Steering wheel assembly, hands-off detection and heating control method and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a steering wheel assembly, a hand-off detection and heating control method and a vehicle. The steering wheel assembly comprises a steering wheel body, a steering wheel function switch, a microcontroller, a heating wire, a hand-off detection control assembly and a heating control assembly. The holding part of the steering wheel body comprises a framework and a cladding layer. The steering wheel function switch comprises a circuit board. The microcontroller is arranged on the circuit board and is electrically connected with a vehicle controller. The heating wire is arranged in the cladding layer and located in the region between the framework and the cross section of the cladding layer. The hand-off detection control assembly is arranged on the circuit board and is electrically connected with the heating wire and the microcontroller respectively. The hand-off detection control assembly is configured to acquire the capacitance parameter of the heating wire to perform hand-off detection. The heating control assembly is arranged on the circuit board and is electrically connected with the heating wire and the microcontroller respectively. The heating control assembly is configured to control the heating of the heating wire. The steering wheel assembly effectively reduces the space occupation on the steering wheel and reduces the design difficulty.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of steering wheel technology, and more particularly to a steering wheel assembly, a hands-off detection and heating control method, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of vehicles, hands-off detection (HOD) has gradually received widespread attention. HOD is a technology used to monitor whether the driver's hands are on the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion or when driver assistance functions are activated.

[0003] In related technologies, the hands-off detection module is installed on the steering wheel. It detects whether the driver's hands are gripping the steering wheel by placing a sensor pad between the steering wheel frame and the steering wheel cover. Simultaneously, a heating module is usually installed on the steering wheel to heat it. The heating module typically includes heating wires, which are positioned between the steering wheel frame and the steering wheel cover. Furthermore, to prevent the heating wires from interfering with the sensor pads, an insulating layer is usually placed between the heating wires and the sensor pads.

[0004] However, the space inside the steering wheel is limited, and the placement of the hands-off detection module and the heating module will take up additional space inside the steering wheel, increasing the design difficulty of the steering wheel. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application discloses a steering wheel assembly, a hands-off detection and heating control method, and a vehicle. While realizing hands-off detection and heating functions, it can also effectively reduce the space occupied on the steering wheel and reduce the design difficulty of the steering wheel.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, embodiments of this application disclose a steering wheel assembly, including: A steering wheel body, the steering wheel body including a grip portion, the grip portion including a skeleton and a covering layer; A steering wheel function switch, wherein the steering wheel function switch is disposed on the steering wheel body, and the steering wheel function switch includes a circuit board; A microcontroller, which is mounted on the circuit board, is used to electrically connect to the vehicle controller; A heating wire, wherein the heating wire is disposed within the covering layer and located in the region between the skeleton member and the cross-section of the covering layer; A hand-removal detection control component is disposed on the circuit board, electrically connected to the heating wire, and also electrically connected to the microcontroller. The hand-removal detection control component is configured to acquire the capacitance parameters of the heating wire for hand-removal detection. A heating control component is disposed on the circuit board, electrically connected to the heating wire, and also electrically connected to the microcontroller. The heating control component is configured to control the heating of the heating wire.

[0007] Optionally, the steering wheel body further includes wheel spokes connected to the grip portion, the circuit board includes a first circuit board and a second circuit board, the first circuit board and the second circuit board are spaced apart on the wheel spokes, the off-hand detection control component and the heating control component are disposed on one of the first circuit board and the second circuit board, and the microcontroller is disposed on the other of the first circuit board and the second circuit board.

[0008] Optionally, the steering wheel assembly further includes a heat dissipation assembly disposed on the circuit board, the heat dissipation assembly being used to dissipate heat from the circuit board.

[0009] Optionally, the heat dissipation component includes a heat-conducting element and a heat-dissipating element, wherein the heat-conducting element is attached to the circuit board, and the heat-dissipating element is disposed on the side of the heat-conducting element that is away from the circuit board.

[0010] Optionally, the thermally conductive element includes a thermally conductive silicone sheet.

[0011] Optionally, the heat sink includes a heat sink block and a thermal pad, the heat sink block being disposed on the side of the heat sink block facing away from the circuit board, and the thermal pad being disposed on the side of the heat sink block facing away from the heat sink block.

[0012] Secondly, embodiments of this application also disclose a hands-off detection and heating control method, applied to the steering wheel assembly described in any one of the first aspects, wherein the hands-off detection and heating control method includes: The vehicle controller issues a hands-off detection command; The microcontroller controls the off-hand detection control component to be electrically connected to the heating wire during a preset first time period; Obtain the capacitance information of the heating wire; If the capacitance value of the obtained capacitance information exceeds the preset capacitance range, the vehicle controller issues a hands-off warning message.

[0013] Optionally, after the vehicle controller issues a hands-off detection command, and before the microcontroller controls the hands-off detection control component to electrically connect with the heating wire within a preset first time period, the hands-off detection and heating control method further includes: The microcontroller detects the voltage information of the off-hand detection control component and whether the off-hand detection control component is faulty, according to the off-hand detection command. If the voltage information of the off-hand detection control component is within the first preset voltage range, and the off-hand detection control component is not faulty, then the off-hand detection control component can be electrically connected to the heating wire during the first time period.

[0014] Optionally, if the capacitance value of the acquired capacitance information exceeds a preset capacitance range, the vehicle controller issues a hands-off warning message, including: The microcontroller determines whether the capacitance value of the capacitance information exceeds the preset capacitance range. If it does, the microcontroller sends information to the vehicle controller that the driver's hands are not holding the steering wheel assembly. The vehicle controller issues a hands-off warning message based on information from the microcontroller indicating that the driver's hands are not gripping the steering wheel assembly.

[0015] Optionally, if the capacitance value of the acquired capacitance information exceeds a preset capacitance range, the vehicle controller issues a hands-off warning message, including: The microcontroller sends the capacitance information of the heating wire to the vehicle controller; The vehicle controller determines whether the capacitance value of the capacitance information exceeds the preset capacitance range. If it does, it issues a hand-off warning message.

[0016] Optionally, obtaining the capacitance information of the heating wire includes: The microcontroller obtains the capacitance information of the heating wire by processing the current information of the heating wire.

[0017] Optionally, the method for detecting when the hand is removed and controlling heating further includes: The vehicle controller issues a steering wheel heating command; The microcontroller controls the heating control component to be electrically connected to the heating wire during the second time period and to pass current through the heating wire. The second time period and the first time period are non-overlapping time periods, and there is no time overlap between the end time of the first time period and the start time of the second time period.

[0018] Optionally, after the vehicle controller issues a steering wheel heating command, and before the microcontroller controls the heating control component to electrically connect with the heating wire during the second time period, the method further includes: The microcontroller receives the steering wheel heating command and detects the voltage information of the heating control component and whether the heating control component is faulty; If the voltage information of the heating control component is within the second preset voltage range and the heating control component is not faulty, then the heating control component can be electrically connected to the heating wire during the second time period.

[0019] Optionally, the end time of the first time period is the start time of the second time period, and the duration of the second time period is longer than the duration of the first time period.

[0020] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also disclose a vehicle, including: Vehicle body; The vehicle controller is located on the vehicle body; In any one of the first aspects, the steering wheel assembly, the hands-off detection control assembly and the heating control assembly are both electrically connected to the vehicle controller.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows: In this application, the electrical connection between the off-hand detection control component and the heating wire, and the electrical connection between the heating control component and the heating wire are controlled separately through the coordinated operation of the vehicle controller and the microcontroller. Firstly, this reduces the number of controllers, thereby reducing the space occupied on the steering wheel and effectively lowering the difficulty of setting up the steering wheel assembly. Secondly, the heating wire can be shared to achieve both off-hand detection and heating of the steering wheel body, enabling off-hand detection without additional sensors. This effectively reduces the space occupied by the off-hand detection and heating structures on the steering wheel, further reducing the space occupied and thus lowering the difficulty of setting up the steering wheel assembly. Thirdly, this effectively reduces the number of parts in the steering wheel assembly, simplifies its structure, further lowers the difficulty of setting up the steering wheel assembly, facilitates steering wheel design, and effectively reduces costs. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 A perspective view of a steering wheel assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a gripping part and a heating wire assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A perspective view of a steering wheel function switch provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 An exploded view of a steering wheel function switch provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 An exploded view of a combination of a heat dissipation component and a circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 A flowchart of the first type of off-hand detection provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 A flowchart of the second type of off-hand detection provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating the first method for issuing a hands-off warning when the acquired capacitance information exceeds a preset capacitance range, as provided in this embodiment of the invention. Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating the second type of hand-off warning message issued by the vehicle controller when the acquired capacitance information exceeds a preset capacitance range, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 A flowchart of a first method for controlling the heating of a heating wire, provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a second method for controlling the heating of a heating wire, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1-Steering wheel body; 11-Grip part; 111-Frame component; 112-Covering layer; 113-Foam; 12-Speaker; 2-Steering wheel function switch; 21-Circuit board; 211-First circuit board; 212-Second circuit board; 22-Heat dissipation component; 221-Heat conductor; 222-Heat dissipation component; 2221-Heat dissipation block; 2222-Heat dissipation silicone pad; 23-First bottom shell; 24-First middle shell; 25-First panel; 26-Second bottom shell; 27-Second middle shell; 28-Second panel; 3-Heating wire; 10-Steering wheel assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] In this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing the invention and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0027] Furthermore, in addition to indicating direction or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in certain situations to indicate a dependency or connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, components, or parts (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, components, or parts. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0030] Based on the problems described in the background art, this application discloses a steering wheel assembly, a hands-off detection and heating control method, and a vehicle. While realizing the hands-off detection and heating functions, it can also effectively reduce the space occupied on the steering wheel and reduce the design difficulty of the steering wheel.

[0031] The technical solution of this application will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0032] This application provides a steering wheel assembly, such as... Figures 1-4As shown, the steering wheel body 1, steering wheel function switch 2, microcontroller, heating wire 3, hands-off detection control component, and heating control component are included. The steering wheel body 1 includes a grip portion 11, which includes a frame member 111 and a covering layer 112. The steering wheel function switch 2 is mounted on the steering wheel body 1 and includes a circuit board 21. The microcontroller is mounted on the circuit board 21 and is electrically connected to the vehicle controller. The heating wire 3 is disposed within the covering layer 112 and located in the area between the frame member 111 and the cross-section of the covering layer 112. The hands-off detection control component is mounted on the circuit board 21 and is electrically connected to the heating wire 3 and the microcontroller. The hands-off detection control component is configured to acquire the capacitance parameters of the heating wire 3 for hands-off detection. The heating control component is mounted on the circuit board 21 and is electrically connected to the heating wire 3 and the microcontroller. The heating control component is configured to control the heating of the heating wire 3.

