Decorative elements for vehicle steering wheels

Abstract

A decorative element (20) to be installed on a vehicle steering wheel (10), the decorative element comprising at least: - a flexible substrate (21) arranged to cover a portion of the vehicle steering wheel (10) once the decorative element (20) has been installed on the vehicle steering wheel (10); - an attachment portion (22, 23) separate from the flexible substrate (21) and having an attachment shape such as a convex attachment shape or a concave attachment shape, wherein: - the attachment portion (22, 23) is designed to be fastened to the vehicle steering wheel (10) at least during and / or after a portion of the operation of installing the decorative element (20) on the vehicle steering wheel (10), the fastening interface comprising a fastening shape such as a concave fastening shape or a convex fastening shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to decorative elements for vehicle steering wheels. In particular, the invention relates to decorative elements comprising one or more flexible components designed to cover various portions of a vehicle steering wheel.

[0002] Existing technology

[0003] What is known from the prior art of vehicle steering wheels is to provide decorative elements to be installed on the vehicle steering wheel. For example, flexible covers can be integrated into all or part of the vehicle rim. On the other hand, these flexible covers may be difficult to install in such a way that they are well positioned, wrinkle-free, and seamless with other components of the vehicle steering wheel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art mentioned above, and in particular, to propose a decorative element that simplifies installation on a vehicle steering wheel.

[0005] Therefore, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a decorative element mounted on a vehicle steering wheel, the decorative element comprising at least:

[0006] - A flexible substrate, which is arranged to cover a portion of the vehicle steering wheel once the decorative element has been installed on the vehicle steering wheel.

[0007] - An attachment portion, which is separate from the flexible substrate and has an attachment shape such as a convex attachment shape or a concave attachment shape.

[0008] in:

[0009] - The attachment portion is designed to be attached to the fastening interface of the vehicle steering wheel at least during and / or after a portion of the operation of installing the decorative element on the vehicle steering wheel, the fastening interface having a fastening shape such as a convex fastening shape or a concave fastening shape.

[0010] According to the above embodiment, the attachment portion (separate from the flexible substrate) can be attached to the fastening interface of the vehicle steering wheel at least during and / or after a portion of the operation of installing the trim element on the vehicle steering wheel. This attachment allows the user to subsequently position the trim element on the vehicle steering wheel for precise installation / positioning, and, for example, tensioning. In other words, the above embodiment proposes an element or component dedicated to and / or attached to and / or separate from the flexible substrate, and designed to be secured to the steering wheel to subsequently allow an operator to pull, position, and move the trim element before completing its installation on the steering wheel, freeing the operator's hands to perform these operations. Typically, the trim element is covered on the rim of the vehicle steering wheel or the peripheral area of ​​the vehicle steering wheel used for steering the vehicle. Typically, the trim element covers all or most of the rim or peripheral area of ​​the vehicle steering wheel.

[0011] The decorative element may be defined individually or in combination by the following features.

[0012] In one embodiment, the decorative element, including at least the flexible substrate and at least one attachment portion, can be formed as a single piece. In a particular embodiment, the decorative element can be made as a single piece before being mounted on the steering wheel. In particular, the decorative element can be made as a single piece even before the attachment portion is secured or fastened to the steering wheel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the fastening shape may be complementary to the attachment shape. In other words, the fastening shape may be designed to mechanically engage with the attachment shape. In one embodiment, the fastening shape may be designed to provide self-fastening to the attachment shape. In one embodiment, the fastening shape may be designed to provide permanent fastening to the attachment shape. According to this embodiment, once the fastening shape and the attachment shape are engaged, they can only be disconnected by human intervention. According to one embodiment, the fastening shape and the attachment shape can be engaged or disengaged by human intervention without the use of tools. Reversible convex / concave engagements may be provided. In any case, once the fastening shape and the attachment shape (steering wheel and attachment portion) are engaged, they form a fastener to which an installation force can be applied (typically a tensile force on a flexible substrate to position the flexible substrate without wrinkling).

[0014] In one embodiment, the flexible substrate can be arranged to cover at least a portion of the attachment portion once the trim element has been installed on the vehicle steering wheel. Thus, the trim element can cover itself, thereby concealing at least a portion of the attachment portion. The perceived quality is improved.

[0015] In one embodiment, the trim element may include at least two attachment portions, at least one of which may be arranged as a dedicated fastening portion to the fastening interface of the vehicle steering wheel at least during a portion of the installation operation of the trim element on the vehicle steering wheel. In any case, according to this embodiment, a single attachment portion is sufficient to permanently and / or autonomously secure or fasten the trim element to the steering wheel. In one embodiment, the trim element may include only two attachment portions. In practice, providing two attachment portions may be sufficient: a first attachment portion allowing initial attachment to the steering wheel (at the start of trim element installation) and a second attachment portion allowing final fastening to the steering wheel (at the end of trim element installation).

[0016] In one embodiment, the at least two attachment portions may each be disposed at one end of the flexible substrate. In another embodiment, the flexible substrate may have an elongated shape in the axial direction, and the at least two attachment portions may each be disposed at one end of the flexible substrate in that axial direction.

[0017] In one embodiment, the at least two attachment portions may be structurally or physically different from each other. Specifically, a first attachment portion may include a first mating interface designed to allow mating with another attachment portion (referred to as a second attachment portion). The second attachment portion may include a second mating interface, different from the first, for mating with the first attachment portion. In particular, for example, a hook may be provided on one of the at least two attachment portions, the end of which can be inserted into a hole on the other attachment portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, one of the at least two attachment portions may be arranged to attach to or snap onto the other of the at least two attachment portions. In other words, the decorative element is attached to itself, but at least one of the attachment portions (at the fastening interface) is attached to the vehicle steering wheel. Force is better absorbed. According to this embodiment, the first attachment portion can be secured to the steering wheel, and installation can then proceed by placing a flexible substrate on the steering wheel (typically by pulling the first attachment portion secured to the steering wheel), and installation can be completed by attaching or securing a second attachment portion to the first attachment portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the trim element may include a plurality of attachment portions distributed along the trim element to absorb forces on the vehicle's steering wheel during assembly. Perceived quality is improved, and the risk of wrinkles or appearance defects is reduced.

[0020] In one embodiment, the attachment portion may have:

[0021] - A first interface surface that contacts the flexible substrate.

[0022] - A second interface surface, the second interface surface being arranged to contact the fastening interface.

[0023] The first interface surface can be larger than the second interface surface. Preferably, the first interface surface is 120% larger than the second interface surface; more preferably, the first interface surface is 160% larger than the second interface surface; and most preferably, the first interface surface is twice the size of the second interface surface. This type of implementation ensures good force distribution between the attachment portion and the flexible substrate, reducing the risk of wrinkles, tears, or defects.

[0024] In one embodiment, the attachment portion may be more rigid than the flexible substrate. In another embodiment, the attachment portion may be a polymer component (plastic, polyamide, polyethylene, etc.) attached to the flexible substrate.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first interface surface may extend more than 5 mm, 7 mm, 10 mm, or 15 mm in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the mounting force applied to the flexible substrate, or in the axial or longitudinal direction of the flexible substrate laid flat before mounting. This type of implementation ensures good force distribution between the attachment portion and the flexible substrate, reducing the risk of wrinkles, tears, or defects.

[0026] In one embodiment, the attachment portion may be arranged to support or resist installation forces, such as tension or strain, to stretch the decorative element. In other words, the attachment portion is designed to allow the decorative element to be tensioned (unfolded) during assembly. This feature eliminates the risk of tearing during assembly.

[0027] In one embodiment, the attachment portion may be attached to the flexible substrate by adhesive bonding and / or welding and / or overmolding.

[0028] In one embodiment, the attachment portion may be at least partially disposed within a fold or a return fold of the flexible substrate. The connection between these two components is robust. In other words, in this embodiment, the flexible substrate may fold back over the attachment portion. Typically, the flexible substrate may cover a first side of the attachment portion and fold over a second side of the attachment portion. The attachment portion may be sandwiched between the flexible substrates, which can improve the anchoring of the flexible substrate to the attachment portion, especially if the flexible substrate is fragile.

[0029] In one embodiment, the decorative element may include an adhesive film disposed on the flexible substrate and at least partially disposed between the flexible substrate and the attachment portion.

[0030] In one embodiment, the adhesive film may be arranged to attach the flexible substrate to the vehicle steering wheel. The same adhesive film may be used to attach the flexible substrate to the vehicle steering wheel and to attach the attachment portion to the flexible substrate.

[0031] In one embodiment, the attachment portion may be arranged to be fitted onto the fastening interface by means of a resilient or sliding engagement.

[0032] In one embodiment, the sliding engagement can occur in a direction parallel to the direction of the force applied to mount the decorative element on the vehicle steering wheel, or in a direction parallel to the axial or longitudinal direction of the flexible substrate or the decorative element.

[0033] In one embodiment, the attachment portion may be arranged to receive a fastening element, such as a pin with a resilient base.

[0034] In one embodiment, the decorative element may form a sleeve that will be placed on a portion of the vehicle steering wheel, particularly on the steering wheel rim or in the peripheral area of ​​the steering wheel used to steer the vehicle. In one embodiment, the decorative element may form an inner (invisible) layer of the vehicle steering wheel. In one embodiment, the decorative element may form an outer (visible) layer of the vehicle steering wheel.

[0035] In one embodiment, as viewed from the front of the steering wheel or from the perspective of the vehicle driver, the trim element can cover the rim of the steering wheel within a range of at least 180°, preferably at least 200°, most preferably at least 270°, such as 360°. In this embodiment, the trim element can cover at least 180° (at least half of the steering wheel rim) along the axis of rotation of the steering wheel.

[0036] In one embodiment, the flexible substrate may include or be formed with conductive elements. Such a flexible substrate may be fragile, typically more fragile than a decorative outer sheath (such as a leather sheath).

[0037] In one embodiment, the decorative element may form a heating element.

[0038] In one embodiment, the flexible substrate may include or be formed into elements that form a heating element or part of a capacitive sensing sensor. This flexible substrate may be fragile, typically more fragile than a decorative outer sheath (such as a leather sheath).

[0039] In one embodiment, the decorative element may form a detection sensor, such as a sensor for detecting contact or proximity between the vehicle steering wheel and a user's limbs.

[0040] In one embodiment, the flexible substrate may include or be formed into decorative elements arranged in a visible manner, such as the outer housing of the vehicle steering wheel. The flexible substrate may be natural or artificial leather.

[0041] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel, the vehicle steering wheel comprising:

[0042] -At least one decorative element according to the first aspect

[0043] - A fastening interface, which is formed in the foam of the vehicle steering wheel or in the insert of the steering wheel and is separate from the foam.

[0044] The fastening interface at least partially receives or docks with the two attachment parts.

[0045] In one implementation, the fastening interface may be formed within the frame of the vehicle's steering wheel.

[0046] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel, the vehicle steering wheel comprising:

[0047] -At least one decorative element according to the first aspect

[0048] - Secure the interface

[0049] in:

[0050] - The fastening interface may be formed in the foam of the vehicle steering wheel or in the insert of the steering wheel and separate from the foam, and / or

[0051] - The at least one attachment portion and / or the fastening interface may form a finished groove; the finished groove may receive the outer sheath seam and / or decorative components. In this way, the at least one attachment portion and / or the fastening interface advantageously conceals the user of the vehicle steering wheel.

[0052] In one embodiment, the vehicle steering wheel may include a gripping component (e.g., a rim or handle) that is gripped to steer the vehicle, and the decorative element may be at least partially mounted around or on the gripping component.

