Steering column orientation adjustment tool and automotive steering wheel mounting method

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering column orientation adjustment tool (30) for a motor vehicle, said orientation adjustment tool comprising a drive portion (32) with an insertion shaft (34), an internal surface (36) having a series of axial grooves (38) parallel to the insertion shaft and intended to cooperate with a steering column control end, the internal surface further having a keying pattern (40); the orientation adjustment tool further comprising at least one external lever (42) extending from the drive portion to pivot the steering column about the insertion shaft. The invention also relates to a method for mounting a steering wheel onto a steering column using an orientation adjustment tool, the mounting method comprising pivoting the tool to adjust the column. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Steering column orientation adjustment tool and method for mounting a motor vehicle steering wheel

[0001] The invention relates to the mounting of a steering wheel of a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to the adjustment of the orientation of a steering column prior to the mounting of a steering wheel of a motor vehicle. The invention relates to a tool for adjusting the angular position of a steering column. The invention also relates to a method for mounting a steering wheel in a motor vehicle.

[0002] The steering system of a vehicle conventionally comprises a steering column mounted to rotate in a support, a steering wheel mounted at the upper end of said column. The steering wheel surrounds a fixed central hub in which electrical components connected to the rest of the electrical circuits of the motor vehicle are grouped.

[0003] The current trend is towards the integration of an increasing number of electrical components at the central hub. These components are generally control elements, intended to be operated manually by the driver. These components allow in particular the control of functional elements of the vehicle, such as for example the radio, the cruise control, the gearbox or the interfaces with the vehicle's navigator. They also allow the operation of safety elements, such as for example the inflatable ball or protective airbag.

[0004] When the driver turns the steering wheel, this rotation is transmitted to the steering column which is generally fixed to the base of the central hub. The electrical connection between the electrical components integrated in the central hub of the steering wheel and the electrical circuits of the vehicle is then ensured by means of a rotating contactor.

[0005] Such a rotary contactor comprises a stator secured to the housing of the upper switching assembly of the vehicle's steering column, as well as a rotor mounted to rotate freely around its axis inside the stator. The stator is furthermore designed to be linked in rotation with the hub of the steering wheel by means of indexing means.

[0006] Document FR3100180A1 presents a rotating contactor comprising a stator and a rotor mounted to rotate about its axis inside said stator and designed to be linked in rotation with the hub of the flywheel by means of two indexing pins projecting from said rotor parallel to its axis and designed to cooperate by fitting with two corresponding barrels arranged in said hub, said contactor also comprising locking means mounted movably on said rotor between a locked position for blocking said rotor and an unlocked position.

[0007] Despite certain precautions, the steering column is likely to rotate and shift angularly relative to its predefined mounting orientation. Therefore, during assembly, it will be shifted relative to the rotor of the control box, which will be presented to it according to its predefined mounting orientation. When an operator attempts to mount the steering wheel by approaching it in the required orientation, the latter risks jamming and not fitting correctly onto the steering column.

[0008] The operation of mounting the steering wheel, then of corrective disassembly, are likely to damage the electronic equipment. In addition, they add time-consuming operations. There is therefore a need to simplify and make more reliable the mounting of a steering wheel on a steering column.

[0009] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to facilitate the assembly of a steering wheel of a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the ease of assembly, the positioning accuracy, the reduction of the risks of degradation, the reduction of the need for repairs of a steering wheel of a motor vehicle.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a tool for adjusting the orientation of a motor vehicle steering column, remarkable in that the orientation adjustment tool comprises a drive portion with an insertion axis, an internal surface having a series of axial grooves parallel to the insertion axis and intended to cooperate with a steering column control end, the internal surface further having a keying pattern; the orientation adjustment tool further comprising at least one external lever extending from the drive portion in order to pivot the steering column about the insertion axis.

[0011] Document WO202107739A1 describes a method for mounting a sealing element of an input shaft of a rack on a body of a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of: presenting the sealing element to a mounting position by sliding the central hole along the input shaft so that a portion of the input shaft projects out of said central hole; pressing the sealing element towards the body to engage the fixing means with said body, the step consisting of engaging a tool with the protruding portion of the input shaft and pressing the sealing element towards the body with the tool. The tool comprises a fork adapted to engage the end of the steering column, at a circular groove through the splines. Its smooth inner surface allows tilting of the tool.Therefore, this tool does not provide any solution for adjusting the angular position of the steering column before mounting the steering wheel.

[0012] Preferably, the series of axial grooves and the keying pattern form a closed loop inside the drive portion; preferably, the drive portion comprises a through passage along the insertion axis.

[0013] Preferably, the drive portion comprises a tubular body with an outer surface; the outer surface comprises an outer pattern angularly aligned with respect to the keying pattern, and angularly offset with respect to the at least one outer lever.

[0014] Preferably, along the insertion axis, the drive portion comprises a first section with the series of axial grooves; and a second section opposite the first section, the at least one external lever extending from said second section; preferably at the first section the internal surface has a first internal width, and at the second section the internal surface has a second internal width greater than the first internal width.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one outer lever comprises two outer levers diametrically opposed with respect to the drive portion; preferably the two outer levers are axially spaced from the series of axial grooves.

[0016] Preferably, the drive portion is tubular.

[0017] Preferably, the internal surface comprises at least 20 axial grooves.

[0018] Preferably, the internal surface comprises at least 40 axial grooves.

[0019] Preferably, each axial groove comprises a depth of between 0.5 mm and 3.00 mm.

[0020] Preferably, each axial groove comprises a depth of between 1.00 mm and 2.00 mm.

[0021] Preferably, the keying pattern is wider than each axial groove.

[0022] Preferably, the keying pattern is at least twice or at least four times times wider than each axial groove.

[0023] Preferably, the keying pattern is in the first section.

[0024] Preferably, the second section is longitudinally longer than the first section.

[0025] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a method for mounting a steering wheel on a motor vehicle steering column, the mounting method comprising the following steps: providing or producing a steering column with a control end having external grooves and an external keying device; fixing the steering column to a motor vehicle structure; remarkable in that the mounting method further comprises the following steps: fitting, on the external grooves of the control end, an orientation adjustment tool according to the invention, by angularly aligning the keying pattern with the external keying device; pivoting the orientation adjustment tool to a predefined orientation.

[0026] Preferably, the method further comprises a step of removing the steering column orientation adjustment tool; and a step of mounting a steering wheel on the control end of the steering column.

[0027] Preferably, the method further comprises a step of installing a control box around the steering column, the control box comprising a rotor with indexing means.

[0028] Preferably, the steering wheel comprises notches of shapes complementary to the indexing means, at the assembly stage the indexing means cooperate with the notches.

[0029] Preferably, in the pivoting step, the orientation adjustment tool is pivoted by an adjustment angle of between 1° and 30°, preferably between 2° and 20°, more preferably between 3° and 10°.

[0030] Preferably, the steering column comprises an axial stop surface, in the fitting step, the drive portion is axially in contact with the axial stop surface.

[0031] Preferably, the indexing means comprise at least one indexing pin.

[0032] Preferably, at the fitting step, the control surface is introduced into the drive portion along the insertion axis.

[0033] Each characteristic introduced by the expression “preferably” given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all the other aspects of the invention.

[0034] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the figures appended and listed below.

[0035] [Fig.l] is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0036] [Fig.2] shows a motor vehicle steering column according to the invention.

[0037] [Fig. 3] represents an orientation adjustment tool for a motor vehicle steering column according to the invention.

[0038] [Fig.4] represents an orientation adjustment tool coupled to a motor vehicle steering column according to the invention.

[0039] [Fig.5] is a diagram of a method of mounting a motor vehicle steering wheel according to the invention.

[0040] In the following description, the term “understand” is synonymous with “include” and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle, in the orientation adjustment tool or other steps in the assembly method to which it relates. It is understood that the term “understand” includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" will refer respectively to what is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0041] In the present description, the term "longitudinal", the term "longitudinally", the term "transverse", and the term "transversely" are used according to the reference frame of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term "longitudinal" corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "transverse" corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "front" refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "rear" designates the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0042] The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a direct trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0043] In the present description, the ranges of values ​​include the limits which delimit them.

[0044] In the present description, the term "horizontal" is not to be understood in the strict sense of the term. Indeed, it allows an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, even more preferably at most 2°; compared to the strict sense of this term.

[0045] In the present description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the steering column, the steering wheel, and the fitted configuration of the orientation adjustment tool, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise.

[0046] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0047] [Fig.l] represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0048] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body, or even a main frame of the motor vehicle. The structure 12 delimits different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment, the cargo compartment, the engine compartment (not shown). The structure 12 connects different parts of the motor vehicle 10 including the openings. The structure 12 forms a mounting support for the powertrain, the suspension systems, the braking systems, and also the steering system 14.

[0049] The steering system 14 is associated with the front wheels 16. The steering system 14 comprises a rack connected to each front wheel by means of connecting rods steering (not shown), which is actuated by a steering column 18. The latter generally comprises several segments inclined relative to each other, and universal joints connecting the different segments. The steering column 18 also comprises a rotating connection allowing attachment to the structure 12.

[0050] The steering system 14 further comprises a steering wheel 20 fixed to the steering column 18. It transmits rotational movements thereto, and is possibly associated with an assistance module. The steering wheel 20 forms the control interface for the user. The steering wheel 20 is fixed to the steering column 18 at its rear end; also called the control end.

[0051] The steering system 14 further comprises a control box 22. The control box 22 is around the steering column 18. The control box 22 comprises a stator secured to the structure 12, and a rotor driven in rotation by the steering wheel 20. The rotor and the stator of the control box 22 are electrically connected by a rotary contactor. The rotary contactor also comprises a flexible ribbon provided with several electrical conductors and wound in a spiral. The ribbon is fixed by one of its ends to the stator and by the other to the rotor so that it winds or unwinds while accompanying the rotations of the steering wheel 20 and allowing the transmission of electrical signals.

[0052] The motor vehicle may, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a utility motor vehicle.

[0053] [Fig. 2] shows a motor vehicle steering column. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to [Fig. 1].

[0054] The steering column 18 has a control end 24 facing rearward, therefore towards the driver. The control end 24 is mounted so as to rotate relative to a fixed support 26 of the steering column 18. The fixed support 26 is fixed to the structure 12 of the motor vehicle. More precisely, the fixed support 26 is connected to a cross member 28 of the structure 12. The control end 24 further comprises external grooves 60 and an external keying device 62. The external grooves 60 and the external keying device 62 extend along the axis of rotation of the control end 24.

[0055] The steering column 18 receives the control box (not shown). In particular, its stator is fixed to the fixed support 26, while the rotor remains movable in rotation relative to the fixed support 26 and to the control end 24. In an intermediate state of assembly, the rotor remains awaiting the steering wheel (not shown).

[0056] [Fig. 3] shows a steering column orientation adjustment tool 30 (not represented) of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of figures 1 to 2.

[0057] The orientation adjustment tool 30 comprises a drive portion 32 with an insertion axis 34. The insertion axis 34 is intended to coincide with the axis of rotation of the control end of the steering column. The insertion axis 34 may be a central axis, or an axis of revolution of the drive portion 32. The drive portion 32 further comprises an internal surface 36 having a series of axial grooves 38 parallel to the insertion axis 34 and a keying pattern 40 between the axial grooves 38. The axial grooves 38 are also parallel to the keying pattern 40. They are intended to cooperate with a steering column control end, in particular of conjugate shape. The keying pattern 40 may form an axial groove, and the external keying device of the steering column forms a key; or vice versa. The keying pattern 40 is higher or lower than the axial grooves 38. It may be at mid-height.

[0058] The orientation adjustment tool 30 further comprising at least one outer lever 42, preferably two outer levers 42, extending from the drive portion 32. The two outer levers 42 are axially spaced from the series of axial grooves 38. The series of axial grooves 38 describes an annular row. The outer levers 42 are diametrically opposed. Their ends comprise balls forming handles that an operator can grasp in order to pivot the steering column about the insertion axis 34 after fitting onto the steering column.

[0059] Thus, the orientation adjustment tool 30 can only be inserted according to a predefined angular orientation relative to the control end. It then allows control, refinement, or correction of orientation. For example, the adjustment position can be by positioning the at least one external lever 42 horizontally, or by positioning it relative to a reference point on the structure of the motor vehicle. Therefore, the invention prevents the steering column from being offset before the steering wheel is mounted. The risk of damage and that of subsequent disassembly are reduced.

[0060] With the keying pattern 40 and the series of axial grooves 38, the internal surface 36 forms a closed loop. This closed loop is able to surround the control end in order to improve the retention of the drive portion 32. The adjustment in position is more secure. For example, the drive portion 32 is tubular to fit the control end; which further improves the fitting stability. The orientation adjustment tool 30 is self-stabilizing.

[0061] The keying pattern 40 is wider than each axial groove 38. The keying pattern 40 is at least twice or at least four times wider than each axial groove 38. The wider the keying pattern 40, the better it prevents incorrect positioning on the control surface, and facilitates fitting. The widths are measured along the circumference of the internal surface 36, around the insertion axis 34.

[0062] The drive portion 32 comprises a tubular body 44 with an outer surface 46. The tubular body 44 has a passage 54 along the insertion axis 34. The passage 54 passes through along the insertion axis 34; it opens onto the two axial faces. The outer surface 46 is generally cylindrical. The outer surface 46 comprises an outer pattern angularly aligned with respect to the keying pattern 40, and angularly offset with respect to each outer lever 42. The outer pattern is angularly in the middle of the outer levers 42. This provides an additional geometric reference, which can be aligned with respect to the stator directly. This facilitates position adjustment.

[0063] Along the insertion axis 34, the drive portion 32 comprises a first section 48 with the series of axial grooves 38; and a second section 50 opposite the first section 48. Each outer lever 42 extends radially from said second section 50. Thus, the outer levers 42 are axially spaced from the axial grooves 38. The second section 50 is longitudinally longer than the first section 48. When each outer lever 42 is welded to the drive portion 32, there is no thermal stress specific to the heat-affected zone with the axial grooves 38. Welding does not deform the grooves if they are done afterward. Otherwise, there is no heterogeneity in the material in which the axial grooves 38 are cut by broaching.

[0064] [Fig. 4] shows from the front the orientation adjustment tool 30 fitted onto a steering column 18 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to one of figures 1 to 2. The orientation adjustment tool 30 corresponds to that of [Fig. 3].

[0065] The orientation adjustment tool 30 comprises an outer surface 46. The outer surface 46 is generally cylindrical. The outer surface 46 comprises an outer pattern 52. In this case, the outer pattern forms an axial groove. The outer pattern 52 has a predefined position relative to the keying pattern (not visible). Therefore, the orientation correction of the control end of the steering column is carried out by bringing the outer pattern 52 to a predefined position relative to a reference mark on the stator of the control box, or on the fixed support 26 of the steering column.

[0066] The drive portion 32 comprises a passage 54 passing through along the insertion axis 34. The passage 54 is an axial passage. Its depth is greater than the length of the control end 24. Its passing through character makes it possible to ensure good fitting.

[0067] At the first section 48, the internal surface 36 has a first internal width 56. At the second section 50, the internal surface 36 has a second internal width 58 greater than the first internal width 56. The second internal width 58 is greater than the first internal width 56 by at least 5%, preferably by at least 10%, more preferably by at least 25%. The second internal width 58 and the first internal width 56 are measured perpendicular to the insertion axis 34. The difference in widths increases visibility in the drive portion 32.

[0068] The internal surface comprises at least 20 axial grooves 38, preferably at least 30 axial grooves 38, more preferably at least 40 axial grooves 38. The internal surface comprises at most 100 axial grooves, preferably at most 60 axial grooves.

[0069] Each axial groove 38 has a depth of between 0.5 mm and 3.00 mm; preferably between 1.00 mm and 2.00 mm. The depths are measured radially, perpendicular to the insertion axis 34. The axial grooves 38 are identical. They have a triangular profile. They form teeth. These axial groove geometries 38 optimize the compactness and stability of the fitting. They have shapes complementary to the external grooves.

[0070] [Fig. 5] shows a diagram of a method of mounting a steering wheel on a motor vehicle steering column. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1, 2 and 4. The orientation adjustment tool corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 3 and 4.

[0071] The assembly method comprising the following steps, in particular carried out in the following order:

[0072] providing or producing 100 a steering column with a control end; said control end having external grooves and an external key between the external grooves;

[0073] fixing 102 of the steering column to a motor vehicle structure;

[0074] installation 104 of a control box around the steering column;

[0075] fitting 106, on the external grooves of the control end, of an orientation adjustment tool;

[0076] pivoting 108 of the orientation adjustment tool to a predefined orientation;

[0077] removal 110 of the steering column orientation adjustment tool;

[0078] mounting 112 of a steering wheel on the control end of the steering column.

[0079] In the fitting step 106, the keying pattern of the orientation adjustment tool is angularly aligned with the external keying device of the control end of the steering column. The keying pattern and the external keying device are matched. The fitting step 106 is a step of engaging the orientation adjustment tool.

[0080] In the pivoting step 108, the orientation adjustment tool is pivoted by an adjustment angle of between 1° and 30°, preferably between 2° and 20°, more preferably between 3° and 10°.

[0081] In the installation step 104, the control box comprises a rotor with indexing means, and a stator fixed to the fixed support of the steering column. The steering wheel comprises notches of shapes complementary to the indexing means. In the assembly step 112 the indexing means cooperate with the notches. The indexing means fit into the notches. They comprise in particular indexing pins. Thus, the steering wheel manages to transmit a rotational movement to the rotor.

[0082] The steering column comprises an axial stop surface, at the fitting step 106, the drive portion is in contact with the axial stop surface. The axial stop may be a shoulder.

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment, the orientation adjustment tool is made of a metallic material such as steel or aluminum. Other alloys are envisaged. According to an alternative of the invention, the orientation adjustment tool is made of a plastic or composite material.

[0084] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments shown by all the figures.

[0085] Figures 2 to 4 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale.

Claims

Claims

1. Tool for adjusting the orientation (30) of a steering column (18) of a motor vehicle (10), characterized in that the orientation adjustment tool (30) comprises a drive portion (32) with an insertion axis (34), an internal surface (36) having a series of axial grooves (38) parallel to the insertion axis (34) and intended to cooperate with a control end (24) of the steering column (18), the internal surface (36) further having a keying pattern (40); the orientation adjustment tool (30) further comprising at least one external lever (42) extending from the drive portion (32) in order to pivot the steering column (18) about the insertion axis (34).

2. Orientation adjustment tool (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the series of axial grooves (38) and the keying pattern (40) form a closed loop inside the drive portion (32); preferably, the drive portion (32) comprises a passage (54) passing along the insertion axis (34).

3. An orientation adjustment tool (30) according to claim 2, characterized in that the drive portion (32) comprises a tubular body with an outer surface (46); the outer surface (46) comprises an outer pattern (52) angularly aligned with respect to the keying pattern (40), and angularly offset with respect to the at least one outer lever (42).

4. Orientation adjustment tool (30) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that along the insertion axis (34), the drive portion (32) comprises a first section (48) with the series of axial grooves (38); and a second section (50) opposite the first section (48), the at least one external lever (42) extending from said second section (50); preferably at the first section (48) the internal surface (36) has a first internal width (56), and at the second section (50) the internal surface (36) has a second internal width (58) greater than the first internal width (56).

5. Orientation adjustment tool (30) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one outer lever (42) comprises two outer levers (42) diametrically opposite with respect to the drive portion (32); preferably the two outer levers (42) are axially spaced from the series of axial grooves (38).

6. Method for mounting a steering wheel (20) on a steering column (18) of a motor vehicle (10), the mounting method comprising the following steps: • providing or producing (100) a steering column (18) with a control end (24) having external grooves (60) and an external keying device (62); • fixing (102) the steering column (18) to a structure (12) of a motor vehicle (10); characterized in that the mounting method further comprises the following steps: • fitting (106), on the external grooves (60) of the control end (24), an orientation adjustment tool (30) according to one of claims 1 to 5, by angularly aligning the keying pattern (40) with the external keying device (62); • pivoting (108) of the orientation adjustment tool (30) to a predefined orientation.

7. A mounting method according to claim 6, characterized in that the method further comprises a step of removing (110) the orientation adjustment tool (30) from the steering column (18); and a step of mounting (112) a steering wheel (20) on the control end (24) of the steering column (18).

8. Mounting method according to claim 7, characterized in that the method further comprises a step of installing (104) a control box (22) around the steering column (18), the control box (22) comprising a rotor with indexing means; preferably the steering wheel (20) comprises notches of shapes complementary to the indexing means, in the mounting step (112) the indexing means cooperate with the notches.

9. Mounting method according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that in the pivoting step (108), the orientation adjustment tool (30) is pivoted by an adjustment angle of between 1° and 30°, preferably between 2° and 20°, more preferably between 3° and 10°.

10. Mounting method according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the steering column (18) comprises a stop surface axial, at the fitting step (106), the drive portion (32) is axially in contact with the axial stop surface.

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