JPH07205819A - Impact energy absorbing type steering wheel - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To protect a driver from an injury when an automobile collides, by securing the proper vibration frequency of the steering wheel easily so as to secure the tortional rigidity, improving the fatigue durability, and increasing the abserbing energy amount. CONSTITUTION:Plural spokes 12 and 12 have offset bend parts 16 and 16 whose both ends are offset each other, so as to change their cross section areas adequately in the longitudinal direction (17 and 17), a wheel rim core 14 is connected to a wheel hub, and the tortional rigidity is secured by the offset bend parts 16 and 16. The deformation load is reduced by the offset bend parts 16 and 16, and the cross section variations 17 and 17, so as to increase the absorbing energy amount in a collision, and furthermore, the proper vibration frequency of the steering wheel can be secured by the wheel rim 13.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a shock energy absorption type steering wheel used in an automobile.

[0002]

BACKGROUND ART In steering used in automobiles, aluminum tubes and mesh tubes are used for the steering column, and bellows tubes and mesh tubes are used for the steering shaft. In addition, a structure that absorbs impact energy by deforming the aluminum tube, mesh tube, bellows tube, and large cup at the time of collision by connecting the steering wheel to the steering shaft with the large cup Has been adopted. Such an impact energy absorption structure does not depend on the deformation of the steering wheel. Therefore, if the impact energy is not sufficiently absorbed, the driver may be injured by the steering wheel.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to easily secure a natural frequency, to secure torsional rigidity, to improve fatigue durability, and to increase the amount of absorbed energy. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a shock energy absorbing steering wheel that protects the driver from injury.

[0004]

[Means corresponding to the problem and its action]
Multiple spokes each have off-set bends that offset each end from each other to vary the cross-sectional area along the length as appropriate, and connect the wheel rim core to the wheel hub,・ The torsional rigidity is secured at the set bending portion, the deformation load is reduced by the off-set bending portion and the change in cross-sectional area to increase the amount of energy absorbed at the time of collision, and the natural frequency is substantially reduced at the wheel rim. It is possible to secure it.

Further, according to the present invention, a part of the wheel rim core is formed into a thin-walled ring portion having a partial ring inner peripheral surface on the wheel hub side by reducing the cross-sectional area, and a plurality of spokes are respectively formed. It has off-set bends that allow both ends to be off-set relative to each other, varying the cross-sectional area along its length, and each tip is fixedly joined to the inner peripheral surface of the partial ring of its wheel rim core. Then, the torsion rigidity is ensured at the off-set bending portion, and the deformation load is reduced by the thin-section ring portion, the off-set bending portion, and the change in the cross-sectional area of the spoke, thereby reducing the deformation load. It is about increasing the amount of absorbed energy and substantially ensuring the natural frequency at the wheel rim.

Further, according to the present invention, the wheel rim core is formed with a pair of thin-walled cross-section portions having a partial ring inner peripheral surface on the wheel hub side at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, and a pair of The spokes have off-set bends that offset each end from each other to vary the cross-sectional area appropriately along the length, and each tip is fixedly attached to the inner surface of the partial ring of its thin cross-section. The torsional rigidity is secured at the off-set bending part, and the deformation load is reduced by the thin-walled cross-section part, the off-set bending part, and the change in the cross-sectional area of the spoke. It is about increasing the amount of absorbed energy and substantially ensuring the natural frequency at the wheel rim.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EXAMPLES Hereinafter, specific examples of the shock energy absorbing steering wheel of the present invention will be described.
A description will be given with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows the power of the truck
Figure 10 illustrates, partially and generally, a tenth embodiment of an impact energy absorbing steering wheel of the present invention for use in steering. The steering wheel 10 includes a metal wheel hub 11 attached to a steering shaft (not shown) and a pair of metal spokes 1 welded to the wheel hub 11.
2, 12 and a metal wheel rim core 14 are welded to the spokes 12, 12 to form the spokes 12, 12.
And a wheel rim 13 supported by the wheel hub 11, a pair of synthetic resin spoke covers (not shown) over the spokes 12, 12, and a synthetic resin over the wheel hub 11. It is assembled including a horn cover (not shown).

