Vehicle steering wheel equipped with electrical device

Abstract

A vehicle steering wheel (100) comprising:-a hub (10),-a rim (20),-at least one electrical device (40) secured to the steering wheel, preferably to the rim (20),-a securing interface (50) of the electrical device (40), characterized in that the securing interface (50) comprises:-a first securing portion (51) comprising at least one built-in reference portion (51D1) and a base reference portion (51D2), -a first securing portion (52) comprising a securing shape and a securing counter shape arranged to cooperate when the electrical device (40) is mounted on the steering wheel to determine a preset mounting movement (M) of the electrical device (40) on the steering wheel,-a second securing portion (52) comprising a securing shape and a securing counter shape arranged to engage at the end of the preset mounting movement (M) to position and / or retain the electrical device (40) on the steering wheel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle steering wheel. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art of vehicle steering wheels, it is known to fix electrical devices on the steering wheel and its rim. However, the gap between the rim and the spokes sometimes limits the possibility of arranging the electrical device on the rim of the vehicle steering wheel. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, firstly, the present invention specifically provides a vehicle steering wheel, in which the positioning freedom of the electrical device is high, especially arranged on the rim of the vehicle steering wheel.

[0004] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising:

[0005] -wheel hub,

[0006] - wheel rims,

[0007] - at least one spoke connecting the rim and the hub,

[0008] - at least one electrical device, said electrical device being fixed to the steering wheel, preferably to the rim,

[0009] - a fixed interface of the electrical device on the steering wheel,

[0010] Characterized in that, the fixed interface includes:

[0011] a first fixing portion comprising at least one built-in reference portion provided on the electrical device and a base reference portion provided on the steering wheel, the two being arranged to cooperate with each other when the electrical device is mounted on the steering wheel to determine a predetermined mounting movement of the electrical device on the steering wheel,

[0012] a second fixing portion comprising a fixing shape provided on the electrical device and a fixing counter-shape provided on the steering wheel, which are arranged to engage with each other at the end of a predetermined mounting movement of the electrical device on the steering wheel, in order to position and / or retain the electrical device on the steering wheel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first fixing portion may form an articulated arrangement, said articulated arrangement imparting a rotational movement to the electrical device.

[0014] In one embodiment:

[0015] - the built-in reference portion may be formed by or located at a first end of the electrical device, and / or

[0016] The base reference portion may be formed by or located at a connection between the outer surface of the steering wheel and the electrical device mounting cavity provided in the steering wheel.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first fixing portion may further include:

[0018] - at least one main protrusion, such as a fixing hook, provided on one of the steering wheel and the electrical device,

[0019] - at least one main receiving cavity provided on the other of the steering wheel and the electrical device, the main receiving cavity being adapted to receive the main projection during the installation movement.

[0020] In one embodiment, the second fixing portion may include:

[0021] - at least one secondary protrusion, such as a fixing claw, provided on one of the steering wheel and the electrical device, said secondary protrusion forming a fixing shape,

[0022] - at least one secondary receiving cavity, such as a fixing groove, provided on the other of the steering wheel and the electrical device, the secondary receiving cavity being adapted to receive the secondary protrusion and form a fixing inverse shape,

[0023] - Preferably, a locking element, such as a clip, is provided to lock the secondary protrusion in the secondary receiving cavity.

[0024] In one embodiment, the secondary protrusion and / or the secondary receiving cavity may include an inclined surface:

[0025] - the inclined surface is configured to exert a pressing force facing the first installation direction, and / or

[0026] - The inclined surface is contained within a determined radius of curvature to avoid interference between the secondary protrusion and the secondary receiving cavity during the installation movement.

[0027] In one embodiment, the second fixing portion may include at least one screw that fixes the electrical device to the steering wheel.

[0028] In one embodiment, the electrical device may be secured to the rim.

[0029] In one embodiment:

[0030] - the first fixing portion may be arranged in a region of the rim having a first cross section,

[0031] - the second fixing portion may be arranged in the region of the rim having the second cross section,

[0032] The first cross section may be smaller than the second cross section.

[0033] In one embodiment, a vehicle steering wheel may include a skeleton, and a filler material overmolded onto the skeleton and defining a parting surface, and:

[0034] - electrical devices (may be arranged across the parting surface, and / or

[0035] - the electrical device extends on both sides of the parting surface, and / or

[0036] -The installation movement can be contained within the parting plane or parallel to the parting plane.

