Vehicle steering wheel with multiple different electrical devices

Abstract

1. A vehicle steering wheel, comprising: at least two different electrical devices (50); a power harness (80) arranged to connect a plurality of different electrical devices (50) to an electrical system on board the vehicle, A vehicle steering wheel, comprising: a power harness (80) including at least one common conductor (91) connected to at least two different electrical devices (50).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a vehicle steering wheel that includes a number of different electrical devices, such as electrical units or modules, mounted and / or embedded in the steering wheel. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0002] In the prior art of vehicle steering wheels, it is known to provide a number of different electrical devices, such as electrical units or modules, mounted and / or embedded in the steering wheel. On the other hand, all these different electrical devices need to be supplied or connected to the electrical system installed in the vehicle. A power harness must be designed to supply all these different electrical devices mounted and positioned at various positions spaced apart from each other on the steering wheel. As a result, the power harness is complex and requires a lot of space to extend from the upstream power supply point to all the different electrical devices.

[0003] One object of the present disclosure is to address the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, and in particular, to first provide a vehicle steering wheel that includes several separate and distinct electrical devices, yet has a compact and easy to manufacture power harness for connecting all these separate and distinct electrical devices.

[0004] To this end, a first aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle steering wheel, comprising: - at least two different electrical devices; a power harness arranged to connect a plurality of different electrical devices to an electrical system on board the vehicle; The present invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel, characterized in that the power harness includes at least one common conductor connected to the at least two different electrical devices, the common conductor allowing several different electrical devices to be powered or connected with a single cable, reducing the size and complexity of the power harness.

[0005] In one embodiment, the common electrical conductor may be directly or indirectly electrically connected to each of two different electrical devices, in particular, the two different electrical devices may be chained and / or connected in parallel.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the power harness may include at least two common conductors connected to the at least two different electrical devices. The common conductor allows several different electrical devices to be powered or connected with two cables instead of four cables, reducing the size and complexity of the power harness.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the power harness may include only common conductors directly or indirectly connected to the at least two different electrical devices. In particular, there may be at least one particular section or portion of the power harness that includes only common conductors. For example, a section or portion of the power harness (adjacent to a main connector from the power harness to the on-board electrical system of the vehicle) may include only common conductors directly or indirectly connected to the at least two different electrical devices. According to one embodiment, the power harness may include at least one section or portion that includes only common conductors directly or indirectly connected to the at least two different electrical devices.

[0008] In the above embodiments, the section or portion of the power harness having only a common conductor may be provided in several configurations as described below. -Only two common power supply conductors ("positive" and "negative") - two common power supply conductors ("plus" and "minus") and a serial data bus; - two common power supply conductors ("plus" and "minus") and two serial data buses; - two common power supply conductors ("plus" and "minus"), at least one of which forms a data bus (e.g. via power line communication); - each of the different electrical devices is connected to a single common power supply conductor ("plus") and to earth (e.g. via the frame of the steering wheel); -Any combination of these configurations...

[0009] In one embodiment, the different electrical devices may be positioned and / or mounted at different locations spaced apart from one another on the steering wheel.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the different electrical devices can be independent of each other, i.e., each mounted in its own position on the steering wheel without interacting with other different electrical devices. In particular, several electrical control buttons mounted on the same unit or support module mounted on the steering wheel can collectively form a single different electrical device, rather than each being a different electrical device.

[0011] According to one embodiment, The power harness may include at least one main connector and at least one branch point; the main connector may be arranged to connect, preferably directly, to an on-board electrical system or to a power supply point on the steering wheel; the branch point can be connected, preferably directly, to said at least two different electrical devices, The common conductor is disposed between the main connector and the branch point.

[0012] According to one embodiment, The power harness may include at least one primary connector and at least two secondary connectors; the main connector may be arranged to connect, preferably directly, to an on-board electrical system or to a power supply point on the steering wheel; Each sub-connector is capable of being connected, preferably directly, to one of said at least two different electrical devices.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the vehicle steering wheel may comprise an annular connector, the primary connector forming the annular connector or the primary connector being arranged to connect directly to the annular connector.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the vehicle steering wheel may comprise an electronic control unit, for example common to the at least two different electrical devices, with the common conductors being directly connected to the electronic control unit, in this embodiment the electronic control unit is itself wired or connected to the on-board electrical system, with a power harness being connected upstream of the electronic control unit.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the common conductor can be arranged to be connected to the vehicle ground or to the vehicle power supply. In other words, the common conductor can be designed to form part of the power supply circuit for the different electrical devices to which it is connected. Thus, the supply of electrical operating power must be supported, which may be important for example in the case of a steering wheel heater.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the common conductor may form a communication bus, for example arranged to form a data bus for a controller network (CAN bus, "Controller Area Network"), or a local interconnected network (LIN bus, "local interconnected network") or a powerline communication (PLC) computer bus, or a computer bus of a Clock Extension Peripheral Interface (CXPI) type communication system according to ISO 20794-3:2020.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the common conductor is - to form part of the supply circuit for the different electrical devices to which it is connected, and - may be provided to form a communication bus for data exchange. It may be possible to combine the power supply function with the communication function with a common power supply conductor forming, for example, a Power Line Communication (PLC) computer bus. The power supply may be direct current.

[0018] In one embodiment, the power harness can include at least one common conductor designed to provide multi-directional data exchange and power supply to the different electrical devices to which it is connected. Such an implementation simplifies the architecture of the wire harness.

[0019] In one embodiment, the power harness may include two common conductors.

[0020] In one embodiment, the power harness can be designed to supply power with a voltage of 12V or more. The different electrical devices can typically be steering wheel heaters. Specifically, the common conductor can be designed to supply power with a voltage of 12V or more. Specifically, the common conductor can be designed to supply power of 20W or more, 30W or more, and 40W or more.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a vehicle steering wheel may include a frame and a material overmolded to the frame, with at least a portion of a power harness including some of the electrical conductors being embedded in the overmolded material. In other words, at least one active portion of the power harness (the portion including the electrical cable) is overmolded to the steering wheel. For example, a portion of the wire harness may be molded to the steering wheel rim or one of its spokes. The overmolded material may be a foamed or non-foamed plastic or polymer. For example, polyurethane may be used.

[0022] In one embodiment, a vehicle steering wheel may include at least three different electrical devices connected to a common electrical conductor.

[0023] In one embodiment, the power harness may include multiple conductors in addition to a common conductor.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a first electric device of the at least two different electric devices can be arranged in a first angular sector of the steering wheel; A second of the at least two different electric devices may be arranged in a second angular sector of the steering wheel, separate from the first angular sector.

[0025] In one embodiment, each different electrical device may be connected to the power harness by at least two wires or conductive elements.

[0026] In one embodiment, each different electrical device is an independent module.

[0027] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a motor vehicle comprising a vehicle steering wheel according to the first aspect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent on reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, given as examples but in no way limiting, illustrated by the accompanying drawings in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a simplified diagram of a vehicle steering wheel equipped with several different electrical devices. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a simplified diagram of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 1 after assembling different electrical devices and connecting them with power harnesses, but without any overmolded material around the steering wheel frame and without any decorative parts. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a simplified diagram of the power harness of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a simplified diagram of a first alternative form of power harness that may be installed in the vehicle steering wheel of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a simplified diagram of a second alternative form of power harness that may be installed in the vehicle steering wheel of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a simplified diagram of a third alternative form of power harness that may be installed in the vehicle steering wheel of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] 1 shows a vehicle steering wheel generally comprising a hub 10 with a rim 20 connected to the hub by spokes 30. The steering wheel is equipped with an electronic control unit 40 and a number of different electrical devices 50.

[0030] For example, the left spoke 30 may be provided with a first different electrical device 50 for controlling a car radio. This may be a unit or module with buttons and / or knobs and / or light sources attached to the left spoke 30. A second different electrical device 50, for example in the form of an indicator or light bar, may be provided on the top of the rim 20 for sending information to the driver. For example, the right spoke 30 may be provided with a third different electrical device 50 for controlling a navigation device (GPS) or a speed control device. This may be a unit or module with buttons and / or knobs and / or light sources attached to the right spoke 30. The left unit or module 50 is different from the right unit 50 because the modules are different and require different power supplies and / or connections even if they can be functionally connected to the same features in the vehicle.

[0031] Generally speaking, each different electrical device 50 may be fastened to a dedicated steering wheel, to the armature (metal frame of the steering wheel), and / or to a lining material (polymer overmold), and / or to a decorative trim piece. Additionally, each different electrical device 50 may be fastened by clips, screws, elastic fittings, adhesives, rivets, bolts, etc.

[0032] All these different electrical devices 50 must be connected to an electrical power supply on board the vehicle, and for this purpose a power harness 80 can be provided as shown in Figure 2, which represents the vehicle steering wheel of Figure 1 after assembling and connecting the different electrical devices 50, but without any overmolded material around the frame and / or without any decorative parts.

[0033] 2 shows spokes 30 formed by a metal frame, with an electronic control unit 40 fixed to the hub 10 at a lower position, i.e. at the "6 o'clock" position, and connected to the different electrical devices 50 by a power harness 80 running along the rim 20. In the example shown, the electronic control unit 40 itself is also connected to the steering wheel annular joint via a main harness 110 for connection to the electrical system on board the vehicle.

[0034] In other words, in this example, the power supply or connection follows the following sequence: to the vehicle's on-board electrical system, then to the ring joint, then to the electronic control unit 40 via the main harness 110, and finally to the electrical device 50 via the power harness 80. Of course, other configurations can be envisaged, such as connecting the power harness 80 directly to the ring joint or even directly to the on-board electrical system (in which case the power harness 80 comprises a ring joint).

[0035] 3 shows the power harness 80 alone to illustrate its layout. A primary connector 81 allows connection to the electronic control unit 40, and secondary connectors 82 allow connection to each of the different electrical devices 50. The power harness 80 runs from the primary connector 80, along the lower spokes 30 and then along the rim 20. However, other configurations are possible, such as starting from one of the right or left spokes 30.

[0036] 4 shows a simplified diagram of a first alternative form of power harness 80 that may be fitted to the vehicle steering wheel of FIG. 1. In this first variant, three cables or three conductors extend from the main connector 81 to connect two sub-connectors 82. Two specific conductors 92 each bridge or connect one of each of the sub-connectors 82. However, a common conductor 91 extends from the main connector 81 to a branch point De. Then, a first secondary conductor 91A leads to a first secondary connector 82 (and thus connects with a first different electrical device 50); - The second secondary conductor 91B leads to a second secondary connector 82 (and thus connects with a second, different electrical device 50).

[0037] As a result, the common conductor 91 is directly or indirectly connected to two different electrical devices 50. This is because the common conductor 91 can simply be extended behind the branch point De to form one of the first sub-conductor 91A or the second sub-conductor 91B.

[0038] In this first variant, the two specific conductors 92 may form the power supply (+ and - or ground) and the common conductor 91 may form the data bus. Of course, other configurations (typically ground to common conductor 91) and additional conductors or cables are possible.

[0039] 5 shows a simplified diagram of a second alternative form of the power harness shown in FIG. 3. In this second variant, two common conductors 91 start from the main connector 81 and each extend to a branch point De. Then, from each branch point De, - two first secondary conductors 91A extend to a first secondary connector 82 (and thus connect with a first different electrical device 50); - Two second secondary conductors 91B extend to a second secondary connector 82 (thus connecting with a second, different electrical device 50).

[0040] As a result, the common conductor 91 is directly or indirectly connected to two different electrical devices 50. This is because each common conductor 91 in Fig. 5 can simply be extended beyond its branch point De to form one or the other of the second sub-conductors 91B, or one or the other of the first sub-conductors 91A.

[0041] In this second variant, the two common conductors 91 may provide a power supply (+ and - or ground) and / or one or more data buses (e.g., via power line communications). Of course, other configurations and additional conductors or cables are possible.

[0042] Fig. 6 shows a simplified diagram of a third alternative form of the power harness shown in Fig. 3. In fact, in this third variant, two common conductors 91 run from the main connector 81 to two branching points De directly integrated in the sub-connector 82 (thus connecting with the first different electrical device 50). Then, from each branching point De or from the corresponding sub-connector 82, - a first secondary conductor 91A extends to a second secondary connector 82 (and thus connects with a second, different electrical device 50); - A second secondary conductor 91B extends to a second secondary connector 82 (thus connecting with a second, different electrical device 50).

[0043] As a result, the common conductor 91 is directly or indirectly connected to two different electrical devices 50. This is because each common conductor 91 in Fig. 6 can simply be extended behind its branch point De to form one of the first sub-conductor 91A or the second sub-conductor 91B. This alternative simplifies the creation of the branch point De.

[0044] In this third variation, the two common conductors 91 may provide a power supply (+ and - or ground) and / or one or more data buses (e.g., via power line communications). Of course, other configurations and additional conductors or cables are possible.

[0045] 5 and 6, the electrical harness only has a common conductor, at least in the portion adjacent the main connector 81. There could be only one power supply conductor if each different electrical device is connected to the steering wheel frame as a ground (or has a conductor that is not part of the wiring harness).

[0046] For purposes of the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, at least the portion adjacent to the main connector 81 includes: -Only two common power supply conductors ("positive" and "negative"); -Only two common power supply conductors ("plus" and "minus") and a serial data bus, -Only two common power supply conductors ("plus" and "minus") and two serial data buses; - only two common power supply conductors ("plus" and "minus"), at least one of which forms a data bus (e.g. via power line communication); There may be only one common electrical supply conductor ("plus"), and possibly one or more data buses, with each different electrical device connected to ground (e.g. via the steering wheel frame). [Industrial Applicability]

[0047] The vehicle steering wheel and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention are industrially applicable.

[0048] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements, apparent to those skilled in the art, can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0049] In particular, any type of connection may be used to connect the electrical harness 80, i.e., reversible connectors, non-removable connectors, solder joints, insulation displacement joints, etc.

[0050] Two, three, four, or more different electrical devices may be provided. The same mechanical connector of the power harness may connect to two different electrical devices (i.e., independently mounted on the steering wheel, but close enough to each other to use only one electrical connector).

Claims

1. 1. A vehicle steering wheel, comprising: at least two different electrical devices (50); a power harness (80) arranged to connect said plurality of different electrical devices (50) to an electrical system on board the vehicle, A vehicle steering wheel, characterized in that the power harness (80) includes at least one common conductor (91) connected to the at least two different electrical devices (50).

2. 2. The vehicle steering wheel of claim 1, wherein the power harness (80) comprises at least two common conductors (91) connected to the at least two different electrical devices (50).

3. - said power harness (80) comprises at least one main connector (81) and at least one branch point; - said main connector (81) is arranged to connect, preferably directly, to the on-board electrical system or to a power supply point on the steering wheel; - said branch point is connected, preferably directly, to said at least two different electrical devices (50); 3. A vehicle steering wheel as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the common conductor (91) is arranged between the main connector (81) and the branch point.

4. - said power harness (80) comprises at least one main connector (81) and at least two branch points (82); - said main connector (81) is arranged to connect, preferably directly, to the on-board electrical system or to a power supply point on the steering wheel; A vehicle steering wheel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each sub-connector (82) is connected, preferably directly, to one of said at least two different electrical devices (50).

5. 5. A vehicle steering wheel as claimed in claim 3 or 4, comprising an annular connector, the main connector (81) forming the annular connector or the main connector (81) being arranged to connect directly to the annular connector.

6. 5. A vehicle steering wheel according to claim 3 or 4, comprising an electronic control unit (40), said common conductor (91) being directly connected to said electronic control unit (40).

7. A vehicle steering wheel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the common conductor (91) is arranged to be connected to the vehicle ground or to a vehicle power supply.

8. 8. A vehicle steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the common conductor (91) forms a communication bus, for example arranged to form a data computer bus for a controller network (CAN bus "Controller Area Network"), or a local interconnected network (LIN bus "local interconnected network") or a Power Line Communication (PLC) computer bus, or a computer bus of a Clock Extended Peripheral Interface (CXPI) type communication system.

9. 9. The vehicle steering wheel of claim 1, further comprising a frame and a material overmolded onto the frame, wherein at least a portion of the power harness (80) including some of the conductors is embedded in the overmolded material.

10. Vehicle steering wheel according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least three different electrical devices (50) connected to the common electrical conductor (91).

11. A vehicle steering wheel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power harness (80) comprises a plurality of conductors in addition to the common conductor (91).

12. a first of said at least two different electric devices (50) is arranged in a first angular sector of said steering wheel, A vehicle steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a second electric device of the at least two different electric devices (50) is arranged in a second angular sector of the steering wheel, separate from the first angular sector.

13. A vehicle steering wheel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each different electrical device (50) is connected to the power harness (80) by at least two wires or conductive elements.

14. A vehicle steering wheel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each different electrical device (50) is an independent module.

15. A motor vehicle comprising a vehicle steering wheel according to any one of the preceding claims.

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