Abstract: A network hub device used for building a simple network configuration in an in-vehicle network system is provided. A network hub device (22) is provided in a vehicle body and is coupled to a trunk network through which a digital control signal is transmitted. A sub hub device (241, 242) performs input/output of a signal to/from an in-vehicle device provided in a partial body assembled to the vehicle body via a movable portion. The sub hub device (241, 242) is provided in the partial body and the digital control signal is transmitted/received between the sub hub device (241, 242) and the network hub device (22) via a wire harness passing through the movable portion.

Abstract: A method of heating a vehicle member, comprising at least one first electrical heating unit and at least one second electrical heating unit, the method comprising: a first step with a step consisting of supplying current to the first electrical heating unit until at least one zone reaches a setpoint temperature, and with a step consisting of determining a first electrical energy supplied to the first electrical heating unit, a second step with a step consisting of supplying the first electrical heating unit in order to keep the priority area of the member at the setpoint temperature and with a step consisting of delivering to the second electrical heating unit a second electrical energy, calculated based on the first electrical energy.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes an annular rim portion, a boss section, one or more spokes interconnecting the rim portion and boss section, and a core member interconnecting these portions, the core member including a wheel portion disposed in the rim portion. The steering wheel further includes a cladding layer disposed around the wheel portion, a skin layer disposed on a front surface of the rim portion, and a sensor layer disposed between the cladding layer and the skin layer for detecting the driver's grip. The sensor layer includes a sheet-shaped substrate having stretch properties, a sensor composed of a conductive ink having stretch properties and applied to a front surface of the substrate, and an insulation sheet covering the sensor and having stretch properties. The sensor layer is generally formed into an annular band and mounted on an outer circumferential portion of the cladding layer by being stretched and expanded.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle includes a steering wheel core and a graphene heating element on the steering wheel core.

Abstract: Systems and methods for heating a handgrip of a vehicle. One system includes a first handgrip and a second handgrip. The first handgrip includes a first processor, a first heating element, and a first temperature sensor configured to produce a temperature signal indicative of a temperature related to the first heating element. The second handgrip includes a second processor, second heating element, and a second temperature sensor configured to produce a temperature signal indicative of a temperature related to the second heating element. The first processor is configured to receive a temperature signal from the first sensor, compare the signal to a first threshold, and adjust power supplied to the first element based on the signal. The second processor is configured to receive a second temperature signal from the second sensor, compare the signal to a second threshold, and adjust power supplied to the second element based on the signal.

Abstract: Grip sensor includes base material, sensor wire formed on base material, and sensor circuit electrically connected to an end of sensor wire. Sensor wire includes first wire portion on a side of sensor end, and a second wire portion on a side of power source end. In a state where base material is attached on a rim, second wire portion is disposed at an outer peripheral surface of the rim that is a site opposing a knee or thigh of a driver operating a steering wheel, and first wire portion is disposed at a front side and a rear side of the rim.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a steering wheel and for detecting a steering wheel contact comprises a steering wheel armature (10) made from electrically conductive material and an electric heating conductor (12) arranged outside of the steering wheel armature (10). The apparatus further comprises a control and evaluation device (18) connected to the steering wheel armature (10) and the electric heating conductor (10) by means of which control and evaluation device the electric heating conductor (12) is repeatedly operated temporarily during a heating operation as a heating element for heating the steering wheel and temporarily during a measuring operation as a sensor element for detecting a steering wheel contact. The control and evaluation device (18) is configured so as to maintain the steering wheel armature (10) on a predetermined and especially constant potential at least during each measuring operation.

Abstract: A planar carrier for mounting on a rim of a steering wheel without wrinkles, the planar carrier including a portion of planar flexible foil of roughly rectangular shape having two longitudinal sides and two lateral sides, wherein the length B of the lateral sides is 0.96 to 1.00 times the perimeter of the rim, and wherein N cut-outs per unit length are provided on each of the longitudinal sides. The cut-outs of one side are located in a staggered fashion relative to opposing cut-out portions on the opposite side. The optimum shape and size of the cut-outs may be determined as described. The planar carrier may be implemented as a heat carrier, a heating device and/or a sensing device.

Abstract: A capacitive-coupling sensor includes: a detection electrode layer that generates capacitance between the detection electrode layer and an object to be detected; a shield electrode layer; and an insulating layer disposed between the detection electrode layer and the shield electrode layer. The insulating layer includes a thermoplastic elastomer, and the insulating layer has a thermal conductivity of 0.3 W/m·K or more and a volume resistivity of 1×1012 ?·cm or more. When the detection electrode layer and the shield electrode layer are made of conductive cloths, the conductive cloth for the detection electrode layer is placed on a front surface of the insulating layer and the conductive cloth for the shield electrode layer is placed on a back surface of the insulating layer forming a laminate. The laminate is pressed in a front-back direction under heating to fuse the insulating layer to the conductive cloths, producing the capacitive-coupling sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a steering wheel that includes a core assembly defining a body, at least one functional element wrapped about the body, and a cover arranged over the functional element. The cover includes a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The first and second end portions are joined and superimposed on the functional element at a notch such that the second end portion is positioned between the functional element and the first end portion. The functional element may be a heating element or a touch sensor. The steering wheel may include both a heating element and a touch sensor. In one form, the cover includes two zones and the notch extends along a diameter of the rim and/or along at least a portion of a front face of the steering wheel.

Abstract: It is provided a steering-wheel assembly for a motor-vehicle steering wheel, comprising a gripping region for gripping and actuating a steering wheel, and at least one electrical element arranged on the gripping region. The at least one electrical element is formed by an electrical layer which contains an electrically non-conducting material as well as electrically conductive nanowire received therein.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a steering structure including an outer surface, a groove portion provided on the outer surface, a surface cover covering the outer surface, and a conductive function member arranged in the groove portion along an extension direction of the groove portion.

Abstract: A steering wheel grip detection device includes a positive electrode terminal electrically connected to a positive electrode of a power source and a negative electrode terminal electrically connected to a negative electrode of the power source. The steering wheel grip detection device further includes a thermostat, a heater, and an inductance element that are electrically connected with one another in this order in series wiring from the positive electrode terminal to the negative electrode terminal, as well as a capacitor through which a wiring path from the thermostat to the heater is electrically connected with the negative electrode terminal. The steering wheel grip detection device has an electrostatic sensor circuit that is electrically connected with a wiring path from the inductance element to the heater and that detects a grip on a steering wheel by a capacitance value of the heater.

Abstract: A steering wheel decorative member that is configured to be attached corresponding to a resin member covering a periphery of a ring core of a steering wheel. The decorative member includes a base member constituting a design part, a heater provided on a back surface of the base member and an attachment part that is configured to attach the base member to the resin member. The attachment part is configured so as to electrically connect a terminal of the heater to a power supply side terminal provided in the resin member.

Abstract: A steering wheel grip detection device includes a series circuit including an inductance element, a thermostat incorporated into a steering wheel, and a heater incorporated into the steering wheel; an electrostatic sensor circuit that detects a grip of the steering wheel by means of an electric or electromagnetic field; and a voltage detecting circuit that detects an open/closed state of the thermostat.

Abstract: A gripping state detection device includes a steering state determination ECU that determines the gripping state of a driver with respect to the steering wheel of a vehicle. The steering state determination ECU determines which of a first steering state, a second steering state, and a hands-off state has occurred based on the electrostatic capacitance. The steering state determination ECU outputs a first determination result indicating that the steering wheel is gripped by the driver in a case where the determined state is the first steering state or the second steering state, and outputs a second determination result indicating that the steering wheel is not gripped by the driver in a case where the determined state is the hands-off state.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a core metal, a resin layer molded so as to cover a part of the core metal, a wiring including a base part covered with the resin layer so as to be integral with the part of the core metal and an extending part configured to be continuous to the base part and extend from the resin layer, a covering member deformably covering at least a part of the wiring, and an accommodating part provided in the core metal and configured to accommodate the part of the wiring together with the covering member.

Abstract: A steering wheel is provided with a heater element on the rim. The heater element is mounted at least on a part of a core of the rim, and a cladding layer formed from synthetic resin foam covers an outer circumference of the heater element. The heater element includes a cord-shaped heater and a base material. The base material includes an insulation sheet that is formed from synthetic resin foam and disposed to face towards the core and a permeable sheet that is formed from non-metal which allows permeation of the cladding layer. The insulation sheet and permeable sheet are bonded together and sandwich and support the cord-shaped heater there between.

Abstract: A method of introducing an electric conductor (22), especially a heating wire, into foam padding (20) of a steering wheel skeleton (18) includes introducing at least one cut (26) into the foam padding (20) by means of a cutting tool (34). At the same time the conductor is introduced into the produced cut (26). Moreover a tool as well as a tool assembly for implementing the method and a vehicle steering wheel are provided.

Abstract: A steering wheel heater device including: a steering wheel heater configured of an electrical resistor which produces heat by electrical energy; an inductor; at least one switch; and a sensor circuit, wherein the inductor is connected in series to a first terminal of the steering wheel heater, the at least one switch turns on and off the supply of power to the steering wheel heater, the sensor circuit is electrically connected to the first terminal and determines whether a detected subject is in contact with a steering wheel based on a magnitude of capacitance of the steering wheel heater, and the at least one switch is at least one of a switch connected in series to the first terminal of the steering wheel heater via the inductor and a switch connected in series to a second terminal of the steering wheel heater.

Abstract: A steering wheel cover, having a circumferential length and a transverse width, comprises a plurality of layers that cover each other at least partially in projection. The layers include a lower electrically conductive shielding layer and an upper cover layer, between which are arranged, starting from the shielding layer, an insulation layer and at least one electrically conductive sensor layer. The shielding layer and/or the sensor layer has/have a conductor structure with conductors extending in the length and width directions of the steering wheel cover. The shielding layer and/or the sensor layer is/are electrically connected to connecting conductors of a connecting cable. The electrical connection is formed by a metal foil. The steering wheel cover serves to detect whether a driver's hand is on the steering wheel.

Abstract: Provided is a steering wheel which includes a spacer (19) having a first base portion (32) and a second base portion (33) which are respectively disposed on a front side and a rear side with a rim metal core portion (28) interposed therebetween and are engaged with each other to cover the rim metal core portion (28), in which the first base portion (32) and the second base portion (33) are each divided into a plurality of portions at positions different from each other in a circumferential direction of the rim metal core portion (28).

Abstract: Provided is a grip heater apparatus for a construction machine that can improve operability by heating the grip portions of left and right operating levers and maintaining a favorable operating environment for the left and right operating levers when work is carried out in a cold region and the operator's hands get cold. The grip heater apparatus includes: left and right grip heaters 31 and 32 provided in grip portions of left and right operation levers 26 and 28, respectively; a battery supplying electric power to the left and right grip heaters; a heater switch 34 for instructing the left and right grip heaters to be turned on or off; and a control device supplying the electric power from the battery to the left and right grip heaters only when the engine is running, the gate lock lever 27 is at a getting-on/off prevention position, and the heater switch instructs the left and right grip heaters to be turned on.

Abstract: A steering wheel (1) includes a steering wheel skeleton (10), a foam padding (11) surrounding the steering wheel skeleton (10) at least partially, and a wrapping (12) which encompasses the foam padding (11) at least in portions. Adjacent longitudinal edges (13) of the wrapping (12) are covered by a profile bead (20), in particular a decorative bead (24). The profile bead (20) includes at least one anchoring element (21) which is fixed directly in the foam padding (11) for fastening the wrapping (12).

Abstract: A heated steering wheel having a first electrical circuit including, in series, a first heating element disposed adjacent to a 3 o'clock of the wheel, a second heating element disposed adjacent to a 9 o'clock position of the wheel, and a positive temperature coefficient thermistor heated by one of the first and second heating elements; and a second electrical circuit including, in series, a third heating element disposed at a 6 o'clock position of the wheel, a fourth heating element disposed at a 12 o'clock position of the wheel, and a negative temperature coefficient thermistor heated by one of the first and second heating elements. The flow of electricity through the second electrical circuit is delayed until after electricity has flowed through the first electrical circuit warm those portions of the wheel to a desired temperature.

Abstract: A steering wheel providing minimal cost increase due to addition of a temperature adjustment function. The steering wheel, includes: a boss portion to be connected to a steering column; a grip portion to be gripped by a driver; and a spoke portion, which connects the boss portion and the grip portion to each other. The grip portion includes: a synthetic resin layer molded by a synthetic resin; a cored bar; a flexible porous material layer disposed on an outer peripheral surface side of the cored bar; and a heater element disposed on an outer surface of the porous material layer. The porous material layer and the heater element are covered by the synthetic resin layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods of shielding a hand sensor system in a steering wheel are disclosed herein. An exemplary hand sensor system includes a sensor mat and a heater mat that is disposed between the sensor mat and a frame of the steering wheel. A power source selectively provides a heating current to the heater mat to provide heat to the steering wheel and a shielding voltage signal to the heater mat to provide electrical shielding for the sensor mat when heating is not needed or when sensing takes priority over heating. Alternatively, the system may include a shield mat that is separate from the heater mat and is disposed between the sensor mat and the heater mat. In addition, to isolate the signal carried by individual sensor return wires, a metallic or insulating covering or conduit may be provided around the wires or portions thereof.

Abstract: A steering wheel that enables heat to be efficiently conducted to a steering wheel outer covering. The steering wheel includes: a core; a spacer member arranged around an outer periphery of a rim portion of the core; a temperature adjusting element provided on the spacer member; and a resin layer formed to cover an outside portion of the spacer member. The spacer member keeps at least a part of the temperature adjusting element away from the core.

Abstract: A steering device is disclosed in which multiple notches are formed at two edge portions of a sheet-shaped base member by partially cutting out the sheet-shaped base member. An enlarged portion that is an enlarged part of each notch is formed at a leading end position of the notch. The two edge portions of the base member are wound along a cover portion while facing each other at an inner side of a curved portion of the cover portion. The enlarged portions cancel out a difference in length between the outer and inner sides due to the curved portion of the cover portion, thereby enabling suppression of formation of a wrinkle of the base member. The steering device can have a good appearance and provide a good touch-feeling to a driver when the driver holds the steering device in a state where the heater is covered by a skin portion.

Abstract: A system comprising: a heater located within a steering wheel and a heater located within a vehicle seat; wherein the steering wheel is a first plate and the vehicle seat is a second plate and a shift in a signal is monitored from the first plate, the second plate, or both so that a presence and absence of an occupant is detected, and wherein the heater in the steering wheel and the heater in the vehicle seat are a sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steering wheel and a heater unit used for the steering wheel that does not give discomfort to a user when operating the steering wheel. A heater unit 31 is comprised of a substrate 10 made of a polymeric foam; and a cord-shaped heater 1 arranged on the substrate 10, wherein a thickness of the substrate 10 is thinner at a portion on which the cord-shaped heater 1 is arranged than other area so that the portion is formed along a shape of the cord-shaped heater 1 and the heater unit 31 is flat. A steering wheel, comprised of the above described heater unit; a wheel core material; and a covering material, wherein the heater unit is arranged between the wheel core material and the covering material.

Abstract: A heater unit includes a pair of substrates formed from a polymeric foam and a cord-shaped heater sandwiched between the pair of substrates. The thickness of a region of each of the substrates at which the cord-shaped heater is disposed is thinned relative to other regions of the substrates in such a manner as to be shaped to the cord-shaped heater and thus the heater unit forms a flat shape. In the heater unit, the substrates are bonded together by an adhesive layer that is composed only from a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A system comprising: a heater located within a steering wheel and a heater located within a vehicle seat; wherein the steering wheel is a first plate and the vehicle seat is a second plate and a shift in a signal is monitored from the first plate, the second plate, or both so that a presence and absence of an occupant is detected, and wherein the heater in the steering wheel and the heater in the vehicle seat are a sensor.