[0053] The fourth aspect relates to a method for manufacturing or assembling a vehicle steering wheel, the method comprising the following steps:

[0054] - Obtain a vehicle steering wheel blank including fastening interfaces.

[0055] - Provide decorative elements according to the first design, preferably individual one-piece elements.

[0056] - The fastening interface that secures or attaches the attachment portion to the steering wheel blank.

[0057] - Apply the flexible substrate to the steering wheel blank.

[0058] In one embodiment, the step of applying the flexible substrate may include a step of handling the flexible substrate with both hands, wherein the decorative element is attached to the steering wheel blank only via an attachment portion. In another embodiment, the step of applying the flexible substrate may include a step of, for example, pulling the flexible substrate with both hands, wherein the decorative element is attached to the steering wheel blank only via an attachment portion.

[0059] In one embodiment, the step of applying a flexible substrate may include the step of covering the rim of the steering wheel with a flexible substrate. In one embodiment, the step of applying a flexible substrate may include the step of covering the rim of the steering wheel with a flexible substrate in a direction tangential to the axis of rotation of the steering wheel, typically in a direction tangential to the axis of rotation of the steering wheel defined by the steering column. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, which are provided by way of example but are not limited thereto, and are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0061] [ Figure 1 The image shows a vehicle steering wheel according to the invention, which includes a rim, spokes, hub, and decorative elements not visible to the end user of the vehicle, all covered by an outer sheath.

[0062] [ Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The details of area II show a portion of the rim without an outer sheath and covered by a decorative element, thus the decorative element... Figure 2 Visible in the middle;

[0063] [ Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The rim section without decorative elements is illustrated by a notch formed in the foam of the steering wheel in area II, which can receive the attached portion of the decorative elements covering the rim.

[0064] [ Figure 4 The perspective view shows two attachment portions of the flexible substrate attached to the decorative element, viewed from below, specifically showing the two attachment portions facing the rim and... Figure 3 The surface in the notch;

[0065] [ Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The two attachment portions do not have a flexible substrate;

[0066] [ Figure 6 The image shows the direction along the vehicle's steering wheel. Figure 1 The cross section of axis II;

[0067] [ Figure 7 The image shows the direction along the vehicle's steering wheel. Figure 6 The cross section of axis III-III;

[0068] [ Figure 8 The image shows a first variant of the vehicle steering wheel along... Figure 1 The cross section of axis II;

[0069] [ Figure 9 It shows Figure 1 A second variant view of the vehicle steering wheel, in which the decorative elements are visible to the end user of the vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0070] Figure 1 A vehicle steering wheel 10 according to the invention is shown, comprising a rim 11, a hub 12, spokes 13 connecting the hub to the rim 11, and a decorative element 20, which is not visible because it is arranged beneath an outer cover typically made of leather. Figure 1In the example shown, the decorative element 20 covers the entire perimeter of the rim, but any other type of distribution or arrangement is possible. In particular, multiple decorative elements may be distributed along the perimeter. In this case, one or more keyed features (or anti-misalignment structures) may be provided on the corresponding attachment portions. Specifically, the vehicle steering wheel 10 is designed to surround a surface perpendicular to the rim. Figure 1 The plane pivots on the axis, and the decorative element 20 can be perpendicular to the axis. Figure 1 In the direction tangent to the axis of the plane (that is, in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the plane) Figure 1 (In the direction of axis II) it covers the entire circumference of the rim. (In the direction perpendicular to...) Figure 1 In the direction tangent to the axis of the plane, the decorative element 20 can cover the rim at least 60°, preferably at least 120°, at least 180°, at least 200°, or even 360°, that is, the entire circumference of the rim 11.

[0071] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Details of Region II, to show Figure 1 The portion of the rim 11 without an outer sheath has the two ends of the decorative element 20 separated by a groove 111 extending around it. The groove 111 is designed to receive a seam in the outer sheath. In another embodiment, the groove 11 may accommodate a decorative element such as a ring.

