Steering handle for a motorized vehicle

Abstract

Steering handle (1) of a motorized vehicle, with - at least one steering element segment (21) that can be rotated about a steering axis (L) to input a steering angle; - at least one spoke (3) which is firmly connected to a central element (5) of the steering handle (1), - at least one pivoting element (4) which is movably mounted, - at least one rotary drive (8) for moving the rotary element (4) which is connected to the rotary element (4), wherein the rotary drive (8) has a drive shaft (84) which interacts with the rotary element (4), and wherein - that at least one pivoting element (4) is connected to the central element (5) and the at least one steering element segment (21), characterized by the fact that the steering handle (1) has at least one fixing mechanism (9) for fixing the at least one swivel element (4), wherein the at least one fixing mechanism (9) has a fixing element (91) which can be moved from a fixing position in which the fixing element (91) fixes the pivoting element (4) to the at least one spoke (3) to a release position in which the fixing element (91) does not fix the pivoting element (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a steering handle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] With autonomous driving, it is no longer necessary for the steering mechanism to be permanently available to the driver. For reasons of comfort and to allow the driver to perform other tasks, it is therefore practical to design the steering mechanism in a space-saving manner.

[0003] DE 10 2006 006 995 A1 discloses a steering wheel for autonomous driving in which the steering wheel has a base to which two sections are pivotally attached about a pivot point. Furthermore, DE 10 2020 109 918 A1 discloses a foldable steering wheel system comprising a rim with an upper and a lower rim section, which are pivotably connected to a primary structure. DE 10 2018 111 327 A1 further discloses a steering handle for a motor vehicle with an actuation area for actuating the steering handle, wherein the actuation area has a first section and a second section that is pivotable relative to the first section.

[0004] The problem underlying the invention is to provide a steering handle that is as stable and adjustable as possible, especially for autonomous driving.

[0005] This problem is solved by an object having the features of claim 1.

[0006] A steering handle for a motorized vehicle is described, with at least one steering element segment that can be rotated about a steering axis to input a steering angle;at least one spoke that is rigidly connected to a central element of the steering handle, at least one pivoting element that is movably mounted, at least one pivoting drive for moving the pivoting element which is connected to the pivoting element, wherein the pivoting drive has a drive shaft which interacts with the pivoting element, and wherein the at least one pivoting element is connected to the central element and the at least one steering element segment, and the steering handle has at least one locking mechanism for locking the at least one pivoting element, wherein the at least one locking mechanism has a locking element which can be moved from a locking position in which the locking element locks the pivoting element to the at least one spoke to a release position in which the locking element does not lock the pivoting element.

[0007] Motorized vehicles can be, in particular, land vehicles, watercraft, or aircraft. Land vehicles include, for example, motor vehicles such as passenger cars, trucks, or motorhomes. Watercraft include, for example, motorboats, and aircraft include, for example, airplanes.

[0008] A steering handle is a steering device designed for inputting a steering angle. The steering handle can, in particular, be a steering wheel (full circle or semicircular). The steering handle has at least one (pivotable) steering element segment. The steering handle may optionally have at least one further (non-pivotable) steering element segment. The at least one steering element segment and the at least one further steering element segment can (individually or together) serve to input a steering angle. A steering element segment for inputting a steering angle refers, in particular, to a steering element segment with which a steering angle of the motorized vehicle can be influenced (specified / controlled). The input of the steering angle can, for example, be active through a force applied by the driver or autonomously by the vehicle. The steering angle is understood, in particular, as the quotient of the steering wheel angle and the total steering ratio.The steering element segment can be operated by a vehicle occupant, in particular the driver. The at least one steering element segment and the at least one further steering element segment can together, for example, form a steering wheel rim.

[0009] The steering handle has a central element. The central element can also be referred to as the steering handle hub and, in particular, can be a steering wheel hub. The central element is the area where the spokes of the steering handle or steering wheel converge. The central element is surrounded by at least one steering element segment and, optionally, at least one further steering element segment. The central element is arranged (essentially) perpendicular to the steering axis and / or the steering column. The central element lies, for example, in a plane that (viewed from the windshield) is in front of or behind the plane in which the further steering element segment runs. The central element can lie (essentially) parallel to the plane in which the further steering element segment runs.

[0010] The entire steering mechanism (comprising at least the central element, the at least one spoke, the at least one steering element segment, and the at least one pivot element) is mounted to be movable, and in particular rotatable, about a steering axis. The steering axis is therefore the geometric axis around which the central element and, optionally, the at least one further (non-pivotable) steering element segment rotate. The steering axis is (essentially) parallel to the steering column of the motorized vehicle. The steering axis is (essentially) perpendicular to the central element.

[0011] Since the entire steering handle is movable around the steering axis, at least one (swivelable) steering element segment and optionally at least one further (non-swivelable) steering element segment can also be rotated around the steering axis in the driving position.

[0012] The fact that at least one pivoting element is movably mounted means that the pivoting element itself is movable in the direction of the windshield (and / or the front instrument panel) and / or away from it, in particular pivotable or foldable.

[0013] The additional steering element segment is rigidly connected to the at least one spoke. This additional steering element segment is movable (exclusively) around the steering axis, in particular by being rotatably mounted. The at least one additional steering element segment (alone) is, for example, not movable towards or away from the front instrument panel (dashboard) or the windshield of the vehicle. Nevertheless, the entire steering mechanism, comprising the at least one steering element segment and the at least one additional steering element segment, may be movable towards or away from the front instrument panel and / or the windshield of the vehicle.

[0014] The steering handle has at least one spoke. A spoke may, for example, have a spoke skeleton, a foam covering, and / or a covering (e.g., a leather covering). The spoke is connected to the central element. The spoke is an element that, for example, extends radially towards the central element. The spoke has a principal direction of extension. The principal direction of extension runs, in particular, along the geometric axis (principal axis of extension) that extends towards the central element. The at least one spoke may connect the central element to at least one other (non-pivoting) steering element segment. Unless explicitly designated as a movable spoke, a spoke is understood to be a spoke that is fixedly (non-removably) connected to the central element and optionally fixedly (non-removably) connected to at least one other steering element segment.

[0015] The spoke alone is movable (exclusively) around the steering axis, in particular rotatable. The spoke alone cannot, for example, move towards or away from the windshield (and / or the dashboard).

[0016] The at least one spoke can be curved, at least in part. The curvature can be directed, in particular, towards the windshield and / or the central element. The at least one spoke can be curved at multiple points. The spoke can be L-shaped, U-shaped, V-shaped, or Z-shaped. The spoke can have at least one projection, which optionally forms a support for the drive shaft. For example, the spoke can also be X-shaped or Y-shaped.

[0017] The handlebar has at least one pivoting element. This pivoting element is movably mounted. It is connected to the central element and the steering element segment. The pivoting element can therefore be understood as a movably mounted spoke.

[0018] The fact that the at least one pivoting element is connected to the at least one (pivotable) steering element segment means, in particular, that the at least one pivoting element is detachably or permanently (fixed) connected to the at least one steering element segment. The fact that the at least one pivoting element is connected to the central element means, in particular, that the at least one pivoting element is connected directly or indirectly (e.g., via a drive shaft) to the central element.

[0019] The pivoting element is mounted in such a way that it can be moved towards and / or away from the windshield of the motorized vehicle, in particular pivoting or folding. The pivoting element (alone) is movable towards and / or away from the windshield (and / or the dashboard).

[0020] The at least one pivoting element can be a pivot arm. The at least one pivoting element can be curved, at least in sections. The curvature can be directed, in particular, towards the windshield and / or the central element. The at least one pivoting element can be curved at several points. The at least one pivoting element can be L-shaped, U-shaped, V-shaped, or Z-shaped. The at least one pivoting element can be curved around the at least one spoke.

[0021] The at least one pivoting element runs (when viewed from the front instrument panel or windshield) at least partially in front of or behind the spoke. The pivoting element can (when viewed from the front instrument panel or windshield) run at least partially behind the spoke and partially (elsewhere) below or above the spoke. Alternatively, the at least one pivoting element (when viewed from the front instrument panel or windshield) can run at least partially in front of the spoke and partially (elsewhere) below or above the spoke.

[0022] The at least one spoke and the steering axis define an (imaginary) plane. For example, a spoke and the steering axis together define an (imaginary) plane. In particular, the geometric axis lying along the principal direction of extension of a spoke and the steering axis together define an (imaginary) plane. If the spokes lie on a geometric axis, several spokes together with the steering axis can also define an (imaginary) plane. This plane is (essentially) perpendicular to the central element. This plane is (essentially) parallel to the steering column.

[0023] The at least one (pivotable) steering element segment is arranged, at least in the driving position, on a first side of the plane defined by the at least one spoke and the steering axis. The pivot point of the pivot element lies in the plane defined by the spoke and the steering axis or on a side opposite the first side. The pivot point can be located (essentially) at the level of the central element. The central element can lie in a plane that (looking towards the windshield) is in front of or behind the plane in which the at least one steering element segment, and optionally the other steering element segment, runs in the driving position. For example, an opening angle of more than 90° or more than 120° can be achieved between the at least one steering element segment and the at least one other steering element segment.

[0024] The pivoting element is pivotable about a pivot axis. The pivot axis can lie along the main direction of extension of the drive shaft. The pivot axis can run along the main direction of extension of the spoke and / or (essentially) parallel to it. The pivot axis can run within the plane spanned by the at least one spoke and the steering axis, or (essentially) parallel to it. The pivot axis can also run (essentially) parallel to the central element. Essentially parallel means, for example, with a maximum deviation of 5°, 15°, or 30° in all directions.

[0025] The at least one pivot element and the at least one spoke overlap each other at least partially within an overlap area (in every position the pivot element can assume, e.g., in the driving position and / or rest position). The spoke and pivot element can come into contact with each other. The overlap area of ​​the at least one spoke and the at least one pivot element is located, in particular, in the plane spanned by the spoke and the steering axis. The overlap area of ​​the at least one spoke and the at least one pivot element is spatially located between the central element and the at least one steering element segment and / or the at least one further steering element segment. The spoke can have a stop for the pivot element. The stop can, for example, limit the opening angle between one steering element segment and the further steering element segment.The stop can also have a shock-absorbing function, for example.

[0026] The at least one pivot element and the at least one spoke can overlap each other in an X-shape (when viewed from the front instrument panel or windshield). The at least one pivot element and the at least one spoke can cross each other (in any position the pivot element can assume). The overlap or crossing provides additional stability to the spokes and / or the steering handle. The overlap and / or crossing of the spoke and pivot element can lead to increased stability of the single (pivotable) steering element.

[0027] For example, a steering device for a motorized vehicle is described, comprising at least one steering element segment operable by a vehicle occupant and optionally at least one further steering element segment for inputting a steering angle, at least one spoke that is rigidly connected to the central element and optionally rigidly connected to the at least one further steering element segment, at least one pivoting element that is movably mounted (in the direction of the windshield of the motorized vehicle) and is connected to the central element and the at least one steering element segment, wherein the at least one pivoting element and the at least one spoke overlap at least partially.

[0028] Moving the pivoting element causes a corresponding movement of the (pivotable) steering element segment connected to it. The pivoting element and the associated steering element segment can be moved (continuously) into various positions, in particular pivoted. Thus, the pivoting element and the associated steering element segment can be moved from a driving position to a rest position and vice versa. The driving position is the position in which the vehicle occupant, especially the driver, needs the steering handle to input a steering angle (i.e., particularly while the motorized vehicle is in motion).

[0029] In the driving position, one steering element segment lies in a plane that is (essentially) parallel to the side of the central element with the largest surface area. Therefore, in the driving position, when facing the windshield, the steering element segment lies in a plane that is (essentially) parallel to the central element. In the rest position, the steering element segment can lie in a plane that is (essentially) perpendicular to the side of the central element with the largest surface area. Therefore, when facing the windshield, the steering element segment can lie in a plane that is (essentially) perpendicular to the central element.

[0030] In the driving position, one steering element segment and the other steering element segment can form a circular steering wheel rim. In the driving position, one steering element segment can lie in the same plane as the other steering element segment, whereas in the rest position, one steering element segment does not lie in the same plane as the other steering element segment. The pivoting element can be moved into a plane (when facing the windshield) that lies in front of or behind the plane in which the other steering element segment lies. Thus, in the rest position, one steering element segment can be moved into a plane (when facing the windshield) that lies in front of or behind the plane in which the other steering element segment lies. The pivoting element can be mounted so that it can be moved towards and / or away from the windshield of the motorized vehicle.For example, in the resting position, one steering element segment is folded towards the windshield.

[0031] A steering element segment can have (at least) two ends. A steering element segment can be connected to a pivot element at either only one of its ends or at two or more of its ends.

[0032] The swivel element can be connected to at least one swivel drive for moving it. This drive can be located on the spoke and / or the central element. If required, several swivel drives can be connected in parallel. This allows for better coverage of the required force for the swiveling process, resulting in smoother operation or providing redundancy.

[0033] The swivel drive can have a drive motor. The drive motor can cause the drive shaft to move. However, non-motorized swivel drives can also be used. In this case, the swivel drive can be operated by a vehicle occupant, especially the driver. The non-motorized version can save costs and weight.

[0034] The rotary actuator can have a drive shaft. The drive shaft can be arranged on the central element and / or the spoke. A bracket for the drive shaft can be arranged on the central element and / or the spoke. Alternatively, the central element and / or the spoke can form the bracket itself. The drive shaft can be arranged on the bracket; for example, the drive shaft can extend at least partially into the bracket or completely through the bracket. The bracket can have a ball bearing or a plain bearing in which the drive shaft is supported.

[0035] The rotary drive can include a gearbox. The gearbox can have (at least) one gear. The gearbox can be a spur gear or a worm gear. The spur gear can have a gear paired with a rack. Therefore, the rotary drive can have a gear and a rack in contact with the gear. The rotary drive can also have a gear and a drive shaft in contact with the gear. The worm gear can have a paired helical drive shaft (worm shaft) and a gear (worm wheel). Therefore, the rotary drive can have a worm wheel and a worm shaft in contact with the worm wheel. The gearbox, in particular the spur gear or the worm gear, can be driven by an (electric) drive motor.

[0036] The rack can be arranged on the central element. The rack can be arranged obliquely or transversely to the spoke's main direction of extension. The rack can be arranged at an angle to the spoke's main direction of extension. For the rack to be arranged at an angle to the spoke's main direction of extension, this means that the rack is positioned at an angle greater than 0°, for example, at an angle of 1° to 90° or 45° to 90°.

[0037] A drive shaft can be arranged on the central element. One end of the drive shaft can be connected to the central element, and the other end can be connected to the pivoting element. The gearbox, which is optionally driven by the drive motor, can be arranged on, or in particular on, the drive shaft. The drive shaft extends, in particular, through the gear.

[0038] Optionally, the rotary actuator can have at least one overload clutch.

[0039] At least one sensor (e.g. a rotary angle sensor) can be arranged on the at least one rotary actuator.

[0040] A drive shaft and, optionally, a plain bearing can be arranged at each end of the steering element segment. The drive shaft can be connected to a pivot element at its other end. The pivot elements, in turn, can be arranged (on different sides) of the central element. For example, at two (opposite) points on the central element, the pivot element can be connected to it via a gear and rack pairing. Alternatively, one pivot element can be connected to the central element at one point via a gear and rack pairing, and another pivot element can be connected to the central element at a different point (opposite the first) via a gear and rack pairing.

[0041] In a first embodiment of a rotary actuator, the actuator can have a gear paired with a rack. A rack can be arranged on the central element, and one end of the rotary element can be connected to a gear (while the steering element segment is located at the other end of the rotary element), with the gear in contact with the rack. The gear can be connected to one end of the rotary element via a drive shaft. The other end of the drive shaft is connected to the rotary element. For example, the drive shaft extends through the gear. The gear can therefore rotate around the drive shaft. The rack can be moved by the drive motor. The movement of the rack causes movement of the gear, which in turn causes movement of the drive shaft.The drive shaft can optionally be connected to a plain bearing and / or a ball bearing. The ball bearing can be arranged on at least one support.

[0042] In another embodiment of a rotary actuator, the rotary actuator can incorporate a worm gear. The worm gear can consist of a worm wheel and a worm shaft. A drive shaft can be arranged on the central element. One end of the drive shaft can be connected to the central element, and the other end can be connected to the rotary element. The worm gear is mounted on the drive shaft and driven by a drive motor. Optionally, an overload clutch can be mounted on the drive shaft. For example, the drive shaft extends through the worm wheel (gear). The worm shaft is connected to the drive motor, which can move the worm shaft. The movement of the worm shaft causes the worm wheel to move, which in turn causes the drive shaft to move.

[0043] The steering handle has at least one locking mechanism for securing the at least one swivel element. The locking mechanism for securing the at least one swivel element includes a locking element (e.g., a bolt or a pawl). The locking mechanism may optionally include a locking receptacle and / or a locking motor.

[0044] The at least one locking mechanism can, for example, fix the at least one pivot element in the driving position. The at least one locking mechanism fixes the at least one pivot element to the at least one spoke. Additionally, the locking mechanism can fix the at least one pivot element to the at least one other steering element segment. The at least one locking mechanism can, for example, fix the at least one pivot element in the driving position and / or in the resting position.

[0045] The at least one locking mechanism can be arranged on the drive shaft and / or on the pivot element. The at least one locking mechanism comprises a locking element, in particular a bolt or a pawl. The at least one locking element can lock the drive shaft (in the driving position).

[0046] The locking element can be moved into a locking receptacle by a locking motor to reach the locking position. The locking motor and the locking element can be arranged on the spoke, while the locking receptacle can be arranged on the pivot element. Alternatively, the locking motor and the locking element can be arranged on the pivot element, while the locking receptacle can be arranged on the spoke. In another embodiment, the locking element can be arranged on one steering element segment and the locking receptacle on another steering element segment, or vice versa.

[0047] A steering element segment can be connected to a pivot element at each of its two ends, with each pivot element being fixable by a locking mechanism. This allows for double-sided fixing of at least one pivot element, resulting in greater stability for the steering element segment connected to it.

[0048] The fixing mechanism can be magnetic, electromagnetic, electric, pneumatic, motor-based, electromechanical, and / or mechanical. For example, the fixing mechanism can be magnetic, comprising a magnet, particularly a permanent magnet, that can be coupled to or is coupled to a fixing element.

[0049] The fixing mechanism can include a fixing motor. However, non-motorized fixing mechanisms can also be used.

[0050] In the driving position, at least one drive shaft is locked (in its rotation) by the locking mechanism. To pivot the swivel element (e.g., into the resting position), the drive shaft lock must be released. This can be done manually by a vehicle occupant, especially the driver, or semi-automatically or fully automatically, e.g., triggered by an impact. The duration of the swivel movement from the driving position to reaching the intended resting position can range from two seconds to three minutes.

[0051] One embodiment of a fixing mechanism can include a bolt as the fixing element. The fixing element secures the at least one pivoting element to the at least one spoke. The bolt can be fixed in a fixing receptacle (e.g., arranged on the spoke).

[0052] In another embodiment, the locking element can be designed as a pawl. The pawl can block the drive shaft in the driving position. In the rest position, the pawl can be moved away from the drive shaft, thus releasing the drive shaft for rotation.

[0053] The drive shaft can be arranged in a bearing bushing, which serves to guide and position the drive shaft. The bearing bushing preferably contains or is made of a plastic suitable for its function. However, the bearing bushing can also contain or be formed from a metal or alloy with bearing properties. In addition to its guiding function, the bearing bushing also has a sliding function and can also contribute to noise reduction.

[0054] Each of the aforementioned swivel drives can be combined with at least one of the aforementioned fixing mechanisms.

[0055] The at least one fixing mechanism can include at least one fixing monitoring device that detects whether the swivel element is fixed or not. This fixing monitoring device can, for example, include at least one Hall sensor. The fixing monitoring device (e.g., a Hall sensor) can be arranged on the fixing mechanism, for example, on a retaining plate.

[0056] The steering handle can have at least one opening monitoring device to monitor the opening angle between at least one steering element segment and at least one other steering element segment. The opening monitoring device can, for example, include a rotary angle sensor or rotary angle gauge. The opening angle between one steering element segment and the other steering element segment is greater in the rest position than in the driving position.

[0057] The steering handle may have a potentiometer, for example a rotary potentiometer.

[0058] Since a gap, for example, may exist between the at least one steering element segment and the at least one further steering element segment (in the driving position), the steering handle may have a pinch guard to protect a vehicle occupant, in particular the driver. This prevents the vehicle occupant from becoming trapped in the gap that exists (in the driving position) between the at least one steering element segment and the at least one further steering element segment. The pinch guard may be arranged on the at least one steering element segment and / or the at least one further steering element segment, in particular at one end of the at least one steering element segment and / or the at least one further steering element segment.The pinch protection can be arranged (in the driving position) in such a way that it covers (conceals) the free space between the at least one steering element segment and the at least one further steering element segment.

[0059] One of the aforementioned steering handles can be arranged in a motorized (e.g., electrically powered) vehicle. Therefore, a motorized (e.g., electrically powered) vehicle with one of the aforementioned steering handles is also described. A (fully or partially) autonomous vehicle with one of the aforementioned steering devices is also described.

[0060] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a steering handle; Fig. 2A a steering handle with a swivel drive and a locking mechanism in a driving position; Fig. 2B the steering handle out Fig. 2A in a resting position; Fig. 3 a detailed view of a rotary potentiometer from Fig. 2A; Fig. 4A a detailed view of the rotary drive Fig. 2A; Fig. 4B a sectional drawing through the swivel drive Fig. 4A; Fig. 5A a detailed view of the fixing mechanism Fig. 2A; Fig. 5B a sectional drawing through the fixing mechanism from Fig. 5A; Fig. 5C another sectional drawing through the fixing mechanism from Fig. 5A; Fig. 6A a different design of a steering handle with a different swivel drive and a different fixing mechanism in a driving position; Fig. 6B the front view of the steering handle from Fig. 6A in a resting position; Fig. 7 a detailed view of the swivel drive and locking mechanism Fig. 6A; Fig. 8 another view of the swivel drive and locking mechanism Fig. 7; Fig. 9 another view of the swivel drive and locking mechanism Fig. 7; Fig. 10A a detailed view of the swivel drive and fixing mechanism from Fig. 9 without swivel element in a fixed position; Fig. 10B a detailed view of the swivel drive and locking mechanism from Fig. 9 without swivel element in a release position; Fig. 11A another detailed view of the swivel drive and fixing mechanism from Fig. 10A without spoke in a fixed position; Fig. 11B an exploded view of the swivel drive and fixing mechanism from Fig. 11A.

