Light bar system for steering device

Abstract

The utility model provides a light bar system for a steering device, which comprises a printed circuit board, a light guide piece, a diffusion piece and a shell, the printed circuit board is arranged adjacent to a part of a handle ring framework of the steering device, and the printed circuit board is provided with a light source and a control assembly for controlling the light source; the light guide part is arranged to guide light emitted by the light source to the diffusion part; the diffusion piece is provided with an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface is arranged towards the light guide piece, and the diffusion piece is arranged to diffuse light when the light passes from the inner surface to the outer surface; the shell is fixed on the handle ring framework and is provided with an inner side and an outer side, the inner side of the shell faces the handle ring framework and is provided with a first groove, the outer side of the shell is provided with a second groove, a through hole is formed between the first groove and the second groove, the printed circuit board is clamped in the first groove, the diffusion piece is clamped in the second groove, and the light guide piece is clamped in the through hole. According to the steering device, better mechanical structure stability and durability of the light bar system on the steering device can be guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the field of automobile component design, and in particular relates to a light bar system for a steering device. Background Art

[0002] Currently, some vehicles feature light bars built into their steering wheels (or steering grips) to provide illumination. However, existing steering wheel light bar designs suffer from poor mechanical stability and durability, complex installation, and the potential for damage to other steering wheel components or poor light uniformity. Consequently, improvements are needed during design and manufacturing. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned defects or deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides a light bar system for a steering wheel to improve the mechanical structural stability and durability of the light bar system on the steering device.

[0004] In order to achieve the above purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] A light bar system for a steering device, characterized in that the light bar system includes a printed circuit board, a light guide, a diffuser and a housing, wherein:

[0006] The printed circuit board is disposed adjacent to a portion of the handle frame of the steering device, and a light source and a control component for controlling the light source are disposed on the printed circuit board;

[0007] The light guide member is configured to guide the light emitted by the light source to the diffuser;

[0008] The diffuser has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface is disposed toward the light guide, and the diffuser is configured to diffuse the light as the light passes from the inner surface to the outer surface;

[0009] The shell is fixed on the handle frame and has an inner side and an outer side. The inner side of the shell faces the handle frame and is provided with a first groove. The outer side of the shell is provided with a second groove. A through hole is provided between the first groove and the second groove, wherein the printed circuit board is clamped in the first groove, the diffuser is clamped in the second groove, and the light guide is clamped in the through hole.

[0010] Furthermore, the light sources are respectively provided at positions adjacent to both ends of the printed circuit board, and the light sources are respectively coupled to adjacent ends of the light guide members.

[0011] Furthermore, the printed circuit board is connected to the housing via a first fastener, and the housing is connected to the handle frame via a clamping member and a second fastener.

[0012] Furthermore, the printed circuit board is clamped in the first groove by a first clamping assembly;

[0013] The diffuser is clamped in the second groove via a second clamping assembly; and / or

[0014] The light guide is clamped in the through hole through a limiting assembly.

[0015] Furthermore, the first buckle assembly includes:

[0016] Snap-fit ​​protrusions and recessed areas provided on the printed circuit board; and

[0017] A clamping slot and a positioning post are provided in the first groove;

[0018] Wherein, the buckle protrusion cooperates with the clamping groove, and the recessed area cooperates with the positioning column.

[0019] Furthermore, the second buckle assembly includes:

[0020] A first snap-fit ​​protrusion and a first snap-fit ​​hole provided on the diffuser; and

[0021] a second buckle protrusion and a second buckle hole disposed in the second groove;

[0022] Wherein, the first buckle protrusion cooperates with the second buckle hole, and the second buckle protrusion cooperates with the first buckle hole.

[0023] Furthermore, the limiting component includes:

[0024] A first limiting protrusion and a first limiting groove provided on the light guide member; and

[0025] a second limiting protrusion and a second limiting groove provided in the through hole;

[0026] Wherein, the first limiting protrusion cooperates with the second limiting groove, and the second limiting protrusion cooperates with the first limiting groove.

[0027] Furthermore, the printed circuit board is a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible circuit board.

