Recyclable steering wheel

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steering wheel (01) for an automobile, for example, comprising a rigid frame (10) and a combination of thermoplastic injection-molded trim parts arranged as half-shells, preferably integrated by clipping and / or screwing, or by any other fastening means on the frame, wherein the injection-molded parts constitute the trim of the frame (10) and form the design and grip of the steering wheel (01).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Corresponding application The national international application based on PCT claims the priority of the prior international application PCT / IB2023 / 052419 filed on March 13, 2023 in the name of SOFTCAR SA, and the content of the prior application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to the structure of a recyclable steering wheel for a motor vehicle, for example, and to a manufacturing method used to manufacture it using environmentally friendly recyclable materials in a circular economy.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a steering wheel that diffuses light and thus serves as a driving aid, a security element, a route guidance element, and an aesthetic element for the interior cabin of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0004] Since the early days of motor vehicles, steering wheels have been made of wood, then steel, then steel with wooden trim, then aluminum, then steel frame aluminum, and often in the form of a metal frame overmolded with an opaque and dark-colored thermosetting resin.

[0005] Today, the general-purpose processes used in the manufacture of steering wheels rely on the following four different industrial operations: · Manufacture of a steel splined insert that forms the connection to the steering column.

[0006] • Pressure overmolding of a magnesium-aluminum frame onto a splined steel insert. This frame forms the rigid core of the steering wheel. Magnesium contributes to its properties related to its low density (lightweight, polar inertia, functional integration, impact resistance, etc.). In addition, magnesium (particularly AM50 and AM60B) contributes to high impact energy absorption capacity and very good vibration damping capacity. Note that there are embodiments in which the frame is made from steel, aluminum, reinforced thermoplastic sheet (RTS) or advanced composite material (recyclable).

[0007] • Overmolding of the ring onto the frame. The element referred to as the “ring” in this application is a generally annular or nearly annular shaped component that forms the perimeter of the steering wheel, where the user primarily rests their hands. It may also be called a hoop, rim, or other terminology, but here it is referred to as the “ring.” Overmolding of the ring onto the frame is done using polyurethane (PU) under compression, and then by foaming this polyurethane. This operation allows for the creation of a good-looking skin and also allows for foaming to be achieved within the same material and during the same molding cycle. This overmolding forms a solid component around the frame. Prior to the chemical reaction, the component is liquid. Therefore, there are no voids or empty spaces inside the ring. This overmolding makes it possible to obtain an entry-level steering wheel as a single piece that is perfectly bonded to the frame. The soft PU protects the user from the metal of the steering wheel, especially in the event of a collision. It also gives the steering wheel an ergonomic shape and feel, making it comfortable to the touch.

[0008] • Addition of trim for a soft and comfortable feel: In top-of-the-line products, PU is covered with hand-stitched genuine leather. For more conventional steering wheels, the trim is made of artificial leather with directly molded artificial stitching. Steering wheel covers are increasingly being made from non-animal-derived leather substitutes that do not contain products tested on animals. Thus, animal leather is being replaced with "vegan" leather, such as orange peel leather, pineapple peel leather (Pinatex), grapevine leather, Muskin (made from mushrooms), or cork.

[0009] Next, the steering wheel is completed with parts that form the central housing and a cover for the central housing, which can house technical elements (e.g., ignition switch, horn, airbag, ignition activation system, airbag activation computer, various control buttons, etc.) and functions as trim for the central portion of the steering wheel. These parts are overmolded in PU or injection molded in polymer and assembled to the steering wheel using, for example, screw fastening or clip fastening or other equivalent means.

[0010] This design causes problems at every stage of the steering wheel's lifespan: From a design perspective, due to the exothermic chemical reactions and the temperatures generated during the PU overmolding and foaming processes, electrical or electronic components cannot be incorporated into the steering wheel ring. Because polyurethane is thermosetting, it is opaque and cannot diffuse any light.

[0011] • During manufacturing, flexible PU foam is produced by a chemical reaction combining two liquid components: isocyanate MDI (4,4'-methylenediphenylmethane diisocyanate) and polycytinene. The polyaddition chemical reaction takes place within the tool. Therefore, those working in the manufacturing plant are directly exposed to the irritant isocyanate.

[0012] • During vehicle operation, the PU emits MDI vapors, which are considered toxic. These vapors are invisible and odorless, but they contaminate the air inside the vehicle's cabin.

[0013] Thermosetting resins are, by definition, impossible to recycle because the three-dimensional chemical reactions in their synthesis are irreversible. Therefore, separating the steering wheel material is difficult due to the adhesion between the metal frame and the overmolded PU. Theoretically, the PU can be shredded while it is on the frame, but there is no economically viable reuse or monetization channel. At the end of its life, the steering wheel can be burned, but burning PU releases isocyanates, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide. The flame retardants in the PU release gases that are toxic to the human nervous system. Therefore, recycling steering wheels in a circular economy is impossible today, and recycling is virtually impossible. When a vehicle is reconditioned, the steering wheel is removed along with the airbag and dumped with the waste, which causes ecological problems. [Overview of the project]

[0014] The present invention makes it possible to mitigate all of the above drawbacks, in particular, by eliminating the associated operations of foaming the PU and steering wheel, and replacing them with thermoplastic polymer shells that are obtained by injection molding and then attached to the frame.

[0015] The frame is formed or cast entirely from magnesium-aluminum as a single piece without separate steel inserts as described in the prior art.

[0016] Preferably, according to embodiments of the present invention, the frame is manufactured from two parts: a body or frame, preferably made of magnesium-aluminum, and a splined insert, preferably made of steel. These two parts are assembled after manufacturing, and the splined steel insert may be fitted or removed at any time. It is centered within the frame and then assembled, preferably by screw fastening. At the time of recycling, the insert can be easily separated from the frame, and thus the metal is very easily separated.

[0017] The elements for covering and gripping are injection-molded from an inert thermoplastic resin, forming two half-shells, one in front of the steering wheel (facing the driver) and the other behind it (facing the steering column). This reduces the cycle time associated with manufacturing and eliminates toxic vapors.

[0018] To allow for easy separation of materials and reuse along dedicated pathways, these covering elements are effectively assembled to the frame by clip fastening and / or screw fastening. Thus, at the time of recycling, they can be easily disassembled, and the materials can be immediately separated and recovered for reuse in a circular economy model. This preferably provides the ability to change the half-shell on the frame in just a few seconds to restore a worn steering wheel cover when reconditioning a vehicle for sanitary reasons, for example, and the invention allows for the benefit of a sterile new shell when, for example, a vehicle is leased. The invention also allows for changing the style or color of the steering wheel at any moment by changing the polymer shell.

[0019] According to embodiments of the present invention, the steering wheel may be manufactured from three parts: a specific central frame, a front half-shell, and a rear half-shell. It can also be manufactured from a greater number of parts, for example, with similar parts in the upper and lower half-shells.

[0020] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer used to form the half-shell is a pure or bio-derived thermoplastic resin, such as translucent polypropylene or copolyester, which can come into contact with the skin of the finger without any risk, preferably bio-derived, and preferably has an existing recycling route. The material used to make the half-shell may also be foamed during the injection molding process.

[0021] The half-shell may also be manufactured from a transparent or translucent polymer that allows light to pass through or diffuse light, such as PMMA, SMMA, PC, PLA, TPE, copolyester, PET, or other equivalent material, so that information or decoration can be displayed directly on the steering wheel via a screen (e.g., an LCD screen), LEDs, LED strips, image projectors, or other display means. In this case, the information is conveyed to the driver through the transparency of the polymer or diffusion through the half-shell. In the case of an opaque half-shell, the display may be placed in an opening in the surface of the shell. In either case, this creates a head-up display that is directly integrated into the steering wheel.

[0022] The addition of electrical or electronic components within the steering wheel ring is made possible by eliminating the need for overmolding the PU onto the frame, thereby freeing up space within the ring and avoiding damage to the components in question. These electrical components are display components, but may also be vibrators, accelerometers, sensors or other equivalent means, or GPS integrated circuits that allow for the incorporation of additional novel functions into the steering wheel.

[0023] The addition of these electrical components to the steering wheel offers numerous novel possibilities, for example, in terms of safety, navigation, ergonomics, visible battery charge status from outside the vehicle, or as an alternative to GPS. This list is, of course, not limited.

[0024] In an embodiment, the present invention includes a rigid frame and a thermoplastic first covering portion disposed as a half shell, the first covering portion being assembled to the frame by fastening means, and the first covering portion forming a covering of the frame so that the steering wheel can be gripped, for example, relating to a steering wheel for an automobile.

[0025] In an embodiment, the steering wheel includes a thermoplastic second covering portion, the second covering portion being assembled to the frame by fastening means.

[0026] These covering portions are preferably assembled to the frame by clip fastening and / or screw fastening, and by fastening means such as clips and / or screws, or by any other suitable fastening means, and the frame may include a fastening interface for the covering portions.

[0027] In an embodiment, the first covering portion includes a rear ring and a front ring, the second covering portion includes a housing and a cover, the frame is sandwiched between the first covering portion and the second covering portion, the first covering portion and the second covering portion are fastened to each other and / or directly fastened to the frame, and the first covering portion and / or the second covering portion can be replaced quickly and easily.

[0028] In an embodiment, the steering wheel includes at least one steering wheel display that enables light-emitting information and / or mood lighting to be diffused from the steering wheel within the driver's field of view.

[0029] In an embodiment, one or more of the covering portions are partially or completely transparent or translucent, and the transparency enables light-emitting information and / or mood lighting to be diffused to the driver.

[0030] In the embodiment, the rear ring and the front ring are preferably identical. Preferably, they are provided with means (such as clips or complementary shapes) for fastening one to the other.

[0031] In this embodiment, the covering portion forms a rear portion and / or a front portion, the rear portion comprises a rear ring and housing, and the front portion comprises a front ring and cover.

[0032] In the embodiments, the covering is preferably a customizable element and is mounted in a manner that allows for disassembly, so that it can be easily replaced. In this application, the concept of disassembly means that the assembly or fastening is reversible, the mounting of assembled parts can be removed, and the parts can be “disassembled” and separated, for example, for recycling.

[0033] In the embodiment, at least one covering portion diffuses information, indicating which direction to follow by being read directly and intuitively from the steering wheel itself, or from part or all of the peripheral circular surface of the steering wheel, thus shortening the cognitive circuit.

[0034] In this embodiment, the battery charge status is indicated by an illuminated display on the rear ring of the steering wheel.

[0035] In this embodiment, the light diffused by the steering wheel is of sufficient intensity to be visible from outside the vehicle, thus making it easy to find the vehicle, for example, in a parking lot accommodating a very large number of cars.

[0036] In the embodiment, the steering wheel is coupled to GPRS GPS positioning software, an angular position sensor, and a speed indicator so that geographical location and / or angular position and / or speed can be displayed on the steering wheel display.

[0037] In this embodiment, the steering wheel incorporates components of the GPS system and communicates directly with them via the windshield.

[0038] In this embodiment, the steering wheel forms both a GPS driving assistance device and a device for turning the vehicle's steering wheels by instructing (preferably with high precision) the direction change to be made.

[0039] In this embodiment, the frame comprises a splined insert and a frame body that are assembled in a manner that allows for disassembly.

[0040] In this embodiment, the steering wheel is provided with serrated cutouts to simulate the stitching of trim elements.

[0041] In embodiments, the present invention relates to a vehicle (such as an automobile or truck) equipped with a steering wheel as described and illustrated in this application.

[0042] In embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing, for example, a steering wheel for an automobile, as described in this application, wherein the method preferably does not use thermosetting resin or overmolding.

[0043] In embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a steering wheel, A rigid frame was manufactured, At least the first covering portion is manufactured, for example, by injection molding or other equivalent method. Preferably, the frame and the first covering are assembled using a configuration that can be disassembled to form the steering wheel.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first covering portion can be disassembled without affecting the airbag.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first covering portion comprises a front ring and a rear ring.

[0046] In the embodiment, a second covering portion comprising a cover and housing is manufactured, and the frame and the second covering portion are assembled using a configuration that allows for disassembly.

[0047] In the embodiment, the assembly of the frame and the first and second coverings using a disassemblable assembly configuration is achieved using clip fastening and / or screw fastening.

[0048] In the embodiment, the first and second coatings are made of a thermoplastic resin, such as a thermoplastic polymer. Other equivalent materials are also possible, as described in this application.

[0049] In the embodiment, the thermoplastic resin used to manufacture the coating has a specified recycling route and is preferably, for example, PET.

[0050] Preferably, the covering portion is manufactured by injection molding.

[0051] In this embodiment, the front ring and cover are formed as a single part, and / or the rear ring and housing are formed as a single part.

[0052] In the embodiment, the assembly of the frame and covering parts using a disassemblable assembly configuration is achieved using clip fastening and / or screw fastening.

[0053] In this embodiment, a frame body and splined inserts are manufactured to produce a rigid frame, and then assembled to allow for disassembly.

[0054] The present invention and its advantages will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments given as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0055] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the steering wheel. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view from behind the steering wheel. [Figure 3] This is an exploded view of the steering wheel. [Figure 4] This is a front view of the steering wheel frame with the rear section attached. [Figure 5] This is a rear view of the steering wheel frame to which the front part is attached. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the steering wheel clip. [Figure 7] This is a diagram of the three components of a steering wheel. [Figure 8] This diagram shows a specific form of the gap between the front ring and the rear ring. [Figure 9] This figure shows a steering wheel with a transparent half-shell to which an electronic display is mounted. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of a steering wheel with a display mounted on the same plane as the ring. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of a steering wheel with a display mounted inside the steering wheel on the inner side of the ring. [Figure 12] This is an exploded view of a cross-section of a steering wheel with a display mounted on the same plane as the ring. [Figure 13] This is a front perspective view of the two parts of the frame. [Figure 14] This is an exploded view of the two parts of the frame. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0056] Element reference number 01: Steering wheel 02: Serrated cuts 03: Steering Wheel Display 10: Frame 101: Splined insert 101a: Splined insert taper 102: Frame body 102a: Frame body taper 103: Frame pin 104: Frame screws 105: Frame Nut 11: Spline for connecting to the steering column 12: Tapped fixing holes 13: Clip fastening cavity 14: Hoop 15: Groove 20: Rear ring 21: Rear ring clip 21a: Rear clip fastening surface 21b: Rear clip release surface 22: Rear ring rib 30: Front ring 31: Front ring clip 31a: Front clip fastening surface 31b: Front clip release surface 32: Front ring rib 33: Opening 40: Housing 50: Cover 51: Screw fastening recess 60: Housing fastening screws 70: Cover fastening screws

[0057] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described or the embodiments described, and can be modified by introducing means equivalent to those described. Accordingly, the present invention and its principles relate to steering wheel structures, steering wheels having specific functions, and environmentally friendly methods for industrial-scale manufacturing of said steering wheels.

[0058] Referring to the drawings, the steering wheel 01 comprises a frame 10, a rear ring 20, a front ring 30, a housing 40, a cover 50, housing fastening screws 60, and cover fastening screws 70. The housing 40 and cover 50 may include other elements such as control buttons, airbags, horns, or ignition switches, and this list is not limiting, as other means may be incorporated.

[0059] The frame 10 is primarily formed by gravity forming or high-pressure forming and is preferably made from a rigid and strong material so that it can absorb the forces applied to the steering wheel 01 without the risk of breakage or excessive deformation. The material in question is preferably, for example, an alloy of aluminum and magnesium. Aluminum contributes to the required strength and rigidity. The addition of magnesium contributes to its properties related to its low density (polar inertia, functional integration, impact resistance, etc.). Magnesium (particularly AM50 and AM60B) also contributes to high impact energy absorption capacity and very good vibration damping capacity. The frame 10 may also be made from another material, such as a magnesium alloy, an aluminum alloy, steel, or a reinforced thermoplastic composite. The frame is configured to accept the fastening of a ring. The present invention is not limited to the only way of forming the frame 10. The frame may be machined, forged, pressed, or manufactured using a different process.

[0060] After the frame 10 is formed, other operations may be performed on the frame. For example, precision broaching for centering inserts to form splines 11 for connection to the steering column, or machining of tapped fixing holes 12.

[0061] According to another embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14, the frame 10 is formed from a frame body 102 and a splined insert 101 that can be disassembled. The frame body 102 is manufactured using the methods and materials described below for the frame. The splined insert 101 is manufactured preferably from steel or another rigid material by molding or casting, machining, forging, pressing, or any other suitable method. The objective of this embodiment is to manufacture the splines 11 from a high-strength material so that they do not degrade (which could cause safety problems), while at the same time maintaining the aforementioned properties of aluminum and magnesium alloys (lightweight, polar inertia, functional integration, impact resistance, shock absorption, vibration damping, etc.) for the rest of the frame 10. Overmolding the frame body 102 onto the splined insert 101 using the techniques described above would make it impossible to separate the two parts and therefore recycle them. In this embodiment of the present invention, the assembly is preferably disassembled using a frame centering pin 103 for centering the assembly and transmitting torque from the driver's hands to the steering column and wheels via the frame, and frame screws 104 for holding two components fixed to each other. The frame screws 104 may be screwed directly into the splined insert 101, the frame body 102, or the frame nut 105. Preferably, the splined insert 101 has an insert taper 101a, and the frame body 102 has a body taper 102a, and these are designed to press against each other when the frame screws 104 are tightened. Thus, the taper-on-taper assembly provides mutual centering of the two components, contributes to torque transmission between the two components by friction, and enhances mutual holding of the two components by a wedge effect. This mounting configuration is given as an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and other equivalent configurations are possible.

[0062] The rear ring 20, front ring 30, housing 40, and cover 50 are preferably injection-molded from an inert thermoplastic polymer to form half-shells on the front (facing the driver) and rear (facing the steering column) portions of the steering wheel. Injection molding consists, for example, of heating polymer pellets and releasing them into an injection mold under pressure. Therefore, there are no chemical reactions like those found in PU manufacturing processes that generate the emission of toxic vapors. These components according to the present invention are manufactured by injection molding press independently of the frame 10. Therefore, they can be assembled onto the frame 10 at any moment in the course of the assembly process.

[0063] The injection molding of the rear ring 20, front ring 30, housing 40, and cover 50 also allows for better reproducibility of the details of the injection mold (creating texture, graining, etching of decorative patterns), reduces production time, and significantly improves productivity (there are no inserts that must be placed in the tools used to manufacture the coating, injection is faster than the operation for manufacturing thermosetting resin, and the rejection rate is significantly lower).

[0064] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer used to injection mold these coverings (rear ring 20, front ring 30, housing 40, and cover 50) is a pure resin that can come into contact with the skin without the risk of contamination and does not release toxic compounds. The resin may be, for example, translucent polypropylene or copolyester. However, the present invention is not limited to these thermoplastic resins, and other equivalent materials are possible. The thermoplastic resin may also be foamed during injection or produced by a water injection process.

[0065] After injection, the rear ring 20, front ring 30, housing 40, and cover 50 are effectively assembled to the frame by clip fastening and / or screw fastening. Accordingly, according to one non-limiting embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the rear ring 20 and front ring 30 each have a rear ring clip 21 and a front ring clip 31 that remain within a clip fastening cavity 13 belonging to the frame 10. The rear ring clip 21 has a rear clip fastening surface 21a that forms a shallow angle with the hoop 14 of the frame 10. This angle allows the rear ring clip 21 to be kept under a certain strain so as to avoid any play between the frame and the rear ring 20. The fact that this angle is small prevents the rear ring 20 from being too easily disassembled. The front ring clip 31 has a front clip fastening surface 31a that has the same characteristics and behavior as the rear clip fastening surface 21a. The housing 40 is fastened to the frame 10 by screwing the housing fastening screws 60 into the tapped fixing holes 12 of the frame 10. The cover 50 is fastened to the assembly by screwing the cover fastening screws 70 into the screw fastening recesses 51 of the cover 50.

[0066] All of these assemblies are reversible, allowing the steering wheel to be quickly and easily disassembled, either partially or completely. Therefore, at the time of recycling, the various parts can be easily disassembled, and the materials can be properly separated and recovered along dedicated pathways for reuse in a circular economy model. Thus, the worn housing 40 can be disassembled and reused by injection molding to form a new housing 40. The same applies to the rear ring 20, the front ring 30, and the cover 50. This also allows the rear ring 20, the front ring 30, the housing 40, and the cover 50 to be replaced on the frame. This approach may prove beneficial in many cases. Preferably, the parts 20, 30, 40, and 50 are made from materials with existing recycling pathways, such as PET, which facilitates the recycling process described above.

[0067] Specifically, the current trend towards lease, long-term rental, or subscription deals for vehicle use means that vehicles need to be reconditioned as quickly as possible and with minimal environmental impact upon return at the end of the contract. Therefore, the principle of the present invention allows for the repair of a damaged steering wheel 01 by changing a small number of injection-molded coverings, without the need to change, for example, internal elements (buttons, airbags, horns, etc.) of the frame 10 or the housing 40. This can be beneficial in reconditioning work for the rapid, low-cost replacement of lightweight parts that can then be recycled or discarded, without relying on specialized technicians. For rental car, car-sharing, and leasing companies, it can be beneficial for garage work and, as far as manufacturers are concerned, for hygiene reasons, to install new, unused coverings that have not yet been handled by previous users. As far as quality is perceived by the user, it is important to have a steering wheel with a new, sterile appearance. This can also be beneficial from an aesthetic standpoint, as if a user wanted to change the color and / or shape of their steering wheel, this can be easily done by changing only these coverings.

[0068] The replacement of the rear ring 20 and front ring 30 can be achieved in just a few seconds without needing to touch or deactivate the airbag activation mechanism, and the disassembled parts can be easily recycled along a dedicated route. Replacing two lightweight (e.g., weighing 200 grams) half-shells made from recyclable polymers in just a few seconds has a far less environmental impact than removing a heavy (e.g., over 1 kg) conventional steering wheel, activating the airbag, and then dumping all of these inseparable and non-recyclable materials with the waste.

[0069] There is a desire to retain the used steering wheel shell after disassembly, and according to one particular embodiment in which the shell is clipped, the rear ring clip 21 and the front ring clip 31 are designed to allow disassembly. Preferably, disassembly is performed using localized pressure on the rear clip release surface 21b and the front clip release surface 31b. This pressure may preferably be applied by a rod passing through a small-sized hole created during the molding of the shell.

[0070] However, the present invention is not limited to fastening by screw fastening and clip fastening. The rear ring 20, front ring 30, housing 40 and cover 50 may also be bonded to the frame 10 by other means, ultrasonically welded, die-headed or assembled, and the fastening means can be combined with each other.

[0071] During assembly, the rear ring rib 22 of the rear ring 20 and the front ring rib 32 of the front ring 30 are housed within grooves 15 belonging to the frame 10. This connection allows torque to be transmitted between the rear ring 20 and the front ring 30 and the frame 10. With this configuration, the ribs 22 and 32 function as shear forces, allowing high torque to be transmitted without the risk of breakage or play between the rings and the frame.

[0072] According to the structures and embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6, the coverings are preferably four, namely the rear ring 20, the front ring 30, the housing 40, and the cover 50. Thus, the steering wheel 01 comprises five parts, which are the frame 10 and the four coverings. According to one particular embodiment, the rear ring 20 and the front ring 30 are identical and therefore obtained from the same injection molding tool. Thus, the four coverings are injection molded using only three mold jigs, or even fewer if a family of jigs is used. In this embodiment, the rear ring clip 21, the front ring clip 31, the rear ring rib 22, and the front ring rib 32 must be configured in a particular manner such that each of these elements fits into a clip fastening cavity 13 or groove 15.

[0073] In one embodiment shown in Figure 7, the rear ring 20 and the housing 40 form a single part, and the front ring 30 and the cover 50 form a single part. In this embodiment, there are two covering parts, and therefore the steering wheel 01 includes three parts, which are the frame 10 and the two covering parts. In this case, airbag deployment requires disassembly or removal of the cover / front ring parts.

[0074] Regardless of the configuration and manner in which the covering is formed, trim may be added, similar to conventional steering wheels. This trim may be made from animal leather, imitation leather, vegan leather, orange peel leather, pineapple leather (Pinatex), grapevine leather, Muskin, cork, etc. The present invention is not limited to these trims given as non-limiting examples.

[0075] As shown in Figure 8, the sawtooth-shaped cuts 02 between the rear ring 20 and the front ring 30 can also give the illusion of trim by reproducing the pattern of a sutured seam.

[0076] The fact that the rear ring 20 and the front ring 30 are manufactured by injection molding rather than overmolding the frame 10 allows for the presence of a component that forms a half-shell around the frame 10, thereby freeing up space inside the rear ring 20 and the front ring 30. This freed-up space allows for the incorporation of one or more electronic components into the rear ring 20 and the front ring 30. This is not possible in conventional steering wheels because the released heat and chemical reactions associated with the formation of the PU would damage, oxidize and / or destroy all electrical or electronic components incorporated into the steering wheel 01, or in any case be detrimental to the integrity of such components.

[0077] Therefore, the steering wheel display 03 may be incorporated into the front ring 30 and inserted into an opening 33 formed in the front ring 30, as shown in Figures 10 and 12, to display information directly on the steering wheel, or the steering wheel display 03 may be a screen, LED, or any other electrical or electronic display means. The steering wheel display 03 may be fastened to the inside of the steering wheel 01 using screws, clips, adhesives, die headings, or any other fastening means. The steering wheel 01 may, as shown in Figure 9, have just one or more openings 33 that can accommodate only one or more steering wheel displays 03 according to this configuration.

[0078] The front ring 30 may also be made from a translucent or transparent polymer that allows light to pass through or diffuse, such as PMMA, SMMA, PC, PLA, copolyester, or PET (or other equivalent materials), but the present invention is not limited to these materials. In that case, the steering wheel display 03 may be positioned inside the steering wheel 01 in the space located between the frame 10 and the front ring 30, as shown in Figure 11, without the need to form an opening, and thus maintain the smooth surface of the front ring 30 and protect the steering wheel display from external elements such as liquids or other elements that could damage them. According to this configuration, the steering wheel 01 may comprise just one or more steering wheel displays 03.

[0079] Similarly, the steering wheel display 03 may also be attached to the rear ring 20, housing 40, and cover 50 using one or more transparent components to allow light from the steering wheel display to pass through or without an opening.

[0080] This novel feature of the steering wheel allows for the use of a large circular surface, either part or all, around the steering wheel 01, positioned as close to the driver's eyes as possible and within the field of view of the basic components used to steer the vehicle. Thus, this feature creates a “head-up display” directly integrated into the steering wheel. Supports for the display elements (LEDs, screens, etc.) may preferably be mechanically integrated into the frame 10. Power is supplied when the steering wheel 01 rotates by the same rotating connector, i.e., “clock spring,” used for the horn or airbag. To generate the electrical energy used for the display 03, a light-gathering element (e.g., a solar cell) may be provided, for example, located on the rear ring 20.

[0081] The coverings 20, 30, 40, and 50 may be used to collect and / or diffuse light, or to communicate information to the user by illuminating segments. The diffused information may indicate danger, warnings, obstacles, or vehicles slowing down or changing lanes; warnings regarding speed, acceleration, braking, battery charge status, fuel level, turn signal flashing, proximity; crossing white lines, departing beyond the roadway boundary, departing in the wrong direction, or other information habitually displayed on the dashboard.

[0082] This invention contributes to novel intuitive safety because light is generated directly on the steering wheel and the display is positioned directly on the device, thereby allowing the driver to change the direction of the vehicle, and thus enabling the driver to correct dangerous situations using avoidance or other means without taking their eyes off the danger itself.

[0083] According to the present invention, the battery charge status may be displayed, for example, and can be viewed at a glance from outside the vehicle through the windshield. The head-up display configuration, with its highly visible information very close to the driver's line of sight within the driver's field of vision, shortens the cognitive path and allows for a hierarchical ranking of driving information that is fundamentally important to the driver. Unlike display modules located behind the steering wheel or in the center of the vehicle, which contain secondary information or infotainment information and / or more general information aimed at passengers, this head-up display allows for a reduction in the size of the information display, freeing up space in the cockpit.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the steering wheel 01 has a display means around the entire circumference of the front ring 30, which later becomes a dial, and the steering wheel 01 is equipped with a sensor, such as an angle sensor or an accelerometer, so that the onboard computer knows the position of the steering wheel 01 at any given moment. Therefore, the display may be configured so that the diffused information does not rotate even when the steering wheel itself is rotating. For example, the vehicle speed is displayed at the top of the steering wheel 01 when the steering wheel 01 and the wheels are straight (see Figure 9). When the driver rotates the steering wheel 10 degrees to the right, the computer detects the rotation and displays the speed 10 degrees to the left, so that the speed is still displayed at the top of the steering wheel 01 even if the steering wheel 01 is rotated 10 degrees to the right. The present invention is not limited to this particular example given as an illustration, and this principle can be applied to any information displayed on the steering wheel.

[0085] By being coupled with the GPRS GPS positioning program / software, the steering wheel 01 can transmit ultra-precise information regarding the direction to be followed. For example, the steering wheel 01 may illuminate a segment of the steering wheel at a 20-degree angle from the vertical to indicate to the driver that in order to turn the next corner, the steering wheel 01 needs to be rotated 20 degrees to make the illuminated segment vertical. The present invention is, of course, not limited to this particular example given as an illustration. Therefore, to turn at a complex merging point where there are two possible roads and the driver has only a fraction of a second to grasp the information from the GPS, the driver has navigation information directly in their field of vision and does not need to refocus their gaze on a GPS screen, which is usually located on the windshield or dashboard. In this case, the steering wheel becomes both a primary navigation information indicator and an instrument for steering the vehicle. The steering wheel may indicate whether the angle adopted by the vehicle is too large or too small to follow the correct direction, for example, by displaying a direction indicator cursor at a certain angle to the vertical, or by changing the color of the steering wheel 01 or the color of the cursor indicating the direction to be followed. This informational feedback provides the driver with a great sense of security and composure, stemming from the fact that they directly read and know with certainty which direction to take by following the markings on the steering wheel. This certainty stems from a very short cognitive circuit that requires little to no movement from the driver. It prevents the driver from panicking when faced with hesitation, thus limiting the chances of an accident. This informational feedback and this level of certainty regarding the information do not currently exist in any system.

[0086] Using positioning and prediction software, the present invention makes it possible to accurately show in advance within the driver's field of view (head-up display) the precise angle at which the steering wheel 01 needs to be turned at the next turn, in the case of a sports steering wheel, for example, a rally or rally raid steering wheel. This information can support or replace a co-driver.

[0087] The steering wheel 01, coupled with GPRS GPS positioning software, an angular position sensor, and a speed indicator, enables relatively accurate determination of the vehicle's position in space, thus reducing signal exchange with positioning satellites, limiting energy consumption of the computing server, and reducing CO2 emissions.

[0088] A steering wheel with such a display mechanism may also be useful for learning to drive and serving as a learner-driver aid. It may, for example, teach how to follow a smoother path (without abrupt steering wheel movements), how to perform maneuvers, or how to perform counter-steering.

[0089] In the space between the frame 10 and the rear ring 20 and front ring 30, the steering wheel may incorporate, in addition to the display, other elements such as lighting, a vibrator that can warn the driver if they have crossed a road boundary, crossed a line, or turned in the wrong direction. Combined with a camera or other means for detecting whether the driver's eyes are open, the vibrator may also operate to wake the driver if their eyes are closed.

[0090] The steering wheel 01 may also include radar, lidar, or cameras. These components are used to take pictures when the vehicle is stationary or in motion and to assist in steering the vehicle. Therefore, incorporating them into the steering wheel 01 allows for the freeing up of the windshield space occupied by these components.

[0091] The steering wheel according to the present invention can also be coupled to the vehicle's "black box" and, in the event of an accident, may help to understand how the vehicle was steered, for example, information transmitted to the driver and the driver's response to said information.

[0092] Naturally, the principles behind this invention can also be applied to the field of gaming, for example, for steering wheels in driving and racing simulators.

[0093] The embodiments are described for the purpose of providing an overall understanding of the structure, function, manufacturing and use principles of the systems and methods described herein. One or more of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. The systems and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments, and the scope of the invention is not defined solely by the claims. Features illustrated or described in relation to one embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the invention. Several problems relating to prior art methods and systems are noted here, and the methods and systems described herein may address one or more of these problems. In addition, although the invention has been described in conjunction with a certain number of embodiments, alternative forms, modifications, equivalents and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention are also encompassed by this application.

Claims

1. For example, a steering wheel (01) for an automobile, comprising a rigid frame (10) and a thermoplastic first covering portion (20, 30) arranged as a half-shell, wherein the first covering portion is assembled to the frame (10) by fastening means, and the first covering portion forms a covering of the frame (10) so that the steering wheel (01) can be gripped.

2. The steering wheel (01) according to claim 1, comprising a thermoplastic second covering portion (40, 50), wherein the second covering portion is assembled to the frame (10) by fastening means.

3. The steering wheel (01) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first covering portion comprises a rear ring (20) and a front ring (30), the second covering portion comprises a housing (40) and a cover (50), the frame (10) is sandwiched between the first covering portion and the second covering portion, the first covering portion and the second covering portion are fastened to each other and / or directly to the frame, and the first covering portion and / or the second covering portion can be replaced quickly and easily.

4. A steering wheel (01) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one steering wheel display (03) that enables luminescent information and / or mood lighting to be diffused from the steering wheel (03) within the driver's field of view.

5. The steering wheel (01) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein one or more of the covering portions are transparent or translucent, and the transparency allows the light-emitting information and / or the mood lighting to be diffused to the driver.

6. The steering wheel (01) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the rear ring (20) and the front ring (30) are the same.

7. The steering wheel (01) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the covering portion forms a rear portion (20, 40) and / or a front portion (30, 50), the rear portion comprising the rear ring (20) and the housing (40), and the front portion comprising the front ring (30) and the cover (50).

8. The steering wheel (01) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the covering portion is a customizable element that can be easily replaced.

9. The steering wheel (01) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the covering portions diffuses information in the form of the light-emitting information, and the information indicates which direction to follow by being read directly and intuitively from the steering wheel itself, from part or all of the peripheral circular surface of the steering wheel (01), thus shortening the cognitive circuit.

10. The steering wheel (01) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the charge state of the battery is diffused in the form of an illuminated indicator on the rear ring (20) of the steering wheel.

11. The steering wheel (01) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the light diffused by the steering wheel is of sufficient intensity to be visible from outside the vehicle, and therefore makes it possible to easily find the vehicle, for example, in a parking lot that accommodates a very large number of cars.

12. The steering wheel (01) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the steering wheel (01) is coupled to GPS positioning software, an angular position sensor, and a speed indicator, so that the geographical location and / or angular position and / or speed can be shown on the steering wheel display (03).

13. The steering wheel (01) according to claim 12, comprising components of a GPS system and communicating directly through the windshield.

14. The steering wheel (01) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the steering wheel comprises both a GPS driving assistance device and a device for instructing a change of direction to be made and turning the steering wheels of the vehicle.

15. The steering wheel (01) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the frame (10) comprises a splined insert (101) and a frame body (102) that are assembled to be disassembled.

16. A steering wheel (01) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a serrated notch (02) for simulating the seams of a trim element.

17. A vehicle equipped with the steering wheel described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A method for manufacturing, for example, an automobile steering wheel (01), according to any one of claims 1 to 17, without using thermosetting resin or overmolding.

19. A method for manufacturing a steering wheel, Steps for manufacturing a rigid frame, The steps include manufacturing at least a first covering portion, The steps of forming the steering wheel by combining the frame and the first covering portion using an assembly configuration that can be disassembled, A method that includes this.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the first covering portion can be disassembled without affecting the airbag.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the first covering portion comprises a front ring and a rear ring.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein a second covering portion comprising a cover and housing is manufactured, and the frame and the second covering portion are assembled using a disassemblable assembly configuration.

23. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the reversible assembly of the frame and the first and second covering portions is achieved using clip fastening and / or screw fastening.

24. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the first covering portion and the second covering portion are made of a thermoplastic resin.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the thermoplastic resin used to manufacture the coating has a specified recycling route and is preferably PET.

26. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the first covering portion and the second covering portion are manufactured by injection molding.

27. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the front ring and the cover are formed as a single part, and / or the rear ring and the housing are formed as a single part.

28. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein a frame body and splined inserts are manufactured for the purpose of manufacturing the rigid frame, and these are then assembled in such a manner that they can be disassembled.

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