WO2022167308A1

WO2022167308A1 - Steering wheel arrangement for a vehicle having a steering wheel and an airbag module and having a decorative component, and vehicle having a steering wheel arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2022167308A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/051852
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Jenny
Original assignee: Psa Automobiles Sa
Priority date: 2021-02-03
Filing date: 2022-01-27
Publication date: 2022-08-11
Also published as: EP4288305A1; DE102021200983A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering wheel arrangement (1) for a vehicle having a steering wheel (2) and having an airbag module (4) arranged in a steering wheel hub (3) of the steering wheel (2). The airbag module (4) comprises a module housing (5) and a cover part (6) for closing the module housing (5t), the cover part (6) having a cover portion (6a), the cover portion (6a) completely covering an opening O in the module housing (5), and the cover portion (6a) having a horizontal width H. The steering wheel arrangement (1) comprises a decorative component (10), the decorative component (10) being arranged on the cover part (6) and at least partially covering the cover portion (6a), and the decorative component (10) having a width extent B which shares a measurement direction with the horizontal width H of the cover portion (6a). The width extent B of the decorative component (10) is larger than the horizontal width of the cover portion (6a), the decorative component (10) extending beyond the horizontal width H of the cover portion (6a).

Description

STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE HAVING A STEERING WHEEL AND AN AIRBAG MODULE AND HAVING A DECORATIVE COMPONENT, AND A VEHICLE HAVING A STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY

Technical field:

The invention relates to a steering wheel arrangement for a vehicle with a steering wheel and with an airbag module which is arranged in a steering wheel pot of the steering wheel, the steering wheel arrangement comprising a decorative component. In addition, the invention relates to a vehicle with the steering wheel arrangement.

Background:

The visually appealing design of an interior of a vehicle is becoming increasingly important, with functional and safety-related aspects usually having to be taken into account. Accordingly, a vehicle steering wheel has an airbag and control switch for the driver, with the vehicle steering wheel being designed to be particularly visually appealing, but the functionality and safety, e.g. when deploying the airbag, must not be impaired.

For example, the publication DE 10 2009 041 713 A1 describes a steering wheel for a vehicle, with a covering element that has a carrier material and a textile covering with cuts and/or joints, the textile covering at least partially forming a visible surface of the carrier material, with the Steering wheel has at least one constructive device for accommodating the interfaces and/or joints and/or for shielding the interfaces and/or joints.

Description:

The object of the invention is to provide a functional and visually appealing steering wheel arrangement and decorative component. This object is achieved by a steering wheel assembly for a vehicle having the features of claim 1 and by a vehicle having a steering wheel assembly having the features of claim 14. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the dependent claims of the following description and/or the attached figures. A steering wheel arrangement for a vehicle, in particular for a car or truck, is proposed. The steering wheel arrangement comprises a steering wheel and an airbag module, the airbag module being arranged in a steering wheel pot of the steering wheel. The airbag module is preferably designed as a driver's airbag module, with the airbag module preferably being integrated in the steering wheel pot of the steering wheel. The steering wheel preferably has at least two or exactly two spokes, which preferably extend in a radial direction in relation to a steering wheel axis of rotation of the steering wheel.

The airbag module includes a module housing, in which an airbag is preferably accommodated. Furthermore, the airbag module includes a cover component for closing the module housing. The cover component has a cover section, the cover section completely covering an opening of the module housing. The airbag module can be activated, for example, by a vehicle impact. Upon and/or after activation of the airbag module, the airbag is explosively filled with gas, wherein the airbag at least partially ruptures the cover component to inflate within a passenger compartment of the vehicle for protection of the driver.

The cover section preferably extends beyond the opening of the module housing, the opening being completely closed and at least an adjacent area being covered. For example, the covering section covers an air gap between the module housing and the steering wheel pot. The covering section is arranged on the covering component, in particular facing the vehicle interior. Furthermore, the covering section has a horizontal width, the horizontal width preferably extending together with a vehicle width of the vehicle when the steering wheel is in a rest position. For example, the cover member is formed as an oval or trapezoidal cap, and the cover portion is formed in the horizontal width from one end to an opposite end of the cover member.

The cover member preferably has a coupling portion. The coupling section is designed to couple the cover component to the module housing, in particular to fasten the cover section to the module housing. Preferably, the coupling section and the module housing can be and/or are coupled to one another in a positive and/or non-positive manner. For example, the module housing has at least one hooking interface that engages and/or can engage at least one mating hooking interface of the coupling portion. This can ensure that the cover in the installed state of the cover is not completely detaches from the module housing and is thrown into the vehicle interior in an uncontrolled manner when the airbag module is in the activated state.

The steering wheel assembly includes a decorative component, which is preferably designed as a visible component of the steering wheel assembly in the vehicle interior. The decorative component is preferably designed as a cover and/or cladding component for covering surfaces and/or for covering gaps or joints. For example, the decorative component is polygonal, e.g. triangular, square, pentagonal or hexagonal. It can also have round or oval sections, be circular or have another suitable free form. The decorative component is arranged on the cover component and covers the cover section at least in sections. The decorative component preferably covers at least 30 percent, preferably at least 40 percent, in particular at least 50 percent of the covering section. Alternatively, the decorative component completely covers the cover section. For example, the decorative component only partially covers a vertical length of the covering section, which is directed in particular in the direction of travel. In particular, at least a partial area of the covering section, which in the installed state is arranged e.g. above the decorative component in the direction of travel or below the decorative component opposite to the direction of travel, is uncovered by the decorative component. The decorative component has a width that has a common measurement direction with the horizontal width of the cover section. In particular, the extent of the width and the horizontal width in the rest position of the steering wheel arrangement extend with the width of the vehicle.

Furthermore, it is provided that the width of the decorative component in the measurement direction is greater than the horizontal width of the cover section, with the cover component extending beyond the horizontal width of the cover section. In particular, the decorative component extends over a horizontal outer contour and/or ends and/or edge of the cover component. The width of the decorative component preferably extends beyond the horizontal width of the cover section by at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, in particular at least 5 cm. In particular, the horizontal width of the covering section ends with the maximum horizontal dimensions of the covering component, with the decorative component being arranged on the covering component so that it overlaps with the horizontal width of the covering section. The decorative component is preferably arranged on the cover component in a point-symmetrical manner with respect to the horizontal width of the cover section. For example, the two protruding sections of the decorative component are of the same size and/or are mirror-symmetrical. The decorative component extends beyond the horizontal width of the cover section, with the decorative component preferably covering at least another section of the steering wheel and/or the airbag module.

It is advantageous that a steering wheel arrangement is created with a decorative component which extends over the covering section of the covering component, with a uniform design of the steering wheel and airbag module being created. It is advantageous that joints, gaps or seams between the cover component and an adjacent component, e.g. the steering wheel, the spokes or other components of the airbag module, are covered by the decorative component. The functional and safety-related properties of the airbag module or the steering wheel are unimpaired by the decorative component. A large number of design options, e.g. patterns, colors, lettering, logos or emblems, are possible on the decorative component in the vehicle interior thanks to a “large” coherent decorative surface of the decorative component. In addition, the decorative component can have other functional properties. For example, the decorative component is designed as an operating element and/or has an operating surface for the driver, via which vehicle functions, e.g. horn, volume control, etc. can be operated.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the steering wheel arrangement has two steering wheel switch sections, with the steering wheel preferably having the two steering wheel switch sections. Alternatively or optionally in addition, the airbag module, in particular the module housing, has the two steering wheel switch sections. The steering wheel switch sections are arranged opposite to each other in horizontal width and adjacent to the cover section. The two steering wheel switch sections are preferably arranged diametrically to the cover component and transversely to the direction of travel. In particular, the two steering wheel switch sections are designed to accommodate switches and/or operating elements of the steering wheel arrangement as intended. For example, switching wheels and/or buttons for operating a vehicle functional element are arranged within the two steering wheel switch sections. For example, during operation of the vehicle, the driver may use his/her thumbs to operate any selector wheels and/or buttons within the steering wheel switch sections. It is also provided that the decorative component extends at least in sections over the two steering wheel switch sections. The decorative component preferably extends completely over the two steering wheel switch sections, the decorative component being configured congruently with the two steering wheel switch sections. Both steering wheel switch sections are particularly preferably completely covered by the decorative component, the Covering portion of the covering component is at least partially covered by the decorative component. It is advantageous that the decorative component enables a uniform design of the cover section and the two steering wheel switch sections, with the sections merging into one another visually “seamlessly” for the driver, for example. The decorative component creates an optical connection between the two steering wheel switch sections.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the steering wheel arrangement has the two steering wheel switch sections, the decorative component being designed to cover a joint area between the covering component and the two steering wheel switch sections. The joint area is preferably designed as a joining seam or an air gap between the cover component, e.g. the outer contour, and the steering wheel or another component of the airbag, e.g. module housing. The decorative component is connected to the cover section and the two steering wheel switch sections, the decorative component being configured in one piece at least in the area of the covered joint area in its width extension. The decorative component is preferably embodied as a continuous cladding component, with “in one piece” in particular meaning a continuous decorative surface.

