Patent ID: 7040653
Filing Date: 2006-05-09
Classification: B60R,G06F

Abstract:
1. A steering wheel assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a steering column including an inner shaft adapted to be attached to a fixed part of the vehicle and an outer shaft arranged around said inner shaft and being rotatable relative to said inner shaft, said outer shaft being adapted to connect with a steering mechanism which causes turning of tires of the vehicle, said outer shaft being the outermost part of said steering column; a steering wheel connected to and for rotation with said outer shaft; a supporting bracket for mounting said steering column to the vehicle, said supporting bracket including a passage through which said outer shaft passes; bearings arranged between said outer shaft and said supporting bracket for rotatably supporting said outer shaft on said supporting bracket; and an airbag module including an airbag connected to said inner shaft such that said airbag module does not rotate upon rotation of said outer shaft and said steering wheel.