Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
  • B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
  • B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
  • B62D1/04—Hand wheels
  • B62D1/06—Rims, e.g. with heating means; Rim covers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
  • B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
  • B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
  • B62D1/04—Hand wheels
  • B62D1/08—Spokes, e.g. resilient
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
  • B60Y2400/00—Special features of vehicle units
  • B60Y2400/40—Actuators for moving a controlled member
  • B60Y2400/405—Electric motors actuators
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
  • B60Y2400/00—Special features of vehicle units
  • B60Y2400/40—Actuators for moving a controlled member
  • B60Y2400/41—Mechanical transmissions for actuators
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
  • B60Y2400/00—Special features of vehicle units
  • B60Y2400/83—Steering input members

Definitions

• the present invention generally relates to motor vehicle steering wheels.
• the invention relates to a steering wheel with a steerable or retractable rim.
• a motorized folding steering wheel system comprising: a steering wheel having a rim forming a substantially continuous ring which is connected pivotally to a central structure which is configured to mount on a steering column, and comprising an electric motor which is configured to pivot the wheel rim from a vertical position - corresponding to a condition enabling the vehicle to be driven - up to to a substantially horizontal stowed or retracted position, allowing other uses or uses of the steering wheel and its rim.
• the steering wheel system includes one or more additional systems for locking the rim in its vertical driving position, each of which takes the form of a dedicated locking system.
• the steering wheel of the prior art does not make it possible to alert the user or the driver that it is preferable not to lock the steering wheel during the pivoting of the steering wheel from the driving position or in the retracted position.
• the steering wheel of the prior art does not make it possible to protect the components of the steering wheel or the driver in the event of locking of the steering wheel by the driver.
• An object of the present invention is to respond to the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to propose a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, of which at least part of the rim is driven in pivoting, can be protected from being blocked by the user or the driver, while also protecting the latter and warning him of the danger of such blocking , and by providing a compact and economical pivot drive and locking assembly.
• the small volume available in the steering wheel to integrate a rotation device requires significant compactness of all the components.
• a compact drive motor will have the disadvantage of producing a low rotational torque. This reduced torque could easily be blocked by the user, which could damage the motor.
• the steering wheel according to the present invention makes it possible to alert the user or the driver that it is preferable not to block the steering wheel during the pivoting of the steering wheel from the driving position or in the retracted position, while being equipped with a sufficiently powerful actuator for this purpose.
• a first aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising:
• a central part such as a steering wheel hub
• a mobile structure comprising at least a portion of a rim mounted to pivot relative to the central part between:
• the steering wheel or the transmission mechanism comprises a torque limiter arranged to limit a torque transmitted to the mobile structure.
• the torque limiter is arranged to limit a torque or a rotational force transmitted between the actuator and the mobile structure (both towards and from the mobile structure).
• the torque limiter can be arranged to disengage, at least temporarily, the actuator from the mobile structure, beyond a predetermined torque between the actuator and the mobile structure.
• the torque limiter can totally or partially prevent the transmission of torque between the actuator and the mobile structure.
• a clutch is understood to mean a mechanism enabling communication to be established or interrupted respectively between an actuator and a part to be set in motion (respectively engaging and disengaging) without stopping the actuator.
• a clutch is not a torque limiter. Indeed, a clutch makes it possible, for example, to couple the actuator with a moving part, without consideration of torque limitation. In some cases, such as a vehicle clutch, a clutch is even designed not to slip or disengage if the actuator reaches or delivers its maximum torque. In this case, the clutch can be designed to resist without slipping or disengaging the maximum torque of the actuator, with a safety margin of 10%, 20% or even more.
• a torque limiter is implanted in a kinematic chain so as not to normally slip, i.e. to transmit a torque or a movement, as long as the input torque does not exceed a maximum value. Beyond this maximum torque, the torque limiter allows slippage or even disengages the transmission chain.
• the torque limiter acts like a mechanical fuse, reversibly (the torque limiter can again automatically transmit torque and/or movement if the torque to be transmitted drops below the maximum torque), or irreversibly (the torque limiter , once triggered, can no longer transmit torque and/or movement until the torque limiter is reset or replaced).
• the predetermined torque between the actuator and the mobile structure can be equal to or greater than 0.9 Nm, preferably equal to or greater than 1 Nm, very preferably equal to or greater than 1.2 Nm.
• the torque limiter can comprise at least one first housing, and at least one protrusion arranged for:
• the torque limiter can further comprise a second housing, adjacent to the first housing, and the protrusion is arranged to:
• the torque limiter when the protrusion is relocated, the torque limiter is again engaged.
• This makes it possible to offer a steering wheel with the torque limiter, easy and compact to manufacture, making it possible to avoid any injury or material damage, while warning the user (by a noise and/or a small shock, such as a snap , clack or click) of undesired operation if it holds the steering wheel while turning. It may also involve the driver holding the steering wheel for a predetermined time (for example 100 ms), the time for the torque limiter to disengage. In addition, this makes it possible to continue to ensure the pivoting function in the event of over-torque, passing to the adjacent housing, so as to allow use of the steering wheel. Of course, if the torque to be transmitted remains greater than the predetermined torque after the protrusion has passed into the adjacent housing, the torque limiter disengages again, and passes to the next housing again, and so on.
• the first housing may be a radially extending groove
• the protrusion may be a radially extending projecting rib arranged to fit into the groove
• groove By groove is meant a long and narrow notch, of a section which may be rectangular, made in the thickness of a part (for example made of metal or steel) and intended to be used for assemblies or to receive sliding parts.
• the protrusion may have a key shape.
• the first housing may be a notch
• the torque limiter may further comprise a first spring blade, extending radially so as to form the protrusion, and arranged to engage with the notch.
• notch is meant a cut made in a solid body (here a metal) or in an object, and which removes a part.
• the first housing may be an orifice
• the protrusion can be a pin arranged at a distal end of an axis of rotation of the torque limiter
• the torque limiter can comprise a portion made of a flexible material and arranged between the pin and the axis of rotation of the torque limiter.
• the transmission mechanism may further comprise second spring strips arranged to press the protrusion into the first housing.
• the second spring strips can be arranged to press the drive plate against the toothed input member.
• the steering wheel or the transmission mechanism may further comprise a device for blocking or locking the torque limiter in or on approach to a predetermined position of the mobile structure, for example the driving position. This makes it possible to ensure that the torque limiter cannot be in an intermediate position while the mobile structure is locked in the driving position, which could cause unwanted residual play on the drive chain.
• the torque limiter blocking device can be an attached plate arranged to limit an axial movement of the torque limiter.
• the actuator can be a motor.
• the torque limiter can comprise two discs each comprising a flat friction surface, and arranged opposite each other at their flat friction surfaces, and at least one pressure spring arranged to press the two discs against each other.
• the transmission mechanism may comprise: - a drive plate integral with the actuator,
• the toothed input member being arranged to directly or indirectly drive the rotation of the mobile structure towards its retracted position.
• the torque limiter can be arranged between the actuator and the mobile structure.
• the torque limiter can be arranged between the drive plate and the toothed input member.
• the first housing is arranged in one of the toothed input member and the drive plate
• the protrusion is arranged on the other of the toothed input member and the drive plate. This makes it possible to provide a steering wheel with a compact layout.
• Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a steering wheel according to the first aspect.
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a motor vehicle steering wheel which is shown in the rim driving position;
• Figure 2 is a top view of the steering wheel shown in Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a perspective detail view which shows certain components of a motion transmission mechanism which equips the steering wheel shown in Figures 1 and 2;
• Figure 4 is an exploded perspective detail view of a torque limiter to be mounted in the steering wheel according to the first embodiment
• FIG. 5 is an exploded and detail perspective view of the torque limiter on the side opposite to Figure 4, according to the first embodiment;
• Figure 6 is an assembled and detailed perspective view of the torque limiter, according to the first embodiment;
• Figure 7 is an assembled view, in section and in elevation of the torque limiter, according to the first embodiment
• Figure 8 is a sectional view in elevation of the torque limiter in its close environment, according to the first embodiment
• Figure 9 is a sectional view and elevation of the torque limiter, according to a second embodiment of the steering wheel;
• Figure 10 is a perspective view of the torque limiter, according to the second embodiment of the flywheel, from the side opposite to Figure 9;
• Figure 11 is a perspective view of the torque limiter, according to a third embodiment of the steering wheel.
• Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the torque limiter according to the third embodiment, from the side opposite to Figure 11;
• FIGS 1 and 2 show a steering wheel 10 comprising a rim 12 connected by branches 14 to a central part 16, also called hub, which is arranged to allow the coupling of the steering wheel to a steering column of the vehicle or to a housing of electric steering (not shown).
• the rim 12 is at least partly mounted articulated with respect to the central part 16, so as to be able to pivot in one or two directions around an axis primary A1 orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the steering wheel, to be positioned angularly: - either in a so-called driving position in which the plane of the rim 12 is typically orthogonal to an axial direction of the central part 16 which coincides with the axis of rotation of the steering wheel and steering column when driving the vehicle; - either in a retracted position, also called console position, in which the plane of the rim 12 is then inclined with respect to the direction of the central part 16, in particular so that a user can for example place a computer on the rim 12.
• angular position is not necessarily limited to a pivoting of the entire rim 12, but can also concern only a portion of the rim 12 - for example only half of the rim, such a rim portion constituting a mobile structure of the rim within the meaning of the invention.
• the steering wheel 10 here comprises a lateral module M for driving and locking the rim 12.
• the lateral module M is here arranged adjacent to the rear branch 14 of the steering wheel 10.
• the module M essentially groups together a motorized actuator 18, a transmission mechanism 20 (or drive mechanism 20) between the actuator 18 and the rim 12 and the steering wheel (or the transmission mechanism directly ) comprising a torque limiter 100 to limit a torque that can be transmitted to the rim 12.
• FIG. 3 represents the transmission mechanism 20 with:
• a motion input pinion 24 belonging to the transmission mechanism 20 which is rotated around a secondary axis A2 (also called axis of rotation A2) by the actuator 18;
• a pivoting drive pinion 26 of the rim 12 which permanently meshes with the input pinion 24 (By way of non-limiting example, the drive pinion 26 is mounted for rotation around the primary axis A1 rim swivel 12).
• a hub 34 which is adapted to be integral in rotation with the rim 12 and which extends axially through drive pinion 26.
• a spring 46 here made in the form of a spiral spring, is interposed between a rim 27 of the drive pinion 26 which extends axially forwards and the hub 34, and it permanently ensures a elastic return of drive pinion 26.
• the module M here comprises two parallel armature plates 50 between which are arranged the input 24 and drive 26 pinions, as well as the hub 34, these various components also being mounted for rotation relative to these two armature plates 50.
• the motorized actuator 18 is fixed to the front armature plate 50.
• the input pinion 24 constitutes a toothed input member of the movement to be transmitted at least to the drive pinion 26.
• the actuator 18 is for example a rotary electric motor 18 (or motor 18) which may or may not be associated with a gearbox or a gear reducer to constitute an electric gear motor.
• a rotating output shaft drives - directly or indirectly - the input toothed member such as the input pinion 24.
• the output shaft can drive a screw of a nut and worm system to drive the toothed input member in both directions via a rack-shaped member.
• the torque limiter is preferably installed coaxially with the input pinion 24, also called input toothed member.
• Figure 4 is an exploded view and perspective detail of the torque limiter 100 to be mounted in the steering wheel 1 according to the first embodiment.
• drive mechanism 20 includes a drive plate 60 driven by actuator 18.
• drive plate 60 is integral with motor shaft 18.
• the torque limiter 100 here comprises three ribs 61, on a flat face of the drive plate 60 perpendicular to the axis of rotation A2. Ribs 61 are an example of a protrusion.
• the drive plate 60 further comprises a shaft 62 arranged to engage with a hub 25 of the input pinion 24.
• the torque limiter 100 further comprises second spring blades
• the second spring strips 63 can be wave washers, wave springs, conical washers, or even a coil spring.
• the ribs 61 are evenly distributed on the face of the drive plate 60, that is to say here every 120 degrees. More or fewer ribs 61 can be provided on drive plate 60.
• FIG 5 is an exploded and detailed perspective view of the torque limiter 100 on the side opposite to Figure 4, according to the first embodiment of the steering wheel 10.
• the pinion 24 comprises twelve grooves 64.
• the grooves 64 are evenly distributed on one face of the pinion 24, opposite the drive plate 60.
• the grooves 64 are arranged to receive the ribs 61, that is to say that they have a corresponding shape.
• the ribs 61 are examples of housing (or first housing or second housing).
• the ribs 61 When the drive plate 60 is assembled with the pinion 24, the ribs 61 are housed in the grooves 64.
• a torque can be transmitted between the drive plate 60 and the pinion 24.
• the torque to be transmitted is greater at a predetermined torque, the ribs 61 will be dislodged from the grooves 64.
• the motor 18 continues to rotate, the ribs 61 will be relocated in the grooves 64 adjacent to the grooves 64 in which they were lodged before being dislodged.
• a rattling sensation is thus transmitted to the user or driver, prompting him to release the steering wheel 1 so that the steering wheel 1 can be pivoted without damaging the components of the steering wheel 1 or injuring the user.
• a haptic device is realized.
• the disengaging the torque limiter causes axial movement of pinion 24 along axis A2.
• the second spring strips 63 are thus arranged to press the ribs 61 into the grooves 64.
• FIG. 6 is an assembled and detailed perspective view of the torque limiter 100, according to the first embodiment of the flywheel 10.
• the drive pinion 26 is shown with an attached plate 26b fixed on the drive pinion 26.
• the attached plate 26b makes it possible to block the torque limiter 100 when the mobile structure 12 is in or approaching a position predetermined, for example in the driving position. This ensures that the torque limiter 100 cannot be in an intermediate position, typically the ribs 61 not engaged in the grooves 64, while the mobile structure is locked in the driving position.
• Figure 7 is an assembled view, in section and in elevation of the torque limiter 100, according to the first embodiment of the steering wheel 10.
• the ribs 61 are housed in the grooves 64 (that is to say that the drive plate 60 is engaged with the pinion 24), when the torque to be transmitted is below the predetermined torque. When the torque to be transmitted is greater than the predetermined torque, the ribs 61 are dislodged from the grooves 64 (which corresponds to a disengagement of the drive plate 60 vis-à-vis the pinion 24). As drive plate 60 continues to rotate, ribs 61 may re-seat into adjacent grooves 64.
• one rib 61 of the three ribs 61 serves to center the drive plate 60 on the pinion 24, and the other two ribs 61 serve to balance the system during disengagement (or unlocking).
• the housing is a radially extending groove 64
• the protrusion is a projecting and radially extending rib 61, arranged to fit within the groove 64.
• the predetermined torque can be adjusted.
• a rounded face can be provided at the level of the ribs 61 or between the grooves 64, so as to prevent the torque limiter 100 from being blocked in an intermediate position, that is to say so as to ensure that the ribs 61 engage easily with the adjacent grooves 64 in the event of a torque to be transmitted greater than the predetermined torque.
• this makes it possible to limit the torque required to relocate the ribs 61 in the adjacent groove 64.
• Figure 8 is a cross-section and elevation view of the torque limiter 100 in its close environment, according to the first embodiment of the steering wheel 10.
• the motor 18 comprises a shaft 18a which is coaxial with the input pinion 24, and the second spring blades 63 are arranged between the pinion 24 and a bearing 70 of the transmission mechanism 20, so as to ensure a plating of the pinion 24 on the drive plate 60.
• the second spring strips 63 ensure a plating of the ribs 61 in the grooves 64 (not shown in Figure 8).
• Figure 9 is a sectional view and elevation of the torque limiter 100, according to a second embodiment of the steering wheel 10.
• the torque limiter 100 comprises a first leaf spring 80 in the form of a drive spring hoop, having two protrusions 81 projecting towards one of the notches 84 of the pinion 24.
• the leaf spring 80 is pressed, inside the pinion 24, against a flange 82 having internal ribs 83.
• the protrusions 81 can engage the notches 84 through two corresponding openings in the flange 82.
• the notches 84 are examples of housing ( or first dwelling or second dwelling).
• the protrusions 81 are housed in the notches 84 when the torque to be transmitted is less than the predetermined torque.
• the protrusions 81 can be dislodged from the notches 84 when the torque to be transmitted is greater than the predetermined torque and can further engage with the adjacent notches 84 as the motor 18 continues to rotate.
• the housing is a notch 84
• the first leaf spring 80 extends radially out of the flange 82 so as to form the protrusion 81, and arranged to engage with the notch 84. choosing the stiffness of the first leaf spring 80, the size of the protrusion 81 and the shape of the notch 84, the predetermined torque can be adjusted.
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the torque limiter 100, according to the second embodiment of the flywheel 10.
• the torque limiter 100 is seen from the side opposite that of FIG. 9. Third Embodiment
• Figure 11 is a perspective view of the torque limiter 100, according to a third embodiment of the steering wheel 10.
• the torque limiter 100 comprises a transmission shaft 90 in order to transmit the rotational torque of the motor 18, via the flat 95.
• the torque limiter 100 further comprises a pin 91 arranged at a distal end of a flexible portion 93.
• the flexible portion 93 is integral with the transmission shaft 90 and forms a leaf spring.
• the pinion 24 further comprises an orifice 94 arranged to receive the pin 91.
• the orifice 94 is an example of a housing (or first housing or second housing).
• Piece 91 is an example of a protrusion.
• the housing is an orifice 94
• the protrusion is a pin 91 arranged at a distal end of the axis of rotation of the torque limiter 100 and the torque limiter 100 comprises a flexible portion 93 made in a flexible material and arranged between the pin 91 and the axis of rotation A2 of the torque limiter 100 and the pinion 24.
• the disengagement of the torque limiter 100 causes an axial movement of the pin 91.
• Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the torque limiter 100 on the side opposite to Figure 11.
• the pin 91 is thus arranged at a predetermined radial distance from the axis of rotation A2 of the transmission shaft 90, which allows to adjust the predetermined torque, in cooperation with the choice of flexible material, such as a thin spring steel blade, or a plastic or polymer material, or even a composite (a blade or a metal rod, for example steel, molded with a plastic material such as a plastic, a polymer, possibly with a filler material such as fibers, for example silicone, rubber, polyamide, polypropylene, and optionally glass fibers, etc.) .
• flexible material such as a thin spring steel blade, or a plastic or polymer material
• a composite a blade or a metal rod, for example steel, molded with a plastic material such as a plastic, a polymer, possibly with a filler material such as fibers, for example silicone, rubber, polyamide, polypropylene, and optionally glass fibers

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Transportation (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Power Steering Mechanism (AREA)
• Steering Controls (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=75850309

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (7)

Families Citing this family (2)

Family Cites Families (5)

• 2021
  • 2021-03-04 FR FR2102108A patent/FR3120345B1/fr active Active
• 2022
  • 2022-03-01 JP JP2023552995A patent/JP2024509810A/ja active Pending
  • 2022-03-01 KR KR1020237033145A patent/KR20230154046A/ko unknown
  • 2022-03-01 US US18/279,753 patent/US20240140517A1/en active Pending
  • 2022-03-01 WO PCT/EP2022/055169 patent/WO2022184722A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2022-03-01 CN CN202280017642.5A patent/CN116888032A/zh active Pending
  • 2022-03-01 EP EP22708170.0A patent/EP4301649A1/de active Pending

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