Steering wheel and motor vehicle with steering wheel

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering wheel for a motor vehicle with a steering wheel rim (20), a sensor mat (24) for hands-on detection arranged between a steering wheel foam (22) and a steering wheel cover (25) in the steering wheel rim (20), at least one decorative element (50, 50A, 6060A) extending over a partial area of ​​the steering wheel rim (20), wherein the sensor mat (24) extends to below the decorative element (50).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a steering wheel and a motor vehicle with a steering wheel

[0002] Steering wheels for motor vehicles that include a so-called hand detection feature are known from the prior art. This hand detection is also referred to as "Hands-On / Off Detection" (HOD).

[0003] A concept for heating a vehicle steering wheel and detecting steering wheel contact is known from US patent 20215 / 0336601 A1. This concept includes a heating mat, a shielding mat, and a sensor mat, each containing an electrically conductive wire mesh or similar material, located between a foam covering surrounding the steering wheel frame and a steering wheel casing. The shielding mat can be connected to ground as a passive shield, or a defined voltage can be applied to achieve active shielding of the system from the metallic steering wheel frame.

[0004] From a design perspective, it is desirable to be able to equip steering wheels with steering wheel heating and / or HOD with design elements without significantly restricting the functionality of the heating or the HOD.

[0005] Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide a solution for how a steering wheel with HOD can be provided with decorative design elements.

[0006] This problem is solved by a steering wheel according to claim 1 and a vehicle according to claim 10. Further advantageous embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0007] A steering wheel for a motor vehicle is specified, comprising a steering wheel rim. The steering wheel rim may, for example, have a skeleton made of a metal material. The steering wheel rim includes a foam insert and a steering wheel cover. The steering wheel cover provides the outer surface of the steering wheel rim. The steering wheel cover may, for example, be made of leather or imitation leather. Beneath the steering wheel cover is a foam insert, which essentially defines the outer shape of the steering wheel rim.

[0008] A sensor mat for hands-on / off detection is located between the steering wheel foam and the steering wheel cover. Such a sensor mat is based, for example, on capacitive sensing. Furthermore, the steering wheel may have a shielding mat and a heating mat for heating the steering wheel.

[0009] Furthermore, the steering wheel has at least one decorative element that extends over a portion of the steering wheel rim. This decorative element serves a design function on the steering wheel and can, for example, echo and / or continue a design element of the cockpit. The decorative element can be, for example, a cover or an inlay. The decorative element is preferably made of a non-shielding material that, in particular, allows capacitive sensing through the decorative element. The decorative element can, for example, be made of a plastic material.

[0010] According to the invention, the sensor mat extends to beneath the decorative element. The sensor mat can partially extend beneath the decorative element, meaning it can be interrupted beneath it or, for example, guided beneath it from two sides. By extending the sensor mat to beneath the decorative element, hand detection can be improved even in the area of ​​the decorative element. In particular, the detection of hands in the edge region of the decorative element can be ensured. Positioning the sensor beneath the decorative element simplifies the design of the sensor mat and reduces the area of ​​poor detection.

[0011] In one embodiment, the sensor mat is designed to run continuously beneath the decorative element. The sensor mat is installed without interruption beneath the decorative element. This further improves the sensing accuracy and enables sensing across the entire area of ​​the decorative element.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the steering wheel foam in the area of ​​the decorative element has a recess with sloping side walls, and the sensor mat follows this contour. This ensures that the change in the distance between the sensor mat and the steering wheel surface is preferably continuous. As the distance of the sensor mat from the steering wheel surface increases, the sensing accuracy decreases. The continuous increase in distance in the area of ​​the side walls prevents abrupt changes in sensing accuracy and reduces the area of ​​poor sensing. This makes it possible to integrate the decorative element flush with the steering wheel surface while still achieving high sensing accuracy in the area of ​​the decorative element.

[0013] It is particularly advantageous if the decorative element is designed as a hard component. A hard component is defined as one whose surface is dimensionally stable. For example, the decorative element can be made of a plastic material, glass, or similar material. In contrast to a hard component, the steering wheel cover is made of a flexible material. The use of a hard component allows design elements from the cockpit to be incorporated and continued in the steering wheel.

[0014] In one design, the decorative element is designed as a two-part or multi-part clasp. The clasp can be divided, with the individual parts being, for example, clipped, snapped, or glued together.

[0015] In a further embodiment, a continuous sensor mat is provided on the side of the steering wheel rim facing away from the decorative element. The sensor mat is thus also installed on the back of the steering wheel. If the sensor mat only partially extends under the decorative element, this ensures continuous sensing right up to the decorative element.

[0016] Viewed from above, the steering wheel rim is round, square, or polygonal. Alternative shapes are possible. The steering wheel rim can have one or more spokes.

[0017] The improved sensing allows for more flexible design of decorative elements, enabling them to cover larger areas or be positioned in regions where hand detection is particularly important. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, two decorative elements are provided on the steering wheel rim, positioned within the main grip area. The main grip area is defined here as the lateral area of ​​the steering wheel in its neutral position.

[0018] In another aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle with a steering wheel as described above is provided. In this case, the vehicle achieves the same technical advantages and effects as described for the steering wheel.

[0019] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Where the term "can" is used in this application, it refers to both the technical possibility and the actual technical implementation.

[0020] The following are examples of implementation explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show, in schematic representation: Fig. 1. A top view of a steering wheel Fig. 2A to 2C Longitudinal sections through exemplary steering wheel rims Fig. 3A to 3C Cross-sectional views of the steering wheel rims from the Fig. 2A-2C Fig. 4. A top view of an example steering wheel Fig. 5 a representation of a clevis section on the steering wheel rim profile Fig. 6. An exemplary vehicle with a steering wheel.

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 shows a top view of an exemplary steering wheel 10 with a steering wheel rim 20 and two steering wheel spokes 30, 40. Two decorative elements 50, 60 are arranged on the steering wheel rim 20. Decorative elements 50 and 60 are mirror images of each other. The steering wheel 10 has steering wheel heating and hand detection. Detailed exemplary layer structures of the steering wheel are shown in sectional views AA and BB of the [reference missing]. Fig. 2A to 2C and 3A to 3C are shown, where Fig. 2A to 2C represent the integration of the clips or decorative elements in the longitudinal axis of the steering wheel rim 20 and the Fig. 3A to 3C the integration of the clips or decorative elements in the transverse axis of the steering wheel rim 20.

[0022] The steering wheel rim 20 includes a skeletal frame 21 surrounded by steering wheel foam 22. A steering wheel heater 23 and a sensor mat 24 for hand detection are arranged on the foam 22. The outer surface of the steering wheel rim 20 is partially formed by a steering wheel cover 25, which is arranged on the steering wheel heater 23 and sensor mat 24 and, for example, bonded to them. The steering wheel cover 25 can be, for example, a leather or imitation leather covering. In a partial area of ​​the steering wheel rim 20, a decorative element 50 in the form of a trim piece or clip is also arranged on the steering wheel cover 25. In the area of ​​the decorative element 50, the steering wheel foam 22 has a trough-shaped recess V with continuously sloping side walls. The sensor mat 24 follows the shape of the side walls, so that the distance of the sensor mat 24 from the steering wheel surface increases continuously until it is guided under the decorative element 50.Improved sensing is enabled in the case of abrupt changes in distance. The outer surface of the decorative element 50 is thus integrated almost flush with the outer surface profile of the steering wheel rim 20. On the side facing away from the decorative element 50, 60, the sensor mat 24 and the steering wheel heating are continuously installed.

[0023] In all three embodiments, the sensor mat 24 and the steering wheel heating 23 extend at least partially under the decorative element.

[0024] According to an example from Fig. 2A and Fig. 3A The sensor mat 24 and the steering wheel heating element 23 are partially continuous from the sides to below the trim element 50; the central area below the trim element 50 remains free of the sensor mat 24 and steering wheel heating element 23. The steering wheel cover 25 is also interrupted in the central area below the trim element 50. QUESTION: What is there instead?

[0025] According to an example from Fig. 2B and Fig. In 3B, as well as 2C and 3C, the sensor mat 24 and the steering wheel heating element 23 are installed continuously under the trim element 50. The steering wheel cover 25 can also be installed continuously ( Fig. 2C and Fig. 3C) or only partially continuous from the sides to below the decorative element 50 ( Fig. 2B and Fig. 3B).

[0026] Fig. Figure 4 shows a top view of another exemplary steering wheel 10A, in which decorative elements 50A, 60A are arranged in the main grip area H of the steering wheel and each extend to one steering wheel spoke 30, 40. The basic layer structure does not differ from that in Fig. 2C and Fig. 3C shown. The decorative element 50A, 60A is designed as a clasp. The clasp surrounds the rim profile of the steering wheel rim 20, as shown in the sectional view of Fig. 5 is visible. The brace is divided and the parts are glued, snapped or clipped together.

[0027] Fig. Figure 6 shows an exemplary motor vehicle in the form of a passenger car with an exemplary steering wheel 10 or 10A. Reference symbol list 1 motor vehicle 10, 10A Steering wheel 20 Steering wheel rim 21 skeleton frames 22 Steering wheel foam 23 Steering wheel heating 24 Sensor mat 25 Steering wheel cover 30, 40 steering wheel spoke 50, 50A, 60, 60A Decorative element 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 20215 / 0336601 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Steering wheel for a motor vehicle with a steering wheel rim (20), a sensor mat (24) for hands-on detection, which is arranged between a steering wheel foam (22) and a steering wheel cover (25) in the steering wheel rim (20), at least one decorative element (50, 50A, 6060A) that extends over a partial area of ​​the steering wheel rim (20), the sensor mat (24) extends to below the decorative element (50). [2] Steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein the sensor mat (24) is designed to run continuously under the decorative element (50). [3] Steering wheel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steering wheel foam (22) in the area of ​​the decorative element (50) has a recess (V) with sloping side walls and the sensor mat (24) follows this contour. [4] Steering wheel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative element (50, 50A, 60, 60A) is designed as a hard component. [5] Steering wheel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative element (50, 50A, 60, 60A) is integrated flush with the surface into the steering wheel (10, 10A). [6] Steering wheel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative element (50A, 60A) is designed as a two- or multi-part clip. [7] Steering wheel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a continuous sensor mat is provided on the side of the steering wheel rim (20) facing away from the decorative element (50, 60). [8] Steering wheel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steering wheel rim (20) is round, square or polygonal. [9] Steering wheel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two decorative elements (50A, 60A) are provided which are arranged in the main grip area of ​​the steering wheel rim. [10] Motor vehicle with a steering wheel (10, 10A) according to one of the preceding claims.

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