JP7528841B2 - Steering handle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a steering wheel 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 rotatable together with the steering shaft, and has a bearing portion. When the vehicle is moving straight, both spoke portions have second axes extending from the boss portion in opposite directions in the left-right direction. Both spoke portions are supported by the bearing portions so as to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions around the second axes relative to the boss portion. 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 first axis while rotating them around the second axis. 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, when the spokes are supported by the bearing, a gap is created between the spokes and the inner wall surface (bearing surface) of the bearing. This gap is necessary for the spokes to rotate around the second axis. However, this gap can cause rattling.

However, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the suppression of rattle caused by the gap. Therefore, when the driver grips the grip part and applies force, the driver may feel rattle due to the gap, which may cause discomfort to the driver.

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

The steering wheel that solves the above problem is applied to a vehicle equipped with a steering shaft that has a first axis and rotates in both forward and reverse directions around the first axis, and includes a boss portion that is attached to the steering shaft so as to be integrally rotatable with it and has a bearing portion, a pair of spoke portions that have second axes that extend in opposite directions from the boss portion to the left and right when the vehicle is moving straight ahead, and are supported by the bearing portion so as to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions around the second axis relative to the boss portion, and a grip portion fixed to each spoke portion, and the boss portion and each spoke portion are connected to each other by a grip portion. A rotation control mechanism is provided between the boss and the spoke, and each rotation control mechanism includes a slide member arranged on the spoke so as to slide in the direction along the second axis in conjunction with the rotation of the spoke about the second axis, a groove formed in the boss at a location away from the spoke in the radial direction of the second axis and extending in the direction along the second axis, and an elastic body formed of a material having rubber elasticity, connected to the slide member, and fitted to the groove so as to be slidable in the direction along the second axis when compressed and deformed in the radial direction.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, when the vehicle is traveling straight, the combination of the spoke portion and the grip portion is located on both the left and right sides of the boss portion.
When the driver applies a force to each grip part to rotate it in either the forward or reverse direction around the first axis, the force is transmitted to the steering shaft via the spoke parts and boss part. This transmission causes both spoke parts, boss part and steering shaft to rotate around the first axis. The steering device is operated to steer the vehicle and change the direction of travel of the vehicle. Each spoke part can rotate around the second axis together with each grip part. Rotation of each grip part around the first axis is accompanied by forward and reverse rotation of each grip part around the second axis due to the structure of the wrist of the driver holding the grip part.

In each rotation control mechanism, the slide member slides in a direction along the second axis in conjunction with the rotation of the spoke portion around the second axis. During this sliding, the rotation of the slide member around the second axis is restricted by the elastic body. That is, the elastic body is fitted into the groove of the boss portion and can slide in a direction along the second axis, which is the direction in which the groove extends, but movement in other directions is restricted. The above-mentioned "movement in other directions" includes the elastic body rotating around the second axis. Therefore, the slide member connected to the elastic body is also restricted from rotating around the second axis.

Here, the elastic body is formed from a material having rubber elasticity, and is compressed and deformed in the radial direction of the second axis. Due to this compressive deformation, a force (elastic restoring force) is generated in the elastic body that moves toward the second axis and returns to its original shape. This elastic restoring force acts on the spoke portion via the slide member. When the driver is holding the grip portion but not rotating it around the second axis, the elastic restoring force presses the spoke portion against the inner wall surface (bearing surface) of the bearing portion. Also, when the driver holds the grip portion and rotates it around the second axis, the elastic restoring force of the elastic body acts on the spoke portion. Therefore, in either of the above cases, the driver holding the grip portion is unlikely to feel any rattle. As a result, the operability of rotating the grip portion around the second axis is improved.

In the above steering handle, the groove has an opening that opens toward the second axis, the slide member includes a slide body portion slidably arranged on the spoke portion, and a connecting pin that extends from the slide body portion in the radial direction and enters the groove portion through the opening, and the connecting pin is preferably pressed into the elastic body to connect the elastic body to the slide member.

The above configuration allows the elastic body to be connected to the sliding member with a simple structure in which the connecting pin is inserted into the groove through the opening and pressed into the elastic body.

In addition, when the slide member is assembled into the steering handle, the elastic body is compressed and deformed in the radial direction of the second axis, so an elastic restoring force toward the second axis is generated in the elastic body. This elastic restoring force acts on the spoke portion via the connecting pin and the slide main body portion. In the bearing portion of the boss portion, the elastic restoring force presses the spoke portion against the inner wall surface (bearing surface) of the bearing portion.

In the above steering handle, when the position of each grip part around the second axis during straight driving is set to a neutral position, each rotation control mechanism has a function of returning each grip part to the neutral position during straight driving, and each rotation control mechanism has a rotating cam and a biasing member in addition to the slide member, the rotating cam is attached to the spoke part so as to be rotatable together with the spoke part, and has a cam surface on one side in the direction along the second axis, the slide member has a contact part that protrudes from the one side in the direction along the second axis and contacts the cam surface, the biasing member biases the slide member toward the rotating cam, 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 with respect to a plane perpendicular to the second axis, and both inclined surfaces are connected to each other via a boundary part, and it is preferable that the contact part contacts the boundary part during straight driving.

According to the above configuration, when the vehicle is moving straight, each gripping 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 slide member, which is biased toward the rotating cam by the biasing member, is pressed against the boundary portion of the cam surface.

