Yoke type steering handle for automobile

Abstract

A steering assembly of a vehicle includes a housing configured to be operably connected to a steering column of the vehicle and one or more steering handles located at the housing. One or more steering handles are rotatably mounted to the housing for rotation about respective steering handle axes relative to the housing between an extended position and a folded position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicles, and more specifically to steering systems for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional steering systems for vehicles consist of a steering wheel whose size and position are fixed within the passenger compartment. However, in highly automated vehicles (such as Level 4 (LV4) or Autonomous Electric Vehicles (AEVs)), the driver's needs for utilizing the steering system differ from those in conventional vehicles. This allows for the potential to improve the utilization of interior space within the passenger compartment by modifying the steering system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle's steering assembly includes a housing configured to be operatively connected to the vehicle's steering column, and one or more steering handles located at the housing. One or more steering handles are rotatably mounted to the housing to rotate relative to the housing about a respective steering handle axis between an extended position and a folded position.

[0004] In addition to one or more features described herein, the one or more steering handles are two steering handles positioned on opposite lateral sides of the housing. The steering assembly also includes two spur gears. Each of the two steering handles is operatively connected to a corresponding spur gear in the two spur gears. The two spur gears mesh with each other within the housing. Rotation of the two spur gears causes the two steering handles to rotate about their respective steering handle axes.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the motor is operatively connected to at least one of the two spur gears to drive the rotation of both spur gears.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, a housing opening in the housing receives the vehicle's steering column. The steering assembly is configured to rotate about the steering column axis together with the steering column.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, the steering assembly is configured to selectively translate relative to the steering column along the steering column axis.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, one or more alignment grooves are positioned in the housing opening to allow the steering assembly to be rotatably aligned with the steering column.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the airbag module is positioned within the housing.

[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, the vehicle's steering system includes a steering column and a steering assembly operatively connected to and rotatable with the steering column about its axis. The steering assembly includes a housing and two steering handles, the housing configured to be operatively connected to the steering column, and the two steering handles positioned on opposite lateral sides of the housing. The two steering handles are rotatably mounted to the housing to rotate relative to the housing between an extended position and a folded position about their respective steering handle axes.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, the steering assembly includes two spur gears. Each of the two steering handles is operatively connected to a corresponding spur gear. The two spur gears mesh with each other within a housing. Rotation of the two spur gears causes the two steering handles to rotate about their respective steering handle axes.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the motor is operatively connected to at least one of the two spur gears to drive the rotation of both spur gears.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the housing opening in the housing receives the steering column.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, the steering assembly is configured to selectively translate relative to the steering column along the steering column axis.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, one or more alignment grooves are positioned in the housing opening to allow the steering assembly to be rotatably aligned with the steering column.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, the airbag module is positioned within the housing.

[0017] In another embodiment, a vehicle includes a body defining a passenger compartment and a vehicle steering system positioned within the passenger compartment. The steering system includes a steering column and a steering assembly operatively connected to and rotatable with the steering column about a steering column axis. The steering assembly includes a housing and two steering handles, the housing configured to be operatively connected to the steering column, and the two steering handles positioned on opposing lateral sides of the housing. The two steering handles are rotatably mounted to the housing to rotate relative to the housing between an extended position and a folded position about a respective steering handle axis.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the steering assembly includes two spur gears. Each of the two steering handles is operatively connected to a corresponding spur gear. The two spur gears mesh with each other within a housing. Rotation of the two spur gears causes the two steering handles to rotate about their respective steering handle axes.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the housing opening is located within the housing to receive the steering column.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the steering assembly is configured to selectively translate relative to the steering column along the steering column axis.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, one or more alignment grooves are positioned in the housing opening to allow the steering assembly to be rotatably aligned with the steering column.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the instrument panel is positioned within the passenger compartment, and the steering column extends from a steering opening in the instrument panel. The steering handle may optionally be translated, at least partially, into the steering opening.

[0023] The above-described features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of this disclosure, will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Other features, advantages, and details appear by way of example only in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a side view of an embodiment of the vehicle;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the vehicle's dashboard and steering column;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a partial exploded view of an embodiment of the vehicle's steering handle;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the steering handle in the normal driving position;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the steering handle in the retracted position;

[0030] Figure 6 This is another partial perspective view of an embodiment of the steering handle in the retracted position;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the housing interface connected to the steering column;

[0032] Figure 8 An embodiment of the steering handle in the normal driving position is shown;

[0033] Figure 9 Another illustration shows an embodiment of the steering handle in the normal driving position; and

[0034] Figure 10 This is an illustration of an embodiment of a steering handle in the retracted position. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 An embodiment of vehicle 10 is shown. Vehicle 10 includes a body 12 defining a passenger compartment 14. Vehicle 10 also includes a powertrain 16, which provides energy for propulsion and electricity for vehicle system operation. A plurality of wheels 18 are operatively connected to the powertrain 16, and at least two of the wheels 18 are steerable. An instrument panel 20 is located in the passenger compartment 14, and a steering assembly 22 extends from the instrument panel 20 into the passenger compartment 14.

[0037] Now for reference Figure 2 An embodiment of the dashboard 20 is shown together with the steering assembly 22. The steering assembly 22 includes a steering column 24 having a steering handle 26 operably connected thereto. In some embodiments, a steering column trim 38 is mounted to at least partially cover the steering column 24. Rotation of the steering column 24 about a column axis 28 via the steering handle 26 turns the wheels 18 to steer the vehicle 10. The steering handle 26 includes a housing 30 and a steering frame 32 extending from each lateral side 34 of the housing 30. Figure 3 As shown in the partially exploded view, the steering handle 26 also includes an airbag module 36 disposed within the housing 30. The housing 30 includes a housing opening 40 through which the steering handle 26 is operatively connected to the steering column 24. The steering handle 26 is operatively connected to the steering column 24 such that the steering column 24 is rotatably locked to the steering handle 26 to rotate with it.

[0038] Steering component 22 can be used as Figure 4 The normal driving position shown and as Figure 5 The steering frame 32 moves between the retracted and folded positions as shown. To move from the normal driving position to the folded position, the steering frame 32 rotates about the corresponding steering frame axis 42 to fold the steering frame 32 toward the lateral side 34 of the housing 30. Additionally, as... Figure 6 As best shown, once the steering frame 32 is folded, the steering assembly 22 can be moved along the column axis 28 by moving it along the steering column 24 to retract it into the steering opening 44 of the instrument panel 20. Now refer to Figure 7One or more housing recesses 60 are defined in the housing 30 at the housing opening 40. The complementary column feature 62 of the steering column 24 is received in the housing recesses 60 to maintain the rotational alignment of the steering handle 26 with respect to the steering column 24 and to maintain this alignment as the steering handle 26 moves relative to the steering column 24 along the column axis 28.

[0039] In the retracted position, the folded steering frame 32 can be at least partially recessed into the instrument panel 20 at the steering opening 44, as well as... Figure 6 As shown. When the steering assembly 22 is not needed, its retraction improves the flexibility and available space of the passenger compartment 14.

[0040] Now for reference Figures 8 to 10 The folding of the steering frame 32 will be described in more detail below. Each steering frame 32 has a frame body 46 extending between a first frame end 48 and a second frame end 50. In some embodiments, the frame body 46 is substantially C-shaped, but those skilled in the art will readily understand that this shape is merely exemplary and other shapes of the steering frame 32 can be contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

[0041] At least a portion of the frame body 46 of the steering frame 32 extends into the interior 52 of the housing 30. A first frame end 48 is operatively connected to a spur gear 54. The spur gear 54 engages with each other at an engagement position 56 between the steering frame axes 42. In some embodiments, the spur gear 54 is positioned coaxially with the steering frame axes 42. The spur gears 54 engage such that when one steering frame 32 is pushed to rotate about its steering frame axis 42, the other steering frame 32 is similarly pushed to rotate about its corresponding frame axis 42.

[0042] In some embodiments, the folding operation of the steering frame 32 is powered. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, an electric motor 58 is disposed in the housing 30 and connected to one or more of the spur gears 54 via a motor gear 64. When the electric motor 58 is operated via, for example, a motor switch 66 connected to the electric motor 58, the rotation of the motor gear 64 drives the spur gears 54 and their respective steering frames 32 in a folding motion, such as... Figure 9 The normal operating position shown and such as Figure 10 Rotate between the folded positions shown. Those skilled in the art will understand that the arrangement of the electric motor 58 is merely exemplary. In other embodiments, for example, the electric motor 58 may directly drive the spur gear 54 without requiring a connection via a motor gear.

[0043] By allowing the steering handle 26 to fold toward the dashboard 20 and extend while folded, the currently disclosed construction significantly reduces the size of the steering handle 26, thereby creating more space within the passenger compartment 14. This is particularly advantageous in parking situations where space is limited. The folding and extending functions provide additional convenience for the driver, allowing the driver to adjust the steering handle 26 according to their preferences and comfort. The housing 30 ensures that safety features such as the airbag module 36 are seamlessly integrated into the steering handle 26, thus maintaining the vehicle's safety standards. The incorporation of electrical components for automatic movement aligns the steering system with modern automotive trends, enhancing the vehicle's overall appeal and technological sophistication.

[0044] The term “a” does not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather that at least one of the referenced items is present. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term “or” means “and / or”. Throughout the specification, reference to “aspect” means that a particular element described in connection with that aspect (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) is included in at least one aspect described herein and may or may not be present in other aspects. Furthermore, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the aspects.

[0045] When an element, such as a layer, film, region, or substrate, is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being “directly” on another element, there are no intermediate elements present.

[0046] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with a measurement of a specific quantity based on the equipment available at the time of application submission. For example, “about” could include a range of ±8% for a given value.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0048] While the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements can be substituted with equivalents without departing from its scope. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the basic scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A steering assembly for a vehicle, comprising: A housing configured to be operatively connected to the steering column of the vehicle; as well as One or more steering handles are disposed at the housing and are rotatably mounted to the housing to rotate relative to the housing about a respective steering handle axis between an extended position and a folded position.

2. The steering assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more steering handles are two steering handles disposed on opposite lateral sides of the housing, and the steering assembly also includes two spur gears, each of the two steering handles being operably connected to a corresponding spur gear of the two spur gears, the two spur gears meshing with each other within the housing; The rotation of the two spur gears causes the two steering handles to rotate around their respective steering handle axes.

3. The steering assembly of claim 2 further includes a motor operably connected to at least one of the two spur gears to drive rotation of the two spur gears.

4. The steering assembly of claim 1, further comprising a housing opening in the housing for receiving a steering column of the vehicle, the steering assembly being configured to rotate together with the steering column about a steering column axis.

5. The steering assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The steering assembly is configured to be selectively translated relative to the steering column along the steering column axis.

6. The steering assembly of claim 4, further comprising one or more alignment recesses in the housing opening to rotatably align the steering assembly with the steering column.

7. The steering handle assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an airbag module disposed in the housing.

8. A steering system for a vehicle, comprising: Steering column; as well as The steering assembly according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the steering assembly is operatively connected to the steering column and is rotatable together with the steering column about the steering column axis.

9. A vehicle comprising: The vehicle body, which defines the passenger compartment; The vehicle's steering system, disposed in the passenger compartment, includes: Steering column; as well as The steering assembly according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the steering assembly is operatively connected to the steering column and is rotatable together with the steering column about the steering column axis.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, further comprising an instrument panel disposed in the passenger compartment, the steering column extending from a steering opening in the instrument panel; in, The steering handle can be selectively, at least partially, translated into the steering opening.

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