MOTOR VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a steer-by-wire steering system, comprising a steering input device from which at least one electric steering actuator can be controlled, wherein the steering input device includes a sensor device for detecting manual inputs and has an electric feedback actuator that can be controlled to generate mechanical feedback. The invention further comprises a method for operating such a motor vehicle.

[0002] Steer-by-wire systems for motor vehicles receive manual steering commands from the driver, just like conventional mechanical steering systems, through manual operation of a steering handle or steering input device. This can be achieved, for example, by turning a steering wheel, which may be mounted at the rear end of a steering spindle mounted to rotate around the longitudinal axis, on the driver's side. However, the steering handle is not mechanically connected to the wheels to be steered via a steering shaft and steering gear, but instead interacts with an electronic sensor system. This system includes angle and torque sensors that detect the manually applied steering command and generate an electrical control signal via a control unit. This signal then activates an electric steering actuator or steering gear, which is connected to at least one steerable wheel, to generate a steering angle.

[0003] To generate a realistic driving feel, it is known in the art to acquire parameters such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering response torque, and the like from an actual, instantaneous driving situation and to generate a feedback signal from these, which is fed into a feedback actuator of the steering input device. The feedback actuator has an electric drive coupled to the steering handle, for example, a motor whose motor shaft is coupled to the steering spindle. In actual driving operation, the real-world operating mode, the motor is controlled by the feedback signal to couple a restoring or feedback force corresponding to the actual response torque into the steering handle, for example, to introduce a feedback torque into a rotatable steering wheel.Such "force feedback" systems give the driver the impression of a real driving situation, similar to a conventional steering system, which facilitates an intuitive reaction.

[0004] For the use of the vehicle outside of real-world operating mode, when it is not in traffic, it is known, for example, to use integrated display devices in the vehicle interior, such as optical and acoustic displays, screens, head-up displays, or the like, and additionally or alternatively acoustic systems, which in real-world driving are primarily used to display operating data and information relevant to the driving situation, such as route and navigation data, also for entertainment purposes, as described, for example, in EP 2 305 506 B1. This can include the playback of video, audio, or other data content, and, for example, the execution of interactive computer simulations, such as those widely known as computer or video games.

[0005] The steering input devices mentioned at the beginning are temporarily inoperative when the vehicle is used outside of normal driving conditions and are therefore considered rather disruptive. It is therefore known to stow them in a position inside the vehicle, away from the operating position of the steering handles, and to store them in the smallest possible space, for example from DE 10 2019 217 279 A1.

[0006] A motor vehicle of the type mentioned above is known from DE 10 2018 106 842 A1.

[0007] In view of the problems explained above, it is an object of the present invention to enable extended use outside of real-world driving operations. Description of the invention

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by the motor vehicle with the features of claim 1, and the method for operating a motor vehicle according to claim 10. Advantageous further developments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0009] In a motor vehicle with a steer-by-wire steering system comprising a steering input device by which at least one electric motor steering actuator can be controlled, wherein the steering input device includes a sensor device for detecting manual inputs and has an electric motor feedback actuator that can be controlled to generate mechanical feedback, it is proposed according to the invention that the motor vehicle is switchable between a real operating mode and a simulation mode, wherein the steering input device is connectable to a simulation device configured to be controlled by the sensor device and to control the feedback actuator, wherein in the real operating mode the activation of the simulation mode is blocked.

[0010] The sensor device is designed to interact with a manual steering handle, for example, a steering wheel mounted on a steering spindle that can rotate about its longitudinal axis. Manual inputs, such as rotation or other operation of the steering handle to input steering commands, can be detected by the sensor device and converted into electrical control signals, for example, by rotary sensors such as angle and / or torque sensors, and / or manually operated switches and the like.

[0011] To process the control signals, the sensor device can be connected to a control unit of the vehicle. In real-world operating mode, the control signals can be used to actuate at least one electric steering actuator, also known as a steering selector, which is operatively connected to at least one steerable wheel, to generate a steering input. For this purpose, one or more steering actuators can be connected to the steering input device.

[0012] According to the invention, a simulation device is provided which can be connected to the steering input device but does not interact with a steering actuator. The simulation device is designed and configured to receive control signals generated by manual actuation of the sensor device as input signals, process these electronically, and generate and output corresponding output signals. The output signals preferably include video and / or audio signals and feedback signals. The audio and / or video signals can preferably be displayed and reproduced optically and / or acoustically on a display device present in the motor vehicle, for example, on a display device that may include a screen, a head-up display, and other optical, acoustic, haptic, or alternative output or display means.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the invention, feedback signals can be generated by the simulation device according to a simulation algorithm and delivered to the feedback actuator for mechanical feedback generation. The simulation algorithm can preferably be provided as simulation software in the form of a computer program, which is executed on a computer of the simulation device specifically designed for this purpose. The simulation software can comprise a driving simulator for the virtual reproduction of real driving situations, or a computer game with fictitious operating scenarios.

[0014] In the invention, the motor vehicle can be switched between a real operating mode and a simulation mode. The switch can be made manually. In real operating mode, the real steering actuator, connected to steerable wheels, can be controlled, and the simulation device cannot be activated. Conversely, in simulation mode, the real operating functions of the steering input device and other controls of the motor vehicle are deactivated, so that no real driving is possible. This ensures that no distraction or impairment occurs in real operating mode, and conversely, that the simulation of potentially risky situations in simulation mode cannot create any real danger.

[0015] Activating the simulation device enables a simulation mode for the vehicle. During simulation mode, unlike in real-world operating mode, no steering actuator is controlled via the steering input device.

[0016] In simulation mode, the simulation device allows for the visualization, display, or output of control commands manually entered into the steering input device. Additionally, the feedback actuator can provide mechanical feedback to the steering handle, also known as force feedback. This creates a haptic interaction with the operator, transforming a simulated, virtual operating scenario, such as a driving situation, into a realistic driving and operating experience.

[0017] A key advantage of the invention is that the steering input device present in the vehicle can be used as an input and output device for interactive communication with a simulated, virtual operating scenario provided by the simulation device. This enables extended use of the vehicle outside of real-world driving as a kind of simulator station, whereby the steering input device can be incorporated for the interactive operation of simulation software.

[0018] Different types of simulations can be run on the simulation system through appropriate design of the simulation software. For example, to simulate a realistic driving situation, external parameters such as a predetermined road layout, road surface condition, or similar parameters can be specified. This allows the vehicle to be used as a driving simulator outside of real-world operating mode, enabling the simulation and training of everyday as well as extreme driving situations without real-world risks. This allows for expanded use of the vehicle as a kind of driving simulator for training and educational purposes. It is particularly advantageous that the same vehicle controls used in real-world driving can be used in virtual driving training, thus improving the learning effect and increasing driving safety.

[0019] It is also possible to define a fictitious operating scenario in the simulation device, as is typical in a computer or video game. Instead of a conventional motor vehicle, any other vehicle can be simulated, for example, an aircraft or spacecraft, or environmental conditions that do not exist in reality can be specified as simulation parameters. This allows for the advantageous use of the vehicle for entertainment purposes. It is particularly beneficial that the steering input device, designed for real-world driving, enables a highly realistic interactive communication with virtual computer game scenarios, thus achieving a high entertainment value.

[0020] The control signals can alternatively or additionally be transmitted wirelessly, for example via WLAN, Bluetooth, mobile networks or similar technologies, to and from the steering input device. This enables connection to data networks and the integration of other external input and output devices.

[0021] It is preferably provided that the simulation device is connectable to a display device. The display device may comprise a display, a monitor, a speaker system, or other optical, acoustic, or haptic output means. Preferably, the display devices already present in the vehicle can be used, for example, a monitor, a head-up display, a sound system, or the like. This enables advantageous, realistic simulation for attractive use both as a driving simulator and for computer games. Alternatively or additionally, wireless output to an external display device is possible.

[0022] It may be provided that at least one manual control device can be connected to the simulation device. This at least one control device can be implemented additionally and independently of the sensor device, and in other words, can be operated independently of the sensor device. For example, a control device can include manually operated controls such as switches, pedals, and the like, installed in the vehicle. These controls are designed as input elements and can transmit an electrical control signal to the simulation device depending on manual operation. The control device can include mechanical, optical, or acoustic switching devices, transducers, sensors, or the like. The controls can be integrated into the steering input device, for example, as steering column switches, and / or arranged separately, for example, as pedals, switches, or the like in the vehicle's cockpit.This allows for a variety of advantageous operating options, where controls intended for real-world operation can also be used in simulation mode. This expands the range of possible uses. It is possible, for example, to use the controls in a driving simulation as intended in a simulation scenario, or to equip existing controls in a computer game with entirely new, fictional functionalities, such as for operating spacecraft or similar devices.

[0023] It can also be advantageous for at least one motorized output device to be connectable to the simulation device. The motorized output device can be designed or arranged outside the steering input device and can be implemented independently of the steering input device's feedback actuator. The output device can include an electric motor actuator already present in the vehicle. For example, the output device can include an adjustment drive for the motorized adjustment of a vehicle seat, and / or an adjustment drive for adjusting the position of the steering handle, or the like. The output device can also be controlled by the simulation device in simulation mode to enable enhanced mechanical feedback during an ongoing simulation.For example, acceleration can be simulated by tilting the vehicle seat, possibly in conjunction with a motorized adjustment of the steering input device, similar to the longitudinal and vertical adjustment of electrically adjustable steering columns in motor vehicles. This can further enhance the realistic impression of the simulation. It is also advantageous that the output devices designed for real-world driving are used.

[0024] The output devices can also control other electromechanical drive systems present in the vehicle to generate mechanical feedback. These could include, for example, electrically adjustable active suspensions, wheel suspensions, shock absorbers, or similar components that allow the vehicle to be tilted laterally and / or longitudinally, or that can be abruptly adjusted to simulate uneven terrain. It is also conceivable to use individual electric wheel drives to generate feedback, but in any case, it should be ensured that the vehicle's actual position relative to the road surface remains as unchanged as possible during simulation.

[0025] Provided that the vehicle should not change its real position as much as possible during a simulation, one or more steering actuators can be controlled so that the entire vehicle can be set into corresponding movements. This does not involve any rotational drive of the vehicle's wheels.

[0026] It is advantageous to have a safety device that blocks driving operation in simulation mode. This reliably prevents operation in simulation mode from triggering real-world hazards during driving. Preferably, the safety device can be configured to interrupt the start and operation of the vehicle's drive system and additionally activate a brake, for example, an electric wheel brake, thereby preventing any movement of the vehicle as long as the simulation mode is active. Conversely, it is preferably provided that the activation of the simulation mode is blocked in real-world operating mode. In other words, the safety device can, in an exclusive-OR configuration, allow either real-world driving or simulation operation.

[0027] In particular, it can be advantageous to ensure that the simulation mode can only be activated when the vehicle's relative speed to the road is zero, meaning the vehicle is not moving relative to the road and is therefore stationary. It is advantageous for the brake pedal to be in a braking position, ideally in a full braking position. This also allows the service brake to be applied, so that it can be automatically held in this position by the vehicle for the duration of the simulation mode. Furthermore, the driver can activate an input device, such as a mechanical switch or a touchscreen, to initiate the switch to simulation mode.The combined activation of the brake and the input device, as well as the vehicle coming to a standstill, makes it clear that the driver of the vehicle has actively decided to switch to simulation mode.

[0028] Preferably, the simulation facility is designed to run simulation software. This can be achieved by providing the simulation facility with a computer system designed to run complex simulation software, such as a driving simulator, and / or modern and engaging computer games.

[0029] It is possible that the simulation device is connected to or integrated with the vehicle's control unit. The control unit of a modern vehicle typically offers sufficient computing power for complex simulation software and for operating sensor and control devices in real time. Therefore, it is advantageously possible to implement the inventive use of the steering input device with relatively little effort.

[0030] The simulation device can have data interfaces. These can be wired and / or wireless interfaces, which enable the connection of the input and output devices described above to the simulation device. It is also possible to integrate the simulation device into data networks, for example, to monitor a driving simulation online or to integrate other players online into a simulation or computer game. This further expands the vehicle's range of applications.

[0031] An advantageous embodiment can be achieved by the steering input device comprising a steering column with a steering spindle rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis in a housing unit. A steering handle, for example a steering wheel, can be attached to the steering spindle, which is operatively connected to a feedback actuator for applying a feedback torque. Such steering columns with a rotatably mounted steering wheel are known in various designs for steer-by-wire systems, for example, from the prior art mentioned above. They are characterized by a robust, sophisticated design and enable intuitive operation. The design allows for precise steering input, and a particularly realistic driving feel can be generated by force feedback. Such a steering column can be operated easily and with minimal effort in the simulation mode according to the invention.

[0032] A steering column of the type described above can preferably be held on a vehicle body by a support unit in a manner known per se, wherein the steering spindle together with the steering wheel can be mounted so as to be longitudinally adjustable in the direction of the longitudinal axis and vertically adjustable transversely to it. For longitudinal adjustment and additionally or alternatively to vertical adjustment, electromechanical adjustment drives can be provided, which, as mentioned above, can also be controlled by the simulation device.

[0033] The invention further comprises a method for operating a motor vehicle with a steer-by-wire steering system, comprising a steering input device from which at least one electromechanical steering actuator can be controlled, wherein the steering input device includes a sensor device for detecting manual inputs and has an electromechanical feedback actuator that can be controlled to generate mechanical feedback, characterized in that the steering input device is connected to a simulation device to control a virtual operating scenario and is supplied with feedback depending on the virtual operating scenario.

[0034] All features, combinations of features and functions previously explained in connection with a motor vehicle designed according to the invention can be implemented individually or in combination in the method according to the invention.

[0035] In simulation mode, a driving simulation program or a computer game can be run on the simulation device, generating a virtual operating scenario. According to the invention, the steering input device can be used to interact within this operating scenario. Commands can be entered by manually operating the steering handle, and, corresponding to the simulation, the steering handle can be actively and mechanically actuated by the feedback actuator to generate haptic feedback. The method according to the invention enables the advantageous use of a steering system designed for real-world operation for driving simulation or in a computer game. This allows a vehicle to be used to a greater extent for training and virtual driving practice, or even for entertainment in a computer game.

[0036] An advantageous configuration involves using at least one control device present in the vehicle to control the simulation system. This allows the entire existing operating infrastructure of the vehicle, including optical, acoustic, and other input and output devices, motor actuators, and the like, to be integrated into the simulation. Any control elements present in the vehicle can be used to operate the simulation system, such as manual switches or continuous controls—like a volume control or an accelerator pedal—for controlling driving operations or other functions, such as advanced comfort features, entertainment electronics, or the like.Through a suitably designed simulation algorithm, it is conceivable and possible that the controls in the simulation function as intended, for example, an accelerator pedal for acceleration, or are assigned novel virtual functionalities that deviate from the real function, for example, for three-dimensional navigation, which is not usually required in motor vehicles.

[0037] It is advantageous that either a real-world operating mode or a simulation mode of the vehicle can be selected. In real-world operating mode, activation of the simulation mode is blocked. In other words, in an exclusive-OR relationship, either real-world driving or simulation operation can be permitted. This can be implemented, for example, by a safety device that blocks vehicle movement in simulation mode, and vice versa.

[0038] In this method, a driving simulation program or a computer game can be run in the simulation device. It is also conceivable that real-world driving and operating situations can be recorded by the vehicle, and the data obtained can be used to generate a virtual operating scenario. In this way, critical real-world driving situations can be virtually repeated for training purposes. A particular advantage of the method according to the invention is that such simulations can be performed directly in the vehicle, thus reducing the effort compared to external simulator training. Likewise, the use of computer games eliminates the need for an externally provided, complex force-feedback infrastructure, which also results in reduced effort. Description of the drawings

[0039] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Specifically, they show: Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle according to the invention in a schematic representation, Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a steering system designed according to the invention for a vehicle according to the invention. Figure 1 Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of operating devices in a vehicle according to the invention, Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an operating situation of a vehicle. Embodiments of the invention

[0040] In the various figures, identical parts are always marked with the same reference symbols and are therefore usually only named or mentioned once.

[0041] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a vehicle F according to the invention, which has a steering system 1 designed as a steer-by-wire steering system. This is shown schematically in Figure 2. Figure 2 shown separately.

[0042] The vehicle F has a body 2 and wheels 20 and 21, of which wheels 20 are steerable.

[0043] The in Figure 2 The separately depicted steering system 1 has a steering input device 3, which is designed as a steering column 3 and is referred to as such in the following.

