Multifunction switch stalk having distal end electrical connection contacts for use with motor vehicle steering columns
AssigneeTRW Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
InventorsTrevor Stewart, Thomas Robson, Steven Humes
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention relates to a stick shift, especially a steering column switch for motor vehicles with an, into a receiver part insertable, substantially stick-shaped part (3), in whose insert region (3a) are provided electrical connection contacts (25) for transmission of switching functions to the receiver part, and an actuating part (5) supported rotatably and/or displaceably inside or at the stick-shaped part (3) for actuation of switching functions, whereby the mechanism for realization of the switching functions is provided outside the insert area (3a) of the stick-shaped part (3).
Claims18
A stick shift, for use with a steering column of a motor vehicle, the stick switch comprising:
- an elongate substantially stick-shaped part including an insert area for adapting the stick-shaped part for insertion into an associated receiver part of the steering column of the motor vehicle;
- a plurality of electrical connection contacts disposed at the insert area of the stick-shaped part for transmission of first electrical switching functions from the stick shift to the receiver part;
- and,
- an actuating part arranged for movement relative to the stick-shaped part for selective actuation of said first switching functions provided by an associated switching mechanism disposed outside the insert area of the stick-shaped part.
A steering column switch unit comprising:
- an elongate housing having a distal end for adapting the steering column switch unit for connection onto an associated steering column of an associated motor vehicle;
- an actuation member arranged for selective movement relative to the elongate housing;
- a switch mechanism disposed within a one of the elongate housing and the actuation member, the switch mechanism effecting a plurality of switching functions based on a position of the actuation member relative to the housing;
- and,
- a set of electrical connection contacts disposed on said distal end of the elongate housing and connected with said switch mechanism, the set of electrical connection contacts providing an electrical connection between the switch mechanism and the associated steering column of the associated motor vehicle when the distal end of the elongate housing is received onto the associated steering column.
In combination with a steering column switch unit including an elongate housing having a distal end for adapting the steering column switch unit for connection onto an associated steering column of an associated motor vehicle, an actuation member arranged for selective movement relative to the elongate housing, and a switch mechanism disposed on at least one of the elongate housing and the actuation member for effecting a plurality of switching functions based on the relative position between the elongate housing and the actuation member:
- a set of electrical connection contacts disposed on said distal end of the elongate housing and connected to the switch mechanism, the set of electrical connection contacts providing an electrical connection between the switch mechanism and the associated steering column when the distal end of the elongate housing is selectively receivable onto the associated steering column.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.