When the driver applies force to the grip part in either the forward or reverse direction around the first axis from the above state, in each rotation control mechanism, the spoke part rotates together with the grip part, along with the rotating cam. As the rotating cam rotates, the cam surface rotates around the second axis. The point on the cam surface that comes into contact with the contact part changes. When this contact point moves from the boundary part to the inclined surface, a force is generated that elastically deforms (compresses) the biasing member and moves the slide member away from the rotating cam. This force increases as the contact point with the inclined surface moves away from the boundary part in the circumferential direction as the rotating cam rotates. The force is transmitted to the driver through the hand holding each grip part as a steering load when rotating each grip part 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, the spoke portion is accompanied by a rotating cam and rotates together with the grip 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. The point on the inclined surface that comes into contact with the contact portion approaches the boundary portion. As a result, the force that moves the sliding member away from the rotating cam while elastically deforming (compressing) the biasing member decreases, and the steering load decreases. The force and steering load are minimized when the boundary portion of the cam surface comes into contact with the contact portion when the vehicle is traveling straight.

In this way, the steering load applied when rotating each grip part around the second axis changes according to the amount of rotation of each grip part from the neutral position. This improves the steering feel compared to when the steering load is constant regardless of the amount of rotation.

When the boundary portion comes into contact with the contact portion, each gripping portion is returned to the neutral position.
In the above steering handle, it is preferable that each rotation control mechanism further includes a regulating part which regulates the maximum rotation angle in each of the forward and reverse directions of the grip part located in the neutral position by regulating the rotation of the rotating cam around the second axis or regulating the sliding of the slide member.

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 sliding member. 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 has a slide regulating surface formed on the boss portion and intersecting with the second axis, and a slide restricted surface formed on the sliding member and intersecting with the second axis, and the regulating portion preferably regulates the sliding by contacting the slide restricted surface with the sliding member sliding in the direction along the second axis, thereby regulating the grip portion from rotating beyond the maximum rotation angle.

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

In the above steering handle, it is preferable that the boss portion intersects with the second axis and has a support wall portion to which the bearing portion is attached, and the slide restriction surface is formed by a surface of the support wall portion and the bearing portion that faces the slide restriction surface.

According to the above configuration, the surfaces of the support wall and the bearing that face the slide-restricted surface are used as slide-restricting surfaces. Therefore, there is no need to provide a new member with a slide-restricting surface in addition to the support wall and the bearing that have the slide-restricting surface.

In the above steering handle, the regulating portion is formed on the rotating cam and has a regulating wall surface that starts from the edge of the inclined surface opposite the boundary portion and extends along the second axis toward the contact portion, and it is preferable that the regulating portion 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 restricting wall surface comes into contact with the contact portion, restricting further rotation of the rotating cam. As a result, 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 the grip part around the second axis, the load on the wrist of the driver holding each grip part is reduced, improving operability.

The above steering handle can improve the operability of the grip.

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. 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 slide member, an elastic body, and a biasing member as viewed from the first axis side. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the slide member and the elastic body as viewed from the grip portion 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. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotation control mechanism of FIG. 8 . FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotation control mechanism of FIG. 8 . 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 . 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. 17 is a side view of the rotating cam in FIG. 16 as viewed from the first axis side. FIG. 17 is a side view of the skeletal portion of FIG.

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 15, a pair of spoke portions 50, and a pair of grip portions 75. Next, each of these members will be described.

<Boss portion 15>
The boss portion 15 includes a tubular portion 16, a plate-like portion 17, and a pair of support portions 18. The tubular portion 16 is cylindrical and 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 17 is flat and is disposed with its thickness direction aligned with the front-rear direction. The plate-like portion 17 is fixed to the rear end of the tubular portion 16. The pair of support portions 18 are disposed rearward of the plate-like portion 17 and facing each other in the radial direction with the first axis L1 in between.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the support portions 18 are shaped to be plane-symmetrical with respect to the first axis L1.
Each support portion 18 includes a base portion 19. Each base portion 19 includes a pair of legs 21 and a rear plate portion 22. Both legs 21 and the rear plate portion 22 are flat. Both legs 21 extend in the front-rear direction while being parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the first axis L1. Each leg portion 21 is fixed at its front end portion to the plate-shaped portion 17. The rear plate portion 22 is arranged parallel or nearly parallel to the second axis L2 of the spoke portion 50 described later, and is fixed to the rear end portions of both legs 21. The rear plate portion 22 has a cutout portion 23 formed on the surface of the rear plate portion 22 closer to the first axis L1 and extending toward the grip portion 75.

A support body 31 is disposed behind the rear plate 22 with an intermediate member 25 interposed therebetween.
The intermediate member 25 is formed of a plate material such as a metal plate. The intermediate member 25 includes a pair of mounting plate portions 26. The mounting plate portions 26 extend in a direction along the second axis L2 while being parallel to and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the first axis L1. The mounting plate portions 26 are placed on the rear plate portion 22 at locations that sandwich the cutout portion 23 from both sides in the circumferential direction of the first axis L1.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the support body 31 includes a plate-shaped portion 32 and a support wall portion 33. The plate-shaped portion 32 is flat and is arranged in a stacked state on the rear side of the intermediate member 25. The plate-shaped portion 32 has a notch portion 34 formed therein, which extends from the surface of the plate-shaped portion 32 closer to the first axis L1 toward the grip portion 75.

The support wall portion 33 is located on the rear surface of the plate-shaped portion 32, closer to the grip portion 75 than the notch portion 34, and is perpendicular to the second axis L2. The support wall portion 33 has an insertion hole 35 that extends in a direction along the second axis L2. The support wall portion 33 is fixed to the plate-shaped portion 32 at its front end portion.

The intermediate member 25 and the support body 31 are fastened to the rear plate 22 by bolts 36 .
Each support portion 18 further includes a support plate portion 41. Each support plate portion 41 is formed of a plate material such as a metal plate. Each support plate portion 41 includes a fixed plate portion 42 and a support wall portion 43. The fixed plate portion 42 extends in a direction along the second axis L2 and is joined to the intermediate member 25 by a welding means such as brazing. The support wall portion 43 extends rearward from an end edge portion of the fixed plate portion 42 on the first axis L1 side and is perpendicular to the second axis L2. Both support walls 33, 43 are parallel to each other.

The support wall portion 43 has an insertion hole 44 formed in a location facing the insertion hole 35 of the support wall portion 33, the insertion hole 44 extending in a direction along the second axis L2.
<Spoke portion 50>
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, each spoke portion 50 is formed by a shaft having a second axis L2. The spoke portions 50 are disposed radially outward of the cylindrical portion 16 (first axis L1) of the boss portion 15, facing each other across the cylindrical portion 16 (first axis L1). When the vehicle travels straight, the second axes L2 extend in opposite directions from the cylindrical portion 16 (first axis L1) in the left-right direction. In other words, the second axes L2 extend radially from the boss portion 15 to both sides in the left-right direction. The "radially extending state" here includes a state in which the spokes extend along a plane perpendicular to the first axis L1, as well as a state in which the spokes extend along a plane that intersects the first axis L1 in a nearly perpendicular state. For example, the above-mentioned "radially extending state" includes a state in which the rod extends along a plane that intersects the first axis L1 nearly perpendicularly, so that the rod approaches the driver as it moves away radially outward from the first axis L1.

The pair of spokes 50 are shaped to be plane-symmetrical with respect to the first axis L1, so only the right spoke 50 will be described here.
As shown in FIGS. 2, 9 and 10, a part of the spoke portion 50 is constituted by a cylindrical general portion 51.

The spoke portion 50, which is closer to the first axis L1 than the general portion 51, is composed of a plurality (four) of cylindrical shaft portions 52, 53, 54, and 55. The shaft portions 52 to 55 are formed so that the outer diameter is smaller the closer to the first axis L1. A male thread 56 is formed on the outer periphery of at least the end of the shaft portion 52 that is closer to the first axis L1. A flat portion 57 extending along the second axis L2 is formed on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 53. In this embodiment, the flat portion 57 is formed at two locations on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 53, sandwiching the second axis L2. The two flat portions 57 are parallel to each other. The flat portion 57 may be formed at one location on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 53, or may be formed at three or more locations. A male thread 58 is formed on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 55.

The spoke portion 50 is supported by both support walls 33, 43 at ends close to the first axis L1 so as to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions about the second axis L2.
The spoke portion 50 is supported by the support wall portion 33 through a plurality of parts arranged on the shaft portion 52, such as washers 61 and 62, a sliding washer 63, a collar 64, and a bush 65. The above-mentioned plurality of parts constitute a part of the boss portion 15. In particular, the sliding washer 63 and the bush 65 function as a bearing portion that supports the shaft portion 52 rotatably in both forward and reverse directions relative to the support wall portion 33. The inner wall surface of the sliding washer 63 and the inner wall surface of the bush 65 constitute a bearing surface that supports the shaft portion 52. The washer 62 and the sliding washer 63 are pressed against the support wall portion 33 by a nut 66 that is screwed onto the male thread 56 of the shaft portion 52.

The spoke portion 50 is supported by the support wall portion 43 through a number of parts arranged on the shaft portions 54 and 55, such as a bearing portion 67, a sliding washer 68, and a washer 69. The above-mentioned parts form part of the boss portion 15. In particular, the bearing portion 67 has the function of supporting the shaft portion 54 so that it can rotate in both forward and reverse directions relative to the support wall portion 43. The inner wall surface of the bearing portion 67 forms a bearing surface that supports the shaft portion 54.

The sliding washer 68 and the washer 69 are pressed against the support wall portion 43 by a nut 71 that is screwed onto the male threads 58 of the shaft portion 55 .
<Grip portion 75>
1 and 2, the pair of grip portions 75 are gripped by the rider and are shaped to be plane-symmetrical with respect to each other across the first axis L1. Each grip portion 75 is fixed to one of the ends of each spoke portion 50 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 50.

As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the position of each gripping portion 75 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 75 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 75 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 80 is provided between the boss portion 15 and each spoke portion 50. The structures of both rotation control mechanisms 80 are plane-symmetrical with respect to the first axis L1. Therefore, only the right rotation control mechanism 80 will be described here.

<Rotation control mechanism 80>
The rotation control mechanism 80 has the following functions (see FIG. 6).
The maximum rotation angle θ2 of the grip portion 75 from the neutral position toward the front is specified.

The maximum rotation angle θ1 of the grip portion 75 from the neutral position toward the rear is specified.
The grip portion 75 is returned to the neutral position when the vehicle is traveling straight.
1 to 4, the rotation control mechanism 80 includes a rotating cam 81, a slide member 91, a groove portion 27, an elastic body 98, and a biasing member 103. Next, each member and each section will be described.

<Rotating cam 81>
As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 6, the rotating cam 81 has an insertion hole 82 extending in a direction along the second axis L2 and has an overall annular shape. A flat surface portion 83 extending along the second axis L2 is formed on the inner periphery of the rotating cam 81, i.e., the peripheral portion of the insertion hole 82, at a location corresponding to the flat surface portion 57 (see Fig. 2) of the shaft portion 53. In this embodiment, the flat surface portion 83 is formed at two locations on the inner periphery of the rotating cam 81 that sandwich the second axis L2. The two flat surfaces 83 are parallel to each other. The flat surface portion 83 may be formed at one location on the inner periphery of the rotating cam 81, or may be formed at three or more locations.

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, a washer 72 is disposed on the shaft portion 52 at a location adjacent to the nut 66 on the first axis L1 side. A rotating cam 81 is disposed on the shaft portion 53 at a location adjacent to the washer 72 on the first axis L1 side. The shaft portion 53 is inserted into the insertion hole 82 so that the flat surface portion 57 of the shaft portion 53 faces the flat surface portion 83 of the insertion hole 82. With this type of insertion, the rotating cam 81 is attached to the spoke portion 50 so that it can rotate integrally with the spoke portion 50.

As shown in Figures 4, 6, and 7, the rotating cam 81 has a cam surface 84 on the surface closest to the first axis L1 of both surfaces in the direction along the second axis L2. The cam surface 84 is formed around the entire circumference of the rotating cam 81.

The cam surface 84 has two sets of combinations of inclined surfaces 85, 86. The inclined surfaces 85, 86 in each set are formed in an area that is half (180 degrees) around the second axis L2. The inclined surfaces 85, 86 each have an arc shape that bulges outward in the radial direction of the rotating cam 81.

The inclined surface 85 in each pair is an inclined surface that contacts the contact portion 101 of the slide member 91 described below when the gripping portion 75 is rotated from the neutral position toward the front. The inclined surface 86 in each pair is an inclined surface that contacts the contact portion 101 when the gripping portion 75 is rotated from the neutral position toward the rear.

The inclined surfaces 85, 86 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 85, 86 are set to be the same regardless of the position around the second axis L2. In other words, each of the inclined surfaces 85, 86 is inclined at a single angle relative to the plane P1. The inclination angles that the inclined surfaces 85, 86 in each set make relative to the plane P1 are set to be the same.

The inclined surfaces 85, 86 in each set are adjacent to each other around the second axis L2. The inclined surfaces 85, 86 are connected to each other at the end closer to the gripping portion 75 via a boundary portion 87. Each boundary portion 87 is located at a point on each inclined surface 85, 86 that is closest to the gripping portion 75 in the direction along the second axis L2. As each inclined surface 85, 86 moves away from the boundary portion 87 around the second axis L2 (circumferential direction), it also moves away from the gripping portion 75 in the direction along the second axis L2.

The inclined surface 85 in one set and the inclined surface 86 in the other set are adjacent to each other around the second axis L2.
<Slide member 91>
8 and 9, the framework of the slide member 91 is formed by a slide main body 92. The slide main body 92 has a disk portion 93 and a cylindrical portion 94. The disk portion 93 is perpendicular to the second axis L2 and has an outer diameter approximately equal to that of the rotating cam 81. The cylindrical portion 94 has an outer diameter smaller than that of the disk portion 93. The cylindrical portion 94 is disposed closer to the first axis L1 than the disk portion 93.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the slide member 91 includes a connecting pin 95 in addition to the slide main body portion 92. The connecting pin 95 extends from the disk portion 93 in the radial direction of the second axis L2, that is, forward in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the connecting pin 95 passes through the cutout portion 34 and enters the cutout portion 23 and the groove portion 27 described below.

The slide body 92 has an insertion hole 96 that extends in a direction along the second axis L2. The shaft 54 of the spoke 50 is inserted into this insertion hole 96. The slide member 91 is disposed on the shaft 54 so that it can slide in a direction along the second axis L2 in conjunction with the rotation of the spoke 50 around the second axis L2.

As shown in Figures 5 and 10, the slide member 91 has a pair of contact portions 101. The two contact portions 101 are located in opposing positions on the disc portion 93 with the second axis L2 in between. In this embodiment, the two contact portions 101 are located in positions that sandwich the second axis L2 from both the front and rear.

Each contact portion 101 protrudes toward the grip portion 75 along the second axis L2. The tip surface of each contact portion 101 is configured as a spherical surface. Each contact portion 101 contacts the cam surface 84 at the spherical surface.

<Groove portion 27>
As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 10, the groove 27 is formed in the boss 15 at a location away from the spoke 50 (second axis L2) in the radial direction, in this embodiment, toward the front. More specifically, the groove 27 is formed between the two mounting plate portions 26 in the intermediate member 25. The groove 27 is U-shaped in a plane perpendicular to the second axis L2 and extends in a direction along the second axis L2. In the direction along the second axis L2, the groove 27 is located at a location of the two mounting plate portions 26 close to the first axis L1. The groove 27 has an opening 28 at its rear end portion that opens toward the second axis L2. The groove 27 is connected to both mounting plate portions 26. When both mounting plate portions 26 are placed on the rear plate portion 22, the groove 27 passes through the cutout portion 23 and enters between both legs 21.

<Elastic body 98>
The elastic body 98 is made of a material having rubber elasticity. An insertion hole 99 is formed in the elastic body 98, which extends in the front-rear direction and opens at the rear surface of the elastic body 98. The front end of the connecting pin 95, which has entered the groove portion 27 as described above, is press-fitted into the insertion hole 99. This press-fitting connects the elastic body 98 to the slide main body portion 92 via the connecting pin 95. The elastic body 98 is fitted into the groove portion 27 so as to be slidable in the direction along the second axis L2 in a state where it is compressed and deformed in the radial direction.

<Using member 103>
4 and 8 to 10, the biasing member 103 biases the slide member 91 toward the rotating cam 81, and in this embodiment, a compression coil spring is used as the biasing member 103. Most of the biasing member 103 is disposed around the cylindrical portion 94.

The biasing member 103 is disposed in a compressed state between the disk portion 93 and the support wall portion 43 in the direction along the second axis L2. Therefore, the slide member 91 is constantly subjected to a biasing force from the biasing member 103 in a direction toward the rotating cam 81.

The rotation control mechanism 80 further includes a regulating section that determines the maximum rotation angles θ1 and θ2 in the forward and reverse directions of the gripping section 75 when it is in the neutral position. The regulating section is made up of a first regulating section 105 and a second regulating section 106.

<First restriction portion 105>
8 and 9, the first restricting portion 105 has a function of defining a maximum rotation angle θ1 (see FIGS. 17 and 18) when the gripping portion 75 is rotated backward from the neutral position. The first restricting portion 105 realizes the above function by restricting the sliding of the slide member 91 toward the first axis L1.

The first restricting portion 105 is composed of a slide restricting surface 73 formed on the bearing portion 67 and a slide restricted surface 97 formed on the slide member 91. The slide restricting surface 73 is composed of the side surface of the bearing portion 67 on the gripping portion 75 side.

