Hand-off detection pad assembly and foldable steering wheel

Abstract

A hand-off detection pad assembly and a foldable steering wheel are disclosed. The hand-off detection pad assembly includes a first detection section including a first shield layer and a first sensor layer arranged around the first shield layer, and a second detection section including a second shield layer and a second sensor layer arranged around the second shield layer. The first shield layer is electrically connected to the second shield layer via a connecting line. The foldable steering wheel includes the hand-off detection pad assembly as described above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to the field of vehicle engineering, and more specifically, to a hands-free detection pad assembly and a foldable steering wheel. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of automotive intelligence and autonomous driving technologies, in-vehicle space design and human-machine interaction modes are undergoing a revolution. The fixed structure of traditional steering wheels is gradually becoming insufficient to meet the needs of high-level autonomous driving scenarios (such as Level 3 and above). In autonomous driving mode, drivers may need more flexible space or switch to other interaction methods (such as screens or voice). Folding steering wheel technology has emerged to address this need, a design that not only optimizes cabin space but also enhances the user's riding experience.

[0003] Hands-off detection is a key safety technology in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving. Although Level 3 and above autonomous driving allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel under certain conditions, regulations require vehicles to continuously monitor the driver's status to ensure that the driver can take over in a timely manner when requested by the system.

[0004] The coordinated design of folding steering wheel and hands-off detection is a key aspect of smart cockpit integration. When the steering wheel is folded, traditional contact sensors may fail, requiring redundant solutions (such as infrared / ToF sensors or cockpit cameras) to continuously monitor driver attention. Utility Model Content

[0005] One of the purposes of this application is to provide a hands-free detection pad assembly and a foldable steering wheel that can overcome at least one defect in the prior art.

[0006] One objective of this application is to provide a hands-free detection component and a foldable steering wheel, wherein the sensor can perform hands-free detection normally when the steering wheel is folded.

[0007] Another objective of this application is to provide a hands-free detection component and a foldable steering wheel that can provide the integrity of the detection signal, improve the accuracy of the detection capacitance measurement, and ensure the stability of the output signal.

[0008] According to a first aspect of this application, a hands-free detection pad assembly is provided for a foldable steering wheel, characterized in that the hands-free detection pad assembly comprises:

[0009] A first detection section, the first detection section including a first shielding layer and a first sensor layer, the first sensor layer being arranged around the first shielding layer; and

[0010] The second detection section includes a second shielding layer and a second sensor layer, with the second sensor layer arranged around the second shielding layer.

[0011] The first shielding layer is electrically connected to the second shielding layer via a connecting wire.

[0012] Through the electrical connection of the connecting wire, the first shielding layer and the second shielding layer form a whole in the closed-loop circuit, which associates the first detection section and the second detection section with each other, so that the release detection signal for the first folding section and the release detection signal for the second folding section are correlated with each other, thus ensuring the integrity of the detection signal.

[0013] In some embodiments of the hand-release detection pad assembly, a first detection capacitor is formed between the first sensor layer and the first shielding layer, and a second detection capacitor is formed between the second sensor layer and the second shielding layer.

[0014] In some embodiments of the release detection pad assembly, the first shielding layer and the second shielding layer together form the detection reference for the first detection capacitor and the second detection capacitor.

[0015] By using both the first and second shielding layers as the detection references for the first and second detection capacitors, the function of the shielding layers as a reference can be ensured, while improving the accuracy of capacitance measurement and guaranteeing the stability of the output signal.

[0016] In some embodiments of the release detection pad assembly, one end of the first shielding layer is communicatively connected to the electronic control unit, and the other end of the first shielding layer is electrically connected to the connecting line; and one end of the second shielding layer is communicatively connected to the electronic control unit, and the other end of the second shielding layer is electrically connected to the connecting line.

[0017] In some embodiments of the hand-release detection pad assembly, the two ends of the first sensor layer are communicatively connected to an electronic control unit, and the two ends of the second sensor layer are communicatively connected to the electronic control unit.

