Steering wheel and control system for a motor vehicle

Abstract

A steering wheel (3) for a motor vehicle (1) has a steering wheel rim (6) and a first control element (11a, 11b), which is designed as part of the steering wheel rim (6) and is rotatable about a first axis of rotation (13) that is parallel to a direction of rotation of the steering wheel rim (6) around a center (8) of the steering wheel (3). The steering wheel (3) has a switching device for controlling at least one motor vehicle function, wherein the switching device is coupled to the first control element (11a, 11b) such that a switching state of the switching device can be changed by a rotation of the first control element (11a, 11b) about the first axis of rotation (13).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering wheel for a motor vehicle and a control system for a motor vehicle including such a steering wheel.

[0002] Various motor vehicle functions, such as the temporary or permanent activation of a turn indicator, the control of a windshield wiper or washer system, the changing of driving modes, the control of a multimedia system, a turn signal, or a navigation system, and so on, can be controlled or influenced by various control elements, which can generally be located more or less in close proximity to the person driving the vehicle. For example, in motor vehicles, several levers are usually mounted on the steering column behind the steering wheel; these levers may also include buttons, toggle switches, and so on as control elements. Other control elements are provided, for example, in the center console or other areas of the dashboard.

[0003] A disadvantage is that the driver usually has to completely or partially remove one hand from the steering wheel to operate the individual inputs, or at least significantly change the position of the hand on the steering wheel. In other words, the ergonomics for controlling or influencing the vehicle's functions are not ideal.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to simplify the control or influencing of motor vehicle functions by a person driving the vehicle, in particular to improve the ergonomics when operating corresponding input elements.

[0005] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous further developments and preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] The invention is based on the idea of ​​providing an operating unit as part of a steering wheel rim of a steering wheel for the motor vehicle, which operating unit is rotatable about a rotation axis for operating and thus controlling at least one motor vehicle function, which corresponds to the course of the steering wheel rim at the corresponding point on the steering wheel rim.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a steering wheel for a motor vehicle is specified. The steering wheel has a steering wheel rim and a first operating part, which is configured as part of the steering wheel rim. The first operating part is rotatable about a first axis of rotation, which is parallel to a direction of rotation of the steering wheel rim around a center of the steering wheel. The steering wheel has a switching device for controlling at least one motor vehicle function, wherein the switching device is coupled to the first operating part, such that a switching state of the switching device can be changed by rotating the first operating part about the first axis of rotation.

[0008] The steering wheel has, for example, a central section which, through a connection to a steering column of the motor vehicle, can transmit steering movements to the latter. The central section can, for example, have a housing in which an airbag can be accommodated. The steering wheel can have one or more spokes which connect the steering wheel rim to the central section, in particular the housing. The center of the steering wheel corresponds to a point through which a steering axis runs, i.e. an axis about which the steering wheel can be rotated to steer the motor vehicle when the steering wheel is installed in the motor vehicle as intended. The steering wheel rim can be circular or approximately circular. However, the steering wheel rim can also have other shapes, such as the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners or the like.

[0009] The steering wheel rim can be closed, meaning it completely surrounds the center. The steering wheel rim can also be interrupted at one or more points, resulting in, for example, a U-shaped or an H-shaped rim. With a U-shaped rim, for example, the steering wheel rim is interrupted at the top of the steering wheel and otherwise continuous. With an H-shaped rim, the steering wheel rim is interrupted at the top and bottom of the steering wheel. The terms top and bottom refer to a neutral position of the steering wheel when the steering wheel is properly installed in the vehicle.

[0010] The first control element corresponds to a movable part of the steering wheel rim that can rotate about the first axis of rotation. By rotating the first control element about the first axis of rotation, a user of the steering wheel can therefore make a user input that can change the switching state of the switching device and thus, in particular through a computing unit, such as a control unit, or another electronic component of the motor vehicle that is connected to the switching device when the steering wheel is properly installed in the motor vehicle, influence or control at least one motor vehicle function. When the first control element rotates about the first axis of rotation, the first control element remains part of the steering wheel rim.

[0011] The coupling of the switching device to the first operating part can accordingly include a mechanical and / or electrical connection, in particular a direct or indirect connection, so that the rotation of the first operating part can influence the switching state of the switching device.

[0012] The switching device has, for example, one or more mechanical and / or electronic switching elements that define the respective switching state. In other words, the switching state of the switching device is a common switching state of all switching elements of the switching device. The switching device can assume at least two different switching states, which can be changed at least by rotating the first control element. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the switching states can also be changed by further operating actions of the user, for example, by actuating additional control elements or control parts of the steering wheel.

[0013] The switching device can be provided in various embodiments at different positions of the steering wheel, for example in the first operating part, in the steering wheel rim, in the central section, in particular in the housing of the central section, in a spoke of the steering wheel, and so on.

[0014] Different switching states of the switching device have different effects on the at least one motor vehicle function, in particular. For example, a motor vehicle function can be activated or deactivated depending on the switching state, and thus also depending on the rotational position of the first control element; a parameter of the motor vehicle function can be adjusted; an operating mode of the motor vehicle function can be changed; and so on.

[0015] The at least one motor vehicle function can, for example, include a motor vehicle function that can be controlled by a lever attached to the steering column when using a conventional steering wheel. The at least one motor vehicle function can therefore, for example, include activating, in particular permanently or temporarily activating, or deactivating a direction indicator, also referred to as a turn signal, of the motor vehicle, activating a windshield washer system of the motor vehicle, controlling a windshield wiper of the motor vehicle, controlling exterior lighting of the motor vehicle, and so on. However, the at least one motor vehicle function can also include other motor vehicle functions, such as controlling a multimedia system, a communication system, a navigation system, a head-up display, or a driving mode of the motor vehicle, and so on.

[0016] The direction of rotation, with respect to which the first axis of rotation is parallel, corresponds to a direction of rotation of the steering wheel rim at a corresponding position of the first operating element on or in the steering wheel rim. It is therefore a local direction of rotation at the position of the operating element on or in the steering wheel rim. In the non-limiting example of a steering wheel rim that is circular or circularly arcuate, the direction of rotation corresponds to a tangential direction with respect to the center. In the non-limiting example of a rectangular steering wheel rim, the direction of rotation corresponds to a direction parallel to the side of the rectangle in or on which the first operating element is positioned. The direction of rotation can also be understood analogously for other steering wheel rim geometries.

[0017] By integrating the first control element into the steering wheel rim and, in particular, by enabling its operation by rotating it around the first rotation axis, the ergonomics of controlling the at least one motor vehicle function are improved. In particular, the user can rotate the first control element, for example, with a thumb, without removing their hand from the steering wheel and without significantly changing their grip position. Control of the at least one motor vehicle function is thus simplified.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment, the steering wheel rim is designed to be interrupted on the upper side of the steering wheel, i.e., has an interruption on the upper side. The steering wheel rim has two handles opposite each other with respect to the center of the steering wheel, in particular curved handles, which are separated from each other by the interruption in the steering wheel rim. The first operating part forms a termination of a first handle of the opposite handles at the interruption in the steering wheel rim.

[0019] The steering wheel, in particular the steering wheel rim, is therefore U-shaped or H-shaped, for example, or has a topology corresponding to the U-shape or H-shape. The first handle ends with the first operating element, which is followed by the interruption. In other words, the first operating element forms a tip of the first handle or is arranged at the tip of the first handle.

[0020] The opposing handles, which are arranged, in particular, to the left and right of the central section for the purpose of proper assembly of the steering wheel in the motor vehicle, represent corresponding areas of the steering wheel rim intended to be gripped by the user in order to steer the motor vehicle. The arrangement of the first control element as the end of the first handle toward the interruption therefore represents a particularly ergonomically advantageous positioning, which can be achieved by the inventive integration of the first control element into the steering wheel rim.

[0021] The fact that the opposing handles are separated from each other by the interruption, i.e., the first handle is separated from a second handle of the opposing handles by the interruption, only applies to the top of the steering wheel. In other words, the opposing handles can still be connected to each other by a corresponding part of the steering wheel rim on the underside of the steering wheel. However, it is also possible, particularly with an H-shaped steering wheel, for the opposing handles to be separated from each other by a further interruption in the steering wheel rim on the underside.

