Wheel Hub Spring Biased Type Patents (Class 200/61.55)
  • Patent number: 7441800
    Abstract: A steering wheel for a motor vehicle is provided having a hub element, a steering wheel rim, at least one steering wheel spoke for attaching the steering wheel rim to the hub element and at least one activation device which is arranged on the hub element, the steering wheel rim or the steering wheel spoke for controlling and/or regulating an assembly of a motor vehicle. The activation device is preferably embodied as an optical reflection sensor device with a functional face. Such a sensor device operates without mechanically moving parts and during the service life of the steering wheel it is independent of general scratching and soiling of its functional faces. In addition, the functionality of the measurement of distances and/or speeds of the objects located above the functional faces of the sensor device permits further functions to be integrated without requiring further separate devices in order to do so.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
    Inventors: Helmuth Weber, Horst Muller
  • Patent number: 7398994
    Abstract: An assembly of an airbag module and a steering wheel of a vehicle has the airbag module moveable between a resting position and a working position, corresponding to the actuation of the horn of the vehicle. Advantageously, the retaining assembly drives the airbag module exclusively along parallel to the axis of rotation of the steering wheel, providing constant horn activation loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Valerio Poli, Roberto Ridolfi, Andrea Anselmi
  • Patent number: 7387312
    Abstract: To improve the appearance of the steering apparatus and the operability of the horn operating cover in a steering apparatus mounted in a vehicle, a steering apparatus and airbag device are disclosed. In form of a steering apparatus, a module cover for operating a horn turns in a direction of the initial position and the horn operating position with respect to a fulcrum independently from the retainer which is fixedly mounted on the cover counter-surface of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Ichiro Amamori
  • Patent number: 7380817
    Abstract: As improved airbag module retention assembly for attachment to a steering wheel has an airbag module housing having an airbag cover, an internally stored airbag. The airbag module housing has two pairs of attachment legs. A base plate assembly has a base plate with a pair of mounting brackets pivotally attached at ends of the mounting brackets to the hinge supports projecting from the base plate and being linearly movable relative to the hinge supports. A resilient member such as a spring returns the airbag module housing to a resting position upon activation of a horn. The resilient member is interposed between one mounting bracket and the base plate. The pair of mounting brackets are connected by a pin and a slot. Each end of a mounting bracket is attached to an attachment leg of the airbag module housing. Movement of the airbag module housing assembly is constrained to a displacement parallel to the axis of rotation of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Valerio Poli, Roberto Ridolfi, Andrea Amselmi, Adolfo Ridolfi
  • Patent number: 7380816
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for actuating the horn on steering wheels, comprising a steering wheel frame and at least one fixed horn contact provided thereon, and comprising a moving paddling support i.e. generator support and at least one horn contact, which is provided thereon and to which the fixed horn contact is assigned. The invention provides that the padding support i.e. the generator support is mounted on the steering wheel frame in a manner that enables it to pivot at a position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
    Inventor: Takashi Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 7377543
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel (11) of an automotive vehicle with an airbag module (21) fixed thereto through at least one intermediate device (33) comprising a spring (37), a positioning plate (35) incorporating at its upper part a hollow cylindrical body (53) surrounding a central hole and elements (55) cooperating with the snap-fitting connection (57) of the airbag module (21) and at its lower part a slot for housing said spring (37) and two stops (59); a screw (41) for fixing the intermediate device (33) to the framework (17) and a bushing (39) with a hole for the passage of said screw (41); said hollow cylindrical body (53) and said bushing (39) being configured such that the latter is located inside the former and the positioning plate (35) can be fixed to the framework (17) and at the same time can move vertically compressing/decompressing the spring (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Dalphi Metal España, S.A.
    Inventors: Javier Boullosa Vazquez, Jorge Ollero Ollero
  • Patent number: 7360786
    Abstract: A horn switch device includes a retractable body, an unmoving body facing the retractable body, a biasing member between the retractable body and the unmoving body, a pair of contact members attached to, and moving with, the retractable body, and a contacting body, formed on the unmoving body, for contacting one of the contact members when the retractable body retracts. The contacting body stops the retraction of the contacted contact member, thereby bringing the contact members into contact with each other so as to sound the horn. The horn switch device facilitates positioning of the contact members relative to each other, thereby simplifying the assembly of a steering wheel and an airbag system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Kei Tsujimoto, Wataru Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 7357409
    Abstract: A gas bag module (10) includes a gas bag (20) having a front wall. A center portion (24) of the front wall is fastened to the gas bag module (10) and prevented from a free movement in the case of deployment of the gas bag (20). The gas bag module further includes a covering cap (28) having a central portion (34), which is fastened by at least one fastening means to the gas bag module (10) so that the central portion (34) is prevented from a free movement upon deployment of the gas bag (20). The gas bag module (10) further includes at least first and second horn contacts (46, 48). The fastening means are designed so that the central portion (34) of the covering cap (28) can be moved by a predetermined first path (d1) in a first direction (A1) into the interior of the gas bag module (10), in order to form a contact between the first and second horn contacts (46, 48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Ralph Frisch
  • Patent number: 7348508
    Abstract: A set of horn switch assemblies are mounted on a base plate of a vehicle steering wheel and linked by two continuous electrical conductors that are electrically bridged to activate a horn. Each switch assembly includes an insulator base affixed to the base plate and a deflectable metal blade disposed atop the insulator base substantially parallel to the base plate. The metal blade is anchored to the insulator base at one end and deflectable toward the base plate at the other end. One electrical conductor is secured to the insulator base below and in contact with the anchored end of the metal blade, while the other electrical conductor is secured to the insulator base below and out of contact with the deflectable end of the metal blade. A driver air bag assembly deflects the metal blades to electrically bridge the two electrical conductors for activating the horn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry C. Worrell
  • Patent number: 7322602
    Abstract: A horn switch device includes a retractable body, an unmoving body, first and second biasing members for biasing the retractable body in a restoring direction, and first and second contact members. The contact members are attached to, and move with, the retractable body, and are capable of contacting each other by movement of the retractable body. The first biasing member pushes the first contact member and the second contact member apart. The second biasing member pushes the second contact member toward the first contact member. When a module cover is depressed, the biasing members are compressed to bring the contact members into contact with each other, thereby sounding the horn. Since the biasing members are arranged in series, vehicle vibration can be absorbed, thereby preventing accidental contact of the contact members. The device facilitates positioning of the contact members, thereby simplifying assembly of a steering wheel and an airbag system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Kei Tsujimoto, Wataru Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 7268309
    Abstract: A horn switch gear includes a backward moving body, a stationary body, a biasing member, and a pair of contact members. The backward moving body, which is configured to move backward, faces the stationary body. The biasing member, which is interposed between the backward moving body and the stationary body, biases the backward moving body in a restoring direction. The contact members, which are brought into or out of contact with each other by a forward or backward movement of the backward moving body, are moved together with the backward moving body. The stationary body includes an interposition which is interposed between the contact members for separating the contact members while the backward moving body is in a restored position, and which moves away from between the contact members to bring the contact members into contact with each other while the backward moving body is in a backward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7262378
    Abstract: A combination switch comprising a body 1 mounted in a bracket of a vehicle body side, the body 1 including lever switches on a right side and a left side of the body 1, a bottom cover 3 detachably mounted to the body 1, the bottom cover 3 supporting a flat cable for supplying power from the vehicle body side to a steering wheel side, as well as including a right and a left connector support section 11, 13 corresponding to the lever switches on the right and the left side and a connection cord 5, wherein both ends of connectors 15, 17 are supported to the connector support sections 11, 13 and the connectors 15, 17 are connected to the lever switches by the connection cord 5, is characterized in that a cord engagement section 27 is projected on an outer peripheral section of the bottom cover 1, and the connection cord 5 is engaged to the outer peripheral section of the cord engagement section 27 to be disposed along an outer peripheral side of the bottom cover 3 so as to bypass the bottom cover 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Niles Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Adachi, Tetsuya Inotsuka
  • Patent number: 7232966
    Abstract: A steering wheel horn contact unit has a metal contact sheet (40). The metal contact sheet (40) is embedded into a carrier part (52) of plastic and mounted therein and has at least one freely projecting horn contact tongue (46). Viewed in switching movement direction (X), the horn contact tongue (46) is surrounded by the carrier part (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Burgard, Jupp Fleckenstein, Michael Fuchs, Bernd Stransfeld
  • Patent number: 7173202
    Abstract: A horn switch device includes a first contact member, a second contact member disposed relative to the first contact member via a spacer, a guide shaft for guiding the first and second contact members, a coil spring, and a contacting body at the distal end of an extension extending from a retainer. When a module cover is depressed, the second contact member comes into contact with the contacting body so as to be deformed, thereby bringing electrical contacts into contact with each other so as to sound the horn. The horn switch device facilitates positioning of the contacts relative to each other, thereby simplifying the assembly of an airbag system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Kei Tsujimoto, Wataru Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 7159897
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing an isolated ground of a horn activation circuit of a steering wheel assembly comprising an airbag module, the apparatus comprising: an insulator for receiving and engaging a wire, wherein the wire and the insulator are configured to engage at least one securement member of the steering wheel assembly, wherein the airbag module is movably secured to the insulator for movement between a first position and a second position wherein the horn circuit is completed as the airbag module moves from the first position to the second position; and a wire harness electrically communicating with the wire and at least one contact portion of the airbag module, the at least one contact portion making contact with the wire as the airbag module moves from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Gopal P. Marath, James J. Simpson, Scott R. Albers
  • Patent number: 7159898
    Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes an air bag module retention system that employs at least one spring. The at least one spring performs two functions. First, the at least one spring provides snap-fit engagement to retain the air bag module to the armature of the steering wheel. Second, the at least one spring biases the airbag module in a first position in which the air bag module “floats” a distance from the armature. The at least one spring is deformable when a driver depresses the air bag module so that the air bag module is movable to a second position to activate a horn circuit and cause horn actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Scott David Thomas
  • Patent number: 7121581
    Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel assembly having a molded armature with outwardly extending spokes for mounting on a steering column. Airbag module engagement members extend from an airbag module housing to engage corresponding armature engagement members. The airbag module rests on a multiple of switch assemblies while the engagement members are separated by a clearance. The engagement members are only in contact if the airbag is fired. A clearance between each armature engagement member and each corresponding airbag module engagement member assures that there is no interference that may result in undesirable noise or vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoping Xu, Jason Luo, Adolfo Ridolfi, Federico Girardi, Giuseppe Testa
  • Patent number: 7118125
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a horn switch assembly for vehicles. The horn switch assembly comprising studs, elastic members, a horn plate, a movable switch terminal, and a stationary switch terminal, is disposed between an airbag housing mounted in a steering wheel and an airbag cover vertically slidably attached to the airbag housing. Each of the elastic members has a relatively small spring constant since the elastic members of the horn switch assembly support only the airbag cover formed of a plastic material easily broken when an airbag is expanded, whereby the elastic members and the studs are miniaturized, and the force necessary to manipulate the horn switch assembly is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: You Sun Lee
  • Patent number: 7111868
    Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a gas bag module having a visible front side (26) with a gas generator carrier (17) on which a gas generator (21) is mounted, and several switches (15). The gas generator carrier (17) extends to close to the front side (26) of said gas bag module and forms at least one section of a common accommodation housing to accommodate said several switches (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Dominik Schütz
  • Patent number: 7077427
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering wheel assembly. The steering wheel assembly has a center portion and an outer rim. The outer rim encircles the center portion. A cover and an upper housing are also added to the center portion. The cover goes over the top of the center portion whereas the upper housing is positioned below the cover. The upper housing is constructed such that it is capable of being depressed from a normal position to a compressed position. An intermediate portion is also added to the steering wheel. The intermediate portion is positioned between the outer rim and the center portion and forms an interface with the cover. The steering wheel is constructed such that when the upper housing is in the normal position, there is no gap at the interface between the cover and the intermediate portion. This may be accomplished by constructing the intermediate portion to include an overhanging portion that overlaps and fits together with the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott L. Rhea
  • Patent number: 7053322
    Abstract: A Gas bag module for use in a vehicle occupant restraint device has a plastic generator support. On the generator support a printed circuit is formed by metal deposition. For activating an electrical function element, the printed circuit cooperates with a switching element that is arranged on a section of the generator support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Helmstetter, Guido Hirzmann, Andreas Heil, Michael Schneider
  • Patent number: 7052035
    Abstract: An assembly unit includes an airbag module, a vehicle steering wheel, horn contacts for a vehicle horn, and attachment devices by means of which the airbag module is attached to the steering wheel. A first detachable attachment device is provided which comprises a first holding part provided on the airbag module and a second holding part provided on the steering wheel. The holding parts engage with each other and allow pivoting of the module in a direction towards the steering wheel in order to close a second attachment device. The second attachment device is a detachable latching connection and the airbag module, in its attached state, is able to be moved axially in order to close the horn contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Martin Kreuzer
  • Patent number: 7029222
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement for the connection of a fastening element in a preassembled part is provided. The fastening arrangement makes provision for the fastening element to be fastened in the preassembled part by a latch connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
    Inventor: Richard Becker
  • Patent number: 7012202
    Abstract: A structure for mounting a switch case, having at least one press button, to a steering wheel. The switch case has two arms extending therefrom in vertically and circumferentially spaced relation to each other. One arm is attached to an attaching part formed on a hub of the steering wheel, while the other arm abuts on one of spokes of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeo Mizukoshi
  • Patent number: 6995328
    Abstract: A horn switch gear includes a backward moving body, a stationary body, a biasing member, and a pair of contact members. The backward moving body, which is configured to move backward, faces the stationary body. The biasing member, which is interposed between the backward moving body and the stationary body, biases the backward moving body in a restoring direction. The contact members, which are brought into or out of contact with each other by a forward or backward movement of the backward moving body, are moved together with the backward moving body. The stationary body includes an interposition which is interposed between the contact members for separating the contact members while the backward moving body is in a restored position, and which moves away from between the contact members to bring the contact members into contact with each other while the backward moving body is in a backward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 6942247
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing gap variation between an airbag module and a steering wheel insert while acting as a horn switch for a horn. The apparatus includes a contact spring disposed between the airbag module and the steering wheel insert. The spring has at least two raised locations having one side of each raised location biasing the airbag module in a first direction while an opposite second side thereof electrically connects with a contact when the airbag module is biased in a second direction opposite said first direction to actuate the horn. An insulative spring retainer has one surface disposed on the steering wheel insert and an opposite surface configured to retain the contact spring. The retainer is further configured to operably couple with the steering wheel insert and includes at least one contact aligned with a corresponding raised location to actuate the horn upon electrical contact therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Simpson
  • Patent number: 6881911
    Abstract: A horn switch gear includes a backward moving body, a stationary body, a biasing member, and a pair of contact members. The backward moving body, which is configured to move backward, faces the stationary body. The biasing member, which is interposed between the backward moving body and the stationary body, biases the backward moving body in a restoring direction. The contact members, which are brought into or out of contact with each other by a forward or backward movement of the backward moving body, are moved together with the backward moving body. The stationary body includes an interposition which is interposed between the contact members for separating the contact members while the backward moving body is in a restored position, and which moves away from between the contact members to bring the contact members into contact with each other while the backward moving body is in a backward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 6871870
    Abstract: An airbag module comprising a gas generator support is distinguished in that arranged on the gas generator support (26) is a plate spring (10) which comprises a continuous ring-shaped inner section (12) and several arms (14). The arms each have a first end (14a) formed on the inner section (12) and a second, free end (14b) which is bent away axially with respect to a central axis (16) of the plate spring (10). The arms (14) are elastically deformable under axial pressure. There is further proposed an assembly comprised of a steering wheel and such airbag module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Schneider, Matthias Helmstetter
  • Patent number: 6867690
    Abstract: An improved force-measurement system utilizes active magnetostrictive sensors for generating a signal representative of a force, such as the weight of a person or thing on a seat within a motor vehicle, or the force applied to the horn sensor switch on a vehicle steering wheel. The active magnetostrictive sensor includes an excitation coil and a detection coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Gioutsos, Robert Janiszewski, Steve Labadie
  • Patent number: 6803533
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
    Inventors: Helmut Bonn, Harald Burdack
  • Patent number: 6719324
    Abstract: An enclosed contact horn mechanism includes: a pin having a first end and a second end; a base plate located near the first end; and a device located between the first end and the base plate; the device, the first end, and the base plate creating an enclosed contact area, wherein the device is movable so that the base plate may contact the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Albers, David G. Greenisen, George Frank Richards
  • Patent number: 6688637
