System for a vehicle with a steering wheel

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for a vehicle with a steering wheel (2), wherein the steering wheel (2) has a support body having an axis of symmetry that divides the support body into two sides, wherein the axis of symmetry is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle in a basic position, wherein the system has at least one pair of vibration mechanisms and a control unit, wherein each vibration mechanism has a receptacle arranged in the support body in which a vibration module is arranged, which is connected to a cover module (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b) on a surface of the support body and to the control unit, wherein the two vibration mechanisms of each pair are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the support body with respect to the axis of symmetry, wherein the control unit is configured to activate at least one vibration module of the at least one pair of vibration mechanisms.wherein the at least one activated vibration module of the at least one pair of vibration mechanisms is configured to vibrate the cover module (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b) connected to it and to haptically indicate at least one direction.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for a vehicle with a steering wheel and a method for operating a steering wheel of a vehicle.

[0002] The publication DE 10 2008 061 302 A1 describes a system for route guidance assistance through momentary support on the steering wheel of a motor vehicle.

[0003] A system for providing a navigation alarm to a driver of a motor vehicle is known from publication IN 202141023170 A.

[0004] Against this background, the task was to provide targeted support to a driver of a vehicle.

[0005] This problem is solved by a system and a method with the features of the independent claims. Embodiments of the system and the method are described in the dependent claims and the description.

[0006] The system according to the invention is designed for a vehicle that has a steering wheel, and / or for this steering wheel, e.g., for operating it. The steering wheel has a support body that includes and / or forms, among other things, a steering rim and spokes of the steering wheel. The support body is arranged in an interior space of the vehicle and is rotatable about a steering axis for controlling and / or steering the vehicle. The support body also has an axis of symmetry that divides the support body, and thus the steering wheel, into two sides or halves, i.e., a left and a right side, wherein the axis of symmetry, as a component of the system, is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle in a basic position of the steering wheel. The system has at least one pair of vibration mechanisms and a control unit, wherein each vibration mechanism has a receptacle arranged in the support body, a vibration module, and a cover module, both of which are directly or indirectly connected to each other.Each vibration module is arranged in a receptacle, covered by a cover module on, or within a surface of the support body, and connected to the control unit. Two vibration mechanisms of each pair are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the support body, to the left and right of the axis of symmetry. The control unit is configured to control and activate at least one vibration module of the at least one pair of vibration mechanisms. The at least one controlled and activated vibration module of the at least one pair of vibration mechanisms is configured to vibrate the cover module connected to it, and thus the steering wheel, at least on one side only, i.e., only on one of the two sides or simultaneously on both sides, thereby haptically indicating at least one spatial direction.The steering wheel is assigned a spatial direction, i.e., left or right.

[0007] It is possible that each vibration module of the at least one or pair of vibration mechanisms is directly connected to a cover element within its receptacle. Each cover module is arranged within an opening of the receptacle in the support body and can flush-mount a surface and / or covering of the support body at points of the receptacle opening. Each cover module is typically made of a rigid solid and may also be designed and / or designated as a decorative element.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, a transmission module is arranged in each mounting of the at least one or the respective pair of vibration mechanisms, wherein the vibration module of the respective vibration mechanism is indirectly connected to the cover module via the transmission module. In one embodiment, a respective cover module can be an independent component within the support body or in the cladding, e.g., in a reference to the support body or for the support body. It is also possible that a respective cover module is integrated into the cladding and / or designed as part of the cladding, in which case it is set into vibration by the vibration module.

[0009] The system comprises at least one detection device, typically a navigation device, and / or at least one sensor, e.g., a camera, for the vehicle's surroundings and / or interior. The at least one detection device is configured to determine and / or detect at least one intended direction for the vehicle and to transmit information about this intended direction to the control unit. The control unit is configured to control and activate the at least one vibration module of the at least one pair of vibration mechanisms, depending on the at least one determined direction, to vibrate the associated cover module, and, depending on which of the two sides vibrates more strongly, to indicate either a left or a right direction.It is also possible that the at least one navigational and / or sensory detection device in the configuration of the system presented here is designed and / or used as a control unit, wherein this detection device, acting as a control unit and / or when performing a function of the control unit, detects the respective intended and to be displayed direction and directly controls and activates the at least one vibration module.

[0010] It is also possible that at least one vibrating cover module is simultaneously designed as a button, e.g., a multifunction button, for operating a vehicle function. The function can be triggered by operating and / or activating the button, e.g., by pressing it. The vibrating button can also indicate at least one direction. The at least one cover module and / or transmission module can also be designed and / or designated as an insert. Each cover module, which is directly or indirectly connected to the vibrating module in the receptacle, is movably mounted, for example, in or at the edge of the receptacle, and is usually clipped to and / or attached to the support body. The vibrating module in the receptacle within the support body is located below the cover module, which is designed, for example, as a button.

[0011] The method according to the invention is provided for operating a vehicle's steering wheel, typically for indicating at least one direction of the vehicle with the steering wheel. The steering wheel has a support body with an axis of symmetry that divides the support body, or the steering wheel, into two sides, the axis of symmetry being oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle in a neutral position of the steering wheel. The method employs at least one pair of vibration mechanisms, each vibration mechanism having a receptacle arranged in the support body in which a vibration module is arranged and covered by a cover module on a surface of the support body. Furthermore, two vibration mechanisms of each pair, typically of each pair, are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the support body with respect to the axis of symmetry.When carrying out the method, at least one vibration module of the at least one pair of vibration mechanisms is controlled and activated, wherein the cover module directly or indirectly connected to the at least one controlled and activated vibration module of the at least one pair of vibration mechanisms is set into vibration and, depending on which at least one side a vibration is generated, at least one direction is indicated haptically.

[0012] The method allows vibrations to be generated in different modes using at least one vibration module of each pair of vibration mechanisms. The steering wheel is vibrated by the integrated vibration modules both asymmetrically (only to the left or right of the axis of symmetry) and symmetrically (equally on both sides). In the first mode, at least one vibration module of the at least one pair of vibration mechanisms is controlled and activated only on one side of the steering wheel at any given time. Of the at least one controlled and activated vibration module, only at least one cover module is vibrated only on, in, and / or on one of the two sides of the steering wheel or its mounting body. With respect to the axis of symmetry, only one direction is indicated haptically among two different directions, i.e., either only left or only right.The vibration modules can be activated individually on both sides. With the separate vibration mechanisms, symmetrically distributed on both sides of the steering wheel, differentiated and / or direction-dependent vibration of the steering wheel in at least one direction, i.e., to the left and / or to the right, is possible.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, in a second mode, at least one cover module is vibrated simultaneously by a vibration module on both sides. In this second mode, to indicate one of the two possible directions, at least one parameter for the vibration of a cover module on the side of the steering wheel that is to haptically indicate a preferred direction can be set higher than for the vibration of a cover module on the opposite side of the steering wheel. While cover modules vibrate on both sides, the vibrations on the preferred side are stronger, potentially causing the entire steering wheel to vibrate more to the left or right. For example, if at least one vibration module is to be activated on each side, a switch between the left and right vibration modules can be achieved.The vibration can be adjusted from left to right or vice versa, with individual customization options. At least one vibration parameter can be set and / or varied depending on the direction of travel for the entire steering wheel.

[0014] In this method, a direction intended for the vehicle can be indicated haptically by vibration during and / or before a vehicle journey. To indicate the respective direction, at least one parameter of the vibration of a respective cover module is adjusted, optionally dynamically. This allows the driver to be directly and haptically alerted to a steering input and / or steering wheel rotation, to which they can react manually by turning the steering wheel. For each vibration imparted to a cover module by a vibration module, at least one parameter of the vibration can be dynamically adjusted in real time to the journey and / or the steering input, e.g., the angle to be set.

[0015] Typically, at least one of the vehicle's sensors, such as a navigation system and / or possibly an additional sensor for the vehicle's surroundings, such as a front camera and / or radar sensor, determines and / or detects the direction in which the vehicle is moving and / or must or should move to reach a specified destination. Information about the intended direction is then transmitted from the sensor to the control unit, which, depending on the determined and / or detected direction, selects which of the two sides of the steering wheel should be activated. This vibration then sets the associated cover module into vibration. The vibration on only one side of the steering wheel can indicate to the driver whether they need to turn left or right to reach their destination. For example,The system detects that a turning maneuver is imminent at an intersection, and the control unit then activates at least one vibration module in the steering wheel on the side toward which the vehicle is to be driven and / or steered. This method can also indicate a planned and / or necessary change of direction for the vehicle.

[0016] In this embodiment of the method, the axis of symmetry is vertically oriented and / or aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle in the steering wheel's home position. The driver manually sets and / or dictates a straight-ahead driving direction with the steering wheel in this home position. Depending on the definition, manually turning the steering wheel clockwise rotates it to the left or counterclockwise rotates it to the right. The at least one vibration module is only activated, and the at least one cover module is only set into vibration, if the angle by which the axis of symmetry is rotated to the left or right around a steering axis of the steering wheel, starting from the home position and measured by a rotation angle sensor, is a maximum of 90°.Vibration of at least one cover module is prevented and / or deactivated if the angle of a rotation detected by the steering wheel sensor, e.g., in a progressive steering system, by a certain angle (usually steering angle), is greater than 90°. This prevents a direction indicated by the vibration from being misinterpreted.

[0017] The at least one cover module, acting as a vibration insert, can also be used to provide the driver with haptic feedback on other aspects beyond vehicle navigation. Specifically, the at least one cover module (usually multiple modules on both sides) can be set into vibration by the at least one activated vibration module when the vehicle's driver, typically monitored by at least one camera, detects fatigue.

[0018] Furthermore, for example, an incoming phone call or text message received by a communication module can be indicated if necessary. Upon receiving the phone call or text message, the communication module activates the control unit, which then activates at least one vibration module. Additionally, relevant traffic information can also be indicated by vibration if the control unit is activated by a vehicle traffic information receiver and at least one vibration module is triggered.

[0019] It is possible that an embodiment of the presented system is configured to carry out an embodiment of the presented method, wherein the embodiment of the presented method is carried out with the embodiment of the presented system.

[0020] The vibration modules or elements are located in the steering wheel or its support structure and are designed, among other things, to provide haptic feedback on the direction of travel, for example, during vehicle navigation, but also, in some configurations, to indicate at least one other function independently of direction. The vibration can also warn of a dangerous situation with the vehicle, which is detected by at least one sensor that then activates the control unit, which in turn activates the at least one vibration module.

[0021] The presented system allows optical and / or acoustic information for the driver, provided by a display field and / or a loudspeaker as the vehicle's output device, to be supplemented by haptic information generated by the steering wheel, which vibrates at least on one or both sides, as a haptic and / or mechanical output device.

[0022] In one version of the system, a vibration arrangement otherwise required in a steering column (SMLS or steering column for a lane keeping / lane change function) on which the steering wheel is rotatably mounted can be omitted, since a warning function for lane keeping and / or lane changing can be indicated haptically by simultaneous activation of vibration modules on both sides of the steering wheel, left and right.

[0023] In this configuration, the strength, intensity, amplitude, and / or frequency of the vibration of the at least one cover module can be set and / or varied by quantitatively and / or qualitatively controlling the at least one vibration module. It is also possible to set and / or vary the duration of the vibration.

[0024] For example, to indicate an intended turn, the strength and / or amplitude of the vibration can be adjusted depending on the angle by which the vehicle is to be steered in a particular direction, with the vibration strength increasing with the angle. When driving straight ahead, a directional vibration can be omitted. For a small turn, a weak vibration with low intensity and / or amplitude can be set, and for a large turn, a strong vibration with high intensity and / or amplitude. The same is also possible when driving the vehicle through a curve, where the steering wheel provides the driver with a haptic cue, at least one vibration, indicating the required steering and / or turning action, to which the driver can then react manually.

[0025] The strength, intensity, amplitude, and / or frequency as parameters of the vibration for a direction of an angle by which the steering wheel is to be turned can be dynamically set and / or adjusted to the respective set and / or turned angle of the steering wheel and / or the angle that is usually to be set and / or turned, as a target value for the steering wheel, even when the steering wheel is operated manually, even when driving through a curve.

[0026] In a further configuration, the duration of the vibration can also be adjusted, with the duration depending on the distance the vehicle needs to be steered in a particular direction when turning and / or driving through a curve. For example, the vibration duration can be set to a fraction of a second (e.g., 0.5 seconds) for short steering distances, or several seconds (e.g., 2 seconds) for long steering distances. The duration of the vibration, which is typically direction-dependent and / or directional, can also be dynamically adjusted to the specific steering input required. Furthermore, detailed information can be provided to the driver to facilitate navigation and / or steering.

[0027] It may also be possible for a specific vibration parameter, such as its intensity, frequency, and / or duration, to be individually adjusted by a particular driver. It is also possible to deactivate the system and the associated procedures. The frequency of a vibration can also indicate the distance the vehicle must be steered or turned to cover. For example, a slow vibration with a low frequency can be set for a long distance, and a fast vibration with a high frequency for a short distance. Similarly, the frequency of a vibration can indicate the angle by which the vehicle must be steered by turning the steering wheel. A slow vibration can be set for a large angle, and a fast vibration for a small angle.

[0028] In one embodiment, the at least one vibration module is activated only when a sensor, acting as a detection device in and / or on the steering wheel, detects, for example, via an induction function using an induction foil, whether or not at least one of the driver's hands is on the steering wheel. The at least one vibration module can be directly controlled by a sensor-based detection device, which is used in a control unit configuration, to determine the intended direction.

[0029] In another version, the at least one cover module or vibration insert can also perform a massage function, e.g., to promote blood circulation in the palm or fingers of the hand. The massage function can be activated selectively and / or manually as needed. Conversely, indications of a specific direction for the vehicle and / or a hazard can be displayed by automatic activation of the at least one vibration module and a correspondingly automatically set vibration of the at least one cover module. If there are several vibration mechanisms on each side of the steering wheel, at different positions with respect to the axis of symmetry and / or around a center point of the steering wheel, etc.Since the vibration modules are distributed symmetrically around its support body in an angle-dependent manner, it is possible to activate several vibration modules on both sides at one time and to individually adjust at least one parameter for the vibration of each cover module at a specific position of the respective vibration mechanism. This allows not only differentiation between two directions but also, if necessary, targeted indication of a specific angle. It is possible for several, or even all, of the system's vibration mechanisms to be arranged equiangularly on a circle around the center of the steering wheel, with the steering axis typically passing through the center point. If the system has n equiangularly distributed vibration mechanisms, the angular distance between any two immediately adjacent vibration mechanisms is 360° / n, where n is an even number. For example, if the system...If there are k pairs of vibration mechanisms, then there are a total of n = 2*k vibration mechanisms.

[0030] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0031] The invention is schematically illustrated with reference to embodiments in the drawing and is described schematically and in detail with reference to the drawing. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the system according to the invention for carrying out a first embodiment of the method according to the invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a detail of a second embodiment of the system according to the invention for carrying out a second embodiment of the method according to the invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a detail of a third embodiment of the system according to the invention for carrying out a third embodiment of the method according to the invention. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a detail of a fourth embodiment of the system according to the invention for carrying out a fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention. Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a detail of a fifth embodiment of the system according to the invention for carrying out a fifth embodiment of the method according to the invention. Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a sixth embodiment of the system according to the invention for carrying out a sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0032] The figures are described in a coherent and comprehensive manner. The same reference symbols are assigned to the same components.

[0033] The in Fig. Figure 1, a schematically illustrated first embodiment of the system according to the invention, is designed for a steering wheel 2 of a vehicle, here designed as a motor vehicle. The steering wheel 2 has a central module 12, which is connected to a steering column of a steering system of the vehicle and is rotatable about a steering axis extending through the steering column. The central module 12 is connected via three spokes 6a, 6b, 6c to a steering rim 4, which is here round, wherein the steering rim 4 and the spokes 6a, 6b, 6c are formed from a single, continuous support body. The steering wheel 2 includes an impact housing for an airbag of the vehicle, which is covered here by the central module 12. An operating module 14a, 14b is arranged on each of two of the spokes 6a, 6b.

[0034] The first embodiment of the system according to the invention comprises a first pair, a second pair, a third pair, and a fourth pair of vibration modules, which are arranged in receptacles of the steering ring 4 formed from the support body and are distributed symmetrically around the steering axis. Each vibration module of the first pair is covered by a first cover module 8a, 8b, each vibration module of the second pair by a second cover module 9a, 9b, each vibration module of the third pair by a third cover module 10a, 10b, and each vibration module of the fourth pair by a fourth cover module 11a, 11b.

[0035] The two cover modules 8a, 8b, 11a, 11b of the first and fourth pairs of vibration mechanisms are each integrated into and / or arranged in a cover of the steering wheel's support body 2, with a heating mat potentially integrated between the cover and the support body. Furthermore, the two cover modules 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b of the second and third pairs of vibration mechanisms are each integrated into and / or arranged in one of the two control modules 14a, 14b on either side of the axis of symmetry, with each cover module 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b additionally serving as a multifunction button for triggering vehicle functions.

[0036] It is planned that an axis of symmetry runs through the steering column and the steering wheel, which is in a Fig. In the basic position of the steering wheel 2 shown in Figure 1, the steering wheel 2 is parallel to a forward direction of travel and / or a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, dividing and / or separating the steering wheel 2 into two sides, here a left side and a right side. In this position, a left vibration mechanism with a left cover module 8a, 9a, 10a, 11a of each pair of vibration mechanisms is arranged on the left side in the basic position, and a right vibration mechanism with a right cover module 8b, 9b, 10b, 11b of each pair of vibration mechanisms is arranged on the right side of the steering wheel 2 in the basic position.

[0037] The second embodiment of the system according to the invention is described in Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a receptacle 22 for a vibration module 24, which is integrated into a support body 20 of a vehicle's steering wheel. The vibration module 24 is covered within the receptacle 22 by a cover module 26 and connected to it. The vibration module 24 has a connection 28 for a cable (not shown) through which the vibration module 24 is connected to, controlled, and activated by an energy storage device and / or control unit of the system (not shown). The cover module 26 is designed here as part of a cover for the support body 20.

[0038] The third embodiment of the system according to the invention is described in Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a receptacle 32 for a vibration module 34 and a transmission module 36, which is designed and / or designated here as an insert, wherein the receptacle 32 is integrated into a support body 30 of a vehicle steering wheel, which is enclosed here by an upper and a lower cover 48a, 48b. The vibration module 34 is arranged on a base of the receptacle 32. The transmission module 36 is arranged on the vibration module 34 and is connected to a cover module 38, wherein the cover module 38 is arranged on an opening of the receptacle 32 and enclosed by the upper cover 48a. The transmission module 36 or a respective insert is movably mounted in the support body 30 and the receptacle 32, usually with minimal movement, e.g., clipped in place. The vibration module 34, as a vibration mechanism, is located between the support body 30 and the receptacle 32.a support part of the steering wheel and the transmission module 36, which is connected to the cover module 38, is installed, e.g. clipped together.

[0039] Herein, the vibration module 34 and the transmission module 36 each have a rotationally symmetrical outer wall, and the receptacle 32 has a rotationally symmetrical inner wall. A first circumferential ring 40 is arranged on the outer wall of the vibration module 34 as a first primary connecting element, which is arranged in a first circumferential groove 42 as a first secondary connecting element in the inner wall of the receptacle 32. Furthermore, a second circumferential ring 44 is arranged on the outer wall of the transmission module 36 as a second primary connecting element, which is arranged in a second circumferential groove 46 as a second secondary connecting element in the inner wall of the receptacle 32. The grooves 42 and 46 are arranged coaxially offset from each other in the inner wall.

[0040] Accordingly, at least one vibration module 34 and / or at least one transmission module 36, each with a rotationally symmetrical outer wall, can be movably connected to a receptacle 32 via a primary rotationally symmetrical connecting element on its outer wall to a secondary rotationally symmetrical connecting element on a rotationally symmetrical inner wall of a receptacle 32. In each case, a primary connecting element, e.g., a ring 44, 44, is arranged movably and / or with play within a secondary connecting element, e.g., within a groove 42, 46. Conversely, it is also possible for the primary connecting element to be arranged on the inner wall of the receptacle 32 and the secondary connecting element on the outer wall of the vibration module 34 or the transmission module 36.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a section of a steering rim 50 and a section of a spoke 52, which are formed here from a continuous support body of another steering wheel for a vehicle. A vibration module 54 is arranged in a receptacle of the steering rim 50, on which an induction film 56 is arranged as a sensor. The vibration module 54 is connected to a control unit of the fourth embodiment of the system according to the invention via a first cable 58, and the induction film 56 is connected to a control unit of the fourth embodiment of the system according to the invention via a second cable 60. Furthermore, the vibration module 54 and the induction film 56 are covered by a cover module (not shown) which is integrated into a housing of the support body. The induction film 56 sensor detects whether a driver is manually touching and / or moving the steering wheel.

[0042] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-section through a steering wheel 70 and a steering column 78 of a vehicle, wherein the steering wheel 70 is rotatable about a steering axis extending through the steering column 78. A steering rim 72 of the steering wheel 70 is formed from a support body. The fifth embodiment of the system according to the invention is shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows a vibration module 74, which is arranged in a receptacle of the steering rim 72 and covered by a cover module 76. The vibration module 74 is connected to an energy storage device 82 via a cable 80, which here runs through the steering column 78.

[0043] The in Fig.Figure 6, schematically depicted, is a sixth embodiment of the system according to the invention for a vehicle designed as a motor vehicle. It comprises, on the one hand, output devices, namely a display field 100 as an optical output device, a loudspeaker 102 as an acoustic output device, and a steering wheel 104 of the vehicle, wherein at least two receptacles for vibration modules of the system are arranged in a support body of the steering wheel 104, the vibration modules integrated into the steering wheel 104 forming a haptic output device of the system. Furthermore, the system comprises input devices, namely a navigation device 88, a control unit 90, a rotation angle sensor 92 for detecting a rotation angle and / or steering angle of the steering wheel 104, an interior sensor 94, here a camera designed as a driver observation camera in an interior of the vehicle, and at least one exterior sensor 96, here a front camera and a radar sensor, for the vehicle's surroundings.

[0044] The output and input devices are connected via a communication unit 98 of the system. The steering wheel 104 is rotatably mounted on a steering column of the vehicle (not shown), which is designed here as a switching module steering column (SMLS) and / or into which at least one vibration module for performing a vibration function may also be integrated. The sixth embodiment of the system, which, in addition to the steering wheel 104 with at least one pair of symmetrically distributed vibration mechanisms therein, has at least one further output device, is designed to provide a driver with a joint haptic, as well as additional acoustic and / or visual, indication of a direction and / or a specific event, e.g., to warn of the event. With this system, the driver can be alerted, at least haptically, to a specific direction and / or an event, e.g., in the presence of visual or acoustic distractions.

[0045] With each embodiment of the system according to the invention shown here, at least one direction is haptically indicated to a driver of the vehicle who operates a respective steering wheel 2, 70, 104 to control the vehicle via the vibration mechanisms symmetrically distributed on both sides of the steering wheel 2, 70, 104 next to the axis of symmetry. In one mode, only the at least one vibration module 24, 34, 54, 74 on one of the two sides, i.e., only on the left side or only on the right side, is controlled and activated, and furthermore, only the cover module 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 26, 38, 76 directly or indirectly connected to it on and / or in one of the two sides of the support body 20, 30, which forms the steering rim 4, 50, 72 and / or the spokes 6a, 6b, 6c, 52, is set into vibration, whereby the driver is only haptically informed and / or made aware of one direction, i.e., left or right, in this first mode.

[0046] In a second mode, both vibration modules 24, 34, 54, 74 of the at least one pair of vibration mechanisms on both sides of the steering wheel 2, 70, 104 can be controlled and activated in combination, e.g., also simultaneously, whereby the cover modules 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 26, 38, 76 on both sides of the support body 20, 30, which are directly or indirectly connected to the activated vibration modules 24, 34, 54, 74, are also set into vibration in combination, whereby the driver is haptically alerted and / or made aware of an event, even if it is independent of direction, in the second mode. REFERENCE MARK: 2 Steering wheel 4 Steering ring 6a, 6b, spoke 6c 8a, 8b Cover module 9a, 9b Cover module 10a, 10b Cover module 11a, 11b Cover module 12 Central module 14a, 14b Operating module 20 supporting structures 22nd recording 24 Vibration module 26 Cover module 28 connection 30 support structures 32 recording 34 Vibration module 36 transmission module 38 Cover module 40 rings 42 Nut 44 Ring 46 Nut 48a, 48b cladding 50 Steering ring 52 spokes 54 Vibration module 56 induction foil 58, 60 cables 70 steering wheel 72 Steering ring 74 Vibration module 76 Cover module 78 Steering column 80 cables 82 Energy storage 88 Navigation device 90 Control unit 92 Rotation angle sensor 94 Indoor sensor 96 External sensor 98 Communication unit 100 display fields 102 speakers 104 Steering wheel 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] DE 10 2008 061 302 A1

[0002] IN 202141023170 A

[0003]

Claims

System for a vehicle with a steering wheel (2, 70, 104), wherein the steering wheel (2, 70, 104) has a support body (20, 30) having an axis of symmetry that divides the support body (20, 30) into two sides, the axis of symmetry being oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle in a home position, the system comprising at least one pair of vibration mechanisms and a control unit (90), each vibration mechanism having a receptacle (22, 32) arranged in the support body (20, 30) in which a vibration module (24, 34, 54, 74) is arranged, which is connected to a cover module (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 26, 38, 76) on a surface of the support body (20, 30) and to the control unit (90) is connected, wherein the two vibration mechanisms of each pair are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the support body (20, 30) with respect to the axis of symmetry, wherein the control unit (90) is configured to control at least one vibration module (24, 34, 54,74) of the at least one pair of vibration mechanisms, wherein the at least one activated vibration module (24, 34, 54, 74) of the at least one pair of vibration mechanisms is configured to vibrate the cover module (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 26, 38, 76) connected to it and to haptically indicate at least one direction. System according to claim 1, wherein each vibration module (24, 34, 54, 74) of the at least one pair of vibration mechanisms is directly connected to a cover module (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 26, 38, 76). System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each vibration mechanism has a transmission module (36) arranged in a respective receptacle (22, 32), the vibration module (24, 34, 54, 74) of the respective vibration mechanism is indirectly connected to the cover module (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 26, 38, 76) via the transmission module (36). System according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one detection device configured to determine at least one direction intended for the vehicle and to transmit information about the at least one direction to the control unit (90), wherein the control unit (90) is configured to activate the at least one vibration module (24, 34, 54, 74) of the at least one pair of vibration mechanisms depending on the at least one direction. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cover module (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 26, 38, 76) is designed as a button for operating a function of the vehicle. Method for operating a steering wheel (2, 70, 104) of a vehicle, wherein the steering wheel (2, 70, 104) has a support body (20, 30) having an axis of symmetry that divides the support body (20, 30) into two sides, the axis of symmetry being oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle in a home position, wherein at least one pair of vibration mechanisms is used, each vibration mechanism having a receptacle (22, 32) arranged in the support body (20, 30) in which a vibration module (24, 34, 54, 74) is arranged, which is connected to a cover module (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 26, 38, 76) on a surface of the support body (20, 30), wherein the two vibration mechanisms of each pairs in the support body (20, 30) are arranged symmetrically on both sides to the axis of symmetry, wherein at least one vibration module (24, 34, 54, 74) of the at least one pair of vibration mechanisms is activated,wherein the at least one activated vibration module (24, 34, 54, 74) of the at least one pair of vibration mechanisms sets the cover module (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 26, 38, 76) connected to it into vibration and at least one direction is indicated haptically. Method according to claim 6, wherein in one mode at least one cover module (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 26, 38, 76) is vibrated only on one of the two sides and only one direction is indicated haptically, and / or wherein in another mode at least one cover module (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 26, 38, 76) is vibrated in combination on both sides. Method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a direction intended for the vehicle is haptically indicated by setting at least one parameter of a vibration of a respective cover module (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 26, 38, 76). Method according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the axis of symmetry is vertically oriented in the basic position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, wherein the at least one cover module (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 26, 38, 76) is only set into vibration when the angle by which the axis of symmetry is rotated about a steering axis of the steering wheel (2, 70, 104) from the basic position is a maximum of 90°. Method according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the at least one cover module (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 26, 38, 76) is set into vibration when fatigue is detected in a driver of the vehicle.

Images