WO2003020571A1

WO2003020571A1 - Stowable steering wheel

Info

Publication number: WO2003020571A1
Application number: PCT/US2002/027871
Authority: WO
Inventors: James J. Farber; Athanassios L. Tubidis; John Krsteski; Darren C. Mcintire; Gregory N. Brncick; Daniel P. Chocko; John Ruggiero; Jon Pease
Original assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
Priority date: 2001-08-31
Filing date: 2002-09-03
Publication date: 2003-03-13
Also published as: WO2003020572A1; WO2003020571A8

Abstract

An instrumental panel (14) with a steering wheel assembly (44) that moves between stowed and deployed positions is disclosed. The instrument panel (14) including a sliding member (48) movable between a deployed position and a stowed position and adapted to be coupled to the instrument panel (14), a first actuator (66) configured to linearly move the sliding member (48) between a deployed position and a stowed position, a steering wheel (46) operatively coupled to the base member, and a second actuator (78) configured to pivotally move the steering wheel (46) between a deployed position and a stowed position. The sliding member (48) and the steering wheel (46) are at least partially retracted within the instrument panel (14) when in the deployed positions.

Description

STOWABLE STEERING WHEEL

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present invention claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/316,634 titled "Stowable Steering Wheel Assembly" filed August 13, 2001 (Attorney Docket No. 26032-3798), the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present inventions relate to a stowable steering wheel. The present inventions more specifically relate to a steering wheel assembly configured to be movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is generally known to provide for a steering wheel assembly that may be tilted to customize steering wheel position and/or allow better ingress and egress of the vehicle. Such tilting steering wheel assemblies typically have a pivot axis at about where the steering column meets the dashboard or where the steering wheel meets the steering column. However, such tilting steering wheel assemblies have several disadvantages including: limited movement, difficult operation, and the like.

[0004] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a steering wheel assembly capable of moving between a stowed position and a deployed position. It would also be advantageous to provide a steering wheel assembly that provides substantial space when in the stowed position. It would further be advantageous to provide a steering wheel assembly that can be moved between the stowed and deployed position by a manual operation or by an actuator. It would be desirable to provide for a stowable steering wheel having one or more of these or other advantageous features.

[0005] To provide an inexpensive, reliable, and widely adaptable stowable steering wheel assembly that avoids the above-referenced and other problems would represent a significant advance in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A primary feature of the present inventions is to provide an aesthetically-pleasing steering wheel assembly that overcomes the above-noted disadvantages.

[0007] Another feature of the present inventions is to provide a steering wheel assembly that is configured to be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the stowed position is at least partially removed or retracted from the passenger compartment (e.g., easier to ingress and egress), and wherein the deployed position presents the steering wheel for use by the driver. Alternatively, the steering wheel is substantially or entirely removed from the passenger compartment.

[0008] Another feature of the present inventions is to provide a steering wheel assembly that can be moved between its stowed and deployed positions by manual effort by the driver, or by an actuator such as an electrical motor, pneumatics, hydraulics, or the like.

[0009] Another feature of the present inventions is to provide dual sided switches on the steering wheel that are operable from either the front or rear sides of the steering wheel. [0010] How these and other advantages and features of the present inventions are accomplished (individually, collectively, or in various subcombinations) will be described in the following detailed description of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the FIGURES. Generally, however, they are accomplished in a steering wheel assembly configured to be movable between a operational/use/deployed position and a retracted/stowed position. The steering wheel assembly includes a sliding member and a sheering wheel coupled to the sliding member. When the steering wheel is to be moved to its stowed position, the one or more actuators rotate (e.g., fold) the steering wheel generally parallel to the sliding member, and the sliding member is moved into the dashboard, away from the passenger compartment. The movement can be manual or by one or more actuators.

[0011] These and other advantages and features of the present inventions may also be accomplished in a steering wheel assembly coupled to an instrument panel. The steering wheel assembly includes a base member movable between a deployed position and a stowed position and adapted to be coupled to the instrument panel, and a steering wheel operatively coupled to the base member and movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The base member and the steering wheel are configured to move between a deployed position and a stowed position whereby the base member and the steering wheel is at least partially retracted within the instrument panel.

[0012] These and other advantages and features of the present inventions may also be accomplished in an instrument panel including a base member movable between a deployed position and a stowed position and adapted to be coupled to the instrument panel, a first actuator configured to linearly move the base member between a deployed position and a stowed position, a steering wheel operatively coupled to the base member, and a second actuator configured to pivotally move the steering wheel between a deployed position and a stowed position. The base member and the steering wheel are at least partially retracted within the instrument panel.

[0013] These and other advantages and features of the present inventions may also be accomplished in a vehicle including an instrument panel, a display coupled to the instrument panel and movable between a deployed position and a stowed position, a base member coupled to the instrument panel and movable between a deployed position and a stowed position, and a steering wheel coupled to the base member and movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The base member and the steering wheel are moved between deployed positions and a stowed positions by one or more actuators so that the base member and the steering wheel is at least partially retracted within the instrument panel..

[0014] These and other advantages and features of the present inventions may also be accomplished in a steering wheel including one or more duel sided switches.

[0015] The present invention further relates to various features and combinations of features shown and described in the disclosed embodiments. Other ways in which the objects and features of the disclosed embodiments are accomplished will be described in the following specification or will become apparent to those skilled in the art after they have read this specification. Such other ways are deemed to fall within the scope of the disclosed embodiments if they fall within the scope of the claims which follow. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle instrument panel with a steering wheel assembly configured in a deployed position according to a preferred embodiment.

[0017] FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the instrument panel of FIGURE 1 with the steering wheel in a deployed position.

[0018] FIGURES 3 and 4 are fragmentary bottom perspective views of the instrument panel and steering wheel assembly of FIGURE 1.

[0019] FIGURES 5-8 are side elevation views of the steering wheel assembly moving between the deployed position and the stowed position.

[0020] FIGURES 9 and 10 are fragmentary bottom perspective views of actuators for the steering wheel assembly.

[0021] Before explaining a number preferred, exemplary, and alternative embodiments of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0022] As shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, a vehicle 10 is shown to include a passenger compartment 12 having a dashboard or instrument panel 14 and a steering wheel assembly 44. The steering wheel assemblies each include a steering wheel and a display, and are configured to move between a stowed/retracted position and a deployed/use/operational position. According to an exemplary embodiment, the steering wheel and the display are configured to move together in a fixed pre-determined relationship. Alternatively, the steering wheel and the display are configured to move in a non-fixed or separate predetermined relationship.

[0023] Referring to FIGURES 1 , 2, and 5-8, steering wheel assembly 16 is configured to move between a stowed position (FIGURES 2 and 8) and a deployed position (FIGURES 1 and 5). In the deployed position, steering wheel assembly 16 is configured to be positioned in front of the driver and operational. In the stowed position, steering wheel assembly 16 is configured to be disposed nearer to (or retracted into, reconfigured, repositioned, etc.) instrument panel 14 to increase space in passenger compartment 12 (e.g., to provide workspace in passenger compartment 12, for aesthetic reasons, and the like).

[0024] FIGURES 1 and 3-5 show a steering wheel assembly 44 according to a preferred embodiment. Steering wheel assembly 44 includes a steering wheel 46 pivotally coupled to a sliding member 48, which is slidably coupled to instrument panel 14 between an operational or deployed position (FIGURES 1 and 5) and a retracted or stowed position (FIGURES 2 and 8). An instrument pod or display 49 is pivotally coupled to instrument panel 14 and configured to pivot between deployed and stowed positions (e.g., as steering wheel assembly 44 moves). According to a preferred embodiment, a pivot 50 for steering wheel 46 and sliding member 48 is offset below the center of steering wheel 46. [0025] According to a preferred embodiment, sliding member 48 is mounted on a pair of tracks or guides 52, which are configured to assist sliding movement when steering wheel assembly 44 is being moved between the stowed and deployed positions. Guides 52 include a mounting member 54 (attached to a plate 56 coupled to sliding member 48) and a center member or rail 58 coupled to instrument panel 14 and configured to provide a bearing surface for mounting member 54 to slide along.

[0026] In the stowed position, steering wheel assembly 44 is at least partially retracted into instrument panel 14. Preferably, steering wheel assembly 44 is substantially or entirely retracted into instrument panel 14. According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGURES 2 and 8, a portion of steering wheel 46 extends from instrument panel 14 and includes one or more touch switches or sensors 60. Sensors are configured to signal actuator to move steering wheel assembly 44 towards the deployed position. According to a preferred embodiment, sensors 60 include ink switches located under the steering wheel covering (e.g., leather covering). Sensor 60 operates a transmitter within steering wheel to communicate with a receiver within the instrument panel or elsewhere. (Such wireless communication is configured to reduce the wires that pass through the steering wheel assembly 44 and that undergo movement as the steering wheel assembly 44 moves between the stowed and deployed positions.) According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the transmitter is an RF transmitter (e.g., similar to a conventional fob). According to an alternative embodiment, the transmitter is an infrared transmitter. According to yet other alternative embodiments, sensor 60 is hard wired to the actuator. Also, a controller may be used to control the operation of the actuators. [0027] According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGURE 9, steering wheel assembly 44 is moved between its stowed position and deployed position manually by the driver. According to a preferred embodiment, steering wheel assembly 44 is moved by one or more actuators (e.g., electrical motors, pneumatics, hydraulics, and the like). Steering wheel assembly 44 may be actuated by touching of a sensor on a front surface of steering wheel 46 or instrument panel 14, the presence of driver in driver's seat, insertion of a key into the ignition, a switch, or the like. For example, sensor 60 is located on the inside portion of the upper part of the steering wheel (i.e., the portion that extends from the instrument panel when in the stowed position). To have the steering wheel 46 articulate to the deployed position, the vehicle occupant applies pressure to the steering wheel (e.g., tugs it towards the deployed position), sensor 60 sends a signal to the receiver, and the actuators articulate the steering wheel assembly 44 to the deployed position.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, steering wheel assembly 44 includes a first actuator, a second actuator, and a third actuator. The first actuator is configured to slide sliding member 48 between the stowed and deployed positions. The second actuator is configured to move (e.g., rotate) steering wheel 46 between its stowed and deployed positions. The third actuator is configured to move (e.g., rotate) instrument display 49 between its stowed and deployed positions. The figures illustrate the preferred range of movement of steering wheel 46 as it is moved between its stowed and deployed positions; according to alternative embodiments, steering wheel 46 may have, any of a variety of movements based on the desired stowed position.) Sliding member 48 and steering wheel 46 are secured in place when in their deployed or stowed positions. [0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the assembly linear actuator 66 is operatively coupled to sliding member 48 and steering wheel 46, and is configured to move member 48 from its deployed position to the stowed position, includes an electric motor 68, a ball screw drive 70. Electric motor 68 turns screw drive 70 so that sliding member 48 moves in and out of instrument panel 14. Drive 70 includes a threaded rod 72 and a nut 74 coupled to the steering wheel mechanism. Nut 74 stays stationary relative to the steering wheel mechanism. When threaded rod 72 turns, nut 74 moves along threaded rod 72 and carries the steering wheel mechanism with it (e.g., along a set of roller tracks or rails 58).

[0030] According to alternative embodiments, the actuator may include any of a variety of motors, more than one threaded rod, and the like. According to alternative embodiments, the first actuator includes a rack and pinion wherein a motor turns a rotary gear, and a rack is mounted o the steering column unit. When the rotary gear turns, it moves the rack in or out.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, steering wheel pivot actuator 78 is operatively coupled to steering wheel 46 and is configured to pivot steering wheel 46 between the deployed position and a horizontal position. Actuator 66 includes an electric motor 80, linkage 82 (e.g., four-bar linkage), and a screw drive 84. Drive 84 includes a threaded rod 86, and a nut 88 coupled to steering wheel 46. As threaded rod 86 turns, nut 88 moves linearly to move linkage (e.g., in and out). Preferably, steering wheel 46 has two pivot points, a stationary first pivot point 90 and a second pivot point 92. As such, as the threaded rod 86 turns, nut 88 moves outward and pushes the linkage outward. Steering wheel 46 rotates about the first pivot point 90, and the linkage pivots about the second pivot point 92 (e.g., as it is being pushed outward or pulled inward). [0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the display actuator 96 provides pivoting movement and includes an electric motor, linkage, a threaded rod, and a nut coupled to display 49. As the threaded rod turns, the nut moves linearly to move linkage. Preferably, as the threaded rod turns, the nut moves outward and moves the linkage so that the display 49 rotates about a pivot point (which is preferably offset form center). Alternatively, one or more of the actuators are pneumatic or hydraulic powered.

[0033] Steering wheel 46 includes a switch or button 62 that is depressed when steering wheel assembly 44 is to be moved from its deployed position to its stowed position. According to an alternative embodiment, the steering wheel assembly 44 is configured to move to the stowed position when the vehicle is turned off. Additionally, according to an exemplary embodiment, a display panel disposed behind the steering wheel may also be configured to move to a stowed position (i.e., form a generally planer surface with the dashboard).

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, button 62 operates a transmitter within steering wheel to communicate with a receiver within the instrument panel or elsewhere. (Such wireless communication is configured to reduce the wires that pass through the steering wheel assembly 44 and that undergo movement as the steering wheel assembly 44 moves between the stowed and deployed positions.) According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the transmitter is an RF transmitter (e.g., similar to a conventional fob). According to an alternative embodiment, the transmitter is an infrared transmitter. According to yet other alternative embodiments, button 62 is hard wired to the actuator. Also, a controller may be used to control the operation of the actuators. [0035] According to an exemplary embodiment, the gearing of the actuators (e.g., the gear ratio of the electric motor and the threaded rods) provide a locking mechanism to maintain the steering wheel assembly 44 in place.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, the steering wheel includes one or more dual sided steering wheel switches 64 configured to allow double sided activation (e.g., operated from front and rear of the steering wheel). Switches 64 may be configured to signal any of a variety of devices in the car such as radio controls, cruise controls, HVAC system, turn signals, and the like. Dual sided switches 64 are intended to eliminate multiple modules or clusters of switches conventionally located around the steering wheel.

[0037] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the stowable steering wheel as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, the vehicle display may configured to rotate or pivot to form a planer surface with the dashboard. Also, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements show as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or follower member or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and/or omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A steering wheel assembly coupled to an instrument panel comprising: a base member adapted to be coupled to the instrument panel; a steering wheel operatively coupled to the base member; wherein the base member and the steering wheel are movable between a deployed position and a stowed position whereby the base member and the steering wheel is at least partially retracted within the instrument panel.

2. The steering wheel assembly of Claim 1 further comprising a first actuator configured to linearly move the base member between the deployed position and the stowed position.

3. The steering wheel assembly of Claim 2 further comprising a second actuator configured to pivotally move the steering wheel between the deployed position and the stowed position.

4. The steering wheel assembly of Claim 3 wherein the steering wheel is generally horizontal when in the stowed position.

5. The steering wheel assembly of Claim 2 wherein the first actuator includes a motor and screw drive.

6. The steering wheel assembly of Claim 3 further comprising a display coupled to the instrument panel and a third actuator configured to pivotally move the display between a deployed position and a stowed position.

7. The steering wheel assembly of Claim 1 further comprising one or more switches which are operative and accessible from both sides of the steering wheel.

8. An instrument panel comprising: a base member movable between a deployed position and a stowed position and adapted to be coupled to the instrument panel; a first actuator configured to linearly move the base member between a deployed position and a stowed position; a steering wheel operatively coupled to the base member; a second actuator configured to pivotally move the steering wheel between a deployed position and a stowed position; wherein the base member and the steering wheel is at least partially retracted within the instrument panel.

9. The steering wheel assembly of Claim 8 wherein the steering wheel is generally horizontal when in the stowed position.

10. The steering wheel assembly of Claim 8 wherein the first actuator includes a motor and a screw drive.

11. The steering wheel assembly of Claim 10 further comprising a display coupled to the instrument panel and a third actuator configured to pivotally move the display between a deployed position and a stowed position.

12. The steering wheel assembly of Claim 11 wherein the first actuator, the second actuator, and the third actuator include a motor and a screw drive.

13. The steering wheel assembly of Claim 8 further comprising one or more switches which are operative and accessible from both sides of the steering wheel.

14. A vehicle comprising: an instrument panel; a display coupled to the instrument panel and movable between a deployed position and a stowed position; a base member coupled to the instrument panel and movable between a deployed position and a stowed position; a steering wheel coupled to the base member and movable between a deployed position and a stowed position; wherein the base member and the steering wheel are moved between deployed positions and a stowed positions by one or more actuators so that the base member and the steering wheel is at least partially retracted within the instrument panel.

15. The vehicle of Claim 14 wherein the base member is slidably mounted to one or more rails coupled to the instrument panel. (

16. The steering wheel assembly of Claim 15 further comprising a first actuator configured to linearly move the base member between the deployed position and the stowed position.

17. The steering wheel assembly of Claim 16 wherein the first actuator includes a motor and screw drive.

18. The vehicle of Claim 17 wherein the steering wheel is pivotally coupled to the instrument panel.

19. The steering wheel assembly of Claim 18 further comprising a second actuator configured to pivotally move the steering wheel between the deployed position and the stowed position. ,

20. The steering wheel assembly of Claim 19 wherein the steering wheel is generally horizontal when in the stowed position.

21. The vehicle of Claim 19 wherein the display is pivotally coupled to the instrument panel.

22. The steering wheel assembly of Claim 21 further comprising a third actuator configured to pivotally move the display between a deployed position and a stowed position.

23. The vehicle of Claim 22 wherein at least one of the first actuator, the second actuator, or the third actuator includes a motor and a screw drive.

24. The steering wheel assembly of Claim 14 further comprising one or more switches which are operative and accessible from both sides of the steering wheel.