WO2005123481A1 - Device for control of one or more systems in a vehicle - Google Patents

Device for control of one or more systems in a vehicle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2005123481A1
WO2005123481A1 PCT/NO2005/000206 NO2005000206W WO2005123481A1 WO 2005123481 A1 WO2005123481 A1 WO 2005123481A1 NO 2005000206 W NO2005000206 W NO 2005000206W WO 2005123481 A1 WO2005123481 A1 WO 2005123481A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
accordance
panel
display
exceeded
driver
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO2005/000206
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Per Magnussen
Original Assignee
Modulprodukter As
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 Modulprodukter As filed Critical Modulprodukter As
Publication of WO2005123481A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005123481A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62DMOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D1/00Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
    • B62D1/02Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
    • B62D1/04Hand wheels
    • B62D1/10Hubs; Connecting hubs to steering columns, e.g. adjustable
    • B62D1/105Non-rotatable hubs, e.g. the central part of the steering wheel not rotating
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT 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
    • B60K31/00Vehicle fittings, acting on a single sub-unit only, for automatically controlling vehicle speed, i.e. preventing speed from exceeding an arbitrarily established velocity or maintaining speed at a particular velocity, as selected by the vehicle operator
    • B60K31/18Vehicle fittings, acting on a single sub-unit only, for automatically controlling vehicle speed, i.e. preventing speed from exceeding an arbitrarily established velocity or maintaining speed at a particular velocity, as selected by the vehicle operator including a device to audibly, visibly, or otherwise signal the existence of unusual or unintended speed to the driver of the vehicle
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT 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
    • B60K35/00Arrangement of adaptations of instruments
    • B60K35/10
    • B60K35/60
    • B60K2360/143
    • B60K2360/1438
    • B60K2360/782

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns a device for control of one or more systems in a vehicle, comprising a control panel for control and programming of the systems.
  • buttons or controls are arranged on the steering wheel, so that one can e.g. use them by using one's thumb, both on the right side and on the left side.
  • the present invention is characterised by the characterizing part of the independent claim, that is, by the fact that the panel is arranged in a fixed position in respect to the dashboard, so that the panel is not rotating with the steering wheel.
  • Alternative preferred embodiments are characterised by the dependent claims.
  • the advantage with having a fixed panel inside the steering wheel is that one always knows where the controls are positioned, and which position or orientation they have. In that way, one can, when one is in a curve and a system should be controlled, use one hand to hold the steering wheel, and operate the buttons on the panel with the other hand.
  • the panel can e.g. be mounted on a fixed and therefore stationary core inside the steering column.
  • the buttons in the panel are replaced with a touch-sensitive screen, which can also show a variation of information regarding the car's condition, notifications for periodical checks, speed limit, how much one exceeds the speed limit, and so on.
  • Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention with a panel comprising buttons.
  • Fig. 2 shows another preferred embodiment of the invention with a display arranged in the panel in the middle of the steering wheel.
  • Fig. 3 shows another preferred embodiment of the invention, where the stationary panel in the middle of the steering wheel is larger than in other embodiments.
  • the speedometer for example, or other indicators in the dashboard, are moved to the middle of the dash board, as known in the art.
  • the panel is integrated in the cover for an airbag.
  • Panel 10 comprises a standard horn button 20, and additionally control buttons to control a system which is warning the car driver when the speed limit is exceeded.
  • the buttons can for example have a function up/down 30, OK 40, cancel 50, +/- 60, menu 70, or a number of other known functions.
  • the system can give a warning about other characteristics of the car via a display which is mounted on the dash board, e.g. when the next oil change should be done, or that one should put on a seat belt, air pressure in the tyres and the like.
  • a system the device according to the invention can be used for can e.g. be a system to improve the alertness of the driver, which system can comprise the following devices: a sensor for measuring the speed of the car; a central unit for registering of speed, for registering of information regarding the topical traffic regulations, and to give a signal when a set value is exceeded; A display to show information; a unit to produce noticeable signals to the driver.
  • Another system the device according to the invention can be used for can e.g. be a safety check, where the car driver periodically is reminded to perform the different actions under a safety check.
  • the system can be programmed manually, or by interactive contact between the system and traffic signs, traffic lights and the like.
  • the system can give one or more signals when the set speed limit is exceeded, where the time interval between the signals can vary, dependent on how much the speed limit is exceeded.
  • the system can further mute the radio, telephone and the like, when a signal should be given, so that the car driver does not miss the signal.
  • the illumination/contrast of the display can be adapted automatically to the light strength around the display to cause optimal readability of the display at any time.
  • the device in accordance to the invention can further comprise a display which can be of the type touch screen display, where the buttons, switches, turning knobs, levers or other known types of electronic controls can be replaced by virtual buttons with an assigned function on the display.

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for control of one or more systems in a vehicle, where a control panel is arranged in the steering wheel and in a stationary position in respect to the dashboard.

Description

DEVICE FOR CONTROL OF ONE OR MORE SYSTEMS IN A VEHICLE
The present invention concerns a device for control of one or more systems in a vehicle, comprising a control panel for control and programming of the systems.
A considerable amount of accidents which happen on the road are caused by drivers being distracted and that the speed limit is exceeded. Those causes combined often make that the speed limit is exceeded unconsciously, that is, without the driver noticing it. When an emergency situation suddenly arises, it is often too late to react adequately, amongst others because of the high speed.
It can be distracting for a driver having to look at the speed indicator all the time, e.g. when the traffic situations do not comply with the maximum speed that feels natural. With that, the speed limit which feels right for the driver on a stretch of road is meant. One of the causes that the speed limit does not feel right, and is therefore exceeded unconsciously, can be speed blindness.
Another reason that accidents can have more serious consequences than necessary is for example that the driver forgets to put on his seatbelt, or that the mirrors are adjusted while driving, with which the concentration is decreased.
Further, it also happens that accidents which have a technical background happen, with cars involved. It is important with a periodical safety check, where e.g. the profile depth in the tyres, the pressure in the tyres, the lights, and the like, are checked. Not everyone remembers those periodic safety controls, and thus one can end up in a situation where one loses road holding, where others do not see that you are braking, and similar kind of situations. In respect to the speed limits, solutions are known which enable the driver to set a maximum speed for the car, e.g. by means of cruise control in a car. One disadvantage with most known solutions is that there is no easy communication between such devices and the driver.
There are also known numerous solutions to make the car driver aware of the speed limit, where the speed limit can be set in a system, either manually or via impulses and signals from outside the car, and where the car driver is notified when the speed limit is exceeded.
Known solutions are amongst others described in US 4,839,749, Fl 110551 B, US 6,037,862, US 6,603,393B2. Problems with these solutions are that they are often impractical in operation, by that the operation buttons/panels should be mounted in poorly accessible places.
Solutions are known where buttons or controls are arranged on the steering wheel, so that one can e.g. use them by using one's thumb, both on the right side and on the left side. However, it is a disadvantage that one loses contact with the buttons when the steering wheel is rotated, because the buttons will move with the rotation of the wheel. Because of this the car driver will perhaps lower his view in a turn, or is distracted when the buttons should be operated quickly.
With the present invention this problem is intended to be solved.
The present invention is characterised by the characterizing part of the independent claim, that is, by the fact that the panel is arranged in a fixed position in respect to the dashboard, so that the panel is not rotating with the steering wheel. Alternative preferred embodiments are characterised by the dependent claims.
The advantage with having a fixed panel inside the steering wheel is that one always knows where the controls are positioned, and which position or orientation they have. In that way, one can, when one is in a curve and a system should be controlled, use one hand to hold the steering wheel, and operate the buttons on the panel with the other hand. The panel can e.g. be mounted on a fixed and therefore stationary core inside the steering column. In one preferred embodiment the buttons in the panel are replaced with a touch-sensitive screen, which can also show a variation of information regarding the car's condition, notifications for periodical checks, speed limit, how much one exceeds the speed limit, and so on.
The invention will now be described by means of the figures, where
Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention with a panel comprising buttons.
Fig. 2 shows another preferred embodiment of the invention with a display arranged in the panel in the middle of the steering wheel.
Fig. 3 shows another preferred embodiment of the invention, where the stationary panel in the middle of the steering wheel is larger than in other embodiments. To still have a good overview and visual access to all information on the dashboard the speedometer, for example, or other indicators in the dashboard, are moved to the middle of the dash board, as known in the art.
In Fig. 1 , the panel is integrated in the cover for an airbag. In many cars the air bag does not rotate with the steering wheel. Panel 10 comprises a standard horn button 20, and additionally control buttons to control a system which is warning the car driver when the speed limit is exceeded. The buttons can for example have a function up/down 30, OK 40, cancel 50, +/- 60, menu 70, or a number of other known functions.
Further, the system can give a warning about other characteristics of the car via a display which is mounted on the dash board, e.g. when the next oil change should be done, or that one should put on a seat belt, air pressure in the tyres and the like.
Other systems which can be controlled are e.g. stereo sets, cruise control, navigation systems, etc.
A system the device according to the invention can be used for can e.g. be a system to improve the alertness of the driver, which system can comprise the following devices: a sensor for measuring the speed of the car; a central unit for registering of speed, for registering of information regarding the topical traffic regulations, and to give a signal when a set value is exceeded; A display to show information; a unit to produce noticeable signals to the driver. Another system the device according to the invention can be used for can e.g. be a safety check, where the car driver periodically is reminded to perform the different actions under a safety check. The system can be programmed manually, or by interactive contact between the system and traffic signs, traffic lights and the like. The system can give one or more signals when the set speed limit is exceeded, where the time interval between the signals can vary, dependent on how much the speed limit is exceeded. The system can further mute the radio, telephone and the like, when a signal should be given, so that the car driver does not miss the signal. Further, the illumination/contrast of the display can be adapted automatically to the light strength around the display to cause optimal readability of the display at any time.
The device in accordance to the invention can further comprise a display which can be of the type touch screen display, where the buttons, switches, turning knobs, levers or other known types of electronic controls can be replaced by virtual buttons with an assigned function on the display.

