Abstract: A switch apparatus for controlling multiple electrical circuits includes housing mountable on a vehicle steering column. A carrier is pivotally mounted to the housing for rotation with a lever. The lever pivots about at least one axis between a center position and at least one other position. A detent surface formed in one of the housing and the carrier has at least one detent, each detent associated with a respective other position. A component for latching the carrier and the lever one of the other positions is mountable on the carrier and engageable with the detent surface. A cancel pawl extends from the housing and is engageable with a rotatable member on the steering column. The carrier is returned to the center position from engagement in the other position by a biasing component, which permits sliding movement between the cancel pawl and biasing component when the lever holds the carrier in the position.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column stalk switch includes a multifunction switch lever having a rotatable actuator which drives a first rotatable gear. Gear teeth on the first gear engage gear teeth on a second gear mounted within a housing with zero backlash. The second gear is biased into compliant engagement with the first gear. The biasing is effected by means of at least one leaf contact resiliently cantilevered from conductive elements carried in the housing into engagement with the second gear.

Abstract: A circuit interlock switch mountable in a stalk switch apparatus includes an actuator mounted on a lever movably mounted in a housing attachable to a vehicle steering column. The actuator is moveable relative to the lever. In a first movement state, the actuator is coupled through a shaft extending through the lever to a contactor and moves the contactor between operative states upon rotation of the actuator to open and close vehicle circuits coupled through conductive traces in a substrate engaged by contacts on the contactor. A cam and cam follower are formed on the lever and the actuator to permit axial translation of the actuator relative to the lever only in certain rotated positions of the actuator.

Abstract: A multi-function switch lever apparatus mountable on a vehicle steering column includes at least one actuator and one contactor. A shaft extends through a lever pivotally mounted to a housing containing the contactor. A first end of the shaft is fixed to the first actuator. The second end of the shaft rotates a drive gear which engages and moves a linear toothed rack mounted in the housing between electrical circuit positions. Cancel members in a turn signal mechanism are biasingly mounted allowing disengagement of either cancel member from a cancel pawl when the turn signal lever is held in a turn position during rotation of the steering wheel when completing a turn. A beam change carrier is mounted in the housing and carries a pivotal contact which switches positions upon engagement with a paddle during pivotal movement of the stalk switch lever about one axis.

Abstract: A switch apparatus for controlling multiple electrical circuits includes a pivot shaft carried in a housing mountable on a vehicle steering column. A carrier is pivotally mounted on the pivot shaft for rotation of about axis. A lever is pivotally mounted to the carrier for rotation about a first axis to the axis of the shaft. A rotatable end cap is mounted on the lever. A shaft is fixed to the end cap at one end and extends through a lever to a second end on which a gear is mounted. A radial rack is mounted in the housing and engaged by the gear for rotation about the pivot shaft. Electrical traces are formed in the housing and engaged by contacts carried on the radial rack to control operating circuits. An actuator is rotatably and translatingly mounted on the pivot shaft and has an arm extending from a center. The arm engages one leaf contact in the housing upon rotation of the actuator to control a circuit.

Abstract: A switch apparatus for controlling multiple electrical circuits includes a pivot shaft carried in a housing mountable on a vehicle steering column. A carrier is pivotally mounted on the pivot shaft for rotation of about axis. A lever is pivotally mounted to the carrier for rotation about a first axis to the axis of the shaft. A rotatable end cap is mounted on the lever. A shaft is fixed to the end cap at one end and extends through a lever to a second end on which a gear is mounted. A radial rack is mounted in the housing and engaged by the gear for rotation about the pivot shaft. Electrical traces are formed in the housing and engaged by contacts carried on the radial rack to control operating circuits. An actuator is rotatably and translatingly mounted on the pivot shaft and has an arm extending from a center. The arm engages one leaf contact in the housing upon rotation of the actuator to control a circuit.

Abstract: A switch apparatus having an integrated flasher relay for activation and deactivation of a hazard signaling system particularly for use in automotive vehicles. The actuator has an integral flasher relay that moves with the actuator through the activation and deactivation operations. The switch is also provided with a detent utilizing a roller for releasably locking the actuator in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A steering column stalk switch includes a lever gimballed for rotation relative to a housing in two different paths of movement. First and second electrical contactors are mounted on a support for engagement with conductive traces on a circuit board stationarily mounted in the housing. An actuator on the lever engages the support upon movement of the lever in one path of movement to laterally move the support to switch the position of one of the first and second contactors relative to the conductive traces on the circuit board. Movement of the lever in a different direction rotates the support to switch the other contactor relative to the conductive traces on the circuit board.

Abstract: A switch in one embodiment includes a knob slidable through an aperture in a bezel. The knob is guided within a post mounted on a carrier and is biased to an outward position with respect to a carrier. A latch movably mounted on the carrier is rotated between two positions by a member carried on the knob on each successive depression of the knob. In one position, a projection on the latch extends through aligned bores in the post and a stem carried on the knob to lock the knob in a second position. Movement of the latch in an opposite direction, on the next depression of the knob, releases the projection from the aligned bores enabling the knob to biasingly move outward to the first position. Preferably, the carrier is rotatable relative to a support. The knob is keyed to the post on the carrier such that when the knob is in the second position, rotation of the knob causes rotation of the carrier. In another embodiment, two pushbuttons are disposed side-by-side for independent and/or simultaneous movement.

Abstract: Electrical multi-circuit switch apparatus includes a flat flux plate and a pyramid-shaped magnet having a base and three or more triangular faces defining intersecting edges, outer edges and an apex. The flux plate is fixed in a molded base in a depression with substantially vertical walls and electrical terminals having portions on said walls. The magnet carries spring arm contacts on its outer edges and is free to rotate, with respect to the flux plate, about whichever intersecting edge contacts the flux plate between stable positions in each of which one of said faces abuts the flux plate for maximum magnetic attraction. The movement is initiated by a downward force at a predetermined location on the base of the magnet and occurs with a magnetic snap action, moving said spring arm contacts in a vertical rocking motion to change the electrical connections between said terminals in a predetermined manner. The apparatus is shown in an automotive exterior lamp control.

Abstract: A switch having a pair of operating levers located within a housing in side-by-side relationship and in which the pair of operating levers are supported for conjoint and independent movement about a common pivot axis for selectively opening and closing contact members which establish a plurality of lighting circuits.