Operating arrangement for a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Operating arrangement for a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle, comprising mechanical control elements (3) arranged in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle to the side of a driver's seat (1) for inputting a steering request by the driver of the motor vehicle, wherein one control element (3) is rotatably mounted about a predetermined axis of rotation, and comprising a feedback actuator (4) for generating haptic feedback to the driver of the motor vehicle. At least two control elements (3) are arranged in the passenger compartment, wherein the at least two control elements (3) are mechanically coupled to the feedback actuator (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an operating arrangement for a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle. State of the art

[0002] To translate a driver's steering input, passenger cars currently use steering wheels. By setting an angle on the steering wheel, the driver can determine the position of the rack and pinion, and thus the direction in which the vehicle steers. In conventional vehicles, the steering wheel and wheels are mechanically connected. The rotational movement is transmitted from the steering wheel via the steering column and intermediate steering shaft to a gearbox, which converts the rotational movement into a translational movement of the rack and pinion. This, in turn, rotates the wheels into the desired position.

[0003] An example of an alternative control element is a joystick, which originates from the gaming sector. Areas where joysticks are used to steer vehicles include aviation and the commercial vehicle sector.

[0004] The automotive industry's shift towards highly automated driving is leading to new requirements for steering systems. For example, many automakers want the steering wheel to remain stationary when the autopilot takes over vehicle control. This can be achieved by eliminating the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and wheels and instead communicating steering commands via cable (steer-by-wire). Another consideration is that the steering wheel, in its current position, obstructs the driver when using autopilot. When the driver no longer needs to drive, they might, for instance, work on a laptop or read a newspaper while driving. For this purpose, the steering wheel is more of a hindrance; a storage tray, for example, would be more practical.

[0005] To meet these requirements for future vehicles, a new vehicle interior concept is needed, including an alternative operating concept. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide the driver with feedback regarding the current driving situation, similar to a conventional steering system with mechanical linkage.

[0006] DE 1 02017 211 253 A1 discloses an operating arrangement for a steer-by-wire steering system, wherein the operating element is designed to be rotated about the predetermined rotation axis of the operating element when the driver's hand is placed on the support surface by rotating the driver's forearm about a rotation axis of the forearm, and wherein the feedback device is operatively connected to the operating element in such a way that, depending on a definable driving situation, haptic feedback from the operating element to the driver of the motor vehicle can be generated by the feedback device.

[0007] To achieve redundancy in such vehicle controls, it is possible to use two alternative controls, particularly joysticks, for lateral vehicle guidance. The challenge here is that these two controls must be equipped with a feedback actuator. Furthermore, their angles must be kept synchronized to allow the driver to steer effectively. To simultaneously achieve good steering feel and maintain synchronization between the two alternative controls, torque sensors on both are essential.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an improved operating concept for a control arrangement for a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle, in which simultaneous feedback is generated at two redundant alternative control elements and in which the angles of the two control elements are automatically kept synchronized. Furthermore, the control arrangement should be implemented cost-effectively with as few components as possible.

[0009] The invention is solved by an operating arrangement for a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle with the features of claim 1. Disclosure of the invention

[0010] The present invention provides an operating arrangement for a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle, comprising mechanical control elements arranged in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle to the side of a driver's seat for inputting a steering request from the driver of the motor vehicle, wherein one control element is rotatably mounted about a predetermined axis of rotation, and with a feedback actuator for generating haptic feedback to the driver of the motor vehicle. At least two control elements are arranged in the passenger compartment, wherein the at least two control elements are mechanically coupled to the individual feedback actuator.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is that only one common feedback actuator is used for the two alternative control elements arranged in the vehicle interior. The two control elements are mechanically coupled to the feedback actuator.

[0012] This design eliminates the need for a torque sensor altogether. Alternatively, a single torque sensor can be used, which is advantageously positioned on the feedback actuator.

[0013] Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims and in the description with reference to the figures.

[0014] In a first preferred embodiment, flexible shafts are used for mechanical coupling. Depending on the location of the feedback actuator, at least one control element can be connected to the feedback actuator via a flexible shaft. A rotary movement is then transmitted from the feedback actuator to the control element via the flexible shaft. The common feedback actuator can, for example, be located in the center of the seat. The flexible shafts can be routed along the seat from the feedback actuator to the control elements, which are, for example, integrated into the armrests.

[0015] In other embodiments, a common belt drive, a cable drive, Bowden cables or a linkage can be used for the mechanical coupling.

[0016] The alternative controls can be located to the right and left of the driver's seat, for example, on the armrests. It is also possible for one of the controls to be located on the armrest of the passenger seat. This allows a second driver in the passenger seat to take over the vehicle's controls.

[0017] Alternatively, the alternative controls can also be installed in or on the center console or on the doors of the vehicle.

[0018] It is possible for the alternative controls to be repositioned or stowed away. This means that a control can be moved until an optimal position for the driver is achieved. In autonomous driving mode, it is conceivable to stow the control so that it does not obstruct the driver. Accordingly, it is advantageous to design the mechanical torque transmission between the actuator and the handles to be flexible, allowing the alternative controls to move within a certain range.

[0019] One embodiment is explained with reference to the figure. This shows: Fig. 1 Schematic representation of the first embodiment of the invention

[0020] The Fig.Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a driver's seat 1 with armrests 2. A control element 3 is integrated into each armrest 2. The common feedback actuator 4 is integrated into the backrest of the driver's seat 1. The rotary movement from the feedback actuator 4 is transmitted to the control element 3 via flexible shafts 5. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 1 02017 211 253 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Control arrangement for a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle, comprising mechanical control elements (3) arranged in a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle to the side of a driver's seat (1) for inputting a steering request by a driver of the motor vehicle, wherein a control element (3) is rotatably mounted about a predetermined axis of rotation, and comprising a feedback actuator (4) for generating haptic feedback to the driver of the motor vehicle, characterized by , that at least two control elements (3) are arranged in the passenger compartment, wherein the at least two control elements (3) are mechanically coupled to the feedback actuator (4). [2] Operating arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that at least one control element (3) is coupled to the feedback actuator (4) via a flexible shaft (5). [3] Operating arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by, that at least one control element (3) is coupled to the feedback actuator (4) via a belt drive, a cable drive, Bowden cables or a linkage. [4] Operating arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the controls (3) are arranged to the right and left of the driver's seat (1). [5] Operating arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that at least one control element (3) is integrated into an armrest (2). [6] Operating arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that at least one control element (3) is integrated into a center console of the vehicle or on a vehicle door. [7] Operating arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the feedback actuator (4) is located in the center of the driver's seat (1) or in an armrest (2). [8] Operating arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that the operating arrangement includes a single torque sensor.

Images