Airbag housing, steering wheel assembly, and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a safety airbag shell, a steering wheel assembly and a vehicle, and is especially suitable for a vehicle with an intelligent cabin and / or intelligent driving. The safety airbag shell comprises a first shell part, which is formed with a buckle; a second shell part, which cooperates with the first shell part and jointly defines a containing cavity with the first shell part, the containing cavity being suitable for containing an airbag, and a side wall of the second shell part in a first direction is formed with a clamping groove, and the buckle is accommodated in the clamping groove and is in clamping cooperation with the clamping groove. According to the safety airbag shell designed in the application, the clamping groove is arranged on the side wall of the second shell part, the first shell part cooperates with the second shell part in the side space, the height direction space occupation is reduced, the flatness is realized, and the application scene with strict space requirements, such as a folding steering wheel, is adapted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicles, and in particular to an airbag housing, a steering wheel assembly, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, vehicles are equipped with folding steering wheels, which restricts the installation space for the direct airbag (DAB) module. Some existing technologies employ a bottom-punch slot structure for the DAB module. This slot is located at the bottom of the housing, and the mounting clips are housed within it and extend downwards along the height of the DAB module. Sufficient height space needs to be reserved at the bottom of the DAB module to ensure the assembly clearance between the clips and the steering wheel fixing screws, as well as the installation strength of the clips themselves. However, this bottom-punch slot structure results in the clips occupying a significant amount of height space, additionally increasing the overall size of the DAB module in the height direction, making it unsuitable for applications like folding steering wheels where high height space requirements exist. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of this invention is to provide an airbag housing. The airbag housing designed according to this invention, by creating a slot in the side wall of the second housing portion, allows the first housing portion and the second housing portion to fit together in the side space, reducing the space occupied in the height direction and achieving flattening, thus adapting to application scenarios with stringent space requirements, such as folding steering wheels.

[0004] The present invention also proposes a steering wheel assembly having the above-mentioned airbag housing.

[0005] The present invention also proposes a vehicle having the above-mentioned airbag housing or steering wheel assembly.

[0006] The airbag housing according to the present invention includes: a first housing portion having a snap fastener; a second housing portion cooperating with the first housing portion and together defining a receiving cavity, the receiving cavity being adapted to receive an airbag, wherein a groove is formed on the side wall of the second housing portion in a first direction, and the snap fastener is received in the groove and engages with the groove.

[0007] According to the present invention, by opening a slot on the side wall of the second shell in the first direction, the first shell and the second shell can cooperate using the side space in the first direction, thereby reducing the space occupied by the two in the first direction and making the airbag shell flatter, so as to adapt to application scenarios with strict space requirements such as folding steering wheels and flip-up steering wheels, and avoid interference with the folding trajectory of the steering wheel.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in a first direction, the top wall of the buckle abuts against the bottom wall of the slot.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second shell portion includes: a first bottom plate; a first side plate, the first side plate being annular and disposed on one side of the first bottom plate in a first direction, the two ends of the first side plate in the first direction being a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the first bottom plate, and the slot being formed at the first end.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first base plate is provided with a stop flange, one end of which is rotatably connected to the first base plate, and the other end of which abuts against the inner wall of the receiving cavity facing the buckle.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a weakening structure is provided at the connection between the stop flange and the first base plate, and the stop flange is adapted to be flipped relative to the first base plate by the weakening structure.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the following is satisfied: the weakening structure includes a first weak region and a second weak region extending in a second direction, the first weak region and the second weak region being spaced apart in the second direction, the second direction intersecting the first direction; the stop flange is adapted to rotate relative to the first base plate around the second direction; the dimension of the first weak region in the second direction is j1, the dimension of the second weak region in the second direction is j2, and satisfies 3mm≤j1≤7mm, and / or 3mm≤j2≤7mm; the stop flange is adapted to rotate relative to the first base plate toward a direction away from the receiving cavity, and the rotation angle is β, satisfying 40°≤β≤70°.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: in a first direction, the distance between the bottom wall of the slot and the wall of the first base plate away from the receiving cavity is a, and 3mm≤a≤8mm; in a first direction, the bottom wall of the buckle protrudes from the wall of the first base plate away from the receiving cavity, and the distance between the bottom wall of the buckle and the wall of the first base plate away from the receiving cavity is b, and b≥2mm; the first side plate is spaced apart from the airbag in the thickness direction from the inner wall of the receiving cavity; along the normal of the outer surface of the airbag, the minimum distance between the outer surface of the airbag and the second end is n; the maximum dimension of the buckle in the thickness direction is m, and n≥m.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first shell portion comprises: a second bottom plate; a second side plate, the second side plate being configured in an annular shape and provided on one side of the second bottom plate in a first direction, two ends of the second side plate in the first direction are respectively a third end and a fourth end, the third end is connected to the second bottom plate, and the buckle is formed at the fourth end; wherein a thickness direction of the buckle intersects the first direction, a part of the fourth end is directly opposite the first side plate in the thickness direction, and a thickness of the buckle is greater than a wall thickness of a part of the fourth end that is directly opposite the first side plate.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the following is satisfied: in the thickness direction, a distance between a surface of the buckle away from the accommodating cavity and a surface of the second side plate away from the accommodating cavity is L, which satisfies 2 mm < L < 3 mm; the air bag is spaced apart from an inner wall of the second side plate facing the accommodating cavity in the thickness direction, with a minimum distance o which satisfies 1 mm ≤ o ≤ 2 mm.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a hook is further provided on a surface of the second shell portion away from the accommodating cavity, the hook comprises a connecting portion and a guiding portion, the connecting portion is connected to the second shell portion and extends in the first direction, and the guiding portion is located at an end of the connecting portion away from the second shell portion; wherein the connecting portion is provided with a groove in a third direction, the third direction intersects the first direction; and a dimension of the guiding portion in the third direction gradually decreases in a direction away from the connecting portion.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the guiding portion is provided with a guiding inclined surface, one end of the guiding inclined surface extends to a side wall of the groove in the first direction, and the other end of the guiding inclined surface extends to an end of the guiding portion away from the second shell portion in the first direction.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the following is satisfied: in the first direction, a projection of the groove is located within a projection of the guiding inclined surface; in the third direction, a distance between an end of the guiding inclined surface extending to the guiding portion and a bottom wall of the groove in the third direction is h, which satisfies h > 0; an included angle between the guiding inclined surface and the first direction is α, which satisfies 30° ≤ α ≤ 40°; the connecting portion is further formed with a connecting surface extending in the first direction, the connecting surface is respectively connected to the guiding inclined surface and the side wall of the groove in the first direction, and a dimension of the connecting surface in the first direction is i, which satisfies i ≥ 1 mm.

[0019] The following briefly describes a steering wheel assembly according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention.

[0020] The steering wheel assembly according to the present invention includes the airbag housing described in any of the above embodiments. Since the steering wheel assembly according to the present invention is provided with the airbag housing of the above embodiments, the steering wheel assembly is smaller in size in the first direction and has a wider range of applicable scenarios.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a hook is provided on the surface of the second housing portion away from the receiving cavity, and a groove is formed on the hook; the steering wheel assembly further includes: a steering wheel bracket, the steering wheel bracket having a mounting hole for receiving the hook; a connector, the connector being disposed in the mounting hole and adapted to be received in the groove; and a steering wheel body, the steering wheel body being foldably disposed on the steering wheel bracket.

[0022] The vehicle according to a third aspect embodiment of the present invention is briefly described below.

[0023] The vehicle according to the present invention includes the airbag housing or steering wheel assembly described in any of the above embodiments. Since the vehicle according to the present invention is equipped with the airbag housing or steering wheel assembly of the above embodiments, the vehicle can achieve space optimization design of the intelligent cockpit by adopting a compact structure such as a folding steering wheel, a flip-up steering wheel or a steering wheel with a screen, while ensuring the safety of the occupants.

[0024] In summary, according to the airbag housing of the present invention, by opening a slot on the side wall of the second housing in the first direction, the first housing and the second housing can cooperate using the side space in the first direction, thereby reducing the space occupied by the two in the first direction, making the airbag housing more flat, so as to adapt to application scenarios with strict space requirements such as folding steering wheels and flip-up steering wheels, and avoid interference with the folding trajectory of the steering wheel.