Abstract: Exemplary methods are disclosed, which may include providing a conductive component configured to conduct a current to at least two electrical systems or elements. Methods may further include determining one of the electrical elements as a low-priority system and a second one of the electrical elements as a high-priority system, measuring or estimating a current associated with the at least two electrical systems to establish the current exceeds a predetermined parameter, and deactivating the low-priority system in response to at least the determination of the current exceeding the predetermined parameter.

Abstract: A method of forming a heating element for use with a steering wheel includes (i) forming a first heating part of a heating element which is coated in a longitudinal direction of the rim along an inner diameter portion of the rim by continuously connecting loops having the same shape, (ii) forming a second heating part of the heating element which is coated in the longitudinal direction of the rim along an outer diameter portion of the rim by continuously connecting loops having the same shape, (iii) forming a third heating part of the heating element which is coated in the longitudinal direction of the rim by continuously connecting loops having the same shape between the first heating part and the second heating part; and (iv) adjusting an electrical resistance of the heating element according to a coating width or thickness of the conductive paste.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a heating element which heats an entire rim to a uniform temperature. The heating element is coated as an electrically conductive paste on a surface of the rim, and is formed such that an electrical resistance increases away from an inner diameter portion of the rim toward an outer diameter portion of the rim.

Abstract: Areal shapeable heating element (2) covered by electro-insulation foil (3), with metal heat-conductive layer (4) placed above whereof, is placed on the seating part of the bench (1). The set is covered from the top and side of the bench (1) by carpet decorative layer (5).

Abstract: A system for preventing drowsiness in a driver by employing a thermal grill. The system includes a detection module and an intervention module. The detection module monitors a driver's parameters to determine whether the driver is drowsy. If the driver is determined to be drowsy, the intervention module activates a thermal grill with interlaced hot and cold regions. This activation causes the hot regions to approach one temperature and the cold regions to approach another. Additionally, this activation leads to an uncomfortable sensation for the driver, alerts the driver, and prevents the driver from getting drowsy.

Abstract: A groove portion is arranged, along a circumferential direction of a circular arc, in a cover portion of a circular rim portion. A heater wire is housed in the groove portion. An outer layer portion is arranged which covers the heater wire and the cover portion of the rim portion. With a simple configuration, a line of the heater wire is less likely to stand out on the outer layer portion to cover the cover portion of the rim portion and the heater wire. It is possible to ensure a good appearance and improve productivity.

Abstract: A system comprising: a heater located within a steering wheel and a heater located within a vehicle seat; wherein the steering wheel is a first plate and the vehicle seat is a second plate and a shift in a signal is monitored from the first plate, the second plate, or both so that a presence and absence of an occupant is detected, and wherein the heater in the steering wheel and the heater in the vehicle seat are a sensor.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing system for being connected to a heating element comprises a capacitive detector connectable to the heating element and a common mode choke for essentially preventing alternating current from flowing from the heating element to the heating current supply. The capacitive detector is configured for driving an alternating current into the heating element and for producing an output indicative of capacitance based upon the alternating current. The choke has a first and a second winding for connecting the heating element with the heating current supply. The choke comprises a third winding connected in parallel of the first and/or second winding. The capacitive detector is configured for measuring a portion of the alternating current flowing across the third winding and for taking into account the measured portion of alternating current when producing the output.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a central portion connected to the steering column for rotation about an axis, and a rim extending around the central portion. A steering wheel includes a passageway extending through portions of the steering wheel. A plurality of spaced apart rings are disposed on the rim, and a plurality of N-type and P-type thermoelectric (“TE”) elements are disposed on the rings. The thermoelectric elements may comprise Peltier devices in the form of relatively thin plate-like units having generally planar opposite surfaces, and rectangular perimeters. An electrical conductor interconnects the P-type and N-type elements in series. The steering wheel includes first and second thermal conductors thermally connected to inner and outer surfaces of the thermoelectric elements. An air circulation device moves air through the passageway to cool the rim of the steering wheel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering wheel. Turning portions are alternately formed in a longitudinal direction by way of heater wires of heating portions that are fixed to a skin body main body formed in a belt shape. Of the turning potions, on an outer circumferential side of an arc of a rim portion main body, central turning portions in a plurality of arrays are formed so as to be displaced from each other in a longitudinal direction of the rim portion main body. Among the turning portions, on an inner circumferential side of the arc of the rim portion main body, lateral turning portions are formed in such a manner that a dimension in the longitudinal direction of the rim portion main body is smaller in length than that of a respective one of turning pattern portions of the central turning portions.

Abstract: A reticulate heater for a steering wheel exhibits flexibility, elasticity and waterproofness. The reticulate heater comprises a reticulate heat generating element (11) consisting of a plurality of insulated heater wires (14) braided in a mesh form, and exhibiting flexibility and elasticity to permit tight contact with a curved surface, a waterproof stretch-film (12) covering the front and rear surfaces of the reticulate heat generating element (11) water-tightly and adhering to the reticulate heat generating element (11) while still keeping the flexibility and elasticity thereof, and an elastic adhesive (13) having flexibility and elasticity even after curing, applied to the whole surface of the stretch-film (12) on the adhering surface side in a planar and thin state, and bonding the stretch-film (12) to the reticulate heat generating element (11) water-tightly even if the stretch-film (12) is stretched within an allowable tensile range.

Abstract: A heating system for a steering wheel includes a rim is covered with different materials having a leather part and a wood grain part. The heating system includes a first heating body provided in the leather part and a second heating body is provided in the wood grain part. A power supply is connected with the first and second heating bodies so as to supply electric power thereto. A controller has a target temperature set for the first and second heating bodies and serves to, if the steering wheel needs to be heated, control the power supply to sequentially apply maximum electric power to the first and second heating bodies so as to regulate the heating operation of the first and second heating bodies.

Abstract: A heatable handle jacket includes a jacket mounted around a handle of a vehicle. The jacket is made of a thermally conductive material and includes an end having an outer surface with a recessed portion. A heating unit includes a heating wire mounted inside the jacket or to an inner side of the jacket. A controller is embedded in the recessed portion and electrically connected to the heating unit to control heating operation of the heating wire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering wheel having a heating element and a fail-safety device using the same. The steering wheel having a heating element has a rim, a surface of which is coated with an electrically conductive heating element. The heating element includes a plurality of unit heating elements arranged in parallel, each of which includes a first unit line, each of two ends of which connect a positive power-applying terminal and a negative power-applying terminal together in series; a second unit line spaced apart from the first unit line, each of two ends of which connects the positive power-applying terminal and the negative power-applying terminal together in series; and a connection line for connecting the first and second unit lines.

Abstract: A system for preventing drowsiness in a driver by employing a thermal grill. The system includes a detection module and an intervention module. The detection module monitors a driver's parameters to determine whether the driver is drowsy. If the driver is determined to be drowsy, the intervention module activates a thermal grill with interlaced hot and cold regions. This activation causes the hot regions to approach one temperature and the cold regions to approach another. Additionally, this activation leads to an uncomfortable sensation for the driver, alerts the driver, and prevents the driver from getting drowsy.

Abstract: An improved heating element, comprising: (a) an electrically insulated resistive heating wire; (b) a flexible substrate that supports the electrically insulated resistive wire: (c) one or more electrical connection for an operational component of the heating element, the electrical connection including at least two wires that are joined together; (d) a spacer controlling spacing between the at least two wires approaching the electrical connection; wherein at least a portion of the electrical connection including the spacer is encapsulated in a shrunken heat shrinkable sheath that includes at least one mass of hot melt adhesive within the sheath so that the electrical connection is insulated from fluid penetration.

Abstract: A steering wheel is provided and may include an armature having a rim and a coating at least partially surrounding the rim. A pair of electrodes may be respectively disposed within a pair of grooves formed in the coating. A polymer paint may be disposed on the coating and may include a plurality of carbon filaments that receive voltage from at least one of the pair of electrodes to selectively generate heat.