[0037] In one embodiment, the electrical device:

[0038] - may include a switch or light-emitting device, and / or

[0039] -Can form independent modules.

[0040] In one embodiment, the first fixing portion and / or the second fixing portion may be arranged to provide a sequential assembly sequence: first, the electrical device is joined to the steering wheel at the first fixing portion, and then the electrical device is joined to the steering wheel at the second fixing portion.

[0041] In one embodiment, the vehicle steering wheel may be arranged to rotate about a steering column axis, and the mounting movement may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the steering column axis.

[0042] A second aspect of the invention may relate to a motor vehicle comprising a vehicle steering wheel according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0043] A third aspect of the present invention may relate to a method for assembling the vehicle steering wheel according to the first aspect of the present invention, comprising the following sequential steps:

[0044] - joining the electrical device to the steering wheel at a first fixing portion,

[0045] - causing the electrical device to perform a mounting movement while maintaining the electrical device engaged with the steering wheel at the first fixing portion,

[0046] - engaging the electrical device to the steering wheel at the second fixing portion to position and / or retain the electrical device on the steering wheel.

[0047] A fourth aspect of the present invention may relate to a vehicle steering wheel comprising:

[0048] -wheel hub,

[0049] - wheel rims,

[0050] - at least one spoke connecting the rim and the hub,

[0051] - at least one electrical device, said electrical device being fixed to the steering wheel, preferably to the rim,

[0052] - a fixed interface of the electrical device on the steering wheel,

[0053] Characterized in that, the fixed interface includes:

[0054] a first fixing portion, arranged to provide a first mounting orientation for mounting the electrical device on the steering wheel,

[0055] a second fixing portion arranged to provide a second mounting orientation for mounting the electrical device on the steering wheel, said second mounting orientation being different from the first mounting orientation.

[0056] In one embodiment, the first fixing portion may form an articulation which imparts a rotational movement to the second mounting orientation.

[0057] In one embodiment, the first fixing portion is arranged to provide a linear or axial first mounting direction.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first fixing portion may include:

[0059] - at least one main protrusion, such as a fixing hook, provided on one of the steering wheel and the electrical device,

[0060] - at least one main receiving cavity provided on the other of the steering wheel and the electrical device, the main receiving cavity being adapted to receive the main protrusion.

[0061] In one embodiment, the second fixing portion may include:

[0062] - at least one secondary protrusion, such as a locking claw, provided on one of the steering wheel and the electrical device,

[0063] - at least one secondary receiving cavity, such as a fixing groove, provided on the other of the steering wheel and the electrical device,

[0064] - Preferably, a locking element, such as a clip, is provided to lock the secondary protrusion in the secondary receiving cavity.

[0065] In one embodiment, the secondary protrusion and / or the secondary receiving cavity may include an inclined surface, and the inclined surface is configured to apply a pressing force facing the first installation direction.

[0066] In one embodiment, the second fixing portion may include:

[0067] At least one screw securing the electrical device to the steering wheel.

[0068] In one embodiment, the electrical device may be secured to the rim.

[0069] In one embodiment:

[0070] - the first fixing portion may be arranged in a region of the rim having a first cross section,

[0071] - the second fixing portion may be arranged in the region of the rim having the second cross section,

[0072] The first cross section may be smaller than the second cross section.

[0073] In one embodiment, a vehicle steering wheel may include a skeleton, and a filler material overmolded onto the skeleton and defining a parting surface, and:

[0074] - electrical devices (may be arranged across the parting surface, and / or

[0075] - the electrical device extends on both sides of the parting surface, and / or

[0076] The first mounting direction and / or the second mounting direction may be contained within the parting plane or be parallel to the parting plane.

[0077] In one embodiment, the electrical device:

[0078] - may include a switch or light-emitting device, and / or

[0079] -Can form independent modules.

[0080] In one embodiment, the first fixing portion and / or the second fixing portion may be arranged to provide a sequential assembly sequence: first, the electrical device is joined to the steering wheel at the first fixing portion, and then the electrical device is joined to the steering wheel at the second fixing portion.

[0081] In one embodiment, the vehicle steering wheel may be configured to rotate about a steering wheel column axis, and the first mounting orientation and / or the second mounting orientation may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the steering wheel column axis.

