HALL EFFECT PUSHBUTTON SWITCH

摘要

A pushbutton switch that utilizes a Hall Effect sensor. The Hall Effect pushbutton switch may be utilized in an Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) system or in variety of applications where pushbutton movement needs to be measured. The pushbutton switch comprises a pushbutton exposed to a user and slidably received in a pushbutton housing of a pushbutton station. A magnet is attached to the pushbutton at a side opposite to the side exposed to the user. A Hall Effect sensor (either analog or digital) is coupled to a circuit board and positioned in spaced relation to the magnet and pushbutton. For tactile feedback or vibration, the sensor is mounted at the center or within close proximity of a coil. The magnetic field generated from the coil during vibration/tactile feedback can be monitored as a means of self-checking for proper functionality of both the sensor and coil working together.

主权项

1. A pushbutton switch system comprising
a pushbutton exposed to a user, a magnet attached to the pushbutton, an electromagnetic coil operably coupled to the magnet, and a Hall Effect sensor operably coupled to the magnet and the coil, and positioned in spaced relation to the pushbutton and magnet.