Patent ID: 7514645
Filing Date: 2009-04-07
Classification: B60K,B60Q,H01H

Abstract:
1. A master light switch for a ground vehicle, comprising: a housing; an actuator rotatably mounted to said housing; a switching contact axially movably mounted to said actuator to rotate with said actuator; a plurality of circuit contacts facing said switching contact wherein different circuit contacts of said plurality of circuit contacts are electrically connectable by said switching contact depending on the rotary position of said actuator; a spring element urging said switching contact axially towards the circuit contacts to make contact between said switching contact and one or more of said circuit contacts; and a lift-and-set formation arranged between said housing and said switching contact to axially displace the switching contact from said one or more of said circuit contacts during rotary movement of said actuator and to release said switching contact at a defined rotary position of said actuator to be axially urged by said spring element to axially move to make electrical contact between said switching contact and one or more of said circuit contacts; said housing comprises a frame and said lift-and-set formation comprises at least one roller rotatably mounted on said frame, and a cam hub mounted with said switching contact to be axially movable therewith and to rotate with said actuator, said cam hub having at least one cam surface engageable with said roller to define an advanced position wherein said switching contact makes contact with one or more of said circuit contacts, and a retracted position wherein said switching contact is displaced from said one or more circuit contacts, as said cam surface passes over said roller, said spring element acting between said housing and said cam hub.