Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Elements
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-06
2002-11-19
Bucci, David A. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Elements
Reexamination Certificate
active
06481312
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a steering wheel for vehicles.
Known from DE 21 64 976 Al is a steering wheel incorporating means for heating or cooling the steering wheel rim in which, via a channeling system configured in the steering wheel and in the steering column, air from a heating/cooling air source existing in the vehicle is guided into the region of the steering wheel rim and steering wheel spokes, the air being expelled via a plurality of ports. The connection of the air guidance system in the steering wheel and in the steering column to the heating/cooling air source of the vehicle is achieved via a two-way valve. This known means for heating or cooling the steering wheel is relatively complicated, depends on the vehicular heating or cooling sources and restricts freedom of design especially in the region of the steering wheel because a full-length channeling system needs to be provided with a lower groove peripherally in the steering wheel rim to enable the air to be distributed as evenly as possible. In addition to this, it is not evident from DE 21 64 976 Al whether or how a mechanically supporting skeleton may be simultaneously achieved with the air guidance system in the steering wheel rim and steering wheel spokes.
Known from German utility model 9204354 is a motor vehicle steering means in which the actual steering wheel comprises a supporting body having a sheathing with a good hand and is connected to a steering tube. Provided in the region of the supporting body is a temperature control means affecting the sheathing and receiving its energy via the steering tube. In accordance with one embodiment temperature control of the steering wheel is intended to occur via the steering tube by the air-conditioning or ventilation system of the vehicle. For this purpose ventilation holes are provided in the steering wheel which are connected via the steering tube to the ventilation or air-conditioning system of the vehicle. Where this steering means is intended to be temperature-controlled by means of heating or cooling air it has the same drawbacks as those of the means known from DE 21 64 976 Al. There is no evidence from German utility design 9204354 as to how the supporting means and the sheathing in such temperature-controlled steering wheels are to be designed and how the necessary air guidance system may be integrated in the steering wheel.
The present invention provides a steering wheel with an air guidance system, more particularly in the region of the steering wheel rim to enable an effective air distribution to be achieved without having to put up with the drawbacks as regards the remaining functions of the steering wheel. The ventilated steering wheel can be produced on typical steering wheel production lines without any appreciable increase in cost.
In accordance with the invention, the steering wheel rim is formed by two half-shells connected to each other at their edges and are fixed to the supporting skeleton of the steering wheel to define an air duct connected to at least one air intake port multiple air outlet ports being formed in the half-shells.
This is based on the consideration that for an even and energy-saving distribution of an air flow serving ventilation an air duct need to be provided which is as short as possible and has a flow cross-section as large as possible. When the air duct in accordance with the invention is formed by two half-shells the maximum possible flow cross-section is achievable in the region of the steering wheel rim whilst achieving a styling which may be optimally adapted to other important steering wheel functions.
The half-shells may be connected to each other with an interlocking fit and/or by frictional connection and provided with ergonomically formed recessed grips. Together with the steering wheel skeleton all requirements as regards strength and accident safety may be optimally satisfied without making production complicated or more expensive.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1615635 (1927-01-01), Kuno
patent: 2163450 (1939-06-01), Preble
patent: 3468188 (1969-09-01), MacCoon
patent: 4535221 (1985-08-01), Holsworth
patent: 4920822 (1990-05-01), Abiko
patent: 5573606 (1996-11-01), Evans et al.
patent: 6298750 (2001-10-01), Kerner et al.
patent: 7149043 (1971-12-01), None
patent: 9111356 (1992-02-01), None
patent: 29515265 (1996-02-01), None
patent: 0849127 (1998-06-01), None
patent: 0989045 (2000-03-01), None
patent: 2364801 (1978-04-01), None
patent: 62128879 (1987-06-01), None
Bucci David A.
Johnson Vicky A.
Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
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