CA1225424A - Momentary push button switch - Google Patents
Momentary push button switchInfo
- Publication number
- CA1225424A CA1225424A CA000424907A CA424907A CA1225424A CA 1225424 A CA1225424 A CA 1225424A CA 000424907 A CA000424907 A CA 000424907A CA 424907 A CA424907 A CA 424907A CA 1225424 A CA1225424 A CA 1225424A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- contacts
- button
- click washer
- spaced apart
- 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
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- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
Abstract
MOMENTARY PUSH BUTTON SWITCH
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE:
A flat, self-contained push button switch provided with panel attachment structure and depending contacts for electrical connection to a printed circuit board. The switch includes a plastic housing into which three contacts are mounted. A resilient metallic click washer having a domed cross-sectional configuration is mounted in the housing above the contacts. A plastic button is movably mounted in the housing between the click washer and an upper retaining ledge of the housing. Initial downward movement of the button causes the click washer to engage two of the contacts.
Continued movement of the click washer causes it to snap-over or invert thereby to engage a first one of the two contacts with the third contact. The inverting action of the click washer provides tactile feedback (feel).
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE:
A flat, self-contained push button switch provided with panel attachment structure and depending contacts for electrical connection to a printed circuit board. The switch includes a plastic housing into which three contacts are mounted. A resilient metallic click washer having a domed cross-sectional configuration is mounted in the housing above the contacts. A plastic button is movably mounted in the housing between the click washer and an upper retaining ledge of the housing. Initial downward movement of the button causes the click washer to engage two of the contacts.
Continued movement of the click washer causes it to snap-over or invert thereby to engage a first one of the two contacts with the third contact. The inverting action of the click washer provides tactile feedback (feel).
Description
~54~ G-F- Nault -l BACKGROUND OF TI~E INVENTION:
This invention related to push button switches and, more particularly, to such switches which utilize a snap-acting element.
Push button switches using a snap-acting element are known and have been widely used in the art such as in keyboard switches. Generally, these switches provide a simple "A"
contact or single-pole, single-throw (SPST), and single-break switching function. For more complex switching functions, such as a DPST switch, the conventional approach has been to use a slider switch in which moving bridge contacts and four stationary te~ninals are provided and wherein the moving contacts are respectively mounted on opposite sides of the slider or plunger. Each moving contact provides a bridge between two associated terminals. This approach, however, loses the advantages attained by push button switches utilizing a snap-over element.
These and other disadvantages are overcome by the present invention wherein there is provided a push button switch with a snap-acting element in the form of a click washer. The switch in accordance with the present invention provides the more complex switching functions while utilizing a snap-over element. The switch facilitates, notably, a basic DPST switch unction utilizing lsss parts than conventional slider switches and which further ~rovides the tactile feedback (feel) unction of a snap-acting elementO
SUM~RY OF THE INVENTION:
_, ,~
Briefly, a momentary push button switch is provided. The switch comprises a switch housing of insulating material ha~ing three spaced apart contacts mounted in the housing which depend outwardly therefrom. A resilient metallic click washer having a
This invention related to push button switches and, more particularly, to such switches which utilize a snap-acting element.
Push button switches using a snap-acting element are known and have been widely used in the art such as in keyboard switches. Generally, these switches provide a simple "A"
contact or single-pole, single-throw (SPST), and single-break switching function. For more complex switching functions, such as a DPST switch, the conventional approach has been to use a slider switch in which moving bridge contacts and four stationary te~ninals are provided and wherein the moving contacts are respectively mounted on opposite sides of the slider or plunger. Each moving contact provides a bridge between two associated terminals. This approach, however, loses the advantages attained by push button switches utilizing a snap-over element.
These and other disadvantages are overcome by the present invention wherein there is provided a push button switch with a snap-acting element in the form of a click washer. The switch in accordance with the present invention provides the more complex switching functions while utilizing a snap-over element. The switch facilitates, notably, a basic DPST switch unction utilizing lsss parts than conventional slider switches and which further ~rovides the tactile feedback (feel) unction of a snap-acting elementO
SUM~RY OF THE INVENTION:
_, ,~
Briefly, a momentary push button switch is provided. The switch comprises a switch housing of insulating material ha~ing three spaced apart contacts mounted in the housing which depend outwardly therefrom. A resilient metallic click washer having a
-2- ~
:~ZZ 5 ~
domed cross-sectional con:Eiguration is mounted in the housing above the contacts. A button is movably mounted in the housing between the click washer and the upper surface of the housing wherein mo~ement of the button toward the contact causes the click washer to electrically engage two of the contacts. Continued movement of the button causes the click washer to invert its normal cross-sectional configuration thereby electrically engaging a first one of the two contacts with the third one of the three spaced apart contacts.
According to another aspect, there is provided a momentary push button switch comprising in combination: a switch housing of insulating material; a plurality of spaced apart contacts mounted in the housing and depending outwardly therefrom; a resilient metallic click washer having a domed cross-sectional configuration and mounted in the housing above said contacts; a button movably mounted in the housing between said click washer and the upper surface of the housing wherein movement of said button toward said contacts causes said click washer to electrically engage at least one of said contacts and whereupon continued movement of said button causes said click washer to invert its normal cross-sectional configuration there-by electrically engaging said one of said contacts with another one of said spaced apart contacts; wherein said click washer is normally spaced apart from said plurality of spaced apart contacts and includes a plurality of depending tabs along its peripheral edges for engaging portions of said housing which are spaced apart from said contacts, wherein said button is mounted in the housing between said click washer and an inwardly projecting ledge at the top portion of the housing, and wherein said button is recessed from the top surface of the housing so that said switch shall not activate when a straight edge is placed across its top surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWI~GS:
The advantages of this invention will become more readily appre-ciated as the same becomes completely understood by reference to the follow-zs~z~
ing detailed description when taken in co~junction with the accompanying drawing wherein:
Figures 1 and 2 are top and side views respectively of the push button switch in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 3 is a top view of the housing of the switch of Figures 1 and 2 and is shown with the button and click washer members removed so as to illustrate the fixed contacts mounted in the housing;
Figure 4 is a cross-section view taken along the line 4--4 of Figure l;
Figure 5 is a bottom view of the switch as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2;
Figures 6a and 6b are top and edge views respectively of the click washer in accordance with the present invention; and, Figure 7 is an exploded, perspective view of the push button switch and snap-acting element in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
-3a-~ZZS~4 G.F. Nault -1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown generally at 10 the push button switch in accordance with the present invention. Switch 10 includes a housing 12 of insulating material in which three fixed or stationary contacts 14, 16 and 18 are mounted, as further illustrated in Figures
:~ZZ 5 ~
domed cross-sectional con:Eiguration is mounted in the housing above the contacts. A button is movably mounted in the housing between the click washer and the upper surface of the housing wherein mo~ement of the button toward the contact causes the click washer to electrically engage two of the contacts. Continued movement of the button causes the click washer to invert its normal cross-sectional configuration thereby electrically engaging a first one of the two contacts with the third one of the three spaced apart contacts.
According to another aspect, there is provided a momentary push button switch comprising in combination: a switch housing of insulating material; a plurality of spaced apart contacts mounted in the housing and depending outwardly therefrom; a resilient metallic click washer having a domed cross-sectional configuration and mounted in the housing above said contacts; a button movably mounted in the housing between said click washer and the upper surface of the housing wherein movement of said button toward said contacts causes said click washer to electrically engage at least one of said contacts and whereupon continued movement of said button causes said click washer to invert its normal cross-sectional configuration there-by electrically engaging said one of said contacts with another one of said spaced apart contacts; wherein said click washer is normally spaced apart from said plurality of spaced apart contacts and includes a plurality of depending tabs along its peripheral edges for engaging portions of said housing which are spaced apart from said contacts, wherein said button is mounted in the housing between said click washer and an inwardly projecting ledge at the top portion of the housing, and wherein said button is recessed from the top surface of the housing so that said switch shall not activate when a straight edge is placed across its top surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWI~GS:
The advantages of this invention will become more readily appre-ciated as the same becomes completely understood by reference to the follow-zs~z~
ing detailed description when taken in co~junction with the accompanying drawing wherein:
Figures 1 and 2 are top and side views respectively of the push button switch in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 3 is a top view of the housing of the switch of Figures 1 and 2 and is shown with the button and click washer members removed so as to illustrate the fixed contacts mounted in the housing;
Figure 4 is a cross-section view taken along the line 4--4 of Figure l;
Figure 5 is a bottom view of the switch as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2;
Figures 6a and 6b are top and edge views respectively of the click washer in accordance with the present invention; and, Figure 7 is an exploded, perspective view of the push button switch and snap-acting element in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
-3a-~ZZS~4 G.F. Nault -1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown generally at 10 the push button switch in accordance with the present invention. Switch 10 includes a housing 12 of insulating material in which three fixed or stationary contacts 14, 16 and 18 are mounted, as further illustrated in Figures
3 and 5. As best illustrated in Figures 4 and 6, push button switch 10 includes a click washer 20 mounted within housing 12 above fixed contacts 14, 16 and 18. Click washer 20 includes four tabs or feet 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d which are connected to the main body of click washer 20 by way of inclined legs L and web portions W as illustrated in Figures 6a and 6b. The assembly of push button switch 10 is completed by inserting a movable button 22 into the housing above and in contact with click washer 20. Button 22 is captured and retained in housing 12 by way of projections 22a on button 22 which yieldably engage a radially inwardly projected ledqe 12a of housing 12 to limit the upper travel of the button.
The assembly of button 22 into housing 12 is facilitated by providing cam or ramp surfaces 22b on projections 22a of button 22 as best illustrated at he top portion of Figure 7.
Referxing now more specifically to Figure 7 there is shown an exploded perspective view of push button switch 10 in accordance with the pri~ciples of the present invention.
It can be seen that the lower surface of button 22 is provided with a depending post 24 which is received within a corres-ponding central hole 26 of click washer 20. The portion of post 24 which pxojects through washer 20 is preferably heat staked to washer 20 by any conventional method. The post 24 3~ serves to precisely locate click washer 20 within the housing during operation of the switch.
G.F. Nault -1 542~
It can also be seen by re erence to Fiqure 7 that fixed contacts 14 18 are respectively provided with tabs 14a-18a.
In currently preferred practice, tabs 14a-18a are utilized to bond fixed contacts 14-18 to housing 12 as by way of ultrasonic friction heating and resulting flow of the plastic material of adjacent posts P of housing 12, thereby to provide a mechanical bond. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that fixed contacts 14-18 can be mounted in housing 20 by any other suitable technique, such as by press itting. Still referr~ng to Figure 7, it can be seen that housing 12 is ~urther provided with mounting tabs 28, 30 and 32. Tabs 28-32 can be utilized to heat seal the housing 12 of push but~on switch 10 into the panel of the utilization device.
As best illustrated in Figure 2, fixed contacts 14-18 are provided with resilient or compliant leg portions which term-inate in bent end portions. In one constructed embodiment, fixed sontacts 14-18 were provided in the config~ration illustrated in Figure 2 so as to resiliPntly engage the con-ductors of an underlying printed circuit board in, and below the panel of, the utilization device. It will be appreciated bv those skilled in the art that fixed contacts 14-18 can be connected to an external circuit in any desired manner in order to meet the needs of a given application.
Referring now to Figure 4 and Figures 6a and 6b it can be seen that click washer 20 is basically a snap-acting element in the form of a resilient, metallic material having a domed cross-sectional configuration as is known in the art. In accordance wi~h the principles of the present invention, click washer 20 is further provided with tabs or feet 20a--20d so as to provid~
G.F. Nault -1 lZ~5424 a predetermined spacing between the con-tact engagirlg portion of click washer 20 and the upper edges of fixed contacts 14~18.
The domed cross-sectional configuration of washer 20 represents its normal or stable configuration. When an external force is exerted against the convex upper surfaca of click washer 20, the click washer is resiliently deflected towards fixed contacts 14-18. The initial deflection continues until the peripheral portions of click washer 20 first engage the outer fixed contacts 14 and 16. As the deflection continues, click washer 20 snaps into its unstable or inverted position wherein the central portion of click washer 20 engages the center fixed contact 18.
At this point the shape of click washer 20 becomes somewhat concave in contrast to the original domed or convex configur-ation. As soon as the external force is removed, the configur-ation of click washer 20 reverts to its initial or normal state as illustrated in Figure 4 and Figures 6a and 6b.
It will bs appreciated by those skilled in the art that in accordance with the prasent invention the abova-described switching operation of push button 10 provides a DPST switch function wherein fixed contact 14 is common to each of the separate circuits and wherein fixed contacts 16 and 18 are respectively coupled to separate circuits. Further, when click washer 20 inverts or snaps into engagement with center contact 18, a tactile feedback or ~eel is provided to the operator. In one constructed embodiment, push button switch 10 was utilized to provide an electronic camera triggering switch wherein the initial engagement of contacts 14 and 16 was utilized to activate a circuit (such aq a low light level warning) prior to the engagement of the invert~d click washer wi~h contact 18. In that constructed embodiment, contact 18 _ _ .. . .. .. .... . .
G.E'. Nault -1 12~2S 9L2~
was utilized to activate a second circuit to expose the film in ~he camera while providing tactile feedback to the ~ r operator that the ~bo~ was activated and that the film was exposed.
Referring again to Figures 3 and 4 it should be noted that in currently preferred practice the feet or tabs 20a~-2Od of click washer 20 are seated against a slightly raised portion R of the floor of housing 12. The raised portion R
is best illustrated in Figure 3 and includes those portions extending radially outwardly of the partial circle defined as C in Figure 3. This predetermined spacing--which in one contructed embodIment was on the order of 0.012--is provided to ensure that click washer 12 is deflected and snaps over into its unstable inverted position. That is, the predeter-mined spacing ensures that click washer 12 will snap over into its inverted position rather than bottoming against the fixed contacts or any other portion of the floor of housing 12 prior to the snap-over point.
Referring again to Figure 4 it can be seen that button 22 is provided in a recessed upper portion of housing 12. The button 22 is thereby recessed from the top surface of switch housing 12 so that the switch will not actuate when a straight edge is placed across its top surfaceO This configuration is particularly desirable when push button 10 i5 utilized in a portable de~ice such as a camera or a battery~operated, portable two-way radio. Finally, it should also be noted that the drawing figures are somewhat enlarged when compared to the actual size of one constructed embodiment wherein the length of the push but~on switch was on the order of 17 mm and the width was on the order of 10 mm.
.. _ . . . . .
` G.F. Nault -l :~225~24 What has been taught, then, is a push button switch utilizing a snap-acting element and facilitating, notable, .cr~.s - complex switching ~Y~ and a minimal number of parts.
The form of the invention illustrated and described herein is but a preferred embodiment of these teachings in a form currently preferred for manuacture. It is shown as an illustration of the inventive concepts, however, rather than by way of limitation and it is pointed out than various modifi~ations and alternations may be indulged in within the scope of the apended claims.
~JM:dh March 22, 1982 ~ . . . ~
The assembly of button 22 into housing 12 is facilitated by providing cam or ramp surfaces 22b on projections 22a of button 22 as best illustrated at he top portion of Figure 7.
Referxing now more specifically to Figure 7 there is shown an exploded perspective view of push button switch 10 in accordance with the pri~ciples of the present invention.
It can be seen that the lower surface of button 22 is provided with a depending post 24 which is received within a corres-ponding central hole 26 of click washer 20. The portion of post 24 which pxojects through washer 20 is preferably heat staked to washer 20 by any conventional method. The post 24 3~ serves to precisely locate click washer 20 within the housing during operation of the switch.
G.F. Nault -1 542~
It can also be seen by re erence to Fiqure 7 that fixed contacts 14 18 are respectively provided with tabs 14a-18a.
In currently preferred practice, tabs 14a-18a are utilized to bond fixed contacts 14-18 to housing 12 as by way of ultrasonic friction heating and resulting flow of the plastic material of adjacent posts P of housing 12, thereby to provide a mechanical bond. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that fixed contacts 14-18 can be mounted in housing 20 by any other suitable technique, such as by press itting. Still referr~ng to Figure 7, it can be seen that housing 12 is ~urther provided with mounting tabs 28, 30 and 32. Tabs 28-32 can be utilized to heat seal the housing 12 of push but~on switch 10 into the panel of the utilization device.
As best illustrated in Figure 2, fixed contacts 14-18 are provided with resilient or compliant leg portions which term-inate in bent end portions. In one constructed embodiment, fixed sontacts 14-18 were provided in the config~ration illustrated in Figure 2 so as to resiliPntly engage the con-ductors of an underlying printed circuit board in, and below the panel of, the utilization device. It will be appreciated bv those skilled in the art that fixed contacts 14-18 can be connected to an external circuit in any desired manner in order to meet the needs of a given application.
Referring now to Figure 4 and Figures 6a and 6b it can be seen that click washer 20 is basically a snap-acting element in the form of a resilient, metallic material having a domed cross-sectional configuration as is known in the art. In accordance wi~h the principles of the present invention, click washer 20 is further provided with tabs or feet 20a--20d so as to provid~
G.F. Nault -1 lZ~5424 a predetermined spacing between the con-tact engagirlg portion of click washer 20 and the upper edges of fixed contacts 14~18.
The domed cross-sectional configuration of washer 20 represents its normal or stable configuration. When an external force is exerted against the convex upper surfaca of click washer 20, the click washer is resiliently deflected towards fixed contacts 14-18. The initial deflection continues until the peripheral portions of click washer 20 first engage the outer fixed contacts 14 and 16. As the deflection continues, click washer 20 snaps into its unstable or inverted position wherein the central portion of click washer 20 engages the center fixed contact 18.
At this point the shape of click washer 20 becomes somewhat concave in contrast to the original domed or convex configur-ation. As soon as the external force is removed, the configur-ation of click washer 20 reverts to its initial or normal state as illustrated in Figure 4 and Figures 6a and 6b.
It will bs appreciated by those skilled in the art that in accordance with the prasent invention the abova-described switching operation of push button 10 provides a DPST switch function wherein fixed contact 14 is common to each of the separate circuits and wherein fixed contacts 16 and 18 are respectively coupled to separate circuits. Further, when click washer 20 inverts or snaps into engagement with center contact 18, a tactile feedback or ~eel is provided to the operator. In one constructed embodiment, push button switch 10 was utilized to provide an electronic camera triggering switch wherein the initial engagement of contacts 14 and 16 was utilized to activate a circuit (such aq a low light level warning) prior to the engagement of the invert~d click washer wi~h contact 18. In that constructed embodiment, contact 18 _ _ .. . .. .. .... . .
G.E'. Nault -1 12~2S 9L2~
was utilized to activate a second circuit to expose the film in ~he camera while providing tactile feedback to the ~ r operator that the ~bo~ was activated and that the film was exposed.
Referring again to Figures 3 and 4 it should be noted that in currently preferred practice the feet or tabs 20a~-2Od of click washer 20 are seated against a slightly raised portion R of the floor of housing 12. The raised portion R
is best illustrated in Figure 3 and includes those portions extending radially outwardly of the partial circle defined as C in Figure 3. This predetermined spacing--which in one contructed embodIment was on the order of 0.012--is provided to ensure that click washer 12 is deflected and snaps over into its unstable inverted position. That is, the predeter-mined spacing ensures that click washer 12 will snap over into its inverted position rather than bottoming against the fixed contacts or any other portion of the floor of housing 12 prior to the snap-over point.
Referring again to Figure 4 it can be seen that button 22 is provided in a recessed upper portion of housing 12. The button 22 is thereby recessed from the top surface of switch housing 12 so that the switch will not actuate when a straight edge is placed across its top surfaceO This configuration is particularly desirable when push button 10 i5 utilized in a portable de~ice such as a camera or a battery~operated, portable two-way radio. Finally, it should also be noted that the drawing figures are somewhat enlarged when compared to the actual size of one constructed embodiment wherein the length of the push but~on switch was on the order of 17 mm and the width was on the order of 10 mm.
.. _ . . . . .
` G.F. Nault -l :~225~24 What has been taught, then, is a push button switch utilizing a snap-acting element and facilitating, notable, .cr~.s - complex switching ~Y~ and a minimal number of parts.
The form of the invention illustrated and described herein is but a preferred embodiment of these teachings in a form currently preferred for manuacture. It is shown as an illustration of the inventive concepts, however, rather than by way of limitation and it is pointed out than various modifi~ations and alternations may be indulged in within the scope of the apended claims.
~JM:dh March 22, 1982 ~ . . . ~
Claims (8)
1. A momentary push button switch comprising in combination:
a switch housing of insulating material;
three spaced apart contacts mounted in the housing and depending outwardly therefrom;
a resilient metallic click washer having a domed cross-sectional configuration and mounted in the housing above said contact; and, a button movable mounted in the housing between said click washer and the upper surface of the housing wherein movement of said button toward said contacts causes said click washer to electrically engage two of said contacts and whereupon continued movement of said button causes said click washer to invert its normal cross-sectional configuration thereby electrically engaging a first one of said two contacts with the third one of said three spaced apart contacts.
a switch housing of insulating material;
three spaced apart contacts mounted in the housing and depending outwardly therefrom;
a resilient metallic click washer having a domed cross-sectional configuration and mounted in the housing above said contact; and, a button movable mounted in the housing between said click washer and the upper surface of the housing wherein movement of said button toward said contacts causes said click washer to electrically engage two of said contacts and whereupon continued movement of said button causes said click washer to invert its normal cross-sectional configuration thereby electrically engaging a first one of said two contacts with the third one of said three spaced apart contacts.
2. The switch according to Claim 1, wherein said click washer is normally spaced apart from said three spaced apart contacts.
3. The switch according to Claim 2, wherein said click washer includes a plurality of depending tabs along its peripheral edges for engaging portions of said houring which are spaced apart from said contacts.
4. The switch according to Claim 1, wherein said button is mounted in the housing between said click washer and an inwardly projecting ledge at the top portion of the housing.
5. The switch according to Claim 4, wherein said button is recessed from the top surface of the housing so that said switch shall not activate when a straight edge is placed across its top surface.
6. A momentary push button switch comprising in combination:
a switch housing of insulating material;
a plurality of spaced apart contacts mounted in the housing and depending outwardly therefrom;
a resilient metallic click washer having a domed cross-sectional configuration and mounted in the housing above said contacts;
a button movably mounted in the housing between said click washer and the upper surface of the housing wherein movement of said button toward said contacts causes said click washer to electrically engage at least one of said contacts and whereupon continued movement of said button causes said click washer to invert its normal cross-sectional configuration thereby electri-cally engaging said one of said contacts with another one of said spaced apart contacts;
wherein said click washer is normally spaced apart from said plurality of spaced apart contacts and includes a plurality of depending tab? along its peripheral edges for engaging portions of said housing which are spaced apart from said contacts, wherein said button is mounted in the housing between said click washer and an inwardly projecting ledge at the top portion of the housing, and wherein said button is recessed from the top surface of the housing so that said switch shall not activate when a straight edge is placed across its top surface.
a switch housing of insulating material;
a plurality of spaced apart contacts mounted in the housing and depending outwardly therefrom;
a resilient metallic click washer having a domed cross-sectional configuration and mounted in the housing above said contacts;
a button movably mounted in the housing between said click washer and the upper surface of the housing wherein movement of said button toward said contacts causes said click washer to electrically engage at least one of said contacts and whereupon continued movement of said button causes said click washer to invert its normal cross-sectional configuration thereby electri-cally engaging said one of said contacts with another one of said spaced apart contacts;
wherein said click washer is normally spaced apart from said plurality of spaced apart contacts and includes a plurality of depending tab? along its peripheral edges for engaging portions of said housing which are spaced apart from said contacts, wherein said button is mounted in the housing between said click washer and an inwardly projecting ledge at the top portion of the housing, and wherein said button is recessed from the top surface of the housing so that said switch shall not activate when a straight edge is placed across its top surface.
7. A momentary push button switch comprising in combination:
a switch housing of insulating material;
a plurality of spaced apart contacts mounted in the housing and being adapted for connection to an external circuit;
a resilient metallic click washer having a domed cross-sectional configuration and mounted in the housing above said contacts;
a button movably mounted in the housing between said click washer and the upper surface of the housing wherein movement of said button toward said contacts causes said click washer to electrically engage at least one of said contacts and whereupon continued movement of said button causes said click washer to invert its normal convex configuration into a concave configuration electrically engaging said one of said contacts with another one of said spaced apart contacts;
wherein said click washer is normally spaced apart from said plurality of spaced apart contacts and includes a plurality of depending tabs along its peripheral edges for engaging portions of said housing which are spaced apart from said contacts, wherein said button is mounted in the housing between said click washer and an inwardly projecting ledge at the top portion of the housing, and wherein said button is recessed from the top surface of the housing so that said switch shall not activate when a straight edge is placed across its top surface.
a switch housing of insulating material;
a plurality of spaced apart contacts mounted in the housing and being adapted for connection to an external circuit;
a resilient metallic click washer having a domed cross-sectional configuration and mounted in the housing above said contacts;
a button movably mounted in the housing between said click washer and the upper surface of the housing wherein movement of said button toward said contacts causes said click washer to electrically engage at least one of said contacts and whereupon continued movement of said button causes said click washer to invert its normal convex configuration into a concave configuration electrically engaging said one of said contacts with another one of said spaced apart contacts;
wherein said click washer is normally spaced apart from said plurality of spaced apart contacts and includes a plurality of depending tabs along its peripheral edges for engaging portions of said housing which are spaced apart from said contacts, wherein said button is mounted in the housing between said click washer and an inwardly projecting ledge at the top portion of the housing, and wherein said button is recessed from the top surface of the housing so that said switch shall not activate when a straight edge is placed across its top surface.
8. A momentary push button switch comprising in combination:
a switch housing of insulating material;
three spaced apart contacts mounted in the housing and depending outwardly therefrom;
a resilient snap-acting metallic click washer and mounted in the housing above said contacts and having a domed cross-sectional configuration which is invertable from its normal convex configuration; to a concave configuration; and, a button movably mounted in the housing between the normal convex surface of said click washer and the upper surface of the housing wherein movement of said button toward said contacts causes said click washer to electrically engage two of said contacts and whereupon continued movement of said button causes said click washer to invert its normal configuration thereby electrically engaging a first one of said two contacts with the third one of said three spaced apart contacts; and, wherein said the body of said click washer includes a plurality of depending tabs along its peripheral edges for engaging portions of said housing which are spaced apart from said contact whereby said body of said click washer is normally spaced apart from said spaced apart contacts.
a switch housing of insulating material;
three spaced apart contacts mounted in the housing and depending outwardly therefrom;
a resilient snap-acting metallic click washer and mounted in the housing above said contacts and having a domed cross-sectional configuration which is invertable from its normal convex configuration; to a concave configuration; and, a button movably mounted in the housing between the normal convex surface of said click washer and the upper surface of the housing wherein movement of said button toward said contacts causes said click washer to electrically engage two of said contacts and whereupon continued movement of said button causes said click washer to invert its normal configuration thereby electrically engaging a first one of said two contacts with the third one of said three spaced apart contacts; and, wherein said the body of said click washer includes a plurality of depending tabs along its peripheral edges for engaging portions of said housing which are spaced apart from said contact whereby said body of said click washer is normally spaced apart from said spaced apart contacts.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US36395482A | 1982-03-31 | 1982-03-31 | |
| US363,954 | 1982-03-31 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1225424A true CA1225424A (en) | 1987-08-11 |
Family
ID=23432426
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000424907A Expired CA1225424A (en) | 1982-03-31 | 1983-03-30 | Momentary push button switch |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1225424A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG100707A1 (en) * | 2000-06-07 | 2003-12-26 | Ebauchesfabrik Eta Ag | Control device with a snap function and watch fitted therewith |
-
1983
- 1983-03-30 CA CA000424907A patent/CA1225424A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG100707A1 (en) * | 2000-06-07 | 2003-12-26 | Ebauchesfabrik Eta Ag | Control device with a snap function and watch fitted therewith |
| CN100370563C (en) * | 2000-06-07 | 2008-02-20 | Eta草图制造公司 | Controller with quick-acting function and watch containing same |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry |