Functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure and steering wheel

Abstract

Functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure, characterized in that it comprises the following: a functional mat body (1) comprising a functional part and a tongue part (15) projecting from the functional part, wherein one end of the tongue part (15) is electrically connected to a steering wheel cable harness (2) and the other end is electrically connected to the functional part, and wherein a flexible part (3) is provided at the connection point between the tongue part (15) and the functional part; and a reinforcing layer (4) that extends beyond the flexible part (3), wherein the two ends of the reinforcing layer (4) are each in contact with the surface of the functional part and the tongue part (15) and are each electrically connected to the functional part and the tongue part (15).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present utility model relates generally to the technical field of electrically conductive fabrics, in particular a functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure and a steering wheel. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] It is known to electrically connect the conductive fabric to the cable harness by welding or ultrasonic welding. Due to size requirements after assembly, the connection point between the conductive fabric and the cable harness is designed to be relatively narrow, which simultaneously reduces its bending strength. At the same time, the connection point is inevitably bent during production, transport, sheathing, and other processes.

[0003] The more frequently the electrically conductive fabric is bent, the more the coating at the bend point detaches, impairing the fabric's electrical conductivity. If the coating detaches completely, the electrically conductive fabric loses its conductivity, affecting the component's normal function. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In view of the aforementioned defects or disadvantages in the state of the art, it is desirable to provide a functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure and a steering wheel.

[0005] In one aspect, the present utility model provides a functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure, comprising: a functional mat body comprising a functional part and a tongue part projecting from the functional part, wherein one end of the tongue part is electrically connected to a steering wheel wiring harness and the other end is electrically connected to the functional part, and wherein a flexible part is provided at the connection point between the tongue part and the functional part; and a reinforcing layer extending beyond the flexible part, wherein the two ends of the reinforcing layer are each in contact with the surface of the functional part and the tongue part and are each electrically connected to the functional part and the tongue part.

[0006] According to the technical solutions of the utility model, the tongue part is electrically connected to the steering wheel wiring harness via a solder point. The reinforcing layer is sequentially electrically connected to the steering wheel wiring harness via the tongue part and the solder point, so that in the event of an electrical interruption of the flexible part, the tongue part and the functional part on both sides of the flexible part are electrically connected to each other.

[0007] According to the technical solutions of the utility model, an electrically conductive material is used in the reinforcement layer.

[0008] According to the technical solutions of the utility model, an insulating layer is also provided, wherein the insulating layer encloses the outer surfaces of the tongue part and the reinforcement layer.

[0009] According to the technical solutions of the utility model, the functional mat body comprises: an induction composite layer that is adjacent to the reinforcement layer.

[0010] According to the technical solutions of the utility model, the induction composite layer comprises: an induction layer electrically connected to the steering wheel wiring harness, the reinforcing layer being in contact with the surface of one side of the induction layer; and an induction layer substrate that is in contact with the surface of a side of the induction layer facing away from the reinforcement layer.

[0011] According to the technical solutions of the utility model, the functional mat body further comprises: a shielding composite layer that is attached to the surface of a side of the induction layer substrate facing away from the induction layer.

[0012] According to the technical solutions of the utility model, the shielding composite layer comprises: a shielding layer that rests on the surface of a side of the induction layer substrate facing away from the induction layer; and a shielding layer substrate that is in contact with the surface of a side of the shielding layer facing away from the induction layer substrate.

[0013] According to the technical solutions of the utility model, a heating wire is also provided, which is attached to the surface of a side of the shielding layer substrate facing away from the shielding layer, in order to heat the functional mat body.

[0014] In another aspect, the utility model also provides a steering wheel, including: a steering wheel body to which a functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure is attached according to one of the above-mentioned technical solutions.

[0015] The utility model achieves the following positive effects: An additional reinforcing layer is provided on the functional mat body, so that the reinforcing layer rests against the surface of the functional mat body and simultaneously electrically connects the functional part and the tongue part on both sides of the flexible part. This additional reinforcing layer increases the structural strength of the flexible part when bent. Furthermore, if the flexible part is broken, the reinforcing layer can replace the conductor in the circuit, thus reducing the risk of failure of the steering wheel's functional mat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] Further features, functions and advantages of the utility model will become apparent from the following detailed description of a non-restrictive embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings: Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a functional mat for a steering wheel; Fig. Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of section A in Fig. 2; Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the structure of a functional mat for a steering wheel with an insulating layer; Fig. Figure 4 shows another schematic representation of a functional mat for a steering wheel; Fig. 5 shows a sectional view along the CC direction in Fig. 3; Fig. Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a functional mat for a steering wheel; Fig. Figure 7 shows another exploded view of a functional mat for a steering wheel. Reference symbol list: 1 functional mat body; 2 Steering wheel wiring harness; 3 flexible part; 4 Reinforcing layer; 5 Induction layer; 6 Induction composite layer; 7 Induction layer substrate; 8 Shielding layer; 9 Shielding composite layer; 10 Shielding layer substrate; 11 heating wire; 12 Insulating layer; 13 double-sided adhesive tape; 14 solder points; 15 tongue part. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0017] The utility model is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings and embodiments. It is understood that the specific embodiments described here serve only to illustrate the utility model in question and are not to be interpreted restrictively. Furthermore, it should be clarified that, for the sake of simplicity, only those parts related to the utility model are shown in the drawings.

[0018] It should be clarified that the embodiments of the utility model and their features can be combined with one another, provided they are not mutually exclusive. The utility model is described in detail below with reference to the drawings in combination with the embodiments. EXAMPLE OF EXECUTION 1

[0019] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 4 of the utility model provides a functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure, comprising: a functional mat body 1 comprising a functional part and a tongue part 15 projecting from the functional part, wherein the functional part is a flexible electrically conductive fabric, wherein one end of the tongue part 15 is electrically connected to a steering wheel cable harness 2 and the other end is electrically connected to the functional part, and wherein a flexible part 3 is provided at the connection point between the tongue part 15 and the functional part; and a reinforcing layer 4 that extends beyond the flexible part 3, wherein the two ends of the reinforcing layer 4 are each in contact with the surface of the functional part and the tongue part 15 and are each electrically connected to the functional part and the tongue part 15.

[0020] Specifically, the arrow and the symbol C indicate Fig. 3 the cutting direction. Fig. 5 shows a section view towards CC from Fig. 2.

[0021] The functional mat body 1 is arranged on the steering wheel such that the steering wheel is encased by the functional mat body and rotates with the steering wheel. To detect whether the steering wheel is being gripped by hand, a capacitance is formed within the functional mat body. For this purpose, it must be connected to the steering wheel wiring harness 2. During driving, the steering wheel wiring harness 2 twists with the steering wheel when the steering wheel is turned, which causes the flexible part 3 to be slightly bent and rub against other positions, or even to twist off.

[0022] The additionally provided reinforcement layer 4 increases the structural strength of the flexible part 3 during bending. Furthermore, if the original circuit structure is interrupted, the reinforcement layer 4 can replace the conductor in the circuit, thus reducing the risk of failure of the steering wheel's functional mat.

[0023] Furthermore, the tongue part 15 is electrically connected to the steering wheel wiring harness 2 via a solder point 14. The reinforcing layer 4 is sequentially electrically connected to the steering wheel wiring harness 2 via the tongue part 15 and the solder point 14, in order to electrically connect the tongue part 15 and the functional part on both sides of the flexible part 3 in the event of an electrical interruption.

[0024] Furthermore, an electrically conductive material is used in the reinforcement layer 4. The electrically conductive material is selected from a curable liquid electrically conductive material (electrically conductive silver adhesive or graphite conductive adhesive) or a solid electrically conductive material (electrically conductive adhesive tape or adhesive, electrically conductive fabric).

[0025] Specifically, the solder point 14 between the steering wheel cable harness 2 and the tongue part 15 is formed by soldering to establish an electrical connection. The tongue part 15 and the functional part are electrically connected to each other by the adjacent or hardened reinforcing layer 4.

[0026] If the conductor within the functional mat body 1 breaks after repeated bending, the reinforcing layer 4 can act as a conductor and be electrically connected to the steering wheel wiring harness 2, thereby restoring the original function of the functional mat body 1. This significantly increases the service life of the electrically conductive fabric.

[0027] Furthermore, it also includes an insulating layer 12, wherein the insulating layer 12 encloses the outer surfaces of the tongue part 15 and the reinforcement layer 4.

[0028] Specifically, the insulating layer 12 prevents short circuits between the tongue part 15 and the external metal parts, ensuring that the functional mat body 1 accurately detects whether the steering wheel is being gripped by hand. This also prevents wear on the functional mat body 1, thus extending its service life.

[0029] Further with reference to the Fig. The functional mat body 1 comprises 6 to 7: an induction composite layer 6 which is attached to the reinforcement layer 4 and is used to detect whether an electrically conductive object (in this embodiment the driver's hand) is in contact with the functional mat body 1.

[0030] Furthermore, the induction composite layer comprises 6: an induction layer 5, which is a flexible electrically conductive fabric, wherein the induction layer 5 is electrically connected to the steering wheel cable harness 2, and wherein the reinforcement layer 4 is in contact with the surface of one side of the induction layer 5; and an induction layer substrate 7, which is located on the surface of a side of the induction layer 5 facing away from the reinforcement layer 4.

[0031] Furthermore, the functional mat body 1 also includes: a shielding composite layer 9, which is located on the surface of a side of the induction layer substrate 7 facing away from the induction layer 5.

[0032] Furthermore, the shielding composite layer comprises 9: a shielding layer 8 which is in contact with the surface of a side of the induction layer substrate 7 facing away from the induction layer 5; and a shielding layer substrate 10, which is located on the surface of a side of the shielding layer 8 facing away from the induction layer substrate 7.

