DE102008023889A1 - Steering wheel for vehicle, has steering wheel rim which is partially arranged around steering wheel hub for gripping steering wheel, and multiple steering wheel spokes connect steering wheel rim and steering wheel hub - Google Patents

Abstract

The steering wheel (1) has a steering wheel hub (2) and a steering wheel rim (3) which is partially arranged around the steering wheel hub for gripping the steering wheel. Multiple steering wheel spokes (4b,4c) connect the steering wheel rim and the steering wheel hub, where the steering wheel spoke comprises a force-transmitting spoke. A particularly metallic supporting structure (6) extends through the steering wheel rim, the steering wheel hub and the force-transmitting steering wheel spoke.

Description

The The present invention relates to a steering wheel for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, with a steering wheel hub and one at least partially arranged around this steering wheel hub around Steering wheel rim for gripping the steering wheel and applying forces such as in particular steering forces or holding forces. A steering wheel of the type in question has at least one force-transmitting Steering wheel spoke, connecting between the steering wheel rim and the steering wheel hub is arranged.

today Steering wheels of the type in question often metallic skeleton or skeleton on, the of a Plastic material is foamed. A good compromise between weight on the one hand and stability on To reach the other side, are individual elements of the framework often designed with different stiffness or strength, depending on whether in the area or section concerned a high Stability or only a lower stability is required. This is often a desired Deformability of the shoring in the event of an accident (Crash) takes into account serious injury to the driver to avoid.

An optimized support frame for a steering wheel, taking into account the above aspects is, for example, from the EP 1 000 835 A2 known.

task The invention is a steering wheel of the type in question, in particular in terms of weight and risk of injury in a crash, to improve. In addition, the steering wheel should also future stylistic requirements can do justice.

These The object is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments are the subject the dependent claims.

According to the invention provided that the steering wheel has a plurality of steering wheel spokes, each connecting the steering wheel rim and the steering wheel hub, wherein this plurality of steering wheel spokes at least one force-transmitting Steering wheel spoke and at least one power moderately essentially decoupled steering wheel spoke comprises. This means that the number of force-transmitting steering wheel spokes less than the total number of steering wheel spokes.

Of the Concept steering wheel spoke in the sense of this invention includes any Steering wheel element, which with both the steering wheel rim and with the steering wheel hub is connected. For example, the steering wheel hub be extended and up to the steering wheel rim come close to what in the sense of this invention also as - then Integrally formed with the steering wheel hub - steering wheel spoke is to be understood.

Under a substantially decoupled in terms of strength Steering wheel spoke is a steering wheel spoke of the previously described Understood type, by means of only lower, preferably low forces be transferred from the steering wheel hub to the steering wheel rim can. Preferably, a force transfers decoupled steering wheel spoke less than 30%, preferably less than 20% and more preferably less than 15% of the forces of a force-transmitting steering wheel spoke.

personnel of the type concerned are, in particular, steering forces applied by the driver, restoring forces applied by the steering, holding forces applied by the driver, and accident forces, in particular impact or impact forces. A vigorous decoupled steering wheel spoke according to the present invention transmits So, preferably due to their structure such as cross section, area moment of inertia or the like, their material and / or their, preferably articulated, Linkage to steering wheel hub and / or rim, lower tractive forces, Torsional forces, torsional moments and / or bending moments.

A in terms of power decoupled steering wheel spoke allows a high flexibility of the steering wheel rim in the area of this steering wheel spoke, which in particular for the case is relevant if the driver accidentally with the upper body and in particular the breast hits the rim of the steering wheel. By the steering wheel according to the invention, the Here on the human body acting loads and here in particular the breast penetration partially significant be reduced.

Further advantages of the steering wheel according to the invention may lie in a reduced weight or an improved mass moment of inertia. It is preferably provided that the steering wheel according to the invention has a support frame or skeleton. This is preferably a metallic support framework. This support framework extends at least partially through the steering wheel rim, the steering wheel hub and the force-transmitting steering wheel spoke. The power-decoupled steering wheel spoke is preferably an element different from this support frame.

Farther it is preferred that the support framework, at least partially by a plastic material such as in particular Polyetwethanschaum (PU), is foamed and the vigorous decoupled steering wheel spoke on its inner, the steering wheel hub facing End and / or its outer, the steering wheel rim facing end cohesively, at least with a part this foam, connected. Such a cohesive Connection can be made, for example, during the Production by a simultaneous formation of the foam with the power decoupled steering wheel spoke to reach.

According to one preferred training is provided that the strength decoupled steering wheel spoke at least one reinforcing element or Includes stiffening element. This reinforcing element is in particular formed from a metal and / or a plastic material and preferably foamed. As a foam material In particular, the same foam material is suitable as for the shoring.

Farther is preferably provided that the steering wheel rim and / or the steering wheel hub or in this steering wheel elements extending support frame in the field of attachment of a moderate decoupled steering wheel spoke has at least one positive locking element. This form-fitting element may, for example, a thorn, a claw, a support or the like, which in the material of the power decoupled steering wheel spoke engages or on the latter in terms of power decoupled steering wheel spoke on and / or rests. Leave it a permanent and stable position of the force ensure decoupled steering wheel spoke in the steering wheel and at the same time define a preferred avoidance direction in the event of a crash.

To An advantageous development is provided that the force-transmitting Steering wheel spoke stiffer, in particular tensile, torsional and / or bending resistant, and / or stronger, in particular with a higher elastic limit, Elongation at break or the like, as the force decoupled steering wheel spoke is formed. It is also preferable that the power decoupled steering wheel spoke tensile, torsins and / or bending elastic is formed.

According to one advantageous embodiment, the steering wheel rim of the invention Steering wheel attached to two power-transmitting steering wheel spokes. Set the attachment points formed by the attachment then one, preferably substantially rigid, pivotal mounting for the steering wheel rim, which the already described above compliance support the steering wheel rim, especially if the Driver accidentally with the upper body on the steering wheel rim incident.

Especially is provided that the steering wheel according to the invention is designed as a 3-spoke steering wheel, of which two force-transmitting are and a decoupled is. The power transmitting steering wheel spokes are preferred essentially at 3 o'clock (270 °) and 9 o'clock (90 °) arranged. The decoupled power Steering wheel spoke is preferably substantially at 6 o'clock (180 °) arranged (the degrees refer to a connecting line between the center of the steering wheel rim and the top of the steering wheel rim in a front view and neutral position). All Information should be understood as approximate data. So can the power transmitting steering wheel spokes, for example, too be at 2 o'clock and 10 o'clock or 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock and arranged.

In This case results in a particularly advantageous mass moment of inertia for the steering wheel according to the invention as well an improved weight distribution.

Prefers is in the steering wheel hub of the steering wheel according to the invention an airbag arranged.

The Invention will be described below in connection with the figures preferred embodiments explained in more detail. They show, partially schematized:

1 an embodiment of a steering wheel according to the invention in front view;

2 : the steering wheel of 1 with partially exposed support body in perspective view;

3 a section through the steering wheel according to the invention in a perspective view; and

4 : the cut of the 3 in another view and in a detail drawing.

The 1 shows an embodiment of the steering wheel according to the invention in a front view. The representation corresponds to the driver's view of the visible side (front side) of the steering wheel. The steering wheel shown is in a neutral position.

The steering wheel 1 includes a central steering wheel hub 2 coming from a circular steering wheel rim 3 is surrounded. The attachment of the steering wheel rim 3 takes place via three steering wheel spokes 4a . 4b and 4c , which are located at 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock. The middle or lower steering wheel spoke 4b is like an extension of the steering wheel hub 2 to the wheel rim 3 educated. In the steering wheel hub 2 is an airbag housed. In the right and the left steering wheel spoke 4a and 4c In addition, various controls are arranged.

The 2 shows the steering wheel according to the invention 1 in a perspective view, wherein in the right half of the steering wheel (all directions refer to the front view of the 1 ) the metallic support framework 6 is exposed from the foam. All forces occurring in the steering wheel, such as, in particular, steering forces, restoring forces, holding forces, bending moments, torsional forces, torsional moments and accident forces, are transmitted by the metallic supporting framework 6 recorded and forwarded. To the support frame 6 include a metal ring 61 for the steering wheel rim 3 , a plate-like metallic body 62 for the steering wheel hub 2 and two metal struts 63 which the basic body 62 and the metal ring 61 connect, for the steering wheel spokes 4a and 4c (shown is only the right metal strut 63 ). These individual elements of the metal truss 6 can be bolted together, riveted, welded, soldered and / or glued. Also a prototype of the metallic framework 6 is possible.

The lower strut 4b is essentially by the plastic material of the foam and without a metal strut 63 holding the metal ring 61 and the main body 62 connects, educated. The lower steering wheel spoke 4b serves primarily stylistic purposes. It is essentially not intended for power transmission. Essentially means here, of course, low forces also on this steering wheel spoke 4b are transferable, however, against the forces generated by the metal struts 41 be transferred, are low and, for example, less than 15% thereof. This allows the lower steering wheel spoke 4b be referred to as decoupled in terms of power, with the decoupling force on the support frame 6 refers.

The lower steering wheel spoke 4b serves primarily stylistic purposes, but can also have a practical function and, for example, serve as installation space for functional elements or as a hand rest while driving.

In the area of the lower steering wheel spoke 4b Both the metal ring 61 as well as the basic body 62 so-called positive locking elements 65 and 64 on, which are formed here as spines and aligned with each other substantially. These positive locking elements 64 and 65 engage in the plastic material of the lower steering wheel spoke 4b and create a positive connection. In addition, they provide additional surfaces on which the lower steering wheel spoke 4b plastic material can adhere better.

The 3 shows a section through the steering wheel according to the invention 1 , which is essentially the cutting AA in the 2 equivalent. From the stretcher 6 here is only the metal ring 61 in the steering wheel rim 3 to recognize. The metal ring 61 has a foam 31 on. The foam 31 goes in the lower section of the steering wheel rim 3 seamless in the lower or middle steering wheel spoke 4b over, which as an extension of the steering wheel hub 2 is executed. This will be explained in more detail below.

On the visible side of the steering wheel 1 is the transition area between the lower steering wheel rim 3 and the lower or middle strut 4b on the visible side of a panel 7 covered, extending down to the area of the left steering wheel spoke 4c extends (and also in the area of the right steering wheel spoke 4a ). The foam around the steering wheel hub 2 is formed as a cavity in which an airbag can be arranged.

The 4a shows the cut of the 3 in a different view. The left side of the in 4a shown steering wheel 1 corresponds to the lower section in which also the lower and middle steering wheel spoke 4b located. In this illustration, it is easy to see that the foam around 31 of the metal ring 61 seamless in the lower or middle steering wheel spoke 4b passes, ie the foam 31 and the lower or middle steering wheel spoke 4b are cohesively connected to each other. Likewise, the lower steering wheel spoke 4b cohesively with the foam around the steering wheel hub 2 connected. In particular, it is provided that the lower steering wheel spoke 4b in the manufacturing process at the same time as the foaming of the metal framework 6 is trained.

The transition area between the lower steering wheel rim 3 and the lower steering wheel spoke 4b show the 4b in an enlarged view. Here it can be seen that the foam around 31 of the metal ring 61 cohesively in the lower steering wheel spoke 4b passes. The transition of the steering wheel rim foaming 31 in the lower steering wheel spoke 4b is at the point 8th designed hinge or articulated. This hinge-like configuration supports a tilting or pivoting movement of the steering wheel rim 3 relative to the steering wheel hub 2 , which causes, for example, in an accident lower injuries to the driver. The properties of the hinge-like transition 8th are determined in particular by the plastic material used for the foam, the material thickness in this area and the geometric design. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 1 steering wheel 2 steering wheel hub 3 steering wheel rim 31 Foaming, foaming 4a . 4c force-transmitting steering wheel spoke 4b in terms of power decoupled steering wheel spoke 6 Shoring, metallic shoring 61 Ring, metal ring 62 Basic body, metallic body 63 Strut, metal strut 64 Positive locking element, mandrel 65 Positive locking element, mandrel 7 cover 8th Hinge, hinged transition

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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Cited patent literature

• - EP 1000835 A2 [0003]

Claims (11)

Steering wheel ( 1 ) for a motor vehicle with a steering wheel hub ( 2 ), at least partially around this steering wheel hub ( 2 ) arranged around steering wheel rim ( 3 ) for gripping the steering wheel ( 1 ) and for applying forces, and a plurality of respective steering wheel rim ( 3 ) and steering wheel hub ( 2 ) connecting steering wheel spokes ( 4a . 4b . 4c ), wherein the plurality of steering wheel spokes ( 4a . 4b . 4c ) at least one force-transmitting steering wheel spoke ( 4a . 4c ), characterized in that the plurality of steering wheel spokes at least one steering wheel spoke ( 4b ) which is substantially decoupled in terms of strength. Steering wheel ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the steering wheel ( 1 ), in particular metallic support framework ( 6 ), which extends through the steering wheel rim ( 3 ), the steering wheel hub ( 2 ) and the at least one force-transmitting steering wheel spoke ( 4a . 4c ), wherein the at least one power-decoupled steering wheel spoke ( 4b ) one of this support framework ( 6 ) is different element. Steering wheel ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the supporting framework ( 6 ) is at least partially foamed, and that at least one decoupled power steering wheel spoke ( 4b ) on its inner, the steering wheel hub ( 2 ) facing the end and / or its outer the steering wheel rim ( 3 ) facing end is materially connected to a portion of the foam. Steering wheel ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one power-decoupled steering wheel spoke ( 4b ) has at least one, in particular foamed, reinforcing element, which is formed in particular of metal and / or a plastic material. Steering wheel ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering wheel rim ( 3 ) and / or the steering wheel hub ( 2 ) in the region of the attachment of a force-decoupled steering wheel spoke ( 4b ) at least one positive-locking element ( 64 . 65 ) having. Steering wheel ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one force-transmitting steering wheel spoke ( 4a . 4c ) stiffer and / or stronger than the at least one power-decoupled steering wheel spoke ( 4b ) is trained, Steering wheel ( 1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one power-decoupled steering wheel spoke ( 4b ) is formed elastically bending. Steering wheel ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering wheel rim ( 3 ) to two force-transmitting steering wheel spokes ( 4a . 4c ), which serves as a pivot bearing for the steering wheel rim ( 3 ) serve. Steering wheel ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering wheel ( 1 ) is designed as a 3-spoke steering wheel, with two power-transmitting steering wheel spokes in the 3 o'clock position ( 4a ) and 9 o'clock position ( 4c ) and the power decoupled steering wheel spoke ( 4b ) in the 6 o'clock position. Steering wheel ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one power-decoupled steering wheel spoke ( 4b ) less than 30%, preferably less than 20% and in particular less than 15% of the forces and in particular steering forces of a force-transmitting steering wheel spoke ( 4a . 4c ) transmits. Steering wheel ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an airbag which is preferably in the steering wheel hub ( 2 ) is arranged.