Steering module

• US 6,151,980 A
• Filed: 11/23/1998
• Issued: 11/28/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
• Original Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
• Inventors: Matsushita, Tomohiko, Nishitani, Keizo, Okahira, Toshifumi
• Primary Examiner(s): Herrmann, Allan D.
• Application Number:
  US09/197,603
• Time in Patent Office: 736 Days
• Field of Search: 74/484 R, 74/498, 439/34
• US Class Current: 74/484.00R
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 5/003 mounted on the steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/10 Hubs; Connecting hubs to steering columns, e.g. adjustable B62D1/11 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20256 Steering and controls assemblies

Abstract

A steering module comprises: a steering wheel attached to a member which is attached to a car body portion, the steering wheel being connected to a steering shaft which passes through the member; a pad having at least one electric part, the pad being attached to the member through the steering wheel. A first connector is arranged in the member. A second connector is arranged in the pad. The second connector electrically connects with the electrical part, and is electrically connected to the first connector. A car-body-side securing portion is arranged in the member. A pad-side securing portion is disposed on the pad. The car-body-side securing portion and the pad-side securing portion are engaged with each other so as to secure the member and the pad and connect the first connector with the second connector.

Claims

1. A steering module, comprising:

a steering wheel attached to a member which is attached to a car body portion, the steering wheel being connected to a steering shaft which passes through the member;

a pad having at least one electric part, the pad being attached to the member through the steering wheel;

a first connector arranged in the member;

a second connector arranged in the pad, the second connector electrically connecting with the electrical part, and electrically connected to the first connector;

a car-body-side securing portion arranged in the member; and

a pad-side securing portion disposed on the pad;

wherein the car-body-side securing portion and the pad-side securing portion are engaged with each other so as to secure the member and the pad and connect the first connector with the second connector.

2. The steering module of claim 1, wherein when the pad is attached to the member attached to the car body portion, the second connector is electrically connected to the first connector.

3. The steering module of claim 1, further comprising:

an external gear secured to the steering shaft;

an internal gear connected to the steering wheel, the internal gear being arranged to surround the external gear; and

an intermediate gear rotatably supported by the member attached to the car body portion, the intermediate gear being located between and engaged with the external gear and the internal gear;

wherein the car-body-side securing portion and the pad-side securing portion are located at an inside of the internal gear.

4. The steering module of claim 1, wherein the first connector electrically connects with a wire harness arranged in the car body portion.

5. The steering module of claim 1, wherein the electric part includes one of a display unit and an operation switch mounted in the pad.

6. The steering module of claim 1, wherein the car-body-side securing portion has a first opening, the pad-side securing portion has a second opening, and wherein the first connector is accommodated in the first opening, and the second connector is accommodated in the second opening.