Steering wheel for motor vehicles, airbag support device and motor vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solution for special steering wheels that do not have sufficient spacing between the steering wheel rim and the base body, and in which the airbag should not or cannot deploy from the front. In particular, the present invention relates to a steering wheel (1) for motor vehicles (100), an airbag support assembly (30), and a motor vehicle (100).

Description

Technical area:

[0001] The field of the invention relates to vehicle safety systems, particularly improvements in airbag technology for motor vehicles. More specifically, the present invention relates to a steering wheel for motor vehicles, an airbag support device, and a motor vehicle.

[0002] Current airbag systems in motor vehicles provide significant protection in frontal collisions. However, there are limitations regarding the positioning and effectiveness of the airbags, particularly with regard to the varying positions and sizes of vehicle occupants. Background:

[0003] US 2020 / 0269900 A1 describes a steering wheel assembly comprising a central hub; at least one retractable handle connected to the central hub; one or more control cables disposed within the at least one retractable handle; a drive mechanism connected to the one or more control cables; and wherein the drive mechanism, when activated, can selectively move the one or more control cables to move the at least one retractable handle to a retracted position or a non-retracted position. Description:

[0004] An object of the present invention can be seen in providing an improved steering wheel, an improved airbag support device, and an improved motor vehicle. Accordingly, it is provided:

[0005] A steering wheel for a motor vehicle, comprising a base body which is designed to receive an airbag module with an airbag, a lower section which is rigidly fixed to the base body and / or forms a unit with it, an upper section which is movably mounted with respect to the base body and is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the upper section covers an airbag deployment area in the first position and releases the airbag deployment area for deployment of the airbag in the second position, and additionally forms an airbag support device or the airbag support device according to one of claims 5 to 9 for the deployed airbag in order to ensure correct and / or stable positioning and support of the airbag between the occupant and the steering wheel.

[0006] Furthermore, an airbag support device is provided which can be arranged on the opposite side of the driver after an airbag and is designed to guide the airbag during its deployment and positioning, and to support the airbag in its position in the deployed state, wherein the airbag support device is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the airbag support device is in a retracted position, and in the second position the airbag support device is in a raised position, wherein the second position of the airbag support device ensures proper and / or stable positioning and support of the airbag between the occupant and the steering wheel.

[0007] Furthermore, a motor vehicle with a steering wheel according to the invention and / or an airbag support device according to the invention is provided.

[0008] The airbag module comprises, in particular, a gas generator, an airbag, a module housing, and / or an airbag cover. The airbag support device can, in particular, represent at least a portion of the steering wheel rim, which, in a first, non-raised position, possibly together with one or more other portions of the steering wheel rim, serves to grip and transmit the steering torque to the driver.

[0009] The steering wheel for a motor vehicle comprises in particular: a base body, preferably formed by a steering wheel hub, which is designed to accommodate an airbag module with an airbag, a lower section, which can be designed as a lower steering wheel rim, which is rigidly fixed to the base body and / or forms a unit with it as a steering wheel fitting or skeleton, an upper section, which can be designed as an upper steering wheel rim, which is movably mounted with respect to the base body and / or the lower section and / or the steering wheel fitting, and is movable between a first position and a second position. The upper section in the first position serves merely to transmit the steering torque.Only in the second position does it, together with the fixed parts of the steering wheel and / or its front side, form a defined area for airbag deployment through which the airbag deploys. It also forms an airbag support device for the deployed airbag, ensuring proper and stable positioning and / or support of the airbag between the occupant and the steering wheel. The upper section and / or lower section, in particular, have a grip area for the driver to grasp the steering wheel.

[0010] The term "opposite side" in the context of the application refers to the positioning of the airbag support device relative to the position of the driver and the airbag in the vehicle. In this context, "opposite side" means that the airbag support device is located on the other side of the airbag compared to the driver's position.

[0011] Specifically, this means that if the airbag is located between the driver or passenger and the steering wheel, the airbag support device is positioned on the other side of the airbag relative to the driver. This means that the support device is closer to the steering wheel or behind it relative to the driver's seating position.

[0012] The development and implementation of an airbag support device that can be positioned on the opposite side of the driver is aimed at steering wheels for motor vehicles where the airbag does not deploy from the front of the steering wheel facing the driver and which have no or insufficient opening between the steering wheel rim and the steering wheel hub through which the airbag could deploy. These innovations offer numerous technical advantages for such steering wheels and conditions that contribute significantly to increasing safety and protecting the occupants.

[0013] By guiding the airbag toward the occupant and in front of the steering wheel during deployment and supporting it during deployment, the system ensures that the airbag is optimally positioned in the event of an accident. This precise positioning and / or support is crucial, as it makes the airbag more effective in significantly reducing the driver's impact with the steering wheel or other components, thus reducing the risk of serious injury.

[0014] The airbag support device is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the airbag support device is in a retracted position, and in the second position the airbag support device is in a raised position, wherein the second position of the airbag support device ensures proper and / or stable positioning and support of the airbag between the occupant and the steering wheel. This design of the airbag support device is characterized by its ability to switch between a retracted and a raised position. This mobility offers decisive technical advantages. Firstly, it enables flexible adaptation to different accident scenarios over time, resulting in an optimized and / or robust protective function of the airbag.In the retracted position, the airbag support device remains unobtrusive and integrates seamlessly into the design and functionality of the steering wheel and the vehicle interior. It does not impair the steering wheel's function, nor does it impair the aesthetics and / or comfort of the occupants.

[0015] In its raised position, however, the airbag support device provides effective support for the deployed airbag. In particular, the inflating airbag is guided and / or supported in the deployment area between the airbag support device and the steering wheel in such a way that it is quickly positioned between the steering wheel and the occupant, completely covering the steering wheel. This is particularly important to ensure proper and / or stable positioning and / or support of the airbag between the occupant and the steering wheel, which significantly contributes to reducing the risk of injury in the event of a collision. The option of timing the transition between these two positions allows for dynamic adaptation of the airbag support device and / or the protection system to the specific conditions of an accident.This feature is crucial for maximizing occupant protection as it ensures that the airbag is always in the optimal position to absorb impact forces.

[0016] Another important technical advantage is the controlled deployment of the airbag. The airbag support device guides the airbag during deployment, helping to ensure it deploys in a manner that optimally protects the occupant. This is particularly important in scenarios where the driver sits close to the steering wheel, thus reducing the width of the deployment area between the driver and the steering wheel and complicating airbag positioning. The airbag support device ensures that the airbag efficiently fulfills its protective function even under such conditions.

[0017] Additionally, the specially designed steering wheel with its movable upper section enables even more precise control of the airbag deployment area. However, in an accident, the upper section of the steering wheel moves first to the second position, revealing the intended airbag deployment area and, more specifically, creating a window through which the airbag can deploy. This window then allows the airbag to optimally deploy and position itself through interaction with the airbag support device forming the window and the stationary steering wheel section, which is crucial for its effective operation.

[0018] Integrating the airbag support device into the steering wheel also offers the advantage of proper and stable positioning and / or support of the airbag between the occupant and the steering wheel. This stability is crucial because it prevents the airbag from deploying in an unintended direction during deployment without providing protection and / or from deploying in a manner that could injure rather than protect the occupant. The airbag support device ensures that the airbag can deliver its maximum protective effect by effectively keeping the occupant away from the impact area and decelerating optimally.

[0019] In summary, the combination of an airbag support device with a specially designed steering wheel for motor vehicles offers a number of technical advantages that contribute significantly to improving the safety and protection of occupants. These innovations represent a significant step in the development of new types of steering wheels, where the airbag opening is not located on the front of the steering wheel between the driver and the steering wheel, and there is no area between the steering wheel rim and the stationary steering wheel through which the airbag could deploy.

[0020] The invention is particularly advantageous when the airbag deployment direction is not directed in the opposite direction of travel of the vehicle to the driver, but rather in a different direction. If the airbag deploys in a direction perpendicular or at an angle to the opposite direction of travel of the vehicle behind the handlebar grip area, the airbag must be guided during expansion to support the redirection of the airbag's expansion path. The airbag support device can support the redirection of the airbag's expansion path, initially in the opposite direction of travel of the vehicle and subsequently in the vertical direction.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the airbag support device has an inverted U-shaped design when viewed from the front. The inverted U-shaped design of the airbag support device when viewed from the front provides an optimized spatial arrangement. This enables more effective steering and / or positioning and / or stabilization of the airbag during its deployment and in the deployed state. The structure ensures an even distribution of the forces acting on the airbag during deployment and upon impact, thus minimizing the risk of airbag damage.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment, the airbag support device comprises an airbag deployment guide section formed on a cross member, and wherein the airbag support device comprises two guide rails, also referred to as guide sections, which extend downwards from the cross member in a vertical direction. The guide rails can be located on the fixed lower section. The airbag deployment guide section, which is preferably formed on a cross member of the inverted U-shaped airbag support device, facilitates controlled and precise deployment of the airbag. This arrangement contributes to the airbag being deployed and positioned in an optimal orientation, which is crucial for effective protection in the event of an impact.The upper section moves upwards before the airbag is deployed and / or is already in the upper position before it comes into contact with the deploying airbag. This can be controlled, for example, by setting appropriately staggered ignition times for the upper, liftable section and the airbag. Equipping the airbag support device with two downward-extending guide rails or sections improves the guidance and / or stability of the airbag during deployment. The guide rails can, for example, be designed as linear guides on the left and / or right fixed steering wheel rim section or lower section and / or on the left or right liftable steering wheel rim or upper section, and can have a square or round cross-section.This, along with symmetrical lifting of both sides, prevents tilting or uneven airbag deployment, contributing to more consistent and reliable safety system performance. The airbag contour, its folding, and the relative position of the extended cross member of the airbag support assembly ensure that the airbag deploys in an upward motion, first upwards and then toward the occupant through the deployment area formed by the upper raised and lower fixed steering wheel sections. This is particularly important for quickly and effectively covering the space between the occupant and the vehicle interior, thus achieving optimal protection.

[0023] In particular, the airbag support device forms a window with the fixed lower section in the second position, with the airbag and its folding being designed such that it expands through the window upon deployment. The airbag support device positions and supports the airbag during further deployment, particularly circumferentially. In particular, the window prevents the airbag from expanding upwards or deflecting in the vertical direction, since the airbag is positively prevented from doing so by the airbag deployment guide section.

[0024] According to a further preferred embodiment, the airbag support device has an airbag support device triggering mechanism that is electrically and / or electronically and / or mechanically and / or pyrotechnically designed. This embodiment enables precise control of the airbag deployment and support, tailored to the specific requirements of an accident scenario. A combined electrical / pyrotechnic triggering mechanism for the actuators integrated in the upper and / or lower sections can ensure rapid and precise activation of the airbag support device in the event of a crash with airbag deployment and result in a highly adaptable and reliable safety system capable of responding effectively to a wide variety of accident situations.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment, the steering wheel and / or the upper section and / or the lower section and / or the airbag support device comprises mechanical components and / or actuators for unlocking and / or raising and / or guiding and / or telescoping the airbag support device. For example, at least one latch and / or mechanism that locks the upper section against the lower section and can be unlocked upon activation of the airbag support device triggering mechanism.

[0026] These mechanical elements ensure the proper functioning of the liftable upper section, particularly during normal use as part of the steering wheel rim, as well as for guiding and supporting the airbag in the event of deployment under various accident conditions. They contribute to the longevity and robustness of the system, which is particularly important in extreme situations.

[0027] According to a further preferred embodiment, the steering wheel and / or the upper section and / or the lower section and / or the airbag support device with electrical / pyrotechnic airbag support device triggering mechanism comprises at least one pressure chamber sealed to the outside, the internal gas pressure of which, after triggering by burned-off pyrotechnic propellant, ensures the unlocking and raising of the airbag support device.

[0028] The described embodiment with geometric elements in the airbag support device deployment mechanism and / or actuator system involves specially designed components that ensure and / or optimize the functionality of the airbag support device. These elements play a role in the precise and effective deployment of the airbag to provide maximum protection to the occupants. Some of these geometric elements and their functions are described below: The latches can be designed to firmly hold the upper and lower sections of the airbag support unit together. These could consist of interlocking teeth or hooks to ensure a robust connection. In the event of a severe accident, the trigger mechanism and / or the resulting gas pressure with the actuator releases this latch, activating and raising the support unit. The geometric design of these latches is critical to ensure that they remain tightly closed under normal driving conditions, yet release quickly and reliably when needed.

[0029] The guide elements of the upper section and the lower section can be geometrically coordinated and designed to each other - similar to a tongue and groove system - in such a way that the rapid movement of the airbag support device can be guided and ensured without separation.

[0030] Hinges and joints, as geometric elements in the airbag support system, enable flexible movement of the various components. These could act as rotatable connections between the support system parts to enable adaptive movement. The precise geometric design of these elements is essential to ensure correct alignment and movement of the support system.

[0031] Compression and extension springs, as geometric elements within the mechanism, may have special shapes to generate the required forces to release or restrain the support device. The geometric configuration of these springs, including length, diameter, and winding type, is crucial for fine-tuning the mechanism's response speed and force.

[0032] In particular, a specifically geometrically designed upper section and / or lower section with an integrated gas channel and / or gas chamber can be designed to unlock and lift the airbag support device and to accommodate the airbag support device triggering mechanism and / or actuator.

[0033] The combination of these specially shaped geometric elements contributes to the efficient and precise functioning of the airbag support device. Optimizing the geometric shapes of these components improves the overall performance of the airbag system, ultimately leading to increased safety for vehicle occupants.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the steering wheel has a display on the front side facing the driver. This display prevents the front side from being used for airbag deployment. The use of the display with the steering wheel is advantageously enabled by the inventive design of the airbag support device.

[0035] The motor vehicle can be, for example, a car, a truck, a bus, an airplane or a ship.

[0036] Overall, these technical developments in the field of innovative steering wheel designs and equipment offer decisive advantages for vehicle safety through the integration of liftable airbag support devices. They increase the efficiency, reliability, and adaptability of airbag systems, which significantly contributes to minimizing the risk of injuries in car accidents.

[0037] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawings. Short description of the drawings: Fig. 1 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a steering wheel according to the invention in the non-triggered state. Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of the steering wheel according to the invention in the non-triggered state. Fig. 3 shows a schematic front view of the embodiment of a steering wheel according to the invention, shortly after the airbag support device has been triggered and / or started to lift. Fig. 4 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of the steering wheel according to the invention shortly after the airbag support device has been triggered and / or started to lift. Fig. 5 shows a schematic front view of the embodiment of a steering wheel according to the invention, wherein the airbag support device is completely raised and wherein the airbag deployment has begun. Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of the steering wheel according to the invention, wherein the airbag support device is completely raised and wherein the airbag deployment has begun. Fig. 7 shows a schematic front view of the embodiment of a steering wheel according to the invention, wherein the airbag support device is fully raised and wherein the airbag unfolds through the window. Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of the steering wheel according to the invention, wherein the airbag support device is fully raised and wherein the airbag unfolds through the window. Fig. 9 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of a steering wheel according to the invention, wherein the airbag support device is completely raised and wherein the airbag unfolds between the occupant and the steering wheel. Fig. 10 shows a schematic plan view of the embodiment of the steering wheel according to the invention, wherein the airbag support device is fully raised and wherein the airbag unfolds between the occupant and the steering wheel. Fig. 11 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of a steering wheel according to the invention, support device completely raised, complete airbag deployment and positioning between the occupant and the steering wheel. Fig. 12 shows a schematic plan view of the embodiment of the steering wheel according to the invention, wherein the airbag support device is fully raised and the airbag has fully deployed and is positioned between the occupant and the steering wheel. Fig. 13 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a steering wheel according to the invention. Fig. 14 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a steering wheel according to the invention. Fig. 15 shows a schematic view of an interior of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0038] Where appropriate, the described embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as desired. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention not explicitly mentioned above or described below with regard to the exemplary embodiments.

[0039] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the noted advantages will be apparent upon review of the drawings. Elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. Like reference numerals designate like or similarly functioning components.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a steering wheel 1 according to the invention in the non-triggered state, and Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of the steering wheel 1 according to the invention in the non-deployed state. The steering wheel 1 has a substantially rectangular shape. The front of the steering wheel 1 is designed, for example, as a touchscreen or display. The steering wheel 1 has a base body 5, which is designed to accommodate an airbag module 80. The airbag module 80 typically comprises a gas generator, an airbag 10, a module housing, and / or an airbag cover 11. The base body 5 is coupled to a steering wheel flange 6. The steering wheel flange 6 has a steering column centerline 60. Furthermore, the steering wheel 1 has a lower section 2, which is rigidly fixed to the base body 5, and an upper section 3, which is movably mounted with respect to the base body 5 and is movable between a first position and a second position. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the upper section 3 is in the first position and covers an airbag deployment area 8, which forms a window.

[0041] In the second position, which is in the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, wherein the airbag support device 30 is fully raised, and wherein the airbag 10 unfolds between the occupant 12 and the steering wheel 1, the upper section releases the airbag deployment area 8 for the deployment of the airbag 10, and additionally forms an airbag support device 30 for the deployed airbag 10 in order to ensure proper guidance and / or stable positioning and / or support of the airbag 10 between the occupant 12 and the steering wheel 1. The airbag deployment area 8 is designed as a window which is delimited by the airbag support device 30 and by the base body 5 and / or the front of the steering wheel.

[0042] Fig. 3 shows a schematic front view of the embodiment of a steering wheel 1 according to the invention shortly after the airbag support device has been triggered and / or started to lift., and Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of the steering wheel 1 according to the invention shortly after the airbag support device has been triggered and / or has begun to lift. In particular, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shows the state of the steering wheel 1 shortly after detecting an impact. The upper section 3 first moves upward in the direction of the arrow, thus clearing the deployment area 8 for the deploying airbag 10. The lower section 2 remains rigidly in its lower position and is firmly coupled to the base body 5. An opening gap 4 is created between the upper section 3 and the lower section 2. The upper section 3 is preferably moved upward in a telescopic manner via rails 7 and / or guides.

[0043] Fig. 5 shows a schematic front view of the embodiment of a steering wheel 1 according to the invention, wherein the airbag support device 30 is completely raised and wherein the airbag deployment has begun., and Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of the steering wheel 1 according to the invention, wherein the airbag support device 30 is completely raised and wherein the airbag deployment has begun. In particular, the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is a state in which the upper section 3 is even further extended than in comparison to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, i.e., in the vertical direction and / or perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The airbag 10 is now in a state in which it unfolds beneath the upper section 3 and is guided horizontally and / or in the opposite direction of travel by the airbag support device 30. The airbag 10 is still partially concealed by an airbag cover 11, which has already opened after detecting an impact and initially also guides the airbag 10 toward the occupant 12 and / or in the horizontal direction.

[0044] The airbag support device 30 has an inverted U-shaped configuration when viewed from the front. This special shape optimizes the spatial arrangement and thus contributes to more efficient support and stabilization of the airbag 10 during its deployment. This structural design evenly distributes the forces generated during the deployment of the airbag 10 and during an impact. This significantly reduces risks such as malfunctions or damage to the airbag 10.

[0045] The airbag support device 3 is equipped with an airbag deployment guide section 31, which is an integral part of a cross member 32. In addition, this design has two vertically downward-facing guide rails 71; 72 extending from the cross member 32. The airbag deployment guide section 31 attached to the cross member 32 enables controlled and precise deployment of the airbag 10. This arrangement ensures that the airbag 10 is optimally positioned and / or aligned, which is essential for its effective protective effect in the event of an impact. The integration of two downward-facing guide rails 71; 72 into the airbag support device 3 increases the guidance and stability of the airbag 10 during its deployment. This prevents problems such as jamming or uneven deployment of the airbag 10, which in turn leads to a more consistent and reliable operation of the safety system.The vertical alignment of the guide rails 71; 72 to the steering column also ensures that the airbag 10 is deployed in the direction of the occupant, i.e. horizontally, which is crucial for quickly and effectively covering the space between the occupant and the vehicle interior and thus guarantees maximum protection.

[0046] Fig. Fig. 7 shows a schematic front view of the embodiment of a steering wheel 1 according to the invention, wherein the airbag support device 30 is completely raised, and wherein the airbag 10 unfolds through the window 8., and Fig. Fig. 8 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of the steering wheel 1 according to the invention, wherein the airbag support device 30 is completely raised, and wherein the airbag 10 is deployed through the window 8. In particular, the Fig. 7 and Fig. The state shown in Figure 8 is a state in which the airbag 10 has further deployed. The airbag 10 is guided by the upper section 3 so that it can deploy properly. At the same time, the airbag 10 is supported by the upper section 3 so that the airbag 10 can position itself properly.

[0047] Fig. 9 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of a steering wheel 1 according to the invention, wherein the airbag support device 30 is completely raised, and wherein the airbag 10 unfolds between the occupant 12 and the steering wheel 1. Fig. Figure 10 shows a schematic front view of the embodiment of the steering wheel 1 according to the invention, wherein the airbag support device 30 is completely raised, and wherein the airbag 10 is deployed between the occupant 12 and the steering wheel 1. In particular, Fig. 9 shows a state in which the airbag 10 has further deployed and has now completely passed the upper cross member 32 and / or is further positioned between the steering wheel 1 and the occupant 12. In this state, the upper section 3 forms the airbag support device 30, which efficiently and effectively supports the deployed airbag 10. The direction of travel 90 is indicated by an arrow.

[0048] Fig. Figure 11 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a steering wheel 1 according to the invention. The airbag 10 has fully deployed. The upper section 3 supports the airbag 10.

[0049] Fig. 12 shows a schematic front view of the embodiment of the steering wheel 1 according to the invention. In this state, the airbag 10 is completely folded.

[0050] Fig. 13 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a steering wheel 1 according to the invention. The airbag support device 30 is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the airbag support device 30 is in a retracted position, and in the second position the airbag support device 30 is in a raised position, wherein the second position of the airbag support device 30 ensures proper and / or stable positioning and / or support of the airbag 10 between the occupant 12 and the steering wheel 1.

[0051] Fig. Figure 14 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a steering wheel 1 according to the invention. The airbag support device 30 can be arranged on the side opposite the driver's seat, behind an airbag 10, and is designed to guide the airbag 10 during its deployment and to position and / or support the airbag 10 in the deployed state. The airbag support device 30 is designed additionally and / or independently of the upper section 3 and is offset from it in the direction of travel.

[0052] Fig. 15 shows a schematic view of an interior of a motor vehicle 20 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 20 has a driver's seat 14 and a passenger seat 16. Furthermore, the motor vehicle 20 has a steering wheel 1 according to the invention, which is arranged in front of the driver's seat 14. List of reference symbols: 1 steering wheel 2 lower section 3 upper section 4 Opening gap 5 basic bodies 6 Steering wheel flange 7 Guide rail 8 Development area 10 airbags 11 Airbag cover 13 rear part of the airbag 14 Driver's seat 15 Passenger seat 20 motor vehicles 30 Airbag support device 31 Airbag deployment guide section 32 cross members 60 Steering column centerline 71 guide rails 72 guide rails 80 airbag module 90 direction of travel 100 motor vehicles QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2020 / 0269900 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Steering wheel (1) for a motor vehicle (20), comprising: a base body (5) which is designed to receive an airbag module (80) with an airbag (10), a lower section (2) which is rigidly fixed to the base body (5) and / or forms a unit with it, an upper section (3) which is movably mounted with respect to the base body (5), and is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the upper portion (3) covers an airbag deployment area (8) in the first position, and in the second position, releases the airbag deployment area (8) for deployment of the airbag (10), and additionally forms an airbag support device (30) or the airbag support device (30) according to one of claims 5 to 9 for the deployed airbag (10) in order to ensure proper and / or stable positioning and support of the airbag (10) between the occupant (12) and the steering wheel (1). [2] Steering wheel (1) for motor vehicles (20) according to claim 1, characterized by that the airbag deployment area (8) is designed as a window between the movable upper section (3) and the front side of the steering wheel (1) and / or the base body (5), through which window the airbag (10) can be deployed, wherein the movable upper section (3) in particular forms part of a steering wheel rim. [3] Steering wheel (1) for motor vehicles (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the steering wheel (1) and / or the upper section (3) and / or the lower section (2), and / or the airbag support device (30) itself comprises mechanical components for unlocking and / or lifting and / or telescoping and / or gas pressurization and / or guiding and / or sealing. [4] Steering wheel (1) for motor vehicles (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the steering wheel (1) has a display on one front side. [5] Airbag support device (30) which can be arranged on the side opposite the driver after an airbag (10) and is designed to guide the airbag (10) during its deployment and positioning, and to support the airbag (10) in its position in the deployed state, wherein the airbag support device (30) is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the airbag support device (30) is in a retracted position, and in the second position the airbag support device (30) is in a raised position, wherein the second position of the airbag support device (30) ensures proper and / or stable positioning and support of the airbag (10) between the occupant (12) and the steering wheel (1). [6] Airbag support device according to claim 5, wherein the airbag support device (30) forms part of a steering wheel rim and is inverted U-shaped in front view. [7] Airbag support device (30) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the airbag support device (30) has a cross member (32) with an airbag deployment guide section (31) which is formed on the cross member (32), and that the airbag support device (30) has two guide rails (71; 72) which extend from the cross member (32) downwards within a plane, in particular the steering wheel plane, vertically to the steering column center line (60). [8] Airbag support device (30) according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 7, characterized by that the airbag support device (30) in the second position forms a window with the front of the steering wheel and / or the base body (5) through which the airbag (10) can be deployed for rapid positioning and support. [9] Airbag support device (30) according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 8, characterized bythat the airbag support device (30) has an airbag support device triggering mechanism which is electrically and / or electronically and / or mechanically and / or pyrotechnically designed. [10] Motor vehicle (100) with a steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4 and / or with an airbag support device (30) according to one of claims 5 to 9.

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