Steering control unit including a movable panel

Abstract

Steering control unit comprising a movable panel. The invention relates to a steering control unit (1) for a vehicle, comprising a steering wheel (2) and characterized in that it comprises at least one panel (5), capable of translating along an axis substantially diametrical to the steering wheel (2). Figure for the abstract: 3

Description

Title of the invention: Steering control member comprising a movable panel Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a steering control member of a vehicle. Prior art

[0002] In a known manner, a steering control member of a vehicle comprises a steering column and a steering wheel. The control member is particularly suitable for driving the vehicle. The steering column protrudes clearly into the volume of the passenger compartment so as to place the steering wheel in the hands of the driver, the latter being in place in the cockpit, namely, seated in his seat. Conventionally, the steering wheel comprises at least one control and / or display member. The phases during which the control member is not used are becoming increasingly important, as vehicles become capable of moving autonomously without the need for a driver.

[0003] Also, a means is sought to improve the user experience, in particular during these phases of autonomous driving. Summary of the invention

[0004] The invention proposes to provide a steering control member for a vehicle, comprising a steering wheel and characterized in that it comprises at least one panel, capable of translating along a substantially diametrical axis of the steering wheel.

[0005] The movement makes it possible to offer a new configuration of the steering wheel, in particular during autonomous driving phases.

[0006] Particular characteristics or embodiments, usable alone or in combination, are: - said at least one panel comprises two panels, diametrically opposed, moving substantially on the same rectilinear axis and in opposite directions, - in an extreme position of the two panels, the two panels are adjacent, - said at least one panel comprises a display screen and / or a human-machine interface, - the control member further comprises a steering column substantially perpendicular to the plane of the steering wheel, the control member having an erected position adapted to the driving phase, and a retracted position, the at least one panel moving when moving from the erected position to the retracted position and vice versa, - when moving from the erected position to the retracted position, said at least one panel moves centripetally and when moving from the retracted position to the erected position, moving said at least one panel moves centrifugally,

[0007] - the control member moves from the erected position to the retracted position by a first translation substantially along an axis of the steering column, the steering column sinking into the dashboard and vice versa from the retracted position to the erected position by a second translation substantially opposite to the first translation.

[0008] - the control member comprising as many connecting rods as panels and a central slide, said at least one panel being substantially flat, substantially parallel to the plane of the steering wheel, said at least one connecting rod having a first end articulated with the panel and a second end articulated with the central slide and the central slide being able to translate along the axis (A), by sinking into the steering column when moving from the erected position to the retracted position - the transition from the erected position to the retracted position and the transition from the retracted position to the erected position are carried out under the sole mechanical action of the user, - the transition from the erected position to the retracted position and / or the transition from the retracted position to the erected position is carried out with motorized assistance, - the control member also includes a lock, preventing an untimely passage from the erected position to the retracted position and possibly a passage from the retracted position to the erected position. Brief description of the drawings

[0009] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and with reference to the appended figures in which:

[0010] [Fig. 1] shows, in profile view, a steering control member in the erected position,

[0011] [Fig.2] shows, in profile view, the steering control member of [Fig.l] in the retracted position,

[0012] [Fig.3] shows, in top sectional view, a steering control member in the erected position,

[0013] [Fig.4] shows, in a top sectional view, the steering control member of [Fig.3] in the retracted position,

[0014] [Fig.5] shows, in front view, a steering control member in the erected position,

[0015] [Fig.6] shows, in front view, the steering control member of [Fig.5] in the retracted position,

[0016] [Fig.7] shows, in top sectional view, a steering control member in the erected position,

[0017] [Fig.8] shows, in top sectional view, the steering control member of [Fig.7] in the intermediate position,

[0018] [Fig.9] shows, in a top sectional view, the steering control member of [Fig.7] in the retracted position. Description of the embodiments

[0019] With reference to [Fig.l] or 2, the invention relates to a steering control member 1 of a vehicle, comprising a steering wheel 2 and a steering column 3. In a conventional and known manner, the steering column 3 is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the steering wheel 2. The steering wheel 2 has any shape. Conventionally, this shape comprises a ring or torus, substantially circular and defining a plane.

[0020] The control member 1 has an erected position. This erected position reproduces the position currently conventionally used in motor vehicles. This erected position is adapted to the driving phase. The steering wheel is in a position easily accessible to the user to enable him to drive.

[0021] It appears that vehicles will be increasingly used outside the driving phase. At least one non-driving or "off" phase can be cited where the vehicle does not move but can nevertheless be inhabited by its occupants. At least one autonomous phase can also be cited, where the vehicle moves but automatically and does not require action from a driver. In these two phases, "off" and autonomous, the control member 1 is not used. Also, according to an advantageous idea of ​​the invention, it may be advantageous to free up space by retracting the control member 1 in order to prevent it from protruding outrageously into the passenger compartment as is the case during the driving phase.

