Abstract: In a stalk switch, a control lever is rotatably supported on a housing, and a driving member is slidably held on the base end of the control lever via a first spring. A sectionally V-shaped cam surface is provided inside the housing, and an end of the driving member is pressed into contact with a cam surface, whereby the control lever can be rotated between the neutral position and the left and right operating positions. A stopper member is slidably supported on the housing, and the stopper member is urged by a second spring having an urging force smaller than that of the first spring so as to project from the valley of the cam surface. An attraction member is attached to a rotating member rotating operatively associated with the slide of the stopper member, and an electromagnet is attached to the housing so as to oppose the attraction 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: The switch apparatus for the steering wheel is constructed such that a switch body section is mounted within a pad section of a steering wheel, an operating section for driving the switch body section is caused to protrude outwardly of the pad section, and it is made possible to operate the operating section from two directions in such a manner that the same switch signal can be outputted in the operation from either direction.

Abstract: An upper case (32) is rotatably provided in a body portion (31) to be fixed to an end face on the column side, and a spiral cable (29) is spirally accommodated in an annular space between the body portion (31) and the upper case (32). A cancel cam (40) for pressing a cancel portion (42) of a turn signal lever (36) with return rotation of a steering is protruded in a predetermined position on an outer peripheral surface of the upper case (32). A flange portion (41) is integrally formed on the cancel cam (40) over the outer peripheral surface of the upper case (32). A side wall (31B) to circulate and surround the flange portion (41) of the upper case (32) is erected on an upper surface of the body portion (31).

Abstract: A snap-on thermoplastic air bag cover mountable onto an air bag container assembly includes a novel mechanism for attaching a horn backing plate to the cover. The assembly includes a container having a retaining member and a retaining bracket. The cover includes a front panel having inner and outer surfaces and is adapted to overlie an uninflated air bag contained within the container. The cover also includes a plurality of side walls connected to and extending rearwardly from the inner surface of the front panel, a horn switch lying behind the inner surface of the front panel, and a plurality of locking blocks having an extending snap-on groove and which are connected to their respective side walls. Two of the locking blocks have a groove defined in rearwardly facing surfaces thereof. The cover also includes a backing section with a back plate cooperating with the front panel to form a hollow compartment for the switch. The switch is activated by depression of the front panel at its outer surface.

Abstract: An on-vehicle lever switch having a rotary knob 4, a third lever 22 having the rotary knob 4 fixed to one end thereof and an operating rod 22a at the other end thereof, a second lever 6 having a shaft hollow cylinder 6a into which a shaft 22c of the third lever 22 is inserted, a first lever 3 into which the second lever 6 is inserted, a nonmovable member 18 fixed to the first lever 3, and a nonmovable knob 21 mounted at a location close to a tip of the first lever 3 with respect to the rotary knob 4. The nonmovable knob 21 is formed with a window 21d in its periphery. A slide knob 16 is slidably disposed in the nonmovable knob 21 with a control 16b projecting through the window 21d outwardly relative to the nonmovable knob 21. With this construction, a rotary switch, a slide switch, and a push button switch can all be mounted at an end portion of the third lever 22.

Abstract: An impact protection device for motor vehicle drivers includes a steering wheel, an air bag module and a module cover. The steering wheel, the air bag module and the module cover each form a separate assembly unit. Two mounting studs project from the module cover towards the steering wheel. The module cover and the air bag module are connected to the steering wheel by means of the mounting studs. The mounting studs are attached to the steering wheel. Fastening means are provided on the end of each mounting stud. A washer of insulating material, a coil spring and a mounting flange of the module cover are clamped between the flange of the mounting stud and the fastening means. Support for an electrical switch contact is embedded in the washer of insulating material and a mass contact of an electrical switch is provided on the mounting flange of the module cover.

Abstract: A horn switch on a vehicle includes an actuator (1) connected to the steering wheel via webs (2) resiliently deflectable transversely to said steering wheel axis. The actuator is normally spaced from a contact foil and, when actuated, urges on the contact foil to establish an electrical contact between opposed contact areas of the foil.

Abstract: A control stalk includes a support shaft and a head mounted on the support shaft. At least the head is rotatably mounted on the support shaft and latches in various radial switch positions. In each radial switch position, additional switch positions can be triggered by pivoting the support shaft. In order to create a control stalk that permits improved operation, especially when different devices to be operated are associated with the various radial switch positions, it is provided that at least the head be capable of being brought into a specified radial switch position by outside force. The outside force can be responsive to a telephone call.

Abstract: An attachment assembly for use in connection with the steering wheel of a vehicle. It consists of a fixed body, attached to the steering column, and a movable body, rotatable with respect to the fixed body and affixed to the steering wheel. The movable body and fixed body together define a toroidal space in which a coiled flat cable is contained. The ends of the cable carry connectors from the electrical system of the vehicle to (for example) an air bag actuating mechanism. A cable reel, made up of the fixed and movable bodies and the flat cable, is inserted into a hollow space in the switch body and is affixed thereto. As a result, the switch body and its operating lever can be maintained close to the underside of the steering wheel, even if the height of the flat cable is substantially increased. This permits the operation of the switches which are part of the switch body while the driver's hands remain on the rim of the steering wheel.

Abstract: An engine coolant thermostat of the type having a thermally expansible wax power element acting against a diaphragm and piston to move a poppet. The poppet has a retainer attached thereto which has portions sliding in slots on the thermostat housing; and these portions contact the ends of the slots to limit piston travel in the event of exposure to overtemperature and prevent failure of the thermostat.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for arranging in the area of a steering column in a motor vehicle, comprises a locating device, a centrally arranged support board, and at least one steering column switch. The locating device comprises a receptacle for the support board and at least one laterally-aligned receptacle for the steering column switch. The support board establishes electrical connection between the connections of the steering column switch and the vehicle's control devices allocated to the steering column switch. The control devices allocated to the steering column switch are at least in part arranged on the support board. The ease of servicing such a known steering column assembly is decisively improved in that the receptacle for the support board is radially aligned and the support board can be connected to the locating device from a radial direction.

Abstract: A switch device including a first switch section which is operated to carry out a switching operation by movement of a movable member, and a second switch section with a plurality of operating switches mounted on the movable member. By operating the first switch section to carry out a switching operation, the functions provided by the second switch section can be changed. The switch device of the invention, used for a vehicle steering switch unit or the like, provides many operating switch functions with a small number of operating switches. Therefore, the switch device can be easily operated.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for arranging in an area of a steering column in a motor vehicle comprises a locating device, a centrally arranged support board, and at least one steering column switch. The locating device comprises a receptacle for the support board and at least one laterally-aligned receptacle for the steering column switch. The support board establishes electrical connection between the connections of the steering column switch and the vehicle's control devices allocated to the steering column switch. The control devices allocated to the steering column switch are at least in part arranged on the support board. The ease of servicing such a known steering column assembly is decisively improved in that the receptacle for the support board is radially aligned and the support board can be connected to the locating device from a radial direction.

Abstract: An audio operating device provided on a handlebar of a motorcycle. The device includes a first operating plane which is tilted outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, which contains audio switches which are generally operated most frequently. The switches on the first operating plane are accessible by a rider's left hand while holding the left handle grip. The left side of the device includes a talk knob and a power switch. The second operating plane, and a right side of the device, include switches which are less frequently used, and are accessible by the rider's right hand.

Abstract: A combination switch device having lever switch units mounted to a circuit board having an electronic control unit. The lever switch units each include a casing on which a lever is movably mounted, and a housing containing switch side terminals which communicate with switch contacts on the casing. The combination switch device includes a body formed with fitting parts on which the lever switch units are mounted. Circuit board side terminals are provided on the fitting parts so as to contact the switch side terminals upon engagement of the lever switch units with the body. The casing and housing have a pair of parallel fitting faces and a pair of parallel flexible support plates, respectively, a locking hole provided on either the fitting faces or the support plates, and a locking projection for inserting in the locking hole. The locking projection is smaller than the locking hole to be movably undetachable, so that the switch side terminals and the housings are movably fitted to the casings.

Abstract: A switch apparatus having an integrated flasher relay for activation and deactivation of a hazard signaling system particularly for use in automotive vehicles. The actuator has an integral flasher relay that moves with the actuator through the activation and deactivation operations. The switch is also provided with a detent utilizing a roller for releasably locking the actuator in a predetermined position.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for covering an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (40) comprises a cover (70) including first and second portions (100, 110). The cover (70) is movable from a closed condition to an open condition upon inflation of the inflatable device (40). The cover (70) has a cover tear seam (90, 92) defining the first and second portions (100, 110) of the cover. The apparatus (10) includes a switch (130) in an electric circuit for actuating an electrically actuatable device (131) of the vehicle. The switch (130) includes a first switch portion (132) underlying the first cover portion (100) and a second switch portion (134) underlying the second cover portion (100). The first cover portion (100) is manually depressible to operate the first switch portion (132) and thereby to actuate the electrically actuatable device (131). The second cover portion (110) is manually depressible to operate the second switch portion (134) and thereby to actuate the electrically actuatable device (131).

Abstract: A column-type operating apparatus for an automatic transmission wherein the apparatus is improved in safety by restricting the direction in which the shift lever is operated. An automatic transmission has a shift lever disposed near a steering column of an automobile, the operating apparatus being electrically controllably driven to change the running range of an automatic transmission. In a preferred embodiment, the shift lever includes a rotary knob that is provided at a tip thereof and operated to switch the running range of the automatic transmission. The shift lever has a first shaft rotatably journaled in an inner case and is pivoted about the first shaft in forward and rearward directions. The inner case has a second shaft that is rotatably supported on a case provided to the steering column, and rotates together with the shift lever about the second shaft in upward and downward directions.

Abstract: A rotary connector adapted to reliably operate a canceling mechanism for a winker, which is provided in a combination switch, and to reduce the distance between a steering wheel and the combination switch. Constituent components of the rotary connector are accommodated in a center hole provided in a casing of the combination switch. A canceling lever of the canceling mechanism protrudes into this center hole. The rotary connector broadly comprises a stator member supported on the casing, a rotor member rotating in response to rotation of a steering wheel, a slip-off preventing member, which is snap-connected to the rotor member, for preventing the rotor member from slipping off the stator member, and a flexible cable stored in an annular space defined between the stator member and the rotor member. A canceling lever is positioned in a turning region of the cancel cam provided on the upper portion of the rotor member.

Abstract: A steering module is so designed that a switch module coupled to a steering wheel has switch operating sections which can be replaced when necessary. The switch module includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a switch programmable function; a connecting circuit element which electrically connects the PCB to an electronic combination switch; connectors which are detachably connected to switching units forming switch operating sections; and a semiconductor read-only memory (ROM) which can be replaced from outside a rear casing which accommodates the connecting circuit element and the PCB.

Abstract: An occupant-facing portion 18A of a module cover 18 is divided into flaps 40, 42 defined by the tear lines 30, 32, 34. A sheet switch 50 is disposed in such a manner as to confront only the flap 40. The sheet switch 50 is backed with a backing plate 60. A main portion 62 of the backing plate 60 confronts only the flap 40. The mounting arm 64 extending from the main portion 62 is connected to a retainer 10 and projections 66, 66 projecting from the main portion 62 are engaged with openings 80, 80 of the leg of the module cover. The sheet switch can be actuated by lightly depressing the module cover. The inflator is not required to have large capacity.

Abstract: An airbag module for a vehicle steering wheel comprises a gas generator (1) with an igniter, a folded gas bag (2), an assembly plate (3), a housing (4) with an intermediate cover (5), an outer cover cap (6) optically and haptically adapted to the steering wheel environment, and a horn switch foil (7) to be actuated by pressure exerted on the cover cap (6). A planar actuating element (8) is provided between the horn switch foil (7) and the cover cap (6) and has a consistently defined spacing from the horn foil (7). Range spacers (9) in the form of pins, webs or similar are provided between the actuating element (8) and the cover cap (6) to provide an approximately constant separation distance between the actuating element (8) and the cover cap (6), at least across the entire actuating area of the cover cap.

Abstract: A combined transmission gear shift selector and vehicle operating device switch lever includes an actuator movably mounted on a transmission shift lever for movement between distinct positions, each defining a separate circuit for activating a vehicle operating device or circuit. The actuator is movably mounted between spaced first and second end portions of the transmission shift lever which are rigidly joined for unitary movement. A printed circuit board carrying conductive traces and a contactor carrying leaf contacts are movably arranged with respect to each other on the actuator and the lever for defining circuits upon at least one of rotation and/or coaxial translation of the actuator relative to the lever. A detent and detent follower are formed on the actuator and one of the first and second end portions for defining distinct rotary positions of the actuator relative to the lever, each distinct position defining a separate vehicle operating device state.

Abstract: An automotive combination switch having a simple relay connector structure between switch units, comprising a reduced number of components and excelling in assemblability and reliability. The combination switch comprises a light control switch unit (1) containing a plurality of function switches housed in a case having a rib to be fitting to a groove (5a) of a main body (5), an elastic mounting knob (7a) and a stopper peg (8a) provided thereon, also provided in the lower part of the case is a fixed connector (10a) for delivering signals from the switches outside; and a wiper control switch unit (2) containing a plurality of function switches housed in a case having likewise a rib, a mounting knob (7b), a stopper peg (8b) provided thereon and a fixed connector (10b). An interconnection lead wire (17) having movable connectors (19a, 19b) at both ends is attached to the main body (5) with a mobility to be engaged with respective fixed connectors (10a, 10b) of the switch units when mounted to the main body (5).

Abstract: In a lever switch assembly, a sliding portion is formed on a bracket at an area located inside a first unit case. The sliding portion is constructed so as to slide along a face inside the first unit case which is directed facing away from a second unit case. With this arrangement, a projection conventionally provided at a tip end of the bracket has become unnecessary, and an overall thickness of the assembly can be decreased. During assembly, the sliding portion is blocked by the face inside the first unit case which is directed facing away from the second unit case and therefore, the bracket will be prevented from being disengaged at a stage before the second unit case is assembled.