Steering wheel ventilation system

Abstract

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a steering wheel ventilation system for generating a flow of air through a handheld portion of a steering wheel of a vehicle, the steering wheel ventilation system comprising: a steering column portion configured to be incorporated in or connected to a steering column of the vehicle, the steering column portion includes a stator of the drive; a steering wheel portion configured to be incorporated in or connected to a steering wheel of a vehicle, the steering wheel portion comprising: a rotor of a driver, where the rotor is configured to rotate about a ventilation axis; an impeller housing configured to be incorporated in or connected to the steering wheel, and configured to accommodate the impeller; an impeller positioned within the impeller housing, the impeller connected to the rotor; and at least one air channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering wheel ventilation system configured to ventilate a steering wheel of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Air conditioning systems improve the comfort of drivers and passengers in modern vehicles. These systems are able to reduce the ambient temperature in the vehicle on sunny days. However, the steering wheel of the vehicle can also become quite hot, especially when the vehicle is parked and exposed to the sun. This can lead to pain and / or sweating of the hands, which is not very comfortable and can even be a safety hazard. Sweating hands can lead to a loss of grip and steering control. The comfort of the driver and the safety of the driver and passengers can be improved by a dedicated ventilation system for the steering wheel. In this field, various concepts have been proposed.

[0003] WO2015149500A1 (herein: D1) discloses a climate control device that uses a hot air flow or a cold air flow to increase or decrease the surface temperature of a steering wheel. The climate control device includes an air moving device for providing an air flow, a steering wheel distributor, and an air guiding device. The air guiding device guides the hot air flow or the cold air flow between the air moving device and the steering wheel distributor. The air moving device is positioned in a steering column, and the steering wheel distributor is positioned in a steering wheel.

[0004] One disadvantage is that the concept requires a complex transfer of air from the stationary steering column to the movable steering wheel. Another disadvantage of the D1 concept is that it requires multiple air channels to achieve air flow from the air moving device to the steering wheel distributor and from the steering wheel distributor to the air moving device. Multiple air channels result in a more complex design, which is more difficult to implement due to the limited amount of space in the automotive steering system.

[0005] Another example of a climate control device for a car steering system is disclosed in WO2015175483A1 (herein: D2). The climate control device has a heater and a ventilation system, the ventilation system including a distribution system and one or more blowers. The distribution system and the blower are located in the steering wheel. The right side and the left side each have a separate distribution system with two blowers.

[0006] It is recognized in the present invention that a disadvantage of the concept of D2 is that each blower requires electrical energy, which must be transferred from the stationary steering column to the movable steering wheel. This requires complex transition pieces. It is also recognized in the present invention that small blowers do not have sufficient cooling capacity due to their size. Due to the lack of space in modern steering wheels, increasing the size of the blower is undesirable. US9033366B1 (herein: D3) discloses a climate control device similar to D2, which has similar disadvantages.

[0007] WO2018052873A1 (herein: D4) discloses a climate control device for a car steering system, which uses a hot air flow and / or a cold air flow from the car's air conditioning system to manage the temperature of the steering wheel. The hot air flow and / or the cold air flow are directed to the steering wheel through an air conditioning connection in the steering column. The air flow is then directed through a transition piece between the stationary steering column and the movable steering wheel. The surface of the steering wheel is heated and / or cooled by the air flow through an air channel close to the surface. The surface may further include openings through which the air flow can leave the air channel.

[0008] The disadvantage of the D4's system is that it must be connected to one of the air ducts of the air conditioning system. An additional controllable valve must be added somewhere in the air conditioning connection to control the temperature of the steering wheel separately. This requires additional modifications to the car and makes it more complicated to offer as a luxury option. Another disadvantage is that a complex transition piece is required between the stationary steering column and the movable steering wheel.

[0009] KR102117997B1 (herein: D5) and FR3093495A1 (herein: D6) also disclose climate control devices for automotive steering systems, which use hot air flow and / or cold air flow from the car's air conditioning system to manage the temperature of the steering wheel. The concepts of D5 and D6 provide the same disadvantages as the concept of D4.

[0010] Another example of a climate control device for an automotive steering system is presented in WO201175335A1 (herein: D7). The document discloses two different embodiments, neither of which uses a hot air flow and / or a cold air flow to control the temperature of the steering wheel. The first embodiment includes a heat exchanger in a transition piece between a stationary steering column and a movable steering wheel. The heat exchanger extracts energy from a fluid in an airtight channel in the steering wheel. The second embodiment includes a thermoelectric connection device in the transition piece that provides thermal energy to a heat conducting element in the steering wheel.

[0011] The disadvantage of both embodiments of D7 is the complex transition piece between the steering column and the steering wheel. The airtight channel in the steering wheel also adds complexity, as it may pose a significant risk in the event of a leak. In addition, the implementation of a heat exchanger or thermoelectric unit seems unnecessary, complex and expensive. Another disadvantage of these systems is that they do not allow cool air to flow out of the steering wheel, which will reduce the user experience for the driver. Summary of the invention

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the above mentioned disadvantages and to provide an improved steering wheel ventilation system for a vehicle.

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a steering wheel ventilation system which is relatively simple in construction and can be manufactured at relatively low cost.

[0014] At least one of the above objects is achieved by a steering wheel ventilation system for generating an air flow through a hand-held portion of a steering wheel of a vehicle, the steering wheel ventilation system comprising:

[0015] a steering column part, which is configured to be integrated in or connected to a steering column of a vehicle, the steering column part comprising a stator of the drive,

[0016] a steering wheel part, the steering wheel part being configured to be incorporated in or connected to a steering wheel of a vehicle, the steering wheel part comprising:

[0017] a rotor of the drive, wherein the rotor is configured to rotate about a ventilation axis,

[0018] an impeller housing configured to be incorporated in or connected to a steering wheel and configured to accommodate an impeller, the impeller housing having an air inlet and an air outlet,

[0019] an impeller positioned within the impeller housing, the impeller connected to the rotor, the impeller configured to pump air from the inlet into at least one air passage connected to the outlet,

[0020] At least one air passage is connected at one end to the air outlet and is configured to be in fluid communication with a hand-held portion of the steering wheel.

[0021] By allowing air flow through the hand-held portion of the steering wheel, driver comfort and driver and passenger safety are improved. The air flow through the hand-held portion of the steering wheel prevents hand pain and / or sweating. The air flow through the steering wheel may also reduce the temperature of the steering wheel when the ambient temperature in the vehicle is lower than the temperature of the steering wheel.

[0022] By locating the stator in the steering wheel column and the rotor in the steering wheel part, a relatively simple construction is obtained. By incorporating the air inlet in the steering wheel part, no air channel is required between the steering wheel column and the steering wheel part. This further simplifies the construction.

[0023] In some of the embodiments, the drive may be a direct drive, in particular a radial flux type motor, wherein the stator comprises a plurality of coils positioned in an annular arrangement and the rotor comprises a plurality of magnets positioned in an annular arrangement.

[0024] By incorporating the stator of the drive in or connected to the steering column of the vehicle and incorporating the rotor of the drive in or connected to the steering wheel of the vehicle, a complicated transfer of air or power from the stationary steering column to the movable steering wheel is avoided. The radial magnetic flux perpendicular to the ventilation axis generated by the radial flux type motor rotates the impeller to generate an air flow through the steering wheel. This results in a relatively simple construction.

[0025] In some of the embodiments, the steering wheel ventilation system may include an air gap between the stator and the rotor, wherein the air gap is in fluid communication with the air inlet of the impeller housing.

[0026] In some of the embodiments, the rotor may be connected to the rear side of the impeller.

[0027] When the rotor is connected to the rear side of the impeller, the distance between the rotor and the stator can be smaller. In this way, the impeller is not positioned between the rotor and the stator. A smaller distance between the rotor and the stator will improve the performance of the drive.

[0028] In some of the embodiments, the impeller may include a plurality of blades, wherein the blades are positioned on a front side of the impeller.

[0029] The blades are important for creating air flow in the impeller housing. The blades should be located on the front side of the impeller to provide space for the rotor on the back side of the impeller.

[0030] In some of the embodiments, the steering wheel ventilation system may include at least one support that provides radial support and axial support to the steering wheel portion.

[0031] The bearing is important for achieving the connection between the stationary steering shaft and the rotatable rotor and impeller. The bearing can provide this connection with reduced friction. Reduced friction will increase the power efficiency of the drive.

[0032] The invention also relates to a steering system for a vehicle, the steering system comprising:

[0033] - Steering column, and

[0034] - Steering wheel, and

[0035] - a steering wheel ventilation system according to any of the preceding aspects,

[0036] wherein the steering column part is integrated in or connected to a steering column, and wherein the steering wheel part is integrated in or connected to a steering wheel,

[0037] wherein at least one air passage is in fluid communication with a hand-held portion of the steering wheel,

[0038] The handheld portion includes an air manifold and includes a plurality of holes in the wall of the handheld portion, the holes being used to allow air pumped by the impeller through the air channel and the air manifold to pass through the holes to the outside.

[0039] A steering system for a vehicle offers the same advantages as the device.

[0040] In some of the embodiments, the impeller and impeller housing may be positioned in a central portion of the steering wheel.

[0041] By positioning the impeller and impeller housing in a central portion of the steering wheel, the shape of the hand-held portion of the steering wheel can be selected by the vehicle manufacturer.

[0042] In some of the embodiments, the steering wheel is rotatable about a steering wheel rotation axis, and wherein the ventilation axis is coaxial with the steering wheel rotation axis.

[0043] In some of the embodiments, the air inlet may be positioned on the rear side of the steering wheel to draw air through the air gap.

[0044] The air inlet positioned on the rear side of the steering wheel makes it invisible to the driver and / or other occupants of the vehicle. This also provides vehicle manufacturers with the freedom to design their own steering wheels without any visible requirements on the front side of the steering wheel.

[0045] In some of the embodiments, the steering wheel may include an air manifold having a plurality of holes extending radially through a wall of the hand-held portion of the steering wheel.

[0046] Apertures extending radially through the wall of the hand-held portion of the steering wheel provide air flow from the air manifold to the environment around the hand-held portion of the steering wheel. The air flow provided to the environment around the hand-held portion of the steering wheel improves driver comfort. The air flowing close to the driver's hands will absorb heat and moisture from our hands to provide a refreshing feeling and reduce hand pain and / or sweating.

[0047] In some of the embodiments, the handheld part may comprise a curved, in particular annular, tube, and wherein the air manifold is formed by the tube.

[0048] The curved, in particular annular, tube has the shape of a conventional steering wheel. This allows the tube to be more easily integrated into existing steering wheels. It is also possible to provide different implementations of the tube with, for example, one or more sharp edges. This would also allow the tube to be integrated into, for example, a steering wheel for a sports car.

[0049] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a steering system.

[0050] The vehicle provides the same advantages as the device and the steering system for a vehicle.

[0051] In some embodiments, the vehicle may include a tablet computer, wherein the tablet computer controls the actuator. This may allow the steering wheel ventilation system to be incorporated into the vehicle's climate control subsystem. The subsystem may control the steering wheel ventilation system based on climate conditions in and / or around the vehicle.

[0052] In some of the embodiments, the vehicle may include a power source in the range of 0 W to 20 W, wherein the drive is connected to the power source.

[0053] In some of the embodiments, the rotational speed of the impeller may be controlled by adjusting the frequency of the current supplied by the power supply to the driver.

[0054] In some of the embodiments, the torque of the drive may be controlled by adjusting the current level of the current supplied by the power supply to the drive.

[0055] The combination between the board computer and the power supply with different control parameters allows the system to adapt to different environmental conditions. The air density at sea level is different from the air density at higher altitudes. This may require different torque levels of the drive to produce a constant air flow. The driver may also want to increase or decrease the air flow depending on the temperature and atmospheric humidity by changing the current level supplied by the power supply to the drive.

[0056] These and other aspects of the present invention will become better appreciated and will be readily understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Figure 1 An isometric view of a steering wheel and steering column according to the invention is shown.

[0058] Figure 2 An exploded isometric view of the steering wheel ventilation system is shown.

[0059] Figure 3 A rear isometric view of the steering wheel and steering wheel ventilation system is shown.

[0060] Figure 4 A cross-sectional side view of a steering wheel and steering column according to the invention is shown.

[0061] Figure 5a to Figure 5cAn isometric view of a steering column according to the invention is shown.

[0062] Figure 6 An isometric view of a steering wheel ventilation system is shown.

[0063] Figure 7 A rear isometric view of the steering wheel is shown.

[0064] Figure 8 A front view of the steering wheel is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Go to Figure 1 to Figure 2 , which shows a steering system for a vehicle 1, in particular for a car. The steering system for a vehicle comprises a steering column 3, a steering wheel 2 and a steering wheel ventilation system 10. The steering wheel ventilation system 10 comprises a steering column part 30 and a steering wheel part 40. The steering column part 30 is incorporated in the steering column 3 or connected to the steering column 3. The steering wheel part 40 is incorporated in the steering wheel 2 or connected to the steering wheel 2. The steering wheel also comprises a hand-held part 20. The driver holds the hand-held part when driving the vehicle.

[0066] exist Figure 2 , a steering wheel ventilation system 10 for generating an air flow through a handheld portion 20 of a steering wheel 2 of a vehicle 1 is shown. The steering column portion 30 comprises a stator 52 of a drive 50. The steering wheel portion 40 comprises a rotor 54 of the drive 50. The rotor 54 is configured to rotate about a ventilation axis 56. The drive 50 is a direct drive, in particular a radial flux type motor 51. The stator comprises a plurality of coils 53 positioned in an annular arrangement 58. The rotor comprises a plurality of magnets 55 positioned in an annular arrangement 59.

[0067] The steering wheel portion 40 also includes an impeller housing 60 configured to be incorporated into or connected to the steering wheel 2. The impeller housing has an air inlet 64 and an air outlet 66. The impeller housing 60 is also configured to accommodate an impeller 70. The impeller 70 is positioned within the impeller housing 60 and connected to the rotor 54. The impeller is configured to pump air from the inlet 64 into at least one air channel 68 connected to the outlet 66. The at least one air channel 68 is connected to the air outlet 66 at one end 69 and is configured to be in fluid communication with the hand-held portion 20 of the steering wheel 2. The air pumped by the impeller 70 is directed by the air channel 68 to the hand-held portion 20 of the steering wheel 2.

[0068] The impeller 70 includes a plurality of blades 72. The blades 72 are positioned on the front side 73 of the impeller. The blades 72 create an air flow 76 in the impeller housing 60 to the air outlet 66. The orientation of the blades 72 is tailored to the shape of the impeller housing 60. The impeller housing 60 has an annular shape 62 with a protrusion 63. The orientation of the blades creates an air flow 76 to the protrusion 63 of the impeller housing 60. The air flow 76 leaves the impeller housing 60 through the air outlet 66.

[0069] The vehicle 1 includes a tablet computer 8. The tablet computer 8 controls the driver 50 through a power supply 9. The power supply ranges from 0 W to 20 W. The rotation speed of the impeller 70 can be controlled by adjusting the frequency of the power supplied from the power supply 9 to the driver 50. The torque of the driver 50 can be controlled by adjusting the current level of the power supplied from the power supply 9 to the driver 50.

[0070] Go to Figure 3 , which shows the rear side 7 of the steering wheel 2 with the steering wheel ventilation system 10. The rotor 54 is connected to the rear side 71 of the impeller. The impeller 70 and the impeller housing 60 are positioned in the central part 5 of the steering wheel.

[0071] Go to Figure 4 , which shows a cross-sectional side view of the steering wheel 2 and the steering column 3. An air gap 12 is provided between the stator 52 and the rotor 54, between the steering wheel 2 and the steering column 3. The air gap 12 is in fluid communication with the air inlet 64 of the impeller housing 60.

[0072] The air gap 12 allows an air flow 76 to flow from the environment of the vehicle 1 to the air inlet 64 of the impeller housing 60. The air inlet 64 is positioned on the rear side 7 of the steering wheel 2 to draw air through the air gap 12. The positioning of the air inlet 64 on the rear side 7 of the steering wheel 2 makes it invisible to the driver or other occupants of the vehicle. This gives vehicle manufacturers the possibility to design their own steering wheels without any visible requirements for the steering wheel ventilation system.

[0073] The width of the air gap 12 depends on the characteristics of the drive 50 and the requirement for sufficient air flow 76. The steering column portion 40 and the steering wheel portion 30 should be sufficiently spaced apart from each other to allow a sufficiently large amount of air flow 76, but the space cannot be too large due to the limitations of the drive 50. When the distance between the stator 52 and the rotor 54 is too large, the radial flux type motor 51 becomes less efficient.

[0074] The steering wheel ventilation system 10 further comprises at least one support 42, which is used to provide radial and axial support for the steering wheel portion 40. The support 42 allows the rotor 54 and the impeller 70 to perform a rotational movement around the ventilation axis 56. The ventilation axis 56 is coaxial with the steering wheel rotation axis 6. The steering wheel 2 can rotate around the steering wheel rotation axis 6. The support 42 is currently shown as being connected to the steering shaft 11 of the steering wheel 2. Different implementations of the support 42 are also possible. The support 42 can also be connected to the outer edge 57 of the rotor 54 and the impeller housing 60.

[0075] Back to Figure 2 , the steering wheel portion 40 also includes a plurality of inlet vanes 74. The inlet vanes 74 connect the impeller 70 to the support 42. The inlet vanes 74 increase the air flow 76 entering the impeller housing 60 and thereby support the blades 72 of the impeller 70. The inlet vanes 74 are slightly inclined relative to the normal of the inlet 64. This inclination directs the air flow 76 into the impeller housing 60.

[0076] Go to Figure 5a to Figure 5c , which shows the steering column 3 together with the steering wheel ventilation system 10. The steering column part 40 is shown as being integrated into the steering column 3. It is also possible to position the steering column part 40 in front of the steering column 3. The steering column part 40 is positioned around the steering shaft 11.

[0077] Go to Figures 6 to 8 , which shows an air flow 76 through the steering wheel. At least one air channel 68 is in fluid communication with the handheld part 20 of the steering wheel 2. The air channel 68 is connected at one end 69 to the air outlet 66 of the impeller housing 60. The handheld part 20 of the steering wheel 2 comprises an air manifold 16. The air manifold 16 is formed by a curved, in particular annular, tube 17. The curved, in particular annular, tube 17 comprises a wall 22.

[0078] The air manifold 16 has a plurality of holes 14 extending radially through the wall 22 of the hand-held portion 20 of the steering wheel 2. The holes 14 allow the air flow 76 pumped by the impeller 70 to pass through the holes 14 to the outside. The air flow 76 leaving the holes 14 provides a fresh air flow near the wall 22 of the hand-held portion 20. The fresh air flow improves the comfort of the driver and prevents the driver's hands from sweating and / or pain.

[0079] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the present invention differently with virtually any appropriate detailed structure. In addition, the terms and expressions used herein are not intended to be limiting, but to provide an understandable description of the present invention. Not all embodiments can achieve all stated purposes.

