Steering lock

Abstract

Device for locking a steering movement of a steering device of a driving device, which steering device comprises a tie rod (1) and at least one steering knuckle element, which steering knuckle element is pivotally connected to the tie rod (1) about a joint axis, characterized in that a locking element (2) is displaceable in a displacement direction (3) parallel or at an angle of 0° to 45° to the joint axis relative to the tie rod (1) and / or to the steering knuckle element from a release position to a locking position, wherein a locking element surface (18, 18') of the locking element (2) in its locking position contacts a tie rod surface and a steering knuckle surface, wherein the locking element surface (18, 18') of the locking element (2) is spaced apart from a tie rod surface or from the axle pivot surface in its release position, which locking element surface (18, 18') acts in the locking position of the locking element (2) as a buffer element or stop element against a movement of the steering knuckle surface due to a steering movement, which locking element (2) is mounted displaceably to the tie rod (1) exclusively in a displacement direction (3) parallel or at an angle to the joint axis, which spring element (4) is pre-tensioned when the locking element (2) is moved from the locking position to the release position.

Description

[0001] The invention disclosed here relates to a device for locking a steering device of a driving device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The vehicle can, for example, be a kickboard in any of the prior art embodiments with weight-shift steering, rotary steering, or weight-shift rotary steering. These steering systems preferably comprise a steering knuckle with two steering knuckles, each for a wheel to be steered, and a tie rod connected to the two steering knuckles. Each steering knuckle element and the tie rod are mounted so they can rotate relative to each other about a joint axis.

[0003] According to the prior art, kickboards are also used by small children. It may be necessary to lock the steering mechanism. The invention disclosed here aims to provide a locking device for locking a steering knuckle.

[0004] The solution according to the invention is characterized in that a locking element is displaceable in a displacement direction parallel or at an angle of 0 degrees to 45 degrees to the joint axis relative to the tie rod and / or to the steering knuckle element from a release position to a locking position, wherein a locking element surface of the locking element in its locking position contacts a tie rod surface and a steering knuckle surface, wherein the locking element surface of the locking element is spaced apart from a tie rod surface or from the steering knuckle surface in its release position, which locking element surface acts as a buffer element or stop element in the locking position of the locking element against a movement of the steering knuckle surface in the direction of the tie rod surface due to a steering movement, which locking element is mounted on the tie rod exclusively in a direction of displacement parallel or at an angle to the joint axis, which spring element is pre-tensioned when the locking element is moved from the locking position to the release position.

[0005] The locking element surface as a buffer element can have a surface area with elastic properties. The locking element surface as a stop element can have a surface area with rigid properties.

[0006] The locking element can be moved at an angle of 0 degrees and thus parallel to the joint axis or at an angle different from 0 degrees to the joint axis,

[0007] The device according to the invention can be characterized in that The locking element is held in its locked position by a user-releasable retaining device. The retaining device can be locked by the user. It is also conceivable for the retaining device to be locked by moving the locking element into its locked position, with the retaining device engaging with the locking element upon reaching the locked position.

[0008] The device according to the invention can be characterized in that the holding device comprises a locking device at one end, wherein a locking element is brought into engagement with a locking surface of the locking element, and the holding device is articulated at its other end to the tie rod.

[0009] The device according to the invention can be characterized in that the locking element is mounted to the tie rod by a guide element.

[0010] The device according to the invention can be characterized in that the locking element comprises further contact surfaces to the tie rod, at least in its locking position.

[0011] The invention is further explained with reference to the following embodiments shown in the figures: Fig. 1 shows a sectional view comprising the tie rod and the locking element in the release position of the locking element. Fig. 2 shows a sectional view comprising the tie rod and the locking element in the locking position of the locking element. Fig. 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the tie rod and the locking element in the release position of the locking element. Fig. 4 shows a three-dimensional view of the tie rod and the locking element in the locking position of the locking element.

[0012] The embodiments shown in the figures merely illustrate possible embodiments. It should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to these specifically illustrated embodiments. Combinations of the individual embodiments with one another and a combination of an embodiment with the general description above are also possible. These further possible combinations do not need to be explicitly mentioned, since these further possible combinations are within the skill of the person skilled in this technical field based on the teaching of technical action based on the present invention.

[0013] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description. Regarding Figure 1:

[0014] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a sectional view of the device according to the invention for locking a steering movement of a steering device of a vehicle. The steering device can be part of a weight-shift steering system, part of a rotary steering system, or part of a weight-shift rotary steering system (a combination of weight-shift steering and rotary steering). The steering device is designed as a steering knuckle. The steering knuckle as a steering device comprises a tie rod 1 and two steering knuckle elements (in Fig. 1 not shown). A steering knuckle element is pivotally connected to one end of the tie rod 1 about a joint axis (not shown).

[0015] At the Fig. 1, the tie rod 1 extends at a right angle to the image plane of the Fig. 1. The unregistered joint axis extends at a right angle to the tie rod 1 and to the connected steering knuckle element in the vertical direction.

[0016] A locking element 2 is in an exemplary displacement direction 3 parallel to the joint axis relative to the tie rod 1 (and thus also to the Fig. 1 unregistered steering knuckle element) from a Fig. 1 shown release position to a blocking position (see Fig. 2) Movable. Other possible directions of displacement are mentioned above.

[0017] In its release position, the locking element surfaces 18, 18' of the locking element 1 are spaced apart from the steering knuckle surfaces. The locking element surfaces 18, 18' and the steering knuckle surface are oriented at an angle (17, 17') to each other, which angle 17, 17' is reduced during a steering movement. The aforementioned locking element surfaces 18, 18' and steering knuckle surfaces are described below in the figure description. Fig. 4 is defined more precisely.

[0018] The locking element 2 comprises as in the Fig. 1 shows, for example, a tubular tie rod projection 5. The locking element 1 comprises a locking element projection 6 oriented toward the tie rod projection 5, wherein the locking element projection 6 is guided in the tie rod projection 5 (the reverse is also conceivable). The locking element 2 is mounted on the tie rod 1, preferably via a spring element 4, so that it can be displaced exclusively in a displacement direction 3 parallel to the joint axis. The tie rod projection 5 and the locking element projection 6 are displaceable relative to one another exclusively in the displacement direction 3 and thus act as a guide element for a relative movement between the tie rod 1 and the locking element 2.

[0019] The spring element 4 is designed, for example, as a spiral spring, which spiral spring is advantageously arranged around the mentioned projections 5, 6. In the Fig. 1, the spring element 4 acts in such a way that the tie rod 1 and the locking element 2 are spaced apart from each other by the spring force of the spring element 4. The spring element 4 is released by bringing the locking element 2 from its release position (see Fig. 1) into its locking position (see Fig. 2) prestressed or further prestressed.

[0020] The Fig. 1 further shows a holding device 7 which can be released by the user. Since the holding device 7 is only used in the locking position of the locking element 2 (see Fig. 2), the holding device 7 is in the Fig. 1 without function with regard to holding the locking element 2 in a position relative to the tie rod 1.

[0021] The spacing of the locking element 2 from the tie rod 1 by the spring force of the spring element 4 is preferably limited by a limiting projection 8 contacting the underside of the tie rod 1.

[0022] The locking element 2 comprises further contact surfaces 9 to the tie rod 1, which contact surfaces 9 act as a guide element for producing an exclusive relative movement between the tie rod 1 and the locking element 2 in the displacement direction 3. Regarding Figure 2:

[0023] The Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the Fig. 1, wherein the locking element 2 is in its locking position. In comparison to the Fig. 1, the locking element 1 has been moved downward in the displacement direction 3. This movement in the displacement direction 3 preloads or further preloads the spring element 4.

[0024] The locking element 2 is held in its locked position relative to the tie rod 1 by the vertically extending holding device 7, which can be released by the user. The holding device 7 is mounted immovably relative to the tie rod 1 in the direction of displacement 3 (bearing 10). The bearing 10 allows rotation of the holding element 7 in the plane of the figure.

[0025] The holding device 7 comprises a locking device, wherein a locking element 11 of the holding device 7 is brought into engagement with a locking surface 12 of the locking element 2. The establishment of the locking connection by the locking element 11 and the locking surface 12 is achieved by rotating the holding device 7 (see arrow 13) after bringing the locking element 2 into its Fig. 2 is established. The rotation is in the position shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, for example, 2 degrees. As an alternative to the preferred configuration of the locking element 11 and locking surface 12, simple surfaces, in particular friction surfaces, can also be formed here. The spring element 4, compressed in the locked position, presses the locking surface 12 against the locking element 11, or the surfaces toward each other.

[0026] To release the holding device 7, which holds the locking element 2 in its locked position relative to the tie rod 1 like a clamp, the user rotates the holding device 7 counter to the direction of rotation 13. The holding device 7 advantageously comprises a force introduction point 14 designed as a projection at its upper end. The user can move the force introduction point 14 to produce the rotational movement 13 or the opposite rotational movement 13. In an advantageous manner, the force introduction point 14 is released by the movement of the locking element 2 in the direction of displacement 3 until the locked position is reached. The locking element 2, released in its locked position, is accelerated by the spring element 4 and moved into the release position, guided, among other things, by the projections 5, 6.

[0027] The locking element 2 comprises in its Fig. 2 shown locking position further contact surfaces 9 to the tie rod 1.

[0028] The tie rod 1 is preferably penetrated by the locking element projection 6 in the area of ​​the tie rod projection 5 during a movement of the locking element 2 in the displacement direction 3. The tie rod 1 comprises a suitable bore in this area. Fig. 2, the lower end of the locking element projection 6 is visible. Fig. 2 further shows a screw 19 with a head larger than the aforementioned hole in the tie rod, so that a stop created by this screw 19, upon contact with the tie rod 1, limits upward movement of the locking element 2 against the displacement direction 3. The screw 19 is also advantageous for assembling the device comprising the tie rod 1 and the locking element 2. Regarding Figure 3:

[0029] The Fig. 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the tie rod 1 and the locking element 2 in the release position of the locking element 1. The tie rod 1 has holes at its ends for producing a joint between the tie rod 1 and a respective steering knuckle (in Fig. 3 not shown). The holes define the joint axis of the joint connecting the tie rod 1 and the steering knuckle element. It is in the Fig. 3 a steering knuckle element axis 15 and the tie rod axis 16 connecting the holes are entered. Regarding Figure 4:

[0030] The Fig. 4 shows a three-dimensional view of the tie rod 1 and the locking element 2 in the locking position of the locking element 1. In comparison to the Fig. 3, the locking element 2 is moved downward along the displacement direction 3. Here, the locking element surface 18 is brought into a locking position, in which locking position the locking element surface 18 is brought into contact with an axle element surface (not shown) of the adjacent axle element (not shown), so that a relative movement between the steering knuckle element and the tie rod 1 in the sense of a reduction in the angle 17, 17' measured between the tie rod 1 and the steering knuckle element is prevented by the contact established between the tie rod surface 18 and the steering knuckle surface. The locking element surface 18, 18' contacting the steering knuckle surface acts as a stop element or as a buffer element for a movement of the steering knuckle surface of the steering knuckle element in the direction of the tie rod 1 due to a steering movement.The above-described guide element comprising the projections 5, 6, the further contact surfaces 9 and the matching shapes have the effect that the locking element 2 in the locking position cannot be displaced towards the tie rod 1, so that a relative movement between the tie rod 1 and the steering knuckle element which reduces the angle 17, 17' is prevented by the locking element 2 in its locking position.

[0031] It is a single embodiment in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. The character descriptions should be read holistically.

[0032] The tie rod 1, the steering knuckle elements, the locking element 2 and the holding device 7 are preferably made of nylon, preferably a fiber-reinforced nylon or polypropylene. Reference symbol: 1 tie rod 2 locking element 3 Direction of movement of the locking element 2 4 spring element 5 Tie rod projection 6 locking element projection 7 Holding device 8 Limit projection 9 additional contact surfaces 10 Storage holding device 11 locking element 12 Rest area 13 Direction of rotation of holding device 14 Force introduction point 15, 15' steering knuckle element axle 16 Tie rod axle 17, 17' angle 18, 18' Locking element surface of the locking element 2

Claims

[1] Device for locking a steering movement of a steering device of a driving device, which steering device comprises a tie rod (1) and at least one steering knuckle element, which steering knuckle element is pivotally connected to the tie rod (1) about a joint axis, characterized by , that a locking element (2) is displaceable in a displacement direction (3) parallel or at an angle of 0° to 45° to the joint axis relative to the tie rod (1) and / or to the steering knuckle element from a release position to a locking position, wherein a locking element surface (18, 18') of the locking element (2) in its locking position contacts a tie rod surface and a steering knuckle surface, wherein the locking element surface (18, 18') of the locking element (2) is spaced apart from a tie rod surface or from the axle pivot surface in its release position, which locking element surface (18, 18') acts in the locking position of the locking element (2) as a buffer element or stop element against a movement of the steering knuckle surface due to a steering movement, which locking element (2) is mounted displaceably to the tie rod (1) exclusively in a displacement direction (3) parallel or at an angle to the joint axis, which spring element (4) is pre-tensioned when the locking element (2) is moved from the locking position to the release position. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the locking element (2) is held in its locking position by a holding device (7) which can be released by the user. [3] Device according to claim 2, characterized by , that the holding device (7) comprises a locking device on one side, wherein a locking element (11) of the holding device (7) is brought into engagement with a locking surface (12) of the locking element (2), and the holding device (7) is hinged on its other side to the tie rod (1). [4] Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the locking element (2) is mounted to the tie rod (1) by a guide element (4, 6). [5] Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the locking element (2) comprises, at least in its locking position, further contact surfaces (9) to the tie rod (1).

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