Steering device with an actuating ring

• US 6,153,996 A
• Filed: 05/06/1999
• Issued: 11/28/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 09/06/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
• Original Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
• Inventors: Bossler, Hans-Jurgen, Kreuzer, Martin, Randau, Ulrich, Nigrin, Anke, Tschop, Winfried
• Primary Examiner(s): Ro, Bentsu
• Application Number:
  US09/297,727
• Time in Patent Office: 572 Days
• Field of Search: 318/488, 318/489, 318/490, 180/400, 180/429, 180/443, 180/444, 364/424.05
• US Class Current: 318/489
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/04 Hand wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 15/02 Steering position indicators ; Steering position determination; Steering aids

Abstract

A steering device for a motor vehicle is proposed, with an actuating member to introduce a steering movement and with a steering linkage to transfer the steering movement to the wheels.

The steering device is characterized according to the invention in that the actuating member consists of a non-rotatable "steering wheel" (1), in the rim (2) of which a band-shaped or chain-like actuating ring (3), movable relative to the rim (2), and a measured value transmitter (4) for generating an electrical or electronic position signal for the actuating ring (3) are arranged, and that the steering linkage is actuated by an adjustment drive which is controllable by an electrical or electronic regulating device as a function of the position signal.

The proposed mechanical uncoupling between "steering wheel" and "steerable wheels" in combination with the electronic or electrical transmission of the specified steering values on an adjustment drive brings considerable advantages as regards the formation of the transmission ratio between the incipient steering movement and the turning angle of the steered wheels and also for the transmission of the signals between the display and actuating devices on the "steering wheel" and the bodywork.

Claims

1. A steering device for a motor vehicle with an actuating member to introduce a steering movement and with a steering linkage to transfer the steering movement to the wheels, characterized in that the actuating member consists of a non-rotatable "steering wheel" (1), in the rim (2) of which a band-shaped or chain-like actuating ring (3), movable relative to the rim (2), and a measured value transmitter (4) to generate an electrical or electronic position signal for the actuating ring (3) are arranged, and that the steering linkage is actuated by an adjustment drive, which is controllable by an electrical or electronic regulating device as a function of the position signal.

2. The steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that the measured value transmitter (4) to generate the position signal consists of a bar code carrier (5) rotating with the actuating ring (3) and of a stationary reading device (6) for the bar code.

3. The steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating ring (3) consists of a link chain (7) and of a belt (8), connected in non-rotational relationship therewith, with an external grip profile (9).

4. The steering device according to claim 3, characterized in that the measured value transmitter (4) to generate the position signal consists of a small, rotatable disc (10) with a bar code and of a stationary reading device (6), the disc (10) being arranged on a shaft (11) for joint rotation therewith, the shaft (11) having a cogwheel (12) the teeth of which engage in carriers (13) of the link chain (7).

5. The steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that in the "steering wheel" (1) a display device (14) is provided, which indicates to the driver the position of the actuating ring (3).

6. The steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that the position signal is processable in the regulating device such that the control command for the adjustment drive deviates more or less from a direct, proportional "transmission" as a function of the "steering wheel turning angle".

7. The steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that the "steering wheel" (1) has a central part (15), in which an airbag (16) and also keys and actuating devices (17-18) are accommodated.