DE102017126156B3 - Bearing device for the oscillatory storage of an arranged inside a steering wheel airbag module and steering wheel with such a storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bearing device (10) for the oscillatory mounting of an airbag module arranged within a steering wheel in order to decouple and / or erase vibrations introduced into the steering wheel, comprising a guide element (12) connectable to the steering wheel, a sliding element ( 14) movably mounted on the guide member (12), a flange member (16) connectable to the airbag module and the steering wheel, a first spring member (18) supporting the slider (14) on the steering wheel, and a second spring element (20) which connects the flange element (16) with the sliding element (14), wherein by sliding force on the flange element (16) the sliding element (14) moves from a first position against the force of the first spring element (18) into a second position Position can be transferred to trigger an electrical signal unit of the steering wheel, and wherein the flange member (16) is integrally connected to the second spring element (20). Furthermore, the invention relates to a steering wheel with an airbag module and at least one bearing device (10).

Description

The present invention relates to a bearing device for the oscillatory mounting of an arranged inside a steering wheel airbag module to decouple introduced into the steering wheel vibrations and / or to pay off. Furthermore, the invention relates to a steering wheel with an airbag module and at least one such bearing device.

A bearing device of the type mentioned above is used to suspend a disposed within a steering wheel airbag module vibratable. For this purpose, the airbag module with a so-called module bottom, which can also be referred to as Hupenplatte connected. The module bottom is coupled via the bearing device with the steering wheel.

Due to the oscillatory mounting of the airbag module, the airbag module can act as a dynamic damper. For this purpose, the airbag module is tuned to the resonant frequency of the steering wheel. As a result, the airbag module decouples and / or eliminates the vibrations introduced via the steering gear or the steering rod and thus increases the ride comfort.

The airbag module is usually covered on its side facing the driver with a cover member which is coupled to the module bottom and under force, such as by pressing, is movable relative to the steering wheel to trigger an electrical signal unit, such as a horn. The electrical signal unit is formed from two mutually spaced contact elements, wherein a first contact element with the module bottom and a second contact element is connected to the steering wheel.

To actuate the electrical signal unit, a driver presses with his hand on the cover element, whereby a force is generated, which moves the first contact element on the bearing device on the second contact element. As soon as both contact elements touch, an electrical signal is generated, which triggers the horn.

So that the contact of both contact elements is released again and the cover element returns to its original position, the bearing device has a spring element. The spring element is compressed upon depression of the cover element and thereby generates a restoring force which moves the first contact element away from the second contact element and forces the cover element back into its original position.

Out EP 2 085 290 B1 a bearing device is known, which has a guide pin, a slide displaceable on the guide pin against a force of a first spring element, a module base connected to an airbag module and an elastomeric body, which elastically connects the module bottom to the slider. In the elastomer body, a groove is introduced, in which the module bottom is inserted positively.

Furthermore, it is off US 7,357,407 B2 a bearing device is known which comprises an elastomeric bearing which is connected via a screw connection with a flange of an airbag module. The elastic bearing is connected to a housing of the airbag system. For this purpose, a groove is introduced into the elastic bearing, in which a portion of the housing is inserted.

In addition, goes out US 2017/0144594 A1 a storage device for the oscillatory storage of an arranged inside a steering wheel airbag module forth. The bearing device comprises a guide member connectable to the steering wheel, a sliding member movably supported on the guide member, a flange member connectable to the airbag module and the steering wheel module, a first spring member supporting the slider on the steering wheel, and a second spring member the flange member connects to the sliding member via a sliding component. By applying force to the flange, the slider is transferred from a first position against the force of the first spring element in a second position to trigger an electrical signal unit of the steering wheel.

The present invention has for its object to provide a bearing device and a steering wheel, which have improved assembly and improved power transmission when honking and thus a longer life.

To solve this problem, a bearing device with the features of claim 1 and a steering wheel with the features of claim 10 is proposed.

Advantageous embodiments of the storage device are the subject of the dependent claims.

In the context of the invention, the module bottom or the horn plate is referred to as a flange element.

According to a first aspect, a bearing device for the oscillatory mounting of an airbag module arranged within a steering wheel is proposed in order to decouple and / or cancel vibrations introduced into the steering wheel. The bearing device has a guide element that with the steering wheel is connectable, a sliding member which is movably supported on the guide member, a flange member which is connectable to the airbag module and the steering wheel, a first spring member which supports the sliding member on the steering wheel, and a second spring member having an elastomeric spring is and connects the flange with the sliding element, wherein by force on the flange, the sliding element from a first position against the force of the first spring element is convertible to a second position to trigger an electrical signal unit of the steering wheel, wherein the flange member cohesively with the second spring element is connected, and wherein in the flange at least one passage is introduced, which is penetrated by the elastomer of the elastomeric spring to provide a positive connection between the elastomeric spring and the flange member.

Since the second spring element is integrally connected to the flange element, eliminates the assembly step of inserting or Einknüpfens the module base in a introduced into the second spring element connection point, such as a groove. As a result, the storage device has a simplified and thus cost-effective installation. Furthermore, friction is avoided during the transfer of the sliding element from the first position to the second position between the second spring element and the flange element during the intended use of the bearing device due to the integral connection, so that the life of the bearing device is increased.

The guide element is advantageously designed as a bolt which is connected to the steering wheel. The guide element further advantageously has a sliding portion, on which the sliding element is movably mounted, and a fastening portion for connecting the guide element to the steering wheel. The guide element may be made of metal or plastic. In addition, the guide element may have a contact portion on which the sliding element and / or the second spring element can be applied.

The sliding element is advantageously designed as a hollow cylinder and may be made of metal or plastic. Further advantageously, the sliding element on a cylinder portion which is movably mounted on the guide element, in particular its sliding portion. The sliding element can furthermore have a flange section projecting perpendicularly from the cylinder section, against which the first spring element rests.

The first spring element surrounds the guide element, in particular a section of the sliding section, and bears against the sliding element, in particular the flange section, and the steering wheel. About the first spring element, the slider can be supported on the steering wheel. The first spring element may be formed as a spiral spring or an elastomer spring.

The flange element may be formed as a plate, in which at least one breakthrough is introduced. Advantageously, the second spring element is arranged within the opening. In particular, the second spring element is integrally connected to the peripheral edge of the opening.

The electrical signal unit is advantageously a horn and has a first contact element, which is connected to the module bottom, and a second contact element, which is connected to the steering wheel on.

By a force is exerted on the flange, the sliding element is moved from a first position against the force of the first spring element on the guide member to a second position. In the second position, the sliding element is spaced from the contact portion of the guide element. Since the module base is materially connected to the second spring elements, the first contact element connected to the module base is moved towards the second contact element until the two contact elements make contact in the second position. This triggers an electrical signal and thus the horn.

When the cover element is pressed, the first spring element is compressed, as a result of which a restoring force which pushes the sliding element back into the first position is generated. As soon as the cover element is no longer pressed, the restoring force of the first spring element urges the sliding element back into the first position, whereby the contact of the two contact elements is released.

A designed as an elastomer spring second spring element is inexpensive to manufacture. In addition, the elastomeric spring can be easily bonded to the flange element, in which the flange element is inserted into an injection mold and the elastomer of the elastomeric spring is molded onto the flange element. In addition, a spring element designed as an elastomeric spring ensures a sufficiently oscillatable mounting of the airbag module, so that the airbag module can act as a dynamic damper in order to decouple and / or erase the vibrations introduced into the steering wheel. The elastomeric spring advantageously has a first fastening section for connecting the elastomer spring to the sliding element, a second fastening section for connecting the elastomer spring to the flange element and a central portion connecting the two attachment portions.

The elastomer flows during the injection into the injection mold through the through openings and thus surrounds the flange element in a form-fitting manner.

As a result, the cohesive connection of the elastomer spring to the flange element is improved, since the flange element is surrounded by the elastomer in a form-fitting manner, in particular enclosed. The passage is advantageously arranged in the region of the peripheral edge of the opening introduced into the flange element. Preferably, the flange member has a plurality of passages penetrated by the elastomer of the elastomer spring. Advantageously, the passages are distributed at equidistant intervals at the peripheral edge of the opening.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second spring element is spaced in the first position of the sliding element. In particular, a gap is formed between the second spring element and the sliding element. As a result, the force which is introduced into the first spring element in order to trigger the electrical signal unit is no longer received via the second spring element. Thus, the bearing device has a longer life. When introducing a force on the flange, for example, by a driver presses on cover element, the second spring body is first stretched until it rests against the sliding element. Only then is the sliding element, contrary to the force of the first spring element, transferred to the second position, in which the electrical signal unit is triggered.

In an advantageous embodiment, a third spring element is arranged between the second spring element and the sliding element. The third spring element almost completely closes the gap existing between the second spring element and the sliding element. Advantageously, the third spring element has a low radial and no axial rigidity. The third spring element may be an elastomeric body, a coil spring or a plate spring.

In an advantageous embodiment, the elastomer spring is vulcanized to the flange and / or glued. Thereby, the elastomeric spring can be connected directly to the flange during injection molding. Furthermore, a binder can be used to connect or adhesively bond the flange element to the elastomeric body.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second spring element is positively and / or non-positively connected to the sliding element. As a result, a simple and inexpensive fastening of the spring element with the sliding element is provided.

In an advantageous embodiment, the sliding element on a projecting edge portion which engages positively and / or non-positively in a groove of the second spring element. As a result, the second spring element is clipped to the sliding element.

In an advantageous embodiment, the sliding element has at least one opening into which a projection projecting on the second spring element positively and / or non-positively engages. Advantageously, the survey is clipped into the opening. Further advantageously, the elevation extends in the axial direction beyond the opening and can act as a stop when the sliding member is pushed back from the second position to the first position by the restoring force of the first spring element. The extending through the opening portion of the survey advantageously cooperates with a portion of the guide element. The survey may advantageously be formed as an annular projection which engages in an annular opening. Further, the second spring element may have a plurality of elevations, which engage positively and / or non-positively in a plurality of openings introduced into the flange element.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second spring element has at least one stop device, which cooperates with the sliding element and / or the guide element. The stop means allows a soft abutment of the sliding element on the second spring element or on the guide element, when the sliding element is pushed back by the first spring element from the second position to the first position. This prevents noise.

In an advantageous embodiment, the stop device is formed from at least one protruding from the second spring element projection. The projection may protrude through an opening made in the slider to cooperate with the guide member. In addition, the projection can also serve as attachment of the elastomer spring to the Gleitelelement by the projection engages positively in a form-locking and / or non-positively engaged in an opening introduced into the sliding element. Furthermore, the stop device may be formed from a plurality of protruding from the second spring element projections. When the second spring element is formed as an elastomeric spring is, the stop means is formed as at least one protruding from the elastomeric spring projection. The projection may be round or square.

In an advantageous embodiment, the sliding element on a collar portion which cooperates with the flange. When the gas generator of the airbag module is triggered, the flange element can go into abutment with the collar section. As a result, the contact does not take place via the sliding element and the second spring element, but via the flange element and the sliding element, so that the service life is increased. Advantageously, the collar portion has a sleeve portion. The sleeve portion may be connected to a flange portion of the slider. Further, the sleeve portion may be connected via a web portion with the sliding element.