[0072] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The portion of the rim 11 without the decorative element 20 is shown to illustrate a notch 115 formed in the foam 112 of the steering wheel (e.g., typically made of polyurethane) in region II. In this disclosure, the notch 115 receives the attachment portion of the decorative element 20 that covers the rim. Therefore, the notch 115 includes a fastening protrusion 113 that forms a convex fastening shape for hooking onto the attachment portion of the decorative element 20. In the example shown, the fastening protrusion 113 forms a dovetail-shaped convex member to provide the possibility of sliding on the attachment portion of the decorative element 20.

[0073] It should be noted that the groove 111 opens outward into the recess 115, which in turn forms a recessed bracket in the foam 112 of the rim 11 to accommodate the attachment portion of the decorative element 20. In an alternative embodiment, the recess 115, the attachment protrusion 113, and / or the groove 111 may be formed in a steering wheel insert separate from the foam 112 (visible, such as a wood- or charcoal-coated component, or concealed, such as a reinforcing overlay); the attachment protrusion 113 and / or the groove 111 may also be formed in the frame 114 of the vehicle steering wheel (in... Figure 6 (See in the middle).

[0074] Figure 4Two attachment portions 22 and 23 are shown in perspective, which are connected to the flexible substrate 21 of the adjacent decorative element 20 of the rim 11. Viewed from below, the two attachment portions 22 and 23 are shown facing the rim and housed within... Figure 3 The surface in the notch 115.

[0075] The flexible substrate 21 is or includes, for example, a conductive element. In practice, the decorative element 20 may form part of the vehicle's electrical circuitry: a heating device (the decorative element 20 forms or includes a heating pad), or a device for detecting contact or proximity with the user (the decorative element 20 forms or includes a detection sensor (typically a capacitive sensor) or forms part of such a sensor). The flexible substrate 21 may be or may include, for example, an elastic element (when the flexible substrate 21 is mounted on the steering wheel, the operator can significantly deform it by applying a pulling force to the flexible substrate). The flexible substrate 21 may be a sheet or surface assembly having a constant or substantially constant thickness. The flexible substrate 21 may have a thickness of less than 1.5 mm or less than 1 mm. The flexible substrate 21 may be a woven, nonwoven, injection-molded, or printed material, or a combination of these materials.

[0076] Specific attachments, such as polymer components (plastic, polyamide, polyethylene, etc.) attached to the flexible substrate 21, may be provided for attachment portions 22 and 23. In any case, it is contemplated that attachment portions 22 and 23 include at least one component that is significantly more rigid than the flexible substrate 21. In particular, it is contemplated that attachment portions 22 and 23 include at least one component that is significantly thicker than the flexible substrate 21 (e.g., a component that is at least two or three times thicker than the flexible substrate 21).

[0077] Decorative element 20 includes attachment portion 22 and attachment portion 23. Attachment portion 22 and attachment portion 23 are each attached to flexible substrate 21, and measures can be taken to fold a portion of flexible substrate 21 over attachment portion 22 and attachment portion 23 to secure attachment portion 22, attachment portion 23 and flexible substrate 21 together. Figure 4 The planar representation shows a flap of the flexible substrate 21, such that the lateral components of the attachment portions 22 and 23 are clamped or inserted between the flexible substrate 21 and its foldable flap. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the middle, the fins are also visible above and below each attachment portion 22 and 23.

[0078] Specifically, attachment portion 22 includes a tongue 222 having a receiving hole, and attachment portion 23 includes a hook 231, the end of which engages in the receiving hole of the tongue 222.

