Optical leather on the vehicle's steering wheel

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel (1) comprising the following: - Frame (1a), -A lighting device (40) positioned to radiate light towards the user, -A flexible cover element (21) that covers the lighting device (40) at least partially, the flexible cover element (21) is at least partially light-transmitting, - comprising a support (41) positioned between a frame (1a) and a flexible cover element (21), The flexible cover element (21) is characterized by comprising at least one projection (22) that is at least partially disposed within at least one recess (42) of the support (41).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to vehicle steering wheels, and more particularly to vehicle steering wheels having a sheath or decorative component and a lighting device.

Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, it is known to attach decorative components or sheaths to steering wheels.

[0003] European Patent No. 3919674 discloses a light-transmissive artificial leather having a mask and a related manufacturing method.

[0004] However, the prior art leather installed on the prior art steering wheel does not guarantee satisfactory support of the leather or accurate positioning of the mask above the lighting device. Further, without a mask, the diffusion pattern may appear blurred due to the diffusibility of the material. The risk of blurring increases as the mask is further away from the outer surface. Further, if there are openings in the leather for light to pass through, the openings must not form marks on the leather.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is, in a first aspect, to overcome the drawbacks of the above-mentioned prior art documents. Further, the present invention aims to improve the appearance or perceived quality of a steering wheel covered with a light-transmissive material. Accordingly, a vehicle steering wheel is proposed, the vehicle steering wheel comprising - a framework, - a lighting device arranged to emit light towards a user, - a flexible cover element at least partially covering the lighting device, the flexible cover element being at least partially light-transmissive, and - a support arranged between the framework and the flexible cover element. The flexible cover element is characterized by comprising at least one projection that is at least partially disposed within at least one recess of the support.

[0006] This ensures that the cover element is precisely positioned above the illuminator or above the light emitted by the illuminator, and prevents the formation of marks on the cover element. Furthermore, this improves the appearance or perceived quality of the steering wheel covered with the light-transmitting material.

[0007] This makes it possible to improve the retention or holding of flexible cover elements with a reduced footprint while maintaining ease of manufacture and / or assembly.

[0008] Light transmittance means that when a lighting device emits light, it allows the user to see the light information through the flexible cover element.

[0009] A recess (or depression) constitutes a cavity, that is, a hollow space in a solid body that is either closed or open, more or less wider and more or less deeper.

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

[0011] According to one embodiment, the flexible cover element may include a mask, preferably positioned to face the light-diffusing area of ​​the lighting device. The mask can be added after or during the cover manufacturing process (i.e., the mask is a layer of the cover).

[0012] This allows for the clear display of a predetermined pattern.

[0013] According to one embodiment, at least one projection may be light-transmitting.

[0014] This allows light to pass through the protrusions and / or display patterns.

[0015] According to one embodiment, at least one projection may be positioned in a region where light from the lighting device does not pass through.

[0016] This limits light loss caused by the greater the thickness of the material through which light must pass. In fact, the thickness of the covering element is limited in bright areas, limiting the loss of light energy or reducing the loss of sharpness.

[0017] According to one embodiment, at least one projection may be fully configured or imprinted together with a flexible cover element.

[0018] According to one embodiment, at least one projection may be overmolded or bonded onto a flexible cover element.

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

[0020] According to one embodiment, the steering wheel may further include an electrical element, separate from the lighting device, having an opening arranged to accommodate at least one projection.

[0021] This completes the function of the steering wheel while ensuring good support and / or positioning of the flexible cover element, as well as the other advantages mentioned above.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the steering wheel may further comprise a housing having a housing opening arranged to accommodate at least one projection, preferably the housing opening being arranged to diffuse light from a lighting device.

[0023] This optimizes the steering wheel layout and provides better light diffusion.

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

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

[0026] According to one embodiment, the protrusions may be formed or imprinted directly on the cover element during the manufacturing operation of the cover element.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the protrusions may be overmolded or adhered onto the cover element, i.e., even after the cover element has been manufactured.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the steering wheel can comprise a heating and / or hand sensor sheath on the steering wheel and comprises an opening arranged to be filled with the protrusions.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the protrusions can have a height of 1.5 to 3 mm.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the protrusions can be of any shape to ensure accurate positioning (centering) of the cover element on the steering wheel.

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

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

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

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

[0035] This makes it possible to provide a vehicle with a steering wheel that facilitates manufacturing and assembly, and while possessing the aforementioned advantages, has an optimized footprint and effective retention and / or optimized positioning of the flexible cover element. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, which are provided as examples but are not limited thereto and are illustrated by the following accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a front view of a vehicle steering wheel according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional elevation view of a vehicle steering wheel according to the present invention, which includes a lighting device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional elevation view of a vehicle steering wheel according to a second embodiment, which includes a lighting device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional elevation view of a vehicle steering wheel according to a third embodiment, which includes a lighting device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an isometric view of a lighting device housing that conforms to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a detailed view of a steering wheel with a mask. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Figure 1 shows a front view of the vehicle steering wheel 1.

[0038] Therefore, Figure 1 shows a vehicle steering wheel 1 that typically includes a rim 10 connected to a hub 20 by one or more branching sections 30.

[0039] Section II of the rim 10 is provided to show a cross-sectional view of the rim along I-I in Figure 2. Section II shows different points on the steering wheel 1 where it can be positioned.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional elevation view of a vehicle steering wheel 1 according to the present invention, which has a lighting device 40.

[0041] Therefore, the vehicle steering wheel 1 comprises a frame 1a, a lighting device 40 positioned to radiate light toward a user such as a driver or passenger, a flexible cover element 21, and a support 41 such as a lighting device housing 41 or simply referred to as a housing 41.

[0042] The flexible cover element 21 is positioned to at least partially cover the lighting device 40, and the flexible cover element 21 is at least partially light-transmitting, that is, it allows the user to see the light emitted by the lighting device 40 through the cover element 21.

[0043] The cover element 21 is positioned so that it is visible to the vehicle occupants.

[0044] The support 41 is positioned between the frame 1a and the flexible cover element 21. In this way, the support 41 supports the flexible cover element 21.

[0045] If the support 41 is a lighting device housing 41, the housing 41 supports the lighting device 40 and the flexible cover element 21.

[0046] The flexible cover element 21 includes at least one projection 22 that is at least partially positioned within at least one recess 42 of the support 41. This allows the cover element 21 to be precisely positioned on the steering wheel 1, in particular, with respect to the light from the lighting device 40 that is diffused toward the user.

[0047] In this way, the projection 22 enables the flexible cover element 21 to be centered with respect to the support 41 and to be precisely positioned.

[0048] The projection 22 is, for example, a projection or bulge that extends inward toward the steering wheel 1, i.e., toward the frame 1a.

[0049] Furthermore, the projection 22 fills the recess 42 in this manner.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 2, the projection 22 is further positioned on the opposite side of the light guide 14, thereby precisely positioning the projection 22 on the opposite side of the light emitted by the illumination device 40 and then guided by the light guide 14.

[0051] The cover element 21 is preferably a sheath, and is made of plastic or leather, particularly optical leather or artificial leather. The cover element 21 can be considered a decorative sheath.

[0052] The steering wheel 1 may further include an electrical sheath 23, which is an example of an electrical or electronic element separate from the lighting device 40. Preferably, the electrical sheath 23 is installed or mounted on the support 41, at least partially, below the cover element 21.

[0053] The electrical sheath 23 is sheathed beneath the cover element 21. The electrical sheath 23 may be, for example, a presence sensor (capacitive, resistive, etc.) and / or a heating element, or any other electrical or electronic device, the latter of which is not essential to the present invention.

[0054] In this way, the cover element 21 covers the electrical sheath 23 which is partially supported by foam or foam material 17 and / or support 41.

[0055] At the top or "12 o'clock" position, the rim 10 is equipped with a lighting device 40 corresponding to section II. Several positions can be provided to offer other positions and / or to offer several displays.

[0056] Note that the steering wheel 1 further comprises a foam 17 that covers the frame 1a.

[0057] The housing 41 can be attached to the frame 1a or to the foam 17 surrounding the frame 1a by one or more fastening elements, such as one or more hooks.

[0058] The lighting device 40 further comprises at least one light source, such as one or more LEDs, which is arranged to emit light.

[0059] The lighting device 40 may further include a printed circuit board 16 (PCB) connected to the light source in order to support and control the light source.

[0060] The printed circuit board 16 supports the light source in this manner, and the light source transmits the emitted light to the user via the optical guide 14.

[0061] Figure 2 shows a vehicle steering wheel 1 with a vehicle steering wheel frame 1a below. The frame 1a refers to a carcass or framework designed to support other components of the vehicle steering wheel (typically, an overmolded or foamed body, cover components, control units such as a horn control unit, buttons, etc.).

[0062] Frame 1a can be made of magnesium, for example. However, mounted, bolted, welded, or overmolded parts can be provided.

[0063] The frame 1a is typically partially overmolded or covered with foam to conceal the metal components from the driver, in particular, or at the same height as the branch 30 and rim 10.

[0064] The steering wheel 1 may further comprise decorative parts made of, for example, wood, carbon, or plastic, and these decorative parts may be coated with varnish.

[0065] The hub 20 can also be concealed by, for example, an airbag module or a sheath.

[0066] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional elevation view of a vehicle steering wheel 1 according to a second embodiment, which includes a lighting device 40.

[0067] The embodiment shown in Figure 3 differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 2 in that the flexible cover element 21 includes two protrusions 22 which are not positioned opposite or facing the illuminating device 40 or the diffusion zone of light emitted by the illuminating device 40 (if this zone is guided by the optical guide 14 (or the exit surface of the optical guide 14)).

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 3, the two protrusions 22 are located within two recesses 42 of the support 41, on either side of an opening 43 dedicated to the passage of light. The opening 43 is positioned opposite the lighting device 40, or the light guide 14 that directs light from the lighting device 40 to the user.

[0069] In the example shown in Figure 3, the cover element 23 can be light-transmitting at the projection 22, but this is not required. In the example shown in Figure 2, the projection 22 must be light-transmitting at least partially.

[0070] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional elevation view of a vehicle steering wheel 1 according to a third embodiment, which includes a lighting device 40.

[0071] The embodiment in Figure 4 differs from the embodiment in Figure 3 in that the opening 43 preferably accommodates a translucent support element 47 independently of the electrical sheath 23. The translucent support 47 can be attached to the housing 41, overmolded, or bonded. This provides more precise support for the electrical sheath 23 (compared to the design shown in Figure 3). In fact, the adjustment of the optical guide and housing 41 is complex.

[0072] In this case, the light travels from the lighting device 40 to the light guide 14, then to the translucent support 47 in the opening 43, and then through the cover element 21.

[0073] Furthermore, or alternatively, the opening 43 can be provided to accommodate a portion of the electrical sheath 23. In this case, the electrical sheath should also be at least partially light-transmitting.

[0074] Figures 3 and 4 also show cross-section II of the rim 10, but represent a different embodiment.

[0075] Figure 5 shows an isometric view of a lighting device housing 41 that conforms to the embodiment.

[0076] The lighting device support 41 or housing 41 may be provided with a recess 42 for receiving a light-transmitting projection 22.

[0077] The housing 41 may have grooves 45 that allow light from the lighting device 40 to pass through (via the light guide 14 if necessary).

[0078] The housing 41 may further include an opening 44 positioned to receive the projection 22, but it does not need to be light-transmitting. In fact, since the opening 44 is located outside the area of ​​the groove 45, the opening 44 may not be accessible to light from the illuminator.

[0079] Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the steering wheel 1 having a mask 27.

[0080] The cover element 21 may further include a mask 27, for example, to display a specific symbol or a clear and precise shape for the user's attention.

[0081] It should be noted that the mask 27 is narrower than the opening 43 of the housing 41 through which light from the lighting device 40 (guided here by the light guide 14) passes. The embodiment in Figure 6 is an adaptation of the embodiment in Figure 3, with the addition of the mask 27. The mask 27 may also be added in other embodiments.

[0082] Finally, embodiments can be combined whenever possible and / or necessary.

[0083] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements that are obvious to those skilled in the art may be made to the various embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0084] Additional elements can be provided on or above the flexible cover element 21.

[0085] The lighting device 40 may further include a diffuser (or light diffuser) positioned to diffuse the light coming from the light source toward the vehicle occupants. The diffuser may be integrated with the cover element 21. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 Steering Wheel 1a frame 10 rims 14 Light Guide 16 Printed Circuit Boards 17. Foam or foam 20 Hubs 21 Cover element, cover or cover sheath 22 prongs 23 Electrical sheath 27 masks 30 Steering wheel branch 40 lighting devices 41 Support or housing 42 Recesses or openings 43, 44 openings 45 grooves

Claims

1. Vehicle steering wheel (1), - Frame (1a), - A lighting device (40) positioned to radiate light towards the user, - A flexible cover element (21) that covers the lighting device (40) at least partially, the flexible cover element (21) being at least partially light-transmitting, - comprising a support (41) disposed between the frame (1a) and the flexible cover element (21), The vehicle steering wheel (1) is characterized in that the flexible cover element (21) comprises at least one projection (22) at least partially disposed within at least one recess (42) of the support (41).

2. The vehicle steering wheel (1) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible cover element (21) is a sheath.

3. The vehicle steering wheel (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the flexible cover element (21) preferably comprises a mask (27) positioned to face the light diffusion area of ​​the lighting device (40).

4. The vehicle steering wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one projection (22) is light-transmitting.

5. The vehicle steering wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one projection (22) is positioned in a region through which the light of the lighting device (40) does not pass.

6. The vehicle steering wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one projection (22) is integrally configured or imprinted with the flexible cover element (21).

7. The vehicle steering wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one projection (22) is overmolded or bonded onto the flexible cover element (21).

8. The vehicle steering wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an electrical element (23) having an opening arranged to accommodate the at least one projection, which is separate from the lighting device (40).

9. The vehicle steering wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a housing (41) having a housing opening disposed to accommodate the at least one projection (22), preferably the housing opening being disposed to diffuse the light of the lighting device (40).

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

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