Guiding device for a safety module on a vehicle steering wheel

Abstract

A guide device for a safety module (40), such as an airbag, for use on a basic structure of a vehicle steering wheel, comprising: at least one connecting slide rail: having at least one predetermined manufacturing gap between the safety module (40) and the basic structure, and configured to determine the translational direction of the safety module (40) to trigger the vehicle horn when the predetermined manufacturing gap is exceeded; and at least one centering portion, configured to compensate for the predetermined manufacturing gap of the at least one connecting slide rail at least along a centering direction in a plane normal to the translational direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to a guiding device for a safety module (“airbag” or safety airbag) in a vehicle steering wheel. Such a safety module is typically movable relative to the vehicle steering wheel for horn control. Background Technology

[0002] Prior art includes vehicle steering wheels with a movable safety module for controlling the horn, as proposed in US Patent Document US20060113775. However, due to operating clearances, such systems may require a large actuation stroke. Therefore, the safety module occupies a significant amount of space and may limit the feasibility of designing and integrating new components or functions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art, and specifically, to first provide a safety module guiding device that allows for a reduction in the overall space occupied by the safety module in the vehicle steering wheel and / or limits the actuation stroke of the horn device and / or improves the positioning of the safety module on the steering wheel.

[0004] Therefore, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a guide device for a safety module (such as an airbag) for use in the basic structure of a vehicle steering wheel, said guide device comprising:

[0005] -At least one connecting slide rail:

[0006] • There is at least one predetermined manufacturing gap between the safety module and the basic structure, and

[0007] • It is configured to determine the translational direction of the safety module to trigger the vehicle's horn when the predetermined manufacturing clearance is exceeded.

[0008] - At least one centering portion is configured to compensate for and / or eliminate the predetermined manufacturing gap of the at least one connecting slide rail, at least along the centering direction in the normal plane of the translation direction.

[0009] In the above embodiment, the guiding device includes, on the one hand, a connecting slide rail with a predetermined gap, and on the other hand, a centering device (centering section) that allows compensation for the gap of the connecting slide rail. Therefore, operating the slide rail requires almost no force, the connecting slide rail is easy to design and manufacture, and avoids the risks of wear and jamming that often occur with connecting slide rails without gaps. However, the centering section can compensate for or eliminate the gap, ensuring no unnecessary vibration or noise, and reducing wear or dust generation caused by relative friction or movement between components (safety modules and basic structure and / or decorative components), which are caused by vibration and are permissible within the gap. It can be noted that the centering section compensates for or eliminates the gap by applying a restoring force between the moving parts.

[0010] In other words, the present invention may relate to a guide device for a safety module (such as an airbag) used in the basic structure of a vehicle steering wheel, the guide device comprising:

[0011] -At least one connecting slide rail:

[0012] • There is at least one predetermined manufacturing gap between the safety module and the basic structure, said predetermined manufacturing gap allowing free movement between the safety module and the basic structure of the steering wheel, and

[0013] • It is configured to restrict the free movement of the safety module relative to the basic structure of the steering wheel in at least three rotational degrees of freedom and two translational degrees of freedom when exceeding a predetermined manufacturing clearance, thereby determining the translational direction of the safety module to trigger the vehicle's horn.

[0014] - At least one centering portion is configured to compensate for and / or eliminate the predetermined manufacturing gap of the at least one connecting slide rail, at least along the centering direction in the normal plane of the translation direction.

[0015] In other words, the present invention may relate to a guide device for a safety module (such as an airbag) used in the basic structure of a vehicle steering wheel, the guide device comprising:

[0016] - At least one connecting slide rail determines the translational direction of the safety module to trigger the vehicle's horn, and there is at least one predetermined manufacturing gap between the safety module and the basic structure, in the normal plane of the translational direction.

[0017] - At least one centering portion is configured to compensate for and / or eliminate the predetermined manufacturing gap of the at least one connecting slide rail, at least along the centering direction in the normal plane of the translation direction.

[0018] The guiding device may be defined by the following individual features or combinations of features.

[0019] In one embodiment:

[0020] - The basic structure may include basic decorative components, designed to be visible to vehicle occupants.

[0021] Furthermore, the at least one centering portion may include at least one main centering portion, fixed to one of the basic decorative component and the safety module, and configured to maintain contact with the other of the basic decorative component and the safety module. In other words, to compensate for and / or eliminate gaps in the connecting slide rails, the centering portions maintain contact between the moving components, preferably by applying or generating a rebound force. That is, the main centering portion fixed to one of the basic decorative component and the safety module may be configured to press against the other of the basic decorative component and the safety module. In one embodiment, the main centering portion may be pressed against by a pressing rebound force. In one embodiment, the pressing rebound force is provided by an elastic component of one of the basic decorative component or the safety module.

[0022] In one embodiment:

[0023] Within the cross-section along the translational direction of the safety module, the safety module may have a predetermined diameter or a predetermined width.

[0024] The main centering portion can be positioned at a distance less than half the predetermined diameter or width from the cover plate of the safety module. In other words, the main centering portion can be positioned close to the cover plate of the safety module. For example, the main centering portion can be positioned less than 30 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, from the visible outer surface of the vehicle steering wheel. In this way, the safety module is correctly guided to the vicinity of the visible component via a sliding connection, which allows for an aesthetically pleasing fit and / or a small gap (e.g., less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1.5 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm) between the moving components.

[0025] In one embodiment, the guiding device may include at least two centering sections, with at least two centering directions in the normal plane along the translation direction configured to compensate for and / or eliminate predetermined manufacturing gaps in the at least one connecting slide rail. These two centering directions are different and preferably substantially perpendicular to each other. If the translation direction is the z-axis of a Cartesian coordinate system, then these two centering directions may be the x-axis and y-axis of that Cartesian coordinate system. This arrangement is well-suited for situations where the safety module has a prism-shaped, parallelepiped-shaped housing. These two centering sections ensure a tight fit between the safety module and the underlying structure, allowing the elimination of any gaps in the normal plane along the translation direction (i.e., the x and y directions).

[0026] In one embodiment, the guiding device may include at least three centering sections, with at least three centering directions in the normal plane along the translational direction configured to compensate for and / or eliminate predetermined manufacturing gaps in the at least one connecting slide rail. These three centering directions are distinct and preferably approximately 120° angled to each other. This arrangement is well-suited for safety modules with rotating housings, such as cylindrical ones. These three centering sections ensure clamping between the safety module and the underlying structure, allowing the elimination of any gaps in the normal plane along the translational direction (i.e., the x and y directions).

[0027] In one embodiment, the at least one centering section may include at least three main centering sections, preferably distributed around the periphery of the security module. Four main centering sections may also be provided.

[0028] In one embodiment, the at least one connecting slide rail may include:

[0029] - At least one basic guiding component, mounted on the basic structure.

[0030] - At least one guided component, mounted on the safety module, and engaged with the at least one basic guide component via a sliding connection.

[0031] Furthermore, the at least one guided component can form a hoop, at least partially surrounding a portion of the safety module. The guided component can be part of the safety module and form a sidewall of the safety module. Therefore, attachment components can be provided on the safety module, which can enhance the rigidity of the sidewalls. In practice, due to the use of connecting rails, the guided component has ribs or protrusions, which help provide greater resistance to flexural stress and thus resistance to the pressure generated when the airbag deploys. Moreover, since the hoop is not visible to the occupants, a material with greater strength than the cover plate of the safety module can be chosen. In practice, for aesthetic reasons, the cover plate of the safety module is often made of a flexible material that deforms when the safety module ignites. Such excessive deformation can cause surrounding parts to break and / or eject.

[0032] In one embodiment:

[0033] Within the cross-section along the translational direction of the safety module, the safety module may have a predetermined diameter or a predetermined width.

[0034] The at least one basic guide component can engage with or slide together with the at least one guided component, and the sliding length is at least 20% of the predetermined diameter or predetermined width, preferably 30%. The sliding length can be set to 25 mm, preferably 30 mm.

[0035] In one embodiment:

[0036] The safety module can have a predetermined height along the direction of translation of the safety module.

[0037] The at least one basic guide component can engage with or slide together with the at least one guided component, with a sliding length exceeding 20% ​​of the predetermined height, preferably 30%, and more preferably 40%.

[0038] In one embodiment, the at least one connecting slide rail may be at least partially different from the at least one pair of centers.

[0039] In one embodiment, the at least one connecting slide rail and / or the at least one pair of central portions includes at least one metal portion, mounted on one of the safety modules and the basic structure, and in contact with the other of the safety modules and the basic structure.

[0040] In one embodiment, the at least one connecting slide rail includes at least one main directional rail arranged along the translation direction.

[0041] In one embodiment, the at least one connecting slide rail may include at least one main guide rail and one secondary guide rail, forming at least two discontinuous guide rails, each guide rail being distributed on both sides of the safety module along the translational direction. Specifically, a main guide rail may be provided between the decorative component and the first side of the module, and a secondary guide rail may be provided between the frame and the second side of the module.

[0042] In one embodiment, the at least one centering portion may include at least one secondary centering portion, which at least partially coincides with the at least one connecting slide rail and may be disposed on the safety module, opposite to the cover plate of the safety module.

[0043] In one embodiment:

[0044] - The at least one connecting slide rail may include multiple identical connecting slide rails, and / or

[0045] - The at least one centering portion may include multiple identical centering portions.

[0046] In one embodiment:

[0047] - The at least one connecting slide rail may be formed from at least one attachment part or molded part or part different from the basic structure or safety module, and / or

[0048] - The at least one central part may be formed by at least one attachment part or molded part or part different from the basic structure or security module.

[0049] A second aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel, comprising:

[0050] -Basic structure,

[0051] - A safety module that can move relative to the basic structure.

[0052] -The guiding device according to the first aspect of the present invention

[0053] - A horn device, comprising at least one switch, the switch including an active contact mounted on a safety module and a contact mounted on a basic structure.

[0054] In one embodiment, the horn device may include one or two switches, each of which includes an active contact mounted on the safety module and a contact mounted on the basic structure. In practice, more precise translational guidance (in other words, restricted rotation of the module) allows for limiting the number of switches and thus reducing overall cost. When guidance is less precise, three or four switches are typically used.

[0055] In one embodiment, the translational travel of the safety module may be less than or equal to 2 mm, and preferably less than or equal to 1.5 mm, or even less than or equal to 1.2 mm.

[0056] In one embodiment, for example, when the at least one horn switch is normally open, the translational travel when the safety module is in a stationary position can be determined by the distance between the two contacts of the same switch. In other words, the translational travel can be determined by the travel required for the safety module to trigger the horn. It can be noted that some components of the safety module may deform (typically the cover of the safety module), so the translational travel (e.g., the travel at a specific point on the safety cover) may differ from the translational travel at other points on the safety module, and in any case, it is different (and larger) than the distance between the two contacts of the same switch.

[0057] In one embodiment, the vehicle steering wheel may include a trim piece that is visible to the vehicle occupants and is at least partially adjacent to the safety module. The gap between the trim piece and the safety module may be greater than a predetermined fixed gap and / or less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1.5 mm.

[0058] In one embodiment, the predetermined manufacturing gap can be between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0059] In one embodiment, the hoop may surround most of the cover plate, that is, the portion of the cover plate disposed between the housing carrying the gas generator and the upper wall of the cover plate. In another embodiment, the hoop may extend between the housing and the upper wall of the cover plate. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Other features and advantages of the invention can be more clearly understood by reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0061] Figure 1 A steering wheel is shown, which includes a rim, spokes, a hub with decorative parts, and a safety module;

[0062] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a first variant of the safety module, which includes a housing, a cover plate, and a ring with a main extension rib and a main centering flat surface;

[0063] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the decorative component of the steering wheel, which is configured as a first variant surrounding the safety module, including a central recessed portion with a main slide and a main centering claw.

[0064] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 The cross-section of the steering wheel, i.e., the first section, is shown to illustrate... Figure 2 The first variant of the safety module in the middle has a main extension rib, which engages with the main extension rib to Figure 3 In the main groove of the decorative component;

[0065] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 The cross-section of the steering wheel, i.e., the second section, is shown to illustrate... Figure 2 The first variant of the security module has a main centering flat surface, which contacts Figure 3 The decorative component in the middle is centered by the main centering claw piece and then centered by the latter;

[0066] Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 A perspective view of a first variant of the safety module's hoop, the hoop being configured to surround the safety module and including a main extension rib and a main centering flat surface;

[0067] Figure 7 A perspective view of a second variant of the safety module is shown, which includes a housing, a cover plate, and a ring clamp with a main extension rib and a main centering flat surface. In this second variant, the housing includes a secondary sliding surface extending from the bottom of the housing.

[0068] Figure 8 A perspective view of a decorative component is shown, which is configured as a second variant surrounding the safety module, including a central recessed portion with a main slide and a main centering claw.

[0069] Figure 9 A cross-section, i.e., a first section, of the steering wheel with a second variant featuring a safety module is shown to illustrate the main extension rib of the second variant of the safety module, which engages with the main groove of the trim component;

[0070] Figure 10 A cross-section, or second profile, of a second variant of the steering wheel with a safety module is shown to illustrate the secondary sliding surface that extends from the bottom of the housing and engages with the guide feet of the frame fixed to the steering wheel.

[0071] Figure 11 The cross-section, i.e., the third section, of the steering wheel with a second variant featuring a safety module is shown.

[0072] The second variant of the safety module is shown with a main centering flat surface that contacts the main centering claw of the decorative component and centers it through the latter.

[0073] Figure 12 A perspective view of the hoop is shown, which is configured to surround the safety module and includes a main extension rib and a main centering flat surface. Detailed Implementation

[0074] Figure 1 A steering wheel is shown, comprising grip areas such as a rim 10, spokes 20, a hub 30 with decorative elements 31, and a safety module 40. The hub 30, spokes 20, and rim 10 typically include a metal frame or bushing that provides mechanical strength when the steering wheel is in use (driving the vehicle or in the event of an accident). This metal frame or bushing can be one or more components, typically injection molded from a light alloy. Magnesium, for example, can be used. Frame 32 in... Figure 4 , 5 See 9, 10, and 11. The frame is then injection molded (e.g., using a polymer such as polyurethane), and then exterior trim made of plastic material (decorative part 31) or flexible material (e.g., a flexible sheath placed on the rim 10) can be applied.

[0075] In this application, the safety module 40 is movable relative to the vehicle steering wheel to control the horn. The user can press the safety module into the steering wheel to activate the horn. The most precise fit should be provided to ensure aesthetics (especially between the safety module 40 and the trim piece 31), while the travel required to activate the horn should be as short as possible, and the activation force should be as small as possible without the risk of accidental activation.

[0076] Specifically, the safety module 40 can be in a stationary position ( Figure 1 It can be moved to a pressed position, in which the switch of the horn control circuit can change state relative to the stationary position. The switch can be normally closed, and the horn will be triggered once the switch is opened, and vice versa (that is, the switch can be normally open, and the horn will be triggered once the switch is closed).

[0077] In this application, a safety module 40 can be guided on the basic structure of a vehicle steering wheel (typically including frame 32) by a safety module guide device, the safety module comprising:

[0078] -At least one connecting slide rail:

[0079] • There is at least one predetermined manufacturing gap between the safety module 40 and the basic structure, and

[0080] • It is configured to determine the translational direction of the safety module 40 to trigger the vehicle's horn when the predetermined manufacturing clearance is exceeded.

[0081] - At least one centering portion is configured to compensate for and / or eliminate the predetermined manufacturing gap of the at least one connecting slide rail, at least along the centering direction in the normal plane of the translation direction.

[0082] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a first variant of the security module 40, the security module comprising:

[0083] - The housing 42 includes, in particular, hooks 421 (e.g., injection-molded hooks) for engaging with the frame of the vehicle steering wheel and for pushing the safety module 40 back. Figure 1 The return spring 422 in the rest position,

[0084] - Cover plate 41, and

[0085] - Hoop 43, with main reinforcing rib 431 and main centering flat surface 432.

[0086] Typically, the main extension rib 431 is part of the connecting slide rail and is used to guide the safety module 40 during translation, while the main centering flat surface 432 mates with the centering part to compensate for the predetermined manufacturing gap of the connecting slide rail.

[0087] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the steering wheel trim 31, which is configured as a first variant surrounding the safety module 40, including a central recessed portion with a main groove 311 and a main centering claw 312.

[0088] Typically, the main slide rail 311 is part of the connecting slide rail and is used to guide the safety module 40 during translation, while the main centering claw 312 is part of the centering section and is used to compensate for the predetermined manufacturing clearance of the connecting slide rail.

[0089] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 The cross-section of the steering wheel, i.e., the first section, is shown to illustrate... Figure 2The first variant of the safety module 40 has a main extension rib 431, which engages with... Figure 3 The decorative component is located in the main slide groove 311. It can be noted that at least one predetermined manufacturing gap exists between the main extension rib 431 and the main slide groove 311. This predetermined manufacturing gap can be between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm. Therefore, jamming, clamping, and excessive force during movement can be avoided. It can be noted that this positive predetermined manufacturing gap particularly allows free movement between the safety module 40 and the decorative component 31.

[0090] It can be noted that the sliding length between the main extension rib 431 and the main slide groove 311 is at least greater than 25 mm. For example, the sliding length may be greater than or equal to 30 mm, or 35 mm. In this first embodiment, it can be noted that the connecting slide rail consists only of the main extension rib 431 and the main slide groove 311.

[0091] In this first embodiment, it can be noted that the connecting slide rail provides instant engagement below the outer wall of the cover plate 41: in fact, in Figure 4 As can be seen, the engagement between the main extension rib 431 and the main slide groove 311 begins less than 10 mm from the outer wall of the cover plate 41, specifically less than 5 mm. The safety module 40 is precisely positioned with respect to the decorative component 31.

[0092] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 The cross-section of the steering wheel, i.e., the second section, is shown to illustrate... Figure 2 The first variant of the safety module 40 has a main centering flat surface 432, which contacts... Figure 3 The main centering claw 312 of the decorative component 31 is aligned with the safety module 40 via the latter. It can be noted that the main centering claw 312 of the decorative component 31 maintains contact with the main centering flat surface 432 of the safety module 40. Therefore, the predetermined manufacturing gap does not allow free movement between the safety module 40 and the decorative component 31. Specifically, the main centering claw 312 of the decorative component 31 applies a constant rebound force to the safety module 40, thereby compensating for or eliminating the predetermined manufacturing gap. In any case, the safety module 40 will not vibrate or move freely. Wear and noise or harsh sounds are reduced.

[0093] In this first embodiment, it can be noted that the main centering claw 312 of the decorative component 31 provides instant engagement below the outer wall of the cover plate 41: in fact, in Figure 5 As can be seen, the engagement between the main centering claw 312 and the main centering flat surface 432 begins at a position less than 20 mm from the outer wall of the cover plate 41, specifically less than 15 mm. The safety module 40 is precisely positioned with respect to the decorative component 31.

[0094] Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 A perspective view of a first variant of the safety module, the hoop 43, which is configured to surround the safety module and includes a main extension rib 431 and a main centering flat surface 432. The main extension rib 431 forms a guide rail or a protruding extension, thereby giving the hoop 43 higher resistance to flexure or deformation.

[0095] Specifically, in Figure 5 As can be seen, the ring 43 extends from the housing 42 (which typically carries the gas generator and airbag) to the upper wall of the cover 41. The cover 41 itself has smooth sidewalls and claws that engage with the housing 42, such as... Figure 5 As shown in the lower part. Therefore, the ring 43 has high resistance to bending or expansion, specifically when the airbag, originally housed within the internal space of the safety module 40, begins to deploy. Using the ring 43, the excess deformation caused by the airbag deployment is smaller, and it can deploy more frequently without concern about causing excessive deformation and / or stress to surrounding components.

[0096] Figure 7 A perspective view of a second variant of the security module 40 is shown, the security module comprising...

[0097] -Shell 42,

[0098] - Cover plate 41,

[0099] - Ring 43, with main reinforcing rib 431 and main centering flat surface 432. In this second variation, housing 42 includes a secondary sliding surface 423 extending from the bottom of housing 42.

[0100] The remaining housing 42 still includes hooks 421 (e.g., injection-molded hooks) for engaging with the frame of the vehicle steering wheel and for pushing the safety module 40 back. Figure 1 The return spring 422 is in the rest position.

[0101] Typically, the main extension rib 431 is part of the connecting slide rail and is used to guide the safety module 40 during translation. The main centering flat surface 432 mates with the aforementioned centering portion to compensate for the predetermined manufacturing clearance of the connecting slide rail. It can be noted that the main extension rib 431 in this second variant is shorter than the main extension rib 431 in the first variant. In fact, as will be explained below, the connecting slide rail also includes the secondary sliding surface 423 mentioned above.

[0102] Figure 8 A perspective view of the decorative component 31 is shown, which is configured as a second variant surrounding the safety module 40, including a central recessed portion with a main groove 311 and a main centering claw 312.

[0103] Typically, the main slide rail 311 is part of the connecting slide rail and is used to guide the safety module 40 during translation, while the main centering claw 312 is part of the centering section and is used to compensate for the predetermined manufacturing clearance of the connecting slide rail.

[0104] Figure 9 A cross-section, i.e., a first section, of the steering wheel with a second variant featuring a safety module is shown to illustrate the main extension rib 431 of the second variant of the safety module 40, which engages with the main groove 311 of the trim member 31.

[0105] It can be noted that at least one predetermined manufacturing gap exists between the main extension rib 431 and the main slide groove 311. This predetermined manufacturing gap can be between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm. Therefore, jamming, clamping, and excessive force during movement can be avoided. It can be noted that this positive predetermined manufacturing gap particularly allows free movement between the safety module 40 and the decorative component 31.

[0106] In this second embodiment, it can be noted that the connecting slide rail provides instant engagement below the outer wall of the cover plate 41: in fact, in Figure 9 As can be seen, the engagement between the main extension rib 431 and the main slide groove 311 begins less than 10 mm from the outer wall of the cover plate 41, and particularly less than 5 mm. The safety module 40 is precisely positioned with respect to the decorative component 31.

[0107] Figure 10 A cross-section, or second profile, of a second variant of the steering wheel with safety module 40 is shown to illustrate the secondary sliding surface 423, which extends from the bottom of the housing and engages with the guide foot 321 of the frame 32 fixed to the steering wheel.

[0108] It can be noted that the sliding length between the main extension rib 431 and the main slide groove 311 is at least greater than 5 mm. For example, the sliding length may be greater than or equal to 8 mm. In this second embodiment, it can be noted that the connecting slide rail includes:

[0109] -One aspect includes the main reinforcing rib 431 and the main sliding groove 311.

[0110] - On the other hand, it includes a secondary sliding surface 423 that engages with the guide foot 321. Therefore, the safety module is precisely positioned. It can be noted that there is no predetermined manufacturing gap between the secondary sliding surface 423 and the guide foot 321. Therefore, the secondary sliding surface 423 and the guide foot 321 belong to the connecting slide rail and the centering portion. At the bottom of the safety module 40, as... Figure 10 As shown, the connecting slide rail coincides with the center section.

[0111] Figure 11A cross-section, i.e., a third section, of the steering wheel with the second variant of the safety module 40 is shown to illustrate the main centering flat surface 432 of the second variant of the safety module 40, which contacts the main centering claw 312 of the decorative component and centers therethrough.

[0112] It can be noted that the main centering claw 312 of the decorative component 31 remains in contact with the main centering flat surface 432 of the safety module 40. Therefore, the predetermined manufacturing gap does not allow free movement between the safety module 40 and the decorative component 31. Specifically, the main centering claw 312 of the decorative component 31 applies a constant rebound force to the safety module 40, thereby compensating for or eliminating the predetermined manufacturing gap. In any case, the safety module 40 will not vibrate or move freely. Wear and noise or harsh sounds are thus avoided.

[0113] In this second embodiment, it can be noted that the main centering claw 312 of the decorative component 31 provides instant engagement below the outer wall of the cover plate 41: in fact, in Figure 11 As can be seen, the engagement between the main centering claw 312 and the main centering flat surface 432 begins at a position less than 20 mm from the outer wall of the cover plate 41, specifically less than 15 mm. The safety module 40 is precisely positioned with respect to the decorative component 31.

[0114] Figure 12 A perspective view of a hoop 43 is shown, which is configured as a second variant surrounding the safety module and includes a main extension rib 431 and a main centering flat surface 432.

[0115] Like the first variant, in Figure 11 As can be seen, the ring 43 extends from the housing 42 (which typically carries the gas generator and airbag) to the upper wall of the cover 41. The cover 41 itself has smooth sidewalls and claws that engage with the housing 42, such as... Figure 11 As shown in the lower part. Therefore, the ring 43 has high resistance to bending or expansion, specifically when the airbag, originally housed within the internal space of the safety module 40, begins to deploy. Using the ring 43, the excess deformation caused by the airbag deployment is smaller, and it can deploy more frequently without concern about causing excessive deformation and / or stress to surrounding components.

[0116] Typically, the housing 42 and / or the clamp 43 can be made of a plastic material or polymer, such as polyamide, with glass fiber added, in amounts up to 20%, 30%, or even 40%. PA6 40GF (Akulon PG8) can be used. The cover plate 41 can be made of a plastic material or polymer, such as modified rubber, like a polypropylene-ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (PP-EPDM) blend or a polypropylene-styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene (PP-SEBS) blend. The use of metal or plastic inserts can also be considered to locally achieve specific functions.

[0117] It can be noted that, guided by the connecting rail between the safety module 40 and the vehicle steering wheel, the movement of the safety module 40 is precise; therefore, the stroke C required to trigger the horn may be relatively short. Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown. Specifically, a stroke of less than or equal to 1.5mm can be considered to trigger the horn. The number of switches required to trigger the horn can also be reduced. Three or four switches can be reduced to only one or two switches, while ensuring complete safety and repeatability of operation. It should be noted that... Figure 4 and Figure 9 The required travel C for triggering the horn shown is highly illustrative. In practice, when the horn trigger switch is normally open and the safety module is in the stationary position, the required travel C for triggering the horn can be better determined by the distance between the two terminals of such a normally open switch.

[0118] Industrial applications

[0119] The vehicle steering wheel and its manufacture shown in this invention are easy to apply in industrial applications.

[0120] It is known that various obvious modifications and improvements can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in this specification that are applicable to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0121] Specifically:

[0122] -Guide ribs may be provided at least partially on decorative components or other components.

[0123] - The guide groove may be at least partially located on the safety module or other components.

[0124] - The centering claw can be at least partially mounted on the safety module or other components.

[0125] The middle claw plate can be at least partially replaced by any elastic reset mechanism, such as a spring device, an organ-type component, etc.

Claims

1. A guide device for a safety module (40), such as an airbag, for use on the basic structure of a vehicle steering wheel, said guide device comprising: -At least one connecting slide rail: • There is at least one predetermined manufacturing gap between the safety module (40) and the basic structure, and • It is configured to determine the translation direction of the safety module (40) to trigger the vehicle's horn when the predetermined manufacturing gap is exceeded. - At least one centering portion is configured to compensate for and / or eliminate the predetermined manufacturing gap of the at least one connecting slide rail, at least along the centering direction in the normal plane of the translation direction.

2. The guiding device according to claim 1, wherein the basic structure includes a basic decorative component (31) configured to be visible to vehicle occupants, wherein the at least one centering portion includes at least one main centering portion fixed to one of the basic decorative component (31) and the safety module (40), and configured to remain in contact with the other of the basic decorative component (31) and the safety module (40).

3. The guiding device according to claim 2, Within the cross-section along the translational direction of the safety module (40), the safety module (40) has a predetermined diameter or a predetermined width. The main pair is positioned at a distance less than half the predetermined diameter or the predetermined width from the cover plate (41) of the safety module (40).

4. The guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one connecting slide rail comprises: - At least one basic guiding component, mounted on the basic structure. - At least one guided component is mounted on the safety module (40) and engages with the at least one basic guide component via a sliding connection. The at least one of the guided components forms a ring (43) that at least partially surrounds a portion of the safety module (40).

5. The guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one connecting slide rail is at least partially different from the at least one centering portion.

6. The guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one connecting slide rail comprises at least one main guide rail arranged along the translational direction.

7. The guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one connecting slide rail comprises at least one main guide rail and one secondary guide rail, forming at least two discontinuous guide rails, each of the guide rails being distributed on both sides of the safety module (40) along the translation direction.

8. The guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one centering portion includes at least one secondary centering portion, the secondary centering portion at least partially coinciding with the at least one connecting slide rail, and is disposed on the safety module (40) opposite to the cover plate (41) of the safety module (40).

9. A vehicle steering wheel, the vehicle steering wheel comprising: -Basic structure, - Safety module (40) is movable relative to the basic structure. - The guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, - A horn device, comprising at least one switch, the switch including an active contact mounted on the safety module (40) and a contact mounted on the basic structure.

10. The vehicle steering wheel of claim 9, wherein the horn device comprises one or two switches, wherein each of the switches comprises an active contact mounted on the safety module (40) and a contact mounted on the basic structure.

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