DE102019108762A1 - Steering wheel for a vehicle, a simulator or a game console - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering wheel for a vehicle, a simulator or a game console, which has at least one display unit 11 for displaying at least one item of information 13 for a driver, with a rotary position transmitter on the steering wheel 1 or on a device connected to the steering wheel 1 21, which detects a steering wheel angle as a function of a rest position and the at least one display unit 11 is designed such that the at least one piece of information 13 is displayed in an orientation that is not directly dependent on a steering wheel angle. The invention also relates to a method for displaying at least one item of information on a steering wheel 1 of a vehicle, simulator or game console, in which at least one item of information 13 is displayed in an orientation that is not directly dependent on a steering wheel angle.

Description

The invention relates to a steering wheel of the type used for vehicles, simulators or game consoles.

Such steering wheels often have a rotary position transmitter that detects a steering wheel angle as a function of a rest position.

If the steering wheel is used on a (driving) simulator, the steering wheel angle or a rotation of the steering axis or the steering column is detected via a rotation of the axis in a motor instead of via direct existing angle sensors, whereby this motor (via correspondingly fed current) the different resistance to a steering movement, which is dependent on the driving situation, is also generated in order to enable a real simulation and to be able to give feedback to the driver.

In simulators and game consoles as well as in real vehicles, there is an increasing need for information that should be displayed to the driver as immediately as possible.

The dashboard, in which displays and instruments are placed in the driver's field of vision, is used regularly for this purpose, in order to display the desired information.

With the increasing amount of information, additional ways are taken to output them. For example, information is output as tones or even speech to inform the driver of actions.

For example, if the distance is too short or if you are not buckling up, navigation information, etc., is often output via warning tones or even voice.

A steering wheel with a display has also already been introduced in racing.

However, this solution is perceived by drivers as inconvenient and not accepted as advantageous.

The present invention is based on the object of creating a device which offers an additional option for displaying information to a driver in a convenient manner.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a steering wheel having the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, the steering wheel itself is used in order to create an additional possibility of displaying information for a driver. For this purpose, the steering wheel according to the invention has (at least) one display unit for displaying (at least) one piece of information for the driver. In the context of the invention, a display is to be understood as a visual display, that is to say representation in numbers (numeric), text (alphanumeric) and / or images.

According to the invention, the steering wheel has a rotary position transmitter, this rotary position transmitter also being able to be arranged on the steering wheel or on its steering column or devices or parts moved by it. As a device moved by this, for example, a transmission for converting the steering movement comes into question.

The term rotary position transmitter is to be understood broadly within the meaning of the invention, so that it includes any devices, such as motor for a feedback (force feedback), angle transmitter, steering angle sensor, Hall sensor, barcode sensor with light barrier system, gyroscope, and image evaluation, which are suitable to detect a steering angle of a steering wheel or a change in the rotational position (steering angle position) of the steering wheel in relation to a rest position or starting position (in particular position for straight-ahead travel).

To display the information, the values determined by the rotary position transmitter or the current value are determined during their alignment and the information is aligned as a function of this value, for example by means of an evaluation and control unit.

Accordingly, not only the display unit, but also the evaluation and control device (display electronics) are designed in such a way that the values determined (steering angle values) are used to align the information and the display electronics have a corresponding input interface (electronic and / or designed as a software interface).

This makes it possible to align the information on the display unit independently of the steering angle of the steering wheel. When the steering wheel is turned, the orientation of the information therefore does not remain fixed in relation to the (rotational) position of the steering wheel, but rather independent or not directly dependent on the steering wheel angle.

As a result, the display or the displayed information can still be read when the steering wheel is tilted (turning), even if the head is not tilted. This is particularly advantageous if a helmet is worn by the driver, like this is the case, for example, in a racing car or a corresponding simulation, since wearing a helmet hardly affects the inclination of the head. In addition, according to the invention, small jerky movements can also be compensated for, so that the information displayed on the display unit remains legible.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the display unit is designed as an electronic screen, in particular as an LCD, LED, or OLED screen, which advantageously enables an inexpensive implementation of the display unit and the desired alignment of the information shown on the display.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the orientation of the at least one item of information in relation to a rest position of the steering wheel (in particular the position for driving straight ahead) remains constant, so that the driver does not turn the information in any position of the steering wheel, preferably horizontally (in relation to his own position) can perceive.

Of course, it is also conceivable to adjust the alignment to a lesser extent than the steering wheel angle, so that an unconscious inclination of the driver's head when the steering wheel is turned can also be taken into account.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the display unit (or the display units) is arranged centrally in or on the steering wheel in order to be particularly well perceived in the driver's field of vision whenever the steering wheel is turned.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the steering wheel is not permanently connected to the base unit, but can be connected to or detached from the base unit by means of a quick-release lock.

As a result, a steering wheel can advantageously be used by a driver or user on other base units.

Taking your own steering wheel with you increases comfort for a driver, as there is no need to get used to an unfamiliar steering wheel. In addition, the removable steering wheel enables multiple use in a vehicle, simulator or game console.

Since this base unit also transmits information regarding the rotational position and / or a change in the rotational position of the steering column to the removable steering wheel and its display unit, the - preferably constant horizontal - alignment of the information according to the invention is also ensured in this embodiment of the invention.

Electronics, in particular the evaluation and control device, for controlling the display unit can be accommodated in the steering wheel or in its housing and, in the case of a removable steering wheel (by means of a quick release), can be removed with it.

The electronics, including any settings stored therein, can thus be contained in the removable steering wheel and taken by a driver to another game console, another simulator or even another vehicle and used there.

Further advantageous refinements of the invention emerge from the dependent claims.

The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing.

• 1 eine Draufsicht auf ein schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Lenkrads in Ruheposition;
• 2 eine Draufsicht auf ein Lenkrad nach 1 mit Linkseinschlag und
• 3 eine Seitenansicht auf ein Lenkrad nach 1 und 2.

In the drawing show:

• 1 a plan view of a schematic representation of a steering wheel according to the invention in the rest position;
• 2 a top view of a steering wheel after 1 with left fold and
• 3 a side view of a steering wheel after 1 and 2 .

1 shows a steering wheel in a schematic representation 1 that is in the rest position (without turning the steering wheel) or position for straight-ahead travel of a vehicle, simulator or game console.

The steering wheel has, for example, an annular or circular grip area 3 and a central area 5 on which one with the grip areas 3 , for example over horizontal webs 7th and a vertical web 9 is connected.

Centered inside the steering wheel 1 there is a, for example, circular display unit 11 on which information for a driver 13 is or can be displayed in a horizontal position.

This display unit 11 can be designed, for example, as an electronic display (LCD, LED or OLED), with other configurations (rectangular, square, spherical, etc.) also being conceivable in addition to the preferably round or circular configuration shown.

If the steering wheel is turned 45 ° to the left, for example, as in 2 shown, the steering wheel 1 rotated to the left without affecting the orientation of the information 13 on the display unit 11 is changed.

The orientation of the information 13 remains related to a coordinate system K the driver (or the vehicle, simulator or game console) in a horizontal position (x-axis of the coordinate system K ).

Turning the steering wheel to the left 1 is in 2 through the too 1 changed position of the bars 7th and 9 to the coordinate system K clarified.

How out 3 visible, points the steering wheel 1 preferably a steering wheel housing not essential to the invention centrally on its underside 15th on. Electronics for controlling the display unit can be located in this steering wheel housing 11 be housed.

The steering wheel 1 stands with a steering column 19th in connection which in a base 17th , for example a basic unit of a game console or a simulator, rotatable, but in the longitudinal direction of the steering column 19th is stationary.

One turn of the steering wheel with the steering column 19th (at the upper end) non-rotatably connected steering wheel 1 therefore causes a corresponding rotation of the steering column 19th in the base 17th .

In the base 17th or, as in 3 shown below the base 17th , there is a rotary position encoder 21st or steering angle sensor, which is connected to the steering column 19th is in electrical, mechanical or optical connection in such a way that it determines a steering wheel angle or a corresponding rotation of the steering column 19th detected in direction and size.

The detected value of a steering wheel angle is determined by a processor, not shown in the drawing, evaluated and used to control the display unit 11 used to get the information 13 on the display unit 11 , as in 2 instead of being shown in a correspondingly rotated position in an unchanged horizontal orientation.

As a position indicator 21st for example, as in 3 shown, a (force feedback) motor is used, its axis as a steering column 19th serves or is connected to it or is coupled to its rotation.

The engine serves among other things depending on the driving situation (speed, curve radius, lane inclination, road surface condition, etc.) to generate a desired resistance to a steering wheel angle (feedback) in order to simulate the driving situation as realistically as possible. In addition, the motor can be used to generate other types of feedback for the driver, such as shaking, vibrating, etc.

Of course, it is also conceivable to determine the rotational position or a change in the rotational position in another way. For example, on the steering column on the circumference or on one with a rotation of the steering column 19th A barcode can be attached to the moving part, which can be read via a light barrier system or a scanner.

However, the rotational position or a change in position itself generates an inductive current, so that this value is transmitted by a corresponding evaluation and control unit, for example a (display) processor, to control the display unit 11 or to align the on the display unit 11 information presented 13 is used to keep the alignment constant horizontally in relation to the coordinate system K of the driver or the simulator.

The base unit 17th with position encoder 21st will have a connector 23 powered. The electronics for controlling the display unit 11 - so far in the steering wheel housing 15th housed - as well as the display unit 11 themselves are preferably via an inductive coupling between the rotatable steering wheel 1 (and rotated housing 15th ) and for this a firm basis 17th powered.

Of course, it is also conceivable to implement this power supply or energy supply in a different way, for example by means of a sliding contact or a twistable line (stranded wire, ribbon cable).

It is also possible to equip the steering wheel with a self-sufficient energy source, in particular batteries or accumulators.

The signal transmission to display the information 13 can also be done in one of the aforementioned ways. It is also conceivable to transmit the aforementioned signal wirelessly via infrared, Bluetooth, etc.

Although in the drawing the steering wheel components 1 and base 17th connected to one another and thus represented forming a unit, it is conceivable that the steering wheel 1 detachable therefrom, for example by means of a quick-release fastener.

The quick release can, for example, in the area of the steering wheel housing 15th be accommodated, preferably the electronics (evaluation and control device) for controlling the display unit 11 in the one with the steering wheel 1 removable part can be included.

On a corresponding arrangement from a base unit 17th and a steering wheel 1 make the above statements with regard to the alignment of the information 13 unchanged to.

List of reference symbols

1

steering wheel

3

Grip area

5

central area

7th

horizontal bars

9

vertical bar

11

Display unit

13

information

15th

Steering wheel housing

17th

Base

19th

Steering column

21st

Rotary position encoder

23

Connecting cable

K

Coordinate system of the driver

Claims (15)

Steering wheel for a vehicle, a simulator or a game console, which has at least one display unit (11) for displaying at least one piece of information (13) for a driver, characterized in that on the steering wheel (1) or on one with the steering wheel (1 ) In connection with the device, a rotary position transmitter (21) is arranged which detects a steering wheel angle as a function of a rest position and the at least one display unit (11) is designed such that the at least one item of information (13) is displayed in an orientation that is not is directly dependent on a steering wheel angle. Steering wheel after Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one display unit (11) is designed as an electronic screen. Steering wheel after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the alignment of the at least one item of information (13) remains constant in relation to a rest position of the steering wheel (1). Steering wheel after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the alignment of the at least one item of information (13) is designed to be changeable in a smaller area than the steering wheel angle. Steering wheel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one display unit (11) is designed in such a way that the at least one item of information (13) is displayed independently of the steering wheel angle in an essentially horizontal orientation with respect to the position of the driver. Steering wheel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one display unit (11) is arranged centrally in or on the steering wheel (1). Steering wheel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device connected to the steering wheel (1) is designed as a steering column (19) or conversion device. Steering wheel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering wheel (1) can be connected to and detached from the base unit (17) by means of a quick-release fastener. Method for displaying at least one item of information on a steering wheel (1) of a vehicle, simulator or game console, in which at least one item of information (13) is displayed in an orientation that is not directly dependent on a steering wheel angle. Procedure according to Claim 9 , characterized in that the alignment of the at least one item of information (13) remains constant in relation to a rest position of the steering wheel (1). Procedure according to Claim 10 , characterized in that the alignment of the at least one item of information (13) is designed to be changeable in a smaller area than the steering wheel angle. Procedure according to Claim 9 , characterized in that the at least one item of information (13) is displayed in a substantially horizontal orientation, regardless of the steering wheel angle, based on the position of the driver. Method according to one of the Claims 10 to 12 , characterized in that the at least one piece of information (13) is displayed essentially centrally in the steering wheel (1). Arrangement from a steering wheel according to Claim 8 and a base 17 on which the steering wheel 1 can be releasably arranged by means of a quick release. Steering wheel for use on a vehicle, simulator or game console, which can be connected to and detached from the vehicle, simulator or game console by means of a quick release device, characterized in that the steering wheel has a display unit (11) and an evaluation unit. and control device to display at least one item of information (13) that can be displayed on the display unit (11) in an orientation that is not directly dependent on a steering wheel angle of a steering wheel (1) connected to the vehicle, the simulator or the game console.

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