WO2008091081A1

WO2008091081A1 - Assistance handle of steering wheel and clamp thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2008091081A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/000351
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chun-Soo Lee
Original assignee: Chun-Soo Lee
Priority date: 2007-01-22
Filing date: 2008-01-21
Publication date: 2008-07-31
Also published as: KR100855110B1; KR20080069062A; JP2010516542A

Abstract

An assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel and a clamp thereof are disclosed. The assistance handle includes a head assembly, rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise, which includes an upper body portion and a lower body portion to be fastened to each other, wherein a thread part formed at an upper end portion of a connection shaft passes through a lower portion of the lower body portion to be fastened inside the lower body portion, and a clamp which includes an upper semicircular member having a protrusion portion to support the connection shaft and a stepped projection portion formed at its end, a lower semicircular member which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the upper semicircular member, an opening/closing member which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the lower semicircular member to cover an outer surface of the lower semicircular member, and a hook member which has one end portion which is hinge-coupled to a middle portion of a wing portion of the opening/closing member and a latch portion, formed at the other end portion, which is engaged with the stepped projection portion.

Description

ASSISTANCE HANDLE OF STEERING WHEEL AND CLAMP

THEREOF

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel, and more particularly to an assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel, which is attached to the steering wheel serving as a steering device of a vehicle to more conveniently operate the vehicle steering wheel, and a clamp thereof. Background Art

[2] An assistance handle is attached to a steering wheel of a vehicle to facilitate a rotation operation of the steering wheel. At the beginning, the assistance handle was developed to allow a person with a disabled arm to easily operate the steering wheel.

[3] Recently, however, the assistance handle is widely used for a driver which drives a vehicle such as a truck for a long period of time to facilitate the rotation operation of the steering wheel.

[4] As shown in Fig. 1, a conventional assistance handle 50 includes a head assembly

11 of the assistance handle which is mounted to be freely rotated clockwise and counterclockwise, a connection shaft 12 which supports the head assembly 11, and a clamp

20 which firmly fixes the assistance handle at a specific position of a steering wheel 1 (see Fig. 3).

[5] As shown in Fig. 2, the head assembly 11 and the connection shaft 12 of the assistance handle are rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise with respect to the head assembly 11 and are fastened to each other so as not to be randomly separated from each other. The connection shaft 12 has a thread part 14 formed at a lower end thereof, which is connected and fixed to the clamp 20. A stopper 13 is formed at an upper end portion of the thread part 14.

[6] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the clamp 20 is a fixing unit for fixing the assistance handle 50 to the circular steering wheel 1, and includes an upper semicircular member

21 and a lower semicircular member 22. One ends of the upper semicircular member 21 and the lower semicircular member 22 are hinge-coupled to each other by a pin 23 and the other ends of the upper semicircular member 21 and the lower semicircular member 22 are horizontally extended in the same shape to form extended portions 24 and 25. A stopper seating part 27 and a hole 26 for passing the thread part 14 of the lower end of the connection shaft 12 therethrough are formed at an upper end portion of the extended portions 24 and 25.

[7] Thus, as shown in Fig. 3, in the conventional assistance handle 50, the steering wheel 1 is inserted into the semicircular members of the clamp, and the thread part 14 of the connection shaft 12 is inserted through the hole 26 of the extended portions 24 and 25. The assistance handle 50 is fixed to the steering wheel 1 by fastening a washer 31 and a nut 30 to the end of the thread part 14.

[8] As shown in Fig. 3, the conventional assistance handle 50 has a different diameter of the steering wheel 1 according to a manufacturing company. A number of protrusions (not shown) are formed on the inside of the upper and lower semicircular members 21 and 22 to firmly fix the clamp 20. One (or two) elastic member 33 made of rubber is additionally provided inside the clamp 20 of the assistance handle 50 to prevent the protrusions from damaging the steering wheel 1 and prevent sliding of the clamp 20.

[9] When the conventional assistance handle 50 is attached to the steering wheel 1, as shown in Fig. 3, after the extended portions of the clamp 20 are separated from each other, the steering wheel 1 is inserted into the clamp 20 with the elastic member 33. Then, the thread part 14 of the lower end of the connection shaft 12 is inserted through the hole 26 of the extended portions 24 and 25 of the clamp 20. The assistance handle 50 is firmly fixed to the steering wheel 1 by fastening the washer 31 and the nut 30 thereto.