[0025] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an airbag housing according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The center circle shows a magnified view of point A.

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Top view.

[0029] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line DD.

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The center circle shows a magnified view of point C.

[0031] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A structural diagram illustrating the assembly process of the first and second shell parts.

[0032] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 The middle circle shows a magnified view of point B.

[0033] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 The middle circle shows a magnified view of point D.

[0034] Figure 9 This is an enlarged view of the latching part of the airbag housing according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 10 This is an enlarged view of the latching part of the airbag housing according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a steering wheel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of the airbag housing and steering wheel bracket.

[0038] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the steering wheel bracket.

[0039] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A cross-sectional view along the CC line.

[0040] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 The enlarged view at point E is shown in the middle circle.

[0041] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 The center circle shows a magnified view of point F.

[0042] Figure label: 1. Airbag housing; 1a. Receiving cavity; 10. First shell section; 11. Second bottom plate; 12. Second side plate; 121. Third end; 122. Fourth end; 1221. Buckle; 1222. Bottom punch buckle; 20. Second shell section; 21. First bottom plate; 211. Anti-stop flange; 210. Weakening structure; 21a. Slot; 2101. First weak area; 2102. Second weak area; 22. First side plate; 221. First end; 222. Second end; 20a. Slot; 23. Hook; 231. Connecting part; 231a. Groove; 2311. Connecting surface; 232. Guide part; 2321. Guide slope; 30. Airbag; 2. Steering wheel bracket; 2a. Mounting hole; 3. Connector; 4. Steering wheel body; 5. Rubber nail. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0044] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0045] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0046] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to 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 invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0047] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0048] In related technologies, vehicles are equipped with folding steering wheels, which restricts the installation space for the direct airbag (DAB) module. Some existing technologies employ a bottom-punch slot structure for the DAB module. This slot is located at the bottom of the housing, and the mounting clips are housed within it and extend downwards along the height of the DAB module. Sufficient height space needs to be reserved at the bottom of the DAB module to ensure the assembly clearance between the clips and the steering wheel fixing screws, as well as the installation strength of the clips themselves. However, this bottom-punch slot structure results in the clips occupying a significant amount of height space, additionally increasing the overall size of the DAB module in the height direction, making it unsuitable for applications like folding steering wheels where high height space requirements exist.

[0049] The following is for reference. Figures 1-10 The airbag housing 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0050] like Figures 1-6 As shown, the airbag housing 1 according to the present invention includes: a first housing portion 10 and a second housing portion 20. The first housing portion 10 is formed with a snap fastener 1221. The second housing portion 20 cooperates with the first housing portion 10 and together with the first housing portion 10 defines a receiving cavity 1a, the receiving cavity 1a being adapted to receive an airbag 30. A groove 20a is formed on the side wall of the second housing portion 20 in a first direction. The snap fastener 1221 is received in the groove 20a and engages with the groove 20a.

[0051] Specifically, the airbag housing 1 is used to house the airbag 30. The airbag 30 is folded and housed within the airbag housing 1, and inflates and deploys after being triggered to protect the driver. The airbag housing 1 achieves relative positioning and locking of the first housing portion 10 and the second housing portion 20 through the snap-fit ​​engagement between the latch 1221 of the first housing portion 10 and the slot 20a of the second housing portion 20.

[0052] When assembling the airbag housing 1, the airbag 30 is first folded and placed on the second housing part 20, and then the first housing part 10 and the second housing part 20 are fitted together in the first direction. During the assembly process, after the first housing part 10 moves until the buckle 1221 aligns with the slot 20a, the buckle 1221 enters the slot 20a. At this time, the wall surface of the buckle 1221 and the corresponding wall surface of the slot 20a abut against each other at least in the first direction, thereby forming a limiting fit in the first direction to prevent the first housing part 10 from disengaging from the second housing part 20, and to achieve relative positioning and locking of the two.

[0053] According to the present invention, the airbag housing 1 has a slot 20a provided on the side wall of the second housing 20 in the first direction, so that the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can cooperate using the side space in the first direction, thereby reducing the space occupied by the two in the first direction and making the airbag housing 1 flatter, so as to adapt to application scenarios with strict space requirements such as folding steering wheels and flip-up steering wheels, and avoid interference with the folding trajectory of the steering wheel.

[0054] In some embodiments, when the airbag housing 1 is mounted on the steering wheel, the first direction is aligned with the height direction. The airbag housing 1 is flattened to accommodate applications with stringent height space requirements, such as folding steering wheels and flip-up steering wheels.

[0055] It is worth mentioning that the position of the slot 20a on the second housing 20 can be flexibly configured according to different space requirements. Specifically, the slot 20a can be formed in the middle part of the second housing 20 in the first direction. This arrangement can effectively reduce the space occupied by the slot 20a at the bottom of the second housing 20 in the first direction, thereby reserving more space for other components. In addition, the slot 20a can also be formed at the end part of the second housing 20 in the first direction. This arrangement can further reduce the overall space occupied by the airbag housing 1 in the first direction, making the airbag housing 1 more compact. This is especially suitable for applications such as folding or flip-up steering wheels where space in the height direction is extremely limited. Designers can flexibly choose the position of the slot 20a according to the actual assembly space and functional requirements to achieve optimal space utilization.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first housing portion 10 is a cover for the airbag housing 1, and the second housing portion 20 is a box body for the airbag housing 1. The cover and the box body are interlocked to jointly define a receiving cavity 1a. A snap fastener 1221 is formed on the cover, and a slot 20a is formed on the side wall of the box body in a first direction. The snap fastener 1221 is received within the slot 20a and abuts against the wall of the slot 20a, thereby achieving relative positioning and locking of the cover and the box body. By creating the slot 20a on the side wall of the box body, the dimension of the airbag housing 1 in the height direction is reduced, making it easier to integrate into space-constrained folding or flip-up steering wheel structures.

[0057] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 5 As shown, in the first direction, the top wall of the latch 1221 abuts against the bottom wall of the slot 20a. Specifically, the top wall of the latch 1221 is the wall surface of the latch 1221 facing the slot 20a in the first direction, and the bottom wall of the slot 20a is the wall surface of the slot 20a facing the latch 1221 in the first direction. The top wall of the latch 1221 and the bottom wall of the slot 20a abut against each other in the first direction to at least limit the relative movement of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 in the first direction, prevent the latch 1221 from falling out of the slot 20a, and thus ensure the reliability of the relative positioning and locking of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 after assembly.

[0058] In some embodiments, when the airbag 30 is triggered and inflated, the airbag 30 rapidly expands and exerts an outward force on the first shell 10 and the second shell 20, causing the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 to tend to separate from each other along a first direction. At this time, the top wall of the latch 1221 and the bottom wall of the slot 20a engage in a stop-and-hold action in the first direction, generating a restraining force that resists this separation tendency, firmly locking the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 together, preventing them from accidentally separating due to the impact of the airbag 30's deployment, and preventing shell rupture or flying debris from injuring the occupant. Simultaneously, the first shell 10 is provided with a weak portion, which can be destroyed under the force generated by the airbag 30's deployment, thereby providing a smooth ejection path for the airbag 30, allowing it to be released from the mounting cavity in a timely manner and fully deployed to protect the occupant. Through the stop-and-hold action of the buckle 1221 and the slot 20a, and the synergistic effect of the weak part, the airbag 30 can be reliably deployed while ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the airbag shell 1.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first shell portion 10 is made of plastic so that when the airbag 30 inflates and deploys, the first shell portion 10 can be rapidly destroyed along its weakest point, allowing the airbag 30 to smoothly exit the receiving cavity 1a, thereby protecting the occupants in a timely manner. The second shell portion 20 is made of metal to provide sufficient structural strength and rigidity to ensure that the airbag shell 1 can be reliably fixed to the steering wheel frame and withstand huge impact loads during the deployment of the airbag 30 without overall failure. Through the heterogeneous material design of the first shell portion 10 and the second shell portion 20, the airbag shell 1 is made lightweight, has low manufacturing cost, and reliable connection with the steering wheel frame while ensuring reliable deployment of the airbag 30.

[0060] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 5-6 As shown, the second shell portion 20 includes a first bottom plate 21 and a first side plate 22. The first side plate 22 is annular and is located on one side of the first bottom plate 21 in a first direction. The two ends of the first side plate 22 in the first direction are a first end 221 and a second end 222, respectively. The first end 221 is connected to the first bottom plate 21, and a slot 20a is formed at the first end 221.

[0061] Specifically, the first base plate 21 provides bottom support for the airbag 30, and the annular first side plate 22 defines the lateral boundary of the receiving cavity 1a. The first side plate 22 has a first end 221 and a second end 222 at its two ends in a first direction. The first end 221 is the end of the first side plate 22 closest to the first base plate 21, and the second end 222 is the end of the first side plate 22 furthest from the first base plate 21. The first end 221 is connected to the first base plate 21, and a slot 20a is formed at the first end 221, that is, the slot 20a is located on the first side plate 22 near the first base plate 21. Because the slot 20a is positioned low, it helps to reduce the overall height of the airbag housing 1.

[0062] By opening the slot 20a at the first end 221 of the first side plate 22, the slot 20a is adjacent to the first base plate 21, thereby reducing the extra space occupied by the buckle 1221 and the slot 20a in the first direction. This design not only reduces the overall height of the airbag housing 1 and achieves a flat structure, but also ensures the connection strength and assembly reliability.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figures 5-6As shown, the second end 222 of the first side plate 22 is provided with an outwardly expanding guide structure, such as a flared shape or an enlarged chamfer. This structure is used to guide the first shell 10 smoothly into the inner side of the second shell 20 during assembly. When the first shell 10 moves toward the second shell 20 in the first direction, the second side plate 12 of the first shell 10 first contacts the expanded area of ​​the second end 222. Since this area has a large opening size, it can effectively reduce the insertion resistance and prevent the buckle 1221 from colliding or scratching with the end of the first side plate 22. As the first shell 10 continues to penetrate, the expanding structure gradually guides the first shell 10 to the correct mating position, so that the buckle 1221 is accurately aligned with the slot 20a, thereby achieving smooth and fast assembly, reducing assembly difficulty, improving assembly efficiency, and avoiding shell damage or buckle 1221 deformation caused by forced insertion.

[0064] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the first base plate 21 is provided with a stop flange 211. One end of the stop flange 211 is rotatably connected to the first base plate 21, and the other end abuts against the inner wall of the latch 1221 facing the receiving cavity 1a. Specifically, the stop flange 211 is used to abut against the latch 1221 from the inside after the latch 1221 is installed, making the fit between the latch 1221 and the latch groove 20a more secure, preventing the latch 1221 from disengaging from the latch groove 20a, thereby preventing the first shell part 10 and the second shell part 20 from disengaging from each other along the first direction. The stop flange 211 can rotate relative to the first base plate 21 when subjected to force, thereby providing the necessary displacement and deformation capacity during the installation of the latch 1221.

[0065] When the latch 1221 of the first housing 10 is inserted into the slot 20a of the second housing 20, the stop flange 211 is located on the side of the latch 1221 facing the receiving cavity 1a, that is, the inner side of the latch 1221. At this time, the free end of the stop flange 211 abuts against the inner wall of the latch 1221 facing the receiving cavity 1a, forming a stop engagement, thereby restricting the movement of the latch 1221 relative to the second housing 20 in the first direction.

[0066] By setting a stop flange 211 and ensuring that the free end of the stop flange 211 abuts against the inner wall of the receiving cavity 1a with the buckle 1221, the stability of the stop fit between the top wall of the buckle 1221 and the bottom wall of the slot 20a is improved. This enhances the connection strength between the first shell 10 and the second shell 20, preventing the airbag shell 1 from bursting open due to impact force when the airbag 30 deploys, thus protecting the occupant. Furthermore, the stop flange 211 has a simple structure, being directly mounted on the first base plate 21 without requiring additional connecting parts 3, and does not affect the overall flattened design of the airbag shell 1.

[0067] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 , Figure 7 As shown, a weakening structure 210 is provided at the connection between the stop flange 211 and the first base plate 21, and the stop flange 211 is adapted to be flipped relative to the first base plate 21 by the weakening structure 210.

[0068] Specifically, the weakening structure 210 is used to reduce the strength of the connection between the stop flange 211 and the first base plate 21, so that the stop flange 211 can flip relative to the first base plate 21 when subjected to force. The stop flange 211 is adapted to flip relative to the first base plate 21 through the weakening structure 210, thereby providing the necessary displacement and deformation capacity during the installation of the snap fastener 1221.

[0069] When manufacturing the second shell portion 20, a stop flange 211 can be machined on the first base plate 21, and a weakening structure 210 can be formed at the connection between the stop flange 211 and the first base plate 21. When the latch 1221 is inserted into the latch slot 20a, and it is necessary for the stop flange 211 to abut against the inner wall of the latch 1221, the weakening structure 210 allows the stop flange 211 to flip, thereby causing the free end of the stop flange 211 to move toward and contact the inner wall of the latch 1221.

[0070] By providing a weakening structure 210 at the connection between the stop flange 211 and the first base plate 21, the stop flange 211 has a controllable flipping capability, enabling flexible assembly and functional adaptation of the stop flange 211. This design simplifies the assembly process and improves the manufacturing and assembly efficiency of the airbag housing 1.

[0071] In some embodiments, such as Figures 5-6 As shown, before the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are assembled, the stop flange 211 is in an open state relative to the first base plate 21. At this time, the first base plate 21 has an opening at the corresponding position of the stop flange 211. This opening can provide clearance space for the buckle 1221 during the installation process, allowing the buckle 1221 to pass smoothly through the first base plate 21 and extend into the slot 20a of the first side plate 22, thereby forming a fit with the slot 20a. After the buckle 1221 is installed in place, the stop flange 211 is flipped to a closed state relative to the first base plate 21 by the weakening structure 210. At this time, the stop flange 211 covers the opening, and the free end of the stop flange 211 abuts against the inner wall of the buckle 1221 facing the receiving cavity 1a, thereby limiting and locking the buckle 1221.

[0072] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the following is satisfied: the weakening structure 210 includes a first weak region 2101 and a second weak region 2102 extending in a second direction, the first weak region 2101 and the second weak region 2102 being spaced apart in the second direction, the second direction intersecting the first direction; the stop flange 211 is adapted to be rotated relative to the first base plate 21 about the second direction; the first weak region 2101 has a dimension j1 ​​in the second direction, the second weak region 2102 has a dimension j2 in the second direction, and satisfies 3mm≤j1≤7mm, and / or 3mm≤j2≤7mm; the stop flange 211 is adapted to be rotated relative to the first base plate 21 toward a direction away from the receiving cavity 1a, and the rotation angle is β, satisfying 40°≤β≤70°.

[0073] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 , Figure 7 As shown, the weakening structure 210 includes a first weak region 2101 and a second weak region 2102 extending in a second direction. The first weak region 2101 and the second weak region 2102 are spaced apart in the second direction, and the second direction intersects with the first direction. The stop flange 211 is adapted to rotate relative to the first base plate 21 around the second direction. The dimension of the first weak region 2101 in the second direction is j1, and the dimension of the second weak region 2102 in the second direction is j2, and both satisfy 3mm≤j1≤7mm, and / or 3mm≤j2≤7mm.

[0074] Specifically, the first weak region 2101 and the second weak region 2102 are used to reduce the local strength at the connection between the stop flange 211 and the first base plate 21. The first weak region 2101 and the second weak region 2102 are spaced apart in the second direction, and the spaced part forms a break point to control the deformation range and stiffness during flipping, so that the stop flange 211 can flip around the second direction. The free end of the stop flange 211 can avoid the buckle 1221 when it is installed, and reset to abut against the buckle 1221 after installation.

