DE3835726A1 - Steering wheel contact sensor ring switch for controlling optical/acoustic warning systems, engine shut-off devices and emergency braking devices on motor vehicles of all kinds - Google Patents

Abstract

Published without abstract.

Description

The invention relates to an attached to the steering wheel Touch sensor ring switch that allows if the driver fails, on electronic Paths, downstream acoustic and visual warnings systems, as well as subsequent engine stop and / or emergency to automatically activate braking devices and that Bring the vehicle to a stop.

The devices described below enable already the unconcentrated overtired Motor vehicle driver and possibly passenger with optical and to warn acoustic signals and by self-con trolls to pause in the vehicle guidance or to change the handlebars.

It is known that rail vehicles with safety provide devices according to the "Todmann principle" are, when no accelerator pedal is pressed at regular intervals or similar devices one automatic emergency braking is initiated. These However, systems are operating on motor vehicles establish etc. not transferable.

In the event of an unforeseen sudden failure of the vehicle Leader accelerated by fainting, fatigue etc. the willless driver u. U. the vehicle still through  Support the foot on the accelerator and the vehicle becomes an uncontrolled projectile in road traffic. An existing passenger also recognizes the declining one Concentration or driver failure often fails or too late and can move from his position Operate brakes with difficulty or not at all.

In the presence of those described in the following Devices the passenger can from his position steering in an emergency situation Correct the spokes until the automatic Braking is initiated without his Passenger seat must change to the brake pedal to operate.

According to the prior art, warning or Emergency braking systems in motor vehicles are not known which the driver with decreasing concentration or Warn fatigue and the vehicle in the event of a total failure automatically stop.

Prerequisite for the feasibility of such Attachments is the invention described below object (steering wheel sensor switch) for control the corresponding, in principle, known and feasible Electronic systems, as well as mechanical or hydraulic and pneumatic devices.

The task is that the driver and possibly Co-driver already with decreasing concentration the driver is warned optically and acoustically, the engine is switched off and in the event of a total failure, the driver is automatically brought to a stop. Furthermore the driver is urged to use his steering wheel always with at least one hand while driving to keep correct.  

The solution to the problem is based on the consideration that every roadworthy driver has his steering wheel under control with at least one hand and only loosens, loosens and loosens his fingers from the lower part of the steering wheel cross-section ( Fig. III) when the concentration or fatigue decreases in the event of total failure (fainting, etc.), his hands fall off the steering wheel.

These inevitable reactions of the driver's hands are transferred to the steering wheel touch sensor switch in that the two poles ( 1 ) no longer touch by the fingers or hand of the handlebar, the circuit ( 7 ) is interrupted and the warning emergency braking devices connected downstream electronically controlled and activated automatically.

This object is achieved in a generic device by the characterizing features of claims 1, 2 and 3 ( Fig. I, II and III).

If the driver does not touch the steering wheel with at least one hand (finger) while the engine is running and bridges the sensor poles ( 1 ), the circuit ( 7 ) is interrupted. After a short delay, a combined sound-flashing relay component ( 4 ) in the dashboard area is activated via the current conductor ( 2 ), contact slip ring ( 3 ) (also the horn ring combination) and the power cable ( 2 ) in the steering column trim and the driver is warned.

The electronic component ( 4 ) contains flasher unit and sound generator, the warning signals of which can also be emitted as a spoken word on a micro-tape.

If the driver does not react to this by touching his steering wheel and thus bridging the poles ( 7 ) again, the current pulses are passed on to the engine shutdown ( 5 ) after a required time interval.

Especially for heavy vehicles (buses, tankers and vehicles with dangerous loads), a brake magnet switch ( 6 ) is provided, which initiates automatic emergency braking hydraulically or pneumatically and brings the driverless vehicle to a standstill.

The individual switching stages of the delay and Endab switching stage (e.g. for cars = Mot-Stop or truck = Emergency braking device) depend on the respective according to the requirements of the vehicle types. The car receives already by the automatically switched off engine a high security gain.

In principle, all other electronics as well mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic device (such as sensors, horn ring, indicators, buzzer, Engine stop switch, brake magnet switch etc.) the state of the art in construction or partly on the individual vehicle types and -Types already exist, or can additionally can be attached without major changes. The control of the known would also be feasible Stop and go systems through the steering wheel sensor.

Another advantage is available the engine stop system that in the event of an accident testify, in which the driver generally No longer holds the steering wheel, which may the engine that is still running is automatically switched off and thus the risk of fire is reduced.

Claims (3)

1. Steering wheel touch sensor ring switch for motor vehicles of all kinds for the control of visual, acoustic warning systems and emergency braking devices, characterized in that devices are attached to the steering wheel of motor vehicles, switching devices for electronic control of warning and braking devices. The exemplary embodiment I, II and III shows two precious metal lamellar rings ( 1 ), which correspond to the respective steering wheel diameter, with an insulating layer between them, welded to one another in sandwich construction, to produce a lamellar composite ring ( 1 ), which is in the lower part of the steering wheel cross section, each according to diameter ( 7 ) up to area ( 8 ) or above, cast in a plastic cover or fitted into a groove, only exposed on the outside of the steering wheel, or rounded slightly exposed and two sensor poles ( 7 ) on the circumference of the steering wheel and connect two current conductors ( 2 ) to the contact slip ring ( 3 ) on the steering column via the steering wheel spokes. These current conductors can be punched out of one piece instead of cables with the lamellae ( 1 ), cast in the steering wheel-spoke plastic cover up to the contact ring ( 3 ) - also a horn ring combination - and thus easily installed. 2. Steering wheel sensor ring switch according to claim 1, characterized in that a (transparent) thin-walled plastic half-shell ring with spokes connection in which two conductor poles ( 1 ) are embedded and on the side facing away from the driver ( possibly self-adhesive) adapted to the respective steering wheel design and attached to the spokes. This further embodiment is particularly suitable for retrofitting (not shown). 3. Steering wheel sensor switch according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that via current-carrying lines ( 2 ) of the sensor switch ( 1 ) with the component mounted in the fitting area ( 4 ) (the sensor actuator, flashing acoustic relay and time switch) and controls and activates the downstream systems such as motor stop ( 5 ), magnetic switch ( 6 ) and thus the existing or additional hydraulic or pneumatic brake systems.