Steering wheel assembly, air supply control method of steering wheel assembly, and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of steering wheel assembly, steering wheel assembly's air supply control method and vehicle, which includes steering wheel and air volume adjusting mechanism.The steering wheel is provided with air supply air duct inside, and the steering wheel is also provided with air inlet and air outlet that communicate with the air supply air duct;The air volume adjusting mechanism includes controller and air volume adjusting piece, and the controller can control the air volume adjusting piece to adjust the size of the air outlet according to the parameter information of music.The technical scheme of the application can improve the degree of user's perception of music during driving, so as to reduce fatigue and maintain the feeling of being awake, improve the safety during driving.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of transportation technology, and in particular to a steering wheel assembly, an air supply control direction for the steering wheel assembly, and a vehicle using the steering wheel assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In the use of vehicles and other means of transportation, an increasing number of users prefer to turn on music while driving in order to reduce fatigue through the stimulation of music. However, when music is played in such vehicles, it usually only provides auditory stimulation to users, resulting in limited perception of the music. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a steering wheel assembly designed to enhance the user's perception of music while driving, thereby reducing fatigue, maintaining alertness, and improving driving safety.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the steering wheel assembly proposed in this invention includes:

[0005] A steering wheel, wherein the steering wheel has an air supply duct, and the steering wheel also has an air inlet and an air outlet connecting the air supply duct; and

[0006] The air volume adjustment mechanism includes a controller and an air volume adjustment component. The controller can control the air volume adjustment component to adjust the air volume of the air outlet according to the music parameter information.

[0007] Optionally, the parameter information includes music frequency, and the controller can control the air volume regulator to adjust the air volume of the air outlet according to the correspondence between the music frequency and the air volume of the air outlet.

[0008] Optionally, the steering wheel includes:

[0009] The disk body, wherein the disk body is provided with an installation channel; and

[0010] A connecting pipe is provided within the installation channel, and the internal space of the connecting pipe forms the air supply duct.

[0011] The air inlet is located in the connecting pipe, and the air outlet is located in the main body of the plate and connected to the connecting pipe.

[0012] Optionally, the disc body includes a rim, and at least a portion of the mounting channel is disposed on the rim;

[0013] The axial direction of the wheel rim is defined as the up-down direction of the steering wheel. The steering wheel also has a left-right direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. The number of air vents is at least two, and the at least two air vents are respectively located on the left and right sides of the wheel rim.

[0014] Optionally, the steering wheel also has a front-back direction perpendicular to the left-right and up-down directions, and the air vents are provided on the left front side, left rear side, right front side and right rear side of the wheel rim, and the air vents on the left front side, left rear side, right front side and right rear side of the wheel rim are all located on the side of the wheel rim facing its axis.

[0015] Optionally, the air outlets located on the left front side and right front side of the wheel rim are arranged in an oblique forward direction, and the air outlets located on the left rear side and right rear side of the wheel rim are arranged in an oblique rear direction.

[0016] Optionally, the angle formed by each of the air outlets and the vertical direction is defined as α, satisfying the relationship: 15°≤α≤45°.

[0017] Optionally, the disk body further includes a flow guiding structure, which is disposed on the wheel rim;

[0018] The airflow guiding structure is used to guide the air outlets located on the left front side and right front side of the wheel rim to be obliquely forward, and the air outlets located on the left rear side and right rear side of the wheel rim to be obliquely rearward.

[0019] Optionally, the flow guiding structure is a plurality of anti-slip sleeves sleeved on the wheel rim, and the plurality of anti-slip sleeves are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the wheel rim;

[0020] Each of the anti-slip sleeves has a portion at one end that is spaced apart from the wheel rim to form an air outlet that is angled forward or angled backward.

[0021] Each wheel rim has an air passage corresponding to the position of each air outlet, and each air passage is connected to the connecting pipe and the corresponding air outlet.

[0022] Optionally, the air outlets on the left and right sides of the rim are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the rim. The included angle between the arc formed by connecting the air outlets on the left side of the rim and the arc formed by connecting the air outlets on the right side of the rim is defined as β, satisfying the relationship: 70°β≤130°.

[0023] Optionally, the disc body further includes a hub and spokes, the rim surrounds the outside of the hub, the opposite ends of the spokes are respectively connected to the rim and the hub, and the mounting channel is provided on the rim, the hub and the spokes.

[0024] Optionally, the connecting pipe includes:

[0025] An air supply duct is provided in the mounting channel on the wheel hub and the wheel spokes. One end of the air supply duct forms the air inlet. The end of the air supply duct with the air inlet extends out of the steering wheel to communicate with the air supply device.

[0026] An annular tube, wherein the annular tube is disposed within the mounting channel on the rim and extends circumferentially along the rim, the annular tube being connected to the end of the air supply pipe furthest from the air inlet; and

[0027] The branch pipe has at least two branches, both of which are located in the mounting channel on the rim, and one end of each branch pipe is connected to the annular pipe and the other end is connected to the corresponding air outlet.

[0028] Optionally, the air volume regulating component is a regulating valve, which is located in the connecting pipe and electrically connected to the controller.

[0029] Optionally, the temperature of the air blown out of the air outlet is defined as T, satisfying the relationship: 20℃≤T≤24℃;

[0030] And / or, the steering wheel assembly further includes a display module, the controller is electrically connected to the display module, and the controller is capable of controlling the display module to display the parameter information of the music;

[0031] And / or, the steering wheel assembly also includes an ambient light, the controller is electrically connected to the ambient light, and the controller can control the ambient light to flash according to the correspondence between the parameter information of the music and the flashing frequency of the ambient light;

[0032] And / or, the steering wheel assembly further includes a microphone electrically connected to the controller.

[0033] Optionally, the steering wheel assembly further includes a support column, the upper end of which is connected to the steering wheel;

[0034] When the steering wheel assembly includes the display module and the ambient light, the display module is located below the steering wheel and is fitted onto the support column, and the ambient light is located on the display module and extends in a ring shape along the circumference of the display module.

[0035] The present invention also proposes a method for controlling the air supply of a steering wheel assembly, the steering wheel assembly including a steering wheel and an air volume regulator, the steering wheel being provided with an air supply channel and an air inlet and an air outlet communicating with the air supply channel, the method for controlling the air supply of the steering wheel assembly including the following steps:

[0036] Obtain music parameter information;

[0037] Based on the correspondence between the music parameters and the airflow of the air outlet, the airflow regulator is controlled to adjust the airflow of the air outlet.

[0038] Optionally, the parameter information of the music includes the music frequency.

[0039] Optionally, prior to the step of obtaining music parameter information, the air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly further includes:

[0040] Check if the music is on;

[0041] If music is detected to be playing, obtain the parameter information of the music.

[0042] Optionally, after the step of detecting whether music is on, the air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly further includes:

[0043] Check if the air supply device is turned on;

[0044] If the air supply device is detected to be on, obtain the parameter information of the music.

[0045] Optionally, the steering wheel assembly further includes a display module. After the step of obtaining the parameter information of the music when it is detected that the music is on, the air supply control method of the steering wheel assembly further includes: controlling the display module to display the music parameter information;

[0046] And / or, the steering wheel assembly also includes an ambient light. After the step of obtaining the parameter information of the music when it is detected that the music is on, the air supply control method of the steering wheel assembly further includes: controlling the ambient light to flash according to the correspondence between the parameter information of the music and the ambient light.

[0047] The present invention also proposes a vehicle comprising a steering wheel assembly as described above.

[0048] In use, the steering wheel assembly of this invention allows the controller within the assembly to adjust the airflow from the steering wheel vents based on music parameters. This means that during driving, music not only provides auditory stimulation but also provides tactile stimulation through the airflow emanating from the steering wheel vents, which is synchronized with the music's flow. Therefore, the structural design of this steering wheel assembly can be seen as further enhancing the tactile experience of music beyond just auditory perception. This improves the user's perception of music while driving, reducing fatigue and maintaining alertness, thus improving driving safety. Simultaneously, the airflow from the steering wheel vents keeps the user's hands dry and comfortable, allowing them to experience the beauty of music from both auditory and tactile perspectives, thereby enhancing the driving experience. Attached Figure Description

[0049] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the steering wheel assembly of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the steering wheel assembly;

[0052] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Another structural diagram of the steering wheel assembly;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly of the present invention in a second embodiment.

[0055] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the third embodiment of the air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the fourth embodiment of the air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly of the present invention.

[0057] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0058] label name label name 100 Steering wheel components 135 Lun Yi 10 steering wheel 136 spokes 11 Air supply duct 15 Connecting pipe 111 air inlet 151 air supply duct 113 air vent 153 ring pipe 13 main body of the plate 155 branch pipe 131 Installation Channel 30 Air volume regulating mechanism 132 rim 31 Air volume regulating components 132a air vent 50 Display module 133 Flow guiding structure 70 Ambient Lighting 134 Anti-slip sleeve 90 Support column

[0059] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0061] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0062] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0063] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this application is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the word "and / or" throughout the text means including three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of a person skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0064] Transportation vehicles, or devices used for transport, include vehicles that travel on land and boats that travel on water. Among users of these vehicles, an increasing number prefer to play music while driving to reduce fatigue through the stimulation of music. However, music played on these vehicles typically only provides auditory stimulation, resulting in limited sensory perception of the music.

[0065] Based on the above considerations, and to address the problem of limited user perception of music during driving in related technologies, this application proposes a novel steering wheel assembly. This steering wheel assembly innovatively incorporates air ducts and vents on the steering wheel, and uses a controller to adjust the airflow of the vents based on music parameters. This not only makes the music audible but also tactile, thereby enhancing the user's perception of the music, reducing fatigue, maintaining alertness, and improving driving safety.

[0066] The steering wheel assembly proposed in this application can be applied to vehicles, such as cars or buses, or even boats. This application does not limit the specific type of vehicle to which the steering wheel assembly is applied, as long as it is a device that requires steering wheel control during driving.

[0067] The specific structure of the steering wheel assembly proposed in this application will be explained below with reference to specific embodiments. In one embodiment of this application, please refer to the reference. Figures 1 to 3 The steering wheel assembly 100 proposed in this application includes a steering wheel 10 and an air volume adjustment mechanism 30. The steering wheel 10 is provided with an air supply duct 11, and the steering wheel 10 is also provided with an air inlet 111 and an air outlet 113 communicating with the air supply duct 11; the air volume adjustment mechanism 30 includes a controller and an air volume adjustment component 31, and the controller can control the air volume adjustment component 31 to adjust the air volume of the air outlet 113 according to the music parameter information.

[0068] A steering wheel 10 is rotatably mounted on a vehicle, allowing the user to control the vehicle's direction of travel by turning the steering wheel 10. Since the principle of controlling the vehicle's direction via the steering wheel 10 is existing technology, its control principle will not be described in detail here. Furthermore, an air inlet 111 on the steering wheel 10 can be used to intake air, which is then delivered through an air duct 11 and finally exhausted through an air outlet 113, thereby providing ventilation to the user's hands holding the steering wheel 10. The air inlet 111 can also be connected to an air supply device to generate and deliver air to the air inlet 111. This air supply device can be an air conditioner installed in the vehicle, an additional fan, or other air supply device. Of course, in some embodiments, the air inlet 111 may not be connected to an air supply device. At this point, a fan can be installed inside the steering wheel 10 to drive external airflow from the air inlet 111 into the air supply duct 11, and then exhaust it from the air outlet 113. Therefore, this application does not specifically limit whether the air inlet 111 is connected to an air supply device, as long as the air outlet 113 on the steering wheel 10 can supply air. In addition, the number of air outlets 113 can be one, or two or more. The arrangement of the air outlets 113 can be as described below, distributed only on the left and right sides of the steering wheel 10 that are frequently gripped, or it can be distributed all around the entire wheel. The air outlet direction of the air outlets 113 can be the axial direction of the steering wheel 10, the radial direction, or the inclined direction as described below. Therefore, this application does not specifically limit the number, shape, distribution position, and air outlet direction of the air outlets 113. Furthermore, the air discharged from the air outlet 113 can be either cold or hot. This allows for cooling the user's hands when the temperature is relatively high, and heating the user's hands when the temperature is relatively low.

[0069] The airflow adjustment mechanism 30, as its name suggests, is a mechanism used to adjust the airflow volume of the air outlet 113. Specifically, the airflow adjustment mechanism 30 includes a controller and an airflow adjustment component 31. The controller can control the airflow adjustment component 31 to adjust the airflow volume of the air outlet 113 according to the music's parameter information, so that the air outlet 113 delivers air in accordance with the music's state, giving the user a tactile experience of music. The controller can be a controller built into the vehicle itself, or it can be an additional controller installed in the steering wheel 10; this application does not limit this. Music can be played through the vehicle's built-in speakers, or it can be played through an additional playback device (e.g., an additional speaker or mobile phone), and this playback device can be electrically connected to the controller. The music parameter information can be the music frequency as described below. In this case, the controller can analyze the frequency distribution of the audio signal corresponding to the music, and then, based on the correspondence between the airflow volume of the air outlet 113 and the music frequency, control the airflow adjustment component to adjust the airflow volume of the air outlet 113. For example, when the controller detects a fast music frequency, it can control the airflow regulator 31 to increase the airflow from the air outlet 113; when the controller detects a slow music frequency, it can control the airflow regulator 31 to decrease the airflow from the air outlet 113. This allows the air outlet 113 to deliver air according to the music's frequency, providing the user with a tangible musical experience. Alternatively, the music parameter information can be the music's loudness. In this case, the controller can analyze the loudness distribution of the corresponding audio signal and then, based on the relationship between the airflow from the air outlet 113 and the music's loudness, control the airflow regulator to adjust the airflow from the air outlet 113. For example, when the controller detects a high music loudness, it can control the airflow regulator 31 to increase the airflow from the air outlet 113; when the controller detects a low music loudness, it can control the airflow regulator 31 to decrease the airflow from the air outlet 113. Therefore, this application does not limit the specific type of music parameters, as long as the music state and the air volume of the air outlet 113 can be linked to achieve a tactile sensory experience by adjusting the air volume of the air outlet 113. The air volume regulating component 31 can be a regulating valve as described below, so as to adjust the airflow within the valve body to adjust the air volume of the air outlet 113. Of course, the airflow regulating component can also be a rotatable louver installed at the air outlet 113, and the louver is connected to a motor, thereby controlling the motor to drive the louver to rotate, thereby adjusting the airflow area of ​​the air outlet 113 to adjust its air volume. Thus, this application does not limit the specific type of the air volume regulating component 31, as long as it can achieve the adjustment of the air volume of the air outlet 113.

[0070] In use, the steering wheel assembly 100 of this application allows the controller within the steering wheel assembly 100 to adjust the airflow of the air vents 113 on the steering wheel 10 by controlling the airflow regulator 31 according to the music's parameter information. This means that during driving, in addition to auditory stimulation, the music can further stimulate the user's sense of touch by delivering airflow through the air vents 113 that follows the music's flow. Therefore, the structural design of the steering wheel assembly 100 in this application can be said to have achieved a further tactile stimulation of music beyond just auditory stimulation. This enhances the user's perception of music during driving, reducing fatigue and maintaining alertness, thus improving driving safety. Simultaneously, the airflow from the air vents 113 keeps the user's hands dry and comfortable, allowing them to experience the beauty of music from various auditory and tactile perspectives, thereby enhancing the driving experience.

[0071] In one embodiment of this application, the parameter information includes music frequency. The controller can control the air volume regulator 31 to adjust the air volume of the air outlet 113 according to the correspondence between the music frequency and the air volume of the air outlet 113.

[0072] Music frequency refers to the frequency distribution of the audio signal corresponding to the music. The air volume of the air outlet 113 can have an increasing relationship with the music frequency. That is, as described above, when the controller detects a faster music frequency, it can control the air volume regulator 31 to increase the air volume of the air outlet 113; when the controller detects a slower music frequency, it can control the air volume regulator 31 to decrease the air volume of the air outlet 113.

[0073] In this embodiment, the parameter information is set to the music frequency. Since the frequency of most music changes during playback, the airflow from vent 113 is adjusted according to the tempo of the music, allowing the airflow from vent 113 to better simulate the changes in the music's state. Furthermore, the tempo of the music easily evokes resonance in the user. Therefore, setting the airflow from vent 113 to adjust according to the music frequency enhances the tactile effect of the music's state on the user's hands while gripping the steering wheel 10, thereby further improving the user's perception of the music during driving and enhancing alertness and driving safety. Additionally, to further improve the simulation effect of the airflow from vent 113 on the music's state, the controller can adjust the airflow from vent 113 in real-time according to the music frequency, allowing the user to perceive the changes in the music's state through their hands gripping the steering wheel 10.

[0074] Please refer to the reference. Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment of this application, the steering wheel 10 includes a wheel body 13 and a connecting pipe 15. The wheel body 13 is provided with an installation channel 131. The connecting pipe 15 is disposed in the installation channel 131, and the internal space of the connecting pipe 15 forms an air supply duct 11. An air inlet 111 is disposed in the connecting pipe 15, and an air outlet 113 is disposed in the wheel body 13 and connected to the connecting pipe 15.

[0075] The main body 13 can serve as the main structure of the steering wheel 10, inheriting the basic function of the steering wheel 10 for users to hold and steer. The end of the connecting pipe 15 with the air inlet 111 can be used to connect to the air supply device (e.g., air conditioner) on the vehicle, so as to realize the connection between the air supply duct 11 on the steering wheel 10 and the air supply device.

[0076] In this embodiment, the steering wheel 10 is configured as a wheel body 13 and a connecting pipe 15, allowing an air duct 11 to be formed within the internal space of the connecting pipe 15. The connecting pipe 15 can also be easily bent and laid, thus improving the convenience of communication between the air duct 11 and the air supply device. Simultaneously, the connecting pipe 15 has a relatively small volume and a simple structure, making it easy to process and shape, further improving the convenience of processing and shaping the air duct 11. Of course, it should be noted that this application is not limited to this; in other embodiments, the steering wheel 10 may only include the wheel body 13, in which case the air duct 11 can be directly formed within the wheel body 13.

[0077] Please refer to the reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2In one embodiment of this application, the steering wheel body 13 includes a rim 132, and at least a portion of the mounting channel 131 is disposed on the rim 132; the axial direction of the rim 132 is defined as the up-down direction of the steering wheel 10, and the steering wheel 10 also has a left-right direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, and the number of air outlets 113 is at least two, with at least two air outlets 113 respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the rim 132.

[0078] The rim 132 is a ring-shaped structure, which can be either circular or elliptical. The vertical direction is defined when the steering wheel 10 is in normal use.

[0079] In this embodiment, at least two air outlets 113 are provided, respectively located on the left and right sides of the rim 132. This ensures that when the user's left and right hands hold the rim 132, the air outlets 113 correspond well with the user's hands, providing a blowing effect on both hands. This enhances the user's perception of the music when the air outlets 113 are blowing air in sync with the music. Furthermore, it should be noted that this application is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the air outlets 113 may be distributed circumferentially around the rim 132. Alternatively, there may be only one air outlet 113, but this outlet 113 extends in a ring shape along the circumference of the rim 132.

[0080] Please refer to the reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of this application, the steering wheel 10 also has a front-back direction perpendicular to the left-right and up-down directions, and air vents 113 are provided on the left front side, left rear side, right front side and right rear side of the wheel rim 132.

[0081] In this embodiment, the air outlets 113 are distributed on the left front, left rear, right front, and right rear sides of the rim 132. This further increases the effective contact area between the air outlets 113 and the user's hand, thereby enhancing the user's perception of the music when the air outlets 113 deliver air in sync with the music. Specifically, there can be at least four air outlets 113, with at least one on each of the left front, left rear, right front, and right rear sides of the rim 132. Alternatively, there can be two air outlets 113, but these must be elongated. Furthermore, it should be noted that this application is not limited to this; in other embodiments, air outlets 113 may be provided only on the left front and right front sides, or on the left rear and right rear sides.

[0082] Please refer to the reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2In one embodiment of this application, the air outlets 113 on the left front side, left rear side, right front side and right rear side of the rim 132 are all located on the side of the rim 132 facing its axis.

[0083] In this embodiment, the air vents 113 on the left front, left rear, right front, and right rear sides of the wheel rim 132 are all located on the inner side of the wheel rim 132. This allows the air vents 113 to be hidden and not easily observed, thereby improving the aesthetics of the steering wheel 10 and enhancing its competitiveness in the market. However, it should be noted that this application is not limited to this; in other embodiments, the air vents 113 on the wheel rim 132 can also be located on the outer side of the wheel rim 132.

[0084] Please refer to the reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of this application, the air outlets 113 located on the left front side and right front side of the rim 132 are arranged obliquely forward, and the air outlets 113 located on the left rear side and right rear side of the rim 132 are arranged obliquely rearward.

[0085] In this embodiment, the air outlets 113 on the left front and right front sides are positioned diagonally forward, while the air outlets 113 on the left rear and right rear sides are positioned diagonally backward. This causes the air from the air outlets 113 on the left front and right front sides to flow forward along the contour of the rim 132, while the air from the air outlets 113 on the left rear and right rear sides flows backward along the contour of the rim 132. Therefore, even when the user's hand is gripping the front of the rim 132, they can feel the air from the air outlets 113 on the left front and right front sides; and even when the user's hand is gripping the rear of the rim 132, they can feel the air from the air outlets 113 on the left rear and right rear sides. Therefore, by arranging the air outlets 113 on each side in this way, the likelihood of the air delivered by the air outlets 113 coming into contact with the user's hand can be increased, so that when the air outlets 113 deliver air in sync with the music, the user's perception of the music can be effectively enhanced. Of course, this application is not limited to this; in other embodiments, it is also possible for each air outlet 113 on the rim 132 to be arranged along the radial direction of the rim 132.

[0086] Please refer to Figure 2 In one embodiment of this application, the included angle formed by each air outlet 113 and the vertical direction is defined as α, satisfying the relationship: 15°≤α≤45°.

