JP7528842B2 - Steering handle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a steering wheel that is operated by a driver when steering a vehicle such as a car.

A vehicle such as a car is provided with a steering shaft as part of its steering device. The steering shaft has a first axis and rotates in both forward and reverse directions around the first axis. A steering handle is attached to the steering shaft and is held and operated by the driver of the vehicle.

Patent document 1 describes a steering wheel that places little strain on the driver's wrists even when the wheel is rotated significantly, for example by more than 90 degrees, around a first axis from a position when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead.

This steering handle has a boss portion, a pair of spoke portions, and a pair of grip portions. The boss portion is attached to the steering shaft so as to be able to rotate integrally with the steering shaft. Both spoke portions have second axes that extend from the boss portion in opposite directions in the left-right direction when the vehicle is moving straight. Both spoke portions are supported by the boss portion so as to be able to rotate in both forward and reverse directions around the second axis. Both grip portions are fixed to the ends of both spoke portions farther from the boss portion.

In the above steering wheel, both grips can be rotated around the second axis. Therefore, the driver can maintain a natural angle of the wrists by rotating both grips around the second axis while rotating around the first axis of the steering shaft. Even when rotating the steering wheel more than 90 degrees around the first axis, there is no need to bend the wrists at an unnatural angle, and the wrists are less likely to be strained.

JP 2004-34849 A

However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to returning each grip part to the neutral position when the vehicle is moving straight ahead, so there is room for improvement in terms of operability.
In addition, the rotational torque acting on each grip part when rotating each grip part around the second axis is not taken into consideration. Therefore, the operation load felt by the driver through the operation of rotating each grip part around the first axis while rotating each grip part around the second axis is constant, and there is room for improvement in terms of steering feel.

This problem can occur in any vehicle equipped with the conventional steering wheel described above, and is not limited to cars.

A steering wheel that solves the above-mentioned problems is applied to a vehicle having a steering shaft that has a first axis and rotates in both forward and reverse directions around the first axis, and the steering wheel comprises a boss portion that is attached to the steering shaft so as to be integrally rotatable, a pair of spoke portions that have second axes that extend in opposite directions from the boss portion in the left-right direction when the vehicle is traveling straight, and are supported on the boss portion so as to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions around the second axis, and a grip portion fixed to each spoke portion, and when the position of each grip portion around the second axis when traveling straight is taken as a neutral position, there is a gap between the boss portion and each spoke portion when traveling straight. to the neutral position, and each rotation control mechanism includes a rotating cam that is attached to the spoke portion so as to be rotatable integrally with the spoke portion and has a cam surface on one side in a direction along the second axis, a pusher that is slidable in a direction along the second axis while its rotation around the second axis is restricted and has a contact portion that contacts the cam surface, and an elastic member that urges the pusher toward the rotating cam, and the cam surface of each rotating cam is formed around the second axis and has a pair of inclined surfaces that are inclined in opposite directions relative to a plane perpendicular to the second axis, and both inclined surfaces are connected to each other via a boundary portion, and when moving straight ahead, the contact portion contacts the boundary portion.

According to the above configuration, when the vehicle is moving straight, each spoke portion and each grip portion is located on both the left and right sides of the boss portion. Also, each grip portion is located in a neutral position in the direction of rotation about the second axis. In each rotation control mechanism, the contact portion of the pusher, which is biased toward the rotating cam by the elastic member, is pressed against the boundary portion of the cam surface.

When the driver applies force to the grips in either the forward or reverse direction around the first axis from the above state, the force is transmitted to the steering shaft via the spokes and boss. This transmission causes the spokes, boss and steering shaft to rotate around the first axis. The steering device is activated, the vehicle is steered and the direction of travel of the vehicle is changed. Due to the structure of the wrist of the driver holding the grips, the rotation of each grip around the first axis is accompanied by the forward or reverse rotation of each grip around the second axis.

In each rotation control mechanism, each spoke part is accompanied by a rotating cam and rotates in both forward and reverse directions together with each grip part. As the rotating cam rotates, the cam surface rotates in both forward and reverse directions around the second axis. The point on the cam surface that comes into contact with the contact part of the pusher changes. When this contact point moves from the boundary part to the inclined surface, a force is generated that tries to move the pusher away from the rotating cam while elastically deforming (compressing) the elastic member. This force increases as the contact point with the contact part of the inclined surface moves away from the boundary part in the circumferential direction as the rotating cam rotates. In addition, the force is transmitted to the driver through the hand holding each grip part as a steering load when each grip part is rotated around the second axis.

From the above state, when the driver reduces the force applied to each grip part in the above direction, or applies a force to each grip part to return it to the straight-ahead position, the spoke part, boss part and steering shaft rotate around the first axis in the opposite direction to the above. The direction of travel of the vehicle is returned to the straight-ahead direction. The rotation of each grip part around the first axis is accompanied by the rotation of each grip part around the second axis in the opposite direction to the above.

In each rotation control mechanism, each spoke portion is accompanied by a rotating cam and rotates together with each gripping portion in the opposite direction to the above. As the rotating cam rotates, the cam surface rotates around the second axis in the opposite direction to the above. On the inclined surface of the cam surface, the point that contacts the contact portion of the pusher approaches the boundary portion. As a result, the force that moves the pusher away from the rotating cam while elastically deforming (compressing) the elastic member decreases, and the steering load decreases. The force and steering load are minimized when the boundary portion of the cam surface contacts the contact portion when the vehicle is traveling straight.

In this way, the steering load applied when each grip portion is rotated around the second axis varies according to the amount of rotation of each grip portion from the neutral position, providing an improved steering feel compared to a case in which the steering load is constant regardless of the amount of rotation.

Furthermore, when the boundary portion of the cam surface comes into contact with the contact portion of the pusher, each gripping portion is returned to the neutral position.
In the above steering handle, it is preferable that the boss portion has a flat first regulating surface extending along the second axis, the pusher has a flat first regulated surface extending along the second axis, and the pusher is in slidable contact with the first regulating surface of the boss portion at the first regulated surface.

According to the above configuration, the pusher contacts the first regulating surface of the boss portion at the first regulated surface. Here, both the first regulated surface and the first regulated surface extend along the second axis. Therefore, the pusher can slide in a direction along the second axis while contacting the first regulating surface at the first regulated surface.

Furthermore, the first flat regulated surface comes into contact with the first flat regulating surface, thereby restricting the pusher from rotating about the second axis.
In the above-mentioned steering handle, it is preferable that each rotation control mechanism further includes a regulating part that regulates the rotation of the rotating cam around the second axis or regulates the sliding of the pusher, thereby specifying the maximum rotation angle in each forward and reverse direction of each gripping part located in the neutral position.

According to the above configuration, the regulating portion of each rotation control mechanism regulates the rotation of the rotating cam around the second axis. Alternatively, the regulating portion regulates the sliding of the pusher. These regulations determine the maximum rotation angle in both the forward and reverse directions of each gripping portion located in the neutral position.

In the above steering handle, the regulating portion includes a second regulating surface formed on the boss portion and intersecting the second axis, and a second regulated surface formed on the pusher and intersecting the second axis, and the regulating portion preferably regulates the sliding by contacting the second regulated surface with the slide of the pusher in the direction along the second axis, thereby regulating the rotation of the grip portion beyond the maximum rotation angle.

According to the above configuration, as the pusher slides in a direction along the second axis, the second regulated surface approaches or moves away from the second regulated surface. Both the second regulated surface and the second regulated surface intersect with the second axis. Therefore, as the pusher slides, when the second regulated surface approaches and comes into contact with the second regulated surface, further sliding of the pusher is restricted. The gripping portion is restricted from rotating beyond the maximum rotation angle.

In the above steering handle, the regulating portion is preferably provided with a regulating wall surface formed on the rotating cam, starting from the edge of the inclined surface opposite the boundary portion and extending along the second axis, and the regulating portion preferably regulates the grip portion from rotating beyond the maximum rotation angle by the regulating wall surface coming into contact with the contact portion as the rotating cam rotates.

According to the above configuration, when the rotating cam rotates through the maximum rotation angle in response to rotation of the gripper around the second axis, the regulating wall surface comes into contact with the contact portion of the pusher. This regulating wall surface starts from the edge opposite the boundary portion of the inclined surface and extends along the second axis. Therefore, when the regulating wall surface comes into contact with the contact portion as described above, further rotation of the rotating cam is restricted. Accordingly, the gripper is restricted from rotating beyond the maximum rotation angle.

In the above steering wheel, when the direction in which the portion of each grip part located in the neutral position above the second axis rotates toward the driver is defined as the forward direction, and the direction in which the portion rotates away from the driver is defined as the rearward direction, it is preferable that the regulating part specifies that the maximum rotation angle when each grip part is rotated from the neutral position toward the rearward direction is greater than the maximum rotation angle when each grip part is rotated from the neutral position toward the forward direction.

Here, when the driver rotates both grips located in the neutral position around the first axis, due to the structure of the wrist, it is possible to rotate each grip farther when rotating it backward than when rotating it forward.

In this regard, according to the above configuration, the maximum rotation angle of each grip part from the neutral position toward the front and the maximum rotation angle toward the rear are regulated by the regulating part. Moreover, the maximum rotation angle toward the rear is regulated to be greater than the maximum rotation angle toward the front. Therefore, when each grip part is rotated significantly around the first axis, it is possible to rotate each grip part farther toward the rear than toward the front. Furthermore, when each grip part is rotated significantly around the first axis by rotating each grip part around the second axis, the load on the wrist of the driver holding each grip part is reduced, improving operability.

The steering wheel described above can improve operability and steering feel.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a framework of a steering handle. FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the skeleton portion of FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a rotating cam, a pusher, and an elastic member. FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pusher as viewed from the first axis side. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a rotating cam as viewed from the first axis side. FIG. 4 is a side view of the rotating cam as viewed from the first axis side. FIG. FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial front view showing the rotation control mechanism in FIG. 11 . FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotation control mechanism of FIG. 9 . FIG. 4 is a partial front view of a framework of the steering handle when the grip portion is in a neutral position. FIG. 12 is a side view of the skeletal portion of FIG. 11 . 4 is a partial front view of a skeleton portion of the steering wheel when the grip portion is rotated forward from the neutral position by a maximum rotation angle. FIG. FIG. 14 is a side view of the rotating cam in FIG. 13 as viewed from the first axis side. FIG. 14 is a side view of the skeletal portion of FIG. 13 . FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial front view showing the rotation control mechanism in FIG. 13 . 11 is a partial front view of a skeleton portion of the steering wheel when the grip portion is rotated from the neutral position toward the rear by a maximum rotation angle. FIG. FIG. 18 is a side view of the rotating cam in FIG. 17 as viewed from the first axis side. FIG. 18 is a side view of the skeletal portion of FIG. 17 . FIG. 18 is an enlarged partial front view showing the rotation control mechanism in FIG. 17 .

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a steering wheel used in a steering device of a vehicle to which a steer-by-wire system is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.
A steer-by-wire system is a system in which steering is performed via an actuator using an electric signal rather than a mechanical connection. In a vehicle to which this system is applied, the steering wheel may be rotated significantly around the steering shaft, for example, up to about 150 degrees.

In the following description, the forward direction of the vehicle is referred to as the front, and the reverse direction is referred to as the rear. The up-down direction refers to the up-down direction of the vehicle, and the left-right direction refers to the width of the vehicle, which corresponds to the left-right direction when the vehicle is moving forward.

As shown in FIG. 1, a steering device 10 is provided in front of the driver's seat inside the vehicle cabin, and is operated by the driver (not shown) when steering the vehicle. The steering device 10 includes a steering shaft 11 having a first axis L1 and a steering wheel 12. The steering shaft 11 can rotate in both forward and reverse directions about the first axis L1. The steering shaft 11 is disposed at an angle relative to the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle so that it is higher toward the rear.

