DE202017101144U1 - Horn system for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A horn system for a vehicle, comprising an airbag module (7) having a module housing (8) for receiving an airbag and a module cover (3) for covering the airbag that is movable relative to the module housing (8) in an actuation direction (z), a horn circuit ( 17) for generating a warning signal in response to a position of the module cover (3) relative to the module housing (8), and an electrically conductive spring element (21) mounted on the module housing (8) and transverse to the actuating direction (z) between a mounting position and a holding position is displaceable, wherein the spring element (21) is designed so that it rests in the holding position on the module cover (3) and the module cover (3) counter to the actuating direction (z) applied relative to the module housing (8), wherein the spring element (21) has a substantially planar first spring portion (35) for abutment with the module housing (8) and a substantially planar second spring portion (37) for on Position on the module cover (3), characterized in that the two substantially planar spring portions (35, 37) are inclined relative to each other and in a kink area (38) pass directly into one another.

Description

The present invention relates to a horn system according to the preamble of claim 1.

Horn systems for vehicles are well known in the art. They are used to generate a warning signal for traffic safety reasons. In most modern vehicles, the horn system includes an air bag module with a cover for receiving and covering an air bag. The cover is, for example, a "floating cover", which means that it is somewhat mobile with respect to a module housing. Further, prior art horn systems include a horn circuit for generating a warning signal in response to movement of the cover relative to the module housing. Air bags with floating cover known from the prior art use elaborate horn designs using a plurality of components such as springs, contacts, electrical circuits and so on. That is, such horn systems are complex and therefore time-consuming to manufacture. Furthermore, the relatively large number of components required significantly increases the cost of conventional horn systems.

In order to reduce the number of required components is in the generic DE 10 2015 001 851 A1 already described a horn system in which at least one electrically conductive element is provided, which is mounted between a mounting position and a holding position limited displaceable on the module housing. The at least one electrically conductive element can also have a certain elasticity and serve to return the horn system from an actuation position to an unactuated rest position, wherein in the actuation position generates a warning signal and in the rest position no warning signal is generated.

The object of the invention is to provide a horn system for a vehicle, which is structurally particularly simple and with little effort a reproducible, reliable and over the life of the vehicle largely constant actuation behavior and provides a pleasant perceived by the driver feel.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a horn system having an airbag module which has a module housing for receiving an airbag and a module cover movable relative to the module housing in an actuating direction for covering the airbag, a horn circuit for generating a warning signal as a function of a position of the module cover relative to Module housing, and an electrically conductive spring element which is mounted on the module housing and displaceable transversely to the actuating direction between a mounting position and a holding position, wherein the spring element is designed so that it rests in the holding position on the module cover and the module cover against the actuating direction relative to the module housing acted upon, wherein the spring element has a substantially planar first spring portion for abutment with the module housing and a substantially planar second spring portion for abutment with the module cover, wherein the at the substantially flat spring portions are inclined relative to each other and pass directly into one another in a bending region. It has been found that an advantageous vote of the spring behavior is particularly easy by a bent leaf spring is possible, in particular on the bending angle α.

A horn system is provided which requires only a spring element secured to the module housing to actuate the horn circuit for generating the warning signal. This is achieved by the interaction of the spring element with the module cover in the holding position of the spring element. Thus, the horn system has a simple structure and can be easily assembled and adjusted. The adjustment of the horn system can be done simply by replacing the type of spring element. For example, a threshold pressure load required to actuate the horn system can be increased by the use of a spring element which has a higher spring rigidity and is thus less flexible. The horn system requires a very small number of components and thus less space than conventional horn systems.

Preferably, the two substantially flat spring portions include an angle of 165 ° to 175 °, in particular an angle of about 171 °. This angle range has proved to be particularly advantageous in view of a compact design and the actuation behavior of the vehicle horn.

