Gap cover on an adjustable steering column of a vehicle

Abstract

A gap cover (1) on a movable steering column (2) of a vehicle, wherein the gap cover (1) is attached at a first end region to the adjustable steering column (2) and at a second end region to an instrument panel (3) of the vehicle, wherein the gap cover (1) is attached at the first or second end region by means of a winding device (4) with at least one unwinding element (41; 42), wherein the winding device (4) is configured to wind up or unwind the gap cover (1) when the steering column (2) is moved, depending on the direction of movement (X, Z), characterized in that the gap cover (1) is separable into separable sections (11, 12) along a longitudinal direction of movement (X) of the steering column (2) at at least a first dividing line (10), and the separable sections (11; 12) of the gap cover (1) have locking elements (5) at the at least one dividing line (10) which are configured to close the separable sections (11;12) to separate the gap cover (1) when rolling it up and to join it together when unrolling it.;

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a gap cover on an adjustable steering column of a vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] A wide variety of steering column gap covers are known, for example, in the form of bellows, push-link assemblies, leather flap covers, etc. Such covers are described, for example, in German patent DE 102 42 966 B3, or the applicant's German patents DE 10 141 458 B4 and DE 4 337 721 C1, or German patent application DE 10 2008 054 359 A1. The publications US 2010 / 0 083 787 A1 and FR 2 929 232 A1 also disclose steering column gap covers of this type.

[0003] The well-known steering column gap covers are all more or less suitable for covering the gap between the steering column and the dashboard. However, these solutions are sometimes complicated to construct due to the many parts required for their construction and therefore require a lot of space. Furthermore, the design often prevents a crease-free cover, which also negatively impacts the aesthetics.

[0004] Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved gap cover on an adjustable steering column of a vehicle, which allows for a crease-free cover and requires less space. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] A gap cover is proposed on a displaceable steering column of a vehicle, wherein the gap cover is fastened with a first end region to the adjustable steering column and with a second end region to an instrument panel of the vehicle, characterized in that the gap cover is fastened at the first or second end region by means of a winding device with at least one unwinding element, wherein the winding device is designed to roll up or unroll the gap cover when the steering column is moved, depending on the direction of displacement.

[0006] Due to their design, existing gap covers are often unsuitable for large displacements in tight spaces, which is particularly disadvantageous when using head-up displays in the instrument panel. Head-up displays are located in a similar area of ​​the instrument panel as the gap cover and also require space for installation. This can be provided with the presented unwinding device, as it reduces the space required for the gap cover.

[0007] Furthermore, the gap cover can be separated into separable regions along a displacement direction in the longitudinal direction of the steering column at at least one first dividing line, and the separable regions of the gap cover have closure elements on the at least one dividing line which are designed to separate the separable regions of the gap cover when rolled up and to connect them to one another when rolled down.

[0008] By separating the gap cover into several sections, rolling and unrolling can be made easier and there is no need for materials that have such high elasticity as is required if there is no separation.

[0009] Furthermore, it is provided that the gap cover has two dividing lines which are arranged at opposite regions of the gap cover and divide the gap cover into two parts, each of which has closure elements at the regions of the dividing line, and wherein the unwinding device has two unwinding elements, each unwinding element unrolling or rolling up a part of the gap cover.

[0010] This allows for smooth unrolling and rewinding. This allows even materials with relatively low elasticity to be used, as long as they can be rolled up and unrolled.

[0011] Furthermore, it is provided that the closure elements are arranged along the entire length of the dividing line or in several parts at intervals from one another.

[0012] This ensures that there are no gaps between the connected sections, creating a cohesive structure and appearance. Additionally, a visual or decorative effect can be achieved.

[0013] Furthermore, it is provided that the closure elements are self-closing and self-opening and comprise at least a zipper or a magnetic closure or a Velcro fastener.

[0014] Furthermore, it is provided that the unwinding elements of the unwinding device are designed in such a way that they keep the gap cover under tension both during unwinding and during rolling up.

[0015] This provides closures that require no additional step for locking or unlocking when the steering wheel is moved. This is reinforced by the fact that the gap cover is always kept under tension. This also provides a virtually wrinkle-free cover.

[0016] Furthermore, it is provided that at least one guide element is arranged along the dividing line in the area close to at least one rolling element. This ensures even better guidance of the gap cover toward the rolling elements.

[0017] Furthermore, the gap cover is made of an elastic and / or flexible material, at least in the area where it can be rolled up. Advantageously, the elastic and / or flexible material is made of leather, synthetic leather, textile, elastomer, or a combination thereof.

[0018] Furthermore, the roll-off device is designed to be located on the instrument panel side or in an area of ​​the steering column behind a cover. Thus, it is not visible to the vehicle's occupants.

[0019] The following is a description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the figures of the drawing, which illustrate details of the invention. The individual features can be implemented individually or in combination in a variant of the invention.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 shows a schematic oblique view of a tensioned gap cover and a cover-equipped unwinding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a rear view of the Fig. 1 shown gap cover and unwinding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In the following descriptions of the figures, the same elements or functions are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0022] In Fig. 1 shows a gap cover 1 for steering columns 2, also referred to as a steering column gap cover. These are covers which, in sliding steering columns 2, cover the gap that exists between the area of ​​the steering column 2 to which the steering wheel is attached and the instrument panel 3 or the area to which the steering column 2 is attached to the vehicle. The gap can also arise when the steering column 2 is moved in the longitudinal direction X, but also in the longitudinal direction Z. Gap covers 1 serve, on the one hand, to cover the sliding mechanism, i.e., for decorative purposes. On the other hand, they also serve to protect the sliding mechanism of the steering column 2 and to protect the occupant from getting trapped when operating the sliding mechanism.

[0023] The displacement direction X in the longitudinal direction is the displacement direction in which the steering column 2 can be displaced on an imaginary line between the two fastening areas 2 and 3, i.e. the longitudinal direction of the steering column 2. The displacement direction Z is the displacement direction in which a height adjustment of the steering wheel can be made, i.e. the displacement direction essentially orthogonal to the displacement direction X.

[0024] The steering wheel mentioned does not have to be a wheel in the technical sense, but can also be another type of steering device for steering a vehicle, e.g. screen, stick, etc.

[0025] The gap cover 1 can be used for any vehicle that has a movable steering column 2, e.g. a car or a truck.

[0026] The gap cover 1 presented here solves the problem of providing a cover that is visible to the vehicle's occupants, free of wrinkles and closed, and at the same time requires little space for its attachment.

[0027] For this purpose, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a rolling device 4 is provided for the gap cover 1. In the embodiment shown in the figures, two rolling elements 41, 42 are provided, each of which can roll up or unroll a part 11 or 12 of the gap cover 1, hereinafter referred to as the first part 11 and the second part 12.

[0028] As in Fig. 2, the gap cover 1 in this design is divided into two parts 11 and 12. For this purpose, the gap cover 1 has two dividing lines 10 around its circumference, more precisely along the displacement line or displacement axis X of the steering column 2, also referred to as the steering axis. The part of the gap cover 1 visible to the vehicle occupants always has a structure that is as closed as possible. This means that the separation into the two parts 11 and 12 and the rolling up only occur in the no longer visible area, e.g., behind the cover 6.

[0029] If only one dividing line 10 is provided, it is advantageously arranged in an area that is difficult to see, e.g., underneath the steering column 2. However, it can also be arranged in a visible area, e.g., on the top of the steering column, if it is also intended to serve a decorative purpose. With a plurality of dividing lines 10, these are advantageously arranged such that they are opposite one another. This facilitates rolling up and unrolling, since symmetrical parts 11, 12 are provided, as shown in Fig. 2. The arrangement of the dividing lines 10 can in principle be freely chosen, e.g. in a lower and upper area, or on the sides as in Fig. 2 shown.

[0030] In this version, one end of the gap cover 1 is attached to the steering column 2 near the steering wheel, e.g., to the control center of the steering column 2. The other end is attached by means of the winding device 4 within the instrument panel 2, i.e., concealed behind the cover 6. The method of attachment will not be discussed in detail here, as this is within the skill of the expert.

[0031] If the gap cover 1 is divided into one or more parts 11, 12 by one or more dividing lines 10, one or more closure elements 5 are provided at the areas 111, 112, 113, 114 of the dividing line 10, regardless of the number of dividing lines 10 and thus the number of parts 11, 12 of the gap cover 1.

[0032] Depending on the design, the closure elements 5 can be formed continuously over the entire length of the dividing line 10, e.g., as a hook fastener, in particular as a zipper. Alternatively, a magnetic strip or another self-releasing and self-closing closure element 5, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, can be provided. Alternatively, in another design, the closure element 5 can not be formed continuously over the entire length of the dividing line 10, but rather with interruptions, i.e., in several parts, e.g., as a button-like or elongated closure element 5. A magnetic closure is suitable here.

[0033] In one embodiment, guide elements 51 are arranged near the unwinding device 4 or the corresponding unwinding elements 41, 42. As in Fig. 2, such guide elements 51 are useful, for example, when a zipper is selected as the closure element 5. Here, the closure element 5 consists of the hooks of the zipper and a separating element, which can also serve as the first guide element 51. The two other guide elements 51 shown serve to facilitate rolling up and unrolling, i.e., to provide guidance for the gap cover 1. However, guide elements 51 are not absolutely necessary, but are helpful in some designs, e.g., when a material that is difficult to bend is used.

[0034] In Fig. 2, the dividing lines 10 are arranged on a lateral region of the gap cover 1. This is advantageous for a displacement of the steering column 2, which occurs not only in the displacement direction X, i.e., in the longitudinal direction, but also in the displacement direction Z, thus enabling a height adjustment of the steering wheel. Due to the lateral arrangement of the dividing lines 10, for example, when adjusting upwards from the lower rolling element 41, a larger or longer part 12 of the gap cover 1 can be provided than is the case for the first part 11 of the upper cover element 42. Thus, a closed structure is still provided in the visible area.

[0035] The closure element 5 is advantageously designed as a self-releasing and self-closing closure element 5. This means that when the steering column 2 is moved, no further action is required to move the gap cover 1, in particular to make it wrinkle-free. This can be achieved particularly well if the winding device 4 keeps the gap cover taut. For this purpose, the unwinding elements 41 and 42 are arranged accordingly, as shown, for example, in Fig. 2. For this purpose, tensioning or unwinding devices 4 known from roller shutter construction, for example, can be used.

[0036] The material from which the gap cover 1 is made should consist of a material that allows this, at least in the area in which the gap cover 1 can be rolled up or unrolled. Flexible and / or elastic materials such as leather, artificial leather, textile, elastomer, etc. are suitable for this. Depending on the number of dividing lines 10 and the parts of the gap cover 1 thus obtained, the material can be more or less elastic. In the event that no dividing line 10 is present, i.e. the gap cover 1 is rolled up or unrolled as a whole onto the unrolling device 4, the material should be selected to be as elastic as possible. This material advantageously has the property that it returns to its original state when unrolled without becoming loose.

[0037] The rolling device 4 is advantageously arranged in the area of ​​the instrument panel 3, but can also be arranged in the area of ​​the steering column 2 near the steering wheel if there is sufficient space there.

[0038] The unwinding device 4 can also be covered by a cover 6, as in Fig. 1, which can be part of the instrument panel 3 or the steering column 2, for example, depending on where the roll-off device 4 is located. This allows for a uniform or selectable appearance.

[0039] The proposed gap cover 1 has the advantage of always maintaining a taut, clean appearance. Furthermore, large adjustment lengths of the steering column 2 can be achieved while requiring minimal installation space. A further advantage is that the enclosed volume prevents sound from escaping from the interior of the vehicle, to which the steering column 2 and thus the gap cover 1 are attached.

Claims

[1] Gap cover (1) on a movable steering column (2) of a vehicle, wherein the gap cover (1) is attached at a first end region to the adjustable steering column (2) and at a second end region to an instrument panel (3) of the vehicle, wherein the gap cover (1) is attached at the first or second end region by means of a winding device (4) with at least one unwinding element (41; 42), wherein the winding device (4) is configured to wind up or unwind the gap cover (1) when the steering column (2) is moved, depending on the direction of movement (X, Z), characterized by, that the gap cover (1) is separable along a displacement direction in the longitudinal direction (X) of the steering column (2) at at least one first dividing line (10) into separable areas (11, 12), and the separable areas (11; 12) of the gap cover (1) have locking elements (5) at the at least one dividing line (10) which are designed to separate the separable areas (11; 12) of the gap cover (1) when rolling up and to connect them together when unrolling. [2] Gap cover (1) according to claim 1, wherein the gap cover (1) has two dividing lines (10) which are arranged on opposite areas of the gap cover (1) and divide the gap cover (1) into two parts (11, 12), each of which has closing elements (5) on the areas of the dividing line, and wherein the unwinding device (4) has two unwinding elements (41, 42), each unwinding or rolling up one of the parts (11, 12) of the gap cover (1). [3] Gap cover (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the closing elements (5) are arranged along the entire length of the dividing line (10) or in several parts at intervals from one another. [4] Gap cover (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the closure elements (5) are self-closing and self-opening and comprise at least a zipper or a magnetic closure or a hook and loop fastener. [5] Gap cover (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one guide element (51) is arranged at the dividing line (10) in the area near at least one rolling element (41, 42). [6] Gap cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rolling elements (41, 42) of the rolling device (4) are formed such that they keep the gap cover (1) under tension both when unrolling and when rolling up. [7] Gap cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gap cover (1) consists of elastic and / or flexible material at least in the area where it can be rolled up. [8] Gap cover (1) according to claim 7, wherein the elastic and / or flexible material is made of leather, artificial leather, textile, elastomer or a combination thereof. [9] Gap cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rolling device (4) is arranged on the side of the instrument panel (3) or in a region of the steering column (2) behind a cover (6).

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