Abstract: A switch device is provided. The switch device includes a circuit substrate having a fixed contact. A rubber sheet having dome-shaped protuberances is disposed on the circuit substrate. A holder is held moveable in the vertical direction. A rotatable knob is axially supported at the holder within a housing. An actuator is provided at the side of the rotatable knob. A drive portion is attached to the rotatable knob that extends out of the holder so as to be engaged with the actuator.

Abstract: A slider operated to slide by a lever for light is constructed by an arrangement capable of being integrated by inserting a portion thereof to a cylindrical portion of a slide guide portion provided at an insulator. Thereby, an integrating performance can be promoted in comparison with that of a structure of squeezing the slider by 2 parts. Further, a clearance in a height direction of the slider can be controlled by one part of the insulator, and therefore, a variation thereof can be reduced in comparison with that of the case of controlling the clearance by 2 parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel (11) of an automotive vehicle with an airbag module (21) fixed thereto through at least one intermediate device (33) comprising a spring (37), a positioning plate (35) incorporating at its upper part a hollow cylindrical body (53) surrounding a central hole and elements (55) cooperating with the snap-fitting connection (57) of the airbag module (21) and at its lower part a slot for housing said spring (37) and two stops (59); a screw (41) for fixing the intermediate device (33) to the framework (17) and a bushing (39) with a hole for the passage of said screw (41); said hollow cylindrical body (53) and said bushing (39) being configured such that the latter is located inside the former and the positioning plate (35) can be fixed to the framework (17) and at the same time can move vertically compressing/decompressing the spring (37).

Abstract: A gas bag module (10) includes a gas bag (20) having a front wall. A center portion (24) of the front wall is fastened to the gas bag module (10) and prevented from a free movement in the case of deployment of the gas bag (20). The gas bag module further includes a covering cap (28) having a central portion (34), which is fastened by at least one fastening means to the gas bag module (10) so that the central portion (34) is prevented from a free movement upon deployment of the gas bag (20). The gas bag module (10) further includes at least first and second horn contacts (46, 48). The fastening means are designed so that the central portion (34) of the covering cap (28) can be moved by a predetermined first path (d1) in a first direction (A1) into the interior of the gas bag module (10), in order to form a contact between the first and second horn contacts (46, 48).

Abstract: A set of horn switch assemblies are mounted on a base plate of a vehicle steering wheel and linked by two continuous electrical conductors that are electrically bridged to activate a horn. Each switch assembly includes an insulator base affixed to the base plate and a deflectable metal blade disposed atop the insulator base substantially parallel to the base plate. The metal blade is anchored to the insulator base at one end and deflectable toward the base plate at the other end. One electrical conductor is secured to the insulator base below and in contact with the anchored end of the metal blade, while the other electrical conductor is secured to the insulator base below and out of contact with the deflectable end of the metal blade. A driver air bag assembly deflects the metal blades to electrically bridge the two electrical conductors for activating the horn.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed toward optical encoder systems and corresponding methods. One aspect of the invention is directed toward an optical encoder system that includes an optical encoder device having an input wheel. The optical encoder device further includes at least one light emitter and at least one light sensor to detect rotational movement of the input wheel. In a further aspect, the optical encoder device is coupled to a vehicle. In a still further aspect, the optical encoder device can be coupled to a control inceptor in a vehicle. In yet a further aspect, optical encoder device can include a housing so that the optical encoder device is couplable to structure as a single modular unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column module for a vehicle, especially for a motor vehicle. The steering column comprises a base housing, at least one switch unit which is arranged in or on the base housing and comprises a mechanism which is coupled to an actuating element, at least one printed circuit board arranged in or on the base housing, and at least one switch which can be displaced on the printed circuit board, the switch being coupled in a displaceable manner to the mechanism of the switch unit. The printed circuit board and the switch are associated with a common pre-mounted unit which is constructed in such a manner that the switch is movingly coupled to the mechanism of the switch unit during mounting of the switch unit to said pre-mounted unit.

Abstract: A horn switch device includes a retractable body, an unmoving body, first and second biasing members for biasing the retractable body in a restoring direction, and first and second contact members. The contact members are attached to, and move with, the retractable body, and are capable of contacting each other by movement of the retractable body. The first biasing member pushes the first contact member and the second contact member apart. The second biasing member pushes the second contact member toward the first contact member. When a module cover is depressed, the biasing members are compressed to bring the contact members into contact with each other, thereby sounding the horn. Since the biasing members are arranged in series, vehicle vibration can be absorbed, thereby preventing accidental contact of the contact members. The device facilitates positioning of the contact members, thereby simplifying assembly of a steering wheel and an airbag system.

Abstract: A switching device in particular for a vehicle has a switching lever which can be deflected into different switching positions to activate switching processes. An actuator is driven by a control device to cause the switching lever to vibrate, the control device receiving input signals from at least one other control device and determines therefrom a set conditions for admissible deflection of the switching lever. The actuator is driven by the control device when the switching lever is deflected from a respective switching position into a switching position which does not meet the set conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch provided with self-cleaning contacts used, in particular for actuating a horn for a steering wheel of a motor vehicle. The inventive switch comprises at least two opposite contacts one of which is movable and touches the opposite contact by means of an actuating element. The self-cleaning of the contacts is carried out by the reciprocal sliding thereof, the contact associated with the actuating element is fixed to a supporting element which is embodied in such a way that it is elastic and fixed to an end, an opposite end being free and moveable. Said invention is characterized in that the supporting element from the fixing side outward has an inclined line with respect to the direction of actuation in the direction of said actuating element, and subsequently in the direction of the free end thereof. A line is also inclined in the direction of the free end thereof with respect to the direction of actuation starting from the actuating element.

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 switch device for vehicle use is provided with a switch case fixed to a handle bar of a vehicle. A unit case attached to the switch case is capable of rotating with respect to the switch case. An operation lever arranged in the unit case is capable of rotating together with the unit case. The operation lever is capable of operating a predetermined electrical component. The unit case can be freely rotated over a plurality of positions of use at which the operation lever can operate a predetermined electrical component. An object to be operated by the operation lever is made to be different according to a stopping position of the unit case.

Abstract: An automotive combination switch includes a housing having an opening through which a steering shaft passes, and a stork switch having a switch box, that is inserted and mounted in the housing and a manipulating rod protruding from the switching box. Snaps protruding from the outsides of walls of the switching box are snap-fitted into locking holes formed on walls of the housing. A claw of each snap is in elastical contact with a periphery of each locking hole by providing an elastic plate in the housing, and elastically contacting the elastic plate to a front of the switch box in the inserting direction.

Abstract: A horn switch gear includes a backward moving body, a stationary body, a biasing member, and a pair of contact members. The backward moving body, which is configured to move backward, faces the stationary body. The biasing member, which is interposed between the backward moving body and the stationary body, biases the backward moving body in a restoring direction. The contact members, which are brought into or out of contact with each other by a forward or backward movement of the backward moving body, are moved together with the backward moving body. The stationary body includes an interposition which is interposed between the contact members for separating the contact members while the backward moving body is in a restored position, and which moves away from between the contact members to bring the contact members into contact with each other while the backward moving body is in a backward position.

Abstract: A combination switch comprising a body 1 mounted in a bracket of a vehicle body side, the body 1 including lever switches on a right side and a left side of the body 1, a bottom cover 3 detachably mounted to the body 1, the bottom cover 3 supporting a flat cable for supplying power from the vehicle body side to a steering wheel side, as well as including a right and a left connector support section 11, 13 corresponding to the lever switches on the right and the left side and a connection cord 5, wherein both ends of connectors 15, 17 are supported to the connector support sections 11, 13 and the connectors 15, 17 are connected to the lever switches by the connection cord 5, is characterized in that a cord engagement section 27 is projected on an outer peripheral section of the bottom cover 1, and the connection cord 5 is engaged to the outer peripheral section of the cord engagement section 27 to be disposed along an outer peripheral side of the bottom cover 3 so as to bypass the bottom cover 3.

Abstract: A steering column switch system includes a device for recording the position of the steering column switch. The device converts the switching position that has been adopted by the steering column switch into a bit pattern. A decoding unit assigns a switching function to the bit pattern of the position that has been identified. Another device recognizes errors during the detection or transmission of the bit patterns. The decoding unit modifies the assignments between the bit patterns and the switching functions to be initiated as a function of the bit pattern errors.

Abstract: A multifunction switching arrangement for an electronic transmission control which includes a button on a knob casing which can be moved in opposite circumferential directions and alternatively operates two switches in the assemblage which in turn causes an upshift or downshift of the transmission. When a button is advanced in an axial direction, a third switch is operated to activate or deactivate the transmission overdrive. in one embodiment only a single button is moved to operate all three switches, while in two other embodiments a separate push button in the end of the knob casing is used to control the third switch.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for actuating a switch that transmits motion from a first component, which moves along a first path, to a system that is attached to the mechanism. The mechanism includes a second component that moves transverse to the first path and a third component having a switch actuating portion, wherein movement of the first component causes the third component to actuate the switch using motion that is generally along the first path.

Abstract: An in-vehicle knob switch device is provided. The in-vehicle know switch device includes a tubular housing having an opening and defined by a casing and a cover. A holder is disposed inside the housing. A circuit board is disposed on the holder. A first push switch is mounted on the circuit board. An operating knob is exposed through the opening of the housing and provided for pushing the first push switch.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel lock with a burglar-proof alarm device comprises a burglar-proof alarm circuit, A wireless signal detecting unit, an air pressure detecting unit; supersonic detecting unit for detecting movements of objects; an infrared receiver for receiving infrared signals from the portable alarm device. The wireless wave emitting unit includes a receiving antennal circuit, a high frequency amplifier, a band pass filter, a local oscillating circuit, a mixing circuit, a middle frequency circuit, and a second middle frequency IC; the receiving antenna circuit being for adjusting the harmonic receiving frequency for receiving high frequency signal, which is then passed through the high frequency amplifier, band pass filter, local oscillating circuit, and the mixing circuit; the local oscillator circuit having a baseband oscillating circuit, a nine-time amplifier circuit, a nine-time frequency modulating circuit for generating an oscillating frequency signal to the mixing circuit.

Abstract: A steering wheel horn contact unit has a metal contact sheet (40). The metal contact sheet (40) is embedded into a carrier part (52) of plastic and mounted therein and has at least one freely projecting horn contact tongue (46). Viewed in switching movement direction (X), the horn contact tongue (46) is surrounded by the carrier part (52).

Abstract: Since a MIST position is set to be positioned next to an AUTO position, when a control lever is operated from the AUTO position to the MIST position, the control lever can be so operated through one step without having to pass through another operation mode position, whereby by operating the control lever from the AUTO position to the MIST position to be held operative in the position, the wiper can be put in operation. In addition, by operating the control lever to stay in the AUTO position, the wiper can automatically be put in operation according to the amount of rain.

Abstract: A vehicle switch apparatus for increasing space for other switches and ensuring operation of a switch when the switch must be felt for in order to be operated. The vehicle switch apparatus includes a paddle that has a front surface facing the driver and a rear surface opposite to the front surface. A push switch is arranged near the rear surface of the paddle and includes an operation portion operated by the driver. The paddle has a window for enabling the driver to visually check operation of the operation portion.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed toward optical encoder systems and corresponding methods. One aspect of the invention is directed toward an optical encoder system that includes an optical encoder device having an input wheel. The optical encoder device further includes at least one light emitter and at least one light sensor to detect rotational movement of the input wheel. In a further aspect, the optical encoder device is coupled to a vehicle. In a still further aspect, the optical encoder device can be coupled to a control inceptor in a vehicle. In yet a further aspect, optical encoder device can include a housing so that the optical encoder device is couplable to structure as a single modular unit.

Abstract: A steering column cover body accommodates therein at least one of an electric junction block, a meter and at least one switch which are directly connected with each other. The switch includes at least one of a turn switch, a wiper switch, a hazard switch and an ignition switch. The meter includes a circuit board on which a first circuit for driving the meter and a second circuit for driving the at least one switch is mounted.

Abstract: A horn switch device includes a first contact member, a second contact member disposed relative to the first contact member via a spacer, a guide shaft for guiding the first and second contact members, a coil spring, and a contacting body at the distal end of an extension extending from a retainer. When a module cover is depressed, the second contact member comes into contact with the contacting body so as to be deformed, thereby bringing electrical contacts into contact with each other so as to sound the horn. The horn switch device facilitates positioning of the contacts relative to each other, thereby simplifying the assembly of an airbag system.

Abstract: A lever switch for vehicle, which can be produced thin and which operation is easy and ensured is provided. A lever is formed in substantially a linear shape, having at an end thereof an operating part sticking out of a case and at an other end thereof a driving part of which a middle part is movably held in the case, and a resilient push force mechanism composed of a coil spring, a pin and a saving cam is disposed between an end of a driving part of lever and an inside wall of the case, constituting the vehicle lever switch.

Abstract: Coverings suitable for a steering wheel of a motor vehicle are inserted into at least two approximately horizontally oriented spokes connected with a steering wheel ring adjacent to the steering wheel ring. The coverings are constructed for the accommodation of switches. On one side, each covering leads away from the steering wheel ring and, on the other side, each covering adjoins a trim plate of the steering wheel. In order to provided the steering wheel with an advantageous design, the coverings are constructed as modules which, depending on the equipment of the motor vehicle, have function areas provided with areas without switches and/or with switches.

Abstract: An operation lever assembly includes an operation lever including a manipulator to operate a vehicle electric equipment switch assembly. The operation lever assembly includes a guide configured to guide the manipulator into the operation lever for regular mounting.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel comprises a hub and several switches The switches are integrated in a common housing which is secured to the hub.

Abstract: An operative body is provided at one end of an arm attached behind a steering wheel. The arm protrudes from the outer periphery of the steering wheel. The operative body has a plurality of operative buttons. Such a structure enables various kinds of operation, and provides a vehicle switch assembly easily operable by extending a finger for manipulation only, while grasping the steering wheel with the hands.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and devices for electrically coupling wires in a turn signal switch assembly that prevents the entangling of wires with the different components of the turn signal switch assembly.

Abstract: A multi-functional remote control switch on a steering wheel includes a housing installed at the steering wheel. A printed circuit board is secured in the housing and formed with a plurality of manipulation switches and switch circuits. A dial is rotatably installed between the housing and printed circuit board. A switching device outputs a manipulation signal of the manipulation switches to a system selected by turning the dial. This switch manipulates various systems of the vehicle by using one remote control switch mounted on the steering wheel, thereby reducing the cost of materials and obtaining a sufficient installment space.

Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a gas bag module having a visible front side (26) with a gas generator carrier (17) on which a gas generator (21) is mounted, and several switches (15). The gas generator carrier (17) extends to close to the front side (26) of said gas bag module and forms at least one section of a common accommodation housing to accommodate said several switches (15).

Abstract: A device for actuating electric functional groups, in particular horns on the steering wheels of motor vehicles is disclosed. The device includes at least two opposing contacts which can be brought into contact with one another to actuate the functional group and which clean themselves by sliding against one another during contact. The opposing contacts are fixed to a respective support element with both of the elements being elastically deformable.

Abstract: A horn circuit for a vehicle includes a steering wheel, a prong extending from a base, and a carbon-based contact disposed on the prong and in electrical contact with the steering wheel. A method of manufacturing a vehicular horn system includes connecting a prong to a base, connecting a steering wheel to a steering column that extends through the base, and positioning a carbon-based contact at an end of the prong to be in electrical contact with the steering wheel.

Abstract: A Gas bag module for use in a vehicle occupant restraint device has a plastic generator support. On the generator support a printed circuit is formed by metal deposition. For activating an electrical function element, the printed circuit cooperates with a switching element that is arranged on a section of the generator support.

Abstract: The fourth movable contact of a slide switch includes a first and a second U-shaped contact parts arranged so that opposite ends thereof are coupled to a movable contact main body to form an almost U shape and small contact points are surrounded by larger contact points. The first and the second U-shaped contact parts are slidingly moved in a direction crossing the arraying direction of the projections at the tips of the U-shaped contact parts in order to connect/disconnect the projections of the U-shaped contact points to/from a fixed contact thus tuning on/off the switch. The first and the second U-shaped contact parts have opposite ends coupled to the movable contact main body and strong in the movement in the arrow directions.

Abstract: A horn actuation mechanism senses a deliberate movement of a driver's hand on a side of a steering plane distant from the driver, the steering wheel plane lying crossswise a rotational axis of the steering wheel and approximating a plane bisecting a peripheral gripping region of the steering wheel. The vehicle horn is energized in response to the sensing of such movement. A hand-operational portion of the horn actuation mechanism is advantageously disposed in a position in which a hand grasping a peripheral gripping portion of the wheel can simultaneously actuate the mechanism without removal of the hand from controlled contact with the wheel.

Abstract: Input device has a plurality of dials, a driving portion for moving the plurality of dials, a dial selecting portion and a controller. The dial selecting portion receives an input to make a selection from the plurality of dials. The controller controls the driving portion such that the dial selected by the input supplied to the dial selecting portion is moved to a predetermined position. By virtue of the described construction, a specific dial is moved to the position where it is easy to control. The input device is preferably mounted on a vehicle. A driver is enabled to select a dial desired to be controlled without the need for searching for it through the sense of sight and to control the dial easily.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for the connection of a fastening element in a preassembled part is provided. The fastening arrangement makes provision for the fastening element to be fastened in the preassembled part by a latch connection.

Abstract: A digital wake-up signal is generated from an analog switch output by providing an interruption in a conductive ground or switch trace on a printed circuit board in which the ground trace and multiple conductive switch traces are bridged by a moveable contactor responsive to movement of an actuator. A resistor network is coupled to the switch traces to generate distinct analog voltage outputs when each switch trace is connected to the ground trace by the contactor. Interruption of the switch trace output and/or the ground trace changes the state of the output which defines a wake-up command.

Abstract: [A] remote control button assembly with a combined type button arrangement structure of a front button and a side button capable of effectively using a front surface engaging region and a lateral surface engaging region of a steering wheel. [Even] when the number of the buttons is increased, it is possible to achieve enough engaging area and sufficient button size for each button so that each button can function effectively and not be too small for the driver. Therefore, handling and operation ability of each button is enhanced. The remote control button assembly built into a steering wheel according to the present invention includes at least more than three front buttons provided on a front surface of a steering wheel, and at least one side button provided in a lower portion of a lateral surface of one side of the engaging region in which the front buttons are provided.

Abstract: An operation lever structure of a lever switch for a vehicle has a knob, a lever guide inserted inside the knob, and a pair of guide ribs formed in an outer surface of the lever guide. A pair of guide ribs are formed projecting from and integrating with the knob at a position opposed to the pair of the guide ribs of the lever guide and extend to the outer surface of the lever guide between the pair of the guide ribs of the lever guide, wherein harnesses are inserted between the pair of the guide ribs of the knob. Thereby, sandwich of the harnesses on assembly is prevented.

Abstract: To enable reduction of the number of components and weight, improvement of workability, and reduction of the costs, a switch contact structure is disclosed, which comprises a substrate 65, a movable block 73 disposed so as to be movable along the substrate 65, a fixed contact 67 mounted on the substrate 65, and a movable contact mounted on the movable block 73, wherein the movable contact is brought into and out of contact with the fixed contact 67 by the movement of the movable block 73 along the substrate 65, characterized in that the fixed contact 67 is formed of conductive wire material, and in that both ends 99a, 99b of the fixed contact 67 are fixed on the substrate 65.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a switch case, having at least one press button, to a steering wheel. The switch case has two arms extending therefrom in vertically and circumferentially spaced relation to each other. One arm is attached to an attaching part formed on a hub of the steering wheel, while the other arm abuts on one of spokes of the steering wheel.

Abstract: The contact switch assembly comprises a rotating housing with a stalk having a hollow shaft portion, a tip portion extending forwardly from the shaft portion and a contact arm extending downwardly from the shaft portion. The tip portion extends out from the housing to engage an adjacent inclined surface. As the housing is rotated, the stalk moves along the inclined surface so that the contact arm is moved vertically and brought into engagement with a printed circuit board (PCB) while simultaneously moving laterally across the PCB's surface. The vertical motion is caused by the rotation of the housing, while the lateral motion is caused by the stalk being forced laterally by the inclined surface. The combination of both the vertical and lateral motion provides a self-cleaning mechanism by the movement of the contacts in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A steering column connected to a vehicle electronic system having an electronic jack and a vehicle steering mechanism for a motor vehicle. The steering column includes a clock spring in electronic communication with a steering wheel. The clock spring includes a first electronic connector for communication with the vehicle electronic system; a second electronic connector including a plug having at least one pin and located at the first end of an electronic conduit to thereby connect with the electronic jack upon assembly within the vehicle; and a third electronic connector at the second end of the electronic conduit in connection with the first electronic connector of the clock spring. Electronic communication throughout the steering column is established by connection of the electronic conduit to the vehicle electronic system.

Abstract: A switch apparatus, including: a substantially box-like case; a cylinder section; a lever; a substantially cylindrical columnar support; an engagement convex section; an engagement concave section; and a press-in section. The cylinder section is provided at a substantial center of the case and has at an inner circumference thereof a reception section. The lever is attached to the case and is pivoted and operated to provide an electric connection of switch contacts provided in the case. The columnar support is inserted to the cylinder section and has one end that is abutted with the reception section. The engagement convex section is provided at one of the reception section and the columnar support and the engagement concave section is provided at the other. The press-in section is provided at one of the engagement convex section or the engagement concave section. The engagement convex section is pressed-in to and engaged with the engagement concave section via the press-in section.

Abstract: An apparatus for enclosing an air bag (38) on a steering wheel (22) includes an inner cover (34) at least partially enclosing the air bag (38) and having a tear seam central portion (50) along which the inner cover ruptures upon inflation of the air bag (38). An outer cover (36) at least partially encloses the inner cover (34) and the air bag (38) and includes a tear seam central portion (49) with a length substantially equal to the length of the tear seam central portion (50) in the inner cover (34). A horn switch (58) is disposed between the inner and outer covers (34 and 36) for effecting operation of a horn. The horn switch (58) includes first and second tear seams (64, 65) aligned with the tear seam central portions (50 and 49) in the inner and outer covers (34 and 36). The first and second tear seams (64, 65) in the horn switch (58) have a combined length substantially less than the length of each of the tear seams (49 and 50).