The slide restricted surface 97 is formed by the side surface of the cylindrical portion 94 opposite the disk portion 93 (the first axis L1 side), and faces the slide restricted surface 73. Both the slide restricted surface 73 and the slide restricted surface 97 are formed by flat surfaces that intersect the second axis L2, or are perpendicular to it in this embodiment.

When the slide member 91 slides in the direction along the second axis L2 toward the first axis L1, the first restricting portion 105 restricts the slide in the same direction by contacting the slide restricted surface 97 with the slide restricting surface 73. By restricting the slide, the first restricting portion 105 indirectly restricts the gripping portion 75 from rotating in the rear direction beyond the maximum rotation angle θ1 (see FIG. 17).

<Second restriction portion 106>
4, 7, and 14, the second restricting portion 106 has a function of defining a maximum rotation angle θ2 (see FIGS. 14 and 15) when the gripping portion 75 is rotated toward the user from the neutral position. The second restricting portion 106 realizes the above function by directly restricting the rotation of the rotating cam 81 toward the user.

The second regulating portion 106 has two flat regulating wall surfaces 88 formed on the rotating cam 81. Each regulating wall surface 88 starts from the edge of each set of inclined surfaces 85 opposite the boundary portion 87, and extends along the second axis L2 toward the contact portion 101. In this embodiment, in which two sets of inclined surfaces 85, 86 are provided and the inclined surfaces 85 of one set are adjacent to the inclined surfaces 86 of the other set, the regulating wall surface 88 is formed by the surface between the inclined surfaces 85 of one set and the inclined surfaces 86 of the other set.

As the rotating cam 81 rotates, as shown in Figures 7 and 14, each of the regulating wall surfaces 88 comes into contact with the corresponding contact portion 101 of the second regulating portion 106, thereby restricting the gripping portion 75 from rotating toward the front beyond the maximum rotation angle θ2.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the maximum rotation angle θ1 in the backward direction restricted by the first restricting unit 105 is set to be larger than the maximum rotation angle θ2 in the forward direction restricted by the second restricting unit 106. 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 85, 86 around the second axis L2 is taken as the circumferential length, the circumferential length of the inclined surface 86 is set to be longer than the circumferential length of the inclined surface 85.
1 and 2, of the rotation control mechanism 80 having the above-mentioned configuration, the support portion 18 of the boss portion 15, the rotating cam 81, the slide member 91, and the biasing member 103 constitute a rotational torque generating mechanism 107. The rotational torque generating mechanism 107 has the function of generating rotational torque acting on the grip portion 75 when the grip portion 75 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions around the second axis L2.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the rotational torque generating mechanism 107 minimizes the rotational torque when the gripping portion 75 is in the neutral position, i.e., when each contact portion 101 contacts the boundary portion 87.

When the gripping portion 75 is rotated in the rearward direction, the rotational torque generating mechanism 107 gradually increases the rotational torque as the rotation angle from the neutral position increases, i.e., as the contact point with the contact portion 101 of the inclined surface 86 moves away from the boundary portion 87. As shown in Figures 16 to 18, the rotational torque generating mechanism 107 maximizes the rotational torque when the gripping portion 75 is rotated in the rearward direction by the maximum rotational angle θ1, i.e., when the rotation is indirectly restricted by the first restricting portion 105.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the grip portion 75 is rotated toward the user, the rotational torque generating mechanism 107 gradually increases the rotational torque as the rotation angle from the neutral position increases, i.e., as the contact point with the contact portion 101 of the inclined surface 85 moves away from the boundary portion 87. As shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 15, the rotational torque generating mechanism 107 maximizes the rotational torque when the grip portion 75 is rotated toward the user by the maximum rotational angle θ2, i.e., when the rotation is directly restricted by the second restricting portion 106.

The rotation torque is desirably set to have characteristics that increase in the range of 0.1 [N·m] to 1.5 [N·m] as the rotation angle increases, whether the grip portion 75 is rotated toward the user or away from the user from the neutral position. When the rotation torque is in the above range, the grip portion 75 is unlikely to rotate with a small amount of force, and the grip portion 75 can be rotated stably. In addition, excessive force does not need to be applied to rotate the grip portion 75, and excessive strain on the wrist can be prevented.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described, along with the effects that accompany the operation.
When the vehicle travels straight, the combination of the spoke portions 50 and the grip portions 75 is located on both the left and right sides of the boss portion 15. Also, as shown in Figures 6 and 8 to 12, each grip portion 75 is located in a neutral position in the direction of rotation about the second axis L2. In each rotation control mechanism 80, each contact portion 101 of the slide member 91 urged toward the rotating cam 81 by the urging member 103 is pressed against the corresponding boundary portion 87 of the cam surface 84 (see the two-dot chain lines in Figures 6 and 7).

At this time, the rotational torque acting on each grip portion 75 is at a minimum. This rotational torque is transmitted to the driver through the hand holding each grip portion 75 as a steering load when rotating each grip portion 75 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 75 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 80 acts as follows.

As shown in FIG. 1, the force applied by the driver to each grip portion 75 is transmitted to the steering shaft 11 via each spoke portion 50 and boss portion 15. This transmission causes both grip portions 75, both spoke portions 50, boss portion 15, 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. Both spoke portions 50 can rotate around the second axis L2 together with both grip portions 75.

The rotation of each grip part 75 around the first axis L1 is accompanied by forward and reverse rotation of each grip part 75 around the second axis L2 due to the structure of the wrist of the driver holding the grip part 75.

In this way, because each grip part 75 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 75, compared to a non-rotating type.

For example, if we look at the right-side grip 75, when the grip 75 is rotated counterclockwise around the first axis L1, the grip 75 is rotated toward the user against the rotational torque as shown in Figures 13 to 15.

