U.S. patent application number 14/813709 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-02 for rotation control system for a steering wheel and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation. Invention is credited to Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe.
Application Number | 20170029018 14/813709 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57886836 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170029018 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lubischer; Frank P. ; et
al. |
February 2, 2017 |
ROTATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A STEERING WHEEL AND METHOD
Abstract
An autonomously driven vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes
an autonomous driver assist system configured to provide
directional control of a vehicle during an autonomous vehicle
driving condition. The vehicle also includes a steering wheel. The
vehicle further includes a plurality of road wheels electrically
coupled to the steering wheel and controlled by the autonomous
driver assist system in the autonomous vehicle driving condition
and controlled by the steering wheel in a non-autonomous vehicle
driving condition.
Inventors: |
Lubischer; Frank P.;
(Commerce Twp., MI) ; Riefe; Richard K.; (Saginaw,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation |
Saginaw |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57886836 |
Appl. No.: |
14/813709 |
Filed: |
July 30, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 5/001 20130101;
B62D 6/008 20130101; B62D 1/28 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B62D 5/04 20060101
B62D005/04; G05D 1/00 20060101 G05D001/00; B62D 6/00 20060101
B62D006/00 |
Claims
1. A rotational control system for a steering wheel comprising: a
steering wheel switchable between a rotational condition and a
non-rotational condition; a steering gear operatively coupled to a
plurality of road wheels of a vehicle, the steering wheel and the
steering gear electrically coupled to each other; and a controller
in operative communication with the steering wheel and the steering
gear, the controller configured to control the steering gear
independent of the steering wheel when the vehicle is in an
autonomous vehicle driving condition, the steering wheel
retractable to a stowed position during the autonomous vehicle
driving condition.
2. The rotational control system of claim 1, wherein the steering
wheel is switchable between the rotational condition and the
non-rotational condition during the autonomous vehicle driving
condition.
3. The rotational control system of claim 1, wherein the controller
is part of an autonomous driving assist system capable of
determining and controlling directional control of the vehicle.
4. The rotational control system of claim 3, further comprising a
first actuator operatively coupled to the steering gear, the first
actuator controlled by the steering wheel in a non-autonomous
vehicle driving condition, the first actuator controlled by the
autonomous driving assist system in the autonomous vehicle driving
condition.
5. The rotational control system of claim 4, further comprising a
second actuator operatively coupled to the steering wheel, the
second actuator providing tactile feedback to a driver in response
to movement of the steering gear and the plurality of road
wheels.
6. The rotational control system of claim 1, wherein a driver
manually switches between the autonomous vehicle driving condition
and the non-autonomous vehicle driving condition.
7. The rotational control system of claim 1, wherein a driver
manually switches between the rotational condition and the
non-rotational condition while the vehicle is in the autonomous
vehicle driving condition.
8. (canceled)
9. The rotational control system of claim 1, wherein the steering
wheel is displaceable to a horizontal position during the
autonomous vehicle driving condition.
10. An autonomously driven vehicle comprising: an autonomous driver
assist system configured to provide directional control of a
vehicle during an autonomous vehicle driving condition; a steering
wheel; and a plurality of road wheels electrically coupled to the
steering wheel and controlled by the autonomous driver assist
system in the autonomous vehicle driving condition and controlled
by the steering wheel when the vehicle is in a non-autonomous
vehicle driving condition, the steering wheel retractable to a
stowed position during the autonomous vehicle driving
condition.
11. The autonomously driven vehicle of claim 10, wherein the
steering wheel is switchable between a rotational condition and a
non-rotational condition.
12. The autonomously driven vehicle of claim 10, wherein the
steering wheel is switchable between the rotational condition and
the non-rotational condition during the autonomous vehicle driving
condition.
13. The autonomously driven vehicle of claim 10, further comprising
a first actuator operatively coupled to the plurality of road
wheels and a second actuator operatively coupled to the steering
wheel, the second actuator providing tactile feedback to a driver
in response to movement of the plurality of road wheels.
14. The autonomously driven vehicle of claim 10, wherein a driver
manually switches between the autonomous vehicle driving condition
and the non-autonomous vehicle driving condition.
15. The autonomously driven vehicle of claim 10, wherein a driver
manually switches between the rotational condition and the
non-rotational condition while the vehicle is in the autonomous
vehicle driving condition.
16. A method of controlling a rotational condition of a steering
wheel comprising: switching between an autonomous vehicle driving
condition and a non-autonomous vehicle driving condition, wherein a
plurality of road wheels are electrically controlled by a steering
wheel in the non-autonomous vehicle driving condition and the
plurality of road wheels are controlled by an autonomous driving
assist system in the autonomous vehicle driving condition;
switching between a rotational condition and a non-rotational
condition of the steering wheel in the autonomous vehicle driving
condition; and retracting the steering wheel to a stowed position
during the autonomous vehicle driving condition.
17. (canceled)
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising displacing the
steering wheel to a horizontal position during the autonomous
vehicle driving condition.
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising determining when the
rotational condition is to be active and transitioning a steering
wheel angle to match a road wheel angle.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The embodiments described herein relate to steering wheel
assemblies and, more particularly, to a rotation control system for
a steering wheel.
[0002] As autonomously driven vehicles are developed, a number of
opportunities will evolve related to entertainment and
functionality for drivers. Steering wheels are commonly limited to
standard driving positions due to the need for a driver to handle
the steering wheel during operation of the vehicle. These
limitations may be unnecessary during an autonomous driving mode of
a vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a rotational
control system for a steering wheel is provided. The rotational
control system includes a steering wheel switchable between a
rotational condition and a non-rotational condition. The rotational
control system also includes a steering gear operatively coupled to
a plurality of road wheels of a vehicle, the steering wheel and the
steering gear electrically coupled to each other. The rotational
control system further includes a controller in operative
communication with the steering wheel and the steering gear, the
controller configured to control the steering gear independent of
the steering wheel when the vehicle is in an autonomous vehicle
driving condition.
[0004] According to another aspect of the disclosure, an
autonomously driven vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an
autonomous driver assist system configured to provide directional
control of a vehicle during an autonomous vehicle driving
condition. The vehicle also includes a steering wheel. The vehicle
further includes a plurality of road wheels electrically coupled to
the steering wheel and controlled by the autonomous driver assist
system in the autonomous vehicle driving condition and controlled
by the steering wheel when the vehicle is in a non-autonomous
vehicle driving condition.
[0005] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a method
of controlling a rotational condition of a steering wheel is
provided. The method includes switching between an autonomous
vehicle driving condition and a non-autonomous vehicle driving
condition, wherein a plurality of road wheels are electrically
controlled by a steering wheel in the non-autonomous vehicle
driving condition and the plurality of road wheels are controlled
by an autonomous driving assist system in the autonomous vehicle
driving condition. The method also includes switching between a
rotational condition and a non-rotational condition of the steering
wheel in the autonomous vehicle driving condition.
[0006] These and other advantages and features will become more
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with
the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is
particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at
the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other
features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle having a
rotational control system for a steering wheel; and
[0009] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operation
of the rotational control system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Referring now to FIG. 1, where the invention will be
described with reference to specific embodiments, without limiting
same, a rotation control system 10 for a steering wheel 12 is
provided. The rotational control system 10 facilitates switching
between a rotatable condition of the steering wheel 12 and a
non-rotatable condition of the steering wheel 12. Such control is
advantageous in a vehicle that is capable of operating in an
autonomous driving mode. Autonomous driving refers to vehicles that
are configured to perform operations without continuous input from
a driver (e.g., steering, accelerating, braking etc.) and may be
equipped with an Advanced Driver Assist System(s), also referred to
herein as an autonomous driving assist system 15. The autonomous
driving assist system 15 includes processing equipment and a
controller 26 that allows the vehicle to be autonomously controlled
using sensing, steering, and/or braking technology. When the
autonomous driving assist system 15 is activated, the steering
wheel 12 is not required for vehicle control and, therefore,
rotation of the steering wheel is not required during the
autonomous driving mode. Fixing the steering wheel 12 in a
non-rotational condition provides opportunities for a driver to use
the steering wheel 12 as a workspace or armrest, for example, upon
movement of the steering wheel 12 to different orientations from a
standard driving position. In some embodiments, the steering wheel
12 is moved to a substantially horizontal orientation to allow
objects to be rested thereon. Furthermore, non-rotation of the
steering wheel 12 provides the ability to retract the steering
wheel 12 to a stowed position that allows a driver to enjoy
additional legroom, and more space generally.
[0011] The embodiments of the rotational control system 10
described herein may be employed in conjunction with numerous types
of vehicles. In some embodiments, the vehicle is referred to as a
"drive-by-wire" automobile that does not include a mechanical
connection between the steering wheel and a steering gear 18 which
is operatively coupled to a plurality of road wheels 20. In a
drive-by-wire automobile, the steering wheel 12 and the steering
gear 18 are electrically coupled. Guidance of the vehicle is
performed by the use of an electric power steering gear 18 with an
input shaft that is rotated by a first actuator 22, such as a servo
actuator. The first actuator 22 receives an electronic
communication signal of the steering wheel rotation made by the
driver. The driver's feel of the road is simulated by a second
actuator 24, such as a servo actuator, by applying tactile feedback
in the form of torque to the steering wheel 12. The second actuator
24 is operatively coupled to the steering wheel 12. In the
illustrated embodiment, the second actuator 24 is coupled to a
steering column 28 that is coupled to the steering wheel 12.
[0012] As described above, the autonomous driving assist system 15
is configured to be activated when the autonomous vehicle driving
condition is desired. The driver is able to switch between the
autonomous vehicle driving condition and a non-autonomous vehicle
driving condition. The non-autonomous vehicle driving condition
includes a driver controlling the steering wheel to directionally
control the vehicle in a conventional manner. The driver may switch
between the autonomous and non-autonomous driving conditions (i.e.,
activate and deactivate the autonomous driving mode) by a prompt
(e.g., "handshake"), such as a specific driver applied rotation or
torque of the steering wheel 12. Alternative prompts may be used
with a switch, button, handle, voice prompt, etc. Regardless of the
prompt, the driving mode is switched to the desired condition.
[0013] Upon switching from the non-autonomous driving condition to
the autonomous driving condition, the signal from the steering
wheel 12 to the steering gear 18 is halted or ignored, thereby
deactivating directional control of the road wheels 20 by the
steering wheel. In such a transition, the autonomous driving assist
system 15 is activated to directionally control the road wheels 20
of the vehicle. Sensors, navigational equipment, processing
equipment, the controller 26 and/or other devices collectively are
referred to as the autonomous driving assist system 15. The
controller 26 is shown independently for illustrative purposes, but
it is to be appreciated that the controller 26 is part of the
autonomous driving assist system 15. In conjunction with the other
devices of the autonomous driving assist system 15, the controller
26 directionally controls the road wheels 20 in the autonomous
vehicle driving condition. In some embodiments, control includes
controlling the first actuator 22, which works with the steering
gear 18 to control the road wheels 20.
[0014] While in the autonomous vehicle driving condition, the
steering wheel is switchable between the rotational condition and
the non-rotational condition described above. In some cases, for a
variety of reasons a driver may wish to maintain rotation of the
steering wheel 12, even while the vehicle is operated in the
autonomous driving condition. If rotation is desired, the driver
simply allows the steering wheel 12 to rotate in a manner that
corresponds to the angular displacement of the road wheels 20 while
keeping his or her hands off of the wheel, so as to not
inadvertently deactivate the autonomous driving condition. However,
in many cases, a driver will desire a non-rotational condition of
the steering wheel 12. As described above, during the
non-rotational condition the steering wheel 12 may be employed as a
functional or entertainment related structure. For example, the
steering wheel 12 may be tilted to a substantially horizontal
position, or any other angle, while the vehicle is in an autonomous
driving condition. This enables for non-steering uses of the
steering wheel 12. In one embodiment, non-rotation allows the
steering wheel 12 to be used as a tray table to rest arms or
objects on. For example, a cell phone or laptop may be placed
thereon for use during the autonomous driving mode. In another
embodiment, forward retraction of the steering wheel 12 toward the
instrument panel of the vehicle enlarges the cabin space for
additional driver comfort and convenience. In yet another
embodiment, the non-rotating steering wheel provides a platform for
electronic devices monitoring the cabin, driver, and vehicle
controls due to the stationary orientation of the steering
wheel.
