Steering wheel with replaceable clutch assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses a steering wheel with a replaceable clutch component, which comprises a steering wheel body and at least one clutch component detachably mounted on the steering wheel body. The clutch assembly comprises an installation shell, a clutch shifting piece, a clutch shifting piece circuit board, a sensing assembly and a reset spring, the clutch shifting piece, the clutch shifting piece circuit board, the sensing assembly and the reset spring are installed on the installation shell, the reset spring is used for resetting the clutch shifting piece, one end of the clutch shifting piece is rotatably installed on the installation shell, and the other end of the clutch shifting piece is an operation end. The sensing assembly is used for detecting action information of the clutch plectrum and transmitting the detected information to the clutch plectrum circuit board. The clutch assemblies are detachably and alternatively installed on the steering wheel body, different numbers and positions of the clutch assemblies and different types of clutch assemblies can be selected to be installed according to habits and preferences of different drivers, and the steering wheel body is more universal; the clutch assembly is an independent assembly, is convenient to mount and dismount, facilitates overall replacement or maintenance and is flexible to use, the rotation range of the clutch shifting piece is adjustable, and the application range is wide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of vehicles or simulated racing cars, in particular to a steering wheel with a replaceable clutch component. Background Art

[0002] In existing racing simulation systems, such as F1 racing, clutch paddles are often installed on the steering wheel to allow the driver to quickly and accurately control the clutch, while allowing the feet to more specifically control the accelerator and brakes. This type of racing car requires customized steering wheels, seats and other components based on the different habits or body shapes of the racers, so the clutch paddles on the steering wheel also need to be designed differently based on the driver's habits. For example, some drivers prefer a dual-clutch paddle system, where both hands coordinate the clutch input, while others prefer a single-clutch paddle system. In many cases, steering wheels are produced in multiple models, which obviously increases the manufacturing cost of the simulation racing car. Utility Model Content

[0003] In response to the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a steering wheel with a replaceable clutch assembly. The clutch assembly can be detachably and replaceably installed on the steering wheel body. Different numbers and positions of clutch assemblies as well as different styles of clutch assemblies can be selected and installed according to the characteristics or habits and preferences of different drivers, thereby making the steering wheel body more universal and eliminating the need to equip different steering wheels for different drivers. The clutch assembly is an independent component that is easy to install and disassemble, convenient for overall replacement or maintenance, flexible to use, and the rotation range of the clutch paddle is adjustable. The adjustment method is quick and simple, and has a wide range of applications.

[0004] In order to achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted by the utility model is:

[0005] A steering wheel with a replaceable clutch assembly includes a steering wheel body and at least one clutch assembly detachably mounted on the steering wheel body. The clutch assembly includes a mounting shell and a clutch paddle mounted on the mounting shell, a clutch paddle circuit board, a sensor assembly, and a reset spring for resetting the clutch paddle. One end of the clutch paddle is rotatably mounted on the mounting shell, and the other end is an operating end. The sensor assembly is used to detect movement information of the clutch paddle and transmit the detected information to the clutch paddle circuit board.

[0006] As a further improvement of the above technical solution:

[0007] A spring probe is also installed on the mounting shell. One end of the spring probe is connected to the clutch paddle circuit board, and the other end can be plugged into the adapter circuit board on the steering wheel body.

[0008] The sensor assembly includes a first magnet and a Hall effect sensor. The first magnet is mounted on the clutch paddle, and the Hall effect sensor is mounted on the mounting shell. When the clutch paddle rotates, the distance between the first magnet and the Hall effect sensor changes.

[0009] A second magnet for providing magnetic flux to the Hall effect sensor is also mounted on the mounting housing.

[0010] The clutch assembly also includes a stroke adjusting member, which includes a first top screw and a second top screw. The first top screw and the second top screw are installed on the clutch paddle. One end of the first top screw and one end of the second top screw both extend beyond the clutch paddle. The distances by which the first top screw and the second top screw extend beyond the clutch paddle are adjustable. The clutch paddle can be rotated in one direction until one end of the first top screw contacts the mounting shell, and can be rotated in another direction until one end of the second top screw contacts the mounting shell.

[0011] One end of the clutch paddle is mounted on the mounting shell via a rotating shaft, and the clutch paddle rotates around the rotating shaft as a central axis.

