A steering wheel wire harness structure and a steering wheel
By using a plug-in structure composed of flexible wiring harnesses and rigid arc blocks, the problem of abnormal noise and wear caused by exposed wiring harnesses inside the steering wheel is solved, achieving full enclosure and stable operation of the wiring harness, and improving the safety and reliability of the steering wheel.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WUHAN JIANGXIA CHUNENG AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY R&D CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
Smart Images

Figure CN224361102U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive steering wheel technology, specifically a steering wheel wiring structure and a steering wheel. Background Technology
[0002] The steering wheel is one of the important components for achieving car steering. With the development of the automotive industry and the increase and diversification of electrical functions, multi-functional steering wheels have emerged to facilitate convenient operation by drivers. The related wiring harness components for the airbag module and horn switch inside the steering wheel are usually fixed inside the steering wheel through a wiring harness structure.
[0003] The existing utility model patent CN209492584U proposes a steering wheel assembly for automobiles and an automobile. The utility model first embeds the electric heating control module in the fixing groove of the steering wheel foam, and then simply clamps the corresponding wire harness to the surface of the foam through the communication wire harness clamping groove and the power wire harness clamping groove. Finally, the wire harness is allowed to pass out from the clamping hole of the steering wheel frame and connect with the vehicle body wire harness.
[0004] In the above technical solution, since a large area of the entire wire is still exposed between the foam and the metal frame, when the vehicle turns or the horn is pressed, the exposed wire harness will be repeatedly bent and stretched at the outlet of the slot, and will rub against the sharp metal edge or the foam ribs, which will cause abnormal noise and rapid wear of the insulation layer. The exposed copper wire is very prone to short circuit, which may induce the airbag to deploy accidentally or the heating function to fail. Utility Model Content
[0005] In view of the technical problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a steering wheel wiring structure and a steering wheel, aiming to solve the problem of exposed wiring in existing steering wheels, which easily causes abnormal noise and wear.
[0006] A steering wheel wiring harness structure, disposed inside the steering wheel, includes a wiring harness tube and a connector, wherein...
[0007] The steering wheel has a central groove inside, and the inner wall of the central groove has a insertion port corresponding to the wiring harness interface.
[0008] The wire harness fitting includes a tube body made of flexible material, and the tube body has a normally closed slit along its length. The slit can open when subjected to external force to allow the wire harness to be inserted, and returns to the normally closed state after the external force is removed to constrain the wire harness.
[0009] The insert comprises two sets, respectively located at both ends of the tube body;
[0010] Each set of inserts includes two symmetrically arranged arc-shaped blocks made of rigid material. The two arc-shaped blocks are fixed to the outer periphery of the tube end and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the slit. The two arc-shaped blocks can be assembled into an insert head for insertion into the insert port.
[0011] Optionally, the side of the tube body with the slit is fitted to the bottom wall or side wall of the central groove.
[0012] Optionally, the wire harness fitting further includes multiple sets of bonding blocks, each set of bonding blocks including two, disposed on the outer wall of the tube body and symmetrically disposed on both sides of the slit and integrally formed with the tube body. The side of the bonding block away from the tube body is bonded to the bottom wall or side wall of the central groove to suppress tube body vibration.
[0013] Optionally, the cable harness further includes multiple sets of adhesive layers, each set of adhesive layers including two layers, which are respectively disposed on the side of the bonding block facing away from the tube body, for bonding to the bottom wall or side wall of the central groove.
[0014] Optionally, the wire harness fitting further includes multiple wire harness rings, which are evenly disposed inside the tube body and integrally formed with the tube body. The wire harness rings have clamping openings corresponding to the slits for radially clamping and fixing the wire harness inside the tube body.
[0015] Optionally, the tube body is made of closed-cell EPDM foam.
[0016] Optionally, the two arc-shaped blocks are hinged on opposite sides by a pin, and a locking mechanism is provided on the other side to lock the two arc-shaped blocks together, thereby clamping the end of the tube.
[0017] Optionally, the locking mechanism includes a locking plate, which is disposed at the end of one of the arc-shaped blocks; the end of the other arc-shaped block is provided with a locking groove corresponding to the locking plate, and the locking plate and the locking groove are adapted to achieve locking.
[0018] Optionally, the insert further includes a corrugated sealing ring, which is fitted around the outer periphery of the insert head formed by the two arc-shaped blocks after locking, and is used to form a sealing fit with the inner wall of the insert port when the insert head is inserted into the insert port.
[0019] This utility model also provides a steering wheel, including the aforementioned steering wheel wiring structure.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the steering wheel wiring structure and steering wheel provided by this utility model have the following advantages:
[0021] (1) By using a flexible tube with a normally closed and open structure, the wiring harness is completely covered, completely isolating it from the sharp metal edges and foam ribs inside the steering wheel. This fundamentally avoids the problem of abnormal noise and wear caused by friction in the wiring harness insulation layer, eliminates the risk of short circuit, and improves safety and reliability.
[0022] (2) The tube body is arranged against the wall, and together with the bonding block, adhesive layer and internal wire harness ring, the wire harness is firmly confined in the groove, completely eliminating exposure, vibration and repeated bending, significantly reducing abnormal noise and preventing wear of the insulation layer, ensuring long-term stable and safe operation of the wire harness.
[0023] (3) The arc-shaped block hinged with the card slot insertion structure enables quick disassembly and reliable locking. The external corrugated sealing ring forms a dustproof seal, making the wire harness inlet both stable and sealed, further improving assembly efficiency and electrical reliability. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a steering wheel wiring harness structure and the overall structure of the steering wheel according to the present invention;
[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Sectional view along line AA;
[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a cable harness tube structure for a steering wheel cable harness according to the present invention;
[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Sectional view along the BB direction;
[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.
[0029] In the diagram: 1. Steering wheel; 101. Central groove; 102. Insertion port; 2. Cable harness fitting; 21. Tube body; 201. Slit; 202. Clamping opening; 22. Adhesive block; 23. Adhesive layer; 24. Cable harness ring; 3. Insert component; 31. Arc-shaped block; 32. Snap-fit mechanism; 321. Clamping plate; 322. Clamping groove; 33. Corrugated sealing ring. Detailed Implementation
[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0031] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0032] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" 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 the embodiments of this utility model 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 the embodiments of this utility model.
[0033] 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 technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0034] The embodiments of this utility model 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 intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0035] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention; however, those skilled in the art will recognize the applicability of other processes and / or the use of other materials.
[0036] Please see Figure 1-5The present application proposes a steering wheel wiring harness structure, which is located inside the steering wheel 1 and includes a wiring harness tube 2 and a plug 3.
[0037] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the steering wheel 1 has a central groove 101 inside, and the inner wall of the central groove 101 has an insertion port 102 corresponding to the wire harness interface; the wire harness tube 2 includes a tube body 21 made of flexible material, and the tube body 21 has a normally closed slit 201 along its length direction. The slit 201 can open when subjected to external force to allow the wire harness to be inserted, and returns to the normally closed state to constrain the wire harness after the external force is removed; the insertion component 3 includes two sets, which are respectively located at both ends of the tube body 21; each set of insertion components 3 includes two symmetrically arranged arc-shaped blocks 31. The two arc-shaped blocks 31 are made of rigid material and are respectively fixed to the outer periphery of the end of the tube body 21 and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the slit 201. The two arc-shaped blocks 31 can be assembled into an insertion head for insertion into the insertion port 102.
[0038] Specifically, in existing technologies, a large area of the wiring harness is exposed between the foam and the metal frame. When the steering wheel 1 is turned or the horn is pressed, the wiring harness is repeatedly bent and rubbed against the sharp edges, leading to insulation wear, short circuits, and even accidental airbag deployment. In this embodiment, the wiring harness is completely encased by a flexible tube 21. The slit 201 design allows the wiring harness to be pushed in once and automatically closes, forming a fully enclosed channel with high assembly efficiency. After the insertion head, which is assembled from rigid arc-shaped blocks 31, is inserted into the insertion port 102 of the central groove 101, both ends of the tube 21 are firmly positioned, and the wiring harness is not exposed throughout. The flexible tube 21 undergoes elastic deformation as the steering wheel 1 rotates, absorbing motion stress and preventing the wiring harness from being stretched or bent, fundamentally eliminating wear and abnormal noise, and ensuring reliable operation of the airbag and heating functions.
[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, the tube body 21 is provided with a slit 201 on one side, which is attached to the bottom wall or side wall of the central groove 101. The cable tie 2 also includes multiple sets of bonding blocks 22. Each set of bonding blocks 22 includes two blocks, which are provided on the outer wall of the tube body 21 and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the slit 201 and integrally formed with the tube body 21. The side of the bonding block 22 away from the tube body 21 is attached to the bottom wall or side wall of the central groove 101 to suppress the vibration of the tube body 21.
[0040] Specifically, when the side of the tube body 21 with the slit 201 is tightly fitted against the bottom or side wall of the central groove 101, the wall surface of the central groove 101 becomes the outer pressing surface of the slit 201, preventing it from rubbing against the internal structure and thus preventing the wire harness from coming out of the slit 201. The bonding block 22 forms symmetrical support feet on the outer wall of the tube body 21, expanding the original point contact to a surface contact. The inertial force generated when the steering wheel 1 is turned or the impact from pressing the horn is first absorbed by the bonding block 22 and quickly transmitted to the wall surface of the central groove 101, and the tube body 21 itself hardly generates secondary vibration. Since the bonding block 22 and the tube body 21 are integrally formed structures with no loose gaps, the original vibration damping effect is maintained after long-term use, completely eliminating the friction noise caused by the vibration of the tube body 21. The wire harness remains in a fixed, quiet, and wear-free state throughout its entire life cycle.
[0041] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the cable tie 2 also includes multiple sets of adhesive layers 23. Each set of adhesive layers 23 includes two layers, which are respectively disposed on the side of the corresponding bonding block 22 facing away from the tube body 21, and are used to be bonded to the bottom wall or side wall of the central groove 101.
[0042] Specifically, the adhesive layer 23 firmly bonds the bonding block 22 to the wall of the central groove 101, forming a stable and continuous rigid channel. When the steering wheel 1 is rotated quickly or the horn is pressed, the resulting torsional force and inertial force are directly transmitted to the steering wheel 1 body through the adhesive layer 23, keeping the tube 21 and the wiring harness stationary and preventing displacement and wear. Furthermore, the adhesive layer 23 fills the microscopic gap between the bonding block 22 and the groove wall, further suppressing high-frequency vibration and achieving zero noise and zero loosening. At the same time, the opening 201 of the bonded tube 21 is less likely to open, further improving the stability of the wiring harness.
[0043] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the wire harness fitting 2 also includes a wire harness ring 24. Multiple wire harness rings 24 are evenly distributed inside the tube body 21 and integrally formed with the tube body 21. The wire harness ring 24 has a clamping opening 202 corresponding to the slit 201 for radially clamping and fixing the wire harness inside the tube body 21.
[0044] Specifically, multiple cable tie rings 24 form a continuous radial clamping support inside the tube body 21. After the cable harness passes through the clamping opening 202 of each cable tie ring 24, it is uniformly fixed, and no local section of the cable harness can move freely. When the steering wheel 1 turns, the external force is distributed to the multiple cable tie rings 24 through the tube body 21, and the stress is evenly distributed to avoid excessive bending at a single point. The clamping opening 202 is aligned with the slit 201, so that the cable harness can still be pushed in as a whole in one go, and the installation efficiency is not affected. This effectively extends the life of the cable harness and further eliminates abnormal noise caused by local friction.
[0045] In some embodiments, the tube body 21 is made of closed-cell EPDM foam, which is a flexible material made of EPDM rubber. Its internal cells are independent and do not communicate with each other, thus possessing excellent waterproof, moisture-proof, oil-proof and dustproof properties.
[0046] Specifically, the closed-cell structure of the closed-cell EPDM foam does not absorb water or allow air to pass through, forming an additional moisture barrier for the wire harness; the elastic resilience of the closed-cell EPDM foam ensures that the slit 201 can return to a fully closed state after repeated opening and closing, continuously providing coverage and protection; at the same time, the foam itself can absorb vibration energy, reduce noise, and provide reliable flexible protection for the wire harness.
[0047] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3-5 As shown, the two arc-shaped blocks 31 are hinged on opposite sides by a pin, and a locking mechanism 32 is provided on the other side to lock the two arc-shaped blocks 31, thereby clamping the end of the tube body 21. The locking mechanism 32 includes a locking plate 321, which is located at the end of one of the arc-shaped blocks 31. The end of the other arc-shaped block 31 is provided with a locking groove 322 corresponding to the locking plate 321. The locking plate 321 and the locking groove 322 are adapted to achieve locking. The insert 3 also includes a corrugated sealing ring 33, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the insert head formed by the two arc-shaped blocks 31 after locking, and is used to form a sealing fit with the inner wall of the insert port 102 when the insert head is inserted into the insert port 102.
[0048] Specifically, the pin hinge allows the two arc-shaped blocks 31 to flip like hinges. The assembler can place the end of the tube 21 between the arc-shaped blocks 31 with just one hand, and then press to make the locking plate 321 snap into the slot 322, instantly completing the mechanical locking without the need for additional tools, which greatly improves assembly efficiency. After locking, the arc-shaped blocks 31 apply uniform radial pressure to the end of the tube 21 to prevent slippage or rotation in any direction, ensuring that the tube 21 remains firmly positioned when the steering wheel 1 is frequently turned.
[0049] Meanwhile, the corrugated sealing ring 33 forms multiple elastic sealing lips on the outer periphery of the insert head. After the insert head is inserted into the insert port 102, the sealing lips are compressed and filled to prevent moisture, dust and oil from entering, thus avoiding oxidation or short circuit of the connector. The corrugated structure can also adapt to the slight dimensional changes caused by temperature changes, always maintaining a tight fit, thereby achieving long-term reliable sealing. This combined structure provides a firm lock and a complete seal while ensuring quick installation, solving the three major problems of assembly efficiency, structural stability and electrical protection in one fell swoop, so that the wiring harness system inside the steering wheel 1 can operate stably, safely and quietly throughout the entire vehicle life cycle.
[0050] This utility model also provides a steering wheel, including the aforementioned steering wheel wiring harness structure. After the aforementioned wiring harness structure is integrated into the steering wheel 1, all wiring harnesses inside the steering wheel 1 are completely covered and fixed by the flexible tube 21, completely eliminating the risks of exposure, wear, abnormal noise, and short circuits. Each component can be quickly inserted and reliably sealed, ensuring that the assembly rhythm of the entire vehicle is not affected, and individual parts can be quickly replaced for after-sales maintenance. Ultimately, while providing multi-functional operation, the steering wheel 1 maintains long-term quiet, safe, and reliable operating quality, significantly improving the overall vehicle user experience and safety redundancy.
[0051] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A steering wheel wiring harness structure, disposed inside a steering wheel (1), characterized in that, Includes cable harness fittings (2) and insert fittings (3), wherein, The steering wheel (1) has a central groove (101) inside, and the inner wall of the central groove (101) has an insertion port (102) corresponding to the wire harness interface. The wire harness fitting (2) includes a tube body (21) made of flexible material. The tube body (21) has a normally closed slit (201) along its length. The slit (201) can open when subjected to external force to allow the wire harness to be inserted, and return to the normally closed state after the external force is removed to constrain the wire harness. The insert (3) comprises two sets, respectively located at both ends of the tube body (21); Each set of inserts (3) includes two symmetrically arranged arc-shaped blocks (31). The two arc-shaped blocks (31) are made of hard material and are respectively fixed to the periphery of the end of the tube body (21) and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the slit (201). The two arc-shaped blocks (31) can be assembled into an insert head for insertion into the insert port (102).
2. The steering wheel harness structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tube body (21) is provided with a slit (201) on one side that fits against the bottom or side wall of the central groove (101).
3. A steering wheel harness structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cable tie fitting (2) also includes multiple sets of bonding blocks (22). Each set of bonding blocks (22) includes two, which are located on the outer wall of the tube body (21) and symmetrically located on both sides of the slit (201) and integrally formed with the tube body (21). The side of the bonding block (22) away from the tube body (21) is bonded to the bottom wall or side wall of the central groove (101) to suppress the vibration of the tube body (21).
4. A steering wheel harness structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cable tie (2) also includes multiple sets of adhesive layers (23), each set of adhesive layers (23) includes two, which are respectively disposed on the side of the corresponding bonding block (22) facing away from the tube body (21), for bonding to the bottom wall or side wall of the central groove (101).
5. A steering wheel harness structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wire harness fitting (2) also includes a wire harness ring (24). The wire harness ring (24) includes multiple rings, which are evenly arranged inside the tube body (21) and integrally formed with the tube body (21). The wire harness ring (24) has a clamping opening (202) corresponding to the slit (201) for radially clamping and fixing the wire harness inside the tube body (21).
6. A steering wheel harness structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tube body (21) is made of closed-cell EPDM foam.
7. A steering wheel harness structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two arc-shaped blocks (31) are hinged on opposite sides by a pin, and a locking mechanism (32) is provided on the other side to lock the two arc-shaped blocks (31) together, thereby clamping the end of the tube body (21).
8. A steering wheel harness structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The locking mechanism (32) includes a locking plate (321), which is located at the end of one of the arc-shaped blocks (31); the end of the other arc-shaped block (31) is provided with a locking groove (322) corresponding to the locking plate (321), and the locking plate (321) and the locking groove (322) are adapted to achieve locking.
9. A steering wheel harness structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The insert (3) also includes a corrugated sealing ring (33), which is fitted around the outer periphery of the insert head formed by the two arc-shaped blocks (31) after locking, and is used to form a sealing fit with the inner wall of the insert port (102) when the insert head is inserted into the insert port (102).
10. A steering wheel, characterized in that, Includes a steering wheel harness structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.