[10] In the conventional assistance handle 50, when the clamp 20 is fastened to the connection shaft 12 with the head assembly 11, as shown in Fig. 3, the separated extended portions 24 and 25 of the clamp 20 are strongly pressed and compressed using a tool 40 such as pincers. Further, another tool such as a wrench is required to fasten the nut 30. Accordingly, most drivers who purchase the assistance handle 50 to use the assistance handle 50 should use various tools to attach the assistance handle or ask a garage to attach the assistance handle. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[11] In the conventional assistance handle 50, since there is a disadvantage that it is difficult to attach the assistance handle even though it has convenience in use, it is required to provide an assistance handle having an easily attachable structure.

[12] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel which is more convenient in attachment and use.

[13] Further, it is another object of the present invention to provide an assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel, which is attachable to the vehicle steering wheel with one touch without using a bolt-nut fastening structure in a clamp structure of the assistance handle or an additional attachment tool. [14] Furthermore, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a clamp of an assistance handle, which is attachable to the vehicle steering wheel with one touch and can be applied to the conventional assistance handle, thereby increasing applicability. Technical Solution

[15] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of an assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel, comprising: a head assembly, rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise, which includes an upper body portion and a lower body portion to be fastened to each other, wherein a thread part formed at an upper end portion of a connection shaft passes th rough a lower portion of the lower body portion to be fastened inside the lower body portion; and a clamp which includes an upper semicircular member having a protrusion portion to support the connection shaft and a stepped projection portion formed at its end, a lower semicircular member which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the upper semicircular member, an opening/closing member which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the lower semicircular member to cover an outer surface of the lower semicircular member, and a hook member which has one end portion which is hinge- coupled to a middle portion of a wing portion of the opening/closing member and a latch portion, formed at the other end portion, which is engaged with the stepped projection portion.

[16] Specifically, the upper semicircular member has a semicircular shape, the protrusion portion is formed to be horizontally extended from an outer surface of the upper semicircular member, and one end portion of the upper semicircular member includes a depressed portion to be hinge-coupled to the lower semicircular member. The lower semicircular member has a semicircular shape, one end portion of the lower semicircular member includes a prominent portion, and a pin passes through the depressed portion and the prominent portion in a state where the prominent portion is inserted into the depressed portion such that the upper semicircular member is hinge- coupled to the lower semicircular member.

[17] Preferably, the connection shaft, the protrusion portion and the upper semicircular member are formed as a single body through, for example, press molding, die casting or injection molding.

[18] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel, comprising: a head assembly, rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise, which includes an upper body portion and a lower body portion to be fastened to each other, wherein a thread part formed at an upper end portion of a connection shaft passes through a lower portion of the lower body portion to be fastened inside the lower body portion; and a clamp which includes an upper semicircular member having a protrusion portion to support the connection shaft, a lower semicircular member which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the upper semicircular member and has a groove portion formed at the other side thereof, a connection support member which is hinge-coupled to an end portion of the protrusion portion of the upper semicircular member, and an opening/closing member which is hinge-coupled to the other end portion of the connection support member and has a latch portion corresponding to the groove portion to cover an outer surface of the lower semicircular member.

[19] Preferably, the connection shaft, the protrusion portion and the upper semicircular member are formed as a single body through, for example, press molding, die casting or injection molding.

[20] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel, comprising: a head assembly, rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise, wherein a connection shaft is formed below the head assembly; and a clamp which includes an upper semicircular member having a protrusion portion to be selectively fastened to the connection shaft of the head assembly and a stepped projection portion formed at its end, a lower semicircular member which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the upper semicircular member, an opening/closing member which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the lower semicircular member to cover an outer surface of the lower semicircular member, and a hook member which has one end portion which is hinge-coupled to a middle portion of the opening/closing member and a latch portion, formed at the other end portion, which is engaged with the stepped projection portion.

[21] A bolt hole is formed on the protrusion portion to fasten the connection shaft with a bolt. This structure is employed to apply a conventional head assembly to the assistance handle according to the present invention.

[22] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamp of an assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel, the assistance handle having the clamp which is attached to and detached from the steering wheel and a head assembly connected to the clamp to be gripped by a driver, the clamp comprising: an upper semicircular member having a connection shaft fastened to the head assembly, a protrusion portion to support the connection shaft and a stepped projection portion formed at its end; a lower semicircular member which is hinge-coupled to the other end portion of the upper semicircular member; an opening/closing member which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the lower semicircular member to cover an outer surface of the lower semicircular member; and a hook member which has one end portion which is hinge-coupled to a middle portion of a wing portion of the opening/ closing member and a latch portion, formed at the other end portion, which is engaged with the stepped projection portion.

[23] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamp of an assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel, the assistance handle having the clamp which is attached to and detached from the steering wheel and a head assembly connected to the clamp to be gripped by a driver, the clamp comprising: an upper semicircular member having a connection shaft fastened to the head assembly and a protrusion portion to support the connection shaft; a lower semicircular member which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the upper semicircular member and has a groove portion formed at the other side thereof; a connection support member which is hinge-coupled to an end portion of the protrusion portion of the upper semicircular member; and an opening/closing member which is hinge-coupled to the other end portion of the connection support member and has a latch portion corresponding to the groove portion to cover an outer surface of the lower semicircular member.

[24] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamp of an assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel, the assistance handle having the clamp which is attached to and detached from the steering wheel and a head assembly connected to the clamp to be gripped by a driver, the clamp comprising: an upper semicircular member having a protrusion portion to be selectively fastened to a connection shaft of the head assembly and a stepped projection portion formed at its end; a lower semicircular member which is hinge-coupled to the other end portion of the upper semicircular member; an opening/closing member which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the lower semicircular member to cover an outer surface of the lower semicircular member; and a hook member which has one end portion which is hinge-coupled to a middle portion of a wing portion of the opening/closing member and a latch portion, formed at the other end portion, which is engaged with the stepped projection portion.

[25] A bolt hole is formed on the protrusion portion to fasten the connection shaft with a bolt.

[26] In the assistance handle according to the present invention, preferably, the head assembly has a folding structure to be easily positioned vertically and horizontally.

[27] The folding structure may be formed by a folding unit provided at a specific position of the connection shaft, an upper end portion of the connection shaft, or a lower portion of the head assembly. As an example of the folding unit, a locking unit and an unlocking unit may be provided to maintain the head assembly vertically and horizontally. A pressing unit having an elastic member to restore the head assembly may be installed in the head assembly, and if the pressing unit is pressed, a fixed locking unit is released to turn the head assembly in a horizontal direction. The folding unit allows the head assembly to have the folding structure. The head assembly having the folding structure is included in the present invention. An example of the folding- type head assembly is disclosed in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0172646 (1999. 12. 13). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the folding-type structure can be modified and changed.

Advantageous Effects

[28] The assistance handle according to the present invention does not employ a bolt-nut fastening structure in a clamp structure of the assistance handle. Accordingly, the assistance handle can be attached to the vehicle steering handle with one touch without using an additional attachment tool such as pincers or a wrench. Further, the clamp of the assistance handle according to the present invention, which is attachable to the steering wheel with one touch, can be coupled to the head assembly of the conventional assistance handle, thereby increasing applicability. Brief Description of the Drawings

[29] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[30] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a conventional assistance handle;

[31] Fig. 2 illustrates a separated perspective view of Fig. 1 ;

[32] Fig. 3 shows a process for attaching the assistance handle shown in Fig. 1 to the steering wheel;

[33] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[34] Fig. 5 illustrates a separated perspective view of Fig. 4;

[35] Fig. 6 illustrates a separated perspective view showing a clamp of the assistance handle of the vehicle steering wheel according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[36] Fig. 7 illustrates the clamp which is completely expanded in the assistance handle of the vehicle steering wheel according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[37] Fig. 8 shows a process for fastening a lower semicircular member and an upper semicircular member in a close contact state in the assistance handle of the vehicle steering wheel according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[38] Fig. 9 shows a process in which an opening/closing member is opened to fasten a latch portion of a hook member to a stepped projection portion in the assistance handle of the vehicle steering wheel according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[39] Fig. 10 illustrates a state in which the assistance handle is completely attached to the steering wheel in the assistance handle of the vehicle steering wheel according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[40] Fig. 11 illustrates a side view of an assistance handle according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[41] Fig. 12 illustrates a side view of an assistance handle according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

[42] Fig. 13 illustrates a modified example of the assistance handle according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[43] (First embodiment)

[44] Hereinafter, an assistance handle according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 4 to 10.

[45] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing an assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 illustrates a separated perspective view of the assistance handle shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 illustrates a separated perspective view showing a clamp of the assistance handle of the vehicle steering wheel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[46] Referring to Figs. 4 to 6, an assistance handle 100 of the vehicle steering wheel according to the first embodiment of the present invention largely includes a clamp 180 which is attached to a steering wheel (not shown) and a head assembly 110 which is gripped by a driver.

[47] The head assembly 110 includes an upper body portion 111 and a lower body portion 112 capable of being fastened to each other. A thread part 121 formed at an upper end portion of a connection shaft 120 passes through a lower portion of the lower body portion 112 to be fastened inside the lower body portion 112. The head assembly 110 can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise.

[48] The clamp 180 is configured to simply attach the assistance handle to the steering wheel with one touch without using a tool such as pincers. The clamp 180 includes an upper semicircular member 130, a lower semicircular member 140 and an opening/ closing member 150 and a hook member 160.

[49] The upper semicircular member 130 includes a protrusion portion 132 to support the connection shaft 120. A stepped projection portion 133 is formed at the end of the upper semicircular member 130.

[50] The lower semicircular member 140 is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the upper semicircular member 130. The lower semicircular member 140 is fastened to the upper semicircular member 130 to form a circular shape.

[51] The opening/closing member 150 is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the lower semicircular member 140 to cover an outer surface of the lower semicircular member 140. The other end portion of the opening/closing member 150 includes a protrusion portion 155. Accordingly, when it is necessary to unfasten the clamp 180 after fastening of the clamp 180, preferably, the opening/closing member is unfastened using a tool such as a driver to move the clamp 180.

[52] One end portion of the hook member 160 is hinge-coupled to a middle portion of a wing portion 153 of the opening/closing member 150. The other end portion of the hook member 160 includes a latch portion 162 which is engaged with the stepped projection portion 133.

[53] Specifically, the upper semicircular member 130 has a semicircular shape. The protrusion portion 132 is formed to be horizontally extended from an outer surface of the upper semicircular member 130. One end portion of the upper semicircular member 130 includes a depressed portion 135 to be hinge-coupled to the lower semicircular member 140.

[54] The lower semicircular member 140 has a semicircular shape. One end portion of the lower semicircular member 140 includes a prominent portion 141. In a state where the prominent portion 141 is inserted into the depressed portion 135, a pin 143 passes through the depressed portion 135 and the prominent portion 141 such that the upper semicircular member 130 is hinge-coupled to the lower semicircular member 140.

[55] Meanwhile, a number of protrusions 142 may be disposed on inner surfaces of the upper semicircular member 130 and the lower semicircular member 140 to prevent sliding of a handle portion and of the steering wheel and an elastic member and to firmly fix the assistance handle. A number of needles may be formed instead of the protrusions.

[56] In this case, preferably, the connection shaft 120, the protrusion portion 132 and the upper semicircular member 130 are formed as a single body through, for example, press molding, die casting or injection molding in the aspect of safety, solidity and strength.

[57] Hereinafter, an attachment process in which the assistance handle 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached to or detached from the steering wheel with one touch, that is, a clamp fastening process will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 10.

[58] Fig. 7 illustrates a state in which the clamp is completely expanded in the assistance handle of the vehicle steering wheel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 illustrates a process for fastening the lower semicircular member and the upper semicircular member in a close contact state in the assistance handle of the vehicle steering wheel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 illustrates a process in which the opening/closing member is opened to fasten the latch portion of the hook member to the stepped projection portion in the assistance handle of the vehicle steering wheel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 illustrates a state in which the assistance handle is completely attached to the steering wheel in the assistance handle of the vehicle steering wheel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[59] As shown in the drawings, in the assistance handle 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in a state where the clamp 180 is attached to the steering wheel (not shown), the head assembly 110 is freely rotated clockwise and counterclockwise.

[60] Specifically, the connection shaft 120 is formed on the protrusion portion 132 extended from the upper semicircular member 130 as a single body. The connection shaft 120 is coupled to the head assembly 110 to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise. The other end portion of the upper semicircular member 130 is hinge- coupled to the lower semicircular member 140 by the pin 143.

[61] Further, the other end portion of the lower semicircular member 140 is hinge- coupled to one end portion of the opening/closing member 150 by a pin 154. One end portion of the hook member 160 is hinge-coupled to the wing portion 153 of the opening/closing member 150. The latch portion 162 is formed on the other end portion of the hook member 160 to be engaged with the stepped projection portion 133 of the upper semicircular member 130.

[62] In order to attach the assistance handle 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention to a specific position of the steering wheel with one touch without using an additional attachment tool, as shown in Fig. 7, the clamp 180 is completely expanded and a recess portion of the upper semicircular member 130 is closely contacted to the steering wheel (not shown). In this case, the steering wheel and the clamp 180 may have different diameters. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 4, one (or two) elastic member 170 may be interposed between the steering wheel and the clamp 180 having different diameters.

[63] Then, as shown in Fig. 8, the lower semicircular member 140 is made in close contact with the opening/closing member 150 such that the upper semicircular member 130 and the lower semicircular member 140 completely cover the steering wheel (not shown). In this case, the opening/closing member 150 is in close contact with an outer surface of the lower semicircular member 140 and the opening/closing member 150 has a U-shaped cross section to completely cover the lower semicircular member 140. Thus, the opening/closing member 150 and the lower semicircular member 140 may be seen as one member.

[64] Then, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the opening/closing member 150 is expanded downward as represented by an arrow such that one end portion of the opening/closing member 150 is separated from the lower semicircular member 140 to move the hook member 160 toward the upper semicircular member 130. In this case, the latch portion 162 formed at the end portion of the hook member 160 is inserted to the stepped projection portion 133.

[65] As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, when the latch portion 162 is completely inserted and engaged with the stepped projection portion 133, the opening/closing member 150 is pushed in an opposite direction to an expanding direction to be coupled with the lower semicircular member 140. As a result, the assistance handle 100 is completely attached to the steering wheel.

[66] In this case, when the clamp 180 or the assistance handle 100 is intended to be detached from the steering wheel, the opening/closing member 150, particularly, the protrusion portion 155 formed at the end portion of the opening/closing member 150, is expanded (pulled) using a flat tool such as a driver.

[67] In the assistance handle 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which is attachable to the steering wheel with one touch, it is preferable that the attachment is easy and the detachment is difficult. If the detachment is easy, the assistance handle may be detached while rotating the assistance handle, thereby causing an accident. Accordingly, the assistance handle is easily attached, whereas the assistance handle can be detached using an additional tool only when intended. Consequently, it is possible to promote safety of drivers using the assistance handle.

[68] (Second embodiment)

[69] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 11.

[70] Fig. 11 illustrates a side view of an assistance handle according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[71] An assistance handle 300 shown in Fig. 11 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a fastening structure attachable to the steering wheel with one touch in the same way as in the first embodiment, but has a slightly different connection in the fastening structure from that of the first embodiment.

[72] In other words, the assistance handle 300 according to the second embodiment of the present invention largely includes a head assembly 110 and a clamp 380 which is disposed at a lower portion to be attachable to the steering wheel with one touch. Since the head assembly 110 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[73] The clamp 380 includes an upper semicircular member 330 having a protrusion portion 332 to support a connection shaft 320, a lower semicircular member 340 which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the upper semicircular member 330 and has a groove portion 341 formed at the other side thereof, a connection support member 350 which is hinge-coupled to an end portion of the protrusion portion 332, and an opening/closing member 360 which is hinge-coupled to the other end portion of the connection support member 350 and has a latch portion 361 corresponding to the groove portion 341 to cover an outer surface of the lower semicircular member 340.

[74] Preferably, the connection shaft 320, the protrusion portion 332 and the upper semicircular member 330 are formed as a single body through, for example, press molding, die casting or injection molding.

[75] Meanwhile, although the stepped projection portion 133 is formed at the lower end of the protrusion portion 132 of the upper semicircular member 130 in the first embodiment, the groove portion 341 is formed in a semicircular shape at the end of the lower semicircular member 340 in the second embodiment shown in Fig. 11. In this case, the groove portion 341 for engagement may be formed on the inside or may be formed in a hook shape on the inside or outside. Accordingly, an engagement structure of the second embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the structure shown in Fig. 11.

[76] Further, a lower end portion of the protrusion portion of the upper semicircular member 330 is hinge-coupled to the connection support member 350. The other end portion of the connection support member 350 is hinge-coupled to a middle portion of the opening/closing member 360 by protrusions. The opening/closing member 360 is entirely formed in a U shape to cover the lower semicircular member 340 in fastening. The latch portion 361 is formed in a hook shape at an upper end portion of the opening/closing member 360 to be engaged with the groove portion 341 formed at an end portion of the lower semicircular member. The connection support member is hinge-coupled to a middle portion of opposite wing portions of the U-shaped opening/ closing member.

