Compact headlamp/foglamp switch
US6515240B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 11, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Q1/1453
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A switch for controlling delivery of electrical power to a plurality of vehicle lighting systems, such as headlamps and parking lamps, as well as specialized vehicle lighting systems, such as a fog lamps, and one or more automatic mode settings. The switch has a first circuit contact system for controlling delivery of electrical energy to one or more combinations of the vehicle lighting systems. A second circuit contact controls delivery of electrical energy to the specialized vehicle lighting system. Manipulation of a switch control selects the control states of the first and second circuit contact systems. The first circuit contact system is urged in a rotational direction of travel, as the second circuit contact system is urged in an axial direction of travel. A control state limiter is provided to limit the second circuit contact system to the first control state when the first circuit contact system is in a predetermined one of the plurality of corresponding the selectable control states. Thus, for example, the vehicle's fog lamps, cannot remain “on” when the headlamps and parking lamps have been turned “off.”
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.