US20010035631A1 - Airbag apparatus - Google Patents
Airbag apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010035631A1 US20010035631A1 US09/810,346 US81034601A US2001035631A1 US 20010035631 A1 US20010035631 A1 US 20010035631A1 US 81034601 A US81034601 A US 81034601A US 2001035631 A1 US2001035631 A1 US 2001035631A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- air bag
- horn
- switches
- horn switches
- opening
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q5/00—Arrangement or adaptation of acoustic signal devices
- B60Q5/001—Switches therefor
- B60Q5/003—Switches therefor mounted on the steering wheel
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/20—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
- B60R21/203—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in steering wheels or steering columns
- B60R21/2035—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in steering wheels or steering columns using modules containing inflator, bag and cover attachable to the steering wheel as a complete sub-unit
- B60R21/2037—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in steering wheels or steering columns using modules containing inflator, bag and cover attachable to the steering wheel as a complete sub-unit the module or a major component thereof being yieldably mounted, e.g. for actuating the horn switch or for protecting the driver in a non-deployment situation
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
- Y10T74/20576—Elements
- Y10T74/20732—Handles
- Y10T74/20834—Hand wheels
Definitions
- the present invention relates to air bag apparatuses mounted in vehicles, etc., and more specifically relates to an air bag apparatus for a driver's seat which has horn switches.
- air bag apparatuses for driver's seats of vehicles include an air bag which is folded and is fixed to a retainer (also referred to as a container, etc.) at an end thereof, and a module cover which is attached to the retainer for covering the folded air bag.
- a retainer also referred to as a container, etc.
- an inflator gas generator
- the inflator When a vehicle collides, the inflator generates a gas and starts to inflate the air bag. Then, the module cover breaks and opens, and the air bag expands toward the driver.
- the module cover is provided with a tear line (also referred to as a thinned portion or as a weakened portion), along which the module cover breaks and opens when it is pressed from behind by the inflated air bag.
- a tear line also referred to as a thinned portion or as a weakened portion
- FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are perspective views of steering wheels containing conventional air bag apparatuses.
- air bag apparatuses 2 A and 2 B are contained inside steering wheels 1 .
- Module covers 3 A and 3 B of the air bag apparatuses 2 A and 2 B, respectively, are provided with attaching portions 4 which are attached to spoke portions 1 a of the steering wheels 1 .
- the air bag apparatus 2 A has four attaching portions 4
- the air bag apparatus 2 B has three attaching portions 4 .
- each of the module covers 3 A and 3 B has tear lines 5 .
- horn switches are triggered and a horn is activated by pressing the module cover.
- the entire air bag apparatus or only the module cover moves backward uniformly over the entire region thereof.
- typically a region near the periphery of the air bag apparatus is pressed, so that only the side at which the module cover is pressed moves backward, and the other side moves only slightly. As a result, the air bag apparatus tilts.
- guide holes which are provided for guiding the movement of the air bag apparatus or only the module cover, must have sufficient diameters so that, regardless of the direction in which the air bag apparatus tilts, guiding shafts do not knock against the inner walls of the guide holes.
- an object of the present invention is to provide an air bag apparatus which does not cause the above-described displacement, and of which the entire body or the module cover is easily positioned with high accuracy.
- a driver-seat air bag apparatus is contained in a steering wheel, and comprises three horn switches which are circularly disposed at three positions in the steering wheel, each of the horn switches including a movable member which is provided with an opening and a contacting point, and which moves, when the air bag is pressed, in the direction in which the air bag is pressed; a guide shaft which is inserted through the opening and which guides the movement of the movable member; and a biasing member which applies biasing force to the movable member in the direction opposite to the direction in which the air bag is pressed.
- the opening in each of the horn switches is formed as an oblong hole which extends perpendicularly to a line which passes through between the other two horn switches.
- the air bag apparatus or the module cover is positioned with high accuracy in the lateral direction of the guide hole.
- the displacement between the attaching portions of the module cover and the spoke portions of the steering wheel is prevented.
- a driver-seat air bag apparatus is contained in a steering wheel, and comprises three horn switches which are circularly disposed at three positions in the steering wheel, each of the horn switches including a movable member which is provided with a contacting point, and which moves, when the air bag apparatus is pressed; in the direction in which the air bag is pressed, a guide shaft which is fixed to the movable member and which moves along with the movable member; a fixed portion which is provided with an opening through which the guide shaft is inserted, and a biasing member which applies biasing force to the movable member in the direction opposite to the direction in which the air bag is pressed.
- the opening in each of the horn switches is formed as an oblong hole which extends perpendicularly to a line which passes through between the other two horn switches.
- the opening (guide hole) in each of the horn switches is formed as an oblong hole. Accordingly, the air bag apparatus or the module cover is positioned with high accuracy in the lateral direction of the guide hole. Thus, the displacement between the attaching portions of the module cover and the spoke portions of the steering wheel are prevented.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of a steering wheel containing an air bag apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view which shows a construction of the air bag apparatus shown in FIG. 1, from which a module cover is removed.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a horn switch.
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the horn switch shown in FIG. 3.
- FIG. 5( a ) and FIG. 5( b ) are explanatory views of the operation of the horn switch shown in FIG. 3.
- FIG. 6 is a front view of a steering wheel according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a horn switch.
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an air bag apparatus shown in FIG. 9, which is cut along line XIII-XIII, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the air bag apparatus shown in FIG. 8.
- FIG. 10 is a sectional view of FIG. 9, which is cut along line X-X.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a horn switch supporting member.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a conventional steering wheel.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another conventional steering wheel.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of a steering wheel containing an air bag apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view which shows a construction of the air bag apparatus from which a module cover is removed.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a horn switch, and FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are explanatory drawings for explaining the operation of the horn switch.
