초록 ▼

A contactless switch (20) for actuating a system between an open circuit position and a closed circuit position is disclosed. The switch includes a housing (22) and a linear actuator (34) disposed within the housing. The switch also includes a linear-to-rotary motion assembly (30) disposed within th

A contactless switch (20) for actuating a system between an open circuit position and a closed circuit position is disclosed. The switch includes a housing (22) and a linear actuator (34) disposed within the housing. The switch also includes a linear-to-rotary motion assembly (30) disposed within the housing. The linear-to-rotary motion assembly is coupled to the linear actuator for producing a rotary motion of the linear-to-rotary motion assembly in response to a linear displacement of the linear-to-rotary motion assembly by the linear actuator. The switch also includes a plurality of Hall effect sensors (106) and magnets (80). The sensors are disposed within the housing and the magnets are disposed on the linear-to-rotary motion assembly. To affect the state change of the switch, the magnets are rotated into and out of close proximity with the sensors by the linear-to-rotary motion assembly when the switch is actuated by applying a force to the linear actuator that causes the linear displacements of the linear-to-rotary motion assembly. A tactile response mechanism (170) is formed with the linear-to-rotary motion assembly to produce a tactile response when the contactless switch is actuated between the open and closed circuit positions.

대표청구항 ▼

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [10.] A contactless switch, the switch actuatable between an open circuit position and a closed circuit position, the switch comprising:(a) a housing;(b) a linear-to-rotary motion assem

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [10.] A contactless switch, the switch actuatable between an open circuit position and a closed circuit position, the switch comprising:(a) a housing;(b) a linear-to-rotary motion assembly disposed within the housing for producing a rotary motion in response to a linear displacement of the linear-to-rotary motion assembly;(c) a plurality of proximity sensors fixed within the housing; and(d) a plurality of magnets disposed on the linear-to-rotary motion assembly, the magnets being rotated into and out of close proximity to the sensors by the linear-to-rotary assembly when the switch is actuated by applying a force to the linear-to-rotary motion assembly that causes the linear displacement of the linear-to-rotary motion assembly.