DE19829237A1 - Steering wheel and column displaceable in crash - Google Patents

Abstract

The steering column and/or steering wheel are displaced to the front of the vehicle if a crash occurs to move them out of a vehicle occupant's head impact area. The displacing appts. has a locking device which holds the steering column in a specific position when the vehicle is in use. The locking device is released if a crash occurs. The device is released automatically e.g. by a pyrotechnic actuator lever (72) to move the steering column and wheel to a position at the end stop of length (68) and/or height adjustment (69) devices. the pyrotechnic actuator lever activates a clamping lever (70) to move it into its release position, when a crash occurs. A vehicle occupant recognition unit provides data on the occupant size, weight, current seating position. The data is used for positioning the steering column.

Description

The invention relates to a steering device for a vehicle according to the preamble of Pa claim 1.

A steering device with a steering that can be moved in the front direction of the vehicle in the event of a crash rad is known for example from the procon-ten® system from Audi. At this Steering device, the relative movement between the engine and the body is used to to pull the steering wheel in the direction of the vehicle via steel cables and thus out of the potential to remove the head impact area of a vehicle occupant.

In a patent application by Citroën, a steering device with a telescopic described steering column, which in the event of a crash under the action of a spring and with Support of the inertial forces acting on impact collapses. At a steering device described in DE 22 46 844 C2 is in a vehicle crash the steering wheel pulled away by means of the deformation of a lever construction.

From DE 196 07 193 A1 a steering device is also known, which has a steering column, a steering wheel, locking means and a tilt mechanism. By means of this tilt Mechanism can tilt the steering wheel in vehicle operation by driving witness occupants can be set manually. In the event of a crash, this tilting mechanism becomes a problem used to automatically bring the steering wheel into a predetermined position, in particular is particularly advantageous for triggering a restraint system.

The object of the invention is a generic steering device for a vehicle to further that the safety of the vehicle is increased.

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1.  

According to claim 1, the steering device comprises a steering wheel and / or a steering column and a displacement device and a locking device with which the steering wheel and / or the steering column is fixed in a certain position in vehicle operation.

In the event of a crash, the locking device has unlockable means for releasing the Locking on. By releasing the locking device, the steering column and! Or that In the event of a crash, the steering wheel can be moved in the front direction of the vehicle and thus the steering column and / or the steering wheel is removed from the head impact area of a vehicle occupant become. In this context, shifting in the vehicle front direction also understood movements of the steering device which are at an acute angle Steering column axis occur, including bends, kinks or twists the Steering device.

The unlocking means can be actuated to release the locking device in the event of a crash preferably with pyrotechnic, known and proven arrangements. It however, for example, are also fast electromotive, especially electromagnetic and / or pneumatic operations can be carried out. Alternatively or additionally, one Unlocking the locking device via a positive guide at one Vehicle deformation take place. The locking device can also be unlocked via a Triggering device of an airbag, a recoil in the steering column and / or in Airbags housed in the steering wheel or by the impact of a person on the steering wheel and / or the steering column can be released.

Furthermore, embodiments of the steering device according to the invention are possible, at those by means of external sensors, an interior sensor system and / or by means of brake sensors impending vehicle crash is detected and the locking device is unlocked.

The displacement of the unlocked steering column and / or the steering wheel can, for example in a manner known per se by inertial forces, which in the event of a crash due to the Deceleration act on the steering wheel and / or the steering column.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the steering wheel and / or the steering column, for example in the steering wheel hub, an airbag. By the at an airbag ejection recoil on the steering column and / or the steering wheel Displacement of the steering column and / or the steering wheel in the vehicle front direction reached or additionally supported.  

It is particularly advantageous to unlock the locking device before the airbag is deployed. In this embodiment, the airbag recoil can be used to shift the steering column and / or the steering wheel can be used. This embodiment is therefore special inexpensive and can be implemented with little effort.

The displacement of the steering column and / or the steering wheel in the front direction of the vehicle can alternatively or additionally, by means of driven displacement devices. This can For example, a driven stationary pinion can be provided, for example a comb on the steering column fixedly combs and at one Twisting the steering column moves.

Such a driven displacement device is preferably designed so that in normal driving the shifting means to adjust the steering wheel in a a vehicle occupant optimal use position can be used. This Embodiment enables a very comfortable steering wheel adjustment when driving, at who used the existing shifting device. Accordingly, the Steering wheel adjustment can be achieved with minimal additional effort.

It is particularly advantageous to use a driven displacement and adjustment device To couple occupant sensors. Such an embodiment of the invention Steering device offers the possibility of the driver in normal driving when choosing the support optimal steering wheel position, for example by using the steering wheel results determined by the occupant sensor system in an optimal position for the driver is adjusted. In the event of a crash, the determination results of the occupant sensor system can be used used that especially in steering devices in which in the steering column and / or an airbag is accommodated in the steering wheel, the steering column and / or the steering wheel in an optimal position for airbag deployment is shifted.

Such a driven displacement device is preferably activated via the deployment device of an airbag. Alternatively or additionally, external sensors, Interior sensors or brake sensors to detect an upcoming Vehicle crashes and thus to activate the driven shifting devices to serve. Alternatively or additionally, the recoil of a deployed airbag can also be used and / or the impact of a vehicle occupant on the steering wheel and / or the steering column Activate the driven sliding device.  

Known adjustment devices for adjusting the steering column and / or the Steering wheel in a comfortable position for the vehicle occupant can as Shifting devices for shifting the steering wheel and / or the steering column in Vehicle front direction are formed in the event of a crash. In particular, the equipment already with an adjustment device for adjusting the steering wheel and / or the steering column in an optimal use position of vehicles equipped for the vehicle occupants in that the unlocking means, which can be activated by hand for the adjustment activated automatically in the event of a crash. The required unlocking means can motorized, preferably pyrotechnic via known and proven arrangements be operable. However, for example, they are also fast electromotive, in particular electromagnetic and / or pneumatic operations, executable.

The displacement device for displacing the steering column and / or the steering wheel in However, the front direction of the vehicle in the event of a crash can also be independent or separate by an adjustment device for positioning the steering column and / or the steering wheel in an optimal use position for the vehicle occupant. Thereby the safety of vehicle occupants can also be increased in vehicles where no adjustment device for adjusting the steering column and / or the steering wheel is provided is.

The steering column of the steering device according to the invention can be one or more parts as relative dimensionally stable element. This embodiment enables in particular simple and inexpensive constructions.

Alternatively, a targeted shortening of the steering column in the event of a crash is proposed. With This embodiment can be caused by a deformation of the front body caused movement of the steering column and / or the steering wheel on the Vehicle occupants are at least compensated for. To do this, the steering column telescopic. Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed that To provide steering column with a compression arrangement.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, at least in each case a first connection profile of the steering column for the steering wheel and a second Connection profile, which faces the steering gear, assigned a deformation element. It is particularly advantageous to insert one in between these at least two deformation members  provide substantially dimensionally stable steering column intermediate section. Dimensionally stable means in this connection, that of those to be expected during a vehicle accident Loads no significant deformations occur in this area.

Due to the spaced arrangement of the deformation members and the inclusion A largely dimensionally stable intermediate section has many advantages. The Steering column itself makes a contribution to the described embodiment Energy absorption in a vehicle crash. In addition, the deformation elements Take over joint functions. For example, this is the steering column gear facing deformation member capable of originating from deformation of the front part To reduce the tilting movement of the entire steering column so that hardly any The steering wheel moves upwards. In addition or alternatively, this then ensures that Steering wheel facing deformation element for this, especially in so-called Seat giants or dwarfs an energy-absorbing shift of the steering wheel can, although this is at an unfavorable setting angle relative to the vehicle occupant stands.

In connection with such an upsetting device, a tilting movement of the Steering column and / or the steering wheel can be achieved alternatively or additionally, that a steering column receptacle is provided for receiving the steering column, which is a targeted Tilting the steering column in the event of a crash promotes or enables. For this, the Steering column receptacle, for example, so that they are made from a tubular casing there is an inclined end face as a stop element. With a movement of the Steering column in the front of the vehicle goes the steering wheel or one attached to the steering column Stop element on the face of the steering column mount on a block. This will make one possible positioning movement of the steering column in the event of a front-end deformation at least compensated and thus increases the safety of vehicle occupants. By this measure can also be used in steering devices in which in the steering wheel and / or in the steering column Airbag is housed, the airbag moves into a position favorable for the airbag deployment become.

As an alternative or in addition, compensation for the movement of the steering column in the Crash can be achieved in that the steering column is rotatably mounted in a ring bearing is, the ring bearing, for example, on a cross member of the motor vehicle a holding part is attached. The ring bearing can be designed as a steering column mount or be provided in addition to the steering column mount.  

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the ring bearing is only a part attached its outer periphery to the holding part or to the vehicle body. This can with a suitable choice of the design and material characteristics of the ring bearing and / or achieved by a suitable fastening of the ring bearing on the vehicle body be that if a certain limit load is exceeded, for example in a row in a crash, a targeted tilting of the steering column and / or the steering wheel is achieved. This will at least make the steering wheel and / or the steering column stand up in the event of a crash compensated. In addition, in this embodiment, one in the steering column and / or in Steering wheel housed airbag are positioned so that the deployment for the Occupant protection is optimal.

In this context, it is also pointed out that a part of the Steering wheel available energy absorption capacity in the Deformation element can be moved into it. The steering wheel should accordingly are not designed as a three- or four-spoke steering wheel, but also as Two-spoke steering wheel available. This results in an additional lightweight construction potential for the Steering device according to the invention.

The design of at least one of the Deformation elements as dampers to influence the speed of propagation of the Gas cushion. In the case of a deformation element with a corrugated tube profile, for example Folds of the gas cushion are specifically placed in depressions of the deformation element. This delays the gas cushion deployment in a defined manner, so that the vehicle occupant despite Rapid provision of sufficient retention gas volume is not exaggerated hard the gas cushion effective as a retaining element is hit.

An embodiment of the invention at least in sections is particularly advantageous Steering column as a tubular body. This embodiment has the advantage that parts of a Airbag device can be moved directly into the steering column. The The steering column is thus also the housing for at least one gas generator including the diffuser and gas pillows. Alternatively, a division can also be made in such a way that for example, only the gas generators are arranged within the steering column while the gas cushion to be filled by these is stowed within the steering wheel hub.  

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the gas generator is directly inside of the steering column in the intermediate section of the steering column. This embodiment of the Steering device according to the invention offers the possibility of a particularly light Construction by, for example, the gas generator housing an integral part of a cylindrical shell that forms the steering column intermediate portion. The inside wall of the Steering column intermediate section is thus at the same time the housing wall for one or more Gas generators.

To independently activate the propellant charges housed in the gas generators the use of the respective angle of rotation of the steering wheel suggested by ring lighters. The one in conventional systems around the steering column led around winding lines - so-called coil springs - which the gas generator with connect a control unit, can therefore be completely omitted. Can be used as a ring lighter Elements are used, as are known for example from weapon technology. The Ring lighters can, for example, on the outside of the Steering column intermediate section may be arranged or be integrated into the wall thereof. The ignition energy can be mechanical and / or electromagnetic, for example working trigger devices are introduced into the propellant charge.

In order to move the steering column and / or the steering wheel in the event of a crash prevent body parts of the vehicle occupant between the steering wheel and / or steering column and adjacent components, especially the dashboard, are in a preferred embodiment of the steering device according to the invention Devices for clamping protection are provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the pinch protection is achieved in that a Stop to limit a maximum adjustment of the steering wheel and / or the steering column is provided. This stop should preferably be attached so that the maximum adjustment of the steering wheel is limited in that after the adjustment of the steering wheel There is at least a finger's width between the steering wheel and the dashboard. Means In this embodiment, the pinch protection is particularly simple and inexpensive Way feasible. The attachment of a stop to limit the maximum adjustment the steering wheel and / or the steering column requires only minor design changes on conventional constructions. In particular, retrofitting of Vehicles with an anti-trap device possible in this embodiment.  

In a further preferred embodiment, in addition to the stop Limitation of the maximum adjustment path of the steering column and / or the steering wheel Latching device provided. This locking device serves to hold back the steering wheel and / or the steering column after a displacement of the steering wheel and / or the steering column in Vehicle front direction in the event of a crash. The steering wheel can be locked in this way and / or the steering column does not return uncontrolled towards a person be pushed back, reducing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants is reduced.

The stop is preferably to be integrated into the latching device. This will make it easy Possibility to limit the maximum adjustment of the steering wheel and / or the steering column created that at the same time locking the steering wheel and / or the steering column in the position. This embodiment is particularly simple and inexpensive to carry out and requires only a few components, so that the assembly of a appropriate combination of stop and locking device easily and inexpensively can be designed.

The stop provided for protection against jamming or the latching device or the Combination of stop and locking device can be advantageous with a Occupant detection device can be combined. Based on the results of the investigation The occupant detection device can be the stop or the detent or the Adjust the combination of the stop and the locking device. This can achieve that the stop or the notch or the combination of stop and notch in one Position are adjusted so that the position of the steering column and / or the steering wheel after a Adjustment in the event of a crash for the deployment of one in the steering column and / or in the steering wheel airbags located is optimal. Using the results of the investigation Occupant detection device can be the stop or the detent or the combination from stop and detent can also be adjusted so that after adjusting the Steering wheel and / or the steering column in the event of a crash, finger space remaining between the steering wheel and the adjacent components, especially the dashboard, to the anatomical conditions of the vehicle occupant, for example his hand width, is adjusted.

Alternatively or in addition to limiting the maximum adjustment path through the stop or the catch or a combination of stop and catch becomes an expandable  Steering wheel rim proposed, in which a finger grip by enlarging the grip area preferably before the shift of the steering wheel and / or the steering column is released. This widening of the steering wheel rim by means of a coupling with the airbag is advantageous carried out via known pyrotechnic means. For example, a Gas line from an airbag device to the steering wheel rim. As in known multi-stage airbag deployments can be made before an adjustment of the steering wheel and / or the steering column and / or an inflation of the airbag already the steering wheel rim Handle opening are inflated.

In the case of driven adjustment devices, overload protection can additionally or alternatively in the drive, e.g. B. a drive current fuse or a drive current limiter, as Finger trap protection must be included.

The finger pinch protection device can be advantageous depending on a handle detection to be activated. The handle detection recognizes whether the steering wheel is with your fingers is encompassed. The handle detection is preferably pneumatic, inductive and / or by means of Executable heat sensors. For example, a stop can depend on one Handle detection activated so that a finger gap between finger protection the steering wheel and adjacent components, such as the dashboard remains. Becomes on the other hand, no handle on the steering wheel was recognized, or all fingers of the steering wheel are already in front When a critical pinching position is reached, the steering wheel can continue to move in the event of a crash the area of the instrument panel.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing. Show it in a schematic representation

Fig. 1: steering column as part of a steering apparatus according to the invention with additional elements for occupant protection,

Fig. 2: a kit from which a steering column of the steering apparatus according to the invention can be generated,

