QUICK-COUPLING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a quick-coupling system for a vehicle steering wheel, in particular for racing cars or simulators and game consoles.

[0002] Such quick-coupling systems for steering wheels are used, for example, in racing to enable a driver to get in and out quickly, for which the steering wheel is removed, or to enable a quick change of the steering wheel during a pit stop.

[0003] Conventional quick-coupling systems for steering wheels, such as a QR-03 steering wheel quick-release fastener (manufacturer's own designation) from Krontec Maschinenbau GmbH, allow a steering wheel to be mechanically attached or removed quickly in a vehicle without the use of tools.

[0004] The disadvantage of known systems is that an electrical plug connection that is also present can be damaged if handled carelessly, in particular if the coupling parts are not attached correctly.

[0005] In addition, careless handling in the form of incorrect positioning, in particular the orientation of the coupling parts to each other, is possible with known systems, so that a correction by re-attachment requires additional time, which is undesirable for obvious reasons, especially in the racing sector, especially during a race.

[0006] In extreme cases, incorrect orientation can even create a seemingly mechanical connection that doesn't engage but appears to temporarily secure the steering wheel, making it difficult for the user to notice in stressful situations. In the worst case, the steering wheel could become loose while driving and cause an accident.

[0007] Document DE 10 2015 219645 A1 discloses the features of the preamble of the independent claim, while documents US 2013 / 0118297 A1 and EP 1 179 469 A1 show further coupling systems for a steering wheel.

[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a quick-coupling system for a vehicle steering wheel which avoids the problems explained above, enables quick and reliable assembly and disassembly of a steering wheel and prevents undesirable loss of time, particularly during assembly.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by a quick-coupling system for a vehicle steering wheel having the features of claim 1.

[0010] Complementary engagement elements, which are arranged on both the vehicle-side coupling part and the steering wheel-side coupling part at least in the front of the area to be engaged with each other, interact in such a way that even a partial sliding into each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis in an incorrect orientation (rotational position about the longitudinal axis and longitudinal axis position relative to each other) is prevented.

[0011] For the purposes of the invention, preventing (partial) telescoping is to be understood as an effect that goes beyond a small engagement depth (i.e. a small engagement depth of less than one fifth or even one tenth of the total insertion depth compared to the total insertion depth), so that, for example, an aid for correctly positioning the end faces of the coupling parts and a corresponding slight overlap in the longitudinal axial direction, in which in particular the correct rotational position relative to one another is irrelevant, is not to be regarded as partial telescoping.

[0012] This advantageously prevents, during the attachment, a twisted position of the coupling parts relative to one another from resulting in a sliding into one another up to a penetration depth that is greater than the aforementioned low penetration depth compared to the final penetration depth (assuming the coupling parts are correctly positioned relative to one another).

[0013] This also prevents the coupling parts from jamming when pushed together in a twisted position, or even from mechanically damaging the coupling parts. Since the inventive solution prevents incorrect assembly at an early stage, it also eliminates the unwanted and unnecessary disassembly of incorrectly positioned coupling parts under time pressure.

[0014] In addition, damage to electrical contacts, if present, including the consequences of incorrect contact, is excluded.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the engagement elements are designed in the form of a non-rotationally symmetrical outer circumference and a complementary inner circumference. In the profile, the circumferences can, for example, have irregular shapes that only allow insertion into one another in a specific rotational position relative to one another. Of course, it is also conceivable to provide axially symmetrical or even rotationally symmetrical profiles with recesses and / or projections that also only allow insertion into one another in a specific rotational position relative to one another.

[0016] According to the invention, the interacting profiles are designed such that, as an attachment and insertion aid, they have a tolerance in the form of a distance between the corresponding surfaces, thus allowing a slight rotation of the rotational position and / or a distance between the longitudinal axes in the form of a play. This initial play in the offset of the longitudinal axes and / or the rotational position of the coupling parts decreases with the penetration depth, preferably by correspondingly reducing the inner circumference or enlarging the outer circumference and / or widening or reducing the size of the engagement elements, so that the coupling parts automatically fit into the correct position in the rotational position and / or longitudinal position (centering aid).

[0017] According to the invention, the quick coupling system has electrical connecting elements, preferably in the form of plug contacts, which establish an electrical connection when mounted.

[0018] In this embodiment, the quick coupling system according to the invention includes, in addition to a mechanical connection for power transmission, preferably an electrical connection for transmitting signals from the steering wheel to the vehicle or to the so-called wheel base of a game or simulator system and vice versa.

[0019] The electrical connection elements are arranged in the rear areas of the coupling parts so that during assembly of the coupling parts (plugging / inserting into one another), the electrical connection elements only come into contact when both the correct orientation with respect to the longitudinal axial rotational position and a concentric positioning with respect to the alignment of the longitudinal center axes are present. This prevents incorrect contact as well as damage to the contacts.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the insertion aid is designed in the form of a tongue and groove element, wherein the tongue element has a decreasing width towards the rear or the tongue element has an increasing width in order to center and correctly position the tongue element during insertion.

[0021] The quick coupling system according to the invention can be used for a vehicle, for a simulator or for a game console or for a corresponding steering wheel.

[0022] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims.

[0023] The invention is explained in more detail below using an embodiment shown in the drawing.

[0024] The drawing shows: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a steering wheel-side coupling part of a quick-coupling system according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle-side coupling part of a quick-coupling system according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a sectional view AA of the steering wheel-side coupling part according to Fig. 1 and a sectional view BB of the vehicle-side coupling part according to Fig. 2 shortly before the clutch parts Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 when correctly oriented to each other: Fig. 4 a sectional view according to Fig. 3 , in which the coupling parts are Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are already partially pushed into each other; Fig. 5 a sectional view according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 , in which the coupling parts are Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are already pushed into each other to a greater extent, but there is still no contact of the electrical connecting elements: Fig. 6 a sectional view according to Fig. 3 , Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, in which the coupling parts Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are fully inserted into each other and Fig. 7 a sectional view analogous Fig. 3 if the coupling parts are not correctly aligned to each other.

[0025] The Fig. 1 The steering wheel-side coupling part 1 shown has a receptacle 7 in the form of a rectangular opening at its front side. Into this opening 7, the Fig. 2 The vehicle-side coupling part 3 shown must be inserted with its head 5.

[0026] On its rear side, the steering wheel-side coupling part 1 has a fastening 19 in the form of a flange for a steering wheel not shown in the drawing.

[0027] As from Fig. 2As can be seen, the head 5 of the coupling part 3 has a substantially rectangular profile that is conical or tapers towards the front end. At its rear, the coupling part is fixedly and rotationally connected to a steering column 27 of a vehicle or a wheel box of a simulator or gaming system.

[0028] As from Fig. 3 As can be seen, the opening or receptacle 7 is designed in profile complementary to the head 5 and tapers towards its depth.

[0029] If the head 5 is fully inserted into the receptacle 7 in the correct orientation, rods 9 engage in longitudinal grooves 11 formed on the outer circumference of the head 5, so that the mechanical connection of the coupling parts is locked in this position.

[0030] In order to release the rods 9 so that they can move outwards in the radial direction, a sleeve 13 arranged on the coupling part 1 can be retracted in the axial direction against a spring force (springs 25) and the head 5 can be pulled out of the receptacle 7.

[0031] To ensure correct orientation when sliding the coupling parts 1 and 3 together, the head 5 has an engagement element 15, for example in the form of a recess 17, at least at one point in the profile. Complementing this, the receptacle 7 has an engagement element 15 in the profile, for example in the form of a projection.

[0032] When the coupling parts 1 and 3 are pushed together, the engagement elements 15 and 17 engage with each other, for example in the form of a tongue and groove, so that a correct orientation of the axial rotational position is ensured from the first pushing together until complete assembly.

[0033] As from Fig. 4As can be seen, a parallel or even concentric position of the longitudinal axes L and F of the coupling parts 1 and 3 is not necessary, since a play existing between the outer circumference of the head 5 and the receptacle 7 also allows an inclined position of the coupling parts 1 and 3 to one another, so that an angle α of up to 25°, preferably up to 15° between axes L and F is possible, without this preventing them from being pushed into one another.

[0034] Due to the play decreasing depending on the insertion depth, the head 5 centers itself automatically in the holder 7, so that the angle α becomes smaller and smaller and becomes zero in the end position of a complete assembly.

[0035] The interaction of the engagement elements therefore ensures the correct orientation of the coupling parts 1 and 3 to each other and for sliding into each other during assembly, thus preventing sliding into each other in an incorrect orientation or detecting an incorrect orientation right at the beginning of assembly.

[0036] Furthermore, a preferably existing play (for example the complementary conical design of head 5 and holder 7), which decreases during insertion, acts as an insertion and centering aid in order to ensure a correct end position.

[0037] As from Fig. 5 As can be seen, a corresponding reduction in the play also enables perfect electrical contact between plug contacts 21 and 23. The play and thus the angle α are so small at this insertion depth that upon further insertion, contacts 21 and 23 automatically engage in the correct position.

[0038] The contacts 21 of the coupling part 1 are, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 until Fig. 7 arranged so far inside, preferably in the area of ​​the bottom of the receptacle 7, so that they only come into contact with the contacts 23 at a later point in time in an essentially correct position, for example only from half, preferably 4 / 5 of the complete insertion depth.

[0039] This prevents mechanical damage due to careless handling. It also prevents incorrect assembly (which, in the worst case, goes unnoticed) (but still at least creates a temporary force- or form-locking connection), without resulting in any loss of time during assembly or disassembly of the quick-coupling system.

[0040] The functioning of the quick coupling system according to the invention is briefly described below: During assembly, the (clamping) rods 9 are pushed to the side by pulling back the sleeve 13 and the head 5 can be inserted into the receptacle 7.

[0041] As explained above, the cross-sectional profile is designed similarly to a simple key-lock system, so that the coupling parts 1 and 3 can only be pushed into each other or the head can only be inserted into the receptacle 7 if the orientation is correct.

[0042] If this is attempted in a different orientation, e.g. at 90° or 180°, the possible insertion depth is so small that no connection can be made and this becomes immediately clear to the user, even in stressful situations.

[0043] The longitudinal profile is tapered so that the radial play decreases the further the head 5 is inserted into the receptacle 7. Contact of the electrical connector 21, 23 only occurs when the pins 21 and sockets 23 are exactly opposite each other. This prevents mechanical damage to the connector contacts 21, 23.

[0044] If the sleeve 13 is now released, it is pushed back into its initial position by the springs 25, whereby the clamping rods 9 are inserted into the corresponding recesses or grooves 11 of the coupling part 3 (head 5), but preferably do not touch the bottom and therefore the system remains under tension.

[0045] Due to the preferred design of the grooves 11 as bevels, a force transmission takes place, whereby the clamping force between the coupling parts 1 and 3 is many times higher than the force of the springs 25 used. In this way, the connection remains as free from play as possible. List of reference symbols:

[0046] 1 Coupling part on the steering wheel side (socket) 3 Coupling part on the vehicle side (plug) 5 Head of 3 7 Receptacle of 1 9 (Clamping) rods (locking) 11 Grooves for rods 9 13 Sleeve (axially movable, preloaded with spring) 15 Engagement element (spring or nose / projection) 17 Engagement element (groove) for 15 19 Fastening for the steering wheel 21 Plug contacts (plug) 23 Plug contacts (sockets) 25 Springs 27 Steering column LLongitudinal axis of the coupling part 1 FLongitudinal axis of the coupling part 3 αAngle between the central longitudinal axes L and F

Claims

1. Quick-release coupling system for a steering wheel, in particular for racing vehicles, having a steering wheel-side coupling part (1) and a vehicle-side coupling part (3), which in the assembled state engage in each other in a mechanically positive-locking manner, the vehicle-side coupling part (3) has at least one engagement element (17) and the steering wheel-side coupling part (1) has an element (15) which is complementary to the said engagement element, the said engagement element and element (15) coming into engagement only when correctly oriented with respect to the longitudinal-axis rotational position, and the coupling parts (1, 3) can be pushed into one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis, characterized in that the quick-release coupling system has electrical connecting elements (21, 23) which produce an electrical connection in the assembled state, the electrical connecting elements (21, 23) being arranged in the rear region of the coupling part (1) and / or of the coupling part (3) that the electrical connecting elements (21, 23) do not come into contact until both the correct orientation with respect to the longitudinally axial rotational position and concentric positioning with respect to the alignment of the longitudinal center axes (L, F) are present when the coupling parts (1, 3) are mounted, at least in the foremost of the regions, which are to be engaged in one another, of at least one coupling part (1, 3), an insertion aid and / or centering aid is / are arranged, and the insertion aid and / or centering aid is / are designed in the form of at least one coupling part (3) which tapers or widens in the direction of the longitudinal axis towards the front region, wherein the engagement elements (15, 17) are each arranged at least in the front of the regions of the coupling parts (1, 3) to be engaged with each other and cooperate in such a way that even a partial insertion in the wrong orientation is prevented.

2. Quick-release coupling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the engagement elements (15, 17) are designed in the form of a non-rotationally symmetrical outer circumference and an inner circumference complementary thereto.

3. Quick-release coupling system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrical connecting elements (21, 23) are designed as plug contacts.

4. Quick-release coupling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insertion aid is designed in the form of a groove element (17) and a spring element (15), the groove element (17) becomes narrower towards the rear area or the spring element (15) becomes wider in order to center the spring element (15) during insertion and to position it correctly.

5. Use of a quick-release coupling system according to one of the preceding claims for a vehicle, for a simulator or for a game console.