In this embodiment, the first axis L1 is used as a reference when describing each part of the steering wheel 12. The direction along this first axis L1 is simply referred to as the "forward/rearward direction." Additionally, the forward direction along the first axis L1 is simply referred to as the "forward" or "front," and the rearward direction along the first axis L1 is simply referred to as the "rear" or "rear."

In FIG. 1, only the framework of the steering wheel 12 is shown.
The steering handle 12 includes a boss portion 20, a pair of spoke portions 40, and a pair of grip portions 55. Next, each of the members will be described.

<Boss portion 20>
The boss portion 20 includes a cylindrical portion 21, a plate-like portion 22, and a pair of support portions 23. The cylindrical portion 21 is attached to the rear end of the steering shaft 11 so as to be rotatable together with the steering shaft 11. The plate-like portion 22 is flat and is disposed with its thickness direction aligned with the front-rear direction of the steering handle 12. The plate-like portion 22 is fixed to the rear end of the cylindrical portion 21. The pair of support portions 23 are disposed rearward of the plate-like portion 22 and opposed to each other with the first axis L1 in between. Each support portion 23 is fixed to the plate-like portion 22 at its front end. The support portions 23 are shaped to be plane-symmetrical to each other across the first axis L1.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, each support portion 23 has a front wall portion 24 and a pair of support walls 27, 35. The front wall portion 24 has a flat first restriction surface 25 extending along the second axis L2 of the spoke portion 40. The pair of support walls 27, 35 are each flat and perpendicular to the second axis L2. The two support walls 27, 35 protrude rearward from the front wall portion 24 while being spaced apart in parallel in a direction along the second axis L2.

As shown in Figures 2 and 10, the support wall portion 27 has an insertion hole 31 that extends in a direction along the second axis L2. The insertion hole 31 has a small diameter hole portion 32 and a large diameter hole portion 33 that has an inner diameter larger than that of the small diameter hole portion 32. The small diameter hole portion 32 is located closer to the first axis L1 than the large diameter hole portion 33.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the support wall portion 27 has a second restriction surface 28. The second restriction surface 28 is the surface of the support wall portion 27 that faces the support wall portion 35, and is formed by the portion around the insertion hole 31 (large diameter hole portion 33).

The support wall portion 35 has an insertion hole 36 that extends in a direction along the second axis L2. The insertion hole 36 has a small diameter hole portion 37 and a large diameter hole portion 38 that has an inner diameter larger than that of the small diameter hole portion 37. The small diameter hole portion 37 is located closer to the first axis L1 than the large diameter hole portion 38.

<Spoke portion 40>
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, each spoke portion 40 is formed by a shaft having a second axis L2. The spoke portions 40 are disposed radially outward of the boss portion 20, facing each other across the boss portion 20. When the vehicle is moving straight, the second axes L2 extend from the boss portion 20 in opposite directions in the left-right direction. In other words, the second axes L2 extend radially from the boss portion 20 to both sides in the left-right direction. The "radially extending state" here includes a state in which the spoke portions extend along a plane perpendicular to the first axis L1, as well as a state in which the spoke portions extend along a plane intersecting the first axis L1 in a nearly perpendicular state. For example, the "radially extending state" includes a state in which the spoke portions extend along a plane intersecting the first axis L1 in a nearly perpendicular state so as to approach the driver as they move away from the first axis L1 radially outward.

The pair of spokes 40 are shaped to be plane-symmetrical with respect to the first axis L1, so only the right spoke 40 will be described here.
As shown in Figures 2 and 10, a portion of the spoke portion 40 is formed by a cylindrical general portion 41. A portion of the spoke portion 40 closer to the first axis L1 than the general portion 41 is formed by a plurality (four) of cylindrical shaft portions 42, 43, 44, 45. These shaft portions 42 to 45 are formed so that the outer diameter of the shaft portion closer to the first axis L1 becomes smaller. A flat portion 46 extending parallel to the second axis L2 is formed in a portion of the shaft portion 42 (see Figure 10). A male thread 47 is formed on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 45.

The spoke portion 40 is supported by the boss portion 20 at an end portion close to the first axis L1 so as to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions about the second axis L2. More specifically, a bearing 48 is attached to the large diameter hole portion 38 in the support wall portion 35, and the shaft portion 42 is inserted into this bearing 48. The spoke portion 40 is supported by the bearing 48 so as to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions relative to the support wall portion 35. A bearing 49 is attached to the large diameter hole portion 33 in the support wall portion 27, and the shaft portion 44 is inserted into this bearing 49. The spoke portion 40 is supported by the bearing 49 so as to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions relative to the support wall portion 27.

A part of the shaft portion 44 in the spoke portion 40 and the entire shaft portion 45 are exposed toward the first axis line L1 side from the support wall portion 27, and are inserted through a sliding washer (thrust washer) 51 and a washer 52. A nut 53 is then tightened onto the shaft portion 45.

<Grip portion 55>
1 and 2, the pair of grip portions 55 are gripped by the rider's hands and are shaped to be plane-symmetrical with respect to each other across the first axis L1. Each grip portion 55 is fixed to one of the ends of each spoke portion 40 that is farther from the first axis L1, and is rotatable in both forward and reverse directions around the second axis L2 integrally with the spoke portion 40.

As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the position of each gripping portion 55 around the second axis L2 when the vehicle is traveling straight is defined as the "neutral position." As shown in Figure 1, the direction in which the portion of each gripping portion 55 above the second axis L2 rotates toward the driver is defined as the "forward direction." As shown in Figure 1, the direction in which the portion of each gripping portion 55 above the second axis L2 rotates away from the driver is defined as the "rearward direction."

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a rotation control mechanism 60 is provided between the boss portion 20 and each spoke portion 40. The structures of both rotation control mechanisms 60 are plane-symmetrical with respect to the first axis L1. Therefore, only the right rotation control mechanism 60 will be described here.

<Rotation control mechanism 60>
The rotation control mechanism 60 has the following functions (see FIG. 7).
The maximum rotation angle θ2 of the grip portion 55 from the neutral position toward the front is specified.

The maximum rotation angle θ1 of the grip portion 55 in the rear direction from the neutral position is specified.
The grip portion 55 is returned to the neutral position when the vehicle is traveling straight.
1 to 3, the rotation control mechanism 60 includes, as its main components, a rotating cam 61, a pusher 71, and an elastic member 81. Next, each of the components will be described.

<Rotating cam 61>
As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the rotating cam 61 has an insertion hole 62 extending in a direction along the second axis L2 and has an overall annular shape. Most of the insertion hole 62 is curved in an arc shape centered on the second axis L2. The insertion hole 62 has a flat surface portion 63 in a part thereof. As shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the rotating cam 61 is disposed between the support wall portions 27 and 35, close to the support wall portion 35, via a sliding washer 69. The shaft portion 42 is inserted into the sliding washer 69. The shaft portion 42 is inserted into the rotating cam 61 so that the flat surface portion 46 faces the flat surface portion 63 of the insertion hole 62. With this type of insertion, the rotating cam 61 is attached to the spoke portion 40 so as to be rotatable together with the spoke portion 40.

As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the rotating cam 61 has a cam surface 64 on the surface closest to the first axis L1, out of both surfaces in the direction along the second axis L2. The cam surface 64 is formed around the entire circumference of the rotating cam 61.

The cam surface 64 has two sets of combinations of inclined surfaces 65, 66. The inclined surfaces 65, 66 in each set are formed in an area that is half (180 degrees) around the second axis L2. The inclined surfaces 65, 66 each have an arc shape that bulges outward in the radial direction of the rotating cam 61.

The inclined surface 65 in each set is an inclined surface that contacts the contact portion 77 of the pusher 71 described below when the gripping portion 55 is rotated toward the front. The inclined surface 66 in each set is an inclined surface that contacts the contact portion 77 when the gripping portion 55 is rotated toward the rear.

The inclined surfaces 65, 66 in each set are inclined in opposite directions relative to the plane P1 perpendicular to the second axis L2. The inclination angles of the inclined surfaces 65, 66 are set to be the same regardless of the position around the second axis L2. In other words, each of the inclined surfaces 65, 66 is inclined at a single angle relative to the plane P1. The inclination angles that the inclined surfaces 65, 66 in each set make relative to the plane P1 are set to be the same.

The inclined surfaces 65, 66 in each set are adjacent to each other around the second axis L2. The inclined surfaces 65, 66 are connected to each other at the end closer to the gripping portion 55 via a boundary portion 67. Each boundary portion 67 is located at a point on each inclined surface 65, 66 that is closest to the gripping portion 55 in the direction along the second axis L2. As each inclined surface 65, 66 moves away from the boundary portion 67 around the second axis L2, it moves away from the gripping portion 55 in the direction along the second axis L2.

The inclined surface 65 in one set and the inclined surface 66 in the other set are adjacent to each other around the second axis L2.
<Pusher 71>
As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the pusher 71 has an insertion hole 72 extending in a direction along the second axis L2 and has an overall annular shape. The insertion hole 72 has a small diameter hole portion 73 and a large diameter hole portion 74 having an inner diameter larger than that of the small diameter hole portion 73. The small diameter hole portion 73 and the large diameter hole portion 74 are adjacent to each other in a direction along the second axis L2 via a step portion 75. The large diameter hole portion 74 is located at a position closer to the first axis L1 than the small diameter hole portion 73. Then, as shown in Figure 10, the shaft portion 43 of the spoke portion 40 is inserted into the pusher 71 at the insertion hole 72.

The pusher 71 is arranged so as to be slidable in a direction along the second axis L2 while its rotation is restricted. More specifically, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the pusher 71 has a flat first restricted surface 76 at its front portion, which extends along the second axis L2. The pusher 71 is in slidable contact with the above-mentioned first restricted surface 25 of the support portion 23 at the first restricted surface 76 (see Fig. 2).

The pusher 71 has a pair of contact portions 77. The contact portions 77 are located on the pusher 71 at locations facing each other with the second axis L2 in between. Each contact portion 77 protrudes toward the gripper 55 along the second axis L2. The tip surface of each contact portion 77 is configured as a spherical surface. Each contact portion 77 contacts the cam surface 64 at this spherical surface.

<Elastic member 81>
3 and 10, the elastic member 81 is for biasing the pusher 71 toward the rotating cam 61, and in this embodiment, a compression coil spring is used as the elastic member 81. The elastic member 81 is disposed around the shaft portion 43 of the spoke portion 40. A large portion of the elastic member 81 is disposed within the large diameter hole portion 74 of the pusher 71. The elastic member 81 is disposed in a compressed state between the support wall portion 27 and the step portion 75 of the pusher 71 in the direction along the second axis L2. Therefore, the pusher 71 is constantly subjected to a biasing force from the elastic member 81 in a direction toward the rotating cam 61.

The rotation control mechanism 60 further includes a regulating section that determines the maximum rotation angles θ1 and θ2 in the forward and reverse directions of the gripping section 55 when it is in the neutral position. The regulating section is made up of a first regulating section 83 and a second regulating section 85.

<First restriction portion 83>
17 and 20, the first restricting portion 83 has a function of defining a maximum rotation angle θ1 when the gripping portion 55 is rotated in the rear direction from the neutral position. The first restricting portion 83 realizes the above function by restricting the sliding of the pusher 71.

The first restricting portion 83 is composed of the second restricting surface 28 of the support wall portion 27 described above and the second restricted surface 78 formed on the pusher 71. The second restricted surface 78 is the side closer to the first axis L1 of both side surfaces of the pusher 71 in the direction along the second axis L2, is composed of the portion around the insertion hole 72 (large diameter hole portion 74), and faces the second restricting surface 28. The second restricted surface 78 is composed of a flat surface that intersects the second axis L2, and in this embodiment is perpendicular to it.

