Steering wheel cover, steering wheel assembly and carrier

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of vehicle instruments, in particular to a steering wheel cover, a steering wheel assembly and a carrier, the steering wheel cover comprises a cover body and an HOD pad, the HOD pad can generate an HOD signal in response to disturbance of an electric signal of the HOD pad when an object close to the surface of the HOD pad is away from the HOD pad, the HOD pad is electrically connected with an HOD detection device, and the HOD signal is sent to the HOD detection device to achieve hand-away detection. The operation state of the driver in the driving process is effectively monitored, so that car accidents caused by non-standard operation of the driver in the driving process are avoided and reduced. The steering wheel sleeve can be directly arranged on the steering wheel in a sleeving mode so that the hand-leaving detection function of the steering wheel can be achieved, the situation that steering wheel equipment is disassembled and assembled when the hand-leaving detection equipment is additionally installed is avoided, a vehicle body is not damaged, and the steering wheel sleeve has the advantage of being rapid and convenient to install, can be suitable for various vehicles, is convenient to popularize and has good market prospects.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of vehicle instruments, and relates to a steering wheel cover, a steering wheel assembly and a carrier. BACKGROUND

[0002] Due to the rapid development of the automobile industry, there are more and more cars on the road, and car accidents caused by the driver's hand leaving the steering wheel also occur frequently. In order to monitor the operation state of the driver during driving and avoid or reduce the occurrence of car accidents caused by the driver's non-standard operation of leaving the steering wheel during driving, many cars are now equipped with a hands-off detection function when they are manufactured. The hands-off detection function is referred to as HOD (Hands on / Off Detection), that is, a warning is given by detecting whether the driver's hand is away from the steering wheel, so as to ensure driving safety.

[0003] At the current stage, not all cars are equipped with a hands-off detection function when they are manufactured. For cars that are not equipped with a hands-off detection function when they are manufactured, in order to realize the hands-off detection function, the steering wheel needs to be modified. However, the modification operation is very cumbersome, and the disassembly and assembly of the steering wheel and other devices will inevitably affect the vehicle to some extent, and the installation efficiency is low, which is difficult to popularize. CONTENT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In order to solve or at least partially solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a steering wheel cover which can be detachably arranged on the surface of a steering wheel and comprises:

[0005] a cover body;

[0006] an HOD pad arranged on the cover body, the HOD pad being capable of generating an HOD signal in response to disturbance of an electrical signal of the HOD pad by an object close to the surface of the HOD pad when the object is away from the HOD pad;

[0007] the HOD pad is electrically connected with an HOD detection device, and the HOD signal is sent to the HOD detection device.

[0008] Optionally, the HOD pad comprises:

[0009] a sensing layer for generating the HOD signal;

[0010] an insulating layer arranged on the side of the sensing layer close to the steering wheel.

[0011] Optionally, the sensing layer has:

[0012] a first electrode;

[0013] a second electrode adjacent to and coupled with the first electrode.

[0014] Optionally, the HOD pad further comprises:

[0015] a shielding layer, the insulating layer is arranged between the sensing layer and the shielding layer.

[0016] Optionally, the second electrode is arranged at least partially around the first electrode; or,

[0017] the first electrode is arranged at least partially around the second electrode.

[0018] Optionally, the second electrode has at least one, the number of the first electrode is greater than or equal to the second electrode.

[0019] Optionally, the sensing layer comprises a plurality of first sensing areas spaced along the circumference of the steering wheel cover, each of the first sensing areas has at least one first electrode;

[0020] The first electrode is arranged by a conductive wire from the first side to the second side along the circumference of the steering wheel in the first sensing area, and then folded back to the first side, and so on.

[0021] Optionally, in the first sensing area, a plurality of first sensing sub-areas are distributed along the circumference of the cross section of the steering wheel cover, and each of the first sensing sub-areas is provided with one first electrode.

[0022] Optionally, the sensing layer further comprises a plurality of second sensing areas spaced along the circumference of the steering wheel cover, the second sensing areas are closer to or farther away from the surface of the cover body relative to the first sensing areas;

[0023] The structure of the second sensing area is the same as that of the first sensing area;

[0024] The second sensing area and the first sensing area are staggered in the circumference of the steering wheel cover.

[0025] Optionally, the first electrode or the second electrode is an enameled wire, the enameled wire is arranged between the insulating layer and the cover body in a circuitous manner; or, the first electrode or the second electrode is a printed circuit.

[0026] Optionally, the steering wheel cover further comprises a wiring port;

[0027] The wiring port is connected to the HOD pad, and is used for electrically connecting the HOD pad with the externally arranged HOD detection device; or,

[0028] The HOD detection device is arranged in the steering wheel cover, the HOD pad is electrically connected with the HOD detection device, and the HOD detection device is electrically connected with the wiring port to send signals outward.

[0029] Optionally, the first electrode is a transmitting electrode, the second electrode is a receiving electrode, and a capacitive signal between the first electrode and the second electrode changes when disturbed to form the HOD signal.

[0030] Optionally, the first electrode receives a first excitation signal, and the second electrode receives a second excitation signal opposite in phase to the first excitation signal.

[0031] The second excitation signal causes the first excitation signal to change when coupled to form the HOD signal.

[0032] Optionally, the sensing layer has a force sensor electrically connected with the HOD detection device and capable of generating the HOD signal when detecting a decrease in pressure of the sensing layer.

[0033] The application provides a steering wheel assembly, comprising:

[0034] a steering wheel;

[0035] a steering wheel cover as described above, sleeved on the surface of the steering wheel;

[0036] a HOD detection device electrically connected with the HOD pad of the steering wheel cover, configured to output a signal to the HOD pad and determine a hand-off state of the steering wheel based on a change in the signal to the HOD pad.

[0037] The application also provides a vehicle comprising the steering wheel assembly as described above.

[0038] The steering wheel cover provided by the application comprises a cover body and a HOD pad, the HOD pad is capable of generating a HOD signal in response to disturbance of an electrical signal of the HOD pad by an object close to a surface of the HOD pad moving away, the HOD pad is electrically connected with a HOD detection device, and hand-off detection is achieved by sending the HOD signal to the HOD detection device, thereby effectively monitoring an operation state of a driver during driving, so as to avoid or reduce traffic accidents caused by non-standard operation of the driver during driving. The steering wheel cover can be directly sleeved on a steering wheel to achieve hand-off detection of the steering wheel, avoids disassembly of the steering wheel device when adding a hand-off detection device, does not damage a vehicle body, and has the advantages of quick and convenient installation, can be applied to various vehicles, is convenient for popularization, and has good market prospects.

[0039] The steering wheel assembly and vehicle provided in this application also possess all the advantages described above. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this application, the relevant drawings will be briefly described below. It is understood that the drawings described below are only for illustrating some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain many other technical features and connections not mentioned herein based on these drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the steering wheel sleeve of this application;

[0042] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross section at point AA;

[0043] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged diagram of section B in the middle;

[0044] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of the steering wheel cover of this application;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the HOD pad of the steering wheel cover in this application;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor layer of the steering wheel cover in this application;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode arrangement in one embodiment of the sensing layer in this application;

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode arrangement in one embodiment of the sensing layer in this application.

[0049] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the electrode arrangement in one embodiment of the sensing layer in this application;

[0050] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode arrangement in one embodiment of the sensing layer in this application;

[0051] Figure 11 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the radial section at point CC;

[0052] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor layer arrangement in one embodiment of the steering wheel cover of this application;

[0053] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor layer arrangement in one embodiment of the steering wheel cover of this application.

[0054] Reference signs:

[0055] 100, sleeve body; 101, skin layer; 102, rubber layer;

[0056] 200, HOD pad; 210, sensing layer; 201, first sensing area; 2011, first sensing sub-area; 202, second sensing area; 211, first electrode; 212, second electrode; 220, insulation layer; 230, shielding layer;

[0057] 300, steering wheel;

[0058] 400, wiring port. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the embodiments of the present application more clear, the technical scheme in the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0060] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer" and the like are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and therefore cannot be understood as indicating or implying that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third" are only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0061] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected", "connected" should be understood broadly, for example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or it can be integrally connected; it can be mechanically connected, or it can be electrically connected; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0062] The technical scheme in the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0063] Embodiment 1

[0064] The steering wheel cover can be matched with a steering wheel of a vehicle or other carrier equipment, and is detachably mounted on the steering wheel for use by a driver.

[0065] As shown in Figure 1 The steering wheel cover includes a cover body 100 and a HOD pad 200 with a HOD sensing layer. The cover body 100 has a shape close to a rim of a steering wheel 300, and has an opening on an inner side. The cover body 100 itself has a certain elasticity, and can be sleeved on the steering wheel 300 through the opening.

[0066] As shown in Figure 2 The HOD pad 200 is arranged on the cover body 100, and can also be arranged inside the cover body 100. The HOD pad 200 and at least a part of the cover body 100 form a laminated structure.

[0067] The cover body 100 can have an outer layer and an inner layer, and the HOD pad 200 can be clamped between the outer layer and the inner layer to protect the HOD pad 200.

[0068] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the cover body 100 includes an outer skin layer 101 and an inner rubber layer 102. The rubber layer 102 is used to be sleeved on a surface of the steering wheel 300, and has a certain friction with the steering wheel 300 to prevent the steering wheel cover from sliding on the steering wheel 300. The skin layer 101 is used to contact a palm of a driver. The HOD pad 200 is clamped between the skin layer 101 and the rubber layer 102.

[0069] The rubber layer 102 of the steering wheel cover can be sleeved on the surface of the steering wheel 300 by using an interference tension, or can be fixedly mounted on the steering wheel 300 by using a pasting or sewing installation method.

[0070] In the embodiment, the HOD sensing layer of the HOD pad 200 can generate a HOD signal in response to a disturbance of an electrical signal of the HOD pad 200 when an object close to a surface of the HOD pad 200 moves away. Meanwhile, the HOD sensing layer of the HOD pad 200 is electrically connected with a HOD detection device, and can send the HOD signal to the HOD detection device. The HOD detection device can detect that the steering wheel is away from a hand through the HOD signal.

