DE102010049987A1 - Cover for use in steering wheel center for covering driver airbag in e.g. passenger car, has strip conductors intersecting turning down line and comprising hinge and/or retention function during turning down process of coverage areas - Google Patents

Abstract

The cover (1) has a switching device (5) comprising a sensor device (7) that is designed as a capacitive proximity switch (5a) and/or a capacitive controller (5b). The sensor device is arranged in the airbag cover or integrated at the airbag cover and designed by end regions (9) of two strip conductors (8). The strip conductors intersect a turning down line (U) and comprise a hinge and/or a retention function during turning down process of coverage areas (A1, A2). The strip conductors are evenly arranged along a profile of the turning down line.

Description

The invention relates to an airbag cover for a vehicle.

Airbag covers are arranged in the region of a steering wheel in many vehicles and designed to blind a driver's airbag to a vehicle interior. Switches for activating various functions in the vehicle have hitherto mostly been arranged on a steering wheel rim or steering wheel spokes. Also, airbag covers have become known, in which such switches are integrated.

The font EP 0754 597 B1 , which is believed to constitute the closest prior art, describes an airbag housing cover assembly for an airbag module, the airbag housing cover assembly having tear lines that provide a hatch for releasing the airbag during inflation. In the area of the tear lines, a key accessible to a driver is arranged in a key opening. The button is designed to activate a function switch for operating a radio, an air conditioner, etc., when pressed by the driver. The function switch is designed as a membrane switch.

The invention has for its object to propose a functionally expanded and improved airbag cover. This object is achieved by an airbag cover with the features of claim 1. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description and / or the accompanying figures. It is proposed an airbag cover for a vehicle, in particular a car or a truck. The airbag cover is designed for covering and / or facing a driver's airbag, which is integrated in a steering wheel, preferably in a steering wheel pot of a steering assembly. Preferably, the steering assembly comprises a steering wheel rim and steering wheel spokes next to the steering wheel pot. In particular, the steering wheel pot is arranged in a center of the steering wheel rim and covered by the airbag cover and / or closed.

The airbag cover is preferably formed of a carrier material having an upper side and a lower side, the upper side in particular forming a visible side directed toward a vehicle interior. The airbag cover preferably has a tear line along which the airbag cover ruptures upon and / or after activation of the airbag and forms an opening in the airbag cover. In particular, the tear line is designed as a predetermined breaking point in the carrier material.

The airbag cover has one, two or more coverage areas. In particular, the tear line, together with a fold-over line, encloses the coverage area (s). The cover regions are adapted, in particular during the activation of the airbag, to fold over the fold-over line. Preferably, they assist and / or enlarge the opening of the airbag cover at and / or after activation by a folding process around the Umklapplinie. In particular, the airbag expands at and / or after activation by the resulting opening.

It is preferred that the airbag cover comprises an edge region. Preferably, the edge region designates the areas of the airbag cover that are not influenced by the airbag activity, in particular the areas that are not damaged during the activation of the airbag and / or released from the steering wheel well. In particular, the edge region is not arranged within the cover regions. Preferably, the edge region adjoins the cover areas along the fold-over line.

The airbag cover has at least one switching device, which is preferably designed to control vehicle-specific functions or to switch it on or off.

The switching device comprises at least one sensor device, which in particular forms an operating device and / or user interface for a user, for example a driver. Preferably, the sensor device comprises no movable and / or mechanical components. In particular, the sensor device has a low structural height, whereby it can adapt to any surface shape, in particular a curvature of the airbag cover.

The sensor device is integrated in the airbag cover or arranged on the airbag cover. Preferably, the sensor device is integrated in the carrier material of the airbag cover or attached to the carrier material. In particular, the sensor device is hidden from the user, in particular not visibly arranged on the steering assembly. It is conceivable that a marking on the upper side of the airbag cover refers to the sensor device.

Preferably, the at least one sensor device is designed to detect an approach of a conductive or non-conductive object. In particular, the at least one sensor device is designed to be activated without direct contact, in particular without contact. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device by a touch, in particular a touch the marking on the top, be activated.

