Abstract: There is provided a core of a steering wheel to which a module can be stably fixed while manufacturing cost is suppressed. Core (28) includes boss core portion (36) at which a gate of a mold is set and which is connected to a steering shaft. Core (28) includes a rim core portion that is positioned around boss core portion (36). Core (28) includes a plurality of spoke core portions (37) that connect boss core portion (36) to the rim core portion. Core (28) includes connecting portion (66) that includes fixing portion (66e) to which a module is fixed and connects spoke core portions (37) positioned on upper and lower sides in a neutral state of the steering wheel. Core (28) includes expansion portion (71) of which a width gradually increases downward toward upper end portion (66a) of connecting portion (66) in the neutral state of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar cushioning system includes a mount contoured to be complementary in shape to a set of bicycle handlebars. The mount is elongated and includes elongated break therein for receiving the handlebars such that the mount is frictionally engaged with the bicycle handlebars. A perimeter wall of the mount has an outer surface having an elongated receiving space therein. A cushioning member is removably positioned in the receiving space. The cushioning member comprises a plate removably positioned in the receiving space. A resiliently compressible member is positioned on a top surface of the plate. A height of the resiliently compressible member and the plate is greater than a depth of the receiving space such that the resiliently compressible member extends outwardly from the receiving space.

Abstract: A steering column for a vehicle may include a lower column; and an upper column with a lower end portion thereof being fitted into the lower column to slidably overlap the lower column, and with an upper end portion of the upper column coupled to a steering wheel, wherein the upper column may include a guide slot, which extends in the same direction as a direction in which colliding force, generated in a collision, is applied, and wherein a tilt bolt is disposed to extend through the guide slot.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for a steering column of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is provided, among other things, comprising a cross member running within a vehicle interior of the vehicle as well as having a bulkhead part disposed in front of the cross member, viewed in the direction of travel of the vehicle, a cross member support strut being provided, which supports the cross member on the bulkhead part, and the steering column being firstly supported on the cross member and secondly on the bulkhead part with the aid of a steering column support strut. A reinforcing part is fastened to the bulkhead part on the interior side of the vehicle, and both the cross member support strut and the steering column support strut re supported on the bulkhead part with the aid of the reinforcing part.

Abstract: A steering wheel and column assembly for a vehicle includes a steering column housing and a steering column shaft rotatably coupled to the steering column housing. A steering wheel includes a central hub coupled to the steering column shaft and a steering wheel rim connected to the central hub by one or more spokes extending radially from the central hub. A dampening system cooperates with the steering wheel and includes at least one mass damper body disposed adjacent to central hub. One or more vibration damping elements extend at least partially through the at least one mass damper body and the central hub. One or more resilient support members cooperate with the at least one mass damper body, central hub and the one or more vibration damping elements to absorb vibrations in the steering wheel and column assembly.

Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle includes a door panel and a door trim panel comprising a shaped pelvic load path energy-absorbing feature disposed on a door panel-facing surface of the door trim panel. The shaped pelvic load path energy-absorbing feature is defined by a plurality of stepped surfaces, which in turn may define as various cross-sectional shapes for the shaped pelvic load path energy-absorbing feature.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle may include a steering spindle and a cover. The steering spindle may include an input shaft configured to rotate with a steering wheel, an output shaft rotatably mounted in a steering gear housing, and a swivel joint arranged between the shaft and the output shaft. A portion of the steering spindle within a footwell of the vehicle may be covered by the cover. The cover may include a fastening device and an opening on a side facing away from the footwell. The opening of the cover may extend across a portion of the output shaft, the swivel joint, and a portion of the input shaft. The cover may be fastened to the steering gear housing by the fastening device so the cover does not rotate with the steering spindle.

Abstract: An impact absorbing device includes an impact absorbing plate provided integrally with the second column tube, the impact absorbing plate being configured to absorb the impact energy, and a pressing member provided integrally with the first column tube, the pressing member being configured to generate deformation resistance by pressing and deforming the impact absorbing plate. A guide hole extending in the axial direction of the steering shaft is formed on the impact absorbing plate, and a guide that relatively moves along the guide hole upon relative movement in the axial direction of the first column tube and the second column tube is provided integrally with the first column tube.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a steering wheel in which a decorative member is easily mounted and fixed to a steering main body without a need to employ fixing parts such as screws, and which is capable of effectively absorbing an impact by appropriately deforming the decorative member at the time of input of a load. The steering wheel of the present invention has: a plurality of engaging fixed units by which the decorative member is mounted and fixed to the steering main body's side via a fixing unit, and demounting of the fixing unit is restrained at the time of deformation of the decorative member; and an engaging unit which is arranged on a site configured to produce a bending deformation of the decorative member, and by which demounting is disallowed to be restrained at the time of deformation of the decorative member.

Abstract: A knee bolster comprises a curved arm projecting rearward from its one end portion and extending downward in a side view, the other end portion of which is configured as a free end, an inside arm provided inside the curved arm and interconnecting an upper portion and a lower portion of the curved arm, and an impact absorbing member arranged at the other end portion of the curved arm so as to be deformable when the curved arm is deformed by receiving an impact load so that the impact absorbing member is caught between the curved arm deformed and a vehicle-body-side member attached to a vehicle-body member. Accordingly, a load from a knee of a passenger moving forward in a vehicle collision can be received surely and the collision impact can be absorbed properly, thereby protecting the passenger's knee effectively, avoiding improper interference with any surrounding components.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a steering wheel that can be mounted rotatably about a steering axle on a motor vehicle is provided. The steering wheel assembly comprises an airbag module disposed in a pre-determinable use position on the steering wheel, and an adjusting device disposed on the steering wheel assembly. Said adjusting device is adapted and provided for adjusting the spatial position of the airbag module relative to the steering wheel for the purposes of compensating for tolerances perpendicular to the steering axle. In the process, the adjusting device comprises adjusting means for generating an adjusting force that has at least one force component along the adjusting direction of the airbag module and also a guide device for guiding the airbag module along the adjustment direction thereof.

Abstract: An electronic control unit is provided with a preparatory brake pressure controlling unit that, when steering operation in an opposite direction is detected after the steering operation of a steering wheel in one direction, applies a preparatory brake pressure to a wheel, which becomes an outer wheel in turning next along with the steering operation in the opposite direction, and the preparatory brake pressure controlling means is configured to inhibit application control of the preparatory brake pressure when returning operation of the steering wheel to a steering center is detected while the steering operations in the one direction and in the opposite direction are repeated.

Abstract: A new type of steering wheel cover is designed for use with a steering wheel that has one or more spokes. The cover will include an upper portion and a lower portion. Generally, the lower portion is the region or portion of the steering wheel that is positioned at the junction between the spoke and the steering wheel rim. The upper portion and the lower portion are separated by at least one split line. The split line is designed such that during a crash or accident, the upper portion and the lower portion will collapse into each other and absorb some of the energy of the impact.

Abstract: An energy management system for mounting in a vehicle, the energy management system comprising an inflatable bolster for mounting in a glove box door of a glove box of the vehicle, the inflatable bolster including an expansible hollow interior, an inflator module for inflating the expansible hollow interior, a front wall for projecting inwardly into the vehicle and away from the glove box on inflation of the expansible hollow interior, and a back wall located between the expansible hollow interior and the glove box, and a support structure for mounting to the inflatable bolster, the support structure being operable to resist the back wall being forced into the glove box due to inflation of the inflatable bolster.

Abstract: At the time of a frontal collision of a vehicle, even in a case in which knee regions of an occupant are in a state of being close to a housing of a knee airbag, the knee regions can be appropriately restrained with the knee airbag. When knee airbag 14 receives a supply of gas and expands and deploys towards the occupant side in the front passenger seat, expansion and deployment of a central region 14A of knee airbag 14 is suppressed by a flap 16 (a deployment control cloth), and end portion regions 14B expand and deploy before central portion 14A. Since these end portion regions 14B respectively expand and deploy from between the knee regions of an occupant and glove box door 24 towards the outer sides of the knee regions, a reaction force of knee airbag 14 with respect to the knee regions can be weakened.

Abstract: A folded airbag is accommodated between a bag holder, to which horn switch mechanisms are secured, and a pad secured to the bag holder. The horn switch mechanisms are installed by being inserted in attachment holes formed in the bag holder. The pad has switch support portions for supporting the horn switch mechanisms.

Abstract: An airbag arrangement for a vehicle occupant restraint system is provided. The airbag arrangement comprising an airbag package which includes an airbag which can be inflated to protect a vehicle occupant as well as a sleeve in which the airbag is vacuum-packaged. The sleeve comprises a first and a second sleeve part. The first sleeve part and the second sleeve part each include at least one flange portion. The two flange portions are connected with each other and initially protrude from the remaining airbag package, after they have been connected with each other. The two flange portions are at least partly folded such that they extend along an outer surface of the remaining airbag package.

Abstract: A knee airbag device and a drive motor for an electric power steering device are mounted to a steering column so as to achieve improved mass balance about an instrument panel reinforcement member. A drive motor for an electric power steering device is mounted at a position at the vehicle front direction side with respect to an instrument panel reinforcement member, the opposite side to the side of a knee airbag device. Namely, the knee airbag device is mounted at the vehicle rear direction side with respect to the instrument panel reinforcement member, and the electric power steering device is mounted at the vehicle front direction side of the instrument panel reinforcement member.

Abstract: A driver knee bolster may include a first bracket arranged on a cowl crossbar, wherein an upper portion may be fixed to the cowl crossbar, a second bracket disposed in front of the first bracket, wherein a lower portion of the second bracket may be coupled to a lower portion of the first bracket, and an upper portion of the second bracket may be spaced apart from the upper portion of the first bracket to form a space therebetween, and a buffering member arranged in the space formed between the first and second brackets.

Abstract: A knee airbag device mounted on a steering column has an inner case in which a folded knee airbag is housed, and an outer case that is placed over the inner case. The outer case is fixed to a lower side of a vehicle-rear-side portion of a steering column that moves relative to a vehicle-front-side portion when a load equal to or greater than a threshold load is applied to the steering column in a direction of the axis of the steering column, and has a rigidity with which the shape of the folded knee airbag is maintained under normal conditions. The outer case has an opening formed in a region where the outer case would interfere with the vehicle-front-side portion when the vehicle-rear-side portion moves relative to the vehicle-front-side portion.

Abstract: A structure of a vehicle instrument panel area, which is capable of sufficiently ensuring a frontward displacement of a steering column adapted to be displaced frontwardly in response to an impact load applied thereto frontwardly, even under a condition that a column cover is disposed to overlap with a meter unit when viewed in an axial direction of the steering column. A meter unit 3 is attached to an instrument panel 1 through brittles portions 31g, 31g, 33g, 33g, in such a manner as to allow the attachment therebetween to be released when a column cover 5 is brought into contact with the meter unit 3.

Abstract: An occupant leg part restraint apparatus including a cover cloth for preventing an air bag inflated and developed under a steering column (steering column cover) from interfering with an auxiliary key, in which the cover cloth can be rapidly projected to the upper side of the air bag. A key device (4) is installed on the right side face of the steering column cover (2). The auxiliary key (6) is fitted in a suspended state to a key (5) inserted into the key device (4). The air bag (12) is provided with a cover cloth (14) which is projected from the right side upper end of the air bag (12) upward and interposed between the air bag (12) and the key device (4) when the air bag (12) is inflated. The cover cloth (14) includes an extension part (14a) extended laterally from the vertical intermediate part on the side of the cover cloth. The vertical intermediate part of the cover cloth (14) is connected to the upper end of the air bag (12) through the extension part (14a).

Abstract: An energy-absorbing system includes two formed and sealed components bonded together to form crush boxes that entrap air for controlled distribution during an impact, and an activator system adapted to extend the crush boxes in the event of a vehicle crash. Channels interconnect the crush boxes for optimal control of lateral flow of air for lateral energy distribution. The components can be thermoformed, injection molded, or otherwise formed. By this arrangement, the crush boxes provide a first level of static energy absorption when impacted in an undeployed state such that energy is absorbed at a first rate and stroke. Also, the crush boxes can be extended to provide a second level of static energy absorption when impacted in a vehicle crash (i.e., the activator system is energized and the crush boxes extended or “deployed”) such that energy is absorbed at a one or more different rates and strokes.

Abstract: A safety arrangement is provided in a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a floor pan (1) terminating at its forward end with an inclined splash-wall (3, 4, 5). There is a moveable floor element (10) which has regions (12, 13, 14) which initially conform to and lie adjacent the splash-wall. There is a drive arrangement (15) associated with an accident sensor (16) to drive the moveable floor element rearwardly to a predetermined position. There is a fixed platform (17) located above a horizontal part of the floor pan to be located beneath the foot of a vehicle occupant and to provide a secure point for operation of a pedal. The movement of the moveable floor element (10) is restricted so that no part of the movable floor element impedes movement of a foot pedal (6) to the fully depressed condition.

Abstract: In a steering column provided with a knee airbag device to a vehicle, an airbag module, which is integrally provided on an airbag door formed separately from a column lower cover, is fitted to a column tube after a steering column body is assembled, and before a steering lock is fitted to the column tube. Then, after the airbag module is fitted to the column tube, a steering column sub-assembly, which is formed by fitting at least the steering lock to the column tube, is fitted to an instrument panel provided in a vehicle at a predetermined position. After the steering column sub-assembly is fitted to the instrument panel, the column lower cover and a column upper cover, which cover a rear end portion of the steering column, are fitted to the steering column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite component comprising an insert made of expanded metal surrounded by foamed material, particularly a steering column collision protection element.

Abstract: The steering column includes a column body, a column cover formed into a generally tubular contour and mounted around the column body and an airbag apparatus. The column cover includes an upper cover and a lower cover. The lower cover is separable from the upper cover and is split into a front section disposed proximate the airbag apparatus and a rear section disposed proximate a combination switch unit disposed at the rear of the airbag apparatus inside the column cover. The rear section is configured separable from the front section as is secured to the column body.

Abstract: Road wheels of a vehicle are provided with a steering shaft for transmitting a steering force from a steering wheel. An electric power steering unit (accessory) is disposed to a lateral side of the steering shaft. A clutch pedal is disposed below the electric power steering unit and pivotally mounted to a dash panel. The electric power steering unit is provided with an anti-intrusion bracket extending to the vicinity of the rear of the clutch pedal so that the anti-intrusion bracket can abut on the clutch pedal pushed rearward in a collision.

Abstract: An energy management system includes a bolster panel configured to attach to vehicle structure and a plurality of ribs connected to the bolster panel. Each rib is deflectable during a vehicle impact. The bolster panel and the plurality of ribs are unitary and formed as one piece. The plurality of ribs are arranged in a manner forming an energy absorption pattern that is progressive. A second energy management system includes a bolster panel configured to attach to vehicle structure, a plurality of ribs connected to the bolster panel, and a steering column support structure connected to the bolster panel. The bolster panel, ribs, and steering column support structure are unitary and formed as one piece. A method for creating the energy management system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bolster for assembly to an instrument panel assembly of an automotive vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a steering column with a steering column axis and at least two energy absorbing brackets located laterally to either side of the steering column axis. The bolster comprises a unitary structure having a generally forward wall and a generally aft wall. The forward wall has a forward wall, forward surface. The forward wall, forward surface includes first and second bolster transfer surfaces for transferring forces from the bolster to the energy absorbing brackets. The bolster further comprises a plurality of generally laterally extending rib structures. The rib structures extend from adjacent the first bolster transfer surface to adjacent the second bolster transfer surface.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a steering wheel suspension system to reduce the risk of injury to the driver in connection with a vehicle collision, wherein the system includes a steering wheel axle (1), a steering wheel shaft (3) in which the steering wheel axle (1) is rotatably carried, a steering wheel (7) arranged at one end of the steering wheel axle (1) and a knee bar (20).

Abstract: A bolster for assembly to an instrument panel assembly of an automotive vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a steering column with a steering column axis and at least two energy absorbing brackets located laterally to either side of the steering column axis. The bolster comprises a unitary structure having a generally forward wall and a generally aft wall. The forward wall has a forward wall, forward surface. The forward wall, forward surface includes first and second bolster transfer surfaces for transferring forces from the bolster to the energy absorbing brackets. The bolster further comprises a plurality of generally laterally extending rib structures. The rib structures extend from adjacent the first bolster transfer surface to adjacent the second bolster transfer surface.

Abstract: A steering-column fixing-panel assembly of a cowl crossmember comprises a pair of first and second upper panels, and a single lower panel. Each of the upper panels includes a circular groove for use in the engagement of a crossbar of the cowl crossmember, inner and outer flanges formed at opposite lateral side edges thereof, and a coupling hole formed at the front portion thereof for the fixing of a steering column. The lower panel includes a circular groove for use in the engagement of the crossbar below the first and second upper panels; a protrusion configured to engage closely, at opposite lateral side edges thereof, with the inner flanges of the first and second upper panels; lower flanges, formed at opposite lateral side edges thereof, so as to engage closely with the outer flanges of the first and second upper panels; and a pair of coupling holes, formed at the front portion thereof, so as to communicate with the coupling holes of the first and second upper panels.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a steering wheel suspension system to reduce the risk of injury to the driver in connection with a vehicle collision, wherein the system includes a steering wheel axle (1), a steering wheel shaft (3), in which the steering wheel axle (1) is rotatably carried, a steering wheel (7) arranged at one end of the steering wheel axle (1) and a knee bar (20).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mounting structure of a steering column locking device which makes it possible for the steering column locking device to be rotated upwards with respect to a steering column by an impact when part of a driver's body bumps against the steering column locking device in an accident, thereby minimizing injury to the driver. The mounting structure of the steering column locking device according to the present invention includes a connection housing which is mounted at a first end thereof to a steering column, with a coupling slot formed in a second end of the connection housing. The mounting structure of the steering column locking device further includes a coupling protrusion which is provided on the steering column locking device so that the coupling protrusion is movable inserted into the coupling slot of the connection housing, and a locking pin which is fitted into the coupling slot to support the coupling protrusion such that the coupling protrusion remains a stationary state.

Abstract: A collapsible steering assembly features a guide bracket for attachment to a vehicle. A steering mechanism is interconnected with the guide bracket by a steering mechanism support. A plurality of guide rods are arranged about a common collapse axis and extend in non-parallel relationship to a longitudinal axis of the steering mechanism. The guide rods support the steering mechanism for axial movement along the collapse axis in response to a predetermined collapse force on the steering mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle wherein a load absorption for an impact of the knees relative to the steering column is provided arranged in case of an accident to be adjusted toward the driver's knees.

Abstract: The invention relates to a driver's knee protecting apparatus of a vehicle which can allow a shroud to rotate against a steering column at the time of a collision, thereby dispersing and reducing the force of impact when the driver's knees are bumped against the shroud.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric power steering apparatus in which an electric motor for producing a steering assist force is provided in a steering column. Vibration from the electric motor is transmitted to a member such as a knee protector, for example, supported on the steering column through a bracket. A dynamic damper for restraining resonance of the member to which the vibration is transmitted is provided in the bracket.

Abstract: Air bags in vehicles, upon exploding when a collision occurs, can injure one's face and head. To avoid such bodily injury to a motorist, one or more soft pillow of the proper size are attached to the top of the steering wheel. The pillows, with rip-resistant, fire and water resistant enclosures, may be removably attached to the steering wheel by means of either velcro or snap-on fasteners. Such pillows for bodily-injury protection may be attached to other passenger-injury, vulnerable locations of a vehicle, removably fastened. In the event of a collision with an object, now the soft pillows attached to plastic cover will strike the person first instead of the air bag's solid plastic cover. The top of a soft pillow, with perhaps an elastic, expandable puncture-resistant enclosure, could be ornately, colorfully, pleasingly decorated with flowers, birds, butterflies, berries. A pillow may be attached to a steering wheel without an air bag, using the illustrated and described straps for fastening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel with a steering wheel rim, the steering wheel comprising a skeleton, and a skeleton covering which is visible from the exterior and has recesses. The skeleton covering is provided in a region of the steering wheel rim. The steering wheel further comprises at least one decorative segment which supplements a part of the skeleton covering and has detent noses which engage into the recesses in the skeleton covering. The decorative segment is a half shell having an essentially clip-shaped form in cross-section and has free edges which are provided with the detent noses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a driver's knee protecting apparatus of a vehicle which can allow a shroud to rotate against a steering column at the time of a collision, thereby dispersing and reducing the force of impact when the driver's knees are bumped against the shroud.

Abstract: A steering wheel has at least one covering part affixed to a steering wheel rim. At least one mechanical connecting element, in particular a clip-type connecting part, is placed between the steering wheel rim and the covering part.

Abstract: A simple, low cost energy absorbing shear strip bender that provides constant load, tailored load, or adjustable load/displacement profiles for use in any application where a single use energy absorber is required. Examples include, but are not limited to: a spinal load attenuator for use in crash-resistant aircraft seats; crash-resistant aircraft landing gear; aircraft or automotive restraint harness attachments; cargo or high-mass item tie-downs; automotive bumper attachments; and collapsible steering columns. The present invention comprises a shear plate or other base material, a shear strip integral to the shear plate, and a shear strip tab, all of which are formed from a single sheet of ductile material. The energy absorber attaches to two objects and begins to displace when opposing forces applied to the shear plate and shear strip tab reach the design limit value such that shear strip shears and plastically deforms, i.e., bends.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a column support fixed to a deck cross member extending along a width of a vehicle; a steering column supported by the column support; a column bracket disposed about an axis of the steering column in such a manner as to widen toward a front part of the vehicle, both ends of the column bracket being fixed to a body of the vehicle; and knee absorbers disposed at both sides of the column bracket, each of the knee absorbers having a base end fixed to the deck cross member and a front end facing the knees of an occupant, the front end coming into contact with the knees of the occupant. When the vehicle crashes, the occupant and his or her knees move forward to collide with the column bracket. The column bracket, however, is not displaced since both ends of the column bracket are fixed to the body of the vehicle. The knees of the occupant are guided forward along the surface of the column bracket to the right and left knee absorbers.

Abstract: A steering structure of a vehicle is provided in which when a load equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied from outside to a flexible transmitting member which connects to a steering unit and an operation detecting unit which detects an operation of a steering wheel, a portio of the transmitting member is separated (including both a structure for cutting and separating the transmitting member itself, and a structure for cutting a coupling of the like provided on the transmitting member), so that when the transmitting member is varied at the time of collision, the steering wheel angle is prevented from being varied to enhance safety at the time of collision.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle safety device for the protection of the feet of an occupant, in particular of a driver. The vehicle safety device comprises an adjusting device and a section of a floor of the vehicle in a region of the occupant's feet. The section is a movable section and can be coupled with the adjusting device so as to be moved by the device relative to the feet.

Abstract: A pedal displacement control structure for a vehicle comprising: a pedal bracket fixed to a first member of a vehicle body which is displaced to rearward of the vehicle when an external force larger than a predetermined value is exerted to the front portion of the vehicle; a suspension-type vehicle pedal having a rotation shaft which becomes a center of pivot is supported by the pedal bracket; a displacement control device for controlling the displacement of a tread of the vehicle pedal by putting a pushing force frontward of the vehicle around the rotation shaft on the vehicle pedal when the vehicle pedal is displaced to rearward of the vehicle with the displacement of the first member of the vehicle body to rearward of the vehicle, which is provided in a second member on the vehicle body having high intensity and arranged more rearward of the vehicle than the vehicle pedal; and a device for inhibiting the push-reaction force larger than a predetermined value from being transmitted to the second member on th

Abstract: A safety device for restraining and deflating an airbag. The safety device 10 is intended to be used by rescue personnel at vehicle accident scenes to prevent the risk of injury to rescue personnel and/or an accident victim from an inadvertent deployment of a vehicle's driver's side self-inflating restraint, commonly referred to, and referred to herein, as an airbag. The safety device 10 is securable to a conventional steering wheel 12 and provides a rigid barrier between the steering wheel 12 and a rescuer or accident victim. The safety device 10 includes a rigid, shield member 15, having a front 17 side and a back side 18. At least one cutting member 20 for rupturing the airbag upon deployment is disposed on the back side 18 of the shield member 15. A cage member 30 depends from the back side 18 of the shield member 15 and receives a first portion 32 of the steering wheel 12.

Abstract: A steering wheel is fastened on a steering column by a steering wheel hollow (1). Within this steering wheel hollow (1), an airbag (15) is fastened on a plate (11) which in the rest position bears against the base (2) of the steering wheel hollow (1) and, as the airbag (15) inflates, the plate is displaced within the steering wheel hollow (1) away from the base (2). The steering wheel has travel limitation members (screw 12) for the maximum possible travel of the plate (11). Release of the airbag (15) produces a free space (16) between the plate (11) and the base (2) of the steering wheel hollow (1), which free space is formed so as to receive end regions of spokes (4, 5), which end regions are remote from a steering wheel rim (6).