Foldable steering wheel assembly and steering device comprising the same

Abstract

A folding steering wheel assembly and a steering device including the same. According to the present embodiment, the steering wheel can be stored in the vehicle body, particularly, in an autonomous driving mode, the space of the driver's seat is ensured, the steering wheel is prevented from interfering with the body, the comfortable driving action of the driver is achieved, and in addition, the driver is prevented from intervening in steering.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present embodiment relates to a folding steering wheel assembly and a steering apparatus including the same, and more particularly, to a folding steering wheel assembly and a steering apparatus including the same, which can accommodate a steering wheel into a vehicle body, particularly, secure a space for a driver seat in an autonomous driving mode, prevent the steering wheel from interfering with a body, enable comfortable driving action of a driver, and prevent the driver from intervening in steering. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, a vehicle that automatically reaches a destination even if a driver does not operate a steering wheel and an accelerator pedal, a brake, etc. has been developed.

[0003] Among driving modes of an autonomous driving vehicle, there are a driver driving mode in which a driver drives and an autonomous driving mode in which driving is automatically performed by an autonomous driving system, and in autonomous driving, it is necessary to secure a larger space for the convenience of a driver who sits on a driver seat.

[0004] Particularly, if a steering wheel located in front of a driver is accommodated into a vehicle body in an autonomous driving mode, it is possible to greatly facilitate a driver in terms of space, but since an autonomous driving vehicle drives according to a driver driving mode or an autonomous driving mode, a steering wheel structure that can be operated by a driver like a general vehicle in the driver driving mode and can be easily accommodated into a vehicle body in the autonomous driving mode is required. SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention has been developed in the above background, and relates to a folding steering wheel assembly and a steering apparatus including the same, which can accommodate a steering wheel into a vehicle body, particularly, secure a space for a driver seat in an autonomous driving mode, prevent the steering wheel from interfering with a body, enable comfortable driving action of a driver, and prevent the driver from intervening in steering.

[0006] According to the present embodiment, there is provided a folding steering wheel assembly including a shaft coupled to a steering shaft in a crossing manner, a steering wheel including a coupling portion coupled to the shaft so as to be rotatable about a shaft direction of the shaft, a cam portion including a fixed cam fixed to the shaft in a circumferential direction and a moving cam coupled to the coupling portion and supported by the fixed cam, and a driving portion that positions the steering wheel in a first position in which a driver can operate or a second position in which the steering wheel is rotatable about the shaft at the first position.

[0007] Further, according to the present embodiment, a folding steering wheel assembly is provided, which includes a shaft coupled to a steering shaft in a manner intersecting the steering shaft, a steering wheel including a coupling portion coupled to the shaft so as to be rotatable about an axis direction of the shaft, a cam portion including a fixed cam fixed to the shaft in a circumferential direction and a moving cam coupled to the coupling portion and supported by the fixed cam, and a driving portion applying a torque to the coupling portion so as to position the steering wheel at a first position operable by a driver or at a second position rotated about the shaft from the first position.

[0008] According to the present embodiment, the steering wheel can be stored in the vehicle body, particularly, a space for a driver's seat can be secured in an autonomous driving mode, the steering wheel can be prevented from interfering with a body, a comfortable driving operation of the driver can be achieved, and the driver can be prevented from intervening in steering. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the folding steering wheel assembly of the present embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a coupling state of Figure 1

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the steering wheel is rotated in Figure 2

[0012] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a part of Figure 1

[0013] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a part of Figure 2

[0014] Figures 6-7 is a view showing an operation of the folding steering wheel assembly of the present embodiment.

[0015] Figures 8-9 is a view showing an operation of the folding steering wheel assembly of the present embodiment.

[0016] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the folding steering wheel assembly of the present embodiment.

[0017] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 10

[0018] Figures 12-13 is a view showing an operation of the folding steering wheel assembly of the present embodiment.

