Steering wheel with integral airbag with sprung baseplate

摘要

The steering wheel (12) carries an airbag module (16) which has a baseplate (34) on which are mounted a gas generator (20), folded airbag (22), and cover (24). The metal baseplate acts as the moving electrical contact (54) for the horn. The fixed horn contacts (56) are mounted on the wheel. The baseplate is held clear of the steering wheel by spring-loaded insulating bushes (48), which clip into socket in the wheel; and is secured to the wheel by bolts (38) with insulating sleeves (44) which have clearance in the holes (40) in the wheel. The bolt heads act as a stops to limit baseplate travel.