Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to steering wheels, and arrangement for mounting steering wheels.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Every vehicle model is provided with a unique arrangement for mounting the steering wheel on the steering column, and every arrangement defines a fixed eccentricity of the steering wheel. The unique mounting arrangement and the fixed eccentricity of the steering wheel are developed considering the distance between the instrument cluster and the driver seat so that not only is better visibility of the instrument cluster, better ergonomics, better reach, and more leg room facilitated, but also a better driver glance response time is achieved.
However, due to the fixed eccentricity of the steering wheel, a particular arrangement, which has been devised for one vehicle model for mounting the steering wheel on the steering column, cannot be employed for a second vehicle model. As a result, not only does the inventory volume and cost increase, but also additional resources and manufacturing costs are consumed.
There is therefore felt a need for a universal arrangement for mounting a steering wheel which alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for mounting a steering wheel relative to its instrument cluster.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for mounting a steering wheel which does not block the visibility of the instrument cluster.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cost-effective arrangement for mounting a steering wheel.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide arrangement for mounting a steering wheel which ensures comfort and ergonomics, along with relatively better driver glance response time.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages an arrangement for mounting a steering wheel relative to its instrument cluster. The steering wheel comprises an armature. An arm is configured to extend across the length of the armature. The arm has a first slot configured on an operative central portion thereof. The arm also has a recess configured thereon coaxial to the first slot. The steering wheel further comprises a set of sleeve rings of varying diameters and varying eccentricities. The set of sleeve rings is configured to be nested in the recess in a predetermined sequence corresponding to a desired alignment of the steering wheel, to form a stack. A washer is configured to be seated on an innermost sleeve ring of the set of sleeve rings. The washer defines a second slot configured thereon. A steering shaft is configured to extend from the steering column. The steering shaft is configured to be received in the first slot, and is further configured to extend through the set of sleeve rings and the washer to facilitate mounting of the steering wheel on the steering column. A fastening means is configured to be received in the second slot to facilitate mounting of the steering wheel on the steering shaft in a manner that the steering wheel does not block the visibility of the instrument cluster.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
An arrangement, of the present disclosure, for mounting a steering wheel relative to its instrument cluster will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of the arrangement, of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a front view of an armature of the steering wheel, of Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the armature of Figure 2;
Figure 4 illustrates a front view of a first sleeve ring of the arrangement, of Figure 1;
Figure 5 illustrates a front view of a second sleeve ring of the arrangement, of Figure 1;
Figure 6 illustrates a front view of a third sleeve ring of the arrangement, of Figure 1;
Figure 7 illustrates a front view of a washer of the arrangement, of Figure 1;
Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the arrangement, of Figure 1;
Figure 9 illustrates a front view of the steering wheel having sleeve rings arranged to obtain maximum positive eccentricity “D”;
Figure 10 illustrates a close-up view of the sleeve rings nested in the armature to adjust the positive eccentricity;
Figure 11 illustrates a front view of the steering wheel having sleeve rings arranged to obtain maximum negative eccentricity “E”;
Figure 12 illustrates a close-up view of the sleeve rings nested in the armature to adjust the negative eccentricity;
Figure 13 illustrates a front view of the arrangement of Figure 1 at positive eccentricity;
Figure 14 and Figure 15 illustrate cross-sectional views of the arrangement, of Figure 13, along A-A axis;
Figure 15 illustrates the detailed view of Figure 14 along the B-axis;
Figure 16 illustrates a front view of the arrangement of Figure 1 at negative eccentricity; and
Figure 17 and Figure 18 illustrate a cross-sectional view of the arrangement, of Figure 16, along C-C axis.
Figure 18 illustrates the detailed view of Figure 17 along the D-axis.LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 arrangement
105 steering wheel
106 armature
107 frame
108 arm
109 lower cover
110 first slot
112 steering wheel centre
114 washer
115A first sleeve ring
115B second sleeve ring
115C third sleeve ring
116 second slot
118 steering shaft
122 recess
124A key slot
124B key
126 spline
127 external threads
128A first nut
128B second nut
129 steering shaft centre
D maximum eccentricity
E minimum eccentricity
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including”, “includes” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Every vehicle model is provided with a unique arrangement for mounting the steering wheel on the steering column, and every arrangement defines a fixed eccentricity of the steering wheel. The unique mounting arrangement and the fixed eccentricity of the steering wheel are developed considering the distance between the instrument cluster and the driver seat so that not only is better visibility of the instrument cluster, better ergonomics, better reach, and more leg room facilitated, but also a better driver glance response time is achieved.
