Patents Assigned to TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH
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Patent number: 6508142Abstract: A steering wheel for vehicles is provided which comprises a hub for attachment on a steering column and a clamping screw. The hub has a central, substantially cylindrical passage for accommodation of an end section of the steering column and at least one slit extending parallel to the passage. Two hub sections are defined on opposite sides of the slit. The hub sections have aligned bores that extend substantially tangentially to the passage. A first one of these bores has an internal thread, and the clamping screw is adapted to extend through a second one of these bores and to be screwed into the first one of the bores, thereby clamping the hub on the steering column end section. A screw holder is attached to the hub for limited movement in an axial direction of the clamping screw against spring force. The screw holder has a recess for passage of the screw and simultaneous engagement into the thread of the screw. The screw holder is formed by a bracket of spring steel.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Anke Nigrin
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Patent number: 6505851Abstract: A gas bag restraint device for restraining an occupant comprises a gas bag module, which has a gas generator and a gas bag with a gas bag wall. The gas bag wall has a front wall facing the occupant, which front wall has a center section with a depression, in relation to an inflated state of the gas bag, so that an annular gas bag chamber surrounding the depression is formed. The device further comprises a module covering which on inflation of the gas bag opens an outlet opening, and a fastening device for the center section, with which the center section is prevented from a movement out of the gas bag module even in the inflated state of the gas bag, so that the depression is formed. The fastening device includes a reinforcement insert integrated into the module covering and fastened to the gas bag module.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Ralph Frisch
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Patent number: 6499377Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel, comprising a steering wheel skeleton encased in foam and consisting of a steering wheel rim, a hub and at least one spoke connecting the hub with the steering wheel rim. The steering wheel further comprises a panel which is visible from outside on the steering wheel rim. A clip is provided which is constructed as a separate part and engages on the steering wheel rim. the panel is fastened to the steering wheel rim by means of the at least one clip and the panel together with the clip completely surround the steering wheel rim.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Patrik Schuler
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Publication number: 20020195809Abstract: The invention relates to a the gas bag module, comprising a gas bag and a module housing which has a front wall that closes a ring-shaped outlet opening for the gas bag. A centric portion of the front wall is attached radially inwardly of the outlet opening such that, in the region of attachment, the centric portion is prevented from freely moving outwards when the front wall is opened. At least t,0he centric portion of the front wall, which is attached to the module, has such a thickness and elasticity that upon deployment of the gas bag it swivels, without tearing open radially, about the attachment outwards and radially inwards, as seen from the module, and makes folds in order to clear the ring-shaped outlet opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Udo Bieber, Christian Lorenz
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Patent number: 6494114Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel which comprises a steering wheel skeleton consisting of a steering wheel rim having an interior space, and of a hub and at least one spoke connecting the hub with the steering wheel rim. The vehicle steering wheel further comprises at least one additional mass fastened to the steering wheel skeleton and constructed as a separate part. The at least one additional mass is intended for reducing vibration and is provided in the interior space of the steering wheel rim. At least one flexible clip is provided which engages on the additional mass and holds the additional mass against the steering wheel skeleton.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Patrik Schuler
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Patent number: 6494287Abstract: A steering device for a motor vehicle includes an actuating member for the introduction of the steering movement and a steering linkage to transfer the steering movement to the vehicle wheels. The actuating member consists of a steering wheel (1) which is rotatable about a small angle and of a measured value transmitter (2) to generate an electrical or electronic position signal. The steering linkage is actuated by an adjustment drive which is controllable by an electrical regulating device as a function of the position signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Anke Nigrin, Winfried Tschöp, Martin Kreuzer, Hans-Jürgen Bossler, Ulrich Randau
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Publication number: 20020185846Abstract: A gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system, which gas bag can be transferred from a folded condition into a deployed condition and comprises a first chamber which has an inflation opening, and a second chamber which is in flow connection with the first chamber. The first chamber is generally elongate in the deployed condition and the second chamber is connected with the first chamber at a side face of the first chamber, so that the gas bag is asymmetrical. A limiting strap is provided which extends across an outside of the second chamber and across part of an outside of the first chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2002Publication date: December 12, 2002Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Ralph Neupert, Michael Lehmann
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Patent number: 6491128Abstract: The invention relates to a device for generating a steering signal for controlling an actuating drive for an adjustment of steerable wheels on motor vehicles, in particular passenger vehicles. The device comprises a non-rotatable frame having an axis of symmetry and curved guiding portions, as well as a pair of handles intended for transmitting actuating forces and being coupled with each other. The handles are mounted on the guiding portions so as to be displaceable in same direction and are able to be displaced along the guiding portions and relative to the axis of symmetry to a limited extent. The device further comprises a measurement transducer for generating one of an electrical and electronic signal for determining a position of the handles relative to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Michael Lehmann, Albert Steinmüller, Klaus Limberg, Tino Zink, Frank Schneider
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Publication number: 20020175500Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag module comprising a gas generator that is mounted in the airbag module by means of at least one elastic element. The elastic element is a hollow profile closed as seen in cross-section and has a circumferential wall a radial outer side of which lies against the gas generator on the one hand, and against a holding part on a module side on the other hand.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Ralf Heindl
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Publication number: 20020175505Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag module that is integrated into a steering wheel and that can be moved relative to the steering wheel in order to actuate a horn. The airbag module comprises a horn switch provided on the module which, when the module is moved, is transferred into a switching position that causes the horn to be activated. A hollow profile made of elastomer is provided which is equipped with the horn switch and lies against the module. The invention further relates to a vehicle steering wheel equipped with such an airbag module.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Ralf Heindl
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Patent number: 6484606Abstract: A steering wheel has a metallic skeleton that comprises a hub, a rim and spokes interconnecting said hub and said rim, said skeleton being produced by casting in one piece with a U- or V-shaped cross-section. To achieve an optimum distribution of mechanical strength in a circumferential direction, with reference to a normal position of the steering wheel in a vehicle corresponding to a straightforward vehicle travel, the rim has upper and lower portions with a cross-section that is open towards the driver side of the steering wheel, and lateral portions with a cross-section that is open towards the rear face of the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Martin Kreuzer
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Publication number: 20020170379Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a steering wheel that comprises a closed annular steering wheel rim and spokes, and further comprises a steering wheel skeleton as well as a sheathing therefore, the sheathing being one of a foam covering and a leather covering that surrounds the steering wheel skeleton. The method comprises the following steps: a) the one-piece steering wheel skeleton is produced, it having, in order to form the steering wheel rim, a closed annular portion the cross-section of which has an open hollow profile; b) a body that serves as a spacer is placed in the open hollow profile in order to almost completely fill the hollow profile, and; c) the steering wheel skeleton is provided with the sheathing at least in an area of the steering wheel rim. The invention further relates to a steering wheel produced by such method.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: John-Oliver Derrick
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Patent number: 6481312Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle comprises a wheel skeleton with a hub, a plurality of spokes and a wheel body. The spokes interconnect the hub and the wheel body. A cover surrounds at least the wheel body and part of the spokes of the skeleton. The cover is assembled of a pair of complementary shells to define a wheel rim. An air duct is defined between the shells. The shells have multiple air outlet openings distributed in a circumferential direction and communicating with the air duct. The shells further define at least one air intake port communicating with the air duct. Alternatively, one of the shells is integral with and actually formed by the wheel body.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1999Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Willi Wissel
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Publication number: 20020153712Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module comprising a covering cap which is visible from the exterior in an installed state and covers an outlet opening for a gas bag. The module further comprises at least one display integrated in the covering cap and a lighting for the display provided on a rear face of the covering cap. The covering cap has a front wall visible from the exterior with a section covering the outlet opening, the section being connected in one piece with a display section lying over the lighting. In the display section, the covering is constructed so as to be transparent or translucent. The display section is made of a first material component of the covering cap and the covering cap includes a second material component which has a carrier layer in the form of a cup. The base of the cup forms the section closing the outlet opening and the peripheral wall of which laterally delimits an accommodation space for the gas bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Martin Kreuzer, Udo Bieber, Ralph Neupert
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Publication number: 20020153711Abstract: An airbag module for occupant restraint systems in vehicles has a pot-like housing part (10) made of sheet metal to the base (14) of which a gas generator is attached and to the circumferential wall (16) of which, extending upwards from the base (14), an airbag (26) and a covering cap (12) made of plastic are attached. The covering cap (12) has a supporting wall (17) that is in contact with the outside of the circumferential wall (16) of the housing part (10). The supporting wall (17) is provided with cutouts (20). On the free edge of the circumferential wall (16) of the housing part (10) facing away from the base (14), there are arranged hook-shaped metal tabs (18) which pass through the cutouts (20) of the supporting wall (17) of the covering cap (12) and which are bent on their outside in the direction toward the base (14) of the housing part (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Udo Bieber, Matthias Helmstetter, Ralph Neupert
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Publication number: 20020153708Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag module, comprising a pot-shaped module housing that has a front wall that can be opened and a circumferential wall projecting from a rear side. The airbag module further comprises a baseplate that is attached to the circumferential wall by at least one snap-action hook that is able to latch into an opening. An unlatching protection is provided that reduces a cross-section of the opening after a latching procedure in such a way that unlatching is prevented.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Martin Kreuzer
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Patent number: 6464253Abstract: A vehicular restraint system comprises an inflatable gas bag defining an internal volume and a gas generator with a pyrotechnic propellant charge for generating gas upon inflation of the gas bag. The propellant charge is made up of a mass of a pyrotechnic material. The mass of the pyrotechnic material may include a binding agent conglomerating the mass into a rigid shaped body, such body having a surface exposed to the internal volume of the gas bag, or the mass is filled into a flexible envelope, which envelope has a surface exposed to the internal volume of the gas bag. Preferably, the mass has a ductile texture, enabling it to be kneaded.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Christian Lorenz
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Patent number: 6464252Abstract: An impact protection device for arrangement in a steering wheel of a truck vehicle is provided. The steering wheel has a rim that is located in a plane inclined at an angle of less than 45° to a horizontal plane. The device has an inflatable gas bag mounted in a folded condition and an inflator activatable as a function of vehicle deceleration. The gas bag, in an inflated condition, has the shape of a mushroom with an annular outer edge portion engaging about and behind said steering wheel rim.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1999Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Martin Kreuzer
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Patent number: 6464248Abstract: A gas bag cover for a vehicle occupant restraint system has an inner side facing a gas bag to be covered and a wall thickness. The gas bag cover comprises at least one burst line being grooved into the cover from the inner side up to a predefined remaining wall thickness. The burst line comprises an initial point at which the remaining wall thickness has its minimum. The gas bag cover further comprises reinforcement ribs formed on the inner side of the cover, extending along a line which is tangent to the initial point of the burst line.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2001Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: John-Oliver Derrick
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Publication number: 20020140210Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module of several components, which comprise a least a carrier element, a gas generator and a gas bag. At least one elastic element is provided and at least one of the components is mounted in the gas bag module so as to be neutralized with regard to vibration by means of the at least one elastic element consisting of silicone.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: October 3, 2002Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Mark Lovell, Thorsten Nottebaum