WO2010013277A1

WO2010013277A1 - Safety system for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2010013277A1
Application number: PCT/IT2009/000335
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antonio Iannotta
Original assignee: Antonio Iannotta
Priority date: 2008-07-30
Filing date: 2009-07-28
Publication date: 2010-02-04
Also published as: IT1390617B1; ITRM20080412A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a safety system (1) for a vehicle provided with a steering device (2) for steering by a driver, comprising - grip sensing means (3, 6, 5, 9, 11, 12) installed in said steering device (2), adapted to sense the pressure or the grip of at least one of the hands of said driver on said steering device (2); - alarm means (8, 8', 8") suitable to alert said driver; and - control means (7, 10, 13, 14', 14"), connected to said grip sensing means (3, 6, 5, 9, 11, 12) and to said alarm means (8, 8', 8"), adapted to supply and/or to activate said alarm means (8, 8', 8"), when said grip sensing means (3, 6, 5, 9, 11, 12) senses that said driver reduces the pressure or the grip on said steering device (2) below a certain threshold.

Description

SAFETY SYSTEM FOR AVEHICLE

The present invention relates to a safety system for a vehicle. More specifically, the invention concerns a safety system for driving a vehicle, particularly studied and realised in order to limit road accident risks caused by felt asleep at the wheel.

In the following, the specification will be particularly addressed to the driving of an auto vehicle, but it is well evident that the same must not be considered as limited to this specific use, being it possible installing the system according to the invention on any kind of vehicle.

As it is well known, road accidents are a problem with a high social impact. When a driver is driving a vehicle, or any other mechanical means in the broadest meaning of this term, he/she can be felt asleep at the wheel, many times causing serious consequences. Different methods and devices have been studied since some time in order to prevent or eliminate this kind of events.

An example of these devices has a camera within the vehicle passenger compartment, continuously shooting the driver eyes. A suitable processing unit, provided with a complicated software program, can recognise when eyelids of the driver close when he/she felt asleep at the wheel, to then activate an alarm device for waking he/she up.

However, it has been noted that this kind of apparatus is very complex, and thus expensive. Furthermore, the above apparatus is not reliable, and this is an essential aspect of this kind of devices. In view of the above, it is therefore object of the present invention that of suggesting a safety system for a vehicle permitting preventing with maximum reliability the risk of losing control of the same vehicle by the driver.

The present invention is not based on preventing felting asleep at the wheel, but on using a natural and physiological phenomenon, appearing when someone is getting sleeping. In fact, when a driver sleeps, a physiological reduction of the muscular tone occurs, and thus of the grip of the hand on what it is holding.

Therefore, the system according to the invention connects said phenomenon to the reduction of the muscular tone, i.e. of the hand grip, by an alarm device that can bring the driver to the wake up condition, eliminating or reducing possibilities of an accident.

It is therefore specific object of the present invention a safety system for a vehicle provided with a steering device for steering by a driver, comprising grip sensing means installed in said steering device, adapted to sense the pressure or the grip of at least one of the hands of said driver on said steering device; alarm means suitable to alert said driver; and control means, connected to said grip sensing means and to said alarm means, adapted to supply and/or to activate said alarm means, when said grip sensing means senses that said driver reduces the pressure or the grip on said steering device below a certain threshold.

Always according to the invention, said control means is adapted to slow down the vehicle when said grip sensing means senses that said driver reduces the pressure or the grip on said steering device below a certain threshold.

Still according to the invention, said steering device is a steering- wheel. Furthermore, according to the invention, said grip sensing means can comprise a first duct filled with oil placed on at least one portion of said steering device; and a pressure gauge connected to said first duct, so that, in case of said driver reduces below a certain threshold the pressure on said first duct, by reducing the grip of said steering device, said pressure gauge detects the reduction of the oil pressure in said first duct.

Advantageously, according to the invention, said first duct is placed on at least a portion of or on the whole perimeter of said steering-wheel.

Preferably according to the invention, said first duct is placed behind said steering-wheel and housed in a groove. Always according to the invention, said grip sensing means can comprise a second duct connecting said first duct and said pressure gauge.

Still according to the invention, said grip sensing means can comprise a touch responsive electronic strip placed on said steering device capable of sensing the pressure variations by suitable sensors.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said electronic strip can be placed on a portion or on the whole perimeter of said steering-wheel.

Advantageously according to the invention, said grip sensing means can comprise a lever, having: - a rest position, in which it is not gripped by the driver and in which it is maintained by retention means like a spring; - an active position, in which it is gripped by the driver together with said steering device, said driver pressing said lever.

Always according to the invention, said lever can comprise a ring placed behind and concentric to said steering-wheel.

