Electricity and data connection of rotation interface connecting steering wheel and steering column

Abstract

To provide a rotation interface that provides communication of data and electricity between a steering wheel and a steering column.SOLUTION: A steering system includes: a steering column configured to communicate with a steering assembly and including a steering shaft rotatably moving within a sleeve; a steering wheel attached to the steering shaft to operate the steering assembly and including a user interface; and a control interface extending between the steering wheel and the steering column. The control interface includes a first portion coupled to the steering column and a second portion coupled to the steering wheel. The second portion rotatably moves relative to the first portion. The first and second portions wirelessly communicate with each other to allow the user interface to communicate with a controller that operates at least one electric control system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 558,350, entitled ELECTRICAL AND DATA CONNECTION FOR ROTARY INTERFACE OF A STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING COLUMN CONNECTION, filed February 27, 2024, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a steering assembly for a vehicle, and more particularly to a rotary interface that provides data and electrical communication between a steering wheel and a steering column to prevent wear and damage to the electrical wires extending between the steering wheel and the steering column. [Background technology]

[0003] In conventional vehicles, the steering wheel may include various user interface mechanisms for controlling systems within the vehicle. Such systems may include audio systems, telephone communication systems, voice activation systems, and other similar vehicle systems. To operate the systems, power and data communications must be transmitted between the steering wheel and the rest of the vehicle via the steering column. Necessarily, these systems require power and data connections that may extend between the steering wheel and a rotary interface to the steering column. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle steering system includes a steering column having a steering shaft configured to communicate with a steering assembly and rotatably mounted within a sleeve; a steering wheel attached to the steering shaft for operating the steering assembly and having a user interface; and a control interface extending between the steering wheel and the steering column. The control interface has a first portion coupled to the steering column and a second portion coupled to the steering wheel. The second portion rotates relative to the first portion. The first and second portions wirelessly communicate with each other to communicate the user interface with a controller that operates at least one electrical control system.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a steering system for a vehicle includes a steering column having a steering shaft configured to rotate within a sleeve and in communication with a steering assembly; a steering wheel attached to the steering shaft to operate the steering assembly, the steering wheel having a user interface, and configured to be positioned at a passenger seat; a plurality of electrical control systems operated by a controller external to the steering wheel and the steering column; and a control interface having a first portion coupled to the sleeve of the steering shaft and a second portion coupled to at least one of the steering wheel and the steering shaft, the first and second portions wirelessly communicating with each other to place the user interface in communication with at least one of the plurality of electrical control systems.

[0006] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a steering system for a vehicle includes a steering column configured to communicate with a steering assembly, a steering wheel attached to the steering column to operate the steering assembly, and a control interface extending between the steering wheel and the steering column. The control interface has a first portion attached to the steering column and a second portion attached to the steering wheel. The second portion rotates relative to the first portion, and the first and second portions wirelessly communicate with each other.

[0007] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art with reference to the following description, claims, and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a prior art steering column incorporating a user interface. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art steering column with the steering wheel removed to expose the power and data contacts extending to the steering column. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram of an example of a prior art rotating electrical wire harness for installation at the connection between a steering wheel and a steering column to carry electrical and data communications therebetween. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a steering wheel separated from a steering column. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control interface that extends between the steering wheel and the steering column to provide electrical and data communication therebetween. [Figure 6]Figure 6(a) is a diagram of an exemplary configuration of a control interface extending between a steering wheel and a steering column of a vehicle, and Figure 6(b) is an exemplary diagram of a coil incorporated within the control interface of Figure 6(a). [Figure 7] Figure 7(a) is a diagram of an exemplary configuration of a control interface extending between a steering wheel and a steering column of a vehicle, and Figure 7(b) is a diagram of an exemplary configuration of capacitive resonator electrodes incorporated within the control interface of Figure 7(a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

[0010] While detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein as necessary, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, which may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The drawings do not necessarily depict detailed designs, and some schematic diagrams may be exaggerated or reduced in size to illustrate general functions. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art how to use the present invention in various forms.

