Motor vehicle and method for mounting a steering wheel on a motor vehicle

Abstract

motor vehicle, - a steering wheel; - a contact unit (6) which is designed to be at least partially rotatable in order to establish an electrical connection between steering wheel-side components and stationary vehicle components, - the steering wheel features: - a gasbag module; - at least one functional element and / or at least one actuating element; - at least one central electronic unit interacting with the functional element and / or the actuating element; - at least one central unit carrier (1) on which the central unit is arranged; and - a connecting device (3) arranged at least partially on the central unit carrier (1), via which the gas bag module can be electrically connected to the vehicle-side contact unit (6), characterized by the fact that the connecting device (3) comprises at least one contact unit coupling element (33) arranged on the central unit carrier (1) and electrically coupling with the contact unit (6) in the form of a plug that can be coupled to a socket of the contact unit (6) or a socket that can be coupled to a plug of the contact unit (6); and the connecting device (3) comprises a carrier in the form of a circuit board (8) arranged in a housing (810), which is different from the central unit carrier (1) and fixed to the gas bag module, wherein a first contact element (81) of the connecting device (3) is arranged on the circuit board (8), which is detachably connected to a second contact element (82) of the connecting device (3) arranged on the central unit carrier (1), wherein at least one module coupling element (310, 311) coupled to the gas bag module is arranged on the circuit board (8).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for mounting a steering wheel in a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 14.

[0002] Steering wheels typically have a number of functional and actuating elements, such as heating elements, paddle shifters, or switches for operating vehicle components (e.g., a radio). These functional and actuating elements, as well as a throttle module integrated into the steering wheel, are connected to vehicle components (e.g., a central vehicle control unit, in particular a vehicle ECU) via a vehicle-side contact unit. This requires inserting numerous connectors for the functional and actuating elements and the throttle module into the vehicle-side pre-assembled contact unit during the steering wheel's installation in the vehicle, especially when connecting the steering wheel to the vehicle's steering column. A corresponding connector for connecting a throttle module to a contact unit is disclosed, for example, in DE 296 04 891 U1.

[0003] However, the known method for connecting steering wheel components to the contact unit is time-consuming.

[0004] DE 101 01 895 A1 discloses an electronic module arranged on a steering wheel base, which has a plug connector for connecting to a gasbag module. Furthermore, DE 41 11 883 A1 discloses a steering wheel with an electronic circuit that interacts with a gasbag module.

[0005] DE 101 25 403 A1 describes a transmission unit with a stator that can be fixedly arranged on a vehicle and with a rotor that can be connected to the steering wheel or steering column of a vehicle, with bearing means for rotatable mounting of the rotor relative to the stator and with a winding belt for transmitting electrical signals between the rotor and the stator.

[0006] DE 199 33 049 A1 describes a steering column module with a steering angle sensor in which a code disk of the steering angle sensor is stored in it, so that the installation space usable for a signal transmission cassette is increased, and the sensitivity of the measurement of the steering angle to inaccuracies of the steering column or steering wheel is low.

[0007] DE 10 2016 007 421 A1 discloses a support device for electrical components of a steering wheel and a driver airbag module with a frame that can be connected to the steering wheel and adapted to a fastening device of the steering wheel for a driver airbag module, wherein the frame has, on the one hand, at least one holding device for an electrical component and cable guides for connecting cables of the electrical component that lead to the holding device, and on the other hand, a connecting device for mechanically connecting the frame to the steering wheel or to the driver airbag module.

[0008] The problem underlying the invention is to simplify the installation of a steering wheel in a vehicle.

[0009] This problem is solved by providing the motor vehicle with the features of claim 1 and by providing the method with the features of claim 14. Further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] A motor vehicle will then be provided, with - a steering wheel; - a contact unit that is at least partially rotatable in order to establish an electrical connection between steering wheel-side components and stationary vehicle components, - the steering wheel features: - a gasbag module; - at least one functional element and / or at least one actuating element; - at least one central electronic unit interacting with the functional element and / or the actuating element; and - at least one central unit carrier on which the central unit is arranged, wherein - a connecting device arranged on the central unit carrier, via which the gasbag module can be electrically connected to the vehicle-side contact unit.

[0011] The connection device arranged on the central unit carrier, which is designed as a circuit board, eliminates the need to separately plug the gasbag module connector into the contact unit. Instead, the gasbag module is connected via this connection device on the central unit carrier when the steering wheel is installed in the vehicle. For example, it is conceivable that the electrical connection between the gasbag module and the contact unit is established simultaneously with the mechanical fastening of the steering wheel in the vehicle.

[0012] The connecting device comprises at least one contact unit coupling element arranged on the central unit carrier and electrically connectable to the contact unit; i.e., an interface via which the gasbag module and, if applicable, other steering wheel components can be connected to the contact unit. The contact unit coupling element can be designed as a plug projecting from the central unit carrier, which is positioned so that it automatically connects electrically to a corresponding socket of the contact unit when the steering wheel is mounted to a vehicle component (in particular, the steering column). It is also possible, of course, for the contact unit coupling element to be designed as a socket and the counterpart of the contact unit as a plug.Furthermore, a mechanical connection (in particular a snap-fit ​​connection) between the central unit carrier and the contact unit can also be established via the contact unit coupling element.

[0013] The contact unit is designed to be at least partially rotatable in order to establish an electrical connection between the steering wheel-side components and the stationary vehicle components.

[0014] The connection device comprises at least one module coupling element coupled to the gasbag module. The module coupling element can be designed as a plug that is electrically connected to a component (in particular an igniter) of the gasbag module. The connection device also comprises, in particular, a conductor structure (e.g., at least one conductor track formed on the central unit carrier) that is electrically connected to the contact unit coupling element and / or the module coupling element.

[0015] Furthermore, the connecting device of the steering wheel according to the invention can be designed in two parts, comprising a carrier in the form of a circuit board arranged in a housing, which is separate from the central unit carrier and fixed to the airbag module. A first (e.g., plug-like) contact element of the connecting device is arranged on this carrier and is detachably connected to a second (e.g., socket-like) contact element of the connecting device arranged on the central unit carrier, wherein at least one module coupling element coupled to the airbag module is arranged on the circuit board.

[0016] The gasbag module in turn is connected via the at least one module coupling element (e.g. in the form of a plug) arranged on the carrier, with corresponding conductor structures (in particular conductor tracks) being provided on the carrier, via which the plug and thus the gasbag module are electrically connected to the first contact element.

[0017] Furthermore, at least one coupling element can be arranged on the central unit carrier, which is electrically coupled to the functional element, e.g., a steering wheel heater, an actuator or sensor, such as a steering angle sensor, and / or the actuating element, e.g., a multifunction switch, a rocker switch, a touch sensor ("HOD sensor"), or another sensor. For example, the coupling element is a socket protruding from the central unit carrier, which connects to a corresponding plug of the functional or actuating element during assembly of the steering wheel. In particular, it is conceivable that the coupling element is a plug that connects several functional and / or actuating elements to the central unit and / or through which several functional or actuating elements can be connected to the contact unit.

[0018] For example, an electrical connection between the functional and / or actuating element and the central unit is established via the coupling element, and / or an electrical connection between the functional and / or actuating element and the contact unit can be established. The coupling element, in turn, is contacted by means of conductor structures (in particular, conductor tracks) of the central unit carrier.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one connecting element that can be electrically connected to the contact unit is arranged on the central unit carrier, via which an electrical connection can be established between the central unit and the contact unit and / or between the functional and / or the actuating element and the contact unit.

[0020] For example, the connecting element could also be a plug protruding from the central unit carrier. However, it is also conceivable that the connecting element comprises a plug connected to a cable, with the cable being electrically connected, for example, to a wiring structure formed on the central unit carrier.

[0021] The coupling element used to connect the functional and / or actuating element and the connecting element for connecting to the contact unit, for example, extend on the same side of the central unit carrier. However, the aforementioned module coupling element for connecting the gas bag module and the connecting element or the contact unit coupling element can extend on different sides of the central unit carrier. It is also possible that the contact unit coupling element and the connecting element are replaced by a single element (e.g., a single connector) through which the corresponding electrical and, if applicable, mechanical connections to the contact unit are realized.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the invention, the central unit carrier is pre-assembled on the gasbag module; for example, it is fixed there via a screw connection or some other type of connection. However, it is also conceivable that the central unit carrier is pre-assembled on a frame of the steering wheel (in particular, also fixed there via a screw connection or some other type of connection).

[0023] Furthermore, a device for triggering a horn signal can be arranged on the central unit carrier. In particular, this device is implemented with MEMS structures, which requires the shortest possible actuation distance and / or the lowest possible actuation force to trigger the horn signal.

[0024] Furthermore, the gasbag module can have locking elements by which it is fixed to a steering wheel frame. For example, the locking elements are designed such that locking the gasbag module to the steering wheel frame, together with coupling a gasbag module connector to the coupling elements arranged on the central unit carrier as described above, allows the functional and / or actuating elements of the steering wheel to be coupled.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method for mounting the steering wheel in a motor vehicle, comprising providing a steering wheel with a gasbag module, at least one functional element and / or at least one actuating element, at least one electronic central unit cooperating with the functional element and / or the actuating element and at least one central unit carrier of an ECU unit on which the central unit is arranged, wherein a connecting device comprises a carrier different from the central unit carrier and fixed to the gasbag module in the form of a circuit board of a gasbag module contact unit arranged in a housing.The method comprises connecting the airbag module to a vehicle-side contact unit via the connecting device arranged on the central unit carrier, wherein the connecting device has at least one contact unit coupling element in the form of a plug or socket, arranged on the central unit carrier and electrically connectable to the contact unit, and wherein connecting the airbag module to the contact unit comprises coupling the contact unit coupling element to a socket or plug of the contact unit, pre-assembling the ECU unit on the steering wheel, pre-assembling the airbag module contact unit on the airbag module, and assembling the steering wheel. During assembly, the airbag module and the pre-assembled airbag module contact unit are placed onto the ECU unit and snapped onto a steering wheel frame of the steering wheel.

[0026] The embodiments discussed above with regard to the steering wheel according to the invention can of course also be used analogously for the further development of the method according to the invention.

[0027] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a steering wheel ECU unit of a steering wheel according to the invention in a view from below; Fig. 2 the steering wheel ECU unit from Fig. 1 in a top view; Fig. 3 a sectional view of the steering wheel ECU unit of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a steering wheel ECU unit of a steering wheel according to a second embodiment of the invention in a view from below; Fig. 5 the steering wheel ECU unit from Fig. 4 in a top view; Fig. 6 a sectional view of the steering wheel ECU unit of the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5; Fig. 7 a steering wheel ECU unit and a throttle module contact unit of a steering wheel according to a third embodiment of the invention; Fig. 8 the components from Fig. 7 in exploded view; Fig. 9 a perspective view of a steering wheel with the steering wheel ECU unit and the throttle module contact unit from the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9; Fig. 10 a modification of the steering wheel ECU unit of the steering wheel from Fig. 7 in exploded view; Fig. 11 another modification of the steering wheel ECU unit of the steering wheel from Fig. 7; Fig. 12 a schematic representation of the electrical and mechanical contacting of components of a steering wheel according to the invention; and Fig. 13 a diagram to illustrate the contacting in a steering wheel according to the invention.

[0028] The in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. The steering wheel ECU unit 10 shown in Figure 3 comprises a central unit carrier in the form of an ECU circuit board 1, wherein at least one electronic steering wheel central unit in the form of a steering wheel ECU (not shown) is arranged on the circuit board 1. The central circuit board 1 is ring-shaped and is housed in a casing 11.

[0029] A connecting device 3 is arranged on the circuit board 1, via which an electrical connection of a gasbag module (also not shown) with a contact unit 6 of the vehicle (cf. Fig. 3) can be manufactured. The connecting device 3 comprises two module coupling elements in the form of two plugs 31, 32 electrically connected to the circuit board 1, which can be coupled to the gas bag module. The plugs 31, 32 are also mechanically connected to the circuit board 1 and / or the housing 11. A contact is made via the plugs 31, 32 to an igniter of a gas generator of the gas bag module, whereby a signal to trigger the igniter is transmitted via at least one of the plugs 31, 32. The plugs 31, 32 are arranged in such a way (for example, they project beyond a central opening 150 of the circuit board 1) that movements of the gas bag module (in particular of the gas generator), which occur, for example, during driving or when the gas bag module is pressed to trigger a horn signal, are compensated for. For example, the electrical connection of the plugs 31, 32 to the circuit board 1 is made via contacts 33, 34 on the circuit board 1.It is also conceivable that at least one of the connectors 31, 32 is omitted and that there is a direct electrical connection between the circuit board 1 and the gasbag module.

