Patent Description:
Electrical switches are used as control switches for a variety of applications in various industries. For example, in specialty vehicle markets, such as heavy trucks, agricultural equipment, and construction equipment, control switches are employed to control the motor vehicle lighting, the windshield wipers, the rear windshield heating, the cruise control functions, the internal central locking and other functions on and off. The control switches may be in the form of rocker switches that may be pushed by an operator to rotate or tilt from a neutral position (i.e., switched-off state) to one or more activated positions (i.e., a switched-on state) that control operation of an associated system or component.

One type of control switch is a contactless switch that operates by moving a magnet past a fixed magnetic sensor, such as a Hall effect IC or a magnetoresistive sensor, in order to control and determine the modes provided by the switch. In existing three-position contactless rocker switches, the switch may include two magnets and a single sensor. Such switches may be configured to move a positive magnet near the sensor when the switch is in a first position, move no magnet near the sensor when the switch is in a second position, and move a negative magnet near the sensor when the switch is in a third position. However, such switches may be susceptible to external magnetic fields. For example, when the switch is in the second position and no magnet is near the sensor, an external magnetic field may act upon the sensor. Thus, the sensor may falsely indicate that the switch is in a first position or a third position. <CIT> discloses a contactless switch module, which is actuatable between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position, a plurality of magnetic field sensing sensors, and a plurality of magnets. The switch also includes a multi-channel switch controller. Each one of the plurality of magnetic field sensing sensors is communicatively coupled to an input channel of the multi-channel switch controller. The multi-channel switch controller is configured to determine a switch state based at least upon the respective states of its input channels. <CIT> discloses a programmable switching device that employs a Hall Effect sensor and a moving magnet. The Hall Effect sensor is electrically connected to a programmable microprocessor that is programmed to detect changes in Hall Effect voltages at the sensor. The programmable switching device may also be configured as a rotary switching device.

In one embodiment, a switch is defined according to independent claim <NUM>.

In another embodiment, a method of operating a switch is defined according to independent claim <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a switch <NUM>. The switch <NUM> includes a switch housing <NUM>. While a housing for a single switch is shown, in alternative embodiments the housing may house two or more switches. The switch housing <NUM> is merely exemplary and the dimensions and features may vary.

A button <NUM> is moveably mounted to the switch housing <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the button <NUM> is a rocker-type button that pivots about a button axis A1. The button <NUM> is shown as having a convex top surface. In alternative embodiments, the button may have a flat, concave, or angled surface.

The button <NUM> is shown here in a neutral position and is moveable between at least three positions. For example, from this perspective the button <NUM> may move between a left-side down (or first) position, a neutral (or second) position that is shown here, and a right-side down (or third) position. The designation of first, second, third positions is arbitrary and is merely for explanation purposes. In an alternative embodiment, the button is moveable between two positions. In another alternative embodiment, the button is moveable between four or more positions. While the button <NUM> is shown and described as a rocker-type button, it should be understood that other buttons, switches, and dials may be implemented.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-section of a perspective view of the switch <NUM> in the neutral position. As can be seen in this view, the button <NUM> includes a lever arm <NUM> that engages a magnet holder <NUM>. The magnet holder <NUM> is thus in contact with the button <NUM> and is moveably mounted to the housing <NUM>. The lever arm <NUM> is a straight member received in a wedge-shaped opening of the magnet holder <NUM>. This geometry allows the button <NUM> to pivot by a pre-determined distance before engaging the magnet holder <NUM>. The opening may alternatively have any geometry, and may be symmetric or asymmetric. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the wedge-shaped opening may be replaced by a slot or the magnet holder may be affixed to the button. While the magnet holder <NUM> is shown as a circular disc, it should be understood that any geometry may be employed.

The magnet holder <NUM> includes openings that receive a first magnet 150A, a second magnet 150B, a third magnet 150C, and a fourth magnet 150D. The magnets 150A-D may be fixed in place by adhesive or other attachment means. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnets 150A-D are located opposite the wedge-shaped opening of the magnet holder <NUM>. In other embodiments, the magnets may be located anywhere on the magnet holder.

The first magnet 150A and the fourth magnet 150D have a first polarity, and the second magnet 150B and the third magnet 150C have a second polarity different from the first polarity. For example, in one embodiment, the first and fourth magnets 150A,D have a positive polarity while the second and third magnets 150B,C have a negative polarity. In an alternative embodiment, the first and fourth magnets 150A,D have a negative polarity while the second and third magnets 150B,C have a positive polarity.

