Quick coupling system for vehicle steering wheel

Abstract

The present invention relates to a quick-connect system for steering wheels, in particular for racing sports vehicles, which has a steering wheel-side coupling part 1 and a vehicle-side coupling part 3 which, when mounted, mechanically engage in a form-fitting manner, wherein the vehicle-side coupling part 3 has at least one engaging element 17 and the steering wheel-side coupling part 1 has a complementary element 15, which only engage in the correct orientation with respect to the rotational position of the longitudinal axis, so that the coupling parts 1, 3 can be fitted together in the longitudinal direction, The engaging elements 15, 17 are respectively arranged at least in the front region of the coupling parts 1, 3 which are to be engaged with one another and cooperate in such a way that partial engagement in an incorrect orientation is already prevented.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a quick coupling system for a vehicle steering wheel, in particular for racing sports cars, or for simulators and game consoles. [Background technology]

[0002] These types of quick coupling systems for steering wheels are used, for example, in racing sports to allow the driver to quickly get in and out of the car, for which the steering wheel must be removed, or to allow for a quick replacement of the steering wheel during a pit stop.

[0003] Conventional quick-connect systems for steering wheels, such as, for example, the quicklock for steering wheels of the type QR-03 from Krontec Maschinenbau GmbH, allow the steering wheel to be mechanically attached and detached quickly and without the aid of tools.

[0004] The known systems have the disadvantage that in the event of careless handling, in particular if the respective coupling parts are not correctly applied, the electrical plug connections which are also present can be damaged.

[0005] Furthermore, in known systems, careless handling can occur in the form of incorrect positioning, especially orientation, of the joint parts relative to one another, which requires correction by refitting, requiring additional time, which is undesirable in the field of racing sports, especially during a race, for reasons that can easily be imagined.

[0006] In more extreme cases, when the steering wheel is in the wrong orientation, the user may feel as if the steering wheel is temporarily locked when it is not, leading to the user believing that a mechanical connection has been established and not realizing this in a stressful situation. In the worst case scenario, the steering wheel may come off while driving, causing an accident. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a quick-connect system for a vehicle steering wheel which avoids the problems described above and allows for fast and reliable installation and removal of the steering wheel, in particular avoiding undesirable time losses during installation.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention by a quick-connect system for a vehicle steering wheel having the features of claim 1.

[0009] The complementary engagement elements arranged on both the vehicle-side joint part and the steering wheel-side joint part, at least in the front regions where they are to engage with each other, cooperate in such a way that even partial engagement in the direction of the longitudinal axis in an incorrect orientation (rotational position around the longitudinal axis and longitudinal position relative to each other) is already prevented.

[0010] In the sense of the present invention, the prevention of (partial) engagement means an effect when a slight engagement depth is exceeded (i.e. a slight engagement depth of less than one-fifth compared to the total insertion depth, or even one-tenth of the total insertion depth); therefore, for example, a correspondingly slight overlap in the axial direction, without any consideration of the correct application of the end faces of the respective coupling parts and, in particular, the correct rotational position relative to one another, is not considered as a partial engagement.

[0011] This has the advantage that it is possible to prevent the joint parts from being misaligned relative to one another even at the time of fitting, which would nevertheless result in a fit that exceeds the aforementioned small penetration depth compared to the final penetration depth (if the joint parts are correctly positioned).

[0012] This avoids the coupling parts becoming stuck in the wrong position when mating and even mechanical damage to the coupling parts. The solution according to the invention also makes unnecessary and undesirable removal of incorrectly positioned coupling parts under time pressure unnecessary, since incorrect installation is already prevented at an early stage.

[0013] Furthermore, if electrical contact is present, no damage can occur, including as a result of incorrect contact.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the engagement elements are configured in the form of a non-rotationally symmetric outer circumference and a complementary inner circumference. In cross section, the respective circumferences can have, for example, an irregular shape that allows engagement only in a unique mutual rotational position. Of course, it is also conceivable to provide an axisymmetric or even rotationally symmetric cross section with notches and / or projections that also allow engagement only in a unique mutual rotational position.

[0015] The cooperating cross sections are preferably designed to have a tolerance in the spacing between the corresponding surfaces as a fit-up and insertion aid, thereby allowing for slight misalignments in the rotational position and / or the spacing of the respective longitudinal axes as a clearance. Such initial clearance in the misalignment of the respective longitudinal axes and / or the rotational position of the respective joint parts is reduced with the penetration depth, preferably by a corresponding contraction of the inner circumference and / or expansion of the outer circumference and / or by an expansion or contraction of the engagement members, so that the respective joint parts are automatically brought together in the correct position with respect to the rotational and / or longitudinal position (centering aid).

