Temperature-adjustable yoke type steering wheel

Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature-adjustable yoke type steering wheel which comprises a steering wheel body and a rim arranged around the steering wheel body. The wheel flange comprises two wheel flange ends and temperature regulating and controlling assemblies arranged in the wheel flange ends. The temperature regulation and control assembly comprises a shell which is in a hollow cylinder shape and is provided with a plurality of shell through holes; the motor is arranged in the shell; the fan is electrically connected with the motor in a drivable manner; and the electric heating piece is arranged close to the fan. And the motor and the electric heating piece are controlled by a switch. The fan and the electric heating piece are arranged in the rim, so that integration of a switch and digital signal broadcasting (DAB) is facilitated, temperature adjustment in the steering wheel is achieved, and a driver feels more comfortable; in addition, the air outlet can be hidden, so that the yoke type steering wheel is more compact and attractive in structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicles, and in particular to a temperature-adjustable yoke-type steering wheel. Background Art

[0002] With the development of the vehicle industry, the popularity of vehicles is increasing, and the competition in the vehicle industry is becoming more and more fierce. Drivers have higher and higher requirements for vehicle performance and comfort. The steering wheel is a component for vehicles to achieve turning and other operations. Improving the safety and comfort of the steering wheel is of great significance to the driving safety and driving experience of the vehicle.

[0003] When a driver is driving a vehicle, his hands may sweat more due to reasons such as hyperhidrosis, nervousness, or hot weather. Increased hand sweat reduces the driver's driving experience and affects the driver's driving operation. In addition, when hand sweat increases, the driver will wipe off the sweat during driving, which may cause the driver to take his hands off the steering wheel and distract his driving attention, increasing driving safety risks. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a temperature-adjustable yoke-type steering wheel.

[0005] The temperature-adjustable yoke-type steering wheel provided according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a steering wheel body and a rim. The rim is arranged around the steering wheel body. The rim comprises two rim ends and a temperature-adjustable component arranged inside the rim ends. The temperature-adjustable component comprises: a shell, which is in a hollow cylindrical shape and is provided with a plurality of shell through holes; a motor, which is arranged inside the shell; a fan, which is electrically connected to the motor in a drivable manner; and an electric heating element, which is arranged close to the fan. The motor and the electric heating element are controlled by a switch.

[0006] In some embodiments, the temperature control component further includes: an air duct outer component. An opening is provided at one end of the axially outer side of the shell; the cross-sectional shape of the air duct outer component perpendicular to the axial direction corresponds to the shape of the opening, and an air outlet gap is provided between the air duct outer component and the axially outer edge of the shell, so that the airflow generated by the fan is discharged through the air outlet gap.

[0007] In some embodiments, the temperature control component further includes: an air duct inner component, which is disposed inside the housing and coaxially disposed axially inside the air duct outer component. The air duct inner component includes an annular portion corresponding to the opening shape; the air outlet gap is formed between the air duct inner component and the air duct outer component, so that the airflow generated by the fan enters the air outlet gap through the hollow portion of the annular portion and is discharged.

[0008] In some embodiments, the radially outer edges of the duct outer component and the duct inner component are bent toward the axial inner side and are located radially outside the shell; the radial projections of the duct outer component and the duct inner component at least partially overlap, so that the air outlet of the air outlet gap faces the axial inner side.

[0009] In some embodiments, the air duct inner component further comprises a cylindrical portion, which is coaxially arranged on the axial inner side of the annular portion, and the hollow portion of the cylindrical portion is connected to the hollow portion of the annular portion, so that the cylindrical portion introduces the airflow generated by the fan into the air outlet gap.

[0010] In some embodiments, a rim frame is disposed inside the rim, and the air duct outer component is fixed to the rim frame.

[0011] In some embodiments, the wheel rim frame includes an axial section extending in the axial direction and a radial section extending from an axially outer end to a radially inner side. A receiving opening is provided on a side of the cylindrical portion corresponding to the wheel rim frame, for at least partially receiving the wheel rim frame. The radial section extends through the receiving opening to the hollow portion in the cylindrical portion. The air duct outer member is fixed to the radial section of the wheel rim frame through the annular portion and the hollow portion of the cylindrical portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the air duct outer component is fixed to the radial section of the wheel rim frame by bolts.

[0013] In some embodiments, the temperature control component further includes: an outer jacket, which covers the circumferential outer surface of the shell; the outer jacket is provided with a plurality of outer jacket pores, and the inner wall of the outer jacket is a metal mesh structure.

[0014] In some embodiments, the housing includes a first sub-portion and a second sub-portion divided along a circumferential direction.

[0015] By arranging the fan and the electric heating element inside the wheel rim, it is convenient to integrate the switch and the digital signal broadcasting (DAB) to realize the temperature adjustment in the steering wheel, so that the driver's hand feels more comfortable. In addition, the airflow generated by the fan can be discharged through the through-holes of the shell, and can also be discharged through the air outlet gap. In this way, not only can the temperature of the driver's palm be adjusted by blowing air through the through-holes of the shell, but also the temperature of the back of the driver's hand can be adjusted by blowing air through the air outlet gap, thereby achieving a better temperature adjustment effect on the driver's hand. In addition, the air outlet gap can be arranged between the outer part of the air duct and the axially outer edge of the shell, forming a hidden layout, which can make the structure of the yoke-type steering wheel more compact and beautiful. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other accompanying drawings can be obtained based on these accompanying drawings without paying creative work.

[0017] Figure 1 shows a front view of a yoke-type steering wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing a temperature control assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0019] Figure 3 An exploded schematic diagram of a temperature control component according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Reference numerals:

[0021] 1. Steering wheel body;

[0022] 2. rim; 20. rim end; 21. rim frame; 21a. axial section; 21b. radial section;

[0023] 200. Temperature control component; 201. Shell; 201a. First sub-section; 201b. Second sub-section; 2011. Shell through hole; 202. Motor; 203. Fan; 204. Electric heating element; 205. Air duct outer component; 206. Air outlet gap; 207. Air duct inner component; 2071. Annular portion; 2072. Cylindrical portion; 2073. Receiving opening; 208. Jacket; 2081. Jacket air hole; 2082. Metal mesh structure; 209. Bolt; 210. Bolt cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the described embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a temperature-adjustable yoke-type steering wheel is provided. Figure 1 shows a front view of a yoke-type steering wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing a temperature control assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 3 An exploded schematic diagram of a temperature control component according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Combination Figure 1-3 As shown, the temperature-adjustable yoke steering wheel comprises: a steering wheel body 1 and a rim 2. The rim 2 is arranged around the steering wheel body 1 and comprises two rim ends 20. Figure 1 As shown, in the temperature-adjustable yoke steering wheel, the rim 2 is generally semicircular and is arranged half around the steering wheel body 1. Specifically, for example, when the temperature-adjustable yoke steering wheel is not rotated, the rim 2 is semicircular at the bottom and has two rim ends 20 at the top. The driver can hold the two rim ends 20 with both hands to operate the temperature-adjustable yoke steering wheel. Of course, the temperature-adjustable yoke steering wheel can also be other structural shapes with rim ends, which are not limited here.

[0027] Furthermore, the wheel rim 2 includes a temperature control component 200 disposed inside the wheel rim end 20. Figure 2-3 As shown, the temperature control component 200 includes: a housing 201, which is in a hollow cylindrical shape and is provided with a plurality of housing through holes 2011; a motor 202, which is arranged inside the housing 201; a fan 203, which is electrically connected to the motor 202 in a drivable manner; and an electric heating element 204, which is arranged close to the fan 203. The motor 202 and the electric heating element 204 are controlled by a switch.

[0028] Specifically, when the switch controls the motor 202 to drive the fan 203 to work, and the electric heating element 204 is turned off, the airflow at room temperature generated by the fan 203 can flow to the outside of the rim end 20 through the multiple shell through holes 2011 on the shell 201. At this time, the driver's hands hold the two rim ends 20 respectively, so that the driver's hands, especially the palms, can be blown to adjust the temperature. For example, in a high temperature environment, the driver's hands can be cooled, and the problem of sweating on the palms affecting the driver's operation can be alleviated.