[0028] Furthermore, the light source is an LED lamp, and the diffusion element is an outer lens.

[0029] Furthermore, at least a portion of the outer lens is opaque.

[0030] The utility model discloses a lamp strip system for the steering device, which comprises a shell, a printed circuit board, a light guide piece and a diffuser. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 It is the structure schematic diagram of steering device of integrated lamp strip system in the utility model;

[0032] Figure 2 It is the explosion drawing of lamp strip system for steering device of the utility model;

[0033] Figure 3 It is the section view along Figure 1 A-A line in it;

[0034] Figure 4 It is the installation schematic drawing of lamp strip system and shell in the utility model;

[0035] Figure 5A It is the installation schematic drawing of printed circuit board and shell in the utility model;

[0036] Figure 5B It is the local structure schematic drawing of printed circuit board in the utility model

[0037] Figure 5C It is the local structure schematic drawing of shell in the utility model;

[0038] Figure 6A It is the local structure schematic drawing of diffuser in the utility model;

[0039] Figure 6B It is another local structure schematic drawing of shell in the utility model;

[0040] Figure 7A It is the local structure schematic drawing of light guide piece in the utility model

[0041] Figure 7B It is another local structure schematic drawing of shell in the utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantage of the utility model more clearly, the following is in combination with the drawings and example, and the utility model is further detailedly explained.It should be understood that the specific example described here is only used to explain the utility model, and is not used to limit the utility model.Based on the example in the utility model, all other examples obtained by the person skilled in the art without doing the creative labor all belong to the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0043] The terms used in this utility model are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "the," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0044] The utility model provides a light bar system for a steering device, such as Figure 1 As shown, the light bar system 100 is arranged on the handle 200 of the steering device. Specifically, the handle 200 has a receiving space, and the light bar system 100 is arranged in the receiving space of the handle 200 to make the handle 200 illuminate. As an example, the light bar system 100 is arranged in the receiving space of the handle 200 and makes the entire outer surface of the handle 200 flush, that is, the part of the handle 200 where the light bar system 100 is arranged is flush with the rest of the handle 200, so that the handle 200 has a consistent and complete appearance. It should be noted that although it is possible to Figure 1 It can be clearly seen in the figure that the light bar system 100 of the present invention is arranged in the shape of a circular arc. Accordingly, the light bar system 100 has a circular arc that can emit light. However, it should be understood that the light bar system 100 can also be arranged in other shapes, such as a semicircle, a circle, or even other irregular shapes.

[0045] Figure 2-Figure 3 The light bar system 100 for a steering device of the present invention is schematically shown. The light bar system 100 specifically includes a printed circuit board 11 , a light guide 12 , a diffuser 13 and a housing 14 .

[0046] Specifically, the printed circuit board 11 is disposed adjacent to a portion of the handle frame 21 of the steering device (steering wheel or steering handle), and is provided with at least one light source 111 and a control assembly (not shown) for controlling the light source 111. The control assembly is capable of controlling the light source 111 to provide sufficiently bright illumination to prompt the driver under various ambient lighting conditions. A light guide 12 is disposed between the printed circuit board 11 and the diffuser 13 to guide light emitted by the light source 111 to the diffuser 13 so that the light can be evenly distributed on the diffuser 13. The diffuser 13 has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface being disposed toward the light guide 12 and the outer surface being disposed away from the light guide 12. The diffuser 13 is configured to diffuse light as it passes from the inner surface to the outer surface, thereby improving light efficiency and uniformity and reducing light loss.

[0047] In the present invention, the shell 14 is fixed to the handle ring frame 21 and has an inner side and an outer side. The inner side of the shell 14 faces the handle ring frame 21 and is provided with a first groove (not shown). The outer side of the shell 14 is away from the handle ring frame 21 and is provided with a second groove (not shown). A through hole (not shown) is provided between the first groove and the second groove. Among them, the printed circuit board 11 is clamped in the first groove, the diffuser 13 is clamped in the second groove, and the light guide 12 is clamped in the through hole. Therefore, the light bar system 100 as a whole can be assembled without screws and glue, which is convenient for quick installation and disassembly. The mechanical structure can be stable and durable through clamping and fixing. It is not easy to damage other components of the steering wheel during installation. It is also simpler in the design and manufacturing process, which enhances the good visual experience and reduces costs.

[0048] See again Figure 3 As shown, the shell 14 is fixed (e.g., bonded) to the foam 22, which covers the handle frame 21 and at least partially provides the shape of the handle. The covering (e.g., outer skin) 23 and the shell 14 together form the outer circumference of the handle, and the covering 23 is fixed to the shell 14. Figure 3 As shown, a portion of the covering body 23 is inserted into a slit provided on the housing 14. Light emitted from the light source 111 passes through the light guide 12 and is emitted from the diffuser 13 to illuminate the handle of the steering device.

[0049] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, light sources 111 are provided adjacent to both ends of the printed circuit board 11, and are coupled to adjacent ends of the light guide 12, so that the light guide 12 can evenly distribute light emitted by the two light sources 111 onto the diffuser 13. Preferably, the light sources 111 are implemented as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and their radiation angle is preferably 120°.

[0050] See again Figure 3 As shown, in order to further ensure the stability of the internal structure of the light bar system 100, the printed circuit board 11 is connected to the housing 14 through a first fastener (such as a bolt) 15. Figure 3 As shown, the housing 14 has a first lever arm 141 extending toward one side of the printed circuit board 11. A threaded hole (not shown) is provided in the housing 14 adjacent to the end of the printed circuit board 11. When the bolt is tightened in the threaded hole, its nut can press the end of the printed circuit board 11 against the end of the first lever arm 141.

[0051] See again Figure 3-4 As shown, in order to ensure the installation stability of the light bar system 100 on the handle frame 21, the housing 14 is connected to the handle frame 21 through the clamping member 16, as shown in FIG. Figure 3As shown, the housing 14 has a second lever arm 142 extending toward one side of the handle frame 21, and the handle frame 21 has a frame protrusion 211. The frame protrusion 211 is connected to the second lever arm 142 via a clamping member 16. On the other hand, the housing 14 is also connected to the handle frame 21 via a second fastener 17 (see FIG. Figure 4 ) to further strengthen the stability between the two.

[0052] In the present invention, the printed circuit board 11 can be clamped in the first groove of the housing by the first clamping assembly. Figures 5A-5C As shown, the first snap assembly includes: a snap protrusion 112 and a recessed area 113 provided on the printed circuit board 11; and a slot 143 and a positioning post 144 provided within the first recess of the housing 14. The snap protrusion 112 and slot 143 cooperate to secure the printed circuit board 11 longitudinally, while the recessed area 113 and positioning post 144 cooperate to secure the printed circuit board 11 transversely. Furthermore, by arranging the positioning post 144 in different positions, a foolproof feature is provided. During installation, the printed circuit board 11 is pressed into the first recess of the housing 14 and secured by the first snap assembly, thereby preventing the printed circuit board 11 from loosening. The first snap assembly is positioned adjacent to a portion of the handle ring frame 21 for heat conduction, eliminating the need for an additional heat transfer pad between the printed circuit board 11 and the handle ring frame 21.

[0053] In one embodiment, the printed circuit board 11 is generally curved to match the shape of a portion of the front surface of the handle. The printed circuit board 11 can be, for example, a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible circuit board. Specifically, the substrate of the printed circuit board 11 can be formed from an FR-4 glass-reinforced epoxy laminate. Furthermore, the top surface of the printed circuit board 11 (i.e., the side where the light source 111 is disposed) can be tinted or coated black or another dark color to prevent reflection of any ambient light that may have passed through the diffuser 13.

[0054] In the present invention, the diffuser 13 can be clamped in the second groove by a second buckle assembly. Figures 6A-6B As shown, the second snap assembly includes: a first snap protrusion (not shown) and a first snap hole 131 provided on the diffuser 13; and a second snap protrusion (not shown) and a second snap hole 145 provided in the second groove of the housing 14. The first snap protrusion of the housing 14 cooperates with the second snap hole 145 of the diffuser 13 to secure the diffuser 13 longitudinally, and the second snap protrusion of the diffuser 13 cooperates with the first snap hole 131 of the housing 14 to secure the diffuser 13 transversely.

