Abstract: A sensor arrangement (10) for determining the selector drum position of a selector drum, in particular of a transmission controller, having a sensor disc (11) that is operatively connected to the selector drum and identifies different selector states by means of a running track (14), and a sensing device (12) that continuously senses the running track (14) in order to register the position data from the running track (14) which identifies the switching states.

Abstract: A horn actuating device for a steering wheel has a plurality of helical springs that return an airbag module to a raised resting position. Each helical spring has a free upper end that moves with the airbag module that also acts as a mobile electrical contact cooperating with the fixed electrical contact to bring about actuation of the horn.

Abstract: A system is provided for aiding left-handed individuals or individuals whose right hands are immobilized to be able to start a vehicle by turning an ignition key in which the key slot is movable or placeable to the left of the steering wheel at the driver's option to permit starting of the vehicle utilizing an individual's left hand only. In one embodiment a duplicate key slot is positioned to the left of the steering wheel on the dash of the car or, in a further embodiment, for key slots mounted to the steering column, the column is provided with a duplicate key slot to the left-hand side of the column. In another embodiment, a rotatable sleeve or collar is made part of the steering column, which when rotated rotates the key slot from an initial right-hand position to a left-hand position, thus to enable the starting of the vehicle only utilizing one's left hand.

Abstract: For improving horn switch operability, an air bag apparatus 4 supports the side wall 26b of the cover body 26 and is movable back and forth on the outer periphery of the surrounding wall 24 of the base plate 24. Hook 24h protrudes from the surrounding wall 24b and is locked onto lock receiving portion 26h of the side wall 26b, thereby regulating the moving range of the cover body 26. Bracket 35 is mounted on the under surface of the covering portion 26a and is positioned at each of the spokes 7. A movable first contact 36e, 136e is mounted on the bracket 35. A fixed contact support portion 31 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the side wall 24b of the base plate 24 to protrude therefrom or support 131 in the shape of a pillar is provided integrally to protrude from the core metal 7a of the spoke 7. A fixed second contact 31d, 131d that is opposed to the movable contact 36e, 136e is provided to oppose the movable contact 36e, 136e.

Abstract: Rotary support bodies which support both ends of a rod penetrating a manipulating knob body are formed by joining a first rotary support member which is arranged at one side of the manipulating knob body and supports one end of the rod and a second rotary support member which is arranged at another side of the manipulating knob body and supports another end of the rod, and one end of the rod is fixed to the second rotary support member, and another end of the rod is engaged with the first rotary support member. Accordingly, a manipulating knob can be mounted on a casing in a state the manipulating knob is mounted on the rotary support body.

Abstract: A steering wheel for motor vehicle that includes at least one switching device for actuating an electric functional group such as, for example, a vehicle horn. The switching device includes two electric contact elements that can be moved in relation to one another and can be brought into contact with one another for actuating the functional group. According to the invention, one of the contact elements is mounted in a springy manner and so that one of the contact elements glides along the other element after the two contact elements have been brought into contact with one another for actuating the electric functional group.

Abstract: A manipulation switch for operating a device that is installed in an automobile by remote control is arranged on a switch body, which is mounted on a steering wheel. A stopper attaches a flat cable, which is electrically connected to the switch body, to the steering wheel. The stopper is adhered to the flat cable. The stopper includes a flange, which extends sideways from the side edge of the flat cable. An engaging hole is formed in the flange. The switch body has an engaging projection, which is engaged with the engaging hole of the flange.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus having a retainer that can be employed with various embodiments of a horn switch that is turned on by the floating movement of a module cover. The apparatus includes an opening formed on a leg section of a module cover and a hook of a retainer, a predetermined gap is formed, thereby the module cover can be vertically moved. When the module cover is pressed, a horn switch is pressed so as to be turned on. Because a horn-switch supporting member is a separated part from the retainer, the retainer can be common to various models of the airbag apparatus having the module cover different in size and shape by changing only the horn-switch supporting member.

Abstract: A switch panel device permitting the mounting of a larger number of switches together on a steering handle pipe is disclosed that improves operability and operator comfort and safety. Plural switches are arranged on columns and/or on stages. An indicating and warning switch group having higher urgency and frequency of use than remaining switch elements are allocated to a column which is located nearest a handle bar grip. Further, the indicating and warning switch group is also allocated to a first horizontal stage which is set on a horizontal line coincident with a handle pipe and into additional stages positioned adjacent to the first horizontal stage in vertical distribution.

Abstract: A lead wire (18) is connected to a terminal (17) of a substrate (14) of an electrical component. Subsequently, the substrate is attached to a substrate attaching portion (5) of a lever base (1). Moreover, a midway portion of the lead wire is inserted into and placed in a lead wire guide portion (6) of a large-diameter portion (2). Thereafter, a cylindrical cover member (20) is attached to the outside of the lever base in such a manner as to cover the whole of the large-diameter portion and the substrate. There is no necessity for performing an operation of inserting the lead wire into a fine lead wire insertion hole. Moreover, the large-diameter portion, the substrate, the substrate, and the lead wire are covered by the cover member. Thus, there is no need for forming a cutout in the cover member.

Abstract: In a vehicular lever switch having a resistor at a fixed contact plate to be combined with a pivoting knob, when a passenger charged with static electricity touches the lever, the resistor is to be prevented from being damaged. A fixed contact plate is arranged with a resistor and conductors and extended from both ends thereof in a ring-like shape to constitute a fixed contact. Further, an extended portion extended in a circular arc shape is formed on an outer side of the resistor with a gap from the conductor. Even when the hand of a passenger charged with static electricity touches a vicinity of a pivoting knob and the static electricity is applied to the fixed contact plate, the static electricity flows to the extended portion and discharged via the conductor and a terminal. Thereby, the resistor is not damaged by static electricity.

Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a steering wheel body, an airbag module movably mounted on the steering wheel body and at least one guide that is connected to the airbag module as well as to the steering wheel body, the airbag module being adapted to be moved over a displacement path relative to the steering wheel body for purposes of actuating a horn. The guide has at least two carriers that are arranged transversely to the direction of the displacement path and parallel to each other as well as offset in the direction of the displacement path. Further, the guide has a first end that is connected to the airbag module and a second end that is connected to the steering wheel body.

Abstract: A cover is provided to an opening of a housing of a lever switch. One of a side face or an opening of a knob opposite to the side face is protruded like a cup and the remaining one is recessed like a cup, so that a lever switch is constructed. This structure does not allow an operator of the lever to see inside of the housing, cover and knob or a lead-wire running through those elements. A good looking lever switch is thus obtainable.

Abstract: A steering switch assembly structure which facilitates mounting of a pad member and switch assemblies to a metal core of a steering wheel, and which reduces assembly steps and is low in cost. The pad member is disposed between first leg pieces and second leg pieces on a bracket, compression coil springs are arranged between mount pieces of the pad member and the second leg pieces. In this state, the first leg pieces are inserted into mount slots of the switch assemblies. When the mount pieces are moved against elastic force of the springs and brought into contact with horn contacts, a horn device is actuated. The pad member is engaged by bottom surfaces of the switch assemblies, and is prevented from falling off the bracket, which is secured to the metal core, in a direction of separation from the bracket, without use of any further fastening means.

Abstract: A gas bag module for installation in a vehicle steering wheel comprises a carrier, a gas generator mounted to the carrier, and a multi-function conductor film. The multi-function conductor film is disposed on a rear side of the gas generator and on a rear side of the carrier.

Abstract: A lever switch for a vehicle which is easy to assemble is disclosed, which includes a control lever 50 having switches at the end, a swing block 24 rotatably retaining the control lever, and a casing 1 rotatably retaining the swing block together with the control lever, for allowing the control lever 50 to be rotatably retained in two intersecting planes, a rotating shaft 24a is formed on the lower end face 24f of the swing block 24, the rotating shaft is fitted in a shaft hole 1c formed in a support surface A of the casing to retain the swing block 24 rotatably, a recessed portion 24b communicating with the control lever is formed in the outer peripheral face of the rotating shaft 24a through the lower end face supporting the rotating shaft. Wire leads 11 jutting from the switches are led to the lower part of the casing 1 through the recessed portion 24b, thus facilitating assembly as compared with a structure of wiring through a through-hole 24c at the center of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: An outer casing (4) of a switch (3) is provided with mounting hooks (9), which are engaged with a core metal (11) of a steering wheel (1). A lower cover (12) of the steering wheel (1) is provided with retaining portions (13), which are made to abut against the mounting hooks (9) in such a way as to restrain the retaining portions (13) from moving in a direction in which the engagement between the core metal (11) and each of the retaining portions (13) is canceled. Consequently, the switch 3 (is) firmly mounted on the steering wheel (1). Thus, a stable mounting state of the switch (3) is obtained.

Abstract: An airbag module has an airbag and a cover having a tear seam for the airbag. A backing plate is mounted to the cover and positioned between airbag and cover. Disposed between packing plate and cover is a horn switch. The horn switch is nested in a depression of the backing plate.

Abstract: A windshield wiper lever, wherein a single contact slide operates both as a contact element and as a detent plunger, enabling both wiper wash and wipe functions. To this end, the steering column lever comprises: (i) a hollow knob having an inner wall that defines a plurality of axially disposed detents; (ii) a first slide adapted for translational movement having a cam at one end adapted to engage one of the detents; and (iii) a substrate supporting translational movement of the first slide, the substrate having a trace adapted to engage a conductive member of a second slide to form an electrical connection, wherein one of the detents maintains the electrical connection.

Abstract: A system is provided for aiding left-handed individuals or individuals whose right hands are immobilized to be able to start a vehicle by turning an ignition key in which the key slot is movable or placeable to the left of the steering wheel at the driver's option to permit starting of the vehicle utilizing an individual's left hand only. In one embodiment a duplicate key slot is positioned to the left of the steering wheel on the dash of the car or, in a further embodiment, for key slots mounted to the steering column, the column is provided with a duplicate key slot to the left-hand side of the column. In another embodiment, a rotatable sleeve or collar is made part of the steering column, which when rotated rotates the key slot from an initial right-hand position to a left-hand position, thus to enable the starting of the vehicle only utilizing one's left hand.

Abstract: An automotive lever switch disclosed in this invention comprises:

Abstract: A steering wheel horn switch includes two contact members and a support member, which supports the contact member and is formed from a light metallic material, and the contact member and the support member are electrically conducted to each other in such a manner to form a horn operating circuit. An electric conductor having electrical conductivity, which is higher than the electrical conductivity of the support member, is disposed between the contact member and the support member in such a way as to come in contact with both the contact member and the support member. The electric conductor is in contact with the support member so that the contact area therebetween is larger than the contact area between the contact member and the support member in the case when the contact member is singly brought into contact with the support member, or so that the electric conductor is brought into contact with the support member by being pushed by the support member.

Abstract: A steering column switch of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one individual switch (6) whose pivotally mounted switch lever (18) actuates connecting contacts (14) by means of a switch element (16 or 17) having at least one switch contact (33 or 59). The switch lever (18) consists of a base (19) cooperating with the switch element (16) and a handle piece (20) inserted in the base (19). Due to the fact that the switch lever (18) is embodied in two parts, the switch mechanical system operates independently from its switching functions.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounting steering switch includes a manipulating knob which is rotatably and pivotally supported on a support member. The support member is fixedly secured to a rear surface of a pad of the steering wheel and, the manipulating knob is protruded into the inside of a space defined between a ring and the pad. A circuit board which is provided with a pair of resistance patterns is mounted on the support member, while a sliding element which is slidable on the circuit board is mounted on the manipulating knob. When a driver performs push or pull manipulation of the manipulating knob with his finger, a relative position of the circuit board and the sliding element is changed so that two kinds of ON signals are outputted. In response to these ON signals, it becomes possible to shift transmission gears in the midst of cruising in a drive range.

Abstract: A steering column module includes functional modules arranged adjacent to one another in respective parallel planes along an axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of a steering column. Each of the functional modules is associated with a respective plug-and-socket connector. The connectors extend radially from the longitudinal axis of the steering column. The connectors each have first and second parts. The first part of each connector being connected to the respective one of the functional modules. The second part of each connector extending radially out from the respective one of the functional modules. An electronic module extends transversely to the respective parallel planes of the functional modules and are arranged against the functional modules such that the electronic module engages the second part of each of the connectors to connect the functional modules to the electronic module and a vehicle electrical system connected to the electronic module.

Abstract: In a conventional roller connector, when a spoke member of a steering device hits against an electrical lead-through section of a movable housing, there occurs a knocking sound, which will be unpleasant to the driver. The present invention, therefore, provides a roller connector which will not produce the knocking sound. Flexible cables are connected at least at one end to the electrical lead-through section of a movable housing. An elastic member is projectingly disposed on a surface of the upper wall where the electrical lead-through section protrudes, thus being driven to turn the movable housing.

Abstract: A lead wire (18) is connected to a terminal (17) of a substrate (14) of an electrical component. Subsequently, the substrate is attached to a substrate attaching portion (5) of a lever base (1). Moreover, a midway portion of the lead wire is inserted into and placed in a lead wire guide portion (6) of a large-diameter portion (2). Thereafter, a cylindrical cover member (20) is attached to the outside of the lever base in such a manner as to cover the whole of the large-diameter portion and the substrate. There is no necessity for performing an operation of inserting the lead wire into a fine lead wire insertion hole. Moreover, the large-diameter portion, the substrate, the substrate, and the lead wire are covered by the cover member. Thus, there is no need for forming a cutout in the cover member.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a skeleton with a foamed sheathing, a hub, spokes and a steering wheel rim. A gas bag module is inserted in a central recess of the steering wheel. The gas bag module has a cover cap at the side facing the driver. For actuating a horn switch the module is movable in the direction of the steering wheel axis relative to the steering wheel. A movement gap is formed between the cover cap and the foamed sheathing. Mounting studs on the skeleton extend parallel to the steering wheel axis. The positioning of the mounting studs is defined by the foamed sheathing. The mounting studs have free ends which are slidingly accommodated in guide recesses provided in the cover cap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lever switch being capable of providing predetermined electrical operational instructions by rotating the first rotary knob 3 and the second rotary knob 5 about the axis respectively, characterized in that a first detent mechanism 21 is provided on the distal side of the control lever 1 for providing detention against rotational operation of the second rotary knob 5, a lever guide 19 formed with a lever guide hole 20 is provided on the control lever 1, a lever shaft 39 extending from the distal side to the proximal side of the control lever 1 is disposed in the lever guide hole 20, the first rotary knob 3 is connected to the distal side of the lever shaft 39, a control rod 43 is provided for providing the electrical operational instructions on the proximal side of the lever shaft 39, and a second detent mechanism for providing detention against the rotational operation of the first rotary knob 3 is provided between the proximal side of the lever guide 19 and the control rod 43.

Abstract: A multiple switch module which is adapatable for inclusion in stalk switches, including a central cylinder, a multi-switch unit located within the central cylinder, a selections annulus rotatably mounted concentrically outside the central cylinder and operably connected by a cross-bar to a first rotary switch of the multi-switch unit, a selections cylinder rotatably mounted to a forward end of the central cylinder and operably connected to a second rotary switch of the multi-switch unit, and a selection button biasably mounted in reciprocable relation to the selections cylinder and operably connected to a momentary switch of the multi-switch unit. A slot system is formed in the central cylinder to accommodate rotative movement of the cross-bar relative to the central cylinder.

Abstract: A membrane horn switch assembly for operating a horn of a vehicle, the horn switch assembly includes a membrane switch with an upper nonconductive sheet having a first electrically conductive coating and a lower nonconductive sheet with a second electrically conductive coating, the second electrically conductive coating including a first conductive grid and a second conductive grid, the first electrically conductive coating being in a facially spaced relationship with respect to the second electrically conductive coating. A nonconductive spacer is positioned in between the first electrically conductive coating and the second electrically conductive coating, the nonconductive spacer having a plurality of openings aligning with portions of the first conductive grid and said second conductive grid.

Abstract: A multiple switch module which is adapatable for inclusion in stalk switches, including a central cylinder, a multi-switch unit located within the central cylinder, a selections annulus rotatably mounted concentrically outside the central cylinder and operably connected by a cross-hair to a first rotary switch of the multi-switch unit, a selections cylinder rotatably mounted to a forward end of the central cylinder and operably connected to a second rotary switch of the multi-switch unit, and a selection button biasably mounted in reciprocable relation to the selections cylinder and operably connected to a momentary switch of the multi-switch unit. A slot system is formed in the central cylinder to accommodate rotative movement of the cross-hair relative to the central cylinder.

Abstract: A combination switch is mounted with switch bodies at recesses formed at a base and is provided with a steering sensor for detecting a steering angle of a steering wheel. The combination switch is provided with a rotor rotated along with the steering wheel. The rotor is provided with a sensor board of the steering sensor. The switch bodies are provided with a detecting portion for detecting pivotal movement of the sensor board.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stick shift, especially a steering column switch for motor vehicles with an, into a receiver part insertable, substantially stick-shaped part (3), in whose insert region (3a) are provided electrical connection contacts (25) for transmission of switching functions to the receiver part, and an actuating part (5) supported rotatably and/or displaceably inside or at the stick-shaped part (3) for actuation of switching functions, whereby the mechanism for realization of the switching functions is provided outside the insert area (3a) of the stick-shaped part (3).

Abstract: A switch case (11) is provided with an operating lever (12) to be turn-operated. The switch case 11 is further provided with moderating parts (13a, 13b). The operating lever is provided with a moderating piece (15), which is engaged with the moderating parts, and with a spring 16 for push-pressing this moderating piece against the moderating parts. In the switch case (11), turning engaging elements (18a, 18b) are formed in such a way as to be arranged in a turning direction of the operating lever. On the operating lever, turning engaged elements (19a, 19b), which are engaged with the turning engaging elements by a spring force of the spring in the home position thereof, are formed. When the operating lever is turned in the direction of an arrow (P), the turning engaged element is disengaged from the turning engaging element.

Abstract: A multifunction switch pod or controller for controlling electronic vehicular features such as the windshield wipers and headlamps. The multifunction switch pod or controller comprises at least one circuit board having a front surface and at least one solid state rotatable dial attached to the circuit board. The multifunction switch pod or controller may further comprise push-button switch cells attached to the circuit board for controlling additional electronic vehicular features. A cover covers the circuit board for protection from the environment.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component for use with a vehicle having a vehicle system includes a substrate and a flexible cover covering a portion of the substrate. The cover includes a cover material and electronic circuitry integrated with the cover material and adapted to communicate with the vehicle system. Moreover, the cover material and the electronic circuitry cooperate to define at least one control switch for controlling operation of the vehicle system.

Abstract: A switch pod assembly (10) includes a hub portion (30) fixedly connected to a steering column (12) adjacent a steering wheel (20). First and second arms (40, 50) extend radially from opposite sides of an outer surface (32) of the hub portion (30). First and second switch pod modules (60, 70) extend transversely from second ends (44, 54) of the first and second arms (40, 50), respectively. Each switch pod module (60, 70) has a curved outer surface (62, 72) that has a radius generally concentric with and smaller than a radius of the steering wheel (20). The outer surfaces (62, 72) are positioned proximate the steering wheel (20). The first and second switch pod modules (60, 70) support a plurality of switches (80), including actuators (112) positioned along the curved outer surfaces (62, 72) of the first and second switch pod modules.

Abstract: A switch apparatus for controlling multiple electrical circuits includes housing mountable on a vehicle steering column. A carrier is pivotally mounted to the housing for rotation with a lever. The lever pivots about at least one axis between a center position and at least one other position. A detent surface formed in one of the housing and the carrier has at least one detent, each detent associated with a respective other position. A component for latching the carrier and the lever one of the other positions is mountable on the carrier and engageable with the detent surface. A cancel pawl extends from the housing and is engageable with a rotatable member on the steering column. The carrier is returned to the center position from engagement in the other position by a biasing component, which permits sliding movement between the cancel pawl and biasing component when the lever holds the carrier in the position.

Abstract: A combined windshield front and rear washing and wiping stalk switch having a single contact substrate that is adapted to engage a front wiper carrier, a front wash carrier and a rear wipe/wash carrier. To this end, the multifunctional steering column stalk switch comprises: (i) a housing; (ii) a substrate fixed inside the housing having a first leg and a second leg defining a predetermined angle between the first leg and the second leg; (iii) a conductive trace on one surface of each leg; (iv) a first carrier moveably engaged with the first leg having an electrical contact adapted to engage the conductive trace on the first leg; (v) a second carrier moveably engaged with the second leg having an electrical contact adapted to engage the conductive trace on the second leg; (vi) a first manual input device adapted to move the first carrier with respect to the first leg; and (vii) a second manual input device adapted to move the second carrier with respect to the second leg.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column stalk switch assembly is provided having at least one enclosed switch cell unit used in lieu of metal connector contacts. More particularly, one or more enclosed switch cell units are used in place of conventional all-opened or exposed switch contacts. A switch cell is connected to a printed circuit board within the stalk switch assembly, and positioned for actuation upon movement of a corresponding actuating member of a stalk switch lever. Various switch cells can be positioned so that movement of the lever or knob on the lever in a particular direction will selectively control operation of different vehicle devices or functions.

Abstract: A multifunction pushbutton switch for mounting on a steering wheel (1) of an automobile comprises an oblong housing (11) accommodating a contact assembly (40) featuring circuit elements (42), comprises at least one automatically restoring pushbutton (10), a switching element (30) acting on the circuit elements (42), and comprises an actuating ridge (23) provided with two opposing actuating faces (23,26) to enable variable use of the multifunction pushbutton switch on the steering wheel (1) of an automobile, the pushbutton (10) is mounted so as to allow toggling and to be centered on the housing (11) and has a cross section which transverse to the pushbutton's mounting axis (22) is symmetric, said mounting axis (22) extending parallel to the actuating ridge (23).

Abstract: A manipulation switch for operating a device that is installed in an automobile by remote control is arranged on a switch body, which is mounted on a steering wheel. A stopper attaches a flat cable, which is electrically connected to the switch body, to the steering wheel. The stopper is adhered to the flat cable. The stopper includes a flange, which extends sideways from the side edge of the flat cable. An engaging hole is formed in the flange. The switch body has an engaging projection, which is engaged with the engaging hole of the flange.

Abstract: A multi-function stalk switch that incorporates a pushbutton switch, a first rotary switch and a second rotary switch onto the end of a stalk, wherein further switching functions may be executed by moving the entire stalk in either of two orthogonal planes. The stalk switch incorporates many design features that enable it to be assembled at low cost from a small number of parts. One such feature is the use of plastic-on-plastic detents to control positioning of the rotary switches so that they wipe across predetermined portions of a flexible printed circuit board. Another feature is the inclusion of a springloaded plunger detent riding in a concave centering mechanism that is operable to automatically return the stalk switch to its central (neutral) position after removal of external biasing forces. A further feature is the inclusion of magnets on the stalk switch and Hall effect sensors fixedly mounted nearby in order to sense movement of the magnets (and therefore the stalk) in two orthogonal planes.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel comprises a steering wheel body and at least one electric switch attached to the steering wheel body. The switch, for adaptation to the length of the fingers of a driver, is adjustably attached to the steering wheel body in such a way that it can be adjusted by the driver to assume various positions relative to the steering wheel body.

Abstract: A multifunction stalk switch combines a pivoting lever and an internal rod which can be independently rotated and slid in an axial direction to control multiple functions, including separate control of wiper on/off/intermittent settings, an intermittent delay setting, and a washer spray function. A robust design is achieved by avoiding the need for any wiring or circuit boards within the lever arm itself and locating all electrically conductive components in the base. Relief notches in the lever prevent sliding contacts from moving away from the circuit board when the lever arm is pushed in a direction perpendicular to the desired pivot plane.

Abstract: A horn switch includes a stationary member, a movable member, a spring and a connecting bolt. The stationary member has a stationary contact and is supported on a steering wheel body The movable member has a movable contact and is arranged above the stationary member. The connecting bolt allows downward movements of the movable member and prescribes a distance of the movable contact from the stationary contact. The connecting bolt is provided with a head and a shank. The head abuts against an underside of the stationary member. The shank extends upward from the head to be fastened to a threaded hole in the movable member. Prior to fastening, the connecting bolt is temporarily fixed to the stationary member by latch legs. The latch legs latch a lower surface of the head in a manner to permit the connecting bolt to be fastened to the movable member.

Abstract: An integrated connector device includes a cable reel, an encoder, and combined switch systems. It further includes a base shell including: a top wall portion with a central through-hole; an outer sidewall portion extending downwardly from the top wall portion and having first and second lever notches; and first and second partitions respectively provided at a predetermined distance from the outer sidewall portion. The cable reel includes a fixed body and a mobile body. The combined switch systems include a turn indicator-signal system and a lighting system respectively including turn indicator-signal and lighting levers.

Abstract: A connector structure includes a connector shell, and incorporates a cable reel, an encoder, and a turn-indicator system and a lighting system. The connector shell has an axis, and is configured to be joined with a steering shaft having an axis. The connector shell includes a cylindrical section fitted around the steering shaft in a freely rotatable manner, and a receptacle section which includes a shoulder portion extending outwardly from one end of the cylindrical section, a peripheral sidewall portion, and first and second parting strip portions symmetrically provided with respect to the axis of the connector shell, thereby forming, inside the receptacle section, a central zone between the first and second parting strip portions, a first peripheral zone between the peripheral sidewall portion and the first parting strip portion, and a second peripheral zone between the peripheral sidewall portion and the second parting strip portion.

Abstract: The switching unit has the switching member on the front side and the switching member on the back side which are mutually mechanically and electrically connected when mounted on the spoke portion of the steering wheel, and is designed such that when the switching members are assembled in one unit, the elastic electrode portion on one side comes into elastic contact with the electrode pattern portion on the other side. The switching members, therefore, are not required to be assembled into one unit prior to installation on the steering wheel. In addition it is possible to dispense with such a complicated operation as electrically connecting the switching members by a wiring harness after installation to the steering wheel, therefore improving the ease of installation. Furthermore, since there is no necessity to form a through hole in the spoke portion of the steering wheel, the steering wheel will not be deteriorated in mechanical strength.