Patent Application
20070262573
In the drawing, the single FIGURE shows a sectional view of a steering device according to the invention.
The steering device 10 illustrated in the FIGURE comprises a steering wheel 12 with a hub 14 which is fastened non-rotatably to a hollow steering column 16. A folded gas bag 20 is accommodated in the steering wheel 12 underneath a covering 18.
A gas generator 22 which is able to be activated is arranged on the side of the hub 14 facing away from the steering wheel 12, outside the steering column 16. A flow connection exists between the gas generator 22 and the gas bag 20, this flow connection being produced by a suitable attachment of the gas generator 22 to the steering column 16 and its opening 24 on the steering wheel side. In addition, a diffusor 26 having outflow openings can be provided, which specifies the direction of the gas entering into the gas bag 20. In the embodiment illustrated in the Figure, the diffusor 26 also serves to clamp the gas bag 22 and therefore to seal the space between the hub 14 and the diffusor 26.
The gas generator 22 may either be securely connected with the steering column 16 such that it is co-rotated when the steering column 16 turns, or the gas generator 22 is fixed to the vehicle, such that a relative rotation between the steering column 16 and the gas generator 22 must be guaranteed. In the first case (non-rotatable arrangement of the gas generator 22 on the steering column 16), the electric leads of the gas generator 22 are connected by a commercial rotary joint (helical spring) with the electronic activation unit of the restraint system. In the second case (arrangement of the gas generator 22 so as to be fixed to the vehicle), no rotary joint is necessary. The flow connection for conducting gas from the gas generator 22 into the steering column 16 in this case is ensured by means of tight coupling contours (e.g. a flange) or a tight coupling element (e.g. a flexible pipe or a tube) and radial steering column openings 28 in the region of the gas generator 22. If further components (e.g. an outer column 30) have to be arranged between the gas generator 22 and the steering column 16 as a necessity of the construction, a tight conducting of the gas stream can be provided by suitable measures, e.g. additional coupling- and/or sealing elements.
As already mentioned, the steering column 16 is open on the steering wheel side. The opening 24 may, however, be closed by a closure which either opens passively at a certain pressure or can be actively opened by means of a control arrangement. The opposite end side of the steering column 16 is either closed permanently or by a mechanism which allows it to control the unfolding behaviour and oufflow behaviour of the gas bag 20 (active vent) by varying an opening cross-section and/or the point in time of opening.
Suitable materials may be introduced in the steering column 16, in order to cool and filter the gas generator discharge substances. The connection between the end of the steering column 16 on the steering wheel side and the gas bag 20 is constructed such that no, or only a small amount of the gas serving to inflate the gas bag 20 can escape. This may take place expediently by means of a flange-like connection or a seal, with a (prepared) part of the gas bag 20 being used as a seal, for example.
The gas flowing out from the steering column 16 towards the covering 18 is deflected by the diffusor 26 or another suitable contour such that the gas stream flows into the gas bag 20 radially—in relation to the steering axis A—or at an angle which is individually coordinated with the vehicle, in order to ensure an optimum unfolding behaviour with respect to an occupant who has been displaced forward or with respect to an obstacle. The diffusor 26 or the contour slows down particles which are accelerated in the steering column 16, or allows the particles to adhere to its surface, so that damage to the gas bag by accelerated particles is avoided.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 2006 007 751.0 | May 2006 | DE | national |
