Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle horn operating device comprising: a steering wheel skeleton structure, a support for a portion of an electric horn circuit comprising a first electrical contact point, an operating component comprising a second contact point, the operating component being able to move between a rest position and a depressed position; in the rest position, the second contact point is kept in contact with the first contact point by a spring element, the first contact point forming a first end stop for the operating component, wherein the device comprises—operating-component retaining elements arranged in such a way as to form a second end stop in the event of loading that causes the operating component to move beyond the first end stop.

Abstract: A damper assembly configured to mount an airbag module to a steering wheel including a steering wheel armature includes a damper element configured to engage the steering wheel armature and to extend through an opening in the steering wheel armature. The damper assembly also includes a pin configured to be connected to the airbag module and a cap structure configured to extend through the opening in the steering wheel armature. The cap structure is configured to receive the pin for axial movement so that the airbag module can move axially relative to the steering wheel armature. The damper element isolates the airbag module, the pin, and the cap structure from the steering wheel armature.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a steering wheel body, a retainer supported by the steering wheel body and provided with a hole, an airbag apparatus fixed to the retainer, and a damper apparatus disposed between the steering wheel body and the retainer. One end of the damper apparatus is fixed to the retainer by being fitted into the hole provided in the retainer. The damper apparatus includes an elastic body. The elastic body extends in a circumferential direction along an inner edge of the hole and is formed so as to fit the inner edge of the hole. The inner edge of the hole of the retainer is bent such that the end of the inner edge does not contact the elastic body.

Abstract: A slip ring for transferring electrical signals between rotating and static elements of a device includes a rotating element, a static element, an electrical contact assembly, including a plurality of subassemblies, contacting the rotating element and static element, one subassembly including a deformable PCB, and a spring element positioned to supply an axially aligned force to a face of the PCB to facilitate electrical contact between the PCB and other electrical contacts elements on another subassembly.

Abstract: An airbag device with a horn switch body, configured so as to be installed in an upper surface side in a boss portion near a center of a steering wheel, includes: an airbag which inflates by receiving inflation gas; an inflator for supplying inflation gas to the airbag; a pad covering the folded airbag; a mounting base made of sheet metal which holds the airbag, the inflator, and the pad; a horn switch body having an assembling pin to be assembled to a main body side of the steering wheel; and a support plate made of a sheet metal which supports the horn switch body as a configuration attached to a lower surface side of the mounting base. A case around the assembling pin, the mounting base, or the support plate is provided with a spacer capable of preventing rattling of the switch disposition portion in the case.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel assembly (10) comprising a steering wheel skeleton (12), an attachment component (14), a connection component (20) for fastening the attachment component (14) to the steering wheel skeleton (12), and a first resilient damping element (16) which couples the connection component (20) to the attachment component (14) so as to be able to oscillate, a second resilient damping element (18) being provided which couples the connection component (20) to the steering wheel assembly (12) so as to be able to oscillate.

Abstract: A driver seat airbag including a horn plate seated on a steering wheel armature and provided with a plurality of restraint holes; holders disposed in the plurality of restraint holes; restraint clips installed in the plurality of holders to be elastically deformable; a mounting plate seated on the horn plate; and hooks provided to protrude from the mounting plate to correspond to the plurality of restraint holes, inserted into the plurality of restraint holes, and hooked on and restrained by the restraint clips.

Abstract: Provided is a steering wheel including a dynamic damper mechanism which does not easily deteriorate over time, in which a resonance frequency to be damped does not easily change. An attaching structure for attaching an airbag device to a steering wheel incudes: a tubular guide member (51) passing through an opening of a fixing plate (25) of the airbag device; a hook (70, 80) engaging with a lock spring (53); a hollow holding member (67) fixed to a main body part (110) of the steering wheel and holding a base end portion (71) of the hook while restricting the base end portion (71) from moving toward a tip end portion (75) of the hook; and a return spring (61), and the base end portion (71) has a bottom portion being a convex spherical shape.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly (10) contains a dampening system for mitigating vibrations transferred from a vehicle to the steering wheel assembly (10). A plurality of damper spring elements or grommets or damper spring elements (22) are each retained within a corresponding steering wheel support member (330). An air bag module (14) is fixed to a steering wheel (18) while resting upon the damper spring elements (22) for eliminating and/or reducing lateral displacement/vibrations normally attendant to vehicle operation. A horn switch (16) containing a plurality of annular support members (76, 176) may be positioned over the damper spring elements (22), wherein each annular support member (76, 176) is coaxially aligned and positioned over a corresponding grommet (22) to also manage vertical displacement; the air bag module (14) is then fixed over the horn switch 16 and to the steering wheel (18). Movement of the airbag module can actuate the horn switch.

Abstract: A device for fastening a safety module on a steering wheel frame includes at least one resilient ring, at least one hook and at least one valve gridge. The at least one hook includes a first surface forming a guide track ending on an inflection point, and a second surface separated from the first surface by the inflection point. The at least one valve bridge has with a third surface across from the second surface of the hook. The resilient ring locks the module fixed on the frame by bearing on the second surface of the hook and on the third surface of the valve bridge. The third surface of the valve bridge includes at least one recess arranged across from the inflection point.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator, including: an ignition device being disposed at a first end of a cylindrical housing main body portion, a diffuser portion being provided with a gas discharge port and closing a second end thereof which is axially opposite to the first end; a combustion chamber being present in an internal space of the cylindrical housing main body portion; a cup-shaped member partitioning the combustion chamber and the diffuser portion, a bottom surface and an opening of the cup-shaped member being located on the side of the first end and the second end of the cylindrical housing main body portion respectively, and a first gap being formed between the circumferential wall of the cup-shaped member and an inner wall surface of the cylindrical housing main body portion; a cylindrical filter being disposed in a space surrounded by the cup-shaped member and the diffuser portion, and a first end surface of the cylindrical filter being abutted against the bottom surface of the cup-

Abstract: A device for operating a horn of a vehicle includes: a horn operation cover covering a top portion and a circumference of an airbag module mounted on a frame of a steering wheel of the vehicle, the horn operation cover configured to be moved downward or upward; a conductive plate spring having one end fixed to the frame and another end in contact with the horn operation cover; and a conductive contact terminal disposed under the plate spring such that a contact between the contact terminal and the plate spring is possible. When the horn operation cover is moved downward so as to press the other end of the plate spring, the plate spring electrically contacts the contact terminal, thereby operating the horn.

Abstract: A steering wheel unit, including a steering wheel body (10), an airbag housing (30) in the hub region of the steering wheel body with an airbag (38); First positioning units (40) between the steering wheel body (10) and the airbag housing (30) that position the airbag housing (30) on the steering wheel body (10) in the axial direction; Second positioning units between the steering wheel body (10) and the airbag housing (30) position the airbag housing (30) on the steering wheel body (40) in the radial plane. The second positioning unit includes at least one positioning element (52, 62) having a contact surface (56, 66a, 66b), normal or surface normals are perpendicular to the axial direction; and an opposing contact surface (58, 68a, 68b) for the contact surface (56, 66a, 66b). The positioning element (52, 62) includes at least one elastically deformable positioning section (54, 64a, 64b).

Abstract: An air bag system includes: a pad including a ceiling wall portion which covers an air bag and a side wall portion which extends into a cylindrical shape; a mounting base which holds the pad and holds the air bag by causing an annular retainer; and switch members which make up a horn switch mechanism so that the mounting base is mounted on a steering wheel main body, wherein: the switch members are provided below the air bag; and movable-side members are provided so that a portion at a side facing the inlet opening on an upper side thereof is brought into abutment with the retainer via a circumferential edge of the inlet opening of the air bag and a portion at a side thereof is brought into abutment with a lower surface of the side wall portion of the pad.

Abstract: A connector component (1) for fastening an airbag module (50) to a steering wheel (40) includes a steering wheel-side part (10) and a module-side part (20) movable relative to each other and biased against each other so that the module-side part is spaced apart from the steering wheel-side part in an idle position and is movable into a hooting position in which the module-side part contacts the steering wheel-side part. The module-side part (20) and the steering wheel-side part (10) are interconnected and form a multifunctional component including a guiding device for guided movement of the module-side part from the idle position into the hooting position and electric contacts for an electric horn circuit that contact each other in the hooting position. The invention also relates to a connector component and a positioning sleeve, a steering wheel, an airbag module, a steering wheel assembly and a manufacturing method.

Abstract: This steering wheel structure has: a steering wheel main unit; a horn block; a support block; horn contacts; and a horn spring, wherein the support block has: a lock member; and an elastic body, wherein a load bypass member is provided that transmits an operation load in a push-in direction, which has been applied to the horn block, to the lock member while circumventing the elastic body, and wherein the load bypass member is configured so as to be in a non-contact state between itself and at least either of the horn block side and the lock member side when the horn block is in a vicinity of a default position, and so as to be brought into contact with the horn block side and the lock member side in a manner capable of transmitting a load when the horn block is pushed in by a predetermined amount or greater.

Abstract: A steering wheel airbag apparatus may include: a mounting plate seated on a wheel armature, and having a guide pipe formed therein; a cover coupled to the mounting plate; a moving contact module movably installed in the guide pipe, pressurized and moved by the cover, and connected to a positive electrode; and an elastic contact portion coupled to the guide pipe, connected to a negative electrode while supported by the negatively charged wheel armature, and connected to the moving contact module as the moving contact module is moved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a horn system (1) for a vehicle, comprising an airbag module (7) and a cover (3) for receiving and covering the airbag module (7), wherein the cover (3) is moveable relative to the airbag module (7), and a horn circuit (17) for producing a warning signal in response to moving the cover (3) relative to the airbag module (7). The horn system according to the present invention is characterised in that it comprises at least one conductive element (21, 22) attached to a housing (8) of the airbag module (7) and displaceable between an assembling position and a holding position, wherein the conductive element (21, 22) is configured to interact with the cover (3) in the holding position.

Abstract: A seatbelt buckle apparatus for a motor vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a buckle housing that provides at least part of a structure for selectively coupling a seatbelt latch plate to the apparatus. A switch housing houses at least part of a switch. The switch monitors whether or not the seatbelt latch plate is coupled to the seatbelt buckle apparatus. A switch wire harness is in communication with the switch. A strain relief-guide feature carries and guides a section of the switch wire harness so as to provide strain relief to the switch wire harness when a force is applied to the switch wire harness downstream from the strain relief-guide feature.

Abstract: An air bag system includes: a pad including a ceiling wall portion which covers an air bag and a side wall portion which extends into a cylindrical shape; a mounting base which holds the pad and holds the air bag by causing an annular retainer; and switch members which make up a horn switch mechanism so that the mounting base is mounted on a steering wheel main body, wherein: the switch members are provided below the air bag; and movable-side members are provided so that a portion at a side facing the inlet opening on an upper side thereof is brought into abutment with the retainer via a circumferential edge of the inlet opening of the air bag and a portion at a side thereof is brought into abutment with a lower surface of the side wall portion of the pad.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes: a cylindrical slider which is disposed on an outer side of a support member so as to slide in a front-to-rear direction and which is biased to the rear; a cap member which covers at least respective rear end portions of the support member and the slider from the rear; a movable-side contact portion which is provided inside the cap member; an annular damper holder which is mounted inside the cap member; an annular elastic member which is interposed between the slider and the damper holder; a transmitting portion which is provided in an inner circumferential portion of the damper holder; and a movement catch portion which is provided on an outer circumferential portion of the slider so as to be positioned immediately before the transmitting portion and to which a forward movement of the damper holder is transmitted through the transmitting portion.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly including a support element having at least one click-stop element, and at least one guide bush for connection to an airbag module. The guide bush is connected to the click-stop element by a click-stop connection. The click-stop connection has play so that the guide bush is movable relative to the click-stop element in the vertical direction. The support element includes at least one first contact sheet and the guide bush includes at least one second contact sheet. The first contact sheet is arranged in its mounting position beneath the guide bush so that the second contact sheet is made to contact the first contact sheet by movement of the guide bush.

Abstract: Provided is a steering wheel in which, even in the case where a moving part of a horn switch exists in a space formed between a pad and a main body, harness can be prevented from getting caught in a gap. The steering wheel includes a first horn plate secured to the main body, a second horn plate secured to the pad, guide pins arranged vertically on the second horn plate and inserted through openings of the first horn plate, flange-shaped stoppers formed on the guide pins, an insulators disposed so as to be slidable along the guide pins, and coil springs that urge the insulators toward the stoppers. The insulator covers an outer periphery of the stopper and has a wall surface portion, the height of which is substantially equal to an offset distance between a fixed contact and a moving contact.

Abstract: An airbag device includes an airbag, an inflator and a plurality of contact projections for horn switch which are held by a retainer, such that switching operation can be performed with respect to a steering wheel. When the contact projections for the horn switch are brought into contact with contact receiving portions of the steering wheel in response to a tilt operation according to a press by a driver, the horn are blown. Horn switch contacts are respectively provided in a plurality of contact members so as to be spaced from each other in a predetermined configuration, and each contact member is electrically connected to each other via the inflator.

Abstract: An electrical switch for a vehicle steering wheel assembly is provided. The electrical switch includes a pressure actuated cable having a compressible semi-conductive material between a plurality of conductors therein. The electrical switch further includes a mechanical actuator configured to compress the pressure actuated cable such that an electrical path is formed through the plurality of conductors to activate a component of the vehicle.

Abstract: A connecting arrangement for connection of an airbag module to a steering column of a vehicle. The connecting arrangement having a first connector located on the airbag module and a second connector located on a component connected to the steering column. The first and second connectors having electrical contacts for the airbag module and/or electrical controllers located on a steering wheel of the vehicle. The first and second connectors being mutually formed such that they automatically connect as the airbag module is being connected to the steering column.

Abstract: A switch assembly is provided for a steering wheel. The assembly comprising a steering wheel, a steering wheel hub, a steering column and a switch unit. The switch unit is arranged at the steering wheel hub in such fashion that it may either be operated in the synchronous mode, in which it follows the rotation of the steering wheel when the latter is rotated, or in the fixed mode, in which it remains in a fixed position, even when the steering wheel is rotated.

Abstract: An airbag and horn switch module, for use in a vehicle, is provided and includes an inflatable airbag cushion configured to provide restraint to the occupant, an inflator configured to inflate the airbag cushion, and a housing having a base and a plurality of walls extending from the base thereby forming a cavity configured to house the airbag cushion. At least one wall of the housing has at least one tab protruding therefrom. The module also includes a switch assembly including an electronic switch and an actuator, and a cover having a wall with at least one opening configured to receive the tab of the housing to thereby slideably couple the cover to the housing. The cover is configured to slideably couple to the housing prior to installation of the electronic switch by aligning the tab of the housing with the opening in the cover.

Abstract: In an airbag-equipped steering wheel, a plurality of horn switch mechanisms assembled to a bag holder each have a securing pin, which is inserted into a corresponding one of through holes formed in a metal core. A clip is engaged with a locking groove of each securing pin, so that each horn switch mechanism is fastened to the metal core. The through holes include one or more normal through holes that restrict inclination of the corresponding securing pins, and a special through hole that has an inclination permitting portion. The inclination permitting portion permits the corresponding securing pin to be inclined about the corresponding clip 13 serving as a fulcrum. In the special through hole, the securing pin is permitted to be inclined about the clip serving as a fulcrum only when the clips are disengaged from the securing pin in all the normal through holes.

Abstract: An electrical switch for a vehicle steering wheel assembly is provided. The electrical switch includes a pressure actuated cable having a compressible semi-conductive material between a plurality of conductors therein. The electrical switch further includes a mechanical actuator configured to compress the pressure actuated cable such that an electrical path is formed through the plurality of conductors to activate a component of the vehicle.

Abstract: A slider 24 is supported on a holder 19 of a steering wheel 11 via a coil spring 25 so as to be movable in a direction of an axis while an air bag module 20 is supported on a slider 24 via a damper spring 26 so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the axis. Since the coil spring 25 does not affect vibration of the air bag module 20 in the direction perpendicular to the axis, it is possible to set a spring constant of the coil spring 25 at a value appropriate for the operation of a horn switch 37, and to set a spring constant of the damper spring 26 at a value appropriate for the operation of the dynamic damper. As a result, it is possible to effectively reduce the vibration of the steering wheel 11 in the direction perpendicular to the axis with the dynamic damper without affecting the operability of the horn switch 37.

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 horn switch device installed in a steering wheel includes: an ornament including a biasing projection provided to project on a back surface side thereof; a covering in which a recessed portion and a through hole are formed, the recessed portion being configured such that the ornament is mounted so as to move to be pushed thereinto and return therefrom, the through hole being configured in a bottom of the recessed portion; and a switch mechanism turned on and off in response to press and return movements of the ornament. The biasing projection penetrates the bottom of the recessed portion and projects from a back surface side thereof. The back-surface-side projecting part of the biasing projection is engaged with a biasing member on the back surface side of the covering. The biasing member receives a pressing force of the ornament and biases the ornament in the return direction.

Abstract: A folded airbag is accommodated between a bag holder, to which horn switch mechanisms are secured, and a pad secured to the bag holder. The horn switch mechanisms are installed by being inserted in attachment holes formed in the bag holder. The pad has switch support portions for supporting the horn switch mechanisms.

Abstract: A safety arrangement includes an airbag housing, a cover and pair of horn contacts for actuating a vehicle horn. The airbag housing mounts to a steering wheel frame. The cover is resiliently mounted on the housing and spaced therefrom such that the cover may be depressed towards the housing to close the horn contacts. The housing and cover are hooked to one another for preventing subsequent disconnection of the cover from the housing upon release of the cover to open the horn contacts. A stop is mounted to one of the cover and the housing for movement between a operable position, in which the stop arrests relative movement of the cover and housing towards one another so as to prevent un-hooking of the cover from the housing, and an assembly position, in which the cover may be depressed sufficiently far towards the housing to allow un-hooking of the cover from the housing and consequent disconnection of the housing and cover upon release of the cover.

Abstract: A steering wheel unit for a motor vehicle. The steering wheel unit has a steering wheel and an airbag module (30) located in the hub area of the steering wheel. This airbag module forms a housing (32), an airbag (52) folded into the housing, and a gas generator (54). The airbag module can be pushed down against the force of at least one spring element to activate a horn, whereby positioning means are present which define the position of the airbag module in relation to the steering wheel. In order to achieve a high degree of operational reliability and a very exact positioning of the airbag module in the steering wheel, at least one retaining means (28;38,68) is present which acts between the airbag module and the steering wheel (28;38,68). This retaining means is ineffective in the absence of outer forces and when the airbag module (30) is pressed down to activate a horn.

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 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: A switch assembly is provided for a steering wheel. The assembly comprising a steering wheel, a steering wheel hub, a steering column and a switch unit. The switch unit is arranged at the steering wheel hub in such fashion that it may either be operated in the synchronous mode, in which it follows the rotation of the steering wheel when the latter is rotated, or in the fixed mode, in which it remains in a fixed position, even when the steering wheel is rotated.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly is provided for a motor vehicle, comprising a steering wheel, at least one actuating element disposed on the steering wheel, the actuating element being mounted and provided for the actuation of at least one first functional component of the motor vehicle installed in the motor vehicle, and further comprising a control electronics unit cooperating with the actuating element for controlling the actuating element, wherein according to the invention the control electronics unit is configured to associate the actuating element with a portable second functional component, which is located in an effective environment of the control electronics unit such that the portable second functional component can be actuated instead of the first functional component by means of the actuating element.

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 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 vehicle steering wheel includes a gas bag module (16) and an immovably fastened component (18), in particular a shield, adjacent to the gas bag module (16). The vehicle steering wheel further includes at least one separate elastic positioning element (22) which establishes the position of the gas bag module (16) relative to the adjacent component.

Abstract: A horn switch mechanism 15 has a securing pin 31 serving as a support member, a movable member 32 serving as an insulating portion, a compression coil spring 35 serving as an urging member, and a contact terminal 34 serving as a movable contact. The securing pin 31 is fixed to a metal core 12 of a steering wheel body 11 and supports a bag holder 21 in such a manner that the bag holder 21 selectively proceeds toward and retreats from the metal core 12. The movable member 32 is arranged between the securing pin 31 and the bag holder 21 and electrically insulates the securing pin 31 and the bag holder 21 from each other. The coil spring 35 urges the bag holder 21 away from the metal core 12. The contact terminal 34 moves together with the bag holder 21. When the bag holder 21 moves toward the metal core 12 against the urging force of the compression coil spring 35, the contact terminal 34 contacts the securing pin 31 and permits conduction between the contact terminal 34 and the securing pin 31.

Abstract: A switch apparatus for the horn device of a vehicle includes an inflator housing and a terminal unit provided in the inflator housing and configured to include a first contact element connected to the inflator and a second contact element connected to the inflator housing. A switching plate is installed using elastic members, which are spaced apart and insulated from the inflator housing, so that the switching plate makes contact with the inflator housing if the inflator housing is pressed, thereby operating the horn. A connector unit is coupled to the terminal unit with inflator wires and a horn wire, and is provided therein with a first connection element and a second connection element so that the horn wire and the inflator housing are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: A switch apparatus for the horn device of a vehicle includes an inflator housing and a terminal unit provided in the inflator housing and configured to include a first contact element connected to the inflator and a second contact element connected to the inflator housing. A switching plate is installed using elastic members, which are spaced apart and insulated from the inflator housing, so that the switching plate makes contact with the inflator housing if the inflator housing is pressed, thereby operating the horn. A connector unit is coupled to the terminal unit with inflator wires and a horn wire, and is provided therein with a first connection element and a second connection element so that the horn wire and the inflator housing are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: A steering wheel is disclosed, the steering wheel comprising a frame as radially outwardly-extending spokes (3,4) and a rim (5). The frame defines a recess to receive an air-bag unit 9. The steering wheel is provided with a number of mounting elements (26) associated with a respective spoke (3,4). Each mounting element (26) is connected to the steering wheel and has a portion (27) overlying part of the steering wheel. The air-bag unit (9) is connected to each mounting element (26) by means of a resiliently-biased connection to permit relative movement of the air-bag unit (9) with respect to the steering wheel, such that the peripheral part of the air-bag unit (9) defines a pre-determined gap between itself and the overlying portion (27) of the mounting element (26).

Abstract: To provide a structure in which a rotary connector, a turning signal switch and a wiper switch can be combined into a sub-assembly, and besides even when an unduly-large force acts on the turning signal switch or the wiper switch after the rotary connector and the two switches are mounted on their respective mounting portions, an adverse effect of this force on the rotary connector can be suppressed.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for a vehicle includes a steering wheel (12) and a vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is mounted to the steering wheel (12) and is actuatable for helping to protect an occupant of the vehicle. At least a portion of the vehicle occupant protection device (14) is movable relative to the steering wheel (12) for actuating an electric device (108) associated with the vehicle when a force is applied to any one of various locations on the vehicle occupant protection device (14). The apparatus (10) also includes a mechanism (104) for substantially blocking tilt of the movable portion of the vehicle occupant protection device (14) relative to the steering wheel (12) during movement for actuating the electric device (108).