Method of producing a steering wheel and steering wheel

• US 6,889,436 B2
• Filed: 05/10/2002
• Issued: 05/10/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
• Original Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
• Inventors: Derrick, John-Oliver
• Primary Examiner(s): JIMENEZ, MARC QUEMUEL
• Application Number:
  US10/143,407
• Publication Number:
  US 20020170379A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,096 Days
• Field of Search: 264/46.7, 298/941, 295/09, 295/271, 295/274, 745/52
• US Class Current: 29/894.1
• 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 an annular steering wheel rim and spokes, and further comprises a one-piece steering wheel skeleton as well as a sheathing therefore, said sheathing being one of the elements of a list comprising a foam covering and a leather covering, said sheathing surrounding said steering wheel skeleton, said method comprising the following steps:

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

b) placing a body that serves as a spacer in said hollow profile in order to almost completely fill said hollow profile,

c) deforming said one-piece steering wheel skeleton in an area of said annular portion such that said hollow profile is closed without being fully closed, and

d) providing said closed, but not fully closed steering wheel skeleton with said sheathing at least in an area of said steering wheel rim.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, after 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.

3. 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 hollow profile.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said body is attached in said hollow profile of said one-piece steering wheel skeleton.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said body is made of a material the tensile and flexural strength of which is lower than that of said material of said one-piece steering wheel skeleton.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein said body is made of cellulose.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said annular portion of said one-piece steering wheel skeleton extends only partially around said body.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least part of a cross section of said body remains exposed to said sheathing during said providing step while another part of said cross section is separated from said sheathing during said providing step.