Electricity: circuit makers and breakers – Multiple circuit control – Sequential operations
Reexamination Certificate
2003-03-14
2004-05-18
Friedhofer, Michael A. (Department: 2832)
Electricity: circuit makers and breakers
Multiple circuit control
Sequential operations
C200S0050EA, C200S339000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06737592
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention in general relates to a switch assembly and, more particularly, to a switch assembly for operating a device (such as a power window in a vehicle) in different operational modes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In electric power window applications for a vehicle, it is desirable to have a switch assembly that can be actuated by a passenger in both push-push and push-lift motions. This type of push-push and push-lift switch assembly is desirable to allow a window to open with a first push of a switch and then automatically open with a second push of a switch. Additionally, it is desirable that the same switch assembly allows the passenger to close the window by applying another force.
Conventional switch assemblies have their drawbacks. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,487 describes a key top mounting structure for connecting a key top to an operating lever. The key top mounting structure provides a switch operating mechanism that can be used in both a push-push type and a push-pull type switch. However, the switch assembly there requires a complicated mechanical actuating assembly that employs spring contacts. Spring contacts create undesirable noise when actuating. Additionally, the spring contacts are expensive and require excessive parts.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,717,176 describes a switch assembly that includes a membrane having multiple detents. The membrane switch completes a pair of electric circuits to activate two modes. Although this switch assembly overcomes some of the problems of spring contacts, the assembly does not include functionality for a push-push type and a push-pull type switch.
A need exists for improved devices and methods for providing a push-push type and a push-pull type actuation. For instance, a need exists to reduce the noise and the cost in prior switch assemblies. There is also a need to reduce the number of parts needed in a switch assembly. Additionally, there is a need to integrate specific types of color lighting within the switch assembly to provide illumination during night applications. In high volume applications, the integrated color lighting needs to be a low cost design.
It is, therefore, desirable to provide an improved device and method of providing a switch assembly for operating a device in different operational modes to overcome most, if not all, of the preceding problems.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5403984 (1995-04-01), Ogawa
patent: 5430261 (1995-07-01), Malone
patent: 5669487 (1997-09-01), Sakata
patent: 5693920 (1997-12-01), Maeda
patent: 5717176 (1998-02-01), Dahlstrom
patent: 5834716 (1998-11-01), Lee
patent: 5918966 (1999-07-01), Arnold
patent: 6054655 (2000-04-01), Rudolph et al.
patent: 6158867 (2000-12-01), Parker et al.
patent: 6274826 (2001-08-01), Serizawa et al.
patent: 6437259 (2002-08-01), Geppert et al.
patent: 6610945 (2003-08-01), Onodera
patent: 2001/0001270 (2001-05-01), Vigliaturo
Hoang Andy Anh
Kosberg Robert
Mathew John
Pflug Jeffrey C.
Friedhofer Michael A.
Mancini Brian M.
Miller Thomas V.
Motorola Inc.
LandOfFree
Switch assembly for operating a device in different... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Switch assembly for operating a device in different..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Switch assembly for operating a device in different... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3218473