Steering wheel that measures the driver's biological parameters
By installing a biological parameter measurement device of a conductive oblique pad and a signal processor on the steering wheel, the problems of complex installation and high manufacturing cost of health care sensors in the prior art are solved, and the effect of simplifying assembly and reducing costs is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202011392267.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-08-11
- Filing Date
- 2020-12-01
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-28
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-12-01
AI Technical Summary
In existing vehicle health care systems, expensive health care sensors are installed on the rim portion of the steering wheel, which are susceptible to interference from other components, and the assembly process is complex, resulting in increased manufacturing costs.
A steering wheel, which includes a pair of conductive oblique pads and a biological parameter measurement device for a signal processor, is designed, connected to the steering wheel remote control, simplifying the assembly process and reducing manufacturing costs.
Through this design, the driver's biological parameters can be accurately measured, simplifying the assembly process and reducing manufacturing costs, avoiding interference with other components.
Smart Images

Figure CN114074701B_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0100749, filed on August 11, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Technical Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a steering wheel, and more particularly, to a steering wheel capable of accurately measuring biological parameters of a driver. Background Art
[0004] A vehicle health care system is being developed that can monitor a driver's biological parameters, health status, etc., so as to manage the driver's health or prevent traffic accidents. The vehicle health care system has various health care sensors (heart rate sensor, electrocardiogram sensor, etc.) for measuring the driver's heart rate, electrocardiogram parameters, etc. The health care sensor can be installed on a steering wheel, a seat, a cockpit module, etc.
[0005] In an exemplary healthcare system, a healthcare sensor (heart rate sensor, electrocardiogram sensor, etc.) is mounted on a rim portion of a steering wheel. When the driver holds the steering wheel with both hands, the healthcare sensor measures the driver's heart rate, heart rate variation, stress, etc., and transmits the measured results to a vehicle controller.
[0006] However, since the expensive health care sensor is installed on the rim portion of the steering wheel, interference with other components such as heat rays may occur. In addition, the overall structure of the steering wheel needs to be changed and the entire assembly process is complicated, resulting in increased manufacturing costs.
[0007] The above information described in this background art is provided to help understanding the background of the present invention, and may include any technical concepts that are known to one skilled in the art that are not considered to be the prior art. Summary of the invention
[0008] The present disclosure is to solve the problems existing in the prior art while maintaining the advantages obtained by the prior art.
[0009] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a steering wheel in which a biological parameter measuring device including a pair of conductive bevel surfaces and a signal processor for measuring a biological parameter of a driver is connected to a steering wheel remote controller, thereby simplifying an assembly process and reducing manufacturing costs.
[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a steering wheel may include: a hub; a rim connected to the hub by a plurality of spokes; a first steering wheel remote controller and a second steering wheel remote controller symmetrically disposed on sides of the hub, respectively; and a biological parameter measurement device, including: a first conductive bevel surface disposed around the first steering wheel remote controller, a second conductive bevel surface disposed around the second steering wheel remote controller, and a signal processor electrically connected to the first conductive bevel surface and the second conductive bevel surface and configured to process and calculate a biological parameter based on a signal detected by at least one of the first conductive bevel surface and the second conductive bevel surface. The first conductive bevel surface may be spaced apart from the second conductive bevel surface.
[0011] The signal processor may be electrically connected to a first printed circuit board (PCB) of a first steering wheel remote controller, the first conductive bevel surface may be electrically connected to the signal processor, and the second conductive bevel surface may be electrically connected to a second PCB of a second steering wheel remote controller.
[0012] The signal processor may have a processor-side connector, and the first PCB may have a board-side connector. When the processor-side connector is combined with the board-side connector, the signal processor may be electrically connected to the first PCB.
[0013] The first conductive bevel may have a first contact protrusion electrically connected to a contact of the signal processor.
[0014] The first contact protrusion may be electrically connected to a contact of the signal processor through the first bridge terminal.
[0015] The first contact protrusion may directly contact the contact point of the signal processor.
[0016] The second conductive bevel may have a second contact protrusion electrically connected to a contact of the second PCB.
[0017] The second contact protrusion may be electrically connected to a contact of the second PCB through the second bridge terminal.
[0018] The second contact protrusions may directly contact the contacts of the second PCB.
[0019] The signal processor may be integrally attached to the first PCB.
[0020] The steering wheel may further include: an armature providing a structural basis for the hub, the plurality of spokes, and the rim; and a bottom member disposed below the armature. The first conductive bevel surface and the second conductive bevel surface may be attached to the upper surface of the armature, and the bottom member may be attached to the bottom surface of the armature. The first conductive bevel surface and the second conductive bevel surface may be coupled to the armature together with the bottom member by a plurality of screws, and the bottom member may be made of an insulating material.
[0021] The steering wheel may further include a cylindrical member detachably coupled to each of the first conductive bevel surface and the second conductive bevel surface. The cylindrical member may be made of an insulating material, the cylindrical member may be inserted between each conductive bevel surface and the armature, and each screw may be screwed into the cylindrical member.
[0022] The armature may have a through hole through which each screw passes, the bottom member may have a through hole through which the screw passes, and the through hole of the armature and the through hole of the bottom member may have a diameter larger than a diameter of the screw.
[0023] The cylindrical member may have a pair of first coupling protrusions spaced apart from each other, and each of the conductive bevel surfaces may have an insertion protrusion inserted into a gap between the pair of first coupling protrusions.
[0024] Each conductive inclined pad surface may have a pair of support walls spaced apart from each other, the pair of support walls may be spaced apart from each other at an interval corresponding to the diameter of the cylindrical member, each support wall may have a coupling hole, the cylindrical member may have a pair of second coupling protrusions opposite to each other, the pair of second coupling protrusions may protrude from the outer surface of the cylindrical member in such a manner that the pair of second coupling protrusions may be perpendicular to the pair of first coupling protrusions, and each second coupling protrusion may be inserted into the coupling hole of the corresponding support wall.
[0025] Each of the conductive bevel surfaces may have a cylindrical portion protruding toward the armature, the cylindrical portion may pass through a through hole of the armature, and each of the screws may pass through the bottom member and be screwed into the cylindrical portion.
[0026] An insulating layer may be attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:
[0028] Figure 1 A plan view showing a steering wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0029] Figure 2 A top perspective view showing first and second steering wheel remote controls and first and second conductive bevel surfaces of a steering wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] Figure 3 A bottom perspective view showing first and second steering wheel remote controls and first and second conductive bevel surfaces of a steering wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0031] Figure 4A block diagram showing a control configuration of a steering wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0032] Figure 5 A plan view showing a first steering wheel remote controller and a second steering wheel remote controller and a first conductive bevel surface and a second conductive bevel surface of a steering wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0033] Figure 6 A bottom view showing a first steering wheel remote controller and a second steering wheel remote controller and a first conductive bevel surface and a second conductive bevel surface of a steering wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0034] Figure 7 An exploded perspective view showing a first steering wheel remote controller and a second steering wheel remote controller of a steering wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0035] Figure 8 An exploded perspective view showing a first steering wheel remote controller of a steering wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0036] Fig. 9 An exploded perspective view showing a second steering wheel remote controller of a steering wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0037] Fig.10 A first dome portion of a first bridge terminal and a second dome portion of a second bridge terminal of a steering wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are shown;
[0038] Fig.11 Show that Fig.10 The first bridge terminal and the second bridge terminal are shown in a state where they are screwed to the first contact protrusion and the second contact protrusion;
[0039] Fig.12 shows a state in which a first contact protrusion of a first conductive bevel surface contacts a contact point of a signal processor in a steering wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0040] Fig.13 1. A state in which a second contact protrusion of a second conductive bevel surface contacts a contact point of a second printed circuit board (PCB) in a steering wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;
[0041] Fig.14 A bottom view showing a steering wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0042] Fig.15 Shown along Fig.14 Cross-sectional view taken along line AA.
[0043] Fig.16An exploded perspective view showing a state in which cylindrical members are respectively separated from conductive bevel surfaces in a steering wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0044] Fig.17 Show Fig.16 A perspective view showing a state in which cylindrical members are respectively coupled to conductive bevel surfaces;
[0045] Fig.18 Shown from Fig.17 A view viewed in the direction indicated by arrow B; and
[0046] Fig.19 A cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a cylindrical portion protruding from each conductive bevel surface is screwed to an armature together with a base member in a steering wheel according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals will be used to indicate the same or equivalent elements. In addition, detailed descriptions of well-known technologies associated with the present disclosure will be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of the present disclosure.
[0048] Terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) can be used to describe the elements in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These terms are only used to distinguish an element from another element, and the inherent characteristics, sequence or order of the corresponding elements, etc. are not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technology or scientific terms used in this article have the same meaning as the meaning generally understood by the technicians in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs. Unless clearly defined in this application, those terms such as those defined in the general dictionary should be interpreted as having the same meaning as the context in the relevant technical field, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning.
[0049] Reference Figure 1 The steering wheel 1 may include: a hub 2; a plurality of spokes 3a, 3b and 3c extending radially from the hub 2; a rim 4 connected to the hub 2 via the plurality of spokes 3a, 3b; and a biological parameter measuring device 10 disposed on the plurality of spokes 3a, 3b and 3c.
[0050] The hub 2 may be located in the center of the steering wheel 1 , and a driver airbag (DBA) 2 a may be provided in the hub 2 . Figure 1 There are shown first and second spokes 3a, 3b and third spokes 3c located between the first and second spokes 3a, 3b, which are symmetrically disposed on the left and right sides of the hub 2. The rim 4 may have an annular shape extending in the circumferential direction.
[0051] A plurality of steering wheel remote controllers 5a and 5b (also referred to as "steering control interfaces") may be mounted on some of the spokes 3a and 3b of the plurality of spokes 3a, 3b, and 3c, respectively. For example, a pair of steering wheel remote controllers 5a and 5b may be mounted on a pair of spokes 3a and 3b disposed on the left and right sides of the steering wheel 1, respectively. The steering wheel remote controllers 5a and 5b may control functions of various parts / components equipped in the vehicle, such as an audio device, a hands-free device, a gear lever, a cruise control, an air conditioner, a lighting device, a wiper, a navigation device, an instrument panel, and an audio video navigation (AVN) system. Each of the steering wheel remote controllers 5a and 5b may indirectly control a vehicle component through a vehicle controller, or may directly control a vehicle component.
[0052] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 A pair of steering wheel remote controllers 5a and 5b may include a first steering wheel remote controller 5a located on the first spoke 3a and a second steering wheel remote controller 5b located on the second spoke 3b. The first steering wheel remote controller 5a and the second steering wheel remote controller 5b may be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the wheel hub 2.
[0053] The first steering wheel remote controller 5a may include a first housing 21, and the first housing 21 may have a first input unit 21a provided on an upper surface thereof and a bottom opening defined at a bottom end thereof. A first lower cover 21b may be mounted on the first housing 21 to cover the bottom opening of the first housing 21. The second steering wheel remote controller 5b may include a second housing 22, and the second housing 22 may have a second input unit 22a provided on an upper surface thereof and a bottom opening defined at a bottom end thereof. A second lower cover 22b may be mounted on the second housing 22 to cover the bottom opening of the second housing 22.
[0054] Reference Figure 4 , the first steering wheel remote controller 5a may include: a first processor 7a, which processes a signal input to the first input unit 21a and transmits the processed signal to the vehicle controller 9 such as a body control module (BCM) or each individual component; and a first memory 8a, which stores software for performing signal processing, control functions, etc. The second steering wheel remote controller 5b may include: a second processor 7b, which processes a signal input to the second input unit 22a and transmits the processed signal to the vehicle controller 9 such as a BCM or each individual component; and a second memory 8b, which stores software for performing signal processing, control functions, etc.
[0055] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 7, a first printed circuit board (PCB) 25 may be disposed in the first housing 21 of the first steering wheel remote controller 5a, and the first processor 7a and the first memory 8a may be disposed on the first PCB 25. A second PCB 26 may be disposed in the second housing 22 of the second steering wheel remote controller 5b, and the second processor 7b and the second memory 8b may be disposed on the second PCB 26. The conductive pattern of the first PCB 25 may be electrically connected to the conductive pattern of the second PCB 26 through the wire 6. The wire 6 may be a shielded wire.
[0056] The biological parameter measurement device 10 can measure biological parameters such as a stress index and electrocardiogram parameters including a heart rate and a heart rate variation.
[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment, the biological parameter measurement device 10 may include: a pair of conductive bevel surfaces 11 and 12 spaced apart from each other; and a signal processor 13 calculating a biological parameter based on a signal detected by at least one of the pair of conductive bevel surfaces 11 and 12 .
[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The pair of conductive bevel surfaces 11 and 12 may have shapes corresponding to the shapes of the spokes 3a, 3b and 3c of the steering wheel 1. The pair of conductive bevel surfaces 11 and 12 may include: a first conductive bevel surface 11 disposed around the first steering wheel remote controller 5a; and a second conductive bevel surface 12 disposed around the second steering wheel remote controller 5b.
[0059] The first conductive bevel surface 11 and the second conductive bevel surface 12 can be made of a material having conductivity. For example, the first conductive bevel surface 11 and the second conductive bevel surface 12 can be made of a material whose resin surface is coated with a conductive metal layer such as chromium. Alternatively, the first conductive bevel surface 11 and the second conductive bevel surface 12 can be made of a conductive metal material. The first conductive bevel surface 11 and the second conductive bevel surface 12 can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined gap s. That is, the first conductive bevel surface 11 can be a first electrode, and the second conductive bevel surface 12 can be a second electrode. When the driver's left and right hands touch the first conductive bevel surface 11 and the second conductive bevel surface 12, a potential difference (voltage) can be generated between the first conductive bevel surface 11 and the second conductive bevel surface 12 relative to a reference potential such as the ground.
[0060] The first conductive bevel surface 11 may have two mounting portions 11a and 11b mounted in the rim 4 of the steering wheel 1. One mounting portion 11a may be adjacent to the first housing 21 of the first steering wheel remote controller 5a, while the other mounting portion 11b may be relatively far from the first housing 21 of the first steering wheel remote controller 5a. The second conductive bevel surface 12 may have two mounting portions 12a and 12b mounted in the rim 4 of the steering wheel 1. One mounting portion 12a may be adjacent to the second housing 22 of the second steering wheel remote controller 5b, while the other mounting portion 12b may be relatively far from the second housing 22 of the second steering wheel remote controller 5b. That is, the first conductive bevel surface 11 and the second conductive bevel surface 12 may form the upper portions of the spokes 3a, 3b and 3c of the steering wheel 1.
[0061] The first conductive bevel surface 11 and the second conductive bevel surface 12 may be electrically connected to a signal processor 13. The signal processor 13 may calculate a biological parameter by differentially amplifying and analyzing the electrical signal (potential difference) output from the pair of conductive bevel surfaces 11 and 12, and transmit the calculated biological parameter to a vehicle controller 9 such as a BCM. For example, the biological parameter may include electrocardiogram parameters such as heart rate and heart rate variation, and a stress index.
[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment, the signal processor 13 may be a hardware module independent of the first PCB 25 of the first steering wheel remote controller 5a or the second PCB 26 of the second steering wheel remote controller 5b. The signal processor 13 may be electrically connected to any one of the first steering wheel remote controller 5a and the second steering wheel remote controller 5b.
[0063] In the present disclosure, the signal processor 13 may be a microprocessor chip, also referred to as a digital signal processor (DSP), used in audio signal processing, communications, digital image processing, radar, sonar and speech recognition systems, and general consumer electronic devices.
[0064] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9, the signal processor 13 may be electrically connected to the first steering wheel remote controller 5a, and the first conductive bevel surface 11 may be electrically connected to the signal processor 13. The signal processor 13 may be electrically connected to the first PCB 25 of the first steering wheel remote controller 5a, and the second conductive bevel surface 12 may be electrically connected to the second PCB 26 of the second steering wheel remote controller 5b. The first PCB 25 of the first steering wheel remote controller 5a may be electrically connected to the second PCB 26 of the second steering wheel remote controller 5b through the wire 6. Therefore, the first conductive bevel surface 11 and the second conductive bevel surface 12 may be electrically connected to the signal processor 13.
[0065] Reference Figure 8 , the signal processor 13 may have a processor-side connector 13b, and the first PCB 25 may have a board-side connector 25b. The processor-side connector 13b has a shape to be assembled in the board-side connector 25b, so that when the processor-side connector 13b is set in the board-side connector 25b, the signal processor 13 can be electrically connected to the first PCB 25.
[0066] According to another exemplary embodiment, the signal processor 13 may be a hardware module integrally attached to the first PCB 25 of the first steering wheel remote controller 5 a.
[0067] According to another exemplary embodiment, the signal processor 13 may be a software module (eg, a processing program) stored in the first memory 8a of the first steering wheel remote controller 5a or the second memory 8b of the second steering wheel remote controller 5b.
[0068] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8, the first conductive bevel surface 11 may be electrically connected to the signal processor 13 through the first bridge terminal 31. The first conductive bevel surface 11 may have a first contact protrusion 15, and the first contact protrusion 15 may have a shape extending or protruding from the edge of the first conductive bevel surface 11. The first contact protrusion 15 may be spaced apart from the signal processor 13 and the first PCB 25. The signal processor 13 may have a disc-shaped first contact 13a, and the first bridge terminal 31 may have a first bevel surface side through hole 31a and a processor side through hole 31b. The first bevel surface side through hole 31a may be aligned with the first contact protrusion 15, and the processor side through hole 31b may be aligned with the through hole of the contact 13a. The first bevel side screw 33a can pass through the first bevel side through hole 31a of the first bridge terminal 31 and be screwed to the first contact protrusion 15, and the processor side screw 33b can pass through the processor side through hole 31b of the first bridge terminal 31 and the through hole of the contact 13a and be screwed to the first PCB 25, so that the first bridge terminal 31 can electrically connect the first conductive bevel 11 and the contact 13a of the signal processor 13. For example, the first bridge terminal 31 can be formed integrally with the first housing 21 by insert injection molding.
[0069] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Fig. 9 , the second conductive bevel surface 12 may be electrically connected to the second PCB 26 through the second bridge terminal 32. The second conductive bevel surface 12 may have a second contact protrusion 16, and the second contact protrusion 16 may have a shape extending or protruding from the edge of the second conductive bevel surface 12. The second contact protrusion 16 may be spaced apart from the second PCB 26. The second PCB 26 may have a disc-shaped contact 26a, and the second bridge terminal 32 may have a second bevel surface side through hole 32a and a board side through hole 32b. The second bevel surface side through hole 32a may be aligned with the second contact protrusion 16, and the board side through hole 32b may be aligned with the through hole of the contact 26a. The second bevel side screw 34a can pass through the second bevel side through hole 32a of the second bridge terminal 32 and be screwed to the second contact protrusion 16, and the board side screw 34b can pass through the board side through hole 32b of the second bridge terminal 32 and the through hole of the contact 26a and be screwed to the second PCB 26, so that the second bridge terminal 32 can electrically connect the second conductive bevel 12 and the second PCB 26. For example, the second bridge terminal 32 can be formed integrally with the second housing 22 by insert injection molding.
[0070] Reference Fig.10 , the first bridge terminal 31 may have a first dome portion 61 disposed around the first bevel surface side through hole 31a, and the first dome portion 61 may protrude upward from the first bridge terminal 31. Fig.11 When the first bevel pad side screw 33a passes through the first bevel pad side through hole 31a and is screwed to the first contact protrusion 15, the head of the first bevel pad side screw 33a can press the first dome portion 61 to the upper surface of the first contact protrusion 15, so that the first dome portion 61 can be deformed into a flat portion 61a. When the bottom surface of the first dome portion 61 is in close contact with the upper surface of the first contact protrusion 15, the contact area between the first bridge terminal 31 and the first contact protrusion 15 of the first conductive bevel pad 11 is relatively increased, thereby ensuring the electrical contact safety and high signal quality between the first conductive bevel pad 11 and the first bridge terminal 31.
[0071] Reference Fig.10 , the second bridge terminal 32 may have a second dome portion 62 disposed around the second bevel surface side through hole 32a, and the second dome portion 62 may protrude upward from the second bridge terminal 32. Fig.11 When the second bevel pad side screw 34a passes through the second bevel pad side through hole 32a and is screwed to the second contact protrusion 16, the head of the second bevel pad side screw 34a can press the second dome portion 62 to the upper surface of the second contact protrusion 16, so that the second dome portion 62 can be deformed into a flat portion 62a. When the bottom surface of the second dome portion 62 is in close contact with the upper surface of the second contact protrusion 16, the contact area between the second bridge terminal 32 and the second contact protrusion 16 of the second conductive bevel pad 12 is relatively increased, thereby ensuring the electrical contact safety and high signal quality between the second conductive bevel pad 12 and the second bridge terminal 32.
[0072] According to another exemplary embodiment, the first contact protrusion 75 may be directly connected to the signal processor 13 without the first bridge terminal 31. Fig.12 , the first contact protrusion 75 may pass through the first housing 21 and the first PCB 25. The first contact protrusion 75 may protrude from the first conductive bevel 11 toward the signal processor 13, and the first contact protrusion 75 may directly contact the contact 13a of the signal processor 13. When the first bevel side screw 55 passes through the through hole of the contact 13a and is screwed to the first contact protrusion 75, the first contact protrusion 75 may be electrically connected to the contact 13a of the signal processor 13 without the first bridging terminal 31. The first housing 21 may have a through hole 51 through which the first contact protrusion 75 passes, and the first PCB 25 may have a through hole 52 through which the first contact protrusion 75 passes. When the first contact protrusion 75 passes through the through hole 51 of the first housing 21 and the through hole 52 of the first PCB 25, the upper surface of the first contact protrusion 75 may directly contact the bottom surface of the contact 13a of the signal processor 13.
[0073] According to another exemplary embodiment, the second contact protrusion 76 may be directly connected to the second PCB 26 without the second bridge terminal 32. Fig.13 , the second contact protrusion 76 may pass through the second housing 22. The second contact protrusion 76 may protrude from the second conductive bevel surface 12, and the second contact protrusion 76 may directly contact the contact 26a of the second PCB 26. When the second bevel surface side screw 56 passes through the through hole of the contact 26a and is screwed to the second contact protrusion 76, the second contact protrusion 76 may be electrically connected to the contact 26a of the second PCB 26 without the second bridging terminal 32. The second housing 22 may have a through hole 54 through which the second contact protrusion 76 passes. When the second contact protrusion 76 passes through the through hole 54 of the second housing 22, the upper surface of the second contact protrusion 76 may directly contact the bottom surface of the contact 26a of the second PCB 26.
[0074] Reference Fig.14 The steering wheel 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include: an armature 6 providing a structural basis of the steering wheel; and a bottom member 17 arranged or disposed below the armature 6 .
[0075] The armature 6 may be made of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy and a magnesium alloy. In particular, the armature 6 may provide a basic framework for the rim 4, the hub 2, and the plurality of spokes 3a, 3b, and 3c. The hub 2, the plurality of spokes 3a, 3b, 3c, and the rim 4 are connected to the armature 6 as the center of the steering wheel.
[0076] Reference Fig.15 , when the first conductive bevel surface 11 and the second conductive bevel surface 12 are attached to the upper surface of the armature 6, the first conductive bevel surface 11 and the second conductive bevel surface 12 may become the top of the spokes 3a, 3b and 3c, and when the bottom member 17 is attached to the bottom surface of the armature 6, the bottom member 17 may become the bottom of the spokes 3a, 3b and 3c. The first conductive bevel surface 11 and the second conductive bevel surface 12 may be coupled to the armature 6 together with the bottom member 17 by a plurality of screws 57. The armature 6 may have through holes 6a, each of which has a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the screw 57. The bottom member 17 may have through holes 17a, each of which has a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the screw 57. The bottom member 17 may be made of an insulating material such as a resin.
[0077] Reference Fig.15, at least one cylindrical member 41 may be detachably coupled to each of the conductive bevel surfaces 11 and 12. The cylindrical member 41 may be made of an insulating material such as a resin, and the cylindrical member 41 may be located on the armature 6. In particular, the cylindrical member 41 may be inserted between the conductive bevel surfaces 11 and 12 and the armature 6. When each screw 57 passes through the through hole 17a of the bottom member 17 and the through hole 6a of the armature 6 and is screwed into the inner hole 41a of the cylindrical member 41, each of the conductive bevel surfaces 11 and 12 may be coupled to the armature 6 together with the bottom member 17. The diameter of the through hole 6a of the armature 6 and the diameter of the through hole 17a of the bottom member 17 may be larger than the diameter of the screw 57, and the screw 57 may be screwed into the cylindrical member 41 of the insulating material, and thus the electrical connection between the conductive bevel surfaces 11 and 12 and the armature 6 may be blocked.
[0078] Reference Figures 16 to 18 , the cylindrical member 41 can be detachably connected to the conductive bevel surfaces 11 and 12, respectively. The cylindrical member 41 can have a pair of first coupling protrusions 41a and 41b spaced apart from each other, and the pair of first coupling protrusions 41a and 41b can protrude from the outer surface of the cylindrical member 41. The pair of first coupling protrusions 41a and 41b can be parallel to each other. Each of the conductive bevel surfaces 11 and 12 can have an insertion protrusion 42, and the insertion protrusion 42 can be parallel to the pair of first coupling protrusions 41a and 41b. The insertion protrusion 42 of the conductive bevel surface can have a thickness corresponding to the gap between the pair of first coupling protrusions 41a and 41b, so that the insertion protrusion 42 can be inserted into or penetrate the gap between the pair of first coupling protrusions 41a and 41b.
[0079] Reference Figures 16 to 18 , each of the conductive bevel surfaces 11 and 12 may have a pair of support walls 43 and 45, and the pair of support walls 43 and 45 may be spaced apart from each other at an interval corresponding to the diameter of the cylindrical member 41. The pair of support walls 43 and 45 may be parallel to each other, and the support walls 43 and 45 may have coupling holes 43a and 45a, respectively. The cylindrical member 41 may have a pair of second coupling protrusions 41c and 41d opposite to each other, and the pair of second coupling protrusions 41c and 41d may protrude from the outer surface of the cylindrical member 41 in a manner perpendicular to the pair of first coupling protrusions 41a and 41b. The second coupling protrusions 41c and 41d may be inserted into or penetrate the coupling holes 43a and 45a of the corresponding support walls 43 and 45, respectively. The second coupling protrusions 41c and 41d may be spaced apart from the first coupling protrusions 41a and 41b at an angle of 90° on the outer surface of the cylindrical member 41.
[0080] When the insertion protrusion 42 is inserted into or penetrates the gap between a pair of first coupling protrusions 41a and 41b, the second coupling protrusions 41c and 41d are inserted into or penetrate the connecting holes 43a and 45a of the corresponding support walls 43 and 45, so that the cylindrical member 41 can be firmly mounted to each of the conductive inclined pad surfaces 11 and 12.
[0081] According to another exemplary embodiment, Fig.19 As shown, each of the conductive bevel surfaces 11 and 12 may have a cylindrical portion 65, and the cylindrical portion 65 may protrude from each of the conductive bevel surfaces 11 and 12 toward the armature 6 and the bottom member 17. The through hole 6a of the armature 6 may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 65. The cylindrical portion 65 may pass through the through hole 6a of the armature 6, and the screw 57 may pass through the through hole 17a of the bottom member 17 and be screwed into the inner hole 65a of the cylindrical portion 65. An insulating layer 66 such as an insulating tape may be attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 65, so that the electrical connection between the conductive bevel surfaces 11 and 12 and the armature 6 may be blocked.
[0082] As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a biological parameter measuring device including a pair of conductive bevel surfaces and a signal processor for measuring a driver's biological parameters can be connected to a steering wheel remote controller, thereby simplifying the assembly process and reducing manufacturing costs.
[0083] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a pair of conductive bevel surfaces may be respectively disposed around a pair of steering wheel remote controllers, and thus a biological parameter of a driver may be easily and accurately measured.
[0084] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrical connection between the first conductive bevel and the signal processor and the electrical connection between the second conductive bevel and the second PCB can be stably ensured.
[0085] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and changes may be made to the present disclosure by those skilled in the art without departing from the idea and scope of the present disclosure protected by the appended claims.
[0086] Reference numerals list
[0087] 1: Steering wheel
[0088] 2: Wheel Hub
[0089] 3a, 3b, 3c: Spokes
[0090] 4: Rim
[0091] 5a: First steering wheel remote control
[0092] 5b: Second steering wheel remote control
[0093] 6: Armature
[0094] 10: Biological parameter measurement equipment
[0095] 11: First conductive bevel surface
[0096] 12: Second conductive bevel surface
[0097] 13: Signal Processor
[0098] 15: First contact protrusion
[0099] 16: Second contact protrusion
[0100] 17: Bottom component
[0101] 21: First Shell
[0102] 22: Second shell
[0103] 25: First printed circuit board
[0104] 26: Second printed circuit board
[0105] 31: First bridge terminal
[0106] 32: Second bridge terminal
Claims
1. A steering wheel, comprising: Wheel hub; a rim connected to the hub via a plurality of spokes; A first steering wheel remote controller and a second steering wheel remote controller are symmetrically arranged on the sides of the wheel hub respectively; as well as Biological parameter measurement equipment, including: A first conductive inclined pad surface is arranged around the first steering wheel remote controller; A second conductive bevel surface is disposed around the second steering wheel remote controller; and a signal processor electrically connected to the first conductive bevel surface and the second conductive bevel surface, the signal processor processing and calculating a biological parameter based on a signal detected by at least one of the first conductive bevel surface and the second conductive bevel surface, wherein the first conductive bevel surface is arranged to be spaced apart from the second conductive bevel surface, The signal processor is electrically connected to a first printed circuit board (PCB) of the first steering wheel remote controller. The first conductive bevel is electrically connected to the signal processor, and The second conductive bevel surface is electrically connected to the second PCB of the second steering wheel remote controller, Wherein, the signal processor has a processor side connector, The first PCB has a board-side connector, and the processor-side connector having a shape to be assembled in the board-side connector so that when the processor-side connector is disposed in the board-side connector, the signal processor is electrically connected to the first PCB, The steering wheel further comprises: an armature, the hub, the plurality of spokes, and the rim being connected to the armature as a center of the steering wheel; a bottom member, disposed below the armature, wherein the first conductive bevel surface and the second conductive bevel surface are coupled to the armature together with the bottom member by a plurality of screws, The steering wheel further comprises: a cylindrical member detachably coupled to each of the first conductive bevel surface and the second conductive bevel surface, wherein the cylindrical member is made of insulating material, The cylindrical member is inserted between each conductive bevel surface and the armature, and Each of the plurality of screws is screwed into the cylindrical member.
2. The steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein: The signal processor has a disc-shaped first contact, The first conductive bevel has a first contact protrusion electrically connected to the first contact point, the first contact protrusion having a shape extending from an edge of the first conductive bevel and spaced apart from the signal processor and the first PCB.
3. The steering wheel according to claim 2, wherein: The first contact protrusion is electrically connected to the first contact point through a first bridge terminal.
4. The steering wheel according to claim 2, wherein: The first contact protrusion directly contacts the first contact point.
5. The steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein: The second PCB has a disc-shaped second contact, The second conductive bevel has a second contact protrusion electrically connected to the second contact, the second contact protrusion having a shape extending from an edge of the second conductive bevel and spaced apart from the second PCB.
6. The steering wheel according to claim 5, wherein: The second contact protrusion is electrically connected to the second contact point through a second bridge terminal.
7. The steering wheel according to claim 5, wherein: The second contact protrusion directly contacts the second contact point.
8. The steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein: The signal processor is coupled to the first PCB.
9. The steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein the first conductive bevel surface and the second conductive bevel surface are attached to an upper surface of the armature, The bottom member is attached to the bottom surface of the armature, and The bottom member is made of insulating material.
10. The steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein: The armature has a through hole through which each screw passes, The bottom member has a through hole through which the screw passes, and The through hole of the armature and the through hole of the base member have a diameter larger than a diameter of the screw.
11. The steering wheel according to claim 10, wherein: The cylindrical member has a pair of first coupling protrusions, the pair of first coupling protrusions are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined gap, and Each conductive bevel surface has an insertion protrusion penetrating through a gap between the pair of first combining protrusions.
12. The steering wheel according to claim 11, wherein: Each conductive bevel surface has a pair of support walls spaced apart from each other, The pair of support walls are spaced apart from each other at an interval corresponding to a diameter of the cylindrical member, Each supporting wall has a coupling hole, The cylindrical member has a pair of second coupling protrusions opposite to each other, The pair of second combining protrusions protrude from the outer surface of the cylindrical member so that the pair of second combining protrusions are perpendicular to the pair of first combining protrusions, and Each second combining protrusion passes through the connecting hole of the corresponding supporting wall.
13. The steering wheel according to claim 9, wherein: Each conductive bevel surface has a cylindrical portion extending toward the armature, The cylindrical portion passes through the through hole of the armature, and Each screw passes through the base member and is screwed into the cylindrical portion.
14. The steering wheel according to claim 13, wherein: An insulating layer is attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion.
15. The steering wheel according to claim 3, wherein: The first bridging terminal comprises: A first bevel pad side through hole aligned with the first contact protrusion; a processor-side through hole aligned with the through hole of the first contact; and a first bevel-side screw passing through the first bevel-side through hole and screwed to the first contact protrusion; and A processor-side screw passes through the processor-side through hole and the through hole of the first contact.
16. The steering wheel according to claim 15, wherein: The first bridge terminal further includes a first dome portion protruding upward from the first bridge terminal and disposed around the first bezel-side through hole.
17. The steering wheel according to claim 6, wherein: The second bridge terminal comprises: A second bevel pad side through hole aligned with the second contact protrusion; a through hole on the board side, aligned with the through hole of the second contact; a second bevel surface side screw passing through the second bevel surface side through hole and screwed to the second contact protrusion; and A board-side screw passes through the board-side through hole and the through hole of the second contact.
Citation Information
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