[0019] (Explanation of Symbols)

[0020] 100: folding steering wheel assembly 101: steering shaft​​​​​

[0021] 110: steering wheel 111: hub

[0022] 112: joint portion 120: shaft

[0023] 130: cam portion 140: hinge bracket

[0024] 150: driving portion 151: actuator

[0025] 152: bolt 153: nut

[0026] 211: support portion 411: step portion

[0027] 421: insertion hole 431: fixed cam

[0028] 432: moving cam 433: first stopper

[0029] 434: second stopper 435: hinge portion

[0030] 440: spring 450: nut

[0031] 1010: driving portion 1011: actuator

[0032] 1012: cable 1013: gear

[0033] 1020: support bracket 1101: bracket DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, a part of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to drawings. In the case where a symbol is added to a constituent element of each drawing, the same symbol is used as much as possible even if it is illustrated on different drawings, for the same constituent element. In addition, in the case where the present embodiments are described, detailed description of a related known structure or function can be omitted in the case where it is judged that the specific description of the related known structure or function causes the gist of the present technical idea to be unclear. In the case where a constituent element is expressed in singular, the plural case is included unless it is specifically described.

[0035] In addition, in the case where the constituent element of the present disclosure is described, the terms of 1st, 2nd, A, B, a, b, and the like can be used. Such terms are used only to distinguish the constituent element from other constituent elements, and the terms do not limit the nature, number, order, or quantity of the constituent element.

[0036] When describing the positional relationship of constituent elements, if two or more constituent elements are described as "connected," "joined," or "linked," the two or more constituent elements may be directly "connected," "joined," or "linked," or other constituent elements may be present between the two or more constituent elements to achieve the "connection," "joining," or "linking." Here, other constituent elements are included in one or more of the two or more constituent elements that are "connected," "joined," or "linked" to each other.

[0037] When describing the temporal flow relationship related to constituent elements, methods of action, or methods of production, for example, when using terms such as "after," "next," "then," or "before" to describe temporal or fluid sequential relationships, if "immediately" or "directly" is not used, it also includes discontinuous situations.

[0038] On the other hand, when referring to the numerical values ​​or corresponding information (e.g., levels) of constituent elements, even without other explicit statements, it should be understood that the numerical values ​​or corresponding information include the range of errors caused by various reasons (e.g., process-related reasons, internal or external impacts, noise, etc.).

[0039] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the folding steering wheel assembly of this embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the combined state. Figure 3 It means in Figure 2 A 3D image showing the general rotating the steering wheel. Figure 4 Yes Figure 1 A partial exploded 3D diagram, Figure 5 Yes Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view, Figures 6-7 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the folding steering wheel assembly in this embodiment. Figures 8-9 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the folding steering wheel assembly in this embodiment. Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the folding steering wheel assembly of this embodiment. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Cross-sectional view, Figures 12-13 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the folding steering wheel assembly in this embodiment.

[0040] The folding steering wheel assembly 100 of the present embodiment includes a shaft 120 which is coupled to the steering shaft 101 in a manner intersecting the steering shaft 101, a steering wheel 110 which includes a coupling portion 112 coupled to the shaft 120 so as to be rotatable about the shaft direction of the shaft 120, drive portions 150, 1010 which position the steering wheel 110 at a first position at which the driver can operate or at a second position at which the steering wheel 110 is rotatable about the shaft 120, and a cam portion 130 which includes a fixed cam 431 fixed to the shaft 120 in the circumferential direction and a movable cam 432 coupled to the coupling portion 112 and supported by the fixed cam 431, thereby locking the rotation of the steering wheel 110 at the first position.

[0041] Further, according to the present embodiment, there is provided a steering device including the folding steering wheel assembly 100.

[0042] The drive portions 150, 1010 of the folding steering wheel assembly 100 of the present embodiment rotate the steering wheel 110 with respect to the shaft 120, position the steering wheel 110 at the first position or the second position, as shown in FIG. 1, and the like. Figures 1-9 As shown in FIG. 2, the drive portions apply a torque to the movable cam 432, and as shown in FIG. 3, apply a torque to the coupling portion 112, thereby rotating the steering wheel 110. However, the drive portions shown in the drawings are a preferred embodiment, and the drive portions of the present embodiment are not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, as long as the drive portions can rotate the steering wheel 110. Figures 10-13

[0043] First, the steering wheel 110 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. Figures 1-3

[0044] In the folding steering wheel assembly 100 of the present embodiment, the steering wheel 110 is not directly coupled to the steering shaft 101, but is coupled to the steering shaft 101 through the shaft 120. That is, the hub 111 of the steering wheel 110 is not directly coupled to the steering shaft 101, but is coupled to the shaft 120 which is coupled to the steering shaft 101, thereby being connected to the steering shaft 101.

[0045] The shaft 120 is coupled to the steering shaft 101 in a manner intersecting the steering shaft 101. That is, the shaft direction of the shaft 120 is perpendicular to the shaft direction of the steering shaft 101. The shaft 120 provides a rotation axis in a direction perpendicular to the shaft direction of the steering shaft 101 to the steering wheel 110.

[0046] The steering wheel 110 includes the coupling portion 112 coupled to the shaft 120, and the steering wheel 110 is rotatable about the shaft of the shaft 120 by sliding between the shaft 120 and the coupling portion 112.

[0047] As shown in the drawing, the coupling portion 112 is formed so as to protrude forward from the hub of the steering wheel 110. The coupling portion 112 which protrudes forward is coupled to the shaft 120, and thereby the steering wheel 110 is rotatable about the shaft of the shaft 120.​​

[0048] An insertion hole 421 is formed in the coupling portion 112 for insertion of the shaft 120. That is, the shaft 120 is inserted into the insertion hole 421, whereby the coupling portion 112 is coupled to the shaft 120, and the steering wheel 110 is rotated about the shaft of the shaft 120 by sliding between the inner peripheral surface of the coupling portion 112 and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 120.

[0049] As shown in the figure, the steering wheel 110 is provided with a pair of coupling portions 112, and an insertion hole 421 is formed in each of the coupling portions 112, whereby the coupling portions 112 are coupled to the shaft 120.

[0050] The pair of coupling portions 112 are coupled to both ends of the shaft 120, respectively, and the steering shaft 101 is coupled to the central portion of the shaft 120. That is, the pair of coupling portions 112 are located on both sides with the shaft direction of the steering shaft 101 interposed therebetween along the shaft direction of the shaft 120. As will be described later, one of the pair of coupling portions 112 is supported by the support portion 211, and the other coupling portion 112 is coupled to the moving cam 432, and the coupling portions 112 are pressed in the shaft direction of the shaft 120 by the cam portion 130, whereby the rotation of the steering wheel 110 is locked.

[0051] The steering wheel 110 is rotated about the shaft of the shaft 120 by the driving portion 150, and is moved from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, and is located at the first position in the driver travel mode and is rotated about the shaft of the steering shaft 101 by the operation of the driver, and is housed in the vehicle body at the second position when the autonomous travel mode is switched. The shaft 120 is coupled to the hinge bracket 140 and the like for providing the driving portion 150, and details thereof will be described later.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the first position of the steering wheel 110 is a position in which the steering wheel 110 and the steering shaft 101 are disposed on the same shaft, whereby the steering wheel 110 can be rotated about the shaft of the steering shaft 101, as shown in Figure 3 , the second position of the steering wheel 110 is a position in which the steering wheel 110 is rotated about the shaft of the shaft 120 at the first position. The figure shows an embodiment in which the second position of the steering wheel 110 is directed downward, but the second position of the steering wheel 110 can also be directed upward.

[0053] The steering wheel 110, located in the second position, can be retracted into the vehicle body. For example, by telescoped movement of the steering shaft 101, the steering wheel can be retracted into the vehicle's dashboard. This ensures a wider driver's seat space, prevents the steering wheel from obstructing the driver's movement, and allows for free and comfortable driving maneuvers, such as in autonomous driving mode. Furthermore, during autonomous driving, steering is performed by the system without driver input; by retracting the steering wheel into the vehicle body, intervention by the driver—such as holding the steering wheel or interfering with steering during driving maneuvers—is fundamentally prevented.

[0054] The cam portion 130 includes a fixed cam 431 and a movable cam 432. The fixed cam 431 is fixedly coupled to the shaft 120 in the circumferential direction and will not rotate when the steering wheel 110 is rotated. The movable cam 432 is coupled to the coupling portion 112 and rotates together with the steering wheel 110 when the steering wheel 110 is rotated. Cam surfaces that support each other are formed on the fixed cam 431 and the movable cam 432, so that when the steering wheel 110 is rotated, the fixed cam 431 and the movable cam 432 move away from or closer to each other, thereby locking or unlocking the rotation of the steering wheel 110.

[0055] Therefore, when the steering wheel 110 is in the first position via the drive unit 150, its rotation is locked via the cam unit 130, thereby preventing the steering wheel 110 from being rotated by the driver or by external force, thus enabling safe steering in driver driving mode.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the rotation of the steering wheel 110 is locked in a first position and unlocked in a second position. That is, when the steering wheel 110 is in the first position, the moving cam 432 and the fixed cam 431 are away from each other, and the engagement portion 112 is pressed toward the support portion 211, thereby locking the rotation of the steering wheel 110. When the steering wheel 110 is in the second position, the moving cam 432 and the fixed cam 431 are close together, the pressure applied to the engagement portion 112 is released, and the rotation of the steering wheel 110 is unlocked.

[0057] According to another embodiment, the rotation of the steering wheel 110 can be locked not only in the first position but also in the second position. That is, in the first and second positions, the engagement portion 112 is pressurized by the cam portion 130, and the rotation of the steering wheel 110 is locked. During the process of the steering wheel 110 moving from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, the pressure applied to the engagement portion 112 is released by the cam portion 130, thereby unlocking the rotation of the steering wheel 110.

[0058] Reference Figures 4-5A support portion 211 is formed in the shaft 120, and supports one of the pair of coupling portions 112 in the axial direction of the shaft 120. The moving cam 432 is fixed to the other of the pair of coupling portions 112. As shown in the drawing, the coupling portions 112 and the moving cam 432 are press-fitted by a groove and a protrusion formed in each of them, respectively, to achieve coupling.

[0059] The support portion 211 is formed with a larger diameter than the portion where the coupling portion 112 is coupled to one end of the shaft 120, thereby supporting the coupling portion 112 in the axial direction. A shaft, such as a needle thrust bearing, is provided between the coupling portion 112 and the support portion 211, thereby supporting the rotation of the coupling portion 112.

[0060] The remaining one of the coupling portions 112 is coupled to the other end of the shaft 120, and a stepped portion 411 is formed in the other end of the shaft 120 to support the coupling portion 112 in the axial direction. In addition, a chamfer portion is formed in each of the other end of the shaft 120 and the fixed cam 431, and the chamfer portions are supported by each other, thereby fixing the shaft 120 and the fixed cam 431 in the circumferential direction.

[0061] The moving cam 432 is fixed by the fixed cam 431 and the cam surface while being located between the coupling portion 112 and the fixed cam 431, and has a spring 440 for pressing the fixed cam 431 toward the moving cam 432 and a nut 450 for supporting the spring 440 while being coupled to the shaft 120.

[0062] On the other hand, the fixed cam 431 is further formed with a hinge portion 435 to be hingedly coupled to the nut 153 described later, and will be described in detail later.

[0063] Next, the configuration of the steering wheel 110 will be described with reference to Figures 6-7 A first stopper 433 is formed in the fixed cam 431, and a second stopper 434 is formed in the moving cam 432. The first stopper 433 and the second stopper 434 are supported by each other in the first position and the second position of the steering wheel 110, and limit the range of rotation of the steering wheel 110.

[0064] In the drawing, an example is illustrated in which a pair of first stoppers 433 are formed in the fixed cam 431 to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and the second stopper 434 of the moving cam 432 moves between the first stoppers 433, thereby supporting the first stopper 433 and the second stopper 434 in the first position or the second position of the steering wheel 110. The configuration or shape of the first stopper 433 and the second stopper 434 is not limited to the illustrated example, and various forms can be provided.

[0065] The rotation range of the steering wheel 110 is limited by the first stopper 433 and the second stopper 434, so that when the steering wheel 110 is rotated by the drive unit 150, the steering wheel 110 is accurately located in the first position or the second position.

[0066] The drive unit 150 for rotating the steering wheel 110 will now be described.

[0067] The steering wheel 110 is rotated. The drive unit 150, including the bolt 152 and nut 153, transmits power to the moving cam 432.

[0068] Figures 1-9 The figure shows an embodiment in which a drive unit 150, including a bolt 152 and a nut 153, applies torque to a moving cam 432 to rotate a steering wheel 110.

[0069] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figures 8-9 The drive unit 150 includes a nut 153 hinged to a movable cam 432 and an actuator 151 hinged to a hinge bracket 140 fixed to a shaft 120 and rotating a bolt 152 that is engaged with the nut 153.

[0070] A hinge portion 435 is formed on the movable cam 432 and is hinged to the nut 153. The nut 153 can be directly hinged to the hinge portion 435, but as shown in the figure, it is preferable to hinge it to the hinge portion 435 through an additional bracket.

[0071] One end of the hinge bracket 140 is connected to the shaft 120, and the actuator 151 is hinged to the other end of the hinge bracket 140. The actuator 151 includes a motor, a reducer, and a housing that houses the motor and the reducer, and the housing is hinged to the hinge bracket 140.

[0072] Bolt 152 is connected to a motor via a reducer and is rotated by the motor. Bolt 152 engages with nut 153, so that when bolt 152 rotates, nut 153 slides along the axis of bolt 152.

[0073] Therefore, when the actuator 151 is driven by sliding the bolt 152 of the nut 153, hinge engagement of the hinge bracket 140 of the actuator 151, and hinge engagement of the moving cam 432 of the nut 153, torque is applied to the moving cam 432, thereby rotating the steering wheel 110.

[0074] Next, regarding Figures 10-13 The illustrated embodiments will be used for explanation. However, for ease of explanation, the embodiments shown will be described separately. Figures 1-9 The embodiments illustrated in the figure use the same symbols for common structures and omit detailed descriptions, focusing on the key differences.

[0075] Referring to Figure 10 The folding steering wheel assembly 100 of the present embodiment is identical to the above-described embodiment in that the coupling portion 112 of the steering wheel 110 is coupled to the shaft 120 to rotate, and the cam portion 130 that locks and unlocks the rotation of the steering wheel 110 is coupled to the shaft 120.

[0076] The driving portion 1010 includes a gear 1013 to apply a torque to the coupling portion 112, thereby rotating the steering wheel 110. Specifically, the coupling portion 112 is formed with gear teeth, and the driving portion 1010 includes the gear 1013 engaged with the gear teeth of the coupling portion 112 and an actuator 1011 to rotate the gear 1013, thereby applying a torque to the coupling portion 112.

[0077] As shown, the gear teeth of the coupling portion 112 are formed on the outer side surface of the coupling portion 112.

[0078] The actuator 1011 includes a motor, a reducer, and a housing in which the motor is coupled and the reducer is accommodated, and is coupled to the shaft 120 by a bracket.

[0079] The actuator 1011 and the gear 1013 are connected by a cable 1012, which is in a form in which a plurality of wires are twisted, has flexibility, and can transmit a torque.

[0080] One end of the cable 1012 is coupled to the gear 1013, and the other end is connected to the reducer inside the housing of the actuator 1011. Figures 10-11 A support bracket 1020 that supports the end of the cable 1012 coupled to the gear 1013 is coupled to the shaft 120.

[0081] A retaining bracket 1101 that rotatably supports one end of the cable 1012 is rotatably supported on the support bracket 1020. The retaining bracket 1101 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, accommodates the end of the cable 1012 inside, and is supported by the support bracket 1020 by a bearing. Thus, the power of the actuator 1011 is transmitted to the gear 1013 through the support bracket 1020 and the retaining bracket 1101 and the cable 1012.

[0082] Referring to Figures 12-13 The movable cam 432 and the fixed cam 431 include a first stopper 433 and a second stopper 434 for limiting the rotation range of the steering wheel 110. Unlike the above-described embodiment, the movable cam 432 is not formed with a hinge portion. The torque of the driving portion 1010 is transmitted to the steering wheel 110 to rotate the steering wheel 110 by the gear coupling of the gear 1013 and the coupling portion 112, and the first stopper 433 and the second stopper 434 are supported by each other when the steering wheel 110 is positioned at the first position or the second position, thereby limiting the rotation range of the steering wheel 110.

[0083] According to the folding steering wheel assembly having the above shape and the steering device including the folding steering wheel assembly, the steering wheel can be stored in the vehicle body, particularly, the space of the driver's seat is ensured in the autonomous driving mode, the steering wheel is prevented from interfering with the body, the comfortable driving action of the driver is achieved, and in addition, the driver is prevented from intervening in the steering.

[0084] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present disclosure, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes within the scope of the technical idea without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. In addition, the present embodiment is not intended to limit the technical idea of the present disclosure, but to describe the present disclosure, and thus the scope of the technical idea is not limited to such an embodiment. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted according to the following claims, and all technical ideas within the same scope should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A folding steering wheel assembly comprising: a shaft coupled to a steering shaft in a cross manner with the steering shaft; a steering wheel including a coupling portion coupled to the shaft so as to be rotatable about an axis direction of the shaft; a cam portion including a fixed cam fixed to the shaft in a circumferential direction and a movable cam coupled to the coupling portion and supported by the fixed cam; and a driving portion applying a torque to the movable cam so as to position the steering wheel at a first position where a driver can operate or at a second position where the steering wheel is rotatable about the shaft at the first position, the first position being a position where the steering wheel and the steering shaft are disposed on the same axis so as to be rotatable about an axis of the steering shaft, the coupling portion is formed in a pair and coupled to both ends of the shaft, respectively, and a central portion of the shaft is coupled to the steering shaft, rotation of the steering wheel about the shaft is locked at the first position by the cam portion.

2. The folding steering wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the coupling portion is formed by protruding forward from a hub of the steering wheel.

3. The folding steering wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein a coupling hole into which the shaft is inserted is formed in the coupling portion.

4. The folding steering wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein a support portion supporting one of the coupling portions in an axis direction of the shaft is formed in the shaft, and the movable cam is fixed to the other of the coupling portions, the one of the coupling portions is pressed in a direction toward the support portion by the cam portion, and thus rotation of the steering wheel about the shaft is locked.

5. The folding steering wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein a first stopper is formed in the fixed cam, and a second stopper is formed in the movable cam, and the first and second stoppers are supported by each other at the first position and the second position of the steering wheel.

6. The folding steering wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the driving portion includes: a nut hingedly coupled to the movable cam; and an actuator rotating a bolt coupled to the nut by being hingedly coupled to a hinged bracket fixed to the shaft.

7. A folding steering wheel assembly comprising: a shaft coupled to a steering shaft in a cross manner with the steering shaft; a steering wheel including a coupling portion coupled to the shaft so as to be rotatable about an axis direction of the shaft; a cam portion including a fixed cam fixed to the shaft in a circumferential direction and a movable cam coupled to the coupling portion and supported by the fixed cam; and a driving portion applying a torque to the coupling portion so as to position the steering wheel at a first position where a driver can operate or at a second position where the steering wheel is rotatable about the shaft at the first position, the first position being a position where the steering wheel and the steering shaft are disposed on the same axis so as to be rotatable about an axis of the steering shaft, The coupling portions are formed in a pair and coupled to both ends of the shaft, and the central portion of the shaft is coupled to the steering shaft. Rotation of the steering wheel about the shaft is locked in the first position by the cam portion.

8. The folding steering wheel assembly according to claim 7, wherein The coupling portions are formed to protrude forward from a hub of the steering wheel.

9. The folding steering wheel assembly according to claim 7, wherein The coupling portions are formed to protrude forward from a hub of the steering wheel.

10. The folding steering wheel assembly according to claim 7, wherein The shaft is formed with a support portion that supports one of the coupling portions in the axial direction of the shaft, and the movable cam is fixed to the other of the coupling portions. One of the coupling portions is pressed in the direction of the support portion by the cam portion, whereby rotation of the steering wheel about the shaft is locked.

11. The folding steering wheel assembly according to claim 7, wherein A first stopper is formed on the fixed cam, and a second stopper is formed on the movable cam, and the first and second stoppers are supported to each other in the first and second positions of the steering wheel.

12. The folding steering wheel assembly according to claim 7, wherein Gear teeth are formed on the coupling portions. The driving portion includes: a gear that engages the gear teeth of the coupling portions; and an actuator that rotates the gear.

13. The folding steering wheel assembly according to claim 12, wherein The actuator and the gear are connected by a cable.

14. The folding steering wheel assembly according to claim 13, wherein A support bracket is coupled to the shaft, and the support bracket supports an end portion of the cable that is coupled to the gear.

15. A steering device comprising the folding steering wheel assembly according to claim 1 or 7.

Images