[0087] In this embodiment, the angle α formed by each air outlet 113 and the vertical direction is set to between 15° and 45°. This ensures that the angle α is not too small, preventing the airflow from the air outlet 113 from flowing too close to the contour of the rim 132, while also preventing the angle α from being too large, ensuring the airflow from the air outlet 113 effectively travels along the contour of the rim 132 to the front and rear sides. In other words, this range of angle α balances the airflow effect of the air outlet 113 on both the inner and outer sides of the rim 132, ensuring that the user's hands are well-covered by the airflow from the air outlet 113 when holding the rim on the left, right, front, or back. The angle α formed by the air outlet 113 and the vertical direction can be 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, or 45°, or any value within this range.

[0088] Please refer to the reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of this application, the disc body 13 further includes a flow guiding structure 133, which is disposed on the rim 132. The flow guiding structure 133 is used to guide the air outlets 113 located on the left front side and right front side of the rim 132 to be obliquely forward, and the air outlets 113 located on the left rear side and right rear side of the rim 132 to be obliquely rearward.

[0089] The airflow guiding structure 133 guides the airflow direction of the air outlet 113 to form the required airflow path. The airflow guiding structure 133 can be the anti-slip sleeve 134 described below, or it can be a protrusion on the rim 132. This application does not limit the specific structural form of the airflow guiding structure 133.

[0090] In this embodiment, the airflow guiding structure 133 facilitates the guidance of the airflow from the outlet 113 into oblique forward and oblique backward airflow. Simultaneously, it allows for a simpler design of the air passage holes on the rim 132, thus improving the ease of manufacturing the rim 132. For example, the airflow guiding structure 133 consists of multiple anti-slip sleeves 134 fitted onto the rim 132, arranged sequentially along the circumference of the rim 132. Each anti-slip sleeve 134 has a portion at one end spaced from the rim 132 to form an oblique forward or oblique backward air outlet 113. The rim 132 has an air passage 132a corresponding to each air outlet 113, and each air passage 132a is connected to the connecting pipe 15 and the corresponding air outlet 113. At this point, the anti-slip sleeve 134 and the wheel rim 132 enclose and form forward-facing and backward-facing air outlets 113, allowing the air outlets 132a on the wheel rim 132 to be arranged radially along the wheel rim 132, making them easy to process and shape. Additionally, the anti-slip sleeve 134 also provides anti-slip properties, thereby improving the stability of the user's grip on the steering wheel 10. The anti-slip sleeve 134 can be made of silicone or rubber to provide friction enhancement and a comfortable grip. Furthermore, it should be noted that when the steering wheel body 13 does not have a guide structure 133, the air outlets 113 can be directly located on the wheel rim 132. In this case, to achieve forward-facing or backward-facing airflow from the air outlets 113, the air outlets 113 on the wheel rim 132 can be directly positioned forward-facing or backward-facing.

[0091] Please refer to Figure 2 In one embodiment of this application, the air outlets 113 on the left and right sides of the rim 132 are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the rim 132. The included angles corresponding to the arcs formed by the sequential connection of the air outlets 113 on the left side of the rim 132 and the arcs formed by the sequential connection of the air outlets 113 on the right side of the rim 132 are defined as β, which satisfies the relationship: 70°β≤130°.

[0092] In this embodiment, the included angle β between the arc formed by sequentially connecting the air outlets 113 on the left side of the wheel rim 132 and the arc formed by sequentially connecting the air outlets 113 on the right side is set to 70° to 130°. This ensures that the distribution range of the air outlets 113 is not too small, thus not affecting the airflow stimulation effect on the user's hands, and that the distribution range of the air outlets 113 is not too large, thus not affecting the aesthetic appearance of the steering wheel 10 or increasing the manufacturing complexity of the steering wheel 10. Therefore, setting the value of the included angle β in this way can balance the airflow effect of the air outlets 113, the aesthetic appearance of the steering wheel 10, and the ease of manufacturing. The arc β can be set to 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, 120°, 125°, or 130°, or any value within the above range.

[0093] Please refer to the reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of this application, the disc body 13 further includes a hub 135 and spokes 136, a rim 132 surrounds the outside of the hub 135, and the two opposite ends of the spokes 136 are respectively connected to the rim 132 and the hub 135. An installation channel 131 is provided on the rim 132, the hub 135 and the spokes 136.

[0094] In this embodiment, the mounting channel 131 is disposed within the wheel rim 132, wheel hub 135, and wheel spokes 136, allowing the connecting pipe 15 to be further disposed within the wheel hub 135 and wheel spokes 136. This results in better concealment of the connecting pipe 15 on the steering wheel body 13, thereby further improving the isolation and protection effect of the connecting pipe 15 and the aesthetic appearance of the steering wheel 10. Of course, this application is not limited to this; in other embodiments, the mounting channel 131 may only be disposed on the wheel rim 132, and the end of the connecting pipe 15 used to connect to the air supply device may extend out from the wheel rim 132.

[0095] In one embodiment of this application, the connecting pipe 15 includes an air supply pipe 151, an annular pipe 153, and branch pipes 155. The air supply pipe 151 is disposed in the mounting channel 131 on the wheel hub 135 and the wheel spoke 136. One end of the air supply pipe 151 forms an air inlet 111. The end of the air supply pipe 151 with the air inlet 111 passes through the steering wheel 10 to communicate with the air supply device. The annular pipe 153 is disposed in the mounting channel 131 on the wheel rim 132 and extends circumferentially along the wheel rim 132. The annular pipe 153 is connected to the end of the air supply pipe 151 away from the air inlet 111. The number of branch pipes 155 is at least two. At least two branch pipes 155 are disposed in the mounting channel 131 on the wheel rim 132, and one end of each branch pipe 155 is connected to the annular pipe 153, and the other end is connected to the corresponding air outlet 113.

[0096] In this embodiment, the connecting pipe 15 is configured as a combination of an air supply pipe 151, an annular pipe 153, and branch pipes 155. This allows for convenient connection to the air supply device via the air supply pipe 151, while the annular pipe 153 can encircle the rim 132, providing locations for branch pipes 155 at various circumferential points. This allows air to be delivered to at least two branch pipes 155 via one air supply pipe 151 and an annular pipe 153, and then delivered to the corresponding air outlet 113 via the at least two branch pipes 155. In this configuration, only one air supply device, one air supply pipe 151, and one annular pipe 153 are required, while at least two branch pipes 155 are needed. This simplifies the number of air supply devices and improves the ease of arranging the connecting pipe 15, thereby enhancing the manufacturing convenience and reducing the manufacturing cost of the steering wheel assembly 100. Meanwhile, this configuration also allows for the use of only one airflow regulator 31, which, when placed on the air supply duct 151, enables control of at least two air outlets 113, thereby improving the ease of installation of the airflow regulator 31. When the airflow guide structure 133 is the aforementioned anti-slip sleeve 134, the end of the branch pipe 155 furthest from the annular pipe 153 can be connected to the corresponding air outlet 132a on the rim 132.

[0097] Please refer to Figure 2 In one embodiment of this application, the air volume regulating component 31 is a regulating valve, which is located in the connecting pipe 15 and electrically connected to the controller.

[0098] In this embodiment, the air volume regulating component 31 is set as a regulating valve. The regulating valve has a relatively small volume and a relatively simple structure, which facilitates its installation on the steering wheel 10 and makes it easier for the controller to control it accordingly. When the connecting pipe 15 includes the aforementioned air supply pipe 151, annular pipe 153, and branch pipe 155, the air volume regulating component 31 can be set on the air supply pipe 151.

[0099] In one embodiment of this application, the temperature of the air blown out of the air outlet 113 is defined as T, which satisfies the relationship: 20℃≤T≤24℃.

[0100] In this embodiment, the temperature T of the air blown out of the air outlet 113 is set to 20°C to 24°C, so that the temperature of the air blown out of the air outlet 113 is neither too high nor too low, thereby improving the comfort provided to the user. The temperature T of the air blown out of the air outlet 113 can be 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, or 24°C, or any value within the above range.

[0101] Please refer to the reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2In one embodiment of this application, the steering wheel assembly 100 further includes a display module 50, and a controller is electrically connected to the display module 50. The controller can control the display module 50 to display music parameter information.

[0102] In this embodiment, the display module 50 can display music parameter information, thus providing the user with a visual representation of the music. This allows the user to experience the music not only through hearing and touch, but also visually, thereby enhancing their perception of the music while driving. Specifically, the display module 50 can display parameters such as music frequency, lyrics, or loudness.

[0103] Please refer to the reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of this application, the steering wheel assembly 100 further includes an ambient light 70, and a controller is electrically connected to the ambient light 70. The controller can control the ambient light 70 to flash according to the correspondence between the music parameter information and the flashing frequency of the ambient light 70.

[0104] In this embodiment, by having the ambient light 70 flash in sync with the music, the visual stimulation to the user can be further enhanced, thereby improving the user's perception of the music. The flashing frequency of the ambient light 70 can have an increasing correspondence with the music's frequency or loudness. For example, when the controller detects a faster music frequency, the ambient light 70 can be controlled to flash faster; when the controller detects a slower music frequency, the ambient light 70 can be controlled to flash slower. Furthermore, it should be noted that the processes of the controller adjusting the airflow of the air outlet 113 using the airflow regulator 31, controlling the display module 50 to display music parameters, and controlling the ambient light 70 to flash can all occur simultaneously during music playback, thereby enhancing the tactile and visual stimulation effect of the music on the user.

[0105] In one embodiment of this application, the steering wheel assembly 100 further includes a microphone electrically connected to the controller.

[0106] In this embodiment, a microphone is provided to facilitate human-computer interaction, thereby improving the automation level of the steering wheel assembly 100 and enhancing its ease of use. For example, when music needs to be played, the user can directly input voice commands through the microphone.

[0107] Please refer to the reference. Figures 1 to 3In one embodiment of this application, the steering wheel assembly 100 further includes a support column 90, the upper end of which is connected to the steering wheel 10. When the steering wheel assembly 100 includes a display module 50 and an ambient light 70, the display module 50 is located below the steering wheel 10 and is fitted onto the support column 90. The ambient light 70 is located on the display module 50 and extends in a ring shape along the circumference of the display module 50.

[0108] In this embodiment, the support column 90 allows the steering wheel 10 to have a suitable height within the vehicle, making it easier for the user to grip. The display module 50 is positioned below the steering wheel 10 and fitted onto the support column 90, while the ambient light 70 is arranged around the display module 50. This arrangement ensures that the display module 50 and ambient light 70 do not affect the structure or size of the steering wheel 10, allowing for normal operation of the steering wheel 10. The support column 90 can be connected to the wheel hub 135 of the steering wheel 10, and part of the connecting pipe 15 can be located within the support column 90.

[0109] This application also proposes a method for controlling the airflow of a steering wheel assembly. The steering wheel assembly 100 includes a steering wheel 10 and an airflow regulator 31. The steering wheel 10 is provided with an airflow channel and an air inlet 111 and an air outlet 113 communicating with the airflow channel. A more specific structure of the steering wheel assembly 100 can be referred to the structure of the steering wheel assembly 100 described above. In one embodiment of this application, please refer to... Figure 4 The air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly includes the following steps:

[0110] S10, obtain music parameter information;

[0111] S20, based on the relationship between the music parameter information and the air volume of the air outlet 113, the air volume regulating component 31 is controlled to adjust the air volume of the air outlet 113.

[0112] In this embodiment, the controller (which can be a controller installed within the vehicle itself, or an additional controller installed within the steering wheel 10) can control the airflow regulator 31 to adjust the airflow volume of the air vents 113 on the steering wheel 10 based on music parameter information (such as music frequency or loudness). This allows the music to not only provide auditory stimulation during driving, but also provide tactile stimulation through the airflow emitted from the air vents 113 on the steering wheel 10, which follows the music's flow. Therefore, this can be considered a further tactile enhancement of music beyond just auditory stimulation. This increases the user's perception of music during driving, reducing fatigue and maintaining alertness, thus improving driving safety. Simultaneously, the airflow from the air vents 113 on the steering wheel 10 keeps the user's hands dry and comfortable, allowing them to experience the beauty of music from both auditory and tactile perspectives, thereby enhancing driving enjoyment. The controller can adjust the airflow of the air outlet 113 in real time by controlling the airflow regulator 31, thereby improving the simulation effect of the music playback status. This allows the user to perceive the changes in the music playback status in real time by holding the steering wheel 10. The airflow regulator 31, as described above, can be a regulating valve, or a combination of louvers and a motor.

[0113] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly, in one embodiment of this application, the music parameter information includes the music frequency.

[0114] In this embodiment, the music frequency refers to the frequency distribution of the audio signal corresponding to the music. The airflow from the air outlet 113 can have an increasing relationship with the music frequency. That is, as described above, when the controller detects a faster music frequency, it can control the airflow regulator 31 to increase the airflow from the air outlet 113; when the controller detects a slower music frequency, it can control the airflow regulator 31 to decrease the airflow from the air outlet 113. The parameter information is set to the music frequency, and since the music frequency changes during playback, the airflow from the air outlet 113 is adjusted according to the speed of the music frequency, allowing the airflow from the air outlet 113 to better simulate the changes in the music's state. On the other hand, the speed of the music frequency can also easily evoke resonance in the user. Therefore, by setting the airflow of the air outlet 113 to adjust according to the music frequency, the user's tactile perception of the music can be enhanced while stimulating the user's hands on the steering wheel 10. This further improves the user's perception of the music during driving, thereby enhancing alertness and improving the user's safety during driving.

[0115] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly, in one embodiment of this application, please refer to... Figure 5 Before obtaining the music parameter information, the air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly also includes:

[0116] S30, check if music is on;

[0117] If music is detected to be playing, obtain the music's parameter information.

[0118] In this embodiment, by detecting in advance whether the music is turned on, it is beneficial to improve the effectiveness of making the music tactile at the air outlet 113.

[0119] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly, in one embodiment of this application, please refer to... Figure 6 After detecting whether the music is on, the airflow control method for the steering wheel assembly also includes:

[0120] S40, check if the air supply device is turned on;

[0121] If the air supply device is detected to be on, acquire music parameter information.

[0122] In this embodiment, since the air supply source of the air outlet 113 needs to be provided by the air supply device, the effectiveness of the air outlet 113 in supplying air can be improved by further detecting whether the air supply device is open.

[0123] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly, in one embodiment of this application, please refer to... Figure 7 The steering wheel assembly 100 also includes a display module 50. After the step of obtaining music parameter information when music is detected to be on, the air supply control method of the steering wheel assembly further includes: S50, controlling the display module 50 to display music parameter information.

[0124] In this embodiment, the display module 50 can display music parameter information, thus providing the user with a visual representation of the music. This allows the user to experience the music not only through hearing and touch, but also visually, thereby enhancing their perception of the music while driving. Specifically, the display module 50 can display parameters such as music frequency, lyrics, or loudness.

[0125] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly, in one embodiment of this application, please refer to... Figure 7 The steering wheel assembly 100 also includes an ambient light 70. After obtaining the music parameter information when the music is detected to be on, the air supply control method of the steering wheel assembly further includes: S60, controlling the ambient light 70 to flash according to the correspondence between the music parameter information and the ambient light 70.

[0126] In this embodiment, by having the ambient light 70 flash in sync with the music, the visual stimulation to the user can be further enhanced, thereby improving the user's perception of the music. The flashing frequency of the ambient light 70 can have an increasing correspondence with the music's frequency or loudness. For example, when the controller detects a faster music frequency, the ambient light 70 can be controlled to flash faster; when the controller detects a slower music frequency, the ambient light 70 can be controlled to flash slower. Furthermore, it should be noted that the processes of the controller adjusting the airflow of the air outlet 113 using the airflow regulator 31, controlling the display module 50 to display music parameters, and controlling the ambient light 70 to flash can all occur simultaneously during music playback, thereby enhancing the tactile and visual stimulation effect of the music on the user.

[0127] This application also proposes a means of transportation, which includes a steering wheel assembly 100. The specific structure of the steering wheel assembly 100 is as described in the above embodiments. Since this means of transportation adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here. The means of transportation can be a vehicle or a boat.

[0128] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the inventive concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A steering wheel assembly, characterized in that, include: A steering wheel, wherein the steering wheel is provided with an air supply duct, and the steering wheel is also provided with an air inlet and an air outlet that connect to the air supply duct; and An airflow regulating mechanism, comprising a controller and an airflow regulating component, wherein the controller can control the airflow regulating component to adjust the airflow volume of the air outlet according to the music parameter information; The steering wheel includes: a wheel body and a connecting pipe, wherein the wheel body has an installation channel; the connecting pipe is disposed in the installation channel, and the internal space of the connecting pipe forms the air supply duct; the air inlet is disposed in the connecting pipe, and the air outlet is disposed in the wheel body and connected to the connecting pipe; The disk body includes a rim, and at least a portion of the mounting channel is disposed on the rim; The axial direction of the wheel rim is defined as the up-down direction of the steering wheel. The steering wheel also has a left-right direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, and a front-back direction perpendicular to both the left-right and up-down directions. The wheel rim is provided with air vents on its left front, left rear, right front, and right rear sides. The air vents on the left front, left rear, right front, and right rear sides are all located on the side of the wheel rim facing its axis. The air vents on the left front and right front sides of the wheel rim are arranged obliquely forward, and the air vents on the left rear and right rear sides of the wheel rim are arranged obliquely backward. The disk body also includes a flow guiding structure, which is disposed on the wheel rim; The airflow guiding structure is used to guide the air outlets located on the left front side and right front side of the wheel rim to be obliquely forward, and the air outlets located on the left rear side and right rear side of the wheel rim to be obliquely rearward.

2. The steering wheel assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The parameter information includes the music frequency. The controller can control the air volume regulator to adjust the air volume of the air outlet according to the correspondence between the music frequency and the air volume of the air outlet.

3. The steering wheel assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of air outlets is at least two, and the at least two air outlets are respectively located on the left and right sides of the wheel rim.

4. The steering wheel assembly as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, Define the included angle between each of the air outlets and the vertical direction as α, satisfying the relationship: 15°≤α≤45°.

5. The steering wheel assembly as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The flow guiding structure consists of multiple anti-slip sleeves fitted onto the wheel rim, with the multiple anti-slip sleeves arranged sequentially along the circumference of the wheel rim; Each of the anti-slip sleeves has a portion at one end that is spaced apart from the wheel rim to form an air outlet that is angled forward or angled backward. Each wheel rim has an air passage corresponding to the position of each air outlet, and each air passage is connected to the connecting pipe and the corresponding air outlet.

6. The steering wheel assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The air outlets on the left and right sides of the rim are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the rim. The included angle between the arc formed by connecting the air outlets on the left side of the rim and the arc formed by connecting the air outlets on the right side of the rim is defined as β, which satisfies the relationship: 70°β≤130°.

7. The steering wheel assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The disc body also includes a hub and spokes, the rim surrounds the outside of the hub, the opposite ends of the spokes are respectively connected to the rim and the hub, and the mounting channel is provided in the rim, the hub and the spokes.

8. The steering wheel assembly as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The connecting pipe includes: An air supply duct is provided in the mounting channel on the hub and the spokes, one end of the air supply duct forms the air inlet, and the end of the air supply duct with the air inlet extends out from the steering wheel to communicate with the air supply device. An annular tube, wherein the annular tube is disposed within the mounting channel on the rim and extends circumferentially along the rim, the annular tube being connected to the end of the air supply pipe furthest from the air inlet; and The branch pipe has at least two branches, both of which are located in the mounting channel on the rim, and one end of each branch pipe is connected to the annular pipe and the other end is connected to the corresponding air outlet.

9. The steering wheel assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The air volume regulating component is a regulating valve, which is located in the connecting pipe and electrically connected to the controller.

10. The steering wheel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The temperature of the air blown out of the air outlet is defined as T, which satisfies the relationship: 20℃≤T≤24℃; And / or, the steering wheel assembly further includes a display module, the controller is electrically connected to the display module, and the controller is capable of controlling the display module to display the parameter information of the music; And / or, the steering wheel assembly also includes an ambient light, the controller is electrically connected to the ambient light, and the controller can control the ambient light to flash according to the correspondence between the parameter information of the music and the flashing frequency of the ambient light; And / or, the steering wheel assembly further includes a microphone electrically connected to the controller.

11. The steering wheel assembly as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The steering wheel assembly also includes a support column, the upper end of which is connected to the steering wheel; When the steering wheel assembly includes the display module and the ambient light, the display module is located below the steering wheel and is fitted onto the support column, and the ambient light is located on the display module and extends in a ring shape along the circumference of the display module.

12. A method for controlling airflow in a steering wheel assembly, characterized in that, The steering wheel assembly is the steering wheel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel and an air volume regulator. The steering wheel is provided with an air supply channel and an air inlet and an air outlet communicating with the air supply channel. The air supply control method of the steering wheel assembly includes the following steps: Obtain music parameter information; Based on the correspondence between the music parameters and the airflow of the air outlet, the airflow regulator is controlled to adjust the airflow of the air outlet.

13. The air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The music's parameter information includes its frequency.

14. The air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly as described in claim 13, characterized in that, Before the step of acquiring music parameter information, the air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly further includes: Check if the music is on; If music is detected to be playing, obtain the parameter information of the music.

15. The air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly as described in claim 14, characterized in that, After the step of detecting whether the music is on, the air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly further includes: Check if the air supply device is turned on; If the air supply device is detected to be on, obtain the parameter information of the music.

16. The air supply control method for the steering wheel assembly as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The steering wheel assembly also includes a display module. After the step of obtaining the parameter information of the music when it is detected that the music is on, the air supply control method of the steering wheel assembly further includes: controlling the display module to display the music parameter information. And / or, the steering wheel assembly also includes an ambient light. After the step of obtaining the parameter information of the music when it is detected that the music is on, the air supply control method of the steering wheel assembly further includes: controlling the ambient light to flash according to the correspondence between the parameter information of the music and the ambient light.

17. A means of transportation, characterized in that, Includes the steering wheel assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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