Steering arrangement for use in a motor vehicle

Abstract

Steering arrangement (2) for use in a motor vehicle, comprising: a steering device (4) for inputting a steering request by a driver of the motor vehicle, a steering column (6) for arrangement between the steering device (4) and a steering gear (8) and a display unit (10) for displaying a current state of the motor vehicle, wherein the display unit (10) is arranged on the steering column (6) and is movable together with the steering device (4) and the steering column (6) when the steering device (4) is moved.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering arrangement for use in a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle comprising such a steering arrangement.

[0002] Steering assemblies for use in motor vehicles are known from the prior art. These known steering assemblies comprise at least one steering mechanism connected to a steering gear via a steering column and transmitting a driver's steering input to the vehicle's wheels via the steering gear. In addition, common steering assemblies include a display unit that shows the driver important information, such as the current driving speed, the current engine speed, or warning messages.

[0003] Disadvantageously, the display units of conventional steering arrangements are located in the dashboard of a motor vehicle, meaning that parts of the display unit are obscured by the driver's hands or arms during steering maneuvers. This can pose a safety-related problem, particularly in faster vehicles, such as racing cars, since drivers typically rely on a virtually unobstructed view of the display unit.

[0004] It is therefore the object of the present invention to at least partially remedy the disadvantages described above. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a steering arrangement for use in a motor vehicle that can be implemented simply and cost-effectively and effectively improves driving safety, particularly at higher vehicle speeds.

[0005] The above object is achieved by a steering arrangement having the features of claim 1 and a motor vehicle having the features of claim 10. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the steering arrangement according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the motor vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is always made to each other.

[0006] According to the invention, a steering assembly for use in a motor vehicle is provided. The steering assembly according to the invention comprises a steering means for inputting a steering command from a driver of the motor vehicle, a steering column arranged between the steering means and a steering gear, and a display unit for displaying a current state of the motor vehicle. The display unit is arranged on the steering column and can be moved along with the steering means and the steering column when the steering means moves.

[0007] Because the display unit is arranged on the steering column and automatically moves with the steering means and the steering column when the steering means moves, it is possible to ensure in a structurally simple and cost-effective manner that the display unit is not covered by the driver's hands while a vehicle is being steered. Furthermore, this arrangement enables a particularly space- and weight-saving design. The display unit in question can preferably be arranged or fastened permanently to the steering column, or can be arranged or fastened thereto, wherein the steering arrangement according to the invention is configured such that the display unit moves (automatically) with the steering means and the steering column when the steering means moves. The steering arrangement according to the invention can be used in particular in racing vehicles with or without road approval.It is understood that the steering arrangement according to the invention can also be used in other vehicles such as commercial vehicles or the like.

[0008] Within the scope of the invention, a steering arrangement can be understood in particular as an arrangement that is involved in carrying out a steering process. A steering means can, for example, be in the form of a steering wheel. The steering column in question, which is arranged between the steering means and the steering gear, preferably serves to connect the steering means to the steering mechanism and transmits the rotational movement of the steering wheel to the rest of the steering system. Within the scope of the invention, however, the steering column can be understood in a broader sense, for example as a mounting column for the steering wheel, in order to also encompass steer-by-wire steering systems in which there is no mechanical coupling between the steering wheel and the wheels of a vehicle. The display unit in question can preferably be in the form of an instrument panel or the like, in particular as the only instrument panel of a motor vehicle.

[0009] With a view to a targeted and effective increase in the safety of a motor vehicle driver, it can advantageously be provided that the display unit, together with the steering column, is rotatable about the steering column's axis of rotation, preferably by an angle of rotation of at least 40°. In this way, the display unit can be reliably prevented from being obscured by the driver's hands, so that the driver has a full view of the display unit at all times and can therefore receive information such as warnings and / or the current speed, etc., particularly quickly.

[0010] Within the scope of a particularly comfortable embodiment of a steering arrangement according to the invention, it can also be advantageous if the display unit, together with the steering column and the steering means, is displaceable along the rotational axis of the steering column, preferably by at least 10 cm, in particular by at least 15 cm. In this way, the position of the steering means can be adapted to the physical characteristics of a driver, in particular to the length of their arms, in order to provide a particularly high level of driving comfort.

[0011] In order to be able to flexibly adapt, for example, to the current visibility conditions, in particular with regard to current solar radiation or the eyesight of a driver, even without moving the steering column, it can also be advantageous if the display unit on the steering column is displaceable along the axis of rotation of the steering column, preferably by at least 10 cm, in particular by at least 15 cm, and / or is tiltable perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the steering column, preferably with an angle of inclination of more than 10°.

[0012] With a view to a structurally simple and comfortable manner of positioning without a displacement of the steering column, it can further be provided that positioning means are provided for setting a fixed position of the display unit, wherein the positioning means are designed in particular in the form of height-adjustable spring elements.

[0013] In order to ensure increased safety and high user comfort, it can advantageously be provided according to the invention that the display unit is designed in the form of a combination instrument, wherein the display unit preferably has at least one of the following display elements: - speedometer, - tachometer, - fuel gauge, - temperature display, - Odometer, - Tripmeter, - Warning lights to signal problems, - Vehicle status indicators to show a current operating mode and / or - additional display means for showing information such as average speed, average fuel consumption, outside temperature or a navigation system.

[0014] With a view to increasing user comfort and the safety of a vehicle occupant, the invention can advantageously further provide for the display unit to have a curved display, wherein the curved display is preferably curved in two directions, in particular axially symmetrical in two directions. A curved display can be curved both horizontally and vertically, depending on the specific design of the display. A curved display, in particular, offers a more immersive viewing experience, as it comes closer to the natural field of vision of the human eye and enables greater peripheral vision. It can also improve viewing comfort by reducing reflections and distortions and expanding viewing angles.

[0015] With regard to mobile use or retrofittable versions, it is also conceivable for the display unit to be detachably mounted on the steering column. "Detachable" here preferably means that the display unit can be firmly attached to the steering column, e.g., via snap-in connections or the like, but can also be removed if necessary.

[0016] Furthermore, it may also be advantageous if the steering means is designed in the form of a steering wheel, preferably in the form of a racing steering wheel, wherein the steering means in particular has additional control elements. A design in the form of a racing steering wheel or use in a racing car is particularly advantageous in view of increased safety requirements.

[0017] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a steering arrangement as described above. Thus, the motor vehicle according to the invention offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with regard to the steering device according to the invention.

[0018] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes exemplary embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0019] They show schematically: Fig. 1 a steering arrangement according to the invention for use in a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 a steering arrangement according to the invention for use in a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment, Fig. 3 shows a steering arrangement according to the invention for use in a motor vehicle according to a third embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a steering arrangement 2 according to the invention for use in a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment.

[0021] As per Fig. 1, the steering arrangement 2 according to the invention comprises a steering means 4 for inputting a steering request from a driver of the motor vehicle, a steering column 6 for arrangement between the steering means 4 and a steering gear 8 and a display unit 10 for displaying a current state of the motor vehicle, wherein the display unit 10 is arranged on the steering column 6 and can be moved with the steering means 4 and the steering column 6 when the steering means 4 moves.

[0022] The display unit 10 is in the form of an instrument cluster and has a plurality of display elements 10a, such as a speedometer and / or a tachometer and / or a fuel gauge and / or a temperature gauge and / or an odometer and / or a trip meter and / or warning lights for signaling problems and / or vehicle status indicators for displaying a current operating mode and / or additional display means for displaying information such as the average speed, the average consumption, the outside temperature or a navigation system.

[0023] The display unit 10 has a curved display 12, which in this case is axially symmetrically curved in two directions.

[0024] The steering means 4 is further designed in the form of a racing steering wheel, in particular in the form of a “dual-grip steering wheel”, and has a plurality of additional operating elements 14.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a steering arrangement 2 according to the invention for use in a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment.

[0026] As per Fig. 2, the display unit 10 is rotatable together with the steering column 6 about the axis of rotation X of the steering column 6 by a rotation angle α of at least 40°.

[0027] Fig. 3 shows a steering arrangement 2 according to the invention for use in a motor vehicle according to a third embodiment.

[0028] As per Fig. 3, the display unit 10 with the steering column 6 and the steering means 4 is designed to be displaceable along the axis of rotation X of the steering column 6.

[0029] In addition, the display unit 10 is displaceable independently of the steering column 6 on the steering column 6 along the rotation axis X of the steering column 6 and is designed to be tiltable perpendicular to the rotation axis X of the steering column 6 by an inclination angle β.

[0030] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Steering arrangement (2) for use in a motor vehicle, comprising: - a steering means (4) for inputting a steering request from a driver of the motor vehicle, - a steering column (6) for arrangement between the steering means (4) and a steering gear (8) and - a display unit (10) for displaying a current state of the motor vehicle, characterized by that the display unit (10) is arranged on the steering column (6) and can be moved along with the steering means (4) and the steering column (6) when the steering means (4) moves. [2] Steering arrangement (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the display unit (10) is rotatable together with the steering column (6) about the axis of rotation (X) of the steering column (6), preferably about an angle of rotation (α) of at least 40°. [3] Steering arrangement (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the display unit (10) with the steering column (6) and the steering means (4) is displaceable along the axis of rotation (X) of the steering column (6), preferably by at least 10 cm, in particular by at least 15 cm. [4] Steering arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the display unit (10) on the steering column (6) is displaceable along the axis of rotation (X) of the steering column (6), preferably by at least 10 cm, in particular by at least 15 cm, and / or is inclinable perpendicular to the axis of rotation (X) of the steering column (6), preferably with an angle of inclination (β) of more than 10°. [5] Steering arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that positioning means are provided for setting a fixed position of the display unit (10), wherein the positioning means are designed in particular in the form of height-adjustable spring elements. [6] Steering arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the display unit (10) is designed in the form of a combination instrument, wherein the display unit (10) preferably has at least one of the following display elements (10a): - speedometer, - tachometer, - fuel gauge, - temperature display, - Odometer, - Tripmeter, - Warning lights to signal problems, - Vehicle status indicators to show a current operating mode and / or - additional display means for showing information such as average speed, average fuel consumption, outside temperature or a navigation system. [7] Steering arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the display unit (10) has a curved display (12), wherein the curved display (12) is preferably curved in two directions, in particular is axially symmetrical in two directions. [8] Steering arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the display unit (10) is detachably arranged on the steering column (6). [9] Steering arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the steering means (4) is designed in the form of a steering wheel, preferably in the form of a racing steering wheel, wherein the steering means (4) in particular has additional operating elements (14). [10] Motor vehicle (100) comprising a steering arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1-9.

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