CA1074377A - Electric switch and contact bridging member therefor - Google Patents
Electric switch and contact bridging member thereforInfo
- Publication number
- CA1074377A CA1074377A CA240,328A CA240328A CA1074377A CA 1074377 A CA1074377 A CA 1074377A CA 240328 A CA240328 A CA 240328A CA 1074377 A CA1074377 A CA 1074377A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- contact
- bridging member
- contact bridging
- fulcrum
- electric switch
- 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
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
- H01H13/56—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state upon the next application of operating force
- H01H13/562—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state upon the next application of operating force making use of a heart shaped cam
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H1/00—Contacts
- H01H1/12—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage
- H01H1/36—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by sliding
- H01H1/365—Bridging contacts
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H19/00—Switches operated by an operating part which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and which is acted upon directly by a solid body external to the switch, e.g. by a hand
- H01H19/02—Details
- H01H19/10—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
- H01H23/02—Details
- H01H23/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
Abstract
TITLE
ELECTRIC SWITCH AND
CONTACT BRIDGING MEMBER THEREFOR
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The invention provides a contact bridging member for an electric switch wherein, in use, a contact bridging member is slid by an actuator over a fulcrum and in so doing pivots thereabout to bring the leading end of the member into or out of contact with, or the trailing end out of or into contact with, an electrical contact; the contact bridging member having an abutment member adapted to be acted upon by the actuator in the aforesaid manner and wherein the abutment member projects from one side of the contact bridging member and is an outwardly struck portion thereof.
The invention also provides switches incorporating that contact bridging member.
The contact bridging member may be curved suitably for use in linearly, arcuately or rotary acting switches.
ELECTRIC SWITCH AND
CONTACT BRIDGING MEMBER THEREFOR
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The invention provides a contact bridging member for an electric switch wherein, in use, a contact bridging member is slid by an actuator over a fulcrum and in so doing pivots thereabout to bring the leading end of the member into or out of contact with, or the trailing end out of or into contact with, an electrical contact; the contact bridging member having an abutment member adapted to be acted upon by the actuator in the aforesaid manner and wherein the abutment member projects from one side of the contact bridging member and is an outwardly struck portion thereof.
The invention also provides switches incorporating that contact bridging member.
The contact bridging member may be curved suitably for use in linearly, arcuately or rotary acting switches.
Description
~o~7437 7 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a contact bridging member for an electric switch wherein, in use, the contact bridging member is s1id along a path by an actuator, over a fulcrum and in so doing pivots about the fulcrum to bring the leading end of the member into contact with, or the trailing end out of contact with, electrical contact; said contact bridging member comprising a unitary conductive piece comprising a strip of metal having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness and having two integral abutment members adapted to be acted upon by the actuator in the aforesaid manner to effect sliding; the abutment members each comprising an outwardly struck integral portion of the conductive piece projecting from the side of the contact bridging member which, in use, is remote from the contact and the fulcrum.
The present invention also provides an electric switch comprising a contact bridging member, a fulcrum and an actuator adapted to slide the contact bridging member along a path and over the fulcrum such that the contact bridging member pivots about the fulcrum to bring the leading end of the contact bridging member in contact with, or the trailing end out of contact with an electrical contact; wherein the contact bridging member comprises a unitary conductive piece compnising a strip o~ metal having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness and having two integral abutment members adapted to be acted upon by the actuator to effect the sliding and wherein the abutment members each comprise an outwardly struck integral portion of the 87G - 2 - ~
.,~;, . .i, conductive piece projecting from that side of the contact bridgin~ member remote fromthe contact and fulcrum.
Preferably, the surface or edge of the fulcrum which c~ntacts the contact bridging member extends at least substantially the full width of the contact bridging member measured transversely to the direction of sliding over the fulcrum and provides a continuous contacting surface to the contact bridging member.
PREFERRED FEATURES OF T~E INYENTION
By the abutment members being outwardly struck pcrtions the opposite side of the contact member will not need to have any projections therefrom and thus the fulcrum will not need to accommodate the passing of any projection as do the contacts in, say, Figures 11-14 of said application which are provided with slots 106. Thus, the full width of the fulcrum, a continuous surface as presented to the contact bridging member, is available to contact the contact bridging member and this enables heavier current carrying than other-wise and, we believe, less difficulty with arcing. Further, slotted contacts add to cost and in this invention only one form of contact needs to be used in many switches. Further, it is believed that the consequent ability to have the operator at all times to one side of the fulcrum a better action is obtained particularly where the contact bridging member is arcuate as in certain aspects of said application.
