CN115257910B - Lighting device for a vehicle steering wheel - Google Patents
Lighting device for a vehicle steering wheel Download PDFInfo
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- CN115257910B CN115257910B CN202211031247.0A CN202211031247A CN115257910B CN 115257910 B CN115257910 B CN 115257910B CN 202211031247 A CN202211031247 A CN 202211031247A CN 115257910 B CN115257910 B CN 115257910B
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- Prior art keywords
- light
- emitting device
- steering wheel
- skeleton
- transmitting member
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
- B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
- B62D1/04—Hand wheels
- B62D1/06—Rims, e.g. with heating means; Rim covers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
- B60Q3/60—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by optical aspects
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
- B60Q3/70—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose
- B60Q3/78—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose for generating luminous strips, e.g. for marking trim component edges
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a lighting device for a vehicle steering wheel, the lighting device comprising: a light-emitting strip which is elongated in the longitudinal direction; a skeleton configured to support the light emitting strip in a length direction; and a light-transmitting member configured as a single member having a light-uniformizing function and disposed opposite to the skeleton, wherein the light-transmitting member and the skeleton form a cavity therebetween for accommodating the light-emitting strip, and light emitted from the light-emitting strip is directly emitted onto the light-transmitting member in the cavity, passes through the light-transmitting member to the outside of the light-emitting device. The steering wheel with the light-emitting device has the advantages of simple structure, small number of parts and uniform light emission, and can realize a large-area light-emitting area, including a larger circumferential direction light-emitting surface width and/or a larger cross-section light-emitting surface width.
Description
Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle accessories, and more particularly to a lighting device for a vehicle steering wheel.
Background
Steering wheel luminescence is the trend of future development in the vehicle field, accords with the demand that promotes vehicle science and technology sense. The luminous mechanism of the steering wheel is mostly arranged on the steering wheel rim, and a light source inside the rim emits light to the surface of the rim to generate a lamplight effect. Most of the light beams emitted by the rim light-emitting mechanism need a special light guide mechanism to guide light and a light homogenizing structure to homogenize the light and then emit the light beams to the light-emitting surface so as to eliminate the facula phenomenon. However, due to the limitation of the space size of the rim of the steering wheel, the light emitting surface area and the light effect are limited by the establishment of various optical mechanisms such as a light guide mechanism, a light homogenizing structure and the like.
Disclosure of Invention
The present disclosure provides a lighting device for a vehicle steering wheel that overcomes at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.
An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a light emitting device for a steering wheel of a vehicle, the light emitting device comprising:
a light-emitting strip which is elongated in the longitudinal direction;
a skeleton configured to support the light emitting strip in a length direction; and
and a light transmitting member configured as a single member having a light uniformizing function and disposed opposite to the skeleton, wherein the light transmitting member and the skeleton form a cavity therebetween for accommodating the light emitting strip, and light emitted from the light emitting strip is directly emitted onto the light transmitting member in the cavity, passes through the light transmitting member to the outside of the light emitting device.
In some embodiments, the light transmissive member is made of a material having a light homogenizing function.
In some embodiments, the optically transmissive member is sprayed with an optically transmissive coating to achieve the desired color.
In some embodiments, the optically transmissive member is made of a transparent material, and an optically transmissive coating having a light homogenizing function is sprayed.
In some embodiments, the light transmissive member is sprayed with a light blocking material prior to spraying the light transmissive coating having a light homogenizing function, and a desired texture or pattern effect is achieved by removing a portion of the light blocking material.
In some embodiments, the optically transparent member is elongated and follows the circumferential contour shape of the steering wheel in the length direction.
In some embodiments, the optically transmissive member is secured to the frame.
In some embodiments, the light-emitting strip includes a strip-shaped substrate, and a plurality of light sources disposed on the substrate equidistantly or non-equidistantly along a length of the substrate.
In some embodiments, the plurality of light sources are spaced apart from the light transmissive member by a distance through the cavity such that light emitted from the plurality of light sources is uniform.
In some embodiments, increasing the scattering angle α of the light source can increase the light uniformity performance of the light emitting device; and/or increasing the shortest distance h from the light source to the inner surface of the light-transmitting member can increase the light homogenizing performance of the light-emitting device; and/or decreasing the distance d between adjacent light sources can increase the light homogenizing performance of the light emitting device.
In some embodiments, the shortest distance h between the light source and the inner surface of the light transmissive member is configured to be determined by adjusting the scattering angle α of the light source and/or the distance d between adjacent light sources while maintaining the light homogenizing performance of the light emitting device.
In some embodiments, increasing α and/or decreasing d can correspondingly decrease h, with unchanged light homogenizing performance of the light emitting device; alternatively, decreasing α and/or increasing d can increase h accordingly.
In some embodiments, the armature is elongated and follows the circumferential contour shape of the steering wheel in the length direction.
In some embodiments, the skeleton is provided with grooves for receiving the light emitting strips, and the grooves extend along the entire length or part of the length of the skeleton.
In some embodiments, the skeleton is provided with a support for securing the light-emitting strip, and the support extends along the entire length or part of the length of the skeleton.
In some embodiments, the framework is formed of a metallic material.
In some embodiments, the light emitting device further comprises a substrate that wraps all or a portion of the remaining section of the skeleton except for the section that receives the light emitting strip in the cross section in the lateral direction.
In some embodiments, the substrate is elongated and follows the circumferential contour shape of the steering wheel in the length direction.
In some embodiments, the substrate is formed of a foamed material.
In some embodiments, the cross-sectional profile of the base material and the translucent member in the transverse direction each have a substantially circular arc shape, and the radius of the circular arc of the base material and the radius of the circular arc of the translucent member are substantially equivalent, such that the base material and the translucent member fit together to follow the cross-sectional profile shape of the steering wheel.
In some embodiments, the arc of the optically transmissive member is set to about 180 degrees, greater than 180 degrees, or less than 180 degrees.
In some embodiments, the light emitting device further comprises a jacket layer wrapped around the exterior of the substrate.
In some embodiments, the sheath layer is elongate and follows the circumferential contour shape of the steering wheel in the length direction
In some embodiments, the jacket layer is made of leather material.
In some embodiments, the light emitting strip is disposed near a center position of a cross section of the light emitting device in a lateral direction.
Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a steering wheel whose rim comprises one or more of the above-described light emitting devices in a circumferential direction, and a corresponding number of body segments connecting the light emitting devices.
In some embodiments, the light emitting device is an upper rim section of the rim spanning approximately 180 degrees of arc, and the body section is a lower rim section of the rim spanning approximately 180 degrees of arc, and the upper rim section is located above the lower rim section.
In some embodiments, the light transmissive member of the light emitting device is disposed adjacent to an inner edge of the steering wheel in a radial direction of the steering wheel, and the armature is disposed adjacent to an outer edge of the steering wheel in the radial direction of the steering wheel.
In some embodiments, the skeleton of the light emitting device and the skeleton of the body segment are formed separately and connected together, or the skeleton of the light emitting device is formed integrally with the skeleton of the body segment.
Additional features and advantages of the subject technology of the present disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the subject technology of the present disclosure. The advantages of the subject technology of the present disclosure will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the subject technology of the present disclosure as claimed.
Drawings
The various aspects of the disclosure will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings in which:
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an overall perspective view and a partial enlarged view, respectively, of a steering wheel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
fig. 2A and 2B illustrate an assembled perspective view and an exploded perspective view, respectively, of the light emitting device of the steering wheel of fig. 1A and 1B;
figures 3A-3E show separate perspective views of the components of the light emitting device, respectively;
fig. 4A and 4B show a cut-away perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a light emitting device;
FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram showing parameters affecting the light uniformity performance of a light emitting device; and
fig. 5 shows a schematic connection of the skeleton of the light-emitting device and the skeleton of the body segment.
Detailed Description
The present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure may be presented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below; indeed, the embodiments described below are intended to more fully convey the disclosure to those skilled in the art and to fully convey the scope of the disclosure. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide yet additional embodiments.
It should be understood that throughout the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements. In the drawings, the size of certain features may be modified for clarity.
It should be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. All terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the specification have the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art unless otherwise defined. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.
As used in this specification, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The use of the terms "comprising," "including," and "containing" in the specification mean that the recited features are present, but that one or more other features are not excluded. The use of the phrase "and/or" in the specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The words "between X and Y" and "between about X and Y" used in this specification should be interpreted to include X and Y. The phrase "between about X and Y" as used herein means "between about X and about Y", and the phrase "from about X to Y" as used herein means "from about X to about Y".
In the description, an element is referred to as being "on," "attached" to, "connected" to, "coupled" to, "contacting" or the like another element, and the element may be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled to or contacting the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly attached to," directly connected to, "directly coupled to," or "directly contacting" another element, there are no intervening elements present. In the specification, one feature is arranged "adjacent" to another feature, which may mean that one feature has a portion overlapping with the adjacent feature or a portion located above or below the adjacent feature.
In the specification, spatial relationship words such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "high", "low", and the like may describe the relationship of one feature to another feature in the drawings. It will be understood that the spatial relationship words comprise, in addition to the orientations shown in the figures, different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, when the device in the figures is inverted, features that were originally described as "below" other features may be described as "above" the other features. The device may also be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the relative spatial relationship will be explained accordingly.
Fig. 1A and 1B show an overall perspective view and a partial enlarged view, respectively, of a steering wheel 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the steering wheel 1 may include a generally annular rim 2, and spokes 9 that span the rim 2. The rim 2 can be gripped by a driver and can include, in a circumferential direction, one or more light emitting devices or segments 21 (shown as one light emitting device 21 in the figures), and a corresponding number of body segments 22 (shown as one body segment 21 in the figures) connecting the one or more light emitting devices 21. The light emitting device 21 can generate various light effects of the rim 2, such as a large area running water light effect, as needed. The lighting effect of the lighting device 21 can interact with the whole vehicle to improve the technological sense, and the functions carried by the steering wheel 1 can be increased.
In the embodiment shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the light emitting device 21 is an upper rim section of the rim 2 spanning approximately 180 degrees of arc, while the body section 22 is a lower rim section of the rim 2 spanning approximately 180 degrees of arc, and the upper rim section is located above the lower rim section. That is, the circumferential direction light emitting surface width of the steering wheel 1 is approximately 180 degrees radian, thereby realizing a larger circumferential direction light emitting surface width of the steering wheel 1. The structure of the steering wheel 1 will be described below in this embodiment, but it will be appreciated that the rim 2 may have any number of light emitting devices 21, and a corresponding number of body segments 22 connecting these light emitting devices 21, and that each light emitting device 21 may be provided at any position of the rim 2 in the circumferential direction, have any suitable circumferential length, etc. For example, the light emitting device 21 having a circumferential length of less than 180 degrees (such as about 120 to 150 degrees) of arc may be provided only on the upper rim section or only on the lower rim section of the steering wheel 1; diametrically opposed two light emitting devices 21 having a circumferential length of less than 180 degrees (such as about 120 to 150 degrees) arc may be provided on both the upper rim section and the lower rim section of the steering wheel 1; the light emitting device 21 having a circumferential length of 180 degrees radian may be simultaneously provided on both the upper rim section and the lower rim section of the steering wheel 1, thereby forming a 360-degree integrated light emitting device.
Hereinafter, a longitudinal direction along the extension of the light emitting device 21 will be referred to as a longitudinal direction, and a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction will be referred to as a lateral direction.
Fig. 2A and 2B show an assembled perspective view and an exploded perspective view, respectively, of the light emitting device 21. As shown, the light-emitting device 21 includes a skeleton 3, and a base material 4 surrounding the skeleton 3. The light-emitting device 21 further includes a light-transmitting member 5 disposed opposite the skeleton 3 and the base material 4. The light-transmitting member 5 and the base material 4 are fitted together to follow the cross-sectional outline shape of the steering wheel 1, and the light-transmitting member 5 and the armature 3 form a hollow cavity therebetween. In some embodiments, the light emitting device 21 may further comprise a sheath layer 6 surrounding the substrate 4. The lighting means 21 further comprise a lighting strip 7. The light-emitting strip 7 is disposed in a cavity formed by the light-transmitting member 5 and the chassis 3, and is supported by the chassis 3.
Fig. 3A to 3E show separate perspective views of the light-emitting strip 7, the skeleton 3, the base material 4, the light-transmitting member 5 and the sheath layer 6, respectively, of the light-emitting device 21. As shown in fig. 3A, the light-emitting strip 7 is elongated in the longitudinal direction. The light emitting strip 7 may include a substrate 71, and a plurality of light sources 72 disposed on the substrate 71. The substrate 71 is in the form of an elongated strip and may be, for example, a PCB board. The plurality of light sources 72 are disposed on the substrate 71 at equal or unequal intervals along the length of the substrate 71. The light source 72 may be, for example, a Light Emitting Diode (LED), a laser diode, an electroluminescent, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED), a light emitting capacitor, or the like.
As shown in fig. 3B, the frame 3 is elongated and follows the circumferential contour of the steering wheel 1 in the longitudinal direction, and may have a certain curvature or be substantially linear, for example. The frame 3 may be provided with a recess 31 for receiving and securing the base plate 71 of the light bar 7. The grooves 31 may extend along the entire length or part of the length of the skeleton 3. In other embodiments, a bracket may be provided on the frame 3 for fixing the substrate of the light bar 7. The stent may extend along the entire length or part of the length of the scaffold 3. The bracket may be attached to the frame by screws or snaps. The frame 3 is connected with the frame of the body section 22 by connecting portions 33 at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The connection 33 may be, for example, a fastener (such as a screw) connection. In other embodiments, the armature 3 may also be integrally formed with the armature of the body segment 22. The frame 3 may be provided with a plurality of through holes 32 spaced apart in the length direction to connect the frame 3 to the light-transmitting member 5 by fasteners such as screws. The skeleton 3 may be formed, for example, of a metallic material such as magnesium.
As shown in fig. 3C, the base material 4 is elongated and follows the circumferential contour shape of the steering wheel 1 in the longitudinal direction, and may have a certain curvature or be substantially linear, for example. The substrate 4 may be formed, for example, of a foamed material such as polyurethane, and molded around the outside of the skeleton 3. The base material 4 may be provided with a plurality of through holes 42 spaced apart in the length direction for the fasteners (e.g., screws, etc.) to pass entirely therethrough.
As shown in fig. 3D, the translucent member 5 is elongated and follows the circumferential contour shape of the steering wheel 1 in the longitudinal direction, and may have a certain curvature or be substantially linear, for example. The light transmissive member 5 may be provided with a plurality of fastener receptacles 52 spaced apart in the length direction (see fig. 4B). The fastener receptacles 52 of the light transmissive member 5 correspond in number and location to the through-holes 42 of the base material 4 and the through-holes 32 of the backbone 3.
The light-transmitting member 5 is constructed as a single member having a light-uniformizing function. For example, the light-transmitting member 5 may be made of a material having a light-homogenizing function (e.g., light-homogenizing PMMA or polymethyl methacrylate). The light emitted by the light source 72 on the light-emitting strip 7 can be scattered on the material to achieve the technical effect of uniform light. The surface of the light-transmitting member 5 may also be sprayed with a light-transmitting coating to achieve a desired color. In other examples, the light transmissive member 5 may be made of a transparent material. The light-transmitting member 5 made of a transparent material may be sprayed with a light-shielding material, and a portion of the light-shielding material is removed by a laser etching or the like process to achieve a desired texture or pattern effect on the surface (see fig. 1B), and then a light-transmitting coating having a light-homogenizing function is sprayed on the surface. In the present disclosure, the light transmissive member 5 itself has a light homogenizing property, thereby eliminating the need to use an additional light homogenizing structure. The uniform light property of the inside and outside of the light transmitting member 5 can be affected/improved by processes such as painting, screen printing, sand blasting, film coating, or the like, or by changing the roughness and/or glossiness of the inside and outside.
As shown in fig. 3E, the sheath layer 6 is elongated and follows the circumferential contour shape of the steering wheel 1 in the longitudinal direction, and may have a certain curvature or be substantially linear, for example. The sheath layer 6 is wrapped outside the base material 4 by means of adhesion or the like. The sheath layer 6 may be made of leather material, for example.
Fig. 4A and 4B show a cut-away perspective view and a cross-sectional view in the lateral direction of the light-emitting device 21, respectively. As shown, the cross-sectional outer profile of the light emitting device 21 may be substantially circular, and the base plate 71 of the light emitting strip 7 is received in the groove 31 of the backbone 3, such that the light emitting strip 7 is supported by the backbone 3 and disposed near the substantially center of the circular cross-section of the light emitting device 21. The overall cross-sectional profile of the skeleton 3 may be semicircular, i-shaped, or of any shape. All or part of the remaining sections of the skeleton 3, except the sections (e.g. radially inner surfaces) that receive the light-emitting strips 7, may be surrounded and wrapped by the substrate 4. The cross-sectional outer contour of the base material 4 has a substantially circular arc shape.
The light transmitting member 5 is disposed opposite to the skeleton 3 and the base material 4, and has a cross-sectional outer contour in a substantially circular arc shape. The radius of the circular arc of the base material 4 and the radius of the circular arc of the light-transmitting member 5 are approximately equal, so that the base material 4 and the light-transmitting member 5 are fitted together to form an approximately circular shape of 360 degrees radian and follow the cross-sectional outline shape of the steering wheel 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the arc of the substrate 4 is about 180 degrees and the arc of the optically transmissive member 5 is about 180 degrees, i.e. the cross-sectional light emitting surface width of the steering wheel 1 is about 180 degrees, thereby achieving a larger cross-sectional light emitting surface width of the steering wheel 1. In other embodiments, the arc of the light transmissive member 5 may be set to be greater or less than 180 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the light transmissive member 5 is disposed near the inner edge of the steering wheel 1 in the radial direction of the steering wheel 1, and the armature 3 and the base material 4 are disposed near the outer edge of the steering wheel 1 in the radial direction of the steering wheel 1. In other embodiments, the light transmissive member 5 may be disposed near the outer edge of the steering wheel 1 or at any other position along the radial direction of the steering wheel 1.
After passing entirely through the through-hole 42 of the base material 4, the fastener is received in the fastener receiving seat 52 of the light-transmitting member 5 through the through-hole 32 of the chassis 3 to fix the light-transmitting member 5 to the chassis 3. In some embodiments, the optically transmissive member 5 may be secured to the frame 3 using any other means of attachment (e.g., form fit, snap fit, adhesive, etc.). In other embodiments, the light transmissive member 5 may be fixed to the base material 4 instead of the frame 3. The sheath layer 6 is sandwiched and fixed between the light-transmitting member 5 and the base material 4 at both ends in the width direction thereof.
The light-transmitting member 5 and the frame 3 form one or more cavities therebetween, and light emitted from the light source 72 of the light-emitting strip 7 can be directly emitted to the light-transmitting member 5 in the cavities and pass through the light-transmitting member 5 to the outside of the light-emitting device to form a desired light effect, thereby eliminating the need for an additional light-guiding mechanism. As used herein, "directly" means that light passes through the light-transmitting member 5 in a manner that does not pass through any other component of the light-emitting device 21 halfway. The light source 72 is spaced from the light-transmitting member 5 by a sufficient distance through the cavity to increase the diffusion area of the light emitted from the light source 72 and to make the light more uniform.
Fig. 4C shows a schematic diagram of parameters affecting the dodging performance of the light emitting device 21. As shown, the light source 72 of the light-emitting strip 7 is disposed on the center axis M of the light-transmitting member 5 (i.e., the light-emitting surface). Alpha is the scattering angle of the light source 72; preferably, the main illumination angle of the light source 72 is set on the central axis M to ensure maximum utilization of light. h is the shortest distance from the light source 72 to the inner surface of the light transmissive member 5, and d is the distance between adjacent light sources 72.
Increasing α (e.g., setting a light source with a large scattering angle) can increase the light uniformity performance without changing other parameters for the purpose of optimizing the light uniformity performance; increasing h increases the dodging performance, but at the same time reduces the light-transmitting surface brightness; reducing d can increase the light homogenizing performance while increasing the light-transmitting surface brightness, but at increased cost. Similarly, in the case of unchanged dodging performance, h can be correspondingly reduced by increasing α and/or decreasing d; alternatively, by decreasing α and/or increasing d, h may be increased accordingly. Thus, by adjusting α and d, the shortest distance h between the light source 72 and the inner surface of the light transmissive member 5 can be determined. In addition, as described above, the light uniformity of the inside and outside of the light transmitting member 5 can be affected/improved by the processes of painting, screen printing, sandblasting, film coating, or the like, or by changing the roughness and/or glossiness of the inside and outside. Because the light transmissive member 5 itself has a light homogenizing property and the light homogenizing property can be adjusted by the parameters α, d, h, etc., the need to use an additional light homogenizing structure is eliminated.
The body section 22 is similar in construction to the light emitting device 21, except that the light emitting strip 7 is omitted and the light transmissive member 5 is replaced with a light opaque member, which will not be described in detail. As shown in fig. 5, the skeleton 3 of the light-emitting device 21 is connected to the skeleton of the body segment 22 by a connecting portion 33. In other embodiments, the skeleton 3 of the light-emitting device 21 may also be formed integrally with the skeleton of the body segment 22.
The steering wheel according to the embodiment of the disclosure has a simple structure and a small number of parts, thereby reducing raw material costs and reducing assembly steps and time.
The steering wheel according to the embodiments of the present disclosure emits light uniformly, and can realize a large-area light emitting area including a large circumferential direction light emitting surface width and/or a large cross-section light emitting surface width. In contrast, the prior art steering wheel lighting assemblies have various structural limitations. For example, the light emitting device of the prior art needs the light guiding mechanism to guide the light to emit, but the length of the light guiding mechanism cannot be made large, so that a large width of the light emitting surface in the circumferential direction cannot be realized. In the prior art, an additional light homogenizing structure and a light guiding mechanism are required to be plugged into the light emitting assembly, and the internal space is limited, so that the width of the light emitting surface with a larger cross section cannot be realized. Therefore, the light emitting surface width or area realized by the light emitting component in the prior art is smaller, and the light function of large area or different textures is difficult to realize.
According to the steering wheel disclosed by the embodiment of the invention, the rim space is fully utilized, the more open luminous effect is achieved, and the light interaction requirements of various scenes are fully realized.
Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, all changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The disclosure is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
Claims (27)
1. A lighting device for a vehicle steering wheel, the lighting device comprising:
a light-emitting strip which is elongated in the longitudinal direction;
a skeleton configured to support the light emitting strip in a length direction; and
a light-transmitting member configured as a single member having a light-uniformizing function and disposed opposite to the skeleton, wherein the light-transmitting member and the skeleton form a cavity therebetween for accommodating the light-emitting strip, and light emitted from the light-emitting strip is directly emitted to the light-transmitting member in the cavity, and scattering is formed on the light-transmitting member to achieve a technical effect of light uniformizing, wherein the light-transmitting member is made of a transparent material and is sprayed with a light-transmitting coating having a light-uniformizing function, and wherein the light-transmitting member is sprayed with a light-shielding material before spraying the light-transmitting coating having a light-uniformizing function, and a desired texture or pattern effect is achieved by removing a portion of the light-shielding material.
2. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the light-transmitting member is made of a material having a light-uniformizing function.
3. A light-emitting device according to claim 2, wherein the light-transmitting member is sprayed with a light-transmitting coating to achieve a desired color.
4. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the light-transmitting member is elongated and follows a circumferential contour shape of the steering wheel in a length direction.
5. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the light-transmitting member is fixed to the skeleton.
6. The light-emitting device of claim 1, wherein the light-emitting strip comprises a strip-shaped substrate and a plurality of light sources disposed on the substrate equidistantly or non-equidistantly along a length of the substrate.
7. The lighting device of claim 6, wherein the plurality of light sources are spaced apart from the light transmissive member by a distance that is sufficient to provide uniformity of light from the plurality of light sources.
8. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein increasing the scattering angle α of the light source can increase the light uniformity of the light-emitting device; and/or increasing the shortest distance h from the light source to the inner surface of the light-transmitting member can increase the light homogenizing performance of the light-emitting device; and/or decreasing the distance d between adjacent light sources can increase the light homogenizing performance of the light emitting device.
9. A light-emitting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the shortest distance h between the light source and the inner surface of the light-transmitting member is configured to be determined by adjusting the scattering angle α of the light source and/or the distance d between adjacent light sources while maintaining the light-homogenizing properties of the light-emitting device.
10. The light-emitting device according to claim 9, wherein increasing α and/or decreasing d can correspondingly decrease h without changing the light homogenizing performance of the light-emitting device; alternatively, decreasing α and/or increasing d can increase h accordingly.
11. The light-emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the skeleton is elongated and follows a circumferential contour shape of the steering wheel in a length direction.
12. A light emitting device according to claim 11, wherein the skeleton is provided with grooves for receiving the light emitting strips, and wherein the grooves extend along the whole or part of the length of the skeleton.
13. A light-emitting device according to claim 11, wherein the skeleton is provided with a holder for fixing the light-emitting strip, and the holder extends along the entire length or part of the length of the skeleton.
14. The light-emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the skeleton is formed of a metal material.
15. The light-emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a base material that wraps all or part of the remaining section of the skeleton other than the section that receives the light-emitting strip in the cross section in the lateral direction.
16. The light-emitting device according to claim 15, wherein the base material is elongated and follows a circumferential contour shape of the steering wheel in a longitudinal direction.
17. The light-emitting device according to claim 15, wherein the base material is formed of a foamed material.
18. The light-emitting device according to claim 15, wherein the outer contours of the cross-sections of the base material and the light-transmitting member in the lateral direction each have a substantially circular arc shape, and the radius of the circular arc of the base material and the radius of the circular arc of the light-transmitting member are substantially equivalent, so that the base material and the light-transmitting member fit together to follow the shape of the outer contour of the cross-section of the steering wheel.
19. The light-emitting device according to claim 18, wherein the arc of the light-transmitting member is set to 180 degrees, greater than 180 degrees, or less than 180 degrees.
20. The light-emitting device of claim 15, further comprising a jacket layer wrapped around the exterior of the substrate.
21. The lighting device of claim 20, wherein the sheath layer is elongate and follows a circumferential contour shape of the steering wheel in a length direction.
22. The light-emitting device of claim 20, wherein the sheath layer is made of leather material.
23. A light-emitting device according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that the light-emitting strip is arranged near a central position of a cross-section of the light-emitting device in the lateral direction.
24. A steering wheel, the rim of which comprises one or more light emitting devices according to any one of claims 1-23 in the circumferential direction, and a corresponding number of body segments connecting the light emitting devices.
25. The steering wheel of claim 24, wherein the light emitting device is an upper rim section of the rim spanning 180 degrees of arc and the body section is a lower rim section of the rim spanning 180 degrees of arc, and the upper rim section is located above the lower rim section.
26. The steering wheel of claim 24, wherein the light transmissive member of the light emitting device is disposed adjacent an inner edge of the steering wheel in a radial direction of the steering wheel and the armature is disposed adjacent an outer edge of the steering wheel in the radial direction of the steering wheel.
27. The steering wheel of claim 24, wherein the skeleton of the light emitting device and the skeleton of the body segment are formed separately and joined together or the skeleton of the light emitting device is formed integrally with the skeleton of the body segment.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202211031247.0A CN115257910B (en) | 2022-08-26 | 2022-08-26 | Lighting device for a vehicle steering wheel |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202211031247.0A CN115257910B (en) | 2022-08-26 | 2022-08-26 | Lighting device for a vehicle steering wheel |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN115257910A CN115257910A (en) | 2022-11-01 |
| CN115257910B true CN115257910B (en) | 2024-01-30 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202211031247.0A Active CN115257910B (en) | 2022-08-26 | 2022-08-26 | Lighting device for a vehicle steering wheel |
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| Country | Link |
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| CN (1) | CN115257910B (en) |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6296380B1 (en) * | 1999-03-18 | 2001-10-02 | Aboud Dawli | Lighted steering wheel |
| JPWO2015145605A1 (en) * | 2014-03-26 | 2017-04-13 | 日産自動車株式会社 | Vehicle information presentation device |
| CN109720271A (en) * | 2018-12-28 | 2019-05-07 | 广州小鹏汽车科技有限公司 | A kind of steering wheel modulated structure and steering wheel |
| CN210364020U (en) * | 2019-06-18 | 2020-04-21 | 北京汽车股份有限公司 | Steering wheel and vehicle |
| CN212156753U (en) * | 2020-07-07 | 2020-12-15 | 延锋汽车饰件系统有限公司 | Steering wheel lamp area and steering wheel |
| CN114228820A (en) * | 2021-12-30 | 2022-03-25 | 均胜均安汽车电子(上海)有限公司 | Steering wheel assembly display module and steering wheel thereof |
-
2022
- 2022-08-26 CN CN202211031247.0A patent/CN115257910B/en active Active
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6296380B1 (en) * | 1999-03-18 | 2001-10-02 | Aboud Dawli | Lighted steering wheel |
| JPWO2015145605A1 (en) * | 2014-03-26 | 2017-04-13 | 日産自動車株式会社 | Vehicle information presentation device |
| CN109720271A (en) * | 2018-12-28 | 2019-05-07 | 广州小鹏汽车科技有限公司 | A kind of steering wheel modulated structure and steering wheel |
| CN210364020U (en) * | 2019-06-18 | 2020-04-21 | 北京汽车股份有限公司 | Steering wheel and vehicle |
| CN212156753U (en) * | 2020-07-07 | 2020-12-15 | 延锋汽车饰件系统有限公司 | Steering wheel lamp area and steering wheel |
| CN114228820A (en) * | 2021-12-30 | 2022-03-25 | 均胜均安汽车电子(上海)有限公司 | Steering wheel assembly display module and steering wheel thereof |
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN115257910A (en) | 2022-11-01 |
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