Steering handle of a vehicle, as well as a vehicle with a steering handle

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering handle of a vehicle with a sensor assembly for occupancy detection comprising: - a contact surface that forms at least part of the outer layer of the steering handle; - a capacitive sensor layer in which at least one sensor electrode is arranged for occupancy detection, - with additional conductive particles arranged on the steering handle, - wherein the conductive particles are arranged in such a way that they cause a change in the capacitance of the sensor layer upon contact.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a steering handle of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a vehicle with such a steering handle. For prior art, reference is made, by way of example, to US 2012 / 326735 A1.

[0002] Especially in autonomous or semi-automated vehicles, and also when using certain driver assistance systems for automatic steering, it is often necessary for the driver to still have at least one finger or hand on the steering wheel handle. Having a hand on the steering wheel handle can, for example, confirm the driver's readiness to take over control of the vehicle or steering at any time.

[0003] Detecting whether there is contact between a driver's hand and the steering wheel or steering handle can also be desirable or even necessary in many other situations.

[0004] Steering wheels or steering handles with a capacitive sensor element for occupancy detection, or so-called hands-on detection, are known from the prior art. The capacitive sensors are used to detect a hand by its influence on an electric field generated by the sensor, i.e., the change in capacitive capacity. For example, a sensor mat arranged over the steering handle or parts of its outer surface detects a change in the conductivity or capacitance of the steering wheel when the operator's hands, which themselves accumulate an electrical charge, come into contact with the steering handle or the sensor.

[0005] An example of a capacitive sensor for hand detection is shown in US 2012 / 326735 A1.

[0006] A disadvantage is that, particularly in surface areas of the steering wheel or steering handle that cannot be completely covered by sensors, less reliable or no hands-on detection is possible.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a steering handle for a vehicle with reliable occupancy detection.

[0008] The solution to the problem is achieved by a steering handle of a vehicle with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments and refinements are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] A steering handle for a vehicle is proposed, incorporating a sensor setup for detecting whether a contact surface of the steering handle is occupied.

[0010] The steering handle comprises a contact surface that forms at least part of the outer layer of the steering wheel. The contact surface is understood to be, in particular, the area or surface of the steering handle with which a driver can regularly come into contact, especially when steering or touching the steering handle (particularly with their hands).

[0011] The contact surface preferably forms the outermost surface of the handlebar. A leather or plastic layer is particularly preferred for this contact surface. However, panels or inserts can also be used as contact surfaces.

[0012] The steering handle also includes a capacitive sensor layer in which at least one sensor electrode is arranged for occupancy detection.

[0013] Such a capacitive sensor layer is preferably a so-called hand recognition mat or sensor mat, which is, for example, a mat made of wire (or wires) or wire mesh.

[0014] This involves, in particular, the aforementioned capacitive sensor layer, whereby a hand is detected by the layer's influence on an electric field generated by the sensor, i.e., the capacitive change. The sensor layer detects a change in the conductivity or capacitance of the steering handle when the hands of an operator or driver, which themselves accumulate an electrical charge, come into contact with the steering handle or the sensor layer.

[0015] The capacitive sensor layer is preferably located directly below the aforementioned contact surface, i.e., in particular directly below the leather or plastic layer of the steering handle.

[0016] Furthermore, it is provided that additional conductive particles are arranged on the steering handle. These conductive particles are arranged on the steering handle in such a way that they cause a change in the capacitance of the sensor layer upon contact.

[0017] The conductive particles are designed in such a way that, upon contact, for example through a handshake or touching the contact surface of at least one of a driver's fingers, they are grounded. This grounding then changes the capacitance of the sensor layer.

[0018] This allows for reliable occupancy detection or hands-on detection.

[0019] The conductive particles are arranged particularly on or within the contact surface.

[0020] For example, the conductive particles can be incorporated into the contact surface. If the contact surface is formed by a layer of leather or plastic, the conductive particles can be incorporated into this layer (e.g., sewn in, cast in, injected, etc.).

[0021] In an alternative or additional embodiment, the conductive particles can be formed as a surface coating on the contact surface.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conductive particles are arranged in the form of a layer of paint or powder on the steering handle, preferably on the contact surface.

[0023] The conductive particles are made of a conductive material suitable for grounding upon contact, thereby causing a change in the capacitance of the sensor layer. For example, the particles can be graphite or metal particles, such as copper.

[0024] The conductive particles are preferably arranged only in certain selected areas of the steering handle.

[0025] The conductive particles can be used in particular to increase the contact area or to extend occupancy detection.

[0026] Therefore, the conductive particles are arranged particularly in or on areas of the steering handle that are difficult to detect (especially the contact surface), below which there is no or only a limited sensor layer for detection.

[0027] For example, the conductive particles are arranged in a seam area of ​​the contact surface, in particular the leather or plastic layer of the steering handle. For example, such a surface coating with conductive particles, or the incorporation of conductive particles into the contact surface, can be applied to areas of the steering handle that are not, or only partially, supported by the sensor layer.

[0028] It is also possible that the conductive particles are arranged at one or more mat joints (e.g., of inserts or panels).

[0029] The conductive particles can then be distributed across such difficult-to-detect areas or so-called "dead zones" of the steering handle. Grounding these particles upon (especially indirect) contact causes a significant change in capacitance. This ensures reliable and accurate occupancy detection, particularly when the steering handle is touched in areas that are difficult to detect.

[0030] Alternatively, the entire contact surface of the handlebar grip can be made up of conductive particles. In the case of a surface coating, for example, the entire outer leather or plastic layer can be covered or coated with the conductive particles. It is also possible that covers or inserts (such as decorative elements, controls, etc.) are provided with the conductive particles.

[0031] By completely covering (integrating or coating) the steering handle (or preferably the contact surface) with the conductive particles, the overall reliability of the occupancy detection can be increased.

[0032] For example, if a driver touches the steering handle with only one (or a few) fingers, and the finger touches the steering handle in a seam area or in a mat joint, this touch can be reliably detected by the conductive particles.

[0033] By arranging such conductive particles, especially in areas of the steering handle where no sensor layer is formed, reliable occupancy detection or an extension of occupancy detection can be achieved.

[0034] It is also possible that the contact surface can be heated by a heated sensor layer.

[0035] These and other features are evident not only from the claims and the description but also from the drawings, wherein the individual features may be realized individually or in combination in one embodiment of the invention and may represent advantageous and, in themselves, protectable embodiments for which protection is claimed here.

[0036] The invention will now be further explained using an exemplary embodiment, wherein the attached single Fig. Figure 1 shows a view of an example steering wheel being touched by a driver's finger. In Fig. Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the seam area of ​​the steering wheel's contact surface, as seen from the finger. Fig. 1 was touched. All features described in more detail may be essential to the invention.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle steering wheel. The steering wheel includes a contact surface 1, which forms at least part of the outer layer of the steering wheel. In this specific example, the contact surface 1 is the area of ​​the steering wheel that is covered by a leather or plastic layer and can be touched by an operator. The steering wheel also includes a capacitive sensor layer, which is located below the contact surface 1 in the form of several wires 2 (in Fig. 2 visible) or formed from a wire mesh.

[0038] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the steering wheel is touched by a finger of hand 5 of an operator (e.g., a driver) in a seam area 2 of the leather or plastic layer. This is shown in the detailed view of this seam area 2. Fig. As can be seen in section 2, below this seam area 2, wire 3 of the sensor layer is only present in the outermost areas. The wire 3, or rather the wire mesh of the sensor layer, is actually located beneath the leather or plastic layer and is only visible from the outside for illustrative purposes. Fig. 2 shown.

[0039] To also in the case of a situation like in Fig. To ensure reliable occupancy detection by the contact of a driver's hand 5 or their finger in such a seam area 2 as shown in Figure 1, it is provided that at least this seam area 2 is equipped with conductive particles 4 (shown by the hatching in Figure 1). Fig. 1 and about the points in Fig. 2) is provided. For example, the conductive particles 4 (in particular graphite or metal particles) can be arranged in the form of a surface coating on the leather or plastic layer of the steering wheel. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to incorporate the conductive particles 4 into the leather or plastic layer, at least in these areas that are difficult to detect. By touching the conductive particles 4 with the hand 5 or with one or more fingers of the hand 5 (cf. Fig. 1) Grounding occurs, resulting in a change in the capacitance of the sensor layer. This artificially expands or enlarges the sensor layer.

[0040] The conductive parts 4 can be arranged not only in the seam areas 2 shown, but also in other areas of the steering wheel. For example, in other seam areas, in areas with inserts or covers 6 (see figure). Fig.2) or at mat joints of the sensor layer, etc. It is also possible that the conductive particles 4 are distributed across the entire outer surface of the steering wheel, in particular contact surface 1.

[0041] In any case, the reliability of the occupancy detection in those areas of the steering wheel which include such conductive particles 4 is significantly increased. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] US 2012 / 326735 A1 [0001, 0005]

Claims

[1] Steering handle of a vehicle with a sensor assembly for occupancy detection, comprising: - a contact surface (1) which forms at least part of the outer layer of the steering handle; - a capacitive sensor layer in which at least one sensor electrode is arranged for occupancy detection, characterized by , that additional conductive particles (4) are arranged on the steering handle, wherein the conductive particles (4) are arranged such that they cause a change in the capacitance of the sensor layer when touched. [2] Steering handle according to claim 1, wherein the conductive particles (4) are arranged on and / or within the contact surface (1). [3] Steering handle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conductive particles (4) are arranged in the form of a surface coating on the contact surface (1). [4] Steering handle according to claim 3, wherein the conductive particles (4) are arranged in the form of a paint layer and / or a powder layer on the contact surface (1). [5] Steering handle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the conductive particles (4) are graphite particles and / or metal particles. [6] Steering handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductive particles (4) are arranged in at least one area of ​​the steering handle which is not or not completely lined by the sensor layer. [7] Steering handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductive particles (4) are arranged in a seam area (2) of the contact surface (1) and / or at the level of at least one mat joint of a sensor layer. [8] Steering handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact surface (1) is heatable. [9] Steering handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor layer comprises at least one sensor mat. [10] Vehicle comprising a steering handle designed according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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