Heating arrangement for a steering input device with hands-on / off detection and operating method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heating arrangement for a steering input device with hands-on / off detection, a control device therefor, a corresponding steering input device, a vehicle with such a device, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the heating arrangement comprises at least one heating element capable of being supplied with a heating current and a control device for controlling the heating current of the heating element. The control device is configured to receive at least one status signal with status information about the hands-on / off state of the steering input device, which has been generated by means of a sensor device for hands-on / off detection, and / or at least one status signal from a state machine.The control unit can evaluate the status signal with the status information and limit the heating current to a defined heating current depending on the received status information via the hands-on / off state.

Description

[0001] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a heating arrangement for a steering input device with hands-on / off detection, preferably for a steering input device of a vehicle with hands-on / off detection, in particular for a steering input device of a two-track motor vehicle with hands-on / off detection, wherein the heating arrangement has at least one heating element to which a heating current can be applied, and a control device for controlling the heating current of the heating element.

[0002] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a control device for such a heating arrangement.

[0003] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a steering input device with hands-on / off detection for a vehicle, in particular for a two-track motor vehicle, with such a heating arrangement.

[0004] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle, in particular a two-track motor vehicle with a previously described steering input device and / or a previously described heating arrangement and / or a previously described control device.

[0005] A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating a heating arrangement, in particular for operating a heating arrangement of a steering input device with hands-on / off detection, preferably for operating a heating arrangement of a steering input device of a vehicle with hands-on / off detection, in particular for operating a heating arrangement of a steering input device of a two-track motor vehicle with hands-on / off detection, wherein the heating arrangement has at least one electrical heating element to which a heating current can be applied, and a control device for controlling the heating current.

[0006] A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to a computer program and a seventh aspect of the invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program with instructions is stored.

[0007] Generic heating arrangements for steering input devices and corresponding steering input devices are generally known from the prior art. In particular, heating devices for motor vehicle steering wheels, so-called "steering wheel heaters," are known.

[0008] In addition, steering input devices with sensor devices for occupancy detection (hands-on / off detection) are known, particularly for motor vehicles. These can detect whether the steering input device is gripped with one or both hands, i.e. whether a driver has one or both hands on the steering input device, for example on the steering wheel. Such occupancy detection or hands-on / off detection is used in particular in driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as lane departure warning systems or lane keeping assistance systems. Some driver assistance systems enable driving without hands on the steering device, for example driver assistance systems that enable autonomous driving. These driver assistance systems can usually alert the driver or offer them the opportunity to take their hands off the steering device in certain driving conditions.

[0009] Accordingly, they can also ask the driver to take over the steering again and grasp the steering input device again.

[0010] For the state of the art, reference is made to DE 10 2019 119 676 A1, for example. This describes a vehicle with a hands-on detection (HOD) function and a control unit that checks the proper functioning of the HOD function.

[0011] DE 10 2019 130 746 A1 discloses a sensor and heating device for a steering input device of a vehicle, comprising a heating device and a capacitive sensor device for detecting the presence of a human hand within the gripping range of the steering input device. The heating device, and in particular the current conducted through the heating element, can also be controlled by a control unit.

[0012] WO 2016 / 074953 A1 also discloses a steering wheel with a sensor structure for detecting the occupancy of a heated contact surface, and WO 2018 / 203299 A1 discloses a heating arrangement and a capacitive sensor arrangement for a steering wheel. WO 2022 / 003205 A2 describes a control system for a heating device and a HOD sensor arrangement for a steering wheel. The heating device and the HOD sensor device can be controlled such that they are actuated alternately so that they do not influence each other.

[0013] Heating assemblies on steering wheels offer greater driving comfort, particularly at low temperatures, and in particular a more pleasant feel of the steering input device than without a heating device. Such heating devices generally have one or more heating elements that can be or are integrated into the steering input device. A heating element, for example a heating conductor integrated into the steering wheel, can generally be supplied with a current to heat the steering wheel. The heat released is transferred to the steering wheel, in particular in such a way that an outer surface of the steering input device is heated. Such heating assemblies generally comprise a corresponding control system for controlling the heating current. The heating current and / or the steering wheel temperature generated by the heating current can usually be set to a defined target value. Some can be controlled or regulated.In order to heat the steering wheel as quickly as possible, it is usually heated with a very high heating current.

[0014] However, a high heating current can lead to a very high heat input into the steering input device, particularly if the heating element is faulty. With an active hands-off function, i.e., when the driver's hands are not on the steering input device, the driver may not notice the fault of a defective steering wheel heater until the vehicle prompts them to (re)place their hands on the steering wheel, or when they subsequently grasp the steering input device again, or when the driver takes their hands back on the steering input device on their own initiative.

[0015] Such a request could, for example, be a so-called HOR (Hands-On Request), which asks the driver to at least place their hands back on the steering input device. Alternatively, such a request could also be a so-called TOR (Take-Over Request), which asks the driver to take over the steering again, for example, due to a dangerous driving situation that requires immediate human intervention.

[0016] However, if the steering input device is overheated, i.e., too hot, the driver may reflexively remove their hands. This means that, due to the excessive heating of the steering input device, the driver may not take over steering control at all, or may only take over too late, or only with burns, when the driver realizes the danger of the situation.

[0017] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative heating arrangement for a steering input device with hands-on / off detection, in particular a heating arrangement improved in terms of safety, with which the risk of non-assumption of steering due to overheating can be reduced or completely avoided. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide an alternative control device, in particular an improved control device, and an alternative steering input device, in particular an improved steering input device. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a corresponding alternative vehicle, in particular an improved vehicle.Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative method, in particular an improved method, for operating a heating arrangement for a steering input device. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative computer program, in particular an improved computer program, as well as an alternative, in particular improved, computer-readable storage medium.

[0018] This object is achieved by a heating arrangement having the features of claim 1 and by a control device having the features of claim 10, by a steering input device having the features of claim 11, by a vehicle having the features of claim 12, by a method having the features of claim 13, by a computer program having the features of claim 14 and by a computer-readable storage medium having the features of claim 15.

[0019] Advantageous and preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the further claims and are explained in more detail below. The wording of the claims is incorporated into the description by express reference.

[0020] A first aspect of the invention relates to a heating arrangement for a steering input device with hands-on / off detection, preferably for a steering input device of a vehicle with hands-on / off detection, in particular for a steering input device of a two-track motor vehicle with hands-on / off detection, wherein the heating arrangement has at least one heating element to which a heating current can be applied and a control device for controlling the heating current of the heating element.

[0021] According to the invention, the control device is designed to receive, in a functional use state of the heating arrangement, at least one status signal with status information about an actual hands-on / off state of the steering input device, wherein the status signal has been generated with the aid of a sensor device for hands-on / off detection, and / or to receive at least one status signal with status information about a functional hands-on / off state of a state machine, to evaluate the at least one received status signal with the status information, and to limit the heating current to a defined heating current depending on the received status information about the hands-on / off state.

[0022] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a heating arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention, the control device is designed to receive, in a functionally correct use state of the heating arrangement, at least one status signal with status information about an actual hands-on / off state of the steering input device, which has been generated with the aid of a sensor device for hands-on / off detection, and to receive at least one status signal with status information about the functional hands-on / off state of a state machine, to evaluate the two received status signals, and to limit the heating current to a defined heating current depending on the two received status information items (actual and functional) about the hands-on / off state contained therein.

[0023] Due to the possibility of limiting the heating current with which the at least one heating element can be acted upon depending on the hands-on / off state (actual and / or functional), it is possible in a simple manner and in particular without additional components that are not already installed to prevent the steering device from overheating while the steering input device is not occupied, ie when there is no hand on the steering input device.

[0024] With a heating arrangement according to the present invention, safety-critical situations that could be caused by faulty steering wheel heaters can thus be effectively prevented. In particular, the present invention makes it easy to prevent overheating of the steering input device in a hands-off state.

[0025] Since heating of the steering input device is not absolutely necessary as long as the hand is not resting on the steering input device, energy can also be saved and the energy consumption of the heating arrangement during operation, for example while driving an associated vehicle, can be reduced.

[0026] The fact that the steering input device is not occupied can be detected, on the one hand, by means of a state machine (functional hands-on / off detection), which indicates whether a functional state exists, in particular a functional state of an associated vehicle, which allows the hands to be removed from the steering input device, and, on the other hand, by means of at least one corresponding sensor device for occupancy detection (actual hands-on / off detection), by means of which it can be detected whether one or more hands are actually on the steering input device or not, regardless of a functional hands-on / off state.

[0027] Whether at least one hand is on the steering input device can be detected in particular using a so-called occupancy detection sensor device, which can in particular be a touch sensor device. Alternatively or additionally, one or more further sensor devices can be provided, each of which generates one or more sensor signals from which it can be concluded that the steering input device is occupied or touched, or that the steering input device is in an actual hands-on / off state. Such a sensor device can, for example, be a steering torque sensor device, by means of which a steering torque applied via the steering input device can be detected. If no steering torque is detected or if the detected steering torque is below a defined threshold value, it can be assumed that no steering torque is being applied via the steering input device.In many situations, especially when the steering angle does not indicate straight-ahead travel, this is an indication that the driver does not have his hands on the steering wheel and that a hands-off condition actually exists.

[0028] A "steering input device" within the meaning of the present disclosure is, in particular, a device for applying a steering input. A steering input device can, in particular, be a steering wheel, a joystick, a steering lever, a steering stick, or any other device suitable for applying a defined steering input.

[0029] A “heating arrangement” in the sense of the present invention is in particular an arrangement with at least one heating element which can be supplied with a heating current in order to generate a corresponding heat emission.

[0030] The term “heating current” in the sense of the present invention refers to an electric current that can be applied to a heating element, wherein, when a heating current flows through the heating element, it can release heat to the environment and / or to a hand touching and / or grasping the steering input device.