As the pusher 71 slides in the direction along the second axis L2 toward the first axis L1, the first restricting portion 83 restricts sliding in the same direction by contacting the second restricted surface 78 with the second restricting surface 28 as shown in FIG. 20. By restricting this sliding, the first restricting portion 83 restricts the gripping portion 55 from rotating in the rear direction beyond the maximum rotation angle θ1.

<Second restriction portion 85>
13 to 16, the second restricting portion 85 has a function of defining a maximum rotation angle θ2 when the gripping portion 55 is rotated toward the user from the neutral position. The second restricting portion 85 realizes the above function by restricting the rotation of the rotating cam 61 toward the user.

As shown in Figs. 6 to 8, the second restricting portion 85 has two flat restricting wall surfaces 68 formed on the rotating cam 61. Each restricting wall surface 68 originates from the edge of each set of inclined surfaces 65 opposite the boundary portion 67, and extends along the second axis L2 away from the gripping portion 55. In this embodiment, in which two sets of inclined surfaces 65, 66 are provided and the inclined surfaces 65 of one set are adjacent to the inclined surfaces 66 of the other set, the restricting wall surface 68 is formed by the surface between the inclined surfaces 65 of one set and the inclined surfaces 66 of the other set.

As the rotating cam 61 rotates, as shown in FIG. 14, each of the restricting wall surfaces 68 contacts the corresponding contact portion 77 of the second restricting portion 85, thereby restricting the gripping portion 55 from rotating toward the front beyond the maximum rotation angle θ2.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the maximum rotation angle θ1 in the backward direction restricted by the first restricting portion 83 is set to be larger than the maximum rotation angle θ2 in the forward direction restricted by the second restricting portion 85. In this embodiment, the maximum rotation angle θ1 is set to approximately 130 degrees, and the maximum rotation angle θ2 is set to approximately 50 degrees, but these can be changed.

Therefore, when the length of each of the inclined surfaces 65, 66 around the second axis L2 is taken as the circumferential length, the circumferential length of the inclined surface 66 is set to be longer than the circumferential length of the inclined surface 65.
1 and 2, of the rotation control mechanism 60 having the above-mentioned configuration, the support portion 23 of the boss portion 20, the rotating cam 61, the pusher 71, and the elastic member 81 constitute a rotational torque generating mechanism 87. The rotational torque generating mechanism 87 has the function of generating rotational torque acting on the grip portion 55 when the grip portion 55 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions around the second axis L2.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the rotational torque generating mechanism 87 minimizes the rotational torque when the gripping portion 55 is in the neutral position, i.e., when the contact portion 77 contacts the boundary portion 67.

When the grip portion 55 is rotated in the rearward direction, the rotational torque generating mechanism 87 gradually increases the rotational torque as the rotation angle from the neutral position increases, i.e., as the contact point with the contact portion 77 of the inclined surface 66 moves away from the boundary portion 67. Then, as shown in Figures 17 to 20, the rotational torque generating mechanism 87 maximizes the rotational torque when the grip portion 55 is rotated in the rearward direction by the maximum rotational angle θ1, i.e., when the rotation is restricted by the first restricting portion 83.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the grip portion 55 is rotated toward the user, the rotational torque generating mechanism 87 gradually increases the rotational torque as the rotation angle from the neutral position increases, i.e., as the contact point with the contact portion 77 of the inclined surface 65 moves away from the boundary portion 67. As shown in Figures 13 to 16, the rotational torque generating mechanism 87 maximizes the rotational torque when the grip portion 55 is rotated toward the user by the maximum rotational angle θ2, i.e., when the rotation is restricted by the second restricting portion 85.

The rotation torque is desirably set to have a characteristic that increases in the range of 0.1 [N·m] to 1.5 [N·m] with an increase in the rotation angle, whether the grip portion 55 is rotated toward the user or away from the user. If the rotation torque is within the above range, the grip portion 55 is unlikely to rotate with a small force, and the grip portion 55 can be rotated stably. In addition, it is not necessary to apply an excessive force to rotate the grip portion 55, and it is possible to prevent an excessive load from being applied to the wrist.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described, along with the effects that accompany the operation.
1 and 2, in each rotation control mechanism 60, the pusher 71 contacts the first restricted surface 25 of the support portion 23 at the first restricted surface 76. Both the first restricted surface 76 and the first restricted surface 25 extend along the second axis L2. Therefore, the pusher 71 can slide in a direction along the second axis L2 with the first restricted surface 76 in contact with the first restricted surface 25. In addition, the flat first restricted surface 76 contacts the flat first restricted surface 25, thereby restricting the pusher 71 from rotating around the second axis L2.

When the vehicle is traveling straight, the spoke portions 40 and the gripping portions 55 are located on both the left and right sides of the boss portion 20. As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the gripping portions 55 are located in a neutral position in the direction of rotation about the second axis L2. In each rotation control mechanism 60, the contact portions 77 of the pusher 71, which are biased toward the rotating cam 61 by the elastic member 81, are pressed against the corresponding boundary portions 67 of the cam surface 64 (see the two-dot chain lines in Figures 7 and 8).

At this time, the rotational torque acting on each grip portion 55 is at a minimum. This rotational torque is transmitted to the driver through the hand holding each grip portion 55 as a steering load when rotating each grip portion 55 around the second axis L2. The steering load felt by the driver is at a minimum.

When, from the above state, the driver applies a force to both gripping parts 55 that resists the above rotational torque and rotates them in either the forward or reverse direction around the first axis L1, i.e., a force in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, each rotation control mechanism 60 acts as follows.

As shown in FIG. 1, the force applied by the driver to each grip 55 is transmitted to the steering shaft 11 via the spokes 40 and boss 20. This transmission causes both grips 55, both spokes 40, boss 20, and steering shaft 11 to rotate around the first axis L1. The steering device 10 is operated, the vehicle is steered, and the direction of travel of the vehicle is changed. The rotation of each grip 55 around the first axis L1 is accompanied by both forward and reverse rotation of each grip 55 around the second axis L2 due to the structure of the wrist of the driver holding the grip 55.

