Handle support device

Abstract

The cables used in the handle support device may be prone to defects. [Solution] The handle support device of the present disclosure comprises an axis boss surrounding the axis of the handle, and a retractable cable reel connected to the handle and extending along the axis of the handle, wherein the cable reel is configured to wrap around the axis boss as the handle rotates, and the outer shape of the cross-section of the axis boss in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction is formed to have a portion located on the inward side with respect to the circumscribed circle of the outer shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a handle support device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a handle support device for supporting a vehicle handle. The handle support device includes a shaft for supporting the handle, and a cable in which a cord (harness) for transmitting a signal from an operation unit such as a switch installed on the handle to the vehicle side is bundled. At this time, since it is assumed that the cable is wound around the shaft when the handle is rotated, a curly cord, which is a cable formed in a spiral shape and expands and contracts, is used.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, when the handle rotates, the cable is wound around and abuts against the shaft boss of the handle, and there is a problem that defects such as damage and disconnection may occur in the cable due to the friction that may occur between the shaft boss and the cable.

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-described problem that defects may occur in the cable used in the handle support device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A handle support device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a shaft boss surrounding the periphery of the shaft of the handle, and A retractable cable reel connected to the handle and extending along the axis of the handle, Equipped with, The cable reel is configured to wrap around the shaft boss as the handle rotates, The outer shape of the cross-section of the shaft boss in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction is formed to have a portion located on the inner side with respect to the circumscribed circle of the outer shape. This is the structure it takes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This disclosure, when configured as described above, can suppress the occurrence of defects in the cable used in the handle support device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the handle support device according to this disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the handle support device according to this disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the handle support device according to this disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the handle support device according to this disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the handle support device according to this disclosure. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the handle support device according to this disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the handle support device according to this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings may be relevant to any embodiment.

[0010] The steering wheel support device of this disclosure is a device for supporting the steering wheel H of a vehicle such as an automobile, as shown in Figure 1. Specifically, the steering wheel support device includes a shaft 1 having a predetermined length to which the steering wheel H shown on the right side of the drawing is connected at one end, and the other end of the shaft 1 is connected to a vehicle (not shown) located on the left side of the drawing. Here, Figure 2 shows the device with the steering wheel H removed from Figure 1, and Figures 3 and 4 show a cross-sectional view of Figure 2 along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 1.

[0011] The handle support device, as shown in Figures 2 to 6, comprises a shaft boss 2 and a rotor 3 that rotate around the shaft 1 in conjunction with the rotation of the handle H, a housing 4 that surrounds a portion of the shaft boss 2 and rotor 3, and a cable reel 5 housed in the housing 4. Figure 5 shows the device with the housing 4 and rotor 3 removed from Figure 2, and Figure 6 shows the device with the housing 4, cable reel 5, and a portion of rotor 3 removed from Figure 2. Each component will be described in detail below.

[0012] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the shaft boss 2 is a substantially cylindrical member having a side wall that surrounds a predetermined portion located at one end of the shaft 1. In this case, the inner diameter of the side wall of the shaft boss 2 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the shaft 1, and the side wall is positioned spaced apart from the outer surface of the shaft 1. Furthermore, the side wall of the shaft boss 2 is formed to have a predetermined length along the axial direction, and the predetermined length at one end forms a connecting portion 20 that connects to the rotor 3. By connecting the shaft boss 2 to the rotor 3 at the connecting portion 20, the shaft boss 2 rotates around the shaft 1 in accordance with the rotation of the handle H as the rotor 3, which is connected to the handle H, rotates as the handle H rotates, as will be described later. The configuration of the connecting portion 20 of the shaft boss 2 will be described in detail later.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the rotor 3 is configured to have a substantially cylindrical member formed by a side wall surrounding a predetermined portion located on one end side of the shaft 1. At this time, the inner diameter of the side wall of the rotor 3 is formed larger than the outer diameter of the shaft 1, and the side wall is arranged to be separated from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 1. Further, the side wall of the rotor 3 is formed to have a predetermined length along the axial direction. A predetermined length portion on one end side forms a handle connecting portion 31 connected to the handle H, and a predetermined length portion on the other end side forms a rotor side connecting portion 32 connected to the shaft boss 2. The rotor 3 is connected to the handle H at the handle connecting portion 31, so that it rotates around the shaft 1 in response to the rotation of the handle H. By connecting to the shaft boss 2 at the rotor side connecting portion 32, the shaft boss 2 further rotates around the shaft 1 in response to the rotation of the handle H. The configuration of the rotor side connecting portion 32 of the rotor 3 will be described in detail later.

[0014] Further, the rotor 3 is on the outer peripheral side of the side wall, and between the handle connecting portion 31 and the rotor side connecting portion 32, it has a lid portion 30 formed in a substantially annular shape and protruding in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft 1. The lid portion 30 is formed to cover one end face side of a substantially cylindrical housing 4 described later. Accordingly, the outer peripheral edge of the lid portion 30 is bent and extended in the axial direction so as to surround the periphery of one end face side of the substantially cylindrical housing 4.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the housing 4 is a substantially cylindrical member with a hollow interior and having a side wall covering the outer surface of the shaft boss 2 described above. At this time, the inner diameter of the side wall of the housing 4 is formed larger than the outer diameter of the shaft boss 2, and the side wall is arranged to be separated from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft boss 2. Further, the side wall of the substantially cylindrical housing 4 is formed to have a predetermined length along the axial direction, and one end side is covered by the substantially annular lid portion 30 of the rotor 3 described above. Note that the other end side of the side wall of the housing 4 is covered by an annular portion extending from the end of the side wall to the inner side.

[0016] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a cable reel 5 is housed inside the housing 4. Here, the cable reel 5 is a cable having a signal line that transmits signals from an operating part such as a switch installed on the handle H to the vehicle side, as shown in Figure 1. In particular, the cable reel 5 in this embodiment is a coiled cord that is spirally coiled, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, and is configured to be expandable and contractible in length. The cable reel 5 is not limited to the signal line described above, but may be a cable having any wiring, such as a power line that supplies power to illuminate the switch provided on the handle. As shown in Figure 3, the cable reel 5 is positioned to extend along the shaft 1, i.e., the shaft boss 2, at a position spaced apart from the shaft 1, and accordingly, a housing portion 40 is formed in the housing 4 to house the cable reel 5 in this arrangement. Specifically, the housing portion 40 is formed at a position spaced apart from the shaft 1, i.e., the shaft boss 2, and is formed as a passage having a predetermined length that extends along the shaft 1 to the other end of the shaft 1 from the covered portion on the other end of the housing 4, i.e., the annular portion on the other end. The cable reel 5 is then housed within the connecting passage, which is the housing section 40. Note that the housing section 40 is not necessarily limited to being integrally formed with the housing 4, and may be formed separately from the housing 4.

[0017] Here, Figure 3 shows a state where, for example, the handle H is operated in a straight line, and no tensile force is applied to the cable reel 5. In contrast, Figure 4 shows the state when the handle H is rotated, and the rotation of the handle H applies a tensile force to the cable reel 5 connected to the handle H. In this way, when the handle H rotates and a tensile force is applied to the cable reel 5, as shown in Figure 4, the cable reel 5 stretches and a part 50 of the cable reel 5 wraps around the shaft boss 2. Figure 5 also shows the state in which a part 50 of the cable reel 5 is wrapped around the shaft boss 2.

[0018] Thus, when the cable reel 5 is wound around the shaft boss 2, there is a risk of damage to the cable reel 5 due to the friction that may occur between the shaft boss 2 and the cable reel 5. Furthermore, as the frictional force increases, the cable reel 5 may become fixed to the shaft boss 2, resulting in uneven or skewed elongation of the cable reel 5, which may also cause a wire break. To avoid such problems, the shaft boss 2 in the present disclosure is configured as follows.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 6, on the outer surface of the connecting portion 20 of the shaft boss 2, convex portions and concave portions extending in the axial direction are alternately formed along the circumferential direction. That is, the outer shape of the cross section of the connecting portion 20 of the shaft boss 2 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction is formed such that the concave portions with respect to the convex portions have portions located on the inner side with respect to the circumscribed circle of the outer shape. Thereby, the area of the portion where the cable reel 5 may come into contact with the shaft boss 2 and friction may occur can be reduced. As a result, problems such as damage to the cable reel 5 due to friction and wire breakage due to the cable reel 5 becoming fixed to the shaft boss 2 can be suppressed.

[0020] In the above description, a part of the shaft boss 2 having a substantially cylindrical shape in the axial direction is formed as the connecting portion 20, but the entire axial direction of the shaft boss 2 may be formed as the connecting portion 20. In this case, the above-described concave and convex portions extending in the axial direction may be formed over the entire axial direction of the shaft boss 2.

[0021] Furthermore, due to the shape of the shaft boss 2, the connection between the shaft boss 2 and the rotor 3 is performed as follows. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the rotor-side connecting portion 32 of the rotor 3, which is roughly cylindrical, is inserted and fitted into the roughly cylindrical connecting portion 20 of the shaft boss 2, thereby achieving the connection between the connecting portion 20 of the shaft boss 2 and the rotor-side connecting portion 32 of the rotor 3. At this time, the connecting portion 20 of the shaft boss 2 has a shape in which axially extending protrusions and recesses are alternately formed along the circumferential direction, both in its outer and inner shapes. Correspondingly, the outer shape of the rotor-side connecting portion 32 of the rotor 3 also has a shape in which axially extending protrusions and recesses are alternately formed along the circumferential direction. As a result, the rotor-side connecting portion 32 of the rotor 3 is inserted into the connecting portion 20 of the shaft boss 2 and meshes in the circumferential direction, and the rotation of the rotor 3 accompanying the rotation of the handle H is transmitted to the shaft boss 2.

[0022] Here, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the handle H rotates, causing the cable reel 5 to wrap around the shaft boss 2, the vehicle moves in a straight line and the handle H returns to a non-rotating state. In other words, the handle H returns to a non-rotating state. Then, the tensile force on the cable reel 5 is released, and the restoring force of the cable reel 5 releases the wrapping around the shaft boss 2, resulting in the cable reel being housed in the housing section 40, separated from the shaft boss 2, as shown in Figure 3. As a result, each time the handle H returns to a non-rotating state, the cable reel 5 returns to its position in the housing section 40 and to its initial shape, making it possible to suppress problems such as the cable reel 5 and the shaft boss 2 unexpectedly sticking together.

