EP2043900A1

EP2043900A1 - A modular assembly for use in a steering wheel arrangement

Info

Publication number: EP2043900A1
Application number: EP07748276A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Laurent Groleau; Etienne Chapelain
Original assignee: Autoliv Development AB
Current assignee: Autoliv Development AB
Priority date: 2006-07-20
Filing date: 2007-06-26
Publication date: 2009-04-08
Also published as: EP2043900A4; GB0614446D0; GB2440158A; WO2008010758A1

Abstract

A modular assembly (6), for use in a steering wheel arrangement which incorporates a steering wheel hub element (2), a steering column (4) connected to the steering wheel, and a steering column sleeve (5) receiving the steering column (4) therethrough, the modular assembly (6) having an associated functionality and being configured for removable engagement with the steering wheel hub element (2) and the column sleeve (5), wherein said modular assembly (6) may be positioned between, and engaged with, said steering wheel hub element (2) and said column sleeve (5) so as to fixedly secure the hub element (2) to the column sleeve (5).

Description

Title: A MODULAR ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN A STEERING WHEEL ARRANGEMENT

The present invention relates to a modular assembly for use in a steering wheel arrangement, including a method of assembling a steering wheel arrangement incorporating such a modular assembly and a method of modifying such a steering wheel arrangement.

There are a large variety of auxiliary systems associated with the modern motor vehicle. Such auxiliary systems might include, for example, engine management systems, inflatable air-bag systems, diagnostic systems, power management systems such as the Traction Control System (TCS), as well as advanced braking systems such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) or the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®).

In the case of some of these auxiliary systems, for example some air-bag systems and the ESP® in particular, additional functionality must be incorporated into the steering wheel arrangement for the motor vehicle, for example by including one or more angle sensors as part of the steering wheel arrangement, configured to sense the angular position of the steering column of the motor vehicle.

Depending therefore on the number of relevant auxiliary systems which are to be included in a given motor vehicle, the specific required functionality of the steering wheel arrangement may vary from motor vehicle to motor vehicle. The manufacture of specific, dedicated steering wheel arrangements according to the required functionality for a given motor vehicle may be inconvenient and costly.

It is an object of the present invention to seek to overcome one or more of the above disadvantages.

According to the present invention there is provided a modular assembly for use in a steering wheel arrangement which incorporates a steering wheel hub element, a steering column connected to a rotatable steering wheel frame, and a steering column sleeve for receiving the steering column therethrough, the modular assembly having an associated functionality and being configured for removable engagement with the steering wheel hub element and the column sleeve, wherein said modular assembly may be positioned between, and engaged with, said steering wheel hub element and said column sleeve so as to fixedly secure the hub element to the column sleeve.

It will be appreciated that such a modular assembly allows for a significant level of design flexibility in assembling a steering wheel arrangement. Thus, the modular assembly can conveniently be configured to have a certain, desired functionality in the context of the steering wheel arrangement, so that the overall functionality of the steering wheel arrangement is determined in part by the particular functionality of the modular assembly and, on the other hand, provided the modular assembly is configured to engage both the steering wheel hub element and the column sleeve, without having to modify the configuration of the remaining components of the steering wheel arrangement. In this manner, the modular assembly according to the present invention allows "standardised" steering wheel mechanisms and steering column sleeves to be employed in different steering wheel arrangements having different overall functionalities. According to one aspect of the invention, a steering hub element and steering column is provided, with a column sleeve surrounding said steering column, the steering wheel hub element being spaced axially from the column sleeve and fixedly connect to the column sleeve by means of a modular assembly according to the present invention.

In a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling a steering wheel arrangement, the method comprising providing a steering wheel hub element and a column sleeve for receiving a steering column therethrough, selecting a modular assembly in accordance with the desired overall functionality of the steering wheel arrangement, the modular assembly being selected from a plurality of alternative such modular assemblies having alternative functionalities, positioning the selected modular assembly between the hub element and column sleeve, and engaging the modular assembly with the hub element and column sleeve to fixedly connect the hub element to the column sleeve.

In a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of modifying the overall functionality of a steering wheel arrangement assembled according to the above method, wherein the modular assembly is substituted with an alternative one of said plurality of modular assemblies, the alternative modular assembly being selected in accordance with the desired modified functionality of the steering wheel arrangement.

Conveniently, the modular assembly comprises a single module.

Alternatively, the modular assembly may comprise a plurality of interconnected modules.

Conveniently, at least two modules have a different associated functionality. In a preferred embodiment, each module is in the form of a spacer module which functions to space the steering wheel hub element at a predetermined distance from the column sleeve.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one module further incorporates an angle sensor which may function to detect the angular position of a steering column.

Optionally, at least one module further incorporates one or more energy absorbing portions which function to dissipate the energy associated with an impact force.

So that the invention might be more readily understood, embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 , shows a cross-sectional view of a steering wheel arrangement incorporating a modular assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 2, shows a cross-sectional view of a steering wheel arrangement incorporating an alternative embodiment modular assembly according to the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a steering wheel arrangement 1 comprising a steering wheel hub element 2, incorporating a mounting portion 2a, a rotatable steering wheel frame 3, a steering column 4 operably connected for rotation with the rotatable steering wheel frame 3, and a column sleeve 5, the column sleeve 5 receiving the steering column 4 therethrough. The precise details of the steering mechanism, being the mechanism by which the steering wheel frame 3 is mounted for rotation with the steering column 4, are not relevant for understanding the present invention. Suffice to say that the steering mechanism (indicated generally as being those components enclosed by the dotted lines shown in Figure 1) allows for rotation of the steering frame 3 with the steering column 4, relative to the hub element 2.

A modular assembly, in this case in the form of an ESP® sensor module 6, is positioned between the column sleeve 5 and the steering wheel hub element 2. The sensor module 6 is generally in the shape of a hollow "mushroom" and comprises a collar 6a, incorporating an outwardly extending, peripheral annular flange 6b, and a hollow, generally dome-shaped cover element 6c incorporating a respective outwardly extending, peripheral, annular flange 6d. The collar 6a and cover element 6c are fixedly attached to one another by means of a plurality of bolts 7 (of which only two are shown in Figure 1) extending through the respective flanges 6b, 6d.

A clearance hole 6e is formed in the cover element 6c, the clearance hole being axially aligned with the collar 6a. A sensor is mounted within the hollow interior of the sensor module 6, in the form of an annular steering column-angle sensor 8, the sensor 8 similarly being axially aligned with the collar 6a such that the collar 6a, angle sensor 8 and clearance hole 6e together define a through-passage in the sensor module 6.

Referring to Figure 1 , the collar 6a is dimensioned to fit around the upper portion of the column sleeve 5 with the upper end of the column sleeve 5 being located against an abutment shoulder 9 formed on the inner surface of the collar 6a. A plurality of bolts 10 (of which only one is shown in Figure 1) extend through the collar 6a and column sleeve 5 to engage the collar 6a with the column sleeve 5. Similarly, the cover element 6c incorporates an annular attachment surface 6f which engages the mounting portion 2a of the hub element 2, and is secured to the hub element 2 by means of a plurality of bolts 11 (of which only one is shown in Figure 1 ) which extend down through the hub element 2, mounting portion 2a and through the annular attachment surface 6f of the cover element 6c to secure the cover element 6c to the hub element 2.

The sensor module 6 is thus positioned between the column sleeve 5 and steering wheel hub element 2, being detachably engaged with both the column sleeve 5 and hub element 2 to fixedly connect the hub element 2 with the column sleeve 5. The steering column 4 extends through the collar 6a, angle sensor 8 and clearance hole 6e, whereby the steering column (and steering wheel frame element 3) may be rotated with respect to the hub element 2, sensor module 6 (including the angle sensor 8) and column sleeve 5.

The angle sensor 8 is connected to an external sensor circuit (not shown) forming part of an auxiliary vehicle system (not shown), in particular an ESP® system. As such, it will be appreciated that it is a function of the sensor module 6 to detect the angular position of the steering column 5. The sensor module 6 also functions to space the steering wheel mechanism from the column sleeve 5, such that the sleeve 5 and steering wheel mechanism are appropriately positioned in relation to other components forming the steering wheel arrangement 1.

Turning now to Figure 2 (where like features are indicated by like reference numerals) an alternative embodiment of a modular assembly is shown, positioned between steering wheel hub element 2 and column sleeve 5 of a steering wheel arrangement 1a.

Thus, the modular assembly shown in Figure 2 is in the form of a spacer module 12 having a hollow, cylindrical sleeve-like shape. In similar manner to the sensor module 6, the spacer module 12 is dimensioned to fit around the upper end of the column sleeve 5, with the upper end of the column sleeve 5 being located against a pair of inwardly projecting abutment flanges 13 formed near the lower end of the spacer module 12. A plurality of bolts 14 (of which only one is shown in Figure 2) extend through the wall of the spacer module 12 and into the column sleeve 5 to secure the spacer module 12 to the column sleeve 5.

Similarly, the upper edge of the spacer module 12 incorporates an outwardly extending attachment flange 12a which engages the mounting portion 2a of the hub element 2, the spacer module 12 being secured to the mounting portion 2a by means of a plurality of bolts 11 (of which only one is shown in Figure 2) extending down through the hub element 2, mounting portion 2a and into the attachment flange 12a.

The spacer module 12 is thus positioned between the column sleeve 5 and steering wheel hub element 2, and detachably engaged with both the column sleeve 5 and hub element 2 to fixedly connect the hub element to the column sleeve 5. The steering column 4 extends through the sleeve-like spacer module 12, whereby the steering column (and steering wheel element 3) may be rotated with respect to the hub element 2, spacer module 12 and column sleeve 5.

In the steering wheel arrangement 1a shown in Figure 2, the overall functionality of the steering wheel arrangement 1a does not require a steering column angle sensor; nevertheless, the spacer module 12 performs the function of spacing the steering wheel mechanism from the column sleeve 5, such that the sleeve 5 and steering wheel mechanism are appropriately positioned in relation to other components forming the steering wheel arrangement 1a.

It will be appreciated that, on the one hand, the overall functionality of the steering wheel arrangements 1, 1a (shown in Figures 1 and 2 respectively) is dependent in part on the functionality of the respective modular assembly (sensor module 6 or spacer module 12), so that the specific functionality of the modular assembly determines at least in part the overall functionality of the steering wheel arrangement. On the other hand, it will be appreciated that each of the modular assemblies 6, 12 shown in Figures 1 and 2 are configured for engagement with the same column sleeve 5 and steering wheel hub element 2.

In this manner, the existence of a modular assembly according to the present invention affords the possibility of assembling different steering wheel arrangements having different overall functionalities without the costly task of having to manufacture multiple different components, such as the steering wheel mechanism, hub elements and column sleeves. Rather, one need only incorporate the desired functionality into the modular assembly itself in order to determine the overall functionality of the steering wheel arrangement, the modular assembly being configured to be positioned between the steering wheel hub element and column sleeve, without having to modify the steering wheel mechanism and/or column sleeve to accommodate the particular functionality (so that 'standard' steering wheel components can, for example, be used regardless of the overall desired functionality of the steering wheel arrangement).

Thus, in a method of assembling a steering wheel arrangement, a steering wheel column sleeve and steering hub element may be provided, and a modular assembly selected from a plurality of alternative modular assemblies having alternative functionalities and each being configured for engagement between the given steering wheel column sleeve and steering wheel hub element. The modular assembly may then be positioned between the hub element and column sleeve and engaged thereto so as to fixedly connect the hub element to the column sleeve. By selecting the modular assembly to be used in accordance with a particular desired functionality for the modular assembly, a suitable steering wheel arrangement having a desired overall functionality can be assembled using a 'standard' column sleeve and steering wheel mechanism. For example, in the case where it is desired to assemble a steering wheel arrangement incorporating the particular functionality of steering column angle detection, one might select the sensor module 6 for engagement between the steering hub element 2 and column sleeve 5. Alternatively, if steering column angle detection were not a required aspect of the overall functionality of the steering wheel arrangement then one might instead simply select the spacer module 12 for engagement between the steering hub element 2 and column sleeve 5. In either case, the modular assembly is selected in accordance with the desired overall functionality of the steering wheel arrangement, whilst the same steering hub element 2 and column sleeve 5 can be used in each case.

Similarly, the use of a modular assembly allows for a convenient method of modifying the particular functionality of a steering wheel arrangement. Thus, for example, the steering wheel arrangement 1 (Fig. 1) could conveniently be modified by directly substituting the sensor module 6 with the spacer module 12, thereby resulting in steering wheel arrangement 1a (Fig. 2), without the need to modify the hub element 2 or column sleeve 5. This is particularly advantageous where it is required to "retro-fit" a particular auxiliary system which requires modification of the steering wheel arrangement to accommodate the desired new functionality.

Whilst the present invention has been described with reference to a modular assembly incorporating the function of an angle sensor (sensor module 6) and a spacer member (spacer module 12), it is to be appreciated that the invention might equally apply to a modular assembly having any particular desired functionality. In particular, it is noted that the modular assembly might incorporate one or more energy absorbing portions, for example in the form of elastomer inserts or springs, for dissipating the energy associated with an impact force. Furthermore, although in the above embodiments the modular assembly is in the form of a single module (i.e. sensor module 6 or spacer module 12) it is to be noted that the modular assembly might comprises a plurality of interconnected modules, each module having an associated functionality. In such a situation, each module (or at least two modules) within the modular assembly may have a different functionality, whereby the functionality of the modular assembly as a whole would be determined by the different functionalities of the modules making up the modular assembly. It is envisaged that a modular assembly incorporating a plurality of modules would afford an even greater degree of design flexibility in assembling a steering wheel arrangement.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

Claims

1. A modular assembly (6), for use in a steering wheel arrangement (1) which incorporates a steering wheel hub element (2), a steering column (4) connected to a rotatable steering wheel frame (3), and a steering column sleeve (5) for receiving the steering column (4) therethrough, characterised by the modular assembly (6) having an associated functionality and being configured for removable engagement with the steering wheel hub element (2) and the column sleeve (5), wherein said modular assembly (6) may be positioned between, and engaged with, said steering wheel hub element (2) and said column sleeve (5) so as to fixedly secure the hub element (2) to the column sleeve (5).

2. A modular assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the modular assembly comprises a single module (6).

3. A modular assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the modular assembly comprises a plurality of interconnected modules (6,12).

4. A modular assembly according to claim 3, wherein at least two modules (6,12) have a different associated functionality.

5. A modular assembly according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein each module is in the form of a spacer module (12) which functions to space the steering wheel hub element (2) a predetermined distance from the column sleeve (5).

6. A modular assembly according to claim 5, wherein at least one module further incorporates an angle sensor (8) which may function to detect the angular position of a steering column (4).

7. A modular assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein at least one module (6) further incorporates one or more energy absorbing portions which function to dissipate the energy associated with an impact force.

8. A steering wheel arrangement comprising a steering wheel hub element (2), a steering column (4) and a column sleeve (5) surrounding said steering column (4), the steering wheel hub element (2) being spaced axially from the column sleeve (5) and fixedly connected to the column sleeve (5) by means of a modular assembly according to any of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method of assembling a steering wheel arrangement, the method comprising providing a steering wheel hub element (2) and a column sleeve (5) for receiving a steering column (4) therethrough, selecting a modular assembly (6) according to claim 1 , positioning the spacer module assembly (6) between the hub element (2) and column sleeve (5) and engaging the modular assembly (6) with the hub element (2) and column sleeve (5) to fixedly connect the hub element (2) to the column sleeve (5), wherein the modular assembly (6) is selected from a plurality of alternative such modular assemblies (6,12) having alternative functionalities, in accordance with the desired overall functionality of the steering wheel arrangement.

10. A method of modifying the overall functionality of a steering wheel arrangement assembled according to claim 9, the method comprising substituting said modular assembly (6) with an alternative one of said modular assemblies (12), the alternative modular assembly (12) being selected in accordance with the desired modified functionality of the steering wheel arrangement.

11. A method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the plurality of alternative modular assemblies are in accordance with any of claims 2 to 7.