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US 4,364,047 AGranted
Control lever switch
AssigneeFirma Jungheinrich Unternehmensverwaltung KG
InventorMichael A. Archer
Life of this patent
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AssigneeFirma Jungheinrich Unternehmensverwaltung KG
InventorMichael A. Archer
Estimating the term…
A control lever switch for providing steplessly adjustable control values, e.g. directional commands, for a plurality of outputs is based upon the provision of a number of electrodes in a spaced array around a control lever, these electrodes being capacitively coupled to a transmitter electrode which is carried by the control lever and which is adjustable via the control lever both radially and circumferentially of the electrode array. Preferably, four 90.degree. segment electrodes are provided, with a circular gap in the center, appropriately connected to two output channels to give, in a vehicle control system, both directional control and speed control in each channel. The electrode array and the transmitter electrode may be provided on respective opposite sides of a circuit board over which the transmitter electrode can slide easily. The control lever switch permits one-hand control of vehicles, such as wheelchairs, of model aircraft and boats, and of quadrophonic sound systems for example, just by tilting and turning the control lever.
A control lever switch for providing steplessly adjustable control values for a plurality of switch outputs, particularly directional commands, which are adjustable by means of the control lever switch, in which output signals can be selected both in respect of direction and magnitude by single-handed operation of a control lever, the switch comprising a control lever, bearing means in which the control lever is mounted for universal pivoting movement, a transmitter electrode carried by the control lever, control electrodes arranged in a spaced array around the control lever and its transmitter electrode when located in their rest position, a circuit board on one side of which said control electrodes are provided and against the other side of which said transmitter electrode bears directly such that a capacitive coupling is obtained between said control electrodes and the transmitter electrode, the transmitter electrode being adjustable both radially relative to said control electrodes and circumferentially of the array, output control channel means connected to said electrodes, and input energising means connected to the transmitter electrode.
An electrical control mechanism comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.