Multifunctional steering wheel

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of automobile parts, and provides a multifunctional steering wheel, which comprises a multifunctional module, a light-emitting unit, a light-emitting unit and a light-emitting unit, and / or the vibration unit is arranged on a framework of the steering wheel; the electronic control module comprises a vehicle-mounted entertainment system interface; a vehicle-mounted control system interface; the audio processing unit is connected with the vehicle-mounted entertainment system interface; the micro-control unit is connected with the vehicle-mounted control system interface and the audio processing unit; and the driving chip is connected with the audio processing unit and the micro-control unit, and is connected with the multifunctional module. According to the multifunctional steering wheel, the corresponding light-emitting signals and / or vibration signals can be sent out according to the audio signals of the vehicle-mounted entertainment system and the safety signals of the vehicle-mounted control system, visual sense and / or touch sense perception are / is achieved, the intelligence, the science and technology sense and the entertainment of the steering wheel are improved, and the use experience of a user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive parts technology, and more specifically, to a multi-functional steering wheel. Background Technology

[0002] In a vehicle, the steering wheel, besides the seat, is the component that has the longest direct contact with the user's body and is also an important component for user interaction with the vehicle. With the development of automotive intelligence, user functional needs for the steering wheel are also changing, requiring it to have more intelligent functions.

[0003] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this utility model, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a multi-functional steering wheel that can emit corresponding light and / or vibration signals based on the audio signals of the in-vehicle entertainment system and the safety signals of the in-vehicle control system, thereby realizing the visual and / or tactile perception of the steering wheel, improving the intelligence, technological feel and entertainment of the steering wheel, and enhancing the user experience.

[0005] According to one aspect of this utility model, a multi-functional steering wheel is provided, comprising: a multi-functional module, including: a light-emitting unit disposed in the visible area of ​​the steering wheel; and / or, a vibration unit disposed on the frame of the steering wheel; an electronic control module, including: an in-vehicle entertainment system interface for connecting to an in-vehicle entertainment system; an in-vehicle control system interface for connecting to an in-vehicle control system; an audio processing unit connected to the in-vehicle entertainment system interface; a microcontroller unit connected to the in-vehicle control system interface and the audio processing unit; and a driver chip connected to the audio processing unit and the microcontroller unit, and connected to the multi-functional module.

[0006] In some embodiments, when the multifunctional module includes the light-emitting unit, the driving chip includes a light-emitting driving chip connected to the light-emitting unit; when the multifunctional module includes the vibration unit, the driving chip includes a vibration driving chip connected to the vibration unit.

[0007] In some embodiments, the audio processing unit is an audio decoding chip.

[0008] In some embodiments, the electronic control module further includes a communication chip, through which the microcontroller unit is connected to the vehicle control system interface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the electronic control module further includes a power interface for connecting to an on-board power supply.

[0010] In some embodiments, the electronic control module further includes a power management chip connected to the power interface and connected to the audio processing unit, the microcontroller unit, and the driver chip.

[0011] In some embodiments, the electronic control module is located in an area not visible from the steering wheel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the light-emitting unit is an LED light strip.

[0013] In some embodiments, the vibration unit is a motor.

[0014] In some embodiments, the multi-function steering wheel has an entertainment interaction mode and a safety warning mode; in the entertainment interaction mode, the multi-function module emits an entertainment interaction signal corresponding to the audio signal transmitted by the in-vehicle entertainment system interface, wherein the audio signal originates from the in-vehicle entertainment system, is processed by the audio processing unit and the microcontroller unit, and is transmitted to the multi-function module through the driver chip; in the safety warning mode, the multi-function module emits a safety warning signal corresponding to the safety signal transmitted by the in-vehicle control system interface, wherein the safety signal originates from the in-vehicle control system, is processed by the microcontroller unit, and is transmitted to the multi-function module through the driver chip; wherein the entertainment interaction signal and the safety warning signal respectively include the light emission signal emitted by the light emission unit and / or the vibration signal emitted by the vibration unit.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model compared with the prior art include at least the following:

[0016] This utility model provides a multi-functional steering wheel that achieves visual perception through light-emitting units located in the visible area of ​​the steering wheel, and tactile perception through vibration units located on the steering wheel frame. Audio signals from the in-vehicle entertainment system are transmitted via an interface, and safety signals from the in-vehicle control system are transmitted via an interface. An audio processing unit and a microcontroller unit work together to process the audio signals from the in-vehicle entertainment system and the safety signals from the in-vehicle control system. Furthermore, a driver chip drives the multi-functional module to cause the light-emitting units to emit light signals corresponding to the audio / safety signals, and / or to cause the vibration units to emit vibration signals corresponding to the audio / safety signals. This achieves visual and / or tactile perception of the steering wheel, enhancing its intelligence, technological sophistication, and entertainment value, and improving the user experience.

[0017] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments conforming to the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This diagram shows the structure of the multi-functional steering wheel in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the modular architecture of the multi-functional steering wheel in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present invention more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0022] The accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore, repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used solely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. The term "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, when it is said that a device is "connected" to another device, this includes not only direct connections but also indirect connections through other elements.

[0024] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this utility model and the features in different embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0025] Figure 1 This illustration shows the structure of the multi-functional steering wheel in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This illustration shows the modular architecture of the multi-functional steering wheel in an embodiment of the present invention; combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the multi-functional steering wheel 100 provided in this embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0026] The multi-functional module includes: a light-emitting unit 110 disposed in the visible area of ​​the steering wheel; and / or a vibration unit 120 disposed on the frame of the steering wheel.

[0027] The electronic control module 130 includes: an in-vehicle entertainment system interface 131 for connecting to an in-vehicle entertainment system; an in-vehicle control system interface 132 for connecting to an in-vehicle control system; an audio processing unit 133 connected to the in-vehicle entertainment system interface 131; a microcontroller unit 134 connected to the in-vehicle control system interface 132 and the audio processing unit 133; and a driver chip 135 connected to the audio processing unit 133 and the microcontroller unit 134, and connected to the multi-function module.

[0028] The visible area of ​​the steering wheel refers to the area of ​​the steering wheel that can be seen by the user when it is in use, mainly including the front of the steering wheel. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates that the light-emitting unit 110 is located in the upper area of ​​the front of the steering wheel, but is not limited thereto.

[0029] The steering wheel frame is the supporting structure of the steering wheel. It has high strength and is suitable for installing vibration unit 120. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates that the vibration unit 120 is located in the lower region of the steering wheel hub, but this is not a limitation.

[0030] An in-vehicle entertainment system refers to a system within a vehicle that provides entertainment functions such as audio, video, and navigation, satisfying the entertainment needs of the driver and passengers. The electronic control module 130 is equipped with an in-vehicle entertainment system interface 131 for connecting to the in-vehicle entertainment system, capable of receiving audio signals emitted by the in-vehicle entertainment system and controlling the multi-function module to provide corresponding feedback and interaction.

[0031] The vehicle control system refers to the system within a vehicle used to manage and control various vehicle functions and performance. The vehicle control system can monitor and adjust the vehicle's operating status in real time to ensure safe and stable driving. The electronic control module 130 is equipped with a vehicle control system interface 132 for connection to the vehicle control system, capable of receiving safety signals from the vehicle control system and controlling the multi-function module to provide corresponding feedback and interaction.

[0032] The audio processing unit 133 is connected to the in-vehicle entertainment system interface 131 and can process audio signals from the in-vehicle entertainment system. Combined with the collaborative processing of the microcontroller unit 134, it generates audio signals for controlling the multi-function module to provide corresponding feedback interaction.

[0033] The microcontroller unit (MCU) 134 is connected to the vehicle control system interface 132 and can process safety signals from the vehicle control system to generate safety signals for controlling the multi-function module to provide corresponding feedback interaction.

