Intelligent steering wheel, control method and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides an intelligent steering wheel, a control method and a vehicle, the intelligent steering wheel comprises a steering wheel body, a plurality of holding point positions are selected on the inner side and the outer side of the steering wheel body to set sensors, the sensors at least have the function of sensing pressure values, and a first air bag is arranged on the inner circumference of the steering wheel body; a second air bag is arranged on the outer circumference of the steering wheel body; the sensor is connected with a vehicle ECU, the first air bag and the second air bag are both connected with the inflation end of an external air pump, and the control end of the air pump is connected with the vehicle ECU. The sensor detects the pressure value of the steering wheel body and transmits the pressure value to the vehicle ECU, the vehicle ECU controls the first air bag to keep the original shape, inflate or deflate according to the pressure value of the sensor on the inner side of the steering wheel body, and the vehicle ECU controls the second air bag to keep the original shape, inflate or deflate according to the pressure value of the sensor on the outer side of the steering wheel body. According to the intelligent steering wheel, the technical problem that in the prior art, a vehicle steering wheel is single and cannot adapt to a user is solved, by means of the intelligent steering wheel, the thickness and hardness of the handle ring can be automatically adjusted according to the size of the hand of a driver, and therefore better driving experience is brought to the driver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicles, and in particular to an intelligent steering wheel, a control method and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] With the development of technology, vehicles have become more intelligent and can adapt to the needs of different drivers in real time. For example, the driver's seat can remember the positions of different drivers and automatically switch to the most suitable position when the driver changes.

[0003] The vehicle steering wheel in the prior art is a metal core coated with PU material (such as Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the thickness and hardness are fixed and cannot be adjusted. However, as the steering wheel is the part that the driver directly touches the most and has the highest experience, the thickness and hardness of the steering wheel handle cannot be adjusted according to the specific situation of the individual, which directly affects the driver's experience. Summary of the invention

[0004] Based on the above problems, the present invention proposes an intelligent steering wheel, a control method and a vehicle. The present invention solves the technical problem in the prior art that the vehicle steering wheel is single and cannot adapt to the user. By using the intelligent steering wheel provided by the present invention, the thickness and hardness of the handle can be automatically adjusted according to the size of the driver's hand, thereby giving the driver a better driving experience.

[0005] The present invention provides a smart steering wheel, comprising:

[0006] A steering wheel body, wherein sensors are arranged at a plurality of gripping points selected from the inner side and the outer side of the steering wheel body, wherein the sensors at least have a function of sensing a pressure value, a first airbag is arranged on the inner circumference of the steering wheel body, and a second airbag is arranged on the outer circumference of the steering wheel body;

[0007] The sensor is connected to the vehicle ECU, the first airbag and the second airbag are both connected to the inflation end of an external air pump, and the control end of the air pump is connected to the vehicle ECU;

[0008] The sensor detects the pressure value of the steering wheel body and transmits it to the vehicle ECU. The vehicle ECU controls the first airbag to remain intact, inflate or deflate according to the pressure value of the sensor inside the steering wheel body. The vehicle ECU controls the second airbag to remain intact, inflate or deflate according to the pressure value of the sensor outside the steering wheel body.

[0009] In addition, multiple gripping points are selected on the inner and outer sides of the steering wheel body to set sensors, including:

[0010] Sensors are symmetrically arranged on the inner and outer sides of the selected multiple gripping points.

[0011] In addition, the distance distribution of multiple holding points satisfies that when holding the steering wheel body with one hand, only one holding point can be held.

[0012] In addition, selecting multiple holding points on the inner and outer sides of the steering wheel body to set sensors includes:

[0013] Selecting 7 holding points on the inner and outer sides of the steering wheel body to set sensors.

[0014] The present invention also proposes a control method for the intelligent steering wheel described in any one of the above, including:

[0015] Receiving the inner pressure value sent by the sensor arranged on the inner side of the steering wheel body, and receiving the outer pressure value sent by the sensor arranged on the outer side of the steering wheel body;

[0016] Adjusting the first airbag according to the inner pressure value, and adjusting the second airbag according to the outer pressure value.

[0017] In addition, the adjusting the first airbag according to the inner pressure value and adjusting the second airbag according to the outer pressure value includes:

[0018] Receiving the inner pressure value sent by the sensor arranged on the inner side of the steering wheel body;

[0019] If the inner pressure value is within the standard inner pressure value range, the current state of the steering wheel body is maintained. If the inner pressure value is greater than the maximum value of the standard inner pressure value range, the first airbag is inflated. If the inner pressure value is equal to zero, the first airbag is deflated.

[0020] In addition, receiving the outer pressure value sent by the sensor arranged on the outer side of the steering wheel body;

[0021] If the outer pressure value is within the standard outer pressure value range, the current state of the steering wheel body is maintained. If the outer pressure value is greater than the maximum value of the standard outer pressure value range, the second airbag is inflated. If the outer pressure value is less than the minimum value of the standard outer pressure value range, the first airbag is deflated.

[0022] In addition, when both hands hold the steering wheel at the same time, the vehicle ECU takes the pressure value of the sensor touched by the left hand or the right hand as the input pressure value.

[0023] In addition, when both hands hold the steering wheel at the same time, the vehicle ECU takes the average value of the pressure values of the sensors touched by the left hand and the right hand as the input pressure value.

[0024] The present invention also proposes a vehicle, including the intelligent steering wheel described in any one of the above.

[0025] The present invention solves the technical problem in the prior art that vehicle steering wheels are single and cannot adapt to users. By using the smart steering wheel provided by the present invention, the thickness and hardness of the handle can be automatically adjusted according to the size of the driver's hand, thereby giving the driver a better driving experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the installation position of a sensor on a smart steering wheel provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the handle of the smart steering wheel;

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a steering wheel in the prior art;

[0029] Figure 4 A control principle diagram of an intelligent steering wheel provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 The present invention is a flowchart of a method for controlling a smart steering wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments and drawings. It is only intended to elaborate on the specific embodiments of the present invention and does not impose any limitation on the present invention. The protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the claims.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention provides a smart steering wheel, comprising:

[0033] A steering wheel body, wherein sensors are arranged at a plurality of gripping points selected from the inner side and the outer side of the steering wheel body, wherein the sensors at least have a function of sensing a pressure value, a first airbag is arranged on the inner circumference of the steering wheel body, and a second airbag is arranged on the outer circumference of the steering wheel body;

[0034] The sensor is connected to the vehicle ECU, the first airbag and the second airbag are both connected to the inflation end of an external air pump, and the control end of the air pump is connected to the vehicle ECU;

[0035] The sensor detects the pressure value of the steering wheel body and transmits it to the vehicle ECU. The vehicle ECU controls the first airbag to remain intact, inflate or deflate according to the pressure value of the sensor inside the steering wheel body. The vehicle ECU controls the second airbag to remain intact, inflate or deflate according to the pressure value of the sensor outside the steering wheel body.

[0036] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of a steering wheel in the prior art.

[0037] When drivers hold the steering wheel, the palm size and grip strength of different drivers are different. However, after data analysis, it is found that the most comfortable grip state and grip strength are similar, that is, when the palm is in a ring grip posture, the index finger and thumb just touch to form a closed loop, and the grip pressure reaction force is [αN / cm 2 , βN / cm 2 ] interval, it is the most comfortable state for people, α and β are two critical values, such as α is 5 Newtons, β is 20 Newtons. The basis for adjusting the thickness of the steering wheel handle is: if a person's palm size is large, provide a thicker steering wheel handle; if a person's palm size is small, provide a thinner handle; so that when the user holds the steering wheel, the palm has the same grip state (that is, the state of just wrapping around the steering wheel handle). The basis for adjusting the hardness of the steering wheel handle is: when a person's grip is strong, a softer handle is needed; when a person's grip is weak, a harder handle is needed.

[0038] Based on the above analysis, the present invention proposes an intelligent steering wheel, which selects the most commonly used gripping positions when driving by the driver, and arranges sensors with pressure sensing function at these positions to detect the pressure applied to the handle by the driver's gripping force. According to the pressure value, the vehicle ECU determines whether the thickness or hardness of the handle needs to be adjusted so that the driver can better grip the handle of the steering wheel body.

[0039] A first airbag is arranged on the inner circumference of the steering wheel body, and a second airbag is arranged on the outer circumference of the steering wheel body; optionally, the first airbag can be arranged on the entire circumference of the inner circumference, or partially arranged according to actual needs and aesthetic requirements. Optionally, the second airbag can be arranged on the entire outer circumference of the steering wheel body, or partially arranged according to actual needs and aesthetic requirements.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the sensor is connected to the vehicle ECU, the first airbag and the second airbag are both connected to the inflation end of the external air pump, and the control end of the air pump is connected to the vehicle ECU; when the vehicle ECU determines that the airbag needs to be inflated according to the pressure value of the sensor, the air pump is used to inflate the airbag. Optionally, sensors A1-A7 are sensors arranged on the inner side of the handlebar. Sensors B1-B7 are sensors arranged on the outer side of the handlebar. Optionally, the external air pump can be one, shared by the first airbag and the second airbag, or two, used for the first airbag and the second airbag respectively, such as air pump A corresponds to the sensor on the inner side of the handlebar, and air pump B corresponds to the sensor on the outer side of the handlebar.

[0041] Optionally, based on big data analysis, Figure 3The 7 positions (marked with red dots) are the most common gripping positions for drivers when driving. Therefore, sensors such as pressure sensors are placed inside and outside the handlebars at these 7 positions, and the sensors set on the inside and outside are marked as sensor A and sensor B respectively, and the first airbag (airbag A) and the second airbag (airbag B) are set within the entire circumference of the inside and outside of the handlebars respectively.

[0042] Optionally, airbag A is located on the inner side of the handle, and the thickness of the handle is adjusted mainly by inflation and deflation, so the material of airbag A should be good in ductility and large in volume. Airbag B is located on the outer side of the handle, just touching the palm area (the main area for people to feel the softness and hardness when holding the steering wheel), and the hardness of the steering wheel is adjusted by inflation and deflation, so the material of airbag B should be weak in ductility and small in volume. Optionally, the ductility of the leather covering the surface of the steering wheel (such as genuine leather or microfiber) needs to be greater than the ductility of the material of airbag A. Figure 2 As shown, in the cross-sectional view of the handle of the smart steering wheel, N is the inside of the handle, W is the outside of the handle, 1 is PU (PU is made of polyurethane), 2 is pressure sensor A, 3 is airbag A (airbag A is used to adjust the size), 4 is the steering wheel handle core (can be made of aluminum-magnesium alloy), 5 is airbag B (airbag B is used to adjust the hardness), 6 is pressure sensor B, and 7 is the surface leather covering layer (the material can be genuine leather or microfiber).

[0043] Sensor A is placed inside the handle. When the hand just wraps around the handle, it just touches the area where sensor A is located, and the corresponding pressure value is (0,γN / cm 2 If the ring is too thick and the ring is not held, and the index finger does not touch the thumb, the pressure value on the sensor is 0; if the ring is too thin and the ring is over-held, the thumb and index finger overlap, and the pressure value on the sensor is >γN / cm 2 Sensor A transmits the detected pressure value to the vehicle ECU. The vehicle ECU placed in the steering wheel will detect the pressure value of sensor A: when the pressure value is 0, the vehicle ECU drives the air pump to deflate the airbag A, thereby achieving the effect of thinning the handlebar until the pressure value ≠ 0N / cm 2 When the pressure value is greater than γN / cm, the air pump is driven to inflate the airbag A, thereby achieving the effect of thickening the handlebar, until the pressure value is equal to γN / cm 2 Stop inflating.