Still according to the invention, said control means can comprise a switch, connected to said alarm means so as to supply and activate them, including a first movable contact integral to a lever fixed by an end to said ring, and a fixed second contact. Said switch presents: - a first operating position, corresponding to said rest position of said ring, in which said alarm means is activated; - a second position, corresponding to said active position of said ring, in which said alarm means is deactivated.

Furthermore according to the invention, said control means comprises a control unit, such as an electronic box, adapted to activate or deactivate said alarm means. Advantageously according to the invention said control means can comprise a control switch.

Preferably, according to the invention, said alarm means can comprise an acoustic and/or optic signaller, such as a LED (Light Emitting Diode) matrix, and/or a driver seat back vibrating device. The present invention will be now described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figure of the enclosed drawings, wherein: figure 1 shows an operation scheme of the safety system for a vehicle according to the present invention; figure 2 shows a view taken along to the section line A-A' of a vehicle steering wheel provided with the system of figure 1 ; figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a safety system according to the present invention; figure 4 shows a view taken along to the section line B-B' of a vehicle steering wheel provided with the system of figure 3; figure 5 is a front view of a steering wheel provided with a third embodiment of a safety system according to the present invention; figure 6 is a rear view of the steering wheel of figure 5; figure 7 shows a view taken along to the section line C-C of a vehicle steering wheel provided with the system of figure 5 in a first operative arrangement; figure 7a is an enlarged view of figure 7; figure 8 shows a view taken along to the section line C-C of a vehicle steering wheel provided with the system of figure 5 in a second operative arrangement; and figure 8a is an enlarged view of figure 8. In the different figures, similar parts will be indicated by the same references.

Making reference to figures 1 and 2, it is possible observing a scheme of the safety system 1 for a vehicle according to the present invention. Particularly, it is noted a steering wheel 2, fixed to a column 4, with a perimetral groove 3', preferably realised on the rear part (i.e. faced toward dashboard), wherein a first duct 3 is housed, which is filled in with mineral oil at a set pressure.

A pressostate 5 is provided within the steering wheel 2, connected with said first duct 3 by a second duct 6 passing through a steering wheel ray 2. Said pressostate 5 can detect a pressure variation, e.g. by an inner spring switch.

Safety system 1 also comprises a control switch 7 connected with said pressostate 5 and alarm means 8, for example optical alarm means, such as a LED (Light Emitting Diode) matrix 8', and acoustic signaller 8", but also a vibrating device, not shown, within the seat. Switch 8 is connected and set up so as to supply said alarm means 8.

The system operates as follows. When the system 1 is active, vehicle driver, maintaining the hands on the steering wheel, exerts, by the grip, i.e. hands (or hand) tighten on every point of the steering wheel 2 circumference, a set increase of pressure on duct 3, and thus on pressostate, in other words, driver always exerts such a force to keep an electric circuit closed. Therefore, by compression of duct 3, switch within pressostate 5 remains, in this embodiment, open, against the action of said spring.

In case driver felt asleep at the wheel, he/she will tend to reduce grip on the steering wheel 2. When duct 3 pressure is under a set threshold, pressostate 5 will detect a reduction of pressure and pressostate 5 springs will be higher closing inner switch. Thus, control switch 7 activates alarm means 8, and particularly

LED matrix 8', acoustic signaller 8" that is preferably placed on sunshade, and seat vibration device. Thus, driver will be alerted and awaken to immediately take again the control of the vehicle. Putting again the hand on the steering wheel 2, and gripping the same, safety system 1 will be deactivated again.

Obviously, driver will be allowed to deactivate the system acting on a suitable switch or push-button.

Figures 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the safety system according to the invention, having a different solution with respect to the first embodiment, for the detection of grip on steering wheel 2.

In fact, in this case, an touch sensitive electronic strip 9 is placed on said steering wheel 2, and particularly all along its circumference, capable by its sensors to detect every pressure variation on its surface. Said electronic strip 9 is electrically connected with a control unit 10.

When the driver reduces his/her grip on the steering wheel 2, e.g. due to a sudden sleeping, reducing physiologically the hand and arm muscular tone, pressure exerted on sensors will reduce under a suitably set threshold, thus causing generation of a signal sent to a suitable control unit 10, that can instantaneously activate alarm means 8. Furthermore, preferably, said control unit 10 can, besides activating said alarm means 8, lowering the vehicle. As for the previous embodiment, when the driver puts again his/her hands on the steering wheel 2, at the same time exerting pressure on said electronic strip 9, said control unit 10 deactivates alarm means 8.

Figures 5 - 8a show a third embodiment of the present invention.

Particularly, figures 5 and 6 show a steering wheel 2 and a ring 11 , the latter preferably comprised of metallic material, provided concentrically behind said steering wheel 2. Said ring 11 has a ray lower than the ray of the steering wheel 2.

Making reference to figures 7, 7a, 8 and 8a, it is observed that ring

11 is connected, by a lever 12 and a switch 13, comprising a first movable contact 14', integral with said lever 12, and a second fixed contact 14'.

Switch 13 is connected with said alarm means 8 so as to supply it when it is in an open operative position.

When said ring 11 is at rest (see figures 8 and 8a), said first contact

14' is connected with said second contact 14". While, when any pressure is exerted on said ring 11 , suitable to approach it to the steering wheel 2, moving the same with respect to its rest condition, said first and second contacts 14' and 14" are separated. By a suitable pressure exerted by the fingers of both hands or even of only one hand that can be exerted on every point of ring 11 driver neutralises force normally ensuring closure of the electric circuit, that will be thus open. When the driver, by the reduction of muscular tone caused by the sudden sleeping, reduces pressure exerted on every point of the ring 11 , switch 13 will close, since said first and second contacts 14' and 14" will be connected, immediately activating said alarm means 8, thus waking up the driver again. Driver, again in a lucid state, will deactivate the alarm means 8 tightening again the ring 11.

It must be noted that the described embodiments are applied to a steering wheel, but that they can be applied on every vehicle guide device, such as cloche, levers, handles and like by introducing simple variations. The present invention has been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that modifications and/or changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed claims.

Claims

1. Safety system (1) for a vehicle provided with a steering device (2) for steering by a driver, comprising - grip sensing means (3, 6, 5, 9, 11 , 12) installed in said steering device (2), adapted to sense the pressure or the grip of at least one of the hands of said driver on said steering device (2); - alarm means (8, 8', 8") suitable to alert said driver; and

- control means (7, 10, 13, 14', 14"), connected to said grip sensing means (3, 6, 5, 9, 11 , 12) and to said alarm means (8, 8', 8"), adapted to supply and/or to activate said alarm means (8, 8', 8"), when said grip sensing means (3, 6, 5, 9, 11 , 12) senses that said driver reduces the pressure or the grip on said steering device (2) below a certain threshold.

2. System (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that said control means (7, 10, 13, 14', 14") is adapted to slow down the vehicle when said grip sensing means (3, 6, 5, 9, 11 , 12) senses that said driver reduces the pressure or the grip on said steering device (2) below a certain threshold.

3. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said steering device is a steering-wheel (2).

4. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said grip sensing means comprises

- a first duct (3) filled with oil placed on at least one portion of said steering device (2); and

- a pressure gauge (5) connected to said first duct (3), so that, in case of said driver reduces below a certain threshold the pressure on said first duct (3), by reducing the grip of said steering device (2), said pressure gauge (5) detects the reduction of the oil pressure in said first duct (3).

5. System (1) according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, characterised in that said first duct (3) is placed on at least a portion of or on the whole perimeter of said steering-wheel (2).

6. System (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that said first duct (3) is placed behind said steering-wheel (2) and housed in a groove (3').

7. System (1) according to one of claims 4 - 6, characterised in that said grip sensing means comprises a second duct (6) connecting said first duct (3) and said pressure gauge (5).

8. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said grip sensing means comprises a touch responsive electronic strip (9) placed on said steering device (2) capable of sensing the pressure variations by suitable sensors.

9. System (1) according to claim 8 when dependent on claim 3, characterised in that said electronic strip (9) is placed on a portion or on the whole perimeter of said steering-wheel (2).

10. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said grip sensing means comprises a lever (11), having: - a rest position, in which it is not gripped by the driver and in which it is maintained by retention means like a spring;

- an active position, in which it is gripped by the driver together with said steering device (2), said driver pressing said lever (11).

11. System (1) according to claim 10 when dependent on claim 3, characterised in that said lever comprises a ring (11) placed behind and concentric to said steering-wheel (2).

12. System (1) according to claim 11 , characterised in that said control means comprises a switch (13), connected to said alarm means (8) so as to supply and activate them, including a first movable contact (14') integral to a lever (12) fixed by an end to said ring (11), and a fixed second contact (14"), said switch (13) presenting:

- a first operating position, corresponding to said rest position of said ring (11), in which said alarm means (8) is activated;

- a second position, corresponding to said active position of said ring (11), in which said alarm means (8) is deactivated.

13. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said control means comprises a control unit (10), such as an electronic box, adapted to activate or deactivate said alarm means (8).

14. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said control means comprises a control switch (7).

15. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said alarm means (8) comprises an acoustic (8") and/or optic (8¹) signaller, such as a LED (Light Emitting Diode) matrix, and/or a driver seat back vibrating device.