steering wheel

Abstract

Disclosed is a steering wheel capable of inhibiting the slide of an airbag module due to its own weight and stabilizing the position of the airbag module. The steering wheel (1) comprises: a steering wheel main body (2); an airbag module (3); and at least one coil spring (62) that applies a force to the airbag module (3) in a direction away from the steering wheel main body (2). The coil spring (62) is arranged between the steering wheel main body (2) and the airbag module (3) in a state in which the axis thereof is deviated from a free state, and applies a force (F2) to the airbag module (3) in a direction intersecting the axis (L1) of the coil spring in the free state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a steering wheel. Background Technology

[0002] To protect the driver's safety in the event of a vehicle collision, steering wheels with front airbag functionality are widely used. For example, in the steering wheel disclosed in Patent Document 1, the airbag device is mounted on the steering wheel body via a snap-fit ​​mechanism using three horn switch mechanisms.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-69938 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In existing steering wheels, after the airbag device is installed on the steering wheel body, it may slip slightly due to its own weight, sometimes resulting in a positional misalignment relative to the steering wheel body. Such misalignment, for example, may result in a larger gap at the top and a smaller gap at the bottom between the airbag device and the steering wheel body, reducing the overall design efficiency of the steering wheel. Furthermore, it may also affect other functions.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a steering wheel that can help stabilize the position of the airbag module.

[0009] Problem Solving Methods

[0010] One aspect of the present invention relates to a steering wheel comprising: a steering wheel body; an airbag module; and at least one helical spring that applies force to the airbag module in a direction away from the steering wheel body. The configuration is such that at least one helical spring is disposed between the steering wheel body and the airbag module in a state where the axis of the helical spring is deviated from its free state, and also applies force to the airbag module in a direction intersecting the axis of the helical spring in its free state.

[0011] According to this method, a bias is generated in the helical spring, which is positioned off-center from the free state, in a direction intersecting the axis in the free state. Thus, the helical spring exerts a force on the airbag module not only in the direction away from the steering wheel body but also in the intersecting direction. By utilizing the force in this intersecting direction, the position of the airbag module can be stabilized. For example, by directing this force in the intersecting direction towards the direction that prevents the airbag module from slipping due to its own weight, the position of the airbag module relative to the steering wheel body can be returned to its original position. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the steering wheel according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It shows the... Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the steering wheel after the airbag module has been removed from the steering wheel body.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged 3D view of the center of the steering wheel body.

[0015] Figure 4 Shown from the bottom side Figure 2 A 3D view of the airbag module.

[0016] Figure 5 Through Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the VV line cut off.

[0017] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the steering wheel coil spring and its surroundings. (a) shows the state of the coil spring before the airbag module is installed onto the steering wheel body, and (b) shows the state of the coil spring after the airbag module is installed onto the steering wheel body. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The steering wheel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0019] The steering wheel is positioned on the driver's side of a vehicle such as a car and has multiple functions. For example, the steering wheel functions as a steering device for the vehicle. Specifically, the steering wheel is generally mounted at an angle to the upper end of the steering shaft of the vehicle body. Furthermore, the steering force from the driver is transmitted from the steering wheel to the steering shaft, and then via the steering gears to the wheels, thereby changing the direction of the wheels.

[0020] In addition, the steering wheel functions as a front airbag in vehicle emergencies. Vehicle emergencies refer to events such as a vehicle collision. This function as a front airbag is primarily achieved through an airbag module mounted on the steering wheel body. Besides these functions, the steering wheel can also function as a horn. Furthermore, the steering wheel can also function as a dynamic damper to attenuate vibrations from the vehicle's steering wheel, achieved by using the airbag module as a damping mass.

[0021] In some embodiments of the steering wheel, the airbag module is mounted on the steering wheel body in a first direction via a damper unit or the like. This "first direction" can be, for example, the axial or longitudinal direction of the steering shaft. Furthermore, in the mounted state, the airbag module is pushed upwards in a direction intersecting the first direction by at least one coil spring disposed between the airbag module and the steering wheel body, thereby stabilizing the position of the airbag module. Hereinafter, in the description, the "first direction" is consistent with the axial direction of the steering shaft.

[0022] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the three axes XYZ are defined as follows. The axial direction of the steering axis (i.e., the first direction) is designated as the "Z-axis direction." The direction connecting the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions of an analog 12-hour clock on a plane orthogonal to the Z-axis direction is designated as the "X-axis direction." The direction connecting the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions of this clock is designated as the "Y-axis direction." The X-axis direction can be corresponding to the width direction of the steering wheel or vehicle. The Y-axis direction can be the forward / backward direction of the vehicle (the direction of travel when the vehicle is moving straight). The plane formed by the X-axis and Y-axis is called the "XY plane." Furthermore, in... Figure 1 In the diagram, the arrows pointing towards the XYZ axes are the "positive side," and the opposite direction is the "negative side." Therefore, for example, the positive side of the Y-axis is the 12 o'clock side of the aforementioned analog 12-hour clock, and the negative side of the Y-axis is the 6 o'clock side of the clock.

[0023] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the steering wheel 1 includes a steering wheel body 2 and an airbag module 3. Additionally, the steering wheel 1 includes a damper unit 4a and a support unit 4b. The airbag module 3 is mounted on the steering wheel body 2 in the Z-axis direction via the damper unit 4a and the support unit 4b.

[0024] The steering wheel body 2 has a core rod 2a forming its frame. The core rod 2a is formed from metals such as iron, aluminum, and magnesium. The core rod 2a has a central boss 20, a rim 21 on its outer periphery, and spokes 22 connecting the boss 20 and the rim 21. The rim 21 is the part that the driver grips and is formed in a ring shape. There are multiple spokes 22 (two in this case), which extend outward from the boss 20 and connect to the rim 21. In other embodiments, there may be three or more spokes 22.

[0025] Furthermore, the steering wheel body 2 may have more than one layer on the core rod 2a. For example, the rim portion 21 and the spoke portion 22 may have a coating layer of a soft synthetic resin such as foamed polyurethane resin. In addition, the rim portion 21 may also have, in sequence, an insulating polyurethane layer facing outward; a heater electrode layer for heating the steering wheel body 2; a skin layer as an insulating layer; and a sensor electrode layer for detecting the driver's grip on the steering wheel body 2.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, the boss portion 20 has: a shaft mounting portion 23, on which a steering shaft 100 is mounted (see reference). Figure 5 The base portion 24 has a centrally recessed shape for the shaft mounting portion 23. The base portion 24 connects to the spoke portion 22 via inclined portions 25, 25 that are inclined upwards from both ends in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the two ends of the base portion 24 on the negative side in the Y-axis direction in the X-axis direction are connected to each other via a bridge portion 26. A tab engaging portion 26a protruding towards the shaft mounting portion 23 is formed in the center of the bridge portion 26. The tab 39 of the airbag module 3 elastically engages with the tab engaging portion 26a (see reference). Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0027] On the base portion 24, multiple (two in this case) mounting holes 27, 27 are formed through both sides in the X-axis direction, separated by the shaft mounting portion 23 (see reference). Figure 5 A cylindrical collar 51 is installed in each mounting hole 27. The collar 51 is used to install the damper unit 4a. For example, the collar 51 has a cut in the middle of the cylindrical portion having a flange 53 at one end (see reference). Figure 5 ), and a pin 41 with a damper unit 4a inserted inside the cylinder.

[0028] Furthermore, on the base portion 24, there are seat surfaces 28, 28 located further to the negative side in the Y-axis direction than the mounting holes 27, 27. Seat surfaces 28 receive one end of the support unit 4b. Between the seat surfaces 28, 28 and the bridge portion 26, there are protrusions 29, 29 protruding from the surface of the base portion 24 towards the positive side in the Z-axis direction. A fixing contact 72 for the horn mechanism 70 is provided on the top surface 29a of the protrusion 29. Additionally, an interference portion 90 is provided at the root of the protrusion 29, which interferes with one end of the support unit 4b (details will be described later).

[0029] like Figure 4 As shown, the airbag module 3 includes: an airbag cushion 30 (refer to...) Figure 5 ); housing 31; inflator 32; module cover 33, which covers the airbag cushion 30 and is mounted on the housing 31; locking plate 34, which is mounted on the housing 31. The airbag cushion 30 is, for example, in a folded state.

[0030] The outer casing 31 has: a bottom wall 36 having a bottom surface along the XY plane; and a peripheral wall 37 rising from the bottom wall 36, forming a shallow disc shape. An inflator 32 is installed in the center of the bottom wall 36, and a locking plate 34 is installed around it.

[0031] Additionally, a flexible tab 39 is mounted on the outer casing 31. For example... Figure 2 and 4 As shown, the connecting piece 39 includes: a cantilever leaf spring 391; and an insulator 392, which is disposed on the free end side of the leaf spring 391. One end of the leaf spring 391 is mounted on the negative Y-axis side of the peripheral wall 37 and extends toward the negative Z-axis side. A receiving opening 394, defined by the leaf spring 391 and the insulator 392, is provided for the insertion of the connecting piece engaging portion 26a. In this inserted state, the end face (upper surface) of the insulator 392 on the receiving opening 394 side abuts or faces the lower surface of the connecting piece engaging portion 26a. In addition, the negative Y-axis side of the insulator 392 elastically abuts against the root of the connecting piece engaging portion 26a (the side surface of the bridge portion 26 of the core rod 2a). Thus, the vibration of the steering wheel body 2 is attenuated by the elastic action of the leaf spring 391.

[0032] The inflator 32 has a low-profile hollow disc with gas ejection holes. In the event of a vehicle emergency, the inflator 32 is activated upon receiving a signal from the vehicle's sensors, instantly supplying gas to the airbag cushion 30. The airbag cushion 30, receiving the gas supply, rapidly inflates, causing the module cover 33 to rupture and expand towards the driver's side of the vehicle compartment, thus restraining the driver.

[0033] The module cover 33, for example, is formed of resin and constitutes the driver-facing surface of the steering wheel 1. Furthermore, the module cover 33 functions as a horn switch pressed by the driver when the horn is sounded. Specifically, when the driver presses the module cover 33 towards the negative side in the Z-axis direction, the airbag module 3 overcomes the forces of the damper unit 4a and the support unit 4b and approaches the steering wheel body 2. At this time, the movable contact 71 of the horn mechanism 70 located on the airbag module 3 side contacts the fixed contact 72 of the horn mechanism 70 located on the steering wheel body 2 side. Through this contact, the horn mechanism 70 enters the horn-activated state and sounds the horn. On the other hand, when the pressure on the airbag module 3 is released, the airbag module 3 returns to its original position by the forces of the damper unit 4a and the support unit 4b, entering the horn-inactive state.

[0034] The locking plate 34 is, for example, formed by stamping a single sheet of metal. The locking plate 34 has openings 34a, 34a (see reference 34a) at the portion that protrudes from the bottom wall 36 of the outer casing 31. Figure 5A pin 41 for a damper unit 4a is inserted into each of the openings 34a. In addition, a bushing 61 for a support unit 4b is fixed to the flat portion of the locking plate 34, and a movable contact 71 for a horn mechanism 70 is arranged on the negative side of the Y-axis direction, which is further away from the fixed portion.

[0035] In other embodiments, the locking plate 34 may be omitted. In this case, the structure and function associated with the locking plate 34 are disposed on another component of the airbag module 3, such as the housing 31. Moreover, the bottom of the airbag module 3 opposite to the steering wheel body 2 is mainly composed of the locking plate 34 when it is present, and mainly composed of the bottom wall 36 of the housing 31 when it is absent.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, there are multiple damper units 4a and support units 4b (two in this case) arranged at the bottom of the airbag module 3. Two damper units 4a are positioned on the positive side of the Y-axis, and two support units 4b are positioned on the negative side of the Y-axis, respectively, on both sides of the X-axis. From another perspective, when observing the airbag module 3 in a plane orthogonal to the Z-axis using a simulated 12-hour clock, it can be assumed that the damper units 4a are arranged approximately at the 2 o'clock and 10 o'clock positions, and the support units 4b are arranged approximately at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions.

[0037] Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the damper unit 4a and the support unit 4b can be appropriately set. For example, in other embodiments, the number of support units 4b can be three, and when observed on a simulated 12-hour clock, the support units 4b can be arranged at the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock positions. Alternatively, the damper unit 4a can be omitted.

[0038] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the damper unit 4a has a pin 41, a spring 42, and a damper assembly 43, constituting a modular damper that transmits the vibration of the steering wheel body 2 to the airbag module 3. That is, the damper unit 4a functions as a dynamic damper that attenuates vibrations from the vehicle.

[0039] The damper assembly 43 is mounted on the opening 34a of the locking plate 34. The damper assembly 43 includes: an elastomer 45; an inner sleeve 46 and an outer sleeve 47 that hold the elastomer 45; and an annular member 48 that covers the upper surface of the elastomer 45. The elastomer 45, used to suppress vibrations of the steering wheel 1, is formed into a ring shape, for example, by means of rubber or silicone. The inner sleeve 46, outer sleeve 47, and annular member 48, for example, are formed of resin and hold the elastomer 45 within the space they enclose.

[0040] A pin 41 is inserted through the inner sleeve 46. The inner sleeve 46 is configured to slide relative to the pin 41 in the Z-axis direction. An outer sleeve 47 is mounted on the opening 34a. Through this mounting, the damper unit 4a is fixed to the bottom of the airbag module 3. Therefore, when the airbag module 3 moves in the Z-axis direction, the damper assembly 43 also moves together with the airbag module 3 in the Z-axis direction, and during this movement, the inner sleeve 46 of the damper assembly 43 slides relative to the pin 41.

[0041] Pin 41 extends along the Z-axis and inserts into the opening 34a inside the inner sleeve 46. One end of pin 41 in the Z-axis direction is formed as a flange, and the upper part of the damper assembly 43 is located below this flange. The other end of pin 41 in the Z-axis direction inserts into the inner side of the collar 51 and passes through the mounting hole 27. A retaining spring 52 mounted on the mandrel 2a is engaged in the locking groove 44 at the front end of pin 41, thereby fixing pin 41 to the mandrel 2a.

[0042] Spring 42 is a helical spring arranged around the outer periphery of pin 41, which applies force to airbag module 3 in a direction away from steering wheel body 2. One end of spring 42 is held on the retaining part 46a of inner sleeve 46, and the other end is a free end, which sits on the flange part 53 of collar 51.

[0043] Again Figure 4 As shown, the support unit 4b has a bushing 61 and a coil spring 62. The bushing 61 is fixed to the locking plate 34. The coil spring 62 applies force to the airbag module 3 in a direction away from the steering wheel body 2. One end of the coil spring 62 is held in the bushing 61, and the other end is a free end, which rests on the seat surface 28 of the boss portion 20. The outer diameter of the coil spring 62 is smaller than the outer diameter of the spring 42 of the damper unit 4a.

[0044] Here, when installing (assembling) the airbag module 3 onto the steering wheel body 2, firstly, as... Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, a damper unit 4a and a support unit 4b are provided on the airbag module 3. Based on this, the airbag module 3 is moved to the negative side in the Z-axis direction, inserting the pin 41 of the damper unit 4a into the inside of the collar 51, and locking it by the retaining spring 52 (see reference). Figure 5 The airbag module 3 and the mandrel 2a are connected by this locking mechanism. When this connection is established, the spring 42 of the damper unit 4a and the coil spring 62 of the support unit 4b are positioned between the bottom of the airbag module 3 and the steering wheel body 2, and the airbag module 3 is elastically supported on the steering wheel body 2.

[0045] Next, refer to Figure 6The structure of the helical spring 62 and its surrounding area is described. Figure 6 (a) shows the state of the coil spring 62 before the airbag module 3 is installed onto the steering wheel body 2. Figure 6 (b) shows the state of the coil spring 62 after the airbag module 3 is installed onto the steering wheel body 2.

[0046] The coil spring 62 has a first spring end 81 on the side of the airbag module 3 and a second spring end 82 on the side of the steering wheel body 2. The first spring end 81 and the second spring end 82 are located at opposite ends of the coil spring 62. Before the airbag module 3 is installed onto the steering wheel body 2, the first spring end 81 is a fixed end and the second spring end 82 is a free end. Here, the first spring end 81 is held by a bushing 61 fixed to the bottom of the airbag module 3. In addition, when the airbag module 3 is installed onto the steering wheel body 2, the second spring end 82 sits on the seat surface 28 of the steering wheel body 2.

[0047] The helical spring 62 is, for example, a compression helical spring. The helical spring 62 has multiple spring coils, and the first spring end 81 and the second spring end 82 include a support coil portion of the helical spring. The support coil is, for example, 1.0 coil, but is not limited thereto; for example, it could be 1.5 coils, etc.

[0048] The coil spring 62 is positioned between the steering wheel body 2 and the airbag module 3 with its axis deviating from the free state.

[0049] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown in (a), when the helical spring 62 is in a free state, the axis L1 of the helical spring 62 extends parallel to the Z-axis direction. The axis L1 is the center line (helical spring axis) passing through the center of the helical spring 62, and also passes through the center of the support coils at both ends of the helical spring 62.

[0050] On the other hand, such as Figure 6 As shown in (b), when the airbag module 3 is installed on the steering wheel body 2, the axis L2 of the coil spring 62 is in a state deviating from the axis L1 in the free state (hereinafter referred to as the "offset state"). The axis L2 is the same as the axis L1, passing through the center line of the center of the coil spring 62 and also through the center of the support coils at both ends of the coil spring 62, but it is slightly inclined relative to the Z-axis direction. Here, the axis L2 is inclined relative to the Z-axis direction, such that the center of the first spring end 81 is located on the negative side of the Y-axis direction more than the center of the second spring end 82. In this way, in the offset state, the first spring end 81 and the second spring end 82 are offset in a direction orthogonal to the axis L1 in the free state (in this case, the Y-axis direction).

[0051] The coil spring 62, configured in the offset state, is biased in a direction intersecting the axis L1 of the free state (in this case, the positive side of the Y-axis direction). Therefore, the coil spring 62 applies a force F1 not only away from the steering wheel body 2 but also a force F2 in the direction intersecting the axis L1 of the free state (the positive side of the Y-axis direction). The resultant force of forces F1 and F2 intersects the mounting direction of the airbag module 3 (the first direction, the Z-axis direction), thus pushing the airbag module 3 upwards. Therefore, the coil spring 62 can suppress the airbag module 3 from slipping relative to the steering wheel body 2 due to its own weight.

[0052] Here, a structure is provided on the steering wheel body 2 for making the coil spring 62 in an offset state.

[0053] For example, the steering wheel body 2 has an interference portion 90. The interference portion 90 is configured such that, relative to the first spring end 81, the second spring end 82 is offset in a direction orthogonal to the axis L1 of the coil spring 62 (in this case, the Y-axis direction). For example, the interference portion 90 only contacts the second spring end 82 of the coil spring 62, and by pushing the second spring end 82 towards the positive Y-axis direction, a positional offset relative to the first spring end 81 is generated. Thus, the coil spring 62 is in an offset state. Furthermore, the interference amount of the interference portion 90 (the force that pushes the second spring end 82 towards the positive Y-axis direction) can be set by taking into account the spring constant of the coil spring 62, etc.

[0054] The interference portion 90 may have one or more interference points relative to the second spring end 82. For example, the interference portion 90 may be configured to contact at least two consecutive wire portions 82a, 82b on the second spring end 82 in the axial direction of the helical spring 62. Wire portions 82a, 82b are parts of the spring wire constituting the helical spring 62. Furthermore, wire portions 82a, 82b constitute a number of turns of the spring, with wire portion 82b constituting the next number of turns relative to wire portion 82a. Here, wire portion 82a becomes part of the support coil in the helical spring 62.

[0055] The interference portion 90 can be formed on the core rod 2a of the steering wheel body 2, or it can be constructed by providing a component different from the core rod 2a on the steering wheel body 2. Here, the interference portion 90 is formed on the core rod 2a as a protrusion rising from near the seat surface 28. In detail, the interference portion 90 is formed at the root of the protrusion 29 of the core rod 2a. The upper end of the surface of the protrusion 29 on the positive side of the Y-axis direction is inclined to the negative side of the Y-axis direction, and its root (lower end) functions as the interference portion 90.

[0056] When the airbag module 3 is installed on the steering wheel body 2, the interference portion 90 comes into contact with the second spring end 82 of the coil spring 62. Through this contact, the second spring end 82 is offset in a direction orthogonal to the axis L1 (in this case, the positive side of the Y-axis direction) and is supported on the seat surface 28. As a result, the axis L2 of the coil spring 62 is tilted from the axis L1.

[0057] The seat surface 28 has a flat surface in a direction orthogonal to the axis L1, and the second spring end 82 rests on this flat surface of the seat surface 28. In another embodiment, the seat surface 28 may have a positioning portion for positioning the second spring end 82. For example, the seat surface 28 may have a positioning portion on or near the flat surface, which receives or fits the wire portion 82a of the second spring end 82. The positioning portion allows the position of the biased helical spring 62 to be stabilized.

[0058] The effects of the above-described implementation method will be explained.

[0059] As described above, the steering wheel 1 according to the embodiment includes: a steering wheel body 2; an airbag module 3; and at least one coil spring 62, which applies force to the airbag module 3 in a direction away from the steering wheel body 2. The coil spring 62 is disposed between the steering wheel body 2 and the airbag module 3 with its axis deviating from the free state, and also applies force to the airbag module 3 in a direction intersecting the axis L1 of the coil spring in the free state.

[0060] According to this method, the coil spring 62, configured in the offset state, is biased in a direction intersecting the axis L1 in the free state (in this case, the positive side of the Y-axis). Therefore, for the airbag module 3, the coil spring 62 exerts a force not only on the positive side of the Z-axis away from the steering wheel body 2, but also on the positive side of the Y-axis. That is, the resultant force of the coil spring 62 configured in the offset state, acting on both the positive side of the Y-axis and the positive side of the Z-axis, acts on the airbag module 3. Thus, to prevent the airbag module 3 from slipping relative to the steering wheel body 2 due to its own weight, the airbag module 3 is pushed up, thereby pointing the position of the airbag module 3 relative to the steering wheel body 2 (especially its position in the Y-axis direction) back to its original mounting position.

[0061] Therefore, it helps stabilize the position of the airbag module 3. As a result, for example, the original positional relationship between the airbag module cover 33 and the steering wheel body 2 is maintained, improving the overall aesthetic design of the steering wheel 1. Furthermore, the characteristics of the coil spring 62 sandwiched between the steering wheel body 2 and the airbag module 3 can be effectively utilized to achieve this positional stabilization of the airbag module 3. In existing steering wheels, a coil spring exists between the steering wheel body and the airbag module; by effectively utilizing this existing coil spring, the positional stabilization of the airbag module 3 can be achieved.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the helical spring 62 is configured such that the first spring end 81 and the second spring end 82 are offset in a direction orthogonal to the axis L1. In this way, the axis of the helical spring 62 can be offset by the simple method of offsetting the two ends of the helical spring 62 in a direction orthogonal to the axis L1.

[0063] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the steering wheel body 2 has an interference portion 90 relative to the first spring end 81, which offsets the second spring end 82 in a direction orthogonal to the axis L1. Thus, by providing a structure on the steering wheel 2 side, the coil spring 62 can be in an offset state.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the interference portion 90 is formed on the core rod 2a that forms the frame of the steering wheel body 2. Therefore, the core rod 2a can be used effectively to provide the interference portion 90 for causing the coil spring 62 to be in an offset state.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the interference portion 90 is formed as a protrusion rising from near the seat surface 28 that receives the end of the second spring 82. This ensures the rigidity and strength of the interference portion 90. Additionally, in this embodiment, the protrusion becomes the root of the protrusion 29 where the fixing contact 72 of the horn mechanism 70 is provided. Therefore, the structure used in the horn mechanism 70 can be effectively utilized to make the coil spring 62 deflected.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the interference portion 90 is configured to contact at least two wire portions 82a, 82b of the second spring end 82. This increases the contact area (interference area) of the interference portion 90, enabling stable or reliable pressing of the second spring end 82.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the coil spring 62 is located on the lower side when viewed from the center of the airbag module 3. This effectively suppresses the airbag module 3 from slipping relative to the steering wheel body 2 due to its own weight. As a result, the position (Y-axis position) of the airbag module 3 relative to the steering wheel body 2 is also stable when viewed from the center of the airbag module 3 in relation to the damper units 4a, 4a located on the upper side, thus ensuring stable damping effect of the damper units 4a, 4a.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the helical springs 62 are located on the left and right sides respectively when viewed from the center of the airbag module 3. This allows the airbag module 3 to be pushed upwards evenly in the left-right direction.

[0069] The embodiments described above are for the purpose of understanding the present invention and are not intended to limit or interpret the present invention. The various elements, their configurations, materials, conditions, shapes, and dimensions included in the embodiments are not limited to the examples and can be appropriately modified.

[0070] For example, the number of helical springs 62 is not limited to two; it can be three or more, or it can be one. In one case, the helical springs 62 can be arranged along the 6 o'clock direction of an analog 12-hour clock.

[0071] Alternatively, the interference portion 90 may not be located on the steering wheel body 2 side, but on the airbag module 3 side. For example, the interference portion may be located at the bottom of the airbag module 3, such that the first spring end 81 is offset from the second spring end 82 in a direction orthogonal to the axis L1 of the coil spring 62.

[0072] Symbol Explanation

[0073] 1…Steering wheel 2…Steering wheel body

[0074] 2a…piston 3…airbag module

[0075] 4a…Damper unit 4b…Support unit

[0076] 20… Boss section 21… Flange section

[0077] 22…Spoke section 23…Shaft mounting section

[0078] 24…base section 25…sloping section

[0079] 26…Bridge section 26a…Joint locking section

[0080] 27…Mounting hole 28…Seat surface

[0081] 29…convex part 29a…top surface

[0082] 30…Airbag cushion 31…Outer shell

[0083] 32…Inflator 32a…Fixing plate

[0084] 33…Module cover 34…Locking plate

[0085] 34a…Opening 36…Bottom wall

[0086] 37…bottom wall 39…joint

[0087] 41…pin 42…spring

[0088] 43…Damper assembly 44…Clocking groove

[0089] 45…Elastomer 46…Inner Sleeve

[0090] 46a…Retaining part 47…Outer sleeve

[0091] 48…ring-shaped part 51…ring

[0092] 52…Retaining spring 53…Flange

[0093] 61… Bushing 62… Helical Spring

[0094] 70…Speaker mechanism 71…Modible contact

[0095] 72…fixed contact 81…first spring end

[0096] 82…Second spring ends 82a, 82b…Wire section

[0097] 90…interference area 100…steering shaft

[0098] 391…Leaf Spring 392…Insulator

[0099] 394…accepts forces F1, F2…

[0100] L1…Axis in free state L2…Axis in offset state

Claims

1. A steering wheel, comprising: Steering wheel body; Airbag module; At least one helical spring applies a force to the airbag module in a direction away from the steering wheel body. The at least one helical spring is configured such that, With the axis of the coil spring deviating from its free state, it is positioned between the steering wheel body and the airbag module, and a force is also applied to the airbag module in a direction intersecting the axis of the coil spring in its free state. The at least one helical spring has: The first spring end on the airbag module side; The second spring end on the steering wheel body side. The at least one helical spring is configured such that the ends of the first spring and the second spring are offset in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the helical spring in its free state. The steering wheel body has an interference portion that offsets the end of the second spring relative to the end of the first spring in an orthogonal direction. The interference portion is formed on the core rod that forms the skeleton of the steering wheel body.

2. The steering wheel as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The mandrel has a seat surface that receives the end of the second spring. The interference portion is formed as a protrusion rising from the vicinity of the seat surface.

3. The steering wheel as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The interference portion is in contact with at least two continuous wire portions in the axial direction of the helical spring at the end of the second spring.

4. The steering wheel as described in claim 3, wherein, The at least two wire sections include the support coil section of the helical spring.

5. The steering wheel as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first spring end is fixed to the airbag module, while the second spring end is not fixed to the steering wheel body. The second spring end is configured to contact the interference portion when the airbag module is installed on the steering wheel body, and to deviate in the orthogonal direction and be received by the seat surface of the steering wheel body.

6. The steering wheel as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The seat surface of the steering wheel body has a flat surface in the orthogonal direction.

7. The steering wheel as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The seat surface of the steering wheel body has a positioning portion for positioning the end of the second spring.

8. The steering wheel as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The airbag module is mounted on the steering wheel body facing the first direction. The at least one helical spring applies a force to the airbag module in a direction intersecting the first direction, i.e., in the direction that pushes the airbag module upward.

9. The steering wheel as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The first direction is the direction of the axis of the helical spring in its free state.

10. The steering wheel as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The airbag module has an interference portion that causes the end of the first spring to be offset relative to the end of the second spring in the orthogonal direction.

11. The steering wheel as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2, or 10, wherein, The at least one helical spring is located on the lower side when viewed from the center of the airbag module.

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