DE102017201357A1 - Control method for a motor vehicle steering system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a control method for a motor vehicle steering system (10) having a steering wheel (11), the steering angle is automatically adjustable and with respect to a steering wheel axis (L) at least one limited in the tangential direction recess (11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7 , 11.8). In order to provide an efficient boarding aid, according to the invention at least the following method steps are provided: - Determining an entry or exit request of a driver (100), and- automatic setting of the steering angle corresponding to a comfort position, in which the driver (100) by the arrangement at least one recess (11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8) is supported.

Description

The invention relates to a control method for a motor vehicle steering system.

In modern motor vehicles, it is common for the steering wheel to be adjustable to suit the needs of different drivers. Usually, at least one pivotal movement of a steering column part, to which the steering wheel is fastened, is provided, resulting in a height adjustment of the steering wheel. Alternatively or normally additionally, a steering column part can be adjustable in the axial direction, so that the position of the steering wheel along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle can be changed. In addition to systems in which the adjustment is done manually by the muscle power of the driver, systems are known in which this is supported or effected by actuators.

Furthermore, in motor vehicles, especially cars, systems have been developed that facilitate the driver getting in or out by the position of elements in the driver's compartment is automatically adjusted. Thus, for example, a seat can be moved back or even rotated, or a part of the steering column with the steering wheel can be adjusted by means of a height or length adjustment described above so that there is a greater range of motion for the legs of the driver.

The US 5,207,451 A discloses an adjusting device for a steering wheel, via which an inclination angle of the steering wheel shaft can be adjusted. The angle of inclination can be detected by a sensor. By means of an actuator, the steering wheel can be moved to a stored position. It is provided that in case of malfunction of the sensor, the steering wheel shaft is only moved down when the vehicle is at a standstill.

The US 4,807,715 A discloses a vehicle with a memory in which on the one hand preferred driving positions and on the other hand an entry and exit position are stored. In this case, a driver's seat can be automatically moved back and forth to take the respective position. A belt winder is coordinated with the movement of the driver's seat. As an additional option, a steering column can be tilted as well as extended and retracted.

The US 5,485,376 A discloses a system for changing the position of a steering wheel of a vehicle, by means of which the steering wheel can be moved into an entry and exit position. To prevent malfunction due to a faulty speed sensor, the corresponding position can only be taken when the automatic transmission of the vehicle is in parking position. A similar objective pursues the US 4,775,939 A in which at least two independent states, for example of a handbrake and a gearshift, are evaluated to determine whether the vehicle is at a standstill.

The GB 2 173 578 A discloses a steering wheel assembly having a hub mounted to a steering column to which a steering wheel is mounted to be tiltable about a tilt axis perpendicular to the axis of the steering column. By tilting the steering wheel can be released below the same greater clearance for the driver's legs to facilitate entry and exit. The steering wheel may have a special shape, with which the desired effect is achieved, provided that the steering wheel is deflected by at most 45 ° relative to the straight ahead.

The US 5,251,713 A shows a four-wheeled vehicle having, inter alia, a two-part steering column, a part of which can be pivoted with a steering wheel to allow improved access to the driver's seat. A holding bar provided in the driver's compartment is coupled to the movement of said steering column part and is pivoted together with it.

The DE 102 61 866 A1 discloses a method for adjusting settings in the motor vehicle, wherein the adjustment operations are triggered by measurements of haptic forces introduced via the steering wheel on the steering column. It is envisaged that the forces trigger an adjustment only when the vehicle is stationary. The driver can, among other things, adjust the position of the seat or seat back by applying force to the steering wheel.

In the DE 103 15 385 A1 is a steering system of a motor vehicle disclosed in which a steering wheel can be moved with a stationary vehicle from a position of use in a the entry or exit facilitating position. When the vehicle is stopped, the steering shaft is rotatable by motor, without effecting a turning of the wheels. In addition, the coupling of steering wheel and steering shaft is changed so that rotation of the steering shaft causes no rotational movement of the steering wheel, but leads to a change in position of the steering wheel perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In order to achieve an upward displacement of the steering wheel, it is further provided that the steering wheel is first brought into a suitable rotational angular position.