- the air bag apparatus 2 is disposed at the central region of the steering wheel 1 , and includes the module cover 3 having three attaching portions 4 , which are attached to three spoke portions 1 a of the steering wheel 1 .
- horn switches 10 are disposed under the attaching portions 4 of the module cover 3 .
- Each of the horn switches 10 includes a fixed terminal 20 , a movable terminal 11 , a coil spring 12 , and a guide shaft 13 .
- the fixed terminal 20 is fixed to a horn plate 14
- the movable terminal 11 is attached to the module cover 3 .
- the coil spring 12 applies force to the movable terminal 11 and to the coil spring 12 in the opposite directions, and the guide shaft 13 guides the movement of the movable terminal 11 .
- the construction may also be such that the fixed terminal 20 is omitted, and the moveable terminal 11 directly contacts the horn plate 14 .
- the movable terminal 11 includes a main plate 11 m , a guide hole 11 c , and clamp portions 11 a .
- the main plate 11 m faces the bottom surface of the module cover 3
- the guide hole 11 c is an oblong hole formed at the center of the main plate 11 m .
- the clamp portions 11 a are formed at the periphery of the main plate 11 m.
- the clamp portions 11 a have an approximate U-shape and strongly clamp protruding tabs 17 .
- the protruding tabs 17 are formed at the lower end of a rod portion 16 , which extends from the bottom surface of the module cover 3 .
- claw portions 11 b are engaged with the protruding tabs 17 , so that the movable terminal 11 is strongly fixed to the module cover 3 .
- the guide shaft 13 includes a first stopper 13 a , a second stopper 13 h , a shank portion 13 j , a taper portion 13 t , and a pair of leg portions 13 b .
- the first stopper 13 a is positioned above the movable terminal 11
- the second stopper 13 h is mounted on the horn plate 14 .
- the shank portion 13 j connects the first and the second stoppers 13 a and 13 h
- the taper portion 13 t is formed at the connecting part of the shank portion 13 j and the first stopper 13 a .
- the leg portions 13 b project downward from the bottom surface of the second stopper 13 h .
- the diameter of the taper portion 13 t increases toward the first stopper 13 a , and the exterior surface thereof curves inward.
- the leg portions 13 b are inserted through an attachment hole 15 formed in the horn plate 14 .
- the guide shaft 13 including the leg portions 13 b , is integrally formed of an insulating plastic.
- the pair of leg portions 13 b can be elastically deformed toward and away from each other.
- the leg portions 13 b are provided with projections 13 c at the outwardly facing surfaces thereof (surfaces opposite to the surfaces facing each other).
- the leg portions 13 b are first bent so that they move toward each other.
- the leg portions 13 b move back to the initial positions by elastic force. Accordingly, the projections 13 c and the second stopper 13 h sandwich the horn plate 14 at the periphery of the attachment hole 15 , so that the guide shaft 13 is connected to the horn plate 14 .
- the coil spring 12 is disposed in a compressed manner between the movable terminal 11 and the second stopper 13 h of the guide shaft 13 , constantly pressing the movable terminal 11 upward.
- the movable terminal 11 normally receives opposing force from the coil spring 12 and is pressed upward toward the first stopper 13 a .
- the guide shaft 13 is fitted inside an opening 1 c , which is formed in the movable terminal 11 .
- the module cover 3 When the module cover 3 is pressed downward as shown in FIG. 5( a ) and is then released, it moves upward as shown in FIG. 5( b ) while the movement of the movable terminal 11 is guided by the taper portion 13 t of the guide shaft 13 . Then, after some time, the module cover 3 returns to the normal position as shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the module cover 3 returns to its regular position.
- the three horn switches 10 ( 10 A, 10 B, 10 C) are positioned at vertexes of a triangle.
- the opening 11 c in the movable terminal 11 of the horn switch 10 A extends perpendicularly to the line which passes through the horn switches 10 B and 10 C.
- the opening 11 c in the movable terminal 11 of the horn switch 10 B extends perpendicularly to the line which passes through between the horn switches 10 C and 10 A
- the opening 11 c in the movable terminal 11 of the horn switch 10 C extends perpendicularly to the line which passes through between the horn switches 10 A and 10 B.
- the module cover 3 rotates around the line which passes through between the horn switches 10 B and 10 C.
- the module cover 3 rotates around the line which passes through the horn switches 10 C and 10 A, and when the horn switch 10 C is pressed, the module cover 3 rotates around the line which passes through between the horn switches 10 A and 10 B.
- each of the openings 11 c of the horn switches 10 A, 10 B, and 10 C extends perpendicularly to each of the rotational axes.
- the guide shaft 13 moves in the longitudinal direction of the opening 11 c when the module cover 3 rotates.
- the rotation of the module cover 3 is not impeded when the openings 11 c are oblong holes as opposed to large-diameter holes. Since the openings 11 c are formed as oblong holes, the guide shafts 13 are restrained in the lateral direction of the openings 11 c . Accordingly, the module cover 3 is positioned against the spoke portions 1 a with high accuracy, and the displacement between the module cover 3 and the spoke portions 1 a is prevented.
- FIG. 6 is a front view of a four-spoke-type steering wheel containing an air bag apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a horn switch included in the air bag apparatus.
- the air bag apparatus 28 is contained in the steering wheel 1 A, and includes a module cover 29 having four attaching portions 4 , which are attached to four spoke portions 1 a.