[77] A fastening operation of the clamp 380 is explained in brief. The end portion of the lower semicircular member 340 is rotated, thereby engaging the latch portion 361 with the groove portion 341 formed at the lower semicircular member 340. As the opening/ closing member 360 is pushed toward the lower semicircular member 340, the end portion of the lower semicircular member 340 is rotated toward the protrusion portion 332 of the upper semicircular member 330 while being engaged with the latch portion 361, thereby fastening the clamp 380 to the steering wheel.

[78] In the same way, after the fastening of the clamp 380 is finished, the clamp 380 may be unfastened by pulling the end portion using a tool such as a driver.

[79] The first embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 4 and the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 11 are similar in the configuration and components, and are different only in the connection structure. However, ultimately, since the assistance handles 100 and 300 according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention have a structure of a clamp attachable to the steering wheel with one touch, it may be concluded that the assistance handles 100 and 300 are operated in the same manner.

[80] (Modified examples)

[81] Fig. 12 illustrates an assistance handle according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The assistance handle shown in Fig. 12 has the head assembly of the conventional assistance handle shown in Figs. 1 to 3 which is alternately applied to the assistance handle having a clamp structure attachable to the steering wheel with one touch according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 4 to 10 and the assistance handle having a clamp structure attachable to the steering wheel with one touch according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 11.

[82] Specifically, in the assistance handle shown in Fig. 12, the clamp of the assistance handle shown in Fig. 6 according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to the conventional assistance handle.

[83] The clamp of the assistance handle according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is attachable to the steering wheel with one touch, can be attached to the head assembly 110 and the connection shaft 120 of the conventional assistance handle, thereby obtaining convenience.

[84] In other words, the clamp of the assistance handle according to the third embodiment of the present invention can replace the clamp of the conventional assistance handle having the head assembly and the connection shaft. Thus, the conventional assistance handle can be used without changing the configuration and design.

[85] In this case, preferably, the head assembly 110 has a folding structure to be easily positioned vertically and horizontally as described above.

[86] Fig. 13 illustrates another type of assistance handle according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In this case, a clamp may be configured to have an opposite fastening direction. That is, a connection shaft 12 may be fastened to a clamp (not shown) by tightening a nut 30 and a washer 31 to a lower portion of the connection shaft 12 of a head assembly 11.

[87] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. Industrial Applicability

[88] The assistance handle according to the present invention does not employ a bolt-nut fastening structure in a clamp structure of the assistance handle. Accordingly, the assistance handle can be attached to the vehicle steering handle with one touch without using an additional attachment tool such as pincers or a wrench. Further, the clamp of the assistance handle according to the present invention, which is attachable to the steering wheel with one touch, can be coupled to the head assembly of the conventional assistance handle, thereby increasing applicability. [89]

Claims

[1] An assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel, comprising: a head assembly (110), rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise, which includes an upper body portion (111) and a lower body portion (112) to be fastened to each other, wherein a thread part (121) formed at an upper end portion of a connection shaft (120) passes through a lower portion of the lower body portion (112) to be fastened inside the lower body portion (112); and a clamp (180) which includes an upper semicircular member (130) having a protrusion portion (132) to support the connection shaft (120) and a stepped projection portion (133) formed at its end, a lower semicircular member (140) which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the upper semicircular member (130), an opening/closing member (150) which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the lower semicircular member (140) to cover an outer surface of the lower semicircular member (140), and a hook member (160) which has one end portion which is hinge-coupled to a middle portion of a wing portion (153) of the opening/closing member (150) and a latch portion (162), formed at the other end portion, which is engaged with the stepped projection portion (133).

[2] The assistance handle according to claim 1, wherein the upper semicircular member (130) has a semicircular shape, the protrusion portion (132) is formed to be horizontally extended from an outer surface of the upper semicircular member (130), and one end portion of the upper semicircular member (130) includes a depressed portion (135) to be hinge-coupled to the lower semicircular member (140), and wherein the lower semicircular member (140) has a semicircular shape, one end portion of the lower semicircular member (140) includes a prominent portion (141), and a pin (143) passes through the depressed portion (135) and the prominent portion (141) in a state where the prominent portion (141) is inserted into the depressed portion (135) such that the upper semicircular member (130) is hinge-coupled to the lower semicircular member (140).

[3] The assistance handle according to claim 1, wherein the connection shaft (120), the protrusion portion (132) and the upper semicircular member (130) are formed as a single body.

[4] An assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel, comprising: a head assembly (110), rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise, which includes an upper body portion (111) and a lower body portion (112) to be fastened to each other, wherein a thread part (121) formed at an upper end portion of a connection shaft (120) passes through a lower portion of the lower body portion (112) to be fastened inside the lower body portion (112); and a clamp (380) which includes an upper semicircular member (330) having a protrusion portion (332) to support the connection shaft (120), a lower semicircular member (340) which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the upper semicircular member (330) and has a groove portion (341) formed at the other side thereof, a connection support member (350) which is hinge-coupled to an end portion of the protrusion portion (332) of the upper semicircular member (330), and an opening/closing member (360) which is hinge-coupled to the other end portion of the connection support member (350) and has a latch portion (361) corresponding to the groove portion (341) to cover an outer surface of the lower semicircular member (340).

[5] The assistance handle according to claim 4, wherein the connection shaft (120), the protrusion portion (332) and the upper semicircular member (330) are formed as a single body.

[6] An assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel, comprising: a head assembly (110), rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise, wherein a connection shaft (120) is formed below the head assembly (110); and a clamp (180) which includes an upper semicircular member (130) having a protrusion portion (132) to be selectively fastened to the connection shaft (120) of the head assembly (110) and a stepped projection portion (133) formed at its end, a lower semicircular member (140) which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the upper semicircular member (130), an opening/closing member (150) which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the lower semicircular member (140) to cover an outer surface of the lower semicircular member (140), and a hook member (160) which has one end portion which is hinge-coupled to a middle portion of the opening/closing member (150) and a latch portion (162), formed at the other end portion, which is engaged with the stepped projection portion (133).

[7] The assistance handle according to claim 6, wherein a bolt hole (134) is formed on the protrusion portion (132) to fasten the connection shaft (120) with a bolt.

[8] A clamp of an assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel, the assistance handle having the clamp which is attached to and detached from the steering wheel and a head assembly connected to the clamp to be gripped by a driver, the clamp comprising: an upper semicircular member (130) having a connection shaft (120) fastened to the head assembly (110), a protrusion portion (132) to support the connection shaft (120) and a stepped projection portion (133) formed at its end; a lower semicircular member (140) which is hinge-coupled to the other end portion of the upper semicircular member (130); an opening/closing member (150) which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the lower semicircular member (140) to cover an outer surface of the lower semicircular member (140); and a hook member (160) which has one end portion which is hinge-coupled to a middle portion of a wing portion (153) of the opening/closing member (150) and a latch portion (162), formed at the other end portion, which is engaged with the stepped projection portion (133).

[9] A clamp of an assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel, the assistance handle having the clamp which is attached to and detached from the steering wheel and a head assembly connected to the clamp to be gripped by a driver, the clamp comprising: an upper semicircular member (330) having a connection shaft (120) fastened to the head assembly (110) and a protrusion portion (332) to support the connection shaft (120); a lower semicircular member (340) which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the upper semicircular member (330) and has a groove portion (341) formed at the other side thereof; a connection support member (350) which is hinge-coupled to an end portion of the protrusion portion (332) of the upper semicircular member (330); and an opening/closing member (360) which is hinge-coupled to the other end portion of the connection support member (350) and has a latch portion (361) corresponding to the groove portion (341) to cover an outer surface of the lower semicircular member (340).

[10] A clamp of an assistance handle of a vehicle steering wheel, the assistance handle having the clamp which is attached to and detached from the steering wheel and a head assembly connected to the clamp to be gripped by a driver, the clamp comprising: an upper semicircular member (130) having a protrusion portion (132) to be selectively fastened to a connection shaft (120) of the head assembly (110) and a stepped projection portion (133) formed at its end; a lower semicircular member (140) which is hinge-coupled to the other end portion of the upper semicircular member (130); an opening/closing member (150) which is hinge-coupled to one end portion of the lower semicircular member (140) to cover an outer surface of the lower semicircular member (140); and a hook member (160) which has one end portion which is hinge-coupled to a middle portion of a wing portion (153) of the opening/closing member (150) and a latch portion (162), formed at the other end portion, which is engaged with the stepped projection portion (133). [11] The clamp according to claim 10, wherein a bolt hole (134) is formed on the protrusion portion (132) to fasten the connection shaft (120) with a bolt. [12] The assistance handle according to claim 1, wherein the head assembly (110) has a folding structure to be easily positioned vertically and horizontally.