Abstract: A steering wheel decorative member configured to be mounted on a resin member covering a periphery of a ring core of a steering wheel. An adhesion region in which the decorative member is adhered to the resin member is provided so that a width of the adhesion region is reduced from a central portion on a back surface facing the resin member toward a circumferential end portion.

Abstract: A system includes a fan and a duct system. The fan is configured to be attached to the steering wheel. The duct system has a first portion and a second portion, and is configured to be coupled to an exterior surface of an armature of the steering wheel and enable air from the fan to be communicated from the fan to a surface of the steering wheel. The first portion includes a section extending along the armature of the steering wheel, and the second portion includes a plurality of nozzles extending radially from an outer surface of the first portion toward an outer surface of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering wheel and steering wheel manufacturing method are provided in which misalignment of the relative position of the wood member and the metal core can be prevented or suppressed in the period until the elastic adhesive is cured. A wood member and a rim metal core portion are bonded by an elastic adhesive being present between the wood member and the rim metal core portion. Spacer members are disposed between the wood member and the rim metal core portion so as to position the wood member relative to the rim metal core portion. Consequently, misalignment of the relative position of the wood member and the rim metal core portion is suppressed by the spacer members during the period until the elastic adhesive is cured.

Abstract: A paddle shift member 20 is positioned to the rear surface side of a wheel lower cover 12 by engaging the paddle shift member 20 to the wheel lower cover 12. The wheel lower cover 12 to which the paddle shift member 20 has been positioned is installed to the rear surface side of a steering wheel main body. Then the paddle shift member 20 is connected to the steering wheel main body by screwing a tapping screw T into the paddle shift 20 via the steering wheel main body from the front surface side of the steering wheel main body to which the wheel lower cover 12 has been installed. According to this method, the paddle shift member 20 is assembled to the steering wheel main body without inverting the core 11.

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: A steering wheel of a vehicle includes a steering wheel main body. The steering wheel main body includes a rim part, a boss part, a core metal, and a resin layer. The core metal includes a ring part and an offset part such that a distance from a center of the boss part to the offset part is smaller than a distance from the center of the boss part to the ring part. The resin layer includes a ring part resin layer covering the ring part, and an offset part resin layer covering the offset part. A thickness of the offset part resin layer at an outer side of a radial direction with respect to the offset part is thicker than a thickness of the ring part resin layer at the outer side of the radial direction with respect to the ring part. The resin layer is a complete circle.

Abstract: A steering wheel system can comprise: an armature comprising a rim comprising a plastic core, a covering between the plastic core and the protective outer layer, and a thermal management provision; a hub with a bush; and a spoke connecting the rim to the hub. A method for making a thermal management steering wheel can comprise: forming a plastic rim with a core having a channel with ribs, wherein during use, the ribs induce a change in direction and a change in velocity of a fluid flow through the channel; laser direct structuring electrically conductive material onto the core; disposing a foam material around the core; and disposing a protective material around the foam material.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a motor vehicle, with a steering wheel base body and a jacket that comprises at least one strip surrounding the steering wheel base body on the outer circumference. A first free end of the at least one strip is held in position securely in a groove formed in the steering wheel base body. A second free end of the at least one strip is also held in position securely in a groove formed in the base body of the steering wheel. In addition, the invention concerns a process for the production of such a steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering wheel weight formed as a body and having a generally curvilinear shape in a plane that is generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the body. At least one indexer extends from the body and is oriented to align the body with respect to a steering wheel armature. At least one deformable tab extends from the body and is oriented relative to the steering wheel armature so that only deformation of the tab positionally secures the steering wheel weight relative to the steering wheel armature. Preferably, the steering wheel weight is crimped to the steering wheel armature thereby securely connecting the steering wheel weight to the steering wheel armature without extraneous fasteners/connectors.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering wheel, comprising: forming a rim portion separately with a decorative outer coating via a first forming process; forming a hub separately from the rim portion via a second forming process, the hub having at least a pair of spoke portions; and securing the rim portion to the pair of spoke portions, wherein the decorative outer coating is applied to the rim portion prior to the rim portion being secured to the pair of spoke portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steering wheel and a method of manufacturing the wheel that includes: providing parts including a frame 112 that is composed of a rim 112a and spokes 112b, an upper foam member 114 that is fitted on the upper portion of the frame, a lower foam member 116 that is fitted on the lower portion of the frame and contacts upper foam member 114, and a leather cover 118 that covers upper foam member 114 and lower foam member 116; assembling the foam members by fitting upper foam member 114 and lower foam member 116 onto the upper portion and the lower portion of frame 112; and attaching leather cover 118 by covering the outsides of upper foam member 114 and lower foam member 116 with the leather cover. According to the steering wheel, first circular grooves G11 where at least one of upper foam member 114 and lower foam member 116 is fitted are formed along the circumference of rim 112a of frame 112 to prevent rotation of the foam members and reduce the weight of the frame.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle includes a hollow shell with a first interior chamber. The steering wheel further includes an outer skin on an exterior of the hollow shell. An interior filler may be positioned in at least the first interior chamber. The hollow shell may be molded.

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: A method of assembling a cover of a steering wheel, includes a) punching the cover, in which first and second series of sewing holes are formed at both lateral sides of the cover, b) sewing the first and second series of the sewing holes of the cover with a first thread and a second thread respectively to form first and second crossing holes in each series of the sawing holes, c) wrapping the cover around a rim of the steering wheel, d) inserting a third thread to pass the first and second crossing holes in common, e) fastening lower ends of the first, second and third threads, f) pulling upper ends of the first and second threads upwards sufficiently enough to remove a gap formed between both the lateral sides of the cover, and g) fastening the upper ends of the first, second and third threads.

Abstract: A steering lock device and method of manufacturing the steering lock device, which is interoperated with an electronic authentication system via minimal structural changes, whose productivity is improved since coupling/decoupling is simple, and whose security against motor vehicle theft is improved, is provided. In the steering lock device, an actuator is coupled with a cam protrusion being coupled with a lock pin, and thereby moves the lock pin. The actuator is operated by an electronic authentication device being carried by a driver, moves the lock pin when receiving a driving signal, and selectively fixes a steering column. Due to the steering lock device and the method of manufacturing the steering device, productivity is improved since coupling/decoupling is simple, and security against motor vehicle theft is improved.

Abstract: A fastening device for a steering column module of a vehicle includes a housing bottom (30) coupled to an essentially tubular fastening flange (20), which module is mounted on the steering column jacket (10) of a steering spindle. The fastening flange (20) has at least one radially movable arresting block (40, 40?), which, in a fastening position of the fastening flange (20), engages in a corresponding radial recess (12, 12?) of the steering column jacket (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a steering wheel, having the following steps: arranging and fastening at least one steering wheel covering element to the steering wheel skeleton after an outer layer of the steering wheel has been connected to the outside of the at least one steering wheel covering element. The invention also relates to a steering wheel, produced by means of the method, for a motor vehicle, in which it is provided according to the invention that the at least one steering wheel covering element is designed and provided to be arranged on and fastened to the steering wheel skeleton after the outer layer has been connected to the outside of the at least one steering wheel covering element.

Abstract: A wooden member fabrication method which, by a simple process, can enable greater stability of shape subsequent to processing and uniformity of color tone. A wooden original piece with a long form has a hole thereinside which extends in the length direction. Corner portions are chamfered and radial direction thicknesses are substantially constrained to a certain range. An outer periphery of this wooden original piece is compression-deformed in directions toward an axial central portion and the outer periphery is thus made an arc surface. Because of the chamfering, radial direction thicknesses of the wooden original piece are constrained, and differences by location between compression ratios can be suppressed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steering wheel and a method of manufacturing the wheel that includes: providing parts including a frame 112 that is composed of a rim 112a and spokes 112b, an upper foam member 114 that is fitted on the upper portion of the frame, a lower foam member 116 that is fitted on the lower portion of the frame and contacts upper foam member 114, and a leather cover 118 that covers upper foam member 114 and lower foam member 116; assembling the foam members by fitting upper foam member 114 and lower foam member 116 onto the upper portion and the lower portion of frame 112; and attaching leather cover 118 by covering the outsides of upper foam member 114 and lower foam member 116 with the leather cover. According to the steering wheel, first circular grooves G11 where at least one of upper foam member 114 and lower foam member 116 is fitted are formed along the circumference of rim 112a of frame 112 to prevent rotation of the foam members and reduce the weight of the frame.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering wheel, comprising: forming a rim portion separately with a decorative outer coating via a first forming process; forming a hub separately from the rim portion via a second forming process, the hub having at least a pair of spoke portions; and securing the rim portion to the pair of spoke portions, wherein the decorative outer coating is applied to the rim portion prior to the rim portion being secured to the pair of spoke portions.

Abstract: An improved method for fabricating a hybrid steering wheel is provided that may integrate the overmolding of a polymeric layer with the formation of the rim to simplify the manufacturing process. The improved method for fabricating the hybrid steering wheel includes: forming a metallic skeleton which includes a hub and a plurality of fixed spokes extending from the hub; injection molding a first polymeric material to form a core, wherein the core arcuately connects the ends of the spokes; and injection molding a second polymeric material to form a skin over the core, wherein the core and skin form a rim of said steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering wheel or other component for motor vehicle interiors, is produced by pressure thermoforming an external layer of decorative material, together with an internal structural layer of support material that includes a matrix of thermoplastic material and a plurality of reinforcing fibers for the thermoplastic matrix. The matrix may be of polymer that impregnates the fabric or made of fabrics that are interwoven or mixed with the reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A procedure for the manufacture of a steering wheel for motor vehicles consisting of an outer covering in composite material, comprising the preparation of the covering by means of composite elements with a laminar structure, the hot forming of these elements in order to obtain a pair of complementary shells (13a, 13b), the assembly of the shells on the opposite sides of the steering wheel, in which the body of the steering wheel consists of a metal core (11) buried inside synthetic resin, and in that at least one of the shells forming the opposite sides of the covering is equipped with a support element (14a, 14b) which allows it to be coupled to the other shell complementary to it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a steering wheel that comprises a closed annular steering wheel rim and spokes, and further comprises a steering wheel skeleton as well as a sheathing therefore, the sheathing being one of a foam covering and a leather covering that surrounds the steering wheel skeleton. The method comprises the following steps: a) the one-piece steering wheel skeleton is produced, it having, in order to form the steering wheel rim, a closed annular portion the cross-section of which has an open hollow profile; b) a body that serves as a spacer is placed in the open hollow profile in order to almost completely fill the hollow profile, and; c) the steering wheel skeleton is provided with the sheathing at least in an area of the steering wheel rim. The invention further relates to a steering wheel produced by such method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a skeleton for a steering wheel rim made of sheet metal, the method comprising the following steps: a flat metal blank is cut in such a way that it has a ring-shaped section, the ring-shaped section is deformed in such a way that it acquires a hollow profile which in cross-section encloses an angle of more than 180°, and the deformation is carried out at least partially in that the ring-shaped section is moved between two rotatable rollers. The invention further relates to a steering wheel produced by the method proposed. Such a steering wheel has a hollow steering wheel rim including a center channel for delivering cooling air. The channel is defined by the open hollow profile and by a shell part placed onto the profile.

Abstract: The steering wheel for motor vehicles has a hub, a steering wheel rim and a plurality of spokes connecting the steering wheel rim with the hub. The hub comprises a hub core for fastening to a steering shaft and a base body which surrounds the hub core and is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic material. The spokes are integrally and continuously molded with the base body of the hub from a fiber-reinforced plastic material. The steering wheel rim is integrally and continuously molded with the spokes from a fiber-reinforced plastic material. In this arrangement, the base body together with the spokes and the steering wheel rim forms a self-supporting shaped body.

Abstract: A steering wheel having partially applied wooden outer covers, which can be produced without having the wooden outer covers scratched, and the like, and can be produced with high working efficiency, and a method for manufacturing the steering wheel are provided. Raw materials, from which wood members are formed, are attached at a rim portion of a core metal, and cores are formed in this state. Thereafter, the wood members are shaped from the raw materials. Further, resin pieces are attached in spaces between the wood members and the cores to limit displacement of the wood members. Then, the cores and the resin pieces are covered with covering portions. As described above, spaces are formed, and the cores are formed in a state in which the raw materials of the wood members are attached. This allows shaping of the wood members after formation of the cores.

Abstract: A formed stainless steel steering wheel is produced by a process that includes starting with a linear stock of round tubing which is then formed into a generally circular shape with an oval-shaped cross-section. The two ends of the curved tubing are then welded together to form a circular blank. The blank is then placed into a circular die having forming punches associated therewith to strike the blank to form finger grip indentations therein. The circular die is then rotationally indexed so that the forming punches can form subsequent finger grip indentations around the circumference of the blank adjacent to the previously formed indentations in a predetermined pattern until the steering wheel rim is completed. By utilizing multiple, preferably three, forming punches equidistantly spaced along the circumference of the circular die, the finger grip indentations can be formed without crushing the blank.

Abstract: A method for forming a heated steering wheel includes a member formed from a sheet of plastic having an attached electrically conductive pattern. The film is formed into a desired configuration. Electrical leads are connected to the pattern. A plastic resin is applied to encapsulate the conductive pattern and to strengthen the film. The member is connected to the steering wheel core.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing motor car steering wheels with an external shell made of composite materials, which comprises preparing a pile of sheets of composite materials, hot molding thereof for obtaining respective half-shells with a shape corresponding to that of respective halves of the steering wheel being manufactured, mechanical flattening of the front surfaces of the two half-shells, applying the two half-shells to opposite parts of a steering wheel body formed by a metallic core covered by resin, and mutual fixing of the two half-shells along said front surfaces. After flattening, the front surfaces of the two half-shells are mechanically worked to form respective complementary teeth which can be male-female coupled when the two half-shells are applied around the steering wheel body.

Abstract: The steering wheel for motor vehicles has a hub, a steering wheel rim and a plurality of spokes connecting the steering wheel rim with the hub. The hub comprises a hub core for fastening to a steering shaft and a base body which surrounds the hub core and is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic material. The spokes are integrally and continuously molded with the base body of the hub from a fiber-reinforced plastic material. The steering wheel rim is integrally and continuously molded with the spokes from a fiber-reinforced plastic material. In this arrangement, the base body together with the spokes and the steering wheel rim forms a self-supporting shaped body.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a metallic skeleton that comprises a hub, a rim and spokes interconnecting said hub and said rim, said skeleton being produced by casting in one piece with a U- or V-shaped cross-section. To achieve an optimum distribution of mechanical strength in a circumferential direction, with reference to a normal position of the steering wheel in a vehicle corresponding to a straightforward vehicle travel, the rim has upper and lower portions with a cross-section that is open towards the driver side of the steering wheel, and lateral portions with a cross-section that is open towards the rear face of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A method of preventing unauthorized driving of vehicle including providing a steering column and a steering wheel; connecting the steering wheel with the steering column for driving; disconnecting the steering wheel from the steering column when a driving is no longer needed and a driver wants to remove the steering wheel so that it can not be used by an unauthorized person; and forming a connecting unit for connecting the steering wheel to the steering column so that the connecting unit is designed individually for each vehicle, and once the steering wheel of a vehicle is removed from the steering column, any different steering wheel can not be connected with the steering column.

Abstract: A method of preventing unauthorized driving of vehicle including providing a steering column and a steering wheel; connecting the steering wheel with the steering column for driving; disconnecting the steering wheel from the steering column when a driving is no longer needed and a driver wants to remove the steering wheel so that it can not be used by an unauthorized person; and forming a connecting unit for connecting the steering wheel to the steering column so that the connecting unit is designed individually for each vehicle, and once the steering wheel of a vehicle is removed from the steering column, any different steering wheel can not be connected with the steering column.

Abstract: A vehicle steering command module as disclosed wherein the command module is necessary to start and control the motion of a vehicle, and once removed from the vehicle the command module can function as a personal computer. The vehicle steering command module includes a housing having a computer processing unit and a connection port. The connection port releasably connects the command module to one of a pair of spaced apart mating connection ports on an instrument panel of the vehicle, thereby completing a steer by wire circuit of the vehicle. Rotation of the command module controls the direction of travel of the vehicle when the command module is connected to one of the mating connection ports. The command module includes at least one input device operably connected to the computer processing unit. A cover of the steering command module is moveable between a closed position and an opened position, and includes a display screen operably connected to the computer processing unit.

Abstract: To produce a steering wheel having a wheel skeleton with a hub, a rim and spokes interconnecting the hub and the rim, a shaped body of a dissolvable material and corresponding in shape to an airbag module is attached to the hub. The skeleton with the shaped body is placed in a mold. A plasticized molding material is molded around the rim and the spokes and over the shaped body forming a steering wheel body with a seamless casing. The steering wheel body is removed from the mold. The shaped body is then dissolved and removed, leaving a hollow space for accommodation of the airbag module.

Abstract: A method is described for producing a motor vehicle steering wheel that is provided with a cover. With this method, the ring and cover are manufactured separately and are subsequently joined. In order to produce the cover, two unfinished parts are initially produced, into which a groove is milled. Subsequently, a decorative layer is applied to the unfinished part. A layer of lacquer is applied to the unfinished parts that are joined to form a tubular ring segment. During the following operational step, the tubular ring segment is divided into two halves, which are joined with the ring and thus form the cover.

Abstract: Steering wheel comprising a drive rim consisting of an internal polyurethane core, covered at least partially with a coating of a material with an aesthetically finer quality. The steering wheel is manufactured starting from a driving rim with a polyurethane core by means of a procedure comprising the following steps: grinding of the surface of the polyurethane core, providing a coating element of wood having plane shape and size congruent to at least one portion of the polyurethane core, applying of the coating element to the polyurethane core and respective bending of the same by means of a hot press provided with a suitable template, removing the excess part of the coating element, honing of the portion of the rim coated by the coating element, and protective varnishing of the coated rim.

Abstract: To provide a steering wheel which is lightweight, and which has adequate strength and shock resistance, a carbon fiber prepreg 13 is wound on a mandrel 11 or a lightweight foam core 40 so as to obtain a preformer 14. By heating this preformer 14 in a mold 18, a steering wheel is obtained wherein the rim is formed from a fiber-reinforced synthetic resin joined to a metal skeleton 23.

Abstract: The invention relates to a simplified integrated steering wheel assembly and a simplified method for forming the integrated steering wheel assembly. The integrated steering wheel assembly has a one-piece steering wheel armature and an airbag scrim. A cover is molded over a portion of the steering wheel armature and a portion of the airbag scrim. The airbag scrim forms a cavity for placement of an airbag and an airbag inflator between the airbag scrim and a hub portion of the steering wheel armature. The method of the invention includes use of a plurality of positioning pins and a vacuum force to position the airbag scrim relative to the steering wheel armature and mold during the possess of molding the cover over a portion of the steering wheel armature and a portion of the airbag scrim.