FR3055291A1 - DEVICE FOR COUPLING ROTATION OF TWO STEERING WHEELS OF A VEHICLE VIA DIRECTION HOUSINGS - Google Patents

Abstract

A coupling device (DC) equips a vehicle comprising a first flywheel secured to a first steering column (CD1) coupled to a first steering gear (BD1) and a second flywheel secured to a second steering column (CD2) coupled to a second steering box (BD2). This device (DC) comprises coupling means (MC) comprising, on the one hand, a coupling rack (CC) installed in a transverse direction of the vehicle and comprising first (E1) and second (E2) ends provided with first notches (C1), and, secondly, first (A1) and second (A2) axes installed parallel to the first (CD1) and second (CD2) steering columns and comprising second notches (C2), meshing with first notches (C1) of the first (E1) and second (E2) ends, and third notches (C3), coupled to coupling elements (P1) of the first (BD1) and second (BD2) steering housings.

Description

Holder (s): PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA Société anonyme.

Extension request (s)

Agent (s): PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA Public limited company.

DEVICE FOR COUPLING ROTATION OF TWO STEERING WHEELS OF A VEHICLE VIA STEERING BOXES.

FR 3 055 291 - A1 (P /) a coupling device (DC) equips a vehicle comprising a first steering wheel secured to a first steering column (CD1) coupled to a first steering box (BD1) and a second steering wheel secured to a second steering column (CD2) coupled to a second steering box (BD2). This device (DC) comprises coupling means (MC) comprising, on the one hand, a coupling rack (CC) installed in a transverse direction of the vehicle and comprising first (E1) and second (E2) ends provided with first notches (C1), and, on the other hand, first (A1) and second (A2) axes installed parallel to the first (CD1) and second (CD2) steering columns and comprising second notches (C2), meshing with the first notches (C 1) of the first (E 1) and second (E2) ends, and of the third notches (C3), coupled to coupling elements (P1) of the first (BD1) and second (BD2) steering boxes.

i

DEVICE FOR ROTATING COUPLING OF TWO STEERING WHEELS OF A VEHICLE VIA STEERING BOXES

The invention relates to vehicles with two steering wheels, possibly of the automotive type and possibly partially autonomous, and more precisely the devices ensuring the rotational coupling of these steering wheels.

It should be noted that the term “partially autonomous vehicle” is understood here to mean a vehicle capable of being driven manually during phases of manual driving and automatically during phases of autonomous driving.

Some vehicles, for example dedicated to driving education (driving school) or to specific functions (such as street cleaning), include a cabin fitted with two i5 steering wheels rotatably coupled by a coupling device. More specifically, such vehicles include a first steering wheel secured to a first steering column coupled to a first steering box, ensuring an offset of the rotational movement of the first steering column in the vertical direction (of the vehicle) and coupled to a coupled steering bar

0 indirectly to steered wheels, a second steering wheel secured to a second steering column coupled to a second steering box ensuring an offset of the rotational movement of the second steering column in the vertical direction (identical to that provided by the first box steering), and a coupling device ensuring an indirect coupling of the first and second steering wheels so that an action on one of them induces exactly and simultaneously the same action on the other and therefore on the steered wheels.

This coupling device can, for example, comprise two pinions fixedly secured respectively to the first and second steering columns and coupled together by a chain. As a variant, it may comprise a bar, the two opposite ends of which are provided with a first toothed gear cone, and two second toothed gear cones fixedly attached to the ends of the first and second steering columns and respectively meshing the first two. notched gear cones. In another variant, it may comprise a bar, the two opposite ends of which are provided with a first toothed gear cone, and two second toothed gear cones coupled in rotation respectively to the first and second steering boxes.

This type of coupling device is relatively fragile and / or wears out fairly quickly and / or generates noise and / or is difficult (if not impossible) to be housed in a dashboard or an engine compartment and / or proves to be insufficiently stable and therefore introduces a relatively large clearance.

The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation.

It notably proposes for this purpose a coupling device, on the one hand, intended to couple first and second steering wheels of a vehicle with steered wheels, the first steering wheel being secured to a first steering column coupled to a first steering box coupled to a steering rod indirectly coupled to the steering wheels, the second steering wheel being secured to a second steering column coupled to a second steering gear, and, on the other hand, comprising coupling means suitable for indirectly coupling the first and second flywheels so that an action on one of them induces exactly and simultaneously the same action on the other.

This coupling device is characterized by the fact that its coupling means include:

a coupling rack installed in a transverse direction of the vehicle and comprising first and second ends provided with first notches, and

- first and second axes installed parallel to the first and second steering columns and comprising second notches, meshing first notches respectively of the first and second ends, and third notches, coupled to coupling elements of the first and second steering boxes .

Thanks to the use of a coupling rack coupled to notched axes parallel to the first and second steering columns, the noise generated and the wear are significantly reduced, and therefore the coupling means are less fragile. The different constituents can also be dimensioned to withstand the efforts.

The coupling device according to the invention may include other characteristics which can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

- The coupling elements can be first pinions fixedly fixedly attached respectively to the ends of the first and second steering columns;

- The third notches can be part of second pinions fixedly secured respectively to the first and second axes and coupled in rotation to the coupling elements;

> the second pinions can mesh the first pinions. Alternatively, the coupling means may comprise two toothed belts each coupling in rotation one of the second pinions to one of the first pinions;

> the second pinions can be housed respectively in the

0 first and second steering boxes;

- The second notches can be pinion teeth of the ends of the first and second axes.

The invention also provides a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising a first steering wheel secured to a first steering column coupled to a first steering box coupled to a steering bar indirectly coupled to steered wheels, a second steering wheel secured to a second steering column coupled to a second steering box, and a coupling device of the type presented above.

0 For example, such a vehicle may also include a driving assistance device suitable for driving it independently without the intervention of a passenger and to warn the latter when he must regain control by acting at least on the first. or second steering wheel.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings (obtained for one of them in CAD / CAD ("Design Assisted by

Computer / Computer Aided Drawing >>)), on which:

FIG. 1 schematically and functionally illustrates an example of a vehicle equipped with an exemplary embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention,

- Figure 2 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, part of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle coupling device, after its coupling to a dashboard cross member (very partially shown ) and to first and second steering boxes (not shown), and

- Figure 3 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side and partially in transparency, another part of the coupling device of Figure 2 housed in the first steering box.

The object of the invention is in particular to propose a DC coupling device intended to indirectly couple in rotation the first V1 and second V2 steering wheels of a VA vehicle with steering wheels, so that a

0 action on one of them induces exactly and simultaneously the same action on the other and therefore on the steered wheels.

In what follows, it is considered, by way of nonlimiting example, that the vehicle VA is of the automobile type. This is for example a car. However, the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It concerns in fact any type of vehicle comprising at least two seats placed one next to the other and allowing the passengers whom they welcome to drive it. Consequently, it relates in particular to land vehicles such as, for example, cars, coaches (or buses), trucks, road vehicles, agricultural vehicles, and construction machines.

0 Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of nonlimiting example, that the vehicle VA is dual control. This is for example a driving school car. But the invention is not limited to this type of VA vehicle. It relates in fact to any type of vehicle comprising two steering wheels indirectly coupled to one another so that an action on one of them induces exactly and simultaneously the same action on the other and therefore on the steered wheels.

In FIGS. 1 to 3, the direction X is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle VA, which is substantially parallel to the lateral sides comprising the side doors, the direction Y is the transverse direction of the vehicle VA, which is perpendicular to the direction X, and the direction Z is the vertical direction of the vehicle VA, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal X and transverse directions Y. îo We have schematically illustrated in Figure 1 a non-limiting example of vehicle VA, here of automobile type, and comprising a power train , first V1 and second V2 steering wheels associated respectively with first S1 and second S2 seats and with a DC coupling device according to the invention, and first PF1 and second PF2 brake pedals and first PA1 and second PA2 pedals accelerator because it is dual control.

In the nonlimiting example illustrated, the powertrain is conventional, and therefore only includes an MT heat engine to drive its steered wheels. But the powertrain could be

0 of the hybrid type and therefore could comprise at least one heat engine and at least one motor machine (electric or hydraulic or even with compressed air), associated with energy storage means, or else of the all-electric type.

In addition to its thermal engine MT, the powertrain also includes 25 and in particular a clutch EM, a gearbox BV, and a supervisory computer CS.

The operation of the powertrain is controlled by the CS supervision computer.

The first seat S1 is intended to receive a first passenger

0 suitable for acting on the first steering wheel V1 and on the first accelerator pedals PA1 and brake PF1.

The second seat S2 is installed next to the first seat S1 and intended to receive a second passenger capable of acting on the second steering wheel V2 and, here, β

on the second PA2 accelerator and PF2 brake pedals.

The first steering wheel V1 controls the direction of travel of the vehicle VA. To this end, the first steering wheel V1 is secured to a first steering column CD1 which is coupled to a first steering box BD1 ensuring an offset of the rotational movement of the first steering column CD1 in the vertical direction Z of the vehicle and coupled to a BAD steering rod, also indirectly coupled to steered wheels (here the front wheels).

The second steering wheel V2 controls the direction of movement of the vehicle

VA in the same way and at the same time as the first V1 steering wheel. In other words, the first flying V1 and second V2 act identically on the direction of travel. To this end, the second steering wheel V2 is secured to a second steering column CD2 which is coupled to a second steering box BD2 ensuring an offset of the rotational movement of the second steering column CD2 in the vertical direction Z (identical to that provided by BD1) and coupled to the latter (BD1) via the DC coupling device described below.

The second accelerator pedal PA2 is able to act in the same way and at the same time as the first accelerator pedal PA1. In

In other words, the first PA1 and second PA2 accelerator pedals act identically on acceleration.

The second brake pedal PF2 is capable of acting in the same way and at the same time as the first brake pedal PF1. In other words, the first PF1 and second PF2 brake pedals act identically on braking.

A DC coupling device, according to the invention, comprises at least coupling means MC which comprise a coupling rack CC, first A1 and second A2 axes, and coupling elements P1.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the DC coupling rack is

0 installed (in translation) in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle VA.

As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 2, this coupling rack CC includes first E1 and second E2 opposite ends each provided with first notches (or teeth or teeth) C1.

It will be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 1 and 2, that it is advantageous for the coupling rack CC to be mounted in translation in a cross member TP of a dashboard PB which is installed in the front part of the cockpit H, just before the engine compartment.

The fact that the CC coupling rack is mounted in translation in the dashboard crosspiece TP, advantageously allows it to be supported without the need for additional support means. This gives great stability, with minimal play, and rigidity to the coupling means MC. In addition, this avoids unnecessarily cluttering an area of the PB dashboard or the engine compartment.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first A1 and second A2 axes are installed parallel to the first CD1 and second CD2 steering columns, and therefore in a plane containing the longitudinal direction X.

The first axis A1 comprises second notches (or teeth or teeth) C2 which mesh with first notches C1 of the first end E1 of the coupling rack CC, and third notches (or teeth or teeth) C3 which are coupled to an element P1 coupling of the first BD1 steering box.

For example, these second notches C2 of the first axis A1 are

0 pinion teeth located on one end of the latter (A1) and which mesh with teeth defining the first notches C1 of the first end E1 of the coupling rack CC.

The second axis A2 comprises second notches C2 which mesh with first notches C1 of the second end E2 of the coupling rack CC, and third notches C3 which are coupled to a coupling element P1 of the second steering box BD2.

For example, these second notches C2 of the second axis A2 are pinion teeth situated on one end of the latter (A2) and which mesh with teeth defining the first notches C1 of the second

0 end E2 of the DC coupling rack.

It will be understood that when the first passenger turns the first steering wheel V1, this causes the first steering column CD1 and therefore the coupling element P1 forming part of the first steering box BD1 and the steering wheels to rotate. This coupling element P1 induces the rotational drive of the first axis A1 because it is coupled to the third notches C3 of the latter (A1). The rotation of the first axis A1 induces the translation of the coupling rack CC in the transverse direction

Y, because its second notches C2 mesh with the first notches C1 of the latter (CC). The translation of the coupling rack CC induces the rotation of the second axis A2 because its first notches C1 engage the second notches C2 of the latter (A2). The rotation of the second axis A2 induces the rotational drive of another coupling element P1 forming part of the second steering box BD2 because its third notches C3 are coupled to this other coupling element P1. The rotation drive of this other coupling element P1 causes the second steering column CD2 and therefore the second steering wheel V2 to rotate.

Likewise, when the second passenger turns the second steering wheel V2, this causes the second steering column CD2 and therefore the coupling element P1 forming part of the second steering box BD2 to rotate. This coupling element P1 induces the rotation drive of the second axis A2 due to the fact that it is coupled to the third notches C3 of this

Last 0 (A2). The rotation of the second axis A2 induces the translation of the coupling rack CC in the transverse direction Y, owing to the fact that its second notches C2 mesh the first notches C1 of the latter (CC). The translation of the coupling rack CC induces the rotation of the first axis A1 because its first notches C1 mesh with the second notches C2 of the latter (A1). The rotation of the first axis A1 induces the rotational drive of another coupling element P1 forming part of the first steering box BD1 because its third notches C3 are coupled to this other coupling element P1. The rotation drive of this other coupling element P1 causes the rotation of the

0 steering wheels and the first steering column CD1 and therefore the first steering wheel V1.

The use of a DC coupling rack coupled to notched axes A1 and A2 makes it possible to reduce the noise generated and the wear, which makes the coupling means MC less fragile. The different constituents can also be dimensioned to withstand the efforts.

It will be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 2 and 3, that the coupling elements P1 may be first pinions which are fixedly secured and respectively at the ends of the first CD1 and second CD2 steering columns.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 2 and 3, that the third notches C3 may be part of second pinions P2 which are fixedly secured to the first A1 and second A2 axes respectively and coupled in rotation to the coupling elements P1 (here the first gables).

The coupling between the first P1 and second P2 pinions can be done in at least two ways.

In a first way, the third notches C3 of the second pinions P2 can mesh the first pinions P1.

In a second way, illustrated without limitation in FIG. 3, the coupling means MC can comprise two toothed belts COC which each couple in rotation one of the second pinions P2 to one of the first pinions P1. In this case, and as illustrated without limitation on the

In FIG. 3, the control means MC can also include, on either side of the first P1 and second P2 pinions, two TEC tensioners intended to press each COC belt against the first P1 and second P2 associated pinions.

It will also be noted that the second pinions P2 can, for example, be housed, like the first pinions P1 respectively in the first BD1 and second BD2 steering boxes. But they could be external to the latter (BD1, BD2) while meshing the first associated pinions P1, for example via openings defined in the casing walls of the first BD1 and second BD2 steering boxes.

0 It will also be noted that when the CC coupling rack is mounted in translation in the dashboard cross member TP (generally placed above the first CD1 and second CD2 steering columns), there is then a vertical offset (along Z) between the latter (CD1, CD2) ίο and respectively the first A1 and second A2 axes. This vertical offset is advantageously caught up by the first P1 and second P2 pinions and the possible COC belt.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 1 and 2, that the vehicle VA may also include a hollow tube TC fixedly fixed to the dashboard cross-member TP and housing in translation a central part PC of the coupling rack CC, located between its first E1 and second E2 ends. This joining can, for example, be done by screwing or welding, for example, the central part PC of the coupling rack CC can be cylindrical circular, in order to be housed in a hollow tube TC also cylindrical circular or else comprising a circular cylindrical internal housing.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 15 1, that the vehicle VA can also include a driving assistance device DA suitable for driving it autonomously without the intervention of a passenger and to warn the latter when he must regain control by acting at least on the first flying V1 or second V2. In this case, the VA vehicle is partially autonomous and therefore can be controlled as well

0 by its driver than by the passenger who sits next to the latter and who possibly provides training.

When the vehicle VA is partially autonomous, its gearbox BV is of the automatic type (or the like) in order to be able to be controlled automatically by the supervision computer CS, in particular as a function of commands determined by the driving assistance device DA .

The warning requesting the resumption of control by one of the first and second passengers is preferably made by means of an audible message which is broadcast by at least one loudspeaker of the VA vehicle, and which can be

0 supplemented by a text message displayed on at least one vehicle screen

VA in visibility of the first and second passengers.

Thus, in the event of a warning made by the DA driving assistance device (to ask a passenger to regain control of the VA vehicle), the second passenger can take control of the VA vehicle if the first passenger does so not, and conversely the first passenger can take control of the VA vehicle if the second passenger does not.

In the example illustrated without limitation in FIG. 1, the device 5 for driving assistance DA is part of the supervision computer CS. But it is not compulsory. Indeed, it could itself be arranged in the form of a dedicated computer comprising a possible dedicated program and coupled to the supervisory computer CS, or else be part of another computer on board the vehicle VA. Consequently, a device for assisting driving DA can be produced in the form of software modules (or computer modules (or “software”)), or electronic circuits (or “hardware”), or else '' a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

Claims (10)

1. Device (DC) for coupling the first (V1) and second (V2) steering wheels of a vehicle (VA) with steered wheels, said first steering wheel (V1) being secured to a first steering column (CD1) coupled to a first steering box (BD1) coupled to a steering bar (BAD) indirectly coupled to said steered wheels, said second steering wheel (V2) being secured to a second steering column (CD2) coupled to a second steering box (BD2) ), and said device (DC) comprising coupling means (MC) suitable for indirectly coupling said first (V1) and second (V2) flywheels so that an action on one of them produces exactly and simultaneously the same action on the other, characterized in that said coupling means (MC) comprise i) a coupling rack (CC) 15 installed in a transverse direction of said vehicle (VA) and comprising first (E1) and second (E2) ends provided with first notches (C1), and ii) first (A1) and second (A2) axes installed parallel to said first (CD1) and second (CD2) steering columns and comprising second notches (C2), meshing with first notches (C1) respectively 2 0 of said first (E1) and second (E2) ends, and third notches (C3), coupled to coupling elements (P1) of said first (BD1) and second (BD2) steering boxes. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said coupling elements (P1) are first pinions fixedly secured and 25 respectively at the ends of said first (CD1) and second (CD2) steering columns. 3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said third notches (C3) are part of second pinions (P2) fixedly secured and respectively to said first (A1) and second (A2) 3 0 axes and coupled in rotation to said coupling elements (P1). 4. Device according to the combination of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that said second pinions (P2) mesh said first pinions (P1). 5. Device according to the combination of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that said coupling means (MC) comprise two toothed belts (COC) each coupling in rotation one of said second pinions (P2) to one of said first pinions (P1). 5 6. Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said second pinions (P2) are housed respectively in said first (BD1) and second (BD2) steering boxes. 7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said second notches (C2) are pinion teeth of the ends of said first (A1) and second (A2) axes. 8. Vehicle (VA) comprising a first steering wheel (V1) secured to a first steering column (CD1) coupled to a first steering box (BD1) coupled to a steering rod (BAD) indirectly coupled to steered wheels, and a second steering wheel (V2) secured to a second steering column is (CD2) coupled to a second steering box (BD2), characterized in that it further comprises a coupling device (DC) according to one of claims previous. 9. Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a driving assistance device (DA) capable of driving it so 2 0 autonomous without the intervention of a passenger and to warn the latter when he must regain control by acting at least on the first (V1) or second (V2) steering wheel. 10. Vehicle according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that it is of the automobile type. 1/2 BD2 PA2