Patents Assigned to TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
  • Patent number: 6362971
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for a vehicular occupant restraint system comprising a housing with a metallic baseplate and an electronic module including an acceleration sensor and being mounted on a circuit board. The electronic module is insertable into the housing that is formed as a composite of an injection-molded plastic body and the metallic baseplate part of which is embedded in an injection molded wall of plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co.KG
    Inventor: Robert Skofljanec
  • Publication number: 20020021599
    Abstract: The proposed system for safe high-temperature operation of a flash memory is suitable, more particularly, for use in automotive technology, for example, for a transmission controller, the flash memory being programmed prior to use at high temperatures such that each data set in the flash memory is saved redundant. The system is provided with a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature characterizing the temperature of the flash memory, and with a control unit connected to the temperature sensor and the flash memory. The control unit, including a timer, is configured such that it receives the temperature signals from the temperature sensor and is able to establish an accumulated heat load value of the flash memory by integrating the resulting temperature values versus time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Cornelius Peter
  • Publication number: 20020017409
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive for a flap provided on a vehicle, especially an engine hood. The drive comprises an electric motor, an actuation shaft that is connected to the flap, and a reduction gear by means of which the rotor of the electric motor is coupled to the actuation shaft. The drive flier comprises an energy accumulator by means of which the actuation shaft can be driven independently of the electric motor. The reduction gear is configured in such a way that the actuation shaft is driven in a rotational direction only by the energy accumulator and the electric motor drives the actuation shaft in an opposite rotational direction, thereby supplying to the energy accumulator an energy that is needed to drive the actuation shaft in the rotational direction. The invention further relates to a pedestrian protection means provided on a vehicle and equipped with such a drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Cornelius Peter
  • Publication number: 20020011537
    Abstract: The torque developed at a belt shaft of a belt retractor coupled to an electric motor via a drive belt is controlled so as to avoid a hysteresis. For this purpose, the direction of rotation of the belt shaft is detected and, depending on the direction of rotation as detected, the electric current supplied to the electric motor is changed from a first value to a second value that is different from the first value by an amount required to compensate for hysteresis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rolf Durrstein, Cornelius Peter
  • Publication number: 20020011403
    Abstract: An actuating system for a vehicular interior comprises a panel (12) with a front face and a module element (14) for assembly in an opening (16) of the panel (12). The panel (12) has side walls (18) which are perpendicular to the front face. The panel (12) and the module element (14) have cooperating latching elements which comprise a detent (26) and a latching edge (22). The detent (26) is configured on an elastically deflectable tongue (24) and comprises a ramp surface (28) cooperating with the latching edge (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Markus Altmann
  • Publication number: 20020007691
    Abstract: An actuator for the change speed shaft of a motor vehicle automatic transmission comprises a housing, an actuating shaft rotatably mounted in the housing, an electric motor, a reversible, low-loss reduction gearing by which the rotor of the electric motor is directly coupled to the actuating shaft, a pretensioned spiral spring forming an energy storing means by which the actuating shaft may be driven into the parking position independently of the electric motor, an electronic controller for driving the electric motor as a function of control signals, a coupling means for coupling the actuating shaft to the change speed shaft of the automatic transmission. Rotation of the actuating shaft by the coupling means is converted into angles of rotation of the change speed shaft which correspond to the control signals. The actuator replaces a conventional gearshift lever on an automatic transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Cornelius Peter
  • Patent number: 6336768
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connection unit between a support 3, such as a body part of a motor vehicle, and a plate element, such as the facing of a door. An upper part 1 is attachable to the plate element via an attachment region 5 and an engagement region 6 selectively receives a holding element 2, which is connectable to the support. The engagement region 6 of the upper part 1 consists of two pockets 8, 9, arranged above each other and separated by a cross piece 10. The holding element 2 is equipped, above an attachment region 7, connectable with support 3, with a circumferential elastic sealing lip 27 and two flanges 14, 15 of different elasticity, arranged at axial distance from each other, cross-wise to the longitudinal direction L—L defined by the holding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 6329621
    Abstract: An electric switch apparatus includes a stationary base plate (2) and an actuating part (6) carrying an electrical conductor member (8) displaceable between at least two positions relative to the base plate. The base plate carries a plurality of elongate resilient contact members (14) adapted to engage the electrical conductor member (8). The conductor member includes a flat metallic electrically conductive material which is selectively brought into contact with the fixed resilient contact members held on the base member when the actuating part is displaced between said first and second positions. A first predetermined electrical connection between the fixed contact members is established when the actuating part is held in the first position. A second predetermined electrical connection between the fixed contact members is established when the actuating part is moved to the second relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Priesemuth
  • Publication number: 20010038274
    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: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Cornelius Peter
  • Publication number: 20010030255
    Abstract: The belt retractor for an occupant restraint system has a frame, a belt spool having a pair of flanges and rotatably mounted in the frame and a locking mechanism for selective blocking of the belt spool. A wheel member provided with an external toothing is mounted on one flange of the belt spool. A locking pawl is biased by a spring that engages with the wheel member. During the normal operating state of the belt retractor, the locking pawl is held by means of an solenoid so that it is disengaged from the wheel member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Cornelius Peter
  • Patent number: 6287043
    Abstract: A connection (1) between a support (2) and a plate element includes an upper part (3), attachable to the plate element, and a lower part (4), connectable to the support (2). A neck-shaped intermediate region (5), between the upper and lower parts (3, 4, respectively), includes locking elements (10). A contact piece (12) on the lower part (3) has counter stops (14) and a first flange (16). The intermediate region (5) penetrates in an anterior region of the contact piece (12). The contact piece (12) spreads behind the support (2) after being inserted through an opening (7) in the support (2). A flexible hose gasket (20), surrounding the intermediate region (5), is in a substantially cylindrical shape when the connection (1) is in a pre-mounted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 6282966
    Abstract: A pressure sensor unit 1 is provided, specifically for automotive engineering applications. A pressure measuring cell 5 is disposed within a main body housing 3, the main body housing having a recess 17 holding a pressure sensor 21 and a pressure transmission medium 27. A separation membrane 31 is disposed between the pressure transmission medium and a supply opening 15 formed in the housing 3, the separation membrane separating the sensed pressure medium from the pressure transmission medium and also closing off and admission opening 29 in the measuring cell housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Probst, Robert Skofljanec
  • Publication number: 20010018102
    Abstract: A component including a base body of a relatively hard material and a coating of a relatively soft material, wherein the coating covers at least a main surface area of the base body. The main surface area is delimited by an outer periphery and an edge portion of the coating extends from the periphery and comprises a reinforcement made of a relatively hard material and engages the base body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GMBH & Co.KG
    Inventor: Frank Hacke
  • Publication number: 20010011630
    Abstract: Switch actuating mechanism comprising a toggle lever which includes a bearing part guided pivotably to all sides in a base and a shank secured to the bearing part, and which is pivotable in any direction starting from a central resting position. The shank is biased into the resting position by spring force, which is provided by a spring disk axially supported by the bearing part and having an outer circumference contacting an inside contact surface area of the base surrounding the bearing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jochen Loschner, Lars Kukei
  • Patent number: 6264393
    Abstract: A connection element (1) between a support (2), specifically a body part of a motor vehicle, and a plate element, specifically a door or wall facing. The connection element (1) includes an upper piece (3) attachable to the plate element and a lower piece (4) connectable with a support (2). A neck-shaped intermediate region (5) is provided between the upper part (3) and the lower part (4). The intermediate region (5) is equipped with locking elements (10) and penetrates into a support opening (7) embeddable contact piece (12). The intermediate region (5) above the support (2) is surrounded by a casing part (15), which is lockable with the locking elements (10) and the contact piece (12). A sealing element (20), which acts upon the surface of the support (2), is arranged between a casing piece (15) and a contact piece (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 6257736
    Abstract: A luminous element 1 is provided for illuminating functional symbols or for signaling of functions in a motor vehicle application. The luminous element 1 includes a housing 3 adapted to receive at least one light-producing element 7 having terminal contacts 5a and a pair of contact elements 5 defining longitudinal slots adapted to selectively receive the terminal contacts of the light-producing element and to selectively receive terminal members of an associated electronic component. A first set of longitudinal slots formed by the contact elements extend to a first extent to carry the terminal contacts of the light-producing element in a first plane relative to the housing. A second set of longitudinal slots formed in the contact elements extend to a second extent to carry the terminal members of the associated electronic component in a second plane relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Sebastian Fehrenbach
  • Patent number: 6254302
    Abstract: A connector is provided for use in selectively connecting an associated plate member to an associated support member. The connector includes a first connector member (1) including a first base portion (10) adapted for connection to the associated plate member. An elongate holding element (4) is adapted for connection to the associated support member and also for selective connection to the first connector member (1). An elastic region (11) is arranged on the first connector member (1) to engage a first free end of the elongate holding element when the first connector member and the holding element are disposed in an intermated rest position. In one form, the elastic region includes a holding zone (15) adapted to surround the free end (20) of the elongate holding member. The holding zone is supported relative to the first base portion by a set of spiral arms that extend radially outwardly from the holding zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 6253421
    Abstract: A plastic holding strap (1) is provided for looping around and fastening a bundle of articles, specifically tubes and cables (2, 2′) with a profiled strap element (3) having a pair of longitudinal strips (4, 4′) and transverse rung members (5). A head member (6) is connected to a first end of the strap element (3) and defines a at least one passage opening (7) and includes an obliquely extending resilient locking element (8) which is selectively embeddable into at least a partial area of one or more of the transverse rung members (5). A holding element (10) is selectively connectable onto an associated support member and is formed integrally with the head member (6) for fastening the plastic holding strap onto the support member. A first portion (12) of the strap element (3) defines a substantially convex region (20) having at least one holding lug (15, 15′) formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Publication number: 20010004751
    Abstract: A decoupling unit for two bus systems connected with each other includes a connecting circuit between two interface circuits. The first interface circuit has ports for one of the two bus systems and a bidirectional data port for the connecting circuit. The second interface circuit has ports for the other bus system and a bidirectional data port for the connecting circuit. The connecting circuit includes a filter for blocking abnormal dominant signals and passing normal signals between the bus systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Necker, Peter Guttler, Eberhard Oser, Stephan Dohrmann
  • Patent number: 6226569
    Abstract: A rotary transmitter for registration of the steering angle of a motor vehicle, with a transmitter component (49) on which is provided a coding (51) of a predetermined number n of locally sequentially digital words (Wi) with a width of m bits (b1, b2, . . , Bm) in m adjacent to each other tracks, at least one detector (55) for essentially simultaneous registration of the individual bits (b1, b2, . . . , Bm) of a digital word (Wi), whereby the transmitter component (49) and at least the one detector (55) are movable relative to each other, and with an evaluation unit (11) to which is conducted the signal of at least the one detector (55). The evaluation unit (11) ascertains the absolute position of the transmitter component (49) relative to at least the one detector (55), at least one time, by evaluation of a predetermined number (p) of sequentially detected digital words (Wi), whereby the evaluation unit (11) assigns to a detected p-measure (Wi, Wi+1, . . .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Cornelius Peter, Wolfgang Huber, Trevor Stewart, Zdenek Pavlis, Danilo Caratto