Automotive steering wheel with retractable rim and torque limiter

Abstract

The present invention provides a steering wheel (10) for a vehicle, comprising: - a central part (16), such as a steering wheel hub; a movable structure (12), - a driving position in which the vehicle can be steered by the driver; a mobile structure (12) including at least a portion of a rim mounted to pivot relative to a central portion (16) between at least one storage position; an actuator (18) for pivoting the mobile structure (12) between a drive position and a storage position; -A steering wheel (10) comprising a movement transmission mechanism (20) for transmitting movement between an actuator (18) and a movable structure (12), the transmission mechanism (20) comprising a torque limiter (100).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to steering wheels for motor vehicles.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a steering wheel having an orientable or retractable rim. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In the prior art of steering wheels for vehicles, for example from document US 10.562.558(B1) an electric folding steering wheel system is known, comprising a steering wheel with a rim forming a substantially continuous ring pivotally connected to a central structure arranged to be attached to a steering column, including an electric motor arranged to pivot the rim from a vertical position corresponding to a state in which the vehicle is ready to drive to a substantially horizontal storage or retracted position, allowing other uses or applications of the steering wheel and its rim. In addition, the steering wheel system comprises one or more additional systems for locking the rim in its vertical driving position, each of which is presented in the form of a dedicated locking system. Such designs are particularly bulky, heavy and expensive. Furthermore, the prior art steering wheels are not able to warn the user or driver that it is preferable not to lock the steering wheel during pivoting of the steering wheel from the driving position or in the retracted position. Furthermore, the prior art steering wheels are not able to protect the steering wheel components or the driver in case the steering wheel is locked by the driver.

[0004] One object of the present invention is to address the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, in particular to propose, first of all, a steering wheel for a motor vehicle, the rim of which is at least partially pivotable, which can be protected from locking by the user or driver, while also protecting him, while warning him of the danger of locking, and also to propose a compact and economical assembly for pivoting and locking. Furthermore, the volume available in the steering wheel to integrate the rotation device is small, which requires that all components are fairly small. Compact drive motors have the drawback of generating a low rotation torque. This reduced torque can easily be locked by the user, which can damage the engine. The steering wheel according to the invention therefore makes it possible to warn the user or driver that it is preferable not to lock the steering wheel during pivoting of the steering wheel from the driving position or in the retracted position, while being equipped with a sufficiently powerful actuator for this purpose.

[0005] To this end, a first aspect of the invention is a steering wheel for a vehicle, comprising: -The central part, such as the steering wheel hub, A movable structure, - a driving position in which the vehicle can be steered by the driver; a movable structure including at least a portion of a rim mounted to pivot relative to a central portion between at least one stored position; an actuator for pivoting the movable structure between a drive position and a retracted position; - a movement transmission mechanism for transmitting movement between an actuator and a movable structure, wherein the steering wheel or the transmission mechanism has a torque limiter arranged to limit the torque transmitted to the movable structure.

[0006] This makes it possible to propose a steering wheel with a compact and economical arrangement, and to protect the steering wheel from excessive torque that may occur when the user or driver holds the steering wheel tightly as it pivots, thus protecting both the steering wheel components and the driver, In addition, this makes it possible to incorporate actuators in the steering wheel that are strong enough to perform the functions, limiting the risk of injury and damage.

[0007] In other words, the torque limiter is arranged to limit the rotational torque or force transmitted between the actuator and the moveable structure (both towards the moveable structure).

[0008] Advantageously, the torque limiter is arranged to at least temporarily disengage the actuator from the moveable structure above a predetermined torque between the actuator and the moveable structure.

[0009] In other words, above a certain torque, the torque limiter may completely or partially prevent the transmission of torque between the actuator and the moveable structure.

[0010] A clutch refers to a mechanism that makes it possible to establish or interrupt communication between an actuator and a part to be moved (engaged and disengaged, respectively) without stopping the actuator.

[0011] In general, clutches are not torque limiters. In fact, clutches allow, for example, coupling an actuator to a moving part without torque limiting considerations. In some cases, for vehicle clutches, the clutch may even be designed not to slip or disengage when the actuator reaches or delivers its maximum torque. In this case, the clutch may be provided to resist the maximum torque of the actuator without slipping or disengaging with a safety margin of 10%, 20%, or even more.

[0012] Torque limiters are installed in the drive train so that they normally do not slip, i.e. transmit torque or movement, unless the input torque exceeds a maximum value. If this maximum torque is exceeded, the torque limiter allows the transmission chain to slip or even disengage. Torque limiters act as mechanical fuses, either reversibly (the torque limiter can automatically transmit torque and / or movement again if the transmitted torque falls below the maximum torque) or irreversibly (once triggered, the torque limiter can no longer transmit torque and / or movement unless it is reset or replaced).

[0013] This allows the steering wheel to warn the user of abnormal use of the steering wheel and provide a steering wheel suggestion to prompt the person to release the steering wheel so as not to damage the steering wheel or injure themselves.

[0014] Advantageously, the predetermined torque between the actuator and the mobile structure may be greater than or equal to 0.9 Nm, preferentially greater than or equal to 1 Nm and very preferentially greater than or equal to 1.2 Nm.

[0015] This ensures the safety of the steering wheel components and the safety of the user or driver.

[0016] Advantageously, the torque limiter may comprise at least one first recess and at least one protrusion, the at least one protrusion comprising: the torque limiter is received within the first recess when engaged; the torque limiter is arranged to be removed from the first recess when disengaged.

[0017] Advantageously, the torque limiter may further comprise a second recess adjacent the first recess, the protrusion comprising: - after being removed from the first recess, it is arranged to be received again in the second recess.

[0018] In other words, when the protrusion is re-stowing the torque limiter is re-engaged.

[0019] This makes it possible to propose a steering wheel with a torque limiter that is easy and compact to manufacture and that makes it possible to avoid injuries or material damage when holding the steering wheel during pivoting, while warning the user of undesired movements (by noise and / or small impacts such as snaps, tapping or clicks). It can also be the holding of the steering wheel by the driver for a predetermined time (for example 100 ms) during which the torque limiter is not disengaged. In addition, this makes it possible to continue to ensure the pivoting function in case of over-torque passing through an adjacent recess, so as to allow the use of the steering wheel. Naturally, if the torque transmitted remains greater than a predetermined torque after the protrusion has entered the adjacent recess, the torque limiter is disengaged again, proceeding to the next recess, and so on.

[0020] Advantageously, the first recess may be a radially extending groove and the protrusion may be a radially protruding extending rib arranged to fit into the groove.

[0021] The term "groove" is understood to mean a long and narrow notch with a cross section, which may be rectangular, made in the thickness of a part (for example a part made of metal or steel) and intended to be used for assembly or to receive a sliding part.

[0022] The protrusion may also be key-shaped.

[0023] Advantageously, the first recess may be a notch and the torque limiter may further comprise a first leaf spring extending radially to form the protrusion and arranged to engage the notch.

[0024] The term "notch" is understood to mean a cut made in a solid (here a metal) or object, which removes a part.

[0025] Advantageously, the first recess may be an opening; the protrusion may be a pin arranged at a distal end of the rotation axis of the torque limiter; The torque limiter may comprise a portion made of a flexible material and arranged between the pin and the axis of rotation of the torque limiter.

[0026] This makes it possible to propose a steering wheel with a torque limiter according to a modified construction.

[0027] Advantageously, the transmission mechanism may further comprise a second leaf spring arranged to urge the protrusion into the first recess. The second leaf spring may be arranged to press the drive plate against the toothed input member.

[0028] This allows the predetermined torque to be adjusted, in particular to ensure that the elements are properly pressed together to compensate for the operating gap.

[0029] Advantageously, the steering wheel or the transmission mechanism may further comprise a device for blocking or locking the torque limiter at a predetermined position of the mobile structure, for example at or near the drive position, to ensure that the torque limiter cannot be placed in an intermediate position while the mobile structure is locked in the drive position, which may result in an undesired residual gap in the drive chain. A complete blocking or locking may be provided, i.e. consisting in making relative sliding between the actuator and the mobile structure impossible, or a blocking or locking may be provided consisting in applying an additional tension to the torque limiter so as to allow sliding in the drive position only with an even higher torque than in the other drive positions. In the case of a complete blocking or locking, an index may be provided that fixes the mobile structure in the central part, and in the case of a blocking or locking consisting in applying an additional tension, a ramp or a cam may be envisaged that applies an additional tension to the elastic member that applies friction to the torque limiter.

[0030] Advantageously, the device for locking the torque limiter may be an additional plate arranged to limit the axial movement of the torque limiter.

[0031] Advantageously, the actuator may be a motor.

[0032] This makes it possible to propose a compact and highly reliable actuator.

[0033] Advantageously, the actuator may comprise two discs, each with a planar friction surface, arranged opposite each other at their planar friction surfaces, and at least one pressure spring arranged to bias the two discs against each other.

[0034] This prevents the torque limiter from getting stuck in an intermediate position which could cause an operating gap.

[0035] Advantageously, the transmission mechanism comprises: a drive plate rigidly connected to the actuator; a toothed input member arranged to be driven by the actuator via a torque limiter; the toothed input member is arranged to directly or indirectly rotate the mobile structure into its retracted position;

[0036] The torque limiter may be disposed between the actuator and the moveable structure.The torque limiter may be disposed between the drive plate and the toothed input member.

[0037] Advantageously, the first recess is arranged in either the toothed input member or the drive plate; the protrusion is arranged on the other of the toothed input member and the drive plate;

[0038] This makes it possible to propose a steering wheel with a compact layout.

[0039] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a steering wheel according to the first aspect.

[0040] This makes it possible to propose a vehicle with a steering wheel and a torque limiter with a compact and economical arrangement, in particular when the user or driver is holding the steering wheel and the steering wheel is turned, to warn the driver of this danger and invite him to take his hands off the steering wheel, whilst avoiding damage and injury to the user or driver. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0041] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of some embodiments of the invention, given by way of example, but in no way limiting, illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a steering wheel for a vehicle, shown with the rim in a driven position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the steering wheel shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view showing certain components of the steering wheel equipped movement transmission mechanism shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the torque limiter mounted on the steering wheel according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing in detail the torque limiter according to the first embodiment, on the opposite side to that shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a detailed assembly perspective view of the torque limiter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an assembled cross-sectional elevation view of the torque limiter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a torque limiter in a near field environment according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a torque limiter according to a second embodiment of the steering wheel. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a torque limiter according to a second embodiment of a steering wheel, viewed from the opposite side to that shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a torque limiter according to a third embodiment of the steering wheel. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the torque limiter according to the third embodiment, viewed from the opposite side to that shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] First embodiment Figures 1 and 2 show a steering wheel 10 comprising a rim 12 connected by an arm 14 to a central portion 16, also called a hub, which is arranged to allow the steering wheel to be coupled to a steering column or an electric steering gearbox (not shown) of a vehicle.

[0043] To improve the ergonomics of use of the vehicle, the rim 12 is at least partially hinged to the central portion 16, the so-called driving position, in which the plane of the rim 12 is typically perpendicular to the axial direction of the central part 16, which coincides with the axis of rotation of the steering wheel and steering column when the vehicle is being driven; -or in particular to be able to pivot in one or two directions about a primary axis A1 perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the steering wheel so as to be positioned at an angle either in a stowed position, also called a console position, in which the plane of the rim 12 is then inclined relative to the direction of the central part 16 so that a user can, for example, place a computer on the rim 12.

[0044] The possibility of changing the angular position is not necessarily limited to pivoting the entire rim 12, but can also concern only a part of the rim 12, for example only half of the rim, such a rim part constituting a movable structure of the rim within the meaning of the present invention.

[0045] As a non-limiting example, in order to pivot the rim 12, the steering wheel 10 here includes a side module M for driving and locking the rim 12. The side module M is here arranged adjacent to the rear arm 14 of the steering wheel 10.

[0046] Module M essentially combines an electric actuator 18, a transmission mechanism 20 (or drive mechanism 20) between the actuator 18 and the rim 12, and a steering wheel equipped with a torque limiter 100 (or the transmission mechanism directly equipped with the torque limiter 100) for limiting the torque that can be transmitted to the rim 12.

[0047] Figure 3 shows a moving input gear 24 belonging to the transmission mechanism 20 rotated about a secondary axis A2 (also called rotation axis A2) by the actuator 18; - A transmission mechanism 20 is shown comprising a drive gear 26 (as a non-limiting example, the drive sprocket 26 is mounted to rotate about the primary pivot axis A1 of the rim 12) that is permanently meshed with the input gear 24 for pivoting the rim 12.

