Motor vehicle subassembly

US7118124B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TAKATA-PETRI AG · DE

Inventors

• Peter H. WEIS · Edelgave Huse, DK
• Bernd Hasselbacher · Kleinwallstadt, DE
• Gunter Maierhofer · Berlin, DE
• Frank Sauer · Princeton, US
• Gabor Palincas · Arad, RO

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 16, 2003
• Grant date: Oct 10, 2006
• Expiry date: Apr 16, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R21/05
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A motor vehicle subassembly including a steering wheel body and an airbag module is provided with the airbag module secured to the steering wheel via latching structure at spaced fastening points that allows removal of the module from the steering wheel body by releasing it at one of the fastening points. In this manner, the latching structureneed not be actuated at the other fastening points as well for airbag module removal. In a preferred form, an actuating element such as a spring member is provided for forming part of the latching connection between the steering wheel body and the airbag module. The latching structure can include latching elements at each fastening point having associated elastic elements such as helical springs for securing the airbag module with a prestress to the steering wheel body.