Vehicle control system to assist with physical exercise

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle control system (6) for a vehicle (2), comprising: a steering column (10); a force feedback device (14) coupled to at least one of the steering column (10) and the steering wheel (6); and a vehicle steering wheel (8) capable of switching between a first mode (MD1), called steering mode, configured to allow control of the vehicle (2) by rotation of the steering wheel (8) about an axis of rotation (AX1) of the steering column (10), and a second mode (MD2), called exercise mode, configured, when a vehicle brake is activated, to allow manual movement (MV1) of the steering wheel (8) against a feedback force (F1) applied by the force feedback device (10) independently of vehicle control (2). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle control system for assisting physical exercise Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control system enabling a user to perform physical exercise. The invention relates in particular to a control system whose steering wheel can be moved manually to perform physical exercises. Technological background

[0002] The health benefits of regular physical activity are proven, regardless of age or gender. However, a significant portion of the world's population, particularly in developed countries, does not achieve the level of physical activity required to stay healthy. Public health recommendations are therefore formulated today to enable everyone to integrate physical activity into their daily lives.

[0003] The problem of a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity particularly affects regular drivers of vehicles, whether cars or other types, such as professionals (taxi drivers, heavy goods vehicle drivers, etc.) or people who have to make frequent journeys. There are currently no practical and effective solutions to enable vehicle drivers to occasionally or regularly engage in physical activity, particularly when using their vehicles.

[0004] Equipment dedicated to physical exercise is generally not suitable for use in a vehicle, such as a car or, more generally, a motorized land vehicle. The use of such equipment (dumbbells or other) is unsuitable or undesirable, in particular due to the lack of space in a vehicle (equipment is often bulky) or the excess energy consumption caused by the weight of the equipment in question. Summary of the present invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the drawbacks of the technological background.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is a vehicle control system allowing a user to perform physical exercise efficiently and ergonomically on board the vehicle.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle control system, comprising: - a steering column; - a vehicle steering wheel; and - a force feedback device coupled to at least one of the steering column and the steering wheel; in which the steering wheel is capable of switching between a first mode, called directional mode, configured to allow control of the vehicle by rotation of the steering wheel along an axis of rotation of the steering column, and a second mode, called exercise mode, configured, when a brake of the vehicle is activated, to allow manual movement of the steering wheel opposed by a return force applied by the force feedback device independently of control of the vehicle.

[0008] The present invention advantageously allows a user to perform a physical exercise on board the vehicle in an ergonomic and effective manner, without equipment dedicated to this purpose, that is to say by using the control system with which the vehicle is equipped. The control system can, for example, advantageously act as on-board bodybuilding equipment (or on-board equipment to assist with sports activity). Such a physical exercise can be performed safely when a brake is activated, and therefore when the vehicle is stationary.

[0009] The user can thus exercise physically, for example during a break during a journey, in order to maintain his physical condition or improve his level of attention or concentration. For example, such physical exercise can be carried out while the vehicle is being electrically charged (in the case of an electric vehicle) or during a waiting phase in a parking lot or rest area.

[0010] The system according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, in particular among the following embodiments.

[0011] According to a particular embodiment, the control system comprises a coupling member configured to couple the steering wheel to a steering system of the vehicle in the directional mode and to decouple the steering wheel relative to the steering system of the vehicle in the exercise mode.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment, the manual movement comprises a rotation of the steering wheel around the steering axis of the steering column.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment, the manual movement comprises an angular movement of the steering wheel and the steering column relative to a chassis of the vehicle.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, the manual movement comprises a translational movement of the steering wheel relative to the steering column.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment, the return force is configured to allow physical exercise of a user manipulating the steering wheel to cause manual movement.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, the force feedback device comprises at least one elastic member configured to apply the return force under the effect of a deformation caused by manual movement.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, the force feedback device is configured as a function of a parameter defined by a user and / or as a function of a time of use of the steering wheel in exercise mode.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, the brake is a parking brake.

[0019] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle comprising a control system according to the first aspect of the invention. Brief description of the figures

[0020] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 7, in which:

[0021] [Fig-1] illustrates a vehicle comprising a control system, according to at least one particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates the vehicle of [Fig.l] in which the steering wheel is moved manually, according to at least one particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a manual movement, according to an exercise mode, of the steering wheel of the control system of [Fig.l], according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a manual movement, according to an exercise mode, of the steering wheel of the control system of [Fig.1], according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a manual movement, according to an exercise mode, of the steering wheel of the control system of [Fig.l], according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a manual movement, according to an exercise mode, of the steering wheel of the control system of [Fig.1], according to at least one particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates a manual movement, according to an exercise mode, of the steering wheel of the control system of [Fig.l], according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Description of the examples of embodiment

[0029] A vehicle control system, as well as a vehicle comprising such a system, will now be described in the following with reference jointly to Figures 1 to 7. Unless otherwise indicated, the elements common or analogous to several figures bear the same reference signs and have identical or similar characteristics, so that these common elements are generally not described again for the sake of simplicity.

[0030] The terms "first(s)", "second(s)", etc.) are used in this document by arbitrary convention to enable different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below to be identified and distinguished.

[0031] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention, the control system of the invention comprises: - a steering column; - a vehicle steering wheel; and - a force feedback device coupled to at least one of the steering column and the steering wheel; in which the vehicle steering wheel is capable of switching between a first mode, called directional mode, configured to allow control of the vehicle by rotation of the steering wheel along an axis of rotation of the steering column, and a second mode, called exercise mode, configured, when a brake of the vehicle is activated, to allow manual movement of the steering wheel opposed by a return force applied by the force feedback device independently of control of the vehicle.

[0032] The present invention advantageously allows a user to carry out physical exercise on board the vehicle in an ergonomic and efficient manner, without equipment dedicated to this purpose, that is to say by using the control system available to the vehicle.

[0033] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the drawings mentioned above.

[0034] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate a vehicle 2 comprising a control system 6 according to at least one particular embodiment. As illustrated, the control system 6 comprises a vehicle steering wheel (or directional wheel, more simply called a “steering wheel”) 8, a steering column 10 and a force feedback device 14. The steering wheel 8 is accessible to a user UR1 on board the vehicle 2, in this case in the passenger compartment 4 of the vehicle 2.

[0035] More particularly, the vehicle 2 comprises a steering system 20 and directional wheels 22 ([Fig.l]-2). The steering column 10 provides the mechanical coupling between the steering wheel 8 and the steering system 20. As indicated, this coupling can be selectively activated or deactivated depending on the operating mode (or configuration) of the steering wheel 8 that is selected.

[0036] The type and characteristics of the vehicle 2 can be adapted as appropriate. It is assumed hereinafter by way of example that the vehicle 2 is of the automobile type or equivalent. Alternatively, the vehicle 2 may be a coach, a bus, a truck, a utility vehicle or a motorcycle, or more generally a vehicle of the motorized land vehicle type.

[0037] By nature, the steering wheel 8 is a mechanical part intended to be manipulated by the user UR1, namely the driver, to control the direction of the vehicle 2. Typically, the user UR1 holds the steering wheel 8 with his hands and steers the vehicle 2 by controlling the angular position of the steering wheel 8. The steering wheel 8 is therefore a grippable element, the shape and dimensions of which can be adapted as appropriate.

[0038] The steering wheel 8 is mechanically coupled to one end of the steering column 10. As illustrated in [Fig.2], the steering wheel 8 may for example comprise a grippable portion 8a intended to be grasped by the user UR1 and a portion 8b supported by (or coupled to) the steering column 10.

[0039] The steering wheel 8 is capable of switching between a first mode (or state) MD1, called directional mode (or control mode), and a second mode (or state) MD2, called exercise mode or physical exercise mode ([Fig.2]). In other words, the steering wheel 8 is configurable either in the directional mode MD1 or in the exercise mode MD2.

[0040] The directional mode MD1 is configured to allow control of the vehicle 2 by rotation of the steering wheel 8 along an axis of rotation AX1 (figures 1-2) of the steering column 10. In other words, when the steering wheel 8 is configured according to the directional mode MD1, the steering wheel is movable in rotation along the axis of rotation AX1 to control (allow control of) the direction of the vehicle 2. The directional mode MD1 therefore constitutes a conventional configuration of the steering wheel 2 according to which the steering wheel performs its primary function, namely to serve as a control instrument for controlling the orientation of the vehicle.

[0041] For this purpose, in the directional mode MD1, the steering column 8 transmits to the steering system 20 the rotational movements manually imparted (or exerted) by the user UR1 to the steering wheel around the axis of rotation AX1. The steering column 8 ensures the link (or coupling) between the steering wheel 8 and the steering system 20. In directional mode MD1, the steering system 20 is thus configured, from the rotational movements of the steering wheel 8, to control the orientation of the wheels 22 with which the vehicle 2 is equipped.

[0042] The structure and configuration of the steering system 20 may vary depending on the case. For example, the steering system 20 may comprise a steering box (not shown) configured to transform a rotational movement of the steering wheel 8 into a translational movement which leads to control of the orientation of the wheels 22. This steering box is for example connected to a rack (or more generally to a control and coupling arm) to allow the conversion of rotational movements into translational movements, the latter being transmitted to the 22 wheels.

[0043] The exercise mode MD2 is configured, when a brake 9 ([Fig.l]) of the vehicle 2 is activated, to authorize a manual movement MV1 of the steering wheel 8 to which a return force (or restoring force) F1 applied by the return device 14 is opposed, and this independently of the control of the vehicle 2. In other words, when the brake 9 is activated and the steering wheel 8 is configured according to the directional mode MD1, the steering wheel 8 is able to carry out a movement MV1 under the action of a manual action AC1 exerted by the user UR1 ([Fig.2]).

[0044] The manual movement MV1 of the steering wheel 8 according to the exercise mode MD2 does not affect the orientation of the wheels 22. In other words, this movement MV1 is independent of the control of the vehicle 2 (of the control of the wheels 22 in particular). This is possible insofar as, in the exercise mode MD2, the steering wheel 8 is not mechanically coupled with the steering system 20. In other words, the steering wheel 8 is decoupled from the steering system 20, so that no movement of the steering wheel 8 (in particular in rotation along the axis AX1) is transmitted to the steering system 20. It follows that the orientation of the wheels 22 is not altered by the manual movements MV1 of the steering wheel 8.

[0045] When the steering wheel 8 is configured according to the exercise mode MD2, the user UR1 can thus perform a physical exercise by manually moving the steering wheel 8. To do this, the user UR1 applies (or exerts) a force AC1 on the steering wheel 8, this force AC1 causing the manual movement MV1 of the steering wheel MV1. In addition, the force feedback device 14 applies (or exerts) a return force F1 which resists or opposes the movement MV1 of the steering wheel 8 operated by the user URL. This mechanical resistance, contrary to the movement MV1, allows the user UR1 to exert himself physically, that is to say to perform a physical exercise using his arms, the nature of this exercise being able to vary according to the case. In particular, the nature of the manual movement MV1 of the steering wheel 8 according to the exercise mode MD2 can vary according to the case, as indicated below.

[0046] According to one example, the feedback force F1 is configured to allow a physical exercise of a user UR1 manipulating the steering wheel 8 to cause the manual movement MV1. The force feedback device 10 can thus be configured to parameterize the force F1 according to the physical exercise that it is desired to have the user URL perform.

[0047] In particular, the return force Fl can be configured independently of the speed of movement of the vehicle 2 (the latter being stationary when the exercise mode MD2 is activated).

[0048] According to one example, the force feedback device 10 is configured according to a parameter defined by a user (for example UR1 or the manufacturer) and / or according to of a time of use of the steering wheel 8 in MD2 exercise mode.

[0049] Thus, when the exercise mode MD2 is activated, the user UR1 can, for example, push or pull the steering wheel 8, or turn the steering wheel 8 (or both). A sequence of various manual movements MV1 of the steering wheel 8 can be performed, for example in a manner analogous to a physical exercise performed using dumbbells or bodybuilding equipment.

[0050] The force feedback device 14 may comprise any elastic member (such as a spring, an elastic band, etc.) capable of applying the return force F1 opposing the manual displacement MV1. Thus, the force feedback device 14 may comprise at least one elastic member configured to apply the return force F1 under the effect of a deformation caused by the manual displacement MV1.

[0051] The position and configuration of the force feedback device 14 may vary depending on the case. The force feedback device 14 is for example coupled to at least one of the steering column 10 and the steering wheel 8.

[0052] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the force feedback device 14 may comprise at least one of: a force feedback device 14a and a force feedback device 14b. The device 14a is positioned at a connection between the steering column 10 and the steering system 20 (or with the chassis 12 of the vehicle 2). The device 14b is positioned at a connection between the steering column 10 and the steering wheel 8.

[0053] The control system 6 may comprise a decoupling member (or coupling control member) which is configured to mechanically couple the steering wheel 8 to the steering system 20 when the steering wheel 8 is configured according to the directional mode MD1, and to mechanically decouple the steering wheel 8 from the steering system 20 when the steering wheel 8 is configured according to the exercise mode MD2. Thus, the movements of the steering wheel 8 are only transmitted to the steering system 20 when the directional mode MD1 is activated. By way of example, it is assumed hereinafter that the force feedback device 14 acts as a decoupling member, although variants are possible where the decoupling member is distinct from the force feedback device 14.

[0054] The transition from the first mode MD1 to the second mode MD2 (and vice versa) can be achieved in various ways depending on the case. The configuration of the steering wheel 8 according to the exercise mode MD2 is only authorized if the brake 9 ([Fig.l]) of the vehicle 2 is activated (or applied). In the examples considered, it is the device 14 which plays the role of the decoupling member and which is therefore configured to authorize or block the exercise mode MD2 depending on whether the brake 9 is activated or not.

[0055] As an example, the steering wheel 8 is configured in MD2 exercise mode upon receipt of a command from the user UR1 requesting activation of the MD2 mode (for example example by means of a control interface of the vehicle 2) and only if the brake 9 is activated. This brake 9 can for example be a parking brake (or parking brake, or handbrake). Conditioning the transition to exercise mode MD2 on the activation of the brake 9 makes it possible to secure the vehicle 2 and the passengers on board. The user UR1 is thus only authorized to carry out a physical exercise with the steering wheel 8 in exercise mode MD2 if the vehicle 2 is stationary. The steering system 20 being decoupled in exercise mode MD2, it is necessary to prohibit any movement of the vehicle 2 while the user UR1 is carrying out a physical exercise with the steering wheel 8.

[0056] Various embodiments of the control system 6 on board the vehicle 2 are now described below.

[0057] According to an example shown in [Fig.3], the manual movement MV1 of the steering wheel 8 operated in exercise mode MD2 comprises a rotation (or angular movement) MVla of the steering wheel 8 around the steering axis of the column 10. This may be a rotation MVla in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This rotation MVla may define any angular movement, and thus correspond to a partial, or even complete, revolution of the steering wheel 8 around its axis of rotation AX1.

[0058] The steering wheel 8 can for example be manually rotated by the user UR1 so as to operate a sequence of back and forth rotation, that is to say alternately in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, to carry out muscular work, particularly of the arms.

[0059] In response to the rotational movement MVla, the force feedback device 14 applies a return force Fl which opposes the rotational movement MVla. For example, if the angular movement MVla occurs in the clockwise direction ([Fig. 3]), then the force Fl is applied in the counterclockwise direction to resist the manual movement of the steering wheel 8 operated by the user URL

[0060] In the example of [Fig. 3], the steering wheel 8 can be mechanically decoupled from the steering column 8 to allow rotation of the steering wheel relative to the steering column 10. In this case, the device 14b decouples the steering wheel relative to the steering column 10 at the connection between the steering wheel and the steering column. A pivot connection allows rotation of the steering wheel 8 relative to the steering column 10.

[0061] Alternatively, the steering wheel 8 and the steering column 10 can operate the rotational movement MVla in a joint manner. In this case, a pivot connection allows the rotation of the steering column 10 (and more generally of the control system 6) relative to the chassis 12 or to the passenger compartment of the vehicle 2.

[0062] According to examples shown in figures 4-5, the manual movement MV1 of the steering wheel 8 operated in exercise mode MD2 comprises an angular movement (or rotation) MVlb of the steering wheel 8 and the steering column 10 relative to the chassis 12 or to the passenger compartment of the vehicle 2. In this case, the steering wheel 8 and the steering column 10 perform the angular movement MVlb in solidarity (i.e. collectively). The rotation MVlb is carried out around an axis of rotation AX2, distinct from the axis of rotation AX1 of the steering column 10 (or the steering wheel 8). For example, the axis of rotation AX2 is perpendicular to the axis of rotation AX1, although variants are possible.

[0063] The rotation MV 1b of the control system 6 can be carried out in the clockwise direction or counterclockwise as appropriate. In other words, the user UR1 can move the steering wheel (and more generally the control system 6) either downwards ([Fig.4]) or upwards ([Fig.5]). The control system 6 can, for example, be manipulated by the user UR1 so as to operate a sequence of angular back and forth movements, i.e. alternately upwards and downwards, to carry out muscular work, particularly of the arms.

[0064] In response to the angular movement MV 1b, the force feedback device 14 applies a return force F1 which opposes the angular movement MVlb. For example, if the angular movement MVlb leads to a downward movement of the control system 6 ([Fig. 3]), then the force F1 is applied in the opposite direction (upwards) to resist the manual movement of the steering wheel 8 operated by the user URL

[0065] According to examples shown in figures 6 and 7, the manual movement MV1 of the steering wheel 8 operated in exercise mode MD2 comprises a translation movement MV1c of the steering wheel 8 relative to the steering column 10. This translation is longitudinal in the direction where the steering wheel 8 moves in translation along the axis of rotation AX1 of the steering column.

[0066] The translation MVle of the steering wheel 8 can be carried out towards the rear (the user UR1 pulls the steering wheel 8 as illustrated in [Fig.6]) or forwards (the user UR1 pushes the steering wheel 8 as illustrated in [Fig.7]) or as the case may be. The steering wheel 8 can for example be manipulated by the user UR1 so as to operate a back and forth sequence in translation, that is to say alternately forwards and backwards, to carry out muscular work, particularly of the arms.

[0067] In response to the translational movement MVle, the force feedback device 14 (positioned for example at the connection between the steering column 10 and the steering wheel 8) applies a return force Fl which opposes the translational movement MVlc. For example, if the translational movement MVlc leads to a rearward movement of the steering wheel 8 ([Fig.6]), then the return force Fl is applied in the opposite direction (forward) to resist the manual movement of the steering wheel 8 operated by the user URL

[0068] The present invention advantageously allows a user UR1 to carry out physical exercise (or physical activity, or physical training, etc.) on board the vehicle 2 in an ergonomic and efficient manner, without equipment dedicated to this purpose, that is to say by using the control system 6 with which the vehicle 2 is equipped. The control system can for example advantageously act as on-board bodybuilding equipment (or on-board equipment for assisting with sports activity). Such physical exercise can be carried out safely when the brake 9 is activated, and therefore when the vehicle 2 is stationary.

[0069] The user UR1 can thus exercise physically, for example during a break during a journey, in order to maintain his physical condition or improve his level of attention or concentration. For example, such physical exercise can be carried out while the vehicle 2 is being electrically charged (in the case of an electric vehicle) or during a waiting phase in a parking lot or rest area.

[0070] The user UR1 can perform various physical exercises by manually moving the steering wheel 8, either in rotation, or in translation, or possibly both at the same time. Thus, the control system 6 can be configured for example to allow any combination of two or more of the movements MVla, MVlb and MVlc shown in Figures 3-6 when the steering wheel is configured according to the exercise mode MD2.

[0071] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, all the embodiments and variants described above, some of which have been deliberately simplified to facilitate explanations, constitute only non-limiting examples of implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, those skilled in the art may envisage any adaptation or combination of the embodiments and variants described above, in order to meet a particular need.

[0072] The present invention is therefore not limited to the embodiments described above but extends in particular to a control system which would include secondary means without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0073] The present invention also relates to a vehicle (such as vehicle 2), for example an automobile or more generally a land motor vehicle, comprising the control system 6 of [Fig.3].

Claims

Claims

1. Control system (6) of a vehicle (2), comprising: - a steering column (10); - a vehicle steering wheel (8); and - a force feedback device (14) coupled to at least one of the steering column (10) and the steering wheel (8); wherein the steering wheel (8) is capable of switching between a first mode (MD1), called directional mode, configured to allow control of the vehicle by rotation of the steering wheel (8) about an axis of rotation (AX1) of the steering column (10), and a second mode (MD2), called exercise mode, configured, when a brake (9) of the vehicle (2) is activated, to allow manual movement (MV1) of the steering wheel (8) to which a return force (Fl) applied by the return device (10) is opposed independently of the control of the vehicle.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the control system (6) comprises a coupling member (14) configured to couple the steering wheel (8) to a steering system (20) of the vehicle (2) in the directional mode (MD1) and to decouple the steering wheel from the steering system of the vehicle in the exercise mode (MD2).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the manual movement (MV1) comprises a rotation (MVla) of the steering wheel around the steering axis (AX1) of the steering column (10).

4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the manual movement (MV1) comprises an angular movement (MVlb) of the steering wheel (8) and the steering column (10) relative to a chassis (12) of the vehicle.

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the manual movement (MV1) comprises a translational movement (MVlc) of the steering wheel (8) relative to the steering column (10).

6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the return force (F1) is configured to enable physical exercise of a user (UR1) manipulating the steering wheel (8) to cause the manual movement (MV1).

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the force feedback device (14) comprises at least one elastic member configured to apply the return force (F1) under the effect of deformation caused by manual movement (MV1).

8. System according to claim 7, in which the force feedback device (14) is configured according to a parameter defined by a user and / or according to a time of use of the steering wheel (8) in exercise mode.

9. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the brake (9) is a parking brake.

10. Vehicle (2) comprising the system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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