[0080] As used herein, the terms "a" or "an" are defined as one or more than one. As used herein, the term multiple is defined as two or more than two. As used herein, the term another is defined as at least a second or at least the third. As used herein, the terms include and / or have are defined as including (i.e., open-ended terms that do not exclude other elements or steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.

Claims

1. A steering wheel ventilation system (10) for generating an air flow through a hand-held portion (20) of a steering wheel (2) of a vehicle (1), the steering wheel ventilation system comprising: a steering column part (30) configured to be integrated into or connected to a steering column (3) of the vehicle, the steering column part comprising a stator (52) of a drive (50), A steering wheel portion (40) configured to be incorporated into or connected to the steering wheel of the vehicle, the steering wheel portion comprising: a rotor (54) of the drive, wherein the rotor is configured to rotate about a ventilation axis (56), an impeller housing (60) configured to be incorporated in or connected to the steering wheel and configured to accommodate an impeller (70), the impeller housing having an air inlet (64) and an air outlet (66), the impeller (70) being positioned within the impeller housing, the impeller being connected to the rotor, the impeller being configured to pump air from the inlet into at least one air passage (68) connected to the outlet, The at least one air passage is connected to the air outlet at one end (69) and is configured to be in fluid communication with the hand-held portion of the steering wheel.

2. Steering wheel ventilation system according to the preceding claim, wherein The drive is a direct drive, in particular a radial flux motor (51), wherein the stator comprises a plurality of coils (53) positioned in an annular arrangement (58) and the rotor comprises a plurality of magnets (55) positioned in an annular arrangement (59).

3. A steering wheel ventilation system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an air gap (12) between the stator and the rotor, wherein: The air gap is in fluid communication with the air inlet of the impeller housing.

4. A steering wheel ventilation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The rotor is connected to a rear side (71) of the impeller, and wherein, in particular, the impeller comprises a plurality of blades (72), wherein the blades are positioned on a front side (73) of the impeller.

5. A steering wheel ventilation system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one support element (42) providing radial and axial support for the steering wheel portion.

6. A steering system (5) for a vehicle (1), the steering system comprising: a steering column (3), and Steering wheel (2), and A steering wheel ventilation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the steering column part (30) is integrated in the steering column or connected to the steering column, and wherein the steering wheel part (40) is integrated in the steering wheel or connected to the steering wheel, wherein at least one air passage (68) is in fluid communication with the handheld portion (20) of the steering wheel, The handheld portion (20) includes an air manifold (16), and the handheld portion (20) includes a plurality of holes (14) located in a wall (22) of the handheld portion (20), the holes (14) being used to allow air pumped by the impeller (70) through the air channel and the air manifold to pass through the holes to the outside.

7. Steering system according to the preceding claim, wherein: The impeller and the impeller housing (60) are positioned in a central portion (5) of the steering wheel.

8. The steering system according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein: The steering wheel is rotatable about a steering wheel rotation axis (6), and wherein the ventilation axis (56) is coaxial with the steering wheel rotation axis.

9. The steering system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The air inlet (64) is positioned on the rear side (7) of the steering wheel to draw air through the air gap (12).

10. The steering system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein: The steering wheel includes an air manifold (16) having a plurality of holes extending radially through the wall of the hand-held portion of the steering wheel.

11. The steering system according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein: The handheld part comprises a curved, in particular annular, tube (17), and wherein the air manifold is formed by the tube.

12. A vehicle (1), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a steering system according to any one of claims 6 to 11.

13. The vehicle according to the preceding claim, comprising a tablet computer (8), wherein The board computer controls the drive.

14. A vehicle according to any one of claims 13 to 14, comprising a power supply (9) in the range of 0 W to 20 W, wherein The driver is connected to the power source.

15. The vehicle according to the preceding claim, wherein The rotational speed of the impeller is controlled by adjusting the frequency of the current supplied by the power supply to the drive, and wherein, in particular, the torque of the drive is controlled by adjusting the current level of the current supplied by the power supply to the drive.

Images