IP Library Granted Patent US 8,071,896
Granted Patent B2
US 8,071,896 · App. 12/395,866 · Granted Dec 6, 2011

Switch device generating analog output with click mechanism

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,071,896
App. No.
12/395,866
Granted
Dec 6, 2011
Kind
B2
Abstract

A switch device includes an electrical component having an operating unit and outputting a predetermined analog signal based on a position of the operating unit, and a detecting unit that detects operation of the operating unit on the basis of an output from the electrical component. The electrical component is provided with a click mechanism that generates a click feeling at a predetermined position with respect to the operation of the operating unit, and the click mechanism shifts the operating unit while changing an operating speed at the predetermined position. The detecting unit detects variation in output from the electrical component, and outputs a predetermined signal on the basis of the variation in output by considering that the operating unit is at a predetermined position for generating the click feeling.

Claims (9)

1. A switch device comprising:

an electrical component having an operating unit and outputting a predetermined analog signal based on a position of the operating unit; and

a detecting unit that detects operation of the operating unit on the basis of an output from the electrical component,

wherein the electrical component is provided with a click mechanism that generates a click feeling at a predetermined position with respect to the operation of the operating unit, and the click mechanism shifts the operating unit while changing an operating speed at the predetermined position, and

wherein the detecting unit detects variation of a signal converted from the predetermined analog signal into a digital signal in output from the electrical component, and outputs a predetermined signal on the basis of the variation in output by considering that the operating unit is at a predetermined position for generating the click feeling.

2. The switch device according to claim 1 , wherein the detecting unit outputs a predetermined signal by considering that the operating unit is at a predetermined position for generating the click feeling, when the variation in output from the electrical component becomes greater than a predetermined threshold value.

3. The switch device according to claim 1 , wherein the detecting unit detects an output from the electrical component in an initial state of starting an operation, and outputs a predetermined signal based on the output.

4. The switch device according to claim 1 , wherein the electrical component includes a permanent magnet and a magnetoresistive element, wherein the magnetoresistive element outputs the predetermined analog signal.

5. The switch device according to claim 1 , wherein the detecting unit outputs a predetermined signal by considering that the operating unit is at a predetermined position for generating the click feeling, when the variation in output from the electrical component becomes less than a predetermined threshold value.

Assignments (2)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Feb 1, 2019
From: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
To: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
Reel/Frame 048209/0260 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 2, 2009
From: ABE, RINJI; KIKUCHI, YUYA
To: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
Reel/Frame 022330/0157 →