[0012] The mounting shell is provided with an inner cavity, and the sensor component and the clutch paddle circuit board are mounted in the inner cavity.

[0013] The clutch paddle includes a paddle body, a paddle rod and a paddle protrusion. One end of the paddle rod is connected to the paddle body and the other end is rotatably mounted on the mounting shell. The paddle protrusion is mounted in the middle of the paddle rod and can extend into the inner cavity. The first magnet is mounted on the paddle protrusion.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the clutch assembly can be detachably and replaceably installed on the steering wheel body, and different numbers and positions of clutch assemblies as well as different styles of clutch assemblies can be selected and installed according to the characteristics or habits and preferences of different drivers, thereby making the steering wheel body more universal and eliminating the need to equip different steering wheels for different drivers; the clutch assembly, as an independent component, is easy to install and disassemble, convenient for overall replacement or maintenance, and flexible to use; the rotation range of the clutch paddle is adjustable, the adjustment method is quick and simple, and the application range is wide. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 The utility model is a schematic diagram of a steering wheel structure equipped with two clutch assemblies according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a steering wheel body and a clutch assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 The utility model is a schematic structural diagram of a steering wheel equipped with a clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4It is a partial structural diagram of an embodiment of the utility model.

[0019] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of a clutch paddle of a clutch assembly in one embodiment of the present utility model being pressed down.

[0020] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of a clutch paddle of a clutch assembly in one embodiment of the present utility model being locked. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following is a detailed description of the specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to illustrate and explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0022] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figures. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0023] A steering wheel with a replaceable clutch assembly, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the steering wheel comprises a steering wheel body 1 and at least one clutch assembly 2 detachably mounted on the steering wheel body 1. The clutch assembly 2 is mounted on the steering wheel body 1 by screws. One or two clutch assemblies 2 are installed according to the driver's preference. When installing one clutch assembly 2, it is installed on the left or right side of the steering wheel body 1 according to the driver's preference.

[0024] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the clutch assembly 2 includes a mounting shell 21 and a clutch paddle 22 mounted on the mounting shell 21 , a rotating shaft 23 , a return spring 24 , a stroke adjustment member, a clutch paddle circuit board 28 , a sensor assembly, and a spring probe 29 .

[0025] One end of the clutch paddle 22 is rotatably mounted on the mounting housing 21, and the other end is an operating end for the driver to operate. One end of the clutch paddle 22 is mounted on the mounting housing 21 through a rotating shaft 23, and the clutch paddle 22 rotates around the rotating shaft 23 as a central axis.

[0026] The clutch paddle 22 comprises a paddle body 221, a paddle lever 222, and a paddle protrusion 223. One end of the paddle lever 222 is connected to the paddle body 221, and the other end is sleeved onto the rotating shaft 23, allowing the clutch paddle 22 to be rotatably mounted on the mounting housing 21. The paddle body 221 is designed to be open, making it easy for the driver to touch and press. One end of the paddle protrusion 223 is mounted in the middle of the paddle lever 222, and the other end protrudes from the paddle lever 222.

[0027] The return spring 24 is used to reset the clutch paddle 22. Its two ends are connected to the paddle lever 222 and the mounting housing 21, respectively. Specifically, the mounting housing 21 has an inner cavity 211 into which a paddle protrusion 223 extends. The return spring 24 is sleeved over the paddle protrusion 223. One end of the return spring 24 is connected to the paddle lever 222, while the other end extends into the inner cavity 211 and connects to the mounting housing 21.

[0028] The stroke adjustment member is used to adjust and limit the rotation range of the clutch paddle 22. Specifically, the stroke adjustment member includes a first top screw 251 and a second top screw 252. The first top screw 251 and the second top screw 252 are installed on the paddle rod 222. Specifically, the paddle rod 222 is provided with two through-hole top screw mounting holes, and the positions of the first top screw 251 and the second top screw 252 in the corresponding top screw mounting holes are adjustable and can be self-locked after being adjusted to any position. One end of the first top screw 251 and one end of the second top screw 252 both extend beyond the paddle rod 222 so as to be able to contact the mounting shell 21. Correspondingly, the mounting shell 21 includes a first support portion 212 and a second support portion 213, and the first top screw 251 and the second top screw 252 can contact the first support portion 212 and the second support portion 213 respectively. In order to make the structure more compact, one end of the paddle rod 222 that is sleeved on the rotating shaft 23 is not straight, but curved. Figure 5 In the perspective shown, the clutch paddle 22 can be rotated counterclockwise until one end of the first top screw 251 contacts the first support portion 212 and the second top screw 252 is separated from the second support portion 213, and can be rotated clockwise until one end of the second top screw 252 contacts the second support portion 213 and the first top screw 251 is separated from the first support portion 212. In other words, the distance between the first top screw 251 and the second top screw 252 extending beyond the paddle rod 222 is adjustable, thereby achieving the adjustment of the rotation range of the clutch paddle 22. If the first top screw 251 and the second top screw 252 are adjusted to the following positions: Figure 6 In the state shown, one end of the first top screw 251 contacts the first support portion 212 and the second top screw 252 contacts the second support portion 213 . At this time, the clutch paddle 22 is locked and cannot rotate.

[0029] The clutch paddle circuit board 28, the sensor assembly, and the spring probe 29 are provided to transmit the movement information of the clutch paddle 22 to the controller. The sensor assembly and the clutch paddle circuit board 28 are both installed in the inner cavity 211.

[0030] The sensor assembly includes a first magnet 261 and a Hall effect sensor 262. The first magnet 261 is mounted on the paddle protrusion 223, and the Hall effect sensor 262 is mounted in the inner cavity 211. When the clutch paddle 22 rotates, the distance between the first magnet 261 and the Hall effect sensor 262 changes, causing the magnetic field surrounding the Hall effect sensor 262 to change. The Hall effect sensor 262 converts the changing magnetic field into a change in output voltage, thereby reflecting the position change of the clutch paddle 22, that is, the movement information of the clutch paddle 22. The clutch paddle circuit board 28 is fixed in the inner cavity 211 by fixing bolts 20.

[0031] The Hall effect sensor 262 is electrically connected to the clutch paddle circuit board 28 . One end of the spring probe 29 is connected to the clutch paddle circuit board 28 , and the other end passes through the housing of the mounting shell 21 and can be plugged into the adapter circuit board on the steering wheel body 1 .

[0032] The steering wheel body 1 is provided with at least one clutch assembly mounting position, each clutch assembly mounting position is provided with an adapter circuit board and an adapter circuit board cover 11, the adapter circuit board is installed in the adapter circuit board cover 11, and the adapter circuit board cover 11 is provided with a through hole for inserting a spring probe 29, such as Figure 4 As shown, during installation, the spring probe 29 is aligned with the through hole on the adapter circuit board cover 11 and inserted into the adapter circuit board, and the adapter circuit board is connected to the steering wheel or the vehicle's controller.

[0033] To increase the output voltage range of the Hall effect sensor 262, a second magnet 27 is installed in the inner cavity 211. The second magnet 27 provides a magnetic flux to the Hall effect sensor 262, effectively amplifying the output voltage range of the Hall effect sensor 262. This more accurately reflects the change in the distance between the first magnet 261 and the Hall effect sensor 262, and thus more accurately reflects the movement of the clutch paddle 22.

[0034] Based on the above structure, the operating principle and process of the present invention are as follows: the number of clutch assemblies 2 to be installed and the clutch assembly mounting locations are selected based on the driver's operating habits, and the clutch assembly 2 is installed in the corresponding clutch assembly mounting location. During use, the driver presses the paddle body 221 with their finger, causing the clutch paddle 22 to rotate as a whole about the rotation axis 23. During the rotation of the clutch paddle 22, the return spring 24 is compressed, reducing the distance between the first magnet 261 and the Hall effect sensor 262. The Hall effect sensor 262 transmits the received and detected information to the clutch paddle circuit board 28. The clutch paddle circuit board 28 transmits the information to the adapter circuit board via the spring probe 29. The adapter circuit board transmits the information to the steering wheel or vehicle controller. The controller issues corresponding instructions based on the received information and the built-in program. When the clutch paddle 22 rotates until the first push screw 251 contacts the first support portion 212, the clutch paddle 22 cannot rotate further. When the driver releases the paddle body 221 with his finger, the clutch paddle 22 rotates in the opposite direction to reset under the pressure of the reset spring 24, and the distance between the first magnet 261 and the Hall effect sensor 262 increases. When the clutch paddle 22 rotates until the second top screw 252 contacts the second support portion 213, the clutch paddle 22 cannot continue to rotate.

[0035] It should be noted that when the finger suddenly releases the clutch paddle 22, the return spring 24 causes the clutch paddle 22 to vibrate to a certain degree. However, during use, this vibration has a minimal impact on the input data, within an acceptable error range. Furthermore, the product's driver software can be configured so that the data only starts increasing from 0 after the clutch paddle 22 is pressed a small amount. This small amount is called a "dead zone." During this dead zone, the movement of the paddle will not result in input data, thus shielding the user from potential data disturbances caused by vibration.

[0036] In addition, the various components of the clutch assembly 2 can be designed in different styles to better match the preferences or habits of different drivers. For example, the clutch paddle 22 can be set to different lengths and specific shapes, such as Figure 2 and 3 It is only necessary to ensure that the spring probe 29 can be inserted into the through hole on the adapter circuit board cover 11 and connected with the adapter circuit board.

[0037] Finally, it is necessary to explain here that the above embodiments are only used to further illustrate the technical solution of the utility model in detail and cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the utility model. Some non-essential improvements and adjustments made by technicians in this field based on the above content of the utility model are all within the scope of protection of the utility model.

Claims

1. A steering wheel with a replaceable clutch assembly, characterized in that: The invention comprises a steering wheel body (1) and at least one clutch assembly (2) detachably mounted on the steering wheel body (1); the clutch assembly (2) comprises a mounting shell (21), a clutch paddle (22) mounted on the mounting shell (21), a clutch paddle circuit board (28), a sensor assembly, and a reset spring (24) for resetting the clutch paddle (22); one end of the clutch paddle (22) is rotatably mounted on the mounting shell (21), and the other end is an operating end; the sensor assembly is used to detect action information of the clutch paddle (22) and transmit the detected information to the clutch paddle circuit board (28).

2. The steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: A spring probe (29) is also installed on the mounting shell (21), one end of the spring probe (29) is connected to the clutch paddle circuit board (28), and the other end can be plugged into the adapter circuit board on the steering wheel body (1).

3. The steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensing assembly comprises a first magnet (261) and a Hall effect sensor (262), wherein the first magnet (261) is mounted on a clutch paddle (22), and the Hall effect sensor (262) is mounted on a mounting shell (21), and when the clutch paddle (22) rotates, the distance between the first magnet (261) and the Hall effect sensor (262) changes.

4. The steering wheel according to claim 3, characterized in that: A second magnet (27) for providing magnetic flux to the Hall effect sensor (262) is also mounted on the mounting housing (21).

5. The steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clutch assembly (2) further comprises a stroke adjusting member, wherein the stroke adjusting member comprises a first top screw (251) and a second top screw (252), wherein the first top screw (251) and the second top screw (252) are mounted on the clutch paddle (22), wherein one end of the first top screw (251) and one end of the second top screw (252) both extend beyond the clutch paddle (22), and the distance between the first top screw (251) and the second top screw (252) extending beyond the clutch paddle (22) is adjustable, and the clutch paddle (22) can be rotated in one direction until one end of the first top screw (251) contacts the mounting shell (21), and can be rotated in another direction until one end of the second top screw (252) contacts the mounting shell (21).

6. The steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the clutch paddle (22) is mounted on the mounting shell (21) via a rotating shaft (23), and the clutch paddle (22) rotates with the rotating shaft (23) as the central axis.

7. The steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The mounting shell (21) is provided with an inner cavity (211), and the sensing component and the clutch paddle circuit board (28) are mounted in the inner cavity (211).

8. The steering wheel according to claim 7, characterized in that: The clutch paddle (22) comprises a paddle body (221), a paddle rod (222) and a paddle protrusion (223); one end of the paddle rod (222) is connected to the paddle body (221), and the other end is rotatably mounted on the mounting shell (21); the paddle protrusion (223) is mounted in the middle of the paddle rod (222); the paddle protrusion (223) can extend into the inner cavity (211); and the first magnet (261) is mounted on the paddle protrusion (223).

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