Joints and connections – Biased catch or latch – By separate spring
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-09
2001-04-24
Kim, Harry C. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Biased catch or latch
By separate spring
C403S375000, C024S613000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06220778
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a mechanism for aligning and retaining a first member or housing that is slidably receivable within an aperture formed in a second member or housing, and more particularly, to a device for retaining and aligning an electrical ignition switch of a motor vehicle with a respect to a steering column housing or casting.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It has been known in the past to attached first and second members, such as an electrical switch housing and steering column housing, with respect to one another using various types of threaded fasteners. While this type of attachment has provided adequate connection of the first and second members with respect to one another, it has not provided the desired ease of installation. In addition, this type of connection has not provided adequate, automatic compensation for differences in the tolerance of various assembled parts and proper alignment and interaction of those parts after installation of the switch housing with respect to the steering column housing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to address all of the deficiencies of the prior known fasteners for connecting a first member with a respect to a second member, and more particularly, to an electrical switch housing with respect to a steering column housing. An apparatus according to the present invention holds a first member with a respect to a second member, and more particularly retains and aligns an electrical ignition switch of a motor vehicle with a respect to a steering column housing. The apparatus can include a switch housing means having a first wall for supporting the electrical switch and at least one first aperture. The steering column housing is adapted for slidably receiving the switch housing means therein. The steering column housing has a second wall and at least one second aperture. Plunger means is engagable within the first aperture and moveable between a first position retracted within the first aperture and a second position extended outwardly with respect to the first aperture. The plunger means engages within the second aperture when the switch housing means is slidably engaged and fully seated within the steering column housing. The plunger means holds the switch housing means with respect to the steering column housing. Biasing means is provided for urging the plunger means toward the second position.
The present invention can also include guide means for guiding the switch housing means with respect to the steering column housing during insertion therein. The guide means can include the switch housing means having at least one guide rail disposed thereon, and the steering column housing having at least one complementary guide slot form therein for receiving the guide rail of the switch housing means during insertion of the switch housing means within the steering column housing. In the preferred embodiment, the first aperture is formed in the guide rail of the switch housing means for receiving the plunger means therein, and the second aperture is formed in a side wall defining the guide rail slot in the steering column housing.
Other objects, advantages and applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Schalter Dreh (Rotary Switch), 0724, G-501 420 D, Dated Sep. 15, 1988.
Stueck Schalt Switch Block 4270, Dated Sep. 15, 1988.
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Burr Larry W.
Suchanek Jurgen
Kim Harry C.
Lewis J. Gordon
Valeo Inc.
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