Switch with magnetically coupled dual armature
US6400246B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2300/01
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrical switch, such as an automotive power window up/down switch, has an electrically conductive dual armature that is normally magnetically held in coupled engagement with a sheet magnet. The dual armature, a rectangular piece of metal, has first and second free ends. If a user applied force acts on the first free end of the dual armature, then the first free end breaks away from the sheet magnet and travels into first electrical contacts that are normally spaced from the dual armature, and the second free end functions as a fulcrum for the dual armature. Conversely, if a user applied force acts on the second free end, then the second free end breaks away from the sheet magnet and travels into second electrical contacts that are normally spaced from the dual armature, and the first free end functions as a fulcrum for the dual armature. Preferably, there is a physical barrier that prevents simultaneous actuation of the two switching functions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.