阅读说明：本技术 气囊模块、方向盘和用于将气囊模块与方向盘连接的方法 (airbag module, steering wheel and method for connecting an airbag module to a steering wheel ) 是由 多米尼克·许茨 于 2018-03-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及用于设置在方向盘(112)上的气囊模块(111),在该气囊模块(111)上设置有锁紧元件(130)和接触元件(131),锁紧元件(130)设置用于与设置在方向盘(112)上的卡锁元件(120)构成卡锁连接,通过该卡锁连接,气囊模块(111)和方向盘(112)能相互连接,锁紧元件(130)能运动并且能相对卡锁元件(120)占据解锁状态、锁紧状态及居间的中间状态,在中间状态中在锁紧元件(130)与卡锁元件(120)之间存在机械式接触,在该中间状态中在接触元件(131)与锁紧元件(130)之间不存在电接触,而在锁紧状态中锁紧元件(130)与卡锁元件(120)机械式联接,在该锁紧状态中在接触元件(131)与锁紧元件(130)之间存在电接触,在锁紧状态中,当在卡锁元件(120)与锁紧元件(130)之间建立了卡锁连接时,接触元件(132)、锁紧元件(130)和卡锁元件(120)相互电连接,并且接触元件(131)能与用于产生喇叭信号的喇叭触点(116)电连接。此外,本发明还涉及方向盘以及用于将气囊模块与方向盘连接的方法。(The invention relates to an airbag module (111) for arrangement on a steering wheel (112), on which airbag module (111) a locking element (130) and a contact element (131) are arranged, the locking element (130) being arranged to form a latching connection with a latching element (120) arranged on the steering wheel (112), by means of which latching connection the airbag module (111) and the steering wheel (112) can be connected to one another, the locking element (130) being movable and being able to assume, relative to the latching element (120), an unlocked state, a locked state in which there is mechanical contact between the locking element (130) and the latching element (120), and an intermediate state in which there is no electrical contact between the contact element (131) and the locking element (130), and a locked state in which the locking element (130) is mechanically coupled to the latching element (120), in which there is electrical contact between the contact element (131) and the locking element (130), in the locked state, when a latching connection is established between the latching element (120) and the locking element (130), the contact element (132), the locking element (130) and the latching element (120) are electrically connected to one another, and the contact element (131) can be electrically connected to a horn contact (116) for generating a horn signal. The invention further relates to a steering wheel and a method for connecting an airbag module to a steering wheel.)

1. An airbag module (111, 211, 511) for arrangement on a steering wheel (112, 512),

-wherein a locking element (130, 230, 430, 530) and a contact element (131, 231, 431, 531) are provided on the airbag module (111, 211, 511),

-wherein the locking element (130, 230, 430, 530) is provided for forming a latching connection with a latching element (120, 420, 520) provided on the steering wheel (112, 512), by means of which latching connection the airbag module (111, 211, 511) and the steering wheel (112, 512) can be connected to one another,

-wherein the locking element (130, 230, 430, 530) is movable and can assume an unlocked state, a locked state and an intermediate state with respect to the catch element (120, 420, 520),

-wherein in the intermediate state there is a mechanical contact between the locking element (130, 230, 430, 530) and the catch element (120, 420, 520), in which intermediate state there is no electrical contact between the contact element (131, 231, 431, 531) and the locking element (130, 230, 430, 530), and in the locked state the locking element (130, 230, 430, 530) is mechanically coupled with the catch element (120, 420, 520), in which locked state there is an electrical contact between the contact element (131, 231, 431, 531) and the locking element (130, 230, 430, 530),

-wherein, in the locked state, the contact element (132, 232, 432, 532), the locking element (130, 230, 430, 530) and the catch element (120, 420, 520) are electrically connected to each other when a catch connection is established between the catch element (120, 420, 520) and the locking element (130, 230, 430, 530),

-wherein the contact element (131, 231, 531) is electrically connectable with a horn contact (116, 216, 416, 516) for generating a horn signal.

2. a steering wheel (112 ') which is provided for connection to the airbag module (111'),

-wherein a locking element (130 ', 430) and a contact element (131 ', 431) are provided on the steering wheel (112 '),

-wherein the locking element (130 ', 430) is provided for forming a snap-lock connection with a snap-lock element (120 ', 420) provided on the airbag module (111 '), by means of which the steering wheel (112 ') can be interconnected with the airbag module (111 '),

-wherein the locking element (130 ', 430) is movable and can assume an unlocked state, a locked state and an intermediate state with respect to the catch element (120', 420),

-wherein in the intermediate state there is a mechanical contact between the locking element (130 ', 430) and the catch element (120', 420), in which intermediate state there is no electrical contact between the contact element (131 ', 431) and the locking element (130', 430), and in the locked state the locking element (130 ', 430) is mechanically coupled with the catch element (120', 420), in which locked state there is an electrical contact between the contact element (131 ', 431) and the locking element (130', 430),

-wherein in the locked state, the contact element (131 ', 431), the locking element (130 ', 430) and the catch element (120 ', 420) are electrically connected to each other when a catch connection is established between the catch element (120 ', 420) and the locking element (130 ', 430),

-wherein the contact element (131 ', 432) is electrically connectable with a horn contact (116', 416) for generating a horn signal.

3. the airbag module (111, 211, 511) of claim 1 or the steering wheel (112') of claim 2, wherein: when the contact element (131, 131 ', 231, 431, 531), the locking element (130, 130 ', 230, 430, 530) and the latching element (120, 120 ', 420, 520) are electrically connected to one another, the horn function can be activated, in particular by establishing a contact between the contact element (131, 131 ', 231, 431, 531) and the horn contact (116, 116 ', 216, 416, 516).

4. the airbag module (111, 211, 511) or the steering wheel (112') of any one of the preceding claims,

-characterized in that: in the unlocked state, no mechanical contact exists between the locking element (130, 130 ', 230, 430, 530) and the catch element (120, 120', 420, 520), in which unlocking state an electrical contact exists between the contact element (131, 131 ', 231, 431, 531) and the locking element (130, 130', 230, 430, 530), and/or

-characterized in that: when the locking element (130, 130 ', 230, 430) is in a deflected or partially transferred state relative to its initial position in the unlocked state, there is no electrical contact between the contact element (131, 131 ', 231, 431, 531) and the locking element (130, 130 ', 230, 430, 530) and/or there is no electrical contact between the contact element (131, 131 ', 231, 431, 531) and the locking element (130, 130 ', 230, 430, 530)

-characterized in that: when the locking element (130, 130', 230, 430, 530) is in the unlocked state, in particular in the unlocked state and/or in the intermediate state, the horn function cannot be activated.

5. The airbag module (111, 211, 511) or the steering wheel (112') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the locking element (130, 130 ', 230, 430, 530) is arranged on the airbag module (111, 211, 511) or on the steering wheel (112') in such a way that,

-the locking element (130, 130 ', 230, 430, 530) being movable or deformable by interaction with the catch element (120, 120', 420, 520) before or during the establishment of the catch connection from an unlocked state, in which the locking element (130, 130 ', 230, 430, 530) and the contact element (131, 131', 231, 431, 531) are electrically connected to each other, into an intermediate state, in which no electrical contact exists between the locking element (130, 130 ', 230, 430, 530) and the contact element (131, 131', 231, 431, 531), and/or

-the locking element (130, 130', 230, 430, 530) is movable or deformable from an intermediate state into a locked state upon or after establishing the snap-lock connection.

6. the airbag module (111, 211, 511) or the steering wheel (112') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the latching element (120, 120 ', 420, 520) can be or is already electrically connected to an electrical potential (121, 121', 421, 521), in particular to a ground potential, in particular to a vehicle ground, and/or is characterized in that: the horn contact (116, 116 ', 216, 416, 516) can be or has been electrically connected to the second potential (118, 118 ', 418, 518) directly or via a signaling device (117, 117 ', 417, 517).

7. The airbag module (111, 211, 511) or the steering wheel (112') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the locking element (130, 130 ', 230, 430, 530) is fastened with a first end (230a, 430a) on the airbag module (111, 211, 511) or on the steering wheel (112'), and/or is characterized in that: the second end (230b, 430b) of the locking element (130, 130', 230, 430, 530) is movable relative to the/a first end (230a, 430a), in particular by bending or moving, in particular in a plane perpendicular to the trumpet direction (a, H), and/or characterized in that: the locking element (130, 130 ', 230, 430) can be connected with the/one second end (230b, 430b) to the contact element (131, 131 ', 231, 431), in particular can be hooked on the contact element (131, 131 ', 231, 431) by means of the second end (230b, 430 b).

8. The airbag module (111, 211, 511) or the steering wheel (112') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the contact element (131, 131 ', 231, 431, 531) and the locking element (130, 130 ', 230, 430, 530) are arranged on the rear side of the airbag module (111, 211, 511) or on the steering wheel (112 '), and/or are characterized in that: the airbag module (111, 211, 511) or the steering wheel (112 ') has an opening (133, 133', 233), in particular on the rear side thereof, through which the latching element (120, 120 ', 420, 520) can be inserted at least partially into an outer surface of the airbag module (111, 211, 511) or of the steering wheel (112').

9. The airbag module (111, 211, 511) or the steering wheel (112') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the latching element (120, 120', 420, 520) is a latching hook or a latching clip, and/or is characterized in that: the locking element (130, 130', 230, 430, 530) is a spring element, in particular a helical torsion spring or a wire spring, and/or is characterized in that: the contact element (131, 131', 231, 431, 531) is a wire or a sheet.

10. The airbag module (111, 211, 511) or the steering wheel (112') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: exactly one locking element (130, 130 ', 230, 430, 530) or exactly two locking elements (130, 130', 230, 430, 530) or exactly three locking elements (130, 130 ', 230, 430, 530) is provided on the airbag module (111, 211, 511) or on the steering wheel (112'), and/or is characterized in that: exactly one latching element (120, 120 ', 420, 520) or exactly two latching elements (120, 120', 422, 522) or exactly three latching elements (120, 120 ', 420, 520) is provided on the airbag module (111, 211, 511) or on the steering wheel (112'), and/or is characterized in that: exactly one horn contact (116, 116 ', 416, 516), exactly two horn contacts (116, 116', 416, 516), or exactly three horn contacts (116, 116 ', 416, 516) is provided on the airbag module (111, 211, 511) and/or on the steering wheel (112').

11. Assembly (110, 110 ', 510) comprising an airbag module (111, 111 ', 211, 511), in particular according to claim 1 or any one of claims 3 to 10, and a steering wheel (112, 112 '), in particular according to any one of claims 2 to 10.

12. Method for connecting an airbag module (111, 111 ', 211, 511) to a steering wheel (112, 112', 512),

-wherein the airbag module (111, 111 ', 211, 511), in particular according to claim 1 or any one of claims 3 to 10, and the steering wheel (112, 112', 512), in particular according to any one of claims 2 to 10, are connected to each other by means of a snap-on connection,

-wherein either the locking element (130, 230, 430, 530) is arranged on the airbag module (111, 211, 511) and the latching element (120, 420, 520) is arranged on the steering wheel (112) for the latching connection, or the locking element (130 ', 430) is arranged on the steering wheel (112') and the latching element (120 ', 420) is arranged on the airbag module (111') for the latching connection,

-the method comprises the steps of:

Establishing (301) an electrical contact between the locking element (130, 130 ', 230, 430, 530) and the contact element (131, 131', 231, 431, 531),

-during the establishment of the latching connection, the electrical contact between the locking element (130, 130 ', 230, 430, 530) and the contact element (131, 131', 231, 431, 531) is interrupted (302), preferably by the interaction of the locking element (130, 130 ', 230, 430, 530) and the latching element (120, 120', 420, 520),

-reestablishing (303) an electrical contact between the locking element (130, 130 ', 230, 430, 530) and the contact element (131, 131', 231, 431, 531) at or after establishing the snap-lock connection,

-wherein, after establishing the snap-lock connection (304), the airbag module (111, 111 ') or the shroud (236) of the airbag module (211, 511) is movable in the horn direction (a, H) relative to the steering wheel (112, 112', 512) to make electrical contact between the contact element (131, 131 ', 231, 431, 531) and the horn contact (116, 116', 416, 516) for generating the horn signal.

Technical Field

the invention relates to an airbag module, a steering wheel, an assembly comprising an airbag module and a steering wheel and a method for connecting an airbag module to a steering wheel.

Background

The airbag module is a component of a vehicle occupant restraint system and can be arranged, for example, in a steering wheel in order to improve the protection of the driver. Furthermore, the airbag module can be used to trigger a horn signal.

Nowadays, airbag modules and steering wheels are often coupled to one another by means of a snap-on connection in order to be able to achieve a simple assembly without complicated screw connections.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention aims to: an airbag module and a steering wheel are achieved, the correct assembly of which can be determined in a simple and reliable manner. Furthermore, a method for generating a (reliably operating) signaling device should be proposed.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1 with respect to the airbag module, by the features of claim 2 with respect to the steering wheel, and by the features of claim 12 with respect to the method for generating the signaling device.

The airbag module according to the invention is designed for arrangement on a steering wheel. A locking element and a contact element are arranged on the airbag module. The locking element is provided for forming a latching connection with a latching element provided on the steering wheel, by means of which latching connection the airbag module and the steering wheel can be connected to one another. The contact element may be electrically connected with a horn contact for generating a horn signal. When the latching connection is established between the latching element and the locking element, the contact element, the locking element and the latching element are electrically connected to one another.

The steering wheel according to the invention is provided for connection with an airbag module. A locking element and a contact element are arranged on the steering wheel. The locking element is provided for forming a latching connection with a latching element provided on the airbag module, by means of which latching connection the steering wheel and the airbag module can be connected to one another. The contact element may be electrically connected with a horn contact for generating a horn signal. When the latching connection is established between the latching element and the locking element, the contact element, the locking element and the latching element are electrically connected to one another.

The assembly according to the invention has an airbag module and a steering wheel, which can be connected to one another by a snap-on connection. For the latching connection, a locking element can be provided on the airbag module and a latching element can be provided on the steering wheel. The assembly can therefore have in particular the preferred embodiment of the airbag module according to the invention and a corresponding steering wheel. For the latching connection, it is also possible to provide the steering wheel with a locking element and the airbag module with a latching element. The assembly can thus have in particular a preferred embodiment of the steering wheel according to the invention and a corresponding airbag module.

Also considered are: in order to establish a latching connection accordingly, a locking element and a latching element are provided on the steering wheel and on the airbag module, respectively. In this case, the assembly is in particular a preferred embodiment of a steering wheel according to the invention and of an airbag module according to the invention.

the advantages and advantageous embodiments of the airbag module according to the invention, of the steering wheel according to the invention and of the assembly according to the invention are obtained in a similar manner from the description below.

The invention thus provides an airbag module or a steering wheel, wherein it is possible to determine in a simple manner whether the airbag module and the steering wheel are reliably, securely and correctly connected to one another. What can thus be achieved by the invention is: the horn signal and the sound can only be generated if the steering wheel and the airbag module are connected to one another correctly and without errors, i.e. if a positive connection is made or established between the latching element and the locking element correctly and without errors.

The electrical connection from the horn contact via the contact element and also via the locking element to the latching element can be established in a suitable manner by a correct, fully latched latching connection. When the latching connection and thus the electrical connection between the contact element, the locking element and the latching element are realized, in particular a corresponding horn circuit can be switched on and in particular a horn signal can be generated. If, on the other hand, the latching connection is not (completely) established or is not correctly realized, then in particular no electrical connection from the horn contact to the latching element is present. In this case, in particular, the corresponding horn circuit cannot be switched on and the horn signal cannot be generated.

Thus, the present invention can suitably realize: the horn is used as an indicator for indicating whether the airbag module and the steering wheel are correctly connected to each other, in particular whether a latching connection between the latching element and the locking element is correctly realized or established. If this is the case, the horn signal rings when the horn is operated. Otherwise, the horn signal cannot sound.

This makes it possible to check in a simple and rapid manner: whether the steering wheel and the airbag module are reliably and securely connected to each other. In particular, no visual or complex inspection of the connection between the steering wheel and the airbag module is required, in which case, for example, an attempt is made to probe the individual elements with the aid of a tool. Since the steering wheel and the airbag module are mostly connected to each other in a precisely fitting manner, such a visual inspection is hardly or completely impossible and there is mostly only little or no space for inserting corresponding tools.

The invention makes it possible to carry out a simple acoustic check of the latching connection by means of the originally present horn. In particular, no additional elements are required which are dedicated to this test, but rather the test can be carried out by means of elements which are used in reverse for mechanically connecting the steering wheel to the airbag module and for generating the horn signal.

This check can be carried out directly, for example, during the process of manufacturing and assembling the assembly comprising the steering wheel and the airbag module. Furthermore, this check can also be carried out when the assembly is already on site and, for example, is already installed in a motor vehicle. For example, the connection can be checked in an uncomplicated manner during the repair or maintenance of the respective motor vehicle.

in turn, the horn or the horn signal does not sound when the horn is operated, in particular as an indicator for indicating that the connection between the airbag module and the steering wheel is incorrect. For example, when the driver of the respective motor vehicle detects that the horn function is no longer available (for example after maintenance or repair of the vehicle), the driver can thus be appropriately informed: the connection between the airbag module and the steering wheel is re-established correctly.

The airbag module can be arranged in particular on the steering wheel such that it is movable relative to the steering wheel, in particular toward the steering wheel. The airbag module can be moved expediently in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the steering wheel or of the steering column. Alternatively, the airbag module can also be arranged at a fixed distance from the steering wheel, and the shield of the airbag module can be configured to be movable toward the steering wheel. This direction, along which the airbag module or the shield can move, is referred to hereinafter without general limitation as the horn direction. The movement of the airbag module in the direction of the horn is expediently used to bring the contact elements into contact with or short-circuit with the horn and thus to generate a horn signal.

The contact element serves in particular as a mating contact for a horn contact. It is therefore expedient not to use latching elements and locking elements as contact surfaces, which should be brought into contact for operating the horn. If the contact elements are arranged on the airbag module, the horn contacts are arranged in particular on the steering wheel, or vice versa. For operating the horn, the contact elements can expediently be brought into direct contact with the horn contacts and thereby short-circuited by moving the airbag module or its shield in the horn direction. Also considered are: the contact elements are also connected with further elements and one or more of these elements can be directly touched with the horn contact. In this case, for operating the horn, in particular the contact elements are not in direct physical contact with the horn contacts, but are electrically connected to the horn contacts via these further elements. For example, the contact element can be mechanically connected to the actual mating contact, for example by means of a plug connection, a snap connection and/or a clamping connection. When the horn is operated, this mating contact can in this case be brought into direct contact with the horn contact and thereby short-circuited.

In particular, the latching elements, the locking elements and the contact elements as well as the horn contacts are part of the horn circuit. In particular, an electrical connection to one or more electrical potentials can be established by these elements. In particular, a signaling device is integrated in the horn circuit, which emits the horn signal acoustically. In the case of a detent connection already being established, an electrical contact is present between the locking element and the detent element, in particular permanently, and a permanent mechanical contact is also present between these two elements, in particular permanently.

After the latching connection has been established correctly, in particular in the rest position, the airbag module or the protective hood has a predetermined distance from the steering wheel. At least one spacer element can be provided on the steering wheel and/or on the airbag module, by means of which the airbag module is held in the rest position. For example, spring elements or other types of plastically deformable elements can be provided as such spacer elements. After the operation of the horn, the airbag module or the shield is moved away from the steering wheel, in particular counter to the horn direction, by means of these spacer elements until the airbag module or the shield is again in the rest position.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the horn function can be activated, in particular by establishing a contact between the contact element and the horn contact, when the contact element, the locking element and the latching element are electrically connected to one another, in particular when the latching connection is correctly established (and thus in particular a form-locking connection is established). By electrically connecting the contact element, the locking element and the latching element to one another when the latching connection is correctly established, the respective horn circuit can be switched on and a horn signal can be generated when a short circuit occurs between the contact element and the horn contact. When the latching connection is correctly realized, in particular the horn function is thereby activated and a horn signal can be generated. If the latch connection is not properly established, the horn function is not activated and the horn signal cannot be generated. In particular in such a case, in which there is no correct latching connection, there is no electrical connection from the horn contact to the latching element, so that the corresponding horn circuit cannot be switched on and the horn signal cannot be generated.

In the unlocked state, there is no mechanical contact between the locking element and the catch element, and in the unlocked state there is advantageously an electrical contact between the contact element and the locking element. In this unlocked state, the steering wheel and the airbag module are in particular separated from one another. The locking element is in this unlocked state, in particular before the detent connection is established. Before the airbag module and the steering wheel are connected to one another, an electrical contact between the locking element and the contact element is advantageously already established. In particular, the locking element is in this unlocked state in an initial state or initial position in which an electrical contact is present between the locking element and the contact element.

In the locked state, in which the contact element is in electrical contact with the locking element, the locking element is mechanically coupled to the catch element. In this connection, the term mechanical connection between the catch element and the locking element should be understood in particular to mean: the latching connection is successfully realized, and the latching element and the locking element are in particular mechanically engaged with one another and in particular positively and/or non-positively connected to one another. In this locked state, the steering wheel and the airbag module are thereby connected to one another particularly securely and correctly. The locking element is expediently in this locked state after the detent connection has been successfully achieved. In particular, the locking element is likewise in its initial state or its initial position in this locked state.

Furthermore, in an intermediate locked or unlocked state, in which no electrical contact is present between the contact element and the locking element, there is a mechanical contact between the locking element and the catch element. In this connection, the term mechanical contact is to be understood in particular as meaning the interaction between the locking element and the latching element during the setting up of the latching connection in order to achieve a mechanical coupling thereof. The locking element is therefore in this intermediate state, in particular during the setting up of the latching connection, i.e. during the switching of the locking element from the unlocked state into the locked state. In this intermediate state, the locking element is not in particular in its initial state or its initial position. Since in this intermediate state there is no electrical connection between the locking element and the contact element, in particular no electrical connection can be established between the locking element, the contact element and the latching element. When the locking element is in the intermediate state, even if the contact element is brought into contact with the horn contact, the corresponding horn circuit cannot be completed and the horn signal cannot be generated. It can thus be determined by means of the horn whether the latching connection has been correctly achieved. Since no existing horn function is available, in particular: the locking element is in the intermediate state, the detent connection is not correctly established and therefore the steering wheel and the airbag module are not correctly interconnected. In the case of the existing horn function, it is possible to conclude that a detent connection has been established correctly.

The locking element and the contact element can be connected to one another, in particular electrically connected, expediently via a releasable mechanical connection. In particular, the locking element and the contact element are connected to one another in the locked state and in the unlocked state via this releasable mechanical connection. In the intermediate state, the mechanical connection is in particular released. This releasable connection can be realized, for example, by means of a plug connection, a snap connection and/or a clip connection.

Preferably, when the locking element is in a deflected or partially displaced state relative to its initial position in the unlocked state, no electrical contact exists between the contact element and the locking element. In the initial position, as described above, an electrical contact is present in particular between the locking element and the contact element. Only when the locking element is in its initial position can the corresponding horn circuit be properly switched on and a horn signal generated. If this is not the case and the locking element is deflected or partially displaced relative to its initial position, the horn circuit cannot be switched on properly because there is no electrical contact between the contact element and the locking element. The horn or the absence of a horn signal when the horn contact is connected to the contact element serves as an indicator that the locking element is not in its initial position.

The horn function is preferably not activated when the locking element is in the unlocked state, in particular in the unlocked state and/or in the intermediate state. Since in this unlocked state there is no electrical connection between the contact element, the locking element and the latching element, the corresponding horn circuit cannot be switched on in particular. In particular, the horn function is activated only when this electrical connection has been established and the horn circuit can thus be switched on, in the locked state. The horn signal thus serves as an indicator for indicating whether the locking element is in the locked state and thus whether the latching connection has been established correctly.

According to a preferred embodiment, the locking element is arranged on the airbag module or on the steering wheel, i.e. the locking element can be moved or deformed by interaction with the latching element before or during the establishment of the latching connection from the or an unlocked state, in which the locking element and the contact element are electrically connected to one another, into the or an intermediate state, in which no electrical contact is present between the locking element and the contact element. As already mentioned, the locking element and the contact element can be connected in particular via a releasable mechanical connection. In particular, the mechanical connection between the locking element and the contact element is released by the interaction or mechanical contact of the locking element with the latching element and thus the electrical connection is interrupted. The locking element is thereby deflected out of its initial position and moved or deformed into the intermediate state by the interaction.

The locking element is advantageously arranged on the airbag module or on the steering wheel in such a way that it can be moved or deformed from the intermediate state into the locked state when or after the detent connection is established. At this point in time, when the latching connection has been successfully achieved, in particular when the interaction or mechanical contact between the locking element and the latching element has ended and the two elements are mechanically coupled. In particular, the deflection of the locking element is also ended, so that the locking element is moved back or deformed back again from the intermediate state into its initial position. The locking element and the contact element are thereby mechanically connected to one another again and their electrical contact is reestablished when or after the detent connection is made.

The locking element is thus in the locked state, in particular when the latching connection is correctly established. If the setting process of the latching connection is not carried out correctly and the latching connection is not set up without errors, the locking element still interacts and mechanically contacts the latching element and is therefore still in the intermediate state. In this case, it is expedient: the electrical connection between the contact element, the locking element and the catch element cannot be established and the horn circuit cannot be completed. The absence of a horn signal during a movement of the airbag module or of the protective cover in the direction of the horn thus serves in particular as an indicator for an incorrect latching connection.

In this way, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, the electrical contact between the locking element and the contact element is already established before the detent connection is established, in particular when the steering wheel and the airbag module are separated from each other. This electrical contact is advantageously interrupted during the establishment of the latching connection. The electrical contact is advantageously reestablished during or after the snap-lock connection is established.

The latching element can advantageously be or already be electrically connected to an electrical potential, in particular to a ground potential, in particular to a vehicle ground. Preferably, the horn contact can be or is already electrically connected to the second potential, for example to an on-board battery, directly or via a signaling device. It goes without saying that the horn contacts can also be or already be connected to ground potential, in particular to the vehicle ground. The latching element can likewise be connected to or already connected to the vehicle battery. In the event of successful establishment of the latching connection, the airbag module or the shield can therefore be moved in the horn direction and the corresponding horn circuit between the first and second potential can be switched on via the latching elements, the locking elements, the contact elements, the horn contacts and, if necessary, the signaling device, by short-circuiting the contact elements with the horn contacts.

In the case of a correctly realized latching connection, an electrical contact from the contact element to the first potential is particularly permanently present when the airbag module and the steering wheel are connected to one another, in particular even if the airbag module is in its rest position and the horn is not operated. When the airbag module or the protective cover is moved in the direction of the horn, the locking element is held in its locked state and there is permanently direct mechanical and electrical contact between the latching element and the locking element.

Preferably, the locking element is fastened with a first end on the airbag module or on the steering wheel. The second end of the locking element is preferably movable relative to the or one first end, in particular by bending or moving, in particular in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the horn. In particular, the locking element can be deflected from its initial state into an intermediate state by the interaction of the second end which can be moved in this way with the latching element when the latching connection is established. Similarly, the locking element can be moved back into its initial state by the movable second end when or after the detent connection is established.

The direction of the horn is in particular parallel to the mounting direction, along which the airbag module and the steering wheel are moved relative to one another in order to establish a latching connection. During the assembly of the airbag module and the steering wheel, the second end of the locking element is thereby expediently deflected perpendicularly to this assembly direction by interaction with the latching element.

The locking element can advantageously be connected to the contact element with the or one second end, in particular hooked on the contact element by means of the second end. By connecting the second end with the contact element, a mechanically releasable connection between the locking element and the contact element can be expediently established. The mechanical and electrical connection between the locking element and the contact element can thus be released by the movement of the second end during the establishment of the latching connection, for example by unhooking the second end previously hooked to the contact element. The electrical connection between the contact element and the locking element can likewise be reestablished by re-hooking the second end when or after the snap-in connection is established.

Preferably, the contact element and the locking element are arranged on the rear side of the airbag module or on the steering wheel. Preferably, the contact element and the locking element are arranged on a rear side of the airbag module and the airbag module can be arranged on the steering wheel with this rear side. The contact element and the locking element can also be advantageously arranged on the steering wheel and the latching element is preferably arranged on the rear side of the airbag element, with which the airbag module can be arranged on the steering wheel.

According to a preferred embodiment, the airbag module or the steering wheel has an opening, in particular on its rear side, through which the latching element can be inserted at least partially into the outer surface of the airbag module or of the steering wheel. During the establishment of the latching connection, the latching element is expediently inserted through this opening. In particular, a locking element is arranged at or near this opening such that it can interact with the latching element during the establishment of the latching connection.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the latching elements are latching hooks or latching clips. During the establishment of the latching connection, the locking element is expediently deflected out of its initial state by interaction with a ramp of the latching hook or of the latching clip.

the locking element is advantageously a spring element, in particular a leg spring or a wire spring. As a spring element of this type, the locking element can be deflected out of its initial state, in particular deformed out of its initial state, during the setting up of the latching connection. By means of a corresponding spring force, the locking element can be automatically moved back into its initial state again when or after the detent connection is established.

According to a preferred embodiment, the contact element is a wire or a sheet. As a wire or sheet, the contact element can be arranged in particular on the airbag module or on the steering wheel in an uncomplicated and space-saving manner.

It is to be noted here that: a plurality of latching connections can also be established, for which purpose a plurality of locking elements and latching elements can be provided, as appropriate, on the airbag module or on the steering wheel. In particular, pairs of components, each of which is formed by a locking element and a latching element, are provided for forming a latching connection in each case. In particular, several or suitably all of the existing latching element/locking element pairs can be formed in each case according to the present description.

In accordance with an advantageous embodiment, exactly one locking element or exactly two locking elements or exactly three locking elements are provided on the airbag module or on the steering wheel. Advantageously, exactly one latching element or exactly two latching elements or exactly three latching elements are provided on the steering wheel or on the airbag module. Preferably exactly one horn contact, exactly two horn contacts or exactly three horn contacts are provided on the airbag module and/or on the steering wheel. In particular, each of the plurality of locking elements can be connected to at least one respective contact element. Suitably exactly one contact element is provided for each locking element. A respective horn contact is expediently provided for each of the plurality of contact elements. The respective contact element, locking element and latching element are expediently electrically connected to one another when a respective latching connection is established between the respective latching element and locking element.

In particular, for each component pair formed by the locking element and the latching element, a contact element and a horn contact are preferably provided in each case and thus in each case a horn circuit section which can be switched on. Therefore, it is desirable to generate a plurality of horn signals independently of each other. The respective horn function is advantageously activated when the respective latching connection of the pair of components consisting of the locking element and the latching element is successfully established. These individual horn functions can be activated suitably independently of each other. If a plurality of pairs of elements consisting of latching elements and locking elements and thus a plurality of latching connections are provided, it is therefore advantageously possible to check each of these different latching connections individually. When the respective region of the airbag module, in which the respective component pair consisting of the latching element and the locking element is arranged, is moved in the direction of the horn, it can be checked on the basis of the sounding horn signal or the non-sounding horn signal: the corresponding latching connection of this component pair is not yet correctly established. Furthermore, it is preferred that the individual connectable horn circuit sections are connected in series such that the horn signal can only be generated if all the provided latching connections are correctly established between the module and the steering wheel.

The invention further relates to a method for connecting an airbag module to a steering wheel. The advantages and advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention result from the above description of the airbag module according to the invention, the steering wheel according to the invention and the assembly according to the invention in a similar manner.

Within the scope of the method, a preferred embodiment of the airbag module, preferably the airbag module according to the invention, and a preferred embodiment of the steering wheel, preferably the steering wheel according to the invention, are connected to one another by means of a snap-in connection. Similar to the above description, for this latching connection the locking element is arranged on the airbag module and the latching element on the steering wheel, or for this latching connection the locking element is arranged on the steering wheel and the latching element on the airbag module. It goes without saying that: similar to the above description, a plurality of latching connections can also be established, and therefore a plurality of latching elements and locking elements can be provided on the steering wheel and/or the airbag module.

The method comprises the following steps: electrical contact is established between the locking element and the contact element. The electrical contact between the locking element and the contact element is preferably interrupted during the establishment of the latching connection by the interaction of the locking element and the latching element. The electrical contact between the locking element and the contact element is reestablished when or after the detent connection is established.

After the detent connection has been established, in a further optional step the airbag module or the housing of the airbag module can be moved in the horn direction towards the steering wheel relative to the steering wheel in order to establish an electrical contact between the contact elements and the horn contacts in order to generate a horn signal. It is thus possible to check: whether an established latching connection or a plurality of established latching connections are completely, i.e. correctly, established.

According to the invention, an electrical contact is thus established between the locking element and the contact element before the detent connection is established, in particular when the steering wheel and the airbag module are separated from each other. During the establishment of the latching connection, this electrical contact is interrupted, so that the corresponding horn circuit cannot be completed and the horn function is interrupted. With successful establishment of the latching connection, the electrical contact is reestablished, whereby the horn function is activated. After the latch connection has been successfully completed, the horn function is activated and a horn signal can be generated.

The content of the dependent claims are further advantageous embodiments.

Drawings

The invention is explained in detail below with the aid of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

Wherein:

Fig. 1a and 1b each show a schematic sectional illustration of a design of an assembly according to the invention with an airbag module according to the invention and/or a steering wheel according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic bottom view of a preferred design of an airbag module according to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention;

Fig. 4a to 4d schematically show elements of a preferred design of an assembly according to the invention during different method steps of a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a further preferred embodiment of the assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 6 shows the assembly shown in FIG. 5 in an unlocked state;

FIG. 7 shows the assembly shown in FIG. 5 in an intermediate state when the airbag module is assembled to the steering wheel;

FIG. 8 shows the assembly shown in FIG. 5 in a locked condition;

Figure 9 shows the assembly of figure 5 in a locked condition when the signaling device is activated.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1a schematically shows a first preferred design of the assembly according to the invention and is designated 110. The assembly 110 comprises a preferred embodiment of an airbag module 111 according to the invention and a steering wheel 112.

The steering wheel is connected to a steering column 119. In the airbag module 111, a gas generator 113 and an airbag 114 are provided, which can be inflated by the gas generator 113. It goes without saying that the airbag module 111 and the steering wheel 112 can also have further elements.

the airbag module 111 and the steering wheel 112 can be or are already connected to one another by means of a snap-on connection in the example shown. At least two, preferably three, latching elements 120 in the form of latching hooks, which are arranged on the steering wheel 112, form the first part of these latching connections. One or more locking elements 130, which are provided on the underside or rear side 111a of the airbag module 111 and are designed, for example, in the form of individual leg springs, form the second part of these latching connections. As an alternative, a spring wire can also be considered, in which one or more latching elements can be hooked. The latching hook 120 can be inserted at least partially into the outer surface of the airbag module 111 through a recess or opening 133 on the backside of the airbag module 111. As alternatives, it is also conceivable: the locking element is arranged on the inner side of the airbag module opposite the lower side 111 a. At least in this case, the latching element passes at least partially through the opening 133 through the rear side 111 a.

At least one, preferably all, of the at least partially electrically conductive locking elements 130 are in electrical contact with the electrically conductive contact element 131 or are electrically conductively connected. In the embodiment shown, the contact elements 131 are electrically connected to one another and are preferably formed in one piece in the form of a conductor circuit made of a preformed, electrically conductive flat material, in particular a (punched) metal sheet. As an alternative, contact elements 131 are also provided which are formed from wires or are connected to one another via one or more (flexible) wire sections.

the contact member 131 constitutes a part of the horn circuit 140. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2, one end of the contact element 131 is formed in each case as a pin 132, for example by means of a rivet. Also considered are: the pins are constructed as separate components and are arranged on the airbag module 111, the contact elements 131 and the pins 132 being mechanically and/or electrically connected to one another.

At least one, preferably each, of the contact elements 131 is provided with a contact point 134, in particular in the form of a contact projection or contact projection 134, against which the electrically conductive locking element 131 rests or is conductively connected.

in the latched state of assembly 10, i.e. when a latching connection between latching hook 120 of steering wheel 112 and leg spring 130 of airbag module 121 is established, contact element 131, leg spring 130 and latching hook 120, which is electrically conductive in itself, are thus electrically connected to one another. Latch hook 120 can in this case be or already be electrically connected to first potential 121, for example (directly or indirectly) to the potential of an on-board battery or to the vehicle ground, respectively.

In the assembly 110 shown in fig. 1a, as a further part of the horn circuit 140, horn contacts 116 are respectively provided on the steering wheel 112 opposite and spaced apart from the pins 132. These horn contacts 116 can be or have been connected to a second potential 118, for example to the vehicle ground or to the potential of an on-board battery.

The horn circuit 140 further includes a signaling device 117, such as a "horn" and/or an electronic system, that manipulates or initiates or terminates acoustic or other signals based on contact of one or more of the horn contacts 116 with one or more of the pins 132 (turning the horn circuit 140 on and off).

For switching the horn circuit 140 on (and off), the airbag Module 111 shown in fig. 1a is arranged on the steering wheel 112 such that it can be moved in the horn direction H (shown), in particular parallel to the steering column 119, towards the steering wheel 112 (so-called "Floating Module" principle). This flare direction H is also defined in particular as being parallel to the longitudinal axis a of the steering wheel 112, which flare direction H in the sense of the present invention should also include a direction which is at an angle of at most 20 °, preferably at most 10 °, to the longitudinal axis a or to the steering column 119. The airbag module 111 is held in the rest position relative to the steering wheel 112 by a number of spacer elements 115, in particular in the form of spring elements, for example in the form of helical springs, such that the free ends of the one or more legs 132 have a predetermined distance from the (respectively) correspondingly opposite free ends of the one or more horn contacts.

By a movement of the airbag module 111 in the horn direction, the pins 132 of the contact elements 131 are brought into contact with the horn contacts 116, as a result of which the horn circuit 140 is switched on and a horn signal can then be generated or generated.

fig. 1b shows a further preferred embodiment of the assembly according to the invention and is designated 110'. The assembly 110 ' comprises a preferred embodiment of a steering wheel 112 ' according to the invention and an airbag module 111 '.

elements of fig. 1b that correspond in a similar manner to elements shown in fig. 1a are labeled with the same reference numeral as in fig. 1a, with an apostrophe being assigned to the reference numeral.

As can be seen in fig. 1b, unlike the assembly 110 shown in fig. 1a, the first component, which is a snap-on connection(s), is/are provided with one or more locking elements 130 ', for example in the form of individual leg springs, on the steering wheel 112'. As a second component of the latching connection(s), at least two, preferably three latching elements in the form of latching hooks 120 ' are provided on the underside or rear side 111a ' of the airbag module 111 '. By entering into an opening 133 'in the outer surface of steering wheel 112', snap hook 120 'can be at least partially inserted into steering wheel 112'.

Furthermore, contact elements 131 ' with pins 132 ' are provided on the steering wheel 112 ', which, like the embodiment shown in fig. 1a, are designed, for example, as conductor circuits made of a preformed, electrically conductive flat material and are in particular electrically connected to one another.

The contact element 131 'constitutes a portion (of the steering wheel side) of the horn circuit 140'. The other (module-side) part of the horn circuit 140 ' is formed by the horn contact 116 ' which is respectively opposite and spaced apart from the pin 132 '. In contrast to the assembly 110 shown in fig. 1a, the horn contact 116 'of the assembly 110' shown in fig. 1b is arranged on the underside or rear side 111a 'of the airbag module 111'. Similar to the assembly 110 shown in fig. 1a, the latching element 120 ' and the horn contact 116 ' of the assembly 110 ' shown in fig. 1b can be or have been connected to a potential 121 ' or 118 ', respectively. Furthermore, the horn circuit 140' also contains a signaling device 117 or can be connected to such a signaling device.

analogously to the assembly 110 shown in fig. 1a, the airbag Module 111 ' in the example shown in fig. 1b can also be moved in the horn direction H toward the steering wheel 112 ' in order to switch on or off the horn circuit 140 ' (the "Floating Module" principle). The airbag module 111 'is held in the rest position by the elastic spacer elements 115' in such a way that the free ends of the one or more pins 132 'have a predetermined distance from the (respectively) correspondingly opposite free ends of the one or more horn contacts 116'.

The principle of operation of this embodiment of fig. 1b substantially corresponds to the principle of operation of the embodiment described with reference to fig. 1a and is explained in more detail below in conjunction with the description of fig. 3 and 4.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the assembly can also be designed as a horn device which operates according to the so-called "Floating Cover" principle, according to which the airbag module is arranged not movably, but fixedly or at a fixed distance from the steering wheel (in the installed state), and the Cover of the airbag module oriented toward the driver side ("Cover") can be moved in the direction of the steering wheel in order to switch on the horn circuit. In other words, pressing the shroud and the section of the airbag module containing the underside completes the horn circuit to generate the horn signal.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic bottom view of such a preferred embodiment of the airbag module according to the invention designed according to the "Floating Cover" principle and is designated 211. The airbag module 211 is provided for forming a further preferred embodiment of the assembly according to the invention with a corresponding steering wheel.

In fig. 2, elements which in a similar manner correspond to elements shown in fig. 1a are designated by the reference numerals of fig. 1a plus the value 100.

Similar to the airbag module 111 shown in fig. 1a, the airbag module 211 shown in fig. 2 also has a locking element 230 on its underside 211a, which is configured in this example as two leg springs. The locking element 230 is provided for forming a latching connection with a latching element, for example a latching hook, provided on the respective steering wheel.

the associated latching hooks can each be inserted at least partially through a recess or opening 233 on the rear side or underside 211a of the airbag module 211 in order to form a latching connection with the corresponding locking element 230.

Furthermore, contact elements 231, 231' are provided on the lower side 211a, which contact elements are formed integrally in the illustrated example in the form of a conductor circuit made of a preformed, electrically conductive flat material, in particular a (punched) metal sheet. Each of the locking elements 230 can be electrically connected to one of the contact elements 231, 231', respectively. For this purpose, a contact point 234, in particular in the form of a contact projection or contact projection, is preferably provided on each of the contact elements 231, 231 ', to which the respective electrically conductive locking element 231, 231' can be electrically connected.

The locking elements 230, which are embodied as leg springs in the exemplary embodiment described here, are each arranged on the airbag module 211 in such a way that a first end 230a of the leg spring 230 is fastened to the underside 211a of the airbag module 11, while a second end 230b of the leg spring 230 is movable relative to (towards) the first end 320 a. This second end 230b is movable in particular in the plane of the underside 211a of the airbag module 211 (or a plane running parallel to this plane), i.e. in a plane perpendicular to the horn direction.

The torsion coil spring 230 shown on the left in fig. 2 is in the illustrated example in an initial state in which its second end 230b is not deflected and is electrically connected to the respective left contact element 231. The second end 230b of this locking element 230 thus comes to rest against the contact point 234 of the left-hand contact element 231 and establishes an electrically conductive connection.

The torsion coil spring 230 shown on the right in fig. 2 is in this example in an intermediate state, in which the torsion coil spring 230 is deformed, in particular deflected, from its initial state. In this intermediate state, the second end 230b of the right-hand locking element 230 does not abut against the contact point 234 of the right-hand contact element 231 ', so that the right-hand locking element 230 is not electrically connected to the right-hand contact element 231' in the illustrated state.

When a corresponding (not shown) latching hook of the steering wheel is inserted through opening 233 in order to establish the latching connection, torsion coil spring 230 is deflected out of its initial state into this intermediate state.

in the embodiment shown in fig. 2, exactly three horn contacts in total (upper left, upper right and lower middle) are shown. However, only two or even four horn contacts may be considered. In the embodiment (shown) with three horn contacts and only two latching connections, it is advantageous: one (here the left-hand one) of the contact elements 231, 231' is provided for two of the horn contacts. (in the case of four horn contacts, each of the contact elements 231, 231' is preferably provided for two horn contacts). The contact element 231' therefore has two ends 232, which are each formed as a pin 232, for example by means of a rivet.

according to the embodiment shown with three horn contacts, one end of the contact element 231 arranged on the right side in fig. 2 is shaped as a pin 232. The ends shaped as pins 232 are respectively arranged at a defined distance below the underside 211a of the airbag module 211. Between the underside 211a of the airbag module 211 and each leg 232, a spring element 235, in particular an electrically conductive spring element 235, is arranged in each case. In the example shown, the spring elements 235 are each designed as leaf springs. The spring elements 235 are coupled to one another via an electrically conductive connection (not shown), for example a connection made of wire or flat metal, and can be or can already be electrically connected to the second potential 218, for example to the vehicle ground or to the potential of an on-board battery.

The spring elements 235 each have a free end 236 which projects beyond the outer lateral contour of the underside 211a of the airbag module 211 and overlaps with an element (here embodied as a ring) of the driver-side cover of the airbag module 211, so that, when the cover 237 is pressed in the horn direction H, the free ends 236 of the spring elements 235 are each pushed away from the underside 211 a. The section 216 of the spring element 235 adjoining the free end 236, which section is arranged between the underside 211a of the airbag module 211 and the pin 232 spaced apart therefrom and which section acts as a horn contact, is thereby pressed against the free end of the pin 232, so that an electrical contact is established and the horn circuit 240 is switched on.

Similarly to the above description of fig. 1a and 1b, in the state in which the airbag module 211 is latched on the steering wheel, i.e. in the case in which a latching connection between the leg spring 230 of the airbag module 221 and the corresponding latching hook of the steering wheel has been established, the contact element 231, the leg spring 230 and the corresponding electrically conductive latching hook are electrically connected to one another. The latching hook can be or can be electrically connected to a first potential, for example (directly or indirectly) to the potential of an on-board battery or to the vehicle ground.

As already explained, the airbag module 211 shown in fig. 2 is constructed according to the "Floating Cover" principle. The cover 237, which is arranged around the airbag module and faces the driver, is movable in this case relative to the underside 211a of the airbag module 211. In the latched state between the airbag module 211 and the respective steering wheel, the shield 237 can thus be moved in the horn direction towards the steering wheel to switch on the horn circuit 240. Similarly to the above description of fig. 1a and 1b, the direction of the horns H can in particular run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective steering wheel or at an angle of at most 20 °, preferably at most 10 °, to this longitudinal axis.

by means of the special arrangement and design of the contact elements, of the locking elements and of the latching elements of the preferred embodiment of the airbag module or of the steering wheel according to the invention shown in fig. 1a, 1b and 2, it is possible in a simple manner to check whether the latching connection between the respective latching element and locking element is correctly established. What can furthermore be achieved is: the electrical connection between the locking element and the contact element is separated during the establishment of the latching connection and is reestablished after the latching connection is established, as explained below with respect to fig. 3 and 4.

Fig. 3 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention as a block diagram. Fig. 4a to 4d schematically show the individual elements of a preferred embodiment of the assembly according to the invention during the different steps of such a method as shown in fig. 3.

The following description should be adapted in a similar manner to the preferred embodiments of the airbag module or steering wheel according to the invention, as they are shown in fig. 1a, 1b and 2, respectively. The elements shown in fig. 4a to 4d can therefore correspond to corresponding, analogous elements of the preferred embodiments of the airbag module or steering wheel according to the invention shown in fig. 1a, 1b or 2.

In fig. 4a to 4d, elements which in a similar manner correspond to the elements shown in fig. 1a are respectively marked with the reference numerals used in fig. 1a plus the value 300. Elements in fig. 4a to 4d which correspond in a similar manner to elements shown in fig. 2 are respectively marked with the reference numerals used in fig. 2 plus the value 200.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, an airbag module is connected to a steering wheel as a module and a latching connection is established between the respective locking element and latching element.

In method step 301, before this latching connection is established, an electrical contact is established between a locking element provided on the airbag module or on the steering wheel and a contact element. The airbag module and the steering wheel are not connected to each other but separated from each other in step 301.

Fig. 4a schematically shows a latching element in the form of a latching hook 420, a locking element in the form of a leg spring 430 and a contact element in the form of a wire or flat metal 431 during this method step 301, i.e. before the latching connection is established. There is no mechanical contact between the locking element 430 and the catch element 420. The locking element and the contact element are arranged on the airbag module, while the latching element is arranged on the steering wheel (according to the embodiment shown in fig. 1 a), or vice versa (according to the embodiment shown in fig. 1 b).

The wire 431 is mechanically and electrically connected to the torsion coil spring 430. The second end 430b of the leg spring 430 rests elastically against the contact point 434 of the wire 431 under pretensioning. The leg spring 430 is in its initial state and in the unlocked state (not coupled to the latching hook).

In order to establish the latching connection, the latching hook 420 is moved in the assembly direction, in particular corresponding to the direction of the horn, against the leg spring 430.

In method step 302, the electrical contact between the locking element 430 and the contact element 431 is interrupted during the setting up of the latching connection. Fig. 4b shows the latching hook 420, the helical torsion spring 430 and the wire 431 during this method step 302, i.e. during the establishment of the latching connection.

During method step 302, locking element 430 and catch element 420 interact. The second end 430b of the torsion coil spring is deflected or moved by this interaction or by a corresponding mechanical contact between the catch hook 420 and the torsion coil spring 430. The second end 430b no longer abuts against the contact point 434, thereby interrupting the electrical connection between the torsion coil spring 430 and the wire 431. The locking element 430 is thus moved from its initial or unlocked state into the intermediate state by interaction or mechanical contact with the catch element 420.

In this intermediate state, no horn signal can be generated, since a closed circuit between the potentials 418 and 421 cannot be generated due to the interruption of the electrical connection of the helical torsion spring 430 to the wire 431.

In method step 303, the electrical contact between the locking element 430 and the contact element 431 is reestablished during or after the setting up of the latching connection. Fig. 4c shows the latching hook 420, the helical torsion spring 430 and the wire 431 after the latching connection has been established during this method step 303.

The locking element 430 and the catch element 420 are now mechanically coupled to each other, the locking element 430 being in the locked state. After the detent connection has been established, the second end 430b is moved back into its initial state by the spring force of the leg spring 430 and is pressed back onto the wire 431, as a result of which the second end 430b comes back into contact with the contact point 434 and the leg spring 430 and the wire 431 are electrically reconnected. There is now an electrical connection between the wire 431, the helical torsion spring 430, the catch hook 420 and the electrical potential 421. The horn function is now activated and the horn circuit is now accessible.

In an optional method step 304, a horn signal is generated, for example, by moving the corresponding airbag module 111, 111 ' or the shroud 237 of the corresponding airbag module 211 in the horn direction H, whereby the pins 132, 132 ', 232 and the horn contacts 116, 116 ', 216 are electrically contacted to one another. As can be seen in fig. 4d, pin 432 of wire 431 is connected to horn contact 416, thereby completing the horn circuit between potentials 418 and 421. The horn signal is generated by a signaling device 417 and emitted in acoustic form.

Fig. 5 shows an alternative, particularly preferred assembly 510, which has a steering wheel 512 and an airbag module 511 for mounting on the steering wheel 512.

a locking element 530 and a contact element 531 are provided on the airbag module 511, wherein the locking element 530 can form a latching connection with a latching element 520 provided on the steering wheel 512, by means of which latching connection the airbag module 511 and the steering wheel 512 can be connected to one another.

According to fig. 5, the locking element 530 is a movable, elastic spring element and can assume an unlocked state, a locked state and intermediate states relative to the catch element 520, which is in this case designed as a rigid catch hook.

This results in a generic latching structure similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 1 a. Alternatively, a latching arrangement can also be considered in which, like the assembly shown in fig. 1b, the locking element 530 and the contact element 531 are arranged on the steering wheel 512, while the latching element 520 is arranged on the airbag module 511. Furthermore, it is of course also possible to use a hybrid form of these latching structures.

In contrast to the embodiment according to fig. 1a and 1b, the relative movement for triggering the horn of the vehicle is not carried out in the assembly 510 according to fig. 5 in the region of the latching connection between the steering wheel 512 and the airbag module 511, but rather inside the airbag module 511; in particular between the steering wheel-side module plate 524 and the remaining part of the airbag module 511, said module plate also has a locking element 530 and a contact element 531. As an alternative, however, the relative movement can also take place, for example, between the module hood on the passenger side and the remaining part of the airbag module 511. As will also be explained below, the structure according to fig. 5 to 9 ensures a particularly high functional reliability of the vehicle horn with the assembly 510 correctly assembled, wherein the remaining structural aspects and the general operating principle refer in additional detail to the above detailed description of fig. 1 to 4.

According to fig. 5, the assembly 510 is shown in an assembled, unoperated initial state. The locking element 530 is in its locked state, so that the airbag module 511 is latched correctly with the steering wheel 512. The horn contact 516 is spaced apart from the contact element 531, so that the horn circuit 540 (shown schematically in fig. 9) is not switched on and the signaling device 517 therefore does not emit a horn signal.

Fig. 6 to 9 each show a detail of the assembly 510 according to fig. 5 and illustrate the different steps of mounting the airbag module 511 on the steering wheel 512.

Fig. 6 shows the airbag module 511 alone prior to assembly to the steering wheel 512. The assembly 510 or the locking element 530 is in an unlocked state in which there is no mechanical contact between the locking element 530 and the catch element 520. In the unlocked state according to fig. 6, however, there is an electrical contact between the locking element 530 and the contact element 531. In particular, the contact element 531, which is designed as a wire or a sheet, forms a stop against which the locking element 530, which is designed as a spring element, is loaded.

Fig. 7 shows an intermediate state during latching of the airbag module 511 on the steering wheel 512, in which the latching elements 520 of the steering wheel 512 are designed as rigid latching hooks as possible. When the airbag module 511 is pressed axially onto the steering wheel 512, the locking element 530 slides along the inclined surface of the latching element 520 under elastic deformation and is thereby moved away from the contact element 531. In this intermediate state, therefore, there is mechanical contact between the locking element 530 and the latching element 520, but no electrical contact is present between the locking element 531 and the contact element 530.

In other words, the horn circuit 540 is interrupted when the locking element 530 is in a deflected or partially deflected state starting from its initial position shown in fig. 6.

In the unlocked state of the locking element 530, in particular in the unlocked state and/or in the intermediate state, the horn function cannot be activated even if the horn contact 516 touches the end 532 of the contact element 531 as shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 8 finally shows the locked state of the assembly 510 or of the locking element 530, in which the airbag module 511 is correctly latched and mounted on the steering wheel 512. The locking element 530 is in this case electrically connected and mechanically coupled, in particular latched, to the latching element 520, wherein again an electrical contact is present between the locking element 530 and the contact element 531. After a correct latching, the locking element 530 in its locked state according to fig. 8 assumes, in particular, the same position relative to the contact element 531 as in the unlocked state according to fig. 6.

In the embodiment shown, a spacer element 515 with a resilient section 541 is provided. As is shown schematically in fig. 8, the section 541 is elastically deformed when the airbag module 511 is latched to the steering wheel 512, so that an axial pretension is formed in the latching connection. In this way, rattling noises between the locking element 530 and the catch element 520 can be avoided during driving operation. The operation of the vehicle horn is performed here via a separate horn spring 525 and thus independently of the spacer element 515. The axial pretension provided by the spacer element 515 is in particular greater than the resistance of the horn spring 525, so that no relative movement between the locking element 530 and the catch element 520 occurs even when the horn is operated. In the locked state, a continuous electrical contact between the locking element 530 and the latching element 520 is accordingly ensured, which has a favorable effect on the functional reliability of the horn in the correctly assembled state of the assembly 510.

In the locked state of the assembly 510, the latching element 520 is thus reliably electrically connected to the contact element 531 via the locking element 530. Furthermore, the contact element 531 may be electrically connected with a horn contact 516 for generating a horn signal.

As shown schematically in fig. 9, the latching element 520 is connected to an electrical potential 521, in particular to a ground potential, such as a vehicle ground, while the horn contact 516 is connected to a second electrical potential 518, in particular to a vehicle battery.

According to fig. 9, the horn spring 525 is deformed in the axial horn direction H by an axial pressing of the airbag module 511, in particular of a module shield on the passenger side of the airbag module, until an electrical contact is established between the contact element 531 and the horn contact 516 and the signaling device 517 emits a signal.

In the illustrated design of the assembly 510, the correct mounting of the airbag module 511 on the steering wheel 512 can thus be checked simply and quickly by way of the function of the vehicle horn. The horn signal can only sound when the airbag module 511 is latched as intended, i.e. the latching element 530 in its latched state rests via the contact points 534 on the contact elements 531 and also makes electrical contact with the latching element 520. If the vehicle horn is not functioning properly during operation of the horn, this indicates that the latching of the airbag module 511 is incorrect or insufficient.

List of reference numerals

110. 110' assembly

111. 111' airbag module

111a, 111 a' underside or rear side of an airbag module

112. 112' steering wheel

113. 113' gas generator

114. 114' air bag

115. 115' spacer element, spring

116. 116' horn contact

117. 117' signalling device

118. 118' potential

119. 119' steering column

120. 120' latch element, latch hook

121. Potential of 121

130. 130' locking element, helical torsion spring

131. 131' contact element, wire

132. 132' contact element end, pin

133. 133' opening

134. 134' contact point

140. 140' horn circuit

A. Longitudinal axis of A

H horn direction

211 airbag module

211a lower or rear side of the airbag module

213 gas generator

216 horn contacts as sections of a spring element 235

218 potential of

230 locking element, helical torsion spring

230a first end of a locking element

230b second end of the locking element

231. 231' contact element, wire

232 terminal, pin of contact element

233 opening

234 contact point

235 elastic element, leaf spring

236 free end of elastic element

237 shroud for airbag module

301 to 304 method steps

420 latching element, latching hook

430 locking element, helical torsion spring

430b second end of the locking element

431 contact element, wire

432 contact element end, pin

434 contact point

416 Horn contact

417 signalling device

418 potential

421 potential

510 component

511 airbag module

512 steering wheel

513 gas generator

514 air bag

515 spacer element

516 horn contact

517 signaling device

518 potential

520 latch element

521 potential

524 module board

525 horn spring

530 locking element

531 contact element

532 end, pin of contact element

534 contact point

540 loudspeaker circuit

541 elastic section