Illumination device

Abstract

In an illumination device used for a steering wheel, the misalignment of the relative positional relationship between the light source and the light guide member is suppressed. [Solution] The illumination device used for the steering wheel comprises a substrate on which light-emitting elements are provided on its surface, a light-transmitting lens member that emits visible light output from the light-emitting elements to the outside of the steering wheel, a light-guiding member that guides the visible light output from the light-emitting elements to the lens member, and a separate member different from the substrate, the lens member, and the light-guiding member, wherein the substrate is held between the light-guiding member and the lens member or the separate member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an illumination device used for a steering wheel.

Background Art

[0002] In a steering wheel, it has been proposed to attach and use a device (hereinafter referred to as an "illumination device") that emits light such as visible light or infrared light at a position visible to a driver. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an illumination device including a substrate provided with a light source, a diffuser that extends along a rim and forms an outer wall from which light is emitted, and a light guide member that guides light emitted from the light source to the diffuser. In this illumination device, the relative positional relationship between the light guide member and the diffuser is fixed by engaging the light guide member with the diffuser.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the illumination device of Patent Document 1, since the relative positional relationship between the light source and the light guide member is not fixed, there is a risk that such a positional relationship may shift. For example, comparing FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1, in the configuration of FIG. 3, the light guide member is shifted upward with respect to the light source compared to the configuration of FIG. 2. When such a shift in the relative positional relationship between the light source and the light guide member occurs, problems such as the luminance on the light emitting surface of the illumination device deviating from the planned luminance and luminance unevenness occurring on the light emitting surface may occur. Therefore, in an illumination device used for a steering wheel, a technique capable of suppressing a shift in the relative positional relationship between the light source and the light guide member is desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This disclosure is made to solve at least some of the problems described above and can be implemented in the following forms.

[0006] (1) As one embodiment of the present disclosure, an illumination device for use in a steering wheel is provided. This illumination device comprises a substrate on which light-emitting elements are provided on its surface, a light-transmitting lens member that emits visible light output from the light-emitting elements to the outside of the steering wheel, a light-guiding member that guides the visible light output from the light-emitting elements to the lens member, and a separate member different from the substrate, the lens member, and the light-guiding member, wherein the substrate is held between the light-guiding member and the lens member or the separate member. In this type of illumination device, the substrate is held between a light guide member and a lens member or another member, thus suppressing misalignment in the relative position between the light-emitting element, which serves as the light source on the surface of the substrate, and the light guide member. Furthermore, since no special member is required to fix the light guide member and the substrate to each other, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost, size, and weight of the illumination device. (2) In the illumination device of the above form, the separate member includes a base member to which the substrate and the lens member are attached and which holds the substrate and the lens member, and the substrate may be held between the light guide member and the base member. In this type of illumination device, the substrate is held between the light guide member and the base member, so the substrate, light guide member, and base member can be manufactured as an integrated assembly. (3) In the illumination device of the above form, the light guide member has a first light guide portion having an emission surface from which the visible light is emitted from the light guide member to the lens member, and the first light guide portion extends along a first direction toward the lens member from the surface of the substrate, and the base member has a first enclosing portion that surrounds at least a part of the side surface of the first light guide portion over its entire circumference, and the first enclosing portion and the substrate may be in contact with the first light guide portion. In this type of illumination device, the first enclosure and the substrate are in contact with the first light guide, making it easy to position the first enclosure, the substrate, and the first light guide during assembly. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress relative positional misalignment between the first enclosure, the substrate, and the first light guide during use. (4) In the illumination device of the above form, the lens member has a second surrounding portion that surrounds at least a part of the side surface of the first light guide portion over its entire circumference, and the first surrounding portion may have a positioning portion for positioning with at least one of the first light guide portion and the second surrounding portion. In this form of illumination device, the first enclosure has a positioning section for positioning with at least one of the first light guide section and the second enclosure section, so that the positioning of the first enclosure section with at least one of the first light guide section and the second enclosure section can be easily achieved. (5) In the illumination device of the above form, the separate member may include a core metal that forms the frame of the steering handle, and the substrate may be held between the light guide member and the core metal. In this type of illumination device, the substrate is held in place by being sandwiched between a light guide and a shock-resistant metal core, thus suppressing displacement of the substrate even when subjected to external impact. Furthermore, heat from the substrate can be easily dissipated to the metal core. (6) In the illumination device of the above form, the substrate may be held between the light guide member and the lens member. In this type of illumination device, the substrate is held between the light guide member and the lens member, making it easy to align the center of the light guide member with the center of the lens member and to maintain that alignment. Furthermore, the assembly in which the substrate, lens member, and light guide member are integrated can be configured as a separate component from the other components that make up the steering wheel. For this reason, for example, when wrapping a leather material to form the outermost layer of the steering wheel, the assembly can be removed before wrapping, thereby improving work efficiency. (7) In the illumination device of the above form, the light guide member has a first light guide portion having an emission surface from which the visible light is emitted from the light guide member to the lens member, and the first light guide portion extends along a first direction toward the lens member from the surface of the substrate, and the lens member has a second enclosing portion that surrounds at least a part of the side surface of the first light guide portion over its entire circumference, and the substrate may be held between the light guide member and the end of the second enclosing portion. In this form of illumination device, the lens member has a surrounding portion that encloses at least a part of the side surface of the first light guide portion around its entire circumference, thereby facilitating the positioning of the first light guide portion during assembly and suppressing misalignment of the first light guide portion during use. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing the external shape of a steering wheel with an illumination device attached, as one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the external shape of the steering wheel with the lens and base components removed. [Figure 3] This is the first exploded perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the illumination device. [Figure 4] This is a second exploded perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the illumination device. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the steering wheel. [Figure 6]This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the steering handle of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the steering handle of the third embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the steering handle of the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] A. First Embodiment: A1. Overall configuration of steering wheel 100: Figure 1 is a plan view showing the external shape of a steering wheel 100 with an illumination device 200 attached as one embodiment of the present disclosure. The steering wheel 100 is used in the driver's seat of a vehicle. Examples of vehicles include engine-powered vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). The steering wheel 100 is part of the steering system operated by the driver of the vehicle. Figure 1 shows the steering wheel 100 in the state when it is connected to the steering shaft SH and the vehicle is moving straight (hereinafter also referred to as the "reference state"). Figure 1 also shows the external configuration of the side of the steering wheel 100 facing the driver (the "rear" side, described later). The steering wheel 100 is configured to be rotatable around the axis AX of the steering shaft SH. The rotation of the steering wheel 100 is transmitted via the steering shaft SH to a steering gearbox (not shown).

