Patent Document

[0001]    This invention relates to an electronic switch and more particularly to an electronic switch assembly, suitable for use with a power accessory especially with a moving body in a vehicle, such as a vehicle door used in a power window device, a sunroof device, a power lock device and the like.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Common to a modern vehicle, is a switch device, wherein the switch is positioned between or connected to a motor and a number of different items. These items include, but are not limited to, a door lock, a power window, a sun roof, and a vehicle alarm.  
           [0003]    Power-assisted windows are available on vehicles of this time. The structure providing a power window involves an electronic switch operated by a conveniently mounted button. The button serves to activate an electric motor in order to raise or lower the window as desired.  
           [0004]    A type of controller for any item, including a power window regulator provided in a door of a vehicle on the driver&#39;s side, has a manual mode switch and an automatic mode switch provided as a means for operating the controller. Ordinarily, this type of controller has a construction described below.  
           [0005]    A relay is provided to control the energization of the motor for moving the window glass upward or downward. When the manual mode switch is turned on, the relay is operated to form a circuit for the energization of the motor. The window glass is moved upward or downward only for the period of time that the manual mode switch is in the “ON” state, thereby enabling the window glass to be moved to the desired position.  
           [0006]    A retention circuit is provided which maintains the operating state of the relay (that is forming the motor energization circuit), once the relay is operated, by turning on the automatic mode switch. This occurs even after the automatic mode switch has been turned off.  
           [0007]    An auto-stop circuit is also provided which detects a locked-rotor current which flows through the motor during the energization of the motor based on the maintained state of the relay. When the locked-rotor current is detected, the auto-stop circuit cancels the maintenance of the operating state of the relay that is affected by the retention circuit. Consequently, once the automatic mode switch is turned on, even for a short time, the operating state of the relay is maintained by the retention circuit even after the automatic mode switch has been turned off, thereby continuing the energization of the motor and, hence, the (upward or downward) movement of the window glass.  
           [0008]    When the window glass that is moved in this way reaches a limited position (at which it completely closes or opens the window), a locked-rotor current flows through the motor. The auto-stop circuit detects this locked-rotor current and cancels the operation of the relay, thereby automatically stopping the energization of the motor in response to the window glass reaching the limited position.  
           [0009]    However, once the locked-rotor current starts flowing through the motor, it decreases as the temperature of the motor winding increases. In some cases, the locked-rotor current becomes lower than a threshold level for detection of the locked-rotor current in the auto-stop circuit. In such an event, the operation maintained by the retention circuit is not cancelled and the energization of the motor continues uncontrollably. Such uncontrolled action results in the risk of the motor abnormally heating as well as the risk of an increase in the rate at which the vehicle battery; serving as the power source of the power window, is consumed.  
           [0010]    Durability is a key feature of the power accessories of a vehicle. The window operation is used as an example. In particular, a major problem occurs whenever the power window does not operate. If the power window becomes stuck in a down position, rain can enter the vehicle. Having the interior of a vehicle become wet, is clearly undesirable. If the power window becomes stuck in an up position, safety of a person in the vehicle can be compromised, especially if the door of the vehicle becomes inoperable for any reason.  
           [0011]    The manufacturing process for such a reliable switch can be difficult. Clearly, if a switch can be more easily manufactured, while maintaining the same reliability or better reliability, great advantages can be obtained. Accordingly, an improved switch for a power accessory on a vehicle is extremely desirable.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    Among the many objectives of this invention is to provide an improved switch assembly for a power accessory on a vehicle.  
           [0013]    Another objective of this invention is to provide an improved switch assembly for a power window on a vehicle.  
           [0014]    Yet another objective of this invention is to provide an improved switch assembly for a power sunroof on a vehicle.  
           [0015]    Still, another objective of this invention is to provide an improved switch assembly for a power lock on a vehicle.  
           [0016]    Additionally, an objective of this invention is to provide an improved switch assembly for a key operated accessory on a vehicle.  
           [0017]    Also, an objective of this invention is to provide a durable switch assembly for a power accessory on a vehicle.  
           [0018]    A further objective of this invention is to provide an easily manufactured switch assembly for a power accessory on a vehicle.  
