CN110550089B - Telescoping steering column system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A steering column system includes a steering column shaft. A steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft is also included. An energy absorbing mechanism is also included that is operably engaged with at least one of the steering column shaft and the steering input device. A column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position is also included. Also included is at least one signal indicating whether the steering column shaft is in the retracted position or the driving position, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, directional control of the vehicle is automated and the energy absorbing mechanism is in an inoperable state, and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position indicated by the at least one signal, the energy absorbing mechanism is in an operable state.

Description

Retractable steering column system and method

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of US Patent Application Serial No. 14/989,153, filed January 6, 2016, which claims priority over US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/174,114, filed June 11, 2015 The entire contents of both are incorporated herein by reference.

technical field

The following description relates to a steering column assembly, and more particularly, to a retractable steering column assembly.

Background technique

A vehicle steering wheel is typically used to steer a vehicle. When the vehicle is equipped with an autonomous driving assistance system ("ADAS"), the steering wheel does not need to be rotated because the autonomous driving system turns the wheels. This non-rotation allows the steering column and steering wheel to have other uses or purposes.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a steering column assembly that enables the driver to manipulate the position or purpose of the steering wheel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a steering column system includes a steering column shaft. Also included is a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft. Also included is an energy absorbing mechanism operably engaged with at least one of the steering column shaft and the steering input device. Also included is a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between the retracted position and the driving position. Also includes at least one signal indicating whether the steering column shaft is in the retracted position or the driving position, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, the directional control of the vehicle is automated and the energy absorbing mechanism is in an inoperable state, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position The energy absorbing mechanism is operable when the shaft returns to the driving position indicated by the at least one signal.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes a steering column shaft. Also included is a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft. Also included is an energy absorbing mechanism operably engaged with at least one of the steering column shaft and the steering input device. Also included is a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between the retracted position and the driving position. Also includes at least one signal indicating whether the steering column shaft is in the retracted position or the driving position, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, the directional control of the vehicle is automated and the energy absorbing mechanism is in an inoperable state, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position The energy absorbing mechanism is operable when the steering column shaft returns to the driving position indicated by the at least one signal.

According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating a steering column assembly of a vehicle. The method includes translating a steering column shaft from a retracted position toward an extended, driving position. The method also includes sending at least one signal from the steering column shaft member to the controller when the steering column shaft is in the extended, driving position. The method also includes engaging the energy absorbing mechanism to render it operable when the steering column shaft is in the extended, driving position indicated by the at least one signal, when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position and when in the retracted position with the extended When switching between driving positions, make the energy absorption mechanism inoperable.

Preferably, the driver of the vehicle provides directional control in the extended, driving position.

Preferably, the vehicle includes an autonomous driving assist steering system, the method further comprising activating the autonomous driving assist steering system to provide directional control when the steering column shaft is moved from the extended, driving position.

These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

The inventive subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the appended claims. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 is a schematic view of a vehicle and steering column assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

2A and 2B show a flowchart illustrating the operation of a vehicle and steering column assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed ways

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods is set forth herein by way of example and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring now to the drawings, in which embodiments will be described without limitation, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a vehicle 10, such a vehicle equipped with Autonomous Driving Assist Steering (“ADAS”) typically having an instrument panel 12 and retractable steering column assembly 14. The steering column assembly 14 generally includes a steering column shaft 16 and a steering input device, such as a steering wheel 18 , coupled to the steering column shaft.

