operation can be performed smoothly.

また、実施形態のステアリングホイール１０では、収納凹部２８は、運転者ＭＤが把持する前に予め形成されている。すなわち、把持部２６の被覆材２０が、外周縁部２５の下面側において、外周縁側支持材部１６の環状凸部１７の下方の下面側部２１ｄより、収納凹部２８の領域を、上方へ凹ませる肉厚ｔ０として、配設されている。 Further, in the steering wheel 10 of the embodiment, the storage recess 28 is formed in advance before being gripped by the driver MD. That is, the covering material 20 of the grip portion 26 recesses the region of the storage recess 28 upward from the lower surface side portion 21d below the annular convex portion 17 of the outer peripheral edge side support member portion 16 on the lower surface side of the outer peripheral edge portion 25. It is arranged so that the wall thickness is t0.

この場合、被覆材２０は、硬度を３０〜５０（アスカーＣ硬度）としていれば（詳しくは、把持部２６に配設される被覆材２０の被覆本体部２１は、約４０（アスカーＣ硬度）とし、延設被覆部２２は、約０（アスカーＣ硬度）としている）、把持部２６の把持時、柔らか過ぎず、かつ、堅過ぎず、良好な触感として、運転者は把持部を把持することができる。 In this case, if the hardness of the covering material 20 is 30 to 50 (asker C hardness) (specifically, the covering main body portion 21 of the covering material 20 disposed on the grip portion 26 has about 40 (asker C hardness). The extended covering portion 22 is set to about 0 (asker C hardness)), and the driver grips the grip portion 26 with a good tactile sensation that is neither too soft nor too stiff when gripping the grip portion 26. be able to.

なお、収納凹部２８は、運転者が把持する際に、形成されるように構成してもよい。すなわち、図１１〜１３に示すステアリングホイール１０Ａのように、把持部２６Ａの被覆材２０Ａが、外周縁部２５Ａの下面側において、外周縁側支持材部１６Ａの環状凸部１７の下方から、連結部１４近傍の下方までの領域を、略平面状の肉厚として、配設されるとともに、運転者の把持時に、弾性変形して、収納凹部２８Ａを形成可能な硬度として、配設されていてもよい。 The storage recess 28 may be configured to be formed when the driver grips it. That is, as in the steering wheel 10A shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the covering material 20A of the grip portion 26A is connected to the lower surface side of the outer peripheral edge portion 25A from below the annular convex portion 17 of the outer peripheral edge side support member portion 16A. Even if the region up to the lower part in the vicinity of 14 is arranged as a substantially flat wall thickness and has a hardness that allows the storage recess 28A to be formed by elastic deformation when the driver grips it. Good.

このステアリングホイール１０Ａは、ステアリングホイール１０と同様に、回動中心軸Ｃ１側に配設されるボス部２３と、ボス部２３の周囲における回動中心軸Ｃ１の直交方向の外周縁側に配置されて、運転者が操舵時に把持可能な把持部２６Ａを設けた外周縁部２５Ａと、ボス部２３の上方側を含めた外周縁部２５Ａのボス部２３側の全域を覆う中央部３０Ａと、を備える構成としている。但し、このステアリングホイール１０Ａは、上方から見た外周縁部２５Ａの外形形状を略長方形形状として、ボス部２３、中央部３０Ａ、及び、外周縁部２５Ａを相互に連結するように、剛性を有して構成される金属製若しくは合成樹脂製の支持材１１Ａを備えている。支持材１１Ａは、ボス部２３に配置されるボス側支持材部１２と、外周縁部２５Ａに配置される外周縁側支持材部１６Ａと、中央部３０Ａに配設されて、ボス側支持材部１２と外周縁側支持材部１６Ａとを連結する連結部１４と、を備えている。 Like the steering wheel 10, the steering wheel 10A is arranged on the outer peripheral edge side in the direction orthogonal to the boss portion 23 arranged on the rotation center axis C1 side and the rotation center axis C1 around the boss portion 23. , An outer peripheral edge portion 25A provided with a grip portion 26A that can be gripped by the driver during steering, and a central portion 30A covering the entire area of the outer peripheral edge portion 25A including the upper side of the boss portion 23 on the boss portion 23 side. It has a structure. However, this steering wheel 10A has rigidity so that the outer peripheral shape of the outer peripheral edge portion 25A seen from above is a substantially rectangular shape, and the boss portion 23, the central portion 30A, and the outer peripheral edge portion 25A are connected to each other. The support member 11A made of metal or synthetic resin is provided. The support member 11A is arranged in the boss side support member portion 12 arranged in the boss portion 23, the outer peripheral edge side support member portion 16A arranged in the outer peripheral edge portion 25A, and the central portion 30A, and is arranged in the boss side support member portion. A connecting portion 14 for connecting the 12 and the outer peripheral edge side support member portion 16A is provided.

そして、支持材１１Ａの外周縁側支持材部１６Ａと、連結部１４と、ボス側支持材部１２との周囲に、支持材１１Ａより軟質のウレタン等からなる被覆材２０Ａ、が配設されている。 Then, a covering material 20A made of urethane or the like softer than the support material 11A is arranged around the outer peripheral edge side support material portion 16A of the support material 11A, the connecting portion 14, and the boss side support material portion 12. ..

また、把持部２６Ａは、ステアリングホイール１０と同様に、外形を略長方形形状とする外周縁部２５Ａの全周にわたって、配設されている。そして、把持部２６Ａに配設される外周縁側支持材部１６Ａは、ステアリングホイール１０と同様に、外周縁側に、回動中心軸Ｃ１に沿った下方側に突出して、外周縁部２５Ａの全周にわたって連なる環状凸部１７、を配設させ、環状凸部１７の上面１７ａ側に、外周縁部２５Ａの全周にわたって連なり、回動中心軸Ｃ１と略直交方向に連結部１４側に平面状に延びる環状平坦部１８、を配設させて構成されている。 Further, the grip portion 26A is arranged over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge portion 25A having a substantially rectangular outer shape, similarly to the steering wheel 10. Then, the outer peripheral edge side support member portion 16A arranged on the grip portion 26A projects downward along the rotation center axis C1 toward the outer peripheral edge side like the steering wheel 10, and the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge portion 25A. An annular convex portion 17 is arranged so as to be continuous over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge portion 25A on the upper surface 17a side of the annular convex portion 17, and is planar on the connecting portion 14 side in a direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation center axis C1. It is configured by disposing an extending annular flat portion 18.

そして、把持部２６Ａが、環状凸部１７の上面１７ａ側から外周面側を経た下面側を、被覆材２０Ａを介在させて、運転者の把持する把持本体部２７Ａとして、構成されて、把持部２６Ａの被覆材２０Ａが、外周縁部２５Ａの下面側において、外周縁側支持材部１６Ａの環状凸部１７の下方から、収納凹部２８Ａの領域を経て、連結部１４近傍の下方までの領域を、略平面状の肉厚ｔＡとして、配設されるとともに、運転者の把持時に、弾性変形して、収納凹部２８Ａを形成可能な硬度として、配設されている。 The grip portion 26A is configured as a grip body portion 27A to be gripped by the driver by interposing a covering material 20A on the lower surface side of the annular convex portion 17 from the upper surface 17a side to the outer peripheral surface side. On the lower surface side of the outer peripheral edge portion 25A, the covering material 20A of 26A covers a region from below the annular convex portion 17 of the outer peripheral edge side support member portion 16A, through the region of the storage recess 28A, to the lower portion near the connecting portion 14. It is arranged as a substantially flat wall thickness tA, and is also arranged as having a hardness capable of elastically deforming and forming a storage recess 28A when the driver grips it.

被覆材２０Ａは、硬度を３０〜４５（アスカーＣ硬度）の範囲内の約４０として、把持部２６の把持時、収納凹部２８を形成しつつ、安定したホールド感を確保して、運転者は把持部２６Ａを把持することができる。 The covering material 20A has a hardness of about 40 in the range of 30 to 45 (Asker C hardness), and when the grip portion 26 is gripped, the storage recess 28 is formed while ensuring a stable hold feeling, and the driver can secure a stable hold feeling. The grip portion 26A can be gripped.

この把持部２６Ａの把持時には、ステアリングホイール１０と同様に、把持本体部２７Ａの上面２７ａ側では、剛性を有した環状平坦部１８の連結部１４側まで延びる平面状の部位１８ａが、配設されていることから、把持本体部２７の上面２７ａ側の軟質の被覆材２０Ａの上面側部２１ａを弾性変形させて、感触を良好な状態を維持しつつ、親指Ｆ０と母指球ＤＰＭ付近とを、広い平面状の環状平坦部１８側の平面状部位１８ａに押し付けることができる。把持本体部２７Ａの下面２７ｃ側では、外周縁部２５Ａの全周にわたって、周囲の軟質の被覆材２０Ａの下面側部２１ｃや内側面部２１ｄを弾性変形させて、感触を良好にしつつ、収納凹部２８Ａを形成して、人差し指Ｆ１、中指Ｆ２、薬指Ｆ３、小指Ｆ４が、把持本体部２７Ａの下面２７ｃ側を掴むことができて、その結果、環状凸部１７付近の把持本体部２７Ａの周囲を的確に把持できて、親指Ｆ０等を差し込むような開口を備えていなくとも、安定して操舵操作を行える。 At the time of gripping the grip portion 26A, a flat portion 18a extending to the connecting portion 14 side of the rigid annular flat portion 18 is arranged on the upper surface 27a side of the grip body portion 27A, similarly to the steering wheel 10. Therefore, the upper surface side portion 21a of the soft covering material 20A on the upper surface 27a side of the gripping main body portion 27 is elastically deformed to maintain a good feel while maintaining the thumb F0 and the vicinity of the ball DPM. , Can be pressed against the flat portion 18a on the wide flat annular flat portion 18 side. On the lower surface 27c side of the gripping main body 27A, the lower surface side 21c and the inner side surface 21d of the surrounding soft covering material 20A are elastically deformed over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge 25A to improve the feel and the storage recess 28A. The index finger F1, the middle finger F2, the ring finger F3, and the little finger F4 can grip the lower surface 27c side of the gripping main body 27A, and as a result, accurately surround the gripping main body 27A near the annular convex portion 17. Even if it does not have an opening for inserting the thumb F0 or the like, the steering operation can be performed stably.

したがって、このステアリングホイール１０Ａでも、ボス部２３の上方から操舵時に把持する外周縁部２５Ａまでの領域に、指を差し込むような開口を備えていない構成としても、操舵時の感触を良好にしつつ、円滑に操舵操作をすることができる。 Therefore, even if the steering wheel 10A does not have an opening for inserting a finger in the region from the upper side of the boss portion 23 to the outer peripheral edge portion 25A to be gripped during steering, the steering feel is improved. The steering operation can be performed smoothly.

さらに、このステアリングホイール１０Ａでは、把持部２６Ａを実際に把持するまで、外周縁部２５Ａの下面側が凹みの無い平面状となることから、斬新なデザインのステアリングホイール１０Ａとすることができる。 Further, in this steering wheel 10A, the lower surface side of the outer peripheral edge portion 25A becomes a flat surface without a dent until the grip portion 26A is actually gripped, so that the steering wheel 10A can be a novel design.

なお、実施形態のステアリングホイール１０では、中央部３０に、クッション部３４からなって上方へ隆起する隆起部３２を設けており、運転者ＭＤが、図５，６の二点鎖線に示すように、中央部３０の隆起部３２の上面３２ａ側に頭部ＭＨを載せれば、クッション部３４の弾力性により、運転者ＭＤの頭部ＭＨは、クッション性良く、隆起部３２に支持されて、運転者ＭＤは、隆起部３２を枕のように使用できる。特に、隆起部３２を設けた中央部３０は、図２，５，６に示すように、回動中心軸Ｃ１側のボス部２３の上方を含めて、運転者ＭＤが操舵時に把持する把持部２６を設けた外周縁部２５の内側の全域を塞ぐように配設されて、上下を貫通するような開口を備えておらず、外周縁部２５の内側の全域を塞ぐような隆起部３２の上面３２ａ側の全域で、運転者ＭＤの頭部ＭＨ等を支持できて、快適に、中央部３０の隆起部３２を、枕のように使用できる。勿論、中央部３０におけるクッション部３４を設けた隆起部３２は、外周縁部２５の内側に配設されて、ステアリングホイール１０自体に配設されており、使用時に、別途、取り付けること無く使用できる。なお、操舵時に把持する把持部２６は、枕のように使用可能な隆起部３２の周囲の外周縁部２５に、配設されており、運転者ＭＤは、把持部２６を把持して、円滑に、操舵することができる。 The steering wheel 10 of the embodiment is provided with a raised portion 32 formed of a cushion portion 34 and raised upward in the central portion 30, as shown by the driver MD as shown by the two-point chain line in FIGS. If the head MH is placed on the upper surface 32a side of the raised portion 32 of the central portion 30, the head MH of the driver MD has good cushioning property due to the elasticity of the cushion portion 34, and is supported by the raised portion 32. The driver 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 grips the grip portion 26 smoothly. In addition, it can be steered.

