Abstract: A magnetic rotary actuator (12) for a motor vehicle control unit (10) is described, including a stationary part (22) and a rotary member (18) which is rotatable relative to the stationary part (22). The magnetic rotary actuator (12) has a magnetic latching haptics (28) comprising a plurality of magnetic latching positions. Both the stationary part (22) and the rotatable rotary member (18) each comprise at least two separately formed magnetic elements (30) which cooperate to generate the plurality of magnetic latching positions. A motor vehicle control unit (10) is furthermore described.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an operating unit for an in-vehicle system to control an operation of at least one in-vehicle electric device of a vehicle. The operating unit includes at least one touch screen, at least one rotary knob that is arranged on the touchscreen and at least one shaft that extends through the touchscreen and is connected in a non-rotatable manner to the rotary knob. In order to simplify operation of the operating unit via haptic feedback from the operating unit, the operating unit comprises at least one electromagnetic latching arrangement that is connected to the shaft and renders it possible to latch different rotary positions of the rotary knob in a non-contact manner.

Abstract: A support body holding a touch pad is mounted on a hollow support body of a base member, a space is formed in the base member and extends from its inside to an inside of the hollow support body, a shaft is provided vertically to an operation knob and extends from a back surface of a top surface portion, the touch pad has a through hole through which the shaft is inserted into the space, a rotation detection portion detecting rotating movement of an operation body and a pressing detection portion detecting reciprocating movement of the operation body are provided, and, in the space, the shaft is linked to a rotating movement portion making rotation detection movement for the rotation detection portion with rotating movement of the operation body and a pressing movement portion making pressing detection movement for the pressing detection portion with reciprocating movement of the operation body.

Abstract: A switch includes a printed circuit board and a contact piece with first and second contacts. The printed circuit board has a power input contact, a power output contact, a noncontact area, and a plurality of signal contacts that are disposed at a plurality of predetermined positions. The power input contact and the plurality of signal contacts are disposed on the printed circuit board such that, upon movement of the first contact from the noncontact area to a signal contact, the second contact will align with the power input contact prior to the first contact aligning with the signal contact.

Abstract: A rotary switch includes a base, a rotary mechanism, and a manipulation member. The base includes a shell and a circuit board. An annular supporting portion is arranged in the shell. A number of protrusions are formed on a top of the supporting portion. An indentation is defined between every two neighboring protrusions. The circuit board includes a number of contact pieces corresponding to the indentations. The rotary mechanism is installed in the shell and includes a rotary pole, a connecting member slidably connected to a top of the rotary pole, an abutting pole telescopically mounted to an end of the rotary pole, and a resilient member mounted between the rotary pole and the connecting member. The rotary pole includes a trigger to make connections with the contact pieces. The manipulation member is rotatably mounted to the shell and fixed to the connecting member.

Abstract: A movable operation unit is movable on a two-dimensional operation surface of a main body. The two-dimensional operation surface is defined by an X-axis and a Y-axis perpendicular to each other. A Y-axis movable portion is rotatable around a rotation axis. The Y-axis movable portion is movable in the Y-axis direction when rotating around the rotation axis. The rotation axis extends in the X-axis direction relative to the main body. The Y-axis movable portion includes a sliding rail portion on which the movable operation unit is slidable in the X-axis direction. The movable operation unit is operable to slide in the X axial direction and move in the Y axial direction accompanied with rotation of the Y-axis movable portion around the rotation axis to performs a parallel shift in the two dimensional direction while regularly and constantly maintaining a posture of the movable operation unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a mode change in an electronic device are provided. The apparatus includes a rotary switch including a common port and a plurality of contact points corresponding to a plurality of modes, a comparator for comparing a voltage of the common port with a reference voltage to output a resultant signal, a measurement unit for measuring the voltage of the common port according to the resultant signal of the comparator, and a Micro Control Unit (MCU) for evaluating a changed mode based on the measured voltage.

Abstract: A control device includes a sensor, an analysis unit, and a control unit. The sensor includes a stationary member and a rotatable member. The stationary member includes a first electrode and at least two second electrodes. The rotatable member includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode. The first electrode electrically contacts the third electrode and each second electrode electrically contacts the fourth electrode in sequence when the stationary member is rotated. The analysis unit is configured for determining which second electrode electrically contacts the fourth electrode. The control unit is configured for executing a corresponding command based upon the determination of the analysis unit.

Abstract: A rotationally-operated input device includes the following elements: (a) a magnetized cylindrical rotary magnet; (b) an operating shaft having the rotary magnet inserted and held thereon; (c) an upper case and a lower case for sandwiching the operating shaft therebetween rotatably; (d) an insulating substrate for fixing and holding the lower case; (e) a detection element mounted on the insulating substrate, for detecting rotation of the rotary magnet in a non-contact manner; and (f) a fixed magnet for generating an attractive and repulsive force between the fixed magnet and the rotary magnet. This structure allows detection of a rotation state of the operating shaft and provides click-feeling at rotating operation, in a non-contact manner. Thus a long-life small rotationally-operated input device can be provided.

