LIGHTING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a lighting device mounted in a steering wheel rim of a motor vehicle. State of the art

[0002] It is known in the prior art to use lighting devices installed in a steering wheel rim. Document WO2019048538A1 discloses a lighting device installed in a steering wheel rim. However, the system features hollow plastic parts, and this document does not offer a solution to prevent these parts from deforming. It is important to limit deformation because it causes visual defects (gaps, irregularities, etc.) or tactile imperfections (bumps, deformed areas, etc.) that should be avoided for such a visually striking component.

[0003] US20160025281 (A1) discloses a steering wheel rim having a lighting device with a support piece that is either elastically fitted or clipped onto a frame. JP2010241275(A) discloses a steering wheel rim having a lighting device with an external U-shaped light diffuser engaged with a retaining body. Description of the invention

[0004] One aim of the present invention is to address the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to provide a lighting device for a steering wheel rim, which limits or eliminates the risks of causing cosmetic defects on the steering wheel.

[0005] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle steering wheel rim, comprising: a plurality of light sources, arranged to emit light towards an external display wall of the rim; a retaining body, comprising an internal wall with an elongated opening having a predetermined passage width to allow the emitted light to pass towards the external display wall; at least one bridging element engaged with the retaining body to limit an enlargement of the predetermined passage width, characterized in that at least one bridging element East at least partially arranged on one side of the inner wall opposite the outer display wall.

[0006] According to the above implementation, the opening in the retaining body allows light from the light sources to pass through to the vehicle user. Furthermore, the bridging element provides reinforcement that connects the two sides of the opening to prevent it from opening or widening, particularly during subsequent manufacturing of the steering wheel or during use by the driver. Thus, the presence of the elongated opening does not weaken the retaining body structure, thereby eliminating variations in the geometry of the retaining body within the steering wheel rim.

[0007] In one embodiment, the bridging element can be interconnected or nested with the retaining body. There are therefore nested parts between the bridging element and the retaining body, resulting in a robust assembly. In other words, at least one wall and / or projecting element of either the bridging element or the retaining body penetrates at least partially into a wall or receiving cavity of the other bridging element or retaining body.

[0008] Depending on the embodiment, the retaining body can be a single piece or a single unit. This limits the risk of deformation and can reduce tolerances.

[0009] In one embodiment, the bridging element may be a light guide. The bridging element may have at least one portion through which light from the light sources passes.

[0010] In one embodiment, the lighting device may include several bridging elements. For example, a first bridging element may be in the form of a printed circuit board and a second bridging element in the form of a light guide.

[0011] In one embodiment, the bridging element can be directly positioned on the inner wall. The bridging element can be in direct contact with the inner wall or directly abutted against it; there may be only one component providing the bridging.

[0012] In one embodiment, the light sources may each have a light-emitting surface arranged in the same emitting plane, wherein the bridging element may have a connecting portion opposite the elongated aperture, arranged in the emitting plane and / or on one side of the emitting plane opposite the external display wall. According to this embodiment, the connecting portion, which extends opposite and transversely to the elongated aperture, is at the same level as the light sources or on one side opposite the external wall, such that the connecting portion is not in the optical path and does not disrupt the path of the light.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the bridging element may have a connecting portion opposite the elongated opening, and at least one light source is arranged between the bridging element and the elongated opening.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the bridging element may have a connecting portion opposite the elongated opening, and the connecting portion may be arranged opposite at least one light source, and: The connecting portion can be arranged between said light source and the external display wall, and the connecting portion can be transparent. or in which: said light source may be arranged between the external display wall and the connecting portion, and the connecting portion is preferably opaque.

[0015] According to the implementation described above, the connecting portion, positioned opposite and transverse to the elongated aperture, is transparent if it is likely to be in the optical path to the user, or opaque if it is not. Typically, the connecting portion can be part of a light guide if it is in the optical path to the user, or it can be a light source support such as a printed circuit board if it is not in the optical path to the user.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the elongated opening may have a length greater than ten times, preferably thirty times, more preferably forty times and very preferably fifty times, the width of the elongated opening.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the bridging element is arranged between the two longitudinal ends of the elongated opening, preferably in a portion in the middle of the elongated opening, and / or preferably at a distance from each longitudinal end of at least one quarter of the length of the elongated opening.

[0018] In one embodiment, the lighting device may include a printed circuit board supporting a plurality of light sources, in which the bridging element may be formed by the printed circuit board itself. According to the above implementation, the printed circuit board, typically a rigid component, combines the function of supporting the light sources and effectively bridging the elongated aperture due to its inherent rigidity.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the lighting device may include a screen or light diffuser forming the external display wall.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the rim may include an outer sheath, and the bridging element may be engaged with the retaining body in an area free of sheath.

[0021] In one embodiment, the retaining body can serve as a support or retaining element for the sheath. Typically, the retaining body can receive and hold flaps of the sheath.

[0022] In one embodiment, the elongated opening may have a passage length, and the retaining body may be free of stiffening ribs along the passage length. The bridging element alone provides reinforcement at the elongated opening. In other words, the retaining body comprises a smooth wall in which the elongated opening is formed. This allows for a slim, long lighting device capable of diffusing continuous light. Indeed, transverse ribs in the path of the light would inevitably create shadows that are difficult to mask.

[0023] In one embodiment, the elongated opening may be continuous and / or the retaining body may be free of ribs or bars transverse to the elongated opening and / or opposite it. The bridging element alone provides reinforcement at the elongated opening. In other words, the retaining body comprises a smooth wall in which the elongated opening is formed. In particular, the opening and / or the inner wall is free of raised edges at the opening's edge. The inner wall at the elongated opening is flat and has only one wall thickness at that point. It may be provided, in particular, that the inner wall is essentially perpendicular to the path of the light.

[0024] In one embodiment, at least one of the retaining body or bridging element may include a protrusion extending through a wall of the other retaining body or bridging element. The protrusion may be an index, a tab, preferably cylindrical or with a draft angle, a column, etc. The protrusion may be formed as a single piece or integral with the retaining body or bridging element, but may also be an added or assembled part.

[0025] In one embodiment, at least one of the retaining body or bridging element may include a portion welded to the other of the retaining body or bridging element. Thermal, laser, or ultrasonic welding may be used. Bonding may also be used.

[0026] In one embodiment, at least one of the retaining body or bridging element may include a portion fitted into the other of the retaining body or bridging element. A recess may be provided using counter forms, a T-groove, or a dovetail joint...

[0027] According to one embodiment, at least one of the retaining body or bridging element may include a portion that is plastically deformed, and / or plastically folded, and / or butted onto the other of the retaining body or bridging element. Such deformation may be achieved by riveting or by hot forming to seal the parts together.

[0028] According to one embodiment, at least one of the retaining body or bridging element may include a portion overmolded onto the other of the retaining body or bridging element.

[0029] A second aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising a lighting device according to the first aspect.

[0030] A third aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a lighting device according to the first aspect.

[0031] Another aspect relates to a manufacturing process in which a mounting or assembly step of the bridging element can be performed on the lighting device, and / or on the lighting device alone, and / or before mounting the lighting device on the steering wheel, and / or before attaching the retaining body to the steering wheel, and / or before a steering wheel sheathing step. Preferably, the bridging element can be fixed, attached, or engaged with the retaining body before any manufacturing or assembly forces are applied to the retaining body. According to this aspect, the bridging element is attached to the retaining body or the inner wall as early as possible in the manufacturing steps, and in any case before applying significant forces to the retaining body that could deform the elongated opening. Description of the figures

[0032] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, in which embodiments of the invention are given by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which: [ fig. 1 ] represents a front view of a steering wheel with a light device in the rim; [ fig. 2 ] represents a cross-section of the rim at the level of the lighting device with a light source arranged to diffuse light towards a vehicle occupant through an elongated opening in the lighting device; fig. 3 ] represents the cross-section of the figure 2 , at the level of implementing a bridging element arranged between two edges of the elongated opening; [ fig. 4 ] represents a particular implementation of the bridging element of the figure 2 ; fig. 5 ] represents another specific implementation of the bridging element of the figure 2 ; fig. 6 ] represents another specific implementation of the bridging element of the figure 2 ; fig. 7 ] represents the cross-section of the figure 3 , with the implementation of the bridging element of the figure 6 ; fig. 8 ] represents another specific implementation of the bridging element in the device of the figure 2 ; fig. 9 ] represents another specific implementation of the bridging element in the device of the figure 2 , which is not part of the present invention; [ fig. 10 ] represents another specific implementation of the bridging element in the device of the figure 2 . Detailed description of implementation method(s)

[0033] There figure 1 represents a vehicle steering wheel which typically includes a rim 10 connected to a hub 20 by several spokes 30. The rim 10 is equipped in the upper position or so called "at 12 o'clock", with a luminous device 40. This luminous device 40 has an external display wall which extends along the rim over an angular sector of about 30° to 40°, but a more or less large angular extent can be provided, up to 180° or even more for example.

[0034] There figure 2 represents a cross-section of rim 10 of the figure 1 and the rim typically includes: an armature 13 (or framework), for example made of magnesium, a foaming or filling material 14, for example polyurethane, overmolded onto the armature 13, an electrical or electronic device 12, for example a contact detection sensor, or a heating sheath, (it is understood that such an electrical device is accessory and may be omitted), a sheath 11, which forms an outer skin of the rim, made of leather for example.

[0035] The lighting system itself includes: a printed circuit board 45, light sources 42 (light-emitting diodes for example), mounted on the printed circuit board 45, a retaining body 41, on which the printed circuit board is fixed, and which also serves as a support for the electrical or electronic device 12 and the sheath 11, in particular at the level of flaps 11A of the sheath 11, a light guide 43, a diffuser screen 44.

[0036] We can predict: the light guide 43 and the diffuser screen 44 made of transparent polymer, for example polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), the retaining body 41 made of rigid polymer and easily injection moldable, such as polyamide, preferably filled with, for example, glass fibers, the printed circuit board made of resin with fibers, such as, for example, an epoxy resin with glass fibers.

[0037] The retaining body 41 thus forms a continuous surface with the foaming material 14 to receive the electrical or electronic device 12 and the sheath 11, which are typically mounted once the lighting device has been assembled and mounted on the steering wheel. The upper part of the retaining body even forms a groove that receives the flaps 11A of the sheath 11, and subsequently the diffuser screen 44. At the bottom of this groove, an elongated opening 411 is formed in an internal wall 412.

[0038] The light sources 42 are all located in the same plane defined by the printed circuit 45, and opposite the light guide 43, itself engaged in the elongated opening 411 made in the internal wall 412, to guide the light from the light sources 42 towards the diffuser screen 44.

[0039] As mentioned above, and visible figure 2 The retaining body 41 supports the sheath 11, which is directly visible and accessible to the vehicle driver. Therefore, precise geometry is crucial to avoid any visual or tactile defects. Furthermore, it is equally important to ensure there are no gaps or openings between the diffuser screen 44 and the flaps 11A.

[0040] To this end, it is necessary to ensure that the retaining body does not deform. However, as also seen above, the elongated opening 411 is formed in the smooth inner wall 412 and can extend over the entire angular sector of the rim covered by the lighting device. In order to avoid variations in brightness, it is important to provide a continuous elongated opening 411, without transverse ribs. Longitudinal ribs on the edges of the elongated opening 411 on the side of the diffuser screen 44 are also undesirable in order to minimize the opening in the rim visible to the driver.

[0041] Such an elongated opening 411 can weaken the retaining body and can lead to a spreading or opening of the elongated opening, in particular for example due to the flaps 11A which can exert a spreading force, especially when laying the sheath 11 which must be tensioned, once the lighting device has been assembled and mounted on the rim 10.

[0042] To counter this possibility of the edges of the elongated opening 411 spreading apart, it is proposed to provide a bridging element 48 at the level of the elongated opening 411, as shown in the figure 3 which is a cross-section of rim 10 at the level of the bridging element 48.

[0043] Indeed, in this embodiment, the light guide 43 comprises two indexes 481 connected by arms to the rest of the light guide body 43, and each index 481 is engaged in the inner wall 412 of the retaining body. Consequently, the bridging element provides a rigid connection between the two edges of the elongated opening 411, which cannot open during subsequent manufacturing operations, even if tensile or tensile forces are applied (typically during sheathing). Thus, its width is guaranteed, and the dimensions of the rim 10 and the absence of gaps between the diffuser screen 44 and the flaps 11A are ensured without occupying space in the upper part of the device.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the bridging element 48 is formed by the indexes 481 and the part of the body of the light guide 43 where the indexes 481 are anchored, and is located between the external surface and the light sources 42. The bridging element 48, and at least the connecting portion facing or overlapping the elongated opening 411, is transparent, so as not to disturb the diffusion of light towards the conductor.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the bridging element 48 is formed by the indexes 481, and an extra length can be provided for the indexes 481 so that they protrude from the inner wall 412, to then deform them (by heat or by riveting or riveting) and obtain a definitive connection.

[0046] Alternatively, flexible tabs with a hook at the end of the index 481 can be provided to provide an elastic fit.

[0047] There figure 4 shows an alternative of the connecting element 48, with, instead of the indexes 481 which pass through the inner wall 412, welding pins 482, intended to allow ultrasonic welding of the light guide 43 on the inner wall 412. Here again, the bridging element 48 is formed on the transparent light guide, and connects the two edges of the elongated opening 411.

[0048] There figure 5 shows another alternative of the bridging element 48, with here two holes 483 which can receive pins or studs which protrude on the lower face of the inner wall 412. In this embodiment, an extra length can be provided for the pins or studs which protrude so that they protrude from the holes 483, to then deform them (by heat or by riveting or riveting) and obtain a definitive connection.

[0049] THE figures 6 And 7They show another alternative to the bridging element 48, with the connection provided by male parts 484 formed on the light guide 43 and engaged in counter-forms of the retaining body 41. In this example, the male parts 484 are T-shaped, and the counter-forms of the retaining body are T-shaped grooves. However, other shapes are possible, such as a dovetail joint.

[0050] There figure 8 represents an alternative in which the bridging element 48 is formed on and by the printed circuit board 45 (the light sources 42 are not visible because the printed circuit board is viewed from below), on which pins 485 are provided. The pins 485 have a length calculated to engage in the printed circuit board 45 and in the inner wall 412 (hidden by the printed circuit board 45). The pins 485 can be deformed, soldered, or attached in any way to the printed circuit board 45, and they can be attached in the same way to the inner wall 412, or they can be made of the same material and be a single piece (the retaining body 41 is then formed by molding directly with the pins 485). On the figure 8 The hatched area represents the bridging element 48 and in particular its connecting portion which is opposite the elongated opening 411. The light sources 42 are therefore arranged between the connecting portion and the elongated opening; the connecting portion can therefore be opaque, as it is opposite the user with respect to the light sources 42. Advantageously, the pins 485 are formed in the retaining body 41 in the vicinity of the elongated opening 411.

[0051] There figure 9 This represents an example of an embodiment not forming part of the present invention, where the bridging element 48 is formed by a portion of the diffuser 44. Indeed, the diffuser 44 is U-shaped and inserted upside down into the groove formed by the retaining body 41 and the flaps of the sheath 11, and has protrusions 486 allowing, for example, ultrasonic welding onto the inner wall 412. Clipping into the inner wall 412 is also possible. Thus, the diffuser 44, at the protrusions 486, is perfectly anchored on both sides of the elongated opening, so that the retaining body 41 is reinforced by the bridging element 48.

