Method of producing a steering wheel and steering wheel
a production method and steering wheel technology, applied in steering control, mechanical control devices, controlling members, etc., can solve the problem of reducing the cost of foam, and achieve the effect of producing a high-quality steering wheel
Inactive Publication Date: 2005-03-03
TRW AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY SYST
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- Abstract
- Description
- Claims
- Application Information
AI Technical Summary
Benefits of technology
[0004] The invention provides a method with which the production of a high-quality steering wheel can be accomplished very cost-effectively.
[0006] In the method according to the invention, before or after the production of the hollow profile, a separate body is laid into the open hollow profile in order to fill it. This body can be made inexpensively, for example, out of cellulose. In this manner, no more foam can get into the open profile, which improves the quality of the foam-cased product. Moreover, relatively expensive foam can be saved which would otherwise get into the inside of the hollow profile. The leather-covering, without prior foam-casing, is likewise facilitated because, although the hollow profile is open, it gives a closed impression towards the outside due to the inserted spacer. Depending on the material used for the body, it can also bring about an additional improvement in the stability of the steering wheel rim. The stability improvement is especially achieved if in step b) the body is attached in the hollow profile, for example, by means of a joining method or with an adhesive. In this case, the result is a sandwich structure of the steering wheel rim.
[0007] According to one embodiment, the invention provides that, between steps b) and c), the steering wheel skeleton is deformed in the area of the annular portion in such a way that the hollow profile is further closed. As a result of this further closing of the hollow profile, it acquires a greater strength.
[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that, after the closing of the profile, the body fills the inside of the hollow profile to such an extent that any penetration of foam into the inside of the hollow profile is prevented.
[0009] The steering wheel skeleton is preferably made of sheet metal that is deformed in the area of the annular portion so as to form the open hollow profile. A sheet metal skeleton stands out for the simple production effort it entails.
Problems solved by technology
Moreover, relatively expensive foam can be saved which would otherwise get into the inside of the hollow profile.
Method used
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Embodiment Construction
[0015]FIG. 1 shows a one-piece sheet metal skeleton 10 immediately after being stamped out, the sheet metal being subsequently deformed by deep drawing, for example, in the area of the closed annular portion 12 that will form the skeleton section for the steering wheel rim. In the portion 12, the outer edge 14 is deformed such that the cross-section of the annular portion 12 acquires an open hollow profile as is shown in FIG. 2, i.e. the portion has one open side. After the shaping, the edge 14 projects upwards, as is shown by the broken lines.
[0016] An annular body 16, for example, made of cellulose or of an inexpensive plastic injection-molded material, is inserted into the open hollow profile and attached to the hollow profile by gluing or the like. Subsequently, the edge 14, which faces upwards, is bent in the direction of the arrow in order to further close the open hollow profile. In this method, the sheet metal comes to lie against the body 16. After the virtual but not comp...
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Abstract
The invention relates to a method of producing a steering wheel that comprises a closed annular steering wheel rim and spokes, and further comprises a steering wheel skeleton as well as a sheathing therefore, the sheathing being one of a foam covering and a leather covering that surrounds the steering wheel skeleton. The method comprises the following steps: a) the one-piece steering wheel skeleton is produced, it having, in order to form the steering wheel rim, a closed annular portion the cross-section of which has an open hollow profile; b) a body that serves as a spacer is placed in the open hollow profile in order to almost completely fill the hollow profile, and; c) the steering wheel skeleton is provided with the sheathing at least in an area of the steering wheel rim. The invention further relates to a steering wheel produced by such method.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The invention relates to a method for producing a steering wheel as well as to a steering wheel produced by such method. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The manufacture of vehicle steering wheels is done, according to DE 197 24 073 A1, by stamping out a sheet metal part that is deformed after the stamping procedure into a one-piece sheet metal skeleton. In the area of the closed annular portion, which forms the skeleton in the area of the steering wheel rim, this annular portion is bent, for example, by deep drawing, to form a hollow profile that is not completely closed. During the subsequent applying of foam onto the skeleton, the objective is for the foam to lie as uniformly as possible over the outer surface, although this is not always easy to achieve because of the contours of the skeleton. [0003] For example, if the steering wheel skeleton is only covered with leather, a relatively high effort is necessary to almost completely close the cross-section...
Claims
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IPC IPC(8): B62D1/06
CPCB62D1/06Y10T29/49488Y10T74/20834Y10T29/49986Y10T29/49908Y10T29/49915
InventorDERRICK, JOHN-OLIVER
OwnerTRW AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY SYST