The pair of metal spokes 12, 12 are
Each of them is formed into a shape having off-set bending portions 16 and 16 for off-setting the both ends to each other, and in this case, the off-set bending portions 16 and 16 are formed. Slotted holes 17 and 17 are formed in the to change the cross-sectional area discontinuously.

As such, the off-set bends 16, 16 defining the spokes 12, 12 and the change in cross-sectional area 17, 17 cause the spokes 12 to undergo a shock load on the wheel rim 13. , 12 themselves to reduce the deformation load, and to make the wheel rim 13 easier to bend to increase the amount of absorbed energy, the natural frequency of the wheel can be substantially determined at the wheel rim 13. It works where the natural frequency of the wheel can be easily secured, and also the torsional rigidity and fatigue durability of the wheel are secured. In particular, the torsional rigidity is determined by the off-set amount of the off-set bent portions 16 and 16, and the torsional rigidity is increased by increasing the off-set amount.

The wheel rim 13 has its wheel rim core 14 embedded therein.
A synthetic resin wheel rim body 15 is integrally molded around the core 14, and further, a synthetic resin wheel
It is manufactured by integrally covering the surface of the wheel rim body 15 with a rim cover (not shown). Further, in this case, it is preferable that the spoke cover is integrally connected to the wheel rim cover to support the spoke cover.

In the impact energy absorbing type steering wheel 10 manufactured in such a structure,
The wheel caused a collision and its wheel rim 1
When an impact load of a predetermined value or more is applied to 3, the spokes 12 and 12 are preliminarily changed to the off-set bent portion 1
6, 16 and the elongated holes 17, 17 reduce the deformation load and facilitate bending, so that the wheel / rim 13
Is easily deformed while bending its spokes 12, 12 so that the driver is protected from injury.

FIG. 2 illustrates, partially and generally, another embodiment 20 of the impact energy absorbing steering wheel of the present invention as used in truck power steering. The impact energy absorbing type steering wheel 20 is the steering wheel 10 described above, in which the spokes 12, 12 are deformed to reduce the weight of the wheel rim 13. In the impact energy absorption type steering wheel 20, a pair of metal main spokes 21,
21 and a pair of metal sub-spokes 22, 22 and a wheel rim 23 are used.

The pair of metal main spokes 21,
21 has off-set bent portions 26, 26 for respectively off-setting both ends, and is manufactured in a shape in which the tip side is crushed from the off-set bent portions 26, 26 to change the cross-sectional area. Then, both ends thereof are welded to the metal wheel hub 11 and the metal wheel rim core 24 of the wheel rim 23.

On the other hand, the pair of metal sub-spokes 2
2, 22 are manufactured in a straight line shape that is shorter than the main spokes 21, 21, and one end of the bracket 2
7 to the wheel hub 11 and the other end to the wheel rim core 24. In this case, the bracket 27 is formed in a shape in which the pair of arms 28, 28 are radially projected. The sub-spokes 22, 22 function to reduce the weight of the wheel rim 23 and increase the torsional rigidity of the steering wheel 20.

The wheel rim 23 has the wheel rim core 24 embedded therein.
A synthetic resin wheel rim body 25 is integrally molded around the core 24.
It is manufactured by integrally covering the surface of the wheel rim body 25 with a rim cover (not shown). The wheel rim cover 12 has the spoke covers integrally connected.

In the impact energy absorbing type steering wheel 20 which is manufactured in such a structure,
The wheel rim 23 is made lighter than the impact energy absorption type steering wheel 10, and the torsional rigidity and fatigue durability of the wheel are improved.

FIG. 3 illustrates, partially and generally, another embodiment 30 of the shock energy absorbing steering wheel of the present invention as used in truck power steering. The impact energy absorption type steering wheel 30 is manufactured by modifying the bracket 27 of the steering wheel 20 described above. And that steering wheel 3
At 0, the bracket 31 is made in a pentagon shape to facilitate the placement of electrical components.

FIG. 4 illustrates, partially and generally, another embodiment 40 of the shock energy absorbing steering wheel of the present invention as used in truck power steering. The impact energy absorbing type steering wheel 40 is the same as the steering wheel 10 described above, except that the spokes 12, 12 are deformed. The impact energy absorbing steering wheel 40 uses a pair of metal main spokes 41, 41 and a pair of metal sub-spokes 42, 42.

