Single-rod steering assembly

Abstract

A steering control assembly includes: a base configured to couple with a steering shaft; a ring mounted to the base and configured to rotate independently of the base; a locking member movable between a locked configuration in which the locking member locks the ring to the base to limit rotation of the ring independent of the base, and an unlocked configuration in which the ring is free to rotate independent of the base; and a handle mounted to the ring, the handle being rotatable with the ring independently of the base when the locking member is in the unlocked configuration to adjust a radial position of the handle relative to the base, the handle being configured to be grasped by a user to rotate the steering control assembly and the steering shaft when the locking member is in the locked configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a single-lever steering assembly for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors, and aspects of the description that may not otherwise constitute prior art at the time of filing, are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted as prior art to the present disclosure.

[0003] Most vehicles include a steering wheel for steering the vehicle. To turn the front wheels of the vehicle to the right, turn the steering wheel clockwise. To turn the front wheels to the left, turn the steering wheel counterclockwise. Steering wheels are also used in non-vehicle applications, such as to operate machinery. Summary of the invention

[0004] Among various features, the present disclosure includes a steering control assembly comprising the following: a base configured to be coupled to a steering shaft; a ring mounted to the base and configured to rotate independently of the base; a locking member movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein in the locked configuration the locking member locks the ring to the base to restrict rotation of the ring independent of the base, and in the unlocked configuration the ring is able to rotate freely independent of the base; a handle mounted to the ring, the handle being rotatable together with the ring independently of the base when the locking member is in the unlocked configuration to adjust a radial position of the handle relative to the base, the handle being configured to be grasped by a user to rotate the steering control assembly and the steering shaft when the locking member is in the locked configuration.

[0005] In further features, the steering control assembly includes a bearing located between the base and the ring.

[0006] In further features, the bearing is a roller bearing located between the annular flange of the base and the ring.

[0007] In further features, the base includes a base flange defining a hole configured to receive the steering shaft therein to couple the base to the steering shaft.

[0008] In further features, the base includes a plurality of surface reliefs, and the locking member is configured to cooperate with any one of the plurality of surface reliefs to rotationally lock the ring to the base.

[0009] In further features, the plurality of surface reliefs are arranged at least 180° around the base.

[0010] In further features, a plurality of control buttons are mounted to the base.

[0011] In further features, the ring is included in a cover covering at least a portion of a front side of the steering control assembly.

[0012] In further features, the cover defines an opening for an air bag included in the steering control assembly.

[0013] In a further feature, the handle is adjustable in height.

[0014] In further features, the handle is tiltable toward and away from the front of the steering control assembly.

[0015] In further features, the handle includes a base plate and a grip extending from the base plate.

[0016] In further features, a post extends from the base plate, the post being seated in a receptacle defined by a support member mounted to the ring, the support member being rotatable toward and away from the front of the steering control assembly.

[0017] In further features, the support member is connected to the ring with a fastener.

[0018] Among the various features, the present disclosure also includes a steering control assembly, which includes the following components: a base, which is configured to be coupled to a steering shaft of a vehicle so that rotation of the base rotates the steering shaft; and a button row, which includes a plurality of control buttons mounted to the base; a ring mounted to the base and configured to rotate independently of rotation of the base; a locking member, which is configured to rotationally lock the ring relative to the base; a plurality of bearings between the base and the ring; and a handle, which is mounted to the ring and can rotate with the ring independently of the base, the handle being configured so that the height and tilt angle of the handle are both adjustable.

[0019] In a further feature, the handle is included in a rod assembly, the rod assembly including a support member mounted with a fastener to a ring post extending from the ring, the support member defining a receptacle in which the rod post is disposed, the rod post being mounted to the handle and configured to be supported in the receptacle at a plurality of different heights to adjust the height of the handle.

[0020] In further features, the locking member is a locking tab pivotally mounted to the ring, the locking tab being configured to cooperate with a surface relief of the base to rotationally lock the ring relative to the base.

[0021] In further features, the locking tab is biased to mate with the surface relief.

[0022] Among the various features, the present disclosure also includes a steering control assembly, which includes: a base, which is constructed to be coupled to a steering shaft of a vehicle so that rotation of the base rotates the steering shaft; and a button row, which includes a plurality of control buttons mounted to the base; a ring mounted to the base and constructed to rotate independently of rotation of the base; a locking member movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, in which the locking member locks the ring to the base to restrict rotation of the ring independently of the base, and in the unlocked configuration, the ring is able to rotate freely independently of the base; a plurality of roller bearings between the base and the ring; and a rod assembly, the rod assembly including a support member mounted to a ring column extending from the ring with a fastener, the rod assembly being rotatable with the ring independently of the base to adjust the radial position of the rod assembly relative to the base, the support member defining a receptacle in which a rod column is disposed, the rod column being mounted to a handle and being constructed to be supported in the receptacle at a plurality of different heights to adjust the height of the handle, and the support member being pivotable about the fastener to adjust the tilt angle of the handle.

[0023] In further features, the handle includes at least one grip configured to be grasped by a user to rotate the steering control assembly and the steering shaft when the ring is in the locked configuration.

[0024] The present invention discloses the following technical solutions:

[0025] 1. A steering control assembly, comprising:

[0026] a base configured to be coupled to the steering shaft;

[0027] a ring mounted to the base and configured to rotate independently of the base;

[0028] a locking member movable between a locked configuration in which the locking member locks the ring to the base to restrict rotation of the ring independent of the base, and an unlocked configuration in which the ring is free to rotate independent of the base; and

[0029] A handle is mounted to the ring, the handle being rotatable with the ring independently of the base to adjust the radial position of the handle relative to the base when the locking member is in the unlocked configuration, the handle being configured to be grasped by a user to rotate the steering control assembly and the steering shaft when the locking member is in the locked configuration.

[0030] 2. The steering control assembly according to Option 1 further includes a bearing located between the base and the ring.

[0031] 3. A steering control assembly according to Option 2, wherein the bearing is a roller bearing located between the annular flange of the base and the ring.

[0032] 4. The steering control assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a base flange defining a hole configured to receive the steering shaft therein to couple the base to the steering shaft.

[0033] 5. The steering control assembly of claim 1, wherein the base includes a plurality of surface ridges, the locking member being configured to cooperate with any one of the plurality of surface ridges to rotationally lock the ring to the base.

[0034] 6. A steering control assembly according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of surface reliefs are arranged at least 180° around the base.

[0035] 7. The steering control assembly according to Option 1 further includes a plurality of control buttons mounted to the base.

[0036] 8. The steering control assembly of claim 1, wherein the ring is included in a cover covering at least a portion of a front side of the steering control assembly.

[0037] 9. The steering control assembly of claim 8, wherein the cover defines an opening for an air bag included in the steering control assembly.

[0038] 10. A steering control assembly according to claim 1, wherein the handle is adjustable in height.

[0039] 11. A steering control assembly according to claim 10, wherein the handle is capable of tilting toward and away from the front of the steering control assembly.

[0040] 12. The steering control assembly of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a base plate and a grip extending from the base plate.

[0041] 13. The steering control assembly of claim 12, further comprising a post extending from the base plate, the post being seated in a receptacle defined by a support member mounted to the ring, the support member being rotatable toward and away from a front of the steering control assembly.

[0042] 14. The steering control assembly of claim 13, wherein the support member is connected to the ring using fasteners.

[0043] 15. A steering control assembly comprising:

[0044] a base configured to couple with a steering shaft of a vehicle such that rotation of the base rotates the steering shaft;

[0045] a button row, the button row comprising a plurality of control buttons mounted to the base;

[0046] a ring mounted to the base and configured to rotate independently of rotation of the base;

[0047] a locking member configured to rotationally lock the ring relative to the base;

[0048] a plurality of bearings between the base and the ring; and

[0049] A handle is mounted to the ring and rotatable with the ring independently of the base, the handle being configured so that both the height and the angle of inclination of the handle are adjustable.