In this way, because each grip part 55 rotates around the second axis L2, the driver can rotate the steering wheel 12 a large amount (90 degrees or more) around the first axis L1 while still holding each grip part 55, compared to a non-rotating type.

For example, if we look at the right-side grip 55, when the grip 55 is rotated counterclockwise around the first axis L1, the grip 55 is rotated toward the user against the rotational torque as shown in Figures 13 to 16.

In the rotation control mechanism 60, the spoke portion 40, together with the rotating cam 61, rotates integrally with the gripping portion 55 in the same direction as the gripping portion 55, toward the user. As the rotating cam 61 rotates, the cam surface 64 rotates toward the user around the second axis L2. The points on the cam surface 64 that come into contact with the contact portions 77 of the pusher 71 change. When the contact points move from the boundaries 67 to the inclined surfaces 65, a force is generated that pushes the pusher 71 back toward the first axis L1 while elastically deforming (compressing) the elastic member 81. This force causes the pusher 71 to slide toward the first axis L1 along the second axis L2.

The above force increases as the contact points of the inclined surfaces 65 with the contact portions 77 move away from the boundaries 67 in the circumferential direction with the rotation of the rotating cam 61. In addition, as the rotating cam 61 rotates, the amount of compression of the elastic member 81 increases, and the rotational torque increases. Therefore, the rotational torque has a characteristic that changes according to the rotation angle of the grip portion 55. As the rotation angle of the grip portion 55 from the neutral position toward the front increases, the steering load increases.

When the rotating cam 61 rotates the maximum rotation angle θ2 with the rotation of the gripper 55 around the second axis L2, each regulating wall surface 68 comes into contact with the corresponding contact portion 77 of the pusher 71 (see Figures 14 and 16). This contact restricts the rotating cam 61 from rotating further toward the front. Accordingly, the gripper 55 is restricted from rotating beyond the maximum rotation angle θ2. At this time, the compression amount of the elastic member 81 is maximized, and the rotation torque and steering load are maximized. The second regulated surface 78 of the pusher 71 is separated from the second regulating surface 28 of the support wall 27 toward the gripper 55.

In contrast, when the right-side gripping portion 55 is rotated clockwise around the first axis L1, the gripping portion 55 rotates in the rear direction against the rotational torque as shown in Figures 17 to 20.

In the rotation control mechanism 60, the spoke portion 40, together with the rotating cam 61, rotates integrally with the gripping portion 55 in the same direction as the gripping portion 55, toward the rear. As the rotating cam 61 rotates, the cam surface 64 rotates toward the rear around the second axis L2. The points on the cam surface 64 that come into contact with the contact portions 77 of the pusher 71 change. When the contact points move from the boundaries 67 to the inclined surfaces 66, a force is generated that pushes the pusher 71 back toward the first axis L1 while elastically deforming (compressing) the elastic member 81. This force causes the pusher 71 to slide along the second axis L2 toward the first axis L1.

The above force increases as the contact points of the inclined surfaces 66 with the contact portions 77 move away from the boundaries 67 in the circumferential direction with the rotation of the rotating cam 61. In addition, as the rotating cam 61 rotates, the amount of compression of the elastic member 81 increases, and the rotational torque increases. Therefore, the rotational torque has a characteristic that changes according to the rotation angle of the grip portion 55. As the rotation angle of the grip portion 55 from the neutral position toward the rear increases, the steering load increases.

When the rotating cam 61 rotates with the rotation of the grip portion 55 in the rearward direction, the pusher 71 is pushed by the rotating cam 61 and approaches the support wall portion 27. When the grip portion 55 rotates with the rotating cam 61 by the maximum rotation angle θ1, the second regulated surface 78 of the pusher 71 comes into contact with the second regulated surface 28 of the support wall portion 27 (see FIG. 20). Both the second regulated surface 78 and the second regulated surface 28 intersect (orthogonal) with the second axis L2. Therefore, the contact of the second regulated surface 78 with the second regulated surface 28 restricts the pusher 71 from sliding further toward the first axis L1. Accordingly, the grip portion 55 is restricted from rotating beyond the maximum rotation angle θ1. At this time, the compression amount of the elastic member 81 is maximized, and the rotation torque and steering load are maximized.

In this way, when each grip portion 55 is in the neutral position, the rotational torque (steering load) is at a minimum. When each grip portion 55 rotates in either the forward or reverse direction from the neutral position, the rotational torque (steering load) is greater than the rotational torque (steering load) at the neutral position, regardless of the angle of rotation. Therefore, according to the steering handle 12 of this embodiment, the steering feel is improved compared to Patent Document 1, in which the rotational torque and steering load are not taken into consideration and are constant regardless of the amount of rotation (angle of rotation).

When the rotation angle is maximized, the rotation torque (steering load) is also maximized. In this way, the rotation torque (steering load) corresponds to the rotation angle of each grip portion 55 around the second axis L2, further improving the steering feel.

Furthermore, the rotational torque (steering load) has a characteristic that gradually increases as the rotation angle of each grip part 55 from the neutral position increases. The driver can intuitively feel through the hand holding each grip part 55 that the driver is rotating each grip part 55 significantly around the second axis L2, further improving the steering feel.

As described above, when the driver rotates each grip part 55 located in the neutral position around the first axis L1, if the driver rotates each grip part 55 backward, due to the structure of the wrist, the driver can rotate the grip part 55 more than if the driver rotates the grip part 55 forward.

In this regard, in this embodiment, the maximum rotation angle θ1 of each gripping portion 55 in the backward direction from the neutral position is restricted by the first restricting portion 83. The maximum rotation angle θ2 of each gripping portion 55 in the forward direction from the neutral position is regulated by the second restricting portion 85. Moreover, the maximum rotation angle θ1 in the backward direction is regulated to be greater than the maximum rotation angle θ2 in the forward direction. Therefore, when each gripping portion 55 is rotated significantly around the first axis L1, each gripping portion 55 can be rotated further in the backward direction than in the forward direction.

