Multifunction switch
AssigneeUnited Technologies Automotive, Inc.
InventorsOrlando F. Muscat, Robert D. Muller, Mark Feldman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A bi-directional multifunction switch which incorporates a single contact carrier having conductive contacts adapted to be moved in various directions as a result of rotary and push/pull actuation of an interconnected knob. Electrically conductive circuit paths formed in a substrate surface are contacted by protrusions on the conductive contacts to accomplish electrical switching functions. The contact carrier is moved via a shaft which securely retains the contact carrier along opposing axes and which moves as a result of turning, pushing or pulling the actuating knob.
Claims16
A switch mechanism comprising:
- an actuating knob adapted to be moved in rotational and in and out directions;
- a shaft operably coupled to said knob and adapted to be moved thereby;
- a single contact carrier mounted to said shaft and adapted to be moved therewith, said contact carrier having mounted thereto at least two electrically conductive contacts;
- and
- at least two circuit paths formed on a substrate surface, said electrically conductive contacts being moved along said surface in orthogonal directions into and out of electrical engagement with said circuit paths to effect electrical switching.
A vehicle electrical switch mechanism comprising:
- an actuating knob adapted to be moved in rotational and in and out directions;
- a shaft operably coupled to said knob by a splined connection, said shaft adapted to rotate with rotational movement of said knob, said shaft moving linearly along an axis of said rotation with said in and out motion of said actuating knob;
- a single contact carrier mounted to said shaft and adapted to be moved therewith, said contact carrier having mounted thereto at least one electrically conductive contact having at least one spherically shaped protrusion;
- at least two circuit paths formed on a substrate surface, said protrusion of said contact being moved along said surface in orthogonal directions into and out of electrical engagement with said circuit paths to effect electrical switching;
- biasing means connected between said contact and said contact carrier for biasing said electrically conductive contact away from said contact carrier and toward said substrate surface;
- a detent mechanism in cooperation with said actuating knob to provide a detent of said switch mechanism at a plurality of rotational positions of said actuating knob, said detent mechanism including a spring loaded arm adapted to slidingly engage an inside surface of a cylindrical casing, said rotational positions created by outward projections in said casing into which said spring loaded arm seats;
- and
- a ramped surface formed on said casing and adapted to be engaged by a portion of said shaft, said shaft portion moving into and out of engagement with said ramped surface to create said pushing in and pulling out motions of said actuating knob.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.