[0071] Specifically, when the driver's hand is held on the steering wheel 300 (the hand contacts the sleeve body 100), the driver's hand can couple with the electrical signal provided on the HOD pad 200, the HOD pad 200 is electrically connected with the HOD detection device, and the HOD detection device can detect that the steering wheel 300 is in a grasped state at this time. When the hand is released from the sleeve body 100 (at this time, the driver's hand is away from the steering wheel), the driver's hand gradually moves away from the HOD pad 200, and the electrical signal on the HOD sensing layer of the HOD pad 200 is disturbed due to coupling variation, which generates a HOD signal. The HOD detection device receives the HOD signal and can detect that the driver's hand is away from the steering wheel 300.

[0072] The HOD detection device can send a signal to the outside for alarm information of the steering wheel away-from-hand state, such as a display or alarm connected to the outside of the HOD detection device, to remind the driver in the steering wheel away-from-hand state and ensure driving safety.

[0073] The steering wheel sleeve of the embodiment can generate a HOD signal in response to the disturbance of the electrical signal of the HOD pad 200 when the object close to the surface of the HOD pad 200 moves away, the HOD pad 200 is electrically connected with the HOD detection device, and the HOD signal is sent to the HOD detection device to realize the away-from-hand detection, which realizes effective monitoring of the operation state of the driver during driving, thereby avoiding or reducing traffic accidents caused by non-standard operation of the driver during driving.

[0074] The steering wheel sleeve can directly be sleeved on the steering wheel to realize the away-from-hand detection function of the steering wheel, avoid disassembly of the steering wheel device when the away-from-hand detection device is installed, and not damage the vehicle body. The steering wheel sleeve has the advantages of quick and convenient installation and can be applied to various vehicles, is easy to popularize, and has good market prospects.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5 The HOD sensing layer of the HOD pad 200 of the embodiment is a sensing layer 210, and the HOD pad 200 at least includes the sensing layer 210 and an insulating layer 220. The sensing layer 210 has a conductor for transmitting an electrical signal and generating a HOD signal to realize detection of the steering wheel away-from-hand. The insulating layer 220 is arranged on the side of the sensing layer 210 close to the steering wheel 300 and can serve as a carrier of the sensing layer 210. The conductor and other sensing elements of the sensing layer 210 can be attached to the insulating layer 220, and the insulating layer 220 can also be used to limit the sensing layer 210. The sensing layer 210 is arranged between the insulating layer 220 and the skin layer 101.

[0076] As shown in Figure 3As shown, in the embodiment, the sensing layer 210 has a first electrode 211 and a second electrode 212, which extend to respective areas of the HOD pad 200. The second electrode 212 is adjacent to and coupled with the first electrode 211. When the hand approaches or moves away from the HOD pad 200, the electrical signals of the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 are disturbed due to the position of the hand, thereby generating HOD signals. Meanwhile, the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 are respectively electrically connected with the HOD detection device, which receives the HOD signals of the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 to determine whether the hand of the driver is separated from the steering wheel 300 through the HOD signals.

[0077] In one embodiment, the insulation layer 220 can be a non-woven fabric, which is arranged between the skin layer 101 and the rubber layer 102 of the sleeve body 100. The side of the insulation layer 220 close to the skin layer 101 is used to attach the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212, which can short-circuit the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 with the skeleton of the steering wheel 300, thereby avoiding the influence of the steering wheel 300 itself on the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212.

[0078] Further, in one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The HOD pad 200 further includes a shielding layer 230, which is arranged on the side close to the steering wheel 300, so that the insulation layer 220 is between the shielding layer 230 and the sensing layer 210. In this way, the shielding layer 230 is between the insulation layer 220 and the rubber layer 102, which is used to shield the signals between the sensing layer 210 and the hub of the steering wheel 300, thereby shielding and protecting the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 from the interference of the skeleton of the steering wheel 300 or the electronic devices on the steering wheel on the electrical signals of the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212, and ensuring the accuracy of the hand-off detection. Meanwhile, the insulation layer 220 can short-circuit the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 with the shielding layer 230, thereby avoiding the influence of the shielding layer 230 on the sensing layer 210.

[0079] In one embodiment, the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 can be metal wires, such as thin copper wires or silver wires, to ensure the conduction effect of the electrical signals. In order to achieve good shielding effect, in one embodiment, the shielding layer 230 can be an aluminum foil shielding layer, or a metal mesh cloth, which can be a silver-plated mesh cloth.

[0080] As shown in Figure 6As shown, in one embodiment, the steering wheel cover also has a wiring port 400, which is electrically connected to the sensing layer 210, specifically connected to the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212, for electrically connecting the sensing layer 210 to an externally disposed HOD detection device.

[0081] Externally mounted HOD detection devices can reduce the structural complexity of steering wheel covers, thus reducing weight. Alternatively, the HOD detection device can be integrated into the steering wheel cover, forming a single unit. This eliminates the need for a separate HOD detection device during installation, improving installation efficiency.

[0082] In one embodiment, a HOD detection device is installed inside the steering wheel cover. The sensing layer 210 is electrically connected to the HOD detection device, which is also electrically connected to the wiring port 400 and sends signals to an external actuator. The actuator can be a display screen or an audible and visual alarm, used to alert the driver based on the hands-off detection result, thus achieving human-machine interaction.

[0083] Example 2

[0084] This embodiment provides a steering wheel cover. Based on embodiment 1, this embodiment improves the arrangement of the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 can each be a conductive wire. The conductive wire is arranged along the circumference of the steering wheel 300, or along the circumference of the steering wheel 300 from the first side to the second side, and then back to the first side, and so on.

[0086] like Figure 3 As shown, the conductive wires of the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 are kept relatively parallel, and the distance between them ensures that when a hand approaches, the electrical signal can be disturbed and a HOD signal can be generated.

[0087] The above arrangement arranges the conductive wire around the circumference of the steering wheel 300, and it can be wrapped around the steering wheel 300 once or multiple times. It can be detected whenever a hand touches or leaves the steering wheel (steering wheel cover).

[0088] In one embodiment, the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 are each a plurality of conductive wires, each conductive wire wrapping around the steering wheel cover, and the plurality of conductive wires are arranged side by side to ensure that each area of ​​the steering wheel cover can realize the detection function.

[0089] In one embodiment, the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 are arranged side by side in a wavy pattern. The first electrode 211 or the second electrode 212 may also be arranged in a straight line, a curved line, a serpentine line, or a spiral line.

[0090] Of course, the number relationship between the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 can also be one to multiple. The first electrode 211 is a plurality of conductive wires, and the plurality of first electrodes 211 are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the steering wheel cover. The second electrode 212 can be a conductive wire, and each first electrode 211 forms a coupling relationship with the second electrode 212.

[0091] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 9 The second electrode 212 can be two conductive wires, and the two second electrodes 212 are arranged on the left and right sides of the steering wheel cover to realize the left and right partition detection function of the steering wheel cover.

[0092] In some embodiments, the first electrode 211 is a conductive wire, and the second electrode 212 is a plurality of conductive wires. The conductive wires of the plurality of second electrodes 212 are distributed in different areas of the steering wheel cover. The conductive wire of the first electrode 211 is arranged from one side to the other side of the steering wheel cover and reciprocally arranged and extended to correspond to the conductive wire of each second electrode 212. The two electrodes realize coupling. When the hand is away from the steering wheel (steering wheel cover), the conductive wire of the corresponding second electrode 212 and the conductive wire of the first electrode 211 generate an HOD signal, and the hand-off state is detected.

[0093] In one embodiment, the side of the steering wheel facing the driver is the front, and the side of the steering wheel away from the driver is the back. The first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 are arranged on different surfaces of the front or the back. For example, the first electrode 211 is arranged on the front, and the second electrode 212 is arranged on the back. When the driver's fingers partially contact the steering wheel (the hand only contacts the front or the back), it will not be detected. When the driver holds the steering wheel (the hand contacts the front and the back at the same time), it can be detected. In this way, when the driver changes from the correct grip (the hand contacts the front and the back at the same time) to release (completely away from the steering wheel) or non-standard grip (the hand partially away from the steering wheel), an HOD signal will be generated, and the driver will be detected.

[0094] In one embodiment, the second electrode 212 is arranged on one side facing the palm, and the first electrode 211 is arranged on the other side away from the palm. When the hand holds the steering wheel or the steering wheel cover, the epidermis 101 on one side of the second electrode 212 contacts the palm, and the epidermis 101 on one side of the first electrode 211 contacts the fingers.

[0095] Embodiment 3

[0096] This embodiment provides a steering wheel cover. On the basis of the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 being conductive wires in embodiment 2, this embodiment provides a surrounding design of the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 to form independent sensing areas.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first electrode 211 is provided with a plurality of conductive wires, and the second electrode 212 can be provided with one conductive wire, which is arranged at least partially around the conductive wire of the first electrode 211.

[0098] As shown in the drawings, in one embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes 211 are arranged in a meandering manner in the respective regions of the steering wheel cover, and the second electrode 212 extends outside one first electrode 211 and surrounds the region involved by the first electrode 211, then extends to another first electrode 211 to surround the region involved by the first electrode 211 in the same manner, and so on, each second electrode 212 surrounding the region of the first electrode 211 forms an independent detection zone. Figure 7

[0099] As shown in the drawings, in one embodiment, the first electrode 211 extends to one side in a curved continuous C shape, then returns in a curved continuous C shape, and the plurality of first electrodes 211 are arranged in the respective regions of the steering wheel cover along the circumference of the steering wheel cover, and the second electrode 212 extends outside one first electrode 211 in a manner of sequentially extending into the notch of the continuous C shape of the first electrode 211, and surrounds the region involved by the first electrode 211, then extends to another first electrode 211 to surround the region involved by the first electrode 211 in the same manner, and so on, each second electrode 212 surrounding the region of the first electrode 211 forms an independent detection zone. Figure 8 The above two electrode surrounding designs can effectively prevent mutual interference between adjacent detection zones when the hand is on the steering wheel, affecting the detection result.

[0100] In some embodiments, the number of first electrodes 211 and second electrodes 212 can be designed according to requirements, and the conductive wire of the first electrode 211 can also be arranged at least partially around the conductive wire of the second electrode 212, as long as the coupling relationship between the two is ensured.

[0101] Of course, in general, the first electrode 211 serves as the counter electrode, and the second electrode 212 serves as the sensing electrode, the number of sensing electrodes is less than that of counter electrodes, and the range of the first electrode 211 arranged should be larger than that of the second electrode 212, to ensure that the detection area is large enough to realize the detection function of each region of the steering wheel.

[0102] Embodiment 4

[0103] This embodiment provides a steering wheel cover, which is a further improvement based on Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 3.

[0104]

[0105] ​​In the embodiment, the steering wheel cover is divided into a plurality of regions along the circumferential direction, and each region is provided with a corresponding first electrode 211 and a second electrode 212.

[0106] It should be noted that the circumferential direction of the steering wheel cover in the embodiment is the circumferential direction of the steering wheel rim, which can be understood as surrounding one turn of the steering wheel rim.

[0107] As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 A plurality of first sensing regions 201 are distributed along the circumferential direction of the steering wheel cover, and each first sensing region 201 has at least one first electrode 211. The first electrode 211 is formed by a conductive wire arranged from the first side to the second side along the circumferential direction of the steering wheel 300 in the first sensing region 201, and then folded back to the first side, and so on. The second electrode 212 can be the same number as the first electrode 211, and is arranged one-to-one corresponding to the first electrode 211 in each first sensing region 201. The second electrode 212 can also be a conductive wire, which is coupled with each first electrode 211 in one first sensing region 201, then extends to the next first sensing region 201, and is coupled with each first electrode 211 in the next first sensing region 201, and so on.

[0108] In some embodiments, each first sensing region 201 can also adopt the surrounding wiring mode in Embodiment 3.

[0109] Each first sensing region 201 is an independent detection area. When the hand is in contact with or separated from the region, the region generates a HOD signal to realize hand-off detection. According to the pre-set, the HOD detection device can identify which position of the steering wheel the region is in, and then can detect which direction the driver's hand is grasped in the steering wheel. If it is detected that the hand is grasped in an irregular position of the steering wheel, the HOD detection device can send a signal to the outside to remind the driver to drive regularly.

[0110] For example, the first sensing region 201 can be set to six, which are the upper, middle and lower three regions on the left side and the upper, middle and lower three regions on the right side of the steering wheel 300 (steering wheel cover). When the hand is grasped in the six regions of left upper, left middle, left lower, right upper, right middle and right lower, it is judged that the driver is in a regular grasping posture. When the hand is not in the above-mentioned regions, the driver is reminded to drive regularly.

[0111] Embodiment 5

[0112] Based on the above embodiments, the present embodiment provides a steering wheel cover. In the present embodiment, the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 are both made of enameled wire.

[0113] As shown in Figure 9As shown, the steering wheel cover has three first sensing areas 201 on the left, L1, L2 and L3, and three first sensing areas 201 on the right, R1, R2 and R3, each of which is provided with an enameled wire of a first electrode 211, the L1, L2 and L3 areas have corresponding L4 areas, and the R1, R2 and R3 areas have corresponding R4 areas, the L4 and R4 areas are respectively provided with an enameled wire of a second electrode 212, the enameled wire of the L4 area is correspondingly coupled with each of the enameled wires of the L1, L2 and L3 areas, and the enameled wire of the R4 area is correspondingly coupled with each of the enameled wires of the R1, R2 and R3 areas.

[0114] In some embodiments, the L4 area and the R4 area can be the same enameled wire.

[0115] In this embodiment, the routing structure of the enameled wire can adopt any one of the wiring modes mentioned in Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 3.

[0116] In this embodiment, based on the principle of the capacitive sensor, the first electrode 211 is a transmitting electrode, and the second electrode 212 is a receiving electrode, when the hand contacts or leaves the steering wheel cover, the capacitive signal between the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 will be disturbed, the capacitive signal changes to form an HOD signal, and the HOD detection device detects the hand-off state according to the change of the capacitive signal.

[0117] In one embodiment, the three coupling capacitances between the first electrode 211 of the L1, L2 and L3 areas and the second electrode 212 of the L4 area are all less than 0.6nF, and the three coupling capacitances between the first electrode 211 of the R1, R2 and R3 areas and the second electrode 212 of the R4 area are also all less than 0.6nF. During the detection process, the HOD detection device reports six I values and six Q values between L1 and L4, L2 and L4, L3 and L4, and R1 and R4, R2 and R4, R3 and R4 each time, the HOD detection device performs signal recognition based on IQ modulation and demodulation, performs steering wheel hand-off recognition related work, and judges whether the area is contacted or left by the hand according to the numerical value.

[0118] Further, according to the change of the above capacitive value, it can also be judged that several fingers contact the steering wheel cover, and then the posture of the driver holding the steering wheel is more accurately judged.

[0119] In one embodiment, L1, L2, L3, L4 or R1, R2, R3, R4 can be a separate pad, which can be an enameled wire attached to the insulating layer 220 to form a sensing layer 210, and the sensing layer 210 of the independent area is stitched or bonded in the cover body 100, or can be laminated with the skin layer 101 and / or the rubber layer 102 to form the steering wheel cover.

[0120] In this embodiment, the sensing layer 210 made of enameled wire should be able to withstand 25,000 flexural cycles, and the sensing layer 210 should have a certain tensile strength, with an elongation rate between 10% and 15%, to ensure that the steering wheel cover has a certain stability under the pressure of the steering wheel 300 and the hand, and to ensure the quality of the steering wheel cover.

[0121] Example 6

[0122] This embodiment provides a steering wheel cover, specifically providing another form of sensing layer 210, and also proposing another electrode wiring structure.

[0123] In this embodiment, the sensing layer 210 is a printed circuit, specifically, the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 are printed circuits.

[0124] like Figure 10 As shown, the steering wheel cover has three first sensing areas 201 on the left side (L1, L2, and L3) and three first sensing areas 201 on the right side (R1, R2, and R3). Each area has multiple printed circuits, and two adjacent printed circuits are respectively a first electrode 211 and a second electrode 212.

[0125] In this embodiment, the arrangement of the printed circuits of the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 can also be made in any of the arrangements mentioned in Embodiments 2 and 3 above.

[0126] This embodiment can adopt the principle of the above-mentioned capacitive sensor, and generate HOD signal through the printed circuit of adjacent first electrode 211 and second electrode 212 to realize off-hand detection. The principle is the same as that of embodiment 6 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0127] It is worth mentioning that this embodiment provides another detection method, which is applied to the printed circuit of this embodiment.

[0128] Please see Figure 10 In the diagram, numbers 1-12 represent the wires connecting the corresponding printed circuits. Wires 1 and 6 connect to the excitation and detection terminals of region L3; wires 2 and 5 connect to the excitation and detection terminals of region L2; wires 3 and 4 connect to the excitation and detection terminals of region L1; wires 7 and 12 connect to the excitation and detection terminals of region R1; wires 8 and 11 connect to the excitation and detection terminals of region R2; and wires 9 and 10 connect to the excitation and detection terminals of region R3.

[0129] In the embodiment, the positive excitation and the reverse excitation are given to each interval of the printed circuit, that is, the positive excitation signal is input to the detection end, and the reverse excitation signal is input to the excitation end at the same time. When the hand contacts the steering wheel cover, the detection end and the corresponding excitation end form coupling, the positive excitation signal is disturbed by the reverse excitation signal to change, and then the HOD signal is generated, so as to judge the steering wheel off-hand state.

[0130] That is, the HOD detection device detects the positive excitation signal of the detection end. When the positive excitation signal is weakened, it indicates that the positive excitation signal is coupled by the disturbance of the reverse excitation signal, and then it can be known that the steering wheel is in the off-hand state. When the positive excitation signal is unchanged, it indicates that the positive excitation signal is not coupled, so it can be judged that the steering wheel is in the off-hand state.

[0131] Of course, the detection method of the positive excitation and the reverse excitation in the embodiment can also be used in the above-mentioned embodiment 6. Since the steps are the same, they will not be described here.

[0132] Embodiment 7

[0133] The embodiment provides a steering wheel cover. Based on the embodiment 4, the first sensing area 201 is further improved in the embodiment.

[0134] As shown in Figure 11 In the embodiment, a plurality of first sensing sub-areas 2011 are distributed along the circumferential direction of the cross section of the steering wheel cover in each first sensing area 201, and a first electrode 211 is arranged in each first sensing sub-area 2011. Meanwhile, a second electrode 212 is arranged in each first sensing sub-area 2011, or a second electrode 212 extends into each first sensing sub-area 2011. The second electrode 212 is coupled with the first electrode 211 and is used to generate the HOD signal.

[0135] Such a design takes into account that when the hand completely holds the steering wheel 300 (the steering wheel cover), the fingers and the palm should completely surround the radial circumferential surface of the steering wheel cover, or at least most of the steering wheel cover. If the hand does not hold the steering wheel cover regularly, such as only the hand is placed on the steering wheel cover, or only touches the steering wheel cover, in this case, the hand and the steering wheel cover should only have a local surface contact.

[0136] Based on this, in the embodiment, if multiple first sensing sub-regions 2011 generate HOD signals, it indicates that the driver is in a standard grip state of the steering wheel. When only one or a few first sensing sub-regions 2011 generate HOD signals, it indicates that although the driver's hand contacts the steering wheel 300 (steering wheel cover), the driver is in an unstandard grip state, which may have a potential safety hazard. The steering wheel cover transmits a signal to the HOD detection device, and the HOD detection device generates a corresponding signal to remind the driver to pay attention to the driving posture. When multiple first sensing sub-regions 2011 do not generate HOD signals, it is detected that the driver does not grip the steering wheel in the first sensing region 201.

