WO2005087570A1

WO2005087570A1 - Steering column assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2005087570A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/002342
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephan GÄRTNER; Peter Von Ey
Original assignee: Daimlerchrysler Ag
Priority date: 2004-03-10
Filing date: 2005-03-05
Publication date: 2005-09-22
Also published as: DE102004011657A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering column assembly for a vehicle comprising a steering column (24), which is mounted on the vehicle, and the other end (52) thereof is attached to a steering handle whose position can be adjusted. In order to create a steering column assembly which has a simple design and can be economically produced, the mounting of the steering column (24) is provided with a restricted guidance so that when the position of the steering handle is displaced in the longitudinal direction of the steering column (24), a displacement ensues essentially transversal thereto.

Description

Lenksaulenanordnung

The invention relates to a steering column arrangement for a vehicle, with a steering column which is mounted on the vehicle and at one end of which a steering handle, such as a steering wheel, is arranged, the position of which is adjustable.

Steering column arrangements are known from the German laid-open specification DE 42 39 999 AI and the German patent DE 40 28 816 C2, which enable the steering wheel to be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the steering column. From the German patent application DE 32 32 862 AI a pivotable steering arrangement is known in which the steering column of a vehicle is pivotally mounted on the vehicle body. From the German patent application DE 35 44 345 AI a motor vehicle steering with a telescopic steering column is known which is pivotally mounted on the vehicle. Electrically adjustable steering columns offer the highest level of comfort, but are usually technically very complex.

The object of the invention is to provide a steering column arrangement for a vehicle with a steering column which is mounted on the vehicle and at one end of which a steering handle is arranged, the position of which is adjustable, which is simple is constructed and inexpensive to manufacture, but still offers sufficient adjustment options.

The object is achieved in a steering column arrangement for a vehicle with a steering column which is mounted on the vehicle and at one end of which a steering handle is attached, the position of which is adjustable, in that the bearing of the steering column is provided with a positive guidance, that when the position of the steering handle is adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the steering column, an adjustment essentially takes place transversely thereto. The forced guidance enables a combined adjustment of the steering handle. The adjustment can be made by applying an actuating force in only one direction. As a result, only one drive motor is required to carry out the combined adjustment. In addition, the ease of use is increased by the defined adjustment option.

A preferred exemplary embodiment of the steering column arrangement is characterized in that the forced guidance is designed in such a way that the position of the steering handle, based on the driver's sitting position and in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, is adjusted between a first extreme position at the top / front and a second extreme position at the bottom / rear , Tall people usually prefer the steering wheel to be at the top and front when viewed from the driver. Small people, on the other hand, usually prefer the steering wheel to be located below and behind. The steering column arrangement according to the invention enables the steering wheel or the steering handle to be adjusted in a simple manner between these two extreme positions preferred by large and small people. Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the steering column arrangement is characterized in that the positive guidance is designed such that the adjustment positions of the steering handle between the two extreme positions are essentially arranged on a diagonal. As a result, the positions of the steering wheel which are preferred from an ergonomic point of view can be set in a simple manner for almost all driver sizes.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the steering column arrangement is characterized in that the steering column can in particular be telescoped without play. The telescopic design enables the steering column to be adjusted in its longitudinal direction.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the steering column arrangement is characterized in that the steering column is pivotably mounted on the vehicle in the region of its end opposite the steering handle. The swivel mounting of the steering column enables the steering column to be swiveled.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the steering column arrangement is characterized in that a pin is fastened to the steering column, which is guided in an elongated hole which is recessed in a bearing device fastened to the vehicle. The elongated hole ensures that the pin can only move on a defined path. The positive guidance according to the invention is ensured by the interaction with the longitudinally displaceable bearing at the end of the steering column.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the steering column arrangement is characterized in that the pin is approximately in the center of the steering column is arranged. This arrangement has proven to be particularly advantageous in the context of the present invention.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the steering column arrangement is characterized in that the elongated hole has a curved course. This enables the steering wheel to be adjusted on a diagonal.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the steering column arrangement is characterized in that a guide element with a first bearing point on the steering column and with a second bearing point that is spaced apart from the first bearing point is pivotably mounted on the vehicle. The guide element can be formed by a lever which is articulated both on the vehicle and on the steering column. The spaced apart bearings ensure the positive guidance of the steering column according to the invention.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the steering column arrangement is characterized in that the guide element is articulated approximately in the middle of the steering column. This enables the steering wheel to be adjusted on a diagonal.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description, in which various exemplary embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawing. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

Show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a section of a motor vehicle with driver's seat and steering wheel;

Figure 2 shows a possible window for the steering wheel adjustment.

3 shows a window for the steering wheel adjustment according to the present invention;

4 shows a steering column arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention in a first extreme position;

5 shows the steering column arrangement from FIG. 4 in a middle position;

6 shows the steering column arrangement from FIG. 4 in a second extreme position;

7 shows a superimposed representation of FIGS. 4 to 6;

8 shows a steering column arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention in a first extreme position;

9 shows the steering column arrangement from FIG. 8 in a middle position;

10 shows the steering column arrangement from FIG. 8 in a second extreme position and

11 shows a superimposed representation of FIGS. 8 to 10.

In Figure 1, a driver's seat 1 of a motor vehicle is shown schematically. A driver 2 sits on the driver's seat 1. A steering wheel 3 is arranged in front of the driver 2 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The steering wheel 3 is rotatably attached to a steering column 4.

In Figure 2, an arrow 8 indicates that the steering column or the steering wheel attached to it is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the steering column. An arrow 9 arranged perpendicular to arrow 8 indicates that the steering column or the steering wheel attached to it can also be adjusted transversely to the longitudinal direction of the steering column. By a possible adjustment window is indicated for cross hatching. The dotted circles 11 and 12 encompass the extreme positions of the steering column and the steering wheel attached to it. An ellipse 14 within the possible adjustment window indicates the adjustment window mainly used in practice.

In Figure 3, a diagonal 16 indicates the adjustment possibilities of the steering column or the steering wheel attached to it in a steering column arrangement according to the present invention. The two extreme positions 11 and 12 are connected to each other by a straight line. The extreme position 11 corresponds to a position of the steering wheel, based on the driver, in front and above. The extreme position 12 corresponds to a position of the steering wheel, based on the driver, at the rear and at the bottom. The first embodiment of the invention allows, depending on the design of the positive guidance, further adjustment courses, which are represented by lines II and III.

FIG. 4 shows a steering column arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention in a first extreme position. A steering column 24 essentially has the shape of a tube with two ends 25 and 26. A steering shaft 28 is rotatably mounted in the steering column 24. The steering shaft 28 is coupled at the end 25 of the steering column 24 to the steering wheel (not shown). At the end 26 of the steering column 24, the steering shaft 28 is coupled to a steering gear (not shown) via a further steering shaft (not shown).

The steering column 24 is fastened at its end 26 in a sleeve 30. The sleeve 30 is pivotable via an arm 31 on a part 35 of a body (not shown) of a power unit. vehicle stored. The associated pivot bearing is designated 32.

Approximately in the middle, a pin 38 is fastened to the steering column 24, which is guided in an oblong hole 40 of slightly curved design. The elongated hole 40 is recessed in a guide lug 42 which is fastened to the body part 35.

The steering column can be telescopically extended at a point 41 between the end 26 and the pin 38. This enables movement of the end 25 of the steering column 24 in the longitudinal direction.

In FIG. 4, the steering column 24 is positioned such that the pin 38 is arranged on the end of the elongated hole 40 facing the sleeve 30. In this first extreme position, the end 25 of the steering column 24 is arranged at the lowest point and closest to the pivot bearing 32.

In FIG. 5, the steering column 24 is positioned such that the pin 38 is arranged approximately in the middle of the elongated hole 40. The steering column 24 is in its middle position. The end 25 of the steering column 24 is higher and further away from the pivot bearing 32 than in FIG. 4.

In FIG. 6, the steering column 24 is positioned such that the pin 38 is arranged on the end of the elongated hole 40 facing away from the sleeve 30. In this second extreme position, the end 25 of the steering column 24 is arranged at the highest point and furthest away from the pivot bearing 32.

In Figure 7, the positions of the steering column 24 shown in Figures 4 to 6 are shown superimposed. In FIG. 7, a diagonal is indicated by a dashed line 44. indicates on which the free end of the steering shaft 28 moves when the steering column 24 is adjusted between its two extreme positions.

FIG. 8 shows a steering column arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention in a first extreme position. A steering column 24 essentially has the shape of a tube with two ends 25 and 26. A steering shaft 28 is rotatably mounted in the steering column 24. The steering shaft 28 is coupled at the end 25 of the steering column 24 to the steering wheel (not shown). At the end 26 of the steering column 24, the steering shaft 28 is coupled to a steering gear (not shown).

The steering column 24 is fastened at its end 26 in a sleeve 30. The sleeve 30 is pivotally mounted on an arm 31 on a part 35 of a body (not shown) of a motor vehicle. The associated pivot bearing is designated 32.

Approximately in the middle, one end of a guide link 50 is articulated on the steering column 24. The other end of the guide link 50 is articulated to a guide extension 42 which is fastened to the body part 35.

The steering column can be telescopically extended at a point 41 between the end 26 and the articulation point. This enables movement of the end 25 of the steering column 24 in the longitudinal direction.

In FIG. 8, the steering column 24 is positioned such that the guide link 50 is arranged essentially vertically. In this first extreme position, the end 25 of the steering column 24 located at the lowest point and closest to the pivot bearing 32.

In FIG. 9, the steering column 24 is positioned such that the guide link 50 is arranged approximately at an angle of 30 degrees to the vertical. The steering column 24 is in its middle position. The end 25 of the steering column 24 is higher and further away from the pivot bearing 32 than in FIG. 8.

In FIG. 10, the steering column 24 is positioned such that the guide link 50 is arranged approximately at an angle of 50 degrees to the vertical. In this second extreme position, the end 25 of the steering column 24 is arranged at the highest point and furthest away from the pivot bearing 32.

In Figure 11, the positions of the steering column 24 shown in Figures 8 to 10 are shown superimposed. In FIG. 11, a diagonal is indicated by a dashed line 54, on which the free end of the steering shaft 28 moves when the steering column 24 is adjusted between its two extreme positions.

Claims

claims

Steering column arrangement for a vehicle, with a steering column (24) which is mounted on the vehicle and at one end (52) of which a steering handle is arranged, the position of which is adjustable, characterized in that the bearing of the steering column (24) is provided with a Forced guidance is provided that when the position of the steering handle is adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the steering column (24), an adjustment is also carried out essentially transversely thereto.

Steering column arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the positive guidance is designed so that the adjustment of the position of the steering handle, based on the sitting position of a driver and viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction, between a first extreme position up / front and a second extreme position down / rear he follows.

Steering column arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the positive guidance is designed so that the adjustment positions of the steering handle between the two Ex- are essentially arranged on a diagonal.

4. steering column arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering column (24) is telescopic in particular without play.

5. steering column arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the steering column (24) is pivotally mounted on the vehicle (35) in the region of its end opposite the steering handle (26).

6. steering column arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that on the steering column (24) a pin (38) is fixed, which is guided in an elongated hole (40) which is recessed in a bearing device (42) attached to the vehicle ,

7. steering column arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the pin (38) is arranged approximately in the middle of the steering column (24).

8. steering column arrangement according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the elongated hole (40) has a preferably curved course.

9. steering column arrangement according to claim. 4 or 5, characterized in that a guide element (50) with a first bearing point (52) on the steering column (24) and with a second bearing point (51), which is spaced from the first bearing point (52), is pivotally mounted on the vehicle (35).

10. steering column arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the guide element (50) is articulated approximately in the center of the steering column (50).