Steering wheel and airbag mounting structure

Abstract

A steering wheel and airbag mounting structure includes a steering wheel frame and an airbag housing, at least three groups of connecting components are arranged between the steering wheel frame and the airbag housing, and the connecting components are limited by fixed clips mounted under the steering wheel frame; the connecting components include a connecting bracket, a connecting hook, a horn spring and a supporting spring, the upper end of the connecting hook is movably inserted into a T-shaped slot arranged on the bottom surface of the airbag housing, and the movable gap is greater than the upper limit of the horn contact stroke, and the lower end of the connecting hook is inserted into a jack arranged on the steering wheel frame and is clamped by a fixed clip; the horn spring, the connecting bracket and the supporting spring are sequentially sleeved on the connecting hook from top to bottom; the connecting bracket is movably clamped with the bottom of the airbag housing, and the movable gap is greater than the upper limit of the horn contact stroke; the connecting bracket is fixedly clamped with the connecting hook. The structure has a good vibration reduction effect, and can effectively prevent the automobile steering wheel system from generating abnormal noise due to contact or horn rebound, thereby improving the user's driving experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of automobile steering wheels, and in particular to a steering wheel and airbag mounting structure. Background Art

[0002] The existing automobile steering wheel and airbag module are elastically connected by springs, and the vibration reduction effect is not obvious, and the vibration reduction structure cannot be directly expanded; for the problem of steering wheel vibration and abnormal noise, the only way is to increase the spring stiffness to reduce the relative movement of the steering wheel and the airbag module, but this method will affect the pressure feel of the steering wheel horn, and it takes a lot of force to press the horn switch, and it also increases the sound of the horn contact rebound abnormal noise.

[0003] As the market's requirements for automobile performance become increasingly higher, it is necessary to develop a steering wheel mounting structure that can realize the airbag assembly and horn contact pressing and conduction functions, meet customers' pressing force requirements and avoid abnormal contact noise problems; parts can be platformized and standardized, and the vibration reduction structure can be expanded at the same time. Summary of the invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a steering wheel and airbag installation structure with good vibration reduction effect, which can effectively prevent abnormal noise generated by contact point contact or horn rebound in the automobile steering wheel system, thereby improving the user's driving experience.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A steering wheel and airbag mounting structure, comprising a steering wheel frame and an airbag housing for mounting a driver airbag, wherein at least three sets of connecting components are arranged between the steering wheel frame and the airbag housing, and the connecting components are respectively limited by fixed clips mounted under the steering wheel frame, so as to realize Z-direction positioning and detonation and anti-detachment of the driver airbag;

[0007] The connecting assembly comprises a connecting bracket, a connecting hook, a horn spring and a supporting spring, wherein the upper end of the connecting hook is movably inserted into a T-shaped slot provided on the bottom surface of the airbag housing and the movable gap is greater than the upper limit of the horn contact stroke of the steering wheel, and the lower end of the connecting hook is inserted into a socket provided on the steering wheel frame and is clamped by the fixing clip; the horn spring, the connecting bracket and the supporting spring are sequentially sleeved on the connecting hook from top to bottom and are located between the airbag housing and the steering wheel frame;

[0008] The connecting bracket is movably engaged with the bottom of the airbag housing, and the movable gap is greater than the upper limit of the horn contact stroke of the steering wheel; elastic teeth are symmetrically arranged in the connecting bracket and fixedly engaged with the groove arranged in the middle of the connecting hook, so as to realize the axial positioning of the connecting bracket on the connecting hook.

[0009] Preferably, the connecting barb is in the shape of a stepped shaft with a large head at the upper end, and is inserted into the corresponding T-shaped slot through clearance fit.

[0010] Preferably, a vibration-damping sleeve is provided between the connecting barb and the T-shaped slot. The vibration-damping sleeve is sleeved on the connecting barb and clamped in the lower opening of the T-shaped slot to meet the requirements of different customers for the natural frequency of the steering wheel and improve the vibration-damping effect.

[0011] Preferably, a cylindrical boss is provided on the bottom surface of the steering wheel frame corresponding to each socket, a notch vertically connected to the socket is provided on the inner side of the boss, and an annular groove is provided at the lower end of the connecting hook. The fixed retaining spring is clamped under the steering wheel frame through the notch and is clamped into the annular groove of each connecting hook, so that there is no relative movement between the fixed retaining spring and the connecting assembly.

[0012] Preferably, buckles are symmetrically provided on both sides of each T-shaped slot at the bottom of the airbag housing, and claws are symmetrically provided on the upper end of each connecting bracket. The connecting bracket and the airbag housing are movablely connected by being inserted into the corresponding buckles through the claws, and the upper and lower sliding clearance of the claws in the buckles is greater than the upper limit of the horn contact stroke of the steering wheel.

[0013] Preferably, a gap of 0.5 to 1 mm is left between the clamping claw and the clamping surface of the corresponding buckle to increase the clamping strength between the connecting barb and the airbag housing and avoid over-positioning.

[0014] Preferably, an upper annular groove is provided on the connecting bracket, and upper clamping teeth are symmetrically provided on the inner wall of the upper annular groove. The lower end of the speaker spring is inserted into the upper annular groove and clamped under the upper clamping teeth to clamp and fix the speaker spring to the connecting bracket.

[0015] Preferably, a lower annular groove is provided under the connecting bracket, and lower clamping teeth are symmetrically provided on the inner wall of the lower annular groove. The upper end of the support spring is inserted into the lower annular groove and clamped on the lower clamping teeth to fix the support spring to the connecting bracket.

[0016] Preferably, the horn contact comprises an upper conductive contact and a lower conductive contact, wherein the upper conductive contact is fixed to the bottom surface of the airbag housing and is provided with a connector at one end, and the lower conductive contact is clamped on the connecting bracket of each group of connecting components or is riveted to the steering wheel frame with copper rivets, so as to achieve point contact or line contact of the horn contact, thereby reducing contact noise.

[0017] Preferably, the connecting bracket is in the shape of a circular sleeve and is provided with an annular positioning groove on its outer edge. The lower conductive contact is formed by bending a steel wire and is clamped in the positioning groove on each connecting bracket. The intersection of the upper conductive contact and the lower conductive contact is arranged vertically up and down and at least one group of intersection points is provided near each group of connecting components, which is used to achieve point contact of the speaker contacts and further reduce contact noise.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0019] 1. Since at least three groups of connecting components are arranged between the steering wheel frame and the airbag housing, the connecting components are respectively inserted into the steering wheel frame and limited by the fixed retaining springs clamped under the steering wheel frame. Each group of connecting components includes a connecting bracket, a connecting hook, a horn spring and a support spring. The horn spring and the support spring form a double-stage spring structure supported between the steering wheel frame and the airbag housing, which has a good vibration reduction effect and can improve the driving comfort of users.

[0020] 2. Since the horn spring, connecting bracket and supporting spring are sequentially mounted on the connecting hook from top to bottom and are located between the airbag housing and the steering wheel frame; the horn spring can realize automatic rebound after the horn is pressed, and the supporting spring can realize support for the driver airbag module, and by adjusting the parameters of the horn spring, different pressing force and feel requirements can be met. Compared with the traditional single-stage spring structure, the horn pressing force can be reduced, and at the same time, the car steering wheel system can be effectively prevented from making abnormal noises due to contact or horn rebound, thereby improving the user's driving experience.

[0021] 3. By selectively setting a vibration-damping sleeve between the connecting component and the airbag housing, the vibration-damping effect can be better improved, which is conducive to the platform development of parts.

[0022] 4. Since the upper end of the connecting hook is movably inserted into the T-shaped slot provided on the bottom surface of the airbag housing and the movable gap is larger than the upper limit of the horn contact stroke of the steering wheel, the connecting bracket is movably engaged with the bottom of the airbag housing, and the movable gap is larger than the upper limit of the horn contact stroke of the steering wheel, and the connecting bracket is fixedly engaged with the connecting hook; therefore, it is possible to avoid interference between the connecting bracket and the connecting hook when the airbag housing is pressed, causing abnormal friction noise or affecting the pressing feel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Bottom view of .

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Top view of the .

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 AA section view.

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Partial cross-sectional view of BB.

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Partial rear view.

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure after removing the steering wheel frame and fixing spring.

[0030] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of .

[0031] Fig. 9 yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of .

[0032] Fig.10 It is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the airbag housing and connecting components after assembly.

[0033] Fig.11 It is a structural diagram of embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0034] In the figure: steering wheel frame 1, airbag housing 2, connecting assembly 3, fixing clip 4, connecting barb 5, supporting spring 6, connecting bracket 7, horn spring 8, vibration damping sleeve 9, rubber ring 10, upper conductive contact 11, buckle 12, lower conductive contact 13;

[0035] Boss 101, jack 102, notch 103, limiting column 104, tapered column 105, T-shaped slot 201, buckle 202, annular slot 501, elastic tooth 701, claw 702, upper annular groove 703, lower annular groove 704, positioning groove 705, connector 111, connector 131. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention are described clearly and completely below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] like Figure 1-Figure 10As shown, the present invention relates to a steering wheel and airbag mounting structure, comprising a steering wheel skeleton 1 and an airbag housing 2 for mounting a driver airbag, at least three groups of connecting components 3 are provided between the steering wheel skeleton 1 and the airbag housing 2, and this embodiment takes three groups as an example and they are respectively located at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions of the steering wheel skeleton 1, each group of connecting components 3 is respectively inserted into the steering wheel skeleton 1 and limited by a fixed retaining spring 4 clamped under the steering wheel skeleton 1, so as to realize the Z-direction positioning and detonation and anti-detachment of the driver airbag.

[0039] The connecting component 3 includes a connecting bracket 7, a connecting hook 5, a horn spring 8 and a supporting spring 6. A T-shaped slot 201 which is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom is respectively provided at the bottom surface of the airbag housing 2 corresponding to the connecting component 3. The connecting hook 5 is in the shape of a stepped shaft and has a large head at the upper end. The upper end of the connecting hook 5 is movably inserted into the corresponding T-shaped slot 201 through clearance fit, and the movable clearance between the upper end surface of the connecting hook 5 and the inner top surface of the T-shaped slot 201 is greater than the upper limit of the horn contact stroke of the steering wheel; to avoid interference between the airbag housing 2 and the connecting hook 5 when pressing the horn;

[0040] A vibration-damping sleeve 9 made of silicone material is provided between the connecting hook 5 and the T-shaped slot 201. The vibration-damping sleeve 9 is sleeved on the connecting hook 5 and clamped in the lower mouth of the T-shaped slot 201 through an annular groove provided on its outer edge, so as to meet the requirements of different customers for the natural frequency of the steering wheel, expand the vibration-damping structure, and improve the vibration-damping effect; the horn spring 8, the connecting bracket 7 and the supporting spring 6 are sequentially sleeved on the connecting hook 5 from top to bottom and are located between the airbag housing 2 and the wheel hub of the steering wheel skeleton 1.

[0041] Plug holes 102 are respectively provided at corresponding connection components 3 on the steering wheel skeleton 1, and cylindrical bosses 101 are respectively provided at corresponding each plug hole 102 on the bottom surface of the steering wheel skeleton 1, and notches 103 vertically connected to the plug holes 102 are respectively provided on the inner sides of the bosses 101, and an annular groove 501 is provided at the lower end of the connecting barb 5, and the lower ends of the connecting barbs 5 are respectively inserted into the corresponding plug holes 102 and clamped by the fixed retaining spring 4, and the fixed retaining spring 4 is clamped under the steering wheel skeleton 1 through the notch 103 and clamped into the annular groove 501 of each connecting barb 5; the fixed retaining spring 4 and the connecting component 3 have no relative movement, which is used to realize the Z-direction positioning of the airbag housing 2; an O-type rubber ring 10 is sleeved between the lower end of the connecting barb 5 and the plug hole 102, which is used to reduce the abnormal sound of speaker pressing and rebound.

[0042] At least one pair of limit posts 104 are symmetrically arranged on the bottom surface of the steering wheel frame 1. In this embodiment, a pair of limit posts 104 are taken as an example and are respectively close to the connecting components 3 located at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions of the steering wheel frame 1. The fixed retaining spring 4 is bent from spring steel, and its overall shape is approximately U-shaped and the two side edges are respectively folded into a convex V-shape. The outer edges of the two side edges of the fixed retaining spring 4 are respectively against the inner edges of the limit posts 104, and a U-shaped folding section is respectively provided at both ends of the fixed retaining spring 4 and is inserted into the corresponding boss notch 103.

[0043] The connecting bracket 7 is in the shape of a circular sleeve and has two arc-shaped elastic teeth 701 symmetrically arranged on the inner wall of the connecting bracket 7. The connecting bracket 7 is fixedly engaged with the annular groove arranged in the middle of the connecting hook 5 through the elastic teeth 701 to achieve axial positioning of the connecting bracket 7 on the connecting hook 5.

[0044] The connecting bracket 7 is movably engaged with the bottom of the airbag housing 2, and the movable clearance is greater than the upper limit of the horn contact stroke of the steering wheel. The specific structure is: at the bottom of the airbag housing 2, two arc-shaped buckles 202 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of each T-shaped slot 201, which are an integral structure with the airbag housing 2, and at the upper end of each connecting bracket 7, two arc-shaped claws 702 are symmetrically arranged, which are respectively engaged with the buckles 202, and the connecting bracket 7 and the airbag housing 2 are movably engaged by the claws 702 being engaged in the corresponding buckles 202, and the upper and lower sliding clearance of the claws 702 in the buckles 202 is greater than the upper limit of the horn contact stroke of the steering wheel.

[0045] After assembly, a gap S of 0.5-1 mm is left between the clamping claw 702 and the clamping surface of the corresponding buckle 202 to increase the clamping strength between the connecting barb 5 and the airbag housing 2 and avoid over-positioning.

[0046] An upper annular groove 703 is provided on the connecting bracket 7, and upper clamping teeth are symmetrically provided on the inner wall of the upper annular groove 703. The lower end of the speaker spring 8 is inserted into the upper annular groove 703 and clamped under the upper clamping teeth, so as to clamp and fix the speaker spring 8 to the connecting bracket 7.

[0047] A lower annular groove 704 is provided below the connecting bracket 7, and lower clamping teeth are symmetrically provided on the inner wall of the lower annular groove 704. The upper end of the support spring 6 is inserted into the lower annular groove 704 and clamped on the lower clamping teeth, so as to clamp and fix the support spring 6 to the connecting bracket 7. The stiffness of the support spring 6 is greater than that of the speaker spring 8.

[0048] The horn contact comprises an upper conductive contact 11 and a lower conductive contact 13, wherein the upper conductive contact 11 is formed by bending a steel wire and is fixed to the bottom surface of the airbag housing 2 by snap-fitting or integral injection molding. In this embodiment, the snap-fitting of the upper conductive contact 11 is taken as an example and a connector 111 is provided at one end of the upper conductive contact 11 for connecting the positive pole of the horn harness of the whole vehicle; an annular positioning groove 705 is provided on the outer edge of the connecting bracket 7, and the lower conductive contact 13 is formed by bending a steel wire, and the lower conductive contact 13 is clamped in the positioning groove 705 on each connecting bracket 7 and is clamped to the bottom of the airbag housing 2 by a plurality of clips 12 provided on the bottom surface of the airbag housing 2, and a connector 131 is provided at the connection between the two ends of the lower conductive contact 13 for connecting the negative pole of the horn harness. The intersections of the upper conductive contacts 11 and the lower conductive contacts 13 are arranged vertically up and down, and at least one group of intersections is provided near each group of connecting components 3. In this embodiment, two groups are taken as an example and are arranged on both sides of each group of connecting components to achieve point contact of the speaker contacts, thereby reducing contact noise.

[0049] During operation, since a horn spring 8 and a support spring 6 are respectively provided on the upper and lower parts of the connecting bracket 7 on the connecting hook 5, the connecting bracket 7 is fixedly engaged with the connecting hook 5 and movably engaged with the bottom of the airbag housing 2. The horn spring 8 can realize automatic rebound of the horn after being pressed, and the support spring 6 can realize support of the driver airbag module. By adjusting the parameters of the horn spring 8, different pressing force and feel requirements can be met. Compared with the traditional single spring structure, the horn pressing force can be reduced, thereby reducing the abnormal sound of the horn rebound. The vibration reduction effect is good, which can effectively avoid the abnormal sound of the car steering wheel system due to contact point contact or horn rebound, thereby improving the user's driving experience.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] like Fig.11 As shown, a plurality of conical columns 105 are provided on the steering wheel frame 1 corresponding to the upper conductive contacts 11, and the lower conductive contacts 13 are a plurality of copper rivets riveted to the corresponding conical columns 105 respectively, for achieving line contact of the speaker contacts. The other structures of this embodiment are the same as those of embodiment 1, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0052] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed as above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and the implementation modes. They can be fully applied to various fields suitable for the present invention. For those familiar with the art, additional modifications can be easily implemented. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and the scope of equivalents, the present invention is not limited to specific details.

Claims

1. A steering wheel and airbag mounting structure, comprising a steering wheel frame and an airbag housing for mounting a driver airbag, characterized in that: At least three groups of connection components are provided between the steering wheel frame and the airbag housing, and the connection components are respectively limited by fixed clips mounted under the steering wheel frame to achieve Z-direction positioning and detonation and anti-detachment of the driver's airbag; The connecting assembly comprises a connecting bracket, a connecting hook, a horn spring and a supporting spring. The upper end of the connecting hook is movably inserted into a T-shaped slot on the bottom surface of the airbag housing and the movable gap is greater than the upper limit of the horn contact stroke of the steering wheel; the lower end of the connecting hook is inserted into a socket on the steering wheel frame and is clamped by the fixing clip; the horn spring, the connecting bracket and the supporting spring are sequentially sleeved on the connecting hook from top to bottom and are located between the airbag housing and the steering wheel frame; The connecting bracket is movably engaged with the bottom of the airbag housing, and the movable gap is greater than the upper limit of the horn contact stroke of the steering wheel; elastic teeth are symmetrically arranged in the connecting bracket and fixedly engaged with the groove arranged in the middle of the connecting hook, so as to realize the axial positioning of the connecting bracket on the connecting hook.

2. A steering wheel and airbag mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting barb is in the shape of a stepped shaft with a large head at the upper end, and is inserted into the corresponding T-shaped slot through clearance fit.

3. A steering wheel and airbag mounting structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A vibration-damping sleeve is provided between the connecting hook and the T-shaped slot. The vibration-damping sleeve is sleeved on the connecting hook and clamped in the lower opening of the T-shaped slot to meet the requirements of different customers on the natural frequency of the steering wheel and improve the vibration-damping effect.

4. A steering wheel and airbag mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A cylindrical boss is provided at each socket on the bottom surface of the steering wheel frame, and a notch vertically connected to the socket is provided on the inner side of the boss. An annular groove is provided at the lower end of the connecting hook. The fixed clamping spring is clamped under the steering wheel frame through the notch and is clamped into the annular groove of each connecting hook, so that the fixed clamping spring and the connecting component have no relative movement.

5. A steering wheel and airbag mounting structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom of the airbag housing is symmetrically provided with buckles on both sides of each T-shaped slot, and claws are symmetrically provided on the upper end of each connecting bracket. The connecting bracket and the airbag housing are engaged with the corresponding buckles through the claws to achieve active connection, and the upper and lower sliding clearance of the claws in the buckles is greater than the upper limit of the horn contact stroke of the steering wheel.

6. The steering wheel and airbag mounting structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: A gap of 0.5 to 1 mm is left between the clamping claw and the clamping surface of the corresponding buckle, so as to increase the clamping strength between the connecting barb and the airbag housing and avoid over-positioning.

7. A steering wheel and airbag mounting structure according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that: An upper annular groove is provided on the connecting bracket, and upper clamping teeth are symmetrically provided on the inner wall of the upper annular groove. The lower end of the horn spring is inserted into the upper annular groove and clamped under the upper clamping teeth, so as to clamp and fix the horn spring and the connecting bracket.

8. The steering wheel and airbag mounting structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: A lower annular groove is provided under the connecting bracket, and lower clamping teeth are symmetrically provided on the inner wall of the lower annular groove. The upper end of the support spring is inserted into the lower annular groove and clamped on the lower clamping teeth, so as to clamp and fix the support spring and the connecting bracket.

9. The steering wheel and airbag mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The horn contact includes an upper conductive contact and a lower conductive contact, wherein the upper conductive contact is fixed to the bottom surface of the airbag housing and has a connector at one end, and the lower conductive contact is clamped on the connecting bracket of each group of connecting components or riveted to the steering wheel frame with copper rivets, so as to achieve point contact or line contact of the horn contact, thereby reducing contact noise.

10. The steering wheel and airbag mounting structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The connecting bracket is in the shape of a circular sleeve and is provided with an annular positioning groove on its outer edge. The lower conductive contact is formed by bending a steel wire and is clamped in the positioning groove on each connecting bracket. The intersection of the upper conductive contact and the lower conductive contact is arranged vertically up and down and at least one group of intersection points is provided near each group of connecting components to achieve point contact of the speaker contacts.

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