Control unit for a steer-by-wire steering system

Abstract

Control unit for a steer-by-wire steering system of a vehicle, comprising two control elements (1, 3) which are both coupled to each other and designed to be pluggable for exchange and which are configured to perform a rotational and / or translational movement for adjusting the steering angle, which can be positioned within the driver's reach on a cockpit (7) and on both sides of a driver's seat (5) at attachment points next to the driver's seat (5), wherein the control elements can be inserted into receptacles (9, 13, 15) formed at these positions, characterized in that the control elements (1, 3) are flexibly interchangeable on the vehicle interior and the receptacle (9) on the cockpit is designed as a rail in which the control elements (1, 3) can be guided on both sides to a spacer (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a control unit for a steer-by-wire steering system of a vehicle, comprising two control elements which can be positioned within the driver's reach on a cockpit or on both sides of the driver's seat at attachment points next to the driver's seat.

[0002] DE 10 2020 109645 A1 discloses a steering device for a vehicle, which is designed as a steer-by-wire steering device and has two handgrips on arc-shaped guide arms. The angle of adjustment of the handgrips from a central position is limited to a predetermined maximum value in each direction of adjustment. The angle of adjustment results in a corresponding steering angle of at least one steered wheel via a steer-by-wire system. The guide arms are each arranged on a vehicle seat and on both sides next to a seat surface of the vehicle seat, or on at least one mounting device on a cockpit, or one of the guide arms is arranged on a vehicle door and the other guide arm on a vehicle center console.

[0003] The generic document US 6 446 747 B1 discloses a control arrangement for a motor vehicle with two independently operable controls for controlling the vehicle, which are detachably arranged on the center tunnel and on the driver's door of the vehicle and in which at least one of the controls is placed on a pivotable and / or sliding console.

[0004] Furthermore, from DE 10 2019 120 121 A1 an integral control device for an autonomously driving vehicle is known, which is detachably connected to the vehicle.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a control unit for a steer-by-wire steering system of a vehicle, which implements comfortable and intuitive steering of the vehicle with optimal ergonomic design and space utilization of the interior.

[0006] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. Further applications and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the explanation of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the figure.

[0007] The problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0008] The control unit for a vehicle's steer-by-wire steering system, described at the beginning, comprises two controls that can be positioned within the driver's reach on a cockpit or on either side of the driver's seat at mounting points next to the seat. These controls are designed to be flexibly interchangeable within the vehicle interior. This allows the driver to reposition the controls depending on the driving situation. The arrangement of the control unit, which represents a novel human-machine interface for steer-by-wire systems, provides the driver with their preferred arm and legroom, enabling a more relaxed driving position. Since the steering wheel is removed from the cockpit, a completely new and appealing interior concept, including a new cockpit design, can be implemented, offering the vehicle occupants a spacious feel.The same airbag version can be used for the driver as for the front passenger, reducing the number of options. The controls should be designed so that they can be gripped from above or the side in several positions. This can enhance the driving experience.

[0009] The pluggable control elements can be inserted into recesses located at the specified positions in the vehicle interior. These pluggable control elements make it easier for the driver to change the position of the controls. Furthermore, the aftermarket offers the possibility of offering various control elements tailored and customized to the driver.

[0010] The controls are linked and perform a rotational and / or translational movement to adjust the steering angle. This allows for finely adjustable precision, steering comfort, steering effort, and steering dynamics.

[0011] The control elements can be guided along a rail during repositioning. This enables the electrical coupling of the two control units via the rail. According to the invention, the mounting on the cockpit is designed as a rail in which the control elements can be guided to a spacer on both sides.

[0012] In one embodiment, the controls are designed so that they can be repositioned in an operating state where the steering is inactive. This reduces hazardous situations that can arise when the steering is not operational while the vehicle is in motion. Such operating states include either a stationary vehicle with the steering deactivated or an autonomously driving vehicle where the driver has no influence on the automatically controlled steering.

[0013] Further advantages and details will become apparent from the following description, in which at least one embodiment is described in detail. The described features can, individually or in any meaningful combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, optionally also independently of the claims, and can in particular also be the subject of one or more separate applications.

[0014] It shows: Fig. 1 an embodiment of the control unit according to the invention.

[0015] In steer-by-wire systems, when the controls are operated, a change in position and / or force is applied. This change is detected by a sensor located on the control element, which then sends a corresponding electrical signal to a control unit. Based on this signal, the control unit activates one or more actuators, which turn the vehicle's steered wheels accordingly.

[0016] In Fig.Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the control unit according to the invention. The control unit comprises two interconnected control elements 1, 3 which are arranged in front of the driver's seat 5 on the cockpit 7. The control elements 1, 3 are guided in a rail and, in a central position, abut a spacer 11 on both sides. By means of the control elements 1, 3, the driver executes a rotational movement and / or a longitudinal movement along a path defined by the rail to input the steering angle. The rotational movement and / or a change in force on the control elements 1, 3 indicates to the control electronics the angle and direction in which the vehicle's wheels should be turned.

[0017] The control elements 1 and 3 are designed to be pluggable and can be removed by the driver from the cockpit 7 and, for example, plugged into a receptacle 13 or 15 located on either side of the driver's seat 5 when the driver wishes to change their seating position. Repositioning the control elements 1 and 3 is always possible when the vehicle is stationary and the ignition is switched off. During autonomous driving, the manually operated control elements 1 and 3 can be freely unplugged and replugged at any time in other locations within the vehicle interior.

Claims

[1] Control unit for a steer-by-wire steering system of a vehicle, comprising two control elements (1, 3) which are both coupled to each other and designed to be pluggable for exchange and which are designed to perform a rotational and / or translational movement for adjusting the steering angle, which can be positioned within reach of the driver on a cockpit (7) and on both sides of a driver's seat (5) at attachment points next to the driver's seat (5), wherein the control elements can be inserted into receptacles (9, 13, 15) provided at these positions, characterized by , that the control elements (1, 3) are flexibly interchangeable on the vehicle interior and the receptacle (9) on the cockpit is designed as a rail in which the control elements (1, 3) can be guided on both sides to a spacer (11). [2] Control unit according to claim 1, characterized by, that the control elements (1, 3) are designed such that repositioning takes place in an operating state in which the steering is inactive. [3] Control unit according to claim 2, characterized by , that the operating state includes a stationary vehicle with the ignition deactivated. [4] Control unit according to claim 3, characterized by , that the operating state includes autonomous driving of the vehicle.

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