Vehicle horn device

Abstract

The invention relates to a horn device for a vehicle steering wheel, comprising: - a switch comprising at least: • a first contact portion, and • a second contact portion, which is separate from the first contact portion, and - an electrical connection device, arranged to electrically connect the switch to a wiring harness of the vehicle and comprising at least: • an electrical conductor (20), • a support element (21) supporting the at least one electrical conductor (20), characterised in that the switch comprises a clipping interface (210), and the electrical connection device comprises a clipped piece (11) engaged with the clipping interface (210) for: - mechanically connecting the electrical connection device to the steering wheel body, - electrically connecting the electrical conductor (20) to the second contact portion of the switch.

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: Vehicle horn device Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to horn devices, and more particularly to horn switch devices for motor vehicles. State of the art

[0002] It is known in the prior art that horn devices include normally closed switches, which have the advantage of reducing the stroke required for the horn human-machine interface to activate the horn, as illustrated for example in document US2020 / 0282906. On the other hand, these systems can have disadvantages related to the large number of parts required for the normally closed switch, resulting in complex switch assembly and mounting, and a significant resulting cost. Description of the invention

[0003] One aim of the present invention is to address the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, firstly, to provide a sound warning device that allows for simpler assembly and mounting of the switch, and / or a lower resulting cost.

[0004] To that end, a first aspect of the invention relates to a sound warning device.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the audible warning device for a vehicle steering wheel comprises at least: - a switch fixed or arranged to be fixed to a steering wheel body comprising at least: • a first contact portion, mobile between an activated position and a resting position, and • a second contact area, distinct from the first contact area and, - an electrical connection device, arranged to electrically connect the switch to a vehicle's electrical harness and comprising at least: • an electrical conductor, • a supporting element supporting said at least one electrical conductor, • a connector arranged to be electrically connected to the vehicle's electrical harness, characterized in that one part of the switch and electrical connection device comprises a clip interface, and the other part of the switch and electrical connection device comprises a clipped piece engaged with the clip interface for: - mechanically connect the electrical connection device to the steering wheel body, - electrically connect the electrical conductor to one of the first contact portion and the second contact portion of the switch.

[0006] According to this implementation, the first contact portion is movable from a rest position—that is, a position in which the first contact portion is found by default when the horn is not activated—to an activated position to enable the horn to be activated (by detecting the opening of the contacts). According to this implementation, the switch is separate from the electrical connection device. The electrical connection device comprises a portion of an electrical circuit for electrically connecting the horn switch to the vehicle's electrical wiring harness (the vehicle's wiring harness). The switch is both electrically connected to the electrical connection device and mechanically connected or linked to the vehicle's steering wheel—that is, assembled or attached to the vehicle's steering wheel. to participate in the mechanical connection to the vehicle's wiring harness; this in a single operation. The present invention presents a connection made by means of a simple clip-on interface, allowing the connection device to be linked both to the switch (electrical connection) and consequently to the steering wheel body (mechanical connection, via the switch). In other words, the electrical connection device is mechanically connected or linked to the steering wheel body via the switch through the clip-on part. That is to say, the electrical connection device is suspended from the switch(es). The assembly method used is a mechanical clip-on, for example, between one of the contact portions and the support element, either of which includes the clip-on part or the clip-on interface.

[0007] The audible warning device can be defined by the following characteristics, taken individually or in combination.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the second contact portion is arranged to be in electrical contact with the first contact portion when the first contact portion is in the rest position.

[0009] This implementation describes a normally closed switch, meaning that electric current flows between the first and second contact segments when the buzzer is not activated. Thus, the first contact segment is in its rest position when it is in contact with the second contact segment. When the buzzer is activated and causes the first contact segment of the switch to move, the buzzer control signal is transmitted as soon as the absence of contact between the first and second contact segments is detected, i.e., by the immediate interruption of the electric current flow in the circuit. Conversely, for a normally open switch, the buzzer control signal is transmitted only after the push button has traveled a full stroke. In this implementation, the information is transmitted more quickly. When transmitted by a normally closed switch rather than a normally open one, the command is activated more quickly; this also reduces the activation stroke and therefore the associated operating clearances. In the specific case of a horn control, used by a vehicle user to signal an imminent danger, the horn's activation speed is crucial for the user's safety.

[0010] In one embodiment, the electrical connection device is attached to the steering wheel solely via the clip interface. This has the advantage of limiting the stresses exerted by the connection device on the switch; the switch can be more compact, and the risk of accidental activation is reduced. In other words, the electrical connection device (and, for example, the support element) is attached to the steering wheel only by the clipped part, specifically by a portion of the clip that is separate from and distant from the electrical connection area with the conductor.

