DE202014002484U1 - Horn device for a steering wheel and steering wheel with a horn device - Google Patents

Abstract

Hupeinrichtung (10) for a steering wheel (20) having a first contact element (11) and a second contact element, which are arranged in a cage (13) spaced from each other, wherein the first contact element (11) in an actuating portion of the cage (13) at least in sections, elastically deformable is such that the first contact element (11) for closing a Hupstromkreises the second contact element (12) contacts, characterized in that the cage (13) at least one anchoring pin (17) for fixing the Hupeinrichtung (10) in a foam enclosure (24) of the steering wheel (20).

Description

The invention relates to a horn for a steering wheel according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a steering wheel with such a horn device. A horn device of the type mentioned is, for example EP 0 975 058 B1 known.

The previously known honing device comprises a first and a second contact element, wherein the contact elements are formed as wires, which are held in a cage. The cage comprises regions in which the contact elements are held at a defined distance from one another and furthermore has regions in which the first contact element is elastically deflectable at least at intervals and contacts the second contact element in the deflected state. In this way, a Hupstromkreis can be closed. The previously known honing device is arranged in an airbag module or integrated in the airbag module. The gas bag module generally comprises a container for receiving a gas bag, which is closed by a cap. The cap is movable relative to the container, in particular displaceable, and thus forms an actuating device for the deflection of the first contact element. In other words, the previously known Hupeinrichtung between the airbag container and the cap is arranged.

The integration of Hupeinrichtung in the gas bag module increases the component complexity of the gas bag module and reduces its design variety. Furthermore, the integrated in the gas bag module Hupeinrichtung increases the maintenance effort, as to replace the Hupeinrichtung, for example, due to a defect, the gas bag module must be completely disassembled. Finally, the horn device restricts the interior volume of the gas bag container.

The invention has for its object to provide a horn for a steering wheel, which is used independently of a gas bag module. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a steering wheel with such a horn device.

According to the invention this object is achieved with regard to the honing device by the subject matter of claim 1, with regard to the steering wheel by the subject of claim 7.

The invention is based on the idea to provide a Hupeinrichtung for a steering wheel with a first contact element and a second contact element, which are arranged in a cage spaced from each other. The first contact element is elastically deformable in an actuating portion of the cage at least at intervals, so that the first contact element for closing a Hupstromkreises contacts the second contact element. According to the invention, the cage has at least one anchoring pin for fixing the honing device in a foam around the steering wheel.

In contrast to the previously known honing device, the invention provides for fixing the honing device on the steering wheel, specifically in the foam around the steering wheel. The horn device is thus separated from an airbag module or forms a separate component. This increases the design diversity of gas bag modules and reduces their complexity in particular. For example, it is possible to dispense with mutually relatively movable parts on the gas bag module. By the horn device can be integrated into the steering wheel, an enlargement of the gas bag module is possible. In particular, a larger internal volume for the gas bag container can be provided in this way, since additional guide elements for the displaceable mounting of a cap are superfluous on the gas bag module.

In a preferred embodiment of the horn device according to the invention, the anchoring pin has a barb-like tip. In general, the anchoring pin may be barb-like structured. In this way, a particularly good fixation in the foam around the steering wheel is achieved.

The actuating portion of the cage may further be arranged between at least two fixing portions. The contact elements are preferably separated from one another in the fixing section by an electrically insulating separating web. The electrically insulating divider prevents inadvertent contact between the contact elements and thus unintentional triggering of a horn signal. This is usually generated when closing the Hupstromkreises. The horn circuit may comprise a tone generator which transmits a sound signal, in particular a horn signal, to a loudspeaker.

The cage of the horn device according to the invention may also comprise at least one guide pin which extends in the opposite direction to the anchoring pin. The guide pin allows the inclusion of guide bushes, which are for example attached to a gas bag module. Thus, the guide pins cause a guided relative movement between an actuator, such as the gas bag module, and the foam around the steering wheel. In this respect, the horn device can be a positioning device for aligning a gas bag module or a cover cap form of the gas bag module with respect to the foam around the steering wheel. Since the Hupeinrichtung can be embedded directly into the foam of the steering wheel, tolerances of the foam can be compensated, so that a Hupspalt between, for example, a cap of a gas bag module and the foam around the steering wheel is uniform. In particular, the horn device reduces in this way the tolerance chain, which in particular has effects on the horn gap.

