Adjustment device for a vehicle's steering wheel

Abstract

Adjustment device (100) for a steering wheel (101) of a vehicle, which is retractable into a dashboard of the vehicle, comprising: a part fixed to the dashboard (10) and a part (20) movable with respect to the fixed part (10), to which the steering wheel (101) can be attached, wherein the movable part (20) is movable between a retracted position (I) and a retracted position (II) relative to the fixed part (10), characterized by that a pulley system (30) is provided on the fixed part (10) to assist in transferring the movable part (20) from the retracted position (I) to the extended position (II).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adjustment device for a vehicle steering wheel that is retractable into the dashboard of a vehicle, according to the preamble of the independent device claim. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding system comprising a steering wheel that is retractable into the dashboard of a vehicle and an adjustment device for the steering wheel according to the independent system claim. The invention also relates to a method for operating a steering wheel that is retractable into the dashboard of a vehicle, according to the independent method claim.

[0002] For future vehicles, particularly with regard to autonomous driving, there is a requirement to be able to retract the steering wheel into the instrument panel when the vehicle is driving autonomously. Furthermore, the driver should be able to pull the steering wheel towards them in autonomous driving mode if they wish to take control of the vehicle. This requires the steering wheel to be axially adjusted over a distance significantly greater than the usual adjustment range used for the steering wheel's longitudinal position and driver comfort. To achieve this, a mechanical system and one or more electric motors are necessary. However, this mechanical system and the motors represent an inertial mass that the driver must move via the steering wheel when manually taking over control. This manual takeover is therefore difficult and inconvenient.

[0003] DE 33 37 231 A1 describes a safety device for vehicles in which safety in the event of an accident is to be improved by special designs in the area of ​​the steering wheel, the drive unit and via cable or cable pull components.

[0004] US patent 4 121 792 A reveals a special belt arrangement for aircraft pilot seats that improves the pilot's comfort and freedom of movement while ensuring secure fixation.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to overcome at least one disadvantage of an adjustment device known from the prior art, at least partially. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide an adjustment device for a vehicle steering wheel that is retractable into a vehicle dashboard, which is simple in design, improves the handling of the steering wheel, and facilitates manual control of the vehicle's steering. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a corresponding, preferably improved, system comprising a steering wheel that is retractable into a vehicle dashboard and an adjustment device for the steering wheel. Finally, it is an object of the invention to provide a corresponding, preferably improved, method for operating a steering wheel that is retractable into a vehicle dashboard.

[0006] The problem according to the invention is solved by an adjustment device for a vehicle's steering wheel, which is retractable into a vehicle's dashboard, comprising the features of the independent device claim, in particular those of the characterizing part, by an inventive system comprising a steering wheel, which is retractable into a vehicle's dashboard, and an adjustment device for the steering wheel according to the independent system claim, and by a method for actuating a steering wheel, which is retractable into a vehicle's dashboard, according to the independent method claim. Preferred embodiments of the invention are listed in the dependent claims. Features disclosed with respect to the individual aspects of the invention can be combined in such a way that the disclosures relating to the aspects of the invention always refer to each other.

[0007] The invention provides an adjustment device for a vehicle's steering wheel, which is retractable into the vehicle's dashboard, comprising: a fixed part relative to the dashboard and a movable part relative to the fixed part, to which the steering wheel can be attached, wherein the movable part is movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the fixed part. According to the invention, a pulley system is provided on the fixed part to assist, and preferably facilitate, the movement of the movable part from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0008] A vehicle within the meaning of the invention is, in particular, a highly automated or fully automated electric vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle's steering system is a steer-by-wire system. A force-feedback actuator may be arranged on the steering wheel.

[0009] The retracted position of the movable part corresponds to the steering wheel's lowered rest position. The extended position of the movable part corresponds to the steering wheel's extended operating position. By moving the movable part from the retracted position to the extended position, and thus the steering wheel from the lowered rest position to the extended operating position, manual control of the vehicle's steering is taken over.

[0010] The inventive concept lies in the fact that the pulley system assists, and preferably facilitates, the movement of the steering wheel from its retracted rest position to its extended operating position. The pulley system helps to reduce the inertia of the steering wheel and its associated components, such as a force feedback actuator and, if applicable, other components. The pulley system is constructed as a system consisting of a pull rope and pulleys, based on the principle of a block and tackle, and is connected to a deflection mechanism via at least one resilient tension element (e.g., a tension spring, gas spring, etc.) in such a way that it enables the driver to counteract the inertia of the steering wheel and its associated components with minimal effort, and to easily pull the steering wheel and its associated components towards themselves (i.e., into the extended operating position) and / or push them into the retracted rest position.The pull cable can be attached to a cable drum mounted on a shaft. This shaft can drive a rack and pinion mechanism to extend the steering wheel. Advantageously, the pull cable can be spring-loaded. This spring action assists the extension of the steering wheel. When the system is at rest (e.g., in the retracted rest position of the steering wheel), it requires little to no force to maintain the position, depending on the position. It is therefore in equilibrium with the force of gravity in at least one position (the so-called force-free state). The pulley system adjusts the spring force required for equilibrium. The amount of force applied is proportional to the number of supporting cables in the pulley mechanism.To balance the weight force and the spring force, the pulley system can be adjusted using a tensioning device. Furthermore, by selecting different spring elements, it is possible to create a specific feel when pulling out the steering wheel.

[0011] Thus, the invention provides an improved adjustment device for a retractable steering wheel of a vehicle, which is simple in design, makes handling the steering wheel comfortable and facilitates manual control of the vehicle's steering.

[0012] Furthermore, the invention can provide that, in an adjusting device, the stationary part has a shaft for the movable part, enabling the movable part to move relative to the stationary part. The shaft can advantageously serve for manual or automatic actuation of the adjusting device. A shaft is a simple component that, by rotation, allows relative movement between two components.

[0013] Furthermore, the invention can provide, in the case of an adjusting device, that the shaft can be set into a rotary motion by manually pulling on the movable part, and / or that a motor is provided to set the shaft into a rotary motion by motor. Thus, the shaft can be advantageously set in motion by manual and / or automatic actuation of the adjusting device.

[0014] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, an adjusting device may include a rack and pinion drive between the stationary part and the movable part to move the movable part relative to the stationary part. A rack and pinion drive is a simple and cost-effective transmission that enables stable movement of the movable part. It converts the rotary motion of a shaft into a linear motion of the movable part.

[0015] Furthermore, the invention can provide, in an adjusting device, that a gear is rotatably mounted on the stationary part, which is non-rotatably connected to a shaft for the movable part and is rotatable with it in order to move a rack of the movable part, and / or that the movable part has a rack which can be driven by means of a gear rotatably mounted on the stationary part. Thus, stable movement of the movable part can be achieved by displacing the rack. Advantageously, the rack can be arranged on a rail system between the stationary part and the movable part to further stabilize the movement of the movable part. It is also conceivable that the rack is connected to a rail that can move on rollers along the stationary part.

[0016] Furthermore, the invention can provide that the pulley system includes a tensioning device for a pull rope and the pull rope itself, the tensioning device being attached to the stationary part. The tensioning device allows the pull rope to be tensioned to enable force transmission via the pull rope. Additionally, the tensioning device can be used to tension a spring element to establish an equilibrium between the weight of the steering wheel and the tension force on the pull rope, at least in one position of the movable part. This equilibrium can be adjusted relative to a shaft of the adjustment device, which serves to move the movable part relative to the stationary part. Furthermore, the tensioning device and corresponding spring elements can be used to set a desired force for pulling out the steering wheel.

[0017] Furthermore, the invention can provide, in an adjustment device, that the pull cable is attached at one end to the tensioning device and at the other end to a drum, the drum being mounted non-rotatably on a shaft for the movable part. The length of the pull cable adjusted when the steering wheel is operated (extended or retracted) can be compensated for via the drum. Simultaneously, a shaft can be set in motion via the drum, which serves to move the movable part relative to the stationary part.

[0018] Furthermore, the invention can provide that, in an adjustment device, the pulley system has at least one spring element, preferably two spring elements, to generate a torque on a shaft for the movable part, in particular to generate a tensile tension on a pull rope. The tensile tension on the pull rope can serve to counteract a weight force acting in the opposite direction on the pull rope. Thus, the spring element or elements can serve to create a force-free state relative to the stationary part in at least one position of the movable part, preferably in the retracted position. Therefore, when extending the steering wheel, the force-free state can be easily and conveniently triggered without having to overcome the weight force. In other words, the spring element or elements can serve to facilitate manual control of the vehicle's steering.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention can provide that the pulley system has at least one movable, in particular loose, pulley, preferably two movable, in particular loose, pulleys, to adjust the spring force of at least one spring element. The loose pulleys allow the adjustment travel on the pull cord to be extended. This advantageously extends the available adjustment travel for operating the steering wheel without requiring an extended actuation travel on a spring element. Thus, a compact adjustment device can be provided that is not only simple in design but also enables comfortable operation of the steering wheel.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention can provide that, in an adjustment device, the pulley system has at least one stationary pulley, preferably two stationary pulleys, on the stationary part in order to redirect a spring force of at least one spring element. Thus, a suitable redirection mechanism for a spring force can be implemented within the adjustment device.

[0021] Furthermore, the problem according to the invention is solved by a system comprising a steering wheel that can be recessed into the dashboard of a vehicle and an adjustment device that can be designed as described above. The system according to the invention achieves the same advantages as those described above in connection with the adjustment device according to the invention. These advantages are fully referenced herein.

[0022] Furthermore, the problem according to the invention is solved by a method for operating a steering wheel which can be recessed into a dashboard of a vehicle, which can be implemented using an adjustment device for the steering wheel as described above, comprising at least one of the following steps: - spring-elastic support of a movement of the steering wheel from a recessed rest position to an extended operating position, at least when leaving the recessed rest position.

[0023] This facilitates extending the steering wheel when manually taking over control of the vehicle's steering. The method according to the invention also achieves the same advantages described above in connection with the adjustment device according to the invention. These advantages are fully referenced herein.

[0024] Furthermore, the invention may provide that the method includes at least one of the following steps: - spring-like weighting of a movement of the steering wheel from the extended operating position to the retracted rest position, at least when the steering wheel approaches the retracted rest position.

[0025] At the beginning of a movement of the steering wheel from its extended operating position to its retracted rest position, the weight of the steering wheel ensures that it moves smoothly. As it gradually approaches the retracted rest position, the spring force can dampen this smooth movement to prevent the steering wheel from striking the dashboard. Simultaneously, this tension engages a spring element, providing the spring force necessary to establish a balance with the weight force in the retracted rest position. Furthermore, this spring force is stored, which can then be used to ease the effort required to pull the steering wheel out again.

[0026] Furthermore, the invention can provide, within the framework of a method, that the movement of the steering wheel between the retracted rest position and the extended operating position is subjected to a variable spring force. In particular, when the steering wheel moves from the retracted rest position to the extended operating position, the spring force can be reduced from the retracted rest position to the extended operating position, for example by relaxing a spring element. Preferably, when the steering wheel moves from the extended operating position to the retracted rest position, the spring force can be increased from the extended operating position to the retracted rest position, for example by pre-tensioning a spring element. This provides improved tactile feedback when operating the steering wheel.

[0027] Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the figures and the preferred embodiments of the invention. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. It should be noted that the figures are for descriptive purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an adjustment device according to a possible embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an adjustment device according to another possible embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 a perspective view of a pulley system according to a possible embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 4 a perspective view of a tow rope according to a possible embodiment of the invention.

[0028] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features even for different embodiments.

[0029] The Fig. Figures 1 to 4 show an adjustment device 100 for a steering wheel 101 of a vehicle, which can be recessed into a dashboard of the vehicle. The vehicle according to the invention can advantageously be a highly automated or fully automated electric vehicle. The steering of the vehicle is advantageously a steer-by-wire system. A force-feedback actuator 102 can be arranged on the steering wheel 101, which is integrated into the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 is shown schematically. The entire vehicle is not depicted for the sake of simplicity.

[0030] The adjusting device 100 according to the invention comprises a part 10 that is fixed relative to the dashboard and a part 20 that is movable relative to the fixed part 10, to which the steering wheel 101 can be attached. The movable part 20 is movable between a retracted position I and an extended position II relative to the fixed part 10. For this purpose, a pulley system 30 is provided on the fixed part 10 according to the invention to assist, and preferably facilitate, the movement of the movable part 20 from the retracted position I to the extended position II.

[0031] The retracted position I of the movable part 20 corresponds to a lowered rest position 1 of the steering wheel 101. The extended position II of the movable part 20 corresponds to an extended operating position 2 of the steering wheel 101. By moving the movable part 20 from the retracted position I to the extended position II, the steering wheel 101 is moved from the lowered rest position 1 to the extended operating position 2. Thus, manual control of the vehicle's steering is transferred.

