Adjustable steering wheel for autonomous vehicles

Abstract

Steering wheel position control system (35) for a vehicle (10) comprising the following: a processor; a memory, wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the processor and is programmed for the following: Receiving values ​​from at least one sensor (38); Commands of a pivoting mechanism (34) based on the values ​​of the sensor (38) to pre-tension a steering wheel (20) attached to a steering support module (24) from the driving position to a stowed position; Deployment of an airbag (30) based on the values ​​of the sensor (38), and wherein the steering wheel (20) in the stowed position is pivoted onto an underside of the instrument panel (28) and out of the deployment space (32) of the deployed airbag (30), so that a driver (22) sitting in an upright position cannot reach the steering wheel (20), wherein a spring tension biases the steering wheel (20) into the stowed position, wherein the steering wheel (20) is held in the driving position by an electromechanically adjustable locking mechanism, which can be disengaged electronically via an electrically controlled actuator, with an engagement position in which the locking mechanism prevents the movement of the steering wheel (20) into the stowed position and a disengaged position in which the locking mechanism allows the movement of the steering wheel (20) into the stowed position, and moves into the disengaged position in response to a command to the pivoting mechanism (34).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a steering wheel position control system for a vehicle and a method for positioning a steering wheel. BACKGROUND

[0002] In autonomous vehicles, which can travel from one location to another without requiring one or more interventions, typically from an operator, such as steering, a steering wheel is no longer required to steer the vehicle. However, today's vehicles typically rely on a steering wheel to accommodate the driver's airbag. Furthermore, the lack of a steering wheel and the associated inability to steer the vehicle manually, even in an autonomous vehicle designed to drive without operator intervention, can lead to a potential vehicle breakdown and / or a dangerous inability for an operator to assume control, for example, in the event of a loss of autonomous function due to weather or other reasons.

[0003] DE 198 60 804 A1 discloses a driver airbag arrangement in a motor vehicle. KR 20 0 162 545 Y1 discloses a steering wheel with a folding structure. JP H05-105 014 A1 discloses a safety device with an airbag.

[0004] The aim of the invention is to improve the safety of autonomous vehicles.

[0005] The object is achieved according to the invention by means of a steering wheel position control system for a vehicle, which comprises: a processor; a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor and being programmed to: Receiving values ​​from at least one sensor; Commanding a pivot mechanism, based on the values ​​of the sensor, to bias a steering wheel attached to a steering support module from the driving position to a stowed position; Deploying an airbag based on the values ​​of the sensor, and wherein the steering wheel in the stowed position is pivoted onto an underside of the instrument panel and out of the deployment space of the deployed airbag such that a driver sitting in an upright position cannot reach the steering wheel, wherein a spring tension biases the steering wheel to the stowed position, wherein the steering wheel is held in the drive position by an electromechanically adjustable lock electronically disengageable via an electrically controlled actuator, having an engaged position in which the lock prevents movement of the steering wheel to the stowed position and a disengaged position in which the lock permits movement of the steering wheel to the stowed position, and moves to the disengaged position in response to a command to the pivot mechanism.

[0006] Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention by means of a method for positioning a steering wheel, which comprises the following: Receiving values ​​from a sensor; Commanding a swivel mechanism, based on values ​​from the sensor, to bias a steering wheel from the driving position to the stowed position; and Deploying the airbag based on sensor values, wherein the steering wheel, in the stowed position, is pivoted to an underside of the dashboard and out of the deployment space of the deployed airbag so that a driver sitting in an upright position cannot reach the steering wheel, further comprising inserting a spring to bias the steering wheel into the stowed position, further comprising holding the steering wheel in the drive position with an electromechanically adjustable lock electronically disengageable via an electrically controlled actuator, having an engaged position in which the lock prevents movement of the steering wheel to the stowed position and a disengaged position in which the lock permits movement of the steering wheel to the stowed position, and actuating the lock in response to commands to the pivot mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary interior seat and steering wheel arrangement of a vehicle with the steering wheel in the first position. Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the exemplary arrangement of the inner seat and steering wheel from Fig. 1, with the steering wheel in a second position and an airbag deployed. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the exemplary arrangement of the inner seat and steering wheel from Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the exemplary arrangement of the inner seat and steering wheel from Fig. 2, with the steering wheel in a second position and an airbag deployed. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary steering wheel position control system. Fig. 6 is a flowchart of exemplary logic for the steering wheel position control system of Fig. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] An adjustable steering wheel can be adjusted between a driving position and a stowed position. The adjustable steering wheel does not have an airbag. The driver airbag is therefore mounted in a location different from the steering wheel, such as in the roof or on the dashboard. A driver-side arrangement symmetrical to that of the passenger side could be used for the position and design of the driver airbag. Such commonality would reduce development costs by requiring a single crashworthiness analysis / program to be conducted with the steering wheel in any position. Another advantage of such a system is the ability to easily move the steering wheel to the steering position to enable manual operation of the vehicle when manual operation is required or desired.

[0008] Relative orientations and directions (e.g., top, bottom, rear, front, back, rear, outboard, inboard, inward, outward, left, right) are set forth in this specification not as limitations, but for the convenience of the reader by illustrating at least one embodiment of the described structures.

[0009] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 depict a portion of an exemplary vehicle 10 having a passenger compartment 12 partially defined by a roof 14 and a windshield 16. An exemplary driver's seat 18 and an exemplary stowable steering wheel 20 are located within the passenger compartment 12, with the seat 18 oriented in a conventional forward direction. The steering wheel 20 is depicted in the driving position. A driver or passenger 22 is depicted within the seat 18.

[0010] The steering wheel 10 is attached to a steering support module 24 which extends from an instrument panel area 26 of a dashboard 28. A Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 driver airbag 30 shown in deployed mode is located in the dashboard 28 of the vehicle, as in Fig. 4, or alternatively in the roof and not in the steering wheel 20. The volume occupied by the deployed airbag 30 can be referred to as the deployment space 32 of the airbag 30 and is shown in Fig. 4 with a dashed line. The steering wheel 20 and the steering support module 24 can be swung out of reach of the driver 22 into a stowed position on an underside of the dashboard when not needed, as shown in Fig. 2. The steering wheel 20 can also be attached to the Fig. 1 within the reach of the driver. A pivoting mechanism 34, which is shown in the exemplary schematic representation of Fig. 5, which illustrates an exemplary steering wheel position control system 35 disposed between module 24 and instrument panel 28, enables the steering support module 24 to maintain and transmit driver torque to the vehicle's steering gear (not shown) when the module 24 and steering wheel 20 are in the drive position. In one example of a pivot mechanism 34, the steering wheel and support module 24 are spring-biased in the stowed position. A selectively disengageable lock (not shown) of the pivot mechanism 34 maintains the spring-biased steering support module in the drive position. The invention utilizes an electromechanically adjustable lock. The lock is disengaged electronically via an electrically controlled actuator (not shown). The pivot mechanism 34, specifically the actuator, is electrically connected to an electronic control unit 36.The steering wheel is returned to the driving position by lifting the steering wheel 20 against the spring tension until the locking mechanism engages.

[0011] If the vehicle's steering is provided by a conventional mechanical steering linkage, an exemplary module 24 includes the upper portion of a steering column. Alternatively, if the steering system is a steer-by-wire system, an exemplary module includes a combination of a feedback motor, sensors 38, and a bearing-mounted stub shaft. Each steering system type would require its own pivot mechanism 34. Further details of the pivot mechanism 34 are not required in this disclosure, as a functional pivot mechanism can be provided by one skilled in the art.

[0012] The steering wheel 20 is smaller than most conventional steering wheels and, in one exemplary embodiment, has a maximum outer radius of approximately five inches. The steering wheel 20 may be oval or bow-shaped to further reduce size. When the steering wheel 20 is pivoted to the stowed position, it may be disconnected from the steering system to allow stowing in a predetermined rotational orientation independent of the steering orientation of the vehicle wheels and re-aligned when the steering wheel is returned to the driving position. If the steering system is a steer-by-wire system, the above-described disconnection and subsequent reconnection may be accomplished by control software, which is described below.If the steering system is a conventional mechanical steering linkage, an exemplary clutch connection could be used in which a clutch (not shown) is released in the stowed position and reactivated in the drive position. Activation and disengagement of the clutch is accomplished by pivoting module 24.

[0013] The steering wheel 20 and module 24 drop and pivot downward into the stowed position, a location on an underside of the instrument panel 28, when deployment of the driver airbag 30 is expected or occurring. If the steering wheel 20 is in the driving position, it drops downward out of the path of the airbag 30 to allow deployment of the airbag 30. In the stowed position, the steering wheel 20 and module 24 do not interfere with the deployment of the airbag 30. If the driver is sitting in an upright position, they cannot reach the steering wheel 20 when it is in the pivoted stowed position.

[0014] The steering system is electrically connected to and / or may be considered to include the electronic control unit 36, which is alternatively referred to as a controller or a control device. The electronic control unit 36 ​​is also electrically connected to the airbag as well as to sensors 38, which may include, for example, weight sensors in seats, vehicle speed sensors, accelerometers that indicate changes in vehicle speed that may indicate a crash event, and seat position sensors. Sensors 38 provide electrical signals to the electronic control unit 36 ​​that indicate their respective parameters. Fig. 5 lines indicating electrical connections provided by wires, alternatively such electrical connections may be implemented wirelessly using wireless communication technology.

[0015] The electronic control unit 36 ​​includes at least one electronic processor and associated memory. The processor's operating system software is stored in memory for access by the processor. Control software for performing certain predetermined tasks is also maintained in memory. The memory also includes a buffer area, or more simply, a buffer, that facilitates the storage and manipulation of data. The precise structure of the electronic control unit 36 ​​is not relevant to this description and is known to those skilled in the art. The electronic control unit 36 ​​is programmed by control software to cause the steering wheel 20 and module 24 to steer to the stowed position in response to data from sensors 38 detected by the electronic control unit 36 ​​that is indicative of a crash event.In an exemplary embodiment, pivoting of the steering wheel 20 and module 24 to the stowed position occurs when the actuator of the pivot mechanism 34 releases the lock to a disengaged position, with spring tension on the module 24 pivoting the module 24 and steering wheel 20 from the driving position to the stowed position. The electronic control unit 36 ​​is programmed by software to deploy the driver airbag 30 in response to data from sensors 38 determined by the electronic control unit 36 ​​indicative of a crash event.

[0016] In the exemplary logic of Fig. 6 illustrates the steps for a method for moving or positioning the steering wheel 20. A program 40 is initiated at start block 42. At decision block 44, a determination is made based on signals available to the electronic control unit 36 ​​regarding whether the vehicle is in the "drive" mode of operation. If it is determined that the vehicle is not in the drive mode, the program 40 proceeds to an end block 46. If it is determined that the vehicle is in the drive mode, the program 40 proceeds to process block 48. Process block 48 instructs the electronic control unit 36 ​​to read a value from at least one sensor 38. If the sensor 38 has been read according to process block 48, the program 40 proceeds to decision block 50. Decision block 50 determines, based on the value from sensor 38, whether a crash event has occurred.If no impact event occurrence could be determined, the program proceeds to decision block 44. If an impact event occurrence has been determined, the program proceeds to blocks 52 and 54 to deploy the airbag 30 and pivot the steering wheel 20. The pivoting and deployment sequence is determined to ensure that the steering wheel 20 does not interfere with the deployment of the airbag 30 and does not pose an impact risk to the driver 22. For example, an airbag 30 may be deployed at the same time as, or even before, the steering wheel 20 is pivoted if it is determined that the steering wheel 20 has left the deployment space 30 before the airbag 30 has fully deployed.

[0017] It is to be understood that the present disclosure, including the above description and the accompanying figures and the claims below, is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples given would become apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should not be determined by reference to the above description, but should instead be determined by reference to the claims appended hereto, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Unless otherwise stated or qualified herein, all claim terms are to be given their plain and ordinary meanings.It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the areas discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In summary, it is understood that the disclosed subject matter is susceptible to modification and variation. Key to symbols

[0018] Fig. 6 44 Is the vehicle in “Drive” mode? 48 sensors read 50 Do the sensor data indicate an impact event? 52 Turn the steering wheel 54 Deploy airbag

Claims

[1] Steering wheel position control system (35) for a vehicle (10), comprising: a processor; a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor and being programmed to: Receiving values ​​from at least one sensor (38); Commanding a pivot mechanism (34) based on the values ​​of the sensor (38) to bias a steering wheel (20) attached to a steering support module (24) from the driving position to a stowed position; Deploying an airbag (30) based on the values ​​of the sensor (38), and wherein the steering wheel (20) is pivoted in the stowed position onto an underside of the instrument panel (28) and out of the deployment space (32) of the deployed airbag (30) such that a driver (22) sitting in an upright position cannot reach the steering wheel (20), wherein a spring tension biases the steering wheel (20) into the stowed position, wherein the steering wheel (20) is held in the driving position by an electromechanically adjustable lock that is electronically disengageable via an electrically controlled actuator, having an engaged position in which the lock prevents movement of the steering wheel (20) into the stowed position and a disengaged position in which the lock permits movement of the steering wheel (20) into the stowed position, and moves to the disengaged position in response to a command to the pivot mechanism (34). [2] The steering wheel position control system (35) of claim 1, wherein the steering wheel (20) has a maximum outer radius of five inches (12.7 cm). [3] The steering wheel position control system (35) of claim 1, wherein the airbag (30) is disposed in an instrument panel (28). [4] Steering wheel position control system (35) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising the following: a steering wheel (20) without an integrated airbag (30); wherein the steering wheel (20) is attached to the steering wheel module, the module being selectively pivotable on the instrument panel (28) between a driving position in which the steering wheel (20) is within reach of an occupant in a driver's seat (18) and a stowed position in which the steering wheel (20) is out of reach of the occupant; a sensor (38) for detecting a vehicle impact event; a pivot mechanism (34) that selectively biases the steering wheel (20) into the stowed position in response to a command signal from the processor. [5] The steering wheel position control system (35) of claim 4, wherein a spring tension biases the steering wheel (20) into the stowed position. [6] The steering wheel position control system (35) of claim 5, wherein the steering wheel (20) is held in the drive position by an electromechanically adjustable lock having an engaged position in which the lock prevents movement of the steering wheel module to the stowed position and a disengaged position in which the lock allows movement of the steering wheel module to the stowed position, and moves to the disengaged position in response to a command to the pivot mechanism (34). [7] Steering wheel position control system (35) according to claim 4, wherein the steering wheel (20) has a maximum outer radius of five inches (12.7 cm). [8] Steering wheel position control system (35) according to claim 4, wherein the airbag (30) is arranged in the instrument panel (28). [9] A method for positioning a steering wheel (20), comprising: Receiving values ​​from a sensor (38); Commanding a pivot mechanism (34) to bias a steering wheel (20) from the driving position to the stowed position based on values ​​from the sensor (38); and Deploying the airbag (30) based on values ​​from the sensor (38), wherein the steering wheel (20) is pivoted in the stowed position onto an underside of the dashboard (28) and out of the deployment space (32) of the deployed airbag (30) so that a driver (22) sitting in an upright position cannot reach the steering wheel (20), further comprising inserting a spring to bias the steering wheel (20) into the stowed position, further comprising holding the steering wheel (20) in the drive position with an electromechanically adjustable lock that is electronically disengageable via an electrically controlled actuator, having an engaged position in which the lock prevents movement of the steering wheel (20) to the stowed position and a disengaged position in which the lock allows movement of the steering wheel (20) to the stowed position, and actuating the lock in response to commands to the pivot mechanism (34). [10] The method of claim 9, further comprising forming the steering wheel (20) with a maximum outer radius of five inches (12.7 cm). [11] The method of claim 10, further comprising providing the airbag (30) in the instrument panel (28).

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