Method of producing a steering wheel and steering wheel

• US 20020170379A1
• Filed: 05/10/2002
• Published: 11/21/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
• Original Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
• Inventors: Derrick, John-Oliver
• Granted Patent: US 6,889,436 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 74/552
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/06 Rims, e.g. with heating means; Rim covers B62D1/11 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49488 Steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49908 Joining by deforming
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49915 Overedge assembling of seated part
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49986 Subsequent to metal working
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20834 Hand wheels

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of producing a steering wheel that comprises a closed annular steering wheel rim and spokes, and further comprises a steering wheel skeleton as well as a sheathing therefore, the sheathing being one of a foam covering and a leather covering that surrounds the steering wheel skeleton. The method comprises the following steps: a) the one-piece steering wheel skeleton is produced, it having, in order to form the steering wheel rim, a closed annular portion the cross-section of which has an open hollow profile; b) a body that serves as a spacer is placed in the open hollow profile in order to almost completely fill the hollow profile, and; c) the steering wheel skeleton is provided with the sheathing at least in an area of the steering wheel rim. The invention further relates to a steering wheel produced by such method.

Claims

1. A method of producing a steering wheel that comprises a closed annular steering wheel rim and spokes, and further comprises a steering wheel skeleton as well as a sheathing therefore, said sheathing being one of a foam covering and a leather covering that surrounds said steering wheel skeleton,

said method comprising the following steps:

a) said one-piece steering wheel skeleton is produced, it having, in order to define said steering wheel rim, a closed annular portion with a cross-section having an open hollow profile,

b) a body that serves as a spacer is placed in said open hollow profile in order to almost completely fill said hollow profile, and

c) said steering wheel skeleton is provided with said sheathing at least in an area of said steering wheel rim.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, between steps b) and c), said steering wheel skeleton is deformed in an area of said annular portion in such a way that said hollow profile is further closed.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, after said closing of said hollow profile, said body fills an inside of said hollow profile to such an extent that any penetration of foam into said inside of said hollow profile is prevented.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said steering wheel skeleton is preferably made of sheet metal that is deformed in an area of said annular portion so as to form said open hollow profile.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said body is attached in said hollow profile in step b).

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said body is made of a material the tensile and flexural strength of which is lower that that of the material of said skeleton.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein said body is made of cellulose.

8. A steering wheel that comprises a closed annular steering wheel rim and spokes and further comprises a steering wheel skeleton as well as a sheathing therefore, said sheathing being one of a foam covering and a leather covering that surrounds said steering wheel skeleton, said one-piece steering wheel skeleton having a closed annular portion to form said steering wheel rim, a cross-section of said steering wheel rim having an open hollow profile, a body that serves as a spacer being inserted in said open hollow profile and almost completely filling said hollow profile, and said steering wheel skeleton being provided with said sheathing at least in an area of said steering wheel rim.