Illumination unit for a steering handle of a motor vehicle and steering handle having such an illumination unit

Abstract

A lighting unit for a steering handle of a motor vehicle, the lighting unit extending in a longitudinal direction (s) and having a plurality of lighting segments (22) placed in succession in the longitudinal direction, a diffuser (24) constituting an outer side (26) of the lighting unit (18) and emitting light from the lighting unit (18) into the surroundings (28), a plurality of light sources (30) arranged at an inner side (32) of the lighting unit (18) opposite the outer side (26), emitting light in the direction of the diffuser (24) and having a spacing (x1) to the diffuser (24) transverse to the longitudinal direction (s), wherein at least one light source (30) is assigned to each lighting segment (22), and wherein in a transition region (34) of two adjacent lighting segments (22) a reflector (36) is arranged which projects from the inner side (32) of the lighting unit (18) in the direction of the diffuser (24), wherein a minimum spacing (x2) between the reflector (36) and the diffuser (24) is at most 20%, in particular at most 5%, of the spacing (x1) between the light sources (30) and the diffuser (24).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an illumination unit for a steering handle of a motor vehicle, the illumination unit extending longitudinally and comprising: a plurality of illumination segments arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction; a diffuser forming the outer side of the illumination unit and emitting light from the illumination unit into the surrounding environment; and a plurality of light sources disposed on the inner side of the illumination unit opposite to the outer side, emitting light toward the diffuser and spaced transversely to the longitudinal direction from the diffuser, wherein each illumination segment is provided with at least one light source. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a steering handle, particularly a vehicle steering wheel, having such an illumination unit.

[0002] In the prior art, lighting devices for steering wheel elements have been generally described, including, for example, illuminated multi-function switches on vehicle steering wheels that enable safe operation even in darkness. Furthermore, lighting devices for vehicle emblems or decorative elements are known to give the steering wheel a particularly high-quality appearance. Meanwhile, lighting elements are also used in the area of ​​the steering wheel rim, where this illumination serves not only as a design element to enhance the visual appeal of the steering wheel but also increasingly as a means of signaling and communicating with vehicle occupants.

[0003] For example, this communication with vehicle occupants can be supported by different colored lighting or by lighting patterns that selectively turn individual lighting elements on and off.

[0004] A steering handle implemented as a steering wheel is known from WO 2013 / 029727 A1 of the same type, wherein a plurality of lighting devices are arranged on the circumference of the steering wheel rim. Here, the fastening element for the steering wheel sleeve placed around the steering wheel rim includes a light guide that can be coupled to the lighting devices.

[0005] In a long, elongated light strip, for example, extending circumferentially along a steering wheel rim and having multiple lighting segments arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction, the following effect occurs when the light strip is partially illuminated: light diffuses from the illuminated segments to adjacent, unilluminated segments. Therefore, it becomes almost impossible to distinguish the individual lighting segments, making it difficult to provide clear and unambiguous signals to vehicle occupants. It is conceivable to design the light strip as discontinuous and structurally separate adjacent lighting segments, but this has proven to be structurally complex. Furthermore, the desired, especially largely uniform and continuous, light strip illumination cannot be achieved.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a lighting unit and a steering handle having such a lighting unit, which not only enables largely uniform illumination of adjacent lighting segments, but also enables clearly defined independent illumination of each lighting segment.

[0007] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by an illumination unit of the type described at the outset, in which a reflector is provided at least in the transition region between two adjacent illumination segments, the reflector extending from the inside of the illumination unit toward a diffuser, wherein the minimum distance between the reflector and the diffuser is at most 20%, particularly at most 5%, of the distance between the light source and the diffuser. By using a reflector extending toward the diffuser in the transition region between two adjacent illumination segments, light spillover into adjacent illumination segments is largely prevented or at least greatly reduced. Simultaneously, the reflector enables uniform illumination of the entire assigned illumination segment, extending to the edge region of the adjacent illumination segment. In particular, the surface of the reflector facing the diffuser extends substantially concavely from the region adjacent to the light source (preferably, the surface of the reflector has the maximum distance from the diffuser in this region) to the transition region between two adjacent lighting segments (preferably, the surface of the reflector has the minimum distance from the diffuser in this transition region), the surface of the reflector facing the diffuser forming a convex apex in this transition region and then extending substantially concavely to the region adjacent to the light source of the adjacent lighting segment.

[0008] Preferably, the diffuser extends over at least two adjacent lighting segments of the lighting unit, and more particularly over all lighting segments. This results in a coherent, smooth outer surface, wherein the light scattering and / or refraction properties of the diffuser also enable particularly uniform illumination of multiple adjacent lighting segments. However, since the reflector is close to the diffuser in the transition region between two adjacent lighting segments, relatively well-defined illumination of each lighting segment can also be achieved simultaneously.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable that the reflector is made of a white material and / or has a reflective coating, such that light incident on the reflector is reflected in the direction of the diffuser. Specifically, the reflector may be made of opaque plastic, especially opaque white plastic.

[0010] In one embodiment of the lighting unit, a housing is provided, wherein the reflector is integrally formed with the housing, particularly with the bottom and / or sidewalls of the housing. Therefore, the housing and reflector can be manufactured simply and economically, for example, using injection molding. Furthermore, this allows the lighting unit to be adapted to steering handles of different geometries with less expense.

[0011] In this embodiment, the housing of the lighting unit may have housing sidewalls, on which the diffuser is placed and preferably also secured. On the side of the housing opposite to the diffuser, a circuit board with multiple light sources may also be provided, which may also be secured to the housing, particularly to the bottom of the housing. In this case, the lighting unit constitutes a pre-assembled assembly that can then be quickly and easily assembled into the clearance of the steering handle.

[0012] In another embodiment of the lighting unit, at least two reflectors are arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction, with a light guide positioned between adjacent reflectors. For example, the light guide may be made of transparent, light-guiding plastic and may form a two-component injection-molded part together with the reflectors. Accordingly, the reflectors arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction in the transition region between two adjacent lighting segments may be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction or may be integrally integrated into each other within the region of (multiple) light sources. The light guide ensures that light energy is transmitted from the light source to the diffuser in a manner with minimal loss within the lighting segment.

[0013] Preferably, in this embodiment, the reflector extends from the surface of the light guide toward the diffuser. Thus, the reflector forms a light-blocking portion in the transition region between two adjacent illumination segments and prevents light from traveling from one illumination segment to the adjacent illumination segment.

[0014] The surface of the light guide facing the diffuser can have a defined, particularly uneven, three-dimensional geometry to aid in achieving the most uniform possible illumination of the illumination segments through light refraction. Here, light is typically directed to the edges or transition regions of the illumination segments to achieve a light intensity similar to that at the center of the illumination segment.

[0015] The reflector is preferably adjacent to the diffuser of the lighting unit, but spaced apart from it. Preferably, this also applies to the light guide (if present). The smaller the distance between the reflector and the diffuser, the more clearly the illumination of adjacent lighting segments can be defined. However, contact is undesirable, as such contact can be seen from the outside of the lighting unit and, in particular, interfere with the uniform illumination of multiple adjacent lighting segments. Ideally, the dimensions of the components of the lighting unit are determined such that a certain distance is ensured between the reflector and the diffuser (and, where necessary, between the light guide and the diffuser) while taking into account the corresponding dimensional tolerances.

[0016] In another embodiment of the lighting unit, at least two reflectors are arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction, wherein the surface of the diffuser facing the light source arches between the two adjacent reflectors in the direction towards the light source, and in particular, the diffuser and the reflector overlap.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a steering handle for a motor vehicle, particularly a vehicle steering wheel, the steering handle having: a steering axis about which the steering handle is rotatable in an installed state; a central hub through which the steering axis extends; a grip that at least partially surrounds the hub; a connecting element that secures the grip to the hub; and the aforementioned lighting unit, wherein the lighting unit is integrated into the grip, particularly into the foam filling of the grip.

[0018] Preferably, the grip is a circumferential steering wheel rim that surrounds the steering axis in a circumferential direction, wherein the longitudinal direction of the lighting unit corresponds to the circumferential direction of the steering wheel rim.

[0019] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0020] - Figure 1 A schematic top view of the steering handle of the present invention with the lighting unit of the present invention is shown, wherein all lighting segments are illuminated.

[0021] - Figure 2 The diagram shows the lines drawn along the basis. Figure 1 A graph showing the luminous intensity L in the longitudinal direction s of the lighting unit;

[0022] - Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 1 A schematic top view of the steering handle of the lighting unit, in which several lighting sections are illuminated;

[0023] - Figure 4 The diagram shows the lines drawn along the basis. Figure 3 A graph showing the luminous intensity L in the longitudinal direction s of the lighting unit;

[0024] - Figure 5 A schematic longitudinal sectional view of three lighting segments of the lighting unit of the present invention according to one embodiment is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of three lighting segments of the lighting unit of the present invention according to another embodiment; and

[0026] Figure 7 shows the results according to... Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the steering handle grip in the area of ​​the lighting unit of the present invention.

[0027] exist Figure 1 and Figure 3The diagram shows a schematic top view of a steering handle 10 for a motor vehicle, which has: a steering axis A about which the steering handle 10 can rotate when installed; a central hub 12 through which the steering axis A extends; a grip 14 that at least partially surrounds the hub 12; a connecting element 16 that secures the grip 14 to the hub 12; and an elongated lighting unit 18 that extends in the longitudinal direction s and is integrated into the grip 14, particularly into the foam filling 20 of the skeleton 21 of the grip 14 (see Figure 7).

[0028] In this embodiment, the steering handle 10 is implemented as a vehicle steering wheel, wherein the grip 14 is a circumferential steering wheel rim surrounding the steering axis A, wherein the circumferential direction of the steering wheel rim corresponds to the longitudinal direction s of the lighting unit 18. Furthermore, three connecting elements 16, implemented as spokes, are provided, which connect the closed, surrounding steering wheel rim to the hub 12.

[0029] The lighting unit 18 of the steering handle 10 has multiple lighting segments 22, which are arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction s, wherein, Figure 1 It shows the state where all lighting segments 22 are lit, and Figure 2 A related graph is shown, in which the light intensity L along the longitudinal direction s of the illumination unit 18 is plotted. And... Figure 3 In this case, only a few lighting segments 22, specifically the third and ninth of the eleven lighting segments 22, are lit. Figure 4 The corresponding graph is shown, in which the light intensity L along the longitudinal direction s is plotted.

[0030] Clearly, with all illumination segments 22 lit, a nearly constant desired light intensity L1 appears along the entire dimension of the illumination unit 18 in the longitudinal direction s (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 Therefore, the illumination of the entire lighting unit 18, which is a light strip, appears extremely uniform. Here, the possible deviation from the desired light intensity L1 is so small that vehicle occupants will not perceive it, or at least will not cause any disturbance, and thus can be ignored.

[0031] Furthermore, when several lighting segments 22 are illuminated, light diffusion into adjacent, unlit lighting segments 22 is largely prevented, while the corresponding lit lighting segments 22 are illuminated extremely uniformly along their dimension s1 in the longitudinal direction s with a desired light intensity L1 (see [reference]). Figure 3 and Figure 4The relatively clear separation between the illuminated and unilluminated sections of the lighting unit 18 facilitates the transmission of signals that are clearly and distinctly perceived by the vehicle occupants.

[0032] Therefore, the steering handle 10 of the motor vehicle has the following features Figure 5 The lighting unit 18 is described in detail in Figure 7.

[0033] The elongated lighting unit 18 extends along the longitudinal direction s and includes: a plurality of lighting segments 22 arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction s; a diffuser 24 that forms the outer side 26 of the lighting unit 18 and emits light from the lighting unit 18 into the surrounding environment 28; and a plurality of light sources 30 that are disposed on the inner side 32 of the lighting unit 18 opposite to the outer side 26, are transverse to the longitudinal direction s and have a distance x1 from the diffuser 24, and emit light toward the diffuser 24.

[0034] According to Figure 5 In the embodiment shown with the lighting unit 18 of Figure 6, the diffuser 24 extends over at least two adjacent lighting segments 22, and in particular over all lighting segments 22.

[0035] Each lighting segment 22 is equipped with at least one light source 30, wherein an opaque reflector 36 is provided in the transition region 34 between two adjacent lighting segments 22, the reflector extending from the inner side 32 of the lighting unit 18 toward the diffuser 24. Here, the minimum distance x2 between the reflector 36 and the diffuser 24 is at most 20%, and more particularly at most 5%, of the distance x1 between the light source 30 and the diffuser 24.

[0036] like Figure 5 As schematically and exemplary in Figure 6, the surface of the reflector 36 facing the diffuser 24 extends substantially concavely from the region where the light source 30 and the diffuser 24 have the maximum distance x1 to a transition region 34 between two adjacent illumination segments 22, where the reflector and diffuser 24 have the minimum distance x2. In the transition region 34, the surface of the reflector 36 forms a convex apex and then extends substantially concavely to the region of the adjacent light source 30. Here, the concave or convex surface region can have a continuous curvature or approximate a polygonal curve through multiple linear segments.

[0037] In order to deflect the luminous flux of the light source 30 toward the diffuser 24 in a manner with the least possible loss, the opaque reflector 36 is made of white material, especially white plastic, and / or has a reflective coating.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting unit 18 also has a housing having a housing bottom 38 and a housing sidewall 40, wherein the reflector 36 is integrally implemented with the housing, particularly with the housing bottom 38 and / or the housing sidewall 40.

[0039] Referring to the longitudinal direction s, the diffuser 24, particularly in the end region of the illumination unit 18, can be placed on and secured to the housing sidewall 40, such as... Figure 5 As shown in Figure 6.

[0040] The light sources 30 assigned to each lighting segment 22 are designed as LEDs or other lighting devices and are arranged on a circuit board 41 in the current embodiment. The circuit board 41 is fastened to the housing, particularly to the bottom 38 of the housing, so that the lighting unit 18 constitutes a pre-assembled assembly that can then be quickly and easily assembled into the recess in the steering handle 10.

[0041] Figure 5 An embodiment of the lighting unit 18 is shown, wherein a plurality of reflectors 36 are arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction, and light guides 42 are correspondingly arranged between two adjacent reflectors 36. The light guides 42 are made of transparent plastic and can be manufactured as a two-component injection molded part together with the reflectors 36.

[0042] The reflector 36 extends from the surface of the light guide 42 toward the diffuser 24 in the transition region 34 between two adjacent illumination segments 22 to prevent light from diffusing from one illumination segment 22 into the adjacent illumination segment 22.

[0043] like Figure 5 As shown, the surfaces of the light guide 42 facing the diffuser 24 each have defined geometric structures 44, particularly non-flat / three-dimensional structures 44. With the help of suitable surface structures, the light intensity L can be locally affected, so that the entire illumination segment 22 is illuminated particularly uniformly.

[0044] In order to ensure the most uniform illumination possible even when multiple adjacent lighting segments 22 are illuminated, the reflector 36 and the light guide 42 are directly adjacent to the diffuser 24 but spaced apart from it, so that no undesirable, externally visible contact areas are created.

[0045] Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of the lighting unit 18, which also has a plurality of reflectors 36 arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction s and according to... Figure 5The main difference in the implementation method is that the surface of the diffuser 24 facing the light source 30 arches towards the light source 30 between two adjacent reflectors 36. Here, this arching of the inner side of the diffuser 24 can be achieved by the continuous curvature of the diffuser surface (see Figure 6, the left and right illumination segments 22) or by a linear approximation (see Figure 6, the middle illumination segment 22).

[0046] By combining the geometry adjusted accordingly to reflector 36 with a suitable light source 30, this structural change in diffuser 24 eliminates the need for light guide 42. Figure 5 This would not negatively affect the uniform illumination of the lighting segment 22. However, it is certainly also conceivable to have an implementation variant in which the lighting unit 18 according to FIG. 6 additionally has a light guide 42.

