Steering wheel

A steering wheel ( steering wheel and, veralt. Valance ) is a component of the steering system of a vehicle, by means of which the vehicle operator through the rotational movement of front wheels of the vehicle from the straight ahead position can be brought into a driving position. It is used for changing the direction of the vehicle.

Basics

Steering wheels are generally operated with the hands ( different for facilities for disabled drivers ). They are arranged for ergonomic reasons in a conveniently handleable elevation angle to the longitudinal axis in front of the torso and in cars have a diameter which corresponds approximately to the width of the waist of an adult man. Larger vehicles with higher payload, such as trucks and buses also have greater steering wheels due to the greater steering forces. Because of the different height of the vehicle handlebars are high quality modern control systems are adjustable in several directions.

Historical

1894 Alfred Vacheron took part in the famous Paris -Rouen race. He named his car after his name " Vacheron ", but actually it was a 1893er Panhard 4hp, which he had equipped with a steering wheel. This is one of the earliest known uses of this steering principle. In the race, which was won by a De Dion -Bouton Steam Mobile, Vacheron finished in eleventh place. The French manufacturer Panhard Levassor & led the steering wheel in 1898 for his models. At this time, Rambler experimented with, but has not completed it on. Only in 1901 was followed by Packard and Peerless. Then the steering wheel sat through increasingly. A Ballhupe was placed on the steering wheel rim early on. Before the introduction of the automatic ignition timing, it has been customary to incorporate the corresponding lever on the steering wheel. As indicators emerged in the 1920s, the switches were often transferred to the steering wheel before the turn signal lever on the steering column generally prevailed.

Construction

Most of today's steering wheels similar to a ring, which is connected with wire to the central part, the so-called baffle pot. Often it is the control device for the horn. Since the 2000s, other controls are on the steering wheel spokes often attached, such as cruise control, radio or onboard computer. Such steering wheel with additional controls are also referred to as a multi -function steering wheel (MFL ).

The steering wheel based on a steering column, at the several operating handle or operating satellites are right and left attached. Often the emblem of the vehicle manufacturer is placed in the middle

Most modern vehicles are equipped with a power steering system, so that the driver must overcome less resistance between the tire and the ground while driving. For large motor vehicles and construction machinery, a crank handle can be mounted on the steering wheel ring, to make it easier to maneuver.

The diameter of the steering wheel is dependent on the size of the vehicle. Sporty aligned Cars have steering wheels with a very small diameter, to bring about a short pulse steering a significant change in direction. Large vehicles must, however, be equipped with large caster wheels, so there is no rolling motions for direction changes.

In addition to its size, steering wheels differ in motor vehicles primarily by the number of spokes. Previously owned vehicles cost only two-spoke steering wheels, while especially sporty models were equipped with three-spoke steering wheels and more luxurious models with four-spoke steering wheels.

Specific innovations were the Einspeichenlenkrad in the Citroën DS and the steering wheel with fixed steering wheel hub which was realized with the help of a planetary gear, also from Citroën. From the British Motor Corporation the idea of a square steering wheel, which was first implemented in 1973 in the Austin Allegro comes.

Potential risks and their mitigation

Steering wheels pose a significant risk of injury in accidents for the driver. Using various technical institutions has been tried over the history of the automobile to reduce this risk. An example of this was Procon -th, an evolution of the car manufacturer Audi, which pulled the steering wheel in the direction of the dashboard by a laid around the engine block steel cable in a frontal collision.

Steering wheels are also usually foamed, partly also covered with leather and equipped with recessed grip ( firm grip ). Until a few years of hard plastic was used. However, the material resulted in accidents often cause injury. For historical vehicle, it is customary to wear Driving Gloves to increase the grip.

An important element is the airbag, which is almost everywhere today housed in the steering wheel as standard pot. By a sensor, an impact of the vehicle is detected and then inflated an air bag in a split second. This is to catch the driver and thus protect them from injury.

Others

The operation of the steering wheel is essential for the safe operation of a vehicle. If the hands grasp the steering wheel, the arms should be slightly bent. The hands should touch the steering wheel center ( " two forty-five " position). The steering should be done with crossing of the hands, so that at any time a hand holding the steering wheel. Their hands should be located in said position even when cornering. Thus, an optimal control of the vehicle - achieved - even in unexpected evasive maneuvers. The steering with one hand or a finger between the spokes is accident prone.

In the shipping industry, airships and flying boats steering wheel steering or rowing is called. Some motor yachts, some flying boats (mainly historical ) and dirigibles have steering wheels, similar to those of automobiles. In aviation, the steering wheel control wheel or stick is called.

Steering wheels are also available as a computer input device, some with force feedback.

In the Formula 1 2011 season the wheel of a Ferrari 150 ° Italia had more than 100 functions.