Operating arrangement for a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Operating arrangement (1) for a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle, with a mechanical operating element (10) arranged in a passenger compartment (2) of the motor vehicle for inputting a steering request of a driver of the motor vehicle, wherein the operating element (10) is mounted rotatably about a predetermined axis of rotation (R) and has a support surface (12) for supporting a hand of the driver, that the operating element (10) is designed to be rotated about the predetermined axis of rotation (R) of the operating element (10) when the driver's hand rests on the support surface (12) by rotating the driver's forearm about a rotation axis of the forearm; that the operating element (10) has a guide element (14) in the region of the support surface (12), which guide element is arranged in a neutral position (N) of the operating element (10) in a region of the support surface (12) of the operating element (10) that is central in cross-section; that the guide element (14) is designed as a contact surface for fingers of the driver's hand, and wherein the guide element (14) is designed in the form of an elevation, preferably a fin; that the guide element (14) is arranged in the region of the support surface (12) in such a way that the guide element (14) can be arranged between a thumb and an index finger or between the index finger and a middle finger of the driver when the driver's hand is placed on the support surface (12), characterized by that the operating element (10) is connected to a rod-shaped or shaft-shaped element (19, 119, 219, 319, 419, 519) which is mounted at an axial end section by a first bearing element (18a, 118a, 218a, 318, 418a, 518a) and a second bearing element (18b, 118b, 218b, 318b, 418b, 518b) about the predetermined axis of rotation (R).

Description

The invention relates to an operating arrangement for a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a steer-by-wire steering system.Prior ArtIn order to implement the steering intention of a driver, steering wheels are currently used in passenger cars. By presetting an angle at the steering wheel, the driver can determine a rack position and thus the direction in which the vehicle controls. In conventional vehicles, the steering wheel and wheels are mechanically connected to one another. The rotational movement is transmitted from the steering wheel via the steering column and intermediate steering shaft to a gear which transmits the rotational movement into a translatory movement of the rack. This in turn ensures the rotation of the wheels into the desired position.An example of an alternative control element is a joystick which originates from the gaming area. Areas in which the steering of vehicles by a joystick is applied are, for example, the aviation or the Nkw area.The development in the automotive industry towards highly automated driving leads to new desires with regard to the steering system. For example, many automobile manufacturers wish to prevent the steering wheel from turning in the event that the autopilot assumes control of the vehicle. By omitting the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels and instead communicating the steering request via cable (steer-by-wire), this request can be realized. Another assumption is that the driver, when driving with autopilots, has the steering wheel in the way it is currently positioned. If the driver no longer has to drive himself, he could work with a laptop or read newspaper, for example, while driving. For this purpose, the steering wheel is more in the way of the driver; a storage would be more useful, for example.In order to be able to realize these requirements for vehicles in the future, a new vehicle interior concept including an alternative operating concept is required.DE 199 12 169 A1 discloses a steer-by-wire steering system which consists of an electronically controlled electromotive steering actuator which is mounted on the steering gear of the front axle or also on both front wheels, an electronic steering controller and a feedback actuator unit. The driver's steering request is tapped at the steering wheel by a transmitter. The electronically controlled electromotive steering actuators then convert the driver's request into a translatory movement of the steering system on the front axle of the motor vehicle.The generic US 4 738 417 A discloses a hand operated control for a vehicle comprising a flattened ball on which a handle is movably mounted. A position sensor mechanism is partially housed within the flattened ball.The object of the invention is thus to provide an improved operating arrangement for a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle, which enables the driver to find improved space conditions in the passenger compartment in autopilot mode, which enable, for example, working with a laptop, reading a newspaper or the like.The invention is achieved with an operating arrangement for a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle having the features of claim 1.Disclosure of the InventionThe present invention provides an operating arrangement for a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle, having a mechanical operating element arranged in a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle for inputting a steering request of a driver of the motor vehicle, wherein the operating element is mounted rotatably about a predefined axis of rotation and has a bearing surface for bearing a hand of the driver, wherein the operating element is designed to be rotated about the predefined axis of rotation of the operating element when the hand of the driver is bearing on the bearing surface, by rotating the forearm of the driver about an axis of rotation of the forearm.An idea of the present invention is to create improved space conditions in the passenger compartment by omitting the conventional steering wheel. Due to the fact that the operating element can be operated with one hand in that the driver places the hand on the contact surface of the operating element and can subsequently rotate the operating element by rotating his arm about the axis of rotation of the arm, the advantage results on the one hand that a size of the operating element can be substantially reduced in contrast to conventional steering wheels and that a flexible arrangeability of the operating element in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle in a grip region of the driver is also possible.Moreover, an extremely precise operation of the operating element by the driver is advantageously possible, since the rotation of the operating element about its axis of rotation is carried out by the rotation of the arm, in particular of the forearm, of the driver. In contrast to a conventional joystick in which the movement of the joystick takes place substantially from the wrist of a user, a desired angle of rotation can be set more precisely in the context of the present invention due to the rotation of the operating element due to the rotation of the forearm of the driver. This also makes it possible to avoid unwanted jerk-like movements. This also contributes to the safety of the steering system. Furthermore, because of the greater angular range of the rotation of the operating element, it is possible to steer the operation more precisely in comparison with a joystick.It is provided that the operating element has a guide element in the region of the contact surface, which guide element is arranged in a region of the contact surface of the operating element that is substantially central in cross section in a neutral position of the operating element. By providing the guide element, the guide properties of the operating element can be advantageously improved, for example in extreme situations in which good retention on the bearing surface of the operating element is required.In addition, it is provided that the guide element is designed as a contact surface for fingers of the driver's hand, and wherein the guide element is designed substantially in the form of an elevation, preferably a fin. The design of the guide element in the form of a fin has the advantage of good transverse guidance of the operating element by the driver's fingers arranged in contact with the fin.Furthermore, it is provided that the guide element is arranged in the region of the support surface in such a way that the guide element can be arranged between a thumb and an index finger or between the index finger and a middle finger of the driver when the hand of the driver is resting on the support surface. Thus, an ergonomic arrangement of the driver's hand on the support surface of the operating element and, moreover, a precise rotation of the operating element by the driver can be achieved in an advantageous manner.According to the invention, it is provided that the operating element is connected to a rod- or wave-shaped element which is mounted at an axial end section by a first bearing element and a second bearing element about the predefined axis of rotation. The control element can thus be mounted relative to the support structure and positioned at any desired position in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.Advantageous embodiments and refinements emerge from the dependent claims and from the description with reference to the figures.According to a preferred development, it is provided that the operating element is formed substantially at least in sections convexly, in particular substantially at least in sections spherically. The spherical shape has the advantage over other shapes that it is not specifically cut to one hand size and can thus be used universally for different hand sizes.According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the hand of the driver can be placed flat, in particular substantially over the full surface, on the operating element. This advantageously results in a secure contact of the hand of the driver on the contact surface and also a precise controllability of a rotation of the operating element by a driver.According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the operating element is arranged on a carrier structure, preferably on a tower, and is rotatably mounted by the carrier structure, wherein the operating element is positioned substantially centrally on the carrier structure. By providing the support structure, the operating element can be positioned in the passenger compartment in such a way that ergonomic operation by the driver is made possible.According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the operating element has a recess in a lower region for the support and / or fastening of the operating element to the support structure. The operating element can thus be rotatably mounted in an advantageous manner by the carrier structure, wherein respective elements for fastening and / or mounting the operating element can be installed in the interior of the operating element and / or the carrier structure.According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the operating element is arranged in the region of a central console of the passenger compartment. Thus, ergonomic operability of the operating element by the driver can be made possible. For example, the forearm of the driver can be placed on an existing storage surface in the area of the center console, so that ergonomic and stress-free operation of the operating element by the driver is possible.According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the operating element, starting from the neutral position, is rotatable in both rotational directions at an angle of up to 60°, preferably at an angle of rotation of 50° to 60°. Thus, a complete rotation of the wheels of the vehicle from stop to stop can be provided in an advantageous manner in a relatively small space, as a result of the compact configuration of the operating element, in the region of a rotation angle of + / - 60° starting from the neutral position of the operating element.The described embodiments and developments can be combined with one another as desired.Further possible embodiments, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiments, which combinations are not explicitly mentioned.Brief Description of the DrawingsThe accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention.Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned are evident with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings shown are not necessarily shown true to scale with respect to one another.The following are shown: FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an operating arrangement for a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 shows an enlarged detail view of an operating element of the steer-by-wire steering system for the motor vehicle according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a mounting of the operating element according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting of the operating element according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting of the operating element according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting of the operating element according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting of the operating element according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting of the operating element according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention.In the figures of the drawings, identical reference numerals designate identical or functionally identical elements, components or components, unless indicated to the contrary.FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an operating arrangement for a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.The operating arrangement 1 for the steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle comprises a mechanical operating element 10 arranged in a passenger compartment 2 of the motor vehicle. For this purpose, the operating element 10 is mounted rotatably about a predefined axis of rotation R. The operating element 10 further comprises a support surface 12 for supporting a hand of the driver. The operating element 10 is furthermore designed to be rotated about the predefined axis of rotation R of the operating element 10 when the hand of the driver is resting on the supporting surface 12, by rotating the forearm of the driver about an axis of rotation of the forearm.In the passenger compartment 2 of the motor vehicle, a conventional armrest 11 is also arranged. When the forearm of the driver is resting on the arm rest 11, the operating element 10 can be operated both as intended and ergonomically.The driver's hand can be placed flat, in particular substantially over the full surface, on the operating element 10.The operating element 10 has a guide element 14 in the region of the bearing surface 12. In a neutral position N of the operating element 10, the guide element 14 is arranged in a region of the support surface 12 of the operating element 10 which is substantially central in cross section.The guide element 14 serves as a contact surface for respective fingers of the hand of the driver. The guide element 14 is formed in the form of a fin. Alternatively, the guide element 14 can have a different geometric shape, such as a spherical shape or substantially the shape of an elevation of the bearing surface 12 of the operating element 10.The operating element 10 is arranged on a support structure 16. In the present embodiment, the support structure 16 is designed as a tower. Alternatively, the support structure 16 can be positioned, for example, lower in the area of the center console. The operating element 10 is rotatably mounted by the carrier structure 16 and is arranged thereon. The operating element 10 is positioned here essentially centrally on the support structure 16. Alternatively, the operating element 10 can be positioned eccentrically on the support structure 16, for example. The support structure 16 and the operating element 10 form a unit here. The support structure 16 has in its interior a rotation angle sensor for detecting a rotation angle of the operating element 10. Alternatively, the rotation angle sensor can be installed, for example, in the interior of the operating element.FIG. 2 shows an enlarged detail view of an operating element of the steer-by-wire steering system for the motor vehicle according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. In the present embodiment, the operating element 10 is designed to be spherical at least in sections. Alternatively, the operating element 10 can have a shape that is at least partially convex or a shape that is specially adapted to a palm of the driver. The guide element 14 is arranged in the region of the support surface 12 in such a way that the guide element 14 is arranged between a thumb and an index finger when the driver's hand is resting on the support surface 12. Alternatively, the guide element 14 can be positioned, for example, in such a way that it can be arranged between the index finger and a middle finger of the driver when the hand of the driver is resting on the supporting surface 12 of the operating element 10.The operating element 10 has, in a lower region 10 a, a cutout 10 bfor the support and / or fastening of the operating element 10 on the support structure (not shown in FIG. 2 ).Starting from the neutral position, the operating element 10 is rotatable in both rotational directions at an angle of rotation α of up to 60°, preferably at an angle of rotation of 50° to 60°.FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a mounting of the operating element according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.The operating element 10 is rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation R by a first bearing element 18 aand a second bearing element 18 b. The first bearing element 18 aand the second bearing element 18 bare formed by radial slide bearings. Alternatively, for example, another suitable bearing such as a radial rolling bearing can be used. The first bearing element 18 aand the second bearing element 18 bare arranged on the support structure 16, wherein the operating element 10 has a rod-shaped or wave-shaped element 19 extending from wall surface to wall surface of the operating element 10 in an interior 10 cof the operating element 10. The rod- or shaft-shaped element 19 is mounted in the first bearing element 18 aand the second bearing element 18 brotatably about the axis of rotation R and thus enables the rotatable mounting of the operating element 10 about the axis of rotation R.FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting of the operating element according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention.The operating element 10 is mounted around the axis of rotation R by radial slide bearings 118 aand 118 bin a manner analogous to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, wherein the operating element 10 is offset by 90° relative to the carrier structure 116, i.e. is arranged perpendicular to the carrier structure 116. Alternatively, instead of the slide bearing, a ball bearing can be provided, for example. For this purpose, a rod- or wave-shaped element 119 is arranged on the operating element 10, in a central region of the operating element 10, wherein the rod- or wave-shaped element 119 is mounted about the axis of rotation R by the first bearing element 118 aand the second bearing element 118 b. The rod- or wave-shaped element 119 is arranged here at an angle of substantially 90° with respect to the carrier structure 116. The rod- or wave-shaped element 119 has such a length that the operating element 10 is arranged offset from the carrier structure 116 by a predetermined distance. This distance can be selected accordingly depending on the requirements for the position of the operating element 10 in the passenger compartment.FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting of the operating element according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention.In the present embodiment, the operating element 10 is supported by corresponding radial slide bearings, analogously to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, instead of the slide bearing, a ball bearing can be provided, for example. For this purpose, the operating element 10 is firmly connected to a rod- or wave-shaped element 219. The rod- or shaft-shaped element 219 is connected to the operating element 10 in a central region of the operating element 10 and is furthermore guided through the first bearing element 218 aand the second bearing element 218 b, wherein the first bearing element 218 aand the second bearing element 218 bare arranged along the axis of rotation R.In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the rod-shaped or wavy element 219 does not have a straight shape, but rather a straight section and a substantially U-shaped bent section, wherein the straight section is arranged in the region of the bearing elements 218 a, 218 band the U-shaped bent section is arranged adjacent to the operating element 10. The operating element 10 is spatially positioned in such a way that a central longitudinal axis of the operating element 10 is arranged substantially congruently with the rotational axis R. As also shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment the rod- or wave-shaped element 219 is offset substantially 90°, i.e. arranged perpendicular to the carrier structure 216.FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting of the operating element according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention.In the present embodiment, the operating element 10 is connected on two opposite sides of the operating element 10 which is substantially spherical to a rod-shaped or wave-shaped element 319 which simultaneously forms the axis of rotation R. At respective end sections of the rod- or shaft-shaped element 319, the bearing elements 318 a, 318 b, which are designed as radial slide bearings, are arranged. The first bearing element 318 aand the second bearing element 318 bare each arranged on the support structure 316. Alternatively, instead of the slide bearing, a ball bearing can be provided, for example.FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting of the operating element according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention.In the present embodiment, the essentially ball-shaped operating element 10 is arranged on a rod- or wave-shaped element 419, which has a guide element 418 bat an axial end section, which in turn can be moved on a slide 418 a. The carriage 418a simultaneously forms the support structure 416. The bearing is formed by a slide bearing. Alternatively, instead of the slide bearing, for example, a ball bearing or a linear bearing can be provided.FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting of the operating element according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention.In the present embodiment, the substantially spherical operating element 10 is arranged on a rod-shaped or wave-shaped element 519 which is firmly connected at an axial end section to a base 520. The base 520 is connected at a respective axial end portion to a first link member 518 aand a second link member 518 b, which are formed by respective pneumatic cylinders. Alternatively, the linkage elements 518 aand 518 bmay be formed, for example, by hydraulic cylinders which, in turn, as in the case of the use of a pneumatic cylinder, are connected to a respective support structure 516. The operating element 10 is thus mounted rotatably or pivotably about the axis of rotation R. Alternatively, for example, more than two pneumatic cylinders can be used. Furthermore, alternatively, the operating element 10 can be actuated by linear actuators instead of the pneumatic cylinders or the hydraulic cylinders.Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but can be modified in a variety of ways. In particular, the invention can be modified or modified in a wide variety of ways without departing from the essence of the invention.For example, a shape, dimension and / or a condition of the components of the operating arrangement 1 for the steer-by-wire steering system of the motor vehicle, in particular of the operating element 10, can be modified.

Claims

Operator control arrangement (1) for a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle, having a mechanical operator control element (10), which is arranged in a passenger compartment (2) of the motor vehicle, for inputting a steering request from a driver of the motor vehicle, wherein the operator control element (10) is mounted rotatably about a predefined axis of rotation (R) and has a bearing surface (12) for bearing a hand of the driver, wherein the operator control element (10) is designed, when the hand of the driver is bearing on the bearing surface (12), to be rotated about the predefined axis of rotation (R) of the operator control element (10) by rotating the forearm of the driver about an axis of rotation of the forearm; the operating element (10) has a guide element (14) in the region of the support surface (12), which guide element is arranged in a region of the support surface (12) of the operating element (10) that is central in cross section in a neutral position (N) of the operating element (10); the guide element (14) is designed as a support surface for fingers of the driver's hand, and the guide element (14) is designed in the form of an elevation, preferably a fin; the guide element (14) being arranged in the region of the support surface (12) in such a way that the guide element (14), when the driver's hand is placed on the support surface (12), can be arranged between a thumb and an index finger or between the index finger and a middle finger of the driver, characterized in that the operating element (10) is connected to a rod-shaped or wave-shaped element (19, 119, 219, 319, 419, 519), which is mounted at an axial end section about the predetermined axis of rotation (R) by a first bearing element (18a, 118a, 218a, 318, 418a, 518a) and a second bearing element (18b, 118b, 218b, 318b, 418b, 518b).Operating arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that the operating element (10) is designed to be spherical at least in sections.Operating arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the driver's hand can be placed on the operating element (10) over its full surface.Operating arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (10) is arranged on a carrier structure (16), preferably on a tower, and is rotatably mounted by the carrier structure (16), wherein the operating element (10) is positioned centrally on the carrier structure (16).Operating arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (10) has a cutout (10b) in a lower region (10a) for the bearing and / or fastening of the operating element (10) on the carrier structure (16).Operating arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (10) is arranged in the region of a central console (3) of the passenger compartment (2).Operating arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (10), starting from the neutral position (N), is rotatable in both rotational directions at an angle of rotation (α) of up to 60°, preferably at an angle of rotation (α) of 50° to 60°.Steer-by-wire steering system having an operating arrangement (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7.

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