[0047] As can be seen from Figure 6, the arch on the inner side of the diffuser 24 is particularly noticeable, causing the diffuser 24 and the reflector 36 to coincide laterally with the longitudinal direction s.

[0048] Finally, Figure 7 shows the crossing according to Figure 1 The section VII-VII of the grip 14 of the steering handle 10, according to Figure 5 The lighting unit 18 is housed within the foam padding 20 of the grip. In this case, the lighting unit 18, together with the housing, circuit board 41 (including the light source 30), reflector 36, and (optionally) light guide 42, is implemented as a prefabricated assembly fitted into a recess in the foam padding 20. Subsequently, before the lighting unit 18 is closed by the housing cover 48, a sheath 46 (e.g., leather or synthetic leather) is provided at least sectionally for the grip 14, wherein the diffuser 24 is integrated into the housing cover 48. When the housing cover 48 is fitted, one edge of the sheath 46 is clamped between the housing cover 48 and the housing sidewall 40, thereby reliably preventing the sheath 46 from undesirably coming loose at the edge. As an alternative or supplement to clamping the housing cover 48 or the diffuser 24 tightly to the housing of the lighting unit 18, locking and / or adhesive fastening may also be provided.

Claims

1. A lighting unit for a steering handle (10) of a motor vehicle, the lighting unit extending in a longitudinal direction (s), the lighting unit having: Multiple lighting segments (22) are placed sequentially in the longitudinal direction (s); A diffuser (24) forms the outer side (26) of the lighting unit (18) and emits light from the lighting unit (18) into the surrounding environment (28); Multiple light sources (30) are disposed on the inner side (32) of the illumination unit (18) opposite to the outer side (26), emitting light toward the diffuser (24) and having a distance (x1) from the diffuser (24) in the transverse direction (s). in, Each lighting segment (22) is equipped with at least one light source (30). The feature is that a reflector (36) is provided in the transition region (34) between two adjacent lighting segments (22), the reflector extending from the inner side (32) of the lighting unit (18) toward the diffuser (24). The minimum distance (x2) between the reflector (36) and the diffuser (24) is at most 20% of the distance (x1) between the light source (30) and the diffuser (24); and at least two reflectors (36) are arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction (s), wherein a light guide (42) is provided between two adjacent reflectors (36), and the reflector (36) extends from the surface of the light guide (42) toward the diffuser (24).

2. The lighting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diffuser (24) extends over at least two adjacent lighting segments (22).

3. The lighting unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A housing is provided, wherein the reflector (36) is integrally implemented with the housing.

4. The lighting unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The housing has a housing sidewall (40), wherein the diffuser (24) is placed on the housing sidewall (40).

5. The lighting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflector (36) is made of a white material and / or has a reflective coating.

6. The lighting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the light guide (42) facing the diffuser (24) has a defined geometry.

7. The lighting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The assembly includes at least two reflectors (36) arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction (s), wherein the surface of the diffuser (24) facing the light source (30) arches between adjacent reflectors (36) toward the light source (30).

8. The lighting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflector (36) is spaced apart from the diffuser (24).

9. The lighting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The minimum distance (x2) between the reflector (36) and the diffuser (24) is at most 5% of the distance (x1) between the light source (30) and the diffuser (24).

10. A steering handle for a motor vehicle, the steering handle having: Steering axis (A), the steering handle (10) can rotate about the steering axis when installed; The central hub (12) through which the steering axis (A) extends; A grip (14) that at least partially surrounds the hub (12). Connecting element (16), which secures the grip (14) to the hub (12); and The lighting unit (18) according to claim 1. Its features are, The lighting unit (18) is integrated into the grip (14).

11. The steering handle according to claim 10, characterized in that, The steering handle is the vehicle's steering wheel.

12. The steering handle according to claim 11, characterized in that, The grip (14) is a circumferential steering wheel rim that surrounds the steering axis (A) in a circumferential direction, wherein the longitudinal direction (s) of the lighting unit (18) corresponds to the circumferential direction of the steering wheel rim.

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