Patent Application
20100122604
This application claims priority to European Application No. EP08169164.4 filed on Nov. 14, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present invention relates to a detachable steering wheel connection structure for connecting and disconnecting a steering wheel to/from a steering wheel hub.
Steering wheels are commonly used in vehicles, e.g. cars, and vessels, e.g. boats. Unfortunately, such vehicles and vessels are attractive for thieves. To prevent theft, various kinds of anti-theft devices are known, e.g. electronic alarms and steering wheel locks.
However, with these conventional anti-theft devices, once a thief has broken the lock or shut off the alarm, the thief can steal the vehicle or vessel and drive away. In order to make theft more difficult, it is known9 to use removable steering wheels. Hence, the steering wheel may be removed by the proper user/owner when leaving the vehicle or vessel. Without a steering wheel, it will be difficult for a thief to drive away.
GB 298, 047 discloses an anti-theft device of the type in which the steering wheel can be coupled or uncoupled with the steering column. The steering wheel may take up two positions, in the lower of which it engages the steering column, while in the upper it rotates idly thereon. The hub of the wheel is formed with internal teeth, which, in the lower position engage external teeth on a flange secured to the column. The wheel is locked in one position or the other by means of a toothed ring operated by a key k through toothed wheels.
With this kind of anti-theft devices preventing operation of the steering wheel, the purpose is to render it difficult for the thief to steal the vehicle or vessel. At the same time it should be convenient for the proper user/owner of the vehicle or vessel to couple or uncouple the steering wheel. It is preferred that the uncoupling of the steering wheel is quick and easy, so that the anti-theft function is actually used. If it is too complicated to perform the detachment, some persons would not use the anti-theft device, although it is already installed in their vehicle or vessel. Especially, it is preferred that no extra tool or key is needed for detachment and re-connection. For convenience, as few grips as possible should be needed to uncouple the steering wheel. Preferably it should be possible without shifting the grip. Yet it should be a safe construction so that the steering wheel is not uncoupled unintentionally.
Conventional detachable steering wheel connection structures are often locked and unlocked by a key in a lock. In that case, there is always a risk of losing the key. There is also a risk that the thief actually breaks the lock and manages to drive away the vehicle or vessel anyway.
There is therefore a need for an improved detachable steering wheel connection structure.
The object of the present invention is to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.
Preferably, a detachable steering wheel connection structure is provided which needs as few grips as possible for uncoupling.
Advantageously, a detachable steering wheel connection structure is provided which is handled without the need of a lock and corresponding key.
The object above may be achieved by the invention according to claim 1.
In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a detachable steering wheel connection structure intended to be located between a removable steering wheel and a steering wheel hub.
The structure comprises a first and a second connection part. One of the first and second connection parts is adapted to be rigidly connected to the steering wheel, while the other is adapted to be rigidly connected to the steering wheel hub. One of the connection parts comprises a release means, which is axially movable between a first and a second position. In the first position the release means prevents relative movement between the first and second connection parts, thereby keeping them in an interconnected state. In the second position the release means allows for relative rotational movement between the first and second connection parts, thereby allowing them to be moved to a rotational position, wherein they are detachable from each other by movement in an axial direction.
The steering wheel connection structure according to the present invention may be operated without the use of a key. In the normal case, the whole steering wheel is removed after having detached the steering wheel connection structure. A possible thief just finds a “naked” steering wheel hub and cannot drive away. There is therefore no need for a key-operated lock.
Another advantage of the suggested the steering wheel connection structure is that it is possible to operate with only one grip. The person wanting to detach the structure, may place his hands close to the hub of the steering wheel, move the release means from the first to the second position, rotate the first and second connection parts relative to each other and detach them. All these operations could be done without shifting grip, providing a one-grip solution, which is very convenient.
As the release means is moved axially and the connection parts are rotated, there are two different directions of movement involved, occurring one after the other. Thereby the risk of unintentional detachment of the connection structure is diminished. Another advantage of having different movements is that, in the event of unexpected external forces e.g. in a crash situation, these forces will work in mainly one direction and thus not detach the steering wheel unintentionally.
The detachable steering wheel connection structure can be arranged so that the release means is only movable in the axial direction between the first and second position.
The release means may be connected to either the first or second connection part. Thereby it cannot fall off and disappear. If the connection part whereto the release means is connected is rotated as described above, the release means will rotate together with that connection part, but no movement between the first and second position of the release means is occurring.
The detachable steering wheel connection structure may be arranged to be operable with only one grip, wherein the grip enables axial movement of the release means from the first to the second position, rotating of the first and second connection parts relative to each other and their detachment from each other without need to shift grip.
The release means may be arranged to be accessible from the peripheral surface of said structure. This facilitates the connecting or detachment operation using only one grip.
The detachable steering wheel connection structure may be arranged so that the first connection part is adapted to be rigidly connected to the steering wheel hub and the second connection part is adapted to be rigidly connected to the steering wheel.
The first and second connection parts may be arranged so that there during the rotational movement is at least one detachable position, wherein the connection parts are detachable from each other by axial movement, and at least one non-detachable position, wherein they are only movable relative to each other by the rotation. This arrangement helps to keep the rotational movement separate from the axial movement of detachment.
In one embodiment, the first and second connection parts are hindered from moving relative to each other by a protrusion from the release means engaging with at least one of the connection parts, when the connection parts are in the interconnected state and the release means is in the first position. The protrusion helps to prevent unintentional detachment. Such a protrusion could for example be useful in making the connection structure stable in case of a crash.
In one embodiment, the first connection part comprises a first part and a first lock means with the first lock means being rigidly connected to the first part. The second connection part comprises a second part and a second lock means, with the second lock means being rigidly connected to the second part. The first and the second lock means engage with each other when being in the at least one non-detachable position and disengage with each other in the at least one detachable position. This arrangement facilitates an efficient manufacturing of the steering wheel connection structure.
The first and second lock means may be annular rings having teeth and recesses. One of them has teeth and recesses around its inner diameter and the other around its outer diameter. The teeth and recesses correspond to each other, such that they can pass through each other in the at least one detachable position and such that they engage with each other in the at least one non-detachable position. The teeth and recess arrangement keeps the lock means and thereby the connection parts well attached to each other, especially if the teeth are distributed around the whole perimeter. In the non-detachable position; there may be a tooth under every recess. This would give a stable connection, which is good to withstand external forces, for example in the event of a crash.
The release means may have the form of an annular ring. A circular form is suitable since the steering wheel hub usually is round. It is also easy to move an annular ring between the first and second position of the release means.
The release means may be biased towards the first position, e.g. by a compressible or extendible resilient means. Thereby the release means will strive to be in the first position, so that when the release means is released from the second position, it will automatically return to the first position. The release means will then only be in the second position, when it is actively moved there, which diminishes the risk of unintentional detachment of the connection structure.
In an embodiment, the detachable steering wheel connection structure further comprises at least one first guiding means, the first guiding means being attached to one of the connection parts and the release means having a corresponding receiving slot, wherein the first guiding means is adapted to be received by the slot, when the two connection parts are mounted to each other. The slot allows for rotation of the first and second connection parts relative to each other when the release means is in its second position. The function of the first guiding means is to facilitate finding the correct position, of the first and second connection parts relative to each other when connecting the structure. During rotation the first guiding means moves within the slot. Therefore, preferably one end of the slot corresponds to reaching the end position of the rotation. The detachable steering wheel connection structure may further comprise at least one second guiding means, the second guiding means being attached to one of the connection parts and having a height allowing for rotation of the first and second connection parts relative to each other when the release means is in its second position. The release means has a corresponding receiving hole or cavity, the second guiding means being received by the hole or cavity, when the release means is in its first position. Therefore, the user knows that, when the second guiding means can enter the receiving hole or cavity, the first and second connection parts are in a correct interconnected state. During the movement of the release means to its first position preventing rotation, the second guiding means enters the hole or cavity.
In order to obstruct theft, the connection structure may further comprise at least one first identity means, being attached to one of the connection parts. In this case the release means may have a corresponding receiving identity slot. The first identity means is then received by the identity slot, when the two connection parts are mounted to each other.
The detachable steering wheel connection structure may further, or as an alternative, comprise a second identity means, the second identity means being attached to one of the connection parts and having a height allowing for rotation of the first and second connection parts relative to each other when the release means is in its second position. The release means then has a corresponding receiving hole or cavity, with the second identity means being adapted to be received by the hole or cavity, when the release means is in its first position. During the movement of the release means to its first position, preventing rotation, the second identity means enters the hole or cavity.
In one embodiment, the first and/or second identity means has a predetermined location, such that a certain first connection part only is connectable to a mating second connection part of the same connection structure.
Moreover, the slot and/or the receiving identity slot may have a second end arranged so that it provides an end position of the rotational movement.
The first and/or second guiding means are provided to facilitate for the user of the detachable steering wheel connection structure finding the correct position of the first and second connection parts relative to each other when connecting the structure. The guiding means may have the same position/s for a whole batch of detachable steering wheel connection structures.
The first and/or second identity means is used to individualize the connection structure, so that a possible thief cannot take any loose steering wheel comprising a connection part and put it on a steering wheel hub with the steering wheel removed. The purpose is to make sure that only the mating connection part fits, so that only the correct connection part of the correct steering wheel can be used. Moreover, an identity means may also be used as a guiding means, for example by providing an end of the rotational movement.
In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a steering wheel comprising a detachable steering wheel connection structure as described above.
In a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of detaching a detachable steering wheel connection structure comprising the steps of:
Since the detachment involves three different movements, the risk of unintentional detachment is diminished. At the same time the detachment movements are easy to perform. They are convenient, since they could be made without shifting grip. Also, detachment may be made quickly. Yet, at the same time, unintentional detachment is prevented.
In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of connecting a detachable steering wheel connection structure comprising the steps of:
By means of placing the two connection parts on top of each other, the release means is moved to its second position, which allows relative rotational movement. If the release means is biased towards the first position, as in one of the embodiments described above, it will return to the first position automatically, otherwise it may be moved back manually.
The connection could be performed quick and easy, without the use of keys or tools, yet a stable connection is provided.
The present invention will hereinafter be explained in greater detail by means of non-limiting examples and with reference to the appended drawings in which:
a-c is a bottom, top and cross-sectional side view of a bottom part;
a-b is a top and cross-sectional view of a first lock means;
a-c is a top, bottom and cross-sectional side view of a top part;
a-b is a top and cross-sectional view of a second lock means;
a-c is a top, bottom and cross-sectional side view of a release means;
The invention will, in the following, be exemplified by embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the embodiments are included in order to explain principles of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention, defined by the appended claims. The directions downwards and upwards, as well as the words top and bottom, relate to when the connection structure is mounted to the steering wheel hub.
A release means 12 is connected to the second connection part 6 in such a way that it is movable in the axial direction A of the steering wheel hub between a first and a second position.
a-c shows the bottom part 16 from below, above and as cross-section from the side. Cavities 26 are intended to receive screws (not shown) for fastening the first connection part 4 to the steering wheel hub 8. In the centre of the bottom part 16, a projection 28 extends in the axial direction A. In the illustrated example, there is an extra cavity 30, intended to receive a first identity means 32. The cross-section in
The first lock means 18 is shown in
The second lock means 22 is shown in
The release means 12 as illustrated in
Going back again to
When the release means 12 is moved to its second position, in this example by moving the release means 12 upwards against the force of the resilient means 24, the protrusions 58 are lifted out of the recesses 40 of the first lock means. With the protrusions 58 free from the recesses 40, the first connection part 4 is allowed to move relative to the second connection part 6 with rotational movement around the axis A. The connection parts 4, 6 can then be rotated the predetermined angle mentioned above, in this case 60°, so that they reach the detachable position, wherein the connection parts 4, 6 are detachable from each other and the steering wheel can be disconnected from the steering wheel hub 8.
The invention has been described above by way of example only and the skilled person will appreciate that many modifications of the above-described embodiments are conceivable within the scope of the appended claims.
The used 60° geometry is just an example. The teeth 38, 50 and recesses 40, 52 could have any arc length or shape as long as the first lock means 18 can pass through the second lock means 22, in the detachable position, and then be moved to the non-detachable position, wherein the connection parts 4, 6 are locked by each other. It is usually preferred to let the teeth and recesses have the same arc length. The teeth 38, 50 could have another geometry than the recesses 40, 52, e.g. have a longer or shorter arc length. The example shows three teeth, but instead another number of teeth could be used. For example using four teeth and recesses with the same arc length, each tooth could be 45° and the predetermined rotation angle also 45°. In the same way, using two teeth would correspond to 90°. Using only one tooth is less preferred, since the connection between the two connection parts 4, 6 would be unbalanced with the whole connection in one half of the connection parts. On the other hand, using too many teeth is not good either, since the predetermined angle to rotate becomes small, increasing the risk of unintentional detachment.
The first identity means 32 is an option, which secures that the first and second connection parts belong to the same connection structure. By choosing the location of the first identity means 32, it is possible to individualize a connection structure. As an alternative two, three, four or more identity means may be used.
Suitable materials for the connection structure are metals and alloys, for example aluminum, stainless steel and alloys comprising aluminum, copper, zinc and/or iron. A good choice is aluminum alloy, which is suitable from a manufacturing point of view.
