Vibration damper used to connect the airbag module to the vehicle steering wheel

Abstract

A damper assembly (100) configured to mount an airbag module (20) to a steering wheel (30) including a steering wheel frame (36) includes a damper element (180) configured to engage the steering wheel frame and extend through an opening (80) in the steering wheel frame. The damper assembly also includes a pin (110) configured to connect to the airbag module and a cover structure (140, 160) configured to extend through the opening in the steering wheel frame. The cover structure is configured to receive the pin for axial movement, allowing the airbag module to move axially relative to the steering wheel frame. The damper element isolates the airbag module, pin, and cover structure from the steering wheel frame.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 382,103, filed July 21, 2021. The subject matter of this application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a vibration damper for connecting an airbag module to a vehicle steering wheel. Background Technology

[0004] The goal is to eliminate or reduce steering wheel vibrations that the driver can feel. These vibrations are particularly likely to occur due to the rigid connection between the steering wheel and the steering column. To address this issue, a vibration damper can be used to avoid unwanted steering wheel vibrations by adjusting the natural frequency of the entire system to a non-critical range. For example, an airbag module mounted on the steering wheel can be isolated from the steering wheel using a vibration damper, allowing the module to act as a damping mass that counteracts vibrations applied to the steering wheel through the steering column.

[0005] The vibration damper for an airbag module mounted on the steering wheel can also be used to provide vehicle horn functionality. In this case, the airbag module may include horn contacts, with mating contacts located at the steering wheel structure. However, in doing so, it is necessary to balance the force required for the driver to actuate the horn with the possibility that the horn switch may automatically actuate in response to driving conditions (such as rough roads). Summary of the Invention

[0006] A damper assembly configured to mount an airbag module to a steering wheel including a steering wheel frame includes a damper element configured to engage the steering wheel frame and extend through an opening in the steering wheel frame. The damper assembly also includes a pin configured to connect to the airbag module and a cover structure configured to extend through the opening in the steering wheel frame. The cover structure is configured to receive the pin for axial movement, allowing the airbag module to move axially relative to the steering wheel frame. The damper element isolates the airbag module, pin, and cover structure from the steering wheel frame.

[0007] According to one aspect, the damper element can be configured to engage the lower surface of the steering wheel frame, extend through an opening in the steering wheel frame, and have a portion extending from the opening above the upper surface of the steering wheel frame.

[0008] According to another aspect, the cover structure may include a lower cover configured to cover a damper element on a lower surface of the steering wheel frame. The lower cover may extend at least partially through the damper element and an opening in the steering wheel frame. The cover structure may also include an upper cover configured to cover and engage a portion of the damper element extending above the upper surface of the steering wheel frame. The upper cover may extend at least partially through the damper element and the opening in the steering wheel frame, and may be configured to engage and lock onto the lower cover to connect the upper cover, lower cover, and damper element to the steering wheel frame.

[0009] On the other hand, damper elements can isolate the airbag module from the steering wheel frame on the upper and lower surfaces of the steering wheel frame.

[0010] Alternatively, the pin can be configured to extend through the upper cover, damper element, and lower cover to connect the airbag module to the steering wheel frame.

[0011] Alternatively, the damper assembly may also include a spring surrounding a portion of the pin. The spring may have a lower end engaging the upper cover and an upper end adjacent to and directly or indirectly engaging the airbag module. The spring may allow axial movement of the airbag module relative to the steering wheel frame.

[0012] Alternatively, the damper assembly may also include a spring surrounding a portion of the pin. The airbag module can be configured to overcome the spring's bias and move axially relative to the steering wheel frame. The spring can allow the airbag module to act as a horn switch actuator.

[0013] According to another option, the damper assembly may include a retaining pin that engages a retaining pin receiving structure on the lower surface of the lower cover. The retaining pin may engage a slot in the pin to secure the connection between the airbag module and the steering wheel frame.

[0014] According to another aspect, the damper element may include a base that engages with the lower surface of the steering wheel frame. A lower cover may include a base that covers the damper element base, positioning the damper element base between the lower cover base and the lower surface of the steering wheel frame.

[0015] According to another option, the damper element may include a plurality of ribs that extend from the upper surface of the base of the damper element and engage the lower surface of the steering wheel frame.

[0016] According to another approach, the damper element may include a cylindrical sleeve extending from the upper surface of the base of the damper element. The sleeve may be configured to be positioned in and engage with a sidewall of an opening in the steering wheel frame.

[0017] According to another option, the sidewalls of the steering wheel frame may include a small-diameter upper sidewall, a large-diameter lower sidewall, and an annular shoulder extending from the upper sidewall to the lower sidewall. The lower surface of the steering wheel frame that engages with the base of the damper element may be this shoulder.

[0018] According to another option, the damper element sleeve can be configured to extend above the upper surface of the steering wheel frame from an opening in the steering wheel frame.

[0019] Alternatively, the top cover can be configured to support the airbag module on the upper end of the cylindrical sleeve of the damper element via a spring.

[0020] On the other hand, the upper end of the cylindrical sleeve of the damper element can space the annular edge portion of the cover from the upper surface of the steering wheel frame.

[0021] According to another aspect, the upper cover may include an annular edge and a plurality of latching elements extending from the lower surface of the annular edge into a cylindrical sleeve of the damper element. The lower cover may include a cylindrical pin receiving structure extending upward from its base into the cylindrical sleeve of the damper element. The latching elements of the upper cover may engage latching element windows in the pin receiving structure to connect the upper cover to the lower cover, wherein the annular edge of the upper cover engages the upper end of the cylindrical sleeve of the damper element, and the base of the lower cover engages the base of the damper element.

[0022] Alternatively, fasteners can extend through aligned fastener receiving openings in the lower cover and damper element to connect the damper assembly to the steering wheel frame. The damper assembly can be configured such that the only part of the damper assembly that directly engages with the fasteners is the damper element.

[0023] Alternatively, the damper assembly can be configured such that the damper elements isolate the airbag module from the fasteners.

[0024] According to another option, the fastener may include a head portion, a shoulder portion, and a threaded shank. The threaded shank may be configured to be installed in a corresponding threaded opening in the steering wheel frame, and the shoulder may be configured to engage the steering wheel frame and be tightened against the steering wheel frame.

[0025] According to another aspect, the damper element may include a sleeve portion extending through a fastener receiving opening in the lower cover. The damper assembly may be configured such that a shoulder portion of the fastener engages the sleeve portion of the damper element. The upper end of the damper element sleeve may be configured to engage the lower surface of the steering wheel frame. The lower end of the damper element sleeve may be configured to extend axially beyond the lower surface of the lower cover and engage the head portion of the fastener or a washer fitted onto the fastener.

[0026] According to another aspect, the steering wheel assembly may include: a steering wheel including a steering wheel frame; an airbag module; and at least one damper assembly connecting the airbag module to the steering wheel. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle safety system that includes an airbag module mounted on the steering wheel.

[0029] Figure 2 It is installed onto the steering wheel frame according to the exemplary configuration. Figure 1 A front-view stereoscopic view of the airbag module.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a rear-view 3D view of the airbag module installed on the steering wheel frame.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a side view of the airbag module installed on the steering wheel frame.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a rear view of the airbag module installed on the steering wheel frame.

[0033] Figure 6 It is roughly along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view taken by line 6-6 shows the connection between the airbag module and the steering wheel frame through the damper assembly.

[0034] Figure 7 It is a demonstration Figure 6 An enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view.

[0035] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An exploded view of the damper assembly.

[0036] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A bottom-view perspective view of the damper assembly in its assembled state.

[0037] Figure 10 This is an enlarged view showing a portion of the cross-sectional view of an airbag module according to another exemplary configuration.

[0038] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 An exploded view of the damper assembly.

[0039] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A bottom-view perspective view of the damper assembly in its assembled state.

[0040] Figure 13 It is roughly along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the damper assembly, taken from line 13-13. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figure 1 An example configuration of a vehicle safety system 10 for helping to protect occupants 14 of vehicle 12 is shown. Vehicle 12 also includes seat belts 18 for helping to restrain occupants 14 in vehicle seats 28. Vehicle safety system 10 includes an airbag module 20 mounted on the steering wheel 30 of vehicle 12, which has improved vibration damping characteristics as described in detail herein.

[0042] The airbag module 20 includes an airbag 22, an inflation fluid source 24 (e.g., an inflator), and a structure 26 (e.g., a housing) for supporting the airbag 22 and the inflator 24 on the steering wheel 30. The airbag has a storage state generally indicated by the dashed line 22', wherein the airbag is deflated, folded, and stored in the housing 26. The housing 26 may include a cover 50 ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image), the cover helps to conceal the airbag 22 in its stored state.

[0043] The vehicle safety system 10 also includes sensors 40 for sensing the condition of the vehicle and / or occupants, and an airbag control unit (“ACU”) 42 connected to the sensors. The ACU 42 is configured to determine, in response to signals received from the sensors 40, that an event (such as a collision) is expected to cause the airbag 22 to inflate. The ACU 42 is operable to actuate the inflator 24 via control line 44 in response to this determination. When actuated, the inflator 24 inflates the airbag from a stored state to an deployed state, generally indicated by the solid line at 22. When the inflator 24 is actuated, the cover moves from a closed state that helps to conceal the airbag 22 within the housing 26 to an open state that allows the airbag to inflate and deploy from the housing.

[0044] Airbag 22 inflates and deploys in a direction opposite to the steering wheel 30 and generally parallel to the steering axis 32 of vehicle 12. In the deployed state, airbag 22 is positioned between occupant 14 and steering wheel 30, and between occupant and dashboard 34 on the driver's side 16 of vehicle 12. When deployed, airbag 22 helps absorb the force of an impact and helps distribute the impact force throughout the airbag to cushion the occupant and provide the desired cushioning effect.

[0045] Reference Figures 3 to 5The airbag module 20 includes a reaction vessel 60, which is connectable to a cover 50 to define a housing in which the airbag 22 is stored in a deflated and rolled-up / folded state. The airbag module 20 is connected to the steering wheel 30, and particularly to the steering wheel frame 36, which forms the central structure of the steering wheel, including the steering wheel rim (see...). Figure 1 The frame extends around this central structure. It includes a hub 38 configured to receive the vehicle steering axis (not shown) in a hexagonal opening in an exemplary configuration. Thus, the steering axis 32 extends centrally through the hub 38.

[0046] See Figure 6 The airbag module 20 also includes an airbag retainer 70, which is positioned within the reaction vessel 60 and surrounds the inflator 24. The airbag retainer 70 causes the mouth portion 64 of the airbag 22 to strike the reaction vessel 60, thereby securing the airbag and inflator 24 within the airbag module 20, wherein the discharge portion 66 of the inflator is positioned inside the airbag. The airbag cover 28 may include a latch head 52 at the end of the cover sidewall 54, which snaps against the peripheral edge 72 of the airbag retainer when the airbag retainer 70 is positioned within the reaction vessel 60. The airbag module 20 can be held in this assembled state by a snap-fit ​​engagement, wherein the latch head 52 is held engaged with the airbag retainer 70 by the peripheral edge 62 of the retainer.

[0047] Airbag module 20 is connected to steering wheel 30 via damper assembly 100, which supports the airbag module such that it acts as a damper mass to counteract vibrations transmitted from the steering column to the steering wheel. Damper assembly 100 disconnects the airbag module 20 from the rigid connection to steering wheel frame 36, allowing the module to move and oscillate independently of the frame. Airbag module 20 thus "floats" on damper assembly 100. In the exemplary configuration shown herein, there are three damper assemblies 100 connecting airbag module 20 to steering wheel 30.

[0048] Figures 7 to 9The airbag module 20 is shown in more detail to be coupled to the steering wheel frame 36 via the damper assembly 100, which is illustrated in detail in these figures. Referring to these figures, the damper assembly 100 includes a pin 110 mounted through an opening 68 in the reaction tank 60. The pin 110 includes a head 112 and an annular edge 114, defining a slot 116 between the head and the annular edge. The head 112 and the edge 114 include corresponding flat portions 118, 120. The flat portion 120 on the edge 114 allows the edge to pass through the opening 68 in the reaction tank 60. The flat portion 118 on the head 112 allows the head to be positioned in the airbag retainer 70. By twisting the pin 110, the flat portions 118, 120 rotate, which causes the slot 116 to engage and connect with the reaction tank 60. This also causes the head 112 to enter and engage the slot 74 in the airbag retainer 70. In doing so, the pin 110 is secured to the reaction tank 60.

[0049] Pin 110 has a metallic construction (e.g., steel) and includes a cylindrical handle 122 extending from a head 112 and terminating at an end 124 defined by a slot 126. A conical helical spring 102 is configured to be mounted on the handle 122 and engage a spring-retaining groove 104 adjacent to the edge 114. The engagement between the spring 102 and the groove 104 allows the spring to be connected to the pin 110. This connection can be achieved, for example, by the torsion of the spring 102 when positioned in the groove 104. Thus, pin 110 and spring 102 form an assembly configured to be connected to the airbag module 20 via the reaction vessel 60.

[0050] The damper assembly 100 also includes an assembly configured to connect with the steering wheel frame 36. This assembly includes an upper cover 140, a lower cover 160, and a damper element 180. The assembly is configured to be installed in an opening 80 within the frame 36. The opening 80 has a stepped configuration, featuring a small-diameter cylindrical upper sidewall 82, a large rectangular lower sidewall 84, and an annular shoulder 86 extending from the upper sidewall to the lower sidewall. The damper element 180 is positioned within the opening 80 and engages the upper sidewall 82, the lower sidewall 84, and the shoulder 86.

[0051] See Figures 7 to 9 The cover 140 includes a disc-shaped central portion 142 defining an annular edge 144. A circular spring receiving recess 146 extends from the upper surface of the central portion 142. A series of latch heads 150 extend from the lower surface of the central portion 142 opposite to the upper surface. The cover 140 has a generally rigid construction, such as a molded plastic construction. For example, the cover 140 may have an acetal plastic (polyacetal or polyoxymethylene (POM)) construction.

[0052] The lower cover 160 includes a generally rectangular base 162 having a cylindrical pin receiving structure 164 extending from its upper surface. The pin receiving structure 164 includes a plurality of latching member receiving windows 166 spaced apart around its circumference. A plurality of retaining pin receiving structures 170 extend from a lower surface 172 of the base 162 opposite to the upper surface. The lower cover 160 has a generally rigid construction, such as a molded plastic construction. For example, the lower cover 160 may have a nylon plastic construction.

[0053] The damper element 180 includes a generally rectangular base 182 having a cylindrical cap receiving sleeve 184 extending from its upper surface 186. The damper element 180 includes ribs extending from the upper surface 186 of the base 182. Some of the ribs have a generally rectangular configuration that largely follows the contour of the base 182. Outer ribs 192 extend together with and form the outer edge 194 of the damper element 180. Inner ribs 196 are spaced apart from both the outer ribs and the cap receiving sleeve 184. A pair of ribs 198 are arcuate and positioned close to and following the cylindrical contour of the cap receiving sleeve 184.

[0054] The damper element 180 has a generally soft, compliant, and elastic construction. For example, the damper element 180 may be molded from an elastomeric material. In one exemplary configuration, the damper element may have a molded silicone rubber construction.

[0055] To assemble the upper cover 140, lower cover 160, and damper element 180 onto the steering wheel frame 36, the damper element is initially positioned on top of the lower cover, with a pin receiving structure 164 extending into the cover receiving sleeve 184. The assembly of the lower cover 160 and damper element 180 is positioned within an opening 80 in the frame 36. The outer surface of the cover receiving sleeve 184 engages with the upper sidewall 82.

[0056] Both the damper element base 182 and the lower cover base 162 can be rectangular and have matching dimensions. The dimensions of the damper element base 182 and the lower cover base 162 can also be configured to match the rectangular dimensions of the lower sidewall 84. The outer edge 194 of the damper element base 182 can engage or partially engage the lower sidewall 84. Ribs 192, 194, and 196 engage the shoulder 86. Once the lower cover 160 and the damper element 180 are positioned in the frame opening 80, the upper cover 140 is mounted in the pin receiving structure 164 such that the latch head 150 engages and snaps into the latch receiving window 166.

[0057] The damper assembly 100 is configured such that when the upper cover 140, the lower cover 160, and the damper element 180 are as Figure 7When connected to the frame 36 as shown, the damper element spaces the edge 144 of the upper cover from the front / upper surface 90 of the frame and the base 162 of the lower cover from the rear / lower surface 92 of the frame defined by the shoulder 86. Therefore, the upper cover 140 and the lower cover 160 are axially spaced from the upper surface 90 and the lower surface 92 of the frame 36.

[0058] To mount the airbag module 20 to the steering wheel frame 36 via the damper assembly 100, a spring 102 is positioned on the upper cover, with its lowermost helical coil positioned in a spring receiving recess 146. A pin 110, pre-installed in the reaction canister 60 of the airbag module 20, is then inserted into aligned cylindrical channels passing through the upper cover 140 (channel 148), the lower cover 160 (channel 168), and the damper element 180 (channel 198). When this occurs, the uppermost helical coil of the spring 102 can be received or engaged in a spring retaining recess 104 in the pin 110.

[0059] Simultaneously, the handle 122 extends through aligned channels 148, 168, 198, and the end 124 protrudes from the rear surface or bottom surface 172 of the base 162 of the lower cover 160, exposing the slot 126. At this point, the retaining pin 210 can be installed in the retaining pin receiving structure 170 of the lower cover to connect the pin 110 and the airbag module 20 to the steering wheel frame 36 via the damper assembly 100. Figure 9 As shown, the retaining pin 210 has a generally U-shaped configuration with a pair of generally parallel legs 212 connected by a base 214 having a semi-circular configuration. The base 214 is received in a pin receiving structure 170 having a semi-circular channel that matches the shape of the base. The legs 212 are received in corresponding pin receiving structures 170 having holes through which the corresponding legs extend. The bent ends of the legs 212 help prevent removal of the retaining pin 210.

[0060] When the airbag module 20 is as follows Figure 7 As shown, when mounted and connected to the steering wheel 30 via the damper assembly 100, the module floats on the spring 102. This allows the airbag module 20 to be pushed against the steering wheel 30 against the bias of the spring 102, enabling the module to function as a horn switch actuator. The movement of the airbag module 20 against the spring bias is limited by the configuration of the slot 126 and its interaction with the retaining pin 210. Simultaneously, the damper assembly 100, specifically the damper element 180, isolates the airbag module 20 from the steering wheel 30, the steering wheel frame 36, and the steering shaft / column to which the steering wheel is attached.

[0061] like Figure 7 As shown, the airbag module 20 is isolated by the damper element 180 as follows: Figure 7The arrow marked A indicates axial movement and movement in a direction transverse to the axis. Figure 7 The axial direction indicated by the middle arrow A is parallel to the steering axis 32, which coincides with the axis of the steering shaft / column. The damper assembly 100 adjusts the natural frequency of the steering wheel / steering column system to a non-critical range by using the airbag module 20 as a damping mass to counteract vibrations applied to the steering wheel via the steering column.

[0062] The damper assembly 100 is configured such that the mechanical connection between the steering wheel frame 36 and the airbag module 20 is achieved solely through the vibration damping material of the damper element 180. The damper element 180 is the only structure that engages the frame to axially connect the airbag module 20 to the steering wheel 30. At the upper surface 90 of the frame 36, the airbag module 20 is supported via an upper cover 140 by a cover receiving sleeve 184 of the damper element 180. At the lower surface 92 of the frame 36, the airbag module 20 is supported via a lower cover 160 by ribs 196 on the base 182 of the damper element 180.

[0063] Advantageously, rib 196 helps to improve the vibration damping capability of the damper assembly 100. Because rib 196 reduces the surface area engaged with the lower surface 92 of the steering wheel frame 36, any force that causes the airbag module 20 to move the lower cover 160 axially toward the frame 36 will generate pressure (force per unit area) on the rib, which is greater than the pressure applied if the frame engages the entire base 182 of the damper element 180. As a result, the damper element 180 is more prone to deformation. The same applies to the engagement between the upper cover 140 and the cover receiving sleeve 184 (which presents a small engagement area).

[0064] As described above, since the damper assembly 100 is configured to increase or enhance deformation in response to the axial movement of the airbag module 20, it should be understood that vibrational forces will similarly produce enhanced deformation. It is this deformation that disconnects the airbag module from the steering wheel 30 and allows the airbag module to function as a damping mass to counteract vibrations applied to the steering wheel via the steering column. Therefore, the damper element 180 improves the vibration damping characteristics of the damper assembly 100.

[0065] Another configuration of the damper assembly 100 is in Figures 10 to 13 Displayed in [the text]. Figures 10 to 13 In an exemplary configuration, the airbag module 20 is connected via the damper assembly 100 to the above-mentioned... Figures 1 to 9 The exemplary configuration is installed to the steering wheel frame 36 in the same manner as described above. Figures 10 to 13 The configuration of the damper assembly 100 and Figures 1 to 9The difference in the component shown is that it includes fasteners 200 for providing additional connection between the damper assembly and the steering wheel 30, and particularly with the steering wheel frame 36. Figures 10 to 13 In the exemplary configuration, the damper assembly 100 includes three fasteners 200 for making such a connection. However, the damper assembly 100 may include a different number of fasteners 200, i.e., more or less than three fasteners.

[0066] The additional connection provided by fastener 200 can be used in situations where the sole connection between airbag module 20 and pin 110 via pin 210 may not produce a sufficiently robust and reliable connection. This may be the case, for example, in vehicles experiencing significant steering shaft vibration, such as off-road vehicles or commercial maintenance vehicles.

[0067] To facilitate the connection of the damper assembly 100 to the steering wheel frame 36 via fasteners 200, the lower cover 160 and the damper element 180 include corresponding openings 210, 212 through which the fasteners can extend. The number of openings 210, 212 in the lower cover 160 and the damper element 180 may correspond to the number of fasteners included in the damper assembly 100. In the assembled and installed state of the damper assembly 100, the fasteners 200 extend through the aligned openings 210, 212 in the lower cover 160 and the damper element 180, wherein washers 220 are optionally positioned on the fasteners 200.

[0068] exist Figures 10 to 13 In the exemplary configuration, the fastener 200 is a shoulder screw, each shoulder screw including a head portion 202, a shoulder portion 204, and a threaded shank portion 206. With the damper assembly 100 installed, the head portion 202 engages a washer 220, which is positioned against an annular portion of the lower cover 160 surrounding an opening 210. The shoulder portion 204 extends through the washer 220 and through the aligned openings 210, 212 in the lower cover 160 and the damper element 180. The shoulder portion 204 engages the steering wheel frame 36.

[0069] like Figure 13 As shown, the opening 212 in the damper element 180 is formed by an annular sleeve 230, which is integrally formed as part of the damper element. The sleeve 230 is configured to protrude from the base 182 of the damper element on both sides, such that the upper portion 232 engages the steering wheel frame 36, and the lower portion 234 protrudes from the lower cover 160 and engages the washer 220 / fastener 200. Because the shoulder portion 204 engages the steering wheel frame 36, the fastener 200 does not compress the damper element 180, and in particular the sleeve 230. Thus, when the fastener 200 connects the damper assembly 100 and, consequently, the airbag module 20 to the steering wheel 30, the airbag module remains completely isolated from the steering wheel via the damper element 180.

[0070] In the assembled and installed state of the damper assembly 100, the fastener 200 is connected to the steering wheel frame 36 via a threaded connection to the handle portion 206, wherein the shoulder portion 204 is tightened against the frame. Therefore, the fastener 200 essentially becomes a rigid extension of the steering wheel frame 36. The damper element 180 is the only structural component of the damper assembly 100, which is the connecting frame 36 / fastener 200 and the assembly of the upper cover 140 and lower cover 160. Since the airbag module 20 is connected to the assembly of the upper cover 140 and lower cover 160 via pin 110, the airbag module 20 is completely isolated from the steering wheel frame 36 by the damper element 180 of the damper assembly 100.

[0071] When the airbag module 20 is as follows Figures 10 to 13 As shown, when mounted and connected to the steering wheel 30 via the damper assembly 100, the module floats on the spring 102. This allows the airbag module 20 to be pushed against the steering wheel 30 against the bias of the spring 102, enabling the module to function as a horn switch actuator. The movement of the airbag module 20 against the spring bias is limited by the configuration of the slot 126 and its interaction with the retaining pin 210. Simultaneously, the damper assembly 100, specifically the damper element 180, isolates the airbag module 20 from the steering wheel 30, the steering wheel frame 36, and the steering shaft / column to which the steering wheel is attached.

[0072] like Figures 10 to 13 As shown, the airbag module 20 is isolated by the damper element 180 to perform as... Figure 10 The arrow marked A indicates axial movement and movement in a direction transverse to that axis. Despite the addition of fastener 200, damper assembly 100 maintains this isolation by implementing sleeve 230 in damper element 180, which forms the only fastener engagement structure of the damper assembly. Figure 10 The axial direction indicated by the middle arrow A is parallel to the steering axis 32, which coincides with the axis of the steering shaft / column. The damper assembly 100 adjusts the natural frequency of the steering wheel / steering column system to a non-critical range by using the airbag module 20 as a damping mass to counteract vibrations applied to the steering wheel via the steering column.

[0073] Similar to Figures 1 to 9In an exemplary configuration, the damper assembly 100 is configured such that the mechanical engagement between the steering wheel frame 36 and the airbag module 20 is achieved solely through the vibration-damping material of the damper element 180. The damper element 180 is the only structure that engages the frame 36 / fastener 200 to axially connect the airbag module 20 to the steering wheel 30. At the upper surface 90 of the frame 36, the airbag module 20 is supported via an upper cover 140 by a cover receiving sleeve 184 of the damper element 180. At the lower surface 92 of the frame 36, the airbag module 20 is supported via a lower cover 160 by ribs 196 on the base 182 of the damper element 180.

[0074] Advantageously, rib 196 helps to improve the vibration damping capability of the damper assembly 100. Because rib 196 reduces the surface area engaged with the lower surface 92 of the steering wheel frame 36, any force that causes the airbag module 20 to move the lower cover 160 axially toward the frame 36 will generate pressure (force per unit area) on the rib, which is greater than the pressure applied if the frame engages the entire base 182 of the damper element 180. As a result, the damper element 180 is more prone to deformation. The same applies to the engagement between the upper cover 140 and the cover receiving sleeve 184 (which presents a small engagement area).

[0075] As described above, since the damper assembly 100 is configured to increase or enhance deformation in response to the axial movement of the airbag module 20, it should be understood that vibrational forces will similarly produce enhanced deformation. It is this deformation that disconnects the airbag module from the steering wheel 30 and allows the airbag module to function as a damping mass to counteract vibrations applied to the steering wheel via the steering column. Therefore, the damper element 180 improves the vibration damping characteristics of the damper assembly 100.

[0076] From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize improvements, changes, and modifications. The appended claims are intended to cover such improvements, changes, and modifications that fall within the scope of the art.

Claims

1. A damper assembly configured to mount an airbag module to a steering wheel including a steering wheel frame, the damper assembly comprising: A damper element, the damper element being configured to engage the steering wheel frame and extend through an opening in the steering wheel frame; A pin, configured to connect to the airbag module; A cover structure configured to extend through an opening in the steering wheel frame, the cover structure being configured to receive the pin for axial movement, such that the airbag module can move axially relative to the steering wheel frame. and The damper element isolates the airbag module, the pin, and the cover structure from the steering wheel frame, and The damper element is configured to engage the lower surface of the steering wheel frame, extend through an opening in the steering wheel frame, and have a portion extending from the opening above the upper surface of the steering wheel frame, wherein the cover structure includes: A lower cover, configured to cover the damper element on the lower surface of the steering wheel frame, the lower cover extending at least partially through the damper element and the opening in the steering wheel frame; A top cover, configured to cover and engage the portion of the damper element extending above the upper surface of the steering wheel frame, the top cover extending at least partially through the damper element and an opening in the steering wheel frame, and configured to engage and lock onto the bottom cover to connect the top cover, the bottom cover, and the damper element to the steering wheel frame. The damper assembly further includes fasteners extending through aligned fastener receiving openings in the bottom cover and the damper element to connect the damper assembly to the steering wheel frame, wherein the damper assembly is configured such that the only part of the damper assembly that directly engages with the fasteners is the damper element.

2. The damper assembly of claim 1, wherein, The damper element isolates the airbag module from the steering wheel frame on the upper and lower surfaces of the steering wheel frame.

3. The damper assembly of claim 2, wherein, The pin is configured to extend through the upper cover, the damper element, and the lower cover to connect the airbag module to the steering wheel frame.

4. The damper assembly of claim 3, further comprising a spring surrounding a portion of the pin, the spring having a lower end that engages the upper cover and an upper end that is proximate to and directly or indirectly engages the bladder module, wherein, The spring allows the airbag module to move axially relative to the steering wheel frame.

5. The damper assembly of claim 4, further comprising a spring surrounding a portion of the pin, wherein, The airbag module is configured to move axially relative to the steering wheel frame, overcoming the bias of the spring.

6. The damper assembly of claim 5, wherein, The spring allows the airbag module to act as a horn switch actuator.

7. The damper assembly of claim 1, further comprising a retaining pin that engages a retaining pin receiving structure on the lower surface of the lower cover, the retaining pin engaging a slot in the pin to secure the connection between the airbag module and the steering wheel frame.

8. The damper assembly of claim 4, wherein, The damper element includes a base that engages the lower surface of the steering wheel frame, and the lower cover includes a base that covers the base of the damper element, positioning the base of the damper element between the lower cover base and the lower surface of the steering wheel frame.

9. The damper assembly of claim 8, wherein, The damper element includes a plurality of ribs that extend from the upper surface of the base of the damper element and engage with the lower surface of the steering wheel frame.

10. The damper assembly of claim 8, wherein, The damper element includes a cylindrical sleeve extending from the upper surface of the base of the damper element, the sleeve being configured to be positioned in and engage with the sidewall of an opening in the steering wheel frame.

11. The damper assembly of claim 10, wherein, The sidewalls of the steering wheel frame include a small-diameter upper sidewall, a large-diameter lower sidewall, and an annular shoulder extending from the upper sidewall to the lower sidewall, wherein the lower surface of the steering wheel frame that engages with the base of the damper element is the shoulder.

12. The damper assembly of claim 10, wherein, The damper element sleeve is configured to extend above the upper surface of the steering wheel frame from an opening in the steering wheel frame.

13. The damper assembly of claim 12, wherein, The top cover is configured to support the airbag module on the upper end of the cylindrical sleeve of the damper element via the spring.

14. The damper assembly of claim 13, wherein, The upper end of the cylindrical sleeve of the damper element separates the annular edge portion of the upper cover from the upper surface of the steering wheel frame.

15. The damper assembly of claim 8, wherein: The top cover includes an annular edge and a plurality of latches extending from the lower surface of the annular edge into a cylindrical sleeve of the damper element; The lower cover includes a cylindrical pin receiving structure that extends upward from the base into a cylindrical sleeve of the damper element; The upper cover's latch engages with the latch window in the pin receiving structure to connect the upper cover to the lower cover, wherein the annular edge of the upper cover engages with the upper end of the cylindrical sleeve of the damper element, and the base of the lower cover engages with the base of the damper element.

16. The damper assembly of claim 1, wherein, The damper assembly is configured such that the damper element isolates the airbag module from the fastener.

17. The damper assembly of claim 1, wherein, The fastener includes a head portion, a shoulder portion, and a threaded shank, wherein the threaded shank is configured to be installed in a corresponding threaded opening in the steering wheel frame, and the shoulder portion is configured to engage the steering wheel frame and be tightened against the steering wheel frame.

18. The damper assembly of claim 1, wherein, The damper element includes a sleeve portion extending through a fastener receiving opening in the lower cover, wherein the damper assembly is configured such that a shoulder portion of the fastener engages the sleeve portion of the damper element, wherein an upper end portion of the damper element sleeve is configured to engage a lower surface of the steering wheel frame, and wherein a lower end portion of the damper element sleeve is configured to extend axially beyond the lower surface of the lower cover and engage a head portion of the fastener or a washer fitted to the fastener.

19. A steering wheel assembly, comprising: A steering wheel, the steering wheel including a steering wheel frame; Airbag module; as well as At least one damper assembly that connects the airbag module to the steering wheel, wherein the at least one damper assembly is constructed according to claim 1.

Images