Multifunctional steering wheel with variable holding feeling

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to the technical field of vehicle manufacturing, in particular to a multifunctional holding feeling variable steering wheel which comprises a rim, a center shaft hub, a plurality of spokes, a controller and a control button, the rim is installed on the center shaft hub through the spokes, the center shaft hub is connected with a steering column, and the controller is connected with the steering column. The wheel rim is provided with two normally-held areas, the wheel rim and the central shaft hub are hollow, the two normally-held areas are provided with adjusting areas, the positions, in the adjusting areas, of the wheel rim are hollowed out, the hollowed-out positions are fixedly covered with rubber sheets, and an adjusting groove, an air bag and a two-way air pump are arranged in the wheel rim. The adjusting groove is fixedly formed in the position of the adjusting area, the air bag is arranged between the adjusting groove and the rubber sheet and connected with the two-way air pump, the controller is installed in the hollow portion of the center shaft hub, and the control button is fixedly arranged on the center shaft hub.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Multiple embodiments of the present specification relate to the field of vehicle manufacturing technology, and specifically to a multifunctional steering wheel with a variable grip. Background Art

[0002] In addition to the traditional steering control function, the steering wheel assembly of modern vehicles also integrates a variety of additional functions to enhance the driving experience and vehicle personalization. For example, in order to meet different driving needs, the steering wheel is usually equipped with a driving mode selection button, allowing the driver to quickly switch between multiple preset modes such as economy, sport, and comfort, thereby adjusting the vehicle's response characteristics and optimizing driving performance. The steering wheel is also equipped with other control buttons, such as multimedia control system, cruise control adjustment, voice command activation, etc., which can provide the driver with an integrated operation method, so that the hands can complete multiple operations without leaving the steering wheel, further enhancing the safety and convenience of driving. On the other hand, when the steering wheel is too dry, it may lead to reduced friction, affecting the driver's grip and control ability. Especially on the steering wheel wrapped in leather. Because the leather material easily loses moisture and becomes dry and hard, it is more obvious in dry or cold weather. In order to improve driving safety and improve the grip of the steering wheel, it is necessary to continue to study the steering wheel manufacturing technology. Summary of the invention

[0003] Multiple embodiments of this specification describe a multifunctional steering wheel with a variable grip feel.

[0004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present specification provides a multifunctional steering wheel with variable grip, comprising: A wheel rim, a central hub, a plurality of spokes, a controller and a control button, wherein the wheel rim is mounted on the central hub through the spokes, and the central hub is connected to the steering column. The wheel rim is provided with two regular gripping areas, the wheel rim and the central hub are both hollow, the two regular gripping areas are both provided with adjustment areas, the wheel rim is hollowed out at the position of the adjustment areas, the hollowing out is fixedly covered with a rubber sheet, an adjustment groove, an airbag and a two-way air pump are provided in the wheel rim, the adjustment groove is fixedly provided at the adjustment area, the airbag is provided between the adjustment groove and the rubber sheet, and the airbag is connected to the two-way air pump, The controller is installed in the hollow of the central hub, the control button is fixedly arranged on the central hub, and the control button and the bidirectional air pump are connected to the controller.

[0005] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present specification provides a control method for a multifunctional steering wheel with a variable grip feel, including a grip control method, wherein the grip control method comprises the steps of: Receiving a control signal generated by a control button; When the control signal is to increase the adjustment area, the bidirectional air pump is controlled to fill the air bag with air until the control button no longer generates a control signal; When the control signal is to reduce the adjustment area, the bidirectional air pump is controlled to extract air into the airbag until the control button no longer generates a control signal.

[0006] The beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions provided by some embodiments of this specification include at least: In multiple embodiments of the present specification, a multifunctional variable grip steering wheel is provided that allows the driver to adjust the size of the adjustment area according to personal needs, thereby achieving personalized customization of the grip feeling and improving driving comfort and safety. A temperature and humidity sensor is used to monitor the state of the hand skin, and an ultrasonic atomizer is combined to release an appropriate amount of moisture when necessary to maintain an ideal humidity level. It can improve the touch of the hand, especially in dry seasons or air-conditioned car environments. The heating tank allows the water flow to enter the atomizer tank after being heated, producing warm water mist. It helps to increase the humidity level of the local environment and can also provide a comfortable hand-warming effect, especially suitable for cold weather.