[0033] In this embodiment, a microcontroller is used to electrically connect to the vehicle controller; the heating wire 3 is disposed within the covering layer 112 and located in the area between the skeleton member 111 and the cross-section of the covering layer 112; the hands-off detection control component is electrically connected to the heating wire 3 and also electrically connected to the microcontroller; the hands-off detection control component is configured to acquire the capacitance parameters of the heating wire 3 for hands-off detection; the heating control component is electrically connected to the heating wire 3 and also electrically connected to the microcontroller; the heating control component is configured to control the heating wire 3 to heat, which allows the microcontroller to be electrically connected to the vehicle controller, and also electrically connected to the hands-off detection control component and the heating control component respectively. The hands-off detection control component and the heating control component can be electrically connected to the heating wire 3 respectively to acquire the capacitance parameters of the heating wire 3, thereby enabling hands-off detection without the need for additional sensors electrically connected to the hands-off detection control component, reducing the space occupied in the steering wheel assembly 10, and also enabling the heating wire 3 to heat, improving the driver's driving comfort.

[0034] Specifically, by coordinating the vehicle controller and the microcontroller, the electrical connections between the hands-off detection control component and the heating wire 3, and the electrical connections between the heating control component and the heating wire 3 are controlled respectively. Firstly, this reduces the number of controllers, thereby reducing the space occupied on the steering wheel and effectively reducing the difficulty of setting up the steering wheel assembly 10. Secondly, the heating wire 3 can be used to achieve hands-off detection and heating of the steering wheel body 1, enabling hands-off detection without additional sensors. This effectively reduces the space occupied by the structures for hands-off detection and heating on the steering wheel, further reducing the space occupied on the steering wheel and thus further reducing the difficulty of setting up the steering wheel assembly 10. Thirdly, this effectively reduces the number of parts in the steering wheel assembly 10, simplifies the structure of the steering wheel assembly 10, further reduces the difficulty of setting up the steering wheel assembly 10, facilitates steering wheel design, and effectively reduces costs.

[0035] The microcontroller can be a single-chip microcomputer with high integration and small size, which can make the space occupied by the microcontroller on the circuit board 21 small.

[0036] The microcontroller and the vehicle controller can be electrically connected via a wiring harness. The off-hand detection control component and the microcontroller can be electrically connected via wires and wiring harnesses set on the circuit board 21. Similarly, the heating control component and the microcontroller can also be electrically connected via wires and wiring harnesses set on the circuit board 21.

[0037] In addition, the material of the frame component 111 in the steering wheel body 1 can be at least one of zinc alloy, aluminum alloy, carbon steel, magnesium alloy, etc., and there is no limitation, as long as it can withstand most of the static and dynamic loads and provide support and attachment for other parts in the steering wheel.

[0038] The material of the covering layer 112 can be at least one of genuine leather, suede, polyurethane, nylon mesh, etc., and is not limited here, in order to improve the driver's grip.

[0039] Optionally, the grip 11 may also include a foam 113 disposed between the skeleton 111 and the covering layer 112, so as to absorb part of the collision energy when the driver's head or chest is hit, thereby improving safety.

[0040] The heating wire 3 described above is disposed within the covering layer 112 and in the region between the cross-section of the skeleton member 111 and the covering layer 112. This can be achieved by the covering layer 112 covering the outer surface of the skeleton member 111, and the heating wire 3 being disposed on the side of the covering layer 112 facing the skeleton member 111. For example, the heating wire 3 can be disposed between the foam body 113 and the covering layer 112.

[0041] In addition, the heating wire 3 can be a metal resistance wire, such as copper resistance wire, aluminum resistance wire, copper alloy resistance wire, etc., or a carbon fiber resistance wire. All of them can be based on the principle of Joule heating, so that the heating wire 3 can convert electrical energy into heat energy and dissipate it to achieve the heating function.

[0042] As can be seen from the above, in addition to the heating function, the heating wire 3 can also realize the off-hand detection function. Specifically, when the driver's hand is in contact with the steering wheel body 1, the capacitance to ground of the heating wire 3 will increase, and when the driver's hand is separated from the steering wheel body 1, the capacitance to ground of the heating wire 3 will decrease. The off-hand detection control component can collect the capacitance to ground parameter of the heating wire 3 to determine whether the driver's hand has left the steering wheel body 1, thereby realizing the off-hand detection function.

[0043] The arrangement density and length of the heating wire 3 can be matched with the efficiency of the heating function and the accuracy of the hand-off detection. For example, the higher the accuracy requirement of the hand-off detection, the greater the arrangement density of the heating wire 3 can be set, and the greater the length of the heating wire 3 can also be set; the higher the efficiency requirement of the heating function, the greater the arrangement density of the heating wire 3 can be set, and the greater the length of the heating wire 3 can also be set.

[0044] The aforementioned hands-free detection and control component can be a physical entity, such as a hands-free detection and control chip, or a software module integrated into a controller mounted on circuit board 21; neither is limited here. Similarly, the heating control component can be a physical entity, such as a heating control chip, or a software module integrated into a controller mounted on circuit board 21; neither is limited here.

[0045] Optionally, the steering wheel body 1 also includes a spoke 12 connected to the grip portion 11, the circuit board 21 includes a first circuit board 211 and a second circuit board 212, the first circuit board 211 and the second circuit board 212 are spaced apart on the spoke 12, the off-hand detection control component and the heating control component are disposed on one of the first circuit board 211 and the second circuit board 212, and the microcontroller is disposed on the other of the first circuit board 211 and the second circuit board 212.

[0046] Therefore, the hands-off detection control component, heating control component, and microcontroller can be distributed on the first circuit board 211 and the second circuit board 212, which can make more reasonable use of the space on the two circuit boards 21 in the steering wheel function switch 2, and effectively avoid the increased difficulty of setting up the circuit board 21 caused by concentrating the hands-off detection control component, heating control component, and microcontroller on the same circuit board 21.

[0047] The hands-free control component and the heating control component can both be located on the first circuit board 211, and the microcontroller can be located on the second circuit board 212; alternatively, the hands-free control component and the heating control component can both be located on the second circuit board 212, and the microcontroller can be located on the first circuit board 211. No limitation is made here.

[0048] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the steering wheel function switch 2 may further include a first bottom shell 23, a first middle shell 24, a first panel 25, a second bottom shell 26, a second middle shell 27, and a second panel 28. The first bottom shell 23, the first middle shell 24, and the first panel 25 form a first receiving cavity, in which a first circuit board 211 is housed. The second bottom shell 26, the second middle shell 27, and the second panel 28 form a second receiving cavity, in which a second circuit board 212 is housed. Furthermore, the first bottom shell 23, the first middle shell 24, the second bottom shell 26, and the second middle shell 27 can be connected to the wheel spokes 12. Operating buttons are respectively provided on the first panel 25 and the second panel 28 for convenient operation by the driver.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the steering wheel assembly 10 also includes a heat dissipation assembly 22, which is disposed on the circuit board 21 and is used to dissipate heat from the circuit board 21.

[0050] Therefore, it can effectively avoid the function of the circuit board 21 being affected by the inability of the circuit board 21 to dissipate heat in time, which in turn affects the accuracy of the hands-off detection and the heating effect of the steering wheel body 1.

[0051] The first circuit board 211 and the second circuit board 212 may both be provided with heat dissipation components 22, or the heat dissipation component 22 may be provided on the first circuit board, or the heat dissipation component 22 may be provided on the second circuit board 212. The specific configuration can be determined according to the actual situation.

[0052] In addition, the heat dissipation component 22 can be implemented in various ways. In one possible implementation, the heat dissipation component 22 may include a heat sink. For example, the heat sink may be disposed on the back of the circuit board 21 to transfer heat from the circuit board 21 to the heat sink, and the heat sink then transfers the heat to the air. The structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0053] In another implementation of the heat dissipation component 22, such as Figure 5 As shown, the heat dissipation component 22 includes a heat-conducting element 221 and a heat sink 222. The heat-conducting element 221 is attached to the circuit board 21, and the heat sink 222 is disposed on the side of the heat-conducting element 221 that is away from the circuit board 21.

[0054] Therefore, the heat generated by the circuit board 21 can be quickly transferred to the heat sink 222 through the heat conductor 221, and the heat sink 222 then dissipates the heat into the air or other heat dissipation medium, so as to dissipate heat from the circuit board 21 in a timely manner and effectively improve the heat dissipation effect of the circuit board 21.

[0055] The heat sink 222 is disposed on the side of the heat conductor 221 facing away from the circuit board 21, which makes the placement of the heat sink 222 less affected by the circuit board 21 and facilitates its placement. In addition, the projection of the heat conductor 221 onto the heat sink 222 can be located within the surface of the heat sink 222 facing the heat conductor 221, which allows the heat sink 222 to have a larger heat dissipation area and dissipate heat in a timely manner.

[0056] The heat sink 222 can be attached to the entire surface of the circuit board 21, or it can be attached only to the area of ​​the circuit board 21 where heat generation is greater; there is no limitation on this.

[0057] Optionally, the thermal conductive element 221 includes a thermally conductive silicone sheet.

[0058] Therefore, the heat-conducting component 221 can be relatively flexible, and the heat-conducting component 221 can have a good fit with the circuit board 21, thereby improving the heat conduction effect of the heat-conducting component 221 and effectively avoiding the impact of heat accumulation on the circuit board 21 on the function of the circuit board 21. At the same time, it also makes the installation of the heat-conducting component 221 and the circuit board 21 more convenient and easier to implement.

[0059] Of course, in other embodiments, the thermal conductive element 221 may also include thermally conductive adhesive, which is not limited here.

[0060] The heat sink 222 described above can be implemented in various ways. In one possible implementation, the heat sink 222 may include a heat sink plate, which has a simple structure and is easy to implement.

[0061] In another implementation of the heat sink 222, such as Figure 5 As shown, the heat sink 222 may include a heat sink 2221 and a heat-dissipating silicone pad 2222. The heat sink 2221 is disposed on the side of the heat sink 221 away from the circuit board 21, and the heat-dissipating silicone pad 2222 is disposed on the side of the heat sink 2221 away from the heat sink 2221.

[0062] Therefore, the heat sink 2221 can abut against the housing of the steering wheel function switch 2 through the heat dissipation silicone pad 2222. On the one hand, the heat transferred to the heat sink 2221 can also be transferred to the housing of the steering wheel function switch 2 through the heat dissipation silicone pad 2222, which effectively improves the heat dissipation effect of the heat sink 2221. On the other hand, it can also effectively avoid hard contact between the heat sink 2221 and the housing of the steering wheel function switch 2. The soft heat dissipation silicone pad 2222 can play a good role in shock absorption and cushioning, which is beneficial to the protection of the heat sink 2221 and the steering wheel function switch 2.

[0063] The heat sink 2221 can be made of at least one of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc., without any limitation, as long as it can have a good heat dissipation effect.

[0064] The material of the heat dissipation silicone pad 2222 can be the same as that of the thermal conductive silicone pad, which helps to control the cost of the steering wheel assembly 10.

[0065] This application also discloses a method for detecting and controlling hand-off operation, applied to the steering wheel assembly 10 described in any of the above embodiments, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the off-hand detection and heating control method includes the following steps: S10, the vehicle controller issues a hands-off detection command.

[0066] S20, the microcontroller controls the off-hand detection control component to be electrically connected to the heating wire within a preset first time period.

[0067] S30: Obtain the capacitance information of the heating wire.

[0068] S40, if the capacitance value of the acquired capacitance information exceeds the preset capacitance range, the vehicle controller issues a hands-off warning message.

[0069] In this embodiment, when hands-off detection is required, the vehicle controller first issues a hands-off detection command. Then, the microcontroller receives the hands-off detection command and controls the hands-off detection control component to electrically connect with the heating wire 3 in the first time period to establish a signal transmission channel. The microcontroller can obtain the capacitance information of the heating wire 3. Then, the capacitance value of the obtained capacitance information can be compared with a preset capacitance range. If the capacitance value of the obtained capacitance information exceeds the preset capacitance range, the vehicle controller can issue a hands-off warning message to remind the driver to hold the steering wheel, which helps to improve the driver's driving safety. Moreover, the vehicle controller and the microcontroller can coordinate with each other to control the electrical connection between the hands-off detection control component and the heating wire 3 to realize the hands-off detection function. On the one hand, it is not necessary to set an additional sensor on the steering wheel body 1 that is electrically connected to the hands-off detection control component, which reduces the space occupied in the steering wheel assembly 10. On the other hand, it also makes the control of starting and stopping the hands-off detection smoother and more convenient.

[0070] Furthermore, the hands-off detection and heating method in this embodiment is applied to the steering wheel assembly 10 in any of the above embodiments. Therefore, the steering wheel assembly 10 to which the hands-off detection and heating method is applied has the same beneficial effects as the steering wheel assembly 10 in any of the above embodiments. The steering wheel assembly 10 has been described in detail in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0071] The microcontroller controls the off-hand detection control component to be electrically connected to the heating wire 3 within a preset first time period. This can be achieved by an electrical switch connecting the off-hand detection control component and the heating wire 3, with the switch being electrically connected to the microcontroller. The microcontroller can control the opening and closing of the switch to ensure that the off-hand detection control component is electrically connected to the heating wire 3 within the first time period.

[0072] The first time interval can be 10ms, 15ms, 20ms, 25ms, etc., or other durations, and there are no restrictions here.

[0073] The aforementioned preset capacitance range can be obtained through experimental measurements.

[0074] The hands-off warning message can include warning text displayed on the vehicle screen, warning sound such as a beeping warning sound, or both warning text and warning sound displayed on the vehicle screen; there is no limitation on this.

[0075] After the vehicle controller issues the off-hand detection command, the microcontroller controls the off-hand detection control component to connect to the heating wire 3 within a preset first time period, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the off-hand detection and heating control method also includes the following steps: S10a, the microcontroller detects the voltage information of the off-hand detection control component and whether there is a fault in the off-hand detection control component according to the off-hand detection command.

[0076] S10b, if the voltage information of the off-hand detection control component is within the first preset voltage range and the off-hand detection control component is not faulty, then the off-hand detection control component can be electrically connected to the heating wire during the first time period.

[0077] Therefore, after the vehicle controller issues a hands-free detection command, the microcontroller can detect the voltage information of the hands-free detection control component and whether there is a fault in the hands-free detection control component according to the hands-free detection command. If the voltage information of the hands-free detection control component is within the first preset voltage range and there is no fault in the hands-free detection control component, it can be considered that the hands-free detection control component can be electrically connected to the heating wire 3 within the first time period. This effectively avoids interference with the detected capacitance information of the heating wire 3 due to the voltage of the hands-free detection control component not being within the first preset voltage range or the presence of a fault in the hands-free detection control component, thereby improving the accuracy of hands-free detection.

[0078] The first preset voltage range is the voltage range suitable for the hand-off detection control component to be electrically connected to the heating wire 3.

[0079] In some embodiments, if the capacitance value of the acquired capacitance information exceeds a preset capacitance range, the vehicle controller issues a hands-off warning message, such as... Figure 8 As shown, it includes the following steps: S410a, the microcontroller determines whether the capacitance value of the capacitor information exceeds the preset capacitance range. If it does, the microcontroller sends information to the vehicle controller that the driver's hands are not holding the steering wheel assembly.

[0080] S420a, the vehicle controller issues a hands-off warning message based on information from the microcontroller that the driver's hands are not holding the steering wheel assembly.

[0081] Therefore, when comparing the capacitance value of the acquired capacitance information with the preset capacitance range, the microcontroller can compare the capacitance value of the acquired capacitance information with the preset capacitance range. If the capacitance value of the acquired capacitance information exceeds the preset capacitance range, the microcontroller sends the information that the driver's hands are not holding the steering wheel assembly 10 to the vehicle controller. Then, the vehicle controller issues a hands-off warning message based on the information that the driver's hands are not holding the steering wheel assembly 10 issued by the microcontroller, which effectively reduces the workload of the vehicle controller and lowers the control difficulty of the vehicle controller.

[0082] The microcontroller determines whether the capacitance value of the capacitance information exceeds a preset capacitance range. If it does, the microcontroller sends information to the vehicle controller that the driver's hands are not holding the steering wheel assembly 10. This may include the following steps: The microcontroller compares the capacitance value of the capacitor information with the preset capacitance range. If the obtained capacitance value is less than or equal to the lower limit of the preset capacitance range, the microcontroller sends the information that the driver's hands are not holding the steering wheel assembly 10 to the vehicle controller.

[0083] In other embodiments, if the capacitance value of the acquired capacitance information exceeds a preset capacitance range, the vehicle controller issues a hands-off warning message, such as... Figure 9 As shown, it includes the following steps: In the S410b microcontroller, the capacitance information of the heating wire is sent to the vehicle controller.

[0084] S420b, the vehicle controller determines whether the capacitance value of the capacitor information exceeds the preset capacitance range. If it does, it issues a hands-off warning message.

[0085] Therefore, when comparing the capacitance value of the acquired capacitance information with the preset capacitance range, the microcontroller can send the capacitance value of the acquired capacitance information to the vehicle controller. The vehicle controller then compares the capacitance value of the acquired capacitance information with the preset capacitance range. If the capacitance value of the acquired capacitance information exceeds the preset capacitance range, a hand-off warning message is issued, which effectively reduces the workload of the microcontroller and lowers the control difficulty of the microcontroller.

[0086] The vehicle controller determines whether the capacitance value exceeds a preset capacitance range. If it does, it issues a hands-off warning, which may include the following steps: The vehicle controller compares the capacitance value of the acquired capacitance information with the preset capacitance range. If the capacitance value of the acquired capacitance information is less than or equal to the lower limit of the preset capacitance range, the vehicle controller issues a hands-off warning message.

[0087] The above-mentioned step S30, obtaining the capacitance information of the heating wire 3, includes the following steps: The microcontroller obtains the capacitance information of the heating wire 3 by processing the current information of the heating wire 3.

[0088] Therefore, after the off-hand detection control component is electrically connected to the heating wire 3, the microcontroller can acquire the current information of the heating wire 3. Then, the microcontroller can process the acquired current information to obtain the capacitance information of the heating wire 3. That is, by real-time detection of the current flowing through the heating wire 3, the capacitance change of the heating wire 3 can be obtained more accurately, thereby effectively improving the detection accuracy of off-hand detection.

[0089] Specifically, the off-hand detection control component acquires the current information of the heating wire 3 through its electrical connection with the heating wire 3. Then, the microcontroller calculates and processes the acquired current information to obtain the capacitance information of the heating wire 3, i.e., the capacitance to ground of the heating wire 3. The microcontroller then determines whether the obtained capacitance to ground exceeds a preset capacitance range, or sends the obtained capacitance to the vehicle controller, which in turn determines whether the capacitance to ground exceeds the preset capacitance range.

[0090] For example, when the microcontroller determines whether the obtained capacitance to ground exceeds the preset capacitance range, the microcontroller can perform a filtering operation on the obtained capacitance to ground, obtain the filtering operation result, and compare the filtering operation result with the preset capacitance range. If the filtering operation result is less than or equal to the lower limit of the preset capacitance range, the microcontroller sends the information that the driver's hands are not holding the steering wheel assembly 10 to the vehicle controller. Then, the vehicle controller issues a hands-off warning message based on the information that the driver's hands are not holding the steering wheel assembly 10 sent by the microcontroller. If the filtering operation result is within or greater than the preset capacitance range, it is determined that the driver's hands are in contact with the steering wheel assembly 10.

[0091] When the microcontroller sends the obtained capacitance to ground to the vehicle controller, the vehicle controller determines whether the capacitance to ground exceeds the preset capacitance range. The vehicle controller can perform a filtering operation on the capacitance to ground to obtain the filtering result, and compare the filtering result with the preset capacitance range. If the filtering result is less than or equal to the lower limit of the preset capacitance range, it is determined that the driver's hands are not holding the steering wheel assembly 10, and the vehicle controller issues a hands-off warning message. If the filtering result is within or greater than the preset capacitance range, it is determined that the driver's hands are in contact with the steering wheel assembly 10.

[0092] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, the off-hand detection and heating control method also includes the following steps: S50, the vehicle controller issues a steering wheel heating command.

[0093] S60, the microcontroller controls the heating control component to be electrically connected to the heating wire during the second time period and to pass current into the heating wire. The second time period and the first time period are non-overlapping time periods, and there is no time overlap between the end time of the first time period and the start time of the second time period.

[0094] Therefore, the heating wire 3 can be reused in a time-sharing manner. In the second time period, the heating control component can be electrically connected to the heating wire and current can be supplied to the heating wire 3 to achieve heating. In the first time period, the hands-off detection control component can be electrically connected to the heating wire 3 to achieve hands-off detection. This eliminates the need for additional sensors electrically connected to the hands-off detection control component or additional heating components electrically connected to the heating control component, thus achieving hands-off detection and heating functions. This simplifies the structure of the steering wheel assembly 10, reduces the space occupied in the steering wheel assembly 10, and effectively reduces the difficulty of setting up the steering wheel assembly 10.