[0022] According to at least one embodiment, the steering wheel has a second operating part which is designed as part of the steering wheel rim and is rotatable about a second axis of rotation which is parallel to the direction of rotation of the steering wheel rim, in particular locally at the position of the second operating part on or in the steering wheel rim.

[0023] The above explanations and the following explanations regarding the first control unit can be applied analogously to the second control unit. Furthermore, each embodiment described above and below, for which the second control unit is not explicitly described, results in a corresponding embodiment with the second control unit by applying the explanations regarding the first control unit to the second control unit analogously.

[0024] The integration of the second control element into the steering wheel rim, and in particular the ability to operate it by rotating it around the second rotation axis, further improves ergonomics. In particular, the user can rotate the first and / or second control element without removing a hand from the steering wheel and without significantly changing the grip position of one hand.

[0025] According to at least one embodiment, the switching device is coupled to the second operating part, so that the switching state of the switching device can be changed by rotating the second operating part about the second rotation axis.

[0026] According to at least one alternative embodiment, the steering wheel has a further switching device for controlling the at least one motor vehicle function and / or at least one further motor vehicle function, wherein the further switching device is coupled to the second operating part, so that a switching state of the further switching device can be changed by rotating the second operating part about the second axis of rotation.

[0027] The explanations regarding the switching device can be transferred analogously to the other switching devices.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment, the second operating part forms a closure of the second handle of the opposite handles to the interruption of the steering wheel rim.

[0029] The arrangement of the second control unit as the end of the second handle towards the interruption represents a particularly ergonomically advantageous positioning, which can be realized by integrating the second control unit into the steering wheel rim.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment, the first operating part has an operating element arranged on a side of the first operating part facing the interruption. The switching device is coupled to the operating element, in particular mechanically and / or electrically, so that the switching state of the switching device can be changed by actuating the operating element.

[0031] The control element can be designed, for example, as a pushbutton, momentary-action button, or rocker switch. The control element can be momentary, meaning it automatically returns to a neutral position after being actuated by the user, or it can be latching. The latching can be released, for example, by a timer or by repeated actuation, particularly in the form of a push-push design. The control element can also have a touch-sensitive surface, also known as a touch surface, such as a capacitive touch-sensitive surface.

[0032] By arranging the control element on the side of the first control part facing the interruption, the range of functions of the steering wheel—that is, the number of controllable motor vehicle functions or the variety of variations in controlling at least one motor vehicle function—can be further increased. A high degree of ergonomics is ensured, since the user's corresponding hand, in a normal steering position, does not need to be moved significantly to operate the control element. While the rotation of the first control element can be performed, for example, with the thumb, the control element at the tip of the first handle can be operated, for example, with the index finger of the same hand or also with the thumb.

[0033] In various embodiments, the first control element can have an operating module that is arranged on the side of the first control element facing the interruption and contains the operating element. The operating module can then have one or more additional operating elements. The operating module can therefore, for example, be designed in a split configuration, allowing two or more adjacent buttons or keys to be provided to further increase the functionality of the steering wheel while maintaining a high degree of ergonomics.

[0034] According to at least one embodiment, the first operating part can be moved from a neutral position of the first operating part into a first rotational position by rotation about the first rotational axis. The switching device is configured, in particular through the coupling to the first operating element, to assume a first switching state when the first operating part is in the first rotational position.

[0035] By definition, the neutral position corresponds, for example, to a rotation angle of the first control element around the first rotation axis of 0°. In the neutral position, the switching device can, for example, assume a predefined neutral state.

[0036] By moving the first control element from the neutral position to the first rotational position, the switching device can be brought into the first switching state, which can lead to a corresponding control of the at least one motor vehicle function. The control of the at least one motor vehicle function can also depend on whether the first control element remains in the first rotational position for at least a predetermined period of time, whether it is returned to the neutral position, whether it is further moved into a second rotational position, and so on.

[0037] According to at least one embodiment, the first rotational position differs from the neutral position by a rotation by a first rotation angle which lies in the range [15°, 25°] or in the range [20°, 22.5°].

[0038] In this way, the first rotation position can be easily adjusted. The rotation angle is defined, in particular, as positive according to a given rotation direction. For example, when viewed from the front, the steering wheel is in the neutral position, to the right if the first control element is located to the right of the central section in the neutral position of the steering wheel, or to the left if the first control element is located to the left of the central section in the neutral position of the steering wheel.

[0039] According to at least one embodiment, the first operating part has a return mechanism which is designed to automatically move the first operating part from the first rotational position into the neutral position, in particular if this is not blocked by a corresponding counterforce applied by the user.

[0040] This allows, in particular, temporary settings of at least one motor vehicle function, for example, a temporary activation of the turn signal or the exterior lighting, or a temporary activation of the windshield wiper system and / or the windshield wiper, to be controlled easily and ergonomically. The return mechanism can, for example, comprise a spring element that counteracts the rotational movement from the neutral position to the first rotational position.

[0041] According to at least one embodiment, the first operating part has a holding mechanism which is configured to hold the first operating part in the first rotational position.

[0042] This allows, in particular, permanent settings of at least one motor vehicle function, for example, permanent activation of the turn indicator or the exterior lighting, to be controlled simply and ergonomically. Permanent activation can be understood as being able to be terminated by renewed user intervention, for example, by returning the first control unit to the neutral position, or by other conditions, such as, in the case of the turn indicator, by completing a turning maneuver.

[0043] The holding mechanism can be designed, for example, as a locking mechanism and / or as an electromagnetic holding mechanism.

[0044] According to at least one embodiment, the first operating part can be moved from the neutral position or from the first rotational position into a second rotational position by rotation about the first rotational axis. The switching device is configured to assume a second switching state when the first operating part is in the second rotational position.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first rotational position can be configured as a momentary action, and the second rotational position as a detent action. If the first operating element is moved from the neutral position to the first rotational position and not beyond it to the second rotational position, the return mechanism can return the first operating element to the neutral position. However, if the first operating element is moved beyond the first rotational position to the second rotational position, the holding mechanism can hold the first operating element in the second rotational position until it is automatically or manually returned to the neutral position or the first rotational position.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the locking of the rotation position can be released electronically so that the computing unit or another control unit can release the locking depending on the situation.

[0047] According to at least one embodiment, the holding mechanism or a further holding mechanism of the first operating part is configured to hold the first operating part in the second rotational position.

[0048] According to at least one embodiment, the second rotational position differs from the neutral position by a rotation by a second rotation angle which lies in the range [35°, 50°] or in the range [40°, 45°].

[0049] For example, the first rotational position differs from the neutral position by a rotation by the first rotation angle, which lies in the range [15°, 25°] or in the range [20°, 22.5°] and the second rotational position differs from the neutral position by a rotation by the second rotation angle, which lies in the range [35°, 50°] or in the range [40°, 45°].

[0050] This allows a clear distinction to be made between the first and second rotation positions.

[0051] In some embodiments, the second rotational position differs from the first rotational position by a rotation by a differential angle that lies in the range [10°, 35°] or in the range [20°, 22.5°]. For example, the second rotation angle can be twice or approximately twice the first rotation angle.

[0052] The further holding mechanism can be designed, for example, as a locking mechanism and / or as an electromagnetic holding mechanism.

[0053] According to a further aspect of the invention, a control system for a motor vehicle is provided, comprising a steering wheel according to the invention and at least one computing unit for the motor vehicle. The at least one computing unit is configured to control the at least one motor vehicle function depending on the switching state of the switching device.

[0054] A computing unit can be understood, in particular, as a data processing device that contains a processing circuit. The computing unit can therefore, in particular, process data to perform computing operations. This may also include operations for performing indexed access to a data structure, for example, a look-up table (LUT).

[0055] The computing unit may, in particular, contain one or more computers, one or more microcontrollers, and / or one or more integrated circuits, for example one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more single-chip systems (SoCs). The computing unit may also contain one or more processors, for example one or more microprocessors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphics processing units (GPUs), and / or one or more signal processors, in particular one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). The computing unit may also include a physical or virtual network of computers or other of the aforementioned units.

[0056] In various embodiments, the computing unit includes one or more hardware and / or software interfaces and / or one or more memory units.

[0057] A memory unit can be a volatile data memory, for example a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM), or a non-volatile data memory, for example a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a flash memory or flash EEPROM, a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), a magnetoresistive random access memory,MRAM (magnetoresistive random access memory) or phase-change random access memory (PCRAM).

[0058] According to at least one embodiment of the control system, the at least one computing unit is configured to temporarily activate a turn signal of the motor vehicle when the switching device is in the first switching state. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one computing unit is configured to permanently activate the turn signal of the motor vehicle when the switching device is in the first switching state.

[0059] Further embodiments of the control system according to the invention follow directly from the various embodiments of the steering wheel according to the invention, and vice versa. In particular, individual features and corresponding explanations as well as advantages relating to the various embodiments of the steering wheel according to the invention can be transferred analogously to corresponding embodiments of the control system according to the invention.

[0060] According to a further aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is provided which includes a steering wheel according to the invention or a control system according to the invention.

[0061] According to a further aspect of the invention, a further steering wheel for a motor vehicle is specified. The further steering wheel has a steering wheel rim and a first operating part, which is designed as part of the steering wheel rim. The steering wheel rim is interrupted on an upper side of the further steering wheel. The steering wheel rim has two handles that are opposite one another with respect to a center of the further steering wheel and are separated from one another by the interruption (7) in the steering wheel rim. The first operating part forms a termination of a first handle of the opposite handles to the interruption in the steering wheel rim. The first operating part has an operating element that is arranged on a side of the first operating part facing the interruption. The further steering wheel has a switching device that is coupled to the operating element, such that a switching state of the switching device can be changed by actuating the operating element.

[0062] Further embodiments of the additional steering wheel according to the invention follow directly from the various embodiments of the steering wheel according to the invention and the control system according to the invention, and vice versa. In particular, individual features and corresponding explanations as well as advantages relating to the various embodiments of the steering wheel according to the invention can be transferred analogously to corresponding embodiments of the additional steering wheel according to the invention.

[0063] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures can be encompassed by the invention not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations. In particular, the invention can also encompass embodiments and combinations of features that do not have all the features of an originally formulated claim. Furthermore, the invention can encompass embodiments and combinations of features that go beyond the combinations of features set out in the backreferences to the claims or deviate from them.

[0064] The invention is explained in more detail below using specific embodiments and associated schematic drawings. In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements may be provided with the same reference numerals. The description of identical or functionally equivalent elements may not necessarily be repeated for different figures.

[0065] The figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle with an exemplary embodiment of a control system according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a steering wheel according to the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a part of another exemplary embodiment of a steering wheel according to the invention in a first state; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the part of the steering wheel from Fig. 3 in a second state; and Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the part of the steering wheel from Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 in a third state.

[0066] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 1 with an exemplary embodiment of a control system 2 according to the invention. The control system 2 has a steering wheel 3 according to the invention, which can be mounted on a steering column of the motor vehicle 1. Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a steering wheel 3 according to the invention, as it can be used in the control system 2 of the figure.

[0067] The steering wheel 3 has a steering wheel rim 6 and a first operating part 11a, which is designed as part of the steering wheel rim 6 and is rotatable about a first rotation axis 13 (see Fig. 3 to Fig. 5) is rotatable, which is parallel to a direction of rotation of the steering wheel rim 6 about a center 8 of the steering wheel 3. The steering wheel 3 has a switching device for controlling at least one motor vehicle function, wherein the switching device is coupled to the first operating part 11a, so that a switching state of the switching device can be changed by rotating the first operating part 11a about the first rotation axis 13.

[0068] Furthermore, the control system 2 has at least one computing unit 14. The at least one computing unit 14 is configured to control the at least one motor vehicle function depending on the switching state of the switching device.

[0069] In the example of Fig. 1, the steering wheel 3 is designed with an interruption 7 in the steering wheel rim 6. The steering wheel rim 6 therefore has two arcuate handles 6a, 6b located opposite one another with respect to the center 8 of the steering wheel 3, which are separated from one another by the interruption 7 in the steering wheel rim 6. The first control element 12a forms a termination of a first handle 6a to the interruption 7. Optionally, the handles 6a, 6b can be connected to one another by a further part 6c of the steering wheel rim 6 on the underside of the steering wheel 3.

[0070] Optionally, the steering wheel 3 can have a second operating part 11b, which is configured as part of the steering wheel rim 6 and is rotatable about a second rotation axis parallel to the direction of rotation of the steering wheel rim 6. In corresponding embodiments, the second operating element 12b can form a termination of a second handle 6b to the interruption 7 of the steering wheel rim 6.