[0048] For a bidirectional rotational connection between the drive sprocket 24 and the rim 12, FIG. 3 also shows a hub 34 that may be rotatably secured to the rim 12 and extends axially through the drive sprocket 26.

[0049] Furthermore, a spring 46, here made in the form of a spiral spring, is interposed between the rim 27 of the drive sprocket 26 extending axially forward and the hub 34, to permanently ensure the elastic return of the drive sprocket 26.

[0050] 1 and 2, the module M here comprises two parallel stiffening plates 50 between which the input gear 24 and the drive sprocket 26, as well as the hub 34, are arranged, these various components also being mounted for rotation relative to these two stiffening plates 50. Also mounted to the front stiffening plate 50 is the electric actuator 18.

[0051] Input gear 24 provides a toothed input member for transmitting movement to at least drive sprocket 26 .

[0052] Alternatively, the input gear 24 can be replaced by a toothed internal crown gear, or optionally by a straight toothed rack.

[0053] The actuator 18 may be, for example, a rotary electric motor 18 (or motor 18) optionally associated with a gearbox or gear reducer to form an electric gear motor, in which case the rotary output shaft directly or indirectly drives a toothed input member, such as an input gear 24.

[0054] Alternatively, the output shaft may drive a worm-nut style screw to drive a toothed input member in both directions via a rack-shaped member.

[0055] The torque limiter is preferably located coaxially with an input gear 24, also referred to as a toothed input member.

[0056] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the torque limiter 100 mounted on the steering wheel 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0057] Preferably, the drive mechanism 20 comprises a drive plate 60 that is driven by the actuator 18. Preferably, the drive plate 60 is rigidly connected to the shaft of the motor 18.

[0058] The torque limiter 100 here includes three ribs 61 on a flat surface of the drive plate 60 perpendicular to the rotation axis A2. The ribs 61 are an example of a protrusion. The drive plate 60 further includes a shaft 62 arranged to engage with the hub 25 of the input gear 24.

[0059] The torque limiter 100 further includes a second leaf spring 63 arranged to press the gear 24 against the drive plate 60. The second leaf spring 63 may be a wave washer, a wave spring, a conical washer, or a coil spring.

[0060] Preferably, the ribs 61 are distributed evenly on the face of the drive plate 60, ie here every 120 degrees. A greater or lesser number of ribs 61 can be provided on the drive plate 60.

[0061] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective detailed view of the torque limiter 100 according to the first embodiment of the steering wheel 10, showing the opposite side to that shown in FIG.

[0062] Gear 24 includes twelve grooves 64. Preferably, grooves 64 are evenly distributed across the face of gear 24 facing drive plate 60. Grooves 64 are arranged to receive, i.e. have a corresponding shape, ribs 61. Grooves 64 are an example of a recess (or a first recess or a second recess).

[0063] When the drive plate 60 is assembled to the gear 24, the rib 61 is accommodated in the groove 64. This allows a torque to be transmitted between the drive plate 60 and the gear 24. When the torque to be transmitted is greater than a predetermined torque, the rib 61 is disengaged from the groove 64. When the motor 18 continues to rotate, the rib 61 is again accommodated in the groove 64 adjacent to the groove 64 in which it was engaged before being disengaged. Thus, a knock sensation is transmitted to the user or driver, prompting him or her to release the steering wheel 1 so that a pivoting of the steering wheel 1 can be performed without damaging the components of the steering wheel 1 or injuring the user. In this way, a haptic device is produced. Furthermore, the disengagement of the torque limiter causes an axial movement of the gear 24 along the axis A2.

[0064] As a result, the second leaf spring 63 is disposed so as to press the rib 61 into the groove 64 .

[0065] FIG. 6 is a detailed assembled perspective view of the torque limiter 100 according to the first embodiment of the steering wheel 10. As shown in FIG.

[0066] The driving sprocket 26 is shown with an additional plate 26b attached to the driving sprocket 26. The additional plate 26b makes it possible to block the torque limiter 100 when the mobile structure 12 is in a predetermined position, for example at or near the driving position, thereby ensuring that the torque limiter 100 cannot be in an intermediate position, typically such that the rib 61 does not engage the groove 64, while the mobile structure is locked in the driving position.

