Tear tab device

Abstract

The invention relates to a tear-away device, in particular a bending tear-away device, especially for a steering column (12) of a vehicle (14), with at least one first tab element (16), in particular for a connection with a first steering column component (18), and with a second tab element (20) integrally connected with the first tab element (16), in particular for a connection with a second steering column component (22), wherein the first tab element (16) has at least one first, permanent connecting edge (24) to the second tab element (20) and at least one second connecting edge (26, 26') forming a predetermined tear edge to the second tab element (20), which is in particular intended to tear in a defined manner in a crash. It is proposed that the first tab element (16) has a first principal extension plane (28) and the second tab element (20) has a second principal extension plane (30) different from the first principal extension plane (28).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a tear-off tab device.

[0002] A tear-away device, in particular a bending tear-away device, especially for a steering column of a vehicle, has already been proposed, comprising at least one first tab element, in particular for a connection with a first steering column component, and a second tab element integrally connected with the first tab element, in particular for a connection with a second steering column component, wherein the first tab element has at least one first permanent connecting edge to the second tab element and at least one second connecting edge to the second tab element forming a predetermined tear edge, which is in particular intended to tear in a defined manner in a crash scenario.

[0003] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with improved properties with regard to reliability and manufacturability. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims. Advantages of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a tear-off tab device, in particular a bending tear-off tab device, especially for a steering column of a vehicle, with at least one first tab element, in particular for a connection with a first steering column component, and with a second tab element integrally connected with the first tab element, in particular for a connection with a second steering column component, wherein the first tab element has at least one first, permanent connecting edge to the second tab element and at least one second connecting edge to the second tab element forming a predetermined tear edge, which is in particular intended to tear in a defined manner in a crash.

[0005] It is proposed that the first tab element has a first principal extension plane and the second tab element has a second principal extension plane that differs from the first principal extension plane. Preferably, the first principal extension plane and the second principal extension plane are aligned parallel to each other or tilted relative to each other. Preferably, the first principal extension plane and the second principal extension plane are aligned at least substantially parallel to each other. Preferably, the first principal extension plane and the second principal extension plane are spaced apart from each other in a region of the tab elements. Preferably, the first tab element has a U-shaped base, with the second tab element arranged between the two legs of the first tab element.Preferably, the two legs of the first tab element are connected to the second tab element via predetermined breaking edges, while one base side of the first tab element is connected to the second tab element via a permanent connecting edge. The second tab element is therefore, in particular, connected to the first tab element via two predetermined breaking edges and a permanent connecting edge.

[0006] In this context, a "tear tab device" is understood to mean, in particular, a device designed to connect at least two components. Preferably, the tear tab device is designed to deform plastically and / or tear upon a defined event, especially upon application of a defined force, thereby allowing movement of the components. Preferably, the tear tab device is designed to connect two steering column components and, in the event of a crash, to allow defined movement of the steering column components relative to each other. Preferably, the tear tab device is designed to tear in a defined manner upon application of a defined force and to absorb energy. Preferably, the tear tab device is formed by a bending tear tab element, in particular a bending tear tab.Preferably, the bending tear-off device comprises a tab element, in particular a second tab element, which is bent at its free end, the bent end being coupled to a second steering column component. Preferably, some of the energy, particularly during a crash, is absorbed during the bending, in particular the deformation, of the second tab element. The relative movement between the bent end of the second tab element and the first tab element causes deformation, thereby absorbing some of the transferred energy. Furthermore, in an initial state, the second tab element is at least partially connected to the first tab element at its edges, so that during any relative movement of the steering column components, the second tab element must be torn away from the first tab element, thus absorbing a further portion of the energy through this tearing.The bending rip device is a particularly safety-relevant component that guarantees defined crash behavior. In the event of an accident and the resulting impact of a driver on the steering wheel, the forces occurring are preferably absorbed by the breaking of the bending rip device in correlation with the active retraction of the steering column.

[0007] In this context, a "tab element" is understood to be a flat, particularly elongated, element designed to be connected, especially directly, to another component, for example, via a screw or rivet connection. Preferably, the tab elements are each made of a metal, particularly steel. However, other materials that would be suitable to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. Preferably, the tab elements are each made of a sheet metal part, particularly by stamping. Preferably, the first tab element and the second tab element are joined to each other integrally, particularly in one piece.The term "one-piece" is to be understood in particular as being joined by at least a material bond, for example by a welding process, an adhesive bonding process, an injection molding process, and / or another process that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously as being formed in one piece, such as by production from a single casting and / or by production using a single- or multi-component injection molding process, and advantageously from a single blank. Advantageously, "one-piece" is also to be understood as being formed in one piece. Preferably, this single piece is produced from a single blank, a compound, and / or a casting, particularly preferably using an injection molding process, especially a single- and / or multi-component injection molding process.

[0008] The term "principal extension plane" of a structural unit is understood to mean, in particular, a plane that is parallel to a largest side face of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the structural unit, and in particular passes through the center of the cuboid. "Substantially parallel" here is understood to mean, in particular, an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, especially in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and most advantageously less than 2°.

[0009] The term "intended" should be understood to mean specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0010] The inventive design of the tear-off tab device enables, in particular, a defined tearing action. Specifically, a defined force-displacement curve can be established for the tear-off tab device. Very low tearing forces can also be achieved. Furthermore, the need for relief cuts in the tear-off tab device can be eliminated. This allows for a significantly reduced manufacturing effort for the punches.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the second principal extension plane be arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first principal extension plane. Preferably, the distance between the second principal extension plane and the first principal extension plane is less than the material thickness of the second tab element. Preferably, the second tab element is offset from the first tab element, at least in sections, such that the tab elements remain connected in that section, but a defined breaking point can be formed. Preferably, the first and second tab elements have the same material thickness. This allows, in particular, a controlled breaking force to be set, preferably depending on an offset. A defined force-displacement curve of the breaking tab device can be defined. Very low breaking forces can also be achieved.

[0012] Furthermore, it is proposed that the second tab element is at least partially sheared relative to the first tab element. Preferably, the second tab element is arranged at least partially offset relative to the first tab element by shearing and / or deep drawing. Preferably, the first and second tab elements remain connected, with a central plane of the second tab element being deflected relative to the first tab element. It is further proposed that the second tab element is arranged partially offset relative to the first tab element by shearing. Preferably, the second tab element is arranged partially offset relative to the first tab element by deep drawing. This allows, in particular, a tearing force to be set in a targeted manner, preferably depending on an offset.Preferably, the tear-off tab device is designed to tear at the tear edge between the first tab element and the second tab element. Furthermore, this allows for a more reliable production process. Additionally, a force-displacement diagram can be advantageously designed with a linear profile. In particular, unwanted peaks can be avoided. Moreover, implementation is also feasible, especially in the thin sheet metal range. Furthermore, minimal adjustments are advantageously possible during coil or batch changes.

[0013] It is further proposed that the second tab element be sheared to varying depths along a longitudinal path. Preferably, the longitudinal direction of the tear-off tab device corresponds to a principal extension direction of the tear-off tab device. Preferably, the second tab element is sheared to varying depths along a path parallel to the tear edges. The shear depth is defined, in particular, by the smallest distance, measured perpendicular to the first principal extension plane, between a top surface of the first tab element and a top surface of the second tab element. The top surface of the first tab element and the top surface of the second tab element are, in particular, formed by a principal surface of the respective tab element.

[0014] The phrase "the second tab element is sheared to varying depths along a longitudinal direction" should be understood in this context to mean, in particular, that the second tab element has different shear depths along the longitudinal direction. The shear depth changes continuously. Preferably, the shear depth at each point along the longitudinal direction is less than the material thickness of the first or second tab element. The "principal extension direction" of an object should be understood to mean, in particular, a direction that runs parallel to the longest edge of the smallest geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object. It is further proposed that the second tab element has a defined force-displacement tear profile, where a tear force at a point is defined by a shear depth at that point.Preferably, a tool, in particular a press die, for producing the shearing has different heights, which in turn create different shearing depths. This allows, in particular, the definition of a specific force-displacement curve for the tear-off tab device. Different tearing forces can be defined over a specific profile. Furthermore, very low tearing forces can also be achieved.

[0015] It is further proposed that the second connecting edge be formed by a shearing edge. The tearing edge is also formed by a shearing edge. Preferably, the tearing tab device has two shearing edges running parallel to each other, each with the same shearing depth along the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the shearing edges are arranged on opposite sides of the second tab element. Preferably, the first tab element has a U-shaped base, with the second tab element arranged between the two legs of the first tab element. Preferably, the two legs of the first tab element are connected to the second tab element via the two shearing edges, while one base side of the first tab element is connected to the second tab element via a permanent connecting edge.The second tab element is connected to the first tab element, particularly via the two shear edges and the permanent connecting edge. This allows for a particularly reliable tearing edge. In contrast to an embossed tearing edge, this method provides a tearing edge with homogeneous material properties. Unlike embossing, the material structure remains in its original state and does not harden.

[0016] Furthermore, it is proposed that the tear-off tab device includes a bending tab which is integrally connected to a free end of the second tab element and is bent, in particular by at least approximately 180°. Preferably, the bending tab is arranged as an extension of the second tab element. Preferably, the bending tab forms part of the second tab element. The bending tab forms, in particular, an arc and is, in particular, directly connected to the second steering column component. The second steering column component is, in particular, coupled to a steering wheel. The second steering column component is, in particular, designed to move relative to a vehicle body in the event of a crash. The bending tab is, in particular, designed to bend in the event of a crash and thereby absorb energy. This allows, in particular, the advantageous provision of a bending tear-off tab.Energy absorption can be achieved in various ways.

[0017] Furthermore, the invention relates to a steering column comprising a first steering column component, a second steering column component, and a tear-off tab device. The tear-off tab device is connected, in particular, at one end, preferably with the first tab element, directly to the first steering column component and at another end, preferably with the second tab element, more preferably with the bending tab, directly to the second steering column component. Preferably, the first steering column component is coupled to a steering spindle, while the second steering column component is coupled to the steering wheel.

[0018] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a tear-off tab device. It is proposed that the second tab element be partially sheared relative to the first tab element by shearing. Preferably, the second tab element is partially sheared relative to the first tab element by deep drawing in a shearing step. Preferably, prior to the shearing step, the tear-off tab device is punched and / or laser-cut from a sheet metal part in a preparation step.

[0019] The tear-off tab device according to the invention is not to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the tear-off tab device according to the invention may, to achieve a functionality described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, and units than the number specified herein. Furthermore, values ​​within the specified limits of the value ranges stated in this disclosure are also to be considered disclosed and freely usable. Drawings

[0020] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0021] They show: Fig. 1 a vehicle with a steering column which has a tear-off device according to the invention, in a schematic representation, Fig. 2 the steering column with a first steering column component, with a second steering column component and with a tear-off tab device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 3 the tear-off tab device according to the invention with a first tab element, a second tab element and a bending tab in a schematic top view, Fig. 4 the tear-off tab device according to the invention with the first tab element, the second tab element and the bending tab in a schematic sectional view along the section line IV-IV, Fig. 5 the tear-off tab device according to the invention with the first tab element, the second tab element and the bending tab in a schematic sectional view along the section line VV, Fig. 6 the tear-off tab device according to the invention and a shearing device in a schematic provisioning step, Fig. 7 the tear-off tab device according to the invention and a shearing device in a schematic shearing step, Fig. 8 a press punch of the shearing device in a schematic side view, Fig. 9 a schematic force-displacement diagram of the tear-off tab device according to the invention, Fig. 10 the tear-off tab device according to the invention and an alternative embodiment of the shearing device, Fig. 11 the tear-off tab device according to the invention and an alternative embodiment of the shearing device and Fig. 12 a schematic flowchart of a method for manufacturing the tear-off tab device according to the invention. Description of the exemplary embodiment

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 14 with a steering column 12, which has a tear-away device 10. The vehicle 14 is a motor vehicle. The vehicle 14 is a passenger car. The steering column 12 is designed to transmit a steering movement from a steering wheel 42 of the vehicle 14 to wheels 44 of the vehicle 14. The steering column 12 has at least a first steering column component 18 and a second steering column component 22. The first steering column component 18 is coupled to a steering spindle 46, while the second steering column component 22 is coupled to the steering wheel 42. The first steering column component 18 is formed by a console. The first steering column component 18 comprises fastening tabs 48. The first steering column component 18 includes, for example, six fastening tabs 48 for connection with the tear-off tab device 10. Furthermore, the second steering column component 22 is formed by a slide.The second steering column component 22 includes, by way of example, at least one attachment point (not shown) for a connection with the tear-off tab device 10. Preferably, the first steering column component 18 and the second steering column component 22 are connected in the axial direction only via the tear-off tab device 10.

[0023] The tear-off device 10 is formed by a bending tear-off device. Preferably, the tear-off device 10 is formed by a bending tear-off tab. The tear-off device 10 is a safety-relevant component that guarantees defined crash behavior. In the event of an accident and the resulting impact of a driver on the steering wheel 42, the forces occurring are preferably absorbed by the tearing of the tear-off device 10 in correlation with the active retraction of the steering column 12. The tear-off device 10 is for a steering column 12 of a vehicle 14.

[0024] The tear-off tab device 10 has a first tab element 16 for connection with the first steering column component 18. The first tab element 16 has a U-shaped base with a base 50 and two legs 52, 52'. The first tab element 16 is formed in one piece. The first tab element 16 consists of a sheet, in particular a steel sheet. The first tab element 16 is connected to the first steering column component 18 at the legs 52, 52'. The first tab element 16 has slots 54, 54' on the legs 52, 52' for connection with the mounting tabs 48 of the first steering column component 18. The mounting tabs 48 engage through the slots 54, 54' of the first tab element 16 to form a connection. Furthermore, the first tab element 16 is screwed to the first steering column component 18, particularly in a way that is not otherwise visible. The first tab element 16 may have bore holes 56, 56' on its legs 52, 52' for this purpose.

[0025] The tear-off tab device 10 further comprises a second tab element 20 integrally connected to the first tab element 16. The second tab element 20 is designed for connection with the second steering column component 22. The second tab element 20 has a rectangular basic shape. However, other shapes that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. Furthermore, the tear-off tab device 10 comprises a bending tab 36, which is integrally connected to a free end of the second tab element 20 and is, in particular, bent at least approximately 180°. The bending tab 36 is integrally connected at one end to the second tab element 20 and forms a fastening section 58 at an end facing away from the second tab element 20 for a direct connection with the second steering column component 22.The fastening section 58 is exemplified by an eyelet, which is intended to be attached invisibly to a hook of the second steering column component 22. The bending tab 36 is arranged as an extension of the second tab element 20. The bending tab 36 forms part of the second tab element 20. The bending tab 36 forms an arc and is directly connected to the second steering column component 22 on one side of the arc facing away from the second tab element 20. In the . Fig. For clarity, the bending tab 36 is shown as bent in Figure 3, while the bending tab 36 is shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 is shown curved.

[0026] The first tab element 16 forms a first, permanent connecting edge 24 to the second tab element 20 and at least one second connecting edge 26, 26' to the second tab element 20, forming a predetermined tear edge designed to tear in a defined manner in a crash. The first tab element 16 forms a first, permanent connecting edge 24 to the second tab element 20 and two second connecting edges 26, 26' to the second tab element 20, each forming a predetermined tear edge designed to tear in a defined manner in a crash. The two legs 52, 52' of the first tab element 16 are connected to the second tab element 20 via the second connecting edges 26, 26', while the base 50 of the first tab element 16 is connected to the second tab element 20 via the first permanent connecting edge 24.The second tab element 20 is therefore connected to the first tab element 16 via two secondary connecting edges 26, 26', each forming a predetermined breaking edge, and a permanent connecting edge 24. The two secondary connecting edges 26, 26', each forming a predetermined breaking edge, run parallel to each other. The two secondary connecting edges 26, 26' are each formed by a shear edge. The two secondary connecting edges 26, 26' are each arranged on opposite sides of the second tab element 20.

[0027] The first tab element 16 and the second tab element 20 have the same material thickness.

[0028] The first tab element 16 has a first principal extension plane 28, and the second tab element 20 has a second principal extension plane 30, which differs from the first principal extension plane 28. The first principal extension plane 28 and the second principal extension plane 30 are aligned parallel to each other and offset from one another. The second principal extension plane 30 is arranged parallel to the first principal extension plane 28 and spaced apart. The distance between the second principal extension plane 30 and the first principal extension plane 28 is less than the material thickness of the second tab element 20. The second tab element 20 is offset section by section relative to the first tab element 16 such that the tab elements 16 and 20 remain connected at the second connecting edges 26 and 26', but a defined breaking point is formed at the second connecting edges 26 and 26'.The second tab element 20 is partially sheared relative to the first tab element 16. The second tab element 20 is partially offset relative to the first tab element 16 by shearing and / or deep drawing. The first tab element 16 and the second tab element 20 remain connected, with a central plane of the second tab element 20 being deflected relative to the first tab element 16. The second tab element 20 is partially offset relative to the first tab element 16 by shearing. Preferably, the second tab element 20 is partially offset relative to the first tab element 16 by deep drawing.

[0029] The second tab element 20 is sheared to varying depths along a longitudinal direction 32. The shear depth 34 is defined by the smallest distance, measured perpendicular to the first principal extension plane 28, between a top surface of the first tab element 16 and a top surface of the second tab element 20. The shear depth 34 changes continuously. Preferably, the shear depth 34 at each point along the longitudinal direction 32 is less than the material thickness of the first or second tab element 16, 20. The second tab element 20 is sheared to varying depths along a path parallel to the second connecting edges 26, 26'. The second tab element 20 exhibits a defined force-displacement tear profile, wherein a tear force at a point is defined by a shear depth 34 at that point. Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic force-displacement diagram of the tear-off tab device 10. The diagram depicts a force-displacement curve 90, with the force in N plotted on the ordinate axis and the displacement in mm on the abscissa axis. Furthermore, the diagram shows a reference range 92, represented by two boundary lines, within which the force-displacement curve 90 should move.

[0030] The different shear depths 34 over a course of the second tab element 20 are generated by a defined shape of a press punch 60 for the production of the tear tab device 10. Fig. Figure 5 shows a tear-away device 10 with an exemplary progression of the shear depths 34. The second shear element 20 has a first section 62 in which the shear depth 34 is high, so that only a low tearing force is required. The second shear element 20 also has a second section 64 in which the shear depth 34 decreases. Furthermore, the second shear element 20 has a third section 66 in which the shear depth 34 is low, so that a high tearing force is required in this section 66. The second shear element 20 also has a fourth section 68 in which the shear depth 34 increases. Finally, the second shear element 20 has a fifth section 70 in which the shear depth 34 is high, so that only a low tearing force is required. Following the fifth section 70, the second tab element 20 transitions into the base 50 of the first tab element 16.The press die 60 has sections 72, 74, 76, 78, 80 corresponding to sections 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 of the second tab element 20. A tool, in particular the press die 60, for producing the shear has different heights, which in turn produce different shear depths 34.

[0031] Fig. Figure 6 shows the tear-off device 10 and a shearing device 82 in a provisioning step 86 of a method for manufacturing the tear-off device 10 prior to shearing. Fig. Figure 12 shows a schematic flowchart of a process for manufacturing the tear-off tab device 10. In a setup step 86 of the process for manufacturing the tear-off tab device 10, the tear-off tab device 10 is punched and / or laser-cut from a sheet metal part. This is followed by a shearing step 88. In the shearing step 88, the tear-off tab device 10 is inserted into the shearing device 82. The shearing device 82 is, for example, formed by a shearing and / or deep-drawing device. The shearing device 82 has the press punch 60 and a counter-holder 84. For shearing, the second tab element 16 is applied to the counter-holder 84 ( Fig. 6) Subsequently, the second tab element 20 is deep-drawn using the press punch 60, creating a shear between the first tab element 16 and the second tab element 20 in the area of ​​the second connecting edges 26, 26'. The second tab element 20 is partially sheared relative to the first tab element 16. It would also be conceivable to punch out the tear-off tab device 10 in the same process step using the shearing device 82, thus integrating the provisioning step 86 into the shearing step 88.

[0032] The tearing forces can also be influenced by other factors of the shearing device 82. The tearing forces can be influenced by setting a distance 94 between the press ram 60 and the counter support 84 ( Fig. 10). Alternatively or additionally, the tearing forces can be influenced by setting a radius 96 on the press ram 60 and / or on the counter support 84 ( Fig. 11). Reference sign 10 Tear tab device 12 Steering column 14 vehicles 16 tab elements 18 Steering column component 20 tab elements 22 Steering column component 24 Connecting edge 26 Connecting edge 26' Connecting edge 28 Main extent level 30 Main extent level 32 Longitudinal direction 34 Reef depth 36 bending tab 42 Steering wheel 44 wheel 46 Steering spindle 48 Mounting tab 50 Basic page 52 thighs 52' thigh 54 slots 54' slot 56 borehole 56' borehole 58 Fastening section 60 press dies Section 62 Section 64 Section 66 Section 68 Section 70 Section 72 Section 74 Section 76 Section 78 Section 80 82 Shearing device 84 Counterholds 86 Deployment step 88 Shearing step 90 force-displacement curve 92 Reference range 94 distance 96 radius

Claims

[1] Tear tab device, in particular a bending tear tab device, in particular for a steering column (12) of a vehicle (14), comprising at least one first tab element (16), in particular for connection with a first steering column component (18), and a second tab element (20) integrally connected with the first tab element (16), in particular for connection with a second steering column component (22), wherein the first tab element (16) has at least one first permanent connecting edge (24) to the second tab element (20) and at least one second connecting edge (26, 26') forming a predetermined tear edge to the second tab element (20), which is in particular designed to tear in a defined manner in a crash event, characterized by, that the first tab element (16) has a first principal extension plane (28) and the second tab element (20) has a second principal extension plane (30) different from the first principal extension plane (28). [2] Tear tab device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the second principal extension plane (30) is arranged parallel to the first principal extension plane (28) at a distance. [3] Tear tab device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the second tab element (20) is at least partially sheared in relative to the first tab element (16). [4] Tear tab device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second tab element (20) is arranged partially offset from the first tab element (16) by means of shears. [5] Tear tab device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the second tab element (20) is sheared in to different depths along a course along a longitudinal direction (32). [6] Tear tab device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second tab element (20) has a defined force-displacement tear profile, wherein a tear force at a point is defined by a shear depth (34) at that point. [7] Tear tab device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second connecting edge (26, 26') is formed by a shear edge. [8] Tear tab device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a bending tab (36) which is integrally connected to a free end of the second tab element (20) and is bent, in particular by at least approximately 180°. [9] Steering column (12) comprising a first steering column component (18), a second steering column component (22) and a tear-off tab device (10) according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Method for manufacturing a tear-off tab device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. [11] Method according to claim 10, characterized by , that the second tab element is partially sheared relative to the first tab element by means of shears.

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