It is optionally provided that the decorative component has weakening lines for tearing open when the airbag is deployed. The weakening lines are preferably formed on an underside of the decorative component. The weakening lines are preferably formed as a perforation and/or weakening of the material thickness of the decorative component. The weakening lines are preferably introduced into the decorative component congruently with the overlapping joint area. For example, the weakening lines are introduced into the decorative component by a “laser” and/or in a laser cutting process or in a stamping process, the weakening lines preferably not being visible to the driver on the visible side of the decorative component.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the decorative component is inseparably connected to the cover component via the cover section by form and/or force and/or material connection and/or by form and/or force and/or material connection inseparably the steering wheel or the airbag module via the two steering wheel switch sections. In this context, non-detachable means in particular that the decorative component cannot be detached from the cover component without being damaged. For example, the decorative component has at least one fastening element, preferably multiple fasteners. The fastening elements are designed, for example, as fastening pins. The fastening elements are preferably connected to the decorative component in one piece and/or in one material. The fastening elements are preferably injection-moulded and/or formed on the decorative component, in particular on an underside of the decorative component opposite the visible side. In particular, the decorative component is non-detachably connected to the cover component, in particular to the cover section, in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner by means of the fastening elements. Alternatively or optionally in addition, the decorative component is attached to the steering wheel or the airbag in the area of the steering wheel switch sections via a material bond, for example an adhesive bond.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the steering wheel arrangement has at least one electrical circuit and/or electrical component and/or sensor element for operating a functional element of the vehicle. The decorative component preferably has the electrical circuit and/or the electrical component and/or the sensor element, these being designed for the driver to operate functional elements. An audio system and/or a navigation system of the vehicle preferably has functional elements of this type, the functional elements being designed, for example, as volume control and/or the vehicle navigation system. The electrical circuit is preferably formed as a printed circuit board on a substrate, such as a foil substrate. The electrical circuit preferably has the electrical component and/or the sensor element, these preferably being in the form of touch-sensitive operating switches and/or non-contact operating switches. These are particularly preferably designed to be integrated into the decorative component, with the driver being able to operate the functional elements via the surface and/or a surface section of the decorative component. The steering wheel arrangement preferably has a plurality of electrical circuits and/or electrical components and/or sensor elements, these preferably being designed to be electrically separate from one another.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the cover component has a tear-open groove, the tear-open groove being arranged at least on an underside of the cover section facing away from the decorative component, it being possible for the cover component to tear open along the tear-open groove during and/or after activation of the airbag module. Alternatively or additionally, the tear-off groove can also be incorporated in the coupling section. In particular, the covering component can be used during and/or during activation of the airbag module break along the tear groove and thus form the passage for the inflating airbag. Furthermore, the decorative component has weakening lines, wherein the weakening lines of the decorative component in the attached state are congruent with the tear-open groove of the cover component and/or the weakened lines are formed offset to the tear-open groove in the horizontal width of the cover section. The tear-off groove and the weakening lines are preferably produced in a common production process. For example, the tear-off groove and/or the weakening lines are already introduced and/or integrated into the material during production or alternatively introduced as a common weakened area in the cover component and the decorative component after assembly and/or partial assembly of the steering wheel arrangement.

For example, the weakening line is designed as a perforation made up of a number of holes in a row, which are introduced into the decorative component, for example by a laser. Alternatively or optionally in addition, the weakening lines are stamped as punching lines in a common manufacturing process of the decorative component, the weakening lines being introduced only on the underside of the decorative component. In particular, the weakening lines (perforation and/or punching lines) are at least partially incorporated into the material thickness and/or the material structure of the decorative component, so that the decorative component has sufficient stability when it is arranged as intended in the steering wheel arrangement, but has low resistance when the airbag is deployed and / or forms for the airbag.

Alternatively or optionally in addition, the tear-off groove and the weakening line are offset and/or arranged at a distance from one another. For example, the tear-off groove is arranged in the coupling section, with the weakening line being arranged outside the covering section on the composite component, e.g. on its underside. The steering wheel arrangement preferably has a plurality of tear-off grooves and weakening lines, which are formed both in the congruent arrangement and in the offset and/or remote arrangement.

The cover component, in particular the decorative component and the cover section together, can preferably break during and/or during activation of the airbag module along the weakening lines and tear-off groove and thus form the passage for the inflating airbag. Optionally, the decorative component has further weakening lines, which are formed outside the tear-off groove of the cover component. For example, the further weakening lines are arranged in the joint area on the decorative component. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the decorative component comprises a composite component made of at least one carrier layer and a cover layer, the cover layer for forming the composite component being completely or at least partially backed with a base material of the carrier layer to form a passage within the composite component, in particular back-injected, is. For example, the composite component has the at least one passage, the passage being arranged within the base material of the carrier layer. For example, the base material of the carrier layer in the area of the left and right steering wheel switch section is cut out by one of the passages in each case. For example, electrical connections, for example cables or conductor lugs, and/or light guides and/or electrical components can be accommodated within the passage without these being visible on the surface of the decorative component. The passage is preferably formed and/or the base material of the carrier layer is only partially backed by the cover layer in order to create direct access to the cover layer. For example, the back of the cover layer is fitted with a foil circuit board, with the foil circuit board preferably having at least one light-emitting diode for illumination. The cover layer preferably has a translucent area, for example a switch area, which is backlit directly by the foil circuit board. It is advantageous that the cover layer can be illuminated directly from the back, so that no translucent base material has to be used for the carrier layer. Optionally, the foil board is backed and/or back-injected with the base material of the carrier layer. For example, at least the cover layer is connected to the film board and the carrier layer in a heated stamp riveting process (hot stamping process) for attachment. For example, in this method, several rivet heads are formed from the base material of the carrier layer, which fasten the foil plate to the cover layer.

For example, the carrier layer is in the form of a foamed carrier layer, with the base material of the carrier layer being overmolded and/or foamed around the cover layer, for example in a process step for producing the carrier layer, in order to produce the composite component. In particular, the cover layer is only sprayed and/or foamed on one side with the base material of the carrier layer. In particular, the carrier layer and the cover layer of the composite component are permanently connected to one another by material bonding. Provision is preferably made for the base material of the carrier layer to be formed from polypropylene, polycarbonate or a thermoplastic olefin. It is optionally provided that the cover layer is made from the same material as the base material of the carrier layer. Particularly preferred is the cover layer formed as a film. It is advantageous that the composite component can be produced simply and inexpensively.

In a preferred further development of the invention, it is provided that the composite component and/or the cover layer has a decorative part layer and an intermediate layer. The decorative part layer is preferably designed as a film and/or decorative film, which is preferably designed as the visible side of the decorative component. The decorative part layer and/or the intermediate layer are designed to be at least partially translucent. The intermediate layer is connected to the carrier layer, with the carrier layer having a transparent and/or translucent base material at least in sections. The transparent intermediate layer and the base material of the carrier layer are preferably made of the same transparent material. The two views are designed to be translucent, in particular in order to provide background lighting for the steering wheel arrangement. The transparent intermediate layer is preferably designed as a light guide. For example, the decorative part layer has a cutout in the areas of the background lighting in order to emit light on the visible side of the decorative component. Alternatively or optionally in addition, the composite component and/or the cover layer has an additional carrier layer for carrying the decorative part layer and the intermediate layer, with the additional carrier layer being connected to the carrier layer. The additional carrier layer preferably has electrical components and/or conductors. For example, these form the background lighting and/or form switches or control surfaces for the driver.

In a structural configuration of the invention, it is provided that the composite component has a reinforcement layer to stiffen the carrier layer and/or to form a hinge and/or to avoid loose fragments for the airbag module that opens at least in sections during and/or during activation of the airbag module , wherein the reinforcement layer is integrally connected to the base material of the carrier layer, in particular by overmolding and/or foaming. For example, the reinforcement layer is designed to stiffen the carrier layer, in particular due to its toughness. The reinforcement layer is preferably designed as a mesh. The decorative component preferably has weakening lines, the weakening lines preferably separating the reinforcement layer at least in sections, for example to form the hinge which, when the airbag is deployed, allows the decorative component to fold to one side in an opening area of the airbag. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the composite part has a plurality of component sections with a plurality of electrical circuits and/or electrical components and/or sensor elements for operating functional elements of the vehicle, the component sections being connected to the base material of the carrier layer and/or the cover layer are, wherein the component sections are preferably formed electrically separated from each other. The component sections are preferably in the form of film carriers with a printed electrical circuit and are equipped with electrical components and/or sensor elements, each of which has its own power supply. The component sections preferably form switches and/or buttons and/or a touchpad on the decorative component. For example, the driver can operate the functional elements of the vehicle, eg volume, navigation, etc., by "swiping" and/or "south" and/or pressing with a finger or thumb. Alternatively, the component sections are electrically connected to one another. For example, these have a common power supply and/or a common connection and/or interface for connecting to vehicle electronics, eg an on-board and/or navigation system. The weakening lines are preferably also formed in the electrically connected component sections, so that these also tear open when the airbag is deployed. For example, weakening lines are respectively formed between the component portions for the steering wheel switch portions and the component portion for the cover portion for separation.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the composite component has at least one fastening element, the at least one fastening element fastening the composite component and/or the decorative component to the covering component in a non-detachable form-fitting and/or non-positive and/or material connection. The fastening elements are designed, for example, as fastening pins and/or fastening pins. The fastening elements are preferably connected to the decorative component in one piece and/or in one material. The fastening elements are preferably injection-moulded and/or formed on the decorative component, in particular on an underside of the decorative component opposite the visible side. In particular, the decorative component can be non-detachably connected in a form-fitting and/or non-positive manner to the covering component, in particular to the covering section, by means of the fastening elements. The fastening elements are particularly preferably formed from the base material of the carrier layer. For example, the fastening elements are formed in a common production step with the carrier layer when the cover layer and/or the cover layer and the further layers (reinforcing layer, component sections) are overmolded. The fastening partner, in particular the cover component, preferably has a plurality of fastening openings for the fastening elements of the decorative component. The fastening openings are preferably made in the cover section, in particular distributed and spaced apart from one another. In particular, one or some of the fastening openings can be made in the edge regions of the cover section, with one or some other fastening openings being arranged between the edge regions. The fastening elements for the correspondingly provided fastening openings are preferably positioned appropriately on the decorative component. In particular, the fastening elements are inserted through the fastening openings and shaped at the ends, for example hot-formed, to form the positive and/or non-positive connection. For example, the shaping of the ends of each of the fastening elements forms a head which bears against the underside of the cover section and covers the respective fastening opening. As a result, the decorative component can no longer become detached from the cover section.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the composite component has at least one additional fastener in addition to the at least one fastener, the additional fastener being the composite component and/or the decorative component on the steering wheel or on the module housing of the airbag module or on a steering wheel switch housing of the two steering wheel switch sections inextricably fixed in a positive and/or non-positive manner. In particular, the further fastening element is designed for fastening the composite component and/or decorative component to the two steering wheel switch sections. The steering wheel switch housing is preferably connected to the steering wheel, in particular a steering wheel rim of the steering wheel. The further fastening element is preferably designed in the same way as the fastening element for the cover component or for the cover section. Alternatively, the further fastening element is designed as a frame and/or a mount for an edge contour of the decorative component.

In a preferred constructional embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the decorative component includes an emblem part. The emblem part can be formed from a plastic material, for example, and optionally additionally painted. The emblem part preferably carries a sign or a symbol, for example a lightning bolt. For example, the emblem part has a circular or essentially circular outer contour. Alternatively, the emblem part can be designed as the sign or symbol. The emblem part can also have a different outer contour, for example a polygonal or oval outer contour or a free form. The composite component has a receiving area, in particular a central receiving area, with at least one through-opening, the emblem part being arranged on the visible side in the receiving area. In particular, the composite component and the emblem part together form the decorative component.

The emblem part has at least one further fastening element, wherein the at least one further fastening element fastens the emblem part and/or the decorative component to the covering component in a non-detachable form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner within the through-opening. In a fastening state of the decorative component, the further fastening elements extend through the layers of the composite component and the cover component, with the positive and/or non-positive connection being formed in the same way as the fastening elements of the composite component, e.g. by shaped “little heads”.

It is optionally provided that the decorative component preferably has a printed emblem and/or other symbols and/or lettering and/or a haptic division or geometry, in particular within the steering wheel switch sections. The haptic division or geometry is formed, for example, in a production method of the decorative component by reshaping the composite component and/or decorative component, or the individual layers together. For example, the haptic division or geometry is designed as a bulge, edge or kink of the composite component. Alternatively, these are formed by an additional trim part, e.g. a plastic part, which is connected to the decorative component on the visible side. In the area of the haptic division or geometry, the decorative component and/or the composite component preferably has electrical components, e.g. LED components, for lighting, in particular for accent lighting, or optical delimitation of the haptic division or geometry.

Another subject matter of the invention relates to a vehicle with a steering wheel arrangement with a decorative component, as described above.

Further features, advantages and effects of the invention result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. show:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a steering wheel arrangement with an airbag module and a steering wheel and with a decorative component as a preferred exemplary embodiment; FIG. 2 shows a schematic plan view of the steering wheel arrangement with a cover component and the decorative component from FIG. 1 as a composite component in layered construction as a further exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the composite component with a cover layer with weakening lines as a preferred exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a reinforcement layer of the composite component;

FIG. 5 shows a top view of several component sections of the composite component as a preferred exemplary embodiment.

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

FIG. 1 shows a steering wheel arrangement 1 with a steering wheel 2 and an airbag module 4, which is inserted into a steering wheel pot 3, in a schematic sectional illustration. The steering wheel arrangement 1 is illustrated in a highly simplified manner, with the airbag module 4 having an airbag (not shown), for example, for deployment in a vehicle interior FR. The airbag module 4 has a module housing 5, which is connected to the steering wheel pot 3, for example, so that the airbag module 4 is attached to the steering wheel 2. The module housing 5 is shown only in outline in FIG. 1, with the module housing 5 having an opening O, from which the airbag unfolds in the direction of the vehicle interior FR when the airbag module 4 is activated.

The airbag module 4 has a cover component 6 which is designed as a cover cap, with the cover component 6 extending over the opening O of the module housing 5 . The cover component 6 is connected to the module housing 5 , the cover component 6 having a coupling section 7 for locking to the module housing 5 . For this purpose, the coupling section 7 has at least one hooking interface 8 into which the module housing 5 can hook with at least one hooking interface 9 . The cover component 6 is fastened to the module housing 5 in a form-fitting manner by means of the hooking interface 8 and the hook interface 9 .

The covering component 6 has a covering section 6a which is on the vehicle Interior FR facing side of the cover member 6 is formed. The covering section 6a extends beyond the opening O of the module housing, with the covering section 6a also covering an edge region lying around the opening O.

The steering wheel arrangement 1 has two steering wheel switch sections 20a, b, which are arranged on the steering wheel arrangement 1 transversely to a direction of travel of the vehicle. According to the exemplary embodiment, the steering wheel switch sections 20a, b are arranged on the steering wheel 2, with the steering wheel switch sections 20a, b being arranged opposite one another on the steering wheel 2, with the covering component 6 being formed between the two steering wheel switch sections 20a, b. The two steering wheel switch sections 20a, b are designed to be equal to the cover section 6a. For example, the two steering wheel switch sections 20a, b form an operating area on the steering wheel in order to operate functional elements, e.g. volume, navigation or the like, of the vehicle. For example, when operating the vehicle, the driver grips the steering wheel 2 with his hands, with the two steering wheel switch sections 20a, b being arranged in such a way that the driver can operate switches or buttons within the two steering wheel switch sections 20a, b, for example.

