Magnetic control switch

Abstract

The present invention discloses a rocker switch, which includes a rocker switch housing and a first magnet sensor. The rocker switch also includes a button rotatably mounted to the rocker switch housing around a first axis. The rocker switch also includes a magnet holder, which contacts the button and is rotatably mounted to the rocker switch housing around a second axis different from the first axis. The magnet holder holds a first magnet having a first polarity and a second magnet having a second polarity different from the first polarity. When the button is in a first button position, the button biases the magnet holder to a first magnet holder position, wherein the first magnet is close to the magnet sensor. When the button is in a second button position, the button biases the magnet holder to a second magnet holder position, wherein the second magnet is close to the magnet sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control switch, and more particularly to a contactless control switch. Background Art

[0002] Electrical switches are used as control switches for a variety of applications in a variety of industries. For example, in certain vehicle markets such as heavy trucks, agricultural equipment, and construction equipment, control switches are employed to control motor vehicle lighting, windshield wipers, rear windshield heating, cruise control functions, interior central locking, and other switch functions. The control switch may be in the form of a rocker switch that may be pushed by an operator to rotate or tilt from a neutral position (i.e., an off state) to one or more activated positions (i.e., an on state) that control the operation of an associated system or component.

[0003] One type of control switch is a contactless switch that operates by moving a magnet past a fixed magnetic sensor such as a Hall effect IC or a magnetoresistive sensor to control and determine the mode provided by the switch. In an existing three-position contactless rocker switch, the switch may include two magnets and a single sensor. Such a switch may be configured to move a positive magnet close to the sensor when the switch is in a first position, not move the magnet close to the sensor when the switch is in a second position, and move a negative magnet close to the sensor when the switch is in a third position. However, such a switch may be susceptible to external magnetic fields. For example, when the switch is in the second position and no magnet is close to the sensor, an external magnetic field may act on the sensor. Therefore, the sensor may erroneously indicate that the switch is in the first position or the third position. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a switch includes a switch housing and a printed circuit board mounted to the switch housing. The printed circuit board includes at least a first magnet sensor and a second magnet sensor. The switch also includes a button movably mounted to the switch housing. The button can be moved between at least a first button position, a second button position, and a third button position. The switch also includes a magnet holder, which contacts the button and is movably mounted to the switch housing. The magnet holder at least holds a first magnet having a first polarity, a second magnet having a second polarity different from the first polarity, a third magnet having a second polarity, and a fourth magnet having a first polarity. When the button is in the first button position, the button biases the magnet holder to a first magnet holder position, wherein the first magnet is close to the first magnet sensor, and the second magnet is close to the second magnet sensor. When the button is in the second button position, the button biases the magnet holder to a second magnet holder position, wherein the second magnet is close to the first magnet sensor, and the third magnet is close to the second magnet sensor. When the button is in the third button position, the button biases the magnet holder to a third magnet holder position, wherein the third magnet is proximate to the first magnet sensor and the fourth magnet is proximate to the second magnet sensor.

[0005] In another embodiment, a method of operating a switch includes providing a switch having a button, a magnet holder in contact with the button, and a printed circuit board having at least a first magnet sensor and a second magnet sensor connected thereto. The method also includes moving the button to a first button position, thereby biasing the magnet holder to a first magnet position, wherein the first magnet is close to the first magnet sensor and the second magnet is close to the second magnet sensor. The method also includes moving the button to a second button position, thereby biasing the magnet holder to a second magnet position, wherein the second magnet is close to the first magnet sensor and the third magnet is close to the second magnet sensor. The method also includes moving the button to a third button position, thereby biasing the magnet holder to a third magnet position, wherein the third magnet is close to the first magnet sensor and the fourth magnet is close to the second magnet sensor.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, a rocker switch includes a rocker switch housing and a printed circuit board mounted to the rocker switch housing. The printed circuit board includes a first magnet sensor. The rocker switch also includes a button rotatably mounted to the rocker switch housing about a first axis. The button is movable between a first button position and a second button position. The rocker switch also includes a magnet holder in contact with the button and rotatably mounted to the rocker switch housing about a second axis different from the first axis. The magnet holder holds a first magnet having a first polarity and a second magnet having a second polarity different from the first polarity. When the button is in the first button position, the button biases the magnet holder to a first magnet holder position, wherein the first magnet is proximate to the magnet sensor. When the button is in the second button position, the button biases the magnet holder to a second magnet holder position, wherein the second magnet is proximate to the magnet sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the accompanying drawings, structures are shown which, together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. Identical elements are identified with the same reference numerals. It should be understood that elements shown as a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and elements shown as multiple components may be replaced with a single component. The drawings are not drawn to scale, and for illustrative purposes, the proportions of certain elements may be exaggerated.

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a switch 100;

[0009] Figure 2 is a cross-section of a perspective view of the switch 100 in a neutral position;

[0010] Figure 3 is a cross-section of a front view of the switch 100 in a first position;

[0011] Figure 4 is a cross-section of a front view of the switch 100 in a third position;

[0012] Figure 5 is another cross-section of a perspective view of the switch 100 in a neutral position;

[0013] Figure 6 is a cross-section of a front view of an alternative embodiment of the switch 200 in a first position;

[0014] Figure 7 is a cross-section of a front view of the switch 200 in the second position; and

[0015] Figure 8 is a cross-section of a front view of the switch 200 in the third position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Figure 1 A perspective view of one embodiment of a switch 100 is shown. The switch 100 includes a switch housing 110. Although a housing for a single switch is shown, in alternative embodiments, the housing may house two or more switches. The switch housing 110 is exemplary only, and the size and features may vary.

[0017] The button 120 is movably mounted to the switch housing 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the button 120 is a rocker-type button that pivots about the button axis A1. The button 120 is shown as having a convex top surface. In alternative embodiments, the button may have a flat, concave or angled surface.

[0018] The button 120 is shown here in a neutral position and can move between at least three positions. For example, from this perspective, the button 120 can move between the left downward (or first) position, the neutral (or second) position shown here, and the right downward (or third) position. The designation of the first position, the second position, and the third position is arbitrary and is only used for the purpose of explanation. In an alternative embodiment, the button can move between two positions. In another alternative embodiment, the button can move between four or more positions. Although the button 120 is shown and described as a rocker-type button, it should be understood that other buttons, switches, and dials can be implemented.

[0019] Figure 2 A cross section of a perspective view of the switch 100 in a neutral position is shown. As can be seen in this view, the button 120 includes a lever arm 130 that engages a magnet holder 140. The magnet holder 140 is therefore in contact with the button 120 and is movably mounted to the housing 110. The lever arm 130 is a straight member received in a wedge-shaped opening of the magnet holder 140. This geometry allows the button 120 to pivot a predetermined distance before engaging the magnet holder 140. Alternatively, the opening may have any geometry and may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the wedge-shaped opening may be replaced by a slot, or the magnet holder may be attached to the button. Although the magnet holder 140 is shown as a disc, it should be understood that any geometry may be used.

[0020] The magnet holder 140 includes an opening for receiving a first magnet 150A, a second magnet 150B, a third magnet 150C, and a fourth magnet 150D. The magnets 150A-D can be fixed in place by an adhesive or other attachment means. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnets 150A-D are positioned opposite the wedge-shaped opening of the magnet holder 140. In other embodiments, the magnets can be located at any position on the magnet holder.

[0021] The first magnet 150A and the fourth magnet 150D have a first polarity, and the second magnet 150B and the third magnet 150C have a second polarity different from the first polarity. For example, in one embodiment, the first magnet 150A and the fourth magnet 150D have a positive polarity, while the second magnet 150B and the third magnet 150C have a negative polarity. In an alternative embodiment, the first magnet 150A and the fourth magnet 150D have a negative polarity, while the second magnet 150B and the third magnet 150C have a positive polarity.

[0022] The switch 100 also includes a printed circuit board 160 mounted to the housing 110. The printed circuit board 160 includes a first magnetic sensor 170A and a second magnetic sensor 170B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first magnetic sensor 170A and the second magnetic sensor 170B are mounted directly on the printed circuit board 160 and are therefore mounted linearly. In one embodiment, the magnetic sensors 170A, B are spaced apart from the magnet holder 140 by a distance of about 2.5 mm. In an alternative embodiment, the magnetic sensors 170A, B are spaced apart from the magnet holder 140 by any distance, depending on the strength of the magnet and the sensor.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the magnetic sensors are not mounted directly on the printed circuit board, but are in signal communication with the printed circuit board, such as through a wired connection. Such an arrangement will allow the magnetic sensors to be arranged in a nonlinear manner. For example, the magnetic sensors can be arranged in an arc so that they are equidistant from the magnet holder.

[0024] For purposes of illustrative illustration, all other internal components of the switch housing 110 are omitted from this view. However, it should be understood that the switch housing may include electrical wiring, electronics, or other mechanical or electronic components.

[0025] exist Figure 2 , the button 120 is in a neutral position. Using the above numbering convention, this neutral position may be referred to as the second position. In this second position, the lever arm 130 of the button 120 is not engaged with the magnet holder 140. However, in order to move the button 120 from another position to the second position, the lever arm 130 biases the magnet holder 140 to the second magnet holder position shown, wherein the second magnet 150B is proximate to the first magnet sensor 170A and the third magnet 150C is proximate to the second magnet sensor 170B.

[0026] As described above, the second magnet 150B and the third magnet 150C both have the second polarity. Therefore, the first magnet sensor 170A and the second magnet sensor 170B both sense the second polarity. In one embodiment, the printed circuit board 160 is configured to transmit a predetermined signal when it is determined that the first magnet sensor 170A and the second magnet sensor 170B both sense the second polarity. In an alternative embodiment, the printed circuit board 160 is configured to not transmit a signal when it is determined that the first magnet sensor 170A and the second magnet sensor 170B both sense the second polarity.

[0027] Figure 3 A cross section of a front view of the switch 100 in a first position is shown. In the first position, the button 120 is in a left downward position. In the illustrated embodiment, the button 120 is rotated counterclockwise about 15° from the neutral position. In an alternative embodiment, the angular distance between the first button position and the second button position is between 10° and 20°. In other alternative embodiments, the first button position and the second button position can be separated by any angular distance. In order to move the button 120 from another position to the first position, the lever arm 130 biases the magnet holder 140 to the first magnet holder position shown, wherein the first magnet 150A is close to the first magnet sensor 170A and the second magnet 150B is close to the second magnet sensor 170B. The magnet holder 140 is rotated about 30° from the neutral position to the first position. In an alternative embodiment, the angular distance between the first magnet position and the neutral magnet position is between 20° and 40°. In other alternative embodiments, the first magnet position and the second magnet position can be separated by any angular distance. The button 120 and the magnet holder 140 may be rotated by different amounts due to the wedge-shaped opening in the magnet holder 140. The button 120 and the magnet holder 140 may also be rotated about different axes, which will also cause the components to rotate by different amounts.

[0028] As described above, the first magnet 150A has a first polarity, and the second magnet 150B has a second polarity. Therefore, the first magnet sensor 170A senses the first polarity, and the second magnet sensor 170B senses the second polarity. In one embodiment, the printed circuit board 160 is configured to transmit a predetermined signal when it is determined that the first magnet sensor 170A senses the first polarity and the second magnet sensor 170B senses the second polarity. The predetermined signal may be different from the predetermined signal sent when the magnet holder 140 is in the neutral position. In an alternative embodiment, the printed circuit board 160 is configured to not transmit a signal when it is determined that the first magnet sensor 170A senses the first polarity and the second magnet sensor 170B senses the second polarity.

[0029] Figure 4A cross section of a front view of the switch 100 in the third position is shown. In the third position, the button 120 is in the right downward position. In the illustrated embodiment, the button 120 is rotated clockwise by about 15° from the neutral position. In an alternative embodiment, the angular distance between the third button position and the second button position is between 10° and 20°. In other alternative embodiments, the second button position and the third button position can be separated by any angular distance. In order to move the button 120 from another position to the third position, the lever arm 130 biases the magnet holder 140 to the third magnet holder position shown, wherein the third magnet 150C is close to the first magnet sensor 170A and the fourth magnet 150D is close to the second magnet sensor 170B. The magnet holder 140 is rotated by about 30° from the neutral position to the first position. In an alternative embodiment, the angular distance between the third magnet position and the neutral magnet position is between 20° and 40°. In other alternative embodiments, the second magnet position and the third magnet position can be separated by any angular distance.

[0030] As described above, the third magnet 150C has a second polarity and the fourth magnet 150D has a first polarity. Therefore, the first magnet sensor 170A senses the second polarity, and the second magnet sensor 170B senses the first polarity. In one embodiment, the printed circuit board 160 is configured to transmit a predetermined signal when it is determined that the first magnet sensor 170A senses the second polarity and the second magnet sensor 170B senses the first polarity. The predetermined signal may be different from the predetermined signal sent when the magnet holder 140 is in the first position or the neutral position. In an alternative embodiment, the printed circuit board 160 is configured to not transmit a signal when it is determined that the first magnet sensor 170A senses the second polarity and the second magnet sensor 170B senses the first polarity.

[0031] Figure 5 Another cross section of a perspective view of the switch 100 in a neutral position is shown. As can be seen in this view, the button 120 can move about a first axis A1 and the magnet holder 140 can move about a second axis A2. The axes are offset by a distance of about 2.5 mm to 3. mm. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the button and magnet holder can be offset by any distance. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the button and magnet holder rotate about the same axis.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the switch housing 110 also houses a plunger 180 that is biased upward by a spring 190. The plunger 180 and the spring 190 can lock the button 120 to one of the first button position, the second button position, and the third button position. It should be understood that other biasing or locking members, such as torsion springs or elastomeric members, can be used. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the button to remain in position after being moved to the first position, the second position, or the third position. In other embodiments, it may be desirable for the button to be biased back toward the neutral position after being moved to the first position or the third position.

[0033] Figure 6-Figure 8 An alternative embodiment of a switch 200 is shown. The switch 200 is substantially identical to the switch 100 except for the differences described herein. It should be understood that the alternative embodiments described above with respect to the switch 100 may also be applicable to the switch 200.

[0034] Figure 6 1 is a cross-section of a front view of the switch 200 in a first position. The switch 200 includes a switch housing 210 having a button 220 movably mounted thereon. The button 220 is shown here in a first left downward position and is movable between at least three positions. The button 220 includes a first lever arm 230a engaging a first push rod 240a and a second lever arm 230b engaging a second push rod 240b. The first push rod 230a also engages a first side of a magnet holder 250, and the second push rod 230b engages a second side of the magnet holder 250. The magnet holder 250 is thus indirectly in contact with the button 220 and is movably mounted to the housing 110. The length of the push rods 240a, b allows the magnet holder 250 to be mounted at a position spaced apart from the button 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever arms 230a, 230b and push rods 240a, 240b are straight members, and the magnet holder 250 is wedge-shaped with one side defined by a plurality of radii. However, other geometries may be employed.

[0035] The magnet holder 250 includes an opening for receiving the first magnet 260A, the second magnet 260B, the third magnet 260C and the fourth magnet 260D. The magnets 260A-D can be fixed in place by adhesives or other attachment devices. The first magnet 260A and the fourth magnet 260D have a first polarity, and the second magnet 260B and the third magnet 260C have a second polarity different from the first polarity. For example, in one embodiment, the first magnet 260A and the fourth magnet 260D have a positive polarity, while the second magnet 260B and the third magnet 260C have a negative polarity. In an alternative embodiment, the first magnet 260A and the fourth magnet 260D have a negative polarity, while the second magnet 260B and the third magnet 260C have a positive polarity.

[0036] The switch 200 also includes a printed circuit board 270 mounted to the housing 210. In this embodiment, the printed circuit board 270 is located above the magnet holder 250. The printed circuit board 270 includes a first magnet sensor 280A and a second magnet sensor 280B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first magnet sensor 280A and the second magnet sensor 280B are directly mounted on the printed circuit board 270 and are therefore mounted linearly.

[0037] exist Figure 6 , the button 220 is in a first left downward position. In this position, the first lever arm 230a of the button 220 biases the first push rod 240a downward, which in turn pushes the left side of the magnet holder 250 downward. When the magnet holder is in this position, the third magnet 260C is close to the first magnet sensor 280A and the fourth magnet 260D is close to the second magnet sensor 280B.

[0038] Figure 7 2 is a cross-section of a front view of the switch 200 in a second neutral position. In this position, the lever arms 230a, 230b, the push rods 240a, 240b and the magnet holder 250 are all in a neutral position. When the magnet holder is in this position, the second magnet 260B is close to the first magnet sensor 280A and the third magnet 260C is close to the second magnet sensor 280B.

[0039] Figure 8 2 is a cross-section of a front view of the switch 200 in a third right side down position. In this position, the second lever arm 230b of the button 220 biases the second push rod 240b downward, which in turn pushes the right side of the magnet holder 250 downward. When the magnet holder is in this position, the first magnet 260A is close to the first magnet sensor 280A and the second magnet 260B is close to the second magnet sensor 280B.

[0040] Although two examples of three-position buttons have been shown and described, it should be understood that the principles discussed can be applied to two-position buttons. In such embodiments, the magnet holder will include two magnets—one with a first polarity and one with a second polarity. The switch housing will include a single magnet sensor. When the button is in the first position, the first magnet will be close to the single magnet sensor. When the button is in the second position, the second magnet will be close to the single magnet sensor.

[0041] Likewise, the principles discussed can be applied to four-position buttons. In such embodiments, the magnet holder will include six magnets. In one example, the first magnet, the second magnet, and the third magnet have a first polarity, and the fourth magnet, the fifth magnet, and the sixth magnet have a second polarity. However, other arrangements may be used. The switch housing will include three magnet sensors. When the button is in the first position, the first magnet will be close to the first magnet sensor, the second magnet will be close to the second magnet sensor, and the third magnet will be close to the third magnet sensor. When the button is in the second position, the second magnet will be close to the first magnet sensor, the third magnet will be close to the second magnet sensor, and the fourth magnet will be close to the third magnet sensor. When the button is in the third position, the third magnet will be close to the first magnet sensor, the fourth magnet will be close to the second magnet sensor, and the fifth magnet will be close to the third magnet sensor. When the button is in the fourth position, the fourth magnet will be close to the first magnet sensor, the fifth magnet will be close to the second magnet sensor, and the sixth magnet will be close to the third magnet sensor.

[0042] In other embodiments, the button is movable between n different positions. The housing will house n-1 magnetic sensors that detect 2x(n-1) magnets disposed on the magnetic sensors.

[0043] In addition, although the above embodiments describe a moving magnet and a fixed magnet sensor, in an alternative embodiment, the magnet sensor can be moved relative to the fixed magnet. In such embodiments, the button will engage the magnet sensor holder, rather than the magnet holder.

[0044] To the extent the term "includes" or "including" is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising," as that term is interpreted when used as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent the term "or" is used (e.g., A or B), it is intended to mean "A or B or both." When the applicants intend to indicate "only A or B but not both," the term "only A or B but not both" will be employed. Thus, the use of the term "or" herein is inclusive, not exclusive. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Furthermore, to the extent the term "in" or "into" is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to additionally mean "on" or "onto." Furthermore, to the extent the term "connected" is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only "directly connected to" but also "indirectly connected to," such as connected through another component or components.

[0045] Although the present application has been described by the description of the embodiments of the present application, and although the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or limit the scope of the appended claims to such details in any way. It will be easy for those skilled in the art to think of additional advantages and modifications. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific details, representative devices and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described in its broader aspects. Therefore, such details may be deviated from without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A switch, comprising: Switch housing; a printed circuit board mounted to the switch housing and including at least a first magnetic sensor and a second magnetic sensor; a button movably mounted to the switch housing, the button being movable between at least a first button position, a second button position, and a third button position; a magnet holder in contact with the button and movably mounted to the switch housing, wherein the magnet holder holds at least a first magnet having a first polarity, a second magnet having a second polarity different from the first polarity, a third magnet having the second polarity, and a fourth magnet having the first polarity, wherein when the button is in the first button position, the button biases the magnet holder to a first magnet holder position, wherein the first magnet is proximate to the first magnet sensor and the second magnet is proximate to the second magnet sensor, wherein when the button is in the second button position, the button biases the magnet holder to a second magnet holder position, wherein the second magnet is proximate to the first magnet sensor and the third magnet is proximate to the second magnet sensor, Wherein when the button is in the third button position, the button biases the magnet holder to a third magnet holder position, wherein the third magnet is proximate to the first magnet sensor and the fourth magnet is proximate to the second magnet sensor. 2 . The switch of claim 1 , wherein the button is movable about a first axis and the magnet holder is movable about a second axis. The switch of claim 2 , wherein the first axis is different from the second axis. The switch of claim 1 , wherein the first polarity is a negative polarity and the second polarity is a positive polarity.