[0052] There figure 10 represents a third alternative to the bridging element 48, which is formed by a central portion of the light guide 43, the latter being directly overmolded onto the retaining body 41 and connected by two overmolded portions 487, each overmolded onto an edge of the elongated opening 411. An alternative could be to overmold the retaining body 41 onto the light guide 43.

[0053] In all embodiments, the bridging element 48 provides a connection between the two edges of the elongated opening 411, to guarantee its width and prevent it from opening or separating. Such a bridging element 48 can be provided at regular intervals along the elongated opening 411, for example every 20 mm or every 5° or 10° of an angular sector centered on the axis of rotation of the handwheel, both from the front view and from the rear view. figure 1 .

[0054] In any case, the bridging element avoids having a transverse groove on the groove which could cause variations in brightness or display appearance.

[0055] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made to the different embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, it may be noted that the bridging element and / or the lighting device can be fully assembled before being integrated onto the steering wheel rim. It may also be noted that the bridging element can or should be assembled from an inner side of the rim, that is, from underneath on the figures 3 , 7 , 10This leaves access from above. It should also be noted that bridging methods can be combined; a single bridging element can have, on the one hand, a welded or riveted bridging, and on the other hand, a bridging that simply engages with a counter-form. Several bridging elements can also be used, each attached to the retaining body, or to each other, which allows for reinforcement of the retaining body (41).

Claims

1. A lighting device (40) for a vehicle steering wheel rim (10), comprising: - a plurality of light sources (42) arranged so as to emit light toward an external display wall of the rim (10) - a holding body (41) comprising an internal wall (412) with an elongate opening (411) having a predetermined passage width to allow the light emitted toward the external display wall to pass through, - at least one bridging element (48) engaged with the holding body (41) to limit enlargement of the predetermined passage width, characterized in that the at least one bridging element (48) is at least partially arranged on a side of the internal wall (412) opposite the external display wall.

2. The lighting device (40) according to claim 1, wherein the bridging element (48) may have a connecting portion opposite the elongate opening (411), and wherein at least one light source (42) is arranged between the bridging element (48) and the elongate opening (411).

3. The lighting device (40) according to claim 1, wherein the bridging element (48) has a connecting portion opposite the elongate opening (411), wherein the connecting portion is arranged opposite at least one light source (42), wherein: - the connecting portion is arranged between said light source (42) and the external display wall, and the connecting portion is transparent, or wherein: - said light source (42) is arranged between the external display wall and the connecting portion, and the connecting portion is preferably opaque.

4. The lighting device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a printed circuit (45) supporting the plurality of light sources (42), wherein the bridging element (48) is formed by the printed circuit (45).

5. The lighting device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a screen or light diffuser (44) forming the external display wall.

6. The lighting device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 5, the rim (10) comprising an outer sheath (11), wherein the bridging element (48) is engaged with the holding body (41) in a zone that is free of the sheath (11).

7. The lighting device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elongate opening (411) has a passage length, and wherein the holding body (41) is free of stiffening ribs in the passage length direction.

8. The lighting device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the elongate opening (411) is continuous and / or wherein the holding body (41) is free of ribs or bars transverse to the elongate opening (411) and / or opposite the elongate opening (411).

9. The lighting device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the holding body (41) or the bridging element (48) comprises a protrusion (481; 484; 485) passing through a wall of the other of the holding body (41) or the bridging element (48).

10. The lighting device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the holding body (41) or the bridging element (48) comprises a portion welded to the other of the holding body (41) or the bridging element (48).

11. The lighting device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of the holding body (41) or the bridging element (48) comprises a portion embedded (481; 484) in the other of the holding body (41) or the bridging element (48).

12. The lighting device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one of the holding body (41) or the bridging element (48) comprises a portion that is plastically deformed, and / or plastically folded, and / or headed to the other of the holding body (41) or the bridging element (48).

13. The lighting device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one of the holding body (41) or the bridging element (48) comprises a portion overmolded (487) onto the other of the holding body (41) or the bridging element (48).

14. A vehicle steering wheel comprising a lighting device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A motor vehicle comprising a lighting device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 13.