System for assisting a driver getting in and out of a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (20) for assisting a driver (32) getting in and out of a vehicle (1), the system (20) having a pivotable longitudinal axis (A L ), a steering column (3) connected to a steering wheel (4), a controller (22) capable of calculating a force, and a controller (32) configured to rotate the steering column (3) along a longitudinal axis (A) in order to guide the steering column connected to the steering wheel (4) to a predetermined position when a driver (32) gets in or out of the vehicle. L and a force feedback module (5) having an actuator capable of exerting said force on a steering column (3) to pivot about a steering axis (4) and fixing the steering column (3) in position, the steering column (3) being attached to a steering wheel (4). The present invention also relates to a vehicle (1) including the system (2) and a method for assisting a driver (32) getting in and out of the vehicle (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for assisting a driver getting in and out of a vehicle, a vehicle equipped with the system, and a method for assisting a driver getting in and out of a vehicle. The present invention is particularly suitable for the automotive industry.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, in an automobile equipped with a steer-by-wire type steering system, there is no mechanical connection between an operation part of a wheel, for example, between a steering wheel and a steering wheel.

[0003] A conventional steering column is replaced with an electrical connection capable of transmitting a control signal generated from the rotation of the steering wheel to an actuator that is generally electric and ensures control of the steering angle of the steering wheel.

[0004] In a steer-by-wire type steering control system, it is necessary to reproduce for the driver the driving feeling that is essential for appropriately controlling the vehicle.

[0005] Actually, the feeling that the driver perceives through the steering wheel plays an important role in the steering ability of the vehicle.

[0006] Today, many steering systems are known, and like a mechanical automobile steering system, they are mainly equipped with a force feedback module that delivers force feedback to the steering wheel so that the driver can feel road conditions such as changes in grip.

[0007] That is, this force feedback module calculates the force felt in a conventional mechanical steering system.

[0008] In the automotive industry, a steer-by-wire steering control system enables movement towards the development of vehicles having, particularly during the autonomous driving phase, i.e., the driving phase during which the driver is released from the operation of the steering wheel.

[0009] Furthermore, conventional steering columns generally include a "Neiman" anti-theft device. This anti-theft device has the function of preventing or decelerating vehicle theft by fixing the steering system when the vehicle is turned off. This device has a secondary function of facilitating the driver's getting in and out of the vehicle. In practice, the steering wheel functions as a handle for the driver to lean on when getting in and out of the vehicle.

[0010] In a steer-by-wire steering control system, since the anti-theft function is guaranteed by the absence of a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels, the anti-theft device is removed. Therefore, when the ignition is off, the steering wheel cannot be used to turn the vehicle. Furthermore, the absence of the anti-theft device allows the volume of the force feedback module to be increased. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0011] However, it does not become easy for the driver to get in and out of the vehicle. In practice, when the driver unlocks the vehicle using a remote communication device or a key inserted into the vehicle door latch, the steering wheel is not fixed. If the driver leans on the steering wheel, the steering wheel may turn, creating a risk of injury to the driver.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to propose a steer-by-wire steering system that facilitates the driver's getting in and out of the vehicle, thereby improving the above-mentioned drawbacks. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0013] The subject of the present invention is a system for assisting a driver getting in and out of a vehicle, said system comprising: · a steering column having a rotatable longitudinal axis and connected to a steering wheel; · a force feedback module attached to the steering column, the force feedback module having a controller capable of calculating a force, and an actuator capable of applying the force to the steering column so that the steering column connected to the steering wheel pivots about the longitudinal axis to guide the steering column connected to the steering wheel to a predetermined position when the driver gets in and out of the vehicle, and the force feedback module fixing the steering column connected to the steering wheel to the predetermined position when the driver gets in and out of the vehicle; and a steering device comprising the above.

[0014] By means of the assistance system according to the invention, in particular by means of the controller of the force feedback module, the steering column and as a result the steering wheel pivot about the longitudinal circumference of the steering column so as to reach a predetermined position, namely the optimal position which assists the driver getting in and out of the vehicle. Thereby, the driver can lean on the steering wheel which functions as a handle without getting injured.

[0015] The optimal position of the steering wheel which makes it easier for the driver to get in and out of the vehicle will be understood from the predetermined position of the steering wheel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the steering wheel comprises a continuous annular wall surrounding a cavity, a base located at the center of the cavity, and at least two side arms connecting the base and the annular wall. The surface of the base of the steering wheel is, for example, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the steering column.

[0017] In one embodiment, the steering wheel comprises a discontinuous annular wall having at least two non-connected ends and surrounding a cavity. The annular wall may be connected by at least two side arms to a base located in the center of the cavity. The surface of the base of the steering wheel is, for example, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the steering column.

[0018] Preferably, the steering wheel reaches a predetermined position when a part of the annular wall without at least two side arms is adjacent to the driver's side vehicle door. In one embodiment, the auxiliary system comprises at least one sensor configured to detect when the driver gets into and / or out of the vehicle.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least one sensor is located on a safety belt disposed on the driver's seat of the vehicle. Preferably, at least one sensor is located on the safety belt such that the sensor detects the wearing of the safety belt when the driver gets into the vehicle or the removal of the safety belt when the driver gets out of the vehicle.

[0020] In one embodiment, at least one sensor is located on the driver's seat of the vehicle. Preferably, at least one sensor is located on the base of the driver's seat and optionally on the seat back of the driver's seat. In this embodiment, the sensor detects the weight of the driver, i.e., the presence of the driver on the vehicle seat.

[0021] In one embodiment, at least one sensor is located on the vehicle door.

[0022] In one embodiment, at least one sensor is connected to the vehicle shutdown or start system.

[0023] In one embodiment, the sensor is a load sensor, a pressure sensor, a door switch, or an optical sensor.

[0024] In one embodiment, the steering apparatus according to the present invention includes a steering control means for a steering wheel of a vehicle.

[0025] For example, the steering means is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle or the position of the steering wheel induced by the driver.

[0026] For example, the steering means of the vehicle includes a rack and pinion connected to the steering wheel of the vehicle, and an actuator fixed to the rack and pinion and enabling the movement of the rack and pinion.

[0027] In one embodiment, the force is motor torque.

[0028] In one embodiment, the actuator is a magnetorheological fluid or a motor.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a vehicle including an auxiliary system for facilitating the driver to get in and out of the vehicle, an electronic control unit (ECU), a driver seat, a safety belt disposed on the driver seat, a door, and a shutdown and startup system of the vehicle.

[0030] The ECU is used to control various electronic systems.

[0031] In one embodiment, the controller is connected to the ECU or directly integrated into the ECU.

[0032] Finally, an aspect of the present invention is a method for assisting a driver getting in and out of a vehicle according to the present invention, the method comprising: A. Detecting when the driver gets into or out of the vehicle, B. Calculating a force by a controller when the driver gets in or out, and applying the force to a steering column connected to the steering wheel by an actuator so that the steering column pivots around a longitudinal axis to guide the steering column to a predetermined position. C. When the driver gets in or out of the vehicle, use the controller to fix the steering wheel in a predetermined position.

[0033] According to the method of the present invention, it is possible to correct the arrangement of the steering column, and thus the arrangement of the steering wheel, so that the steering wheel is in the optimal position and fix the steering wheel at this position. As a result, it becomes easier for the driver to get in and out of the vehicle without the risk of injury.

[0034] In one embodiment, in step A, the detection when the driver gets in is performed when the vehicle is unlocked, and the detection when the driver gets out is performed when the vehicle shuts down, that is, when the ignition of the vehicle is turned off.

[0035] In one embodiment, in step A, the vehicle is unlocked by a communication device that can remotely control the opening and closing of the vehicle door, or a key that can open and close the vehicle door.

[0036] In one preferred embodiment of step A, the ECU detects the unlocking of the vehicle. In this embodiment, when the driver unlocks the vehicle, the ECU turns on the power and detects the unlocking of the vehicle.

[0037] In one embodiment, between step A and step B, the method includes step D in which the ECU transmits to the controller that the vehicle has been unlocked.

[0038] In one embodiment, in step A, the detection of the shutdown of the vehicle is performed by a sensor. It will be understood that shutting down the vehicle turns off the ignition of the vehicle.

[0039] In one embodiment, the method includes step E of detecting when the driver gets into or out of the vehicle by using at least one sensor.

[0040] In one embodiment, detection when the driver gets into or out of the vehicle is transmitted from the sensor to the ECU.

[0041] In one embodiment, the method includes step F of releasing the steering wheel from a predetermined position.

[0042] In one embodiment, the ECU transmits information indicating when the driver gets into or out of the vehicle to the controller so that the controller releases the steering wheel from a predetermined position.

[0043] The present invention will be better understood from the following description of one or some embodiments according to the present invention, given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0044]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0045] Figures 1 and 2 show a vehicle 1 equipped with an assistance system 20 for assisting a driver when getting in and out of the vehicle. The assistance system 20 includes a steering device (not shown) having a rack and pinion (not shown) connected to the steering wheel 2 of the vehicle 1. An actuator (not shown) is fixed on the rack and pinion. The actuator enables displacement of the rack and pinion.

[0046] The assistance system 20 also includes a steering column 3 having a longitudinal axis A L The steering column 3 is connected to a steering wheel 4, and the steering wheel can rotate around the longitudinal axis A of the steering column 3. L

[0047] The assistance system 20 includes a force feedback module 5 fixed to the steering column 3. The force feedback module 5 includes a controller 22 capable of calculating a force, such as a motor torque, and an actuator (not shown) that can apply, for example, the motor torque to the steering column 3 so that the steering column 3 rotates around the longitudinal axis A to guide the steering wheel 4 to a predetermined position when the driver 32 gets in and out of the vehicle. When the driver 32 gets in and out of the vehicle, the steering column 3 connected to the steering wheel 4 is fixed to a predetermined position. For example, the controller 22 is arranged on the force feedback module 5. The controller 22 may be connected to the ECU 10. L

[0048] The vehicle 1 may also include a CAN bus 23. The network 23 includes the electrical wiring 24 of the vehicle 1 configured to establish electrical connection and communication between the force feedback module 5, such as a sensor 30, and various components of the vehicle. The wire harness 24 is usually connected to the ECU 10.

[0049] ​​The steering wheel 4 includes a continuous annular wall 4a surrounding the cavity, a base 4b located at the center of the cavity, and, for example, three side arms 4c, 4d, 4e connecting the base 4b and the annular wall 4a. The base 4b of the steering wheel 4 is, for example, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the steering column 3. L It is located in a plane perpendicular to it.

[0050] Figure 3 illustrates the initial position of the steering wheel such that when the driver's side door is located on the left side of the side arm 4c, the side arm 4c of the steering wheel prevents the driver from leaning on the steering wheel when getting into or out of the vehicle. The initial position of the steering wheel will be understood as the position where the steering wheel is placed when the driver unlocks the vehicle or the position where the steering wheel is placed when the driver turns off the ignition of the vehicle.

[0051] Figure 4 illustrates a predetermined position of the steering wheel where the portion of the annular wall 4a without the side arms 4c, 4d, 4e is adjacent to the driver's side door of the vehicle 1. Thus, the driver may lean on the portion of the annular wall 4a without the side arms 4c, 4d, 4e when getting into or out of the vehicle.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the auxiliary system 20 may include, for example, four sensors 30 configured to detect when the driver 32 gets into and / or out of the vehicle. In this example, the four load sensors are located on the vehicle seat 31 to detect the weight of the driver 32 or the absence of weight.

[0053] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, the driver 32 sits on the driver's seat 31 including the safety belt 33, and the safety belt 33 includes, for example, two sensors 34. The sensors 34 may determine when the driver 32 gets in or out by detecting the wearing or removal of the safety belt. For example, the sensors 34 are pressure sensors.

[0054] In an example of a method for assisting a driver 32 boarding vehicle 1, in step A, the driver 32 unlocks the vehicle, for example, by means of a communication device capable of remotely controlling the opening and closing of the vehicle door. Then, the ECU 10 may turn on and detect the unlocking of vehicle 1.

[0055] In step D after step A, the ECU 10 may transmit the unlocking of vehicle 1 to the controller 22.

[0056] In step B, the controller 22 may calculate a motor torque that can rotate the steering column 3 from the initial position (Figure 3) to a predetermined position as illustrated in Figure 4 around the longitudinal axis A L Then, the actuator may input the motor torque to the steering column 3 so as to guide the steering wheel 4 to the said position.

[0057] In step C, the controller 22 may fix the steering wheel at the predetermined position (Figure 4). Thereby, the driver can board vehicle 1, particularly the seat 31 of vehicle 1.

[0058] In step E, for example, the four sensors 30 may detect when the driver 32 boards the seat 31 of vehicle 1.

[0059] For example, the four sensors 30 may transmit information indicating that the driver has boarded the seat 31 to the ECU 10.

[0060] In step F, the ECU 10 may transmit information indicating that the driver 32 has boarded vehicle 1 to the controller 22 so that the controller 22 releases the steering wheel 4 from the predetermined position. Thereby, the driver 32 can start the vehicle and drive on the road.

[0061] In another example of a method for assisting a driver getting off vehicle 1, in step A, the driver The vehicle 1 may be shut down, i.e., the ignition may be turned off.

[0062] For example, the detection of the shutdown of the vehicle 1 may be performed by a sensor connected to a start and shutdown system (not shown) of the vehicle 1.

[0063] In step B, the controller 22 may calculate a motor torque that can turn the steering column 3 from the initial position (FIG. 3) to a predetermined position as illustrated in FIG. 4 around the longitudinal axis A. Then, the actuator may input the motor torque to the steering column 3 so as to guide the steering wheel 4 to the said position. L In step C, the controller 22 may fix the steering wheel at a predetermined position (FIG. 4). Thereby, the driver can get off the vehicle 1, particularly from the seat 31 of the vehicle 1, by leaning on the steering wheel.

[0064] In step E, for example, two sensors 34 existing in the safety belt 33 may detect when the driver gets off.

[0065] In one embodiment, in step A, the detection of the shutdown of the vehicle is performed by a sensor. The shutdown of the vehicle will be understood as the ignition of the vehicle being turned off.

[0066] For example, the two sensors 34 may transmit information indicating that the driver 32 has gotten off to the ECU 10.

[0067]

[0068] In step F, the ECU 10 may transmit information indicating that the driver 32 has gotten off the vehicle 1 to the controller 22 so that the controller 22 releases the steering wheel 4 from the predetermined position. Thereby, the driver 32 can get out of the vehicle before locking the vehicle.

[0069] ​The assist system and method according to the present invention facilitate the driver's getting in and out without the risk of injury by enabling the driver to use the steering wheel as a handle.

Claims

1. A system (20) for assisting a driver (32) getting in and out of a vehicle (1), comprising a steering device, wherein the steering device A longitudinally axis (A Ｌ ) that can turn, a steering column (3) connected to a steering wheel (4), A force feedback module (5) attached to the steering column (3), comprising a controller (22) capable of calculating a force, and when a driver (32) gets in and out of the vehicle, in order to guide the steering column connected to the steering wheel (4) to a predetermined position, the steering column (3) is arranged to rotate around the longitudinal axis (A Ｌ ), and an actuator capable of applying the force to the steering column (3), and when a driver gets in and out of the vehicle, a force feedback module (5) that fixes the steering column (3) connected to the steering wheel (4) to the predetermined position. is characterized by the system.

2. In the system (20) according to Claim 1, characterized by comprising at least one sensor (30, 34) configured to detect when the driver (32) gets into the vehicle (1) and / or when the driver (32) gets out of the vehicle (1).

3. In the system (20) according to Claim 2, the at least one sensor (30, 34) is provided on a safety belt (33) provided on a driver seat (31) of the vehicle (1), on the driver seat (31) of the vehicle (1), located on a door of the vehicle (1), or connected to a shutdown or start system of the vehicle (1), characterized by the system.

4. An auxiliary system (20) that facilitates a driver (32) getting in and out of a vehicle (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, an electronic control unit (ECU) (10), a driver seat (31), a safety belt (33) provided on the driver seat (31), a door, and a shutdown and start system of the vehicle (1), characterized by the vehicle (1).

5. In the vehicle (1) according to Claim 4, the controller (22) is connected to the ECU (10) or directly integrated into the ECU (10), characterized by the vehicle.

6. A method for assisting a driver (32) getting in and out of a vehicle (1) according to Claim 4 or 5, comprising step A of detecting when the driver (32) gets into the vehicle (1) or when the driver (32) gets out of the vehicle (1), When the driver (32) gets in and out, the controller (22) calculates a force, and in order to guide the steering column connected to the steering wheel (4) to a predetermined position by the actuator, the steering column (3) is arranged around the longitudinal axis (A Ｌ ) so as to turn around), step B of applying the force to the steering column (3); and step C of fixing the steering wheel (4) to the predetermined position using the controller (22) when the driver (32) gets in and out of the vehicle, characterized by the method.

7. In the method according to Claim 6, in step A, the detection when the driver (32) gets in is performed when the vehicle is unlocked, and the detection when the driver (32) gets out is performed when the vehicle (1) shuts down, characterized by the method.

8. In the method according to Claim 7, in step A, the ECU (10) is characterized by detecting that the vehicle (1) has been unlocked.

9. In the method according to Claim 7, A method characterized in that, between step A and step B, the ECU (10) comprises a step D of transmitting to the controller (22) that the vehicle (1) has been unlocked.

10. In the method according to claim 7, In step A, the detection of the shutdown of the vehicle (1) is performed by a sensor.

11. In the method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, Characterized by comprising a step E of detecting, using at least one sensor (30, 34), when the driver (32) gets on or off the vehicle.

12. In the method according to claim 11, The detection of when the driver (32) gets on or off the vehicle (1) is transmitted to the ECU (10) by the sensor (30, 34).

13. In the method according to any one of claims 6 to 12, Characterized by comprising a step F of releasing the steering wheel (4) from the predetermined position.

14. In the method according to claim 13, The ECU (10) transmits information indicating when the driver (32) gets on or off the vehicle (1) to the controller (22) so that the controller (22) releases the steering wheel (4) from the predetermined position.

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