Handle device for a steering wheel and steering wheel equipped with such a handle device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a handle device (1) for a steering wheel (10) of a vehicle and comprises a body (2) configured to be arranged on a portion of the steering wheel (10); a handle (3) having connection means (4) adapted to connect the handle (3) to the body (2) in a rotatable manner around a rotation axis (R); an elastic element (5) operatively coupled to the handle (3). A characteristic of the handle (3) is that it is rotatable in a first direction of rotation upon receipt of a torque to impart a command action to the vehicle, and the elastic element (5) is configured to rotate the handle (3) in an opposite second direction of rotation upon release of the torque.

Description

[0001] TITLE: "Handle device for a steering wheel and steering wheel equipped with such a handle device".

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Field of application

[0004] The present invention relates to a handle device that can be arranged on a steering wheel of a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle, including a car, a truck or a motorhome, or a vessel or boat, and a steering wheel comprising said device, in accordance with the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] Description of the prior art

[0006] As is well known in the state of the art, vehicles, whether motor vehicles and / or vessels, are equipped with a directional device, commonly called a steering wheel, connected to the vehicle direction control system.

[0007] For motor vehicles, the steering wheel is connected by means of a steering column to steering mechanisms connected to the tyres.

[0008] For vessels, instead, the steering wheel, also called rudder wheel, is connected through a steering system to the rudder.

[0009] In both cases, by imparting a rotational movement to the steering wheel it is possible to control the direction of orientation of the tires of the vehicle or the rudder of the vessel.

[0010] In the state of the art, the known steering wheels can be of the closed rim type, wherein the rim assumes a substantially round, oval or polygonal shape, or with an open or semi-open rim, wherein the rim comprises two or more parts having a respective free end portion.

[0011] In the prior art, in order to improve the ergonomics, practicality of use and accessibility of the directional device, solutions have been devised comprising directional devices different from the traditional steering wheel equipped with a toroidal rim and spokes projecting therefrom.

[0012] An example of an alternative directional device to the traditional steering wheel is shown in EP 1948497, wherein a support structure is connected to the steering column and comprises one or more movable handles, graspable by the user and rotatable with respect to the support structure itself in order to impart a rotation to the steering column, and therefore to the wheels of the motor vehicle.

[0013] Further examples of alternative directional devices to the traditional steering wheel are shown in US 11608103 B2 and JP 2023110809 A, which have handles connected to the steering column.

[0014] It should be noted that such alternative solutions require to devise vehicles already equipped with said alternative directional devices. This represents a great limitation for all those vehicles already produced and having a traditional steering wheel.

[0015] Steering assistance devices, the so-called spinners, are also known in the prior art, which are equipped with a handle that can be connected to the traditional steering wheel and rotated relative to it to simplify and facilitate the steering of the vehicle.

[0016] An example of such steering assistance devices is shown in US 2001027699 Al, which describes a device having a handle rotatably connected to a pin constrained to the steering wheel, so that the rotation imparted to the handle facilitates the rotation of the steering wheel itself. More in detail, the handle of the device has a substantially U- shape, wherein a gripping portion extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the pin.

[0017] The known steering assistance devices, however, have a large footprint and poor practicality of use. In more detail, the incorrect positioning of the handle of the device shown in US 2001027699 Al makes it impractical and potentially dangerous to switch from the steering wheel to said device. In fact, depending on the necessary steering movement, the gripping portion of the handle can remain oriented in different directions and therefore be difficult to grasp due to the footprint caused by the U-shaped design of the handle.

[0018] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The object of the invention in question is therefore to provide a handle device for a steering wheel of a vehicle, be it a motor vehicle or a vessel or boat, which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art described above.

[0020] In particular, object of the present invention is to provide a handle device that is adapted to be arranged on pre-existing steering wheels or integrated into newly produced steering wheels, and that has a reduced footprint while offering high ease of use.

