Integral steering wheel and airbag module

摘要

A unitary moulded plastic body (22) with an unbroken outer surface contains a circumferential steering wheel rim armature (18) and radially extending spoke armatures (20) and has an internal cavity (26) closed by an integral door portion defined by tear lines (28, 30). Inner ends of the spoke armatures (20) are connected to a hub plate (10) by screws (32) which when removed permit removal of the body (22) allowing access to a folded airbag (40) a mouth of which is clamped between a mounting flange (36) of an inflator (38) and the hub plate (10) by bolts (34). A retainer ring with tabs which project through the airbag (40) may be interposed between the mounting flange (36) and the airbag (40). As the plastic body (22) serves as steering wheel body and accommodates airbag module components, assembly and maintenance is facilitated. <IMAGE>