[0079] It can also be noted that the attachment portion 22 includes a groove 221, which is the opposite shape of the fastening protrusion 113 formed in the recess 115. Therefore, the attachment portion 22 can be attached to the foam 112 (that is, to the rim 11) by sliding movement, which ends with the attachment portion 22 abutting against the wall of the recess 115, and the operator can then pull the rest of the trim element 20 to mount / set / position the trim element 20 on the rim 11, typically in a direction tangential to the axis of rotation of the vehicle's steering wheel. Since the trim element 20 is attached to the rim 11 via the attachment portion 22, this installation operation is facilitated because once the attachment portion 22 engages with the fastening protrusion 113, the operator's hands are freed. Furthermore, optimal positioning of the trim element 20 relative to the steering wheel is ensured.

[0080] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The two attachment portions 22 and 23 lack a flexible substrate 21. The figure clearly shows the groove 221 and hook 231 of attachment portion 22, the end of which engages in a hole for receiving the tongue 222. From Figure 5 It can also be noted that the attachment portion 22 includes two stop surfaces 221a and 221b, which are designed to abut against the foam 112 of the rim 11 (typically in a direction tangential to the axis of rotation of the vehicle steering wheel) when an operator pulls the flexible substrate 21 to stretch or wrap it around the rim 11. Figure 5 In the example shown, the two stop surfaces 221a and 221b are perpendicular to the sliding direction defined by the groove 221, but other implementations are also possible.

[0081] In summary, it should be noted that in order to attach decorative elements to the steering wheel, the operator can:

[0082] Position the steering wheel (steering wheel blank) to be assembled on the fixture.

[0083] - Obtain 20 decorative elements.

[0084] - Secure or fasten the attachment portion 22 to the attachment protrusion 113 to create an autonomous permanent fastening (however, the permanent fastening can be manually released if needed).

[0085] - Grip the attachment portion 23 firmly with one hand, and with the other hand, typically apply, smooth, and reposition the flexible substrate 21 onto the rim 11 by applying a force tangential to the axis of rotation of the vehicle steering wheel to the attachment portion 23 and / or the flexible substrate 21.

[0086] - Secure the attachment portion 23 to the attachment portion 22.

[0087] Figure 6 The steering wheel of the vehicle is shown along Figure 1 The cross-section of axis II. From Figure 6 As can be seen, the rim 11 includes a frame 114 (e.g., typically made of magnesium) which forms the core of the vehicle steering wheel 10.

[0088] It can also be noted that the lateral components of the attachment portion 22 are arranged between the outer components of the flexible substrate 21 and the inner flaps of the flexible substrate 21. Whether or not flaps are present, the attachment portions 22 or 23 have a large contact surface with the flexible substrate 21, allowing forces applied to the flexible substrate 21 to be well distributed and transmitted to the attachment portions 22 or 23, thus limiting the risk of folds, wrinkles, ripples, and tears in the flexible substrate 21. Note that the attachment portion 22 is arranged between the outer surface of the flexible substrate 21 and the foam 112. In this way, the flexible substrate 21 helps to conceal the user's grip portion 22 from the vehicle steering wheel 10.

[0089] These components can be attached together using an adhesive film or glue. The adhesive film or glue may also cover all or part of the inner surface of the outer components of the flexible substrate 21 to bond them to the rest of the foam 112 of the rim 11.

[0090] Figure 7 The steering wheel of vehicle 10 is shown along Figure 6 The cross section of axis III-III. Figure 7 The connection between the two ends of the decorative element 20 is shown. The left side of the decorative element 20 includes an attachment portion 22, and the right side of the decorative element 20 includes an attachment portion 23. It can be noted that the hook portion 231 of the attachment portion 23 engages in the receiving hole of the tongue portion 222 of the attachment portion 22.

[0091] exist Figure 7 The upper part also shows that the left and right edges of the flexible substrate 21 of the decorative element 20 face the groove 111. Once the decorative element 20 is covered by the outer cover, the seam or trim can fill the groove 111 and give the vehicle steering wheel 10 an attractive appearance.