However, due to the fixed eccentricity of the steering wheel, a particular arrangement, which has been devised for one vehicle model for mounting the steering wheel on the steering column, cannot be employed for a second vehicle model. As a result, not only does the inventory volume and cost increase, but also additional resources and manufacturing costs are consumed.
There is therefore felt a need for a universal arrangement for mounting a steering wheel which alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
An arrangement (100), of the present disclosure, for mounting a steering wheel (105) of a vehicle relative to its instrument cluster will now be envisaged with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 16.
The steering wheel (105) comprises an armature (106) which is defined by a body of a substantially circular configuration. An arm (108) is configured to extend across the length of the armature (106). The arm (108) has a first slot (110) configured on an operative central portion thereof. The arm (108) also has a recess (122) configured thereon coaxial to the first slot (110). The steering wheel (105) further comprises a set of sleeve rings (115A, 115B, 115C) of varying diameters and varying eccentricities. The set of sleeve rings is configured to be nested in the recess (122) in a predetermined sequence corresponding to a desired alignment of the steering wheel (105), to form a stack. A washer (114) is configured to be seated on an innermost sleeve ring of the set of sleeve rings. The washer (114) defines a second slot (116) configured thereon. A steering shaft (118) is configured to extend from the steering column. The steering shaft (118) is configured to be received in the first slot (110), and is further configured to extend through the set of sleeve rings and the washer (114) to facilitate mounting of the steering wheel (105) on the steering column. A fastening means is configured to be received in the second slot (116) to facilitate mounting of the steering wheel (105) on the steering shaft (118) in a manner that the steering wheel (105) does not block the visibility of the instrument cluster.
In an embodiment, the arrangement (100) functions to provide a universal steering wheel mounting arrangement (100) which can be enabled across different models of vehicles having instrument clusters variedly fitted on the dashboard.
In an embodiment, the first slot (110) and second slot (116) has an elliptical configuration which allows displacement of the fastening means along its length as desired in a locking configuration thereof. Thus, the eccentricity of the set of sleeve rings can be adjusted as desired.
In one embodiment, the armature (106) is of magnesium alloy material. In another embodiment, the armature (106) is covered in foam and a lower cover (109). The foam is of polyurethane. The armature (106) is covered with DAB (Drive Air Bag) switch from the top side (not shown in figure).
In an embodiment, the first slot (110) has a rectangular configuration. In another embodiment, the height of the first slot (110) is greater than the total eccentricity of the sleeve rings. The height of the first slot (110) is greater than the eccentricity value, which allows adjustment of the inner sleeve between maximum positive to negative eccentricity.
In an embodiment, the set of sleeve rings includes a first sleeve ring (115A), a second sleeve ring (115B), and a third sleeve ring (115C). The first sleeve ring (115A) is defined by a first inner diameter center and a first outer diameter center corresponding to a first eccentricity. The first sleeve ring (115A) is configured to be nested in the recess (122). The second sleeve ring (115B) is defined by a second inner diameter center and a second outer diameter center corresponding to a second eccentricity. The second sleeve ring (115B) is configured to be nested in the first sleeve ring (115A). The third sleeve ring (115C) is defined by a third inner diameter center and a third outer diameter center corresponding to a third eccentricity. The third sleeve ring (115C) is configured to be nested in the second sleeve ring (115B).
In an embodiment, the set of sleeve rings can include more than three sleeve rings. The number of the sleeve rings would depend on the configuration of the armature and the arm, and the desired distance between the steering wheel centre (112) and the steering shaft centre (129) to prevent blockage of the instrument cluster.
In an embodiment, each sleeve ring includes at least one key slot (124A) configured on an operative outer region thereof, and at least one key (124B) configured on an operative inner region thereof. The key slot (124A) of a preceding ring is configured to receive the key (124B) of a succeeding ring to facilitate lockable nesting of the succeeding ring in the preceding ring.