According to a further aspect, a steering wheel with an airbag module and at least one bearing device is proposed.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Querschnitts durch ein Lenkrad mit einer Lagervorrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;
• 2 einen vergrößerten Querschnitt durch die Lagervorrichtung gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform;
• 3 einen vergrößerten Querschnitt durch eine Lagervorrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform;
• 4 einen vergrößerten Querschnitt durch eine Lagervorrichtung gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform;
• 5 einen vergrößerten Querschnitt durch eine Lagervorrichtung gemäß einer vierten Ausführungsform;
• 6 einen vergrößerten Querschnitt durch eine Lagervorrichtung gemäß einer fünften Ausführungsform; und
• 7 einen vergrößerten Querschnitt durch eine Lagervorrichtung gemäß einer sechsten Ausführungsform.

Hereinafter, the bearing device, the steering wheel and other features and advantages will be explained with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are shown schematically in the figures. Hereby show:

• 1 a schematic representation of a cross section through a steering wheel with a bearing device according to a first embodiment;
• 2 an enlarged cross section through the bearing device according to the first embodiment;
• 3 an enlarged cross-section through a bearing device according to a second embodiment;
• 4 an enlarged cross-section through a bearing device according to a third embodiment;
• 5 an enlarged cross-section through a bearing device according to a fourth embodiment;
• 6 an enlarged cross-section through a bearing device according to a fifth embodiment; and
• 7 an enlarged cross-section through a bearing device according to a sixth embodiment.

In 1 is a cross section through a steering wheel 1 shown for a motor vehicle, not shown, within which an airbag module 2 is arranged.

The airbag module 2 is about storage devices 10 swingable within the steering wheel 1 Suspended and acts as a dynamic damper to the steering wheel 1 To decouple introduced vibrations and / or pay off to increase the ride comfort.

The steering wheel 1 also has a steering wheel floor 4 and a relative to the steering wheel floor 4 movable cover element 5 on. The cover element 5 is with the storage facilities 10 coupled. By pressing the cover element 5 becomes selbiges in the axial direction A moved down, leaving a force on the storage devices 10 is exercised, which is an electrical signal unit 3 triggers.

The electrical signal unit 3 is formed as a horn and has two spaced-apart contact elements 6 . 7 on.

As in 2 can be seen, includes the storage device 10 a guide element 12 that with the steering wheel floor 4 is connected, a sliding element 14 in the axial direction A movable on the guide element 12 is stored, a flange 16 that with the airbag module 2 and the lid member 3 is connected, a first spring element 18 that the sliding element 14 on the steering wheel floor 4 supports, and a second spring element 20 that the flange element 14 with the sliding element 16 combines.

The guide element 12 is designed as a guide pin made of metal or plastic and has a contact section 22 , a sliding section 24 on which the sliding element 14 is movably mounted, and a mounting portion 26 on. The investment section 22 is formed as a plate-shaped projection and serves to abut the sliding element 14 in the in 1 shown first position. About the attachment section 26 is the guide element 12 with the steering wheel floor 4 connected. For this purpose, the attachment section 26 be threaded and through one in the steering wheel floor 4 extend through the inserted opening and bolted by a nut to the steering wheel floor.

The sliding element 14 is formed as a hollow cylinder and movable on the sliding portion 24 of the guide element 12 stored. The sliding element 14 has a cylinder section 27 , which is the sliding section 24 surrounds, and a flange portion 28 on, on which the first spring element 18 is applied. At one of the investment section 22 facing end, the sliding element 14 a circumferential, projecting edge portion 29 on, on which the second spring element 20 positively and / or non-positively fastened. The sliding element 14 can be made of metal or plastic.

As in 1 it can be seen, is the airbag module 2 with the flange element 16 connected. The flange 16 is also with the lid element 5 connected and has the outside a first contact element 6 on. The flange element 16 may also be referred to as module bottom or horn plate and is preferably made of metal. In the flange element 16 are breakthroughs 31 introduced, in each of which a second spring element 20 is arranged.

The first spring element 18 is a spiral spring 30 attached to the flange section 28 and on the steering wheel floor 4 is applied. As a result, the sliding member is supported 14 over the coil spring 30 on the steering wheel floor 4 from.

The second spring element 20 is an elastomer spring 32 that the airbag module 2 over the flange element 16 elastic and thus capable of oscillating within the steering wheel 1 outsourced. The elastomer spring 32 has a first attachment portion 34 for connecting the elastomer spring 32 with the sliding element 14 , a second attachment portion 36 for connecting the elastomer spring 32 with the flange element 16 and a middle section 38 on top of the two attachment sections 34 . 36 connects with each other.

The first attachment section 34 is as one in the elastomer spring 32 introduced, circumferential groove 40 formed, in which the edge portion 29 positively and / or non-positively engaged, in particular clipped.

The second attachment section 36 is cohesively with the flange element 16 connected. For this purpose are in the flange 16 , in particular in the field of perforations 31 , Passages 42 introduced by the elastomer of the elastomeric spring 32 are permeated. As a result, the elastomer spring encloses 32 the peripheral edge of the openings 31 positive fit, in particular in 2 is apparent.

As well as in 2 can be seen, is the elastomeric spring 32 , in particular the second attachment portion 36 in the first position to the slider 14 , in particular the flange portion 28 , forming a gap 44 spaced.

The following is the triggering of the electrical signal unit 3 over the storage device 10 described. By pressing on the cover element 5 becomes selbiges in the axial direction A moved down, leaving a force on the flange element 16 is exercised. As a result of the force, the middle section 38 the elastomeric spring 32 stretched until the gap 44 is closed and the second attachment portion 36 at the flange portion 28 is applied. This will make the slider 14 over into the flange element 16 introduced force against the spring force of the coil spring 30 along the sliding section 24 in the axial direction A moved down to a second position. In the second position is the slider 14 from the stopper section 22 complains, wherein the first contact element 6 one with the steering wheel floor 4 connected second contact element 7 contacted. This will be the electrical signal unit 3 and thus the horn is triggered. Since the second attachment section 36 to the flange portion 28 is spaced in the first position, the entire force passes through the elastomeric spring horn 32 ,

When pressing the cover element 5 becomes the first spring element 18 compresses, creating a sliding element 14 is generated in the first position zurückdrängende restoring force. Once the lid element 5 is no longer pressed, urges the restoring force of the first spring element 18 the sliding element 14 back in the 2 shown first position back and the contact of the two contact elements 6 . 7 will be solved.

Below are further embodiments of the storage device 10 described, wherein the same reference numerals are used for the same or functionally identical parts.

In 3 is a second embodiment of the storage device 10 which differs from the first embodiment in that in the gap 44 a third spring element 46 is arranged. The third spring element 46 closes the gap 44 almost complete and has a low radial and no axial stiffness. The third spring element 46 may be an elastomeric spring, a coil spring or a plate spring.

In 4 is a third embodiment of the storage device 10 illustrated, which differs from the first embodiment in the embodiment of an anchor device 48 and the attachment of the elastomeric spring 32 on the slider 14 different.

The stop device 48 is from one of the first attachment portion 34 projecting, annular projection 50 formed, extending through a in the sliding element 14 introduced, circumferential annular opening 52 extends. In particular, the opening 52 in one of the cylinder section 27 protruding bridge section 55 brought in.

When the sliding element 14 through the second spring element 20 pushed back into the first position, the projection can 50 at the stopper section 22 attacks. This creates a soft stop and prevents noise.

About the lead 50 the attachment of the elastomer spring takes place 32 on the slider 14 , where the projection 50 positive and / or non-positive in the opening 52 used, in particular clipped.

In 5 is a fourth embodiment of the storage device 10 shown, which differs from the first embodiment in that the sliding element 14 a collar section 54 has, on which the flange element 16 can be applied.

The collar section 54 is at the the investment section 22 facing the end of the sliding element 14 arranged and has a sleeve portion 56 up, over the bridge section 55 with the sliding element 14 connected is. In case of activation of the airbag module 2 can the flange element 16 at the collar portion 54 to go into attack.

In 6 is a fifth embodiment of the storage device 10 shown, which differs from the third embodiment in the design of the stop device 48 different. The stop device 48 is made of a variety of from the elastomeric spring 32 protruding projections 50 educated. Further, the projections 50 in the region of the second fastening section 36 arranged so that the sliding element 14 at the projections 50 can strike. As in 6 it can be seen protrudes part of the projections 50 in the axial direction down and part of the projections 50 protrudes radially inward toward the cylinder portion 29 ,

In 7 is a sixth embodiment of the storage device 10 shown, which differs from the fourth embodiment in that the collar portion 54 at the flange portion 28 is arranged. This beats the sleeve section 56 on the flange element 16 on when the gas generator is triggered. In addition, in the in 7 shown embodiment, a third spring element 48 in the gap 44 arranged.

The storage device 10 is characterized in particular by the fact that the second spring element 20 cohesively with the flange 16 connected is. This eliminates an additional assembly step, so that the assembly of the storage device 10 simplified and inexpensive. Due to the between the second spring element 20 and the slider 14 in the first position existing distance, the force, which in the first spring element 18 is initiated to the electrical signal unit 3 trigger, no longer on the second spring element 20 recorded, so the bearing device 10 has a longer life.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

steering wheel

2

airbag module

3

electrical signal unit

4

steering wheel base

5

cover element

6

first contact element

7

second contact element

10

bearing device

12

guide element

14

Slide

16

flange

18

first spring element

20

second spring element

22

contact section

24

sliding

26

attachment section

27

cylinder section

28

flange

29

edge section

30

spiral spring

31

perforation

32

elastomer spring

34

first attachment section

36

second attachment section

38

midsection

40

groove

42

passage

44

gap

46

third spring element

48

stop device

50

head Start

52

opening

54

collar section

55

web section

56

sleeve section

A

axially

Claims (10)

Bearing device (10) for the oscillatory mounting of one within a steering wheel (1) arranged airbag module (2) to decouple in the steering wheel (1) initiated vibrations and / or eradicate, comprising a guide member (12) which is connectable to the steering wheel (1), a sliding member (14) which is movable on the Guide element (12) is mounted, a flange (16) which is connectable to the airbag module (2) and the steering wheel (1), a first spring element (18) which supports the sliding element (14) on the steering wheel (1), and a second spring member (20) which is an elastomeric spring (32) and connects the flange member (16) to the sliding member (14), wherein by force applied to the flange member (16) the sliding member (14) is displaced from a first position against the force of the first spring element (18) is convertible to a second position to trigger an electrical signal unit (3) of the steering wheel (1), and wherein the flange element (16) is integrally connected to the second spring element (20), characterized in that the flange element (16 ) is introduced at least one passage (42) penetrated by the elastomer of the elastomeric spring (32) to provide a positive connection between the elastomeric spring (32) and the flange member (16). Storage device (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the second spring element (20) in the first position of the sliding element (14) is spaced. Storage device (10) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that between the second spring element (20) and the sliding element (14), a third spring element (46) is arranged. Bearing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastomer spring (32) vulcanized to the flange member (16) and / or glued. Bearing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second spring element (20) is positively and / or non-positively connected to the sliding element (14). Storage device (10) according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the sliding element (14) has a projecting edge portion which engages positively and / or non-positively in a groove (40) of the second spring element (20). Bearing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second spring element (20) has at least one stop means (48) which cooperates with the sliding element (14) and / or the guide element (12). Storage device (10) according to Claim 7 , characterized in that the stop means (48) from at least one of the second spring element (20) projecting projection (50) is formed. Bearing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding element (14) has a collar portion (54) which cooperates with the flange element (16). Steering wheel (1) with an airbag module (2) and at least one bearing device (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 9 ,

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