LEATHER-LOOKING ON A VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL

Abstract

A vehicle steering wheel (1) comprising: - a frame (1a), - a lighting device (40) arranged to emit light towards a user, - a flexible cover element (21) at least partially covering the lighting device (40), the flexible cover element (21) being at least partially permeable to light, and - a support (41) arranged between the frame (1a) and the flexible cover element (21), characterized in that the flexible cover element (21) comprises at least one protrusion (22) arranged at least partially in at least one recess (42) of the support (41). Abstract figure: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: OPTICAL LEATHER ON A VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to vehicle steering wheels, in particular to vehicle steering wheels equipped with a sheath or a decorative part and a luminous device. State of the art

[0002] Steering wheels equipped with a decorative part or a sheath are known in the prior art.

[0003] Document EP3919674 describes a light transmitting artificial leather with a mask and an associated manufacturing method.

[0004] However, prior art leather installed on a prior art steering wheel does not guarantee satisfactory retention of the leather or that the mask is correctly positioned above the light device. Furthermore, without a mask, the diffused pattern may have a less than clear appearance due to the diffusivity of the material; the further the mask is from the outer surface, the greater the lack of clarity is likely to be. Furthermore, in the case where the leather has an opening to allow light to pass through, it is advisable to prevent the opening from forming a mark on the leather. Statement of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is, in a first aspect, to address the drawbacks of the prior art document mentioned above. Furthermore, the invention aims to improve the appearance or perceived quality of a steering wheel covered with a light-permeable material. It is therefore a question of providing a vehicle steering wheel comprising: - a frame, - a light device arranged to emit light towards a user, - a flexible cover element at least partially covering the light device, the flexible cover element being at least partially permeable to light, and - a support arranged between the frame and the flexible covering element, characterized in that the flexible covering element comprises at least one protrusion arranged at least partially in at least one recess of the support.

[0006] This ensures satisfactory retention of the cover element so that it is correctly positioned above the light device or the light emitted by the device and this avoids forming a mark on the cover element. In addition, this improves the appearance or perceived quality of the steering wheel. sheathed in light-permeable material.

[0007] This makes it possible to improve the retention or maintenance of the flexible covering element and this in a reduced size while maintaining easy manufacturing and / or assembly.

[0008] Light permeable means that the material allows a user to see light information through the flexible cover element when the light device emits light.

[0009] The recess (or depression) forms a cavity, namely a hollow space, more or less wide and more or less deep, closed or not, in a solid body.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the flexible covering element may be a sheath.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the flexible cover element may comprise a mask, preferably arranged opposite a light diffusion zone of the light device. The mask can be added after or during (i.e. the mask is a layer of the cover) the cover manufacturing operation.

[0012] This allows a predetermined pattern to be displayed with great clarity.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the at least one outgrowth may be permeable to light.

[0014] This allows light to pass through the protrusion and / or to display a pattern.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the at least one protrusion can be arranged in an area not crossed by the light of the lighting device.

[0016] This makes it possible to limit light losses due to the greater thickness of material to be passed through by the light. Indeed, the thickness of the covering element is limited in the luminous zone making it possible to limit the loss of light energy or to reduce the lack of sharpness.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the at least one protrusion may be formed or printed integrally with the flexible cover element.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the at least one protrusion may be overmolded or glued onto the flexible covering element.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the protrusion can be manufactured by 3D printing, lithography, sticker bonding, overmolding or any other suitable process.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the steering wheel may further comprise an electrical element, distinct from the light device, having an opening arranged to house the at least one protrusion.

[0021] This makes it possible to complete the functionalities of the steering wheel while ensuring good support and / or positioning of the flexible cover element and the other advantages mentioned.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the steering wheel may further comprise a housing with a housing opening arranged to accommodate the at least one protrusion, and preferably the housing opening can be arranged to diffuse the light from the light device.