[0031] A "heating element" is understood, in particular, to be an element through which an electric current can flow, in particular an electric heating current, and which can subsequently dissipate heat to the environment and / or to a hand touching and / or grasping the steering input device. A heating element can, in particular, be an electrical conductor that is or can be electrically connected to a current or voltage source. Generic heating elements and their mode of operation are generally known from the prior art, to which reference is hereby made for further explanations of their function and arrangement.

[0032] A "sensor device" for occupancy detection or hands-on / off detection can, in particular, be a capacitive sensor device, in particular a touch sensor device. However, other sensor devices suitable for the corresponding purpose of occupancy detection are also conceivable. Generic sensor devices and their mode of operation are generally known from the prior art, to which reference is hereby made for further explanations of their function and arrangement. The status information regarding the occupancy of the steering input device determined using at least one sensor device characterizes the "actual hands-on / off state."

[0033] The term "state machine" in the sense of the present invention refers to a state machine in the control engineering sense. State machines are used in functions at various points and are generally known from the prior art. They generally output a state of a function. A state machine in the sense of the present invention is particularly designed to output at least one "hands-off state" of an associated function, for example a driver assistance function, and preferably at least one further state, such as a "hands-on state" or the "undefined" state. For example, a "hands-off" state can be output or indirectly indicated orcan be characterized when a driver assistance function in a vehicle is in "autonomous driving" operating mode, in which the driver may or even must remove their hands from the steering input device for more relaxed driving because an autopilot steers the vehicle in this state. Removing the hands may be necessary, especially for safety reasons, if high steering angular speeds and / or high hand torques are / would be expected autonomously. This state of the vehicle can be output or indicated, in particular, by a state machine of the driver assistance function using a corresponding state signal. The state information from the state machine characterizes the "functional hands-on / off state."

[0034] The state signal of a state machine can, in particular, be generated by the state machine and output and / or transmitted by the state machine. It can be received by the control device, whereby the state signal can, in particular, be received directly by the control device, i.e., without being looped through another component. However, the state signal of the state machine can also be first processed by an evaluation device and then transmitted from the evaluation device to the control device, where it can then be received by the control device.

[0035] The state machine can in particular output a state signal that indicates that removing the hands from the steering wheel is functionally permitted, wherein in this state the driver can in particular be offered or has already been offered to remove the hands from the steering wheel.

[0036] By controlling the heating element depending on a status signal with status information from an associated state machine and / or at least one sensor device for occupancy detection (actual hands-on / off detection), a particularly high level of safety can be achieved, because with the help of the state machine, on the one hand, all functional hands-off functional states (in which the hands can be removed from the steering wheel) can be detected, and with the help of the actual hands-on / off detection via the at least one sensor device, many other situations can also be detected, in particular situations in which the driver should actually have their hands on the steering input device (hands-on situations), but incorrectly does not. Conversely, situations in which a functional hands-off state exists can also be detected, i.e.in which the hands could be removed from the steering input device, but the driver still has at least one hand on the steering input device (actual hands-on state). Since the state machine of the hands-off function is typically implemented with high integrity, the invention also ensures the prevention of safety-critical states with high integrity. Furthermore, the invention covers all cases of hands-off misuse.

[0037] The control device is in particular configured such that the heating current is limited when the state machine generates a state signal with state information indicating a functional hands-off state (because, for example, a hands-off function is active, such as an autonomous driving mode) or when the hands-on / off detection, with the aid of at least one sensor device, generates a state signal with state information indicating that no hand has actually been detected on the steering input device.

[0038] Alternatively, the control device can also limit the heating current only if both the state machine and the hands-on / off detection indicate the hands-off state. However, this allows for fewer safety-critical situations to be detected.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, the heating current can only be limited to the hands-off heating current if no hand is actually detected on the steering input device, even if the state machine outputs the “Hands-Off” state information.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, if the state machine generates a state signal with state information indicating a hands-off state, the heating current can be limited or completely switched off, in particular regardless of whether a hand is detected on the steering device or not. This means that the state information from the state machine can preferably be given priority. This can be advantageous in many cases, particularly if the state information from the state machine has a high level of integrity. This can, in particular, prevent the steering device from overheating if either the sensor device for occupancy detection fails or the control device for the heating current is faulty.

[0041] However, for a particularly high level of comfort, it is advantageous if, in the case of a detected functional hands-off state (i.e. based on state information from the state machine) with an actual hands-on state detected at the same time by means of at least one sensor device, the heating current is not completely switched off or limited to 0A, but the heating current is only limited, in particular in such a way that overheating is avoided, but heating of the steering input device is still noticeable.

[0042] In a first embodiment of a heating arrangement for a steering input device with hands-on / off detection according to the first aspect of the present invention, the control device can be configured, in particular, to limit the heating current of the at least one heating element to a defined hands-off heating current if at least one received state information item indicates or characterizes the hands-on / off state "hands-off." In principle, limiting the heating current is also possible in other cases depending on the functional and / or actual hands-on / off state.

[0043] In some applications, it may be advantageous to "debounce" the heating current limit, i.e., to only react to the received status information after a defined time delay. This allows short and non-critical hands-off states to be filtered out or virtually ignored, thereby reducing the risk of controller oscillations within the control device for controlling the heating current. This would also be more convenient. The defined time delay can be selected, specified, or determined, particularly depending on the thermodynamic properties of the steering input device and / or the environment.

[0044] In principle, a status signal within the meaning of the invention can contain the respective status information as direct information or other information which characterizes a respective status, so that the associated hands-on / off status can be determined in a particularly unambiguous manner and preferably without further information.

[0045] In a further embodiment of a heating arrangement for a steering input device with hands-on / off detection according to the first aspect of the present invention, the control device can be configured to limit the heating current to a defined hands-off heating current if the state machine outputs, displays, or characterizes a functional hands-on / off state "Hands-Off" and / or an actual hands-on / off state "Hands-Off" has been detected with the aid of at least one sensor device. In some embodiments, the state machine can, in particular, directly output or display a functional hands-on / off state (explicitly).In other embodiments, the state machine can, in particular, only indirectly indicate or characterize a functional hands-on / off state using a state signal which only implicitly contains the state information and thus can only be used to infer the functional hands-on / off state.

[0046] In a further embodiment of a heating arrangement for a steering input device with hands-on / off detection according to the first aspect of the present invention, the control device can be designed in particular to limit the heating current to 0 A. In particular, if the occupancy detection sensors do not detect a hand on the steering device, a status signal can preferably be generated which causes the heating current to be completely switched off. This can, on the one hand, prevent malfunctions, in particular overheating, during an actual "hands-off" state. On the other hand, this enables maximum energy-saving operation of the heating arrangement with minimal loss of comfort. In some cases, this can at least partially compensate for the increased energy consumption, for example during automated driving due to the large number of required active systems.This can be particularly advantageous when consumers with high performance requirements are active, such as in automated parking.

[0047] The heating arrangement can furthermore be designed in particular such that, when at least one sensor device for occupancy detection detects that the steering wheel has been grasped again, the heating arrangement can be switched on again in the normal manner and the heating element can again be supplied with a normal operating heating current, in particular a hands-on heating current, which can in particular be selected or adjusted in such a way that the steering input device reaches the desired temperature with a slight delay, in particular a desired surface temperature for pleasant operating comfort.

[0048] In a further embodiment of the heating arrangement for a steering input device with hands-on / off detection according to the first aspect of the present invention, the control device can be designed, in particular, to limit the heating current to a value other than 0A, in particular such that a driver can perceive a slight heating or warming of the steering input device upon re-grasping the steering input device. This can achieve improved comfort for a driver compared to a limitation to 0A or a shutdown in the hands-off state, since at least a slight heating of the steering input device can continue to occur even in the actual hands-off state.

[0049] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, for particularly comfortable heating of the steering input device, the hands-off heating current can assume a value or be limited to a value at which the steering input device is slightly heated, but at the same time overheating in the event of a faulty heating arrangement is avoided. For example, it can be provided that the hands-off heating current assumes a value at which the surface of the steering input device reaches a temperature of a maximum of 45°C, preferably 40°C and most preferably 35°C. The temperature associated with a hands-off heating current can depend in particular on the type and design of the steering input device and / or the ambient conditions (for example, different in winter in cold environments than in summer in warm environments). The relationship can be determined by calibration or detected with a sensor.The control device can, in particular, be designed to control (without feedback) or regulate (with monitoring of an actual heating current and / or an actual temperature and feedback) the heating current either to a setpoint for the heating current and / or to a setpoint for the temperature at selected points of the steering input device, for example, on the surface. However, it appears more advantageous to monitor the heating current and, in particular, to control or regulate it, in particular in such a way that a respective defined limit value for a corresponding hands-on / off state is not exceeded.

[0050] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of a heating arrangement for a steering input device with hands-on / off detection according to the first aspect of the present invention, the control device is designed in particular to select and / or control and / or regulate the hands-off heating current in such a way that, in a functionally correct installation state of the at least one heating element in a steering input device and a functionally correct use state of the heating arrangement, the steering input device can be heated with a defined heating output, but at least one surface temperature of the steering input device does not exceed a defined limit value.This makes it possible to significantly reduce the risk of safety-critical conditions resulting from overheating / overheating during a hands-off state and subsequent failure to take over the steering input device due to an excessively high surface temperature of the steering input device in a simple manner, even with slight continued heating.

[0051] In a further embodiment of a heating arrangement for a steering input device with hands-on / off detection according to the first aspect of the present invention, the control device is designed to limit the hands-off heating current depending on one or more parameters, in particular depending on the material, heat capacity, type, color and / or temperature of the steering input device and / or one or more skin properties and / or an ambient temperature and / or depending on solar radiation, in particular a solar radiation intensity. For example, the hands-off heating current can be limited depending on the heat capacity of a material with which the steering input device is covered or coated and / or depending on skin moisture.This enables particularly advantageous operation of the heating arrangement, in particular heating adapted to the respective boundary conditions, which can particularly improve comfort. For example, the heating of a steering input device with a cool-feeling leather cover can be set differently than, for example, a steering input device with a plastic steering wheel. Likewise, this makes it easy to achieve different heating in winter than in summer, for example, with the ambient temperature preferably being taken into account.

[0052] Heating the steering input device to a defined surface temperature of, for example, 40°C may be perceived differently in a cold winter environment, such as -20°C, than at +35°C in summer. Likewise, different materials used to cover the surfaces of steering input devices, such as those used in steering wheels, generally feel differently "warm" even when unheated. These effects can be accounted for by a previously described dependence on one or more of the aforementioned parameters.

[0053] In a further embodiment of a heating arrangement for a steering input device with hands-on / off detection according to the first aspect of the present invention, the sensor device is a touch sensor device which is designed to detect an actual hands-on / off state, wherein by means of the touch sensor device a hands-on state can be detected in particular when at least one hand is actually at least partially on the steering input device and is touching the steering input device, and a hands-off state can preferably be detected when there is actually no hand on the steering input device and the steering input device is not touched.

[0054] In a further embodiment of a heating arrangement for a steering input device with hands-on / off detection according to the first aspect of the present invention, the sensor device is a sensor device different from a touch sensor device and is configured to generate one or more sensor signals from which an actual hands-on / off state can be inferred. Such a sensor device can, for example, be a steering torque sensor device and / or a sensor device which comprises one or more cameras with which the steering input device can be observed and which comprises an evaluation device for evaluating the acquired image information, wherein the sensor device is configured to detect, based on the acquired image information, whether or not at least one hand is on the steering input device.

[0055] A control device according to the second aspect of the present invention is designed for a heating arrangement, in particular for use in a heating arrangement according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the heating arrangement has at least one electrical heating element and the control device is designed to control a heating current of an electrical heating element.The control device is designed to receive, in a functionally correct use state, at least one status signal with status information about the hands-on / off state of the steering input device, which has been generated with the aid of a sensor device for hands-on / off detection, and / or to receive at least one status signal with status information about the hands-on / off state of the steering input device from a state machine, to evaluate the at least one received status signal with the status information, and to limit the heating current to a defined heating current depending on the received status information about the hands-on / off state of the steering input device.

[0056] A steering input device with hands-on / off detection for a vehicle, in particular for a two-track motor vehicle, according to the third aspect is characterized in that the steering input device has a heating arrangement for a steering input device with hands-on / off detection according to the first aspect of the present invention and / or a control device according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0057] The heating arrangement can, in principle, be implemented in any steering input device with hands-on / off detection. The use of a heating arrangement according to the first aspect of the present invention is not limited exclusively to steering wheels. For example, the invention can also be implemented in a joystick or control stick with hands-on / off detection.

[0058] A vehicle according to the fourth aspect of the present invention may preferably be a motor vehicle, in particular a two-track motor vehicle, wherein a vehicle according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a heating arrangement according to the first aspect of the present invention and / or a control device according to the second aspect of the present invention and / or a steering input device according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0059] The above-described heating arrangement, the above-described control device, and the above-described steering input device according to the first three aspects of the present invention can be used for any vehicle that has a corresponding steering input device with hands-on / off detection and / or a state machine with a hands-off function. This includes any type of land vehicle, but also vehicles in water and in the air. In particular, the steering input device according to the invention can be used with vehicles that have a driver assistance system that includes hands-on / off detection.

[0060] A method according to the fifth aspect of the present invention for operating a heating arrangement, in particular for operating a heating arrangement according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the heating arrangement has at least one electrical heating element which can be supplied with a heating current, and a control device for controlling the heating current of the heating element, in particular a control device according to the second aspect of the present invention, comprises the steps: a) receiving at least one status signal with status information about an actual hands-on / off status of the steering input device, wherein the status signal has been generated by means of a sensor device for hands-on / off detection, and / or at least one status signal with status information about a functional hands-on / off status of the steering input device of a state machine, b) evaluating the at least one received status signal with the status information, c) Limiting the heating current to a defined heating current depending on the received status information about the hands-on / off state.

[0061] Such a method is particularly suitable for operating a heating arrangement of a steering input device with hands-on / off detection, preferably for operating a heating arrangement of a steering input device of a vehicle with hands-on / off detection, in particular for operating a heating arrangement of a steering input device of a two-track motor vehicle with hands-on / off detection, wherein - as already mentioned - such a method is particularly advantageous for operating a heating arrangement according to the first aspect of the present invention and / or for operating a steering input device according to the third aspect of the present invention and / or for operating a vehicle which is designed according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.

[0062] A computer program according to the sixth aspect of the present invention comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out an inventive method according to the fifth aspect of the present invention.

[0063] A computer-readable storage medium according to the seventh aspect of the present invention comprises a computer program with instructions stored on the storage medium, wherein the computer program comprises instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform an inventive method according to the fifth aspect of the present invention. The computer program can in particular be designed according to the sixth aspect of the present invention.

[0064] All of the advantages and features described herein in connection with one aspect of the present invention also apply to all other aspects of the present invention and can be implemented there, provided they are technically feasible, even if these advantages and features are not explicitly described again in connection with this aspect of the present invention.Specifically, all of the advantages and features described herein in connection with a heating arrangement according to the first aspect of the present invention also apply to a control device according to the second aspect of the present invention, as well as to a steering input device according to the third aspect, to a vehicle according to the fourth aspect, to a method according to the fifth aspect, to a computer program according to the sixth aspect, and to a computer-readable storage medium according to the seventh aspect, and vice versa, provided that they are technically feasible.

[0065] These and further features emerge not only from the claims and the description but also from the drawings, wherein the individual features may be implemented individually or in combination in an embodiment of the invention and may represent advantageous and individually protectable embodiments.

[0066] The invention is further explained below using preferred embodiments, which are schematically illustrated in the accompanying, non-limiting figures. Identical or similar or functionally identical or similar features, components, or assemblies are designated by the same reference numerals. All features described in more detail and recognizable in the accompanying figures may be essential to the invention.

[0067] They show: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a steering input device according to the present invention with an embodiment of a heating arrangement according to the present invention with an embodiment of a control device according to the present invention, and Fig. 2 a block diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for operating the heating arrangement from Fig. 1.

[0068] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a steering input device 110 according to the present invention with an embodiment of a heating arrangement 104 according to the first aspect of the present invention with an electrical heating element 102 in the form of an electrical heating conductor 102, which can be supplied with a heating current, and an embodiment of a control device 105 according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0069] This heating arrangement 104 is designed for a steering input device 110 with hands-on / off detection of a passenger car. The heating arrangement 104 comprises a heating element 102 to which a heating current can be applied, and a control device 105 for controlling the heating current of the heating element 102. The control device 105 is designed to receive at least one status signal with a first item of status information ZI1A and a further item of status information ZI1B concerning the actual hands-on / off status of the steering input device 110, wherein the status information ZI1A and ZI1B were each generated with the aid of a sensor device 111A and 111B, respectively, for hands-on / off detection.

[0070] The first sensor device 111A is a touch sensor device 111A, by means of which an occupancy, in particular a touch, of the steering input device 110 with a human hand can be directly detected. The second sensor device 111B is a steering torque sensor device, by means of which a steering torque applied via the steering input device 110, here the steering wheel 110, can be detected, from which one or more hands on the steering input device 110 can be indirectly inferred, because without one or more hands on the steering input device 110, no steering torque can be applied.

[0071] The control device 105 can also receive at least a second status signal with further status information ZI2 about a functional hands-on / off state of the steering input device 110 from a state machine 113.

[0072] The control device 105 is further configured to limit the heating current to a defined hands-off heating current when received status information (in this example ZI1A, ZI1B or ZI2) indicates or indicates the hands-on / off status “Hands-Off”.

[0073] The components from Fig. 1 are in particular components of a vehicle according to the invention (not further designated), wherein the steering input device 110 is in particular a steering wheel 110 which is arranged at a driver position of the vehicle, e.g. at a driver's seat.

[0074] In this exemplary embodiment, a plurality of sensor devices 111A for occupancy detection (hands-on / off detection) are arranged on the steering wheel 110. These are touch sensor devices which are particularly designed to detect contact of the steering wheel 110 with the hand (hands-on state) as well as a hands-off state (“hands away from the steering wheel”) and to transmit corresponding sensor signals with state information ZI1A as to whether one or more hands are on the steering wheel 110 (hands-on state) or not (hands-off state) to an evaluation device 101 which is part of a control device 105.

[0075] The one or more sensor devices 111A can detect contact with their sensors, for example, using a capacitive and / or resistive measuring principle. Such sensors and the sensor devices 111A formed from the sensors for occupancy detection (hands-on / off detection) are generally known from the prior art; reference is made to this for further explanations of the structure and operation of such sensor devices 111A.

[0076] The sensor device 111B for detecting a steering torque applied via the steering input device 110 is also designed as is generally known from the prior art, wherein reference is made to this for further explanations of the structure and functioning of the sensor device 111B.

[0077] The sensor signals generated by the sensors or sensor devices 111A and 111B, including the status information ZI1A and ZI1B, whether or not hands are present on the steering wheel 110, are transmitted to the evaluation device 101 of the control device 105. Thus, based on the sensor signals of the sensors or sensor devices 111A and 111B, a hands-on / off detection can be performed, and an actual hands-on / off status can be determined.

[0078] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the control device 105, in particular the evaluation device 101, can receive status information ZI2 from a state machine 113 of a driver assistance device or function as to whether the vehicle is currently in a "hands-off" driving state in which a driver is allowed to take his hands off the steering wheel 110 or has even been requested to do so.

[0079] The evaluation device 101 forwards a status signal ZS with this status information ZI1A, ZI1B and ZI2 to a control module 103 for setting or controlling the heating current with which the heating element 102 is applied.

[0080] According to the invention, the heating current can be limited to a defined heating current depending on the received status information ZI1A, ZI1B and ZI2 about the actual and the functional hands-on / off state.

[0081] In this exemplary embodiment, the heating current is limited to a defined hands-off heating current, which ensures that the surface temperature of the steering wheel 110 does not exceed 30°C in a hands-off state. The heating current is limited accordingly in this exemplary embodiment if either the state information ZI1A or ZI1B indicates an actual hands-off state based on the sensor information from the sensor devices 111A and 111B, or the state information ZI2 from the state machine indicates a functional hands-off state. This ensures that the steering wheel 110 does not overheat unnoticed in a hands-off state, and that control of the steering input device 110 is always possible and does not fail to take place when necessary due to an excessively overheated steering wheel 110.

[0082] As an alternative to the limitation described above, the heating current in the hands-off state can also be limited to 0A. Instead of limiting the heating current when one of the status information items ZI1A, ZI1B, or ZI2 already indicates a hands-off state, an alternative embodiment or design can only limit the heating current when both the status information items ZI1A and ZI1B from the sensor devices 111A and 111B and the status information ZI2 from the state machine indicate a hands-off state. Due to its better integrity, the status information item ZI2 can also be prioritized, in particular such that the heating current is only limited when a functional hands-off state has been detected or is present.

[0083] Takeover of the steering input device 110 may be necessary, for example, if it is detected that either a driving function is active for which it is prescribed, for example for legal reasons, that the driver holds one or more hands on the steering wheel 110, and the driver is not holding a hand on the steering wheel 110. Corresponding specifications are regulated, for example, in UNECE R79. Examples are HOR (Hands-On-Request) or TOR (Take-Over-Request). In addition, the driver must always be able to take over the steering input device from a hands-off state (functionally and / or actually) safely (i.e. in such a way that the steering input device never overheats) on their own initiative and without being requested to do so.

[0084] The control device 105, in particular the evaluation device 101 and / or the sensor devices 111A, 111B and / or the state machine 113 can further output an optical and / or acoustic and / or haptic and / or kinesthetic indication to the driver of the vehicle when it is detected that either a driving function is active for which it is prescribed, for example for legal reasons, that the driver holds one or more hands on the steering wheel 110 in order to request the driver to take his or her hands on the steering wheel 110.

[0085] Fig.2 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the fifth aspect of the present invention for operating a heating arrangement 104 according to the first aspect. The method comprises a first step S1 in which status signals with status information ZI1A, ZI1B, ZI2 about the hands-on / off status are received, a second step S2 in which the status information ZI1A, ZI1B, and ZI2 are evaluated, and a third step S3 in which the heating current is limited to a defined value depending on the received status information ZI1A, ZI1B, and ZI2.

[0086] The exemplary embodiments explained above serve to illustrate the invention claimed in the claims. Features which are disclosed together with other features can generally also be used alone or in combination with other features which are explicitly or implicitly disclosed in the text or in the drawings in the exemplary embodiments. Dimensions and sizes are given only as examples. Suitable ranges will become apparent to those skilled in the art from their specialist knowledge and therefore need not be explained in more detail here. The disclosure of a specific embodiment of a feature does not mean that the invention is to be limited to this specific embodiment. Rather, such a feature can be implemented by a multitude of other embodiments familiar to those skilled in the art.The invention can therefore be realized not only in the form of the embodiments explained, but by all embodiments covered by the scope of protection of the appended claims.

[0087] The terms "top," "bottom," "right," and "left" refer exclusively to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that claimed devices may also assume other orientations. The terms "containing" and "comprising" mean that additional, unmentioned components may be provided. The terms "essentially," "predominantly," and "predominantly" encompass all features that exhibit a property or content in the majority, i.e., more than all other mentioned components or properties of the feature—for example, more than 50% for two components.

[0088] Furthermore, a multitude of modifications, in particular structural modifications, to the exemplary embodiments explained are possible without departing from the scope of the patent claims. In particular, all features and / or groups of features described herein, in particular individual features of the exemplary embodiments described, can be advantageously combined with one another individually or in conjunction with other features, in particular with features of other exemplary embodiments, provided this is technically feasible and thus technically possible. List of reference symbols: 101 Evaluation device 102 Heating element 103 Actuator module 104 Heating arrangement 105 Control device 110 Steering input device 111A first sensor device (occupancy detection sensor device) 111B second sensor device (other sensor device) 113 State machine S1...S3 process steps ZI1A Status information determined by first sensor device ZI1B Status information determined by second sensor device ZI2 State information from the state machine ZS status signal QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2019 119 676 A1

[0010] DE 10 2019 130 746 A1

[0011] WO 2016 / 074953 A1

[0012] WO 2018 / 203299A1

[0012] WO 2022 / 003205A2

[0012]

Claims

[1] Heating arrangement (104) for a steering input device (110) with hands-on / off detection, preferably for a steering input device (110) of a vehicle with hands-on / off detection, in particular for a steering input device (110) of a two-track motor vehicle with hands-on / off detection, wherein the heating arrangement (104) comprises: at least one heating element (102) which can be supplied with a heating current, and a control device (105) for controlling the heating current of the heating element (102), characterized by that the control device (105) is designed in a functionally correct use state of the heating arrangement (104), to receive at least one status signal (ZS) with status information (ZI1A, ZI1B) about an actual hands-on / off state of the steering input device (110), wherein the status signal (ZS) has been generated by means of a sensor device (111A, 111B) for hands-on / off detection, and / or to receive at least one status signal (ZS) with status information (ZI2) about a functional hands-on / off state of a state machine (113), to evaluate the at least one received status signal (ZS) with the status information (ZIAB, ZI1B, ZI2), and to limit the heating current to a defined heating current depending on the received status information (ZIAB, ZI1B, ZI2) via the hands-on / off state. [2] Heating arrangement (104) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (105) is designed to limit the heating current of the at least one heating element (102) to a defined hands-off heating current if at least one received state information item (ZIAB, ZI1B, ZI2) indicates or characterizes the hands-on / off state "Hands-Off". [3] Heating arrangement (104) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device (105) is designed to limit the heating current to a defined hands-off heating current when the state machine (113) indicates a functional hands-on / off state "Hands-Off" and / or an actual hands-on / off state "Hands-Off" has been detected with the aid of at least one sensor device (111). [4] Heating arrangement (104) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (105) is designed to limit the heating current to 0A. [5] Heating arrangement (104) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device (105) is designed to limit the heating current to a value different from 0A. [6] Heating arrangement (104) according to claim 5, wherein the control device (105) is designed to select and / or control and / or regulate the hands-off heating current in such a way that, in a functionally correct installation state of the at least one heating element (102) in a steering input device (110) and a functionally correct use state of the heating arrangement, the steering input device (110) can be heated with a defined heating power in such a way that at least one surface temperature of the steering input device (110) does not exceed a defined limit value. [7] Heating arrangement (104) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (105) is designed to limit the hands-off heating current depending on one or more parameters, in particular depending on material, heat capacity, type, color and / or temperature of the steering input device (110) and / or one or more skin properties and / or an ambient temperature. [8] Heating arrangement (104) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (111A) is a touch sensor device (111A) which is designed to detect an actual hands-on / off state. [9] Heating arrangement (104) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (111B) is a sensor device (111B) different from a touch sensor device (111A) and is configured to generate one or more sensor signals from which an actual hands-on / off state can be inferred. [10] Control device (105) for a heating arrangement (104), in particular for a heating arrangement (104) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heating arrangement (104) has at least one electrical heating element and the control device (105) is designed to control a heating current of an electrical heating element (102) and, for this purpose, in a functionally appropriate state of use to receive at least one status signal (ZS) with status information (ZI1A, ZI1B) about an actual hands-on / off state of the steering input device (110), wherein the status signal (ZS) has been generated by means of a sensor device (111A, 111B) for hands-on / off detection, and / or to receive at least one status signal (ZS) with status information (ZI2) about a functional hands-on / off state of a state machine (113), to evaluate the at least one received status signal (ZS) with the status information (ZI1A, ZI1B, ZI2), and to limit the heating current to a defined heating current depending on the received status information (ZI1A, ZI1B, ZI2) via the hands-on / off state. [11] Steering input device (110) with hands-on / off detection for a vehicle, in particular for a two-track motor vehicle, characterized bythat the steering input device (110) has a heating arrangement (104) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and / or a control device (105) according to claim 10. [12] Vehicle, preferably motor vehicle, in particular a two-track motor vehicle, characterized by that the vehicle has a heating arrangement (104) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and / or a control device (105) according to claim 8 and / or a steering input device (110) according to claim 11. [13] Method for operating a heating arrangement (104), in particular for operating a heating arrangement (104) of a steering input device (110) with hands-on / off detection, preferably for operating a heating arrangement (104) of a steering input device (110) of a vehicle with hands-on / off detection, in particular for operating a heating arrangement (104) of a steering input device (110) of a two-track motor vehicle with hands-on / off detection, in particular for operating a heating arrangement (104) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and / or a steering input device (110) according to claim 11 and / or a vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the heating arrangement (104) has at least one electrical heating element (102) which can be supplied with a heating current, and a control device (105) for controlling the heating current of the heating element (102), in particular a control device (105) according to claim 10, comprising the steps: - receiving at least one status signal (ZS) with status information (ZI1A, ZI1B) about an actual hands-on / off status of the steering input device (110), wherein the status signal has been generated using a sensor device (111A, 111B) for hands-on / off detection, and / or receiving at least one status signal (ZS) with status information (ZI2) about a functional hands-on / off status of a state machine (113), - evaluating the at least one received status signal (ZS) with the status information (ZI1A, ZI1B, ZI2), - Limiting the heating current to a defined heating current depending on the received status information (ZI1A, ZI1B, ZI2) about the hands-on / off state. [14] A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method according to claim 13. [15] A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method according to claim 13.

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