DE102007005869A1 - Hands-free kit for mobile telephone, has microphone connected with electrical communication device, and housing including fastening device for detachable connection with steering wheel ring of motor vehicle steering wheel - Google Patents

Abstract

The kit (10) has a housing (12) and an electrical communication device for communication with a mobile telephone, where the communication device is arranged in the housing. A microphone is connected with the communication device. The housing includes a fastening device (22) for detachable connection with a steering wheel ring (14) of a motor vehicle steering wheel. Operating devices (16) of the housing operate the kit and are laterally arranged at radially inwardly pointing side of the housing with respect to the steering wheel ring.

Description

The Invention relates to a hands-free system for a mobile telephone, with which it is possible, for example, a motorist to call with his mobile phone without his hands to take from the wheel of his motor vehicle.

It are known for handsets for mobile phones in the Interior of a motor vehicle are fastened. Such hands-free systems are partially fixed in places that are clearly removed by the driver are, not least because of the distance and the at Driving occurring background noise the intelligibility is impaired when making a call. For clarity it is possible to improve the telephone conversation when making a call closer to the driver to attach. However leads the proximity of the hands-free kit to the driver at the operation of the motor vehicle due to the way in the way Handsfree is hampered and / or in his view of the Road is impaired. Operating and visual disabilities arise in particular by connected to the speakerphone flexible microphones and power supply cables. Thus, due to the Operating and visual obstructions in such hands-free kits the risk of accidents increased.

Out DE 20 2004 014 643 a hands-free system is known, which is integrated in a rearview mirror of the motor vehicle. The microphone and the power supply cable of the hands-free kit are also integrated in the rearview mirror, the power supply cables run through a bracket of the rearview mirror in the roof of the vehicle and from there to a car battery.

Furthermore, it is off DE 10 2004 007 253 B3 known to integrate a hands-free system in a arranged within a steering wheel ring central region of a motor vehicle steering wheel. The operation of the hands-free system is carried out via buttons that are embedded in the central area and / or the steering wheel ring. The power supply and communication with the mobile phone takes place here within the steering wheel.

adversely in such a hands-free kit is that the geometry of the Motor vehicle clearly has to be adapted to the hands-free system, to enable the functionality of the hands-free kit. This increases the development and design effort in the Concept of the motor vehicle and thereby leads to higher Costs with low flexibility in functionality the handsfree system.

task The invention is a hands-free kit for a mobile phone to create that without significantly increasing the risk of accidents a good intelligibility when making calls possible and can be easily integrated into a motor vehicle.

The The object is achieved by the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are in the subclaims specified.

The inventive handsfree for a Mobile phone has a housing in which an electrical Communication device for communication with the mobile phone is arranged. In particular, with the communication device inside the case a microphone connected via the For example, a voice dial a telephone number can. According to the invention, the housing a fastening device for releasable connection with a steering wheel ring of a motor vehicle steering wheel.

There the hands-free system according to the invention with the help the specially adapted fastening device as a whole to the Motor vehicle steering wheel can be attached, there is the speakerphone at a position that is particularly close to the speech direction of the Driver lies. A good understanding when telephoning is guaranteed. Furthermore, there is the hands-free system in a position where it does not obstruct the driver's view, so that a significant increase in the risk of accidents is not occurs. The probability that the handsfree system the Disturbing driver when driving is, especially when the handsfree on the inside of the steering ring preferably on the straight ahead highest point is arranged extremely low. Because all elements of the hands-free kit in one common component, the hands-free kit can be easily integrated into the motor vehicle without it being necessary is in the motor vehicle special arrangements for the integration of To provide a hands-free system. Instead, the speakerphone Quickly installed if necessary with the help of the fastening device and / or expanded. This allows the hands-free kit independent for several different vehicles to use of the motor vehicle type.

Preferably, the housing and / or the fastening device are adapted to the contour of the steering wheel ring. For example, the housing in which the communication device and the microphone are arranged according to the curvature of the steering wheel ring arcuately designed to fit into the design of the steering wheel and clench as possible without gap between the steering wheel ring and the housing to the steering wheel ring. The housing and / or the Be fastening device can, in particular in the mounted state, that is, when the speakerphone is connected via the fastening device with the steering wheel ring, engage in finger recesses of the steering wheel ring. Since the finger depressions are usually arranged on the entire circumference of the steering wheel ring to allow the fingers of the driver's hand a defined grip and improved grip, the speakerphone can be connected in almost any angular position with the steering wheel. Due to the at least partially engaging the components of the hands-free system in the finger recesses, the stability of the connection of the hands-free kit is improved with the steering wheel ring, since slippage of the hands-free system is avoided in the circumferential direction.

Especially Preferably, the housing has operating elements for operation the hands-free kit, such as buttons, toggle switches, touch-sensitive Surfaces, etc., which are essentially laterally on the housing are arranged. Since the controls are not attached to the Reference to the steering wheel ring in the substantially radially extending front and back, but at the point between the front and the back with these connected side surfaces can be arranged through the front and / or the back provided space for other functional elements of the hands-free kit, such as a display or speaker outputs, be used. The hands-free system can therefore be particularly small and be designed compact. At least are particularly preferred a part of the controls on the relative to the steering wheel ring arranged radially inwardly facing side of the housing. The direction of force when operating the controls points in this case on the radially inward-facing side of the steering wheel ring, allowing a bending and / or torque, resulting in a twisting of the hands-free kit could be avoided.

Preferably is the communication device of an integrated energy unit, which can operate independently of other energy sources, supplied with electrical energy. By the energy unit, the preferably a battery, in particular a rechargeable battery (Battery), the power supply of the speakerphone is independent from an external power source such as a car battery a motor vehicle, and thereby energetically autonomous. A cable network, that relocated to the source of energy by the means of transportation must be and for their laying in the body of the Means of transport required for this space and an appropriate infrastructure must be provided is not required.

Preferably are the energy unit and / or the communication device in Speech or sight of a driver at the back of the Housing arranged, reducing the range of motion of the driver is not unnecessarily restricted. Furthermore, will This saves space in the front or in the circumferential direction, the otherwise, for example, by detachable or insoluble electronic accessories connected to the housing can be used. For example, in the handsfree kit a navigation system and / or a positioning system such as z. B. GPS can be integrated.

Preferably has the hands-free system according to the invention a Electrical connection, for example a connection socket, on, over which are connected to an external electrical energy source can. This makes it possible in principle the handsfree system without the integrated energy unit, for example, only one over a car cigarette lighter connected car battery operate. However, particularly preferred is the electrical connection the battery is charged. This can also be while driving z. B. with the help of a connected car battery or in removed state when the speakerphone, for example, to a conventional power grid is connected.

The Communication of the communication device of the hands-free kit with the mobile phone is preferably wireless, in particular by radio, such as via Bluetooth. This will be disturbing cables avoided. The communication device can be connected to a speaker to make sounds, in particular language, to deliver. Additionally or alternatively can be provided that the communication device with a external sound system having a speaker, preferably communicates wirelessly, for example, via the A2DP standard. This allows existing infrastructure to be used to improve the sound quality to improve. For example, in a call the received Talk of the telephone partner over the loudspeaker a car radio and / or a CD player. For this For example, a telephone call will be received by the car radio RF signal output from the communication unit, and from the car radio on a particular particular predefined frequency as FM radio signal receive. In particular, if at the same time the noise the car radio and / or the CD player at least quieter regulated be reduced, noise is reduced and the telephone comfort improved.

Preferably, a data port, e.g. As a USB port, plug-in card port o. Ä., Provided over the data with the electronic devices of the speakerphone can be replaced. This allows communication data Onseinrichtung, such as. As incoming and outgoing phone numbers, or the navigation system, such. B. driven route to be read. Furthermore, it is possible to enter data into the hands-free system, for example to supply the navigation system with additional map material or to set up new software for the communication device. For example, by simply inserting a small USB stick, a software specially adapted to the mobile phone used can be installed so that the hands-free installation can be quickly adapted to different users with different mobile phones without installation effort.

