Abstract: A vehicle switch unit includes a steering roll connector adapted to be mounted on a steering wheel for outputting a signal from the steering wheel to an exterior portion, a lever combination switch which is provided to a lower side of the steering roll connector for outputting a signal indicating an operation performed on a lever through a connector that is provided on a lower side of the lever combination switch, a steering angle sensor which is provided to a lower side of the lever combination switch and has a connector for outputting a signal indicating a rotating angle of the steering wheel, and a resin sleeve which is mounted on the steering roll connector for transmitting a rotation of the steering roll connector to the steering angle sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel with a steering wheel body, a movable element held movably on the steering wheel body, which element can be pressed down against the force of a restoring element against the steering wheel body, and with a horn contact which is closed by pressing down of the element. An economical design for constructing the horn contact is created in that the horn contact has two cable cores (44a, 44b) which are held in a holding element (32), and that a contact element (36a, 36b) which is likewise held by the holding element (32) extends into each of the cable cores (44a, 44b). The two contact elements (32a, 32b) come into electrical contact with each other here by the pressing down of the movable element.

Abstract: A switch lever for a vehicle including: knobs that perform a rotation manipulation in order to turn on, turn on or off a light of a vehicle, or to adjust a wiping interval of a windshield wiper of the vehicle; a pair of lever arms that are disposed within and rotate with the knobs according to a rotation of the knobs; a pair of contact terminals each that is installed at an end part of one side of the lever arms to move according to a rotation of the lever arms; a guide member having guide grooves for receiving the pair of contact terminals therein; and an insulation part having a fixed terminal that contacts with each of the contact terminals to generate an operation signal.

Abstract: A power on-demand steering angle sensor coupled to a steering wheel and a controller comprising a switch, coupled to the sensor and the controller. The switch is activated upon motion of the steering wheel or steering shaft. The switch, when closed, connects a power supply, such as a vehicle battery, to the sensor and the controller so that a new steering angle may be sensed and stored. After a predetermined period of time, the controller sends a signal to open the switch and disconnect the power supply.

Abstract: A contactor carriage fitted so as to move translationally in an electrical switch of a motor vehicle, in a unit providing controls under the steering wheel, in order to establish according to a user command, an electrical contact for one or more predefined positions of the path of the carriage is disclosed. The carriage has at least one electrical contacting emplacement, a first housing for accommodating a high-current contactor element and a second housing for accommodating a low-current contactor element. An electrical contact is established at said emplacement either by placing a high-current contactor element in the associated housing or by placing a low-current contactor element in said housing.

Abstract: A horn module (12) in a vehicle steering wheel has at least one electronic horn sensor (20) including a trigger component (22) deflectable upon application of a horn operating force (F). At the trigger component (22) at least one strain gauge (24) is arranged by deflection of which a signal is produced.

Abstract: A lever operation device includes a movable support member that supports a base portion of an operation lever such that the base portion is pivotable along a first operation plane, a housing that supports the movable support member such that the movable support member is pivotable along a second operation plane that is orthogonal to the first operation plane, an actuator holder attached to the base portion such that the actuator holder is rotatable along the second operation plane, a first actuator retained by the actuator holder, and a second actuator retained by the movable support member. The housing is provided with a first cam surface and a second cam surface on an inner wall surface thereof, the first actuator and the second actuator being in elastic contact with the first cam surface and the second cam surface, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device having an airbag module which has a housing (40) and which can be mounted in the steering wheel of a motor vehicle, having a cover (10) fastened to the housing (40) in a movable manner, on which a first horn contact (30) is arranged; at least a second horn contact (50) is arranged on the housing (40), which, in the initial position, is electrically isolated from the first horn contact (30), and in the activation position, comes into electrical contact with the first horn contact (30) in order to trigger a horn signal. The second horn contact (50) being configured as a separate component which is fixed to the housing (40) by at least one separate locking element (60).