In the illustrated example the connection parts 4, 6 comprise more than one individual part. This is useful from a manufacturing point of view, but it would also be possible to make the first 4 and second 6 connection parts as integrated units, manufactured in one piece.
The exemplary parts in
The purpose of the release means 12 is on one hand, being in the fist position, to prevent relative movement of the first 4 and second 6 connection part, and on the other hand, being in the second position, to allow relative rotational movement of the first 4 and second 6 connection parts. In the second position, the first 18 and second locking means 22 are prevented from uncoupling. In this particular illustrated case, relative movement is prevented by locating protrusions 58 in the recesses 40. This locking effect could also be achieved in other ways, e.g. by letting a protrusion or a pin attached to the release means 12 fit into a receiving cavity in the first connection part.
The exemplary release means 12 has the form of an annular ring surrounding the axis A. The diameter is somewhat larger than that of the first and second connection part to facilitate the movement between the first and second position. However, the release means 12 could instead for example comprise a lever or a grip protruding from the connection structure. The lever/grip would then be used for enabling the movement between the first and second position. The lever/grip could be done as an integral part of the release means, but it could also be manufactured of another material and attached to the release means.
A procedure for detaching the connection structure 2 of
(a) moving the release means 12 axially from the first to the second position,
(b) rotating the connection parts 4, 6 relative to each other,
(c) separating the first and second connection parts from each other by axial movement.
Since the procedure involves three distinct steps, which are carried out in a certain order, it is highly unlikely that they would occur unintentionally.
A procedure for connecting the connection structure 2 of
(a) placing the first and second connection parts 4, 6 in contact to each other in the at least one detachable position,
(b) rotating the first and second connection parts 4, 6 relative to each other until they reach the at least one non-detachable position.
The release means is moved to the second position when placing the connection parts 4, 6 in contact to each other, step (a). The release means 12 may be biased, e.g. by a resilient means 24 as in
In
Another advantage of having different movements is, is in the event of unexpected external forces, e.g. in a crash situation. These forces will work in mainly one direction and thus not detach the steering wheel unintentionally.
It would also be possible to replace the movements of at least one of the steps (a) to (c) of the detachment method, or at least one of the steps (a) to (b) of the connection method with a translational movement perpendicular to the axis A.
The release means 12 comprises a receiving hole or cavity 66 adapted to receive the second identity means 60, a slot 68 adapted to receive the first guiding means 62 and a receiving hole or cavity 70 adapted to receive the second guiding means 64.
As can be seen in
In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 68 is located, so that a first end 72 corresponds to the position of the first guiding means 62 when placing the first 4 and second connection parts 6 in contact to each other in the at least one detachable position. When the first 4 and second connection parts 6 thereafter are rotated relative to each other, the first guiding means 62 will move within the slot 68 until it reaches the second end 74. This provides an end of the rotation. In this position, the first 18 and second lock means 22 are locking by substantially complete overlap. Further, the release means has thereby been rotated to a position, wherein the second identity means 60 is situated directly below the corresponding hole 66 and the second guiding means 64 directly below the holes 70. When the release means 12 thereafter is axially moved to the first position preventing rotation, either manually or since it is biased by means of a resilient structure 24 as in the first embodiment, the second identity means 60 and the second guiding means 64 will enter their respective holes 66, 70. As can be seen the second guiding means 64 has a frustoconical shape, which will facilitate entering the holes 70. Alternatively they may also be cylindrical or have any other shape suitable to be received in a corresponding cavity, such as having a square, hexagonal or octagonal cross section. Also the first 32 and second 60 identity means, as well as the first guiding means 62, may be frustoconical or have a square, hexagonal or octagonal cross section.
The second identity means 60 is an option, which secures that the first 4 and second connection parts 6 belong to the same connection structure 2. By choosing the location of the second identity means 60, it is possible to individualize a connection structure. The second identity means is used to prevent that a steering wheel with a first connection part 4 fits to any second connection part 6. With the identity means it is made sure that the first connection part 4 and the second connection part 6 come from the same connection structure 2. As an alternative two, three, four or more second identity means may be used. Further, it is also possible to combine first identity means 32 and second identity means 60 within the same embodiment (not illustrated).
Further modifications of the invention within the scope of the appended claims are feasible. As such, the present invention should not be considered as limited by the embodiments and figures described herein. Rather, the full scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, with reference to the description and drawings.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08169164.4 | Nov 2008 | EP | regional |
