STEERING WHEEL Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: automotive industry. SUBSTANCE: steering wheel is made in form of closed toroidal section in working part connected to opposite ribs. Steering wheel has device to transmit electric signal. Steering wheel and rib are connected by rigid perforated joint. Outer contour of steering wheel is made within the limits of "π" in circumference. Opposite part of steering wheel is made in form of part of ellipse also within the limits of "π". Cross-section of steering wheel is made with stiffening member and is limited at inner side by curvilinear changeover rigidly connected with stiffening member. Face side of stiffening member is made tangential to its curvilinear section. Stiffening member is installed for full-strength connection relative to surface layer of signal pressure element, with end face ellipse-shaped grip over area of contact zone providing closing of open contact of electric circuit and transmitting required potential to stiffening member owing to provision of conductors secured on element. Section of steering wheel is made with variable profile for increasing strength of lower part of steering wheel being provided with holes intersecting the profile for fastening elements installed relative to section of main base of non-metallic part of steering wheel. Curvilinear groove is made on inner profile of steering wheel. This groove adjoins profile of end face zone of common rib provided with shaped and opposite ports with lower part of wheel. Ports have rounded off smooth conjugations in form of cavities and curvilinear projection. Adapted bushing used for fastening the steering wheel is rigidly secured and is provided with adapter mounting cone and threaded adapter. EFFECT: improved design and passive safety in motion. 1 dwg