           [0019]    These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) an electronic switch assembly, with at least one switch thereon, the at least one switch being capable of receiving a contact from a rotating cam, in order to control the power accessory. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspective view of the circular electronic switch assembly  100  of this invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 2 depicts an exploded perspective view of the switch mechanism  110  for the electronic switch assembly  100  of this invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 3 depicts a bottom plan view of the circuit board  150  for the circular electronic switch assembly  100  of this invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 4 depicts a front, side view of the electronic switch assembly  100  of this invention with left switch  196  of switch mechanism  110  depressed.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5 depicts a back, side view of the circular electronic switch assembly  100  of this invention, based on FIG. 4.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 6 depicts a top plan view of the circular electronic switch assembly  100  with left switch  196  of switch mechanism  110  depressed, based on FIG. 4.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 7 depicts a left side, profile view of the circular electronic switch assembly  100  with left switch  196  of switch mechanism  110  depressed.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 8 depicts a front side, profile view of the circular electronic switch assembly  100  with right switch  198  of switch mechanism  110  depressed.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 9 depicts a back, side view of the circular electronic switch assembly  100  of this invention, based on FIG. 8.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 10 depicts a top plan view of the circular electronic switch assembly  100  with right switch  198  of switch mechanism  110  depressed, based on FIG. 8.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 11 depicts a right side, profile view of the circular electronic switch assembly  100  with right switch  196  of switch mechanism  110  depressed.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 12 depicts an exploded perspective view of the rectangular electronic switch assembly  300  of this invention.  
         [0032]    Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears in more than one figure, the same number is applied thereto. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0033]    With the electronic switch assembly, almost any power accessory on a vehicle can be operated. A housing for the electronic switch assembly contains the elements thereof. The housing includes a body as a lower portion and a cover as a top portion. Resting on the body is the circuit board. An activating rotor is placed over the circuit board. The cover holds the rotor and circuit board on the body and within the housing.  
         [0034]    For the housing, the interior must provide for the generally reciprocal and circular movement of the activating rotor in order to contact a switch, when such contact is desired. However, the exterior of the housing may be of any suitable shape. Typical shapes are generally defined as cylindrical, rectangular or other appropriate shape. Usually, the desired shape has a generally cylindrical appearance.  
         [0035]    The electronic switch assembly, in general, and the switch mechanism, in particular, may be connected in a circuit in any suitable fashion. Solid, rigid, semi-rigid or flexible connectors from the switch mechanism may be used. Wires, prongs, other connectors, and combinations thereof may be used as connectors. With the connectors, any suitable standard electrical fastener may be used. Solder, tape, clips or other fasteners are usable fasteners, either singly or in combination.  
         [0036]    Extending from the body is a lower connector cradle adapted to protect the connecting prongs or wires, which extend from the circuit board. Likewise extending from the cover is an upper connector cradle adapted to protect the connecting prongs, which extend from the circuit board. Clearly, the upper connector cradle combines with the upper connector cradle to surround and protect the connecting prongs or wires.  
         [0037]    In cooperation with the housing, a plug shield protects the prongs. The plug shield snaps onto the body. It also serves as a guide for connecting the switch assembly as desired. Also on the plug shield is a locking latch, which serves to further support the switch assembly.  
         [0038]    Within the switch assembly, one or two activating switches are desired, with the final number depending on the circuit, in which, the switch assembly is used. Such a structure has at least one tactile switch. Such a tactile switch is easily and commercially available.  
         [0039]    Referring now to FIG. 1, circular electronic switch assembly  100  has a housing  120 , which in turn, has a body  122  and a cover  124  for the body  122 . Attached to or contained within housing  120  are the elements of the electronic switch assembly  100 . At the base of body  122  is a body mount  126  (FIG. 8).  
         [0040]    Housing  120  has a generally circular appearance, with a protrusion extending therefrom. More particularly, body  122  as a circular member  130  with a cradle  132  extending therefrom. At the base of circular member  130  is the circuit receiver  134 . Adjacent to the cradle  132  on either side thereof are holding lips  138 . Cradle  132  extends with wings  140  and cradle base  142 . Centrally located in circular member  130  is cylinder mount  144 . On circuit receiver  134  is a series of board mounting pins  146 . Switch mechanism  110  rests on mounting pins  146  in body  122 .  
         [0041]    Over the cylinder mount  144  is fitted switch mechanism  110 . Over the switch mechanism  110  and into cylinder mount  144  is fitted activating rotor  160 . Over activating rotor  160  is fitted cover  124 . Cover  124  is similar in shape to body  122 .  
         [0042]    Thus, cover  124  has a circle cover portion  162  with a cover protrusion  164  extending therefrom. Cradle  132  and cover protrusion  164  cooperate to form a connector tunnel  166 , through which, the plug shield  180  may be received.  
         [0043]    On the plug shield  180  are wing grips  182  which are adapted to cooperate with holding lips  138  on the body  122  and secure the plug shield  180  within housing  120 , in a snap fit fashion.  
         [0044]    Plug shield  180  includes prong apertures  184  positioned adjacent to wing grips  182 . Adjacent to prong apertures  184  is slide member  186 , which fits into connector tunnel  166 . Slide member  186  expands slightly to receive plug shield  180 . If desired, gripping wings  192  and locking latch  194  may be present on plug shield  180  for the purpose of securing circular electronic switch assembly  100  at a desired position.  
         [0045]    And FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 to the consideration, the structure of switch mechanism  110  includes circuit board  150  having a first or left activating switch  196  and a second or right activating switch  198  mounted thereon. Both left switch  196  and right switch  198  include a switch base  200  having a dimpled contact  202  on one side thereof. On the side of base  200 , which is oppositely disposed from dimpled contact  202  and formed into assembled switch  204 , are four corner contact prongs  206  connecting both left switch  196  and right switch  198  to the circuit board  150 .  
         [0046]    Over the dimpled contact  202  is placed a base insulator  208 . On the base insulator  208  is placed a rubber tube spring  210 . Over the rubber tube spring  210  is a button  212 . Over the button  212  is placed a button housing  214 , which completes the formation of either the left switch  196  or the right switch  198 .  
         [0047]    From a bottom view, circuit board  150  has a left circuit  220  and a right circuit  222 . Left circuit  220  leads to left prong  224 , while right circuit  222  leads to right prong  226 . Line connector  230  is set therebetween and provides connection and activation of the circuit board  150  and, hence the switch assembly  110 .  
         [0048]    With FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, added to the consideration, the operation of activating rotor  160  on left switch  196  may be seen. Activating rotor  160  swings or rotates back and forth like a pendulum. Activating rotor  160  includes a rotor aperture  240  with a rotor cylinder  242  extending through circuit board  150  and into cylinder mount  144 . Activating rotor  160  has a rotor platform  244  extending therefrom and oppositely disposed from rotor cylinder  242 . At the edge of rotor platform  244  is a platform flange  246  extending therefrom in an oppositely disposed fashion relative to the rotor cylinder  242 .  
         [0049]    Additionally considering FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11, the function of switch assembly can be considered. Below activating rotor platform  244  and oppositely disposed from platform flange  246  is left rotor cam  250  and right rotor cam  252 . As activating rotor  160  reciprocates, left rotor cam  250  can operate left switch  196 , and right rotor cam  252  can operate right switch  198 .  
         [0050]    Furthermore, rotor  160  has a rotor keyway  260  in the form of a flattened side on a chord of rotor cylinder  242 . Rotor  160  also has a bearing track  262  to receive bearing slot  128  in cover  124 . Cover  124  furthermore includes a cover stop  264 , which limits rotation of the rotor  160 , thereby permitting activation of the left switch  196  or the right switch  198  in alternate fashions.  
         [0051]    On rotor platform  244  is right rotor stop catch  270  and left rotor stop catch  272 , which cooperate with cover stop  264 . In this fashion, rotor  160  cannot rotate 360 degrees.  
         [0052]    Such movement between left switch  196  and right switch  198  moves the desired item, such as a power window, in the desired direction. For example, left switch  196  and right switch  198  can move a window up or down depending how each is wired. The cooperation between left switch  196  and right switch  198  with different operating function efficiently raises or lowers the window as desired.  
         [0053]    Referring now to FIG. 12, rectangular electronic switch assembly  300  has a rectangular housing  320 , which in turn, has a rectangular body  322  and a rectangular cover  324  for the rectangular body  322 . Attached to or contained within rectangular housing  320  are the elements of the electronic switch assembly  100 . At the base of the rectangular body  322  is a rectangular switch mount  308  similar to that shown in FIG. 8 for circular switch mount  108 .  
         [0054]    Rectangular housing  320  has a generally rectangular appearance, with a wire aperture  326  in rectangular cover  324 . Three conductor wire  330  replaces left prong  224 , right prong  226  and line connector  230 . Wire aperture  326  permits three conductor wire  330  to access or be connected whatever device may be operated or controlled by rectangular electronic switch assembly  300 .  
         [0055]    More particularly, rectangular body  322  has a second circuit receiver  334  similar in purpose and function to circuit receiver  134  of FIG. 1. Cradle  132  of FIG. 1 is not required in view of wire aperture  326 . Second circuit receiver  334  functions as circuit receiver  134 .  
         [0056]    Clearly the various structures of rectangular electronic switch assembly  300  and circular electronic switch assembly  100  are possible. For example, wire aperture  326 , with its associated structure may be used in circular electronic switch assembly  100 . Likewise, connector tunnel  166  with its associated structure of FIG. 1 may replace wire aperture  326  and corresponding features in FIG. 12.  
         [0057]    This application—taken as a whole with the specification, claims, abstract, and drawings—provides sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure.  
         [0058]    Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of this method and apparatus can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure.

Technology Category: h