[0033] Specifically, the induction layer 5 and the induction layer substrate 7 are matched in such a way that a capacitance is formed when a hand is in contact with the electrically conductive tissue. By monitoring the change in capacitance, it is thus possible to detect whether a hand is in contact with the electrically conductive tissue.

[0034] Due to the shielding layer 8, the induction composite layer 6 is less affected by external electromagnetic fields, which increases the detection accuracy.

[0035] Further with reference to the Fig.Furthermore, a heating wire 11 is provided, which is attached to the surface of a side of the shielding layer substrate 10 facing away from the shielding layer 8, in order to heat the functional mat body 1. When the functional mat body 1 is grasped by hand, the hand can be warmed by the heated functional mat.

[0036] Specifically, the heating wire 11 is sewn onto the shielding substrate 10. The shielding substrate 10 is bonded to the shielding layer 8 by means of double-sided adhesive tape 13. Thus, when the heating wire 11 is energized, the electrical energy is converted into heat energy.

[0037] Specifically, the induction layer 5, the induction layer substrate 7, the shielding layer 8, and the shielding layer substrate 10 are each attached to one another by the double-sided adhesive tape 13. Likewise, the insulating layer 12 and the heating wire 11 are secured to each other by the double-sided adhesive tape 13.

[0038] This allows the steering wheel's functional mat to be heated. When a hand is in contact with the steering wheel's functional mat, it can be kept at a suitable temperature to prevent discomfort caused by excessively low temperatures. EXAMPLE OF EXECUTION 2

[0039] The utility model also provides a steering wheel, comprising: a steering wheel body to which a functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments is attached.

[0040] Specifically, reference can be made to the technical effects achieved in the above exemplary embodiments. After the above functional mat is installed, the risk of failure of the steering wheel's functional mat during steering wheel rotation can be reduced, and its service life extended.

[0041] The above description serves only to illustrate the preferred embodiments of the utility model and the underlying technical principles. A person skilled in the art understands that the scope of protection of the utility model is not limited to the technical solutions consisting of the specific combination of the aforementioned technical features, but should also include other technical solutions consisting of any combination of the aforementioned technical features or their equivalent features, without departing from the concept of the utility model. This includes, for example, technical solutions formed by exchanging the aforementioned features with those disclosed (but not limited to) in the utility model that have similar functions.

Claims

[1] Functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure, characterized by that it includes the following: a functional mat body (1) comprising a functional part and a tongue part (15) projecting from the functional part, wherein one end of the tongue part (15) is electrically connected to a steering wheel cable harness (2) and the other end is electrically connected to the functional part, and wherein a flexible part (3) is provided at the connection point between the tongue part (15) and the functional part; and a reinforcing layer (4) that extends beyond the flexible part (3), wherein the two ends of the reinforcing layer (4) are each in contact with the surface of the functional part and the tongue part (15) and are each electrically connected to the functional part and the tongue part (15). [2] Functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure according to claim 1, characterized by, that the tongue part (15) is electrically connected to the steering wheel cable harness (2) by means of a solder point (14), wherein the reinforcing layer (4) is successively electrically connected to the steering wheel cable harness (2) by means of the tongue part (15) and the solder point (14) in order to electrically connect the tongue part (15) and the functional part on both sides of the flexible part (3) in the event of an electrical interruption of the flexible part (3). [3] Functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that an electrically conductive material is used in the reinforcement layer (4) and the functional part is a flexible electrically conductive fabric. [4] Functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure according to claim 1, characterized by, that it further comprises an insulating layer (12), wherein the insulating layer (12) encloses the outer surfaces of the tongue part (15) and the reinforcing layer (4). [5] Functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure according to claim 1, characterized by , that the functional mat body (1) comprises an induction composite layer (6), wherein the induction composite layer (6) is adjacent to the reinforcement layer (4). [6] Functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure according to claim 5, characterized by , that the induction composite layer (6) comprises the following: an induction layer (5) which is electrically connected to the steering wheel wiring harness (2), wherein the reinforcing layer (4) is in contact with the surface of one side of the induction layer (5); and an induction layer substrate (7) which is located on the surface of a side of the induction layer (5) facing away from the reinforcement layer (4). [7] Functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure according to claim 6, characterized by , that the functional mat body (1) further comprises a shielding composite layer (9) which is located on the surface of a side of the induction layer substrate (7) facing away from the induction layer (5). [8] Functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure according to claim 7, characterized by , that the shielding composite layer (9) comprises the following: a shielding layer (8) which is in contact with the surface of a side of the induction layer substrate (7) facing away from the induction layer (5); and a shielding layer substrate (10) that is located on the surface of a side of the shielding layer (8) facing away from the induction layer substrate (7). [9] Functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure according to claim 8, characterized by , that it further comprises a heating wire (11) which is attached to the surface of a side of the shielding layer substrate (10) facing away from the shielding layer (8) in order to heat the functional mat body (1). [10] Steering wheel, characterized by , that it comprises a steering wheel body to which a functional mat for a motor vehicle steering wheel with a tongue-shaped protective structure according to one of claims 1 to 9 is attached.

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