Device for installing and uninstalling steering wheel trim

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for installing and uninstalling an elastomeric band or trim arranged in a slot located on the perimeter of a part of a movement transmission system such as a pulley or steering wheel. In addition, the invention relates to a method for manipulating a steering wheel trim, comprising the steps of arranging a support of the steering wheel trim manipulation device on a solid structure contiguous to a steering wheel that accommodates a trim; positioning the tool such that it makes contact with the trim; and rotating the steering wheel to start manipulating the trim.

Description

[0001] STEERING WHEEL GARNISH INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL DEVICE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This disclosure relates to devices, tools and methods for installing and uninstalling elastomeric elements on pulleys, flywheels, discs or other parts that are part of a motion transmission system.

[0004] DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0005] In cable car-type transportation systems, traction pulleys, also known as drive wheels, perform the function of properly transmitting motion from a drive system to the supporting cable, where vehicles such as cabins or chairs are positioned and moved, enabling the transportation of people. Maintaining the components of these transportation systems in top condition is of great importance for the safety of people and the lifespan of the system. For example, the flywheels have linings that are "belt-like" elements, usually made of elastomeric materials. The linings are arranged around the outer perimeter of the drive and return flywheels, in an annular groove, and are intended to prevent metal-to-metal contact between the flywheel and the cable, thereby extending their lifespan.

[0006] Due to the nature of these systems' operation, the gaskets require no maintenance and must be replaced whenever necessary. Historically, gasket replacement has not involved any tools specifically designed for this task, requiring operators to perform a manual change, which requires a significant investment of time and physical effort, in addition to completely shutting down the system.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for safe and time-saving tools for replacing flywheel gaskets in cable car-type transportation systems. Disclosures such as CN203621873U and CN201186379Y are identified in the prior art, which relate to devices for installing and removing flywheel gaskets.

[0008] Document CN203621873U discloses an integrated assembly and disassembly device for a rubber wheel lining of a cable car cable pulley. Said device comprises: a frame body; a large drum; a small drum; and a conical sleeve, in which the large drum and the small drum are combined with the frame body.

[0009] Document CN201186379Y discloses equipment for removing the rubber lining of a cable car pulley wheel. This device comprises: a removal bracket, a mounting bracket, a hydraulic station, and an electrical control box, in which an upper hydraulic cylinder is installed. A pressure disc is arranged on the lower end of an upper hydraulic cylinder in an upper portion of the removal bracket.

[0010] On the other hand, in the state of the art, devices are known that cut the elastomeric gasket or band longitudinally to facilitate its manual removal, but do not extract it.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need in the state of the art for installing and removing steering wheel trim that does not require the steering wheel to be removed from the drive system to which it belongs.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0013] A steering wheel lining manipulation device comprising an arm with a first end and a second end, a support connected to the first end of the arm; and a tool connected to the second end of the arm. Specifically, the tool is arranged at an angle of attack (a) relative to the lining.

[0014] Furthermore, the present development corresponds to a steering wheel trim manipulation method comprising the steps of:

[0015] - arranging a support of the steering wheel trim manipulation device of Claim 1 on a solid structure adjacent to a steering wheel housing a trim;

[0016] - position the tool so that it makes contact with the gasket; and

[0017] - turn the steering wheel to start handling the trim.

[0018] Additionally, before the step of turning the steering wheel, said method may include steps to uninstall the steering wheel trim such as:

[0019] - make a through cut in the trim; and

[0020] - inserting a removal tool into the through cut made in the lining, such that the removal tool is positioned between the flywheel and the lining at an angle of attack (a); whereby, by rotating the flywheel, the removal tool is inserted between the lining and the flywheel to separate them and remove the lining.

[0021] On the other hand, when a trim is to be installed on the steering wheel, the method may include installation steps such as:

[0022] - position the tool so that it makes contact with the trim, where the tool is an installation tool; and

[0023] - Press the gasket with the installation tool into a groove around the perimeter of the steering wheel; where, by rotating the steering wheel, the installation tool presses the gasket into the groove of the steering wheel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a steering wheel trim manipulation device comprising a support, an arm and a tool.

[0025] FIG. 2A and 2B show an embodiment of a tool that is a removal tool for a steering wheel trim manipulation device.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a steering wheel lining handling device comprising a support, an arm, and a lining reprofiling tool.

[0027] FIG. 4A and 4B shows an embodiment of a tool which is a reprofiling tool of a flywheel lining handling device.

[0028] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a steering wheel trim manipulation device comprising a bracket, an arm, and a trim installation tool.

[0029] FIG. 6A and 6B show an embodiment of a tool which is a reprofiling tool of a flywheel lining handling device.

[0030] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a steering wheel trim manipulation device comprising a bracket, an arm, and a removal tool, wherein the removal tool is removing a trim.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present disclosure corresponds to a flywheel packing (5) manipulation device that allows operations to be performed on a packing (5) of a pulley or flywheel (hereinafter flywheel). Particularly, the flywheel packing (5) manipulation device can carry out the activities of manipulating an elastomeric band of a drive flywheel, without the need to uninstall the flywheel and minimizing the downtime, or inoperability time of the system containing the flywheel.

[0033] For the purposes of understanding this disclosure, a gasket (5) will be understood as an elastomeric band that is arranged in a groove located on the perimeter of a part of a motion transmission system such as a pulley or flywheel. Said gaskets may be in the form of a complete ring that is arranged on the perimeter of the flywheel, or they may correspond to a plurality of band sections that are arranged consecutively around the perimeter.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the disclosure, the steering wheel trim manipulation device (5) comprises an arm (1) with a first end (la) and a second end (Ib), a support (2) that is connected to the first end (la) of the arm (1); and a tool (3) that is connected to the second end (Ib) of the arm (1).

[0035] In particular, the tool (3) comes into contact with the fitting (5) to perform the desired handling activity, which may be installation, uninstallation or reprofiling.

[0036] The steering wheel trim manipulation device (5) includes the support (2) that is responsible for holding the arm (2) and therefore in turn the tool (3). Additionally, the support (1) is configured to be fixed to a solid structure that is near the steering wheel, such as the floor around the steering wheel, a wall adjacent to the steering wheel or a structural beam. One of the technical effects of the support (2) is that it allows the steering wheel trim manipulation device (5) to be maintained in the same spatial position, at a certain height and distance from the steering wheel. On the other hand, the support (2) allows the transmission of forces to the solid structure, said forces being generated when the steering wheel trim manipulation device (5) is in use. In some embodiments of the invention, the support (2) is manufactured from a rigid material such as plastic, metal or composite materials.For example, the support (2) can be manufactured in carbon steel, iron castings, galvanized iron, chromium steels, chromium-nickel steels, chromium-nickel-titanium steels, nickel-chromium-molybdenum-tungsten alloy, chromium-molybdenum ferrous alloys, ASTM A36 steel, 301 stainless steel, 302 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, 405 stainless steel, 410 stainless steel, 430 stainless steel, 442 stainless steel, manganese alloy steel, any material for manufacturing structural elements known to a person of ordinary skill in the art and combinations of the foregoing. In a particular example, the material of the support (2) is ASTM A36 steel.

[0037] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the support (2) can be a plate with holes, where the shape of the plate can be selected from the group consisting of squares, triangles, circles, rectangles, pentagons, trapezoids, ellipses, rhombuses, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, decagons, irregular shapes, or any other shape known to a person moderately versed in the subject, and combinations of the above.

[0038] In this case, the connection between the support (2) and the solid structure may be temporary or fixed, and may be made by means of a fixing element. The fixing element may be selected from the group consisting of screws, bolts, nuts, rivets, studs, pins, wedges, clamps, welds, or equivalent elements that are known to a person moderately versed in the art and combinations of the above. In a particular example, the support (2) is temporarily connected to the solid structure by means of screws.

[0039] In another particular example, the support (2) may be a frame, wherein said frame is arranged in the solid structure. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the connection between the support (2) and the solid structure is fixed, therefore, the fixing element may be welding. On the other hand, the steering wheel trim manipulation device (5) has the arm (1) that is connected at its first end (la) to the support (2), said arm (1) allows the tool (3) to be held and located in a desired position with respect to the steering wheel.

[0040] The arm (1) may be an elongated profile that is connected at a first end (Ia) to the support (2) by means of a fixing element or a joint, and at a second end (Ib) to the tool (3).

[0041] In a particular example, the arm (1) is held in a single position, in these cases the fixing element can be selected from the group consisting of: screws, bolts, nuts, rivets, studs, pins, wedges, clamps, welds, or equivalent elements that are known to a person moderately versed in the subject and combinations of the above.

[0042] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the joint is selected from the group consisting of pivot hinges, pivot mechanisms with rotation, steering pivot, hydraulic pivot, a hinge type joint or other type of joints known to a person averagely versed in the art and combinations of the foregoing. In a particular example, the joint is a hinge type joint. One of the technical effects of using a hinge type joint to connect the arm (1) and the support (2) is that it allows the arm (1) to be the means for the tool (3) to move away from and towards the trim (5), that is, the steering wheel itself.

[0043] The arm (1) may correspond to a bar, a structural profile, a plate, or another element known to a person moderately versed in the subject.

[0044] The arm (1) is made of a material that is capable of withstanding the stresses imposed by the fitting (5) by generating resistance to the work of the tool (3). For this reason, and like the support (2), in some embodiments of the invention the arm (1) is manufactured from a rigid material such as plastic, metal or composite materials.Ideally, the arm (1) can be manufactured from a metallic material such as: carbon steel, iron castings, galvanized iron, chromium steels, chromium-nickel steels, chromium-nickel-titanium steels, nickel-chromium-molybdenum-tungsten alloy, chromium-molybdenum ferrous alloys, ASTM A36 steel, 301 stainless steel, 302 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, 405 stainless steel, 410 stainless steel, 430 stainless steel, 442 stainless steel, manganese alloy steel, any material for manufacturing structural elements known to a person of ordinary skill in the art and combinations of the foregoing. In a particular example, the arm (1) is manufactured from ASTM A36 steel.

[0045] However, it has been shown that it could be manufactured with steels or metals with better mechanical properties, to prevent it from bending when subjected to the stresses caused mainly during the installation of the elastomeric band.

[0046] The length of the arm (1) depends on the distance between the support (2) and the steering wheel. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the length of the arm (1) is between 100 mm and 1000 mm. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the length of the arm (1) is between 200 mm and 600 mm. In a particular example, the length of the arm (1) is 300 mm.

[0047] On the other hand, the arm (1) may have a telescopic or extendable configuration that allows its length to be easily modified according to need. One of the technical effects of the above is that it allows the support (2) to be located at different distances from the steering wheel.

[0048] On the other hand, and referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the steering wheel trim manipulation device (5) has the tool (3) that is connected to the second end (Ib) of the arm (1). In one embodiment of the disclosure, the tool (3) has a first end (3a) and a second end (3b), wherein the second end (3b) of the tool (3) is connected to the second end (Ib) of the arm (1) and the first end (3a) of the tool (3) comes into contact with the trim (5).

[0049] In particular, the steering wheel packing (5) manipulation device allows the tool (3) to be held in a solid structure close to the steering wheel and the packing (5), which makes it portable, lightweight and easy to introduce into the area where the mechanical parts of the cable car type transport systems are located, which are usually in small spaces.

[0050] Additionally, the tool (3) allows different activities of handling of the trim (5), such as the activities of disassembly, installation and reprofiling of a trim (5). One of the effects of being able to use different tools (3) in the device of the disclosure, is that it allows different activities of handling of the trim (5) to be carried out in a fraction of the time that would be needed without it, decreasing the frequency and necessary labor. With the above, work accidents and the human force required to carry out the activities of handling the trim (5) are reduced.

[0051] The connection between the tool (3) and the arm (1) is made by means of a fixing element, said connection can be temporary or fixed, depending on the need. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the fixing element can be selected from the group consisting of screws, bolts, nuts, rivets, studs, pins, wedges, clamps, welds, or equivalent elements that are known to a person moderately versed in the subject and combinations of the above.

[0052] In a particular embodiment, the connection between the tool (3) and the arm (1) is temporary and the fixing element is a pin that passes through one or more perforations that may be arranged at the second end (Ib) of the arm (1) and at the second end (Ib) of the tool (3). The perforations of the arm (1) and the perforations of the tool (3) are arranged coaxially with each other.

[0053] On the other hand, in another embodiment of the disclosure, the connection between the tool (3) and the arm (1) is fixed and the fixing element is welding, in this case, the second end (Ib) of the tool (3) is welded to the second end (Ib) of the arm (1).

[0054] In another particular example, the tool (3) and the arm (1) can form a single solid body. Furthermore, the tool (3) can be arranged at different angles of attack, preferably, the first end (3a) of the tool (3) is arranged between the steering wheel and the fitting (5) to be manipulated.

[0055] For the purposes of understanding this disclosure, the angle of attack is defined as the angle between an imaginary line tangent to a perimeter surface of the steering wheel and the longitudinal axis of the arm (1) of the steering wheel trim manipulation device (5). The angle of attack that is selected will depend on the manipulation that is to be performed on the trim (5).

[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the disclosure, the angle of attack (a) may be between 3 o at 80°. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the angle of attack (a) may be between 7 o and 60°. In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, the angle of attack (a) may be between 10° and 35°. In a particular example, the angle of attack (a) is 20°.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6B, in one embodiment of the disclosure, the tool (3) may correspond to an installation tool, a removal tool, or a reprofiling tool.

[0058] One of the activities that can be performed with the flywheel trim handling device (5) is uninstallation, in this operation the trim (5) is removed from the flywheel. In the trim (5) uninstallation activity performed with the flywheel trim handling device (5), the tool (3) is a uninstallation tool. One of the technical effects of the tool (3) being a uninstallation tool is that the detachment of the trim (5) is homogeneous and does not require further subsequent cleaning of the flywheel. In addition, a continuous uninstallation activity is obtained, i.e. the entire trim (5) is detached at the same time and not in fractions. Referring to FIG.1 and 2, in one embodiment of the disclosure, the tool (3) is a removal tool that may correspond to a burin with a base and a head in the shape of a triangular prism, where one of the edges of the prism is sharp and allows the insertion of the tool (3) into the gasket (5) or between said gasket (5) and the perimeter surface of the steering wheel.

[0059] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the sharp edge of the head has a length similar to the width of the fitting (5) to be removed. In particular, and with reference to FIG. 7, the sharp edge of the head is inserted passively into the fitting (5) and subsequently the sharp edge is located between the flywheel and the fitting (5), such that one of the faces of the triangular prism faces a longitudinal surface of the fitting (5). When the flywheel rotates, the sharp edge evenly separates the fitting (5) from the flywheel. The above is achieved due to the angle of attack (a) between the tool and the surface of the flywheel, which in this case is selected between 10° and 35°. In a particular example, the angle of attack (a) is 20°.

[0060] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the hardness of the tool (3), in this case a removal tool, may be less than the hardness of the flywheel material to avoid damage to said flywheel.

[0061] The material of the removal tool (3) may be selected from the group consisting of metals such as carbon steel, iron castings, galvanized iron, chromium steels, chromium-nickel steels, chromium-nickel-titanium steels, nickel-chromium-molybdenum-tungsten alloy, ferrous chromium-molybdenum alloys, ASTM A36 steel, 301 stainless steel, 302 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, 405 stainless steel, 410 stainless steel, 430 stainless steel, 442 stainless steel, manganese alloy steel, any material for manufacturing structural elements known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and combinations of the foregoing. In a particular example, the removal tool (3) is manufactured from ASTM A36 steel. In particular, the removal tool (3) has a tool angle (b) that can be selected between 10° and 50°.In a particular example, the tool angle (b) is 24°.

[0062] Another activity that can be performed with the steering wheel trim manipulation device (5) is installation. Once the used trim (5) has been removed, it must be replaced with a new one. In this case, the installation tool (3) is configured to exert pressure between the trim (5) and the steering wheel for its correct installation. One of the technical effects of using an installation tool (3) is that it is possible to perform continuous installation of the trim (5), applying the specific pressure required according to the characteristics of the trim (5) and the steering wheel.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, in one embodiment of the disclosure, the tool (3) is an installation tool corresponding to a wheel. In a particular example, the wheel is connected by means of an axle to a base that has one end that is connected to the second end (Ib) of the arm (1), where said axis of the wheel can be perpendicular to the arm (1).

[0064] In a particular example, the perimeter surface of the wheel may have a thickness similar to the width of the lining (5) to be installed. Initially, one of the ends of the lining (5) is inserted into a channel in the steering wheel with the help of the wheel that presses said lining (5). Subsequently, the steering wheel must be turned so that the wheel rotates in the opposite direction to the steering wheel and said wheel gradually presses, in sections, the lining (5).

[0065] The installation tool wheel material may be selected from the group consisting of polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC); chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC); polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamides (PA) (e.g., PA12, PA6, PA66); polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE); polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF); polytetrafluoride (PTFE); ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE); fiber-reinforced plastics (e.g., polyester, vinylester, epoxy, and vinyl resins) (e.g., fiberglass, aramid, and polyester), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), or combinations thereof. In a particular example, the material of the installation tool may be polyamide 6.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 6A and 6B, in one embodiment of the disclosure, when the removal tool is a wheel, said wheel may have a diameter (d) between 100 mm and 1000 mm. In a particular example, the wheel may have a diameter of 200 mm.

[0067] On the other hand, when the removal tool is a wheel, said wheel may have a height (AL) of 50 mm to 500 mm. In one particular example, the wheel may have a height (AL) of 100 mm.

[0068] Another activity that can be carried out with the steering wheel trim manipulation device (5) is reprofiling. After installation, in some cases it is necessary to reprofile the trim (5), which modifies the path and / or location of a movement transmission element, such as a cable or belt, which is placed on the surface of the trim (5).

[0069] The above improves the useful life of said lining (5) and of the motion transmission element. One of the technical effects of carrying out the reprofiling activity with the steering wheel lining handling device (5) is that it allows a continuous reprofiling activity, homogeneously along the section or sections of the lining (5) that need to be modified.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 4 A, and FIG. 4B, in one embodiment of the disclosure, the tool (3) is a reprofiling tool that corresponds to a burin with a base and a head with a curved or straight edge that is inserted into the surface of the lining (5) to modify its cross section. Preferably, the edge of the reprofiling tool is curved and concave with respect to the arm (1) to create a channel-shaped cut in the lining (5). Unlike the removal tool, the reprofiling tool, which in this case is the burin, is inserted in a non-through manner into the lining (5), to a predetermined depth. When the handwheel rotates, the sharp edge of the burin tears off a portion of the lining (5) such that the cross section of the lining (5) is modified.

[0071] In the case of the reprofiling tool, the angle of attack (a) can preferably be selected between 10° and 35°. In a particular example, the angle of attack (a) of a reprofiling tool is 20°.

[0072] The reprofiling tool material may be selected from the group consisting of a metallic material such as: carbon steel, iron castings, galvanized iron, chromium steels, chromium-nickel steels, chromium-nickel-titanium steels, nickel-chromium-molybdenum-tungsten alloy, chromium-molybdenum ferrous alloys, ASTM A36 steel, 301 stainless steel, 302 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, 405 stainless steel, 410 stainless steel, 430 stainless steel, 442 stainless steel, manganese alloy steel, any material for manufacturing structural elements known to one of ordinary skill in the art, and combinations thereof. In a particular example, the reprofiling tool is manufactured from ASTM A36 steel.

