US3715933A - Joystick operator for pushbutton switch - Google Patents

Joystick operator for pushbutton switch Download PDF

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Publication number
US3715933A
US3715933A US00130954A US3715933DA US3715933A US 3715933 A US3715933 A US 3715933A US 00130954 A US00130954 A US 00130954A US 3715933D A US3715933D A US 3715933DA US 3715933 A US3715933 A US 3715933A
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levers
linkage
pair
plungers
joystick
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US00130954A
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D Robinson
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Cutler Hammer Inc
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Cutler Hammer Inc
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G05G9/04785—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks the controlling member being the operating part of a switch arrangement
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G05G2009/04703—Mounting of controlling member
    • G05G2009/04707—Mounting of controlling member with ball joint
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G05G2009/0474—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks characterised by means converting mechanical movement into electric signals
    • G05G2009/04744—Switches
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G05G2009/04766—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks providing feel, e.g. indexing means, means to create counterforce
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
    • Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
    • Y10T74/20012—Multiple controlled elements
    • Y10T74/20201—Control moves in two planes

Definitions

  • the invention provides a mechanism for simultaneously actuating selected ones of a plurality of plungers comprising a plurality of levers each of which is rotatable in engagement with at least one corresponding plunger to actuate said plunger an operating member, and linkage means displaceable by said operating member to rotate selected ones of said levers whereby to actuate respective ones of said plungers.
  • An object of the invention is to provide an improved plunger actuating mechanism capable of operating a plurality of plungers one or more at a time under the control of a common operating member.
  • a preferred form of the invention provides a socalled joystick manual actuating mechanism for a plurality of associated plunger-actuated electric switches.
  • the actuating mechanism is particularly adapted to operate plunger switches of the kind described in the specification of our British Pat. No. 833435.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric switch including a plunger-actuating mechanism in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view, part in section of the switch.
  • the switch shown in the drawings comprises a' 50 ferent positions to produce respective displacements or' combinations of displacements of said linking members and levers, so as to actuate respective plungers or combinations of plungers.
  • the operating member is preferably displaceable between five different positions for example to actuate respectively no plungers at all, and four different plun- I gers or combinations of plungers.
  • the switch comprises two contact blocks S and T, disposed side by side, with respective pairs of plungers Sa, Sb and Ta, Tb, projecting from their lower faces (as seen in FIG. 2) which faces lie in a common plane.
  • the plungers can be depressed in directions parallel to an axis X, the axis being perpendicular to the plane mentioned above, in order to operate respective contact pairs disposed in the contact blocks.
  • the plungers comprise generally cone shaped heads, and shafts (not shown) which project through the contact block, so that if desired further contact blocks (not shown) may be stacked on the contact blocks shown, to be actuated by the shafts of the contact blocks shown.
  • the plunger actuating mechanism comprises a joystick having a shaft 1b,,and a handle 1c, the shaft having a part-spherical enlargement la which is mounted in a bearing 1, so that the handle 10 can be moved from the neutral position shown, with the shaft 1b parallel to the axis X, in any'of the directions marked N,S,E, and W in FIG. 1, which directions are generally perpendicular to the axis X, or in any intermediate direction.
  • An indexing mechanism (described below) ensures that the handle has nine stable positions, corresponding to the neutral position, to displacement of the handle 1c in each of the directions N,S,E and W, and to displacement of the handle 10 in each of the four directions bisecting the directions N,S,E and W.
  • the reference N,S,E and W also indicate the plungers which are actuated by movement of the handle in each of the directions N,S,E and W respectively. If the handle is moved in an intermediate direction, two of the plungers are actuated simultaneously.
  • the switch also comprises a linkage mechanism contained in covers 2 and 3 which form a housing for the linkage, the linkage connecting the ball-end 1d on-the joystick to the plungers Sa, Sb, Ta and Tb.
  • the bearing 1 is centered on the axis which passes through the center of the contact block S, and the cover 2 has an aperture 2a centered on the axis X, the ball-end 1 b projecting through the aperture 20.
  • the cover 2 also has an internal pivot pin projecting along an axis Y parallel to the axis X, and passing through the center of the contact block T. I p
  • the linkage also comprises a bush 3a which fits over the ball-end 1d, and is mounted on a plate 3 at one end of the plate.
  • the other end of the plate 3 has a slot 3b which fits over the pivot pin 2b. Accordingly, the bush 3a follows the movement of the ball-end lb, but its axis is maintained parallel to the axis X, and its movement is guided by the slot 3b.
  • a plate 4 On the plate 3 is disposed a plate 4, whose side edges engage flanges on the cover 2, so that the plate 4 is restrained from movement in the directions E and W, but can slide rectilinearly in the directions N and S.
  • the plate 4' has an elongate aperture 4a whose length extends parallel to the directions E and W, and the width of the slot 4a is such as to accommodate the bush 3a, over which the slot fits, so as to transmit movement of the bush in the directions N and S to the plate 4, but not movement in the directions E and W.
  • the plate 4 also has a slot 4b which fits over the pivot pin 2b, to locate the opposite end of the plate 4, and a projection 40 and a notch M which cooperates with subsequent parts of the mechanism.
  • a plate is disposed on the plate 4, and is pivoted about the pivoted pin 2b by an aperture 50.
  • a pin 5b projects from the underside (as seen in FIG. 2) of the plate 5, and engages in the notch 4d so that movement of the plate 4 rotates the plate 5 about the pivot pin 2b.
  • the plate 5 is also formed with a finger 5d, so that with the ,pin 5b and the finger 5d, the plate 5 acts as a bell crank.
  • the end of the finger 5d is arranged to move generally parallel to, but in the opposite sense to, the plate 4. indentations arecut in the side of the plate 5 to form part of an indexing mechanism (described below).
  • a plate 8 is disposed on the plate 5, and is pivoted about the pivot pin 2b by an aperture 8b which fits on the pivot pin.
  • the plate 8 also has an elongate slot 8a whose length extends parallel to the directions N, S, and whose width accommodated to the bush 30, so that movement of the bush parallel to the directions E and W is transmitted to the plate 8 to rotate the plate about the pivot pin 2b, while movement of the bush parallel to the directions N, S, is not transmitted to the plate 8.
  • the plate also has apertures 8d which cooperate with the later parts of the mechanism, andindentations 8c cut into its end to form part of the indexing mechanism (described below).
  • a partition plate 11 is disposed above (as seen in FIG. 2) theplates 3, 4, 5, and 8, and is fixed to the cover 2 to maintain the parts of the mechanism described above in operating relationship.
  • the plate 11 has openings through which the projection 40, the finger 5d and the slots 8d can be engaged by subsequent parts of the mechanism.
  • the plate 11 has a slot 110 serves to locate a projection 12a on a bridging piece 12, the bridging piece 12 being located also in the cover 13, so as to extend parallel to the directions E, W.
  • a notch l3c in the cover 13, and a notch 120 in the bridging piece 12 cooperate with the plate 11 to form pivot points for two bell crank levers l4 and 15, so that the levers can picot about an axis parallel to the directions N,S.
  • the levers l4 and have projections 14a and 15a respectively, which project through the plate 11, and engage in the apertures 8d.
  • the apertures are arranged so that the plate 8 engages the projection 14a to rotate the lever 14 in response to movement of the handle 1c in the direction W (corresponding to movement of ball-end 1d in the direction E), but does not engage the projection 15a.
  • movement of the handle 1c in the opposite direction E causes the plate 8to engage the projection 15a to rotate the lever l5, and to disengage the projection 14a.
  • the lever 14 has a finger 14b which engages the plunger Sb
  • lever 15 has a finger 15b which engages the plunger Sa. Accordingly, rotation of the lever 14 in a clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 2 depresses the plunger Sb, while rotation of the lever 15 in an anti-clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 2 depresses the plunger Sa.
  • the lever 16 has a finger 16b, and
  • an indexing mechanism which comprises levers 6 and 9 in this embodiment.
  • the lever 6 is pivoted on a shouldered pin 7 engaging between an aperture 2c in the cover 2 and an aperture 1 la in the plate 11, the lever 6 having a roller 6a which engages the indentations 50 on the plate 5.
  • a compression spring 6b (FIG. 1) is located between a pin 6c on the lever 6 and a lug 2e on the cover 2, and biases the roller 6a into engagement with the notches 5c, so that the plate 5 is maintained in any one of the three positions against the bias of the return springs in the contact block T.
