Steering wheel

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering wheel (1), in which a steering actuation device is connected to a centrally arranged shock absorber (4), in which the steering actuation device is connected to a shock absorber (4) which is arranged on opposite sides (15; 16) and two handles (2; and 3) forming. According to the invention, in order to achieve a three-dimensional adjustment of the steering device, each handle (2; 3) in each case by means of at least three telescopic adjustment elements (5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10) are connected with the shock absorber (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a steering wheel according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Background Art

[0002] Steering wheels are known for specifying or selecting the steering action of a vehicle.

[0003] In such steering wheels, a steering operating device designed as a steering wheel rim is usually connected to a shock absorber arranged centrally in the steering wheel by means of steering wheel spokes.

[0004] In the generic document DE 10 2016 115 466 A1, which is the basis for the present invention, a steering wheel for steering a motor vehicle is known for this subject, which has two steering handles protruding laterally in opposite directions. The steering handles can be moved between a use position in which the steering handles are spaced relatively far apart from each other and a readiness position in which the steering handles are spaced relatively close to each other by means of an electrically driven adjustment device. Furthermore, the two steering handles can be turned toward the motor vehicle driver in the use position and away from the driver in the readiness position.

[0005] DE 10 2021 005 210 A1 discloses a steering device for a vehicle, comprising a rotatable steering wheel connected to a steering wheel movement mechanism. For a steering device that realizes ideal steering ergonomics for the driver, the rotatable steering wheel is articulated to a vehicle component arranged behind the steering wheel at the front of the vehicle via a plurality of steering wheel movement mechanisms designed as longitudinally adjustable support rods.

[0006] An operating device for manually operating a vehicle function with a handle element is known from DE 10 2016 002 204 A, wherein the handle element is connected to a rotation axis via a rod-shaped element and the vehicle function is performed according to the rotation angle of the rotation axis caused by the rotational movement of the handle element. According to the invention, in order to set the distance between the handle element and the rotation axis, the rod-shaped element can be continuously or stepwise extended and / or shortened by means of a length adjustment device. Summary of the invention

[0007] Starting from this known prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a steering wheel of the same kind, in which the steering wheel, in particular the steering operating device of the steering wheel, can be positioned as desired in a simple manner.

[0008] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a steering wheel having the features of patent claim 1 .

[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are part of the further patent claims.

[0010] For the steering wheel according to the invention with two handles as steering devices, (at least) three telescopic adjustment elements are provided for connecting the respective handles to the shock absorbers of the steering wheel so that the respective handles can be positioned or adjusted in a defined manner in all spatial directions. That is, the two handles designed as steering devices can be adjusted together or independently of each other in any desired manner in all three spatial dimensions by radial displacement, vertical displacement, rotational movement, tilting movement or a combination of these types of movement or, if necessary, also by other types of movement.

[0011] In order to ensure a simple and sufficient adjustment possibility of the handle, at least three telescopic adjustment elements are arranged on one side of the steering wheel in at least two planes offset from one another. If three telescopic adjustment elements are connected to the corresponding handle on one side of the steering wheel, the upper telescopic adjustment element and the lower telescopic adjustment element can be arranged in the same plane, while the middle telescopic adjustment element can be arranged in a plane offset from the above plane.

[0012] If more than three telescopic adjustment elements are arranged on one side of the steering wheel, this can have a positive effect on the stability of the overall layout of the steering wheel.

[0013] The telescopic adjustment element is connected to the handle and the shock absorber of the steering wheel through 3D bearings, such as ball bearings or flexible rubber elements. That is, the 3D bearings are arranged at both ends of the telescopic adjustment element, thus enabling the handle to be conveniently moved in all dimensions.

[0014] In order to adjust the length of the telescopic adjusting element, that is, to retract the telescopic adjusting element into and extend it from the housing, an electric drive device can be integrated in the corresponding telescopic adjusting element, through which the telescopic adjusting element can be electrically retracted and extended.

[0015] As an alternative, in order to achieve length adjustment of the telescopic adjustable element, that is, to retract the telescopic adjustable element into and extend it from the housing, a pneumatic drive device or a hydraulic drive device can also be integrated in the corresponding telescopic adjustable element, and the pneumatic retraction and extension of the telescopic adjustable element or the hydraulic retraction and extension of the telescopic adjustable element can be achieved through the pneumatic drive device or the hydraulic drive device.

[0016] In an advantageous improved design of the present invention, in order to achieve length adjustment of the telescopic adjusting element, a worm gear integrated in the corresponding adjusting element is designed, by means of which accurate and reliable length adjustment of the telescopic adjusting element can be achieved.

[0017] In order to make telescopic adjustment elements arranged between the counterhandle and the steering wheel shock absorber invisible and thus not impair the aesthetic impression in the motor vehicle interior, these can in particular be covered over their entire possible adjustment travel.

[0018] Preferably, this covering device of the telescopic adjustment element can be designed as a flexible bellows, or as interlocking, staggered covering elements, or as a displaceable covering element.

[0019] The turn signal, ie the actual rotational movement of the steering wheel steering operating device or the steering wheel handle performed by the motor vehicle driver, is transmitted to the steering column via the telescopic adjustment element.

[0020] Preferably, during the steering operation of the steering wheel, the steering operation device of the steering wheel (i.e. the two steering wheel handles) can also be (dynamically) adjusted. For example, the upper handle can be adjusted slightly forward (from the perspective of the vehicle longitudinal direction), thereby achieving a dynamic and sporty steering experience.

[0021] Overall, the steering wheel design according to the invention makes it possible to realize a multitude of different adjustment options or setting options for the two handles of the steering wheel.

[0022] For example, for the occupants of the motor vehicle and in particular the motor vehicle driver, in order to be able to better enter or exit the motor vehicle, the two handles can be adjusted in the axial and / or vertical direction for this purpose. This adjustment of the handles can also be linked, for example, to a memory unit of the motor vehicle seat adjustment device (so-called "seat memory function"), so that in corresponding situations or in certain operating states of the motor vehicle, the two handles are automatically moved to the corresponding position.

[0023] In order to provide individual and appropriate steering wheel characteristics for a specific driver, for example, the mutual distance between the two handles and thus the "radius" of the steering wheel can be set, for example, also on the basis of a preset and stored driver profile. In this way, for example, a sportier steering wheel with a shorter distance between the two handles can be realized in a simple manner.

[0024] In addition to radial adjustment of the two handles (i.e. adjustment of the distance between the two handles) or height adjustment of the two handles (i.e. adjustment of the two handles in the vertical direction as a boarding aid), in particular a tilting movement of the two handles can also be achieved, so that a comfortable and / or ergonomic steering wheel position can be set for the driver of the motor vehicle, for example on routes where the motor vehicle is (partially) automated driving.

[0025] Advantageously, any other positioning or adjustment of the two grips of the steering wheel can also be provided or arranged, in particular also a combination of the adjustment options of the two grips described here.

[0026] In this way, the two handles and thus also a suitable and advantageous positioning of the steering wheel can be achieved as a whole in an individual manner for a specific driving situation of the motor vehicle and / or a specific driver of the motor vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Further advantages, features and details of the invention are given in the following description of preferred embodiments and with reference to the drawings.

[0028] in:

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a telescopic adjustment element of a steering wheel is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 A front view of a steering wheel with a telescopic adjustment element is schematically shown.

[0031] Figure 3 A top view of a steering wheel with a telescopic adjustment element is schematically shown.

[0032] Figure 4 A side view of a steering wheel with a telescopic adjustment element is schematically shown.

[0033] Figure 5 A first adjustment option for the two handles of the steering wheel is shown.

[0034] Figure 6 A second adjustment option for the two handles of the steering wheel is shown.

[0035] Figure 7 A third adjustment option for the two handles of the steering wheel is shown.

[0036] Figure 8 A fourth adjustment option for the two handles of the steering wheel is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows one of the telescopic adjustment elements 5 , 6 , 7 ; 8 , 9 , 10 designed on the steering wheel 1 according to the present invention.

[0038] Each of the telescopic adjustable elements 5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10 has a drive device 11, for example, which is designed as an electric motor with a worm gear, whereby the cantilever 13 can be extended from the housing 17 of the telescopic adjustable element 5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10 and can be retracted into the housing 17 of the telescopic adjustable element 5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10.

[0039] 3D bearings 12, for example designed as ball bearings, are arranged at both ends 18, 19 of the telescopic adjustable elements 5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10, by means of which the bow handle 2; 3 connected to the telescopic adjustable elements 5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10 and serving as an operating device for the steering wheel 1 can be easily adjusted in all desired dimensions.

[0040] according to Figure 2 In the front view in FIG. 1 , the steering wheel 1 has a bow-shaped handle 2; 3 as an operating device of the steering wheel 1 on both sides 15; 16 respectively.

[0041] Each of the two handles 2; 3 is connected to the shock absorber 4 of the steering wheel 1 via, for example, three telescopic adjustment elements 5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10. That is, the handle 2 is connected to the shock absorber 4 of the steering wheel 1 via three telescopic adjustment elements 5, 6, 7 on one side 15 of the steering wheel 1, while the handle 3 is connected to the shock absorber 4 of the steering wheel 1 via three telescopic adjustment elements 8, 9, 10 on the other side 16 of the steering wheel 1.

[0042] The two outer telescopic adjustment elements 5, 7 on one side 15 of the steering wheel 1 or the two outer telescopic adjustment elements 8, 10 on the other side 16 of the steering wheel 1 are arranged in the same plane, while the middle telescopic adjustment element 6 on one side 15 of the steering wheel 1 or the middle telescopic adjustment element 9 on the other side 16 of the steering wheel 1 are respectively arranged in a plane offset from the plane.

[0043] The telescopic adjustment elements 5 , 6 , 7 ; 8 , 9 , 10 are each connected at one end 18 to the associated handle 2 ; 3 via a 3D bearing 12 , for example designed as a ball bearing, and at the other end 19 to the shock absorber 4 of the steering wheel 1 .

[0044] exist Figure 3 The top view of the steering wheel 1 and Figure 4 In the side view of the steering wheel 1 shown, it can be seen that three telescopic adjustment elements 5 , 6 , 7 ; 8 , 9 , 10 are arranged on each side 15 ; 16 of the steering wheel 1 in two mutually offset planes.

[0045] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In particular, it can be seen that the two telescopic adjusting elements 5, 7 or 8, 10 are arranged in the same plane, while the telescopic adjusting element 6 or the telescopic adjusting element 9 is arranged in a plane offset to this plane.

[0046] The shock absorber 4 of the steering wheel 1 is connected to a rotatable steering column 14 , through which the rotational movement of the steering wheel 1 or of two handles 2 ; 3 of the steering wheel 1 as steering operating devices is transmitted to the steering system of the motor vehicle.

[0047] Figure 5 The top view of the steering wheel 1 shows the adjustment options of the two handles 2 ; 3 of the steering wheel 1 , so that the driver can get into the motor vehicle comfortably.

[0048] To this end, from the initial position shown on the left or from the starting position (shown in Figure 5 8, 9, 10 in the direction of the steering column 14 of the steering wheel 1, thereby also rotating the two handles 2; 3 of the steering wheel 1 in this direction to the end position shown on the right (shown in Figure 5 In this way, a larger free space can be created for the vehicle driver in front of the steering wheel 1 , which the vehicle driver can preferably use when getting into the vehicle.

[0049] For example, when operating the driver's door of the motor vehicle and / or when operating the electronic vehicle key required to access the motor vehicle, the telescopic adjustment elements 5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10 can be automatically adjusted, and then the two handles 2; 3 of the steering wheel 1 can also be adjusted, for example, the electronic vehicle key can also be personalized. That is, when the motor vehicle is subsequently opened, the desired position of the two handles 2; 3 of the steering wheel 1 is automatically reached or set. When the motor vehicle driver leaves the motor vehicle, the telescopic adjustment elements 5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10 can also be adjusted in the same way, and then the two handles 2; 3 of the steering wheel 1 can also be adjusted.

[0050] For example, when entering or leaving a motor vehicle, the telescopic adjustment elements 5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10 and thus also the adjustment of the two handles 2; 3 of the steering wheel 1 can be combined / bound together with the adjustment of the driver's seat (and thus with the so-called seat memory function) as part of an automated and possibly individual adjustment of the seat. In addition to the adjustment of the telescopic adjustment elements 5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10 in the direction of the steering column 14, these telescopic adjustment elements 5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10 can also be adjusted upwards in the vertical direction, so that the two handles 2; 3 of the steering wheel 1 can also be moved in this direction. In this way, if necessary, more free space can be created again for the motor vehicle driver in front of the steering wheel 1.

[0051] Figure 6 A further adjustment option of the two handles 2 ; 3 of the steering wheel 1 is shown in a side view of the steering wheel 1 , which adjustment option is advantageous, for example, for comfortable handling of the steering wheel 1 , in particular for motor vehicle drivers with long arms.

[0052] To this end, the telescopic adjustment elements 5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10 are moved from Figure 6The initial position shown on the left side is adjusted upward in the vertical direction so that the two handles 2 and 3 of the steering wheel 1 are also moved in this direction. Figure 6 The end position is shown on the right.

[0053] In addition to this vertical adjustment of the telescopic adjustment elements 5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10 and the two handles 2; 3 of the steering wheel 1, the two handles 2; 3 of the steering wheel 1 can also be tilted in the direction of the steering column 14 of the steering wheel 1. In this way, a greater distance can be created between the driver's seat of the motor vehicle and the steering wheel 1, which is usually necessary or desired for comfortable operation of the steering wheel.

[0054] Figure 7 A further adjustment option for the two handles 2 ; 3 of the steering wheel 1 is shown in a front view of the steering wheel 1 .

[0055] To this end, the telescopic adjustment elements 5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10 are Figure 7 The initial position shown on the left side of the figure is adjusted so that the two handles 2 and 3 of the steering wheel 1 are in Figure 7 In the end position shown on the right side of the figure, the corresponding lowermost telescopic adjustment elements 5, 8 are positioned in a position twisted relative to each other. To achieve this, compared to the corresponding middle telescopic adjustment elements 6, 9, the corresponding lowermost telescopic adjustment elements 5, 8 are extended further, while the corresponding uppermost telescopic adjustment elements 7, 10 are not extended.

[0056] For example, such an adjustment of the two handles 2; 3 of the steering wheel 1 may be necessary or desired in order to achieve, on the one hand, a favorable and ergonomic arrangement of the two handles 2; 3 and, on the other hand, to enable a greater steering torque in the lower area of ​​the steering wheel 1 or the steering operating device due to the greater distance between the two handles 2; 3 without restricting the driver's field of vision of surrounding operating elements (e.g. operating elements arranged on the steering column or the instrument panel).

[0057] at last, Figure 8 A further adjustment option for the two handles 2 ; 3 of the steering wheel 1 is also shown in the front view of the steering wheel 1 .

[0058] To this end, the telescopic adjustment elements 5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10 are Figure 8 The initial position shown on the left side of the figure is adjusted so that the two handles 2 and 3 of the steering wheel 1 are in Figure 8 In the end position shown on the right in the figure, the two components are positioned at a reduced distance from each other.

[0059] This may be desirable, for example, in order to achieve a "sporty" character for the steering system of a motor vehicle and thus a kinematic or particularly sporty appearance of the motor vehicle steering wheel 1 .

Claims

1. A steering wheel (1), wherein: A steering operating device is connected to a shock absorber (4) arranged centrally in the steering wheel (1), wherein the steering operating device is formed by two handles (2; 3) arranged on opposite sides (15; 16) of the steering wheel (1). It is characterized in that In order to realize three-dimensional adjustment of the steering operating device, each handle (2; 3) is connected to the shock absorber (4) through at least three telescopic adjustment elements (5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10).

2. The steering wheel (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The at least three telescopic adjustment elements (5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10) are arranged on two mutually offset planes on one side (15; 16) of the steering wheel (1).

3. The steering wheel (1) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The telescopic adjustable elements (5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10) are respectively connected to the handle (2; 3) and the shock absorber (4) via 3D bearings (12).

4. The steering wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that In order to achieve length adjustment of the telescopic adjustable elements (5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10), an electric drive device (11) is provided.

5. The steering wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that In order to achieve the length adjustment of the telescopic adjustment element (5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10), a pneumatic drive device or a hydraulic drive device is provided.

6. Steering wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that In order to achieve the length adjustment of the telescopic adjustment elements (5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10), a worm gearing device integrated in the corresponding telescopic adjustment element (5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10) is provided.

7. Steering wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, It is characterized in that The telescopic adjustable elements (5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10) are provided with covering devices.

8. The steering wheel (1) according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The covering device of the telescopic adjustment element (5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10) is designed as a flexible bellows, or is designed as an interlocking covering element, or is designed as a displaceable covering element.

9. Steering wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, It is characterized in that The telescopic adjustment elements (5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10) are designed for axial adjustment of the two handles (2; 3) in the direction of the steering axis of the steering column (14) and / or for radial adjustment and / or for height adjustment and / or for angle adjustment.

10. Steering wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, It is characterized in that The telescopic adjustment element (5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10) is designed to adjust the two handles (2; 3) during a steering operation of the steering wheel (1).

Images