ROTATING STEERING WHEEL ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

A vehicle steering wheel assembly comprises a rim containing multiple spokes and an adjustment assembly operationally coupled to the rim at one or more of the multiple spokes. The adjustment assembly includes a motor. The adjustment assembly is configured to rotate the rim about an upper rim pivot between an extended and a partially retracted state using the motor, allowing the vehicle steering wheel assembly to be operated in both the extended and partially retracted positions.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The information provided in this section is intended to provide a general context for the disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent described in this section, as well as those aspects of the description that do not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor implicitly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a steering wheel assembly.

[0003] Vehicles may have various functionalities that encompass autonomous capabilities. A vehicle's autonomous capabilities typically free the driver from the task of operating the vehicle. For example, an autonomous vehicle's steering wheel may be completely stowed during autonomous control of the vehicle. Although stowing the steering wheel provides more space for the driver, the driver typically does not have easy access to the steering wheel until the autonomous control mode is fully deactivated and the steering wheel has returned and / or been reset to a location where the driver can reach and operate it. In some autonomous vehicles, the steering wheel may be completely stowed and subsequently removed from the stowage to provide driver access to the steering wheel. However, the steering wheel is typically not operable when stowed.The present disclosure provides partial stowage for a steering wheel when the vehicle is in an autonomous mode, positioning the steering wheel in a position where the driver can still reach, operate, and / or turn the steering wheel when the steering wheel is in its partially stowed state, and even when the steering wheel moves from its partially stowed state to its driving position state. The mechanism disclosed herein is also applicable to a fully stowed steering wheel. SUMMARY

[0004] In some aspects, a steering wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a central body including a plurality of spokes having a pivot joint on upper spokes of the plurality of spokes. An outer rim is operatively coupled to the central body at the plurality of spokes, and at least one adjustment assembly is operatively coupled to the central body and the outer rim. The at least one adjustment assembly is configured to rotate the outer rim between an extended state and a partially stowed state, and includes a motor and a first adjustment joint coupled to the motor and opposite a second adjustment joint. The adjustment assembly is configured to use the motor to rotate the outer rim from the extended state to the partially stowed state, wherein the steering wheel assembly is operable in both the extended state and the partially stowed state.

[0005] In some configurations, the adjustment assembly may include a housing, with the motor and the first adjustment joint disposed within the housing. Optionally, the center body may be operable between an extended position and a retracted position. In some examples, the steering wheel assembly may include an adjustment rod. A first end of the adjustment rod may be operatively coupled to the motor, and a second end of the adjustment rod extends through and is operatively coupled to a nut, the nut configured to translate along a length of the adjustment rod between the first end and the second end. The adjustment rod may include a first stop device and / or a second stop device.The first stop device may be located near the first end of the adjustment rod, and the second stop device may be located on an opposite side of the nut near the second end of the adjustment rod. In some cases, a gap may be defined between the adjustment assembly and the outer collar at the second adjustment joint.

[0006] Optionally, the upper spoke may include an upper spoke joint that may be disposed along a length of the upper spoke, which may include a control device and a spoke extension on either side. The adjustment assembly may include a linear motor. The upper spoke joint may include an outer housing that rotates with the outer rim and an inner housing that remains stationary with respect to the central body. In some examples, a rotational path of the outer rim may include a fully stowed state. In some cases, an airbag may be configured to deploy in a different form based at least on an angle of the outer rim and a location of the central body. Optionally, at least one lower spoke of the plurality of spokes may include the at least one adjustment assembly. The at least one lower spoke may include pivot joints and / or universal joints and / or joints made of flexible materials.In some configurations, the rotation of the outer rim can be controlled by a driver or autonomous vehicle software.

[0007] In other aspects, a vehicle steering wheel assembly includes a rim including a plurality of spokes, and an adjustment assembly operatively coupled to the rim at one or more of the plurality of spokes, including upper spokes and at least one lower spoke, wherein the upper spokes have a pivot. An adjustment assembly is operatively coupled to the rim at one or more of the plurality of spokes. The adjustment assembly includes a motor, and the adjustment assembly is configured to rotate the rim about the pivot of each of the upper spokes using the motor between an extended state and a partially stowed state. The vehicle steering wheel assembly is operable in both the extended state and the partially stowed state.