[0011] For purposes of this description, the terms "top," "bottom," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof, refer to the concepts in the orientation shown in FIG. 1. However, it is understood that the concepts may assume various alternative orientations, unless expressly stated to the contrary. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0012] The illustrated embodiments primarily pertain to a combination of method steps and apparatus components relating to a rotary control interface between a vehicle's steering wheel and steering column, the rotary control interface being used to transmit electrical and data communications between the steering wheel and steering column while minimizing damage to wired connections within the control interface. Accordingly, while conventional symbols are used in the drawings to represent apparatus components and method steps where appropriate, only specific details pertinent to understanding the disclosed embodiments are shown so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Furthermore, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0013] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used to list more than one item, means that any one of the listed items can be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0014] As used herein, relational terms such as "first" and "second," "upper" and "lower," etc., are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between such entities or actions. Terms such as "comprises," "comprising," or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements, and may include other elements not expressly listed or other elements inherent in such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprising" does not, unless further constraints exist, exclude the presence of other identical elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0015] As used herein, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not, and need not be, exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as appropriate, to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement error, and the like, as well as other factors known to those of ordinary skill in the art. When the term "about" is used in describing a value or the endpoint of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or endpoint referred to. Regardless of whether "about" is stated at the endpoint of a numerical value or range within this specification, that endpoint is intended to include both embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about." Furthermore, it is understood that the endpoints of each range are significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0016] As used herein, the terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations thereof are intended to indicate that a described characteristic is equal to or approximately equal to a particular value or description. For example, a "substantially flat" surface is intended to indicate a surface that is flat or nearly flat. Furthermore, "substantially" is intended to indicate that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may refer to values ​​that are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0017] As used herein, the terms "the," "a," or "an" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one" unless expressly stated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0018] As illustrated in FIGS. 4-7(b), the numeral 10 generally refers to a control interface extending between a steering wheel 12 and a steering column 14 for conducting electrical and data communication therebetween. This communication is in the form of wireless communication. According to various aspects of the present device, a vehicle 40 can have a steering column 14 in communication with a steering assembly 16. The steering wheel 12 is mounted on the steering column 14 along a rotational axis 18 to operate the steering assembly 16. The control interface 10 extends between the steering wheel 12 and the steering column 14. The control interface 10 has a first portion 20 disposed on or within the steering column 14 and a second portion 22 disposed on or within the steering wheel 12. The first portion 20 and the second portion 22 are operative to rotate relative to one another about the rotational axis 18. Typically, the control interface 10 has no or substantially no electrical wires extending between the first portion 20 and the second portion 22, as will be described in more detail below.

[0019] Typically, first portion 20 of control interface 10 is stationary because steering column 14 does not rotate. Second portion 22 of control interface 10 is attached to steering wheel 12 and is therefore designed to rotate about axis of rotation 18. As such, power to control interface 10 is typically routed to first portion 20 using a hardwire connection. Power is then supplied wirelessly to second portion 22 and to user interface 30 on steering wheel 12 through operation of control interface 10.

[0020] 4-7(b), the vehicle 40 may include multiple electrical control systems 42 disposed relative to the passenger seat 44 (shown in the context of FIG. 1). These electrical control systems 42 may include at least one of an audio system, a voice-activated system, a telephone control system, a vehicle information system, etc. The control interface 10 is in communication with each of the electrical control systems 42, typically via a controller 32. Thus, a user may interact with the user interface 30 of the steering wheel 12 to operate these electrical control systems 42 while driving the vehicle 40, without releasing the steering wheel 12.

[0021] As illustrated in the prior art images of FIGS. 1-3 , the steering wheel 12 of a vehicle 40 includes a user interface 30, which may include a plurality of buttons 60 and other interface mechanisms, for accessing and controlling certain electrical control systems 42 within the vehicle 40. To operate the user interface 30, data and electricity may be transmitted from the steering wheel 12 to the electrical control system 42 via the steering column 14. Accordingly, the attachment between the steering wheel 12 and the steering column 14, in a prior art embodiment of the device, includes a wiring connection 62, such as an electrical wire harness 64, which extends between the steering wheel 12 and the steering column 14 to provide a path through which electrical and data communications can be transmitted. When a user operates the steering wheel 12, the steering wheel 12 rotates relative to the steering column 14 about an axis of rotation 18. This manipulation of the steering wheel 12 relative to the steering column 14 twists, bends, and otherwise moves the wiring connection 62. This manipulation places stress on the wiring connection 62. Over time, these wire connections 62 may weaken and may be damaged by the rotational movement of the steering wheel 12.

[0022] As illustrated in Prior Art Figures 2 and 3, certain electrical wire harnesses 64 are available to control the movement and bending of the various electrical wires extending between the steering wheel 12 and the steering column 14 to minimize this damage. However, over time, repeated stress and bending of the electrical wires can damage the electrical wire harness 64 and cause a loss of functionality of the electrical control system 42 via the user interface 30 of the steering wheel 12.

[0023] In conventional steering wheels, as illustrated in Prior Art FIG. 3, the wiring connection 62 to the steering wheel 12 is typically routed through a "clockspring," which is a coil of wire that winds and unwinds from the steering wheel 12 as the steering wheel 12 rotates about the axis of rotation 18 of the steering column 14. Because this is a moving part, it typically has a limited lifespan due to wear and tear on moving parts such as wiring.

[0024] Referring again to FIGS. 4-7(b), in accordance with various aspects of the present device, the control interface 10 described herein is typically utilized in entertainment and comfort-related systems for a vehicle 40. Even when the term "substantially free" of electrical wires or wired connections is used, there are situations in which wired connections are required to comply with safety laws, rules, and regulations. As such, it should be understood that safety systems and systems related to control of the steering assembly 16 typically include hardwired or fixed connections to prevent a loss of electricity or power from preventing a user of the vehicle 40 from operating the steering assembly 16 via the steering wheel 12. Accordingly, systems such as the primary rotational operation of the steering wheel 12 may have a mechanical connection (or hardwired connection 62 in a steer-by-wire interface) in the steering column 14 to maintain connection with the steering assembly 16 even in the event of a loss of power. Additionally, certain auxiliary systems, such as a cruise control interface, may include hardwired connections 62 to maintain a secure communication path for issuing commands between the steering assembly 16 and the steering wheel 12.

[0025] According to various aspects of the present device, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-7(b), the control interface 10 may include multiple paths 66 through which data and electricity can travel between the steering wheel 12 and the steering column 14. These paths 66 may include dedicated paths 66 through which specific instructions can be issued to dedicated electrical control systems 42. Thus, for example, a particular path 66 may be dedicated to controlling an audio system, while another path 66 may be dedicated to a communications / hands-free system. The paths 66 described herein may be physical paths 66 defined within the control interface 10. These paths 66 may also be dedicated frequencies, patterns of signals 92, or different protocols that can be used to distinguish between the signals 92 of the various electrical control systems 42.

[0026] As illustrated in FIGS. 6(a)-7(b), the physical structure of the control interface 10 may vary. Typically, the control interface 10 includes a generally circular configuration to accommodate rotational movement of the steering wheel 12 relative to the steering column 14. As illustrated in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the control interface 10 is in the form of a “pancake” interface, with two opposing disks 70 positioned relative to one another. The first and second portions 20, 22 rotate relative to one another such that the transmitting surface 72 of the first portion 20 moves relative to the receiving surface 74 of the second portion 22 to maintain a connection therebetween. Within the opposing disks 70 of the “pancake” interface, and in other aspects of the first and second portions 20, 22, specific near-field communication interfaces may be positioned. These near-field communication interfaces may take the form of opposing inductive coils (illustrated in FIG. 6(b)), resonators, electrodes, capacitive resonator electrodes, combinations thereof, or other similar inductive assemblies positioned to transfer power and data communications between the steering wheel 12 and the steering column 14. The "pancake" interface may also include a variety of transmitters and receivers that may take the form of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, near field communication (NFC), short range devices (SRDs), combinations of these, and other similar near field communication interfaces.

[0027] As illustrated in Figures 6(a)-6(b), the opposing discs 70 may include a first disc 110 corresponding to the first portion 20 of the control interface 10 and a second disc 112 corresponding to the second portion 22 of the control interface 10. The first disc 110 and the second disc 112 are configured to be closely spaced to enable wireless communication between the discs. At the same time, the first disc 110 and the second disc 112 are sufficiently spaced apart to prevent strong physical contact between the first disc 110 and the second disc 112 from interfering with operation of the steering wheel 12.

[0028] As illustrated in Figures 7(a)-7(b), the control interface 10 can be in the form of a "can" structure such that a cylindrical first portion 80 is disposed within an opposing cylindrical second portion 82, or vice versa. Rotational movement of the steering wheel 12 relative to the steering column 14 causes movement of the first portion 20 relative to the second portion 22. In this embodiment of the device, the first portion 20 and the second portion 22 of the control interface 10 can include electrodes for transmitting an electrical signal 92 through the control interface 10.

[0029] Referring again to FIGS. 4-7(b), according to various aspects of the present apparatus, a steering system 130 of a vehicle 40 includes a steering column 14 configured to communicate with a steering assembly 16. The steering column 14 has a steering shaft 132 that rotates within a sleeve 134. A steering wheel 12 is attached to the steering shaft 132 for operating the steering assembly 16. The steering wheel 12 has a user interface 30 disposed on a surface of the steering wheel 12, typically easily accessible to the driver of the vehicle 40 via either a tactile interface, a voice-controlled interface, or other similar interface located within the steering wheel 12. A control interface 10 extends between the steering wheel 12 and the steering column 14. The control interface 10 has a first portion 20 that couples to the steering column 14, which is typically a stationary portion of the steering column 14, such as the sleeve 134. The control interface 10 also has a second portion 22 that rotates relative to the first portion 20. The first portion 20 and the second portion 22 communicate wirelessly with each other and place the user interface 30 in communication with a controller 32 that operates an electrical control system 42 or multiple electrical control systems 42 .

[0030] 4-7(b), the first portion 20 of the control interface 10 is attached to the sleeve 134 of the steering column 14 and has a receiving surface 74. The second portion 22 is attached to at least one of the steering wheel 12 and the steering shaft 132 and has a transmitting surface 72. The transmitting surface 72 is in signal communication with the user interface 30 of the steering wheel 12, and the receiving surface 74 is in signal communication with at least one of the plurality of electrical control systems 42.

[0031] In certain embodiments of the device, as illustrated in FIGS. 7(a)-7(b), the second portion 22 can be mounted to the steering shaft 132, and the first portion 20 can be mounted to the inner surface of the sleeve 134 of the steering column 14, with the second portion 22 rotatable within the first portion 20. In such embodiments of the device, the second portion 22 is a cylindrical second portion 82, e.g., an inner cylindrical member that rotates within the first portion 20, and the first portion can take the form of a cylindrical first portion 80, also referred to as an outer cylindrical member. The transmitting surface 72 is defined on the outer surface of the inner cylindrical second portion 82. The receiving surface 74 can be defined on the inner surface of the outer cylindrical first portion 80. In this manner, the inner cylindrical second portion 82 and the outer cylindrical first portion 80 rotate relative to one another to provide wireless communication therebetween, enabling communication between the user interface 30 of the steering wheel 12 and the various electrical control systems 42. It should be understood that the positions of the cylindrical first portion 80 and the cylindrical second portion 82 can be interchanged such that the cylindrical first portion 80 rotates inside the cylindrical second portion 82.

[0032] Referring again to FIGS. 4-7(b), the first portion 20 and the second portion 22 can establish two-way wireless communication therebetween. In this embodiment of the device, the first portion 20 can have an auxiliary transmitting surface, and the second portion 22 can have an auxiliary receiving surface. Thus, the first portion 20 and the second portion 22 each have a transmitting surface 72 and a receiving surface 74. In this manner, the first portion 20 and the second portion 22 define a two-way communication interface between the user interface 30 and the plurality of electrical control systems 42. This two-way wireless communication can be used by the user interface 30 to issue instructions to the electrical control systems 42 via the user interface 30. In turn, the electrical control systems 42 can provide feedback or responsive communication to the user interface 30 or the driver using specific signals 92 or indications.

[0033] 4-7(b), the steering system 130 of the vehicle 40 includes a steering column 14 having a steering shaft 132 that rotates within a sleeve 134. The steering shaft 132 is configured to communicate with a steering assembly 16. A steering wheel 12 is attached to the steering shaft 132 to operate the steering assembly 16. The steering wheel 12 is configured to be disposed in the passenger seat 44 and includes a user interface 30 incorporating controls for operating the vehicle's 40 electrical control systems 42 via a controller 32, which will be discussed below. The electrical control systems 42 are operated by the controller 32, which is external to the steering wheel 12 and the steering column 14. The control interface 10 has a first portion 20 that couples to the sleeve 134 of the steering shaft 132. The control interface 10 also has a second portion 22 that couples to at least one of the steering wheel 12 and the steering shaft 132. The first portion 20 and the second portion 22 are in wireless communication with each other, causing the user interface 30 to communicate with at least one electrical control system 42 of the plurality of electrical control systems 42 via wireless communication.

[0034] This configuration allows the control interface 10 to provide power and transmit data communications between the user interface 30 of the steering wheel 12 and the controller 32 without using a wired connection between the rotatable steering wheel 12 and the sleeve 134 of the stationary steering column 14. Thus, the control interface 10 provides a consistent and stable interface for power and data communications without using a wired connection. As described herein, these wired and other physical connections can wear and become damaged over time due to repetitive motion and the resulting material fatigue.

[0035] In certain embodiments of the device that may include a "can" structure, the first portion 20 may be defined by an outer cylindrical member, also referred to as the cylindrical first portion 80. Similarly, the second portion 22 may be defined by an inner cylindrical member, also referred to as the cylindrical second portion 82. In this context of the device, an inner communication surface is defined on the outer surface of the inner cylindrical member. An outer communication surface is defined on the inner surface of the outer cylindrical member. This configuration enables wireless communication between the first portion 20 and the second portion 22. The size of the "can" structure may vary. By way of example and not limitation, the height of the cylindrical second portion may be from about 10 millimeters to about 40 millimeters. The outer diameter of the cylindrical first portion 80 typically corresponds to the inner diameter of the sleeve 134 of the steering column 14. The inner diameter of the cylindrical second portion 82 typically corresponds to the outer diameter of the steering shaft 132.

[0036] According to various embodiments of the present device, the gap 136 defined between the first portion 20 and the second portion 22 may have a variety of thicknesses. By way of example and without limitation, the gap 136 may be from about 0.1 millimeters to about 12 millimeters. It should be understood that variations in these dimensions may vary depending on the dimensions of the vehicle 40.

[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 4-7(b), during operation of the control interface 10, specific frequency, voltage, and other range signals 92 can be utilized to distinguish commands for one electrical control system 42 from commands for another electrical control system 42. Thus, engagement of a particular section of the user interface 30 of the steering wheel 12 can direct a specific electrical signal 92 through the control interface 10 to the controller 32 to operate a corresponding electrical control system 42. Interaction with another section of the user interface 30 can instruct the controller 32 to transmit another electrical signal 92 having a different pressure or frequency signal, representing the signal 92 for another electrical control system 42 of the vehicle 40. Thus, the user interface 30 and the controller 32 can be used in cooperation to transmit instructions via signals 92 through the control interface 10, without the need to place and install separate wiring connections 62 within each electrical control system 42 of the vehicle 40.

[0038] According to various aspects of the present device, the control interface 10 can take any one of a variety of forms that provide for rotational movement of the control interface 10 without the need for a physical wire connection 62 extending therebetween. One such structure uses electrical brushes. These brushes maintain sliding contact between the first portion 20 of the control interface 10 and the second portion 22 of the control interface 10, allowing electrical signals 92 to be transmitted between the two portions. The brushes operate in conjunction with specific contacts that allow these electrical signals 92 to be transmitted between the first portion 20 and the second portion 22 of the control interface 10.

[0039] According to various aspects of the device, the control interface 10 may also take the form of slip rings extending between the first and second portions 20, 22 of the control interface 10. The slip rings provide consistent electrical interaction between the first and second portions 20, 22 of the control interface 10. These slip rings may be in the form of rigid or flexible metal contacts disposed between the first and second portions 20, 22 of the control interface 10, conductive fluids, and other similar mechanisms that maintain electrical communication between the user interface 30 and the various electrical control systems 42 via the first and second portions 20, 22 of the control interface 10.

[0040] According to various aspects of the device, the control interface 10 can take the form of a rotary transformer extending between the first portion 20 and the second portion 22 of the control interface 10. The rotary transformer can include concentric coils disposed about a ferrite core. The rotary transformer provides electrical communication between two components that are capable of rotating relative to one another. Operation of the rotary transformer involves opposing coils that can communicate with one another when at least one of the coils is energized. Energizing one coil generates an induced current in the opposing coil, allowing a signal 92 to be transmitted between the first portion 20 and the second portion 22 of the rotary interface.

[0041] According to various aspects of the present system, the steering wheel 12 typically rotates several times relative to the steering column 14 throughout the full range of motion of the steering wheel 12. In conventional steering wheels, this range of motion can result in a tangled wired electrical connection 62 within the steering wheel 12 to the steering column 14. The control interface 10 described herein provides a connection without the wired connection 62 and transmits signals 92 between the steering wheel 12 and the steering column 14 using alternative forms of power and data connections as described herein.

[0042] According to certain embodiments of the device, as illustrated in Figures 4-7(b), data is transmitted using a transmit coil 100 located in the steering column 14, and a receive coil 102 is disposed in the steering wheel 12. In certain embodiments of the device, the first and second portions 20, 22 of the control interface 10 each include a transmit surface 72 or transmit coil 100 and a receive surface 74 or receive coil 102. In such embodiments of the device, each transmit surface 72 or transmit coil 100 is generally aligned with a corresponding receive surface 74 or receive coil 102 to provide bidirectional communication and electrical signals 92 through the control interface 10.

[0043] As illustrated in FIGS. 4-7(b), data is typically transmitted through the control interface 10 by varying the interruption, amplitude, or frequency of the signal 92 transmitted between the transmit coil 100 and the receive coil 102 (or between the transmit surface 72 and the receive surface 74). Power and data communication to the steering wheel 12 can be provided by the user interface 30 and the electrical control system 42 operating in conjunction, as described herein. The control interface 10 can be used to provide data and electrical signals 92 to the buttons 60 of the user interface 30, backlight the user interface 30 and other portions of the steering wheel 12, provide various sensors located within the steering wheel 12, heat the steering wheel 12, and provide other electrical control system 42 functions. As described herein, the control interface 10 may or may not be connected to certain safety features, such as airbags.

[0044] In the various wireless connection systems described herein, the control interface 10 is able to distinguish between various signals 92 transmitted from the user interface 30 of the steering wheel 12. Accordingly, the control interface 10 provides multiple dedicated paths 66 or dedicated signals 92 that can be distributed to the dedicated paths for ultimate distribution to the controller 32 or electrical control system 42. Thus, the control interface 10 is configured to provide for the transmission of a series of signals 92 or commands used to operate a particular aspect of one of the multiple electrical control systems 42. In this manner, the control interface 10, using wireless connections, maintains the integrity of the signals 92 to ensure that the signals 92 are distributed to the appropriate locations.

[0045] According to various aspects of the present device, the control interface 10, as described herein, is used to provide a rotary power and data communication interface between the first and second portions 20, 22 of the rotary control interface 10. This is done in a manner that does not involve wired connections 62. Rather, as described herein, a rotatable electrical connection can be implemented to provide power and data communication between the steering wheel 12 and the rest of the vehicle 40 via the steering column 14. The control interface 10 may be utilized for specific steering functions, such as a steer-by-wire interface for controlling the steering assembly 16, wireless communication for cruise control systems, and other similar data transmission functions. Typically, the control interface 10 described herein is used in conjunction with data and information systems, entertainment systems, and comfort-related systems. The control interface 10 described herein is designed to provide rotary motion between the steering wheel 12 and the steering column 14 without, or substantially without, wires, thereby providing a system that minimizes wear and tear within the system. This again allows for power and data communication transfer to be established between the steering wheel 12 and the steering column 14 without compromising the structural integrity of the control interface 10 .

[0046] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle steering system includes a steering column having a steering shaft configured to communicate with a steering assembly and rotatably mounted within a sleeve; a steering wheel attached to the steering shaft for operating the steering assembly and having a user interface; and a control interface extending between the steering wheel and the steering column. The control interface has a first portion coupled to the steering column and a second portion coupled to the steering wheel. The second portion rotates relative to the first portion. The first and second portions wirelessly communicate with each other to communicate the user interface with a controller that operates at least one electrical control system.

[0047] According to another aspect, the first and second portions include at least one of opposing inductive coils, resonators, and electrodes to establish wireless communication between the portions.

[0048] According to another aspect, the at least one electrical control system includes at least one of an audio system, a voice activation system, a telephone control system, and a vehicle information system.

[0049] According to another aspect, a first portion of the control interface includes a first disk and a second portion of the control interface includes a second disk, the first disk and the second disk being positioned opposite each other to define a near field communications interface.

[0050] According to another aspect, the first portion is attached to a sleeve of the steering column and has a receiving surface, and the second portion is attached to at least one of the steering wheel and the steering shaft and has a transmitting surface.

[0051] According to another aspect, the transmitting surface is in signal communication with a steering wheel user interface and the receiving surface is in signal communication with at least one electrical control system.

[0052] According to another aspect, the second portion is attached to the steering shaft and the first portion is attached to an inner surface of a sleeve of the steering column, the second portion being rotatable within the first portion.

[0053] According to another aspect, the second part is an inner cylindrical member that rotates within the first part, which is an outer cylindrical member, and the transmitting surface is defined on an outer surface of the inner cylindrical member and the receiving surface is defined on an inner surface of the outer cylindrical member.

[0054] According to another aspect, the transmitting and receiving surfaces are configured to establish bidirectional communication between the user interface and the at least one electrical control system.

[0055] According to another aspect, at least one wire connection extends between the steering column and the steering wheel, the at least one wire connection configured to be attached to a steering assembly.

[0056] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a steering system for a vehicle includes a steering column having a steering shaft configured to rotate within a sleeve and in communication with a steering assembly; a steering wheel attached to the steering shaft to operate the steering assembly, the steering wheel having a user interface, and configured to be positioned at a passenger seat; a plurality of electrical control systems operated by a controller external to the steering wheel and the steering column; and a control interface having a first portion coupled to the sleeve of the steering shaft and a second portion coupled to at least one of the steering wheel and the steering shaft, the first portion and the second portion wirelessly communicating with each other to place the user interface in communication with at least one of the plurality of electrical control systems.

[0057] According to another aspect, the first portion and the second portion establish two-way wireless communication between the portions.

[0058] According to another aspect, a first portion of the control interface includes a first disk and a second portion of the control interface includes a second disk, the first disk and the second disk positioned opposite each other to define a near field communications interface.

[0059] According to another aspect, the second part is an inner cylindrical member that rotates within the first part, which is an outer cylindrical member, and the transmitting surface of the second part is defined on the outer surface of the inner cylindrical member and the receiving surface of the first part is defined on the inner surface of the outer cylindrical member.

[0060] According to another aspect, a transmitting surface transmits a signal from a user interface to a receiving surface, which transmits the signal to at least one electrical control system of the plurality of electrical control systems.

[0061] According to another aspect, the second portion also has an auxiliary receiving surface and the first portion has an auxiliary transmitting surface, the surfaces communicating wirelessly with each other to establish bidirectional communication between the user interface and the plurality of electrical control systems.

[0062] According to another aspect, the controller communicates with at least one of an audio system, a voice activation system, a telephone control system, and a vehicle information system.

[0063] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a steering system for a vehicle includes a steering column configured to communicate with a steering assembly, a steering wheel attached to the steering column to operate the steering assembly, and a control interface extending between the steering wheel and the steering column. The control interface has a first portion attached to the steering column and a second portion attached to the steering wheel. The second portion rotates relative to the first portion, and the first and second portions are in wireless communication with each other.

[0064] According to another aspect, a first portion of the control interface includes a first disk and a second portion of the control interface includes a second disk, the first disk and the second disk positioned opposite each other to define a near field communications interface.

[0065] According to another aspect, the second part is an inner cylindrical member that rotates within the first part, which is an outer cylindrical member, and the inner communication surface is defined on an outer surface of the inner cylindrical member and the outer communication surface is defined on an inner surface of the outer cylindrical member.

[0066] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed and other component configurations are not limited to any particular materials. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials unless otherwise noted herein.

Claims

1. 1. A steering system for a vehicle, the steering system comprising: a steering column configured to communicate with the steering assembly, the steering column having a steering shaft that rotates within a sleeve; a steering wheel attached to the steering shaft for operating the steering assembly, the steering wheel having a user interface; a control interface extending between the steering wheel and the steering column, the control interface having a first portion coupled to the steering column and a second portion coupled to the steering wheel, the second portion being rotatable relative to the first portion, the first and second portions wirelessly communicating with each other to place the user interface in communication with a controller that operates at least one electrical control system; including the steering system.

2. 10. The steering system of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion include at least one of opposing induction coils, resonators, and electrodes for establishing wireless communication between the portions.

3. The steering system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrical control system includes at least one of an audio system, a voice activation system, a telephone control system, and a vehicle information system.

4. 4. The steering system of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the control interface includes a first disc and the second portion of the control interface includes a second disc, the first disc and the second disc being positioned opposite each other to define a near field communication interface.

5. 4. The steering system according to claim 1, wherein the first portion is attached to the sleeve of the steering column and has a receiving surface, and the second portion is attached to at least one of the steering wheel and the steering shaft and has a transmitting surface.

6. The steering system of claim 5 , wherein the transmitting surface is in signal communication with the user interface of the steering wheel and the receiving surface is in signal communication with the at least one electrical control system.

7. 6. The steering system of claim 5, wherein the second portion is attached to the steering shaft and the first portion is attached to an inner surface of the sleeve of the steering column, and the second portion is rotatable within the first portion.

8. 8. The steering system of claim 7, wherein the second portion is an inner cylindrical member that rotates within the first portion, which is an outer cylindrical member, and the transmitting surface is defined on an outer surface of the inner cylindrical member and the receiving surface is defined on an inner surface of the outer cylindrical member.

9. The steering system of claim 5 , wherein the transmitting surface and the receiving surface are configured to establish bidirectional communication between the user interface and the at least one electrical control system.

10. 4. The steering system of claim 1, wherein at least one wire connection extends between the steering column and the steering wheel, the at least one wire connection configured to be attached to the steering assembly.

11. 1. A steering system for a vehicle, the steering system comprising: a steering column having a steering shaft rotating within a sleeve, the steering shaft configured to communicate with a steering assembly; a steering wheel attached to the steering shaft for operating the steering assembly, the steering wheel having a user interface, the steering wheel configured to be positioned at a passenger seat; and a plurality of electrical control systems operated by a controller external to the steering wheel and the steering column; a control interface having a first portion coupled to the sleeve of the steering shaft and a second portion coupled to at least one of the steering wheel and the steering shaft, the first portion and the second portion wirelessly communicating with each other to place the user interface in communication with at least one electrical control system of the plurality of electrical control systems; including the steering system.

12. The steering system of claim 11 , wherein the first portion and the second portion establish two-way wireless communication therebetween.

13. 12. The steering system of claim 11, wherein the first portion of the control interface includes a first disc and the second portion of the control interface includes a second disc, the first disc and the second disc positioned opposite each other to define a near field communication interface.

14. 12. The steering system of claim 11, wherein the second portion is an inner cylindrical member that rotates within the first portion, which is an outer cylindrical member, and wherein a transmitting surface of the second portion is defined on an outer surface of the inner cylindrical member and a receiving surface of the first portion is defined on an inner surface of the outer cylindrical member.

15. The steering system of claim 14 , wherein the transmitting surface transmits a signal from the user interface to the receiving surface, and the receiving surface transmits the signal to the at least one electrical control system of the plurality of electrical control systems.

16. 16. A steering system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the second portion also has an auxiliary receiving surface and the first portion has an auxiliary transmitting surface, the surfaces communicating wirelessly with each other to establish bidirectional communication between the user interface and the plurality of electrical control systems.

17. A steering system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the controller is in communication with at least one of an audio system, a voice activation system, a telephone control system, and a vehicle information system.

18. 1. A steering system for a vehicle, the steering system comprising: a steering column configured to communicate with the steering assembly; a steering wheel attached to the steering column for operating the steering assembly; a control interface extending between the steering wheel and the steering column, the control interface having a first portion attached to the steering column and a second portion attached to the steering wheel, the second portion rotating relative to the first portion, and the first and second portions wirelessly communicating with each other; including the steering system.

19. 20. The steering system of claim 18, wherein the first portion of the control interface includes a first disc and the second portion of the control interface includes a second disc, the first disc and the second disc positioned opposite each other to define a near field communication interface.

20. 20. The steering system of claim 18, wherein the second portion is an inner cylindrical member that rotates within the first portion, which is an outer cylindrical member, an inner communication surface defined on an outer surface of the inner cylindrical member, and an outer communication surface defined on an inner surface of the outer cylindrical member.

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