In an embodiment, the set of sleeve rings is configured to be angularly displaced at a predetermined angle to obtain the eccentricity.
In an embodiment, the length of the second slot (116) is greater than the total eccentricity of the set of sleeve rings.
In an exemplary embodiment, referring to Figures 4 to 7, the first sleeve ring (115A) has its inner and outer diameter centres corresponding to eccentricity “A”. The first sleeve ring (115A) is located on the armature (106) center step circular contour with the help of key slot (124A) provided thereon. The second sleeve ring (115B) has its inner and outer diameter centers corresponding to eccentricity “B”. The second sleeve ring (115B) is smaller in size, and it is located in the first sleeve ring (115A) with the help of key slot (124A) provided on the ring. The third sleeve ring (115C) has its inner and outer diameter centers corresponding to eccentricity “C”. The third sleeve ring (115C) is the smallest sleeve when compared to both first and second sleeve ring (115B), and it is located in the intermediate sleeve with the help of the key slot (124A) provided thereon. The second slot (116) of the washer (114) helps fix the sleeve rings with the armature (106). The third sleeve ring (115C) includes external threads (not shown in figure) configured thereon, to facilitate fastening of the third sleeve ring (115C) with the armature (106)
In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the sleeve rings are of removable type, and also can be rotated 180° to get the desired eccentricity. The following Table 1 shows the different combinations of eccentricities that can be obtained by adjusting the sleeve rings.

TABLE 1
Figures 9 & 10 illustrate the arrangement (100) of the sleeve rings which help attain maximum positive eccentricity “D”. In this scenario, the sleeve rings are nested in the recess (122) to obtain positive eccentricities D & F, G & H (not shown in figures). The centre of the steering wheel (112) is above the centre of the steering shaft (129), and such eccentricity is considered as positive eccentricity. The above Table 1 shows the different combinations of positive eccentricities obtained by adjusting the sleeve rings.
Figures 11 & 12 illustrate the arrangement (100) of the sleeve rings which help attain maximum negative eccentricity “E”. In this scenario, the sleeve rings are nested in the recess (122) to obtain negative eccentricities E & I, J & K (not shown in figures). The centre of the steering wheel (112) is below the centre of the steering shaft (129), and such eccentricity is considered as negative eccentricity. The above Table 1 shows the different combinations of negative eccentricities obtained by adjusting the sleeve rings.
In an embodiment, the eccentricity of the sleeve rings can range between D and K for positive and negative eccentricities.
Figures 13, 14 & 15 illustrate the manner in which the steering shaft (118) is received in the first slot (110) from the rear side of the steering wheel (105), passed through the set of sleeve rings, and is fastened with the help of the washer (114) and fastening means.
In an embodiment, a plurality of splines (126) is configured on the third sleeve ring (115C) to secure the steering shaft (118) with the third sleeve ring (115C). In another embodiment, the splines (126) are configured on an operative rear portion of the third sleeve ring (115C).
In an embodiment, the steering shaft (118) includes external threads (127) configured on an operative free end thereof.
In another embodiment, the fastening means includes a pair of nuts (128A, 128B). A first nut (128A), of the pair of nuts (128A, 128B), is configured to be seated on the steering shaft (118), below an operative bottom portion of the armature (106). A second nut (128B), of the pair of nuts (128A, 128B), is configured to be seated on third sleeve ring (115C). Both the nuts (128A, 128B) are configured to be fastened to the steering shaft (118) and the nut (128B) is configured to be fastened to the third sleeve ring (115C) and armature (106) to secure the steering wheel (105) to the steering column, by arresting any linear movement of the shaft along the length of the second slot (116).
The primary advantage of the arrangement (100), of the present disclosure, is that it allows change in the eccentricity of the steering wheel (105) which allows a universal configuration of the steering wheel (105) across various vehicle models and types. This allows reduction in inventory and manufacturing processes. Further, at a user level, the arrangement (100) aims to provide both ergonomics and comfort to the user as it allows changing the eccentricity of the steering wheel (105) as per convenience of the user. Further, better visibility of the instrument cluster, better ergonomics, better reach, more leg room, and better driver glance response time can be achieved as per convenience of the user or the variation in the model by simply removing the lower cover (109) and adjusting the eccentricity by rotating the sleeve rings (115A, 115B, 115C).
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of an arrangement for mounting a steering wheel relative to its instrument cluster, which:
• does not block the visibility of the instrument cluster;
• is cost-effective;
• ensures comfort and ergonomics, along with relatively better driver glance response time;
• facilitates better visibility of the instrument cluster, better ergonomics, better reach, more leg room, and better driver glance response time.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Any discussion of materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An arrangement (100) for mounting a steering wheel (105) of a vehicle relative to its instrument cluster, said steering wheel (105) configured to be rotatably mounted on a steering column to drive the vehicle, said steering wheel (105) comprising:
• an armature (106);
• an arm (108) extending across the length of said armature (106), said arm (108) having a first slot (110) configured on an operative central portion thereof, and a recess (122) configured on said arm (108) coaxial to said first slot (110);
• a set of sleeve rings (115A, 115B, 115C) of varying diameters and varying eccentricities, said set of sleeve rings (115A, 115B, 115C) configured to be nested in said recess (122) in a predetermined sequence corresponding to a desired alignment of said steering wheel (105), to form a stack;
• a washer (114) configured to be seated on an innermost sleeve ring of said set of sleeve rings, said washer (114) defining a second slot (116);
• a steering shaft (118) extending from the steering column, said steering shaft (118) configured to be received in said first slot (110), and further configured to extend through said set of sleeve rings and said washer (114) to facilitate mounting of said steering wheel (105) on the steering column; and
• a fastening means configured to be received in said second slot (116), said fastening means configured to facilitate mounting of said steering wheel (105) on said steering shaft (118) in a manner that said steering wheel (105) does not block the visibility of the instrument cluster.
2. The steering wheel (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said arrangement (100) functions to provide a universal steering wheel mounting arrangement (100) which can be enabled across different models of vehicles having instrument clusters variedly fitted on the dashboard.
3. The steering wheel (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of said first slot (110) is greater than the total eccentricity of said sleeve rings.
4. The steering wheel (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said set of sleeve rings (115A , 115B, 115C) includes:
o a first sleeve ring (115A) defined by a first inner diameter center and a first outer diameter center corresponding to a first eccentricity, said first sleeve ring (115A) configured to be nested in said recess (122);
o a second sleeve ring (115B) defined by a second inner diameter center and a second outer diameter center corresponding to a second eccentricity, said second sleeve ring (115B) configured to be nested in said first sleeve ring (115A); and
o a third sleeve ring (115C) defined by a third inner diameter center and a third outer diameter center corresponding to a third eccentricity, said third sleeve ring (115C) configured to be nested in said second sleeve ring (115B).
5. The steering wheel (105) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said third sleeve ring (115C) includes external threads configured thereon, to facilitate fastening of said third sleeve ring (115C) with said armature (106).
6. The steering wheel (105) as claimed in claim 4, wherein each sleeve ring includes at least one key slot (124A) configured on an operative outer region thereof, and at least one key (124B) configured on an operative inner region thereof, wherein said key slot (124A) of a preceding ring is configured to receive said key (124B) of a succeeding ring to facilitate lockable nesting of said succeeding ring in said preceding ring.
7. The steering wheel (105) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said set of sleeve rings (115A , 115B, 115C) is configured to be angularly displaced at a predetermined angle to obtain said eccentricity.
8. The steering wheel (105) as claimed in claim 4, wherein a plurality of splines (126) are configured on said third sleeve ring (115C) to secure said steering shaft (118) with said third sleeve ring (115C).
9. The steering wheel (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said steering shaft (118) includes external threads (127) configured on an operative free end thereof.
10. The steering wheel (105) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said fastening means includes a pair of nuts (128A, 128B), a first nut (128A) configured to be seated on said steering shaft (118), below an operative bottom portion of said armature (106), and a second nut (128B) configured to be seated on said third sleeve (115C) , said nuts (128A, 128B) configured to be fastened to said steering shaft (118) and said third sleeve (115C) to secure said steering wheel (105) to said steering column.

Dated this 07th ay of February, 2024

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K. DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant