Steering wheel horn switch
First Claim
1. A horn switch for a vehicle steering, the horn switch comprising:
- a frame for mounting to the steering wheel, the frame comprising a switch housing;
a plunger associated with the switch housing, the plunger being movable relative to the switch housing between a non-actuating position and an actuating position; and
an actuatable cable having a portion positioned in the switch housing, the actuatable cable comprising first and second conductors for electrical connection to a circuit that when closed actuates a vehicle horn, the actuatable cable having an expanded condition in which the first and second conductors are insulated from each other when the plunger is in the non-actuating position, the plunger when in the actuating position acting on the cable to place the cable in a compressed condition in which electrical continuity is established between the first and second conductors to close the circuit and actuate the vehicle horn.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A horn switch (40) for a vehicle steering wheel (20) includes a frame (50) for mounting to the steering wheel (20). The frame (50) includes a horn switch housing (56). A plunger (80) is associated with the switch housing (56). The plunger (80) is movable relative to the switch housing (56) between a non-actuating position and an actuating position. An actuatable cable (150) has a portion positioned in the switch housing (56). The actuating cable (150) includes first and second conductors (156, 158) for electrical connection to a circuit that when closed actuates a vehicle horn (30). The actuatable cable (150) has an expanded condition in which the first and second conductors (156, 158) are insulated from each other when the plunger (80) is in the non-actuating position. The plunger (80) when in the actuating position acting on the cable (150) to place the cable (150) in a compressed condition in which electrical continuity is established between the first and second conductors (156, 158) to close the circuit and actuate the vehicle horn (30).
4 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A horn switch for a vehicle steering, the horn switch comprising:
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a frame for mounting to the steering wheel, the frame comprising a switch housing; a plunger associated with the switch housing, the plunger being movable relative to the switch housing between a non-actuating position and an actuating position; and an actuatable cable having a portion positioned in the switch housing, the actuatable cable comprising first and second conductors for electrical connection to a circuit that when closed actuates a vehicle horn, the actuatable cable having an expanded condition in which the first and second conductors are insulated from each other when the plunger is in the non-actuating position, the plunger when in the actuating position acting on the cable to place the cable in a compressed condition in which electrical continuity is established between the first and second conductors to close the circuit and actuate the vehicle horn. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A horn switch for a vehicle steering wheel, the horn switch comprising:
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a frame for mounting to the steering wheel, the frame comprising a plurality of switch housings; a plunger associated with each switch housing, each plunger being movable relative to its associated switch housing between a non-actuating position and an actuating position; and an actuatable cable for providing an electrical signal to a vehicle horn, the actuatable cable having a portion within each switch housing, the actuatable cable comprising; a first conductor; a second conductor; and a deformable layer positioned between the first conductor and the second conductor, wherein the actuatable cable has (a) an expanded condition in which the deformable layer prevents electrical signals from passing between the first conductor and the second conductor when the plunger is in the non-actuating position and (b) a compressed condition in which electrical signals pass between the first conductor and the second conductor when the plunger is in the actuating position. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A vehicle steering wheel comprising:
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a hub; a rim; at least one spoke interconnecting the hub and the rim; and a horn switch comprising; a frame mounted on the steering wheel, the frame comprising a switch housing; a plunger associated with the switch housing, the plunger being movable relative to the switch housing between a non-actuating position and an actuating position; and an actuatable cable having a portion positioned in the switch housing, the actuatable cable comprising first and second conductors for electrical connection to a circuit that when closed actuates a vehicle horn, the actuatable cable having an expanded condition in which the first and second conductors are insulated from each other when the plunger is in the non-actuating position, the plunger when in the actuating position acting on the cable to place the cable in a compressed condition in which electrical continuity is established between the first and second conductors to close the circuit and actuate the vehicle horn. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification