Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering wheel, in which a coating layer is molded of a synthetic resin, by using a molding die unit, on at least the annular portion of a steering wheel core including a boss. The annular portion is located around the boss and has a groove extending in the circumferential direction thereof. Spokes couple the boss and the annular portion to each other. The method includes a die opening step in which an upper molding die and a lower molding die, which have a gate formed at the separation surfaces of the dies and communicating with the molding cavity of the die unit, are opened from each other.

Abstract: A steering wheel core is disclosed which comprises a boss, a core piece of a ring part disposed around the boss, and core pieces of spoke parts interconnecting the boss and the core piece of the ring part. The core pieces of the spoke parts are formed by die casting an aluminum alloy containing magnesium, iron, manganese, silicon, and unavoidable impurities. The magnesium content in the aluminum alloy is not less than 1.5% by weight and less than 2.5% by weight.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pad for use in an air bag device enclosing an air bag which inflates in case of an accident. The device is mounted to mount members disposed around the bag. The pad is shaped like a box, and comprises an upper wall and side walls extending downward from the fringes of the upper wall. The pad is molded integrally with an insert on which a coat layer is formed out of a soft synthetic resin. The coat layer has a thin-walled portion that breaks when the air bag inflates. The thin-walled portion is disposed at a given position on the upper wall. The insert comprises a rectangular tubular base portion made from a synthetic resin and a plurality of flexible nets disposed on opposite sides of the thin-walled portion. The base portion is disposed inside the side walls. The nets are disposed on the upper wall and connected to the top of the base portion.

Abstract: In a steering wheel for vehicles, a self-aligning plate comprises a boss fitting portion, a spoke fitting portion and a plurality of plastically deformable arm portions arranged in radial direction in an annular space formed between both fitting portions so as to connect between an assembled body of rim/spokes and a boss. Each plastically deformable arm portion of the self-aligning plate has a curved portion at intermediate portion, and when impact force is applied to the rim, the rim surface is slanted in approximately perpendicular direction with respect to the line of impact force due to plastic deformation of the plastically deformable arm portion. Intersection angle between the adjacent plastically deformable arm portions near the spokes mounted on the spoke fitting portion is made obtuse angle, thereby stress concentration at edge portion of the boss fitting portion in the intersection position between these plastically deformable arm portions is prevented.

Abstract: An impact energy absorbing structure for attachment to the boss of a steering wheel in an automobile is disclosed. It comprises an energy absorbing member made of brittle plastic material and a cover member. It has empty spaces formed between the central part and the outer peripheral part of the energy absorbing member to give rise to an external wall part breakable under an impactive load in the outer peripheral part of the energy absorption member. Owing to this arrangement, the impactive energy absorbing structure of this invention is enabled to maximize the amount of energy absorption and enhance the energy absorption efficiency to a great extent.

Abstract: A method for forming an energy absorbing coupling for connecting a steering wheel to a steering shaft is provided. The energy absorbing coupling is formed from a deformable member, a junction to the steering wheel and a junction to the steering shaft, each of which are formed as separate members. The deformable member includes a deformable part which functions to absorb energy from the force of an impact on the steering wheel. The deformable member is formed by bending without drawing. Work hardening effects of drawing are therefore avoided. The energy absorbing coupling formed has stable energy absorbing characteristics.