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US 8,173,924 B2Granted
Dual function switch assembly
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorsRobert G. Tegel, Robert Dam, Michael W. Hartley, Richard D. Gjerde, Richard R. Herzog, David R. Nowak, Ronald R. Hostert, Theodore James John Veselsky, Juan J. Barrena
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A dual function switch assembly includes a switch housing part containing multiple switches at different elevations and a rotor having cam surfaces aligned with the switches for operating the switches. A mounting part is connected to the switch housing part and provides mounting features for attachment in a desired installation.
Claims20
A multifunction switch assembly comprising:
- a switch housing part having a base;
- first and second switches disposed in said switch housing part at different relative elevations with respect to said base;
- a switch actuating rotor having first and second peripheral profiles aligned with said first and second switches, respectively;
- and
- a mounting part overlying said first and second switches and having an outward feature for attaching said switch assembly in an installation, said switch mounting part and said switch housing part adapted for engagement one with the other;
- wherein
- said rotor has a notch extending along an axial direction of the rotor, and
- said switch housing part has a post extending from the base along the axial direction of the rotor and being received in said notch for inhibiting unintended rotation of said rotor relative to said switch housing part.
5 more elements
A switch assembly, comprising:
- a first unitary molded body defining a first switch part containing contacts therein for first and second switches and a rotor for actuating said switches, said rotor having first and second annular profile portions aligned with said first and second switches respectively, and;
- a second unitary molded body defining a second switch part overlying said first switch part and including connecting features for mounting said switch assembly in an installation;
- wherein
- each of said first and second switches has a pair of inter-changeable switch contacts;
- each of said switch contacts has:
- an elongated body with opposite ends, and
- an end portion extending directly from one of the opposite ends of the elongated body and obliquely towards the other switch contact in the same pair of interchangeable switch contacts, for providing wiping contact against the other switch contact;
- each of said switch contacts has an axially oriented and end opening slot at the other of the opposite ends of the elongated body for electrically engaging an electrical conductor;
- and
- each said elongated body has dimples along a length thereof for improving rigidity.
7 more elements
A wire harness, comprising:
- first, second, third and fourth conductors;
- a switch assembly having a first switch therein electrically connected to said first and second conductors, and a second switch therein electrically connected to said third and fourth conductors;
- and
- a rotor disposed between said first and second switches and including first and second circumferential profiles aligned with said first and second switches, respectively;
- wherein
- said third and fourth conductors are stacked on said first and second conductors, respectively:
- said conductors extend from a first side of the rotor to a second, opposite side of the rotor;
- and
- the first switch and the second switch are arranged on said first side and second side of the rotor, respectively.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.