[0061] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a steering handle 1 for a motorized vehicle in a driving position. The steering handle 1 has a steering element segment 21 and another steering element segment 22 for inputting a steering angle, which together form a steering wheel rim. A gap 6, e.g., a space, is located between the steering element segment 21 and the other steering element segment 22. The steering handle 1 has a central element 5, which is surrounded by the steering element segment 21 and the other steering element segment 22. The steering handle 1 has two spokes 3, each rigidly connected to the central element 5 and the other steering element segment 22. The steering handle 1 also includes two pivot elements 4, which are movably mounted and each connected to the central element 5 and the steering element segment 21. In the top view shown, the elements overlap.A spoke 3 and a pivot element 4 each cross in an overlap area 7. The overlap area 7 is spatially arranged between the central element 5 and the steering element segments 21, 22.

[0062] In Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows a steering handle 1 with a swivel drive 8 and a locking mechanism 9. A clearance 6 is located between one steering element segment 21 (here the lower steering wheel rim segment) and the other steering element segment 22 (here the upper steering wheel rim segment), which are rotatably mounted to input a steering angle about a steering axis. The central element 5 is surrounded by the one steering element segment 21 and the other steering element segment 22. The steering handle 1 has two spokes 3, each connected to the central element 5 and the other steering element segment 22. The spoke 3 can also have a stop 10 for the swivel element 4.

[0063] The steering handle 1 also includes two pivot elements 4, which are movably mounted and each connected to the central element 5 and one steering element segment 21. The steering element segment 21 is thus connected at each of its two ends to a pivot element 4, which in turn is connected to the central element 5.

[0064] The steering handle 1 has a swivel drive 8 for moving the swivel element 4, which is connected to the swivel element 4. The swivel drive 8 can be arranged on one of the two swivel elements 4 and a rotary potentiometer 13 on the other swivel element 4.

[0065] The at least one spoke 3 (in particular the geometric axis that lies along the principal extension direction H of the at least one spoke 3) and the steering axis L together span an (imaginary) plane E. In the driving position, the steering element segment 21, which is connected to the pivot elements 4, is arranged on a first side A of the plane E spanned by the spokes 3 and the steering axis L. The steering element segment 21, which is connected to the pivot elements 4, is pivotally mounted about a pivot point 19, which is located on a side B of the plane E spanned by the spokes 3 and the steering axis L opposite the first side A. The steering element segment 21 is also pivotally mounted about a pivot axis S, which is located on a side B of the plane E spanned by the spokes 3 and the steering axis L opposite the first side A.The pivot axis S is arranged (essentially) parallel to the plane E spanned by the spokes 3 and the steering axis L. The pivot axis S runs along the main direction of extension of the drive shaft 84.

[0066] A rotary angle sensor 12 can also be arranged on the central element 5 to monitor the opening angle between one steering element segment 21 and the other steering element segment 22.

[0067] The rotary actuator 8 comprises a gear drive and a drive shaft 84. The gear drive includes a gear 83 and a rack 82 that is in contact with the gear 83. The drive shaft 84 has two ends, one of which is connected to the gear 83 and the other to the pivot element 4. The gear 83 is arranged on the drive shaft 84. The rack 82 is arranged on the central element 5, specifically at an angle of approximately 90° to the spoke 3. The rotary actuator 8 also includes an (electric) drive motor 87, which is in contact with the rack 82 and can cause movement of the rack 82. The movement of the rack 82 moves the gear 83, which in turn moves the drive shaft 84 and the pivot element 4 connected to it, which in turn leads to movement of the steering element segment 21 connected to the pivot element 4.

[0068] The steering handle 1 has two locking mechanisms 9, each capable of fixing the pivot element 4 to the spoke 3. Thus, one steering element segment 21 is connected at each of its two ends to a pivot element 4, with each pivot element 4 being fixable by a locking mechanism 9. Each locking mechanism 9 comprises a locking element 91, a locking receptacle 92, and a locking motor (not shown). The locking element 91 is designed here as a bolt, which can be moved by a locking motor (not shown) into a locking receptacle 92 (here a locking bracket or a locking eyelet) to reach a locking position. The bolt is mounted in a sliding sleeve. The locking motor (not shown) and the locking element 91 are arranged on the spoke 3, with the locking receptacle 92 being arranged on the pivot element 4.The steering element segment 21 is thus connected at each of its two ends to a swivel element 4, with each swivel element 4 being fixable by a fixing mechanism 9.

[0069] The fixing mechanism 9 can also have a fixing monitoring device 11, e.g. in the form of a Hall sensor, which is arranged, for example, on a retaining plate 15.

[0070] In order to pivot the pivoting element 4 (e.g., into the rest position), the fixing of the drive shaft 84 must be released. This can be done manually by the vehicle occupant, especially the driver, or automatically, e.g., triggered by an impact.

[0071] The steering handle 1 can have a pinch guard 14 to protect a vehicle occupant, in particular the driver. This prevents the vehicle occupant from becoming trapped in the space 6 that exists (in the driving position) between one steering element segment 21 and another steering element segment 22. The pinch guard 14 is arranged here on one of the steering element segments 21.

[0072] In Fig. Figure 2A shows the steering handle 1 in the driving position. In the driving position, one steering element segment 21 and the other steering element segment 22 together form the steering wheel rim. In the driving position, one spoke 3 and one pivot element 4 overlap in an overlap area 7. The locking element 91 can fix the pivot element 4 in a locking position in the driving position, thereby also fixing the drive shaft 84 of the pivot drive 8 (e.g., blocking its rotation). In the driving position, the locking element 91 of the locking mechanism 9 fixes the at least one pivot element 4 to the at least one spoke 3 in a locking position. This also fixes the steering element segment 21, which is connected to the pivot element 4, in the driving position and / or the locking position.

