A zoned steering wheel hands-off detection device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a partition formula steering wheel hand -off detection device, include: a plurality of electric capacity type sensor, a plurality of electric capacity type sensor circumferential interval installation in steering wheel rim, and every electric capacity type sensor corresponds the detection area of steering wheel rim, is used for detecting the capacitance value change of corresponding area, and hand -off detection controller, hand -off detection controller is connected with every electric capacity type sensor respectively, is used for receiving the electric capacity signal that every electric capacity type sensor gathered, and according to the position and attitude of the driver hand -held steering wheel that gathered electric capacity signal determines. The utility model has the advantages such as positioning accurate, high safety, can adapt to a variety of driving postures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive steering wheel technology, and in particular to a zoned steering wheel hands-off detection device. Background Technology

[0002] During driving, whether the driver holds the steering wheel and the state of their hands are crucial to driving safety. Most existing steering wheel hands-off detection technologies use a holistic detection method, which can only simply determine whether the driver is touching the steering wheel, but cannot accurately determine the specific position and posture of the driver's hands on the steering wheel. This makes it difficult for the system to accurately assess the driver's degree of control over the vehicle in certain driving scenarios, such as when the driver is operating the vehicle with one hand or partially off the steering wheel, thus affecting the effectiveness of driving safety assurance.

[0003] Therefore, through beneficial exploration and research, the applicant has found a solution to the above problems, and the technical solution to be introduced below is the result of this research. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a partitioned steering wheel off-hand detection device that can more accurately and meticulously detect the driver's hand-holding status on the steering wheel, in order to address the shortcomings of the existing technology.

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model can be achieved by the following technical solution:

[0006] A zoned steering wheel hands-off detection device includes:

[0007] A plurality of capacitive sensors are circumferentially spaced within the steering wheel rim, each capacitive sensor corresponding to a detection area of ​​the steering wheel rim, used to detect changes in capacitance value in the corresponding area; and

[0008] The hands-off detection controller is connected to each capacitive sensor to receive the capacitance signal collected by each capacitive sensor and determine the position and posture of the driver's hands on the steering wheel based on the collected capacitance signal.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, there are eight capacitive sensors, and the steering wheel rim is evenly divided into eight detection areas, with the central angle of each detection area being 45°.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the hands-off detection controller is installed inside the lower cover of the steering wheel and fixed by the lower cover clip, and is connected to each capacitive sensor through a signal transmission line.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the capacitive sensor uses a capacitive conductive cloth.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the off-hand detection controller uses a control chip of model CVM0129CVLF.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the off-hand detection controller is also connected to the vehicle instrument display screen to transmit the detection results to the vehicle instrument display screen for display.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a low-dropout linear regulator is further included. The input terminal of the low-dropout linear regulator is connected to a 12V power supply, its output terminal is connected to the off-hand detection controller, and its ground terminal is grounded.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, an alarm module is further included. The alarm module is connected to the hands-off detection controller. When the driver's hands are detected to be off the steering wheel and the vehicle is in automatic or assisted driving mode, the hands-off detection controller controls the alarm module to issue a warning signal.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the alarm module includes:

[0017] A flexible LED ambient light strip, wherein the flexible LED ambient light strip is embedded in an annular groove on the outer surface of the steering wheel rim and connected to the hands-off detection controller; and

[0018] An ultra-thin light-transmitting layer covers the outer peripheral surface of the flexible LED ambient light strip.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a safety control module is also included. The safety control module is connected to the hands-off detection controller. When an alarm is issued, if the driver does not respond within a certain period of time, the hands-off detection controller controls the safety control module to automatically take safety measures to slow down and stop.

[0020] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0021] 1. Precise positioning. This invention can accurately determine the specific position of the driver's hands on the steering wheel, and compared with existing overall detection technology, it can more accurately monitor the driver's operating status;

[0022] 2. High safety. This invention can more precisely assess the driver's degree of control over the vehicle based on the contact conditions of different detection areas. When the system detects that the driver's hands have left the steering wheel and the vehicle is in automatic or assisted driving mode, it can promptly issue a warning to remind the driver to grip the steering wheel again. If the driver does not respond, the vehicle control system can take further measures, such as slowing down and stopping, to ensure driving safety.

[0023] 3. Adaptable to various driving postures. Whether the driver holds the steering wheel normally or in other special postures, the eight detection areas can adapt well, improving the reliability and robustness of the detection;

[0024] 4. Enhanced visual effects. This invention features a flexible LED ambient light strip on the outer surface of the steering wheel rim. The flexible LED ambient light strip produces different brightness levels depending on the hand grip and vehicle status, integrating safety warnings, environmental perception, and emotional interaction, transforming the steering wheel from a simple control component into a visual element that allows the driver to perceive the vehicle's status. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the steering wheel partition layout of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the following description, in conjunction with specific illustrations, further elaborates on this utility model.

[0029] See Figure 1 The figure shows a partitioned steering wheel hands-off detection device, which includes eight capacitive sensors 100 and a hands-off detection controller 200.

[0030] See Figure 2 and combined Figure 1Eight capacitive sensors 100 are evenly spaced circumferentially within the steering wheel rim 10. The steering wheel rim 10 is evenly divided into eight detection areas 11, numbered 1 to 8 clockwise from the top of the steering wheel, with each detection area having a central angle of 45°. Each capacitive sensor 100 corresponds to one detection area 11 of the steering wheel rim 10 and is used to detect changes in the capacitance value of the corresponding area. Of course, the number of capacitive sensors 100 is not limited to that in this embodiment; it should be set according to actual detection needs. A greater number of capacitive sensors 100 results in better detection accuracy and detail, but increases the difficulty of data acquisition and processing. In this embodiment, the capacitive sensors 100 are preferably made of capacitive conductive cloth.

[0031] The sensing principle of the capacitive sensor 100 is to use the human body as a conductor. When the driver's hand approaches or touches the capacitive sensor 100 in a certain detection area, it will change the capacitance value between the capacitive sensor 100 and the reference ground in that detection area. The capacitive sensor 100 converts the detected capacitance value change into an electrical signal and sends it to the off-hand detection controller 200 through the signal transmission line.

[0032] The hands-off detection controller 200 is installed inside the lower cover of the steering wheel and secured by the lower cover clips. It is also connected to each capacitive sensor 100 via signal transmission lines to receive the capacitance signals collected by each sensor and determine the driver's hand position and posture on the steering wheel based on the collected capacitance signals. In this embodiment, the hands-off detection controller 200 preferably uses a control chip of model CVM0129CVLF, which integrates capacitance sensing functionality and collects capacitance signals through a capacitive conductive cloth.

[0033] The hands-free detection controller 200 is also connected to the vehicle instrument display screen 20 to transmit the detection results to the vehicle instrument display screen 20 for display.

[0034] The partitioned steering wheel hands-off detection device of this utility model also includes a low-dropout linear regulator 300. The input terminal of the low-dropout linear regulator 300 is connected to a 12V power supply, its output terminal is connected to the hands-off detection controller 200, and its ground terminal is grounded to provide a stable DC voltage for the hands-off detection controller 200.

[0035] The partitioned steering wheel hands-off detection device of this utility model also includes an alarm module 400, which is connected to the hands-off detection controller 200. When the driver's hands are detected to be off the steering wheel and the vehicle is in automatic or assisted driving mode, the hands-off detection controller 200 controls the alarm module 400 to issue a warning signal. In this embodiment, the alarm module 400 includes a flexible LED ambient light strip (not shown in the figure) and an ultra-thin light-transmitting layer (not shown in the figure). The flexible LED ambient light strip is embedded in an annular groove on the outer wheel surface of the steering wheel rim 10 and is connected to the hands-off detection controller 200. The ultra-thin light-transmitting layer covers the outer periphery of the flexible LED ambient light strip. The ultra-thin light-transmitting layer is made of ultra-thin light-transmitting leather with a thickness of 0.8mm. When not lit, only the leather texture is visible; when lit, it presents a soft light strip. The nighttime brightness of the flexible LED ambient light strip automatically matches the dashboard to avoid light pollution. When autonomous driving takes over, the flexible LED ambient lighting strip emits blue light across the entire area. Simultaneously, as the driver's hands grip the steering wheel, the corresponding light strip in each of the eight detection zones illuminates a different color, increasing dynamic feedback (e.g., a smooth transition when the hand moves from zone 1 to zone 2) and enhancing human-machine interaction. This invention integrates safety warnings, environmental perception, and emotional interaction, transforming the steering wheel from a simple control component into a visual tool for the driver to perceive the vehicle's status.

[0036] The partitioned steering wheel hands-off detection device of this utility model also includes a safety control module 500, which is connected to the hands-off detection controller 200. When an alarm is issued, if the driver does not respond within a certain period of time, the hands-off detection controller 200 controls the safety control module 500 to automatically take deceleration and stopping safety measures. The safety control module 500 is directly connected to the hands-off detection controller via the CAN bus in the autonomous driving ADAS. The received instructions include "alarm non-response signal", "current vehicle speed signal" and "current vehicle driving mode (assisted driving / autonomous driving)", ensuring that the control strategy is adapted to the scenario. For example, in high-speed conditions, it first "gradually decelerates to 60km / h" and then gradually stops, while in low-speed conditions, it directly triggers parking, which is completely matched with the logic closed loop of the overall partitioned hands-off detection device.

[0037] The working principle of this utility model's partitioned steering wheel hands-off detection device is as follows:

[0038] 1. During the steering wheel manufacturing process, eight capacitive sensors 100 are evenly installed inside the steering wheel rim 10. During installation, it is necessary to ensure that the position of each sensor is accurate and can cover the corresponding 45° detection area, and to ensure that the connection between the capacitive sensor 100 and the steering wheel rim 10 is firm to ensure the stability of the detection.

[0039] 2. After installation, calibrate the capacitive sensor 100. By simulating different hand contact conditions, adjust the sensitivity of the capacitive sensor 100 so that the capacitance value change signal output by each capacitive sensor 100 is basically consistent under the same hand contact conditions. At the same time, set an appropriate capacitance value threshold. Based on the actual test results, determine a capacitance value threshold that can accurately distinguish between hand contact and non-contact states. This capacitance threshold should take into account the influence of factors such as different driver hand sizes and humidity.

[0040] 3. After the vehicle starts, the capacitive sensors 100 detect changes in capacitance values ​​in their respective areas in real time and transmit the signals to the hands-off detection controller 200. The hands-off detection controller 200 determines whether there is hand contact in each detection area based on the received signals and preset capacitance thresholds, and comprehensively analyzes the driver's hand position on the steering wheel. If the system detects that the driver's hands have left the steering wheel and the vehicle is in automatic or assisted driving mode, it immediately issues a warning signal to remind the driver to regain control of the steering wheel. If the driver does not respond within a certain time, the system can automatically take safety measures such as deceleration and stopping.

[0041] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A zoned steering wheel hands-off detection device, characterized in that, include: A plurality of capacitive sensors are circumferentially spaced inside the steering wheel rim. Each capacitive sensor corresponds to a detection area of ​​the steering wheel rim and is used to detect changes in capacitance value in the corresponding area. as well as The hands-off detection controller is connected to each capacitive sensor to receive the capacitance signal collected by each capacitive sensor and determine the position and posture of the driver's hands on the steering wheel based on the collected capacitance signal.

2. The zoned steering wheel hands-off detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, There are eight capacitive sensors, and the steering wheel rim is evenly divided into eight detection areas, with the central angle of each detection area being 45°.

3. The zoned steering wheel hands-off detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hands-off detection controller is installed inside the lower cover of the steering wheel and is fixed by the lower cover clips. It is also connected to each capacitive sensor via signal transmission lines.

4. The zoned steering wheel hands-off detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The capacitive sensor uses capacitive conductive cloth.

5. The zoned steering wheel hands-off detection device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The off-hand detection controller uses a control chip with model number CVM0129CVLF.

6. The zoned steering wheel hands-off detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The off-hand detection controller is also connected to the vehicle's instrument panel display screen to transmit the detection results to the display screen for display.

7. The zoned steering wheel hands-off detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a low-dropout linear regulator, whose input terminal is connected to a 12V power supply, its output terminal is connected to the off-hand detection controller, and its ground terminal is grounded.

8. The partitioned steering wheel hands-off detection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, It also includes an alarm module, which is connected to the hands-off detection controller. When the alarm module detects that the driver's hands have left the steering wheel and the vehicle is in automatic or assisted driving mode, the hands-off detection controller controls the alarm module to issue a warning signal.

9. The zoned steering wheel hands-off detection device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The alarm module includes: A flexible LED ambient light strip, wherein the flexible LED ambient light strip is embedded in an annular groove on the outer surface of the steering wheel rim and connected to the hands-off detection controller; and An ultra-thin light-transmitting layer covers the outer peripheral surface of the flexible LED ambient light strip.

10. The zoned steering wheel hands-off detection device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a safety control module, which is connected to the hands-off detection controller. When an alarm is issued, if the driver does not respond within a certain period of time, the hands-off detection controller controls the safety control module to automatically take safety measures to slow down and stop the vehicle.

Images