CA2187547A1 - Signal transmitting device - Google Patents
Signal transmitting deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2187547A1 CA2187547A1 CA002187547A CA2187547A CA2187547A1 CA 2187547 A1 CA2187547 A1 CA 2187547A1 CA 002187547 A CA002187547 A CA 002187547A CA 2187547 A CA2187547 A CA 2187547A CA 2187547 A1 CA2187547 A1 CA 2187547A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- light wave
- conductor
- signals
- conductors
- steering wheel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 48
- 230000008054 signal transmission Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 3
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010304 firing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
- B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
- B60R16/023—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems
- B60R16/027—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems between relatively movable parts of the vehicle, e.g. between steering wheel and column
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
- G08C23/00—Non-electrical signal transmission systems, e.g. optical systems
- G08C23/06—Non-electrical signal transmission systems, e.g. optical systems through light guides, e.g. optical fibres
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Steering Controls (AREA)
- Air Bags (AREA)
- Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)
- Optical Communication System (AREA)
Abstract
For the transmission of signals between a rotary component and a stationary component, especially between steering wheel (1) and steering column (2) or the like in a motor vehicle, a device is proposed in which the signal transmission is performed by means of a spirally wound conductor (5) enclosed in a bipartite housing (3, 4).
To prevent the spirally wound conductor (5) from acting as a transmitter or receiver of noise interference, a light wave conductor (5) is to be used according to the invention as conductor.
To prevent the spirally wound conductor (5) from acting as a transmitter or receiver of noise interference, a light wave conductor (5) is to be used according to the invention as conductor.
Description
21 ~7547 Signal Transmitting Device The invention relates to a device for transmitting signals between a rotary component and a stationary component, especially between the steering wheel and steering column or the like in a motor vehicle, by means of a spirally wound conductor enclosed in a bipartite housing.
For the transmission of signals between a rotary component and stationary component, e.g., between the steering wheel and steering column in a motor vehicle, slip ring contacts have long been used exclusively. These can wear down and collect dirt, which will have no serious consequences over the life of a motor vehicle if all that is involved is the closing of a circuit for actuating the horn.
In modern motor vehicles, however, more signals of different kinds have to be transmitted between the steering wheel and steering column. For the closing of a contact for firing an airbag contained in the steering wheel, many automobile 21 ~7547 -manufacturers have resorted to slip ring contacts contained in the steering wheel. But especially for various remote controls which are being shifted from the instrument panel or other points within reach of the driver to the steering wheel, and for digitalized signals, slip ring contacts have limited usefulness. Therefore, spirally wound conductors enclosed in a bipartite housing have been developed and used, which are configured such that, starting out from a central winding point, the anticipated number of steering wheel rotations can lead to a wider or narrower coil without the need for any wiping contact.
To be able to follow the steering wheel rotations from lock to lock without breaking or seizing, a comparatively longer bipartite housing is necessary, and one providing greater distance between the windings of coiled conductors. Due to the length of the coil, the com~oilly used copper conductors constitute an ideal antenna for picking up noise pulses, which can lead to serious errors in digital signal transmission.
Furthermore, the copper conductor can be shielded only with considerable difficulty, so that it too becomes involved as a transmitter radiating electromagnetic disturbances.
Lastly, the space required for the bipartite conductor housing becomes increasingly important in steering wheels burdened with additional functions.
The problem therefore exists of avoiding the disadvantages described and of proposing a device of the kind referred to above which will be able to transmit a plurality of signals, especially also high-frequency, digital signals, without having the spirally 21 &7547 wound conductor create disturbances as an electromagnetic transmitter or, as a receiver, feeding disturbances into the signal transmission system.
To solve this problem it is proposed that a light wave conductor be used as conductor.
Such conductors are known in themselves and are already in use, including their terminal systems, in many areas of technology. They have the advantage that they are able, with the same cross section, to transmit a substantially greater amount of signals than metal conductors, and to have decidedly smaller cross sections for a given number of signals. This has a particularly great advantage in the case of spirally wound conductors of the kind in question, so that housing parts can be used which are shallower and are smaller in diameter.
The principal advantage is, however, that the spirally wound conductor no longer acts as a transmitter or receiver of electromagnetic noise, i.e., that it is superior to all metal conductors as regards EMV compatibility.
It is expedient to use two or more light conductors, or one through which a plurality of different signals can be transmitted simultaneously. At its end the light conductor has plug connectors, one of them associated with each of the two housing parts rotating relative to one another. Through these plug connectors connection can be made to the signal transmission system disposed in the steering wheel and steering column. At the same time, of course, converters for converting electrical signals to optical signals and vice-versa must be provided, unless optical signals are produced or directly used.