[0073] In Fig. Figure 2B shows the steering handle 1 in its rest position. In this position, one steering element segment 21 and the associated pivot element 4 are pivoted (folded) towards the windshield. Even in the rest position, one spoke 3 and one pivot element 4 overlap in an overlap area 7. The locking element 91 can release the pivot element 4 in the release position, thereby also releasing the drive shaft 84 of the pivot drive 8 (e.g., its rotation is no longer blocked). In the rest position, the locking element 91 of the locking mechanism 9 no longer secures the at least one pivot element 4 to the at least one spoke 3. The locking element 91 is then in a release position. This also allows the one steering element segment 21, which is connected to the pivot element 4, to move.

[0074] In Fig. Figure 3 is a detailed view of a rotary potentiometer 13. Fig. Figure 2A shows the rotation angle measurement. The holder 16 for the rotary potentiometer 13 can be arranged on the central element 5 and has a ball bearing 20 in which the rotary potentiometer 13 is movably mounted. The rotary potentiometer 13 can be connected to a pivoting element 4.

[0075] In Fig. 4A is a detailed view of the rotary actuator 8. Fig. Figure 2A shows the drive shaft 84 extending through a bracket 16. The bracket 16 is located on the central element 5 and holds the drive shaft 84. The gear 83 is located at one end of the drive shaft 84 and is in contact with a rack 82, which is located on the central element 5. The other end of the drive shaft 84 is connected to the pivoting element 4. The drive motor 87 for the pivoting drive 8 can be located on the central element 5. The drive motor 87 can have a threaded rod that is in contact with a pawl 17 for the rack 82. The drive motor 87 can thus move the pawl 17, which causes the rack 82 to move. The movement of the rack 82 moves the gear 83, which in turn moves the drive shaft 84, the pivoting element 4 connected to it, and the steering element segment 21 connected to the pivoting element 4.

[0076] In Fig. 4B is a sectional drawing through the rotary drive 8. Fig. Figure 4A shows the drive shaft 84. At one end, it is connected to the gear 83, and at the other end to the pivot element 4. The pivot axis S lies along the main direction of extension of the drive shaft 84. A bracket 16 for the drive shaft 84 is arranged on the central element 5. The bracket 16 has a ball bearing 20 in which the drive shaft 84 is supported.

[0077] In Fig. 5A is a detailed view of the fixing mechanism 9 from Fig. Figure 2A shows the fixed position. The fixing element 91 secures the pivot element 4 in the fixed position on one spoke 3, thereby also securing the steering element segment 21, which is connected to the pivot element 4, in the fixed position. The fixing element 91 is designed here as a bolt. The fixing element 91 engages in a fixing receptacle 92, which is designed here as a fixing eyelet. The fixing element 91 can be arranged on one spoke 3, while the fixing receptacle 92 can be arranged on the pivot element 4. The fixing mechanism 9 can also include a fixing monitoring device 11, for example, in the form of a Hall sensor, which is arranged, for example, on a retaining plate 15. The fixing monitoring device 11 can detect the position of the fixing element 91. For example, a sensor can detect whether the fixing element 91 is in the fixing receptacle 92 or not.Since there is a free space 6 between one steering element segment 21 and the other steering element segment 22, the clamping protection 14 is arranged on one steering element segment 21.

[0078] In Fig. 5B is a sectional drawing through the fixing mechanism 9 from Fig. Figure 5A shows the locking mechanism without the locking monitor. It can be seen that a pin is arranged laterally on the bolt, the position of which shifts with the position of the bolt, and this shift can be detected by the locking monitor (not shown). The locking mechanism 9 can have a housing 10 in which the locking element 91 and the locking motor 93 are arranged. The housing 10 can have a recess for the pin arranged laterally on the bolt. The locking element 91 is arranged on one spoke 3, which is connected to the other steering element segment 22. The locking receptacle 92 is arranged on the pivoting element 4, which is connected to the one pivotable steering element segment 21. The clamping guard 14 is arranged here on the one pivotable steering element segment 21.

[0079] In Fig. 5C is another sectional drawing through the fixing mechanism 9 from Fig. Figure 5A shows that the fixing element 91 (here the bolt) is mounted in a sliding bearing or a sliding sleeve. The fixing receptacle 92 can also have a sliding sleeve in or through which the fixing element 91 can extend in the fixing position. The fixing motor 93 is connected to the fixing element 91 and can move it towards the fixing receptacle 92, which can be located on the spoke 3. The fixing motor 93 can have a thread that is connected to the fixing element 91. The housing 10 can be arranged on a holder, which is, for example, located on the spoke 3. The fixing receptacle 92 is arranged on the pivoting element 4, which is connected to the pivotable steering element segment 21. The clamping guard 14 is located on the pivotable steering element segment 21.

[0080] In the Fig. 6A, Fig. Figure 6B shows a steering handle 1 with a different swivel drive 8 and a different locking mechanism 9. A clearance 6 exists between one steering element segment 21 (here the lower steering wheel rim segment) and the other steering element segment 22 (here the upper steering wheel rim segment), which are rotatably mounted to input a steering angle about a steering axis L. The central element 5 is surrounded by one steering element segment 21 and the other steering element segment 22. The steering handle 1 has two spokes 3, each connected to the central element 5 and the other steering element segment 22.

[0081] The steering handle 1 also includes two pivot elements 4, which are movably mounted and each connected to the central element 5 and one steering element segment 21. The steering element segment 21 is thus connected at each of its two ends to a pivot element 4, which in turn is connected to the central element 5.

[0082] Each of the two spokes 3 can be fitted with a pivoting drive 8, which serves to pivot the respective pivoting elements 4. However, only one pivoting drive 8 is shown here. The pinch guard 14 for the protection of the driver is arranged on the one pivotable steering element segment 21.