[0023] Next, a modified example of the handle support device in this disclosure will be described. First, the outer shape of the shaft boss 2 is not limited to the shape described above. For example, the outer shape of the cross-section of the shaft boss 2 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction may be formed as a roughly regular polygon inscribed in the circumcircle of the outer shape, such as a roughly equilateral triangle, roughly regular square, roughly regular pentagon, or roughly regular hexagon, as shown in Figures 7(7-1) to (7-4). In Figure 7, each vertex is rounded and chamfered, but the vertices may have any radius (R) shape. Furthermore, it is not limited to a roughly regular polygon; it may also be formed as a roughly regular polygon inscribed in the circumcircle of the outer shape, or any other shape. As described above, by forming a polygon or forming an uneven portion, roughly straight or recessed portions are formed on the inside side relative to the circumcircle of the outer shape. This reduces the area where the cable reel 5 may come into contact with the shaft boss 2 and friction may occur. As a result, problems such as damage to the cable reel 5 due to friction and disconnection of the cable due to the cable reel 5 becoming stuck to the shaft boss 2 can be suppressed.

[0024] In the above example, the cable reel 5 is described as being formed from a coiled cord that has been spirally coiled. However, any cable may be used as long as it is configured to stretch when a tensile force is applied as the handle H rotates and contract when the tensile force is removed. For example, the cable reel 5 may be a cable equipped with a winding device.

[0025] Furthermore, although the above example illustrates a case where the shaft boss 2 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the handle H, the shaft boss 2 may be configured not to rotate around the shaft 1. In this case, the shaft boss 2 surrounds the shaft 1, and the cable reel 5 should wrap around its outer circumference as the handle H rotates.

[0026] Furthermore, while automobiles were used as an example of a vehicle equipped with a steering wheel support device above, any vehicle equipped with a rotating steering wheel H, such as agricultural vehicles like tractors or construction vehicles, is acceptable, and it can be any vehicle used in any situation or for any purpose.

[0027] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure are possible, as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each of the embodiments described above can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0028] <Note> Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows. The general configuration of the handle support device in this disclosure is described below. However, this disclosure is not limited to the configuration described below. (Note 1) The shaft boss that surrounds the shaft of the handle, A retractable cable reel connected to the handle and extending along the axis of the handle, Equipped with, The cable reel is configured to wrap around the shaft boss as the handle rotates, The outer shape of the cross-section of the shaft boss in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction is formed to have a portion located on the inner side with respect to the circumscribed circle of the outer shape. Handle support device. (Note 2) The handle support device described in Appendix 1, The outer shape of the shaft boss is formed to have a portion that is recessed inward relative to the circumscribed circle. Handle support device. (Note 3) The handle support device described in Appendix 1, The outer shape of the shaft boss is formed to have a substantially straight portion located on the inner side with respect to the circumscribed circle. Handle support device. (Note 4) The handle support device described in Appendix 1, The outer shape of the shaft boss is formed as a substantially polygon inscribed in the circumscribed circle. Handle support device. (Note 5) The handle support device described in Appendix 1, The outer shape of the shaft boss is formed as a substantially regular polygon inscribed in the circumscribed circle. Handle support device. (Note 6) A handle support device as described in Appendix 1 to 5, A housing portion for housing the cable reel is located at a position spaced apart from the shaft boss, Handle support device. (Note 7) The handle support device described in Appendix 6, The shaft boss is configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the handle. Handle support device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0029] 1 axis 2-axis boss 20 Connection part 3 rotors 30 Lid 31 Handle connection part 32 Rotor-side connecting section 4 Housing 40 Storage Units 5 Cable reels

Claims

1. The shaft boss that surrounds the shaft of the handle, A retractable cable reel connected to the handle and extending along the axis of the handle, Equipped with, The cable reel is configured to wrap around the shaft boss as the handle rotates, The outer shape of the cross-section of the shaft boss in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction is formed to have a portion located on the inner side with respect to the circumscribed circle of the outer shape. Handle support device.

2. A handle support device according to claim 1, The outer shape of the shaft boss is formed to have a portion that is recessed inward relative to the circumscribed circle. Handle support device.

3. A handle support device according to claim 1, The outer shape of the shaft boss is formed to have a substantially straight portion located on the inner side with respect to the circumscribed circle. Handle support device.

4. A handle support device according to claim 1, The outer shape of the shaft boss is formed as a substantially polygon inscribed in the circumscribed circle. Handle support device.

5. A handle support device according to claim 1, The outer shape of the shaft boss is formed as a substantially regular polygon inscribed in the circumscribed circle. Handle support device.

6. A handle support device according to claims 1 to 5, A housing portion for housing the cable reel is located at a position spaced apart from the shaft boss, Handle support device.

7. A handle support device according to claim 6, The shaft boss is configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the handle. Handle support device.

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