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the quick coupling system includes electrical connecting members, preferably in the form of bayonet contacts, which establish an electrical connection when in the installed state.

[0017] In this embodiment, the quick coupling system according to the invention preferably comprises, in addition to a mechanical coupling for force transmission, an electrical connection for transmitting signals from the steering wheel to the vehicle or to the so-called wheel base of the game or simulation system and vice versa.

[0018] The electrical connecting elements are in this embodiment arranged in the respective rear regions of the coupling parts in such a way that they can only be connected during installation (mutual plugging / joining) of the respective coupling parts if they are correctly oriented with respect to the rotational position on the longitudinal axis as well as concentrically positioned with respect to the alignment of the longitudinal central axes, so that no incorrect contacts as well as damage to the contacts can occur.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the insertion aid is configured in the form of a groove member and a protrusion member, the groove member having a decreasing width towards the rear region or the protrusion member having an increasing width in order to center and correctly position the protrusion member during insertion.

[0020] The quick coupling system according to the invention can be used for vehicles, simulators or game consoles or for corresponding steering wheels.

[0021] Further preferred embodiments of the invention become apparent from the dependent claims.

[0022] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. The drawings show: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a steering wheel side coupling portion of the quick coupling system according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a vehicle-side coupling portion of the quick coupling system according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] 2. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the joint portion on the steering wheel side in FIG. 1 and a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the joint portion on the vehicle side in FIG. 2 immediately before the joint portions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are fitted together in the correct orientation. [Figure 4] 3, in which the joint parts shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 have already been partially mated; FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of FIGS. 3 and 4 in which the joint parts shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 have already been largely mated, but the electrical connection members have not yet been brought into contact; FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, in which the joint parts shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are fully mated. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 when the joint portions are not oriented correctly relative to each other. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The steering wheel-side coupling part 1 shown in Figure 1 has a receiving part 7 starting from its front side in the form of a rectangular opening into which the vehicle-side coupling part 3 shown in Figure 2 can be inserted with its head 5.

[0025] The steering wheel side joint part 1 has on its back side a mounting part 19 in the form of a flange for a steering wheel (not shown in the drawings).

[0026] As is clear from figure 2, the head 5 of the coupling part 3 has a substantially rectangular cross section which is tapered or tapered towards its front end, and is connected with its rear side to a steering column 27 of the vehicle or to a wheel box of a simulator or game system in a fixed and non-rotatable manner.

[0027] As is clear from FIG. 3, the opening or receiving portion 7 is configured complementary to the head 5 in cross section and tapers in the direction of its depth.

[0028] When the head 5 is fully inserted into the receiving part 7 in the correct orientation, the rod 9 engages in a longitudinal groove 11 formed on the outer circumference of the head 5, thereby locking the mechanical connection of the joint parts in this position.

[0029] To release the rod 9 so that it can move radially outward, the sleeve 13 arranged in the joint part 1 can be pulled back axially against a spring force (spring 25) to pull the head 5 out of the receiving part 7.

[0030] To ensure correct orientation when fitting the coupling parts 1 and 3, the head 5 has at least one location in its cross section an engagement element 15, for example in the form of a notch 17. Complementarily to this, the receiving part 7 has an engagement element 15 in its cross section, for example in the form of a protrusion.

[0031] When the joint parts 1 and 3 are fitted together, the engaging members 15 and 17 engage with each other, for example in the form of a tongue and groove joint, so that the correct orientation of the axial rotational position is guaranteed already at the time of the initial fitting, until complete installation is reached.

[0032] As is evident from figure 4, a parallel or even concentric position of the longitudinal axes L and F of the coupling parts 1 and 3 is not necessary, since the clearance present between the outer circumference of the head 5 and the receiving part 7 also allows for an inclined position of the coupling parts 1 and 3 relative to one another, whereby an angle α of at most 25°, preferably at most 15°, between the axes L and F is possible, without thereby hindering the mating.

[0033] The head 5 is automatically centered in the receiving part 7 by the decreasing clearance depending on the insertion depth, so that the angle α becomes smaller and smaller until it reaches zero in the final position of the fully installed attachment.

[0034] Thus, by virtue of the cooperation of the respective engaging members, the correct orientation of the coupling parts 1 and 3 relative to one another for mating is ensured already at the time of fitting, whereby mating in an incorrect orientation is prevented or an incorrect orientation is immediately detected at the start of installation.

[0035] Additionally, any clearance that preferably is present that reduces upon insertion (e.g. a complementary tapered configuration of head 5 and receiving portion 7) acts as an insertion and centering aid to ensure correct final positioning.

[0036] As is evident from Figure 5, the corresponding reduction in clearance also allows for flawless electrical contact of plug-in contacts 21 and 23. The clearance and the associated angle α are small enough at this plug-in depth that contacts 21 and 23 automatically engage in the correct position upon further plug-in.

[0037] Here, the contact 21 of the coupling part 1 is arranged internally, preferably in the area of ​​the bottom surface of the receiving part 7, as in Figs. 1 and 3 to 7, and is only connected with the contact 23 at a later point in time in a substantially correct position, for example after half, preferably after 4 / 5, of the complete insertion depth.

[0038] In this way, mechanical damage due to careless handling is prevented, as well as incorrect installations - which would go unnoticed in the worst case - which would nevertheless result in at least a temporary friction- or form-fitting connection, so that no time losses occur when installing or removing the quick-connect system.

[0039] The functioning of the quick disconnect system according to the present invention will now be briefly described.

[0040] During installation, the (clamping) rod 9 is displaced to the side by pulling back the sleeve 13, so that the head 5 can be inserted into the receiving part 7.

[0041] The cross section is configured similarly to a simple key-lock system as described above, so that the coupling parts 1 and 3 can only be fitted together or the head can only be inserted into the receiving part 7 if the orientation is correct.

[0042] When this is attempted at different orientations, e.g. 90° and 180°, the possible insertion depth is so small that only a small coupling can be achieved, which is immediately apparent to the user even under stress situations.

[0043] The longitudinal section tapers, which reduces the clearance, especially in the radial direction, the further the head 5 is inserted into the receiving part 7. Contact at the electrical plug connections 21, 23 is only possible when the pin 21 and the socket 23 are exactly opposed to each other. In this way, mechanical damage to the plug contacts 21, 23 is prevented.

[0044] Then, when the sleeve 13 is released, the spring 25 pulls it back to its initial position and the clamp rod 9 enters the corresponding recess or groove 11 in the coupling part 3 (head 5), but preferably does not contact the bottom surface, thus keeping the system under stress.

[0045] A force transmission is provided by the preferred implementation of the groove 11 as a bevel, whereby the clamping force between the joint parts 1 and 3 is several times higher than the force of the spring 25 used. In this way the connection is maintained with the smallest possible clearance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1 Connection part Steering wheel side (socket) 3 Joint part Vehicle side (plug) Head of 5 3 7 1 Storage Unit 9 (Clamp) Rod (Lock) 11 Groove for rod 9 13 Sleeve (prestressed axially by a spring) 15 Engagement member (protrusion or lug / projection) 17 Engagement member (groove) for 15 19 Mounting for steering wheel 21 Plug contacts 23 Plug-in contact (socket) 25 Spring 27 Steering column L Long axis of joint part 1 F Long axis of joint part 3 α angle between central major axes L and F

Claims

1. A quick-connect system for a steering wheel, comprising a steering wheel-side coupling part (1) and a vehicle-side coupling part (3) which mechanically engage in a form-fitting manner when mounted, the vehicle-side joint part (3) has at least one engaging member (17) and the steering wheel-side joint part (1) has a complementary member (15) which engage with each other only when these members are oriented correctly with respect to the rotational position on the longitudinal axis, so that the joint parts (1, 3) can be fitted together in the longitudinal direction; The quick coupling system is characterized in that the engaging members (15, 17) are each arranged at least in the front region of the coupling parts (1, 3) that are to be engaged with each other and cooperate in such a way that partial engagement in an incorrect orientation is already prevented.

2. 2. A quick disconnect coupling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the engagement members (15, 17) are configured in the form of a non-rotationally symmetric outer circumference and a complementary inner circumference.

3. 3. The quick coupling system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the quick coupling system has an electrical connection member (21, 23) which establishes an electrical connection in the installed state, the electrical connection member (21, 23) being arranged in a rear region of the coupling part (1) and / or the coupling part (3) in such a way that the electrical connection member (21, 23) is only connected during installation of the coupling parts (1, 3) when the correct orientation in terms of longitudinal rotational position as well as the concentric positioning in terms of the alignment of the longitudinal central axes (L, F) is established.

4. 4. A quick coupling system according to claim 3, characterized in that the electrical connection members (21, 23) are configured as plug-in contacts.

5. 3. A quick coupling system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an insertion aid and / or a centering aid is arranged on at least one of the coupling parts (1, 3) at least in the forward most region of the regions to be engaged with one another.

6. 6. A quick coupling system according to claim 5, characterized in that the insertion aid is configured in the form of at least one of the coupling parts (3) tapering or widening towards a front region in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

7. 7. A quick coupling system according to claim 6, characterized in that the insertion aid is configured in the form of a groove (17) and a protruding member (15), the groove (17) having a decreasing width towards the rear area or the protruding member (15) having an increasing width in order to center and correctly position the protruding member (15) during insertion.

8. A method of using the quick coupling system described in claim 1 or 2 for a vehicle, simulator, or game console.

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