[0073] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the curved edge of the burin has a radius (r) between 10 mm and 100 mm. In a particular example, the curved edge of the burin has a radius (r) of 28 mm.

[0074] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the flywheel trim manipulation device (5) has a tool holder, by which the tool (3) is connected to the arm (1). One of the effects of using tool holders is that they withstand the cutting forces without suffering vibrations during operation. On the other hand, the tool holders allow precision in the location of the tip of the tool (3), this is important since, as mentioned above, an important parameter is the angle of attack (a) of the tool (3) to achieve correct manipulation.

[0075] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the tool holder may be a screw mechanism that allows controlling the movement and position of the tool (3) with respect to the fitting (5) to be worked on.

[0076] On the other hand, and referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the disclosure, the steering wheel trim manipulation device (5) may have an actuator (4), the actuator (4) being connected to the arm (1) at a point between the first and second ends (Ib) of said arm (1). The actuator (4) makes it possible to control the pressure that the tool (3) arranged in the arm (1), exerts against the trim (5).

[0077] For the purposes of understanding this disclosure, it should be understood that the actuator is a device that converts a mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical force into a movement or force that is transmitted to another device or part.

[0078] On the other hand, the actuator (4) can be supported on the support (2), as seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, or on another structure independent of the steering wheel trim manipulation device (5).

[0079] Optionally, the actuator (4) is pivotally connected to the support (2) and the arm (1). This provides flexibility in handling operations.

[0080] In particular, the connection between the arm (1) and the actuator (4) and as mentioned above, it can be pivoting, so that when the actuator (4) is actuated, the arm (1) pivots, which causes the angle of attack of the tool (3) to change and also the force applied to the fitting (5). In other words, the actuator (4) moves the arm (1), moving it away from or closer to the fitting (5) and in addition, the actuator (4) applies a force to the arm (1) that is transmitted to the tool (3) to install, uninstall or reprofile the fitting (5) and prevent said tool (3) from moving back due to the opposing force exerted by the fitting (5). The advantages of using an actuator are that it allows the arm (1) to be maintained in a rigid position to prevent it from being displaced by the opposing force exerted by the fitting (5).

[0081] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the actuator (4) may be a screw actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or a mechanical actuator. In a particular example, the actuator (4) is a hydraulic actuator.

[0082] In another aspect of the disclosure, a steering wheel trim (5) handling system can be formed, comprising at least two steering wheel trim (5) handling devices, each steering wheel trim (5) handling device with a different tool (3). This allows several activities to be carried out at the same time, such as installation and uninstallation at the same time, or even uninstallation, installation and reprofiling at the same time.

[0083] In one embodiment of the invention, two steering wheel trim handling devices (5) may be arranged adjacent to a steering wheel in order to perform two handling processes at the same time, such that in a first steering wheel trim handling device (5) the tool (3) is a removal tool and in a second steering wheel trim handling device (5) the tool (3) is an installation tool. Preferably, these steering wheel trim handling devices (5) are diametrically opposed to the steering wheel so that while the used trim (5) is being removed on one side, the new trim (5) is being installed on the other side of the steering wheel. The above possibility allows two handling activities to be carried out continuously and safely.

[0084] Now, the present disclosure also relates to a method of manipulating a flywheel trim (5) comprising the steps of: arranging the support (2) of the flywheel trim manipulation device (5) on a solid structure adjacent to a flywheel that houses a trim (5); locating the tool (3) so that it makes contact with the trim (5); and rotating the flywheel to start manipulating the trim (5).Particularly, when the uninstallation activity is to be performed, the method for manipulating the steering wheel trim (5) comprises the following steps: arranging the support (2) of the steering wheel trim (5) manipulation device on a solid structure adjacent to a steering wheel that houses a trim (5); locating the tool (3) so that it comes into contact with the trim (5), wherein the tool (3) is a uninstallation tool; making a through cut in the trim (5); inserting the uninstallation tool into the through cut made in the trim (5), so that the uninstallation tool is arranged between the steering wheel and the trim (5) at an angle of attack (a); and turning the steering wheel to start manipulating the trim (5); where, by turning the steering wheel, the removal tool is inserted between the gasket (5) and the steering wheel to separate them and remove the gasket (5).