[0021] The specified technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by a handle device and a steering wheel equipped with such a device according to any of the appended claims.

[0022] Advantages of the invention

[0023] One advantageous aspect of the handle device of the present invention is that it is always available and easily grasped by the user in any driving action. For example, said handle device is easily reachable by the user since it can be grasped both in the so-called 9.15 or 10.10 positions but also in different positions.

[0024] In more detail, by applying a torque or rotation to the handle of the device in question it is possible to impart a command action to the vehicle. Such command action comprises, for example, imparting a rotary motion to the steering wheel or activating or deactivating one or more electrical, electronic, mechanical functions of the vehicle. Upon release of this torque, an elastic return action is automatically imparted to the handle so as to rotate it in the opposite direction around the same axis to reposition it in the starting position, so that the handle is immediately ready to be grasped by the user in a subsequent command action.

[0025] Advantageously, according to one embodiment, the present handle device can be integrated in a practical and efficient way in newly produced steering wheels.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment to the native device integrated in the steering wheel, the handle device of the present invention is associable with different preexisting steering wheels, without the need to completely replace the steering wheel of the vehicle. In this way, it is possible to achieve a so-called retrofitting effect, improving steering wheels of non-recent vehicles or steering wheels with integrated electronic components that would not otherwise be replaceable.

[0027] A further advantage of the device according to the present invention is that it can be easily used even by persons with disabilities.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA WINGS

[0029] The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of a possible practical embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the set of drawings, wherein:

[0030] - Figure la shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a handle device for a steering wheel according to the present invention;

[0031] - Figure lb shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the handle device of Figure la;

[0032] - Figure 1c shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the handle device of Figures la and lb; - Figure Id shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the handle device in Figures la, lb and 1c;

[0033] - Figure le shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the handle device in Figure la;

[0034] - Figure If shows a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the handle device of Figure la;

[0035] - Figure 2a shows a partially cut-away side view of an embodiment of the handle device of the present invention associated with a portion of a steering wheel;

[0036] - Figure 2b shows a partially cut-away side view of an alternative embodiment of the handle device of Figure 2a associated with a portion of a steering wheel;

[0037] - Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the handle device of Figure 2a;

[0038] - Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of a steering wheel according to the present invention;

[0039] - Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of a steering wheel according to the present invention;

[0040] - Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of a steering wheel according to the present invention.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The object of the present invention is a handle device 1 configured to connect to a steering wheel 10 of a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle, including a car, a truck or a motorhome, or a vessel or boat, including a motorboat or a boat. In other words, the handle device 1 of the present invention relates to a distinct component with respect to the steering wheel, mountable thereon.

[0043] The steering wheel 10 is pivotable around a Z-axis, also called steering axis, so as to change the direction of the vehicle.

[0044] In more detail, for a vehicle, the rotation of the steering wheel 10 imparts a rotation to the directional tires (whether they are front and / or rear) of the vehicle. The change of the orientation of the direction of travel takes place by means of a steering mechanism which can be of a mechanical, drive by wire, or mixed type, i.e. mechanical-electronic.

[0045] For a vessel or a boat, on the other hand, the rotation of the steering wheel 10, also known as rudder wheel, imparts a rotation, and therefore a change of orientation, to the direction control system which can be of a mechanical, drive by wire, or mixed type, i.e. mechanical-electronic. In this way, it is possible to divert the flow of water to obtain a variation on the vessel that allows it to rotate around its vertical axis.

[0046] In the following of the present description, reference will be made to the embodiment in which the steering wheel 10 is a steering wheel for a motor vehicle, but without loss of generality.

[0047] As can be seen from the appended figures, the handle device 1 comprises a body 2 configured to be arranged on a portion of the steering wheel 10, for example to an external rim 11 and / or to a spoke 12 of the steering wheel 10.

[0048] According to one embodiment, shown in Figures la-lf, 2a-5, the body 2 is attachable to the aforementioned portion of the steering wheel.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, instead, the body 2 is integrated in the aforementioned portion of the steering wheel, as better detailed in the following of the present description.

