Vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle (1) with a steering device (3) for steering the vehicle (1), which steering device has a manually operated steering input device (4) for manually grasping and inputting steering commands, wherein the steering input device (4) has an integral or multipart gripping surface (5) which is manually grasped by the vehicle driver for inputting steering commands, and has a cleaning device (8) for cleaning the gripping surface (5). In order to enhance the cleaning function, the invention proposes that - the steering input device (4) is arranged on the vehicle (1) so as to be adjustable between a use position, in which it is graspable by the vehicle driver, and a non-use position, in which it is not graspable by the vehicle driver, - the cleaning device (8) has at least one cleaning tank (9) arranged on the vehicle (1), which cleaning tank (9) has or contains at least one cleaning facility (11) for cleaning the gripping surface (5), and - in the use position, the steering input device (4) is located outside the cleaning tank (9) at least in the region of the gripping surface (5), while in the non-use position, the steering input device (4) is located inside the cleaning tank (9) at least in the region of the gripping surface (5).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle having a steering device for steering the vehicle, the vehicle having a manually operated steering input device for manual gripping and inputting of steering instructions, wherein the steering input device has a one-piece or multipart gripping surface that can be manually gripped by a vehicle driver, the vehicle further having a cleaning device for cleaning the gripping surface. BACKGROUND

[0002] For various reasons, vehicles need to be cleaned, in particular the gripping surface of the steering input device disinfected. For example, the need for hygiene in terms of disease transmission or spread can increase. Likewise, the use of a vehicle by different drivers, for example in a vehicle fleet or in car sharing, can increase the need for cleaning the gripping surface on the steering input device.

[0003] A vehicle of the type known, for example, from DE 10 2013 002 539 A1 has a steering device for steering the vehicle, the steering device having a manually operated steering input device, for example in the form of a steering wheel, for manual gripping and inputting of steering instructions, wherein the steering input device has a one-piece or multipart gripping surface that can be manually gripped by a vehicle driver to input steering instructions. A vehicle of this type is also equipped with a cleaning device for cleaning the gripping surface. In the known vehicle, the cleaning device comprises a housing, for example in the dashboard, in which a cleaning head of the cleaning device is accommodated. For a cleaning operation, the cleaning head can now be deployed or extended from the housing so that the cleaning head for the cleaning operation engages around a circumferential portion of the steering input device designed as a steering wheel. By a rotational movement of the steering wheel about its steering wheel axis, a relative movement between the gripping surface and the cleaning head is achieved so that the gripping surface can be cleaned over the entire circumference of the steering wheel. The cleaning head is equipped with means for applying a fluid, which comprises a cleaning agent and / or a disinfectant, to the respective gripped circumferential segment of the steering wheel.

[0004] Furthermore, cleaning faces for mechanically cleaning the accommodated circumferential segments and / or radiation sources for emitting electromagnetic radiation for killing germs and organisms can be provided in the cleaning head. In the known vehicle, in order to be able to clean the steering wheel, the steering wheel has to be moved from the current position of use set by the respective driver to an initial position in which the cleaning head can engage around the respective circumferential segment of the steering wheel. Therefore, for performing a cleaning operation, a relatively complex synchronization of different devices is required.

[0005] A vehicle known from DE 10 2019 114 717 A1 has a manually operated steering input device, in particular a steering wheel for manually grasping and inputting steering instructions. The steering wheel is articulated on a movable and foldable steering wheel support arm, so that it can be moved between an extended, in-use position in which steering instructions can be inputted, and a retracted, non-use position. In the non-use position, the steering wheel is received together with the steering wheel support arm in a stowage chamber provided in an armrest.

[0006] DE 11 2015 002 234 T5 describes a temperature-controlled steering wheel with a steering wheel ring, wherein at least the steering wheel ring can be heated or cooled. SUMMARY

[0007] The invention relates to the problem of giving an improved or at least a different embodiment of a vehicle of the type described above, which is in particular characterized by an efficient cleaning of the gripping surface. Furthermore, it is an object to reduce the complexity.

[0008] According to the invention, the subject matter of the independent claim solves this problem. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention is based on the overall concept of designing a steering input device to be adjustable, which is arranged on the vehicle so as to be adjustable between an extended, in use position, which is graspable by a vehicle driver, and a retracted, out of use position, which is not graspable by a vehicle driver. Furthermore, it is proposed that the cleaning device is equipped with at least one cleaning tank, which is arranged on the vehicle, which has or contains at least one cleaning facility for cleaning the gripping surface. Furthermore, the adjustability of the steering input device and the cleaning tank is coordinated so that in the in use position the steering input device, at least in the area of the gripping surface, is located outside the cleaning tank, while in the out of use position the steering input device, at least in the area of the gripping surface, is located inside the cleaning tank. By receiving or positioning the steering input device in the out of use position inside the cleaning tank, various advantageous possibilities are offered for the design of the respective cleaning facility. Since the entire gripping surface is located inside the cleaning tank, it is possible to use, for example, a liquid cleaning agent without the risk of the cleaning agent entering the vehicle interior and causing contamination in the vehicle interior. Furthermore, the invention makes use of the insight that in vehicles designed for automated driving, a steering input device is usually already provided, which can be adjusted from an in use position arranged inside the vehicle interior to an out of use position arranged outside the vehicle interior. For example, the steering input device can be completely housed in the dashboard. In any case, for such vehicles, it can also be considered that the steering input device in the respective out of use position is no longer grasped by a vehicle driver. If a housing room has already been provided for such an out of use position steering input device in such a vehicle, in order to implement the invention presented here, this already existing housing room can be configured as or used as a cleaning tank. Thus, a synergetic effect can be utilized, so that the complexity of the vehicle with cleaning device presented here is reduced.

[0010] In particular, the gripping surface can also comprise buttons, switches, rocker switches, etc.

[0011] In principle, the vehicle can be any vehicle, in particular a land vehicle, a watercraft or an aircraft. Preferably, it is a road vehicle, in particular a passenger car.

[0012] Thus, the steering input device conveniently protrudes into the vehicle interior in the in use position. In an advantageous embodiment, the cleaning tank can now be adjusted between a closed state and an open state, in which the steering input device is adjustable between the in use position and the out of use position, in which closed state the steering input device adjusted to the out of use position is separated from the vehicle interior. By separating the tank interior from the vehicle interior, the gripping surface on the steering input device can be cleaned in the tank interior without disadvantageous interactions with the vehicle interior. In particular, liquid and gaseous cleaning agents can be used, and irradiation can also be carried out.

[0013] The adjustment of the steering input device can in principle take place in any suitable manner. For example, a linear movement of the steering input device is conceivable. Equally, a simple or multiple pivoting or folding of the steering input device is conceivable.

[0014] In order to be able to adjust the cleaning tank between the open state and the closed state, it is conceivable to design the cleaning tank in two parts, with a tank lower part and a tank upper part, which are adjustable relative to one another, for example. Equally, it is conceivable to equip the cleaning tank with an opening to the interior of the vehicle, through which the steering input device can be retracted into the cleaning tank or extended from the cleaning tank. The cleaning tank can then additionally be equipped with a lid to close this opening. In particular, the lid can be flush with the dashboard in the closed state.

[0015] The cleaning tank can be equipped with one cleaning facility or with multiple cleaning facilities. Several different embodiments for such cleaning facilities are given below, which can be used alternately and cumulatively in any combination.

[0016] For example, such a cleaning facility can be designed to mechanically clean the gripping surface. To this end, the cleaning facility can have resilient cleaning elements, such as bristles, fingers, nodules / granules or a sponge. Equally, the mechanical cleaning can be implemented with a wet or dry fluid jet, i.e. with a liquid jet or a gas jet, for which the respective fluid is applied to the gripping surface, for example, with increased pressure. Food residues and the like can thus be removed particularly effectively from the gripping surface.

[0017] Conveniently, the same or different cleaning devices can be provided, which are designed to generate a relative movement between the respective cleaning facility and the gripping surface. This is particularly advantageous in combination with the cleaning facility for mechanically cleaning the gripping surface. For example, the cleaning tank can be moved relative to the stationary steering input device. An oscillating movement, a vibration or a bidirectional linear or rotational movement is conceivable. Of course, additionally or alternatively, the steering input device can also be manipulated for generating such a relative movement. Furthermore, it is conceivable to apply an air flow to the cleaning elements of the mechanical cleaning facility, in order to move the cleaning elements, such as bristles, fingers, nodules, etc., relative to the gripping surface. It is also conceivable that the nozzles for generating the fluid jet for mechanical cleaning are adjusted along the gripping surface.

[0018] In another embodiment, at least one such cleaning facility can be designed for applying a cleaning liquid to the gripping surface in order to chemically clean the gripping surface by means of the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid can in particular comprise a fat-soluble component and / or a disinfectant component. Furthermore, at least one such cleaning facility can be provided, which has a first cleaning element for mechanically cleaning the gripping surface and a second cleaning element for applying a cleaning liquid to the first cleaning element. In this embodiment, the cleaning liquid is not applied directly to the gripping surface, but indirectly to the gripping surface. To this end, the first cleaning element for mechanically cleaning the gripping surface, for example a sponge, bristles, fingers or nodules, is applied with cleaning liquid, so that the mechanical cleaning is ultimately wet and includes a chemical cleaning. At the same time, the first cleaning element is also cleaned thereby.

[0019] In another embodiment, at least one such cleaning facility can be designed for applying ultraviolet light to the gripping surface. In particular, exposure to UVA and / or UVB and / or UVC light is conceivable.

[0020] In this case, one embodiment can be particularly advantageous, in which the gripping surface is equipped with a photocatalyst, for example a titanium oxide, in particular titanium dioxide (Ti02), for example in the form of a coating of the gripping surface. The ultraviolet light can now have a wavelength suitable for generating a photocatalytic self-cleaning effect on the gripping surface. By this measure, an efficient microbial cleaning of the gripping surface can be achieved. In combination with the titanium oxide, a suitable wavelength can be in the range of 390 nm.

[0021] Another advantageous embodiment proposes that at least one such cleaning facility is designed for applying a liquid or gaseous disinfectant to the gripping surface. By disinfection, bacteria, fungi and viruses on the gripping surface can in particular be killed. Preferably, such a cleaning facility is used for disinfection together with a cleaning facility for mechanical and / or chemical cleaning, but only chronologically after the mechanical and / or chemical cleaning.

[0022] Another advantageous embodiment proposes that at least one such cleaning facility is designed for drying the gripping surface, which can therefore also be referred to as a drying facility. For example, such a cleaning facility can be designed as a heater to directly heat the steering device in the area of the gripping surface. This can be achieved by infrared light, for example. Equally conceivable is a cleaning facility for drying the gripping surface which generates a temperature-controlled air flow, thereby influencing the gripping surface.

[0023] In another embodiment, the cleaning device can have at least one care device for applying a care product on the gripping surface. Depending on the value of the vehicle, the gripping surface can be made of wood, leather, synthetic leather or generally of plastic. Thus, the gripping surface is more or less subjected to cleaning stress. By using a care product, which can be a liquid, a paste or a fat, for example, the quality of the gripping surface can be permanently maintained. The care facility can be equipped with suitable care elements for applying the care product. For example, elastic care elements, such as bristles, fingers, nodules or sponges, which can come into direct contact with the gripping surface, are also conceivable. In this case, it is also conceivable to support the application of the care product in conjunction with the relative movement between the steering input device and the cleaning tank, or at least the respective care facility or care element.

[0024] Another advantageous embodiment proposes that the cleaning tank is designed for temperature control of the area of the steering input device arranged therein. For example, the steering input device can be adjusted to the temperature of the vehicle interior at least in the area of the gripping surface. It can be considered to cool and / or heat the gripping surface. This can be done when the vehicle is stationary, but also during automatic driving operation of the vehicle. In order to carry out such a temperature control of the steering input device in the tank, the cleaning tank can be connected to a pipe system of a climate control system, in particular a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, wherein heating, ventilation and air conditioning stands for heating, ventilation and temperature control. Thus, the temperature-controlled air flow of the vehicle climate control system or the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system can be directed through the cleaning tank, so that the temperature-controlled air flow is applied to the steering input device at least in the area of the gripping surface.

[0025] The cleaning tank can be formed as a negative shape of the steering input device at least in the area of the gripping surface in its interior space. In particular, gripping elements designed for mechanically cleaning the gripping surface can be arranged distributed along this negative shape.

[0026] The cleaning facility can also be equipped with sensors that detect contamination of the gripping surface. These sensors can be placed directly on the gripping surface. Optical sensors can also be installed in suitable positions of the vehicle and scan the gripping surface. Furthermore, the cleaning facility can be equipped with a controller that can automatically perform the cleaning operation. The controller can be coupled to the vehicle controller to identify, for example, an automatic driving operation or other vehicle states that allow the gripping surface to be cleaned.

[0027] Further important features and advantages of the present application result from the dependent claims, the drawings and the description of the drawings.

[0028] It is to be understood that the features described above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respective specified combinations, but also in other combinations or alone. The above- described and below-to-be-described components of the superordinate units, for example the individually specified facilities, devices or assemblies, can constitute individual members or components of the unit or can constitute integral areas or parts of the unit, even if this is not stated elsewhere in the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the present application are illustrated in the attached drawings, where like reference numerals indicate identical or similar elements among the several views, and will be described in more detail below.

[0030] are shown schematically in:

[0031] Figure 1 a highly simplified schematic view of a vehicle with a steering device and a cleaning device, wherein the steering input device is adjusted to a position of use,

[0032] Figure 2 a view as shown in Figure 1 , wherein the steering input device is adjusted to a position of non-use,

[0033] Figures 3 to 7 a highly simplified cross-sectional view of a cleaning tank with different cleaning facilities,

[0034] Figures 8 to 10 simplified isometric views of a vehicle in different positions of the steering input device area,

[0035] Figures 11 to 13 a view as shown in Figures 8 to 10 , but with a different steering input device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] According to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the vehicle 1, shown in a simplified cross-section transverse to the dashboard 2, comprises a steering device 3 for steering the vehicle 1, which steering device 3 has a manually operable steering input device 4, by means of which the vehicle driver can manually input steering instructions to the steering device 3. For this purpose, the vehicle driver can manually grasp the steering input device 4. For this purpose, the steering input device 4 has an integral or multipart gripping surface 5, which can be manually grasped by the vehicle driver for inputting steering instructions to the steering device 3. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the steering input device 4 is designed as a steering wheel, which has an integral gripping surface 5 extending along a circumference. In Figure 8 and Figure 9The text exemplarily illustrates another steering input device 4, which has two gripping elements 6, but otherwise operates like a steering wheel. In this case, the gripping surfaces 5 are multi-part and distributed across the two gripping elements 6. Furthermore, Figures 11 to 13 The steering input device 4, formed by two steering levers 7, is shown purely by way of example. The gripping surface 5 is also multi-part, distributed across the two steering levers 7.

[0037] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vehicle 1 is also equipped with a cleaning device 8 for cleaning the gripping surfaces 5. The cleaning device 8 has a cleaning compartment 9 located on the vehicle 1 or in the dashboard 2, the cleaning compartment 9 surrounding the interior 10 of the compartment and having or containing at least one reference... Figures 3 to 7 A more detailed explanation of cleaning facility 11. In Figures 11 to 13 In the example, the cleaning device 8 has two cleaning boxes, which are located next to the vehicle seats in the floor structure of the vehicle interior 12.

[0038] Steering input device 4 can Figure 1 The vehicle driver can grip the position shown. Figure 2 The vehicle is shown to be adjustable between non-use positions where the driver cannot grip. In the use position, according to... Figure 1 The steering input device 4 is located outside the cleaning box 9, protruding into the vehicle interior 12. According to... Figure 2 The steering input device 4 is located in a non-use position within the cleaning chamber 9. Therefore, the steering lever 13 connecting the steering input device 4 to the rest of the steering device 3 can be foldable, retractable, telescopic, or otherwise adjustable.

[0039] Inside its housing 10, the cleaning box 9 is suitably designed as a female shape corresponding to the steering input device 4. This can be achieved, for example, by the cleaning device 11 used. Furthermore, the cleaning box 9 can be suitably provided to be adjustable between an open and closed state. Figures 1 to 7 In numbers 10 and 13, the off state is shown respectively, while Figure 8 , 9 Figures 11 and 12 show the open state. In the open state, the steering input device 4 can be adjusted between a used position and an inactive position. In the closed state, when the steering input device 4 is adjusted to the inactive position, it is separated from the vehicle interior 12. Therefore, in... Figures 3 to 7 In the example, the cleaning box 9 is designed as two parts, with a relatively adjustable upper part 14 and a lower part 15 to achieve an open and closed state. Conversely, in Figures 8 to 10In the example of Figures 11 to 13, the cleaning tank 9 has an opening 16 through which the steering input device 4 can be adjusted between the vehicle interior 12 and the tank interior 10. The cleaning tank 9 is then expediently also equipped with a lid 17 for closing the opening 16 to produce a closed state. In the example of Figure 10 , in the closed state, the lid 17 is flush with the dashboard 2. In the example of Figures 11 to 13 , the lid 17 is formed by the end face end of the respective steering column 7.

[0040] At least one cleaning facility 11 can be designed for mechanically cleaning the gripping surface 5. To this end, according to Figure 3 , the cleaning facility 11 can have, for example, an elastic cleaning element 18 which is in direct contact with the gripping surface 5 in order to mechanically clean said gripping surface. According to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the cleaning element 18 can be, for example, a sponge. According to Figures 5 to 7 , the cleaning element 18 can be a plurality of bristles or fingers or nodules.

[0041] According to Figure 3 , the cleaning device 8 can be designed to produce a relative movement 19 between the respective cleaning facility 11 or the respective cleaning element 18 and the gripping surface 5, indicated by double arrows. For example, the entire cleaning tank 9 can be moved in order to produce the relative movement 19. In addition or alternatively, it is also conceivable to move the steering input device 4 accordingly.

[0042] In the example of Figure 3 , the cleaning facility 11 can additionally be designed to enable the gripping surface 5 to be covered with a cleaning liquid. In Figure 3 , a respective supply line for supplying the cleaning liquid is shown, as well as a discharge line 21 for discharging the cleaning liquid. Furthermore, the cleaning facility 11 can also be designed to apply a liquid or gaseous disinfectant to the gripping surface 5. This can also be supplied, for example, by means of the supply line 20 and, if appropriate, discharged by means of the discharge line 21. Furthermore, the cleaning facility or a further cleaning facility 11 can be designed for drying the gripping surface 5. For example, a dry and / or heated air flow can be supplied to the tank interior 10 via a further supply line 22 in order to dry the gripping surface 5. The exhaust air can be discharged by means of a respective discharge line 23.

[0043] According to Figure 4 , it is also conceivable to design the respective cleaning facility 11 in such a way that a second cleaning element 24 injects a cleaning liquid into the first cleaning element 18 for mechanical cleaning, which expediently takes place before the steering input device 4 is transferred to the cleaning tank 9. The mechanical cleaning process can then take place wet, i.e. in combination with the cleaning liquid.

[0044] According to Figures 5 to 7Finger-like or nodular cleaning elements 18 can be used for the mechanical cleaning of the gripping surface 5. According to Figure 6 , the relative movement of these cleaning elements 18 relative to the gripping surface 5 can also be achieved by the compressed air being supplied through the supply duct 25, in particular in a pulsed manner, wherein the compressed air can be discharged again through the discharge duct 26.

[0045] According to Figure 7 , the cleaning facility or further cleaning facility 11 can be designed to apply ultraviolet light to the gripping surface 5. For example, a corresponding ultraviolet light source 27 can be provided at a suitable location on the inner side of the cleaning tank 9 facing the tank interior 10, which allows the gripping surface 5 to be irradiated with ultraviolet light. In particular, according to Figure 7 , the entire tank interior 10 can be irradiated with ultraviolet light, so that the cleaning elements 18 are also simultaneously irradiated with ultraviolet light. With the aid of the ultraviolet light, a large number of microbial contaminants can be killed.

[0046] Alternatively, the gripping surface 5 can be equipped with a photocatalyst, for example in the form of a corresponding coating. The ultraviolet light can now be designed to produce a photocatalytic self-cleaning effect on the gripping surface 5 and accordingly have a suitable wavelength. For example, a wavelength of 390 nm can be suitable when titanium oxide is used as a photocatalyst.

[0047] The cleaning device 8 can also have a care device 28, by means of which a care product can be applied to the gripping surface 5. According to Figure 4 , a spray nozzle or the like can also be used, which is also suitable for supplying cleaning fluid. Preferably, a separate system is used. For example, it can be envisaged to apply a care product after cleaning and disinfecting the gripping surface 5 and after drying the gripping surface 5. Subsequently, after the steering input device 4 has been adjusted to its use position, for example, self-cleaning of the cleaning elements 18 can be carried out in order to free them again from the care product.

[0048] According to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the cleaning tank 9 can be designed to temper the steering input device 4 arranged in the tank interior 10. For example, the cleaning tank 9 can be connected to an air conditioning system 29. For example, the cleaning tank 9 can be integrated into a duct system 30 of the air conditioning system 29, so that air conditioning air flowing in the duct system 30 flows through the interior of the tank 9. Thus, the steering input device 4 can be tempered as required, i.e. in particular cooled or heated as required.

Claims

1. A vehicle (1) having a steering device (3) for steering the vehicle (1), with a manually operated steering input device (4) for manual grasping and inputting of a steering instruction, wherein The steering input device (4) has an integral or multipart gripping surface (5) which can be manually grasped by a vehicle driver, and a cleaning device (8) for cleaning the gripping surface (5), characterized in that - the steering input device (4) is arranged on the vehicle (1) to be adjustable between a use position, in which it can be grasped by a vehicle driver, and a non-use position, in which it cannot be grasped by a vehicle driver, - the cleaning device (8) has at least one cleaning tank (9) arranged on the vehicle (1), which has at least one cleaning facility (11) for cleaning the gripping surface (5), and - in the use position, the steering input device (4) is located outside the cleaning tank (9) at least in the region of the gripping surface (5), while in the non-use position, the steering input device (4) is located inside the cleaning tank (9) at least in the region of the gripping surface (5), wherein the tank interior of the cleaning tank is separated from the vehicle interior (12).

2. Vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that - the steering input device (4) protrudes into the vehicle interior (12) in the use position, - the cleaning tank (9) is adjustable between an open state, in which the steering input device (4) is adjustable between the use position and the non-use position, and a closed state, in which the steering input device (4), adjusted to the non-use position, is separated from the vehicle interior (12).

3. Vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - at least one cleaning facility (11) is designed for mechanical cleaning of the gripping surface (5).

4. Vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the cleaning device (8) is designed to produce a relative movement (19) between the respective cleaning facility (11) and the gripping surface (5).

5. Vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - at least one cleaning facility (11) is designed for applying a cleaning liquid to the gripping surface (5); or - at least one cleaning facility (11) has a first cleaning element (18) for mechanical cleaning of the gripping surface (5) and a second cleaning element (24) for applying a cleaning liquid to the first cleaning element (18).

6. Vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - at least one cleaning facility (11) is designed for applying ultraviolet light to the gripping surface (5).

7. Vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - at least one cleaning facility (11) is designed for applying a liquid disinfectant or a gaseous disinfectant to the gripping surface (5).

8. Vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - at least one cleaning facility (11) is designed for drying the gripping surface (5).

9. Vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the cleaning device (8) has at least one care device (28) for applying a care product on the gripping surface (5).

10. Vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the cleaning tank (9) is designed for temperature control of the area of the steering input device (4) arranged therein.

11. The vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The cleaning tank (9) accommodates at least one cleaning facility (11) for cleaning the gripping surface (5).

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