The main and sub spokes 41, 4
1 and 42, 42 are off-set bent portions 43, 43, 43, 4 for offsetting both ends to each other.
3 and its off-set bends 43, 4
The metal wheel rim core 14 of the metal wheel hub 11 and the wheel rim 13 is manufactured from 3, 43, 43 with the same cross-sectional shape by crushing the tip side to change the cross-sectional area. Welded to. Of course, its main and sub spokes 41, 41 and 42,
42 is a steering wheel 1 whose spoke section is
It is downsized from that of the 0 metal spokes 12,12.

In the impact energy absorbing type steering wheel 40 which is manufactured in such a structure,
The aforementioned steering wheel 10, 20, 3
The deformation load of the spoke is reduced as compared with 0, and the fatigue durability of the wheel is improved.

5 and 6 show, partially and generally, another embodiment 50 of the shock energy absorbing steering wheel of the present invention for use in truck power steering. The shock absorbing energy absorption type steering wheel 50 includes the wheel rim 13 of the steering wheel 40, the metal main spokes 41, 41 and the metal sub-wheel that are described above.
The spokes 42, 42 have just been further modified.

The impact energy absorbing type steering wheel 50 includes a metal wheel hub 11 attached to the steering shaft and a pair of metal main spokes 51, 51 welded to the wheel hub 11. , A pair of metal sub-spokes 52, 52 welded to the wheel hub 11 and a metal wheel rim core 57 for the main spokes 51, 51.
And the main spokes 51, 51 and the sub-spokes 52, 5 welded to the sub-spokes 52, 52
2, a wheel rim 56 supported by the wheel hub 11, a pair of synthetic resin main spoke covers (not shown) covered by the main spokes 51, 51, and its sub-spokes 52, A pair of synthetic resin sub-spoke covers (not shown) that are placed on 52.
And a horn cover (not shown) made of synthetic resin that covers the wheel hub 11.

The wheel rim 56 is formed of a thin section ring portion 58 having a partial ring inner peripheral surface 59 on the side of the metal wheel hub 11 of which the section is reduced in cross section.・ Rim core 57
And a synthetic resin wheel rim body 60 integrally molded around the metal wheel rim core 57 with the metal wheel rim core 57 embedded therein.
And a synthetic resin wheel rim cover (not shown) integrally covered on the surface of the synthetic resin wheel rim body 60.

The thin cross-section ring portion 58 is machined into a semi-circular cross section where a portion of the metal wheel rim core 57 is lean on the metal wheel hub 11 side, ie, within the partial ring. Processed into a thin-walled cross-section with a peripheral surface 59, and the deformation load is less than most of its metal wheel rim core 57 to make it more bendable and capable of absorbing impact energy in the event of a collision. . Of course, the partial ring inner peripheral surface 59 provides a smooth welding surface for the fillet welding of the pair of metallic main spokes 51, 51 and the pair of metallic sub-spokes 52, 52.

The pair of metal main spokes 51,
51 and the pair of metal sub-spokes 52, 52 are
Each has an off-set bent portion 53, 53, 54, 54 for off-setting both ends, and the cross-sectional area is changed by crushing both end sides from the off-set bent portion 53, 53, 54, 54. The outer peripheral surface of the metal wheel hub 11 and the inner peripheral surface 59 of the partial ring of the metal wheel rim core 57.
Welded to. In this case, the pair of metal main
The spokes 51, 51 and the pair of metal sub-spokes 52, 52 are welded to the outer peripheral surface of the wheel hub 11 with height deviations from each other. Of course, the pair of metal main spokes 51, 51 and the pair of metal sub-spokes 52, 52 are provided with a height deviation from each other so that the partial ring inner peripheral surface 59 of the metal wheel rim core 57 is formed. It can be welded to. Further, the pair of metal sub-spokes 52, 52 has a joint 55 bent at the tip, and the joint 55 has welding means for the metal wheel rim core 57 and the pair of metal main spokes. -It is used as a means for determining the distance from the spokes 51, 51.