[0008] In some examples, the motor may comprise a linear motor or a rotary motor. The adjustment assembly may include an upper housing and a lower housing, and the adjustment assembly may be configured to translate the lower housing relative to the upper housing using the motor. In some configurations, the adjustment assembly may include an adjustment rod and a non-rotatable nut, with the rotary motor configured to translate the non-rotatable nut along the adjustment rod. Optionally, a first joint of the adjustment assembly may be defined on the at least one lower spoke proximate the rim, and a second joint of the adjustment assembly may be proximate the upper spokes. In some examples, the at least one lower spoke may comprise a first lower spoke and a second lower spoke, wherein the first lower spoke and the second lower spoke are each separately defined by the adjustment assembly.

[0009] According to additional aspects, a steering wheel assembly includes a center body including a plurality of spokes and operable between an extended position and a retracted position. An outer rim is operatively coupled to the center body at the plurality of spokes, and an adjustment assembly is operatively coupled to the center body and is integrally formed with one or more of the plurality of spokes. The adjustment assembly is configured to translate the outer rim from an extended state to a stowed state. The steering wheel assembly is operable in both the extended state and the stowed state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure; they show: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view of a three-spoke steering wheel assembly according to the present disclosure; Fig. 3A is a schematic side view of a steering wheel assembly according to the present disclosure in an extended state; Fig. 3B is a schematic side view of the steering wheel assembly of Fig. 3A according to the present disclosure in an intermediate state; Fig. 3C is a schematic side view of the steering wheel of Fig. 3A according to the present disclosure in a stowed state; Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an adjustment assembly according to the present disclosure; Fig. 4B is a partial view of a pivot joint on an upper spoke according to the present disclosure; Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a steering wheel assembly according to the present disclosure; and Fig. 6 is a partial perspective view of a vehicle interior having a four-spoke steering wheel assembly in a stowed position according to the present disclosure.

[0011] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding sections in all drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0013] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing certain example configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "including," "containing," and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more additional features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0014] When an element or layer is described as being "on," "engaging with," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaging with, connected to, attached to, or coupled to the another element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on," "directly engaging with," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there need not be any intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.).As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any combination of one or more of the associated listed elements.

[0015] The terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not intended to be limited by these terms. These terms may be used merely to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

[0016] In this application, including the definitions below, the term module may be replaced with the term circuit. The term module may refer to, be part of, or include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field-programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by a processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0017] The term code, as used above, may include software, firmware, and / or microcode and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term shared processor includes a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term group processor includes a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term shared memory includes a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term group memory includes memory that, in combination with additional memories, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term memory may be a subset of the term computer-readable medium.The term computer-readable medium encompasses non-transitory electrical and electromagnetic signals that propagate through a medium and can therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory storage. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory storage include tangible computer-readable medium, including non-volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

[0018] The devices and methods described in this application may be implemented, in part or in whole, by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include and / or access stored data.