- the air bag apparatus 28 also includes a retainer, an air bag which is attached to the retainer, a module cover 29 for covering the air bag, an inflator, and three horn switches 30 .
- the retainer is provided with a protruding portion 31 which extends horizontally from the periphery thereof, and the horn switches 30 are disposed between the protruding portion 31 and a horn plate 32 .
- the horn plate 32 is fixed to the steering wheel 1 A.
- Each of the horn switches 30 includes an annular insulating portion (guiding portion) 33 , a coil spring 34 , a bolt 35 , a long nut (guide shaft) 36 , a movable electrode 37 , and a fixed electrode 38 .
- the insulating portion 33 is provided with a flange portion 33 a , and is engaged with an opening 32 a of the horn plate 32 .
- the coil spring 34 is disposed in a compressed manner between the flange portion 33 a of the insulating portion 33 and the protruding portion 31 of the retainer.
- the bolt 35 is fixed to the protruding portion 31 by welding, etc. In addition, the bolt 35 extends downward in FIG. 7, and is screwed into the long nut 36 .
- the long nut 36 is disposed inside an opening 33 h of the insulating portion 33 , and is provided with a flange portion 36 a .
- the movable electrode 37 is fixed to the protruding portion 31 of the retainer, and the electrode 38 is fixed to the horn plate 32 .
- the horn switches 30 are arranged in a similar manner to the above-described horn switches 10 .
- the opening 33 h of the insulating portion 33 is shaped in the similar manner to the opening 11 c . More specifically, the opening 33 h of each of the horn switches 30 extends perpendicularly to the line which passes through between the other two horn switches 30 .
- the air bag apparatus 28 moves smoothly when it is pressed.
- the opening 33 h which is formed as an oblong hole
- the long nut 36 which serves as a guide shaft
- the air bag apparatus 28 shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 is a four-spoke-type air bag apparatus of which the entire body moves when it is pressed. As shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 11, however, the present invention may also be applied to a four-spoke-type air bag apparatus of which only a module cover moves.
- the air bag apparatus 41 includes a retainer 42 , an air bag 43 which is attached to the retainer 42 by an attachment ring 44 , an inflator 46 for inflating the air bag 43 , and a module cover 45 which covers the folded air bag 43 .
- the module cover 45 is provided with a tear line 45 t . When the air bag 43 is inflated by the inflator 46 , the module cover 45 breaks along the tear line 45 t to open in the directions ⁇ 1 and ⁇ 2 , as shown in FIG. 8.
- the module cover 45 is provided with leg portions 45 L which are integrally formed with the module cover 45 and which protrudes from the bottom surface thereof.
- the retainer 42 is bent at the ends thereof, forming side wall portions 42 S and hook portions 42 F.
- the hook portions 42 F are inserted through openings 45 a formed in the leg portions 45 L.
- the hook portions 42 F extend from the side wall portions 42 S, and are bent outward in an L-shape.
- the leg portions 45 L are disposed outside the side wall portions 42 S with predetermined distances therebetween.
- a restraining member 50 is disposed along one of the leg portions 45 L to prevent the leg portion 45 L from moving away from the opposing side wall portion 42 S.
- the restraining member 50 includes upright wall portions 50 a , which face the outwardly facing surface of one of the leg portions 45 L, and a bottom portion 50 b , which is disposed under the retainer 42 .
- the upright wall portions 50 a are provided with openings 50 h , through which the hook portions 42 F are inserted.
- the bottom portion 50 b is provided with holes for receiving bolts 55 , which will be described below.
- the inflator 46 is provided with a flange portion 46 a .
- the bolts 55 which project from the attachment ring 44 , are inserted through the retainer 42 and through the flange portion 46 a , and are screwed into nuts 56 . Accordingly, the inflator 46 and the air bag 43 are fixed to the retainer 42 .
- the shape in which the air bag 43 is folded is maintained by a shape-maintaining member (not shown).
- a horn switch supporter 48 is provided with base portions 48 a , and the retainer 42 is provided with protruding tabs 49 which extend from the bottom surface thereof.
- the base portions 48 a and the protruding tabs 49 are fixed to a bracket (not shown) of the steering wheel with bolts.
- the horn switch supporter 48 has an angular U-shape so as to surround the retainer 42 at three sides thereof.
- a top portion 48 b of the horn switch supporter 48 faces the bottom surface of the module cover 45 at the periphery thereof, and extends in a plane perpendicular to the moving direction of the module cover 45 .
- the top portion 48 b is provided with protruding portions 48 c which extend toward the right and left, and protruding portions 48 d which extend toward the lower right and lower left.
- protruding portions 48 c and 48 d are engaged with step portions which are provided to the steering wheel.
- Horn switches 60 which will be described below, are disposed at the protruding portions 48 c , and another horn switch 60 is disposed between the protruding portions 48 d .
- Reference numeral 48 e indicates openings 48 e for attaching the horn switches 60 .
- the horn switch supporter 48 is disposed in a manner such that the three sides thereof extends along the right side, the left side, and the lower side (side facing the driver), of the retainer 42 .
- the horn switch supporter 48 is provided with base portions 48 a at two sides, which extend along the right side and the left side of the retainer 42 .
- the base portions 48 a and the protruding tabs 49 are provided with openings 48 h and 49 h , respectively, for receiving bolts.
- the bolts which penetrate through the openings holes 48 h and 49 h are screwed into tapped holes formed in the bracket (not shown) of the steering wheel.
- Each of the horn switches 60 includes a movable terminal (contacting member) 61 , a coil spring 62 , and a guide shaft 63 which is disposed inside the coil spring 62 .