In the impact energy absorbing type steering wheel 50 which is manufactured in such a structure,
The metal wheel rim core 57 is reduced in deformation load by the thin-walled ring portion 58 so that the metal wheel rim core 57 is easily bent, so that at the time of collision, the amount of impact energy absorbed, that is, the amount of absorbed energy is the steering wheel described above. It is increased more than that of 20, 30, 40.

7 and 8 show, partially and generally, another embodiment 70 of an impact energy absorbing steering wheel of the present invention for use in truck power steering. The impact energy absorbing type steering wheel 70 has the same structure as the wheel rim 5 in the steering wheel 50 described above.
6 is just a modification.

In the impact energy absorbing type steering wheel 70, the wheel rim 71 has a pair of thin-walled cross-section portions 73, 73 having partial ring inner peripheral surfaces 74, 74 on the metal wheel hub 11 side. And a metal wheel rim core 72, which is formed at a predetermined interval in the direction, and is integrally formed around the metal wheel rim core 72 with the metal wheel rim core 72 embedded. Synthetic resin wheels / rims molded into
Body 75 and its synthetic resin wheel rim. Synthetic resin wheel that is integrally covered on the surface of rim body 75.
Manufactured where it consists of a rim cover (not shown).

The pair of thin-walled cross-section portions 73, 73 are processed into a semi-circular cross-section where the two portions of the metal wheel rim core 72 are made thin on the metal wheel hub 11 side. That is, it is machined into a thin-walled cross-sectional shape having the partial ring inner peripheral surfaces 74, 74, and the deformation load is reduced more than that of most of the metal wheel rim core 72 to facilitate bending, and at the time of collision. , It is possible to absorb impact energy. Of course, the inner peripheral surfaces 74, 74 of the partial rings are formed by the pair of metal main spokes 51, 51 and the pair of metal sub-spokes 5.
Provides a smooth weld surface for 2,52 fillet welds.

In the impact energy absorbing type steering wheel 70 which is manufactured in such a structure,
Since the deformation load is reduced and the metal wheel rim core 72 is easily bent by the pair of thin-walled cross-section portions 73, 73, the amount of impact energy absorbed at the time of collision, that is, the amount of absorbed energy is as described above. It is increased similarly to that of the steering wheel 50.

As will be apparent from the specific embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the drawings, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains have the subject matter of the invention. Is the nature of the invention (na
It is easily embodied in other embodiments that are derived from the true) and substance and that are objectively recognized as having them internalized. Of course, the contents of the present invention are essential to the establishment of the invention in accordance with the problems of the invention.

[0032]

Benefits of the Invention As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the impact energy absorbing steering wheel of the present invention has a plurality of spokes having off-set bends that cause each end to be off-set relative to one another. Since the wheel rim core is connected to the wheel hub by appropriately changing the length direction, the impact energy absorbing steering wheel of the present invention ensures the torsional rigidity of the wheel at the off-set bending portion. The fatigue durability of the wheel is improved, the deformation load of the spoke is reduced due to the off-set bending part and the change in cross-sectional area, and the wheel rim is also deformable accordingly, and the amount of absorbed energy is increased. When a car crashes, the driver is protected from injury and the natural frequency of the wheel is easily secured. An improved operability of the wheel, as a result, it is very useful and practical for vehicle steering.

Further, in the impact energy absorbing type steering wheel of the present invention, a part of the wheel rim core is formed in a thin-walled ring portion having a partial ring inner peripheral surface on the wheel hub side by reducing the sectional area. , And a plurality of spokes each having an off-set bend to offset each end from each other to vary the cross-sectional area longitudinally, and each tip to a partial ring of its wheel rim core. Since it is fixedly connected to the inner peripheral surface, in the shock energy absorption type steering wheel of the present invention, the torsional rigidity of the wheel is secured at the off-set bending portion, the fatigue durability of the wheel is improved, and the thin wall The cross-sectional ring portion, its off-set bending portion, and the change in the cross-sectional area of the spoke reduce the deformation load and prevent collision. The amount of absorbed energy of the vehicle is increased, and the driver is protected from injury, and the natural frequency of the wheel is easily ensured to improve the maneuverability of the wheel. It was useful and practical.

Further, in the impact energy absorbing type steering wheel of the present invention, the wheel rim core has a pair of thin-walled cross-section portions having the inner peripheral surface of the partial ring on the wheel hub side, which are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. And a pair of spokes each having an off-set bent portion for offsetting both ends thereof from each other to change the cross-sectional area appropriately in the longitudinal direction, and each of the tips has a thin cross-section portion thereof. Since it is fixedly coupled to the inner peripheral surface of the ring, in the impact energy absorption type steering wheel of the present invention, the torsional rigidity of the wheel is secured at the off-set bending portion, and the fatigue durability of the wheel is improved. The deformation load is reduced by a pair of thin-walled cross-section parts, their off-set bending parts, and the change in the cross-sectional area of the spokes, and in the event of a collision The amount of absorbed energy is increased, the driver is protected from injury, and the natural frequency of the wheel is easily ensured to improve the maneuverability of the wheel, and as a result, it is very useful for the steering of the automobile. Is practical.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a shock energy absorbing steering wheel according to the present invention used for power steering of a truck.
Partial fracture and partial cross-section of a specific example of the wheel, and
It is the partial front view shown roughly.

FIG. 2 is a shock energy absorbing steering wheel according to the present invention used for power steering of a truck.
FIG. 6 is a partial front view schematically showing another specific example of the wheel, partially broken and partially cross-sectioned.

FIG. 3 is a shock energy absorbing steering wheel according to the present invention as used in truck power steering.
FIG. 7 is a partial front view schematically showing another specific example of the wheel by partially breaking it.

FIG. 4 is a shock energy absorption type steering wheel of the present invention used for power steering of a truck.
FIG. 6 is a partial front view schematically showing another specific example of the wheel, partially broken and partially cross-sectioned.

FIG. 5 is an impact energy absorbing steering wheel of the present invention as used in truck power steering.
FIG. 6 is a partial front view schematically showing another specific example of the wheel, partially broken and partially cross-sectioned.

6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a shock energy absorbing steering wheel according to the present invention used for power steering of a truck.
FIG. 6 is a partial front view schematically showing another specific example of the wheel, partially broken and partially cross-sectioned.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Metal Wheel Hub 12 Metal Spoke 13 Wheel Rim 16 Off Set Bend 17 Slot

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of spokes having off-set bends for offsetting their ends from each other to vary the cross-sectional area in the longitudinal direction, and the wheel.
A shock energy absorbing steering wheel where the rim core is connected to the wheel hub. 2. The impact energy absorption type steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of spokes change the cross-sectional area discontinuously at appropriate longitudinal positions. 3. The impact energy absorbing steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of spokes are provided with slots at appropriate positions in the longitudinal direction. 4. The impact energy absorbing steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of spokes are connected to a wheel hub thereof with height deviations from each other. 5. A part of the wheel rim core is formed in a thin cross-section ring part having a partial ring inner peripheral surface on the wheel hub side with a reduced cross-sectional area, and a plurality of spokes are provided at both ends respectively. It has off-set bends that allow them to be off-set relative to each other so that the cross-sectional area varies as appropriate along the length, and each tip is its wheel rim
A shock energy absorption type steering wheel fixedly connected to the inner peripheral surface of the partial ring of the core. 6. The impact energy absorbing steering wheel according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of spokes change the cross-sectional area discontinuously at appropriate longitudinal positions. 7. The shock energy absorbing steering wheel according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of spokes are provided with slots at appropriate positions in the longitudinal direction. 8. The shock energy absorbing steering wheel according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of spokes are connected to the wheel hub thereof with height deviations from each other. 9. A wheel rim core is formed with a pair of thin-walled cross-section portions having an inner peripheral surface of a partial ring on the wheel hub side at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, and a pair of spokes are provided. Each end has an off-set bent portion that sets each other off-set, and the cross-sectional area is appropriately changed in the longitudinal direction, and each tip is fixedly connected to the inner peripheral surface of the partial ring of the thin-walled cross-sectional portion. Steering wheel that absorbs impact energy in various places. 10. The impact energy absorption type steering wheel according to claim 9, wherein the pair of spokes discontinuously changes the cross-sectional area at appropriate positions in the longitudinal direction. 11. The impact energy absorbing steering wheel according to claim 9, wherein the pair of spokes are provided with slots at appropriate positions in the longitudinal direction.