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US3597564A - Electrical switch having integral operating member and body - Google Patents

Electrical switch having integral operating member and body Download PDF

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Publication number
US3597564A
US3597564A US858686A US3597564DA US3597564A US 3597564 A US3597564 A US 3597564A US 858686 A US858686 A US 858686A US 3597564D A US3597564D A US 3597564DA US 3597564 A US3597564 A US 3597564A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
operating member
movable contact
switch
fixed contacts
integral
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US858686A
Inventor
Keith Lewis
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ZF International UK Ltd
Original Assignee
Lucas Industries Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lucas Industries Ltd filed Critical Lucas Industries Ltd
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3597564A publication Critical patent/US3597564A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H21/00—Switches operated by an operating part in the form of a pivotable member acted upon directly by a solid body, e.g. by a hand
    • H01H21/02—Details
    • H01H21/18—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H21/22—Operating parts, e.g. handle
    • H01H21/24—Operating parts, e.g. handle biased to return to normal position upon removal of operating force
    • H01H21/26—Operating parts, e.g. handle biased to return to normal position upon removal of operating force adapted for operation by a part of the human body other than the hand, e.g. by foot
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
    • B60R16/005—Electro-mechanical devices, e.g. switched
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H21/00—Switches operated by an operating part in the form of a pivotable member acted upon directly by a solid body, e.g. by a hand
    • H01H21/02—Details
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H21/00—Switches operated by an operating part in the form of a pivotable member acted upon directly by a solid body, e.g. by a hand
    • H01H21/02—Details
    • H01H21/18—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H21/22—Operating parts, e.g. handle

Definitions

  • An electrical switch includes a body carrying fixed contacts.
  • a movable contact is engageable with the fixed contacts, and an operating member is movable relative to the body to move the movable contact.
  • the operating member 200/168 C, and the body are molded integrally with one another, and are 200/172 R interconnected by a flexible neck integral with the body and I-I01h 9/02 the operating member, the neck permitting the relative move- 200/168 C, ment between the body and the operating member when the I72 operating member is moved to operate the movable contact.
  • This invention relates to electrical switches of the kind comprising a body. fixed contacts carried by the body. a movable contact engageable with the fixed contacts, and an operating member movable relative to the body to move the movable contact.
  • the body and the operating member are molded integrally with one another and are interconnected by a flexible, integral portion which permits said relative movement between the body and the operating member.
  • FIG. I is a sectional view of the body and operating member ofa switch prior to the assembly of the switch
  • FIG. 2 is a view in the direction of arrow A in FIG. I.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the assembled switch.
  • the switch includes a hollow cylindrical body 11 which is molded in synthetic resin material, and which is closed at one end by an integral base 12.
  • the switch further includes an operating member 13 which is molded integrally with the body 11, and which is connected to the body II by an integral. flexible neck 14. extending from the end of the body ll remote from the base 12.
  • the body II is formed with an integral, outwardly extending flange l which defines with the body II a downwardly presented shoulder 16.
  • the surface of the flange l5 remote from the base I1 is cut away to define a peripherally extending ramp surface l7.
  • the operating member 13 is in the shape of a cylindrical cup, the inner diameter of which is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the flange 15.
  • the periphery of the open end of the member 13 is formed with an integral. inwardly directed peripheral flange [8 which defines with the inner wall of the member 13. an inwardly presented shoulder 19.
  • the base of the flange l8 opposite the shoulder 19 is cut away to define a ramp surface 2!.
  • each of the strips 22. 23 includes a pair of shoulders (not shown) which engage the inner surface of the base 12. and a resilient tag 220, 230 respectively which engages the outer surface of the base 12 to lock the terminal strips 22. 23 in position.
  • the strips 22. 23 engage respective walls 24. 25 integral with the base 12. the walls 24, 25 serving to support the strips 22. 23 in spaced parallel relationship.
  • the strips 22. 23 are formed with respective. rectangular holes 26, 27 through which a conductive roller 28 extends. The width of the holes 26. 27 is greater than the diameter of the roller 28. and the ends of the roller 28 are engaged in respective channels 29.31 in the wall of the body ll. the channels 29, 31 serving to guide the roller 28 for axial movement with the roller 28 out of contact with the sides of the holes 26. 27.
  • the portions of the strips 22. 23 projecting from the outer surface of the base l2 are shaped to define blade connectors. and a compression spring 32 extends between the blade 12 and the roller 28. and urges the roller 28 upwardly. into contact with the upper walls of the holes 26, 27 so as to complete an electrical circuit between the strips 22, 23.
  • the strips 22. 23. which constitute the fixed contacts of the switch. the roller 28 which constitutes the movable contact of the switch. and the spring 32 are engaged with the body II, and the operating member 13 is positioned with respect to the body ll, so that the ramp surface 21 of the o eratingrmember 13 engages the ramp surface 17 of the body ll. he operating member 13 B then moved towards the base 12, so that the ramp surfaces 2t, 17 slide relative to one another and the operating member 13 is engaged as a snap fit with the body 11, the shoulder 19 of the operating member 13 engaging the shoulder 16 of the body 11.
  • the operating member 13 is formed with an integral. axially extending spigot 33 which, when the operating member 13 is engaged with the body ll. engages the roller 28.
  • the switch is a normally closed switch. and is urged to its nonnally closed position by the spring 32. and by the resilience of the neck 14 interconnecting the body II and the operating member 13. ln the closed position of the switch the roller 28 bridges the terminal strips 22, 23. and the shoulder 19 is engaged with the shoulder 16.
  • the operating member 13 is depressed towards the base 12 against the action of the neck 14, and the spring 32, to move the roller 28 out of contact with the strips 22. 23. the flange l5 riding on the inner surface of the operating member 13. to guide the operating member 13 during such axial movement.
  • the switch is connected in the brake light circuit of a road vehicle. so that the brake lights of the road vehicle are energized in the closed position of the switch.
  • the switch is mounted adjacent the brake pedal of the road vehicle. so that the operating member 13 is depressed by the brake pedal of the vehicle when the brake pedal is in its inoperative position. Thus. when the brake pedal of the vehicle is operated. the operating member 13 is released and the switch is closed under the action of the spring 32 to energize the brake lights.
  • An electrical switch comprising a body. fixed contacts carried by the body. a movable contact engageable with the fixed contacts. and an operating member movable relative to the body to move the movable contact.
  • the body and the operating member being molded integrally with one another, and being interconnected by a flexible. integral portion which permits said relative movement between the body and the operating member to move the movable contact.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Binders And Loading Units For Sheaves (AREA)
  • Mechanisms For Operating Contacts (AREA)

Abstract

An electrical switch includes a body carrying fixed contacts. A movable contact is engageable with the fixed contacts, and an operating member is movable relative to the body to move the movable contact. The operating member and the body are molded integrally with one another, and are interconnected by a flexible neck integral with the body and the operating member, the neck permitting the relative movement between the body and the operating member when the operating member is moved to operate the movable contact.

Description

United States Patent OPERATING MEMBER AND new I Claim, 3 Drawing Figs.
US. Cl.
Int. Cl Field ol Search Primary Examiner-H. 0. Jones A ttorm'ys Holman. Stern ABSTRACT: An electrical switch includes a body carrying fixed contacts. A movable contact is engageable with the fixed contacts, and an operating member is movable relative to the body to move the movable contact. The operating member 200/168 C, and the body are molded integrally with one another, and are 200/172 R interconnected by a flexible neck integral with the body and I-I01h 9/02 the operating member, the neck permitting the relative move- 200/168 C, ment between the body and the operating member when the I72 operating member is moved to operate the movable contact.
PATENTED AUG 387i 3,597,564
INVENTO? AfTOENEYS ELECTRICAL SWITCH HAVING INTEGRAL OPERATING MEMBER AND BODY This invention relates to electrical switches of the kind comprising a body. fixed contacts carried by the body. a movable contact engageable with the fixed contacts, and an operating member movable relative to the body to move the movable contact.
According to the invention, in a switch ofthe kind specified the body and the operating member are molded integrally with one another and are interconnected by a flexible, integral portion which permits said relative movement between the body and the operating member.
One example of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. I is a sectional view of the body and operating member ofa switch prior to the assembly of the switch,
FIG. 2 is a view in the direction of arrow A in FIG. I, and
FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view ofthe assembled switch.
Referring to the drawings, the switch includes a hollow cylindrical body 11 which is molded in synthetic resin material, and which is closed at one end by an integral base 12. The switch further includes an operating member 13 which is molded integrally with the body 11, and which is connected to the body II by an integral. flexible neck 14. extending from the end of the body ll remote from the base 12. At its end remote from the base 12. the body II is formed with an integral, outwardly extending flange l which defines with the body II a downwardly presented shoulder 16. The surface of the flange l5 remote from the base I1 is cut away to define a peripherally extending ramp surface l7.
The operating member 13 is in the shape of a cylindrical cup, the inner diameter of which is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the flange 15. The periphery of the open end of the member 13 is formed with an integral. inwardly directed peripheral flange [8 which defines with the inner wall of the member 13. an inwardly presented shoulder 19. The base of the flange l8 opposite the shoulder 19 is cut away to define a ramp surface 2!.
Extending through the base 12 of the body 1]. parallel to the axis of the body 11. are a pair of spaced, conductive, terminal strips 22. 23 respectively. Each of the strips 22. 23 includes a pair of shoulders (not shown) which engage the inner surface of the base 12. and a resilient tag 220, 230 respectively which engages the outer surface of the base 12 to lock the terminal strips 22. 23 in position. Within the body I], the strips 22. 23 engage respective walls 24. 25 integral with the base 12. the walls 24, 25 serving to support the strips 22. 23 in spaced parallel relationship. Within the body I] the strips 22. 23 are formed with respective. rectangular holes 26, 27 through which a conductive roller 28 extends. The width of the holes 26. 27 is greater than the diameter of the roller 28. and the ends of the roller 28 are engaged in respective channels 29.31 in the wall of the body ll. the channels 29, 31 serving to guide the roller 28 for axial movement with the roller 28 out of contact with the sides of the holes 26. 27. The walls 24.
25 extend beyond the lower edges of the holes 26. 27. and so prevent the roller 28 engaging the lower sides of the holes 26. 27. Thus. the roller 28 can only engage the upper sides of the holes 26. 27 to complete an electrical circuit between the strips 22. 23. The portions of the strips 22. 23 projecting from the outer surface of the base l2 are shaped to define blade connectors. and a compression spring 32 extends between the blade 12 and the roller 28. and urges the roller 28 upwardly. into contact with the upper walls of the holes 26, 27 so as to complete an electrical circuit between the strips 22, 23.
In order to assemble the switch. the strips 22. 23. which constitute the fixed contacts of the switch. the roller 28 which constitutes the movable contact of the switch. and the spring 32 are engaged with the body II, and the operating member 13 is positioned with respect to the body ll, so that the ramp surface 21 of the o eratingrmember 13 engages the ramp surface 17 of the body ll. he operating member 13 B then moved towards the base 12, so that the ramp surfaces 2t, 17 slide relative to one another and the operating member 13 is engaged as a snap fit with the body 11, the shoulder 19 of the operating member 13 engaging the shoulder 16 of the body 11. The operating member 13 is formed with an integral. axially extending spigot 33 which, when the operating member 13 is engaged with the body ll. engages the roller 28.
The switch is a normally closed switch. and is urged to its nonnally closed position by the spring 32. and by the resilience of the neck 14 interconnecting the body II and the operating member 13. ln the closed position of the switch the roller 28 bridges the terminal strips 22, 23. and the shoulder 19 is engaged with the shoulder 16. In order to open the switch. the operating member 13 is depressed towards the base 12 against the action of the neck 14, and the spring 32, to move the roller 28 out of contact with the strips 22. 23. the flange l5 riding on the inner surface of the operating member 13. to guide the operating member 13 during such axial movement.
In one practical embodiment of the switch, the switch is connected in the brake light circuit of a road vehicle. so that the brake lights of the road vehicle are energized in the closed position of the switch. The switch is mounted adjacent the brake pedal of the road vehicle. so that the operating member 13 is depressed by the brake pedal of the vehicle when the brake pedal is in its inoperative position. Thus. when the brake pedal of the vehicle is operated. the operating member 13 is released and the switch is closed under the action of the spring 32 to energize the brake lights.
Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:
I. An electrical switch comprising a body. fixed contacts carried by the body. a movable contact engageable with the fixed contacts. and an operating member movable relative to the body to move the movable contact. the body and the operating member being molded integrally with one another, and being interconnected by a flexible. integral portion which permits said relative movement between the body and the operating member to move the movable contact.

Claims (1)

1. An electrical switch comprising a body, fixed contacts carried by the body, a movable contact engageable with the fixed contacts, and an operating member movable relative to the body to move the movable contact, the body and the operating member being molded integrally with one another, and being interconnected by a flexible, integral portion which permits said relative movement between the body and the operating member to move the movable contact.
US858686A 1968-09-30 1969-09-17 Electrical switch having integral operating member and body Expired - Lifetime US3597564A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB46269/68A GB1274204A (en) 1968-09-30 1968-09-30 Electrical switches

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3597564A true US3597564A (en) 1971-08-03

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ID=10440542

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US858686A Expired - Lifetime US3597564A (en) 1968-09-30 1969-09-17 Electrical switch having integral operating member and body

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US (1) US3597564A (en)
ES (1) ES152499Y (en)
FR (1) FR2019176A1 (en)
GB (1) GB1274204A (en)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3944766A (en) * 1974-07-03 1976-03-16 Essex International, Inc. Seat belt buckle having pushbutton type switch with elastomeric conductor bridging contact
US3983341A (en) * 1975-06-03 1976-09-28 Amf Incorporated Simplified slide switch
US4031344A (en) * 1976-03-15 1977-06-21 The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company Integral hinge sensing switch
US4154997A (en) * 1976-06-25 1979-05-15 Cutler-Hammer, Inc. Miniature multi-contact pushbutton switch
US4160887A (en) * 1977-08-08 1979-07-10 Trw Inc. Closure activated switch
US4246457A (en) * 1979-01-16 1981-01-20 Robertshaw Controls Company Electrical switch construction, parts therefor and methods of making the same
US4972057A (en) * 1989-06-20 1990-11-20 Mitsuku Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Push button switch
US5055642A (en) * 1989-06-20 1991-10-08 Mitsuku Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Push button switch
US5229545A (en) * 1992-09-30 1993-07-20 Good Gregory G Switch holder for alarm systems
US6791046B1 (en) 2002-05-28 2004-09-14 Corey T. King Switch assembly

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2439468A1 (en) * 1978-10-16 1980-05-16 Peugeot TILT SWITCH
US5006680A (en) * 1989-05-05 1991-04-09 Augat, Inc. Snap action switch
GB2234113B (en) * 1989-06-23 1994-03-09 Mitsuku Denshi Kogyo Push button switch

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3305658A (en) * 1965-09-10 1967-02-21 Gen Electric Electrical switch housing
US3339050A (en) * 1966-04-18 1967-08-29 United Carr Inc Switch-housing
US3403237A (en) * 1967-04-05 1968-09-24 Robertshaw Controls Co Electrical switch having a one-piece actuator and spring arm structure
US3466413A (en) * 1967-03-31 1969-09-09 Lucas Industries Ltd Electrical switches

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3305658A (en) * 1965-09-10 1967-02-21 Gen Electric Electrical switch housing
US3339050A (en) * 1966-04-18 1967-08-29 United Carr Inc Switch-housing
US3466413A (en) * 1967-03-31 1969-09-09 Lucas Industries Ltd Electrical switches
US3403237A (en) * 1967-04-05 1968-09-24 Robertshaw Controls Co Electrical switch having a one-piece actuator and spring arm structure

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3944766A (en) * 1974-07-03 1976-03-16 Essex International, Inc. Seat belt buckle having pushbutton type switch with elastomeric conductor bridging contact
US3983341A (en) * 1975-06-03 1976-09-28 Amf Incorporated Simplified slide switch
US4031344A (en) * 1976-03-15 1977-06-21 The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company Integral hinge sensing switch
US4154997A (en) * 1976-06-25 1979-05-15 Cutler-Hammer, Inc. Miniature multi-contact pushbutton switch
US4160887A (en) * 1977-08-08 1979-07-10 Trw Inc. Closure activated switch
US4246457A (en) * 1979-01-16 1981-01-20 Robertshaw Controls Company Electrical switch construction, parts therefor and methods of making the same
US4972057A (en) * 1989-06-20 1990-11-20 Mitsuku Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Push button switch
US5055642A (en) * 1989-06-20 1991-10-08 Mitsuku Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Push button switch
US5229545A (en) * 1992-09-30 1993-07-20 Good Gregory G Switch holder for alarm systems
US6791046B1 (en) 2002-05-28 2004-09-14 Corey T. King Switch assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES152499Y (en) 1970-07-01
GB1274204A (en) 1972-05-17
ES152499U (en) 1969-12-16
FR2019176A1 (en) 1970-06-26

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