JPH0617104B2 - Steering wheel - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a steering wheel used for a vehicle in which a power steering can correct a time delay occurring from a steering operation to the actual movement of the steered wheels. Regarding

BACKGROUND ART In power steering used in vehicles, a hydraulic circuit mechanically switches valves by a power cylinder and a steering wheel to convert pressure oil into its power.
It is configured to include a control valve that supplies and discharges to and from the cylinder, and since the control valve is mechanically connected by the steering shaft, link, gear, etc., the steering wheel actually starts moving from the steering operation. Until then, there was a time delay due to inertia of the steering wheel and steering shaft, backlash of the links and gears, and play of the steering wheel based on backlash.

Thus, in order to correct the time delay, that is, the turning delay, which occurs during steering, conventionally, a steering force sensor or a steering amount sensor is arranged on the steering shaft to detect the steering force or the steering amount. And the sensed steering force or amount was used to actuate the control valve to switch valves.

However, since the steering force sensor and the steering amount sensor detect distortion and displacement of the steering shaft,
Due to the influence of the inertia of the steering wheel itself, it was difficult to accurately detect the steering force and the steering amount.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 54-3735 discloses a steering force detecting device.
Steering wheel core metal with a part of the wheel cut off, steering wheel skin covered relatively movably on the core metal, and at the broken point of the core metal, in series between the core metal and the skin Assembled with the pair of springs arranged, and the electrical contacts are closed by a predetermined steering force, the spring has a spring constant set corresponding to the predetermined steering force. And, there, the spring must be set to a large spring constant, i.e. a strong spring must be used, otherwise the electrical contacts will be constantly opened and closed. As a result, there is a time delay until the steering force reaches the specified value,
There has been a limit to the correction of the time delay that occurs from the so-called steering operation to the actual movement of the steered wheels.

In addition, the steering force detection device complicates the structure of the steering wheel, resulting in complicated manufacturing and high manufacturing cost.

OBJECT AND PROBLEM OF THE INVENTION The purpose and problem of the present invention is to provide a time period from the steering operation to the actual movement of the steered wheels without being affected by the inertia of the steering wheel itself and without substantially delaying the steering. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a steering wheel used in a vehicle that can correct a mechanical delay to a power steering, simplify a structure, simplify manufacturing, and reduce manufacturing cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION FOR OBJECTS AND PROBLEMS In accordance with the above objects and problems, a steering wheel of the present invention includes a hub fixedly supported by a steering shaft and a hub at a predetermined interval. A pair of spokes protruding from the hub, and a steering wheel that is ring-bent and continuous between the tips of the pair of spokes.
A ring, a ring cover that is cut at both ends close to the tips of the corresponding pair of spokes, and is supported by the steering wheel ring so as to be relatively movable in the rotational direction, and a pair of the ring cover. Of the spoke cover and steering wheel ring that are integrally coupled to both ends of the ring cover in a rotationally movable manner with respect to the A return spring disposed between the spokes and the spoke cover in position to return the ring cover and the spoke cover to a neutral position with respect to the spoke and the steering wheel ring, the ring cover side and the steering wheel .Fixed to either one of the rings The magnet to be arranged and the magnetism-sensitive semiconductor element which is opposed to the magnet in a neutral position of the ring cover and is fixedly arranged on either the ring cover side or the steering wheel ring. Including, the spring constant of the return spring can be made very small, in other words, the weaker return spring can be utilized, and during steering,
The substantial inertia of the wheel, that is, its steering
The relative displacement is instantaneously allowed between the steering wheel ring and the ring cover without being affected by the inertia of the wheel ring to cause a minute displacement, and the displacement is detected and utilized. It is possible to correct the power steering time delay that occurs between the steering operation and the actual movement of the steered wheels.

Description of Specific Examples Specific specific examples of the steering wheel of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The figure shows a tenth embodiment of the steering wheel of the present invention used for power steering of an automobile.

The steering wheel 10 includes a metal hub 11 fixedly supported by a steering shaft 40, a pair of metal spokes 12 and 13, a metal steering wheel ring 14, and a synthetic resin. Spoke cover 15 and synthetic resin ring cover 16
It is manufactured by including a pair of return springs 17 and 18, a magnet 19, a magnetically sensitive semiconductor element 20, and a synthetic resin horn cover 21.

