External button of steering wheel

Abstract

An external key of a steering wheel is suitable for a steering wheel body with a notch cavity and comprises a shell and a key unit, a clamping part is arranged on the shell and detachably connected with the notch cavity in an inserted mode, and the key unit is installed on the shell. When the steering wheel is used, the clamping part is inserted into the opening cavity so as to fix the shell on the steering wheel body, and the key unit faces upwards; compared with the prior art, the key unit is fixed by matching the clamping part with the notch cavity of the steering wheel to be operated and used by a user, so that the overall mounting stability is improved, the driving safety is ensured, a wheel rim of the steering wheel is not interfered, the holding hand feeling is not influenced, and the control stability is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of vehicle accessories, and particularly relates to an external button for a steering wheel. Background Art

[0002] Mechanical buttons are usually arranged on an automobile steering wheel for controlling basic functions such as switching music, adjusting the volume of a car audio, making and answering calls, etc.; however, with the increasing richness of in-vehicle computer functions, traditional mechanical buttons can no longer meet the usage requirements of users in different scenarios.

[0003] In order to increase the usage functions of the steering wheel, the utility model patent with the application number 2012205800090 proposes a steering wheel cover with buttons, which includes a ring and a protruding part. The protruding part is connected to the ring and is provided with buttons. By installing the ring on the steering wheel rim, the steering wheel can have corresponding control functions, improving the user experience.

[0004] However, it is found in the actual use process that most users are used to using the original steering wheel. After the ring blocks the steering wheel rim, it will affect the holding feel and lead to a decrease in handling stability; on the other hand, after long-term use, the friction between the ring and the steering wheel rim will be lost and loosen and slip, which will pose a huge safety hazard to driving. Content of the Utility Model

[0005] Technical Problem to be Solved

[0006] The utility model provides an external button for a steering wheel, which can improve the overall installation stability and does not affect the holding feel of the steering wheel.

[0007] Technical Solution

[0008] To achieve the above object, the utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0009] An external button for a steering wheel is applicable to a steering wheel body with a notch cavity. It includes a housing and a button unit. The housing is provided with a clamping part, and the clamping part is detachably inserted into the notch cavity so that the housing is fixed on the steering wheel body, and the button unit is installed on the housing for users to press.

[0010] Preferably, the steering wheel body is provided with a hidden cavity communicating with the outside at the notch cavity. When the clamping part is inserted into the notch cavity, the housing is placed in the hidden cavity.

[0011] Preferably, the clamping part includes two symmetrically arranged clamping blocks. The two clamping blocks expand outwards relatively and are made of a material with deformation ability and recovery ability; wherein, when the two clamping blocks are inserted into the notch cavity, they are in a state of deformation energy storage to synchronously press against the two side walls of the notch cavity.

[0012] Preferably, the clamping blocks are made of plastic.

[0013] Preferably, a locking member is further included. The locking member is arranged on the steering wheel body and can limit the two clamping blocks from disengaging from the notch cavity.

[0014] Preferably, the locking member is a safety buckle. The safety buckle includes a pressing block and connecting columns. At least two connecting columns are provided and installed at both ends of the pressing block. When the pressing block abuts against the bottom of the steering wheel body, the two connecting columns extend into the notch cavity and are respectively connected to the two clamping blocks.

[0015] Preferably, the connecting columns are provided with convex buckles, and the two clamping blocks are both provided with buckling positions. When the pressing block abuts against the bottom of the steering wheel body, the two convex buckles are respectively clamped with the two buckling positions.

[0016] Preferably, the housing includes a bottom shell and a top cover. The key unit includes a circuit board and a key cap. The clamping portion is arranged on the bottom shell. An upwardly open accommodation cavity is provided inside the bottom shell, and the top cover is installed at the opening of the accommodation cavity. The circuit board is installed in the accommodation cavity, and key position contacts are provided on the circuit board. The key cap is installed in the accommodation cavity and corresponds to the key position contacts, and the top of the key cap penetrates through the top cover to the outside for the user to press.

[0017] Preferably, the housing further includes a sliding cover. The two clamping blocks are installed at the bottom of the bottom shell, and an activity space is formed between them. An operation port communicating with the activity space is provided on the bottom shell. A battery holder is further provided on the circuit board. The battery holder is located at the operation port and is used for installing a battery. The sliding cover is detachably installed at the operation port to enclose or expose the battery holder.

[0018] Beneficial effects

[0019] An external button for a steering wheel provided by the present utility model fixes the key unit through the clamping portion cooperating with the notch cavity of the steering wheel for the user to operate. It not only improves the overall installation stability, ensures driving safety, but also does not interfere with the steering wheel rim and affect the holding feel, ensuring the control stability. Description of the drawings

[0020] The drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present utility model, and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present utility model, they are used to explain the present utility model and do not constitute a limitation to the present utility model. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the installation and use state of the present utility model is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 the front view of

[0023] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 the sectional view A-A of

[0024] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 the enlargement at A in

[0025] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 the rear view of

[0026] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 the sectional view B-B of

[0027] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 the enlargement at B in

[0028] Figure 8 Shows the structural schematic diagram of the steering wheel body of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 9 Shows the overall structural schematic diagram of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 10 Shows Figure 9 the exploded view of Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 11 Shows Figure 9 the exploded view of Figure 2 .

[0032] In the figure: 1 housing, 10 clamping part, 100 clamping block, 100t buckling position, 11 bottom shell, 111 accommodating cavity, 112 operation port, 12 top cover, 13 sliding cover, 2 key unit, 21 circuit board, 211 key position contact, 212 battery holder, 22 key cap, 3 locking part, 30 safety buckle, 301 pressing block, 302 connecting column, 302t convex buckle, P steering wheel body, P0 notch cavity, P1 hidden cavity. Specific embodiments

[0033] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work belong to the protection scope of the present application. It is understood that the drawings are only provided for reference and illustration, and are not used to limit the present application. The connection relationship shown in the drawings is only for the convenience of clear description and does not limit the connection method.

[0034] See attached Figure 1 -Attached Figure 7 A steering wheel external button is suitable for a steering wheel body P with a cutout P0, which includes a shell 1 and a button unit 2. The shell 1 is provided with a clamping portion 10, which is detachably plugged into the cutout P0, and the button unit 2 is installed on the shell 1.

[0035] Specifically, under normal circumstances, the steering wheel is in an empty state. When the external button needs to be used, the clamping part 10 is inserted into the notch P0 to fix the shell 1 on the steering wheel body P, and the button unit 2 is facing upward for the user to press and operate; when the external button with other functions needs to be replaced or the button unit 2 is damaged, the shell 1 is pried to drive the clamping part 10 out of the notch P0 for maintenance or replacement.

[0036] In summary, compared with the prior art, this case fixes the button unit 2 for user operation by cooperating with the clamping part 10 in the notch P0 of the steering wheel, which not only improves the overall installation stability and ensures driving safety, but also does not interfere with the steering wheel rim and affect the grip feel, thereby ensuring the control stability.

[0037] It should be noted that some car models currently on the market, especially the steering wheels of new energy vehicles, will cancel traditional mechanical buttons and additionally provide a cutout cavity P0 to reduce the weight of the steering wheel body and increase the aesthetics, so the structure of the movable cavity P0 belongs to the prior art; in addition, the cutout cavity P0 of different steering wheels has different sizes, so during the production process, it is necessary to design the clamping portion 10 into a corresponding shape for adaptation. Due to the variety of related shapes, this is not restricted in the utility model; on the other hand, the button unit 2 is also an existing product, which can preset multiple key positions to control microphones, speakers and other peripherals that establish connections with vehicle-mounted electronic equipment or mobile phones, and the relevant control technology is relatively conventional in this field, so this is not elaborated in detail in the utility model.

[0038] See attached Figure 1 -Attached Figure 8The steering wheel body P is provided with a hidden cavity P1 connected to the outside world at the notch P0. When the clamping portion 10 is inserted into the notch P0, the shell 1 is placed in the hidden cavity P1. Therefore, the design of the hidden cavity P1 can prevent the shell 1 from protruding from the steering wheel, making the surface of the steering wheel smooth and improving the overall aesthetics.

[0039] See attached Figure 6 -Attached Figure 9 In order to provide convenience for disassembly and assembly of the clamping part 10, in the utility model, the clamping part 10 includes two symmetrically arranged clamping blocks 100, the two clamping blocks 100 expand outward relative to each other and are made of materials with deformation and recovery capabilities. The two clamping blocks 100 can synchronously abut or detach from the two side walls of the notch P0.

[0040] Specifically, under normal circumstances, the two card blocks 100 are in an initial state, and in the process of inserting the two card blocks 100 into the notch P0, the two card blocks 100 will adaptively undergo slight deformation to smoothly enter the notch P0. After being fully inserted into the notch P0, the two card blocks 100 are in a deformation energy storage state and have an expansion tendency, so they can simultaneously press against the two side walls of the notch P0 and present a damping fit to stably fix the shell 1 on the steering wheel body P; and when the shell 1 needs to be removed, the shell 1 is forcefully pried to overcome the damping between the two card blocks 100 and the notch P0, so that the two card blocks 100 can be synchronously separated from the notch P0.

[0041] Furthermore, there are various types of materials with deformation and recovery capabilities, such as plastic or steel, which are not limited in the present invention. In order to reduce the overall weight, the block 100 in this embodiment is made of plastic. The plastic block 100 is not rigid and will deform slightly during the installation process. It will be reset after being inserted into the notch P0, relying on the expansion trend to cooperate with the damping of the notch P0.

[0042] See attached Figure 4 -Attached Figure 9 Considering that when a car collides, the force applied to the steering wheel will overcome the damping force between the two blocks 100 and the notch P0, causing the external button to be thrown out as a whole and posing a threat to the user, to solve this problem, the utility model also includes a lock 3, which is arranged on the steering wheel body P and can limit the two blocks 100 from being separated from the notch P0, so that the shell 1 is completely fixed on the steering wheel body P, further improving the installation stability and safety.

[0043] See attached Figure 4 -Attached Figure 9, there are various types of locking members 3. For example, a bolt (not shown in the figure) can be directly used. By drilling a threaded hole (not shown in the figure) on the steering wheel body P that communicates with the notch cavity P0, and then passing the bolt through the threaded hole and pressing against the two clamping blocks 100, this installation method will change the shape of the steering wheel body P. Therefore, in this embodiment, the locking member 3 is a safety buckle 30. The safety buckle 30 includes a pressing block 301 and a connecting column 302. There are at least two connecting columns 302 and they are installed at both ends of the pressing block 301. The pressing block 301 can abut against the bottom of the steering wheel body P, and the two connecting columns 302 can extend into the notch cavity P0 and respectively connect the two clamping blocks 100.

[0044] Specifically, when the pressing block 301 abuts against the bottom of the steering wheel body P, the two connecting columns 302 respectively connect the two clamping blocks 100, thereby restricting the up and down movement of the housing 1 and effectively preventing the housing 1 from falling off the steering wheel body P.

[0045] Among them, the connecting column 302 can be fixed to the clamping block 100 by means of snap connection, threaded connection, etc. For the convenience of understanding, in this embodiment, the snap connection method is taken as an example. Specifically, the connecting column 302 is provided with a convex buckle 302t, and both of the two clamping blocks 100 are provided with buckling positions 100t. When the pressing block 301 abuts against the bottom of the steering wheel body P, the two convex buckles 302t respectively snap into the two buckling positions 100t.

[0046] Refer to the appendix Figure 9 - appendix Figure 11 , the housing 1 includes a bottom shell 11 and a top cover 12. The button unit 2 includes a circuit board 21 and a key cap 22. The clamping portion 10 is arranged on the bottom shell 11; an upwardly opening receiving cavity 111 is provided inside the bottom shell 11, and the top cover 12 is installed at the opening of the receiving cavity 111; the circuit board 21 is installed in the receiving cavity 111, and key position contacts 211 are provided on the circuit board 21; the key cap 22 is installed in the receiving cavity 111 and corresponds to the key position contacts 211, and the top of the key cap 22 penetrates through the top cover 12 to the outside for the user to press.

[0047] Specifically, the structural designs of the bottom shell 11, the top cover 12, the circuit board 21 and the key cap 22 facilitate the production and assembly of the housing 1 and the button unit 2; and during use, by pressing the top of the key cap 22 to trigger the key position contacts 211, the circuit board 21 can send corresponding control signals to the vehicle machine.

[0048] Among them, corresponding signal modules are generally provided on the circuit board 21 to send signals to the vehicle machine. Since the related technology belongs to the prior art in this field, it is not elaborated in detail in this utility model.