[0029] When the switch controls the motor 202 to drive the fan 203 to work, and the electric heating element 204 is started, the airflow generated by the fan 203 can be heated by the electric heating element 204, and then the heated airflow flows to the outside of the rim end 20 through the multiple shell through holes 2011 on the shell 201. At this time, the driver's hands hold the two rim ends 20 respectively, so that the driver's hands, especially the palms, can be blown to adjust the temperature. For example, in a low temperature environment, the driver's hands are heated and warmed, and the problem of sweating in the palms affecting the driver's operation can be alleviated.

[0030] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 2-3As shown, the temperature control component 200 further includes: an air duct outer member 205. An opening is provided at one end of the axially outer side of the housing 201. The cross-sectional shape of the air duct outer member 205 perpendicular to the axial direction corresponds to the shape of the opening, and an air outlet gap 206 is provided between the air duct outer member 205 and the axially outer edge of the housing 201, so that the airflow generated by the fan 203 is discharged through the air outlet gap 206.

[0031] By providing the air duct outer member 205, an air outlet gap 206 is formed between the air duct outer member 205 and the axially outer edge of the housing 201. In this way, the airflow generated by the fan 203 can not only flow to the outside of the rim end 20 through the multiple housing through holes 2011 on the housing 201, but also flow to the outside of the rim end 20 through the air outlet gap 206. By providing the air outlet gap 206, the airflow generated by the fan 203 can also adjust the temperature of the driver's back of the hand, thereby alleviating the sweating problem.

[0032] Furthermore, the temperature control component 200 further includes: an air duct inner component 207. The air duct inner component 207 is disposed inside the housing 201 and is coaxially disposed on the axial inner side of the air duct outer component 205. The air duct inner component 207 includes an annular portion 2071 corresponding to the opening shape; the air outlet gap 206 is formed between the air duct inner component 207 and the air duct outer component 205, so that the airflow generated by the fan 203 enters the air outlet gap 206 through the hollow portion of the annular portion 2071 to be discharged.

[0033] By setting the air duct inner component 207, an annular slit structure is formed between the air duct outer component 205 and the air duct inner component 207 as an air duct for the air flow, which can better guide the air flow generated by the fan 203, so that the temperature control component 200 can obtain a better air outlet effect, thereby improving the temperature regulation effect and sweat removal effect on the driver's hands.

[0034] Further, the radially outer edges of the air duct outer component 205 and the air duct inner component 207 are bent toward the axial inner side and are located radially outside the housing 201. The radial projections of the air duct outer component 205 and the air duct inner component 207 at least partially overlap, so that the air outlet of the air outlet gap 206 faces the axial inner side.

[0035] By making the air outlet of the air outlet gap 206 formed by the air duct outer member 205 and the air duct inner member 207 face the axial inner side, the airflow generated by the fan 203 can be directed toward the area where the driver's hands are held, especially the back of the hands, so that the temperature regulation effect and the sweat removal effect on the driver's hands can be further improved.

[0036] It can be understood that the bending direction of the radially outer edges of the air duct outer component 205 and the air duct inner component 207 can be parallel to the axial direction toward the axial inside, or can have a certain angle with the axial direction, so as to better make the air outlet of the air outlet gap 206 face the back of the driver's hand area.

[0037] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 2-3 As shown, the air duct inner component 207 further includes a cylindrical portion 2072. The cylindrical portion 2072 is coaxially disposed on the axial inner side of the annular portion 2071, and the hollow portion of the cylindrical portion 2072 is connected to the hollow portion of the annular portion 2071, so that the cylindrical portion 2072 introduces the airflow generated by the fan 203 into the air outlet gap 206.

[0038] Optionally, the fan 203 and the electric heating element 204 can be arranged inside the cylindrical portion 2072, so that a part of the airflow generated by the fan 203 can be more easily introduced into the air outlet gap 206, while another part of the airflow generated by the fan 203 flows out from the opening part of the cylindrical portion 2072 facing the axial inside, and flows to the outside of the rim end 20 through a plurality of shell through holes 2011 on the shell 201.

[0039] Since the air outlet gap 206 formed between the air duct outer component 205 and the air duct inner component 207 has a smaller air outlet surface, and the shell 201 arranged with multiple shell through holes 2011 has a larger air outlet surface, a cylindrical portion 2072 is provided on the air duct inner component 207, and the fan 203 and the electric heating element 204 are provided inside the cylindrical portion 2072, which can better balance the air outlet volume of the shell through holes 2011 and the air outlet gap 206, and thus can better balance the temperature regulation effect and sweat removal effect on the palms and backs of the driver's hands.