The roots of the pair of spokes 12 and 13 are welded to the hub 11, and the spokes 12 and 13 are radially projected from the hub 11 at predetermined intervals.

The steering wheel ring 14 is ring-bent between the ends of the spokes 12 and 13 to be continuous. And so that pair of spokes 12, 1
3 and its steering wheel ring 14 are made of an integral structure that is bent from the material, which simplifies the manufacturing process and makes the steering wheel ring 14 partly of a considerable length. It is possible to reduce the weight because it is omitted.

The spoke cover 15 includes the pair of spokes 1.
2, 13 and the steering wheel ring 14 are integrally connected to both ends of the ring cover 16 so as to be relatively movable in the rotational direction.

More specifically, the spoke cover 15
As shown in the drawing, is made of a synthetic resin half-molded product, and is covered over the spokes 12 and 13 and the steering wheel ring 14 from above and below, butted against each other, and the welded portions are welded together. It is integrated and attached to its spokes 12, 13 and steering wheel ring 14.

In addition, the spoke cover 15 is dimensioned and molded in advance so that an appropriate gap is formed between the spoke cover 15 and the spokes 12 and 13 and the steering wheel ring 14 in such a mounted state. In the direction of rotation of the steering wheel 10, the spokes 12, 13 and the steering wheel ring 14 are movably supported relative to each other, and at the same time, the return is made between the spokes 12, 13.・ Springs 17 and 18 can be arranged.

Further, the spoke cover 15 has ball bearings 25 contacting the steering wheel ring 14 arranged in the ring openings 23 and 24, respectively, and the spokes 12 and 13 and the steering wheel.
It facilitates relative movement with respect to the ring 14.

Of course, the ball bearing 25 can be appropriately replaced and used as long as it is a means for improving sliding.

The ring cover 16 is cut at both ends close to the tips of the corresponding pair of spokes 12 and 13, and is supported by the steering wheel ring 14 so as to be relatively movable in the rotational direction. It

More specifically, the ring cover 16 is, as shown in the figure, a synthetic resin molded product, which is cut in the ring direction and is easily manufactured so as to cover the steering wheel ring 14. Of course, the cut surfaces 26 and 27 are such that the ring cover 16 is the steering wheel.
After being put on the ring 14, the ring cover 16 is joined and both ends 28 and 29 of the ring cover 16 are connected to the spokes.
It is joined to the corresponding ring openings 23, 24 of the cover 15 and is integrally connected.

Further, the ring cover 16 is dimensioned in advance so that an appropriate gap is formed between the ring cover 16 and the steering wheel ring 14 in the attached state like the spoke cover 15. It is formed and is supported so as to be movable relative to the steering wheel ring 14 in the rotation direction of the steering wheel 10 with the spoke cover 15.

Further, the ring cover 16 has a rib 30 projecting from the inner side surface at a predetermined position, so that the steering wheel
A clearance between the wheel ring 14 and the wheel ring 14 is maintained by the rib 30 so that the relative movement with respect to the steering wheel ring 14 is facilitated.

The pair of return springs 17, 18 are arranged between the pair of spokes 12, 13 and the spoke cover 15 at a radial position smaller than that of the steering wheel ring 14, and the pair of return springs 17, 18 are provided. 13 and its steering wheel ring 14 return their ring cover 16 and spoke cover 15 to a neutral position. That is, the pair of return springs 17 and 18 have their spokes 12 and 1
3 is located near the tip from the center of the length of 3 and is arranged between the spokes 12 and 13 and the spoke cover 15, and in the state where no steering operation is performed, the spokes 12 and 13 and the steering wheel Ring 1
4. Return the spoke cover 15 and the ring cover 16 to the neutral position with respect to 4, and maintain the spoke cover 15 and the ring cover 16 in the state shown. The pair of return springs 17 and 18 thus arranged can be set to have a small spring constant. Since the pair of return springs 17 and 18 function to return the spoke cover 15 and the ring cover 16 to the neutral position, they are necessary for other functions such as opening and closing the electrical contacts. The spring is not set to be rigid, in other words, is not set to a large spring constant that generates a reaction force corresponding to a predetermined operation force, but is set to a small spring constant to be softened. In this case, as the pair of return springs 17 and 18, very weak coil springs are used as shown in the figure.

The very weak return springs 17 and 18, which are so softly set, will then disengage the steering wheel ring 14 and the spokes 12 and 13 when the steering operation is performed.
The cover 16 and the spoke cover 15 are rotationally moved at the same time as the steering operation, that is, the relative movement between the steering wheel ring 14 side and the ring cover 16 side is instantaneously allowed. Steering wheel ring 14 side and its ring cover 1
A minute displacement is instantaneously generated between the 6th side and the 6th side.

As a result, by detecting and utilizing the displacement, it is possible to correct the time delay of the power steering that occurs from the steering operation to the actual movement of the steered wheels.

The magnet 19 is located on the steering wheel ring 14 near the tip of the spoke 12.
And fixedly arranged on the spoke cover 15.

The magnetically sensitive semiconductor element 20 has the ring cover 16
Facing the magnet 19 in the neutral position on the side,
Then, a control (Fig. 4) that is fixedly arranged on the steering wheel ring 14 at a position near the tip of the spoke 12 and controls a variable throttle (not shown) arranged in the hydraulic circuit of the power steering. (Not shown).

A Hall IC is used for the magnetically sensitive semiconductor element 20, but a bulk element and a junction element can of course be used.

The horn cover 21 is a molded product of synthetic resin and covers the hub 11. Of course, this horn cover 21
Is shaped like a valve in relation to the shape of the spoke cover 15 in order to improve the appearance of the steering wheel 10.
Is exposed to the spoke opening 22.

Next, the operation of the steering wheel 10 described above will be described with reference to the steering operation.

Now, when a steering operation for rotating the steering wheel 10 in either the left or right direction is applied to the steering wheel 10,
The steering operation is first applied to the ring cover 16, and the ring cover 16 is rotationally moved relative to the steering wheel ring 14 in one of the left and right directions, and the ring cover 16 is rotated. Its spoke cover 15 accompanied by such a rotational movement of 16.
Also in the same direction as the ring cover 16,
It is rotationally moved relative to the spokes 12, 13 and the steering wheel ring 14.

In this case, the spoke cover 15 and the ring cover 16 are molded in advance from synthetic resin to reduce their weight, so-called inertia is reduced, and the pair of return springs 17 and 18 have spring constants. Pair of return springs 1 when a small coil spring is used and no steering operation is performed.
7, 18 are the ring cover 16 and the spokes,
It functions in returning the cover 15 to the neutral position, i.e. its pair of return springs 17,18.
Has been made so weak that the reaction force against the steering operation is negligibly small, so that the ring
The cover 16 and the spoke cover 15 are rotationally moved by the steering operation so as to be simultaneous with the steering operation, and are momentarily minutely displaced with respect to the steering wheel ring 14.

As such, the steering operation is transmitted to the spoke cover 15 and the spoke cover 15 is rotationally moved, so that the magnet 19 is accompanied by the spoke cover 15 and the magnetically sensitive semiconductor element 20. The magnetically sensitive semiconductor element 20 is displaced with respect to, and generates a voltage.

In that way, the steering operation and its direction are detected by the magnetically sensitive semiconductor element 20, which gives its generated voltage to the controller, which in turn makes the magnetically sensitive semiconductor element. The power steering is driven based on the generated voltage of 20. As a result, in the power steering, the time delay that occurs from the steering operation to the actual movement of the steered wheels during the steering is corrected, and the turning delay is prevented.

Further, the integrated ring cover 16 and the spoke cover 15 are further rotationally moved relative to the steering wheel ring 14 and the spokes 12 and 13, so that the spoke cover 15 is the spokes 12 and 13. Hit any one of the other 13 momentarily.

After the spoke cover 15 hits the other one of the spokes 12 and 13, the steering wheel ring 14 and the spokes 12 and 13 together with the ring cover 16 and the spoke cover 15 are either in the left or right direction. It is rotated to one side, and as a result, the control valve of the power steering is switched via the steering shaft 40.

Therefore, in the power steering, the magnet 19 is moved relative to the magnetic sensitive semiconductor element 20 by the ring cover 16 and the spoke cover 15 having a small inertia, and the voltage is applied to the magnetic sensitive semiconductor element 20. Generated, and thus the steering operation and its direction are sensed by the magnetically sensitive semiconductor element 20, and the controller at a voltage corresponding to the steering operation and its direction produced by the magnetically sensitive semiconductor element 20. Controls a variable throttle located in the hydraulic circuit of the power steering, so that the steering operation and its direction are substantially unaffected, without being affected by the large inertia of the steering wheel ring 14. Accurately detected, the delay of the power steering is reliably prevented.

When the steering operation is removed, the return springs 17 and 18 cause the spoke cover 15 and the ring cover 16 to move toward the spoke 1.
The positional relationship with respect to the steering wheel rings 14 and 2 and 13 is returned to the illustrated state.

As will be apparent from the specific embodiments of the present invention described above with reference to the drawings, those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains,
The subject matter of this invention is readily embodied in other aspects which are derived from the nature and substance of the invention and which are objectively admitted to incorporate them. Of course, the contents of the present invention are essential to the establishment of the invention in accordance with the problems of the invention.

Convenience and Benefits of the Invention As can be understood from the above, the steering /
The wheel is a steering wheel in which a hub fixedly supported by a steering shaft, a pair of spokes protruding from the hub at predetermined intervals, and a ring-bent process between the tips of the pair of spokes are continuously formed. A ring, a ring cover that is cut at both ends close to the tips of the corresponding pair of spokes, and is supported by the steering wheel ring in a relatively movable state in the rotational direction; and A spoke cover integrally coupled to both ends of the pair of spokes and a steering wheel ring in a rotationally movable manner with respect to the ring cover and a radial direction smaller than the steering wheel ring. Is located between the spoke and the spoke cover in the position And return spring to return the ring cover and spoke cover in a neutral position with respect to the fine steering wheel ring, the ring
The magnet fixedly arranged on either one of the cover side and the steering wheel ring, and the ring cover side and the steering wheel ring facing the magnet in a neutral position of the ring cover. Since the steering wheel of the present invention includes the magnetically sensitive semiconductor element fixedly arranged on the other side, the steering wheel of the present invention has a large inertia.
It is split into a wheel ring and a small inertia ring cover, and the spring constant of this return spring can be made very small, i.e. a very weak return spring can be utilized, which makes it easier to start steering. Is instantaneously allowed a relative movement between the steering wheel ring and the ring cover without being affected by the inertia of the steering wheel ring, and a minute displacement is generated. The displacement is detected and utilized. This makes it possible to correct the time delay of the power steering that occurs from the steering operation to the actual movement of the steered wheels.
The delay of the power steering is surely prevented,
In addition, the pair of spokes and the steering wheel ring are bent from the material into an integral structure, which simplifies the structure and simplifies manufacturing and reduces manufacturing costs. Very useful and practical for steering.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view, partially in section, showing a specific example of a steering wheel of the present invention used for power steering of an automobile. 11 ... Metal hub, 12, 13 ... Metal spokes,
14 …… Metal steering wheel ring, 15
...... Synthetic resin spoke cover, 16 ・ ・ ・ Synthetic resin ring cover, 17,18 ・ ・ ・ Return spring, 19 ・ ・ ・ Magnet, 20 ・ ・ ・ Magnetic sensitive semiconductor element.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A steering wheel which is fixedly supported by a steering shaft, a pair of spokes protruding from the hub at a predetermined interval, and a steering wheel which is ring-bent between the tips of the pair of spokes and is continuous. A wheel ring and a ring cover whose both ends are cut close to the tips of the corresponding pair of spokes, and which are supported by the steering wheel ring in a relatively movable state in the rotational direction; , A pair of spokes and a spoke wheel integrally coupled to both ends of the ring cover in a rotationally movable manner with respect to the steering wheel ring.
The cover and the spoke and steering wheel are arranged between the spoke and the spoke cover in a radial position smaller than the steering wheel ring.
A return spring that returns the ring cover and spoke cover to a neutral position with respect to the wheel ring and its ring cover side and steering wheel
A magnet fixedly placed on one of the rings, and a magnet facing the magnet in the neutral position of the ring cover and fixedly attached to the other of the ring cover side and the steering wheel ring. A steering wheel including a magnetically sensitive semiconductor element arranged.