Abstract: An actuating element for a function carrier (4) in a motor vehicle having a piezoelectric element (1), preferably a piezoelectric foil and a decorative surface (2), mounted above the piezoelectric element (1). Further, a system of at least two actuating elements characterized in that the actuating elements have a common piezoelectric element (1), preferably a piezoelectric foil. Finally, a method for the production of such an actuating element or such a system including the steps of producing at least one piezoelectric element (1), applying at least one piezoelectric element (1), connecting each piezoelectric element (1) to an evaluation unit and a control unit, and covering each piezoelectric element (1) preferably with one decorative surface (2).

Abstract: A gearshift system for a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle includes a gearshift knob in which a plurality of functional and/or control elements are integrated. A gearshift rod is connectable to the gearshift knob. A plurality of functional and/or control elements are connected to an electronic system disposed within the gearshift knob. The electronic system is connectable to an electronic system in the vehicle via a bus that extends along the gearshift rod.

Abstract: A device for measuring a current flowing in an electrical conductor having a sensor disposed in the region of the electrical conductor for measuring the magnetic field surrounding the electrical conductor. The sensor includes a magnetic circuit having a first and a second section. A magnetizing device for the saturation of the second section and an evaluation device for calculating the current flowing through the electrical conductor in dependence on measured values B(P0), B(P1), B(P2), B(P4), B(P4+), B(P4?) of the magnetic field surrounding the electrical conductor and in dependence on the applicable magnetization of the second section is also provided. A method for operating the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A compartment, such as a glove compartment of a motor vehicle includes a lid and a movable drawer. A lever system is operatively coupled between the lid and the drawer such that upon opening or closing the lid, the drawer is moved. The lever system may provide a transmission ratio so that optimum adaptation to the spatial conditions is possible. Furthermore, it is possible to pull the storage drawer relatively far forwards even when the compartment lid is only opened slightly.

Abstract: An energy absorber for use as impact protection in a motor vehicle, in particular in the region of the doors, is provided. The energy absorber can be formed as a plastics material component and comprises a plurality of ribs which together form polygonal hollow chambers. In manufacturing the energy absorber, a tool parting line of the manufacturing tool is defined such that the parting line defines at least two regions of the energy absorber displaying differing energy absorption characteristics. Upon impact, the energy absorber follows a force/distance curve which first rises linearly and then continues constantly.

Abstract: An interior component for a motor vehicle is fixed to the vehicle by way of protrusions to reduce movement in a plane and by way of a tool-free fastener to reduce movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane. The tool-free fastener may Velcro® fastener. The tool-free fastener may allow slight movement along the plane during assembly and may prevent such movement by pressing the two complementary portions of the tool-free fastener toward each other. Employing such a tool-free fastener reduces assembly time. Because the tool-free fastener need not be accessible to tools, the fixation point may be placed at a location ideally suited for load-bearing.

Abstract: A process for producing an airbag covering having a leather layer, particularly for use in a motor vehicle, with a partial weakening for the initiation of a tear and/or the propagation thereof along a previously defined path is disclosed. In one embodiment, a skived region is introduced into the leather layer and at least one incision is introduced into the previously created skived region.

Abstract: A lighting system (10) for displays, in particular in motor vehicles, comprises: a support (12), at least one first lighting means (14) for punctiform illumination, which is disposed on the support (12), a second lighting means (16) for punctiform illumination, which is disposed on the support (12), and a transparent cover (18), which is arranged at a distance from the support (12) on the side of the support with the first and second lighting means (14, 16), and which has at least one symbol (20) to be illuminated from behind by the first and second lighting means (14).

Abstract: A lighting system (10) for displays, in particular in motor vehicles, comprises: a support (12), at least one first lighting device (14) for a spot-like illumination, which is mounted on the support (12), a planar second lighting device (16) which is arranged on the support (12) and has at least one cut-out (17) or one transparent area, in which or below which the at least one first lighting system (14) is placed, and a transparent cover (18), which is arranged spaced from the support (12) on the side of the support with the first and second lighting devices (14, 16), and which has at least one symbol (20) to be illuminated from behind by the first lighting device (14).

Abstract: A directional device for the deployment of an airbag comprises a deflection element that directs airbag deployment, said element on actuation of the airbag exerting a pressure on said airbag which is directed away from the windscreen during the entire airbag deployment phase such that the airbag is directed away from the windscreen on its deployment. The directional device prevents damage/destruction of the windscreen on actuation of the airbag and thus improves protection of the vehicle occupants. The directional device is also capable of being variably fixed and replaceable in an airbag configuration/covering and may also optionally be integrated therein such that simplification of the development or series production of the airbag configuration is achieved.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with a first contact sleeve (3, 14), a second contact sleeve (4, 16), an insulating sleeve (5, 18) disposed between the first contact sleeve (3, 14) and the second contact sleeve (4, 16) has a switching piston (6, 20) with at least one contact section (8) and an isolating section (7, 19), which is disposed at the side of the contact section (8), whereby the switching piston (6, 20) is movable between a closed position in which the contact section (8) of switching piston (6, 20) connects the first contact sleeve (3, 14) with the second contact sleeve (4, 16) so as to be electrically conductive, and an open position in which the contact section (8) of the switching piston (6, 20) does not connect the first contact sleeve (3, 14) with the second contact sleeve (4, 16), in which the first contact sleeve (3, 14), second contact sleeve (4, 16) and insulating sleeve (5, 18) is movable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an illumination system for displays, especially in vehicles, comprising a base (3) on which at least a first light source (4) is provided to emit light, a cover (6), which is provided at a distance from the base (3) on the side of the base with the first light source (4) and has a visible side (9), at least one light guide (7), which is disposed in such a way that light emitted by the first light source (4) can be launched into the light guide and which extends through the cover (6) up to the visible side (9), whereby the light guide (7) and the cover (6) consist of two different materials and the light guide is formed integrally with the cover. The present invention also relates to a corresponding cover assembly, which is formed from the cover (6) as the cover element and the light guide (7).

Abstract: A vehicle door trim for a motor vehicle with a head impact protection device for a vehicle occupant is provided. In one embodiment, the door trim includes a curb carrier of the vehicle door trim in which is located a cutout for fixing the head impact protection device in the assembled position of the vehicle door trim in an area close to the side window of the vehicle door, a head impact protection device, which comprises an airbag carrier joined to the curb carrier so as to be airtight, an airbag, which on the rim side is fixed to the airbag carrier so as to be airtight, and a gas generator, which may be permanently joined to the airbag carrier. The vehicle door trim covers a foam layer over the curb carrier and, in the area of the cutout, over the airbag carrier. A decorative layer on the side of the foam layer facing away from the curb carrier is provided. The foam layer is designed so that on actuation of the head impact protection device, it may lift easily from the airbag carrier.

Abstract: A device for removing or inserting a fuse, in particular an automotive safety fuse from or into a fuse base in a fuse strip. The device has a first and a second elongate arm each of which has a distal end and a proximal end whereby an engaging section that may be brought into engagement with the fuse is provided in the distal end portion of the first and the second arm. The device further includes a first connecting section connecting the first and the second arm to each other and provided proximally to the engaging section.

Abstract: A method for the introduction of at least one locally limited weakening into a decorative composite, in particular for use in an automotive vehicle, by way of a plurality of laser beams, is disclosed. The decorative composite includes at least one decorative substrate, at least one decorative material and at least one upholstered layer arranged between the decorative substrate and the decorative material. The weakening is formed after the joining of the decorative composite as a sequence of first blind holes or perforations, which penetrate the decorative substrate completely, and unweakened webs between these blind holes or perforations. At least one second blind hole, which does not penetrate the decorative substrate, is introduced into at least one web.

Abstract: A flexible airbag flap of an airbag module, in particular for use in motor vehicles, where the airbag module is arranged on a frame, preferably a metal frame, connected with a decor carrier of an instrument panel, and attached to the decor carrier but not to a cross member supporting the instrument panel. The flexible airbag flap can essentially be supported by the airbag arranged in the airbag module. The decor carrier is designed as one piece with the flexible airbag flap and in the area of the flexible airbag flap has a reduced wall thickness. Also disclosed is a method for production of such a flexible airbag flap with the steps of arranging the frame and preferably an additional layer covering the frame in a forming tool, and connecting the frame with a material, preferably a foaming material, that forms the decor carrier and the flexible airbag flap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined cooling/climate control system for motor vehicles for cooling the motor vehicle's electrical and/or electronic components and air conditioning of a passenger compartment of the vehicle, comprising: a main ventilation duct (13); a fan (15) for drawing in air disposed in the main ventilation duct; a heating unit (16) downstream of the fan (15) for selective warming of air, which is to be supplied to the passenger compartment; and for cooling the electrical and/or electronic components with air drawn in by the fan (15), an air supply pipe (20) downstream of the fan (15) and upstream of the heating unit (16) connected to the main ventilation duct (13) and an air discharge pipe (22) upstream of the fan (15) connected to the main ventilation duct (13).

Abstract: A method for the production of a component with a decorative and a face layer is provided. A decorative layer and a face layer are joined to create a composite. The composite is then bonded to a substrate in order to produce a finished component.

Abstract: A device for measuring a current flowing in an electrical conductor that has a magnetic circuit coupled to an electrical conductor. The magnetic circuit has an air gap and a magnetic field sensitive component disposed in the air gap to measure a magnetic field generated by the electrical conductor. At least one control core with a control winding is included to control an effective length of the air gap when the control winding is energized. The device also has a compensation coil to magnetize the magnetic circuit.

Abstract: A device for measuring a current flowing in an electrical conductor. The device comprises a magnetic circuit coupled to an electrical conductor. The magnetic circuit has an air gap and a magnetic field sensitive component disposed in the air gap to measure a magnetic field generated by the electrical conductor. A control core has a control winding configured to control an effective length of the air gap when the control winding is energized. A magnetic shield at least partially encloses the magnetic circuit, the magnetic field sensitive component and the control core.