Abstract: When an impact energy absorbing mechanism on a vehicle is in operation, a paid-out length of a seat belt is detected by a displacement sensor, and a paid-out speed of the seat belt is calculated by a paid-out speed calculating unit. Based on speed information from a speed sensor, a vehicle speed detecting unit calculates a speed of the vehicle with respect to a ground surface on which the vehicle runs. Then, an occupant acceleration calculating unit calculates an acceleration of an occupant with respect to the ground surface from the calculated paid-out speed and the calculated speed of the vehicle. Impact forces applied to the occupant can be reduced simply and highly accurately irrespectively of the weight of the occupant and whether an air bag is installed in the vehicle or not.

Abstract: Coils 38 and magnetostriction elements 41 are disposed inside casings 32, 33 fixed to a driving pulley housing 2, and an end of an outer tube 5o of a Bowden cable 5 is brought into abutment with the magnetostriction element 41 via a slider 42. When a steering torque is inputted into the steering wheel and an inner cable 5i is pulled in a direction indicated by an arrow B, an axial compression force acting on the outer tube 5o is transmitted to the magnetostriction element 41 via the slider 42 and a compression load p is applied thereto. This changes the magnetic permeability of the magnetostriction element 41, thereby changing the inductance of the coil 38, whereby the steering torque acting on the steering wheel can be detected based on the change in inductance.

Abstract: Operation of a steering wheel is transmitted to a steering gear box through two cables. In this cable-type steering device, a steering torque inputted to the steering wheel is detected by a steering torque detector provided between the steering wheel and the cables. The operation of a motor for a power steering operation for driving the steering gear box is controlled on the basis of the detected steering torque. The steering torque detected by the steering torque detector includes the friction of the cables and hence, a steering torque offsetting the friction of the cables can be generated in the motor for the power steering operation, thereby providing an appropriate steering feeling. A hydraulic power steering device may be used instead of or in addition to a motor for a power steering operation.

Abstract: A charge-status display system which is suitable for use with an electric vehicle. In the charge-status display system, a plurality of detecting means detect the conditions of charging of the electric vehicle, and a determining means determines the results of that detection by the plurality of detecting means. A wireless transmitting means transmits the results of the detection and the results of the determination. Then, a receiving means in a portable remote unit receives therein the results of the detection and the results of the determination, which are transmitted from the transmitting means, and a display means displays the received information thereon. Thus, a charging operator can obtain information about the status of charging of the electric vehicle while at a location remote from the electric vehicle.

Abstract: Each of air bag devices includes an inflator mounted in a seat back, a first air bag which is connected to the inflator and developed into a space between an occupant and a side door, and a second air bag connected to the first air bag and developed into a space between the occupant and an instrument panel. When the internal pressure in the first air bag exceeds a predetermined value, the internal spaces in the first and second air bags are put into communication with each other through a pressure valve. When a vehicle collides with another vehicle or an obstacle, the first air bag is first inflated and developed by a high pressure gas generated by the inflator. When the first air bag has been developed, the pressure valve V is opened, causing the second air bag to be developed. Thus, not only upon a frontal collision and a side collision of the vehicle, but also upon an oblique collision of the vehicle, it is possible to reliably hold the occupant.

Abstract: When a battery charger supplying external power to a vehicle air conditioning unit is detected as being disconnected by a connection sensor, a central processing unit stops operating the air conditioning unit upon elapse of a predetermined time after the detected disconnection. When a start signal is inputted from an ignition switch within the predetermined time, the central processing unit switches to a normal air conditioning mode to continue operating the air conditioning unit without interruption. The operation sequence is effective to prevent the energy stored in a battery as an internal power source from being unduly wasted, and to switch smoothly to the normal air conditioning mode.

Abstract: An ignition key device including an ignition key for use with a motor vehicle and a remote unit which is capable of remotely locking and unlocking a door of the motor vehicle and displaying information concerning and the status of the motor vehicle. A secondary cell is accommodated in the ignition key. When the ignition key is inserted into an ignition switch lock in the motor vehicle, the secondary cell is charged by a storage battery of the motor vehicle. When the ignition key is attached to the remote unit, the stored electric energy is supplied from the secondary cell to the remote unit to energize the remote unit for transmitting and receiving signals to perform the functions of remotely locking and unlocking a door of the motor vehicle and displaying information and the status of the motor vehicle. The ignition key can be detached from the remote unit.

Abstract: A portable display device is capable of monitoring the residual capacity of a traveling battery from the outside of an electric vehicle, and conducting operations such as locking and unlocking of a door from outside of the vehicle and controlling the operation of the air conditioner through wireless means. This portable display device is inserted into an insertion section provided in an instrument panel of the vehicle for operating the vehicle. If an ID code in the portable display device agrees with an ID code in the vehicle, a traveling switch is unlocked. Then, if the traveling switch is operated, a steering lock device is released and the traveling motor is connected to the traveling battery in a state in which the electric vehicle is operable.