Steering wheel for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering wheel (1) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a rim (33) and at least one hand rest (41), configured to allow a driver to hold the rim (33) by resting part of their hand on the hand rest (41), said hand rest being disposed on the rim (33) in a projection oriented outwards from the rim (33). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Steering wheel for vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates in particular to a steering wheel for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

[0002] The invention aims to provide a new steering wheel, in particular equipped with expanded functionalities and / or configured to offer improved ergonomics and / or to offer intuitive interaction with different vehicle controls and interfaces.

[0003] The invention thus relates to a steering wheel for a vehicle, comprising a rim and at least one hand rest, configured to allow a driver to hold the rim by resting a part (in particular the edge of the hand at the level of the hypothenar eminence) of his hand on the hand rest, said hand rest being arranged on the rim forming a projection oriented towards the outside of the rim.

[0004] The invention has the particular advantage of improving driving comfort and ergonomics thanks to hand rests on the rim, allowing a relaxed hand position while ensuring a secure grip on the steering wheel.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, the hand rest is positioned on the rim opposite control buttons, in particular formed by first capacitive touch zones, located on a rear face of the steering wheel.

[0006] This allows easy access with the driver's fingers.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the hand rest is made of the same material as the rim. Advantageously, the rim and the hand rest can be produced simultaneously during the manufacturing process, for example by injection molding.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, the hand rest is made of a material different from that of the rim.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the hand rest comprises a non-slip surface and / or a soft coating.

[0010] This improves comfort.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the steering wheel comprises two hand rests, in particular symmetrical ones located on either side of a vertical median plane of the steering wheel.

[0012] This allows the driver to rest both hands in a balanced way on both sides of the steering wheel.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the hand rest has a substantially flat support surface, in particular between 30 cm2 and 100 cm2.

[0014] Alternatively, the hand rest has a curved shape adapted to the anatomy of the hand.

[0015] The hand rest can be removable and / or adjustable.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the steering wheel rim has a substantially flattened shape on at least part of its circumference, in particular being flattened on an upper edge and a lower edge of the rim.

[0017] A relatively flat rim allows the driver's field of vision to be maximized towards a screen located behind the steering wheel, such as a dashboard, a head-up display (HUD), a panoramic screen or any other display device.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the hand rests are arranged opposite the side walls of a steering wheel base.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper edge and the lower edge of the rim are devoid of hand rests.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the rim has a substantially oval or elliptical shape.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper edge and the lower edge of the rim are substantially straight.

[0022] The rim thus offers a better grip and maximizes the driver's field of vision.

[0023] The steering wheel is devoid of a central hub, leaving the center of the steering wheel clear with a central clearance.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the base includes an area, for example substantially flat, in the lower part, configured to serve as a display area, in particular by backlighting, for the secondary interface.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the base includes an area, for example substantially flat, in the upper part, configured to serve as a display area, in particular by backlighting, for the secondary interface.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the main interface comprises a display area, in particular a touchscreen, such as an LCD screen, configured to display driving-related information. For example, this screen may display data on the selected driving style, such as Sport mode, Smooth mode, Comfort mode, or any other mode selectable by the driver.

[0027] The screen is for example in the upper part (upper wall) of the steering wheel, in particular in the upper part (in particular between the side walls) of a base of the steering wheel.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the display area is active in both the first mode and the second mode, or only in the first mode or only in the second mode.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the base of the steering wheel has a flared shape, in particular in the form of a sheet, gradually widening from a rear face (from the central opening of the steering wheel) towards a front face of the steering wheel, the rear face being configured to be oriented towards a dashboard of the vehicle.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the front face of the steering wheel is entirely touch-sensitive, delimiting several touch-sensitive areas.

[0031] The flared shape is notably of the funnel type, narrowing towards the rear. This shape is, for example, substantially frustoconical.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the flared shape of the base is configured to guide air blown by the driver towards an alcohol detector placed at the rear of the steering wheel.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the base has a front face and a rear face.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the base has, on the front face, a right-hand side wall and a left-hand side wall on either side of the central opening of the steering wheel.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the base has, on the front face, an upper wall and a lower wall on either side of the central opening of the steering wheel.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the right side wall and the left side wall comprise second touch zones.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the second touch zones on these side walls are deactivated in the first mode to allow the driver to place the thumb of each hand on them. This prevents interaction with the touch surface.

[0038] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, to a steering wheel for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising: - a main interface dedicated at least to driving the vehicle by a driver and configured to be activated in a first mode, - a secondary interface dedicated to at least one function other than driving the vehicle by the driver and configured to be activated only in a second mode.

[0039] In the first mode, the secondary interface is disabled.

[0040] An "interface" is a human-machine interface that is configured to allow a person to interact with the steering wheel; for example, the interface may take the form of a control and / or a display.

[0041] The invention offers, in particular, the advantage of combining different functionalities in a single steering wheel, allowing for use related to driving as well as for additional non-driving functions, for example, for multimedia, where possible. The invention improves safety by deactivating undesirable elements during active driving, while ensuring ergonomic access to the additional functions when the vehicle is parked or in the appropriate mode (second mode).

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the first mode is an active driving mode requiring actions / interventions and attention from the driver, particularly when the vehicle is in motion and the driver has to intervene on steering controls.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the first mode corresponds to level 1 or level 2 autonomous driving, in which the driver must maintain active attention to driving and keep their hands on the steering wheel.

[0044] According to the classification of the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), in level 1, the driving assistance system can intervene on a single function, such as steering or acceleration / braking, but the driver retains full responsibility for driving and must constantly monitor the road environment.

[0045] With regard to level 2, the vehicle can combine several automated functions, such as lane keeping assist and speed adaptation according to traffic conditions, thus offering more advanced assistance. However, as with level 1, the driver must remain attentive, keep their hands on the steering wheel, and be ready to intervene immediately if necessary.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the first mode corresponds to level 3 autonomous driving (where the vehicle is capable of handling most driving tasks, but where the driver must be ready to intervene at the request of the system) or level 4 (the vehicle is capable of handling all driving tasks in predefined areas or under specific conditions, without requiring immediate intervention from the driver).

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the second mode corresponds to a mode in which the driver's attention is not required, such as an autonomous driving mode (such as autonomous driving, for example level 5, where the vehicle performs all driving tasks in all conditions and without driver intervention) or a parking mode.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the main steering wheel interface is configured to allow the driver to switch from the first mode to the second mode, for example by having their hands on the steering wheel and pressing two buttons simultaneously. Preferably, pressing these two buttons requires the use of both of the driver's hands, so as not to unintentionally switch from the first to the second mode.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, activation of the second mode results in the automatic deactivation of the main interface (dedicated to driving the vehicle).

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, in a second mode, the secondary interface is configured to display additional functions not related to driving, such as multimedia controls.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, in the first mode, the steering wheel is configured so that it can be taken by the driver to control the direction of the vehicle.

[0052] These driving-related functions include, for example: - Light control: activation or deactivation of high beams, fog lights or turn signals, - Windshield wiper control, - Enabling or disabling the lane keeping assist system, - Cruise control.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the steering wheel is mechanically disconnected from the vehicle's wheels (also known as a "steer-by-wire" system). In this configuration, there is no longer a direct physical link between the steering wheel and the wheels, unlike conventional steering systems.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the steering wheel is configured to allow the driver, in the second mode, to turn the steering wheel without this having an influence on the direction of the wheels.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the steering wheel is configured to inhibit, in the second mode, the return to driving the vehicle, possible actions on the main interface and actions on the secondary interface.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the main interface comprises one or more controls formed in particular by first capacitive touch zones configured to detect the pressure and / or contact of fingers, or formed by mechanical control buttons.

[0057] These controls located on the steering wheel can be inhibited in the second mode, or conversely, remain activatable by the driver even in the second mode.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the main interface includes haptic controls that allow the driver to feel vibratory feedback to confirm an action.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the main interface includes at least one mechanical control, such as a lever or rotary knob.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the steering wheel comprises one or more control columns, in particular made of a transparent or translucent material.

[0061] The control column in a transparent or translucent material allows objects or symbols located behind it to be perceived.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the control column(s) comprise first capacitive touch zones distributed along their height, along the column, accessible by the driver.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, each control column incorporates a lighting device configured to illuminate symbols or patterns present on said column, making the symbols visible only when they are activated or when they are activatable.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the control columns are positioned parallel and on either side of a median plane of the steering wheel.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the control column is said to be floating, because it only has fixing points at its upper and lower ends.

[0066] This gives it a light, economical and aesthetic appearance.

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, control buttons formed by first capacitive touch zones of the control column include haptic feedback.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, the control column is configured to generate haptic feedback by small pivots of the column itself.

[0069] According to one aspect of the invention, the control column includes sliding buttons (commonly called "sliders" in English), in particular formed by first capacitive touch zones, allowing control of functions such as sound volume or air conditioning temperature.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the control column includes a light guide to guide the light from one end of the column to the other.

[0071] According to one aspect of the invention, the illumination of the control column by the light guide is inhibited.

[0072] This improves the visibility of at least one display located behind the control column.

[0073] According to one aspect of the invention, the control columns have a rectangular and flat shape.

[0074] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary interface includes one or more controls, in particular formed by second touch zones configured to detect the pressure or contact of fingers.

[0075] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary interface includes second lateral touch zones, located on a base of the steering wheel.

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary interface comprises a touch keyboard formed by second capacitive touch zones, in particular arranged substantially in the lower part of the steering wheel.

[0077] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary interface includes haptic controls that allow the driver to feel vibratory feedback to confirm an action.

[0078] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary interface includes a screen, in particular configured to display information, in particular multimedia information.

[0079] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary interface is configured as a game controller (or "josytsick" in English).

[0080] According to one aspect of the invention, the steering wheel comprises: - a rim configured to be gripped by a driver's hands while driving, - a base supporting said rim, in particular said base having a central opening.

[0081] The rim extends around the perimeter of the base.

[0082] According to one aspect of the invention, the rim comprises at least one capacitive zone. Preferably, the rim comprises two capacitive zones positioned at the two lateral walls of a steering wheel base, defining the steering wheel gripping zones for the user in the first mode (dedicated to driving the vehicle).

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary interface is configured to display elements on the base by means of a backlighting device, for example through a film of the steering wheel base, these elements being for example controls, in particular formed by the second touch zones.

[0084] The invention further relates to a vehicle control system comprising a steering wheel as mentioned above, and a control unit connected to this steering wheel to control the functions of the steering wheel, in particular to control the switch between the first mode and the second mode.

[0085] According to one aspect of the invention, the control system includes an advanced driver assistance system, also known as ADAS (whose English acronym refers to "Advanced Driver Assistance System").

[0086] According to one aspect of the invention, the control system incorporates a steering system in which the steering wheel is mechanically disconnected from the vehicle's wheels (also known as a "steer-by-wire" system). In this configuration, there is no longer a direct physical link between the steering wheel and the wheels, unlike conventional steering systems.

[0087] The steering commands made by the driver are transmitted to the wheels electronically by means of sensors.

[0088] According to one aspect of the invention, the control system is configured to allow the driver, in the second mode, to turn the steering wheel without this having an influence on the direction of the wheels.

[0089] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the foregoing, to a steering wheel for a vehicle, comprising: - a rear face comprising at least one control button, in particular formed by one or more initial capacitive touch zones, - a front face comprising a display area configured to display a pattern or symbol when a driver's finger approaches or touches said control button.

[0090] Thanks to the invention, the display area on the front panel provides immediate visual feedback to the driver, indicating the position and function associated with the control button located on the rear panel. This compensates for the fact that the button is not directly visible to the driver, particularly during active driving, where attention must remain focused on the road.

[0091] According to one aspect of the invention, the display area on the front face is located substantially opposite the control button on the rear face.

[0092] According to one aspect of the invention, the display area and the associated control button are substantially aligned on an optical axis corresponding to the driver's field of vision.

[0093] According to one aspect of the invention, the display area on the front face is arranged substantially juxtaposed to the control button located on the rear face.

[0094] According to one aspect of the invention, the pattern or symbol displayed on the display area changes in brightness to indicate that the finger is in contact with or has activated the control button, which may be a mechanical button or a capacitive button.

[0095] According to one aspect of the invention, the steering wheel is configured so that the function associated with this button is activated only by prolonged pressure, for example for a duration greater than a predetermined threshold on the button, for example one second or more.

[0096] According to one aspect of the invention, the control button located on the rear face has a concave surface or a hollow, allowing the driver to intuitively position his finger.

[0097] According to one aspect of the invention, the control button located on the rear face is a touch or capacitive type button with haptic feedback.

[0098] According to one aspect of the invention, the display area on the front panel is configured to remain off in the absence of detection of a finger on the control button.

[0099] According to one aspect of the invention, the display area is configured to display a first level of brightness when the finger approaches and a second, more intense level when the control button is activated.

[0100] According to one aspect of the invention, the display area and the associated control button are configured to cooperate by displaying a symbol indicating the function activated by the button.

[0101] This allows the display of specific patterns or symbols for each button, which improves the understanding of the associated functions.

[0102] According to one aspect of the invention, when the display area shows the pattern or symbol, the lighting of the columns is reduced or inhibited.

[0103] According to one aspect of the invention, the steering wheel is devoid of a hand rest.

[0104] According to one aspect of the invention, the steering wheel is equipped with one or more paddles mounted on a pivot or ball joint that can be maneuvered in several directions. These paddles are specifically designed for functions such as turn signals and / or windshield wiper controls.

[0105] The invention further relates to a vehicle control system comprising a steering wheel as mentioned above, and a control unit connected to this steering wheel to control the functions of the steering wheel.

[0106] The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a steering wheel as described above.

[0107] All the features, variants and different embodiments of the invention described above can be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0108] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and an example of an embodiment given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0109] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a front view representation of a steering wheel according to an example realization of the invention, in the first mode;

[0110] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a rear view of the steering wheel of the [Fig.1];

[0111] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a front view representation of the steering wheel of [Fig.1], in the second mode of operation.

[0112] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various ways, in provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0113] Figures 1 to 3 show a steering wheel 1 for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a rim 33 configured to be grasped by the hands of a driver, - a base 28 supporting said rim, and having a central opening 34. Plinth 28 is thus open in its center.

[0114] The rim 33 extends over the periphery of the base 28.

[0115] Steering wheel 1 further comprises: - a main interface 2 dedicated at least to the driving of the vehicle by a driver and configured to be activated in a first mode, as illustrated in figures 1 and 2, - a secondary interface 3 dedicated to at least one function other than driving the vehicle by the driver and configured to be activated only in a second mode, as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0116] In the first mode, secondary interface 3 is disabled.

[0117] An "interface" is a human-machine interface that is configured to allow a person to interact with the steering wheel 1, for example the interface may take the form of a control and / or a display.

[0118] The steering wheel 1 is part of a vehicle control system 100 which further includes a control unit 101 connected to this steering wheel 1 to control the functions of the steering wheel, in particular to control the switching between the first mode and the second mode.

[0119] The first mode is an active driving mode requiring actions / interventions and driver attention, particularly when the vehicle is in motion and the driver has to intervene on steering controls.

[0120] The first mode corresponds to level 1 or level 2 autonomous driving, in which the driver must maintain active attention to driving and keep their hands on the steering wheel 1.

[0121] According to the classification of the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, in level 1, the driving assistance system can intervene on a single function, such as steering or acceleration / braking, but the driver retains full responsibility for driving and must constantly monitor the road environment.

[0122] With regard to level 2, the vehicle can combine several automated functions, such as lane keeping assist and speed adaptation according to traffic conditions, thus providing more advanced assistance. However, as with level 1, the driver must remain attentive, keep their hands on the steering wheel 1, and be ready to intervene immediately if necessary.

[0123] The first mode corresponds to level 3 autonomous driving (where the vehicle is capable of handling most driving tasks, but where the driver must be ready to intervene at the request of the system) or level 4 (the vehicle is capable of handling all driving tasks in predefined areas or under specific conditions, without requiring immediate intervention from the driver).

[0124] The second mode corresponds to a mode in which the driver's attention is not required, such as an autonomous driving mode (such as level 5 autonomous driving, where the vehicle performs all driving tasks in all conditions and without driver intervention) or a parking mode.

[0125] The main interface 2 of the steering wheel is configured to allow the driver to switch from the first mode to the second mode, for example by having their hands on the steering wheel 1 and pressing two buttons simultaneously. Preferably, pressing these two buttons requires the use of both of the driver's hands, so as not to unintentionally switch from the first to the second mode.

[0126] Activation of the second mode results in the automatic deactivation of the main interface 2 (dedicated to driving the vehicle), and vice versa.

[0127] In second mode, secondary interface 3 is configured to display additional functions not related to driving, such as multimedia controls.

[0128] In the first mode, the steering wheel 1 is configured so that it can be taken by the driver to control the direction of the vehicle.

[0129] These driving-related functions include, for example: - Light control: activation or deactivation of high beams, fog lights or turn signals, - Windshield wiper control, - Enabling or disabling the lane keeping assist system, - Cruise control.

[0130] The steering wheel 1 is mechanically disconnected from the vehicle's wheels (also called Steer-by-wire system).

[0131] The steering commands made by the driver are transmitted to the wheels electronically by means of sensors.

[0132] The control system 100 is configured to allow the driver, in the second mode, to turn the steering wheel 1 without this having an influence on the direction of the wheels.

[0133] The main interface 2 comprises several controls, including capacitive touch zones configured to detect finger pressure or contact, and / or mechanical control buttons such as paddles mounted on a pivot or ball joint that can be moved in various directions. These paddles are specifically dedicated to functions such as turn signals and / or windshield wiper controls. These controls will be described in more detail later.

[0134] These controls arranged on the steering wheel 1 can be inhibited in the second mode, or conversely, remain activatable by the driver even in the second mode.

[0135] Some of the controls may be of the haptic type which allow the driver to feel vibratory feedback to confirm an action.

[0136] The steering wheel 1 comprises two control columns 16, made of a transparent or translucent material.

[0137] The control column 16 has first capacitive touch zones 17 distributed along its height, along the column, accessible by the driver.

[0138] Each control column 16 incorporates a lighting device 18 configured to illuminate symbols or patterns present on said column, making the symbols visible only when they are activated or when they can be activated.

[0139] The control columns 16 are positioned parallel and on either side of a median plane PM of the steering wheel 1.

[0140] The control column 16 is said to be floating, because it only has fixing points at its upper and lower ends.

[0141] Control buttons 20 (which are part of the main interface 2) formed by first capacitive touch zones 17 of the control column 16 include haptic feedback.

[0142] The control column 16 includes a light guide 24 to guide the light from one end of the column to the other.

[0143] The illumination of the control column 16 by the light guide can be inhibited, allowing, if necessary, the visibility of the displays located behind it to be improved.

[0144] The main interface 2 may include a display area 56, including a touch screen such as an LCD screen, configured to display driving-related information.

[0145] The screen 56 can display data on the selected driving style, such as a Sport mode, a Smooth mode, a Comfort mode, or any other mode selectable by the driver.

[0146] The screen 56 can be positioned in the upper part of the steering wheel, in particular between the side walls 65 and 66 of the base 28.

[0147] The display area 56 can be active in both the first mode and the second mode, or only in one of these modes.

[0148] The base 28 of the steering wheel may have a flared shape, in the form of a sheet, gradually widening from a rear face 60 to a front face 61 of the steering wheel.

[0149] The rear face 60 is configured to be oriented towards the dashboard of the vehicle.

[0150] The front face 61 of the steering wheel can be fully touch-sensitive 62, delimiting several touch-sensitive areas.

[0151] The front face 61 comprises a right side wall 65 and a left side wall 66 on either side of the central opening 34,

[0152] The right side walls 65 and left side walls 66 may include the second side touch zones 27 which are deactivated in the first mode to allow the driver to rest the thumb of each hand, and activated in the second mode.

[0153] The rear face 60 includes control buttons 37, formed by first capacitive touch zones (of the main interface 2), these buttons being, for example, four in number, arranged in pairs on each of the right lateral walls 65 and left 66 of the base. These buttons 37 allow, for example, the vehicle's lighting and windshield wipers to be controlled.

[0154] The front face 61 includes display areas 38 (of the main interface 2) configured to display a pattern or symbol when the driver's finger approaches or touches a control button 37, as can be clearly seen in [Fig.1].

[0155] Thanks to the invention, at least one display area 38, for example here four in number, on the front face 61 provide visual feedback to the driver, indicating the position and function associated with each control button 37 located on the rear face 60.

[0156] Each display area 38 on the front face 61 is located substantially opposite the associated control button 37 on the rear face 60.

[0157] The display area 38 and the associated control button 37 can be substantially aligned on an optical axis corresponding to the driver's field of vision.

[0158] The display area 38 on the front face can be arranged in a manner adjacent to the control button 37 located on the rear face 60.

[0159] The pattern or symbol displayed on the display area 38 may change in brightness to indicate that the finger is in contact with or has activated the control button 37.

[0160] The transparent or translucent control column 16 allows objects or symbols to be perceived on the display areas 38 located behind it.

[0161] According to one aspect of the invention, when the display area 38 displays a pattern or symbol 75, the lighting of the control columns 16 is reduced or inhibited.

[0162] The steering wheel 1 can be configured so that the function associated with button 37 is activated only by prolonged pressure, for example, for a duration greater than a predetermined threshold, for example one second or more.

[0163] The control button 37 located on the rear face 50 may have a concave surface 71 or a hollow, allowing the driver to intuitively position his finger.

[0164] Each control button 37 located on the rear face 60 can be of the touch or capacitive type with haptic feedback.

[0165] The display area 38 on the front panel can remain off if no finger is detected on the control button 37.

[0166] The display area 38 can display a first level of brightness when a finger approaches and a second, more intense level when the control button 37 is activated. The displayed pattern or symbol changes brightness to indicate that an action is in progress or has been confirmed.

[0167] The display area 38 and the associated control button 37 can cooperate to display the symbol 75 indicating the activated function.

[0168] This allows the display of specific patterns or symbols for each button, which improves the understanding of the associated functions.

[0169] According to one aspect of the invention, when the display area shows the pattern or symbol 75, the lighting of the control columns 16 is reduced or inhibited.

[0170] The secondary interface 3 includes several controls formed by second touch zones configured to detect the pressure or contact of fingers.

[0171] For example, in the described example, the secondary interface 3 includes second lateral touch zones 27, located on the base 28 of the steering wheel 1.

[0172] The secondary interface 3 can for example be configured as a game controller using the second lateral touch zones 27.

[0173] The secondary interface 3 is configured to display elements on the base 28 by means of a backlighting device 35, for example through a transparent film.

[0174] The secondary interface 3 includes a touch keyboard 29 formed by second capacitive touch zones.

[0175] The base 28 may include a substantially flat area 54 (or slightly curved) in the lower part, configured to serve as a display area, for example of the touch keyboard 29, in particular by backlighting, for the secondary interface 3.

[0176] The flared shape of the base 28 can be configured to guide air blown by the driver towards an alcohol detector 63 located at the rear of the steering wheel 1.

[0177] The steering wheel 1 may include two symmetrical hand rests 41 located on either side of the vertical median plane PM of the steering wheel, allowing the driver to rest both hands in a balanced manner on both sides of the steering wheel 1.

[0178] Each hand rest 41 is arranged adjacent to the rim 33, forming a projection oriented outwards from the rim 33.

[0179] The hand rest 41 includes a non-slip surface and / or a soft coating, which helps to improve comfort.

[0180] The hand rest 41 has a substantially flat upper support surface 43, in particular between 30 cm2 and 100 cm2.

[0181] Alternatively, the hand rest 41 has a curved shape adapted to the anatomy of the hand.

[0182] The hand rest 41 can be removable and / or adjustable.

[0183] The rim 33 of the steering wheel may have a substantially flattened shape on at least a portion of its circumference, being flattened on an upper edge 47 and a lower edge 48 of the rim. The upper edge 47 and the lower edge 48 of the rim 33 can be substantially straight.

[0184] The hand rests 41 are arranged opposite the side walls 65 and 66 of the base 28 of the steering wheel.

[0185] The upper edge 47 and the lower edge 48 of the rim 33 are without hand rests.

[0186] Alternatively, the rim 33 may have a substantially oval or elliptical shape.

[0187] The steering wheel 1 is devoid of a central hub which is replaced by the base 28.

Claims

Demands

1. Steering wheel (1) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a rim (33) and at least one hand rest (41), configured to allow a driver to hold the rim (33) by resting part of his hand on the hand rest (41), said hand rest being disposed on the rim (33) in a projection directed outwards from the rim (33).

2. Steering wheel (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the hand rest (41) is positioned on the rim (33) opposite control buttons (37), in particular formed by first capacitive touch zones, located on a rear face of the steering wheel.

3. Steering wheel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the steering wheel (1) has two hand rests (42), in particular symmetrical ones situated on either side of a vertical median plane of the steering wheel.

4. Steering wheel (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the hand rests (42) are arranged opposite the side walls (65, 66) of the base (28) of a steering wheel.

5. Steering wheel (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the base (28) has, on the front face (61), a right side wall (65) and a left side wall (66) on either side of a central opening (34) of the steering wheel, and the right side wall (65) and the left side wall (66) include second touch zones (27) which are deactivated in the first mode to allow the driver to place the thumb of each hand on them.

6. Steering wheel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rim (33) of the steering wheel has a substantially flattened shape (47, 48) on at least a part of its circumference, in particular being flattened on an upper edge (47) and a lower edge (48) of the rim (33).

7. Steering wheel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the steering wheel (1) comprises a base (28) having a central opening (34).

8. Steering wheel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (28) of the steering wheel has a flared shape, in particular in the form of a sheet, gradually widening from a rear face (60) to a front face (61) of the steering wheel, the rear face (60) being configured to be oriented towards a dashboard of the vehicle, the front face (61) of the steering wheel being in particular entirely touch-sensitive, delimiting several touch-sensitive zones.

9. Steering wheel (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the flared shape of the base is configured to guide air blown by the driver towards a breathalyzer (63) placed at the rear of the steering wheel.

10. Steering wheel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the steering wheel (1) comprises one or more control columns (16), in particular made of a transparent or translucent material, and the control column(s) (16) have first capacitive touch zones (17) distributed along their height, along the column, accessible by the driver.

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