[0085] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the through cut can be performed with the tool (3) or with another cutting tool.

[0086] Furthermore, the angle of attack (a) is defined as the angle between an imaginary line tangent to a peripheral surface of the steering wheel and the longitudinal axis of the arm (1) of the steering wheel trim manipulation device (5).

[0087] On the other hand, when the installation activity is to be carried out, the steering wheel trim (5) manipulation method comprises the steps: arranging the support (2) of the steering wheel trim (5) manipulation device on a solid structure adjacent to a steering wheel that houses a trim (5); locating the tool (3) so that it makes contact with the trim (5), where the tool (3) is an installation tool; positioning a trim (5) on the perimeter of the steering wheel; pressing the trim (5) with the installation tool so that it enters a groove in the perimeter of the steering wheel; and turning the steering wheel to start manipulating the trim (5); where, by turning the steering wheel, the installation tool presses the trim (5) to introduce it into the groove of the steering wheel.

[0088] Additionally, when the reprofiling activity is to be carried out, the steering wheel lining (5) manipulation method comprises the steps: arranging the support (2) of the steering wheel lining (5) manipulation device on a solid structure adjacent to a steering wheel that houses a lining (5); locating the tool (3) so that it makes contact with the lining (5), where the tool (3) is a reprofiling tool; making a non-through cut in the lining (5); introducing, at a predetermined distance, the reprofiling tool into the non-through cut made in the lining (5), where the reprofiling tool has an angle of attack; and turning the steering wheel to start manipulating the lining (5); where, by turning the steering wheel, the reprofiling tool starts removing a portion of the lining (5) so that the cross section of the lining (5) is modified.

[0089] Optionally, the default distance, which the reprofiling tool is introduced into the gasket (5) is between 10 mm and 100 mm.

[0090] EXAMPLES

[0091] EXAMPLE 1

[0092] A steering wheel trim manipulation device (5) was designed, with the following characteristics:

[0093] For this particular example, the support (2) was a steel frame with two through holes at one end and a tab protruding from said plate. Said frame was anchored by means of fixing elements that were screws to a structure close to the flywheel and fitting (5) of the traction system to be intervened. The support (2) was connected by means of a joint that was a hinge joint to the arm (1) that corresponds to a structural profile of rectangular section made of steel. In addition, the actuator (4) corresponds to a hydraulic cylinder with the capacity to apply a force of 5,000 kg per 0.127 m of advance (or stroke), which is pivotally connected to the tab of the support (2) and to the arm (1).

[0094] In this particular example, the tool (3) was an installation tool fitted into the second end (Ib) of the arm (1) and held in place by a pin (or bushing) passing through four coaxial through holes in the arm (1) and a second end (Ib) of the installation tool. Said installation tool has a wheel with a diameter (d) of 200 mm and a height (AL) of 100 mm, made of polyamide 6.

[0095] With this configuration, it was possible to install a harness (5) of a traction wheel of a cable system in 45 minutes continuously, compared to the time when it was done manually and in sections, which could extend over days spaced by 15 days or more.

[0096] EXAMPLE 2

[0097] A steering wheel trim manipulation device (5) was designed, with the following characteristics:

[0098] For this particular example, the support (2) was a steel frame with two through holes at one end and a tab protruding from said plate. Said frame was anchored by means of fixing elements that were screws to a structure close to the flywheel and fitting (5) of the traction system to be intervened.

[0099] The support (2) was connected by means of a hinge joint to the arm (1) which corresponds to a rectangular section structural profile made of steel. In this particular example, the tool (3) was a reprofiling tool comprising a burin fastened to a tool holder which was a screw mechanism, specifically the tool holder was connected by means of a fixing element which was welded to the arm (1).

[0100] The burin has a curved edge that creates a channel in the guard (5) and its angle of attack (a) is 20°.

[0101] With this configuration, it was possible to re-profile a fitting (5) in 60 minutes continuously, compared to the time when it was done manually and in sections, which could extend over days.

[0102] EXAMPLE 3

[0103] A steering wheel trim manipulation device (5) was designed, with the following characteristics:

[0104] For this particular example, the support (2) was a steel frame with two through holes at one end and a tab protruding from said plate. Said frame was anchored by means of fixing elements that were screws to a structure close to the flywheel and fitting (5) of the traction system to be intervened.

[0105] The support (2) was connected by means of a joint that was a hinge joint to the arm (1) that corresponds to a rectangular section structural profile made of steel.

[0106] In this embodiment, the tool (3) was a removal tool, said removal tool and the arm (1) were manufactured as a solid body.

[0107] The removal tool was a burin with a triangular prism-shaped base and head. The triangular prism-shaped head had a tool angle (b) of 24°, and the removal tool's rake angle (a) was 20°.

[0108] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the described and illustrated modalities, since as will be evident to a person skilled in the art, there are possible variations and modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention, which is only defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A steering wheel trim (5) manipulation device, comprising: - an arm (1) with a first end (la) and a second end (Ib); - a support (2) that connects to the first end (a) of the arm (1); and - a tool (3) that is connected to the second end (Ib) of the arm (1); wherein the tool (3) is arranged at an angle of attack (a) with respect to the fitting (5).

2. The device according to Claim 1, wherein an actuator (4) is connected to the arm (1) between the first and second ends (Ib) of said arm (1).

3. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the tool (3) is arranged with an angle of attack (a) with respect to the lining (5).

4. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the angle of attack (a) is between 5 o and 45°.

5. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the tool (3) is a removal tool corresponding to a burin with a base and a head in the shape of a triangular prism.

6. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the triangular prism-shaped head has a tool angle (b) between 10° and 35°.

7. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the tool (3) is an installation tool including a wheel.

8. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the tool (3) is a reprofiling tool which is a burin with a base and a head with a curved edge.

9. The device according to Claim 2, wherein the tool (3) is an installation tool that is a wheel and said wheel is connected to the actuator (4).

10. A steering wheel trim (5) manipulation system, comprising at least two steering wheel trim (5) manipulation devices, wherein the steering wheel trim (5) manipulation devices have tools (3) that are different from each other.

11. A method of handling a steering wheel trim (5) comprising the steps of: - arranging a support (2) of the steering wheel trim (5) manipulation device of Claim 1 on a solid structure adjacent to a steering wheel housing a trim (5); - locating the tool (3) so that it makes contact with the trim (5); and - turn the steering wheel to start handling the gasket (5).

12. The method of Claim 11, wherein before the step of turning the steering wheel, there are the steps of: - make a through cut in the gasket (5); and - inserting a removal tool into the through cut made in the gasket (5), such that the removal tool is positioned between the flywheel and the gasket (5) at an angle of attack (a); where, by rotating the flywheel, the removal tool is inserted between the gasket (5) and the flywheel to separate them and remove the gasket (5).

13. The method of Claim 11, wherein prior to the step of turning the handwheel, there are the steps of: - locating the tool (3) so that it makes contact with the trim (5), wherein the tool (3) is an installation tool; and - press the gasket (5) with the installation tool so that it enters a groove on the perimeter of the steering wheel; where, by turning the steering wheel, the installation tool presses the gasket (5) into the groove of the steering wheel.

14. The method of Claim 11, wherein before the step of turning the steering wheel, there are the steps of: - making a non-through cut in the gasket (5); and - inserting, at a predetermined distance, a reprofiling tool into the non-through cut made in the gasket (5), wherein the reprofiling tool enters the gasket at an angle of attack; - where, by turning the steering wheel, the reprofiling tool removes a portion of the gasket (5) so that the cross section of the gasket (5) is modified.

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