The switch <NUM> further includes a printed circuit board <NUM> mounted to the housing <NUM>. The printed circuit board <NUM> includes a first magnet sensor 170A and a second magnet sensor 170B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second magnet sensors 170A,B are mounted directly on the printed circuit board <NUM> and thus are mounted linearly. In one embodiment, the magnet sensors 170A,B are spaced from the magnet holder <NUM> by a distance of about <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the magnet sensors 170A,B are spaced from the magnet holder <NUM> by any distance, depending on the strength of the magnets and sensors.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the magnet sensors are not directly mounted on the printed circuit board, but are in signal communication with the printed circuit board, such as through a wired connection. Such an arrangement would allow the magnet sensors to be arranged in a non-linear fashion. For example, the magnet sensors may be arranged in an arc so that they are equal distances from the magnet holder.

For illustrative purposes, all other internal components of the switch housing <NUM> have been omitted from this view. It should be understood, however, that the switch housing may include wires, electronics, or other mechanical or electrical components.

In <FIG>, the button <NUM> is in a neutral position. Using the numbering convention above, this neutral position may be referred to as the second position. In this second position, the lever arm <NUM> of the button <NUM> is not engaged with the magnet holder <NUM>. However, to move the button <NUM> into the second position from another position, the lever arm <NUM> biases the magnet holder <NUM> to the illustrated second magnet holder position, in which the second magnet 150B is proximate to the first magnet sensor 170A and the third magnet 150C is proximate to the second magnet sensor 170B.

As discussed above, the second magnet 150B and the third magnet 150C both have a second polarity. Thus, both the first magnet sensor 170A and the second magnet sensor 170B sense the second polarity. In one embodiment, the printed circuit board <NUM> is configured to transmit a pre-determined signal upon determining that both the first magnet sensor 170A and the second magnet sensor 170B sense the second polarity. In an alternative embodiment, the printed circuit board <NUM> is configured to transmit no signal upon determining that both the first magnet sensor 170A and the second magnet sensor 170B sense the second polarity.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-section of a front view of the switch <NUM> in a first position. In the first position, the button <NUM> is in a left-side down position. In the illustrated embodiment, the button <NUM> is rotated about <NUM>° counterclockwise from the neutral position. In alternative embodiments, an angular distance between the first button position and the second button position is between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In other alternative embodiments, the first and second button positions may be separated by any angular distance. To move the button <NUM> into the first position from another position, the lever arm <NUM> biases the magnet holder <NUM> to the illustrated first magnet holder position, in which the first magnet 150A is proximate to the first magnet sensor 170A and the second magnet 150B is proximate to the second magnet sensor 170B. The magnet holder <NUM> rotates about <NUM>° from the neutral position to the first position. In an alternative embodiment, an angular distance between the first magnet position and the neutral magnet position is between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In other alternative embodiments, the first and second magnet positions may be separated by any angular distance. The button <NUM> and magnet holder <NUM> may rotate different amounts due to the wedge-shaped opening in the magnet holder <NUM>. The button <NUM> and magnet holder <NUM> may also rotate about different axes, which would also cause the components to rotate different amounts.

As discussed above, the first magnet 150A has the first polarity and the second magnet 150B has the second polarity. Thus, the first magnet sensor 170A senses the first polarity and the second magnet sensor 170B senses the second polarity. In one embodiment, the printed circuit board <NUM> is configured to transmit a pre-determined signal upon determining that the first magnet sensor 170A senses the first polarity and the second magnet sensor 170B senses the second polarity. This pre-determined signal may be different from a pre-determined signal that is sent when the magnet holder <NUM> is in the neutral position. In an alternative embodiment, the printed circuit board <NUM> is configured to transmit no signal upon determining that the first magnet sensor 170A senses the first polarity and the second magnet sensor 170B senses the second polarity.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-section of a front view of the switch <NUM> in a third position. In the third position, the button <NUM> is in a right-side down position. In the illustrated embodiment, the button <NUM> is rotated about <NUM>° clockwise from the neutral position. In alternative embodiments, an angular distance between the third button position and the second button position is between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In other alternative embodiments, the second and third button positions may be separated by any angular distance. To move the button <NUM> into the third position from another position, the lever arm <NUM> biases the magnet holder <NUM> to the illustrated third magnet holder position, in which the third magnet 150C is proximate to the first magnet sensor 170A and the fourth magnet 150D is proximate to the second magnet sensor 170B. The magnet holder <NUM> rotates about <NUM>° from the neutral position to the first position. In an alternative embodiment, an angular distance between the third magnet position and the neutral magnet position is between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In other alternative embodiments, the second and third magnet positions may be separated by any angular distance.

