JP2002012117A - Air bag module mounting structure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide air bag module mounting structure capable of releasing the engagement between the hook sections and the locking bodies at a plurality of locking portions simultaneously and removing an air bag module from a steering wheel easily. SOLUTION: A plurality of pins 29 projected in the bottom face of the air bag module are inserted into a plurality of the insertion holes 18 provided on the steering wheel, and the hook section 30 provided to each pin 29 is engaged with the locking wires 23 provided in each insertion hole 18. In this constitution, the air bag module is mounted on the steering wheel. The locking wire 23 is formed onto a nearly ring shape by a continuous wire material. The engagement of the locking wire 23 with a plurality of hook sections 30 is released simultaneously by turning the locking wire 23 by means of an operation section 24.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an airbag module mounting structure for mounting an airbag module on a steering wheel in a vehicle or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a structure for mounting an airbag module of this type, for example, a structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 10-500922 is known. That is, in this conventional configuration, a plurality of pins (for example, four) are protruded from the bottom surface of the airbag module, and a hook portion is formed at the tip of each of the pins. A plurality (for example, two) of holding members are attached to the core of the steering wheel, and a plurality of (for example, two for each) corresponding to the pins are attached to the holding members.
) Are formed. An elastic locking wire is attached to each holding member, and a part thereof is extended in each insertion hole in a direction intersecting its axis.

When the airbag module is mounted on a steering wheel, a plurality of pins are inserted into the insertion holes, and the hooks of the pins are elastically engaged with the locking wires in the insertion holes. As a result, the airbag module is locked and held on the steering wheel.

[0004]

However, in the conventional airbag module mounting structure, when the airbag module is once mounted and then needs to be replaced, the airbag module is steered. There was a problem that it was difficult to remove from the wheel.

That is, for example, in a four-spoke type steering wheel, working holes are formed in a back cover of the steering wheel, and the working holes correspond to four locking portions of a hook portion and a locking wire. ing. Therefore, when removing the airbag module, insert a removal jig such as a screwdriver into each of the locking points from this work hole, deform the locking wire against elasticity, and release the engagement with the hook part in order. Was. in this way,
It is necessary to release the engagement between the hook portion and the locking wire for the plurality of locking portions in order by a driver or the like, and the releasing work is very troublesome and requires a long working time.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to such problems existing in the conventional technology. It is an object of the present invention to provide an airbag module mounting structure in which the engagement between a hook portion and a locking body at a plurality of locking locations can be simultaneously released, and the airbag module can be easily removed from a steering wheel. Is to do.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of pins projecting from a bottom surface of an airbag module are provided with a plurality of insertion pins provided on a steering wheel. In the airbag module mounting structure, the airbag module is mounted on the steering wheel by being inserted into the hole and engaging the hook formed on each pin with the locking body provided in the insertion hole. The locking body is formed in a substantially ring shape by one continuous wire, and the engagement with the plurality of hook portions is simultaneously released by rotating the locking body to the release position. It is a feature.

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the engagement between the hook portion and the locking body at the plurality of locking locations is achieved by rotating the locking body to the release position by one-touch operation. Can be canceled at the same time. Therefore, the airbag module can be easily removed from the steering wheel.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the locking member has a relief portion for releasing the engagement with the hook portion in a state of being rotated to the release position. Is provided.

Therefore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, by rotating the locking wire to the release position, the relief portion on the locking body corresponds to the hook portion and locks with the hook portion. The engagement with the body can be easily released.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the locking body is provided with an operation portion for rotating the locking body to a release position. Things.

Therefore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily rotate the locking member to the release position by operating the operating portion. The invention described in claim 4 is the first invention.
The steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the steering wheel is provided with a holding portion for holding the locking body at a position corresponding to each insertion hole, and a hook portion of each pin is engaged. The engagement body is separated from the holding portion in a state where the engagement body is engaged with the stop body.

Therefore, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the locking member can be reliably held in the mounting state corresponding to each insertion hole by the holding portion. When the hook portion of each pin is engaged with the locking member, the locking member is separated from the holding portion and presses and engages with the hook portion to securely lock and hold the airbag module to the steering wheel. Can be.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, at least three pins and three insertion holes are provided. is there.

Therefore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the airbag module can be locked and held in a stable state with respect to the steering wheel at three or more locking locations.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the insertion hole is formed in a holding member attached to a metal core of a steering wheel. The locking member is rotatably mounted on a holding member between a locking position and a releasing position.

Therefore, according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of insertion holes can be easily formed in the holding member made of synthetic resin or the like, and the locking member can be easily mounted on the holding member. Can be installed.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, a metal core 11 of a steering wheel is formed of a metal material, and a boss portion 12 for fitting a steering shaft is formed at the center thereof, and three portions on an outer peripheral edge are formed. Is formed with a through hole 13. An annular holding member 14 made of a synthetic resin is attached to a lower surface of the metal core 11 by a plurality of bolts (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the holding member 1
Four cylindrical portions 15 are protruded from the upper surface of the outer peripheral edge of 4, and a plurality of slits 16 are formed on the upper edge thereof, and a claw portion 17 is protruded from the outer periphery of the upper end. When the holding member 14 is attached to the metal core 11, these tubular portions 15 are fitted into the through holes 13 of the metal core 11,
The claw portion 17 is engaged with the upper opening edge of the through hole 13, and in this state, three insertion holes 18 are formed on the core metal 11 by the respective cylindrical portions 15.

A rib 19 is provided on the lower surface of the outer periphery of the holding member 14.
Are formed in a protruding manner, and a holding portion 20 is formed on a portion of the inner surface of the rib 19 corresponding to each tubular portion 15. Also,
A retaining portion 21 is formed at the lower end edge of the rib 19 so as to protrude inward so as to be adjacent to each tubular portion 15. Further, an opening 22 is formed on the side surface of the rib 19 so as to be adjacent to the cylindrical portion 15 at the front.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5,
At the bottom of the holding member 14, a locking wire 23 as a locking body is rotatably mounted. That is, the locking wire 23 is formed in a substantially circular ring shape partially open by one continuous elastic metal wire. And
The locking wire 23 is attached to the inside of the rib 19 of the holding member 14 in a state where the entire diameter is reduced, and
Has been prevented by. Further, both ends of the open portion of the locking wire 23 are folded toward the outer peripheral side, and locking portions 23 a are formed at three positions of the folded portion and the front edge of the locking wire 23. When the locking wire 23 is attached, the holding portion 20 is
By contacting a, each locking portion 23a is extended along the rib 19 in each insertion hole 18 in a direction intersecting the axial direction thereof.

An operating part 24 is provided at the front of the locking wire 23.
The operating portion 24 is projected forward through the opening 22 in a state where the locking wire 23 is attached to the holding member 14. In addition, a relief portion 25 is provided on the locking wire 23 so as to be adjacent to one side of each locking portion 23a. That is, the concave escape portion 25 is formed adjacent to the front locking portion 23a. A space-like escape portion 25 is formed adjacent to the left rear locking portion 23a at the rear end of the folded portion. A space-like escape portion 25 is formed adjacent to the right rear portion 23a at the front end of the folded portion.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, three pins 29 project from the bottom surface of the airbag module 28 mounted on the metal core 11 of the steering wheel.
At the tips of the pins 29, hook portions 30 are formed inward. Then, the airbag module 28
In the case of mounting on the core metal 11 of the steering wheel, each pin 29 is inserted into each insertion hole 18 of the holding member 14 so that each locking portion 23a of the locking wire 23 is Is elastically engaged from the inside. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, each of the locking portions 23a of the locking wire 23 is separated from the holding portion 20 and press-engaged and engaged with the hook portion 30 by its own elasticity.
Are locked and held on the metal core 11 at three locking points.

As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG.
A pair of engaging projections 26 and 27 are formed on the upper surface of the opening 22 at a predetermined interval. When the locking wire 23 is located at the locking position P1 on one side, the operating portion 24 is engaged with one of the engagement protrusions 26, and the locking wire 23 is held at the locking position P1. It is supposed to be. Further, the operation part 24 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIGS. 3 and 5A, and the locking wire 23 is released from the locking position P1 (see FIGS. 3 and 5A) to the other side. When the operating portion 24 is rotated to the position P2 (see FIGS. 3 and 5B), the operating portion 24 is engaged with the other engaging ridge 27, and the locking wire 23 is engaged.
Are held at the release position P2.

When the locking wire 23 is turned from the locking position P1 to the release position P2 with the airbag module 28 mounted on the cored bar 11, each pin 2
Nine hook portions 30 are separated from the locking portions 23a and arranged to correspond to the escape portions 25. This allows
Locking portion 23a of locking wire 23 at three locking locations
And the hook portion 30 are disengaged at the same time.

Next, the operation of the airbag module mounting structure configured as described above will be described. First,
When the airbag module 28 is mounted on the metal core 11 of the steering wheel, as shown in FIG. 1, three pins 29 protruding from the bottom surface of the airbag module 28 are held by the holding metal core 11. 3 on member 14
The two insertion holes 18 are inserted. Then, each locking portion 23a of the locking wire 23 disposed at the locking position P1 on the lower surface of the holding member 14 is elastically engaged with the hook portion 30 of the pin 29 from the inside in each insertion hole 18. Thereby, the airbag module 28 is locked and held on the core metal 11 at the three locking locations. Therefore, the airbag module 28 can be easily and quickly mounted on the steering wheel by one-touch operation.

If the airbag module 28 needs to be removed from the core 11 of the steering wheel when the airbag module 28 needs to be replaced while the airbag module 28 is mounted, the holding member 1
The operation portion 24 of the locking wire 23 protruding forward from the opening 22 of FIG. 4 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. Then, the locking wire 23 is rotated from the locking position P1 to the release position P2, and the hook 30 of the pin 29 is separated from the locking portion 23a at each locking location as shown in FIG. Escape part 25
Is arranged correspondingly. Thereby, the engagement between the locking portions 23a of the locking wire 23 and the hook portions 30 of the pins 29 is simultaneously released at the three locking locations. Therefore, the airbag module 28 can be released from the locked state by a one-touch operation, and can be easily removed from the mandrel 11 of the steering wheel.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) In this airbag module mounting structure, a plurality of pins 29 protruding from the bottom surface of the airbag module 28 are inserted into a plurality of insertion holes 18 provided in the steering wheel. As a result, the hook portions 30 formed on the pins 29 are engaged with the locking wires 23 provided in the insertion holes 18, and the airbag module 2
8 is locked and held on the steering wheel. Then, the locking wire 23 is formed in a substantially ring shape by one continuous wire, and the locking wire 23 is formed.
Is rotated to the release position P2, the engagement with the plurality of hook portions 30 is released at the same time.

Therefore, the engagement between the hook portion 30 and the locking wire 23 at a plurality of locking locations can be simultaneously released by rotating the locking wire 23 to the release position P2 by one-touch operation. Therefore, the airbag module 28 can be easily removed from the steering wheel.

(2) In this airbag module mounting structure, the locking wire 2 is placed on the locking wire 23.
An escape portion 25 is provided for releasing the engagement with the hook portion 30 in a state where 3 is rotated to the release position P2.

For this reason, the locking wire 23 is moved to the release position P2.
By rotating the hook portion 30, the escape portion 25 on the locking wire 23 is made to correspond to the hook portion 30, and the engagement between the hook portion 30 and the locking wire 23 can be easily released.

(3) In this mounting structure of the airbag module, the locking wire 23 is
The operation unit 24 for rotating the to the release position P2 is provided.

Thus, the operating wire 24 can be operated to easily rotate the locking wire 23 to the release position P2. (4) In the mounting structure of the airbag module, the holding member 20 for holding the locking wire 23 at a position corresponding to each of the insertion holes 18 is provided in the holding member 14 attached to the metal core 11 of the steering wheel. Have been. Then, the hook portion 30 of each pin 29 is
The engagement wire 23 is separated from the holding portion 20 in a state where the engagement wire 3 is engaged.

For this reason, the locking wire 23 can be reliably held in the mounting state corresponding to each insertion hole 18 by the holding portion 20. When the hook portion 30 of each pin 29 is engaged with the locking wire 23, the locking wire 23 is separated from the holding portion 20 and presses and engages with the hook portion 30 by its own elasticity. Can be firmly locked and held on the steering wheel.

(5) In the airbag module mounting structure, three pins 29 and three insertion holes 18 are provided. Therefore, the airbag module 28 can be locked and held in a stable state with respect to the steering wheel at the three locking points.

(6) In this airbag module mounting structure, the insertion hole 18 is formed in the holding member 14 mounted on the metal core 11 of the steering wheel. Then, the locking wire 23 is connected to the holding member 14.
It is mounted so as to be pivotable between a locking position P1 and a releasing position P2.

Therefore, the plurality of insertion holes 18 can be easily formed in the holding member 14 made of synthetic resin or the like, and the locking wire 23 can be easily mounted on the holding member 14.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on parts different from the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, a pair of locking portions 23a are formed on both sides of the front portion of the locking wire 23, and a pair of locking portions 23a are formed on the folded portions on both sides of the rear portion. Further, a concave relief portion 25 is formed adjacent to each front locking portion 23a, and a spatial relief portion 25 is formed adjacent to each rear locking portion 23a. On the other hand, four insertion holes 18 are formed in the holding member 14 attached to the metal core 11 of the steering wheel so as to correspond to each locking portion 23 a of the locking wire 23. Further, four pins 29 corresponding to the respective insertion holes 18 on the holding member 14 are protruded from the bottom surface of the airbag module 28.

By inserting these pins 29 into the insertion holes 18, the hook portions 30 of the pins 29 engage with the respective locking portions 23a of the locking wires 23, and the airbag module 28 is connected to the steering wheel. On the core metal 11 of
It is locked and held at four locking points (see FIG. 6A). Further, the locking wire 23 is connected to the locking position P1.
When the lock wire 23 is turned to the release position P2, the engagement between the locking portion 23a of the locking wire 23 and the hook portion 30 is simultaneously released at the four locking locations (see FIG. 6B). Has become.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the first
Almost the same effects as the effects (1) to (6) in the embodiment can be obtained. (Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on parts different from the first embodiment.

In the third embodiment, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the locking wire 23 is formed in a substantially endless circular ring shape without an open portion, and the locking portions 2
3a are formed. Further, a concave relief portion 25 is formed on the locking wire 23 so as to be adjacent to each locking portion 23a. Further, as in the second embodiment, four insertion holes 18 are formed in the holding member 14, and four pins 29 are protruded from the bottom surface of the airbag module 28.

As in the case of the second embodiment, the airbag module 28 is locked and held at four locking points on the metal core 11 of the steering wheel (see FIG. 7A). It has become. In addition, locking wire 2
By turning the 3 to the release position P2, the engagement between the locking wire 23 and the hook portion 30 at the four locking locations is simultaneously released (see FIG. 7B).

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the first
Almost the same effects as the effects (1) to (6) in the embodiment can be obtained. (Modification) This embodiment can be modified and embodied as follows.

In the third embodiment, three locking portions 23 a and a relief portion 25 are formed on the outer periphery of the locking wire 23, and the airbag module 28 is mounted on the core metal 11 of the steering wheel at the three locking locations. May be configured to be locked and held.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the number of locking positions by the engagement between the locking wire 23 and the hook portion 30 may be changed to two or five or more. In each of the above embodiments, the locking wire 23 may be configured to engage with the hook portion 30 from outside the plurality of pins 29.

[0048]

The present invention is configured as described above, and has the following effects. According to the first aspect of the invention, the engagement between the hook portion and the locking body at the plurality of locking locations can be simultaneously released, and the airbag module can be easily removed from the steering wheel.

According to the invention described in claim 2, according to claim 1
In addition to the effects of the invention described in the above, by rotating the locking wire to the release position, the relief portion on the locking member corresponds to the hook portion, and the engagement between the hook portion and the locking member is facilitated. Can be canceled.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first aspect is provided.
Alternatively, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 2, it is possible to easily rotate the locking body to the release position by operating the operation unit.

According to the invention set forth in claim 4, according to claim 1,
In addition to the effects of the invention according to any one of the third to third aspects, the locking body can be reliably held in the mounting state corresponding to each insertion hole by the holding portion. When the hook portion of each pin is engaged with the locking member, the locking member is separated from the holding portion and presses and engages with the hook portion to securely lock and hold the airbag module to the steering wheel. Can be.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first aspect is provided.
In addition to the effect of the invention described in any one of the fourth to fourth aspects, the airbag module can be locked and held in a stable state with respect to the steering wheel at three or more locking locations.

According to the invention set forth in claim 6, according to claim 1,
In addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 5 to 5, a plurality of insertion holes can be easily formed in a holding member made of a synthetic resin or the like, and locked on the holding member. The body can be easily worn.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a mounting structure of an airbag module according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of FIG.

3 is an enlarged partial perspective view showing an opening of the holding member of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the holding member of FIG. 2 as viewed from the bottom side.

FIG. 5 (a) is in the locking position, (b)
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the locking wire and the pin at the release position.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views illustrating states of a locking wire and a pin at a locking position, respectively, and FIG.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views showing a state of a locking wire and a pin at a locking position, respectively, and FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 ... steering wheel core, 14 ... holding member,
18 insertion hole, 20 holding part, 23 locking wire as locking body, 23a locking part, 24 operating part, 25 relief part, 28 airbag module, 29 pin, 30
Hook part, P1 ... locking position, P2 ... release position.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] September 13, 2000 (2009.1)
3)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] All figures

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG.

FIG. 3

FIG. 2

FIG. 4

FIG. 5

FIG. 6

FIG. 7

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of pins projecting from a bottom surface of an airbag module are inserted into a plurality of insertion holes provided in a steering wheel, and a hook formed on each pin is engaged with an engagement hole provided in the insertion hole. In the airbag module mounting structure in which the airbag module is mounted on the steering wheel by engaging with the body, the locking body is formed in a substantially ring shape by one continuous wire, and the locking is performed. An airbag module mounting structure, characterized in that the body is rotated to a release position to simultaneously release engagement with a plurality of hook portions. 2. The airbag according to claim 1, wherein the locking body is provided with a relief portion for releasing the engagement with the hook portion in a state where the locking member is turned to the release position. Module mounting structure. 3. The airbag module mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the locking body is provided with an operation section for rotating the locking body to a release position. 4. The steering wheel is provided with a holding portion for holding the locking body at a position corresponding to each of the insertion holes, and when the hook portion of each pin is engaged with the locking body, locking is performed. The mounting structure for an airbag module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body is separated from the holding portion. 5. The airbag module mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein at least three pins and at least three insertion holes are provided. 6. The insertion hole is formed in a holding member attached to a core of a steering wheel, and the locking body is mounted on the holding member so as to be rotatable between a locking position and a releasing position. The airbag module mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: