With Radially Extending Operator (e.g., Horn Ring) Patents (Class 200/61.56)
  • Patent number: 8278575
    Abstract: A triggering device for a horn system of a motor vehicle is integrated in a steering wheel (2) of the motor vehicle. In order to prevent a relative movement of components associated with the steering wheel in relation to each other, but still enable a secure and reliable actuation of the triggering device of the horn system while at the same time allowing an optically compact and appealing design of the steering wheel (2), the invention proposes for the triggering device to comprise a first triggering unit (7), with which a parameter inherent in intended activation of the horn is detected. When such a parameter is detected, a first triggering signal can be emitted. The invention comprises a second triggering unit (11), with which a further parameter inherent in an intended activation of the horn is detected and a second triggering signal can be emitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignees: paragon AG, Takata-Petri AG
    Inventors: Andreas Boeckstiegel, Andreas Hans, Bernhard Kempf
  • Patent number: 7671288
    Abstract: A switch apparatus for the horn device of a vehicle includes an inflator housing and a terminal unit provided in the inflator housing and configured to include a first contact element connected to the inflator and a second contact element connected to the inflator housing. A switching plate is installed using elastic members, which are spaced apart and insulated from the inflator housing, so that the switching plate makes contact with the inflator housing if the inflator housing is pressed, thereby operating the horn. A connector unit is coupled to the terminal unit with inflator wires and a horn wire, and is provided therein with a first connection element and a second connection element so that the horn wire and the inflator housing are electrically connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Tae Wook Chung, Seoung Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20090315306
    Abstract: An actuator for a horn of a vehicle, comprising: an emblem; a bezel fixedly secured to a first side of a deployable portion of a cover of an airbag module, the bezel movably securing the emblem to the cover and the emblem being capable of movement between a first position and a second position with respect to the bezel, the second position causing activation of the horn; a backing plate secured to the bezel at a second side opposite the first side of the deployable portion; and a tether secured to the bezel, the tether retaining the actuator with the cover after deployment of the airbag module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, James J. Simpson
  • 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: 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: 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: 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: 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