阅读说明：本技术 安全气囊模块的可拆卸式安装装置 (Detachable installation device of safety air bag module ) 是由 A·杜卡多奈德 F·默因纳德 F·塔特 R·福林格尼 于 2019-06-28 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种安全气囊模块的可拆卸式安装装置,所述安装装置包括至少两个挂钩(11),它们与安全气囊模块(1)或方向盘(2)的其中之一相连,其中挂钩(11)与多个插入元件(35)和一个弹性环(30)配合,其中插入元件位于没有连接挂钩的那个安全气囊模块(1)上或方向盘(2)上,从而在相互作用区内形成挂钩(11)保持元件,其中弹性环(30)包括：-延伸到相互作用区域内的第一部分(31)-第二部分(32),其特征在于：所述安装装置包括弹性环(30)导向元件(33,34),当第二部分(32)沿着远离方向盘(2)转轴的方向移动时,使得第一部分(31)移动到相互作用区域之外。(The invention relates to a detachable mounting arrangement for an airbag module, said mounting arrangement comprising at least two hooks (11) which are connected to one of the airbag module (1) or the steering wheel (2), wherein the hooks (11) cooperate with a plurality of insert elements (35) and an elastic ring (30), wherein the insert elements are located on the airbag module (1) or the steering wheel (2) to which the hooks are not connected, so as to form hook (11) retaining elements in an interaction region, wherein the elastic ring (30) comprises: -a first portion (31) -a second portion (32) extending into the interaction region, characterized in that: the mounting means comprise guide elements (33, 34) of the elastic ring (30) which, when the second part (32) is moved in a direction away from the axis of rotation of the steering wheel (2), cause the first part (31) to move outside the interaction region.)

1. A detachable mounting device for mounting an airbag module (1) on a steering wheel (2),

the mounting device comprises at least two hooks (11) which are connected to one of the airbag module (1) or the steering wheel (2), wherein the hooks (11) cooperate with a plurality of insert elements (35) and an elastic ring (30), wherein the insert elements are located on the other airbag module (1) or the steering wheel (2) to which the hooks are not connected, so that hook (11) retaining elements are formed on the other airbag module (1) or the steering wheel (2) which are located in the region of interaction with the hooks (11),

wherein the elastic ring (30) is held on the other airbag module (1) or the steering wheel (2) in the direction of the steering wheel axis by a first locking element (36) and is arranged close to an insertion element (35), the elastic ring (30) comprising:

-a first portion (31) extending into the interaction area to form a second portion (32) of the retaining element of the hook (11) between the first portions (31) of the resilient ring (30), -in addition, the mounting device further comprises a guiding element (33, 34) of the resilient ring (30) which moves the first portion (31) of the resilient ring (30) out of the interaction area with the hook (11) and thus releases the hook (11) on the other airbag module (1) or on the steering wheel (2) when the second portion (32) is moved in a direction away from the rotation axis of the steering wheel (2), characterized in that the resilient ring (30) is retained on the other airbag module (1) or on the steering wheel (2) in the direction of the steering wheel axis by a second locking element (37) and is arranged between the first locking elements (36).

2. The detachable mounting device for mounting an airbag module to a steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: the hook (11) is connected to an airbag module, the mounting device further comprising a mounting plate (3) designed to be mounted on the steering wheel (2) frame,

the mounting plate (3) comprises a plurality of openings (35) forming insertion elements, wherein each opening (35) is capable of receiving one hook (11), and the first and second locking elements (36, 37) of the elastic ring (30) are provided on the mounting plate (3) or on the steering wheel (2).

3. A detachable mounting arrangement for an airbag module to a steering wheel according to any preceding claim wherein: close to the elastic ring (30) and between the second portion (32) and each first portion (31) of the elastic ring (30), said guide elements (33, 34) comprise:

a stop tab (33) for limiting the movement of the elastic ring (30) when the second portion (32) is moved, so as to rotate the first portion (31) outside the region of interaction with the respective hook (11).

4. A detachable mounting apparatus for mounting an airbag module to a steering wheel according to claim 3, wherein: the device comprises two limiting sheets (33) which are symmetrical relative to the plane of the rotating shaft of the steering wheel (2).

5. The detachable mounting device for mounting an airbag module to a steering wheel according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: close to the elastic ring and between the second portion (32) and the stop tab (33), the guide element comprises a guide tab (34) of the elastic ring (30).

6. The detachable mounting device for mounting an airbag module on a steering wheel according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: the elastic ring (30) comprises three folds (38) located between the second portion (32) and the stop tab (33).

7. The detachable mounting device for mounting an airbag module on a steering wheel according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: in the direction in which the second part (32) moves away from the axis of rotation of the steering wheel (2), the distance (D1) between the stop tab (33) and the second part (32) is 30% to 70% of the distance (D2) between the second part and the center (C) of the interaction region (35).

8. A detachable mounting arrangement for an airbag module to a steering wheel according to any preceding claim wherein: the elastic ring (30) is provided with an opening, wherein the first portion (31) is located at a free end of the elastic ring (30).

9. A detachable mounting arrangement for an airbag module to a steering wheel according to any preceding claim wherein: the second portion (32) of the elastic ring is arranged substantially equidistant from the first portion (31) on the elastic ring (30).

10. A detachable mounting arrangement for an airbag module to a steering wheel according to any preceding claim wherein: the first and second locking elements (36, 37) prevent the elastic ring (30) from moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the elastic ring (30) lies.

11. A detachable mounting arrangement for an airbag module to a steering wheel according to any preceding claim wherein: the first and second locking elements are formed by hooks.

12. A detachable mounting arrangement for an airbag module to a steering wheel according to any preceding claim wherein: the second locking element (37) is arranged at the second portion (32).

13. The detachable mounting device for mounting an airbag module to a steering wheel according to claims 5 and 12, wherein: it comprises two hooks (37) which are located between two guide blades (34).

14. A dismounting tool (4) for dismounting a detachable mounting device for mounting an airbag module (1) on a steering wheel (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dismounting tool (4) comprises:

a guard handle (41) mounted along the axis,

a link end (42), the free end of the link (42) comprising a recess (43) having an inner dimension substantially corresponding to the outer dimension of the cross-section of the second portion (32) of the resilient ring (30), whereby the link (42) points away from the axis of rotation of the steering wheel (2) when the recess (43) is engaged with the second portion (32).

15. A steering wheel (2) assembly comprising an airbag module (1) of a detachable mounting device according to claims 1 to 13 and a removal tool (4) according to claim 14.

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a detachable mounting device for mounting an airbag module to a steering wheel.

Background

US2003173759 discloses a structure for detachably mounting an airbag module to a steering wheel. The structure includes a mounting plate that defines an opening for receiving a foot of the airbag component. The mounting plate is provided with a spring which extends through the opening for securing by a locking mechanism. When a pushing force is exerted on a given point of the spring, the spring moves in a predetermined manner, while a portion of the spring is restrained so that they do not pass beyond the corresponding opening, thereby releasing the module. The urging force of the unlocking spring is applied to a small area of the spring, which may cause improper operation at the time of unlocking operation.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art documents mentioned above and in particular to propose a detachable mounting device which allows the effort required to unlock the airbag module to be small and which facilitates the detachment by maintaining the restraining force on the module.

To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to a detachable mounting device for mounting an airbag module on a steering wheel, the mounting device comprising at least two hooks, which are connected to one of the airbag module or the steering wheel, wherein the hooks cooperate with a plurality of insert elements and an elastic ring, wherein the insert elements are located on the airbag module or the steering wheel to which the hooks are not connected, so that hook retaining elements are formed on the other airbag module or the steering wheel, which hook retaining elements are located in the region of interaction with the hooks,

-wherein an elastic ring is held by the first locking element in the direction of the steering wheel axis on the other airbag module or on the steering wheel and is arranged close to the insert element, the elastic ring comprising:

-a first portion extending into the interaction region to form a hook holding element

-a second part located between the first parts of the resilient ring, and in addition the mounting device comprises a resilient ring guide element which causes the first part of the resilient ring to move out of the region of interaction with the catch, thus releasing the catch on the other airbag module or steering wheel when the second part is moved in a direction away from the steering wheel rotation axis, characterized in that the resilient ring is held on the other airbag module or steering wheel in the direction of the steering wheel axis by the second locking element and is arranged between the first locking elements.

It will therefore be appreciated that disassembly can be effected by pulling on the elastic ring rather than pushing it. This allows to provide a system requiring only a small disassembly force, since there is less restriction on the length of displacement of the second part of the elastic ring required for disassembly. In practice, if the airbag module is mounted on the steering wheel, there are generally fewer components near the second portion of the elastomeric ring when the elastomeric ring is away from the axis of rotation of the steering wheel. Thus, a longer lever arm can be formed to reduce the deformation force of the elastic ring and thus the force required for disassembly. Thus, the device can be disassembled by a displacement of the second part of 5 to 10 mm. With a displacement within this range, detachment can be performed with a force of 100N or less. It will also be appreciated that the steering wheel shaft is the axis about which the steering wheel can be rotated to change the direction of the vehicle in which the steering wheel is located.

The insert element may take the form of one or more holes, openings, grooves or recesses, for example. The guide elements may take the form of, for example, one or more pins, recesses, grooves or ribs.

The second locking element makes it possible in particular to avoid accidental disengagement of the elastic ring from its working position during the removal operation, due to improper operation with the tool.

According to another variant, the hook is connected to an airbag module, the mounting device further comprising a mounting plate, which is designed to be mounted on the steering wheel frame,

the mounting plate comprises a plurality of openings forming the insertion elements, wherein each opening is capable of receiving a hook, the first and second locking elements of the elastic ring being provided on the mounting plate or on the steering wheel.

The mounting plate may in particular facilitate the assembly operation. In practice, the resilient ring may be pre-assembled on the mounting plate prior to mounting the mounting plate on the steering wheel.

According to another embodiment variant, the guide element comprises, close to the elastic ring and between the second portion and each first portion of the elastic ring:

a stop tab for limiting the movement of the elastic ring when the second portion is moved, so as to rotate the first portion outside the region of interaction with the corresponding hook.

The limiting piece can convert the translational motion of the second part into the rotational motion of the first part.

According to another embodiment, the device comprises two limiting plates which are symmetrical with respect to the plane of the steering wheel spindle.

According to another embodiment variant, the guide element comprises an elastic ring guide plate, close to the elastic ring and between the second portion and the stop plate.

According to another embodiment, the elastic ring comprises three folds, which are located between the second part and the stop piece.

According to another embodiment, the distance between the limiting piece and the second part in the direction in which the second part moves away from the steering wheel rotation axis is 30% to 70% of the distance between the second part and the center of the interaction area.

According to another embodiment, the device comprises two guide blades which are symmetrical with respect to the plane in which the axis of rotation of the steering wheel lies.

The elastic piece can correctly guide the elastic ring to move along the disassembling direction, namely along the direction far away from the rotating shaft of the steering wheel. Thus, by means of them it is possible to avoid a complete rotation of the elastic ring, in particular in a direction parallel to the steering wheel rotation axis; rotation may complicate simultaneous disengagement of the elastic loop from the hook.

According to another embodiment variant, the elastic ring is provided with an opening, wherein the first portion is located at a free end of the elastic ring.

The tensile force can be reduced by using an elastic ring with an opening.

According to another embodiment variant, the second portion of the elastic ring is arranged substantially equidistant from the first portion on the elastic ring.

This particular arrangement allows the first portion to move symmetrically.

According to another embodiment variant, the locking element prevents the elastic ring from moving in a direction perpendicular to the direction away from the axis of rotation of the steering wheel, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the steering wheel.

When the predetermined distance is greater than the distance required for disassembly, the locking element may also prevent movement in a direction away from the steering wheel axis of rotation, which may prevent disassembly of the elastomeric ring.

According to another embodiment variant, the first and second locking elements are formed by hooks.

According to another embodiment variant, the second locking element is arranged at the second portion.

The elastic rings can be limited from deforming when the airbag module is started through the hooks.

According to another embodiment variant, the mounting means comprise two second hooks, which are located between the two guide blades.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a disassembly tool for disassembling a mounting arrangement of an airbag module according to the first aspect of the invention, characterized in that the disassembly tool comprises:

a protective handle arranged along the axis of the shaft,

the free end of the link, which is at the end of the link, comprises a recess, the inner dimension of which substantially corresponds to the outer dimension of the cross-section of the second part of the elastic ring, so that the link points away from the axis of rotation of the steering wheel 2 when the recess is engaged with the second part.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a steering wheel assembly comprising an airbag module of a mounting arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention and a removal tool according to the second aspect of the invention.

Drawings

Other features and advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood from the detailed description of embodiments of the invention, given purely as a non-limiting illustrative example and provided with the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a first exploded view of a steering wheel equipped with a removable mounting device for an airbag module;

figure 2 shows a bottom view of the detachable airbag module mounting means in the locked position;

figure 3 shows a bottom view of the detachable airbag module mounting means in the unlocked position;

figure 4 shows a tool for dismounting a device for detachably mounting an airbag module on a steering wheel according to the invention;

figure 5 shows a detail of the removal tool;

Detailed Description

The detachable mounting device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to fig. 1 to 3.

As shown, the steering wheel 2 rotates about an axis along the rotational axis a thereof, thereby changing the direction of the wheels through a mechanical, electrical, and/or hydraulic transmission mechanism (not shown).

In a known manner, the airbag module 1 is mounted on the steering wheel 2 by means of, for example, a fastening plate 3. The mounting plate 3 on the steering wheel 2 is fixed by screws 21. The airbag module 1 is mounted on the mounting plate 3 by clamping. For this purpose, the mounting plate comprises a plurality of openings or apertures 35, through which openings or apertures 35 the hooks 11 of the airbag module 1 are inserted. The module 1 is clamped to the mounting plate 3 by means of an elastic ring 30, said elastic ring 30 interacting with the hook 11 in an interaction area at the opening 35. According to the embodiment variant shown, the spring ring 30 is mounted on the mounting plate 3, but embodiments variants in which the spring ring 30 is mounted or connected to the steering wheel frame 2 and/or to the airbag module 1 are also conceivable. It is apparent that if the elastic ring 30 is mounted or attached to the airbag module 1, the hook 11 is mounted or attached to the steering wheel 2.

As shown in fig. 2, the resilient ring 30 includes a first portion 31 that extends through an opening 35 in the mounting plate 3. When the airbag module 1 is mounted on the mounting plate 3, the first portion 31 of the elastic ring 30 engages in the hook 11 of the airbag module 1, so that the hook 11 cannot be removed any more without the first portion 31 of the elastic ring 30 disengaging. This arrangement ensures that the airbag module 1 is retained on the steering wheel 2, particularly when the airbag is deployed.

According to the invention, the elastic ring 30 comprises a second portion 32, which is located between the first portion 31 of the elastic ring 30 and the guide elements 33, 34. The guide elements 33, 34 are designed such that: when the second portion 32 is moved in a direction away from the axis of rotation a of the steering wheel 2, the first portion 31 is moved out of the interaction region of the hook 11. In other words, when a user pulls the second portion 32 of the elastic ring 30 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis a, the pulling force causes the second portion 32 of the elastic ring 30 to move on the mounting plate 3. This movement is guided by the guide elements 33, 34 so that the first portion 31 moves outside the interaction region of the hook 11.

For each first portion 31 of the elastic ring 30, the guide elements 33, 34 comprise a stop tab 33. Each stop tab 33 is positioned between the first portion 31 and the second portion 32, in close proximity to the elastic ring 30, or preferably in contact with the elastic ring 30, and is eccentrically positioned with respect to the second portion 32. When the second portion 32 moves in the pulling direction, the movement of the elastic ring 30 is limited to the position-limiting piece 33. Thus, the pulling force exerted on the second portion 32 connected to the elastic ring 30 moves each first portion 31 outside the area of interaction with the hooks 11. In the direction of the pulling force (i.e. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation a), the distance D1 between the stopper 33 and the second portion 32 is 30% to 70% of the distance D2 between the second portion and the center C of the interaction region 35. This ensures that the unlocking force is acceptable and limits the risk of deformation of the elastic ring from the second portion into the area of the guide element 33.

According to the embodiment variant shown, the elastic ring 30 is provided with an opening, so that the first portion constitutes the free end of the elastic ring 30. By using an elastic ring 30 with an opening, the pulling force exerted on the second part 32, which is used to displace the first part 31, can be reduced. According to this variant, the movement of each first portion 31 is mainly a rotation, the axis of which is close to the respective stop tab 33.

Likewise, according to the embodiment variant shown, elastic ring 30 comprises three folds 38, which are located between guide element 33 and second portion 32. A corrugation is understood to mean the junction of two successive portions of the elastic ring, forming a non-zero angle between them. These folds give the elastic ring 30 rigidity so that the maximum force applied during disassembly is translated into a displacement of the first portion 31 of the elastic ring 30.

According to a variant, the stop tab 33 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane of the rotation axis a of the steering wheel 2.

Fig. 3 shows the position of the first part 31 at the end of the pulling of the second part 32. In this position, the hook 11, not shown, no longer engages with the elastic ring 30, so that the airbag module 1 can be pulled out of the steering wheel 2.

Each first end 31 of the guide elements 33, 34 may comprise a guide tab 34. According to one embodiment, each guide tab 34 is disposed between the second portion 32 and the stop tab 33 of the respective first end 31. The guide tabs 34 ensure that the resilient ring 30 is located on the mounting plate when a pulling force is applied to prevent the resilient ring from being pulled out of the mounting plate 3. They also avoid elastic ring rotation which could prevent simultaneous disengagement of the hooks 11.

According to a variant, the guide stop 34 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane of the axis a of rotation of the steering wheel 2.

According to the embodiment variant shown in the figures, the limiting lugs 33 and/or the guide lugs 34 are arranged on the mounting plate 3, however, according to other embodiment variants, the guide elements can also be arranged on the steering wheel frame 2 and/or on the airbag module 1.

According to a further embodiment variant, the guide element can take the form of, for example, one or more pins, recesses, grooves or ribs.

The resilient ring 30 and/or the first and second portions of the resilient ring 30 are retained on the mounting plate 3 by locking elements 36, 37. These locking elements 36, 37 ensure that the elastic ring remains in a plane substantially parallel to the mounting plate 3, while allowing it to move freely in this plane. A locking element 37 is shown which serves primarily to prevent the elastic ring 30 from moving when the airbag module 1 is activated.

According to the embodiment variant shown, the locking elements 36, 37 take the form of L-shaped hooks provided on the mounting plate 3. The first hooks 36 are provided at both sides of the opening 35. These first hooks ensure the correct positioning of the first portion 31 of the elastic ring 30 during the airbag module mounting operation. These first hooks 36 ensure the guidance of the first portion 31 when unlocked. A second hook 37 is placed at the second portion 32 of the elastic ring 30. For example, the second hook 37 is located between the guide tabs 33, 34 and the second portion 32 of the elastic ring 30.

The second hook 37 improves the retention of the elastic ring 30. This makes it possible in particular to improve the performance of the elastic ring during use of the airbag, avoiding or at least reducing vibration noises. The two hooks 37 can also prevent the elastic ring 30 from disengaging, for example by moving towards the steering wheel shaft, if a removal tool is used to push the elastic ring. The detachment of the airbag module can thus be completely prevented by the detachment of the elastic ring 30.

According to a further embodiment variant, the locking elements 36, 37 can be arranged on the steering wheel frame 2 and/or on the airbag module 1.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a disassembly tool for disassembling a detachable installation arrangement of an airbag module according to the invention. Unlocking of the elastic loop 30 is achieved by applying a pulling force to the second portion 32 of the elastic loop 30, as described above. However, the elastic ring 30 is not accessible when the airbag module is mounted on the steering wheel frame. The dismounting tool according to the invention can be inserted through a small opening provided in the steering wheel, for example at the mounting plate 3.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the removal tool 4 includes a grip knob 41, the end of which protrudes in the longitudinal axis direction of the handle 41 through a link 42. The free end of the link 42 is opposite the handle 41 and includes a notch 43. The shape of the notch 43 corresponds to the outer shape of the second portion 32 of the elastic ring 30, so as to be able to engage with the second portion 32. The notch 43 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the link 42. Thus, when the link ends engage the second portion 32 of the elastic ring 30, the removal tool 4 is substantially perpendicular to the second portion 32 of the elastic ring 30.

The detachment/replacement operation of the airbag module is performed as follows: the user inserts the removal tool 4 through an opening provided specifically for this purpose in the steering wheel until the notch 42 of the link 41 engages the second portion 32 of the elastic ring 30. To facilitate this operation, free space is left on both sides of the second portion 32 in the direction of the pulling force.

The user then applies a pulling force to the removal tool 4 until the first portion 31 of the elastic ring 30 moves outside the interaction area with the hook 11 of the airbag module 1. The airbag module can then be pulled out.

It will be understood that various modifications and/or improvements obvious to the person skilled in the art may be made to the embodiments of the invention described in this specification without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

In particular, according to a further embodiment variant, which is not shown, the mounting device does not comprise a mounting plate and the airbag module comprises a hook. According to this embodiment variant, the steering wheel frame comprises an insert element for receiving a hook of the airbag module. These insertion elements may take the form of openings, for example provided on the mounting plate, or simple recesses. The steering wheel also comprises a locking element of an elastic ring, for example of the type of locking element in the embodiment variants shown in fig. 1-3. In a modification as described above, the resilient ring interacts with the catch to retain the airbag module on the steering wheel.

According to another implementation variant, not shown, the mounting means do not comprise a mounting plate and the frame of the steering wheel comprises a hook. According to this embodiment variant, the airbag module comprises an insert element for receiving a hook of the steering wheel. These insertion elements may take the form of openings, for example provided in the mounting plate, or simple recesses, or one or more holes, openings, grooves or recesses. The airbag module further comprises a resilient ring locking element. In the above-described modification, the elastic ring interacts with the hook so as to retain the airbag module on the steering wheel.