[0083] A spoke 3 and the steering axis L together span an (imaginary) plane E. In the driving position, the steering element segment 21, which is connected to the two pivot elements 4, is arranged on a first side A of the plane E spanned by the spoke 3 and the steering axis L. The steering element segment 21, which is connected to the pivot elements 4, is pivotally mounted about a pivot point 19, the pivot point 19 of the pivot element 4 being located on a side of the plane E spanned by the spoke 3 and the steering axis L opposite the first side.

[0084] The steering handle 1 has two locking mechanisms 9 and a swivel drive 8. A swivel drive 4 and a locking mechanism 9 are arranged on one of the two spokes 3. Only a locking mechanism 9 is arranged on the other spoke 3.

[0085] In order to pivot the pivoting element 4 (e.g. in the rest position), the fixing of the drive shaft 84 must be released manually by the vehicle occupant, in particular the driver, or automatically, e.g. triggered by an impact.

[0086] In Fig. Figure 6A shows the steering handle 1 in the driving position. In the driving position, one steering element segment 21 and the other steering element segment 22 together form the steering wheel rim. In the driving position, one spoke 3 and one pivot element 4 overlap in an overlap area 7. In the driving position, the locking mechanism 9 can lock at least one pivot element 4. This also locks the steering element segment 21, which is connected to the pivot element 4, in the driving position.

[0087] In the Fig. Figure 6B shows the steering handle 1 in the rest position, where Fig. Figure 6B shows a front view of the steering handle 1. In the rest position, one steering element segment 21 and the associated pivot element 4 are pivoted (folded) towards the windshield. Even in the rest position, one spoke 3 and one pivot element 4 overlap in an overlap area 7. The opening angle between one steering element segment 21 and the other steering element segment 22 is greater in the rest position than in the driving position. In the rest position, the locking mechanism 9 no longer secures at least one pivot element 4. Therefore, the steering element segment 21, which is connected to the pivot element 4, is also movable about a pivot axis S.

[0088] Fig. Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the swivel drive 8 and the locking mechanism 9. Fig. 6A. The rotary actuator 8 has a drive shaft 84 with two ends, one end of which is connected to the central element 5 and the other end to the swivel element 4. The rotary actuator 8 includes a worm gear. The worm gear comprises a gear 83, the so-called worm wheel, and a worm shaft 88 in contact with the worm wheel. The worm shaft 88 is connected to a drive motor 87, which can cause movement of the worm shaft 88. The movement of the worm shaft 88 moves the worm wheel, which in turn moves the drive shaft 84 and the swivel element 4 connected to it, which in turn leads to movement of the steering element segment 21 bound to the swivel element 4. At least one overload clutch 86 is also arranged on the drive shaft 84, which protects the rotary actuator 8 from excessive torque. A locking mechanism 9 is arranged on the rotary actuator 8.The fixing mechanism 9 comprises a fixing element 91 and a fixing motor 93. The fixing motor 93 and the drive motor 87 of the one swivel drive 8 are arranged on one spoke 3.

[0089] Fig. Figure 8 shows another view of the swivel drive 8 and the locking mechanism 9. Fig. 7. The rotary actuator 8 has a drive shaft 84 that extends through the worm gear. The gear 83, in the form of a worm gear, is connected to the worm shaft 88, which is driven by a drive motor 87. The overload clutch 86 is also arranged on the drive shaft 84. The rotary actuator 8 can have at least one sensor 18, e.g., for torque measurements. The spoke on which the rotary actuator 8 and the locking mechanism 9 are arranged is connected to the central element 5. The swivel element 4 is connected to the rotary actuator 8.

[0090] Fig. Figure 9 shows another view of the swivel drive 8 and the fixing mechanism 9. Fig. 7. The swivel drive 8 and the locking mechanism 9 are arranged on the spoke 3. The swivel element 4 is connected to the swivel drive 8. The swivel element 4 and the spoke 3 overlap each other in every position that the swivel element can assume. The locking mechanism 9 includes a permanent magnet 85. The worm shaft 88, which is shown here only as a cylinder, has a thread (not shown) that engages in the tooth gaps of the gear 83, here the worm gear.

[0091] In Fig. Figure 10A is a detailed view of the swivel drive 8 and the fixing mechanism 9. Fig. Figure 9 shows the steering element 4 without a pivoting element in a fixed position. The pivoting drive 4 and the locking mechanism 9 are arranged on the spoke 3. The locking mechanism 9 comprises a locking element 91 and a locking motor 93. The locking element 91 is designed here as a pawl 94, which can be moved into a fixed or released position by a locking motor 93. In the fixed position, the locking element 91 can fix the drive shaft 84 and thereby the pivoting element 4 connected to it. This also fixes the steering element segment 21, which is connected to the pivoting element 4, in the driving position and / or fixed position. The fixed position can be assumed, in particular, in the driving position of one of the steering element segments 21. Thus, in the driving position, the locking mechanism 9 can fix at least one pivoting element 4. In the fixed position, the worm shaft 88 engages in the tooth gaps of the gear 83, here the worm gear.

[0092] Fig. Figure 10B shows a detailed view of the swivel drive 8 and the locking mechanism 9. Fig. 9 without a pivoting element in a release position. The pivoting drive 4 and the locking mechanism 9 are arranged on the spoke 3. The locking mechanism 9 can release the drive shaft 84 in the release position for movement (e.g., by no longer blocking its rotation), which ultimately also releases the pivoting element 4. This also makes the steering element segment 21, which is connected to the pivoting element 4, movable. To assist the pivoting process, the drive motor 87 can be activated to reduce the friction between the drive shaft 84 and the locking element 91. The drive motor 87 or a solenoid switch with a driver is released by moving the locking element 91 away from the drive shaft 84, thus releasing the drive shaft 84 for rotation. The locking element 91 is then in a release position.The worm shaft 88 engages the tooth gaps of the gear 83, in this case the worm gear, even in the release position. After the locking mechanism is released, at least one sensor 18 detects this state, and the drive motor 87 switches on and starts the pivoting process. The movement is achieved via the at least one worm gear, which converts the rotary motion of the drive motor 87 into a rotation of the at least one steering element segment 21 and into a pivoting motion of the steering element segment 21.

[0093] Fig. Figure 11A shows a further detailed view of the swivel drive 8 and the fixing mechanism 9. Fig. Figure 10A shows the swivel drive 8 without a spoke in a fixed position. It can be seen that the swivel drive 8 and the fixing mechanism 9 are connected. The swivel drive 8 comprises a worm gear. The worm shaft 88 of the worm gear is connected to the drive motor 87, which drives the worm shaft 88. The worm shaft 88 is in contact with the gear 83, in this case a worm wheel. The rotation of the worm shaft 88 and its thread, which engages in the tooth gaps of the worm wheel, moves the worm wheel. Since the worm wheel is connected to the drive shaft 84, the drive shaft 84 and the swivel element 4 (not shown) connected to the drive shaft 84 are moved. The drive shaft 84 rotates about a swivel axis S. An overload clutch 86 and a permanent magnet 85 can be arranged on, or in particular on, the drive shaft 84. The fixing mechanism 9 has a fixing element 91 (e.g.The locking mechanism 9 includes a pawl 94, which can block the rotation of the drive shaft 84. The locking mechanism 9 has a magnetic switch (e.g., comprising a permanent magnet 85) that is operatively connected to the pawl 94. The locking mechanism 9 also has a locking motor 93 that is connected to the locking element 91 (e.g., the pawl 94). The swivel drive 8 and / or the locking mechanism 9 can have various sensors 18. The swivel drive 8 and the locking mechanism 9 can be arranged on a bracket 16, which can be connected to a spoke 3.

[0094] In Fig. 11B is an exploded view of the swivel drive 8 and the fixing mechanism 9 from Fig.Figure 11A shows the rotary drive 8. It comprises a gearbox 81, here, for example, in the form of a worm gear, consisting of a pairing of a gear 83 in the form of a worm gear with a worm shaft 88. The rotary drive 8 also includes a drive shaft 84 and a drive motor 87. The rotary drive 8 may optionally have an overload clutch 86. The locking mechanism 9 comprises a locking element 91 in the form of a pawl 94, a locking motor 93, and a permanent magnet 85. The rotary drive 8 and the locking mechanism 9 can be arranged on a bracket 16. Sensors 18 for monitoring the rotary drive 8 and / or the locking mechanism 9 can also be arranged on the bracket 16. The bracket 16 can be arranged on the spoke and / or the central element, or the bracket 16 can be formed by the spoke and / or the central element. Reference symbol list 1 Steering handle 21 Steering element segment 22 additional steering element segment 3 spokes 4 swivel elements 5 Central element 6 Free space 7 Overlap area 8 Swivel drive 81 gearboxes 82 Rack and pinion 83 gear 84 Drive shaft 85 permanent magnet 86 Overload clutch 87 Drive motor 88 worm shaft 9 Fixing mechanism 91 Fixing element 92 Fixing image 93 Fixing motor 94 Locking pawl 10 strikes 11 Fixation monitoring 12 rotary protractors 13 rotary potentiometers 14 Pinch protection 15 retaining plate 16 bracket 17 Drive pawl 18 Sensor 19 Pivot point 20 ball bearings S swivel axis L steering axle H Main direction of extension of spoke Level E A first page B opposite the first page

Claims

Steering handle (1) of a motorized vehicle, comprising: - at least one steering element segment (21) rotatable about a steering axis (L) for inputting a steering angle; - at least one spoke (3) fixedly connected to a central element (5) of the steering handle (1); - at least one pivoting element (4) movably mounted; - at least one pivoting drive (8) for moving the pivoting element (4), which is connected to the pivoting element (4), wherein the pivoting drive (8) has a drive shaft (84) which interacts with the pivoting element (4); and wherein the at least one pivoting element (4) is connected to the central element (5) and the at least one steering element segment (21), characterized in that the steering handle (1) has at least one locking mechanism (9) for locking the at least one pivoting element (4), wherein the at least one locking mechanism (9) has a locking element (91) which extends from a locking position,in which the fixing element (91) fixes the pivoting element (4) to at least one spoke (3), can be brought into a release position in which the fixing element (91) does not fix the pivoting element (4). Steering handle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive shaft (84) has two ends, wherein one end of the drive shaft (84) is connected to the central element (5) and / or the spoke (3) and the other end of the drive shaft (84) is connected to the pivoting element (4). Steering handle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive shaft (84) extends through at least one gear (83). Steering handle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive shaft (84) is arranged in or on at least one support (16). Steering handle (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one support (16) is arranged on the spoke (3) and / or the central element (5) or is formed by the spoke (3) and / or the central element (5). Steering handle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one swivel drive (8) has a drive motor (87). Steering handle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one swivel drive (8) has at least one overload clutch (86). Steering handle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor (18) is arranged on the at least one swivel drive (8). Steering handle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing element (91) is a bolt or a pawl. Steering handle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one fixing element (91) is arranged on the drive shaft (84), the spoke (3) of the holder (16) and / or the pivoting element (4). Steering handle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one fixing element (91) fixes the drive shaft (84) in the fixing position. Steering handle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing mechanism (9) is a magnetic, electromagnetic, pneumatic, electrical, electromechanical, motor and / or mechanical fixing mechanism (9). Steering handle (1) according to one of the preceding claims as far as referenced to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one swivel drive (8) has the gear (83) and a rack (82) in contact with the gear (83). Steering handle (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the rack (82) is arranged at an angle to the at least one spoke (3). Steering handle (1) according to one of claims 2 to 12, characterized in that the at least one swivel drive (8) has a worm gear.

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