WO1995010441A1

WO1995010441A1 - Vehicle steering wheel

Info

Publication number: WO1995010441A1
Application number: PCT/EP1994/003382
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adalbert Allhoff-Cramer
Original assignee: Allhoff Cramer Adalbert
Priority date: 1993-10-13
Filing date: 1994-10-13
Publication date: 1995-04-20

Abstract

A vehicle steering wheel (1), in particular for motor vehicles, has several actuating elements (5) arranged on the inner circumferential surface (2a) of the steering wheel rim (2). This arrangement of the actuating elements (5) on the inner face of the steering wheel allows them to be easily reached, as they are ergonomically located within the normal and natural gripping range of the driver on the steering wheel. In addition, the actuating elements are designed in such a way that the driver may easily feel, recognise and distinguish them from each other by touch. The actuating elements may also be arranged in gripping recesses.

Description

vehicle steering wheel

The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel, in particular for motor vehicles, which has at least one actuating element which is arranged on the steering wheel in an ergonomically advantageous manner, so that actuation is possible without influencing the visual attention of the driver.

DE 39 41 665 AI describes a motor vehicle steering wheel which contains actuating elements for operating an automatic transmission in the spokes of the steering wheel and / or on the side edge of the baffle plate. In contrast to the arrangement of the operating elements of a vehicle on the steering wheel neck, the pia- adornment of the actuators advantageous in that the driver's arm for switching the automatic transmission does not have to be lowered to the center console of the vehicle in order to change the corresponding switching stage. According to this publication, however, it is necessary for the driver to remove his hand from the steering wheel rim in order to reach the actuating elements on the baffle plate and / or in the steering wheel spoke. By this, the driver is necessary gripping by the corresponding Akkomodationsleistung (ScharfStel¬ development of _A ugen for near vision) loaded, also visual orientation experiments are necessary for the driver to the desired ge actuation elements to use. This unnecessarily adversely affects driving safety.

DE-U-76 00 555 describes a steering wheel for motor vehicles which has a slide switch on the steering wheel rim. This slide switch is intended to achieve a flashing function by light pressure with the thumb without the hands having to let go of the steering wheel. An _N downside of the slide _S chalters described in this publication is the fact that this protrudes from the coronary Lenkrad¬ and thus obstructs the driver in steering. Furthermore, this represents a possible source of infection for the driver (formation of sore skin areas). Further, this _S is not arranged at a position on the rim chiebeschalter Lenk¬ which corresponds to the driver's natural handling, so that there is always a gripping becomes necessary when the switch is to be operated.

The object of the invention is to create a vehicle steering wheel, in particular for motor vehicles, which minimizes unnecessary visual orientation attempts by the driver when actuating actuating elements arranged on the steering wheel and also enables tactile learning. The invention is solved according to the features of claim 1. The subclaims indicate advantageous developments and further embodiments of the invention.

According to the invention, the vehicle steering wheel has at least one actuating element which is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the steering wheel rim of the steering wheel. As a result of this advantageous arrangement of the at least one actuating element, the driver can operate the same without changing his grip and leaving the natural steering wheel position. After a short practice period, visual movement control can be largely dispensed with, so that the driver's attention is fully available to the traffic situation, since blind actuation of the pushbuttons is then possible while maintaining an optimal ergonomic steering wheel position is.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least two groups of actuating elements can be provided on the steering wheel rim. These two groups of actuating elements can each consist of four actuating elements, which can be arranged symmetrically to the right and left to a plane running through the axis of rotation of the steering wheel, the number 4 corresponding to the number of fingers of one hand minus the thumb. By this arrangement, the driver can verschie¬ dene _S chaltfunktionen run without its natural Lenk¬ position to leave. The supply elements throughout the several Betäti¬ switchable functions such as the high and low beam of the high beam, switching on and off an indicator, the operation of a car radio, the actuation of the _S cheibenwischers, etc.. The actuating element can be designed as a pressure switch, toggle switch, sensor switch, rotary wheel and / or as a two-dimensionally movable movement switch. The rotary wheel and / or the movement _S switch could also perform a three-dimensional movement, in which case a further switching function could then be carried out, for example, by applying a compressive force to the rotary wheel. It is also conceivable that a switching function is possible only when pressure is applied to the rotary wheel. The actuating elements can also be designed entirely or partially as a membrane switch. This can be advantageous in that the switching elements _S chmutz before, direct sunlight, etc., are protected, which in turn contributes to a greater driving safety. Furthermore, the membrane switches, as well as the actuating elements not designed as membrane switches, can be arranged such that they do not protrude inward beyond the inner circumferential course of the steering wheel rim, so that the actuation of the steering wheel is not hindered by the driver, and in particular no possibility of one possible getting stuck on the switching elements is possible. This also prevents accidental actuation of the actuating elements. Of course, more can be arranged by actuators on the steering wheel rim than two _G 'groups.

The actuating elements can furthermore be designed such that they react to finger pressure, the respective switching state of the actuating elements being easily palpable. The switches should have a clear contact pressure during operation and thus show clear tactile feedback about the change in state. The provision of a defined switching pressure and the arrangement of the actuating elements on the inside of the steering wheel rim prevent inadvertent actuation of the switching elements, as a result of which operational reliability can also be increased. Furthermore, the actuating elements can be designed as analog switches, which perform different switching functions depending on the actuation duration. This can be advantageous, for example, if the volume of the car radio or the luminosity of the dashboard lighting are continuously changed by the duration of the actuation, for example the duration of the application of a switching pressure or the touch of a sensor switch, etc. (in the manner of a known touch dimmer switch).

Furthermore, an indicator for the switching state and / or the position of the actuating element can be arranged on the steering wheel and / or integrated in the actuating element, the indicator being able to emit a light signal. This may be formed as ignalleuchte _S indicator can specify by a corresponding light signal, the shift position of the respective actuating element. The light transmitter should be arranged in the driver's field of vision or field of vision where possible. It is also possible to make the button of the actuating element transparent, for example, so that this light indicator is arranged under the button, as a result of which the switching status can be displayed. Likewise, the film can be selected transparently in the training as a film switch, so that a screening is also possible. The luminosity of the light signal should be selected so that the optical switching state penetrates into the driver's visual perception area without the driver losing eye contact with the road.

The actuating elements can also be arranged in a recessed grip. The recessed grip is formed on the inside of the steering wheel rim and adapted to the anatomical shape of the fingers. Groups of four recessed grips and thus actuating elements can preferably be formed, which are arranged symmetrically to the right and left of the steering wheel rim through the plane running through the axis of rotation of the steering wheel. Riffmulden by forming the actuators in the _G a sensing the operating elements is possible so that this blind can be switched. Wei¬ terhin can motor memory of the driver easily locate chalterposition the _S because the assignment of the function can be set to the actuators and the driver's hands in the correct ergonomic posture while steering the vehicle precisely the locations ange¬ associates are to which are the actuators.

The actuating elements can also be delimited by a palpable elevation and / or a groove in addition to the recessed grips or without the formation of recessed grips.

The above arrangements of the actuating elements make tactile detection even easier, since it is easy to feel which switching element is currently under the corresponding finger. To further promote tactility or visual recognition, the actuating elements can have tactile symbols, different colors and / or different sizes. Likewise, the signal lamp mentioned above can emit light of different colors. The actuating elements can also be designed as actuating surfaces, which are formed on the right and left on the inside of the steering wheel rim. It would also be conceivable to form only two actuating elements on the inside and on the right and left of the steering wheel rim.

For _V ermeidung of inadvertent switching operations it may make sense that the actuating elements can be switched only be¬ schleunigungssensitiv. This should only be about an _S chaltvorgang be possible during a switching operation is to be excluded with a rapid movement by means of a slow movement. This can be used to protect, for example, emergency or frightening situations in which the driver suddenly tightly grips the steering wheel, for example when braking. It is also conceivable in this connection that a braking function of the vehicle brakes is switched in the event of such a firm and sudden locking of the steering wheel.

To implement such an actuating element, which reacts in an acceleration-sensitive manner, the actuating elements can be designed, for example, as a fluid switch. This fluid switches may be provided about uspension with a sol or _S, which are subject to rheopexy. _B ei _d erartigen fluids the viscosity increases with increasing _S c _h ergesc _h windiness, this property is referred to as Dila- dance.

Furthermore, a control unit can be provided which checks the switching command before it is executed. For example, a control function could be designed such that a switching function is only carried out if only one actuating element is actuated by the driver. If two actuating elements are actuated simultaneously in this case, no switching function would be carried out. Of course, other combinations are also conceivable, with no switching function being carried out, for example, if more than two actuating elements are actuated simultaneously. In order for the safety of the operator is also increased, so that any unintentional pressures of several actuators not _A shows IMPACT, so that the safety of Fahrbe¬ drive not affected. In addition, at least one trackball can be formed, which can be arranged on the steering wheel rim and / or on a connecting element. This track ball can be three-dimensionally operated, with about a compressive force applied could be a _S chaltbestätigung. A trackball could be used to control a vehicle control system, for example, which is holographically mirrored on the inside of the windscreen (or is displayed on a separate screen in the vehicle).