[0034] The driver chip 135 is connected between the audio processing unit 133, the microcontroller unit 134, and the multi-function module. It can drive the light-emitting unit 110 and / or the vibration unit 120 to emit corresponding entertainment and interactive signals according to the audio signal, and can drive the light-emitting unit 110 and / or the vibration unit 120 to emit corresponding safety warning signals according to the safety signal.

[0035] Therefore, the multi-functional steering wheel 100 of this invention emits light signals through the light-emitting unit 110 located in the visible area of ​​the steering wheel to achieve visual perception, and emits vibration signals through the vibration unit 120 located on the frame of the steering wheel to achieve tactile perception. Audio signals from the in-vehicle entertainment system are transmitted through the in-vehicle entertainment system interface 131, and safety signals from the in-vehicle control system are transmitted through the in-vehicle control system interface 132. The audio processing unit 133 and the microcontroller unit 134 work together to process the audio signals from the in-vehicle entertainment system and the safety signals from the in-vehicle control system, and further drive the multi-functional module through the driver chip 135, causing the light-emitting unit 110 to emit light signals corresponding to the audio signals / safety signals, and / or causing the vibration unit 120 to emit vibration signals corresponding to the audio signals / safety signals, thus realizing visual and / or tactile perception of the steering wheel, improving the steering wheel's intelligence, technological feel, and entertainment value, and enhancing the user experience.

[0036] In some embodiments, the multifunction steering wheel 100 has an entertainment interaction mode. In the entertainment interaction mode, the multifunction module emits an entertainment interaction signal corresponding to the audio signal transmitted by the in-vehicle entertainment system interface 131. The entertainment interaction signal includes an emitting signal emitted by the emitting unit 110 and / or a vibration signal emitted by the vibration unit 120. The audio signal originates from the in-vehicle entertainment system, is processed by the audio processing unit 133 and the microcontroller unit 134, and is transmitted to the multifunction module via the driver chip 135. Specifically, the audio signal from the in-vehicle entertainment system is, for example, a song being played by the in-vehicle entertainment system. The audio processing unit 133 can analyze the audio signal (including filtering control, vocal cancellation, beat tracking, etc.) and, in conjunction with the collaborative processing of the microcontroller unit 134, generate an audio signal for controlling the multifunction module to provide corresponding feedback interaction. The audio signal is further transmitted to the driver chip 135 to drive the light-emitting unit 110 to emit a light-emitting signal corresponding to the audio signal. For example, the color and brightness of the light-emitting signal change with the rhythm of the audio signal. In addition, the vibration unit 120 can also emit a vibration signal corresponding to the audio signal. For example, the frequency and vibration intensity of the vibration signal change with the rhythm of the audio signal. In this way, the multi-function steering wheel 100 achieves visual / tactile perception synchronized with the audio signal, allowing users to feel light and shadow / rhythm synchronized with the music beat, greatly enhancing the user's entertainment and interactive experience.

[0037] In addition to changing with the rhythm of the music, the light emission color, brightness, and flashing frequency of the light emission unit 110, as well as the vibration amplitude and frequency of the vibration unit 120, can also change according to the music style (such as rock, pop, classical, country, etc.) to create a relaxed and suitable driving atmosphere.

[0038] In some embodiments, the multi-function steering wheel 100 has a safety warning mode. In the safety warning mode, the multi-function module emits a warning signal corresponding to the safety signal transmitted by the vehicle control system interface 132. The warning signal includes a light emission signal emitted by the light-emitting unit 110 and / or a vibration signal emitted by the vibration unit 120. The safety signal originates from the vehicle control system, is processed by the microcontroller unit 134, and is transmitted to the multi-function module via the driver chip 135. Specifically, the safety signal from the vehicle control system includes, for example, blind spot warning signals, lane keeping assist signals, distance warning signals, lane change assist signals, speed warning signals, and other safety signals related to driving safety. The type of safety signal depends on the configuration of the vehicle control system. The multi-function steering wheel 100 of this invention can provide early warnings to the driver based on safety signals through light and / or vibration feedback. Specifically, the microcontroller unit 134 analyzes the safety signal and further transmits it to the driver chip 135, so that the driver chip 135 drives the light-emitting unit 110 and / or the vibration unit 120 to emit synchronized safety warning signals. For example, upon receiving a blind spot warning signal, the luminous unit 110 can be controlled to emit orange light accompanied by flashing at a certain frequency. At this time, the vibration frequency of the vibration unit 120 can be consistent with the flashing frequency of the luminous unit 110. Similarly, upon receiving a distance warning signal indicating insufficient following distance, the luminous unit 110 can be controlled to emit red light accompanied by flashing at a higher frequency, and the vibration unit 120 can be made to vibrate with a higher amplitude. Under different safety levels, the feedback of the luminous unit 110 and / or the vibration unit 120 can be configured as needed to conform to the user's driving habits. This allows for control of the brightness / flashing frequency of the luminous unit 110 and / or the vibration frequency / amplitude of the vibration unit 120 at different safety levels, thereby improving driver assistance functions and enhancing driving safety.

[0039] In some embodiments, the priority of the vehicle control system interface 132 can be set to be higher than that of the vehicle entertainment system interface 131. That is, when both an audio signal from the vehicle entertainment system and a safety signal from the vehicle control system are received simultaneously, the microcontroller unit 134 extracts the safety signal and ignores the audio signal, causing the light-emitting unit 110 and / or the vibration unit 120 to emit light-emitting signals and / or vibration signals corresponding to the safety signal, so as to prioritize driving safety.

[0040] The multi-function steering wheel 100 can be customized with separate lighting functions according to the needs of users and car manufacturers, that is, only the light-emitting unit 110 and the corresponding control module are configured. It can also be customized with separate vibration functions, that is, only the vibration unit 120 and the corresponding control module are configured. Alternatively, it can be configured with both the light-emitting unit 110 and the vibration unit 120 as well as a complete electronic control module 130.

[0041] In some embodiments, when the multifunctional module includes a light-emitting unit 110, the driving chip 135 includes a light-emitting driving chip 135a connected to the light-emitting unit 110; when the multifunctional module includes a vibration unit 120, the driving chip 135 includes a vibration driving chip 135b connected to the vibration unit 120.

[0042] The light-emitting unit 110 can be a light strip containing multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), using LEDs as the light source and achieving rich color variations through the RGB color mode. In this case, the light-emitting driver chip 135a is the LED driver chip. The light strip can include one or more strips and can be arranged around the contour of the steering wheel. For example, Figure 1 The diagram shows that the light strip is an arc-shaped light strip, set along the circular outline of the steering wheel, but it is not limited to this.

[0043] The vibration unit 120 can be a motor. In this case, the vibration drive chip 135b is the motor drive chip.

[0044] In some embodiments, the electronic control module 130 is located in a non-visible area of ​​the steering wheel. For example, the electronic control module 130 can be embedded inside the steering wheel. Specifically, the electronic control module 130 can be formed as a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) structure to facilitate embedding inside the steering wheel. In this way, the electronic control module 130 is protected on the one hand, and the appearance of the steering wheel is not affected on the other.

[0045] Figure 1 In the diagram, the electronic control module 130 is shown on the outside of the steering wheel to illustrate its function, and it is shown that the electronic control module 130 is connected to the light-emitting unit 110 and the vibration unit 120 via wires 139. In actual products, depending on design requirements, the electronic control module 130 can be embedded inside the steering wheel, and the wires 139 can be hidden inside the steering wheel.

[0046] In some embodiments, the audio processing unit 133 is an audio decoding chip. The audio decoding chip can analyze the audio signal, generate a digital signal, and then control the light-emitting unit 110 and / or the vibration unit 120 to emit corresponding signals through the driver chip 135.

[0047] In some embodiments, the electronic control module 130 further includes a communication chip 136, through which the microcontroller unit 134 is connected to the vehicle control system interface 132. The communication chip 136 enables communication between the microcontroller unit 134 and the vehicle control system.

[0048] In some embodiments, the electronic control module 130 further includes a power interface 137 for connecting to a vehicle power supply. The power interface 137 receives power signals from the vehicle power supply and supplies power to the electronic control module 130.

[0049] Furthermore, the electronic control module 130 also includes a power management chip 138, which is connected to the power interface 137 and to the audio processing unit 133, the microcontroller unit 134, and the driver chip 135. The power management chip 138 can distribute power and control voltage and current to ensure the stable operation of functional units such as the audio processing unit 133, the microcontroller unit 134, and the driver chip 135 in the electronic control module 130.

[0050] In summary, the multi-functional steering wheel 100 of this utility model can process audio signals from the in-vehicle entertainment system and safety signals from the in-vehicle control system through the coordinated action of the audio processing unit 133 and the microcontroller unit 134. Furthermore, it drives the multi-functional module through the driver chip 135, causing the light-emitting unit 110 to emit light signals corresponding to the audio signals / safety signals, and / or causing the vibration unit 120 to emit vibration signals corresponding to the audio signals / safety signals. This enables visual and / or tactile perception of the steering wheel, improves the intelligence, technological feel and entertainment of the steering wheel, and enhances the user experience.

[0051] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific implementation of the present invention is limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-functional steering wheel, characterized in that, include: The multi-functional module includes: A light-emitting unit is disposed in the visible area of ​​the steering wheel; and / or A vibration unit is mounted on the frame of the steering wheel; The electronic control module includes: In-vehicle entertainment system interface, used to connect to the in-vehicle entertainment system; The vehicle control system interface is used to connect to the vehicle control system. An audio processing unit is connected to the in-vehicle entertainment system interface; The microcontroller unit is connected to the vehicle control system interface and the audio processing unit; and The driver chip is connected to the audio processing unit and the microcontroller unit, and is also connected to the multifunctional module.

2. The multi-functional steering wheel as described in claim 1, characterized in that: When the multifunctional module includes the light-emitting unit, the driving chip includes a light-emitting driving chip connected to the light-emitting unit; When the multifunctional module includes the vibration unit, the drive chip includes a vibration drive chip connected to the vibration unit.

3. The multi-functional steering wheel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The audio processing unit is an audio decoding chip.

4. The multi-functional steering wheel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic control module also includes: A communication chip is provided, through which the microcontroller unit connects to the vehicle control system interface.

5. The multi-functional steering wheel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic control module also includes: Power interface for connecting to the vehicle's power supply.

6. The multi-functional steering wheel as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The electronic control module also includes: A power management chip is connected to the power interface and also to the audio processing unit, the microcontroller unit, and the driver chip.

7. The multi-functional steering wheel as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The electronic control module is located in an area not visible from the steering wheel.

8. The multi-functional steering wheel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The light-emitting unit is an LED light strip.

9. The multi-functional steering wheel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The vibration unit is a motor.

10. The multi-functional steering wheel as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The multi-functional steering wheel features an entertainment and interactive mode as well as a safety warning mode. In the entertainment interaction mode, the multi-functional module emits an entertainment interaction signal corresponding to the audio signal transmitted by the in-vehicle entertainment system interface. The audio signal originates from the in-vehicle entertainment system, is processed by the audio processing unit and the microcontroller unit, and is transmitted to the multi-functional module through the driver chip. In the safety warning mode, the multi-functional module sends a safety warning signal corresponding to the safety signal transmitted by the vehicle control system interface. The safety signal comes from the vehicle control system, is processed by the microcontroller unit, and is transmitted to the multi-functional module through the driver chip. The entertainment interaction signal and the safety warning signal respectively include the light emission signal emitted by the light emission unit and / or the vibration signal emitted by the vibration unit.

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