[0049] Refer to the appendix Figure 9 - appendix Figure 11, in order to supply power to the circuit board 21, a battery (not shown in the figure) is generally provided inside the housing 1. The battery can be a replaceable button battery or a rechargeable battery, and the present utility model does not limit this; in order to improve the convenience of use, a button battery is preferably used in this case. In order to facilitate battery replacement, in this embodiment, the housing 1 further includes a sliding cover 13. Two clamping blocks 100 are installed at the bottom of the bottom shell 11, and an activity space is formed between them. An operation port 112 communicating with the activity space is provided on the bottom shell 11; a battery holder 212 is also provided on the circuit board 21. The battery holder 212 is located at the operation port 112 and is used to install a button battery; the sliding cover 13 is detachably installed at the operation port 112 to enclose or expose the battery holder 212.

[0050] Specifically, during use, insert a finger into the activity space and move the sliding cover 13 outwards to open the operation port 112 to expose the battery holder 212. Remove the discarded battery from the battery holder 212 and replace it with a new battery, and then move the sliding cover 13 to close the operation port 112.

[0051] Among them, the sliding cover 13 can be fixed to the bottom shell 11 by magnetic attraction connection, snap connection or directly by screws, and the present utility model does not limit this.

[0052] It should also be noted that although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, for those of ordinary skill in the art, it can be understood that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principle and spirit of the present application.

Claims

1. A steering wheel external button, suitable for a steering wheel body (P) with a cutout (P0), characterized in that: The invention comprises a shell (1) and a key unit (2), wherein the shell (1) is provided with a clamping portion (10), and the clamping portion (10) is detachably plugged into the cutout (P0) so that the shell (1) is fixed to the steering wheel body (P), and the key unit (2) is mounted on the shell (1) so as to be pressed by a user.

2. The external steering wheel button according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering wheel body (P) is provided with a hidden cavity (P1) connected to the outside at the cutout cavity (P0); when the clamping portion (10) is plugged into the cutout cavity (P0), the shell (1) is placed in the hidden cavity (P1).

3. The external steering wheel button according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping portion (10) comprises two symmetrically arranged clamping blocks (100), the two clamping blocks (100) expand outwards relative to each other and are made of a material having deformation and recovery capabilities; wherein the two clamping blocks (100) are in a deformation energy storage state when plugged into the cutout cavity (P0) so as to simultaneously press against two side walls of the cutout cavity (P0).

4. The external steering wheel button according to claim 3, characterized in that: The clamping block (100) is made of plastic.

5. The steering wheel external button according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also comprises a locking member (3), wherein the locking member (3) is arranged on the steering wheel body (P) and can limit the two clamping blocks (100) from being separated from the cutout (P0).

6. The steering wheel external button according to claim 5, characterized in that: The locking element (3) is a safety buckle (30), and the safety buckle (30) comprises a pressing block (301) and a connecting column (302). At least two connecting columns (302) are provided and are mounted on both ends of the pressing block (301). When the pressing block (301) abuts against the bottom of the steering wheel body (P), the two connecting columns (302) extend into the cutout (P0) and are respectively connected to the two clamping blocks (100).

7. The external steering wheel button according to claim 6, characterized in that: The connecting column (302) is provided with a convex buckle (302t), and the two clamping blocks (100) are both provided with a buckle position (100t). When the pressing block (301) abuts against the bottom of the steering wheel body (P), the two convex buckles (302t) are respectively clamped with the two buckle positions (100t).

8. The steering wheel external button according to claim 3, characterized in that: The housing (1) comprises a bottom shell (11) and a top cover (12); the key unit (2) comprises a circuit board (21) and a key cap (22); the clamping portion (10) is arranged on the bottom shell (11); a receiving cavity (111) opening upward is arranged inside the bottom shell (11); the top cover (12) is mounted at the opening of the receiving cavity (111); the circuit board (21) is mounted in the receiving cavity (111), and a key position contact (211) is arranged on the circuit board (21); the key cap (22) is mounted in the receiving cavity (111) and corresponds to the key position contact (211), and the top of the key cap (22) passes through the top cover (12) to the outside so as to be pressed by a user.

9. The external steering wheel button according to claim 8, characterized in that: The housing (1) further comprises a sliding cover (13); the two card blocks (100) are mounted on the bottom of the bottom shell (11) and an activity space is formed between the two; the bottom shell (11) is provided with an operation port (112) for connecting to the activity space; the circuit board (21) is further provided with a battery seat (212); the battery seat (212) is located at the operation port (112) and is used for installing a battery; the sliding cover (13) is detachably mounted at the operation port (112) to enclose or expose the battery seat (212).

Images