Steering wheel arrangement for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The present development relates to a steering wheel arrangement (10) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising: - a longitudinally extended steering column (40), - a steering wheel spoke (30) movably arranged at a longitudinal end (48) of the steering column (40) and - a steering wheel rim (20) which can be detachably connected to the steering wheel spoke (30) and is movably mounted relative to the steering column (40).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present development relates to a steering wheel, in particular a steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle. The steering wheel assembly is, in particular, arranged in a stowable and movable manner within the motor vehicle interior. background

[0002] Steering wheel assemblies and steering wheels are a central operating and control instrument for motor vehicles. A steering wheel allows the orientation of a steerable axle of the motor vehicle to be changed as needed to change direction while the vehicle is moving.

[0003] The steering wheel is typically located directly in front of the driver. It naturally occupies a relatively large amount of space there and, in the event of a collision, may pose a health hazard to the driver.

[0004] Novel control concepts for motor vehicles, in particular autonomous driving, make steering wheels or steering wheel assemblies superfluous, at least temporarily, so that there is a requirement to transfer the steering wheel or the entire steering wheel assembly into a stowed position or rest position in which it no longer protrudes into the interior of the motor vehicle or only to a significantly lesser extent.

[0005] For example, CH 711 640 B1 discloses a steering device with a steering wheel rotatable about a steering axis and consisting of at least two steering wheel segments. These can be moved into a first and a second position, in which, on the one hand, they form the steering wheel and, on the other hand, are aligned substantially parallel to the steering axis.

[0006] A multi-part steering wheel consisting of several segments proves to be complex to manufacture and likely also requires intensive or prone to maintenance. Against this background, it is desirable to provide an improved steering wheel assembly that consists of the fewest possible number of moving parts, enables particularly simple and efficient handling, and also takes up as little installation space as possible when in a rest or stowed position. Advantageous designs

[0007] This object is achieved with a steering wheel arrangement according to the features of independent patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of dependent patent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present development relates to a steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle. The steering wheel assembly comprises an elongated steering column, a steering wheel spoke movably arranged at one longitudinal end of the steering column, and a steering wheel rim. The steering wheel rim is detachably connectable to the steering wheel spoke. It is also movably mounted relative to the steering column. The steering wheel rim is movably mounted on the steering column, particularly when detached from the steering wheel rim.

[0009] The steering column comprises or defines a steering axis. The steering axis typically extends along the longitudinal extent of the steering column. The steering column can form a housing for the steering axis. In this respect, the steering column can be arranged in a rotationally fixed manner in the motor vehicle, while the steering wheel spoke and the steering wheel rim can be rotatably movable relative to the steering column. The steering wheel rim and the steering wheel spoke can be rigidly connected to one another in a use position. A torque exerted by the end user on the steering wheel rim then leads to a rotational movement of the steering wheel spoke with the steering axis as the rotational axis. In this way, a steering, pivoting, or rotational movement of the steering wheel rim can be translated into a corresponding adjustment movement of the steerable axle of the motor vehicle.

[0010] In an initial position in which the steering wheel rim and / or the steering wheel spoke are in a neutral position relative to the steering column, the steering wheel rim can be detached from the steering wheel spoke and consequently moved as a whole relative to the steering column.

[0011] The steering wheel rim can be designed as a single piece and rigid in itself, thus forming a closed, circumferential steering wheel structure.

[0012] The mobility of the steering wheel rim relative to the steering column and the detachability of the steering wheel rim from the steering wheel spoke allow the steering wheel rim to be moved into a stowed or rest position relative to the steering column and / or the steering wheel spoke. As a result, the steering wheel rim can be detached from the steering wheel spoke from its neutral or initial position and, for example, moved longitudinally relative to the steering column into a rest position, in which it protrudes into the interior of the vehicle to a much lesser extent.

[0013] According to a further embodiment of the steering wheel assembly, the steering wheel rim is movably mounted in the direction of the longitudinally extended steering column. In the initial position or usage configuration of the steering wheel assembly, the steering wheel rim is located at the longitudinal end of the steering column, which protrudes into the interior of the motor vehicle. In a rest position or stowed position, the steering wheel rim is in an engaged position spaced from the longitudinal end. The steering wheel rim can be moved towards the front of the vehicle opposite the steering column. In the rest position, the steering wheel rim can be displaced towards an instrument panel compared to the initial position, so that it protrudes into the interior of the motor vehicle to a much lesser extent and accordingly takes up far less space or room in the interior of the motor vehicle in the rest position.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the steering wheel rim is movably mounted along the elongated steering column. It can, in particular, be mounted displaceably on the steering column. A longitudinal movement or longitudinal displacement of the steering wheel rim along the steering column enables a defined movement, such as a displacement of the steering wheel rim from the starting position to or toward the rest position. In particular, the steering wheel rim can be guided longitudinally displaceably on the steering column. A longitudinally displaceable guide along the steering column enables a defined displacement of the steering wheel rim from the starting position to the rest position.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the steering wheel rim is pivotally mounted on the steering column with respect to a first pivot axis extending orthogonally to the longitudinal extent of the steering column. The pivotability of the steering wheel rim with respect to the first pivot axis allows the plane in which the steering wheel rim is located to be pivoted relative to the steering column.

[0016] Typically, the plane of the steering wheel rim extends essentially orthogonally or perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the steering column. This means that a surface normal of the plane coinciding with the steering wheel rim typically extends along or parallel to the longitudinal extension of the steering column. Because the steering wheel rim is pivotally mounted on the steering column with respect to the first pivot axis, it can perform a pivoting movement when transferred from its initial position to the rest position, which allows the effective extension of the steering wheel rim perpendicular to the first pivot axis and perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the steering column to be reduced.In this respect, the steering wheel rim in the rest position can assume a position inclined relative to the initial position, in which sections of the steering wheel rim which are approximately opposite one another and separated from one another perpendicular to the pivot axis in the initial position move closer to one another in the direction perpendicular to the first pivot axis.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the steering wheel rim has a guide structure with a first slider and a second slider, by means of which the steering wheel rim is mounted on the steering column for longitudinal displacement. The first and second sliders form a sliding guide together with a corresponding sliding surface, for example, on an outer side or on opposite outer sides of the steering column. The first slider can be provided, for example, on an inner side of a first rim section of the steering wheel rim. The second slider can be provided on the inside of an opposite second rim section of the steering wheel rim.

[0018] In this respect, the first slider can be longitudinally displaceably engaged with a first sliding surface of a sliding guide of the steering column and the opposite second slider can be slidably engaged with a second sliding surface of the sliding guide, wherein the first and second sliding surfaces are provided or formed on opposite outer sides of the steering column.

[0019] By means of the first and second sliders, a defined sliding guide of the steering wheel rim relative to the steering column can be provided.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the first pivot axis extends through the first slider and through the second slider.

[0021] The first and second sliders can thus fulfill a dual function. They can form the first pivot axis and can provide combined pivoting and sliding guidance of the steering wheel rim relative to or relative to the steering column.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the steering wheel arrangement, the steering wheel spoke is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the steering axis via a connecting section at the longitudinal end of the steering column. In other words, the steering wheel spoke can be connected to the steering column in a rotationally fixed manner, at least relative to the steering axis, thus being arranged on the steering column in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the longitudinal axis or longitudinal direction of the steering column. Irrespective of this, the steering wheel spoke can be movably mounted on the steering column, for example, rotatably or pivotably relative to a second pivot axis.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, a recess is formed between the longitudinal end of the steering column and the steering wheel spoke, which recess is designed to at least partially accommodate a rim section of the steering wheel rim. For example, a third rim section, which is provided at the top of the steering wheel rim with respect to the vehicle's vertical axis, can be inserted into the recess or at least partially accommodated by the recess. This applies in particular if the steering wheel rim has already been displaced or moved a predetermined distance from its initial position toward the rest position along the steering column and has also been pivoted with the relevant rim section toward the recess with respect to the first pivot axis.

[0024] By at least partially accommodating the rim section, for example, an upper rim section of the steering wheel rim, in the recess between the steering wheel spoke and the longitudinal end of the steering column, the steering wheel rim can be fixed in the correspondingly inclined position or orientation on or in the recess and thus on the steering column. At least partially accommodating the rim section of the steering wheel rim in the recess or receptacle between the longitudinal end of the steering column and the steering wheel spoke also enables a particularly space-saving arrangement of the steering wheel rim in or on the steering column, especially when assuming the rest position.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the steering wheel spoke is pivotably mounted on the steering column with respect to a second pivot axis extending orthogonally to the longitudinal extent of the steering column. This pivotability allows the steering wheel spoke to be integrated approximately flush with the dashboard or instrument panel of the motor vehicle when the steering wheel assembly is in its rest position. In this respect, the steering wheel spoke can, at least in part, function as a decorative element, particularly when the steering wheel assembly is in its rest position, which preferably fits flush with the dashboard or instrument panel of the motor vehicle interior.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the steering wheel assembly, the steering column can be moved into the rest position relative to an instrument panel in the interior of the motor vehicle via a sliding guide along its longitudinal extent, in which position the steering wheel spoke closes an opening in the instrument panel. The steering wheel spoke preferably closes this opening flush with the surface. A flush arrangement of the steering wheel spoke in the opening in the instrument panel can be achieved, in particular, by the pivoting movement of the steering wheel spoke relative to the steering column with respect to the second pivot axis.

[0027] In the stowed or rest position, the entire steering column, including the steering wheel rim and the steering wheel spoke, can disappear behind the instrument panel, so that only a section of the surface of the steering wheel spoke acts as a decorative element and closes an opening in the instrument panel.

[0028] In this respect, the steering wheel assembly can be completely stowed behind the instrument panel, making it invisible to the end user. In this resting position or stowed configuration of the steering wheel assembly, the motor vehicle is specifically designed for autonomous driving, where the use of a steering wheel is not required. Short description of the characters

[0029] Further objectives, features, and advantageous embodiments of the present development are explained in the following description of an exemplary embodiment. Herein: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of a motor vehicle, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the steering wheel arrangement of the motor vehicle in the initial position, Fig. 3 a side view of the steering wheel arrangement according to Fig. 2, Fig. 4 a perspective view of the steering wheel assembly after detaching the steering wheel rim from the steering wheel spoke, Fig. 5 a schematic side view according to Fig. 4, Fig. 6 a perspective view of the steering wheel assembly after the steering wheel rim has been pivoted relative to the first pivot axis relative to the steering column towards the rest position, Fig. 7 a schematic side view of the configuration according to Fig. 6, Fig. 8 a perspective view of the steering wheel arrangement, in which the steering wheel rim is at least partially accommodated in the recess between the longitudinal end of the steering column and the steering wheel spoke, Fig. 9 a schematic side view of the configuration according to Fig. 8, Fig. 10 a perspective view of the steering wheel assembly in the rest or stowed position and Fig. 11 the steering wheel arrangement according to Fig. 10 in side view. Detailed description

[0030] The Fig. 1 schematically shown motor vehicle 1 has a motor vehicle body 2 with an interior 3 functioning as a passenger compartment. In the interior 3, a steering wheel arrangement 10 is provided, which can be adjusted in different configurations and positions in the Fig. 2 to 11 in more detail. The steering wheel assembly 10 comprises a circumferentially closed steering wheel rim 20, which is connected via a steering wheel spoke 30 in the Fig. 2, is rotatably mounted on a steering column 40. The steering column 40 has a longitudinal extension that typically extends parallel to a steering axis (not shown here).

[0031] A rotational movement of the steering wheel rim 20 can be transmitted to the steering axle via the steering wheel spoke 30 in order, for example, to align the front wheels of the motor vehicle 1 accordingly for cornering.

[0032] The steering wheel rim 20 is detachably mounted on the steering wheel spoke 30. For this purpose, the steering wheel rim has a connecting structure 29 on a first rim section 26 and on an opposite second rim section 27, which can be fastened to a corresponding mating connecting structure 39 of the steering wheel spoke 30. The connecting structure 29 can be formed by connecting elements or fastening elements of the steering wheel rim 20, which are designed to be complementary or corresponding to corresponding mating connecting elements in the region of the mating connecting structure 39 of the steering wheel spoke 30.

[0033] The mutual connection between connecting structure 29 and counter-connecting structure 39 can be released by the user. In this way, the steering wheel rim 20 can be moved relative to the steering wheel spoke 30 in the longitudinal direction of the steering column 40, as well as relative to the steering column 40.

[0034] Inwardly projecting sliders 22, 23 can be provided or formed on the first rim section 26, for example a lateral rim section and an opposite second rim section 27, which is opposite the first rim section 26, to form a guide structure 21. A first slider 22 in the region of the first rim section 26 can in particular slide along with a sliding surface 42 provided on the outside of the steering column 40 facing the slider 22. Likewise, the second slider 23 can slide along a sliding surface 43 facing the inside on the outside of the steering column 40. The two opposite sliding surfaces 42, 43 of the steering column 40 form a sliding guide 41 for the steering wheel rim 20 between a Fig. 2 shown starting position and one in the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 shown rest position or stowed configuration.

[0035] By loosening the connection between the steering wheel rim 20 and the steering wheel spoke 30, the steering wheel rim 20 can be displaced longitudinally in the longitudinal direction of the steering column 40.

[0036] At the same time, the sliders 22, 23 enable a pivoting movement of the steering wheel rim 20 relative to the steering column 40 with respect to a first pivot axis 47, which Fig. 4. The first pivot axis 47 typically extends perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the steering column 40. It may, for example, extend in the horizontal direction, ie, parallel to the vehicle transverse axis (y).

[0037] The pivotable mounting of the steering wheel rim 20 with respect to the first pivot axis 47 enables a combined sliding and pivoting movement of the steering wheel rim 20 once it is released from the steering wheel spoke 30. In this way, for example, an upper third rim section 24 can be pivoted downward toward the steering column 40, while a lower fourth rim section 25 can be pivoted upward toward the underside 46 of the steering column 40.

[0038] As a result of this pivoting movement, a strut 28 projecting from the fourth rim section 25 in the direction of the steering column 40 can also engage, for example, with a guide groove on the underside 46 of the steering column, so that a guide for the steering wheel rim 20 on the steering column 40 that is as tilt-free and longitudinally displaceable as possible can be provided.

[0039] In the initial position or position of use, the strut 28 projecting upwards from the fourth rim section 25 can function as a kind of auxiliary spoke.

[0040] In particular, a cover 31 is provided on the steering wheel spoke 30, which in the Fig. 2, facing the driver of the motor vehicle. At least one control element 32 can be arranged on the cover 31, which allows the driver to operate various vehicle components, such as the infotainment system or the navigation system. Furthermore, one or more design elements 34 can be arranged or formed on the cover 31.

[0041] As particularly in Fig. 6, the steering wheel spoke 30 is also pivotally mounted relative to the steering column 40 with respect to a second pivot axis 37. The steering wheel spoke 30 is connected in particular via a connecting section 45 to the longitudinal end 48 of the steering column 40. In the area between the longitudinal end 48 and the steering wheel spoke 30, a recess 44 is formed which is dimensioned such that it can at least partially accommodate at least a partial area of ​​the steering wheel rim 20, in this case the third rim section 24, when the steering wheel rim 20 is pivoted about the first pivot axis 47, as in the Fig. 8 to 11. This allows for particularly space-saving storage of the steering wheel rim in the rest position or stowed configuration of the steering wheel assembly 10.

[0042] As soon as the third rim section 24 has assumed its rest position relative to the steering column 40 and has been introduced or inserted at least partially into the recess 44, the entire steering wheel arrangement 10 or the entire steering column 40 can be moved by means of a sliding guide 52 in the longitudinal direction of the steering column 40 relative to the instrument panel 50 of the motor vehicle 1 into the position shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, in which almost the entire steering wheel assembly 10 disappears behind the instrument panel 50. Here, the steering wheel spoke 30 with its cover 31 can be embedded flush in the instrument panel 50 and thus close an opening 51 for the steering wheel assembly 10 in the instrument panel 50.

[0043] By pivoting the steering wheel spoke 30 relative to the second pivot axis 37, the cover 31 can be precisely aligned with the opening edge adjacent to the opening 51 or with the relevant opening edge such that the cover 31 closes the opening 51 in the instrument panel flush with the surface. The design elements 34 provided or formed in the area of ​​the cover 31 can then also correspond flush with other design elements in the area of ​​the opening edge of the opening 51 of the instrument panel 50 or form a corresponding extension of the other design elements of the instrument panel.

[0044] The illustrated embodiments merely show possible configurations of the development, for which numerous further variants are conceivable within the scope of the development. The exemplary embodiments shown are in no way to be interpreted as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration options of the development. This description merely shows the person skilled in the art one or several possible implementations of an exemplary embodiment. Thus, a wide variety of modifications can be made to the function and arrangement of the described elements without departing from the scope of protection defined by the following claims or their equivalents. List of reference symbols 1 motor vehicle 2 Motor vehicle body 3 Interior 10 Steering wheel arrangement 20 steering wheel rim 21 Management structure 22 gliders 23 gliders 24 wreath section 25 wreath sections 26 wreath section 27 wreath section 28 Strut 29 Connection structure 30 steering wheel spokes 31 Cover 32 Control element 34 design elements 37 Swivel axis 39 Counterconnection structure 40 Steering column 41 Sliding guide 42 Sliding surface 43 Sliding surface 44 recess 45 connecting section 46 Bottom 47 Swivel axis 48 Longitudinal end 50 Instrument panel 51 Opening 52 sliding guide QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CH 711 640 B1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Steering wheel arrangement (10) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising: - a longitudinally extending steering column (40), - a steering wheel spoke (30) movably arranged at a longitudinal end (48) of the steering column (40) and - a steering wheel rim (20) which is detachably connectable to the steering wheel spoke (30) and is movably mounted on the steering column (40) when detached from the steering wheel rim (30). [2] Steering wheel arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the steering wheel rim (20) is movably mounted in the direction of the elongated steering column (40). [3] Steering wheel arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the steering wheel rim (20) is movably mounted along the elongated steering column (40). [4] Steering wheel arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steering wheel rim (20) is pivotally mounted on the steering column (40) with respect to a first pivot axis (47) extending orthogonally to the longitudinal extent of the steering column (40). [5] Steering wheel arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steering wheel rim (20) has a guide structure (21) with a first slider (22) and with a second slider (23), by means of which the steering wheel rim (20) is mounted on the steering column (40) in a longitudinally displaceable manner. [6] Steering wheel assembly (10) according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the first pivot axis (47) extends through the first slider (22) and through the second slider (23). [7] Steering wheel arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steering wheel spoke (30) is fastened to the longitudinal end (48) of the steering column (40) via a connecting portion (45). [8] Steering wheel arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a recess (44) is formed between the longitudinal end (48) of the steering column (40) and the steering wheel spoke (30) for at least partially receiving a rim section (24) of the steering wheel rim (20). [9] Steering wheel arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steering wheel spoke (30) is pivotally mounted on the steering column (40) with respect to a second pivot axis (37) extending orthogonally to the longitudinal extent of the steering column (40). [10] Steering wheel arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steering column (40) can be transferred via a sliding guide (52) along its longitudinal extent relative to an instrument panel (50) in the interior (3) of the motor vehicle (1) into a rest position in which the steering wheel spoke (30) closes an opening (51) of the instrument panel (50).

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