[0075] The first weak region 2101 has a length j1 in the second direction, i.e., in the direction of the flipping axis, and the second weak region 2102 has a length j2 in the second direction, i.e., in the direction of the flipping axis. j1 and / or j2 are controlled between 3mm and 7mm, which ensures that the stop flange 211 is not easily broken during normal flipping, and also avoids the weak region being too long and therefore having too low strength, which would lead to its destruction when the airbag 30 deploys. By limiting j1 and / or j2 to the above range, the stop flange 211 can provide stable and controllable flipping deformation during assembly, while still having sufficient structural strength at the moment of airbag 30 ignition, ensuring that the stop flange 211 always abuts against the inner wall of the buckle 1221, preventing the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 from separating from each other due to impact, thereby avoiding shell breakage and injury to the occupants. For example, the value of j1 can be 3mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 6.8mm, 7mm, etc., and the value of j2 can be 3mm, 5mm, 5.2mm, 6.3mm, 7mm, etc. The two can be selected independently according to the design requirements.

[0076] Preferably, j1 and j2 are both limited to the range of 3mm to 7mm. When the dimensions of the two weak areas both meet the above range, the overall deformation length of the stop flange 211 in the direction of the flipping axis is more balanced, and the flipping stiffness distribution is more uniform, which helps to avoid stress concentration or unstable flipping caused by a single weak area being too long or too short.

[0077] In some specific embodiments, j1 and j2 have the same value.

[0078] It is worth mentioning that, due to the different positions of the stop flanges 211 on the second housing 20, the direction of the flipping axis of each stop flange 211 also differs, and the second direction corresponding to different stop flanges 211 is different from each other. The second direction is the direction of the axis around which the stop flange 211 flips, and the second direction intersects with the first direction. By giving the stop flanges 211 at different positions their own independent second direction, it can be ensured that each stop flange 211 can move precisely toward the inner wall of the corresponding buckle 1221 when flipping, thereby achieving a reliable engagement between multiple buckles 1221 and the stop flanges 211, and meeting the requirement that the stop flanges 211 can flip independently and flexibly during the assembly process.

[0079] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the stop flange 211 is adapted to be flipped relative to the first base plate 21 in a direction away from the receiving cavity 1a, and the flipping angle is β, which satisfies 40°≤β≤70°.

[0080] Specifically, the stop flange 211, in its natural state after processing, is tilted away from the receiving cavity 1a relative to the first base plate 21, forming an angle β between its free end and the first base plate 21. In some embodiments, when manufacturing the second shell portion 20, the stop flange 211 can be formed on the first base plate 21 by processes such as stamping, so that the stop flange 211 tilts away from the receiving cavity 1a in its natural state, with the angle β controlled between 40° and 70°. This angle range ensures that a sufficient and reliable contact pressure is formed between the free end of the stop flange 211 and the inner wall of the latch 1221, ensuring reliable locking while avoiding structural damage. For example, the value of β can be 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, etc.

[0081] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: in the first direction, the distance between the bottom wall of the slot 20a and the wall of the first base plate 21 away from the receiving cavity 1a is a, and 3mm≤a≤8mm; in the first direction, the bottom wall of the buckle 1221 protrudes from the wall of the first base plate 21 away from the receiving cavity 1a, and the distance between the bottom wall of the buckle 1221 and the wall of the first base plate 21 away from the receiving cavity 1a is b, and b≥2mm; the first side plate 22 is spaced apart from the inner wall of the receiving cavity 1a and the airbag 30 in the thickness direction; along the direction of the outer surface of the airbag 30, the minimum distance between the outer surface of the airbag 30 and the second end 222 is n; the maximum dimension of the buckle 1221 in the thickness direction is m, and n≥m.

[0082] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, in the first direction, the distance between the bottom wall of the slot 20a and the wall of the first base plate 21 away from the receiving cavity 1a is a, and satisfies 3mm≤a≤8mm.

[0083] Specifically, the bottom wall of the slot 20a is the wall facing the first direction, and the wall of the first base plate 21 away from the receiving cavity 1a is the outer wall of the first base plate 21. In the first direction, the distance between the bottom wall of the slot 20a and the outer wall of the first base plate 21 is 'a'. The size of 'a' determines the position of the top of the buckle 1221 relative to the outer wall of the first base plate 21 after it is inserted into the slot 20a. By limiting 'a' to a range of 3mm to 8mm, on the one hand, it ensures that the slot 20a has sufficient depth to accommodate the buckle 1221, enabling an effective stop-and-go fit between the buckle 1221 and the bottom wall of the slot 20a, providing reliable connection strength; on the other hand, it avoids the slot 20a from being too deep and excessively occupying the space of the airbag housing 1 in the first direction, thereby helping to reduce the overall height of the housing and achieve a flattened design. For example, the value of 'a' can be 3mm, 3.5mm, 4.2mm, 5mm, 6.5mm, 7.8mm, 8mm, etc.

[0084] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, in the first direction, the bottom wall of the buckle 1221 protrudes from the wall of the first base plate 21 away from the receiving cavity 1a, and the distance between the bottom wall of the buckle 1221 and the wall of the first base plate 21 away from the receiving cavity 1a is b, which satisfies b≥2mm.

[0085] Specifically, the bottom wall of the latch 1221 is the wall surface of the latch 1221 in the first direction, and the wall surface of the first base plate 21 away from the receiving cavity 1a is the outer wall surface of the first base plate 21. The distance between the bottom wall of the latch 1221 and the outer wall surface of the first base plate 21 is b, that is, the height of the part of the latch 1221 protruding from the outer wall surface of the first base plate 21 is b. By limiting b to ≥ 2mm, it is ensured that after the flange is flattened, it can fully press against the bottom wall of the latch 1221, so that the latch 1221 is firmly locked and prevents the latch 1221 from falling out when the airbag 30th point is deployed. For example, the value of b can be 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, etc., but it should not be too large, so as not to increase the overall height of the airbag shell 1.

[0086] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first side plate 22 is spaced apart from the inner wall of the receiving cavity 1a and the airbag 30 in the thickness direction; along the normal of the outer surface of the airbag 30, the minimum distance between the outer surface of the airbag 30 and the second end 222 is n; the maximum dimension of the buckle 1221 in the thickness direction is m, and n≥m is satisfied.

[0087] Specifically, the airbag 30 is in a folded and housed state within the receiving cavity 1a. A certain gap is maintained between the outer surface of the airbag 30 and the inner wall of the first side plate 22 in the thickness direction. The minimum distance between the outer surface of the airbag 30 and the second end 222 along the normal direction of the outer surface of the airbag 30 is n. The maximum dimension of the buckle 1221 in the thickness direction is m, satisfying n ≥ m. When the airbag 30 is folded and placed within the space enclosed by the first side plate 22, since a gap n is reserved between the inner wall of the first side plate 22 and the airbag 30, and this gap n is greater than or equal to the thickness m of the buckle 1221, during the assembly of the buckle 1221, as the buckle 1221 enters the slot 20a along the first direction, there is sufficient clearance between the thickness direction of the buckle 1221 and the inner wall of the first side plate 22, thereby preventing the buckle 1221 from being squeezed or interfering with the airbag 30 during insertion.

[0088] Furthermore, the following conditions must be met: 6.3mm ≤ n ≤ 6.8mm, and / or 6.1mm ≤ m ≤ 6.3mm. Specifically, when both n and m are within their respective preferred ranges, the gap between the inner wall of the first side plate 22 and the airbag 30 is sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the buckle 1221, while the thickness of the buckle 1221 is also sufficient to provide the necessary connection strength. During assembly, the buckle 1221 can smoothly enter the slot 20a without interfering with the airbag 30, and after installation, the stop flange 211 reliably contacts the inner wall of the buckle 1221. For example, the value of n can be 6.3mm, 6.4mm, 6.5mm, 6.6mm, 6.7mm, 6.8mm, etc., and the value of m can be 6.1mm, 6.2mm, 6.3mm, etc.

[0089] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 5-6 As shown, the first shell portion 10 includes a second bottom plate 11 and a second side plate 12. The second side plate 12 is annular and is disposed on one side of the second bottom plate 11 in a first direction. The two ends of the second side plate 12 in the first direction are a third end 121 and a fourth end 122, respectively. The third end 121 is connected to the second bottom plate 11, and the fourth end 122 forms a buckle 1221. The thickness direction of the buckle 1221 intersects the first direction, and a portion of the fourth end 122 is directly opposite the first side plate 22 in the thickness direction. The thickness of the buckle 1221 is greater than the wall thickness of the portion of the fourth end 122 that is directly opposite the first side plate 22.

[0090] Specifically, the second side plate 12 is annular to define the lateral boundary of the first shell portion 10. The two ends of the second side plate 12 in the first direction are a third end 121 and a fourth end 122, respectively. The third end 121 is the end of the second side plate 12 closest to the second base plate 11, and the fourth end 122 is the end of the second side plate 12 furthest from the second base plate 11. The third end 121 is connected to the second base plate 11, fixing the second side plate 12 to the second base plate 11. The fourth end 122 is provided with a latch 1221, which extends from the end of the second side plate 12 in a direction away from the second base plate 11. The latch 1221 is used to engage with the slot 20a of the second shell portion 20 to achieve a fixed connection between the first shell portion 10 and the second shell portion 20. Furthermore, the thickness of the buckle 1221 itself is greater than the thickness of the material in the fourth end 122 that is directly opposite the first side plate 22 along the thickness direction. Because the buckle 1221 is thicker, it can form a more sufficient stop contact with the wall of the slot 20a, improving the connection stability. In addition, the buckle 1221 itself has better bending strength and shear resistance.

[0091] In some embodiments, such as Figures 5-6As shown, the second side plate 12 is located on the side of the first side plate 22 facing the receiving cavity 1a, that is, after the first shell 10 is assembled to the second shell 20, the second side plate 12 is nested inside the first side plate 22. When the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are in place, the top wall of the latch 1221 in the first direction and the bottom wall of the slot 20a in the first direction abut against each other, forming a limit in the first direction to prevent the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 from separating from each other in the first direction. At the same time, the outer wall of the second side plate 12 away from the receiving cavity 1a in the thickness direction abuts against the inner wall of the first side plate 22 facing the receiving cavity 1a, forming a limit in the thickness direction to prevent the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 from moving relative to each other in the thickness direction. Through the stop-locking fit in the above two directions, the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are reliably limited in both the first direction and the thickness direction, thereby improving the overall stability and impact resistance of the airbag shell 1 after assembly, ensuring that the shell will not shift or loosen abnormally at the moment the airbag 30 deploys, and also helping to control assembly tolerances and improve product consistency.

[0092] It is worth noting that the thickness direction described in this invention is not a fixed absolute direction, but rather a relative direction defined for specific structural parts. Specifically, the thickness directions of different components (such as the buckle 1221, the second side plate 12, and the stop flange 211) may differ due to different local structural orientations. For example, the thickness direction of the buckle 1221 is perpendicular to its plate surface, the thickness direction of the second side plate 12 is perpendicular to its side wall surface, and the thickness direction of the stop flange 211 is related to its extending plane. These thickness directions may be different from each other and may intersect or be perpendicular to the first direction. When understanding the technical solution of this application, the thickness direction should be determined according to the geometry of each structure, rather than being understood as a single direction shared by the entire shell. Through the above-mentioned targeted definition of the thickness direction, the fit relationship between the various structures can be described more accurately, while avoiding the problem of unclear technical features due to directional confusion.

[0093] In some embodiments, the weakened structure 210 at the joint between the abutting flange 211 and the first bottom plate 21 is designed to only allow the abutting flange 211 to flip unidirectionally toward the inside of the accommodating cavity 1a. When the free end of the abutting flange 211 flips to abut against the inner wall of the buckle 1221 facing the accommodating cavity 1a, the abutting flange 211 is blocked by the inner wall of the buckle 1221 and cannot flip further into the accommodating cavity 1a. Meanwhile, due to the inherent stiffness of the weakened structure 210 and the geometric constraint between the abutting flange 211 and the first bottom plate 21, the abutting flange 211 is locked after reaching the abutting position and cannot retract reversely. This unidirectional limiting design ensures that the abutting flange 211 can stably abut against the buckle 1221 after the buckle 1221 is installed in place, preventing the abutting flange 211 from disengaging due to vibration or impact when the airbag 30 deploys, thereby improving locking reliability.

[0094] Further, the second side plate 12 is configured as a ring, and the second side plate 12 has an inwardly contracted contour at an end close to the second bottom plate 11. When the first shell portion 10 is mated with the second shell portion 20, the inwardly contracted structure of the second side plate 12 forms a physical block on the flipping range of the abutting flange 211. During the flipping of the abutting flange 211 toward the inside of the accommodating cavity 1a, after the free end of the abutting flange 211 abuts against the buckle 1221, the inwardly contracted portion of the second side plate 12 simultaneously abuts against the back or side of the abutting flange 211 from the outside, so that the abutting flange 211 cannot flip further or be pushed away reversely. Through the inwardly contracted structure of the second side plate 12, the abutting flange 211 is further locked at the abutting position, enhancing the impact resistance of the airbag housing 1 during the deployment of the airbag 30, and ensuring that the first shell portion 10 and the second shell portion 20 are always in a reliable locking state.

[0095] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: in the thickness direction, the distance between the surface of the buckle 1221 away from the accommodating cavity 1a and the surface of the second side plate 12 away from the accommodating cavity 1a is L, which satisfies 2mm < L < 3mm; the airbag 30 and the inner wall of the second side plate 12 facing the accommodating cavity 1a are spaced apart in the thickness direction, with a minimum distance o that satisfies 1mm ≤ o ≤ 2mm.

[0096] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as Figure 5As shown, in the thickness direction, the distance between the surface of the buckle 1221 away from the accommodating cavity 1a and the surface of the second side plate 12 away from the accommodating cavity 1a is L, which satisfies 2mm < L < 3mm. Specifically, in the thickness direction, the distance between the outer surface of the buckle 1221 and the outer surface of the second side plate 12 is L, and L is the protruding dimension of the buckle 1221 relative to the outer side surface of the second side plate 12. By limiting L to between 2mm and 3mm (excluding the endpoints), it can be ensured that the buckle 1221 has a sufficient protruding amount to facilitate fitting with the engaging groove 20a of the second shell portion 20, so as to provide a space for abutting against the abutting flange 211, and can prevent the buckle 1221 from protruding excessively to increase the overall dimension of the airbag housing 1 or interfere with other components. For example, the value of L can be 2.1mm, 2.3mm, 2.5mm, 2.7mm, 2.9mm, etc.

[0097] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as Figure 5 shown, the airbag 30 and the inner wall of the second side plate 12 facing the accommodating cavity 1a are spaced apart in the thickness direction, and the minimum distance is o, which satisfies 1mm ≤ o ≤ 2mm.

[0098] Specifically, when the airbag 30 is in a folded and stored state, the gas pressure inside the airbag 30 will increase when the ambient temperature rises, causing the volume of the airbag 30 to expand slightly. In order to prevent the airbag 30 from squeezing the inner wall of the second side plate 12 facing the accommodating cavity 1a due to expansion when it is not triggered, which causes unexpected deformation or stress concentration of the second shell portion 20 or the first shell portion 10, a certain gap needs to be reserved between the airbag 30 and the inner wall of the second side plate 12. This gap allows the airbag 30 to expand freely without contacting the second side plate 12 in a high temperature environment, thereby ensuring the structural integrity and dimensional stability of the airbag housing 1 during the service life of the vehicle, and avoiding affecting the fitting reliability between the buckle 1221 and the engaging groove 20a due to housing deformation.

[0099] The minimum distance of this gap is o, and o satisfies 1mm ≤ o ≤ 2mm, so as to ensure that the airbag 30 does not squeeze or rub against the second side plate 12 in the normal storage state, avoid surface wear or deformation of the airbag 30 caused by long-term contact, and at the same time ensure that the airbag 30 can respond quickly and use this gap to deploy smoothly in the initial stage of ignition, which is conducive to maintaining the good storage shape and deployment consistency of the airbag 30, and provides a reasonable initial expansion space for the airbag 30 on the premise of ensuring the compactness of the housing. For example, the value of o can be 1mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 1.8mm, 2mm, etc.

[0100] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as Figure 5As shown, in the first direction, the distance between the top wall and the bottom wall of the buckle 1221 is k, and k ≥ 5 mm. Specifically, the dimension of the buckle 1221 in the first direction is k, and k determines the structural strength of the buckle 1221. The requirement that k ≥ 5 mm ensures that the buckle 1221 has the ability to resist bending deformation and shear failure during the deployment of the airbag 30, thereby ensuring that the buckle 1221 is not easily bent or broken under stress. For example, the value of k can be 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, etc.

[0101] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, multiple snap fasteners 1221 are constructed. The second shell portion 20 is provided with side punch grooves and bottom punch grooves. The side punch grooves are located on the first side plate 22, meaning they are formed on the side wall of the second shell portion 20 in the first direction; the bottom punch grooves are located on the first bottom plate 21, meaning they are formed at the bottom of the second shell portion 20. Snap fasteners 1221 include snap fasteners 1221 that mate with the side punch grooves and snap fasteners 1221 that mate with the bottom punch grooves, wherein the snap fastener 1221 that mates with the bottom punch grooves is a bottom punch snap fastener 1222, and the bottom punch snap fastener 1222 and the bottom punch groove form a stop-and-hold fit at the bottom. The use of both types of snap fasteners 1221 together can reduce the space occupied by the airbag shell 1 in the height direction while ensuring connection strength.

[0102] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, the bottom wall of the buckle 1221 that mates with the side punch groove in the first direction and the bottom wall of the bottom punch buckle 1222 in the first direction are spaced apart by a distance c in the first direction, where c ≥ 2 mm. This allows for dimensional differences in the multiple buckles 1221 in the first direction, with the buckle 1221 that mates with the side punch groove having a smaller dimension in the first direction, thereby reducing the overall space occupied by the airbag housing 1 in the first direction. For example, the value of c can be 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, etc.

[0103] In some embodiments, the steering wheel frame can be provided with a space specifically for accommodating the under-punch clip 1222. For example, a groove or clearance hole can be provided at a corresponding position on the steering wheel frame, allowing the under-punch clip 1222 to extend into it without interfering with the steering wheel frame. Alternatively, the under-punch clip 1222 can be arranged in an open area of ​​the steering wheel frame where no other structures (such as reinforcing ribs, mounting bosses, etc.) are provided, utilizing the structural gaps of the steering wheel frame itself to accommodate the under-punch clip 1222. With the above arrangement, the space occupied by the under-punch clip 1222 in the height direction is partially absorbed or avoided by the steering wheel frame, thereby reducing the impact of the under-punch clip 1222 on the overall height of the airbag housing 1.

[0104] Furthermore, such as Figure 9As shown, the bottom-mounted clip 1222 protrudes from the wall of the first base plate 21 away from the mounting cavity by a dimension d, and d ≥ 4.5 mm. This protrusion dimension is the size required for the bottom-mounted clip 1222 to form a connection or fit with the mating structure (such as mounting hole 2a or clearance groove) on the steering wheel frame. Since the bottom-mounted clip 1222 occupies a large amount of height space, it is usually placed in a dedicated space or open area reserved in the steering wheel frame to mitigate its adverse effect on the overall height of the airbag housing 1. For example, the value of d can be 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, etc.

[0105] In some specific embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, at least a portion of the first base plate 21 is recessed into the receiving cavity 1a, thereby forming a recess 21a on the outer bottom surface of the first base plate 21. This recess 21a accommodates at least a portion of the bottom punch latch 1222 that mates with the bottom punch groove body, allowing at least a portion of the bottom punch latch 1222 to be embedded within the recess 21a, thus reducing the space occupied by the bottom punch latch 1222 in the first direction. Through this design, even when the bottom punch latch 1222 is used simultaneously, its impact on the overall height of the airbag housing 1 can be minimized, further improving the flattening effect and making it more suitable for space-constrained applications such as folding steering wheels.

[0106] Furthermore, such as Figure 10 As shown, the depth p of the settling tank 21a in the first direction satisfies 2mm ≤ p ≤ 3mm. For example, the value of p can be 2mm, 2.2mm, 2.5mm, 2.8mm, 3mm, etc.

[0107] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 , Figure 8 As shown, the second shell portion 20 is further provided with a hook 23 on the surface away from the receiving cavity 1a. The hook 23 includes a connecting portion 231 and a guide portion 232. The connecting portion 231 is connected to the second shell portion 20 and extends in a first direction. The guide portion 232 is located at the end of the connecting portion 231 away from the second shell portion 20. The connecting portion 231 has a groove 231a in a third direction, which intersects with the first direction. The size of the guide portion 232 in the third direction gradually decreases in the direction away from the connecting portion 231.

[0108] Specifically, the surface of the second housing portion 20 away from the receiving cavity 1a is also provided with a hook 23. The hook 23 is used to install and lock the airbag housing 1 onto the steering wheel bracket 2. The hook 23 includes a connecting portion 231 and a guide portion 232. The connecting portion 231 is connected to the second housing portion 20 and extends in a first direction, and the connecting portion 231 is the main support part of the hook 23. The guide portion 232 is located at the end of the connecting portion 231 away from the second housing portion 20 and is the free end of the hook 23. The connecting portion 231 has a groove 231a in a third direction, which is used to form a snap-fit ​​with the elastic steel strip on the steering wheel bracket 2, and the guide portion 232 has a shape that gradually tapers to a pointed end.

[0109] When the airbag housing 1 is installed onto the steering wheel bracket 2, the guide portion 232 of the hook 23 first enters the mounting hole 2a of the steering wheel bracket 2. Since the size of the guide portion 232 gradually decreases in the third direction, it can smoothly insert into the mounting hole 2a and guide the entire hook 23 into the correct position. As the guide portion 232 continues to penetrate deeper, it can push open the elastic steel strip within the mounting hole 2a, causing the elastic steel strip to deform elastically. As the hook 23 moves further, the elastic steel strip slides along the guide portion 232 and eventually enters the groove 231a opened on the connecting portion 231. The elastic steel strip rebounds and resets, locking itself into the groove 231a, thus locking the hook 23 to the steering wheel bracket 2.

[0110] By setting the size of the guide part 232 to gradually decrease in the third direction, the hook 23 has a guiding function during insertion, which can reduce the difficulty of installation and avoid jamming or misalignment. The hook 23 has a simple structure and reliable assembly, and does not require additional fasteners, which helps to maintain the overall compactness and assembly efficiency of the airbag housing 1.

[0111] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 8 As shown, the guide portion 232 is provided with a guide slope 2321. One end of the guide slope 2321 extends to the side wall of the groove 231a in the first direction, and the other end of the guide slope 2321 extends to the end of the guide portion 232 away from the second shell portion 20 in the first direction. Specifically, the starting end of the guide slope 2321 is in contact with one of the side walls of the groove 231a, and the end of the guide slope 2321 reaches the tip of the free end of the hook 23. When the hook 23 is inserted into the mounting hole 2a of the steering wheel bracket 2, the guide slope 2321 can contact the elastic steel strip and guide the elastic steel strip to undergo elastic deformation, so that the elastic steel strip can slide smoothly into the groove 231a.

[0112] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the following is satisfied: in the first direction, the projection of the groove 231a is located within the projection of the guide slope 2321; in the third direction, the distance between the end of the guide slope 2321 extending to the guide portion 232 and the bottom wall of the groove 231a in the third direction is h, and h > 0; the angle between the guide slope 2321 and the first direction is α, and 30° ≤ α ≤ 40° is satisfied; a connecting surface 2311 extending in the first direction is also formed on the connecting portion 231, the connecting surface 2311 is connected to the guide slope 2321 and the side wall of the groove 231a in the first direction respectively, and the dimension of the connecting surface 2311 in the first direction is i, and i ≥ 1 mm is satisfied.

[0113] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 8 As shown, in the first direction, the projection of the groove 231a is located within the projection of the guide slope 2321; in the third direction, the distance between the end of the guide slope 2321 extending to the guide portion 232 and the bottom wall of the groove 231a in the third direction is h, and satisfies h > 0.

[0114] Here, the projection relationship between the groove 231a and the guide ramp 2321 in the first direction ensures that the depth of the groove 231a in the third direction does not exceed the extension range of the guide ramp 2321, preventing the groove 231a from being too deep and weakening the structural strength of the hook 23. Simultaneously, the limitation on h ensures that the guide ramp 2321 has sufficient extension length relative to the groove 231a in the third direction, guaranteeing that the end of the guide ramp 2321 extending to the guide portion 232 first contacts the elastic steel strip and receives force, thus providing a guiding function. When the hook 23 is inserted into the mounting hole of the steering wheel bracket, the elastic steel strip first contacts the guide ramp 2321, moves smoothly along the ramp towards the groove 231a, and after being guided by the guide ramp, smoothly falls into the groove 231a to complete locking, achieving successful installation.

