Spring element for fastening an air bag module to a vehicle steering wheel, and steering wheel assembly comprising such a spring element

US11465577B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ZF AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY GERMANY GMBH · DE

Inventor

• Stefan Bachmann · Heimbuchenthal, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 10, 2018
• Grant date: Oct 11, 2022
• Expiry date: Sep 3, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R21/2037
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to a spring element (10) for fastening an airbag module (12) to a vehicle steering wheel (14), having a first spring section (16) which extends from a tool access point (P) via a first bearing point (18) as far as a first free spring end (20), and a second spring section (22) which extends from the tool access point (P) via a second bearing point (24) as far as a second free spring end (26), wherein the tool access point (P) is spaced apart from a connecting section (28) between the two free spring ends (20, 26), wherein the tool access point (P) is spaced apart from a connecting section (28) between the two free spring ends (20, 26) and is displaceable in an actuating direction (x) toward the connecting section (28), and wherein the spring sections (16, 22) are shaped such that the free spring ends (20, 26) move toward each other or away from each other during a displacement of the tool access point (P) in the actuating direction (x) if the first bearing point (18) and the second bearing point (24) are held substantially non-displaceably in the actuating direction (x).