[0007] Other features and advantages of the various embodiments of the present specification will be further disclosed in the following detailed description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this specification. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0009] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a multifunctional steering wheel with a variable grip provided in an embodiment of this specification; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the adjustment area provided in the embodiments of this specification; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the flow chart of the grip control method provided in the embodiments of this specification; Figure 4 This is a schematic flow chart of the friction control method provided in the embodiments of this specification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The following is an explanation and description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this specification in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of this specification, but the following embodiments are only preferred embodiments of this specification, not all. Based on the embodiments in the implementation mode, other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are all within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0011] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. in the description and claims of this specification and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally includes steps or units that are not listed, or optionally includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0012] In the following description, terms such as "inside", "outside", "up", "down", "left", "right", etc. that indicate directions or positional relationships are only used to facilitate the description of the embodiments and simplify the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation of this specification.

[0013] A well-known automobile manufacturer has introduced a configuration called "Intelligent Comfort Steering Wheel" in its latest flagship sedan. It uses advanced breathable materials and is equipped with a micro-humidification system, which can be automatically activated when driving in winter to provide users with a warm grip. According to user feedback, this design significantly improves the comfort of long-distance driving and reduces the incidence of hand fatigue.

[0014] In order to enrich the steering wheel grip adjustment methods, adapt to different drivers, improve the hand micro-environment, and provide a more comfortable and reliable grip, this manual provides a multi-functional grip-variable steering wheel. Please refer to the attached Figure 1 , including a wheel rim 1, a central hub 6, a plurality of spokes 5, a controller and a control button. The wheel rim 1 is mounted on the central hub 6 through the spokes 5. The central hub 6 is connected to the steering column. Two common gripping areas 2 are arranged on the wheel rim 1. The wheel rim 1 and the central hub 6 are both hollow. Both of the two common gripping areas 2 are provided with adjustment areas 3. The wheel rim 1 is hollowed out at the position of the adjustment area 3, and the hollowing is fixedly covered with a rubber sheet. Two common gripping areas 2 are arranged on the wheel rim 1, which are the positions where the driver most often grips during normal driving. There is a corresponding adjustment area 3 in each common gripping area 2 for changing the gripping feeling. The rubber sheet not only provides a good touch, but also acts as a seal to prevent external dust or moisture from entering the interior.

[0015] The wheel rim 1 is provided with an adjustment groove 31, an airbag 32 and a two-way air pump. The adjustment groove 31 is fixedly arranged in the adjustment area 3. The airbag 32 is arranged between the adjustment groove 31 and the rubber sheet. The airbag 32 is connected to the two-way air pump. The controller is installed in the hollow of the central hub 6. The control button is fixedly arranged on the central hub 6. The control button and the two-way air pump are connected to the controller.

[0016] The bidirectional air pump is a micro piezoelectric bidirectional air pump. The adjustment groove 31 is located in the adjustment area 3 and is a space for accommodating the airbag 32. When the airbag 32 is inflated or deflated, the shape of the rubber sheet can be changed, thereby affecting the grip feeling. When the driver operates the control button, the controller will start the bidirectional air pump to inflate or deflat the airbag 32. The size of the adjustment area 3 is adjusted. Each driver has different hand sizes and preferences, so the driver can adjust the grip feeling according to personal needs, which improves the driving comfort and safety.

[0017] The micro piezoelectric bidirectional air pump is installed in the wheel rim 1 and connected to the airbag 32, and is responsible for controlling the gas pressure in the airbag 32. The micro piezoelectric bidirectional air pump has the characteristics of small size and low energy consumption, and is very suitable for such compact applications.

[0018] The common grip area 2 is provided with a ventilation block 4, which is a ventilation hole covered with a ventilation plug. The common grip area 2 is provided with a temperature and humidity sensor, which detects the temperature and humidity of the driver's hand, and the temperature and humidity sensor is connected to the controller. The ventilation hole can allow air to circulate, so that the moisture and heat of the hand can obtain a diffusion channel, and keep the temperature and humidity of the hand within a suitable range. The ventilation plug is used to prevent dust from entering, and the ventilation plug itself has high air permeability. The ventilation plug uses a breathable material, and it is recommended to be made of a material with good elasticity and air permeability, such as silica gel, sponge or other synthetic fibers. The temperature and humidity sensor is installed in the common grip area 2 and directly contacts the driver's palm or finger. Ensure that the sensor can capture the temperature and humidity of the hand more accurately, and provide reliable data support for subsequent adjustments. The ventilation plug can effectively isolate external dust and dirt, and allow an appropriate amount of water vapor to pass through, keeping the internal environment clean and comfortable. At present, some products made of advanced materials such as nanofibers and ultrafine fibers in this field have shown good application prospects.

[0019] On the other hand, in another embodiment, please refer to the attached Figure 2, also includes a water tank, a water supply pump, an atomizing tank 41 and a fan 45. The atomizing tank 41 is arranged in the hollow of the wheel rim 1 and its position corresponds to the common grip area 2. An ultrasonic atomizing sheet 42 is arranged in the atomizing tank 41. The bottom of the atomizing tank 41 is connected to the water supply pump and the water tank in turn by a water inlet pipe 46. The fan 45 is connected to the atomizing tank 41 with the atmosphere. The water supply pump has high-precision flow control capability to ensure the consistency of each spray amount, and has low noise during operation and will not interfere with the driving experience. The atomizing tank 41 is arranged in the hollow of the wheel rim 1, and its position corresponds to the common grip area 2, and can directly act on the driver's hand area. An ultrasonic atomizing sheet 42 is installed in the tank. When a high-frequency electrical signal is applied, the ultrasonic atomizing sheet 42 will generate strong mechanical vibrations, so that the water molecules on the contact surface form small water droplets with a diameter of about 1-5 microns, which are suspended in the air to achieve a humidification effect. The ultrasonic atomizing sheet 42 can convert liquid water into tiny water mist particles, thereby quickly increasing the humidity level of the local environment. The fan 45 is located near the atomizing slot 41, and its main function is to promote air circulation and help the water mist to be evenly distributed in the entire holding area 2. In addition, the fan 45 can also accelerate the evaporation process of the water mist to ensure that the hands always maintain a suitable degree of moisture without being too wet.

[0020] It also includes a heating tank 44, in which a heating wire 43 is arranged. The bottom of the atomizing tank 41 is connected to the water supply pump and the water tank in sequence through the water inlet pipe 46 after passing through the bottom of the heating tank 44. The fan 45 is installed at the heating tank 44, and the fan 45 is connected to the atmosphere at the top of the heating tank 44. The heating wire 43 is installed inside the heating tank 44 to preheat the water flowing through. The heating wire 43 is made of high temperature resistant, energy-efficient resistance material, and can generate more heat in a short time. The heating tank 44 allows the water flow to enter the atomizing tank 41 after being heated, generating warm water mist. It not only helps to increase the humidity level of the local environment, but also provides a comfortable hand-warming effect, which is especially suitable for cold weather.

[0021] The atomizing tank 41 and the heating tank 44 are connected via a one-way valve, and the one-way valve is conducted from the heating tank 44 to the atomizing tank 41. First, a water supply pump pumps a certain amount of water into the heating tank 44, and after being heated by the heating tank 44, air is blown in by the fan 45 to press the water into the atomizing tank 41, and the fan 45 continuously blows in air. After the water flows into the atomizing tank 41, it is atomized, and the continuously blown-in air forms an airflow to accelerate the diffusion of the mist droplets.

[0022] On the other hand, this specification provides a control method for a multifunctional steering wheel with variable grip, including a grip control method. Figure 3 , the grip control method comprises the steps of: Step S101) receiving a control signal generated by a control button; Step S102) when the control signal is to increase the adjustment area 3, control the bidirectional air pump to fill the air bag 32 with air until the control button no longer generates a control signal; Step S103) When the control signal is to reduce the adjustment zone 3, the bidirectional air pump is controlled to extract air into the airbag 32 until the control button no longer generates a control signal.

[0023] By manually triggering the control button, the user places one hand on the adjustment area 3 and operates the control button with the other hand to adjust the adjustment area 3. The adjustment amplitudes of the adjustment areas 3 on both sides are kept consistent.

[0024] On the other hand, in another embodiment, the control method further comprises a friction force control method. Figure 4 , the friction force control method comprises: Step S201) periodically reading the detection values ​​of the temperature and humidity sensor; Step S202) When the humidity is lower than a preset reference value, the water supply pump is controlled to supply a predetermined amount of water to the atomization tank 41; Step S203) Control the ultrasonic atomizer sheet 42 to atomize water until the humidity is higher than the preset reference value. When the humidity is detected to be low, the humidity can be increased by atomization to ensure that the driver's hands are in a comfortable humidity range. At the same time, the driver's hands are moist to avoid insufficient friction between the hands and the steering wheel. The sensor is used to monitor the state of the hand skin, and combined with the ultrasonic atomizer sheet 42, an appropriate amount of water is released when necessary to maintain an ideal humidity level. It can not only prevent the leather from cracking, but also improve the touch of the hand, especially in dry seasons or air-conditioned car environments. It can maintain appropriate humidity and ensure sufficient ventilation, thereby providing the best grip and operating stability.

[0025] On the other hand, in another embodiment, the friction control method further includes: when the humidity is lower than a preset reference value and the water tank is empty, controlling the heating wire 43 to heat the air and controlling the fan 45 to blow out the heated air until the humidity is higher than the preset reference value. When there is no water in the water tank, the humidity cannot be increased by atomization humidification, so the air is heated and airflow is generated by the fan 45 to increase the temperature of the driver's hands and sweat, thereby increasing the humidity.

[0026] On the other hand, in another embodiment, the control method further includes a ventilation control method. The ventilation control method includes: periodically reading the detection value of the temperature and humidity sensor; when the temperature exceeds a preset reference temperature, controlling the fan 45 to start until the temperature is lower than the preset reference temperature.

Claims

1. A multifunctional steering wheel with variable grip, characterized in that: include: A wheel rim, a central hub, a plurality of spokes, a controller and a control button, wherein the wheel rim is mounted on the central hub through the spokes, and the central hub is connected to the steering column. The wheel rim is provided with two regular gripping areas, the wheel rim and the central hub are both hollow, the two regular gripping areas are both provided with adjustment areas, the wheel rim is hollowed out at the position of the adjustment areas, the hollowing out is fixedly covered with a rubber sheet, an adjustment groove, an airbag and a two-way air pump are provided in the wheel rim, the adjustment groove is fixedly provided at the adjustment area, the airbag is provided between the adjustment groove and the rubber sheet, and the airbag is connected to the two-way air pump, The controller is installed in the hollow of the central hub, the control button is fixedly arranged on the central hub, and the control button and the bidirectional air pump are connected to the controller; The common gripping area is provided with ventilation blocks, the ventilation blocks are ventilation holes covered with ventilation plugs, the common gripping area is provided with temperature and humidity sensors, the temperature and humidity sensors detect the temperature and humidity of the driver's hands, and the temperature and humidity sensors are connected to the controller; It also includes a water tank, a water supply pump, an atomization tank and a fan. The atomization tank is arranged in the hollow of the rim and its position corresponds to the normal holding area. An ultrasonic atomization sheet is arranged in the atomization tank. The bottom of the atomization tank is connected to the water supply pump and the water tank in sequence by a water inlet pipe. The fan is connected to the atomization tank and is in atmospheric communication.

2. The multifunctional steering wheel with variable grip according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a heating groove, in which a heating wire is arranged. The bottom of the atomizing groove is connected to a water supply pump and a water tank in sequence through a water inlet pipe after passing through the bottom of the heating groove. The fan is installed at the heating groove, and the fan is connected to the atmosphere at the top of the heating groove.

3. A multifunctional steering wheel with variable grip according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The atomizing tank and the heating tank are connected via a one-way valve, and the one-way valve is connected from the heating tank to the atomizing tank.

4. A multifunctional steering wheel with variable grip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The bidirectional air pump is a micro piezoelectric bidirectional air pump.

5. A control method for a multifunctional steering wheel with variable grip as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The invention comprises a grip control method, wherein the grip control method comprises the steps of: Receiving a control signal generated by a control button; When the control signal is to increase the adjustment area, the bidirectional air pump is controlled to fill the air bag with air until the control button no longer generates a control signal; When the control signal is to reduce the adjustment area, the bidirectional air pump is controlled to extract air into the airbag until the control button no longer generates a control signal.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: Also included is a friction force control method, the friction force control method comprising: Periodically reading the detection values ​​of the temperature and humidity sensor; When the humidity is lower than a preset reference value, controlling the water supply pump to supply a predetermined amount of water to the atomization tank; The ultrasonic atomizing sheet is controlled to atomize water until the humidity is higher than the preset reference value.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The friction force control method further comprises: When the humidity is lower than a preset reference value and there is no water in the water tank, the heating wire is controlled to heat the air and the fan is controlled to blow out the heated air until the humidity is higher than the preset reference value.

8. The control method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: Also included is a ventilation control method, the ventilation control method comprising: Periodically reading the detection values ​​of the temperature and humidity sensor; When the temperature exceeds a preset reference temperature, the fan is controlled to start until the temperature is lower than the preset reference temperature.

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