Preferably has the speakerphone integrated into the housing Display for the electronic presentation of information. This can For example, the time, the date and similar general Data is displayed. Particularly preferred are on the display Data displayed by a possibly provided navigation system be issued with positioning system or on the Display of the mobile phone appear, such. Name and / or phone number an incoming call. Depending on the positioning of the hands-free kit In relation to the steering wheel ring, the display can be software-based to be turned around. If the handsfree instead of at the geodesic highest point of the steering wheel ring on the opposite the lowest point of the steering wheel ring is attached, the representation can be turned 180 ° in the display. Especially preferred The hands-free system automatically detects their position in relation to each other to the direction of gravity, so that even with steering wheel movements the presentation always the same in the display.

The Display is in particular a backlit full display, the color of which is preferably adjustable. In particular, it can at least fourteen characters, that is letters, numbers, Show special characters, graphics, etc., with several rows may be provided to represent characters that can each represent the appropriate number of characters. Thereby For example, it is possible to display SMS or photos. Additionally or alternatively, the display can be opened be. It is thus possible the display first For example, to protect against contamination or damage hide under a lid and come to the fore when needed allow. Further, in the lid additional Controls are provided to, for example, a keyboard to provide with the letters of the alphabet.

The Fastening device with which the hands-free kit with the steering wheel ring can be connected, for example, can be configured such that the fastening device comparable to a clip on the Steering wheel ring can be clipped. The fastening device can surround the steering wheel ring in an angular range of> 180 °, in particular> 190 °, preferably> 220 °, particularly preferably> 270 °. The attachment device may also substantially completely complete the steering wheel ring encompass by the fastening device, for example, a Has band that can wrap around the steering rim ring. The fastening device can in particular be designed in several pieces in order to the interaction of the individual parts a comfortable and at the same time to achieve secure attachment. Particularly preferred is the fastening device detachable, for example via a clip connection connected to the hands-free kit, so that the fastening device designed as a separate additional component which may be specific to particular types of steering wheel and / or different handsfree generations can be adjusted.

In a preferred embodiment, the fastening device a locking device. With the help of the locking device can Holding element, which rests in the mounted state on the steering wheel ring, be locked in different positions. The holding element can for example, moved in relation to the steering wheel ring in the radial direction be locked in several intermediate positions. Thereby It is possible regardless of the diameter of the steering wheel ring the hands-free system with the fastening device to attach to the steering wheel ring. Particularly preferred is at the Retaining element and / or on a holding element opposite Side of the housing in the mounted state to the steering wheel ring pointing elastic, in particular rubber-elastic contact element intended. The abutment element may become stuck when attaching the fastening device deform something, so that the retaining element of the locking device can be locked in a position in which a particularly high Holding force is exerted on the steering wheel ring. additionally or alternatively, the retaining element with a retaining force be biased by the holding element, for example, by a Spring is biased. This allows the holding force in the assembled Condition can be increased additionally.

following the invention will be with reference to the accompanying drawings explained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments.

It demonstrate:

1 a schematic front view of an assembled inventive hands-free kit in a first embodiment,

2 a perspective schematic front view of the speakerphone from 1 .

3 a schematic front view of the mounted inventive hands-free kit in a second embodiment,

4 a perspective schematic front view of the speakerphone from 3 .

5 a schematic front view of the mounted inventive hands-free kit in a third embodiment,

6 a perspective schematic front view of the speakerphone from 5 .

7 a schematic front view of the mounted inventive hands-free kit in a fourth embodiment,

8th a perspective schematic front view of the speakerphone from 7 .

9 a schematic front view of the mounted inventive hands-free kit in a fifth embodiment,

10 a perspective schematic front view of the speakerphone from 9 .

11 a schematic front view of the mounted inventive hands-free kit in a sixth embodiment,

12 a perspective schematic front view of the speakerphone from 11 .

13 a schematic front view of the mounted inventive hands-free kit in a seventh embodiment,

14 a perspective schematic front view of the speakerphone from 13 and

15 a schematic front view of a connected with a speakerphone attachment device.

At the in 1 illustrated hands-free system according to the invention 10 is a housing 12 such to a steering wheel ring 14 adapted to a motor vehicle handlebar that the radially outwardly facing contour of the housing 12 the curvature of the radially inwardly facing contour of the steering wheel ring 14 follows. At the front of the hands-free kit 10 are several controls designed as buttons 16 provided with which the functions of the hands-free kit 10 can be perceived. Furthermore, at the front openings 18 provided behind which a microphone and / or a speaker can be arranged. To be able to read the called or calling telephone number and / or subscriber names is in the housing 12 a display 20 intended. In the illustrated embodiment, the display 20 additionally from a transparent fastening device 22 protected, with the help of which the housing 12 the handsfree system 10 safely to the steering wheel ring 14 is clipped. The housing 12 lies essentially without gaps on the steering wheel ring 14 because of the housing 12 not just the curvature of the steering wheel ring 14 follows, but also in the circumferential direction of the steering wheel ring 14 contoured so that the housing 12 on the steering wheel ring 14 is present ( 2 ).

At the in 3 illustrated embodiment of the speakerphone 10 is the attachment device 22 integral with the housing 12 connected. The fastening device 22 surrounds the steering wheel ring 14 in the circumferential direction in an angular range of well over 190 ° ( 4 ).

In the 5 illustrated car kit 10 has a fastening device 22 on that the steering wheel ring 14 partially encircled from behind. The controls 16 are arranged laterally in the illustrated embodiment ( 6 ), so that when operating the controls 16 the housing 12 the handsfree system 10 in addition against the steering wheel ring 14 is pressed, causing slippage of the housing 12 on the steering wheel ring 14 is avoided.

Compared to the in 5 and 6 illustrated car kit 10 has the in 7 and 8th illustrated hands-free system a significantly wider running fastening device 22 on, whose contour in particular to the curvature of the steering wheel ring 14 is adjusted. Due to the relatively large contact area between the fastening device 22 or housing 12 with the steering wheel ring 14 results in a correspondingly large friction and thus an increased holding force, the slipping of the hands-free kit 10 on the steering wheel ring 14 prevented.

At the in 9 illustrated car kit 10 shows the display 20 more than one line to display information. For example, both a telephone number and a corresponding name can be displayed. The data required for this can be the hands-free kit 10 via a communication device, not shown in particular wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth from one of the hands-free kit 10 procure assigned mobile phone. Furthermore, it is possible in principle, the controls 16 both on the front of the case 12 ( 9 ) as well as on the different side surfaces of the Ge häuses 12 ( 10 ).

At the in 11 illustrated embodiment of the hands-free kit 10 has the fastening device 22 two arms separated from each other 24 on that the steering wheel ring 14 each encompass at least partially. As a result, a stable attachment is achieved with relatively little use of material. It is also possible via an electrical connection 26 To connect an external power source, for example, in the housing 12 to charge arranged batteries for the power supply of the communication device ( 12 ). In particular, it is possible via a USB port 28 For example, connect a USB stick, for example, stored on the USB stick music via the speakerphone 10 play.

In the 13 illustrated car kit 10 has a lid 30 closed display 20 on. In unfolded state ( 14 ), the usable space of the speakerphone is significantly increased. When the speakerphone 10 or at least the display 20 is not required, the space requirement of the hands-free kit 10 relatively small. Only in case of need, especially a lot of space can be made available, for example, particularly many controls 16 provided. For example, in the lid 30 additional controls 16 be arranged to operate a CD player, a car radio, etc. or multiple letter keys, for example, for writing SMS.

The fastening device 22 can be a holding element 32 have that via locking elements 34 with the housing 12 the handsfree system 10 can be locked. To release the lock is a button 36 provided by the driver to remove the hands-free kit 10 from the steering wheel ring 14 can be pressed. For attaching the hands-free kit 10 with the steering wheel ring 14 the driver can the holding element 32 on the steering wheel ring 14 to press, with the locking elements 34 in this case can pass through several locking positions. When the locking elements 34 in the maximum possible insertion depth is the hands-free system 10 both positive and frictional with the steering wheel ring 14 connected.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 202004014643 [0003]
• - DE 102004007253 B3 [0004]

Claims (17)

Hands-free kit for a mobile phone, with a housing ( 12 ), one in the housing ( 12 ) arranged electrical communication device for communication with the mobile phone and a microphone connected to the communication device, characterized in that the housing ( 12 ) a fastening device ( 22 ) for detachable connection with a steering wheel ring ( 14 ) of a motor vehicle steering wheel. Hands-free kit according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing ( 12 ) and / or the fastening device ( 22 ) to the contour of the steering wheel ring ( 14 ) is at least partially adapted, the housing ( 12 ) in particular to the radially inwardly facing contour of the steering wheel ring ( 14 ) is adjusted. Hands-free system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing ( 12 ) is at least partially configured such that the housing ( 12 ) and / or the fastening device ( 22 ) in the mounted state in finger recesses of the steering wheel ring ( 14 ) intervene. Hands-free system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the housing ( 12 ) Control elements ( 16 ) for operating the hands-free kit ( 10 ), wherein the operating elements ( 16 ) substantially laterally, in particular at the relative to the steering wheel ring ( 14 ) radially inwardly facing side of the housing ( 12 ), on the housing ( 12 ) are arranged. Hands-free system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fastening device ( 22 ) is configured such that in the assembled state, the fastening device ( 22 ) the steering wheel ring ( 14 ) in an angular range of> 180 °, in particular> 190 °, preferably> 220 °, particularly preferably> 270 °. Hands-free system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fastening device ( 22 ) is configured in several pieces and in the assembled state the steering wheel ring ( 14 ) substantially completely encompasses. Hands-free system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fastening device ( 22 ) at least one latching device ( 34 . 36 ) to a in the mounted state on the steering wheel ring ( 14 ) adjoining retaining element ( 32 ) in different positions, in particular in the radial direction to the steering wheel ring ( 14 ) are intended to lock. Hands-free system according to claim 7, characterized in that on the holding element ( 32 ) and / or on a holding element ( 32 ) opposite side of the hands-free kit ( 10 ) An elastic, in particular rubber-elastic contact element is arranged. Hands-free system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the fastening device ( 22 ) in the mounted state on the steering wheel ring ( 14 ) adjoining retaining element ( 32 ), wherein the retaining element ( 32 ) is biased with a retention force. Hands-free system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the communication device from one in the hands-free kit ( 10 ) Integrated energy unit is supplied with electrical energy, wherein the energy unit in particular a battery, preferably a battery. Hands-free system according to claim 10, characterized by an electrical connection ( 26 ) for connecting an external electrical energy source for operating the communication device and / or for charging the energy unit, in particular the battery. Hands-free system according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the communication device wirelessly with the mobile phone, in particular by radio, preferably via Bluetooth communicates. Hands-free system according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the communication device is configured such that the communication device for Output of noise with an external speaker having sound system, in particular a car radio and / or a CD player can communicate in particular via A2DP. Hands-free system according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that in the hands-free kit ( 10 ) A positioning system, in particular GPS, is integrated. Hands-free system according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized by a display (in particular hinged) ( 20 ) for displaying information, wherein the display ( 20 ) communicates in particular with the mobile telephone and / or the positioning system and the display ( 20 ) is preferably configured as a color-adjustable backlit full display for displaying at least fourteen characters per row. Hands-free system according to one of the claims 1 to 15 characterized by a data connection, in particular USB connection ( 28 ), for reading and / or reading data, in particular for operating the communication device and / or an integrated additional system. Motor vehicle steering wheel for controlling a motor vehicle, having a substantially annular ring ( 14 ), one with the steering wheel ring ( 14 ) connected central area for mounting with a handlebar and one with the steering wheel ring ( 14 ) connected handsfree ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the hands-free kit ( 10 ) substantially at the highest point of the steering wheel ring when driving straight ahead ( 14 ) substantially within the steering wheel ring ( 14 ) is arranged.