[0092] Finally, it can also be considered that the attachment portion 23 is attached to the fastening interface (fastening protrusion 113) at least indirectly via the attachment portion 22. In any case, since the attachment portion 22 is attached to the rim 11 (fastening protrusion 113) during the assembly of the trim element 20, the pulling or tension applied by the operator is directly transmitted to the internal structure of the vehicle steering wheel 10. Finally, the force is also picked up when the attachment portion 23 is picked up on the attachment portion 22.

[0093] Figure 8 The first variant of the vehicle steering wheel is shown along Figure 1 The cross-section of axis II. In this variant, in Figure 2 , Figure 6 or Figure 7 The fastening protrusion 113 visible in the middle is in this Figure 8 In the example, the fastening element is replaced by a fir tree pin 31.

[0094] More specifically, the foam 112 is provided with a blind hole located at the bottom of the notch 115, and during assembly, the operator can position the attachment portion 22 (integrated with the flexible substrate 21) in the notch 115 and screw the fir-shaped pin 31 into the blind hole through the through hole in the tongue 222 of the attachment portion 22. In this way, at the very beginning of installing the decorative element (such as... Figure 2 A variant of the trim element 20 with a fastening protrusion 113 performs the fastening or attachment of the attachment portion to the rim 11, and this allows the remainder of the trim element 20 to be pulled or repositioned on the rim 11. The same fastener can be used to secure the attachment portion 23, which may or may not be attached to the attachment portion 22.

[0095] Figure 9 It shows Figure 1 The second variation of the vehicle steering wheel 10. Figure 9 In the second variant shown, decorative element 20 is visible. Specifically, decorative element 20 forms an outer sheath (which may be leather or any other material) covering the rim 11. In this example, decorative element 20 includes a flexible substrate having an elongated, flat shape and two ends, each end equipped with a similar feature to the reference design. Figures 4 to 7 The attached portion as described.

[0096] For example, in the foam of rim 11, in Figure 9 At the bottom of the middle, at the 6 o'clock position, set something similar to Figure 3 The notch 115 in the rim allows two attachment portions of the decorative element 20 to be attached to the rim 11 and / or to each other in the notch at the 6 o'clock position. Decorative elements (e.g., ring 41) can then be added to cover the mating area, providing an attractive appearance to the user. The ring 41 can be clamped, glued, or welded to the decorative element 20. The ring 41 can be formed from two parts assembled together around the rim 11.

[0097] To mount the decorative element 20 around the rim 11, the installer can attach the attachment portion to the rim 11, then pull the free end of the decorative element 20 to tension the flexible substrate and place / position / join it around the rim 11 without folding, creasing, wrinkling, or tearing, and finally attach the attachment portion of the free end directly and / or via the attachment portion initially attached to the rim 11 to the rim 11.

[0098] Industrial applications

[0099] The decorative element and vehicle steering wheel according to the present invention, and their manufacture, are capable of industrial applications.

[0100] It should be understood that various modifications and / or improvements that are obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the different embodiments of the invention described in this specification without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0101] Specifically, in the illustrated case, a single trim element 20 covers the entire perimeter of the steering wheel, but different numbers of trim elements 20 may be provided (e.g., multiple trim elements 20). It may also cover non-adjacent components, components other than the rim, the back or front of the rim, etc. The attachment portion 23 may also overlap with the attachment portion 22 of an adjacent trim element.

[0102] It should be noted that, in the illustrated case, the trim element 20 forms a heating device, which is therefore covered by the outer cover of the vehicle steering wheel. However, the trim element 20 covers a portion of the rim 11 and is considered to be a component that at least partially covers the vehicle steering wheel at some point during the manufacturing process of the vehicle steering wheel. As shown, the trim element 20 may be invisible to the end user of the vehicle, but it may also be visible to the end user. In this case, the attachment portions 22 and 23 may be hidden by the trim element.

[0103] In the given example, the flexible substrate is attached to the attachment portions 22 and 23 by an adhesive (film, glue), but welding (ultrasonic, thermal), overmolding or even mechanical assembly (by nails, stitching, etc.) can also be used.

[0104] Finally, attachment portion 22 can be considered to form a first attachment portion 22, and attachment portion 23 can be considered to form a second attachment portion 23. Alternatively, attachment portion 22 can be considered to form one attachment portion 22, and attachment portion 23 can be considered to form another attachment portion 23. In other words, attachment portion 22 and attachment portion 23 can be connected to the steering wheel, but not connected to each other.

Claims

1. A decorative element (20) for mounting on a vehicle steering wheel (10), said decorative element comprising at least: - A flexible substrate (21) is arranged to cover a portion of the vehicle steering wheel (10) once the decorative element (20) has been installed on the vehicle steering wheel (10). - Attachment portions (22, 23), said attachment portions being separate from the flexible substrate (21) and having attachment shapes such as convex attachment shapes or concave attachment shapes, in: - The attachment portions (22, 23) are designed as fastening interfaces to the vehicle steering wheel (10) at least during and / or after a portion of the operation of mounting the decorative element (20) onto the vehicle steering wheel (10), the fastening interfaces including fastening shapes such as concave fastening shapes or convex fastening shapes.

2. The decorative element (20) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible substrate (21) is arranged to cover at least a portion of the attachment portion (22, 23) once the decorative element (20) has been mounted on the vehicle steering wheel (10).

3. The decorative element (20) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, the decorative element comprising at least two attachment portions (22, 23), at least one of the at least two attachment portions (22, 23) being arranged to be attached to a dedicated fastening portion of the fastening interface of the vehicle steering wheel (10) at least during a portion of the operation for mounting the decorative element (20) on the vehicle steering wheel (10).

4. The decorative element (20) according to claim 3, wherein the flexible substrate (21) has an elongated shape in the axial direction, and the at least two attachment portions are each disposed at one end of the flexible substrate in the axial direction.

5. The decorative element (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the attachment portion (22, 23) has: - A first interface surface, which is in contact with the flexible substrate (21). - A second interface surface, the second interface surface being arranged to contact the fastening interface. The first interface surface is larger than the second interface surface. Preferably, the first interface surface is 120% larger than the second interface surface. More preferably, the first interface surface is 160% larger than the second interface surface. More preferably, the first interface surface is twice the size of the second interface surface.

6. The decorative element (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the attachment portion (22, 23) is attached to the flexible substrate (21) by adhesive bonding and / or welding and / or overmolding.

7. The decorative element (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the attachment portion (22, 23) is at least partially arranged in a fold of the flexible substrate (21) or in a return fold of the flexible substrate (21).

8. The decorative element (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the decorative element comprising an adhesive film disposed on the flexible substrate (21) and at least partially disposed between the flexible substrate (21) and the attachment portion (22, 23).

9. The decorative element (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the attachment portion (22, 23) is arranged to engage the fastening interface by means of an elastic or sliding engagement.

10. The decorative element (20) according to claim 9, wherein the sliding engagement is arranged to occur in a direction parallel to the direction of application of the force for mounting the decorative element (20) on the vehicle steering wheel (10) or in a direction parallel to the axial or longitudinal direction of the flexible substrate (21) or the decorative element (20).

11. The decorative element (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flexible substrate (21) comprises or forms a conductive element.

12. The decorative element (20) according to claim 11, wherein the flexible substrate (21) includes or forms a heating element, or includes or forms an element that forms part of a capacitive detection sensor.

13. The decorative element (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flexible substrate (21) comprises or forms the outer housing of a decorative element arranged to be visible, such as the vehicle steering wheel (10).

14. A vehicle steering wheel (10), the vehicle steering wheel comprising: - At least one decorative element (20) according to claim 3 or 4. - A fastening interface, which is formed in the foam of the vehicle steering wheel (10) or in the insert of the steering wheel and is separate from the foam. The fastening interface at least partially receives or docks with the two attachment portions (22, 23).

Images