WO2021064335A1

WO2021064335A1 - Method for adjusting a position of a steering wheel in a steering system as a function of an angle formed between the arm and the forearm of the driver

Info

Publication number: WO2021064335A1
Application number: PCT/FR2020/051743
Authority: WO
Inventors: Laurent Rey
Original assignee: Jtekt Europe
Priority date: 2019-10-04
Filing date: 2020-10-05
Publication date: 2021-04-08
Also published as: FR3101598B1; FR3101598A1

Abstract

Method for adjusting a position of a steering wheel (3) of a steering system (1) of a vehicle (2), the steering system (1) comprising at least a computer (20), a steering column (4) to which the steering wheel (3) is attached, and at least one actuator designed to modify the position of the steering wheel (3) with respect to a chassis (14) of the vehicle (2), characterized in that the adjustment method comprises: - a registration step in which the computer (20) registers an installation position in which a driver (50) is installed; - a determination step in which the computer (20) determines an installation value for an angle (θ) formed between the arm (52) and the forearm (53) of the driver (50) in the installation position; - a modification step in which the computer (20) actuates at least one actuator so as to modify the position of the steering wheel (3) so that the angle (θ) formed between the arm (52) and the forearm (53) is comprised within a predetermined range.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Method of adjusting a position of a steering wheel in a steering system as a function of an angle formed between the arm and forearm of the driver

The invention relates to the field of vehicle steering systems and more particularly to a method for adjusting a position of a steering wheel.

The object of a steering system of a vehicle is to allow a driver to control a trajectory of the vehicle by exerting a force on a steering wheel. Generally, a steering system comprises several elements including said steering wheel connected to a steering column, a rack, and two wheels each connected to a link. The rack is the part making it possible to connect the steering wheel, via the steering column, to the wheels, via the connecting rods; that is to say that the rack transforms the forces exerted by the driver on the steering wheel into a rotation of the wheels of the vehicle.

Certain steering columns make it possible to modify a position of the steering wheel relative to a chassis of the vehicle. More precisely, the steering column allows, on the one hand, a depth adjustment of the steering wheel, that is to say along an axis of elongation of the steering column, and on the other hand a height adjustment. , that is to say around an axis of rotation which extends transversely to the axis of elongation of the steering column.

The depth and height adjustments can be made by electric actuators controlled by a computer.

Changing the position of the steering wheel allows a driver, seated in a driver's seat, to position the steering wheel in a position of comfort. The comfort position of the steering wheel depends on a driving situation of the vehicle, that is to say on a type of journey made by the vehicle. For example, during a long straight line trip, it is more comfortable for the driver to have the arms extended and therefore for the steering wheel to be away from the chest. More precisely, during a long straight line trip, the comfort position is one in which an angle between the driver's arm and forearm is between 110 ° and 140 °, ideally 120 °. Conversely, on a mountain road or in town when the driver has to make many maneuvers with the steering wheel, it is more pleasant for the driver to have the steering wheel close to the torso so that the angle formed between the arm and forearm is less important than when traveling in a straight line. In this way, maneuvering with the steering wheel is facilitated. More precisely, during maneuvers, the comfort position is that in which the angle between the driver's arm and forearm is between 80 ° and 100 °, ideally 90 °.

Thus, it is uncomfortable and dangerous that the driver is not in the comfort position. More precisely, discomfort appears when the driver has to bring his chest up to the steering wheel. Conversely, when the steering wheel is too far from the driver, the latter will not be able to handle it effectively so as to perform maneuvers in complete safety.

However, many drivers are unaware that the position of the steering wheel can be changed.

In addition, in the case of shared vehicles, the driver changes very regularly. The object of the invention is to remedy all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a steering system in which the position of the steering wheel adapts to the position of the driver in order to reach the position of comfort.

The subject of the invention is a method for adjusting a position of a steering wheel of a steering system of a vehicle, the steering system comprising at least one computer, a steering column on which the steering column is fixed. steering wheel, and at least one actuator adapted to modify the position of the steering wheel relative to a vehicle chassis, characterized in that the adjustment method comprises:

a recording step in which the computer records an installation position of a driver;

a determination step in which the computer determines an installation value of an angle formed between the arm and the forearm of the driver in the installation position;

a modification step in which the computer actuates at least one actuator so as to modify the position of the steering wheel so that the angle formed between the arm and the forearm is within a predetermined range.

The driver's installation position is the position of the driver when the latter is seated on a driver's seat positioned opposite the steering wheel, and he positions his hands on the steering wheel. Preferably, the installation position is recorded when the driver positions his hands on a periphery of the steering wheel. The installation position is therefore a position determined as a function of the driver, for example as a function of a build, of a length of the arms and of the legs of the driver. The installation position is not associated with a driving situation. Preferably, the installation position is recorded when the vehicle is stationary.

From the installation position, the computer determines the angle formed between the driver's arm and forearm then performs the modification step so as to modify the position of the steering wheel so that said angle is within the predetermined range.

The modification step therefore makes it possible to modify the position of the steering wheel so that the driver is in a position of comfort, that is to say a position in which the angle formed between the arm and the forearm is within the predetermined range.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the method comprises a guiding step in which an incentive element indicates to the driver how to position himself in the installation position.

The incentive element describes to the driver the position he must take so as to be in the installation position. In other words, the incentive element explains to the driver that he must be seated in the driver's seat and position his hands on the steering wheel, and more precisely on the periphery of the steering wheel. The incentive element may be a display element, voice assistance, a film or any other means making it possible to transmit information to the driver.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the recording step produces an image of the installation position of the driver.

Thus the determination step is carried out on the basis of an image of the driver. Image processing software can therefore perform the determination step.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the image is produced by at least one camera or one camera.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the image of the installation position represents the driver in a side view.

A driver's side view is a view in which the driver is seen from the side so that when the driver positions his hands on the steering wheel, his arms extend in a plane perpendicular to a plane in which his body extends. torso. It is then easy to determine the angle formed between the arm and the forearm.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the shooting device or the camera is positioned on a chassis of the vehicle, or on a ceiling of the vehicle, or on an upright of the windshield, or on a door of the vehicle.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the modification step modifies an in-depth adjustment of the steering wheel.

Thus, the steering wheel is away or closer to the driver.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the modification step modifies a height adjustment of the steering wheel.

Thus, the steering wheel approaches or moves away from the driver's knees. Preferably, the modification step modifies a depth and height adjustment of the steering wheel.

Thus it is possible to best adapt the position of the steering wheel to the driver.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the method comprises a definition step in which the predetermined range is chosen by the driver or by the computer. The method can modify the predetermined range so as to best adapt the comfort position to the driver and to the intended route. Indeed, the predetermined range may vary depending on the route that the driver has planned to achieve or depending on the mood of the driver who may want the steering wheel to be closer or further away from him.

The modification can be carried out by the computer as a function of GPS data for example, or directly by the driver. In the latter case, the driver will determine an adjustment of the comfort position which will be associated with a predetermined range. For example, the predetermined range of a "sport" setting will be between 70 ° and 90 °, that of a "piloting" setting will be between 95 ° and 105 ° and that of a "comfort" setting will be between 110 ° and 150 °.

Thus, the definition step allows adaptation of the predetermined range while ensuring that the steering wheel is in a position of comfort.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the method comprises a validation step in which the driver validates the modification step.

The validation step is performed after the modification step. This is a step in which the driver confirms that he is happy with the comfort position reached during the modification step.

If he wishes to keep the position of the steering wheel reached during the modification step, he validates the position.

If he wishes to modify the position of the steering wheel reached during the modification step, he does not validate the position and can start all the steps of the method again.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the method comprises a detection step in which the computer detects a force opposing the modification of the position of the steering wheel and stops the modification of the position of the steering wheel. Thus, if the driver does not wish a modification of the position of the steering wheel, he will hold back, or on the contrary push the steering wheel so as to counter the modification in progress. Further, the force opposing the change in position may be related to contact with an object or with the driver. The detection step therefore makes it possible to prevent the modification step from being carried out. In this way, there is no risk of injuring the driver during the modification step.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the modification of the position of the steering wheel is carried out with a speed of less than 30 mm / s.

Thus, the modification of the steering wheel is slow enough not to surprise the driver.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the modification of the position of the steering wheel is carried out with a speed of between 5 and 15 mm / s.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the modification of the position of the steering wheel is carried out at a plurality of different speeds.

The invention also relates to a steering system of a vehicle comprising at least one computer making it possible to implement an adjustment method according to the invention.

The invention will be better understood, thanks to the description below, which relates to an embodiment according to the present invention, given by way of non-limiting example and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of a driver of a vehicle in a comfort position;

[Fig. 2] is a schematic representation of the conductor in the absence of a method according to the invention;

[Fig. 3] is a diagram showing a vehicle fitted with a method according to the invention; [Fig. 4] is a schematic representation of a steering system.

The invention relates to a method for adjusting a steering wheel 3 of an assisted steering system 1 for vehicle 2, and more particularly for motor vehicle 2 intended for transporting people and in particular for transporting a driver 50.

The vehicle 2 comprises a frame 14 on which is fixed a seat 21 of the driver 50. The frame 14 determines an axis of elongation X of the vehicle 2 and a vertical axis Z, transverse to the axis of elongation X and which is oriented. from the feet of the driver 50 towards the head of the driver 50. The top of the frame 14 is therefore towards the head of the driver 50 while the bottom is towards the feet of the driver 50.

In a manner known per se, and as can be seen in FIG. 4, said power-assisted steering system 1 comprises a steering wheel 3 which allows a driver 50 to maneuver said power-assisted steering system 1 by exerting a force, said " couple steering wheel ”T3, on said steering wheel 3. An angle of rotation 03 of the steering wheel 3, hereinafter called the steering wheel angle, is measured by means of an angle sensor 23. Said steering wheel 3 is preferably mounted on a steering column 4, guided in rotation on the vehicle 2, and which meshes, by means of a steering pinion 5, on a steering rack 6, which is itself guided in translation in a housing steering 7 attached to said vehicle 2.

Preferably, the ends of said steering rack 6 are each connected to a steering rod 8, 9 connected to the knuckle holder of a steering wheel 10, 11 (respectively a left wheel 10 and a right wheel 11), so so that the longitudinal translational movement of the rack 6 makes it possible to modify the steering angle, that is to say the yaw angle, of the steered wheels.

The assisted steering system 1 also comprises an assistance motor 12 intended to provide an assistance force T12, and more particularly an assistance torque T12, to assist the maneuver of said assisted steering system 1.

The assistance motor 12 will preferably be an electric motor, with two operating directions, and preferably a rotary electric motor, of the brushless type. The assistance motor 12 can engage, where appropriate via a reduction gear type gearbox, or on the steering column 4 itself, to form a so-called “single pinion” mechanism, either directly on the steering rack 6, for example by means of a second pinion 13 separate from the steering pinion 5 which allows the steering column 4 to mesh with the rack 6, so as to form a so-called "toggle" mechanism. double pinion ”, as illustrated in FIG. 4, or even by means of a ball screw which cooperates with a corresponding thread of said rack 6, at a distance from said steering pinion 5.

An angle of rotation Q12 of the assist motor 12, hereinafter called the motor angle, is measured by means of an angle sensor 24.

The steering system 1 comprises a computer 20 receiving a plurality of parameters from the vehicle 2 and in particular parameters from the assisted steering system 1 such as for example the steering wheel angle Q3 or the engine angle Q12.

A position of the steering wheel 3 relative to the chassis 14 of the vehicle 2 can be modified by means of two actuators. A first actuator is called the telescopic actuator. It makes it possible to modify the position of the steering wheel 3 along an axis of elongation X4 of the steering column 4. This modification will be called a depth adjustment. A second actuator is called the “tilt” actuator. It allows to modify the position of the steering wheel 3 around a axis of rotation Y4 which extends transversely to the axis of elongation X4 of the steering column 4. This modification will be called a height adjustment.

A modification in height and depth makes it possible to vary the position of the steering wheel 3 along the axis of elongation X of the vehicle 2 and along the vertical axis Z.

Figure 1 illustrates the driver 50 in a comfort position. In this position, the driver is seated on the seat 21 and has his back 51 pressed against the seat 21. An arm angle Q formed between the arm 52 and the forearm 53 of the driver is between 90 ° and 120 ° .

FIG. 2 illustrates the conductor 50 in the absence of the method according to the invention. In this situation, the driver 50 is too far from the steering wheel 3. Thus, the driver 50 brings the bust of the steering wheel 3 so that the arm angle Q is between 90 ° and 120 °. In this way, the driver takes off the back 51 of the seat 21. He is not in a position of comfort.

The method according to the invention allows automatic height and depth adjustment of the steering wheel so that the driver 50 is in a position of comfort.

More precisely, the adjustment method according to the invention carried out by the computer 20 comprises a definition step in which a predetermined range is chosen by the driver.

The predetermined range corresponds to the range of the arm angle Q which will be used by the method according to the invention. The predetermined range corresponds to the arm angle Q for which the driver 50 is in a comfort position. The predetermined range can be chosen by the driver 50 so as to best adapt the comfort position to the driver 50 and to the planned route. Indeed, the predetermined range may vary depending on the route that the driver 50 has planned to achieve or depending on the mood of the driver 50 who may want the steering wheel 3 to be closer or further away from him.

In the present case, the modification is carried out by the driver 50 by selecting a setting via the computer 20. The possible settings of the comfort position are:

a “sport” setting in which the arm angle Q will be between 70 ° and 90 ° so that the driver 50 is close to the steering wheel 3 in order to efficiently perform steering maneuvers;

- a "piloting" setting in which the arm angle Q will be between 95 ° and 105 ° so that the driver can easily perform both straight journeys and maneuvers. a “comfort” setting in which the arm angle Q will be between 110 ° and 150 ° so that the driver has his arms extended so as to comfortably carry out long journeys in a straight line.

Thus, the definition step allows adaptation of the predetermined range while ensuring that the driver 50 is in a position of comfort.

The method then comprises a guiding step in which an incentive element indicates to the driver 50 how to position himself in the installation position.

The incentive element describes to the driver 50 the position he must take so as to be in the installation position. In other words, the incentive element explains to the driver 50 that he must be seated comfortably on the seat 21 of the driver 50 and position his hands 54 on the periphery of the steering wheel 3.

When the conductor 50 is in the installation position, the method performs a recording step in which the computer records the installation position of the conductor 50. The recording step makes an image of the installation position of the driver. driver 50 by means of a camera positioned laterally with respect to the driver 50. The camera can be positioned on the chassis 14 of the vehicle 2 as illustrated by points A in FIG. 3, or on a windshield pillar as illustrated by points B in figure 3, or on a vehicle door as illustrated by point C in figure 3.

The image produced during the recording step represents the conductor 50 in a side view.

A side view of the driver 50 is shown in Figures 1 to 3. This is a view in which the driver 50 is seen in profile so that when the driver 50 positions his hands 54 on the steering wheel 3, his arms 53, 52 extend in a plane perpendicular to a plane in which his torso extends. It is then easy to determine the angle of the arm Q formed between the arm 52 and the forearm 53.

The method then performs a determination step in which the computer 20 determines an installation value of the arm angle Q formed between the arm 52 and the forearm 53 of the conductor 20 in the installation position. Thus the determination step is carried out on the basis of the image of the conductor 20 produced during the recording step by means of image processing software.

The method then performs a modification step in which the computer 20 actuates at least one actuator so as to modify the position of the steering wheel 3 in depth and in height so that the arm angle Q is within the predetermined range. The modification step therefore makes it possible to modify the position of the steering wheel 3 so that the driver 20 is in a comfort position, that is to say a position in which the arm angle Q is included. within the predetermined range. The modification step modifies the in-depth height adjustment of the steering wheel 3 with a speed of less than 30 mm / s. so as not to surprise the driver. The method according to the invention then performs a validation step in which the driver 50 validates the modification step. In other words, the driver 5 confirms that the comfort position reached during the modification step suits him.

If he wishes to keep the position of the steering wheel 3 reached during the modification step, he validates the position.

If he wishes to modify the position of the steering wheel 3 reached during the modification step, he does not validate the position and can start all the steps of the method again.

In general, a comfort position setting does not allow the steering wheel 3 to descend along the vertical axis Z, that is to say to move towards the bottom of the vehicle 2. In this way, it is impossible for the steering wheel 3 to hit the knees of the driver 50 during the modification step.

The method finally comprises a detection step in which the computer 20 detects a force opposing the modification of the position of the steering wheel 3. The force is applied by the driver 50 who does not wish a modification of his position or by a barrier. The detection step then stops the modification of the position of the steering wheel 3. The detection step therefore makes it possible to prevent the modification step from being carried out. In this way, there is no risk of injuring the driver during the modification step.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the appended figures. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Method for adjusting a position of a steering wheel (3) of a steering system (1) of a vehicle (2), the steering system (1) comprising at least one computer (20) , a steering column (4) on which is fixed the steering wheel (3), and at least one actuator designed to modify the position of the steering wheel (3) relative to a frame (14) of the vehicle (2) , characterized in that the adjustment method comprises:

- a recording step in which the computer (20) records an installation position of a driver (50);

- a determination step in which the computer (20) determines an installation value of an angle (Q) formed between the arm (52) and the forearm (53) of the driver (50) in the position d 'installation;

- a modification step in which the computer (20) actuates at least one actuator so as to modify the position of the steering wheel (3) so that the angle (Q) formed between the arm (52) and the front- arm (53) is within a predetermined range.

The adjustment method according to claim 1, wherein the recording step makes an image of the installation position of the conductor (50).

3. Adjustment method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the image of the installation position represents the conductor (50) in a side view.

4. Adjustment method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the modifying step modifies a depth adjustment of the steering wheel (3).

5. Adjustment method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modifying step modifies a height adjustment of the steering wheel (3).

6. Adjustment method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a definition step in which the predetermined range is chosen by the driver (50) or by the computer (20).

7. Adjustment method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a validation step in which the driver (50) validates the modification step.

8. Adjustment method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a detection step in which the computer (20) detects a force. opposing the modification of the position of the steering wheel (3) and stops the modification of the position of the steering wheel (3).

9. Adjustment method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the modification of the position of the steering wheel (3) is carried out with a speed less than 30 mm / s.

10. Steering system (1) of a vehicle (2) comprising at least one computer (20) making it possible to implement an adjustment method according to any one of the preceding claims.