New concept modifying kit and steering wheel equipped with alternative ergonomic controls for direction indicators and method of activating them

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modification kit for a traditional steering wheel for vehicles equipped with an electric control unit and steering angle sensor in which the controls, already available on normal cars, are moved to a more convenient and accessible position, allowing them to be activated without taking your hands off the steering wheel. It is possible to integrate the kit into a newly designed steering wheel. The kit allows you to activate the direction indicators and emergency lights with simple gestures without taking your hands off the steering wheel.

Description

“NEW CONCEPT MODIFYING KIT AND STEERING WHEEL EQUIPPED WITH ALTERNATIVE ERGONOMIC CONTROLS FOR DIRECTION INDICATORS AND METHOD OF ACTIVATING THEM”Technical field

[0001] The present invention is in the automotive field, providing a steering wheel modification kit suitable for moving some controls directly to the steering wheel rim .

[0002] Based on the results of this invention, it is also possible to directly manufacture the steering wheel with the additions as described below.Background art

[0003] It is known that the directional indicators are conventionally placed on a lever at the rear side of the steering wheel .

[0004] Generally, the lever that operates the controls of the signal indicators is located on the left rear side of the steering wheel, forcing the left hand to move at the detriment of hands contact with the steering wheel and of keeping control of the driving direction, albeit for a reduced window of time .

[0005] In addition to that, the control to operate the hazard and warning lights, which is the one that simultaneously turns on the directional indicators on both sides, is very often on a special button, external to the lever for operating the turn signal and usually located in places that are difficult to reach or poorly visible, or even worse, outside the driver ' s area of responsibility, who, therefore, in order to locate and operate such a control must look away from the road, even for several seconds, to thedetriment of safety, vehicle control and the ability to intervene immediately to signal a dangerous situation and avoid cause or suffer an accident .

[0006] Also moving in the same direction are the recent blind spot indicators, or “bLind spot assists"; in this case, the warning even occurs outside the passenger compartment, often with a LED on a corner of the rearview mirror .

[0007] This results in said indicators being positioned outside the driver ' s field of vision, requiring the driver to force peripheral vision or look away from the road for a few moments .

[0008] In addition, these indicators are poorly visible under special lighting conditions, for instance, when very bright light, such as the sun or the high beam headlamps of the car behind, directly hits the rear view mirror.Technical problem

[0009] These premises gave rise to the idea of grouping and simplifying these functions, bringing them all inside the cockpit to a conveniently accessible point .

[0010] The aim of the invention is therefore to overcome the limits of known technology by providing a modification kit, or a newly designed steering wheel, that groups the controls in a more comfortable position for the driver.Solution to problem

[0011] The proposed solution is to transfer some of the controls to the portion of the space that every driver has in control and on which they keep their hands throughout the journey, namely the steering wheel rim .Brief description of the drawings

[0012] A better understanding of the invention will beachieved from the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings showing, by way of a non-limiting example, a preferred embodiment .

[0013] The following attached figures illustrate only one example of an embodiment of the present invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope, as the invention may admit of other equally effective forms of embodiment .

[0014] In the drawings :Figure 1 shows a generic kit implementation form according to the invention in which there is a single means of connection for each switch;Figure 2 shows a preferred realization form of the invention similar to the previous one whose half-connection is divided into two parts (2a, 2b) one inside the steering box and one outside, respectively;Figure 3 shows a steering wheel with integrated kit according to the invention;Figure 4 shows the connection between the present invention and the electrical control unit of the vehicle .Detailed description of the invention

[0015] According to the invention, the kit allows some controls, already available on normal cars, to be moved to a more convenient and accessible position without taking the hands off the steering wheel .

[0016] To do this it is required for the vehicle to be equipped with an electrical control unit (C) , like the normal control units that are in use in today' s vehicles, and a steering angle sensor (S) .

[0017] According to the invention, indeed, the interaction between the proposed kit and the parametersalready measured by the control unit allows the controls to be moved to a more convenient area .

[0018] According to the invention, the modification kit for a traditional steering wheel comprises the following items :• At least two pressure-activated switches (la, lb) to be installed on a support (10) made of a pressure deformable material, said switches being placed at said deformable zone, at least one external electrical connector (11) and means for connection between said switches and said electrical connector and for transmission of a signal from said switches;• Means for electrical connection (2) of said switches to the vehicle control unit;• One microprocessor (3) .