[0019] A software application (i.e., a software resource) may refer to computer software that causes a computing device to perform a task. In certain examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," an "app," or a "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0020] Non-transitory memory may be physical devices used to store programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) on a temporary or permanent basis for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory may be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (which, for example, is typically used for firmware such as boot programs).Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0021] These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, or code) contain machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in a high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming language and / or assembly / machine language. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to a computer program product, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, an apparatus, and / or a device (e.g., magnetic disks, optical disks, memories, programmable logic devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, which contains a machine-readable medium that embodies machine instructions as a machine-readable signal.The term “machine-readable signal” refers to a signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0022] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein may be realized in digital electronics and / or optical circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementation in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable in a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be special-purpose or general-purpose and coupled to receive data and instructions from and send data and instructions to a memory system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0023] The processes and logic flows described in this application text may be performed by one or more programmable processors, also referred to as data processing hardware, which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating outputs. The processes and logic flows may also be performed by special-purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Processors suitable for executing a computer program include, by way of example, both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors and one or more processors of any type of digital computer. In general, a processor will receive instructions and data from read-only memory and / or random access memory.The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer also includes, or is operatively coupled to, receiving data from and / or sending data to one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic storage media, magneto-optical storage media, or optical storage media. However, a computer is not required to include such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, by way of example, semiconductor storage devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic storage devices, e.g., internal hard disks or removable storage devices; magneto-optical storage devices, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM storage devices.The processor and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0024] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), an LCD (liquid crystal display monitor), or a touch screen for displaying information to the user, and optionally, a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or trackball, with which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide interaction with a user; e.g., feedback provided to the user may include any form of sensory feedback, e.g.,visual feedback, auditory feedback, or haptic feedback; and input may be received from the user in any form including auditory, verbal, or tactile input. Additionally, a computer may interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; e.g., by sending web pages to an internet browser on a user's client device in response to requests received from the internet browser.

[0025] In the Fig. 1-6, a steering wheel assembly 10 for a vehicle 12 includes a center body 14 and an outer rim 16. According to some aspects of the disclosure, the vehicle 12 is an electric vehicle (EV) with autonomous or semi-autonomous capabilities. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle 12 may be configured with an internal combustion engine (ICE). In other aspects, the vehicle 12 may be a hybrid vehicle incorporating both EV and ICE components and capabilities. Other powertrains, such as those using hydrogen, may also be used.

[0026] As particularly in the Fig. 2-3C, a plurality of spokes 18 are disposed between the outer rim 16 and the central body 14, coupling the outer rim 16 to the central body 14. It is generally contemplated that the plurality of spokes 18 may include three spokes 18 and / or four spokes 18, depending on the configuration of the steering wheel assembly 10. However, the plurality of spokes 18 may include any number of spokes. In some configurations, the plurality of spokes 18 may include the control devices 20 ( Fig. 6) disposed on one or more upper spokes 18a, 18b. As described in more detail below, the control devices 20 may provide the ability for a driver of the vehicle 12 to adjust the steering wheel assembly 10. For example, the control devices 20 may adjust the steering wheel assembly 10 between an extended state and a stowed state. The control devices 20 may also include other vehicle controls, such as, but are not limited to, audio controls, odometer controls, cruise controls, display device controls, and any other convenient vehicle controls.

[0027] A lower spoke 18c may be coupled to or otherwise proximate to an adjustment assembly 22. The adjustment assembly 22 is operatively coupled to the central body 14 and to the outer rim 16 on the lower spoke 18c. In some configurations, the lower spoke 18c may be integrally formed with the adjustment assembly 22. For example, the adjustment assembly 22 may extend between the central body 14 and a lower portion 24 of the outer rim 16 to define the lower spoke 18c. As mentioned above, the plurality of spokes 18 may include four spokes. In the example shown in Fig. 6, two of the four spokes 18, which are the spokes 18c located on the lower portion 24 of the outer rim 16, may be configured as the adjustment assembly 22. The plurality of spokes 18 may comprise three spokes. In the example shown in Fig. 2, one of the three spokes 18, which is the spoke 18c located at the lower portion 24 of the outer rim 16, may be configured as the adjustment assembly 22.

[0028] Therefore, multiple adjustment assemblies 22 may be used as the lower spokes 18c of the steering wheel assembly 10. Each of the adjustment assemblies 22 extends between the center body 14 and the outer rim 16, as described above. It is contemplated that with multiple adjustment assemblies 22, one or more universal joints may be disposed at attachment points of each of the adjustment assemblies 22. The universal joints may be used with the four-spoke steering wheel because two lower adjustment assemblies 22 are located in the two lower spokes 18c, whereas pivot joints may be used with the three-spoke steering wheel because a single lower adjustment assembly 22 is located in the single lower spoke 18c. Alternatively, joints made of a flexible material capable of flexing may be used for any of the lower adjustment assemblies 22.In any of these configurations, the adjustment assembly 22 is configured to rotate the outer rim 16 between the extended state and the stowed state by changing the length of the lower spoke(s) 18c. It is contemplated that the upper spokes 18a, 18b may be equipped with pivots 26 to assist in tilting the outer rim 16 about the central body 14. The pivots 26 may be located within the upper spokes 18a, 18b or may protrude forwardly from the spoke extensions of the spokes 18a, 18b. Fig. 2, Fig. 4B and Fig. 6 show the pivot joints 26 in the upper spokes 18a, 18b, while the Fig. 3A-3C show the pivot joints 26 on the spoke extensions 27 projecting forward from the upper spokes 18a, 18b, with the suspensions located near the central body 14.

[0029] As in the Fig. 2-3C, the steering wheel assembly 10 is operable between the extended state and the partially stowed state by the adjustment assembly 22. As shown in Fig. 2, the steering wheel assembly 10 is arranged in the partially stowed state with the adjustment assembly 22 fully extended to position the outer rim 16 in the partially stowed state. The partially stowed state generally corresponds to an operating condition of the steering wheel assembly 10 in which the upper portion of the rim 16 is in a forward position away from the driver. For example, with the steering wheel assembly 10 in the partially stowed state, a driver of the vehicle 12 can perform standard driving operations because the steering wheel, and in particular the lower portion of the rim, can still be reached. The extended state is defined by the upper portion of the rim 16 being in a rearward position toward the driver by the adjustment assembly 22, which is adjusted to a retracted length. Fig. 3A-3C show the transition of the steering wheel assembly 10 from the extended state to the partially stowed state. The driver can control the control devices 20 ( Fig. 6), which may be located on the spokes 18 or, alternatively, at an alternative convenient location within the vehicle 12. For example, the control devices 20 may be located on a door or a center console of the vehicle 12. Alternatively, the control devices 20 may be located on the central body 14, on a lever located on the steering column, or on the instrument panel 30. Upon actuation of the control devices 20, the adjustment assembly 22 extends to effectively tilt the outer rim 16 over the central body 14, or, alternatively, retracts to tilt the outer rim such that the upper rim portion is closer to the driver.

[0030] Although an upper portion 28 of the outer rim 16 is tilted away from the driver, the lower portion 24 is intended to protrude slightly toward the driver in the partially stowed position. In some configurations, the upper portion 28 of the outer rim 16 may be located below or otherwise proximate to the instrument panel 30 of the vehicle 12 in the stowed position. The center body 14 may also be retracted to pull the steering wheel assembly 10 near the instrument panel 30 to maximize the distance between the driver and the steering wheel assembly 10 using a motor 68 typically located in the steering column 66 of the vehicles 12. The motor 68 may also reposition the center body to a higher or lower position. Despite the repositioning of the steering wheel assembly 10, the driver can at least access the lower portion 24 of the outer rim 16 to perform operable maneuvers for the vehicle 12.The driver can then also access the upper portion 28 of the outer rim 16 if the driver leans forward or has longer arms and there is sufficient clearance around the instrument panel 30 to position the hands around the upper portion 28 of the outer rim 16. Additionally, the steering wheel assembly 10 can also be placed in a fully stowed steering wheel orientation, wherein the driver cannot fully access and rotate the outer rim 16 either due to interference of the outer rim 16 with the instrument panel 30 or due to a lack of hand clearance around the outer rim 16 due to interference with the instrument panel.