Claims

1. Device for control of one or more systems in a vehicle, comprising acontrol panel for control and programming of said systems, which panel is arranged inside the steering wheel, characterised in that the panel is arranged in a stationary position in respect to thedash board, in such a way that the panel does not rotate with the steering wheel.
2. Device in accordance to claim 1, characterised in that the system to be controlled comprises a system to improve the alertness of a car driver, which system preferably comprises one or more of the following device: - a sensor for measuring the speed of the car; a central unit for registration of speed, for registration of the information regarding the traffic regulations, and to give a signal when a set value is exceeded; a display to show information; - a unit to produce noticeable signals to the driver.
3. Device in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the panel comprises pressure buttons, switches, turning knobs, levers, or other known types of electronic controls.
4. Device in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the panel further comprises a display.
5. Device in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the display can be of the type touchscreen, where pressure buttons, switches, turning knobs, levers, or other known electronic controls are replaced by virtual buttons with an assigned function on the display.
6. Device in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the panel is arranged on, or instead of, the lock of an air bag.
7. Device in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is programmed to comprise a control routine where one is reminded of, and/or that one should confirm that one has performed, the actions one should carry out before one drives, such as fasten seatbelts, check that the mirrors are set right, and the like.
8. System in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is programmed to comprise a security check, where the driver is periodically reminded of performing the different actions under a security check.
9. System in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that it can be programmed manually, or by interactive contact between the system and traffic signs, traffic lights and the like.
10. System in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is programmed to give one or more signals if the set speed limit is exceeded, where the time interval between the signals can vary dependent on how much the speed limit is exceeded.
11. System in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that it mutes the radio, telephone, and the like, when a signal is to be given.
12. System in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the illumination/contrast of the display is adapted automatically to the light strength around the display to provide optimal readability of the display at any time.
13. System in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises automatic speed reduction when the set speed limit is exceeded.
PCT/NO2005/000206 2004-06-18 2005-06-13 Device for control of one or more systems in a vehicle WO2005123481A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20042560 2004-06-18
NO20042560 2004-06-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005123481A1 true WO2005123481A1 (en) 2005-12-29

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2931108A1 (en) * 2008-05-15 2009-11-20 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Speed limiter for car's on-board computer, has set-point indicator positioned manually in location of area of speedometer to define speed limit, where fixed marks and mobile indicator representative of current speed are materialized in area
FR2964934A1 (en) * 2010-09-20 2012-03-23 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Flywheel for vehicle i.e. motor vehicle, has selection body comprising handling interface, where relative position of handling interface with respect to vehicle is independent from rotation of flywheel around its axis
CN101519055B (en) * 2008-02-27 2013-07-10 刘首成 Steering wheel
US20220001912A1 (en) * 2020-02-19 2022-01-06 Kuster North America, Inc. Steering wheel mounted display assembly retaining upright orientation regardless of rotated position

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2270117A1 (en) * 1974-03-25 1975-12-05 Clerici Jean Pierre Road vehicle speed limiting device - counts pulses corresponding to vehicle speed and controls alarm
US4401181A (en) * 1981-03-12 1983-08-30 Schwarz Alfred V Road vehicle control system
US5465632A (en) * 1994-05-05 1995-11-14 Oki; T. Jack Steering wheel having a stationary display
DE19858835A1 (en) * 1998-12-19 2000-06-21 Elie Wassaf Control wheel for vehicle e.g. steering wheel designed with fixed impact cup on which at least one information indicator is arranged, which can indicate and display information
US6474688B1 (en) * 1999-10-12 2002-11-05 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Steering arrangement incorporated with a display/control panel
DE10241837A1 (en) * 2002-09-09 2004-03-18 Siemens Ag Motor vehicle driver information system has at least one graphical display arranged on the surface of the airbag container so a driver can easily view it

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2270117A1 (en) * 1974-03-25 1975-12-05 Clerici Jean Pierre Road vehicle speed limiting device - counts pulses corresponding to vehicle speed and controls alarm
US4401181A (en) * 1981-03-12 1983-08-30 Schwarz Alfred V Road vehicle control system
US5465632A (en) * 1994-05-05 1995-11-14 Oki; T. Jack Steering wheel having a stationary display
DE19858835A1 (en) * 1998-12-19 2000-06-21 Elie Wassaf Control wheel for vehicle e.g. steering wheel designed with fixed impact cup on which at least one information indicator is arranged, which can indicate and display information
US6474688B1 (en) * 1999-10-12 2002-11-05 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Steering arrangement incorporated with a display/control panel
DE10241837A1 (en) * 2002-09-09 2004-03-18 Siemens Ag Motor vehicle driver information system has at least one graphical display arranged on the surface of the airbag container so a driver can easily view it

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101519055B (en) * 2008-02-27 2013-07-10 刘首成 Steering wheel
FR2931108A1 (en) * 2008-05-15 2009-11-20 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Speed limiter for car's on-board computer, has set-point indicator positioned manually in location of area of speedometer to define speed limit, where fixed marks and mobile indicator representative of current speed are materialized in area
FR2964934A1 (en) * 2010-09-20 2012-03-23 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Flywheel for vehicle i.e. motor vehicle, has selection body comprising handling interface, where relative position of handling interface with respect to vehicle is independent from rotation of flywheel around its axis
US20220001912A1 (en) * 2020-02-19 2022-01-06 Kuster North America, Inc. Steering wheel mounted display assembly retaining upright orientation regardless of rotated position
US11708104B2 (en) * 2020-02-19 2023-07-25 Kuster North America, Inc. Steering wheel mounted display assembly retaining upright orientation regardless of rotated position

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