[0011] In one embodiment, the switch further comprises a switch housing, and the clip-on part is attached to the switch housing. Since the switch housing is assembled to the steering wheel body, the attachment to the switch housing allows the electrical connection device to be mechanically connected to the vehicle's steering wheel, and more specifically to the steering wheel body, in a robust manner. The electrical connection device is thus attached to the vehicle's steering wheel solely by the connections between the electrical connection device and the clip-on part, the clip-on part and the switch housing, and the switch housing and steering wheel body, ensuring a particularly simple assembly of the electrical connection device. The clip-on part can be attached to the switch housing, for example, by crimping, overmolding, press-fitting, riveting, or riveting.

[0012] In one embodiment, the switch comprises two secondary contact portions, and the first contact portion, in its rest position, is in electrical contact with both secondary contact portions. The first contact portion can bridge the two secondary contact portions, and this implementation ensures greater reliability of the switch and prevents accidental activation of the horn. Switches can also be connected in series.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the clipped part comprises: - a clipping portion designed to cooperate with the clipping interface, - a connection portion intended to cooperate with the electrical conductor, and the clipping portion is distinct or separate or arranged at a distance from the connection portion.

[0014] According to one embodiment: - the clipping portion is arranged on a lateral portion of the clipped part, and / or between two ends of the clipped part, and / or at a predetermined distance (at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm) from one end of the clipped part, - the connecting portion is arranged or forms one end of the clipped part.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the connecting portion is arranged to push a free end of the electrical conductor.

[0016] According to one embodiment: - the connecting portion is arranged to attach and / or fix said support element, - the connecting portion is arranged to contact the electrical conductor or a free end of the electrical conductor.

[0017] According to one embodiment: - the connection portion is arranged to block the support element according to at least two degrees of freedom in translation, preferably at least three degrees of freedom in translation and / or at least two degrees of freedom in rotation, preferably at least three degrees of freedom in rotation - the connecting portion is arranged to block one degree of translational freedom of the electrical conductor or of a free end of the electrical conductor.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the clipped part is in mechanical (for example, in support) and electrical contact with the electrical conductor.

[0019] In one embodiment, elastic return means are arranged to return the electrical conductor to the clipped part. This ensures permanent mechanical contact between the clipped part and the electrical conductor.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the elastic return means are arranged to exert a force on the clipped part in a direction opposite to a direction of assembly or clipping.

[0021] In one embodiment, the elastic return means comprise at least a portion of the electrical conductor that is elastically deformed by the clipped part. Thus, the return function of the elastic return means is activated during assembly; that is, the return function makes it possible to compensate, for example, for any changes in the position of the clipped part or the support element relative to the electrical conductor and / or for geometric variations.

[0022] In one embodiment, the elastic return means comprise at least one projection, and particularly a projection formed on the support element, bearing on a portion of the electrical conductor adjacent to the elastically deformed portion of the electrical conductor. In other words, the electrical conductor flexes on its elastically deformed portion, since it is not supported by the support element, between an edge of the projection and the contact with the clipped part. The conductor's displacements The electrical currents induced by its deformation near the clipped part create an elastic pull towards the clipped part. In other words, the protrusion creates an overhanging section on the electrical conductor. Thus, electrical and mechanical contact is ensured between the electrical conductor and the clipped part, regardless of tolerances and potential deformations of the components.

[0023] In one embodiment, the elastic return means include at least one flexible tab of the support element arranged opposite the electrical conductor and the clipped part. When pressure is applied to the surface of the electrical conductor resting on a portion of the flexible support element during clipping, this portion of the flexible support element deforms. Due to its shear and / or bending strength properties, and particularly its rigidity, it will resist the applied pressure by elastically returning the electrical conductor towards the clipped part.

[0024] In one embodiment, the elastic return means are separate from the clipped part. In another embodiment, the electrical conductor is displaced or pushed by the clipped part, and the elastic return means ensure that the electrical conductor is pushed back against the clipped part to remain in contact with it. In yet another embodiment, the elastic return means are distributed between the electrical conductor and the support element: it is either the electrical conductor or the support element that deforms elastically to generate the return force towards the clipped part.

[0025] In one embodiment, the clipped part is free of any elastically deformable portion to ensure clipping and / or electrical contact. In other words, the clipped part is easy to manufacture and does not have a fragile elastic strip that could be bent or broken unexpectedly. In particular, the clipped part does not deform when clipped onto the support element and / or when electrically connected to the conductor.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the clipped part includes at least one second contact portion. The clipped part therefore also forms a static contact portion.

[0027] In one embodiment, the audible interruption device comprises at least two switches, and preferably four switches. This implementation aims to extend the sensitivity of the audible alarm to a larger area of ​​the module cover, i.e., to an off-center position of the force applied by the user on the module cover.

[0028] In one embodiment, the support element forms at least a portion of a rigid hoop, arranged to conform to the inner shape of a safety module's receiving well. The support element is positioned around the periphery of the receiving well to allow space for the insertion of a safety module. The support element can form a closed hoop, which is more rigid and easier to handle.

[0029] In one embodiment, the support element and / or at least a portion of a rigid hoop and / or the rigid hoop is self-supporting. The only points of attachment to the steering wheel body are via the switch.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the clipped part engages in a slot of the clipping interface, according to a mounting direction of the safety module.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the clipped part is bent, preferably at ninety degrees, preferably in a direction normal to an actuation direction of the switch push button in order to better resist the returning forces transmitted by the first contact portion when returning it to the rest position, and to better support the weight of the electrical connection device.

[0032] In one embodiment, the clipping portion of the clipped part is formed or comprises lateral lugs that can abut against hooks of the clipping interface. In another embodiment, the clipping portion of the clipped part, typically the lateral lugs, is arranged between the elbow of the clipped part and the connecting portion of the clipped part (typically one end of the clipped part). In yet another embodiment, the clipping portion of the clipped part, typically the lateral lugs, is arranged closer to the elbow of the clipped part than to the connecting portion of the clipped part (typically one end of the clipped part).

[0033] In one embodiment, the clipping interface comprises clipping hooks engaged with the clipped part and flexible release tabs arranged to allow disengagement of the clipping hooks. This reversible attachment allows for easy separation of the switch from the electrical connection device during maintenance, without damaging the support element, by pressing on the release tabs. In another embodiment, at least one of the flexible release tabs forms a beam with at least one of the clipping hooks. The beam is connected to a support by a central connecting portion. The central connecting portion is arranged between the flexible release tab and the clipping hook.

[0034] In one embodiment, the support element includes a cradle for receiving the electrical conductor, preferably U-shaped, to house the electrical conductor. It can also be a rail or a V-shaped bracket. This implementation aims to securely hold and protect the electrical conductor.

[0035] In one embodiment, the support element includes protrusions for retaining the electrical conductor. This implementation aims to securely hold / protect the electrical conductor, even in the event of shock and / or vibration of the receiving cradle.

[0036] A second aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising a steering wheel body and optionally a decorative piece, and the horn device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0037] In one embodiment, the switch housing is mounted / attached to a reference portion of the decorative piece, preferably by means of a hook. The decorative piece is fixed relative to the steering wheel body, so that the switch is assembled to the steering wheel body by the hook and the decorative piece. Description of the figures

[0038] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of embodiment(s) of the invention given by way of non-limiting example(s) and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] [fig. 1] represents a vehicle steering wheel according to the invention;

[0040] [fig. 2] represents an isometric view of an audible warning device according to the invention;

[0041] [fig. 3] represents an exploded view of figure 3;

[0042] [fig. 4] represents a cross-sectional view of the horn switch according to plane BB of figure 2;

[0043] [fig. 5] represents a cross-sectional view of the horn switch assembled on the vehicle steering wheel according to plane AA of figure 2;

[0044] [fig. 6] represents an isometric view of a steering wheel safety module receiving well from figure 1;

[0045] Detailed description of implementation method(s)

[0046] Figure 1 shows a top view of a vehicle steering wheel 3. It includes a steering wheel body 30 (typically a frame, visible figure 5) on which a decorative piece 32 is fixed. In the center of the vehicle steering wheel 3 is located a safety module 31. The safety module 31 is closed by a module cover, which also forms a human-machine interface for activating the audible warning device 100. Typically, a driver of the vehicle can press the module cover to honk the horn.

[0047] Figure 2 shows part of an audible warning device according to the invention. It comprises at least one switch 1, and in the configuration of Figure 2, four switches 1, and an electrical connection device 2 for connecting the switches 1 to each other (when there are several) and to the vehicle's electrical network. The electrical connection device 2 comprises: - an electrical conductor 20, - a support element 21, hollow in this example, in which the electrical conductor 20 rests, - a connector 22 (male or female) arranged to connect the electrical conductor 20 to a vehicle wiring harness (the harness is not shown). Note in Figure 2 that each switch 1 has a hook 150 to ensure mechanical attachment of each switch 1 to the steering wheel body 30.

[0048] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the audible warning device of Figure 2. The switch 1 comprises a push button 10, a spring element 14, a switch housing 15, and two static contact portions 110 supported by two clip-on parts 11. The push button 10 is arranged to move along an actuation direction that substantially corresponds to an activation direction of the audible warning device, in translation. A first movable contact portion 101 is located at the end of the push button 10. The two clip-on parts 11 are inserted into slots in the support element 21. The electrical conductor 20 is composed of multiple sections of electrical conductors arranged between the various clipped parts 11 and the connector 22. Retaining protrusions 213 arranged on the walls of the support element 21 hold the electrical conductor 20 within the support element 21. Schematically, the support element 21 comprises: - four 214 connection blocks, each of which receives a switch 1, - five cable paths 215 which connect the four connection blocks 214 and the connector 22.

[0049] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the switch 1 with the electrical connection device 2, and more specifically of the clipping of the clipped part 11 with the support element 21. It shows a clipping interface 210 formed by the support element 21 assembled with lugs on the clipped part 11. As shown in Figure 4, the support element 21 includes hooks engaged between lateral lugs on the clipped part 11 to provide a non-return function. Thus, the clipped part 11 locks the support element 21 with at least two translational degrees of freedom, preferably at least three translational degrees of freedom, and / or at least two rotational degrees of freedom, preferably at least three rotational degrees of freedom.

[0050] The clip-on part 11 is arranged to mechanically connect the switch 1 to the support element 21, and also to ensure permanent electrical contact between the electrical conductor 20 and the clip-on part 11, by adjusting a dimension L of the clip-on part to the diameter of the electrical conductor 20. Indeed, during clipping, the electrical conductor 20 is subjected to sufficient pressure to ensure electrical contact between the clip-on part 11 and the electrical conductor 20 despite any vibrations of the vehicle's steering wheel 100 and / or geometric variations in the components. As shown in Figure 4, the clip-on part 11 presses against the electrical conductor 20 to establish the electrical connection.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the clipped part 11: - secures the support element 21 with the lateral lugs arranged near the elbow of the clipped part 11, - has one end that presses against the electrical conductor 20 to ensure electrical continuity. The lateral lugs that secure the support element 21 are separate and at a distance L from the end that presses against the electrical conductor 20.

[0052] The switch 1 can be detached from the electrical connection device 2 by pinching the flexible release tabs 211, which can release the lugs of the clipped part 11 by elastic deformation of the support element 21. This operation can thus be repeated several times without damaging the clipped part 11 or the support element 21.

[0053] Figure 4 shows that switch 1 has: - the 150 hook to ensure its mechanical attachment to the steering wheel body 30, and - a positioning portion 151 to ensure its positioning on the steering wheel body 30, according to the direction of activation of the module cover (or actuation of the push button 10).

[0054] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the horn switch according to section AA of Figure 2. The push button 10 is fitted into a recess in the safety module cover; that is, it is press-fitted onto the module cover and follows the same movements in the direction of the module cover's activation (forming a human-machine interface for activating the horn device 100). When the module cover is pressed down, the push button 10 slides within the switch housing 15 until a stop 102 of the push button 10 contacts a reference portion 320 of the decorative part 32, which is fixed relative to the steering wheel body 30. The first contact portion 101 is mounted on the push button 10 and follows the same movements as the push button. 10 depending on the activation direction of the module cover. As soon as the contact between the first contact portion 101 and the second contact portions 110 formed by the clipped part 11 is interrupted, an electrical current flowing in an electrical circuit formed by the electrical conductor 20 up to the vehicle harness is broken. An electronic control unit (commonly abbreviated ECU) is arranged to activate the horn as soon as the absence of electrical current flow in the electrical circuit is detected.

[0055] The contact produced by the clipped assembly of the clipped part The connection between the clipped part 11 and the clipping interface 210 is further ensured by the elastic deformation of the electrical conductor 20 produced by a protrusion 212 formed on the support element 21 on which the electrical conductor 20 rests (it should be noted that the electrical conductor 20 has a free end in a bend). In other words, the support of the electrical conductor 20 by the protrusion 212 in the vicinity of the clipped part 11 allows the electrical conductor 20 to be pulled back towards the clipped part 11. This arrangement prevents the accidental or unexpected activation of the audible warning device. In other words, and as shown in Figure 5, the end of the clipped part 11 pushes and elastically deforms a free end of the electrical conductor 20 to ensure electrical contact.

[0056] Depending on the direction of actuation of the push button 10, the switch housing 15 is fixed or located to the steering wheel body 30 by the reference portion 320 of the decorative part 32 fixed relative to the steering wheel body 30, which retains the positioning portion 151 of the switch housing 15.

[0057] According to the directions normal to the direction of actuation of the push button 10, the switch 1 and in particular the push button 10 is not located by the switch housing 15, but by the elastic element 14.

[0058] This implementation optimizes the positioning of the module cover relative to the decorative piece 32. The hook 150 on the switch housing 15 (visible in Figure 4) can interface with some play with the decorative piece 32 to retain the switch 1 to the steering wheel body 30 when assembly or transport operations. In other words, in directions normal to the direction of actuation of the pusher 10, the hook 150 ensures a "floating" mounting and precise localization is ensured by the elastic element 14

[0059] The switch housing 15 is connected to the electrical connection device 2 by crimping the clipped parts 11 (overmolding, clipping, or riveting are also possible). Thus, the clipped part(s) 11 and its / their second contact portion(s) 110 support a part of the electrical connection device 2 to the steering wheel body 30, via the clipping interface 210.

[0060] When the human-machine interface for activating the audible warning device 100 is released, the elastic element 14 returns to its initial shape by extending, pushing back the pusher 10 until the first contact portion 101 returns to a rest position in which it is in contact with the second contact portions 110. When the first contact portion 101 is in the rest position, the second contact portions 110 also act as stops for the pusher 10, absorbing the force exerted by the elastic element 14 as it returns to its initial position. The electrical current in the circuit is restored simultaneously with the re-establishment of contact between the first contact portion 101 and each of the second contact portions 110.

[0061] Figure 6 shows a safety module well in the vehicle's steering wheel 3, designed to house the safety module 31. Switches 1 are distributed around the periphery of the module well and near the surface of the module cover to detect even the most off-center pressures exerted by the user on the human-machine interface for activating the audible warning device 100. The switches 1 are connected to the vehicle wiring harness (not shown) that triggers the audible warning via connector 22, which is electrically connected to the electrical conductor 20, itself resting on the support element 21. Connector 22 can be a A male or female connector is provided for mating with a connector from the electrical harness (not shown). Furthermore, the support element 21 forms a rigid hoop, also arranged around the periphery of the module well so as to conform to the shape of the module well; the support element 21 is rigid / self-supporting and is sufficient to remain in the module well on its own. Industrial application

[0062] A sound warning device according to the present invention, and its manufacture, are capable of industrial application.

[0063] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the different embodiments of the invention described in this description without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0064] In particular, it should be noted that the shape of the support element and clipped parts, as well as the elastic return means, can vary. The switch may also be a normally open switch. Other variations in positioning, location or retention of switch(s) 1 may be considered.

Claims

DEMANDS

1. A steering wheel horn (3) comprising at least: - a switch (1) fixed to a steering wheel body (30) comprising at least: • a first contact portion (101), mobile between an activated position and a rest position, and • a second contact portion (110), distinct from the first contact portion (101) and, - an electrical connection device (2), arranged to electrically connect the switch (1) to an electrical harness of the vehicle and comprising at least: • an electrical conductor (20), • a support element (21) supporting said at least one electrical conductor (20), • a connector (22) arranged to be electrically connected to the vehicle's electrical harness, characterized in that one part of the switch (1) and the electrical connection device (2) comprises a clip interface (210), the other part of the switch (1) and the electrical connection device (2) comprises a clipped piece (11) engaged with the clip interface (210) for: - mechanically connect the electrical connection device (2) to the steering wheel body (30), - electrically connect the electrical conductor (20) to one of the first contact portion (101) and the second contact portion (110) of the switch (1).

2. Audible warning device according to claim 1, wherein the second contact portion (110) is arranged to be in electrical contact with the first contact portion (101) when the first contact portion (101) is in the rest position.

3. A horn device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the switch (1) further comprises a switch housing (15), and wherein the clipped part (11) is attached to the switch housing (15).

4. Audible warning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the clipped part (11) is in mechanical and electrical contact with the electrical conductor (20).

5. Audible warning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising elastic return means arranged to return the electrical conductor (20) to the clipped part (11).

6. Audible warning device according to claim 5, wherein the elastic return means comprise at least a portion of the electrical conductor (20) elastically deformed by the clipped piece (11).

7. Audible warning device according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the elastic return means comprise at least one projection (212) bearing on a portion of the electrical conductor (20) adjacent to the elastically deformed portion of the electrical conductor (20).

8. Audible warning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clipped part (11) comprises said at least a second contact portion (110).

9. A horn device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clipped piece (11) is bent, preferably at ninety degrees.

10. A buzzer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clipping interface (210) comprises clipping hooks engaged with the clipped part (11) and flexible release tabs (211) arranged to allow release of the clipping hooks.

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