Driver restraint system, steering wheel footrest module for a driver restraint system and modular system for constructing a driver restraint system

Abstract

A driver restraint system (19) is proposed, comprising a steering wheel (12), a steering shaft (16), and a steering wheel airbag module (14) containing an airbag (24). The steering wheel airbag module (14) is located behind the steering wheel (12) on the steering shaft (16) and has an outlet opening (28) for the airbag (24). When inflated, the airbag (24) has an arc shape when viewed from the side, extending around and in front of the steering wheel (12) and completely covering the steering wheel (12) when viewed from the front. A steering wheel airbag module (14) for a driver restraint system (10) and a modular system for manufacturing a driver restraint system (10) are also proposed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a driver restraint system. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a steering wheel gas bag module for a driver restraint system and a modular system for producing a driver restraint system.

[0002] Driver restraint systems typically include steering wheel gas bag modules. These steering wheel gas bag modules are installed on the side of the steering wheel facing the driver, with the steering wheel and the steering wheel gas bag module forming a coordinated unit.

[0003] This has several disadvantages. First, when replacing the steering wheel, often only the entire unit, consisting of the steering wheel and steering wheel gas bag module, can be replaced together.

[0004] This results in high costs when converting or replacing a steering wheel.

[0005] On the other hand, a specially tailored steering wheel gas bag module must be designed and developed for each steering wheel model, so that the variants of steering wheels available for a vehicle are always limited.

[0006] Furthermore, when designing a steering wheel, sufficient space must be provided for the steering wheel gas bag module. This complicates the design of the steering wheel and is also undesirable for aesthetic reasons, as it can make the steering wheel appear bulky.

[0007] Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide a driver restraint system and a steering wheel gas bag module that allow for easy conversion or replacement of the steering wheel. Furthermore, the standardization of components and assemblies is to be promoted, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0008] The stated object is achieved according to the invention by a driver restraint system having a steering wheel, a steering shaft and a steering wheel gas bag module with a gas bag located therein, wherein the steering wheel gas bag module is located behind the steering wheel on the steering shaft and has an outlet opening for the gas bag, wherein the gas bag, when inflated, has an arc shape when viewed from the side, extends around the steering wheel and in front of the steering wheel, and completely covers the steering wheel when viewed from the front.

[0009] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to design the steering wheel gas bag module separately from the steering wheel, so that it is no longer located centrally on the steering wheel on the side of the steering wheel facing the driver, but from the driver's perspective behind the steering wheel on the steering shaft.

[0010] This allows the steering wheel to be replaced with a different steering wheel model or a similar steering wheel, independently of the steering wheel gas bag module.

[0011] In other words, a steering wheel gas bag module can be combined with different steering wheel models.

[0012] There is therefore a modular division into the steering wheel gas bag module (with at least one ECU) and the steering wheel.

[0013] In addition, no space needs to be provided on the steering wheel for the steering wheel gas bag module during the design and development of the steering wheel.

[0014] Furthermore, the assembly and disassembly of the steering wheel is particularly easy because the steering wheel gas bag module is no longer located on the steering wheel.

[0015] Because the steering wheel gas bag module is located behind the steering wheel, the gas bag has an arched shape when viewed from the side when inflated. "Arched" also refers to an L-shaped gas bag.

[0016] This arched shape ensures that when the gas bag unfolds and inflates, it extends from the position behind the steering wheel along the steering shaft to the steering wheel, then past the steering wheel or through the steering wheel, along the front of the steering wheel, so that the steering wheel is completely covered when viewed from the front.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the steering wheel and the steering wheel gas bag module can be coupled to each other in a rotationally fixed manner. Alternatively, it is also possible for the steering wheel gas bag module to be mounted in a fixed position.

[0018] If there is a torsion-resistant coupling between the steering wheel and the steering wheel gas bag module, this simplifies the design and coordination of the steering wheel and the steering wheel gas bag module, since there is no relative movement between the steering wheel and the steering wheel gas bag module.

[0019] If the steering wheel is mounted so that it can rotate relative to or on the steering wheel gas bag module, this allows an asymmetrical design of the steering wheel gas bag module, since it always assumes the same position relative to the driver and can thus be optimally adapted to the driver and the interior of the vehicle surrounding the driver.

[0020] Furthermore, the gas bag outlet opening can be located radially offset outside the steering shaft. This simplifies routing the gas bag around the steering wheel when the steering wheel gas bag module is deployed, and it also simplifies the gas bag design.

[0021] In addition, the outlet opening can be located above the steering shaft when the steering wheel is in the neutral position.

[0022] This ensures that when the steering wheel gas bag module is deployed, it reaches and covers the upper area of ​​the steering wheel first. Since this is the area the driver typically reaches first when moving forward in an accident, it is particularly important to cover this area quickly.

[0023] Furthermore, the steering wheel may have a free space in the area in front of the outlet opening when viewed from the front.

[0024] This free space can extend upwards from the steering wheel in the neutral position, whereby no further structures of the steering wheel are provided from this point onwards.

[0025] This clearance allows the gas bag of the steering wheel gas bag module to move quickly and easily around and in front of the steering wheel when unfolding.

[0026] Furthermore, the steering wheel can feature a driver-vehicle interface, which is specifically designed to accommodate a smartphone. This allows information to be displayed to the driver on the steering wheel. At the same time, the driver can make inputs via the driver-vehicle interface (when the vehicle is stationary).

[0027] In addition, the gas bag can have a tube section and a head-torso cushion section when viewed from the side in the inflated state, wherein the tube section can be located between the outlet opening and the torso cushion section and can be in flow connection with the head-torso cushion section.

[0028] Through this division, the distance between the outlet opening and the steering wheel is initially overcome by means of the hose section.

[0029] The head-torso cushion section connects directly to the hose section and extends around and in front of the steering wheel, protecting the driver.

[0030] In this context, the term “tube section” should be understood to mean that the gas bag is tube-shaped when viewed from the side, although this should not be a limitation as to how “deep” the gas bag extends into the plane from the side view.

[0031] In addition, when the gas bag is inflated, the hose section can run from the outlet opening along the steering shaft axis to the steering wheel and merge into the head-torso cushion section in the area of ​​the steering wheel.

[0032] The resulting advantages can be seen in the paragraphs above.

[0033] Furthermore, the tube section and the head-torso cushion section can form separate inflatable chambers of the gas bag and can be fastened to one another in a connecting region which has at least one overflow opening.

[0034] This simplifies the production of the airbag. Furthermore, the chambers can be individually adapted to each other and the surrounding environment. Furthermore, there are more options regarding the shape of the chambers when the airbag is inflated.

[0035] Furthermore, the steering wheel gas bag module can have a receiving housing which protrudes laterally relative to the steering shaft and preferably has the outlet opening in the edge region, in particular wherein the outlet opening can be directed obliquely radially outwards and towards the driver.

[0036] The mounting housing allows for secure mounting of the steering wheel gas bag module.

[0037] If the outlet opening is directed diagonally radially outwards in relation to the steering shaft, this has a beneficial effect on the deployment of the gas bag.

[0038] The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a steering wheel gas bag module for a driver restraint system according to the invention and, in relation to the installed state, a front-side interface for fastening a steering wheel and an opposite rear side and a chamber in the receiving housing located therebetween for receiving the gas bag, and with a rear-side interface for fastening a steering shaft section, so that the steering wheel gas bag module transmits the steering torque from the steering wheel to the steering shaft section.

[0039] As a result, the steering wheel is torsionally coupled to the steering shaft section via the steering wheel gas bag module.

[0040] The front interface of the steering wheel gas bag module allows for easy attachment of the steering wheel and, at the same time, replacement of the steering wheel without having to remove the gas bag module itself.

[0041] The additional advantages can be found in the paragraphs above.

[0042] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the rear interface for attaching the steering shaft can be coupled mechanically and / or signal-wise to the steering shaft section of a steer-by-wire system or an electromechanical steering system or an electro-hydraulic steering system.

[0043] This allows the use of the same steering wheel gas bag module in different vehicles with different steering systems.

[0044] An electrical transmission unit, in particular a coil spring, can also be arranged at the rear interface.

[0045] This allows the steering wheel, including the steering wheel gas bag module, to be electrically coupled to other components of the vehicle in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0046] Furthermore, the front interface can be mechanically and / or signal-wise coupled to a steering wheel interface provided on the steering wheel.

[0047] This allows the steering wheel to be easily replaced or removed without having to dismantle the steering wheel gas bag module.

[0048] This also allows different steering wheel models to be coupled to the steering wheel gas bag module via the interface.

[0049] In addition, an outlet opening can be provided on the chamber of the receiving housing, which is directed obliquely radially outwards with respect to the steering shaft axis.

[0050] This means that when the steering wheel gas bag module is triggered, the gas bag can already unfold in such a way that the gas bag ultimately moves around the steering wheel.

[0051] Furthermore, the width of the outlet opening may be at least three times the height of the outlet opening.

[0052] Accordingly, the gas bag of the steering wheel gas bag module also has dimensions adapted to the outlet opening, in particular the hose section of the gas bag.

[0053] This allows the tube section to be filled with gas particularly quickly, as it has only a small volume, so that the head-torso cushion section protecting the driver can be inflated as quickly as possible.

[0054] Furthermore, a wave-like extension running along the steering shaft axis can protrude from the front of the receiving housing and have the front interface.

[0055] This wave-like extension serves as a deformation zone and can absorb the driver's kinetic energy.

[0056] The steering wheel can feature a driver-vehicle interface with switches for operating vehicle or entertainment functions. This allows the driver to make inputs directly via the steering wheel without removing their hands from the steering wheel. Additionally or alternatively, switches for operating vehicle or entertainment functions can also be provided on the housing of the steering wheel gas bag module.

[0057] In addition, additional electrical modules for signal transmission to the vehicle can be integrated into the housing.

[0058] Finally, the invention provides a modular system for producing a driver restraint system according to the invention with different types of steering wheels and at least one type of steering wheel gas bag module, wherein each type of steering wheel can be connected to the at least one type of steering wheel gas bag module by means of a uniform interface, as well as at least one electronic module which serves for control and / or sensing and / or signal transmission.

[0059] This makes it possible to combine a variety of steering wheels with the same steering wheel gas bag module.

[0060] The additional advantages can be found in the paragraphs above.

[0061] The invention is described below with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: - Fig. 1 shows a driver restraint system according to the invention in a perspective view; - Fig. 2 the driver restraint system according to the invention in a front view; - Fig. 3 the driver restraint system according to the invention in a side view; - Fig. 4 the driver restraint system according to the invention in an exploded view; - Fig. 5 the driver restraint system Fig. 3 with a schematically illustrated gas bag in the inflated state; - Fig. 6 the driver restraint system Fig. 2 with a schematically illustrated gas bag in the inflated state; - Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a steering wheel gas bag module of the driver restraint system according to the invention; - Fig. 8 the steering wheel gas bag module Fig. 7 in another perspective view; - Fig. 9a a steering wheel of the driver restraint system according to the invention according to a first alternative in a perspective view; and - Fig. 9b a steering wheel of the driver restraint system according to the invention according to a second alternative in a perspective view;

[0062] The Fig. 1 to 4 show a driver restraint system 10 with a steering wheel 12, a steering wheel gas bag module 14 arranged behind the steering wheel 12 and a steering shaft 16 connected thereto (see Fig. 3) with a steering shaft axis L.

[0063] The steering wheel 12 and the steering wheel gas bag module 14 are therefore designed separately from each other as independent units.

[0064] The steering wheel 12 has a driver-vehicle interface 18 (see Fig. 2) which serves to hold a smartphone 20 (see in particular Fig. 1 and Fig. 4).

[0065] Furthermore, the steering wheel 12 is coupled to the steering wheel gas bag module 14 in a rotationally fixed manner, so that when the steering wheel 12 is steered, the steering torque is transferred from the steering wheel to the steering wheel gas bag module 14 and there is no relative movement between the steering wheel 12 and the steering wheel gas bag module 14.

[0066] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the steering wheel 12 is rotatably mounted on a stationary steering wheel gas bag module 14.

[0067] The steering wheel gas bag module 14 comprises a receiving housing 22 which projects laterally in the radial direction relative to the steering shaft 16.

[0068] In the receiving housing 22 of the steering wheel gas bag module 14, a gas bag 24 is provided, which is accommodated within a chamber 26 in the non-deployed state.

[0069] The chamber 26 has an outer wall with an outlet opening 28 for the gas bag 24. The outlet opening 28 for the gas bag 24 is provided in the edge region of the receiving housing 22, i.e., radially offset outside the steering shaft 16.

[0070] Furthermore, the outlet opening 28 is arranged above the steering shaft 16 when the steering wheel 12 is in the neutral position and is directed obliquely radially outwards towards the driver with respect to the steering shaft axis L (see in particular Fig. 1 and Fig. 3).

[0071] The outlet opening 28 has a width B and a height H, wherein the width B corresponds to at least three times the height H.

[0072] Furthermore, the outlet opening 28 is closed by a flap 29 in the non-deployed state of the gas bag 24 or is defined by tearing open a predetermined, weakened area of ​​the outer wall of the outer housing.

[0073] As is particularly evident from Fig. 2, the steering wheel 12, viewed from the front, has a free space 30 in the area in front of the outlet opening 28.

[0074] This free space 30 is provided just above the steering shaft 16 (with the steering wheel 12 in the neutral position).

[0075] From this point, the free space 30 extends vertically “upwards” and is limited horizontally by the stub ends of the steering wheel 12.

[0076] The free space 30 is accordingly open at the top and is only limited by the surrounding vehicle interior structure (not shown in the figures).

[0077] In the following, based on the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 the structure and positioning of the gas bag 24 in the inflated state are explained in more detail. The gas bag 24 is in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown in dashed lines.

[0078] Accordingly Fig. 5, the gas bag 24 has an arched shape in the inflated state, wherein in this context, arched shape is also understood to mean an L-shaped course of the gas bag 24.

[0079] The gas bag 24 extends from the outlet opening 28 around the steering wheel 12 and also in front of the steering wheel 12, so that the steering wheel 12 can be moved accordingly Fig. 6 is completely covered when viewed from the front.

[0080] In addition, the gas bag 24 has a hose section 32 and a head-torso cushion section 34, wherein the hose section 32 extends between the outlet opening 28 and the head-torso cushion section 34 and both sections 32, 34 are in flow connection with one another.

[0081] In this context, it should be mentioned that the term hose section 32 should not necessarily be understood to mean the width of the hose section 32 (in the case of Fig. 5 “into the plane”), but rather aims at its appearance in a side view (see Fig. 5).

[0082] In the inflated state of the gas bag 24, the hose section 32 thus extends from the outlet opening 28 along the steering shaft axis L towards the steering wheel 12 and merges into the head-torso cushion section 34 in the area of ​​the steering wheel 12.

[0083] It is also conceivable that the tube section 32 and the head-torso cushion section 34 form separate inflatable chambers 36 and are fastened to one another in a connecting region 38 which has at least one overflow opening.

[0084] The following will be based in particular on the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 the structure of the steering wheel gas bag module 14 will be discussed in more detail.

[0085] The receiving housing 22 of the steering wheel gas bag module 14 has a wave-like extension 40 on the front side, which has a front-side interface 42.

[0086] The front interface 42 serves to attach the steering wheel 12 and can be coupled mechanically and signal-wise to a steering wheel interface 44 provided on the steering wheel.

[0087] The signal transmission can, for example, forward inputs made by the driver on the steering wheel 12.

[0088] On the rear side of the steering wheel gas bag module 14 opposite the front interface 42, a rear interface 46 is provided, which serves to attach a steering shaft section (see Fig. 8, steering shaft section not shown).

[0089] Through the rear interface 46 for fastening the steering shaft section, the steering wheel gas bag module 14 can be coupled mechanically and signal-wise to a steering shaft section of a steer-by-wire system or an electro-mechanical steering system or an electro-hydraulic steering system (not shown in the figures).

[0090] In addition to the switching and operating elements provided on the steering wheel, further switching and / or operating elements 50 to be operated by the driver are optionally provided on the receiving housing 22 (see Fig. 1).

[0091] Electrical modules 52 for signal transmission to the vehicle are also integrated into the receiving housing 22.

[0092] The front interface 42 provided on the steering wheel gas bag module 14 allows a modular system for forming the driver restraint system 10, in which different steering wheel models, as shown in the Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b, can be coupled to a steering wheel gas bag module via the front interface 42 and the steering wheel interface 44.

[0093] In other words, the driver restraint system 10 can be formed by the steering wheel gas bag module 14 in combination with a variety of different steering wheel models, as shown in the Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b is shown.

[0094] Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the rear interface 46 can be coupled to a variety of different steering shaft sections. Fig. 8 shows a toothing for coupling to the steering shaft, in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, however, shows protruding screw bolts which can be screwed into a counter thread in the steering shaft, whereby additional security against loosening is necessary.

[0095] The steering wheel gas bag module is therefore also a torque-transmitting, mechanical intermediate piece between the steering shaft 16 and the steering wheel 12.

Claims

[1] Driver restraint system with a steering wheel (12), a steering shaft (16) and a steering wheel gas bag module (14) with a gas bag (24) located therein, wherein the steering wheel gas bag module (14) is located behind the steering wheel (12) on the steering shaft (16) and has an outlet opening (28) for the gas bag (24), wherein the gas bag (24) has an arc shape when viewed from the side in the inflated state, extends around the steering wheel (12) and in front of the steering wheel (12), and completely covers the steering wheel (12) when viewed from the front. [2] Driver restraint system according to claim 1, characterized by that the steering wheel (12) and the steering wheel gas bag module (14) are coupled to one another in a rotationally fixed manner or that the steering wheel (12) is rotatably mounted on the steering wheel gas bag module (14). [3] Driver restraint system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the outlet opening (28) for the gas bag (24) is radially offset outside the steering shaft (16). [4] Driver restraint system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the outlet opening (28) is located above the steering shaft (16) when the steering wheel (12) is in the neutral position. [5] Driver restraint system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the steering wheel (12) has a free space (30) in the area in front of the outlet opening (28) when viewed from the front. [6] Driver restraint system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the steering wheel (12) has a driver-vehicle interface (18) which serves in particular to accommodate a smartphone (20). [7] Driver restraint system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the gas bag (24) in the inflated state, viewed from the side, has a tube section (32) and a head-torso cushion section (34), wherein the tube section (32) lies between the outlet opening (28) and the head-torso cushion section (34) and is in flow connection with the head-torso cushion section (34). [8] Driver restraint system according to claim 7, characterized by that the hose section (32) in the inflated state of the gas bag (24) runs from the outlet opening (28) along the steering shaft axis (L) towards the steering wheel (12) and merges into the head-torso cushion section (34) in the area of the steering wheel (12). [9] Driver restraint system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by that the tube section (32) and the head-torso cushion section (34) form separate inflatable chambers (36) of the gas bag (24) and are fastened to one another in a connecting region (38) which has at least one overflow opening. [10] Driver restraint system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the steering wheel gas bag module (14) has a receiving housing (22) which projects laterally relative to the steering shaft (16) and preferably has the outlet opening (28) in the edge region, in particular wherein the outlet opening is directed obliquely radially outwards and towards the driver. [11] Steering wheel gas bag module for a driver restraint system (10) according to claim 10 and a front-side interface (42) for fastening a steering wheel (12) and an opposite rear side, with respect to the installed state, and an intermediate chamber (26) in the receiving housing (22) for receiving the gas bag (24), and with a rear-side interface (46) for fastening a steering shaft section, so that the steering wheel gas bag module (14) transmits the steering torque from the steering wheel (12) to the steering shaft section. [12] Steering wheel gas bag module according to claim 11, characterized bythat the rear interface (46) for fastening the steering shaft (16) can be coupled mechanically and / or signal-wise to the steering shaft section of a steer-by-wire system or an electro-mechanical steering system or an electro-hydraulic steering system. [13] Steering wheel gas bag module according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that an electrical transmission unit, in particular a coil spring, is arranged in the region of the rear interface (46). [14] Steering wheel gas bag module according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by that the front interface (42) can be coupled mechanically and / or signal-wise to a steering wheel interface (44) provided on the steering wheel (12). [15] Steering wheel gas bag module according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized by that a wave-like extension (40) extending along the steering shaft axis (L) projects from the front of the receiving housing (22) and has the front interface (42). [16] Steering wheel gas bag module according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized by that switching and / or operating elements (50) to be operated by the driver are provided on the receiving housing (22). [17] Steering wheel gas bag module according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized by that at least one electrical module (52) for signal transmission to the vehicle is additionally integrated in the receiving housing (22) [18] Modular system for producing a driver restraint system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, with different types of steering wheels and at least one type of steering wheel gas bag module (14), wherein each type of steering wheel can be connected to the at least one type of steering wheel gas bag module (14) by means of uniform interfaces (42, 44), and at least one electronic module which serves for control and / or sensing and / or signal transmission.

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