.~, ~074377 The contact bridging member, with the exception of the abutment members, may be flat, it may have upturned ends, it may be arcuate and it may be also curved to suit a rotary switch and in these instances it will find application in the switches shown in said application. Indeed, what is ~disclosed therein relating to the form of the contact bridging member thereof is applicable to the contact member of the present invention.
The contact bridging member most preferably has a length at least twice the spacing of adjacent contacts.
The abutment members may be so shaped as ~o provide a nest for the actuator but it is usually sufficient if the abutment members merely extend transverse to the directions of motion of the contact bridging member.
The outwardly struck portions can conveniently be formed in a stamping operation.
The present invention also provides a switch having such a contact bridging member.
The present invention also provides an electric switch comprising a contact bridging member, a fulcrum and an actuator adapted to slide the contact bridging member over the fulcrum and constructed and arranged so that in so doing the contact bridging member pivots thereabouts to bring the leading end of the contact bridging member into or out of contact with, or the trailing end into or out of contact with an electrical contact and characterized in that the contact bridging member has an abutment member adapted to be acted P-contact - 4 - )Oth t~ovember, 1g75 upon by the actuator in the aforesaid manner and wherein the abutment member projects from one side of the contact bridging member and is an outwardly struck portion thereof.
It is particularly preferred that the surface of the fulcrum which contacts the contact bridging member is a continuous surface.
The present invention also provides an electric switch having a mechanism comprising an actuator, a cont~ct - bridging member capable of being-moved along a path by the actuator and two spaced apart electric contacts arranged along said path; wherein one of said contacts functions, in -use, as a fulcrum and wherein said member is so shaped and the switch is constructed and arranged that said mem~ber is movable from a first position in which it is in contact with said contacts, slideably with respect to said contacts and in so doing initially rotates in one direction and thereafter pivots about the fulcrum in a rotation of opposite direction whereby to come out of contact with the other of said contacts and further characterized in that the contact bridging member has an abutment member adapted to be acted upon by the actuator in the aforesaid manner and wherein the abutment member projects from one side of the contact bridging member and is an out-wardly struc~ portion thereof.
This invention will be illustrated by way of non-limiting examples with the aid of the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPrION OF THE VIEllS OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first contact P-contact - 5 - 1~th ~ovember, 1475 107~377 bridging member in accordance with this invention, Figure 2 is a plan view of the member shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a cross-section on line 3-3 in Figure 2, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second contact bridging member in accordance with this invention, Figure 5 is a plan view of a third contact bridging member in accordance with this invention, Figure 6 is an elevation of the member shown in F1gure 5 (however, it should be noted that the member shown in Figure 4 would have an elevational appearance identical to Figure 6), Figure 7 is a cross-section of a switch which uses the contact bridging member of Figure 4, Figure 8 is a cross-section on line 8-8 in Figure 7, Figure 9 is a cross-section on line 9-9 in Figure 7 Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the operation of the switch of Figure 7, and Figure 11 is another schematic reprecentation of the operation of the switch of Figure 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIOr~
The contact bridging member ~ sho~Jn in Figures 1-3.
is ~ormed from metal strip in a single stamping operation which defines its perimeters and forms the outwardly struck portions 2 and 3 ~hich serve as abutment members to be operated on by an actuator in an electr-ic s~itch.
It wi71 he ncted particular7y from Figure 3 that P-contact - 6 - 10th ~ovember, 1975 , the underside 4 of the member has no projections.
The contact bridging member 6 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is similar to that shown in Figures 1-3 excepting that it is arcuate both in plan and elevation so as to enable it to be used in a rotary switch as disclosed in said application;
for instance, the rotary switch of Figures 16-21 of said application.
The contact bridging member l shown in Figure 4 is similar to that shown in Figures 1-3 excepti-ng that it is arcuate when seen in elevation (i.e., it would appear as does the member 6 as shown in Figure 6) so that it may be used in the switch shown in Figure 11-14 of said application.
The switch shown in Figures 7-9 exemplifies the use of contact bridging members in accordance with this invention.
The switch shown in Figures 7-g comprises a body, comprised of a part 10 and a part 11 which snap-fittingly engage with one another, which mounts a first set of contacts 12, 13 and 14 and a second set of contacts 16, 17 and 18.
The present invention provides a contact bridging member for an electric switch wherein, in use, the contact bridging member is s1id along a path by an actuator, over a fulcrum and in so doing pivots about the fulcrum to bring the leading end of the member into contact with, or the trailing end out of contact with, electrical contact; said contact bridging member comprising a unitary conductive piece comprising a strip of metal having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness and having two integral abutment members adapted to be acted upon by the actuator in the aforesaid manner to effect sliding; the abutment members each comprising an outwardly struck integral portion of the conductive piece projecting from the side of the contact bridging member which, in use, is remote from the contact and the fulcrum.
