Steering wheel horn mechanism

Abstract

The utility model provides a steering wheel horn mechanism which comprises a steering wheel framework, a safety air bag support capable of moving relative to the steering wheel framework and a connecting assembly used for connecting the steering wheel framework and the safety air bag support. A mounting table corresponding to the connecting assembly is arranged at the top of the steering wheel framework, and mounting holes are formed in the surface of the mounting table; the top of the hook is fixedly connected with the safety air bag support, the bottom of the hook penetrates through the mounting hole from top to bottom and is connected with the steering wheel framework, and a groove is formed in the lower portion of the hook; the lower part of the positioning sleeve is fixedly connected with the mounting table, and the positioning sleeve is annularly sleeved outside the hook; the horn spring is annularly sleeved outside the hook and is positioned between the safety air bag bracket and the positioning sleeve; the clamping spring piece is installed on the steering wheel framework, and a part of the clamping spring piece penetrates through the groove in the lower portion of the hook. The guide device is stable and reliable in structure, accurate in movement guide and not prone to generating abnormal sound.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically to a steering wheel horn mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Modern car steering wheels typically integrate the driver airbag (DAB) module and horn button functionality. The driver activates the horn by pressing the central area of ​​the steering wheel (usually the airbag cover), necessitating a reliable mechanical and electrical connection between the steering wheel frame and the pressable airbag module. Existing steering wheel horn mechanisms commonly connect the steering wheel frame and airbag module using bolts, clips, or hooks. In some designs, the airbag module bracket is directly or indirectly connected to the steering wheel frame and reset via a spring. However, under prolonged use, repeated pressing and vibration can cause loosening or rattling between the connecting components, affecting the driving experience. Furthermore, overly complex connection structures can negatively impact assembly efficiency and manufacturing costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] Based on the above background, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a steering wheel horn mechanism that is structurally stable and reliable, provides precise motion guidance, and is not prone to producing abnormal noise.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A steering wheel horn mechanism includes a steering wheel frame, an airbag bracket movable relative to the steering wheel frame, and a connecting assembly for connecting the steering wheel frame and the airbag bracket; the top of the steering wheel frame is provided with a mounting platform corresponding to the connecting assembly, and the surface of the mounting platform is provided with mounting holes; the connecting assembly includes:

[0006] The hook has a top fixed connection to the airbag bracket, and a bottom that passes through the mounting hole from top to bottom and connects to the steering wheel frame. The lower part of the hook has a groove.

[0007] A positioning sleeve, the lower part of which is fixedly connected to the mounting platform, and the positioning sleeve loops around the outside of the hook;

[0008] A horn spring, which is looped around the hook and located between the airbag bracket and the positioning sleeve, is used to provide an elastic force to move the airbag bracket away from the steering wheel frame;

[0009] A retaining spring is mounted on the steering wheel frame, a portion of which passes through a groove in the lower part of the hook, and the retaining spring is used to restrict the upward movement of the hook relative to the steering wheel frame.

[0010] Preferably, the top of the hook is fixedly connected to the airbag bracket by riveting. The riveting connection is firm and reliable, forming a solid integral structure between the top of the hook and the airbag bracket.

[0011] Preferably, the hook has an annular protrusion on its upper part, the annular protrusion is circumferentially surrounding the upper outer wall of the hook, the top end of the horn spring abuts against the lower surface of the annular protrusion, and the bottom end of the horn spring abuts against the upper surface of the positioning sleeve.

[0012] Preferably, the groove is an annular groove that surrounds the lower outer wall of the hook in a circumferential direction. The annular groove facilitates the installation and positioning of the snap ring.

[0013] Preferably, the upper outer wall of the positioning sleeve is provided with one of a limiting block and a limiting slot, and the top of the mounting platform is provided with the other of a limiting block and a limiting slot. The limiting block and the limiting slot are engaged with each other. The limiting block and the limiting slot cooperate with each other to prevent the positioning sleeve from rotating relative to the mounting platform, further reducing the risk of abnormal noise.

[0014] Preferably, the lower outer wall of the positioning sleeve is provided with multiple elastic snap-fit ​​elements, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the lower outer wall of the positioning sleeve. The lower part of the positioning sleeve is located within the mounting hole and is snap-fitted to the mounting platform through the elastic snap-fit ​​elements. The elastic snap-fit ​​elements prevent the positioning sleeve from sliding axially relative to the mounting platform, fix the relative position of the positioning sleeve and the mounting platform, and make the assembly of the positioning sleeve on the mounting platform convenient and stable.

[0015] Preferably, the retaining spring is provided with multiple retaining spring-covered plastic parts, which cover the outside of the retaining spring. A portion of the outer surface of the retaining spring-covered plastic parts is located within the groove, and a portion of the outer surface of the retaining spring-covered plastic parts abuts against the lower end face of the positioning sleeve and / or the groove wall. The retaining spring-covered plastic parts serve to buffer, reduce noise, and protect the retaining spring.

[0016] Preferably, the mounting platform has a retaining spring service opening on its side, which connects to the mounting hole. A portion of the retaining spring extends into the mounting hole through the retaining spring service opening and passes through the groove at the bottom of the hook. On the one hand, the retaining spring service opening allows the retaining spring to pass into the groove at the bottom of the hook; on the other hand, multiple retaining spring service openings cooperate to limit the retaining spring, allowing it to engage with the steering wheel frame.

[0017] Preferably, the airbag bracket has an upper contact at its bottom and the steering wheel frame has a lower contact at its top. The upper contact and the lower contact are arranged opposite to each other, so that when the airbag bracket is pressed down to overcome the elastic force of the horn spring and moves downward toward the steering wheel frame, the upper contact can make electrical contact with the lower contact.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0019] This utility model discloses a steering wheel horn mechanism with a stable and reliable structure, relatively convenient assembly, and reduced risk of abnormal noise. The positioning sleeve guides the hook in a sliding manner, and the snap ring limits the hook axially, ensuring the connection stability and smooth movement between the airbag bracket and the steering wheel frame. It also reduces direct friction and gaps between the hook and the mounting hole on the mounting platform, helping to reduce abnormal noise during pressing and rebound. The positioning sleeve is connected to the mounting platform by a snap-fit ​​mechanism, and the snap ring is also connected to the hook and steering wheel frame by a snap-fit ​​mechanism, ensuring a stable and reliable connection while simplifying the assembly process. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a top view schematic diagram of a steering wheel horn mechanism according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of section AA;

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of part B in the middle;

[0024] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of a steering wheel horn mechanism according to this utility model;

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Steering wheel frame; 2. Airbag bracket; 3. Connecting assembly; 101. Lower contact; 102. Mounting platform; 1021. Mounting hole; 1022. Limiting block; 1023. Snap ring process port; 201. Upper contact; 301. Hook; 302. Positioning sleeve; 303. Horn spring; 304. Snap ring component; 3011. Groove; 3012. Annular protrusion; 3021. Limiting slot; 3022. Elastic snap-fit ​​component; 3041. Snap ring plastic-coated component. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the implementation of this utility model is not limited to the following embodiments, and any modifications and / or alterations made to this utility model will fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0027] In this invention, unless otherwise specified, all parts and percentages are by weight, and the equipment and raw materials used are commercially available or commonly used in the field. Unless otherwise specified, the methods in the following embodiments are conventional methods in the field. Unless otherwise specified, the components or equipment in the following embodiments are general standard parts or components known to those skilled in the art, and their structures and principles can be learned by those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods.

[0028] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate explanation and provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, one or more embodiments may be practiced by those skilled in the art without these specific details.

[0029] like Figure 1-4 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention discloses a steering wheel horn mechanism, including a steering wheel frame 1, an airbag bracket 2 capable of moving relative to the steering wheel frame 1, and a connecting component 3 for connecting the steering wheel frame 1 and the airbag bracket 2.

[0030] The airbag bracket 2 is typically used to install the airbag module and serves as the operating component for pressing the horn. The airbag bracket 2 can be pressed up and down relative to the steering wheel frame 1. The bottom of the airbag bracket 2 has an upper contact 201, and the top of the steering wheel frame 1 has a lower contact 101. The upper contact 201 and the lower contact 101 are arranged opposite each other, so that when the airbag bracket 2 is pressed down towards the steering wheel frame 1, the upper contact 201 can make electrical contact with the lower contact 101.

[0031] The steering wheel frame 1 is the main load-bearing structure of the steering wheel. The top of the steering wheel frame 1 has a mounting platform 102 corresponding to the connecting assembly 3, and the surface of the mounting platform 102 has mounting holes 1021. The connecting assembly 3 includes hooks 301, positioning sleeves 302, horn springs 303, and retaining rings 304. Specifically, there are three hooks 301, three positioning sleeves 302, and three horn springs 303, and one retaining ring 304. Of course, the number of hooks 301, three positioning sleeves 302, and three horn springs 303 can be increased or decreased simultaneously.

[0032] The top of the hook 301 is fixedly connected to the airbag bracket 2. Specifically, the top of the hook 301 is fixedly connected to the airbag bracket 2 by riveting. The riveting connection is firm and reliable, forming a solid integrated structure between the top of the hook 301 and the airbag bracket 2.

[0033] The bottom of the hook 301 passes through the mounting hole 1021 from top to bottom and connects to the steering wheel frame 1. The lower part of the hook 301 has a groove 3011. Specifically, the groove 3011 is an annular groove that surrounds the lower outer wall of the hook 301. The annular groove facilitates the installation and positioning of the retaining spring 304.

[0034] The lower part of the positioning sleeve 302 is fixedly connected to the mounting platform 102, and the positioning sleeve 302 is wrapped around the outside of the hook 301. The positioning sleeve 302 guides the axial sliding of the hook 301 relative to the steering wheel frame 1, reduces the radial sway of the hook 301, and reduces the risk of abnormal noise.

[0035] Specifically, the upper outer wall of the positioning sleeve 302 is provided with a limiting groove 3021, and the top of the mounting platform 102 is provided with a limiting block 1022, which is engaged with the limiting groove 3021. The limiting block 1022 and the limiting groove 3021 cooperate with each other to prevent the positioning sleeve 302 from rotating relative to the mounting platform 102, further reducing the risk of abnormal noise. Of course, as another embodiment, the positions of the limiting groove 3021 and the limiting block 1022 can be interchanged, that is, the limiting groove 3021 is located at the top of the mounting platform 102, while the limiting block 1022 is located on the upper part of the positioning sleeve 302.

[0036] Specifically, the lower outer wall of the positioning sleeve 302 is provided with multiple elastic snap-fit ​​members 3022. The elastic snap-fit ​​members 3022 are spaced apart circumferentially along the lower outer wall of the positioning sleeve 302. The lower part of the positioning sleeve 302 is located inside the mounting hole 1021 and is snap-fitted to the mounting platform 102 through the elastic snap-fit ​​members 3022. The elastic snap-fit ​​members 3022 prevent the positioning sleeve 302 from sliding axially relative to the mounting platform 102, fix the relative position of the positioning sleeve 302 and the mounting platform 102, and make the assembly of the positioning sleeve 302 on the mounting platform 102 convenient and stable.

[0037] The horn spring 303 is looped around the outside of the hook 301 and located between the airbag bracket 2 and the positioning sleeve 302. The horn spring 303 is used to provide elastic force to move the airbag bracket 2 away from the steering wheel frame 1. Specifically, the hook 301 has an annular protrusion 3012 on its upper part, which surrounds the upper outer wall of the hook 301. The top end of the horn spring 303 abuts against the lower surface of the annular protrusion 3012, and the bottom end of the horn spring 303 abuts against the upper surface of the positioning sleeve 302.

[0038] A retaining ring 304 is mounted on the steering wheel frame 1. A portion of the retaining ring 304 passes through the groove 3011 at the bottom of the hook 301. The retaining ring 304 restricts the upward movement of the hook 301 relative to the steering wheel frame 1. The retaining ring 304 provides reliable axial restraint, preventing the hook 301 from disengaging under the action of the horn spring 303. Specifically, corresponding to the number of hooks 301, the retaining ring 304 has three retaining ring-coated plastic parts 3041. The retaining ring-coated plastic parts 3041 cover the outside of the retaining ring 304, a portion of the outer surface of the retaining ring-coated plastic parts 3041 is located within the groove 3011, and a portion of the outer surface of the retaining ring-coated plastic parts 3041 abuts against the lower end face of the positioning sleeve 302 and / or the groove wall of the groove 3011. The retaining ring-coated plastic parts 3041 serve to buffer, reduce noise, and protect the retaining ring 304.

[0039] Specifically, the mounting platform 102 has a retaining spring process port 1023 on its side, which connects to the mounting hole 1021. A portion of the retaining spring 304 extends into the mounting hole 1021 through the retaining spring process port 1023 and passes through the groove 3011 at the bottom of the hook 301. On the one hand, the retaining spring process port 1023 allows the retaining spring 304 to pass into the groove 3011 at the bottom of the hook 301. On the other hand, the multiple retaining spring process ports 1023 cooperate to limit the retaining spring 304, so that the retaining spring 304 is engaged with the steering wheel frame 1.

[0040] The working process of the steering wheel horn mechanism is as follows:

[0041] In the initial state, the elastic force of the horn spring 303 pushes the airbag bracket 2 upward to the highest position defined by the retaining spring 304. At this time, there is a gap between the upper contact 201 and the lower contact 101, and the horn circuit is disconnected.

[0042] When the driver presses the button, the airbag bracket 2 moves downward against the elastic force of the horn spring 303. At the same time, the hook 301 moves down smoothly under the guidance of the positioning sleeve 302. When the airbag bracket 2 moves down to a certain extent, the upper contact 201 and the lower contact 101 make electrical contact, the horn circuit is connected, and the horn sounds.

[0043] When the driver releases the button, the spring force of the horn spring 303 pushes the airbag bracket 2 back to its initial position, the upper contact 201 separates from the lower contact 101, the horn circuit is disconnected, and the horn stops sounding. At the same time, the hook 301 moves upward until the retaining spring 304 restricts its upward movement again.

[0044] The positioning sleeve 302 provides good sliding guidance, reduces the shaking and tilting of the airbag bracket 2 during the pressing process, and ensures the reliability of contact alignment. The retaining spring 304 provides a firm axial limit. The overall structure is simple and reliable, the motion guidance is precise, and the cooperation between the components reduces potential sources of abnormal noise.

[0045] This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this utility model. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from the principles of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A steering wheel horn mechanism, characterized in that: The steering wheel horn mechanism includes a steering wheel frame (1), an airbag bracket (2) movable relative to the steering wheel frame (1), and a connecting assembly (3) for connecting the steering wheel frame (1) and the airbag bracket (2); the top of the steering wheel frame (1) is provided with a mounting platform (102) corresponding to the connecting assembly (3), and the surface of the mounting platform (102) is provided with mounting holes (1021); the connecting assembly (3) includes: The hook (301) is fixedly connected to the airbag bracket (2) at the top and passes through the mounting hole (1021) from top to bottom and is connected to the steering wheel frame (1) at the bottom. The hook (301) has a groove (3011) at the bottom. Positioning sleeve (302), the lower part of which is fixedly connected to the mounting platform (102), and the positioning sleeve (302) is looped around the outside of the hook (301); Horn spring (303), which is looped around the hook (301) and located between the airbag bracket (2) and the positioning sleeve (302), is used to provide an elastic force to move the airbag bracket (2) away from the steering wheel frame (1); A retaining ring (304) is mounted on the steering wheel frame (1), a portion of which passes through a groove (3011) at the lower part of the hook (301). The retaining ring (304) is used to restrict the upward movement of the hook (301) relative to the steering wheel frame (1).

2. The steering wheel horn mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the hook (301) is fixedly connected to the airbag bracket (2) by riveting.

3. A steering wheel horn mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hook (301) is provided with an annular protrusion (3012) on the upper part. The annular protrusion (3012) surrounds the upper outer wall of the hook (301) in a circumferential direction. The top end of the horn spring (303) abuts against the lower surface of the annular protrusion (3012), and the bottom end of the horn spring (303) abuts against the upper surface of the positioning sleeve (302).

4. A steering wheel horn mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The groove (3011) is an annular groove that surrounds the lower outer wall of the hook (301) in a circumferential direction.

5. A steering wheel horn mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper outer wall of the positioning sleeve (302) is provided with one of a limiting block (1022) and a limiting slot (3021), and the top of the mounting platform (102) is provided with the other of a limiting block (1022) and a limiting slot (3021). The limiting block (1022) is engaged with the limiting slot (3021).

6. A steering wheel horn mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower outer wall of the positioning sleeve (302) is provided with a plurality of elastic snap-fit ​​pieces (3022). The elastic snap-fit ​​pieces (3022) are arranged circumferentially along the lower outer wall of the positioning sleeve (302). The lower part of the positioning sleeve (302) is located in the mounting hole (1021) and is snap-fitted to the mounting platform (102) through the elastic snap-fit ​​pieces (3022).

7. A steering wheel horn mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The retaining spring (304) is provided with a plurality of retaining spring-covered plastic parts (3041), the retaining spring-covered plastic parts (3041) covering the outside of the retaining spring (304), a portion of the outer surface of the retaining spring-covered plastic parts (3041) is located in the groove (3011), and a portion of the outer surface of the retaining spring-covered plastic parts (3041) abuts against the lower end face of the positioning sleeve (302) and / or the groove wall surface of the groove (3011).

8. A steering wheel horn mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting platform (102) has a snap ring process port (1023) on its side. The snap ring process port (1023) is connected to the mounting hole (1021). A part of the snap ring (304) extends into the mounting hole (1021) through the snap ring process port (1023) and passes through the groove (3011) at the bottom of the hook (301).

9. A steering wheel horn mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The airbag bracket (2) has an upper contact (201) at its bottom and a lower contact (101) at its top. The upper contact (201) and the lower contact (101) are arranged opposite to each other, so that when the airbag bracket (2) is pressed to overcome the elastic force of the horn spring (303) and moves downward toward the steering wheel frame (1), the upper contact (201) can make electrical contact with the lower contact (101).

Images