Hidden steering wheel assembly and dashboard

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a concealed steering wheel assembly and an instrument panel. The concealed steering wheel assembly includes: a steering wheel body; a steering wheel rim; and a retractable steering column, the steering wheel body being mounted on the steering column; the steering column is configured to retract towards the front of the vehicle when the steering wheel rim is pivoted in the folded position, in order to switch from a steering wheel operating state to a steering wheel folded concealed state, until the steering wheel body is received within the instrument panel of the vehicle; the steering wheel rim is pivotable about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is offset from the center of the steering wheel body. The advantage of this disclosure is that it provides occupants with more space for non-driving activities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a concealed steering wheel assembly and an instrument panel. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing maturity and imminent large-scale application of steer-by-wire technology, coupled with the growing trend of multi-functional vehicle cabins and non-driving activities, traditional steering wheel layouts and configurations are facing challenges. There is a current demand to utilize the area currently occupied by the steering wheel to provide occupants with more space for non-driving activities.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of steering wheel assembly that can provide occupants with more space for non-driving activities. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a concealed steering wheel assembly that provides occupants with more space for non-driving activities.

[0005] Therefore, a first aspect of this disclosure relates to a concealed steering wheel assembly configured for use within a vehicle, characterized in that the concealed steering wheel assembly comprises: a steering wheel body; a steering wheel rim configured for pivoting between a folded rim state and a folded rim state; and a retractable steering column, the steering wheel body mounted on the steering column, and the steering column configured for telescopic movement between a retracted column state and a extended column state; the concealed steering wheel assembly is switchable between a steering wheel folded and concealed state, wherein, in the steering wheel folded state, the steering wheel rim is in the folded rim state, and the steering column... The steering column is in the extended position; while in the folded-down steering wheel position, the steering wheel rim is in the folded-down position and the steering column is in the retracted position; the steering column is configured to retract towards the head of the vehicle when the steering wheel rim is pivoted in the folded-down position, until the steering wheel body is accommodated in the vehicle's dashboard, in order to switch from the steering wheel operating state to the folded-down steering wheel position; the steering wheel rim is pivotable about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is offset from the center of the steering wheel body; the surface profile of the driver-facing surface of the steering wheel body is constructed such that, in the folded-down steering wheel position, this surface profile of the steering wheel body is flush with the surface profile of the surrounding dashboard.

[0006] The beneficial effects of this disclosure are: when using the aforementioned concealed steering wheel assembly, the steering wheel body, along with the steering wheel handle, can be conveniently integrated into the vehicle's dashboard when the occupant wants to perform non-driving activities. This design embodies the user-centric core concept of folding the steering wheel away, not only freeing up space for new usage scenarios but also creating a clean and simple dashboard layout. This design fully utilizes the design freedom of the latest steer-by-wire technology, providing a technical solution for conveniently storing the steering wheel within the dashboard. Furthermore, by constructing the surface profile of the driver-facing surface of the steering wheel body such that, in the folded and concealed state, this surface profile is flush with the surrounding dashboard surface profile, the steering wheel body can be seamlessly integrated with the dashboard in the folded and concealed state, thus achieving seamless storage of the steering wheel body within the dashboard.

[0007] In some embodiments, the steering wheel rim is configured as an interrupted rim, wherein the steering wheel rim, the steering wheel body, and the pivot axis are designed such that after the steering wheel rim is pivoted to the folded state, the outermost edge of the steering wheel rim is flush with the outermost edge of the steering wheel body.

[0008] In some embodiments, the steering wheel rim is configured as an interrupted rim that pivots rearward when switching from a rim-operated state to a rim-folded state; or the steering wheel rim is configured as a non-interrupted rim that pivots forward when switching from a rim-operated state to a rim-folded state, and moves inward parallel to the longitudinal direction of the steering wheel body after switching to the rim-folded state.

[0009] In some embodiments, the steering wheel rim is configured as an interrupted rim, and the steering column is configured to extend outward when the steering wheel rim is to be switched from a rim-operated state to a rim-folded state, so as to reserve folding space for the steering wheel rim relative to the dashboard.

[0010] In some embodiments, a column motor, a column screw, and a column guide sleeve are provided. The column guide sleeve is operatively connected to the column screw, and the column screw is operatively connected to the column motor. The column guide sleeve is fixedly mounted on the steering column. The column motor can drive the column screw to rotate, thereby causing the column guide sleeve and the steering column to extend and retract, which in turn causes the steering wheel body and the steering wheel rim to extend and retract.

[0011] In some implementations, a column guide rail is provided, and the steering column extends and retracts under the guidance of the column guide rail.

[0012] In some embodiments, a steering wheel rotation mechanism is provided, which can drive the steering wheel rim to pivot. The steering wheel rotation mechanism includes a steering wheel shaft, which is fixedly connected to the steering wheel rim.

[0013] In some embodiments, the rim rotation mechanism includes a driver capable of outputting rotational motion and a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a gear on the driver side that is operatively connected to the output of the driver, a worm gear that is non-rotatably connected to the gear on the driver side, and a gear on the rim rotation shaft side. The gear on the rim rotation shaft side is fixed on the rim rotation shaft, and the worm gear is directly or indirectly operatively connected to the gear on the rim rotation shaft side.

[0014] In some embodiments, the corresponding worm is indirectly operatively connected to the corresponding gear on the throttle shaft side, and an intermediate gear set is provided between the corresponding worm and the corresponding gear on the throttle shaft side. The intermediate gear set includes an intermediate synchronizing gear and an intermediate worm wheel. The intermediate synchronizing gear is not rotatable relative to the intermediate worm wheel. The intermediate worm wheel is operatively connected to the worm, while the intermediate synchronizing gear is operatively connected to the gear on the throttle shaft side. Alternatively, the corresponding worm is directly operatively connected to the corresponding gear on the throttle shaft side, and the corresponding gear on the throttle shaft side is constructed as a worm wheel.

[0015] In some embodiments, a drive gear, a synchronizing gear set, and a driven gear on the drive side are provided. The drive gear on the drive side is operatively connected to the output component of the drive. The synchronizing gear set is disposed between the drive gear and the driven gear on the drive side and meshes with the drive gear and the driven gear on the drive side respectively. The drive gear and the driven gear on the drive side are rotated in the same direction by the synchronizing gear set.

[0016] In some embodiments, a driving worm and a driven worm are provided, wherein the driving worm is connected to the driving gear on the driver side in a non-rotatable manner, and the driven worm is connected to the driven gear on the driver side in a non-rotatable manner.

[0017] In some embodiments, the concealed steering wheel assembly includes steering wheel spokes, with the swivel mechanism at least partially disposed within the steering wheel spokes.

[0018] A second aspect of this disclosure relates to an instrument panel for accommodating a concealed steering wheel assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, characterized in that the instrument panel includes a first receiving portion for accommodating a steering wheel body for accommodating the concealed steering wheel assembly, wherein the surface profile of the driver-facing surface of the instrument panel is configured such that, in a folded and concealed state, the surface profile of the driver-facing surface of the steering wheel body is flush with the surface profile of the surrounding instrument panel.

[0019] In some embodiments, the shape of the first receiving portion matches the shape of the steering wheel body.

[0020] In some embodiments, the dashboard also includes a second receiving portion for accommodating a steering wheel rim with a concealed steering wheel assembly, wherein the shape of the second receiving portion matches the shape of the folded steering wheel rim.

[0021] The technical features mentioned above, those to be mentioned below, and those shown individually in the accompanying drawings can be combined arbitrarily, provided that the combined technical features are not contradictory. All feasible combinations of features are the technical content explicitly described herein. Any one of the multiple sub-features contained in the same statement can be applied independently, without necessarily being applied together with other sub-features. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The present disclosure will be further described below with reference to the illustrative drawings and exemplary embodiments. Wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the steering wheel portion of a concealed steering wheel assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 2A This diagram illustrates the structure of a concealed steering wheel assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2B Show Figure 2A A schematic cross-sectional view of the concealed steering wheel assembly;

[0026] Figure 2C A schematic structural diagram of a column guide and column screw for a concealed steering wheel assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 3A A schematic side view of a concealed steering wheel assembly and instrument panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in a steering wheel operating state is shown;

[0028] Figure 3BThis diagram illustrates a concealed steering wheel assembly and instrument panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in a steering wheel operating state;

[0029] Figure 4A A schematic side view of a concealed steering wheel assembly and instrument panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown with the steering column extending outward to provide clearance.

[0030] Figure 4B A schematic diagram of a concealed steering wheel assembly and instrument panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown with the steering column extending outward to provide clearance space.

[0031] Figure 5A A schematic side view of a concealed steering wheel assembly and instrument panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure with the steering wheel rim pivoted rearward;

[0032] Figure 5B A schematic diagram of the structure of a concealed steering wheel assembly and instrument panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown with the steering wheel handle pivoted rearward.

[0033] Figure 6A A schematic side view of a concealed steering wheel assembly and instrument panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in a concealed folded steering wheel state is shown;

[0034] Figure 6B A schematic diagram of the structure of a concealed steering wheel assembly and an instrument panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in a concealed and folded steering wheel state is shown.

[0035] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a concealed steering wheel assembly and an instrument panel in a steering wheel operating state is shown according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figures 8A to 8D Different structural schematic diagrams of the steering wheel body, steering wheel rim, and steering wheel spokes of a concealed steering wheel assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown respectively.

[0037] Figure 9A A schematic exploded view of a steering wheel rim, steering wheel spokes, and rim rotation mechanism according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 9B Show Figure 9A A schematic exploded view of the steering wheel rim and the steering wheel rim itself, representing the steering wheel rim rotation mechanism.

[0039] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the rim rotation mechanism of a concealed steering wheel assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] Figure 11 A schematic exploded view of the rim rotation mechanism of a concealed steering wheel assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0041] Figure 12 A schematic diagram showing the gearbox of the rim rotation mechanism of a concealed steering wheel assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, together with the individual gears therein;

[0042] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the rim rotation mechanism of a concealed steering wheel assembly according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Firstly, by using Figures 1 to 2C The basic construction of a concealed steering wheel assembly 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is described.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the concealed steering wheel assembly 1 according to this disclosure includes a steering wheel body 12, a steering wheel rim 11 pivotable relative to the steering wheel body 12, and steering wheel spokes 13, wherein the steering wheel rim 11 can pivot about a pivot axis Z offset from the center of the steering wheel body 12.

[0045] Reference Figures 2A to 2B The concealed steering wheel assembly 1 also includes a retractable steering column 3. The steering wheel body 12 is mounted on the steering column 3, for example, by means of a spline 4. The steering column 3 is configured to extend and retract between a retracted state and an extended state. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the steering column 3 includes a column motor 31, a column screw 32, and a column guide sleeve 33. The column guide sleeve 33 is operatively connected to the column screw 32. The column screw 32 is operatively connected to the column motor 31. The column guide sleeve 33 is fixedly mounted on the steering column 3. The column motor 31 drives the column screw 32 to rotate, which in turn drives the column guide sleeve 33, along with the steering column 3, to extend and retract, thereby causing the steering wheel body 12, along with the steering wheel rim 11, to extend and retract. Furthermore, referring to… Figure 2C In order to guide the extension and retraction of the steering column 3, a column guide rail 34 is also provided, and the steering column 3 extends and retracts under the guidance of the column guide rail 34.

[0046] Then, with the help of Figures 3A to 6B The operation of a concealed steering wheel assembly 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is described.

[0047] Figures 3A to 6BThe steering wheel rim 11 of the concealed steering wheel assembly 1 shown is an interrupted rim, which has a unique folding and concealing method. (Refer to...) Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the steering wheel operating state, the steering wheel rim 11 is in the operating position, while the steering wheel column 3 extends outward relative to the instrument panel 2 and is in the column extended position. This is to bring the concealed steering wheel assembly 1 from the steering wheel operating state to... Figure 6A and Figure 6B The steering wheel is shown in its hidden folded state. Firstly, it can be... Figure 4A and Figure 4B The steering column 3 extends outward, i.e., toward the driver (as shown by the arrow), to provide clearance for the pivoting of the steering wheel rim 11 relative to the instrument panel 2, or to allow for folding space for the steering wheel rim 11. Then it can be done as follows... Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, pivot the steering wheel throttle 11 backwards, that is, pivot around the pivot axis Z towards the head of the vehicle (as indicated by the arrow). Finally, it can be done as follows... Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, with the steering wheel rim 11 pivoted in the folded position, the steering column 3 is retracted towards the front of the vehicle (as indicated by the arrow) until the steering wheel body 12 is housed within the vehicle's dashboard 2. This provides more space for occupants to engage in non-driving activities. Figure 3B and Figure 6B It can also be clearly seen that the dashboard 2 includes a first receiving portion 21 for accommodating the steering wheel body 12 of the concealed steering wheel assembly 1. The shape of the first receiving portion 21 matches the shape of the steering wheel body 12. This allows for advantageous accommodation of the steering wheel body 12 within the dashboard 2. Furthermore, the dashboard 2 also includes a second receiving portion 22 for accommodating the steering wheel rim 11 of the concealed steering wheel assembly 1. The shape of the second receiving portion 22 matches the shape of the folded steering wheel rim 11. This allows for advantageous accommodation, or storage, of the steering wheel rim 11 within the dashboard 2. Additionally, especially from... Figure 6B It can also be seen that the surface contours of the driver-facing surface of the steering wheel body 12 and the driver-facing surface of the instrument panel 2 are constructed such that, in the folded and hidden state of the steering wheel, the surface contour of the steering wheel body 12 is flush with the surrounding surface contour of the instrument panel 2. Thus, in the folded and hidden state of the steering wheel, the steering wheel body 12 can be integrated with the instrument panel 2, achieving seamless storage of the steering wheel body 12 within the instrument panel 2. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the steering wheel rim 11, the steering wheel body 12, and the pivot axis Z are designed such that, after the steering wheel rim 11 is pivoted to the folded state, the outermost edge of the steering wheel rim 11 is flush with the outermost edge of the steering wheel body 12.

[0048] In addition to the interrupted handlebars described above, in other embodiments, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the steering wheel rim 11 of the concealed steering wheel assembly 1 can also be constructed as a non-interrupted rim. Here, in order to conceal the steering wheel assembly 1 from... Figure 7 The steering wheel, in its working state, can be brought to its concealed folded state by pivoting the steering wheel rim 11 forward, i.e., towards the driver. After switching to the folded rim state, the steering wheel rim 11 can be moved inward parallel to the longitudinal direction of the steering wheel body 12 so that the outermost edge of the steering wheel rim 11 (the driver-facing side) is substantially flush with the outermost edge of the steering wheel body 12 (the driver-facing side). Finally, the steering column 3 can be retracted towards the head of the vehicle until the steering wheel body 12 is accommodated in the vehicle's dashboard 2.

[0049] from Figures 8A to 8D As can be seen, the steering wheel rim 11 and steering wheel spokes 13 can be connected to the steering wheel body 12 via connecting lugs 132 on the steering wheel spokes 13; and can also be connected to the base 122 of the steering wheel body 12 via multiple other connection points 133 on the steering wheel spokes 13, for example, connected to corresponding connection points 1221 on the base 122. Furthermore, a rim rotation mechanism 131 is provided, which is at least partially disposed within the steering wheel spokes 13, particularly the spoke housing 134, and allows for the pivoting of the steering wheel rim 11. (Refer to...) Figure 9A and Figure 9B The steering wheel rotation mechanism 131 may include a steering wheel shaft 1311, which is fixedly connected to the steering wheel rim 11. For example... Figure 9B As shown, the steering wheel rim 11 may include, for example, a rim frame 111 made of metal and a rim outer ring 112, and the rim pivot 1311 may be fixed to the rim frame 111 by a rim pivot bolt 1311a.

[0050] The following uses Figures 10 to 12 The structure of the steering wheel rim rotation mechanism 131 used to realize the pivoting of the steering wheel rim 11 is described.

[0051] In some embodiments, the wheel swivel mechanism 131 includes a driver 1312 capable of outputting rotational motion and a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a driver-side gear operatively connected to the output element of the driver 1312, a worm gear non-rotatably connected to the driver-side gear, and a wheel swivel-side gear 1319. The wheel swivel-side gear 1319 is fixed to the wheel swivel shaft 1311, and the worm gear is directly or indirectly operatively connected to the wheel swivel-side gear 1319. (Refer to...) Figure 11The driver 1312 can be configured as a drive motor capable of outputting rotary motion, and the output component of the driver 1312 can be configured as a motor connector 1312a. For achieving transmission, refer to... Figure 11 In some embodiments, the transmission mechanism may include a drive gear 1314a on the driver side, a synchronizing gear set, and a driven gear 1314b on the driver side. The synchronizing gear set is disposed between the drive gear 1314a and the driven gear 1314b on the driver side and meshes with both gears respectively. The drive gear 1314a on the driver side can be operatively connected to a motor connector 1312a. Rotation of the motor connector 1312a can drive the drive gear 1314a on the driver side to rotate together. The rotation of the drive gear 1314a on the driver side can, in turn, cause the driven gear 1314b on the driver side to rotate in the same direction as the drive gear 1314a through the synchronizing gear 1316 in the synchronizing gear set. See also... Figure 12 For example, the counterclockwise rotation of the driving gear 1314a on the driver side can cause the driven gear 1314b on the driver side to rotate counterclockwise as well via the synchronizing gear 1316. Regarding the number of synchronizing gears 1316, besides... Figure 11 and Figure 12 In addition to the single synchronizing gear 1316 shown, it is also conceivable to provide other odd numbers of synchronizing gears 1316. These odd numbers of synchronizing gears ensure that the driving gear 1314a and the driven gear 1314b on the driver side always rotate in the same direction. The driving gear 1314a, the synchronizing gear set, and the driven gear 1314b on the driver side can be arranged in a gearbox, which may include a gearbox body 1313b and a gearbox cover 1313a.

[0052] In addition to the gear sets mentioned above, refer to Figure 11 The transmission mechanism also includes a driving worm 1317a and a driven worm 1317b. The driving worm 1317a is non-rotatably connected to the driving gear 1314a on the driver side, and the driven worm 1317b is non-rotatably connected to the driven gear 1314b on the driver side. That is, rotation of the driving gear 1314a on the driver side can drive the driving worm 1317a to rotate at the same speed and in the same direction, and rotation of the driven gear 1314b on the driver side can also drive the driven worm 1317b to rotate at the same speed and in the same direction. Figure 11As shown, a drive shaft 1315a and a driven shaft 1315b are fixedly connected to the drive gear 1314a and the driven gear 1314b on the drive side, respectively. A worm gear 1317a on the drive side and a worm gear 1317b on the driven side are also fixedly connected to the drive shaft 1315a and the driven shaft 1315b, respectively, thus achieving a connection where they cannot rotate relative to each other. Figure 10 and Figure 11 It can be seen that the driving worm 1317a and the driven worm 1317b can be respectively accommodated in the worm receiving portion 1313c extending from the end face of the gearbox body 1313b.

[0053] The aforementioned driving gear 1314a on the driver side, driven gear 1314b on the driver side, and driving worm 1317a and driven worm 1317b can achieve very smooth motion transmission.

[0054] In order to transmit the motion of the driving worm 1317a and the driven worm 1317b to the rim shaft 1311, as follows Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, intermediate gear sets are also provided between the gear 1319 on the corresponding steering wheel shaft side of the steering wheel shaft 1311 and the corresponding driving worm 1317a and driven worm 1317b. For ease of explanation, only one intermediate gear set will be described below. This intermediate gear set may include an intermediate synchronizing gear 1318a and an intermediate worm gear 1318b. The intermediate synchronizing gear 1318a cannot rotate relative to the intermediate worm gear 1318b. Therefore, the intermediate synchronizing gear 1318a and the intermediate worm gear 1318b can be connected to the same gear pin 1318c. The gear pin 1318c can be provided in a mounting hole at the protrusion 1313d extending from the worm receiving portion 1313c. The intermediate worm gear 1318b can be operatively connected to the corresponding worm, while the intermediate synchronizing gear 1318a can be operatively connected to the gear 1319 on the corresponding steering wheel shaft side. This allows for an indirect transmission connection between the worm gear and the gear 1319 on the corresponding crankshaft side. For example... Figure 10 As shown, taking the active worm gear 1317a as an example, the clockwise rotation of the active worm gear 1317a can drive the gear 1319 on the rim shaft side to rotate via the intermediate synchronizing gear 1318a and the intermediate worm wheel 1318b, thereby driving the rim shaft 1311 to rotate around the pivot axis Z. Figure 10 Rotate in the direction shown.

[0055] In addition to the indirect transmission connection described above, in other embodiments, such as Figure 13As shown, the corresponding driving worm 1317a and driven worm 1317b can also be directly connected to the gear 1319 on the corresponding throttle shaft side. Here, the gear 1319 on the corresponding throttle shaft side is constructed as a worm gear. Figure 13 In the embodiment shown, taking the driving worm 1317a as an example, since the intermediate gear set is eliminated, the counterclockwise rotation of the driving worm 1317a can cause the rotating shaft 1311 to rotate around the pivot axis Z along the axis of rotation. Figure 10 Rotate in the same direction as shown in the diagram.

[0056] Not limited to the embodiments described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it is also possible for the steering wheel rim 11 to be constructed in a split manner, and for example, to be provided with multiple (sub)rims, such as an upper rim and a lower rim. The upper rim and the lower rim can, for example, pivot rearward separately, thus also realizing a folding rim structure that can be accommodated in the instrument panel 2.

[0057] It should be understood that the means of transport disclosed herein can be interpreted broadly, including but not limited to land vehicles, such as various types of motor vehicles (especially cars, commercial vehicles, buses, etc.), water vehicles, and air vehicles, etc.

[0058] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. The singular forms “a” and “the one” as used herein should include the plural forms unless the context explicitly states otherwise. It is understood that the terms “comprising” and “including,” and other similar terms, when used in the application documents, specifically describe the presence of the stated operation, element, and / or component, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The term “and / or” as used herein includes all arbitrary combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals always denote similar elements.

[0059] The thickness of the elements in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. It is also understood that if an element is described as being on, coupled to, or connected to another element, then the element may be directly formed on, coupled to, or connected to the other element, or there may be one or more intermediate elements between them. Conversely, if the expressions "directly on," "directly coupled to," and "directly connected to" are used herein, it indicates that there is no intermediate element. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly, such as "between" and "directly between," "attached" and "directly attached," "adjacent" and "directly adjacent," etc.

[0060] Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “over,” “under,” etc., are used to describe the relationship of one element, layer, or region relative to another element, layer, or region, as shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these terms should also encompass other orientations of the device in addition to those described in the accompanying drawings.

[0061] It is understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe different elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, a first element can be referred to as a second element without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

[0062] It can also be considered that all the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can be arbitrarily combined with each other. Furthermore, all individual technical features in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other, as long as the combined technical features are not contradictory. All technically feasible combinations of features are the technical content described in this application.

[0063] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely for understanding this disclosure and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make modifications based on the above embodiments, and these modifications will not depart from the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A concealed steering wheel assembly configured for use within a vehicle, characterized in that, The concealed steering wheel assembly includes: Steering wheel body; Steering wheel rim, the steering wheel rim being configured to pivot between a folded state and a folded state; and A retractable steering column, wherein the steering wheel body is mounted on the steering column and the steering column is configured to retract between a retracted state and an extended state. The concealed steering wheel assembly can switch between a working steering wheel state and a folded-down steering wheel state. In the working steering wheel state, the steering wheel rim is in the working state and the steering wheel column is in the extended state. In the folded-down steering wheel state, the steering wheel rim is in the folded state and the steering wheel column is in the retracted state. The steering column is configured to retract toward the head of the vehicle when the steering wheel is pivoted to the folded position, in order to switch from the steering wheel working state to the steering wheel folded-out state, until the steering wheel body is housed in the vehicle's dashboard. The steering wheel rim can pivot around a pivot axis, which is offset from the center of the steering wheel body; The surface profile of the driver-facing surface of the steering wheel body is configured such that, when the steering wheel is folded and hidden, the surface profile of the steering wheel body is flush with the surface profile of the surrounding dashboard.

2. The concealed steering wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein, The steering wheel rim is constructed as an interrupted rim, wherein the steering wheel rim, the steering wheel body, and the pivot axis are designed such that after the steering wheel rim is pivoted to the folded state, the outermost edge of the steering wheel rim is flush with the outermost edge of the steering wheel body.

3. The concealed steering wheel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steering wheel rim is configured as an interrupted rim, which is designed to pivot rearward when switching from a rim-operated state to a rim-folded state; or The steering wheel rim is configured as a non-interrupted rim, which is configured to pivot forward when switching from the rim working state to the rim folding state, and to move inward parallel to the longitudinal direction of the steering wheel body after switching to the rim folding state.

4. The concealed steering wheel assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The steering wheel rim is constructed as an interrupted rim, and the steering column is configured to extend outward when the steering wheel rim is to be switched from the rim working state to the rim folding state, so as to reserve folding space for the steering wheel rim relative to the instrument panel.

5. The concealed steering wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein, The system is equipped with a column motor, a column screw, and a column guide sleeve. The column guide sleeve is operatively connected to the column screw, and the column screw is operatively connected to the column motor. The column guide sleeve is fixedly mounted on the steering column. The column motor can drive the column screw to rotate, which in turn drives the column guide sleeve and the steering column to extend and retract, thereby driving the steering wheel body and the steering wheel rim to extend and retract.

6. The concealed steering wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein, The steering column is equipped with a guide rail, and the steering column extends and retracts under the guidance of the guide rail.

7. The concealed steering wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein, The steering wheel is provided with a rim rotation mechanism, which drives the steering wheel rim to pivot. The rim rotation mechanism includes a rim rotation shaft, which is fixedly connected to the steering wheel rim.

8. The concealed steering wheel assembly of claim 7, wherein, The rim rotation mechanism includes a driver capable of outputting rotational motion and a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a gear on the driver side that is operatively connected to the output component of the driver, a worm gear that is non-rotatably connected to the gear on the driver side, and a gear on the rim rotation shaft side. The gear on the rim rotation shaft side is fixed on the rim rotation shaft, and the worm gear is directly or indirectly operatively connected to the gear on the rim rotation shaft side.

9. The concealed steering wheel assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The corresponding worm gear is indirectly connected to the gear on the corresponding rim shaft side, and an intermediate gear set is provided between the corresponding worm gear and the gear on the corresponding rim shaft side. The intermediate gear set includes an intermediate synchronizing gear and an intermediate worm gear. The intermediate synchronizing gear is not allowed to rotate relative to the intermediate worm gear. The intermediate worm gear is connected to the worm gear, while the intermediate synchronizing gear is connected to the gear on the rim shaft side; or The corresponding worm gear is directly connected to the corresponding gear on the rim shaft side, and the corresponding gear on the rim shaft side is constructed as a worm wheel.

10. The concealed steering wheel assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The device is equipped with a driving gear, a synchronizing gear set, and a driven gear on the driving side. The driving gear on the driving side is operatively connected to the output component of the driver. The synchronizing gear set is disposed between the driving gear and the driven gear on the driving side and meshes with the driving gear and the driven gear on the driving side, respectively. The driving gear and the driven gear on the driving side are rotated in the same direction by the synchronizing gear set.

11. The concealed steering wheel assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, It is equipped with a driving worm and a driven worm. The driving worm is connected to the driving gear on the driver side in a way that prevents them from rotating relative to each other, and the driven worm is connected to the driven gear on the driver side in a way that prevents them from rotating relative to each other.

12. The concealed steering wheel assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The concealed steering wheel assembly includes steering wheel spokes, with the steering wheel rotation mechanism at least partially disposed within the steering wheel spokes.

13. An instrument panel for housing a concealed steering wheel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The dashboard includes a first receiving portion for accommodating a steering wheel body with a concealed steering wheel assembly, wherein the surface profile of the driver-facing surface of the dashboard is configured such that, in the folded and concealed state, the surface profile of the driver-facing surface of the steering wheel body is flush with the surface profile of the surrounding dashboard.

14. The instrument panel according to claim 13, characterized in that, The shape of the first receiving part matches the shape of the steering wheel body.

15. The instrument panel according to claim 13, characterized in that, The dashboard also includes a second receiving portion for accommodating a steering wheel rim with a concealed steering wheel assembly, wherein the shape of the second receiving portion matches the shape of the folded steering wheel rim.

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