In a further preferred embodiment of the horn device according to the invention can be provided that the contact elements are each formed by an electrically conductive wire, in particular an electrically conductive spring wire. The use of a wire or spring wire ensures that the first contact element is sufficiently elastic to contact the second contact element. The first contact element is preferably deformable transversely to its longitudinal extent such that the deformed portion of the first contact element overcomes the distance between the first contact element and the second contact element and thus produces an electrical contact between the two contact elements. In addition, wires or spring wires have the advantageous property for the invention to essentially automatically return to their original position. The deformation or deflection of the first contact element is reduced with decreasing external force influence, so that the first contact element resumes its idle state.

In particular, the first contact element may have a restoring force, so that the first contact element automatically returns to a position spaced from the second contact element. This facilitates the operation of the Hupeinrichtung, since only for establishing an electrical connection between the first contact element and the second contact element and thus to generate a horn signal must be active actuation. The Hupsignal ends as soon as the actuating force decreases and the restoring force is effective, so that the two contact elements from each other.

A juxtaposed aspect of the invention relates to a steering wheel with a foam and a horn previously described, which is fixed in the foam. As previously mentioned, the arrangement of the horn device directly in the steering wheel is particularly space-saving. This makes it possible to use gas bag modules that have a relatively large interior volume. Finally, the maintenance effort is reduced in the steering wheel according to the invention, since in a defect of Hupeinrichtung the gas bag module does not have to be dismantled.

Preferably, the anchoring pins of the horn device are firmly embedded in the foam. The anchoring pins can be designed so that a secure fixation of Hupeinrichtung is achieved in the foam. Before curing the foam, the position of the horn can be adjusted.

In the case of the steering wheel according to the invention, an actuating device can be provided for the deflection of the first contact element, which has at least one projection projecting in the direction of the actuating section of the cage. The projection may extend into the actuation section in the actuation state and deform the first contact element in the actuation section in such a way that the first contact element contacts the second contact element.

As an actuating device, an airbag module may be provided, on which the projection is formed. In particular, the projection may be formed on a cover cap of the gas bag module. It can be provided that the cap protrudes laterally beyond a gas bag container, wherein the projection is formed in the projecting part of the cap. This contributes further to the improved use of space on the steering wheel.

The projection may also have a groove which receives the first contact element. This prevents that the first contact element evades when the actuating device exerts an actuating force on the first contact element in order to deform it. Overall, this increases the reliability of the steering wheel according to the invention.

The actuating device, in particular the gas bag module, can have at least one guide bush into which the guide pin of the cage slides in a sliding manner. The guide bush and the guide pin can in particular be coupled with a clearance fit, so that on the one hand a positioning of the actuating device with respect to the steering wheel or the foam of the steering wheel takes place and on the other hand, a relative movement between the actuator and the foam around the steering wheel is possible.

The cage may further comprise a stop which mechanically limits a hoisting motion of the actuating device, in particular of the gas bag module. In this way, damage to the Hupeinrichtung is avoided by excessive force.

• – Bereitstellen eines Lenkradskeletts;
• – Umschäumen des Lenkradskeletts;
• – Bereitstellen einer zuvor beschriebenen Hupeinrichtung;
• – Eindrücken der Verankerungsstifte eines Käfigs der Hupeinrichtung in die Umschäumung; und
• – Aushärten der Umschäumung zur Fixierung der Hupeinrichtung.

Finally, the invention is based on the idea of a method for producing a previously specify the described steering wheel, the method comprising the following steps:

• - Providing a steering wheel skeleton;
• - Foaming of the steering wheel skeleton;
• - providing a previously described horn device;
• - Pressing the anchoring pins of a cage of Hupeinrichtung in the foam; and
• - Hardening of the foam for fixing the Hupeinrichtung.

