Patent US4380341A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4380341A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Labyrinth seal for slip ring switch for steering wheels of motor vehicles
Assignee: Daimler Benz AG
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Filing: 1982-03-08
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Granted: 1983-04-19
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Expires: 2002-03-08
Abstract
Abstract A slip ring arrangement for steering wheels of motor vehicles, with the slip ring arrangement being adapted to not only supply power to a signal horn of the motor vehicle but also to a gas generating unit for an inflatable air bag installation. The slip ring arrangement is sealed with respect to a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle by a contact sealing system in the form of a labyrinth seal.
Inventors
- 👤 Heinz Waldschutz
- 👤 Franz Rauner
- 👤 Helmut Patzelt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 18:14
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R16/00; B60R16/02; B60R16/023; B60R16/027; B62; B62D; B62D1/00; B62D1/02; B62D1/16; H; H01; H01R; H01R39/00; H01R39/02; H01R39/08; H01R39/10; H01R39/64; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/20; Y10T74/20576; Y10T74/20732; Y10T74/20834
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A slip ring arrangement for a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, the arrangement including at least one slip ring, spring-mounted mating contact means cooperable with the at least one slip ring for enabling a transmitting of an electrical current to components of the motor vehicle, characterized in that a labyrinth seal means is provided for sealing the slip ring arrangement with respect to a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
71 words
A slip ring arrangement for a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, the arrangement including at least one slip ring, spring-mounted mating contact means cooperable with the at least one slip ring for enabling a transmitting of an electrical current to components of the motor vehicle, characterized in that a labyrinth seal means is provided for sealing the slip ring arrangement with respect to a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A slip ring arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the labyrinth seal means includes a slip ring support adapted to be arranged on a portion of a steering wheel of the vehicle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A slip ring arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the labrinth sealing means includes a labyrinth plate adapted to be secured to an outer steering column of the steering wheel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A slip ring arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that means are provided in the labyrinth plate for guiding the spring mounted mating contacts.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
A slip ring arrangement according to one of claims 3, or 4, characterized in that at least one of the slip ring support and the labyrinth plate is made of a plastic material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
A slip ring arrangement according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that both the slip ring support and the labyrinth plate are made of a plastic material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
A slip ring arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the labyrinth sealing means includes a labyrinth plate adapted to be secured to an outer steering column of the steering wheel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
A slip ring arrangement according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, or 4, characterized in that the components of the motor vehicle include at least one of a vehicle horn and a gas generator means for an air bag installation.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-04-18 | 1986-10-18 | 1987-04-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-04-18 | 1990-10-18 | 1991-04-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-04-18 | 1994-10-18 | 1995-04-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |