Patents Assigned to TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
  • Publication number: 20020125360
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a retractor frame, a belt spool rotatably mounted in the frame, an electric drive motor, a reduction belt gear with a toothed belt connecting the electric motor permanently with the belt spool, and a winding spring functionally arranged between the frame and the belt spool, permanently biasing the belt spool with a winding moment. The electric motor is controlled to either counteract or assist the winding spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Cornelius Peter
  • Patent number: 6447012
    Abstract: A belt retractor for an occupant restraint system comprises a frame, a belt reel rotatably mounted in the frame, an electric motor drive coupled to the belt reel, a locking mechanism for selectively blocking the belt reel, and a vehicle-sensitive sensor. The locking mechanism is actuated by an actuator. An electronic control unit is provided with an input interface and an output interface. The vehicle-sensitive sensor is connected to the input interface, and the actuator and the electric motor drive are connected to the output interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Cornelius Peter, Rolf Dürrstein
  • Publication number: 20020121431
    Abstract: The electrical turn/pull switch for vehicle lighting has an operating part (14) that is mounted in a switch housing (12) so as to be rotatable as well as axially movable. The movable contact elements (22, 24, 26) of a contact carrier (20) interact with fixed contact elements (30). The contact elements for the turn switch function (22) and for the axial switch function (24, 26) are integrated on the contact carrier (20). An actuation part (16) entrained by the operating part (14) has cams and/or ramps (18) that engage the movable contact elements (24, 26) and actuate them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Muller, Jurgen Girke
  • Patent number: 6445276
    Abstract: A fuse apparatus (1) is provided for selectively interrupting a load current (Ia) flowing between a pair of associated conductor leads. The fuse apparatus includes at least two spaced apart electrically conductive contact elements (5) operatively connected with the associated conductor leads. A fuse element (7) is connected to the contact elements (5) using an electrically conductive connection material (9) to allow the current (Ia) to flow between the pair of associated conductor leads. The connection material (9) is adapted to electrically disconnect the fuse element (7) from the contact elements (5) when the current (Ia) exceeds a predetermined current intensity. The connection material (9) has an intrinsic electrical transition resistance characteristic whereby the material develops a temperature in proportion to an intensity of the current. The connection material melts as the current increases to separate the fuse element from the contact elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Schön, Dieter Bornhorst, Joachim Korherr, Joachim Jüngst
  • Patent number: 6439927
    Abstract: The invention relates to a housing for an electronics unit, especially for an airbag control device, whereby at least the metal walls of the housing are provided with a moisture repellent coating. The inventive housing is made of bent and interconnecting sheet metal elements which are extrusion-coated with plastic on at least one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Cornelius Peter, Harry John
  • Publication number: 20020109426
    Abstract: A drive unit for fans in vehicles has a brushless DC motor and an electronic actuation system. The electronic actuation system is surrounded by a housing made of plastics that supports the DC motor. The housing has an integrally molded bearing sleeve for mounting the rotor of the DC motor, which is configured as an external rotor. The upper part of the housing is the only supporting component of the drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Cornelius Peter, Johann Von Der Heide, Ega Tschiskale, Daniel Baltrusch
  • Publication number: 20020111131
    Abstract: An air vent for vehicles has a grid structure that is made of electrically conductive plastic components and that provides an electromagnetic shielding effect. The air vent can have a frame that surrounds the grid structure and that can be installed in an opening of a car body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Demerath
  • Publication number: 20020094774
    Abstract: An air vent, especially for vehicle air-conditioning, comprises a frame, a plurality of vanes that are pivotally arranged around a first axis, and at least one coupling element with which each of the vanes is coupled. The coupling element is capable of being adjusted relative to the first axis between a neutral position in which the vanes are parallel to each other, and a comfort position in which at least some of the vanes are swiveled in directions opposite each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Demerath
  • Patent number: 6419199
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring the locking position of a connecting device 5, especially the locking position of a device for fixing a child seat in a motor vehicle, with a base body 11, which can be connected with a support component 7 capable of being locked with a locking component 3, a slider 13 arranged in the base body 11, which when the base body is joined with the support component 7, can be impinged at time of transfer of locking component 3 to the locking position by the locking component and displaced from an initial position into an end position corresponding to the locking position, and with a detection device 15 provided in or at the base body 11 for detection of the correct locking position of the locking component 3 and the support component 7 by detection of the position of the slider 13, whereby the detection device 15 registers, in addition to the locking position, at least one additional position of the slider 13, at a distance from the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robert Skofljanec, Dieter Bornhorst, Sören Lemcke
  • Publication number: 20020088275
    Abstract: A housing for an electronic monitoring device on a vehicle part such as a lead accumulator comprises a metallic, load-bearing baseplate and an injection molded, generally parallelepipedal housing body encapsulating the baseplate. The baseplate projects out of the housing body on at least one side with a cantilevered attachment section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Cornelius Peter
  • Patent number: 6416844
    Abstract: A head lamp piece, actuating piece, or similar piece with functional symbols adapted for illumination with transmitted light and a method of manufacturing same is provided. A support element (1) is formed in such a manner that there is provided on the surface (5) thereof within at least one predetermined area, a first raised structure (7) corresponding to the shape of at least one first function symbol (9, 11). One or more temperature stable color layers (13, 15) are applied on the support element (1) in the first predetermined area. The surface (5) of the support element (1) is covered by a non-transparent material (17) leaving the raised structures (7) and color layers (13, 15) uncovered. The top surface (7a) of the color layer extends essentially parallel to the surface (5) of the support element (1) and remains free of non-transparent material (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Robson
  • Publication number: 20020084154
    Abstract: A park brake system for vehicles is provided that has an actuator with an electric drive motor and an electronic control unit provided with an interface. A reduction gear has an input connected to the output of the electric motor and an output member for connection to mechanical brakes of the vehicle. A command unit has a transducer connected to the electronic control unit. The transducer converts position indication signals into appropriate digital signals to enable the control unit to generate corresponding brake control commands. With appropriate control signals from the electronic control unit, the mechanical brake system can thus reflect positional brake commands from the command unit within an operating range from OFF to ON, including partial activation conditions of the park brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Cornelius Peter
  • Publication number: 20020084176
    Abstract: A switch comprising a deflectable inertial mass that responds to acceleration, by means of which a switching system can be actuated, characterized in that the inertial mass is suspended on two parallel, elastically deflectable support arms having a first, firmly anchored end and a second, movable end to which the inertial mass is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Flaig, Robert Skofljanec
  • Patent number: 6414464
    Abstract: The automotive electric power supply includes a rechargeable battery and a distributor comprising an input for one battery terminal and several outputs furnishing the battery voltage for various consumers. Arranged between the input for one battery terminal and the outputs are semiconductor switches driven by a digital controller. The controller has an input interface for sensor signals representing operating parameters. The power supply is smart in ensuring that electrical energy is furnished to the various consumers in the vehicle only as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Cornelius Peter
  • Publication number: 20020081965
    Abstract: An air escape for ventilation systems in vehicles comprises manual adjusting means for as outflow direction and for an outflow volume. The manual adjusting means have a single operating element that is movable in translation and in rotation about an axis, translational movement of the operating element causing a change the outflow direction and rotational movement causing a chang of the volume flow. The operating element is connected by a cardan shaft (24) to an actuating drive that converts rotational movement of the cardan shaft into an adjustment movement of an air flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Demerath, Norbert Klein
  • Patent number: 6398473
    Abstract: A plastic connector 1 is provided for connecting an associated support member with an associated plate element. A generally cylindrical elongate neck shaped intermediate zone 5 defines a longitudinal axis and carries on a first end an upper part 2 and on a second end a lower part 3. The upper part is selectively attachable to the associated plate element. The lower part 3 is selectively connectable with the associated support member and includes a cover cone portion 22 defining a generally pointed conical tip S. A plurality of ribs 15, 15′ are arranged longitudinally on the lower part and extend radially outwardly from the lower part by a first height H, the first height being greater than an outer diameter D formed by the intermediate zone 5. A spherical constriction portion 20 is defined between the intermediate zone 5 and the cover cone portion 22 to enable secure connection between the associated support member and plate element and to assist in installation of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 6396380
    Abstract: A fuse box for motor vehicles includes a housing that is adapted to contain electrical fuses mounted to a common busbar for connecting one end of the fuses directly to a pole of an electric battery in the vehicle. The housing includes lateral surfaces for providing torsional protection to the fuses against twisting or bending when the nuts holding the fuses in place are tightened. Screening zones are defined in the housing for screening off fusable portions of the fuses so that melted material is prevented from migrating into the housing beyond the screening zone where the melted material may cause damage. Mechanical coding structures are provided in the housing to ensure that only cable terminals having a shape corresponding to the coding structures can be installed in selected regions of the fuse box. This prevents inadvertent misuse of cross-connection of cables having inadequate or excessive current carrying capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Girke, Karl-Heinz Wohlfahrt
  • Publication number: 20020060448
    Abstract: A housing system for safety-relevant control devices in vehicles comprises a receptacle (14) for attachment to a car body and a housing part (12) that can be inserted into the receptacle (14). The receptacle (14) and the housing part (12) have complementary form-fitting elements (28, 30) that represent a coding and that engage each other when the housing part (12) is mounted in the receptacle (14), permitting complete assembly of the housing part (12) into the receptacle (14) only when the form-fitting elements (28, 30), of the receptacle (14) and the housing part (12) satisfy a predefined complementarily condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Robert Skofljanec
  • Publication number: 20020050437
    Abstract: The driving device has a rotatable drive disc (16) that is coupled to a motor (10) and, arranged coaxially with the drive disc, a locking disc (20) that can be rotated to a limited extent relative to the drive disc. The locking disc has detent teeth on its outer circumference. A pawl (30), is pivotally mounted on a stationary axis. The drive disc (16) is provided with a recess (28) on its outer circumference. The outer circumference of the drive disc extends radially beyond the tips of the detent teeth. The recess has a bottom of approximately the same radial depth as the gaps of the detent teeth. Together with the outer circumference of the drive disc (16), the recess (28) forms a cam on which the tip of the pawl (30) slides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Cornelius Peter, Johann Von Der Heide
  • Publication number: 20020045421
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air diffusor, in particular for vehicle air-conditioning, the air diffusor comprising a housing, a plurality of vanes of which each is pivotally mounted, and an adjustment element by means of which an orientation of the vanes can be adjusted. A first coupling element is provided with which each vane is coupled so as to be rotatable about a first swiveling axle. The first coupling element is supported on the housing so as to slide in a sliding guide, and a second swiveling axle is provided on each vane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Demerath