[0023] This makes it possible to optimize the arrangement of the steering wheel and provide better light diffusion.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the light device comprises the housing which may preferably be made of plastic and / or rigid.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the opening in the housing is also arranged to diffuse the light from the light device.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the protrusion can be formed or printed directly on the cover element, during the manufacturing operation of the cover element.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the protrusion can be overmolded or glued onto the cover element, i.e. after the manufacturing operation of the cover element.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the steering wheel may comprise a heating and / or hand sensor sheath on the steering wheel, comprising an opening arranged to be filled by the protrusion

[0029] According to one embodiment, the protrusion may have a height of between 1.5 and 3 mm.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the protrusion may have any shape allowing correct positioning (centering) of the covering element on the steering wheel.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the covering element may comprise one or more protrusions.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the covering element may be artificial leather.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the covering element may comprise a layer electrically conductive layer arranged to form a proximity sensor or a heating element, i.e. the electrically conductive layer is implemented during the manufacturing process of the material (artificial leather).

[0034] A second aspect relates to a motor vehicle comprising a vehicle steering wheel according to the first aspect.

[0035] This makes it possible to provide a vehicle with a steering wheel having an optimized size and an effective hold and / or an optimized positioning of the flexible cover element while facilitating manufacturing and assembly and having the advantages mentioned above. Description of figures

[0036] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the drawings. annexed, in which:

[0037] [Fig-1] represents a front view of a vehicle steering wheel according to the present invention,

[0038] [Fig.2] represents a sectional and elevational view of the vehicle steering wheel according to the present invention, with a light device,

[0039] [Fig.3] represents a sectional and elevation view of the vehicle steering wheel according to a second embodiment, with the light device,

[0040] [Fig.4] represents a sectional and elevation view of the vehicle steering wheel according to a third embodiment, with the light device,

[0041] [Fig.5] represents an isometric view of a light device housing compatible with the embodiments,

[0042] [Fig.6] represents a detail view of the steering wheel with a mask.

[0043] Detailed description of embodiment(s)

[0044] [Fig.l] represents a front view of a vehicle steering wheel 1.

[0045] [Fig.l] thus represents the vehicle steering wheel 1 which typically comprises the rim 10 connected to a hub 20 by one or more branches 30.

[0046] A section II of the rim 10 is provided, in order to represent a sectional view of the rim along II in [Fig.2]. Section II is indicative and can be positioned at another location on the steering wheel 1.

[0047] [Fig. 2] represents a sectional and elevation view of the vehicle steering wheel 1 according to the present invention, with a lighting device 40.

[0048] The vehicle steering wheel 1 thus comprises a frame 1a, the light device 40 which is arranged to emit light towards a user, such as a driver or a passenger, a flexible cover element 21 and a support 41, such as a light device housing 41, or simply called housing 4L

[0049] The flexible cover element 21 is arranged to at least partially cover the light device 40, and the flexible cover element 21 is at least partially permeable to light, i.e. it allows the user to see the light emitted by the light device 40 through the cover element 21.

[0050] The cover element 21 is arranged to be visible to an occupant of the vehicle.

[0051] The support 41 is arranged between the frame 1a and the flexible covering element 21. Thus, the support 41 makes it possible to support the flexible cover element 21.

[0052] In the case where the support 41 is a light device housing 41, the housing 41 supports the light device 40 and the flexible cover element 21.

[0053] The flexible covering element 21 comprises at least one protrusion 22 arranged at least partially in at least one recess 42 of the support 4L. This makes it possible to correctly position the covering element 21 on the steering wheel 1 and in particular with respect to the light from the lighting device 40 diffused towards a user.

[0054] Thus, the protrusion 22 makes it possible to center the flexible covering element 21 relative to the support 41 and to precisely locate the flexible covering element 21.

[0055] The protrusion 22 is for example a protuberance or a projection, preferably extending towards an internal side of the flywheel 1, that is to say towards the frame 1a.

[0056] Furthermore, the protrusion 22 thus makes it possible to fill the recess 42.

[0057] In the example of [Fig.2], the protrusion 22 is further positioned opposite a light guide 14, so as to be well positioned facing the light emitted by the light device 40 then guided by the light guide 14.

[0058] The covering element 21 is preferably a sheath, and in particular made of plastic or leather, in particular optical leather or artificial leather. The covering element 21 can therefore be considered as a decorative sheath.

[0059] The steering wheel 1 may further comprise an electrical sheath 23, which is an example of an electrical or electronic element distinct from the lighting device 40. The electrical sheath 23 is preferably installed or mounted under the covering element 21 and at least partially on the support 4L

[0060] The electrical sheath 23 is sheathed under the covering element 21. The electrical sheath 23 is for example a presence sensor (capacitive, resistive or other) and / or a heating element, or any other electrical or electronic device, the latter not being essential to the invention.

[0061] Thus, the covering element 21 covers the electrical sheath 23 which is partially supported by the foam or foaming 17 and / or the support 4L

[0062] The rim 10 is equipped in the upper position or so-called “12 o’clock” position, with the luminous device 40, corresponding to section II. It is possible to provide another position, and / or to provide several positions in order to provide several displays.

[0063] Note that the steering wheel 1 further comprises a foam or foaming 17 covering the frame 1a.

[0064] The housing 41 may be equipped with one or more fixing elements such as one or more hooks, in order to fix it to the frame 1a or to the foaming 17 surrounding the frame 1a.

[0065] The light device 40 may further comprise at least one light source arranged to emit light, such as one or more LEDs.

[0066] The light device 40 may further comprise a printed electronic circuit 16 (called “PCB or Printed Circuit Board” in English) connected to the light source to support and / or control it.

[0067] The printed electronic circuit 16 thus supports the light source which transmits the emitted light towards the user via the light guide 14.

[0068] [Fig. 2] shows the vehicle steering wheel 1 with the underlying vehicle steering wheel frame. Frame means the carcass or framework intended to support the other components of the vehicle steering wheel (typically overmolding or foaming, trim parts, control components such as the horn control, buttons, etc.).

[0069] The frame 1a can be made of magnesium for example. It is possible to provide added, screwed, welded or overmolded parts.

[0070] The frame 1a is then typically partially overmolded or covered with foam to hide the metal parts from the driver, in particular at the level of the branches 30 and the rim 10.

[0071] The steering wheel 1 may further comprise a decorative part, for example a part made of wood, carbon or plastic, which may be varnished.

[0072] The hub 20 may also be hidden, for example by a safety airbag module or by a sheath as well.

[0073] [Fig. 3] represents a sectional and elevation view of the vehicle steering wheel 1 according to a second embodiment, with the lighting device 40.

[0074] The embodiment of [Fig. 3] differs from that of [Fig. 2] in that the flexible covering element 21 comprises two protrusions 22 and that these are not arranged opposite or facing the light device 40 or the diffusion zone of the light emitted by the light device 40, if the latter is guided by the light guide 14 (or an exit face of the light guide 14).

[0075] In the example of [Fig. 3], the two protrusions 22 are arranged in the two recesses 42 of the support 41, on either side of an opening 43 dedicated to the passage of light. The opening 43 is arranged opposite the light device 40 or the light guide 14 guiding the light from the light device 40 towards a user.

[0076] In the example of [Fig. 3], it is possible but not necessary for the covering element 23 to be permeable to light at the level of the protrusions 22, whereas in the example of [Fig. 2], it is necessary for the protrusion 22 to be at least partially permeable to light.

[0077] [Fig.4] represents a sectional and elevational view of the vehicle steering wheel 1 according to a third embodiment, with the light device 40.

[0078] The embodiment of [Fig.4] differs from that of [Fig.3] in that the opening 43 houses a translucent support element 47, preferably independent of the electrical sheath 23. The translucent support 47 can be added, overmolded or glued onto the housing 4L. It makes it possible to provide more precise support for the electrical sheath 23 (in comparison with the embodiment of [Fig.3]). Indeed, the adjustment of the light guide and the housing 41 is complicated to achieve.

[0079] In this case, the path of the light goes from the light device 40, towards the light guide 14, then towards the translucent support 47 in the opening 43, then through the cover element 21.

[0080] It is further or alternatively possible to provide that the opening 43 houses a part of the electrical sheath 23. In this case, it is desirable to provide the electrical sheath at least partially permeable to light as well.

[0081] Figures 3 and 4 also represent section II of the rim 10, but in different embodiments.

[0082] [Fig.5] shows an isometric view of the light device housing 41 compatible with the embodiments.

[0083] The support 41 or luminous device housing 41 may comprise the recess 42 in order to receive the light-permeable protrusion 22.

[0084] The housing 41 may comprise a groove 45 in order to allow the light from the light device 40 to pass through (if necessary via a light guide 14).

[0085] The housing 41 may further comprise openings 44 arranged to receive protrusions 22, but it is not necessary for these to be permeable to light. Indeed, since the openings 44 are arranged outside the area of ​​the groove 45, the openings 44 may not be traversed by light from the lighting device.

[0086] [Fig.6] represents a detailed view of the steering wheel 1 with a mask 27.

[0087] The cover element 21 may further comprise the mask 27, in order to display, for example, a particular symbol or a clear and precise shape for the user's attention.

[0088] It should be noted that the mask 27 is less wide than the opening 43 of the housing 41 allowing the light from the light device 40 to pass through (here guided by the light guide 14). The embodiment of [Fig.6] is an adaptation of the embodiment of [Fig.3], by adding the mask 27. It is possible to add the mask 27 in the other embodiments as well.

[0089] Finally, it is possible to combine the embodiments, as much as possible and / or necessary.

[0090] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art may be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

[0091] It is possible to provide an additional element on or above the flexible cover element 21.

[0092] The lighting device 40 may also comprise a diffuser (or light diffuser), not shown, arranged to diffuse light from the light source towards an occupant of the vehicle. The diffuser may be integrated into the cover element 21.

[0093] List of reference signs: 1 steering wheel the frame 10 rim 14 light guide 16 printed electronic circuit 17 foam or foaming 20 hub 21 covering element, covering or covering sheath 22 growth 23 electrical conduit 27 mask 30 steering wheel branches 40 light device 41 support or housing 42 obviously or opening 43, 44 openings 45 groove

Claims

Claims

1. Vehicle steering wheel (1) comprising: - a frame (1a), - a light device (40) arranged to emit light towards a user, - a flexible cover element (21) at least partially covering the light device (40), the flexible cover element (21) being at least partially permeable to light, and - a support (41) arranged between the frame (1a) and the flexible cover element (21), characterized in that the flexible cover element (21) comprises at least one protrusion (22) arranged at least partially in at least one recess (42) of the support (41).

2. A vehicle steering wheel (1) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible covering member (21) is a sheath.

3. Vehicle steering wheel (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flexible covering element (21) comprises a mask (27), preferably arranged opposite a light diffusion zone of the light device (40).

4. Vehicle steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one protrusion (22) is permeable to light.

5. Vehicle steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one protrusion (22) is arranged in an area not crossed by the light of the light device (40).

6. Vehicle steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one protrusion (22) is formed or printed integrally with the flexible cover element (21).

7. Vehicle steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one protrusion (22) is overmolded or glued onto the flexible cover element (21).

8. Vehicle steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an electrical element (23), separate from the light device (40), having an opening arranged to house the at least one protrusion.

9. Vehicle steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a housing (41) with a housing opening arranged to accommodate the at least one protrusion (22), and preferably the housing opening is arranged to diffuse light from the light device (40).

10. Motor vehicle comprising a vehicle steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9.