Damper for a steering wheel of a vehicle

Abstract

A damper for a steering wheel of a motor vehicle is proposed, which can comprise a gas generator (2) for a steering wheel airbag as an inertial mass, wherein the damper (20) comprises a spring element (22) which is essentially hollow-cylindrical or hollow-conical and is composed of an elastomer material and can be connected to a motor vehicle steering wheel and / or a motor vehicle steering wheel module, and a carrier ring (24) which is connected to the spring element (22) and can be connected to the gas generator (2), wherein the spring element (22) and the carrier ring (24) are designed as separate components and / or the spring element (22) is designed as a one-piece rubber profile.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a damper. BACKGROUND

[0002] Such dampers are used in motor vehicles and lorries to absorb and counteract vibrations in the steering wheel region. Vibrations occurring in the vehicle during driving or when parked but the engine is running can be transmitted to the steering column or from there to the steering wheel. The steering wheel with such vibrations is uncomfortable for the user. In order to counteract such vibrations on the steering wheel and to improve the driving comfort, dampers can either be mounted directly on the steering column or be arranged in the steering wheel below the airbag module located there. Steering wheels are also known which contain an airbag module or also a gas generator as a vibration mass for the damper.

[0003] The dampers known to date, such as described in DE 10 2004 038 023 B4, have at least one spring element composed of an elastomeric material, on which other components such as a receiving flange and / or a fixing flange are chemically bonded and / or shape-fittingly vulcanized, which are each composed of a different material than the spring element, for example of a metal alloy, wherein the design is produced in one vulcanization mold. That is, the dampers known to date are mostly connected to the receiving flange for mounting the gas generator by means of a first connection achieved by vulcanization and to the fixing flange for fixing on the module base of the steering wheel and / or for orientation when mounted by means of a connection achieved by vulcanization. The components and the spring element known to date are thus inseparably connected to one another in a material-bonding and / or shape-fitting manner and form an integral component, regardless of whether there are different materials or not.

[0004] But such dampers are expensive to manufacture, since the degree of automation is low, the components having to be placed into the respective mold by hand for vulcanization.

[0005] In addition, the components and possibly also the spring element of the dampers known to date have a complex geometry, since they must have fixing points such as holes and undercuts for permanent positioning. Furthermore, the components must be manufactured very precisely and thus have a small dimensional tolerance limit in order to prevent false vulcanization caused by undesired material flow. Furthermore, the components must be very accurately positioned in the vulcanization mold and sealed for the same reason. Suitable manufacturing molds are correspondingly complex and expensive. SUMMARY

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the task of providing a damper which at least partially overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, which can in particular be manufactured simply and has a less complex construction and which allows a higher degree of automation in its manufacture.

[0007] According to the invention, therefore, a damper for a steering wheel of a motor vehicle is proposed, which can comprise a gas generator as an inertial mass for a steering wheel airbag, wherein the damper comprises a spring element which is substantially hollow-cylindrical or hollow-conical, is composed of an elastomeric material and can be connected to the steering wheel and / or to a steering wheel module of the motor vehicle, and a carrier ring which is connected to the spring element and can be connected to the gas generator. The spring element and the carrier ring are designed as separate components and / or the spring element is designed as a one-piece rubber molding.

[0008] With the damper according to the invention, it is now no longer necessary to insert the mostly metallic components into the mold for vulcanization of the spring element composed of an elastomeric material. The connection of the components to the spring element is shifted to a time after vulcanization of the spring element. As a result, the number of sources of error in the manufacturing process, like manual operating errors, is reduced, as are the costs of manufacturing and initial installation. The costs of secondary installation can also be significantly reduced. At the same time, there is greater scope for design and construction, since, for example, a vulcanization mold cavity with lateral recesses can be chosen, since, due to the absence of metallic and thus hard components, demolding is made easier and perhaps only possible in this way.

[0009] It is also advantageous that the shape complexity of the spring element and the components is significantly reduced, since they no longer have to provide means for form-fitting interlocking during vulcanization.

[0010] The carrier ring is at least not vulcanized onto the spring element, although the two components can form a first connection with one another. The carrier ring also dispenses with form-fitting bores, since the connection to the spring element does not take place when the spring element is formed in the vulcanization mold. The spring element can form an assembly with the carrier ring.

[0011] Components which are composed of only one piece and are manufactured from only one piece are to be regarded as one-piece in the sense of the invention. Components which are manufactured separately from one another and as such are separate are to be regarded as separate in the sense of the invention. Components which are manufactured at least partially together, such as vulcanization components, are to be regarded as integral in the sense of the invention. Installation is to be understood as meaning the mounting of the damper in a steering wheel module.

[0012] According to a preferred refinement of the damper, the spring element comprises an inner flange which projects substantially radially inwards and is designed to be inserted into an outer annular groove which extends in the circumferential direction of the carrier ring, wherein the spring element and the carrier ring form a form-fitting and / or force-fitting and gas-tight first connection in this respect. The design of this connection results in the simple snapping of the inner flange into the outer annular groove and the pre-positioning thereof at least in the axial direction when the damper is assembled. The large degree of overlap of the inner flange and the outer annular groove also results in the possibility of achieving a gas-tight connection in a simple manner. Depending on the profile design of the inner flange and the outer annular groove, they can also cooperate like a labyrinth seal, which increases the gas tightness.

[0013] According to a further embodiment of the shock absorber according to the application, the spring element and the retainer ring form a press-fit connection with one another. In this case, an axial force can be applied to the outer ring groove in order to clamp the inner flange between the wall sections of the outer ring groove.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the inner flange comprises at least in sections a free edge which is thickened distally relative to the flange body. The thickened free edge thus forms a lateral recess into which the outer ring groove can bite after crimping and thus reliably prevent the spring element from separating from the retainer ring. This connection can also withstand high stresses in the event of airbag triggering.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the shock absorber according to the application, the spring element has a radially outer clamping shoulder in the region of its first distal edge, which is designed such that it is not stressed in the preassembled state and can be compressed by the flow expander and / or other steering wheel components in the mounted state, in order to form a form-fit and / or force-fit connection therewith. The spring element can thus be clamped in a simple manner.

[0016] It is conceivable for the shock absorber to comprise a profiled ring which is arranged on the spring element in the region of the first distal edge. The profiled ring can be selected to be composed of a material which is harder than the material of the spring element. The profiled ring can be arranged on the inside, if necessary clamped in the spring element, in order to ensure the shape stability of the spring element in the mounted state. At the same time, the profiled ring serves as a bearing for the flow expander and / or other steering wheel components if the clamping shoulder of the spring element is compressed thereby. The profiled ring can be arranged on the inside of the spring element opposite the clamping shoulder or at least in this region.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the shock absorber according to the application can be designed such that the spring element forms a radially inner clamping taper in the region of its second distal edge, which is designed such that it is not stressed in the preassembled state and can be stressed radially outwards and / or expanded from the retainer ring in the mounted state. The cross-sectional course of the second distal edge can thus be at least in sections conical in the axial direction, preferably thickened towards the end side.

[0018] It is also conceivable for the clamping taper to be designed such that it thickens the second distal edge, thereby forming a radially outer stop pad at least in the mounted state. This pad can be struck by components surrounding the shock absorber in the case of high radial accelerations. The clamping taper thus prevents stop noises and improves the perceived premium feel for the user. It is thus possible to select a small radial spacing between the shock absorber and the surrounding components, such as for example the flow expander and / or other steering wheel components, which leads to a small construction of both the shock absorber and the steering wheel module. The steering wheel can thus be implemented with a small steering wheel hub, thereby improving the design freedom.

[0019] According to the refinement, the spring element can form a ring seal in the region of its first, distal edge, which is designed such that it can be compressed onto the module base and / or the further steering wheel component in the mounted state in order to form a gas-tight second connection therewith. The ring seal is designed to be formed integrally with the spring element and is preferably designed in the axial direction such that it can be subjected to axial forces by the flow distributor and / or the further steering wheel component.

[0020] According to a further design of the shock absorber according to the application, the collar is designed and / or arranged such that there is a bearing clearance between its first, distal edge, which turns towards the module base and / or the further steering wheel component in the mounted state, and the module base and / or the further steering wheel component, which can amount to zero in the event of airbag triggering, in order to limit the adjustment movement of the gas generator. In the event of airbag triggering, the gas generator obtains an axial recoil. By virtue of the appropriate distance from the module base, the gas generator can be indirectly axially supported onto the module base and / or the further steering wheel component by means of the collar in the event of airbag triggering. It can be advantageous to select the acceleration section to be as small as possible but greater than zero in order to maintain as low a speed as possible on impact with the module base and / or the further steering wheel component and thus to avoid injury.

[0021] Furthermore, a shock absorber for a motor vehicle steering wheel is proposed according to the application, which can comprise a gas generator for a steering wheel airbag as an inertial mass, wherein the shock absorber comprises a spring element which is substantially in the form of a hollow cylinder or a hollow truncated cone, is composed of an elastomer and can be connected to the motor vehicle steering wheel and / or the motor vehicle steering wheel module, and a collar which is connected to the spring element and can be connected to the gas generator, wherein either the spring element is designed to be integral with the collar and the two parts thereby form a third connection, or the spring element is designed to be integral with a profile ring which is arranged on the spring element in the region of the first, distal edge, and the two parts thereby form a fourth connection.

[0022] According to the shock absorber, both connections are not formed by vulcanization, but only one of the connections is formed by vulcanization. If the spring element is designed to be integral with the collar, the profile ring can be designed as a separate element. If the spring element is designed to be integral with the profile ring, the collar can be designed as a separate element. Thus, only one additional part has to be placed in the vulcanization mold at the same time, which simplifies the manufacturing process at least partially with respect to the known process.

[0023] It is also conceivable to refine the shock absorber subsequently mentioned according to the description of one or more of the preceding paragraphs. The advantages described above with respect to the shock absorber also apply analogously to this shock absorber, reference being made thereto. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Further features, details and advantages of the present application result from the wording of the claims and the following description of embodiments in connection with the schematic drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 a top view of a steering wheel module with a damper of the present application is shown,

[0026] Figure 2 a sectional view of a steering wheel module according to Figure 1 is shown along the line II-II in Figure 1 ,

[0027] Figure 3 a detail view of a steering wheel module according to Figure 2 is shown,

[0028] Figure 4 a further enlarged detail view of a steering wheel module according to Figure 3 is shown,

[0029] Figure 5 a sectional view of a further damper is shown,

[0030] Figure 6 a sectional view of a further damper is shown.

[0031] In these drawings, identical or corresponding parts or components are designated with the same or similar reference signs and are therefore not described again, unless inappropriate. The disclosure contained in the entire description applies mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference signs or the same component designations. The chosen positions in the description, such as, for example, upper, lower, lateral, etc., also relate to the just described and shown figures and are transferred to the new position in the meaning, if the position changes. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from different embodiments shown and described can also be independent, inventive or according to the present application solutions themselves.

[0032] These figures show the damper according to the present application in its installed state, but the advantages of the present application are achieved only by the damper itself. Figures 1 to 4 a first damper is shown, while Figure 5 a second damper is shown, Figure 6 a third damper is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In Figure 1 and Figure 2Figures 1 to 3 each show an overall view of a steering wheel module with a damper 20 according to the application. The steering wheel module comprises, in addition to the damper 20, an airbag with a gas generator 2 and can be covered by a plastic bag, which can be inflated by the gas flowing out of the gas generator 2 in the event of airbag triggering. The gas generator 2 comprises an upper housing 2a and a lower housing 2b connected or welded thereto. The upper housing 2a has a plurality of gas flow openings 2c, through which gas can flow from the gas generator 2 into the plastic bag in order to inflate it. The gas generator 2 is surrounded by a flow diffuser 4, which has not been shown, and a flow diffuser flange 4b. The flow diffuser 4 is at least partially closed in its upper lateral region in the shape of a circular dome, but it is shown in the open state for illustrative purposes.

[0034] Figure 2 The damper 20 for a motor vehicle steering wheel shown now comprises as inertial mass a gas generator 2. The damper 20 has a spring element 22 of elastomeric material substantially in the shape of a hollow cylinder or a hollow truncated cone, wherein the spring element is one single element and can be produced by vulcanization. A cylindrical collar 24 is connected to the spring element 22 by means of a first connection 40. The collar 24 can be fixedly connected to the gas generator 2 or one or both of its housings 2a, 2b and also serves as inertial mass. Precisely the lower housing 2b can be fixedly connected to the outer ring groove 30 of the collar 24 in such a way that the second, distal edge 24b of the collar 24 is crimped radially inwards and is pressed onto and clamped by the lower housing flange 2d. Figures 1 to 4 The state before crimping is shown. For this purpose, the lower housing flange 2d rests against the wall portion 46 of the outer ring groove 30 facing the plastic bag. Thereby, the lower housing flange 2d bears onto the outer ring groove 30 in the event of airbag triggering and entrains it in the axial direction.

[0035] In order to form the first connection 40, the spring element 22 has an inner flange 28 projecting substantially radially inwards. The inner flange 28 comprises at least partially a free edge 34 thickened distally with respect to the flange body 32, thereby forming a side recess 44. In addition, the collar 24 has an outer ring groove 30 extending in the lateral direction, into which the inner flange 28 is inserted. The spring element 22 and the collar 24 can form a press-fit connection with one another, wherein the spring element 22 and the collar 24 thereby form a form-fit and / or force-fit and gas-tight first connection 40. Figures 1 to 4 The state before crimping is shown. For this purpose, the lower housing flange 2d rests against the wall portion 46 of the outer ring groove 30 facing the plastic bag. Thereby, the lower housing flange 2d bears onto the outer ring groove 30 in the event of airbag triggering and entrains it in the axial direction.

[0036] It can be seen that the spring element 22 and the collar 24 are designed as separate components and that the spring element 22 is designed as a one-piece rubber molding.

[0037] The profiled ring 26 is inserted into the spring element 22 on the inside at the end side or in the region of the first distal edge 22a. To this end, the spring element 22 has a recess corresponding to the profiled ring 26, into which the profiled ring 26 is pressed and serves for shape stabilization of the spring element 22. In this region, the spring element 22 has a radially outward clamping shoulder 22c on the outside. This clamping shoulder 22c is designed such that it is not loaded in the preassembly state and can be compressed by the diffuser 4 in the mounted state, so that a form-fit and / or force-fit connection can be formed there. Figure 4 It is shown in particular that an axial overlap L3 is formed between the diffuser 4 and the profiled ring 26 in the mounted state.

[0038] In addition, the spring element 22 has a solid annular seal 36 in the region of its first distal edge 22a, which is designed such that it can be compressed onto the module base 6 and / or other steering wheel components in the mounted state. The spring element has a radially protruding lever portion 22f at its first distal edge 22a, which radially exceeds the annular seal 36. A lever arm LI is thus formed radially between the circumferential side edge of the lever portion 22f and the annular seal 36. In order to form the gas-tight second connection 42, the diffuser flange 4b can now be pressed onto the distal edge 22a, thus compressing the annular seal 36 onto the module base 6. The spring element 22 is thus clamped between the diffuser 4 and the profiled ring 26. The gas-tight inner chamber 38 is formed by the first connection 40 and the second connection 42.

[0039] The spring element 22 forms a radially inward clamping cone 22d in the region of its second distal edge 22b, which is designed such that it is not loaded in the preassembly state and can be radially outwardly stressed and / or expanded from the retainer ring 24 or its second distal edge 24b in the mounted state. The clamping cone 22d is designed such that it thickens the second distal edge 22b towards the end side, thus forming a radially outward stop pad 22e at least in the mounted state. The stop pad has a radial spacing R from the radially surrounding diffuser 4.

[0040] The retainer ring 24 is arranged such that there is a bearing spacing L2 between its first distal edge 24a and the module base 6 in the mounted state, which is greater than zero and can be equal to zero in the airbag triggering state, thus limiting the adjustment movement of the gas generator 2 and the retainer ring 4.

[0041] Figure 5 A further damper 120 for a motor vehicle steering wheel is shown in partial view, wherein Figure 5 The partial view of the damper 120 is in principle similar to the partial view of the damper 20 of Figure 3a steering wheel module. The steering wheel can comprise an unshown gas generator for a steering wheel airbag as an inertial mass. The damper 120 comprises a spring element 122 of elastomeric material essentially in the shape of a hollow cylinder or a hollow truncated cone, which can be connected to a motor vehicle steering wheel and / or a motor vehicle steering wheel module. In addition, the damper 120 comprises a collar 124 connected to the spring element 122, which in turn can be connected to the gas generator. The spring element 122 is formed by vulcanization and at the same time designed to be integral with a profiled ring 126, which is vulcanized on the spring element 122 in the region of a first distal edge 122a. To this end, the profiled ring 126 has a plurality of form-fit holes 150 arranged in the material of the spring element 122. Thereby, the two parts 122, 126 form a fourth gas-tight connection 142. By means of this profiled ring 126, the damper 120 can be connected to a module bottom, wherein a gas-tight connection is formed between the first distal edge 122a and the module bottom. A further gas-tight connection can be formed by clamping between the inner flange 128 and the outer ring groove 130.

[0042] Figure 6 A further damper 220 for a motor vehicle steering wheel is shown in partial view, wherein Figure 6 in principle also similar to Figure 3 a steering wheel module. The steering wheel can comprise an unshown gas generator for a steering wheel airbag as an inertial mass. The damper 220 comprises a spring element 222 of elastomeric material essentially in the shape of a hollow cylinder or a hollow truncated cone, which can be connected to a motor vehicle steering wheel and / or a motor vehicle steering wheel module. In addition, the damper 220 comprises a collar 224 connected to the spring element 222, which in turn can be connected to the gas generator. The spring element 222 is formed by vulcanization and at the same time designed to be integral with the collar 224, which is vulcanized on the spring element 222 in the region of a second distal edge 222b. To this end, the collar 224 has a plurality of form-fit holes 250 arranged in the material of the spring element 222. Thereby, the two parts 222, 224 form a third gas-tight connection 240. A further gas-tight connection is formed by a ring seal 236, which can be pressed onto a module bottom, wherein it can be acted upon by pressure by the diffuser 4 abutting against the clamping shoulder 222c. The collar 224 has an outer ring groove 230 for accommodating the gas generator.

[0043] The invention is not limited to one of the aforementioned embodiments, but can be varied in various ways. All features and advantages from the claims, the specification and the drawings, including structural details, spatial arrangements and method steps, are essential, both for the invention as such and in various combinations. All combinations consisting of at least two features disclosed in the specification, the claims and / or the drawings fall within the scope of the invention. In order to avoid repetitions, features disclosed for the device are also to be considered as disclosed and claimable for the method. Likewise, features disclosed for the method are to be considered as disclosed and claimable for the device.

[0044] List of reference signs

[0045] 2 gas generator 126 profile ring

[0046] 2a upper housing 128 inner flange

[0047] 2b lower housing 130 outer ring groove

[0048] 2c gas flow-through opening 142 fourth connection

[0049] 2d lower housing flange 150 form-fit hole

[0050] 4 flow amplifier 220 damper

[0051] 4b flow amplifier flange 222 spring element

[0052] 6 module base 222b second distal edge

[0053] 20 damper 222c clamping shoulder

[0054] 22 spring element 224 retainer ring

[0055] 22a first distal edge 230 outer ring groove

[0056] 22b second distal edge 236 annular seal

[0057] 22c clamping shoulder 240 third connection

[0058] 22d clamping cone 250 form-fit hole

[0059] 22e stop pad L longitudinal axis

[0060] 22f stem L1 lever arm

[0061] 24 retainer ring L2 support distance

[0062] 24a first distal edge L3 axial overlap

[0063] 24b second distal edge R radial spacing

[0064] 26 profiled ring

[0065] 28 inner flange

[0066] 30 outer ring groove

[0067] 32 flange body

[0068] 34 edge

[0069] 36 annular seal

[0070] 38 inner cavity

[0071] 40 first connection

[0072] 42 second connection

[0073] 44 side recess

[0074] 46 wall portion

[0075] 120 shock absorber

[0076] 122 spring element

[0077] 122a first distal edge

[0078] 124 retaining ring

Claims

1. A damper for a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, which damper can comprise a gas generator (2) for a steering wheel airbag as an inertial mass, wherein The damper (20) comprises a spring element (22) which is substantially in the form of a hollow cylinder or a hollow truncated cone and which is composed of an elastomeric material and can be connected to the steering wheel and / or the steering wheel module of the motor vehicle, and a carrier ring (24) which can be connected to the gas generator (2), characterized in that the spring element (22) and the carrier ring (24) are designed as separate components and / or the spring element (22) is designed as a one-piece rubber profile, wherein the carrier ring (24) is one piece, wherein the carrier ring (24) has an outer ring groove (30) which opens radially, and wherein the outer ring groove (30) of the carrier ring (24) has a wall (46) which extends radially inwards and forms a support surface for the gas generator (2), wherein the spring element (22) comprises an inner flange (28) which projects substantially radially inwards and is designed to be inserted into the circumferentially extending outer ring groove (30) of the carrier ring (24), and wherein the spring element (22) and the carrier ring (24) form a form-fit and / or force-fit and gas-tight first connection (40) to one another.

2. The damper of claim 1, wherein The spring element (22) and the carrier ring (24) form a press-fit connection to one another.

3. The damper of claim 1, wherein The inner flange (28) comprises at least in sections a free edge (34) which is thickened distally relative to a flange body (32).

4. The damper of claim 1, wherein The spring element (22) has a radially outer clamping shoulder (22c) in the region of a first distal edge (22a) thereof, which is designed such that it is not loaded in the pre-installed state and can be compressed by the diffuser (4) and / or other steering wheel components in the installed state, in order to form a form-fit and / or force-fit connection to one another.

5. The damper of claim 4, wherein A profile ring (26) is provided, which is arranged on the spring element (22) in the region of the first distal edge (22a).

6. The damper of claim 1, wherein The spring element (22) forms a radially inner clamping taper (22d) in the region of a second distal edge (22b) thereof, which is designed such that it is not loaded in the pre-installed state and can be stressed radially outwards and / or expanded from the carrier ring (24) in the installed state.

7. The damper of claim 6, wherein The clamping taper (22d) is designed to thicken the second distal edge (22b), thereby forming a radially outer stop pad (22e) at least in the installed state.

8. The damper of claim 1, wherein The spring element (22) forms a ring seal (36) in the region of the first distal edge (22a) thereof, which is designed such that it can be compressed onto the module base (6) and / or other steering wheel components in the installed state, in order to form a gas-tight second connection (42) to one another.

9. The damper of claim 1, wherein The carrier ring (24) is designed and / or arranged in such a way that, in its installed state, a bearing clearance (L2) exists between its first distal edge (24a) and the module base (6) and / or the other steering wheel component, which can be zero in the event of airbag triggering, thereby limiting the adjustment movement of the gas generator (2).

10. A damper for a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, which damper can comprise a gas generator (2) for a steering wheel airbag as an inertial mass, wherein The damper (120) comprises a spring element which is substantially in the shape of a hollow cylinder or a hollow truncated cone and which is composed of an elastomeric material and can be connected to the motor vehicle steering wheel and / or motor vehicle steering wheel module, and a carrier ring which can be connected to the gas generator (2), characterized in that the spring element is designed in one piece with a profiled ring (126) which is arranged on the spring element in the region of a first distal edge (122a) and the two parts thereby form a fourth connection (142), wherein the carrier ring (24) is one piece, wherein the carrier ring (24) has an outer ring groove (30) which is open in the radial direction, and wherein the outer ring groove (30) of the carrier ring (24) has a wall (46) which extends radially inwards and forms a support surface for the gas generator (2), wherein the spring element (22) comprises an inner flange (28) which protrudes substantially radially inwards and is designed to be inserted into the outer ring groove (30) of the carrier ring (24) which extends in the circumferential direction, wherein the spring element (22) and the carrier ring (24) form a form-fit and / or force-fit and gas-tight first connection (40).

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