Trw Automotive Electronics & Components Gmbh & Co. Kg

Trw Automotive Electronics & Components Gmbh

Christoph Schostok

Markus Altmann

Karl-Heinz Wohlfahrt

Dieter Bornhorst

Stefan Seiler

Matthias Rimmele

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. The main module further includes detection device for accessing the coding device and detecting the type of connected satellite modules, and processing device for processing signals received from connected satellite modules and for generating control signals. The control signals are preferably applied through an appropriate interface to a bus installed in the vehicle, e.g. a CAN bus or a LIN bus.

Modular switch and control system for use in a motor vehicle

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. The axial position indicator is realized in the form of a light barrier system that likewise causes no mechanical counteractions. Thus, the feel of the rotary light switch is largely consistent.

Rotary light switch for motor vehicles

Growing community of inventors

Steisslingen, Germany

Christoph Schostok