[0032] The pulley system 30 according to the invention Fig. 1 to 4 assists the movement of the steering wheel 101 from the retracted rest position 1 to the extended operating position 2. The pulley system 30 helps to reduce the inertia of the steering wheel 101 and the associated force feedback actuator 102. The pulley system 30 (see the Fig. 3) uses a pull rope S (see the Fig. 4) and several pulleys, the principle of a block and tackle.

[0033] The pulley system 30 includes at least one spring element FE (see the Fig. 1) or two spring elements FE1, FE2 (see the Fig. 2 to 4), to tension the pull rope S. The spring element FE according to the Fig. 1 or the spring elements FE1, FE2 according to the Fig. 2 to 4 can be in the form of tension springs, gas springs, or similar. The spring element FE according to the Fig. 1 or the spring elements FE1, FE2 according to the Fig. 2 to 4 are connected to a deflection mechanism in such a way that the inertia of the steering wheel 101 and the associated force feedback actuator 102 can be overcome with little force and the steering wheel 101 can be easily pulled towards the user.

[0034] The pull cable S can be attached to a cable drum T, which is mounted on a shaft A. This shaft A can drive a rack and pinion gear ZR, ZS to enable the steering wheel 101 to extend. The pull cable S can be guided by the spring element FE according to the Fig. 1 or the spring elements FE1, FE2 according to the Fig. 2 to 4 are spring-loaded. The extension movement of the steering wheel 101 is supported by the spring-loaded pull cable S.

[0035] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. In position 2, the pulley system 30 is at rest, for example, in the recessed rest position 1 of the steering wheel 101. In this position, no force or only a very small force is required to maintain the recessed rest position 1 of the steering wheel 101. The pulley system 30 is thus in equilibrium (so-called force-free state) in at least one position I, II of the movable part 20 with the weight force G of the steering wheel 101 and the force feedback actuator 102.

[0036] The pulley system 30 is used to adjust the spring force F required for equilibrium (reduced to the spring force F / 2 in the Fig. 1 and on the spring force F / 4 in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) The relief is proportional to the number of load-bearing sections 31, 32 (cf. Fig. 1) or the load-bearing sections 31, 32, 33, 34 (see Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) of the pull rope S on its supporting side S1. The side of the pull rope S that is attached to and wound onto the drum T can be referred to as a pulling section of the pull rope S2. To balance the weight force G and the spring force F / 2 or F / 4 on the drum T, the pulley system 30 can be adjusted accordingly using a tensioning device P. Furthermore, by selecting the spring elements FE, FE1, FE2, it is possible to create a specific feel when pulling out the steering wheel 101.

[0037] As can also be seen from the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, a rack and pinion drive ZR, ZS can be provided between the stationary part 10 and the movable part 20. This drive comprises a gear ZR rotatably mounted on the stationary part 10, which is non-rotatably connected to and rotatable with the shaft A, and a linearly displaceable rack ZS on the movable part 20. The rack ZS can be arranged on a rail system (not shown) between the stationary part 10 and the movable part 20 to stabilize the movement of the movable part 20 relative to the stationary part 10. The rack ZS can be connected to a rail that, for example, can move on rollers R along the stationary part 10. The rollers are located in the Fig. 3 shown as examples.

[0038] As it is Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the pulley system 30 can have at least one movable, in particular loose, pulley BR (see the Fig. 1) or two movable, in particular loose, rollers BR1, BR2 (see the Fig. 2 to 4) to adjust the spring force F of the spring element(s) FE, FE1, FE2. The number of pulleys can be adjusted as desired. The adjustment range L on the pull rope S can be varied between the simple adjustment range L on the spring element(s) FE, FE1, FE2 and the adjustment range 2L (see the Fig. 1) or the adjustment range 4L (see the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 or Fig. 4) on the movable part 20 or on the steering wheel 101. Thus, the available adjustment range 2L or 4L for operating the steering wheel 101 can be advantageously extended without requiring an extended adjustment range L on the spring elements FE, FE1, FE2. This allows for a compact and simply constructed adjustment device 100 that enables comfortable operation of the steering wheel 101.

[0039] The pulley system 30 continues to have at least one fixed pulley FR (see the Fig. 1) or two stationary rollers FR1, FR2 (see the Fig. 2 to 4) on the stationary part 20 to redirect the spring force F accordingly. Here too, the number of rollers can be adjusted as desired.

[0040] The steering wheel 101 and the adjustment device 100 together form a system 110 according to the invention.

[0041] As can be seen further from the Fig. 1 and Fig.As can be seen in Figure 2, the movement of the steering wheel 101 between the retracted rest position 1 and the extended operating position 2 is subjected to a variable spring force F. Advantageously, when the steering wheel 101 moves from the retracted rest position 1 to the extended operating position 2, the spring force F can be reduced from the retracted rest position 1 to the extended operating position 2, for example by relaxing one or two spring elements FE1, FE2. Preferably, when the steering wheel 101 moves from the extended operating position 2 to the retracted rest position 1, the spring force F can be increased from the extended operating position 2 to the retracted rest position 1, for example by pre-tensioning one or two spring elements FE1, FE2.

[0042] The preceding explanation of embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Naturally, individual features of the present invention can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention / claims. Reference symbol list 110 System 100 Adjustment device 101 Steering wheel 1 recessed rest position 2 extended operating position 10 fixed part 20 movable parts I retracted position II extended position 30 Pulley system A wave F Spring force F1 Spring force F2 Spring force FE spring element FE1 spring element FE2 spring element FL spring bearing FL1 spring bearing FL2 spring bearing L adjustment range W Sled BR movable role BR1 movable caster BR2 movable caster FR fixed roller FR1 fixed caster FR2 fixed caster P clamping device R roles S pull rope S1 Support section of the haul rope S2 section of the haul rope 31 first supporting section of the haul rope 32 second supporting section of the haul rope 33 third supporting section of the haul rope 34 fourth supporting section of the haul rope T drum ZR gear ZS rack and pinion

Claims

[1] Adjustment device (100) for a steering wheel (101) of a vehicle, which is retractable into a dashboard of the vehicle, comprising: a part fixed to the dashboard (10) and a part (20) movable with respect to the fixed part (10), to which the steering wheel (101) can be attached, wherein the movable part (20) is movable between a retracted position (I) and a retracted position (II) relative to the fixed part (10), characterized by , that a pulley system (30) is provided on the fixed part (10) to assist in transferring the movable part (20) from the retracted position (I) to the extended position (II). [2] Adjusting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the stationary part (10) has a shaft (A) for the movable part (20) to move the movable part (20) relative to the stationary part (10). [3] Adjusting device (100) Claim 2, characterized by , that the shaft (A) can be set into a rotary motion by manually pulling on the movable part (20), and / or that a motor (M) is provided to set the shaft (A) into a rotary motion by motor. [4] Adjusting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a rack and pinion drive (ZR, ZS) is provided between the stationary part (10) and the movable part (20) to move the movable part (20) relative to the stationary part (10). [5] Adjustment device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a gear (ZR) is rotatably mounted on the stationary part (10), which is non-rotatably connected to a shaft (A) for the movable part (20) and is rotatable with it in order to move a rack (ZS) of the movable part (20), and / or that the movable part (20) has a rack (ZS) which can be driven by means of a gear (ZR) rotatably mounted on the stationary part (10). [6] Adjustment device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pulley system (30) has a tensioning device (P) for a pull rope (S) and the pull rope (S), wherein the tensioning device (P) is attached to the fixed part (10). [7] Adjusting device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the pull rope (S) is attached at one end to the tensioning device (P) and at the other end to a drum (T), the drum (T) being mounted non-rotatably on a shaft (A) for the movable part (20). [8] Adjustment device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pulley system (30) has at least one spring element (FE) to generate a torque on a shaft (A) for the movable part (20). [9] Adjusting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pulley system (30) has at least one movable pulley (BR) to adapt a spring force (F) of at least one spring element (FE). [10] Adjusting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pulley system (30) has at least one fixed pulley (FR) on the fixed part (10) to redirect a spring force (F) of at least one spring element (FE). [11] System (110) comprising a steering wheel (101) which can be recessed into a dashboard of a vehicle and an adjustment device (100) for the steering wheel (101) according to one of the preceding claims. [12] Method for operating a steering wheel (101) which is retractable into a dashboard of a vehicle, using an adjustment device (100) for the steering wheel (101) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of the following steps: - spring-elastic support of a movement of the steering wheel (101) from a recessed rest position (1) to an extended operating position (2). [13] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the procedure includes at least one of the following steps: - spring-elastic weighting of a movement of the steering wheel (101) from the extended operating position (2) to the retracted rest position (1). [14] Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by , that the movement of the steering wheel (101) between the retracted rest position (1) and the extended operating position (2) is subjected to a variable spring force (F).

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