WO2022207343A1

WO2022207343A1 - Motor vehicle steering wheel with assembly groove and sensor

Info

Publication number: WO2022207343A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/056986
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fabrice Moinard; Jerome PAPET; Pierre ROMAND
Original assignee: Autoliv Development Ab
Priority date: 2021-03-29
Filing date: 2022-03-17
Publication date: 2022-10-06
Also published as: FR3121113A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel (1) comprising: - a rim (2) connected to a hub by at least one arm, - an internal housing (32) comprising a groove (32g), - a sheath (20), such as a leather sheath, at least partially covering the rim (2), and comprising two ends (21) turned into the groove (32g), - an insert (30), such as a part of a lighting device, housed at least partially in the groove (32g) so as to be visible to an occupant of the vehicle, and - an electrical device (40) arranged in the form of a layer and placed under the sheath (20), characterised in that the electrical device (40) comprises at least one edge (40b) flush with a wall of the groove (32g).

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: MOTOR VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL WITH ASSEMBLY GROOVE AND SENSOR

Technical field of the invention The present invention generally relates to motor vehicle steering wheels.

More particularly, the invention relates to a steering wheel with an electrical device under an outer sheath of the steering wheel.

STATE OF THE ART In the prior art of vehicle steering wheels, it is known, for example, to provide a steering wheel with an electrical device under the outer sheath of the steering wheel. It is also desirable to provide the steering wheel with other functionalities, in particular visible or accessible by the user, for example a luminous display using a luminous device cooperating with a light guide or a second electrical device. Such arrangements pose difficulties, in particular manufacturing difficulties, and it is desirable to provide a steering wheel without roughness or appearance defects for the user, which could in particular interfere with him while driving or offer a steering wheel of lesser quality. Document US20160025281 discloses a steering wheel with a rim covered by an open outer sheath to allow a light guide to pass through, but laying such a sheath with an opening from a strip can cause crease problems during attachment (typically by sewing) of the band around the rim which will create nonconformities and a noticeable drop in perceived quality. Disclosure of Invention

An object of the present invention is to respond to the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to provide a motor vehicle steering wheel without appearance defects or roughness, in particular at the level of the electrical device and making it possible to offer the steering wheel with high quality and greater manufacturing precision, while being easier to manufacture.

For this, a first aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising:

- a rim connected to a hub by at least one branch,

- a throat,

- a sheath, such as a leather sheath, at least partially covering the rim, and comprising two ends rolled into the groove,

- an insert, such as part of a light device, housed at least partially in the groove and arranged to be visible to an occupant of the vehicle, and

- an electrical device arranged in the form of a sheet and arranged under the sheath, characterized in that the electrical device comprises at least one edge flush with a wall of the groove.

This makes it possible to offer the steering wheel of a motor vehicle without defects in appearance or roughness, in particular at the level of the electrical device and making it possible to offer the steering wheel with high quality and greater manufacturing precision, while being easier to manufacture. . In addition, this makes it possible to provide the steering wheel which does not bother the user or distract him, in particular during driving and manoeuvres. In particular, this makes it possible to install the electrical device on a steering wheel portion which would not be the entire periphery of the steering wheel (for example 80 degrees or 120 degrees, that is to say less than 360 degrees). In this case, the electrical device may comprise an opening arranged at the level of the throat to allow the insert to pass. Thus the entire edge of the opening of the electrical device is flush with the wall of the groove. The effective areas of the electrical device and the fits are optimized. In addition, sheathing is facilitated because it is complex to obtain a precise flush on a groove edge with the two ends of the electrical device. Typically, the opening in the device has the same shape or a shape very close to that of the groove receiving the insert. The opening may have a generally rectangular or oblong shape.

By insert is meant a part made of any material, such as metal, wood, plastic, glass or any other material, including combinations of materials, etc., used to compensate for a void. It may also be an element of a second electrical device, or an electronic component, such as a contactable electrode, part of a light device or a decorative bead. In other words, the edge (or the cutting edge or the end) of the electrical device is adjacent to the wall of the throat without penetrating it. That is to say that the edge of the electrical device is arranged to reach the level of the wall without covering it. The edge of the electrical device can thus cover the entire throat except for the throat section. Thus, the edge of the device is adjacent and tangential to the wall. By wall is meant the inner surface of the groove. Thus a radius formed by the sheath between the flanged parts in the groove and the rest of the sheath will be regular.

In other words, the insert is placed between the two ends of the rolled-up sheath. The term beaded end is understood to mean an end placed after a plating or beading operation. In leather goods, to re-edge means to fold, possibly on itself, in a regular manner the edge of a piece which may have been previously trimmed and glued.

Advantageously, the two rounded ends of the sheath are the ends or edges of an opening made in the sheath. In other words, an opening is made in the sheath and arranged to receive the insert. Thus, the two ends of sheath rolled up in the groove are distinct from two ends which would be used to sew the outer sheath edge-to-edge. Advantageously, the groove is arranged in an internal casing of the steering wheel. Advantageously, the groove is arranged in a foam of the steering wheel, in particular in the case of a decorative insert or an electrode.

Advantageously, the electrical device is arranged between the sheath and the casing. Advantageously, the electrical device can be flexible or sheathable (that is to say it can be arranged in the form of a sheath).

This makes it possible to offer the steering wheel without defects or roughness or non-conformities as discussed above.

Advantageously, at least one rounded end of the outer sheath can cover the edge of the electrical device.

Advantageously, at least one rounded end of the outer sheath can be arranged between the edge of the electrical device and the insert.

This improves the quality of the steering wheel and facilitates its manufacture.

Advantageously, the insert is an external decorative piece, such as a light diffuser, or a second electrical device such as an electrode. This makes it possible to offer the steering wheel with multiple functions and to improve user safety through direct access to the functions.

A second aspect relates to a vehicle comprising a steering wheel according to the first aspect.

This makes it possible to offer a motor vehicle with a steering wheel without defects in appearance or roughness, in particular at the level of the electrical device and making it possible to offer the vehicle with the steering wheel having a high quality and greater manufacturing precision, while being easier to manufacture. In addition, this makes it possible to offer the vehicle with the steering wheel which does not bother the user or distract him, in particular during driving and manoeuvres. A third aspect relates to a method of manufacturing a vehicle steering wheel, the steering wheel comprising:

- a rim,

- a groove with a wall, - an outer sheath formed by at least one band attached around at least part of the rim,

- at least one electrical device comprising an edge, the method comprising at least the steps consisting in:

- position the edge of the electrical device flush with the wall of the groove,

- roll up the outer sheath on the rim.

This makes it possible to propose an easy and precise manufacturing process making it possible to obtain a steering wheel without defects of appearance or roughness, in particular at the level of the electrical device and making it possible to offer the steering wheel having a high quality. The steering wheel does not bother the user or distract him, especially when driving and manoeuvring.

Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of positioning the strip around the rim.

Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of positioning the band around the rim by adjusting the edge of the electrical device adjacent to the wall of the groove.

This ensures manufacturing accuracy.

Advantageously, the steering wheel further comprises:

- at least one sheathing and cutting guide, arranged in the groove and under the outer sheath, the method further comprises the steps consisting in:

- form an opening in the external sheath facing an internal part of the sheathing and cutting guide,

- Fold down portions of the outer sheath surrounding the opening towards the inside of the rim to form flaps and provide access to the sheathing and cutting guide.

This ensures a high quality finish.

Advantageously, the method further comprises the steps consisting in: - removing the sheathing and cutting guide from the rim before folding the portions of the outer sheath surrounding the opening towards the inside of the rim.

This makes it possible to use the sheathing and cutting guide during manufacture since the edge of the electrical device can be positioned resting on the sheathing guide and then to remove it afterwards in order to replace it with another component.

The sheathing and cutting guide has a width very slightly less than the width of the groove in order to be able to be inserted therein precisely and protrudes from the groove so as to present a bearing surface on which the edge of the device can be positioned electric.

Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of:

- position the edge of the electrical device in abutment against the sheathing and cutting guide.

This ensures manufacturing accuracy and facilitates manufacturing. Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of:

- position the electrical device on the external sheath before positioning the external sheath on the steering wheel.

This makes it possible to manufacture the steering wheel in simple sheathing, i.e. with a single sheathing operation (compared to a double sheathing operation, requiring two sheathing operations).

Advantageously, the method comprises the step consisting in:

- position the edge of the electrical device flush with the wall of the groove over the entire contour of the latter. Preferably, this step is performed before positioning the two ends of the electrical device on the rim and before a step of sheathing the outer sheath. This makes it possible to obtain precise positioning of the electrical device over the entire contour of the groove and thus to improve the appearance of the steering wheel. In fact, such a lack of adjustment necessarily leads to an unsightly irregularity in the radius of the outer sheath on the periphery. of the throat.

Description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of several embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[fig .1 ] represents a front view of a steering wheel with a rim, and comprising an insert;

[fig.2] shows a sectional view of the steering wheel rim comprising a sheathing and cutting guide, according to section l-l, the steering wheel being manufactured;

[fig.3] shows a sectional view of the steering wheel rim including the insert, according to section l-l;

Detailed Description of the Embodiments Figure 1 shows a front view of a vehicle steering wheel 1 having a rim 2 and an insert 30.

FIG. 1 thus represents the steering wheel 1 which typically comprises the rim 2 connected to a hub 3 by several branches 4. The rim 2 is equipped in the lateral positions or called "at 3 o'clock" and at "at 9 o'clock" respectively, with two inserts 30. Each insert 30 can be a part of a light device which has an outer display wall 30a of a light diffuser which extends along the rim 2 over an angular sector of approximately 60° to 80° °. It is possible to provide a more or less significant angular extent, up to 180° or even more for example, or even less than 60°. The inserts 30 are arranged to be visible to an occupant of the vehicle.

The steering wheel 1 comprises an outer sheath 20 (typically in natural or artificial leather, but other materials are possible), visible to the occupant of the vehicle. The outer sheath 20 at least partially covers the rim 2.

A section l-l of the rim 2 is provided, in order to show a sectional view of the rim according to l-l in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 3, in different states of manufacture.

FIG. 2 represents a cross-sectional view of rim 2, steering wheel 1 comprising a sheathing and cutting guide 110, according to section l-1, steering wheel 1 being manufactured.

Rim 2 includes:

- a frame 11 (made of metal, such as aluminum or magnesium), - a molding material 12 (polyurethane for example, and also called foaming or foaming material), molded around the frame 11 to form a support 10,

- the outer sheath 20, the ends of which may be covered with a seam, - an electrical device 40 such as a heating sheet or a proximity sensor, arranged in the form of a sheet.

When the insert 30 is part of a light device, the rim 2 can then further comprise a light device 31 cooperating with the insert 30, to form a light system, so as to send light signals to the driver.

The luminous device 31 can comprise an electronic circuit (a printed circuit fixed on the support 10, embedding light sources such as light-emitting diodes for example), a lower fixing interface, an upper fixing interface (which can be transparent or locally pierced to let the light through) and/or a light guide, to be able to illuminate part of the rim of the steering wheel 1 by means of a light diffuser, so as to improve ergonomics or the man-machine interface of the vehicle. The rim 2 further comprises a cover 33 placed under the light device 31 so as to support and protect it.

The rim 2 further comprises an internal casing 32 having a groove 32g. The housing 32 is mounted on the support 10, and the inner housing 32 is preferably made of rigid plastic without being limited to this material. The groove 32g receives or houses the sheathing and cutting guide 110. The electrical device 40 is therefore in the form of a sheet (or sheath) and is arranged under the outer sheath 20. The electrical device 40 is thus arranged at least partially between the inner casing 32 and the outer sheath 20. The electrical device 40 is preferably glued to the inner casing 32.

In order to optimize the light signal, it is therefore desirable to cross the outer sheath 20 to send the light signals to the conductor from elements arranged on the support 10 and under the outer sheath 20.

However, the outer sheath 20 is typically made from a strip of material (or several strips of material) which must, during assembly, be attached around the rim 2, typically by sewing, but it is possible to envisage other fastening methods or combine it with other fastening methods, such as gluing in particular.

When fixing the strip to form the outer sheath 20, it is important not to form folds, which are visual or tactile defects to be avoided so as not to affect the quality perceived by the consumer. Considering that an opening is needed in the outer sheath 20 to let the light through, the invention proposes a steering wheel manufacturing process which avoids the formation of folds (despite an opening which could gape), while allowing clean assembly. , facilitated and with a good final appearance for the rim 2 and the insert 30. In particular, reference is made to the fact that the outer sheath 20 does not have any folds, appearance defects or continuity on the level of the electrical device 40. Poor continuity could for example bother the driver when the latter takes the steering wheel 1 in hand (for example when performing a maneuver). By default is also meant a visible or sensitive hard point under the outer sheath 20. To this end, the invention proposes in summary to lay and fix a band around the rim, to attach it and only then to form the opening passage at the level of the sheathing and cutting guide 110, in order to then be able to place the insert 30 facing the internal part of the luminous device 31 which generates light. In other words, the insert 30 is introduced into the groove 32g after the opening in the outer sheath 20 is opened (or reopened) and the sheathing and cutting guide 110 removed.

According to one possibility, the method according to the invention provides for placing, before fixing the strip to form the outer sheath 20, an element, such as the sheathing and cutting guide 110, protruding, as shown in FIG. , so as to be able to stretch the strip forming the outer sheath 20 and thus have enough material to fill it back into the groove, once the opening has been made. Indeed, without an artifice such as the sheathing and cutting guide 110 in protuberance, it is difficult to have an edged length greater than half the width of the groove 32g. The manufacturing process may include the following steps:

- overmolding of the armature 11 with the overmolding material 12,

- laying the electrical device 40 and for example gluing the latter, either directly on the rim 2, or on the strip used to form the outer sheath 20, - laying the sheathing and cutting guide 110 protruding, before laying the electric device 40,

- Laying and attaching the strip to form the outer sheath 20.

Then, according to a first option, it is possible to open a slot 25 already present at the level of the band to be attached around the rim 2 and previously closed by temporary or temporary closure means (a fusible seam, of type chain, an adhesive, a zipper or zip, etc.), so as to prevent this opening from gaping and creating folds when laying the strip.

According to a second option, the slot 25 is cut directly in the outer sheath 20 once the latter has been laid and attached around the rim 2. For this purpose, we see a groove 110f formed in the sheathing and cutting guide 110 which allows you to guide a cutting blade to avoid any cutting deviation. The protruding sheathing and cutting guide 110 also forms a protective element. Once the opening (the slot 25) has been formed or reformed, over all or part of the periphery of the rim 2, it is possible to remove the sheathing and cutting guide 110 (protective or protruding) which was under the outer sheath 20, as shown in Figure 2.

It is important to position an edge 40b of the electrical device 40 flush with the groove 32g, so as not to create appearance defects and to touch at the level of the edges 40b of the electrical device 40, under the outer sheath 20. In other words, the electrical device 40 comprises the edge or edges 40b which are adjacent to the groove 32g without penetrating it. Thus, the electrical device 40 can cover the entire internal casing 32 with the exception of the groove 32g, that is to say that one can maximize the surface covered by the electrical device 40 under the external sheath 20 while guaranteeing a clean edge with the groove. The wall of the groove (that is to say the interior of the groove 32 or its internal surface) is free or free of electrical device 40.

The edge (40b) or end of the electrical device 40 is therefore aligned with the wall of the groove 32g. The flap or flange 21, also called flanged end, therefore covers the electrical edge 40b of the electrical device 40 and the wall of the groove 32g.

It is particularly advantageous to abut the edge 40b of the electrical device 40 against the sheathing and cutting guide 110, so to make the outcrop. This particularly facilitates the manufacturing operations of flywheel 1.

Figure 3 shows the result of the next step which consists in folding the overlengths of the outer sheath 20 towards the inside of the rim 2, with the flaps or edges 21 pressed against and/or glued against the wall of the groove 32g of the inner casing 32. In other words, the flaps or overhangs 21 are plated and/or glued to the inner faces of the groove 32g. As shown in FIG. 3, a groove 22 is then defined, the upper edges of which are formed continuously by the outer sheath 20, which provides a good appearance and a smooth feel.

A very closed beading angle, less than 50°, can be provided between the part of the outer sheath 20 positioned on the outer periphery of the rim 2, and the beaded part in the groove 22.

The groove 22 and the groove 32g can then accommodate the insert 30, and present a clean and well-finished appearance. The installation of the sheathing and cutting guide 110 has had the effect of increasing the perimeter of the rim 2 of the steering wheel 1 during the fixing of the outer sheath 20, and after its removal, the outer sheath 20 has a total length which allows flaps or overhangs 21 long enough to guarantee good hold over time. A sufficient length of overhang is important even if the groove 32g which receives the insert 30 is narrow. In a particular example, the width of the groove 22 is less than or equal to 6 mm, and each flap or rim 21 has a length greater than or equal to 4 mm.

To facilitate the removal of the sheathing and cutting guide 110, the latter can be made in several parts. This is particularly advantageous when the total length of the sheathing and cutting guide 110 is longer than the length of the opening to be made in the outer sheath 20.

Furthermore, it is possible to provide an insert 30 as being a control interface, a position sensor, a biometric sensor element, buttons which pass through the outer sheath. In addition, it is mentioned to form an opening in the outer sheath 20 after laying the latter, and the opening in question can be made all along the rim 2 (i.e. 360° around an axis of the steering wheel , that is to say an axis of the steering column), or on a part of the periphery, in a direction tangential to the steering wheel 1 seen from above, or in a direction tangential to the rim 2 seen in section. One can also practice several distinct openings.

It is mentioned to cut a slit (or make an incision), but one can also perforate holes, punch parts with a cookie cutter, or weaken an area to then tear it cleanly (by locally reducing the thickness for example ).

The outer sheath 20 can be composite, that is to say made from several strips of the same material or of different materials (leather, synthetic, fabric, etc.). It is proposed to lay it with the opening (through which the insert 30 will pass) closed during the laying and fixing of the strip on the rim 2. The outer sheath 20 may cover the rim 2 only partially.

Finally, the passage opening for the insert 30 can be facing the driver to display luminous information, but the opening can be made on a side of the rim opposite the driver, to pass a sensor for detecting driver's fingers, for example.

It will be understood that various modifications and/or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention.

Reference is made in particular to the multiple possibilities of parts acting as an insert.

Further, it is possible to combine the embodiments.

Claims

[Claim 1] Vehicle steering wheel (1) comprising:

- a rim (2) connected to a hub (3) by at least one branch (4), - a groove (32g),

- a sheath (20), such as a leather sheath, at least partially covering the rim (2), and comprising two rounded ends (21) in the groove

(32g),

- an insert (30), such as part of a light device, housed at least partially in the groove (32g) and arranged to be visible to an occupant of the vehicle, and

- an electrical device (40) arranged in the form of a sheet and disposed under the sheath (20), characterized in that the electrical device (40) comprises at least one edge (40b) flush with a wall of the groove (32g).

[Claim 2] Steering wheel (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one flanged end (21) of the outer sheath (20) covers the edge (40b) of the electrical device (40).

[Claim 3] Steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein at least one rounded end (21) of the outer sheath (20) is arranged between the edge (40b) of the electrical device (40) and insert (30).

[Claim 4] Steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insert (30) is an external decorative part, such as a light diffuser, or a second electrical device.

[Claim 5] Vehicle comprising a steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4.

[Claim 6] A method of manufacturing a vehicle steering wheel (1), the steering wheel (1) comprising:

- a rim (2), - a groove (32g) with a wall,

- an outer sheath (20) formed by at least one band attached around at least part of the rim (2),

- at least one electrical device (40) comprising an edge (40b), and

- an insert (30) arranged to be visible to an occupant of the vehicle, the method comprising at least the steps consisting of:

- positioning the edge (40b) of the electrical device (40) flush with the wall of the groove (32g),

- wrap the outer sheath (20) on the rim (2),

- house the insert (30) at least partially in the groove (32g).

[Claim 7] Manufacturing method according to claim 6, the steering wheel (1) further comprising:

- at least one sheathing and cutting guide (110f), arranged in the groove (32g) and under the outer sheath (20), the method further comprising the steps of:

- forming an opening (25) in the outer sheath (20) facing an inner part of the sheathing and cutting guide (110),

- folding portions of the outer sheath (20) surrounding the opening (25) towards the inside of the rim (2) to form flaps and give access to the sheathing and cutting guide (110).

[Claim 8] A manufacturing method according to claim 7, the method further comprising the steps of:

- remove the sheathing and cutting guide (110) from the rim (2) before folding the portions of the outer sheath (20) surrounding the opening (25) towards the inside of the rim (2).

[Claim 9] Manufacturing process according to one of Claims 7 to

8, further comprising the step of: - positioning the edge (40b) of the electrical device (40) in abutment against the sheathing and cutting guide (110).

[Claim 10] Manufacturing process according to one of Claims 6 to

9, further comprising the step of: - positioning the electrical device (40) on the outer sheath (20) before positioning the outer sheath (20) on the steering wheel.