[0055] In an implementable mode, the diffuse member 13 is preferably implemented by an outer lens, which is made of PC (polycarbonate) or PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) material for example. Preferably, the outer lens is black in color, at least partially opaque, and its surface is misty, with a light transmittance of about 25% to 35% and a refractive index of about 1.586.

[0056] In the utility model, the light guide member 12 can be clamped in the through hole by the limiting assembly. As shown in the figure, the limiting assembly comprises a first limiting protrusion (not shown) and a first limiting groove 121 arranged on the light guide member 12, and a second limiting protrusion 146 and a second limiting groove (not shown) arranged in the through housing hole. The first limiting protrusion cooperates with the second limiting groove, and the second limiting protrusion cooperates with the first limiting groove, so as to firmly fix the light guide member 12 in the housing 14. In addition, the limiting protrusions arranged at different positions can also prevent mistakes. Figures 7A-7B

[0057] In an implementable mode, the light guide member 12 is made of transparent material, such as PC (polycarbonate) or PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) material, and its surface is treated by transparent process, with a light transmittance of about 80% to 90%, and the emitted light has an intensity of 5 to 650 nits.

[0058] Although the specific embodiments of the utility model are described above, those skilled in the art should understand that this is only an example, and the protection scope of the utility model is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the utility model, and these changes and modifications all fall within the protection scope of the utility model.​

Claims

1. A light bar system for a steering device, characterized in that: The light bar system includes a printed circuit board, a light guide, a diffuser and a housing, wherein: The printed circuit board is disposed adjacent to a portion of the handle frame of the steering device, and a light source and a control component for controlling the light source are disposed on the printed circuit board; The light guide member is configured to guide the light emitted by the light source to the diffuser; The diffuser has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface is disposed toward the light guide, and the diffuser is configured to diffuse the light as the light passes from the inner surface to the outer surface; The shell is fixed on the handle frame and has an inner side and an outer side. The inner side of the shell faces the handle frame and is provided with a first groove. The outer side of the shell is provided with a second groove. A through hole is provided between the first groove and the second groove, wherein the printed circuit board is clamped in the first groove, the diffuser is clamped in the second groove, and the light guide is clamped in the through hole.

2. The light bar system according to claim 1, characterized in that The light sources are respectively provided at positions adjacent to both ends of the printed circuit board, and the light sources are respectively coupled to the ends of the adjacent light guide members.

3. The light bar system according to claim 1, characterized in that The printed circuit board is connected to the shell through a first fastener, and the shell is connected to the handle frame through a clamping member and a second fastener.

4. The light bar system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The printed circuit board is clamped in the first groove by a first clamping assembly; The diffuser is clamped in the second groove via a second clamping assembly; and / or The light guide is clamped in the through hole through a limiting assembly.

5. The light bar system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first buckle assembly includes: Snap-fit ​​protrusions and recessed areas provided on the printed circuit board; and A clamping slot and a positioning post are provided in the first groove; Wherein, the buckle protrusion cooperates with the clamping groove, and the recessed area cooperates with the positioning column.

6. The light bar system according to claim 4, characterized in that The second buckle assembly includes: A first snap-fit ​​protrusion and a first snap-fit ​​hole provided on the diffuser; and a second buckle protrusion and a second buckle hole disposed in the second groove; Wherein, the first buckle protrusion cooperates with the second buckle hole, and the second buckle protrusion cooperates with the first buckle hole.

7. The light bar system according to claim 4, characterized in that The limiting component includes: A first limiting protrusion and a first limiting groove provided on the light guide member; and a second limiting protrusion and a second limiting groove provided in the through hole; Wherein, the first limiting protrusion cooperates with the second limiting groove, and the second limiting protrusion cooperates with the first limiting groove.

8. The light bar system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The printed circuit board is a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible circuit board.

9. The light bar system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The light source is an LED lamp, and the diffusion element is an outer lens.

10. The light bar system according to claim 9, characterized in that At least a portion of the outer lens is opaque.

Images