Driver side airbag module cover and horn switch

• US 5,369,232 A
• Filed: 07/23/1993
• Issued: 11/29/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 07/23/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Autoliv ASP Incorporated (Autoliv Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Morton International Incorporated (Autoliv Incorporated)
• Inventors: Leonelli, F. Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Scott, J. R.
• Application Number:
  US08/096,559
• Time in Patent Office: 494 Days
• Field of Search: 200/5 A, 200/5 R, 200/61.54-61.57, 280/728 R, 280/735
• US Class Current: 200/61.54
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 5/003 mounted on the steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/21658 with integrated switches, e.g. horn switches

Abstract

An airbag cover is provided with a membrane horn switch which is more reliable than prior art switches. A portion of the cover is thinned to provide a flexible horn actuation area. The membrane switch is mounted against the inner surface of the horn actuation area and is backed by a rigid panel mounted to the cover.

Claims

1. A relatively flexible driver'"'"'s side airbag module cover having a front outer surface and a rear inner surface which comprises:

a horn actuation area defined by a thinned area on the rear inner surface of said cover and depressible from its front surface by a driver;

a membrane type horn switch mounted behind said horn actuation area within and substantially filling said thinned area on the rear surface of said cover; and

a substantially rigid back panel mounted to the rear surface of said cover, overlapping said thinned area and enclosing said horn switch therebetween.

2. The cover of claim 1 wherein said cover is a thermoplastic.

3. The cover of claim 2 wherein said back panel is mounted to said cover by heating said cover.

4. The cover of claim 3 wherein said back panel is heat staked to said cover.