The manufacturing method according to the invention can be carried out with narrow tolerances. In particular, the direct arrangement of the honing device in the foam around the steering wheel and the use of the honing device as a guiding and positioning means of an actuating device, in particular an airbag module, can dispense with an elaborate alignment of individual steering wheels. Thus, the production process is accelerated, which has economic advantages.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. Show:

1 a perspective view of a horn device according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment;

2 a detailed view of the horn device according to 1 ;

3 a detail side view of the horn device according to 1 in the mounted state in a steering wheel;

4 a bottom view of a cap for a gas bag module;

5 a detailed perspective view of a steering wheel with the integrated honing device according to 1 ;

6 an exploded view of the horn device according to 1 ;

7 a side view of the horn device according to 1 ; and

9 a plan view of the horn device according to 1 ,

The accompanying drawings show a horn device 10 for a steering wheel 20 , The horn device 10 comprises a first contact element 11 and a second contact element 12 , wherein the two contact elements 11 . 12 in a cage 13 are arranged. Inside the cage 13 are the first and second contact elements 12 . 12 kept apart from each other. In particular, the cage 13 several operating sections 14 and a plurality of fixation sections 15 on. In the fixation sections 15 is in the cage 13 one divider each 16 arranged or integral with the cage 13 educated. The divider 16 extends between the first contact element 11 and the second contact element 12 , The divider 16 has an electrically insulating material, so that an electrical contact between the first contact element 11 and the second contact element 12 in the region of the fixation section 15 is prevented.

In the operating sections 14 of the cage 13 are the contact elements 11 . 12 freely spaced. That means that between the contact elements 11 . 12 no additional component is arranged. The two contact elements 11 . 12 can in the operating section 14 of the cage 13 be approximated by force to produce an electrical contact. As soon as the first contact element 11 the second contact element 12 touched, a horn circuit is closed, which is a control module 19 having. The control module 19 generates a sound signal that is output via a loudspeaker as an acoustic horn signal. The connection of the two contact elements 11 . 12 with the control module 19 via strands 19a ,

The contact elements 11 . 12 are preferably formed by wires in the cage 13 are arranged one above the other. The wires are in the cage 13 preferably clamped and each have an end, each with a strand 19a is coupled. In the idle state, ie without actuation of an actuating device for triggering the Hupfunktion exists between the contact elements 11 . 12 no electrical contact. Basically, the contact elements 11 . 12 each formed of an electrically conductive material, such as a metal wire.

The actuation of the Hupfunktion is preferably carried out by deformation of the first contact element 11 in the area of the operating sections 14 , As in 1 is clearly recognizable, the horn device indicates 10 in the illustrated embodiment, a total of six operating sections 14 on, at different points of the ring-shaped cage 13 are arranged. The operating sections 14 each have a recess 14a into which a lead 32 an actuating device can engage to the first contact element 11 against the second contact element 12 to urge.

2 shows a detailed view of the horn device 10 , In particular, an operating section 14 recognizable, in which the two contact elements 11 . 12 as wires freely spaced run. It can be seen that the second contact element 12 has a larger cross-sectional diameter than the first contact element 11 , The second contact element 12 forms insofar a relatively rigid contact element, whereas the first contact element 11 is relatively flexible. The first contact element 11 Therefore, it can be easily deformed and in the direction of the second contact element 12 bulge until the first contact element 11 the second contact element 12 touched and so closes the Hupstromkreis. In 2 is also clearly visible that the contact elements 11 . 12 inside the cage 13 are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

In 2 can be seen that in the area of fixation sections 15 through the operating section 14 are separated from each other, each an anchoring pin 17 is arranged. The anchoring pin 17 is on the side of the cage 13 arranged or integral with the cage 13 educated. The anchoring pin 17 extends substantially parallel to an operating plane in which the deflection of the first contact element 11 takes place to make contact with the second contact element 12 bring about. The anchoring pin 17 includes a tip 17a that is substantially barb-like in design. The summit 17a has at least one broadening to a good and secure anchoring in a foam 24 a steering wheel 20 to reach. Further, in the anchoring pin 17 a longitudinal notch 17b provided along the anchoring pin 17 extends. The longitudinal notch 17b runs in particular from the top 17a up to a pedestal 17c of the anchoring pin 17 , Starting from the top 17a the longitudinal groove is tapered 17b towards the pedestal 17c , The longitudinal notch 17b provides additional security against rotation for the cage 13 or the horn device 10 and thus improves anchoring in the foam 24 ,

Taking into account 1 it can be seen that the horn device 10 several anchoring pins 17 having. The anchoring pins 17 are preferably on an outside of the horn device 10 arranged. On an inside of the horn 10 are again several guide pins 18 provided in the opposite direction to the anchoring pins 17 extend. This can be the guide pins 18 at the height of the anchoring pins 17 or offset to be arranged. The guide pins 18 have in cross section preferably a T-profile and are at a free end 18a obliquely pointed or trapezoidal. This facilitates the introduction of the guide pins 18 in complementary guide bushings 31 ,

Complementary guide bushings 31 For example, on a cap 30 be arranged an airbag module or airbag module. Such a cap 30 is exemplary in 4 shown. In 4 are on the cap 30 latching openings 33 recognizable, the one locking connection of the cap 30 allow with a gas bag container or gas bag module. The cap 30 may further include frangible lines to enable release of an explosively inflating airbag.

The cap comprises a plurality of guide bushes 31 , which are spatially analogous to the guide pins 18 the horn device 10 are arranged. The guide bushes 31 are integral with the cap 30 formed and dimensioned such that the guide pins 18 can engage with clearance in the guide bushes. The guide pins 18 provide in cooperation with the guide bushes 31 a positioning function for the cap 30 , At the same time are the guide pins 18 in the guide bushes 31 längsaxial displaceable, so that the cap 30 can be used as an actuator to trigger the horn function. For this purpose, the cap 30 furthermore projections 32 on that in 4 are formed with a cross-shaped cross-sectional profile. The projections 32 are spatially complementary to the operating sections 14 the horn device 10 arranged. The operation of the projections 32 in conjunction with the horn device 10 is in 3 good to see.

3 shows a side view of a section of the horn device 10 when mounted on a steering wheel 20 , The horn device 10 is in a foam 24 the steering wheel fixed and with a cap 30 over the guide pins 18 connected. In particular, the guide pins engage 18 in corresponding guide bushings 31 the cap 30 one. Between the guide bushes 31 is at the clipping according to 3 a lead 32 arranged on the first contact element 11 in the area of the actuating section 14 of the cage 13 acts. The lead 32 preferably has a height which is higher than the height of the guide bushes 31 is.

At rest, the cap is 30 at a distance to the horn device 10 held. This is done via the elastic restoring force of the first contact element 11 that against the lead 32 the cap 30 acts. By applying a previously defined operating force on the cap 30 becomes the lead 32 against the first contact element 11 urged so that the first contact element 11 is elastically deformed. Within the operating section 14 As a result, the first contact element bulges 11 towards the second contact element 12 , When applying a minimum force previously determined and based on an appropriate choice of material for the first contact element 11 can be defined, the distance between the first contact element 11 and the second contact element 12 overcome, leaving the first contact element 11 on the second contact element 2 is pressed. This closes the hopping circuit and the control module 19 outputs a corresponding signal, which is reproduced acoustically via a loudspeaker.

By the deformation of the first contact element 11 and the subsequent contact of the second contact element 12 In addition, at least - a slight deformation of the second contact element 12 result. Optionally, it is provided that the first contact element 11 and the second contact element 12 slide on each other on contact, so that the first contact element 11 and the second contact element 12 in the operating section 14 clean yourself. The electrical contacts of the horn device 10 So they are self-cleaning.

The cage 13 that the contact elements 11 . 12 encloses, further in the operating section 14 a stop 13a on, the one actuating movement of the projection 32 limited. The stop 13a is preferably below the second contact element 12 arranged. Using the mechanical stop 13a will prevent the contact elements 11 . 12 damaged, in particular severed, due to overstressing. In this context, it should be noted that not only in the operating section 14 a mechanical stop 13a can be provided. Another mechanical stop 13a can the guide bush 31 Form after shifting around a previously defined displacement path on the cage 13 rests on the cage 13 strikes.

The first contact element 11 has a restoring force sufficient to the actuator, here the cap 30 to automatically return to the resting position. In other words, the first contact element takes 11 automatically the parallel arrangement to the second contact element, as long as no external operating force on the first contact element 11 acts.

5 shows the horn device 10 in the mounted state within a steering wheel 20 , The steering wheel 20 can basically a steering wheel skeleton 25 having a central body 21 and spokes 22 having. The spokes 22 connect the central body 21 with a steering wheel rim, not shown here. In the central body 21 is preferably a module holder 23 educated. The module holder 23 serves for embedding an airbag module. The control module 19 the horn device 10 is preferably in the central body 21 of the steering wheel skeleton 25 arranged.

The steering wheel skeleton 25 is by a foam 24 jacketed. The foam around the steering wheel is subject to relatively large tolerances and affects in particular the size of the horn gap, so the distance between the steering wheel and cap 30 of the gas bag module, off. In order to minimize deviations of the horn gap between different steering wheels, is usually a complex orientation of the cap 30 to the steering wheel 20 required. An increased accuracy is achieved with the present invention, in which the horn device 10 directly into the foam 24 is embedded. In particular, the horn device 10 through the anchoring pins 17 in the foam 24 fixed. The horn device 10 can in this case before the impressions in the previously produced foam 24 be aligned so that after attaching the cap 30 by means of the guide pins 18 already a comparatively accurate positioning of the cap 30 regarding the steering wheel 20 he follows.

6 shows the horn device 10 in an exploded view. Well recognizable are the first contact element 11 and the second contact element 12 , which are formed as wires with each open ends. Furthermore, the horn device comprises 10 the cage 13 and a control module 19 , To connect the control module 19 with the contact elements 11 . 12 are also two strands 19a and two shrink tubing 19b intended. Overall is off 6 recognizable that the Hupeinrichtung has a comparatively small number of components, which has advantages in terms of assembly, maintenance and production costs advantages.

In the figures and 8th is the horn device 10 shown in a side view and a plan view. In 7 is recognizable that the cage 13 in an in 7 upper area a bend 136 having. The bend 136 serves the cage 13 good to the shape of the steering wheel 20 adapt. In 8th it can be seen that the annular cage 13 essentially has a rectangular contour with rounded corners. Other shapes are possible and are made by the person skilled in the art on the basis of the design specifications for the steering wheel to be produced 20 selected accordingly.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Hupeinrichtung

11

first contact element

12

second contact element

13

Cage

13a

attack

13b

cranking

14

actuating section

14a

recess

15

fixing section

16

divider

17

anchoring pin

17a

top

17b

longitudinal notch

17c

base

18

guide pin

18a

free end

19

control module

19a

braid

19b

shrinkable tubing

20

steering wheel

21

central body

22

spoke

23

module mounting

24

foam casing

25

steering wheel skeleton

30

cap

31

guide bush

32

head Start

33

latching opening

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 0975058 B1 [0001]

Claims (14)

Horn device ( 10 ) for a steering wheel ( 20 ) with a first contact element ( 11 ) and a second contact element in a cage ( 13 ) are spaced from each other, wherein the first contact element ( 11 ) in an actuating portion of the cage ( 13 ) is at least partially elastically deformable such that the first contact element ( 11 ) for closing a Hupstromkreises the second contact element ( 12 ), characterized in that the cage ( 13 ) at least one anchoring pin ( 17 ) for fixing the horn device ( 10 ) in a foam ( 24 ) of the steering wheel ( 20 ) having. Horn device ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the anchoring pin ( 17 ) a barb-like tip ( 17a ) having. Horn device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating portion ( 14 ) of the cage ( 13 ) between at least two fixing sections ( 15 ) is arranged, wherein the contact elements ( 11 . 12 ) in the fixing section by an electrically insulating separating web ( 16 ) are separated from each other. Horn device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cage ( 13 ) at least one guide pin ( 18 ), which in the opposite direction to the anchoring pin ( 17 ). Horn device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact elements ( 11 . 12 ) are each formed by an electrically conductive wire, in particular an electrically conductive spring wire. Horn device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first contact element ( 11 ) has a restoring force such that the first contact element ( 11 ) automatically into one of the second contact element ( 12 ) resets spaced position. Steering wheel ( 20 ) with a foam ( 24 ) and a horn device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, which in the foam ( 24 ) is fixed. Steering wheel ( 20 ) According to claim 7, characterized in that the anchoring pins ( 17 ) of the horn device ( 10 ) firmly in the foam ( 24 ) are embedded. Steering wheel ( 20 ) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that for the deflection of the first contact element ( 11 ) an actuating device is provided which at least one in the direction of the actuating portion ( 14 ) of the cage ( 13 ) projecting projection ( 32 ) having. Steering wheel ( 20 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the actuating device is an airbag module is provided, on which the projection ( 32 ) is trained. Steering wheel ( 20 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the projection ( 32 ) on a cover flap ( 30 ) of the gas bag module is formed. Steering wheel ( 20 ) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the projection ( 32 ) has a groove which the first contact element ( 11 ). Steering wheel ( 20 ) according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the actuating device, in particular the gas bag module, at least one guide bush ( 31 ) into which the guide pin ( 18 ) of the cage ( 13 ) slidably engaged. Steering wheel ( 20 ) according to one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the cage ( 13 ) a stop ( 13a ), which mechanically limits a Hupbewegung the actuating device, in particular of the gas bag module.

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