Damping element, damping module, steering wheel arrangement and vehicle

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of damping element, damping module, steering wheel device and vehicle.Direction wheel device includes steering wheel skeleton, setting with mounting hole, the plate that responds, damping module and connecting mechanism, damping module includes: damping mass, including the plate that responds and assembly to the air bag of the plate that responds, the plate that responds is assembled to steering wheel skeleton by connecting mechanism, or damping mass includes air bag, the plate that responds is assembled to air bag by connecting mechanism;And damping element, between the plate that responds and connecting mechanism is assembled to mounting hole, and including multiple axial support surface, part of multiple axial support surface is abutted to connecting mechanism or the plate that responds along the axial direction of mounting hole, and another part of multiple axial support surface is provided with clearance between connecting mechanism or the plate that responds mounting hole.The damping module of the present application realizes the balance of shock absorption performance and abnormal sound suppression by the cooperative design of multiple support surface and clearance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a damping element for a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle, a damping module of such a damping element, a steering wheel assembly including such a damping module, and a vehicle including such a steering wheel assembly. Background Technology

[0002] When a vehicle is in motion, the excitation from parts such as tires and engine is transmitted through the vehicle body to the steering column. The steering column is a cantilever structure, and the steering wheel, which is installed at the end of the steering column, will vibrate along with it. When the excitation is finally transmitted to the steering wheel rim, it will cause the steering wheel rim to swing with the excitation frequency, causing a tingling sensation in the driver's hands.

[0003] Existing dampers can effectively attenuate vibration input, thereby preventing severe resonance of the steering wheel and ensuring driver comfort under normal and smooth road conditions.

[0004] However, when vehicles, especially sports cars, are driven on rough roads (such as continuously broken concrete or gravel roads), the intensity of vibration excitation transmitted to the steering system may be much greater than on regular roads where damping is required. Most existing dampers cannot ensure effective damping on flat roads while preventing abnormal noises when driving on rough roads. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a damping module for a vehicle steering wheel device that can improve the damping effect.

[0006] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention provides a damping module for a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle, the steering wheel assembly including a steering wheel frame, a squeegee having a mounting hole, the damping module, and a connecting mechanism. The damping module includes: a damping mass comprising the squeegee and an airbag fitted to the squeegee, the squeegee being fitted to the steering wheel frame via the connecting mechanism, or the damping mass comprising the airbag, the squeegee being fitted to the airbag via the connecting mechanism; and a damping element fitted to the mounting hole between the squeegee and the connecting mechanism, and including a plurality of axial support surfaces, a portion of which abuts against the connecting mechanism or the squeegee along the axial direction of the mounting hole, and another portion of which has a gap with the connecting mechanism or the squeegee.

[0007] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the damping element further includes a plurality of radial support surfaces, a portion of which abuts against the connecting mechanism or the damping mass along the radial direction of the mounting hole, and another portion of which has a gap with the connecting mechanism or the clicker.

[0008] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the steering wheel frame or the airbag is provided with a mounting portion opposite to the mounting hole; the damping element is provided with a first central through hole; the connecting mechanism includes: a bushing fitted to the first central through hole and including a guide shaft having a second central through hole and an abutment flange extending radially outward from the guide shaft; and a fastener including an abutment portion and a rod portion extending from the abutment portion along the axial direction, the rod portion passing through the second central through hole and connected to the mounting portion to clamp the damping element between the abutment portion and the abutment flange; wherein a portion of the plurality of axial support surfaces opposite to the abutment portion is provided with a gap between itself and the abutment portion.

[0009] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the damping element includes: a first flange located between the abutment portion and the clicker; and a first protrusion protruding from the first flange toward the abutment portion in the axial direction, and including a first axial support surface abutting against the abutment portion.

[0010] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the first axial support surface is interference-fitted with the abutment portion.

[0011] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the damping element further includes: a second protrusion, the second protrusion protruding from the first flange toward the abutment portion along the axial direction, and including a second axial support surface opposite to the abutment portion, wherein a gap is provided between the second axial support surface and the abutment portion.

[0012] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the area of ​​the second axial support surface is larger than that of the first axial support surface.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the number of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is multiple and they are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction of the mounting hole.

[0014] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the first flange includes a third axial support surface opposite to the clicker plate along the axial direction, and a gap is provided between the third axial support surface and the clicker plate.