- the contacting member 61 includes a clip portion 61 a to which a rib, which projects from the bottom surface of the module cover 45 , is fitted.
- the contacting member 61 also includes a contacting point 66 , which is formed as a protrusion, and an opening (guide hole) 61 h for inserting the guide shaft 63 therethrough.
- a head portion 63 a of the guide shaft 63 is restrained by the contacting member 61 .
- the contacting point 66 contacts the top portion 48 b of the horn switch supporter 48 .
- the horn switch 60 is triggered and the horn is activated.
- the guide shaft 63 includes the head portion 63 a , which is restrained by the contacting member 61 , and a pair of elastic leg portions 63 b , which are restrained by the opening 48 e formed in the top portion 48 b of the horn switch supporter 48 .
- the three horn switches 60 are arranged in a similar manner to the above-described horn switches 10 and 30 .
- the opening (guide hole) 61 h is formed as an oblong hole, and extends in a direction similar to the opening (guide hole) 11 c and 33 h of the horn switch 10 and 30 .
- the module cover 45 also moves smoothly when it is pressed.
- the opening (guide hole) 61 h and the guide shaft 63 are engaged with each other.
- the module cover 45 is positioned with high accuracy.
- the air bag apparatus or the module cover moves smoothly, and is positioned with high accuracy.
- three horn switches are provided in the present invention, forces applied by the springs are easily adjusted in the process of attaching the air bag apparatus to the steering wheel.
Abstract
An bag apparatus of which the entire body or the module cover moves smoothly and is easily positioned with high accuracy is provided. The air bag apparatus is disposed at the central region of the steering wheel, and includes a module cover having three attaching portions. In addition, horn switches are disposed under the attaching portions. Each of the horn switches includes a movable terminal having a guide hole. The three horn switches are disposed at vertexes of a triangle. The opening of each of the horn switches extends perpendicularly to the line which passes through between the other two horn switches.
Description
- The present application claims priority to and the benefit of the following U.S. Provisional Patent Applications:
- Ser. No. 60/190,022 filed Mar. 17, 2000; and
- Ser. No. 60/207,185 filed May 26, 2000
- The foregoing provisional applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
- The present invention relates to air bag apparatuses mounted in vehicles, etc., and more specifically relates to an air bag apparatus for a driver's seat which has horn switches.
- Generally, air bag apparatuses for driver's seats of vehicles include an air bag which is folded and is fixed to a retainer (also referred to as a container, etc.) at an end thereof, and a module cover which is attached to the retainer for covering the folded air bag. In addition, an inflator (gas generator), which generates a gas for inflating the air bag, is usually attached to the retainer. When a vehicle collides, the inflator generates a gas and starts to inflate the air bag. Then, the module cover breaks and opens, and the air bag expands toward the driver.
- The module cover is provided with a tear line (also referred to as a thinned portion or as a weakened portion), along which the module cover breaks and opens when it is pressed from behind by the inflated air bag.
- FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are perspective views of steering wheels containing conventional air bag apparatuses. In the figures, the upper sides of the steering wheels are not shown. With reference to the figures,
air bag apparatuses air bag apparatuses portions 4 which are attached to spokeportions 1 a of the steering wheels 1. Theair bag apparatus 2A has four attachingportions 4, and theair bag apparatus 2B has three attachingportions 4. In addition, each of the module covers 3A and 3B hastear lines 5. - In certain air bag apparatuses for driver's seats as described above, horn switches are triggered and a horn is activated by pressing the module cover. There are two types of air bag apparatuses with such horn switches. In one type, the entire body of the air bag apparatus moves backward, and in the other type, only the module cover moves backward.
- If the central region of the air bag apparatus is pressed to activate the horn, the entire air bag apparatus or only the module cover moves backward uniformly over the entire region thereof. However, typically a region near the periphery of the air bag apparatus is pressed, so that only the side at which the module cover is pressed moves backward, and the other side moves only slightly. As a result, the air bag apparatus tilts.
- Accordingly, guide holes, which are provided for guiding the movement of the air bag apparatus or only the module cover, must have sufficient diameters so that, regardless of the direction in which the air bag apparatus tilts, guiding shafts do not knock against the inner walls of the guide holes.
- When the guide holes have large diameters, however, the positional accuracy of the air bag apparatus or of the module cover is degraded. Thus, displacement between the attaching portions and the spoke portions of the steering wheel occur.
- Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an air bag apparatus which does not cause the above-described displacement, and of which the entire body or the module cover is easily positioned with high accuracy.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, a driver-seat air bag apparatus is contained in a steering wheel, and comprises three horn switches which are circularly disposed at three positions in the steering wheel, each of the horn switches including a movable member which is provided with an opening and a contacting point, and which moves, when the air bag is pressed, in the direction in which the air bag is pressed; a guide shaft which is inserted through the opening and which guides the movement of the movable member; and a biasing member which applies biasing force to the movable member in the direction opposite to the direction in which the air bag is pressed. The opening in each of the horn switches is formed as an oblong hole which extends perpendicularly to a line which passes through between the other two horn switches.
- When the air bag apparatus or the module cover is pressed and moves backward, the guide shaft moves inside the opening (guide hole) of the movable member. At this time, according to the present invention, the guide shaft in each of the horn switches moves perpendicularly to the line which passes through the other two horn switches. Thus, it is only necessary that the guide hole extends in this direction.
- According to the above-described air bag apparatus in which the guide hole in each of the horn switches is formed as an oblong hole, the air bag apparatus or the module cover is positioned with high accuracy in the lateral direction of the guide hole. Thus, the displacement between the attaching portions of the module cover and the spoke portions of the steering wheel is prevented.
- In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, a driver-seat air bag apparatus is contained in a steering wheel, and comprises three horn switches which are circularly disposed at three positions in the steering wheel, each of the horn switches including a movable member which is provided with a contacting point, and which moves, when the air bag apparatus is pressed; in the direction in which the air bag is pressed, a guide shaft which is fixed to the movable member and which moves along with the movable member; a fixed portion which is provided with an opening through which the guide shaft is inserted, and a biasing member which applies biasing force to the movable member in the direction opposite to the direction in which the air bag is pressed. The opening in each of the horn switches is formed as an oblong hole which extends perpendicularly to a line which passes through between the other two horn switches.
- Also in such an air bag apparatus, the opening (guide hole) in each of the horn switches is formed as an oblong hole. Accordingly, the air bag apparatus or the module cover is positioned with high accuracy in the lateral direction of the guide hole. Thus, the displacement between the attaching portions of the module cover and the spoke portions of the steering wheel are prevented.
- It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.
- These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, appended claims, and the accompanying exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly described below.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of a steering wheel containing an air bag apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view which shows a construction of the air bag apparatus shown in FIG. 1, from which a module cover is removed.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a horn switch.
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the horn switch shown in FIG. 3.
- FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b) are explanatory views of the operation of the horn switch shown in FIG. 3.
- FIG. 6 is a front view of a steering wheel according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a horn switch.
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an air bag apparatus shown in FIG. 9, which is cut along line XIII-XIII, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the air bag apparatus shown in FIG. 8.
- FIG. 10 is a sectional view of FIG. 9, which is cut along line X-X.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a horn switch supporting member.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a conventional steering wheel.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another conventional steering wheel.
- Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a steering wheel containing an air bag apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view which shows a construction of the air bag apparatus from which a module cover is removed. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a horn switch, and FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are explanatory drawings for explaining the operation of the horn switch.
- The
air bag apparatus 2 is disposed at the central region of the steering wheel 1, and includes themodule cover 3 having three attachingportions 4, which are attached to threespoke portions 1 a of the steering wheel 1. In addition, horn switches 10 are disposed under the attachingportions 4 of themodule cover 3. - Each of the horn switches10 includes a fixed
terminal 20, amovable terminal 11, acoil spring 12, and aguide shaft 13. The fixedterminal 20 is fixed to ahorn plate 14, and themovable terminal 11 is attached to themodule cover 3. In addition, thecoil spring 12 applies force to themovable terminal 11 and to thecoil spring 12 in the opposite directions, and theguide shaft 13 guides the movement of themovable terminal 11. The construction may also be such that the fixedterminal 20 is omitted, and themoveable terminal 11 directly contacts thehorn plate 14. - The
movable terminal 11 includes amain plate 11 m, aguide hole 11 c, and clampportions 11 a. Themain plate 11 m faces the bottom surface of themodule cover 3, and theguide hole 11 c is an oblong hole formed at the center of themain plate 11 m. In addition, theclamp portions 11 a are formed at the periphery of themain plate 11 m. - The
clamp portions 11 a have an approximate U-shape and strongly clamp protrudingtabs 17. The protrudingtabs 17 are formed at the lower end of arod portion 16, which extends from the bottom surface of themodule cover 3. In addition,claw portions 11 b are engaged with the protrudingtabs 17, so that themovable terminal 11 is strongly fixed to themodule cover 3. - The
guide shaft 13 includes afirst stopper 13 a, asecond stopper 13 h, ashank portion 13 j, ataper portion 13 t, and a pair ofleg portions 13 b. Thefirst stopper 13 a is positioned above themovable terminal 11, and thesecond stopper 13 h is mounted on thehorn plate 14. Theshank portion 13 j connects the first and thesecond stoppers taper portion 13 t is formed at the connecting part of theshank portion 13 j and thefirst stopper 13 a. In addition, theleg portions 13 b project downward from the bottom surface of thesecond stopper 13 h. The diameter of thetaper portion 13 t increases toward thefirst stopper 13 a, and the exterior surface thereof curves inward. - The
leg portions 13 b are inserted through anattachment hole 15 formed in thehorn plate 14. Theguide shaft 13, including theleg portions 13 b, is integrally formed of an insulating plastic. - The pair of
leg portions 13 b can be elastically deformed toward and away from each other. In addition, theleg portions 13 b are provided withprojections 13 c at the outwardly facing surfaces thereof (surfaces opposite to the surfaces facing each other). When theleg portions 13 b are inserted into theattachment hole 15, theleg portions 13 b are first bent so that they move toward each other. After theprojections 13 c are passed through theattachment hole 15, theleg portions 13 b move back to the initial positions by elastic force. Accordingly, theprojections 13 c and thesecond stopper 13 h sandwich thehorn plate 14 at the periphery of theattachment hole 15, so that theguide shaft 13 is connected to thehorn plate 14. - The
coil spring 12 is disposed in a compressed manner between themovable terminal 11 and thesecond stopper 13 h of theguide shaft 13, constantly pressing themovable terminal 11 upward. - As shown in FIG. 4, the
movable terminal 11 normally receives opposing force from thecoil spring 12 and is pressed upward toward thefirst stopper 13 a. Theguide shaft 13 is fitted inside an opening 1 c, which is formed in themovable terminal 11. - When the
module cover 3 is pressed downward as shown in FIG. 5(a) and is then released, it moves upward as shown in FIG. 5(b) while the movement of themovable terminal 11 is guided by thetaper portion 13 t of theguide shaft 13. Then, after some time, themodule cover 3 returns to the normal position as shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, themodule cover 3 returns to its regular position. - As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the three horn switches10 (10A, 10B, 10C) are positioned at vertexes of a triangle. In addition, the
opening 11 c in themovable terminal 11 of thehorn switch 10A extends perpendicularly to the line which passes through the horn switches 10B and 10C. Similarly, theopening 11 c in themovable terminal 11 of thehorn switch 10B extends perpendicularly to the line which passes through between the horn switches 10C and 10A, and theopening 11 c in themovable terminal 11 of thehorn switch 10C extends perpendicularly to the line which passes through between the horn switches 10A and 10B. - When the
horn switch 10A is pressed, themodule cover 3 rotates around the line which passes through between the horn switches 10B and 10C. Similarly, when thehorn switch 10B is pressed, themodule cover 3 rotates around the line which passes through the horn switches 10C and 10A, and when thehorn switch 10C is pressed, themodule cover 3 rotates around the line which passes through between the horn switches 10A and 10B. - As described above, each of the
openings 11 c of the horn switches 10A, 10B, and 10C extends perpendicularly to each of the rotational axes. Thus, with respect to each of the horn switches 10A, 10B, and 10C, theguide shaft 13 moves in the longitudinal direction of theopening 11 c when themodule cover 3 rotates. Thus, the rotation of themodule cover 3 is not impeded when theopenings 11 c are oblong holes as opposed to large-diameter holes. Since theopenings 11 c are formed as oblong holes, theguide shafts 13 are restrained in the lateral direction of theopenings 11 c. Accordingly, themodule cover 3 is positioned against thespoke portions 1 a with high accuracy, and the displacement between themodule cover 3 and thespoke portions 1 a is prevented. - FIG. 6 is a front view of a four-spoke-type steering wheel containing an air bag apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a horn switch included in the air bag apparatus. When the
air bag apparatus 28 is pressed in order to activate a horn, the entire body thereof moves backward away from the driver. - The
air bag apparatus 28 is contained in thesteering wheel 1A, and includes amodule cover 29 having four attachingportions 4, which are attached to four spokeportions 1 a. - The
air bag apparatus 28 also includes a retainer, an air bag which is attached to the retainer, amodule cover 29 for covering the air bag, an inflator, and three horn switches 30. The retainer is provided with a protrudingportion 31 which extends horizontally from the periphery thereof, and the horn switches 30 are disposed between the protrudingportion 31 and ahorn plate 32. Thehorn plate 32 is fixed to thesteering wheel 1A. - Each of the horn switches30 includes an annular insulating portion (guiding portion) 33, a
coil spring 34, abolt 35, a long nut (guide shaft) 36, amovable electrode 37, and a fixed electrode 38. The insulatingportion 33 is provided with aflange portion 33 a, and is engaged with anopening 32 a of thehorn plate 32. Thecoil spring 34 is disposed in a compressed manner between theflange portion 33 a of the insulatingportion 33 and the protrudingportion 31 of the retainer. Thebolt 35 is fixed to the protrudingportion 31 by welding, etc. In addition, thebolt 35 extends downward in FIG. 7, and is screwed into thelong nut 36. Thelong nut 36 is disposed inside anopening 33 h of the insulatingportion 33, and is provided with a flange portion 36 a. Themovable electrode 37 is fixed to the protrudingportion 31 of the retainer, and the electrode 38 is fixed to thehorn plate 32. - The horn switches30 are arranged in a similar manner to the above-described horn switches 10. In addition, with respect to each of the horn switches 30, the
opening 33 h of the insulatingportion 33 is shaped in the similar manner to theopening 11 c. More specifically, theopening 33 h of each of the horn switches 30 extends perpendicularly to the line which passes through between the other two horn switches 30. - Accordingly, the
air bag apparatus 28 moves smoothly when it is pressed. In addition, in each of the horn switches 30, theopening 33 h, which is formed as an oblong hole, and thelong nut 36, which serves as a guide shaft, are engaged with each other. Thus,air bag apparatus 28 is positioned with high accuracy. - The
air bag apparatus 28 shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 is a four-spoke-type air bag apparatus of which the entire body moves when it is pressed. As shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 11, however, the present invention may also be applied to a four-spoke-type air bag apparatus of which only a module cover moves. - As shown in FIG. 8, the
air bag apparatus 41 includes aretainer 42, anair bag 43 which is attached to theretainer 42 by anattachment ring 44, aninflator 46 for inflating theair bag 43, and amodule cover 45 which covers the foldedair bag 43. Themodule cover 45 is provided with atear line 45 t. When theair bag 43 is inflated by theinflator 46, themodule cover 45 breaks along thetear line 45 t to open in the directions θ1 and θ2, as shown in FIG. 8. - The
module cover 45 is provided withleg portions 45L which are integrally formed with themodule cover 45 and which protrudes from the bottom surface thereof. In addition, theretainer 42 is bent at the ends thereof, formingside wall portions 42S andhook portions 42F. Thehook portions 42F are inserted throughopenings 45 a formed in theleg portions 45L. - The
hook portions 42F extend from theside wall portions 42S, and are bent outward in an L-shape. Theleg portions 45L are disposed outside theside wall portions 42S with predetermined distances therebetween. In addition, a restrainingmember 50 is disposed along one of theleg portions 45L to prevent theleg portion 45L from moving away from the opposingside wall portion 42S. - The restraining
member 50 includesupright wall portions 50 a, which face the outwardly facing surface of one of theleg portions 45L, and abottom portion 50 b, which is disposed under theretainer 42. Theupright wall portions 50 a are provided withopenings 50 h, through which thehook portions 42F are inserted. Thebottom portion 50 b is provided with holes for receivingbolts 55, which will be described below. - The
inflator 46 is provided with aflange portion 46 a. Thebolts 55, which project from theattachment ring 44, are inserted through theretainer 42 and through theflange portion 46 a, and are screwed into nuts 56. Accordingly, theinflator 46 and theair bag 43 are fixed to theretainer 42. -
Certain bolts 55 are also inserted through thebottom portion 50 b of the restrainingmember 50. Thus, the restrainingmember 50 is also fixed to theretainer 42. - The shape in which the
air bag 43 is folded is maintained by a shape-maintaining member (not shown). - A
horn switch supporter 48 is provided withbase portions 48 a, and theretainer 42 is provided with protrudingtabs 49 which extend from the bottom surface thereof. Thebase portions 48 a and the protrudingtabs 49 are fixed to a bracket (not shown) of the steering wheel with bolts. As shown in FIG. 11, thehorn switch supporter 48 has an angular U-shape so as to surround theretainer 42 at three sides thereof. Atop portion 48 b of thehorn switch supporter 48 faces the bottom surface of themodule cover 45 at the periphery thereof, and extends in a plane perpendicular to the moving direction of themodule cover 45. - The
top portion 48 b is provided with protrudingportions 48 c which extend toward the right and left, and protrudingportions 48 d which extend toward the lower right and lower left. In the descriptions hereof, “right” and “left” refer to directions as seen from a driver when a vehicle is moved forward. The protrudingportions - Horn switches60, which will be described below, are disposed at the protruding
portions 48 c, and anotherhorn switch 60 is disposed between the protrudingportions 48 d.Reference numeral 48 e indicatesopenings 48 e for attaching the horn switches 60. - The
horn switch supporter 48 is disposed in a manner such that the three sides thereof extends along the right side, the left side, and the lower side (side facing the driver), of theretainer 42. In addition, thehorn switch supporter 48 is provided withbase portions 48 a at two sides, which extend along the right side and the left side of theretainer 42. Thebase portions 48 a and the protrudingtabs 49 are provided withopenings - There is a predetermined clearance between the
module cover 45 and the shape-maintaining member (not shown) for maintaining the shape of the foldedair bag 43. In addition, there is also a predetermined clearance between thehook portions 42F and theopenings 45 a formed in theleg portions 45L of themodule cover 45. Accordingly, themodule cover 45 is able to move in the vertical direction in FIG. 8. When themodule cover 45 is pressed, one or more of the horn switches 60 are triggered and a horn is activated. - Each of the horn switches60 includes a movable terminal (contacting member) 61, a coil spring 62, and a guide shaft 63 which is disposed inside the coil spring 62.
- The contacting
member 61 includes aclip portion 61 a to which a rib, which projects from the bottom surface of themodule cover 45, is fitted. The contactingmember 61 also includes a contactingpoint 66, which is formed as a protrusion, and an opening (guide hole) 61 h for inserting the guide shaft 63 therethrough. Ahead portion 63 a of the guide shaft 63 is restrained by the contactingmember 61. When themodule cover 45 is pressed, the contactingpoint 66 contacts thetop portion 48 b of thehorn switch supporter 48. Thus, thehorn switch 60 is triggered and the horn is activated. - The guide shaft63 includes the
head portion 63 a, which is restrained by the contactingmember 61, and a pair ofelastic leg portions 63 b, which are restrained by theopening 48 e formed in thetop portion 48 b of thehorn switch supporter 48. - The three
horn switches 60 are arranged in a similar manner to the above-described horn switches 10 and 30. In addition, with respect to each of the horn switches 60, the opening (guide hole) 61 h is formed as an oblong hole, and extends in a direction similar to the opening (guide hole) 11 c and 33 h of thehorn switch - In the
air bag apparatus 41 having the above-described construction, themodule cover 45 also moves smoothly when it is pressed. In addition, in each of the horn switches 60, the opening (guide hole) 61 h and the guide shaft 63 are engaged with each other. Thus, themodule cover 45 is positioned with high accuracy. - As described above, according to the present invention, the air bag apparatus or the module cover moves smoothly, and is positioned with high accuracy. In addition, since three horn switches are provided in the present invention, forces applied by the springs are easily adjusted in the process of attaching the air bag apparatus to the steering wheel.
- Given the disclosure of the present invention, one versed in the art would appreciate that there may be other embodiments and modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, all modifications attainable by one versed in the art from the present disclosure within the scope and spirit of the present invention are to be included as further embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is to be defined as set forth in the following claims.
Claims (13)
1. A driver-seat air bag apparatus contained in a steering wheel, comprising three horn switches which are circularly disposed at three positions in said steering wheel, each of said horn switches including:
a movable member which is provided with an opening and a contacting point, wherein the movable member is configured to move when the airbag is pressed in a direction in which said air bag is pressed;
a guide shaft positioned to pass through said opening and which guides the movement of said movable member; and
a biasing member which applies biasing force to said movable member in a direction opposite to the direction in which said air bag is pressed,
wherein said opening in each of said horn switches is formed as an oblong hole extending perpendicularly to a line which passes through the other two horn switches.
2. A driver-seat air bag apparatus contained in a steering wheel, comprising three horn switches which are circularly disposed at three positions in said steering wheel, each of said horn switches including:
a movable member provided with a contacting point, and configured to move when said air bag apparatus is pressed, in a direction in which said air bag is pressed;
a guide shaft which is fixed to said movable member and configured to move along with said movable member;
a fixed portion which is provided with an opening through which said guide shaft is inserted; and
a biasing member biasing said movable member in a direction opposite to the direction in which said air bag is pressed,
wherein said opening in each of said horn switches is formed as an oblong hole extending perpendicularly to a line which passes through between the other two horn switches.
