JP2020026263A - Damper mechanism of steering wheel and vehicle steering wheel device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a damper mechanism of a steering wheel which secures damping effect comparable to that of a conventional damper mechanism, enables downsizing of an airbag module, and can achieve cost reduction, and to provide a vehicle steering wheel device.SOLUTION: A damper mechanism of a steering wheel includes; two damper units 11 which are provided between a steering wheel 1 and an airbag module 2 serving as a damper mass and damp vibration of the steering wheel; and an engagement mechanism (a hook of a plate-like damper 18) which is provided in parallel with the damper units between the steering wheel and the airbag module and holds the steering wheel and the airbag module so as to enable relative displacement between these components.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a damper mechanism for a steering wheel and a steering wheel device for a vehicle, which can ensure a damping effect comparable to the related art, can reduce the size of an airbag module, and can reduce the cost.

  Conventionally, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique in which a damper unit for damping the vibration of a steering wheel is incorporated between a steering wheel and an airbag module serving as a damper mass.

  In the “steering wheel device” of Patent Literature 1, the steering wheel is provided in a boss region, an airbag module installed in the boss region and also functioning as a horn switch, a plurality of holes and holes provided on the back surface of the housing of the airbag module. A damper joined to the inner edge of each inside is provided with a rod-shaped pin having one end inserted into each of the holes and joined to the damper installed in the holes, and the other end connected to the boss region. The damper absorbs the vibration transmitted from the steering shaft when the vehicle is running between the boss region and the airbag module by its elastic force, and furthermore, before the occupant pushes the airbag module released from the occupant during the horn operation. Push back to the initial position.

  Two dampers are provided on the left and right sides of the airbag module installed in the boss area with reference to the neutral position of the steering wheel, and one is provided on the lower side at the center of the airbag module in the left and right direction. In addition, three are provided at each vertex of an inverted isosceles triangle.

JP-A-2005-71402

  Since the unit-shaped damper has a cylindrical portion having a large outer dimension, each of the dampers has a large size. Therefore, a large space was required to install the three dampers. For this reason, the airbag module in which three dampers are installed has been increased in size.

  In addition, three dampers are arranged at each vertex of an isosceles triangle, and one of the dampers is attached to the lower side of the airbag module, so that the size of the airbag module in the vertical direction is increased. Was. Furthermore, since three unit-shaped dampers are used, the cost is increased.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and has a damping effect comparable to that of the related art, can reduce the size of an airbag module, and can reduce the cost. It is an object of the present invention to provide a damper mechanism and a steering wheel device for a vehicle.

  A damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to the present invention is provided with one or two damper units provided between a steering wheel and an airbag module serving as a damper mass, and damping units for damping vibration of the steering wheel; An engagement mechanism is provided between the airbag module and the damper unit in parallel with the damper unit, and holds the steering wheel and the airbag module such that their relative displacement is possible.

  Preferably, the engagement mechanism has a hook portion. It is preferable that the engagement mechanism constitutes a plate-shaped damper for damping vibration of the steering wheel. It is preferable that the plate-shaped damper is formed by resin molding using a synthetic resin material.

  It is preferable that the airbag module includes a synthetic resin housing that holds the damper unit, and the plate-shaped damper is formed integrally with the housing by resin molding. The damper unit preferably has a sleeve for holding an elastic body, and the sleeve is preferably formed integrally with the synthetic resin housing and the plate-shaped damper.

  It is preferable that the airbag module includes a metal housing that holds the damper unit, and the plate-shaped damper is formed integrally with the housing by overmold resin molding.

  The airbag module includes a metal housing that holds the damper unit and forms a horn contact that is in contact with and separated from the horn contact on the steering wheel side.The plate-shaped damper is formed of an insulating synthetic resin material. , Is preferably attached to the housing.

  Preferably, the damper unit has a sleeve for holding an elastic body, and the sleeve is formed integrally with the housing.

  The plate-shaped damper includes a leaf spring having a joint part joined to the airbag module and a fitting part for the steering wheel, and the leaf spring elastically bends and deforms between the fitting part and the joint part. Preferably it is possible.

  The damper unit is installed on the airbag module side and has a pin for attaching to the steering wheel, and the pin protrudes from the fitting portion so as to be attached earlier than the fitting portion. Is desirable.

  It is preferable that the fitting portion is provided with an elastic piece that can elastically contact the steering wheel.

  It is preferable that a holding portion for holding the plate-shaped damper to the steering wheel is provided in the fitting portion. Preferably, when the elastic piece contacts the steering wheel, a gap is formed between the holding portion and the steering wheel.

  The airbag module includes an inflator, the housing having an inflator mounting surface, and a horn cover that covers the inflator from a side opposite to the inflator mounting surface, and the joint of the plate-shaped damper is more than the inflator mounting surface. It is desirable to join with the housing at a position approaching the horn cover.

  The plate-shaped damper includes a leaf spring having a joint part joined to the steering wheel and a fitting part for the airbag module, and the leaf spring elastically bends and deforms between the fitting part and the joint part. Preferably it is possible.

  The damper unit is installed on the steering wheel and has a pin for attaching to the airbag module, and the pin is protruded from the fitting portion so as to be attached before the fitting portion. Is desirable.

  It is preferable that the fitting portion is provided with an elastic piece that can elastically contact the airbag module.

  It is preferable that a holding portion for holding the plate-shaped damper to the airbag module is provided in the fitting portion. When the elastic piece comes into contact with the airbag module, a gap is preferably formed between the holding portion and the airbag module.

  It is preferable that an elastic support member is provided between the steering wheel and the airbag module in parallel with the plate-shaped damper.

  An insulating sheet portion is integrally formed on the plate-shaped damper, and a metal elastic support member is provided between the steering wheel and the airbag module in parallel with the plate-shaped damper. It is preferable that a supporting member is provided on the housing via the insulating sheet portion.

  The airbag module includes the housing to which an inflator is attached and fixed, and an attachment plate to which a horn cover that covers the inflator is attached and fixed, and the insulating sheet portion is temporarily fixed to the attachment plate facing the housing. It is desirable that the attachment plate and the housing be fixed by attachment.

  It is preferable that the damper unit is arranged at the center in the vertical direction of the airbag module with reference to a neutral position of the steering wheel. It is preferable that the damper unit be disposed closer to the upper end from the center in the vertical direction of the airbag module with reference to the neutral position of the steering wheel. In a case where two damper units are provided, it is preferable that the damper units are arranged on both sides in the left-right direction of the airbag module with reference to a neutral position of the steering wheel.

  It is preferable that the plate-shaped damper is arranged closer to the lower side in the vertical direction of the steering wheel with reference to the neutral position of the steering wheel.

  A steering wheel device for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a damper mechanism for the steering wheel.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION In the damper mechanism of a steering wheel and the steering wheel device for vehicles according to the present invention, a damping effect comparable to the conventional one can be secured, the airbag module can be downsized, and the cost can be reduced. .

1 is a schematic overall perspective view of an example of a vehicle steering wheel device to which a damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 1 is a side view showing a first embodiment of a steering wheel damper mechanism and a vehicle steering wheel device according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an airbag module of a damper mechanism of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from a housing side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a state in which a plate-shaped damper of a damper mechanism of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 2 is provided between an airbag module and a steering wheel, as viewed from a horn cover side of the airbag module. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an airbag module of a damper mechanism of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a plate-shaped damper of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a state before the plate-shaped damper shown in FIG. 6 is held on a steering wheel. FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a state after the plate-shaped damper shown in FIG. 8 is held on a steering wheel. FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating an operation of attaching the plate-shaped damper illustrated in FIG. 6 to a steering wheel. It is a side view which shows the removal operation of the plate-shaped damper shown in FIG. 10 from the steering wheel. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a modification of the joining structure of the plate-shaped damper of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 2 to the airbag unit side. FIG. 13A is an explanatory view illustrating another modification of the joining structure of the plate-shaped damper of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 2 to the airbag unit side, and FIG. 13A shows a state before joining. FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view showing a state after bonding. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an airbag module provided in a second embodiment of a steering wheel damper mechanism and a vehicle steering wheel device according to the present invention. FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of an airbag module of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an airbag module provided in a third embodiment of a steering wheel damper mechanism and a vehicle steering wheel device according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an airbag module provided in a fourth embodiment of a steering wheel damper mechanism and a vehicle steering wheel device according to the present invention. It is a top view of the plate-shaped damper provided in the airbag module shown in FIG. It is a side view of the airbag module which shows the modification of arrangement | positioning of the pin and plate-shaped damper applicable to each embodiment of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel and the vehicle steering wheel device which concern on this invention. FIG. 20 is an explanatory view for explaining the arrangement of the damper unit of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel shown in FIGS. 2, 14, 16 and 17, and FIG. 20 (A) shows the air based on the neutral position of the steering wheel. FIG. 20B shows a case where the airbag module is arranged at the center in the vertical direction and a case where the airbag module is arranged closer to the upper end side from the center in the vertical direction. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing an example of a mounting structure of a horn cover to an attachment plate applicable to a damper mechanism of a steering wheel and a vehicle steering wheel device according to the present invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a steering wheel damper mechanism and a vehicle steering wheel device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating an outline of a steering wheel 1 of a vehicle steering wheel device to which a damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to the present invention is applied.

  FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the entire steering wheel 1, and FIG. 2 illustrates a side cross-sectional view. In addition, in the following drawings including FIG. 1, each direction is illustrated on the assumption that the steering position of the steering wheel 1 attached to the vehicle is the neutral position. For example, the Z axis is set such that the direction of the front wheel of the vehicle on a steering column (steering shaft) (not shown) is downward, and the direction of the steering wheel 1 is upward.

  In addition, on a plane orthogonal to the Z axis, the 12 o'clock position of the analog 12 hour clock is defined as the vehicle front side, the X axis extends from 9 o'clock (left direction) to 3 o'clock (right direction), ) To the 12 o'clock direction (forward direction) is the Y axis. In addition, the side viewed from the driver side is described as the front side, and the opposite side is described as the back side.

  The steering wheel 1 is installed in a driver's seat of the vehicle, is connected to a steering shaft that passes through a steering column (not shown), and transmits a driver's operation force to a steering gear or the like.

  At the center of the steering wheel 1, an airbag module 2 that functions as a front airbag in an emergency is mounted. Although the description is omitted, the airbag module 2 also functions as a horn switch which is normally pressed by a driver when sounding a horn.

  The driver side of the airbag module 2 is covered with a resin horn cover 3 functioning as a design surface. A dish-shaped housing 4 is provided at the back of the horn cover 3. An airbag cushion 5 that is deployed and inflated in an emergency is folded and accommodated inside the horn cover 3. The housing 4 is provided with an inflator 6 housed in the airbag cushion 5.

  When a signal is sent from a sensor of the vehicle in an emergency, inflator gas is supplied from the inflator 6 to the airbag cushion 5, and the airbag cushion 5 cleaves the horn cover 3 and expands and inflates into the cabin space to inflate the driver. to bound.

  The base portion of the steering wheel 1 is formed of a metal core member 7. The core metal member 7 roughly includes a central boss region 8, a circular rim 9 held by a driver, and spokes 10 connecting the boss region 8 and the rim 9. The steering shaft is connected to the boss region 8.

  The airbag module 2 has a function as a horn switch and a function as a module damper mechanism for attenuating vibration as described above, in addition to a function as a front airbag. The components realizing the function as the horn switch and the module damper mechanism will be described below.

  The structure of the airbag module 2 provided in the first embodiment of the steering wheel damper mechanism and the vehicle steering wheel device according to the present invention will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. The airbag module 2 is formed in a dish shape having a peripheral wall 4b formed around the bottom surface serving as the inflator mounting surface 4a, and has an inflator insertion hole 4c at the center and two damper unit mounting through holes 4d on both sides thereof. A metal housing 4, two damper units 11 mounted in the through holes 4 d, a metal pin 12 slidably inserted into the damper unit 11 from the housing 4 toward the boss region 8, and a peripheral wall 4 b Is inserted into the inflator insertion hole 4c from the opposite side (the core metal member 7 side), and the outer peripheral flange 6a is provided in contact with the inflator mounting surface 4a of the housing 4, and the pin 12 from the peripheral wall 4b side. It has a metal attachment plate 13 installed facing and housed in the housing 4 and a bolt 14a, and has a peripheral wall 4b side. A bolt 14a that is superimposed on the attachment plate 13 and penetrates the attachment plate 13, the bottom surface 4a of the housing 4, and the outer peripheral flange 6a of the inflator 6 is fastened to the nut 15, and a metal retainer that fixes the inflator 6 and the like to the housing 4. Synthetic resin that accommodates the ring 14 and the airbag cushion 5 and is provided so as to cover the inflator 6 and the like from the side opposite to the bottom surface of the inflator mounting surface 4a, and the opening edge is fixed to the peripheral wall 4b of the housing 4 by rivets 16. And a horn cover 3 made of aluminum.

  A horn spring (coil spring) 17 is provided to surround the pin 12 projecting from the bottom surface 4a of the housing 4. On the bottom surface 4a of the housing 4, opposite to the peripheral wall 4b, two metal coil springs 19, which are elastic support members, are provided so as to sandwich a plate-shaped damper 18 described later from both sides along the X-axis direction. . These coil springs 19 are provided between the core member 7 and the airbag module 2 (housing 4).

  In the airbag module 2, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, one or two (two in the drawings) damper units 11 are provided in the housing 4. The damper unit 11 is a member that elastically attaches the housing 4 to the metal core member 7, and forms the center of the module damper mechanism.

  As shown in FIG. 20A, the two damper units 11 are arranged at the center in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) of the airbag module 2 (housing 4) with respect to the neutral position of the steering wheel 1. Be placed.

  Further, the damper unit 11 is arranged on both sides in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) of the airbag module 2 (housing 4) with reference to the neutral position of the steering wheel 1. Preferably, the two damper units 11 are disposed equidistant from the center axis C in the left-right direction of the airbag module 2 (housing 4).

  From the damper unit 11, a rod-shaped pin 12 protrudes toward the boss region 8 of the metal core member 7 in the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 2). When the pin 12 is fixed to the core member 7, the steering wheel 1 and the airbag module 2 are connected. A damper unit 11 that suppresses vibration of the steering wheel 1 is disposed between the airbag module 2 and the steering wheel 1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the pin 12 is inserted into the cored bar member 7 through a coiled horn spring 17. The horn spring 17 is installed between the airbag module 2 and the core member 7 to secure a gap between them. Then, the airbag module 2 released from the pressing operation (see arrow B in FIG. 2) by the driver during the horn operation is separated from the cored bar member 7 and returned to the original position.

  Briefly, the damper unit 11 holds an annular elastic body for damping vibration by covering it with an annular synthetic resin sleeve, and slidably holds a pin of the damper unit 11 inside the elastic body. 12 is inserted.

  The sleeve is attached to a through hole 4d formed in the housing 4 constituting the airbag module 2, whereby the damper unit 11 is fixed to the airbag module 2.

  The airbag module 2 is slidably provided to the steering wheel 1 via a pin 12 while being elastically supported by a damper unit 11 having an elastic body.

  The vibration of the steering wheel 1 is transmitted to the damper unit 11 via the pin 12, and the transmitted vibration is attenuated in the damper unit 11 using the airbag module 2 as a damper mass.

  Regarding the horn function, when the airbag module 2 is pushed toward the steering wheel 1 to advance, the damper unit 11 provided on the airbag module 2 slides with respect to the pin 12 and the horn spring 17 is compressed. . Thereby, the contacts (not shown) provided on the airbag module 2 side and the steering wheel 1 side are electrically conducted, and the horn sounds.

  When the pressing of the airbag module 2 is released, the horn spring 17 is elastically restored and the airbag module 2 retreats, whereby the contact is separated and the sounding is stopped.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the steering wheel 1 and the airbag module 2 can be displaced relative to each other between the metal core member 7 of the steering wheel 1 and the housing 4 of the airbag module 2. A plate-shaped damper 18 as a holding engagement mechanism is disposed in parallel with the damper unit 11.

  More specifically, the relative displacement refers to a change in the separation distance generated between the steering wheel 1 and the airbag module 2 due to the vibration of the steering wheel 1 and the damping by the damper unit 11, and the engagement mechanism allows the change in the distance. It is supposed to.

  The plate-shaped damper 18 is disposed closer to the lower side in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) of the steering wheel 1 with reference to the neutral position of the steering wheel 1. The positional relationship with the damper unit 11 is located at the center between the two damper units 11 and below (at 6:00) the damper units 11.

  Therefore, the damper unit 11 and the plate-shaped damper 18 are provided at the respective vertices of the inverted isosceles triangle with respect to the airbag module 2. The two coil springs 19 described above are disposed on both left and right sides of the plate-shaped damper 18 along the X-axis direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the plate-shaped damper 18 mainly includes a leaf spring (made of metal or synthetic resin) 20 and has an elastic piece 21 attached thereto. The plate-shaped damper 18 transmits vibration from the steering wheel 1 to the airbag module 2 by its elastic action, and cooperates with the airbag module 2 serving as a damper mass to vibrate the steering wheel 1 (mainly vibration in the Y-axis direction). ) Is damped by the elastic action of the plate bending.

  The plate-shaped damper 18 may be made of metal such as steel or stainless steel, or may be formed of a synthetic resin material by resin molding. As the synthetic resin material, 66 nylon, 66 nylon mixed with glass, polypropylene (PP), and polyacetal (POM) are preferable.

  When the housing 4 is made of a synthetic resin, the housing 4 can be integrally formed with the plate-shaped damper 18. In addition, the sleeve can also be integrally formed with the housing 4 and the plate-shaped damper 18.

  In the state illustrated in FIG. 6, the plate-shaped damper 18 has a joining portion 18 a at an upper end portion joined to the housing 4 of the airbag module 2 and a lower end portion along the vertical length direction (Z-axis direction). The fitting portion is a fitting portion for the steering wheel 1. In the first embodiment, the fitting portion includes an elastic piece 21 described later, and a holding portion 18 b held on a support bar 22 formed on the metal core member 7 of the steering wheel 1. Is configured as

  As shown in detail in FIG. 6, a small hole 24 for driving a rivet 23 is formed in the joint 18a of the plate-shaped damper 18, and a window 25 is provided between the joint 18a and the holding portion 18b. As shown in FIG. 7, an insertion hole 27 is formed in the bar 26 below the window portion 25 for pushing the elastic piece 21 to be attached, and a concave cutout portion 28 is formed below the bar 26. Is done.

  The joining portion 18a is applied to the peripheral wall 4b of the housing 4 and is joined to the housing 4 with rivets 23. The peripheral wall 4b of the housing 4 is formed so as to rise from the bottom surface serving as the inflator mounting surface 4a, and is a place where the horn cover 3 is fixed with the rivet 16, so that the joint portion 18a is located closer to the horn cover 3 than the inflator mounting surface 4a. It is joined to the housing 4 at the shifted position.

  The pair of holding portions 18b are formed in such a manner that the holding portions 18b protrude from both edges in the width direction of the plate surface of the plate spring 20 toward the plate thickness direction of the plate spring 20.

  In the holding portion 18b, along the vertical direction of the leaf spring 20, a tapered edge from the upper end where the protrusion from the plate surface is large toward the lower end where the protrusion is no longer formed is a slide guide 29, and the slide guide 29 is provided. The upper end is a hook 30.

  The holding portion 18b is formed by folding back a plate-shaped damper 18 mainly composed of a leaf spring 20, and is formed to include a plate-shaped hook 30 as illustrated.

  The plate-shaped damper 18 is capable of restoring and deforming the plate bending between the holding portion 18b and the joining portion 18a by the elasticity of the plate spring 20.

  The elastic piece 21 is made of a rubber material such as ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), silicon rubber, or nitrile rubber (NBR), or a synthetic resin material such as 66 nylon, 66 glass blended nylon, polypropylene (PP), or polyacetal (POM). Is formed.

  The elastic piece 21 is protruded from the main body 21a, which protrudes from the main body 21a on the holding portion 18b side of the plate-shaped damper 18, and is protruded from the insertion portion 21b which is inserted into the insertion hole 27. A locking portion 21c that is locked to the crosspiece 26 on the opposite side to the main body portion 21a and fixes the elastic piece 21 to the leaf spring 20 is integrally formed. A flange 21d that covers the lower edge of the window 25 is provided at the upper end of the main body 21a.

  The elastic piece 21 is attached by pushing the locking portion 21c into the leaf spring 20 via the insertion hole 27 so that the insertion portion 21b is positioned in the insertion hole 27. The elastic piece 21 is disposed between the pair of holding portions 18b. The main body 21a is attached to the leaf spring 20 such that the height of the flange 21d is the same as or slightly higher than the height of the hook 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 8 to 11, the plate-shaped damper 18 having the elastic piece 21 is held by the support bar 22 of the metal core member 7 of the steering wheel 1. The support bar 22 is provided so as to intersect laterally with the vertical length direction of the leaf spring 20 on which the joint portion 18a and the holding portion 18b are formed.

  The support bar 22 is made to protrude in the vertical length direction of the leaf spring 20 at a position corresponding to the elastic piece 21 at a position corresponding to the pair of holding portions 18b of the plate-shaped damper 18, thereby forming a convex step. 22a are formed.

  The positional relationship (dimensional relationship) between the support bar 22, the holding portion 18b of the plate-shaped damper 18, and the elastic piece 21 will be described. When the plate-shaped damper 18 is attached to the support bar 22, as shown in FIG. 8, a slide guide 29 is applied to the support bar 22 from above in the vertical length direction of the leaf spring 20.

  At this time, in the main body portion 21a of the elastic piece 21, the thickness of the leaf spring 20 in the plate thickness direction is set to a thickness dimension that does not contact the step portion 22a. Conversely, the step portion 22a is set to have an upwardly protruding dimension that does not contact the main body portion 21a.

  Further, the slide guide 29 is set to have a protruding dimension such that the step portion 22a does not come into contact with the main body portion 21a when the slide guide 29 contacts the support bar 22.

  When the slide guide 29 is moved downward, the protrusion of the holding portion 18b gradually increases, so that the main body portion 21a does not hit the step portion 22a. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9, the slide guide 29 is interrupted, and the hook 30 of the holding portion 18 b sinks below the support bar 22.

  When the hook 30 goes under the support bar 22, the flange portion 21d contacts the step portion 22a from below, and a gap D is formed between the hook 30 of the holding portion 18b and the support bar 22. The setting is performed so that a gap is maintained between the leaf spring 20 and the support bar 22.

  Specifically, in the main body portion 21 a of the elastic piece 21, the thickness of the leaf spring 20 in the plate thickness direction is such that it contacts the step portion 22 a from below and forms a gap between the leaf spring 20 and the support bar 22. Is set to the size. The downwardly protruding dimension of the step 22a is set to a dimension that forms a gap D between the hook 30 and the support bar 22 when the flange 21d contacts.

  In short, the dimension of the plate-shaped damper 18 is set such that only the elastic piece 21 on the airbag module 2 side can elastically contact the support bar 22 on the steering wheel 1 side. Since the plate-shaped damper 18 includes the hook 30, the plate-shaped damper 18 can be securely held on the steering wheel 1.

  FIG. 10 shows the mounting operation of the plate-shaped damper, and FIG. 11 shows the removing operation.

  The plate-shaped damper 18 joined to the airbag module 2 at the joining portion 18a is pushed downward with the slide guide 29 of the holding portion 18b against the support bar 22 of the steering wheel 1 (in the figure). , Arrow E), and the leaf spring 20 is elastically deformed as shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, when the hook 30 of the holding portion 18b reaches below the support bar 22, the leaf spring 20 is elastically restored, and the hook 30 goes under the support bar 22, whereby the plate-shaped damper 18 is attached to the support bar 22 and held. Is done.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, when the plate-shaped damper 18 is pressed from the steering wheel 1 so as to separate the hook 30 from below the support bar 22 (see the arrow F in the figure), the leaf spring 20 is moved. If the slide guide 29 is lifted upward as it is elastically deformed, the slide guide 29 hits the support bar 22 and is further separated from the support bar 22 by further lifting.

  The operation of the steering wheel damper mechanism and the vehicle steering wheel device according to the first embodiment will be described. The steering wheel 1 and the airbag are disposed between the steering wheel 1 and the airbag module 2 in parallel with the damper unit 11. By providing a plate-shaped damper 18 having an engagement function as a specific example, the airbag module 2 is attached to the steering wheel 1 by this engagement mechanism. Can be held stably, and the performance of the damper unit 11 can be appropriately and sufficiently exhibited, so that an excellent damping effect against the vibration of the steering wheel 1 can be secured.

  The engaging mechanism has a hook 30 formed in a plate shape, and the hook 30 holds the steering wheel 1 and the airbag module 2 so that their relative displacement is possible, so that high productivity and good attachment are achieved. It is possible to configure an engagement mechanism having a characteristic. As an engagement mechanism replacing the hook 30, a well-known tab member having flexibility used for attaching the curtain airbag to the roof side rail may be used by hanging it on the support bar 22 of the steering wheel 1. Of course.

  Since the plate-shaped damper 18 is literally plate-shaped, it is compact. For example, the airbag module 2 is miniaturized by being arranged in parallel with another damper unit 11 instead of one of the damper units 11. be able to.

  Further, since the plate-shaped damper 18 is provided instead of the damper unit 11, the cost can be reduced.

  The plate-shaped damper 18 connects the steering wheel 1 and the airbag module 2, and the vibration of the steering wheel 1 can be damped by the plate-shaped damper 18 having the airbag module 2 as a damper mass. Therefore, a damping effect comparable to that of the related art can be ensured for the other damper units 11.

  The plate-shaped damper 18 is configured to include a leaf spring 20, and can dampen vibration (mainly vibration in the Y-axis direction) of the steering wheel 1 by an elastic action caused by the bending of the leaf spring 20.

  By adjusting the elasticity of the leaf spring 20, the vibration frequency to be attenuated can be adjusted.

  Further, the plate-shaped damper 18 can be attached to the steering wheel 1 by the elastic bending deformation of the leaf spring 20.

  In addition, since the plate-shaped damper 18 is arranged close to the lower side in the vertical direction of the airbag module 2 (6 o'clock side in the Y-axis direction), the vertical dimension of the airbag module 2 can be reduced.

  The plate-shaped damper 18 is provided with an elastic piece 21 made of rubber or synthetic resin capable of elastically contacting the support bar 22 of the steering wheel 1. The vibration of the steering wheel 1 is transmitted through the elastic piece 21 to the airbag module. Since the vibration is transmitted to the two sides, the vibration frequency to be attenuated can be adjusted by the hardness of the elastic piece 21 and the contact allowance of the elastic piece 21 with the support bar 22.

  Also, by adjusting the hardness of the elastic body of the damper unit 11, the vibration frequency to be attenuated can be adjusted.

  When the elastic piece 21 comes into contact with the support bar 22, a gap D is formed between the hook 30 of the holding portion 18b and the support bar 22, so that noise generated by the vibration of the steering wheel 1 is prevented. Can be prevented.

  The joint between the joint portion 18a of the plate-shaped damper 18 and the housing 4 is set at a position closer to the horn cover 3 than the inflator mounting surface 4a, so that the joining operation is simple, and the damper unit 11 and the plate The positions where the damping action by the damper 18 is generated can be mutually matched.

  Since the coil spring 19 is provided in parallel with the plate-shaped damper 18, the connection between the steering wheel 1 and the airbag module 2 by the plate-shaped damper 18 and its periphery can be stably supported.

  FIGS. 12 and 13 show a modification of the mounting structure of the plate-shaped damper 18 to the housing 4.

  In FIG. 12, the joint 18a of the plate-shaped damper 18 is joined to the peripheral wall 4b of the housing 4 by spot welding 31.

  FIG. 13A is a perspective view illustrating a state before the plate-shaped damper 18 is mounted, and FIG. 13B is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the mounting operation.

  The housing 4 is formed with a window hole 32 provided with a series of wide portions 32a and narrow portions 32b above and below the height of the peripheral wall 4b. In the housing 4, a through hole 33 for passing the leaf spring 20 with the elastic piece 21 is formed in the inflator mounting surface 4 a on the bottom surface in accordance with the position of the window hole 32. In this modification, the holding portion 18b is not provided.

  An overhang portion 34 is formed at the upper end of the joining portion 18a of the plate-shaped damper 18 so as to straddle the peripheral wall 4b of the housing 4, and a downward clip portion 35 is formed continuously with the overhang portion 34. . The clip portion 35 is formed by a narrow insertion portion 35a and a wide projection 35b.

  The leaf spring 20 is passed through the through hole 33, and the clip portion 35 is inserted through the narrow portion 32b from the outside of the peripheral wall 4b toward the inside of the peripheral wall 4b through the window hole 32, and the projection portion 35b Is passed through the wide portion 32a.

  Then, when the leaf spring 20 is pressed down, the clip portion 35 sandwiches the peripheral wall 4b from inside and outside, whereby the joining portion 18a is joined to the housing 4.

  Even in these modified examples, it is needless to say that the same operation and effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  14 and 15 show a second embodiment of a steering wheel damper mechanism and a vehicle steering wheel device according to the present invention.

  In the first embodiment, as a configuration of the airbag module 2, a metal-made housing 4 is provided with a plate-shaped damper 18 made of metal or synthetic resin. In the second embodiment, the housing 4 and the plate-shaped damper 18 are made of synthetic resin.

  The plate-shaped damper 18 is formed integrally with the housing 4 by resin molding. Specifically, the plate-shaped damper 18 is integrated with the housing 4 at the joint 18a. As a result, the number of parts and the cost can be reduced.

  The housing 4 holds the damper unit 11 as described above. When the housing 4 and the plate-shaped damper 18 are integrally formed by resin molding, it is preferable that the synthetic resin sleeve 11a of the damper unit 11 is formed integrally with the housing 4 by resin molding. This can further reduce the number of parts and cost.

  FIG. 15 shows the structure of the airbag module 2 provided in the second embodiment. The airbag module 2 has a housing 4 made of a synthetic resin in which an inflator insertion hole 4c is formed in the center, two sleeves 11a are integrally formed on both sides thereof, and an elastic body 11b is mounted on the sleeve 11a. Three damper units 11, a metal pin 12 slidably inserted into the damper unit 11 from the housing 4 toward the boss region 8, and a metal pin 12 inserted into the inflator insertion hole 4 c from the core metal member 7 side, and The flange 6a has an inflator 6 provided in contact with the inflator mounting surface 4a of the housing 4, and a plurality of slits 13a with which the horn cover 3 is engaged. The slit 13a is installed facing the inflator mounting surface 4a. And an attachment plate 13 made of metal or synthetic resin for housing the housing 4 therein, and a bolt 14a. Then, the bolt 14a which is superimposed on the attachment plate 13 from the horn cover 3 side and penetrates the attachment plate 13, the bottom surface 4a of the housing 4, and the outer peripheral flange 6a of the inflator 6 is fastened to the nut 15, and the inflator 6 and the like are connected to the housing 4. A metal retainer ring 14 fixed to the airbag cushion 5 and the airbag cushion 5 are accommodated, and are provided so as to cover the inflator 6 and the like from the side opposite to the bottom surface of the inflator mounting surface 4a. And a horn cover 3 made of synthetic resin which is locked in the slit 13a of the attachment plate 13.

  Other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment. Even in the second embodiment, it is needless to say that the same operation and effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  FIG. 16 shows a third embodiment of the steering wheel damper mechanism and the vehicle steering wheel device according to the present invention. In the third embodiment, the housing 4 holding the damper unit 11 is made of metal, and the plate-shaped damper 18 is formed integrally with the housing 4 by over-molding resin.

  Since the plate-shaped damper 18 is formed integrally with the housing 4, the number of components can be reduced and the cost can be reduced as in the second embodiment. The configuration of the third embodiment can be performed similarly to the assembly of the second embodiment shown in FIG.

  Other configurations are the same as those of the first and second embodiments. Even in the third embodiment, it is needless to say that the same operation and effect as those of the above embodiments can be obtained.

  17 and 18 show a fourth embodiment of a steering wheel damper mechanism and a vehicle steering wheel device according to the present invention.

  In the fourth embodiment, the housing 4 incorporated into the airbag module 2 is made of conductive metal, and the pin 12 provided on the steering wheel 1 is also made of conductive metal. Horn contacts that come and go.

  By pressing the horn cover 3 of the airbag module 2 receiving the urging force of the horn spring 17 toward the metal core member 7, the housing 4 comes into contact with the pins 12, whereby the horn is sounded.

  When the airbag module 2 (horn cover 3) is pushed back by the horn spring 17, the housing 4 is separated from the pin 12 and the sound stops.

  In this case, the plate-shaped damper 18 attached to the housing 4 is formed of an insulating synthetic resin material.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the metal elastic support member 19 is provided between the housing 4 and the metal core member 7 in parallel with the plate-shaped damper 18. When the housing 4 is a horn contact, the horn function cannot be secured if the elastic support member 19 is conductive.

  In the fourth embodiment, an elastic support member 19 is provided by using a plate-shaped damper 18 made of an insulating synthetic resin material.

  As shown in FIG. 18, an insulating sheet portion 36 is integrally formed at the joint portion 18a of the plate-shaped damper 18 so as to extend to both sides in the X-axis direction. A pair of protrusions 36a are formed on both ends of the insulating sheet portion 36.

  One end of each of the two elastic support members 19 is fitted to each of the protrusions 36a, and is provided on the housing 4 via the insulating sheet portion 36. Thereby, conduction by the elastic support member 19 is cut off, and the horn function can be secured.

  In the fourth embodiment, unlike the second and third embodiments, the plate-shaped damper 18 is configured by a member different from the housing 4.

  The plate-shaped damper 18 is attached between the housing 4 on the inflator 6 side and the attachment plate 13 on the horn cover 3 by first placing the insulating sheet portion 36 of the plate-shaped damper 18 on the attachment plate 13 facing the housing 4. Temporarily.

  Then, by attaching the attachment plate 13 to the housing 4 (operating to fasten the inflator 6 to the retainer ring 14), the joining portion 18a of the plate-shaped damper 18 including the insulating sheet portion 36 is sandwiched between the attachment plate 13 and the housing 4. Thereby, the plate-shaped damper 18 is fixed to the housing 4 side.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, even when the housing 4 is used as the horn contact, the plate-shaped damper 18 and the elastic support member 19 can be easily operated with a reasonably small number of parts, at low cost, and at low cost. Sex can be incorporated.

  FIG. 19 shows a modification of the arrangement of the pins 12 and the plate-shaped dampers 18 applicable to the above embodiments. This modified example has a configuration in which the attachment property of the airbag module 2 in which the pin 12 and the plate-shaped damper 18 are assembled to the metal core member 7 can be improved.

  The damper unit 11 installed on the side of the airbag module 2 has the pins 12 for being inserted and attached to the boss region 8 of the steering wheel 1 as described above.

  The pin 12 protrudes from the fitting portion 18b so as to be attached to the core metal member 7 before the fitting portion 18b, as indicated by a virtual line H in the drawing.

  When the attachment of the pin 12 to the cored bar member 7 is completed in advance, when the elastic piece 21 of the plate-shaped damper 18 engages with the steering wheel 1 side, for example, the support bar 22, the operation reaction force is generated. Thus, it is possible to prevent the positions of the pins 12 from being shifted in the 3 o'clock direction and the 9 o'clock direction, and to enhance the mounting position accuracy of the damper unit 11.

  In each of the above embodiments, the damper unit 11 is disposed at the center of the housing 4 of the airbag module 2 in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) with reference to the neutral position of the steering wheel 1, as shown in FIG. Therefore, the vibration frequency to be attenuated can be easily adjusted.

  However, as shown in FIG. 20B, the damper unit is disposed closer to the upper end side from the center in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) of the housing 4 of the airbag module 2 based on the neutral position of the steering wheel 1. (In the figure, the position of the through hole 4d is shown as being shifted from the distance G from the center in the vertical direction of the housing 4 to the upper end thereof.)

  FIG. 21 shows an example of a structure for attaching the horn cover 3 to the attachment plate 13.

  The attachment plate 13 has a slit 13a into which the locking claw 3a of the horn cover 3 is swingably inserted.

  By fastening the inflator 6 to the retainer ring 14 with the nut 15 on the attachment plate 13, the inflator mounting surface 4a of the housing 4 is overlapped. When the housing 4 and the attachment plate 13 are superimposed, the peripheral edge of the housing 4 partially covers the slit 13a.

  As a result, the locking claw 3a inserted into the slit 13a is pressed from the state shown by the broken line to the position shown by the solid line by the peripheral edge of the housing 4, and is rocked.

  The horn cover 3 is attached to the attachment plate 13 by regulating the swing of the locking claw 3a with respect to the attachment plate 13. Thus, the horn cover 3 can be easily and finely fixed to the attachment plate 13 only by fastening the nut 15 to the bolt 14a of the retainer ring 14.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where two damper units 11 are arranged on both sides in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) of the airbag module 2 based on the neutral position of the steering wheel 1 has been described. Needless to say, the configuration may be provided only in the case.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the damper unit 11 is provided on the airbag module 2 side (the through hole 4d of the housing 4) has been described, but on the contrary, it may be provided on the steering wheel 1 side.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the joining portion 18a of the plate-shaped damper 18 is joined to the airbag module 2 side and the holding portion 18b is held on the steering wheel 1 side. The holding portion 18b may be held on the airbag module 2 side.

  In a configuration in which the damper unit 11 and the plate-shaped damper 18 are assembled from the steering wheel 1 side to the airbag module 2 side, for example, the plate-shaped damper 18 is connected to the joint 18 a to be joined to the steering wheel 1 and the airbag module 2. It includes a leaf spring 20 having a fitting portion 18b, and the leaf spring 20 can adopt a configuration that can be elastically bent and deformed between the fitting portion 18b and the joint portion 18a.

  Further, the damper unit 11 is provided on the steering wheel 1 and has a pin 12 for attaching to the airbag module 2, and the pin 12 is attached to the fitting portion 18b more than the fitting portion 18b so as to be attached earlier than the fitting portion 18b. A projecting configuration can be adopted.

  Further, the plate-shaped damper 18 is provided with an elastic piece 21 capable of elastically contacting the airbag module 2, and the fitting portion has a holding portion 18 b for holding the plate-shaped damper 18 on the airbag module 2. It is desirable to adopt a configuration provided or a configuration in which a gap D is formed between the holding portion 18b and the airbag module 2 when the elastic piece 21 contacts the airbag module 2.

  The above-described steering wheel damper mechanism and vehicle steering wheel device are preferred examples of the present invention, and other embodiments can be implemented or performed in various ways. In particular, the present invention is not limited by the detailed shape, size, configuration, arrangement, and the like of the parts shown in the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified in the present specification. Further, expressions and terms used in the specification of the present application are for the purpose of explanation, and are not limited thereto unless otherwise specified.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering wheel 2 Airbag module 3 Horn cover 4 Housing 4a Inflator mounting surface 6 Inflator 11 Damper unit 11a Sleeve 11b Elastic body 12 Pin 13 Attachment plate 18 Plate damper 18a Joining part 18b Holding part (fitting part)
Reference Signs List 19 coil spring 20 leaf spring 21 elastic piece 30 hook 36 insulating sheet D gap between elastic piece and support bar

Claims (28)

One or two damper units are provided between the steering wheel and an airbag module serving as a damper mass and dampen vibration of the steering wheel;
An engagement mechanism is provided between the steering wheel and the airbag module in parallel with the damper unit, and holds the steering wheel and the airbag module such that their relative displacement is possible. A steering wheel damper mechanism.   The damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein the engagement mechanism has a hook portion.   The damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to claim 1, wherein the engagement mechanism forms a plate-shaped damper that damps vibration of the steering wheel.   The damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to claim 3, wherein the plate-shaped damper is formed of a synthetic resin material by resin molding. The airbag module includes a synthetic resin housing that holds the damper unit,
The damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to claim 3, wherein the plate-shaped damper is formed integrally with the housing by resin molding.   The said damper unit has a sleeve which hold | maintains an elastic body, This sleeve is integrally formed with the said synthetic resin housing and the said plate-shaped damper, The Claims 3-5 characterized by the above-mentioned. The damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to the paragraph. The airbag module includes a metal housing that holds the damper unit,
The damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the plate-shaped damper is formed integrally with the housing by overmold resin molding. The airbag module includes a metal housing that holds the damper unit and constitutes a horn contact that is brought into contact with and separated from the horn contact on the steering wheel side,
5. The damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to claim 3, wherein the plate-shaped damper is formed of an insulating synthetic resin material and is attached to the housing.   9. The damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to claim 7, wherein the damper unit has a sleeve for holding an elastic body, and the sleeve is formed integrally with the housing. The plate-shaped damper includes a leaf spring having a joint part joined to the airbag module and a fitting part for the steering wheel,
10. The steering wheel damper mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the leaf spring is elastically bendable and deformable between the fitting portion and the joint portion. The damper unit is provided on the airbag module side, and has a pin for attaching to the steering wheel,
11. The damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to claim 10, wherein the pin protrudes from the fitting portion so as to be attached earlier than the fitting portion.   The damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to claim 10, wherein an elastic piece that can elastically contact the steering wheel is provided in the fitting portion.   The steering wheel damper mechanism according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the fitting part includes a holding part that holds the plate-shaped damper to the steering wheel.   The damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to claim 13, wherein a gap is formed between the holding portion and the steering wheel when the elastic piece contacts the steering wheel. The airbag module includes an inflator, the housing having an inflator mounting surface, and a horn cover that covers the inflator from a side opposite to the inflator mounting surface,
The steering wheel according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the joint of the plate-shaped damper is joined to the housing at a position closer to the horn cover than the inflator attachment surface. Damper mechanism. The plate-shaped damper includes a leaf spring having a joint part joined to the steering wheel and a fitting part for the airbag module,
10. The steering wheel damper mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the leaf spring is elastically bendable and deformable between the fitting portion and the joint portion. The damper unit is provided on the steering wheel and has a pin for attaching to the airbag module.
17. The damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to claim 16, wherein the pin protrudes from the fitting portion so that the pin is attached before the fitting portion.   18. The damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to claim 16, wherein an elastic piece that can elastically contact the airbag module is provided in the fitting portion.   The damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the fitting part includes a holding part that holds the plate-shaped damper to the airbag module.   20. The steering wheel damper mechanism according to claim 19, wherein a gap is formed between the holding portion and the airbag module when the elastic piece contacts the airbag module.   21. The steering wheel damper mechanism according to claim 3, wherein an elastic support member is provided between the steering wheel and the airbag module in parallel with the plate-shaped damper.   An insulating sheet portion is integrally formed on the plate-shaped damper, and a metal elastic support member is provided between the steering wheel and the airbag module in parallel with the plate-shaped damper. 21. The steering wheel damper mechanism according to claim 8, wherein a support member is provided on the housing via the insulating sheet portion. The airbag module includes the housing to which an inflator is attached and fixed, and an attachment plate to which a horn cover that covers the inflator is attached and fixed,
23. The damper mechanism for a steering wheel according to claim 22, wherein the insulating sheet portion is temporarily fixed to the attachment plate facing the housing, and is fixed by attaching the attachment plate to the housing.   The steering wheel damper mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the damper unit is disposed at a center in the vertical direction of the airbag module based on a neutral position of the steering wheel. .   The steering according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the damper unit is disposed closer to an upper end from a center in a vertical direction of the airbag module with reference to a neutral position of the steering wheel. Wheel damper mechanism.   26. The airbag module according to claim 1, wherein, when two damper units are provided, the damper units are arranged on both sides in the left-right direction of the airbag module based on a neutral position of the steering wheel. The damper mechanism of the described steering wheel.   The steering wheel according to any one of claims 3 to 26, wherein the plate-shaped damper is disposed closer to a vertically lower side of the steering wheel with reference to a neutral position of the steering wheel. Damper mechanism.   A steering wheel device for a vehicle, comprising the steering wheel damper mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

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