US 6,639,161 B2 · Door unlatch switch assembly

Abstract

A switching apparatus and electromechanical latching system includes an elastomeric button with independently movable electrically conducting spring plates mounted to the button. The button includes a button cap including a relatively high durometer material and button walls including a relatively low durometer button material, such that the button walls collapse and the button cap generally maintains its shape when pressure is applied to the button cap. Each spring plate includes a plurality of cantilever springs. When the button is depressed, the cantilever springs of the spring plates come in contact with electrical tracks to complete a circuit. The completion of the circuit causes a signal to be sent to a vehicle computer, which signals a motor to release the automotive vehicle door latch.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A switching apparatus for completing a circuit to actuate a latch, wherein the actuation of the latch is initiated in response to the completion of the circuit, the apparatus comprising:

an elastomeric button;
a base supporting said button;
a leadframe supported by said base, electrically coupled to a control, and including at least one electrical contact;
an electrically conducting spring plate having a plurality of cantilever springs, said spring plate operatively disposed intermediate said button and said leadframe;
wherein the depression of said button causes said spring plate to come into contact with said at least one electrical contact to complete the circuit and initiate actuation of the latch.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Door unlatch switch assembly

Life of this patent

Door unlatch switch assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11