[0115] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 8 As shown, the angle between the guide slope 2321 and the first direction is α, and satisfies 30°≤α≤40°. This ensures that the guide slope 2321 has a suitable inclination, providing smooth guidance for the insertion of the hook 23 and generating appropriate guiding force during assembly to guide the elastic steel strip smoothly into the groove 231a, thereby achieving reliable installation and locking of the hook 23. For example, the value of α can be 30°, 32°, 35°, 38°, 40°, etc.

[0116] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 8As shown, a connecting surface 2311 extending in the first direction is also formed on the connecting part 231. The connecting surface 2311 is connected to the guide inclined surface 2321 and the side wall of the groove 231a in the first direction. The dimension of the connecting surface 2311 in the first direction is i, and i ≥ 1 mm.

[0117] Specifically, the connecting surface 2311 is located between the guide slope 2321 and the sidewall of the groove 231a, serving as a transition area between the two to facilitate hook installation and reduce stress concentration at the connection between the guide slope 2321 and the sidewall of the groove 231a. The dimension of the connecting surface 2311 in the first direction is i, and i ≥ 1 mm, thereby ensuring that the connecting surface 2311 provides sufficient structural strength when the airbag 30 is detonated. This prevents the hook 23 from breaking or disengaging due to its small dimension in the first direction, ensuring the locking reliability of the hook 23 and the elastic steel bar. For example, the value of i can be 1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, etc.

[0118] The steering wheel assembly according to the present invention is briefly described below.

[0119] like Figures 11-16 As shown, the steering wheel assembly according to the present invention includes the airbag housing 1 described in any of the above embodiments. Since the steering wheel assembly according to the present invention is provided with the airbag housing 1 of the above embodiments, the steering wheel assembly is smaller in size in the first direction and has a wider range of applicable scenarios.

[0120] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 13 , Figure 15 As shown, the second shell portion 20 has a hook 23 on its surface away from the receiving cavity 1a, and the hook 23 has a groove 231a. The vehicle also includes a steering wheel bracket 2, a connector 3, and a steering wheel body 4. The steering wheel bracket 2 has a mounting hole 2a for receiving the hook 23. The connector 3 is located in the mounting hole 2a and is adapted to be received in the groove 231a. The steering wheel body 4 is foldably mounted on the steering wheel bracket 2. Specifically, after the hook 23 is inserted into the mounting hole 2a of the steering wheel bracket 2, the connector 3 is engaged in the groove 231a of the hook 23, achieving a reliable connection between the airbag housing 1 and the steering wheel bracket 2. The foldable design of the steering wheel body 4 allows the vehicle to fold and store the steering wheel in autonomous driving mode to free up space in front of the driver's seat, while the flat structure of the airbag housing 1 ensures that it does not interfere with the airbag housing 1 during the steering wheel folding process.

[0121] In some embodiments, the connector 3 is an elastic steel strip.

[0122] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 8As shown, the fitting clearance between the hook 23 and the mounting hole 2a is g, and satisfies 0.05mm ≤ g ≤ 0.2mm. Specifically, within this fitting clearance range, the hook 23 can be smoothly inserted into the mounting hole 2a, while avoiding jamming or shaking during pressing due to excessive clearance, thus ensuring the installation stability of the airbag housing 1 on the steering wheel bracket 2 and the smoothness of the pressing operation. For example, the value of g can be 0.05mm, 0.08mm, 0.1mm, 0.15mm, 0.2mm, etc.

[0123] The airbag housing 1 houses a folded airbag 30 within its mounting cavity. A gas generator is fixed to the second housing 20 by screws, and the gas generator's outlet is sealed to the airbag 30's inlet. When the gas generator is triggered, the generated high-pressure gas enters the airbag 30 through the outlet, causing the airbag 30 to rapidly inflate and exit the mounting cavity to protect the occupant. The gas generator is connected to the second housing 20 by screws to secure it to the second housing 20.

[0124] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 13 , Figure 16 As shown, the steering wheel bracket 2 is also equipped with rubber studs 5, which abut against the airbag housing 1 in the first direction. The rubber studs 5 are deformable to provide cushioning. The rubber studs 5 are located between the airbag housing 1 and the steering wheel bracket 2, supporting the airbag housing 1 in the height direction. When the airbag housing 1 is pressed, the rubber studs 5 can elastically deform to provide cushioning, absorbing the impact of the pressure, while maintaining the balance of the airbag housing 1 and preventing abnormal noises caused by vibration during driving.

[0125] Furthermore, the rubber stud 5 has a preload f, satisfying 0.8mm ≤ f ≤ 1.2mm. Within this preload range, the rubber stud 5 can provide stable elastic support, maintaining the balance of the airbag housing 1 during pressing operations, while effectively absorbing vibrations from vehicle movement, preventing relative displacement or collision noise between the airbag housing 1 and the steering wheel bracket 2, and ensuring the stability and quietness of the airbag housing 1 during long-term use. For example, the value of f can be 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, etc.

[0126] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, reference may be made to Figures 1-8 The airbag housing 1 includes a first housing portion 10 and a second housing portion 20. The first housing portion 10 has a latch 1221; the second housing portion 20 and the first housing portion 10 together define a receiving cavity 1a for receiving the airbag 30. The second housing portion 20 has a groove 20a formed on its sidewall in a first direction, and the latch 1221 is received in the groove 20a and engages with the groove 20a.

[0127] The second shell portion 20 includes a first base plate 21 and an annular first side plate 22. The first side plate 22 is disposed on one side of the first base plate 21 in a first direction, and its two ends are a first end 221 and a second end 222, respectively. The first end 221 is connected to the first base plate 21, and a slot 20a is formed at the first end 221. The first shell portion 10 includes a second base plate 11 and an annular second side plate 12. The second side plate 12 is disposed on one side of the second base plate 11 in a first direction, and its two ends are a third end 121 and a fourth end 122, respectively. The third end 121 is connected to the second base plate 11, and a buckle 1221 is formed at the fourth end 122. The thickness direction of the buckle 1221 intersects the first direction, and the thickness of the buckle 1221 is greater than the wall thickness of the portion of the fourth end 122 that is directly opposite the first side plate 22.

[0128] The first base plate 21 is provided with a stop flange 211, one end of which is rotatably connected to the first base plate 21, and the other end is abutted against the inner wall of the receiving cavity 1a by the buckle 1221. A weakening structure 210 is provided at the connection between the stop flange 211 and the first base plate 21. The weakening structure 210 includes a first weak region 2101 and a second weak region 2102 extending in a second direction, spaced apart, with the second direction intersecting the first direction. The dimension j1 ​​of the first weak region 2101 in the second direction satisfies 3mm ≤ j1 ≤ 7mm, and the dimension j2 of the second weak region 2102 satisfies 3mm ≤ j2 ≤ 7mm. The flip angle β of the stop flange 211 satisfies 40° ≤ β ≤ 70°.

[0129] The distance a between the bottom wall of the slot 20a and the wall of the first base plate 21 away from the receiving cavity 1a satisfies 3mm≤a≤8mm, the bottom wall of the buckle 1221 protrudes from the wall of the first base plate 21 by a protrusion distance b≥2mm, and the dimension k of the buckle 1221 in the first direction is ≥5mm.

[0130] A hook 23 is provided on the surface of the second shell portion 20 away from the receiving cavity 1a. The hook 23 includes a connecting portion 231 and a guiding portion 232. The connecting portion 231 has a groove 231a in the third direction, and the size of the guiding portion 232 gradually decreases in the third direction. A guiding slope 2321 is provided on the guiding portion 232, and the angle α between the guiding slope 2321 and the first direction satisfies 30°≤α≤40°. The distance h between the end of the guiding slope 2321 and the bottom wall of the groove 231a in the third direction is greater than 0. A connecting surface 2311 extending in the first direction is also formed on the connecting portion 231, and its size i≥1mm.

[0131] Next reference Figures 11-16The steering wheel assembly according to the present invention includes an airbag housing 1, a steering wheel bracket 2, a connector 3, and a steering wheel body 4 according to any of the above embodiments. The steering wheel bracket 2 is provided with a mounting hole 2a for receiving a hook 23. The connector 3 is provided in the mounting hole 2a and is adapted to be received in a groove 231a. The connector 3 is an elastic steel strip. The steering wheel body 4 is foldably disposed on the steering wheel bracket 2.

[0132] During assembly, hook 23 is inserted into mounting hole 2a, and elastic steel strip is engaged in groove 231a, locking the airbag housing 1 to the steering wheel bracket 2. The fit clearance g between hook 23 and mounting hole 2a satisfies 0.05mm≤g≤0.2mm, ensuring smooth insertion while avoiding jamming during pressing. Rubber pins 5 on steering wheel bracket 2 abut against airbag housing 1 in the first direction to undergo elastic deformation, buffering the impact of pressing, maintaining the balance of airbag housing 1, and preventing abnormal noises during driving. The preload f of rubber pins 5 satisfies 0.8mm≤f≤1.2mm, providing stable support and vibration damping.

[0133] The airbag housing 1 designed according to the present invention has a slot 20a opened on the side wall of the second housing 20, so that the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can cooperate in the side space, reducing the space occupied in the height direction and realizing flattening, so as to adapt to application scenarios with strict space requirements such as folding steering wheels.

[0134] The vehicle according to the present invention is briefly described below.

[0135] The vehicle according to the present invention includes the airbag housing 1 or steering wheel assembly as described in any of the above embodiments. Since the vehicle according to the present invention is equipped with the airbag housing 1 or steering wheel assembly as described in the above embodiments, the vehicle can achieve space optimization design of the intelligent cockpit by adopting a compact structure such as a folding steering wheel, a flip-up steering wheel or a steering wheel with a screen, while ensuring the safety of the occupants.

[0136] In summary, according to the present invention, the airbag housing 1, by opening a slot 20a on the side wall of the second housing 20 in the first direction, allows the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 to cooperate using the side space in the first direction, thereby reducing the space occupied by the two in the first direction and making the airbag housing 1 more flat, so as to adapt to application scenarios with strict space requirements such as folding steering wheels and flip-up steering wheels, and avoid interference with the folding trajectory of the steering wheel.

[0137] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0138] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, variations, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to the above embodiments.

Claims

1. An airbag housing (1), characterized in that, include: The first shell portion (10) has a snap fastener (1221). The second shell portion (20) cooperates with the first shell portion (10) and together defines a receiving cavity (1a) with the first shell portion (10). The receiving cavity (1a) is adapted to accommodate an airbag (30). The second shell portion (20) has a slot (20a) formed on the side wall in the first direction. The buckle (1221) is received in the slot (20a) and engages with the slot (20a).

2. The airbag housing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first direction, the top wall of the buckle (1221) abuts against the bottom wall of the slot (20a).

3. The airbag housing (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second shell portion (20) includes: First base plate (21); The first side plate (22) is ring-shaped and is located on one side of the first base plate (21) in the first direction. The two ends of the first side plate (22) in the first direction are a first end (221) and a second end (222), respectively. The first end (221) is connected to the first base plate (21), and the slot (20a) is opened at the first end (221).

4. The airbag housing (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first base plate (21) is provided with a stop flange (211), one end of which is rotatably connected to the first base plate (21), and the other end is stopped by the buckle (1221) towards the inner wall of the receiving cavity (1a).

5. The airbag housing (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, A weakening structure (210) is provided at the connection between the stop flange (211) and the first base plate (21), and the stop flange (211) is adapted to be flipped relative to the first base plate (21) by the weakening structure (210).

6. The airbag housing (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one of the following must be met: The weakening structure (210) includes a first weak region (2101) and a second weak region (2102) extending in a second direction. The first weak region (2101) and the second weak region (2102) are spaced apart in the second direction, and the second direction intersects with the first direction. The stop flange (211) is adapted to rotate relative to the first base plate (21) around the second direction. The first weak region (2101) has a dimension of j1 in the second direction, and the second weak region (2102) has a dimension of j2 in the second direction, and satisfies 3mm≤j1≤7mm, and / or 3mm≤j2≤7mm. The stop flange (211) is adapted to be flipped relative to the first base plate (21) in a direction away from the receiving cavity (1a), and the flipping angle is β, satisfying 40°≤β≤70°.

7. The airbag housing (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one of the following must be met: In the first direction, the distance between the bottom wall of the slot (20a) and the wall of the first base plate (21) away from the receiving cavity (1a) is a, and satisfies 3mm≤a≤8mm; In the first direction, the bottom wall of the buckle (1221) protrudes from the wall of the first base plate (21) away from the receiving cavity (1a), and the distance between the bottom wall of the buckle (1221) and the wall of the first base plate (21) away from the receiving cavity (1a) is b, which satisfies b≥2mm; The first side plate (22) is spaced apart from the inner wall of the receiving cavity (1a) and the airbag (30) in the thickness direction; along the normal of the outer surface of the airbag (30), the minimum distance between the outer surface of the airbag (30) and the second end (222) is n; the maximum dimension of the buckle (1221) in the thickness direction is m, and n≥m.

8. The airbag housing (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first shell portion (10) includes: Second base plate (11); The second side plate (12) is annular and is located on one side of the second base plate (11) in the first direction. The two ends of the second side plate (12) in the first direction are a third end (121) and a fourth end (122), respectively. The third end (121) is connected to the second base plate (11), and the fourth end (122) has the buckle (1221). The thickness direction of the buckle (1221) intersects with the first direction, and part of the fourth end (122) is directly opposite the first side plate (22) in the thickness direction. The thickness of the buckle (1221) is greater than the wall thickness of the part of the fourth end (122) that is directly opposite the first side plate (22).

9. The airbag housing (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, At least one of the following must be met: In the thickness direction, the distance between the surface of the buckle (1221) away from the receiving cavity (1a) and the surface of the second side plate (12) away from the receiving cavity (1a) is L, and satisfies 2mm. <L<3mm; The airbag (30) and the second side plate (12) are spaced apart in the thickness direction toward the inner wall of the receiving cavity (1a), and the minimum distance is o, satisfying 1mm≤o≤2mm.

10. The airbag housing (1) according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The second shell portion (20) has a hook (23) on its surface away from the receiving cavity (1a). The hook (23) includes a connecting portion (231) and a guide portion (232). The connecting portion (231) is connected to the second shell portion (20) and extends in a first direction. The guide portion (232) is located at the end of the connecting portion (231) away from the second shell portion (20). The connecting part (231) has a groove (231a) in the third direction, which intersects with the first direction; The size of the guide portion (232) in the third direction gradually decreases in the direction away from the connecting portion (231).

11. The airbag housing (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The guide portion (232) is provided with a guide slope (2321), one end of which extends to the sidewall of the groove (231a) in the first direction, and the other end of which extends to the end of the guide portion (232) away from the second shell portion (20) in the first direction.

12. The airbag housing (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, At least one of the following must be met: In the first direction, the projection of the groove (231a) lies within the projection of the guide ramp (2321); in the third direction, the distance between the end of the guide ramp (2321) extending to the guide portion (232) and the bottom wall of the groove (231a) in the third direction is h, and satisfies h > 0; The angle between the guide slope (2321) and the first direction is α, and satisfies 30°≤α≤40°; The connecting part (231) also has a connecting surface (2311) extending in the first direction. The connecting surface (2311) is connected to the guide slope (2321) and the sidewall of the groove (231a) in the first direction. The dimension of the connecting surface (2311) in the first direction is i, and i ≥ 1 mm.

13. A steering wheel assembly, characterized in that, Includes the airbag housing (1) according to any one of claims 1-12.

14. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second shell portion (20) has a hook (23) on its surface away from the receiving cavity (1a), and the hook (23) has a groove (231a). The steering wheel assembly also includes: The steering wheel bracket (2) is provided with a mounting hole (2a) for receiving the hook (23). A connector (3) is disposed in the mounting hole (2a) and is adapted to be received in the groove (231a); Steering wheel body (4), which is foldably mounted on the steering wheel bracket (2).

15. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes the airbag housing (1) according to any one of claims 1-12, or the steering wheel assembly according to claim 13 or 14.

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