The at least one sensor device is designed as at least one capacitive proximity switch and / or as at least one capacitive controller. In the following, the sensor device is referred to as the capacitive proximity switch or as the capacitive controller.

Preferably, the capacitive proximity switch is adapted to trigger an electrical switching signal in a non-contact approach of the object or at the touch of the label. In particular, an electrical device can be controlled by the electrical switching signal, in particular switched on or off.

Preferably, the capacitive controller, such as the capacitive proximity switch, actuated by the approach of the object or by the touch of the label. In particular, the user can make an adjustment of one, two, several or all vehicle-specific functions in a setting range by actuating the capacitive controller. In particular, the capacitive controller is designed to control and / or regulate a user-desired intensity or strength of the vehicle-specific functions. For example, the capacitive controller is designed to control a cruise control, a volume and / or ventilation.

Due to strict legal regulations with regard to airbag safety, the surface of the airbag cover in conventional vehicles has hitherto mostly been unused. Due to the low overall height and the absence of movable and / or mechanically operating components, the at least one sensor device allows the upper side of the airbag cover to be used as an operating device and / or user interface. Thus, in particular the vehicle-specific functions for the user on the top are operated or controlled.

Usually, switches or other controls in the conventional vehicles are usually arranged on the steering wheel rim or on the dashboard. As a result, they can often be covered by other components, difficult for the user to reach and / or ergonomically disadvantageous. Such switches or other controls can be saved and flexibility in a vehicle interior design can be increased.

The at least one sensor device is formed by end regions of at least two conductor tracks. Preferably, the end regions are arranged at a first end of the conductor tracks. In particular, the end region extends from the first end of the conductor track in a length of preferably up to 3 cm, in particular of up to 2 cm, in particular of up to 1 cm along the conductor track. Specifically, the capacitive proximity switch is formed by the end portions of two of the tracks. The capacitive regulator is preferably formed by the end regions of more than two of the conductor tracks.

The fact that the interconnects intersect the Umklapplinie, in particular extend beyond these, the interconnects have a hinge and / or retention function for the cover areas during the folding process. Preferably, the conductor tracks run from the cover regions over the fold-over line to the edge region of the airbag cover.

It is advantageous that the tracks cross the Umklapplinie or run across them. The resulting hinge and / or restraint function can reduce the risk of detachment of the cover areas along the fold-over line. Likewise, the retention function advantageously minimizes the risk of the cover areas in the vehicle interior slipping, since the cover areas are preferably held by the conductor tracks at the edge area of the airbag cover. As a result, injuries to vehicle occupants can be avoided and / or the legal requirements can be met even better.

It is also advantageous that a stability of the carrier material, especially in the Umklapplinie, can be increased. Possibly, a material thickness of the carrier material, in particular in the Umklapplinie, be reduced and costs are saved.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conductor tracks are arranged distributed uniformly along a course of the Umklapplinie. The uniform distribution of the conductor tracks when crossing the Umklapplinie advantageously supports a secure hinge and retaining function of the tracks, since the forces acting on the activation of the airbag forces can be distributed to the evenly arranged tracks. Also can be avoided by the uniform arrangement of the conductor tracks when crossing the Umklapplinie a one-sided detachment of the / Abdeckungsbereichs / e.

Alternatively or additionally, the conductor tracks intersect the folding line in an upper end region and in a lower end region, in particular in its beginning and end region. In the context of the invention is also conceivable that the conductor tracks the Cross the folding line in the upper and lower end area as well as in the middle of the fold over line. In a possible development of the invention, the conductor tracks preferably cross the folding line after a first and after a second third of the length of the folding line. In particular, the interconnects extend in a transition region from the first to the second third and in a transition region from the second to the third third of the length of the Umklapplinie across them.

A possible development according to the invention provides that the conductor tracks are formed from a flexible and / or flexible material. Preferably, the tracks adapts to the movement when folding the cover areas around the Umklapplinie. In particular, the conductor tracks are designed to fold over together with the cover areas. In particular, the conductor tracks are designed to be bent and / or kinked when folded over in the region of the folding line.

A further possible embodiment of the invention provides that the conductor tracks are formed by a wire or by a film cable. The wire or the foil cable are in particular adapted to adapt to a curvature and / or a carrier material course of the airbag cover.

It is particularly preferred that the conductor tracks are integrally connected to the airbag cover. Preferably, the conductor tracks are introduced into the carrier material of the airbag cover, in particular cast or encapsulated with the carrier material. In particular, the conductor tracks are integrated in the carrier material of the airbag cover or arranged on the underside of the airbag cover. It is conceivable that the conductor tracks are printed on the underside of the airbag cover and / or glued to it. For example, the conductor tracks on a back of a preferably insulating sticker, for. B. screen-printed, are printed with the sticker is glued to the bottom.

It is advantageous that the conductor tracks are preferably fixed, in particular not detachably connected to the airbag cover and so a risk of throwing away in the vehicle interior can be avoided when activating the airbag. It is also advantageous that the tracks are space-saving and flexible to the curvature of the airbag cover customizable. It is also advantageous that a weight and / or a mass of the airbag cover is not substantially increased by the attachment or insertion of the conductor tracks on or in the carrier material / are.

Preferably, the conductor tracks are designed to stabilize the carrier material of the airbag cover. Since the interconnects preferably extend from the cover regions over the fold-over line to the edge region and in particular are connected to the carrier material in a material-locking manner, they can form a kink, tear and / or breakage protection for the airbag cover, especially in these regions. In particular, a material thickness of the carrier material can be reduced by the introduction of the conductor tracks and the stabilization achieved thereby. Reducing the material thickness can result in weight and / or mass savings in the airbag cover. In particular, the reduction in material thickness can have a positive effect on material costs and energy consumption of the vehicle.

In a particularly preferred structural embodiment of the invention, the conductor tracks are arranged outside the tear line of the airbag cover. Preferably, the interconnects do not intersect the tear line of the airbag cover, so that the arrangement of the interconnects in / on the airbag cover does not preclude a functional deployment of the airbag. In particular, the conductor tracks are arranged in / at the cover areas and in the edge area of the airbag cover. In particular, a tear and the explosive and / or deployment function of the airbag is not affected by the tracks.

A possible development of the invention provides that the conductor tracks, but at least the end regions thereof, are arranged at a distance from one another. It is preferred that the end regions are arranged side by side, in particular not with one another in or on the carrier material. Preferably, a distance range is arranged between the end regions. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the distance range is always the same size and / or the end portions are always arranged contactless and at a constant distance from each other. Preferably, the distance range and / or the distance between the end regions do not change upon actuation of the switching device, in particular by pressure on the surface.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the end regions have the same or almost the same distance to the top of the airbag cover. Preferably, the end portions are located at an equal or nearly equal height with respect to the top. In particular, they are arranged parallel to the course of the top and / or bottom or the end regions are adapted to the course of the top and / or bottom.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, a capacitance of the at least one sensor device is formed in the distance range. Preferably, two of the end regions and the distance region arranged therebetween together form a capacitor. In particular, an end region forms a capacitor plate. In particular, the distance range is arranged between two capacitor plates. Usually, a dielectric is arranged in the distance range.

Preferably, the carrier material is formed as an insulating coating for the capacitor. Functionally, the capacitor is adapted to change the capacitance relative to the environment or a reference electrode by the approach of the object to the top or by the touch of the mark, in particular to increase. Specifically, in particular, the capacitance decreases as the object is removed from the top or mark.

In a further possible embodiment of the invention, at least two of the sensor devices are arranged symmetrically to a straight line which divides the airbag cover in the middle, on or in the carrier material of the airbag cover. In particular, the at least two sensor devices are mirrored on the straight line. Preferably, the straight line passes through a center of the steering wheel rim and divides the airbag cover into two equal sections.

In a possible development of the invention, the switching device comprises a measuring / evaluation and / or control unit. These are in particular connected to each other and to the sensor device or connectable. Preferably, the measuring unit is adapted to measure a change, in particular the increase or decrease of a capacitance value of the capacitance. The evaluation unit is preferably designed to evaluate the change in the capacitance value and to communicate it to the control unit by means of electrical signals. In particular, the control unit is designed to switch on or off or control the vehicle-specific functions on the basis of the electrical signals.

Preferably, the measuring and / or evaluation unit is arranged in the edge region of the airbag cover and connected to a second end of the conductor tracks. Since the edge region is not influenced in particular by the airbag activity, it can be prevented that the measuring and / or evaluation unit disengages from the airbag cover during the opening and folding process of the cover regions and becomes a projectile in the vehicle interior.

It is also conceivable that the measuring and / or evaluation unit is arranged outside the airbag cover, in particular outside the steering arrangement. In this case, the measuring and / or evaluation unit is connected to a connecting device, which is designed to establish a connection between the conductor tracks and the measuring and / or control unit. In particular, the connecting device is arranged in the edge region of the airbag cover which is not influenced by the airbag activity. For example, the connecting device is designed as a plug with plug-in connections.

It is conceivable that the measuring and / or evaluation unit is connected to the control unit via electrical lines, a data bus or a voltage supply. In particular, the control unit is arranged at a suitable location in the vehicle, wherein the location may preferably be in the region of the steering assembly or the dashboard.

• • ein Abblend-, Fern- und/oder Warnblinklicht
• • eine Lüftung und/oder Klimaanlage
• • einen Tempomat
• • eine Front- und/oder Heckscheibenheizung
• • ein Radio und/oder einen CD-Player
• • etc.

In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the switching device is designed to activate, deactivate or regulate one, two, several or all of the vehicle-specific functions. The vehicle-specific functions preferably include, inter alia:

• • a low beam, long distance and / or hazard warning light
• • a ventilation and / or air conditioning
• • a cruise control
• • a front and / or rear window heating
• • a radio and / or a CD player
• • Etc.

A further possible embodiment of the invention provides that the upper side of the airbag cover has at least one marking which is designed to indicate to a user the location and / or function of the at least one sensor device. Preferably, the marking is formed as a symbol, an elevation and / or depression on the upper side, which indicates to the user a preferably exact approach point and / or optional contact point to the sensor device.

The identification of the at least one sensor device on the upper side of the airbag cover is preferably arranged in the direct field of vision of the driver, whereby the sensor device as an operating device or user interface for the driver is ergonomically advantageous, in particular easily accessible and operable. The driver is advantageously less distracted from traffic and the road and can lead the vehicle more concentrated and safer. As a result, accidents and injuries can be avoided.

Preferably, the symbol is printed on the surface, for example by means of a screen printing method, wherein it indicates to the user to which point he must approach or hang up the finger in order to actuate the sensor device. In particular, the symbol indicates which vehicle-specific function can be activated, deactivated or regulated by the actuation of the sensor device. For example, a fan, a headlight or a warning triangle on the top is applied, the fan refers to the ventilation or air conditioning, the headlights on a vehicle light and the warning triangle on the hazard warning lights. In particular, in addition to one or more symbols, a plus and minus signs are printed, which indicate to the user that here by means of the capacitive controller, the intensity or strength of the illustrated vehicle-specific function is adjustable.

It is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the marking itself or an area on the top of or around the marking after activation of the. vehicle-specific function is illuminated to indicate to the user their activation. The illumination can be effected, for example, by the incorporation and / or attachment of luminescent substances, materials and / or films to and / or into the carrier material. Preferably, the lighting goes out after a deactivation of the function again.

Further features, advantages and effects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention. Showing:

1 a bottom of an airbag cover;

2 a sectional view through the airbag cover 1 ;

3 an alternative bottom of the airbag cover 1 ;

4 a sectional view of the airbag cover 3 ;

5 a top of the airbag cover 1 and 2 ,

Corresponding or identical parts are each provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

1 shows a bottom of an airbag cover 1 as a first embodiment of the invention. The airbag cover 1 is integrated in a vehicle, especially in a car or truck. It is designed to cover a driver's airbag (not shown) arranged in a steering wheel well of a steering arrangement. The airbag cover 1 is disposed in a steering wheel center of a steering wheel and covers or closes the steering wheel pot.

The airbag cover 1 has a central area 2 and a border area 3 on, being the central area 2 on both sides by a Umklapplinie U from the edge area 3 is disconnected. The central area 2 has an emblem 4 and a tear line R on. The tear line R extends from the Umklapplinie U to a center line M, which the airbag cover 1 divided in the middle. The tear line R continues to extend along the center line M and deviates therefrom to form an arc around the emblem 4 to extend. The end of the tear line R meets both sides on the Umklapplinie U.

The tear line R divides the central area 2 in a first coverage area A1 and in a second coverage area A2. Along the tear line R opens the central area 2 upon activation of the airbag, for example due to an impact of the vehicle, in the direction of a vehicle interior.

By folding over the first and second cover area A1; A2 around the Umklapplinie U, forms the airbag cover 1 an opening hatch through which the airbag usually inflates in the direction of a driver, which is usually on a driver's seat in front of the steering assembly. The border area 3 is not affected by airbag activity and does not open.

The airbag cover 1 has a switching device 5 on that at the bottom of the airbag cover 1 is arranged. The switching device 5 includes a measuring and evaluation unit 6 in the edge area 3 the airbag cover 1 is arranged. Due to the arrangement in the edge area 3 becomes an opening function of the tear line R and a folding function of the first and second coverage areas A1; A2, whereby the airbag can unfold unhindered towards the driver.

The switching device 5 comprises a total of ten sensor devices 7 , which are arranged on the airbag cover, in particular on the underside. Six of the sensor devices 7 are called capacitive proximity switches 5a educated. Four of the sensor devices 7 form a capacitive regulator 5b , wherein the four sensor devices 7 are strung together at a close distance. The sensor devices 7 are in the central area 2 , in particular in the coverage areas A1; A2 arranged. Four of the sensor devices 7 are arranged in mirror image to the center line M.

The sensor devices 7 are through end areas 9 two or more tracks 8th educated. The tracks 8th run from the central area 2 in particular the end areas 9 are arranged on the Umklapplinie U to the edge area 3 , Along the course of Umklapplinie U are the tracks 8th arranged evenly distributed. You cross the Umklapplinie the transition from the first and second coverage area A1; A2 to the edge area 3 after a first third D1 and after a second third D2 of a longitudinal extension or a length of the Umklapplinie U. In the central area 2 are the tracks 8th arranged outside the tear line R and do not cross these. Thus, the opening function of the tear line 4 not impaired.

The conductor tracks are formed from a flexible and / or pliable film cable. On the course of the central area 2 in the border area 3 cross the tracks 8th the Umklapplinie U or run over them, thereby providing a retaining and / or hinge function in the folding operation of the cover areas A1; Take A2. The tracks 8th are suitable and / or designed, the first and second coverage area A1; A2 in the folding operation to stabilize the Umklapplinie U, in conjunction with the edge region of the airbag cover 1 to hold and / or folding over the cover areas A1; A2 allow. The tracks 8th are suitable and / or designed, a risk of detachment or throwing away the cover areas A1; A2 to prevent the vehicle interior, in particular the coverage areas A1; A2 withhold.

The tracks 8th have a first and a second end 9 ; 10 on. The first end 9 is in the end area 9 the tracks 8th arranged and / or forms the end portion 9 , The first end 9 is as a capacitor plate 9 educated. The capacitor plate 9 is on the carrier material 13 of the central area 2 appropriate. The second end 10 the tracks 7 is with the measuring and evaluation unit 6 connected to the edge area 3 is arranged.

Two adjacent capacitor plates each 9 form with the distance range 11 the sensor device 7 or the capacitive proximity switch 5a , In the distance range 11 is a capacity of the sensor device 7 educated. In a non-touching or touching approach of a conductive or non-conductive object, usually a finger of the driver, to the sensor device 7 becomes capacity in the distance range 11 generates a parallel capacity. The parallel capacity becomes with the capacity in the distance range 11 coupled, whereby a capacitance value of the sensor device 7 increases. Upon removal of the object from the sensor device 7 the capacity value falls back to the original value.

In the non-contact or touching approach of the object to the four closely juxtaposed sensor devices 7 acting as the capacitive regulator 5b are formed, the capacitance value in at least two of the adjacent sensor devices 7 elevated.

The switching device 5 is connected to a control unit, not shown, which is arranged at a suitable location in the vehicle. The connection between the switching device 5 and the control unit is formed via a data bus, not shown.

The sensor devices 7 are adapted to detect the approach or touch of the conductive or non-conductive object. The measuring unit 6 is designed to measure a change, in particular an increase or decrease in the capacitance value. The evaluation unit 6 is designed to evaluate the change and to transmit in the form of electrical signals to the control unit. The control unit is designed to translate the electrical signals in switch positions.

• • ein Abblend-, Fern- und/oder Warnlicht
• • ein Lüftung und/oder Klimaanlage
• • einen Tempomat
• • eine Front- und/oder Heckscheibenheizung
• • ein Radio und/oder einen CD-Player
• • etc.

The switching device 5 is designed to activate, deactivate or control vehicle-specific functions. The vehicle-specific functions include:

• • a dipped, remote and / or warning light
• • a ventilation and / or air conditioning
• • a cruise control
• • a front and / or rear window heating
• • a radio and / or a CD player
• • Etc.

With the approach of the finger to the sensor devices 7 that act as the capacitive proximity switch 5a are formed, or by their touch, the driver can, for example, the low beam, remote and / or hazard lights on or off. When approaching and guiding or moving the finger over the four closely arranged sensor devices 7 that the capacitive regulator 5b form, the driver is able to operate this. With the capacitive controller 5b are z. B. an intensity or temperature of the ventilation and / or a volume of the radio and / or CD player adjustable and regulated.

In 2 is a sectional view through the airbag cover 1 shown along the line XX. In particular, the section line XX passes through the location of the airbag cover 1 at the capacitive regulator 5b is arranged.

The four sensor devices 7 that the capacitive regulator 5b form, are through the end areas 9 the eight interconnected tracks 8th educated. The tracks 8th are formed by the flexible and / or pliable foil cable. It is adapted to a curvature of the airbag cover 1 adapt. The foil cable is with the airbag cover 1 cohesively connected by connecting it with the underside of the airbag cover 1 is glued.

The end areas 9 are spaced next to each other, in particular not with each other, arranged. Between the end areas 9 are distance ranges 11 arranged. The end areas 9 have an equal or nearly equal distance A to a top O of the airbag cover 1 on. The top O forms a visible side of the airbag cover 1 ,

At an approach, in particular a pressure on the top to activate the sensor devices 7 that the capacitive regulator 5b form, the distance between the end portions changes 9 , in particular between the capacitor plates 9 , Not. Because the sensor devices 7 have no mechanical and / or moving components, keep the distance ranges 11 also in the activation and deactivation of the sensor devices 7 the same dimensions.

The tracks 8th are adapted to a course of the top O and arranged parallel to this. For the driver are the sensor devices 7 not visible on the airbag cover 1 arranged.

3 shows an alternative bottom of the airbag cover 1 out 1 , The switching device 5 includes the ten sensor devices 7 in the central area 2 the airbag cover 1 are arranged. The tracks 8th run like in 1 outside the tear line R and crossing the Umklapplinie U after the first third D1 and after the second third D2 of the longitudinal extent or the course of the Umklapplinie U. The interconnects 8th are designed to cover the areas A1; A2 during Umklappvorgang to retain the Umklapplinie U and allow by taking over the hinge function, the folding and / or support. In contrast to 1 are the tracks 8th not at the bottom, but inside a carrier material 13 the airbag cover 1 arranged.

The six sensor devices 7 form the six capacitive proximity switches 5a , The four closely arranged sensor devices 7 together form the capacitive controller 5b , The capacitive proximity switch 5a and the capacitive controller 5b have the in 1 described functions.

The switching device 5 comprises a connection device 12 , which is designed as a connector or as a plug with plug connections. The connection device 12 is in the edge area 3 at the bottom of the airbag cover 1 arranged and with the second end 10 the tracks 8th connected. Due to the arrangement in the edge area 3 the opening function of the tear line R and the folding function of the Umklapplinie U for the deployment of the airbag is not affected.

The measuring and evaluation unit 6 is outside the airbag cover 1 arranged and therefore in 3 Not shown. The measuring and evaluation unit 6 is via electrical lines with the connecting device 12 and connected to the control unit, which is also in 3 not shown.

In 4 is a section along the line ZZ through the airbag cover 1 out 3 shown. In particular, the section line ZZ runs through the capacitive controller 5b ,

The tracks 8th whose end areas 9 the capacitive controller 5b form, are designed as thin, flexible and / or pliable wires having a flat, square cross-sectional shape. The end areas 9 have the same distance to the top O and are parallel to this in the airbag cover 1 arranged. The distance between the end areas 9 , in particular between the capacitor plates 9 , remains with the operation of the capacitive controller 5b always constant.

The tracks 8th are in the carrier material 13 the airbag cover 1 introduced and with the airbag cover 1 cohesively connected. They are in the carrier material 13 injected or sprayed with this. For the driver are the capacitive controller 5b and the capacitive proximity switches 5a not visible in the airbag cover 1 arranged.

The tracks 8th are suitable for this, the carrier material 13 to stabilize. They are suitable, in particular in the Umklapplinie U, to increase resistance of the substrate against damage, fractures or cracks. Thus, if necessary, a material thickness of the carrier material 13 reduced and material costs and weight can be saved. Due to the retention and hinge function of the tracks 8th in the Umklapplinie U can be dispensed with further hinge devices. Also the carrier material 13 in the Umklapplinie U, which is designed for the Umklappvorgang can be reduced in strength. In training as a wire are the tracks 8th designed to be elastic and / or flexible. They are designed to work with the cover areas A1; A2 fold over and the cover areas A1; A2 on the airbag cover 1 to keep.

5 shows the top O of the airbag cover 1 out 1 and 2 , Because the sensor devices 7 that act as the capacitive proximity switch 5a or as the capacitive regulator 5b are formed, are not visible to the driver, are on the top O markings 14 applied. The markings 14 are printed by a screen printing process on the top O.

The markings 14 include icons that show, for example, a headlamp, a fan or a front and rear window heater. The symbols indicate which vehicle-specific functions with the sensor devices 7 are operable. For example, can be activated or deactivated by an approach or touch of the finger to the symbol that shows the windscreen heater. When approaching or touching and moving through the fan, the intensity or temperature of the ventilation or air conditioning system can be controlled.

The markings 14 are designed to give the driver an exact approach point to the in or on the substrate 13 arranged sensor devices 7 display. They indicate where the driver must approach or hang up his finger in order to activate, deactivate and / or regulate the vehicle-specific functions. The markings 14 are also adapted to indicate to the driver the vehicle-specific function, which by approaching the respective sensor device 7 is operable.

The switching device 5 is adapted to the operation of the sensor device / s 7 by an optical signal to the driver to communicate. Upon actuation of the sensor device / s 7 illuminates a lighting device on or below the markings 14 is arranged. The illumination device is formed by a luminescent foil, which is applied to the upper side O.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

airbag cover

2

Central area

3

border area

4

emblem

5

switching device

5a

Capacitive proximity switch

5b

capacitive controller

6

Measuring and evaluation unit

7

sensor device

8th

conductor path

9

First end; end; capacitor plate

10

Second end

11

Distance range; dielectric

12

connecting device

13

support material

14

Labelling

A

distance

A1; A2

coverage areas

D1

first third of the Umklapplinie

D2

second third of the Umklapplinie

R

tear line

U

hinge line

O

top

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0754597 B1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Airbag cover ( 1 ) for a vehicle, which is designed to cover a driver's airbag, wherein the airbag cover ( 1 ) comprises one, two or more cover regions (A1, A2) which are designed to fold over along a fold-over line (U), the airbag cover (11) 1 ) at least one switching device ( 5 ), the at least one sensor device ( 7 ), as at least one capacitive proximity switch ( 5a ) and / or as at least one capacitive controller ( 5b ) is formed, wherein the sensor device ( 7 ) in the airbag cover ( 1 ) or on the airbag cover ( 1 ) and by end regions ( 9 ) at least two tracks ( 8th ) is formed, wherein the conductor tracks ( 8th ) the Umklapplinie (U) intersect and thus have a hinge and / or retaining function in a folding operation of the cover areas (A1, A2). Airbag cover ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the printed conductors ( 8th ) are arranged evenly distributed along a course of the Umklapplinie. Airbag cover ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conductor tracks ( 8th ) are formed from a flexible and / or pliable material. Airbag cover ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductor tracks ( 8th ) are formed by a wire or a foil cable. Airbag cover ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductor tracks ( 8th ) cohesively with the airbag cover ( 1 ) are connected. Airbag cover ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductor tracks ( 8th ) are adapted to a carrier material ( 13 ) of the airbag cover ( 1 ) to stabilize. Airbag cover ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the airbag cover ( 1 ) has a tear line (R), along which the airbag cover ( 1 ) tears open upon activation of the airbag, so that an opening for deployment of the airbag is formed, wherein the conductor tracks ( 8th ) are arranged outside the tear line (R). Airbag cover ( 1 ) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the end regions ( 9 ) spaced from each other on or in the substrate ( 13 ) of the airbag cover ( 1 ) and between the end regions ( 9 ) a distance range ( 11 ) in which a capacity of the at least one sensor device ( 7 ), wherein the distance range ( 11 ) is always the same size and / or the end regions ( 9 ) are always arranged contactless and at a constant distance from each other. Airbag cover ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the end regions ( 9 ) have an equal or nearly equal distance (A) to an upper side (O) of the airbag cover (FIG. 1 ) exhibit. Airbag cover ( 1 ) one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two of the sensor devices ( 7 ) in a mirror image to a straight line (M), the airbag cover ( 1 ) are divided in the middle, are arranged. Airbag cover ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching device ( 5 ) a measuring and / or evaluation unit ( 6 ) located in a peripheral area ( 3 ) of the airbag cover ( 1 ) is arranged and with the conductor tracks ( 8th ) are connected. Airbag cover ( 1 ) according to claim 11, wherein the measuring and / or evaluation unit ( 6 ) outside the airbag cover ( 1 ) and via a connecting device ( 12 ) with the tracks ( 8th ) connected is. Airbag cover ( 1 ) according to claim 12, wherein the connecting device ( 12 ) at the edge ( 3 ) of the airbag cover ( 1 ) is arranged. Airbag cover ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching device ( 5 ) is designed to activate, deactivate or control vehicle-specific functions, wherein the vehicle-specific functions one, some or all of the following functions • dipped, remote and / or warning light • ventilation and / or air conditioning • cruise control • a front and / or rear window heating • include a radio and / or a CD player • etc. Airbag cover ( 1 ) according to claim 14, wherein the top (O) of the airbag cover ( 1 ) at least one marking ( 14 ), which is designed to provide a user with an approach point to the at least one sensor device ( 7 ) and / or to indicate to the user the vehicle-specific function which is generated by the approach or contact with the at least one sensor device ( 7 ) can be activated, deactivated or adjusted.

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