Inductive steering wheel and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an induction type steering wheel and a manufacturing method thereof. The induction type steering wheel comprises a steering wheel grip and an induction circuit layer. The sensing circuit layer comprises an elastic substrate layer, an elastic sensing pattern layer and a first insulation protection layer. The elastic substrate layer has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The elastic sensing pattern layer is arranged on the first surface, is made of extensible conductive materials and comprises at least one sensor unit and at least one corresponding sensing circuit. The first insulation protection layer is arranged on the elastic induction pattern layer. The induction circuit layer is of a closed annular belt structure and is stretched to be arranged on the steering wheel grip in a matched and sleeved mode. The elastic induction pattern layer is printed on the elastic substrate layer, and the whole induction circuit layer can have a better wrapping effect when wrapping the steering wheel grip by utilizing the telescopic effect of the elastic substrate layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a manufacturing method thereof, and in particular to an inductive steering wheel and a manufacturing method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Existing capacitive steering wheels can measure and determine the driver's grip on the steering wheel. Using conductive fabric with built-in sensors can eliminate the need for metal wires in the sensing device, reducing costs. However, because the sensor fabric, based on conductive fabric, is not flexible, its specifications must be adjusted during the assembly process to adapt it to the steering wheel, and the process complexity increases with the sensing area.

[0003] Furthermore, the existing assembly process for capacitive steering wheels typically involves attaching sensor fabric to a steering wheel pre-coated with adhesive. However, due to the inelastic nature of the sensor fabric, wrinkles inevitably form during attachment, necessitating additional trimming steps that increase overall costs. Furthermore, for steering wheels with heating features, the production process requires the addition of a heating pad, further increasing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an inductive steering wheel and a manufacturing method thereof to address the deficiencies of the prior art, thereby reducing the complexity of assembly production and lowering manufacturing costs.

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one of the technical solutions adopted in the present application is to provide a sensor-type steering wheel, which includes: a steering wheel handle; and a sensor circuit layer, including: an elastic base layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; an elastic sensor pattern layer, which is arranged on the first surface, and the elastic sensor pattern layer is formed with a stretchable conductive material and includes at least one sensor unit and at least one corresponding sensor circuit; and a first insulating protective layer, which is arranged on the elastic sensor pattern layer; wherein the sensor circuit layer has a closed loop structure and is stretched to fit over the steering wheel handle.

[0006] Optionally, the at least one sensor unit generates at least one sensing signal in response to contact with an object.

[0007] Optionally, the sensor-type steering wheel further includes: a processing circuit electrically connected to the at least one sensor circuit, configured to determine a gripping state of the steering wheel handle based on the at least one sensor signal.

[0008] Optionally, the sensor steering wheel further includes: a heating layer, disposed between the steering wheel handle and the sensor circuit layer, and including a plurality of first heating circuits.

[0009] Optionally, the processing circuit is also electrically connected to the heating layer, and is configured to generate a plurality of first heating signals to drive a plurality of first heating circuits to generate heat energy.

[0010] Optionally, the sensing circuit layer further includes: an elastic conductive layer, disposed on the second surface of the elastic base layer and including a plurality of conductive circuits; and a second insulating protective layer, disposed on the elastic conductive layer.

[0011] Optionally, the elastic conductive layer further includes a plurality of second heating circuits, the processing circuit is electrically connected to the elastic conductive layer, and is configured to generate a plurality of second heating signals to drive the plurality of conductive circuits to generate heat energy through the plurality of second heating circuits.

[0012] Optionally, the inner edge and the outer edge of the closed loop strip structure are parallel to the steering wheel handle.

[0013] In order to solve the above technical problems, another technical solution adopted in the present application is to provide a method for manufacturing a sensor steering wheel, which includes: forming an elastic sensing pattern layer with a stretchable conductive material on a first surface of an elastic base layer, and the elastic sensing pattern layer includes at least one sensing circuit; forming a first insulating protective layer on the elastic sensing pattern layer to form a sensing circuit layer including the elastic base layer, the elastic sensing pattern layer and the first insulating protective layer, wherein the sensing circuit layer has a closed loop structure; and stretching the sensing circuit layer and fitting it on a steering wheel handle.

[0014] Optionally, the at least one sensor unit generates at least one sensing signal in response to contact with an object.

[0015] Optionally, the manufacturing method of the sensor steering wheel further includes: electrically connecting a processing circuit to the at least one sensor circuit, wherein the processing circuit is configured to determine a gripping state of the steering wheel handle based on the at least one sensor signal.

[0016] Optionally, the manufacturing method of the sensor steering wheel further includes: before stretching the sensor circuit layer and fitting it on the steering wheel handle, setting a heating layer on the steering wheel handle, the heating layer including a plurality of first heating circuits.

[0017] Optionally, the manufacturing method of the sensor steering wheel further includes: electrically connecting the processing circuit to the heating layer, and the processing circuit is configured to generate a plurality of first heating signals to drive a plurality of the first heating circuits to generate heat energy.

[0018] Optionally, the manufacturing method of the sensor steering wheel also includes: forming an elastic conductive layer on a second surface of the elastic base layer opposite to the first surface, the elastic conductive layer including a plurality of conductive circuits; and forming a second insulating protective layer on the elastic conductive layer.

[0019] Optionally, the manufacturing method of the sensor steering wheel also includes: electrically connecting the processing circuit to the elastic conductive layer; wherein, the elastic conductive layer also includes a plurality of second heating circuits, and the processing circuit is configured to generate a plurality of second heating signals to drive the plurality of conductive circuits to generate heat energy through the plurality of second heating circuits.

[0020] Optionally, the step of stretching the sensor circuit layer and fitting it on the steering wheel handle also includes: placing the sensor circuit layer having the closed loop belt structure on a stretching machine, wherein the stretching machine has a plurality of stretching plates arranged around a central area, and the sensor circuit layer is fitted on the plurality of stretching plates; configuring the stretching machine to control the plurality of stretching plates to move outward with the central area as the axis, so that the closed loop belt structure is stretched and forms a stretched accommodation space; placing the steering wheel handle in the accommodation space; configuring the stretching machine to control the plurality of stretching plates to move inward with the central area as the axis, so that the closed loop belt structure shrinks; and moving the plurality of stretching plates out and fitting them on the steering wheel handle.

[0021] Optionally, the stretching machine also includes a power mechanism and a plurality of telescopic rods connected thereto, wherein the plurality of telescopic rods are respectively connected to a plurality of stretching plates, and the power mechanism is configured to drive the plurality of telescopic rods, thereby controlling the plurality of stretching plates to move inward or outward with the center area as the axis.

[0022] Optionally, the steering wheel handle is annular, and the number of the plurality of stretch sheets is at least four.

[0023] Optionally, the closed loop belt structure of the sensing circuit layer has a plurality of sleeve areas corresponding to the plurality of stretch sheets and a plurality of non-sleeve areas not corresponding to the plurality of stretch sheets, and the thickness of the closed loop belt structure at the plurality of sleeve areas is greater than the thickness at the plurality of non-sleeve areas.

[0024] Optionally, the inner edge and the outer edge of the closed loop strip structure are parallel to the steering wheel handle.

[0025] To further understand the features and technical content of this application, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of this application. However, the drawings provided are only for reference and explanation and are not intended to limit this application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of an inductive steering wheel according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 FIG1 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an inductive steering wheel according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sensing circuit layer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a sensing circuit layer and a steering wheel handle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensing circuit layer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a sensing circuit layer and a steering wheel handle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing an inductive steering wheel according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 Detailed flowchart of step S72.

[0034] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the process of steps S721 and S722 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the process of step S723 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following is an explanation of the implementation methods of the "inductive steering wheel and its manufacturing method" disclosed in the present application through specific examples. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of the present application from the contents disclosed in this specification. The present application can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of the present application. In addition, the drawings of the present application are only simple schematic illustrations and are not depicted according to actual dimensions. It is stated in advance. The following implementation methods will further explain the relevant technical content of the present application in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. In addition, the term "or" used in this article may include any one or more combinations of the associated listed items depending on the actual situation.

[0037] [First embodiment]

[0038] Figure 1 FIG1 is a schematic top view of a sensor-type steering wheel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 FIG1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a sensor-type steering wheel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a first embodiment of the present invention provides a sensor-type steering wheel 1 , which includes a steering wheel grip 10 and a sensor circuit layer 12 .

[0039] Figure 1 In this embodiment, the steering wheel grip 10 can be, for example, the steering wheel rim of the sensor-based steering wheel 1 and can be connected to a hub located in the center of the steering wheel rim via a plurality of spokes. In some embodiments, the hub and the steering wheel rim are coaxially arranged and mounted on the vehicle body. However, the above-described design of the sensor-based steering wheel 1 is merely an example and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the sensor-type steering wheel 1 comprises, from the inside out, a steering wheel grip 10 and a sensor circuit layer 12. The steering wheel grip 10 may include a frame 100 and a protective layer 102, while the sensor circuit layer 12 includes an elastic base layer 120, an elastic sensor pattern layer 122, and a first insulating protective layer 124. The frame 100 may be made of a hard material such as metal or wood, and the protective layer 102 may include, for example, a leather layer and / or a foam material layer.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sensing circuit layer according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 FIG1 is a perspective diagram of the sensor circuit layer and the steering wheel handle of the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3For ease of illustration, the sensing circuit layer 12 is shown as a flat multi-layer structure. The elastic base layer 120 can be made of an elastic substrate such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and has a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 opposite to each other.

[0042] The elastic sensing pattern layer 122 is disposed on the first surface S1. The elastic sensing pattern layer 122 is formed of a stretchable conductive material. Figure 4 The structure shown may include one or more sensor units SU and corresponding sensor circuits SL. In some embodiments, the elastic sensing pattern layer 122 can be formed by printing elastic conductive silver paste or graphene on the first surface S1 of the elastic base layer 120 to form single-zone or multi-zone sensor units SU. A first insulating protective layer 124 is disposed on the elastic sensing pattern layer 122 and can be made of, for example, ink. This layer provides protection and insulation for the elastic sensing pattern layer 122, thereby enhancing its durability. It should be noted that both the elastic base layer 120 and the elastic sensing pattern layer 122 are stretchable and can withstand external forces to a certain extent without damaging the sensor units SU and the corresponding sensor circuits SL.

[0043] It should be noted that in Figure 4 In the embodiment, the sensing circuit layer 12 has a closed loop structure and can be larger than the size of the steering wheel handle 10 after being stretched so as to be fitted on the steering wheel handle 10, thereby forming a Figure 1 and Figure 2 Furthermore, when the sensor circuit layer 12 is sleeved on the steering wheel grip 10, the inner and outer edges of the closed loop-shaped structure of the sensor circuit layer 12 are parallel to the annular surface of the steering wheel grip 10. More specifically, the circumferential direction of the inner and outer edges of the closed loop-shaped structure is parallel to the circumferential direction of the annular surface of the steering wheel grip 10. However, it should be noted that a portion of the inner and outer edges of the closed loop-shaped structure are not necessarily parallel to the annular surface of the steering wheel grip 10. Instead, they can be adapted to the spokes of the steering wheel grip 10 by forming multiple notches on the inner and outer edges to avoid the spokes when covering the steering wheel rim.

[0044] For the sake of convenience, Figure 4 The sensor circuit layer 12 is shown in a stretched state, with the first insulating protective layer 224 omitted. Therefore, by utilizing the stretchability of the elastic base layer 120 (e.g., TPU), the entire sensor circuit layer 12 can be wrapped around the steering wheel grip 10 with improved wrapping and wrinkle-free properties. Furthermore, the thickness of the elastic base layer 120 can be optimized to enhance the sensor sensitivity and noise immunity of the sensor unit SU and sensor circuit SL.

[0045] In this embodiment, the sensor-based steering wheel 1 further includes a processing circuit 14 electrically connected to the sensing circuit SL. The sensor unit SU generates a sensing signal in response to contact with an object (e.g., the driver's hand). The processing circuit 14 determines the grip state of the steering wheel handle 10 based on the sensing signal.

[0046] In some embodiments, the sensor-based steering wheel 1 may further include a heating layer disposed between the steering wheel grip 10 and the sensor circuit layer 12. This layer may be connected to the processing circuit 14 via a plurality of heating circuits. The processing circuit 14 generates a heating signal to drive the heating circuits to generate heat energy, thereby providing a heating function for the sensor-based steering wheel 1 of this embodiment. However, the above example is merely one possible embodiment and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0047] [Second embodiment]

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensing circuit layer according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 This is a perspective diagram of the sensor circuit layer and the steering wheel handle of the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The structure of the sensor steering wheel 1 is shown in FIG. 1 , and the difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment lies in the details of the sensor circuit layer. Figure 5 In the second embodiment, for the convenience of explanation, the sensing circuit layer 22 is shown as a flat multi-layer structure, and the sensing circuit layer 22 includes an elastic base layer 120, an elastic sensing pattern layer 222, a first insulating protective layer 224, an elastic conductive layer 226 and a second insulating protective layer 228.

[0049] Similarly, the elastic base layer 220 can be made of an elastic base material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and has a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 opposite to each other. The elastic sensing pattern layer 222 is disposed on the first surface S1. The elastic sensing pattern layer 222 is formed of a stretchable conductive material and is Figure 6 The illustrated embodiment may include one or more sensor units SU and corresponding sensor circuits SL. In some embodiments, the elastic sensing pattern layer 222 can be formed by printing elastic conductive silver paste or graphene onto the first surface S1 of the elastic base layer 220 to form single- or multi-zone sensor units SU. A first insulating protective layer 224, such as one made of ink, is disposed on the elastic sensing pattern layer 222 to provide protection and insulation for the elastic sensing pattern layer 222, thereby enhancing its durability.

[0050] Furthermore, the elastic conductive layer 226 is disposed on the second surface S2 of the elastic base layer 220 and includes a plurality of conductive circuits CL. The elastic conductive layer 226 can be formed by printing an elastic conductive material, such as graphene or conductive silver paste, on the second surface S2 of the elastic base layer 220. Furthermore, a second insulating protective layer 228 can be disposed on a surface of the elastic conductive layer 226 that is not in contact with the elastic base layer 220. The second insulating protective layer 228 can be made of, for example, ink, to provide protection and insulation for the elastic conductive layer 226, thereby enhancing its durability.

[0051] It should be noted that because the elastic conductive layer 226 is made of a high-temperature-resistant elastic conductive material, it not only serves as an electrical shielding layer between the elastic sensing pattern layer 222 and the ground plane, but also as a heating circuit layer. This not only improves the anti-interference capabilities of the capacitive sensor steering wheel 20, but also provides a heating function for the sensor steering wheel 20.

[0052] It should be noted that in Figure 6 In the embodiment, the sensing circuit layer 22 has a closed loop structure similar to the first embodiment, and can be larger than the size of the steering wheel handle 20 after being stretched to fit the steering wheel handle 20, and finally form Figure 6 For the sake of convenience, Figure 6 The sensor circuit layer 22 is shown in a stretched state, with the first insulating protective layer 224 and the second insulating protective layer 228 omitted. Therefore, by utilizing the stretchability of TPU, the entire sensor circuit layer 22 can better wrap around the steering wheel grip 10 without wrinkling.

[0053] In this embodiment, the elastic conductive layer 226 further includes a plurality of heating circuits HL. The processing circuit 24 is electrically connected to the plurality of conductive circuits CL of the elastic conductive layer 226 via the plurality of heating circuits HL and is configured to generate a plurality of heating signals to drive the plurality of conductive circuits CL to generate heat energy via the plurality of heating circuits HL. It should be noted that the resistance of each conductive circuit CL is designed to ensure that the elastic conductive layer 226 can heat the sensor-based steering wheel 20 to an appropriate temperature range. The heating circuits HL serve as a medium for transmitting the heating signals, and therefore have a lower resistance than the heating circuits HL.

[0054] Similar to the first embodiment, when the sensor circuit layer 22 is mounted on the steering wheel grip 20, the inner and outer edges of the closed-loop structure of the sensor circuit layer 22 are parallel to the annular surface of the steering wheel grip 20. More specifically, the circumferential directions of the inner and outer edges of the closed-loop structure are parallel to the circumferential direction of the annular surface of the steering wheel grip 20. Similar to the aforementioned embodiment, a portion of the inner and outer edges of the closed-loop structure are not necessarily parallel to the annular surface of the steering wheel grip 10. Instead, the inner and outer edges may be adapted to the spokes of the steering wheel grip 10, with multiple notches formed on the inner and outer edges to avoid the spokes when wrapped around the steering wheel rim.

[0055] [Third embodiment]

[0056] Figure 7 Flowchart of the manufacturing method of the sensor steering wheel according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 As shown, the third embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a sensor-type steering wheel, which includes at least the following steps:

[0057] Step S70: forming an elastic sensing pattern layer on the first surface of the elastic base layer using a stretchable conductive material. The elastic sensing pattern layer includes at least one sensor unit and at least one corresponding sensing circuit.

[0058] Step S71: forming a first insulating protective layer on the elastic sensing pattern layer to form a sensing circuit layer. Figure 3 The elastic base layer, the elastic sensing pattern layer and the first insulating protective layer are shown. Figure 4 In some embodiments, a closed loop structure may be formed. Figure 3 The sensor circuit layer 12 shown has a stacked structure with open ends. The ends are then joined to form a closed loop. For example, depending on the materials used in the various layers of the sensor circuit layer 12, the ends can be welded together using a welding method (e.g., ultrasonic welding) to form the closed loop.

[0059] Optionally, after step S70, step S71' may be executed instead of step S71.

[0060] Step S71': forming a first insulating protective layer on the elastic sensing pattern layer, forming an elastic conductive layer on the second surface of the elastic base layer opposite to the first surface, and forming a second insulating protective layer on the elastic conductive layer to form a sensing circuit layer. Figure 5 The elastic base layer, the elastic sensing pattern layer, the first insulating protective layer, the elastic conductive layer and the second insulating protective layer are shown. Figure 6 The structure shown is a closed loop belt.

[0061] After step S71 or S71 ′, the manufacturing method proceeds to step S72 : stretching the sensor circuit layer and fitting it onto the steering wheel handle.

[0062] In some embodiments, the manufacturing method of the sensor steering wheel may optionally include one or more of the following steps: electrically connecting the processing circuit to the sensor circuit, disposing a heating layer between the steering wheel handle and the sensor circuit layer, forming an elastic conductive layer on the elastic base layer, forming a second insulating protective layer on the elastic conductive layer, and electrically connecting the processing circuit to the elastic conductive layer or the heating layer. However, the aforementioned steps and their execution methods have been described in detail in the first and second embodiments and are not further described here. The following describes in detail the step of stretching and fitting the sensor circuit layer onto the steering wheel handle.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 8 , which is a detailed flow chart of step S72.

[0064] like Figure 8 As shown, step S72 further includes the following steps:

[0065] Step S720: placing the sensor circuit layer having a closed loop belt structure on a stretching machine.

[0066] Step S721: configuring a stretching machine to control the plurality of stretching sheets to move outward with the central area as the axis, so that the closed loop-shaped structure is stretched and a stretched accommodation space is formed.

[0067] Please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the process of steps S721 and S722 of the present invention.