In addition, the actuating elements can be arranged on a control panel, which is designed as a protrusion from the inner circumferential surface of the steering wheel rim. In this _S chaltpaneel side by side, one or more Be¬ could then tätigungselemente be arranged. This control panel can also be arranged on several inner sides of the steering wheel.

It should also be noted at this point that the claimed vehicle steering wheel should not be restricted for use in motor vehicles, but should also be used for ship steering wheels, aircraft, etc.

The inventive design of the vehicle steering wheel enables blind actuation of the actuating elements with an optimal ergonomic steering wheel position, the motor memory being ensured even when the steering wheel changes position. Furthermore, it is ensured that the driver can operate the corresponding actuation elements without accommodation, and in particular without looking away from the street. Furthermore, the formation of the actuating elements in the recessed handles forces a targeted and deliberate operation of the Operating elements, even when the driver is under a high mental strain. Accidental operation, about chrecksituationen in _S is almost impossible. Further, the actuators are characterized by the arrangement on the inner side In¬ the steering wheel rim in the area of optimal natürli¬ chen _A uflagefläche of the fingers and the thumb placed. Furthermore, the design of the actuating elements on the inner side of the steering wheel does not impair the outer circumferential area thereof, which is detrimental to driving safety, since the driver cannot get stuck on any protrusions when steering. The concealed or tactile arrangement tactile learning is possible that the _A utomation supported the operation. The visual _A ufmerksamkeit can, even in learning the functions that depend fully on the traffic. Furthermore, redundancy of the function assignments can be provided for successive learning of steering wheel operation. That is, hitherto conventional fittings can desirably be additionally provided, so that safety-relevant Two sealed age, for example, _A UF / _A bblenden, are further provided.

The invention is explained in more detail below by way of example with reference to drawings. Show it:

_{1 shows} a vehicle steering wheel according to the invention with ^“ actuation elements,

Fig. ₂ actuators which riffmulden according to an embodiment in _G are formed,

3 shows a fluid switch according to a further embodiment of the invention and 4 shows a switch panel arranged on the inside of the vehicle steering wheel.

In FIG. 1, a steering wheel 1 is provided with a steering wheel rim 2 and _Getting Connected elements 3 illustrated. The connecting elements 3 connect the steering wheel rim to a holding part 4, via which the steering wheel 1 is rotatably held.

Actuating elements 5 are arranged on an inner peripheral surface 2a of the steering wheel rim 2. The actuating elements 5 are arranged in two groups 6 on the right and left, symmetrical to a plane running through the axis of rotation of the steering wheel. In addition to the blocks of the actuating elements 5 shown, a further block can also be arranged on the inner side of the steering wheel rim shown in FIG. ₁ ; of course, a further _A is UTHORISATION on the overhead inside of the steering wheel rim conceivable.

In FIG. _1, the actuating members 5 are defined by Erhebun¬ gene from each other, so that the operator ^'or the driver of the vehicle may vary the actuating elements by keys without visual contact has to be added.

_W eiterhin an indicator 8 is shown, which is designed as a light and indicative of a corresponding switch position of an actuating element optically. The indicator 8 is arranged under an actuating element 5, which is transparent in a corresponding area.

Furthermore, a trackball 7 is arranged on a connection element 3, which enables, for example, the control of graphic surfaces for cruise control systems etc. 2 shows actuating elements 5 which are arranged in recessed grips 9. Advantageously, these operating elements 5 are approximately centrally at the lowest _S of the handle grip 9 disposed adjusting. The recessed grips 9 are ergonomically designed and adapted to the anatomical shape of the fingers. The actuating elements 5 are designed as pressure switches 10, which are arranged under the outer surface of the steering wheel rim 2. The outer surface in the area of the actuating elements 5 is expediently designed as a film; a membrane switch is thus formed in FIG. 2. The outer surface of the sheet switch, or the grip course is held stehungen smooth and without sharp Vor¬, so that the driver pleasant his fingers into the _G riffmulden 9 can move. To press the corresponding switch, the pressure switch _{10 is shown} , a defined pressure must be applied to the membrane switch. If this defined pressure is not applied, no switching function is carried out. This prevents accidental switching, for example in a frightful situation. In addition, the control function can also be prevented from executing the switching function if, for example, more than two or more than one actuating element are actuated simultaneously by the driver.

In FIG. 3, a fluidic switch is shown which ection an upper _A 12, side portions 13 and a unte¬ ren _ection 14 has. These portions are so guided aus¬ that fluid 15 can be accommodated inside, in such a way that ^'the same by the application of a compressive force to the upper side of the upper portion 12 may deform in such a way that the underside of the _O berseite of lower section 14 can come into contact. Furthermore, the underside of the upper section 12 and the upper side of the lower section 14 are at least partially conductive, an electrical connection being able to result from the contact. The lower side of the upper section 12 and the upper side of the lower section ₁₄ are electrically connected via a voltage supply 16 and the indicator ₈ . Thus, by contacting the upper and the lower portion 12, caused a 4 ₁ _S tromfluß, on the one hand stimulates the indicator 8 and can cause on the other hand a defined switching function. The fluid 15 received between the sections 12, 13 and 14 is essentially not electrically conductive. The fluid 15 can be selected such that it has an acceleration-sensitive viscosity. This makes it all the more difficult to push the fluid aside and to bring the upper section 12 into contact with the lower section 14, so that the driver attempts to actuate the fluid switch more quickly. This enables a very high level of security against incorrect operation to be achieved, since terrible and sudden actuation of the membrane switch can be ruled out.

4 shows a switch panel 17 arranged on the inner circumference 2a of the steering wheel crane ₂ . Actuating elements 5 are arranged on the switching panel 17 and can be actuated by the driver with the fingers reaching around the steering wheel and the thumb reaching over the steering wheel. Furthermore, the track ball _{7 can be} arranged on the panel 17. As a result, it comes out of the grip area of the hands when steering, so that safe control of the motor vehicle is not impaired.

Claims

claims

1. Vehicle steering wheel, in particular for motor vehicles, with a steering wheel (1) which has a steering wheel rim (2), at least one connecting element (3) and a rotatable holding part (4) and at least one actuating element (5) which the steering wheel rim (2) is arranged, characterized in that the at least one actuating element (5) is arranged on the inner peripheral surface (2a) of the steering wheel rim (2).

Vehicle steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that the steering wheel (1) has at least two groups (6) of actuating elements (5), the groups (6) consisting of one or more actuating elements (5) which are ergonomic are conveniently arranged on the steering wheel (1). Vehicle steering wheel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the actuating element (5) is designed as a pressure switch (10), toggle switch, sensor switch, and / or rotary wheel.

Vehicle steering wheel according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the actuating element (5) is formed as a membrane switch.

Vehicle steering wheel according to at least one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the actuating element (5) is designed as an analog switch and, depending on the actuation duration, performs different, continuously running switching functions.

Vehicle steering wheel according to at least one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an indicator (8) for the switching state and / or the position of the actuating element (5) is arranged on the steering wheel (1) and / or in the actuating element (5).

Vehicle steering wheel according to claim 6, characterized gekennzeich¬ net that the indicator (8) emits a light signal. ₈ . Vehicle steering wheel according to at least one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the actuating element (5) is arranged in a recessed grip (9).

₉ . Vehicle steering wheel according to at least one of claims 1 to ₈ , characterized in that the actuating element (5) is delimited from the actuating element (5) arranged next to it by a tactile elevation and / or a groove.

_10th Vehicle steering wheel according to at least one of claims 1 to ₉ , characterized in that the actuating elements (5) have tactile symbols, different colors and / or different sizes.

₁₁ . Vehicle steering wheel according to at least one of claims 1 to ₁₀ , characterized in that the actuating element (5) is designed as a fluid switch (10).

₁ 2. The vehicle steering wheel according to at least one of claims 1 to _11, characterized in that a _S is expensive unit is provided which checks the operation of the operating elements (5) and only in the case of a _G ültigerklärung of the switching command that leads aus¬. 1 ₃ . Vehicle steering wheel according to at least one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one trackball (7) is arranged on a connecting element ( ₃ ) and / or on the steering wheel rim (2).

₁₄ . Vehicle steering wheel according to at least one of claims 1 to ₁₃ , characterized in that the actuating elements (5) are arranged on a switch panel (17) which is formed as a protrusion from the inner peripheral surface (20) of the steering wheel rim (2).