[0044] Sensor B is placed outside the handle to detect grip pressure. When the vehicle ECU in the steering wheel recognizes that the pressure value is less than αN / cm 2 When the outer side of the steering wheel is soft, the air pump is driven to inflate the airbag B, thereby increasing the hardness of the handlebar until the pressure value is [αN / cm 2 , βN / cm 2] interval, stop inflation; when the pressure value is greater than βN / cm 2 When the steering wheel is hard, the air pump is driven to deflate the airbag B, thereby reducing the hardness of the handlebar until the pressure value is [αN / cm 2 , βN / cm 2 ] interval, stop deflation. The difference in inflation and deflation caused by sensor B will not be large and will not lead to obvious difference in size perception.

[0045] When holding the steering wheel with both hands, there will be pressure values ​​of the sensors pressed by the left and right hands. These two pressure values ​​are usually inconsistent. The vehicle ECU obtains the pressure value input by the external driver according to the strategy of averaging, taking the larger or smaller value.

[0046] Optionally, the sensor is arranged on the outside of the first airbag and the second airbag. By being arranged on the outside of the airbag, the sensor can better detect the pressure value applied from the outside and is also convenient to set up.

[0047] Optionally, the sensor may also be arranged on the inner side of the first airbag and the second airbag to ensure an integrated appearance.

[0048] Optionally, in addition to the function of sensing pressure, the sensor may also have the function of sensing temperature, and integrate a temperature sensing chip to sense the temperature of the driver's hand. The vehicle ECU adjusts the temperature of the handle on the steering wheel body according to the temperature of the hand.

[0049] The present invention solves the technical problem in the prior art that vehicle steering wheels are single and cannot adapt to users. By using the smart steering wheel provided by the present invention, the thickness and hardness of the handle can be automatically adjusted according to the size of the driver's hand, thereby giving the driver a better driving experience.

[0050] In one embodiment, selecting a plurality of gripping points on the inner side and the outer side of the steering wheel body to set sensors includes:

[0051] Sensors are symmetrically arranged on the inner and outer sides of the selected multiple holding points.

[0052] The gripping points are chosen based on the points that users grip most frequently, so sensors are symmetrically set at these points, which can simultaneously determine whether the thickness of the handle and the hardness of the handle need to be adjusted, thereby improving the efficiency of judgment and adjustment.

[0053] In one of the embodiments, the distance distribution of the multiple gripping points satisfies that when the steering wheel body is gripped by one hand, only one gripping point can be gripped.

[0054] When holding with one hand, only one sensor detects the pressure value at one holding moment, making the judgment more accurate and the judgment logic clear.

[0055] When holding with both hands, the average, maximum or minimum value of the two sensors can be taken as the pressure value.

[0056] In one embodiment, selecting a plurality of gripping points on the inner side and the outer side of the steering wheel body to set sensors includes:

[0057] Sensors are set at 7 grip points selected on the inner and outer sides of the steering wheel body.

[0058] Based on the screening of the driver's grip position data, sensors are set at 7 grip points to cover the usage habits of more drivers.

[0059] The present invention further provides a method for controlling the smart steering wheel described in any one of the above items, comprising:

[0060] receiving an inner pressure value sent by a sensor arranged on the inner side of the steering wheel body, and receiving an outer pressure value sent by a sensor arranged on the outer side of the steering wheel body;

[0061] The first airbag is adjusted according to the inner pressure value, and the second airbag is adjusted according to the outer pressure value.

[0062] The vehicle ECU receives the inner pressure value sent by the sensor arranged on the inner side of the steering wheel body, and receives the outer pressure value sent by the sensor arranged on the outer side of the steering wheel body. The vehicle ECU adjusts the first airbag according to the inner pressure value, and adjusts the second airbag according to the outer pressure value.

[0063] "ECU" is the abbreviation of "Electronic Control Unit", which is commonly interpreted as "electronic control unit", also known as "on-board computer". It is widely used in transportation vehicles such as automobiles and motorcycles, as well as some industrial equipment, to control and monitor various operating parameters and functions of the equipment.

[0064] The present invention solves the technical problem in the prior art that vehicle steering wheels are single and cannot adapt to users. By using the smart steering wheel provided by the present invention, the thickness and hardness of the handle can be automatically adjusted according to the size of the driver's hand, thereby giving the driver a better driving experience.

[0065] In one embodiment, adjusting the first airbag according to the inner pressure value and adjusting the second airbag according to the outer pressure value comprises:

[0066] receiving an inner side pressure value sent by a sensor arranged inside the steering wheel body;

[0067] If the inside pressure value is within the standard inside pressure value range, the status quo of the steering wheel body is maintained; if the inside pressure value is greater than the maximum value of the standard inside pressure value range, the first airbag is inflated; if the inside pressure value is equal to zero, the first airbag is deflated.

[0068] The sensor inside the steering wheel is denoted as sensor A. When the hand is placed inside the handle, it just touches the area where sensor A is located, and the corresponding pressure value is (0,γN / cm 2 If the ring is not held and the index finger does not touch the thumb, the pressure value on the sensor is 0; if the ring is over-held and the thumb and index finger overlap, the pressure value on the sensor is >γN / cm 2 Sensor A transmits the detected pressure value to the vehicle ECU. The vehicle ECU placed in the steering wheel will detect the pressure value of sensor A: when the pressure value is 0, the vehicle ECU drives the air pump to deflate the airbag A, thereby achieving the effect of thinning the handlebar until the pressure value ≠ 0N / cm 2 When the pressure value is greater than γN / cm, the air pump is driven to inflate the airbag A, thereby achieving the effect of thickening the handlebar, until the pressure value is equal to γN / cm 2 Stop inflating.

[0069] In one embodiment, receiving an outside pressure value sent by a sensor disposed outside the steering wheel body;

[0070] If the outside pressure value is within the standard outside pressure value range, the steering wheel body remains in its current state; if the outside pressure value is greater than the maximum value of the standard outside pressure value range, the second airbag is inflated; if the outside pressure value is less than the minimum value of the standard outside pressure value range, the first airbag is deflated.

[0071] The sensor on the outside of the steering wheel body is denoted as sensor B. It is placed outside the handle and is used to detect grip pressure. When the vehicle ECU in the steering wheel recognizes that the pressure value is less than αN / cm 2 When the pressure reaches [αN / cm 2 , βN / cm 2 ] interval, stop inflation; when the pressure value is greater than βN / cm 2 When the pressure reaches [αN / cm 2 , βN / cm 2 ] interval, stop deflation.

[0072] In one embodiment, when two hands hold the steering wheel at the same time, the vehicle ECU takes the pressure value of the sensor touched by the left or right hand as the input pressure value. When holding with both hands, taking the average, maximum or minimum value of the two sensors as the pressure value can make the strategy of obtaining the pressure value simpler.

[0073] In one embodiment, when two hands hold the steering wheel at the same time, the vehicle ECU takes the average of the pressure values ​​of the sensors touched by the left hand and the right hand as the input pressure value. Taking the average of the two sensors as the pressure value is more in line with the balance strategy.

[0074] Reference Figure 5 In one embodiment, the control method of the smart steering wheel includes the following steps:

[0075] Step S1, the ECU detects the value (pressure value) of sensor B. If the pressure value is not equal to 0, it is determined that the hand is holding the steering wheel and enters S2. Otherwise, it is determined that the hand is leaving the steering wheel and returns. The sensor here can be a pressure sensor.

[0076] Step S2, ECU detects or calculates the value of sensor A. If the pressure value of sensor A is greater than 0 and less than or equal to γ, the air pump will not be started and the process goes to S3. If the pressure value of sensor A is equal to 0, the air pump will be started to deflate the airbag A and the process goes to S3. If the pressure value of sensor A is greater than γ, the air pump will be started to inflate the airbag A and the process goes to S3. At this time, the pressure value of sensor A is greater than 0 and less than or equal to γ. At this time, the inflation is stopped because the thickness of the handle is appropriate and the process goes to step S3.

[0077] Step S3, ECU detects or calculates the value of pressure sensor B. If the pressure value is greater than or equal to α and less than or equal to β, the air pump is not started. If the pressure value is less than α, the air pump is started to inflate the airbag B. If the pressure value is greater than β, the air pump is started to deflate the airbag B. Then stop inflating, because the hardness of the handle is appropriate at this time.

[0078] In this embodiment, the pressure value of sensor B is first determined to determine whether the handle of the steering wheel body is held, and then the pressure values ​​on the inside and outside of the handle are determined in turn to make adjustments, so that the thickness and hardness of the handle can be automatically adjusted according to the size of the driver's hand.

[0079] The present invention also provides a vehicle, comprising any one of the smart steering wheels described above.

[0080] The present invention solves the technical problem in the prior art that vehicle steering wheels are single and cannot adapt to users. By using the smart steering wheel provided by the present invention, the thickness and hardness of the handle can be automatically adjusted according to the size of the driver's hand, thereby giving the driver a better driving experience.

Claims

1. A smart steering wheel, characterized in that: include: A steering wheel body, wherein sensors are arranged at a plurality of gripping points selected from the inner side and the outer side of the steering wheel body, wherein the sensors at least have a function of sensing a pressure value, a first airbag is arranged on the inner circumference of the steering wheel body, and a second airbag is arranged on the outer circumference of the steering wheel body; The sensor is connected to the vehicle ECU, the first airbag and the second airbag are both connected to the inflation end of an external air pump, and the control end of the air pump is connected to the vehicle ECU; The sensor detects the pressure value of the steering wheel body and transmits it to the vehicle ECU. The vehicle ECU controls the first airbag to remain intact, inflate or deflate according to the pressure value of the sensor inside the steering wheel body. The vehicle ECU controls the second airbag to remain intact, inflate or deflate according to the pressure value of the sensor outside the steering wheel body.

2. The smart steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: include: The sensors are set at multiple gripping points on the inner and outer sides of the steering wheel body, including: Sensors are symmetrically arranged on the inner and outer sides of the selected multiple holding points.

3. The smart steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: include: The distance distribution of the multiple gripping points satisfies that when the steering wheel body is gripped by one hand, only one gripping point can be gripped.

4. The smart steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: include: The sensors are set at multiple gripping points on the inner and outer sides of the steering wheel body, including: Sensors are set at 7 grip points selected on the inner and outer sides of the steering wheel body.

5. A method for controlling the smart steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: include: receiving an inner pressure value sent by a sensor arranged on the inner side of the steering wheel body, and receiving an outer pressure value sent by a sensor arranged on the outer side of the steering wheel body; The first airbag is adjusted according to the inner pressure value, and the second airbag is adjusted according to the outer pressure value.

6. The control method of the intelligent steering wheel according to claim 5, characterized in that: include: The adjusting of the first airbag according to the inner pressure value and the adjusting of the second airbag according to the outer pressure value comprises: receiving an inner side pressure value sent by a sensor arranged inside the steering wheel body; If the inside pressure value is within the standard inside pressure value range, the status quo of the steering wheel body is maintained; if the inside pressure value is greater than the maximum value of the standard inside pressure value range, the first airbag is inflated; if the inside pressure value is equal to zero, the first airbag is deflated.

7. The control method of the intelligent steering wheel according to claim 5, characterized in that: include: receiving an outside pressure value sent by a sensor arranged on the outside of the steering wheel body; If the outside pressure value is within the standard outside pressure value range, the steering wheel body remains in its current state; if the outside pressure value is greater than the maximum value of the standard outside pressure value range, the second airbag is inflated; if the outside pressure value is less than the minimum value of the standard outside pressure value range, the first airbag is deflated.

8. The control method of the intelligent steering wheel according to claim 5, characterized in that: include: When both hands hold the steering wheel at the same time, the vehicle ECU takes the pressure value of the sensor touched by the left or right hand as the input pressure value.

9. The control method of the intelligent steering wheel according to claim 5, characterized in that: include: When both hands hold the steering wheel at the same time, the vehicle ECU takes the average of the pressure values ​​of the sensors touched by the left and right hands as the input pressure value.

10. A vehicle, comprising the smart steering wheel according to any one of claims 1-4.

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