Abstract: The present invention provides haptic steering wheel switch apparatus including: a haptic wheel housing unit disposed on a steering wheel of a vehicle; a circuit board unit disposed in the haptic wheel housing unit; and a haptic wheel device unit including a haptic wheel device actuator establishing an electrical connection with the circuit board unit and including a haptic shaft, a haptic knob connected to the haptic shaft and exposedly disposed on one surface of the haptic wheel housing unit, and a haptic wheel device sensing unit for detecting a rotating state of the haptic shaft, wherein the haptic knob achieves a rotary operation on a plane formed by the steering wheel of the vehicle, the haptic wheel device actuator moves in a longitudinal direction of the haptic shaft, and a button switch unit operating vertically and independently of the haptic knob is provided outside the haptic knob.

Abstract: The present invention provides a haptic steering wheel switch apparatus including: a haptic wheel housing unit configured to be disposed on a vehicle steering wheel; a circuit board unit configured to be disposed inside the haptic wheel housing unit; and a haptic wheel device including a haptic wheel device actuator configured to establish an electrical connection with the circuit board unit and including a haptic shaft, a haptic knob connected with the haptic shaft and exposedly disposed in the haptic wheel housing unit, and a haptic wheel device sensing unit configured to detect the rotating state of the haptic shaft, wherein the haptic wheel device is disposed on a front or rear side of the vehicle steering wheel, and a haptic steering wheel switch system including the same.

Abstract: A triggering device for a horn system of a motor vehicle is integrated in a steering wheel (2) of the motor vehicle. In order to prevent a relative movement of components associated with the steering wheel in relation to each other, but still enable a secure and reliable actuation of the triggering device of the horn system while at the same time allowing an optically compact and appealing design of the steering wheel (2), the invention proposes for the triggering device to comprise a first triggering unit (7), with which a parameter inherent in intended activation of the horn is detected. When such a parameter is detected, a first triggering signal can be emitted. The invention comprises a second triggering unit (11), with which a further parameter inherent in an intended activation of the horn is detected and a second triggering signal can be emitted.

Abstract: A lever switch device, includes a lever main body rotatably supported by a body around a predetermined rotation center axis, a first remote shaft rotatably incorporated in the lever main body, and comprising a first operating knob at one end and a first operation portion at another end for operating an operational object by a rotational operation of the first operating knob, a second remote shaft rotatably arranged in the lever main body with a coaxial structure with the first remote shaft, and includes a second operating knob at one end and a second operation portion at another end for operating an operational object by a rotational operation of the second operating knob. Rotation centers of the first and second operation portions are provided on the rotation center axis of the lever main body.

Abstract: A switch box includes an optical-axis-changeover switch for headlamps, an on/off-changeover switch for the headlamps and a starter switch arranged on the same operation board. A main switch can turn on and off a main electric source of an MUV 1 in cooperation with a portable key. The switch box and the main switch are arranged on the instrument panel. The switch box is partially or fully disposed in a projective area of the steering wheel in a driver's eyesight. The starter switch is made to be of a push-type, whereas the optical-axis-changeover switch and the on/off-changeover switch for the headlamps are made to be of a seesaw-type. A segment display of a meter device includes a unit indication member for switchably indicating kilometer indication and mile indication by displaying only an arbitrary display element of a plurality of display elements arranged adjacently to each other in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A horn switch (40) for a vehicle steering wheel (20) includes a frame (50) for mounting to the steering wheel (20). The frame (50) includes a horn switch housing (56). A plunger (80) is associated with the switch housing (56). The plunger (80) is movable relative to the switch housing (56) between a non-actuating position and an actuating position. An actuatable cable (150) has a portion positioned in the switch housing (56). The actuating cable (150) includes first and second conductors (156, 158) for electrical connection to a circuit that when closed actuates a vehicle horn (30). The actuatable cable (150) has an expanded condition in which the first and second conductors (156, 158) are insulated from each other when the plunger (80) is in the non-actuating position.

Abstract: An actuating device on a vehicle steering wheel includes two shifting buttons which are disposed on an upper side and a lower side of the steering wheel. The shifting buttons are guided together rectilinearly on guide pins during a shifting operation. The guide pins are held in sleeves of a supporting plate and are fastened to a steering wheel cover.

Abstract: An operation lever comprises a main section, a cover section and a photoconductor. While the photoconductor is overlaid on the main section, sliding protrusions of the cover section are inserted into guide grooves formed in the periphery of the main section, the cover section is slidingly pushed to insert a tip end section of the cover section inside an overhanging fringe of the main section. An engaging protrusion and an engaging pawl of the cover section are engaged with the main section to assemble the operation lever.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a steering column control module to a steering column of a vehicle comprises a bracket for mounting the steering column control module and a collet for interconnecting the bracket and the steering column. The collet snaps into engagement with the bracket and with the steering column. One of the bracket and the collet includes a first projection and the other of the bracket and the collet including a recess for receiving the first projection. The recess includes a second projection for engagement with the first projection when the first projection is received in the recess.

Abstract: A control switch for an associated vehicle has a control configured to selectively adjust operation of a predetermined vehicle function. The control is configured to rotate in a first direction a first rotational displacement to a first position. The predetermined vehicle function has a first operation through the first rotational displacement. The control is configured to rotate in the first direction a second rotational displacement larger than the first rotational displacement from the first position to a second position. The predetermined vehicle function has a second operation through the second rotational displacement.

Abstract: Paddle levers protrude from lower sides of a center pad of a steering wheel into two lower spaces partitioned using a horizontal spoke and a vertical spoke of the steering wheel. The paddle lever is formed of a transparent photoconductor, and a periphery of the paddle lever is illuminated in a rimmed shape. Hence, the paddle lever can be visually recognized easily, and a finger touching the paddle lever can be visually recognized instantaneously. Therefore, operation almost nearly equivalent to complete blind touch operation can be attained, and the operability is improved.

Abstract: A Park inhibition solenoid assembly for preventing the undesirable shifting of a transmission from an out-of-Park mode to a Park mode includes a follower and an armature slidably disposed within a valve body/housing and within a solenoid. The follower is moveable between an out-of-Park position and a Park position and the armature is moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The follower and armature include detents for supporting a bearing. The armature and bearing prevent the follower from moving from the out-of-Park position to the Park position when the armature is held in place in the lock position by the solenoid.

Abstract: A switch assembly having steering wheel switches located on the steering wheel and are configured to provide generic outputs enabling the connection of equipment controlled from the steering wheel. Specialty vehicles may be up-fit with equipment to perform varying functions defined by the needs of the individual user using the vehicle. Users can define functions critical to their specific usage that enable maintaining both hands on steering wheel while performing mission-critical functions and reduce driver distraction from verifying that a switch, button, or dial on a control head is in the desired position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously operating the horn and light systems of a motorized vehicle is provided. The controller used to operate the systems can be a single controller that operates the horn when a certain range of pressure is applied to the controller and operates the horn and lights systems when a stronger pressure is applied. The system can include a dedicated horn operating system controller independent of the dual function controller to eliminate the need for differing pressures to operate the horn and light systems substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A steering wheel having a direction light button includes a steering wheel and a direction light control button disposed at a predetermined position of the steering wheel. The direction light control button includes at least one left turn button and at least one right turn button. When the driver wants to take a turn, the driver can operate the direction light control button disposed on the steeling wheel with his/her hands, avoiding any wrong operation of direction lights.

Abstract: A horn module (12) in a vehicle steering wheel has at least one electronic horn sensor (20) including a trigger component (22) deflectable upon application of a horn operating force (F). At the trigger component (22) at least one strain gauge (24) is arranged by deflection of which a signal is produced.

Abstract: An air bag device includes a retainer to which an inflator and a folded air bag are attached. The retainer is fixed to a steering wheel armature and has a plurality of hooks formed in a side wall portion thereof. A module cover covers the air bag and each hook of the plurality of hooks is engaged with an opening of a leg piece portion projected from a rear side. The module cover can be vertically moved with respect to the retainer. A horn plate has a plurality of contacts attached along a circumferential edge of the module cover and moved integrally with the module cover at a horn operating time. A contact plate is attached to the retainer. A horn spring is arranged between the horn plate and the retainer. The contact plate includes a clip portion fastened to the retainer and a leaf spring portion abutting against one of the contacts of the horn plate at the horn operating time.

Abstract: To provide an airbag device and a steering wheel capable of improving the operational feeling of horn. An airbag device comprises: an airbag unit 2 having an airbag, an inflator 12 for inflating the airbag, and a cover 13 which is disposed to cover said airbag in the folded state, wherein as the cover 13 is pressed, the airbag unit 2 is moved in the pressing direction; a supporting plate 3 which is fixed to a steering wheel; three springs 4a-4c for biasing the airbag unit 2 in a direction opposite to the pressing direction; and three horn switches 5a-5c which are located outside of the springs 4a-4c in the radial direction of the steering wheel and close to the surface of the cover 13 in relation to the springs 4a-4c.

Abstract: Embodiments of steering wheels with switches for sunroofs or convertible tops and vehicles having the same are disclosed herein. One embodiment disclosed herein is of a steering wheel assembly for a vehicle having a sunroof located in an aperture of a roof of the vehicle having a panel movable with respect to the roof to open and close the aperture. The assembly comprises a steering wheel disposed in the vehicle and a sunroof switch disposed on the steering wheel and electrically connectible to the sunroof to move the sunroof panel.

Abstract: A steering wheel (13) for a motor vehicle includes a steering wheel module (1) supporting electrical/electronic subassemblies (18). The steering wheel module is inserted from a front side of the steering wheel into a center of the steering wheel in order to be attached to the steering wheel. A lower end of the steering wheel module forms a torsion module (8) of a torque detection device for a steering power-assist system. The torsion module is operable to receive and be attached to a steering spindle (14) of a steering column on the back side of the steering wheel in order to attach the steering wheel to the steering spindle when the steering wheel module is attached to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A safety arrangement in the form of an air-bag module (1) to be mounted to the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. The air-bag module (1) comprises a housing (2) and a cover (3). The cover (3) is moveably mounted to the housing (2). A wire (25) is clipped to the cover (3) and the wire (25) is configured to engage contact members (16) provided on the housing (2) when the cover (3) is moved relative to the housing (2). The wire (25) and the contacts (16) together act as a switch arrangement which may be connected to an electrical circuit in the vehicle which controls the vehicle's horn.

Abstract: This invention is directed to providing a handle switch which is easy in operating a horn switch and also can be easily distinguished from other switches. In a handle switch 30 of a vehicle, a horn switch 32 is disposed at a position which is overlaid on an axis line (D) of a handle grip 10 when a housing 60 is projected from a driver's front view direction and also on the vehicle body rear side further than other switches. Other switches including an optical-axis changing switch 31 and a turn signal switch 33 are disposed so as to deviate vertically with respect to the horn switch 32. The horn switch 32 is formed so as to be longer in the axis line direction of the handle grip 10, swinging about a swing shaft 36 installed at the end closer to the handle grip 10 by being pressed toward the vehicle body front side.

Abstract: A vehicle switch unit includes a steering roll connector adapted to be mounted on a steering wheel for outputting a signal from the steering wheel to an exterior portion, a lever combination switch which is provided to a lower side of the steering roll connector for outputting a signal indicating an operation performed on a lever through a connector that is provided on a lower side of the lever combination switch, a steering angle sensor which is provided to a lower side of the lever combination switch and has a connector for outputting a signal indicating a rotating angle of the steering wheel, and a resin sleeve which is mounted on the steering roll connector for transmitting a rotation of the steering roll connector to the steering angle sensor.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a light switch and a wiper switch assembled to a column tube of a column shaft via an assembly bracket. The assembly bracket includes a body, to which the light switch and the wiper switch are coupled, and a coupling section, to which a top portion of the column tube is fixed. With the assembly, the light switch and the wiper switch can be easily and closely assembled to the column. Also, the assembly tolerance between the column and the assembly bracket can be minimized.

Abstract: A vehicular operating device includes a lever movably attachable at one end to a housing such as a steering column such that the lever is pivotable relative to the housing between different positions. A connector connectable to the housing is adjacent to the first end of the lever and is in communication with the hollow body of the lever. A catch line having first and second ends runs through the hollow body of the lever with the first end of the catch line being connected to the connector and the second end of the catch line being connected to the second end of the lever. Upon the lever breaking, the catch line secures the lever to the connector as the catch line is connected to both of the second end of the lever and the connector to thereby prevent the lever from breaking away from the housing.

Abstract: A plate is provided on an air bag module, and a first pin on which a recessed portion is formed and a second pin on which a recessed portion is formed are provided in positions which are spaced apart from each other. A first clip adapted to be brought into engagement with the recessed portion and a second clip adapted to be brought into engagement with the recessed portion are provided on a steering wheel main body. In addition, bushes for biasing the plate in a direction in which the plate is separated from the steering wheel main body are provided between a first snap-fit portion which is made up of the first pin and the first clip and a second snap-fit portion which is made up of the second pin and the second clip.

Abstract: An actuator for a horn of a vehicle, comprising: an emblem; a bezel fixedly secured to a first side of a deployable portion of a cover of an airbag module, the bezel movably securing the emblem to the cover and the emblem being capable of movement between a first position and a second position with respect to the bezel, the second position causing activation of the horn; a backing plate secured to the bezel at a second side opposite the first side of the deployable portion; and a tether secured to the bezel, the tether retaining the actuator with the cover after deployment of the airbag module.

Abstract: An attachment structure includes a bracket that is arranged around a steering, a rotary connector device that has an engagement portion for being provisionally fixed to the bracket in a provisionally fixed state, and a combination switch that has a guide portion for being slidably retained to the bracket in the provisionally fixed state. The rotary connector device and the combination switch are completely fastened together with the bracket by a screw member from the provisionally fixed state.

Abstract: A single pole, double throw, self-canceling rotary switch for selectively coupling a first circuit to a second or a third circuit by rotating a rotary element to couple or decouple electrical contacts. The rotary switch includes first and second pawls pivotally attached to the rotary element and coupled to one another by a spring. Rotation of the rotary element causes a ramp cam to act on one of the pawls, causing it to pivot, and thereby causing the spring to exert a force on the other pawl, moving a tooth on the other pawl into the locus of rotation of a central shaft that includes a groove. Rotation of the central shaft in one direction has no effect on the position of the rotary element, but rotation of the central shaft in the other direction engages the groove and the tooth, causing the rotary element to decouple the contacts.

Abstract: A steering assembly according to the present invention includes connection parts that are formed in a mounting plate body and fixed to a steering wheel module. Accordingly, when the mounting plate assembly is fixed to a steering wheel module, it is possible to attach or detach the mounting plate assembly to or from the steering wheel module. As a result, it is possible to quickly assemble the mounting plate assembly and the steering wheel module.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel being rotatable around a steering wheel axis (A), includes a steering wheel hub (38), a receiving part (12) configured as a separate, prefabricated component and an airbag module (13) with a generator carrier (10), the generator carrier (10) being inserted into the receiving part (12), the receiving part (12) and the generator carrier (10) being made of plastic. The invention also includes a vehicle steering wheel being rotatable around a steering wheel axis (A), having a steering wheel hub (38), a receiving part (12), and an airbag module (13) with a generator carrier (10), the generator carrier (10) being inserted into the receiving part (12).

Abstract: A knob is attached to a distal end of a lever and has an approximately cylindrical knob body, a cap attached to a distal end of the knob body, and a metal-plated operating member attached to a side face of the knob body. The knob body has a pair of guiding protrusions that define a slit extending in an axial direction of the lever. The operating member includes a rib formed integrally therewith and a flange coupled to the rib approximately perpendicularly thereto. The flange is wider in width than the slit and engages the guiding protrusions due to insertion of the rib into the slit according to insertion of the operating member into the knob body in the axial direction.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a steering column of a vehicle includes a steering column starting lock module, a functional module, and a support plate. The starting lock module has a lock element for fixedly connecting the steering column starting lock module to a steering column extending in an axial direction. The functional module has a guide groove extending in the axial direction. The starting lock module is connected to the support plate. The support plate is insertable along the axial direction into the guide groove of the functional module to connect with the functional module and thereby connect the functional module with the starting lock module such that the functional module is connected to the steering column via the starting lock module when the starting lock module is connected to the steering column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a contactor carriage intended to be fitted so as to move translationally in an electrical switch (1) of a motor vehicle, preferably in a unit providing controls under the steering wheel, in order to establish according to a user command, an electrical contact for one or more predefined positions of the path of said carriage (3), comprising at least one electrical contacting emplacement (13), characterized in that it comprises a first housing (15) intended to accommodate a high-current contactor element (12) and a second housing (17) intended to accommodate a low-current contactor element (11), in such a way that an electrical contact is able to be established at said emplacement (13) either by placing a high-current contactor clement (12) in the associated housing (15, 17) or by placing a low-current contactor element (11) in said housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a haptic steering wheel switch device and a haptic steering wheel switch system including the same. The haptic steering wheel switch device comprises: a housing mounted in a steering wheel; a printed circuit board disposed inside of the housing; and a haptic rotary switch unit including a haptic rotary switch driver disposed in the housing and adapted to generate a rotational force in response to an electrical signal, a haptic rotary switching power transfer unit adapted to transfer the rotational force generated from the haptic rotary switch driver, and a haptic rotary switch knob exposed outside of the housing and connected to the haptic rotary switching power transfer unit to receive the rotational force from the haptic rotary switching power transfer unit.

Abstract: An illumination control unit includes an automatic control function for automatically controlling the turning on and off of vehicle head lights depending on brightness of an environment around a vehicle. A sensitivity adjuster is installed on a lever extending from a steering column in a vehicle compartment. The sensitivity to the brightness of the environment around the vehicle at the time when the auto-on and auto-off state of the vehicle lights is changed can be adjusted with the sensitivity adjuster.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a snow plow blade mounted on a vehicle is disclosed that uses the turn signal/high beam control stalk mounted on the steering wheel of the vehicle to control a actuation of the snow plow blade mounted on the vehicle. The control system operates in two alternately selectable modes, one of which allows the turn signal/high beam control stalk to be used to operate the turn signals and high beams of the vehicle, and the other of which allows the turn signal/high beam control stalk to be used to raise, lower, and pivot the snow plow blade. The control system may be switched between the two modes by initiating one of two respective sequences of actuation of one or more electrical switches in the vehicle.

Abstract: A rocker switch, particularly a window lift switch in a motor vehicle, has a switch housing in which a rocker lever can be adjusted from an initial position, against a restoring force, into a switch-on position. The rocker lever is disposed in the switch housing on one side. In the initial position, its surface forming the free end of the rocker lever is approximately flush with the surrounding areas of the switch housing, and, in the switch-on position, this surface protrudes out from the surrounding areas.

Abstract: A switch comprising a first contact on a support surface, a switch housing sealingly secured to the support surface around the first contact to form a hermetically sealed chamber about the first contact, and a second contact movable in the chamber towards and away from the first contact, wherein the support surface is provided on a support having two or more protrusions protruding from the support surface and received in apertures formed in the switch housing to locate the switch housing relative to the first contact.

Abstract: A combined mechanical and switch activation stalk provides a vehicle driver independent control of a vehicle system that heretofore has not been separately controllable, such as the turn signal system and the wiper and washer system. The lever may be moved to make a first input to the vehicle system and a touch pad incorporated into the body of the lever may be touched to signal a second input that either overrides an input made with movement of the activation stalk or to activate/deactivate the vehicle system in a manner not available with movement of the activation stalk.

Abstract: A lever switch is provided, in which an arrangement of a push button is fixed with respect to an operation of a rotary ring to realize improvement in operation. A lever switch includes: a first shaft projecting from a base of a control means of a mobile unit; a plurality of push buttons provided at a distal end of the first shaft; a fixing-supporting part which fixes and supports a plurality of the push buttons for preventing a plurality of the push buttons from rotating relatively to the first shaft; and a rotary ring which is provided in the middle of the first shaft and is rotatable separately from a plurality of the push buttons, wherein when the rotary ring is operated, the rotary ring is rotated around the first shaft on a condition that a plurality of the push buttons are fixed and supported being prevented from rotating.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel (10) includes a hub (12) and an airbag module (26). The vehicle steering wheel (10) further includes a plurality of switches (18, 20, 22) being integrated in a common housing (16). The housing (16) is fitted on the airbag module (26) and includes at least one mount (32) cooperating with a cover (28) of the airbag module (26).