Instrument panel for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an instrument panel (1) for a vehicle, having a steering wheel (6) arranged on the instrument panel (1), an airbag arrangement (4) arranged on the steering wheel (6), and a supporting arrangement (10) arranged in the region of the steering wheel (6) on the instrument panel (1), the supporting arrangement (10) having at least one supporting geometry (12) and a deployment device (14), wherein the deployment device (14) is designed, in the event of a crash, to deploy the at least one supporting geometry (12) from a storage position into a use position and to keep it therein, wherein, in the use position, the at least one supporting geometry (12) supports an inflated driver airbag (7) of the airbag arrangement (4).

Description

[0001] Instrument panel for a vehicle

[0002] DESCRIPTION:

[0003] The invention relates to an instrument panel for a vehicle.

[0004] Vehicle instrument panels come in numerous variations. Modern instrument panels with displays positioned toward the windshield do not provide suitable support for a deployed and inflated driver airbag mounted on the steering wheel, as these displays are outside the effective range of the driver airbag. The line of sight to the displays located in front of the steering wheel between the steering wheel and the windshield must not be obstructed by any components during ferry operation. A steering wheel with an open rim or a flat, closed rim also offers no support for the deployed and inflated driver airbag, unlike a steering wheel with a closed, round or oval rim. This can severely reduce the driver's restraint effect in the event of a crash.

[0005] From FR 2 861 657 B1 an instrument panel with a hinged display device is known, which is arranged between a steering wheel with an open steering wheel rim and a windscreen.

[0006] US Pat. No. 7,441,799 B2 discloses a steering wheel with an open steering wheel rim and an airbag module with a driver airbag arranged in the steering wheel's impact absorber. The driver airbag is folded in a resting state and arranged in the steering wheel's impact absorber and can be converted to its inflated operating state in the event of a crash. Additional support surfaces are provided on the airbag module and / or on a steering wheel cover and / or on the open steering wheel rim and / or on a steering column to support the deployed and inflated driver airbag.

[0007] US Pat. No. 7,669,890 B2 discloses a steering wheel with an open rim and an airbag module with a driver airbag arranged in the impact absorber of the steering wheel. In addition to the driver airbag, the airbag module includes another airbag, which is deployed and inflated to withstand pressure exerted by the driver on the driver airbag and to support the driver airbag in its inflated use position. Alternatively, a support element can be arranged on the impact absorber. In the event of a severe crash, this support element is moved into its use position, in which the support element supports the driver airbag in its inflated use position.

[0008] US Pat. No. 8,079,615 B2 discloses a steering wheel with an open rim and an airbag module with a driver airbag arranged in the impact absorber of the steering wheel. The steering wheel includes a support unit that, in the event of a crash, can be moved from a stowed position to an operating position facing the driver. In this position, the support unit supports a rear surface of the deployed and inflated driver airbag in the open area of ​​the steering wheel rim.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of providing an instrument panel for a vehicle, with a steering wheel arranged on the instrument panel and an airbag arrangement arranged on the steering wheel, which improves support for a deployed and inflated driver airbag of the airbag arrangement in the event of a crash.

[0010] This object is achieved by an instrument panel for a vehicle having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims. In order to provide an instrument panel for a vehicle, with a steering wheel arranged on the instrument panel and an airbag arrangement arranged on the steering wheel, which improves support for a deployed and inflated driver airbag of the airbag arrangement in the event of a crash, a support arrangement is arranged on the instrument panel in the region of the steering wheel, which support arrangement has at least one support geometry and a setting device. In this case, the setting device is designed to set up and hold the at least one support geometry from a storage position into a use position in the event of a crash. The at least one support geometry supports the inflated driver airbag of the airbag arrangement in the use position.

[0011] This can improve the driver's restraint in the event of a crash, particularly with steering wheels with an open rim. The support geometry can be deployed actively or passively using various technical solutions. Since the support geometry is only deployed in the event of a crash, the line of sight to a display device located in front of the steering wheel and a windshield is advantageously uninterrupted during ferry operation.

[0012] Preferably, in the use position, the at least one support geometry can support at least a head region of the inflated driver airbag, which protrudes beyond a steering wheel rim and creates a restraining effect for the driver's head. This ensures that the inflated driver airbag is supported even if the steering wheel rim is interrupted in the upper region when the steering wheel is in its basic position.

[0013] Furthermore, the at least one support geometry can be integrated into the instrument panel in the storage position so as not to interrupt the line of sight to the display device located in front between the steering wheel and a windshield during driving. Furthermore, a side flush with the instrument panel surface can be designed as a decorative element and improve the visual appearance of the vehicle interior. Preferably, the driver airbag can be arranged folded in a cushion of the steering wheel in a resting state and can be converted to its inflated operating state in the event of a crash.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the instrument panel, the steering wheel can have a moving steering column, which, in the event of a crash, moves the steering wheel toward the instrument panel as far as it will go due to the force exerted by the driver on the inflated driver airbag. This can conserve energy and also reduce the forces acting on the driver in the event of a crash.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the instrument panel, the support device can be designed as a passive support device with a support mechanism that can be activated in the event of a crash by the movement of the moving steering column. The support mechanism can, for example, comprise two guide elements, each of which can have an inclined guide surface. A first guide element can be connected to an actuating lever for the at least one support geometry, and a second guide element can be coupled to the moving steering column.Preferably, the second guide element can be coupled to the moving steering column in such a way that the movement of the moving steering column can move the inclined guide surface of the second guide element below the inclined guide surface of the first guide element, whereby the first guide element and the actuating lever can be raised and the at least one support geometry can be set up from the storage position into the operating position.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment of the instrument panel, the deployment device can be designed as an active deployment device with at least one actuator, which can be activated by a crash sensor in the event of a crash with the driver airbag. In this case, the at least one actuator can preferably be designed as a reciprocating piston guided in a cylinder, which can be moved from a retracted rest position to an extended operating position by means of a pyrotechnic ignition capsule or by at least one pre-tensioned spring element. By activating the driver airbag and the active deployment device, it can be ensured that the inflated driver airbag can be supported by the support geometry when the driver immerses himself in the driver airbag and moves it towards the windshield or instrument panel.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the instrument panel, the at least one support geometry can comprise a support body pivotable about a pivot axis or a support bracket pivotable about a pivot axis. The support body can be designed, for example, as a camera housing. The camera can be used to observe the driver and, for example, determine their seating position.

[0018] The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are also to be considered encompassed and disclosed by the invention that are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which emerge and can be produced from the explained embodiments through separate feature combinations.

[0019] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate components or elements that perform the same or similar functions. Herein:

[0020] Fig. 1 is a schematic, partial sectional view of a vehicle interior with a first exemplary embodiment of an instrument panel for a vehicle according to the invention; and Fig. 2 is a schematic, partial sectional view of the vehicle interior from Fig. 1 with a second exemplary embodiment of an instrument panel for a vehicle according to the invention.

[0021] 1 and 2, the exemplary embodiments of an instrument panel 1, 1A, 1B according to the invention for a vehicle in the illustrated section of a vehicle interior 2 each comprise a steering wheel 6 arranged on the instrument panel 1, an airbag arrangement 4, 4A, 4B arranged on the steering wheel 6 and a support arrangement 10, 10A, 10B arranged in the region of the steering wheel 6 on the instrument panel 1, 1A, 1B, which support arrangement has at least one support geometry 12 and a setting device 14. In this case, the setting device 14 sets and holds the at least one support geometry 12 in the event of a crash from a storage position shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 1 and 2 into a use position shown in solid lines in FIGS. 1 and 2. The at least one support geometry 12 supports an inflated driver airbag 7 of the airbag arrangement 4 in the position of use.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the steering wheel 6 is designed with a flat steering wheel rim 6.1, so that the driver airbag 7, in the illustrated inflated operating state, protrudes significantly beyond the flat steering wheel rim 6.1, particularly in the head area 8, which creates a restraining effect for a head 9.1 of the driver 9. The driver airbag 7 is folded up in an impact absorber 6.2 of the steering wheel 6 in a rest state not shown in more detail, and is transferred into its inflated operating state shown in Figs. 1 and 2 in the event of a crash. In Figs. 1 and 2, the dashed line shows the steering wheel 6 and the inflated driver airbag 7 before the driver 9 immerses himself in the driver airbag 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the steering wheel 6 has a moving steering column 6.3, which, in the event of a crash, moves the steering wheel 6 as far as it will go in the direction of the instrument panel 1 due to the force exerted by the driver 9 on the inflated driver airbag 7. In Fig.In Figures 1 and 2, the solid line shows the steering wheel 6 resting against the instrument panel 1 and the inflated driver airbag 7 after the force generated by the driver's immersion in the driver airbag 7. The steering wheel rim exerts a supporting force FLK, which supports the inflated driver airbag 7. In addition, the at least one support geometry 12 generates a further supporting force FSG in the use position, which supports the driver airbag 7 at least in the head area.

[0023] 8 of the inflated driver airbag 7, which projects beyond the steering wheel rim 6.1 and has a restraining effect for the driver's head 9.1

[0024] 9 generated.

[0025] As can be further seen from Fig. 1 and 2, the at least one support geometry 12 is integrated in the storage position shown in dashed lines in the instrument panel 1, 1A, 1B. As a result, a line of sight to a display device 5 arranged in front between the steering wheel 6 and a windscreen 3 is not interrupted during ferry operation.

[0026] As can also be seen from Fig. 1, the deployment device 14 in the illustrated first embodiment of the instrument panel 1A is designed as a passive deployment device 14A with a deployment mechanism 18, which is activated in the event of a crash by the movement of the moving steering column 6.3. In the illustrated embodiment, the deployment mechanism 18 comprises two guide elements 18A, 18B, each having an inclined guide surface 18.1, 18.2. A first guide element 18A is connected to an actuating lever 19 for the at least one support geometry 12. A second guide element 18B is coupled to the moving steering column 6.3. The second guide element 18B is coupled to the moving steering column 6.3 in such a way that the movement of the moving steering column 6.3 moves the inclined guide surface 18.2 of the second guide element 18B below the inclined guide surface 18.1 of the first guide element 18A, whereby the first guide element 18A and the actuating lever 19 are raised and the at least one support geometry 12 is moved from the storage position into the operating position.

[0027] As can be further seen from Fig. 1, the at least one support geometry 12 in the first exemplary embodiment of the instrument panel 1A comprises a support body 12A pivotable about a pivot axis DA1. As can be further seen from Fig. 1, the support body 12A is positioned toward the windshield 3 about the pivot axis DA1. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the support body 12A is designed as a housing for a camera used for driver observation. The support body 12A can have any other two- or three-dimensional shape suitable for supporting the inflated driver airbag 7 in the event of a crash.

[0028] As can also be seen from Fig. 2, the deployment device 14 in the illustrated second embodiment of the instrument panel 1B is designed as an active deployment device 14B with at least one actuator 16, which can be activated by a crash sensor system in the event of a crash with the driver airbag 7. Any crash sensor system known from the prior art can be used as the crash sensor system for triggering the driver airbag 7 and the active deployment device 14B, so that a more detailed description of the crash sensor system is omitted here. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one actuator 16 is designed as a reciprocating piston 16A guided in a cylinder, which is pyrotechnically moved from a retracted rest position into an extended operating position by means of a primer 16.1.

[0029] As can be further seen from Fig. 2, the at least one support geometry 12 in the second exemplary embodiment of the instrument panel 1B comprises a support bracket 12B pivotable about a pivot axis DA2. As can be further seen from Fig. 2, the support bracket 12B is positioned in the direction of the steering wheel 6 about the pivot axis DA2.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment of the active positioning device 14B (not shown), the at least one actuator 16, which is designed as a reciprocating piston 16A guided in a cylinder, is moved from the retracted rest position into the extended operating position by at least one pre-tensioned spring element, which is released in the event of a crash.

[0031] Of course, the support body 12A shown in Fig. 1 can also be combined with the active mounting device 14B shown in Fig. 2. Similarly, the support bracket 12B shown in Fig. 2 can be combined with the passive mounting device 14A shown in Fig. 1.

[0032] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0033] 1 , 1 A, 1 B instrument panel

[0034] 2 Vehicle interior

[0035] 3 Windscreen

[0036] 4, 4A, 4B Airbag arrangement

[0037] 5 Display device

[0038] 6 Steering wheel

[0039] 6.1 Steering wheel rim

[0040] 6.2 Impact absorber

[0041] 6.3 running steering column

[0042] 7 Driver airbag

[0043] 8 Head area

[0044] 9 drivers

[0045] 9.1 Head

[0046] 10, 10A, 10B support arrangement

[0047] 12 Support geometry

[0048] 12A support body

[0049] 12B support bracket

[0050] 14 Installation device

[0051] 14A passive mounting device

[0052] 14B active installation device

[0053] 16 Actuator

[0054] 16A reciprocating piston

[0055] 16.1 Primer

[0056] 18 Setting mechanism

[0057] 18A, 18B guide element

[0058] 18.1 , 18.2 inclined guide surface

[0059] 19 Operating lever

[0060] FSG first support force

[0061] FLK second support force

[0062] DA1 , DA2 rotation axis

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS: Instrument panel (1) for a vehicle, comprising a steering wheel (6) arranged on the instrument panel (1), an airbag arrangement (4) arranged on the steering wheel (6), and a support arrangement (10) arranged in the region of the steering wheel (6) on the instrument panel (1), which support arrangement has at least one support geometry (12) and a setting-up device (14), wherein the setting-up device (14) is designed to set up and hold the at least one support geometry (12) from a storage position into a use position in the event of a crash, wherein the at least one support geometry (12) supports an inflated driver airbag (7) of the airbag arrangement (4) in the use position. Instrument panel (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one support geometry (12) is integrated into the instrument panel (1) in the storage position.Instrument panel (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one support geometry (12) in the use position supports at least one head region (8) of the inflated driver airbag (7), which projects beyond a steering wheel rim (6.1) and creates a restraining effect for a head (9.1) of the driver (9). Instrument panel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the driver airbag (7) is arranged folded in a resting state in an impact absorber (6.2) of the steering wheel (6) and can be converted into its inflated operating state in the event of a crash. Instrument panel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that. that the steering wheel (6) has a moving steering column (6.3) which, in the event of a crash, moves the steering wheel (6) as far as it will go in the direction of the instrument panel (1) due to the force exerted by the driver (9) on the inflated driver airbag (7). Instrument panel (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the setting device (14) is designed as a passive setting device (14A) with a setting mechanism (18) which can be activated in the event of a crash by the movement of the moving steering column (6.3). Instrument panel (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the setting-up mechanism (18) comprises two guide elements (18A, 18B), each having an inclined guide surface (18.1, 18.2), wherein a first guide element (18A) is connected to an actuating lever (19) for the at least one support geometry (12) and a second guide element (18B) is coupled to the moving steering column (6.3).Instrument panel (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the second guide element (18B) is coupled to the moving steering column (6.3) in such a way that the movement of the moving steering column (6.3) moves the inclined guide surface (18.2) of the second guide element (18B) below the inclined guide surface (18.1) of the first guide element (18A), whereby the first guide element (18A) and the actuating lever (19) are raised and the at least one support geometry (12) is raised from the storage position into the operating position. Instrument panel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that. that the deployment device (14) is designed as an active deployment device (14B) with at least one actuator (16) which can be activated by a crash sensor system in the event of a crash with the driver's airbag (7). Instrument panel (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one actuator (16) is designed as a reciprocating piston (16A) guided in a cylinder, which can be moved from a retracted rest position into an extended operating position by means of a primer (16.1) pyrotechnically or by at least one prestressed spring element. Instrument panel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one support geometry (12) comprises a support body (12A) pivotable about a pivot axis (DA1) or a support bracket (12B) pivotable about a pivot axis (DA2). Instrument panel (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the supporting body (12A) is designed as a housing of a camera.

Images