According to one embodiment of the horn system, a slot for limitedly displaceable attachment of the spring element is provided on the module housing in the first spring section. Through this slot and a connecting means such as a screw can be easily set the mounting position and the holding position of the spring element. In its displacement between the mounting position and the holding position, the entire spring element is moved transversely, in particular perpendicular to the actuating direction translational.

The first spring portion of the spring element can pass into a grip portion for displacing the spring element between the mounting position and the holding position. The grip section is preferably provided on a side of the first spring section which is opposite to the second spring section and extends out of the plane of the first spring section. Thus, the spring element without special tool in a simple way manually move between its mounting position and its holding position. The grip portion is in particular integrally formed on the spring element and bent out of the plane of the first spring portion so that it is easily accessible by a fitter with his fingers.

According to a further embodiment, the first spring portion has a latching recess for fixing the electrically conductive spring element in the holding position. In this way, a high reliability of the horn system can be ensured with little effort.

Preferably, the electrically conductive spring element in the bending region between the first spring portion and the second spring portion on an adjustment opening for tuning the spring behavior. In addition to the variation of the bending angle, the operating behavior of the horn system can also be decisively influenced with minimal effort via the size and shape of this adjustment opening.

Preferably, the spring element is designed so that it interacts with movement of the module cover with respect to the module housing with the horn circuit in the holding position. Preferably, the electrically conductive spring element is designed as a substantially flat spring plate, which is flexible in the actuation direction of the module cover.

The spring element may consist of or comprise a metal (or other conductive) portion and / or comprise a non-conductive, but elastically flexible, further portion, which consists in particular of synthetic materials such as, for example.

Furthermore, the spring element in the holding position can touch a lower edge of the cover. Thanks to this design, the electrically conductive spring element has a dual function, with a first function relating to the cover retaining function, in which the spring element holds the module cover in a vertical position in the correct position, the best states of flush and gap with the environment can be ensured. In accordance with a second function, the spring element provides a horn system function because the electrically conductive spring element is configured to close the horn circuit upon movement of the module cover relative to the module housing.

In a further embodiment, the spring element is aligned substantially parallel to a bottom surface of the module housing and preferably releasably secured thereto. Furthermore, the spring element can be elastically flexible in an actuating direction of the module cover. That is, by moving the module cover, the spring member is elastically deformed and thus can close the horn circuit to produce a warning signal. Preferably, in the holding position, a distal portion of the spring member is positioned adjacent to an actuating portion of the horn circuit, wherein the horn circuit is preferably secured to the module housing. In addition, the spring element in its holding position bias the module cover against the actuation direction, so that the module cover is held in its unactuated rest position. In order to provide a reliable operation of the horn circuit, the electrically conductive spring element is preferably arranged between the actuating region of the horn circuit and a (lower) outer surface of the module housing. In addition, the reliability of the horn system can be further improved if a plurality, in particular three spring elements are provided which are substantially uniformly distributed over an outer surface of the module housing, wherein the outer surface of the module housing is opposite to a vehicle steering wheel in the assembled state of the horn system. Of course, two, four, five or more contacts may be provided at appropriate locations. Furthermore, the spring element is preferably able to contact the actuating region of the horn circuit when the module cover is moved with a predetermined actuating force. In a preferred embodiment, the spring element is slidably connected to the module housing of the airbag module.

In a further embodiment, the spring element with the module housing, in particular a support plate of the module housing is connected such that it protrudes in a holding and actuation position over a peripheral edge of the support plate or the module housing and in a mounting position does not project beyond the peripheral edge of the support plate or the module housing ,

In a further embodiment, the electrically conductive spring element with the module housing or its support plate via a formed on the support plate or the module housing mounting connection, for example, a snap arrangement is connected so that it permanently in electrical connection with a on the Support plate or the module housing mounted connection path of the horn circuit is.

In a further embodiment, the spring element in a holding or actuated position of the horn system via a screw / nut assembly fixed to the module housing, in particular with its support plate. Extends the screw of this screw / nut assembly through a slot in the spring element, so can be determined in this way with little effort, the limited displacement of the spring element relative to the module housing between the mounting position and the holding position.

In another embodiment, the spring element is slidably disposed between a connection path that is part of the horn circuit and clamping lugs that protrude from an outer surface of the support plate or the module housing.

In a further embodiment, spring elements having a single tongue for contacting a horn circuit contact and / or spring elements having a plurality, preferably two, tongues are provided for contacting a plurality of horn circuit contacts, the horn circuit contacts preferably being substantially uniform across an outer surface of the horn circuit Support plate or the module housing are distributed.

In a further embodiment, the module housing substantially closes an open end of the module cover. Preferably, the spring element projects in its holding position over a peripheral edge of the module housing, while in its mounting position it does not protrude beyond this peripheral edge. The module cover may be advantageously secured to the module housing via a snap or other suitable fastening device, thereby allowing relative movement of the module cover relative to the module housing.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. In these show:

1 a schematic perspective view of a horn system for a vehicle according to an embodiment;

2 a bottom view of the horn system according to 1 in the region of a spring element located in the mounting position;

3 a section through the horn system according to 2 ;

4 a bottom view of the horn system according to 1 in the region of a spring element located in the holding position;

5 a section through the horn system according to 4 ;

6 a further section through the horn system according to 4 before its operation;

7 a further section through the horn system according to 4 during its operation;

8th a bottom view of a horn system for a vehicle according to another embodiment;

9 a schematic detail section AA or BB 8th ;

10 a detailed view of the horn system according to 8th in the area C;

11 an exploded perspective view of the horn system according to 8th ;

12 a detail section through an inventive horn system according to a further embodiment prior to its operation, in the region of a spring element located in the holding position;

13 a side view of the spring element according to 12 ;

14 a plan view of the spring element according to 12 in a variant embodiment; and

15 a plan view of the spring element according to 12 in an alternative embodiment.

The 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a horn system 1 with an airbag module 7 that is a module housing 8th for receiving an airbag (not shown) and a relative to the module housing 8th in a direction of actuation z movable module cover 3 for covering the airbag, a horn circuit 17 for generating a warning signal in response to a position of the module cover 3 relative to the module housing 8th , and an electrically conductive spring element 21 on the module housing 8th mounted and transversely to the operating direction z between a mounting position and a holding position is displaceable.

The cup-shaped module cover 3 has a substantially trapezoidal cross-section, with four side walls 5 the module cover 3 surrounding the airbag, and wherein projections 9 at the peripheral wall of the module housing 8th with corresponding openings 11 in the side walls 5 the module cover 3 interact with the module cover 3 on the module housing 8th to fix. A movement of the module cover 3 relative to the module housing 8th is ensured in the assembled state of the airbag module, since the height of the projections 9 in the z-direction is less than the height of the openings 11 , The module cover 3 closes the module housing 8th , wherein the airbag is housed protected inside. As module housing 8th In this context, a component is referred to which comprises at least one carrier plate for the airbag and / or a gas generator and optionally one or more side walls.

In the installed state of the horn system 1 is the carrier plate of the module housing 8th firmly connected to a vehicle steering wheel. An outer surface 13 the carrier plate faces the vehicle steering wheel while an outer surface of the module cover 3 (in 1 not visible) is the driver of the vehicle zugewwandt. The horn system 1 includes an electrical connection 15 for triggering the airbag module 7 and a horn circuit 17 for generating a warning signal when the horn circuit 17 is closed.

In the illustrated embodiment, the horn system comprises 1 Furthermore, three operating areas 19 , the distal ends of the horn circuit 17 make up and the horn circuit 17 close when contacted by electrically conductive elements.

According to 1 are three electrically conductive spring elements 21 provided, which has limited mobility on the outer surface 13 of the module housing 8th are arranged. The spring elements 21 can between a mounting position (see also 2 ) and a stop position (see also 4 ) are moved. In 1 are the conductive elements 21 in their holding position, in which they are using the module cover 3 interact. Specifically, the spring elements lie 21 in the holding position on the module cover 3 at, in particular at a lower edge 23 the side walls 5 , and apply the module cover 3 against the actuating direction z relative to the module housing 8th ,

The three electrically conductive spring elements 21 out 1 act with three operating areas 19 of the horn circuit 17 together, in the case of more or less spring elements 21 Of course, the number of operating areas 19 can be adjusted. The operating areas 19 extend over the outer surface 13 of the module housing 8th and are electrically connected. How out 1 can be seen, the three spring elements 21 essentially evenly over the surface 13 of the housing 8th distributed. Furthermore, it can be seen that three of the four side walls 5 the module cover 3 with an associated spring element 21 are connected. The operating areas 19 are for the formation of the horn circuit 17 preferably in each case via connection paths 20 connected with each other.

The 2 shows a detailed view of the horn system 1 in the region of an electrically conductive spring element 21 , wherein the spring element 21 is in a mounting position. In the mounting position is the spring element 21 not over the circumference of the module housing 8th in front. The module cover 3 can in this mounting position of the spring element 21 pick up the airbag and the module housing 8th to be assembled. Because the spring element 21 in this case in the operating direction z not at the bottom 23 the side wall 5 attacks, the module cover 3 during their installation in the z-direction even carry out a further movement, without the spring element 21 to deform in an undesirable manner.

The 3 shows a schematic section through the electrically conductive spring element 21 in its mounting position. As can be seen, the spring element 21 between the module housing 8th and an operating area 19 of the horn circuit 17 positioned, which is a rivet 25 includes the electrically conductive spring element 21 to contact in its holding position. In particular, the spring element 21 essentially flat and parallel to the outer surface 13 of the module housing 8th arranged. In a preferred embodiment, the spring element is 21 in sliding contact with the module housing 8th ,

Furthermore, the outer surface comprises 13 of the module housing 8th according to 2 lateral guides 27 for guiding the spring element 21 in a direction across the bottom edge 23 the side wall 5 , The guides 27 can in the module housing 8th be integrally formed and in the form of longitudinal projections on the outer surface 13 of the module housing 8th extend. The spring element 21 is preferably detachable with the module housing 8th connected, in particular screwed or clamped so that it is easily interchangeable. Consequently, the horn system 1 be adjusted individually with little effort in terms of a desired actuation force.

In the present embodiment, the spring elements 21 formed as elongated flat sheets which extend perpendicular to the actuation direction z. To limit the movement of the spring element 21 from the mounting position according to 2 in the stop position according to 4 , can the module housing 8th a lead 29 include, which may consist of a screw, a rivet or the like and extending into a slot 31 of spring element 21 extends. The path of the spring element 21 is from the lead 29 and the longitudinal dimension of the slot 31 limited, wherein the direction of movement of the spring element 21 of the direction and orientation of the guides 27 is determined.

According to a further embodiment, the spring elements may be formed as electrically conductive, off-center elements which are rotatable on the module housing 8th are attached. These elements can be moved from the mounting position to the holding position by the eccentric spring element is rotated or rotated such that an off-center portion of the lower edge 23 the module cover 3 covered. Similar to the flat elongate sheets, the eccentric spring members are located near the peripheral edge of the module housing 8th and thus near the bottom edge 23 the module cover 3 ,

The 4 shows the horn system 1 in a holding position of the electrically conductive spring element 21 , In this position is a distal section 33 of the spring element 21 over the peripheral edge of the module housing 8th before and is in the direction of actuation z in particular at the bottom 23 the module cover 3 at. Thus limits the spring element 21 a movement of the module cover 3 relative to the module housing 8th in the operating direction z in the case of an operating force on the cover 3 is applied.

In 5 is a schematic detail section through the horn system 1 in the holding position of the spring element 21 according to 4 shown. It is clearly evident that the spring element 21 at the lower edge 23 the module cover 3 flush with an outside of the side walls 5 concludes. In this position, the spring element holds 21 the module cover 3 in a desired position, which corresponds to the rest position, when in the actuation direction z no pressure on the module cover 3 is exercised. Preferably, the electrically conductive spring element biases 21 the module cover 3 about its spring force and thereby holds the module cover 3 at rest.

The 6 shows a further section through the horn system 1 in the holding position of the spring element 21 , It can be seen that the spring element 21 in the stop position directly at the bottom 23 the side wall 5 is applied and the module cover 3 acted upon against the actuating direction z, ie in 6 up. Because of this training is the lead 9 of the module housing 8th at the bottom of the sidewall 5 provided opening 11 and forms a stop for the module cover 3 ,

The 7 shows a state of the horn system 1 in which the module cover 3 is acted upon manually by a driver of the vehicle in the actuation direction z, so that the module cover 3 relative to the projection 9 and the entire module housing 8th in 7 moved down. Due to the movement of the module cover 3 in the direction of actuation z is a pressure on the distal portion 33 the electrically conductive spring element 21 exercised. This also causes the spring element 21 moved against its spring force in the direction of actuation z and touches the rivet 25 , which is the electrically conductive spring element 21 near its distal portion 33 opposite. In an unactivated state of the horn system 1 indicates the rivet 25 of the operating area 19 a small distance from the electrically conductive spring element 21 on. Thus, the module cover 3 only be acted upon by a predetermined threshold force to the electrically conductive spring element 21 towards the operating area 19 of the horn circuit 17 to deform.

How to continue 7 can be seen, there is the spring element 21 between the module cover 3 and the operating area 19 of the horn circuit 17 , which on the module housing 8th is attached. When the electrically conductive spring element 21 the rivet 25 of the horn circuit 17 touches the horn circuit 17 closed and generates a warning signal. Of course, several electrically conductive spring elements 21 and corresponding associated actuation areas 19 of the horn circuit 17 over the outer surface 17 of the module housing 8th be distributed to provide a reliable horn function.

The 8th to 11 describe the horn system 1 According to a further embodiment, which largely corresponds to the embodiment described above, so explicitly to the description of the 1 to 7 referred to below and only discusses distinguishing features.

One such distinguishing feature is that the horn system 1 an electrically conductive spring element 22 comprising several tongues (see in particular 11 ). Analogous to the three spring elements 21 out 1 also acts the spring element 22 in the operating areas 19 with contact rivets 25 together, each tongue of the spring element 22 one rivet each 25 from different operating areas 19 assigned. The operation of the spring element 22 with two or more tongues corresponds to the operation of the spring element 21 with a tongue as described above.

According to 8th has the horn system 1 specifically a spring element 22 with two tongues, which in different operating areas 19 each with a rivet 25 interact. Furthermore, two spring elements 21 with a tongue adjacent to the surface 13 of the module housing 8th intended. Of course, it can only be conductive elements 22 with several tongues instead of the conductive elements 21 available. The rivet 25 the operating areas 19 are preferably via a contact bridge or a connection path 20 connected together and thus form part of the horn circuit 17 ,

Another such distinguishing feature is that all spring elements 21 . 22 with one and / or more tongues, analogous to the rivets 25 , via a contact bridge or a connection path 20a connected to each other so that they form another part of the horn circuit 17 form. Preferably, the connection paths are 20 . 20a at a predetermined junction close to each other, each form a plug contact and can be connected via a connector to a power supply.

How out 8th can be seen, are the spring elements 21 . 22 in their mounting position, in which they do not have a peripheral wall of the module housing 8th protrude. In the mounting position, the module cover 3 on the module housing 8th of the airbag module 7 to be assembled. Because the spring elements 21 . 22 not at the bottom 23 the side wall 5 the module cover 3 can attack, the module cover 3 even carry out a further movement in the operating direction z during their assembly.

