Steering wheel with touch-sensitive sensors.

[0001] Background of this invention is as follows: when there is like steering wheel. for transition phase for autonomous drive Hands-on detection and complex need to touch inputs opportunities, e.g. by gesture. A problem with previous technical solutions is, that only very simple yes/votes Hands-on identifications or identifications are only simple sectors or after a possible coordinate along the periphery. Sought solutions, the strips a larger cover the surface with fine resolution structure but are. So far as an indication that there is no suitable deformable sensors and there are conflicts with the necessary integration of many leads.

[0002] Problems are also the manufacturability and lasting strength-so far was in operation. The steering wheel as a closed ring imposes special requirements and is exposed to particular loads. A comprehensive fine resolution of the sensors is not available yet. Problems with integration of sensors in the steering wheel rim material choice, manufacturability and deformability are. Here mentioned innovative ways for realizing the sensor -, - shield and supply structures.

[0003] Most important innovation is here, the steering wheel rim with a plurality of sensors or a largely Jones-type suppressor mesh structure and the leads by a joint in said sensor surface wrapping inwardly to lead. The enclosure may in particular be suspended on a line along the rim surface, a plurality of leads inwardly to guide there. Therefore an extremely large number of grid lines can be guided also inwardly there, then to be continued in a separate plane along the steering wheel rim for example.

[0004] The specificity is here, that the surface of the steering wheel rim ring body can be coated with a fine resolution sensor structure as far as possible, so that all points on the steering wheel rim fine displacements of fingers for quasi-in any direction desired can be measured and the high number of leads is accommodated in the construction also. The installation especially in smaller distance X lines intersecting and Y lines allows measurement of individual fingers in their exact position and also the measuring complex contact surfaces, therefore a real multi-touches, in order to identify variants of contacting and gripping the hands. A multi-channel technology on the steering wheel rim allows real multi-point multi-touch measurements, so that ideally - fingers and hand pads are measured.

[0005] Generally: a sensor matrix structure will thus be in the form of a tubular ring or tubular ring member contacted. Leads the sensor planes are guided through joint inwardly into a shield or under.

[0006] The disclosed solutions may in particular the steering wheel rim substantially wrapping. It also parts of the steering wheel or a similar input device may be equipped with these sensors.

[0007]

1 Shows an example embodiment of a sensor on the steering wheel rim or figfig. steering wheel item

from sensor array, leads and shields, represented in cross-section and cut apart and drawn radially as exploded view.

2 Shows the same embodiment as figfig. 1 in a slightly different perspective figfig. with magnification.

3 Shows an example embodiment of the unwound supply level figfig..

4 Shows an exploded view of an exemplary planar assembly figfig. a sensor in the version with matrix surface extensions in the not yet fully deformed state.

5 Shows an exemplary steering wheel rim in cross-section with layer figfig. manner exposed planes of the sensor array with surface extensions, leads and shields.

[0008] The steering wheel rim is a Tom or annular body. Its smaller cross-sectional circuits are called meridians. The inner line of the ring body is referred to as inner equator.

[0009] The solutions proposed here are in particular a sensor characterized in that a three-dimensionally shaped sensor array structure as far as possible the steering wheel rim surface covered by gaps or joints in the steering wheel surface and their supply lines or in the sensor array structure inwardly or under the sensor surface are guided. This plurality of leads there can pass under or in a shield.

[0010] In an important but not exclusive variant can be produced in a multi-layer structure of the sensor, in the sensor structures, as an important step shielding structures together and supply structures arise. In this structure may e.g. extend under a shield plane of the leads in a shield or structure. The assembly device may in a subsequent process step or in several steps or are deformed, to form the steering wheel rim surface on.

[0011] The sensor structure can in the preferred, but not exclusive embodiment as effective grid from X-lines and capacitively Y lines are realized. In this grid consist either of small distance they point within its plane intersecting conductors or also surface enlargements on, to increase the capacitive effect. These enlargements are in particular diamond shapes.

[0012] It is thus substantially a sensor device, consisting of touch or proximity-sensitive sensors on a steering wheel rim or - on a steering wheel member, associated with an electronic control unit, characterized in that it touches or approximations by fingers or hands can recognize, the fine definition in its surface position on the steering wheel rim surface are distinguishable -, by a sensor structure in the form of a plurality of sensor elements or a matrix structure on the steering wheel rim surface is three-dimensionally shaped flat and spread. In doing so their leads inwardly below the surface and under a shield or shield in a guided.

[0013]I.e. especially fine definition, that individual fingers are distinguishable. This is in particular a multi-channel sensor technology necessary. Such a sensor consists in particular of sensor structures, supply structures and shield structures. The sensor structure as fine-resolution multi-channel sensor covers the steering wheel rim or sections of the steering wheel rim and being three-dimensionally shaped substantially along its meridians.

[0014] Said structure in parts from piezo-electric sensors optionally, sensors for resistance measurement, other printed -, - touch or proximity sensors.

[0015] In particular is the sensor of capacitive X-Y matrix structures. In an important embodiment the conductive lines have flat portions can here, e.g. a diamond-shaped structures. The sensor structure can be applied to such pre-deformed, the elongation and mounting that it is geometrically uniformly.

[0016] Widening of the lines can also serve as flat conductive tissue, is constructed from flat strips, such as copper - or carbon cloth. It can be used as surface and should be provided with insulation for use as a sensor, the respective strands to isolate one another. A respective flat band can only be connected to a contact terminal with its fibers e.g., then are coated with insulation and then be braided fabric.

[0017] The supply lines can be guided inwardly under the sensor surface, or contacts are folded or bent by away. In particular by 180° folding or bending of the multilayer structure may or by means contacts, welding solutions or vias done.

[0018] In a three-dimensionally formed plane can in particular the actual sensor plane are guided, in turn by a three-dimensionally formed shield-plane opposite the sensor proper protected lies.

[0019] Can also be used in accordance with these principles, on a meridian to the incoming leads inwardly and toward to processor tail.

[0020] 1 Shows an example embodiment of a sensor in the steering wheel rim or figfig. in the steering wheel 100 member in cross-section, consisting of sensor array, leads and shields. The annular body is opened and pulled apart radially along an equatorial joint in the representation, in the sense of an exploded view. The envelope is interrupted by a gap sensor array around the equator, there are in this embodiment leads the X-line guided inwardly.

[0021] The sensor 110 is optionally with a sheath and a protective layer 120 moved. It follows a support layer 140 for the upper conductive structures, as is here an example Y lines 130, 131 and 135. The three-dimensional wrapping of the ring body takes place with these 150 and 151 as Y lines and X-lines. They are each guided with contacts 160 and are inwardly as with supplies such as 180, 181 and 185 connected.

[0022] In this variant the carrier layers are separate from the conductors as exploded view represented, but it could also lie within the corresponding conductor carrier layer, e.g. during tissue. Here is the substrate for the X lines 150 and 151 together with an intermediate shield such as plane and the bottom substrate for three-layer structure 170 leads internally guided following as represented. For example a shield plane 190 closing inner can follow.

[0023] Figfig. 2 shows the embodiment as enlarged figfig. 1. The inner three-layer structure with three levels is visible 170: the carrier layer 171 for sensor structures, the sheet-like or grid-like shield plane 172 and 173 for 180 supplies such as the support layer. As the contacts 160, 161, 162 can be designed variants:

Bending or folding of the substrate 171 and 173 including conductor as in particular to 180° or as vias between two layers or as line piece. E.g. the contact 160 is connected to the feed line 180 173 on the support layer.

[0024] The supply lines to the sensor structures can be so guided in its course, and that the distance is approximately equal to the distances this respective leads respectively adjacent leads are approximately equal, the effective properties similar to holding the lines about capacitively. Because of the relatively long paths along the steering wheel may e.g. the work of a compensation capacitance data and improve evaluating processor. These lines compensation may in particular are met, certain of the individual conductor paths by a plane with conductor structures comprises:

[0025] Figfig. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a variant of the unwound such important here shown inner supply layer 173, corresponding to 2 figfig. in the strained layer. By the course of the lines on the one hand a certain curves for all links equally long distance reached about approximately the same distances to adjacent lines and on the other hand: terminals as 360, 361 correspond in figfig. 2 as the contacts 160, 161 and 173 are within this layer by a specific structure with the further conductive terminals as 180, 181 connected. The conductor cross the rectangle:

[0026] The conductor of the furthermost input should extend as far as possible without detours about as a diagonal. The conductor for the closest input extends into the vicinity of the rectangular center and then back for output. The intermediate conductors have corresponding to reverse curves in particular in the zone between rectangular center and most removed input. Here is additionally a dummy conductor 301 current loop back and forth as represented, the inner conductor acts as a capacitive parallel for 180. The conductor can also in turn - a compensation against different conductor length elsewhere, such as in the path for steering wheel spoke, strips.

[0027] This supply layer in other variants also together with a shield layer 173 therein rolled or folded one or more times, e.g. to guide them in a cavity. - For each conductor in such a layer also can be e.g. by additional printed conductor generating respective shields, so that quasi-coaxial cable many arise.

[0028]Ashield structure e.g. 172 under the sensor structures can also serve as an electric heater, by a conductor extending to and fro by close-mesh structure is produced. - If necessary, inwardly or downwardly a further shield plane can be installed 190, the capacitive effects to the internal metal skeleton of the steering wheel by optionally can be avoided.

[0029] Generally can serve simultaneously as a sensor structure heating, if the plurality of individual conductor e.g. by each separate current sources supplied, a much lower frequency than the direct current or the sensor voltages providing. The individual conductor for continuous heating conductor can make, are connected by via inductive frequency lock.

[0030] Sensor structures or leads or shields or combinations thereof from carrier material having two side conductive structures are applied can. A substrate e.g. of plastic shells, the film, sheet or textile or fabric, the Y lines printed on both sides with e.g. and X-lines or vapour deposition is, holds both structures in position to each other, then following deformation steps also.

[0031] For producing a said sensor device can generally leads or shields or sensor structures are deformed together with a substrate or in a support or be inserted or woven or cast foam or these procedures are combined.

[0032] Sensor structures or shields or leads together with support materials are produced by a sequence of steps can deformation.

[0033] Figfig. 4 shows a extended exemplary planar structure with matrix surface extensions in the not yet fully deformed state for a steering wheel member 400: upper sensor lines as 430, 440 431.435 on carrier material, lower sensor lines as 450, 451 and an inner supply level as with lines 480, 481. The three-layer structure contains a support-plane therebetween above and below 470 and a shield plane. It is later in the remaining space of the sensor surface by curved or folded lines or contact pieces such as 460 bypassed, the lines of the sensor plane as 450, 451 with their supplies such as 480, 481 connecting. It may also an inner shield and a cover and a leather sheath 410 420 490 e.g. give.

[0034] Figfig. 5 shows layer exposed planes for a steering wheel 500 as exemplary embodiment of a manner sensor array with surface extensions: upper sensor lines as 530, 531, lower sensor lines as 550, an inner supply level with lines 580 as, 571 and 572 and 573 581 and shield plane carrier material. It may also 590 520 and a cover and an inner shield e.g. a leather sheath give 510. The tube-like sensor is shielded leads towards its own tube-like.

[0035] As an important process for the preparation will therefore ideally as a multilayer structure creates a sensor, on the equator line bent or folded later, then laterally toward a circular cross-section bent, curved in the direction of a tube or tube member so and then annular body or curved ring member deformed or e.g. by mounting on the steering wheel in this form. It may for example also be prepared corresponding shell molds or part shells and mounted. A multilayer three-dimensionally pre-deformed assembly may in a form, the remains somewhat resilient, so that it can mounting, e.g. from 2 tubes in semi-circular shape on the inner equator or 4 half-tubes in section with semi-circular shape or 8 quarter-circle half-tubes.

[0036] As process for the preparation of said fine resolution flat sensor is as important, but not ausschliessliche embodiment proposed in particular, that sensor structures and shields and leads are deformed together with a substrate:

[0037] In the first step may e.g. a two sides with conductor structures such as a plurality of sensor elements or a matrix structure or with leads provided with shields or carrier such as plastic shell, a film, film, textile or fabric, then in a second step are folded or bent, inwardly to the leads. In particular the leads can be folded under the lower sensor plane, wherein a shield plane is placed between these two levels. This placement can e.g. also by the folding operation done. The two-sided with conductors can support both sensor planes in precise position relative to one another provided also holding and integrate: particularly if - unlike in figfig. 1.2, 4 - 5 and the sensor plane with the higher number lines represented, as meridian lines with current, upwardly and is laid together with their leads, e.g. as in figfig. 3, in the same plane and the sensor plane is prepared first smaller lines number, therefore the current lines parallel to the steering wheel rim, together with a shield structure is prepared as a back plane, then their folding or bending along the leads later inner equator line at the right structure. This shield structure may optionally be performed to and fro about mesh grid of conductors as current and thus serve as steering wheel heating immediately. In this variant of the lead plane 460 - contact pieces as would lead to the upper meridian sensor lines slightly higher.

[0038] In a third step can be three-dimensionally shaped this multi layer construction. In particular by using deformable conductive inks for the first step is the possible. This deformation may in principle be subdivided part deformation steps, approximately in half-tube construction for a curvature of the annular body and its curvature for. This leads on half - or quarter-circle segments finally e.g. trays, in a further step of applying on the steering wheel are the circular. In the use of e.g. film or films or similar plastically deformable carriers should have a certain opening along the equator the produced shape, to be mounted on the steering wheel and elastically about the elastic closing to facilitate. The circular cross section of the ring body can later here e.g. about a 75° angle remain open, which upon assembly is further elastically bent only on the steering wheel, can be mounted to, and then elastically is closed.

[0039] Half - or quarter-circle segments such trays can then be electronically connected from the steering wheel spokes.

[0040] The manufacturing method can in another, not as exclusive variant step introducing conductors in the material volume of a foamed steering wheel blank contain. The lowermost plane or planes of a plurality of subsequent may structure generated in individual steps. In particular in the lower levels or the lower sensor structure shields or leads may be introduced for example by foamed steering wheel blank wire insertion. One or more planes so the sensor -, - supply and shield structures can by in a material volume such as plastic foam are produced introduced conductor.

[0041] It is useful, after cutting the material body and inserting a wire - e.g. by robot - in the same operation the material volume to close again immediately, e.g. by welding together, heating, pressing or gluing. It can then be introduced at a higher level a further conductor structure. There are several successive steps in different planes so that such possible.

[0042] In another variant prefabricated conductor structures may for sensors, in particular for the above steps in the leads or shields before steering wheel blank are cast or foamed.

[0043] There is also variants, in which the abovementioned method are combined. An important procedure - or equipment variant is lower than hybrid solution described.

[0044]Acombination is e.g. the variant comprising the following steps: a first step lower conductive foamed structures, then the central conductive structures in the material green body and then the upper conductive structures introduced applied, the together with its carrier material are deformed. The upper structures are in particular Y lines, in another variant Y - and X-lines as sensor structures or in another variant directly underlying this together with the shield.

[0045] Such hybrid variants combining with printed or applied conductor structures and support material with inserted carrier material, woven, or cast-in-place foam-conductor structures.

[0046] The following a hybrid is an important, but not ausschliessliche embodiment: the upper sensor structures are on the underside of a carrier material, in particular a shell, film or a textile or fabric - applied in another variant there - and the lower sensor structures are woven in a carrier material such as foam or foam of the steering wheel blank inserted. It will therefore be for the production of the sensor device different technologies combined. By this hybrid structure the upper sensor lines are very specific on the steering wheel blank and it remains on a sufficiently precise distance between two mechanical stresses of the steering wheel rim despite sensor levels obtained.

[0047] In contrast to the variant as in figfig. 1 represented, it is useful in this hybrid variant, the sensor lines with smaller numbers, extend along the ring, locating below: therefore they settle in for example as wire without frequent material annular body are laid. Then it makes sense, the sensor lines with high number, the transverse for rim, therefore extend meridian, deformable carrier material with produce. The offers advantages: it may for example the supply lines of the immediately upper lines here as a film, the film, textile or fabric are produced together with these upper lines, the plurality of conductors is is not the problem, or by a joint in the sensor surface by gaps and inwardly are guided. There can be rolled, folded or multiply folded e.g. in a channel-like cavity along the rim are guided.

[0048] In an important, but not exclusive variant can support material in its supply part on the moldable provided with shielding against side be, e.g. by flat or close-mesh, lattice-shaped printed conductor or conductor in-woven. The moldable substrate has on one side the leads on here and on the other side shields. So that the leads can be rolled or folded, to loading in the cavity and are also guided between an internal shield.

[0049] In or on the carrier material at the same time this part of the leads can be such, that the capacitive effects through the respective line lengths and distances for the respective conductor remain approximately equal to each other, see figfig. 3.

[0050] It can be useful, in this structure represented a tubular ring-like shield below the lower sensor lines incorporate, in a prior step in the annular body material by introduced conductor. Such a shield can be produced e.g. by laid or foamed cast or conductor.

[0051] Can be laid in a cavity leads. This can be e.g. a similar cavity along the steering wheel rim channel, the runs under a shield, or cast in the material is foamed or introduced. Leads and shields are rolled together, folded or multiply folded. Leads may also extend between the respective screening neutral conductor. - A supply structure as e.g. in 3 together with one or two corresponding figfig. can in one variant shielding planes in the direction of the short side are folded or rolled, them in a cavity channel along the steering wheel rim to guide.

[0052] The proposed three-dimensional structures can in principle also resistance measurement sensors, piezo-electric or other measurement are used.

[0053] Generally: the surface of the ring body with a substantially continuous coating solutions disclosed the fine resolution sensor structure. Therefore proposes a continuous, continuous sensor structure as possible, not only the individual segments, but the surface substantially uniformly and detected. At best are individual fingers touch event can be detected, real multi-point multi-touch screen also with many contact points, so that fingers - and hand pads are distinguishable.

[0054]I.e. the quality in particular a continuous transition to other areas of the steering wheel in the sense contact of also, as from front to rear, etc. d.h from top to bottom. it is a nature of virtually all equal surface areas advocates, that certain physical limits of the sensors as far as possible without edges or become visible.

[0055] In making the sensor resulting parting lines, also by the choice of the partial shells about arise, can be compensated: it can mail processing software or spatial allocation of sensor regions complement, e.g. follow each other along a meridian of dots. And it can for example by a sensor line with two parts are switched electrically identical bisected joints and thus make the joint ineffective. Such is an almost non-transition detecting touches or approximations possible.

[0056] Multi-channel signals are substantially the sensors, in particular by matrix structures with intersecting lines. These can in particular as X-Y structures or e.g. also be used as surface magnifications and make a high resolution Qua-type drat pattern. It is a real recognition of finger and hand batches - principle schemes possible. The three-dimensional deformations of the sensors and can be compensated by self-calibration algorithms or new processors leads.

[0057] It may in particular be used for sensors with surfaces widened lines Statement processes, the phenomena of self-generated capacity and also phenomena of the mutually-generated capacity and different, rapidly changing frequencies use. Here real multi-point multi--touch evaluations are possible and searches in the proximity of fingers over the surface in the air space.

[0058]Afine-resolution multi-channel sensor can in another embodiment be generated, by conductor structures in groups of different directions during a sensor array generating, in particular by two conductor groups at an oblique angle, opposite to each other, rotate three-dimensionally. FOR EXAMPLE. under the steering wheel rim surface at an oblique angle to generate a current two groups of oppositely extending conductors sensor array, and a plurality extend in two different depths by common form intersections. A group consisting of e.g. 20 conductors is e.g. from a meridian, runs on the annular body at an oblique angle and the other group of e.g. 20 intersects with current conductors at an oblique angle, in another direction by running around the rim. This oblique direction corresponds to e.g. for a quarter circle of the steering wheel the sites developed, the steering wheel rim surface on its unwound as diagonal arises, e.g. an angle of about 20°. FOR EXAMPLE. for each quadrant of the steering wheel can be connected by two steering wheel spokes a sensor.

[0059]Aconductor group may substantially enveloping the ring, together with the second conductor group form a flat sensor array, e.g. diamond-shaped pattern results in plan view. Both conductor groups in opposite directions around the ring body circumferentially at an oblique angle to form a matrix. For example on a meridian can be deflected for steering wheel spoke and conductor run.

[0060] Compared to the variant in the group of upper lines 130.131 figfig. 1 can e.g. 20° to the left on the surface as each deflected 140 extend. This group may run the lines in this view to the left rotationally around the ring body. The lower lines such as 150, 151 can, instead of lying right inner equator of the ring body as here considered, in this image cut out from the meridian: also as the first group begin the lines of the second group on the meridia and rotationally but run against, e.g. 20° to the right so swept across the plane 170. In this example arises through both lines groups from about 40° with a diamond-like matrix intersection angles.

[0061] At this variant is a different resolution of the sensor specifically in both directions of its surface. Advantage of this variant is, that a plurality of contacts 160 and not as long as no internal leads 180, 181 needed. The supply lines remain here on the meridian. You can e.g. in analogy to the equator of the figfig. 1 there at the edge of the cut are deflected in this picture meridian: on the inwardly deflected and/or strong incoming conductor meridia may in particular be narrowed and run spoke.

[0062] As defined in claim 3 can also this oblique line matrix surfaces have expansions, which e.g. are applied on a carrier material, therefore an expanded diamond pattern shown.

[0063] This oblique variant is basically as a film, film, textile or fabric can be produced, e.g. in the sense of a printed film tube or a knitted tube. Circumferential lines must be continued at a parting line vias and optionally connected. An adequate, robust production method are inserted in opposite directions circumferentially at an oblique angle wire groups.

[0064] Lines or leads, to the annular member meridia as terminal meridia run, there can e.g. in analogy to deflect the conductor 1 and Figure 2 on the inner equator the figfig.. at the edge of the cut are deflected there in picture meridian: incoming conductor as the meridian at 130, 131 or the inner as 180, 181, 185 may in particular be deflected downwardly or inwardly, e.g. therewith under the sensor structure and/or greatly diminish the bent or folded, annularly along the meridian and finally continue in particular by a joint on the inner equator of the ring body for spoke towards run processor. This is only a minimum space required in the actual sensor surface: a rebate on the rebate on the equator a meridia and smaller. The inner conductor as 180, 181, 185 173 on the support in the direction of the meridian may also be deflected and guided close.

[0065] Similarly for the incoming conductor 130 as the terminal meridia, 131 or in the conductor as figfig. 4 430, 431 and 435: this conductor to lead out, a deflection curve can already on the substrate 171 or in particular in the direction of the meridian annulus about 90° 440 take place, then continue so annularly along the meridian. The carrier material with the conductors by a fold or it can change its direction around 45°. Or it can be made contacts with other conductors, then run along the meridian.

[0066] To be ideally said leads in relation to the sensor surface inwardly guided, before deformation by step or annular body before the mounting of the whole sensor be guided downward. This happens in particular, under the lower layers of the sensor assembly are folded by, in particular by a pleat to 180° at the edge, then the meridian annulus corresponds to the end. The facilitates preparation of film, the film, textile, fabric or the like. Otherwise here are useful e.g. by contacts.

[0067]Aslight increase in the thickness of the entire assembly to the terminal meridia may in particular be compensated by a corresponding slight recess in the steering wheel blank. - Or the carrier material with the rolled or folded into a cavity of the multiple leads is e.g. steering wheel blank, the e.g. extends annularly along a meridian.

[0068] All this concerns also the leads 4 and 5 as figfig. figfig. into corresponding to 480, 481 or 580, 581 and the incoming conductor as 530.531, accordingly on the substrate 470 or 573. Here still can optionally be placed between each shield planes.