In addition, the rotation of each grip part 55 around each second axis L2 can reduce the load on the wrist of the driver holding each grip part 55, improving the operability of both grip parts 55. In addition, it is less likely that the rotation of each grip part 55 will be restricted midway through a large rotation in the rear direction, and bottoming out due to rotation restrictions is suppressed. Therefore, each grip part 55 can be rotated smoothly around the second axis L2, and thus the steering wheel 12 can be rotated smoothly around the first axis L1.

In general, the steering range of the steering wheel 12 in a vehicle to which a steer-by-wire system is applied is said to be approximately ±150 degrees. In this embodiment, each grip portion 55 can be rotated a maximum of approximately 50 degrees toward the driver from the neutral position, and a maximum of approximately 130 degrees toward the driver. Therefore, by rotating each grip portion 55 around each second axis L2, the steering wheel 12 can be rotated approximately ±180 degrees around the first axis L1. Therefore, the steering wheel 12 of this embodiment is suitable for steering a vehicle to which a steer-by-wire system is applied.

When the driver weakens the force applied to each grip portion 55 in the above direction from the above state, both grip portions 55, both spoke portions 40, boss portion 20, and steering shaft 11 rotate around the first axis L1 in the opposite direction to the above. The same occurs when a force is applied to each grip portion 55 to return it to the position when traveling straight ahead. The vehicle's direction of travel is returned to the straight ahead direction. The rotation of each grip portion 55 around the first axis L1 is accompanied by the rotation of each grip portion 55 around each second axis L2 in the opposite direction to the above.

In each rotation control mechanism 60, each spoke portion 40 rotates in the opposite direction to the above together with each gripping portion 55, accompanied by each rotating cam 61. With the rotation of each rotating cam 61, the cam surface 64 rotates in the opposite direction to the above around the second axis L2. The inclined surfaces 65, 66 of each cam surface 64 change the location of contact with the corresponding contact portion 77 of the pusher 71, and each boundary portion 67 approaches the corresponding contact portion 77. As a result, the force that pushes the pusher 71 back toward the first axis L1 while elastically deforming (compressing) the elastic member 81 decreases. As shown in Figures 7, 8, 11 and 12, this force is minimized when each boundary portion 67 of each cam surface 64 contacts the corresponding contact portion 77.

In this way, the steering load when rotating each grip portion 55 around the second axis L2 decreases as it approaches the neutral position. This improves the steering feel of both grip portions 55 compared to when the steering load is constant regardless of the amount of rotation.

In addition, when each gripping portion 55 is rotated around the first axis L1 to a position on either side of the boss portion 20 to return the vehicle's traveling direction to a straight line, when the vehicle is traveling straight, each boundary portion 67 comes into contact with each contact portion 77 of the pusher 71, and each gripping portion 55 is returned to the neutral position.

Therefore, the driver only needs to rotate each grip part 55 around the first axis L1. There is no need to perform an operation to return each grip part 55 to the neutral position in addition to the operation of rotating each grip part 55 around the first axis L1, which also improves the operability of both grip parts 55.

In addition to the above, the present embodiment provides the following effects.
The rotational torque of each gripping portion 55 around each second axis L2 corresponds to the amount of compression of the elastic member 81 (compression coil spring). The rotational torque increases as the amount of compression increases.

Therefore, for example, the amount of compression can be changed by changing the compression coil spring to one with a different spring constant. Also, the amount of compression can be changed by changing the inclination angle of the inclined surfaces 65, 66 relative to the plane P1 perpendicular to each second axis L2.

Therefore, by changing at least one of the spring constant and the inclination angle, the amount of compression of the compression coil spring can be changed, and the relationship (characteristics) between the rotation angle of each gripping portion 55 around each second axis L2 and the rotational torque can be changed at low cost.

- In this embodiment, two contact portions 77 are provided for each pusher 71. The two contact portions 77 are disposed at locations that face each other across the second axis L2. Two sets of combinations of inclined surfaces 65, 66 are provided on the cam surface 64. The boundary portion 67 of each set is set at a location that faces each other across the second axis L2. Each contact portion 77 is in contact with the inclined surfaces 65, 66 of each set.

Therefore, the contact portion 77 can be pressed against the cam surface 64 in a stable manner compared to when only one contact portion 77 is provided on the pusher 71 and only one combination of inclined surfaces 65, 66 is provided on the rotating cam 61.

- In this embodiment, the pusher 71 is restricted from rotating around the second axis L2 by contacting the flat first restricted surface 76 formed on the front of the pusher 71 with the flat first restricted surface 25 formed on the support portion 23 of the boss portion 20 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the number of parts in the rotation control mechanism 60 can be reduced compared to when a mechanism for restricting the rotation of the pusher 71 is provided separately from the pusher 71 and the boss portion 20. In addition, the rotation control mechanism 60 can be made smaller, improving mountability.

- In this embodiment, most of the elastic member 81 is disposed inside the pusher 71 (large diameter hole portion 74) (see FIG. 10). Therefore, the rotation control mechanism 60 can be made smaller than when the elastic member 81 is disposed outside the pusher 71, which also improves mountability.

In this embodiment, the second regulated surface 78 formed on the pusher 71 is brought into contact with the second regulating surface 28 of the support wall portion 27 as the pusher 71 slides, thereby defining the maximum rotation angle θ1 when the grip portion 55 is rotated from the neutral position toward the rear. Therefore, even if a large force is applied to the grip portion 55 to rotate it about the second axis L2, it is possible to regulate the grip portion 55 from rotating beyond the maximum rotation angle θ1.

This is for the following reason. In this embodiment, the portion of one side surface of the pusher 71 around the insertion hole 72 is the second regulated surface 78. The portion of the surface of the support wall portion 27 facing the support wall portion 35 around the insertion hole 31 (large diameter hole portion 33) is the second regulated surface 28. This is because a large area can be secured for the second regulated surface 78 and the second regulated surface 28, and the wide second regulated surface 78 of the pusher 71 can be received by the wide second regulated surface 28 of the support wall portion 27.