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Tadahiro Igawa, Masahiro Hasebe, Kazuhiro Abe
  • Patent number: 6688638
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel for a vehicle having a horn, said steering wheel having a longitudinal axis and comprising a gas bag module, a steering wheel skeleton, a gas bag module, at least one detent connection for connecting the gas bag module with the steering wheel skeleton. The gas bag module is displaceably mounted to the skeleton to allow a displacement of the gas bag module in the direction of the longitudinal axis to actuate the horn. The detent connection has first and second electrical contact surfaces, which come into contact with each other by displacement of the gas bag module to actuate the horn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dominik Schütz
  • Patent number: 6616180
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising a steering wheel body and a gas bag module provided with two or more guide pins. The gas bag module, for actuation of a horn, is displaceably mounted in an axial direction by means of the guide pins. The steering wheel further comprises at least one multifunctional switch unit for the remote actuation of specific vehicle functions. The at least one multifunctional switch unit is mounted on the guide pins of the gas bag module so as to be movable in the axial direction independently of the gas bag module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dominik Schütz
  • Patent number: 6600114
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Kikuta, Yoshiyuki Fujita, Hiroshi Yasuda, Naohiko Ishiguro, Atsushi Nagata
  • Patent number: 6491319
    Abstract: A steering wheel assembly has an electrical switching device that can be used, for example, for activating a horn or any other electrically run devices. The electrical switching device includes first and second electrical contact elements. At least one of the first and second contact elements can be formed of an electrically conductive synthetic material and a metal conductor at least partially embedded therein. The synthetic material forms a contact surface. The steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel base, an airbag module having a housing displaceable relative to the steering wheel base. The first contact element can be arranged on the base, and the second contact element can be arranged on either the base or the displaceable member. The housing can comprise a carrier for housing a gas generator and an airbag, and a cover connected to the carrier for covering the carrier. The second contact element can be arranged either on the base or on the carrier and/or the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: TAKATA-Petri AG
    Inventor: Helmut Bonn
  • Patent number: 6481745
    Abstract: A driver air bag module (22) having a cover (16), a cushion (12), an inflator (10), and a switch assembly (20) is disclosed. The switch assembly (20) is formed by a flat upper housing member (40), which is slideably coupled to a generally flat lower member (42). A pair of electrical contacts (43, 44) is disposed therein and is coupled to the generally flat lower member (42). The switch assembly (20) is coupled to an inflator (10) and incorporated into the air bag cushion (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian C. Ford
  • Patent number: 6478330
    Abstract: An automotive steering wheel includes a heavy air bag system held by a horn-switching mechanism. Although the air bag system is heavy, the operator has a good feel for the operation of the horn-switching mechanism. The horn-switching mechanism includes a stationary member, a movable member, a switch main body, coil springs, and a jawed bolt. The switch main body comprises a stationary contact mounted on the stationary member and a movable contact mounted on the movable member. The coil springs bias the movable member upward. The jawed bolt permits the movable member to be moved toward the stationary member and limits the distance of the movable member from the stationary member. At least one of the coil springs is located at a height substantially equal to the height of the resultant center of gravity of all components biased upward by all the coil springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Fujita
  • Patent number: 6474682
    Abstract: Connecting pins are provided at connecting portions on the airbag device side in such a manner as to project therefrom, whereas connecting parts adapted to rotate in directions normal to an axial direction of the connecting pins are disposed on the main body side. The hook portions of the connecting parts interfere with a guide surfaces of the connecting pins which are forced in along the axial direction thereof to thereby be disposed at waiting positions where the hook portions can rotate in the lock releasing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanobu Ikeda, Akio Hosoi
  • Patent number: 6455792
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel with a moving contact that is elastically mounted and can move in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering column, especially to activate the horn. According to the invention, the steering wheel skeleton consists of at least one holder for engagement with at least one section (19,20) of the moving contact (18), and the moving contact (18) can be blocked in said position of engagement by at least one section (8) of the moving contact (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
    Inventor: Takashi Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 6435546
    Abstract: A cover assembly (10) for covering an inflatable occupant protection device (30) comprises a cover (50). The cover (50) has an inner surface (70) for facing the inflatable occupant protection device and a manually depressible outer surface (72). An electrical switch (110) is actuatable by manual depression of the outer surface (72). A backer plate (120) supports the electrical switch (110) adjacent the inner surface (70). A plurality of openings (122) extend through the backer plate (120). A rib (94) extends from the inner surface (70) of the cover (50) around at least a portion of the periphery of the electrical switch (110). A plurality of stakes (92) extend from the inner surface (70) through the plurality of openings (122) in the backer plate (120). Each of the plurality of stakes (92) has a portion (130) connected with the rib (94) to hold the backer plate (120) on the cover (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Scherer, Mark M. Klozik, Gregory R. Kigar, David A. Short, Douglas M. Gould, Jerri A. Brachel, Chienhom Lee
  • Patent number: 6422594
    Abstract: An bag apparatus of which the entire body or the module cover moves smoothly and is easily positioned with high accuracy is provided. The air bag apparatus is disposed at the central region of the steering wheel, and includes a module cover having three attaching portions. In addition, horn switches are disposed under the attaching portions. Each of the horn switches includes a movable terminal having a guide hole. The three horn switches are disposed at vertexes of a triangle. The opening of each of the horn switches extends perpendicularly to the line which passes through between the other two horn switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Hasebe
  • Patent number: 6402193
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel, in particular for use in motor vehicles. The steering wheel comprises a steering wheel plane, an airbag module, a support plate and a spring plate connected to the support plate via an electrically insulating element. The steering wheel further comprises an insulating support fixed to the steering wheel, and restoring springs for replacing the airbag module in an initial position after displacement for actuation of a horn contact. The airbag module, for actuation of the horn contact, is constructed so as to be displaceable approximately perpendicularly to the steering wheel plane against the restoring springs by at least a contact gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jupp Fleckenstein
  • Patent number: 6364344
    Abstract: A steering wheel airbag assembly (1) for a motor vehicle with a driver airbag module (2), in which the module snaps into an aligned engagement with the steering wheel during manufacture of the steering wheel. The assembly (1) includes an airbag supporting portion (4) with a plurality of apertures therein (21,31,41) and a driver airbag module (2) attached to the supporting portion (4) and having a plurality of legs (14,15,16), each of which extends slidingly into a corresponding aperture (21,31,41) being movable towards and away from the supporting portion (4). Engagement barbs (24) between each leg (14,15,16) and aperture (21,31,41) limits said movement and keeps the module (2) and supporting portion (4) attached. A spring (19) between the module (2) and the supporting portion (4) spring biases the module away from the supporting portion (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray Hudd, Ray Trebes, Tim Scott
  • Patent number: 6365853
    Abstract: A device for closing an electrical switch, for installation in a steering wheel of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The switch has a first contact element (1) which is essentially fixed, a second contact element (2) moveable against a return force, and an actuating means (6). The contact elements (1, 2) consist of elongated wire shaped or strip shaped material sections which are held parallel to one another within a spacer cage (3) at a defined distance from each other. Sections (4) of the cage (3) with fixed distance between the contact elements alternate, as seen in a longitudinal direction, with sections (5) where the second contact element (2) can be pressed against the first contact element (1) by means of the actuating means (6), accompanied by an elastic deformation of the material section of the second contact element (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ralph Frisch
  • Patent number: 6312012
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Bohn, Ralph Frisch
  • Patent number: 6299201
    Abstract: There is disclosed an automotive steering wheel W1 including a heavy air bag system 30. This air bag system 30 is held by a horn-switching mechanism 40. Although the air bag system 30 is heavy, the operator has a good feel for the operation of the horn-switching mechanism 40. This horn-switching mechanism 40 comprises a stationary member 41, a movable member 48, a switch main body 50, coil springs 55, and a jawed bolt 56. The switch main body 50 comprises a stationary contact 52 mounted on the stationary member 41 and a movable contact 54 mounted on the movable member 48. The coil springs 55 bias the movable member 48 upward. The jawed bolt 56 permits the movable member 48 to be moved toward the stationary member 41 and limits the distance of the movable member 48 from the stationary member 41. At least one of the coil springs 55 is located at a height substantially equal to the height of the resultant center of gravity G of all components biased upward by all the coil springs 55.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Fujita
  • Patent number: 6260876
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Patent Holding Company
    Inventors: Michael G. Froude, Jason T. Murar
  • Patent number: 6250666
    Abstract: An airbag housing can be attached to an installation supporting means on a motor vehicle. The airbag housing has on a side facing the installation supporting means at least one resilient member which is formed in one piece with the airbag housing and permits a resilient movement of the airbag housing relative to the installation supporting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Hubert Ross
  • Patent number: 6244620
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel for motor vehicles, the steering wheel comprising a steering wheel axis, a skeleton surrounded by a foam casing, and an airbag module. The airbag module has a generator support connected with the skeleton and a covering cap fastened to the generator support. The covering cap is designed as an actuating device for generating a horn signal. At least two recesses are provided in the foam casing of the steering wheel skeleton and on the generator support insert pins are provided corresponding to the recesses. The pins have axes aligned parallel to the steering wheel axis. Further, the pins serve for centering the covering cap relative to the foam casing of the steering wheel skeleton in a plane perpendicular to the steering wheel axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Bathon, Jürgen Burgard, Jürgen Krebs, Kurt Kullmann