[0044] The steering input device (steering column) 3 has a steering spindle 31 which is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis L in a sleeve 32. At its rear end, relative to the direction of travel F of the vehicle F and facing the driver's position in the vehicle interior, a steering wheel 33 is attached to the steering spindle 31 as a steering handle. The sleeve 32 is held by a support unit 34, which is attached to the vehicle body 2.

[0045] The steering spindle 31 interacts with a sensor device 4 of the steering input device 3, which includes rotation sensors, preferably angle and torque sensors. These can convert a rotational movement of the steering wheel 33 into electrical control signals.

[0046] With regard to the direction of travel, a driver's seat 22 is arranged behind the steering wheel, which is preferably adjustable and attached to the body 2.

[0047] The sensor device 4 is connected via a control line 5 to an electric steering actuator 6. This actuator has an electric motor 61 which, in a manner known per se, engages a rack 62 via a pinion mounted on its motor shaft. The rack 62 is displaceable transversely to the direction of travel, depending on the direction of rotation of the motor 61, as indicated by the double arrow. The rack 62 is articulated to the steering knuckles 64 of the steerable wheels 20 via tie rods 63. Thus, by controlling the motor 61, the rack 62 can be displaced to generate a steering angle of the steered wheels 20.

[0048] The steering input device 3 has a feedback actuator 7, which can be integrated into or attached to the housing unit 32, for example. The feedback actuator 7 has a feedback drive with an electric motor, which is coupled or can be coupled to the steering spindle 31 in a manner known per se, in order to initiate a motorized feedback moment. This is transmitted to the steering wheel 33 and is perceptible there haptically, for example as a restoring torque opposite to a manual steering movement.

[0049] According to the invention, the sensor device 4 and the feedback actuator 7 are connected to a simulation device 8. This device comprises a computer with associated peripherals, such as memory, interfaces, and the like, wherein the available computing power is sufficient to run complex simulation software or computer games. The simulation device 8 can be integrated into a control unit of the vehicle F (not shown separately here), which can control the steering actuator 6 and other operating units during actual driving operation. Alternatively, the simulation device 8 can be configured differently, preferably being connected to the control unit via data interfaces.

[0050] A display 81, such as a screen, a head-up display, or the like, is connected to the simulation device 8 as a display or output device. This display 81 can also be touch-sensitive, for example, as a touchscreen, to function as an input device. In addition to visual outputs, the display 81 can also include an audio system 87, such as a loudspeaker system. The audio system can also be interactive and, for example, include a microphone for acoustic input. The display 81 can preferably be integrated into the vehicle F.

[0051] Another communication device 82 can be connected to the simulation device 8, which can also be used as an input and / or output device, for example a WLAN, mobile communication, Bluetooth® or other wired or wireless data interface.

[0052] Further input and / or output devices, such as operating devices 83 and output devices 84 installed in the vehicle F, may be provided, for example, electrical switches and / or controls, such as an accelerator pedal, brake pedal, gear selector lever, or the like, which may also be designed simultaneously as input and / or output devices. For example, it is also possible that the operating devices 83 and output devices 84 include further electromechanical actuators different from the feedback actuator 7, for example, motorized adjustment drives for adjusting the steering column 3 longitudinally and / or vertically, or for adjusting a driver's seat 22, or the like, as shown in Figure 1 The output devices 84 may also include optical, acoustic or other output or display means, which may be arranged in the steering column 3 or elsewhere in the vehicle F.

[0053] Furthermore, three manually operable control elements 85, 86 can be arranged on the steering input device (steering column), for example steering column switches, which can be used in actual driving operation to operate turn signals, vehicle lights, warning devices or the like. These control elements 85, 86 can also be designed as input and / or output devices and connected to the simulation device 8.

[0054] Figure 3Figure 1 schematically shows a cockpit of vehicle F from the driver's perspective, viewed from the driver's seat 22 looking forward in the direction of travel. It illustrates how the steering input device (steering column) 3 with the steering wheel 33, the display 81 (which is a touchscreen), operating devices 83, the audio system 87, output devices 84, and controls 85, 86 can be arranged within manual reach in the cockpit, as well as a further communication device 82. The example illustrates the operating devices as the gearshift lever 88, a rotary push-button switch 89, push-button switches or pushbuttons 801, touchscreen input areas 802, output devices 84, and the pedals 803 (brake pedal and accelerator pedal). The output devices 84 are often integrated into input devices 83, 801, 89, for example, by indicator lights that can also illuminate in different colors.

[0055] In real-world driving mode, when vehicle F travels along a lane 9, as in Figure 4 In schematic representation, the steerable wheels 20 - shown here as an example of four-wheel steering - can be turned by turning the steering wheel 33 and the resulting adjustment of the electric steering actuators 6 by a steering angle α in order to move the vehicle F laterally by a driving angle β.

[0056] The simulation mode can only be activated when the vehicle F is stationary by switching on the simulation unit 8. The movement of the vehicle F during actual driving is then blocked, preferably by a safety device integrated into the simulation unit 8 or the control unit, which may also be implemented using safety software. For example, the steering actuators 6 cannot be controlled by the steering input device 3. Instead, the steering input device 3 and other input and output devices of the vehicle F, such as the display 81, operating devices 83, output devices 84, and control elements 85, 86, and the like, serve to display and control a computer program running on the simulation unit, for example, a driving simulation or a computer game. For example, in a driving simulation, a vehicle F could be displayed on a display 81 similarly to... Figure 4graphically represented, whereby a virtual roadway 91 is simulated, along which the vehicle F is virtually driven by means of the steering input device 3.

[0057] As described above, any virtual operating scenario can be generated using appropriate simulation or computer game software. In principle, the invention allows all manual controls used in real-world driving mode to also be used in simulation mode. Mechanical feedback via the feedback actuator 7 enables a particularly realistic driving feel and an optimized gaming experience in computer games. Reference symbol list

[0058] 1 Steering system 2 Body 20, 21 Wheel 22 Driver's seat 3 Steering input device (steering column) 31 Steering spindle 32 Casing unit 33 Steering wheel 34 Support unit 4 Sensor unit 5 Control line 6 Steering actuator 61 Motor 62 Rack and pinion 63 Tie rod 64 Steering knuckle 7 Feedback actuator 8 Simulation unit 81 Display 82 Communication unit 83 Control unit 84 Output unit 85, 86 Controls 87 Audio system 88 Gearshift lever 89 Rotary push-button switch 801 Push-button switch or push button 802 Touchscreen input area 9 Roadway 91 Virtual roadway Vehicle longitudinal axis α steering angle β driving angle

Claims

1. Motor vehicle with a steer-by-wire steering system (1), comprising a steering input device (3) by which at least one electromotive steering actuator (6) can be actuated, the steering input device (3) comprising a sensor device (4) for detecting manual inputs and having an electromotive feedback actuator (7) which can be actuated to generate mechanical feedback, characterized in in that the motor vehicle can be switched between a real operating mode and a simulation mode, it being possible to connect the steering input device (3) to a simulation device (8) which is designed to be actuated by the sensor device (4) and to actuate the feedback actuator (7), the activation of the simulation mode being blocked in the real operating mode.

2. Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the simulation device (8) can be connected to a display device (81, 84).

3. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one manual operating device (83, 85, 86) can be connected to the simulation device (8).

4. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one motorized output device (84) can be connected to the simulation device (8).

5. Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that a safety device is provided by which the driving mode is blocked in the simulation mode.

6. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the simulation device (8) is designed to execute simulation software.

7. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the simulation device (8) is connected or integrated with a control unit of the motor vehicle (F).

8. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the simulation device (8) has data interfaces (82).

9. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering input device (3) comprises a steering column (3) which has a steering spindle (31) which is mounted rotatably about a longitudinal axis (L) in a sheath unit (32) and to which a steering handle (33) can be attached, and which is operatively connected to a feedback actuator (7) for applying a feedback torque.

10. Method for operating a motor vehicle, having a steer-by-wire steering system (1), comprising a steering input device (3) which can actuate at least one electromotive steering actuator (6), the steering input device (3) comprising a sensor device (4) for detecting manual inputs and having an electromotive feedback actuator (7) which can be actuated to generate mechanical feedback, characterized in in that the motor vehicle can be switched between a real operating mode and a simulation mode, in that the simulation mode of the motor vehicle is set, in which the steering input device (3) is connected to a simulation device (8) in order to control a virtual operating scenario, and is acted upon with feedback as a function of the virtual operating scenario, the activation of the simulation mode being blocked in the real operating mode.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one operating device (81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86) present in the motor vehicle is used to control the simulation device (8).