[0009] In this embodiment, the direction along the axis AX of the steering shaft SH is referred to as the "forward and backward direction" (forward and rearward direction) in correspondence with the direction of travel of the vehicle. Furthermore, among the directions perpendicular to the axis AX, the direction that overlaps with the vertical direction (vertically upward and vertically downward) as seen from the driver's perspective is referred to as the "up and down direction". Also, among the directions perpendicular to the axis AX, the direction parallel to the left and right direction (width direction) of the vehicle is referred to as the "left and right direction".

[0010] The steering wheel 100 comprises a ring-shaped grip portion 110, a boss portion 130 located approximately in the center of the grip portion 110, three spoke portions 120, and an illumination device 200 located on a part of the grip portion 110.

[0011] The gripping portion 110 is gripped by the driver when operating the steering handle 100. In this embodiment, the gripping portion 110 has a substantially annular shape. The central axis of the gripping portion 110 coincides with the axis AX of the steering shaft SH. The shape of the gripping portion 110 may be any shape other than a substantially annular shape, such as a polygon or an ellipse, or it may be an asymmetrical shape such as a so-called D shape. Furthermore, the shape of the gripping portion 110 is not limited to an annular shape, but may be any shape formed by multiple parts provided at positions far apart from each other. As will be described later, the gripping portion 110 is constructed by stacking multiple members in the thickness direction. The outermost layer is formed by an outer skin layer (outer skin layer 80 described later) made of leather material. Although not shown in Figure 1, in the standard state, a recess (recess C1 described later) is formed in a part of the upper part of the gripping portion 110 that accommodates a part of the illumination device 200. A portion of the illumination device 200 is housed in the recess C1. In other words, the illumination device 200 is fitted into the recess C1. The opening of the recess C1 is then closed by the illumination device 200.

[0012] The three spoke portions 120 connect the grip portion 110 and the boss portion 130. The boss portion 130 corresponds to the connection site when connecting the steering wheel 100 to the steering shaft SH. Inside the boss portion 130, folded airbags and inflators (not shown in any figure) are accommodated. Further, inside the boss portion 130, a temperature adjustment circuit constituting a heater device and various sensor devices for detecting the room temperature and the grip of the grip portion 110 by the user may be accommodated. The three spoke portions 120 and the boss portion 130 may be provided with various operation buttons for operating a navigation device, an audio device, etc. mounted on the vehicle.

