Modular switch and control system for use in a motor vehicle

US7346436B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TRW Automotive Electronics and Components GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Markus Altmann · Cincinnati, US
• Dieter Bornhorst · Stockach, DE
• Christoph Schostok · Steißlingen, DE
• Karl-Heinz Wohlfahrt · Stockach, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 6, 2004
• Grant date: Mar 18, 2008
• Expiry date: Aug 9, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01H2300/03
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

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.