[0019] Optionally there can be a thin screen (4) equipped with electrical connections (41) , a LED screen (42) and a button (43) for activating or deactivating said kit, said screen being activated automatically when the vehicle is turned on .

[0020] Optionally, there can be a bluetooth module (5) for data transmission and reception, said module could be associated with a smartphone or tablet on which a dedicated app can be installed for managing some parameters and for configuring the kit .AssembLingSwitches (la, lb)

[0021] According to the invention, said switches (la, lb) are installed inside a support (10) corresponding basically to a portion of steering wheel cover; in the preferred embodiment said support can be interlocked on the upper rimof the steering wheel (V) of the vehicle, so as to present the two deformable zones positioned specularly one on the left side of the steering wheel and one on the right side, respectively; moreover said support is internally provided with a non-slip coating suitable to prevent its sliding on the steering wheel .

[0022] The switches (la, lb) are then placed specularly.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment disclosed, but not limiting, two smaller holders (10a, 10b) are provided instead of a single continuous holder (10) .

[0024] Each holder (10a, 10b) is equipped with a switch (la, lb) ; said holders (10a, 10b) are placed specularly on the upper circular rim of the steering wheel-one on the left side and one on the right side, respectively.

[0025] According to the invention each holder (10, 10a, 10b) is equipped at least on one end with means (11) for electrical connection and for passing the signal generated by pressure on the switch (la, lb) .

[0026] As mentioned, the invention foresees that the activation of the controls is by pressure : therefore, exerting pressure or "squeezing" with the hand around the holder (10, 10a, 10b) in the area where the switch (la, lb) is located will activate the relevant direction indication command .

[0027] More specifically by operating the support area (10) , or of the band located on the left side of the steering wheel (10a) where the left switch (la) is located, will operate the left turn signal, and similarly in the same way the right side will control the corresponding signal control .

[0028] The switches (la, lb) that activate the beacons are therefore push-button switches, which makes the invention applicable to ordinary steering wheels in circulation .Materials

[0029] In the preferred embodiment disclosed said supports are made of rubber; alternatively they may be made of silicone or other similar material, such as padded fabric, subject to the deformability properties .

[0030] Additional forms of realization equivalent to the above are plausible, which the branch expert may possibly identify without involving in an inventive step .Options

[0031] Optionally there can be LED indicator lights (12a, 12b) placed either directly on the switches (la, lb) or near them above the support area (10, 10a, 10b) .

[0032] Also optionally, each support (10, 10a, 10b) is equipped with a vibration mechanism (13, 13a, 13b) .Means of connection (2)

[0033] The invention foresees that said switches (la, lb) are electrically connected to the vehicle ' s control unit by appropriate means of connection (2) .

[0034] According to the invention, said means of connection correspond to an electrical connector suitable for carrying current from inside the steering wheel to at least one switch (la, lb) ; the electrical connection of the other switch can be made either by wiring similar to that of the previous switch or by electrical connection of the two switches (la, lb) by means of an additional means of connection .

[0035] For the connection of at least one switch (la, lb) to the control unit (C) , only one means of connection (2) can be used, of which one part is placed inside the steering wheel box (2a) and one is placed outside the steering wheel box (2b) .

[0036] As an example, but not limited to, a connector cable can be used, one end of which is electrically connected to the control unit via the connections already in the steering wheel and the other end is electrically connected to at least one switch (la, lb) .

[0037] In the preferred embodiment described, but not limiting, said means of connection (2) is made in two distinct parts : an inner one (2a) placed inside the steering wheel, and an outer one (2b) suitable for connecting the inner means (2a ) equipped at the ends with compatible electrical connections so that the two cables can be electrically connected to each other and to at least one switch (la, lb) .

[0038] This allows the switches to be removed by simply detaching the bracket (10, 10a, 10b) from the steering wheel and the portion of the external connection medium (2b) .

[0039] This preferred form of realization is particularly useful in the presence of the optional screen (4) : advantageously, the screen has connections and serves as a connection for the two inner and outer parts (2a, 2b) .

[0040] In the preferred embodiment disclosed, such a means of connection (2, 2a, 2b) can be either a flexi-type cable (2 ' ) , or a common connector cable (2" ) , or a combination thereof .

[0041] According to the invention said means of connection (2) is equipped with electrical connections (23, 24) at its ends suitable for joining respectively with the connection (11) of at least one switch (la, lb) and with the connection to the control unit (C) .

[0042] According to the invention at least one switch (la, lb) must be connected to the control unit (C) via connector (2) , the other switch can be connected either directly to the control unit (C) , equally to that previouslydescribed, or to the other switch already connected via a second connector (2) .Connection with fLexi cabLe (2 ')

[0043] The choice of using a flexi cable (2 ' ) as the connecting medium arises from its deformability properties that are particularly useful in adapting the path of the cable from the internal profile of the steering to the connection with at least one switch; furthermore, being such a cable very thin it allows minimizing the visual impact, making the assembly visually discreet .

[0044] In the preferred embodiment disclosed, but not limiting, said flexi cable (2 ' ) is divided into two parts, one inside the steering wheel (2 ' a) and one outside the steering wheel (2 ' b) .

[0045] Specifically, the inner part (2 ' a) is placed inside the steering wheel (V) , for example in between the airbag and the steering box.

[0046] Advantageously, according to the invention, the deformability of such a flexi cable (2 ' ) allows it to fit both to the profile of the inner edge of the steering box, allowing the electrical connection to be brought to the outside, and to the outer edge of the steering box, all the way to the connector (11) of at least one switch (la, lb) allowing its electrical link by the electrical connection provided at the end (23) .

[0047] The opposite end of said connector to part of said flexi cable (2 ' ) allocated inside the steering box is equipped with means of connection (24) suitable for connecting it electrically to the vehicle ' s control unit (C) by taking advantage of one of the sockets or access points already available in the steering wheel .

[0048] More specifically, a portion of said flexi cable (2 ' a) is located inside the steering wheel (V) , for example, below the airbag and reaches an area near the outer edge; to do so, an authorized technician must temporarily remove the airbag, or other central steering element, from its housing in the steering wheel and position the flexi cable (2 ' a ) by connecting it .

[0049] As already anticipated said flexi cable (2 ' a ) is connected electrically to the control unit via the internal electrical connector (24) .

[0050] Then the authorized technician can relocate the airbag back into the housing and into the correct position .

[0051] Advantageously, the location of said flexi cable (2 ' a) below the airbag compartment allows it not to interfere with the normal operation of this device .

[0052] In addition, the presence of the circuits (21) for signal transfer already inside the flexi cable (2 ' ) allows for ready-made wiring .Connector cabLe (2J J)

[0053] Alternatively, the connecting medium can be a common connector cable (2" ) .ALternative connectors

[0054] Alternatively, it is possible to connect each switch (la, lb) to the control unit (C) by means such as those described above, using the electrical connections of the steering wheel controls, where provided .Microprocessor (3)

[0055] According to the invention, a microprocessor (3) is optionally provided to handle signals to and from the control unit (C) and to interact with the dedicated application .Screen (4)

[0056] Optionally, there can be a thin holder (4) equipped with connection means (41) suitable to fit those of the connector cable and flexi cable connection means (23) .

[0057] If the thin screen (4) is present, the connector is "separated" into an inner part (2a) and an outer part (2b) , and the use of a flexi cable (2 ' a, 2 ' b) allows at least one connector (23) on the free end to be outwardly connected either with the screen (4) or with a similar socket .

[0058] Additionally said screen can be equipped with an LED indicator (42) .

[0059] Additionally said screen can be equipped with a button to turn the whole apparatus on or off (43) .System functioningDirection indicators

[0060] As mentioned above, the operation of the device according to the invention makes use of the signals already detectable by normal control units and generated by the steering angle sensor and related to the steering position .

[0061] According to the invention when a switch (la, lb) is activated, to operate the corresponding turn signal, it emits a signal that is sent to the microprocessor (3) and routed via the connector (2) to the control unit (C) of the vehicle .

[0062] Therefore, once the beacon control is operated by pressure, it will transmit a signal that is processed by the processor so that it can be recognized by the control unit; the latter operates the corresponding turn signal and verifies the position of the steering angle (S) .

[0063] The recorded position of the steering angle is critical in determining whether the beacon is turned off : anincrease in the angle, corresponding to more steering in one direction or another does not cause the beacon to turn off .

[0064] On the contrary, a decrease in angle, corresponding to a straightening of the wheels, causes the direction indicator to turn off .

[0065] Specifically, once the signal to turn on the beacon (left or right) has been received, the control unit will detect the position data of the steering angle and will turn off the beacon when the value of the angle measured in relation to the value initially acquired is such that it indicates a rotation of the steering in the opposite direction to that of the light of the beacon turned on, considering a certain predefined tolerance from the initial value .

[0066] If the LEDs (12a, 12b) or the screen (3) equipped with LED indicator (32) are present, the activation of each switch (la, lb) will be accompanied by the lighting of the corresponding LED (12a, 12b) or the LED (32) appropriately programmed to indicate which switch has been activated .

[0067] According to the invention a possible manual deactivation of the turn signal can be done in two ways :• By pressing the opposite switch to the one already active;• Through the use of the turn signal engagement lever.

[0068] The first way is to press the switch opposite the one whose turn signal is already active: for example, if the left turn signal is active, pressing the right turn signal will be enough to turn off the previous one.

[0069] Advantageously according to the invention the current predisposition to turn the arrows on or off with a slight pressure on the engagement lever can be used as an "override" control for turning it off .BLind-spot indicators

[0070] Additionally, if the vehicle is equipped with a blind spot detection sensor (or "blind spot assist") , it is possible to use the LEDs (12a, 12b) that may be present or the LED indicator (32) on the screen (3) that may be present to associate a visual signal indicating the presence of an object in the blind spot .

[0071] Additionally, if the device is equipped with vibration mechanisms (13) , it is possible to associate a vibration with the possible activation of a switch (la, lb) in the presence of an obstacle in the blind spot .

[0072] Possibly such an indication may follow the direction from the inside to the outside of the steering wheel in case the direction indicator is active, and it may follow the opposite direction in case, for example, an overtaking by a vehicle is to be signaled, thus providing an indication in line with the movement of the vehicle itself .

[0073] To further differentiate this behavior, other factors were also considered, such as the color of the signaling LED, the speed of reproduction of the "light trail," or even two different types of signaling, one with the sector fully intermittent and one with light trail from bottom to top or vice versa .Line assist

[0074] There can be additional haptic feedback that can act simultaneously with the blind spot indicators to further signal the presence of a vehicle in the blind spot or can be configured to detect lane encroachment by "line assist" i . e . , by sending haptic feedback when the non-signaled lane encroachment occurs .

[0075] The intensity of the vibration can be customizable .Hazard Lights

[0076] An additional advantage of the invention is the ability to operate the hazard lights by simultaneously pressing the switches (la, lb) ; this also reflects the natural behavior of the driver, who placed in an imminently dangerous situation will attempt to firmly grasp the steering wheel to maintain control of the car.

[0077] In the case of simultaneous sending of a signal from both switches (la, lb) the action mechanism will have sufficient tolerances to understand that it is not a sudden change of direction but the need to operate the emergency lights .

[0078] In addition, in this case the disengagement of the emergency lights occurs by simultaneous and prolonged pressure, with adjustable tolerance, of both switches (la, lb) .Connection to the controL unit

[0079] As already mentioned, the device is therefore connected to the control unit via normal can / bus connection, taking advantage of connections already present inside the steering wheel and arranging on the connection mean (2) only a connection system suitable for facilitating installation operations .

[0080] According to the invention, the initial synchronization between the steering wheel modification kit, which is the object of the present invention, and the control unit (C) is accomplished by the application that allows the "instructing" of the microprocessor (3) to distinguish the normal signals already associated with the ignition of the turn signals or the emergency lights, and to associate them with the pressing of the switches (la, lb) : by a tutorial itis possible to associate the signal to turn on each indicator with the pressing of each switch (la, lb) and the signal to turn on the emergency lights with the simultaneous pressing of both switches .

[0081] Appropriate time delay can be tuned through the application to prevent accidental, non-simultaneous pressing of the switches from activating the emergency lights or, conversely, not exactly simultaneous pressing of the switches from generating activation of the emergency lights .

[0082] Other ways of connecting to the control unit are possible : for example, it would be possible to equip the switches with rechargeable batteries and, taking advantage of a Bluetooth connection, transmit the signal to a receiver device connected to the ECU via the OBD2 socket .Steering wheel.

[0083] It is evident that the switches (la, lb) described above can be equipped in a newly designed steering wheel by already preparing appropriate connections to the control unit in the steering wheel construction stages; consequently, the f lexi-connector cable (2 ' ) or the connector cable (2" ) previously described would be either unnecessary or in any case already integrated within the steering wheel .Advantages

[0084] A first advantage of the invention can be found in the fact that it allows for a reduction in the movements required to operate controls while preventing the drivers from taking their hands away from the steering wheel, even for brief moments .

[0085] A second advantage can be found in reduced reaction time for indicating danger or emergency since the driver does not have to “search" for the appropriate button inside thevehicle .

[0086] In addition, the drivers* attention will always be focused on what is happening in front of them and therefore they will not lose visual contact with the road .

[0087] An additional advantage relates to a simplification in the use of the controls .

[0088] Finally, the invention is also easily used by people with disabilities .

[0089] Advantageously, the invention is extremely customizable, being able to adjust the controls by means of the special application that allows modulating and adjusting the use of special functions and movements (for example, by duration and type of tight pressure to be exerted on the switch) .

[0090] In addition, by taking advantage of the presence of the optional screen or any vibrational mechanisms previously described, it is also possible to signal other dangerous situations on the steering wheel, such as crossing the roadway boundary line, or otherwise receive tactile feedback.

Claims

Claims1. A kit for modifying a traditional steering wheel for vehicles equipped with an electronic control unit (C) and a steering angle sensor (S) , characterized by the fact that it includes :• At least two switches (la, lb) activated by pressure and installed on a support (10, 10a, 10b) realized in plastic material deformable under pressure, said switches being placed in correspondence of a deformable area, and at least one electrical connector (11) for the transmission of a signal generated by said switches;• Electrical connection means (2) suitable for connecting at least one switch (la, lb) to the vehicle electronic control unit (C) ;• At least a microprocessor (3) .

2. The kit for modifying according one or more of the previous claims characterized by the fact that it includes LED indicators (12a, 12b) located directly on the switches (la, lb) or near these above the support zone (10, 10a, 10b) .

3. The kit for modifying according one or more of the previous claims characterized by the fact that each support (10, 10a, 10b) is equipped with a vibration mechanism (13, 13a, 13b) .

4. The kit for modifying according one or more of the previous claims characterized by the fact of comprising a thin support (4) equipped with at least one electrical connection (41) , a led display (42) and an on / off switch (43) .

5. The kit for modifying a steering wheel according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by the fact that it includes at least one Bluetooth module (5) for the transmission and reception of data, said module being associated with a smartphone or tablet on which an app can beinstalled dedicated for the management of the parameters relating to the luminous intensity of the LEDs or the intensity of the vibration and for the initial configuration of the kit with the control unit .

6. The kit for modifying a steering wheel according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by the fact that said electrical connection means (2) is a connection connector cable with one terminal electrically connected to the steering wheel, and thus to the electronic control unit (C) , and the other terminal is electrically connected to at least one switch (la, lb) .

7. The kit for modifying a steering wheel according to claim 6 characterized by the fact that said electrical connection means (2) comprises two parts : an inside part (2a ) placed inside the steering wheel, and an outside part (2b) suitable to connect said inside part (2a) with at least one switch (la, lb) .

8. The kit for modifying a steering wheel according to claim 7 characterized by the fact that said electrical connection means (2) is a flexy cable (2}) equipped with connectors (23, 24) on his terminals .

9. The kit for modifying a steering wheel according to claim 7 characterized by the fact that said electrical connection means (2) is a connector cable (2") equipped with connectors (23, 24) on his terminals that can join respectively the connectors of the support (11) , and thus the connectors of the switches (la, lb) , and the connectors inside the steering wheel which connect to the electronic control unit .

10. The kit for modifying a steering wheel according to claim 6 characterized by the fact that the terminal part of said electrical connection means (2) , which is connected to the steering wheel, is connected to the steering wheel controls which are electrically connected to the electriccontrol unit, thus allowing the connection of the switches (la, lb) to the electric control unit .

11. A steering wheel for vehicles equipped with an electronic control unit (C) and a steering angle sensor (S) comprising all the elements according to claim 1 included inside .

12. A method for activate the direction indicators characterized by the fact that it comprises the elements according to one or more of the preceding claims wherein, the clutch of one of the switches (la, lb) generates an electric signal which is send to the electric control unit by means of the electrical connection means (2) , said electric control unit activating the correspondent direction indicator and checking the value the angle of steering angle sensor (S) : an increase of said value, corresponding to an increase in the steer, does not cause shutdown of the direction indicator, while a decrease of said value, corresponding to a straighten up of the wheels, involve in the shutdown of the direction indicator .

13. The method according to the previous claim wherein the shutdown of the direction indicator is performed by using the common operating lever of the vehicle .

14. The method according to claims from 12 to 13 wherein the contemporary clutch of both switches (la, lb) activate the emergency light .

15. The method according to claim 14 wherein the shutdown of emergency lights is performer by contemporary clutching of both switches (la, lb) .

16. The method according to claim 14 wherein the shutdown of emergency lights is performer by acting on the emergency common button of the vehicle .The Applicant .

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