As shown in Figures 8 to 10, in the rotation control mechanism 80, the spoke portion 50, together with the rotating cam 81, rotates integrally with the gripping portion 75 in the same direction as the gripping portion 75, toward the user. As the rotating cam 81 rotates, the cam surface 84 rotates toward the user around the second axis L2. The points on the cam surface 84 that come into contact with the contact portions 101 of the slide member 91 change. When the contact points move from the boundaries 87 to the inclined surfaces 85, a force is generated that pushes the slide member 91 back toward the first axis L1 while elastically deforming (compressing) the biasing member 103. This force causes the slide member 91 to slide toward the first axis L1 along the second axis L2, together with the elastic body 98.

The force increases as the contact points of the inclined surfaces 85 and the contact portions 101 move circumferentially away from the boundaries 87 with the rotation of the rotating cam 81 toward the front. In addition, as the rotating cam 81 rotates toward the front, the compression amount of the biasing member 103 increases, and the rotational torque increases. Therefore, the rotational torque has a characteristic that changes according to the rotation angle of the grip portion 75. As the rotation angle of the grip portion 75 toward the front from the neutral position increases, the steering load increases.

As the grip portion 75 rotates around the second axis L2, as shown in Figures 13 to 15, when the rotating cam 81 rotates through the maximum rotation angle θ2, each of the restricting wall surfaces 88 comes into contact with the corresponding contact portion 101 (see Figure 14). This contact restricts the rotating cam 81 from rotating further forward. Accordingly, the grip portion 75 is restricted from rotating beyond the maximum rotation angle θ2 from the neutral position. At this time, the compression amount of the biasing member 103 is maximized, and the rotation torque and steering load are maximized. The slide restricted surface 97 of the slide member 91 approaches the slide restricting surface 73 of the bearing portion 67, but is slightly separated from the slide restricting surface 73 toward the grip portion 75.

In contrast, when the right-side gripping portion 75 in FIG. 1 is rotated clockwise around the first axis L1, the gripping portion 75 rotates in the rear direction against the rotational torque as shown in FIGS. 16 to 18.

As shown in Figures 8 to 10, in the rotation control mechanism 80, the spoke portion 50, together with the rotating cam 81, rotates integrally with the gripping portion 75 in the same direction as the gripping portion 75, toward the rear. As the rotating cam 81 rotates, the cam surface 84 rotates toward the rear around the second axis L2. The points on the cam surface 84 that come into contact with the contact portions 101 change. When the contact points move from the boundaries 87 to the inclined surfaces 86, a force is generated that pushes the slide member 91 back toward the first axis L1 while elastically deforming (compressing) the biasing member 103. This force causes the slide member 91 to slide toward the first axis L1 along the second axis L2, together with the elastic body 98.

The force increases as the contact points of the inclined surfaces 86 and the contact portions 101 move away from the boundaries 87 in the circumferential direction with the rotation of the rotating cam 81 toward the rear. In addition, as the rotating cam 81 rotates toward the rear, the amount of compression of the biasing member 103 increases, and the rotational torque increases. Therefore, the rotational torque has a characteristic that changes according to the rotation angle of the grip portion 75. As the rotation angle of the grip portion 75 from the neutral position toward the rear increases, the steering load increases.

When the rotating cam 81 rotates with the rotation of the grip portion 75 in the rearward direction, the slide member 91 is pushed by the rotating cam 81 and approaches the support wall portion 43. As shown in Figures 16 to 18, when the grip portion 75 rotates with the rotating cam 81 by the maximum rotation angle θ1, the slide restricted surface 97 of the slide member 91 comes into contact with the slide restricted surface 73 of the bearing portion 67, not shown. Both the slide restricted surface 97 and the slide restricted surface 73 intersect (are perpendicular to) the second axis L2. Therefore, the contact of the slide restricted surface 97 with the slide restricted surface 73 restricts the slide member 91 from sliding further toward the first axis L1. Accordingly, the grip portion 75 is indirectly restricted from rotating beyond the maximum rotation angle θ1. At this time, the compression amount of the biasing member 103 is maximized, and the rotation torque and steering load are maximized.

In this way, when each grip portion 75 is in the neutral position (FIGS. 8 to 12), the rotational torque (steering load) is at a minimum. When each grip portion 75 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) in the neutral position, regardless of the angle of rotation. Therefore, with the steering handle 12 of this embodiment, the steering feel is improved compared to a case 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 at its maximum (FIGS. 13 to 18), the rotation torque (steering load) is also at its maximum. In this way, the rotation torque (steering load) corresponds to the rotation angle of each gripping portion 75 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 75 from the neutral position increases. The driver can intuitively feel through the hand holding each grip part 75 that the driver is rotating each grip part 75 significantly around the second axis L2, further improving the steering feel.

As described above, when the driver rotates each grip part 75 located in the neutral position around the first axis L1, if the driver rotates each grip part 75 backward, due to the structure of the wrist, the driver can rotate the grip part 75 more than if the driver rotates the grip part 75 forward.

In this regard, in this embodiment, the maximum rotation angle θ1 of each gripping portion 75 in the backward direction from the neutral position is restricted by the first restricting portion 105 (FIGS. 8 to 10). The maximum rotation angle θ2 of each gripping portion 75 in the forward direction from the neutral position is regulated by the second restricting portion 106 (FIG. 14). 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 (FIG. 6). Therefore, when each gripping portion 75 is rotated significantly around the first axis L1, each gripping portion 75 can be rotated further in the backward direction than in the forward direction.

