DE10113493A1 - Vehicle steering wheel incorporates light conductors, especially in the wheel skeleton, to indicate the steering setting under all light conditions and also give visual warnings on the status of battery or oil pressure and the like - Google Patents

Vehicle steering wheel incorporates light conductors, especially in the wheel skeleton, to indicate the steering setting under all light conditions and also give visual warnings on the status of battery or oil pressure and the like

Info

Publication number
DE10113493A1
DE10113493A1 DE10113493A DE10113493A DE10113493A1 DE 10113493 A1 DE10113493 A1 DE 10113493A1 DE 10113493 A DE10113493 A DE 10113493A DE 10113493 A DE10113493 A DE 10113493A DE 10113493 A1 DE10113493 A1 DE 10113493A1
Authority
DE
Germany
Prior art keywords
steering wheel
steering
wheel
steering handle
status
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
DE10113493A
Other languages
German (de)
Inventor
Gregor Kugelmann
Hans-Joachim Faulstroh
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Original Assignee
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bayerische Motoren Werke AG filed Critical Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Priority to DE10113493A priority Critical patent/DE10113493A1/en
Publication of DE10113493A1 publication Critical patent/DE10113493A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
    • B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
    • B62D1/04—Hand wheels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Arrangement of adaptations of instruments
    • B60K35/60—
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/20—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for lighting specific fittings of passenger or driving compartments; mounted on specific fittings of passenger or driving compartments
    • B60Q3/283—Steering wheels; Gear levers
    • B60K2360/782—

Abstract

The vehicle steering wheel has electrical light conductors over most of its structure, and especially the skeleton of the wheel, to be seen through transparent varnish or foam material forming the wheel construction. The light wave emissions can be adjusted, and they are activated when the driver moves into the driving seat. The light transmissions can carry information to be seen by the driver.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Lenkhandhabe eines Kraftfahrzeugs, insbesonde­ re ein Lenkrad, welches (insbesondere in relativ dunkler Umgebung) Lichtwellen aussenden kann. Zum technischen Umfeld wird neben der FR- 27 44 976 A insbesondere auf das Abstract der JP-11070879 A verwiesen.The invention relates to a steering handle of a motor vehicle, in particular re a steering wheel, which (especially in relatively dark surroundings) Can emit light waves. In addition to the FR- 27 44 976 A referred in particular to the abstract of JP-11070879 A.

Während in der erstgenannten Schrift ein Fzg.-Lenkrad beschrieben ist, in dessen Lenkrad-Kranz leuchtende Kontrollanzeigen bspw. für die Fzg.- Batteriespannung oder den Motor-Öldruck vorgesehen sind, schlägt die zweitgenannte Schrift ein quasi illuminiertes Lenkrad vor, das mit einem fluoriszierenden Material beschichtet ist, auf welches ein transparenter Schutzlack oder Überzug aufgebracht ist. Wird ein Kraftfahrzeug mit einem solchen Lenkrad untertags bspw. in einem dunklen Tunnel gefahren, so leuchtet der Lenkradkranz leicht gelb-grünlich und kann demzufolge vom Fzg.-Führer klar erkannt werden, bspw. hinsichtlich der aktuellen Lenkrad­ stellung.While a vehicle steering wheel is described in the former document, in whose steering wheel rim has illuminated control displays, e.g. for the vehicle Battery voltage or engine oil pressure are provided the second-mentioned font a quasi-illuminated steering wheel, which with a fluorescent material is coated, on which a transparent Protective varnish or coating is applied. If a motor vehicle with a driving such a steering wheel during the day in a dark tunnel, for example the steering wheel rim lights up slightly yellow-greenish and can therefore be from Vehicle drivers are clearly recognized, for example with regard to the current steering wheel position.

Jedoch sind gegenüber diesem bekannten Stand der Technik Verbesserun­ gen möglich, die aufzuzeigen sich die vorliegende Erfindung zur Aufgabe gestellt hat.However, there are improvements over this prior art gene possible to show the task of the present invention has asked.

Die Lösung dieser Aufgabe ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in der Lenkhandhabe ein sich zumindest über einen Großteil von dessen Bedien­ oberfläche, insbesondere des Lenkrad-Skeletts, erstreckender elektrischer Leuchtkörper vorgesehen ist. Vorteilhafte Aus- und Weiterbildungen sind Inhalt der Unteransprüche. The solution to this problem is characterized in that in the Steering handle at least over a large part of its operation surface, in particular of the steering wheel skeleton, extending electrical Luminous body is provided. Advantageous training and further education are Content of the subclaims.  

Wenn nur elektrische Energie bereitgestellt wird, so kann eine erfindungs­ gemäße Lenkhandhabe stets ausreichend beleuchtet sein. Unabhängig von anderen Randbedingungen kann dann der Fzg.-Fahrer die Lenkhandhabe bzw. das Lenkrad stets optimal erkennen und sich somit im Fahrzeug auch bei Nacht bestens zurechtfinden. Insbesondere kann ein erfindungsgemäßes Lenkrad auch beim Einsteigen in das Fahrzeug bei Dunkelheit eine optimale Orientierungshilfe bieten, wenn der elektrische Leuchtkörper bereits bei beabsichtigtem Einsteigen in das Fahrzeug aktiviert wird. Dies kann bspw. an den Aufschließvorgang der Fzg.-Türe gekoppelt sein. In gleicher Weise kann ein Abschalten des Leuchtkörpers an die Türschließfunktion gekoppelt sein.If only electrical energy is provided, then a fiction appropriate steering handle must always be adequately illuminated. Independent of The vehicle driver can then use the steering handle under other conditions or always recognize the steering wheel optimally and therefore also in the vehicle Find your way at night. In particular, one according to the invention Optimal steering wheel even when getting into the vehicle in the dark Provide guidance when the electric filament is already at intended entry into the vehicle is activated. This can, for example. be coupled to the unlocking process of the vehicle door. In the same way can switch off the lamp to the door lock function his.

Grundsätzlich kann der geeignet gestaltete Leuchtkörper (worauf später noch näher eingegangen wird), einfach einschaltbar bzw. ausschaltbar sein, daneben kann jedoch auch die Lichtwellen-Emission des Leuchtkörpers veränderbar sein. Hierunter ist zum einen die Intensität oder Helligkeit zu verstehen, mit welcher der elektrische Leuchtkörper strahlt, es kann jedoch auch die Farbe des Leuchtkörpers veränderbar sein oder die Form, d. h. im wesentlichen die Größe der Lenkhandhabe-Bedienoberfläche, von welcher die Lichtwellen emittiert werden. Dabei kann die entsprechende Ansteuerung des Leuchtkörpers - insbesondere von einer elektronischen Steuereinheit initiiert - in Abhängigkeit von unterschiedlichsten Randbedingungen erfolgen, so bspw. in Abhängigkeit von der Helligkeit der Umgebung, aber auch von der Tageszeit oder von der Temperatur oder vom Fahrverhalten des Fahrers.Basically, the suitably designed filament (which will be discussed later will be discussed in more detail below), can be easily switched on or off, in addition, however, the light wave emission of the filament can also be changeable. On the one hand, this includes the intensity or brightness understand with which the electric filament shines, but it can also the color of the filament can be changed or the shape, d. H. in the essentially the size of the steering handle user interface, of which the light waves are emitted. The corresponding control can be used of the filament - in particular from an electronic control unit initiated - depending on various boundary conditions, for example depending on the brightness of the surroundings, but also on the time of day or the temperature or driving behavior of the Driver.

Im Sinne einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung können dabei mittels des Leuchtkörpers auch Informationen an den Fahrer übermittelt werden. So kann bspw. ein Warnsignal durch Blinken des Leuchtkörpers erzeugt werden, wobei auch die Blinkfrequenz veränderbar sein kann. In the sense of an advantageous further development, the Luminous body information is also transmitted to the driver. So can, for example, generate a warning signal by flashing the lamp the blinking frequency can also be changeable.  