The 9 shows an in 8th indicated, schematic detail section AA or BB in the spring elements 21 . 22 , As above together with 3 described, are the electrically conductive spring elements 21 . 22 between the module housing 8th and a rivet 25 of the horn circuit 17 positioned to contact the respective rivet in the holding position. In particular, the spring elements 21 . 22 each substantially flat and parallel to the outer surface 13 of the module housing 8th arranged. In a preferred embodiment, the spring element is 21 . 22 in sliding contact with the module housing 8th ,

In addition, in the embodiment according to the 8th to 11 a section of the connection path 20a between the spring element 21 . 22 and the outer surface 13 of the module housing 8th arranged. In an area where the spring elements 21 . 22 to the connection path 20a adjoin, points the connection path 20a (and / or the respective spring element 21 . 22 ) a supernatant, in particular designed as embossed local curvature 24 pointing towards the spring element 21 . 22 (or to the connection path 20a ) and thus a reliable, in particular biased electrical contact connection between the spring element 21 . 22 and the connection path 20a manufactures.

Adjacent to the spring elements 21 . 22 are on the outside surface 13 of the housing 8th clamping lugs 26 provided which a sliding movement of the spring elements 21 . 22 allow between the mounting position and the holding position and due to the supernatant 24 the spring elements 21 . 22 , the connection path 20a and the module housing 8th slightly bias in the direction of actuation against each other, so that a secure contact between the spring element 21 . 22 and connection path 20a is guaranteed.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the actuating force on the elasticity of the electrically conductive spring element 21 can be set. If the spring element 21 For example, has a low spring stiffness, only a relatively small operating force is required to the distal portion 33 of the spring element 21 towards the operating area 19 of the horn circuit 17 to move. When the spring element 21 has a higher rigidity, must be correspondingly a greater force on the module cover 3 be applied to the spring element 21 to deform and to generate a warning signal.

The executed in particular as sheets, electrically conductive spring elements 21 can in the module housing 8th pre-assembled or later during the assembly process of the driver airbag module 7 be attached.

The present invention thus provides a reliable and cost-effective horn system 1 for an airbag module 7 with "floating" module cover 3 ready, with the module cover 3 with respect to the module housing 8th is mounted slidably limited and an elastic, electrically conductive spring element 21 Press on the fixed module housing 8th is appropriate.

Due to the very small number of required components, the manufacture and assembly of such a horn system 1 much easier.

In the 12 to 15 is another embodiment of the horn system 1 shown, which only by the construction of the spring element 21 from the embodiment according to the 8th to 11 different, so in terms of the basic design and operation explicit reference is made to the above description of the figures.

With regard to a long-term behavior largely invariable operating force as well as a perceived by the driver as pleasant "Huphaptik", it has been found to be advantageous, the spring element 21 according to the 13 to 15 perform. Here, the spring element 21 a flat first spring section 35 for installation on the module housing 8th and a flat second spring portion 37 for attachment to the module cover 3 on, with the two flat spring sections 35 . 37 are inclined relative to each other and in a kink area 38 pass directly into each other.

Incidentally, the horn system includes 1 analogous to the embodiments described above, an airbag module 7 which is a module housing 8th for receiving an airbag and relative to the module housing 8th in a direction of actuation z movable module cover 3 for covering the airbag, a horn circuit 17 for generating a warning signal in response to a position of the module cover 3 relative to the module housing 8th , and at least one electrically conductive spring element 21 on the module housing 8th mounted and transversely to the operating direction z between a mounting position and a holding position is translationally displaceable, wherein the spring element 21 designed so that it is in the holding position on the module cover 3 rests and this against the operating direction z relative to the module housing 8th applied.

The electrically conductive spring element 21 is with the module housing 8th connected such that it is in the holding position over a peripheral edge of the module housing 8th protrudes and in the mounting position not over the peripheral edge of the module housing 8th protrudes.

Also in this embodiment are several, preferably three or four electrically conductive spring elements 21 provided and substantially uniform over the outer surface 13 of the module housing 8th arranged distributed.

As in the previously described embodiments, the electrically conductive spring element 21 preferably in the direction of actuation of the module cover 3 elastic bending stamped part made of spring steel. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the spring element comprises a flexible, electrically conductive component and a flexible, electrically non-conductive but elastic component, which consists in particular of synthetic materials such as a resin.

The 12 shows the unactuated horn system 1 with the spring element 21 in its preloaded holding position, in which it the module cover 3 against the operating direction z against the projections 9 of the module housing 8th in an unactivated rest position of the horn system 1 charged (see also 6 ), wherein a relaxed state of the spring element 21 in 12 indicated by dashed lines. Particularly preferred is the module cover 3 exclusively by electrically conductive spring elements 21 acted upon in the rest position, which in an operating position of the horn system 1 also the horn circuit 17 can close. On additional springs, which are exclusive to the module cover 3 serve, can therefore be waived.

The 13 shows a detailed view of the relaxed spring element 21 , wherein the two flat spring sections 35 . 37 an angle α of 165 ° to 175 °, in particular an angle α of about 171 ° include.

Furthermore, based on the 13 clearly that the first spring section 35 in a handle section 39 for moving the spring element 21 between the mounting position and the holding position, wherein the handle portion 39 on a second spring section 37 opposite side of the first spring section 35 is formed and from the plane of the first spring section 35 extends beyond.

The 14 shows a plan view of the in 13 illustrated spring element 21 , Analogous to the above-described embodiments of the horn system 1 is in the spring element 21 , in particular in the first spring section 35 , the slot 31 for limited sliding attachment of the spring element 21 on the module housing 8th intended. Through the slot 31 and a corresponding connecting means such as a screw can thus be easily the mounting position and the holding position of the spring element 21 establish.

Furthermore, the first spring section 35 a recess 41 for fixing the electrically conductive spring element 21 in the stop position.

As already mentioned above 8th to 11 mentioned, is the spring element 21 , in particular the first spring section 35 of the spring element 21 , on the supernatant carried out as a local bulge 24 against the connection path 20a biased. In one to the spring element 21 adjacent section of the connection path 20a is a spring element 21 protruding latching knob 43 (as in 10 indicated) provided in a displacement of the spring element of the Mounting position for holding position on the spring element 21 slides along and in the holding position due to the bias in the recess 41 of the first spring section 35 snaps. The spring element 21 is thus fixed in the holding position and can not move inadvertently back into the mounting position. The recess 41 is preferably designed as a continuous opening and in particular from the sheet of the spring element 21 punched out. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the latching recess 41 in the spring section 35 is formed as a recess, which to the connection path 20a borders.

If the plurality of spring elements 21 other than through the connection path 20a electrically connected, for example, by one or more wires, the latching nub can 43 instead of in the connection path 21a also in a section of the module housing 8th be provided, which then to the respective spring element 21 borders.

Otherwise, the electrically conductive spring element 21 according to 14 in the kink area 38 That is, in a transition region of the first and second spring section 35 . 37 an adjustment hole 45 for tuning the spring behavior.

The 15 shows a further variant of the spring element 21 , which differs from the embodiment according to 14 only differs in that the adjustment hole 45 is made larger. About the size and shape of the adjustment hole 45 can be with little effort the "feel" of the horn system 1 and in particular the hardness of the spring element 21 influence. For example, the spring element 21 according to 15 due to the larger adjustment opening 45 in the kink area 38 thinner webs 47 between the adjustment hole 45 and the edge of the spring element 21 , so that compared with the spring element according to 14 a lower spring hardness results.

The described horn system 1 For a vehicle to have a reproducible, reliable and largely constant over the life of the vehicle operating behavior and perceived by the driver as pleasant to the touch. It has been found that this vote of the spring behavior is particularly easy by a bent leaf spring is possible, in particular on the bending angle α of the leaf spring and the Einstellöffnung 45 , Of course, other parameters such as the material, play a sheet thickness of the spring element 21 or the amount of bias a certain role and can also be used to fine tune the spring behavior.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Hooter system

3

module cover

5

side walls

7

airbag module

8th

module housing

9

projections

10

open end

11

opening

13

outer surface

15

electrical connection

17

Horn circuit

19

operating range

20

20a connection path

21

Spring element (with a tongue)

22

Spring element (with several tongues)

23

lower edge

24

Got over

25

rivet

26

clamping nose

27

guides

29

head Start

31

Long hole

33

distal section

35

first spring section

37

second spring section

38

bend region

39

handle portion

41

recess

43

stop knob

45

insertion opening

47

Stege

z

vertical direction

c

central axis

G

sliding

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

• DE 102015001851 A1 [0003]

Claims (9)

Horn system for a vehicle, with an airbag module ( 7 ), which is a module housing ( 8th ) for receiving an airbag and a relative to the module housing ( 8th ) in an actuating direction (z) movable module cover ( 3 ) for covering the airbag, a horn circuit ( 17 ) for generating a warning signal in dependence on a position of the module cover ( 3 ) relative to the module housing ( 8th ), and an electrically conductive spring element ( 21 ) located on the module housing ( 8th ) and transversely to the actuating direction (z) between a mounting position and a holding position is displaceable, wherein the spring element ( 21 ) is designed so that it is in the holding position on the module cover ( 3 ) and the module cover ( 3 ) counter to the actuating direction (z) relative to the module housing ( 8th ), wherein the spring element ( 21 ) a substantially planar first spring portion ( 35 ) for contact with the module housing ( 8th ) and a substantially flat second spring portion ( 37 ) to the module cover ( 3 ), characterized in that the two substantially flat spring sections ( 35 . 37 ) are inclined relative to each other and in a kink area ( 38 ) directly into each other. Horn system according to claim 1, characterized in that the two substantially flat spring sections ( 35 . 37 ) include an angle (α) of 165 ° to 175 °, in particular an angle (α) of about 171 °. Horn system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the first spring section ( 35 ) a slot ( 31 ) for limited sliding attachment of the spring element ( 21 ) on the module housing ( 8th ) is provided. Horn system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first spring section ( 35 ) in a handle portion ( 39 ) for moving the spring element ( 21 ) passes between the mounting position and the holding position, in particular wherein the handle portion ( 39 ) on a second spring section ( 37 ) opposite side of the first spring section ( 35 ) is provided and from the plane of the first spring section ( 35 ) extends. Horn system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first spring section ( 35 ) a latching recess ( 41 ) for fixing the electrically conductive spring element ( 21 ) in the holding position. Horn system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrically conductive spring element ( 21 ) in the bend region ( 38 ) between the first spring section ( 35 ) and the second spring section ( 37 ) an adjustment opening ( 45 ) for tuning the spring behavior. Horn system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrically conductive spring element ( 21 ) is an elastic bending dance piece made of spring steel in the direction of actuation (z) or contains a flexible, electrically conductive portion and a flexible, electrically non-conductive but elastic portion, which consists in particular of synthetic materials such as a resin. Horn system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrically conductive spring element ( 21 ) with the module housing ( 8th ) is connected in such a way that it is in the holding position over a peripheral edge of the module housing ( 8th ) protrudes and in the mounting position not over the peripheral edge of the module housing ( 8th ) protrudes. Horn system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several, in particular three or four electrically conductive spring elements ( 21 ) and preferably substantially uniformly distributed over an outer surface ( 13 ) of the module housing ( 8th ) are arranged.

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