[0040] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 2-3 As shown, a rim frame 21 is disposed inside the rim 2 , and the air duct outer component 205 is fixed to the rim frame 21 .

[0041] Specifically, the wheel rim frame 21 includes an axial section 21a extending in the axial direction and a radial section 21b extending from an axially outer end to a radially inner side. A receiving opening 2073 is provided on one side of the cylindrical portion 2072 corresponding to the wheel rim frame 21, which is used to at least partially receive the wheel rim frame 21, so as to further save space and make the structure of the temperature control component 200 more compact. The radial section 21b extends to the hollow part in the cylindrical portion 2072 through the receiving opening 2073. The air duct outer component 205 is fixed to the radial section 21b of the wheel rim frame 21 through the hollow part of the annular portion 2071 and the cylindrical portion 2072.

[0042] The wheel rim frame 21 can support the overall structure of the wheel rim 2 , and fixing the air duct outer component 205 to the wheel rim frame 21 can make the installation of the air duct outer component 205 more firm and stable.

[0043] For example, the air duct outer member 205 may be fixed to the radial section 21b of the wheel rim frame 21 by bolts 209. Optionally, a bolt cover 210 may be provided at one axially outer end of the air duct outer member 205, which is used to be provided at the axial end of the air duct outer member 205 to cover the bolt 209, so as to ensure the stable connection of the bolt 209 and make the temperature-adjustable yoke steering wheel more beautiful.

[0044] Of course, the air duct outer component 205 may also be fixed to the radial section 21 b of the wheel rim frame 21 in other ways, which are not limited here.

[0045] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 2-3 As shown, the temperature control component 200 further includes: a jacket 208, which covers the outer surface of the shell 201 in the circumferential direction. The jacket 208 can be made of leather, for example, and has a certain degree of flexibility, so that the driver has a good touch feeling and can protect the shell 201.

[0046] The outer sleeve 208 is provided with a plurality of outer sleeve air holes 2081 , which enable the airflow generated by the fan 203 to flow through the shell through hole 2011 and then flow to the outside of the rim end 20 through the outer sleeve air holes 2081 of the outer sleeve 208 .

[0047] Alternatively, if Figure 3As shown, the inner wall of the outer jacket 208 may be a metal mesh structure 2082. The aperture of the housing through hole 2011 of the housing 201 is relatively large, much larger than the aperture of the mesh of the metal mesh structure 2082. Therefore, the metal mesh structure 2082 can not only support the surface of the outer jacket 208, but also shield the housing through hole 2011 with a relatively large aperture on the housing 201, and at the same time facilitate air circulation.

[0048] In some optional embodiments, the shell 201 may be made of a plastic material. The use of plastic material makes it easier to make holes in the shell (ie, it is easier to manufacture the shell through holes 2011) for better ventilation.

[0049] The housing 201 may include a first sub-section 201a and a second sub-section 201b divided along the circumferential direction. That is, the cross-sections of the first sub-section 201a and the second sub-section 201b are semicircular structures. The housing 201 is provided with the first sub-section 201a and the second sub-section 201b, which is convenient for the installation and disassembly of the housing 201, thereby saving more space for the layout of the internal components.

[0050] By arranging the fan 203 and the electric heating element 204 inside the wheel rim 2, it is convenient to integrate DAB to achieve temperature regulation in the steering wheel, so that the driver's hand feels more comfortable. In addition, the airflow generated by the fan 203 can be discharged through the shell through hole 2011 or through the air outlet gap 206. In this way, not only can the driver's palm be blown by air through the shell through hole 2011 to adjust the temperature, but also the driver's back of the hand can be blown by air through the air outlet gap 206 to adjust the temperature, thereby achieving a better temperature regulation effect on the driver's hand. In addition, the air outlet gap 206 can be arranged between the air duct outer component 205 and the axial outer edge of the shell 201, forming a hidden layout, which can make the structure of the yoke-type steering wheel more compact and beautiful.

