STEERING WHEEL

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve fuel economy, durability and reliability of devices by taking the arrangement of heater wires in a steering wheel into consideration. SOLUTION: A planar heating element 4 is provided on the ring of the steering wheel. In the planar heating element 4, a first heating part 7 and a second heating part 8 connected to a temperature control device 9 are electrically parallel-connected. The first heating part 7 is disposed inside the ring in such a way that the fingertips of the driver abut on the first heating part 7 when the driver grips the steering wheel. Power supply to the second heating part 8 is turned-on or turned-off via the temperature control device 9. Thus, the power consumption is reduced by the capacity of the second heating part 8, and consequently, the fuel economy of the vehicle is improved. On the other hand, since the first heating part 7 is continuously energized, the fingertips, which are distal parts of the human body having low blood flow and sensitive to coolness, are continuously warmed, and comfortable feeling is maintained. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT