Steering wheel with airbag module

Abstract

A steering wheel comprising an airbag module (10) and a steering wheel body is described. The airbag module shows a housing element comprising a housing section (31) and a first positioning feature extending from the housing section (31). The first positioning feature is adapted to cooperate with a second positioning feature of the steering wheel body. The first positioning feature has two side legs (46) and a cross member (44) connecting the two side legs (46). In order to facilitate the mounting process of mounting the airbag module to the steering wheel body, each of the side legs (46) of the first positioning feature has a first thickness in its module-side end portion, preferably at the junction with the housing section (31), and a second thickness in its cross-piece-side end portion, preferably at the junction with the housing section (31). Preferably, there is a second thickness at the location of the cross member (44), wherein the first thickness is less than the second thickness.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a steering wheel for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and to an airbag module according to the preamble of claim 14 which is suitable as part of such a steering wheel.

[0002] Such a steering wheel comprises a steering wheel body and an airbag module which is mounted to the steering wheel body, in particular in such a way that the airbag module can be pressed towards the steering wheel body in order to activate the vehicle's horn (so-called “floating module concept”).

[0003] For example, a universal steering wheel is known from CN 212604810 A. The airbag module of the steering wheel comprises a housing element having a housing section, an inflator attached to the housing section of the housing element, a cover attached to the housing section via a snap feature, and an airbag cushion accommodated in a accommodating unit defined by the housing section and the cover. The housing element has a first mounting feature, a second mounting feature, and a resiliently flexible U-shaped first positioning feature. Both the mounting feature and the positioning feature extend from the housing section and are components of the housing element. The first positioning feature has two side legs and a transverse member connecting the two side legs. The steering wheel body has a hub area for receiving the airbag module, and comprises a third mounting feature cooperating with the first mounting feature, a fourth mounting feature cooperating with the second mounting feature, and a second positioning feature having a lower contact surface cooperating with the transverse member of the first positioning feature. This means that, in the unpressed state of the airbag module, the cross piece of the first positioning feature and the lower contact surfaces of the second positioning feature contact each other so that the axial position of the first positioning feature relative to the second positioning feature defines the first positioning feature. During the process of mounting the airbag module to the steering wheel body, the side legs of the first positioning feature are elastically bent by the second positioning feature and return to their non-bent initial state when the mounting process is completed.

[0004] Starting from this prior art, it is an object of the present invention to improve a steering wheel and in particular to improve its airbag module in such a way that the airbag module can be mounted more easily to the steering wheel body.

[0005] This object is achieved by a steering wheel having the features of claim 1. Claim 14 defines an airbag module which is suitable as part of such a steering wheel.

[0006] When the airbag module is mounted to the steering wheel body, the first positioning feature, i.e. the side legs of the latter, are elastically deflected due to the cross piece being pushed aside by the second positioning feature during the insertion of the airbag module. This movement usually takes place in the radial direction. Due to the lever effect, the elastic deformation of the side legs of the first positioning feature occurs mainly at their module-side ends. According to the invention, the thickness of each of the side legs of the first positioning feature is reduced in its module-side end portion. By this measure, the effect of the deformation of the side legs mainly at their housing-side ends is enhanced, so that the module-side end portions of the side legs act almost like hinges in the radial direction.

[0007] In order to enhance the "hinge effect", it may be preferred to make the module-side end portion relatively short, in particular shorter than the cross-member-side end portion.

[0008] In order to enhance the "hinge effect" and optimize the volume of the module, the side legs are connected to the bottom plate of the housing. In other words, the side legs are not connected to the side walls of the housing.

[0009] The module-side end section with reduced thickness does not necessarily extend completely to the housing section. The thickness can also increase again toward the housing section, so that the corresponding side leg has a "waist".

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the first locating feature is made of plastic, which allows managing the thickness evolution in a simpler and cheaper way. In this case, it is also generally preferred that the first locating feature is integral with the housing segment (the housing segment and the housing element to which the first locating feature belongs are generally integral plastic parts).

[0011] It is generally desirable (or necessary) to dimension the first positioning feature so that it can withstand the forces generated when the airbag module is triggered and the airbag cushion is deployed. In particular, at the end of airbag deployment, large tensile forces act on the side legs. In order to compensate for the reduced thickness, it is therefore preferred that each side leg has a first width in its module-side end portion and a second width at its cross-piece-side end portion, wherein the second width is smaller than the first width. "Width" refers to the extension in the circumferential direction (substantially perpendicular to the radial direction), and "thickness" refers to the extension in the radial direction.

[0012] Since tensile strength (a factor that determines the pulling force each leg can withstand) is essentially dependent on the cross-sectional area, it is preferred that each of the legs of the first locating feature has a substantially constant cross-sectional area along its entire length (in the axial direction), preferably in the range of 5% to 10%, so that no "predetermined breaking point" is generated. In this case, the second moment of area is variable, while the cross-sectional area remains essentially constant.

[0013] In order to safely avoid breakage of the cross-piece, it is generally preferred that the cross-piece has an even greater thickness than the thickness of the cross-piece side end portions. When viewed from the side, at least three portions with different thicknesses can be distinguished in this case: the module-side end portions, the cross-piece side end portions and the cross-piece. Usually, an intermediate portion in which the thickness gradually increases will be arranged between the module-side end portions and the cross-piece side end portions.

[0014] In any case, the cross-member is to be distinguished from the side legs that carry it: simply making the cross-member thicker will not produce the desired effect.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the cover is snapped to the housing section of the housing element using snap features. In order to prevent the cover from being unsnapping from the housing section during deployment of the airbag cushion, a locking plate may be provided which locks the snap features to the housing element. This locking plate prevents any movement of the snap features of the cover once the airbag module is fully assembled. The locking plate typically extends along the outside of the housing base plate and is attached to the housing base plate after the cover has been snapped to the housing section. Sections of the edges of the locking plate extend to the snap features of the cover so that they cannot be moved radially inwards to such an extent as to allow unsnapping from the housing section.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the airbag module further comprises a limiting feature near the first positioning feature. The limiting feature is arranged to limit the displacement of the first positioning feature so as to prevent the first positioning feature from being damaged during the disassembly process. The limiting feature allows the movement of the first positioning feature (which is necessary during assembly and during disassembly), but limits the displacement so as to prevent damage caused by too large a displacement. The limiting feature preferably extends parallel to the side legs of the first positioning feature. The advantages of providing such limiting features are as follows: when the airbag module is mounted to the steering wheel body, the U-shaped first positioning feature is "automatically" displaced by the second positioning feature of the steering wheel body, so that there is no risk of too strong displacement. However, in the case of disassembly, the first positioning feature must often be manually displaced (meaning bent), and there is therefore a risk that the first positioning feature bends too far and breaks. If this happens, the entire airbag module must usually be discarded. Providing limiting features safely prevents this situation.

[0017] Such a limiting feature is particularly useful because due to the reduced thickness of the side legs at their module-side ends, the first locating feature can be easily bent in the radial direction (as required), but if the limiting feature is not provided, this may cause undesirable breakage during disassembly.

[0018] The restriction feature may be in the form of at least one protrusion of the locking plate. This makes it particularly easy to provide the restriction feature with the necessary stability, since the locking plate is usually made from sheet metal. Since the locking plate is usually a stamped and bent component, additional production steps may not be necessary (the restriction feature is formed by the necessary bending process anyway).

[0019] Alternatively, the restriction feature may be in the form of at least one protrusion of the housing element. In this case, the locking plate typically has a recess or opening at the location of the restriction feature.

[0020] The present invention will now be described in more detail using preferred embodiments according to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings show:

[0021] Figure 1 : a strongly schematic cross-sectional representation of all relevant elements of a first embodiment of the inventive steering wheel,

[0022] Figure 2 : Depend on Figure 1 The components shown form a subassembly of an airbag module,

[0023] Figure 3 : according to Figure 2 The complete airbag module in the representation,

[0024] Figure 4 : In fully assembled condition Figure 1 All components shown,

[0025] Figure 5 : from Figure 1 The direction R1 is observed Figure 1 Bottom view of the cover,

[0026] Figure 6 : from Figure 1 The direction R2 is observed Figure 1 A bottom view of the housing element is shown,

[0027] Figure 7 : from Figure 1 The direction R3 is observed Figure 1 Bottom view of the locking plate shown,

[0028] Figure 8 : from Figure 1 The direction R4 is observed Figure 1 The plan view of the skeleton shown,

[0029] Figure 9a :from Figure 1 The direction of R5 is observed Figure 1 A side view of the first and third locating features of the housing element is shown,

[0030] Figure 9b :from Figure 9a The direction of R7 observation Figure 9a A side view of the first locating feature is shown,

[0031] Fig.10a :according to Figure 9a A variation of the first positioning feature in the representation,

[0032] Fig.10b :according to Figure 9b In the expression Figure 9a The first positioning feature shown,

[0033] Fig.11 :from Figure 1 The direction of R6 is observed Figure 1 A side view of the hook of the housing element,

[0034] Fig.12 : A detailed perspective view of a complete steering wheel according to a second embodiment of the invention,

[0035] Fig.13 : Observed from above Fig.12 Plan view of the steering wheel,

[0036] Fig.14 :along Fig.13 The cross-sectional view taken by plane AA in

[0037] Fig.15 : A perspective view of a locking plate of a second embodiment,

[0038] Fig.16 :according to Figure 4 The third embodiment of the present invention is represented by

[0039] Fig.17 : Fig.16 implementation details, but for a more detailed and forward-looking view,

[0040] Fig.18 : a first locating feature in another embodiment,

[0041] Fig.19 : a first locating feature in another embodiment, and

[0042] Fig. 20 : Detailed section through one side leg and a cross member carried by that and the other side leg.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 to Figure 10 describes a first embodiment of the invention. The representations are strongly schematic so that the relevant features can be clearly seen.

[0044] Figure 1 The elements of the airbag module and part of the steering wheel body, i.e. the skeleton, are shown. Of course (and as will be seen later), the complete steering wheel body comprises further elements, such as rim, spokes, etc., but these elements are not relevant to the present invention, so that they are not shown in the first embodiment. Figure 1 to Figure 1 0. In addition, Figure 1 The helical spring acting between the airbag module and the frame 17 is shown in FIG. Figure 5 to Figure 1 0 shows Figure 1 Details of the components shown.

[0045] The airbag module includes a cover 20 ( Figure 1 and Figure 5 )、Shell element 30( Figure 1 and Figure 6 )、Lock plate 50( Figure 1 and Figure 7 ), airbag cushion 90 and inflator 95. First, the components of the airbag module are described:

[0046] As just mentioned, Figure 1 and Figure 5 2 shows a cover 20 of an airbag module. The cover 20 is typically made of a plastic material and includes a cover sidewall 24 and a top 22. A snap feature 26 in the form of a snap hook 26 extends from a lower edge of the cover sidewall 24, as is generally known in the art of airbag modules.

[0047] As already mentioned, Figure 1 and Figure 6 2 shows a housing element 30. The housing element 30 is typically a one-piece plastic component and comprises a housing section 31. The housing section 31 and the cover 20 (in the assembled state) form a housing for the airbag cushion 90. The housing section 31 comprises a housing bottom plate 32 and housing side walls 34. The housing bottom plate 32 comprises at least one hole 36 for receiving the snap feature 26 of the cover so that the cover 20 can be snapped to the housing section 31.

[0048] The housing bottom plate 32 also includes a hole 37 for the inflator 95, a protrusion 39 for the coil spring 60, and a hole 38 for attaching the locking plate 50. The housing bottom plate 32 may also include attachment means for the horn contact, but these are not shown. Figure 1 to Figure 1 0 is shown.

[0049] In order to attach the housing element 30 (and thus the entire airbag module) to the steering wheel body (in the embodiment shown the steering wheel skeleton 17), the housing element 30 of the first embodiment further comprises the following features:

[0050] Two hooks 40a, 40b, serving as first and second mounting features, extend from the housing bottom plate 32 (see FIG. Figure 1 , Figure 6 10 ). These hooks 40 are quite strong and can withstand the forces that may be generated when the airbag cushion 90 is deployed by the inflator 95.

[0051] Furthermore, a U-shaped first positioning feature 42 extends from the housing section 31 to ensure the correct positioning of the airbag module 10, in particular along the mounting axis of the airbag module on the steering wheel body. The first positioning feature 32 comprises two side legs 46 and a cross piece 44 connecting these side legs 46 (see Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 9a and Figure 9b ). The first positioning feature extends substantially from the edge of the housing bottom plate and is positioned on the center line; the two hooks 40a, 40b are generally arranged symmetrically relative to the center line C.

[0052] As from Figure 9a and Figure 9b As can be best seen in FIG. 1 , the width of the side legs 46 (in the circumferential direction) decreases from their module-side ends toward the module distal ends ( Figure 9a ), while their thickness (in the radial direction) increases ( Figure 9b ). The increase in thickness and decrease in width preferably keeps the cross-sectional area substantially constant. In the illustrated embodiment, the side leg has: a first portion (module side portion) 46a having a first width and thickness; a middle portion 46b in which the width is reduced and the thickness is increased; and a second portion (cross-piece side portion) 46c having a second width and thickness. This enhances flexibility in the radial direction without reducing tensile strength, and thus reduces the effort required to snap the airbag module 10 onto the steering wheel skeleton 70 without reducing the force that the airbag module can withstand when it is triggered. The enhanced flexibility does not increase the risk of breakage due to the presence of the limiting feature.

[0053] In order to define a "hinge area" in the first portion 46a, it is generally preferred to snap the side legs together with three different parts as just shown, but this is not strictly mandatory.

[0054] Furthermore, it should be mentioned that the location with the minimum thickness does not need to be located directly at the module-side end of the side leg 46, it is sufficient that it is located in the module-side end portion, preferably at or near the junction with the housing segment 31. For example, it is possible that the side leg has a "waist" in the module-side end portion. Fig.10a and Fig.10b The Figure 9a and Figure 9b A variation of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] In the embodiment shown, the housing element 30 also includes two cylindrical pieces 48 located between the side legs 46 of the first positioning feature 42; these cylindrical pieces 48 form a third positioning feature. The cylindrical pieces 48 extend parallel to each other at a distance D1 (FIG. 9). The cylindrical pieces (as the rest of the housing element) are made of plastic material, and since they have free ends, they can be deformed to a certain extent, in particular in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 9.

[0056] In order to secure the cover 20 after it has been snapped onto the housing section 31, a locking plate 50 is provided (see Figure 1 and Figure 7 ). The locking plate 50 is preferably a one-piece sheet metal component. The locking plate 50 includes a hole 54 for the inflator, an attachment hole 56 for attaching (e.g., screwing or riveting) the locking plate 50 to the housing bottom plate 32, and a hole 58 for the protrusion 39. In addition, the locking plate 50 has a bay 53 at the location of the U-shaped first positioning feature 42 of the housing element 30 and a protrusion 52 formed by a bent section and forming a limiting feature adjacent to the bay 53.

[0057] Steering wheel frame 17 (see Figure 1 and Figure 8 ) comprises a hole 72 for each hook 40a, 40b, and a mounting spring 74 is retained at the lower surface of the steering wheel skeleton so that the hooks 40a, 40b can be snapped into the mounting spring 74, as is generally known in the prior art. A common mounting spring 74 can be provided for each hook 40a, 40b or an independent mounting spring can be provided. According to the definition selected in this patent application, the mounting spring forms part of the third and fourth mounting features that cooperate with the first and second mounting features (hooks 40a, 40b), and the mounting spring is part of the steering wheel body. Therefore, the first to fourth mounting features participate in the attachment of the airbag module 10 to the steering wheel body. Similar to the housing bottom plate, a protrusion 78 for positioning the coil spring is provided at the steering wheel skeleton 70.

[0058] Furthermore, a second positioning feature 76 in the form of a hook is provided for the first positioning feature 42 of the housing element 30. This positioning feature 76 comprises a lower contact surface 76a for contacting the cross piece 44 of the first positioning feature, so that an axial positioning (Z positioning / positioning along the mounting axis of the airbag module 10 or positioning along the steering column axis) is produced. Furthermore, the second positioning feature 76 has side surfaces 76b, 76c spaced apart by a distance D2. This distance D2 is equal to or almost equal to the distance D1 between the two columnar pieces of the third positioning feature.

[0059] Figure 2 A subassembly of the airbag module 10 is shown. The subassembly comprises a cover 20, a housing element 30, an airbag cushion 90 and an inflator 95. As can be seen, the cover 20 is snapped to the housing element 30 (ie, the housing floor 32) via snap hooks 26 extending through holes 36.

[0060] In a subsequent assembly step, the locking plate 50 is attached to the housing bottom plate 32, for example via studs provided on the inflator 95. The result of this assembly step is Figure 3 , which shows the complete airbag module 10. It can be seen that the locking plate 50 extends to the inner edge of the snap hook 26, so that even when a large thrust is applied to the cover when the airbag cushion 19 is deployed, it prevents them from being unfastened. Figure 3 It can also be seen that the protrusion 52 (limiting feature) is located near the U-shaped first positioning feature 42, but has some distance from the positioning feature 42 so that the positioning can be bent inwardly (see Figure 3 ), but only to a certain extent.

[0061] Figure 4 The steering wheel frame 70 is shown mounted (i.e. snapped) to the steering wheel frame 70. Figure 3 During this assembly step, the mounting spring 74 and the U-shaped first locating feature 42 (i.e., its side legs 46) are elastically deformed. The distance between the U-shaped first locating feature 42 and the protrusion (limiting feature) 52 of the locking plate allows the deflection of the U-shaped first locating feature 42 to be sufficient for this assembly step, but prevents the U-shaped locating feature 42 from bending more than necessary for this assembly step.

[0062] In the fully assembled state, the coil spring is pretensioned, and the cross piece 44 of the U-shaped first positioning feature is therefore pressed against the lower contact surface 76a of the second positioning feature 76, so that axial positioning is produced. In addition, the second positioning feature 76 is positioned between the cylindrical pieces 48 of the third positioning feature, so that positioning in the circumferential direction is produced.

[0063] Figures 12 to 15A second embodiment is shown which is similar to the first embodiment but is shown in more detail. The difference is that the airbag module 10 of the second embodiment does not show the third locating feature between the side legs of the first locating feature, so that the second locating feature 76 of the steering wheel body only interacts with the first locating feature of the airbag module, and the second locating feature does not contribute to the positioning in the circumferential direction. Apart from this, the description of the first embodiment is directly applicable to the second embodiment, and similar elements are indicated by similar reference numerals.

[0064] Fig.16 and Fig.17 An embodiment is shown which is also similar to the first embodiment. Here, the difference is that the restriction feature is not part of the locking plate, but part of the housing element 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the restriction feature is from the housing bottom plate 32 (see Fig.16 ) in the form of two protrusions 49 extending out of and through the bay-shaped portion of the locking plate 50.

[0065] Fig.18 and Fig.19 An alternative design of the first locating feature 40 is shown. Figure 9a , Figure 9b , Fig.10a and Fig.10b As depicted, the width of the side legs 46 (in the circumferential direction) decreases from their module-side ends toward the module distal ends, while their thickness (in the radial direction) increases, so that the cross-sectional area remains substantially constant.

[0066] Fig. 20 A detailed cross section through one of the side legs 46 and the cross piece 44 of the U-shaped locating feature is shown, where some more possible (but not mandatory) features can be seen in more detail: the first portion 46a (module side portion; portion with the smallest thickness) does not extend completely to the housing segment; the side leg widens again in the junction 47 with the housing segment. In addition, it can be seen that the length l2 of the second portion 46c (cross piece side portion) exceeds the length l1 of the first portion 46a. Providing a relatively short first portion enhances the "hinge effect". The length l2 can be defined as between two and ten times the length l1. Finally, it is shown that the cross piece can have a greater thickness than the second portion 46c.

[0067] Reference numerals list

[0068] 5. Steering Wheel

[0069] 10 Airbag module

[0070] 20 Cover

[0071] 22 Top of cover

[0072] 24 Cover side wall

[0073] 26 snap hook (snap feature)

[0074] 30 Shell element

[0075] 31 Shell section

[0076] 32 Shell bottom plate

[0077] 34 Shell side wall

[0078] 36 Holes for snap hooks on cover

[0079] 37 Holes for inflator

[0080] 38 Holes for attaching locking plate

[0081] 39 Protrusion for coil spring

[0082] 40a First hook (first mounting feature)

[0083] 40b Second hook (second mounting feature)

[0084] 42 U-shaped first positioning feature

[0085] 44 Horizontal piece

[0086] 46 Side Leg

[0087] 46a Part 1 (Module side part)

[0088] 46b Middle section

[0089] 46c Second part (lateral part)

[0090] 47 Joint with shell section

[0091] 48 Third positioning feature (column between side legs)

[0092] 49 Housing element / protrusion of limiting feature

[0093] 50 Locking plate

[0094] 52 protrusion (bend section / limiting feature)

[0095] 53 Bay

[0096] 54 holes for inflator

[0097] 56 Attachment holes

[0098] 58 Hole for protrusion 39

[0099] 60 Coil spring

[0100] 70 Steering wheel frame (part of the steering wheel body)

[0101] 72 Hole for hook (part of the third and fourth mounting features)

[0102] 74 Mounting spring (part of the third and fourth mounting features)

[0103] 76 second positioning feature

[0104] 76a Lower contact surface

[0105] 76b, 76c side surface

[0106] 78 Protrusion for coil spring

[0107] 80 Spokes (part of the steering wheel body)

[0108] 82 Rim (part of the steering wheel body)

[0109] 90 Airbag Cushion

[0110] 95 Inflator

[0111] C Centerline

[0112] l1 length of the first part

[0113] l2 Length of the second part

Claims

1. A steering wheel (5), comprising An airbag module (10), the airbag module comprising - a housing element (30), said housing element comprising a housing section (31), - an inflator (95) attached to the housing section (31), - a cover (20), which is attached to the housing section (31), - an airbag cushion (90) which is accommodated in a receiving unit defined by the housing section (31) and the cover (20), wherein the housing element (30) comprises a first mounting feature (40), a second mounting feature (40) and a resiliently flexible U-shaped first positioning feature (42) extending from the housing section (31) of the housing element (30), the first positioning feature (42) having two side legs (46) and a cross member (44) connecting the two side legs, and a steering wheel body having a hub area for receiving at least a portion of the airbag module (10), the steering wheel body having a third mounting feature cooperating with the first mounting feature (40), a fourth mounting feature cooperating with the second mounting feature (40), and a second locating feature (76) having a lower contact (76a) surface of the cross member (44) cooperating with the first locating feature (42), It is characterized in that Each of the side legs (46) of the first positioning feature (42) has a first thickness in its module-side end portion, preferably at the junction with the shell segment (31), and has a second thickness in its cross-piece-side end portion, preferably at the position of the cross-piece (44), wherein the first thickness is less than the second thickness.

2. The steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the side legs (46) of the first locating feature (42) has a first width at the location of the first thickness and a second width at the location of the second thickness, wherein the second width is less than the first width.

3. The steering wheel according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the side legs (46) of the first locating feature (42) has a first cross-sectional area at its module-side end and a second cross-sectional area at its cross-member-side end, wherein the first and second cross-sectional areas are substantially equal.

4. A steering wheel arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The cover (20) is attached to the housing section (31) via a snap feature (26), and the airbag module (10) further comprises a locking plate (50) for locking the snap feature.

5. Steering wheel unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The airbag module further includes a restriction feature adjacent to the first locating feature (42), the restriction feature being arranged to restrict displacement of the first locating feature (42).

6. The steering wheel unit according to claim 5, characterized in that The restraining feature is in the form of at least one protrusion (49, 52) extending substantially parallel to the side leg (46) of the U-shaped locating feature (42).

7. The steering wheel unit according to claim 6, characterized in that The at least one protrusion (49) is part of the housing element (30), wherein the at least one protrusion preferably extends from a housing floor (32) receiving the inflator (95).

8. Steering wheel unit according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that The at least one protrusion (52) is part of the locking plate (50).

9. Steering wheel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A third locating feature extends between the side legs (46) of the first locating feature (42), the third locating feature cooperating with the second locating feature (76).

10. The steering wheel according to claim 9, characterized in that The third locating feature is in the form of two pillars (48), and the second locating feature (76) extends between the two pillars (48).

11. A steering wheel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The first mounting feature is a first hook (40a) and the second mounting feature is a second hook (40b), wherein the first hook (40a) and the second hook (40b) are preferably rigid.

12. The steering wheel unit according to claim 9, characterized in that The first hook (40a) is positioned at the 3 o'clock position, the second hook (40b) is positioned at the 9 o'clock position, and the first locating feature (42) is positioned at the 12 o'clock position.

13. A steering wheel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that At least one pre-tensioned spring (60) is arranged between the airbag module (10) and the steering wheel body in such a way that the airbag module can be pressed toward the steering wheel body.

14. An airbag module (10) adapted to be part of a steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and comprising - a housing element (30), said housing element comprising a housing section (31), - an inflator (95) attached to the housing section (31), - a cover (20) attached to the housing section (31), and - an airbag cushion (90) which is accommodated in a receiving unit defined by the housing section (31) and the cover (20), The housing element (30) comprises a first mounting feature (40), a second mounting feature (40) and a resiliently flexible U-shaped first positioning feature (42) extending from the housing section (31) of the housing element (30), wherein the first positioning feature (42) has two side legs (46) and a cross member (44) connecting the two side legs, characterized in that: Each of the side legs (46) of the first positioning feature (42) has a first thickness in its module-side end portion, preferably at the junction with the shell segment (31), and a second thickness in its cross-piece-side end portion, preferably at the position of the cross-piece (44), wherein the first thickness is less than the second thickness.

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