  • a lever 9 pivoted on a shouldered pin 10 mounted between apertures 2d and 11b has a roller 9a biased into engagement with the indentations Be on the plate 8 by a compression spring 9b.
  • the plate 8 is maintained in any one of three stable positions against the bias of the return springs in the contact block S. Since the plates 4 and 8 between them govern the position of the ball end 1b on the joystick, it will be seen that the movement of the handle 1c is correspondingly indexed.
  • a small fill-in piece (not shown) may be attached in any of the indentations 50 or 8c by a screw, so that the indentation is blocked out, disabling the indexing action at the corresponding position of the handle 10.
  • the movement of the handle 1 could be restricted by a gate (not shown).
  • the gate can be simple cross, having arms parallel to the directions N,S,E and W in which case the plungers Sa, Sb, Ta and Tb will be operated. singly.
  • the cross could have arms bisecting the directions N,S,E and W in which case the plungers Sa, Sb, Ta and Tb will be operated two at a time.
  • the gate may have an H- shaped aperture, in which case movement of the handle 1c corresponding to movement of the ball end 1d to one end of the H will actuate first one contact alone, then that contact, together with another one.
  • Other suitable gate shapes will occur to those skilled in the art.
  • a mechanism for simultaneously actuating selected ones of a plurality of plungers comprising, in combination, a plurality of levers comprising first and second pairs of first and second levers each of which is rotatable for engagement with at least one corresponding plunger to actuate such plunger, an operating member, and a plurality of linkage members operable by movement of said operating member between a plurality of different positions to rotate a selected one of said levers of said first pair of levers and one of said levers of said second pair of levers.
  • said plurality of linkage members comprises first and second linkage members, said first linkage member being disposed for rectilinear displacement in first and second opposite directions to rotate the respective first and second levers of said first pair.
  • first and second levers of said second pair each comprise first and second arms, said respective first arms being adapted for engagement by saidsecond linkage member to rotate said respective first and second levers of said second pair and said second arms being engageable with corresponding plungers whereby to actuate the plungers.
  • said plurality of linkage members comprises a third linkage member being a bell-crank, pivot means for said bellcrank and means connecting said bell-crank to said first linkage member to pivot said bell-crank about said pivot means in response to said rectilinear displacement of said first linkage member, and said first and second levers of said first pair each comprise first and second arms, said first arms being adapted for engagement by said first linkage member and said bell-crank respectively whereby to rotate said respective first and second levers of said first pair and said second arms being engageable with corresponding plungers whereby to actuate the plungers.
  • a mechanism as claimed in claim 5 comprising operating member pivot means wherein said operating member comprises an elongate joystick connected to said operating member pivot means between its ends, a bush movable with one end of said joystick, first and second elongate slots formed" in said first and second linkage members respectively, the major ones of said slots being disposed substantially at right angles in a plane substantially perpendicular to the major axis of said joystick, said bush being slidably engaged with said slots whereby pivotal movement of said joystick about an axis parallel with the major axis of said first slot produces said rectilinear displacement of said first linkage member and pivotal movement of said joystick about an axis parallel with the major axis of said second slot produces said pivotal displacement of said second linkage member.
  • a mechanism as claimed in claim 2 comprising index means to index said respective displacements and combinations of displacements of said linkage members wherein said first and second linkage members are provided with respective notches or pluralities of notches and said index means comprises first and second bias springs and first and second index members biased by the respective said bias springs into engagement with said first and second linkage members respectively so as to engage with said respective notches or pluralities of notches.
  • a mechanism as claimed in claim 1 comprising operating member pivot means wherein said operating member comprises an elongate joystick connected to said operating member pivot means between its ends, one end of said joystick being adapted to engage said linkage members so that pivotal movement of said joystick about said operating member pivot means between said plurality of different positions produces said respective displacements or combinations of displacements of said linkage members.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)

Abstract

A mechanism for actuating selected ones of a plurality of plungers comprising a plurality of levers each of which is rotatable in engagement with at least one corresponding plunger to actuate the plunger and a common operating member to selectively rotate said levers.

Description

nited States Pateni [191 Robinson [451 Feb. 13 1973 '41 JOYSTICK OPERATOR FOR [56] References Cited PUSHBUTTON SWITCH 1 UNITED STATES PATENTS [75] Inventor: Douglas Burton Robinson, Sharnbrook, England 3,053,326 9/1962 Derschmidt ..74/471 ux 3,323,607 6/l967 Futamata ..74/47l XY X [73] Assignee: Cutler-Hammer, Inc., Milwaukee,
Primary Examiner-Milton Kaufm an [22] Filed: April 5, 1971 Attorney-Hugh R. Rather [21] Appl. No.: 130,954 7 i ABSTRACT [30] Foreigfi Application Priority Dam A mechanism for a ct uating selected ones of a plurality of plungers comprising a plurality of levers each of May 4, 1970 Great Britain ..2l ,239/70 is rotatable in engagement at least one corresponding plunger to actuate the plunger and a com- [52] US. Cl ..74/47l XY, ZOO/6 A mo" operating member to selectively ro-tae said [51 Int, Ci. ..G05g 9/04 levers. g [58]. Field ofSearchQ ..74/47l XY, 471; 200/6 A 8 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures PATENTEDFEB 13 I973 NVE'NTOR Douglas Burton loEmsan W ATTORNEY PATENTEDFEB 13 I975 SHEET 2 BF 2 Douglbs Burton i9 eryToR Emsvn Wye- ATTORNE JOYSTICK OPERATOR FOR PUSIIBUTTON SWITCH BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Pat. No. 958805.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a mechanism for simultaneously actuating selected ones of a plurality of plungers comprising a plurality of levers each of which is rotatable in engagement with at least one corresponding plunger to actuate said plunger an operating member, and linkage means displaceable by said operating member to rotate selected ones of said levers whereby to actuate respective ones of said plungers.
An object of the invention is to provide an improved plunger actuating mechanism capable of operating a plurality of plungers one or more at a time under the control of a common operating member.
A preferred form of the invention provides a socalled joystick manual actuating mechanism for a plurality of associated plunger-actuated electric switches. In one form of the invention, the actuating mechanism is particularly adapted to operate plunger switches of the kind described in the specification of our British Pat. No. 833435.
Further features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of-example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF Tl-lE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric switch including a plunger-actuating mechanism in accordance with the invention, and
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view, part in section of the switch.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The switch shown in the drawings comprises a' 50 ferent positions to produce respective displacements or' combinations of displacements of said linking members and levers, so as to actuate respective plungers or combinations of plungers.
The operating member is preferably displaceable between five different positions for example to actuate respectively no plungers at all, and four different plun- I gers or combinations of plungers.
Referring now to the drawings in more detail, the switch comprises two contact blocks S and T, disposed side by side, with respective pairs of plungers Sa, Sb and Ta, Tb, projecting from their lower faces (as seen in FIG. 2) which faces lie in a common plane. The plungers can be depressed in directions parallel to an axis X, the axis being perpendicular to the plane mentioned above, in order to operate respective contact pairs disposed in the contact blocks. The plungers comprise generally cone shaped heads, and shafts (not shown) which project through the contact block, so that if desired further contact blocks (not shown) may be stacked on the contact blocks shown, to be actuated by the shafts of the contact blocks shown.
The plunger actuating mechanism comprises a joystick having a shaft 1b,,and a handle 1c, the shaft having a part-spherical enlargement la which is mounted in a bearing 1, so that the handle 10 can be moved from the neutral position shown, with the shaft 1b parallel to the axis X, in any'of the directions marked N,S,E, and W in FIG. 1, which directions are generally perpendicular to the axis X, or in any intermediate direction. An indexing mechanism (described below) ensures that the handle has nine stable positions, corresponding to the neutral position, to displacement of the handle 1c in each of the directions N,S,E and W, and to displacement of the handle 10 in each of the four directions bisecting the directions N,S,E and W. In FIG. 1 the reference N,S,E and W also indicate the plungers which are actuated by movement of the handle in each of the directions N,S,E and W respectively. If the handle is moved in an intermediate direction, two of the plungers are actuated simultaneously.
. The switch also comprises a linkage mechanism contained in covers 2 and 3 which form a housing for the linkage, the linkage connecting the ball-end 1d on-the joystick to the plungers Sa, Sb, Ta and Tb. The bearing 1 is centered on the axis which passes through the center of the contact block S, and the cover 2 has an aperture 2a centered on the axis X, the ball-end 1 b projecting through the aperture 20. The cover 2 also has an internal pivot pin projecting along an axis Y parallel to the axis X, and passing through the center of the contact block T. I p
The linkage also comprises a bush 3a which fits over the ball-end 1d, and is mounted on a plate 3 at one end of the plate. The other end of the plate 3 has a slot 3b which fits over the pivot pin 2b. Accordingly, the bush 3a follows the movement of the ball-end lb, but its axis is maintained parallel to the axis X, and its movement is guided by the slot 3b.
On the plate 3 is disposed a plate 4, whose side edges engage flanges on the cover 2, so that the plate 4 is restrained from movement in the directions E and W, but can slide rectilinearly in the directions N and S. The plate 4'has an elongate aperture 4a whose length extends parallel to the directions E and W, and the width of the slot 4a is such as to accommodate the bush 3a, over which the slot fits, so as to transmit movement of the bush in the directions N and S to the plate 4, but not movement in the directions E and W. The plate 4 also has a slot 4b which fits over the pivot pin 2b, to locate the opposite end of the plate 4, and a projection 40 and a notch M which cooperates with subsequent parts of the mechanism.
A plate is disposed on the plate 4, and is pivoted about the pivoted pin 2b by an aperture 50. A pin 5b projects from the underside (as seen in FIG. 2) of the plate 5, and engages in the notch 4d so that movement of the plate 4 rotates the plate 5 about the pivot pin 2b. The plate 5 is also formed with a finger 5d, so that with the ,pin 5b and the finger 5d, the plate 5 acts as a bell crank. The end of the finger 5d is arranged to move generally parallel to, but in the opposite sense to, the plate 4. indentations arecut in the side of the plate 5 to form part of an indexing mechanism (described below).
A plate 8 is disposed on the plate 5, and is pivoted about the pivot pin 2b by an aperture 8b which fits on the pivot pin. The plate 8 also has an elongate slot 8a whose length extends parallel to the directions N, S, and whose width accommodated to the bush 30, so that movement of the bush parallel to the directions E and W is transmitted to the plate 8 to rotate the plate about the pivot pin 2b, while movement of the bush parallel to the directions N, S, is not transmitted to the plate 8. The plate also has apertures 8d which cooperate with the later parts of the mechanism, andindentations 8c cut into its end to form part of the indexing mechanism (described below).
A partition plate 11 is disposed above (as seen in FIG. 2) theplates 3, 4, 5, and 8, and is fixed to the cover 2 to maintain the parts of the mechanism described above in operating relationship. The plate 11 has openings through which the projection 40, the finger 5d and the slots 8d can be engaged by subsequent parts of the mechanism. The plate 11 has a slot 110 serves to locate a projection 12a on a bridging piece 12, the bridging piece 12 being located also in the cover 13, so as to extend parallel to the directions E, W. A notch l3c in the cover 13, and a notch 120 in the bridging piece 12, cooperate with the plate 11 to form pivot points for two bell crank levers l4 and 15, so that the levers can picot about an axis parallel to the directions N,S. The levers l4 and have projections 14a and 15a respectively, which project through the plate 11, and engage in the apertures 8d. The apertures are arranged so that the plate 8 engages the projection 14a to rotate the lever 14 in response to movement of the handle 1c in the direction W (corresponding to movement of ball-end 1d in the direction E), but does not engage the projection 15a. Similarly, movement of the handle 1c in the opposite direction E, causes the plate 8to engage the projection 15a to rotate the lever l5, and to disengage the projection 14a. The lever 14 has a finger 14b which engages the plunger Sb, and lever 15 has a finger 15b which engages the plunger Sa. Accordingly, rotation of the lever 14 in a clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 2 depresses the plunger Sb, while rotation of the lever 15 in an anti-clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 2 depresses the plunger Sa.
4c and the finger 5d. The lever 16 has a finger 16b, and
the lever 17 a finger 17b, which engage the plungers Tb and Ta respectively. Movement of the handle 10 in the direction N causes the finger 5d engaging the projection 16a to rotate the lever 17 in an anti-clockwise direction as seen in FIG. 2, and depress the plunger Tb; movement of the handle 10 in the direction S causes the projection 40 to rotate the lever 17 and depress the plunger Ta.
In the absence of an indexing mechanism, the return springs in the contact blocks S and T would tend to return the joystick to its neutral position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 when released. Accordingly, it is usually preferred to provide an indexing mechanism, which comprises levers 6 and 9 in this embodiment.
The lever 6 is pivoted on a shouldered pin 7 engaging between an aperture 2c in the cover 2 and an aperture 1 la in the plate 11, the lever 6 having a roller 6a which engages the indentations 50 on the plate 5. A compression spring 6b (FIG. 1) is located between a pin 6c on the lever 6 and a lug 2e on the cover 2, and biases the roller 6a into engagement with the notches 5c, so that the plate 5 is maintained in any one of the three positions against the bias of the return springs in the contact block T. Similarly, a lever 9 pivoted on a shouldered pin 10 mounted between apertures 2d and 11b has a roller 9a biased into engagement with the indentations Be on the plate 8 by a compression spring 9b. Accordingly, the plate 8 is maintained in any one of three stable positions against the bias of the return springs in the contact block S. Since the plates 4 and 8 between them govern the position of the ball end 1b on the joystick, it will be seen that the movement of the handle 1c is correspondingly indexed.
