Vehicle steering wheel cover and method of use

Abstract

The application discloses a vehicle steering wheel cover, which comprises an outer contact layer for contacting a driver's palm, an inner contact layer for contacting a steering wheel, a semiconductor refrigeration and heating module arranged between the outer contact layer and the inner contact layer, a refrigeration end and a heating end, charge carriers in the refrigeration end have a first energy level, charge carriers in the heating end have a second energy level, the first energy level is not equal to the second energy level, and a conductive thermal insulation layer arranged in the semiconductor refrigeration and heating module and between the refrigeration end and the heating end, and the energy level of the charge carriers in the conductive thermal insulation layer is outside the first energy level and the second energy level. The technical scheme provided by the application can achieve a better driving experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular relates to a vehicle steering wheel cover and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] As living standards gradually improve, people have higher and higher requirements for vehicle comfort. Currently, some steering wheel covers have a heating function, which uses resistance wire heating to make it more convenient for users to drive in winter.

[0003] However, when the weather is hot, sunlight shines directly onto the steering wheel through the windshield. Currently, steering wheels are mostly made of plastic or leather, which are extremely easy to absorb heat. When driving, the steering wheel may become too hot to handle, affecting the grip and driving experience.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a steering wheel cover that can have both heating and cooling functions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of this application provide a vehicle steering wheel cover and its usage method, which has both cooling and heating functions.

[0006] Other features and advantages of this application will become apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned in part from practice of this application.

[0007] On one hand, this application provides a vehicle steering wheel cover, comprising: an outer contact layer for contacting the driver's palm; an inner contact layer for contacting the steering wheel; a semiconductor cooling and heating module disposed between the outer contact layer and the inner contact layer, including a cooling end and a heating end, wherein the energy level of the charge carrier in the cooling end is a first energy level, and the energy level of the charge carrier in the heating end is a second energy level, wherein the first energy level and the second energy level are not equal; and a conductive heat insulation layer disposed within the semiconductor cooling and heating module, between the cooling end and the heating end, wherein the energy level of the charge carrier in the conductive heat insulation layer is outside the first energy level and the second energy level.

[0008] Specifically, the vehicle steering wheel cover also includes a heat dissipation layer disposed between the inner contact layer and the semiconductor cooling and heating module, wherein the heat dissipation layer is connected to the outside of the outer contact layer through a heat dissipation channel.

[0009] Specifically, one end of the heat dissipation channel is connected to the heat dissipation layer, and the other end of the heat dissipation channel passes through the semiconductor cooling and heating module, the conductive heat insulation layer and the outer contact layer and is connected to the outside of the outer contact layer, and is disposed on the side of the outer contact layer away from the driver's face.

[0010] Specifically, there are multiple heat dissipation channels, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the steering wheel.

[0011] Specifically, the outer contact layer and / or the inner contact layer are fabric layers.

[0012] Specifically, the vehicle steering wheel cover also includes: a temperature sensor for measuring the current temperature of the outer contact layer; a controller electrically connected to the temperature sensor and electrically connected to the semiconductor cooling and heating module, wherein the controller adjusts the operating mode of the semiconductor cooling and heating module according to the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature; and a power module electrically connected to the temperature sensor and the controller respectively.

[0013] Specifically, the vehicle steering wheel cover also includes: a communication module, electrically connected to the controller, for communicating with a user terminal to obtain control commands from the user terminal, and sending the control commands to the controller, the control commands including: target temperature setting command, working mode selection command, timing command and / or battery query command.

[0014] On the other hand, this application provides a method for using a vehicle steering wheel cover, including: determining the working mode of the steering wheel cover; if the working mode is a cooling mode, then adjusting the structure of the steering wheel cover from the outside to the inside as follows: an outer contact layer, a cooling end of a semiconductor cooling and heating module, a conductive heat insulation layer, a heating end of a semiconductor cooling and heating module, and an inner contact layer; if the working mode is a heating mode, then adjusting the structure of the steering wheel cover from the outside to the inside as follows: an outer contact layer, a heating end of a semiconductor cooling and heating module, a conductive heat insulation layer, a cooling end of a semiconductor cooling and heating module, and an inner contact layer.

[0015] Specifically, determining the working mode of the steering wheel cover includes: acquiring the current temperature and target temperature of the outer contact layer, and determining the working mode based on the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature.

[0016] Specifically, the operating mode also includes an automatic mode. If the operating mode is automatic, the current temperature and target temperature of the outer contact layer are obtained, and the structure of the semiconductor cooling and heating module is determined based on the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature.

[0017] The technical solution proposed in this application includes a vehicle steering wheel cover comprising an outer contact layer, an inner contact layer, and a semiconductor cooling and heating module disposed between the outer and inner contact layers. The semiconductor cooling and heating module includes a cooling end and a heating end. The energy level of the charge carrier in the cooling end is a first energy level, and the energy level of the charge carrier in the heating end is a second energy level; the first energy level and the second energy level are not equal. The vehicle steering wheel cover also includes a conductive heat insulation layer disposed within the semiconductor cooling and heating module, located between the cooling end and the heating end. The energy level of the charge carrier in the conductive heat insulation layer is outside the first and second energy levels, so that the conductive heat insulation layer isolates heat transfer between the cooling end and the heating end without affecting the operation of the semiconductor cooling and heating module.

[0018] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the vehicle steering wheel sleeve structure in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the vehicle steering wheel sleeve structure in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the vehicle steering wheel cover in cooling mode according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 4 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the vehicle steering wheel cover in heating mode according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the method for using a vehicle steering wheel cover according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0025] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the method for using a vehicle steering wheel cover according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0026] Among them, 1. outer contact layer, 2. semiconductor cooling and heating module, 21. cooling end, 22. heating end, 3. conductive heat insulation layer, 4. heat dissipation layer, 41. heat dissipation channel, 5. inner contact layer, 6. battery box. Detailed Implementation

[0027] 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 some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the technical solutions of this application can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, apparatuses, steps, etc., can be employed. In other instances, well-known methods, apparatuses, implementations, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of this application.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown in the illustration, this application provides a vehicle steering wheel cover, including an outer contact layer 1, an inner contact layer 5, and a semiconductor cooling and heating module 2 disposed between the outer contact layer 1 and the inner contact layer 5. The semiconductor cooling and heating module 2 includes a cooling end 21 and a heating end 22. The energy level of the charge carrier in the cooling end 21 is a first energy level, and the energy level of the charge carrier in the heating end 22 is a second energy level. The first energy level and the second energy level are not equal, so that when the semiconductor cooling and heating module 2 is energized, the charge carrier flows from the first energy level to the second energy level or from the second energy level to the first energy level, thereby achieving cooling or heating. The outer contact layer 1 is a fabric layer for easy sweat absorption. The inner contact layer 5 is a fabric layer to provide greater friction between the steering wheel cover and the steering wheel, ensuring the steering wheel cover is stably fitted onto the steering wheel. In other embodiments of this application, the outer contact layer 1 is made of other materials that are sweat-absorbent and thermally conductive. In other embodiments of this application, the inner contact layer 5 is made of other materials with greater friction.

[0030] The semiconductor cooling / heating module 2 includes a conductive heat insulation layer 3, which is positioned between the cooling end 21 and the heating end 22. The energy levels of the charge carriers within the conductive heat insulation layer 3 are outside the first and second energy levels, ensuring that the conductive heat insulation layer 3 does not interfere with energy transfer between the cooling end 21 and the heating end 22. The conductive heat insulation layer 3 is made of a material with good electrical conductivity and poor thermal conductivity; for example, it can be made of aluminum or other materials.

[0031] A heat dissipation layer 4 is also provided between the inner contact layer 5 and the semiconductor cooling and heating module 2. The heat dissipation layer 4 is connected to the outside of the outer contact layer 1 through a heat dissipation channel 41. Specifically, one end of the heat dissipation channel 41 is connected to the heat dissipation layer 4, and the heat dissipation channel 41 passes through the semiconductor cooling and heating module 2, the conductive heat insulation layer 3, and the outer contact layer 1, and is connected to the outside of the outer contact layer 1. The other end of the heat dissipation channel 41 is open so that the temperature of the heat dissipation layer 4 is the same as that of the steering wheel cover, so as to release the temperature of the steering wheel and the semiconductor cooling and heating module 2 located between the heat dissipation layer 4 and the heat insulation layer to the outside of the steering wheel cover. Further, as Figure 2 As shown, the other end of the heat dissipation channel 41 is located on the side of the outer contact layer 1 away from the driver's face to avoid transferring heat to the driver's face, thereby providing the driver with a better driving experience. Furthermore, there are multiple heat dissipation channels 41, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the steering wheel to achieve better heat dissipation.

[0032] A battery box 6 is also provided on the outer side of the outer contact layer 1 of the vehicle steering wheel cover. The battery box 6 houses a temperature sensor, a controller, a power module, and a communication module. The power module is electrically connected to the temperature sensor, controller, and communication module, providing them with power. The current flow direction in the power module is variable; by changing the current flow direction in the semiconductor cooling / heating module 2 under the control of the controller, the distribution positions of the cooling end 21 and the heating end 22 in the semiconductor cooling / heating module 2 are altered. The power module also includes a charging port and a rechargeable battery connected to the charging port for storing electrical energy. In other embodiments of this application, the power module does not have an electrical energy storage function; it obtains the necessary power for operation through electrical connection to the vehicle's power supply. The temperature sensor, controller, and communication module may also be located in other positions within the steering wheel cover.

[0033] A temperature sensor is positioned in contact with the outer contact layer 1 to measure its current temperature. A controller is electrically connected to both the temperature sensor and the semiconductor cooling / heating module 2. The controller adjusts the operating mode of the semiconductor cooling / heating module 2 based on the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature. Operating modes include cooling mode, heating mode, and automatic mode. A communication module is electrically connected to the controller to communicate with the user terminal to receive control commands and send these commands back to the controller. Control commands include: target temperature setting commands, operating mode selection commands, timing commands, and / or power query commands. Correspondingly, an application is installed on the user terminal. This application has a control interface that displays the target temperature setting window, operating mode selection window, timing window, and / or power query window for sending commands. The control interface also displays the current temperature of the outer contact layer 1. The communication module can use Bluetooth, network communication, wired communication, etc. The application is compatible with multiple systems, including iOS and Android.

[0034] In other embodiments of this application, the target temperature is preset, or the target temperature is set via a setting button on the steering wheel cover. For example, the target temperature can be 26 degrees Celsius.

[0035] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, if the steering wheel cover operates in cooling mode, its structure from the outside to the inside is as follows: outer contact layer 1, cooling end 21 of semiconductor cooling and heating module 2, conductive heat insulation layer 3, heating end 22 of semiconductor cooling and heating module 2, heat dissipation layer 4, and inner contact layer 5. Figure 4 As shown, if the working mode of the steering wheel cover is the heating mode, the structure of the steering wheel cover from the outside to the inside is as follows: outer contact layer 1, heating end 22 of semiconductor cooling and heating module 2, conductive heat insulation layer 3, cooling end 21 of semiconductor cooling and heating module 2, heat dissipation layer 4, and inner contact layer 5.

[0036] like Figure 5 As shown, this application also improves a method for using a vehicle steering wheel cover, executed by the aforementioned controller, specifically including the following steps:

[0037] S110: Determine the working mode of the steering wheel cover.

[0038] The system acquires the current temperature and target temperature of the outer contact layer of the steering wheel cover that contacts the driver's palm, and determines the operating mode based on the difference between the current and target temperatures. The target temperature can be preset or obtained from the user terminal. The user terminal can be a mobile phone, computer, or, for example, an in-vehicle computer.

[0039] S120: Determine the operating mode as cooling mode, heating mode, or automatic mode. If the operating mode is cooling mode, adjust the steering wheel cover structure from the outside to the inside as follows: outer contact layer, cooling end of semiconductor cooling / heating module, conductive heat insulation layer, heating end of semiconductor cooling / heating module, and inner contact layer. If the operating mode is heating mode, adjust the steering wheel cover structure from the outside to the inside as follows: outer contact layer, heating end of semiconductor cooling / heating module, conductive heat insulation layer, cooling end of semiconductor cooling / heating module, and inner contact layer. If the operating mode is automatic mode, obtain the current temperature and target temperature of the outer contact layer in the steering wheel cover that contacts the driver's palm, and determine the structure of the steering wheel cover based on the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature.

[0040] The structure of the steering wheel sleeve is adjusted by changing the direction of the current in the semiconductor cooling and heating module.

[0041] In this embodiment, the semiconductor cooling and heating module is arranged from the outside in as a cooling end, a conductive insulation layer, and a heating end, so that the cooling end in the semiconductor cooling and heating module contacts the outer contact layer, cooling the outer contact layer. Conversely, the semiconductor cooling and heating module is arranged from the outside in as a cooling and heating end, a conductive insulation layer, and a cooling end, so that the heating end in the semiconductor cooling and heating module contacts the outer contact layer, heating the outer contact layer. The conductive insulation layer isolates heat transfer between the cooling end and the heating end, preventing mutual interference between them. Furthermore, the multiple operating modes provide the driver with more options and facilitate use.

[0042] like Figure 6 As shown, this application also improves a method for using a vehicle steering wheel cover, specifically including the following steps:

[0043] Bluetooth pairing: Pair the steering wheel cover with Bluetooth via the mobile app upon first use.

[0044] Temperature reading and display: The application periodically retrieves data from the temperature sensor on the steering wheel cover and displays it on the control interface.

[0045] Setting the target temperature: The user can set a target temperature, which the application sends to the controller. The controller automatically adjusts the operating mode of the semiconductor cooling / heating module based on the target temperature and the current temperature. The user can select either cooling or heating mode, and the application sends the mode selection to the controller. The controller then changes the direction of the current in the semiconductor cooling / heating module according to the selected mode.

[0046] Automatic mode: Users can select automatic mode. The application sends the automatic mode settings to the controller. The controller automatically adjusts the structure of the semiconductor cooling and heating module (also known as the Peltier module) according to the current temperature to adjust the working mode of the semiconductor cooling and heating module. The working modes of the semiconductor cooling and heating module include cooling mode, heating mode and temperature change stop mode.

[0047] Timer function: Users can set the time for timed start-up or shutdown. The application sends the timer settings to the controller, and the controller automatically starts or stops the operation of the semiconductor cooling and heating module according to the timer settings.

[0048] The application also periodically retrieves and displays the steering wheel cover's battery status so users can know the remaining battery power.

[0049] This application discloses a steering wheel cover that integrates cooling and heating functions and can be remotely controlled via Bluetooth using a mobile phone. By using the method described in this application, the discomfort caused by hand contact with the steering wheel during driving in high and low temperature environments is solved, improving driving comfort and safety. Combined with an efficient heat dissipation and heating system, it achieves temperature control of the steering wheel and enables remote control via a mobile application.

[0050] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A vehicle steering wheel cover, characterized in that, include: Outer contact layer, for contact with the driver's palm; Inner contact layer, used for contacting the steering wheel; A semiconductor cooling and heating module is disposed between the outer contact layer and the inner contact layer, including a cooling end and a heating end. The energy level of the charge carrier in the cooling end is a first energy level, and the energy level of the charge carrier in the heating end is a second energy level. The first energy level and the second energy level are not equal. A conductive heat insulation layer is disposed within the semiconductor cooling and heating module, between the cooling end and the heating end, wherein the energy level of the charge carrier in the conductive heat insulation layer is outside the first energy level and the second energy level; A heat dissipation layer is disposed between the inner contact layer and the semiconductor cooling and heating module. The heat dissipation layer is connected to the outside of the outer contact layer through a heat dissipation channel. One end of the heat dissipation channel is connected to the heat dissipation layer, and the other end of the heat dissipation channel passes through the semiconductor cooling and heating module, the conductive heat insulation layer, and the outer contact layer and is connected to the outside of the outer contact layer. The heat dissipation channel is disposed on the side of the outer contact layer away from the driver's face. There are multiple heat dissipation channels, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the steering wheel.

2. The vehicle steering wheel cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer contact layer and / or the inner contact layer are fabric layers.

3. The vehicle steering wheel cover according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A temperature sensor is used to measure the current temperature of the outer contact layer; The controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and the semiconductor cooling and heating module. The controller adjusts the operating mode of the semiconductor cooling and heating module according to the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature. The power supply module is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and the controller, respectively.

4. The vehicle steering wheel cover according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The communication module, electrically connected to the controller, is used to communicate with the user terminal to obtain control commands from the user terminal and send the control commands to the controller. The control commands include: target temperature setting command, working mode selection command, timing command and / or power query command.

5. A method of using a vehicle steering wheel cover as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, include: Determine the working mode of the steering wheel cover; If the working mode is cooling mode, the structure of the steering wheel cover is adjusted from the outside to the inside as follows: outer contact layer, cooling end of semiconductor cooling and heating module, conductive heat insulation layer, heating end of semiconductor cooling and heating module, and inner contact layer; If the working mode is the heating mode, the structure of the steering wheel cover is adjusted from the outside to the inside as follows: outer contact layer, heating end of semiconductor cooling and heating module, conductive heat insulation layer, cooling end of semiconductor cooling and heating module, and inner contact layer.

6. The vehicle steering wheel cover according to claim 5, characterized in that, The defined working mode of the steering wheel cover includes: The current temperature and target temperature of the outer contact layer are obtained, and the working mode is determined based on the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature.

7. The vehicle steering wheel cover according to claim 6, characterized in that, The working mode also includes an automatic mode. If the working mode is automatic, the current temperature and target temperature of the outer contact layer are obtained, and the structure of the steering wheel cover is determined based on the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature.

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