Steering wheel

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of steering wheels. Provided is a steering wheel. The steering wheel comprises a steering wheel skeleton, at least one connector, a first trim part and a second trim part, wherein the connector is connected to the first trim part, so as to fix the first trim part to the steering wheel skeleton; and the second trim part is connected to the connector. In the structure, by using one connector, two trim parts can be fixed at the same time, thereby saving space and reducing the number of assembled parts. Moreover, the structure is reliable, and the structural strength of the steering wheel skeleton is not affected.

Description

steering wheel Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of steering wheel technology, and in particular to a plug connection structure for a steering wheel. Background Technology

[0002] As an important component of automotive interiors, the steering wheel is not only part of the steering system but also integrates multiple functions. For example, it also serves as a switch. With increasing demands for refined vehicle interiors, decorative parts and covers have been added to the steering wheel. Existing cover fixing methods mostly fall into two categories. One method involves the cover's flat hooks attaching to the steering wheel's foam material. However, due to insufficient internal space and the limited thickness of the foam material, the cover cannot be fixed using conventional flat hook designs or is not securely fastened, resulting in low structural reliability. The other method uses screws to fix the steering wheel cover. This method results in more openings in the steering wheel frame, weakening the frame's structural strength and affecting its performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a steering wheel that facilitates the fixing of steering wheel accessories, has a reliable structure, and does not affect the structural strength of the steering wheel frame.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a steering wheel, comprising:

[0005] Steering wheel frame;

[0006] First decorative accessories;

[0007] At least one connector; the connector is connected to the first trim piece to secure the first trim piece to the steering wheel frame;

[0008] The second decorative accessory is connected to the connector.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the first trim piece and the second trim piece are respectively disposed on both sides of the steering wheel frame, one end of the connector passes through the steering wheel frame and is connected to the first trim piece, and the other end of the connector is connected to the second trim piece.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the connector engages with the second decorative accessory.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the connector includes a connecting body and a retaining part. The connecting body is connected to the first trim accessory to fix the first trim accessory to the steering wheel frame; the retaining part is engaged with the second trim accessory.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the retaining part is a first protrusion provided on the connecting body, and the second decorative accessory is provided with a hook, which is engaged with the first protrusion.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the connecting body includes an annular circumferential surface, and the first boss is disposed radially outward or inward along the annular circumferential surface.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the retaining part includes a collar connected to the end of the connector away from the first decorative accessory, and the collar engages with the second decorative accessory.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the collar is provided with a second boss protruding radially outward, and the second decorative fitting is engaged with the second boss;

[0016] Alternatively, the collar may have a third protrusion protruding radially inward, and the second decorative accessory may engage with the third protrusion.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the connecting body and the holding part are integrally formed, or the connecting body and the holding part are separately connected.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the collar includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other. The first end is provided with a flange, and the connecting body is provided with a flange, the flange abutting against the flange. The second end is provided with a second boss or a third boss that engages with the second decorative accessory.

[0019] In an optional implementation, the connecting body is a screw.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, the first trim accessory includes a switch assembly, the connector being used to secure the switch assembly to the steering wheel frame, and / or the second trim accessory includes a plug connected to the connector.

[0021] In an optional embodiment, the plug includes a connected plug and at least one column, at least one of the columns being provided with a hook that engages with the connector.

[0022] In an optional embodiment, the column has at least one notch.

[0023] In an optional embodiment, the steering wheel frame has a through hole for the connector to pass through.

[0024] In an optional embodiment, the first boss protrudes directly outward from the annular circumferential surface along the radial direction of the annular circumferential surface, or...

[0025] The connecting body extends axially at one end away from the first decorative accessory to form an annular mounting portion, and the annular mounting portion forms the first boss radially inward.

[0026] The steering wheel provided in this embodiment of the invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0027] In the steering wheel provided in this embodiment of the invention, a single connector is used to fix both the first and second trim parts. This not only results in a compact structure but also reduces the number of openings on the steering wheel frame, minimizing the impact on the structural strength of the steering wheel frame, saving space, reducing the number of assembly parts, and improving assembly efficiency. Furthermore, it helps to improve the structural reliability of the trim part fixing structure. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the steering wheel cover in the prior art;

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a steering wheel frame in the prior art;

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the switch assembly and plug on the steering wheel frame provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the switch assembly, plug, connector and steering wheel frame provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of the first structure of the connector provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a plug structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of the second structure of the connector provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the plug provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario for the third structure of the connector provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the switch assembly, connector, collar, plug and steering wheel frame provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the assembled structure of the connector and collar provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the collar structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the application scenario of the fourth structure of the connector provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Icons: 10-Frame; 11-Fixing Hole; 20-Plug; 21-Flat Hook; 30-Foaming Material; 100-Connector; 101-Connecting Body; 103-Holding Part; 110-First Boss; 111-Annular Mounting Part; 113-Flange; 120-Ring; 121-Flange; 123-Second Boss; 125-Third Boss; 200-First Trim Fitting; 300-Second Trim Fitting; 310-Plug; 320-Column; 330-Hook; 340-Connecting Part; 350-Notch; 400-Steering Wheel Frame; 410-Through Hole. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0044] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0045] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0046] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., 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 of this invention is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0047] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0048] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0049] Referring to Figure 1, in the prior art, the plug 20 is fixed to the steering wheel by snapping it onto the foam material 30 of the steering wheel. Specifically, a layer of foam material 30 covers the frame 10 of the steering wheel, and a flat hook 21 is provided on the plug 20, which snaps onto the foam material 30. Due to insufficient internal space and limited thickness of the foam material 30, the reliability of the snap-fit ​​structure between the plug 20 and the foam material 30 is low, making it prone to loosening and producing abnormal noise.

[0050] Referring to Figure 2, if the plug is fixed with screws, multiple fixing holes 11 need to be made on the steering wheel frame 10. Screws and other fasteners are used to pass through the fixing holes 11 to fix the plug to the steering wheel frame 10. This method is likely to damage the structural strength of the steering wheel frame 10.

[0051] To overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, this invention proposes a novel connection structure that is reliable, easy to connect, and ensures the structural strength of the steering wheel frame.

[0052] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0053] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, this embodiment of the invention provides a steering wheel whose cover can be reliably fixed, and which is not only compact and reliable in structure, but also does not affect the structural strength of the steering wheel frame 400.

[0054] The steering wheel provided in this embodiment includes a connector 100, a first trim piece 200, a second trim piece 300, and a steering wheel frame 400. The connector 100 is connected to the first trim piece 200 and is used to fix the first trim piece 200 to the steering wheel frame 400. The second trim piece 300 is connected to the connector 100. The first trim piece 200 and the second trim piece 300 are respectively connected to the same connector 100, meaning that a single connector 100 is used to fix both the first trim piece 200 and the second trim piece 300. This not only results in a compact structure but also reduces the number of openings on the steering wheel frame 400, minimizing the impact on the structural strength of the steering wheel frame 400, saving space, reducing the number of assembly parts, and improving assembly efficiency. Furthermore, it helps improve the structural reliability of the trim piece fixation, making it less prone to loosening or falling off. Furthermore, the fixation of the second trim piece 300 is not limited by the thickness of the foam material 30 outside the steering wheel frame 400 because the second trim piece 300 is fixed to the connector 100 rather than the foam material 30. This makes the structure more reliable and the spatial layout more flexible and convenient. In this embodiment, only one connector 100 is used (see Figure 4); while in other embodiments not shown (e.g., depending on the size and shape of the first trim piece 200 and the second trim piece 300 to be installed), two or more connectors 100 are used, and the first trim piece 200 and the second trim piece 300 are respectively connected to each of these connectors 100, that is, each of these connectors 100 is used to fix both the first trim piece 200 and the second trim piece 300.

[0055] The first decorative accessory 200 and the second decorative accessory 300 are respectively disposed on both sides of the steering wheel frame 400. One end of the connector 100 passes through the steering wheel frame 400 and connects to the first decorative accessory 200, and the other end of the connector 100 connects to the second decorative accessory 300. In this embodiment, the first decorative accessory 200 is a switch assembly, and the second decorative accessory 300 is a plug. Of course, in some other embodiments, the first decorative accessory 200 and the second decorative accessory 300 can also be other decorative parts, which are not specifically limited here.

[0056] Optionally, the connector 100 engages with the second trim accessory 300. The connector 100 includes a connecting body 101 and a retaining part 103. The connecting body 101 is screwed and connected to the first trim accessory 200 via a threaded connection. The retaining part 103 is used to connect to and retain the second trim accessory 300. A through hole 410 is provided on the steering wheel frame 400, through which the connecting body 101, or screw, secures the switch assembly to the steering wheel frame 400. The retaining part 103 is connected to the head of the screw that serves as the connecting body 101, i.e., the retaining part 103 is connected to the end of the connecting body 101 away from the first trim accessory 200. A cap engages with the retaining part 103. With this configuration, only one through hole 410 needs to be made on the steering wheel frame 400 to fix both the switch assembly and the plug on the steering wheel frame 400. This design is reliable and also reduces the number of through holes 410 that need to be made on the steering wheel frame 400.

[0057] It should be noted that if existing screw fastening methods are used, at least two holes need to be made in the steering wheel frame 10: one for fastening the switch assembly with a standard screw, and the other for fastening the plug with another standard screw. Therefore, this embodiment is designed so that fixing the two trim pieces only requires one through hole 410 in the steering wheel frame 400 for a connector 100 to pass through, thereby reducing the number of holes in the steering wheel frame 400 and minimizing the impact on the structural strength of the steering wheel frame 400. Furthermore, the plug uses a snap-fit ​​connection, which is reliable and easy to assemble. Without affecting the structural strength of the steering wheel frame 400, the reliability of the switch assembly and plug fixation is ensured, effectively preventing loosening, detachment, and structural noise caused by loosening.

[0058] The connecting body 101 and the holding part 103 can be integrally formed or they can be connected separately.

[0059] Referring to Figure 5, optionally, the retaining part 103 is a first protrusion 110 provided on the connecting body 101, and the second decorative accessory 300 is provided with a hook 330, which is engaged with the first protrusion 110. The hook 330 and the second decorative accessory 300 can be integrally formed, or the hook 330 can be an independent structure connected to the second decorative accessory 300. It can be understood that the connecting body 101 uses a screw, with the first protrusion 110 provided on the head of the screw. The hook 330 on the plug engages with the first protrusion 110, which is convenient for installation and has a reliable structure.

[0060] Optionally, the connecting body 101 includes an annular circumferential surface, and the first boss 110 protrudes radially outward along the annular circumferential surface. In this case, the hook 330 on the plug engages with the connecting body 101, or rather, its annular circumferential surface, more precisely, the hook 330 on the plug engages with the first boss 110 radially outward from the annular circumferential surface, specifically engaging with the surface of the first boss 110 facing the first decorative accessory 200 (see Figure 5). When the connecting body 101 uses a screw, the annular circumferential surface here can be understood as the circumferential surface of the screw head. The first boss 110 and the connecting body 101 can be integrally formed or separately fixedly connected. Among them, separate fixed connection includes, but is not limited to, snap-fit, threaded connection, screw connection, riveting, bonding or welding, etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0061] Referring to Figure 6, in this embodiment, the second decorative accessory 300 is a plug. The plug includes a plug 310 and at least one, in this case, two pillars 320, with the plug 310 connected to each pillar 320. A hook 330 is provided on the left pillar 320. Optionally, the hook 330 is located at the end of the pillar 320 away from the plug 310. The hook 330 on the pillar 320 engages with the first boss 110. Along the protruding direction of the first boss 110, the protruding length of the first boss 110 is H, the overlap length between the hook 330 and the first boss 110 is H1, and the gap between the hook 330 and the connecting body 101 is H2. The protruding length H of the first boss 110 is the sum of the overlap length H1 and the gap H2. It can be understood that the overlap length H1 ensures a reliable engagement between the plug and the first boss 110, resulting in a stable structure that is not easily detached. The setting of gap H2 improves the ease of assembly of hook 330, prevents installation interference, makes assembly smoother, and helps to improve assembly efficiency.

[0062] Optionally, since the first protrusion 110 is located on the outside of the connecting body 101, the plug is snapped onto the outside of the connecting body 101. The portion of the column 320 on the plug can be a hollow cylinder or a hollow semi-cylinder, meaning the outer circumferential surface of the column 320 is an arc surface, such as a circular surface or a semi-circular surface. In this embodiment, referring to Figure 6, of the two columns 320 on the plug, one is a hollow semi-cylinder on the left and the other is a hollow cylinder on the right. The hollow semi-cylinder 320 on the left has a hook 330 on the side near the center of the semi-circular surface, meaning a hook 330 is located on the inner side of the semi-circular surface. This hook 330 is used to engage with the first protrusion 110. This arrangement facilitates the engagement and installation of the hook 330 and the first protrusion 110, making operation more convenient. It also facilitates the demolding process in the design and manufacturing of the plug, making demolding easier.

[0063] It should be understood that the remaining pillars 320 on the plug are provided with locking portions 340. For example, the hollow cylindrical pillar 320 on the right side of Figure 6 has a locking portion 340 at the end of the pillar 320 away from the plug 310, and the locking portion 340 is located on the outer side of the circumferential surface. The locking portion 340 can be locked onto at least one of the steering wheel frame 400 and the foam material 30 to further improve the reliability of the plug connection.

[0064] It should be noted that the number and shape of the columns 320 on the plug can be flexibly designed according to actual needs, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0065] Optionally, each column 320 is provided with a notch 350. The notch 350 facilitates deformation of the plug during installation, making it easier to snap onto the first protrusion 110, thereby improving the convenience and smoothness of installation. There can be one or more notches 350. If there are multiple notches 350, they are spaced apart circumferentially along the column 320. The shape of the notch 350 can be flexibly designed. It is understood that the axial length of the notch 350 on the column 320 can be less than or equal to the length of the column 320; no specific limitation is made here.

[0066] Of course, in some embodiments, referring to Figure 7, the first boss 110 can also be disposed on the inner side of the connecting body 101, that is, the hook 330 on the plug is engaged with the inner side of the connecting body 101, or its annular circumferential surface. More precisely, the hook 330 on the plug is engaged with the first boss 110 on the radially inner side of the annular circumferential surface, specifically engaged with the surface of the first boss 110 facing the first decorative accessory 200 (see Figure 7), which can also achieve a similar fixing effect on the plug. Optionally, the connecting body 101 uses a screw, with the screw head extending axially away from the first decorative accessory 200 at the end away from the first decorative accessory 200 to form an annular mounting portion 111. The annular mounting portion 111, or its free end, forms the first boss 110 radially inward. That is, the first boss 110 is disposed on the inner side of the connecting body 101, or its annular circumferential surface. It is worth noting that in this embodiment, the annular mounting part 111 and the screw are integrally formed as a single component. This design makes the structure more reliable and reduces the number of parts in the assembly process, thus improving assembly efficiency. Furthermore, the first boss 110 extends inward, and the plug is connected to the inner side of the connecting body 101, resulting in a more compact structure that occupies less space. This is more conducive to saving space and allows for more design and installation space for other components, making the layout of components on the steering wheel more flexible.

[0067] It should be noted that the first protrusion 110 is located on the inner or outer side of the connecting body 101, and can be designed according to the actual structure of the plug and the actual installation position of the plug.

[0068] It is understood that if the plug is snapped onto the inner side of the connecting body 101, the plug structure can adopt the structure shown in Figure 8. The column 320 on the plug has a complete circumferential surface, with a notch 350 formed on the circumferential surface. The hook 330 is located at the end of the column 320 away from the plug 310 and is located on the outer side of the circumferential surface of the column 320. Optionally, there are four notches 350 and four hooks 330, with a notch 350 formed between two adjacent hooks 330. The number and shape of the notches 350 and the number and shape of the hooks 330 can be flexibly set according to the actual situation, and are not specifically limited here.

[0069] The first protrusion 110 is located on the inner side of the connecting body 101, and the hook 330 on the plug is located on the outer side of the circumferential surface of the column 320. When the annular mounting part 111 of the connector 100 is fitted onto the column 320 of the plug, the hook 330 on the column 320 can be engaged with the first protrusion 110, resulting in a reliable structure, high connection reliability, and resistance to loosening or falling off. Furthermore, the notch 350 on the column 320 facilitates the installation of the column 320 and the connector 100, improving the convenience and smoothness of installation.

[0070] Referring to Figures 9 to 11, optionally, the retaining part 103 includes a collar 120. The collar 120 is connected to the end of the connecting body 101 away from the first decorative accessory 200, and the collar 120 is engaged with the second decorative accessory 300. The collar 120 and the connecting body 101 are integrally formed or separately fixedly connected. In this embodiment, the collar 120 and the connecting body 101 are separately connected. In this way, the connecting body 101 can use standard screw parts, which is more convenient to process and manufacture, and the cost is lower. Furthermore, by changing the size and specifications of the collar 120, it can adapt to the installation of different plugs, which has better versatility and more flexible application scenarios.

[0071] Optionally, the collar 120 is provided with a second boss 123 protruding radially outward, and the hook 330 on the second decorative accessory 300 engages with the second boss 123.

[0072] In this embodiment, the connector 100 uses a standard screw. A collar 120 is fitted onto the head of the screw. A through hole 410 is provided on the steering wheel frame 400, and the screw passes through the through hole 410 to lock the switch assembly onto the steering wheel frame 400. The hook 330 on the plug engages with the collar 120 on the screw head. This achieves the fixed installation of the plug and the switch assembly using a single connector 100.

[0073] Optionally, the connecting body 101 is provided with a flange 113, and a collar 120 is sleeved on the flange 113. In this embodiment, the flange 113 can be understood as the head of a screw. Referring to Figure 12, the collar 120 includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other. The first end is provided with an inwardly extending flange 121, which is sleeved on the screw and abuts against the flange 113. The second end is engaged with the second trim accessory 300, i.e., the plug. It should be understood that the screw passes sequentially through the second end, the first end, and the through hole 410 on the steering wheel frame 400 to lock and fix the switch assembly to the steering wheel frame 400. During the screw tightening process, the head of the screw and the steering wheel frame 400 clamp the flange 121 on the collar 120. That is, the flange 121 of the collar 120 is clamped and fixed between the screw head and the steering wheel frame 400, resulting in a stable structure. The second end of the collar 120 has a second protrusion 123 extending outward, so that the hook 330 of the plug can be engaged with the second protrusion 123. In this way, the plug and the switch assembly are fixed, and the structure is reliable.

[0074] Referring to Figure 13, in some other embodiments, the collar 120 has a third boss 125 protruding radially inward, and the second decorative fitting 300 is engaged with the third boss 125. That is, the second decorative fitting 300 is connected to the inner side of the collar 120. This arrangement makes the structure more compact, saves space, has a higher space utilization rate, and is beneficial to the installation and layout of other components.

[0075] Specifically, the collar 120 and the connecting body 101 are connected separately. The connecting part 100 uses a standard screw, the first trim accessory 200 is a switch assembly, and the second trim accessory 300 is a plug. The first end of the collar 120 has an inwardly flanged edge 121, which abuts against the head of the screw. The second end of the collar 120 has an inwardly flanged edge 125, so that the hook 330 of the plug can be engaged with the third flange 125. During assembly, the screw is first assembled with the collar 120, and the screw passes through the second end and the first end of the collar 120 in sequence, so that the flange 121 at the first end is held by the head of the screw. Then the screw is inserted into the through hole 410 of the steering wheel frame 400 to lock and fix the switch assembly. Then the hook 330 on the plug is engaged with the third flange 125 at the second end of the collar 120 to complete the fixation of the plug.

[0076] Optionally, the collar 120 in this embodiment can be made of plastic, which is easy to injection mold, convenient to manufacture, and low in cost. It is also lightweight and easy to install.

[0077] It should be noted that, regardless of whether the plug is attached to the inside or outside of the connector 100, and regardless of whether the plug is attached to the first boss 110, the second boss 123, or the third boss 125, it should be ensured that there is an overlap of H1 between the plug hook 330 and the boss, and that there is a gap of H2 between the hook 330 and the connector 100 or between the hook 330 and the collar 120, so that the snap-fit ​​structure is stable, reliable, and easy to install.

[0078] The steering wheel provided in this embodiment of the invention has a through hole 410 on the steering wheel frame 400 for the connector 100 to pass through. In this steering wheel, the number of through holes 410 on the steering wheel frame 400 is small, the connection structure of the switch assembly and the plug is compact, occupying little space. Furthermore, it can improve the installation reliability of the plug and switch assembly without affecting the structural strength of the steering wheel frame 400, making installation convenient, structurally stable, and allowing for flexible spatial layout.

[0079] It should be noted that the number of connectors 100 can be set according to the actual number of first trim accessories 200 and second trim accessories 300 to be installed. Compared with the prior art, the connection method of connectors 100 provided in this embodiment can significantly reduce the number of holes in the steering wheel frame 400, thereby ensuring that the structural strength of the steering wheel frame 400 is not affected. Furthermore, it is easy to install, and the connection structure is stable and reliable.

[0080] In summary, the steering wheel provided in this embodiment of the invention has the following beneficial effects, including:

[0081] The steering wheel provided in this embodiment of the invention uses a connector 100 to fix both the first trim accessory 200 and the second trim accessory 300. This reduces the number of openings on the steering wheel frame 400, minimizing the impact on the structural strength of the steering wheel frame 400, while also saving space, reducing the number of assembly parts, and improving assembly efficiency. Furthermore, it improves the structural reliability of the trim accessory fixing structure, as the connection structure is not limited by the thickness of the foam material 30. The structure is compact, occupying little space, which is beneficial for the layout and installation of other components. Moreover, the connector 100 is also suitable for installing plugs of different specifications and models, offering low cost, structural stability, and flexible application scenarios.

[0082] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering wheel, characterized in that, The steering wheel includes: Steering wheel frame (400); First decorative accessory (200); At least one connector (100); the connector (100) is connected to the first trim piece (200) to secure the first trim piece (200) to the steering wheel frame (400); The second decorative accessory (300) is connected to the connector (100).

2. The steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first trim piece (200) and the second trim piece (300) are respectively disposed on both sides of the steering wheel frame (400). One end of the connector (100) passes through the steering wheel frame (400) and is connected to the first trim piece (200), and the other end of the connector (100) is connected to the second trim piece (300).

3. The steering wheel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connector (100) engages with the second decorative accessory (300).

4. The steering wheel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connector (100) includes a connecting body (101) and a retaining part (103) connected together. The connecting body (101) is connected to the first trim accessory (200) to fix the first trim accessory (200) on the steering wheel frame (400). The second trim accessory (300) is provided with a hook (330), and the retaining part (103) engages with the hook (330).

5. The steering wheel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The retaining part (103) is a first protrusion (110) provided on the connecting body (101), and the hook (330) is retained on the first protrusion (110).

6. The steering wheel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting body (101) includes an annular circumferential surface, and the first boss (110) is arranged radially outward or inward along the annular circumferential surface.

7. The steering wheel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The retaining part (103) includes a collar (120) connected to the end of the connecting body (101) away from the first decorative accessory (200), and the collar (120) engages with the hook (330).

8. The steering wheel according to claim 7, characterized in that, The collar (120) is provided with a second protrusion (123) protruding outward in the radial direction, and the hook (330) engages with the second protrusion (123); Alternatively, the collar (120) may have a third protrusion (125) protruding radially inward, and the hook (330) may engage with the third protrusion (125).

9. The steering wheel according to claim 8, characterized in that, The collar (120) includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other. The first end is provided with a flange (121), and the connecting body (101) is provided with a flange (113). The flange (121) abuts against the flange (113). The second end is provided with a second boss (123) or a third boss (125) that engages with the second decorative accessory (300).

10. The steering wheel according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that, The connecting body (101) uses screws.

11. The steering wheel according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that, The connecting body (101) and the holding part (103) are integrally formed, or the connecting body (101) and the holding part (103) are separately connected.

12. The steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first trim piece (200) includes a switch assembly, and the connector (100) is used to secure the switch assembly to the steering wheel frame (400), and / or, The second decorative accessory (300) includes a plug that is connected to the connector (100).

13. The steering wheel according to claim 12, characterized in that, The plug includes a connected plug (310) and at least one column (320), at least one of the columns (320) is provided with a hook (330), the hook (330) engaging with the connector (100).

14. The steering wheel according to claim 13, characterized in that, The column (320) has at least one notch (350).

15. The steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The steering wheel frame (400) has a through hole (410) for the connector (100) to pass through.

16. The steering wheel according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first boss (110) extends directly outward from the annular circumferential surface along the radial direction of the annular circumferential surface, or... The connecting body (101) extends axially at one end away from the first decorative fitting (200) to form an annular mounting portion (111), and the annular mounting portion (111) forms the first boss (110) radially inward.

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