In addition, the rotation of each grip portion 75 around each second axis L2 can reduce the load on the wrist of the driver holding each grip portion 75, improving the operability of both grip portions 75. In addition, the rotation of each grip portion 75 is less likely to be restricted midway through a large rotation in the rearward direction, and bottoming out due to rotation restrictions is suppressed. Therefore, each grip portion 75 can be smoothly rotated around the second axis L2, and thus the steering wheel 12 can be smoothly rotated 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 75 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 75 about each second axis L2, the steering wheel 12 can be rotated approximately ±180 degrees about 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 75 in the above direction from the above state, both grip portions 75, both spoke portions 50, boss portion 15, and steering shaft 11 rotate around the first axis L1 in the opposite direction to the above. The same is true when a force is applied to each grip portion 75 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 75 around the first axis L1 is accompanied by the rotation of each grip portion 75 around each second axis L2 in the opposite direction to the above.

In each rotation control mechanism 80, each spoke portion 50 rotates in the opposite direction to the above together with each gripping portion 75, accompanied by each rotating cam 81. As each rotating cam 81 rotates, the cam surface 84 rotates in the opposite direction to the above around the second axis L2. The points of contact with the corresponding contact portions 101 change on the inclined surfaces 85, 86 of each cam surface 84, and each boundary portion 87 approaches the corresponding contact portion 101. As a result, the force that pushes the slide member 91 back toward the first axis L1 while elastically deforming (compressing) the biasing member 103 decreases. As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 10, this force is minimized when each boundary portion 87 of each cam surface 84 contacts the corresponding contact portion 101.

In this way, the steering load when rotating each grip portion 75 around the second axis L2 decreases as it approaches the neutral position. This improves the steering feel of both grip portions 75 compared to when the steering load is constant regardless of the amount of rotation.

In addition, when each gripping portion 75 is rotated around the first axis L1 to a position on either side of the boss portion 15 to return the vehicle's traveling direction to a straight line, when the vehicle travels straight, each boundary portion 87 comes into contact with each contact portion 101, and each gripping portion 75 is returned to the neutral position.

Therefore, the driver only needs to rotate each grip part 75 around the first axis L1. There is no need to perform an operation to return each grip part 75 to the neutral position in addition to the operation of rotating each grip part 75 around the first axis L1, which also improves the operability of both grip parts 75.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the slide member 91 arranged on the spoke part 50 slides in a direction along the second axis L2 in conjunction with the rotation of the spoke part 50 around the second axis L2. During this sliding, the rotation of the slide member 91 around the second axis L2 is restricted by the elastic body 98 connected to the slide member 91. That is, the elastic body 98 is fitted into the groove part 27 and can slide in a direction along the second axis L2, which is the direction in which the groove part 27 extends, but movement in other directions is restricted. The above-mentioned "movement in other directions" includes the rotation of the elastic body 98 around the second axis L2. Therefore, the slide member 91 connected to the elastic body 98 is also restricted from rotating around the second axis L2.

Here, the elastic body 98 is formed of a material having rubber elasticity, and is compressed and deformed in the radial direction of the second axis L2. As a result of this compression deformation, a force (elastic restoring force) that moves toward the second axis L2 and returns to its original shape is generated in the elastic body 98. This elastic restoring force acts on the spoke portion 50 via the connecting pin 95 and the slide main body portion 92. When the driver is holding the grip portion 75 but is not rotating it around the second axis L2, the spoke portion 50 is pressed against the inner wall surface (bearing surface) of the bearing portion of the boss portion 15 by the above-mentioned elastic restoring force. That is, in the support wall portion 33 that supports the shaft portion 52 of the spoke portion 50, the shaft portion 52 is indirectly pressed against the inner wall surfaces (bearing surfaces) of the sliding washer 63 and the bush 65 via the collar 64. In addition, in the support wall 43 that supports the shaft 54 of the spoke 50, the shaft 54 is pressed directly against the inner wall surface (bearing surface) of the bearing 67.

Furthermore, when the rider grips the grip portion 75 and rotates it around the second axis L2, the elastic restoring force of the elastic body 98 acts on the spoke portion 50.
Therefore, in either case, the driver is unlikely to feel any rattling while gripping the grip portion 75. As a result, the operability of rotating the grip portion 75 around the second axis L2 is improved.

In addition to the above, the present embodiment provides the following effects.
In the present embodiment, the connecting pin 95 of the slide member 91 is inserted into the groove portion 27 through the opening 28 and pressed into the insertion hole 99 of the elastic body 98, and yet the elastic body 98 can be connected to the slide member 91 with a simple structure.

- In this embodiment, the surface of the bearing portion 67 that rotatably supports the shaft portion 54 of the spoke portion 50 relative to the support wall portion 43, which faces the slide restricted surface 97, is used as the slide restricting surface 73. Therefore, there is no need to provide a new member having the slide restricting surface 73 in addition to the bearing portion 67.

The rotational torque of each gripping portion 75 around each second axis L2 corresponds to the amount of compression of each biasing member 103 (compression coil spring). The rotational torque increases as the amount of compression increases.
Therefore, for example, the compression amount can be changed by replacing each compression coil spring with a compression coil spring having a different spring constant, or by changing the inclination angle of the inclined surfaces 85, 86 with respect to the plane P1 (see FIG. 7) 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 each compression coil spring can be changed, and the relationship (characteristics) between the rotation angle of each gripping portion 75 around each second axis L2 and the rotational torque can be changed at low cost.

- In this embodiment, two contact portions 101 are provided for each slide member 91. The two contact portions 101 are disposed at locations that face each other across the second axis L2 (see FIG. 6). Two sets of combinations of inclined surfaces 85, 86 are provided on the cam surface 84. The boundary portion 87 of each set is set at a location that faces each other across the second axis L2. Each contact portion 101 is brought into contact with the inclined surfaces 85, 86 of each set.

Therefore, the contact portion 101 can be pressed against the cam surface 84 in a stable manner compared to when only one contact portion 101 is provided on the slide member 91 and only one combination of inclined surfaces 85, 86 is provided on the rotating cam 81.

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 75 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 75 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 101 on the slide member 91 may be changed to one or three or more. In this case, the number of combinations of inclined surfaces 85, 86 is changed to be the same as the number of contact portions 101.

The inclination angle of the inclined surfaces 85, 86 may vary depending on the position around the second axis L2. For example, the inclined surfaces 85, 86 may be configured as curved surfaces that curve to bulge or to concave in the 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 75.
The biasing member 103 may be a spring of a type other than a compression coil spring.

Further, as the biasing member 103, a member other than a spring may be used, provided that it is capable of biasing the slide member 91 toward the rotating cam 81 side.
The slide restricted surface 97 and the slide restricting surface 73 may intersect with the second axis L2 at an angle other than perpendicular to the second axis L2.

Instead of the bearing portion 67 , the slide restricting surface 73 may be configured by a surface of the support wall portion 43 that faces the slide restricted surface 97 of the slide member 91 .
The cam surface 84 of the rotating cam 81 may be formed on the surface opposite to that in the above embodiment, i.e., on the surface on the grip portion 75 side. In this case, the slide member 91 and the biasing member 103 are disposed on the grip portion 75 side of the rotating cam 81. The slide member 91 is biased toward the first axis L1 side by the biasing member 103, and the contact portion 101 is pressed against the cam surface 84.

- The inclined surfaces 85, 86 on the cam surface 84 may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction across a boundary portion 87, and the boundary portion 87 may be formed by a surface parallel to the plane P1 (a surface perpendicular to the second axis L2).

- To determine the maximum rotation angle θ2 in the forward direction of the gripping portion 75 when it is in the neutral position, the rotation control mechanism 80 may regulate the sliding of the sliding member 91 instead of directly regulating the rotation of the rotating cam 81 around the second axis L2.

-In order to determine the maximum rotation angle θ1 in the rear direction of the gripping portion 75 when it is in the neutral position, the rotation control mechanism 80 may directly regulate the rotation of the rotating cam 81 around the second axis L2 instead of regulating the sliding of the sliding member 91.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11...Steering shaft 12...Steering handle 15...Boss portion 27...Groove portion 28...Opening 43...Support wall portion 50...Spoke portion 67...Bearing portion 73...Slide regulating surface 75...Grip portion 80...Rotation control mechanism 81...Rotating cam 84...Cam surface 85, 86...Inclined surface 87...Boundary portion 88...Regulating wall surface 91...Slide member 92...Slide main body portion 95...Connecting pin 97...Slide-regulated surface 98...Elastic body 101...Contact portion 103...Using member 105...First regulating portion (regulating portion)
106...Second restriction portion (restriction portion)
L1...First axis L2...Second axis P1...Plane θ1, θ2...Maximum rotation angle

Claims (7)

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 and having a bearing portion ; a pair of spoke portions formed in a shaft shape and supported relative to the boss portion by the bearing portion; 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 the 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 bearing portions so as to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions around the second axis,
a rotation control mechanism is provided between the boss portion and each spoke portion,
Each rotation control mechanism includes: a slide member arranged on the spoke portion so as to be able to slide in a direction along the second axis in conjunction with rotation of the spoke portion around the second axis; a groove portion formed in the boss portion at a location away from the spoke portion in a radial direction of the second axis, the groove portion being formed with a direction along the second axis as a longitudinal direction so as to have an opening facing the second axis ; and an elastic body formed of a material having rubber elasticity, connected to the slide member, and fitted into the groove portion so as to be able to slide in a direction along the second axis in a state where the elastic body is compressed and deformed in the radial direction,
the slide member includes a slide main body portion slidably disposed on the spoke portion, and a connecting pin extending in the radial direction from the slide main body portion and entering the groove portion through the opening,
The connecting pin is press-fitted into the elastic body, whereby the elastic body is connected to the slide member,
The elastic body presses the spoke portion against the bearing surface of the bearing portion via the connecting pin and the slide main body portion by an elastic restoring force from a state compressed and deformed in the radial direction . When the position of each gripping portion around the second axis during the straight movement is a neutral position, each rotation control mechanism has a function of returning each gripping portion to the neutral position during the straight movement,
Each rotation control mechanism includes a rotating cam and a biasing member in addition to the slide member.
the rotating cam is attached to the spoke portion so as to be integrally rotatable therewith, and has a cam surface on one surface in a direction along the second axis;
the slide member includes a contact portion that protrudes from one surface in a direction along the second axis and contacts the cam surface,
The biasing member biases the slide member toward the rotating cam,
2. A steering handle as described in claim 1, wherein the cam surface of each rotating cam has a pair of inclined surfaces formed around the second axis and inclined in opposite directions relative to a plane perpendicular to the second axis, the two inclined surfaces being connected to each other via a boundary portion, and the contact portion contacting the boundary portion when traveling straight . 3. The steering handle according to claim 2, wherein each rotation control mechanism further includes a regulating portion that regulates the sliding of the slide member to thereby define a maximum rotation angle in each of the forward and reverse directions of the grip portion located in the neutral position. The restricting portion includes a slide restricting surface formed on the boss portion and intersecting with the second axis line, and a slide restricted surface formed on the sliding member and intersecting with the second axis line,
4. The steering handle according to claim 3, wherein the regulating portion regulates the sliding by causing the slide regulated surface to come into contact with the slide regulating surface as the slide member slides in the direction along the second axis, thereby regulating the rotation of the grip portion beyond the maximum rotation angle. the boss portion includes a support wall portion that intersects with the second axis and to which the bearing portion is attached,
5. The steering handle according to claim 4 , wherein the slide restricting surface is formed by a surface of the support wall portion and the bearing portion that faces the slide restricted surface. 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 toward the contact portion along the second axis,
A steering handle as described in any one of claims 3 to 5, 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 6, 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.