Steering wheel electronics system with multifunctional assignment of a steering wheel control element, and steering wheel device

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a steering wheel electronics system (3) for a vehicle (4), comprising at least one interface module (8), which is the interface for signal transmission between a steering wheel (2) and a unit of the vehicle (4) that is external to the steering wheel, and comprising at least one first steering wheel control element (9, 14), which can be used to select and / or adjust an operating function of a functional unit (5) of the vehicle (1), the first steering wheel control element (9, 14) having at least one additional function, different from the operating function, that can be selected and / or evaluated and / or adjusted using the steering wheel control element (9, 14).

Description

[0001] Steering wheel electronics system with multifunctional assignment of a steering wheel control element, as well as steering wheel device

[0002] One aspect of the invention relates to a steering wheel electronics system or steering wheel electronics device for a vehicle. The steering wheel electronics system comprises at least one, preferably electronic, interface module, which serves as the interface for signal transmission between a steering wheel and a steering wheel-external unit of the vehicle. An interface module within the meaning of this invention is understood to be an assembly comprising an electronic control unit (ECU) and / or an electrical connection device, such as a clock spring. Furthermore, the steering wheel electronics system comprises at least one steering wheel control element or steering wheel switch. This steering wheel control element is intended to select and / or adjust an operating function of a functional unit of the vehicle, particularly one external to the steering wheel. Another aspect of the invention relates to a steering wheel device for a vehicle.

[0003] Steering wheel devices for vehicles are known in a wide variety of designs. These typically feature a steering wheel that can be gripped and operated by a vehicle user to initiate steering movements of the vehicle.

[0004] In this context, a steering wheel is understood to be a steering element that, for example, has a surrounding grip element, such as a steering wheel rim. A steering wheel may also have a spoke element located inside this rim, to which the rim is attached. However, a steering wheel in this sense also includes one that does not have such a completely enclosed rim. This means that even grip elements intended for handling on such a steering wheel may only be small grips or stubs.

[0005] Steering wheel controls also come in a wide variety of designs. They can be push buttons, rotary dials, or touch-sensitive controls.

[0006] For example, they can be used to adjust the operating functions of a vehicle's assistance system, which is an example of a functional unit. Operating functions of a navigation system or an infotainment system, which are further examples of vehicle functional units, can also be adjusted using such steering wheel controls.

[0007] Conventional steering wheel electronics systems contain numerous processing units, known as ECUs (Electronic Control Units), which can also be referred to as control units. The interface module, also called the TCM (Top Column Module), and each of the steering wheel controls, for example, are designed to have their own ECU. This results in a large number of such processing units on the steering wheel and necessitates a correspondingly complex wiring system. The communication structure of such a setup is also complex.

[0008] In addition, it is common to have an additional separate electronic unit on the steering wheel, which also has a computing unit and is present in addition to the module and steering wheel controls.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to create a steering wheel electronics system and a steering wheel device which, while offering high functionality, is designed with a reduced number of components.

[0010] This task is solved by a steering wheel electronics system and a steering wheel device according to the independent claims.

[0011] One aspect of the invention relates to a steering wheel electronics system or steering wheel electronics device for a vehicle. The steering wheel electronics system comprises at least one electronic interface module, which serves as the interface for signal transmission between a steering wheel and a steering wheel-external unit of the vehicle. Furthermore, the steering wheel electronics system comprises at least one first steering wheel control element or steering wheel switch. This steering wheel control element is intended to select and / or adjust an operating function of a functional unit of the vehicle, particularly one external to the steering wheel.

[0012] The first steering wheel control element has at least one additional function that differs from its primary operating function. This additional function is one that can be selected, evaluated, and / or adjusted using the steering wheel control element. Such a steering wheel electronics system achieves a high degree of functional integration within a specific component, namely the steering wheel control element of this system. This steering wheel control element thus makes it possible to bundle several different functions and use them with this single steering wheel control element. This also allows for a reduction in the number of components of the steering wheel electronics system, particularly the number of processing units.This additional function therefore does not need to be implemented in a separate system element, such as a steering wheel electronics unit separate from the steering wheel controls and the interface module, but can be executed by the steering wheel control itself. Specifically, a processing unit within the steering wheel control is designed to handle both the operating function and the processes for selecting and / or setting the operating function, as well as the selection, evaluation, and / or setting of the additional function.

[0013] At least one additional function, namely an auxiliary function, is implemented in the steering wheel control element. This results in the bundling of functions in a very specific component of the steering wheel electronics system, namely the steering wheel control element. Since users intuitively perceive or understand these steering wheel controls as components of the electronic system with which they can select and / or adjust functions, this additional implementation of this auxiliary function is particularly advantageous. This is because the user's intuitive understanding is already adapted to this auxiliary function, thus helping to avoid misinterpretations or incorrect operation.The potential confusion or search for the component on the steering wheel electronics system to operate the additional function, which might otherwise occur for a user, is also eliminated, since, as already mentioned, a steering wheel control element already suggests that it has such a function and can be operated accordingly with the steering wheel control element.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first steering wheel control element includes a processing unit. This unit is designed to handle, and in particular control, the selection, evaluation, and / or setting of at least one auxiliary function. This processing unit thus constitutes, in particular, an ECU integrated into the steering wheel control element. Signal generation, processing, and / or transmission are then enabled by this processing unit for both the operating function and the at least one separate auxiliary function. The interface module offers various switch functions for the steering column and includes a low-voltage ignition switch with transponder and RF electronics for anti-theft protection. A steering angle sensor and a short-band airbag clock spring are preferably also integrated. It can also be expanded to include a low- and high-speed CAN bus to implement a gate function.It may also have a connector that links the module to the vehicle during installation. It also incorporates a high-precision steering angle sensor with minimal radial offset.

[0015] In one embodiment, the steering wheel electronics system has at least two separate processing units. In this context, it is preferably provided that the processing unit of the steering wheel control is a master processing unit and the at least one other processing unit, external to the steering wheel control, is a slave processing unit. This allows for the creation of a hierarchy of multiple processing units, enabling secure, fast, and coordinated communication processes. Such a hierarchy of processing units is particularly advantageous when the steering wheel control is a multifunctional element capable of handling various functions, including at least one operating function and at least one additional, distinct function.The assignment of the steering wheel control's processing unit as the master processing unit enables a coordinated and secure exchange of relevant signals and corresponding coordination of communication, particularly with this master processing unit. This also allows for a secure, or at least error-minimized, yet rapid exchange of information both between processing units and between the steering wheel electronics system and at least one external functional unit of the vehicle.

[0016] In one embodiment, the steering wheel electronics system includes a heater or heating device. This is designed to heat the steering wheel. In another embodiment, the additional function is operating the heater. This means that the basic settings, such as switching the heater on and off, relate to its operation. However, it can also be provided that, when activated, setting an individual heating output or changing the heating output according to a heating output curve also relates to operating the heater. A pulsed operation, in which the heater is switched on at defined time intervals and then switched off at defined time intervals, can also constitute operating the heater and thus be part of the additional function.It is therefore particularly advantageous if an additional function is one that relates to the operation of a steering wheel-integrated function unit of the vehicle. This allows the steering wheel control to handle both a function external to the steering wheel and, conversely, a function unit integrated within the steering wheel.

[0017] In one embodiment, the steering wheel electronics system includes a detection device for recognizing at least one contact between a contact area of ​​a vehicle component and a part of the body. In particular, the detection device is designed to detect at least one touch of a hand to the steering wheel. Such a detection device can also be referred to as a hand-on-steering-wheel detection device. Specifically, it is provided that at least one additional function is the operation of the detection device. Here again, switching this detection device on or off, for example, can be understood as operation. It is also possible that, for example, a clocked operation of the detection device is provided and can be understood as operation of the detection device.

[0018] Such a detection device can have at least one electrode. This electrode is preferably located on a grip area of ​​a steering wheel, which is intended, in particular, for gripping by a user's hand. This grip element can, for example, be a fully encircling steering wheel rim or, for example, only a partially protruding stub that can be grasped, in particular gripped, by a hand. It is precisely this complete gripping of such a grip area that can be detected by the detection device. This is particularly advantageous, for example, for enabling or disabling certain levels of autonomy when driving a vehicle, or for allowing or disabling a change in the autonomy level.For specific driving conditions and / or levels of autonomy, it is preferably and / or required by regulations that this handle element must be fully gripped by a user's hand. Once this has occurred, the corresponding driving condition, in particular an operating state of a driver assistance system, can be enabled or disabled. In one embodiment, this detection device can also have at least two separate electrodes. These are specifically arranged on the handle element, in particular spaced apart, to detect the grip change even more precisely.

[0019] At least one electrode of such a detection device can, for example, be part of a mat. Such a mat or sensor mat can be arranged on the handle element.

[0020] In one embodiment, the steering wheel electronics system includes an electronic memory. An additional function is, for example, reading this memory. This electronic memory can also be part of the steering wheel itself. Therefore, this electronic memory can also be an internal steering wheel functional unit. This can also be the case for the detection device mentioned above.

[0021] In one embodiment, the steering wheel electronics system includes a temperature sensor. In this embodiment, the additional function can be the operation of the temperature sensor. Here, too, switching the temperature sensor on and off can constitute operation. Transmitting and / or evaluating the information acquired by the temperature sensor, particularly temperature values, can also be part of operating the temperature sensor. Specifically, transmitting the data to a processing unit can constitute operating the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can also be an internal steering wheel functional element or unit. In particular, it serves to detect the temperature of the heated area of ​​the steering wheel.

[0022] In one embodiment, the steering wheel electronics system includes an optical signaling device. In particular, this signaling device can indicate the current autonomy level of a vehicle's driving state. The additional function in this context can be the operation of the signaling device. Here again, switching it on and off, for example, can be understood as operation. Likewise, generating a specific optical signal, such as color and / or brightness and / or a dynamic signal pattern, can constitute such operation of the signaling device. Transmitting and / or evaluating corresponding information can also be understood as operation of the signaling device. In one embodiment, the steering wheel electronics system includes an electronic decoupling and / or shielding device.This device is designed for the capacitive decoupling and / or electromagnetic shielding of electronic components of the steering wheel electronics system. Its additional function can also be the operation of the electronic decoupling and / or shielding device. In particular, this decoupling and / or shielding device can be combined with the aforementioned detection device to recognize even a hand touching the steering wheel. This allows, for example, multiple electrodes of this detection device to be capacitively decoupled from each other and / or shielded from each other, preventing unwanted interference with the acquisition and generation of measurement signals. Parasitic effects can thus be avoided with particular advantage. Specifically, this enables fast and highly precise detection of even a hand touching the steering wheel.This configuration also ensures a high level of security regarding this detection.

[0023] This electronic decoupling and / or shielding device, like the optical signaling device, is also a functional unit integrated into the steering wheel.

[0024] In one embodiment, the steering wheel electronics system comprises a first steering wheel control element with which an operating function of a first, in particular steering wheel-external, functional unit of the vehicle can be selected and / or adjusted. In particular, the steering wheel electronics system comprises a second steering wheel control element separate from the first. With this second steering wheel control element, at least one operating function of a second, in particular steering wheel-external, functional unit of the vehicle can be selected and / or adjusted. Thus, a steering wheel electronics system is provided which comprises several different steering wheel controls. The configuration options and the variability for handling operating functions of various, in particular steering wheel-external, functional units are therefore bundled in this system.

[0025] In one embodiment, the steering wheel electronics system has a communication path through which the at least two steering wheel controls can communicate directly. This advantageously means that signal transmission, particularly bidirectional communication, can take place directly between the steering wheel controls. Thus, in one embodiment, the steering wheel controls do not need to communicate via the interface module of the steering wheel electronics system. This enables fast communication. In particular, it can be provided that at least one of the steering wheel controls has its own processing unit.

[0026] It is possible that both steering wheel controls each have their own processing unit. In this case, one of these two processing units may be the master processing unit, and the processing unit of the other steering wheel control may be the slave processing unit.

[0027] In particular, this configuration, with at least two steering wheel controls that can communicate directly with each other via a dedicated communication path, is advantageous when the steering wheel electronics system does not have a separate, additional steering wheel electronics unit that is separate from the interface module and the steering wheel controls. This embodiment also simplifies the fundamental communication between the steering wheel controls, thereby reducing the complexity of signal transmission and processing.

[0028] In one embodiment, the second steering wheel control has at least one additional function different from its primary operating function. This additional function can be selected, evaluated, and / or adjusted using the second steering wheel control. The advantages mentioned for the first steering wheel control apply accordingly to the second steering wheel control. Thus, each of the two steering wheel controls can be configured with a multifunctionality. Here, too, the different additional function can be a function of a functional unit, particularly one integrated within the steering wheel.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one steering wheel control element is equipped with an additional communication path besides the one with the interface module. This allows the steering wheel control element to communicate via two different communication paths. Depending on the requirements and situation, communication can therefore take place only with the other steering wheel control element, only with the interface module, or, in particular, simultaneously with the other steering wheel control element and the interface module. This creates a highly variable and needs-based communication structure.