The steering wheel arrangement 1 has a decorative component 10 which comprises a composite component 11 and an emblem part 12 . The decorative component 10 and/or the composite component 11 is designed in layers, the composite component 11 having a cover layer 13 and a carrier layer 14, the cover layer 13 being backed and/or back-injected with a base material of the carrier layer 14 . The cover layer 13 is designed as a decorative film, the cover layer 13 being, for example, a few tenths of a millimeter to a few millimeters thick, specifically less than 2 mm. The base material of the carrier layer 14 sprayed onto the cover layer 13 during the production of the composite component 11, for example, has a material thickness of a few millimeters to a few tens of millimeters, specifically less than 20 mm. The base material of the backing layer 14 is made of polypropylene, polycarbonate or a thermoplastic olefin, for example.

The emblem part 12 is arranged centrally on the visible side in a receiving area 17 provided for this purpose on the composite component 11 . The composite component 11 has a plurality of through openings 18 in the receiving area 17 . The emblem part 12 has an essentially circular outer contour with a sign or symbol. For example, the emblem part 12 is designed as a substantially horizontally aligned flash. The decorative component 10 is connected to the cover component 6 to cover the cover section 6a, the decorative component 10 covering the cover component 6 at least in a horizontal width H of the cover section 6a. The width B of the decorative component 10 extends beyond the covering section 6a, the decorative component 10 also covering the two steering wheel switch sections 20a, b. According to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, the decorative component 10 is arranged on the covering component 6 and the steering wheel 2, the decorative component 10 overlapping the covering section 6a on both sides to the horizontal width and also covering the two steering wheel switch sections 20a, b. In particular, the decorative component 10 is designed to be congruent with the cover section 6a and the two steering wheel switch sections 20a, b. As a result, a decorative and/or cladding surface is created on the steering wheel arrangement 1 that is drawn “in length” and has a decorative component 10 with a so-called “visor optic”. The decorative component 10 additionally covers an intermediate space and/or air gap between the cover component 6 and the steering wheel 2 .

According to FIG. 1, the composite component 11 has a multiplicity of fastening elements 19a on the edge and fastening elements 19b in between, which are designed as fastening pins and/or fastening spigots and/or pins. The fastening elements 19a, 19b are injection molded onto an underside of the decorative component 5 opposite the visible side and are thus connected to the decorative component 5 in a materially bonded manner. In particular, the fastening elements 19a, 19b are formed from the base material of the carrier layer 14 of the composite component 11 and are therefore connected to the carrier layer 14 in a materially bonded manner. The fastening elements 19a on the edge are arranged outside of the module housing 5 and are positioned to match and/or congruently with the fastening openings 22a in the cover component 6 . The intermediate fastening elements 19b are arranged within the module housing 5 and are positioned to match and/or congruently with other fastening openings 22b in the cover component.

The fastening elements 19a, 19b are pushed through the corresponding fastening openings 22a, b and shaped at the ends, in particular hot-formed, in such a way that heads 21 are formed on the fastening elements 19a, 19b, which completely cover the fastening openings 22a, b. As a result, the fastening elements 19a, 19b can no longer be detached from the fastening openings 22a, b. The composite component 11 or the decorative component 10 is thus connected to the cover component 4 in a form-fitting and/or non-positive manner and cannot be detached without being damaged. Optionally, the decorative component 10 has further fastening elements (not shown), which are formed within the steering wheel switch sections 20a, b in order to additionally connect the decorative component 10 to the steering wheel 2 or the airbag module 4 in a positive and/or non-positive manner. According to FIG. 1, an additional material connection is provided between the decorative component 10 and the two steering wheel switch sections 20a, b. For example, the decorative component 10, in particular the underside of the carrier layer 14, is connected to the two steering wheel switch sections 20a, b by means of an adhesive connection.

Furthermore, emblem part 12 has additional fastening elements 19c, which extend through through-openings 18 in composite component 11 and through additional fastening openings 22c in cover component 6, in order to achieve positive and/or non-positive fastening, e.g. by forming heads on fastening elements 19c to form the composite component 11 and the cover component 6 .

The steering wheel arrangement 1 is shown in a top view in FIG. The decorative component 10 is arranged on the covering component 6, with at least the covering section 6a being covered by the decorative component 10 over its entire horizontal width H in a vertically upper area in relation to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The width extension B of the decorative component 10 is at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, in particular at least 50%, greater than the horizontal width H of the covering section 6a.

The decorative component 10 has the composite component 11 formed in several layers, which comprises the cover layer 13 and the carrier layer 14 . These are shown schematically in FIG. 2 in order to show the multiple layers of the composite component 11 . The composite component 11 has a reinforcement layer 15, which is shown as a lattice and/or grid. The layer of reinforcement 15 is formed over the entire surface of the composite component 14 . For example, the reinforcement layer 15 is designed as a plastic fiber mesh, with the reinforcement layer 15 being bonded to the base material of the carrier layer 14 .

The decorative component 10 and/or the composite component 11 protrudes beyond the horizontal width H of the cover section 6a, with an adjacent joint region 25a, b being covered by the decorative component 10 and/or the composite component 11. For example, the joint area 25a, b is formed by an air gap between the airbag module 4 and the steering wheel 2. The decorative component 10 and/or the composite component 11 have weakening lines 24a, b, which are formed within the joint areas 25a, b. The weakening lines 24a, b are formed, for example, as perforations and/or indentations in the base material of the carrier layer 14. For example, these are introduced into the carrier layer 14 by a laser or in a stamping process in order to allow the decorative component 10 to tear open along the weakening lines 24a, b during and/or during the deployment of the airbag. In addition, the weakening line 24a, b penetrate the armoring layer 15 in order to destabilize it along the weakening line. Optionally, one of the two weakening lines 24a, b is introduced into the reinforcement layer 15, so that when the airbag is unfolded, the decorative component 10 and/or a section of the decorative component 10 can be folded over about the other weakening line 24a, b to form a hinge for the folded-over section of the decorative component to form 10.

Alternatively or optionally in addition, a tear-open groove 26a, b is introduced in an underside of the cover component 6 facing away from the decorative component 10 (see FIG. 1). The tear-open groove 26a, b is arranged inside the opening O of the module housing 5 on the cover component 6. Alternatively or optionally in addition, the tear-off groove 26a, b can be provided in the coupling section 7, in particular above the hooking interface 8.

During and/or after the activation of the airbag module 4, the cover section 6a can tear open along the tear-open groove 26. The cover section 6a can be detached from the coupling section 7 and the module housing 5 together with the decorative part 10 attached thereto and thus form the access for the inflating airbag into the vehicle interior FR.

As an alternative to the tear-open groove 26a, b, as can be seen from FIG. 2, laser-made weakening lines 24a, b can be provided in the decorative component 10 and in the cover section 6a or cover component 6, which run congruently (see FIG. 1). The cover member 6 may break upon and/or during activation of the airbag module 4 along the tear groove 26a,b and the lines of weakness 24a,b to provide access for the inflating airbag into the vehicle interior FR.

In the figure 3 to 5, the layers of the decorative component 10 from Figures 1 and 2 and the composite component 11 are shown in a plan view and in an unassembled state. FIG. 3 shows the cover layer 13 with the carrier layer 14, the cover layer 13 being back-injected with the base material of the carrier layer 14, for example. The carrier layer 14 has the lines of weakness 24a, b which are inclined extend to the width B of the decorative component 10 . The decorative component 10 has, centrally between the two weakening lines 24a, b, the receiving area 17 for the emblem part 12 (not shown), within which a plurality of through-openings 18 for the further fastening elements 19c of the emblem part 12 are formed.

FIG. 4 shows the reinforcement layer 15 as a further view of the composite component 11, the reinforcement layer 15 being indicated only schematically as a mesh. In principle, the reinforcement layer 15 can have any network or lattice structure. Alternatively, the reinforcement layer 15 is designed as loose reinforcement fibers and/or as a fiber fabric and/or a fiber fabric. For example, the reinforcement layer 15 is made of plastic fibers or glass fibers.

FIG. 5 shows several component sections 16a, b, c in a plan view, these being arranged separately from one another along the width extension B. The component sections 16a, b, c have electrical circuits, which are only shown in simplified form. Alternatively or optionally in addition, the component sections 16a, b, c have a plurality of electrical components and/or sensor elements, which are designed for keys and/or knobs and/or ratchet wheels, for example. For example, the component sections 16a, c are configured congruently with the steering wheel switch sections 20a, b when the decorative component 10 is in an installed state, so that the component sections 16a, c assume the intended operation of functional elements of the vehicle within the steering wheel switch sections 20a, b. Consequently, the decorative component 10 has the necessary electronics (circuits/sensors/buttons, etc.) in order, for example, to operate the volume of an audio system or a navigation device. For example, the centrally located component section 16b is designed as a so-called touchpad and/or a touch-sensitive input device. For example, the driver can operate specific functional elements of the vehicle by a "swiping motion" over the surface of the decorative component 10 within the component section 16b. For example, to move and guide a pointer within a vehicle screen. The multiple component sections 16a, b, c each have a separate connection 27a, b, c for connection to the steering wheel. The connections 27a, b, c are designed, for example, as interfaces for the electrical and signaling connection of the component sections 16a, b, c to a vehicle onboard system.

While at least one embodiment has been disclosed in detail above, it is to be appreciated that numerous variations of the invention exist. It It should also be appreciated that the at least one embodiment is exemplary only and not limiting in scope, application, or configuration. Rather, the present disclosure is intended to be a convenient roadmap for implementing at least one embodiment. Thus, it should be appreciated that various variations in the function or arrangement of elements of the at least one embodiment can be implemented without departing from the scope as defined by the claims and their legal equivalents.

Reference list:

1 steering wheel assembly

2 steering wheel

3 steering wheel heads

4 airbag module

5 module housing

6 cover member

6a cover section

7 coupling section

8 hooking interface

9 hook interface

10 decorative component

11 composite component

12 emblem part

13 top layer

14 backing layer

15 reinforcement layer

16a, b, c component section

17 recording area

18 through hole

19a,b,c fastener

20a, b steering wheel switch sections

21 head

22a,b attachment opening

24a, b lines of weakness

25a, b joint area

26a, b tear-off groove

27a,b,c connection

Claims

Patent Claims:

1. Steering wheel arrangement (1) for a vehicle with a steering wheel (2) and with an airbag module (4) which is arranged in a steering wheel pot (3) of the steering wheel (2), the airbag module (4) having a module housing (5) and a cover component (6) for closing the module housing (5), the cover component (6) having a cover section (6a), the cover section (6a) completely covering an opening (O) of the module housing (5), the cover section ( 6a) has a horizontal width (H), the steering wheel arrangement (1) comprising a decorative component (10), the decorative component (10) being arranged on the covering component (6) and covering the covering section (6a) at least in sections, the decorative component (10) has a width extension (B) which has a common measurement direction with the horizontal width (H) of the cover section (6a), the width extension (B) of the decorative component (10) in the measurement direction being greater than the horizontal width (H) of the cover section (6a), the decorative component (10) extending beyond the horizontal width (H) of the cover section (6a).

2. Steering wheel arrangement (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the steering wheel arrangement (1) has two steering wheel switch sections (20a, b), the steering wheel switch sections (20a, b) being opposite one another in relation to the horizontal width (H) and adjacent to the Cover section (6a) are arranged, wherein the decorative component (10) extends at least in sections over the two steering wheel switch sections (20a, b).

3. Steering wheel arrangement (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the decorative component (10) is designed to cover a joint area (25a, b) between the cover component (6) and the two steering wheel switch sections (20a, b), the decorative component ( 10) is connected to the covering section (6a) and the two steering wheel switch sections (20a, b), the decorative component (10) being made in one piece at least in the area of the covered joint area (25a, b) in terms of its width (B).

4. The steering wheel arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative component (10) is undetachably connected to the cover component (6) via the cover section (6a) by positive and/or non-positive and/or material connection and/or or is non-detachably connected to the steering wheel (2) or the airbag module (4) via the two steering wheel switch sections (20a, b) by positive and/or non-positive and/or material connection.

5. Steering wheel arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering wheel arrangement (1) has at least one electrical circuit and/or electrical component and/or sensor element for operating a functional element of the vehicle.

6. The steering wheel arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover component (6) has a tear-open groove (26a, b), the tear-open groove (26a, b) at least on an underside of the cover section facing away from the decorative component (10). (6a), the cover component (6) being able to tear open along the tearing groove (26a, b) during and/or after activation of the airbag module (4), the decorative component (10) having weakening lines (24a, b), wherein the weakening lines (24a, b) of the decorative component (10) in the attached state are congruent with the tear-open groove (26a, b) of the covering component (6) and/or the weakening lines (24a, b) in the horizontal width (H) of the covering section (6a) offset to the tearing groove (26a, b).

7. The steering wheel arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative component (10) comprises a composite component (11) made from at least one carrier layer (14) and a cover layer (13), the cover layer (13) being used to form the Composite component (11) is completely or at least partially deposited with a base material of the carrier layer (14) to form a passage within the composite component (11).

8. The steering wheel arrangement (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the composite component (11) and/or the cover layer (13) has a decorative part layer and an intermediate layer, the decorative part layer and/or the intermediate layer being at least partially translucent, the intermediate layer is connected to the carrier layer (14), wherein the carrier layer (14) at least partially has a transparent and/or translucent base material.

9. The steering wheel arrangement (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the composite component (11) has a reinforcement layer (15) for stiffening the carrier layer (14) and/or for forming a hinge and/or for avoiding loose fragments for the covering component (6) that opens at least in sections when and/or during activation of the airbag module (4), the reinforcement layer (15) being bonded to the base material of the carrier layer (14).

10. Steering wheel arrangement (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the composite component (11) has a plurality of component sections (16a, b, c) with a plurality of electrical circuits and/or electrical components and/or sensor elements for operating functional elements of the Has vehicle, wherein the component sections (16a, b, c) with the base material of the carrier layer (14) and / or with the cover layer (13) are connected.

11. Steering wheel arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the composite component (11) has at least one fastening element (19a, b), wherein the at least one fastening element (19a, b) the composite component (11) and / or the decorative component (10) is non-releasably attached to the cover component (6) in a positive and/or non-positive and/or material connection.

12. Steering wheel arrangement (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the composite component (11) has at least one further fastening element, the further fastening element being the composite component (11) and/or the decorative component (10) on the steering wheel (2) or on the module housing (5) of the airbag module (4) or on a steering wheel switch housing of the steering wheel switch sections (20a, 20b) non-detachably positively and/or non-positively attached.

13. The steering wheel arrangement (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the decorative component (10) comprises an emblem part (12), the composite component (11) having a receiving area (17) with at least one through-opening (18), the Emblem part (12) is arranged in the receiving area (17) on the visible side, the emblem part (12) having at least one further fastening element (19c), the at least one further fastening element (19c) fastens the emblem part (12) and/or the decorative component (10) to the cover component (6) within the through-opening (18) in a non-detachable form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner.

14. Vehicle with a steering wheel arrangement (1), wherein the steering wheel arrangement (1) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.