Steering wheel assembly provided with concentric circle fixed instrument panel and Mobius ring rim

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering wheel assembly with an inner diameter concentric circle fixed instrument panel and a Mobius annular rim, and provides a brand new designed steering wheel mechanism. The Mobius ring topological structure rim is attractive and novel in appearance. The surrounding fluctuation of the circumference of the rim is attached to the palm, and the rotating torque of holding of the two hands acts on the rim in a balanced mode and forms direct thrust. According to the assembly, a concentric circular instrument panel carrier fixed to a steering column shell is installed in the circular area of the inner diameter of a steering wheel rim in a nested mode; the pointer mechanical instrument, the LCD / DLP high-definition electronic display screen, the safety airbag module and the shortcut key are arranged on the instrument panel in an integrated manner, so that the functions are complementary, and the gradation is clear and simple. A driver can observe and operate the multimedia interface more intuitively, and requirements in multiple aspects can be met more flexibly. And vehicle driving related parameters and information can be simply and directly presented and provided to a driver at the correct position most suitable for observing and reading data. The fundamental purpose and effect of efficiently and easily driving the vehicle are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a steering wheel carrier device for vehicle steering motion; the steering wheel rim adopts a Mobius ring topology shape and the inner diameter area is integrated with a concentric circle instrument panel fixed to the steering column. The instrument panel includes a pointer instrument group and a liquid crystal screen or an electronic projection screen as a multimedia information display function area. Background Art

[0002] The steering wheel is an essential device for driving a vehicle and for executing the steering movement of the vehicle. It is also called a steering wheel. It includes an outer diameter rim for holding, an inner diameter hub connected to the steering shaft, and spokes connecting the inner hub and the inner and outer diameters of the handle (rim). The steering wheel is arranged in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle. The driver's body movements of sitting upright with elbows bent and arms extended to hold the steering wheel help promote the driver to maintain and improve his concentration. Slight body movements can also relieve driving fatigue. The perfect circular steering wheel rim configuration helps to make the force arm drive feedback uniform, the rotational torque is maximized and the transmission resistance is minimized. During the steering driving process of turning the handle, the arm movement trajectory can maintain regularity and stability, with high practical value and neat and beautiful appearance; it is significantly better than other irregular shapes.

[0003] The sustainable development of a perfect round steering wheel lies in that the inner diameter space surrounded by the steering wheel, except for the spokes and the center hub, occupies a large flat vacant area and is not fully utilized. This is related to the fact that the driver must read the data from the instruments on the dashboard at a distance to ensure operation. The outer diameter of the steering wheel of a medium and light vehicle is usually 36.8 to 39 cm; after deducting the diameter of the handle ring and the space around the finger grip, it still has an inner ring area with a diameter of about 27 to 31.5 cm, equivalent to ≥700 cm 2 The circular area is not effectively utilized. The instrument is located on the platform behind the steering wheel. The driver reads the instrument panel display parameters through the blank area of ​​the upper spoke of the steering wheel. The limitation of the steering wheel handle causes the visible range of the instrument display at a long distance to be reduced. The various instrument display components installed on the instrument panel and the center console have caused the front desk to be too large and bloated, with too many additional parts and scattered distribution; it occupies a lot of the front space in the car, which has affected the driver's position and the front line of vision.

[0004] The inventor of the present invention has found in practice that the instrument display, data reading and installation of various components should facilitate the driver's convenient experience and simplify the operation without compromising his driving attention, coordination and safety. Therefore, the ideal observation position of each functional instrument and display in accordance with the principle of focal perspective is on the circular area of ​​the steering wheel facing the driver, that is, the circular space surrounded by the steering wheel. However, on the current ordinary steering wheel, in the structure where the steering wheel spokes and the steering column are connected, a lot of space cannot be used, and most of the limited wheel hub support area is occupied by the airbag module, and the necessary image fixed observation range cannot be further expanded due to the rotation of the steering wheel. That is, the conventional steering wheel structure-the installation of the airbag module assembly will not leave enough adaptation tooling space for the new form and new interface instrument group and display.

[0005] Therefore, a new steering wheel assembly is needed that is more friendly and convenient for the driver to observe and read the field of vision and function operation. The multifunctional integrated body is compact and symmetrical, easy to assemble and adjust, and suitable for various instrument display mechanisms and airbag safety module arrangements while maintaining a sufficient universal adaptability space structure. At the same time, it is also necessary to provide a steering wheel carrier that the driver can centrally control and operate and is compact and compatible, so as to greatly simplify the volume occupied by the original instrument panel and center console in the car and reduce the waste of passenger space and resources in the car. In particular, it can make the environment of the front driver's seat more abundant, and the driving experience more comfortable, relaxed and convenient. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a new steering wheel assembly for executing vehicle steering movement, which makes full use of the inner diameter space surrounded by the steering wheel rim, installs an internal instrument panel which is concentric with the rim, and is arranged according to the requirements of >700cm 2 The practical area of ​​the instrument panel of small and medium-sized vehicles is 310 to 360 cm. 2 , on the basis of providing closer and clearer visibility and readability, it can eliminate the replacement of the original instrument panel installation, and even save the interior space by designing without center console and center control screen. This greatly refines the layout of the cockpit, making the interior space more concise and improving riding comfort.

[0007] First, a new carrier is provided. The traditional structure of the steering wheel is improved and the precious circular area inside the wheel rim is fully utilized as the instrument display integrated functional area. The instrument cluster and the central control screen display device are completely moved from the far end behind the steering wheel to the front area directly facing the driver's visual focus at the front of the steering wheel. Not only does it improve the utilization rate of the steering wheel area, but it is also more conducive to close-up clear observation of driving data, ensuring that the driver has a free view of the driving area in front of the vehicle and the close-up clarity of the instrument reading is within reach and easy to operate quickly, forming a flexible driving vehicle with multiple system engineering advantages.

[0008] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0009] The first rotating element is the handle (rim), which is arranged on the outer periphery of the steering wheel and is held by the driver with both hands; the second rotating element is the hub sleeve, which is shaped like a sleeve and can be directly integrated with the hub and formed. It is fixedly connected to the steering wheel through the spokes 1 and the sleeve is freely rotatable from the steering column housing port to the inner side of the steering column housing. When the driver rotates the steering wheel, because the rim, spokes and hub sleeve elements are rigidly connected to each other, they all rotate around the axis of the center column in the steering column housing.

[0010] In the steering column housing, the center column is fixedly installed on the inner diameter of the steering column through its flange as a bracket. The center column passes through the inner diameter of the steering wheel hub sleeve and extends from the sleeve toward the driver's outer end through the hole to connect to the instrument panel housing. The steering wheel hub sleeve is positioned and connected to the outer cylindrical surface of the center column through the bearing. At the same time, the outer cylindrical surface gear teeth of the steering wheel hub sleeve and the matching parallel shaft gear pair transmit the rotation of the steering wheel through the parallel shaft (secondary shaft) and then through the second gear pair meshing transmission to the steering shaft for steering transmission output. In this way, through the parallel shaft and two gear pair mechanisms, the driver's rotation input is transmitted in the same direction from the steering wheel hub sleeve to the steering shaft and wheel steering system. The gear pair meshing drive can be designed to synchronously measure the steering wheel or steering shaft angle, and the steering ratio transmits signals to the driving computer and power steering mechanism through the sensor.

[0011] In the present invention, the steering wheel and the steering shaft are not directly connected mechanically, but are indirectly connected through the transmission of the parallel shaft gear pair. For the steering wheel, the center column fixed in the steering column housing and the instrument panel assembled at the front end, this assembly also has the safety buffering effect of absorbing impact energy. When a collision occurs, the steering column is subjected to a huge impact force; the assembly can retreat and collapse as a whole along with the unlocking and extension of the steering column housing, playing an energy absorption and buffering protection function. The steering shaft and the transmission gear ②a are connected by the keyway of the shaft sleeve, and the front end has a certain spare length of the inner cavity diameter (such as 5cm), which can avoid and accommodate the gears installed on the center column flange and the steering wheel with the sliding displacement of the steering column housing, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the steering column collapse.

[0012] The steering wheel mechanism of the present invention is connected and transmitted inside the steering column housing. The steering wheel assembly is actually assembled with the center column as the core structure for basic expansion. The center column is fixed in the steering column housing through its own flange. The outer cylindrical surface of the column facing the driver not only supports the rotatable steering wheel hub sleeve, but also its front end is fixedly connected to the instrument panel housing located at the inner diameter of the steering wheel rim to install and integrate various instruments and display combinations. The inner diameter of the center column is also used as a wiring harness channel for connecting the front instrument, display screen, airbag, function keys and other components. The shaft hole on the flange surface of the center column and the coaxial short shaft of the bearing seat and the back side are also used as the gear and parallel shaft support carrier of the parallel shaft gear pair meshing mechanism to complete the power transmission of the steering wheel. The center column structure serves as and undertakes multiple functions such as the instrument panel installation positioning carrier, the steering wheel power mechanism carrier, the wiring harness connection carrier, and the safety protection carrier. At the same time, it has the comprehensive characteristics of compact and simple structure and convenient and flexible installation.

[0013] Preferably, after the instrument panel shell is fixed, various instruments, displays and airbag module units can be sequentially assembled inside it. In terms of display structure and interface style, the present invention recommends that while adopting a traditional display method with a pointer-type mechanical instrument structure, a multimedia display screen with a touch function is combined with a mechanical pointer instrument to achieve a vivid display of information and color. The overall layout makes full use of the symmetrical intervals on both sides of the horizontal axis of the instrument panel, and evenly arranges the instruments, electronic display screens and airbag modules, which are divided into three areas: upper, middle and lower. That is, the upper pointer instrument function area, the middle liquid crystal screen horizontal wide display area, and the lower airbag module area and function key distribution belt.

[0014] The upper pointer instrument functional area is equivalent to completely converting the original instrument panel located in the foreground and transplanting it to the steering wheel; in general, the upper pointer instrument adopts the daytime natural reflection display mode. Because it is closer to the driver and there is no obstruction, the instrument panel and pointer instrument can be relatively reduced (such as ≈15%). The instrument panel shell is calculated according to the different specifications of the inner diameter of 30.4 or 32.5cm, and the total area of ​​the upper pointer instrument functional area reaches 200~230cm 2 ; and both main scale pointer instruments adopt The specifications are very clear, and the field of vision is very clear, which fully retains the advantages of the original instrument panel structure and the balanced display of pointer instruments.

[0015] While adding an electronic display screen interface, the present invention retains and fully displays the most rounded, plump, eye-catching and most frequently observed speedometer and tachometer in the combined mechanical instrument system, which respectively display the speed of the car and the engine speed. This scale dial pointer display method actually contains the characteristics of probabilistic fuzzy sets similar to fuzzy mathematics and probability statistics algorithms, which are organically combined with the two (probabilistic fuzzy sets); due to the mechanical characteristics of this fuzzy set, randomness is introduced into the simulation area of ​​the motion to describe the random characteristics of the variable membership, and a fitting function composed of random change factors is constructed; the steady-state fault-tolerant structure is good, and it is most suitable for balanced and dynamic reflection of timeliness and visual observation comprehension.

[0016] The middle layer LCD screen has a wide display area, and generally, a large span display screen / panel is arranged in a symmetrical interval on both sides of the diameter of the horizontal axis of the instrument panel. The display device may include: a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFTLCD: thin film transistor liquid crystal display), and an organic light emitting diode (OLED: organic light emitting diode). A digital light processing (DLP) color projection screen system can also be considered. The light emitting visual effect of the DLP system is more natural and soft, and the color brilliance can also be more realistic.

[0017] Taking into account the flexibility and convenience of the spatial layout, while taking into account the proportion of the display interval of the upper pointer instrument, the display screen is maximized along the horizontal axis of the instrument panel shell; the overall screen aspect ratio (or length-to-width ratio) can be set to 20:7; in fact, it can be regarded as two screens of (10:7) ratio integrated side by side, according to the steering wheel handlebar outer circle diameter of 38-38.8cm and different wheel rim shape standards, the horizontal length of the screen can reach 28.5-31cm, and the vertical height (width) is 10-10.85cm; the total display area of ​​the screen can reach 10.3-11.1 inches calculated according to the 16:9 specification, and it is a completely positive visual area, and the focus of vision is better.

[0018] The screen can flexibly set the interface standard, such as the left, middle and right three interface windows are divided into two screens for display; the middle main screen window interface is in 16:9 specifications, which can achieve 8.15-8.7-inch widescreen display effect. It is also possible to adopt a left-right symmetrical dual-screen interface structure, with each screen display reaching a size of 6.9-7.45 inches under an aspect ratio of 10:7. The electronic screen can also adopt a 3:1 aspect ratio, which is equivalent to two 3:2 ratio display screens side by side, and the screen display area is slightly smaller and considerable. Considering that the high-definition middle main interface window of the wide screen is facing the driver's line of sight and the distance is shortened, the 8.15-8.7-inch widescreen window is equivalent to the 10-12-inch screen display effect of the central control screen at a long distance and side viewing angle; and the display style is more diverse, which expands the visual display of the overall information of the car instrument.

[0019] The airbag module is installed in the lower semicircular area of ​​the circular instrument panel, and the lower airbag module area is distributed with function keys. The airbag is located below the horizontal wide screen of the middle layer. Because the instrument panel shell is fixed, the shell, airbag layer, shell cover, and inflation trigger mechanism of the airbag module can remain stable. The rotating cable connection device usually required for the airbag harness to rotate the steering wheel is not required and omitted. During the left and right rotation of the steering wheel, the fixed steady state form ensures the normal circuit connection of the airbag. The space and assembly are greatly simplified. It is also more conducive to always maintaining the correct and accurate azimuth angle when the airbag is triggered. It fully ensures the smooth inflation and expansion of the airbag after triggering and the safety of the head-on protection position relative to the driver.

[0020] The airbag module is always fixed to the instrument panel housing in a static state. It can also adopt a floating connection mechanism to have a horn sounding function. At the same time, by arranging the main function keys and buttons on the outer edge of the instrument panel on both sides of the airbag module, they are kept near the range of thumb movement when holding the steering wheel. Driving control functions can be easily realized without releasing both hands or shifting the line of sight. The airbag module, pointer instrument and LCD screen are arranged independently, with clear layers and no interference with each other, with high safety factor and good tooling effect.

[0021] Pointer instruments, multimedia displays and function keys are arranged on the fixed instrument panel surface on the inner diameter of the steering wheel, corresponding to the vehicle parameters such as speed, rotation speed, fuel level, water temperature, mileage, etc. Other indicators and function keys such as lighting function, parking function, wiper, etc. can also be integrated and arranged through the combination switch on the steering column housing under the steering wheel. The dynamic content is integrated and summarized through the partition window display of the color LCD screen with the color LCD screen as the carrier. While realizing the multi-functional control of the vehicle, the layout of the on-board display and buttons can be simplified to improve the user's driving experience.

[0022] It should be noted that the use of analog mechanical instruments based on the electrical signals from the sensors and indicated by the scale of the instrument panel does not mean backwardness / inefficiency. Large-scale and large-area electronic screen installation and display cannot be considered advanced and low-carbon and environmentally friendly. In other words, if the electronic screen display area in the car is increased only to enhance the so-called level or atmosphere near the instrument panel and in the cabin, but it does not actually provide more useful information, is too redundant, is not practical, and even causes "light pollution" interference and visual fatigue, such layout can be simplified and designed as an integrated whole with the main instrument panel.

[0023] In summary, it can be said that a large number of instrument displays and button (paddle) functions can be set in this innovative integrated steering wheel control unit, and the functions of the original dashboard are omitted, making the original dashboard and center console unnecessary; providing a clear view of the panoramic area in the front cockpit of the vehicle. And through the expansion and update of the display layout and structure of this integrated device, more information sources and display levels can be added as needed, so that the information that this centralized control steering wheel can display is more comprehensive and refined, and the expandability and visibility are stronger.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the steering wheel rim is constructed in the shape of a Mobius Ring. With this curved surface topology structure, it can be a single ring or a double ring. Compared with the ordinary circular ring rim entity, the Mobius Ring itself is three-dimensional, with a perfect circular contour projection and a non-planar three-dimensional curvature configuration that is perpendicular to the perfect circular projection trajectory and has a wavelength λ undulating and surrounded by a perpendicular and orthogonal non-planar three-dimensional curvature configuration. It not only enhances the beauty of the traditional perfect circular steering wheel, but also the undulating Mobius ring surface and shape line structure formed on the circumference of the rim element naturally have convex and concave grooves. The outer circumferential concave and convex surface can be evenly covered and grasped by the palm and fingers, so that the fingertips or fingertip areas of the fingers grasping the rim from the periphery form a driving force. The steering wheel can be made to rotate sensitively around the pivot axis, and the rim can be turned more easily to perform the steering movement of the vehicle.

[0025] The design of the rim in the shape of a Mobius ring, especially a double Mobius ring configuration, also creates an active ventilation function around the entire curved surface of the handle. This is because there is a slight gap between the spiral parts of the two Mobius rings, which will allow air to flow through the interior for ventilation. This air convection will flow in the surrounding structure in the inner and outer directions of the entire circumference of the steering wheel rim, thus naturally preventing any wet contact surface and the possibility of fingers slipping off the rim.

[0026] Furthermore, the present invention creatively provides a new form of compact steering wheel rim design; it can make the steering wheel handle design more diverse, and the two-handed gripping form and strength are completely the same, and the utilization rate of the entire steering wheel inner diameter area is more compact and sufficient. By improving the steering wheel handle ring body from a solid structure to a C / U-shaped cavity annular groove structure; one-time (injection molding) molding and eliminating the foam wrapping layer, and then continuing to apply a wear-resistant leather lining to wrap, and fixedly connected to the steering wheel skeleton. The outer surface of the annular groove not only meets the support function for the palm, but also the palm and finger joints of both hands can be naturally bent and extended into the cavity of the annular groove. In other words, the space originally occupied by the solid ring body of the wheel rim is fully released and utilized to accommodate the embedded grip of the palms and fingers of both hands, and there is no difference in the hand shape posture of the gripping action. In this way, the physical grip utilization efficiency of the handle is improved, and naturally the space level required for gripping the wheel rim is saved; that is, the available concentric circle diameter and area of ​​the inner diameter of the wheel rim are increased. The "open" frame of the CU annular groove wheel rim itself has good mechanical support. The front ring surface (within the plane of the steering wheel) naturally forms a palm rest, which can be hollowed out and perforated to enhance the ventilation effect; or the whole structure can be made of solid wood and connected to the steering wheel frame as a whole, which is natural to operate and has a better grip.

[0027] Obviously, the present invention has the following significant advantages through a Mobius ring rim steering wheel with a fixed inner diameter integrated instrument panel:

[0028] ① According to the present invention, the inner diameter of the steering wheel handle element is fixedly arranged with a concentric instrument panel. This provides an ideal instrument display installation carrier and field of view. Inner diameter concentric circle area 720~830cm 2 Efficient use of area. Because the instrument panel in the steering wheel circle is fixed, the installation and operation of various instruments, function displays and airbags become very simple and easy. At the same time, all driving instruments and multimedia display screens are located in the most suitable position for the driver to observe, read and operate quickly. It realizes the most efficient information observation and identification function for the driver in the most correct position and in the most concise way.

[0029] ② Because the instrument is transplanted to the fixed surface of the inner diameter of the steering wheel, the driver's straight-line observation distance is shortened and the field of vision is widened. According to the perspective principle, the surface area of ​​each instrument indication can be appropriately reduced without affecting the observation range and clarity. Therefore, a large number of function keys and displays can be integrated in this innovative steering device, and the functional features of the original instrument panel position will be omitted, and the redundant configuration of the instrument panel will be unnecessary. It provides a clear view of the area in front of the vehicle, providing the driver with a free view of the area in front of the vehicle and a wide space for riding.

[0030] ③ By integrating the electronic screen with multimedia display on the inner diameter of the steering wheel, it is more convenient for the driver to intuitively grasp various data information and operations. The display screen also has a touch function, and the driver can freely switch the displayed information content. The combination of mechanical pointer instruments and LCD screens better completes the convenience of data display and observation reading. It constitutes a multi-view and multi-dimensional display level. The overall goal is still concise, intuitive and integrated operation.

[0031] ④ The display structure of the instrument panel is fixed on the inner surface of the inner ring of the steering wheel. a. The functional instruments and electronic displays used to display the driving status of the vehicle are completely streamlined and compressed and integrated with the steering wheel. The instrument display control interface is simple and natural in style, omitting impractical redundant waste. The structure adopts modular design, which is simple in shape and easy to manufacture; it saves a lot of costs.

[0032] b. The front driving platform and the center console are integrated into the cabin in a more convenient, simple and smooth manner. The structural volume is reduced, which increases the available space in the cabin, and the configuration is simple and the ride performance is comfortable.

[0033] ⑤ The multiple designs of the Mobius ring steering wheel rim, no matter from which direction you look at it, the spiral surround has a strong three-dimensional symmetrical beauty, and can always present a variety of curved surfaces of the Mobius ring, either flat or spiral, with bright surfaces and shadows, full of a sense of balance and beauty. Combined with the perfect circular projection, the double spiral surround design has a special geometric concave and convex shape that uniformly converges the centripetal force or diverges the centrifugal force toward the cross section of the ring. This is an infinitely looping and endless curved surface topological structure, defined as infinite "∞".

[0034] ⑥ The C-cup / U-shaped ring groove structure of the steering wheel rim not only makes the steering wheel handle more concise and compact, greatly improves the available efficiency of the inner diameter enclosed area of ​​the steering wheel, and increases the display range of the instrument and multimedia screen; at the same time, it can also beautify and shape itself using the characteristics of the Möbius ring shape, and the overall contour of the steering wheel is more perfect in terms of operational functionality and aesthetic characteristics.

[0035] ⑦ The inner layer of the steering wheel is integrated with a concentric instrument panel, with a symmetrical and regular structure inside and outside, and a concise and clear view. The concentric area of ​​the inner diameter of the steering wheel is fully utilized, and the instrument panel carrier has a large structural space and good compatibility; it is easy to install, repair and disassemble, and has high versatility. In addition, the integrated combination of the rotatable wheel rim (Mobius-ring) and the concentric circle of the fixed inner diameter instrument panel also makes the steering wheel assembly more compact, concise, rich and full, providing a new choice for the vehicle design language and end users, and providing a possibility for promoting market diversification and new formats.

[0036] In summary, the present invention is based on the development trend of vehicle driving, especially in combination with the diversified use of electronic display devices installed in the vehicle cabin, and in fact, the demand for simplifying and optimizing the various electronic display devices and standardizing their orderly layout is gradually increasing. To this end, the purpose of the present invention is to solve the technical limitations of the existing steering wheel device. More diverse and humane. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 This is a front view of a steering wheel of a concentric fixed instrument panel assembly using a standard torus wheel rim shape;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multimedia display screen (3-screen windows) in a single Möbius ring rim-shaped steering wheel and a concentric circle fixed instrument panel assembly in Example 1;

[0039] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a steering wheel with a double Mobius ring rim shape and a multimedia electronic display screen in a concentric circle fixed instrument panel assembly that is suitable for a simple window interface mode;

[0040] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the steering wheel and the center column that fix the instrument panel assembly with concentric circles;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a front view of steering wheel embodiment 2, where the concentric circle fixed instrument panel assembly and the steering wheel rim adopt a C / U ring groove configuration;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a ring groove rim type steering wheel and a fixed instrument panel assembly according to Embodiment 2;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the wheel rim groove frame structure directly mounted on the steering wheel frame of Example 2;

[0044] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the steering wheel mechanism and the center column connected to the instrument panel housing;

[0045] Fig. 9It is a schematic diagram of a parallel shaft gear pair transmission mechanism of a steering wheel mechanism and a center column combination;

[0046] Fig.10 This is a rendering of a steering wheel rim with a single Möbius ring configuration;

[0047] Fig.11 The rendering of the steering wheel rim with a double Möbius ring configuration;

[0048] List of reference numerals: 1-wheel rim (handle ring); 2-wheel spokes; 3-wheel hub sleeve; 4-steering column housing; 5-instrument panel housing; 6-mechanical pointer instrument; 7-airbag module; 8-display screen; 9-auxiliary instruments and indicator lights; 10-function shortcut keys; 11-center fixed column; 12-center column flange; 13-short shaft on the back of the center column flange; 14-parallel shaft positioning hole (bearing seat); 15-parallel shaft; 16-wheel hub sleeve driving gear; 17-parallel shaft gear ①; 18-parallel shaft gear ②; 19-drive gear ②a; 20-drive gear ②a shaft sleeve; 21-steering shaft; 22-drive gear ②a shaft sleeve front end (cavity collapse) aperture; 23-multimedia screen main display interface; 24-screen auxiliary display interface, 25-wheel rim outer diameter, 26-wheel rim inner diameter, DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical connotation of the present invention, the following will be combined with the embodiments and drawings to describe the steering wheel scheme with concentric fixed instrument panel and the key technical links. The configuration features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the technical elements of the present invention, but are not used to limit the essential connotation scope of the present invention.

[0050] Figures 1 to 6 It is shown that the present invention adopts three different steering wheel rim designs, reflecting different steering wheel contour structures and aesthetic styles. At the same time, the physical area of ​​the concentric circle instrument panel within the area surrounded by the inner diameter (26) of the rim of the relevant steering wheel is also different.

[0051] Figure 1This is a front view of a combination of an ordinary circular steering wheel rim and a concentric circle instrument panel using Example 1 of the present invention. An instrument panel housing (5) is fixedly installed in the middle range of the steering wheel body. Various instrument displays are assembled in the instrument panel housing to form a steering wheel assembly with integrated instrument display and control functions in the center area of ​​the inner ring of the steering wheel (1). Functional instruments, display screens and function keys are evenly distributed. When the driver is operating the steering wheel, he can read and understand the vehicle information intuitively at close range through the instruments (6), (9) and display screen (8). Key switches and knobs are evenly arranged along the arcs on both sides of the lower half of the housing. When holding the steering wheel, the thumb can be moved horizontally to perform simple operations on the shortcut keys (10) and paddles on the edge areas of both sides of the instrument panel for corresponding functions. The main control switch can be set with different degrees of gear shift range for precise and detailed adjustment.

[0052] Located in the upper section of the instrument panel housing is a conventional instrument cluster (6), (9) comprising a plurality of pointers which can rotate in a circular direction around the axis of the dial to point to different parts of the instrument and convey the measured values ​​to the operator. The instruments are uniformly assembled in the housing and are mainly used to display vehicle speed, engine speed, fuel level, engine temperature or oil temperature, etc. When the headlights are activated, the backlight of the pointers or instruments is illuminated to improve visibility during low light hours during the day.

[0053] Pointer-type mechanical instruments are fully displayed with natural reflection during the day. The outer edge of the instrument panel shell can be slightly higher than the instrument dial to form a sunshade device with an extended shielding function, so that the instrument can still be clearly identified with a sunshade effect when exposed to sunlight; this allows the driver in front of the steering wheel to observe the instrument panel well and read the parameter content. In the instrument panel display layout, the mechanical pointer instrument with natural reflection display gives people a dynamic and balanced visual stability and harmonious pleasure; such a display structure itself has this soothing and natural viewing feature and advantage.

[0054] The electronic screen (8) in the middle layer is suitable for LCD / OLED / TFT type display modules and DLP projection imaging screens. It is installed basically symmetrically along the horizontal axis of the instrument panel; because the display module and the circuit board are relatively thin, they are located at a lower position below the glass cover of the instrument panel, or the instrument panel shell extends outward relative to the display screen to form a sunshade function, thereby ensuring the clear display of the screen. The outer shielding height of the instrument panel shell is appropriately increased so that its outer edge surface is sufficiently higher than the screen plane (9-15mm), thereby forming a good light shielding / reflection effect.

[0055] The present invention integrates the instrument display function within the inner diameter range of the steering wheel rim, which can greatly save and simplify the overall structure of the instrument panel, which is beneficial to both weight reduction and cost reduction. For example, the airbag module (7) itself is fixed and does not require a clock spring (cable drum) of the airbag module. The module is fixed to the instrument panel housing by means of a bayonet assembly on its back, ensuring the best ejection angle and direction. The surface cover above the airbag module can be printed with a logo pattern; the airbag module and the display screen are installed separately, and the triggering and actuation of the airbag is not affected by operational interference. At the same time, electrical components such as horn switches can still be selected and installed on the surface of the airbag module in a central floating mode, with a compact structure.

[0056] Figure 2 It is a front view of a centralized control instrument panel with a Möbius ring-shaped wheel rim and a fixed concentric circle of the inner diameter of the steering wheel in the structure of Example 1. The steering wheel is a solid rim with a single Möbius ring structure. At the same time, a typical display interface window diagram of the multimedia display screen in the middle layer of the instrument panel is presented. The main feature of the solid rim of the single Möbius ring structure is that it retains and inherits the structural form outline of an ordinary steering wheel; between the rim and the inner diameter instrument panel, the annular blank spacing zone for finger gripping is a transparent hollow transition, which makes the steering wheel body and the instrument panel assembly structure and appearance more symmetrical and easy-going, smooth and clearly layered.

[0057] Combination Figure 1 According to the steering wheel rim outer diameter parameter range of 38.8cm recommended in the embodiment, after deducting the rim entity and the surrounding space of the driver's hands, the outer diameter of the inner concentric instrument panel shell can reach 30.6cm; thus, the multimedia display screen installed in the instrument panel shell and arranged basically along the horizontal axis of the shell, with an aspect ratio of 20:7, can be calculated as 29×10.15cm. The total screen area is 294.35cm 2 , which is equivalent to a 10.33-inch display with a 16:9 specification.

[0058] The LCD screen can be divided into three window display area interfaces, namely the auxiliary display areas on the left and right sides and the main display area in the center. The main display area in the center of the screen has a 16:9 screen aspect ratio, and the window display area is 18.044×10.15cm, which is equivalent to an 8.15-inch wide screen display. It is mainly used for high-definition functions such as map navigation. The auxiliary window areas on both sides of the screen are each equivalent to a 4.5-inch vertical screen with an aspect ratio of ≈9:17. The two screen windows on the left and right sides are used to fully display various auxiliary prompt information. In addition to the general function display, icons such as network, GPS, cruise control, door locks, parking and various indicators can be added. A wide-viewing angle display of multiple graphic functions is realized in one.

[0059] Figure 3The steering wheel rim adopts a double Möbius ring structure view. The multiple surround nesting shapes of the double Möbius rings have a stronger three-dimensional sense. It also shows a special display mode in which the middle layer of the horizontal electronic screen in the instrument panel is arranged according to three interfaces. When the display screen enters the simplified mode, the central main screen window (16:9 format 8.15 inches) is in a dormant state, that is, it becomes an unused area (navigation is turned off). The 4.5-inch vertical screens on both sides are the most basic symbols, and the digital information display output column. This mode creates a quiet and soothing driving atmosphere. The upper layer of the instrument panel pointer instrument area, through the four instrument panels of the instrument (6) and (9); namely the speed, tachometer; water temperature, and fuel gauge; has covered the main parameters of the power system; supplemented by the basic graphic prompt interface required on the multimedia display screen, fully meet the observation and interpretation needs of the driver. From the simplified function display area mode of the multimedia screen, the driver and passengers may find and experience that when a large amount of the display area of ​​the display screen is not triggered and is in a dormant state, the entire surface of the instrument panel will look neater and more stable.

[0060] Figure 4 The three-dimensional structure diagram of Example 1 includes a wheel rim (1), three curved spokes (2) and a central column (11) inserted into the hub sleeve. The wheel hub and the sleeve are directly integrated. The wheel rim and the instrument panel surface are in the same plane. The wheel rim and the central hub are connected by a plurality of curved spokes, so that a basin-shaped space is formed inside the steering wheel rim. The cylindrical space is composed of the central hub sleeve and the curved spokes. The basin-shaped column space is just suitable for accommodating a fixed flat cylindrical instrument panel shell (5). The steering wheel can still exert a torque on the direction of the vehicle through the central hub and connected to the steering shaft.

[0061] Due to the popularization of power steering mechanisms, the diameter of steering wheels has tended to be smaller than that of previous models; the steering wheel device can adopt a relatively larger diameter (such as 38 to 39.5 cm), and the forward tilt angle of the steering wheel rim plane can be appropriately reduced to provide better support for the palm. At the same time, the inclination angle of the steering column housing can be adjusted to flexibly meet the driver's sitting and holding requirements, forming a favorable posture corresponding to partial relaxation of the arm. There is sufficient gap between the steering wheel rim and the outer diameter of the instrument panel with a fixed inner diameter, ensuring that both palms and fingers can be fully grasped and covered; the driver can flexibly rotate the steering wheel to operate the steering movement of the vehicle. In addition, the various functional components on the edge area (10) of the fixed instrument panel located on the same plane in the rim are very close to the steering wheel rim, and its standardized static arrangement is used to be close to the palm so that it can be easily reached and positioned for operation.

[0062] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the circular groove C-cup shaped wheel rim structure of the innovative design of the second embodiment of the present invention shows the change in the external shape structure of the steering wheel and the pursuit of the ultimate compactness of maximizing the utilization rate of the internal area, and has the configuration and kinetic tension of a dense array track envelope.

[0063] The present invention forms a three-dimensional groove structure integrated with the frame 1 by directly constructing the rim / handle ring body on the outer edge of the outer diameter of the steering wheel frame; this C or U-shaped groove structure can be modeled separately, omitting the conventional foaming wrapping layer, so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the rim / handle ring body has a cavity to directly accommodate the metacarpophalangeal joint for gripping. After the surface is smoothed and wear-resistant or covered with leather, it is completely suitable for mechanical structure. In this way, the geometric structure of the steering wheel rim body is maximized, and the concentric circle instrument panel of the inner diameter of the steering wheel and the rim are located in the same plane and are directly close to and independent of each other.

[0064] Figure 5 The front view of the steering wheel assembly. The grooved wheel rim can be manufactured separately and then connected and installed with the steering wheel frame. Figure 6 This is the assembly structure diagram of the ring groove wheel rim and the inner diameter fixed instrument panel; the steering wheel spokes are omitted in the view. By appropriately widening the width of the outer edge of the ring groove, the support and stretch degree of the fingers' fit and grasping is increased, and the thumb can rely on the surface of the wheel rim on the plane in front of the steering wheel, forming a better palm rest function and facilitating the steering control of the steering wheel.

[0065] Figure 7 is the cross-sectional configuration diagram of the wheel rim groove. Figure 7 a is a front view of the wheel rim facing the driver 1 side. Figure 7 b is the rear back view of the steering wheel rim groove, away from the driver, and the spokes are omitted. It can be seen that when holding the steering wheel with both hands in the encircling posture shown by the arrow, the fingers can naturally penetrate into the cavity of the annular groove and adhere to each other. In this structural mode, based on the outer diameter of the steering wheel rim of 38.5cm, the outer diameter of the inner concentric instrument panel shell can reach 32.7cm; in this way, the multimedia display screen (20:7 aspect ratio specification) installed in the instrument panel shell and basically arranged along the horizontal axis of the shell can be calculated as 31×10.85cm. The total screen area is 336.35cm 2 , which is equivalent to an 11.04-inch display screen with a 16:9 specification. The central main window interface has a display area of ​​19.28×10.85cm according to the 16:9 specification, which is equivalent to an 8.7-inch wide screen display.

[0066] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5The following table summarizes typical structural parameters of the steering wheel rims of Examples 1 and 2. It can be seen from the calculation value examples that the concentric circle fixed instrument integrated steering wheel design of the present invention has good practicality.

[0067]

[0068]

[0069] Figure 8 The invention shows an assembly structure of a concentric instrument panel housing (5) fixed to the inner diameter area of ​​a steering wheel. One end of a spoke (2) is connected to a wheel rim (1), and the other end is connected to a hub sleeve (3). The hub sleeve formed integrally with the steering wheel is rotatably mounted on the outer circumferential surface of a central column (11) through a bearing. The central column is fixedly connected to a steering column housing (4) through a flange (12). The steering wheel and the steering wheel hub sleeve can rotate around the central axis of the central column (11), and the steering shaft is driven to rotate through a gear pair transmission system, thereby achieving target steering control of the vehicle.

[0070] Note the mutual structure between the steering wheel rim and the inner diameter fixed instrument panel. The instrument panel (5) is fixedly connected to the steering wheel hub sleeve (3) without rotating. The central column (11) is inserted into the inner diameter of the steering wheel hub sleeve (3) and passes through the front end of the steering wheel hub sleeve. The central column is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the steering column housing through the end face of the flange. Figure 8 Most of it is enclosed by the steering wheel hub sleeve (3) and only a small part is shown. At the same time, the overall outline of the flange (12) fixedly connected to the center column and the steering column housing can be seen. A short shaft (13) for mounting the parallel axis gear pair is provided on the back side of the flange. The short shaft stub is configured to be supported by the transmission gear in the second stage gear pair in the parallel axis gear mechanism, and then connected to the steering shaft (21) through the second stage gear for power transmission. The transmission relationship of the steering wheel turning and driving the steering shaft through the parallel axis gear pair in the steering column housing is ensured.

[0071] like Fig. 9 As shown, the parallel shaft gear pair and steering wheel steering transmission system structure are further illustrated.

[0072] Combination Figure 8It can be seen that the wheel rim, multiple spokes and hub sleeve constitute the body of the steering wheel. The hub sleeve (3) is assembled with the central column (11) connected to the instrument panel housing. The central column is fixedly connected to the steering column housing (4) through a flange (12). The instrument panel housing (5) is installed on the front end surface of the central column and is located in the enclosed space of the steering wheel rim (1). The wiring harnesses of various instruments (6), (9), airbag device (7) and shortcut keys (10) are connected through the inner diameter through hole of the central column. All the indicator instruments originally installed on the dashboard of the driving platform can be replaced and placed in the instrument panel housing.

[0073] The hub sleeve (3) connected to the steering wheel and the spokes is sleeved on the fixed central column (11), and the central column is used as a fixed connection channel of the instrument panel housing (5), providing the internal and external wiring harness connection pipelines of the front instrument panel (5) and the steering column housing (4). The instrument panel housing (5) on the inner side of the steering wheel rim (1) is fixedly connected to the steering column housing through the central column (11) to maintain stability. The hub sleeve of the steering wheel is installed on the rear side of the instrument panel (5) and the outer cylindrical surface of the central column (11); the left and right rotation of the steering wheel is driven by the outer diameter gear teeth (16) of the hub sleeve (3) and the parallel shaft (15) gear mechanism in a single row on the outer side of the central column, and the parallel shaft gear pair (17), (18) generates a reverse output relative to the steering wheel speed; and then the second stage gear pair (19) matched with the parallel shaft output end is driven to restore the steering wheel torque. The driver's rotation rate is output in the same direction as the axis center line. The subsequent connection steering shaft (21) is driven by a steering mechanism to specifically adjust the steering ratio, thereby completing the differentiated structural integration of the transmission chain.

[0074] The two-stage gear pair (19) is supported on the short shaft (13) at the back of the fixed central column and can be rotatably mounted on the outer diameter of the short shaft. The end face of the sleeve (20) is extended and inserted into the end face of the spline shaft at the front end of the steering shaft (21). The shaft sleeve (20) of the gear (19) is connected to the keyway of the steering shaft for transmission. The steering shaft (21) is connected to the shaft sleeve (20) of the transmission gear (19) in a sleeve-type manner, and a certain cavity distance (22) is formed and maintained between the front end of the spline shaft and the inner cavity of the transmission gear sleeve (20). This cavity distance is ≈4 to 5 cm, which ensures the collapse distance of the safety buffering effect of the steering wheel assembly in an emergency.

[0075] By using a parallel shaft gear pair transmission device, at least one sensor can be adapted to detect the steering wheel angle. The sensor unit is arranged on the gear pair meshing element or the steering shaft, and the sensor is arranged on the wheel steering actuator element. The steering drive mechanism adopts a common technical form. The sensor measures the force and angle of rotation. It is electrically connected to the steering controller through a bus, and the sensor data of the sensor is transmitted to the control unit. With the help of corresponding control elements, actuators and steering devices, linear operation (without steering shaft) can be achieved. The use of electric wire control steering technology instead of mechanical linkage can make the overall layout and adjustment more flexible to a certain extent.

[0076] Fig.10 , Fig.11 The specific appearance effect diagram of the steering wheel rim using the Möbius ring of the present invention is shown. Fig.10 It is a comparison effect diagram of a single Möbius strip with two different overlapping undulating forms. Fig.11 It is a comparison diagram of a double Möbius ring with two different bands of overlapping and undulating shapes. This configuration is actually a rim with a perfect circular contour projection and a (non-planar) three-dimensional curvature configuration with a wavelength λ undulating along the perfect circular projection trajectory; its continuous undulating annular body can be easily held, and has the advantages of reliable structure and good stability. The steering wheel rim has an undulating surrounding curvature, and with the surface wear-resistant layer, it can significantly increase the friction between the steering wheel and the hand and easily turn the rim, and achieve a sensitive steering process through a slight movement of the fingers. It meets the driver's grip position at various circumferential angles, which improves safety.

[0077] In summary, the present invention integrates a Mobius ring-shaped steering wheel assembly with a fixed instrument display, and aims to provide a comprehensive steering wheel device for controlling vehicle movement. The steering wheel assembly, in particular, integrates and nests a concentric circular instrument panel fixed to the steering column housing in the circular area of ​​the inner diameter of the steering wheel rim, which can completely replace the original instrument panel. The spatial environment of the driver's seat is more concise and comfortable to drive the vehicle, and the perspective perception of the instrument display is fully improved; at the same time, it can save the laying and installation volume of peripheral components in the passenger cabin environment, and expand the overall riding space utilization efficiency in the cabin.

[0078] The concentric circle instrument panel on the inner diameter of the steering wheel provides the driver with the best focal observation field of view and the position of the instrument display carrier. It is widely used in cars, buses, light trucks, heavy trucks and other vehicles; as well as special vehicles such as road rollers, bulldozers, agricultural tractors, forklifts, etc. (Mobius-ring) The wheel rim is beautiful and novel in shape. The undulations on the circumference of the wheel rim fit the palm comfortably, and the palms and fingers of both hands are balanced and closed on the handle body to form a direct torque thrust. The palm grip position relative to the arm achieves comfortable operation and conforms to ergonomics.

[0079] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with general explanations and specific embodiments, any modifications made on the basis of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering wheel assembly and a Mobius ring rim equipped with a concentric fixed instrument panel; a steering wheel device that integrates various instrument displays and is fixed to the concentric area of ​​the inner diameter of the steering wheel rim. The device not only maintains the rim used to perform the steering movement of the vehicle, that is, it is normally arranged in front of the driver's seat and can apply torque to rotate freely; and the rim is mounted in the steering column housing through a hub sleeve connected by spokes, on the outer diameter of the fixed center column; the center column coaxially passes through the inner diameter of the steering wheel hub sleeve and comes out from the front end of the steering wheel hub sleeve to fix the instrument panel housing located in the area surrounded by the inner diameter of the steering wheel handle. In this way, various instrument displays and airbag modules and other necessary driving equipment are installed in sequence in the fixed instrument housing.

2. A steering wheel assembly and a Mobius ring wheel rim equipped with a concentric circle fixed instrument panel according to claim 1; characterized in that: In the inner layer of the steering wheel rim, there is a relatively static instrument panel that is installed in a concentric circle inside and outside. The instrument panel is equipped with integrated pointer scale instruments, electronic screen display, airbag module and shortcut function keys. The traditional pointer scale structure mechanical instrument is combined with a multi-function color LCD screen and a multimedia information projection device to form a multimedia multi-function automobile instrument display system based on a color electronic screen; it directly displays comprehensive parameters of various driving and riding conditions of the vehicle.

3. A steering wheel assembly and a Mobius ring wheel rim equipped with a concentric fixed instrument panel according to claim 1; the center column is fixed to the steering column housing through the flange end surface as a bracket. The back of the flange has a central short axis coaxial with the forward center line to support the second gear pair of the parallel shaft transmission gear. The flange and the back side joint surface of the center column and the back side center short axis surface are provided with grooves for inserting a wiring harness from the steering column housing along the flange surface to the inner diameter cavity of the center column to connect the various instruments and airbag modules in the front instrument panel housing.

4. A steering wheel assembly and a Mobius ring wheel rim equipped with a concentric circle fixed instrument panel according to claim 1; characterized in that: When the steering wheel and the steering shaft are in transmission, the rotation of the steering wheel is transferred to the hub sleeve, and then the hub sleeve is inserted into the fixed center column surface in the steering column housing, and the transmission connection between the steering wheel and the steering shaft is completed through the meshing of the outer gear on the hub sleeve and the parallel shaft gear pair. The parallel shaft gear pair meshes with the transmission device, and the parallel shaft passes through the flange of the center column and is fixedly connected by the bearing. The flange forms a support for the parallel shaft, and the two sets of meshing gear pairs installed on the parallel shaft and located on both sides of the flange have transmission balance. The parallel shaft is between the steering wheel hub sleeve and the steering shaft, and the synchronous consistency of the rotation of the steering wheel and the steering shaft is maintained during the transmission process.

5. A steering wheel assembly equipped with a concentric circle fixed instrument panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering wheel rim adopts the Möbius ring topological geometric shape.

6. According to the steering wheel assembly with a concentric circle fixed instrument panel as described in claim 1 and 5, the steering wheel rim is further improved and shaped from an annular solid rim to an annular C / U groove open structure rim. The inner cavity of the annular groove can be inserted by fingers of both hands to hold and rotate.

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