[0050] Such a body 2 may be arranged in any zone of the steering wheel 10, i.e. for example on the outer rim 11 above or below the crossing between the outer rim 11 and a spoke 12 or in proximity to the crossing between the outer rim 11 and a spoke 12. The handle device 1 further comprises a handle 3 having connection means 4, which are preferably embodied in a pin or alternatively a magnetic connection, adapted to connect the handle 3 to the body 2 in a rotatable manner.

[0051] In more detail, the means of connection 4 are adapted to couple the handle 3 to the body 2 so that the handle 3 is rotatable with respect to the body 2 around a rotation axis R.

[0052] According to the invention, the handle 3 is rotatable around the rotation axis R in a first rotational direction upon receipt of a torque or rotation by a user, e.g., a human or humanoid robot. In more detail, the handle 3 is configured to impart a command action to the vehicle upon receipt of the torque or rotation of the handle 3.

[0053] According to one aspect, this command action consists of imparting a rotational movement to the steering wheel 10 around the steering axis Z. In other words, the rotation of the handle 3 around the rotation axis R makes it possible to facilitate the rotation of the steering wheel 10 around the steering axis Z and, therefore, the change of direction of the vehicle.

[0054] According to one aspect, the command action also takes the form of simply rotating the handle 3 around the rotation axis R, that is, without also rotating the wheel 10 around the steering axis Z.

[0055] For example, such a mode could be used to generate appropriate commands if the handle device 1 is suitably configured for this purpose. By way of example, such command signal may comprise an activation and / or deactivation signal of the vehicle direction indicator, an activation and / or deactivation signal of the vehicle lighting devices, an activation and / or deactivation signal of the wiper blades, or any activation and / or deactivation signal of functions that are also part of the ordinary operation of the vehicle. According to a preferred aspect, said rotation axis R of the handle 3 is transverse, and preferably perpendicular, to the plane in which lies the portion of the steering wheel 10 to which the body 2 is connected or of which it is an integral part.

[0056] According to one preferred aspect, the rotation axis R is substantially parallel to the steering axis Z.

[0057] The handle device 1 further comprises an elastic element 5 operatively coupled to the handle 3.

[0058] According to one aspect, the elastic element 5 is embodied in a leaf spring, for example made of metal, preferably steel or titanium. According to one alternative aspect, the elastic element 5 is embodied in a helical coil spring, made of metal, preferably steel or titanium.

[0059] This elastic element 5 is configured to rotate the handle 3 around the rotation axis R in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation upon release of the torque, i.e. the elastic element 5 has the purpose of counter-rotating the handle 3 with respect to the first direction of rotation.

[0060] In other words, the handle 3 is rotatable clockwise and / or counterclockwise depending on the rotation movement to be imparted to the steering wheel 10 or depending on the activation or deactivation signal of a given function of the vehicle to be activated / deactivated. Consequently, the elastic element 5 is adapted to counterrotate the handle 3 respectively in a counterclockwise and / or clockwise direction when the torque exerted on the handle 3 ceases.

[0061] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle 3 is configured to rotate relative to the body 2 by an angle in the range of 0° to 360°, or in multiples of that range.

[0062] In other words, the handle 3 is rotatable with respect to the body 2 by one or more complete turns.

[0063] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures la-3 and 6, the handle device 1 comprises an adjustment element 8, for example an adjustment grub screw, configured to act on the handle 3 and / or on the connection means 4 to allow its adjustment with respect to the steering wheel portion, i.e. to adjust its positioning at an angle between 0° and 360° with respect to the steering wheel portion 10, and to define the rest position in the aforementioned positioning with respect to the steering wheel portion 10.

[0064] The operation of an adjustment element 8, such as the adjustment grub screw, is known in the technical field and within the reach of the person skilled in the art and, therefore, will not be further described.

[0065] Note that the handle 3 is therefore switchable between a rest position and at least one rotated position. More in detail, the rest position is taken as a reference to define the angle of rotation of the handle 3 with respect to the body 2, which is equal to 0° in the aforementioned rest position.

[0066] It is therefore noted that the handle 3 is rotatable in a plurality of rotated positions with respect to the rest position, each defined by a respective angle comprised between 0° (extreme excluded) and 360° (extreme included), or by an angle comprised in multiples of such range.

[0067] According to the preferred embodiment, the elastic element 5 is therefore adapted to exert a return elastic force on the handle 3 upon release of the torque so as to return it to the rest position.

[0068] Advantageously, this allows the handle 3 to be returned to the starting position at the end of each command action so that it is readily and easily grasped by the user in a subsequent command action. In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2a, the connection means 4 of the handle 3 are rotatably connected to the body 2 and are integral with the handle 3 in rotation around the rotation axis R. In other words, the handle 3 and the connection means 4 behave as a single body in rotation upon receipt of a torque on the handle 3.

[0069] In alternative embodiments, the connection means 4 are integral with the body 2 and the handle 3 is configured to rotate with respect to the connection means 4 and, therefore, with respect to the body 2.

[0070] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures la- If and 2a-6, the handle 3 comprises a grip portion 3a lying at least partly on a plane transverse, and preferably perpendicular, to the rotation axis R.

[0071] In the embodiments of Figure la and lb, the handle 3 has a substantially C- shaped or closed loop shape, or a joystick shape.

[0072] More in detail, the handle 3 comprises two parallel arms 31, 32, in which an upper arm 31 extends in the aforementioned plane transverse to the rotation axis R, while a lower arm 32 extends in a plane parallel to the aforementioned plane, and at least one intermediate arm 33, and in particular two intermediate arms 33 in the embodiment of Figure lb, which connects said two parallel arms 31, 32.

[0073] Note that in such embodiments the gripping portion 3a is defined at least partly by the upper arm 31 of the handle 3.

[0074] In the embodiment of Figure 1c, on the other hand, the handle 3 comprises a main portion 30a of cylindrical, spherical or polygonal shape, and an elongate portion 30b projecting from the main portion 30a. Note that the gripping portion 3a is defined at least in part by the elongated portion 30b.

[0075] In the embodiment of Figure Id, the handle 3 may comprise a hybrid shape, having a main portion 30a and an elongated closed loop portion 30b, formed by two parallel upper and lower arms 31, 32 and an intermediate arm 33 connecting said parallel arms 31, 32.

[0076] According to one aspect, shown by way of example in Figures 1c and Id, the handle 3 comprises a communication unit (not illustrated) placed in signal communication with a vehicle control unit (not illustrated). According to this aspect, the handle 3 comprises one or more command elements 34, for example buttons, configured to activate / deactivate a function of the vehicle, by means of the communication unit and the vehicle control unit.

[0077] It should be noted that the presence of the command elements 34 also allows users with motor disabilities to access different functions of the vehicle in a practical and fast way, without the need to move their hands from the handle device 1.

[0078] In accordance with one embodiment, shown for example in Figures 2a and 2b, the body 2 comprises a seat 20 adapted to house the connection means 4. More in detail, the connection means 4 are arranged at least in part in the seat 20 and at least in part in a respective seat formed in the handle 3.

[0079] In the embodiment of Figure 2a, the elastic element 5 is interposed between the connection means 4 and the body 2 and is adapted to exert an elastic return force on the connection means 4 so as to rotate the handle 3 around the rotation axis R upon release of the torque.

[0080] In the embodiment of Figure 2b, on the other hand, the elastic element 5 is located in the handle 3 and, more in detail, is arranged between the connection means 4 and the handle 3. Advantageously, this allows to reduce the overall size of the body 2, making it thinner and less bulky, and to optimize the coupling with the steering wheel portion 10. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, shown for example in Figures 2a and 2b, the handle device 1 comprises friction reduction means 9 arranged between the body 2 and the handle 3, between the body 2 and the connection means 4 or between the handle 3 and the connection means 4, so as to reduce friction during the rotation of the handle 3 around the rotation axis R.

[0081] Preferably, the friction reduction means 9 comprise one or more bearings, more preferably rolling bearings, for example of the radial ball or cylindrical roller type. According to one preferred aspect, the friction reduction means 9 comprise at least two rolling bearings.

[0082] In accordance with the embodiment of Figure 6, the body 2 is made as an integral part of a steering wheel portion 10. That is, the body 2 is made in one piece with the steering wheel 10.

[0083] In accordance with an alternative embodiment, shown in Figures la-le, 2-3, the body 2 is attachable to the steering wheel portion 10 and comprises at least a first part 21 and a second part 22 adapted to surround a portion of the steering wheel 10 and to reversibly connect to each other around the portion of the steering wheel 10.

[0084] According to a preferred aspect, shown for example in Figure 3, the first and second parts 21, 22 each comprise a half-shell element extending along a circumferential direction between two respective end portions 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b.

[0085] According to the same aspect, the body 2 comprises connection means 7 adapted to stably connect at least one end portion 21a of the first part 21 to a respective end portion 22a of the second part 22. By way of example, the connection means 7 may comprise screws, as shown in Figure la, or snap-fit means, as shown in Figure le.

[0086] Preferably, both end portions 21a, 21b, of the first part 21 are constrained to the respective end portions 22a, 22b of the second part 22 by means of the aforesaid connection means 7.

[0087] According to an alternative aspect, not illustrated, only an end portion of the first part 21 is connected to a respective end portion of the second part 22 by the constraint means 7. The remaining end portions of the two parts are instead connected to each other by a hinge.

[0088] In accordance with one alternative embodiment, shown in Figure If, the body 2 is attachable to a free end portion of an open rim steering wheel 10, i.e. having at least two parts with a respective free end portion. In this embodiment, the body 2 comprises a tubular element 23, such as a sleeve, adapted to surround and fasten to the free end portion of the steering wheel 10.

[0089] According to one aspect of this embodiment, the body 2 can be stably attached to the free end portion of the steering wheel 10 by interference coupling between the tubular member 23 and the free end portion of the rim. Alternatively, the body 2 is fastenable to such a steering wheel portion by adhesive, bonding or thermosetting means.

[0090] Note that also in the previous embodiments of Figures la-le, 2a-5, in addition to the described connection modes, the body 2 of the handle device 1 can be fastened to the steering wheel portion 10 also by means of adhesives, bonding or by thermoplastic fastening.

[0091] According to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in Figures la-3, the handle device 1 comprises one or more interface elements 6 adapted to be interposed between the body 2 and the portion of the steering wheel 10 to which the body 2, in use, is attached.

[0092] Preferably, the interface elements 6 are adapted to be interposed between each of the parts 21, 22 of the body 2 and the portion of the steering wheel 10, or between the tubular element 23 and the portion of the steering wheel 10.

[0093] Preferably, the interface elements 6 comprise one or more parts. In the embodiments of Figures la-le, 2a-3, the interface elements 6 comprise two parts, each having a shape substantially similar to the shape of a respective part 21, 22 of the body 2. In the embodiment of Figure If, the interface elements 6 instead comprise a tubularshaped part, having a diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the tubular element 23 of the body 2.

[0094] According to one aspect, the interface elements 6 are made of silicone, foams or foamed materials or filler materials.

[0095] It should be noted that the handle device 1 of the present invention, in the embodiments in which it is attachable to a steering wheel portion 10, allows to improve the accessibility of the steering wheels of dated vehicles or steering wheels having integrated electronic components, thus providing a practical and economical solution that does not require the replacement of the vehicle. In this way, even users with motor disabilities can easily and cost-effectively modify the steering wheel of their vehicle, adapting it to their needs.

[0096] It should also be noted that the handle device 1, when integrated into new production steering wheels and therefore native to these steering wheels, makes it possible to facilitate their use and accessibility, allowing greater practicality of use while potentially reducing space requirements thanks to more compact geometries. Note that, as anticipated above, such a handle device 1 may itself comprise an integrated electronic component placed in communication with a vehicle control unit.

[0097] A further object of the present invention is a steering wheel 10 of a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle (not illustrated), such as a car, a truck, or a motorhome, or a vessel or craft (not illustrated), such as a boat or a motorboat. In the following of the present description, reference will be made to the embodiment illustrated in the attached Figures 4-6, wherein the steering wheel 10 is a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, without however losing generality.

[0098] The steering wheel 10 of the present invention comprises at least one outer rim

[0099] 11, for example a traditional toroidal ring, and one or more spokes 12 projecting from said outer rim 11 towards a direction internal to the outer rim 11.

[0100] Note that such a rim can have any shape known in the state of the art. For example, as previously anticipated, the outer rim 11 may be closed, circular, oval or polygonal in shape, or open, having two or more parts having a respective free end portion.

[0101] More in detail, as shown in Figures 4-6, the steering wheel 10 comprises a central portion or hub 13 surrounded by the outer rim 11 and connected to the outer rim 11 by means of the one or more spokes 12. By way of example, the central portion 13 may comprise a safety device, for example a life-saving cushion, also known as an airbag.

[0102] The steering wheel 10 is rotatable around the steering axis Z to define the direction of orientation of the vehicle.

[0103] The steering wheel 10 comprises at least one handle device 1, preferably two handle devices 1, which is associated with the outer rim 11 and / or a respective spoke

[0104] 12.

[0105] It should be noted that the handle device 1 can be attached, reversibly or irreversibly, to the outer rim 11 and / or to a respective spoke 12.

[0106] In alternative, the handle device 1 may be integral to the steering wheel 10, as further detailed above.

[0107] In more detail, in a first embodiment of the steering wheel 10, shown in Figure 4, the body 2 of the handle device 1 is attachable to the steering wheel 10 and surrounds a portion of the outer rim 11, above or below an intersection portion between the outer rim 11 and a spoke 12.

[0108] In a second embodiment, shown in Figure 5, the body 2 of the handle device 1 is attachable to the steering wheel 10 and surrounds the intersection portion between the outer rim 11 and a spoke 12.

[0109] In a third embodiment, not shown, the body 2 of the handle device 1 is attachable to the steering wheel 10 and only surrounds one spoke 12.

[0110] In a fourth embodiment, illustrated in Figure 6, the body 2 is an integral part of the steering wheel 10, i.e. it is made in one piece with the steering wheel 10, at the outer rim 11. However, it should be noted that the body 2 can also be made in one piece with a spoke 12 or with the portion of intersection between a spoke 12 and the outer rim 10.

[0111] According to one preferred aspect, shown in Figures 4-6, the steering wheel 10 comprises two handle devices 1 spaced apart along a transverse direction X to the steering axis Z.

[0112] According to one aspect, in the presence of two handle devices 1, they can also perform two different functions. More in detail, a first device may be configured to impart a rotational movement to the steering wheel 10, while a second device may be configured to control a mechanical and / or electrical / electronic function of the vehicle, for example, to activate or deactivate the direction indicators or the lighting devices of the vehicle or any other device on board the vehicle.

[0113] According to one alternative aspect, both handle devices 1 perform the same function.

[0114] It should be noted that the steering wheel 10 of the present invention, provided with one or more handle devices 1, allows the vehicle to be adapted to the needs of the user, providing greater practicality of use. In embodiments in which the handle device 1 is attached to the steering wheel 10, it is possible to carry out a so-called retrofitting of the vehicle, and to provide an economical and practical alternative to the replacement of the steering wheel or of the vehicle itself.

[0115] It should be noted that, contrary to the directional devices known in the state of the art, alternative to the traditional steering wheel, which are typically devoid of safety devices, for example the airbag, the handle devices 1 of the present invention can be associated with a traditional steering wheel of a motor vehicle having the integrated airbag. In this way, the steering wheel 10 equipped with such handle devices 1 guarantees, in addition to practical use, also compliance with local regulations and the safeguarding of the user's safety.

[0116] In embodiments in which the handle device 1 is integrated into the steering wheel 10, on the other hand, it is possible to guarantee greater stability of the steering wheel itself, without the risk of detachment or accidental movement of the handle device 1 during its use.

[0117] It should be noted that, as previously mentioned, in some embodiments the handle device 1 may have command elements 34 capable of controlling some specific functions of the vehicle. In this way, even users with motor disabilities can comfortably and conveniently access said functions, without the need to move their hands from the handle devices 1 to other portions of the steering wheel or vehicle.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Handle device (1) configured to connect to a steering wheel (10) of a vehicle comprising an outer rim (11) and one or more spokes (12) projecting from the outer rim (11), rotatable around a steering axis (Z), the handle device (1) comprising:- a body (2) configured to be arranged on a portion of the steering wheel (10);- a handle (3) having connection means (4) which are adapted to connect the handle (3) to the body (2) so that the handle (3) is rotatably coupled with respect to the body (2) around a rotation axis (R), the rotation axis (R) being substantially parallel to the steering axis (Z) of the steering wheel (10);- an elastic element (5) operatively coupled to the handle (3); characterized in that- the handle (3) is rotatable around the rotation axis (R) in a first rotation orientation upon receipt of a torque to impart a command action to the vehicle, and- the elastic element (5) is configured to rotate the handle (3) around said rotation axis (R) in a second rotation orientation opposite the first rotation orientation upon release of the torque.

2. Handle device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the handle (3) is configured to switch between a rest position and at least one rotated position, the elastic element (5) being configured to exert an elastic return force on the handle (3) to bring it in the rest position upon release of the torque.

3. Handle device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection means (4) are rotatably connected to the body (2) and integral with the handle (3) in the rotation around the rotation axis (R).

4. Handle device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elastic element (5) is interposed between the connection means (4) and the body (2) or between the connection means (4) and the handle (3) and is adapted to exert an elastic return force on the connection means (4) to rotate the handle (3) around the rotation axis (R) upon release of the torque.

5. Handle device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the elastic element (5) comprises at least one spring, preferably a leaf spring or a coil spring.

6. Handle device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the handle (3) is configured to rotate with respect to the body (2) by an angle comprised in the range 0° - 360° or in multiples of said range.

7. Handle device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising friction reduction means (9) configured to reduce the friction during the rotation of the handle (3), the friction reduction means (9) being arranged between the body (2) and the handle (3) or between the connection means (4) and the handle (3).

8. Handle device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the friction reduction means (9) comprise one or more bearings, preferably of the rolling type.

9. Handle device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein:- the body (2) comprises a first part (21) and a second part (22) configured to surround a portion of the steering wheel (10), the first part (21) and the second part (22) being adapted to connect to each other around the portion of the steering wheel (10), or- the body (2) comprises a tubular element (23) adapted to surround and be fixed to a free end portion of the steering wheel (10).

10. Handle device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising one or more interface elements (6) configured to be interposed between the body (2) and the portion of the steering wheel to which the body (2) is coupled.

11. Steering wheel (10) having an outer rim (11) and one or more spokes (12) projecting from the outer rim (11), the steering wheel being rotatable around a steering axis (Z), characterized in that it comprises:- at least one handle device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, coupled to the rim (11) and / or to a respective spoke (12).

12. Steering wheel (10) according to claim 11, comprising two handle devices (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the handle devices (1) are spaced apart from each other along a direction transverse to the steering axis (Z).

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