The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 18, 2008
Filed:
Aug. 06, 2004
Markus Altmann, Moos-Bankholzen, DE;
Dieter Bornhorst, Stockach, DE;
Christoph Schostok, Steisslingen, DE;
Karl-heinz Wohlfahrt, Bodman-Ludwigshafen, DE;
Markus Altmann, Moos-Bankholzen, DE;
Dieter Bornhorst, Stockach, DE;
Christoph Schostok, Steisslingen, DE;
Karl-Heinz Wohlfahrt, Bodman-Ludwigshafen, DE;
TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co Kg, Radolfzell, DE;
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. 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.