Apparatus for retaining and aligning an electrical switch housing in a cast housing member

An apparatus for retaining and aligning an electrical ignition switch of a motor vehicle with respect to a steering column housing comprising:

• switch housing means for supporting said electrical switch and having at least one first aperture with a noncircular periphery;
• said steering column housing for slidably receiving the switch housing means therein, said steering column housing having at least one second aperture;
• guide means for guiding said switch housing means with respect to said steering column housing during insertion therein;
• locking means having a complementary shaped periphery reciprocally engageable within said first aperture preventing rotation of said locking means with respect to said first aperture while maintaining a predetermined orientation during reciprocal movement longitudinally along a fixed path between a first position retracted within said first aperture and a second position extended outwardly with respect to said first aperture, said locking means nonrotatable about said fixed path to present a consistent leading surface and a consistent trailing surface during insertion of said switch housing means within said steering column housing, said locking means for engaging within said second aperture when said switch housing means is slidably engaged and fully seated within said steering column housing and for holding said switch housing means with respect to said steering column housing with said trailing surface;
• and
• biasing means for urging said locking means toward said second position.

An apparatus for retaining and aligning an electrical ignition switch of a motor vehicle with respect to a steering column housing comprising:

• switch housing means for supporting said electrical switch and having at least one first aperture;
• said steering column housing for slidably receiving the switch housing means therein, said steering column housing having at least one second aperture;
• guide means for guiding said switch housing means with respect to said steering column housing during insertion therein, wherein the guide means further includes said switch housing means having at least one guide rail disposed thereon, said first aperture formed in said at least one guide rail, and said steering column housing having at least one complementary guide slot formed therein for receiving said guide rail during insertion therein, said second aperture formed in a side wall defining said at least one guide slot;
• locking means engageable within said first aperture and moveable between a first position retracted within said first aperture and a second position extended outwardly with respect to said first aperture, said locking means for engaging within said second aperture when said switch housing means is slidably engaged and fully seated within said steering column housing and for holding said switch housing means with respect to said steering column housing;
• and
• biasing means for urging said locking means toward said second position.