DE 10 2006 045 383 B3 shows an exit aid for a vehicle, by means of the example. A steering column can be pivoted, so that additional freedom of movement below the steering wheel given is. It is provided that an accident event is detected by evaluating sensor data and the exit assistance is automatically activated in response to this.

The DE 10 2012 022 822 A1 discloses a method for operating an electrically adjustable component in the interior of a vehicle, in which a control signal is transmitted to the component in the event of a detected or imminent accident, whereupon the force exerted by the component is limited to a maximum value during an adjustment movement. This is to prevent inmates from being accidentally trapped by such a component, for example an adjustable steering wheel.

In view of the cited prior art, an efficient design of an access aid still offers room for improvement.

The invention has for its object to provide an efficient boarding assistance available.

According to the invention the object is achieved by a control method with the features of claim 1, wherein the dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

It should be noted that the features listed in the following description as well as measures in any technically meaningful way can be combined with each other and show other embodiments of the invention. The description additionally characterizes and specifies the invention, in particular in connection with the figures.

The invention provides a control method for a motor vehicle steering system. Trucks or cars are particularly suitable as motor vehicles, but in principle an application is also conceivable for rail-bound land vehicles, watercraft or aircraft, for example. The control method is provided for a motor vehicle steering system, which expressly includes the possibility of controlling other vehicle components that are not associated with the steering system.

The steering system has a steering wheel, the steering angle is automatically adjustable. In this case, "automatically" means that the adjustment by means of at least one actuator (eg a servomotor) can be motor-driven, ie non-manual, and that a steering angle can be set without having to intervene manually in the adjustment process. This of course includes the possibility that during normal driving of the vehicle, the steering angle is set completely manually or partly manually and partly by an actuator. The automatic adjustment of the steering angle here preferably includes the possibility that the driver can interrupt or cancel the automatic adjustment by active intervention, ie holding the steering wheel or turning the steering wheel. This option is recommended, for example, for safety reasons, if the automatic rotation of the steering wheel could cause a body part of the driver or an object to become trapped.

The steering wheel has with respect to a steering wheel axis at least one limited in the tangential direction recess. The steering wheel axis is of course the one axis about which the steering wheel rotates when it is hit while steering. The steering angle is also measured around this axis. The axis normally corresponds to an axis of rotation of a steering column or of a steering column part on which the steering wheel is arranged. The steering wheel axis has a stationary, fixed position with respect to the steering wheel. The steering wheel axis can be used to define an axial, tangential and radial direction. The o.g. Recess is limited in the tangential direction, d. H. it extends only over a certain angular range in the tangential direction. Instead of a recess, one can also speak of a recessed area. Basically, a tangentially limited recess is always given when the steering wheel is not continuously formed at a certain radial distance from the steering wheel axis in the direction of rotation. In this respect, a recess can be inside or outside, so to speak, within the steering wheel or at its outer edge. In any case, however, such a recess is meant, which passes in the axial direction.

In the method according to the invention, a determination of an entry or exit request of a driver is first carried out. For this purpose, one or more sensors or states of vehicle components can be queried. An entry request can be determined, for example, by the fact that the stationary vehicle is unlocked and the driver's door is opened. An exit request can, for example, be determined by the fact that the driver has brought the vehicle to a standstill and opens the driver's door, whereby possibly also a switching state of a gearshift, the parking position of an automatic circuit, a state of a parking brake or the state of the engine (ignition off ) can be queried. Of course, there are also other ways to determine that the driver wants to get on or off, z. B. by means of optical or other sensors that detect positions or movements of the driver.

If such an entry request or exit request is determined, there is then an automatic adjustment of the steering angle corresponding to a comfort position in which the driver is supported by the arrangement of at least one recess The steering angle of the steering wheel is automatically adjusted to the comfort position, ie without the driver has to act on it , In particular, the comfort position may differ from a neutral position of the steering wheel. In the comfort position, the recess or at least one recess is arranged so that the driver is assisted when boarding or disembarking, wherein the entry and exit here includes the commissioning or decommissioning of the vehicle. As will be explained below, the driver can be supported, for example, when starting the vehicle. In any case, the assistance is achieved by the arrangement of at least one recess, in particular by being positioned relative to a planned position of a body part of the driver in a certain way. The comfort position can be preset at the factory. Alternatively, it is possible that the driver z. B. when the first time the vehicle enters the comfort position, this stored on the vehicle side and will be set automatically in the future when boarding or disembarking. In this respect, of course, different comfort positions could also be stored for different drivers. In addition, it is also conceivable that the comfort position is determined on the vehicle side as a function of the seated position of the driver or the (estimated) position of individual body parts of the driver. The said position can be determined via sensors which either directly detect a body part of the driver or else estimate a position of the body part from the position of the seat (Thus, for example, the position of the head of the driver can be estimated from the position of the headrest).

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one recess is bounded radially on the inside by a first edge region in which a radial outer dimension of the steering wheel with respect to the steering wheel axis is smaller than in an adjacent second edge region. As the radial outer dimension in this case the respective (radial) distance of the outermost edge of the steering wheel is referred to by the steering wheel axis. It should be noted that the recess is limited radially inside only under certain circumstances, in some cases by the first edge region, as possibly in addition also by adjoining edge regions. In this embodiment, the comfort position is an entry position in which the first edge region is arranged at least partially closer to a lower angular position below the steering wheel axis than the second edge region. D. h., If an entry or exit request is determined, the steering angle is set according to said entry position. In the entry position, the first edge area is partially or completely closer to the o.g. arranged lower angular position than the second edge region. The lower angular position designates around the steering wheel axis around that angle coordinate corresponding to a solder plane below the steering wheel axis. In other words, the lower angular position is in the direction of gravity with respect to the steering wheel axis.

In this embodiment, therefore, the steering wheel has a first edge region and a second edge region, which is adjacent to the first edge region. By this is meant that the two edge regions are adjacent to each other along the tangential direction. In this case, the radial outer dimension in the first edge region is smaller than in the second edge region. It could also be said that the first edge region deflects radially inwards relative to the second edge region or that the second edge region projects radially outward in relation to the first edge region. In this respect, the edge of the steering wheel with respect to the steering wheel axis is not rotationally symmetrical. This may mean, for example, that the first edge region represents a type of indentation or indentation, or that the edge is indeed circular in overall design but eccentric with respect to the steering wheel axis. The edge could also be elliptical, for example. The first edge region is oriented in the direction of a small half axis and the second edge region is oriented in the direction of a large half axis. Although the term "the" or "a" radial outer dimension is mentioned here, it should be understood that this does not mean a single, constant value. In general, this radial outside dimension may vary not only between the first and second regions, but also within one or both edge regions.

As a result of the fact that the first edge region is arranged closer to the lower angular position than the second edge region, more free space is created qualitatively in a region below the steering wheel, since the first edge region protrudes radially less far from the steering wheel axis than the second edge region. This additional clearance makes it easier for the driver to move in and out of the area below the steering wheel. It could also be said that by adjusting the entry position, the recess is arranged adjacent to an intended position of the legs. This is achieved solely by the non-rotationally symmetrical design of the steering wheel with respect to the steering wheel axis and a suitable adjustment of the steering angle.

It can therefore basically to other settings, such. As an axial retraction of the steering wheel or an upward pivoting of the steering column to be dispensed with. However, it is also conceivable that in addition to the adjustment of the steering angle according to the invention such adjustments take place, whereby by the combination of the two effects, for example, the steering wheel axially retracted only to a small extent or the steering column must be pivoted only slightly up to the driver to provide sufficient freedom of movement. The same applies to other settings such as a longitudinal displacement of a driver's seat.

In a variant of this embodiment could still be differentiated between an entry request on the one hand and an exit request on the other hand, with different steering wheel positions are considered optimal. In this case, a distinction could be made between an entry position and an exit position of the steering wheel.

In particular, the radial outer dimension in the first edge region may be smaller than in two adjacent edge regions on both sides and in the entry position the first edge region may be arranged at least partially closer to the lower angular position than both second edge regions. In other words, in this case, the first edge region, at least in a certain environment, represents the region with the smallest radial outer dimension, since the corresponding dimensions of the edge regions which are adjacent on both sides are greater.

In many cases, the first edge region in the entry position is partially arranged in the lower angular position. That is, it is not only closer to the lower angular position, but a part of the edge portion occupies the lower angular position. It should be noted that with reference to the vertical axis (Z-axis) of the vehicle, however, a part of an adjacent second edge region can be positioned at the same low or even lower, for example, if the first edge region largely deflects radially inwards relative to the second edge region.

In addition to the entry position described here, which is based on a non-circular outer contour of the steering wheel, other entry positions are conceivable. Some drivers rely on the steering wheel when entering or exiting. Certain steering wheel positions may be more advantageous than others. For example, it may be advantageous to turn a recess of the steering wheel or the largest recess towards the door side or to turn a spoke (eg the widest spoke) away from the door. It would also be conceivable to install a folding handle on the steering wheel for physically restricted people, but this can be effectively applied only in certain steering wheel positions. In this case, the comfort position could correspond to such a steering wheel position.

The setting of the steering angle can also cause a steering movement of the steered axle at an active steering system. This is harmless insofar as the comfort position is anyway set only when the vehicle is stationary. According to another embodiment, the steering angle is set independently of a steering angle. Of course, the steering angle characterizes the state of the steered axle. Such adjustment is particularly possible with or active-front-steering systems or steer-by-wire systems where there is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steered axle. In other words, the steered axle can remain in its initial state, while only the steering angle of the steering wheel is adjusted. It should be noted, however, that the steering angle in the comfort position no longer fits the steering angle. However, it may be provided to move the steering wheel back into the position from which it was brought into the comfort position. This is possible directly after the driver has left, and / or after the driver has rejoined.

In particular, but not exclusively in the case of steer-by-wire systems, an automatic reset of the steering wheel is advantageous. According to a corresponding embodiment of the control method, an initial value of the steering angle is stored before the comfort position is set. In the case of active front steering systems or steer-by-wire systems, the output value represents the value which corresponds to the actual position of the steered axle and thus the steering angle. If there is a mechanical coupling between the steering wheel and the steered axle, the output value of the steering angle corresponds to the steering angle which the driver had last set. After saving, the turning angle is set as described above. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a determination of an end of an entry or exit operation, after the comfort position has been set. For this purpose, again different sensors or states of vehicle components can be queried. For example. For example, the end of the entry process may be recognized by a seat occupancy sensor indicating that the driver has taken seat in the driver's seat. In addition, it can be queried whether the driver's door has already been closed, whether the ignition has been switched on or the like. The end of an exit process can, for example, be recognized by the fact that a seat occupancy sensor indicates that the driver has left the driver's seat and that the driver's door has been closed. In response to detecting the end of the entry or exit process, the steering angle is automatically adjusted according to the initial value. In the case of steer-by-wire systems, the steering angle thus corresponds again to the actual steering angle. In the case of a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and steered axle and the steering angle is reset, so that the driver finds the steered axle in the same state as he had last set (for example, on straight ahead).

Alternatively or in addition to providing a sufficient clearance below the steering wheel, in a variant of the control method, the starting of the vehicle can be facilitated. In this case, after the determination of an entry or exit request, the steering angle is set such that at least one recess is arranged in a line of sight between an intended position of a head of the driver and a control element for starting the vehicle. In this variant, if an entry request (or possibly exit request) has been determined, this recess in the o.g. Line of sight arranged. The intended position of the head can be determined approximately by the known due to the seat adjustment position of a neck support. From this position of the head, a clear view of the operating element for starting the vehicle is made possible via the recess. As already indicated above, however, a comfort position could also be predetermined at the factory, in which the recess is arranged in the line of sight for most drivers. Alternatively, it would also be possible for the driver to set a corresponding comfort position individually when the vehicle is first put into service, which is stored on the vehicle side and retrieved as needed. The operating element may be an ignition lock, a start button or the like. Thus, the driver is a visual control of the starting process, even easier to insert an ignition key in the ignition. The terms "ignition key" and "ignition lock" should not exclude the possibility that they no longer have their actual function. For example, the ignition key and ignition lock can only serve to prepare for starting by means of the start button or release.

According to a variant, the recess is bounded radially on the outside by a part of the steering wheel. One could also say that it is an internal recess, which is formed, for example, between an edge of the steering wheel and a hub, for example between the spokes of a steering wheel. In this case, the outer edge of the steering wheel can be formed completely rotationally symmetrical. However, as already mentioned above, the recess can also be formed on the edge, with the edge of the steering wheel receding radially inward in the region of the recess. It is also possible in particular that the recess on the inside by the o.g. first edge area is limited.

Regardless of whether the recess is bounded on the inside by the first edge region, whether it is formed on the edge or inside of the steering wheel, the recess may optionally be arranged in the entry position in the line of sight. That is, due to the geometry of the steering wheel, it is possible in this case that the first edge region is arranged closer to the lower angular position as described above than the second edge region and at the same time the recess is arranged in the line of sight. For example. For example, the first edge region may be widely extended or the control element may be in the region of the lower angular position. Alternatively, if the recess is not bounded by the first edge region, its position with respect to the first edge region may be tuned such that it can be positioned simultaneously in the line of sight.

If it is not possible due to the geometry of the steering wheel and the arrangement of the operating element to arrange the recess in the entry position as described in the line of sight, this can be done separately setting the steering angle. According to such an embodiment, the recess is arranged according to a different starting position of the starting position in the line of sight. The starting position is usually set after the entry position, but possibly also before this (eg when getting out). Also, a variant is conceivable in which no entry position is set, but only a starting position, for. B. when the outer contour of the steering wheel is rotationally symmetrical to the steering axis. A possible procedure is that first an entry request is determined, whereupon the steering wheel is brought into the entry position. If, for example, determined via a seat occupancy sensor that the driver has taken place on the driver's seat, the steering wheel can be brought into the starting position, since the driver is no longer dependent on the additional free space that offers the entry position. But a clear view of the control element facilitates the starting process of the vehicle. As soon as the vehicle has been started, the steering angle can optionally be reset to a stored initial value as described above.

• 1 eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Kraftfahrzeug-Innenraums mit einer ersten Ausführungsform eines Lenksystems;
• 2 eine Ansicht entsprechend der Richtung II in 1 mit einer ersten Lenkradstellung;
• 3 eine Ansicht entsprechend 2 mit einer zweiten Lenkradstellung;
• 4 eine Ansicht entsprechend 2 mit einer dritten Lenkradstellung;
• 5 eine teilweise Schnittdarstellung des Kraftfahrzeug-Innenraums entsprechend der dritten Lenkradstellung;
• 6 ein Flussdiagramm eines ersten erfindungsgemäßen Steuerverfahrens;
• 7 eine Ansicht entsprechend 3 gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines Lenksystems;
• 8 eine Ansicht entsprechend 3 gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform eines Lenksystems;
• 9 eine Ansicht entsprechend 3 gemäß einer vierten Ausführungsform eines Lenksystems mit einer ersten Lenkradstellung;
• 10 eine Ansicht entsprechend 9 mit einer zweiten Lenkradstellung; sowie
• 11 ein Flussdiagramm eines zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Steuerverfahrens;

Further advantageous details and effects of the invention are described below with reference to FIG The embodiments illustrated in the figures explained in more detail. Show it:

• 1 a schematic side view of a motor vehicle interior with a first embodiment of a steering system;
• 2 a view corresponding to the direction II in 1 with a first steering wheel position;
• 3 a view accordingly 2 with a second steering wheel position;
• 4 a view accordingly 2 with a third steering wheel position;
• 5 a partial sectional view of the motor vehicle interior according to the third steering wheel position;
• 6 a flowchart of a first control method according to the invention;
• 7 a view accordingly 3 according to a second embodiment of a steering system;
• 8th a view accordingly 3 according to a third embodiment of a steering system;
• 9 a view accordingly 3 according to a fourth embodiment of a steering system with a first steering wheel position;
• 10 a view accordingly 9 with a second steering wheel position; such as
• 11 a flowchart of a second control method according to the invention;

In the different figures, the same parts are always provided with the same reference numerals, which is why these are usually described only once.

1 shows a side view of a motor vehicle interior with parts of a steering system 10 as well as a driver's seat 20 , The steering system 10 has a steering wheel 11, which on a steering column 12 attached to it coaxially about a steering wheel axis L is rotatable. Through the steering wheel axle L are defined an axial, radial and tangential direction. About an actuator, not shown here is a steering angle of the steering wheel 11 automatically adjustable. In this case, a mechanical coupling of the steering column 12 be given with a steered axle of the vehicle. Alternatively, the steering system 10 also be of the steer-by-wire type, so that the steering angle is interrogated via a sensor and a corresponding control signal is transmitted to an actuator which controls the steered axle. At a console 30 in which the steering column 12 is an ignition lock 31 arranged. This is located from the driver's seat 20 seen from behind the wheel 11 , The driver's seat 20 has a seat 21 , a backrest 22 and a headrest 23 on. In the seat 21 is a seat occupancy sensor 24 arranged.

Based on 2 - 5 and the flowchart in 6 Below is a control method for the steering system 10 explains that a driver 100 supported during boarding, getting off and starting the vehicle. 2 shows the steering wheel 11 as well as the underlying console 30 according to the viewing direction II in 1 , This roughly corresponds to the view that the driver 100 has on the steering wheel when he is in the driver's seat 20 Takes a seat.

The steering wheel 11 is non-rotationally symmetrical and has a first edge area 11.1 with respect to the steering wheel axis L a smaller radial outer dimension than in two adjacent second edge regions 11.2 . 11.3 , Also, two are limited in the tangential direction recesses 11.4 . 11.5 recognizable, each radially outwardly from one of the two second edge portions 11.2 . 11.3 are limited. These are therefore internal recesses 11.4 . 11.5 , Furthermore, the fact that the first edge region 11.1 relative to the second edge regions 11.2 . 11.3 recedes radially inwardly, on its outside a further recess 11.6 educated.

In the 2 shown steering wheel position corresponds to a straight ahead, you could also say it is the neutral position. This is the first edge area 11.1 a lower angular position α across from. The lower angular position α corresponds to the orientation of a (in the direction of gravity) vertical perpendicular plane below the steering wheel axis L , In analogy to a dial you could also speak of the "6 o'clock position".

In a first step of the in 6 illustrated control method is a boarding or exit request of the driver 100 detected. An entry request may, for example, be recognized by the seat occupancy sensor 24 indicating that the driver's seat 20 is not occupied and a driver's door (not shown) is opened. An exit request can, for example, be recognized by the fact that when occupied driver's seat 20 the engine of the vehicle was turned off and the driver's door was opened. If a corresponding request has been detected, a starting value of the steering angle is stored in a next step. This corresponds in each case to the steering angle, which has set the driver last. Subsequently, the steering angle is adjusted according to a starting position, the in 3 is shown. In the present example, this corresponds to a 180 ° rotation of the steering wheel 11 opposite the straight ahead. This is the middle of the first edge section 11.1 in the bottom Angular position a, bringing the first edge section 11.1 closer to the lower angular position α is arranged as the mutually adjacent second edge portions 11.2 . 11.3 , Due to the smaller radial extent of the first edge portion 11.1 will thus be below the steering wheel 11 a greater freedom for the legs 102 the driver 100 provided, which makes it easier for him to get in and out. You could also say that by adjusting the entry position, the recess 11.6 adjacent to a designated position of the legs 102 is arranged. If the steering system 10 of the steer-by-wire type or Active Front Steering type, the set steering angle does not correspond to the steering angle of the steered axle.

Both at the in 2 shown straight ahead as well as in the 3 shown entry position is the ignition 31 from the perspective of the driver 100 through the steering wheel 11 covered. Basically, the driver can of course the ignition 31 either blindly use or his head 101 different from one (in 5 shown) normal sitting position so that it is on the steering wheel 11 can see past. To the driver 100 To facilitate the starting process, it is determined in a further step whether the driver's seat 20 is occupied, so that the driver 100 took on this place. He then no longer needs the maximum legroom, which offers him the entry position. Instead, the turning angle is set in a further step according to a starting position, which in 4 is illustrated. This is the steering wheel 11 turned so that there is a recess 11.2 between a designated position of the head 101 the driver 100 and the ignition 31 located. As in the partial sectional view in 5 recognizable, is the recess 11.2 in a line of sight S between the head 101 and the ignition 31 , The position of the head 101 can be approximated by the position of the headrest 23 be determined, in turn, from the position of the seat 21 and derive the backrest 22. Alternatively, for the rotation of the steering wheel 11 a factory-set value can be used, which is the recess 11.2 for most drivers in the line of sight S positioned. In addition, it would be conceivable for the driver 100 to set the starting position individually when the vehicle is first put into operation, to store this starting position on the vehicle side and to set it automatically if necessary.

If the driver 100 the vehicle has started, the steering angle is again set according to the stored output value. The driver 100 can now control the vehicle as usual.

If no entry request, but an exit request has been determined, the steps that relate to the setting of the starting position, can be omitted. This alternative is indicated by the dashed elements in 6 shown. In this case, for example, via the seat occupancy sensor 24 and a query of the opening state of the driver's door determines whether the driver has left the vehicle. If so, the steering angle can be reset to the initial value. It is also conceivable that for the entry on the one hand and the exit on the other hand different steering wheel positions are considered optimal. In this case, in a variant between an entry position and an exit position of the steering wheel 11 be differentiated.

7 illustrates a second embodiment of a steering system 10 , wherein the steering wheel 11 is one of the 1 - 5 has deviating geometry. Here are the recesses 11.2 . 11.3 Although still present, however, do not extend so far inward in the radial direction, which is why it is not possible, the one recess 11.2 in the line of sight S to position. This problem is solved in that the turning angle is set in the starting position shown here, that by the first edge portion 11.1 limited recess 11.6 in the line of sight S is arranged.

8th shows a third embodiment of a steering system 10 , where the steering wheel 11 the same geometry as in 7 has, however, the arrangement of the ignition 31 at the console 30 differs. This is the through the first edge portion 11.1 limited recess 11.6 already in the entry position shown here in the line of sight S arranged so that the driver 100 clear view of the ignition 31 Has. In this variant, it is therefore unnecessary, the steering wheel 11 to bring in a different starting position from the entry position.

9 shows a fourth embodiment of a steering system 10 wherein the steering wheel 11, in contrast to the first to third embodiments with respect to the steering axis L Has circular symmetrical outer contour. Between spokes of the steering wheel 11 However, are limited in the radial direction recesses 11.7 . 11.8 educated. In the in 9 shown neutral position is the ignition 31 at the console 30 from the perspective of the driver 100 covered. This changes when the turning angle is adjusted so that the smaller recess 11.7 in the line of sight S between the head 101 the driver 100 and the ignition 31 is arranged. This condition is in 10 shown, which corresponds to a starting position of the steering angle. Alternatively, the larger recess could also be used 11.8 in the line of sight S to be ordered.

