DE102020206964A1 - Steering wheel system for steering a road vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A steering wheel system (1) for a steering system (2) of a road motor vehicle comprises a steering wheel (6), a display device (10) arranged on the steering wheel (6) with one or a plurality of individually controllable point-shaped and / or segment-shaped display elements (11) and a control device (12) for controlling the display elements (11) of the display device (10) on the steering wheel (6). The control device (12) is configured to mark the central position of the steering (2) on the steering wheel (6) by visually highlighting a display element (11) of the display device (10). Information from a navigation system and warnings can also be displayed on the steering wheel. A lighting function can also be implemented.

Description

The invention relates to a steering wheel system for steering a road motor vehicle, comprising a steering wheel, a display device arranged on the steering wheel with one or a plurality of individually controllable punctiform and / or segment-shaped display elements and a control device for controlling said display elements of the display device on the steering wheel.

Display devices arranged on the steering wheel of a motor vehicle in the form of LEDs are already generally known.

Out DE 10 2013 208 206 A1 a generic steering wheel system is known which is used in autonomous driving to inform the driver in advance in which direction and how far the autonomous driving controller intends to turn the steering wheel in the next few seconds. For this purpose, an illuminated reference marking is provided on the steering wheel, which is brought into agreement with a target marking that can be visually displayed on the steering wheel. The path that the steering wheel must still take between the reference marking and the target marking is shown by an illuminated line. The visualization takes place via LEDs attached to the steering wheel and controlled accordingly. From the deviation between the target marking and the reference marking, the driver can see where the controller for autonomous driving would like to lead the vehicle in the near future.

Out DE 103 24 812 A1 Another steering wheel system with a display device on the steering wheel is known. The display device comprises a multiplicity of LEDs which are arranged distributed in the circumferential direction and which are activated in such a way as to indicate to the driver a differential steering angle to be set by the driver when parking. The greater the deviation, the more the driver has to steer when parking. The differential steering angle can be related to a reference marking that is fixed to the vehicle. Alternatively, a reference marking can be displayed on the steering wheel via a second display device. Furthermore, the differential steering angle can be related to the vertex of the steering wheel. From the size of the deviation, the driver can infer how much the steering wheel should be turned during maneuvering, for example into a parking space. Suitable trajectories for the intended route are predetermined on the vehicle using appropriate sensors and evaluation algorithms.

Finally it's over DE 10 2009 059 670 A1 In connection with floor conveyors, which, however, are not road vehicles and have to meet other requirements, it is known to equip a steering wheel with a scale display in the steering wheel rim, which communicates the current wheel lock angle to the driver by means of a corresponding scale length based on the apex position of the steering wheel. This takes account of the fact that in such vehicles, in contrast to road vehicles, the wheel lock angle and the steering wheel lock correlate only weakly with one another for technical reasons. A driver can only recognize the actual wheel lock from the movement of the vehicle without further measures.

The present invention is based on the following initial situation. In the case of a road motor vehicle, for example a passenger motor vehicle or light commercial vehicle, it is desirable and customary to provide the driver with force feedback when steering, since this makes driving the motor vehicle easier. In a road motor vehicle with conventional steering, this force feedback results from the mechanical connection of the steering wheel to the vehicle wheels via a steering column and a steering gear. In the case of steer-by-wire steering, in which there is no such mechanical penetration, it is necessary in road vehicles to haptically simulate the strength of the steering angle or feedback from the roadway on the steering wheel. This also includes the active and / or passive return of the steering wheel to its central position. In steering systems with such a force feedback and active return of the steering wheel to its central position, precautions must be taken for the situation of a defect or malfunction of the active return of the steering wheel.

One possibility is, for example, to make a steering wheel actuator redundant. On the one hand, however, this is costly. On the other hand, an additional steering wheel actuator results in increased installation space requirements and a tendency towards increased vehicle weight. As an alternative, passive devices such as springs could be used, which, however, also require additional installation space and have to be matched appropriately in a corresponding overall concept.

The present invention avoids such a redundant design of the steering wheel actuator and additional passive resetting devices by means of a visual central position marking integrated into the steering wheel, which the driver can use to orientate himself very easily in order to manually return the steering wheel to the central position.

To this end, according to patent claim 1, a steering wheel system for steering a road motor vehicle is proposed, which has a steering wheel and a display device arranged on the steering wheel one or a plurality of individually controllable punctiform and / or segment-shaped display elements, and a control device for controlling said display elements of the display device on the steering wheel and is characterized in that the control device is configured in such a way as to visualize a display element of the display device in the central position mark the steering on the steering wheel.

The solution according to the invention offers a cost-effective way of steering a vehicle with steer-by-wire steering more precisely if the actuator of a steering wheel with force feedback and active resetting has a malfunction. This is done via the optical display of the central position of the steering wheel directly on the steering wheel. A center position that may have slipped can also be precisely corrected by means of a corresponding resolution of the display device.

The invention also enables the central position of the steering wheel to be easily determined when parking or at a standstill, even in the case of road vehicles without steer-by-wire.

Special embodiments of the invention are the subject of further claims.

For example, the middle position marking can be designed in such a way that it can be switched on and off by a driver as required. This allows the driver to decide for himself when he would like to use this information and when not. Corresponding input means are provided on the vehicle.

Furthermore, the central position marking can be designed in such a way that it is switched on automatically when a malfunction is detected in the steering wheel system. On the one hand, this can provide the driver with an indication of a malfunction, so that he can better adapt to the unfamiliar situation. On the other hand, the driver is offered help for more precise steering at the same time as the notification. Warning and help functions are combined with one another in a particularly useful way.

According to a further particular embodiment of the invention, the steering wheel system further comprises a steering wheel actuator for force feedback and for actively resetting the steering wheel from a deflected position to its central position, a malfunction of the steering wheel system being assumed if the steering wheel actuator is recognized as faulty. Without force feedback, the steering wheel could be turned in a steer-by-wire system with practically no reaction. In such a case, the visual display makes it easier for the driver to steer the vehicle.

Furthermore, the display device can be operatively connected to a navigation system in order to reproduce information from a navigation system via the display device. In this way, the driver can be pointed out very intuitively in which direction he should turn, for example. In contrast to DE 10 2013 208 206 A1 This is a representation of a recommendation for the driver and not a representation of the "intention" of a system for autonomous driving.

Other information from a navigation system, such as warning notices, can also be visualized very effectively via the steering wheel. The display of information can either rotate with the steering wheel or be stationary in relation to the vehicle, i.e., for example, always in the area of the apex position of the steering wheel, regardless of whether the steering wheel is turned or not.

The information to be visualized in a navigation system is also understood here in the broadest sense to mean collision warnings. For example, by illuminating the steering wheel, a very effective warning can be given that the vehicle is about to collide with another vehicle. Similarly, a warning can be given of collisions with other objects or people, for example when parking, when turning or because of cross traffic.

In a first embodiment variant, the display device can be formed by an LED strip with a large number of display elements in the form of LEDs. It can be implemented particularly cost-effectively as a result.

In a second embodiment variant, the display device can be formed by an OLED or AMOLED display, which can be applied to a flexible film, for example. This means that even more extensive information can be displayed on the steering wheel. The display can, for example, be designed in the shape of a ring. It can thus be arranged on a steering wheel rim or on an impact absorber of the steering wheel around an emblem arranged in the center of the steering wheel. The display can also have a different shape. For example, it can be arranged in a circle in the center of the steering wheel. The information displayed can remain in place when the steering wheel is turned, i.e. not turn with the steering wheel, so that it remains easier to read for the driver.

The application of the display device can be raised, flush with the surface or recessed on the surface of the steering wheel and can be easily combined with additional equipment on the steering wheel, such as a heating device and / or a leather version.

In one embodiment, the steering wheel is designed to be transparent or partially transparent, the display elements of the display device being arranged inside the steering wheel in the driver's field of vision, so that the driver can read the display device embedded in the steering wheel through the steering wheel material.

With regard to the arrangement of the display elements of the display device, it is advisable to position them on a front side of a steering wheel rim of the steering wheel facing the driver. In this case, a vertical line on the display device also runs perpendicular to the plane of extent of the steering wheel rim.

Alternatively, the display elements of the display device can be arranged on the steering wheel rim of the steering wheel, pointing radially inward toward a steering wheel hub, so that they are less obscured by the driver's hands.

Furthermore, the display elements of the display device can be arranged on an impact pot of the steering wheel. It is also possible to distribute the display device to the steering wheel rim and the impact absorber, so that display elements of the display device are arranged on the impact absorber in addition to display elements on the steering wheel rim.