[0051] Although possible embodiments are described by way of example in the above description, it should be understood that there are still a large number of variations of embodiments through the combination of all known and other technical features and embodiments that are easily conceivable to the skilled person. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiment is only an example and that such an embodiment in no way limits the scope of protection, application and configuration of the present invention. The above description is more to provide the skilled person with a technical guide for converting at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein various changes can be made, especially changes in the functions and structures of the components, as long as they do not depart from the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A temperature-adjustable yoke steering wheel, characterized in that: include: A steering wheel body (1); and A wheel rim (2) arranged around the steering wheel body (1), the wheel rim (2) comprising two wheel rim ends (20) and a temperature control component (200) arranged inside the wheel rim ends (20); Wherein, the temperature control component (200) comprises: A shell (201) which is in a hollow cylindrical shape and is provided with a plurality of shell through holes (2011); A motor (202) disposed inside the housing (201); a fan (203) electrically connected to the motor (202) in a drivable manner; and An electric heating element (204) is arranged close to the fan (203); Wherein, the motor (202) and the electric heating element (204) are controlled by a switch.

2. The temperature-adjustable yoke steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature control component (200) further includes: an air duct outer component (205); An opening is provided at one end of the shell (201) on the axial outer side; the cross-sectional shape of the air duct outer component (205) perpendicular to the axial direction corresponds to the shape of the opening, and an air outlet gap (206) is provided between the air duct outer component (205) and the edge of the axial outer side of the shell (201), so that the airflow generated by the fan (203) is discharged through the air outlet gap (206).

3. The temperature-adjustable yoke steering wheel according to claim 2, characterized in that: The temperature control component (200) further comprises: an air duct inner component (207), which is arranged inside the housing (201) and is coaxially arranged on the axial inner side of the air duct outer component (205); The air duct inner component (207) comprises an annular portion (2071) corresponding to the opening shape; the air outlet gap (206) is formed between the air duct inner component (207) and the air duct outer component (205), so that the airflow generated by the fan (203) enters the air outlet gap (206) through the hollow part of the annular portion (2071) to be discharged.

4. The temperature-adjustable yoke steering wheel according to claim 3, characterized in that: The radially outer edges of the air duct outer component (205) and the air duct inner component (207) are bent toward the axial inner side and are located radially outside the shell (201); the radial projections of the air duct outer component (205) and the air duct inner component (207) at least partially overlap, so that the air outlet of the air outlet gap (206) faces axially inward.

5. The temperature-adjustable yoke steering wheel according to claim 3, characterized in that: The air duct inner component (207) also includes a cylindrical portion (2072); the cylindrical portion (2072) is coaxially arranged on the axial inner side of the annular portion (2071), and the hollow portion of the cylindrical portion (2072) is connected to the hollow portion of the annular portion (2071), so that the cylindrical portion (2072) introduces the airflow generated by the fan (203) into the air outlet gap (206).

6. The temperature-adjustable yoke steering wheel according to claim 5, characterized in that: A wheel rim frame (21) is arranged inside the wheel rim (2), and the air duct outer component (205) is fixed to the wheel rim frame (21).

7. The temperature-adjustable yoke steering wheel according to claim 6, characterized in that: The wheel rim frame (21) comprises an axial section (21a) extending in the axial direction and a radial section (21b) bent and extended toward the radial inside at one end of the axial outside; A receiving opening (2073) is provided on one side of the cylindrical portion (2072) corresponding to the wheel rim frame (21) for at least partially receiving the wheel rim frame (21); the radial section (21b) extends through the receiving opening (2073) to the hollow portion in the cylindrical portion (2072); The air duct outer component (205) is fixed to the radial section (21b) of the wheel rim frame (21) through the hollow parts of the annular portion (2071) and the cylindrical portion (2072).

8. The temperature-adjustable yoke steering wheel according to claim 7, characterized in that: The air duct outer component (205) is fixed to the radial section (21b) of the wheel rim frame (21) by means of bolts (209).

9. The temperature-adjustable yoke steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature control component (200) further comprises: an outer jacket (208) which covers the circumferential outer surface of the shell (201); the outer jacket (208) is provided with a plurality of outer jacket pores (2081); and the inner wall of the outer jacket (208) is a metal mesh structure (2082).

10. The temperature-adjustable yoke steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (201) includes a first sub-portion (201a) and a second sub-portion (201b) divided along the circumferential direction.

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