Steering control for self-propelled vehicles

• US 7,954,399 B2
• Filed: 07/28/2005
• Issued: 06/07/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Aphrodite Agencies Limited
• Original Assignee: Aphrodite Agencies Limited
• Inventors: Rubboli, Gian Mario
• Primary Examiner(s): LUONG, VINH
• Application Number:
  US11/190,869
• Publication Number:
  US 20060022442A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,140 Days
• Field of Search: 745/52, 745/58, 148/440, 200/61.57, 200/83.Z, 219/497, 180/272
• US Class Current: 74/552
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/046 Adaptations on rotatable parts of the steering wheel for accommodation of switches
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/06 Rims, e.g. with heating means; Rim covers B62D1/11 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 21/00 Steering devices steering devices specially adapted for one particular kind of cycle specified in groups B62K1/00 - B62K17/00, see the relevant group
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20834 Hand wheels
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/2087 Rim grips and covers

Abstract

A steering control for vehicles, such as for automobiles or motorcycles in the form of a steering wheel or of a handlebar, with a gripping zone presenting an elastically variable geometry deformable under the action of the hand or the hands of the driver gripping the steering control fast and forcefully in case of danger. Thus, in the event of panic, an hydraulic or pneumatic sensor located inside the gripping zone is activated. The sensor extends over essentially the whole gripping zone of the steering control that can be gripped by at least one hand of the driver, and includes a tube of elastic material, filled with a liquid, and embedded entirely in a foamed plastic material. The steering control exhibits then high effectiveness and reliability of a safety device, in the elimination of potential danger caused by mistaken reactions of the driver, and in the economic feasibility of the inventive device.

Claims

1. A steering control system for a self-propelled vehicle, comprising:

a steering control comprising a gripping zone of elastically variable shape that can undergo a change in at least one of shape and volume;

at least one sensor provided in the gripping zone structured and arranged to react to said change in at least one of shape and volume of the gripping zone; and

at least one control or monitoring element for operating the self-propelled vehicle, the control or monitoring element being connected to the at least one sensor and being activatable by the at least one sensor;

wherein the at least one sensor comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic sensor comprising a tube filled with a fluid;

the tube extends over essentially an entirety of the steering control; and

the entirety of the steering control comprises a whole circumference of a steering wheel or a whole length of a handle bar,

wherein the tube comprises a first material that is elastically deformable;

the tube is embedded in a second material that is elastically deformable; and

a final elasticity of the second material is equal to or less than an elasticity of the first material; and

wherein when an external pressure is exerted to the second material, said external pressure is immediately transmitted to the tube which in turn transmits said external pressure to the fluid contained inside the tube.

2. The steering control system of claim 1, wherein the first material comprises at least one of silicon and vinyl-ethylene acetate;

and

the second material comprises expanded polyurethane foam.

3. The steering control system of claim 1, further comprising:

a clip structured and arranged to seal one end of the tube; and

a pressure gauge and signal transmitter for analog electric measuring values being coupled to another end of the tube.

4. The steering control system of claim 3, wherein the pressure gage is calibrated such that the pressure gage emits a signal only when a pressure increase in the tube exceeds a predetermined value.

5. The steering control system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is the hydraulic sensor and the fluid exhibits minimal thermal expansion over temperatures ranging from −

40°

C. to +100°

C.

6. The steering control system of claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises at least one of glycol and silicon.

7. The steering control system of claim 1, wherein the steering control is formed at least in part as the steering wheel of the self propelled vehicle;

the at least one sensor is arranged to extend around essentially the entire circumference of the steering wheel; and

the at least one sensor is disposed 1 mm to 6 mm from an outer surface of the steering wheel.

8. The steering control system of claim 7, wherein the at least one sensor is disposed in a back portion of the steering wheel that faces away from a driver.

9. The steering control system of claim 8, further comprising:

a support structure that is at least partially embedded in the steering wheel;

the support structure comprising a steering column head, spokes, and a rim formed from a light metal alloy; and

the at least one sensor is arranged to rest against at least one portion of the support structure.

10. The steering control system of claim 9, wherein the metal alloy is magnesium.

11. The steering control system of claim 7, wherein the at least one sensor is disposed in a front portion of the steering wheel that generally faces toward a driver.

12. The steering control system of claim 11, further comprising:

a support structure that is at least partially embedded in the steering wheel;

the support structure comprising a steering column head, spokes, and a rim formed from a light metal alloy; and

the at least one sensor is arranged to rest against at least one portion of the support structure.

13. The steering control system of claim 7, wherein the at least one sensor is disposed in a radially outer portion of the steering wheel.

14. The steering control system of claim 13, further comprising:

a support structure that is at least partially embedded in the steering wheel;

said support structure comprising a steering column head, spokes, and a rim formed from a light metal alloy; and

the at least one sensor is arranged to rest against at least one portion of the support structure.

15. The steering control system of claim 1, wherein the tube has an outer diameter of 2 mm to 6 mm.

16. The steering control system of claim 1, wherein the steering control is formed at least in part as a steering wheel of the self propelled vehicle;

the steering wheel includes a rigid polyurethane foam;

a recess is formed in the rigid polyurethane foam to extend around a circumference of the steering wheel; and

the tube is arranged in the recess so that a portion of the tube extends outside of the rigid polyurethane foam.

17. The steering control system of claim 16, wherein the portion of the tube that extends outside the rigid polyurethane foam corresponds to about 6% to 8% of the circumference of the tube;

and

the rigid polyurethane foam is covered by a leather cover.

18. A steering control system for a self-propelled vehicle, comprising:

a steering control comprising a deformable gripping zone;

a sensor provided in the gripping zone structured and arranged to react to a change in at least one of shape and volume of the gripping zone; and

a control or monitoring element for operating the self-propelled vehicle, the control or monitoring element operatively connected to the sensor;

wherein the steering control comprises a steering wheel comprising a frame surrounded by foam;

the sensor comprises a tube embedded in the foam;

the tube extends around substantially an entire circumference of the steering wheel;

a first end of the tube is sealed;

a second end of tube opposite the first end is coupled to a pressure gage and a signal transmitter for analog electric measuring values;

the tube comprises at least one of silicon and vinyl-ethylene acetate;

a final elasticity of the foam is less than an elasticity of the tube;

the sensor is a hydraulic sensor and the tube is filled with a fluid;

the fluid is essentially incompressible; and

the pressure gage is calibrated such that it the pressure gage emits a signal only when a pressure increase in the tube exceeds a predetermined value.