[0050] 16. A steering control assembly according to Option 15, wherein the handle is included in a rod assembly, the rod assembly including a support member mounted to a ring column extending from the ring with fasteners, the support member defining a receptacle in which the rod column is disposed, the rod column being mounted to the handle and configured to be supported in the receptacle at a plurality of different heights to adjust the height of the handle.

[0051] 17. A steering control assembly according to claim 15, wherein the locking member is a locking piece pivotally mounted to the ring and configured to cooperate with a surface relief of the base to rotationally lock the ring relative to the base.

[0052] 18. The steering control assembly of claim 17, wherein the locking tab is biased to engage the surface relief.

[0053] 19. A steering control assembly comprising:

[0054] a base configured to couple with a steering shaft of a vehicle such that rotation of the base rotates the steering shaft;

[0055] a button row, the button row comprising a plurality of control buttons mounted to the base;

[0056] a ring mounted to the base and configured to rotate independently of rotation of the base;

[0057] a locking member movable between a locked configuration in which the locking member locks the ring to the base to restrict rotation of the ring independent of the base and an unlocked configuration in which the ring is free to rotate independent of the base;

[0058] a plurality of roller bearings between the base and the ring; and

[0059] A rod assembly, the rod assembly includes a support member mounted to a ring column extending from a ring with a fastener, the rod assembly can rotate together with the ring independently of the base to adjust the radial position of the rod assembly relative to the base, the support member defines a receptacle in which the rod column is placed, the rod column is mounted to the handle and is constructed to be supported in the receptacle at a plurality of different heights to adjust the height of the handle, and the support member can pivot about the fastener to adjust the tilt angle of the handle.

[0060] 20. The steering control assembly of claim 19, wherein the handle comprises at least one handle configured to be grasped by a user to rotate the steering control assembly and the steering shaft when the ring is in the locked configuration.

[0061] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims and the accompanying drawings.The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0063] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a steering control assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0064] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the steering control assembly of the embodiment of the present invention; and

[0065] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a steering control assembly.

[0066] Among the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Figure 1-Figure 3 An exemplary steering control assembly 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. The steering control assembly 10 is configured to steer the wheels of any suitable vehicle. Suitable vehicles include, but are not limited to, the following: passenger cars; public transportation vehicles; recreational vehicles; marine vessels; aircraft; construction vehicles; military vehicles, etc. The steering control assembly 10 may also be configured for any suitable non-vehicle application. For example, the steering control assembly 10 may be configured to steer or otherwise control suitable construction equipment, machinery, military equipment, etc.

[0068] Although the steering control assembly 10 is generally described as a control assembly for a steering wheel of a vehicle, the steering control assembly 10 can be configured to steer components other than wheels, such as, but not limited to, a rudder, a sail, or other suitable structures configured to control the heading of a vehicle. In addition, the steering control assembly 10 can be configured to control any aspect of a vehicle or non-vehicle machine other than steering. The steering control assembly 10 is configured to facilitate a person with a disability (e.g., a person with limited or no hand function) to control any suitable vehicle, machinery, equipment, etc. The steering control assembly 10 is also configured to be used by non-disabled persons as well.

[0069] In the example shown, the steering control assembly 10 is configured to be mounted in a vehicle at the end of a steering column 14 opposite an instrument panel 12. The steering control assembly 10 is configured to be mounted in a vehicle with respect to a steering shaft 16 ( Figure 3 ) The rotation of the steering shaft 16 by the steering control assembly 10 controls the left-right movement of the wheels of the vehicle. Therefore, rotating the steering control assembly 10 clockwise will rotate the steering shaft 16 clockwise, which causes the wheels to turn to the right. Rotating the steering control assembly 10 counterclockwise will rotate the steering shaft 16 counterclockwise, which causes the wheels to turn to the left.

[0070] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the steering control assembly 10 generally includes a base 20, a ring 50 configured to rotate, and a rod assembly 70. The base 20 is coupled to the steering shaft 16 so that rotation of the base 20 rotates the steering shaft 16. The ring 50 is mounted to the base 20. The rod assembly 70 is mounted to the ring 50. The ring 50 can rotate independently of the base 20 and can be locked in any suitable position relative to the base 20. Therefore, the rotational or radial position of the rod assembly 70 relative to the base 20 can be adjusted according to user preferences. The rod assembly 70 is also adjustable in height and can be rotated toward and away from the operator of the steering control assembly 10 (see, for example, FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 ). The adjustability of rod assembly 70 is further described herein.

[0071] Special References Figure 2 and Figure 3, the base 20 includes a flange 22 extending from an outer surface of the base 20. The flange 22 defines a hole 24, which is configured to receive the steering shaft 16 therein. In the example shown, the flange 22 includes internal threads within the hole 24, which are configured to cooperate with the threads of the steering shaft 16 to rotationally lock the steering control assembly 10 to the steering shaft 16. Therefore, rotation of the steering control assembly 10 also rotates the steering shaft 16. The outer surface of the base 20 also includes a plurality of surface features that are configured to cooperate with the locking member 120, as further described herein. The surface features can be configured in any suitable manner. For example, the surface features can be configured as surface ridges 26, which define recesses therebetween. The surface ridges 26 can be configured as protrusions that are configured to cooperate with the locking member 120. The surface ridges 26 can extend any suitable distance around the base 20. For example, the surface ridges 26 can extend at least about 180° around the base 20. With particular reference Figure 3 The base 20 also includes an annular flange 30 that extends around the axial center of the base 20. In applications where the steering control assembly 10 includes an airbag 32, the airbag 32 may be mounted at the center of the base 20 and surrounded by the annular flange 30.

[0072] The ring 50 is mounted to the base 20 in any suitable manner so that the ring 50 can rotate relative to the base 20. For example, Figure 3 As shown, the ring 50 includes a flange 56 that seats in the recess 34 defined by the base 20. The ring 50 can rotate independently of the rotation of the base 20. Therefore, the ring 50 can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise to adjust the radial position of the rod assembly 70 even when the base 20 and the steering shaft 16 connected thereto are stationary.

[0073] The steering control assembly 10 also includes a cover 52 on its front side facing the driver / operator. The ring 50 can be part of the cover 52 or separate from the cover 52. In the example shown, the ring 50 and the cover 52 are integrated into a single component. However, in other applications, the cover 52 and the ring 50 can be separate components. Figure 1-3 In the example of FIG. 5 , the cover 52 extends around the air bag 32 . The cover 52 includes a counterweight 54 that is a weight of the weight of the balance bar assembly 70 .

[0074] To facilitate independent rotation of the ring 50 relative to the base 20, a bearing 60 is included between the annular flange 30 of the base 20 and the ring 50. For example, the bearing 60 can be any suitable bearing, such as a roller bearing. The bearing 60 can be configured to hold the ring 50 to the base 20 so as to prevent the ring 50 from being pulled out of the base 20 when adjusting the rotational position of the ring 50 relative to the base 20.

[0075] The rod assembly 70 includes a handle 72 that is configured in any suitable manner to be grasped by a user to rotate the ring 50. In the example shown, the handle 72 includes a base plate 74 having a plurality of knobs 76 or pins extending therefrom. The figures show three knobs 76, but the handle 72 can have any other suitable number of knobs 76, such as more or less than three knobs 76. The handle 72 can be configured in any other suitable manner. For example, instead of the knobs 76, the handle 72 can include a steering wheel rotation knob, or any other suitable structure that is configured to be grasped or otherwise contacted by a user to rotate the ring 50.

[0076] The handle 72 is mounted to the ring post 58 of the ring 50 in any suitable manner. For example, the rod assembly 70 may include a post 78 connected to the rear surface of the base plate 74. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the column 78 cooperates with the support member 80. More specifically, the support member 80 defines a receptacle 82 in which the column 78 is seated. The support member 80 is mounted to the ring column 58 using any suitable fasteners 110. The column 78 is retained within the support member 80 at any suitable height. For example, and as Figure 3 As shown, support member 80 defines a plurality of apertures 84. Post 78 includes one or more openings 86 extending therethrough, such as Figure 3 The locking pin 90 is inserted through the opening 86 of the post 78 and through any of the holes 84 of the support member 80 to retain the post 78 at a selected height within the receptacle 82. Although three holes 84 are shown in the figures, any suitable number of holes 84 may be included.

[0077] The height of the pole assembly 70 can be adjusted by removing the locking pin 90, which will allow the handle 72 to be raised or lowered. Once the handle 72 is at the desired height, the locking pin 90 is inserted through the holes 84 of the support member 80. More specifically, at the maximum height, the locking pin 90 will be inserted through the uppermost of the holes 84. At the lowest height, the locking pin 90 will be inserted through the lowest hole 84, such as Figure 2 shown.

[0078] The lever assembly 70 is also adjustable with respect to the angle of the lever assembly 70 toward or away from the user of the steering control assembly 10, such as Figure 3 58 will allow the lever assembly 70 to rotate toward or away from the operator. When the lever assembly 70 is at a desired angle relative to the operator, the fastener 110 is then tightened to lock the lever assembly 70 at a set angle relative to the front of the steering control assembly 10 and relative to the operator. The lever assembly 70 may have any other suitable locking mechanism for positioning and locking the height of the handle 72, as well as the angle at which the handle 72 is positioned relative to the ring 50 and the operator of the steering control assembly 10.

[0079] The rotational adjustment of the rod assembly 70 will now be described. The locking member 120 is configured to couple the ring 50 to the base 20 to rotationally lock the ring 50 relative to the base 20. The locking member 120 may be mounted to the ring 50 in any suitable manner, such as Figure 1-3 Alternatively, the locking member 120 may be mounted at any other suitable position to limit the rotation of the ring 50 relative to the base 20. In the example shown, two locking members 120 are included. However, any other suitable number of locking members 120 may be included, such as only one locking member 120 or more than two locking members 120.

[0080] The locking members 120 may each be configured as any type of locking member suitable for releasably coupling the ring 50 to the base 20 to restrict relative rotation therebetween. For example, the locking members 120 may be configured as locking tabs or latches. In the example shown, each locking member 120 includes a distal end 122 that is opposite the surface ridges 26 of the base 20. Opposite the distal end 122 is a proximal end 124. In the example shown, the locking members 120 are pivotally mounted to the ring 50 so that depressing each proximal end 124 pivots or rotates each locking member 120 to raise the distal end 122 from the engagement with the surface ridges 26. When the distal end 122 is separated from the base 20, the ring 50 can be rotated relative to the base 20, which allows the rod assembly 70 to be rotated relative to the base 20 to any suitable position preferred by the user. Once the rod assembly 70 is rotated to the desired position, the locking member 120 is released to allow the distal end 122 to move into engagement with the surface relief 26 to again lock the ring 50 to the base 20 to prevent independent rotation therebetween.

[0081] The steering control assembly 10 also includes one or more control buttons or switches mounted to the base 20. In the example shown, the plurality of buttons are arranged in a button row 130 mounted to the base 20. Thus, when the lever assembly 70 rotates relative to the base 20, the lever assembly 70 also rotates relative to the button row 130.

[0082] For users who need or prefer a single-point steering contact point, the steering control assembly 10 can be configured as a steering wheel substitute, such as a rotary knob or a three-pin. The steering control assembly 10 does not include a standard steering wheel rim, but includes a rod assembly 70. The elimination of unnecessary steering wheel material makes it easier to get in and out of the vehicle, and once in the driver's seat, it is easier to move into place. This allows the user to use about the same space as if the steering wheel was completely removed. This is a benefit for people who have difficulty getting in and out of the vehicle. Additional benefits of the present disclosure include the adjustability of the rod assembly 70. The rod assembly 70 is adjustable in height, can be rotated toward or away from the operator, and can be rotated relative to the base 20 around the rotation axis of the steering control assembly 10. Not only can the user fine-tune a comfortable driving position, but the user can also customize the steering force by changing the length of the rod assembly 70. As the rod assembly 70 is shortened, the steering force increases. And as the rod assembly 70 is lengthened, the steering force decreases. The handle 76 can be replaced with any other suitable type of handle, such as a rotating handle.

[0083] The present disclosure also includes one or more steering wheel control buttons at the button row 130, which rotates with the base 20. All buttons and functions that are usually located on the opposite side of the steering wheel are relocated to the button row 130, which is usually located below the air bag 32. Therefore, the user can reach any desired button with one hand in one location. The present disclosure also provides greater visibility for the driver / operator. By including only a single lever assembly 70, the driver / operator will have enhanced visibility of the instrument panel 12, vehicle start / stop buttons, etc. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present disclosure also provides many additional advantages.

[0084] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, because after studying the drawings, the specification and the appended claims, other modifications will become apparent. It should be understood that one or more steps in the method can be performed in different orders (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the present disclosure. In addition, although each embodiment is described as having certain features above, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented in any other embodiment and / or combined with the features of any other embodiment, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the replacement of one or more embodiments with each other is still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0085] The spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including "connected," "engaged," "coupled," "adjacent," "immediately adjacent," "on top of," "above," "below," and "disposed." Unless explicitly described as "direct," when describing a relationship between a first element and a second element in the above disclosure, the relationship may be a direct relationship in which no other intermediate elements exist between the first element and the second element, but may also be an indirect relationship in which one or more intermediate elements (spatially or functionally) exist between the first element and the second element. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be interpreted to mean a logical (A or B or C) using a non-exclusive logical "or," and should not be interpreted to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0086] In the drawings, the direction of the arrows (as indicated by the arrows) generally indicates the flow of information (such as data or instructions) of interest to the diagram. For example, when component A and component B exchange various information, but the information sent from component A to component B is relevant to the diagram, the arrow may point from component A to component B. This unidirectional arrow does not mean that no other information is sent from component B to component A. In addition, for information sent from component A to component B, component B may send a request for the information or a confirmation of receipt of the information to component A.

Claims

1. A steering control assembly, comprising: a base configured to be coupled to the steering shaft; a ring mounted to the base and configured to rotate independently of the base; a locking member movable between a locked configuration, in which the locking member locks the ring to the base to restrict rotation of the ring independent of the base, and an unlocked configuration, in which the ring is free to rotate independent of the base; and A handle is mounted to the ring, the handle being rotatable with the ring independently of the base to adjust the radial position of the handle relative to the base when the locking member is in the unlocked configuration, the handle being configured to be grasped by a user to rotate the steering control assembly and the steering shaft when the locking member is in the locked configuration.

2. The steering control assembly of claim 1 further comprising a bearing located between the base and the ring.

3. The steering control assembly of claim 2 wherein the bearing is a roller bearing located between the annular flange of the base and the ring. 4 . The steering control assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a base flange defining a hole configured to receive the steering shaft therein to couple the base to the steering shaft. 5 . The steering control assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a plurality of surface reliefs, the locking member being configured to cooperate with any one of the plurality of surface reliefs to rotationally lock the ring to the base.

6. The steering control assembly of claim 5, wherein the plurality of surface reliefs are arranged at least 180° around the base.

7. The steering control assembly of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of control buttons mounted to the base.

8. The steering control assembly of claim 1, wherein the ring is included in a cover covering at least a portion of a front side of the steering control assembly.

9. The steering control assembly of claim 8, wherein the cover defines an opening for an air bag included in the steering control assembly.

10. The steering control assembly of claim 1, wherein the handle is adjustable in height.

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