The above embodiment can also be implemented as a modified version as follows. The above embodiment and the following modified version can be implemented in combination with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

- When each grip portion 55 is rotated backward from the neutral position, a rotational torque may be generated with different characteristics than when it is rotated forward from the neutral position. In this way, when each grip portion 55 is rotated around the first axis L1, the operating load and steering feel can be made to differ depending on the direction of rotation.

- The number of contact portions 77 on the pusher 71 may be changed to one or three or more. In this case, the number of combinations of the inclined surfaces 65, 66 is changed to be the same as the number of contact portions 77.

The inclination angle of the inclined surfaces 65, 66 may vary depending on the position around the second axis L2. For example, the inclined surfaces 65, 66 may be configured as curved surfaces that curve to bulge or to concave in a direction along the second axis L2, provided that they are inclined toward the plane P1.

According to the above modification, it is possible to change the characteristics of the steering load that changes with the rotation of the grip portion 55.
The elastic member 81 may be a spring of a type other than a compression coil spring.

Further, a member other than a spring may be used as the elastic member 81, provided that the member can bias the pusher 71 toward the rotating cam 61 side.
The second regulated surface 78 and the second regulating surface 28 may intersect with the second axis L2 at an angle other than perpendicular.

The cam surface 64 of the rotating cam 61 may be formed on the surface opposite to that of the above embodiment, i.e., on the surface on the gripping portion 55 side. In this case, the pusher 71 and the elastic member 81 are disposed on the gripping portion 55 side of the rotating cam 61. The pusher 71 is biased toward the first axis L1 by the elastic member 81, and the contact portion 77 is pressed against the cam surface 64.

The inclined surfaces 65, 66 of the cam surface 64 may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction across a boundary portion 67, and the boundary portion 67 may be configured by a surface parallel to the plane P1.
In order to determine the maximum rotation angle θ2 in the forward direction of the gripping portion 55 when it is in the neutral position, the rotation control mechanism 60 may regulate the sliding of the pusher 71 instead of directly regulating the rotation of the rotating cam 61 around the second axis L2.

- In order to determine the maximum rotation angle θ1 in the rear direction of the gripping portion 55 when it is in the neutral position, the rotation control mechanism 60 may directly regulate the rotation of the rotating cam 61 around the second axis L2 instead of regulating the sliding of the pusher 71.

-The above steering wheel can also be applied to steering wheels of steering devices in vehicles other than automobiles, such as aircraft and ships.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 11: steering shaft 12: steering handle 20: boss portion 25: first regulating surface 28: second regulating surface 40: spoke portion 55: grip portion 60: rotation control mechanism 61: rotating cam 64: cam surface 65, 66: inclined surface 67: boundary portion 68: regulating wall surface 71: pusher 76: first regulated surface 77: contact portion 78: second regulated surface 81: elastic member 83: first regulating portion (regulating portion)
85...Second restriction portion (restriction portion)
L1...First axis L2...Second axis P1...Plane θ1, θ2...Maximum rotation angle

Claims (6)

A steering handle for use in a vehicle having a steering shaft that has a first axis and rotates in both forward and reverse directions about the first axis, the steering handle comprising a boss portion attached to the steering shaft so as to be integrally rotatable therewith , a pair of spoke portions supported by the boss portion and formed into a shaft shape , and grip portions fixed to each of the spoke portions,
When the steering shaft is in a state where the vehicle is traveling straight, and axes extending in opposite directions from the first axis along a left-right direction as viewed from the driver's side are defined as second axes, the spoke portions are supported by the boss portion so as to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions about the second axis,
a rotation control mechanism is provided between the boss portion and each spoke portion to return each grip portion to the neutral position when the vehicle moves straight ahead, when the position of each grip portion around the second axis when the vehicle moves straight ahead is a neutral position;
Each rotation control mechanism includes a rotating cam that is attached to the spoke portion so as to be rotatable together with the spoke portion and has a cam surface on one side in a direction along the second axis line, a pusher that is provided so as to be slidable in a direction along the second axis line while being restricted from rotating around the second axis line and has a contact portion that contacts the cam surface, and an elastic member that biases the pusher toward the rotating cam side,
The cam surface of each of the rotating cams is formed around the second axis and has a pair of inclined surfaces that are inclined in opposite directions relative to a plane perpendicular to the second axis, and both inclined surfaces are connected to each other via a boundary portion, and when traveling straight, the contact portion comes into contact with the boundary portion. The boss portion has a flat first restriction surface extending along the second axis,
The pusher has a flat first regulated surface extending along the second axis,
The steering handle according to claim 1 , wherein the first regulated surface of the pusher is in slidable contact with the first regulating surface of the boss portion. 3. The steering handle according to claim 1, wherein each rotation control mechanism further includes a regulating portion that regulates the sliding of the pusher to thereby define a maximum rotation angle in each of the forward and reverse directions of each gripping portion located in the neutral position. the restricting portion includes a second restricting surface formed on the boss portion and intersecting with the second axis, and a second regulated surface formed on the pusher and intersecting with the second axis,
4. The steering handle according to claim 3, wherein the regulating portion regulates the sliding by causing the second regulated surface to come into contact with the second regulating surface as the pusher slides in the direction along the second axis, thereby regulating the grip portion from rotating beyond the maximum rotation angle. the regulating portion includes a regulating wall surface that is formed on the rotating cam, that originates from an edge of the inclined surface opposite to the boundary portion and that extends along the second axis,
A steering handle as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein the regulating portion regulates rotation of the rotating cam around the second axis by the regulating wall surface contacting the contact portion as the rotating cam rotates, thereby regulating the rotation of the grip portion beyond the maximum rotation angle. When the direction in which the portion of each gripping portion located in the neutral position above the second axis rotates toward the driver is defined as a forward direction, and the direction in which the portion rotates toward the driver is defined as a rearward direction,
The steering handle according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the regulating portion specifies the maximum rotation angle when each grip portion is rotated from the neutral position toward the rear so as to be greater than the maximum rotation angle when each grip portion is rotated from the neutral position toward the front.