[0095] Specifically, when it is necessary to heat the steering wheel body 1 in the steering wheel assembly 10, firstly, the vehicle controller issues a steering wheel heating command. Then, the microcontroller receives the command and controls the heating control component to electrically connect with the heating wire 3 in a second time period, and supplies current to the heating wire 3, causing the heating wire 3 to heat up, thereby heating the steering wheel body 1. That is, through the coordinated operation of the vehicle controller and the microcontroller, the electrical connection between the hands-off detection control component and the heating wire 3 in the first time period and the electrical connection between the heating control component and the heating wire 3 in the second time period can be controlled separately, so that hands-off detection and heating can be operated in separate time periods without affecting each other, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of hands-off detection and the heating effect.

[0096] In this process, the microcontroller controls the heating control component to be electrically connected to the heating wire 3 during the second time period. This can be achieved by having a switch electrically connected between the heating control component and the heating wire 3, and the switch being electrically connected to the microcontroller. The microcontroller can control the opening and closing of the switch to achieve the electrical connection between the heating control component and the heating wire 3 during the second time period.

[0097] The second time period mentioned above can be 50ms, 60ms, 75ms, 80ms, 90ms, etc., or other durations, and is not limited here.

[0098] In addition, the second time period and the first time period are non-overlapping time periods, and there is no time overlap between the end time of the first time period and the start time of the second time period. In some embodiments, the first time period and the second time period can be time periods with a certain time interval between the two ends. For example, the duration of the first time period can be 20ms, that is, 20ms is used for hand removal detection. After the first time period ends, there can be a 3ms interval before entering the second time period. The second time period can be 80ms, that is, 80ms is used for heating wire 3 to heat. After the second time period ends, there can be another 3ms interval before entering the next first time period. This cycle repeats, alternately realizing the functions of hand removal detection and heating.

[0099] In other embodiments, the end time of the first time period can be the start time of the second time period. That is, the second time period can be entered immediately after the end of the first time period so that the heating wire 3 can be heated. This allows for a more compact switching between hands-off detection and heating, resulting in a higher heating frequency of the heating wire 3, which is beneficial for improving the heating effect on the steering wheel body 1. At the same time, it also allows for a higher frequency of hands-off detection, which is beneficial for improving driving safety.

[0100] The second time period is longer than the first time period, so that the heating wire 3 can have a better heating effect on the steering wheel body 1, which is beneficial to improving the driver's grip on the steering wheel.

[0101] For example, the duration of the first time period can be 20ms, that is, 20ms is used for hand removal detection, and the duration of the second time period can be 80ms, that is, 80ms is used for heating wire 3.

[0102] Understandably, during the second period, the heating wire 3 can be turned on or off depending on the driver's needs. That is, the heating wire 3 may not be heated during the second period, and in this case, the heating wire 3 may be in a non-working state.

[0103] Optionally, after the vehicle controller issues the steering wheel heating command, before the microcontroller controls the heating control component to be electrically connected to the heating wire 3 during the second time period, such as... Figure 11 As shown, it also includes the following steps: S50a, the microcontroller receives the steering wheel heating command and checks the voltage information of the heating control component and whether there is a fault in the heating control component.

[0104] S50b, if the voltage information of the heating control component is within the second preset voltage range and there is no fault in the heating control component, the heating control component can be electrically connected to the heating wire during the second time period.

[0105] Therefore, after the vehicle controller issues a steering wheel heating command, the microcontroller can detect the voltage information of the heating control component and whether there is a fault in the heating control component according to the steering wheel heating command. If the voltage information of the heating control component is within the second preset voltage range and there is no fault in the heating control component, it can be considered that the heating control component can be electrically connected to the heating wire 3 in the second time period and can pass current to the heating wire 3. This effectively avoids interference with the heating of the heating wire 3 caused by the voltage of the heating control component not being within the second preset voltage range or by the presence of a fault in the heating control component, thus improving the heating effect.

[0106] The second preset voltage range is the voltage range suitable for the electrical connection between the heating control component and the heating wire 3.

[0107] This application also discloses a vehicle, including a vehicle body, a vehicle controller, and a steering wheel assembly 10 as described in any of the above embodiments. The vehicle controller is disposed in the vehicle body; the hands-off detection control component and the heating control component in the steering wheel assembly 10 are both electrically connected to the vehicle controller.

[0108] In this embodiment, the steering wheel assembly 10 in the vehicle is the steering wheel assembly 10 described in any of the above embodiments. Therefore, the steering wheel assembly 10 of the vehicle has the same beneficial effects as the steering wheel assembly 10 described in any of the above embodiments. The steering wheel assembly 10 has been described in detail in the above embodiments, and will not be described again here.

[0109] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering wheel assembly (10), characterized in that, include: The steering wheel body (1) includes a grip portion (11), which includes a skeleton (111) and a covering layer (112). Steering wheel function switch (2), the steering wheel function switch (2) is disposed on the steering wheel body (1), the steering wheel function switch (2) includes a circuit board (21); A microcontroller is disposed on the circuit board (21) and is used to be electrically connected to the vehicle controller; Heating wire (3), the heating wire (3) is disposed in the covering layer (112) and located in the area between the skeleton member (111) and the cross section of the covering layer (112); The off-hand detection control component is disposed on the circuit board (21), the off-hand detection control component is electrically connected to the heating wire (3), the off-hand detection control component is also electrically connected to the microcontroller, and the off-hand detection control component is configured to acquire the capacitance parameters of the heating wire (3) for off-hand detection; A heating control component is disposed on the circuit board (21), the heating control component is electrically connected to the heating wire (3), the heating control component is also electrically connected to the microcontroller, and the heating control component is configured to control the heating of the heating wire (3); The steering wheel body (1) also includes a spoke (12) connected to the grip portion (11). The circuit board (21) includes a first circuit board (211) and a second circuit board (212). The first circuit board (211) and the second circuit board (212) are spaced apart on the spoke (12). The off-hand detection control component and the heating control component are disposed on one of the first circuit board (211) and the second circuit board (212). The microcontroller is disposed on the other of the first circuit board (211) and the second circuit board (212).

2. The steering wheel assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steering wheel assembly (10) further includes a heat dissipation assembly (22), which is disposed on the circuit board (21) and is used to dissipate heat from the circuit board (21).

3. The steering wheel assembly (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat dissipation component (22) includes a heat-conducting element (221) and a heat sink (222). The heat-conducting element (221) is attached to the circuit board (21), and the heat sink (222) is disposed on the side of the heat-conducting element (221) away from the circuit board (21).

4. The steering wheel assembly (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The thermal conductive component (221) includes a thermally conductive silicone sheet.

5. The steering wheel assembly (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat sink (222) includes a heat sink (2221) and a heat dissipation silicone pad (2222). The heat sink (2221) is disposed on the side of the heat conductor (221) away from the circuit board (21), and the heat dissipation silicone pad (2222) is disposed on the side of the heat sink (2221) away from the heat conductor (221).

6. A method for detecting and controlling heating after the user leaves their hand, characterized in that, Applied to the steering wheel assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, the hands-off detection and heating control method includes: The vehicle controller issues a hands-off detection command; The microcontroller controls the off-hand detection control component to be electrically connected to the heating wire during a preset first time period; Obtain the capacitance information of the heating wire; If the capacitance value of the obtained capacitance information exceeds the preset capacitance range, the vehicle controller issues a hands-off warning message.

7. The method for detecting and controlling heating upon removal from hand as described in claim 6, characterized in that, After the vehicle controller issues a hands-off detection command, before the microcontroller controls the hands-off detection control component to electrically connect with the heating wire within a preset first time period, the hands-off detection and heating control method further includes: The microcontroller detects the voltage information of the off-hand detection control component and whether the off-hand detection control component is faulty, according to the off-hand detection command. If the voltage information of the off-hand detection control component is within the first preset voltage range, and the off-hand detection control component is not faulty, then the off-hand detection control component can be electrically connected to the heating wire during the first time period.

8. The method for detecting and controlling heating upon removal from hand as described in claim 7, characterized in that, If the capacitance value of the acquired capacitance information exceeds a preset capacitance range, the vehicle controller issues a hands-off warning message, including: The microcontroller determines whether the capacitance value of the capacitance information exceeds the preset capacitance range. If it does, the microcontroller sends information to the vehicle controller that the driver's hands are not holding the steering wheel assembly. The vehicle controller issues a hands-off warning message based on information from the microcontroller indicating that the driver's hands are not gripping the steering wheel assembly.

9. The method for detecting and controlling heating upon removal from hand as described in claim 7, characterized in that, If the capacitance value of the acquired capacitance information exceeds a preset capacitance range, the vehicle controller issues a hands-off warning message, including: The microcontroller sends the capacitance information of the heating wire to the vehicle controller; The vehicle controller determines whether the capacitance value of the capacitance information exceeds the preset capacitance range. If it does, it issues a hand-off warning message.

10. The method for detecting and controlling heating upon removal from hand as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the capacitance information of the heating wire includes: The microcontroller obtains the capacitance information of the heating wire by processing the current information of the heating wire.

11. The method for detecting and controlling heating after removal from hand as described in any one of claims 6-10, characterized in that, The method for detecting and controlling heating after removal from hand also includes: The vehicle controller issues a steering wheel heating command; The microcontroller controls the heating control component to be electrically connected to the heating wire during the second time period and to pass current through the heating wire. The second time period and the first time period are non-overlapping time periods, and there is no time overlap between the end time of the first time period and the start time of the second time period.

12. The method for detecting and controlling heating upon removal from hand as described in claim 11, characterized in that, After the vehicle controller issues a steering wheel heating command, and before the microcontroller controls the heating control component to electrically connect with the heating wire during the second time period, the method further includes: The microcontroller receives the steering wheel heating command and detects the voltage information of the heating control component and whether the heating control component is faulty; If the voltage information of the heating control component is within the second preset voltage range and the heating control component is not faulty, then the heating control component can be electrically connected to the heating wire during the second time period.

13. The method for detecting and controlling heating upon removal from hand as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The end time of the first time period is the start time of the second time period, and the duration of the second time period is longer than the duration of the first time period.

14. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: Vehicle body; The vehicle controller is located on the vehicle body; The steering wheel assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the hands-off detection control assembly and the heating control assembly are both electrically connected to the vehicle controller.

Images