If desired a small fill-in piece (not shown) may be attached in any of the indentations 50 or 8c by a screw, so that the indentation is blocked out, disabling the indexing action at the corresponding position of the handle 10.
The movement of the handle 1 could be restricted by a gate (not shown). The gate can be simple cross, having arms parallel to the directions N,S,E and W in which case the plungers Sa, Sb, Ta and Tb will be operated. singly. Alternatively, the cross could have arms bisecting the directions N,S,E and W in which case the plungers Sa, Sb, Ta and Tb will be operated two at a time. Alternatively the gate may have an H- shaped aperture, in which case movement of the handle 1c corresponding to movement of the ball end 1d to one end of the H will actuate first one contact alone, then that contact, together with another one. Other suitable gate shapes will occur to those skilled in the art.
I claim:
1. A mechanism for simultaneously actuating selected ones of a plurality of plungers comprising, in combination, a plurality of levers comprising first and second pairs of first and second levers each of which is rotatable for engagement with at least one corresponding plunger to actuate such plunger, an operating member, and a plurality of linkage members operable by movement of said operating member between a plurality of different positions to rotate a selected one of said levers of said first pair of levers and one of said levers of said second pair of levers.
2. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plurality of linkage members comprises first and second linkage members, said first linkage member being disposed for rectilinear displacement in first and second opposite directions to rotate the respective first and second levers of said first pair.
3. A mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein said second linkage member is mounted for pivotal displacement in first and second opposite directions to rotate the respective first and second levers of said second pair.
4. A mechanism as claimed in claim 3 wherein said first and second levers of said second pair each comprise first and second arms, said respective first arms being adapted for engagement by saidsecond linkage member to rotate said respective first and second levers of said second pair and said second arms being engageable with corresponding plungers whereby to actuate the plungers.
5. A mechanism as claimed in claim 4 wherein said plurality of linkage members comprises a third linkage member being a bell-crank, pivot means for said bellcrank and means connecting said bell-crank to said first linkage member to pivot said bell-crank about said pivot means in response to said rectilinear displacement of said first linkage member, and said first and second levers of said first pair each comprise first and second arms, said first arms being adapted for engagement by said first linkage member and said bell-crank respectively whereby to rotate said respective first and second levers of said first pair and said second arms being engageable with corresponding plungers whereby to actuate the plungers.
6. A mechanism as claimed in claim 5 comprising operating member pivot means wherein said operating member comprises an elongate joystick connected to said operating member pivot means between its ends, a bush movable with one end of said joystick, first and second elongate slots formed" in said first and second linkage members respectively, the major ones of said slots being disposed substantially at right angles in a plane substantially perpendicular to the major axis of said joystick, said bush being slidably engaged with said slots whereby pivotal movement of said joystick about an axis parallel with the major axis of said first slot produces said rectilinear displacement of said first linkage member and pivotal movement of said joystick about an axis parallel with the major axis of said second slot produces said pivotal displacement of said second linkage member.
7. A mechanism as claimed in claim 2 comprising index means to index said respective displacements and combinations of displacements of said linkage members wherein said first and second linkage members are provided with respective notches or pluralities of notches and said index means comprises first and second bias springs and first and second index members biased by the respective said bias springs into engagement with said first and second linkage members respectively so as to engage with said respective notches or pluralities of notches.
8. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1 comprising operating member pivot means wherein said operating member comprises an elongate joystick connected to said operating member pivot means between its ends, one end of said joystick being adapted to engage said linkage members so that pivotal movement of said joystick about said operating member pivot means between said plurality of different positions produces said respective displacements or combinations of displacements of said linkage members.

Claims (8)

1. A mechanism for simultaneously actuating selected ones of a plurality of plungers comprising, in combination, a plurality of levers comprising first and second pairs of first and second levers each of which is rotatable for engagement with at least one corresponding plunger to actuate such plunger, an operating member, and a plurality of linkage members operable by movement of said operating member between a plurality of different positions to rotate a selected one of said levers of said first pair of levers and one of said levers of said second pair of levers.
1. A mechanism for simultaneously actuating selected ones of a plurality of plungers comprising, in combination, a plurality of levers comprising first and second pairs of first and second levers each of which is rotatable for engagement with at least one corresponding plunger to actuate such plunger, an operating member, and a plurality of linkage members operable by movement of said operating member between a plurality of different positions to rotate a selected one of said levers of said first pair of levers and one of said levers of said second pair of levers.
2. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plurality of linkage members comprises first and second linkage members, said first linkage member being disposed for rectilinear displacement in first and second opposite directions to rotate the respective first and second levers of said first pair.
3. A mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein said second linkage member is mounted for pivotal displacement in first and second opposite directions to rotate the respective first and second levers of said second pair.
4. A mechanism as claimed in claim 3 wherein said first and second levers of said second pair each comprise first and second arms, said respective first arms being adapted for engagement by said second linkage member to rotate said respective first and second levers of said second pair and said second arms being engageable with corresponding plungers whereby to actuate the plungers.
5. A mechanism as claimed in claim 4 wherein said plurality of linkage members comprises a third linkage member being a bell-crank, pivot means for said bell-crank and means connecting said bell-crank to said first linkage member to pivot said bell-crank about said pivot means in response to said rectilinear displacement of said first linkage member, and said first and second levers of said first pair each comprise first and second arms, said first arms being adapted for engagement by said first linkage member and said bell-crank respectively whereby to rotate said respective first and second levers of said first pair and said second arms being engageable with corresponding plungers whereby to actuate the plungers.
6. A mechanism as claimed in claim 5 comprising operating member pivot means wherein said operating member comprises an elongate joystick connected to said operating member pivot means between its ends, a bush movable with one end of saId joystick, first and second elongate slots formed in said first and second linkage members respectively, the major ones of said slots being disposed substantially at right angles in a plane substantially perpendicular to the major axis of said joystick, said bush being slidably engaged with said slots whereby pivotal movement of said joystick about an axis parallel with the major axis of said first slot produces said rectilinear displacement of said first linkage member and pivotal movement of said joystick about an axis parallel with the major axis of said second slot produces said pivotal displacement of said second linkage member.
7. A mechanism as claimed in claim 2 comprising index means to index said respective displacements and combinations of displacements of said linkage members wherein said first and second linkage members are provided with respective notches or pluralities of notches and said index means comprises first and second bias springs and first and second index members biased by the respective said bias springs into engagement with said first and second linkage members respectively so as to engage with said respective notches or pluralities of notches.
US00130954A 1970-05-04 1971-04-05 Joystick operator for pushbutton switch Expired - Lifetime US3715933A (en)

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4680577A (en) * 1983-11-28 1987-07-14 Tektronix, Inc. Multipurpose cursor control keyswitch
US4795862A (en) * 1986-12-12 1989-01-03 United Technologies Automotive, Inc. Method and apparatus for operating vehicle windows with a switch

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4680577A (en) * 1983-11-28 1987-07-14 Tektronix, Inc. Multipurpose cursor control keyswitch
US4795862A (en) * 1986-12-12 1989-01-03 United Technologies Automotive, Inc. Method and apparatus for operating vehicle windows with a switch

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