3. An airbag apparatus installed in a steering wheel comprising:
at least three horn switches activated by movement of an airbag cover away from the driver; wherein each of the switches include a fixed contact and a movable terminal; and wherein the switch is configured to limit movement of the movable terminal to a direction away from the driver and a direction perpendicular to a line between the other two horn switches.
4. The apparatus of , wherein the fixed contact and movable terminal are biased apart.
claim 3
5. The apparatus of , wherein the movable terminal is connected to the airbag cover.
claim 3
6. The apparatus of , further comprising an airbag connected to the movable cover.
claim 3
7. The apparatus of , wherein the airbag is stationary during operation of the switch.
claim 3
8. The apparatus of , wherein each of the horn switches are located so that a circular line passes through each switch.
claim 3
9. The apparatus of , wherein the switch includes a guide shaft.
claim 3
10. The apparatus of , wherein the guide shaft is connected to the fixed contact for guiding the movement of the movable terminal.
claim 9
11. The apparatus of , wherein the guide shaft passes through an opening in the movable terminal, and wherein the opening extends in a direction substantially perpendicular the line between the other two switches to thereby limit the movement of the movable terminal.
claim 10
12. The apparatus of , wherein the guide shaft is connected to the movable terminal.
claim 9
13. The apparatus of , wherein the guide shaft passes through an opening in a plate supporting the fixed contact, and wherein the opening extends in a direction substantially perpendicular the line between the other two switches to thereby limit the movement of the movable terminal.
claim 9
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/810,346 US6422594B2 (en) | 2000-03-17 | 2001-03-19 | Airbag apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US19002200P | 2000-03-17 | 2000-03-17 | |
US20718500P | 2000-05-26 | 2000-05-26 | |
US09/810,346 US6422594B2 (en) | 2000-03-17 | 2001-03-19 | Airbag apparatus |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20010035631A1 true US20010035631A1 (en) | 2001-11-01 |
US6422594B2 US6422594B2 (en) | 2002-07-23 |
Family
ID=26885712
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/810,346 Expired - Fee Related US6422594B2 (en) | 2000-03-17 | 2001-03-19 | Airbag apparatus |
Country Status (2)
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US (1) | US6422594B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4538956B2 (en) |
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GB2390337A (en) * | 2002-07-02 | 2004-01-07 | Autoliv Dev | Steering wheel with airbag centrally and resiliently mounted |
EP1426248A1 (en) * | 2002-12-04 | 2004-06-09 | TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH | Airbag module |
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DE202014002194U1 (en) * | 2014-03-13 | 2015-06-17 | Dalphi Metal Espana, S.A. | Connector component for attaching a gas bag module to a steering wheel, positioning sleeve therefor, set with such a connector component and a positioning sleeve and steering wheel, gas bag module and steering wheel assembly |
WO2015135657A1 (en) * | 2014-03-13 | 2015-09-17 | Dalphi Metal Espana, S.A. | Connector component for securing an airbag module to a steering wheel, positioning sleeve for the connector component, set comprising such a connector component and a positioning sleeve, steering wheel, airbag module, steering wheel assembly, and method for producing same |
CN106414173A (en) * | 2014-03-13 | 2017-02-15 | 德尔菲金属西班牙股份公司 | Connector component for securing an airbag module to a steering wheel, positioning sleeve for the connector component, set comprising such a connector component and a positioning sleeve, steering wheel, airbag module, steering wheel assembly, and method for producing same |
US10155494B2 (en) | 2014-03-13 | 2018-12-18 | Dalphi Metal Espana S.A. | Connector component for securing an airbag module to a steering wheel, positioning sleeve for the connector component, set comprising such a connector component and a positioning sleeve, steering wheel, airbag module, steering wheel assembly, and method for producing same |
US10434968B2 (en) | 2014-03-13 | 2019-10-08 | Dalphi Metal Espana S.A. | Connector component for securing an airbag module to a steering wheel, positioning sleeve for the connector component, set comprising such a connector component and a positioning sleeve, steering wheel, airbag module, steering wheel assembly, and method for producing same |
DE102014006299A1 (en) | 2014-05-02 | 2015-11-05 | Autoliv Development Ab | Steering wheel unit with a steering wheel body and an airbag unit held on the steering wheel body |
DE102014006299B4 (en) | 2014-05-02 | 2018-03-29 | Autoliv Development Ab | Steering wheel unit with a steering wheel body and an airbag unit held on the steering wheel body |
US20190143927A1 (en) * | 2016-04-26 | 2019-05-16 | Jacobo Casal Alonso | Gas bag unit and vehicle passenger safety system having such a gas bag unit, and manufactured method |
CN107487350A (en) * | 2017-08-20 | 2017-12-19 | 芜湖乐普汽车科技有限公司 | A kind of vehicle steering |
CN107498944A (en) * | 2017-08-20 | 2017-12-22 | 芜湖乐普汽车科技有限公司 | A kind of processing technology of the external disk of vehicle steering |
CN112739575A (en) * | 2018-09-13 | 2021-04-30 | 奥托立夫开发公司 | Vehicle steering wheel comprising a horn control device, vehicle having such a steering wheel, method for assembling such a steering wheel |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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JP4538956B2 (en) | 2010-09-08 |
US6422594B2 (en) | 2002-07-23 |
JP2001260794A (en) | 2001-09-26 |
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