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:
Mar. 11, 2008
Filed:
Aug. 25, 2005
Markus Altmann, Moos-Bankholzen, DE;
Stefan Seiler, Radolfzell, DE;
Christoph Schostok, Steisslingen, DE;
Matthias Rimmele, Singen, DE;
Markus Altmann, Moos-Bankholzen, DE;
Stefan Seiler, Radolfzell, DE;
Christoph Schostok, Steisslingen, DE;
Matthias Rimmele, Singen, DE;
TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. Kg, Radolfzell, DE;
Abstract
A rotary light switch for motor vehicles is presented that ensures a feel that is not susceptible to mechanical influences. The rotary light switch has an actuator that can be rotated around an axis and that can be moved in the axial direction, and that is non-rotatably coupled to a rotational position indicator and axially coupled to an axial position indicator. Moreover, it has an electronic evaluation circuit to which the signals from the rotational position indicator and from the axial position indicator are fed and, according to a permanently stored decision matrix, said evaluation circuit uses the signals to derive discrete switching states that are converted into switching signals that serve to actuate the lighting system of the vehicle. The rotational position indicator comprises a potentiometer that generates a negligible resistance to the rotational movement, so that no mechanical influences are caused by the rotational position indicator. The axial position indicator is realized in the form of a light barrier system that likewise causes no mechanical counteractions. Thus, the feel of the rotary light switch is largely consistent.