[0030] In one embodiment, the steering wheel electronics system comprises a first circuit board or circuit carrier. Electronic components for evaluating, selecting, and / or setting or generating signals for the operating function are arranged on this circuit board. In another embodiment, the steering wheel electronics system comprises at least one second circuit board, separate from the first, on which electronic components for evaluating, selecting, and / or setting signals for at least one additional function are arranged. This is a further, highly advantageous embodiment, because these at least two separate circuit boards allow for a wide variety of configuration options for the steering wheel electronics system. The configuration level can be easily adapted by reversibly populating the system with the first circuit board or with both the first and second circuit boards.This makes it possible for a steering wheel electronics system to be provided with a basic configuration or standard equipment, including at least the first circuit board. If the steering wheel electronics system is to be configured for the additional function, only the second circuit board needs to be added. This concept makes development and manufacturing particularly simple and flexible, as these different configurations of the steering wheel electronics system can be easily achieved simply by installing or omitting the second circuit board. In one embodiment, these at least two circuit boards are formed as a modular circuit board system.

[0031] In particular, the second circuit board is reversibly attachable and removable. This makes the aforementioned configuration option especially flexible and easy. A higher degree of configuration can therefore be achieved during manufacturing simply by attaching the second circuit board. This also makes it a particularly advantageous retrofit solution. Since the basic configuration with the first circuit board and this modular circuit board system is pre-configured to allow for the subsequent addition of the second board, it is possible to upgrade this steering wheel electronics system in a variety of ways and at virtually any time by adding the second board.

[0032] A particular advantage is that the second circuit board can be installed in a housing using a plug-in connector. This means that the second board is added simply by plugging it in. This also makes the retrofit solution particularly easy and quick to adapt.

[0033] Another aspect concerns a steering wheel device for a vehicle.

[0034] The steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel. It also includes a steering wheel electronics system according to the aspect mentioned above or an advantageous embodiment thereof.

[0035] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with a steering wheel device according to the aspect mentioned above.

[0036] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. These show:

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a steering wheel device according to the invention with an embodiment of a steering wheel electronics system according to the invention;

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a steering wheel device according to the invention with a second embodiment of a steering wheel electronics system according to the invention;

[0039] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a steering wheel device according to the invention with an embodiment of a third steering wheel electronics system according to the invention;

[0040] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a steering wheel device according to the invention with an embodiment of a fourth steering wheel electronics system according to the invention;

[0041] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of a steering wheel device according to the invention with a fifth embodiment of a steering wheel electronics system according to the invention;

[0042] Fig. 6 shows a simplified representation of a diagram with a specific sequence pattern of various auxiliary functions along a timeline; and

[0043] Fig. 7 shows a representation of a diagram like the one in Fig. 6, but with a different sequence pattern of additional functions. In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are labeled with the same reference symbols.

[0044] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a steering wheel assembly 1. The steering wheel assembly 1 comprises a steering wheel 2 and a steering wheel electronics system 3, generally designated by reference numeral 3. The steering wheel assembly 1 can be arranged in a vehicle 4. By actuating the steering wheel assembly 1, steerable wheels of the vehicle 4 can be steered. Furthermore, Figure 1 shows, only symbolically, a functional unit 5 of the vehicle 4. This functional unit 5 is arranged externally to the steering wheel 2, in particular externally to the steering wheel assembly 1. For example, several functional units 5a and / or 5b may also be present. The at least one functional unit 5 can be, for example, a navigation system or an infotainment system. However, it can also be part of an electronic assistance system of the vehicle 4. Other possible examples of functional units include a lighting system or windshield wipers, etc.

[0045] In the exemplary embodiment, the steering wheel 2 has a grip area 6. This is intended for direct gripping with one or two hands. The grip area 6 is, in this case, a grip arc, in particular a fully circumferential steering wheel rim. This grip area 6 is formed in a continuous shape and, in this exemplary embodiment, has a contour in cross-section, particularly one without corners. The grip area 6 can also be only partially circumferential. For example, it can be formed by two opposing, grippable, and in particular cantilevered, stubs.

[0046] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the steering wheel 2 has a central steering wheel spoke 7. The grip area 6 is attached to this spoke. In Fig. 1, the steering wheel electronics system 3 has at least one electronic interface module 8. This can also be referred to as a TCM module. This module forms the central interface for signal transmission between the steering wheel 2 and an external unit of the vehicle 4. The external unit can, for example, be a control unit. However, it can also be, for example, the functional unit 5.

[0047] Furthermore, the steering wheel electronics system 3 has a first steering wheel control element 9. This steering wheel control element 9 can also be referred to as a steering wheel switch. At least one operating function of a functional unit, particularly one located external to the steering wheel, for example the functional unit 5, can be selected and / or adjusted using the first steering wheel control element 9. In the exemplary embodiment, the first steering wheel control element 9 has its own processing unit 10.

[0048] The first steering wheel control element 9 has at least one additional function that differs from its operating function. This additional function can be selected, evaluated, and / or adjusted using this first steering wheel control element 9.

[0049] The steering wheel device 1 also has at least one steering wheel-internal functional unit 11. This unit can consist of one component or several components. This steering wheel-internal functional unit can be a heater for heating the steering wheel 2. The aforementioned additional function can then be the operation of the heater. It is also possible that this functional unit 11, as shown in the example in Fig. 1, is a detection device 13 for detecting at least one contact of a contact area of ​​the grip area 6 with a hand. The additional function here is then the operation of this detection device 13. In the exemplary embodiment, this detection device 13 has not just one, but two separate electrodes 13a and 13b. These can also each be part of a mat, such as a sensor mat, which incorporates the electrodes.These two electrodes, which can be arranged, for example, on the radially outer area of ​​the grip area 6 and on the radially inner area of ​​the grip area 6, allow for the detection of a complete gripping of the grip area 6 with one or both hands. Thus, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, this additional function 12 may, in particular, be solely the operation of the detection device 13.

[0050] It is possible that this steering wheel electronics system 3 has at least one second steering wheel control element 14. In one embodiment, this second steering wheel control element 14 is configured to select and / or adjust only the operating functions of a functional unit of the vehicle 4, particularly one located external to the steering wheel. It is possible that this second steering wheel control element 14 does not have any additional, different functions. A communication path 15 is provided for the at least two different steering wheel control elements 9 and 14, allowing them to communicate directly. As can also be seen in Fig. 1, a further communication path 16 is provided. The first steering wheel control element 9 can communicate with the interface module 8 via this path.Furthermore, it is schematically shown that this first steering wheel control element 9 is connected to the detection device 13, as shown with the connection system 17.

[0051] Furthermore, it should be mentioned that the steering wheel-integrated functional unit 11 may also include a temperature sensor and / or an electronic decoupling and / or shielding device. The electronic decoupling and / or shielding device enables capacitive decoupling and / or electromagnetic shielding of electronic components of the steering wheel electronics system 3. In such a case, the additional function could then be the operation of the electronic decoupling and / or shielding device. It is also possible that the additional function is the operation of the aforementioned temperature sensor. In addition, the functional unit 11 may also include an electronic memory. The additional function could then be the reading of the memory. An electronic memory 18 is shown in Fig. 1 only as an example and to be understood as symbolic.

[0052] A temperature sensor 19 is also shown symbolically in Fig. 1. It is therefore not to be understood as restrictive in any way, either spatially or otherwise. In particular, the temperature sensor 19 is intended to detect the temperature of a heating system if one is present.

[0053] In addition, parameterization of the system is also possible as an extra function.

[0054] In the example illustrated in Fig. 1, it is possible that the computing unit 10 is configured as the master computing unit, in particular all computing units that are components of the steering wheel electronics system 3. Touching, in particular gripping, the handle area 6 with one hand is made possible, for example, by measuring an impedance, or an impedance change, between the two electrodes 13a and 13b.

[0055] Alternatively, the functional unit 11 may include not only the detection device 13, but also the aforementioned electronic decoupling and / or shielding device, and / or a heating element, also mentioned previously. In such a case, not only a two-component or two-layer design of the aforementioned mat may be provided, but also a three-layer mat, which then enables the respective functions, namely heating, touch detection, in particular gripping, as well as electronic decoupling and / or shielding.

[0056] Alternatively, in one embodiment, only one such mat may be provided, which can then perform the touch sensing and heating.

[0057] Furthermore, it should be mentioned, as already shown in the exemplary embodiment in Fig.1, that the steering wheel electronics system 3 has a further computing unit 20, which is part of the interface module 8.

[0058] In an advantageous embodiment, the steering wheel electronics system 3 comprises a circuit board system 21. This circuit board system 21 is represented here symbolically by the reference numeral. This circuit board system 21 preferably comprises a first circuit board on which electronic components for evaluating, selecting, and / or adjusting signals for the operating function are arranged. In particular, the steering wheel electronics system 3, in the form of the circuit board system 21, comprises a separate second circuit board on which electronic components for evaluating, selecting, and / or adjusting signals, for which at least one additional function, are arranged, are arranged. It is particularly advantageous if the circuit board system 21 is modular in design. In particular, this means that the first circuit board is preferably always present and forms the basic configuration of the steering wheel electronics system 3 with respect to the circuit boards.The second circuit board can then be additionally equipped, allowing for a degree of individual configuration and enabling the assignment of individual additional functions to one or more steering wheel control elements 9 and / or 14. The second circuit board can therefore be reversibly installed and removed. Specifically, a slot in the circuit board system 21 is provided for this purpose, allowing the second circuit board to be easily inserted or removed.

[0059] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation corresponding to Figure 1 of a further embodiment of a steering wheel device 1 with a steering wheel electronics system 3. For clarity, only the steering wheel device 1 is shown here, and the vehicle 4 with the functional unit 5 is omitted. The same applies to the further embodiments according to Figures 3 to 5. In all these further embodiments, however, the vehicle 4 with at least one steering wheel-external functional unit 5, and in particular also several functional units 5a, 5b, is present.

[0060] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, unlike in Fig. 1, the second steering wheel control element 14 also has at least one additional function 22. This additional function 22 may differ from an additional function assigned to the first steering wheel control element 9. Alternatively, or in addition, the number of additional functions assigned to the first steering wheel control element 9 and the second steering wheel control element 14 may also differ. For example, an additional function 12 of the first steering wheel control element 9 may be the operation of a heater for the steering wheel assembly 1. A heater 23 is shown here as an example. In particular, an electronic detection device 13 is also shown here as an example and symbolically. In this embodiment, this device can be implemented using only an electrode, specifically a mat as shown.The second electrode, or a second mat, can form the heating element 23.

[0061] It is also possible that the operation of an electronic decoupling and / or shielding device 25 is provided as a further additional function. A corresponding additional function 26 can, for example, be assigned to the first steering wheel control element 9. However, it is also possible that this additional function 26 for operating the decoupling and / or shielding device 25 is assigned to the second steering wheel control element 14.

[0062] As also shown in Fig. 2, a further connection system 17 is provided by means of which the second steering wheel control element 14 can establish a communicative connection with the device, in particular for signal exchange, whose additional function is assigned to the second steering wheel control element 14. Furthermore, in one embodiment, a further communication path 28 is provided, via which this second steering wheel control element 14 can communicate directly with the cutting control module 8. In particular, it is provided that the second steering wheel control element 14 also has its own processing unit 29.

[0063] Preferably, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, a three-layer mat, as already mentioned above, can be provided, which accommodates the electrodes for touch detection of the handle area 6, electronic decoupling and shielding, and heating. It is also possible to reduce the complexity of this mat or layer system and to combine or integrate the heating element 23 with the electronic decoupling and / or shielding device 25. This allows, for example, the use of this layer for electronic decoupling and / or shielding when the heating element 23 is switched off, i.e., deactivated.

[0064] Figure 3 shows an embodiment corresponding to Figure 2. However, the functional unit 11 shown here is only a single-layer mat. This enables heating, thus providing a heating element 23, and also allows for the detection of contact with the handle area 6, by incorporating a corresponding detection device 13.

[0065] This mat system is therefore designed with a minimalist aesthetic. It is possible that an additional function 12 relates to the operation of the heating element and an additional function 26 relates to electronic decoupling and / or shielding, i.e., the operation of the electronic decoupling and / or shielding device 25. For example, an additional function 22, which is assigned to the second steering wheel control element 14, could be the detection of a touch on the grip area 6.

[0066] It should be noted that in the embodiments described so far, as well as in those to follow, the right- and left-hand arrangement of the steering wheel controls 9 and 14 is merely illustrative and other positions are of course possible. Similarly, the assignment of additional functions, which is also merely illustrative, is not limited in type or number to the situations shown.

[0067] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of a steering wheel device 1 in a representation corresponding to Figures 1 to 3. Here, the steering wheel electronics system 3 also includes an optical signaling device 30. This device allows the current autonomy level of a driving state of the vehicle 4 to be visually signaled. A corresponding additional function can then be the operation of this optical signaling device 30. The signaling device 30 can include a lighting unit. It can also include signal-emitting elements. These are shown here only as examples in terms of position, number, and shape. They can be designed horizontally on opposite sides of the grip area 6, in particular as external and partially circumferential arc elements. Additionally or instead of this, a corresponding element can also be, as shown in Figure 4, a light source.As symbolically indicated, the optical signal device 30 is located on the inner element, namely the steering wheel spoke 4, particularly at the top. A communication system 31a and / or 31b may provide a connection between the optical signal device 30 and the first steering wheel control element 9 and / or the second steering wheel control element 14. In this context, an additional function 32 may be assigned to the operation of this optical signal device 30. This additional function 32 may be assigned to the first steering wheel control element 9 or the second steering wheel control element 14, or to several of these, in particular two steering wheel control elements 9 and 14. In the exemplary embodiment, the additional function 22 assigned to the second steering wheel control element 14 may, for example, be the detection of contact with the grip area 6.In this regard, the additional function 22 can also be a different additional function, as already explained in the other embodiments. It is possible that an additional function 12 assigned to the first steering wheel control element 9 is the operation of the heater 23. Additionally or instead of this, an additional function 26 assigned to the first steering wheel control element 9 can be the operation of the electronic decoupling and / or shielding device 25.

[0068] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a steering wheel device 1 with a further embodiment of a steering wheel electronics system 3. In this example, the steering wheel-internal functional unit 11 includes, for example, the detection device 13, the heating element 23, and the electronic decoupling and / or shielding device 25. This can be achieved, for example, by a two-layer mat that provides the corresponding electrodes or components. In particular, the functional unit 11 is designed to allow additional functions to be assigned to both steering wheel controls 9 and 14, and thus duplicated accordingly. This improves the heating functionality and touch detection.For example, touch detection via additional functions 12 and 22 can be assigned to both steering wheel controls 9 and 14. The same can be done, for example, for additional function 26, which controls the operation of the heater 23. For instance, additional function 32, which is assigned here as an example to the first steering wheel control 9, can control the operation of the electronic decoupling and / or shielding device 25. As can be seen, in all embodiments of the steering wheel electronics system 3, there is no longer an additional separate steering wheel electronics unit besides the interface module 8 and the steering wheel controls 9 and 14.

[0069] It should also be mentioned that individual components, such as a functional unit 1 1 representing a device or a corresponding system and / or corresponding additional functions, as explained in individual examples in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5, and which are not present in other embodiments, may also be present there.

[0070] This includes, for example, the optical signaling device 30 and / or a temperature sensor and / or at least an electronic memory, etc.

[0071] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram in which time t is plotted on the horizontal axis, and values ​​for an active state of a heater and / or a detection device for detecting at least one contact between a grip area 6 of a steering element 2 and a hand and / or an electronic decoupling and / or shielding device 25 are shown on the vertical axis. The diagram relates in particular to the example in Figure 5. There, an electrode or mat is provided for the detection device 13. The flowchart in the upper part of Figure 6 should be understood in this context. Furthermore, another mat, as shown in Figure 5, is provided, which represents the heater 23 and the electronic decoupling and / or shielding device 25 and enables the corresponding functionalities.Here, too, a corresponding time sequence for the respective activation and deactivation of the individual function is shown. In this context, it is possible, for example, that the mat with which the detection device 13 operates and provides this touch detection function allows heating time intervals H to alternate specifically with touch detection time intervals Hod. Furthermore, the sequence of functions shown below in Fig. 6 shows an interval for the active operation of the heating, which is represented as heating time interval H, and a time interval of the active state of the detection device 13 and the active state of the electronic decoupling and / or shielding device 25, which is symbolized by the time interval S. As in Fig.As also shown in Fig. 6, a very specific pattern for the active and inactive states of the individual functions can be generated by these two separate mats, to which the respective functionalities of the aforementioned devices are assigned. This is symbolized in Fig. 6. An alternative operating mode is shown in Fig. 7, in which the designations H, S, and HoD have the same meaning as in Fig. 6. Here, too, the upper timeline in Fig. 7 is intended to illustrate the operating mode of the mat that is associated with the detection device 13 in Fig. 5, and the lower timeline in Fig. 7 illustrates the operating mode of the mat that is provided with reference lines 23 and 25 in Fig. 5.

[0072] It should also be noted that these symbolic sequences of active and inactive time intervals, and thus active and inactive functions, particularly auxiliary functions, are to be understood as examples. Therefore, the simultaneous active state of individual auxiliary functions, at least in phases, is also only to be understood as an example. These diagrams, and thus the corresponding active-inactive patterns of auxiliary functions, can be implemented by duplicating individual auxiliary functions—in this case, operating the heating on the one hand and the touch detection on the other—using both steering wheel controls 9 and 14.

[0073] In general, it can therefore be stated again that in some embodiments, an additional function is enabled by actuating the respective steering wheel control element 9 and / or 14 to which this additional function is assigned. In other embodiments, where an additional function is duplicated and thus redundantly assigned to several steering wheel controls 9 and 14, this additional function can be activated by actuating one or the other steering wheel control element.

[0074] Especially when the design of the steering wheel-integrated functional unit 1 1 is implemented, for example, with one, two, or three mats to realize, for instance, the functional device 13 and / or a heater 23 and / or an electrical decoupling and / or shielding device 25, then an individual configuration of the steering wheel controls 9 and / or 14 with individual additional functions is also possible. Thus, the assignment of one or more steering wheel controls 9 and / or 14 with one or more additional functions and / or alone or in redundancy with the other steering wheel controls can also be individually adapted to the number of components of the functional unit 1 1.

[0075] This also allows for a component-reduced design, particularly with regard to the processing units, through clever construction. At the same time, the required operating, configuration, and processing effort for the single piece of information can be adapted to specific needs and thus reduced accordingly. Furthermore, the direct communication capability between the two steering wheel controls 9 and 14 allows for a wide variety of additional functions in terms of number and type, thus providing an ergonomic, easily understandable, and intuitive operating concept.It should be mentioned again that the arrangements and divisions of additional functions shown in the figures are only exemplary and can also be implemented in many other ways, for example, in terms of number and / or type, the two steering wheel controls 9 and 14 shown here as examples can be divided in reverse.

[0076] In principle, at least one third steering wheel control element may also be present, which also has at least one additional function, or to which at least one additional function is assigned.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Steering wheel electronics system (3) for a vehicle (4), comprising at least one preferably electronic interface module (8) which is the interface for signal transmission between a steering wheel (2) and a steering wheel-external unit of the vehicle (4), and comprising at least one first steering wheel control element (9, 14) with which an operating function of a functional unit (5) of the vehicle (1) can be selected and / or adjusted, characterized in that the first steering wheel control element (9, 14) has at least one additional function different from the operating function, which can be selected and / or evaluated and / or adjusted with the steering wheel control element (9, 14).

2. Steering wheel electronics system (3) according to claim 1 characterized in that the first steering wheel control element (9, 14) has a computing unit (10, 28) with which the selection and / or evaluation and / or setting of the at least one additional function can be controlled.

3. Steering wheel electronics system (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that the steering wheel electronics system (3) has at least two separate computing units (10, 28, 20) and the computing unit (10, 28) of the steering wheel control element (9, 14) is a master computing unit and the at least one other computing unit is a slave computing unit.

4. Steering wheel electronics system (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering wheel electronics system (3) has a heater (23) for heating the steering wheel (2), wherein the additional function is the operation of the heater (23).

5. Steering wheel electronics system (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering wheel electronics system (3) has a detection device (13) for detecting at least one contact of a contact area of ​​a vehicle component with a body part, in particular for detecting at least one touching of a steering wheel (2) with a hand, wherein the additional function is the operation of the detection device (13).

6. Steering wheel electronics system (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering wheel electronics system (3) has an electronic memory (18), wherein the additional function is the reading of the memory (18).

7. Steering wheel electronics system (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering wheel electronics system (3) has a temperature sensor (19), wherein the additional function is the operation of the temperature sensor (19).

8. Steering wheel electronics system (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering wheel electronics system (3) has an optical signaling device (30) with which a current autonomy level of a driving state of the vehicle (4) is signaled, wherein the additional function is the operation of the signaling device (30).

9. Steering wheel electronics system (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering wheel electronics system (3) has an electronic decoupling and / or shielding device (25) for capacitive decoupling and / or shielding of electronic components of the steering wheel electronics system (3), wherein the additional function is the operation of the electronic decoupling and / or shielding device (25).

10. Steering wheel electronics system (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering wheel electronics system (3) comprises a first steering wheel control element (9) with which an operating function of a first, in particular steering wheel-external, functional unit (5a) of the vehicle (4) can be selected and / or adjusted, and the The steering wheel electronics system (3) has a second steering wheel control element (14) with which an operating function of a second, in particular steering wheel-external, functional unit (5b) of the vehicle (4) can be selected and / or adjusted.

11. Steering wheel electronics system (3) according to claim 10, characterized in that the steering wheel electronics system (3) has a communication path (15) via which the at least two steering wheel control elements (9, 14) can communicate directly.

12. Steering wheel electronics system (3) according to one of the preceding claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the second steering wheel control element (14) has at least one additional function different from the operating function, which can be selected and / or evaluated and / or adjusted with the second steering wheel control element (14).

13. Steering wheel electronics system (3) according to one of the preceding claims 10 to 12, characterized in that at least one steering wheel control element (9, 14) is designed via a further communication path (16, 28) in addition to communication with the interface module (8).

14. Steering wheel electronics system (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering wheel electronics system (3) has a first circuit board on which electronic components for evaluating and / or selecting and / or adjusting signals for the operating function are arranged, and the steering wheel electronics system (3) has a second circuit board separate from the first, on which electronic components for evaluating and / or selecting and / or adjusting signals for at least one additional function are arranged, in particular the two circuit boards form a modular circuit board system (21) in which the second circuit board can be reversibly attached and removed.

15. Steering wheel device (1) with a steering wheel (2) and with a Steering wheel electronics system (3) according to one of the preceding claims.

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