[0031] In the Fig. 2-3C, the central body 14 may be extended and retracted in combination with the activation of the adjustment assembly 22. The central body 14 may be adjusted using the same control devices 20 as the adjustment assembly, or alternatively, adjusted by different control devices. The central body 14 may translate the entire steering wheel assembly 10 away from the driver to define an increased distance between the driver and the steering wheel assembly 10. The steering wheel assembly 10 remains operable to the driver by varying the length of the adjustment assembly 22 during the transition of the steering wheel assembly 10 and during the retraction of the central body 14. For example, while the autonomous controls of the vehicle 12 may be operationally active, the driver may use the steering wheel assembly 10 at any point to make adjustments or corrections to a driving pattern of the autonomous controls.Therefore, the steering wheel assembly 10 remains operable in the extended state, during transition between states, and in the partially stowed state, such that the driver can perform driving maneuvers using the steering wheel assembly 10.

[0032] As in the Fig. 3A-6, the driver can partially stow the steering wheel assembly 10 by activating the adjustment assembly 22, which enables autonomous control of the vehicle 12. Likewise, when under autonomous control, the vehicle 12 can return control to the driver by activating the adjustment assembly 22 to position the steering wheel assembly 10 in the extended state. The adjustment assembly 22 includes a motor 40 configured to adjust the length of the lower spoke(s) 18c and therefore rotate the outer rim 16 between the extended state and the stowed state. According to a further option, the adjustment assembly 22 can use a linear motor 40b instead of a rotary motor 40a, adjustment rod 42, and nut 44. Any other motor device and associated kinematic mechanism allowing translational movement could be employed.According to one option, the motor 40 is a rotary motor 40a operatively coupled to a threaded adjustment rod 42, which is threadedly coupled to a nut 44. The nut 44 is configured to be non-rotatable, and therefore, as the adjustment rod 42 rotates, the nut translates along a length of the adjustment rod 42. The motor 40a rotates the adjustment rod 42. The motor 40a, the adjustment rod 42, and the nut 44 are disposed within a housing 46 of the adjustment assembly 22. The housing 46 may include an upper housing 46a and a lower housing 46b, with the lower housing 46b optionally received within the upper housing 46a. In the cross-section shown in FIG. Fig. 4B, the upper housing 46a and the lower housing 46b do not have a defined lateral cross-section. The housings 46a, 46b may have any lateral cross-section, such as a round, oval, rectangular, or triangular cross-section. The adjustment rod 42 may be configured to translate the lower housing 46b into the upper housing 46a. In some configurations, the adjustment assembly 22 is configured as the lower spoke 18c such that the housing 46 of the adjustment assembly 22 generally defines the lower spoke 18c. Therefore, in some examples, the lower spoke 18c may telescopically extend and retract in response to actuation of the motor 40. Alternatively, the motor 40a may be arranged on the attachment portion of the rim 16 of the lower spoke 18c, while the nut 44 may be arranged on the central body 14 of the attachment portion of the lower spoke 18c.The upper housing 46a can optionally be accommodated within the lower housing 46b.

[0033] The adjustment assembly 22 also includes an adjustment joint 48 that assists in rotating the steering wheel assembly 10 from the extended state to the stowed state. As mentioned above, the adjustment joint 48 may be a pivot joint or a universal joint, depending on the number of lower spokes 18c and the configuration of the steering wheel assembly 10. The adjustment joint 48 may also be made of a flexible material that can bend. The adjustment joint 48 includes an upper adjustment joint 48a and a lower adjustment joint 48b. The upper adjustment joint 48a is arranged near the central body 14 and the lower adjustment joint 48b connects the adjustment assembly 22 to the outer ring 16. (i) A rotary motor 40a, the adjustment rod 42 and the nut 44 or (ii) a linear motor 40b or (iii) any other motor device and an associated kinematic mechanism may be arranged between the upper adjustment joint 48a and the lower adjustment joint 48b.A gap 50 is defined where the adjustment assembly 22 is coupled to the outer rim 16 at the lower adjustment joint 48b. The gap 50 may be generally wedge-shaped and have the width of the lower portion 24 of the adjustment assembly 22 to provide a range of motion for the outer rim 16 to rotate relative to the adjustment assembly 22. The outer rim 16 rotates about the lower adjustment joint 48b such that the gap 50 helps provide a sufficient range of motion for the outer rim 16 to rotate between the extended state and the partially stowed state.

[0034] With further reference to the Fig. 3A-6, the adjustment assembly 22 is steered by the operative movement between the motor 40a, the adjustment rod 42, and the nut 44. The motor 40a is activated in response to the controllers 20 or the autonomous vehicle software and rotates the adjustment rod 42 within the nut 44. The adjustment rod 42 includes stop devices 52 disposed at a first end 54 and a second end 56 of the adjustment rod 42. For example, a first stop device 52a is shown proximate the first end 54 of the adjustment rod 42, and a second stop device 52b is shown on the opposite side of the nut 44 proximate the second end 56 of the adjustment rod 42.

[0035] The stop devices 52 prevent the adjustment assembly 22 from overextending or overcompressing. For example, the nut 44 can engage the stop devices 52 in a predetermined arrangement corresponding to the extended state and the stowed state of the steering wheel assembly 10, respectively. Although the stop devices 52 are shown as being located at the first end 54 and the second end 56 of the adjustment rod 42, it is contemplated that the stop devices 52 can be disposed at any convenient location along the adjustment rod 42 to adjust both the extended and stowed states. As generally mentioned above, the arrangement of the motor 40a and the nut 44 relative to the stop devices 52 and the adjustment rod 42 can be different from the arrangement shown in Fig. 4 shown. Fig. For example, Figure 4 shows that the first end 54 of the adjustment rod 42 is coupled to the motor, and the second end 56 of the adjustment rod extends through and is operatively coupled to the nut 44. However, in some examples, the motor 40a may be coupled to the second end 56, and the nut 44 may extend through and be coupled to the first end 54 of the adjustment rod 42. Additionally, if a linear motor 40b is used, the linear motor 40b may have built-in stop devices.

[0036] The motor 40a may be configured to reverse in response to engagement between the nut 44 and one of the stop devices 52 to minimize overextension or compression. For example, if the driver firmly grasps the control devices 20 to activate the adjustment assembly 22 and does not release, the motor 40a may detect the engagement between the nut 44 and the stop device 52 and reverse it to a predetermined extent. A similar function may also be implemented when a linear motor 40b is used. In some examples, the control devices 20 may provide tactile feedback to the driver when the control devices 20 are held in one position for a predetermined period of time associated with the full extension or full retraction of the adjustment assembly 22. In some cases, the adjustment assembly 22 may be free of mechanical stop devices 52.For example, during operation, the adjustment rod 42 rotates within the nut 44 to extend and retract the lower housing 46b within the upper housing 46a, which in turn rotates the outer rim 16. The software controlling the motor 40a can count rotations of the adjustment rod 42, and the number of rotations can be used instead of the stop devices 52. Similarly, the software controlling a linear motor 40b can monitor displacement, and the displacement can be used to limit the actuation distance instead of stop devices.

[0037] Especially the Fig. 3A-3C show an example of the steering wheel assembly 10 rotating from the extended state to the partially stowed state, as generally mentioned above. Since the steering wheel assembly 10 rotates to the partially stowed state ( Fig. 3C), the outer rim 16 transitions through an intermediate state. It is contemplated that, in some examples, the adjustment assembly 22 may be stopped when the outer rim 16 is in an intermediate state. The intermediate state provides the driver with additional clearance between the driver and the steering wheel assembly 10 while maintaining a degree of accessibility to the steering wheel assembly 10. Although the steering wheel assembly 10 remains accessible and operable in the deployed state and / or the intermediate state and / or the partially stowed state, the driver may selectively adjust the outer rim 16 in any configuration between the deployed state and the partially stowed state within the intermediate state.

[0038] As particularly in Fig. 4B, the pivot joint 26 is shown on the upper spoke 18a, 18b. The pivot joint 26 consists of a rod 55 that protrudes from the outer rim 16. The rod 55 is rotatably connected to a rod holder 59. The rod holder 59 can be one-piece or consist of two or more parts. The two-piece rod holder 59, which in Fig. 4B, may have mechanical fasteners (not shown) to connect the two parts together, and may be of various shapes other than the rectangular cross-section shown. When the adjustment assembly 22 changes length, the pivot joint 26 releases the outer ring 16 to rotate relative to the central body 14. An outer housing 61a and an inner housing 61b may be arranged on either side of the pivot joint 26. Fig. 4B, the inner and outer housings 61a, 61b have a rectangular cross-section. However, the housings 61a, 61b can have any cross-section, such as a round cross-section. The outer housing 61a rotates with the rim 16, while the inner housing 61b remains stationary with the central body 14. It should be noted that the pivot joint 26 can be arranged at any location on the upper spokes 18, 18a, 18b. Fig. Figure 6 shows two possible alternatives. The pivot joint 26a is arranged outside the control devices 20, while the pivot joint 26b is arranged inside the control devices 20.

[0039] As particularly in Fig. 5, the steering wheel assembly 10 is also equipped with an airbag 60 disposed within the central body 14. The airbag 60 is compressed within the central body 14 and configured to deploy to an airbag depth 62. The airbag depth 62 may be configured at multiple depths depending on the orientation of the steering wheel assembly 10. For example, the airbag 60 includes one or more retainers 64 attached to the airbag 60 and a deployment mechanism 65 to expand or fully release the retainers 64. The deployment mechanism 65 is typically a pyrotechnic device configured to assist in deploying the airbag 60 by controlling a deployed shape using the length of one or more retainers 64 depending on the degree of retraction of the steering wheel assembly 10 and the orientation of the central body 14.The deployment mechanism can also open or close an airbag vent in the airbag body to adjust the airbag venting area to better size it relative to the airbag shape controlled by the airbag tethers. The airbag depth 62 adapts for the various arrangements of the steering wheel rim 16 and the central body 14 in which the airbag 60 is stowed. As mentioned above, the central body 14 is operable to extend and retract relative to the driver to provide increased clearance between the driver and the steering wheel assembly 10. For example, when the steering wheel assembly 10 is retracted away from the driver, the tether 64 assists in providing an extended range of the airbag 60 upon deployment. Therefore, the airbag 60 may be described as a dual or multi-stage airbag 60.Additionally, the airbag inflator 67 may be a single-stage inflator or a multi-stage inflator that releases various outputs that can be controlled by the sensed occupant position, the sensed seating position, the sensed collision severity, the sensed location of the center body 14, and the sensed steering wheel rim orientation 16.

[0040] The trigger mechanism 65 can control the length of the holding device 64 when the central body 14 is arranged in different positions relative to the driver. As shown in Fig. 5, the central body 14, which houses the airbag 60, is attached to a steering column 66. The steering column 66 may include a motor 68 to translate the central body 14 from the extended position to the retracted position. The motor 68 may also reposition the central body to a higher or lower position. The trigger mechanism 65, which controls the retaining device(s) 64, may then, when the central body 14 reaches a predetermined distance forward along the steering column 66, change the activation state to extend the airbag depth 62. The motor 68 retracts the central body 14 and the steering wheel assembly 10 away from the driver and also moves the central body 14 toward the driver. The motor 68 may be activated by the control devices 20, as mentioned above.In some examples, the controllers 20 used to activate the adjustment assembly 22 may be the same controllers 20 that activate the motor 68. Therefore, the adjustment assembly 22 and the motor 68 may be activated simultaneously to position the steering wheel assembly 10 away from the driver in an extended state, an intermediate state, or a partially stowed state. In other examples, the motor 68 may have separate controllers from the adjustment assembly 22, such that the driver can selectively extend and retract the center body 14 and selectively adjust the outer rim 16.

[0041] In the Fig. 4-6, the steering wheel assembly 10 advantageously provides the optional partially stowed state to provide an enhanced driver experience during autonomous functions. Fig.6 shows the steering wheel assembly 10 in the partially stowed state with the center body 14 retracted. The driver may have increased space within the driver compartment to perform alternative functions while the autonomous functions are performed by the vehicle 12. For example, the steering wheel assembly 10 may be equipped with a display device that may be stowed within the instrument panel 30, wherein the display device may extend beyond the center body 14 for use by the driver. In other examples, the display device may protrude from the instrument panel 30, and a keyboard may be disposed on the center body 14 for use in combination with the display device to perform computer functions.

[0042] In any examples described herein, the steering wheel assembly 10 advantageously maximizes the space around the driver while maintaining accessibility to the outer rim 16. The driver's ability to reach and operate the steering wheel assembly 10, even in the partially stowed state, supports making adjustments during autonomous functions of the vehicle 12. In some cases, the driver may react to a scenario during autonomous function, such as avoiding an object or obstacle along the roadway. The accessibility of the steering wheel assembly 10, while advantageously located away from the driver in the partially stowed state, is emphasized by the driver being able to maintain operation of the vehicle 12 using the partially stowed steering wheel assembly 10.Although the steering wheel assembly 10 is partially stowed and the driver has increased space, the driver maintains a degree of control over the vehicle 12 by keeping the steering wheel assembly 10 accessible and operable during autonomous functions. Additionally, when the vehicle 12 returns the autonomous driving task to the driver, the driver can access the outer rim 16 throughout the time frame in which the outer rim moves from the partially stowed state to the deployed state.

[0043] As a further alternative, the steering wheel assembly 10 described herein may include a fully stowed steering wheel, wherein the driver cannot access or rotate the steering wheel in the fully stowed state. This may be achieved in the fully stowed state by increasing the rotational travel of the adjustment assembly 22 or by creating an interface with the instrument panel 30, wherein the steering wheel rim 16 cannot be rotated in the fully stowed state.

[0044] Several implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it should be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0045] The foregoing description has been provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are, where applicable, interchangeable and may be used in a chosen configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. They may also be varied in many respects. Such variations are not to be considered a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

[1] Steering wheel assembly for a vehicle, the steering wheel assembly comprising: a central body comprising a plurality of spokes including a pivot joint at the upper spokes of the plurality of spokes; an outer rim operatively coupled to the central body at the plurality of spokes; and at least one adjustment assembly operatively coupled to the central body and the outer rim and configured to rotate the outer rim between an extended state and a partially stowed state, the adjustment assembly comprising a motor and a first adjustment joint coupled to the motor and opposite a second adjustment joint, the adjustment assembly configured to rotate the outer rim from the extended state to the partially stowed state using the motor, and the steering wheel assembly operable in both the extended state and the partially stowed state. [2] The steering wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the adjustment assembly includes a housing, and wherein the motor and the first adjustment joint are disposed within the housing. [3] The steering wheel assembly of claim 1, further including an adjustment rod, a first end of the adjustment rod being operatively coupled to the motor, a second end of the adjustment rod extending through and being operatively coupled to a nut, and the nut being configured to translate along a length of the adjustment rod between the first end and the second end. [4] The steering wheel assembly of claim 3, wherein the adjustment rod includes a first stop device and / or a second stop device, the first stop device being located proximate the first end of the adjustment rod and the second stop device being located on an opposite side of the nut and proximate the second end of the adjustment rod. [5] A steering wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the upper spoke includes an upper spoke joint that can be arranged on a length of the upper spoke that includes a control device and a spoke extension on both sides. [6] A steering wheel assembly according to claim 5, wherein the upper spoke joint includes an outer housing that rotates with the outer rim and an inner housing that remains stationary with respect to the central body. [7] The steering wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein a rotational path of the outer rim includes a fully stowed state. [8] The steering wheel assembly of claim 1, further including an airbag configured to deploy in a different shape based on an angle of the outer rim and / or a position of the central body. [9] The steering wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one lower spoke of the plurality of spokes includes the at least one adjustment assembly. [10] Steering wheel assembly according to claim 9, wherein the at least one lower spoke includes pivot joints and / or universal joints and / or joints made of flexible materials.

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