The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 27, 2004
Filed:
Jan. 28, 2003
Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor, MI (US);
Abstract
The invention relates to a snap-in locking device for a multistage rotary switch with a switch spindle that is connectable with a rotary knob. The switch spindle is connected with an axle part that is snapped into an inner receptacle of a built-in switch panel part. The axle part rests on the switch panel part and is lock-in adjustable between snap-in receptacles with cams that are each limited by two radially-aligned connector links. The snap-in receptacles cover the entire circumference of the inner receptacle of the switch panel part. The axle part can be set into rotary motion with the switch spindle by a rotary knob, which is attachable to the switch spindle, and that modifiable limit stops define the number of switch positions, then a snap-in locking device for a operating unit is created with simple and cost-effective production and assembly parts that is coupleable with other components of the operating unit and can be equipped with an over-rotation safeguard.