If in addition to the signals any comparatively great currents must be carried, e.g., for operating the horn or firing the airbag, one or more metal conductors can be arranged parallel to the light wave conductors, while electromagnetic disturbances will not occur because low-frequency processes are involved, or because they can be used in the event of trouble (airbag fired).
In regard to containment within the bipartite housing, it is desirable for the light wave conductors to be sealed between two narrow strips of plastic film, thereby assuring perfect guidance in winding and unwinding, and the elastic spring force can be controlled and adapted to the particular application. In the same manner the light wave conductor and the metal conductors can be sealed in, side by side.
With an appropriate selection of material one or both of the plastic films can itself be used as light conductor.
If devices are provided on the steering wheel for the production of optical signals, they can be connected through the plug directly, i.e., without a converter, to the light wave conductor.
Additional details will be further explained with the aid of the embodiment schematically represented in Figures 1 to 3.
Fig. 1 shows a vertical section through the fastening area between the steering wheel and the steering shaft.
Fig. 2 shows a section through the housing perpendicularly to Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 shows an enlarged section through the signal conductor.
In Fig. 1, part of the steering wheel 1 and steering column 2 are represented partially and simplified, without claim of structural accuracy. The steering wheel 1 has a central fastening area 13 with an integrally formed bushing 18 which is mounted with its tapered end portion on a mating tapered portion of the steering shaft, and a nut 15 and washer 14 are threaded onto the end of the steering shaft 12 to produce a lock between the steering wheel 1 and the steering shaft 12. Furthermore, a positive connection is also present on the fluted portion 17 of the steering shaft and a matching fluted bore in the bushing 18. The steering shaft 12 is mounted for rotation in the steering column 2 which is part of the car body, and in the present context it will be referred to as the stationary part as distinct from the steering wheel as the rotatable part.
As in the case of the conventional spiral-wound metal conductors, the light wave conductor 5 according to the invention is enclosed in a bipartite housing 3, 4, whose -co-rotating part 3 is affixed to the fastening area 13 of the steering wheel, while the stationary part 4 is affixed to the steering column 2. The housing 3, 4, is of a shape, at least in the outer area, of a shoe-polish box, i.e., the margins bent in opposite directions to about 90 are close together, but can rotate relative to one another about the central axis of the housing 3, 4, which is also the central axis of the steering wheel 1 and steering shaft 12. On each housing part 3, 4, a plug connection 6, 7, or the like is provided, by which the light wave conductor 5 wound spirally in the housing 3, 4, can be connected to the signaling system of the steering wheel 1 and the steering column 2.
Fig. 2 shows the bipartite housing in a section taken perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in Fig. 1. The housing part 3 connected to the steering wheel encompasses with its margin, bent at right angles, the margin of the housing part 4 also bent at right angles in the opposite direction. The spirally wound light wave conductor 5 is disposed between the inner margin of the housing 3, 4 and its outer marginal areas.
Fig. 3 shows in section an example of a light wave conductor according to the invention, in which the actual light wave conductor 5 is disposed in the middle between two narrow plastic bands 10 and 11, while in the two outer areas a metal conductor 8 and 9 is disposed.
For the transmission of signals between a rotary component and stationary component, e.g., between the steering wheel and steering column in a motor vehicle, slip ring contacts have long been used exclusively. These can wear down and collect dirt, which will have no serious consequences over the life of a motor vehicle if all that is involved is the closing of a circuit for actuating the horn.
In modern motor vehicles, however, more signals of different kinds have to be transmitted between the steering wheel and steering column. For the closing of a contact for firing an airbag contained in the steering wheel, many automobile 21 ~7547 -manufacturers have resorted to slip ring contacts contained in the steering wheel. But especially for various remote controls which are being shifted from the instrument panel or other points within reach of the driver to the steering wheel, and for digitalized signals, slip ring contacts have limited usefulness. Therefore, spirally wound conductors enclosed in a bipartite housing have been developed and used, which are configured such that, starting out from a central winding point, the anticipated number of steering wheel rotations can lead to a wider or narrower coil without the need for any wiping contact.
To be able to follow the steering wheel rotations from lock to lock without breaking or seizing, a comparatively longer bipartite housing is necessary, and one providing greater distance between the windings of coiled conductors. Due to the length of the coil, the com~oilly used copper conductors constitute an ideal antenna for picking up noise pulses, which can lead to serious errors in digital signal transmission.
Furthermore, the copper conductor can be shielded only with considerable difficulty, so that it too becomes involved as a transmitter radiating electromagnetic disturbances.
Lastly, the space required for the bipartite conductor housing becomes increasingly important in steering wheels burdened with additional functions.
