Sensing type steering wheel

Abstract

The invention provides a sensing type steering wheel. The sensing type steering wheel comprises a steering wheel grip and a sensor. The sensor is telescopically arranged on the steering wheel grip in a sleeving mode and comprises an elastic conductive substrate and an elastic sensing layer. The elastic sensing layer is arranged on the elastic conductive substrate, and the elastic sensing layer comprises a plurality of sensing lines and a plurality of sensing patterns respectively connected with the plurality of sensing lines.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a steering wheel, and more particularly to a cost-reducing sensor-type steering wheel. Background Technology

[0002] In current flexible sensor layer designs, the substrate is non-conductive, requiring a complex double-sided printing process to create the necessary conductive layer. First, silver paste is printed onto one side of the substrate and then baked to harden. Subsequently, silver paste is printed onto the other side.

[0003] However, the substrate may shrink during baking, leading to inaccuracies when printing silver paste on the other side of the substrate. As a result, the overall production yield may decrease accordingly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a sensor-type steering wheel that addresses the shortcomings of the prior art, thereby reducing manufacturing process costs and steps and improving the yield of the elastic sensing layer.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a sensor-type steering wheel, including a steering wheel grip and a sensor. The sensor is retractably mounted on the steering wheel grip and includes an elastic conductive substrate and an elastic sensing layer. The elastic sensing layer is disposed on the elastic conductive substrate and includes multiple sensing lines and multiple sensing patterns, with each sensing pattern connected to one of the multiple sensing lines.

[0006] Optionally, the sensor further includes an isolation layer disposed between the elastic conductive substrate and the elastic sensing layer, wherein the thickness of the isolation layer is less than the thickness of the elastic conductive substrate.

[0007] Optionally, the sensing steering wheel further includes: a processing circuit; and a plurality of first leads, respectively connected between the processing circuit and the plurality of sensing lines, wherein the elastic sensing layer and the insulating layer together form a strip structure, the strip structure having at least one gap exposing a portion of the elastic conductive substrate.

[0008] Optionally, a plurality of first leads extend from a plurality of the sensing lines and pass through at least one of the gaps; and wherein the plurality of first leads are respectively connected to the plurality of the sensing lines.

[0009] Optionally, the sensor-type steering wheel further includes at least one second lead, each second lead being electrically connected between the elastic conductive substrate and a reference end of the processing circuit or the steering wheel grip, wherein each second lead extends from the exposed portion of the elastic conductive substrate through at least one of the gaps.

[0010] Optionally, each of the second leads is connected to the elastic conductive substrate via a connector, and the connector is a rivet.

[0011] Optionally, the sensor further includes a protective layer disposed on the elastic sensing layer, and the protective layer, the elastic sensing layer, and the isolation layer together form a strip structure having at least one gap.

[0012] Optionally, multiple sensing patterns may together constitute a sensing area.

[0013] Optionally, the elastic sensing layer and the isolation layer together form a strip structure having at least one gap, the at least one gap exposing a portion of the elastic conductive substrate, the plurality of sensing patterns forming a plurality of sensing regions, and the at least one gap being located between two of the sensing regions.

[0014] Optionally, the elastic conductive substrate and the isolation layer are connected by a hot-pressing process; wherein the elastic conductive substrate is made of an elastic conductive material, the isolation layer is made of an elastic non-conductive material, and the elastic sensing layer is formed by printing conductive material onto the isolation layer after the hot-pressing process.

[0015] To address the aforementioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a sensor-type steering wheel, including a steering wheel grip and a sensor. The sensor is retractably mounted on the steering wheel grip and includes: an elastic conductive substrate having multiple shielding areas, wherein one or more first gaps are provided between the multiple shielding areas, each first gap separating adjacent sensor areas from each other; an isolation layer disposed on the elastic conductive substrate; and an elastic sensing layer disposed on the isolation layer. The elastic sensing layer includes: multiple sensing lines, wherein one or more of the first gaps are configured to lead out the multiple sensing lines; and multiple sensing patterns, respectively connected to the multiple sensing lines.

[0016] Optionally, in the aforementioned sensor-type steering wheel, the thickness of the insulating layer is less than the thickness of the elastic conductive substrate.

[0017] Optionally, in the aforementioned sensor-type steering wheel, the sensor-type steering wheel further includes: a processing circuit; and a plurality of first leads, respectively connected between the processing circuit and the plurality of sensing lines, wherein the elastic sensing layer and the isolation layer together form a strip structure, the strip structure having one or more second gaps exposing a portion of the elastic conductive substrate, and the one or more second gaps respectively corresponding to one or more first gaps.

[0018] Optionally, in the sensor-type steering wheel, a plurality of first lead wires extend from a plurality of the sensor wires and pass through one or more of the second gaps; and wherein the plurality of first lead wires are respectively connected to the plurality of the sensor wires.

[0019] Optionally, in the aforementioned sensor-type steering wheel, the sensor-type steering wheel further includes at least one second lead, each second lead being electrically connected between the elastic conductive substrate and a reference end of the processing circuit or the steering wheel grip, wherein each second lead extends from the portion of the elastic conductive substrate exposed through one or more second gaps.

[0020] Optionally, in the aforementioned sensor-type steering wheel, each of the second lead wires is connected to the elastic conductive layer via a connector, and the connector is a rivet.

[0021] Optionally, in the aforementioned sensing steering wheel, the sensor further includes a protective layer disposed on the elastic sensing layer, and the protective layer, the elastic sensing layer, and the isolation layer together constitute a strip structure having one or more second gaps.

[0022] Optionally, in the aforementioned sensory steering wheel, multiple sensor patterns together constitute a sensing area.

[0023] Optionally, in the aforementioned sensor-type steering wheel, the elastic sensing layer and the insulating layer together form a strip structure, the strip structure having at least one gap exposing a portion of the elastic conductive substrate, a plurality of sensing patterns forming a plurality of sensing regions corresponding to the plurality of shielding regions respectively, and each of the second gaps being located between two of the sensing regions.

[0024] Optionally, in the aforementioned sensor-type steering wheel, the elastic conductive substrate and the insulating layer are connected by a hot-pressing process; wherein, the elastic conductive substrate is made of an elastic conductive material, the insulating layer is made of an elastic non-conductive material, and the elastic sensing layer is formed by printing conductive material onto the insulating layer after the hot-pressing process.

[0025] To further understand the features and technical content of this application, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings. However, the drawings provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a top view of a sensor-operated steering wheel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a sensor-operated steering wheel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensor according to an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a top view of an elastic sensing layer according to an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a sensor according to another embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a top view of the elastic sensing layer according to another embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of a sensing steering wheel with a stretched sensor, according to another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation methods of the "light-emitting module" disclosed in this application. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. This 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 this application. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings of this application are for simple illustrative purposes only and are not depictions of actual dimensions, as stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this application in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Additionally, the term "or" used herein may include, depending on the actual situation, any combination of any one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] The light-emitting module of this application generates a working light beam with a wide wavelength range. Therefore, the light-emitting module of this application can be directly applied to various instruments with a small size, such as water quality detection systems, and overcomes the problems arising from the previous need to use multiple light-emitting chips. The following will describe the light-emitting module applied to water quality detection systems.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a top view of a sensor-operated steering wheel according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a sensor-operated steering wheel according to an embodiment of this application. See also... Figure 1 One embodiment of this application provides a sensor-type steering wheel 1, including a steering wheel grip 10 and a sensor 12. The sensor 12 is retractably sleeved on the steering wheel grip 10.

[0036] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the steering wheel grip 10 may be the rim of the sensor-type steering wheel 1, which may be connected to a hub located at the center of the rim via one or more spokes.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the sensor-type steering wheel 1 is provided with a steering wheel grip 10 and a sensor 12 arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside. The steering wheel grip 10 may be annular and includes a frame 100 and an inner protective layer 102. The sensor 12 includes an elastic conductive substrate 120, an isolation layer 122 and an elastic sensing layer 124.

[0038] The frame 100 may be made of rigid materials such as metal or wood, while the inner protective layer 102 may include, for example, a leather layer and / or a foam material layer.

[0039] refer to Figure 3 and 4 . Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensor according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This is a top view of an elastic sensing layer according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, for ease of explanation, the sensor 12 is depicted as a flat, multi-layered structure. In this embodiment, an isolation layer 122 is disposed between the elastic conductive substrate 120 and the elastic sensing layer 124.

[0040] The elastic conductive substrate 120 may be made of an elastic conductive material, which may include one or more of conductive thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), conductive silicone, and conductive rubber. It should be noted that the elastic conductive substrate 120 is a substrate, that is, the insulating layer 122 and the elastic sensing layer 124 may be fabricated on the elastic conductive substrate 120.

[0041] Furthermore, the insulating layer 122 can be made of a flexible, non-conductive material, such as TPU. The insulating layer 122 can be used to provide electrical insulation between the flexible conductive substrate 120 and the flexible sensing layer 124. The thickness of the insulating layer 122 can be less than the thickness of the flexible conductive substrate 120. For example, the thickness of the insulating layer 122 can be 0% to 10% of the thickness of the flexible conductive substrate 120, or 10% to 20% of the thickness of the flexible conductive substrate 120. The insulating layer 122 can be in the form of a TPU film and can be directly attached to the upper surface of the flexible conductive substrate 120.

[0042] The flexible conductive substrate 120 and the insulating layer 122 can be integrated into one unit to facilitate the subsequent process flow for forming the flexible sensing layer 124 and the sensing steering wheel 1. For example, the flexible conductive substrate 120 and the insulating layer 122 can be connected together using a hot pressing process.

[0043] Furthermore, the elastic sensing layer 124 can also be formed by printing conductive material onto the insulating layer 122 after a hot-pressing process. The elastic sensing layer 124 may include multiple sensing lines S1 and multiple sensing patterns P1 respectively connected to the multiple sensing lines S1. In this embodiment, each sensing pattern P1 has a grid structure, and multiple sensing patterns P1 together constitute a sensing area, for example, but this application is not limited thereto. The sensing patterns P1 can be used to form multiple sensing areas to achieve multi-area off-hand detection.

[0044] Because an elastic material (including conductive and non-conductive materials) is used as the base layer, the sensor 12 is stretchable, which greatly reduces the formation of wrinkles when the sensor 12 is fitted onto the steering wheel grip 10. Since the substrate (i.e., the elastic conductive substrate 120) is conductive and can provide electrical shielding, there is no need to provide a separate shielding layer on the other side of the substrate where the elastic sensing layer 124 is not provided, thereby further reducing wrinkles generated during the process.

[0045] Furthermore, the elastic conductive substrate 120, formed of an elastic conductive material, can also serve as an electrical shielding layer to enhance the performance of the elastic sensing layer 124, and eliminates the need to print silver paste on both sides of the insulating layer 122. Therefore, manufacturing costs and time can be significantly reduced. In addition, shrinkage issues can be avoided, thereby improving the overall production yield of the sensor 12.

[0046] In some embodiments, the sensing steering wheel 1 further includes a processing circuit 14 and a plurality of first leads L1. Specifically, the sensing lines S1 and the sensing pattern P1 can be formed using a printing process, and an area is reserved for the processing circuit 14 (e.g., in chip form). The processing circuit 14 can then be disposed on a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) in an area of ​​the surface of the steering wheel grip 10 without the elastic conductive substrate 120. Furthermore, the processing circuit 14 can be connected to the vehicle controller 2, and to the plurality of sensing lines S1 connected to the elastic sensing layer 124 via the plurality of first leads L1.

[0047] In some embodiments, the processing circuit 14 may be a processor or a controller, which may be configured to perform hands-off detection based on received sensing signals. Sensing signals are generated when the driver touches one or more sensing areas on the sensing steering wheel 1.

[0048] When a driver's hand touches a sensing area, it changes the electric field of that specific area. This change can be detected and converted into a sensing signal. The processing circuit 14 can then interpret these signals to determine which specific sensing area the driver has touched. This information can be used for various purposes, such as hands-off detection, where the processing circuit 14 can detect whether the driver has placed their hands on the sensing steering wheel 1.

[0049] refer to Figure 3 One end of the second lead L2 can be electrically connected to the elastic conductive substrate 120, and the other end of the second lead L2 can be connected to the reference terminal RT of the processing circuit 14, such as a ground terminal. Alternatively, the other end of the second lead L2 can be connected to the ground terminal RT provided by the steering wheel grip 10. In addition, each second lead L2 can be connected to the elastic conductive substrate 120 via a connector C0 inserted into the elastic conductive substrate 120, such as a rivet.

[0050] refer to Figure 5 , 6 . Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a sensor according to another embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This is a top view of the elastic sensing layer according to another embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, for ease of explanation, sensor 12' is depicted as a flat, multi-layered structure. In this embodiment, sensor 12' further includes a protective layer 126', an insulating layer 122' disposed on the elastic conductive substrate 120', an elastic sensing layer 124' disposed on the insulating layer 122', and a protective layer 126' disposed on the elastic sensing layer 124'. The protective layer 126' is made of, for example, ink, which provides protection and insulation for the elastic sensing layer 124', thereby improving its durability.

[0051] Furthermore, the elastic conductive substrate 120' of this embodiment also has conductivity, and the elastic conductive substrate 120' has multiple shielding regions, for example... Figure 5 The shielded areas SR1 and SR2 are shown. A first gap G1 can be provided between the shielded areas SR1 and SR2. There can be one or more first gaps G1, and each first gap G1 can be configured to separate adjacent sensor areas from each other. The first gap G1 is used to form the area where the sensor line S1 is led out.

[0052] At this point, the protective layer 126', the elastic sensing layer 124', and the isolation layer 122' can together form a strip structure with a second gap G2. Similarly, the elastic sensing layer 124' has multiple sensing patterns P1, and can form multiple sensing regions, for example... Figure 5 The sensing regions R1 and R2 are shown. The sensing regions R1 and R2 correspond to the shielding regions SR1 and SR2, respectively, and a second gap G2 can be provided between the sensing regions R1 and R2.

[0053] It should be noted that the second gap G2 is provided to expose the elastic conductive substrate 120' of the strip structure formed by the protective layer 126', the elastic sensing layer 124', and the isolation layer 122'. Similarly, multiple first leads L1 can be connected to multiple sensing lines S1 respectively, and second leads L2 can be electrically connected to the elastic conductive substrate 120'. Furthermore, all sensing areas (not just sensing areas R1 and R2) can share the elastic conductive substrate 120, meaning that the arrangement of the sensing areas is independent of the shape or structure of the elastic conductive substrate 120.

[0054] However, unlike the previous embodiment, the first lead L1 can extend from the sensing line S1 and pass through the second gap G2, while the second lead L2 can extend from a portion of the exposed elastic conductive substrate 120' and pass through the second gap G2.

[0055] After the first lead L1 and the second lead L2 pass through the second gap G2, the first lead L1 can be connected to the aforementioned processing circuit 14, and the second lead L2 can be connected to the reference end of the processing circuit 14 or the steering wheel grip 10.

[0056] Similar to the previous embodiment, the first lead L1 can be connected to the sensing line S1, one end of the second lead L2 is connected to the reference end, and the other end of the second lead L2 is connected to the elastic conductive substrate 120' through the connector C0, which can be a rivet. Details will not be repeated here.

[0057] It is worth noting that since the first gap G1 and the second gap G2 between the multiple sensing areas are shielding layers that expose the elastic sensing layer, a space is created for the lead wires to extend from the sensing line and the elastic conductive substrate. In this way, off-hand detection (HOD) with a multi-area sensing mechanism can be easily achieved.

[0058] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of a sensing steering wheel with a stretched sensor according to another embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 7 A sensor 12" is provided, wherein a protective layer, an elastic sensing layer and an isolation layer together form a strip structure, and a second gap G2 is provided on the elastic conductive substrate (taking only one as an example).

[0059] Furthermore, an adhesive layer 18" can be provided on the surface of the steering wheel grip 10". The adhesive layer 18" can be formed from liquid adhesive material or double-sided tape.

[0060] Furthermore, the sensor 12 is retractably fitted onto the steering wheel grip 10, which is coated with an adhesive layer 18, thus the adhesive layer 18 being positioned between the sensor 12 and the steering wheel grip 10, thereby ensuring that the sensor 12 is securely attached to the steering wheel grip 10. However, the above details are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0061] Beneficial effects of the embodiments

[0062] In summary, the sensing steering wheel provided in this application can utilize an elastic conductive material to form an elastic conductive substrate as a base material and serve as an electrical shielding layer to improve the performance of the elastic sensing layer. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to print silver paste on both sides of the isolation layer, which can significantly save manufacturing costs and time, avoid shrinkage problems, and thus improve the overall production yield of the sensor.

[0063] Furthermore, the sensor-type steering wheel provided in this application has gaps between multiple sensing areas, which expose part of the shielding layer of the elastic sensing layer, leaving space for the lead wires of the sensing lines and the elastic conductive substrate, thereby realizing off-hand detection with a multi-area sensing mechanism.

[0064] The content disclosed above is only a preferred and feasible embodiment of this application, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the claims of this application. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made based on the content of this application specification and drawings are included within the scope of protection of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A sensorized steering wheel, comprising: a steering grip; and a sensor, which is stretchably sleeved on the steering grip, the sensor comprising: an elastic conductive substrate; and an elastic sensing layer, which is disposed on the elastic conductive substrate, the elastic sensing layer comprising: a plurality of sensing lines; and a plurality of sensing patterns, which are respectively connected with the plurality of sensing lines. The sensor further comprises an isolation layer, which is disposed between the elastic conductive substrate and the elastic sensing layer, and the thickness of the isolation layer is less than the thickness of the elastic conductive substrate.

2. The sensing steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensorized steering wheel further comprises:

3. A sensing steering wheel according to claim 2, characterized in that a processing circuit; and a plurality of first lead-out lines, which are respectively connected between the processing circuit and the plurality of sensing lines, wherein the elastic sensing layer and the isolation layer jointly form a strip structure, and the strip structure has at least one gap exposing a part of the elastic conductive substrate. The plurality of first lead-out lines extend from the plurality of sensing lines and pass through the at least one gap; and 4. A sensing steering wheel according to claim 3, characterized in that wherein the plurality of first lead-out lines are respectively connected with the plurality of sensing lines. The sensorized steering wheel further comprises at least one second lead-out line, each of which is electrically connected between the elastic conductive substrate and a reference end of the processing circuit or the steering grip, 5. A sensing steering wheel according to claim 4, characterized in that wherein each of the second lead-out lines extends from the part of the elastic conductive substrate exposed through the at least one gap. Each of the second lead-out lines is connected with the elastic conductive substrate through a connecting piece, and the connecting piece is a rivet piece.

6. A sensing steering wheel according to claim 5, characterized in that The sensor further comprises a protective layer, which is disposed on the elastic sensing layer, and the protective layer, the elastic sensing layer and the isolation layer jointly form a strip structure having at least one gap.

7. The sensing steering wheel of claim 2, wherein, The plurality of sensing patterns jointly form a sensing area.

8. The sensing steering wheel of claim 2, wherein, The elastic sensing layer and the isolation layer jointly form a strip structure having at least one gap exposing a part of the elastic conductive substrate, the plurality of sensing patterns form a plurality of sensing areas, and at least one of the gaps is located between two of the sensing areas.

9. The sensing steering wheel of claim 2, wherein, The elastic conductive substrate and the isolation layer are connected through a hot-pressing process; 10. The sensing steering wheel of claim 2, wherein, wherein the elastic conductive substrate is made of elastic conductive material, the isolation layer is made of elastic non-conductive material, and the elastic sensing layer is formed by printing conductive material on the isolation layer after the hot-pressing process. 11.A sensorized steering wheel, comprising: a steering grip; and a sensor, which is stretchably sleeved on the steering grip, the sensor comprising: an elastic conductive substrate, which has a plurality of shielding areas, wherein one or more first gaps are disposed between the plurality of shielding areas, and each of the first gaps separates adjacent sensing areas from each other; an isolation layer, which is disposed on the elastic conductive substrate; and an elastic sensing layer, which is disposed on the isolation layer, the elastic sensing layer comprising: a plurality of sensing lines, wherein one or more of the first gaps are provided for leading out the plurality of sensing lines; and ​ ​ A plurality of sensing patterns are respectively connected with the plurality of sensing lines.

12. A sensing steering wheel according to claim 11, characterized in that The thickness of the isolation layer is less than the thickness of the elastic conductive substrate.

13. The sensing steering wheel of claim 11, wherein, The sensing steering wheel further comprises: a processing circuit; and a plurality of first lead-out lines respectively connected between the processing circuit and the plurality of sensing lines, wherein the elastic sensing layer and the isolation layer jointly form a strip structure, the strip structure has one or more second gaps exposing a part of the elastic conductive substrate, and the one or more second gaps respectively correspond to the one or more first gaps.

14. A sensing steering wheel according to claim 13, characterized in that The plurality of first lead-out lines extend from the plurality of sensing lines while passing through the one or more second gaps; and The plurality of first lead-out lines are respectively connected with the plurality of sensing lines.

15. A sensing steering wheel according to claim 14, characterized in that The sensing steering wheel further comprises at least one second lead-out line, each of the second lead-out lines being electrically connected between the elastic conductive substrate and a reference end of the processing circuit or the steering wheel grip, Each of the second lead-out lines extends from the part of the elastic conductive substrate exposed through the one or more second gaps.

16. A sensing steering wheel according to claim 15, characterized in that Each of the second lead-out lines is connected with the elastic conductive layer through a connecting member, and the connecting member is a rivet member.

17. The sensing steering wheel of claim 13, wherein, The sensor further comprises a protective layer arranged on the elastic sensing layer, and the protective layer, the elastic sensing layer and the isolation layer jointly form a strip structure having the one or more second gaps.

18. The sensing steering wheel of claim 11, wherein, The plurality of sensing patterns jointly form an induction area.

19. The sensing steering wheel of claim 13, wherein, The elastic sensing layer and the isolation layer jointly form a strip structure having at least one gap exposing a part of the elastic conductive substrate, the plurality of sensing patterns form a plurality of sensing areas respectively corresponding to the plurality of shielding areas, and each of the second gaps is located between two of the sensing areas.

20. The sensing steering wheel of claim 11, wherein, The elastic conductive substrate and the isolation layer are connected through a hot-pressing process; The elastic conductive substrate is made of elastic conductive material, the isolation layer is made of elastic non-conductive material, and the elastic sensing layer is formed by printing conductive material on the isolation layer after the hot-pressing process.

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