[0082] That is, the fourth aspect of the present invention may relate to a vehicle steering wheel, comprising:

[0083] -wheel hub,

[0084] - wheel rims,

[0085] - at least one spoke connecting the rim and the hub,

[0086] - an electrical device, said electrical device being fixed to the steering wheel, preferably to the rim,

[0087] - a fixed interface of the electrical device on the steering wheel,

[0088] Characterized in that, the fixed interface includes:

[0089] a first fixing portion having a fixing hook and a main receiving cavity for receiving the fixing hook,

[0090] - a second fixing portion having a fixing claw and a secondary receiving cavity for receiving the fixing claw.

[0091] That is, the fourth aspect of the present invention may relate to a vehicle steering wheel, comprising:

[0092] -wheel hub,

[0093] - wheel rims,

[0094] - at least one spoke connecting the rim and the hub,

[0095] - an electrical device, said electrical device being fixed to the steering wheel, preferably to the rim,

[0096] - a fixed interface of the electrical device on the steering wheel,

[0097] Characterized in that, the fixed interface includes:

[0098] a first fixing portion, arranged to provide a first mounting step for mounting the electrical device on the steering wheel,

[0099] - a second fixing portion arranged to provide a second mounting step of mounting the electrical device on the steering wheel after the first mounting step.

[0100] A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a vehicle steering wheel according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0101] A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for assembling the vehicle steering wheel according to the first aspect of the present invention, comprising the following steps in sequence:

[0102] - joining the electrical device to the steering wheel at the first fixing portion and according to a mounting movement in a first mounting direction,

[0103] - joining the electrical device to the steering wheel at the second fixing portion and according to a mounting movement performed in a second mounting direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0104] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, which is described by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0105] [ Figure 1 ] is an overall view of a steering wheel equipped with a rim and two electrical devices fixed to the rim;

[0106] [ Figure 2 ]for Figure 1 a perspective view of one of the electrical devices shown;

[0107] [ Figure 3 ]for Figure 1 Simplified view of the electrical unit and wheel rim shown;

[0108] [ Figure 4 ]for Figure 1 The first embodiment of the installation sequence of the electrical device on the steering wheel is shown;

[0109] [ Figure 5 ]for Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the steering wheel rim shown;

[0110] [ Figure 6 ]for Figure 1 The second embodiment of the installation sequence of the electrical device on the steering wheel is shown;

[0111] [ Figure 7 ] for the steering wheel in Figure 5 A cross-sectional view on a plane parallel to the parting surface PJ shown;

[0112] [ Figure 8 ]for Figure 5 or Figure 7 A perspective view of the visible housing is shown in FIG;

[0113] [ Figure 9 ]for Figure 2 A perspective view of another embodiment of the electrical device shown;

[0114] [ Figure 10 ]for Figure 1 Steering wheel shown (with Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0115] Figure 1 1 is an overall view of a vehicle steering wheel 100 , which includes a hub 10 , a rim 20 , spokes 30 connecting the rim 20 and the hub 10 , and two electrical devices 40 mounted on the rim 20 .

[0116] Each electrical device 40 may be or include a control switch, a lighting device, or the like.

[0117] Figure 2The figure shows a rear perspective view of the electrical device 40. The electrical device includes a support surface 41 formed at the rear of the peripheral edge of the electrical device 40, a fixing hook 51A, and a fixing claw 52A; the fixing hook and the fixing claw are both located on the rear surface (steering wheel frame side) of the electrical device 40, which faces one surface of the rim 20 and is intended to be hidden from the user.

[0118] To mount the electrical device 40 on the rim 20, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the steering wheel is equipped with a fastening interface 50 having a first fastening part 51 and a second fastening part 52 .

[0119] The first fixing portion 51 includes:

[0120] a fixing hook 51A forming a main projection and arranged at the first end 42 of the electrical device 40 ,

[0121] A main receiving cavity 51B, which is provided on the rim 20 and is used to receive the fixing hook 51A.

[0122] The second fixing portion 52 includes:

[0123] a fixing claw 52A forming a secondary projection and arranged at the second end 43 of the electrical device 40 ,

[0124] A fixing groove 52B forming a secondary housing cavity, provided on the rim 20 and adapted to receive the fixing claw 52A.

[0125] Figure 4 A first embodiment of a mounting sequence of the electrical device 40 on the rim 20 is shown.

[0126] The left figure shows a first installation step, in which the electrical device 40 is brought close to the rim 20 along a first installation direction 1M so as to first insert the fixing hook 51A into the main accommodation cavity 51B.

[0127] The middle figure shows the second installation step, in which securing hook 51A is inserted into primary accommodating cavity 51B. The electrical device 40 is then moved closer to the rim 20 in the second installation direction 2M, first inserting securing claw 52A into secondary accommodating cavity 52B. Note that at least a portion of the rim wall forming primary accommodating cavity 51B is positioned between securing hook 51A and first end 42 of the electrical device 40, which is visible externally.

[0128] The right figure shows the electrical device 40 secured to the rim 20, with the securing hook 51A inserted into the primary accommodating cavity 51B and the securing claw 52A inserted into the secondary accommodating cavity 52B. Note that the first end 42 abuts against at least a portion of the rim wall forming the primary accommodating cavity 51B, which is located between the securing hook 51A and the first end 42 of the visible exterior of the electrical device 40. Also, note that the second end 43 abuts against the visible portion of the rim 20. Finally, note that, except for the gap between the interior of the securing hook 51A and the portion of the rim wall forming the primary accommodating cavity 51B (which is located between the securing hook 51A and the first end 42), there is a gap throughout the primary accommodating cavity 51B and the securing hook 51A.

[0129] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the steering wheel rim is shown at the second fixing portion 52. In the embodiment shown, the rim 20 comprises:

[0130] - an outer flexible cover 21 (e.g. leather),

[0131] an electrical or electronic layer 22 , for example forming part of a device for detecting contact or proximity of a user's body part with the steering wheel or for heating the steering wheel,

[0132] - a filling or covering material 23, for example a polymer such as polyurethane,

[0133] - a skeleton 24 forming a metal frame of the steering wheel, for example made of magnesium alloy,

[0134] An attachment shell 25 , for example of plastic material such as polyamide forming a thin shell attached to the rim.

[0135] Figure 5 The fixing claw 52A is shown inserted into the fixing groove 52B. In addition, a resilient clip 52C is provided to prevent the fixing claw 52A from retracting. That is, the fixing claw 52A is fixed / clamped / retained in the fixing groove 52B by the resilient element (i.e., the resilient clip 52C), while the electrical device 40 abuts against the outer flexible disc sleeve 21 via the support surface 41. Please note that the fixing claw 52A can be inserted into the resilient clip 52C at different depths while still being firmly fixed, which ensures that contact between the support surface 41 and the flexible disc sleeve 21 is maintained. In the above embodiment, the flexible disc sleeve 21 can be positioned in an overlapping manner, and grooves can be provided on or within the fixing claw 52A to enhance the fixing effect of the resilient clip 52C; in addition, dimensional changes can be compensated, for example, by using a deformable resilient sheet to compensate for these changes while ensuring contact between the support surface 41 and the flexible disc sleeve 21.

[0136] Alternatively, a bolt connection may be used to form the second fixing portion 52 of the fixing interface 50 of the electrical device 40 on the rim 20. A tree stand mounting or any other elastic and / or irreversible fixing means may be used.

[0137] Please note that the filling or covering material 23 is manufactured by injection molding and thus has a parting surface PJ, and the electrical device 40 extends on both sides of the parting surface PJ.

[0138] Please note the following:

[0139] - the first mounting direction 1M is different from the second mounting direction 2M,

[0140] - the first mounting direction 1M and / or the second mounting direction 2M are located in the plane formed by the rim 20 and / or the parting plane PJ, or at least parallel to the plane formed by the rim 20 and / or the parting plane PJ, so that the fixing claw 52A is inserted into the fixing groove 52B in the direction in the parting plane PJ,

[0141] the fixing claws 52A cooperate with the fixing grooves 52B to prevent the electrical device from translating in a direction perpendicular to the parting plane PJ (that is, the fixing claws 52A provide fixation along the mounting movement 2M and prevent the electrical device 40 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the parting plane PJ),

[0142] - the first mounting direction 1M is substantially linear or axial,

[0143] - a second mounting direction 2M is a rotational or substantially linear movement,

[0144] - The installation of the electrical device is carried out in sequence so that it can be installed in a smaller space (between the rim 20 and the spokes 30),

[0145] - The fixing hook 51A can be arranged to cooperate with the main receiving cavity 51B so as to be in the Z direction (perpendicular to the Figure 4 Positioning the electrical device 40 in the direction of the plane shown,

[0146] The supporting surface 41 abuts against the flexible sleeve 21 to cover the flexible sleeve.

[0147] Figure 6 FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the installation sequence of the electrical device 40 on the rim 20. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first mounting embodiment shown differs in that:

[0148] - Using the first fixing portion 51 to form at least one built-in reference portion 51D1 (e.g. Figure 6The steering wheel 20 is provided with a base reference portion 51D2 (e.g., the connection between the outer surface of the rim 20 and the groove for accommodating the electrical device 40), and when the electrical device 40 is mounted on the steering wheel, the two cooperate with each other (position and / or maintain contact with each other) to determine the preset installation movement M (here, rotational movement) of the electrical device 40 on the rim 20.

[0149] -and Figure 4 Similarly, the second fixing portion 52 includes a fixing claw 52A and a secondary accommodating cavity 52B, which are configured to engage with each other at the end of the preset installation movement M of the electrical device (40) on the steering wheel to position and / or retain the electrical device (40) on the steering wheel.

[0150] exist Figure 6 middle:

[0151] The left figure shows a first installation step, in which the electrical device 40 is brought close to the rim 20 so that the built-in reference portion 51D1 mates with and contacts the base reference portion 51D2, thereby positioning the electrical device 40 relative to the rim 20 and establishing a rotation point or axis for the electrical device 40 relative to the rim 20 (or at least providing assistance to the installation operator in finding or maintaining said rotation point or axis).

[0152] - The middle figure shows the second installation step, in which the built-in reference part 51D1

[0153] The electrical device 40 is in contact with the rim 20 while being in contact with the base reference portion 51D2 and is brought closer to the rim 20 in a rotational mounting motion M, which gradually inserts the fixing hook 51A into the primary accommodation cavity 51B and, at the end of the mounting motion M, inserts the fixing claw 52A into the fixing groove—the secondary accommodation cavity 52B. Note that at least a portion of the wall of the rim forming the primary accommodation cavity 51B is provided between the fixing hook 51A and the built-in reference portion 51D1 visible to the exterior of the electrical device 40.

[0154] - The right figure shows the electrical device 40 fixed to the rim 20, wherein the fixing hook 51A is inserted

[0155] The electrical device 40 is inserted into the main accommodating cavity 51B, and the securing claw 52A is inserted into the secondary accommodating cavity 52B. Note that the first end 42 abuts against at least a portion of the wall of the wheel rim forming the main accommodating cavity 51B, which is located between the securing hook 51A and the first end 42 visible on the exterior of the electrical device 40. Also, note that the second end 43 abuts against the visible portion of the wheel rim 20.

[0156] Please note the following:

[0157] - Built-in reference portion 51D1 contacts base reference portion 51D2, thus facilitating installation

[0158] The operator maintains the relative position between the electrical device 40 and the rim 20,

[0159] - Therefore, the built-in reference portion 51D1 is in contact with the base reference portion 51D2, so that the electrical

[0160] The device 40 performs a rotational movement relative to the rim 20, however, other types of

[0161] movement or combination of different movements, including combined movements or sequential movements,

[0162] - The fixing hook 51A can be configured to cooperate with the main receiving cavity 51B in the same manner as the built-in

[0163] The reference portion 51D1 contacts the base reference portion 51D2 in the same manner (or in a complementary manner)

[0164] way),

[0165] - The rotational motion is planar or substantially planar and in any case vertical or substantially

[0166] perpendicular to the rotation axis of the vehicle steering wheel 100,

[0167] - The end of the fixing claw 52A away from the fixing hook 51A is inclined to avoid the rim 20

[0168] Interference,

[0169] - The fixing claw 52A cooperates with the fixing groove 52B to prevent the electrical device 40 from moving perpendicular to the Figure 6 The fixing claw 52A provides fixation along the mounting motion M and prevents the electrical device 40 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the plane containing the motion M.

[0170] move),

[0171] - The fixing hook 51A can be arranged to cooperate with the main receiving cavity 51B so as to be in the Z direction (perpendicular to the Figure 6 Position the electrical device in the direction of the plane shown).

[0172] Figure 7 For the steering wheel Figure 5 The cross-sectional view on the plane parallel to the parting plane PJ is shown. Figure 7 As shown, Figure 5 Likewise, in the embodiment described, the rim 20 comprises:

[0173] - an outer flexible cover 21 (e.g. leather),

[0174] an electrical or electronic layer 22 , for example forming part of a device for detecting contact or proximity of a user's body part with the steering wheel or for heating the steering wheel,

[0175] - a filling or covering material 23, for example a polymer such as polyurethane,

[0176] - a skeleton 24 forming a metal frame of the steering wheel, for example made of magnesium alloy,

[0177] An attachment cover 25 , for example of plastic material such as polyamide forming a thin cover attached to the rim 20 and extending along the rim 20 on both sides of the electrical device 40 .

[0178] The electrical device 40 is fixed to the rim 20, in particular to the attachment cover 25, in the following manner:

[0179] - The fixing hook 51A is inserted under the tongue 251 of the attachment cover 25,

[0180] The securing claw 52A engages the secondary accommodating cavity 52B and is secured by a resilient clip 52C. The securing hook 51A and the tongue 251 of the attachment cover 25 are covered by the outer wall of the electrical device 40, which forms the first end 42. Therefore, the first end 42 and the securing hook 51A can be likened to a fork-shaped member that accommodates the tongue 251, achieving a compact and aesthetically pleasing overlap and covering without involving other components. In practice, the securing hook 51A only contacts the attachment cover 25.

[0181] Furthermore, the second end 43 also covers the edge of the flexible sleeve 21. Therefore, there is no noticeable gap, although there is a gap between the fixing hook 51A and the rest of the main receiving cavity 51B.

[0182] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 and Figure 7 A perspective view of the housing 25 is shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the housing 25 has a sidewall extending along the portion for accommodating the electrical device 40, with a secondary accommodating cavity 52B on one side and a tongue 251 on the other side. The tongue is covered by the fixing hook 51A and the outer surface of the first end 42 of the electrical device 40. Thus, the housing 25 accommodates the fixing hook 51A and is integrally formed with the fixing claw 52A. This allows the electrical device 40 to be positioned relative to a single component, resulting in a smaller overall positioning tolerance than using two separate components to accommodate the two ends of the electrical device 40.

[0183] Furthermore, note that the tongue 251 has an end 51C and a rib 51C1 forming a positioning projection.

[0184] Figure 9 for Figure 2A perspective view of another embodiment of the electrical device 40 is shown. Figure 9 As shown, the fixing hook 51A has a groove 51A1, which is used to cooperate with the rib 51C1 of the cover 25 to move along a direction perpendicular to the Figure 5 The direction of the parting plane PJ shown positions the electrical device 40. Furthermore, it is noted that the fixing claw 52A has a lateral notch.

[0185] Figure 10 for Figure 1 Steering wheel shown (with Figure 9 ) of another embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 5 Likewise, in the embodiment described, the rim 20 comprises:

[0186] - an outer flexible cover 21 (e.g. leather),

[0187] an electrical or electronic layer 22 , for example forming part of a device for detecting contact or proximity of a user's body part with the steering wheel or for heating the steering wheel,

[0188] - a filling or covering material 23, for example a polymer such as polyurethane,

[0189] - a skeleton 24 forming a metal frame of the steering wheel, for example made of magnesium alloy,

[0190] An attachment shell 25 , for example of plastic material such as polyamide forming a thin shell attached to the rim.

[0191] The fixing claw 52A is inserted into the fixing groove 52B. In addition, an elastic clip 52C is provided to prevent the fixing claw 52A from retreating. That is, the fixing claw 52A is fixed / clamped / held in the fixing groove 52B by the elastic element (i.e., the elastic clip 52C), and the electrical device 40 abuts against the outer flexible disk sleeve 21 through the support surface 41. Please note that the fixing claw 52A can be inserted into the elastic clip 52C at different depths, and due to the claw 52C1 of the elastic clip, it can be well fixed even if the insertion depth varies by ±0.5mm. This ensures supporting contact and effective fixation between the support surface 41 and the flexible disk sleeve 21, even if the relative position between the fixing claw 52A and the support surface 41 is Figure 10 The same is true for position z. The above embodiment enables the electrical device 40 to overlap with the flexible disc cover 21, thereby ensuring positioning and aesthetics.

[0192] Industrial Applications

[0193] The vehicle steering wheel and its manufacture shown in the present invention are easy to apply in industry.

[0194] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in this specification without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0195] Specifically, a fixing hook 51A and / or a fixing claw 52A may be provided on the rim 20 , and a main accommodating cavity 51B and / or a secondary accommodating cavity 52B may be provided on the electrical device 40 .

Claims

1. A vehicle steering wheel (100), comprising: - a wheel hub (10), - wheel rim (20), - at least one spoke (30) connecting the rim (20) and the hub (10), - at least one electrical device (40) fixed to the steering wheel, preferably to the rim (20), - a fixed interface (50) of the electrical device (40) on the steering wheel, Characterized in that the fixed interface (50) comprises: - a first fixing portion (51), comprising at least one built-in reference portion (51D1) provided on the electrical device and a base reference portion (51D2) provided on the steering wheel, the two being arranged to cooperate with each other when the electrical device (40) is mounted on the steering wheel to determine a predetermined mounting movement (M) of the electrical device (40) on the steering wheel, - a second fixing portion (52) comprising a fixing shape provided on the electrical device and a fixing counter-shape provided on the steering wheel, the two being arranged to engage with each other at the end of a predetermined mounting movement (M) of the electrical device (40) on the steering wheel, in order to position and / or retain the electrical device (40) on the steering wheel.

2. The vehicle steering wheel (100) according to claim 1, wherein The first fixing portion (51) forms an articulated device which imparts a rotational movement to the electrical device (40).

3. The vehicle steering wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: - the built-in reference portion (51D1) is formed by or located at a first end of the electrical device (40), and / or - the base reference portion (51D2) is formed by or located at a connection between the outer surface of the steering wheel and a mounting cavity for an electrical device (40) provided in the steering wheel.

4. The vehicle steering wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first fixing portion (51) further comprises: - at least one main protrusion, such as a fixing hook (51A), provided on one of the steering wheel and the electrical device (40), - at least one main receiving cavity (51B) provided on the other of the steering wheel and the electrical device (40), said main receiving cavity being used to receive the main projection during the mounting movement (M).

5. The vehicle steering wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The second fixing portion (52) comprises: - at least one auxiliary protrusion, such as a fixing claw (52A), provided on one of the steering wheel and the electrical device (40), the auxiliary protrusion forming a fixing shape, - at least one secondary accommodating cavity (52B), such as a fixing groove, provided on the other of the steering wheel and the electrical device (40), the secondary accommodating cavity being used to accommodate the secondary protrusion and form a fixing reverse shape, - Preferably, a locking element, such as a clip, arranged to lock the secondary protrusion in the secondary receiving cavity (52B).

6. The vehicle steering wheel (100) according to claim 5, wherein The auxiliary protrusion and / or the auxiliary receiving cavity (52B) comprises an inclined surface: - the inclined surface is arranged to exert a pressing force facing the first mounting direction (1M), and / or - The inclined surface is contained within a determined radius of curvature to avoid interference between the secondary protrusion and the secondary receiving cavity (52B) during the installation movement.

7. The vehicle steering wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The second fixing portion (52) comprises: At least one screw, said screw securing the electrical device (40) to the steering wheel.

8. The vehicle steering wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The electrical device (40) is fixed to the rim (20).

9. The vehicle steering wheel (100) according to claim 8, wherein: - the first fixing portion (51) is arranged in a region of the rim (20) having a first cross section, - the second fixing portion (52) is arranged in a region of the rim (20) having a second cross section, The first cross section is smaller than the second cross section.

10. The vehicle steering wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a skeleton, and a filling material overmolded on the skeleton and defining a parting surface, wherein: - the electrical device (40) is arranged across the parting surface, and / or - the electrical device (40) extends on both sides of the parting surface, and / or - The mounting movement (M) is contained within or parallel to the parting plane.

11. Vehicle steering wheel (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein The electrical device (40): - includes a switch or lighting device, and / or -Form an independent module.

12. The vehicle steering wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The first fixing portion (51) and / or the second fixing portion (52) are arranged to provide a sequential assembly sequence: first, the electrical device is joined to the steering wheel at the first fixing portion (51), and then the electrical device is joined to the steering wheel at the second fixing portion (52).

13. A vehicle steering wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, arranged to rotate about a steering wheel column axis, wherein: The mounting movement is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the steering wheel column axis.

14. A motor vehicle comprising a vehicle steering wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method for assembling a vehicle steering wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the following steps in sequence: - joining the electrical device (40) to the steering wheel at a first fixing portion (51), - moving the electrical device (40) for installation while keeping the electrical device (40) engaged with the steering wheel at the first fixing portion (51), - engaging the electrical device (40) to the steering wheel at the second fixing portion (52) to position and / or retain the electrical device (40) on the steering wheel.

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