Heating element for steering wheel
US8278602B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 2, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 27, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20834
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A heating element includes a base material and a heater disposed on the base material, which can be deformed to accommodate a part of the heater. A steering wheel equipped with the heating element is free from surface protrusions caused by the heater. Employment of a linear heater reduces connections between the heater and power supply lines, and a high connecting reliability is obtained. The steering wheel includes the heating element and the power lines, and connections between the heating element and the power lines are disposed in the boss portion of the steering wheel. The steering wheel is further provided with a temperature detector, a temperature detector heater and a temperature controller, and the detector and the detector heater are disposed in the boss portion. Thus, a steering wheel with a good grip and a good appearance can be provided at a low cost.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.