Multiple detent switch
AssigneeMethode Electronics, Inc.
InventorsGregory P. Van Vooren, William F. Swisher
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multifunctional switch for any automobile application having a need for a multiple detent switch. The switch includes a button that is moveably connected to a base. The switch includes a first lever connected to the button at a point of the first lever that is closer to a first end of the first lever than a second end of the first lever. The switch also includes a first tactile bridge fixed to the base. The first tactile bridge is adapted to be contacted by the first end of the first lever and thereby close a first switch. The switch further includes a second tactile bridge fixed to the base. The second tactile bridge is adapted to be contacted by the second end of the first lever and thereby close a second switch.
Claims23
A switch comprising:
- a button moveably connected to a base;
- a first lever rotatable connected to the button at a point of the first lever that is closer to a first end of the first lever than a second end of the first lever;
- a first tactile bridge fixed to the base, the first tactile bridge adapted to be contacted by the first end of the first lever and thereby close a first switch;
- and
- a second tactile bridge fixed to the base, the second tactile bridge adapted to be contacted by the second end of the first lever and thereby close a second switch.
A multiple detent switch comprising:
- a button connected to a button pivot attached to a base;
- a first lever connected to a first pivot fixed to the button, the first lever including a first and second end, wherein the first pivot is closer to one of the first or the second ends of the first lever, and the first lever is adapted to close a plurality of switches that are fixed to the base;
- and
- a second lever connected to a second pivot fixed to the button, the second lever including a first and a second end, wherein the second pivot is closer to one of the first or the second end of the second lever, and the second lever is adapted to close a switch that is fixed to the base.
A method for enabling activation of functions in an automobile comprising the steps of:
- providing a detent switch including a button to be installed in the automobile;
- enabling a first switch to be closed by a first lever rotatably connected to the button in response to moving the button in a first direction a first distance;
- and
- enabling a second switch to be closed by the first lever in response to moving the button in the first direction a second distance.
A switch comprising:
- a button moveably connected to a base;
- a first lever connected to the button at a point of the first lever that is closer to a first end of the first lever than a second end of the first lever,
- a second lever attached to the button at a point of the second lever that is closer to a first end of the second lever than a second end of the second lever;
- a first tactile bridge fixed to the base, the first tactile bridge adapted to be contacted by the first end of the first lever and thereby close a first switch;
- and
- a second tactile bridge fixed to the base, the second tactile bridge adapted to be contacted by the second end of the first lever and thereby close a second switch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.