As the outer contour of the steering wheel 11 is rotationally symmetrical, can be realized by setting the steering angle no (advantageous) entry position, the greater legroom for the driver 100 would be given. Therefore, in this case, the tax procedure may be opposite 6 be simplified, for example, as in 11 shown. It can be checked immediately after the determination of an entry request next, whether the driver's seat 20 is occupied, since the adjustment of the steering angle accounts for the entry position. Is the driver's seat 20 is occupied, the output value of the steering angle can be stored and the latter can be set to the starting position. If it is determined that the vehicle has been started, the steering angle is again set to the initial value. Also in the rotationally symmetrical outer contour of the steering wheel shown here 11 However, it would be conceivable to define an entry position, in the example. The recess 11.8 turned to the driver's door, which is the driver 100 a support on the steering wheel 11 can facilitate.

Also, a steering wheel with rotationally symmetrical outer contour could have a fold-out handle that supports people with physical limitations when boarding and disembarking. In this case, in the entry position, the handle could be suitably positioned.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

steering system

11

steering wheel

11.1

first edge area

11.2, 11.3

second border area

11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8

recess

12

steering column

20

driver's seat

21

seat

22

backrest

23

headrest

24

Seat occupancy sensor

30

console

31

Ignition lock

100

driver

101

head

102

leg

L

steering wheel axle

S

line of sight

α

lower angular position

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 5,207,451 A [0004]
• US 4807715 A [0005]
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• US 4775939A [0006]
• GB 2173578 A [0007]
• US 5251713 A [0008]
• DE 10261866 A1 [0009]
• DE 10315385 A1 [0010]
• DE 102006045383 B3 [0011]
• DE 102012022822 A1 [0012]

Claims (10)

Control method for a motor vehicle steering system (10), which has a steering wheel (11), the steering angle is automatically adjustable and with respect to a steering wheel axis (L) at least one limited in the tangential direction recess (11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8) , with at least the steps - Determining an entry or exit request of a driver (100), as well - Automatically adjusting the steering angle corresponding to a comfort position in which the driver (100) by the arrangement of at least one recess (11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8) is supported. Control method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that at least one recess (11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8) radially on the inside by a first edge region (11.1) is limited, in which a radial outer dimension of the steering wheel (11) with respect to the steering wheel axis (L) is smaller than in an adjacent second edge region (11.2, 11.3), wherein the comfort position is an entry position, in which the first edge region (11.1) is at least partially closer to a lower angular position (a) below the steering wheel axis (L) than the second edge region (11.2 , 11.3). Control method according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the radial outer dimension in the first edge region (11.1) is smaller than in two mutually adjacent second edge regions (11.2, 11.3) and in the entry position of the first edge region (11.1) at least partially closer to the lower angular position (a) is as both second edge regions (11.2, 11.3). Control method according to Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the first edge region (11.1) in the entry position partially in the lower angular position (a) is arranged. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering angle is set independently of a steering angle. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the steps of: - storing an initial value of the steering angle before the comfort position is set, - determining an end of an entry or exit operation after the comfort position has been set, and - automatically adjusting the steering angle according to the initial value , Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the detection of an entry or exit wish of the steering angle is adjusted so that at least one recess (11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8) in a line of sight (S) between an intended position a head (101) of the driver (100) and a control element (31) for starting the vehicle is arranged. Control method according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the recess (11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8) is bounded radially on the outside by a part of the steering wheel (11). Control procedure according to one of Claims 7 or 8th , characterized in that the recess (11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8) in the entry position in the line of sight (S) is arranged. Control procedure according to one of Claims 7 or 8th , characterized in that the recess (11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8) is arranged according to a different starting position of the starting position in the line of sight (S).

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