[0068] like Figure 9As shown, the stretching machine 90 has a plurality of stretching pieces 900 arranged around the central area CA. The stretching machine 90 also includes a power mechanism 902 and a plurality of telescopic rods 904 connected to the power mechanism 902, and each stretching piece 900 is connected to the power mechanism 902 through a corresponding telescopic rod 904. The power mechanism 902 may, for example, include a plurality of linear motors respectively connected to the plurality of stretching rods 904, which are configured to drive the plurality of telescopic rods 904 to control the plurality of stretching pieces 900 to move inward or outward with the central area CA as the axis. In actual operation, the power mechanism 902 may first control the plurality of stretching pieces 900 to be adjusted to a predetermined size, which is close to (may be slightly larger than) the initial size of the closed loop belt structure of the sensor circuit layer 92, so that the sensor circuit layer 92 can be placed on the plurality of stretching pieces 900. Next, the power mechanism 902 can control the plurality of stretching sheets 900 to move outward, so as to stretch the sensing circuit layer 92 to form an accommodating space at the center thereof into which the steering wheel handle 94 can enter.

[0069] In addition, since the stretching tool 90 may include a plurality of stretching sheets 900 (such as Figure 9 The four pieces shown in the figure ensure that when stretching the sensor circuit layer 92, the tension in each area is consistent, thus preventing overstretching of a particular area of ​​the sensor circuit layer 92 and causing breakage of the printed material therein. It should be noted that the initial diameter of the closed loop structure needs to be designed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the rim cross-section of the steering wheel grip 94 (assuming it is circular). This allows it to fit naturally around the steering wheel grip 94 when it returns after stretching.

[0070] In some embodiments, the closed loop-shaped structure of the sensing circuit layer 92 has a plurality of sleeve areas A1 corresponding to the plurality of stretch sheets 900 and a plurality of non-sleeve areas A2 not corresponding to the plurality of stretch sheets 900, and the thickness of the closed loop-shaped structure at the plurality of sleeve areas A1 is greater than the thickness at the plurality of non-sleeve areas A2, so as to provide greater durability when being stretched by the plurality of stretch sheets 900, thereby preventing the sensing circuit layer 92 from being damaged due to pulling.

[0071] Step S722: Place the steering wheel handle in the accommodation space.

[0072] Step S723: configuring a stretching machine to control the plurality of stretching sheets to move inward with the central area as the axis, so as to shrink the closed loop-shaped structure.

[0073] like Figure 9As shown, the steering wheel handle 94 can be set in the accommodating space formed after the sensor circuit layer 92 is stretched. Preferably, a platform for coaxially aligning the steering wheel handle 94 and the sensor circuit layer 92 can be provided on the stretching machine 90, but the platform does not interfere with the operation of the power mechanism 902 and the telescopic rod body 904. Thereby, the steering wheel handle 94 with adhesive pre-coated on a part of the surface (such as the wheel rim) can be placed on the platform after the sensor circuit layer 92 is stretched. In addition to setting the steering wheel handle 94 at an appropriate height, the step of aligning with the sensor circuit layer 92 can also be completed at the same time.

[0074] Please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a process diagram of step S723 of the present invention. Figure 10 As shown, after the steering wheel handle 94 is set, the power mechanism 902 can be configured to drive the multiple telescopic rods 904 to control the multiple stretching plates 900 to move inward with the central area CA as the axis until the stretching plate 900 is close to the outer edge of the steering wheel handle 94, thereby retaining space for the stretching plate 900 to exit.

[0075] Step S724: remove the stretch sheet and fit it onto the steering wheel handle.

[0076] In this step, the power mechanism 902 not only allows the stretch plate 900 to move inward or outward with the central area CA as the axis, but also allows the stretch plate 900 to move along the axis. In other words, the direction of movement of the stretch plate 900 can be perpendicular to the plane formed by the rim of the steering wheel grip 94.

[0077] In this case, the stretching machine 90 can control the stretch sheet 900 to slowly retract inward, releasing the tension at an appropriate speed, allowing the stretch sheet 900 to retract beneath the steering wheel grip 94 while slowly moving it out of the sensor circuit layer 92, allowing the sensor circuit layer 92 to adhere to the steering wheel grip 94. However, the above example is only one possible embodiment and is not intended to limit the method of stretching the sensor circuit layer of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the sensor circuit layer can also be manually stretched and placed on the steering wheel grip.

[0078] Therefore, by utilizing the expansion and contraction effect of TPU, the entire sensor circuit layer 92 can have a better covering effect when covering the steering wheel handle 94 without generating wrinkles, and finally presents the following Figure 1 The sensor steering wheel 1 is shown.

[0079] [Beneficial Effects of Embodiments]

[0080] One of the beneficial effects of the present invention is that the sensor-type steering wheel and its manufacturing method provided by the present invention can print an elastic sensor pattern layer, such as elastic conductive silver paste or graphene, on an elastic base layer. By utilizing the elastic base layer's stretching effect, the entire sensor circuit layer can have a better wrapping effect when wrapping around the steering wheel handle without generating wrinkles, thereby reducing the complexity of assembly production and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0081] Furthermore, the sensor steering wheel and manufacturing method provided by the present invention further provide an elastic conductive layer on the other side of the elastic substrate layer. By using a high-temperature resistant elastic conductive material, it can be used not only as an electrical shielding layer, but also as a heating circuit layer. In addition to providing the anti-interference capability of a capacitive sensor steering wheel, it can also provide a heating function for the sensor steering wheel, greatly accelerating the production process and reducing costs.

[0082] The contents disclosed above are only preferred feasible embodiments of the present application and do not limit the scope of protection of the claims of the present application. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made using the contents of the present application specification and drawings are included in the scope of protection of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A sensor-type steering wheel, characterized in that: The sensor-type steering wheel comprises: a steering wheel handle; and A sensing circuit layer, comprising: An elastic base layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; an elastic sensing pattern layer disposed on the first surface, the elastic sensing pattern layer being formed of a stretchable conductive material and comprising at least one sensor unit and at least one corresponding sensing circuit; and a first insulating protective layer, disposed on the elastic sensing pattern layer; The sensor circuit layer has a closed loop structure and is stretched to fit on the steering wheel handle.

2. The sensor steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one sensor unit generates at least one sensing signal in response to a contact of an object.

3. The sensor steering wheel according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sensor-type steering wheel also includes: A processing circuit is electrically connected to the at least one sensing circuit and is configured to determine a gripping state of the steering wheel grip according to the at least one sensing signal.

4. The sensor steering wheel according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sensor-type steering wheel also includes: A heating layer is disposed between the steering wheel handle and the sensor circuit layer and includes a plurality of first heating circuits.

5. The sensor-type steering wheel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The processing circuit is also electrically connected to the heating layer and configured to generate a plurality of first heating signals to drive the plurality of first heating circuits to generate heat energy.

6. The sensor steering wheel according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sensing circuit layer further includes: an elastic conductive layer, disposed on the second surface of the elastic base layer and comprising a plurality of conductive circuits; and A second insulating protective layer is disposed on the elastic conductive layer.

7. The sensor steering wheel according to claim 6, characterized in that: The elastic conductive layer further includes a plurality of second heating circuits. The processing circuit is electrically connected to the elastic conductive layer and is configured to generate a plurality of second heating signals to drive the plurality of conductive circuits to generate heat energy through the plurality of second heating circuits.

8. The sensor steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner edge and the outer edge of the closed loop strip structure are parallel to the steering wheel handle.

9. A method for manufacturing a sensor steering wheel, characterized in that: The manufacturing method of the sensor steering wheel includes: forming an elastic sensing pattern layer on a first surface of an elastic base layer using a stretchable conductive material, wherein the elastic sensing pattern layer includes at least one sensing circuit; forming a first insulating protective layer on the elastic sensing pattern layer to form a sensing circuit layer including the elastic base layer, the elastic sensing pattern layer, and the first insulating protective layer, wherein the sensing circuit layer has a closed loop structure; and The sensor circuit layer is stretched and fitted onto a steering wheel handle.

10. The method for manufacturing a sensor-type steering wheel according to claim 9, wherein: The at least one sensor unit generates at least one sensing signal in response to a contact of an object.

11. The method for manufacturing a sensor steering wheel according to claim 10, wherein: The manufacturing method of the sensor steering wheel further includes: A processing circuit is electrically connected to the at least one sensing circuit, wherein the processing circuit is configured to determine a gripping state of the steering wheel grip according to the at least one sensing signal.

12. The method for manufacturing a sensor steering wheel according to claim 9, wherein: The manufacturing method of the sensor steering wheel further includes: Before the sensor circuit layer is stretched and fitted onto the steering wheel handle, a heating layer is arranged on the steering wheel handle, wherein the heating layer includes a plurality of first heating circuits.

13. The method for manufacturing a sensor steering wheel according to claim 12, wherein: The manufacturing method of the sensor steering wheel further includes: The processing circuit is electrically connected to the heating layer. The processing circuit is configured to generate a plurality of first heating signals to drive the plurality of first heating circuits to generate heat energy.

14. The method for manufacturing a sensor steering wheel according to claim 11, wherein: The manufacturing method of the sensor steering wheel further includes: forming an elastic conductive layer on a second surface of the elastic base layer opposite to the first surface, wherein the elastic conductive layer comprises a plurality of conductive circuits; and A second insulating protection layer is formed on the elastic conductive layer.

15. The method for manufacturing a sensor-type steering wheel according to claim 14, wherein: The manufacturing method of the sensor steering wheel further includes: electrically connecting the processing circuit to the elastic conductive layer; The elastic conductive layer further includes a plurality of second heating circuits, and the processing circuit is configured to generate a plurality of second heating signals to drive the plurality of conductive circuits to generate heat energy through the plurality of second heating circuits.

16. The method for manufacturing a sensor-type steering wheel according to claim 9, wherein: The step of stretching the sensor circuit layer and fitting it onto the steering wheel handle further comprises: Placing the sensor circuit layer having the closed loop belt structure on a stretching machine, wherein the stretching machine has a plurality of stretching sheets arranged around a central area, and the sensor circuit layer is placed on the plurality of stretching sheets; The stretching machine is configured to control the plurality of stretching sheets to move outward with the central area as the axis, so that the closed loop belt structure is stretched and a stretched accommodation space is formed; Placing the steering wheel handle in the accommodating space; Configuring the stretching machine to control the plurality of stretching sheets to move inwardly with the central region as the axis, so as to shrink the closed loop belt structure; and The plurality of stretch sheets are removed and fitted onto the steering wheel handle.

17. The method for manufacturing a sensor-type steering wheel according to claim 16, wherein: The stretching machine also includes a power mechanism and a plurality of telescopic rods connected thereto, wherein the plurality of telescopic rods are respectively connected to the plurality of stretching plates. The power mechanism is configured to drive the plurality of telescopic rods, thereby controlling the plurality of stretching plates to move inward or outward with the central area as the axis.

18. The method for manufacturing a sensor steering wheel according to claim 16, wherein: The steering wheel handle is annular, and the number of the plurality of stretch sheets is at least four.

19. The method for manufacturing a sensor-type steering wheel according to claim 18, wherein: The closed loop belt-shaped structure of the sensing circuit layer has multiple sleeve areas corresponding to the multiple stretch sheets and multiple non-sleeve areas not corresponding to the multiple stretch sheets, and the thickness of the closed loop belt-shaped structure at the multiple sleeve areas is greater than the thickness at the multiple non-sleeve areas.

20. The method for manufacturing a sensor-type steering wheel according to claim 9, wherein: The inner edge and the outer edge of the closed loop strip structure are parallel to the steering wheel handle.

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