[0067] FIG. 7 is an assembled cross-sectional elevation view of the torque limiter 100 according to the first embodiment of the steering wheel 10. As shown in FIG.

[0068] The ribs 61 are received in the grooves 64 (i.e., the drive plate 60 is engaged with the gear 24) when the torque being transmitted is less than the predetermined torque. The ribs 61 are removed from the grooves 64 (which corresponds to disengaging the drive plate 60 from the gear 24) when the torque being transmitted is greater than the predetermined torque. As the drive plate 60 continues to rotate, the ribs 61 can be received again within the adjacent grooves 64.

[0069] Preferably, one of the three ribs 61 is used to center the drive plate 60 on the gear 24, while the other two ribs 61 serve to balance the system during disengagement (or unlocking).

[0070] In other words, the recess is a radially extending groove 64 and the protrusion is a radially extending rib 61 arranged to fit into the groove 64 .

[0071] By adapting the geometry of the ribs 61 and grooves 64 and / or the second leaf spring 63, the predetermined torque can be adjusted.

[0072] Furthermore, it is possible to provide rounded surfaces at the ribs 61 or between the grooves 64 to prevent the torque limiter 100 from being blocked in an intermediate position, i.e. to ensure that the ribs 61 easily engage the adjacent grooves 64 when the torque to be transmitted is greater than a predetermined torque. This further makes it possible to limit the torque required for the ribs 61 to be re-housed in the adjacent grooves 64.

[0073] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a torque limiter 100 according to a first embodiment of a steering wheel 10 in its near-field environment.

[0074] The motor 18 comprises a shaft 18a coaxial with the input gear 24, and a second leaf spring 63 is arranged between the gear 24 and a bearing 70 of the transmission mechanism 20 to ensure that the gear 24 is pressed against the drive plate 60. As seen above, the second leaf spring 63 presses against the rib 61 in the groove 64 (not shown in FIG. 8).

[0075] Second embodiment FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a torque limiter 100 according to a second embodiment of the steering wheel 10. As shown in FIG.

[0076] Reference numbers of other embodiments are repeated whenever possible for elements they have in common.

[0077] The torque limiter 100 comprises a first leaf spring 80 in the form of a drive spring hoop having two projections 81 projecting towards one of the notches 84 of the gear 24. The spring blade 80 is pressed against a flange 82 having an inner rib 83, on the inside of the gear 24. The projections 81 can engage in the notch 84 through two corresponding openings in the flange 82. The notch 84 is an example of a recess (or a first recess or a second recess).

[0078] As previously mentioned, the protrusions 81 are received within the notches 84 when the torque being transmitted is less than the predetermined torque. The protrusions 81 can be disengaged from the notches 84 when the torque being transmitted is greater than the predetermined torque, and can further engage with the adjacent notches 84 as the motor 18 continues to rotate.

[0079] In other words, the recess is a notch 84 , and the first leaf spring 80 extends radially outwardly of the flange 82 to form a protrusion 81 , which is positioned to engage with the notch 84 .

[0080] By selecting the stiffness of the first leaf spring 80, the size of the protrusion 81, and the shape of the notch 84, the predetermined torque can be adjusted.

[0081] Disengagement of the torque limiter 100 causes radial movement of the protrusion 81 relative to the gear 24 .

[0082] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a torque limiter 100 according to the second embodiment of the steering wheel 10. As shown in FIG.

[0083] The torque limiter 100 is seen from the opposite side to that in FIG.

[0084] Third embodiment FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a torque limiter 100 according to a third embodiment of the steering wheel 10. As shown in FIG.

[0085] The torque limiter 100 comprises a transmission shaft 90 for transmitting the rotational torque of the motor 18 via flats 95. The torque limiter 100 further comprises a pin 91 arranged at a distal end of a flexible portion 93. The flexible portion 93 is rigidly connected to the transmission shaft 90 and forms a leaf spring. The gear 24 further comprises an opening 94 arranged to receive the pin 91. The opening 94 is an example of a recess (or a first recess or a second recess). The pin 91 is an example of a protrusion.

[0086] In other words, the recess is the opening 94 and the protrusion is the pin 91 disposed at the distal end of the rotational axis of the torque limiter 100, the torque limiter 100 being made of a flexible material and having a flexible portion 93 disposed between the pin 91 and the rotational axis A2 of the torque limiter 100 and the gear 24.

[0087] Disengagement of the torque limiter 100 results in axial movement of the pin 91 .

[0088] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the torque limiter 100 from the opposite side to that in FIG.

[0089] The pin 91 is therefore positioned at a predetermined radial distance from the rotation axis A2 of the transmission shaft 90, which, together with the choice of a flexible material such as a thin strip made of spring steel, a plastic or polymer material, or even a composite material (e.g. a blade or rod made of a metal such as steel and overcoated with a plastic material such as a plastic, polymer, optionally containing fillers such as silicone, rubber, polyamide, polypropylene, and optionally fibers such as glass fibers), makes it possible to adjust a predetermined torque.

[0090] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements, apparent to those skilled in the art, can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0091] It is also possible to combine the embodiments.

Claims

1. A steering wheel (10) for a vehicle, comprising: - a central part (16) which is the steering wheel hub; a mobile structure (12), - a driving position in which the vehicle can be steered by the driver; a mobile structure (12) including at least a portion of a rim mounted to pivot relative to said central portion (16) between at least one storage position; an actuator (18) for pivoting said mobile structure (12) between said drive position and said storage position; a movement transmission mechanism (20) for transmitting movement between said actuator (18) and said movable structure (12), The steering wheel comprises a torque limiter (100) arranged to limit the torque transmitted to the movable structure; The steering wheel (10), characterized in that the torque limiter (100) is arranged to at least temporarily disengage the actuator (18) from the movable structure (12) when a predetermined torque between the actuator (18) and the movable structure (12) is exceeded.

2. The steering wheel (10) of claim 1, wherein the predetermined torque between the actuator (18) and the movable structure (12) is greater than or equal to 0.9 Nm.

3. The torque limiter (100) comprises at least one first recess (64, 84, 94) and at least one protrusion (61, 81, 91), and the protrusion (61, 81, 91) is - said torque limiter (100) is received in said first recess (64, 84, 94) when engaged; A steering wheel (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the torque limiter (100) is arranged to be removed from the first recess (64, 84, 94) when disengaged.

4. The torque limiter (100) further comprises a second recess adjacent to the first recess (64, 84, 94), and the protrusion (61, 81, 91) is A steering wheel (10) according to claim 3, arranged to be received again in said second recess (64, 84, 94) after being removed from said first recess (64, 84, 94).

5. - said first recess (64, 84, 94) is a radially extending groove, A steering wheel (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said projections (61, 81, 91) are radially projecting ribs arranged to fit into said grooves.

6. - said first recess (64, 84, 94) is a notch, A steering wheel (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the torque limiter (100) also comprises a first leaf spring extending radially to form the protrusion (61, 81, 91) and arranged to engage in the notch.

7. - said first recess (64, 84, 94) is an opening, - said protrusion (61, 81, 91) is a pin arranged at the distal end of the axis of rotation of said torque limiter (100); A steering wheel (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the torque limiter (100) comprises a part made of a flexible material (93) and arranged between the pin and the axis of rotation of the torque limiter (100).

8. The steering wheel (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the transmission mechanism (20) further comprises a second leaf spring (63) arranged to urge the protrusion (61, 81, 91) into the first recess (64, 84, 94).

9. The steering wheel (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the transmission mechanism (20) further comprises an additional plate (26b) arranged to limit the axial movement of the torque limiter (100).

10. 3. A steering wheel (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the torque limiter (100) comprises two discs, each having a flat friction surface, arranged opposite each other at the flat friction surfaces, and at least one pressure spring arranged to bias the two discs against each other.

11. The transmission mechanism (20) - a drive plate (60) rigidly connected to said actuator (18); a toothed input member (24) arranged to be driven by said actuator (18) via said torque limiter (100), A steering wheel (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the toothed input member (24) is arranged to directly or indirectly rotate the mobile structure (12) into its stored position.

12. - said first recess (64, 84, 94) is located either in said toothed input member (24) or in said drive plate (60); A steering wheel (10) according to claim 11 when dependent on claim 3 or 4, wherein the protrusion (61, 81, 91) is arranged on the other of the toothed input member (24) and the drive plate (60).

13. A steering wheel (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a device for blocking or locking the torque limiter when the mobile structure is in the drive position.

14. A vehicle comprising a steering wheel (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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