Magnetic switch and latch for vehicle accessories
US4999599A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 1990 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H36/00
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A magnetic switch assembly for an electrical circuit includes a switch housing with a cavity formed therein and at least one magnetically attractable electrical contact member exposed within the cavity. One or more electrically-conductive magnetic pole members are movably disposed within the cavity, with a magnet being secured to the pole members for movement therewith. The pole member or members and the magnet are movable in the cavity between a first position in electrical contact with the contact member in order to complete electrical continuity of the electrical circuit, and a second position spaced away from the contact member in order to break electrical continuity of the electrical circuit. A movable and magnetically attractable striker member is disposed for movement toward and away from the switch housing cavity, such as on a pivotal or hinged accessory cover. The magnetic attraction between the magnet (and pole members) and the striker member moves the pole members and the magnet into the second, circuit-breaking position whenever the striker member is moved within a predetermined distance from the cavity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.