Steering wheel for motor vehicles

• US 7,414,520 B2
• Filed: 10/04/2005
• Issued: 08/19/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/04/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Germany GmbH (Ningbo Junsheng Investment Group Co., Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
• Inventors: Meiβner, Dirk
• Primary Examiner(s): Pope; Daryl C
• Application Number:
  US11/243,505
• Publication Number:
  US 20060070795A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,050 Days
• Field of Search: 340/426.31, 340/438, 340/425.5, 340/457, 116/28.R, 116/31, 116/36
• US Class Current: 340/438
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/782 on the steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/782 on the steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/60 Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles arrangements of lighting devices on dashboards B60Q3/10
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/00 Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00 , e.g. haptic signalling
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0264 for control means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/001 Vehicle control means, e.g. steering-wheel or column
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/046 Adaptations on rotatable parts of the steering wheel for accommodation of switches
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/06 Rims, e.g. with heating means; Rim covers B62D1/11 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 15/029 Steering assistants using warnings or proposing actions to the driver without influencing the steering system
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/265 constructional aspects of navigation devices, e.g. housings, mountings, displays G01C21/3688 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3632 Guidance using simplified or iconic instructions, e.g. using arrows G01C21/365 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3652 Guidance using non-audiovisual output, e.g. tactile, haptic or electric stimuli
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3661 Guidance output on an external device, e.g. car radio
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3688 Systems comprising multiple parts or multiple output devices (not client-server), e.g. detachable faceplates, key fobs or multiple output screens
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/166 for active traffic, e.g. moving vehicles, pedestrians, bikes

Abstract

A steering wheel for motor vehicles is disclosed. The aim of the steering wheel is to supply information from a driver guidance system or a driver assistance system to a driver in such a way that said information is easily received and that the driver can also input information for said systems or for a telephone, without having to divert his or her attention from the traffic. To achieve this, the steering wheel is configured as a communication interface for the driver.

Claims

1. A steering wheel for motor vehicles having a driver guidance system with the steering wheel including an outer rim, a central hub, and spokes interconnecting the rim and the hub, wherein the steering wheel is embodied as a communications interface for the driver, characterized in that arrows or moving points are provided as display elements of the driver guidance system on the steering wheel rim for the recommended direction of travel as determined by the driver guidance system.

2. The steering wheel as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the display elements are light elements, and warning functions can be represented by changing colors and/or radiation intensity of the light elements and/or by flashing the light elements.

3. The steering wheel as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that switches are provided on the steering wheel for inputting information for a navigation or telephone system and having the information displayed.

4. A steering wheel for motor vehicles, wherein the steering wheel is embodied as a communications interface for the driver, characterized in that arrows or moving points are provided as display elements for the recommended direction of travel for a driver guidance system and in that the arrows or points can be actuated as a function of distance from a location of change in the direction of travel in such a way that they light up to different degrees or have different colors.

5. A steering wheel for motor vehicles, wherein the steering wheel is embodied as a communications interface for the driver, characterized in that arrows or moving points are provided as display elements for the recommended direction of travel for a driver guidance system and in that when a location of change in the direction of travel is reached the arrows or points are actuated in such a way that they flash.

6. A steering wheel for motor vehicles, wherein the steering wheel is embodied as a communications interface for the driver, characterized in that arrows or moving points are provided as display elements for the recommended direction of travel for a driver guidance system and in that the arrows or points change color from green to red when a location of change in the direction of travel is approached.

7. A steering wheel for motor vehicles, wherein the steering wheel is embodied as a communications interface for the driver, characterized in that arrows or moving points are provided as display elements for the recommended direction of travel for a driver guidance system and in that color elements which correspond to traffic lights are provided for displaying traffic light information.

8. The steering wheel as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that a numerical display in the steering wheel which indicates a period of time until the traffic light display changes next is provided.