vehicle steering wheel

Abstract

A vehicle steering wheel is disclosed that comprises a rim (10) and an electrical device comprising at least one flexible electrical ribbon cable (41) disposed on or around the rim (10), characterized in that the electrical device comprises at least one positioning portion, the positioning portion comprises an interface portion, the steering wheel comprises at least one counter feature arranged to receive the interface portion of the positioning portion, and the positioning portion covers at least a portion of the flexible electrical ribbon cable (41).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to vehicle steering wheels, and more particularly to vehicle steering wheels equipped with electrical devices such as contact or proximity detectors between the steering wheel and a user, and / or electrical devices such as heating devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In the prior art of vehicle steering wheels, US Patent Application Publication No. 20190077220 is known, which describes a heating mat obtained by overmolding a conductive element and a power supply cable. However, this system may have weak points in the heating mat, which can easily tear. Furthermore, such surface mats are generally soft and flexible, so that the precise positioning of this element on the rim during manufacturing can be tedious and complicated. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to address the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above, and in particular to firstly propose a vehicle steering wheel having a rim and a flexible electrical ribbon cable, which is resistant to tearing, mechanical damage and / or is easy to place on the vehicle steering wheel during manufacture.

[0004] Therefore, a first aspect of the present invention provides a method for producing a medicament for the treatment of a pulmonary arthritis, comprising: -Rim and an electrical device comprising at least one flexible electrical ribbon cable disposed on or around a rim; A vehicle steering wheel comprising: the electrical device comprises at least one positioning overmold, the positioning overmold comprising an interface portion; The present invention may relate to a vehicle steering wheel, characterized in that the steering wheel comprises at least one counter shape arranged to receive an interface portion of a positioning overmould.

[0005] According to the above embodiment, a positioning overmold is provided to mate with a counter feature of the steering wheel (typically provided on the steering wheel rim or branch, or at the junction between these two elements) to provide a location for the positioning overmold and, therefore, for the flexible electrical ribbon cable. Handling and assembly steps are simplified by reducing the difficulty of accurately positioning the flexible electrical ribbon cable, which is typically flexible and subject to folding. Additionally, the positioning overmold provides increased mechanical resistance in the counter feature, allowing the operator to pull the remaining portion of the flexible electrical ribbon cable and accurately complete its positioning without risk of degradation.

[0006] A second aspect of the present invention is -Rim and an electrical device comprising at least one flexible electrical ribbon cable disposed on or around a rim; A vehicle steering wheel comprising: the electrical device comprises at least one positioning portion, the positioning portion comprising an interface portion; The present invention may relate to a vehicle steering wheel, characterized in that the steering wheel comprises at least one counter shape arranged to receive an interface part of the positioning part.

[0007] According to the above embodiment, a positioning portion is provided to mate with a counter shape of the steering wheel (typically provided on the rim or branch of the steering wheel, or at the connection between these two elements) to provide a location for the positioning portion and therefore for the flexible electrical ribbon cable. The handling and assembly steps are simplified by reducing the difficulty of accurately positioning the flexible electrical ribbon cable, which is typically flexible and subject to folding. In addition, the positioning portion provides increased mechanical resistance at the counter shape, allowing the operator to pull the remaining portion of the flexible electrical ribbon cable and accurately complete its positioning without risk of deterioration. Finally, the positioning portion provides mechanical protection for the electrical device by forming an interface with the steering wheel and absorbing its friction and physical contact.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the positioning portion can cover at least a portion of the flexible electrical ribbon cable, so that the flexible electrical ribbon cable is protected by the positioning portion.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the positioning portion may be a component attached to the flexible electrical ribbon cable and / or power supply cable of the electrical device, or may be a separate component.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the positioning portion may be formed by a positioning shell, preferably made of plastic material, which may be provided to be rigid (and in any case less flexible than the flexible electrical ribbon cable) in order to absorb forces and physical contact with the rest of the steering wheel.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the positioning shell may comprise a first shell and a second shell coupled to the first shell to clamp a portion of the electrical device. The coupling may be provided by elastic interlocking (clipping), screw fastening, etc. In either case, the positioning shell may be a part attached to or fixed to the flexible electrical ribbon cable, and preferably at least a portion of the flexible electrical ribbon cable is clamped by or fixed relative to the positioning shell.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the steering wheel may include a fastening overmold disposed within the positioning shell for securing at least a portion of the electrical device within the positioning shell, such a fastening overmold typically being applied or formed after the positioning shell has sandwiched the flexible electrical ribbon cable.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the positioning portion may be formed by a positioning overmold.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the electrical device can include at least one power supply cable that is a flexible electrical ribbon cable, and the positioning overmold or positioning portion can cover at least one area for docking the power supply cable onto the flexible electrical ribbon cable.

[0015] According to the above embodiment, the electrical device comprises a positioning overmold between the power supply cable and the flexible electrical ribbon cable, so that the positioning overmold provides additional resistance to the flexible electrical ribbon cable even when an operator is holding only the power supply cable. Typically, in a docking area, it is possible to provide connection of the power supply cable to the electrical circuitry (typically, conductive tracks attached to a flexible substrate) of the flexible electrical ribbon cable. In other words, the docking area may be an electrical and / or mechanical connection zone of the power supply cable onto the flexible electrical ribbon cable.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the vehicle steering wheel may include a reinforcement, the countershape being at least partly provided in the reinforcement, so that the reinforcement forming the carcass (typically made of magnesium) defines the reference position.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the vehicle steering wheel may comprise a cladding element such as a foam or ornament, on which the counter shape is at least partially provided. The foam (typically injected polyurethane) or ornament allows for the design of specific counter shapes and / or complex shapes.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the positioning overmold or positioning portion may have at least one portion that covers a portion of the flexible electrical ribbon cable.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the positioning overmold or positioning part may have at least one protrusion surrounding a portion of the at least one power supply cable. Such a protrusion may simply surround the power supply cable and increase its mechanical strength, but may also provide a pre-shape for the power supply cable. In other words, the protrusion biases the cable along a predetermined path that corresponds to the shape of the steering wheel, thereby facilitating its positioning.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the positioning overmold or positioning portion may have at least one portion that covers a portion of the power supply cable, preferably over a length of more than 10 mm, even more preferably over a length of more than 15 mm.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the positioning overmold or positioning portion may have at least one portion that covers a portion of the power supply cable, preferably over more than 50% of the length of the cable, and even more preferably over more than 75% of the length of the cable.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the protrusion can be adapted to the second counter shape of the steering wheel, further improving ease of manufacture while ensuring that the path actually taken by the cable is the intended path, i.e. improving assembly repeatability and thus avoiding any pinching or jamming of the cable by the added portion to cover it.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the electric device may include two power supply cables, and the positioning overmold or positioning portion may include two protrusions each surrounding a portion of at least one of the power supply cables, and the two protrusions may be located on either side of a part of the steering wheel, such as a branch portion. The two protrusions may surround a male shape to provide easy centering and assembly.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the positioning overmold is made of a plastic, preferably a thermoplastic, preferably non-charged, or hot melt adhesive thermoplastic such as an ethylene vinyl acetate or EVA based adhesive. Options include polyamide, silicone, etc.

[0025] According to one embodiment, one of the positioning overmold (or positioning portion) or the counter shape comprises a positioning index, and the other of the positioning overmold (or positioning portion) or the counter shape comprises a positioning cavity arranged to receive the positioning index, such a positioning index may be a centering pin and the positioning cavity may be a through hole.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the positioning index and / or positioning cavity can be arranged to provide a resilient interlock, which can provide a tight assembly.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the flexible electrical ribbon cable may comprise at least one locating hole configured to position the flexible electrical ribbon cable relative to an overmolding mold or locating portion, facilitating the overmolding operation and ensuring reproducible positioning of the locating overmolding or locating portion relative to the rest of the sheath.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the flexible electrical ribbon cable may include at least one of a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, or a cast, laminated, or injected polymer.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the flexible electrical ribbon cable can include at least one reinforcement hole filled with a positioning overmold material, which allows the overmold material to diffuse to either side of the flexible electrical ribbon cable when the flexible electrical ribbon cable is sealed.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the positioning overmold may have a thickness that overlies a single surface of the flexible electrical ribbon cable, preferably the docking surface of the power supply cable.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the positioning overmold positioning portion may be preferably or predominantly located on one side of the flexible electrical ribbon cable, for example, 75%, or 85%, or even 90% of the material of the positioning overmold or positioning shell is located on the same side of the flexible electrical ribbon cable.

[0032] According to one embodiment, a vehicle steering wheel may include a hub and at least one branch connecting the hub to the branch.

[0033] According to one embodiment, a vehicle steering wheel may include an outer sheath, such as natural or artificial leather, that covers a flexible electrical ribbon cable.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the flexible electrical ribbon cable may be part of a proximity or contact detection device, or may be part of a heating device.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the protrusions can conform to the shape of complex shapes that are non-planar and non-linear.

[0036] A second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a vehicle steering wheel according to the first aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of two embodiments of the invention, which are given by way of example, but are in no way limiting, and are illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a partially assembled vehicle steering wheel according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a portion of the rim of the vehicle steering wheel of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a partial view of the electrical devices of the steering wheel of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along axis BB of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along axis AS of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram of the electrical device of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial view of an alternative embodiment of the electrical device of the steering wheel of FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a view of the positioning portion of the electrical device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] 1 shows a top view of a vehicle steering wheel comprising a rim 10, a hub 30, and a branch 20 connecting the rim 10 to the hub 30. The vehicle steering wheel is partially assembled to show the internal structure, particularly the lower branch 20 (or 6 o'clock position) and its connection to the rim 10.

[0039] In fact, as shown in Figure 2, the lower branch 20 is mainly formed by two reinforcing strands 21 and 22. The rim 10 also comprises a reinforcing portion 12 and a foam 11 (typically made of polyurethane) overmolded onto the reinforcing portion 12. The reinforcements (reinforcing strands 21 and 22, reinforcing portion 12) form the metal frame or framework (for example made of magnesium) of the vehicle steering wheel.

[0040] Figure 3 shows part of an electric device arranged on the part of the vehicle steering wheel shown in Figure 2. The electric device may be a sensor for detecting contact or proximity with a user, as here. Thus, Figure 3 shows only the electric device, while Figure 2 shows the rim part 10 and its connection with the branch 20 that houses the electric device. It should be noted that in this Figure 3 the electric device is shown in its final state, coated onto the rim 10. Before coating, the electric device may have different shapes, flat or slightly contoured, depending on the material used to produce it.

[0041] In particular, a flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 covers and surrounds a portion of the rim 10 (not shown in Figure 3), and two power supply cables 42 with connectors 44 are provided to connect the flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 to the vehicle's electrical network.

[0042] Finally, in the area where the power supply cable 42 is attached to the flexible electrical ribbon cable 41, a positioning portion is provided, here formed by a positioning overmold 43. The positioning overmold 43 covers the flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 and part of the supply cable 42 with a portion 43a so as to provide mechanical reinforcement for the flexible electrical ribbon cable 41.

[0043] It should be noted that the positioning overmold has two protrusions 43b that overmold only each power supply cable 42 to conform to the complex shape of the second counter shape 52 on the two reinforcing strands 21 and 22.

[0044] Figure 4 shows a cross section along axis BB of Figure 1, showing a flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 covered by an outer sheath 13 at the rim (right and left parts of the figure). The flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 has a part facing the foam 11 and two reinforcing strands 21 and 22 of the branch 20. Furthermore, the positioning overmold 43 (part 43a) has a lower lateral edge that fits the outer shape of the foam 11 in order to provide for the positioning of the positioning overmold 43 on this countershape of the steering wheel (of the foam 11).

[0045] The foam may be made of polyurethane and may form and / or remain accessible a first counter shape 51. As explained below, the reinforcing strands 21 and 22 may form a second counter shape 52.

[0046] The first counter shape 51 essentially consists of the side of the branch 20 (formed by foam 11 or metal reinforcement) and / or the through holes seen in FIG. 2 and / or the connection between the two lateral edges of the two reinforcing strands 21 and 22 and the rim 10, and the second counter shape 52 is formed by the lateral edge edges of the two reinforcing strands 21 and 22 as seen in FIG. 5.

[0047] Furthermore, a positioning index and a flange can be provided on the positioning overmold 43 to provide a connection with the first countershape 51 (the lateral edges of the branches 20 and / or the holes and / or radial edges of the stiffeners at the connection between the rim 10 and the branches 20). The positioning index can be a pin that fits into a hole in the first countershape 51.

[0048] 5 shows a cross section along the axis AA of FIG. 1 , showing the protrusions 43b of the positioning overmold 43, which are bonded or attached to the foam 11 that surrounds the power supply cable 42 and further covers the reinforcing strands 21 and 22. The positioning overmold 43 (especially the two protrusions 43b) therefore provides additional positioning. It should be noted that the protrusions 43b conform to the complex shape of the branch 20 and ensure that the available space is used effectively. The rigidity of the protrusions 43b makes it possible to ensure a higher positioning repeatability than in a situation where the power supply cable 42 is not overmolded. Starting from the overmold portion 43a, the power supply cable 42 may be overmolded over a distance of more than 10 mm, or even more than 15 mm.

[0049] Figure 6 shows a simplified diagram of the electrical device of Figure 3. A flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 has conductive tracks 41c connected to conductors 42a of a power supply cable 42, for example by brazing.

[0050] The positioning overmold 43 (portion 43a) covers the flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 and a portion of the power supply cable 42, and has a protrusion 43b only on the power supply cable 42.

[0051] One or more locating holes 41A are provided in the flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 to allow the flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 to be positioned within the overmolding die and the locating overmolding 43 to be attached.

[0052] The flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 is provided with a passage hole 41b to accommodate the plastic from the positioning overmold 43, thus providing a robust link.

[0053] The positioning overmold 43 therefore makes it possible to provide positive positioning on the counter shape of the steering wheel whilst providing additional mechanical resistance.

[0054] It is of course possible, but optional, to provide a positioning overmold 43 in the area of ​​the flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 that receives the supply cable 42 in order to further improve mechanical strength.

[0055] Additionally, positioning the overmolded portion 43 (protrusion 43b) around the power supply cable 42 is another option that improves the repeatability and ease of assembly.

[0056] In the given example, the area for docking the power supply cable 42 onto the flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 is implemented in the lower branch 20, but this is optional. It is possible to provide this area in any part of the steering wheel.

[0057] The reinforcement comprises two reinforcing strands 21 and 22, although it is also possible to provide a single branch.

[0058] The counter shape for receiving the positioning overmold is in this example formed by foam 11 and / or reinforcement, but it is also possible to provide the counter shape on the trim part (typically a plastic shell).

[0059] Figure 7 shows an alternative to the electrical device of Figure 3. In particular, the electrical device of Figure 7 differs from the electrical device of Figure 3 essentially in the positioning portion. The electrical device of Figure 7 always comprises a flexible electrical ribbon cable 41, two power supply cables 42 terminating in connectors 44, and a positioning portion formed here by a positioning shell 43'. The positioning shell 43' covers part of the flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 and part of the two power supply cables 42.

[0060] 8, in this example, the positioning shell 43' includes a first shell 431 and a second shell 432. However, a single part or three or more parts may be provided to form the positioning shell 43'. Furthermore, it should be noted that the first shell 431 includes an elastic tab 431A that is coupled with the second shell 432 by elastic engagement (clipping). Other coupling modes (screw fastening, welding, etc.) may also be provided.

[0061] The first shell 431 and / or the second shell 432 may be made of a plastic material, such as a polymer, with or without a filling material. For example, polyamide may be provided.

[0062] 8 also shows that the positioning shell 43' comprises a portion 43A' arranged to cover the flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 and a portion 43B' that covers only the power supply cable 42. It should also be noted that the portion for docking or connecting the power supply cable 42 to the flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 is also covered by the positioning shell 43'.

[0063] The positioning shell 43' holds the power supply cable 42 and / or the flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 and is clipped to the electrical device to pinch or clamp the power supply cable 42 and / or the flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 to absorb contact forces with the steering wheel.

[0064] It is also possible to overmold the electrical device within the positioning shell 43'. In fact, a plastic or adhesive can be injected into the positioning shell over the electrical device to secure the components together and ensure zero relative movement, thus ensuring a perfect fit.

[0065] Thus, the components for docking or connecting the supply cable 42 to the flexible electrical ribbon cable 41, and / or the power supply cable 42 and / or the flexible electrical ribbon cable 41 are integral with the positioning shell 43', which can interact with reinforcements of the steering wheel or any other part thereof. [Industrial Applicability]

[0066] The vehicle steering wheel and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention are industrially applicable.

[0067] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements apparent to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Rim (10) and an electrical device comprising at least one flexible electrical ribbon cable (41) disposed on or around said rim; A vehicle steering wheel comprising: the electrical device comprises at least one positioning portion, the positioning portion comprising an interface portion; the steering wheel includes at least one counter feature arranged to receive the interface portion of the positioning portion; A vehicle steering wheel, characterized in that the positioning portion is formed by positioning overmolding and covers at least a portion of the flexible electrical ribbon cable (41).

2. Rim (10) and an electrical device comprising at least one flexible electrical ribbon cable (41) disposed on or around said rim; A vehicle steering wheel comprising: the electrical device comprises at least one positioning portion, the positioning portion comprising an interface portion; the steering wheel includes at least one counter feature arranged to receive the interface portion of the positioning portion; A vehicle steering wheel, characterized in that the positioning portion is formed by a positioning overmolding and covers at least a portion of the flexible electrical ribbon cable (41) to position the flexible electrical ribbon cable (41).

3. 3. A vehicle steering wheel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the positioning portion is formed by a positioning shell (43') made of plastic.

4. 4. The vehicle steering wheel of claim 3, wherein the positioning shell (43') includes a first shell (341) and a second shell (342) coupled to the first shell (341) to sandwich a portion of the electrical device.

5. 4. The vehicle steering wheel of claim 3, further comprising a fastening overmold disposed within the positioning shell (43') for securing at least a portion of the electrical device within the positioning shell (43').

6. 3. A vehicle steering wheel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical device comprises at least one power supply cable (42) of the flexible electrical ribbon cable (41), and the positioning overmold covers at least one area for docking the power supply cable (42) onto the flexible electrical ribbon cable (41).

7. 3. A vehicle steering wheel according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a reinforcement, said counter shape being at least partially provided on said reinforcement.

8. 3. A vehicle steering wheel according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a cladding element which is a foam or decorative part, and wherein the counter shape is at least partially provided on the cladding element.

9. 7. The vehicle steering wheel of claim 6, wherein the positioning overmold has at least one protrusion surrounding a portion of the at least one power supply cable.

10. 7. A vehicle steering wheel according to claim 6, wherein the positioning overmould has at least one portion (43b; 43b') covering a part of the power supply cable over a length of more than 10 mm.

11. 10. The vehicle steering wheel of claim 9, wherein the protrusion conforms to a second counter shape of the steering wheel.

12. 12. The vehicle steering wheel of claim 11, wherein the electric device comprises two power supply cables, the positioning portion comprises two protrusions each surrounding a portion of at least one power supply cable, and the two protrusions are arranged on either side of a portion of the steering wheel such as a branch portion.

13. 3. A vehicle steering wheel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the positioning overmold (43) is made of plastic.

14. 3. A vehicle steering wheel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the positioning portion or the counter shape comprises a positioning index, and the other of the positioning portion or the counter shape comprises a positioning cavity arranged to receive the positioning index.

15. 15. A vehicle steering wheel according to claim 14, wherein the locating index and / or the locating cavity are arranged to provide a resilient interlock.

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