In the illustrated embodiment, the steering column assembly 14 is movable between a retracted position 20 , a deployed or driving position 22 , and an attached or utility position 24 . In the retracted position 20, portions of the assembly 14, such as the steering wheel 18, are positioned away from the driver toward or into the instrument panel 12, which provides increased space for the driver. In the illustrated embodiment, the instrument panel 12 includes one or more receiving bays or regions 26 to receive some or all of the steering column assemblies 14 . For example, the receiving area 26 may be configured to receive the steering wheel 18 such that the steering wheel 18 and thus the assembly 14 may be received within and flush with the instrument panel 12 . In such an embodiment, the steering column assembly 14 is stowable, however, the distance the assembly 14 is retracted may vary. Displacement of the steering column shaft 16 and steering wheel 18 to the retracted position 20 creates additional cabin space for driver comfort and facilitates non-driving activities including, but not limited to, reading, working, playing, eating, driving information, etc.

In the driving position 22, the steering wheel 18 may be used by the driver to steer the vehicle. In the attached location 24, portions of the assembly 14, such as the steering wheel 18, may be used for non-driving activities such as reading, work, or other forms of recreation. Accordingly, at least a portion of the steering wheel 18 is configured to be non-rotatable so that an object like a computer or a book can be placed thereon. Additionally, at least a portion of the steering wheel 18 may pivot relative to the steering column shaft 16 (reducing the angle between the steering column shaft 16 and portions of the steering wheel 18) to form a work area. For example, a dining table or work surface 28 may be coupled to or integrated with the steering wheel 18 to enable such activity. Alternatively, only the rim or hub of the steering wheel is non-rotatable and includes attachments such as hooks to support the working surface 28 . In other embodiments, electronics and the like are integrated into the stationary steering wheel 18 or work surface 28 . In the accessory position 24, the steering wheel 18 can also be moved as needed to bring the work surface 28 closer to the driver.

In one embodiment, the steering column assembly 14 also includes a steering column adjustment assembly 30 , a disconnect assembly 32 , a torque interface assembly 34 and one or more sensors 36 . The adjustment assembly 30 is configured to move the steering column assembly 14 for driver comfort (eg, telescoping or tilt adjustment) and to move the assembly 14 between the retracted position 20 and the driving position 22 . Adjustment assembly 30 may include one or more mechanical/electrical mechanisms, such as motors. The adjustment assembly 30 may also include a retraction mechanism that enables the driver to mechanically, electrically, or manually return the steering wheel 18 from the retracted position 20 to the driving position 22 .

In the driving position 22 , the steering gear 44 links the rotation of the steering wheel 18 to the rotation of the wheels 46 . Steering gear 44 may be mechanically connected to steering column shaft 16, or alternatively may be electrically connected to steering column shaft 16, such as in a "steer-by-wire" system. In one embodiment, the decoupling assembly 32 is configured to selectively decouple one or more portions of the assembly 14 (eg, the shaft 16 ) from the vehicle steering gear 44 to place the steering wheel 18 in a non-rotatable mode, thereby removing the steering wheel 18 The ability to control the direction of wheels 46 through steering gear 44 . For example, the disconnect assembly 32 may be mechanically or electrically activated by a clutch or by steer-by-wire, or reversed by a servo-actuator. Alternatively or additionally, the assembly 32 may provide reversal to the steering wheel 18 to counteract any rotation of the steering wheel 18 caused by the autonomous driver assisted steering system so that the steering wheel 18 acts and behaves as non-rotatable. The decoupling assembly 32 need not be positioned along the shaft 16 and may be positioned elsewhere for mechanically and/or electrically decoupling the shaft 16 from the steering gear 44 .

Furthermore, since the steering wheel 18 is no longer used by the driver to guide the vehicle 10 , the breakaway assembly 32 allows the steering column shaft 16 and the steering wheel 18 to be displaced forward in the vehicle 10 to the retracted position 20 . The retraction action may be responsive to the driver's intent, for example, by a long-stroke electric actuator, by switches and motor controls, or by the driver manually releasing the clamps and pushing the steering wheel 18 and steering column shaft 16 forward to retract. Return to position 20 to implement. In any event, the embodiments described herein enable the steering column shaft 16 and steering wheel 18 to be retracted away from the driver, thereby providing space for non-driving-related activities such as work, reading, or gaming.

In the exemplary embodiment, torque interface assembly 34 is configured to detect and monitor driver torque input (both rotational and translational) to steering wheel 18 , eg, to determine whether the driver is in control of the vehicle. The sensors 36 are configured to detect and monitor cockpit conditions, driver conditions, vehicle environment, and/or vehicle control systems. For example, the sensors 36 may: detect objects between the retracted steering wheel 18 and the driver that may cause an unsafe situation for the driver to safely regain control of the vehicle; detect whether the driver is not in a safe position to control the vehicle re-control positions; and/or detect undesired vehicle dynamics that require driver re-control of the vehicle. Whether in the retracted position 20 , the deployed/driving position 22 , or the accessory/utility position 24 , the ADAS system 98 consists of one of the torque interface assembly 34 and the sensor 36 , which may be located on the steering column shaft 16 or the steering wheel 18 , or Both know the front and rear positions of the steering column shaft 16 and the steering wheel 18 . Sensors may include, but are not limited to, switches or potentiometers.

The retraction or stowage process that moves the steering column shaft 16 and steering wheel 18 from the driving position 22 (or the auxiliary/utility position 24 ) to the retracted position 20 must eventually be reversed to restore the driver's steering control of the vehicle 10 . That is, the driver should be able to reach, hold the steering wheel 18 forward, and be able to bring the steering wheel 18 to the driving position 22 relatively quickly to restore steering of the vehicle 10 . To restore steering of the vehicle 10 , the steering column shaft 16 is mechanically and/or electrically reconnected to the steering gear 44 . This reconnection may be accomplished by the breakaway assembly 32, such that the breakaway assembly 32 is actually a steering wheel coupling/decoupler. When returning to the driving position 22 , the steering column 16 and steering wheel 18 are (at least temporarily) fixed, such as by a disengagement assembly 32 and/or a deactivatable, two-way lock 38 fore and aft of the driving position 20 . When secured in the driving position 20 , the vehicle 10 provides the ability to reduce the kinetic energy of the driver (such as may result from an impact) via the energy absorbing mechanism 40 in the steering column shaft 16 , deformation of the steering wheel 18 and deployment of the driver's air bag 42 . The airbag 42 is also capable of absorbing energy in the deployed condition of the airbag 42 .

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B , an embodiment of the operation 100 of the vehicle 10 is shown. Beginning with FIG. 2A, the start of operation 104 may be assessed by the controller 102 of the ADAS system (shown diagrammatically at 98 in FIG. 1). The controller 102 may receive information (signals) from, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: the steering column adjustment assembly 30 , the disengagement assembly 32 , the torque interface assembly 34 , the sensors 36 , the two-way lock 38 , and the Any other features that can communicate with the controller 102 . As represented by block 106, operations 100 will determine whether an ADAS switch of the ADAS system 98 is open, such as by driver input to initiate ADAS mode. When the ADAS switch is not on, then, as represented by block 108, the driver provides directional control. As shown at block 110, the energy absorbing mechanism 40 and air bag 42 (E/A) are rendered operational (air bag 42 ready to deploy, if required).

When the ADAS switch is turned on, then, as represented by block 112, the ADAS system 98 provides directional control and renders the energy absorbing mechanism 40 and air bag 42 inoperable (ie, the air bag 42 is not ready to deploy). As represented by block 114 , the controller 102 also determines whether the steering column shaft 16 has been separated, such as by the separation assembly 32 . If not disengaged, the driver does not hold the steering wheel 18 in order to continue ADAS control, as represented by block 116 (otherwise, the ADAS switch will be closed due to driver input through the steering wheel 18 and the steering column shaft 16 will remain coupled to the Turn to gear 44 and the driver will provide control). If the steering column shaft 16 is disengaged, rotation of the steering wheel 18 ceases, as represented by block 118 . Rotationally fixed steering wheel 18 allows non-steering use of steering column shaft 16 and steering wheel 18 as illustrated by block 120 .

