SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCKING AND UNLOCKING AN ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND CORRESPONDING STEERING COLUMN

Abstract

This locking and unlocking system for an adjustable steering column of a motor vehicle comprises a pair of control elements (3, 4) that can be manually operated by a user, an electric motor that can be activated by pressing on the two control elements, and a locking member that can be moved by the electric motor between a locked position of the steering column and an unlocked position of the steering column. (See Figure 3 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCKING AND UNLOCKING AN ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND CORRESPONDING STEERING COLUMN technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the steering columns of motor vehicles and relates more particularly to a locking and unlocking system for an adjustable steering column of a motor vehicle.

[0002] It also relates to a steering column comprising such a locking and unlocking system as well as a method for adjusting a steering column of a motor vehicle. Previous techniques

[0003] In the automotive sector, user comfort, and in particular driver comfort, is an essential element in making the car pleasant to drive.

[0004] The driver must be properly seated in relation to the steering wheel to ensure a comfortable driving position. This allows the driver to undertake long journeys without fatigue. It is also a matter of safety.

[0005] Adjusting an adjustable steering column is one of the adjustments that allows the driver's driving position to be improved. Currently, adjustable steering columns can be equipped with either a mechanical locking and unlocking lever or an electric adjustment system.

[0006] With reference to [Fig. 1], when a steering column C is equipped with a mechanical lever 1, the adjustment is carried out manually by unlocking the steering column, manipulating the lever 1, manually positioning the steering wheel in a desired position and, finally, locking the steering column by means of the lever 1.

[0007] When the steering column is equipped with an electric adjustment system ([Fig.2]), the tilt adjustment and telescopic adjustment of the steering column is carried out by acting on a control button 2 provided for example on the side of the steering column C.

[0008] Both of these solutions have the disadvantage of having insufficient ergonomics.

[0009] When the adjustment is manual, it is necessary to move the hands after adjustment to lock the steering column. In addition, a mechanical lever constitutes a point of contact with the lower limbs which is difficult to manage, and which often presents a negative aesthetic and qualitative impact.

[0010] When the adjustment is motorized, the adjustment necessarily takes place while the driver is not in a driving position since he is manipulating the control button.

[0011] In addition, a motorized system has a very high cost because of the large number of parts in its construction and a very large mass. Description of the invention

[0012] The aim of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks and to provide a steering column locking and unlocking system which has improved ergonomics and which allows manual adjustment of the steering column in order to obtain an optimal driving position.

[0013] The invention therefore relates to a locking and unlocking system for an adjustable steering column of a motor vehicle, which comprises a pair of control elements that can be manually operated by a user, an electric motor that can be activated by pressing on the two control elements, and a locking member that can be moved by the action of the electric motor between a locked position of the steering column and an unlocked position of the steering column.

[0014] In one embodiment, the control elements are positioned diametrically opposite on a steering wheel mounted on the steering column.

[0015] The motor can be activated by simultaneously pressing on both control elements.

[0016] Advantageously, the motor is a reversible motor that can be activated by double pressing on the control elements so as to move the locking member from the steering column locking position to the steering column unlocking position and so as to move the locking member from the steering column unlocking position to the steering column locking position when one of the control elements is no longer activated.

[0017] In one embodiment, the locking member comprises a cam mechanism controlled by a worm gear driven by the motor.

[0018] The invention also relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle comprising a locking and unlocking system as defined above.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method for adjusting a steering column of a motor vehicle comprising a locking and unlocking system comprising a pair of control elements manually operated by a user, an electric motor activated by pressing the two control elements and a locking member movable by the action of the electric motor between a steering column locking position and a steering column unlocking position, in which the control elements are pressed to activate the motor and move the locking member from the steering column locking position to the steering column unlocking position and the steering column is set to unlock, then at least one of the controls is released to activate the motor in the opposite direction and move the locking member from the steering column unlocking position to the locking position. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0021] - Figures [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2] illustrate the adjustment of a steering column adjustable according to the state of the art;

[0022] - Figure 3 is a top view of a vehicle steering wheel mounted on a column steering system equipped with a locking and unlocking system according to the invention;

[0023] - The [Fig.4] is a view from below of the steering wheel of the [Fig.3];

[0024] - Figure 5 is a perspective view of a steering column conforming to the invention;

[0025] - Figures [Fig. 6] and [Fig. 7] show the locking and unlocking system in accordance with the invention, respectively in the locked position and in the unlocked position; and

[0026] Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are detailed views of the locking and unlocking system of Figures 6 and 7, respectively in the locked and unlocked positions. Detailed description

[0027] Reference will first be made to Figures 3 and 4, which illustrate a motor vehicle steering wheel V mounted on a steering column C according to the invention. This steering column is adjustable by the user in order to set it in an optimal driving position.

[0028] The steering column position is adjusted manually. However, the steering column is equipped with an electrically operated locking and unlocking system.

[0029] In other words, the steering column can be adjusted manually by manipulating the steering wheel while the unlocking and locking of the steering column is carried out by means of a locking device which can be activated and deactivated electrically under the action of control elements that can be manipulated manually by the user, in this case the driver of the motor vehicle.

[0030] These control elements are positioned on the steering wheel so that the steering column can be unlocked and locked without the driver having to move their hands from the steering wheel.

[0031] Thus, as represented, the steering wheel V is equipped with control elements 3 and 4, respectively left and right, which are manually manipulable to control the unlocking and locking of the steering column.

[0032] These are, for example, control buttons that can be activated by pressing.

[0033] These two control elements 3 and 4 are placed for example on the face of the steering wheel turned towards the dashboard, opposite the driver so as to be directly operable by a user having both hands on the steering wheel.

[0034] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the two buttons 3 and 4 are diametrically opposed. They are intended to be activated simultaneously to unlock the steering column. They are advantageously positioned at a location that corresponds to an optimal driving position.

[0035] As illustrated in [Fig.5], the steering column locking and unlocking system is fully integrated into the steering column, being placed inside a lower steering column cover 5, an upper steering column cover 6, a lower steering wheel cover 7, and an upper steering wheel cover 8. It is therefore invisible from the vehicle's interior.

[0036] With reference to figures 6 to 9, the locking and unlocking system essentially comprises a reversible electric motor 9, which is driven by the control elements 3 and 4, and a cam locking member 10 movable under the action of the electric motor between a steering column locking position and a steering column unlocking position.

[0037] The locking member 10 comprises a worm gear 11 driven in rotation by the motor 9, a lever 12 mounted on a shaft 13 and whose rotation is controlled by the worm gear 11, and a locking head 14 which causes the axial displacement of a clamping head 15 which blocks the movement of the steering column in two adjustment slots 16 and 17 along two perpendicular axes in X and Z, respectively.

[0038] The locking member comprises a cam mechanism. The locking head 14, driven in rotation by the lever 12, is in this respect provided with an end relief 18 which acts on a ramped track 19 formed on the clamping head 15.

[0039] Under the action of the electric motor which drives the worm screw 11 in rotation, the locking head 14 and the clamping head 15 are movable between a locked position (figures 6 and 8) and an unlocked position (figures 7 and 9).

[0040] The electric motor 11 can be activated by the action of the two control elements 3 and 4 which can be manipulated manually by the user.

[0041] To unlock the steering column, simply press both control elements simultaneously with both hands. This double press prevents unintentional activation.

[0042] Simultaneous pressing of both control elements activates the motor and unlocks the steering column. The steering wheel position can then be perfectly adjusted without changing the hand position on the steering wheel, which remains in the ideal driving position.

[0043] At the end of the adjustment, it is sufficient to release one or both of the control elements to cause the motor to rotate in the opposite direction and the subsequent locking of the steering column.

[0044] It should be noted that unlocking only occurs when the vehicle is stationary. The locking and unlocking system is therefore also equipped with control logic that prevents any command to the electric motor until the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

Claims

Demands

1. A locking and unlocking system for an adjustable steering column of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a pair of control elements (3, 4) which can be operated manually by a user, an electric motor (9) which can be activated by pressing on the two control elements and a locking member (10) which can be moved by the action of the electric motor between a locking position of the steering column and an unlocking position of the steering column.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the control elements (3, 4) are positioned diametrically opposite on a steering wheel (V) mounted on the steering column (C).

3. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor (9) is activatable by the action of simultaneous pressing on the two control elements.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor (9) is a reversible motor activatable by double pressing on the control elements (3, 4) so ​​as to move the locking member (10) from the steering column locking position to the steering column unlocking position and so as to move the locking member (10) from the steering column unlocking position to the steering column locking position when one of the control elements (3, 4) is no longer activated.

5. . System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the locking member (10) comprises a cam mechanism mounted on a worm gear driven by the motor.

6. Motor vehicle steering column, characterized in that it comprises a locking and unlocking system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A method for adjusting a motor vehicle steering column comprising a locking and unlocking system having a pair of control elements (3, 4) manually operated by a user, an electric motor (9) activatable by pressing on the two control elements (3, 4), and a locking member (10) movable by the action of the electric motor between a locking position of the steering column and a steering column unlocking position, in which the control elements (3, 4) are pressed to activate the motor and move the locking member (10) from the steering column locking position to the steering column unlocking position and the unlocked steering column is adjusted, then at least one of the presses on the control elements (3, 4) is released to activate the motor in the opposite direction and move the locking member (10) from the steering column unlocking position to the locking position.

Images