Patents Assigned to TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
  • Patent number: 7638724
    Abstract: A switch module includes a switch housing on which at least one operating button or operating rocker is movably guided. The switch module further includes a printed circuit board which is arranged in the switch housing and on which conductor paths with switching contacts are formed, a switching mat which rests on the conductor paths, and an actuating element which transfers the stroke of the operating button or operating rocker to the switching mat. The switching mat engages around the outer edge of the printed circuit board with a form fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Altmann, Juergen Schmider
  • Patent number: 7594825
    Abstract: A device for connecting an electric drive to at least one supply network as well as several methods for producing such a connecting device includes a first contact/terminal unit to which at least one first wire of the supply network can be connected, a second contact/terminal unit to which the electric drive can be connected, and a third contact/terminal unit to which second wire of the at least one supply network can be connected. The first contact/terminal unit is connected to the second contact/terminal unit in such a way that a wire connection can be created between the at least one supply network and the electric drive. The third contact/terminal unit is connected to the first contact/terminal unit or the second contact/terminal unit such that a direct or indirect wire connection can be created between the at least one second wire and the at least one supply network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignees: Behr GmbH & Co. KG, TRW Automotive Electronics and Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Bielesch, Michael J. Stütz
  • Patent number: 7578413
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single-pieced sealing cover (1) made of a thermoplastic elastomer, especially used to seal an opening (22,22?, 22?), comprising a base body (5) with an adjacent peripheral collar (7) which turns into at least one elastic sealing lip adjacent to one side of a carrier (10, 10?). The collar (7)comprises at least one detent ring (12) located opposite the at least one sealing lip (10, 10?).The invention is characterized in that the collar (7) is connected to the sealing lip (10, 10?) by means of an intermediate area (14) extending parallel to a covering surface (F) of the carrier (20, 20?, 20?), whereupon the detent ring (12) protrudes into an inner area (21) formed by the intermediate area (14) and the sealing lip (10, 10?) and an outer area of the sealing lip (10, 10?) can be glued to the covering surface (F) of the carrier (20, 20?, 20?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 7571664
    Abstract: A device (10) for fastening a component to a steering column jacket (20, 20?), comprises a fastening sleeve (12) and an equalizer (14) associated with the fastening sleeve (12). The fastening sleeve (12) has at least one mounting section (18) and convexities (22) adjoining the mounting section (18). The mounting section (18) has a first mounting cross-section to receive the steering column jacket (20; 20?), and the equalizer (14) comprises equalizing jaws (16) laterally movable in the fastening sleeve (12), which are movable between a first position in which they are received in the convexities (22), and a second position in which they lie at least partially in the mounting section (18) and define a second mounting cross-section for the steering column jacket (20; 20?), which is smaller than the first mounting cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Altmann, Markus Mauch
  • Patent number: 7573576
    Abstract: An optical sensor device includes a photoconductor structure having first and second partial members (16, 18) and a coupling surface (20) for coupling the optical sensor device to an opposing counter surface of a pane (22), particularly a windscreen of a motor vehicle. The optical sensor device further includes an optical transmitter (10) coupling a beam of rays into the first partial member (16), an optical receiver (12) receiveing a beam of rays emerging from the second partial member (18), and a printed circuit board (14) arranged parallel to the coupling surface (20). The transmitter (10) and the receiver (12) are arranged on the printed circuit board (14). The photoconductor structure is designed so that the central ray (28) of the transmitter (10) enters into the first partial member (16) perpendicularly to the coupling surface (20) and emerges from the second partial member (18) perpendicularly to the coupling surface (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ulf Mordau, Ulrich Backes
  • Patent number: 7550686
    Abstract: A rotary switch in a motor vehicle has a stationary central part, a rotatable outer part, a control part and a contact unit (16). The control part is coupled to the rotatable outer part so as to transfer a rotary movement of the outer part directly into the contact unit (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Juergen Girke, Klaus Mueller, Josef Ferstl
  • Patent number: 7544123
    Abstract: An air vent, in particular for a vehicle, includes an air outflow channel and several operating elements which regulate the outflow direction and the volume flow of an airflow and which are designed as sliding elements, a first sliding element (14) moving horizontal vanes (16), a second sliding element (18) moving vertical vanes (20), and a third sliding element (22) moving a shutoff flap (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Reinhard Krause, Sabine Steinbeiss
  • Patent number: 7527553
    Abstract: An air vent, in particular for a vehicle, includes a housing (16), a ventilation part (14), and an assembly (24) which provides a connection between the housing (16) and the ventilation part (14) and permits a rotatable and pivotal mounting of the ventilation part (14) in the housing (16). The assembly (24) comprises a rail (30), a slider (26) that is displaceable on the rail (30), and a pivot bearing (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Sabine Steinbeiss
  • Patent number: 7394034
    Abstract: An electric push-button switch (10) includes a housing (22), a push-button (12). The push-button switch (10) further includes a symbol lighting arrangement to illuminate a transparent region (16) of the push-button (12). The transparent region (16) symbolizes the functional unit to be operated by the push-button switch (10) or an actual function of the functional unit. The push-button switch (10) further includes a function lighting arrangement to indicate the operating status of the functional unit. The symbol lighting arrangement comprises a first light source (32), and the function lighting arrangement comprises a second light source (34) and an off-partitioned light conducting section to a light outlet area (18) which is integrated into the push-button (12). Both lighting arrangements are accommodated in a structural space defined by the housing (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. Kg
    Inventors: Jens Ostendorf, Juergen Girke, Hans-Joachim Frohne
  • Patent number: 7390043
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closure cover or closing lid. It is characterized in that the sealing element 15, consisting of an elastic material, is connected via engaging elements 20 with counter-engaging elements 25 of a covering element 10 consisting of a hard component. The sealing element 15 includes a contact flange 30 and, opposite to same, at a distance, at least one elastic sealing lip 35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 7346436
    Abstract: A modular switch and control system for use in a motor vehicle is provided, that is easily and flexibly adapted to the particular needs and requires no additional wiring for added modules. The modular switch and control system comprises a main switch module and optional satellite modules of different types. The main and satellite modules have separate housings with matching engagement structures permitting each satellite module to be fitted to one side of the main module. Each satellite module is electrically connected with the main module through matching male and female connectors. Each satellite module is provided with electrical coding device accessible through the connectors and permitting each satellite to be provided with a code indicative of the module type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co Kg
    Inventors: Markus Altmann, Dieter Bornhorst, Christoph Schostok, Karl-Heinz Wohlfahrt
  • Patent number: 7342188
    Abstract: A rotary light switch for motor vehicles is presented that ensures a feel that is not susceptible to mechanical influences. The rotary light switch has an actuator that can be rotated around an axis and that can be moved in the axial direction, and that is non-rotatably coupled to a rotational position indicator and axially coupled to an axial position indicator. Moreover, it has an electronic evaluation circuit to which the signals from the rotational position indicator and from the axial position indicator are fed and, according to a permanently stored decision matrix, said evaluation circuit uses the signals to derive discrete switching states that are converted into switching signals that serve to actuate the lighting system of the vehicle. The rotational position indicator comprises a potentiometer that generates a negligible resistance to the rotational movement, so that no mechanical influences are caused by the rotational position indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. Kg
    Inventors: Markus Altmann, Stefan Seiler, Christoph Schostok, Matthias Rimmele
  • Patent number: 7332681
    Abstract: A modular operating switch assembly comprises a housing defining a plurality of switch operating cells. Each of the operating cells has guide walls, a switch actuating member in sliding contact with the guide walls, and a switch contact carrier configured to be selectively equipped with contact pairs such that each of the contact pairs is associated with at least one said switch actuating member. Each switch actuating member is operable to be selectively connected to a key cap associated with a single switch operating cell, or with a key cap associated with a plurality of adjacent switch operating cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Wohlfart
  • Patent number: 7307232
    Abstract: A rotary switch for installation in the dashboard of a vehicle has a switch housing, an actuation shaft that is arranged rotatably in the switch housing, a knob that is mounted on one end of the actuation shaft, and a ring-shaped faceplate that surrounds the knob and that is detachably fastened to the switch housing. The faceplate is connected to the switch housing by a locking mechanism. This locking mechanism can be released by a relative rotation between the faceplate and the switch housing. The knob can be moved axially in a predetermined rotational position and is coupled non-rotatably to the faceplate by means of this axial movement. In order to detach the faceplate from the switch housing, the knob is moved into the predetermined rotational position and then moved axially and turned at the same time, whereby the faceplate also turns and the latched connection between the faceplate and the switch housing is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Altmann, Karl-Heinz Wohlfahrt
  • Patent number: 7297889
    Abstract: A rotary switch is disclosed which has a central handle (12) which is rotatable about a central axis (Z), a ring-shaped shield (16) surrounding the handle (12), a rotary button (18) which is arranged on the shield (16) and is rotatable about an axis (V) offset from and parallel to said central axis (Z), and a potentiometer (28) which is adjustable by means of the rotary button (18). The potentiometer (28) is radially spaced from the offset axis (V), and is coupled with the rotary button (18) by means of a gear (24, 26). The potentiometer (28) is offset radially inwards from the offset axis (V) towards the central axis (Z).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Bornhorst, Klaus Mueller, Hans-Joachim Frohne
  • Patent number: 7230821
    Abstract: A housing for a control device in vehicles is provided. The housing satisfies the requirements of acceleration transmission and reliable ground connection with a simple and inexpensive construction. The housing comprises a metallic shell that has parallel top and bottom walls, opposed side walls interconnecting the top and bottom walls and an open front face. A shaped carrier structure has a pair of opposed lateral edges. Both side walls of the shell have an internal groove extending parallel to and spaced from the bottom wall of the shell. The carrier structure is accommodated within the shell and has its lateral edges fitted in the grooves of the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robert Skofljanec, Reinhard Lange
  • Patent number: 7201650
    Abstract: An air vent for a ventilation system in a vehicle is disclosed that has an air circulation chamber (1) defined by a housing (9) that has a generally bulged shape. An inflow duct (2) is connected to this housing and opens into the circulation chamber (1), the housing having a perforated wall area (3). An air stream, in use, enters the circulation chamber (1) through inflow duct (2), circulates through the air circulation chamber and exits through the perforated wall area. The air vent further comprises a movable air deflection member disposed to deflect the air stream transversely to an axial direction of the inflow duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Demerath, Markus Bittcher
  • Patent number: 7191972
    Abstract: The belt retractor has a belt spool (12) mounted rotatably in a frame (10) and a drive motor (28) coupled to the belt spool (12) via a belt drive (14, 24, 22). This drive motor (28) is a brushless direct current motor with an internal rotor that has a starting torque of at least 2 Nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Cornelius Peter
  • Patent number: 7157654
    Abstract: A pressure switch for pressures up to a maximum permissible pressure (pmax), with a housing (1) and a membrane (2), whereby the membrane is fastened in the housing. The membrane has an exposed face on which a pressure can act, and it is deformed when a pressure acts upon it. The pressure switch comprises a means (4) that converts the membrane deformation into a stroke, as well as an electric contact system that interacts with this means. The means causes a membrane deformation to actuate the electric contact system. The pressure switch also comprises a cast solid abutment member (5) that completely fills a cavity between an inner wall of the housing and the face of the membrane opposite the exposed face when the membrane is exposed to the maximum permissible pressure pmax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics and Components GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Markus Trisner, Joachim Korherr
  • Patent number: 7114632
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing cover 1, 1? made of plastic, especially for sealing an opening in a support 50; 51; 52, with a base body 10; 10?, which merges into a circumferential collar 20, which transitions into an elastic sealing lip positioning itself against one side of a support, with the collar (20) presenting, at its outer circumference, an engaging ring 25; 25?, and with the sealing cover 1; 1? designed in one single piece consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer and between the engaging ring 25; 25? and the sealing lip 30; 30? at least one second engaging ring 28 being arranged at the outer circumference of the collar 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus