Steering wheel ECU fixing structure and vehicle

Abstract

A steering wheel ECU fixing structure and a vehicle relate to the technical field of vehicle interiors, and the steering wheel ECU fixing structure comprises a steering wheel rear decorative cover, the inner wall of which is provided with a rib structure; and an ECU is installed on the inner wall of the steering wheel rear decorative cover in a manner that the shell is clamped with the rib structure; wherein the rib structure comprises a plurality of first rib plates, a plurality of second rib plates and at least one third rib plate, the plurality of first rib plates clamp one end of the shell and are provided with clamping grooves for clamping the shell, the plurality of second rib plates limit the shell laterally from both sides of the shell, and the third rib plate limits the other end of the shell; and the two sides of the shell are provided with a plurality of plug-in interfaces. The fixing structure occupies a small space, is convenient to assemble and is stable in structure; the position of the plug-in interface can avoid interference between the ECU wire harness and the air bag and the horn pressing structure, so that abnormal sound in the horn pressing area is caused; the ECU is clamped and fixed by using the rib structure, which is lower in cost than screwing, and can avoid the appearance quality risk of the steering wheel rear decorative cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle interior technology, specifically to a steering wheel ECU fixing structure and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most vehicle steering wheels use screw connections to fix the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) to the steering wheel cover. This installation method has the following shortcomings or defects: ECUs are generally rectangular in shape and occupy a large space inside the steering wheel cover, making them difficult to arrange; the ECU connectors are all located on the same surface, which can cause the ECU wiring harness to interfere with the driver's airbag and horn activation mechanisms, leading to abnormal noises in the horn pressing area; screw connections can easily cause cosmetic defects such as localized whitening and surface shrinkage on the steering wheel cover, and screw connections also have the problems of higher cost and more time-consuming installation. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a steering wheel ECU fixing structure and a vehicle to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a steering wheel ECU fixing structure, including: a steering wheel rear decorative cover with a rib structure on its inner wall; and an ECU having a housing with multiple connectors on the housing. The ECU is installed on the inner wall of the steering wheel rear decorative cover by the housing being snapped into the rib structure. The multiple connectors are located on both sides of the housing and are offset from the rib structure.

[0005] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some alternative embodiments, the rib structure includes a plurality of first ribs, a plurality of second ribs, and at least one third rib. The plurality of first ribs clamp one end of the housing, each first rib having a groove for the housing to be clamped into. The plurality of second ribs laterally limit the housing from both sides of the housing, and the third rib limits the other end of the housing.

[0006] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some alternative embodiments, a plurality of first ribs are distributed laterally along the steering wheel, each first rib extending axially along the steering wheel, and the end of the first rib near the driver is provided with a groove.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some alternative embodiments, the slot extends along the axial direction of the steering wheel, and the length of one side of the slot wall is shorter than the length of the other side of the slot wall, so as to facilitate the housing being inserted into the slot.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some alternative embodiments, one end of the housing is provided with an inclined first guide surface, and the side wall of the slot away from the driver is provided with a second guide surface that guides and cooperates with the first guide surface.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some alternative embodiments, there are two second ribs, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the housing. Each second rib extends along the axial direction of the steering wheel, and the end of the second rib near the driver is offset from the corresponding insertion interface in the axial direction of the steering wheel.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some alternative embodiments, the third rib extends laterally along the steering wheel and is positioned axially along the steering wheel closer to the driver than the plurality of first ribs.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some alternative embodiments, the third stiffener is provided with an inclined third guide surface, which is used to guide the bottom surface of the housing during the process of the housing being engaged with the slot.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some alternative embodiments, the rib structure is provided on the lower inner wall of the steering wheel rear trim cover.

[0013] Secondly, this application provides a vehicle including a steering wheel ECU fixing structure in any of the embodiments of the first aspect described above.

[0014] Based on the above technical solutions, the steering wheel ECU fixing structure and vehicle provided in this application have an ECU that is snapped onto the rib structure on the inner wall of the steering wheel rear trim cover. This facilitates assembly, occupies little space within the steering wheel trim cover, and has a simple and stable structure, ensuring that the ECU will not fly out when the driver's airbag deploys. The ECU's connectors are located on both sides of the housing and are staggered from the rib structure, solving the problem of interference between the ECU wiring harness and the driver's airbag and horn pressing structure, which could cause abnormal noise in the horn pressing area. The rib structure uses less material and has a lower cost, eliminating the need for screw mounting points on the steering wheel rear trim cover. This avoids the surface shrinkage and low yield rate problems caused by screw mounting points on the steering wheel rear trim cover, ensuring the appearance quality of the steering wheel rear trim cover. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a steering wheel ECU fixing structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 2This is an exploded structural diagram of a steering wheel ECU fixing structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ECU provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a side view schematic diagram of an ECU provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a front view schematic diagram of a steering wheel ECU fixing structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along line AA in the middle.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a steering wheel provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Reference numerals: 100, Steering wheel ECU fixing structure; 10, Steering wheel rear decorative cover; 11, First rib; 111, Slot; 1111, Second guide surface; 12, Second rib; 13, Third rib; 131, Third guide surface; 20, ECU; 21, Housing; 211, Connector; 212, First guide surface; 200, ECU wiring harness; 300, Horn pressing structure; 1000, Steering wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The specific embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the description of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "setup," "installation," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “center,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential” indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of description and simplification, 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 application.

[0027] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used only to distinguish elements with similar properties, and do not indicate or imply relative importance or a specific order, unless otherwise explicitly stated or limited.

[0028] The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase “comprising one…” does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0029] The term "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0030] The term "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0031] The terms "an embodiment," "as an example," and "in one implementation" refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which may be included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. These illustrative expressions do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are they independent or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined in a suitable manner.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a steering wheel ECU fixing structure 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a steering wheel ECU fixing structure 100 provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, this application embodiment provides a steering wheel ECU fixing structure 100, including a steering wheel rear trim cover 10 and an ECU 20. The steering wheel rear trim cover 10 has a rib structure on its inner wall, and the ECU 20 is mounted on the inner wall of the steering wheel rear trim cover 10 by means of a housing 21 engaging with the rib structure. A detailed description follows.

[0033] The rib structure is used for the installation and positioning of the ECU20. The rib structure includes multiple first ribs 11, multiple second ribs 12, and at least one third rib 13. The multiple first ribs 11 are used to hold one end of the housing 21 in place, and each first rib 11 has a slot 111 for the housing 21 to be engaged. The multiple second ribs 12 are used to laterally position the housing 21 from both sides, preventing lateral displacement of the housing 21. The third rib 13 is used to position the other end of the housing 21, preventing the housing 21 from falling off and preventing it from shaking and making abnormal noise within the slot 111.

[0034] As an example, the rib structure is provided on the lower inner wall of the steering wheel rear trim cover 10. There are four first ribs 11, distributed along the lateral direction of the steering wheel (referring to the left-right direction within the steering wheel's rotation plane), and each first rib 11 is distributed along the axial direction of the steering wheel (see...). Figure 2 Extending in the direction of the dotted line in the steering wheel, each first rib 11 has a groove 111 extending axially along the steering wheel at its end near the driver. The upper wall length of the groove 111 is shorter than the lower wall length, facilitating the insertion of the housing 21 into the groove 111. There are two second ribs 12, each positioned on either side of the four first ribs 11 in the lateral direction of the steering wheel. Each second rib 12 extends axially along the steering wheel, and its end near the driver extends axially beyond the end of the groove 111 away from the driver, ensuring that the second rib 12 provides lateral restraint to the housing 21. There is one third rib 13, extending laterally along the steering wheel and positioned axially closer to the driver than the first ribs 11. The third rib 13 provides restraint to the end face of the housing 21 near the driver.

[0035] The housing 21 of the ECU 20 features a partially irregular shape to facilitate assembly with the rib structure. The position of the connector 211 on the housing 21 has been adjusted to prevent interference between the ECU wiring harness and the driver's airbag and horn activation mechanisms.

[0036] As an example, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the housing 21 is approximately rectangular, with a maximum length, width and height of 37mm*24mm*12mm. The left and right sides of the housing 21 each have an insertion interface 211, and part of the structure of the insertion interface 211 protrudes from the top surface of the housing 21. The front edge of the top surface of the housing 21 has an inclined first guide surface 212, which guides the assembly of the housing 21 with the rib structure.

[0037] Furthermore, when the housing 21 is assembled with the rib structure, the front side of the housing 21 corresponds to the direction away from the driver, the rear side corresponds to the direction close to the driver, the left and right sides correspond to the lateral direction of the steering wheel, the top side corresponds to the direction away from the inner wall of the steering wheel rear decorative cover 10, and the bottom side corresponds to the direction close to the inner wall of the steering wheel rear decorative cover 10.

[0038] Among them, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the upper groove wall, lower groove wall, and groove wall away from the driver's end of each first stiffener 11 are respectively engaged with the top surface, bottom surface, and front side of the housing 21. The upper groove wall away from the driver's end of the groove 111 is provided with an inclined second guide surface 1111. The second guide surface 1111 guides and cooperates with the first guide surface 212 of the housing 21 during the process of the housing 21 being engaged with the groove 111, facilitating the engagement of the housing 21 with the groove 111. Figure 1 As shown, the two second stiffeners 12 respectively limit the left and right sides of the housing 21 to prevent the ECU 20 from shifting laterally, causing abnormal noise and interference with surrounding components. The end of each second stiffener 12 near the driver is offset from the corresponding connector 211 in the steering wheel axial direction to prevent obstruction of the connector 211 and affecting the connection and disconnection of the ECU wiring harness 200. Figure 6 As shown, the third stiffener 13 limits the rear side of the housing 21. The upper end of the third stiffener 13 is 4-5mm higher than the bottom surface of the housing 21. The upper edge of the third stiffener 13 is provided with an inclined third guide surface 131. The third guide surface 131 guides the bottom surface of the housing 21 during the process of the housing 21 being inserted into the slot 111, so as to facilitate the housing 21 being inserted into the slot 111.

[0039] Figure 7 This application provides a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a steering wheel 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a steering wheel 1000, which includes the aforementioned steering wheel ECU fixing structure 100. Wherein, in conjunction with Figure 1 and Figure 3 The ECU wiring harness 200 is connected to the two connectors 211 of the ECU 20 from both sides, which solves the problem of abnormal noise in the horn pressing area caused by interference between the ECU wiring harness 200 and the driver's airbag (not shown in the figure) and the horn pressing structure 300.

[0040] This application also provides a vehicle that includes the steering wheel ECU fixing structure 100 or steering wheel 1000 described above.

[0041] In summary, the steering wheel ECU fixing structure and vehicle provided in this application embodiment allow the ECU to be snapped onto the rib structure on the inner wall of the steering wheel rear trim cover, making assembly convenient. It occupies little space within the steering wheel trim cover and has a simple, stable structure, ensuring the ECU will not fly out when the driver's airbag deploys. The ECU's connector is located on the side of the housing, resolving the problem of interference between the ECU wiring harness and the driver's airbag and horn activation structures, which could cause abnormal noise in the horn pressing area. The rib structure uses less material and has a lower cost, eliminating the need for screw mounting points on the steering wheel rear trim cover. This avoids surface shrinkage and low yield rates caused by screw mounting points, ensuring the appearance quality of the steering wheel rear trim cover.

[0042] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these should all be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A steering wheel ECU fixing structure, characterized in that, include: The decorative cover behind the steering wheel has a ribbed structure on its inner wall; as well as The ECU has a housing with multiple connectors. The ECU is mounted on the inner wall of the steering wheel rear trim cover by snapping the housing with the rib structure. The multiple connectors are located on the two sides of the housing and are staggered from the rib structure.

2. The steering wheel ECU fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rib structure includes multiple first ribs, multiple second ribs, and at least one third rib. The multiple first ribs clamp one end of the shell, and each first rib is provided with a slot for the shell to be inserted. The multiple second ribs laterally limit the shell from both sides, and the third rib limits the other end of the shell.

3. The steering wheel ECU fixing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple first ribs are distributed laterally along the steering wheel, each first rib extends axially along the steering wheel, and the end of the first rib near the driver is provided with the slot.

4. The steering wheel ECU fixing structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The slot extends along the axial direction of the steering wheel, and the length of one side of the slot wall is shorter than the length of the other side of the slot wall, so that the housing can be inserted into the slot.

5. The steering wheel ECU fixing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, One end of the housing is provided with an inclined first guide surface, and the side wall of the slot away from the driver is provided with a second guide surface that guides and cooperates with the first guide surface.

6. The steering wheel ECU fixing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, There are two second ribs, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the housing. Each second rib extends along the axial direction of the steering wheel, and the end of the second rib near the driver is offset from the corresponding insertion interface in the axial direction of the steering wheel.

7. The steering wheel ECU fixing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The third rib extends laterally along the steering wheel and is positioned closer to the driver in the axial direction of the steering wheel than the plurality of first ribs.

8. The steering wheel ECU fixing structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third stiffener is provided with an inclined third guide surface, which is used to guide the bottom surface of the housing during the process of the housing being inserted into the slot.

9. The steering wheel ECU fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rib structure is located on the lower inner wall of the rear decorative cover of the steering wheel.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the steering wheel ECU mounting structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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