[0018] In some embodiments of the hand-drop detection pad assembly, the hand-drop detection pad assembly further includes a connector disposed between the connecting line and the first shielding layer, between the connecting line and the second shielding layer, and / or on the connecting line.

[0019] By using connectors, the assembly and disassembly of the hand-release detection pad assembly can be easily completed, and the circuit can be easily connected and disconnected.

[0020] In some embodiments of the release detection pad assembly, the release detection pad assembly further includes a grounding wire connected to the connecting wire.

[0021] According to a second aspect of this application, a foldable steering wheel is provided, which includes a hands-free detection pad assembly as described above.

[0022] In some embodiments of a foldable steering wheel, the foldable steering wheel includes a first folding section and a second folding section that can be folded relative to each other, a first shielding layer and a first sensor layer being disposed in the first folding section, and a second shielding layer and a second sensor layer being disposed in the second folding section.

[0023] In some embodiments of the foldable steering wheel, the first folding segment and the second folding segment are pivotally connected to a middle segment to fold and unfold relative to the middle segment, wherein the connecting line is arranged in the middle segment.

[0024] According to the foldable steering wheel and its hands-off detection pad assembly of this application, by connecting the shielding layers in each folding section via connecting lines, these shielding layers form a complete whole, which helps to serve as a reference for hands-off detection, ensures the integrity of the detection signal, significantly improves the accuracy of capacitance measurement, and guarantees the stability of the output signal. Attached Figure Description

[0025] A better understanding of various aspects of this application will be achieved by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of a foldable steering wheel according to some embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a foldable steering wheel according to some embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the rim of a foldable steering wheel according to some embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a hand-release detection pad assembly according to some embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a hand-release detection pad assembly according to some embodiments of this application; and

[0031] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a hand-release detection pad assembly according to some embodiments of this application.

[0032] List of reference numerals

[0033] First folding section 1; middle section 12; frame 121; foam layer 122; outer layer 123; shielding layer 124; sensor layer 125; heating layer 126;

[0034] Second fold section 2;

[0035] First detection section 3; First shielding layer 32; First sensor layer 34; First end 322; Wiring harness 323; Second end 324; First end 342; Wiring harness 343; Second end 344; Wiring harness 345;

[0036] Second detection section 4; second shielding layer 42; second sensor layer 44; first end 422; wiring harness 423; second end 424; first end 442; wiring harness 443; second end 444; wiring harness 445;

[0037] 51. Connecting wire; 52. Grounding wire; 53. Electronic control unit; 54. Connector. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present application. However, it should be understood that the present application can be presented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below; in fact, the embodiments described below are intended to make the disclosure of the present application more complete and to fully illustrate the scope of protection of the present application to those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide more additional embodiments.

[0039] It should be understood that the same reference numerals denote the same elements in all the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the dimensions of certain features may be modified in the drawings.

[0040] It should be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit this application. All terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail.

[0041] Unless otherwise specified, the singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this specification include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “containing” used in this specification indicate the presence of the claimed feature but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features. The term “and / or” used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. The terms “between X and Y” and “between approximately X and Y” used in this specification should be interpreted as including both X and Y. The term “between approximately X and Y” used in this specification means “between approximately X and approximately Y,” and the term “from approximately X to Y” used in this specification means “from approximately X to approximately Y.”

[0042] In the specification, when an element is described as being "on," "attached," "connected," "coupled," or "in contact" with another element, the element can be directly located on, attached to, connected to, coupled to, or in contact with the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly" located on, directly attached to, directly connected to, directly coupled to, or directly in contact with another element, no intermediate elements are present. In the specification, a feature arranged "adjacent" to another feature can mean that a feature has a portion overlapping with the adjacent feature or a portion located above or below the adjacent feature.

[0043] In the specification, spatial relation terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," "back," "high," and "low" describe the relationship between one feature and another in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that spatial relation terms include not only the orientation shown in the drawings but also the different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, when the device in the drawings is inverted, a feature previously described as "below" other features can now be described as "above" other features. The device can also be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), in which case the relative spatial relationships will be explained accordingly.

[0044] With the rapid development of automotive intelligence and autonomous driving technologies, in-vehicle space design and human-machine interaction modes are undergoing a revolution. The fixed structure of traditional steering wheels is gradually becoming insufficient to meet the needs of high-level autonomous driving scenarios. In autonomous driving mode, drivers may require more flexible space or switch to other interaction methods (such as screens or voice). Folding steering wheel technology has emerged to address this need, a design that not only optimizes cabin space but also enhances the user's riding experience.

[0045] Hands-free detection is a key safety technology in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving. While advanced autonomous driving allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel under certain conditions, regulations require vehicles to continuously monitor the driver's status to ensure timely takeover when requested by the system.

[0046] The coordinated design of a folding steering wheel and hands-off detection is a key aspect of smart cockpit integration. When the steering wheel is folded, traditional contact sensors may fail, necessitating a redundant approach to continuously monitor driver attention.

[0047] In a conventional, non-folding steering wheel, the structure for hands-off detection includes a shielding layer and a sensor layer. Since the steering wheel rim is a fixed, roughly circular structure, a single shielding layer and a single sensor layer can extend along the entire circular structure of the rim, thus performing hands-off detection across the entire steering wheel area. However, for folding steering wheels, because the rim needs to switch between a folded and open state, the shielding layer and sensor layer cannot extend continuously along the entire circular structure of the rim, typically resulting in a break at the folding position. For example, a folding steering wheel may include separate upper and lower spoke rims connected by a middle section and capable of folding relative to the middle section. In this case, the shielding layer and sensor layer in the upper spoke rim are disconnected from the shielding layer and sensor layer in the lower spoke rim, at least at the middle section.

[0048] For this type of folding steering wheel, one solution is to create separate detection systems for the upper and lower spokes, i.e., two separate systems to perform hands-free detection on the upper and lower spokes respectively. However, this solution results in structural complexity, increased costs, and a lack of coordination between the two detection systems, which can affect the consistency of the detection results.

[0049] The foldable steering wheel of this application connects the shielding layers in the upper and lower spoke rims to form a unified detection benchmark, thereby enabling a single detection system to perform consistent hands-free testing on the separate upper and lower spoke rims. The following will describe in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, some embodiments of the foldable steering wheel and its hands-free detection pad assembly according to this application.

[0050] like Figure 1The diagram shows a front view of a foldable steering wheel according to some embodiments of this application. The foldable steering wheel includes a first folding section 1 and a second folding section 2 separated from each other. The first folding section 1 can be one of an upper spoke rim and a lower spoke rim, and the second folding section 2 can be the other of an upper spoke rim and a lower spoke rim. The first folding section 1 and the second folding section 2 are connected to each other via a middle section 12, which is rotatably connected to the steering column to realize the function of a steering wheel. The two ends of the first folding section 1 are respectively connected to the left and right sides of the middle section 12, and the two ends of the second folding section 2 are respectively connected to the left and right sides of the middle section 12. Figure 1 The image shows the foldable steering wheel in its folded state, at which point it can be used to perform normal steering operations.

[0051] like Figure 2 The diagram shows a perspective view of a foldable steering wheel according to some embodiments of this application, wherein the foldable steering wheel is in a folded state. The first folding segment 1 and the second folding segment 2 of the foldable steering wheel can be folded approximately 90 degrees around their connection with the intermediate segment 12. Figure 1 The folded state shown is converted to Figure 2 The folded state shown.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, it illustrates a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the rim of a foldable steering wheel according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 3 The wheel rim shown can be part of either the first folded section 1 or the second folded section 2. The central structure of the wheel rim is formed by a skeleton 121, with a foam layer 122 enclosing the skeleton 121, making the skeleton 121 the rigid core of the wheel rim. The foam layer 122 forms the general outline of the wheel rim around the skeleton 121, for example, an outline with a generally circular cross-section. An outer layer 123 can be wrapped around the outside of the foam layer 122, giving the steering wheel an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The outer layer 123 can be made of materials such as leather, and the driver contacts the outer layer 123 when gripping the steering wheel to perform actions such as steering.

[0053] In a steering wheel configuration with a hands-off detection function, a hands-off detection pad assembly for performing the detection can be arranged between the outer layer 123 and the foam layer 122. Specifically, the hands-off detection pad assembly wraps around the foam layer 122, and the outer layer 123 wraps around the hands-off detection pad assembly. The hands-off detection pad assembly generally includes a shielding layer 124 and a sensor layer 125. The shielding layer 124 can be arranged between the foam layer 122 and the sensor layer 125, and correspondingly, the sensor layer 125 is arranged between the shielding layer 124 and the outer layer 123. A detection capacitor is formed between the shielding layer 124 and the sensor layer 125 to perform hands-off detection. The shielding layer 124 and the sensor layer 125 can be electrically connected to an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU receives signals from the shielding layer 124 and the sensor layer 125, such as changes in capacitance, and processes these signals to determine whether a hands-off action has occurred. The signal processing and determination methods in this capacitive release detection scheme can employ any suitable method known in the art, and therefore will not be elaborated upon here.

[0054] In a configuration where the steering wheel has a heating function, the heating layer 126 for performing the heating function can be arranged between the foam layer 122 and the hands-free detection pad assembly, that is, the heating layer 126 surrounds the foam layer 122 on the outside of the foam layer 122, and the shielding layer 124 wraps the heating layer 126 on the outside of the heating layer 126.

[0055] According to some embodiments of this application, a hands-free detection pad assembly is provided for a foldable steering wheel. The hands-free detection pad assembly may include: a first detection section 3, which may include a first shielding layer 32 and a first sensor layer 34, the first sensor layer 34 being arranged around the first shielding layer 32; and a second detection section 4, which may include a second shielding layer 42 and a second sensor layer 44, the second sensor layer 44 being arranged around the second shielding layer 42, wherein the first shielding layer 32 may be electrically connected to the second shielding layer 42 via a connecting wire 51.

[0056] like Figure 4The diagram illustrates a hand-off detection pad assembly according to this application. In some embodiments, the hand-off detection pad assembly may include a first detection segment 3 and a second detection segment 4, both of which can be used to perform hand-off detection of the steering wheel. As described above, a foldable steering wheel may include a first folding segment 1 and a second folding segment 2 connected via a middle segment 12, wherein the first folding segment 1 and the second folding segment 2 are each foldable and unfoldable relative to the middle segment 12 to place the steering wheel in a folded or undisturbed state. When the vehicle is driven on the road by a driver, the driver's hands need to be placed on the steering wheel. For a foldable steering wheel, the driver's hands are mainly placed on the first folding segment 1 and / or the second folding segment 2. In this case, if it is necessary to determine whether the driver's hands have left the steering wheel, hand-off detection can be performed at the first folding segment 1 and the second folding segment 2. Accordingly, structures for performing hand-off detection can be provided at the first folding segment 1 and the second folding segment 2. For example, hand-off detection pad assemblies including a shielding layer and a sensor layer can be provided on the first folding segment 1 and the second folding segment 2, respectively.

[0057] In some embodiments, the hand-drop detection pad assembly may include a first detection segment 3 and a second detection segment 4, wherein the first detection segment 3 may be disposed in a first folded segment 1 and the second detection segment 4 may be disposed in a second folded segment 2. To effectively and completely perform hand-drop detection, the first detection segment 3 may extend over the entire first folded segment 1 and the second detection segment 4 may extend over the entire second folded segment 2, such that hand-drop detection can be performed at all locations on both the first folded segment 1 and the second folded segment 2.

[0058] The first detection section 3 may include a first shielding layer 32 and a first sensor layer 34. The first shielding layer 32 may be made of, for example, metal cloth and arranged around the foam layer 122 of the first folded section 1, or, if a heating layer 126 is present, around the heating layer 126. The first shielding layer 32 may completely cover the foam layer 122 or the heating layer 126 to shield against interference and reduce or eliminate the influence on the detection signal generated by the first detection section 3. The first sensor layer 34 may be made of, for example, metal wire and arranged around the first shielding layer 32 to cooperate with the first shielding layer 32 to generate a release detection signal for the first folded section 1.

[0059] Similarly, the second detection section 4 may include a second shielding layer 42 and a second sensor layer 44. The second shielding layer 42 may be made of, for example, metal cloth and arranged around the foam layer 122 of the second folded section 2, or, in the case of a heating layer 126, around the heating layer 126. The second shielding layer 42 may completely cover the foam layer 122 or the heating layer 126 to shield against interference and reduce or eliminate the influence on the detection signal generated by the second detection section 4. The second sensor layer 44 may be made of, for example, metal wire and arranged around the second shielding layer 42 to cooperate with the second shielding layer 42 to generate a release detection signal for the second folded section 2.

[0060] According to an embodiment of this application, the first shielding layer 32 can be electrically connected to the second shielding layer 42 via a connecting line 51. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the first shielding layer 32 and the second shielding layer 42 are electrically connected to each other via connecting line 51, enabling the first shielding layer 32 and the second shielding layer 42 to form a closed-loop circuit, thus associating the first detection section 3 and the second detection section 4 with each other. The arrangement of connecting line 51 does not hinder the folding of the first shielding layer 32 and the second shielding layer 42; therefore, while associating the first detection section 3 and the second detection section 4 with each other, the first folding section 1 and the second folding section 2 can still be folded and unfolded normally. Connecting line 51 can be in the form of a wire harness and can be electrically connected to the first shielding layer 32 and the second shielding layer 42 in any suitable manner known in the art.

[0061] Through the electrical connection of the connecting line 51, the first shielding layer 32 and the second shielding layer 42 form a whole in the closed-loop circuit, which associates the first detection section 3 and the second detection section 4 with each other, so that the release detection signal for the first folding section 1 and the release detection signal for the second folding section 2 are associated with each other, thus ensuring the integrity of the detection signal.

[0062] According to some embodiments of this application, a first detection capacitor may be formed between the first sensor layer 34 and the first shielding layer 32, and a second detection capacitor may be formed between the second sensor layer 44 and the second shielding layer 42.

[0063] As described above, the first sensor layer 34 can be arranged around the first shielding layer 32, thereby forming a first detection capacitor between the first sensor layer 34 and the first shielding layer 32. Thus, the first detection section 3 can be formed as a capacitive detection structure to perform hands-off detection, for example, using the change in the detection capacitor to determine whether the driver's hand has left the steering wheel.

[0064] Similarly, as described above, the second sensor layer 44 can be arranged around the second shielding layer 42, thereby forming a second detection capacitor between the second sensor layer 44 and the second shielding layer 42. Thus, the second detection section 4 can be formed as a capacitive detection structure to perform hands-off detection, for example, using changes in the detection capacitor to determine whether the driver's hand has left the steering wheel.

[0065] According to some embodiments of this application, the first shielding layer 32 and the second shielding layer 42 can together form the detection reference for the first detection capacitor and the second detection capacitor.

[0066] The capacitance value of the first detection capacitor can be obtained based on the first shielding layer 32, and the capacitance value of the second detection capacitor can be obtained based on the second shielding layer 42. As described above, the first shielding layer 32 is electrically connected to the second shielding layer 42 via the connecting line 51, thus forming a closed-loop circuit that links the first detection section 3 and the second detection section 4 together. In this case, the first shielding layer 32 and the second shielding layer 42 can be considered as a whole in the closed-loop circuit. Therefore, when the first detection capacitor is formed between the first sensor layer 34 and the first shielding layer 32, and the second detection capacitor is formed between the second sensor layer 44 and the second shielding layer 42, the references for the first and second detection capacitors are the same. That is, the first shielding layer 32 and the second shielding layer 42 can jointly form the detection reference for the first and second detection capacitors, and the capacitance values ​​of the first and second detection capacitors can be obtained based on this detection reference.

[0067] By using the first shielding layer 32 and the second shielding layer 42 together as the detection reference for the first and second detection capacitors, the function of the shielding layer as a reference can be ensured, while improving the accuracy of capacitance measurement and ensuring the stability of the output signal.

[0068] According to some embodiments of this application, one end of the first shielding layer 32 can be communicatively connected to the electronic control unit 53, and the other end of the first shielding layer 32 can be electrically connected to the connecting line 51. One end of the second shielding layer 42 can be communicatively connected to the electronic control unit 53, and the other end of the second shielding layer 42 can be electrically connected to the connecting line 51.

[0069] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, where Figure 5 and Figure 6A block diagram of a hand-release detection pad assembly according to some embodiments of this application is shown. The two ends of the first shielding layer 32 can be connected to an electronic control unit 53 and a connecting line 51, respectively. Specifically, the first end 322 of the first shielding layer 32 can be connected to the electronic control unit 53 via a wiring harness 323, for example, a connector connected to the electronic control unit 53, and the second end 324 of the first shielding layer 32 opposite to the first end 322 can be connected to the connecting line 51.

[0070] Similarly, the two ends of the second shielding layer 42 can be connected to the electronic control unit 53 and the connecting line 51, respectively. Specifically, the first end 422 of the second shielding layer 42 can be connected to the electronic control unit 53 via a wiring harness 423, for example, a connector connected to the electronic control unit 53, and the second end 424 of the second shielding layer 42, opposite to the first end 422, can be connected to the connecting line 51. Thus, the first shielding layer 32 and the second shielding layer 42 are electrically connected via the connecting line 51, and are communicatively connected to the electronic control unit 53 via the wiring harnesses 323 and 423.

[0071] According to some embodiments of this application, the two ends of the first sensor layer 34 can be communicatively connected to the electronic control unit 53, and the two ends of the second sensor layer 44 can be communicatively connected to the electronic control unit 53.

[0072] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the two ends of the first sensor layer 34 can be communicatively connected to the electronic control unit 53. Specifically, the first end 342 and the second end 344 opposite to the first end 342 of the first sensor layer 34 can be connected to the electronic control unit 53 via wiring harnesses 343 and 345, respectively, for example, via connectors connected to the electronic control unit 53.

[0073] Similarly, the two ends of the second sensor layer 44 can be communicatively connected to the electronic control unit 53. Specifically, the first end 442 and the second end 444 opposite to the first end 442 of the second sensor layer 44 can be connected to the electronic control unit 53 via wiring harnesses 443 and 445, respectively, for example, via connectors connected to the electronic control unit 53.

[0074] According to some embodiments of this application, the release detection pad assembly may further include a connector 54, which may be arranged between the connecting line 51 and the first shielding layer 32, between the connecting line 51 and the second shielding layer 42, and / or on the connecting line 51.

[0075] like Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments, a connector 54 may be provided. The connector 54 may be in the form of, for example, a plug-in connector, which facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the structure and the connection and disconnection of the circuit. For example, when assembling the release detection pad assembly, the first shielding layer 32 and the second shielding layer 34 can be assembled separately, and then the connecting wire 51 can be connected to the first shielding layer 32 and the second shielding layer 34 through the connector 54.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 54 is arranged between the connecting line 51 and the second shielding layer 42. However, it should be understood that the connector 54 can also be arranged between the connecting line 51 and the first shielding layer 32, or on the connecting line 51, for example, the connecting line 51 itself is composed of a wire harness with plugs. Furthermore, multiple connectors 54 can be provided between the first shielding layer 32, the connecting line 51, and the second shielding layer 42 to meet design and assembly requirements.

[0077] By using connector 54, the assembly and disassembly of the hands-free detection pad assembly can be easily completed, and the circuit can be easily connected and disconnected.

[0078] According to some embodiments of this application, the release detection pad assembly may further include a grounding wire 52, which is connected to the connecting wire 51.

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, the grounding wire 52 extends from the connecting wire 51, which on the one hand ensures the grounding of the circuit and protects the release detection pad assembly, and on the other hand helps the first shielding layer 32 and the second shielding layer 42 to function as a capacitor reference.