Abstract: A selecting operation and a setting operation for setup items shown on a display are performed with using a selection change switch that can in steps rotate to three positions indicated by marks and a dial switch that is stacked on the selection change switch. The display shows three setup items at three locations. In a case that the selection change switch is rotated and a tip portion of the selection change switch indicates a position, it is thought that the selection operation is performed to select a setup item shown at a location corresponding to the indicated position. Then, the setting operation for the selected setup item is performed by rotating the dial switch. When the selection change switch has pivoted toward near side or far side, a window to be shown at the foreground is changed on the display.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic apparatus including a casing, a first jog dial, and a pressing operation detection unit. The casing includes a first surface and a second surface. The first jog dial is exposed from the first surface and the second surface, is capable of rotating around a first axis substantially parallel to the first surface and the second surface as a center, and is capable of being pressed from a first direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the second surface. The pressing operation detection unit detects a first pressing operation from the first direction and a second pressing operation from the second direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching distribution board (1), comprising a number of m input contact pairs (2) and n output contact pairs (16), it being possible for an input contact pair (2) to be connected to any desired output contact pair (16) by a mechanical switching mechanism, the mechanical switching mechanism being driven by at least one motor (5).

Abstract: A rotary switch for vehicles including a plurality of fixed rotational positions and several spring-loaded axial positions. A first axial position is activated by a pushing movement and a second axial position is activated by a pulling movement.

Abstract: A power hand tool includes a rotary adjustment knob for adjusting maximum output torque, which has a plurality of radial ribs, radial locating grooves alternatively arranged on the inner sidewall thereof, and a locating member for supporting the rotary adjustment knob in position, which has a mounting base coupled to a part inside the housing of the power hand tool and two locating portions located at two opposite sides of the mounting base. Each of the locating portions has a protrusion engaged with one of the radial locating grooves of the rotary adjustment knob.

Abstract: A detent mechanism includes: a control member to be operated rotationally; a rotary member including a pair of magnetic poles adapted to rotate in conjunction with the control member; a plurality of electromagnets provided along a rotational path of the magnetic poles of the rotary member; and a detent controller that has a detent energization pattern in which a current energization direction and an energization amount are determined for the plurality of electromagnets. The detent controller gives a detent in operation of the control member by applying an electromagnetic force between at least one of the plurality of electromagnets and the rotary member by energization control for the plurality of electromagnets according to the detent energization pattern.

Abstract: An HVAC controller with a simplified and/or lower cost user interface. In one illustrative embodiment, the HVAC controller includes two switches, a movable member, and a plurality of detents. The detents are configured to cause the two switches to be switched in a sequence when the movable member is moved. In some cases, a controller is coupled to the two switches, and may change an HVAC control parameter based on the switch sequence.

Abstract: An alarm device for signaling when an object reaches a specified condition. The alarm device includes a sensor for detecting the condition of the object. The device further includes a switch element which is closed when the sensor indicates the specified condition. The closed switch element triggers an alarm which will signal a person monitoring the condition that the specified condition has been reached.

Abstract: An improved timer for controlling an appliance includes a camstack having a plurality of cam surfaces defined therein. A switch block cooperates with the plurality of cam surfaces to provide first switching operations for the appliance. A sensor detects rotation of the camstack, and generates position signals in response thereto. A processor is configured to receive the position signals and generate control signals in response thereto, wherein an auxiliary switching operation is performed in response to generation of the control signals.

Abstract: A device and method is described for safely recognizing a switch position angle of a rotary switch. Two redundantly configured computer units are provided to determine discrete switch positions of the rotary switch by evaluating two actual analog switch position signal values corresponding to the switch position angle, with each computer unit separately checking the actual analog switch position signal values for plausibility. Faulty switch position angles are identified by comparing the switch position angles determined by the first and the second computer unit.

Abstract: A safety switch device (6) for the generation of a control signal (&THgr;) when the future angle of deflection of the housing of a rotary electrically powered hand tool exceeds a predetermined value, wherein a rotational rate sensor (7) directly measuring the rotational velocity (&ohgr;) is connected to a comparison element (8) in a signal-transferring fashion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement in connection with a control device (1) particularly used for controlling a forestry machine and a boom thereof. The control device comprises a frame section (5), a handle (2) attached pivotally thereto, operating switches (3) at the handle and a control keyboard (4) arranged in connection with the handle onto a supporting plate (8) surrounding the handle. The present invention enables a driver to reach all control keys (9) of the control device at all operating positions of the control device. Thus the supporting plate comprises a dome-shaped element having, for example, spherical outer surface (10) and being arranged in connection with the handle (2). The control keyboard (4) is arranged on the outer surface of this element.

Abstract: This invention is related to an auto tripping key switch, comprising a switch housing being formed with at least one guide groove and one slideway at an inner side thereof; a first contact plate and a second contact plate that are fastened to the switch housing, the first contact plate being provided with a first contact and the second contact being connected to a deformable bi-metallic strip provided with a second contact that opposes to and is spaced from the first contact at an appropriate distance. This invention further comprises a key that is provided with a first protrusion engaging the guide groove within the switch housing such that the key is only slidable along the guide groove, the key having an inner serrate edge; and a cylindrical insulative housing that is slidable in the switch housing and has an end being formed with a serrate edge matching the serrate edge of the key so as to subject rotation of the cylindrical insulative housing when the key is being pushed.

Abstract: This invention is related to an auto tripping multi-state key switch, comprising a switch housing being formed with at least one guide groove and one slideway at an inner side thereof; a first contact strip and a second contact strip both fastened to the switch housing, the first contact strip including a first contact and the second contact strip including a second contact; a bi-metallic strip having thereon a third contact and being connected to a connection plate include thereon a fourth contact; a key being provided with at least one first protrusion thereon for engaging the guide groove within the switch housing, the key having an end that is formed with a serrated edge; a rotary housing being provided with at least one second protrusion thereon for engaging the guide groove and the slideway allowing sliding movement of the rotary housing within the switch housing, the rotary housing having a top end being formed with a serrated edge that cooperates with the serrated edge at the bottom of the key, and th

Abstract: A position sensor including a rotational shaft (7), a plurality of brushes (13, 15, 17, 19) supported by the rotational shaft (7), a housing (3), a printed circuit board (21) fixed to the housing (3), a main conductor (M) provided on the printed circuit board (21) and contacting with the brushes (13, 15, 17, 19) for generating a primary signal in accordance with which a predetermined number of positions has been attained by the rotational shaft (7), and a subordinate conductor (S) provided on the circuit board (21) and contacting with the brushes (13, 15, 17, 19) for generating a secondary signal in accordance with the which a predetermined number of positions has been attained by the rotational shaft (7). The secondary signal keeps the same voltage level around a predetermined position. According to the present invention, the predetermined position of the rotational shaft (7) may be detected accurately. Further, the cost of the position sensor may be reduced.

Abstract: A pulse detection mechanism for detecting the rotation amount of a rotary member and its rotational direction with a high degree of accuracy by reducing the degree of fluctuation in the position of contact between pins and a pulse surface. A rotation shaft to which a pulse plate has been fixed is supported by a shaft insertion hole of a rotation shaft holding member and that of a pin receiving member. Pins are inserted through pin holes formed through the pin receiving member so that one end of each pin contacts the pulse surface and the other end thereof is urged by a leaf spring of a leaf spring member. The pulse surface and the pins are placed in position by the shaft insertion hole of the rotation shaft holding member and that of the pin receiving member so that the pulse detection mechanism so as to prevent a position fluctuation from being reduced greatly.

Abstract: An input device for providing X and Y coordinate analog input values and an associated function selection to a computer. There is a support plate and a multiposition function selection switch having an output indicating the position thereof. There is also selector apparatus carried by the support plate and operably connected for moving the function selection switch between its positions. There are coordinate generators for generating X and Y coordinate analog values at outputs thereof and activator apparatus carried in combination with the selector apparatus and operably connected to the coordinate generators for changing the X and Y analog values being output. The selector apparatus may comprise an annular member disposed parallel to the plane of the support plate with the activator apparatus disposed within the annular member. The function selection switch is a rotatable switch and the annular member is rotatable about a perpendicular axis to move the function selection switch between its positions.

Abstract: An electrical control for providing a graduated change in the magnitude of electrical energy transferred from a source of electrical energy to a device driven thereby including a mount, a plurality of load contacts disposed in fixed relation on the mount, a movable power contact engaging certain of the plurality of load contacts, a movable transition contact associated with the movable power contact first engaging each of the load contacts engaged by the movable power contact to provide an alternate full load current path through each of the load contacts engaged by the movable power contact prior to engagement by the movable power contact, thus providing a transition between the load contacts engaged by the movable power contacts which are connected to differing magnitudes of impedance substantially without arcing; and a third movable contact may be provided for selectively engaging other of the plurality of load contacts for effecting a switching function.

Abstract: A switch system for interconnecting a plurality of balanced line inputs with a plurality of balanced line outputs is disclosed. The lines are crossed in a matrix with a pair of rotatable switch means mounted at each crosspoint. Each pair of the switch means provides straight through connections for the input and output lines while in a first position, and a cross connection at the matrix point while in a second position. The switch means provides identical path lengths for each side of the balanced line before and after switching. The switch system also includes means for grounding the unused contacts and the inactive line sections remaining in the matrix after an interconnection has been made. The matrix is formed of a plurality of interchangeable modules that allow quick and convenient expansion of the matrix when needed.