Vehicle Steering Wheel Lighting Device

Abstract

A lighting device (40) for a vehicle steering wheel rim (10), comprising: - a plurality of light sources (42) arranged to emit light towards an external display wall of the rim (10); a holder (41) with an inner wall (412) having an elongated opening (411) with a predetermined passage width allowing the passage of light emitted towards the external display wall, The lighting device (40) is characterized in that it comprises at least one bridge element (48) engaged with the retainer (41) and arranged at least partially on a side of the inner wall (412) opposite the outer display wall in order to limit an increase in a given passage width.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a lighting device mounted on the steering wheel rim of a motor vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Illumination devices installed on steering wheel rims are known in the prior art. Document WO 2019048538 A1 discloses an illumination device installed on the rim of a steering wheel. However, this system has recessed plastic parts and this document does not propose a solution to prevent these parts from deforming. It is important to limit deformations, since they cause visual defects (gaps, openings, unevenness, etc.) or tactile defects (bumps, misshapen parts, etc.) that should be avoided for such aesthetic components.

[0003] Document: US 2016 / 0025281(A1) discloses a steering wheel rim having an illumination device with a carrier part that is elastically snapped or clipped onto an armature.Document: US 2010 / 241275(A) discloses a steering wheel rim having an illumination device with a U-shaped external light diffuser engaged with a holder. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One object of the present invention is to address the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and, in particular, firstly, to propose an illumination device for a steering wheel rim which limits or eliminates the risk of causing visual defects to the steering wheel.

[0005] Therefore, a first aspect of the present invention provides an illumination device for a vehicle steering wheel rim, comprising: a plurality of light sources arranged to emit light towards an external display wall of the rim; a holder having an inner wall with an elongated opening having a predetermined passage width through which light emitted toward the external display wall can pass; The lighting device is characterized in that it comprises at least one bridge element engaged with a holder and at least partially arranged on a side of the inner wall opposite the outer display wall in order to limit an increase in a given passage width.

[0006] According to the above implementation, the opening in the holder allows light from the light source to pass through toward the vehicle user. In addition, the bridge element connects the two sides of the passage opening to provide reinforcement that prevents the passage opening from opening or widening, especially during the subsequent operation of manufacturing the steering wheel or during the use of the steering wheel by the driver. Thus, the presence of the elongated opening does not cause a weakening of the structure of the holder, which eliminates variations in the geometric shape of the holder at the rim of the steering wheel.

[0007] In other words, the present invention relates to an illumination device for a vehicle steering wheel rim, comprising: a holder; at least one, preferably several, light sources attached to a carrier, the carrier includes at least one elongated opening having a predetermined passage width and positioned to allow light emitted by the light source to pass toward the exterior display wall of the rim; The lighting device may relate to a lighting device characterized in that it comprises at least one bridge element engaged with the holder to limit an increase in a given passage width during subsequent assembly operations performed on the rim.

[0008] In other words, the present invention relates to an illumination device for a vehicle steering wheel rim, comprising: a holder; a plurality of light sources attached to a holder; the carrier includes at least one elongated opening having a predetermined passage width and positioned to allow light emitted by the light source to pass through an inner wall of the carrier toward an outer display wall of the rim; The lighting device may relate to a lighting apparatus characterized in that it comprises at least one bridge element engaged with the retainer from a side of the inner wall opposite the outer display wall in order to limit an increase in a given passage width.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the bridge element may be interconnected with the retainer or embedded in the retainer. The assembly is therefore robust, since there are mutually embedded parts between the bridge element and the retainer. In other words, at least one wall and / or one protruding element of one of the bridge element or the retainer at least partially penetrates into a receiving cavity or wall of the other of the bridge element or the retainer.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the holder may be made from a single piece, which limits the risks of deformation and allows reducing tolerances.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the bridge element may be a light guide. The bridge element may have at least one portion traversed by the light of the light source.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the lighting device may comprise a plurality of bridge elements, for example a first bridge element may be provided in the form of a printed circuit board and a second bridge element may be provided in the form of a light guide.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the bridge element can be arranged directly on the inner wall. The bridge element can be in direct contact with the inner wall or directly connected to the inner wall. There can be only one component ensuring the bridge.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the light sources may each have a light emitting surface arranged in the same light emitting plane, and the bridge elements may have connecting portions arranged opposite the elongated opening, on the light emitting surface and / or on one side of the light emitting surface facing the external display wall. According to this embodiment, the connecting portions extending laterally on the other side of the elongated opening are at the same height as the light sources or on the other side of the external wall, which means that the connecting portions are not in the path of the light and do not obstruct the path of the light.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the bridge element may have a connecting portion on an opposite side of the elongated opening, and the at least one light source is disposed between the bridge element and the elongated opening.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the bridge element may have a connecting portion opposite the elongated opening, the connecting portion may be arranged opposite the at least one light source; and, The connecting part can be disposed between the light source and the external display wall, and the connecting part can be transparent; or The light source may be arranged between the external display wall and the connecting portion, which is preferably opaque.

[0017] According to the above implementations, the connecting portion arranged laterally opposite the elongated opening may be transparent if it may be in the optical path to the user, or opaque if there is no risk of it being in the optical path to the user. Typically, the connecting portion may be part of a light guide if it is in the optical path towards the user, or a support for a light source such as a printed circuit if there is no risk of it being in the optical path to the user.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the elongate opening may have a length that is more than 10 times, preferably 30 times, more preferentially 40 times and very preferentially 50 times the width of the elongate opening.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the bridge element is arranged between two longitudinal ends of the elongated opening, preferably in the central part of the elongated opening and / or preferably at a distance of at least one quarter of the length of the elongated opening from each longitudinal end.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the lighting device may comprise a printed circuit supporting a number of light sources, and the bridge element may be formed by the printed circuit. According to the above implementation, the printed circuit, typically a rigid component, combines the function of supporting the light sources and, due to its inherent rigidity, effectively provides a bridge for the elongated opening.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the lighting device may comprise a light diffuser or screen forming an external display wall, and the bridge element may be formed by the light diffuser or screen, which, according to the above implementation, effectively provides a bridge over the elongated opening thanks to its considerable rigidity.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the rim may comprise an outer sheath and the bridge element may engage the retainer in a zone free of the sheath.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the retainer can act as a support or part for holding the sheath. Typically, the retainer can receive and hold a flap of the sheath.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the elongated opening may have a passage length, and the holder may be free of reinforcing ribs in the passage length direction. The bridge element alone ensures the reinforcing function in the elongated opening. In other words, the holder comprises a smooth wall in which the elongated opening is provided. This allows to propose a thin and long lighting device that can diffuse continuous light. In fact, the transverse ribs on the light path necessarily result in complex shadow areas that need to be masked.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the elongated opening may be continuous and / or the retainer may be devoid of ribs or bars transversely to the elongated opening and / or opposite the elongated opening. The bridge elements alone ensure the reinforcing function at the elongated opening. In other words, the retainer comprises a smooth wall in which the elongated opening is provided. In particular, the opening and / or the inner wall are devoid of a raised edge at the opening edge. The inner wall is flat at the elongated opening and has only one wall thickness at this level. In particular, it may be provided that the inner wall is substantially perpendicular to the path of the light.

[0026] According to one embodiment, at least one of the retainer or bridge element may comprise a protrusion penetrating the wall of the other of the retainer or bridge element. The protrusion may be a stud, a tab, preferably cylindrical or with a draft angle, a post, etc. The protrusion may be formed in a single piece or integrally with the retainer or bridge element, but may also be an added or assembled part.

[0027] According to one embodiment, at least one of the retainers or the bridge elements may comprise a welded portion passing through the other of the retainers or the bridge elements. Thermal welding, laser welding or ultrasonic welding may be considered. Bonding may also be considered.

[0028] According to one embodiment, at least one of the retainer or the bridge element may comprise a portion that is recessed into the other of the retainer or the bridge element. It is possible to provide recesses having an inverted, T-slot, dovetail, etc.

[0029] According to one embodiment, at least one of the retainer or the bridge element may comprise a plastically deformed and / or plastically folded and / or head portion passing through the other of the retainer or the bridge element, such deformation may be obtained by riveting or thermal deformation to seal the assembly.

[0030] According to one embodiment, at least one of the retainer or the bridge element may comprise a portion that is overmolded onto the other of the retainer or the bridge element.

[0031] A second aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising an illumination device according to the first aspect.

[0032] A third aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a lighting device according to the first aspect.

[0033] Another aspect relates to a manufacturing method, whereby the step of attaching or assembling the bridge element can be performed on the lighting device and / or on the lighting device alone and / or before mounting the lighting device on the steering wheel and / or before fastening the retainer to the steering wheel and / or before the step of covering the steering wheel. Preferably, the bridge element can be fixed, attached or engaged to the retainer before manufacturing or assembly forces on the steering wheel are applied to the retainer. According to this aspect, the bridge element is attached to the retainer or to the inner wall as early as possible in the manufacturing step and in any case before applying significant forces to the retainer that may deform the elongated opening. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] Other characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent on reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure, given as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the attached drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a steering wheel with lighting devices in its ribs. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a rim of a lighting device with a light source positioned to diffuse light through an elongated opening in the lighting device towards a vehicle occupant. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a cross section of FIG. 2 in an implementation of a bridge element disposed between two edges of an elongated opening. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a particular implementation of the bridge element of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates another specific implementation of the bridge element of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates another specific implementation of the bridge element of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a cross section of FIG. 3 with an implementation of the bridge element of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates another particular implementation of a bridge element in the device of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates another particular implementation of a bridge element in the device of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates another particular implementation of a bridge element in the device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] 1 shows a vehicle steering wheel, typically comprising a rim 10 connected to a hub 20 by a number of branches 30. The rim 10 is provided with an illumination device 40 at an upper position, referred to as the "12 o'clock" position. This illumination device 40 has an external display wall that extends along the rim over an angular sector of approximately 30°-40°, although a larger or smaller angular range may be provided, for example up to 180° or even more.

[0036] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the rim 10 of FIG. 1, which typically includes: - an armature (or framework) 13, made for example from magnesium, - a foam or packing material 14, e.g. polyurethane, overmolded onto the framework 13; an electric or electronic device 12, for example a contact detection sensor, or a heating sheath (it is understood that such an electric device is an accessory and can be omitted); a sheath 11, for example made of leather, forming the outer skin of the rim;

[0037] The lighting device itself comprises: - printed circuit 45, a light source 42 (for example a light emitting diode) mounted on a printed circuit 45, a carrier 41 on which the printed circuit is attached and which also serves as a support for the electrical or electronic device 12 and for the sheath 11, in particular at the flap 11A of the sheath 11; - Light guide 43, -Diffusion screen 44.

[0038] It is possible to provide the following: A light guide 43 and a diffusion screen 44 made of a transparent polymer, for example polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). a carrier 41, preferably made of a hard polymer, for example polyamide filled with glass fibres, which can be easily moulded by injection, -Printed circuits made from resins containing fibres, for example epoxy resins containing glass fibres.

[0039] The retainer 41 thus forms a surface continuity with the foam material 14 for receiving the electrical or electronic device 12 and the sheath 11, which are typically mounted when the lighting device is assembled and mounted on the steering wheel. The upper part of the retainer forms a groove for receiving the flap 11A of the sheath 11 and then the diffusion screen 44. At the bottom of this groove, an elongated opening 411 is formed in the inner wall 412.

[0040] All of the light sources 42 are located in the same plane defined by the printed circuit 45 opposite a light guide 43 which is engaged in an elongated opening 411 in the inner wall 412 and guides the light from the light sources 42 towards a diffusion screen 44.

[0041] As mentioned above and can be seen in Fig. 2, the holder 41 serves as a support for the sheath 11, which is directly visible and held by the driver of the vehicle. It is therefore important that the geometry is correct to avoid visual or tactile defects. In addition, it is obviously important that there are no openings or ports between the diffusion screen 44 and the flap 11A.

[0042] For this it is necessary to ensure that the holder does not deform. However, as also seen above, the elongated opening 411 can be formed in a smooth inner wall 412 and extend over the entire angular sector of the rim covered by the lighting device. It is important to provide a continuous elongated opening 411 without transverse ribs in order not to cause variations in luminous intensity. Longitudinal ribs on the edge of the elongated opening 411 on the side of the diffuser screen 44 are also undesirable in order to minimize the opening of the rim visible to the driver.

[0043] Such elongated openings 411 can weaken the retaining body and can result in the elongated openings separating or opening when the lighting device is assembled and attached to the rim 10, particularly during placement of the sheath 11, which must be tensioned, as for example the flap 11A can exert a separating force.

[0044] To counter this possibility of separating the edges of the elongated opening 411, it is proposed to provide a bridge element 48 at the elongated opening 411, as shown in FIG. 3, which is a cross-section of the rim 10 exactly at the bridge element 48.

[0045] Indeed, the light guide 43 comprises in this embodiment two studs 481 connected by arms to the rest of the body of the light guide 43, each of the two studs 481 being engaged in the inner wall 412 of the carrier. As a result, the bridge element provides a rigid link between the two edges of the elongated opening 411 that can no longer be opened during subsequent manufacturing operations, even if tensile, traction forces are applied (typically during coating). The width, the size of the rim 10 and the absence of openings between the diffusion screen 44 and the flap 11A are thus guaranteed, without taking up space at the top of the device.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the bridge element 48 is formed by the stud 481 and the part of the body of the light guide 43 to which the stud 481 is fixed, and is between the outer surface and the light source 42. The bridge element 48 and at least the connecting part facing or overlapping the elongated opening 411 are transparent so as not to impede the diffusion of light towards the driver.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the bridge element 48 is formed by the studs 481, providing the studs 481 with a length such that they protrude from the inner wall 412 and then deforming them (hot or by riveting or heading) to obtain a permanent connection.

[0048] Alternatively, a flexible tab may be provided with a hook at the end of the stud 481 to provide a resilient interlock.

[0049] 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the connecting element 48, where instead of a stud 481 penetrating the inner wall 412, a welding pin 482 is used, which is intended to enable ultrasonic welding of the light guide 43 to the inner wall 412. Here again, a bridge element 48 is formed on the transparent light guide and connects the two edges of the elongated opening 411.

[0050] 5 shows another alternative for bridge element 48, this time with two holes 483 that can receive pins or studs that protrude into the underside of inner wall 412. In this embodiment, it is possible to provide length for the protruding pins or studs to extend beyond holes 483 and then deform them (hot or by riveting or heading) to obtain a permanent connection.

[0051] 6 and 7 show another alternative embodiment of the bridge element 48, where the connection is provided by a male part 484 formed on the light guide 43 and engaged with a counter feature on the retainer 41. In this example, the male part 484 is T-shaped and the counter feature on the retainer is a T-groove. However, other shapes can also be provided, such as for example a dovetail.

[0052] FIG. 8 shows an alternative in which the bridge element 48 is formed on and by the printed circuit 45 (the light source 42 is not visible, since the printed circuit is seen from below) on which the pins 485 are provided. The pins 485 have a length calculated to engage with the printed circuit 45 and the inner wall 412 (hidden by the printed circuit 45). The pins 485 can be deformed, soldered or attached in any way to the printed circuit 45, and it is possible to provide them in the same way on the inner wall 412 or to provide them integrally of the same material (the carrier 41 is then formed by directly moulding with the pins 485). In FIG. 8 the hatched area represents the bridge element 48, in particular its connection part facing the elongated opening 411. The light source 42 is therefore located between the connection part and the elongated opening, and the connection part can therefore be opaque, since it is on the opposite side to the user with respect to the light source 42. Advantageously, the pins 485 are formed in the carrier 41 in the vicinity of the elongated opening 411.

[0053] 9 shows an alternative in which the bridge element 48 is formed by a part of the diffuser 44. In fact, the diffuser 44 is U-shaped, inserted upside down in the groove formed by the holder 41 and the flap of the sheath 11, and is provided with projections 486 on the inner wall 412, which allow for example ultrasonic welding. It is also possible to envisage, for example, a clipping at the inner wall 412. The diffuser 44 is thus completely fixed at the projections 486 on both sides of the elongated opening, so that the holder 41 is reinforced by the bridge element 48.

[0054] 10 shows a final alternative in which the bridge element 48 is formed by a central portion of the light guide 43, the latter overmolded directly onto the retainer 41 and connected by two overmolded parts 487 each overmolded onto the edge of the elongated opening 411. An alternative could consist of overmolding the retainer 41 onto the light guide 43.

[0055] In all embodiments, the bridge elements 48 provide a connection between the two edges of the elongated opening 411, securing its width and preventing it from opening or separating. Such bridge elements 48 can be provided at regular intervals along the elongated opening 411, for example every 20 mm or every 5° or 10° of an angular sector about the axis of rotation of the steering wheel in a front view as in FIG. 1.

[0056] In any event, the bridge elements avoid providing cross grooves over the grooves which could cause changes in luminosity or display appearance.

[0057] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements, obvious to a person skilled in the art, can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. It is particularly noted that the bridge element and / or the lighting device can be fully assembled before integration into the steering wheel rim. It is also noted that the bridge element may or must be assembled from the inside of the rim, i.e. from below in Figs. 3, 7, 10. This leaves access through the top. It is also noted that bridge modes can be combined, and that a single bridge element can, on the one hand, have bridges that are welded or headed and, on the other hand, have bridges that only engage it in the reversed form. It is also possible to have several bridge elements present on or between the retainers, respectively, making it possible to reinforce the retainers (41).

Claims

1. A lighting device (40) for a vehicle steering wheel rim (10), comprising: - a number of light sources (42) arranged to emit light towards the external display wall of said rim (10); a holder (41) with an inner wall (412) having an elongated opening (411) with a given passage width allowing the passage of said light emitted towards said external display wall, the lighting device (40) comprises at least one bridge element (48) engaged with the retainer (41) and arranged at least partially on a side of the inner wall (412) opposite the outer display wall in order to limit an increase in the predetermined passage width, The lighting device (40) is characterized in that the bridge element (48) has a connection portion facing the elongated opening (411), the connection portion being arranged facing at least one light source (42).

2. An illumination device (40) as described in claim 1, wherein the connection portion is arranged between the light source (42) and the external display wall, and the connection portion is transparent.

3. 3. The lighting device (40) of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a printed circuit (45) supporting the plurality of light sources (42), the printed circuit (45) being engaged with the holder (41) to limit an increase in the predetermined passage width.

4. A lighting device (40) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rim (10) comprises an outer sheath (11) and the bridge element (48) is engaged with the holder (41) in a zone (11) without a sheath.

5. The lighting device (40) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the elongated opening (411) has a path length, and the retainer (41) has no reinforcing ribs in the direction of the path length.

6. A lighting device (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elongated opening (411) is continuous and / or the holder (41) has no ribs or bars transverse to and / or opposite the elongated opening (411).

7. A lighting device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the holder (41) or the bridge element (48) comprises a protrusion (481, 484, 485) passing through a wall of the other of the holder (41) or the bridge element (48).

8. A lighting device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the holder (41) or the bridge element (48) comprises a portion welded to the other of the holder (41) or the bridge element (48).

9. A lighting device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the holder (41) or the bridge element (48) comprises a portion (481, 484) embedded in the other of the holder (41) or the bridge element (48).

10. A lighting device (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the holding body (41) or the bridge element (48) is plastically deformed and / or plastically folded and / or includes a portion towards the other of the holding body (41) or the bridge element (48).

11. A lighting device (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of the holder (41) or the bridge element (48) comprises a portion (487) overmolded onto the other of the holder (41) or the bridge element (48).

12. An illumination device (40) for a vehicle steering wheel rim (10), comprising: - a number of light sources (42) arranged to emit light towards the external display wall of said rim (10); a holder (41) with an inner wall (412) having an elongated opening (411) with a given passage width allowing the passage of said light emitted towards said external display wall, the lighting device (40) comprises a bridge element (48) engaged with the retainer (41) and arranged on the outer display wall side of the inner wall (412) to limit an increase in the predetermined passage width, The lighting device (40) further comprises:

1. An illumination device (40) comprising a light screen or diffuser (44) forming the external display wall, characterized in that the bridge element (48) is formed by the light screen or diffuser (44).

13. A vehicle steering wheel comprising an illumination device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A motor vehicle comprising a lighting device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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