Installation structure of steering wheel framework and safety air bag module

Abstract

The utility model provides an installation structure of a steering wheel framework and a safety air bag module, the steering wheel framework is provided with an installation hole, the safety air bag module comprises a safety air bag support and a support hook, the installation structure further comprises a positioning sleeve, a compression spring and a clamping spring, a first groove part communicated with an inner hole of the positioning sleeve is arranged at the lower part of the positioning sleeve; the compression spring is limited between the bottom of the airbag bracket and the top of the positioning sleeve; the lower part of the bracket hook is positioned in the inner hole of the positioning sleeve, the tail end part of the bracket hook is provided with a second groove part which is at least communicated with part of the first groove part, and the second groove part and the first groove part form an accommodating space; a part of the clamping spring is embedded in the containing space, a part of the top face of the clamping spring abuts against the upper wall face of the first groove part, and a part of the bottom face of the clamping spring abuts against the lower wall face of the second groove part. The safety air bag module is stably connected with the steering wheel framework, radial shaking of the safety air bag module can be effectively eliminated, and vibration and abnormal sound are restrained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an installation structure for a steering wheel assembly, specifically an installation structure for a steering wheel frame and an airbag module, belonging to the field of automotive parts technology. Background Technology

[0002] In modern car steering wheel designs, the airbag module typically functions as a horn switch. To activate the horn, the driver needs to press the airbag module, causing a slight axial displacement relative to the steering wheel frame, which engages the internal horn contacts. This requires a floating connection between the airbag module and the steering wheel frame.

[0003] Currently, the industry commonly uses a hook-and-spring connection method. This method typically involves passing the airbag module's bracket hook through a mounting hole in the steering wheel frame, and then securing it from below with a spring or similar component to prevent it from coming loose. However, to ensure smooth assembly, a certain clearance inevitably exists between the bracket hook and the mounting hole. When the vehicle travels on bumpy or rough roads, the airbag module will vibrate and experience swaying and impact within this radial clearance. This can not only cause abnormal noises and affect the driving experience, but in extreme cases, it may even cause the horn contacts to be accidentally triggered momentarily. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on the above background, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an installation structure for a steering wheel frame and an airbag module, which can securely connect the airbag module to the steering wheel frame and effectively eliminate radial sway and suppress vibration and abnormal noise.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0006] An installation structure for a steering wheel frame and an airbag module is disclosed. The steering wheel frame has mounting holes. The airbag module includes an airbag bracket and a bracket hook fixedly connected to the bottom of the airbag bracket. The installation structure also includes a positioning sleeve, a compression spring, and a retaining ring. The positioning sleeve is disposed within the mounting holes, and its outer wall is tightly fitted with the inner wall of the mounting holes. The lower part of the positioning sleeve has a first groove communicating with the inner hole of the positioning sleeve. The compression spring is sleeved on the outer wall of the bracket hook and is confined between the bottom of the airbag bracket and the top of the positioning sleeve. The bracket hook extends downward from the bottom of the airbag bracket, and its lower part is located within the inner hole of the positioning sleeve. The end of the bracket hook has a second groove communicating with at least a portion of the first groove. The second groove and the first groove form a receiving space for accommodating a portion of the retaining ring. A portion of the retaining ring is embedded in the receiving space, with the top surface of the retaining ring abutting the upper wall of the first groove and the bottom surface of the retaining ring abutting the lower wall of the second groove.

[0007] The positioning sleeve restricts the radial movement of the bracket hook relative to the mounting hole, eliminating abnormal noise caused by the radial wobble of the airbag module relative to the steering wheel frame. At the same time, the precise cooperation of the first groove of the positioning sleeve, the second groove of the bracket hook, and the retaining spring ensures reliable limiting of the retaining spring, guaranteeing the axial connection stability between the airbag module and the steering wheel frame. This ensures that the horn is activated and triggered only when the user presses the airbag module to overcome the compression spring force and move downward.

[0008] Preferably, the upper outer wall of the positioning sleeve is provided with at least one of a limiting groove and a limiting block that mates with the limiting groove, the steering wheel frame is provided with a mounting platform protruding from its top surface, the mounting hole is opened on the mounting platform, and the top of the mounting platform is provided with at least one of a limiting groove and a limiting block.

[0009] The tenon and mortise structure of the limiting groove and the limiting block prevents relative rotation between the positioning sleeve and the mounting platform of the steering wheel frame, ensuring that the opening direction of the first groove is always in the preset position, which facilitates the installation of the retaining spring.

[0010] Preferably, the top end of the bracket hook is provided with an outer ring portion protruding from the outer wall of the bracket hook, the top of the positioning sleeve is provided with a countersunk portion recessed into the top surface of the positioning sleeve, the top end of the compression spring abuts against the outer ring portion, and the bottom end of the compression spring abuts against the countersunk portion.

[0011] This structure provides stable and reliable upper and lower support surfaces for the compression spring.

[0012] Preferably, the diameter of the countersunk hole is larger than the outer diameter of the outer ring, and the outer diameter of the bottom end of the compression spring is larger than the outer diameter of its top end.

[0013] The tower-shaped compression spring, which is smaller at the top and larger at the bottom, is used to make its deformation stable under pressure and less prone to instability.

[0014] Preferably, the first groove is a through groove structure extending radially along the positioning sleeve.

[0015] The first groove is designed as a fully open through slot on the side, which simplifies the installation process of the snap ring.

[0016] Preferably, the second groove is an annular groove structure that surrounds the end of the bracket hook in the circumferential direction.

[0017] The annular groove structure allows the bracket hook to rotate freely around its axis, eliminating the need for angle alignment during installation and reducing assembly difficulty. Furthermore, the annular groove structure provides a continuous, seamless engagement surface for the retaining spring.

[0018] Preferably, the bracket hook, the mounting hole, the positioning sleeve, and the compression spring have the same number, and the number is at least three.

[0019] At least three mounting points are used to form a stable planar support, ensuring that the airbag module is subjected to uniform force when pressed and will not tilt.

[0020] Preferably, all parts of the snap ring that abut against the bracket hook and the positioning sleeve are provided with plastic coating.

[0021] By covering the contact surface of the metal circlip with a layer of elastic plastic, the rigid contact between the metal parts is effectively buffered, further eliminating the slight impact noise that may be generated during vibration or pressing and rebound.

[0022] Preferably, the airbag module further includes a reinforcing plate, a clamping plate, and a cover. The reinforcing plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the airbag bracket, the clamping plate is disposed on the top of the airbag bracket and fixedly connected to the top of the airbag bracket through the reinforcing plate, and the cover is snapped onto the top of the airbag bracket and sleeved on the outside of the clamping plate.

[0023] Preferably, the airbag bracket has an upper contact point at its bottom, and the steering wheel frame has a lower contact point at its top that corresponds to the upper contact point.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0025] This utility model discloses an installation structure for a steering wheel frame and an airbag module. By introducing a positioning sleeve that closely matches each component and designing a unique groove structure to accommodate and position the spring clip, the radial sway problem of the airbag module is solved while ensuring its axial floating function, effectively suppressing vibration and abnormal noise. Attached Figure Description

[0026] 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.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a top view schematic diagram of the installation structure of a steering wheel frame and an airbag module according to this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of section AA;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of part B in the middle;

[0030] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of the installation structure of a steering wheel frame and airbag module according to the present invention.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Steering wheel frame; 2. Airbag module; 3. Positioning sleeve; 4. Compression spring; 5. Snap ring; 101. Mounting hole; 102. Mounting platform; 103. Limiting block; 104. Lower contact point; 201. Airbag bracket; 202. Bracket hook; 203. Reinforcing plate; 204. Clamping plate; 205. Cover; 206. Upper contact point; 2021. Second groove; 2022. Outer ring; 301. First groove; 302. Limiting groove; 303. Countersunk hole; 501. Plastic coating. Detailed Implementation

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] like Figure 1-4 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention discloses an installation structure for a steering wheel frame and an airbag module. This installation structure can stably and reliably install the airbag module 2 on the steering wheel frame 1 and can effectively eliminate its radial sway and suppress vibration and abnormal noise.

[0036] The steering wheel frame 1 has three mounting holes 101 and three mounting platforms 102 protruding from the top surface of the steering wheel frame 1. Each mounting hole 101 is located on one mounting platform 102, and a limiting block 103 is provided on the top of the mounting platform 102. The three mounting points form a stable planar support, ensuring that the airbag module 2 is subjected to uniform force when pressed and will not tilt. Of course, for the installation of the retaining spring 5 (described later), each mounting platform 102 has a through groove (not shown in the figure) on its side that communicates with the mounting hole 101, allowing a portion of the retaining spring 5 to be inserted into the mounting hole 101 from the side.

[0037] The airbag module 2 includes an airbag bracket 201 and bracket hooks 202 fixedly connected to the bottom of the airbag bracket 201. The number of bracket hooks 202 is the same as the number of mounting holes 101. The airbag module 2 also includes a reinforcing plate 203, a clamping plate 204, and a cover 205. The reinforcing plate 203 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the airbag bracket 201. The clamping plate 204 is located on the top of the airbag bracket 201 and is fixedly connected to the top of the airbag bracket 201 through the reinforcing plate 203. The cover 205 is snapped onto the top of the airbag bracket 201 and sleeved on the outside of the clamping plate 204. The bracket hooks 202 are columnar bodies extending from top to bottom, passing through the reinforcing plate 203 from the bottom of the airbag bracket 201 and extending downwards. In addition, an upper contact point 206 is provided at the bottom of the airbag bracket 201, and a lower contact point 104 corresponding to the upper contact point 206 is provided at the top of the steering wheel frame 1.

[0038] The mounting structure also includes a positioning sleeve 3, a compression spring 4, and a retaining ring 5. The number of positioning sleeves 3 and compression springs 4 is the same as the number of mounting holes 101, and the number of retaining rings 5 ​​is one.

[0039] A positioning sleeve 3 is inserted into each mounting hole 101. The outer wall of the positioning sleeve 3 fits tightly with the inner wall of the mounting hole 101, for example, with a clearance fit or a small interference fit, to eliminate radial clearance. The upper outer wall of each positioning sleeve 3 is provided with a limiting groove 302 that can cooperate with the limiting block 103 on the mounting platform 102 to prevent the positioning sleeve 3 from rotating on the mounting platform 102. Of course, as another embodiment, the positions of the limiting groove 302 and the limiting block 103 can be interchanged.

[0040] Each positioning sleeve 3 has a first groove 301 at its lower part that communicates with the inner hole of the positioning sleeve 3. Specifically, the first groove 301 is a through groove structure extending radially along the positioning sleeve 3. Designing the first groove 301 as a completely open through groove in the side can simplify the installation process of the retaining ring 5.

[0041] The lower part of the bracket hook 202 is located inside the inner hole of the positioning sleeve 3, and the two are tightly fitted together. However, the bracket hook 202 can be axially displaced relative to the positioning sleeve 3 under the action of external force. The end of the bracket hook 202 is provided with a second groove 2021 that communicates with at least part of the first groove 301. The second groove 2021 is an annular groove structure that surrounds the end of the bracket hook 202 in the circumferential direction. The annular groove structure allows the bracket hook 202 to rotate freely around its axis, eliminating the need for angle alignment during installation, reducing assembly difficulty. Furthermore, the annular groove structure provides a continuous, seamless engagement surface for the retaining spring 5.

[0042] The second groove 2021 and the first groove 301 form a receiving space for accommodating a portion of the retaining spring 5. A portion of the retaining spring 5 is embedded in the receiving space, with the top surface of the portion of the retaining spring 5 abutting against the upper wall of the first groove 301 and the bottom surface of the portion of the retaining spring 5 abutting against the lower wall of the second groove 2021. Furthermore, the groove size of the first groove 301 is larger than the thickness of the retaining spring 5, thereby providing room for the retaining spring 5 to move downward within the first groove 301 when the airbag module 2 is pressed and the bracket hook 202 moves downward axially relative to the positioning sleeve 3. Under the action of external force, the continuous downward axial displacement of the bracket hook 202 relative to the positioning sleeve 3 causes the upper contact 206 of the airbag bracket 201 to continuously approach the lower contact 104 of the steering wheel frame 1, ultimately achieving conduction.

[0043] In addition, all parts of the retaining spring 5 that abut against the bracket hook 202 and the positioning sleeve 3 are provided with plastic-coated portions 501. By covering the contact surface of the metal retaining spring 5 with a layer of elastic plastic, the rigid contact between the metal parts is effectively buffered, further eliminating the slight impact noise that may be generated during vibration or pressing and rebounding.

[0044] A compression spring 4 is sleeved on the outer wall of the bracket hook 202, and is confined between the bottom of the airbag bracket 201 and the top of the positioning sleeve 3. Specifically, the top of the bracket hook 202 has an outer ring portion 2022 protruding from the outer wall of the bracket hook 202, and the top of the positioning sleeve 3 has a countersunk portion 303 recessed into the top surface of the positioning sleeve 3. This structure provides stable and reliable upper and lower support surfaces for the compression spring 4. The top of the compression spring 4 abuts against the outer ring portion 2022, and the bottom of the compression spring 4 abuts against the countersunk portion 303. Specifically, the diameter of the countersunk portion 303 is larger than the outer diameter of the outer ring portion 2022, and the outer diameter of the bottom end of the compression spring 4 is larger than the outer diameter of its top end. In this way, the tower-shaped compression spring 4, which is smaller at the top and larger at the bottom, makes its deformation more stable under compression and less prone to instability.

[0045] The positioning sleeve 3 restricts the radial movement of the bracket hook 202 relative to the mounting hole 101, eliminating abnormal noise caused by the radial wobbling of the airbag module 2 relative to the steering wheel frame 1. At the same time, through the precise cooperation of the first groove 301 of the positioning sleeve 3, the second groove 2021 of the bracket hook 202, and the retaining spring 5, the retaining spring 5 is reliably limited, ensuring the axial connection stability between the airbag module 2 and the steering wheel frame 1. This ensures that the horn is activated and the horn sounds only when the user presses the airbag module 2 to overcome the spring force of the compression spring 4 and moves downward.

[0046] During assembly, firstly, align the positioning sleeve 3 with the limiting block 103 of the mounting platform 102 on the steering wheel frame 1 through its limiting groove 302, and press it into the mounting hole 101. Then, lower the airbag module 2 with the compression spring 4 from above, so that its multiple bracket hooks 202 pass through the inner holes of the corresponding positioning sleeve 3. At this time, the compression spring 4 is compressed between the outer ring portion 2022 of the bracket hook 202 and the countersunk portion 303 of the positioning sleeve 3, providing a continuous upward preload force for the airbag module 2. Next, when the second groove portion 2021 of the bracket hook 202 moves to align with the first groove portion 301 of the positioning sleeve 3, the operator can push the retaining spring 5 directly into the receiving space formed by the first groove portion 301 and the second groove portion 2021 from the side, and a part of the retaining spring 5 will be completely embedded in the receiving space. Since three mounting points are provided, the three parts of the retaining spring 5 are respectively embedded in the three receiving spaces, forming a stable fixation for the retaining spring 5.

[0047] In the axial direction, the airbag module 2 is pushed upward by the compression spring 4. This force is transmitted through the bracket hook 202 to the lower wall of the second groove 2021, and then acts on the bottom surface of the retaining spring 5. At the same time, the top surface of the retaining spring 5 is firmly abutted against the upper wall of the first groove 301 of the positioning sleeve 3. The reaction force is then transmitted to the steering wheel frame 1 through the positioning sleeve 3. This structure prevents the airbag module 2 from detaching upward and realizes its floating function.

[0048] In the radial direction, since the outer wall of the positioning sleeve 3 is tightly fitted with the mounting hole 101 of the steering wheel frame 1, and its inner hole is also tightly fitted with the column part of the bracket hook 202, any radial movement of the bracket hook 202 relative to the mounting hole 101 is eliminated.

[0049] 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. An installation structure for a steering wheel frame and an airbag module, wherein the steering wheel frame (1) is provided with mounting holes (101), and the airbag module (2) includes an airbag bracket (201) and a bracket hook (202) fixedly connected to the bottom of the airbag bracket (201), characterized in that: The mounting structure also includes a positioning sleeve (3), a compression spring (4), and a retaining ring (5). The positioning sleeve (3) is disposed inside the mounting hole (101), and the outer wall of the positioning sleeve (3) is tightly fitted with the inner wall of the mounting hole (101). The lower part of the positioning sleeve (3) is provided with a first groove (301) communicating with the inner hole of the positioning sleeve (3). The compression spring (4) is sleeved on the outer wall of the bracket hook (202), and the compression spring (4) is limited between the bottom of the airbag bracket (201) and the top of the positioning sleeve (3). The bracket hook (202) extends downward from the bottom of the airbag bracket (201). Extended, and the lower part of the bracket hook (202) is located in the inner hole of the positioning sleeve (3), and the end part of the bracket hook (202) is provided with a second groove (2021) that communicates with at least part of the first groove (301). The second groove (2021) and the first groove (301) form a receiving space for accommodating part of the retaining spring (5). A part of the retaining spring (5) is embedded in the receiving space, and a part of the top surface of the retaining spring (5) abuts against the upper wall surface of the first groove (301), and a part of the bottom surface of the retaining spring (5) abuts against the lower wall surface of the second groove (2021).

2. The installation structure of the steering wheel frame and airbag module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper outer wall of the positioning sleeve (3) is provided with at least one of a limiting groove (302) and a limiting block (103) that cooperates with the limiting groove (302). The steering wheel frame (1) is provided with a mounting platform (102) protruding from its top surface. The mounting hole (101) is opened on the mounting platform (102). The top of the mounting platform (102) is provided with at least one of the limiting groove (302) and the limiting block (103).

3. The installation structure of the steering wheel frame and the airbag module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the bracket hook (202) is provided with an outer ring (2022) protruding from the outer wall of the bracket hook (202), the top of the positioning sleeve (3) is provided with a countersunk hole (303) recessed into the top surface of the positioning sleeve (3), the top of the compression spring (4) abuts against the outer ring (2022), and the bottom of the compression spring (4) abuts against the countersunk hole (303).

4. The installation structure of a steering wheel frame and an airbag module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The diameter of the countersunk hole (303) is larger than the outer diameter of the outer ring (2022), and the outer diameter of the bottom end of the compression spring (4) is larger than the outer diameter of its top end.

5. The installation structure of a steering wheel frame and an airbag module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first groove (301) is a through groove structure that extends radially along the positioning sleeve (3).

6. The installation structure of a steering wheel frame and an airbag module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second groove (2021) is an annular groove structure that surrounds the end of the bracket hook (202) in the circumferential direction.

7. The installation structure of a steering wheel frame and an airbag module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket hook (202), the mounting hole (101), the positioning sleeve (3) and the compression spring (4) have the same number, and the number is at least three.

8. The installation structure of a steering wheel frame and an airbag module according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that: All parts of the snap ring (5) that abut against the bracket hook (202) and the positioning sleeve (3) are provided with plastic coating (501).

9. The installation structure of a steering wheel frame and an airbag module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The airbag module (2) further includes a reinforcing plate (203), a clamping plate (204), and a cover (205). The reinforcing plate (203) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the airbag bracket (201). The clamping plate (204) is located on the top of the airbag bracket (201) and is fixedly connected to the top of the airbag bracket (201) through the reinforcing plate (203). The cover (205) is snapped onto the top of the airbag bracket (201) and sleeved on the outside of the clamping plate (204).

10. The installation structure of a steering wheel frame and an airbag module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The airbag bracket (201) has an upper contact point (206) at the bottom, and the steering wheel frame (1) has a lower contact point (104) at the top that corresponds one-to-one with the upper contact point (206).

Images