WO2003070539A1 - Vehicle steering wheel with integrated thin film electronics - Google Patents

Vehicle steering wheel with integrated thin film electronics Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003070539A1
WO2003070539A1 PCT/EP2003/001410 EP0301410W WO03070539A1 WO 2003070539 A1 WO2003070539 A1 WO 2003070539A1 EP 0301410 W EP0301410 W EP 0301410W WO 03070539 A1 WO03070539 A1 WO 03070539A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
steering wheel
control
regulating device
vehicle steering
switches
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2003/001410
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Markus Breitenberger
Original Assignee
Autoliv Development Ab
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 Autoliv Development Ab filed Critical Autoliv Development Ab
Priority to AU2003208842A priority Critical patent/AU2003208842A1/en
Publication of WO2003070539A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003070539A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
    • B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
    • B60R16/023—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems
    • B60R16/027—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems between relatively movable parts of the vehicle, e.g. between steering wheel and column
    • 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—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/10—Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
    • 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—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/60—Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles
    • 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
    • B62D1/046—Adaptations on rotatable parts of the steering wheel for accommodation of switches
    • 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
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/77—Instrument locations other than the dashboard
    • B60K2360/782—Instrument locations other than the dashboard on the steering wheel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
    • B60R21/20—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
    • B60R21/215—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components characterised by the covers for the inflatable member
    • B60R21/2165—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components characterised by the covers for the inflatable member characterised by a tear line for defining a deployment opening
    • B60R21/21656—Steering wheel covers or similar cup-shaped covers
    • B60R21/21658—Steering wheel covers or similar cup-shaped covers with integrated switches, e.g. horn switches

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a coated vehicle steering wheel with a steering wheel rim, with steering wheel spokes and with a steering wheel hub, and with switches and / or sensors arranged on the steering wheel for actuating electrical devices, the switches and / or sensors having a control and / or sensors arranged in the vehicle steering wheel. or control device is connected to the electrical devices to be actuated via at least one data or signal transmission link.
  • Such a vehicle steering wheel is known for example from DE 19648374 A1.
  • a disadvantage of this vehicle steering wheel is that the switches integrated in the steering wheel are connected to the microcomputer integrated in the vehicle steering wheel via discrete lines using simple wire technology. Due to this structural design, the manufacturing outlay for such a steering wheel is comparatively high, since the individual switches and the lines mentioned have to be arranged and fixed in a complex manner on this steering wheel at preselected positions before coating the metallic steering wheel body with a suitable padding material.
  • the object of the invention is to further increase the degree of component integration in such vehicle components equipped with switches and / or sensors, so that the manufacturing costs can be reduced or the functionality of the vehicle component can be increased with the same manufacturing costs.
  • the invention has a coated vehicle steering wheel that has a steering wheel rim, steering wheel spokes and a steering wheel hub, switches and / or sensors are arranged on the steering wheel, which serve to actuate electrical devices, and in which the switches and / or sensors are connected to a control and / or regulating device arranged in the vehicle steering wheel via sensor and / or control lines.
  • the control and / or regulating device is connected to the electrical devices to be actuated via at least one data or signal transmission link. It is also provided that the control and / or regulating device is applied to a film as part of the steering wheel. This can expediently be a flexible film.
  • the film can be embedded in the casing material of the steering wheel or alternatively can be arranged between the steering wheel hub and an airbag module covered by the steering wheel hub as part of the vehicle steering wheel. In the latter case, the film can either be fixed on the airbag module or on the steering wheel hub.
  • Such a film electronics component can then simplify the manufacture of a vehicle steering wheel by arranging all the necessary switches and sensors, lines and the control device on a single component, namely on a flexible film.
  • this highly integrated film electronics can be geometrically individually pre-configured to the respective design of the vehicle steering wheel in accordance with the respective location of the sensors and / or switches and the control and / or regulating device.
  • the steering wheel according to the invention permits a further reduction in the component expenditure in that individual sensors or switches equipped with individual housings are no longer installed and by means of separate connector must be connected to the control or regulation device inside or outside the steering wheel.
  • the flexible film has an approximately squid-shaped geometry, in which the control and / or regulating device is arranged approximately in the center of this structure, while the sensors and / or switches are arranged at the ends of these film strands starting from the center.
  • the transmission of the sensor signals and / or switching commands takes place in turn via conductor tracks arranged on the film.
  • control and / or regulating device The signals transmitted from the sensors or switches to the control and / or regulating device are further processed by means of algorithms stored there to form control and / or regulating signals which, for example, via a conventional coil spring in the area of the steering wheel column to the electrical devices to be controlled or regulated Be forwarded to the vehicle.
  • control and / or regulating device has a transmitter, or at least is connected to such a signal, which is also applied to the flexible film. With the aid of this transmitter, the control and / or regulation commands can be forwarded wirelessly to a receiver on a receiver computer, the latter then being able to act on the electrical devices to be controlled or regulated.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of film electronics that can be integrated into a vehicle steering wheel, together with downstream devices to be controlled and / or regulated,
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the invention, as well
  • Figure 3 shows a third variant of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 a steering wheel film electronic component 12 with a flexible plastic film 26 is shown in a greatly simplified form, on which a central control and / or regulating device 10 in the form of a microcomputer is accommodated in addition to switches and sensors 1 to 9.
  • the sensors and switches are an on / off switch 1 for a radio, a radio search switch 2, a loud volume control 3 for an audio system, a steering wheel heating switch 4, two switches 5, 6 for selecting the transmission gear, a distance sensor 7 for determining the seating position of a driver, a horn switch 8 and a squib 9 for an airbag housed in the vehicle steering wheel.
  • control and / or regulating device 10 arranged on the film 26 can be connected to a coil spring 11 in the area of a vehicle steering column via data and control lines, so that the coil spring 11 can be used in a manner known per se Control and / or regulation commands coming from the control and / or regulating device 10 can be forwarded from the rotating system of the steering wheel to the electrical devices 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 to be controlled.
  • the steering wheel film electronic component 12 can also have connecting devices 13, 14, with the aid of which sensors or switches 15, 16 located outside the steering wheel film electronic component 12 can be connected to this steering wheel electronic component 12.
  • these external sensors and / or switches 15, 16 are connected directly to the control and / or regulating device 10 via electrical lines not located on the film 26.
  • control and / or regulating device 10 can be connected to a radio transmitter 17 located outside the steering wheel film component 12, with which the control and / or regulating commands of the control and / or regulating device 10 are wirelessly connected to an outside of the rotating system of the vehicle steering wheel located radio receiver 18 can be forwarded.
  • This radio receiver 18 then converts the control and / or regulation signals received in this way for forwarding to the above-mentioned electrical devices 19 to 23 arranged fixed to the vehicle.
  • the radio transmitter 17 is arranged on the film electronics component 12.
  • the steering wheel film electronics 12 are arranged on a film 26, which has an approximately squid-shaped geometry having. While the control and / or regulating device 10 is positioned in the central region of this film 26, foothills lead to the individual sensors and / or switches 1 to 7 in the manner of a catch arm. These switches and / or sensors 1 to 7 are also connected via separate plug connectors 27 to 33 electrical conductor tracks 34 to 40 on the film 26 in connection, which lead to the central control and / or regulating device 10. However, it can also be provided that the sensors and / or switches 1 to 7 are applied to this squid-shaped film 26 and are connected to the electrical conductor tracks 34 to 40 located there without separate plug connectors.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Steering Controls (AREA)

Abstract

Disclosed is a shelled vehicle steering wheel comprising a steering wheel rim, steering wheel spokes, a steering wheel hub, and switches and/or sensors (1 to 9) which are arranged on the steering wheel for actuating electrical devices (19 to 23). Said switches and/or sensors are connected in a signal-technical manner to a control or regulating device (10), which is arranged in the vehicle steering wheel, via sensor lines and/or control lines (34 to 40). The control and/or regulating device (10) is connected to the electrical devices (19 to 23) to be actuated via at least one data or signal transmission link (11; 17,18). In order to increase the degree of component-technical integration, simplify the assembly process, and reduce the production costs of such a steering wheel, the control and/or regulating device (10) is arranged on a film (26) as a component of the vehicle steering wheel, said film being embedded in the shell material of the steering wheel.

Description

Fahrzeuglenkrad mit integrierter Folienelektronik Vehicle steering wheel with integrated film electronics
Die Erfindung betrifft ein ummanteltes Fahrzeuglenkrad mit einem Lenkradkranz, mit Lenkradspeichen und mit einer Lenkradnabe, sowie mit an dem Lenkrad angeordneten Schaltern und/oder Sensoren zur Betätigung von elektrischen Vorrichtungen, wobei die Schalter und/oder Sensoren mit einer im Fahrzeuglenkrad angeordneten Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung über zumindest eine Daten- oder Signalübertragungsstrecke mit den zu betätigenden elektrischen Vorrichtungen verbunden ist.The invention relates to a coated vehicle steering wheel with a steering wheel rim, with steering wheel spokes and with a steering wheel hub, and with switches and / or sensors arranged on the steering wheel for actuating electrical devices, the switches and / or sensors having a control and / or sensors arranged in the vehicle steering wheel. or control device is connected to the electrical devices to be actuated via at least one data or signal transmission link.
Ein derartiges Fahrzeuglenkrad ist beispielsweise aus der DE 19648374 A1 bekannt. Nachteilig an diesem Fahrzeuglenkrad ist, dass die im Lenkrad integrierten Schalter über diskrete Leitungen in einfacher Drahttechnolgie mit dem in dem Fahrzeuglenkrad integriertem Mikrocomputer verbunden sind. Durch diesen konstruktiven Aufbau ist der Herstellungsaufwand für ein solches Lenkrad vergleichsweise hoch, da die einzelnen Schalter sowie die genannten Leitungen vor dem Ummanteln des metallischen Lenkradkörpers mit einem geeigneten Polsterungsmaterial in aufwendiger Weise an diesem Lenkrad an vorgewählten Positionen angeordnet und fixiert werden müssen.Such a vehicle steering wheel is known for example from DE 19648374 A1. A disadvantage of this vehicle steering wheel is that the switches integrated in the steering wheel are connected to the microcomputer integrated in the vehicle steering wheel via discrete lines using simple wire technology. Due to this structural design, the manufacturing outlay for such a steering wheel is comparatively high, since the individual switches and the lines mentioned have to be arranged and fixed in a complex manner on this steering wheel at preselected positions before coating the metallic steering wheel body with a suitable padding material.
Vor diesem Hintergrund besteht die Aufgabe an die Erfindung darin, den bauteiltechnischen Integrationsgrad bei solchen mit Schaltern und/oder Sensoren ausgestatteten Fahrzeugbauteilen weiter zu erhöhen, so dass die Herstellkosten reduzierbar sind oder bei gleichen Herstellkosten die Funktionalität des Fahrzeugbauteils vergrößert werden kann.Against this background, the object of the invention is to further increase the degree of component integration in such vehicle components equipped with switches and / or sensors, so that the manufacturing costs can be reduced or the functionality of the vehicle component can be increased with the same manufacturing costs.
Die Lösung dieser Aufgabe ergibt sich aus den Merkmalen des Hauptanspruchs, während vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen und Weiterbildungen der Erfindung den Unteransprüchen entnehmbar sind. Demnach hat die Erfindung ein ummanteltes Fahrzeuglenkrad zum Gegenstand, dass über einen Lenkradkranz, Lenkradspeichen sowie eine Lenkradnabe verfügt, wobei an dem Lenkrad Schalter und/oder Sensoren angeordnet sind, die zur Betätigung von elektrischen Vorrichtungen dienen, und bei denen die Schalter und/oder Sensoren mit einer im Fahrzeuglenkrad angeordneten Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung über Sensor- und/oder Steuerleitungen verbunden sind. Dabei steht die Steuerungsund/oder Regelungsvorrichtung über zumindest eine Daten- oder Signalübertragungsstrecke mit den zu betätigenden elektrischen Vorrichtungen in Verbindung. Zudem ist vorgesehen, dass die Steuerungs- und/oder Regel ungsvorrichtung auf einer Folie als Bestandteil des Lenkrades aufgebracht ist. Hierbei kann es sich zweckmäßig um eine flexible Folie handeln.This object is achieved from the features of the main claim, while advantageous refinements and developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims. Accordingly, the invention has a coated vehicle steering wheel that has a steering wheel rim, steering wheel spokes and a steering wheel hub, switches and / or sensors are arranged on the steering wheel, which serve to actuate electrical devices, and in which the switches and / or sensors are connected to a control and / or regulating device arranged in the vehicle steering wheel via sensor and / or control lines. The control and / or regulating device is connected to the electrical devices to be actuated via at least one data or signal transmission link. It is also provided that the control and / or regulating device is applied to a film as part of the steering wheel. This can expediently be a flexible film.
Nach Ausführungsbeispielen der Erfindung kann die Folie in das Ummantelungsmaterial des Lenkrades eingebettet oder aber alternativ zwischen der Lenkradnabe und einem von der Lenkradnabe abgedeckten Airbagmodul als Bestandteil des Fahrzeuglenkrades angeordnet sein. In dem letzteren Fall kann die Folie entweder am Airbagmodul oder an der Lenkradnabe fixiert sein.According to embodiments of the invention, the film can be embedded in the casing material of the steering wheel or alternatively can be arranged between the steering wheel hub and an airbag module covered by the steering wheel hub as part of the vehicle steering wheel. In the latter case, the film can either be fixed on the airbag module or on the steering wheel hub.
Darüber hinaus kann durch eine Integration der Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung zusammen mit den Sensor- und/oder Daten- bzw. Steuerleitungen auf der gleichen flexiblen Folie eine deutliche Bauteil-, Gewichts- und Montageaufwandreduzierung gegenüber den Lenkradvorrichtungen gemäß dem Stand der Technik erzielt werden. Zudem können in dieses flexible Folienelektronikbauteil auch alle gewünschten Sensoren und/oder Schalter eines Lenkrades integriert werden.In addition, by integrating the control and / or regulating device together with the sensor and / or data or control lines on the same flexible film, a significant reduction in components, weight and assembly effort compared to the steering wheel devices according to the prior art can be achieved , In addition, all desired sensors and / or switches of a steering wheel can also be integrated into this flexible film electronics component.
Ein solches Folienelektronikbauteil kann sodann die Herstellung eines Fahrzeuglenkrades dadurch vereinfachen, dass alle nötigen Schalter und Sensoren, Leitungen sowie die Steuerungs- und Regelungsvorrichtung auf einem einzigen Bauteil, nämlich auf einer flexiblen Folie, angeordnet sind. Außerdem kann diese hochintegrierte Folienelektronik entsprechend des jeweiligen Unterbringungsortes der Sensoren und/oder Schalter sowie der Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung geometrisch individuell auf das jeweilige Design des Fahrzeug lenkrades vorkonfiguriert werden.Such a film electronics component can then simplify the manufacture of a vehicle steering wheel by arranging all the necessary switches and sensors, lines and the control device on a single component, namely on a flexible film. In addition, this highly integrated film electronics can be geometrically individually pre-configured to the respective design of the vehicle steering wheel in accordance with the respective location of the sensors and / or switches and the control and / or regulating device.
Als weiterer Vorteil ist zu nennen, dass im Gegensatz zu den bisher bekannten mit Sensoren und/oder Schaltern ausgerüsteten Lenkrädern das erfindungsgemäße Lenkrad eine weitere Reduzierung des Bauteilaufwandes dadurch gestattet, dass nicht mehr wie bisher einzelne, mit individuellen Gehäusen ausgestattete Sensoren oder Schalter verbaut und mittels gesonderter Steckverbinder mit der Steuerungs- oder Regelungsvorrichtung innerhalb oder außerhalb des Lenkrades verbunden werden müssen.As a further advantage, it should be mentioned that, in contrast to the steering wheels equipped with sensors and / or switches known to date, the steering wheel according to the invention permits a further reduction in the component expenditure in that individual sensors or switches equipped with individual housings are no longer installed and by means of separate connector must be connected to the control or regulation device inside or outside the steering wheel.
Für Sonderanwendungen soll aber nicht ausgeschlossen werden, dass auch einzelne Sensoren und/oder Schalter über Sensor- und/oder Steuerungsleitungen in konventioneller Drahtleitertechnologie mit der auf der flexiblen Folie angeordneten Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung direkt oder über auf der Folie befindliche Anschlussvorrichtungen verbunden sind.For special applications, however, it should not be ruled out that individual sensors and / or switches are also connected via sensor and / or control lines in conventional wire conductor technology to the control and / or regulating device arranged on the flexible film directly or via connection devices located on the film.
In einerweiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung weist die flexible Folie eine etwa tintenfischförmige Geometrie auf, bei der die Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung etwa im Zentrum dieses Gebildes angeordnet ist, während die Sensoren und/oder Schalter an den Enden dieser vom Zentrum ausgehenden Folienstränge angeordnet sind. Die Übertragung der Sensorsignale- und/oder Schaltbefehle erfolgt dabei wiederum über auf der Folie angeordnete Leiterbahnen.In a further embodiment of the invention, the flexible film has an approximately squid-shaped geometry, in which the control and / or regulating device is arranged approximately in the center of this structure, while the sensors and / or switches are arranged at the ends of these film strands starting from the center. The transmission of the sensor signals and / or switching commands takes place in turn via conductor tracks arranged on the film.
Die von den Sensoren oder Schaltern zu der Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung übertragenen Signale werden mittels dort abgespeicherter Algorithmen zu Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungssignalen weiterverarbeitet, die beispielsweise über eine konventionelle Wickelfeder im Bereich der Lenkradsäule zu den zu steuernden oder zu regelnden elektrischen Geräten des Fahrzeuges weitergeleitet werden. Es kann aber auch vorgesehen sein, dass die Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung über einen Sender verfügt, oder zumindest mit einem solchen signaltechnisch verbunden ist, der ebenfalls auf der flexiblen Folie aufgebracht ist. Mit Hilfe dieses Senders können die Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsbefehle zu einem Empfänger an einem Empfängercomputer drahtlos weitergeleitet werden, wobei letzterer dann auf die zu steuernden beziehungsweise zu regelnden elektrischen Vorrichtungen einwirken kann.The signals transmitted from the sensors or switches to the control and / or regulating device are further processed by means of algorithms stored there to form control and / or regulating signals which, for example, via a conventional coil spring in the area of the steering wheel column to the electrical devices to be controlled or regulated Be forwarded to the vehicle. However, it can also be provided that the control and / or regulating device has a transmitter, or at least is connected to such a signal, which is also applied to the flexible film. With the aid of this transmitter, the control and / or regulation commands can be forwarded wirelessly to a receiver on a receiver computer, the latter then being able to act on the electrical devices to be controlled or regulated.
Die Erfindung lässt sich anhand konkreter Ausführungsbeispiele erläutern, die in der Zeichnung dargestellt sind. Dabei zeigen:The invention can be explained on the basis of specific exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the drawing. Show:
Figur 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer in ein Fahrzeuglenkrad integrierbaren Folienelektronik, zusammen mit nachgeordneten zu steuernden und/oder zu regelnden Geräten,FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of film electronics that can be integrated into a vehicle steering wheel, together with downstream devices to be controlled and / or regulated,
Figur 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer anderen Ausführungsform der Erfindung, sowieFigure 2 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the invention, as well
Figur 3 eine dritte Variante der Erfindung.Figure 3 shows a third variant of the invention.
Demnach ist in Figur 1 in stark vereinfachter Form ein Lenkradfolienelektronik- bauteil 12 mit einer flexiblen Kunstofffolie 26 dargestellt, auf der neben Schaltern und Sensoren 1 bis 9 auch eine zentrale Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung 10 in Form eines Mikrocomputers untergebracht ist.Accordingly, in FIG. 1, a steering wheel film electronic component 12 with a flexible plastic film 26 is shown in a greatly simplified form, on which a central control and / or regulating device 10 in the form of a microcomputer is accommodated in addition to switches and sensors 1 to 9.
Bei den Sensoren und Schaltern handelt es sich in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel um einen Ein/Aus-Schalter 1 für ein Radio, einen Radiosendesuchlaufschalter 2, einen Laut Leise-Regler 3 für eine Audioanlage, ein Lenkradheizungsschalter 4, zwei Schalter 5, 6 für die Getriebegangwahl, einen Abstandssensor 7 zum Ermitteln der Sitzposition eines Fahrers, einen Hupenschalter 8 sowie um eine Zündpille 9 für einen im Fahrzeuglenkrad untergebrachten Airbag. Wie dieser Abbildung außerdem entnehmbar ist, kann die auf der Folie 26 angeordnete Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung 10 mit einer Wickelfeder 11 im Bereich einer Fahrzeuglenksäule über Daten- und Steuerleitungen verbunden sein, so dass in an sich bekannter Weise mit Hilfe der Wickelfeder 11 die von der Steuerungs- und/oder Regel ungsvorrichtung 10 kommenden Steuer- und/oder Regelungsbefehle aus dem rotierenden System des Lenkrades heraus zu den anzusteuernden elektrischen Geräten 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 weiterleitbar sind.In this exemplary embodiment, the sensors and switches are an on / off switch 1 for a radio, a radio search switch 2, a loud volume control 3 for an audio system, a steering wheel heating switch 4, two switches 5, 6 for selecting the transmission gear, a distance sensor 7 for determining the seating position of a driver, a horn switch 8 and a squib 9 for an airbag housed in the vehicle steering wheel. As can also be seen in this figure, the control and / or regulating device 10 arranged on the film 26 can be connected to a coil spring 11 in the area of a vehicle steering column via data and control lines, so that the coil spring 11 can be used in a manner known per se Control and / or regulation commands coming from the control and / or regulating device 10 can be forwarded from the rotating system of the steering wheel to the electrical devices 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 to be controlled.
In dem Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Figur 2 ist zusätzlich dargestellt, dass das Lenkradfolienelektronikbauteil 12 auch über Verbindungsvorrichtungen 13, 14 verfügen kann, mit deren Hilfe außerhalb des Lenkradfolienelektronikbauteils 12 befindliche Sensoren oder Schalter 15, 16 mit diesem Lenkradelektronikbauteil 12 verbindbar sind. Zudem kann auch vorgesehen sein, dass diese externen Sensoren und/oder Schalter 15, 16 über nicht auf der Folie 26 befindliche elektrische Leitungen direkt mit der Steuerungsund/oder Regelungsvorrichtung 10 verbunden sind.In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, it is additionally shown that the steering wheel film electronic component 12 can also have connecting devices 13, 14, with the aid of which sensors or switches 15, 16 located outside the steering wheel film electronic component 12 can be connected to this steering wheel electronic component 12. In addition, it can also be provided that these external sensors and / or switches 15, 16 are connected directly to the control and / or regulating device 10 via electrical lines not located on the film 26.
Zudem ist in dieser Figur 2 dargestellt, dass die Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung 10 mit einem außerhalb des Lenkradfolienbauteils 12 befindlichen Funksender 17 verbunden sein kann, mit dem die Steuerungsund/oder Regelungsbefehle der Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung 10 drahtlos zu einem sich außerhalb des rotierenden Systems des Fahrzeuglenkrades befindlichen Funkempfänger 18 weiter geleitet werden können. Dieser Funkempfänger 18 wandelt die derart empfangenen Steuerungsund/oder Regelungssignale dann zur Weiterleitung an die bereits oben erwähnten fahrzeugfest angeordneten elektrischen Geräte 19 bis 23 weiter.It is also shown in FIG. 2 that the control and / or regulating device 10 can be connected to a radio transmitter 17 located outside the steering wheel film component 12, with which the control and / or regulating commands of the control and / or regulating device 10 are wirelessly connected to an outside of the rotating system of the vehicle steering wheel located radio receiver 18 can be forwarded. This radio receiver 18 then converts the control and / or regulation signals received in this way for forwarding to the above-mentioned electrical devices 19 to 23 arranged fixed to the vehicle.
In einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung, die hier nicht gesondert graphisch dargestellt ist, kann auch vorgesehen sein, dass der Funksender 17 auf dem Folienelektronikbauteil 12 angeordnet ist.In a further embodiment of the invention, which is not shown graphically here, it can also be provided that the radio transmitter 17 is arranged on the film electronics component 12.
In dem Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Figur 3 ist die Lenkradfolienelektronik 12 auf einer Folie 26 angeordnet, die eine etwa tintenfischförmige Geometrie aufweist. Während im Zentralbereich dieser Folie 26 die Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung 10 positioniert ist, führen Ausläufer fangarmartig zu den einzelnen Sensoren und/oder Schaltern 1 bis 7. Dabei stehen diese Schalter und/oder Sensoren 1 bis 7 über gesonderte Steckverbinder 27 bis 33 mit elektrischen Leiterbahnen 34 bis 40 auf der Folie 26 in Verbindung, die zu der zentralen Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung 10 führen. Es kann aber auch vorgesehen sein, dass die Sensoren und/oder Schalter 1 bis 7 auf dieser tintenfischförmigen Folie 26 aufgebracht und mit den dort befindlichen elektrischen Leiterbahnen 34 bis 40 ohne gesonderte Steckverbinder verbunden sind. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3, the steering wheel film electronics 12 are arranged on a film 26, which has an approximately squid-shaped geometry having. While the control and / or regulating device 10 is positioned in the central region of this film 26, foothills lead to the individual sensors and / or switches 1 to 7 in the manner of a catch arm. These switches and / or sensors 1 to 7 are also connected via separate plug connectors 27 to 33 electrical conductor tracks 34 to 40 on the film 26 in connection, which lead to the central control and / or regulating device 10. However, it can also be provided that the sensors and / or switches 1 to 7 are applied to this squid-shaped film 26 and are connected to the electrical conductor tracks 34 to 40 located there without separate plug connectors.

Claims

Patentansprücheclaims
Ummanteltes Fahrzeuglenkrad mit einem Lenkradkranz, Lenkradspeichen und einer Lenkradnabe, sowie mit an dem Lenkrad angeordneten Schaltern und/oder Sensoren (1 bis 9) zur Betätigung von elektrischen Vorrichtungen (19 bis 23), wobei die Schalter und/oder Sensoren mit einer im Fahrzeug lenkrad angeordneten Steuerungsund/oder Regelungsvorrichtung (10) über mindestens eine Sensor- und/oder Steuerleitung (34 bis 40) signaltechnisch verbunden sind, und bei dem die Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung (10) über zumindest eine Daten- oder Signalübertragungsstrecke (11; 17,18) mit den zu betätigenden elektrischen Vorrichtungen (19 bis 23) in Verbindung steht, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuerungsund/oder Regelungsvorrichtung (10) auf einer Folie (26) als Bestandteil des Fahrzeuglenkrades angebracht ist.Sheathed vehicle steering wheel with a steering wheel rim, steering wheel spokes and a steering wheel hub, and with switches and / or sensors (1 to 9) arranged on the steering wheel for actuating electrical devices (19 to 23), the switches and / or sensors having a steering wheel in the vehicle arranged control and / or regulating device (10) via at least one sensor and / or control line (34 to 40) are connected in terms of signals, and in which the control and / or regulating device (10) via at least one data or signal transmission path (11; 17 , 18) is connected to the electrical devices (19 to 23) to be actuated, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (10) is attached to a film (26) as part of the vehicle steering wheel.
Fahrzeuglenkrad nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Folie in das Ummantelungsmaterial des Fahrzeuglenkrades eingebettet ist.Vehicle steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that the film is embedded in the sheathing material of the vehicle steering wheel.
Fahrzeuglenkrad nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Folie (26) zwischen Lenkradnabe und einem von der Lenkradnabe abgedeckten Airbagmodul als Bestandteil des Fahrzeuglenkrades angeordnet ist.Vehicle steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that the film (26) is arranged between the steering wheel hub and an airbag module covered by the steering wheel hub as part of the vehicle steering wheel.
Fahrzeuglenkrad nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung (10) mit den Sensoren und/oder Schaltern (1 bis 9) über Sensor- und/oder Steuerleitungen (34 bis 40) verbunden ist, die alle (1 bis 9; 34 bis 40) auf der gleichen Folie (26) angeordnet sind, auf der auch die Steuerungsund Regelungsvorrichtung (10) vorhanden ist.Vehicle steering wheel according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (10) is connected to the sensors and / or switches (1 to 9) via sensor and / or control lines (34 to 40), all (1 to 9; 34 to 40) the same film (26) are arranged on which the control and regulating device (10) is also present.
Fahrzeuglenkrad nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die mit der Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung (10), den Sensor- und/oder Steuerungsleitungen (34 bis 40) sowie den damit verbundenen Sensoren und/oder Schaltern (1 bis 9) ausgerüstete Folie (26) eine etwa tintenfischförmige Geometrie aufweist, wobei die Steuerungs- und Regelungs-vorrichtung (10) im Zentrum dieses geometrischen Körpers angeordnet ist.Vehicle steering wheel according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that with the control and / or regulating device (10), the sensor and / or control lines (34 to 40) and the sensors and / or switches (1 to 9) equipped foil (26) has an approximately squid-shaped geometry, the control and regulating device (10) being arranged in the center of this geometric body.
Fahrzeuglenkrad nach wenigstens einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Sensoren und/oder Schalter (15, 16) über Sensor- und/oder Steuerungsleitungen in Drahtleitungstechnologie mit dem Lenkradfolienelektronikbauteil (12) und/oder direkt mit der Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung (10) verbunden sind.Vehicle steering wheel according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors and / or switches (15, 16) via sensor and / or control lines in wire line technology with the steering wheel film electronics component (12) and / or directly with the control and / or regulating device (10) are connected.
Fahrzeuglenkrad nach wenigstens einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung (10) über eine Wickelfeder (11) im Bereich der Lenksäule mit den zu steuernden oder zu regelnden elektrischen Geräten (19 bis 23) verbunden ist.Vehicle steering wheel according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (10) is connected via a coil spring (11) in the region of the steering column to the electrical devices (19 to 23) to be controlled or regulated.
Fahrzeuglenkrad nach wenigstens einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsvorrichtung (10) über einen Sender (17) verfügt oder mit diesem in Verbindung steht, mit dem Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsbefehle zu einem Empfänger (18) an einem Empfängercomputer drahtlos weiterleitbar sind, wobei letzterer auf die zu steuernden bzw. zu regelnden elektrischen Vorrichtungen (19 bis 23) einwirken kann. Vehicle steering wheel according to at least one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (10) has or is connected to a transmitter (17) with which control and / or regulating commands are sent to a receiver ( 18) can be forwarded wirelessly to a receiver computer, the latter being able to act on the electrical devices (19 to 23) to be controlled or regulated.
PCT/EP2003/001410 2002-02-21 2003-02-13 Vehicle steering wheel with integrated thin film electronics WO2003070539A1 (en)

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DE10207380A DE10207380A1 (en) 2002-02-21 2002-02-21 Vehicle steering wheel with integrated film electronics

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EP0478218A2 (en) * 1990-09-19 1992-04-01 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. Structure of electric circuit for instrument panel of automobile and method for forming the same
DE4313030A1 (en) * 1992-04-21 1993-10-28 Bock Hans A Dipl Ing Tu Pushbutton switch for mounting on vehicle steering wheel, console, arm-rest - has actuator regions formed on flexible foil for operation of switches on flexible circuit board
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