Patent ID: 6922123
Filing Date: 2005-07-26
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A detent device for a switch having a switch mechanism, comprising: a first member having a first face, said first member adapted to be disposed with the switch, said first face having at least one first pair of magnetic poles creating a first magnetic field extending adjacent said first face; a second member having a second face, said second member adapted to be coupled to the switch mechanism and movably disposed with said first member, said second face having at least one second pair of magnetic poles creating a second magnetic field extending adjacent said second face; and a switch actuator coupled to said second member and extending beyond said first member, said switch actuator adapted to manipulate the switch mechanism located remotely from said first and second magnetic fields; said first member associated with said second member such that said first face is positioned facing said second face and said first and second magnetic fields are in communication, and said at least one first pair and said at least one second pair of magnetic poles are structured and arranged to define at least three magnetic detent positions, each of said detent positions resisting movement of said second member relative to said first member, said magnetic fields of said first and second member providing a tactile detent feel and a position holding force.