The present invention also provides an electric switch comprising a contact bridging member, a fulcrum and an actuator adapted to slide the contact bridging member along a path and over the fulcrum such that the contact bridging member pivots about the fulcrum to bring the leading end of the contact bridging member in contact with, or the trailing end out of contact with an electrical contact; wherein the contact bridging member comprises a unitary conductive piece compnising a strip o~ metal having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness and having two integral abutment members adapted to be acted upon by the actuator to effect the sliding and wherein the abutment members each comprise an outwardly struck integral portion of the 87G - 2 - ~
.,~;, . .i, conductive piece projecting from that side of the contact bridgin~ member remote fromthe contact and fulcrum.
Preferably, the surface or edge of the fulcrum which c~ntacts the contact bridging member extends at least substantially the full width of the contact bridging member measured transversely to the direction of sliding over the fulcrum and provides a continuous contacting surface to the contact bridging member.
PREFERRED FEATURES OF T~E INYENTION
By the abutment members being outwardly struck pcrtions the opposite side of the contact member will not need to have any projections therefrom and thus the fulcrum will not need to accommodate the passing of any projection as do the contacts in, say, Figures 11-14 of said application which are provided with slots 106. Thus, the full width of the fulcrum, a continuous surface as presented to the contact bridging member, is available to contact the contact bridging member and this enables heavier current carrying than other-wise and, we believe, less difficulty with arcing. Further, slotted contacts add to cost and in this invention only one form of contact needs to be used in many switches. Further, it is believed that the consequent ability to have the operator at all times to one side of the fulcrum a better action is obtained particularly where the contact bridging member is arcuate as in certain aspects of said application.
.~, ~074377 The contact bridging member, with the exception of the abutment members, may be flat, it may have upturned ends, it may be arcuate and it may be also curved to suit a rotary switch and in these instances it will find application in the switches shown in said application. Indeed, what is ~disclosed therein relating to the form of the contact bridging member thereof is applicable to the contact member of the present invention.
The contact bridging member most preferably has a length at least twice the spacing of adjacent contacts.
The abutment members may be so shaped as ~o provide a nest for the actuator but it is usually sufficient if the abutment members merely extend transverse to the directions of motion of the contact bridging member.
The outwardly struck portions can conveniently be formed in a stamping operation.
The present invention also provides a switch having such a contact bridging member.
The present invention also provides an electric switch comprising a contact bridging member, a fulcrum and an actuator adapted to slide the contact bridging member over the fulcrum and constructed and arranged so that in so doing the contact bridging member pivots thereabouts to bring the leading end of the contact bridging member into or out of contact with, or the trailing end into or out of contact with an electrical contact and characterized in that the contact bridging member has an abutment member adapted to be acted P-contact - 4 - )Oth t~ovember, 1g75 upon by the actuator in the aforesaid manner and wherein the abutment member projects from one side of the contact bridging member and is an outwardly struck portion thereof.
It is particularly preferred that the surface of the fulcrum which contacts the contact bridging member is a continuous surface.
The present invention also provides an electric switch having a mechanism comprising an actuator, a cont~ct - bridging member capable of being-moved along a path by the actuator and two spaced apart electric contacts arranged along said path; wherein one of said contacts functions, in -use, as a fulcrum and wherein said member is so shaped and the switch is constructed and arranged that said mem~ber is movable from a first position in which it is in contact with said contacts, slideably with respect to said contacts and in so doing initially rotates in one direction and thereafter pivots about the fulcrum in a rotation of opposite direction whereby to come out of contact with the other of said contacts and further characterized in that the contact bridging member has an abutment member adapted to be acted upon by the actuator in the aforesaid manner and wherein the abutment member projects from one side of the contact bridging member and is an out-wardly struc~ portion thereof.
This invention will be illustrated by way of non-limiting examples with the aid of the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPrION OF THE VIEllS OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first contact P-contact - 5 - 1~th ~ovember, 1475 107~377 bridging member in accordance with this invention, Figure 2 is a plan view of the member shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a cross-section on line 3-3 in Figure 2, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second contact bridging member in accordance with this invention, Figure 5 is a plan view of a third contact bridging member in accordance with this invention, Figure 6 is an elevation of the member shown in F1gure 5 (however, it should be noted that the member shown in Figure 4 would have an elevational appearance identical to Figure 6), Figure 7 is a cross-section of a switch which uses the contact bridging member of Figure 4, Figure 8 is a cross-section on line 8-8 in Figure 7, Figure 9 is a cross-section on line 9-9 in Figure 7 Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the operation of the switch of Figure 7, and Figure 11 is another schematic reprecentation of the operation of the switch of Figure 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIOr~
The contact bridging member ~ sho~Jn in Figures 1-3.
is ~ormed from metal strip in a single stamping operation which defines its perimeters and forms the outwardly struck portions 2 and 3 ~hich serve as abutment members to be operated on by an actuator in an electr-ic s~itch.
It wi71 he ncted particular7y from Figure 3 that P-contact - 6 - 10th ~ovember, 1975 , the underside 4 of the member has no projections.
The contact bridging member 6 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is similar to that shown in Figures 1-3 excepting that it is arcuate both in plan and elevation so as to enable it to be used in a rotary switch as disclosed in said application;
for instance, the rotary switch of Figures 16-21 of said application.
The contact bridging member l shown in Figure 4 is similar to that shown in Figures 1-3 excepti-ng that it is arcuate when seen in elevation (i.e., it would appear as does the member 6 as shown in Figure 6) so that it may be used in the switch shown in Figure 11-14 of said application.
The switch shown in Figures 7-9 exemplifies the use of contact bridging members in accordance with this invention.
The switch shown in Figures 7-g comprises a body, comprised of a part 10 and a part 11 which snap-fittingly engage with one another, which mounts a first set of contacts 12, 13 and 14 and a second set of contacts 16, 17 and 18.
2~ Within the body is an actuator 19 which is biassed by a spring 21 in the direction of arrow 22. The actuator ,s reciprocably moveable in the direction of arrow 22 and the opposite direction 25.
At one end of the actuator is mounted a press-button 2~ 23 and the other end of the actuator the~ is catch means indicated generally by 24 to be described in more detail later in this specification.
P-contact - 7 - 10th November, 1975 107~37~
~ Intermediate the ends of the actuator thereis a through bore 26 in which is located a coil spring 27 which bears on pins 28 and 29.
A contact bridging member is provided for each of the sets of contacts and is located by a respective one of pins 28 and 2~.
The contact bridging member for contacts 12, 13 and 14 is numbered 1 and is identical in all respects to the contact bridging member 1 of Figure 4.
The contact bri~ing member for contacts 16, 17 and 18 is numbered la and is identical in ali respects to member 1.
The manner of operation of the above described switch is similar in many respects to the switches shown in said application and reference is directed thereto. However, the manner of operation is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 hereof.
In brief, in Figure 10 the member 1 is shown in relation to the contacts 12, 13 and 14. By moving member 1 in the direction of arrow 22 it slides with respect to contacts 12 and 13 and because of its arcuate shape its leading and trailing ends respectively rotate anti-clockwise and clockwise. Thus the leading end also has a component of motion away from contact 14.
.The member 1 then comes to the position shown in the solid line in Figure l1.
However, it is to be noted that the position shown in the solid line in Figure 11 is an unstable position. From there it may piYCt to contact 14 or return to contact 12 dependant on whether the actuator is moved in the direction P-contact - 8 - 10th Novenber, 1~75 107~37~
of arrow 22 or 24.
Member la moves similarly.
The catch mechanism, which can serve to hold the actuator in such a position that-contacts 13 and 14, 17 and 18 are bridged by members 1 and la is shown particularly in Figures 7 and 9.
In this respect, the actuator has a hole 4~ and a relieved portion 50 both o~ which are shown by dash lines.
A generally Z-shaped member 55 (shown in dotted line in Figure 8) is received at one end in hole 45 and the other end, 60, is located in a channel 65 of particular form in body part 10 (see, particularly, Figure 9).
Operation of the actuator causes the end 60 to move in the channel as shown by the line 70 and in the directions indicated by arrow heads. The end 60 is stable only when in the positions denoted a and b which correspond, respectively, to the position o~ the actuator shown in Figure 7 and a position in which contacts 13 and 14, and contacts 17 and 18 are bridged by r,lerl7bers 1-and al; all other positions are unstable and tend to revert to one or other of the stable positions.
The switch shown in Figures 7-9 is a double pole, double throw switch and may be modi~ied by omitting contacts 16, 17 and 18 to make it single po1e, double throw or contacts 2~ 14, 16, 17 and 18 to make it single pole, single throw. Other modi~ications wi1l be apparent.
The switch shown in the drawinys can be used as a P-contact - 9 - 10th ~ovember, 1975 .
~07~377 pull-switch by pulling on end 80 and a hole 85 is provided in that end which can engage a pullable member.
It is to be noted that member ~ may be used in lieu of member 1 but contacts 13 and 17 will probably need relocat-ion and in any case a flat contact bridging member is notpreferred.
In the switch described above with respect to Figures 7-~, advantages accrue from the use of the contact bridging member.
Among those advantages are those consequent on its arcuate shape and reference is made to said a~plication ~or a description of these.
Other advantages are consequent on the contact bridging member having outwardly struck abutments and the co-operation of the contact bridging member with the contacts 13 and 17 which, it is to be noted, do not have the slot 106 of the contact sho~Jn in Figure 7 of said application but which are instead generally planar on their ends and thus the whole of the ends cdn carry current. This additional current carrying area seems to result in less arc, longer switch life and higher current ratings than occurs with the contacts shown in Figure 7 of said ap~lication.
in this respect it is conceded that the holes in the contact bridging member formed in conse4uence of the 2~ striking out of a~utlnents 2 and 3 do reduce the current carrying capcity of the contact bridging members but it is pointed out that this reduction is not at a region of s1iding P-contact 10 - 10th November, 1975 ~7~37~7 -contact during actual switching and is thus of little consequence.
Further, the fact that contacts 13 and 17 can be identical to contacts 12, 14, 16 and 18 means only one type of contact needs to be stocked and assembled. ~hus certain assembly errors are eliminated and stock holding costings are reduced. Further, the need to make or buy only one terminal, although perhaps small for small quantities of - switches is of material importance to any large scale prod-uction that small savings can make major differences to sales.
Further, having pins 28 and 29 at all times more adjacent the actuator than a surface including contacts 12 and 13 or 16 and 17 produces, it is believed, a superio~ action.
Many modifications and adaptions may be made to the in~entions described above without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which includes every novel feature and combination of features disclosed herein.
A typical switch in accordance with Figures 7-9 of the drawings has contacts which are all the same and the contacts are mounted at slightly di~ferent levels in conse-quence of casing formations. The contacts are about 0.05mm thick about 18mm long and are contacted over a width of about.
6mm by the contact bridging member and have a maximum width of about 7mm. The contacts are located in the casing so that the casing interior ends of contacts 13 and 17 lie in planes spaced about Q.5mm or less from planes including the casing interior ends of contacts 12 and 14 and ~6 and 18 and the P-contact ~ 10th November, 1975 ~374377 , contacts are spaced from adjacent contacts `at centres spacings of about 6.5mm and adjacent surface spacings of about 5.5mm. - -The contact bridging member of that typical S~ ch is arcuate, has a developed length of about 13.5mm, has a radius of arcuate curvature of about 44.5mm, is about 0.7mm wide, has the abutment members struck out from a portion about 3.6mm wide and about 4.7mm 10ng and wherein the abutment - members and the portion of the contact bridging member between them define a curved surface for receiving pins 28 or 29 of-a radius of about 1.2mm.
Further, the corners of the contact bridging member are rounded at a radius of about 0.8mm. This slight rounding is of some significance in that in early experiments applicant merely trimmed right angled corners at 45 (trimming off a portion with sides adjacent the ri~ht angle of about 2mm in length) and found that the contact bridging member, by being comparitively pointed had a tendency to arc. Leaving the corners square was not considered practical as such corners can often be sharp and thus a small rounding was chosen. Stil7 further, this trimming of the surface at 45 reduced the wiping surface thus reducing self cleaning.
The claims form part of the disclosure of this specification.
P-contact - 12 - 10th November~ 1~75
At one end of the actuator is mounted a press-button 2~ 23 and the other end of the actuator the~ is catch means indicated generally by 24 to be described in more detail later in this specification.
P-contact - 7 - 10th November, 1975 107~37~
~ Intermediate the ends of the actuator thereis a through bore 26 in which is located a coil spring 27 which bears on pins 28 and 29.
A contact bridging member is provided for each of the sets of contacts and is located by a respective one of pins 28 and 2~.
The contact bridging member for contacts 12, 13 and 14 is numbered 1 and is identical in all respects to the contact bridging member 1 of Figure 4.
The contact bri~ing member for contacts 16, 17 and 18 is numbered la and is identical in ali respects to member 1.
The manner of operation of the above described switch is similar in many respects to the switches shown in said application and reference is directed thereto. However, the manner of operation is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 hereof.
In brief, in Figure 10 the member 1 is shown in relation to the contacts 12, 13 and 14. By moving member 1 in the direction of arrow 22 it slides with respect to contacts 12 and 13 and because of its arcuate shape its leading and trailing ends respectively rotate anti-clockwise and clockwise. Thus the leading end also has a component of motion away from contact 14.
.The member 1 then comes to the position shown in the solid line in Figure l1.
However, it is to be noted that the position shown in the solid line in Figure 11 is an unstable position. From there it may piYCt to contact 14 or return to contact 12 dependant on whether the actuator is moved in the direction P-contact - 8 - 10th Novenber, 1~75 107~37~
of arrow 22 or 24.
Member la moves similarly.
The catch mechanism, which can serve to hold the actuator in such a position that-contacts 13 and 14, 17 and 18 are bridged by members 1 and la is shown particularly in Figures 7 and 9.
In this respect, the actuator has a hole 4~ and a relieved portion 50 both o~ which are shown by dash lines.
A generally Z-shaped member 55 (shown in dotted line in Figure 8) is received at one end in hole 45 and the other end, 60, is located in a channel 65 of particular form in body part 10 (see, particularly, Figure 9).
Operation of the actuator causes the end 60 to move in the channel as shown by the line 70 and in the directions indicated by arrow heads. The end 60 is stable only when in the positions denoted a and b which correspond, respectively, to the position o~ the actuator shown in Figure 7 and a position in which contacts 13 and 14, and contacts 17 and 18 are bridged by r,lerl7bers 1-and al; all other positions are unstable and tend to revert to one or other of the stable positions.
The switch shown in Figures 7-9 is a double pole, double throw switch and may be modi~ied by omitting contacts 16, 17 and 18 to make it single po1e, double throw or contacts 2~ 14, 16, 17 and 18 to make it single pole, single throw. Other modi~ications wi1l be apparent.
The switch shown in the drawinys can be used as a P-contact - 9 - 10th ~ovember, 1975 .
~07~377 pull-switch by pulling on end 80 and a hole 85 is provided in that end which can engage a pullable member.
It is to be noted that member ~ may be used in lieu of member 1 but contacts 13 and 17 will probably need relocat-ion and in any case a flat contact bridging member is notpreferred.
In the switch described above with respect to Figures 7-~, advantages accrue from the use of the contact bridging member.
Among those advantages are those consequent on its arcuate shape and reference is made to said a~plication ~or a description of these.
Other advantages are consequent on the contact bridging member having outwardly struck abutments and the co-operation of the contact bridging member with the contacts 13 and 17 which, it is to be noted, do not have the slot 106 of the contact sho~Jn in Figure 7 of said application but which are instead generally planar on their ends and thus the whole of the ends cdn carry current. This additional current carrying area seems to result in less arc, longer switch life and higher current ratings than occurs with the contacts shown in Figure 7 of said ap~lication.
in this respect it is conceded that the holes in the contact bridging member formed in conse4uence of the 2~ striking out of a~utlnents 2 and 3 do reduce the current carrying capcity of the contact bridging members but it is pointed out that this reduction is not at a region of s1iding P-contact 10 - 10th November, 1975 ~7~37~7 -contact during actual switching and is thus of little consequence.
Further, the fact that contacts 13 and 17 can be identical to contacts 12, 14, 16 and 18 means only one type of contact needs to be stocked and assembled. ~hus certain assembly errors are eliminated and stock holding costings are reduced. Further, the need to make or buy only one terminal, although perhaps small for small quantities of - switches is of material importance to any large scale prod-uction that small savings can make major differences to sales.
Further, having pins 28 and 29 at all times more adjacent the actuator than a surface including contacts 12 and 13 or 16 and 17 produces, it is believed, a superio~ action.
Many modifications and adaptions may be made to the in~entions described above without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which includes every novel feature and combination of features disclosed herein.
A typical switch in accordance with Figures 7-9 of the drawings has contacts which are all the same and the contacts are mounted at slightly di~ferent levels in conse-quence of casing formations. The contacts are about 0.05mm thick about 18mm long and are contacted over a width of about.
6mm by the contact bridging member and have a maximum width of about 7mm. The contacts are located in the casing so that the casing interior ends of contacts 13 and 17 lie in planes spaced about Q.5mm or less from planes including the casing interior ends of contacts 12 and 14 and ~6 and 18 and the P-contact ~ 10th November, 1975 ~374377 , contacts are spaced from adjacent contacts `at centres spacings of about 6.5mm and adjacent surface spacings of about 5.5mm. - -The contact bridging member of that typical S~ ch is arcuate, has a developed length of about 13.5mm, has a radius of arcuate curvature of about 44.5mm, is about 0.7mm wide, has the abutment members struck out from a portion about 3.6mm wide and about 4.7mm 10ng and wherein the abutment - members and the portion of the contact bridging member between them define a curved surface for receiving pins 28 or 29 of-a radius of about 1.2mm.
Further, the corners of the contact bridging member are rounded at a radius of about 0.8mm. This slight rounding is of some significance in that in early experiments applicant merely trimmed right angled corners at 45 (trimming off a portion with sides adjacent the ri~ht angle of about 2mm in length) and found that the contact bridging member, by being comparitively pointed had a tendency to arc. Leaving the corners square was not considered practical as such corners can often be sharp and thus a small rounding was chosen. Stil7 further, this trimming of the surface at 45 reduced the wiping surface thus reducing self cleaning.
The claims form part of the disclosure of this specification.
P-contact - 12 - 10th November~ 1~75
Claims (13)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A contact bridging member for an electric switch wherein, in use, the contact bridging member is slid along a path by an actuator, over a fulcrum and in so doing pivots about the fulcrum to bring the leading end of the member into contact with, or the trailing end out of contact with, electrical contact; said contact bridging member comprising a unitary conductive piece comprising a strip of metal having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness and having two integral abutment members adapted to be acted upon by the actuator in the aforesaid manner to effect sliding; the abutment members each comprising an outwardly struck integral portion of the conductive piece projecting from the side of the contact bridging member which, in use, is remote from the contact and the fulcrum.
2. A contact bridging member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the abutment members are so shaped as to form a nest adapted to receive part of the actuator.
3. A contact bridging member as claimed in claim 1, wherein that side of the contact bridging member which in use contacts the fulcrum is flat.
4. A contact bridging member as claimed in claim 1 wherein that side of the contact bridging member which in use contacts the fulcrum has upturned ends.
5. A contact bridging member as claimed in claim 1 wherein that side of the contact bridging member which in use contacts the fulcrum is arcuate.
6. A contact bridging member as claimed in claim 4, wherein the contact bridging member is a sector of an annulus.
7. An electric switch comprising a contact bridging member, a fulcrum and an actuator adapted to slide the contact bridging member along a path and over the fulcrum such that the contact bridging member pivots about the fulcrum to bring the leading end of the contact bridging member in contact with, or the trailing end out of contact with an electrical contact;
wherein the contact bridging member comprises a unitary conductive piece comprising a strip of metal having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness and having two integral abutment members adapted to be acted upon by the actuator to effect the sliding and wherein the abutment members each comprise an outwardly struck integral portion of the conductive piece projecting from that side of the contact bridging member remote from the contact and fulcrum.
wherein the contact bridging member comprises a unitary conductive piece comprising a strip of metal having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness and having two integral abutment members adapted to be acted upon by the actuator to effect the sliding and wherein the abutment members each comprise an outwardly struck integral portion of the conductive piece projecting from that side of the contact bridging member remote from the contact and fulcrum.
8. An electric switch as claimed in claim 8 and further characterised in that the surface or edge of the fulcrum which contacts the contact bridging member extends at least substantially the full width of the contact bridging member measured transversely to the direction of sliding over the fulcrum and provides a continuous contacting surface to the contact bridging member.
9. An electric switch as claimed in claim 8, wherein the fulcrum is an electrically conductive contact.
10. An electric switch as claimed in claim 8 wherein the abutment members are so shaped as to form a nest adapted to receive part of the actuator.
11. An electric switch as claimed in claim 8 wherein that side of the contact bridging member which in use contacts the fulcrum is flat.
12. An electric switch as claimed in claim 8 wherein that side of the contact bridging member which in use contacts the fulcrum has upturned ends.
13. An electric switch as claimed in claim 8 wherein that side of the contact bridging member which in use contacts the fulcrum is arcuate.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPB974074 | 1974-11-25 | ||
| AUPB985774 | 1974-12-03 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1074377A true CA1074377A (en) | 1980-03-25 |
Family
ID=25642070
Family Applications (3)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA240,329A Expired CA1064995A (en) | 1974-11-25 | 1975-11-24 | Electric switch with pivotally slidable contact |
| CA240,328A Expired CA1074377A (en) | 1974-11-25 | 1975-11-24 | Electric switch and contact bridging member therefor |
| CA240,331A Expired CA1064996A (en) | 1974-11-25 | 1975-11-24 | Electric switch with pivotally slidable contact |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA240,329A Expired CA1064995A (en) | 1974-11-25 | 1975-11-24 | Electric switch with pivotally slidable contact |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA240,331A Expired CA1064996A (en) | 1974-11-25 | 1975-11-24 | Electric switch with pivotally slidable contact |
Country Status (12)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (3) | JPS5176578A (en) |
| CA (3) | CA1064995A (en) |
| DD (1) | DD121694A5 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2552358A1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES443373A1 (en) |
| FR (3) | FR2292322A1 (en) |
| GB (2) | GB1534704A (en) |
| IE (1) | IE43595B1 (en) |
| IN (1) | IN145114B (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1049758B (en) |
| NL (1) | NL7513766A (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ179336A (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS587950Y2 (en) * | 1977-11-30 | 1983-02-12 | 株式会社フジソク | switch device |
| US4314121A (en) * | 1980-10-20 | 1982-02-02 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Switch with sliding contactor |
| JPS5834771A (en) * | 1981-08-24 | 1983-03-01 | 日立工機株式会社 | Motor tool with generation brake |
| GB2146175A (en) * | 1983-08-10 | 1985-04-11 | Trw Carr Limited | Push-push switches |
| JPS617826U (en) * | 1984-06-20 | 1986-01-17 | 日本開閉器工業株式会社 | small switch |
| JPS625521U (en) * | 1985-06-27 | 1987-01-13 | ||
| JP2951152B2 (en) * | 1993-06-15 | 1999-09-20 | アルプス電気株式会社 | Switch device |
| JP2729914B2 (en) * | 1994-03-07 | 1998-03-18 | 帝国通信工業株式会社 | Push button switch |
| DE102007045432B3 (en) * | 2007-09-22 | 2009-04-16 | Moeller Gmbh | Electrical switching contact |
-
1975
- 1975-11-21 GB GB48025/75A patent/GB1534704A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-11-21 GB GB48027/75A patent/GB1534706A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-11-21 IE IE2539/75A patent/IE43595B1/en unknown
- 1975-11-21 DE DE2552358A patent/DE2552358A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1975-11-24 FR FR7535884A patent/FR2292322A1/en active Granted
- 1975-11-24 IN IN2233/CAL/75A patent/IN145114B/en unknown
- 1975-11-24 DD DD189643A patent/DD121694A5/xx unknown
- 1975-11-24 CA CA240,329A patent/CA1064995A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-11-24 CA CA240,328A patent/CA1074377A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-11-24 IT IT29577/75A patent/IT1049758B/en active
- 1975-11-24 FR FR7535883A patent/FR2292324A1/en active Granted
- 1975-11-24 NZ NZ179336A patent/NZ179336A/en unknown
- 1975-11-24 CA CA240,331A patent/CA1064996A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-11-24 FR FR7535882A patent/FR2292323A1/en active Granted
- 1975-11-25 JP JP50140301A patent/JPS5176578A/en active Pending
- 1975-11-25 JP JP50140303A patent/JPS5176575A/en active Pending
- 1975-11-25 NL NL7513766A patent/NL7513766A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1975-11-25 ES ES443373A patent/ES443373A1/en not_active Expired
- 1975-11-25 JP JP50140302A patent/JPS5176574A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| NZ179336A (en) | 1978-11-13 |
| JPS5176578A (en) | 1976-07-02 |
| FR2292322B1 (en) | 1980-01-25 |
| DE2552358A1 (en) | 1976-05-26 |
| CA1064995A (en) | 1979-10-23 |
| GB1534706A (en) | 1978-12-06 |
| GB1534704A (en) | 1978-12-06 |
| IN145114B (en) | 1978-08-26 |
| FR2292324B3 (en) | 1978-08-25 |
| IE43595L (en) | 1976-05-25 |
| JPS5176575A (en) | 1976-07-02 |
| IT1049758B (en) | 1981-02-10 |
| DD121694A5 (en) | 1976-08-12 |
| FR2292322A1 (en) | 1976-06-18 |
| JPS5176574A (en) | 1976-07-02 |
| FR2292324A1 (en) | 1976-06-18 |
| ES443373A1 (en) | 1977-11-16 |
| NL7513766A (en) | 1976-05-28 |
| FR2292323B3 (en) | 1978-08-25 |
| IE43595B1 (en) | 1981-04-08 |
| CA1064996A (en) | 1979-10-23 |
| FR2292323A1 (en) | 1976-06-18 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4147908A (en) | Electric switches | |
| JPH0117780Y2 (en) | ||
| CA1074377A (en) | Electric switch and contact bridging member therefor | |
| US4825020A (en) | Slide switch | |
| US3947391A (en) | Electrical slide switch | |
| US2960580A (en) | Rotary switch | |
| US3983341A (en) | Simplified slide switch | |
| GB1490430A (en) | Electrical switches | |
| US6091038A (en) | Electrical switch with sliding terminal contacts | |
| US4357511A (en) | Modular push-button switch with lighted push-button element | |
| US4336429A (en) | Switch unit | |
| US4259552A (en) | Electric switches | |
| US3787653A (en) | Electrical switch assembly | |
| JPS608355Y2 (en) | Pin terminal type switch | |
| US4524253A (en) | Three position switch construction | |
| US4636597A (en) | Electrical snap switch | |
| US4777333A (en) | Rocker switch | |
| US4383154A (en) | Positive action rocker switch | |
| US4551592A (en) | Push-button switch | |
| US4170725A (en) | Switch with sliding contactor | |
| US2647180A (en) | Switching means | |
| JP3145275B2 (en) | Fast-acting switch | |
| EP0184815B1 (en) | Snap acting mechanism | |
| US2802077A (en) | Miniature slide handle snap switch | |
| US3922510A (en) | Snap action rocker switch |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |