Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Elements
Patent
1998-08-03
2000-03-28
Bucci, David A.
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Elements
74484R, 439164, B62D 110
Patent
active
060416777
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to a device for fixing a hub to a shaft, and more particularly to a device for fixing a steering wheel hub to a steering column.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known to fit steering wheels in motor vehicles on the steering columns and to fix them on the same from above by means of a nut or screw. A steering wheel fixing is also known from German Patent DE 44 15 765 A where the steering wheel hub has a clamping element engaging in the steering column. The steering column is provided with notched teeth which are associated with corresponding teeth in the steering wheel hub. A clamping groove which is associated with a clamping element in the steering wheel hub is provided in the area of the notched teeth in the steering spindle for axially locking the steering wheel hub, and thus the steering wheel, on the steering column. The clamping element thereby extends transversely to the steering column. With this type of fixing it is possible to mount an airbag unit on the steering wheel prior to fixing the steering wheel on the steering column since screwing up the nut from above is not necessary.
Contact units are known for transferring the electrical energy and signals between stationary structural groups and the steering wheel of the motor vehicle. These contact units have a stator fixed on the steering column and a rotor fixed on the steering wheel. A cable runs between the two and is wound up and down during rotation of the steering wheel in dependence on the turning direction. The stator and rotor have plug contacts by means of which they are connected with the steering column and steering wheel.
In practice, the contact unit is mounted at the same time as fitting the steering wheel on the steering column. It is also known from practice to pre-fit the rotor as well as the stator on the steering wheel. Fitting the steering wheel on the steering column takes place in a defined position, preferably when the vehicle wheels are aligned straight. The rotary position of the contact unit must correspond during fitting to this defined position. It is therefore desirable that the contact unit prefitted on the steering wheel already has this position and that this is maintained even during assembly. This has been possible up until now only very expensively by means of separate parts. The same also applies to dismantling .
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is to simplify the fixing of a hub on a shaft, and more particularly the steering wheel on the steering column, even in the case of a prefitted contact unit on the steering wheel.
With a device for fixing a hub on a shaft, more particularly a steering wheel hub on a steering column, with a fixing device engaging transversely into the shaft, wherein a screw is provided as the fixing means which has a head part engaging in the hub, and a shank which engages partly in the hub and partly in the shaft according to the invention with a contact unit provided on the steering wheel and having a rotor fixed on the steering wheel and a stator fixed on the steering column, the stator has a section in which the screw engages in a position of the steering wheel released from the steering column.
This device has the advantage that the screw released the section of the head part projecting from the steering wheel can be used for fixing the contact unit pre-fitted on the steering wheel. Thus the screw provided for fitting the steering wheel on the steering column is used additionally for securing the contact unit against rotation. The added advantage is that this anti-rotational lock is produced simultaneously and automatically on undoing the screw from the steering column. Thus, neither an additional work step is required nor can the process of locking be forgotten. This arrangement represents both a transport security feature which prevents the stator from turning during transport of the steering wheel with the prefitted contact unit, and also an assembly aid which ensures that the steering wheel can
REFERENCES:
patent: 4917524 (1990-04-01), Wilcox
patent: 5358410 (1994-10-01), Kieserling et al.
patent: 5551886 (1996-09-01), Zeller et al.
patent: 5588337 (1996-12-01), Milton
patent: 5617763 (1997-04-01), Cymbol
patent: 5685559 (1997-11-01), Cuevas
patent: 5752843 (1998-05-01), Kawamoto et al.
patent: 5848806 (1998-12-01), Hosoi et al.
patent: 5855145 (1999-01-01), Hosoi et al.
patent: 5921147 (1999-07-01), Nagata et al.
patent: 5931250 (1999-08-01), Kagawa et al.
patent: 5950499 (1999-09-01), Hosoi et al.
Giegerich Gunter
Hock Karl
Hung Hodac
Marotzke Thomas
Muller Norbert
Bucci David A.
Kim Chong H.
Petri AG
LandOfFree
Device for attaching a hub to a shaft, in particular a steering does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device for attaching a hub to a shaft, in particular a steering , we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device for attaching a hub to a shaft, in particular a steering will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1316298