WO1999065740A1 - Volant monobloc en plastique avec airbag - Google Patents

Volant monobloc en plastique avec airbag Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999065740A1
WO1999065740A1 PCT/US1999/013192 US9913192W WO9965740A1 WO 1999065740 A1 WO1999065740 A1 WO 1999065740A1 US 9913192 W US9913192 W US 9913192W WO 9965740 A1 WO9965740 A1 WO 9965740A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
air bag
plastic
assembly
frame structure
bag cover
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/013192
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Larry J. Winget
Original Assignee
Winget Larry J
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Winget Larry J filed Critical Winget Larry J
Priority to AU42328/99A priority Critical patent/AU4232899A/en
Publication of WO1999065740A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999065740A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
    • B60R21/20—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
    • B60R21/203—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in steering wheels or steering columns
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
    • B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
    • B62D1/04—Hand wheels

Definitions

  • This invention relates to steering wheels and air bag cover assemblies and, in particular, to plastic steering wheels and air bag cover assemblies.
  • Supplemental occupant restraint systems for motor vehicles typically require covers which allow an air bag to exit the air bag cover when deployed.
  • One type of air bag cover includes a front panel which has a predetermined tear seam design formed therein to allow the air bag to exit the air bag cover when deployed.
  • the air bag cover performs the utilitarian function of breaking apart along its predetermined tear seam design, but it should also match the vehicle interior decor and trim materials such as the instrument panel, seats, door panels, steering wheel and posts.
  • One-piece steering wheel assemblies typically have an inner metal core or frame structure to support an outer plastic layer. However, such steering wheels are costly and difficult to make.
  • the U.S. patent to Loren 5,447,762 discloses a plastic garbage can having a hollow rim formed by pressurized fluid.
  • the U.S. patent to Eckardt et al. 5,047,183 discloses a method and system for manufacturing hollow plastic articles from one or more plastics by combining co-injection with gas-assist injection molding.
  • the U.S. patent to Cuevas, 5,277,442 discloses an air bag system including a vehicle steering wheel having a structural frame which includes a integral retainer. The system also includes a cover which, together with the retainer forms a container.
  • the U.S. patent to Chen et al., 5,228,362 discloses a vehicle steering wheel having an armature which defines a structural circular steering wheel.
  • the U.S. patent to Cherry 5,536,037 discloses a thermoplastic material of a second layer which melts and chemically bonds with a thermoplastic material used in a first layer so that a physical bond is formed between an inner interconnecting portion and a projecting portion to hold the second layer to the first layer. This interconnection is used to hold a deployment door along a U- shaped brake line.
  • the U.S. patent to Hirsch 4,849, 145 discloses a process for forming an article having a flexible layer and a layer of synthetic resin.
  • the U.S. patent to Jogan et al. 5,429,786 discloses a process for forming an article using a pair of mold halves which define a pair of adjacent cavity sections into which first and second thermoplastic resins are injected, respectively.
  • Japanese patent document 6-206548 discloses a steering wheel having a synthetic resin formed over a metal frame structure which is subsequently melted to remove it from the resulting steering wheel.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a unitary composite steering wheel and air bag cover assembly wherein an air bag cover portion perfectly matches a rim of the assembly in color and other physical characteristics yet eliminates the need for a more costly metal, skeletal frame structure.
  • a unitary composite steering wheel and air bag cover assembly includes a one-piece, plastic body including a circular first rim portion having a perimeter and an air bag cover portion with a predetermined tear seam design formed therein.
  • the air bag cover portion is adapted to overlie an inflatable air bag system.
  • the assembly also includes a one- piece plastic skeletal frame structure including a circular second rim portion enclosed within the first rim portion. The frame structure has an aperture aligned with the air bag cover portion to allow an air bag of the air bag system to exit the air bag cover portion when deployed.
  • the plastic of the frame structure is more rigid than the plastic of the body and the plastic of the body is softer than the plastic of the frame structure .
  • the plastic of the frame structure may be glass-filled nylon whereas the plastic of the body may be TPO, TPU, DYM or santoprene.
  • the two different plastics may be co-injected or the plastic of the body may be utilized in a gas-assist injection molding process to hollow out the body and then the more rigid plastic of the frame structure can be injected into the hollowed-out body.
  • FIGURE 1 is a perspective view showing a unitary composite assembly steering wheel and air bag cover assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention
  • FIGURE 2 is an exploded view of the assembly with the front and rear sections of a circular first rim portion separated from each other to show a circular second rim portion, together with other parts including mounting parts of an air bag system adapted to be mounted at an end of a steering wheel post;
  • FIGURE 3 is a view, partially broken away and in cross-section of an injection molding system which may be utilized to make the assembly of the present invention
  • FIGURE 4 is a block diagram flow chart illustrating the various method steps taken to practice a first method to make the assembly; and FIGURE 5 is a block diagram flow chart of a second method to make the assembly.
  • FIG. l a perspective view showing an embodiment of a unitary composite steering wheel and air bag cover assembly, generally indicated at 10, constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • the assembly 10 preferably is installed over an inflatable air bag system, a support structure of which is generally shown at 12 in Figure 2, mounted at the end of a steering wheel post (not shown).
  • the occupant restraint air bag system is typically mounted at the interior end of the steering wheel post adjacent the assembly 10 so that the air bag may deploy between the vehicle driver and the steering wheel post to prevent injury during an accident or other period of sudden deceleration.
  • the assembly 10 includes a one-piece injection molded plastic body, generally indicated at 14, which is preferably injection molded in a mold 15
  • the plastic body 14 also includes a circular first rim portion 20.
  • the first rim portion 20 has been separated into front and rear sections and from a second rim portion 28 of a plastic skeletal frame structure, generally indicated at 26, to illustrate the second rim portion 28.
  • the two sections of the first rim portion are integrally formed with the second rim portion 28 within the mold 15.
  • the second plastic of the frame structure 26 is compatible with the plastic of the body 14 so that the second rim portion 28 of the frame structure 26 bonds with the first rim portion 20 of the body 14 by diffusion between the immediately adjacent surfaces thereof in the mold 15 to prevent the body 14 from separating from the frame structure 26 during use of the assembly 10.
  • the frame structure 26 is made from a second plastic also injection molded in the mold 15.
  • the second plastic is more rigid and not as soft as the plastic of the plastic body 14.
  • the plastic of the body 14 is a thermoplastic such as TPO, TPU, DYM, santoprene, etc.
  • the plastic of the frame structure 26 is more rigid but not as soft plastic such as glass-filled nylon.
  • the frame structure 26 also includes a central support portion 29 having a plurality of apertures 30, 32 and 34 formed therethrough.
  • One aperture 30 is aligned with the cover portion 18.
  • An air bag of the air bag system exits through the aperture 30 and through the cover portion 18 when deployed.
  • the support portion 29 preferably has a plurality of holes 36 formed about the aperture 30 to receive and retain a like plurality of fasteners 38.
  • the fasteners 38 secure a steel inflator assembly collar 40 of the support structure 12 to the frame structure 26 at holes 42.
  • the durometer of the body 14 will be in the range of about 37 Shore D to 52 Shore D, while the flexural modulus will be in the range of about 30,000 to 70,000 psi. If a RIM plastic is used, the modulus could be lower.
  • the support structure 12 also typically includes a plastic trim plate 44, a metal mounting rim 46 with attachment flanges 48 and a steering column cowl 50 having a close-out seal 52.
  • FIG. 3 there is illustrated the mold 15 and an extruder head or nozzle 54 of an injection molding system for making the unitary composite steering wheel and air bag cover assembly 10 of the present invention.
  • an injection molding system for making the unitary composite steering wheel and air bag cover assembly 10 of the present invention.
  • other methods and systems may be utilized to make a unitary composite steering wheel and air bag cover assembly 10 of the prevent invention.
  • the mold 15 includes a first mold half 62 and a second mold half
  • the first and second mold halves 62 and 64 are movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first and second mold halves 62 and 64, respectively, define an article-defining cavity 66.
  • the second mold half 64 includes a gas passageway 68 which extends from an exterior surface (not shown) of the second mold half 64 to an inner interior surface 70 of the second mold half 64 in fluid communication with the article-defining cavity 66.
  • the second or stationary mold half 64 includes a sprue 72 for communicating thermoplastic material to a runner 74 which, in turn, communicates with the article-defining cavity 66 via a gate 76.
  • a thermoplastic flow path is defined by the sprue 72, the runner 74 and the gate 76.
  • Article ejector pins 78 can extend through the first or movable mold half 62 to eject a completed part.
  • the injection molding system includes an extruder or nozzle 54 for injecting predetermined amounts or shots of first and second types of molten resin into the mold 15.
  • the nozzle 54 may be generally of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,047,183 which is capable of co- injecting two types of plastics as well as pressurized gas into the mold 15.
  • the system 56 may include a gas pin assembly, generally indicated at 80, for injecting the pressurized gas.
  • the gas pin assembly 80 includes a one-piece housing, generally indicated at 82. As shown in Figure 3, a base portion 84 of the housing 82 is threadedly secured to the second mold half 64 at the interior surface 70 of the second mold half 64 so that the gas pin assembly 80 can be readily removed from the second mold half 64 in the open position of the mold 15.
  • a rubber O-ring 86 is provided about the base portion 84 to seal the housing 82 within the second mold half 64.
  • the housing 82 also includes a hexagonal head portion 88 so that the assembly 80 can be readily removed from the second mold half 64 in the open position of the mold 15 by a conventional tool (not shown). Details of the assembly 80 can be found in the above-noted application entitled "Mold For Use In A Gas-Assisted Injection Molding System And Gas Pin Assembly For Use Therein".
  • the first molten plastic is injected into the mold cavity 66 of the mold 15 through its injection nozzle 54.
  • the second molten plastic is injected into the mold 15 through the nozzle 54 at a temperature and pressure sufficient to "core-out" or hollow out the first plastic.
  • the resulting steering wheel and air bag cover assembly 10 is cooled to a temperature beneath the softening point of both plastics.
  • FIG. 5 there is disclosed in block diagram flow chart form a gas-assist method for forming the unitary composite steering wheel and air bag cover assembly 10 of the present invention.
  • This method utilizes the gas pin assembly 80 unless the nozzle 54 also has the capability of injecting pressurized gas into the mold 15 as illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 5,047,183.
  • the first molten resin is injected into the mold 15 through its injection aperture.
  • pressurized gas is inserted into the mold 15 to distribute the molten resin over the interior surfaces 66 of the mold 15.
  • the resulting body 14 is cooled to a temperature beneath the softening point of the first molten resin.
  • the pressure within the curved first rim portion 20 of the body 14 is relieved.
  • a second molten plastic is injected from the nozzle 54 into the hollowed-out first rim portion 20.
  • the resulting steering wheel and air bag cover assembly 10 is cooled to a temperature beneath the softening point of both resins.
  • the assembly 10 is formed with the second rim portion 28 of the skeletal frame structure 26 within the first rim portion 20 of a one-piece body 14 and an integral air bag cover portion 18 with a predetermined tear seam design 16 formed therein in a single mold cavity.
  • the air bag cover portion 18 with the predetermined tear seam design 16 and the aligned aperture 30 allow an air bag to exit the cover portion 18 when deployed.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un volant composite et un couvercle (10) d'airbag, comprenant un corps (14) monobloc en plastique pourvu d'une première partie circulaire de rebord, un couvercle (18) d'airbag, et une structure (28) de cadre monobloc en plastique. La structure (20) est formée par co-injection de la structure de cadre (28) avec le corps (20) en plastique, ou par injection d'un gaz sous pression et injection du plastique le plus rigide de la structure (28) de cadre.
PCT/US1999/013192 1998-06-16 1999-06-10 Volant monobloc en plastique avec airbag WO1999065740A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU42328/99A AU4232899A (en) 1998-06-16 1999-06-10 Unitary plastic steering wheel with air bag