[0071] For example, a further switching device of the steering wheel 3 is coupled to the second operating part 11b, so that a switching state of the further switching device can be changed by a rotation of the second operating part 11b about the second rotation axis.

[0072] Optionally, the first operating part 11a can have a first operating element 12a, for example a pushbutton or button, on a side of the first operating part 11a facing the interruption 7. The switching device is coupled to the first operating element 12a, so that the switching state of the switching device can be changed by actuating the first operating element 12a.

[0073] Optionally, the second control part 11a can have a second control element 12b, for example a pushbutton or button, on a side of the second control part 11b facing the interruption 7. The further switching device is coupled to the second control element 12b, so that the switching state of the further switching device can be changed by actuating the second control element 12b.

[0074] In the Fig. 3 to Fig. 5 shows various rotational positions of the first control part 11a about the first rotation axis 13 for an exemplary embodiment of the steering wheel 3. In corresponding embodiments with the second control part 11b, the explanations regarding the first control part 11a can be applied analogously.

[0075] In Fig. 3 shows a neutral position of the first operating part 11a, which by definition corresponds, for example, to a rotation angle around the first rotation axis 13 of 0°.

[0076] For example, a motor vehicle function is deactivated in the neutral position of the first control unit 11a, for example a right turn signal of the motor vehicle 1. In the following, it is assumed, merely for the purpose of clarification and without limiting the generality, that the first control unit 11a is intended to control the turn signal. Fig. 4 shows a first rotational position of the first operating part 11a, which corresponds, for example, to a rotation angle of 20°-22.5° around the first rotational axis 13. If the user of the motor vehicle 1 moves the first operating part 11a into the first rotational position, the computing unit 14 can, for example, temporarily activate the direction indicator based on the corresponding switching state of the switching device, so that it flashes, for example, 3 to 5 times and is then deactivated again. In some embodiments, a return mechanism, for example a spring mechanism, of the first operating part 11a can automatically return it to the neutral position.

[0077] In Fig.5 shows a second rotational position of the first operating part 11a, which corresponds, for example, to a rotation angle of 40°-45° around the first rotational axis 13. If the user moves the first operating part 11a from the neutral position beyond the first rotational position into the second rotational position, the computing unit 14 can, for example, permanently activate the direction indicator based on the corresponding switching state of the switching device, so that it flashes, for example, until it is deactivated again manually or automatically, for example, when the end of a turning maneuver is detected from the steering behavior. In some embodiments, a holding mechanism of the first operating part 11a can hold it in the second rotational position as long as the direction indicator is permanently activated.

[0078] In alternative embodiments, the first rotational position may correspond to the permanent activation of the direction indicator, and the second rotational position may either not be provided or serve a different function. In the latter case, the holding mechanism may, for example, selectively hold the first operating part 11a in either the first or second rotational position.

[0079] For example, the rotation of the second control part 11b can be provided for analog control of the left direction indicator.

[0080] The number of possible rotational positions other than the neutral position is not limited to one or two, but can also be larger. In some embodiments, it can also be provided that the first control part 11a can be fully rotatable through 360° and can lock into a plurality of rotational positions, which can, for example, be evenly distributed over the 360°, in order to adjust a parameter of at least one motor vehicle function, such as a wiping frequency of a windshield wiper or the like.

[0081] Additional functions, if present, can be assigned to the first control element 12a and / or the second control element 12b. These can include, for example, a headlight flasher or the activation of a boost function. The boost function is a function of an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle as motor vehicle 1 that activates an increased engine power of an electric motor of the motor vehicle 1 for a predetermined time.

[0082] As described, particularly with reference to the figures, the invention can improve the ergonomics of operating or controlling motor vehicle functions. The rotatable first control element and, if applicable, the rotatable second control element allow functions that are traditionally operated using separate levers mounted on the steering column to be integrated directly into the steering wheel rim.

Claims

[1] Steering wheel (3) for a motor vehicle (1) comprising - a steering wheel rim (6) and a first operating part (11a, 11b) which is designed as part of the steering wheel rim (6) and is rotatable about a first axis of rotation (13) which is parallel to a direction of rotation of the steering wheel rim (6) about a center (8) of the steering wheel (3); and - a switching device for controlling at least one motor vehicle function, wherein the switching device is coupled to the first operating part (11a, 11b) so that a switching state of the switching device can be changed by rotating the first operating part (11a, 11b) about the first rotation axis (13). [2] Steering wheel (3) according to claim 1, wherein - the steering wheel rim (6) is interrupted on an upper side of the steering wheel (3); - the steering wheel rim (6) has two handles (6a, 6b) opposite each other with respect to the center (8) of the steering wheel (3), which are separated from each other by the interruption (7) of the steering wheel rim (6); and - the first operating part (11a, 11b) forms a closure of a first handle (6a, 6b) of the opposite handles (6a, 6b) to the interruption (7) of the steering wheel rim (6). [3] Steering wheel (3) according to claim 2, wherein the steering wheel (3) has a second operating part (11a, 11b) which is designed as part of the steering wheel rim (6) and is rotatable about a second axis of rotation which is parallel to the direction of rotation of the steering wheel rim (6), and forms a termination of a second handle (6a, 6b) of the opposite handles (6a, 6b) to the interruption (7) of the steering wheel rim (6). [4] Steering wheel (3) according to claim 3, wherein - the steering wheel (3) has a further switching device for controlling the at least one motor vehicle function and / or at least one further motor vehicle function, wherein the further switching device is coupled to the second operating part (11a, 11b) so that a switching state of the further switching device can be changed by rotating the second operating part (11a, 11b) about the second rotation axis; or - the switching device is coupled to the second operating part (11a, 11b) so that the switching state of the switching device can be changed by rotating the second operating part (11a, 11b) about the second axis of rotation. [5] Steering wheel (3) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein - the first operating part (11a, 11b) has an operating element (12a, 12b) which is arranged on a side of the first operating part (11a, 11b) facing the interruption (7); and - the switching device is coupled to the operating element (12a, 12b) so that the switching state of the switching device can be changed by actuating the operating element (12a, 12b). [6] Steering wheel (3) according to claim 5, wherein the operating element (12a, 12b) comprises a push button or a push-button or a rocker switch or a touch-sensitive surface. [7] Steering wheel (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the first operating part (11a, 11b) can be moved by rotation about the first rotation axis (13) from a neutral position of the first operating part (11a, 11b) into a first rotation position; and - the switching device is designed to assume a first switching state when the first operating part (11a, 11b) is in the first rotational position. [8] Steering wheel (3) according to claim 7, wherein the first rotational position differs from the neutral position by a rotation through a first rotation angle which lies in the range [15°, 25°] or in the range [20°, 22.5°]. [9] Steering wheel (3) according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the first operating part (11a, 11b) has a return mechanism which is arranged to move the first operating part (11a, 11b) automatically from the first rotational position to the neutral position. [10] Steering wheel (3) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein - the first operating part (11a, 11b) can be moved by rotation about the first rotation axis (13) from the neutral position or from the first rotation position into a second rotation position; and - the switching device is designed to assume a second switching state when the first operating part (11a, 11b) is in the second rotational position. [11] Steering wheel (3) according to claim 10, wherein the second rotational position differs from the neutral position by a rotation through a second rotation angle which lies in the range [35°, 50°] or in the range [40°, 45°]. [12] Steering wheel (3) according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the first operating part (11a, 11b) has a holding mechanism which is adapted to hold the first operating part (11a, 11b) in the second rotational position. [13] Steering wheel (3) according to claim 12, wherein the holding mechanism comprises an at least partially mechanical locking mechanism or an electromagnetic holding mechanism. [14] Control system (2) for a motor vehicle (1) comprising a steering wheel (3) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one computing unit (14) for the motor vehicle (1), which is designed to control the at least one motor vehicle function depending on the switching state of the switching device. [15] Control system (2) according to claim 14, wherein the steering wheel (3) is designed according to one of claims 7 to 13 and the at least one computing unit (14) is configured to temporarily activate a direction indicator of the motor vehicle (1) when the switching device is in the first switching state. [16] Control system (2) according to claim 15, wherein the steering wheel (3) is designed according to one of claims 10 to 13 and the at least one computing unit (14) is designed to permanently activate the direction indicator of the motor vehicle (1) when the switching device is in the second switching state.

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