[0022] Also, according to an advantageous characteristic, the steering control member 1 also has, in addition to the erected position, a retracted position. This advantageously makes it possible to free up space which can be used to improve the comfort of the user, who is then no longer the driver, and to make it possible to better adapt the passenger compartment to the needs of the other phases.

[0023] According to another characteristic, the control member 1 passes from the erected position to the retracted position by a first translation. This first translation is substantially along an axis A of the steering column 3. During this first translation, the steering column 3 sinks into the dashboard 4.

[0024] Conversely, the control member 1 passes from the retracted position to the erected position by a second translation, substantially the opposite of the first translation.

[0025] According to another characteristic, the transition from the erected position to the retracted position is controlled by a user. This user exerts a pushing force on the steering wheel 2 in a direction substantially parallel to the axis A of the steering column.

[0026] Similarly, the transition from the retracted position to the erected position is controlled by the user. This user exerts a traction force on the steering wheel 2 in a direction substantially parallel to the axis A of the steering column.

[0027] According to another characteristic, more particularly visible in figures 3 and 4, the control member 1 also comprises at least one panel 5, as many connecting rods 6 as panels 5 and a central slide 7.

[0028] Said at least one panel 5 is substantially flat and substantially parallel to the plane of the steering wheel 2. It is capable of translating along an axis substantially included in the plane of the steering wheel 2. This translation axis is substantially diametrical relative to the steering wheel 2 and is still preferably horizontal.

[0029] Said at least one connecting rod 6 is rigid and has a given length, substantially identical from one connecting rod 6 to the other. It has a ball joint (or at least pivot) at each of its ends. Its first end 8 is thus rotatably secured to the panel 5. Its second end 9 is rotatably secured to the central slide 7.

[0030] The central slide 7 is capable of translating along the axis A. It is advantageously arranged in the steering column 3.

[0031] It is pushed into the steering column 3 when moving from the erected position to the retracted position. In doing so, it attracts said at least one link 6 which then moves from an initial orientation substantially parallel to the plane of the steering wheel 2, to a final orientation approaching the axis A of the steering column 3. In doing so, said at least one link 6 drives, in traction, in its movement, the panel 5 associated with said at least one link 6. Also, the panel 5, held by a slide, moves, centripetally, from a peripheral position relative to the steering wheel 2 to a more central position.

[0032] On the contrary, the central slide 7 is extracted from the steering column 3, during the reverse passage from the retracted position to the erected position. In doing so, it pushes back said at least one connecting rod 6, which then returns from the orientation close to the axis A to the orientation substantially parallel to the plane of the steering wheel 2. In doing so, said at least one connecting rod 6 drives in its movement, by pushing it, the panel 5 associated with said at least one connecting rod 6. Also, the panel 5 moves, centrifugally, from the substantially central position towards the initial peripheral position.

[0033] The respective positions and the movements between these positions of said at least one panel 5 are more particularly visible in Figures 5 and 6.

[0034] According to a preferred configuration, as illustrated in Figures 1-6, said at least one panel 5 is two in number. These two panels 5 are preferably diametrically opposed, relative to the operating wheel 2 and move substantially on the same rectilinear axis. The two panels 5 move in opposite directions along this same rectilinear axis. In the retracted position, the two panels 5 are preferably adjacent.

[0035] According to another characteristic, said at least one panel 5 comprises a display screen. This can be used to display information for the user. In the erected position, the panels 5 are spaced apart and can then be used as two small screens, so as to display, for example, information relating to driving. On the contrary, in the retracted position, the panels 5 are brought together, preferably until they are adjacent. Also, the screens they carry can be adjacent until they preferably form a single large screen. This large screen can be used to display, for example, recreational content, such as a video.

[0036] In addition or as a replacement, said at least one panel 5 comprises a human-machine interface, such as for example a touch surface, a button, a force sensor, a proximity sensor or other human-machine interface. This human-machine interface is linked to the vehicle's computer to control different equipment of the vehicle, such as a cruise control, a lighting device, a heating, air conditioning ventilation device, a radio, etc. and / or to react according to different situations of the vehicle, for example display of information and / or haptic information.

[0037] Another advantage of the relative movement and position of the panels 5 is that this position allows, at a glance, to visualize the position, whether erected or retracted, of the control member 1.

[0038] According to another characteristic, the transition from the erected position to the retracted position and the transition from the retracted position to the erected position are carried out under the sole mechanical action of the user. In other words, in this embodiment, all the energy necessary for the change of position is entirely provided by the user operating the control member 1 by acting, pulling or respectively pushing, on the operating wheel 2.

[0039] According to another characteristic, the transition from the erected position to the position retracted position can be at least partially assisted. Similarly, alternatively or additionally, the transition from the retracted position to the erected position can be at least partially assisted. Assistance is understood here, like steering assistance, by the addition of a motorization which assists the user in his movement by superimposing a force, so as to multiply the initial effort of the user.

[0040] The kinematics of the transition from the erected position to the retracted position and vice versa will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 7 to 9, according to a possible embodiment.

[0041] Starting from the erected position, shown in [Fig. 7], a push on the steering wheel 2 in the direction of the steering column 3, i.e. upwards in the plane of the figure, initiates the change of position. The push on the steering wheel 2 is transmitted to the central slider 7 by at least one rigid transmission 10. The central slider 7 then begins its movement towards the dashboard 4. It drives in its movement a connection 11 to which it is secured by a first end of the connection 11. The connection 11 is also secured, by its other end, to said at least one connecting rod 6 via its first end 8. The traction thus exerted on the connecting rods 6 acts so as to move said at least one panel 5 centripetally. The connection 11 is advantageously secured to the central slider 7 via a deformable element 12.This deformable element 12 may be an elastic means, such as a spring, in a fully and solely mechanical version. In an assisted version, the elastic means is supplemented or replaced by at least one actuator, such as a jack, a motor, etc.

[0042] [Fig.8] shows an intermediate position between the erected position and the retracted position. [Fig.9] shows the retracted position.

[0043] The kinematics of the reverse transition, when passing from the retracted position to the erected position, is carried out in a substantially reverse manner, starting from the retracted position of [Fig.9] to arrive at the erected position of [Fig.7] passing through the intermediate position of [Fig.8], with a centrifugal movement of said at least one panel 5.

[0044] It is appropriate that the transition from the erected position to the retracted position cannot be carried out inadvertently. Indeed, the driver could, during a driving phase, press the steering wheel 2 with a force similar to that necessary to carry out the transition from the erected position to the retracted position. Also, to avoid such a dangerous situation, according to another characteristic, the control member 1, further comprises a lock. This lock is such that it prevents an untimely transition from the erected position to the retracted position, as long as it is active. Also, the user must, prior to carrying out a transition to the retracted position, deactivate the lock.

[0045] As a safety measure, it may also be provided that the lock cannot be deactivated while the vehicle is moving or while the engine is running.

[0046] Another locking can still mutatis mutandis be applied to the reverse passage from the retracted position to the erected position. In this case, however, the criticality of such an untimely passage is significantly less.

[0047] The invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the preceding description. This should be considered as illustrative and given by way of example and not as limiting the invention to this description alone. Numerous alternative embodiments are possible. List of reference signs

[0048] A: axis, 1: control organ, 2: steering wheel, 3: steering column, 4: dashboard, 5: panel, 6: connecting rod, 7: central slide, 8: first end, 9: second end, 10: transmission, 11: connection, 12: deformable element.

Claims

Claims

1. Control member (1) for steering a vehicle, comprising a steering wheel (2) and characterized in that it comprises at least one panel (5), capable of translating along a substantially diametrical axis of the steering wheel (2).

2. Control member (1) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one panel (5) comprises two panels (5), diametrically opposed, moving substantially on the same rectilinear axis and in opposite directions.

3. Control member (1) according to the preceding claim, where in an extreme position of the two panels (5), the two panels (5) are adjacent.

4. Control member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least one panel (5) comprises a display screen and / or a human-machine interface.

5. Control member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises a steering column (3) substantially perpendicular to the plane of the steering wheel (2), the control member having an erected position adapted to the driving phase, and a retracted position, the at least one panel (5) moving when passing from the erected position to the retracted position and vice versa.

6. Control member (1) according to claim 5, wherein, when moving from the erected position to the retracted position, said at least one panel (5) moves centripetally and wherein, when moving from the retracted position to the erected position, moving said at least one panel (5) moves centrifugally.

7. Control member (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the control member (1) passes from the erected position to the retracted position by a first translation substantially along an axis (A) of the steering column (3), the steering column (3) sinking into the dashboard (4) and vice versa from the retracted position to the erected position by a second translation substantially the opposite of the first translation.

8. Control member (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, comprising as many connecting rods (6) as panels (5) and a central slider (7), said at least one panel (5) being substantially plane, substantially parallel to the plane of the steering wheel (2), said at least one link (6) having a first end (8) articulated with the panel (5) and a second end (9) articulated with the central slide (7) and the central slide (7) being able to translate along the axis (A), by sinking into the steering column (3) when moving from the erected position to the retracted position.

9. Control member (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the passage from the erected position to the retracted position is controlled by a user pushing on the operating handwheel (2) with a force substantially parallel to the axis (A) and the passage from the retracted position to the erected position is controlled by the user pulling the operating handwheel (2) towards him with a force substantially parallel to the axis (A).

10. Control member (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the transition from the erected position to the retracted position and / or the transition from the retracted position to the erected position is carried out with motorized assistance.

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