また、実施形態では、外周縁側支持材部１６の環状平坦部１８近傍の連結部１４の部位を、環状平坦部１８と同等の平面状として、貫通孔１５を設けた場合を示したが、運転者ＭＤの把持するエリアから外れていれば、環状平坦部１８近傍の連結部１４の部位に、支持材１１の強度を向上させる等のために、上方へ突出する凸部を設けてもよい。 Further, in the embodiment, the case where the through hole 15 is provided in the portion of the connecting portion 14 in the vicinity of the annular flat portion 18 of the outer peripheral edge side support member portion 16 to have the same flat surface as the annular flat portion 18 is shown. If it is out of the area held by the person MD, a convex portion protruding upward may be provided at a portion of the connecting portion 14 near the annular flat portion 18 in order to improve the strength of the support member 11.

１０，１０Ａ…ステアリングホイール、１１，１１Ａ…支持材、１２…ボス側支持材部、１４…連結部、１６，１６Ａ…外周縁側支持材部、１７…環状凸部、１８…環状平坦部、２０，２０Ａ…被覆材、２３…ボス部、２５，２５Ａ…外周縁部、２６，２６Ａ（Ｆ，Ｂ，Ｌ，Ｒ）…把持部、２７，２７Ａ…把持本体部、
２８，２８Ａ…収納凹部、３０…中央部、
Ｃ１…回動中心軸、ＭＤ…運転者。 10, 10A ... Steering wheel, 11, 11A ... Support material, 12 ... Boss side support material part, 14 ... Connecting part, 16, 16A ... Outer peripheral edge side support material part, 17 ... Ring convex part, 18 ... Ring flat part, 20 , 20A ... Covering material, 23 ... Boss part, 25, 25A ... Outer peripheral edge part, 26,26A (F, B, L, R) ... Gripping part, 27, 27A ... Gripping body part,
28, 28A ... Storage recess, 30 ... Central part,
C1 ... Rotation center axis, MD ... Driver.

Claims

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
As a configuration with
A boss-side support material portion arranged on the boss portion and an outer peripheral edge-side support material portion arranged on the outer peripheral edge portion so as to connect the boss portion, the central portion, and the outer peripheral edge portion to each other. , A support member which is arranged in the central portion and is configured to have rigidity and includes a connecting portion for connecting the boss side support member portion and the outer peripheral edge side support member portion. At the same time
At least, a coating material softer than the support material is arranged around the outer peripheral edge side support material portion of the support material and the connection portion in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge side support material portion.
The grip portion is arranged over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge portion, and
The outer peripheral edge side support material portion disposed on the grip portion is
An annular convex portion that protrudes downward along the rotation center axis and is continuous over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge portion is arranged on the outer peripheral edge side.
An annular flat portion that is continuous over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge portion and extends in a plane on the connecting portion side in a direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation center axis is arranged on the upper surface side of the annular convex portion.
The grip portion
The region on the lower surface side from the upper surface side to the outer peripheral surface side of the annular convex portion is configured as a gripping main body portion to be gripped by the driver with the covering material interposed therebetween.
The coating on the lower end side of the annular convex portion in the arrangement region of the covering material on the inner peripheral side of the annular convex portion on the lower surface side of the annular flat portion of the outer peripheral edge side support material portion, at least when the driver grips the annular convex portion. A steering wheel characterized in that a storage recess that allows the driver's fingertips to enter is arranged by being recessed upward from the lower surface of the material portion.

On the lower surface side of the outer peripheral edge portion, the covering material of the grip portion has a wall thickness that dents the area of the storage recess upward from the lower surface below the annular convex portion of the outer peripheral edge side support member portion. The steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein the steering wheel is arranged.

The covering material of the grip portion is on the lower surface side of the outer peripheral edge portion.
The region from below the annular convex portion of the outer peripheral edge side support member portion to the lower portion near the connecting portion through the region of the storage recess is arranged as a substantially flat wall thickness.
The steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein the steering wheel is arranged so as to have a hardness that allows the storage recess to be formed by elastically deforming when the driver grips the steering wheel.