At some point during operation 100 , the driver may wish to retract steering wheel 18 . As represented by block 122 , the controller 102 will determine whether the steering column shaft 16 and steering wheel 18 are fully retracted during the retraction operation to the position 20 , such as by receiving a position-related signal from the steering column adjustment assembly 30 or any sensor 36 . back. If not fully retracted, the driver will not be holding on to the steering wheel 18 as shown by box 124 . However, if the steering column shaft 16 and the steering wheel 18 are retracted to the retracted position 20 , the cabin space within the vehicle 10 expands, as represented by block 126 , and the ADAS system 98 , such as by the controller 102 and The position of the steering column 16 may be learned by at least one sensor in communication with the controller 102 .

Referring now to FIG. 2B (a continuation of the operation 100 shown in FIG. 2A ), due to the expansion of the cabin space (block 126 of FIG. 2A ), a non-driving activity is enabled, as shown by block 130 . During operation 100 , the controller 102 will further determine (as shown at block 132 ) whether the driver has gripped the steering wheel 18 . If the driver is not holding the steering wheel 18 , the ADAS system 98 will continue to provide directional control as represented by block 134 . However, if the driver has gripped the steering wheel 18 , the ADAS system 98 is ready to disengage, as represented by block 136 . As shown at block 138, the steering column shaft 16 begins to elongate. The extension of the steering column shaft 16 may be accomplished by the driver and/or by automatic extension in response to driver input. As represented by block 104, the controller 102 will determine whether the steering column shaft 16 is fully extended. If the steering column shaft 16 is not fully extended to the driving position 22 , the ADAS system 98 will continue to provide directional control for the vehicle 10 , as represented by block 142 , and the energy absorbing mechanism 40 and air bag 42 may not deploy. However, if the steering column shaft 16 is fully extended, the driver provides directional control through the steering wheel 18 as shown at box 144 and, as shown at box 146, causes the steering column energy absorbing mechanism 40 and air bag 42 (E/A ) are operable (airbags 42 are ready to deploy together if needed). Full extension of the steering column shaft 16 may be determined by the controller 102 , for example, by actuation of the lock 38 or information from the breakaway assembly 32 or the steering column adjustment assembly 30 .

Thus, when the steering column shaft 16 is extended to the driving position 22 and the driver is providing directional control 108 of the vehicle 10, the operation 100 ensures that the steering column energy absorbing mechanism 40 and air bag 42 are operable and activatable if desired.

The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar objects in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the claims) will be construed to encompass both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or in conjunction with The context is clearly contradictory. Furthermore, it should also be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc. herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from other elements. The modifier "about" used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (eg, it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity).

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed above. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the present invention should not be considered limited by the foregoing description.

Figure 2A

YES

NO No

104 start

106 ADAS switch on?

108 Driver provides directional control

110 Pillar E/A and airbag fully in effect

112 ADAS system provides directional control

114 Detach the steering shaft?

116 The driver does not hold the steering wheel

118 Steering wheel rotation stopped

120 Allows non-steering use of column and steering wheel

122 Retract column and steering wheel

124 The driver does not hold the steering wheel

126 Car space expansion

128 ADAS learns column position

Figure 2B

130 Non-driving activities enable

132 Is the driver holding the steering wheel?

134 ADAS continues to provide directional control

136 ADAS ready to disengage

138 Column begins to stretch

140 Post fully extended?

142 ADAS continues to provide directional control

144 Driver provides directional control

146 Pillar E/A and airbag in effect

Claims (14)

1. A steering column system, comprising: steering column shaft; a steering input device, coupled to the steering column shaft; an energy absorbing mechanism operably engaged with at least one of the steering column shaft and the steering input device; a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position; and at least one signal indicating whether the steering column shaft is in the retracted position or the driving position, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position indicated by the at least one signal, the directional control of the vehicle is automated and the energy absorbing mechanism is not Engagement leaves the energy absorbing mechanism in an inoperable state and the air bag is not ready to deploy, when the steering column shaft is not fully extended to the driving position and the at least one signal does not indicate the driving position, the directional control of the vehicle is still automated and the energy The absorbing mechanism is disengaged such that the energy absorbing mechanism is in an inoperable state and the airbag is not deployable, and when the steering column shaft returns to the driving position indicated by the at least one signal, the energy absorbing mechanism is engaged such that the energy absorbing mechanism is in an operable state and The air bag is ready to deploy. 2. The steering column system of claim 1, further comprising a disengagement assembly configured to disengage the steering input device from the steering gear, the disengagement assembly providing the at least one signal. 3. The steering column system of claim 1, further comprising a torque interface assembly configured to detect torque input into the steering input device. 4. The steering column system of claim 1, further comprising: at least one sensor configured to monitor at least one of the following: a driver's cabin condition, a driver's condition, a vehicle environment, and a vehicle control system. 5. The steering column system of claim 1, further comprising a disengagement assembly configured to disengage the steering input from the steering gear, wherein in the disengaged condition of the steering input, at least a portion of the steering input is disabled rotated. 6. The steering column system of claim 4, further comprising a work surface coupled to or integrated with the steering input device. 7. A vehicle comprising: steering column shaft; a steering input device, coupled to the steering column shaft; an energy absorbing mechanism operably engaged with at least one of the steering column shaft and the steering input device; a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position; and at least one signal indicating whether the steering column shaft is in the retracted position or the driving position, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position indicated by the at least one signal, directional control of the vehicle is automated and the energy absorbing mechanism is not engaged such that the energy absorbing mechanism is inoperable and the air bag is not ready to deploy, when the steering column shaft is not fully extended to the driving position and the at least one signal does not indicate the driving position, the directional control of the vehicle is still automated and the energy absorbing mechanism Disengaged such that the energy absorbing mechanism is in an inoperable state and the air bag is not deployable, and when the steering column shaft returns to the driving position indicated by the at least one signal, the energy absorbing mechanism is engaged such that the energy absorbing mechanism is in an operable state and the air bag is ready Good to expand. 8. The vehicle of claim 7, further comprising an autonomous driving assist steering system having a controller configured to receive at least one signal. 9. The vehicle of claim 7, further comprising an instrument panel including at least one receiving compartment configured to receive at least a portion of the steering column assembly when the steering column assembly is in the retracted position. 10. The vehicle of claim 7, further comprising a steering gear and a disengagement assembly configured to disengage the steering input device from the steering gear, the disengagement assembly providing at least one signal. 11. A method of operating a steering column assembly of a vehicle, the method comprising: Translate the steering column shaft from the retracted position toward the extended, driving position; sending at least one signal from the steering column shaft member to the controller when the steering column shaft is in the extended, driving position; The energy absorbing mechanism is engaged so that the energy absorbing mechanism is operable and the airbag is ready to deploy when the steering column shaft is in the extended, driving position indicated by the at least one signal, and when the steering column shaft is in the extended, driving position indicated by the at least one signal In the retracted position indicated by the signal, the energy absorbing mechanism is not engaged such that the energy absorbing mechanism is in an inoperable state and the airbag is not ready to deploy, and when transitioning between the retracted position and the extended, driving position and the at least When a signal does not indicate a driving position, the energy absorbing mechanism is not engaged such that the energy absorbing mechanism is inoperable and the airbag cannot be deployed. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising re-coupling the steering column shaft with the steering gear when the steering column shaft is in the extended, driving position. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the vehicle includes an autonomous driving assist steering system, the method further comprising: allowing the autonomous driving assist steering system to provide directional control before the steering column shaft is in the extended, driving position . 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Translate the steering column shaft from the extended, driving position to the retracted position; At least one signal is sent from the steering column shaft assembly to the controller when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position.

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