5. The switch of claim 1, wherein the second button position is between the first button position and the third button position.

6. The switch of claim 5, wherein the angular distance between the first button position and the second button position is between 10° and 20°, and wherein the angular distance between the second button position and the third button position is between 10° and 20°.

7. The switch of claim 1, wherein the second magnet is located between the first magnet and the third magnet.

8. The switch of claim 7, wherein the third magnet is located between the second magnet and the fourth magnet.

9. The switch of claim 8, wherein the angular distance between the first magnet and the second magnet is between 20° and 40°, wherein the angular distance between the second magnet and the third magnet is between 20° and 40°, and wherein the angular distance between the third magnet and the fourth magnet is between 20° and 40°.

10. A method for operating a switch, the method comprising: providing a switch having a button, a magnet holder in contact with the button, and a printed circuit board having at least a first magnet sensor and a second magnet sensor connected thereto; moving the button to a first button position, thereby biasing the magnet holder to a first magnet position, wherein a first magnet is proximate to the first magnet sensor and a second magnet is proximate to the second magnet sensor; moving the button to a second button position, thereby biasing the magnet holder to a second magnet position, wherein the second magnet is proximate to the first magnet sensor and a third magnet is proximate to the second magnet sensor; as well as The button is moved to a third button position, thereby biasing the magnet holder to a third magnet position, wherein the third magnet is proximate to the first magnet sensor and the fourth magnet is proximate to the second magnet sensor.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of moving the button to the first button position comprises tilting the button between 10° and 20° in a first direction from a neutral position.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of moving the button to the second button position includes moving the button to the neutral position.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of moving the button to the third button position comprises tilting the button between 10° and 20° in the second direction from the neutral position.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the printed circuit board transmits a first signal when it is determined that the first magnet is close to the first magnet sensor and the second magnet is close to the second magnet sensor, and wherein the printed circuit board transmits a second signal different from the first signal when it is determined that the third magnet is close to the first magnet sensor and the fourth magnet is close to the second magnet sensor. 15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein upon determining that the second magnet is proximate to the first magnet sensor and the third magnet is proximate to the second magnet sensor, the printed circuit board transmits a third signal different from the first signal and different from the second signal.

16. A rocker switch comprising: Rocker switch housing; a printed circuit board mounted to the rocker switch housing and including a first magnetic sensor and a second magnetic sensor; a button rotatably mounted to the rocker switch housing about a first axis, the button movable between a first button position and a second button position; a magnet holder in contact with the button and rotatably mounted to the rocker switch housing about a second axis different from the first axis, wherein the magnet holder holds a first magnet having a first polarity, a second magnet having a second polarity different from the first polarity, a third magnet having the second polarity, and a fourth magnet having the first polarity; wherein when the button is in the first button position, the button biases the magnet holder to a first magnet holder position, wherein the first magnet is proximate to the first magnet sensor and the second magnet is proximate to the second magnet sensor, and Wherein when the button is in the second button position, the button biases the magnet holder to a second magnet holder position, wherein the second magnet is proximate to the first magnet sensor and the third magnet is proximate to the second magnet sensor.

17. The rocker switch of claim 16, wherein the button is further movable to a third button position.

18. The rocker switch of claim 17, wherein when the button is in the third button position, the button biases the magnet holder to a third magnet holder position, wherein the third magnet is proximate to the magnet sensor and the fourth magnet is proximate to the second magnet sensor.

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