As discussed above, the third magnet 150C has the second polarity and the fourth magnet 150D has the first polarity. Thus, the first magnet sensor 170A senses the second polarity and the second magnet sensor 170B senses the first polarity. In one embodiment, the printed circuit board <NUM> is configured to transmit a pre-determined signal upon determining that the first magnet sensor 170A senses the second polarity and the second magnet sensor 170B senses the first polarity. This pre-determined signal may be different from a pre-determined signal that is sent when the magnet holder <NUM> is in the first position or in the neutral position. In an alternative embodiment, the printed circuit board <NUM> is configured to transmit no signal upon determining that the first magnet sensor 170A senses the second polarity and the second magnet sensor 170B senses the first polarity.

<FIG> illustrates another cross-section of a perspective view of the switch <NUM> in a neutral position. As can be seen in this view, the button <NUM> is moveable about a first axis A<NUM> and the magnet holder <NUM> is moveable about a second axis A<NUM>. The axes are offset by a distance of about <NUM> to <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the button and the magnet holder can be offset by any distance. In another alternative embodiment not falling in the scope of the claims (not shown), the button and the magnet holder rotate about the same axis.

In the illustrated embodiment, the switch housing <NUM> further houses a plunger <NUM> that is biased upwards by a spring <NUM>. The plunger <NUM> and spring <NUM> may lock the button <NUM> into one of the first, second, and third button positions. It should be understood that other biasing or locking members may be employed, such as torsion springs or elastomeric members. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the button to remain in place after being moved to the first, second, or third position. In other embodiments, it may be desirable for the button to be biased back towards a neutral position after being moved to the first or third position.

<FIG> illustrate an alternative embodiment of a switch <NUM>. The switch <NUM> is substantially the same as the switch <NUM> except for the differences described herein. It should be understood that the alternative embodiments described above with respect to the switch <NUM> may also apply to the switch <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-section of a front view of the switch <NUM> in a first position. The switch <NUM> includes a switch housing <NUM> with a button <NUM> moveably mounted thereto. The button <NUM> is shown here in a first, left-side down position and is moveable between at least three positions. The button <NUM> includes a first lever arm 230a that engages a first pushrod 240a and a second lever arm 230b that engages a second pushrod 240b. The first pushrod 230a likewise engages with a first side of a magnet holder <NUM> and the second pushrod 230b engages with a second side of the magnet holder <NUM>. The magnet holder <NUM> is thus indirectly in contact with the button <NUM> and is moveably mounted to the housing <NUM>. The lengths of the pushrods 240a,b allow the magnet holder <NUM> to be mounted at a location spaced from the button <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever arms 230a,b and pushrods 240a,b are straight members and the magnet holder <NUM> is wedge-shaped, with one side defined by multiple radii. Other geometries may be employed, however.

The magnet holder <NUM> includes openings that receive a first magnet 260A, a second magnet 260B, a third magnet 260C, and a fourth magnet 260D. The magnets 260A-D may be fixed in place by adhesive or other attachment means. The first magnet 260A and the fourth magnet 260D have a first polarity, and the second magnet 260B and the third magnet 260C have a second polarity different from the first polarity. For example, in one embodiment, the first and fourth magnets 260A,D have a positive polarity while the second and third magnets 260B,C have a negative polarity. In an alternative embodiment, the first and fourth magnets 260A,D have a negative polarity while the second and third magnets 260B,C have a positive polarity.

The switch <NUM> further includes a printed circuit board <NUM> mounted to the housing <NUM>. In this embodiment, the printed circuit board <NUM> is located above the magnet holder <NUM>. The printed circuit board <NUM> includes a first magnet sensor 280A and a second magnet sensor 280B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second magnet sensors 280A,B are mounted directly on the printed circuit board <NUM> and thus are mounted linearly.

In <FIG>, the button <NUM> is in the first, left-side down position. In this position, the first lever arm 230a of the button <NUM> biases the first pushrod 240a downward, which in turn pushes the left side of the magnet holder <NUM> downward. When the magnet holder is in this position, the third magnet 260C is proximate to the first magnet sensor 280A and the fourth magnet 260D is proximate to the second magnet sensor 280B.

<FIG> is a cross-section of a front view of the switch <NUM> in a second, neutral position. In this position, the lever arms 230a,b, pushrods 240a,b and magnet holder <NUM> are all in a neutral position. When the magnet holder is in this position, the second magnet 260B is proximate to the first magnet sensor 280A and the third magnet 260C is proximate to the second magnet sensor 280B.

<FIG> is a cross-section of a front view of the switch <NUM> in a third, right-side down position. In this position, the second lever arm 230b of the button <NUM> biases the second pushrod 240b downward, which in turn pushes the right side of the magnet holder <NUM> downward. When the magnet holder is in this position, the first magnet 260A is proximate to the first magnet sensor 280A and the second magnet 260B is proximate to the second magnet sensor 280B.

While two examples of three-position buttons have been shown and described, it should be understood that the principles discussed may be applied to a two-position button. In such an embodiment, the magnet holder would include two magnets-one with a first polarity and one with a second polarity. The switch housing would include a single magnet sensor. When the button is in a first position, the first magnet would be proximate to the single magnet sensor. When the button is in a second position, the second magnet would be proximate to the single magnet sensor.

Likewise, the principles discussed may be applied to a four-position button. In such an embodiment, the magnet holder would include six magnets. In one example, the first, second, and third magnets have a first polarity and the fourth, fifth, and sixth magnets have a second polarity. However, other permutations may be employed. The switch housing would include three magnet sensors. When the button is in a first position, the first magnet would be proximate to the first magnet sensor, the second magnet would be proximate to the second magnet sensor, and the third magnet would be proximate to the third magnet sensor. When the button is in a second position, the second magnet would be proximate to the first magnet sensor, the third magnet would be proximate to the second magnet sensor, and the fourth magnet would be proximate to the third magnet sensor. When the button is in a third position, the third magnet would be proximate to the first magnet sensor, the fourth magnet would be proximate to the second magnet sensor, and the fifth magnet would be proximate to the third magnet sensor. When the button is in a fourth position, the fourth magnet would be proximate to the first magnet sensor, the fifth magnet would be proximate to the second magnet sensor, and the sixth magnet would be proximate to the third magnet sensor.

In other embodiments, the button may be moveable between n different positions. The housing would house n - <NUM> magnet sensors that detect <NUM> x (n - <NUM>) magnets disposed on a magnet sensor.

Additionally, while the above embodiments describe moving magnets and stationary magnet sensors, in alternative embodiments, the magnet sensors may move relative to stationary magnets. In such an embodiment, the button would engage a magnet sensor holder, rather than a magnet holder.

To the extent that the term "includes" or "including" is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "or" is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean "A or B or both. " When the applicants intend to indicate "only A or B but not both" then the term "only A or B but not both" will be employed. Thus, use of the term "or" herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See,<NPL>). Also, to the extent that the terms "in" or "into" are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean "on" or "onto. " Furthermore, to the extent the term "connect" is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only "directly connected to," but also "indirectly connected to" such as connected through another component or components.

Claim 1:
A switch (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising:
a switch housing (<NUM>; <NUM>);
a printed circuit board (<NUM>; <NUM>) mounted to the switch housing (<NUM>; <NUM>) and including at least a first magnet sensor (170A; 280A) and a second magnet sensor (170B; 280B);
a button (<NUM>; <NUM>) moveably mounted to the switch housing (<NUM>; <NUM>), the button (<NUM>; <NUM>) being moveable about a first axis (A<NUM>) between at least a first button position, a second button position, and a third button position;
a magnet holder (<NUM>; <NUM>) in contact with the button (<NUM>; <NUM>) and moveably mounted to the switch housing (<NUM>; <NUM>), wherein the magnet holder (<NUM>; <NUM>) is moveable about a second axis (A<NUM>),
wherein the magnet holder (<NUM>; <NUM>) holds at least a first magnet (150A; 260A) having a first polarity, a second magnet (150B; 260B) having a second polarity different from the first polarity, a third magnet (150C; 260C) having the second polarity, and a fourth magnet (150D; 260D) having the first polarity,
wherein when the button (<NUM>; <NUM>) is in the first button position, the button (<NUM>; <NUM>) biases the magnet holder (<NUM>; <NUM>) to a first magnet holder position, in which the first magnet (150A; 260A) is proximate to the first magnet sensor (170A; 280A) and the second magnet (150B; 260B) is proximate to the second magnet sensor (170B; 280B),
wherein when the button (<NUM>; <NUM>) is in the second button position, the button (<NUM>; <NUM>) biases the magnet holder (<NUM>; <NUM>) to a second magnet holder position, in which the second magnet (150B; 260B) is proximate to the first magnet sensor (170A; 280A) and the third magnet (150C; 260C) is proximate to the second magnet sensor (170B; 280B),
wherein when the button (<NUM>; <NUM>) is in the third button position, the button (<NUM>; <NUM>) biases the magnet holder (<NUM>; <NUM>) to a third magnet holder position, in which the third magnet (150C; 260C) is proximate to the first magnet sensor (170A; 280A) and the fourth magnet (150D; 260D) is proximate to the second magnet sensor (170B; 280B);
characterised in that the first axis is different from the second axis.