[0137] Therefore, the embodiment can not only detect the steering wheel off-hand state, but also accurately detect whether the driver correctly and safely grips the steering wheel, further ensuring driving safety.

[0138] Embodiment 8

[0139] Based on embodiment 4, the embodiment proposes a steering wheel cover with double-layer sensing regions.

[0140] Specifically, as shown in Figure 12 The steering wheel cover of the embodiment not only has multiple first sensing regions 201, but also has a plurality of second sensing regions 202 distributed along the circumference of the steering wheel cover. The second sensing region 202 is closer to or farther from the surface of the cover body 100 than the first sensing region 201.

[0141] In the embodiment, the first sensing region 201 and the second sensing region 202 belong to the sensing layer 210; the first sensing region 201 has a first electrode 211 and a second electrode 212, and the second sensing region 202 has a first electrode 211 and a second electrode 212, which are the same as the first sensing region 201. The arrangement mode of the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 can be the same as that of the first sensing region 201, and the second sensing region 202 has the same function as the first sensing region 201.

[0142] It should be noted that in the embodiment, the second sensing region 202 is staggered with the first sensing region 201 in the circumferential direction of the steering wheel cover, and the second sensing region 202 covers the gap between two first sensing regions 201, which compensates for the lack of detection function in the gap between the two first sensing regions 201, and also ensures the accuracy of the off-hand detection.

[0143] Further, as shown in Figure 13As shown, in one embodiment, two first sensing areas 201 and two second sensing areas 202 can be provided, the two first sensing areas 201 are arranged on opposite sides of the steering wheel cover, and the second sensing areas 202 are respectively arranged between the two first sensing areas 201, and the second sensing areas 202 can cover the gap between the two first sensing areas 201, so as to make up for the problem of missing detection function at the gap between adjacent detection areas.

[0144] Preferably, the two first sensing areas 201 are arranged on the left and right sides of the steering wheel cover, and the two second sensing areas 202 are arranged on the upper and lower sides of the steering wheel cover, so as to realize independent detection of the upper, lower, left and right four areas of the steering wheel cover, and the first sensing area 201 and the second sensing area 202 are arranged in a stacked manner, so as to ensure that the intersection of the edges of each area also has a detection function.

[0145] Generally, it is necessary to detect the hand-off state of the six areas of the steering wheel, i.e., the left upper, left middle, left lower, right upper, right middle and right lower areas. In the embodiment, the four sensing areas are arranged around the steering wheel cover, so as to realize hand-off detection of the six areas of the steering wheel. Moreover, compared with the multiple sensing areas shown in the figure, the structure of the embodiment is more simplified, and has the advantage of reducing cost. Figure 12

[0146] The above embodiment provides a design that the sensing layer 210 has double-layer first sensing areas 201 and second sensing areas 202. Based on the same design principle, in some embodiments, in the case that the sensing layer 210 only has the first sensing area 201, two sensing layers 210 can be provided, the two sensing layers 210 are arranged in a stacked manner, and the two sensing layers 210 are staggered in the circumferential direction of the steering wheel cover, and also have the advantages mentioned above.

[0147] In some embodiments, the sensing layer 210 is arranged in multiple layers in the radial direction of the steering wheel or the steering wheel cover, and at least part of the multiple sensing layers 210 are arranged in a stacked manner in the radial direction.

[0148] Embodiment 9

[0149] The embodiment provides a steering wheel cover, and the sensing layer 210 of the steering wheel cover adopts a force sensor. The force sensor is electrically connected with a HOD detection device, and can generate a HOD signal when detecting that the pressure of the sensing layer 210 decreases.

[0150] In one embodiment, the force sensor adopts a grip force sensing sensor. When the driver holds the steering wheel and the pressure applied to the steering wheel is sufficient, the steering wheel can detect that the hand of the driver does not leave the steering wheel. If the force with which the driver holds the steering wheel is not sufficient, the voltage can be in an off state, and the system can detect that the hand of the driver is in a state of leaving the steering wheel.

[0151] ​Embodiment 10

[0152] The embodiment provides a steering wheel assembly, which comprises a steering wheel 300, an HOD detection device and a steering wheel cover mentioned in the above embodiments, the steering wheel cover is sleeved on the surface of the steering wheel 300, the HOD detection device is electrically connected with the HOD pad 200 of the steering wheel cover, is used for outputting a signal of the HOD pad 200, and judges the hand-off state of the steering wheel 300 based on the signal change of the HOD pad 200.

[0153] Based on the detection principle, the embodiment is same as the above embodiments, and details are not repeated here. The steering wheel assembly of the embodiment has all the advantages mentioned in the above embodiments, and details are not repeated here.

[0154] Embodiment 11

[0155] The embodiment provides a carrier, for example, a vehicle, which is installed with the steering wheel assembly mentioned in the above embodiment 8. Similarly, the detection principle and the advantages are same as the above embodiments, and details are not repeated here.

[0156] In addition, it is worth mentioning that the carrier not only includes the vehicle, but also can include various other vehicles, such as cars, aircrafts, ships and the like. In addition, the carrier mentioned in the application also includes some simulation devices of traditional vehicles, such as simulation racing cars, aircrafts or ship operation experience devices, teaching devices, VR game devices and the like, as long as the devices are loaded with people and are easy to cause large amplitude vibration, which can meet the definition of the carrier in the application.

[0157] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the first feature is "on" or "under" the second feature. The first and second features can be in direct contact, or the first and second features can be in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature can be "above", "over" and "on" the second feature, which can be directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or only indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature can be "below", "under" and "under" the second feature, which can be directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or only indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

[0158] In the description of the present specification, the description referring to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "an example", "a specific example", or "some examples" and the like means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present application. In the present specification, the illustrative description of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art can combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in the present specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0159] Finally, it should be noted that: the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, and not to limit them; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that: it can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent replacement for part of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A steering wheel cover, characterized by, The steering wheel cover can be detachably arranged on the surface of the steering wheel, and comprises: a cover body (100); a HOD pad (200) arranged on the cover body (100), the HOD pad (200) being capable of generating a HOD signal in response to disturbance of an electrical signal of the HOD pad (200) when an object close to the surface of the HOD pad (200) moves away; the HOD pad (200) being electrically connected with a HOD detection device and sending the HOD signal to the HOD detection device; the HOD pad (200) comprising: a sensing layer (210) for generating the HOD signal; an insulating layer (220) arranged on the side of the sensing layer (210) close to the steering wheel; the sensing layer (210) having: a first electrode (211); a second electrode (212) arranged adjacent to and coupled with the first electrode (211); the sensing layer (210) comprising a plurality of first sensing areas (201) spaced along the circumference of the steering wheel cover, each of the first sensing areas (201) having at least one first electrode (211); the first electrode (211) being arranged in the first sensing area (201) from a first side to a second side along the circumference of the steering wheel (300), and then back to the first side, and so on.

2. The steering wheel cover of claim 1, wherein, the HOD pad (200) further comprising: a shielding layer (230), the insulating layer (220) being arranged between the sensing layer (210) and the shielding layer (230).

3. The steering wheel cover of claim 1, wherein, the second electrode (212) being arranged at least partially around the first electrode (211); or, the first electrode (211) being arranged at least partially around the second electrode (212).

4. The steering wheel cover of claim 1, wherein, the second electrode (212) having at least one, the number of the first electrode (211) being greater than or equal to the second electrode (212).

5. The steering wheel cover of claim 1, wherein, in the first sensing area (201), a plurality of first sensing sub-areas (2011) are distributed along the circumference of the cross section of the steering wheel cover, and each of the first sensing sub-areas (2011) is provided with one first electrode (211).

6. The steering wheel cover of claim 1, wherein, the sensing layer (210) further comprising a plurality of second sensing areas (202) spaced along the circumference of the steering wheel cover, the second sensing areas (202) being closer or farther to the surface of the cover body (100) than the first sensing areas (201); the second sensing areas (202) having the same structure as the first sensing areas (201); the second sensing areas (202) being staggered with the first sensing areas (201) in the circumference of the steering wheel cover.

7. The steering wheel cover of claim 1, wherein, the first electrode (211) or the second electrode (212) being an enameled wire, the enameled wire being arranged between the insulating layer (220) and the cover body (100) in a detour manner; or, the first electrode (211) or the second electrode (212) being a printed circuit.

8. The steering wheel cover of claim 1, wherein, the steering wheel cover further comprising a wiring port (400); The wiring port (400) is connected to the sensing layer (210) and is used to electrically connect the sensing layer (210) to the externally arranged HOD detection device; or The HOD detection device is arranged in the steering wheel cover, the sensing layer (210) is electrically connected to the HOD detection device, and the HOD detection device is electrically connected to the wiring port (400) to send signals externally.

9. Steering wheel cover according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that The first electrode (211) is a transmitting electrode, the second electrode (212) is a receiving electrode, and the capacitive signal between the first electrode (211) and the second electrode (212) changes when disturbed to form the HOD signal.

10. A steering wheel cover according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The first electrode (211) receives a first excitation signal, and the second electrode (212) receives a second excitation signal opposite in phase to the first excitation signal. The first excitation signal is coupled, and the second excitation signal causes the first excitation signal to change to form the HOD signal.

11. The steering wheel cover of claim 1, wherein, The sensing layer (210) has a force sensor, the force sensor is electrically connected to the HOD detection device, and the force sensor can generate the HOD signal when detecting a decrease in pressure of the sensing layer (210).

12. A steering wheel assembly characterized by, Comprise: A steering wheel (300); The steering wheel cover according to any one of claims 1-11, arranged on the surface of the steering wheel (300); The HOD detection device is electrically connected to the HOD pad (200) of the steering wheel cover, used to output signals to the HOD pad (200), and to judge the hand-off state of the steering wheel (300) based on the signal change of the HOD pad (200).

13. A carrier, characterized by Comprise the steering wheel assembly according to claim 12.

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