[0080] According to some embodiments of this application, a foldable steering wheel is provided, which may include the hands-free detection pad assembly as described above. The foldable steering wheel may include a first folding section 1 and a second folding section 2 that can be folded relative to each other. A first shielding layer 32 and a first sensor layer 34 may be arranged in the first folding section 1, and a second shielding layer 42 and a second sensor layer 44 may be arranged in the second folding section 2.

[0081] As described above, in some embodiments, the foldable steering wheel may include a first folding segment 1 and a second folding segment 2 that can be folded relative to each other. The first folding segment 1 and the second folding segment 2 are connected to each other via an intermediate segment 12, which is rotatably connected to the steering column to realize the function of a steering wheel. A first detection segment 3 may be disposed in the first folding segment 1 to generate a hands-off detection signal for the first folding segment 1, and a second detection segment 4 may be disposed in the second folding segment 2 to generate a hands-off detection signal for the second folding segment 2.

[0082] In some embodiments, where the first folding section 1 and the second folding section 2 are connected to each other via the intermediate section 12, the connecting line 51 can be arranged in the intermediate section 12, thereby making full use of the space on the steering wheel and also facilitating the retention and fixation of the hands-free detection pad assembly.

[0083] According to the foldable steering wheel and its hands-off detection pad assembly of this application, by connecting the shielding layers in each folding section via connecting lines, these shielding layers form a complete whole, which helps to serve as a reference for hands-off detection, ensures the integrity of the detection signal, significantly improves the accuracy of capacitance measurement, and guarantees the stability of the output signal.

[0084] While exemplary embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments of this application without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, all changes and modifications are included within the scope of protection of this application as defined by the claims. This application is defined by the appended claims, and equivalents of those claims are also included.

Claims

1. A hands-free detection pad assembly for a foldable steering wheel, characterized in that, The hand-release detection pad assembly includes: A first detection section (3) includes a first shielding layer (32) and a first sensor layer (34), the first sensor layer (34) being arranged around the first shielding layer (32); and The second detection section (4) includes a second shielding layer (42) and a second sensor layer (44), the second sensor layer (44) being arranged around the second shielding layer (42). The first shielding layer (32) is electrically connected to the second shielding layer (42) via a connecting line (51).

2. The hand-release detection pad assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first detection capacitor is formed between the first sensor layer (34) and the first shielding layer (32), and a second detection capacitor is formed between the second sensor layer (44) and the second shielding layer (42).

3. The hand-release detection pad assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first shielding layer (32) and the second shielding layer (42) together form the detection reference for the first detection capacitor and the second detection capacitor.

4. The hand-release detection pad assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the first shielding layer (32) is communicatively connected to the electronic control unit (53), and the other end of the first shielding layer (32) is electrically connected to the connecting line (51). One end of the second shielding layer (42) is communicatively connected to the electronic control unit (53), and the other end of the second shielding layer (42) is electrically connected to the connecting line (51).

5. The hand-release detection pad assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The two ends of the first sensor layer (34) are communicatively connected to the electronic control unit (53), and the two ends of the second sensor layer (44) are communicatively connected to the electronic control unit (53).

6. The hand-release detection pad assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hand-release detection pad assembly also includes a connector (54) disposed between the connecting line (51) and the first shielding layer (32), between the connecting line (51) and the second shielding layer (42), and / or on the connecting line (51).

7. The hand-release detection pad assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The release detection pad assembly also includes a grounding wire (52) which is connected to the connecting wire (51).

8. A foldable steering wheel, characterized in that, The foldable steering wheel includes a hands-free detection pad assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The foldable steering wheel according to claim 8, characterized in that, The foldable steering wheel includes a first folding section (1) and a second folding section (2) that can be folded relative to each other, with a first shielding layer (32) and a first sensor layer (34) arranged in the first folding section (1), and a second shielding layer (42) and a second sensor layer (44) arranged in the second folding section (2).

10. The foldable steering wheel according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first folding segment (1) and the second folding segment (2) are pivotally connected to the intermediate segment (12) to be folded and unfolded relative to the intermediate segment (12), wherein the connecting line (51) is arranged in the intermediate segment (12).

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