Was die konkrete Ausgestaltung des Leuchtkörpers betrifft, so kann dieser unterschiedlich ausgebildet sein. Neben einer geeignet geformten Neonröhre oder dgl. kommt auch eine Vielzahl von geeignet angeordneten, über der Bedienoberfläche der Lenkhandhabe verteilten einzelnen Leuchtmitteln in Frage. Neben einzelnen Glühbirnchen ist auch der Einsatz geeignet gestalteter Lichtwellenleiter möglich. Grundsätzlich dürfte jedoch jeder Leuchtkörper in der einen oder anderen Weise in den die Lenkhandhabe bildenden Werkstoff eingebettet sein, um eine gewohnte günstige Haptik der Lenkhandhabe zu erzielen. Im Falle eines Lenkrades kann bspw. eine geeignet geformte Neonröhre in eine umlaufende Aussparung im Lenkrad­ skelett eingelegt sein. Diese Aussparung kann dann nach außen hin mit einem zumindest im wesentlichen lichtdurchlässigen Material abgedeckt sein. Neben einem transparenten Überzugsmaterial bspw. in Form eines Klarlacks oder einer durchsichtigen Folie ist auch (zumindest bereichsweise) der Einsatz eines im wesentlichen transparenten Kunststoff-Schaum­ materials möglich, aus dem die Lenkhandhabe direkt geformt ist.As for the specific design of the filament, it can be designed differently. In addition to a suitably shaped neon tube or the like. Also comes a variety of suitably arranged, over the User interface of the steering handle distributed individual lamps in Question. In addition to individual light bulbs, use is also suitable designed optical fiber possible. Basically, however, everyone should Luminous body in one way or another in the steering handle forming material to be embedded in order to create a familiar, convenient feel To achieve steering handle. In the case of a steering wheel, for example suitably shaped neon tube in a circumferential recess in the steering wheel skeleton inserted. This recess can then be used with the outside an at least substantially translucent material covered his. In addition to a transparent coating material, for example in the form of a Clear varnish or a transparent film is also (at least in some areas) the use of an essentially transparent plastic foam possible from which the steering handle is formed directly.

Claims (5)

1. Lenkhandhabe eines Kraftfahrzeugs, insbesondere Lenkrad, welches Lichtwellen aussenden kann, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in der Lenkhandhabe ein sich zumindest über einen Großteil von dessen Bedienoberfläche, insbe­ sondere des Lenkrad-Skeletts, erstreckender elektrischer Leuchtkör­ per vorgesehen ist.1. Steering handle of a motor vehicle, in particular steering wheel, which can emit light waves, characterized in that in the steering handle an at least over a large part of its user interface, in particular the steering wheel skeleton, extending electric illuminant is provided by. 2. Lenkhandhabe, insbesondere Lenkrad, nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Leuchtkörper in den die Lenk­ handhabe bildenden Werkstoff eingebettet ist, der zumindest ab­ schnittsweise im wesentlichen transparent ausgebildet ist.2. steering handle, in particular steering wheel, according to claim 1, characterized in that the filament into which the steering handle forming material is embedded, at least from is essentially transparent in sections. 3. Lenkhandhabe, insbesondere Lenkrad, nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Lichtwellen-Emission des Leucht­ körpers veränderbar ist.3. steering handle, in particular steering wheel, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the light wave emission of the luminous body is changeable. 4. Lenkhandhabe, insbesondere Lenkrad, nach einem der vorangegan­ genen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Leuchtkörper bei beabsichtigtem Einsteigen in das Fahrzeug aktiviert wird.4. steering handle, in particular steering wheel, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filament when intended Boarding the vehicle is activated. 5. Lenkhandhabe, insbesondere Lenkrad, nach einem der vorangegan­ genen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mittels des Leuchtkörpers an den Fahrer Informationen übermittelt werden können.5. steering handle, in particular steering wheel, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of the filament to the Driver information can be transmitted.
DE10113493A 2001-03-19 2001-03-19 Vehicle steering wheel incorporates light conductors, especially in the wheel skeleton, to indicate the steering setting under all light conditions and also give visual warnings on the status of battery or oil pressure and the like Withdrawn DE10113493A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10113493A DE10113493A1 (en) 2001-03-19 2001-03-19 Vehicle steering wheel incorporates light conductors, especially in the wheel skeleton, to indicate the steering setting under all light conditions and also give visual warnings on the status of battery or oil pressure and the like

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10113493A DE10113493A1 (en) 2001-03-19 2001-03-19 Vehicle steering wheel incorporates light conductors, especially in the wheel skeleton, to indicate the steering setting under all light conditions and also give visual warnings on the status of battery or oil pressure and the like

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
DE10113493A1 true DE10113493A1 (en) 2002-09-26

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DE10113493A Withdrawn DE10113493A1 (en) 2001-03-19 2001-03-19 Vehicle steering wheel incorporates light conductors, especially in the wheel skeleton, to indicate the steering setting under all light conditions and also give visual warnings on the status of battery or oil pressure and the like

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Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10308901A1 (en) * 2003-02-28 2004-09-09 Adam Opel Ag Illuminated steering wheel for road vehicle has many small lamps on side of rim facing away from driver and shining light onto dashboard to illuminate instruments
WO2004091994A1 (en) * 2003-04-04 2004-10-28 Takata-Petri Ag Steering wheel for motor vehicles
WO2008090576A1 (en) * 2007-01-26 2008-07-31 Bomisa S.P.A. Vehicle steering-wheel cover
WO2009030497A2 (en) * 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 Takata-Petri Ag Steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle
WO2009030223A2 (en) 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 Takata-Petri Ag Steering wheel module for a motor vehicle
DE102008035107A1 (en) 2008-06-19 2009-12-24 GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit Steering wheel with light element
DE102011112134A1 (en) * 2011-09-01 2013-03-07 Audi Ag Arrangement for disguising a component, component and motor vehicle
US9815406B2 (en) 2012-10-23 2017-11-14 Tk Holdings, Inc. Steering wheel light bar
US9821703B2 (en) 2012-10-23 2017-11-21 Tk Holdings, Inc. Steering wheel light bar
US9873446B2 (en) 2014-07-23 2018-01-23 Tk Holdings, Inc. Steering grip light bar systems
US10036843B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2018-07-31 Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition Llc Steering wheel light bar
US10046786B2 (en) 2014-12-30 2018-08-14 Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition Llc Occupant monitoring systems and methods
US10696217B2 (en) 2017-01-04 2020-06-30 Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition Vehicle illumination systems and methods
US11772700B2 (en) 2018-03-08 2023-10-03 Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition Llc Vehicle illumination systems and methods

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE20018732U1 (en) * 2000-10-30 2001-01-11 Petri Ag Steering wheel for motor vehicles

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE20018732U1 (en) * 2000-10-30 2001-01-11 Petri Ag Steering wheel for motor vehicles

Cited By (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10308901A1 (en) * 2003-02-28 2004-09-09 Adam Opel Ag Illuminated steering wheel for road vehicle has many small lamps on side of rim facing away from driver and shining light onto dashboard to illuminate instruments
WO2004091994A1 (en) * 2003-04-04 2004-10-28 Takata-Petri Ag Steering wheel for motor vehicles
US7414520B2 (en) 2003-04-04 2008-08-19 Takata-Petri Ag Steering wheel for motor vehicles
CN101631709B (en) * 2007-01-26 2011-09-21 博明萨股份公司 Vehicle steering-wheel cover
WO2008090576A1 (en) * 2007-01-26 2008-07-31 Bomisa S.P.A. Vehicle steering-wheel cover
US8783132B2 (en) 2007-09-06 2014-07-22 Takata-Petri Ag Steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle
WO2009030223A3 (en) * 2007-09-06 2009-07-23 Takata Petri Ag Steering wheel module for a motor vehicle
WO2009030223A2 (en) 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 Takata-Petri Ag Steering wheel module for a motor vehicle
CN101795925B (en) * 2007-09-06 2013-01-09 高田-彼得里公开股份有限公司 Steering wheel module for a motor vehicle
WO2009030497A2 (en) * 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 Takata-Petri Ag Steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle
WO2009030497A3 (en) * 2007-09-06 2009-07-16 Takata Petri Ag Steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle
DE102008035107A1 (en) 2008-06-19 2009-12-24 GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit Steering wheel with light element
US9045078B2 (en) 2011-01-09 2015-06-02 Audi Ag Arrangement for covering a component, component and motor vehicle
DE102011112134A1 (en) * 2011-09-01 2013-03-07 Audi Ag Arrangement for disguising a component, component and motor vehicle
US10179541B2 (en) 2012-10-23 2019-01-15 Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition Llc Steering wheel light bar
US9815406B2 (en) 2012-10-23 2017-11-14 Tk Holdings, Inc. Steering wheel light bar
US9821703B2 (en) 2012-10-23 2017-11-21 Tk Holdings, Inc. Steering wheel light bar
US9873446B2 (en) 2014-07-23 2018-01-23 Tk Holdings, Inc. Steering grip light bar systems
US10780908B2 (en) 2014-07-23 2020-09-22 Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition Llc Steering grip light bar systems
US11242080B2 (en) 2014-07-23 2022-02-08 Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition Llc Steering grip light bar systems
US11834093B2 (en) 2014-07-23 2023-12-05 Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition Llc Steering grip light bar systems
US10046786B2 (en) 2014-12-30 2018-08-14 Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition Llc Occupant monitoring systems and methods
US10036843B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2018-07-31 Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition Llc Steering wheel light bar
US10696217B2 (en) 2017-01-04 2020-06-30 Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition Vehicle illumination systems and methods
US11208037B2 (en) 2017-01-04 2021-12-28 Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition Llc Vehicle illumination systems and methods
US11772700B2 (en) 2018-03-08 2023-10-03 Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition Llc Vehicle illumination systems and methods

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