Assembly having steering wheel and gasbag module

Abstract

An assembly having a steering wheel ( 10 ) and a gasbag module ( 16 ) that is connected to the steering wheel ( 10 ) includes a generator support ( 20 ) formed of plastic for attaching a gas generator ( 34 ). The generator support ( 20 ) in a predetermined area is reinforced by a metal layer that is produced by electroplating to a layer thickness sufficient to increase the strength of the generator support ( 20 ) and the metal layer constitutes at least one electrically conductive contact element ( 28 ).

1 . A method for manufacturing an assembly comprising a steering wheel ( 10 ) and a gasbag module ( 16 ) connected to the steering wheel ( 10 ), the gasbag module ( 16 ) including a generator support ( 20 ) formed of plastic for attaching a gas generator ( 34 ), the method comprising the steps of: 
 pretreating a surface of the generator support ( 20 ) made of plastic in a predetermined area for generating a surface roughness, and    electroplating the pretreated surface to form an adherently bonded, electrically conductive metal layer to a layer thickness effective for increasing a strength of the generator support.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the pretreatment of the surface includes a chemical etching and/or plasma etching.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a step of electrolessly plating a metal onto said pretreated surface prior to said electroplating step.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the metal layer forms at least one electrical contact element ( 28 ).  
     
     
         5 . The method of claims  1 , wherein the metal layer ( 32 ) is deposited on a latching element ( 22 ) that is arranged on the generator support ( 20 ).  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the metal layer is deposited in a layer thickness of between 100 μm and 2 mm.