Patent ID: 6175290
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: B60Q,H01H

Abstract:
A contactless control switch for a vehicle, the contactless switch is actuatable between a first closed circuit position and an open circuit position, the contactless switch comprising:(a) a housing;(b) a pivot assembly disposed within the housing, wherein the pivot assembly includes a first and second portions;(c) a switch actuator having first and second ends, the switch actuator being coupled to the pivot assembly for producing pivoting motion of the switch actuator in response to a force applied to the switch actuator; and(d) first and second proximity sensors and a first magnet, the proximity sensors being disposed within the housing and the first magnet being fastened to the switch actuator second end, the first magnet being selectively displaced into and out of close proximity with one of the proximity sensors when the force is applied to the switch actuator, wherein the second portion comprises a first pivot axis about which the switch actuator and second portion pivot to selectively displace the first magnet into close proximity with a predetermined number of the proximity sensors in response to the force.