[0015] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the damping element further includes: a second flange located between the squeegee and the abutment flange, and including a fourth axial support surface abutting the abutment flange; and a third protrusion projecting from the second flange toward the squeegee in the axial direction, and including a fifth axial support surface abutting the squeegee.

[0016] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the damping element further includes: an annular support sleeve connecting the first flange and the second flange along the axial direction; and a fourth protrusion protruding from the support sleeve toward the guide shaft along the radial direction and including a first radial support surface abutting against the guide shaft.

[0017] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the damping element further includes: a fifth protrusion, the fifth protrusion protruding from the support sleeve toward the squeaker in the radial direction, and including a second radial support surface opposite to the squeaker, the second radial support surface having a gap with the inner wall of the mounting hole.

[0018] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the damping element further includes: a sixth protrusion that protrudes from the support sleeve toward the clicker in the radial direction, and includes a third radial support surface abutting against the clicker.

[0019] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the damping element further includes: an inclined support surface, the inclined support surface connecting the second radial support surface and the third radial support surface, and abutting against the clicker in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction.

[0020] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the first flange, the second flange, and the support sleeve are formed as a single unit.

[0021] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the connecting mechanism further includes an elastic element, one end of which abuts against the abutting flange along the axial direction, and the other end of which abuts against the steering wheel frame or the airbag along the axial direction.

[0022] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the connecting mechanism further includes a noise-absorbing washer, which is tightly clamped between one end of the bushing and the abutment portion of the fastener.

[0023] A second aspect of the present invention provides a steering wheel device including a damping module according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0024] A third aspect of the invention provides a vehicle including a steering wheel device according to a second aspect of the invention.

[0025] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a damping element for mounting in a mounting hole of a steering wheel element, the damping element comprising: an annular support sleeve; a first flange and a second flange extending radially from two axial ends of the support sleeve, respectively; a first protrusion and a second protrusion projecting from the first flange away from the second flange along an axial direction of the support sleeve, and each having a first axial support surface and a second axial support surface, wherein the first axial support surface and the second axial support surface have a height difference; and a third protrusion projecting from the second flange toward the first flange along the axial direction, and including an axial support surface adapted to abut against the steering wheel element.

[0026] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the first flange further includes a third axial support surface, the third axial support surface being oriented opposite to the first axial support surface and the second axial support surface and adapted to be spaced apart from the steering wheel element.

[0027] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the damping element further includes a fourth protrusion that protrudes radially inward from the support sleeve and includes a first radial support surface.

[0028] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the damping element further includes a fifth protrusion that protrudes radially outward from the support sleeve and includes a second radial support surface adapted to have a gap between the inner wall of the mounting hole.

[0029] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the damping element further includes a sixth protrusion that protrudes radially outward from the support sleeve and includes a third radial support surface adapted to abut against the inner wall of the mounting hole.

[0030] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the damping element further includes an inclined support surface, the inclined support surface connecting the second radial support surface and the third radial support surface, and adapted to abut against the steering wheel element in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the damping module according to the present invention has several advantages, especially: through the coordinated design of multiple support surfaces and gaps, it can ensure the isolation capability of low-frequency vibration while taking into account the rapid response of high-frequency vibration, thus achieving a balance between vibration reduction performance and abnormal noise suppression. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following detailed description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts.

[0033] Figure 1 A side view of a first embodiment of a steering wheel device according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a partial exploded view of the steering wheel assembly;

[0035] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the steering wheel device with the airbag concealed.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the steering wheel assembly with the steering wheel frame hidden.

[0037] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken from plane DD in the middle;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the damping element in the steering wheel assembly being assembled to the clicker.

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the damping element in the diagram;

[0040] Figure 8 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken from plane C in the middle;

[0041] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the damping element in the steering wheel assembly being assembled to the clicker, wherein the clicker is equipped with a damping element according to a modified embodiment;

[0042] Figure 10 This is a partial exploded view of a second embodiment of the steering wheel device;

[0043] Figure 11 This is a bottom view of the steering wheel device of the second embodiment with the steering wheel frame hidden;

[0044] Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 The cross-sectional view of the plane EE in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The implementation and use of specific embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of particular ways of implementing and using the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0046] In this specification, the descriptions of the structural positions of various components, such as "up" and "down," are not absolute but relative. These directional descriptions are appropriate when the components are arranged as shown in the figures, but should be changed accordingly when the positions of the components change. Furthermore, in this specification, "axial" and "radial" are defined with reference to the axial and radial directions of the damping element and its mounting holes.

[0047] Furthermore, in this specification, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, terms such as "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this specification according to the specific circumstances.

[0048] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] First Embodiment

[0050] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the steering wheel device of the present invention includes a steering wheel element, a damping module 100, and a connecting mechanism 300. The steering wheel element includes a steering wheel frame 200 and a push-button plate 111 with a first mounting hole 1111.

[0051] The damping module 100 includes a damping mass 110 and a damping element 120. The damping mass 110 includes a clicker 111 and a driver-side airbag 112 mounted to the clicker 111. The clicker 111 is mounted to the steering wheel frame 200 via a connecting mechanism 300. More specifically, the clicker 111 is provided with multiple supporting rubber pads 1112 and multiple snap-fit ​​holes 1113. The airbag 112 housing is provided with snap-fit ​​pins 1121 corresponding to the snap-fit ​​holes 1113 to snap-fit ​​the airbag 112 to the clicker 111. At this time, the supporting rubber pads 1112 abut against the airbag 112, and the two are fixed into a whole.

[0052] The damping element 120 is assembled between the clicker 111 and the connecting mechanism 300 into the first mounting hole 1111. For example... Figures 1 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the first mounting hole 1111 and the damping element 120 are arranged in four evenly distributed around the central axis of the clicker 111. It is understood that the number and position of the damping element 120 are determined according to actual needs, and the present invention does not impose any limitations on this.

[0053] More specifically, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the damping element 120 is configured as an elastic body with a first central through hole 1201. After being pressed, it is assembled into the first mounting hole 1111, thus completing the pre-assembly of the damping element 120 and the push-button 111. The steering wheel frame 200 is provided with a mounting portion 210 opposite to the first mounting hole 1111. Figures 1 to 8 In the embodiment shown, the mounting part is configured as a second mounting hole 210. The pre-assembled damping element 120 and the clicker 111 are placed at the corresponding positions on the steering wheel frame 200, so that the first mounting hole 1111 is aligned with the second mounting hole 210, and then connected to the steering wheel frame 200 through the connecting mechanism 300.

[0054] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the damping element 120 includes a plurality of axial support surfaces AS. A portion of the plurality of axial support surfaces AS abuts against the connecting mechanism 300 or the clicker plate 111 along the axial direction of the first mounting hole 1111, and another portion of the plurality of axial support surfaces AS is provided with a gap between itself and the connecting mechanism 300 or the clicker plate 111.

[0055] In addition, the damping element 120 may also include a plurality of radial support surfaces RS, a portion of which abuts against the connecting mechanism 300 or the clicker plate 111 in the radial direction of the first mounting hole 1111, and another portion of the plurality of radial support surfaces RS is provided with a gap between it and the connecting mechanism 300 or the clicker plate 111.

[0056] Therefore, the assembled damping element 120 is located between the slammer 111 and the connecting mechanism 300, and isolates the slammer 111 from the connecting mechanism 300, forming a structure in which at least a portion of the outer end face of the damping element 120 abuts against the first mounting hole 1111 of the slammer 111 and at least a portion of the inner end face of the damping element 120 abuts against the connecting mechanism 300.

[0057] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the connecting mechanism 300 includes a bushing 310, a fastener 320, an elastic element 330, and a sound-absorbing washer 340.

[0058] The bushing 310 includes a first guide shaft 311 having a second central through hole 3111 and an abutment flange 312 extending radially outward from the first guide shaft 311. The upper end of the first guide shaft 311 is inserted from below the first central through hole 1201 from bottom to top until the abutment flange 312 abuts against the bottom of the damping element 120.

[0059] The fastener 320 includes an abutment portion 321 and a rod portion 322 extending axially from the abutment portion 321. The rod portion 322 passes through a second central through hole 3111 from top to bottom and connects to a second mounting hole 210 to clamp the damping element 120 between the abutment portion 321 and the abutment flange 312. A sound-dampening washer 340 is tightly clamped between the top of the bushing 310 and the abutment portion 321 of the fastener 320. Preferably, the fastener 320 is a bolt.

[0060] The upper end of the elastic element 330 abuts against the abutment flange 312 in the axial direction, and the lower end of the elastic element 330 abuts against the steering wheel frame 200 in the axial direction. When the airbag 112 is subjected to an external force (e.g., pressing the horn), it moves downward together with the sound plate 111, transmitting pressure to the damping element 120. The pressure is then transmitted through the damping element 120 to the elastic element 330, causing the elastic element 330 to deform. The elastic element 330 functions as damping and providing elastic restoring force. Preferably, the elastic element 330 is configured as a spring.

[0061] The specific structure of the damping element 120 will be described in further detail below.

[0062] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the damping element 120 includes a first flange 121 located between the abutment portion 321 and the clicker plate 111, and a plurality of first protrusions 122 and a plurality of second protrusions 123 protruding from the first flange 121 in the axial direction toward the abutment portion 321.

[0063] The first flange 121 covers the upper end face of the stepped first mounting hole 1111 of the snap button 111, thereby isolating the snap button 111 from the fastener 320. The first flange 121 includes a third axial support surface 1211 opposite to the snap button 111 in the axial direction, and a gap G3 is provided between the third axial support surface 1211 and the snap button 111 (e.g., ...). Figure 8 As shown, this provides downward deformation space when the first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 123 are pressed by an external force. When the first protrusion 122 abuts against the push-button plate 111, it constitutes an initial limit on the axial movement of the damping mass 110. The gap G3 allows the damping element 120 to buffer vibrations through elastic deformation under low-frequency excitation, thereby reducing the vibration amplitude of the steering wheel rim, reducing numbness in the driver's hands, and improving driving comfort.

[0064] More specifically, the first protrusion 122 includes a first axial support surface 1221 that is opposite to and abuts upward against the lower end face of the abutment portion 321 to form a first timely response damping and provide first axial support. Preferably, the first axial support surface 1221 is interference-fitted with the abutment portion 321.

[0065] The second protrusion 123 includes a second axial support surface 1231 opposite to the abutment portion 321, and a gap G1 is provided between the second axial support surface 1231 and the abutment portion 321 (e.g., a gap G1 is provided between the second axial support surface 1231 and the abutment portion 321). Figure 8 (As shown). That is, the first axial support surface 1221 and the second axial support surface 1231 have a height difference, with the first axial support surface 1221 being higher than the second axial support surface 1231. As an auxiliary support structure for the first protrusion 122, the second protrusion 123, due to the setting of the gap G1, will not participate in load bearing in the initial stage, thereby avoiding increasing the stiffness of the first axial support. When the vehicle body excitation is transmitted to the steering wheel device, after the first protrusion 122 deforms, the second protrusion 123 abuts upward against the lower end face of the abutment portion 321 to provide second axial support, thereby buffering the excessive movement of the damping mass 110 to avoid abnormal noise. Preferably, the area of ​​each second axial support surface 1231 is larger than that of each first axial support surface 1221. More preferably, the plurality of first protrusions 122 and the plurality of second protrusions 123 are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction of the first mounting hole 1111.

[0066] Furthermore, the damping element 120 also includes a second flange 124 located between the clicker plate 111 and the abutment flange 312, and a third protrusion 125 projecting axially from the second flange 124 toward the clicker plate 111. The second flange 124 includes a fourth axial support surface 1241 abutting downward toward the abutment flange 312. The third protrusion 125 includes a fifth axial support surface 1251 abutting upward toward the lower end face of the clicker plate 111, the fifth axial support surface 1251 serving to provide gravity-directed support for the damping mass 110. Preferably, the third protrusion 125 is provided with flat recesses 1252 evenly spaced along the circumferential direction of the first mounting hole 1111 (e.g., ...). Figure 7 As shown), a gap G4 is provided between the upper end face 1253 of the flat recess 1252 and the lower end face of the clicker 111 (as shown). Figure 8 (As shown).

[0067] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the damping element 120 further includes an annular support sleeve 126 connecting the first flange 121 and the second flange 124 in the axial direction, and a fourth protrusion 127, a fifth protrusion 128, and a sixth protrusion 129 protruding radially from the support sleeve 126. A gap G5 is provided between the support sleeve 126 and the first mounting hole 1111 (e.g., ...). Figure 6 (As shown). Preferably, the first flange 121, the second flange 124, and the support sleeve 126 are formed as a single piece.

[0068] like Figure 9As shown, preferably, according to one embodiment, the support sleeve 126 is provided with a plurality of hollowed-out portions 1261 that are approximately evenly distributed around its central axis. The hollowed-out portions 1261 reduce the stiffness and mass of the support sleeve 126, thereby reducing the natural frequency of the overall damping module system, avoiding the main low-frequency excitation range, and improving the damping capacity for low-frequency road surfaces.

[0069] The fourth protrusion 127 protrudes radially from the support sleeve 126 toward the guide shaft 311 and includes a first radial support surface 1271 that abuts inward to the guide shaft 311 to form a second timely response damping and limit the radial movement of the clicker 111.

[0070] The fifth protrusion 128 and the sixth protrusion 129 protrude radially from the support sleeve 126 toward the clicker plate 111, with the fifth protrusion 128 located above the sixth protrusion 129. The fifth protrusion 128 includes a second radial support surface 1281 opposite to the clicker plate 111, and a gap G2 (e.g., ...) is provided between the second radial support surface 1281 and the inner wall of the first mounting hole 1111. Figure 8 (As shown), to provide deformation space when the damping element 120 is subjected to radial compression. The sixth protrusion 129 includes a third radial support surface 1291 that abuts inward to the clicker 111 to form a third timely response damping.

[0071] Furthermore, the damping element 120 also includes a first connecting portion 130 having an inclined support surface 1301, which connects to a second radial support surface 1281 and a third radial support surface 1291, and abuts against the clicker 111 in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction. The inclined support surface 1301 abuts against the clicker 111 to form a fourth timely-response damping, used to limit the axial and radial movement of the clicker 111. Preferably, the angle of inclination of the inclined support surface 1301 relative to the axial direction is 30 degrees to 60 degrees.

[0072] Preferably, the fifth protrusion 128, the sixth protrusion 129, and the first connecting portion 130 are configured as an integral rib-like portion. This rib-like portion protrudes radially from the support sleeve 126 toward the guide shaft 311 and is evenly spaced along the circumferential direction of the first mounting hole 1111.

[0073] In this first embodiment, the damping mass (i.e., the airbag 112 and the clicker 111) is isolated from other steering wheel components by the damping element 120, forming a fixed unit and a moving unit. The moving unit includes the airbag 112 and the clicker 111, and the fixed unit includes the fastener 320 and the steering wheel frame 200.

[0074] The number and shape of the aforementioned support surfaces, as well as the axial height, radial and circumferential thickness, and shape of each protrusion, can be set according to the actual support stiffness and frequency requirements, and the present invention does not impose any limitations on this. For example, each protrusion can be set in the form of teeth, ribs, bosses, or support columns. For example, each support surface can be set in the form of annular, circular, elliptical, rectangular, rounded rectangle, other polygons, or irregular shapes including a combination of straight edges and curved edges. For example, the radial thickness of the plurality of fifth protrusions 128 and the radial distance of the second radial support surface 1281 from the support sleeve 126 can be set to be the same or different.

[0075] The positions of the aforementioned protrusions can also be set according to the actual support stiffness and frequency requirements, and the present invention does not impose any restrictions on this. For example, the circumferential spacing between the plurality of fourth protrusions 127 can be set to be the same or different, and the radial distance between the plurality of first protrusions 122 and the support sleeve 126 can be set to be the same or different.

[0076] During vehicle operation, due to the vehicle body's modal characteristics, the steering system will resonate at specific frequencies. This vibration is transmitted through the steering column interface to the steering wheel frame 200, and further to the clicker 111 and airbag 112, causing them to move under the influence of resonance. Since the damping element 120, used to isolate the damping mass 110 and the connecting mechanism 300, is made of elastic material, the kinetic energy generated by the damping mass 110 in the direction of motion is converted into heat energy through the compression of the damping element 120, achieving energy absorption and vibration reduction.

[0077] The damping element according to the invention achieves a low damping frequency through relatively low stiffness, especially radial stiffness, while providing sufficient support through high axial stiffness. Both work together to prevent excessive movement of the damping mass when the vehicle is traveling on rough roads. Preferably, the steering wheel device according to the invention can achieve a damping frequency requirement of 25Hz to 60Hz, with frequency fluctuation controlled within ±10%.

[0078] Second Embodiment

[0079] The same structure as the first embodiment in the second embodiment will not be repeated. The difference from the first embodiment is that, as shown in the following... Figures 10 to 12 The clicker 111, the connecting mechanism 300, and the damping element 120 are all arranged 180° flipped relative to the first embodiment, and the clicker 111 is assembled to the airbag 112 via the connecting mechanism 300. The relative relationships between the plurality of axial support surfaces AS and the plurality of radial support surfaces RS and the connecting mechanism 300 and the clicker 111 are substantially the same as in the first embodiment.

[0080] More specifically, the damping mass 110 includes the airbag 112, and the clicker 111 and damping element 120 are assembled to the airbag 112 via the connecting mechanism 300. That is, in the second embodiment, the clicker 111 is a fixed part rather than a movable part, and is fixedly connected to the steering wheel frame 200 via the second connecting part 1114, that is, the clicker 111 no longer serves as a damping mass.

[0081] In the second embodiment, the mounting portion 210 is configured as a screw pre-assembled to the airbag 112, and the fastener 320 is a nut that matches the screw. More specifically, the nut includes an abutment portion 321 and a second guide shaft 323 extending axially from the abutment portion 321, the second guide shaft 323 being provided with an internal thread that matches the screw 350.

[0082] In addition, the upper end of the elastic member 330 abuts against the airbag 112 in the axial direction, and the lower end of the elastic member 330 abuts against the abutting flange 312 of the bushing 310 in the axial direction.

[0083] In this second embodiment, the damping mass (i.e., the airbag) is isolated from other steering wheel components via a damping element 120, forming a fixed unit and a moving unit. The moving unit includes the airbag 112 and fasteners 320, while the fixed unit includes the steering wheel frame 200 and a clicker 111.

[0084] The technical content and features of the present invention have been disclosed above. However, it is understood that those skilled in the art can make various changes and improvements to the above-disclosed concept under the creative idea of ​​the present invention, but all of these shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0085] The above description of the embodiments is exemplary and not restrictive, and the scope of protection of the present invention is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A damping module (100) for a vehicle steering wheel assembly, the steering wheel assembly comprising a steering wheel frame (200), a push-button plate (111) having mounting holes (1111), the damping module (100), and a connecting mechanism (300), characterized in that, The damping module (100) includes: A damping mass (110), the damping mass (110) comprising the audible button (111) and an airbag (112) fitted to the audible button (111), the audible button (111) being fitted to the steering wheel frame (200) via the connecting mechanism (300), or the damping mass (110) comprising the airbag (112), the audible button (111) being fitted to the airbag (112) via the connecting mechanism (300); and A damping element (120) is assembled between the clicker (111) and the connecting mechanism (300) into the mounting hole (1111), and includes a plurality of axial support surfaces (AS), a portion of which abuts against the connecting mechanism (300) or the clicker (111) in the axial direction of the mounting hole (1111), and another portion of which has a gap with the connecting mechanism (300) or the clicker (111).

2. The damping module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damping element (120) further includes a plurality of radial support surfaces (RS), a portion of which abuts against the connecting mechanism (300) or the damping mass (110) in the radial direction of the mounting hole (1111), and another portion of which is provided with a gap between itself and the connecting mechanism (300) or the clicker (111).

3. The damping module (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The steering wheel frame (200) or the airbag (112) is provided with a mounting part (210) opposite to the mounting hole (1111); The damping element (120) is provided with a first central through hole (1201); The connecting mechanism (300) includes: A bushing (310) fitted into the first central through hole (1201), and including a guide shaft (311) having a second central through hole (3111) and an abutment flange (312) extending radially outward from the guide shaft (311); and Fastener (320) includes an abutment portion (321) and a rod portion (322) extending from the abutment portion (321) in the axial direction, the rod portion (322) passing through the second central through hole (3111) and connected to the mounting portion (210) to clamp the damping element (120) between the abutment portion (321) and the abutment flange (312); Among them, a portion of the axial support surfaces (AS) opposite to the abutment portion (321) is provided with a gap between itself and the abutment portion (321).

4. The damping module (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The damping element (120) includes: A first flange (121) is located between the abutment portion (321) and the clicker plate (111); and A first protrusion (122) protrudes from the first flange (121) toward the abutment portion (321) in the axial direction and includes a first axial support surface (1221) abutting the abutment portion (321).

5. The damping module (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first axial support surface (1221) is interference-fitted with the abutment part (321).

6. The damping module (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The damping element (120) further includes: The second protrusion (123) protrudes from the first flange (121) toward the abutment portion (321) along the axial direction and includes a second axial support surface (1231) opposite to the abutment portion (321), with a gap provided between the second axial support surface (1231) and the abutment portion (321).

7. The damping module (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The area of ​​the second axial support surface (1231) is larger than that of the first axial support surface (1221).

8. The damping module (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of the first protrusion (122) and the second protrusion (123) is multiple and they are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction of the mounting hole (1111).

9. The damping module (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first flange (121) includes a third axial support surface (1211) opposite to the clicker (111) along the axial direction, and a gap is provided between the third axial support surface (1211) and the clicker (111).

10. The damping module (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The damping element (120) further includes: A second flange (124) is located between the clicker (111) and the abutment flange (312), and includes a fourth axial support surface (1241) abutting against the abutment flange (312); and A third protrusion (125) protrudes from the second flange (124) toward the audible button (111) in the axial direction and includes a fifth axial support surface (1251) abutting against the audible button (111).

11. The damping module (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The damping element (120) further includes: An annular support sleeve (126) connecting the first flange (121) and the second flange (124) along the axial direction; and A fourth protrusion (127) protrudes from the support sleeve (126) toward the guide shaft (311) in the radial direction and includes a first radial support surface (1271) abutting against the guide shaft (311).

12. The damping module (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The damping element (120) further includes: A fifth protrusion (128) protrudes from the support sleeve (126) toward the squeaker (111) in the radial direction and includes a second radial support surface (1281) opposite to the squeaker (111), with a gap between the second radial support surface (1281) and the inner wall of the mounting hole (1111).

13. The damping module (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The damping element (120) further includes: A sixth protrusion (129) protrudes from the support sleeve (126) toward the squeaker (111) in the radial direction and includes a third radial support surface (1291) abutting against the squeaker (111).

14. The damping module (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The damping element (120) further includes: An inclined support surface (1301) connects the second radial support surface (1281) and the third radial support surface (1291) and abuts against the clicker (111) in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction.

15. The damping module (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first flange (121), the second flange (124), and the support sleeve (126) are formed as a single unit.

16. The damping module (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting mechanism (300) further includes an elastic element (330), one end of which abuts against the abutment flange (312) along the axial direction, and the other end of which abuts against the steering wheel frame (200) or the airbag (112) along the axial direction.

17. The damping module (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting mechanism (300) also includes a noise-absorbing washer (340), which is tightly clamped between one end of the bushing (310) and the abutment portion (321) of the fastener (320).

18. A steering wheel device, characterized in that, Includes the damping module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the steering wheel device according to claim 18.

20. A damping element (120) for mounting into a mounting hole (1111) of a steering wheel element, characterized in that, The damping element (120) includes: Annular support sleeve (126); A first flange (121) and a second flange (124) extend radially from the two axial ends of the support sleeve (126), respectively. A first protrusion (122) and a second protrusion (123) protrude from the first flange (121) away from the second flange (124) along the axial direction of the support sleeve (126), and each has a first axial support surface (1221) and a second axial support surface (1231), wherein the first axial support surface (1221) and the second axial support surface (1231) have a height difference; and A third protrusion (125) protrudes from the second flange (124) toward the first flange (121) in the axial direction and includes an axial support surface (1251) adapted to abut against the steering wheel element.

21. The damping element (120) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The first flange (121) further includes a third axial support surface (1211), which is oriented opposite to the first axial support surface (1221) and the second axial support surface (1231) and is adapted to be spaced apart from the steering wheel element.

22. The damping element (120) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The damping element (120) further includes a fourth protrusion (127) that protrudes radially inward from the support sleeve (126) and includes a first radial support surface (1271).

23. The damping element (120) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The damping element (120) further includes a fifth protrusion (128) that protrudes radially outward from the support sleeve (126) and includes a second radial support surface (1281) that is adapted to have a gap between the inner wall of the mounting hole (1111).

24. The damping element (120) according to claim 23, characterized in that, The damping element (120) further includes a sixth protrusion (129) that protrudes radially outward from the support sleeve (126) and includes a third radial support surface (1291) adapted to abut against the inner wall of the mounting hole (1111).

25. The damping element (120) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The damping element (120) further includes an inclined support surface (1301) that connects the second radial support surface (1281) and the third radial support surface (1291) and is adapted to abut against the steering wheel element in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction.

Images