Steering wheel with airbag for motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering wheel (20) for a motor vehicle. The steering wheel (20) comprises: a central hub (24); a gripping portion (32) around the central hub (24), the gripping portion (32) being intended to be manipulated by a user to turn the steering wheel (20); a safety device (50) with an airbag (52) and an inflation module (54) for the airbag (52); also referred to as an "airbag". The gripping portion (32) comprises an upper bar (34) extending horizontally and arranged vertically at a distance from the central hub (24), said upper bar (34) comprising a horizontal housing (48); the airbag (52) being in said horizontal housing (48) so as to deploy from the upper bar (34) in the event of activation of the inflation module (54). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Steering wheel with airbag for motor vehicle

[0001] The invention relates to the safety of motor vehicles. The invention provides a steering wheel equipped with an airbag for motor vehicles. The invention provides a rectangular steering wheel equipped with an airbag for motor vehicles. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] The steering system of a vehicle conventionally comprises a steering column mounted for rotation in a support, and a steering wheel mounted at the upper end of said column. The steering wheel surrounds a central hub in which electrical components connected to the rest of the vehicle's electrical circuits are grouped.

[0003] The current trend is towards integrating an increasing number of electrical components into the central hub. These components are generally control devices, intended to be operated manually by the driver. These components enable, in particular, the control of functional vehicle components, such as the radio, cruise control, gearbox, or interfaces with the vehicle's navigation system. They also enable the operation of safety features, such as the airbag.

[0004] The electrical components of the central hub are complemented by a display screen. This display screen presents information on the vehicle's operation, the environment, and entertainment functions. However, this display screen is located in the immediate vicinity of the inflatable balloon; this has consequences for its operation and, therefore, the level of safety it provides.

[0005] Document CN114194136B describes a driver's airbag device for a motor vehicle. The airbag device is configured to deploy from an area behind the steering wheel to an area in front of the steering wheel while avoiding an obstruction in the center of the steering wheel. The driver's airbag device comprises: an airbag housing located behind the steering wheel; and an airbag cushion housed within the airbag housing and configured to traverse a gap between the obstruction and the steering wheel rim, injecting gas into a forward deployment zone. A housing cover is coupled to the airbag housing to cover the airbag housing opening and is configured to rupture under the pressure of the airbag deployment to move the airbag housing forward of the steering wheel. A display screen provides entertainment and service information to the driver.

[0006] US patent 9193375B2 describes a motor vehicle steering system. The steering system has a steering wheel with a steering wheel rim and steering wheel spokes. The airbag module includes an airbag and an airbag inflator, and a molded plastic module cover. The airbag deploys from the rear of a deployable flap and extends between a non-rotating hub and the steering wheel rim, immediately extending to the side of the front of the system. However, the airbag deployment is complex because it must navigate around an obstacle formed by the steering wheel rim. Furthermore, the airbag deploys from the non-rotating hub. Depending on the angular position, the spokes interfere with the deployment.

[0007] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to improve the safety of a steering wheel airbag in a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize safety and visibility in a motor vehicle.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention provides a steering wheel for a motor vehicle; the steering wheel comprising: a central hub; a gripping portion around the central hub, the gripping portion being intended to be manipulated by a user in order to turn the steering wheel; a safety device with an airbag and an airbag inflation module; notable in that the gripping portion comprises an upper bar extending horizontally and being arranged vertically at a distance from the central hub, said upper bar comprising a horizontal housing; the airbag being in said horizontal housing in order to deploy from the upper bar in the event of actuation of the inflation module.

[0009] The invention integrates the airbag into the upper bar. This configuration eliminates the obstacle posed by the upper bar and raises the starting point of the airbag during deployment. The airbag is moved away from the steering wheel's center of rotation. The head is better protected because the airbag is closer to it. The safety function is better guaranteed. Furthermore, the upper bar makes the gripping area more compact, freeing up space for viewing the instrument panel and the regulatory information displayed there. Again, safety is enhanced.

[0010] Document CN210793312U describes an airbag steering wheel cover. The steering wheel cover comprises an outer cover body having a C-shaped cross-section and an airbag. The airbag is mounted in an airbag chamber formed between the outer cover body and a steering wheel after the outer cover body is fitted onto the steering wheel. An inflation and deflation valve is provided for inflating and deflating the inflatable cushion. This steering wheel cover is designed to improve comfort and feel of the steering wheel, not safety. Furthermore, its presence is incompatible with the deployment of an airbag located in the steering wheel rim.

[0011] Preferably, the inflation module of the inflatable bag is in the horizontal housing, and the horizontal housing includes means for retaining the inflation module.

[0012] Preferably, the inflation module extends horizontally along the inflatable bag.

[0013] According to an alternative of the invention, the airbag inflation module is in the central hub; the safety device includes a conduit connected to the inflation module and the airbag, the conduit extending from the central hub to the upper bar.

[0014] Preferably, the central hub includes a display screen below the top bar.

[0015] Preferably, the airbag is longitudinally at the level of the display screen.

[0016] Preferably, the inflatable bag is configured to deploy in an inflated configuration in contact with the display screen.

[0017] Preferably, in inflated configuration the airbag extends vertically from the upper bar to the display screen.

[0018] Preferably, the gripping portion comprises an average thickness; the upper bar comprising a first thickness greater than the average thickness.

[0019] Preferably, the upper bar includes a horizontal break zone, said break zone extending along the horizontal housing.

[0020] Preferably, the steering wheel includes a separation between the central hub and the upper bar; the separation being continuous along the upper bar.

[0021] Preferably, the gripping portion comprises two lateral portions extending vertically and connected by the upper bar; the inflatable bag extending transversely at the level of the lateral portions.

[0022] Preferably, the gripping portion forms a rectangular frame surrounding the central hub.

[0023] Preferably, the horizontal housing is continuous over the entire length of the upper bar.

[0024] Preferably, the bar is straight.

[0025] Preferably, the gripping portion is integral with the central hub.

[0026] Preferably, the steering wheel comprises a first radius at the top of the upper bar, a second radius at a lateral end; the second radius is greater than the first radius.

[0027] Preferably, the rectangular frame includes a center above the center of rotation of the central hub.

[0028] According to another aspect, the invention provides a steering wheel for a motor vehicle; the steering wheel comprising: a central hub; a rectangle around the central hub, the rectangle being intended to be manipulated by a user to turn the steering wheel; a safety device with an airbag and an airbag inflation module; notable in that the rectangle comprises an upper side extending horizontally and being arranged vertically at a distance from the central hub, said upper side comprising a horizontal housing; the airbag being in said horizontal housing of the upper bar. The rectangle optimizes the placement of the airbag and visibility.

[0029] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising a steering wheel; remarkable in that the steering wheel conforms to the invention.

[0030] Preferably, the motor vehicle includes a seat transversely at the level of the steering wheel.

[0031] Each feature introduced by the expression "preferably" given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all other aspects of the invention.

[0032] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will become clear upon reading the following description, given with reference to the attached figures listed below.

[0033] Fig. 1 is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0034] Figure 2 shows a front view of a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, according to the invention.

[0035] Fig. 3 represents an isometric view of the steering wheel of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0036] Fig. 4 shows from the front a steering wheel of a motor vehicle according to the invention, with the airbag deployed, in safety configuration.

[0037] Figure 5 shows a front view of a steering wheel of a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Fig. 6 shows from the front a steering wheel of a motor vehicle according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0039] In the following description, the term "include" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it permits the presence of other elements in the vehicle automobile or in the steering wheel to which it relates. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" will respectively refer to what is directed outwards and inwards towards the vehicle.

[0040] In this description, the terms "longitudinal," "longitudinally," "transverse," and "transversely" are used with respect to the vehicle's frame of reference in the mounting configuration. "Longitudinal" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Front" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0041] The X-axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y-axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z-axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a right-handed trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0042] In this description, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are not to be understood in their strict sense. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, and even more preferably at most 2°; with respect to the strict meaning of these terms.

[0043] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the steering wheel mounting configuration, unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steering wheel directions are defined in a neutral steering wheel orientation. The neutral orientation allows the vehicle to travel in a straight line.

[0044] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0045] Figure 1 represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0046] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body, or the main frame of the motor vehicle. The structure 12 delineates various compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment, the cargo area, and the engine compartment (not shown). The structure 12 connects various parts of the motor vehicle 10, including the openings. The structure 12 forms a mounting support for the powertrain, suspension systems, braking systems, and a steering system 14.

[0047] The steering system 14 includes a control box 16. The control box is located around a steering column 18. The steering system 14 It includes a rack and pinion connected to each front wheel via steering rods (not shown). The steering column 18 also includes a swivel joint allowing attachment to the structure 12.

[0048] The steering system 14 further includes a steering wheel 20 fixed to the steering column 18. It transmits rotational movements to the steering column and is optionally associated with a power steering module. The steering wheel 20 forms the control interface for the user. The steering wheel 20 faces a seat 22. The seat 22 is a front seat, such as a driver's seat. It is arranged on one side of the motor vehicle 10.

[0049] The motor vehicle can, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle.

[0050] Figure 2 shows a steering wheel 20 of a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to Figure 1.

[0051] The steering wheel 20 includes a central hub 24 housing a display screen 26. The display screen 26 is capable of displaying information concerning the operation of the motor vehicle. It may be a touchscreen, so that the driver can control certain parameters of the motor vehicle. It is connected to a central computer (not shown). The display screen 26 is a liquid crystal display, commonly referred to by the acronym "LCD." Such a screen limits energy consumption. The display screen 26 is generally rectangular, with a diagonal of at least 5 cm.

[0052] The steering wheel 20 also features various control interfaces in the form of buttons 28. The buttons 28 can receive a pressure impulse from the driver. Some buttons 28 are cross-shaped directional sliders. The buttons 28 are arranged on the central hub 24, or on connecting arms 30 extending from the central hub 24. The connecting arms 30 are horizontal. They define the lateral direction.

[0053] The steering wheel 20 includes a gripping portion 32 around the central hub 24. The gripping portion 32 is suitable for being manipulated by a user in order to turn the steering wheel 20. The gripping portion 32 is connected to the central hub 24 via the connecting arms 30.

[0054] The gripping portion 32 includes an upper bar 34 extending horizontally and arranged vertically at a distance from the central hub 24. The upper bar 34 is generally straight. It can accommodate a straight line. It forms an upper cross member. The upper bar 34 creates a flat surface above the steering wheel 20, which provides space for visibility of the instrument panel. The steering wheel 20 is compact. The upper bar 34 marks the top of the steering wheel 20.

[0055] The gripping portion 32 comprises two vertically extending lateral portions 36 connected by the upper bar 34. The lateral portions 36 form vertical handles. They are transversely opposed to each other with respect to the central hub 24. The connecting arms 30 connect the lateral portions 36 to the central hub 24. The lateral portions 36 are free of buttons 28. The lateral portions 36 are intended to be manipulated by a driver of the motor vehicle in order to turn the steering wheel. The lateral portions 36 are substantially curved.

[0056] The gripping portion 32 forms a frame. The frame is generally rectangular. The rectangular frame 38 has four sides arranged in pairs. The sides are substantially curved. The upper bar 34 forms the upper side of the rectangle of the gripping portion 32. The rectangular frame 38 surrounds the central hub 24. The rectangular frame 38 forms a peripheral handle with a hoop surrounding the display screen 26. The rectangular frame 38 includes a first center above the center of rotation of the central hub 24. The first center may be a center of gravity of the rectangle; the center of rotation is on the axis of rotation of the steering column.

[0057] The rectangular frame 38 optionally includes a lower bar 40. The lower bar 40 connects the lateral portions 36. It connects to the central hub 24. The lower bar 40 is horizontal. It provides legroom when the driver sits in their seat.

[0058] The upper bar 34 includes a horizontal rupture zone 42, said rupture zone 42 extending along a horizontal housing. It is located at the rear, towards the driver (not shown). The rupture zone 42 is vertically positioned away from the display screen 26; this avoids the object obstructing inflation. The rupture zone 42 forms a line, for example, directed towards the driver. Deployment of the airbag is thus easier to control.

[0059] The steering wheel 20, in this case the upper bar 34, includes a housing (not shown) in front of and above the display screen 26. The housing accommodates a safety device with an airbag and an inflation module (not shown) for the airbag. Thus, the airbag can be deployed from the upper bar 34. This design allows the airbag to be positioned at the top of the steering wheel 20. The driver's head protection is optimal. The housing is above the display screen 26, and preferably at a distance from the display screen 26.

[0060] The gripping portion 32 has an average thickness. The upper bar 34 has a first thickness greater than the average thickness. The thicknesses are measured between the front and rear faces of the steering wheel. This feature increases the internal volume of the upper bar 34, and therefore the space available to accommodate the safety device.

[0061] The steering wheel 20 includes a partition 44. The partition 44 forms a longitudinal passage through the steering wheel. The partition 44 is vertically positioned between the central hub 24 and the upper bar 34. The partition 44 is continuous along the upper bar 34. The partition 44 helps to isolate the upper bar 34 from the central hub 24.

[0062] The steering wheel 20 has several underpasses 46. The underpasses 46 run longitudinally through the steering wheel 20. They form auxiliary partitions below the partition 44. They form openings. The rectangular frame 38 surrounds the underpasses 46 and the partition 44.

[0063] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the lower bar and the lateral portions describe a portion of a circle. The upper bar then forms a flat surface at the top of the steering wheel.

[0064] Figure 3 shows a steering wheel 20 of a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2.

[0065] The steering wheel 20 comprises: a central hub 24; a gripping portion 32 around the central hub 24; a safety device 50 with an inflatable bag 52 and an inflation module 54 for the inflatable bag 52. The inflation module 54 is a gas generator. It includes a pyrotechnic charge capable of inflating the inflatable bag 52. Such a pyrotechnic charge allows the inflatable bag to be deployed in a few milliseconds; for example, in 30 ms.

[0066] The upper bar 34 is shown in an exploded view to reveal a horizontal housing 48 and the airbag 52 integrated therein. The steering wheel 20 includes a front shell forming the upper bar 34. The front shell is shown here disassembled.

[0067] The upper bar 34 is hollowed out. It forms the horizontal housing 48. The airbag 52 is in said horizontal housing 48 in order to deploy from the upper bar 34, i.e. from the top of the steering wheel 20 when the inflation module 54 is activated.

[0068] The gripping portion 32 comprises a horizontally extending upper bar 34 arranged vertically at a distance from the central hub 24, said upper bar 34 comprising a horizontal housing 48. The inflatable bag 52 is folded into the horizontal housing 48 in order to deploy from the upper bar. 34 in case of activation of the inflation module 54. The inflatable bag 52 extends transversely.

[0069] The inflation module 54 of the inflatable bag 52 is housed in the horizontal compartment 48 for more direct, i.e., faster, inflation. The horizontal compartment 48 includes retaining means 56 for the inflation module 54. This allows the inflation module 54 to be held independently of the inflatable bag 52. The retaining means 56 include vertical blades, for example, with vertical stop surfaces. The retaining means 56 include hooks for securing the inflation module 54. The inflation module 54 extends horizontally and / or transversely along the inflatable bag 52.

[0070] The central hub 24 includes a display screen 26 below the upper bar 34. The airbag 52 is longitudinally at the level of the display screen 26. The airbag 52 extends laterally beyond the display screen 26.

[0071] The gripping portion 32 comprises two lateral portions 36 extending vertically and connected by the upper bar 34; the airbag 52 extends transversely at the level of the lateral portions 36. It is directly above the lateral portions 36. The airbag 52 extends above the lateral portions 36. Thus, the span of the airbag 52 in stowed configuration is optimized in relation to the size of the steering wheel 20.

[0072] Figure 4 shows a steering wheel 20 for a motor vehicle, with an airbag 52 in its deployed configuration, according to any embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3.

[0073] The airbag 52 is housed in the horizontal compartment 48 so that it can deploy from the upper bar 34 following detection of a frontal collision, analysis of the deceleration caused by the frontal collision, and the decision to activate the safety device. The inflation module is triggered.

[0074] The airbag 52 is configured to deploy in an inflated configuration in contact with the display screen (not shown). In the inflated configuration, the airbag 52 extends vertically from the upper bar 34 to the display screen; and across the entire width of the steering wheel 20. The airbag 52 extends beyond the steering wheel 20, both vertically and transversely.

[0075] The central hub 24 is viewed from the front. The central hub 24 is intended to be mounted for rotational movement on the steering column 18. It is rotatable relative to a dashboard of the motor vehicle.

[0076] The steering wheel 20 comprises a first radius 60 at the top of the upper bar, a second radius 62 at a lateral end; the second radius 62 is greater than the first radius 60. These radii promote compactness and visibility.

[0077] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the central hub is fixed relative to the dashboard. The gripping portion then rotates relative to the central hub.

[0078] Figure 5 shows a steering wheel 20 of a motor vehicle, according to a second embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2 and 4.

[0079] The steering wheel 20 comprises: a central hub 24; a gripping portion 32 around the central hub 24, the gripping portion 32 being intended to be manipulated by a user in order to turn the steering wheel. The steering wheel 20 incorporates a safety device 50 with an inflatable bag 52 and an inflation module 54.

[0080] The gripping portion 32 includes an upper bar 34 extending horizontally and arranged vertically at a distance from the central hub 24, said upper bar including a horizontal housing 48 concealing the inflatable bag 52 which allows it to deploy from the upper bar 34 in the event of activation of the inflation module 54.

[0081] The inflation module 54 of the inflatable bag 52 is in the central hub 24. The inflation module 54 is at a distance from the upper bar 34. The inflation module 54 is isolated from the upper bar 34. Thus, the latter has more space to integrate the inflatable bag 52.

[0082] The safety device 50 includes at least one line 64 connected to the inflation module 54 and the airbag 52. Each line 64 extends from the central hub 24 to the upper bar 34. Each line 64 bypasses the separation 44. It extends into the connecting branches 30. The line 64 includes a sealed hose suitable for communicating a flow of pressurized gas.

[0083] The gripping portion 32 comprises two lateral portions 36 extending vertically and connected by the upper bar 34. The conduits 64 run in the lateral portions 36. The inflation module 54 is in front of the display screen 26.

[0084] Figure 6 shows a steering wheel 20 of a motor vehicle, according to the second embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2, and 4 to 5. The steering wheel 20 is viewed from the front, without an upper cover of the central hub 24.

[0085] The inflation module 54 of the inflatable bag is in the central hub 24. The inflation module 54 is vertically positioned at a distance from the upper bar 34, and therefore from the horizontal housing. The central hub 24 includes means for retaining (not shown) the inflation module 54. The central hub includes a housing. The inflation module 54 and the retaining means are in said housing. The housing is preferably an upper housing 58.

[0086] According to a preferred embodiment, the steering wheel 20 is made of a plastic or composite material. The plastic material may include a thermoplastic or thermosetting material. According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic material is selected from the group comprising polypropylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, polyarylamide, polyepoxide, unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester, or polyester-vinylester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass or carbon fibers.

[0087] The steering wheel 20 comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled plastic material based on the total weight of the plastic material; preferably from 10 to 80% by weight; more preferably from 20 to 60% by weight or from 30 to 40% by weight. The use of recycled plastic material reduces the vehicle's environmental footprint.

[0088] Figures 2 to 6 are isometric views. Each one respects a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Demands

1. Steering wheel (20) for a motor vehicle (10); the steering wheel (20) comprising: a central hub (24); a gripping portion (32) around the central hub (24), the gripping portion (32) being intended to be manipulated by a user in order to turn the steering wheel (20); a safety device (50) with an airbag (52) and an inflation module (54) for the airbag (52); characterized in that the gripping portion (32) comprises an upper bar (34) extending horizontally and being arranged vertically at a distance from the central hub (24), said upper bar (34) comprising a horizontal housing (48); the airbag (52) being in said horizontal housing in order to deploy from the upper bar (34) in the event of actuation of the inflation module (54).

2. Steering wheel (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inflation module (54) of the inflatable bag (52) is in the horizontal housing (48), and the horizontal housing (48) includes means for retaining (56) the inflation module (54); preferably, the inflation module (54) extends horizontally along the inflatable bag (52).

3. Steering wheel (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inflation module (54) of the airbag (52) is in the central hub (24); the safety device (50) comprises a conduit (64) connected to the inflation module (54) and the airbag (52), the conduit (64) extending from the central hub (24) to the upper bar (34).

4. Steering wheel (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the central hub (24) includes a display screen (26) below the upper bar (34); preferably, the airbag (52) is longitudinally at the level of the display screen (26).

5. Steering wheel (20) according to claim 4, characterized in that the airbag (52) is configured to deploy in an inflated configuration in contact with the display screen (26); preferably, in the inflated configuration the airbag (52) extends vertically from the upper bar (34) to the display screen (26).

6. Steering wheel (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the gripping portion (32) comprises an average thickness; the upper bar (34) comprising a first thickness greater than the average thickness.

7. Steering wheel (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the upper bar (34) comprises a horizontal break zone (42), said break zone (42) extending along the horizontal housing (48).

8. Steering wheel (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the steering wheel (20) comprises a separation (44) between the central hub (24) and the upper bar (34); the separation (44) being continuous along the upper bar (34).

9. Steering wheel (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the grip portion (32) comprises two lateral portions (36) extending vertically and connected by the upper bar (34); the airbag (52) extending transversely at the level of the lateral portions (36); preferably, the grip portion (32) forms a rectangular frame (38) surrounding the central hub (24).

10. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a steering wheel (20); characterized in that the steering wheel (20) conforms to any one of claims 1 to 9; preferably, the motor vehicle (10) comprises a seat (22) transversely at the level of the steering wheel (20).

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