[0015] As is the case with switching between the autonomous and
non-autonomous driving conditions, the rotational and
non-rotational conditions of the steering wheel 12 may be switched
by a prompt (e.g., "handshake"), such as a specific driver applied
rotation or torque of the steering wheel 12. Alternative prompts
may be used with a switch, button, handle, voice prompt, etc.
[0016] Upon entering the autonomous driving condition, the
autonomous driving assist system 15 interrupts or discontinues the
signal that is normally sent from the steering wheel input to the
first actuator 22 and/or steering gear 18, as described above.
Simultaneously, the autonomous driving assist system 15, via the
controller 26, communicates with the overall steering wheel
assembly to stop rotation of the steering wheel 12 upon entry into
the non-rotational condition, thereby rotationally locking the
steering wheel 12. As described above, the driver is permitted to
selectively switch between the rotational condition and the
non-rotational condition while the vehicle is operated in the
autonomous driving condition to obtain the advantages described
above.
[0017] As one skilled in the art can appreciate, the physical
angular position of the steering wheel 12 may be offset from the
actual physical position of the road wheels 20 during, and
immediately subsequent to, operation of the vehicle in the
autonomous driving condition. As such, upon switching from the
autonomous driving condition to the non-autonomous driving
condition, actual transfer of directional control of the road
wheels 20 to the driver is slightly delayed to accommodate
realignment of the steering wheel 12, and any associated
components, with the position of the road wheels 20. This delay is
likely imperceptible to the driver.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 2, a method of controlling rotation of the
steering wheel is illustrated in the form of a flow diagram. The
method includes operating 30 the vehicle in a drive-by-wire mode,
with the driver directionally controlling 32 the road wheels with
the steering wheel. The method also includes determining 34 if the
autonomous driving assist system is activated. If it is not
activated, the driver continues to provide steering control of the
vehicle 36. If activated, the autonomous driving assist system
provides steering control 38. In an activated state, the driver's
selected wheel rotation condition is determined 40. If the driver
has entered a prompt that selects the non-rotational condition of
the steering wheel, the steering wheel enters the non-rotational
condition 42 and the steering wheel may be employed for
non-steering uses 44. If the driver has not entered a prompt that
selects the non-rotational condition, the driver simply keeps his
or her hands off of the steering wheel 46 and the second actuator
matches the tire angle to the steering wheel rotation 48.
[0019] As described above, the physical angular position of the
steering wheel 12 is matched to the actual physical position of the
road wheels 20 upon switching from the autonomous driving mode to
the non-autonomous driving mode. As shown in FIG. 2, the steering
wheel is in a "straight ahead" position during the autonomous
driving mode 50 in some embodiments. A determination 52 is made
regarding whether the autonomous driving assist system is active.
If active, no action is required 54 with respect to aligning the
steering wheel to the road wheels. If not active 56, the system
matches the steering wheel and road wheel angles 58 and then
transitions to allowing the driver to provide directional control
of the vehicle 60.
[0020] The flow diagram of FIG. 2 and its associated description
above relates to a transition between the non-autonomous driving
condition to the autonomous driving condition. As described above,
to switch back to the non-autonomous driving condition from the
autonomous driving condition, the driver simply enters a specified
prompt that deactivates control of the road wheels with the
autonomous driving assist system.
[0021] 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 such
disclosed embodiments. 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 invention.
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
invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing
description.
* * * * *