[0030] The connecting device 3 further comprises a contact unit coupling element in the form of a contact unit connector 33, which can be electrically coupled to the vehicle-side contact unit 6. The contact unit connector 33 extends predominantly on a side of the circuit board 1 facing away from the airbag module connectors 31, 32. Furthermore, the contact unit connector 33 is positioned such that, when the steering wheel with the ECU unit 10 is mounted on a steering column of the vehicle, it is assigned to a complementary plug element, in particular a socket, of the contact unit 6 and is automatically coupled to it. The airbag module connectors 31, 32 are connected to the contact unit connector 33 via a conductor structure formed on the circuit board 1 (not shown), so that an electrical connection from the airbag module to the contact unit 6 can be established by means of the contact connectors 31, 32, the contact structure, and the contact unit connector 33.

[0031] The ECU unit 10 also includes coupling elements in the form of additional connectors 41 to 45, which are located on the same side of circuit board 1 as the contact unit connector 33 and also protrude from this side of circuit board 1. Connectors 41 to 45 serve to connect circuit board 1 to peripheral elements (not shown), i.e., functional elements and / or actuating elements, of the steering wheel. These functional or actuating elements have correspondingly complementary plug-in elements into which connectors 41 to 45 engage when the ECU unit 10 is mounted on the steering wheel after correct alignment, thus establishing, for example, an electrical connection between the steering wheel ECU of unit 10 and the functional or actuating elements. The functional or actuating elements are, for example, attached to the rim of the steering wheel.

[0032] The connectors 41 to 45 of circuit board 1 are electrically connected to the ECU unit 10 via (also not shown) wiring structures. The connectors 51 and 52 protrude from the same side of circuit board 1 as the connectors 41 to 44. Analogous to the contact unit connector 33, the connectors 51 and 52 are assigned to corresponding sockets 62 and 63 of the vehicle-side contact unit 6, so that when the steering wheel is mounted on the vehicle's steering column, they automatically engage in these sockets and establish a connection between the functional and / or actuating elements of the steering wheel and the contact unit 6. It is also conceivable that the connection between the steering wheel ECU located on circuit board 1 and the contact unit 6 is established via the connectors 51 and 52. It is also possible that fewer or more plugs are used instead of three (plugs 33, 51, 52); e.g.There is only a single connector that connects circuit board 1 to contact unit 6.

[0033] Circuit board 1 also contains other electronic components (especially SMD components), not shown, for example for control, evaluation and / or communication with regard to the components connected via the connectors provided on circuit board 1.

[0034] Furthermore, a mechanical connection between the ECU unit 10 (and thus the airbag module) and the contact unit 6 can also exist via connectors 33, 51, and 52. For this purpose, connectors 33, 51, and 52, and the corresponding sockets of contact unit 6, feature corresponding locking mechanisms and / or guides. These locking mechanisms and / or guides compensate, in particular, for movement of the airbag module in the direction of the steering axis (for example, when the airbag module is moved to trigger a horn signal or when the module's gas generator vibrates). In addition to the mechanical connection via connectors 33, 51, and 52, the steering wheel can also be connected to the vehicle via a central steering wheel bolt.

[0035] The ECU unit 10 is pre-assembled to the accelerator module before the steering wheel is assembled, e.g., by screwing it in place, and module connectors 31 and 32 are also connected to the accelerator module. During steering wheel assembly, the assembly consisting of the accelerator module and ECU unit 10 is connected to a frame of the steering wheel, with connectors 41 to 45 mating to the corresponding peripheral sockets. The situation after mounting the steering wheel on the vehicle and connecting connectors 33, 51, 52, and 41 to 45 is shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows the following. Plugs 33 then engage in socket 61, and plugs 51 and 52 engage in sockets 62 and 63 of the contact unit 6. Plugs 41 to 44 are inserted into sockets located on the steering wheel frame 71 (e.g., in the area of ​​the hub). It is conceivable that the coupling of plugs 33, 51, and 52 with the contact unit 6 occurs simultaneously with the mechanical mounting of the steering wheel to the vehicle, thus enabling the entire steering wheel assembly to be completed in a single assembly step (in particular, a single plugging operation). The plugs protruding directly from the circuit board 1 (e.g., plugs 33, 51, and 52) for coupling the circuit board 1 with the contact unit 6 are mechanically stabilized before the steering wheel is mounted to the vehicle, for example, by being embedded in foam within the steering wheel and / or by stabilizing structures (e.g., the steering wheel frame or by separate structures, such as plastic structures).

[0036] The Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 6 shows another variant of the ECU unit 10 of a steering wheel according to the invention. Analogous to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 is a circuit board 1 intended as the central unit carrier of the ECU unit 10, which, however, is one of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3. It has a different, more oval, but also ring-like shape. Instead of several separate connectors for connecting the functional or actuating elements of the steering wheel, a common connector 40 is provided here, which contacts several functional and / or actuating elements of the steering wheel.

[0037] The Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Section 9 relates to a modification of the connection device 3 of the steering wheel according to the invention. According to this modification, the connection device 3 comprises, in addition to components of the ECU unit 10, a gas bag module contact unit 80 (“contact box”) connected to the gas bag module, with a module circuit board 8. The module circuit board 8 is arranged in a housing 810 and connected to two plugs 310, 311 coupled to the gas bag module. The gas bag module is located in the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 not shown. Connectors 310, 311 may be identical to connectors 31, 32 of the previous figures.

[0038] Furthermore, a first plug-like contact element 81 is provided on the module board 8, which is electrically connected to the plugs 310 and 311 via the board 8 (i.e., the conductor structures provided there). The contact structure 81 serves to establish an electrical connection to the ECU board 1 of the ECU unit 10. For this purpose, the ECU board 1, which is located in Fig. 7, which is shown closed by a cover 111 of the housing 11, a corresponding second contact element 82 is arranged, which can be connected to the first contact element 81 of the module contact unit 80 through an opening in the base 111. It is also conceivable that functions of the connectors are integrated into components of the circuit board 8 (e.g. a short-circuit bridge).

[0039] It is conceivable, for example, that circuits are integrated into the connectors and / or arranged on circuit board 8, which take over monitoring, sensing and / or communication functions of a gas bag module release ECU, e.g. monitoring an electrical resistance of an ignition material (e.g. in the form of ignition pills) of the gas generator of the gas bag module or triggering the ignition material and / or functions of a communication interface, serve to dampen conducted interference (e.g. have alternative circuits to normally present ferrites) and / or are designed to reduce the number of component-side lines (e.g. to reduce two gas bag module-side connectors to one connector, especially in the case of direct communication with a gas bag module release ECU or another vehicle ECU).

[0040] In this embodiment, the ECU unit 10 is pre-mounted on the steering wheel (e.g., screwed in place). During assembly of the steering wheel, the airbag module with its pre-mounted module contact unit 80 is placed onto the ECU unit 10 and locked onto the steering wheel frame 7, particularly via a two-point locking mechanism. The airbag module with the module contact unit 80 is guided, for example, by the steering wheel hub. Locking the module onto the steering wheel frame 7 also couples the contact elements 81 and 82 to each other, thus connecting the module contact unit 80 to the ECU unit 10. Peripheral elements of the steering wheel are connected, for example, via cable connectors (not shown) to plug-in elements (sockets 410 and 411) of the ECU unit 10.

[0041] The ECU board 1 is connected to the contact unit via connectors 510 and 520. A mechanical connection to contact unit 6, particularly for compensating for movements of the airbag module, can also exist via connectors 510 and 520, as explained above with regard to the analogous connectors 51 and 52. Additionally, the steering wheel is connected to the vehicle via a steering wheel screw. The ECU unit 10 and the module contact unit 80 can also be mechanically connected to each other via the mounting structures of the contact elements 81 and 82, with at least one additional mounting element (e.g., a screw) being present to connect units 10 and 80.

[0042] Fig. 10 concerns a modification of the ECU unit 10 of the Fig. 7. Following this, circuit board 1 contains MEMS switches 91 for triggering a horn signal. The MEMS switches 91 respond even to slight pressure on the steering wheel (especially on the throttle module), so that only a small actuation distance (particularly compatible with the connector couplings described above) is required to trigger the horn signal. Furthermore, the housing cover 111 can be movable relative to the housing part 11 and can also have protruding structures (pressure points) 112 that act on the MEMS switches 91 when pressure is applied to the throttle module. A corresponding implementation of horn triggering with MEMS switches can, of course, also be realized with the other embodiments described above. For example, MEMS switches can also be located on the ECU circuit boards 1 of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 be arranged.

[0043] Fig. 11 concerns a further variation of the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9. Instead of the connectors 51, 52 protruding from the ECU board 1 for establishing a connection with the contact unit 6, a connector 50 is provided, connected to the board 1 via a cable 55. The connector 50 is connected to a correspondingly designed plug element 65 of the contact unit 6, the plug element 65 passing through an opening 75 of the steering wheel frame 7. It is conceivable that at least one mechanical positioning element (not shown) is provided to facilitate the positioning of the module unit 80 on the ECU unit 10.

[0044] Fig. Figure 12 illustrates the electrical connection according to the invention between the steering wheel's gas spring module 100 and the vehicle's contact unit 6 via the connection device 3 arranged on the ECU board 1. The connection of peripheral elements 200a n via the ECU board 1 to the contact unit 6 is also shown.

[0045] The connectors arranged on the ECU unit 10 (e.g., connectors 33, 51, 52) form a first interface SST1 of the steering wheel, which serves to connect to the vehicle-side contact unit. Furthermore, a second interface SST2 is present (e.g., in the form of connectors 31, 32, and 41 to 45), via which the airbag module 100 and the peripheral elements 200a-n are connected to the ECU unit 10. In addition, a mechanical connection in the form of a snap-fit ​​connection (using, for example, metallic or plastic snap-fit ​​elements 160) exists between the airbag module 100 and the steering wheel frame 7 (i.e., a mechanical interface SSM), whereby the establishment of the snap-fit ​​connection occurs simultaneously with the establishment of the electrical connection between the airbag module 100 and the contact unit 6.For example, the gas bag module 100 has the module contact unit 80 described above, whereby the gas bag module 100 latches together with the module contact unit 80 coupling to the ECU unit 10 (i.e., the contact elements 81, 82). It is also conceivable that an electrical connection to a steering wheel component is simultaneously established via the mechanical interface SSM. The latching elements 160 (e.g., in the form of latching hooks) are formed, in particular, by a gas generator carrier or retainer. The latching connection can also be made with a housing of the ECU unit 10.

[0046] In particular, for the electrical contacting of the steering wheel components, i.e. the peripheral elements and the accelerator pedal module, the vehicle manufacturer is only required to provide the contact unit with the corresponding connector elements; see [reference]. Fig. 13. On the steering wheel side, the steering wheel manufacturer either connects the throttle module directly to the ECU unit 10 or pre-assembles the module unit 80 described above. Furthermore, the ECU unit 10 is provided with one or more central connectors for connection to the vehicle's contact unit.

[0047] It should be noted that elements of the various embodiments described above can of course also be combined. Thus, it is conceivable that in the embodiments of Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig.10. Only a single connector connects circuit board 1 to the vehicle-side contact unit 6; that is, the electrical connections between the steering wheel ECU, the steering wheel peripherals and / or the throttle module, and the contact unit are made via a single connector to the contact unit. Furthermore, a socket can, of course, be provided instead of a connector on the steering wheel side, and a plug on the contact unit side. It is also noted that the geometry of the ECU unit 10 (especially circuit board 1) and / or the module unit 80 (especially circuit board 8) does not necessarily have to be circular or ring-shaped, but can, in principle, be chosen arbitrarily; e.g., rectangular, and in particular dependent on the shape of other steering wheel components (e.g., the throttle module).

Claims

[1] motor vehicle, with - a steering wheel; - a contact unit (6) which is designed to be at least partially rotatable in order to establish an electrical connection between steering wheel-side components and stationary vehicle components, - the steering wheel features: - a gasbag module; - at least one functional element and / or at least one actuating element; - at least one central electronic unit interacting with the functional element and / or the actuating element; - at least one central unit carrier (1) on which the central unit is arranged; and - a connecting device (3) arranged at least partially on the central unit carrier (1), via which the gas bag module can be electrically connected to the vehicle-side contact unit (6), characterized by , that the connecting device (3) comprises at least one contact unit coupling element (33) arranged on the central unit carrier (1) and electrically coupling with the contact unit (6) in the form of a plug that can be coupled to a socket of the contact unit (6) or a socket that can be coupled to a plug of the contact unit (6); and the connecting device (3) comprises a carrier in the form of a circuit board (8) arranged in a housing (810), which is different from the central unit carrier (1) and fixed to the gas bag module, wherein a first contact element (81) of the connecting device (3) is arranged on the circuit board (8), which is detachably connected to a second contact element (82) of the connecting device (3) arranged on the central unit carrier (1), wherein at least one module coupling element (310, 311) coupled to the gas bag module is arranged on the circuit board (8). [2] Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by, that at least one electronic circuit is arranged in a connector of the gasbag module and / or on the circuit board (8) which performs monitoring, sensing and / or communication functions of a gasbag module release ECU, serves to dampen conducted disturbances and / or is designed to reduce the number of lines on the gasbag module side or connected to other components of the steering wheel. [3] Motor vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one coupling element (410, 411) is arranged on the central unit carrier (1) which is electrically coupled to the functional element and / or the actuating element. [4] Motor vehicle according to claim 3, characterized by, that an electrical connection exists between the functional and / or actuating element and the central unit via the coupling element (410, 411) and / or an electrical connection can be established between the functional and / or actuating element and the contact unit (6). [5] Motor vehicle according to claim 4, characterized by , that the coupling element (410, 411) is designed as a plug, via which several functional and / or actuating elements are connected to the central unit and / or can be connected to the contact unit (6). [6] Motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one connecting element (510, 520) which can be electrically connected to the contact unit (6) is arranged on the central unit carrier (1), via which an electrical connection can be established between the central unit and the contact unit (6) and / or between the functional and / or the actuating element and the contact unit (6). [7] Motor vehicle according to claim 6 insofar as it relates back to claim 3, characterized by , that the coupling element and the connecting element (510, 520) extend at least predominantly on the same side of the central unit carrier (1). [8] Motor vehicle according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , that the connecting element (510, 520) protrudes from the central unit carrier (1) as a plug. [9] Motor vehicle according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , that the connecting element (510, 520) includes a plug (50) connected to a cable (55). [10] Motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the central unit carrier (1) is fixed to the gasbag module. [11] Motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the central unit carrier (1) is fixed to a skeleton (7) of the steering wheel. [12] Motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a device (91) for triggering a horn signal is arranged on the central unit carrier (1). [13] Motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the gasbag module has locking elements (160) by which the gasbag module is fixed to a skeleton (7) of the steering wheel. [14] Method for mounting a steering wheel in a motor vehicle, comprising providing a steering wheel with a gasbag module, at least one functional element and / or at least one actuating element, at least one central electronic unit cooperating with the functional element and / or the actuating element and at least one central unit carrier (1) of an ECU unit (10) on which the central unit is arranged, wherein a connecting device (3) comprises a carrier different from the central unit carrier (1) and fixed to the gasbag module in the form of a circuit board (8) of a gasbag module contact unit (80) arranged in a housing (810), characterized by Connecting the gasbag module to a vehicle-side contact unit (6) via the connecting device (3) arranged on the central unit carrier (1), which has at least one contact unit coupling element (33) arranged on the central unit carrier (1) and electrically connectable to the contact unit (6) in the form of a plug or socket, wherein connecting the gasbag module to the contact unit (6) includes coupling the contact unit coupling element (33) to a socket or plug of the contact unit (6); Pre-assemble the ECU unit (10) on the steering wheel; Pre-assembly of the gasbag module contact unit (80) on the gasbag module; and assembly of the steering wheel, wherein during assembly the gasbag module and the gasbag module contact unit (80) pre-assembled therein are placed on the ECU unit (10) and locked onto a steering wheel skeleton (7) of the steering wheel.

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