The display elements can also be used alone or in addition to lighting purposes in the vehicle interior, for example to generate different illumination scenarios, light / dark and / or colored, in the vehicle.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines möglichen Ausführungsbeispiels eines Lenkradsystems für eine Lenkung eines Straßenkraftfahrzeugs nach der Erfindung,
• 2 eine Querschnittsansicht durch den Lenkradkranz des Lenkrads in 1,
• 3 eine Querschnittsansicht durch den Lenkradkranz einer ersten Abwandlung des Lenkrads in 1,
• 4 eine Querschnittsansicht durch den Lenkradkranz einer zweiten Abwandlung des Lenkrads in 1,
• 5 ein Beispiel für eine dritte Abwandlung des Lenkrads, und in
• 6 ein Beispiel für eine vierte Abwandlung des Lenkrads,

The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing and further modifications. The drawing shows in:

• 1 a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of a steering wheel system for steering a road motor vehicle according to the invention,
• 2 a cross-sectional view through the steering wheel rim of the steering wheel in 1 ,
• 3 a cross-sectional view through the steering wheel rim of a first modification of the steering wheel in FIG 1 ,
• 4th a cross-sectional view through the steering wheel rim of a second modification of the steering wheel in FIG 1 ,
• 5 an example of a third modification of the steering wheel, and in
• 6th an example of a fourth modification of the steering wheel,

The embodiment shows a steering wheel system 1 for a steering 2 a road motor vehicle, which in the present case is understood to mean in particular passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles.

The steering 2 can be a steering gear 3 include what about tie rods 4th with the front wheels 5 of the road vehicle is coupled to a driver-side steering command on the front wheels 5 to bring to effect.

The driver's steering command is made via a steering wheel 6th generated, which via a steering column 7th with the steering gear 3 can be mechanically coupled.

In the present embodiment according to 1 is the steering 2 however, as a steer-by-wire system without a steering column 7th executed, in which the mechanical coupling is omitted. The steering wheel 6th serves only as a signal transmitter, whose actuation is evaluated by suitable sensors and sent to a control unit 8th the steering 2 is transmitted. The control unit 8th the steering 2 is configured in such a way as to have actuators provided accordingly for representing a steering angle at the front wheels 5 head for.

In the absence of direct mechanical feedback from the steering 2 and the road on the steering wheel 6th is such in the present case by means of a steering wheel actuator 9 simulates the one with the steering wheel 6th is mechanically coupled and generates a corresponding force feedback. The steering wheel actuator 9 also serves to control the steering wheel that has been deflected from its central position 6th to actively return to its central position. The steering wheel actuator 9 is to do this with the control unit 8th connected.

The steering wheel actuator falls 9 unexpectedly, the force feedback and the active reset are suddenly missing, unless remedial action is taken. This would make it more difficult for the driver to drive the vehicle. To counteract this, the steering wheel actuator 9 are monitored for its functioning. Above all, however, the steering wheel system according to the invention 1 one on the steering wheel 6th arranged display device 10 on which the driver can at least recognize the central position of the steering wheel 6th facilitated.

The display device 10 comprises at least one, but preferably a plurality of individually controllable point-shaped and / or segment-shaped display elements 11th .

Furthermore is a control device 12th to control the aforementioned display elements 11th the display device 10 at the steering wheel 6th intended. The control device 12th to control the display elements 11th can on the steering wheel 6th be arranged. However, it is also possible not to do this on the steering wheel 6th but to be arranged elsewhere on the vehicle. The in 1 The illustrated embodiment is the control device 12th to control the display elements 11th into the control unit 8th the steering 6th integrated without the invention being restricted to this arrangement variant.

The control device 12th to control the display elements 11th is configured to be displayed by visually highlighting an indicator 11th the display device 10 , as in 1 indicated by way of example, the central position of the steering 2 at the steering wheel 6th to mark. This means that the driver knows, for example if the steering wheel actuator fails 9 how he controls the steering wheel 6th must position to a straight ahead position of the front wheels 5 bring about.

The steering wheel 6th must be aligned in such a way that the highlighted display element 11th in the top position of the steering wheel 6th is located. This appears particularly intuitive for the driver. Likewise, the mark could be the bottom of the steering wheel 6th indicate. However, in principle, other positions or entire arc segments in the circumferential direction of the steering wheel can also be used 6th can be used for alignment and center position marking.

The center position marking can be accessed via the highlighted display element 11th the display device 10 be switched on automatically if there is a malfunction in the steering wheel system, e.g. B. the steering wheel actuator 9 is detected. Corresponding algorithms can be implemented in the control unit 8th and / or the control device 12th be implemented. By switching on the middle position marking, the driver receives a warning about a possible malfunction. On the other hand, he also receives an indication of the alignment of the steering wheel 6th .

The central position marking can also be configured to be optionally switched on and off by a driver. In this way, the driver can switch this on when necessary, for example if he needs more precise or clearly recognizable information about the central position of the steering wheel when parking or maneuvering 6th and thus the steering 2 requirement.

The central position marking can also be coupled to an automatic driving light control so that it is switched on automatically when it is dark. This allows the driver to center the steering wheel in the dark 6th better estimate.

In one embodiment of the invention, the display device is 10 with a navigation system 13th functionally connected, if necessary with the interposition of the control unit 8th and / or the control device 12th the display device 10 to get information from the navigation system 13th via the display device 10 to reproduce.

So the driver can at the steering wheel 6th be pointed out in which direction he should go, for example turn. With the visual representation on the steering wheel 6th it is a recommendation that the driver can override at any time.

Other information such as warning notices can also be provided via the display device 10 at the steering wheel 6th can be visualized very effectively, which, for the sake of simplicity, are viewed here as further information from a navigation system in the broader sense, but can also be implemented without a navigation system in the narrower sense.

For example, via the display device 10 at the steering wheel 6th a collision warning is issued. For example, by illuminating the steering wheel 6th be warned very effectively before colliding with another vehicle, for example when an emergency brake assistant is triggered. Similarly, a warning can be given of collisions with other objects or people, for example when parking, turning or crossing traffic.

The presentation of information on the display device 10 can optionally with the steering wheel 6th rotate or take place stationary in relation to the vehicle. In the latter case, the information display can always, for example, always in the area of the apex position of the steering wheel 6th done regardless of whether the steering wheel 6th is rotated or not. The display elements 11th the display device 10 are for this purpose depending on the detected angle of rotation of the steering wheel 6th from the control device 12th controlled accordingly.

In a first variant, which is shown in 1 is shown by way of example, the display device 10 by means of an LED bar with a large number of display elements 11th formed in the form of LEDs. These are preferably on a steering wheel rim 14th arranged, which is a steering wheel hub 15th with an impact pot 16 extends.

In particular, the display device 10 be designed as a circumferential LED bar, which is the shape of the steering wheel rim 14th is adapted. In a special embodiment, the LED strip is designed as a circular ring.

It is also possible to have such an LED strip with display elements 11 ' or. 11 " on the edge of the impact pot 16 or on sections of the edge of the impact pot 16 and / or on the visible surface of the impact pot 16 to arrange.

The arrangement of the LED bar can, for example, be on a section of the edge of the impact pot 16 , especially one in the middle of the steering wheel 6th overhead section of the edge of the impact pot 16 remain limited.

As a modification of this, the display device 10 can also be formed by an annular, in particular circular OLED or AMOLED display, which preferably runs around the steering wheel rim 14th is arranged. An OLED or AMOLED display has a large number of display elements 11th in the form of pixels. This makes it possible to have more extensive information on the steering wheel 6th to represent.

The OLED and AMOLED displays can also be designed as one or more arc segments. Their extension can cover a portion of the circumference of the steering wheel 6th restrict, so does not have to be carried out circumferentially.

The positioning of OLED and AMOLED displays can, however, also, as described above for the LED strip, in the area of the impact absorber 16 take place (see display elements 11 ' and 11 " in 5 and 6th ). When positioned on the impact pot 16 the display surface can also be configured differently than ring-shaped.

The arrangement of the display device 10 can, regardless of whether with LEDs, displays or other visual means, on curved sections on the steering wheel rim 14th remain limited.

The various display elements 11th , ie in particular LEDs and displays with pixels and other visual means can be combined to form a display device 10 be combined.

In addition, the display device 10 , ie their display elements 11th , to the positions mentioned on the steering wheel 6th be distributed. In particular, it is possible to use both a part of the display elements 11th on the steering wheel rim 14th and another part of the display elements 11th at the impact pot 16 to arrange.

In the 2 until 4th are examples of possible positioning of the display device 10 in relation to the cross section of a steering wheel 6th , here the steering wheel rim 14th shown in more detail.

So can the display elements 11th the display device 10 on a front of the steering wheel rim facing the driver 14th be positioned so that a perpendicular S. on the display device 10 also perpendicular to the plane of extension E. of the steering wheel rim 14th runs.

Alternatively, as in 3 shown the display elements 11th the display device 10 radially inward to the steering wheel hub 15th pointing at the steering wheel rim 14th of the steering wheel 6th be arranged, whereby they are less obscured by the driver's hands.

The attachment of the display device 10 can be on the surface of the steering wheel 6th raised, flush with the surface or recessed. It is particularly with additional equipment on the steering wheel 6th such as a heating device and / or a leather version can be combined.

4th finally shows the possibility of the display elements 11th the display device 10 inside the steering wheel 6th to be arranged in the driver's field of vision. The steering wheel 6th is designed to be transparent for this purpose, at least in the field of vision, so that the driver can access the steering wheel 6th embedded display device 10 can read through the transparent steering wheel material.

The orientation of the internal display device 10 can be used as in 2 perpendicular to the plane of extent of the steering wheel rim 14th respectively. However, an alignment directed radially inward is also analogous 3 possible.

In all cases, the display device 10 be covered with a transparent, partially transparent or light-tight cover, so that this may only appear in sections for the driver. Such a cover can be made from a functional and / or ergonomic and / or aesthetic point of view.

The display device 10 or display elements 11th can finally be used to illuminate the vehicle interior, for example to support various illumination scenarios in the vehicle. This function can be implemented in addition to the functions mentioned above.

It is also possible to use the display device 10 or display elements 11th limited to the lighting function.

The driver can use the steering wheel in the dark 6th and, if necessary, better recognize its central position.

A glare-free and particularly attractive design of an illumination scenario can be achieved above all by means of interior lighting on the steering wheel.

The invention has been explained in more detail above using an exemplary embodiment and further modifications. The exemplary embodiment and the modifications serve to demonstrate the feasibility of the invention. Technical individual features, which were explained above in the context of further individual features, can also be implemented independently of these and in combination with further individual features, even if this is not expressly described, as long as this is technically possible. The invention is therefore expressly not limited to the specifically described exemplary embodiment, but rather encompasses all of the configurations defined by the patent claims.

List of reference symbols

1

Steering wheel system

2

steering

3

Steering gear

4th

Tie rod

5

Front wheel

6th

steering wheel

7th

Steering column (optional)

8th

Steering control unit

9

Steering wheel actuator

10

Display device

11, 11 ', 11' '

Display element

12th

Control device for controlling the display device 10

13th

navigation system

14th

Steering wheel rim

15th

Steering wheel hub

16

Impact pot

S.

Vertical of the display device 10

E.

Extension plane of the steering wheel rim 14th

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102013208206 A1 [0003, 0016]
• DE 10324812 A1 [0004]
• DE 102009059670 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

Steering wheel system (1) for a steering system (2) of a road motor vehicle, comprising: a steering wheel (6), a display device (10) arranged on the steering wheel (6) with one or a plurality of individually controllable point-shaped and / or segment-shaped display elements (11 ), and a control device (12) for controlling said display elements (11) of the display device (10) on the steering wheel (6), characterized in that the control device (12) is configured in such a way that by visual highlighting of a display element (11) the Display device (10) to mark the central position of the steering (2) on the steering wheel (6). Steering wheel system (1) Claim 1 , characterized in that the middle position marking can be switched on and off by a driver as required. Steering wheel system (1) Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the center position marker is switched on automatically when a malfunction is detected in the steering wheel system. Steering wheel system (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , further comprising a steering wheel actuator (9) for actively resetting the steering wheel (6) from a deflected position into the central position, a malfunction of the steering wheel resetting is assumed if the steering wheel actuator (9) is recognized as defective. Steering wheel system (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4th , characterized in that the display device (10) is operatively connected to a navigation system (13) in order to reproduce information from the navigation system via the display device (10). Steering wheel system (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the display device (10) is formed by an LED bar with a plurality of display elements (11) in the form of LEDs. Steering wheel system (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the display device (10) is formed by a preferably ring-shaped OLED or AMOLED display. Steering wheel system (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the steering wheel (6) is transparent or partially transparent and the display elements (11) of the display device (10) are arranged in the interior of the steering wheel (6) in the driver's field of vision so that they can be seen by the driver. Steering wheel system (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that the display elements (11) of the display device (10) are arranged on a front side of a steering wheel rim (14) of the steering wheel (6) facing the driver, in such a way that a perpendicular (S) on the display device (10) is also perpendicular to the plane of extension (E) of the steering wheel rim (14), and / or that the display elements (11) of the display device (10) are arranged on the steering wheel rim (14) of the steering wheel (6) pointing radially inwards towards a steering wheel hub (15). Steering wheel system (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , characterized in that the display elements (11) of the display device (10) are arranged on an impact pot (16) of the steering wheel (6), or that display elements (11) of the display device (10) in addition to display elements (11) on the steering wheel rim (14 ) are arranged on the impact pot (16).

Images