Steering wheel with metal alloy rim and attachment insert

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising: -a hub connected to a steering device of the vehicle, - at least one rim portion (10) arranged to be gripped by a driver to steer the vehicle and comprising a metal frame (13),- at least one attached branch (30) connecting the hub to the at least one rim portion (10), characterised in that the metal frame (13) comprises: - a body made of a metal alloy such as magnesium, - at least one attachment insert (15) at least partially embedded in the body and comprising an interface (19) for attaching the at least one branch (30) to the at least one rim portion (10) and in that the steering wheel (1) comprises at least one element (14) for attaching the at least one branch (30) to the at least one rim portion (10).

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: Steering wheel with metal alloy rim and mounting insert Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to vehicle steering wheels and vehicles, particularly motor vehicles. State of the art

[0002] Vehicle steering wheels are known in the prior art, in particular comprising a rim with a metal frame incorporating a magnesium alloy. On the other hand, this system can present manufacturing and service life difficulties, in particular when it is desired to attach a spoke to the rim, due to the mechanical characteristics of the magnesium alloy. Reference is also made to document JP2022011766. Statement of the invention

[0003] An aim of the present invention is to address the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to propose a steering wheel allowing easy assembly and with an improved service life, of a branch attached to a portion of rim comprising a metal frame having a body for example made of magnesium alloy.

[0004] For this, a first aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel, comprising: - a hub, arranged to be connected to a steering device of the vehicle, - at least one portion of rim, arranged to be grasped by a driver to steer the vehicle and comprising a metal frame, - at least one attached branch, connecting the hub to said at least one rim portion, characterized: in that the metal frame comprises: - a body made of a metal alloy such as magnesium, - at least one fixing insert, preferably made of steel, at least partially embedded in the body or overmolded by the body, and comprising an interface for fixing said at least one branch on said at least one portion of rim, and in that the steering wheel comprises at least one fixing element arranged to fix said at least one branch on said at least one portion of rim in combination with said at least one fixing insert.

[0005] Thus, the fixing insert is inserted or added to the body during the manufacture of the body, typically during its injection or molding, to become one with the latter. The fixing of an element (typically said at least one added branch) on the frame at the level of the fixing insert is thus reinforced since the fixing insert makes it possible to reinforce the connection in a localized and compact manner. This makes it possible to offer a steering wheel with a rim portion incorporating a metal alloy (for example magnesium) assembled with an added branch, while facilitating manufacturing and improving the service life and use.It is indeed noted that the metal alloy (for example magnesium) being generally considered fragile, it is difficult or risky to directly attach the branch (fragile or not very robust connection, mechanical play, etc.), and that the use of the fixing insert considerably improves the manufacturing and the service life. It is further noted that the partial embedding of the fixing insert makes it possible to protect the insert, to prevent the fixing interface from protruding from the rim, in particular on the outer side of the rim and / or from bothering the driver by a protuberance, which is also inelegant. In addition, this improves the attachment of the attached branch to the rim portion, so as to have a robust attachment without mechanical play.

[0006] A second aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising: - a hub, arranged to be connected to a steering device of the vehicle, - at least one portion of rim, arranged to be grasped by a driver to steer the vehicle and comprising a metal frame, - at least one attached branch, connecting the hub to said at least one rim portion, characterized: in that the metal frame comprises: - a body made of a metal alloy such as magnesium, - at least one fixing collar, preferably made of steel, at least partially wound and / or crimped around the body and comprising an interface for fixing said at least one branch to said at least one rim portion, and in that the steering wheel comprises at least one fixing element arranged to fix said at least one branch to said at least one rim portion in combination with said at least one fixing collar.

[0007] This makes it possible to provide a steering wheel with a rim portion incorporating a metal alloy (e.g. magnesium) assembled with an added spoke, while facilitating manufacturing and improving the service life and use. It is indeed noted that since the metal alloy (e.g. magnesium) is fragile, it is difficult to directly add the spoke, and that the use of the fixing collar considerably improves manufacturing and service life. It is further noted that the partial winding or crimping of the fixing collar makes it possible to protect the rim, in particular at the attachment interface, to prevent the attachment from damaging the metal alloy body (e.g. magnesium), which is fragile if the attachment element is directly attached to it. In addition, this improves the attachment of the added spoke to the rim portion, so as to have a robust attachment without mechanical play.

[0008] The following advantageous features relate to the two aspects mentioned above.

[0009] Advantageously, the fixing interface is a screw fixing interface, and the fixing element is a screw fixing element.

[0010] This makes it possible to propose fixing the branch to the rim in a robust and removable manner, while avoiding having to directly fix the branch to the metal alloy body (for example magnesium) in which it is not desired to provide a thread, in particular for reasons of fragility and complexity of production. An example of a screw fixing interface is a thread. An example of a screw fixing is a screw or a stud.

[0011] Advantageously, the fastening interface is a rivet fastening interface, and the fastening element is a rivet fastening element.

[0012] This allows the branch to be securely fixed to the rim, while avoiding the need to fix it directly to the metal alloy body (e.g. magnesium). An example of a riveted attachment is a rivet or a pin. An example of a riveted attachment interface is a calibrated hole, arranged to receive a rivet or a pin.

[0013] Advantageously, one of the metal frame and the branch comprises a location index, and the other of the metal frame and the branch comprises a location cavity receiving the location index.

[0014] Advantageously, one of the metal frame and the branch comprises two location indexes, and said other of the metal frame and the branch comprises two location cavities each receiving a location index.

[0015] Advantageously, the two location indexes are separated by a distance of at least 20 mm, preferably at least 30 mm and preferably at least 40 mm.

[0016] This allows the branch to be precisely located (or positioned) on the metal frame.

[0017] Advantageously, the fixing element is arranged on the fixing index.

[0018] Advantageously, the fixing insert comprises a locating index, and the branch comprises a locating cavity receiving the locating index.

[0019] Advantageously, the fixing insert comprises two location indexes, and the branch comprises two location cavities each receiving a location index.

[0020] Advantageously, the two location indexes are separated by a distance of at least 20 mm, preferably at least 30 mm and preferably at least 40 mm.

[0021] This allows you to precisely locate (or position) the branch on the insert.

[0022] Advantageously, the fixing element is arranged on the fixing index.

[0023] Advantageously, the fixing element passes at least partially through the locating cavity.

[0024] Advantageously, the body of said at least one rim portion forms a continuous hoop, extending over 360°.

[0025] Advantageously, the vehicle steering wheel includes two attached spokes.

[0026] Advantageously, the vehicle steering wheel comprises a covering, preferably partly overmolded, above said at least one portion of rim and / or said at least one spoke.

[0027] Advantageously, the rim covering leaves visible a reference portion of metal frame arranged to receive a portion of the branch. This allows better location of the branch in relation to the rim since part of the branch can rest directly on the metal frame.

[0028] Advantageously, the covering comprises a passage opening or a passage space arranged opposite the fixing interface, the opening or the passage space being provided to provide a passage at least for the fixing element and / or a portion of the branch.

[0029] Advantageously, the passage opening is arranged to allow access to the reference portion of the reinforcement.

[0030] Advantageously, the dressing includes: - a rim covering at least partially covering said at least one portion of rim - a branch covering at least partially covering said at least one branch, and in which the rim covering and the branch covering are distinct and / or independent. In other words, the rim covering, typically a foaming with or without an external covering, is carried out on the rim alone, before the assembly of said at least one branch. This avoids having to put the entire steering wheel in the foaming mold and / or avoids having to reject a complete steering wheel in the event of non-compliant foaming.

[0031] Advantageously, the passage opening or the passage space is provided in the rim covering, and / or in which the branch covering comprises an added covering part, arranged to cover at least part of the passage opening or the passage space.

[0032] Advantageously, the passage opening or the passage space is provided in an added foam, arranged glued or inserted in or on a main foam overmolded on the metal frame. This makes it possible to define a simpler mold for the main foam and therefore a reduced cost.

[0033] Advantageously, the branch trim comprises a decorative part such as for example a hood, covering at least one part of the rim trim such as for example a sheath attached to said at least one portion of rim before assembly of said at least one portion of rim on said at least one branch.

[0034] Advantageously, the fixing element provides a connection of the embedding type of said at least one portion of rim on said at least one branch. This makes it possible to provide a robust connection between the rim and the branch.

[0035] Advantageously, the vehicle steering wheel comprises an articulation, preferably of the pivot type, between said at least one branch and the hub.

[0036] Advantageously, the positioning index is provided on the fixing insert.

[0037] Advantageously, the positioning index is provided on the fixing collar.

[0038] Advantageously, the rim covering comprises an internal covering material, for example overmolded, such as polyurethane, and an external covering material added such as a sheath, a leather sheath, a synthetic material sheath, - the branch covering comprises at least one decorative piece forming a shell or part of a shell around said at least one branch.

[0039] A third aspect relates to a motor vehicle comprising a vehicle steering wheel according to one of the first aspect and / or the second aspect, for the benefit of the advantages mentioned above. Description of figures

[0040] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0041] [Fig. 1] represents a front view of a steering wheel according to the present invention, in a first embodiment,

[0042] [Fig. 2] represents a detail view of the steering wheel, at the level of an interface for fixing a branch with a portion of rim,

[0043] [Fig. 3] represents a sectional view of the steering wheel according to AA, showing a fixing insert and a rim reinforcement,

[0044] [Fig. 4] shows a view of the overmolded fixing insert on the rim reinforcement,

[0045] [Fig. 5] shows a view of the fixing insert,

[0046] [Fig. 6] represents a complete sectional view of the steering wheel according to AA, showing the fixing insert and the rim reinforcement,

[0047] [Fig. 7] represents a schematic sectional view of the steering wheel, according to a second embodiment,

[0048] [Fig. 8] represents a side and detailed view of the steering wheel according to the second embodiment.

[0049] Detailed description of embodiment(s)

[0050] Figure 1 shows a front view of a vehicle steering wheel 1 according to the present invention, in a first embodiment.

[0051] Figure 1 shows the steering wheel 1 forming a steering device for a motor vehicle. According to the non-limiting example shown, the steering wheel 1 comprises a hub 40, at least one attached branch 30 (here two attached branches, the number of branches not being limiting, possibly being less, for example one, or greater than two, for example three, four, five, etc.), and a rim portion 10 connected to the hub 40 by the branches 30. The hub 40 is arranged to be connected to a steering device of the vehicle. The rim portion 10 is arranged to be grasped by a driver to steer the vehicle.

[0052] The rim portion 10 comprises an underlying vehicle steering wheel frame 13 shown in Figure 3. The frame 13 is understood to mean the carcass or framework intended to support the other components of the rim (typically the overmolding or foaming, trim parts, control members such as the horn control, buttons, etc.). The frame 13 is metallic and typically comprises a body made of metal alloy (for example magnesium) and at least one fixing insert 15 visible in Figure 3.

[0053] Figure 2 represents a detailed view of the steering wheel 1, at the level of a fixing interface 19 of one of the added branches 30 with the rim portion 10.

[0054] The fixing insert 15 is at least partially embedded in the body of the rim 10 and comprises the fixing interface 19 of the branch 30 on the rim 10.

[0055] The steering wheel 1 comprises at least one fixing element 14 of the branch 30 on the rim 10. In the example of FIG. 2, there are two fixing elements 14 which are screw fixing elements (also called screws): the two fixing elements 14 are screwed into the threads, which are examples of screw fixing interfaces 19.

[0056] The fixing insert 15 is preferably made of steel, in order to provide a suitable material for having the fixing interfaces 19, in particular the threads.

[0057] In other words, the branch 30 is thus fixed to the rim 10, by screwing the screws 14 into the threads 19, at the level of the fixing insert 15.

[0058] The steering wheel 1 may comprise a main foaming 11 and an added foaming 12. The main foaming 11 is arranged to cover, at least partially, the frame 13 and the added foaming 12 is arranged to cover, at least partially, the fixing insert 15. The foaming reported 12 makes it possible to cover gripping zones not covered by the main foaming 11; the gripping zones (parts of the fixing insert 15) make it possible to keep the frame 13 at a distance from the walls of an injection mold of the main foaming 11.

[0059] Figure 2 finally illustrates the axis of the section AA, for the section view along AA of figure 3.

[0060] Figure 3 represents the sectional view of the steering wheel 1 along AA, showing the fixing insert 15 and the rim reinforcement 13.

[0061] The main foaming 11 and the added foaming 12 are also visible in figure 3, and arranged as indicated previously.

[0062] The screw 14 is screwed into the thread 19 in order to fix the added branch 30 on the fixing insert 15 and therefore finally on the rim 10 via the frame 13. It should be noted that the added branch 30 comes, along an axis of the screw 14, to bear and press against a reference portion 13r of the metal frame 14 and not against the fixing insert 15 to guarantee the position of the rim with more precision.

[0063] The insert 15, preferably made of steel, is at least partially embedded in the metal alloy body (for example magnesium) of the metal frame 13.

[0064] This makes it possible to at least partially hide the insert 15, while providing a change of material between the insert 15 and the metal frame 13 (typically made of magnesium alloy), to allow better fixing of the added branch 30 on the rim 10.

[0065] The branch 30 may further comprise a locating cavity arranged to receive the fixing element 14 (for example a calibrated hole in order to locate a shaft (or an external cylindrical surface) of the fixing element). In other words, the screw 14 passes through the branch 30 at the locating cavity.

[0066] Figure 4 represents a view of the insert 15 overmolded by the reinforcement 13 of the rim 10. Typically, the insert 15 can be produced before (for example by stamping, machining or sintering) before being placed in the injection mold of the reinforcement 13. During injection, the material of the reinforcement 13 partially covers the insert 15.

[0067] In the example of Figure 4, the insert 15 is shown with two fixing interfaces 19 (for example, threads for the screw fixing interface).

[0068] The frame 13 may further comprise two location indexes 13i, in order to position the rim 10 and the added branch 30 more precisely. The indexes 13i may also be positioned on the insert 15: in this case, the indexes 13i are for example the exteriors of the screwing barrels 19. The main foaming 11 is provided with pins 11ii arranged to position the added (or secondary) foaming 12.

[0069] Figure 5 shows a view of the insert 15 with the two fixing interfaces 19.

[0070] Furthermore, the insert 15 may comprise a main body 15c between the fixing interfaces 19 and two distal ends 15e. Each fixing interface 19 is arranged between the main body 15c and a distal end 15e. This makes it easier to partially embed the insert 15 in the body of the metal frame 13, and to improve the fixing of the attached branch 30 on the rim 10.

[0071] Figure 6 represents a complete sectional view of the steering wheel along A-A, showing the fixing insert 15 and the rim reinforcement 13.

[0072] Figure 6 further illustrates the steering wheel 1 with a sheath 18, preferably made of leather or synthetic material, covering a sheathed element 17 (typically a capacitive sensor, a heating mat or a finishing foam piece), itself covering the main foaming 11. In other words, the sheath 18 and the sheathed foam are examples (rim) covering. It is possible to provide a branch covering in a similar manner. As can be seen in Figure 6, the sheath 18 does not cover the fixing areas. Thus the sheath 18 can be arranged on the rim 10 before the latter is assembled to the branch 30. The sheath 18 is arranged with an opening or with two ends which do not meet in order to allow the fixing element 14 (and a cover 16) to pass through.

[0073] The steering wheel 1 may further comprise the cover 16 masking the insert 15, the fixing interface 19 and / or the fixing element 14. In other words, the cover 16 is an example of a covering part added to mask the assembly of the branch 30 with the rim 10.

[0074] Figure 7 represents a schematic sectional view of the steering wheel 1, according to a second embodiment.

[0075] The steering wheel 1 comprises the rim portion 10 with the metal frame 13 and the at least one branch 30. A fixing collar 20, preferably made of steel, makes it possible to fix the branch 30 to the rim 10, by means of at least one fixing element 14 (for example a screw 14, a rivet or a pin) and at least one corresponding fixing interface 19.

[0076] Figure 8 represents a side and detailed view of the steering wheel 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0077] The fixing collar 20 is thus visible. It is wound and / or crimped around the body of the metal frame 13, and makes it possible to fix or attach the branch 30 to the rim 10.

[0078] The embodiments, and their variants, may be combined as much as possible and / or necessary. Industrial application

[0079] A steering wheel 1 according to the present invention, and its manufacture, are capable of industrial application.

[0080] 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 in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, it can be noted that it is possible to provide other fixing elements 14 than screws or rivets. It is possible to adapt the length of engagement of the fixing collar 20 on the body of the frame 13.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. Vehicle steering wheel (1), comprising: - a hub (40), arranged to be connected to a steering device of the vehicle, - at least one rim portion (10), arranged to be grasped by a driver to steer the vehicle and comprising a metal frame (13), - at least one attached branch (30), connecting the hub (40) to said at least one rim portion (10), characterized: in that the metal frame (13) comprises: - a body made of a metal alloy such as magnesium, - at least one fixing insert (15), preferably made of steel, at least partially embedded in the body or overmolded by the body, and comprising a fixing interface (19) of said at least one branch (30) on said at least one rim portion (10), and in that the steering wheel (1) comprises at least one fixing element (14) arranged to fix said at least one branch (30) on said at least one rim portion (10) in combination with said at least one fixing insert (15).

2. Vehicle steering wheel (1), comprising: - a hub (40), arranged to be connected to a steering device of the vehicle, - at least one rim portion (10), arranged to be grasped by a driver to steer the vehicle and comprising a metal frame (13), - at least one attached branch (30), connecting the hub (40) to said at least one rim portion (10), characterized: in that the metal frame (13) comprises: - a body made of a metal alloy such as magnesium, - at least one fixing collar (20), preferably made of steel, at least partially wound and / or crimped around the body and comprising a fixing interface (19) of said at least one branch (30) on said at least one rim portion (10), and in that the steering wheel (1) comprises at least one fixing element (14) arranged to fix said at least one branch (30) on said at least one rim portion (10) in combination with said at least one fixing collar (20).

3. A vehicle steering wheel (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening interface (19) is a screw fastening interface, and wherein the fastening element (14) is a screw fastening element.

4. A vehicle steering wheel (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening interface (19) is a rivet fastening interface, and wherein the fastening element (14) is a rivet fastening element.

5. Vehicle steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein one of the metal frame (13) and the branch (30) comprises a location index (13i), and the other of the metal frame (13) and the branch (30) comprises a location cavity receiving the location index (13i).

6. A vehicle steering wheel (1) according to claim 5, wherein said one of the metal frame (13) and the branch (30) comprises two location indexes (13i), and said other of the metal frame (13) and the branch (30) comprises two location cavities each receiving a location index (13i).

7. Vehicle steering wheel (1) according to claim 6, wherein the two location indexes (13i) are separated by a distance of at least 20 mm, preferably at least 30 mm and preferably at least 40 mm.

8. Vehicle steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the fixing element (14) is arranged on the fixing index (13i).

9. Vehicle steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the fixing element (14) passes at least partially through the locating cavity.

10. Vehicle steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a covering, preferably partly overmolded, above said at least one rim portion (10) and / or said at least one branch (30).

11. Vehicle steering wheel (1) according to claim 10, wherein the trim comprises a passage opening or a passage space arranged opposite the fixing interface (14), the passage opening or space being provided to provide a passage at least for the fixing element (14).

12. Vehicle steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 10 or 11, in which the covering comprises: - a rim covering at least partially covering said at least one portion of rim (10), - a branch covering at least partially covering said at least one branch (30), and in which the rim covering and the branch covering are distinct and / or independent.

13. Vehicle steering wheel (1) according to claim 12 in its dependency on claim 11, in which the passage opening or the passage space is provided in the rim covering, and / or in which the spoke covering comprises an attached covering piece, arranged to cover at least part of the passage opening or the passage space.

14. Vehicle steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 12 or 13, in which the branch trim comprises a decorative part such as for example a hood (16), covering at least part of the rim trim such as for example a sheath (18) attached to said at least one rim portion (10) before assembly of said at least one rim portion (10) on said at least one branch (30).

15. Vehicle steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the fixing element (14) provides a connection of the embedding type of said at least one rim portion (10) on said at least one branch (30).

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