Airbag mounting structure

Abstract

Airbag mounting structure, comprising: a first assembly part that is provided in an airbag module; a second mounting part, which is provided in a steering wheel and is attached to the first mounting part by a snap-in fastening structure; a protective rib provided in an inclined pressure area where the first mounting part and the second mounting part are pressed together for snap-fit ​​fastening; and a cushion configured to absorb a fastening impact between the first mounting part and the second mounting part, wherein the padding is provided in an inclined pressure area that does not overlap with the protective rib and in an engagement area in which the first mounting part and the second mounting part are engaged with each other and supported against each other by the snap-fit ​​fastening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATION(S)

[0001] This application claims the benefit pursuant to 35 USC § 119 of Korean patent application No. 10-2024-0057647, which was filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on April 30, 2024, and the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. BACKGROUND 1. Technical field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an airbag mounting structure that prevents damage in areas where components come into contact and rub against each other during a snap-in mounting process of an airbag module to a steering wheel. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0003] A driver's airbag is mounted in a steering wheel.

[0004] The driver airbag module comprises an airbag cushion and a gas generator, which are housed in an airbag casing, with an airbag cover mounted over the airbag casing.

[0005] If the gas generator detects a signal from a sensor during a vehicle accident, an igniter immediately explodes and burns a gas-generating agent to produce gas.

[0006] As the gas generated in this way is directed into the airbag cushion, the airbag cushion expands accordingly to cushion the impact on the passenger, reduce or prevent injuries, and thus ensure the passenger's safety.

[0007] The driver's airbag, meanwhile, is equipped with a hook on the airbag module, and there is a control unit in the center of the steering wheel. While the hook is attached to the control unit by snapping into place, the airbag module is mounted to the steering wheel.

[0008] However, attaching the hook to the fitting can cause damage in the areas where the components rub against each other. Furthermore, because the hook is in close contact with the fitting, vibrations and noise can occur while driving, as the hook and fitting rub against each other.

[0009] The foregoing, which is referred to as the prior art, is intended only to contribute to the understanding of the background of the present disclosure and does not mean that the present disclosure falls within the scope of prior art which is already known to the person skilled in the art. SUMMARY

[0010] This summary is intended to introduce, in simplified form, a selection of concepts that are described in more detail below in the comprehensive description. This summary is not intended to identify the main features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of protection of the claimed subject matter.

[0011] The present disclosure provides an airbag mounting structure that prevents damage from occurring in the areas where components come into contact and rub against each other during a snap-in mounting process of an airbag module to a steering wheel.

[0012] In a general aspect of the disclosure, an airbag mounting structure comprises: a first mounting part provided in an airbag module; a second mounting part provided in a steering wheel and attached to the first mounting part by a snap-fit ​​mounting structure; a protective rib provided in an inclined pressure area where the first mounting part and the second mounting part are pressed together for the snap-fit ​​mounting; and a pad configured to absorb a mounting shock of the first mounting part and the second mounting part, the pad being provided in an inclined pressure area that does not overlap the protective rib and in an engagement area where the first mounting part and the second mounting part engage with and are supported against each other by the snap-fit ​​mounting.

[0013] The protective rib and padding can be provided in the first or second assembly part.

[0014] An end section of the first assembly part can be designed in a hook shape with an inclined surface, so that an inclined surface on an outer surface of the hook becomes the inclined pressure area and the protective rib protrudes along the inclined surface.

[0015] The protective rib can be formed on either the left or the right side of the inclined surface.

[0016] The protective rib can be formed in the middle of the inclined surface.

[0017] An end section of the first assembly part can have the shape of a hook with an inclined surface, such that an engagement surface connected to an inclined surface on an outer surface of the hook comprises an engagement area, with the padding being provided on the engagement surface.

[0018] The padding can extend from the insertion surface to the center of the inclined surface.

[0019] The protruding thickness of the protective rib can be greater than the thickness of the padding.

[0020] An end section of the second mounting part can have the shape of a hook with an inclined surface, such that an inclined surface on an outer surface of the hook encompasses the inclined pressure area, allowing the protective rib to be pressed against and rubbed against the inclined surface of the second mounting part.

[0021] The width of the second mounting part in the right-left direction can be greater than the width of the first mounting part in the right-left direction.

[0022] In a further general aspect of the disclosure, an airbag mounting system for a vehicle comprises: a first mounting part provided in an airbag module; a second mounting part provided in a steering wheel of the vehicle; a protective rib included in either one of the first mounting part or the second mounting part; and a pad included in the other of the first mounting part or the second mounting part, wherein the protective rib is provided in an inclined pressure area in which the first mounting part and the second mounting part are pressed together to form a snap-fit ​​mounting structure, and wherein the pad is configured to absorb a mounting shock of the first mounting part and the second mounting part when they are assembled.

[0023] The padding can be provided in the inclined pressure area that does not overlap the protective rib and in an engagement area where the first mounting part and the second mounting part engage with each other by snap-fit ​​fastening and are supported against each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The aforementioned and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a view showing a state in which an airbag module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is separated from a steering wheel; Fig. 2 is a view showing the shape of the underside of the airbag module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is an enlarged view showing the shapes of the protective ribs and a pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a view showing the structure of a first embodiment of the protective rib together with the thickness difference between the protective rib and the padding according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 5 is a view showing the structure of a second embodiment of the protective rib according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. Figures 6 to 9 illustrate a process in which a first assembly part is attached to a second assembly part by snapping it into place, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The embodiments set forth herein are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, whereby identical or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals regardless of the figure numbers and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0026] The terms "module" and "unit" used in the following description for the elements are only used to simplify the creation of the specification and have no specific meaning or role in themselves.

[0027] In describing the embodiments set forth herein, a detailed description of known functions or configurations is omitted if it is determined that such a description could render the subject matter of the embodiments set forth herein unclear. Furthermore, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings serve only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments set forth herein and that the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited to the accompanying drawings and includes all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0028] Terms containing an ordinal number, such as "a first" and "a second," can be used to describe different elements, but the elements are not limited to these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish one element from another.

[0029] When an element is described as "connected" or "coupled" to other elements, this means that not only can the element be directly connected or coupled to the other elements, but that another element can also be located between them. Conversely, when an element is described as "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, it is assumed that no other element is located between them.

[0030] A singular expression can include a plural expression unless the two expressions are clearly distinct in a particular context.

[0031] As used herein, the terms “include” or “have” are intended to indicate the presence of the mentioned features, counts, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof and are to be interpreted in such a way as not to exclude the possible presence or addition of one or more other features, counts, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0033] An airbag mounting structure according to the present disclosure comprises: a first mounting part 100 provided in an airbag module 10; a second mounting part 200 provided in a steering wheel 20 and attached to the first mounting part 100 by a snap-fit ​​mounting structure; a protective rib 130 provided in an inclined pressure area where the first mounting part 100 and the second mounting part 200 are pressed together for snap-fit ​​mounting; and a pad 140 configured to absorb a mounting shock of the first mounting part 100 and the second mounting part 200, the pad being provided in an inclined pressure area that does not overlap with the protective rib 130, as well as in an engagement area where the first mounting part 100 and the second mounting part 200 engage with each other by means of the snap-fit ​​mounting and are supported against each other.

[0034] According to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is the first mounting part 100, which is formed from a plastic material, designed to protrude under the underside (in the 6 o'clock direction) of a mounting plate 10a, which forms the lower section of the airbag module 10.

[0035] Furthermore, in the middle section of the steering wheel 20 a metal fitting 20a is formed in a plate shape, a steering shaft is mounted in the middle of the fitting 20a and a spoke of the steering wheel 20 is attached between the fitting 20a and the edge.

[0036] Furthermore, the second mounting part 200 is provided under the top of the fitting 20a (in the 6 o'clock direction) in a position corresponding to the first mounting part 100, so that the first mounting part 100 and the second mounting part 200 are fastened by a snap-fit ​​fastening structure. The second mounting part 200 can be provided separately from the fitting 20a, or it can be formed integrally with the fitting 20a.

[0037] That is, the lower end section of the first assembly part 100 is hook-shaped, an inclined surface 110 with an inclined pressure area is formed on the hook of the first assembly part 100, and an engagement surface 120 with an engagement area is formed on the section that is connected to the inclined surface 110.

[0038] This time, the upper end section of the second mounting part 200 is also hook-shaped and can also have an inclined surface 210 with an inclined pressure area on the hook of the second mounting part 200. Furthermore, an engagement surface 220 with an engagement area is formed on a section connected to the inclined surface 210 of the second mounting part 200.

[0039] When the first mounting part 100 on the steering wheel 20 is pressed against the second mounting part 200 on the airbag module 10, the inclined surface 110 of the first mounting part 100 and the inclined surface 210 of the second mounting part 200 are pressed against each other accordingly, causing the first mounting part 100 to deform elastically. Since the first mounting part 100 elastically returns to its original position when the inclined surface 110 of the first mounting part 100 releases from the inclined surface 210 of the second mounting part 200, the first mounting part 100 is secured to the second mounting part 200 by snapping, so that the engagement surface 120 of the first mounting part 100 and the engagement surface 220 of the second mounting part 200 are engaged and supported against each other.

[0040] In particular, during the snap-in fastening process of the first mounting part 100 and the second mounting part 200, the inclined surface 110 of the first mounting part 100 and the inclined surface 210 of the second mounting part 200 are pressed together with the protective rib 130 located between them, as described in the present disclosure.

[0041] Furthermore, the engagement surface 120 of the first mounting part 100 and the engagement surface 220 of the second mounting part 200 are engaged with the intermediate pad 140 and supported against each other, and the pad 140 is attached to one of the inclined surfaces that does not overlap with the protective rib 130.

[0042] This means that in the area where the first mounting part 100 and the second mounting part 200 are pressed together, the two inclined surfaces do not rub directly against each other, but friction is created when one of the two inclined surfaces is pressed against the protective rib 130.

[0043] Since the protective ribs 130 rub against the inclined surface, the padding 140 does not rub against the inclined surface, thus preventing the padding 140 from being torn and damaged due to friction with the inclined surface.

[0044] In the present disclosure, the protective rib 130 and the padding 140 can be provided either on the first assembly part 100 or on the second assembly part 200.

[0045] The protective rib 130 can, for example, be formed on the inclined surface 110 of the first mounting part 100 or on the inclined surface 210 of the second mounting part 200.

[0046] Furthermore, the inclined surface 140 can be formed on the inclined surface 110 and the engagement surface 120 of the first mounting part 100 or on the inclined surface 210 and the engagement surface 220 of the second mounting part 200.

[0047] Furthermore, as in the present revelation, Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 7 shows that an end section of the first assembly part 100 is designed in a hook shape with the inclined surface 110, such that the inclined surface 110 on an outer surface of the hook becomes the inclined pressure area and the protective rib 130 projects along the inclined surface 110.

[0048] That is, the inclined surface 110 is formed at the lower end of the first assembly part 100, which faces the second assembly part 200, and the protective rib 130 projects along the inclined surface 110 of the first assembly part 100.

[0049] Accordingly, in the section where the first mounting part 100 is pressed against the second mounting part 200, the protective rib 130 formed on the first mounting part 100 is pressed while rubbing against the second mounting part 200, thus preventing the second mounting part 200 from rubbing against the pad 140. This prevents the pad 140 from being damaged by friction.

[0050] In a first embodiment of the structure of the protective rib 130, the protective rib 130 can be formed on both the left and the right side of the inclined surface 110.

[0051] That is, as in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the protective rib 130 can be formed along the inclined surface 110 in the vertical longitudinal direction on both the left and the right side of the inclined surface 110 of the first assembly part 100.

[0052] In a second embodiment of the structure of the protective rib 130, the protective rib 130 can be formed in the middle of the inclined surface 110.

[0053] This means that the protective rib 130 can be used as in Fig. 5 shown along the inclined surface 110 in the vertical longitudinal direction on both the left and right sides of the inclined surface 110 of the first assembly part 100.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the end section of the first assembly part 100 can be designed in a hook shape with the inclined surface 110, the engagement surface 120 connected to the inclined surface 110 on the outer surface of the hook can become the engagement area and the padding 140 can be provided on the engagement surface 120.

[0055] That is, the engagement surface 120 of the first assembly part 100 is formed horizontally at the upper end of the inclined surface 110 formed on the first assembly part 100, and the engagement surface 220 of the second assembly part 200 is formed horizontally at the lower end of the inclined surface 210 formed on the second assembly part 200.

[0056] Accordingly, as in Fig. Figures 7 to 9 show the inclined surface 110 of the first mounting part 100 and the inclined surface 210 of the second mounting part 200 being pressed and rubbed together as the first mounting part 100 moves downwards, causing the first mounting part 100 to deform elastically.

[0057] During this process, when the engagement surface 120 of the first mounting part 100 is positioned below the engagement surface 220 of the second mounting part 200, the first mounting part 100 is secured to the second mounting part 200 by its elastic restoring force, thereby supporting the pad 140 attached to the engagement surface 120 of the first mounting part 100 on the underside of the engagement surface 220 of the second mounting part 200. As a result, the pad 140 reduces the fastening shock and noise of the first mounting part 100 and the second mounting part 200.

[0058] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the pad 140 can extend from the engagement surface 120 to the center of the inclined surface 110.

[0059] That means the 140 cushion is like in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown not only attached along the inclined surface 110 of the first mounting part 100, but also extends firmly from the inclined surface 110 to the center of the engagement surface 120.

[0060] Therefore, a snap-in fastening can be achieved without the pad 140 being pulled off or detached in the snap-in fastening direction of the second mounting part 200 if the engagement surface 120 of the first mounting part 100 is positioned under the engagement surface 220 of the second mounting part 200 and attached to it by snapping.

[0061] Since the protective rib 130 is formed on the inclined surface 110, the padding 140 does not need to be attached to the inclined surface 110 and the back of the hook, but only to the middle of the inclined surface 110, thereby reducing the length of the padding 140 and lowering the costs.

[0062] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the protruding thickness of the protective rib 130 can be greater than the thickness of the padding 140.

[0063] This means that the thickness of the protective rib is 130, as in Fig. 5 shown larger than that of the padding 140, when the first assembly part 100 is assembled with the second assembly part 200, the inclined surface 210 of the second assembly part 200 can come into contact with the protective rib 130 in order to prevent the inclined surface 210 from coming into contact with the padding 140, thereby reliably preventing damage to the padding 140.

[0064] Although it is advantageous that the cushion 140 is like in Fig. 5 to 9 shown, extending from the engagement surface 120 to the center of the inclined surface 110, the pad 140 can also have a structure extending to the back of the inclined surface 110, covering the entire inclined surface 110.

[0065] In the present disclosure, the end section of the second assembly part 200 can, however, be designed in a hook shape with the inclined surface 210, so that the inclined surface 210 on the outer surface of the hook becomes the inclined pressure area, so that the protective rib 130 can be pressed against the inclined surface 210 of the second assembly part 200 and rubbed against it.

[0066] That is, the inclined surface 210 can be formed on the hook of the second mounting part 200, and the inclined surface 210 can have an angle of inclination that corresponds to the inclined surface 110 of the first mounting part 100.

[0067] Therefore, the compression and friction between the first mounting part 100 and the second mounting part 200 can be achieved more stably, which improves the mounting capability of the airbag module 10.

[0068] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the width of the second assembly part 200 in the left-right direction can be greater than the width of the first assembly part 100 in the left-right direction.

[0069] This means that, since the protective rib 130 is formed on the inclined surface 110 of the first mounting part 100, the protective rib 130 can break off from the inclined surface 210 of the second mounting part 200 in the section where the first mounting part 100 and the second mounting part are pressed together and rub against each other, if the width of the first mounting part 100 in the left-right direction is smaller than the width of the second mounting part 200 in the left-right direction.

[0070] Since the width of the second mounting part 200 in the left-right direction is greater than the width of the first mounting part 100 in the left-right direction, the protective rib 130 can thus be in stable contact with the inclined surface 210 of the second mounting part 200 in the section where the first mounting part 100 and the second mounting part are pressed together and rubbed against each other.

[0071] As described above, in the present disclosure, the inclined surface 210 of the second assembly part 200 is prevented from coming into contact with the padding 140, since the protective rib 130 is formed on the inclined surface 110 of the first assembly part 100, which is attached to the steering wheel 20 during the process of snap-in fastening of the airbag module 10, thereby preventing the padding 140 from being torn and damaged.

[0072] While the present disclosure has been described in detail only with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is obvious to the person skilled in the art with normal knowledge in the field that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure, and it is self-evident that such modifications and changes are included in the scope of protection of the attached claims.

[0073] Although only certain embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, it is obvious to the person skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure and that these changes and modifications are of course within the scope of protection of the attached claims. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 10-2024-0057647

[0001]

Claims

[1] Airbag mounting structure, comprising: a first mounting part provided in an airbag module; a second mounting part provided in a steering wheel and fixed to the first mounting part by a snap-in fixing structure; a protective rib provided in an inclined compression region in which the first mounting part and the second mounting part are pressed together for snap-in fastening; and a cushion configured to absorb a fastening shock of the first mounting part and the second mounting part, wherein the cushion is provided in an inclined pressure region which does not overlap with the protective rib and in an engagement region in which the first mounting part and the second mounting part are engaged and supported against each other by the snap-in fastening. [2] The airbag mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the protective rib and the pad are provided in the first or second mounting part. [3] The airbag mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an end portion of the first mounting member is formed into a hook shape having an inclined surface such that an inclined surface on an outer surface of the hook becomes the inclined pressing portion and the protective rib projects along the inclined surface. [4] The airbag mounting structure according to claim 3, wherein the protective rib is formed on both the left and right sides of the inclined surface. [5] The airbag mounting structure according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the protective rib is formed in a center of the inclined surface. [6] The airbag mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an end portion of the first mounting member has a hook shape with an inclined surface such that an engaging surface connected to an inclined surface on an outer surface of the hook has an engaging portion, and wherein the pad is provided on the engaging surface. [7] The airbag mounting structure according to claim 6, wherein the pad extends from the engagement surface to a center of the inclined surface. [8] The airbag mounting structure according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein a projecting thickness of the protective rib is greater than a thickness of the pad. [9] The airbag mounting structure according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein an end portion of the second mounting member has a hook shape with an inclined surface such that an inclined surface on an outer surface of the hook has the inclined pressing portion, and wherein the protective rib is pressed against and rubbed against the inclined surface of the second mounting member. [10] The airbag mounting structure according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein a width of the second mounting part in the left-right direction is larger than a width of the first mounting part in the left-right direction. [11] An airbag mounting system for a vehicle, the system comprising: a first mounting part provided in an airbag module; a second mounting part provided in a steering wheel of the vehicle; a protective rib included in one of the first or second mounting parts; and a cushion contained in the other of the first and second mounting parts, wherein the protective rib is provided in an inclined pressure region in which the first mounting part and the second mounting part are pressed together to form a snap-lock structure, and wherein the cushion is configured to absorb a fastening shock of the first mounting part and the second mounting part during assembly. [12] The system according to claim 11, wherein the cushion is provided in the inclined pressure region which does not overlap with the protective rib and an engagement region in which the first mounting part and the second mounting part are engaged with each other by snap-fitting and supported against each other.

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