The problem therefore exists of avoiding the disadvantages described and of proposing a device of the kind referred to above which will be able to transmit a plurality of signals, especially also high-frequency, digital signals, without having the spirally 21 &7547 wound conductor create disturbances as an electromagnetic transmitter or, as a receiver, feeding disturbances into the signal transmission system.
To solve this problem it is proposed that a light wave conductor be used as conductor.
Such conductors are known in themselves and are already in use, including their terminal systems, in many areas of technology. They have the advantage that they are able, with the same cross section, to transmit a substantially greater amount of signals than metal conductors, and to have decidedly smaller cross sections for a given number of signals. This has a particularly great advantage in the case of spirally wound conductors of the kind in question, so that housing parts can be used which are shallower and are smaller in diameter.
The principal advantage is, however, that the spirally wound conductor no longer acts as a transmitter or receiver of electromagnetic noise, i.e., that it is superior to all metal conductors as regards EMV compatibility.
It is expedient to use two or more light conductors, or one through which a plurality of different signals can be transmitted simultaneously. At its end the light conductor has plug connectors, one of them associated with each of the two housing parts rotating relative to one another. Through these plug connectors connection can be made to the signal transmission system disposed in the steering wheel and steering column. At the same time, of course, converters for converting electrical signals to optical signals and vice-versa must be provided, unless optical signals are produced or directly used.
If in addition to the signals any comparatively great currents must be carried, e.g., for operating the horn or firing the airbag, one or more metal conductors can be arranged parallel to the light wave conductors, while electromagnetic disturbances will not occur because low-frequency processes are involved, or because they can be used in the event of trouble (airbag fired).
In regard to containment within the bipartite housing, it is desirable for the light wave conductors to be sealed between two narrow strips of plastic film, thereby assuring perfect guidance in winding and unwinding, and the elastic spring force can be controlled and adapted to the particular application. In the same manner the light wave conductor and the metal conductors can be sealed in, side by side.
With an appropriate selection of material one or both of the plastic films can itself be used as light conductor.
If devices are provided on the steering wheel for the production of optical signals, they can be connected through the plug directly, i.e., without a converter, to the light wave conductor.
Additional details will be further explained with the aid of the embodiment schematically represented in Figures 1 to 3.
Fig. 1 shows a vertical section through the fastening area between the steering wheel and the steering shaft.
Fig. 2 shows a section through the housing perpendicularly to Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 shows an enlarged section through the signal conductor.
In Fig. 1, part of the steering wheel 1 and steering column 2 are represented partially and simplified, without claim of structural accuracy. The steering wheel 1 has a central fastening area 13 with an integrally formed bushing 18 which is mounted with its tapered end portion on a mating tapered portion of the steering shaft, and a nut 15 and washer 14 are threaded onto the end of the steering shaft 12 to produce a lock between the steering wheel 1 and the steering shaft 12. Furthermore, a positive connection is also present on the fluted portion 17 of the steering shaft and a matching fluted bore in the bushing 18. The steering shaft 12 is mounted for rotation in the steering column 2 which is part of the car body, and in the present context it will be referred to as the stationary part as distinct from the steering wheel as the rotatable part.
As in the case of the conventional spiral-wound metal conductors, the light wave conductor 5 according to the invention is enclosed in a bipartite housing 3, 4, whose -co-rotating part 3 is affixed to the fastening area 13 of the steering wheel, while the stationary part 4 is affixed to the steering column 2. The housing 3, 4, is of a shape, at least in the outer area, of a shoe-polish box, i.e., the margins bent in opposite directions to about 90 are close together, but can rotate relative to one another about the central axis of the housing 3, 4, which is also the central axis of the steering wheel 1 and steering shaft 12. On each housing part 3, 4, a plug connection 6, 7, or the like is provided, by which the light wave conductor 5 wound spirally in the housing 3, 4, can be connected to the signaling system of the steering wheel 1 and the steering column 2.
Fig. 2 shows the bipartite housing in a section taken perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in Fig. 1. The housing part 3 connected to the steering wheel encompasses with its margin, bent at right angles, the margin of the housing part 4 also bent at right angles in the opposite direction. The spirally wound light wave conductor 5 is disposed between the inner margin of the housing 3, 4 and its outer marginal areas.
Fig. 3 shows in section an example of a light wave conductor according to the invention, in which the actual light wave conductor 5 is disposed in the middle between two narrow plastic bands 10 and 11, while in the two outer areas a metal conductor 8 and 9 is disposed.
Claims (9)
1. Device for the transmission of signals between a rotary component and a stationary component, especially between steering wheel (1) and steering column (2) or the like, in a motor vehicle, by means of a spirally wound conductor enclosed in a bipartite housing (3, 4), characterized in that a light wave conductor is used as conductor.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that two or more light wave conductors (5) are used, or one light wave conductor (5), through which a plurality of different signals can be simultaneously transmitted.
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the light wave conductor (5) has connecting plugs (6, 7), each of which is associated with one of the two housing parts (3, 4) rotatable relative to one another.
4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of the housing parts has a converter for converting electrical signals to optical signals and vice-versa.
5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that parallel to the light wave conductor (5) one or more metallic conductors (8, 9) are disposed for the energy transmission.
6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the light wave conductor (5) is sealed between two narrow, band-like plastic films (10, 11).
7. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the light wave conductor (5) and the metal conductors (8, 9) are sealed side by side between two narrow band-like plastic films (10, 11).
8. Device according to any one of claims 1 - 7, characterized in that one or both of the band-like plastic films are themselves used as light wave conductors (5).
9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that systems disposed on the steering wheel (1) for the production of optical signals are connected via the terminal plugs (6) directly to the light wave conductor.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19537628A DE19537628A1 (en) | 1995-10-10 | 1995-10-10 | Device for transmitting signals |
| DE19537628.5-32 | 1995-10-10 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2187547A1 true CA2187547A1 (en) | 1997-04-11 |
Family
ID=7774429
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002187547A Abandoned CA2187547A1 (en) | 1995-10-10 | 1996-10-09 | Signal transmitting device |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0768211A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH09245924A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR970020828A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9605031A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2187547A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE19537628A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA96004653A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6189919B1 (en) | 1997-04-16 | 2001-02-20 | Volkswagen Ag | Steering column arrangement for occupant protection |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19739173A1 (en) * | 1997-09-06 | 1999-03-11 | Hella Kg Hueck & Co | Signal light for vehicles |
| DE19958925A1 (en) * | 1999-12-07 | 2001-01-25 | Guenter Duerschinger | Optically activated ignition capsule for vehicle occupant restraint systems has optical conductor protruding into housing, ignition light source(s) at other end of conductor(s) |
| DE10155211A1 (en) * | 2001-11-09 | 2003-05-28 | Audi Ag | Signal transmission system for motor vehicles has analog optical signal transmission path and device for signal conversion |
| DE10214609B4 (en) * | 2002-04-03 | 2011-06-16 | Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh | Steering wheel for a vehicle |
| DE102006009167B4 (en) * | 2006-02-24 | 2007-11-08 | Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh | rotary connector |
| DE102006009169B4 (en) * | 2006-02-24 | 2007-11-08 | Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh | Rotary connector with winding unit |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE2752798A1 (en) * | 1976-12-03 | 1978-06-08 | Gen Motors Corp | STEERING COLUMN FOR MOTOR VEHICLES WITH A FIBER OPTIC SIGNAL CONNECTION |
| EP0091115B1 (en) * | 1982-04-07 | 1986-11-05 | Kato Works Co., Ltd. | Construction machine |
| DE3326661A1 (en) * | 1983-07-23 | 1985-01-31 | Brown, Boveri & Cie Ag, 6800 Mannheim | Optical waveguide rotary coupler |
| FR2562298B1 (en) * | 1984-03-30 | 1986-08-14 | Solmer | DEVICES FOR TRANSMITTING PULSES FROM A TRANSMITTER TO A RECEIVER OF WHICH ONE IS STATIC AND THE OTHER IS ROTATING |
| CA2063761A1 (en) * | 1991-11-12 | 1993-05-13 | Tony M. Briski | Optically coupled steering wheel switching assembly and method |
| JP3050688B2 (en) * | 1992-02-20 | 2000-06-12 | 古河電気工業株式会社 | Transmission device between rotating body and fixed body |
-
1995
- 1995-10-10 DE DE19537628A patent/DE19537628A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1996
- 1996-10-03 EP EP96115875A patent/EP0768211A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1996-10-08 JP JP8285980A patent/JPH09245924A/en active Pending
- 1996-10-08 MX MXPA96004653A patent/MXPA96004653A/en unknown
- 1996-10-09 BR BR9605031A patent/BR9605031A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1996-10-09 KR KR1019960044862A patent/KR970020828A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1996-10-09 CA CA002187547A patent/CA2187547A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6189919B1 (en) | 1997-04-16 | 2001-02-20 | Volkswagen Ag | Steering column arrangement for occupant protection |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE19537628A1 (en) | 1997-04-17 |
| JPH09245924A (en) | 1997-09-19 |
| KR970020828A (en) | 1997-05-28 |
| EP0768211A1 (en) | 1997-04-16 |
| MXPA96004653A (en) | 2005-03-09 |
| BR9605031A (en) | 1998-06-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 19991012 |