[0013] The illumination device 200 emits light. In the present embodiment, the light emitted by the illumination device 200 is visible light and infrared light (infrared rays). By emitting visible light from the illumination device 200, various information can be notified to the driver. For example, by emitting light of various colors or blinking light, some information can be notified to the driver. Specifically, by emitting red light, the driver can be urged to grip the steering wheel. Further, by emitting infrared light from the illumination device 200, a part of the driver's body can be clearly photographed by an infrared camera in a dark car interior at night.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the external shape of the steering wheel 100 in a state where the lens member 10 and the base member 40 are removed. As will be described later, in the illumination device 200, a lens member 10 having light transmissibility is disposed at a position facing the driver, and a light guide member 20, a light emitting portion 30, and a base member 40 described later are disposed on the front side of the lens member 10. In FIG. 2, the steering wheel 100 in a state where the lens member 10 and the base member 40 are removed is schematically shown.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, when the lens member 10 and the base member 40 are removed, the light emitting part 30 which is an element constituting the illumination device 200 and a part of the light guide member 20 (the second light guide part 22 described later) are exposed. The light emitting part 30 includes a substrate 31 and a plurality of light emitting elements provided on both surfaces of the substrate 31. The "plurality of light emitting elements" in the present embodiment includes a plurality of first LEDs 32 provided on the back side surface (front direction side surface) of the substrate 31 and a plurality of second LEDs 33 provided on the front side surface (rear direction side surface) of the substrate 31. The substrate 31 has an arc-shaped and belt-like external shape that is curved along the circumferential direction (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the "circumferential direction") of the grip part 110 as viewed from the driver. Hereinafter, the radial direction (direction orthogonal to the axis AX) of the grip part 110 is also simply referred to as the "radial direction". The plurality of first LEDs 32 are arranged at positions close to the lower end on the surface (back side surface) of the substrate 31 and are separated from each other by a predetermined distance along the circumferential direction. The first LED 32 emits visible light. In the present embodiment, a visible light LED capable of emitting red light, green light, and blue light is used as the first LED 32. The plurality of second LEDs 33 form two groups g1 and g2 that are arranged apart from each other. Each of the groups g1 and g2 is composed of a plurality of second LEDs 33 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. The two groups g1 and g2 are both arranged at positions close to the upper end on the surface (front side surface) of the substrate 31. These two groups g1 and g2 are arranged apart from each other so as to sandwich the plurality of first LEDs 32 when viewed along the circumferential direction.

[0016] A2. Detailed Configuration of Illumination Device 200: FIG. 3 is a first exploded perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the illumination device 200. FIG. 4 is a second exploded perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the illumination device 200. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of the steering handle 100. FIG. 3 corresponds to an exploded perspective view of the illumination device 200 viewed approximately from the rear side toward the front side. FIG. 4 corresponds to an exploded perspective view of the illumination device 200 viewed approximately from the front side toward the rear side. FIG. 5 shows the V-V cross-section shown in FIG. 2.

[0017] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the illumination device 200 includes, in addition to the light-emitting unit 30 described above, a lens member 10, a light guide member 20, and a base member 40. The illumination device 200 has a structure in which the light guide member 20, the light-emitting unit 30, and the lens member 10 are assembled in the front-to-back direction with the base member 40 in between, forming an integrated structure.

[0018] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lens member 10 comprises a diffusion surface forming portion 11, a second surrounding portion 12, and a plurality of engaging walls 15. As shown in Figure 5, the diffusion surface forming portion 11 is continuous with the outer skin layer 80 and forms the outer surface of the steering handle 100. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the diffusion surface forming portion 11, like the substrate 31 described above, has an arc-shaped and strip-shaped appearance that curves along the circumferential direction of the grip portion 110 when viewed from the driver. The diffusion surface forming portion 11 is transparent to visible light and infrared light and forms a diffusion surface for diffusing light received from the light-emitting portion 30 via the light guide member 20 into the vehicle interior. In this embodiment, the diffusion surface forming portion 11 has a transmittance of approximately 25% for visible light and approximately 90% for infrared light. Note that the transmittance of visible light and infrared light may be any value higher than 0%. In this embodiment, the diffusion surface forming portion 11 is formed of a black transparent synthetic resin to match the black outer skin layer 80. The diffusion surface forming portion 11 may also be covered by an outer layer 80. In this configuration as well, since the outer layer 80 is light-transmitting, the diffusion surface can diffuse the light received from the light-emitting portion 30 into the vehicle interior.

[0019] The diffusion surface forming section 11 has the functions of diffusing the light received from the light-emitting section 30 and protecting the light-emitting section 30, as well as the function of limiting the area through which visible light emitted from the first LED 32 is transmitted (in other words, the function of masking areas that should not be illuminated), and the function of deflecting the emission direction of infrared light emitted from the second LED 33 so that it is directed upward toward the rear, towards the driver. The light-emitting area 19 shown in Figure 1 is an area through which visible light is transmitted. On the other hand, in Figure 1, the areas of the diffusion surface forming section 11 other than the light-emitting area 19 are areas in which the transmission of visible light is limited.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4, the second enclosure portion 12 is provided on the front-facing surface (inner surface) of the diffusion surface forming portion 11. When the illumination device 200 is assembled (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "assembled state"), the second enclosure portion 12 is arranged to surround the entire circumference of the first enclosure portion 41, which protrudes rearward from the recess C1 of the base member 40 shown in Figures 3 and 5, and the first light guide portion 21, which corresponds to a part of the light guide member 20 housed in the first enclosure portion 41 (described later). The recess C1 has a groove-like structure that opens on the front-facing surface of the base member 40 and extends along the circumferential direction. Of the second enclosure portion 12, the protruding portion 13, which corresponds to the side wall along the radial direction, protrudes from the front-facing surface of the diffusion surface forming portion 11, in other words, the inner surface, in the depth direction of the recess C1. In this embodiment, the "depth direction of the recess C1" is approximately the same as the front-rear direction, as is clear from Figures 3 and 5. As shown in Figure 4, the protruding portion 13 has a plurality of engagement holes 14. In the assembled state, the engagement claws 44 (see Figure 3) provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first enclosing portion 41 of the base member 40 engage with the engagement holes 14. This engagement is achieved as a so-called snap fit. The plurality of engagement walls 15, as shown in Figure 4, have a thin, wall-like external shape that protrudes forward and are provided with engagement holes. In the assembled state, the engagement walls 15 are positioned in contact with the engagement walls 45 (see Figure 3) of the base member 40. In the assembled state, the engagement claws provided on the engagement walls 45 engage with the engagement holes of the engagement walls 15. This engagement is also achieved as a so-called snap fit.

[0021] The light guide member 20 guides the light (visible light) emitted from the first LED 32 to the lens member 10. In this embodiment, the light guide member 20 is made of polycarbonate (PC) resin. However, it may be made of acrylic resin instead of PC resin. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the light guide member 20 has an external shape in which the cross-sectional shape along the axis AX is substantially L-shaped. In addition, the light guide member 20 has an external shape that is arc-shaped when viewed from the driver, in accordance with the arrangement positions of the multiple first LEDs 32.

[0022] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the light guide member 20 comprises a first light guide section 21, a second light guide section 22, and a deflection section 23. The first light guide section 21 has an emission surface S1 from which visible light is emitted from the light guide member 20 to the lens member 10. The first light guide section 21 extends along a direction toward the lens member 10 from the surface (front side) of the substrate 31 (hereinafter also referred to as the "first direction"). The first direction is parallel to the forward direction. The second light guide section 22 has an incidence surface S2 into which visible light output from the first LED 32 is incident. As shown in Figure 5, the incidence surface S2 is located above the first LED 32. Therefore, visible light is incident on the incidence surface S2 from the first LED 32 in an upward direction. The second light guide section 22 extends along a direction intersecting the first direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "second direction"). In the state shown in Figure 5, the second direction corresponds to the upward direction and the approximately upward direction. In this embodiment, the first and second directions are orthogonal to each other. The deflection unit 23 connects the first light guide unit 21 and the second light guide unit 22, and reflects the visible light guided by the second light guide unit 22 to input to the first light guide unit 21. More specifically, the deflection unit 23 deflects the visible light that enters the second light guide unit 22 from the incident surface S2 and moves upward so that it moves forward to input to the first light guide unit 21. As shown in Figure 4, the deflection unit 23 has a deflection surface 24 that deflects visible light. Multiple diffusion units 25 are formed on the deflection surface 24. Each diffusion unit 25 is positioned in a position corresponding to each first LED 32 in the upward direction. Each diffusion unit 25 has a recessed structure formed by partially beveling the deflection surface 24. Specifically, each diffusion section 25 has a recessed structure such that the position corresponding to the upward direction relative to the first LED 32 is the most concave, and the depth gradually decreases as it moves circumferentially toward the position corresponding to the adjacent first LED 32. In addition, the width of each diffusion section 25, i.e., the vertical dimension, is largest at the position corresponding to the upward direction relative to the first LED 32 (more precisely, radially outward), and gradually decreases as it moves circumferentially toward the position corresponding to the adjacent first LED 32. With the deflection section 23 having such a structure, the visible light, which is a point light source so to speak, output from each first LED 32 is diffused in the circumferential and vertical directions when deflected by the deflection section 23.As shown in Figure 5, in the assembled state, the first light guide portion 21 is housed in the recess C1, extending over the upper edge of the substrate 31. On the other hand, in the assembled state, the second light guide portion 22 and the deflection portion 23 are located on the front side of the base member 40 and are not housed in the recess C1.

[0023] The base member 40 holds the second light guide portion 22 and the light-emitting portion 30 of the light guide member 20 attached to its front side, and also holds the first light guide portion 21 and the lens member 10 of the light guide member 20 attached to its rear side. Details of the assembly state of the base member 40, the light guide member 20, and the light-emitting portion 30 (substrate 31) will be described later. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the base member 40 has an external shape that is curved in the circumferential direction and is band-shaped when viewed from the driver. In this embodiment, the base member 40 is configured as a single part made of ABS resin. However, it may be configured as a single part made of PC resin instead of ABS resin, or in addition to ABS resin. It may also be configured as a composite part made by combining multiple parts. As described above, a recess C1 continuous in the circumferential direction is formed on the rear side surface of the base member 40. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, on the rear side surface of the base member 40, a covering portion 42 continuous in the circumferential direction is provided on the upper and lower sides of the recess C1. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the covering portion 42 is such that the angle between the surface located above the top portion 43 and the surface located below it is acute. The covering portion 42 is covered by an outer layer 80, which will be described later.

[0024] In the recess C1, a through hole is formed in the portion corresponding to the light guide member 20, extending in the thickness direction. As shown in Figure 5, the first light guide portion 21 of the light guide member 20 is inserted into this through hole. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, in the recess C1, the aforementioned first surrounding portion 41 is provided so as to surround the through hole into which the first light guide portion 21 is inserted. The first surrounding portion 41 is formed to protrude backward so as to surround the through hole and the side surface of the first light guide portion 21 inserted into the through hole, in contact with it around its entire circumference, similar to the second surrounding portion 12 of the lens member 10 shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 3, the first surrounding portion 41 has an external shape that is a flattened cylindrical shape curved in an arc. As described above, a plurality of engaging claws 44 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first surrounding portion 41, and these engaging claws 44 engage with the engaging holes 14 of the lens member 10 when assembled. The first enclosing portion 41 suppresses vertical and horizontal positional displacement of the light guide member 20, including the first light guide portion 21.

[0025] A3. Detailed configuration of the gripping part 110: In the gripping portion 110, the cross-sectional configuration of the portion other than the portion to which the illumination device 200 is attached differs from the cross-sectional configuration of the portion to which the illumination device 200 is attached shown in Figure 5, in that the illumination device 200 is not attached, but the other configurations are the same.

[0026] As shown in Figure 5, the gripping portion 110 comprises a core metal 50, a core portion 60, an element layer 70, the illumination device 200 described above, and an outer layer 80.

[0027] The core metal 50 is made of metal and is a structural component of the gripping portion 110. In this embodiment, the core metal 50 is made of an aluminum alloy. However, the core metal 50 may be made of any type of metal other than an aluminum alloy, such as a magnesium alloy or steel. The core portion 60 is arranged to cover the entire core metal 50 and forms the core of the gripping portion 110. The core portion 60 is made of a soft synthetic resin that has cushioning properties. Specifically, in this embodiment, the core portion 60 is made of a soft foamed material such as foamed polyurethane. The element layer 70 partially covers the core portion 60. The element layer 70 is a layer on which heating wires constituting the heater device and electrodes for detecting gripping are provided. For example, it is made of a conductive fabric with a surface treatment such as carbon coating or metal plating applied to a fibrous fabric. As shown in Figure 5, in the part of the gripping portion 110 where the illumination device 200 is attached, the element layer 70 also covers a part of the base member. The outer surface of the element layer 70 and a portion of the outer surface of the base member 40 form a continuous curved surface. The outer skin layer 80 continuously covers the outer surface of the element layer 70, the outer surface of the covering portion 42 of the base member 40, and the inside of the recess C1 of the base member 40. As shown in Figure 5, the terminal portion of the leather member constituting the outer skin layer 80 is housed in the recess C1. The outer skin layer 80 is formed of leather. In this embodiment, the leather member is made of natural leather such as top leather or split leather separated from top leather. However, the leather member may be made of any type of leather material other than natural leather, such as synthetic leather or artificial leather.

[0028] A4. Manufacturing method of steering wheel 100: A method for manufacturing (assembly method) the steering handle 100 having the above-described configuration will now be explained. First, the components of the illumination device 200 excluding the lens member 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "illumination sub-assembly") are manufactured. Specifically, the lens member 10, the light guide member 20, the light-emitting part 30, and the base member 40 are manufactured first. Then, the light guide member 20 and the light-emitting part 30 are attached to the back surface (the front-facing surface in the assembled state) of the base member 40. At this time, the three screws 90 shown in Figures 3 and 4 are housed in through holes 35 provided in the substrate 31 and screwed into screw holes 46 (see Figure 5) provided in the base member 40. In this way, the illumination sub-assembly is completed. Next, the core metal 50 is formed. The core portion 60 and the element layer 70 are formed so as to surround the core metal 50. Hereafter, the components obtained in this way will be referred to as the "handle material". The handle material may be formed, for example, by two-color molding. Next, the illumination sub-assembly is fastened to the core metal 50 using screws. This integrates the handle material and the illumination sub-assembly. Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the portion without fastening screws. In this way, by fastening the illumination sub-assembly and the core metal 50 together with screws, the heat generated by the illumination of the light-emitting part 30 can be transferred to the core metal 50, thereby suppressing excessive overheating of the illumination device 200. Next, a leather material is wrapped around the outer surface of the integrated member of the handle material and illumination sub-assembly to form the outer skin layer 80. The outer skin layer 80 may be formed, for example, by wrapping multiple leather material parts around it in the circumferential direction. Next, adhesive is applied to the wall surface of the recess C1, the end portion of the outer skin layer 80 is bent along the shape of the covering part 42 and housed in the recess C1, and the end portion is adhered to the wall surface of the recess C1. Next, the lens member 10 is fitted into the recess C1 and attached to the base member 40 using a snap-fit ​​mechanism. In addition to the above procedure, there are other steps, such as housing the airbag and inflator in the boss portion 130 (not shown), but these steps will not be explained.

[0029] A5. Details of the assembly state of the base member 40, light guide member 20, and light-emitting part 30 (substrate 31): As shown in Figure 5, the substrate 31 is held in place by being sandwiched between the light guide member 20 and the base member 40. Specifically, the second light guide portion 22 abuts against the portion of the substrate 31 near the upper outer edge from the front, and the wall surface of the base member 40, which forms the bottom portion of the recess C1, abuts against the entire rear surface of the substrate 31 from the rear. The screw 90 then presses against the second light guide portion 22 and screws through the through hole 35 in the substrate 31 into the screw hole 46 in the base member 40, thereby holding the substrate 31 in place by being sandwiched between the light guide member 20 and the base member 40. In this way, the substrate 31 is held in place by being sandwiched between the light guide member 20 and the base member 40, so that the relative positional misalignment between the first LED 32, which is a light source provided on the surface of the substrate 31, and the light guide member 20 can be suppressed. The substrate 31 is attached to the base member 40 by screwing the screw 90 into the screw hole 46 of the base member 40, sandwiching the substrate 31 and the light guide member 20 (second light guide portion 22), i.e., by screw fastening. The substrate 31 is then held by the light guide member 20 and the base member 40 by screw fastening. This ensures that the substrate 31 is held more securely by the light guide member 20 and the base member 40, and that this held state can be maintained for a longer period of time.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, in the assembled state, the first enclosure portion 41 and the substrate 31 are in contact with the first light guide portion 21. Specifically, the inner circumferential surface of the first enclosure portion 41 and the upper end surface of the substrate 31 are in contact with the lower circumferential surface of the first light guide portion 21. With this configuration, the positioning of the first enclosure portion 41, the substrate 31, and the first light guide portion 21 can be easily achieved during assembly. Furthermore, relative positional misalignment of these components can be suppressed during use.

[0031] According to the illumination device 200 of the first embodiment described above, the substrate 31 is held between the light guide member 20 and the base member 40, so that the relative positional displacement between the first LED 32, which is a light source provided on the surface of the substrate 31, and the light guide member 20 can be suppressed.

[0032] Furthermore, since no special components are required to fix the light guide member 20 and the substrate 31 to each other, the manufacturing cost of the illumination device 200 can be reduced, and its size and weight can be reduced.

[0033] Furthermore, since the substrate 31 is held in place by being sandwiched between the light guide member 20 and the base member 40, the substrate 31, the light guide member 20, and the base member 40 can be manufactured as an integrated assembly.

[0034] Furthermore, since the first enclosure portion 41 and the substrate 31 are in contact with the first light guide portion 21, positioning of the first enclosure portion 41, the substrate 31, and the first light guide portion 21 can be easily achieved during assembly. In addition, relative positional misalignment between the first enclosure portion 41, the substrate 31, and the first light guide portion 21 can be suppressed during use.

[0035] B. Second Embodiment: Figure 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the steering handle 100a of the second embodiment. Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the emission surface S1 of the first light guide 21. The steering handle 100a of the second embodiment differs from the steering handle 100 of the first embodiment in that the base member 40 has a first enclosure portion 41a instead of the first enclosure portion 41, and a second enclosure portion 12a instead of the second enclosure portion 12. The other components of the steering handle 100a of the second embodiment are the same as those of the steering handle 100 of the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for similar components, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0036] The first enclosure portion 41a differs from the first enclosure portion 41 of the first embodiment in that it includes a positioning portion E1. The positioning portion E1 is a portion for positioning the lens member 10 in relation to the second enclosure portion 12. In this embodiment, the positioning portion E1 is configured as a concave portion provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first enclosure portion 41a. In this embodiment, the positioning portion E1 is formed over the entire circumferential direction of the first enclosure portion 41a. Note that the concave portion which is the positioning portion E1 may be formed on a part of the circumferential direction of the first enclosure portion 41a.

[0037] The second enclosure portion 12a differs from the second enclosure portion 12 of the first embodiment in that it is provided with a projection p1 on the inner circumferential surface of the protruding portion 13. In this embodiment, the projection p1 is formed over the entire circumferential surface of the second enclosure portion 12a. However, the projection p1 may be formed on only a part of the circumferential surface of the second enclosure portion 12a.

[0038] In the assembled state, the projection p1 of the second enclosure portion 12a fits into the positioning portion E1 of the first enclosure portion 41a. This makes it easy to position the first enclosure portion 41a and the second enclosure portion 12a.

[0039] The illumination device 200 of the second embodiment described above provides the same effects as the illumination device 200 of the first embodiment. In addition, since the first enclosure portion 41a has a positioning portion E1 for positioning with the second enclosure portion 12a, positioning of the first enclosure portion 41a and the second enclosure portion 12a can be easily achieved.

[0040] C. Third Embodiment: Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the steering handle 100b of the third embodiment. The steering handle 100b of the third embodiment differs from the steering handle 100 of the first embodiment in that the substrate 31 is held between the light guide member 20 and the core metal 50. The other components of the steering handle 100b of the third embodiment are the same as those of the steering handle 100 of the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for similar components and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0041] A screw hole 52 is formed in the core metal 50. A screw 90 is screwed into the screw hole 52. As shown in Figure 7, the second light guide portion 22 of the light guide member 20 is in contact with the rear surface of the substrate 31. The rear end face of the core metal 50 is in contact with the front surface of the substrate 31. The screw 90 pushes the second light guide portion 22 forward and is screwed into the screw hole 52 of the core metal 50 through the through hole 35 in the substrate 31, so that the substrate 31 is held between the light guide member 20 and the core metal 50.

[0042] The illumination device 200 of the second embodiment of the third embodiment described above provides the same effects as the illumination device 200 of the first embodiment. In addition, since the substrate 31 is held between the light guide member 20 and the impact-resistant core metal 50, displacement of the substrate 31 can be suppressed even when an external impact is applied. Furthermore, heat from the substrate 31 can be easily dissipated to the core metal 50.

[0043] D. Fourth Embodiment: Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the steering handle 100c of the fourth embodiment. The steering handle 100c of the fourth embodiment differs from the steering handle 100 of the first embodiment in that it includes a lens member 10c instead of the lens member 10, and the substrate 31 is held between the light guide member 20 and the lens member 10c. The other components of the steering handle 100c of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the steering handle 100 of the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for similar components, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0044] The lens member 10c is provided with a second enclosure portion 12c instead of the second enclosure portion 12. The second enclosure portion 12c differs from the second enclosure portion 12 of the first embodiment in that a screw hole 131 is formed in the protruding portion 13. A screw 90 is screwed into the screw hole 131.

[0045] As shown in Figure 8, the end of the second enclosure portion 12c (projection portion 13) is in contact with the rear surface of the substrate 31. The second light guide portion 22 of the light guide member 20 is in contact with the front surface of the substrate 31. The screw 90 pushes the second light guide portion 22 in the rear direction and screws into the screw hole 131 of the second enclosure portion 12c through the through hole 35 of the substrate 31, thereby holding the substrate 31 between the light guide member 20 and the lens member 10c.

[0046] The illumination device 200 of the second embodiment of the fourth embodiment described above provides the same effects as the illumination device 200 of the first embodiment. In addition, since the substrate 31 is held between the light guide member 20 and the lens member 10c, it is easy to align the center of the light guide member 20 (first light guide portion 21) with the center of the lens member 10c and to maintain that aligned state. Furthermore, the assembly in which the substrate 31, lens member 10c, and light guide member 20 are integrated can be configured as a separate component from the other components that make up the steering wheel 100c. For this reason, for example, when wrapping a leather material to form the outer skin layer 80 as the outermost layer of the steering wheel 100c, the assembly can be removed before wrapping, thereby improving work efficiency. Since the lens member 10c has a second surrounding portion 12c that surrounds at least a part of the side surface of the first light guide portion 21 around its entire circumference, it facilitates the positioning of the first light guide portion 21 during assembly and suppresses misalignment of the first light guide portion 21 during use.

[0047] In the first and second embodiments described above, the substrate 31 was held between the light guide member 20 and the base member 40. In the third embodiment described above, the substrate 31 was held between the light guide member 20 and the core metal 50. In this fourth embodiment, the substrate 31 was held between the light guide member 20 and the lens member 10c. As can be seen from these embodiments, when a member other than the substrate 31, lens members 10, 10c, and light guide member 20 is referred to as a "separate member," this disclosure can be applied to illumination devices having any configuration in which the substrate 31 is held between the light guide member 20 and the lens member 10c or the separate member.

[0048] E. Other embodiments: (E1) In each embodiment, the substrate 31 was attached to the base member 40, core metal 50, and lens member 10c by screws, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the base member 40, etc., may be equipped with engaging claws, and the substrate 31 may be attached by engaging with the substrate 31 using these engaging claws. Alternatively, it may be attached by bonding with an adhesive or by welding, for example.

[0049] (E2) In the second embodiment described above, the positioning portion E1 was configured as a concave portion and fitted with the projection p1 of the second enclosure portion 12a, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The second enclosure portion 12a may be provided with a concave portion, and the positioning portion E1 may be configured as a projection that fits with such concave portion. In addition, the first enclosure portion 41a may be provided with a positioning portion for positioning with the first light guide portion 21, either in place of the positioning portion E1 or in addition to the positioning portion E1. In such a configuration, the positioning portion for positioning with the first light guide portion 21 may be configured as a concave portion that fits with a convex portion provided on the side surface of the first light guide portion 21, similar to the positioning portion E1.

[0050] (E3) In each embodiment, the illumination device 200 was provided on the grip portion 110, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the illumination device 200 may be provided on any part of the steering handle 100, 100a to 100c, such as the boss portion 130 or the spoke portion 120. In this case, the shape and configuration of the illumination device 200 can be appropriately changed to suit the size and shape of the location where the illumination device 200 is provided. It is desirable that the illumination device 200 be located in a position that is directly visible to the driver. However, for example, if the light emitted from the illumination device 200 is reflected off the surface of any part inside the vehicle, such as the surface of the instrument panel, and such reflected light is visible to the driver, the illumination device 200 may be located in a position that is not directly visible to the driver.

[0051] (E4) The configurations of the steering handles 100, 100a to 100c in each embodiment are merely examples and can be modified in various ways. For example, the protruding portion 13 may be omitted in each embodiment. Also, the multiple second LEDs 33 may be omitted in each embodiment. Furthermore, in each embodiment, the light guide member 20 had a cross-sectional shape that was approximately L-shaped along the axis AX. That is, the first direction and the second direction were orthogonal to each other. However, the first light guide portion 21 and the second light guide portion 22 may be arranged so that these directions intersect at any angle other than 90°.

[0052] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features in each embodiment corresponding to the technical features in the embodiments described in the summary of the invention can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-mentioned effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10...Lens member, 10c...Lens member, 11...Diffusion surface forming part, 12...Second enclosure part, 12a...Second enclosure part, 12c...Second enclosure part, 13...Protruding part, 14...Engagement hole, 15...Engagement wall, 19...Light-emitting area, 20...Light guide member, 21...First light guide part, 22...Second light guide part, 23...Declining part, 24...Declining surface, 25...Diffusion part, 30...Light-emitting part, 31...Substrate, 32...First LED, 33...Second LED, 35...Through hole, 40...Base member, 41...First enclosure part, 41a...First enclosure part, 42...Coating part, 43...Top part, 44...Engagement claw, 45...Engagement Wall, 46...Screw hole, 50...Core metal, 52...Screw hole, 60...Core part, 70...Element layer, 80...Outer layer, 90...Screw, 100...Steering handle, 100a...Steering handle, 100b...Steering handle, 100c...Steering handle, 110...Gripping part, 120...Spoke part, 130...Boss part, 131...Screw hole, 200...Illumination device, AX...Axis, C1...Recess, E1...Positioning part, S1...Injection surface, S2...Injection surface, SH...Steering shaft, g1...Group, p1...Protrusion

Claims

1. An illumination device used in a steering wheel, A substrate on which light-emitting elements are provided on the surface, A light-transmitting lens member that emits visible light from the light-emitting element to the outside of the steering wheel, A light guide member that guides the visible light output from the light-emitting element to the lens member, A separate component different from the substrate, the lens member, and the light guide member, Equipped with, The substrate is held between the light guide member and the lens member or the other member. Illumination device.

2. An illumination device according to claim 1, The aforementioned separate component includes a base member to which the substrate and the lens member are attached and which holds the substrate and the lens member. The substrate is held between the light guide member and the base member. Illumination device.

3. An illumination device according to claim 2, The light guide member has a first light guide portion having an emission surface from which the visible light is emitted from the light guide member to the lens member, and the first light guide portion extends along a first direction toward the lens member from the surface of the substrate, The base member has a first surrounding portion that surrounds at least a part of the side surface of the first light guide portion over its entire circumference, The first enclosed portion and the substrate are in contact with the first light guide portion. Illumination device.

4. An illumination device according to claim 3, The lens member has a second surrounding portion that surrounds at least a part of the side surface of the first light guide portion over its entire circumference. The first surrounding portion has a positioning portion for positioning with at least one of the first light guide portion and the second surrounding portion. Illumination device.

5. An illumination device according to claim 1, The aforementioned separate component includes a core metal that forms the frame of the steering handle, The substrate is held between the light guide member and the core metal. Illumination device.

6. An illumination device according to claim 1, The substrate is held between the light guide member and the lens member. Illumination device.

7. An illumination device according to claim 6, The light guide member has a first light guide portion having an emission surface from which the visible light is emitted from the light guide member to the lens member, and the first light guide portion extends along a first direction toward the lens member from the surface of the substrate, The lens member has a second surrounding portion that surrounds at least a portion of the side surface of the first light guide portion over its entire circumference, The substrate is held between the light guide member and the end of the second enclosure. Illumination device.

Images