MODULAR STEERING WHEEL AND AIRBAG COMBINATION

摘要

A modular steering wheel and airbag combination (20) includes an airbag assembly (42), a steering wheel assembly and a separate hub plate (60). The combination is preassembled as a unitary component which can easily be attached to a steering column shaft (22). A taper or wedge lock is formed between the steering wheel armature (30) and hub plate (60). The steering wheel assembly includes a plurality of ribs or spokes (34) extending from an upper rim (32) portion of the steering wheel assembly and a ring portion (36) connecting the spokes (34) to provide structural integrity and support to the steering wheel assembly. The airbag assembly (42) includes a retaining ring as part of an airbag component which provides easy and secure attachment of the airbag component to the hub plate (60). The inventive steering wheel and airbag combination (20) comprises a structure for securing the combination to a steering column shaft (22). One embodiment of the structure includes a worm gear and complementary gear. The complementary gear may be a helical gear. In other embodiments, the combination is secured to a steering column shaft (22) by rotating the combination to a predetermined stop position and inserting the locking bolt into the threaded bore and tightly securing the bolt. A method of securing the combination to a steering column shaft (22) is disclosed. A method of forming and assembling a steering wheel and airbag combination (20) is also disclosed.