US 4,361,741 AGranted

Switch actuator apparatus

AssigneeTowmotor Corporation

InventorsEdward V. Leskoverc, Richard A. Schwehr

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Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus (40,122) for actuating an electrical switch (42,124) which eliminates the problems of over stressing and inadvertent cyclical actuation of the switch (42,124) and flexing of electrical connecting wires (66,168). The apparatus (40,122) has an actuator spring (44,126) movable in response to a load applied to a seat assembly (10,110) for applying an actuating force to the switch (42,124) of a magnitude less than the load applied to the seat assembly (10,110) and a bracket (56,140) for limiting the magnitude of force applied to the switch (42,124) to a preselected maximum value. The apparatus (40,122) eliminates premature switch failure, inadvertent cyclical switch actuation and electrical wire breakage. The actuating apparatus (40,122) is particularly useful on a vehicle such as a lift truck.

Claims14

Dependent claims

An apparatus (40,122) for controllably actuating a switch (42,124) mounted on a support frame (12,112) in response to a load being applied to a seat assembly (10,110) comprising:

actuator means (44,56,126,138,140,160) operatively associated with said seat assembly (10,110) and said switch (42,124) for sensing elevational movement of said seat assembly (10,110) relative to said support frame (12,112) and applying an actuating force to said switch (42,124) of a magnitude less than the load applied to said seat assembly (10,110), and for limiting the magnitude of force applied to said switch (42,124) to a preselected maximum value which is substantially less than the load being applied to said seat assembly (10,110);
said actuator means (44,56,126,138,140,160) includes an actuator spring (44,126) having a first end portion (46,128) and a second end portion (48,130), said first end portion (46,130) being contactable with said switch (42,124) and forceably engageable therewith in response to movement of the seat assembly (10,110) towards said support frame (12,112).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.