Steering module

• US 6,183,005 B1
• Filed: 06/19/1997
• Issued: 02/06/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
• Original Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
• Inventors: Unno, Satoru, Nishijima, Masataka, Nishitani, Keizo
• Primary Examiner(s): Mai, Lanna
• Assistant Examiner(s): RESTIFO, JEFFREY J
• Application Number:
  US08/878,576
• Time in Patent Office: 1,328 Days
• Field of Search: 280/731, 280/728.3, 200/61.54, 200/61.55, 200/61.56, 200/61.57
• US Class Current: 280/731
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/0082 mounted on the steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/1461 Multifunction switches for dimming headlights and controlling additional devices, e.g. for controlling direction indicating lights

Abstract

A steering module is so designed that a switch module coupled to a steering wheel has switch operating sections which can be replaced when necessary. The switch module includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a switch programmable function; a connecting circuit element which electrically connects the PCB to an electronic combination switch; connectors which are detachably connected to switching units forming switch operating sections; and a semiconductor read-only memory (ROM) which can be replaced from outside a rear casing which accommodates the connecting circuit element and the PCB.

Claims

1. A steering module which is coupled through an electronic combination switch to a steering column mounted on a vehicle body, said steering module comprising:

a switch module provided between said electronic combination switch and a steering wheel, said switch module having a switch operating section including a switch connector that removably receives a first switch that is substitutable with a second switch, said first and said second switches adapted to operate in different modes, respectively;

wherein said switch module includes a connector opening through which said switch connector is exposed to allow said switch connector to be accessed when said switch module is mounted to said steering wheel.

2. A steering module as claimed in claim 1, wherein said switch module comprises:

a printed circuit board having a switch programmable function which selects an operating mode in correspondence to traveling control and performs a control operation;

a connecting circuit element which electrically connects said electronic combination switch to said printed circuit board;

said switch connector being mounted on an end portion of said printed circuit board; and

a semiconductor read-only memory which is mounted on said printed circuit board and which is accessible through a replacing opening in said switch module when said switch module is mounted to said steering wheel.

3. A steering module as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a steering pad having an air bag and switch operating members adapted to control tact switches on said printed circuit board, said steering pad being mounted on and extending through said steering wheel so that said switch operating members are disposed to control said tact switches.

4. A steering module as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and said second switches are of different types.

5. A steering module comprising:

a steering wheel; and

a switch module provided on a backside of said steering wheel;

wherein said switch module includes a switch operating section having a switch connector that removably receives a first switch that is substitutable with a second switch, said first and said second switches adapted to operate in different modes, respectively, and further wherein said switch module includes a connector opening through which said switch connector is exposed t allow said switch connector to be accessed when said switch module is mounted to said steering wheel.

6. A steering module as claimed in claim 5, wherein said switch module comprises:

a printed circuit board having a switch programmable function which selects an operating mode in correspondence to traveling control and performs a control operation; and

a semiconductor read-only memory which is mounted on said printed circuit board and which is accessible through a replacing opening in a rear casing of said switch module when said rear casino is mounted to said steering wheel.

7. A steering module as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a steering pad having an air bag and switch operating members adapted to control tact switches on said printed circuit board, said steering pad being mounted on and extending through said steering wheel so that said switch operating members are disposed to control said tact switches.

8. A steeling module as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first and said second switches are of different types.