Fig. 3 shows a second variant of the invention,

FIG. 4 shows a third variant of the invention,

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a steering wheel as a component of the steering device according to the invention,

. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the steering wheel in Figure 5,

Fig. 7 shows a steering apparatus according to the invention with a steering column is designed as a jacket tube receiving Angled end face,

FIG. 8 shows a fastening of a bearing ring mounted in a steering column to a cross member of a motor vehicle,

Fig. 9 is a steering apparatus according to the invention with a shaft mounted in a bearing ring steering column,

Fig. 10 shows a steering device according to the invention with a conventional Lenkradverstelleinrichtung for adjustment of the steering wheel in an optimum for a vehicle occupant use position to a first variant,

Fig. 11 is a steering apparatus according to the invention with a conventional Lenkradverstelleinrichtung for adjustment of the steering wheel in an optimum for a vehicle occupant use position to a second variant,

Fig. 12 is a steering apparatus according to the invention in a further variant,

Fig. 13 shows a steering device according to the invention having a driven displacement device for displacement of the steering column and the steering wheel in the event of a crash in the vehicle front direction.

In FIGS. 1-11 and in FIGS. 12-13, the same components have the same numbering.

It can be seen in Fig. 1 is an overall designated 1 steering column having a first terminal profile 2, on which a steering wheel 3 is preferably arranged with a Schnapparretierung, and a second connection profile 4, which is carried out in the cross-sectional shape and a correspondingly designed coupling piece 5 of a Steering column lower part 6 takes on. The inserted into the connecting profile 4 steering column lower part 6 is made in two parts here and has a first compression area 7 , which makes a contribution to shortening the entire steering column 1 in the event of a head-on collision when, via an articulated rod 8 and a cardanic joint 9 due to deformations in the front end, high axial loads are generated. Further upsetting areas 10 and 11 are realized by deformation members 12 and 13 , which are designed like bellows or corrugated pipe. The strength of these deformation members 12 , 13 is designed so that no deformations due to torsion or pressure force can occur in normal steering operation. The meandering course of the wall cross-section gives, however, the possibility of not only shortening the steering column 1 as a whole, but also changing its inclination relative to the vehicle occupants (not shown here) under extreme loads, such as those that occur during a vehicle accident. Depending on the specific conditions in a vehicle, it can be ensured in this way that the steering wheel 3 is always in a position which ensures the proper deployment of a gas cushion 14 accommodated here in the steering column 1 . The folding of the gas cushion 14 is only symbolically indicated here. An inverted fold is preferred in which an uppermost layer is first blown with the gas stream from gas generators 15 , 16 and then all further folded layers are pulled out. Alternatively, other types of folding (so-called raff folding, leporello folding etc.) can also be used. The gas cushion 14 can be inflated here by at least one of the two gas generators 15 , 16 which are located in an intermediate section 17 of the steering column. Each of the gas generators 15 , 16 is equipped with ring lighters 18 , 19 , which can be activated by triggering a control device 22 via triggers in the manner of firing pin devices 20 , 21 (impact body which can be driven by small-propellant charge, preferably bolt-like). The Schlagbolzenein devices 20 , 21 are attached to a steering column receptacle 23 in which the steering column 1 is rotatably mounted via pivot bearings 24 , 25 . In addition, the steering column 1 can be supported via a force limiter 26 on the symbolically represented vehicle body 27 .

The force-displacement identifier of the force limiter 26 can be influenced in the illustrated embodiment via a throttle valve 28 , which can also be acted upon by the control unit 22 . The steering column 1 is thus part of an occupant protection device in which, in addition to the safety contributions made by the steering column 1 alone, additional measures are provided to reduce the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants. Different parameters can be taken into account individually or in combination for influencing the force-displacement identifier of the force limiter 26 . A sensor symbol denoted by 29 represents a sensor system with which, for example, the following parameters can be recorded: occupant weight, position of a driver's seat (not shown here), backrest inclination of the driver's seat, time behavior in the event of an accident-related vehicle deceleration, accident-related deformation of the vehicle body depending on the collision location and / or the impact intensity, number of impact fittings on the vehicle, filling behavior of the gas cushion 14 .

Of particular importance in the embodiment shown in the drawing is the folding of the gas cushion 14 in such a way that some folds are deliberately moved into the wave profile of the deformation member 12 . The gas flowing out via diffusers 30 , 31 from the gas generators 15 and / or 16 initially generates an opening pressure acting on a cover cap 32 in the gas cushion 14 . The folds placed in the wave profile dampen the spread of the gas cushion 14 in a defined manner so as not to shoot the vehicle occupant unnecessarily hard. This also ensures that the gas cushion fabric is not exposed to excessive pressure from the inside.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the deformation member 12 is also a gas cushion receptacle. A in front of the wave profile of the deformation member 14 arranged fastening ring 33 ensures that even when the gas cushion 14 is fully pressurized, this cannot detach itself from the steering column 1 .

The gas generator 15 is designed in a toroidal manner here, so that flowing gas can also enter the gas cushion 14 from the diffuser 30 . As an alternative to the embodiment shown in the drawing, however, the diffuser 30 can also face the compression area 7 , in order then to be able to fill a footwell or knee airbag via outlet openings (not shown here) in the deformation member 13, for example.

The activation of the gas generators does not necessarily have to take place via mechanical loading of ring lighters, but can also be done, for example, by electro-magnetic transmission of ignition energy. For example, a coil system attached to the steering column receptacle 23 is conceivable, which cooperates with an ignition coil system assigned to the respective propellant charge of the gas generator 15 , 16 . The introduction of the ignition described here out of the non-rotatable steering column receptacle 23 makes it possible to dispense with the previously used coil springs. The assembly of the steering column arrangement shown in FIG. 1 is thus facilitated because only fixed components are to be wired to one another in the installed position.

The concept proposed here is also technically interesting for other reasons. For example, a pre-assembly set is conceivable in which the steering column designed as a tubular body 1 is a receptacle for the gas cushion 14 and the gas generators 15 , 16 . In a preferred embodiment, this tubular body is a component produced by internal high-pressure forming, on which all the component sections that are important for the function of the steering column 1 according to the invention are molded directly from the same material. This applies in particular to the adapter sections assigned to the lower part of the steering column 6 and the steering wheel 3 , but also to the shape of the deformation members 12 per se. Since geometries can be varied within wide limits using internal high-pressure forming, a deformation behavior can be set by selecting the right wall thickness and specifying cross-sections that best suits various accident situations. Wall force and / or geometry variations can also be used to select different force-displacement identifiers for the deformation members 12 and 13 , for example by selecting different diameters. An identifier of the upper deformation member 12 which is softer than the second deformation member 13 is preferred, in order to support the head of the vehicle occupant impacting thereon after the gas cushion 14 has been fully deployed, before the deformation force resulting from the front end area acts on the deformation member 13 .

As an alternative to hydroforming, the manufacture of the steering column 1 by rolling can also be considered. A semifinished product 1 'shown in FIG. 2, which is composed of pipe sections 12 ', 13 'and 17 ' which have different wall thicknesses, is preferably to be used, for example. The different wall thicknesses can be the result of a forming process on a tubular rod-shaped semifinished product or can result from the use of pipe sections which have different wall thicknesses in the initial state and have then been assembled, for example, by friction welding or other joining techniques.

In the embodiment shown in the drawing, for example, the steering column intermediate section 17 and the gas generators 15 , 16 together with diffusers 30 , 31 have been assembled in advance to form an assembly. Either pre-deformed deformation members 12 , 13 are then attached to this assembly or semi-finished products are attached, which are still subjected to a shaping process after attachment to the housing section 17 . Alternatively, the integration of at least one gas generator together with the diffuser in a semi-finished product with a smooth interior is also proposed. These gas generators are then axially fixed by rolling in the free ends. A rolling process necessary for the generation of the deformation member contour can thus be used at the same time for fastening the gas generator. The individual kits or individual elements of the kits can also be composed of different materials.

Deviating from the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, however, for example, at least one of the deformation members 12 , 13 can also be combined with a diffuser to form an integral part, which is then connected to the steering column intermediate section 17 which is provided with the gas generators 15 , 16, preferably by means of a thermal joining technique . Housing elements 34 , 35 for the ring lighter 18 , 19 can be designed as retrofittable attachment parts or also as integral parts.

The housings of the gas generators 15 , 16 do not necessarily have to be designed as insert pieces for pipes. It is also conceivable to use the steering column intermediate section 17 directly as a housing part.

Of particular importance in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is a cover cap 32 'embedded in a steering wheel hub 3.3 and of a dimensionally stable design, the steering wheel 3 ' being attachable to the steering column 1 '', for example, in analogy to the air bag device described in WO 97101460 . The design of the steering wheel 3 'described here can also be implemented on conventionally designed steering columns. In a departure from the previously common covering principles, the covering 32 'is not articulated on the surface of the steering wheel hub 3.3 , but has been moved inwards. An articulation point 36 is attached to the inside of the hub, for example in a bottom region of a gas generator door housing, within a guide 15 '. The unfolding gas cushion 14 can then only move the cover 32 'so far into the open position that it does not emerge from the contour of the steering wheel 3 '. A driver who is possibly very close to the steering wheel cannot be injured by the opening movement of the cap. This opening state is shown in Fig. 3 with dashed lines.

In the present case, the fastening point 36 can move forward in a gas generator pot 37 , which is simultaneously designed as a connecting part corresponding to the steering column 1 ″, by a predetermined distance As. It is expressly pointed out here that FIG. 3 is only a schematic basic illustration. The articulation of the cover 32 'and also its specific configuration can be varied widely. For example, the attachment point 36 does not necessarily have to be moved into the steering column 1 ″. With a correspondingly designed steering wheel hub, the cover 32 'can also be attached to the steering wheel hub itself independently of the gas generator. The cover 32 ′ itself or the special way in which it is articulated on the steering wheel hub or on the steering column 1 ″ can also be designed to absorb energy, in order to enable the gas cushion 14 to be deployed in a controlled manner.

A symbolically indicated ignition lock 38 with a control cam 39 shows that a steering column 1 ″ designed according to the invention can also be equipped with a steering wheel lock. For this purpose, for example, a movable from a tension spring 40 in the open position and designed as a clamping body 41 locking body via the control cam 39 in a locking recess 42 which has been introduced here by internal high pressure forming directly into the steering column 1 '. However, simple bores or perforations can also be provided as the locking recess. As an alternative to the ignition lock principle shown in FIG. 3, locking elements can also be provided in the area of the steering column lower part 6 (see FIG. 1), which can then be moved, for example, by electrically actuated actuators in the closed or open position.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 relates to a steering device according to the invention combined with an occupant protection device, the essential component of which is an actuating device by means of which an electrical consumer - for example a horn 43 - can be switched. A pressure plate 45 placed on compression springs 44 acts as a motion sensor, which here enables a ring-shaped permanent magnet 47 to be displaced via a thin rod 46 , which is provided with a weakening area 46 a which buckles or shears in the event of an accident-related overload. The position shift of the magnet 47 which can be carried out according to the double arrow 48 is sensed by an annular coil 49 which is assigned to the steering column receptacle 23 . A control signal generated in this way is then processed in the control unit 22 and used to actuate the horn 43 . For contactless signal transmission, arrangements on a capacitive or optical basis can be considered, deviating from the principle shown in FIG. 4. To obtain the control signal, for example, a dielectric that can be moved by the pressure plate 45 would have to be conveyed between capacitor plates that are assigned to the steering column receptacle 23 . So-called horn foils can also be used as motion sensors.

The steering wheel 3 '' has in the area of the hub 3.3 a flange surface 50 with Rastausneh measurements 51 , 52 , in which molded locking pins 53 , 54 engage for steering torque transmission on the connector 2 . The connection between the flange surface 50 and the connection profile takes place here by means of an adhesive or screw connection, not shown. In this context, it is important to design the coupling of hub 3.3 and steering column 1 '' as a modular system. A hub body that is always of uniform design, with uniform airbag installations and uniform connection dimensions and connection geometries can be foamed in very different ways depending on the customer or vehicle. With the same technology, highly variable, different visual appearances can be created for the steering wheel 3 '', which is important as a human-vehicle interface.

As an alternative to the cover 32 'shown in FIG. 3, an integral cap 55 shown in FIGS . 5 and 6 is proposed, which can be detached from a hub cladding 57 by means of a predetermined tear seam 56 , similarly to instrument panels (see, for example, DE -A-43 06 149, US-A-5,072,967 or US-A-5,350,191). The articulation around a bearing arrangement 58 facing the flange surface 50 (for example a swivel joint, film hinge or the like) is of essential importance for this invention. This inward direction of the hub ensures that the integral cap 55 does not come forward out of the steering wheel rim in the direction of the vehicle occupants during the opening movement. In particular, occupants sitting close to the steering wheel - that is to say, for example, people of small height - are therefore not exposed to an increased risk from the opening movement of the gas cushion cover. The integral cap can also be designed in several parts, so that, for example, two flap parts articulated inwards in the hub jointly open an opening. The concepts shown in FIGS . 3, 5 and 6 are particularly interesting also in connection with the accommodation of airbag components within the steering column 1 because the volume to be accommodated by the hub becomes smaller due to the displacement of these components inwards. This allows the hubs themselves and consequently covers for the gas cushion 14 to be made smaller. This measure also reduces the risk of injury from the opening cover.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the steering column receptacle 59 is designed as a tubular casing with an oblique end face 60 as a stop element. When the steering column 1 moves inward and / or the deformation member 12 is compressed, the upper spoke 61 on the end face 60 of the steering wheel 3 blocks. The steering wheel 3 then swivels around the projecting edge 62 according to arrow 63 . By this measure it is achieved that a possible upward movement of the steering column 3 can be at least compensated for deformation of the front end. The airbag deployment is thus better aimed at the occupant.

In the in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 illustrated embodiment the steering column 1 is rotatably supported in a ring bearing 64. The ring bearing 64 is fastened on the one hand to a cross member 65 (eg a central tube or mounting bracket, extends between A pillars of a vehicle) by means of a holding part 66 . The latter enables a targeted tilting of the steering wheel 3 according to arrow 67 by skillful selection of the sheet thickness and / or connection when a limit load is exceeded. This measure also means that the airbag deployment is better directed against the chest area of the occupant.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a longitudinal adjustment 68 and a height adjustment 69 for a steering column 1 are shown symbolically. Both are attached to the vehicle body 27 or cross member 65 . A combined longitudinal and height adjustment is preferably carried out conventionally, for example with a clamping lever 70 for locking or for releasing by pivoting according to arrow 71 . A pyrotechnic actuator 72 acts on the clamping lever 70 and can move it to the release position in the event of an accident. The steering column 1 then moves due to gravity and / or under the action of the loading of the vehicle occupant in the area of the stops 73 , 74 on a block.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the steering wheel 3 can be adjusted lengthways between the positions a and b in a conventional manner. The position b is predetermined by a first end stop 73 'which cannot be overcome by the occupant by hand. An adjusting device 76 , which acts directly on the steering column 1 , can be used to adjust the steering wheel 3 in position c if, for example, the vehicle occupant is too close to the steering wheel 3 before the airbag deploys. Such an occupant position can be sensed with an occupant detection device, not shown here. By removing the first end stop 73 'or by overpressing it by means of the adjusting device 76 , the steering wheel 3 is pulled so close to an instrument panel 75 that, on the one hand, a sufficient distance can be made from the vehicle occupant and, on the other hand, the fingers, which may still encompass the steering wheel 3, are not squeezed will. The end stops 73 'and 73 ''can be represented by modifying conventional longitudinal adjustment devices.

FIG. 12 shows a further alternative to the design of the steering device according to the invention. This steering device 1 comprises a steering column 2 with a steering wheel 13 with an airbag arrangement, which is designed to be longitudinally adjustable. At the upper end of the steering column 2 there is provided a receptacle 3 connected to a steering wheel 13 for an airbag 14 , which is shown here only in broken lines in a position inflated in the event of a crash. The steering column 2 is rotatably mounted in a steering column receptacle 2 a.

On the pot 3 opposite side of the steering column 2 , a connection profile 4 is formed, which is provided as a deformation member with a wave profile 5 . This connection profile 4 is assigned to a steering gear, not shown here.

The steering device 1 further comprises, as part of an adjusting device 6, a clamping lever 8 as a locking device, with which the steering wheel 13 can be fixed in the vehicle operation in a specific operating position 7 which is optimal for the driver. To release this determination, the clamping lever 8 is pivoted in the event of a crash via a pyrotechnic actuator 9 known per se and a cable arrangement 10 from the operating position 7 into the release position 11 shown in broken lines in FIG. 1. As a result, the steering wheel 13 can be pushed forward as a restoring force in the event of a crash by means of the recoil exerted by the airbag emission, as a result of which the aggressiveness of the airbag 14 can be reduced and at the same time the steering wheel 13 is at least partially removed from a potential head impact area. The release of the clamping lever 8 and thus the activation of the pyrotechnic actuator 9 expediently takes place here before the airbag is activated in order to be able to utilize the full airbag recoil force.

As an alternative to the clamping connection by means of the clamping lever 8 , a latching connection can also be provided, the latching of which is released in the event of a crash.

As is further apparent from FIG. 12, the steering wheel 13 either alone or in addition to the clamping lever 8 an activatable adjusting means 15 can in a further embodiment position to Ver be provided that the steering wheel 13 is also out of the sen operating position 7 to the front, moved away from the driver. This adjustment means 15 is actuated by a pyrotechnic actuator 17 , which is only shown in broken lines in FIG. 1 and which is connected to an extension 19 of the steering column receptacle 2 a via a rope connection 18, also shown in broken lines. The activation of the pyrotechnic actuator 17 and the airbag 14 is expediently set and coordinated here in such a way that, in the event of a crash, the steering wheel 13 with the airbag 14 is first moved forward and only then is the airbag 14 triggered.

Both the clamping lever 8 and the adjusting means 15 can alternatively to the pyrotechnic actuation also be actuated by an electric motor, in particular electromagnetically, and / or pneumatically. This actuation can also be carried out directly mechanically by positive guidance via vehicle deformation, for example by B. a cable with deflections is arranged on the body.

A first stage of a multi-stage inflatable airbag known per se can also be used to actuate the pyrotechnic actuators 9 , 17 .

In order to limit the movement of the steering wheel 13 in the event of a crash and in particular to avoid that body parts of vehicle occupants, in particular the fingers gripping the steering wheel 13 , are trapped between the steering wheel 13 and the adjacent control panel 32 , a stop 27 is provided. In order to prevent the steering wheel 13 from moving back in the direction of the driver in the further course of the crash, a latching device 28 is also provided. This schematically illustrated latching device 28 consists of a first latching part 29 and a spring-loaded second latching part 30 which is displaceable relative thereto and which is latched in the latched position shown in dashed lines after the steering wheel 13 has been displaced away from the driver between the stop 27 and the latching part 29 , as a result of which a backward movement of the steering wheel 13 is prevented.

In order to avoid that 13 to the steering wheel 13 engaging around fingers are endangered by clamping between the steering wheel 13 and an adjacent panel 32 at a forward displacement of the steering wheel, the stop 27 and thus the maxi male adjustment is formed so that at least one Finger gap 33 remains as a protection against trapping between the steering wheel 13 and the control panel 32 . In a further embodiment, the unit comprising the stop 27 and the latching part 29 of the latching device 28 can be configured to be presettable via a motor 24 as a function of an occupant detection device 22 .

Alternatively or additionally, an inflatable steering wheel rim 34 can be provided as a finger trap protection and protection against arm / shoulder injuries in the event of a driver impact on the steering wheel 13 in the event of a crash, in which the area enlarged by the grip, as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 12, a finger grip is preferably released before the steering wheel 13 is moved. This inflatable steering wheel rim 34 is formed Lich Lich an airbag arrangement and z. B. in the casing of the steering wheel 13 , which then tears open in the event of activation of the steering wheel rim 34 . The steering wheel rim 34 can be inflated either separately or in connection with a first stage of a multi-stage airbag arrangement.

Such finger pinch protection device can also be activated depending on a grip detection, which is not shown here, however. For example, a stop can be adjusted pneumatically, inductively and / or by means of heat sensors depending on a grip detection, for example electromechanically, so that the finger gap 33 between the steering wheel 13 and adjacent components, e.g. B. the control panel 32 remains. If no handle on the steering wheel 13 is recognized or all fingers are released from the steering wheel 13 before reaching a critical pinching position, the stop can be adjusted so that the steering wheel can be moved further into the area of the instrument panel.

Furthermore, the occupant detection device 22 can be used for the controlled adjustment of the steering wheel 13 alone or in combination with other adjustment means and devices. This causes the steering wheel 13 or the connected steering column 2 in dependence on data determined by the occupant detection device 22 , such as. B. individual size, weight, current seating position of a person before an airbag deployment in an adapted, cheap airbag position NEN. Such adjustment can inevitably take place during normal operation of the vehicle by z. B. individually adjustable longitudinal positions of the steering wheel 13 with unfavorable airbag positions are forcibly excluded. On the other hand, such an adapted, inexpensive airbag position can be vorgenom men by a rapid adjustment un directly in a crash from the operating position 7 of the steering wheel 13 . These measures thus represent a special protective function for so-called “out of position” positions, in which unusual positions and positions in relation to the airbag 14 are assumed by a person concerned, as can be the case in particular in the case of short people.

With the occupant recognition device 22 known per se, occupant recognition can be carried out via seat occupancy switches (not shown here) and / or longitudinal seat position adjustment by displacement sensors and / or limit switches and / or infrared scans and / or inductive scanning devices.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, a steering device 40 , which has essentially the same basic structure as the steering device in FIG. 12, comprises an adjusting device 43 with an electric motor 41 and a gear element 42 that can be driven thereby, which has an associated profile on the Steering column mount 2 b combs. In the event of a crash, the electric motor 41 receives a signal from an occupant detection device 45 via a line 44 and then moves the steering wheel 13 away from the driver via the gearwheel element 42 . Here, too, the adjustment can also be made in the event of a non-crash for a favorable airbag positioning. For the drive of the gear element 42 , a self-locking gear, for example in the manner of a worm gear, is proposed in order to be able to support the forces acting on the steering column 2 on the vehicle body.

The steering columns, occupant protection devices, steering arrangements and presented here Steering columns are not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawing, but can be combined in different ways. It must be taken into account that individual elements of the inventive variants presented here also in combination with conventional steering systems or their components already make significant contributions to Minimizing the risk of injury.

Claims (13)

1. Steering device for a vehicle with a steering column which can be displaced in the front direction of the vehicle in the event of a crash and / or a steering wheel which can be displaced in the front direction of the vehicle in the event of a crash, characterized in that the displacing device comprises a locking device with which the steering wheel and / or the steering column in vehicle operation in a specific adjustment position is fixed and the locking device in the event of a crash has activatable unlocking means for releasing the locking. 2. Steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that the displacement device from a conventional steering wheel and / or Steering column adjustment is formed, its locking automatically in the event of a crash, for example pyrotechnically, is solved. 3. Steering device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the steering wheel and / or the steering column in the event of a crash by means of the displacement device in a target state is movable. 4. Steering device according to claim 3, characterized in that the target state by at least one end stop for the longitudinal and / or Height adjustment is determined. 5. Steering device according to claim 4,  characterized in that a first end stop is positioned so that a first minimum distance of the Steering wheel and / or the steering column to adjacent components, especially the Dashboard, is specified and that a second end stop after overcoming of the first end stop can be reached by means of the displacement device, through which a displacement of the steering wheel and / or the steering column in a second Minimum distance to adjacent components, especially the dashboard, is guaranteed. 6. Steering device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the target position of the steering wheel and / or the steering column in the event of a crash by means of a Device for detecting an occupant position can be determined. 7. Steering device according to claim 6, characterized in that the end stop (s) depending on the results of the investigation Device for detecting the occupant position can be positioned. 8. Steering device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering device has a first connection profile assigned to a steering wheel second, a steering gear at least indirectly associated connection profile and one Compression device, by means of which the distance between the two in the event of a crash Connection profiles can be reduced in the axial direction. 9. steering device according to claim 8, characterized in that the upsetting device is formed by at least 2 deformation elements which are formed by a dimensionally stable steering column intermediate section are connected. 10. Steering device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a steering column receptacle is provided for receiving the steering column targeted tilting of the steering column in the event of a crash enables or promotes.   11. Steering device according to claim 10, characterized in that the steering column receptacle consists of a jacket tube, which is an oblique Has stop surface as a stop element. 12. Steering device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering column in addition or as an alternative to storage in a steering column receptacle in a ring bearing is rotatably mounted. 13. Steering device according to claim 12, characterized in that the ring bearing, for example, only with a part of its outer circumference Vehicle body is fastened and therefore when a limit load is exceeded targeted tilting of the steering column and / or the steering wheel can be achieved.