Steering column module having an operating device for adjusting operating parameters of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle having such a steering column module

Abstract

A steering column module (1) having an operating device for adjusting operating parameters of a motor vehicle comprises: a static central element (2) that annularly surrounds a steering axis (4) and has a recess; and a rotating element (3) that is elongately configured with a longitudinal axis (L) and has a gripping section (5) and a support section (6) fixedly connected to the gripping section (5). Here, the support section (6) of the rotating element (3) is at least partially arranged in the recess of the central element (2) and is rotatably supported in the central element (2) about the longitudinal axis (L), wherein a rotation sensor (8) is provided to detect the rotational position of the rotating element (3) and to generate a control signal for adjusting the operating parameters based on the detected rotational position. The vehicle comprises a steering column module (1) according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering column module having an operating device for adjusting operating parameters of a motor vehicle. The steering column module includes: a static central element that annularly surrounds the steering axis and has a recess; and a rotating element that is elongately configured with a longitudinal axis and has a gripping section and a support section fixedly connected to the gripping section. The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having such a steering column module. Background Art

[0002] In the manufacture of modern motor vehicles, it is generally provided that a fixed part is arranged between the instrument panel and the steering wheel, in which, for example, a steering column switch, an ignition lock and, if necessary, an electronic controller are arranged. These are generally assembled as an integrated assembly as a steering column module. In known steering column switches, for example, a rod is used which is pivotally supported and by operating which certain functions of the motor vehicle are controlled, such as the turn signal, the windshield wiper or an automatic speed regulating device. In addition, switches and regulators arranged on the rod can be used to adjust parameters.

[0003] Here, very precise manufacturing is required with a small clearance dimension in order to ensure a problem-free functional manner. In addition, too many operating possibilities at a single rod can result in the individual operating elements being small and difficult for the user to access, or being unclearly arranged. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a steering column module and a motor vehicle of the type described at the beginning which can be operated particularly reliably and can be manufactured particularly simply.

[0005] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by the steering column module and the motor vehicle described below. There is

[0006] A1

[0007] A steering column module having an operating device for adjusting operating parameters of a motor vehicle according to the present invention includes a static central element that annularly surrounds the steering axis and has a recess. The steering column module further includes a rotating element that is elongately configured with a longitudinal axis and has a gripping section and a support section fixedly connected to the gripping section. It is characterized in that the support section of the rotating element is at least partially arranged in the recess of the central element and is rotatably supported in the central element about the longitudinal axis. Here, a rotation sensor is provided to detect the rotational position of the rotating element and to generate a control signal for adjusting the operating parameters according to the detected rotational position.

[0008] The operation is thus advantageously particularly easy because the gripping surface can be easily gripped by the user. Thus, during operation, distinct tactile feedback is available to the user. Furthermore, in the manufacture of this steering column module, the manufacturing tolerances can be designed to be relatively loose because the support section is supported within the central element, whereas external supports (such as in known steering column switches) require visible connection and support areas and very small tolerances.

[0009] In the present invention, in particular, the entire steering column switch or the entire rotating element arranged at the central element can rotate, rather than just a part thereof. Thus, the operating element can be designed to be particularly easy to grip and operable because the user does not have to specifically grip a smaller rotatable section, but only needs to grip at any location.

[0010] In the sense of the present invention, a "steering column" particularly refers to the fixed part of the mechanical steering device between the instrument panel and the steering wheel. A steering column switch, for example, can be arranged at this part. In the present invention, a "central region" is defined, which surrounds a steering axis that is particularly defined as the longitudinal axis of the vehicle steering strut. That is to say, the steering strut extends through the annularly configured central region. "Annular" herein is not limited to a circular extension, but the central region is basically configured such that its outer boundary forms along a substantially circular or oval extension. In this sense, accessories (such as a steering column switch or other protruding elements) do not belong to the central region, but are additional elements that are joined to it in one piece or in multiple pieces of the steering column.

[0011] A "steering column module" in the sense of the present invention is an assembly or other unit that includes the main part of the steering column, i.e., at least the central element. It can also include accessories, such as a steering column switch or a steering column lever. Further elements can be constructed in one piece with the central region, or in the case of a multi-piece structure of the steering column module, they can be permanently or releasably connected to the central region.

[0012] In the present invention, the rotating element is elongately configured and is rotatably supported about its longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis is herein an axis that extends along the longitudinal direction of the rotating element, wherein this longitudinal extension is particularly at least twice the extension in another direction perpendicular to it. The gripping section and the support section are both arranged and oriented along the longitudinal axis and can transition into each other or be directly adjacent to each other.

[0013] In the present invention, the gripping section of the rotating element is configured such that the user can reach and manipulate it with one hand. The gripping section is particularly suitable for being gripped by the user and is shaped such that the user can apply a force to rotate the rotating element about the longitudinal axis. For example, the gripping section has a flat area.

[0014] The bearing section of the rotating element is configured such that it can be supported in the central element, in particular at a rotary bearing which is configured in a manner known per se and fixed relative to the central element.

[0015] A2

[0016] In one configuration of the steering column module according to the invention, the gripping section of the rotating element essentially comprises the entire part of the rotating element that is visible to the user and can, if necessary, be gripped with one hand. Thereby, it is possible to advantageously operate the entire visible and accessible part of the rotating element for the user.

[0017] The user can also identify at the position of the visible part which rotational position the rotating element is currently in. In particular, the bearing section supported in the central element is configured to be hidden from the user such that the user cannot see or access this section during proper operation.

[0018] The recess in the central element can be configured in different ways. The recess can, for example, include an opening through which the bearing section extends. The recess can also be configured in the type of a blind hole or a groove, in which case an opening is also provided on the side of the central element facing away from the steering axis. The bearing section of the rotating element is at least partially arranged in the recess, in particular by extending the bearing section through the opening.

[0019] A3

[0020] In another configuration, during rotation of the rotating element, the bearing section moves relative to the inner surface of the recess. The rotating element is thus advantageously supported such that it moves relative to the central element during actuation by rotation. The rotation of the rotating element is hereby transmitted into the inner region of the central element, where in particular a bearing is arranged and detection is carried out by a rotation sensor.

[0021] A4

[0022] In an improvement, the rotation sensor is arranged in the central element. Thereby, advantageously, there is more structural space available for the sensor, while for example when the sensor is arranged in the rod, only limited structural space is achieved.

[0023] The rotation sensor is configured in a manner known per se. The rotation sensor is suitable for detecting the rotational position of the rotating element or an element therein (such as the bearing section). The rotation sensor can, for example, include a Hall sensor, by means of which the position of a magnetic element at the rotating element is detected. The rotation sensor can hereby be arranged at the rotating element and can include an element that rotates relative to the central element during rotation of the rotating element. Conversely, the rotation sensor can be arranged fixedly relative to the central element and is set up to detect the rotational change of the position of an element of the rotating element.

[0024] A5

[0025] In one configuration, the recess is formed in the lining of the central element, wherein the lining has additional recesses in which the rotating element is at least partially arranged. Thereby, it is possible to advantageously hide the section of the rotating element arranged in the recess of the central element, so that the installation can be carried out more simply, and for example, a more generous clearance dimension can be set than in an externally visible arrangement.

[0026] A6

[0027] In another configuration, the gripping section of the rotating element has a transition region to the supporting section adjacent to the recess, wherein an edge is formed in the transition region. The edge can, for example, have a right-angled extension. This advantageously allows the definition of a plane of rotation between the rotatable gripping part and the static central element. In addition, the edge of the recess of the central element can be covered by the edge, which in turn allows more generous manufacturing tolerances.

[0028] A7

[0029] In an improvement, the rotating element is supported in the central element such that the rotating element is held in a neutral position by a restoring force. Thereby, it is possible to advantageously temporarily adjust the position of the rotating element in the vicinity of the neutral position, wherein the rotating element returns to a known and clearly visible position after operation.

[0030] For example, the neutral position is defined by a rotation angle of 0°. The rotating element is then deflected from the neutral position by applying a force by a further rotation angle, and this rotation angle or its change is detected by a rotation sensor.

[0031] A8

[0032] In one configuration, the rotating element is supported in the central element such that four pressure points also occur when the rotating element rotates; wherein two pressure points are formed in the first rotation direction and in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, respectively. Thereby, the operation can be advantageously carried out particularly simply and can be easily accessible by tactile feedback.

[0033] The pressure points are particularly defined by a certain rotation angle. A certain force is required to bring the rotating element into the rotation angle of the pressure point, and the pressure point can only be exceeded when a greater force is applied. In particular, the force to be applied as a function of the rotation angle has a local maximum at the pressure point. In addition, the pressure point can be the end point or stop point of the rotational mobility of the rotating element, so that the rotating element does not rotate beyond the pressure point during proper use.

[0034] In particular, these pressure points are arranged symmetrically with respect to the neutral position, that is to say, the rotary element can rotate in opposite directions starting from the neutral position, and in each direction, the same number of pressure points are provided. For example, three levels of operating parameter adjustment can be provided, and if a switch to another level is made when each pressure point or stop point is reached, each of the three levels can be directly reached by deflecting the rotary element away from the neutral position.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention, different numbers of pressure points can be provided. For example, in addition to the neutral position, two to six pressure points can be provided. Furthermore, an asymmetrical arrangement of the pressure points around the neutral position can be provided.

[0036] A9

[0037] In another embodiment, the gripping section of the rotary element has an output area for outputting the currently adjusted operating parameter. Thereby, the user can advantageously directly obtain which adjustment is currently active, and the adjustment of the new parameter can be easily carried out. The output area can be formed in different ways.

[0038] A10

[0039] In an improvement, the output area includes at least one illuminable output element which indicates the currently adjusted operating parameter. This advantageously enables a particularly simple and rapid detection.

[0040] The illuminable output element can, for example, be backlit, wherein a light-transmissive surface is illuminated by a light source arranged behind it, for example in the form of a graphic representation. Here, the illuminable output element can be constructed such that the light source is not directly visible to the user in the activated state, but is only indirectly visible through the illuminated surface. In particular, the light-transmissive surface can be formed such that it is not visible to the observer in the switched-off state (dark panel effect). Furthermore, the illuminable output element can be constructed by means of a light source matrix, for example as a display surface, or the light source can be directly visible, for example constructed as a light-emitting point, in order to illuminate positions along a scale.

[0041] A11

[0042] In one embodiment, at least one static output element is arranged in the output area which relates to the adjustable operating parameter. Thereby, the user can advantageously obtain which operating parameters are adjustable, even if they are not currently adjusted.

[0043] The static output element can be configured such that it is permanently visible. To this end, it can be visibly configured without active illumination, for example as a surface in the output area of the rotating element, or it can be permanently illuminated. For example, the static output element can be illuminated with light of a first color and / or intensity when it represents a currently deactivated operating parameter, and with light of a second color and / or a second intensity when it represents a currently activated operating parameter.

[0044] In one configuration, in the output area, for each adjustable operating parameter or for each adjustable value of the operating parameter, a static output element is arranged respectively. In this case, the user can advantageously permanently obtain the adjustable parameters and values. In addition, the output area can include a dynamic display element that displays the currently adjusted operating parameter; this dynamic display element can be used instead of the static display element for the adjustable operating parameter, for example by outputting a dynamic rather than a static display element, or it can be output in addition to the static display element.

[0045] A12

[0046] In another configuration, the operating parameter is the driving gear (Fahrstufe) of the vehicle. Thereby, a particularly important operating parameter can be advantageously adjusted in a simple manner.

[0047] In particular, it is the driving gear of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. The adjustable driving gears can be, for example, reverse gear, forward gear, and neutral position or idling. In particular, a static output element is provided for each adjustable driving gear.

[0048] The output area is arranged in particular such that it is visible to the user on the driver's seat of the motor vehicle. In particular, this arrangement is formed such that the output area is visible through the opening of the steering wheel in the neutral position.

[0049] A13

[0050] In an improved configuration, a pushbutton switch is arranged at the end of the rotating element facing away from the central element. Thereby, the user can advantageously reach the switch particularly easily.

[0051] The pushbutton switch can be configured, for example, as a P button for activating the parking state. In particular, the emergency braking of the motor vehicle can be triggered by operating the pushbutton switch. Here, a significant deceleration of the motor vehicle can be caused, so that the rotating element is subjected to a strong force.

[0052] A14

[0053] In one construction scheme, the rotating element is constructed and supported in the central element such that the rotating element has a breaking strength of at least 500 N, preferably at least 800 N. Thereby, it is possible to advantageously avoid the rotating element from breaking under severe deceleration.

[0054] If an emergency brake is triggered by operating a switch at the rotating element, the disconnection of the rotating element and, if necessary, the interruption of the circuit will cause the brake to be triggered again. This can be avoided by constructing the rotating element with a high breaking strength. Here, the value of the breaking strength especially refers to the value of the force applied to the end of the rotating element facing away from the central element. That is, breaking occurs when a certain threshold value of especially at least 500 N, preferably at least 800 N is exceeded.

[0055] In another construction scheme, the steering column module further has at least one rod rotatably supported about the steering axis. In addition, at least one steering column switch can be provided. By means of the rod or other switches, for example, the direction indicator, windshield wiper or driver assistance system can be operated.

[0056] A15

[0057] The vehicle according to the invention has a steering column module as described above. Therefore, it has the same advantages as the steering column module according to the invention.

[0058] The steering column module is especially arranged at the steering column of the vehicle, especially behind the steering wheel of the vehicle. Description of the Drawings

[0059] Now the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings according to the embodiments.

[0060] Figure 1 The first embodiment of the steering column module according to the invention is shown; and

[0061] Figure 2 The second embodiment of the steering column module according to the invention is shown. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0062] Refer to Figure 1 The first embodiment of the steering column module according to the invention is described.

[0063] The steering column module 1 is arranged in a vehicle (not shown) between the instrument panel and the steering wheel. It includes a central element 2 and a rotating element 3, the central element annularly surrounding the axis of rotation 4. The rotating element includes a gripping section 5 and a support section 6. Furthermore, the rotating element is elongately configured with a longitudinal axis L, which is arranged substantially radially to the steering axis 4 or parallel to the respective radial direction. The gripping section thus projects outward from the central element 2 and is arranged to be visible to the user and accessible to their hand. The central element 2 has a recess. The support section 6 is at least partially arranged in the recess of the central element 2. The support section is rotatably supported in the central element 2 about its longitudinal axis L. When the rotating element 3 rotates, the support section 6 thus moves relative to the inner surface of the recess. The longitudinal axis L of the rotating element 3 extends substantially radially to the steering axis 4 or parallel to the radial axis.

[0064] In this embodiment, the recess of the central element 2 includes an opening of the central element 2, through which the support section 6 extends. In other embodiments, the recess is configured as a groove in the central element 2, which has an opening pointing outward and a closed surface, wherein a support element for supporting the support section 6 is arranged in particular at this closed surface.

[0065] On the surface of the rotating element 3 and facing the user, a static output element 9 is arranged. In this embodiment, the static output element is a graphic symbol printed on the surface, which is associated with the different driving gears of the vehicle's automatic transmission. Furthermore, the static output element 9 can be configured to be individually backlit, that is, a light source arranged inside the gripping section 5 can illuminate each individual one of the static output elements 9 separately. In this embodiment, the static output element 9 associated with the currently activated driving gear is correspondingly backlit.

[0066] At the end of the support section 6 protruding into the central element 2, a magnetic element 7 is arranged and is non-rotatably connected to the support section. In the vicinity of the magnetic element 7, a rotation sensor 8 fixedly connected to the central element 2 is also arranged, which in this embodiment has a Hall sensor, which detects the position of the magnetic element 7 and in particular detects changes in the position of the magnetic element 7 and the resulting changes in the magnetic field. Depending on the detected position or position change, a control signal is generated by a control unit (not shown) for adjusting the driving gear of the automatic transmission.

[0067] In this embodiment, the bearing section of the rotating element 3 is supported such that a neutral position of the rotating element 3 is defined at a certain rotation angle. That is to say, when the rotating element 3 is not loaded with an external force, then it returns to the neutral position by a restoring force. In addition, by the support, pressure points are defined at certain rotation angles. That is to say, if the rotating element 3 is loaded with a force such that it is deflected from the neutral position by rotation, then a greater force for rotation must be applied respectively in the vicinity of the pressure point than outside the vicinity. In addition, a stop point is defined at a further rotation angle, beyond which further rotation of the rotating element 3 is no longer possible.

[0068] In this embodiment, the support is carried out such that the rotating element 3 first reaches a first pressure point when deflecting from the neutral position in a first direction, and then reaches a first stop point. Similarly, when deflecting in the opposite second direction, it first reaches a second pressure point, and then reaches a second stop point. When the pressure point and the stop point are reached, control signals can be generated respectively for changing the selected driving gear. Thus, starting from the neutral position, two changes of the driving gear can be carried out successively, wherein the driving gears are switched in the order illustrated by the static output element 9. The order of switching is formed according to the direction of deflection of the rotating element 3. The user can thus reach another driving gear from each of the three driving gears "D / B", "N" and "R" in this order or in the reverse order respectively.

[0069] In addition, in this embodiment, the rotating element 3 is constructed and supported such that it has a breaking strength of at least 500 N, that is to say, the end protruding from the central element 2 must be loaded with at least 500 N in order to break this end off from the central element. In another embodiment, a breaking strength of at least 800 N is achieved.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 A second embodiment of the steering column module according to the invention is described. Here, elements corresponding to similar elements of the first embodiment in terms of structure and / or function are provided with the same reference numerals and are not described in detail again.

[0071] In the second embodiment, the steering column module 1 also includes a central element 2 and a rotating element 3, which has a gripping section 5 and a bearing section 6. The bearing section 6 extends through the recess of the central element and is rotatably supported. A rotating surface 12 is constructed between the gripping section 5 and the central element 2. The rotating surface 12 is defined here by the gap between the central element 2 and an edge, which is constructed at a right angle at the transition from the gripping section 5 to the bearing section 6.

[0072] At the end of the rotating element 3 facing away from the central element 2, a pushbutton switch 11 is arranged. This pushbutton switch is used to operate the parking brake and trigger an emergency brake during vehicle travel. On the surface of the gripping section 5, in addition to the static output element 9 for the display of the driving gear, a static output element 10 for the parking display is also arranged. It is provided with printed graphic elements such that it is permanently visible and backlit when the parking brake is activated. In this embodiment, this backlighting is carried out in a color different from that of the output element 9 for the display of the driving gear, in particular red.

[0073] Furthermore, the steering column module 1 according to the second embodiment has two steering column switches 13, 14 which are pivotally supported relative to the central element 2 in a manner known per se and are used to control the direction indicator and the windscreen wiper device.

[0074] In another embodiment, a spacer element is also provided which is arranged around the central element 2. In this case, the spacer element also has a recess through which the rotating element 3 extends and projects into the central element 2. In this embodiment, the rotating surface 12 is arranged such that it is located between the central element 2 and the spacer element. In other embodiments, the rotating surface 12 can be located outside the spacer element. However, it is provided that the entire elongated structure protruding from the central element 2 in the region of the rotating element 3 is substantially surrounded by the rotating element 3. That is to say, the rotating element 3 is substantially directly connected to the central element 2 and no static element protruding from the central element 2 is arranged there. The section of the rotating element 3 which is visible from the outside for the user and can be touched with one hand can be rotated as a whole.

[0075] List of reference signs

[0076] 1 Steering column module

[0077] 2 Central element

[0078] 3 Rotating element

[0079] 4 Steering axis

[0080] 5 Gripping section

[0081] 6 Support section

[0082] 7 Magnetic element

[0083] 8 Rotation sensor

[0084] 9 Static output element; display of driving gear

[0085] 10 Static output element; parking display

[0086] 11 Pushbutton switch

[0087] 12 Rotating surface

[0088] 13 Steering column switch

[0089] 14 Steering column switch

[0090] L Longitudinal axis.

Claims

1. A steering column module (1) having an operating device for adjusting operating parameters of a motor vehicle, comprising: A static central element (2) that annularly surrounds a steering axis (4) and has a recess, wherein the static central element (2) includes an annular outer boundary, and the recess is provided inside the outer boundary; and A rotating element (3) that is elongately configured with a longitudinal axis (L) and has a gripping section (5) and a support section (6) fixedly connected to the gripping section (5), Characterized in that The support section (6) of the rotating element (3) is at least partially arranged in the recess of the central element (2) and is rotatably supported in the central element (2) about the longitudinal axis (L); wherein, A rotation sensor (8) is provided to detect the rotational position of the rotating element (3) and generate a control signal for adjusting the operating parameters based on the detected rotational position.

2. The steering column module (1) according to claim 1, Characterized in that The gripping section (5) of the rotating element (3) includes the entire visible part of the rotating element (3) for the user.

3. The steering column module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Characterized in that When the rotating element (3) rotates, the support section (6) moves relative to the inner surface of the recess.

4. The steering column module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, Characterized in that The rotation sensor (8) is arranged in the central element (7).

5. The steering column module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, Characterized in that The recess is formed in a retaining bush of the central element (2); wherein, The retaining bush has an additional recess, and the rotating element (3) is at least partially arranged in the additional recess.

6. The steering column module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, Characterized in that The gripping section (5) of the rotating element (3) has a transition region to the support section (6) adjacent to the recess; wherein, An edge is formed in the transition region.

7. The steering column module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, Characterized in that The rotating element (3) is supported in the central element (2) such that the rotating element (3) is held in a neutral position by a restoring force.

8. The steering column module (1) according to claim 7, Characterized in that The rotating element (3) is supported in the central element (2) such that four pressure points also occur when the rotating element (3) rotates; wherein two pressure points are respectively formed in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction.

9. The steering column module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, Characterized in that The gripping section (5) of the rotating element (3) has an output region for outputting the currently adjusted operating parameters.

10. The steering column module (1) according to claim 9, Characterized in that The output area includes at least one illuminable output element (9, 10), which indicates the currently adjusted operating parameter.

11. The steering column module (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one static output element (9, 10) is arranged in the output area, and the output element relates to an adjustable operating parameter.

12. The steering column module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating parameter is the driving gear of the vehicle.

13. The steering column module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a key switch (11) is arranged at the end of the rotating element (3) facing away from the central element (2).

14. The steering column module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotating element (3) is constructed and supported in the central element (2) such that the rotating element (3) has a breaking strength of at least 500 N.

15. The steering column module (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the breaking strength is at least 800 N.

16. A vehicle having a steering column module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images