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US9821298A 1998-06-16 1998-06-16
US09/098,212 1998-06-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999065740A1 true WO1999065740A1 (fr) 1999-12-23

Family

ID=22268057

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/013192 WO1999065740A1 (fr) 1998-06-16 1999-06-10 Volant monobloc en plastique avec airbag

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU4232899A (fr)
WO (1) WO1999065740A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007025273A1 (fr) * 2005-08-26 2007-03-01 General Electric Company Volant composite moule monobloc
WO2013150348A1 (fr) * 2012-04-05 2013-10-10 Sabic Innovative Plastics Ip B.V. Armature pour volant et son procédé de fabrication
DE102021103473A1 (de) 2021-02-15 2022-08-18 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Verfahren und Vorrichtungen zum Herstellen von Lenkrädern

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5178036A (en) * 1986-07-26 1993-01-12 Kolbenschmidt Aktiengesellschaft Steering wheel
US5445048A (en) * 1991-03-20 1995-08-29 Kolbenschmidt Aktiengesellschaft Steering wheel
US5470099A (en) * 1993-11-01 1995-11-28 General Motors Corporation One-piece steering wheel assembly
US5560264A (en) * 1993-11-25 1996-10-01 Ecia-Equipements Et Composants Pour L'industrie Automobile Method for manufacturing a motor vehicle steering wheel, and steering wheel obtained thereby

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5178036A (en) * 1986-07-26 1993-01-12 Kolbenschmidt Aktiengesellschaft Steering wheel
US5445048A (en) * 1991-03-20 1995-08-29 Kolbenschmidt Aktiengesellschaft Steering wheel
US5470099A (en) * 1993-11-01 1995-11-28 General Motors Corporation One-piece steering wheel assembly
US5560264A (en) * 1993-11-25 1996-10-01 Ecia-Equipements Et Composants Pour L'industrie Automobile Method for manufacturing a motor vehicle steering wheel, and steering wheel obtained thereby

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007025273A1 (fr) * 2005-08-26 2007-03-01 General Electric Company Volant composite moule monobloc
WO2013150348A1 (fr) * 2012-04-05 2013-10-10 Sabic Innovative Plastics Ip B.V. Armature pour volant et son procédé de fabrication
US9073570B2 (en) 2012-04-05 2015-07-07 Sabic Global Technologies B.V. Armature for a steering wheel and method of making
DE102021103473A1 (de) 2021-02-15 2022-08-18 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Verfahren und Vorrichtungen zum Herstellen von Lenkrädern

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU4232899A (en) 2000-01-05

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