Steering wheel assembly and a switching device thereof
US6491319B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 27, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Q5/003
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering wheel assembly has an electrical switching device that can be used, for example, for activating a horn or any other electrically run devices. The electrical switching device includes first and second electrical contact elements. At least one of the first and second contact elements can be formed of an electrically conductive synthetic material and a metal conductor at least partially embedded therein. The synthetic material forms a contact surface. The steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel base, an airbag module having a housing displaceable relative to the steering wheel base. The first contact element can be arranged on the base, and the second contact element can be arranged on either the base or the displaceable member. The housing can comprise a carrier for housing a gas generator and an airbag, and a cover connected to the carrier for covering the carrier. The second contact element can be arranged either on the base or on the carrier and/or the cover.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.