Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering apparatus for a vehicle having a including a light element providing indication and warning light signals to the user of the vehicle. The light element can be associated with a PCB mounted to the steering wheel grip for controlling the operation of the light element. The PCB may be thermally coupled to a heat exchange component such that heat from the light element is transferred from the PCB to the steering wheel grip.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering apparatus for a vehicle having a including a light element providing indication and warning light signals to the user of the vehicle. The light element can be associated with a PCB mounted to the steering wheel grip for controlling the operation of the light element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for influencing at least one climatic parameter and more specifically the device is provided to influence a zone meant for handling.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a generally annular ring section to be hand held for steering a vehicle, and the ring section includes a core member and a cladding layer that covers an outer circumference of the core member all over. The hardness of the cladding layer is varied in a circumferential direction of a cross section of the ring section in which the core member is located at the center. An occupancy by a soft region is greater in a first region of the cladding layer located on a side facing toward a rotation center axis of the ring section than in a second region of the cladding layer located on a side facing away from the rotation center axis, such that the hardness in the first region is lower than that in the second region.

Abstract: A steering wheel and steering wheel manufacturing method are provided in which misalignment of the relative position of the wood member and the metal core can be prevented or suppressed in the period until the elastic adhesive is cured. A wood member and a rim metal core portion are bonded by an elastic adhesive being present between the wood member and the rim metal core portion. Spacer members are disposed between the wood member and the rim metal core portion so as to position the wood member relative to the rim metal core portion. Consequently, misalignment of the relative position of the wood member and the rim metal core portion is suppressed by the spacer members during the period until the elastic adhesive is cured.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes an armature having spokes over which a spoke ends of a steering wheel are molded. A back cover connects to the armature and the steering wheel. A trim plate snap-fits directly to the spoke ends of the steering wheel and to the back cover, without connecting directly to the armature. Because the trim plates are directly connected to the same two components with which the trim plates must provide proper fit and finish, proper fit and finish is ensured.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for attenuating torsional vibration of a steering system. The apparatus can include a housing including a chamber. The housing can be couplable to a rim of a hand wheel of the steering system. The apparatus can include a mass disposed in the chamber of the housing. The mass can have a fixed stiffness. The apparatus can also include a damping fluid disposed in the chamber of the housing. The damping fluid can have a variable stiffness. The apparatus can include a control module that determines a torsional vibration experienced by the steering system and outputs a signal to vary the stiffness of the damping fluid in response to the torsional vibration in substantially real-time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for attenuating translational vibration in a steering system. The apparatus can include a housing having a fluid chamber, a recess and a mounting bracket that couples the housing to a hand wheel of the steering system. The fluid chamber can be in communication with the recess. The apparatus can include a mass disposed in the recess of the housing, which can have a fixed stiffness. The apparatus can include a damping fluid disposed in the housing so as to flow between the fluid chamber and the recess. The mass can be movable in the damping fluid, and the damping fluid can have a variable stiffness. The apparatus can further include a control module that determines a translational vibration experienced at the hand wheel and outputs a signal to vary the stiffness of the damping fluid in response to the translational vibration in substantially real-time.

Abstract: Steering wheels, steering wheel and steering column assemblies, and methods for assembling steering wheels and steering columns for motor vehicles are provided herein. In one example, a steering wheel comprises a hub that is disposed in a central section of the steering wheel. The hub comprises a tubular stem portion that has a channel and that comprises a wall disposed around the channel. The tubular stem portion is configured to operably couple to a steering shaft. A catch and a biasing feature are disposed along the wall and are cooperatively configured such that the biasing feature acts on the catch to allow the catch to move relative to the wall during assembly of the steering wheel to the steering shaft and urges the catch into an engaged position with the steering shaft when the steering shaft is proximate a seated position in the tubular stem portion.

Abstract: A steering wheel enables to naturally raise awareness of a driver of a vehicle or the like concerning safe driving during operating the vehicle, leading to a reduction of traffic accidents of vehicles and violations of traffic regulations in the whole society, the steering wheel having a pad section nearly in the center of a steering section gripped by the driver, wherein a traffic slogan display unit having a character section displaying a traffic slogan and a background section being other than the character section is formed on the pad section.

Abstract: When a select lever is in a drive range, a microcomputer reads a value of an output voltage by a switch-operation-signal output circuit after detecting that both shift-up switch and shift-down switch are substantially simultaneously turned on, checks whether or not the output voltage by the switch-operation-signal output circuit is the output voltage indicating that the switch after a predetermined time has elapsed is in a normal condition, and only when the output voltage is such an output voltage, permits a manual mode of an automatic transmission and when the output voltage is not such an output voltage, cancels the manual mode.

Abstract: In a lower end of a finisher having a substantially I-shape, an extending portion extending along a rim is provided. The finisher has an upper locking portion to be locked to an upper spoke and a lower locking portion provided in the extending portion and to be locked to a lower spoke. The lower locking portion has a protruding portion and a locking piece both standing upright from a back surface of the extending portion. The protruding portion and the locking piece are arranged away from each other in an up-down direction. The lower spoke has an engagement receiving portion for the protruding portion to be fitted and for the locking piece to be engaged.

Abstract: An advanced steering wheel is disclosed, where most of the surface area of the invented steering wheel, with the exception of the outer wheel ring, does not need to rotate. In this way, the central part of the steering wheel can be used for various purposes, such as information displays, various devices (such as cell phones, GPS receiver), etc. as well as the air bag and horn pad. Unlike rotational spokes and the hub of a conventional steering wheel, the inventive steeling wheel uses a mechanical coupling device such as a gear system or a belt and pulley system. When a vehicle driver rotates the steering wheel ring, the rotational driving motion is transferred to the steering shaft spindle by the mechanical coupling devices, which are mounted under the steering wheel surface. The surface area of the steering wheel can be used for various utility consoles and accessories.

Abstract: A steering wheel is provided that may include a central member, a rim, a structural member, a switch-frame and a switch assembly. The rim may be spaced apart from the central member. The structural member may extend between the central member and the rim. The switch-frame may be secured relative to the structural member and may include first, second, and third members cooperating to define an opening. The first member may be disposed between the central member and the rim and may extend laterally across the structural member. The second and third members may be spaced apart from each other and may extend from the first member toward the rim. The switch assembly may be mounted to the switch-frame and may at least partially extend through the opening.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a steering wheel can comprise: a plastic top armature portion comprising a top rim portion and a top spoke portion, the top spoke portion extending radially inward from the top rim portion; and a plastic bottom armature portion comprising a hub, a bottom rim portion, and a bottom spoke portion, the bottom spoke portion extending radially inward to the hub. The top armature portion can be attached to the bottom armature portion with a plurality of snap mechanisms, wherein each snap mechanism comprises a snap fit protrusion that engages an aperture. The armature can be configured to attach to a vehicle steering column.

Abstract: The invention concerns a control wheel (100) for aeronautics constituted of at least two half-shells (10) assembled one to the other, said half-shells comprising reinforcing ribs (11) on their internal surface, positioning and fixing means (12) and locating holes (13) to allow the passage of electrical wires connecting electrical actuating means (20) to a control unit. The control wheel (100) includes a central opening (15) intended to be connected to a control shaft/hub. The wheel comprises an intermediate guide part (50) disposed between the half-shells (10) and positioned inside the control wheel (100), said part including at least one guide conduit (51) adapted to connect on the one hand a locating hole (13) to the central opening (15) of the control wheel (100).

Abstract: A vibration suppression structure for a steering wheel includes elastic support portions for elastically supporting an inflator of an airbag apparatus. Each elastic support portion is formed as a cylinder having an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of a steering shaft. At any cross section orthogonal to the axis, each elastic support portion has an outer periphery of the same oval or the same circle and an inner periphery of the same oval or the same circle. When the outer periphery is circular, the inner periphery is oval, When the inner periphery is circular, the outer periphery is oval.

Abstract: A paddle shift member 20 is positioned to the rear surface side of a wheel lower cover 12 by engaging the paddle shift member 20 to the wheel lower cover 12. The wheel lower cover 12 to which the paddle shift member 20 has been positioned is installed to the rear surface side of a steering wheel main body. Then the paddle shift member 20 is connected to the steering wheel main body by screwing a tapping screw T into the paddle shift 20 via the steering wheel main body from the front surface side of the steering wheel main body to which the wheel lower cover 12 has been installed. According to this method, the paddle shift member 20 is assembled to the steering wheel main body without inverting the core 11.

Abstract: There is provided a steering wheel that can reduce the load applied to an elastic body included in a dynamic damper to lengthen the life of the dynamic damper, and that allows the frequency of the dynamic damper to be adjusted easily. An insulator 14 includes a first flange portion 14a provided between a stopper 13 and an elastic body 15, and a second flange portion 14b provided between a coil spring 17 and the elastic body 15. The elastic body 15 includes a first diameter-increased portion 15a increased in diameter to be contactable with the first flange portion 14a, and a second diameter-increased portion 15b increased in diameter to be contactable with the second flange portion 14b. A contact surface of the first flange portion 14a with the first diameter-increased portion 15a has a plurality of linear projections 14c arranged in a substantially radial fashion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system which integrates motor vehicle component operation into actuators located in the rim of a motor vehicle steering wheel. The two actuators of the system of the present invention are located in an arc segment of the steering wheel defined by the three o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the right-hand actuator and the nine o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the left-hand actuator. The actuators may operate in parallel with a conventional stalk switch or controls associated with an on board computer and only operate a motor vehicle component when activated and subsequently depressed. The integrated vehicle control system and apparatus of the present invention further provides for vehicle component operation which does not require a driver to remove his or her hands from the steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering wheel having a manually adjustable palm swell is disclosed. To accommodate vehicle operators of a wide range of grip sizes, an adjustable palm swell is desired. A steering wheel having a generally hoop shaped core material is covered in thermoplastic resin and then with an outer cover. A bladder assembly is provided within the outer cover. The bladder assembly includes a bladder, a bulb connected to the bladder, the bulb having check valves on its inlet and outlet. The bulb, if depressed successively, causes air to flow into the bladder, thereby increasing the diameter of the steering wheel in the vicinity of the bladder. The bladder assembly further has a relief check valve connected to the bladder, which is manually actuated to allow air to be released from the bladder and decrease the diameter of the steering wheel in the vicinity of the bladder.

Abstract: Method for one of adjusting (taring) or re-calibrating an apparatus that includes a liquid-filled previously pressurized flexible tube that is closed at one end and is connected to a pressure sensor at an other end. Method includes activating predetermined controlling functions by establishing a differential of an external pressure exerted onto the tube by a person and a pressure prevailing in the previously pressurized tube. In establishing the differential, the method includes taking into account variations of the pressure prevailing in the previously pressurized tube, when no external pressure is being exerted on the tube by the person, due to at least one variable external ambient parameter.

Abstract: An input apparatus disposed on a core unit of a steering wheel has an operable body. The operable body has multiple straining bodies that have a transfer surface part. The transfer surface part has a displacement transfer surface formed thereon, and the displacement transfer surface has a detector for detecting a displacement of the displacement transfer surface according to an operation force applied to an operation surface. The straining bodies and the operable body are arranged such that a portion of the operable body extends towards a rim of the steering wheel from, or across, a line connecting two straining bodies that are positioned closer to the rim than other straining bodies.

Abstract: A new type of steering wheel cover is designed for use with a steering wheel that has one or more spokes. The cover will include an upper portion and a lower portion. Generally, the lower portion is the region or portion of the steering wheel that is positioned at the junction between the spoke and the steering wheel rim. The upper portion and the lower portion are separated by at least one split line. The split line is designed such that during a crash or accident, the upper portion and the lower portion will collapse into each other and absorb some of the energy of the impact.

Abstract: Torque indicator markings incorporated with handwheel devices connected to actuators or valve assemblies provide visual indication of the amount of torque being applied to an actuator or valve assembly by the handwheel device. Tattletale torque indicators incorporated with a handwheel device further provide a persistent indication of the maximum amount of torque applied to an actuator or valve assembly connected to the handwheel device.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a central portion connected to the steering column for rotation about an axis, and a rim extending around the central portion. A steering wheel includes a passageway extending through portions of the steering wheel. A plurality of spaced apart rings are disposed on the rim, and a plurality of N-type and P-type thermoelectric (“TE”) elements are disposed on the rings. The thermoelectric elements may comprise Peltier devices in the form of relatively thin plate-like units having generally planar opposite surfaces, and rectangular perimeters. An electrical conductor interconnects the P-type and N-type elements in series. The steering wheel includes first and second thermal conductors thermally connected to inner and outer surfaces of the thermoelectric elements. An air circulation device moves air through the passageway to cool the rim of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A damper for a steering wheel is provided. The damper may include a housing attached to the steering wheel and an energy-storage medium supported by the housing.

Abstract: A steering wheel with a biometric sensor apparatus may include a plurality of sensing prominences having electric conductivity and protruding from an outer surface of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A system and method for relieving and preventing fatigue caused by extended gripping of a vehicle/vessel steering wheel. The system includes a first section that attaches to the rim of the steering wheel at a predetermined location and a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible second section that connects to, and extends outwardly from, the first section. The second section supports a portion of the body such as wrists, hands, and forearms.

Abstract: A steering device for vehicles, comprising a grip body which can be maneuvered by the user, is connected rotatably to the structure of a vehicle, about a rotation axis, and is connected functionally to elements adapted to impart a change of direction to the vehicle. At least one decorative element is associated with the grip body, bears at least one graphic marking and has, with respect to the structure of the vehicle, a preset reading position, in which the graphic marking can be read by the user. The device further comprises elements adapted to keep the decorative element in the reading position, independently of the angular position assumed by the grip body with respect to the structure of the vehicle about its rotation axis.

Abstract: In a dialogue system for a motor vehicle, the dialogue system including a plurality of control keys, assigning a function from a predefined set of functions to at least one of the control keys in such a manner that the function is executed upon actuation of the control key. At least one of the functions which can be assigned to the control key is configured as the master function. During the execution of the master function the current value of at least one parameter of a subordinate function that correlates with at least one state of the motor vehicle is determined, and the subordinate function is executed as a function of this value.

Abstract: A steering wheel that can be quickly assembled and disassembled includes a fixed unit and a connecting unit, and a first interval is formed at a bottom portion of the fixed unit. Several ball slots are formed outside the connecting portion, and several fixed connecting points are formed at the end of the connecting portion. The connecting unit has a top portion and a conjugating portion, wherein the conjugating portion has several rolling balls and movable connecting points, and the connecting unit covers the connecting portion of the fixed unit through the conjugating portion. The rolling balls and ball slots are used to form a structure for quickly assembling and disassembling the steering wheel, and when the rolling balls are not aligned with the ball slots, the fixed connecting points and movable connecting points have an appropriate space in between to avoid a short circuit.

Abstract: A shift mode system and method of operating includes a switch assembly that selectively and alternately connects a shift selector to one of the steering column and the steering wheel. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch assembly has a first locking member to connect the shift selector to the steering column, and a second locking member for connecting the shift selector to the steering wheel. A lever has first and second operative positions to selectively engage the first and second locking members or pins from the shifter into operative engagement with one of first and second cable reels, respectively.

Abstract: There is provided a steering wheel. The steering wheel includes: a rim formed in an annular shape, which is to be gripped by a driver; a hub disposed at the center of the rim in a radial direction of the rim; a spoke connecting the hub to the rim in the radial direction; and a metal core member provided inside the rim, the hub, and the spoke. The metal core member includes: a hub core member provided inside the hub; a spoke core member provided inside the spoke; and a rim core member provided inside the rim. The thickness of the hub core member at the center portion thereof is larger than the thickness of the hub core member at the outer circumferential end portion thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for relieving and preventing fatigue caused by extended gripping of a vehicle/vessel steering wheel. The system includes a first section that attaches to the rim of the steering wheel at a predetermined location and a deformable second section that connects to, and extends outwardly from, the first section. The deformable second section supports a portion of the body such as wrists, hands, and forearms.

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 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: 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: A steering wheel for a motor vehicle, with a steering wheel base body and a jacket that comprises at least one strip surrounding the steering wheel base body on the outer circumference. A first free end of the at least one strip is held in position securely in a groove formed in the steering wheel base body. A second free end of the at least one strip is also held in position securely in a groove formed in the base body of the steering wheel. In addition, the invention concerns a process for the production of such a steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering wheel including a rim, first heating members, second heating members, and a control section is provided. The rim has leather-covered portions and wood-grain portions. The surface of the leather-covered portions has a thermal conductivity different from the thermal conductivity of the surface of the wood-grain portions. Each first heating member is provided inside of the surface of the corresponding leather-covered portion. When being energized, each first heating member adjusts the surface temperature of the corresponding leather-covered portion. Each second heating member is provided inside of the surface of the corresponding wood-grain portion. When being energized, each second heating member adjusts the surface temperature of the corresponding wood-grain portion. The control section controls the energization of the first heating members and the energization of the second heating members independently from each other.

Abstract: A steering wheel and a driver assistance system, which make possible an improved control of safety functions, driving functions and/or convenience functions of a vehicle. The steering wheel, in this context, has a plurality of touch-sensitive and which may be pressure-sensitive sensors on a steering-wheel rim. These sensors are to provide a grasp information signal, which indicates information on a contact surface, a position and/or a holding force of driver's hands on the steering-wheel rim, for instance, on a CAN bus. A driver assistance system uses these grasp information signals to adapt safety functions, driving functions and/or convenience functions, such as an automatic emergency brake assistant, power steering, a pedestrian avoidance assistant or a lane departure warning system in an adapted manner to the currently prevailing grasping type of the driver at the steering-wheel rim.

Abstract: A hand brake mechanism having a mechanism to disengage a release lever disposed within a clutch and release assembly at the beginning of the brake application cycle. This mechanism includes a holding pawl having a force transmitting member which cooperates with a force receiving member disposed within the release lever to effect rotational motion onto the release lever at the beginning of the brake application cycle. At least one spring is provided to substantially complete rotational motion of the release lever.

Abstract: A steering wheel has an internal structural component formed by an armature made of a relatively rigid material such as magnesium or aluminum, or an alloy of magnesium or aluminum, and an external component made of a compressible material such as polyurethane. The armature has a hub, a rim surrounding the hub, and radial spokes extending between the hub and the rim. The external component includes an over-lay providing a rim cover for the rim and a spoke cover for each of the two spokes. The external component also includes one or more parts extending radially inwardly from the rim cover to provide an additional spoke or spokes.

Abstract: A heating element includes a base material and a heater disposed on the base material, which can be deformed to accommodate a part of the heater. A steering wheel equipped with the heating element is free from surface protrusions caused by the heater. Employment of a linear heater reduces connections between the heater and power supply lines, and a high connecting reliability is obtained. The steering wheel includes the heating element and the power lines, and connections between the heating element and the power lines are disposed in the boss portion of the steering wheel. The steering wheel is further provided with a temperature detector, a temperature detector heater and a temperature controller, and the detector and the detector heater are disposed in the boss portion. Thus, a steering wheel with a good grip and a good appearance can be provided at a low cost.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a generally annular ring section to be hand held for steering a vehicle, and the ring section includes a core member and a cladding layer that covers an outer circumference of the core member all over. The hardness of the cladding layer is varied in a circumferential direction of a cross section of the ring section in which the core member is located at the center. An occupancy by a soft region is greater in a first region of the cladding layer located on a side facing toward a rotation center axis of the ring section than in a second region of the cladding layer located on a side facing away from the rotation center axis, such that the hardness in the first region is lower than that in the second region.

Abstract: A mast and integral display mount for a material handling vehicle are shown. The mast mounts a locating apparatus such that a locating axis of the locating apparatus is coaxial with a steering axis of the steerable drive wheel of the material handling vehicle. An integral display mount may include a display unit and display screen housed in a display housing that is integral with the steering handle of the vehicle. The integral nature of the display mount allows the display unit to move with the steering handle during steering of the vehicle.

Abstract: An operating unit is provided for a motor vehicle with a steering wheel that is rotatable about an axis. A finger-actuatable input unit is arranged on an arc extending around the axis.

Abstract: A wheel is for use in manually turning a shaft on rolling stock, such as for a handbrake. The wheel has a hub and a rim. The hub is made of a first material and has an opening that is structured and arranged to receive the shaft. The opening has a rotational axis. The hub has an exterior around the rotational axis, with the hub having drive surfaces relative to the rotational axis. The rim is coupled to the hub so as to engage the drive surfaces. The drive surfaces include flat surfaces and corners of a tube portion of the hub, a radially extending plate with holes therethrough and teeth in an outer edge and gussets coupled between the tube portion and the plate. The rim has an outer periphery structured and arranged to be gripped by a human hand for rotating the wheel. The rim is made of a second material that is softer than the first material.

Abstract: An advanced steering wheel is disclosed, where most of the surface area of the invented steering wheel, with the exception of the outer wheel ring, does not need to rotate. In this way, the central part of the steering wheel can be used for various purposes, such as information displays, various devices (such as cell phones, GPS receiver), etc. as well as the air bag and horn pad. Unlike rotational spokes and the hub of a conventional steering wheel, the inventive steeling wheel uses a mechanical coupling device such as a gear system or a belt and pulley system. When a vehicle driver rotates the steering wheel ring, the rotational driving motion is transferred to the steering shaft spindle by the mechanical coupling devices, which are mounted under the steering wheel surface. The surface area of the steering wheel can be used for various utility consoles and accessories.