DE2538894A1 - FLASHLIGHT WITH PUSH BUTTON SWITCH - Google Patents

Description

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Schnedwnhowtr. 27-TeL 617079

August 28, 1975 Gzm / Wa.

UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION, 270 Park Avenue, New Yoifc, N.Y. , UNITED STATES

Flashlight with push button switch

The present invention relates to a flashlight such as a waterproof flashlight, and more particularly to a flashlight having a novel one Push button switch.

The currently available flashlights generally come with various slide switches that are on the outside These types of pocket lamps generally require a switch assembly, in which the displaceable device mounted on the outside of the housing moves parallel to the axis of the housing must be used to complete the electrical circuit in the flashlight; if conventional cells are present the light bulb lights up. Usually this switch arrangement can be operated inadvertently, e.g. the flashlight is kept in a rather cramped compartment, or if the switching element accidentally hits an object bumps.

r r

Another type of flashlight is of the waterproof type, in which a waterproof flexible rubber member is inserted into a waterproof Housing is housed, is used over a slidable slide. Repeated use of the sliding switch

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results in frictional abrasion of the rubber member and possible loss of its water resistance characteristics.

Waterproof flashlights have also been made that have part of a switch made from a conductive metal into the Wall of a sealed case made of synthetic resin or the like is embedded. The second part of the metal switch is exposed on the outer wall of the housing and is coupled to a switching element that controls the exposed switch, who operates the flashlight with respect to the "on" and "off" positions. The downside to this Pocket larape type consists in the fact that, as a result of corrosion, the switch segment located on the outside of the housing conductive metal the case is no longer waterproof. In addition, the production of the switching parts is pretty difficult and costly.

Another type of waterproof flashlight currently available is with magnetically operated switches which are operated from the outside of the flashlight housing. This type of waterproof flashlight requires generally a dual switch arrangement; the first switch actuator that is outside the waterproof case is located, after it has been moved, actuates a second switch actuator located within the housing. Damage to the switch mounted on the outside will result in the internal switch stopping the operation of the Lamp can no longer control. '

In US Pat. No. 3,798 kkO , a switching element is disclosed which uses a push-button switch and is used for coupling battery housings of various sizes or shapes with lenses - and

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Reflector units is suitable.

One of the primary objects of this invention is to provide a flashlight with a novel push button switch component to develop.

Another goal is to make a push button switch for waterproof To develop flashlights that can be operated repeatedly without leaking water.

Another aim is to develop battery cases of various types or sizes and cases for lenses, called a Push button switch is used.

It is also a goal to have buoyant, waterproof flashlights to develop that use a push button switch.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a flashlight that has an attractive push-button appearance and easy to operate.

Finally, it is another goal to develop a push-button switch for flashlights that remains immobile within the Flashlight housing is arranged.

These and other goals are controlled by a push button switch realized that can be mounted inside the battery case and in conjunction with other normal components a flashlight can be operated to establish the electrical circuit between the battery case and the cases for to intermittently close and pause the lenses.

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One embodiment of this invention is comprised of a flashlight from a lens and reflector unit with a front one open end that can be detachably attached to a battery case and a lens, a lens ring, a lamp holder, which is suitable for receiving a lamp and contains therein a first contact device; a battery case having a first open end that is a battery device and can be detachably attached to an end cap to secure the battery device therein, a second open end at the other end that is removably attached to the front open end of the lens and reflector assembly and wherein a second contact device is provided around the interior of the end cap with the first contact device to connect electrically; a pushbutton switch that is fixed immovably on a mounting bracket which is located within the second open end of the battery housing with the push button of the switch within a wall opening of the battery case near the second open end and a flexible closure member (Boot member), which is attached over the opening and is secured, so that when you press the locking member (boot) this depress the button of the switch; and a third contact device adapted to be operated by operating the push button switch in the presence of a lightbulb and battery devices, the electric current between the lightbulb and to close or interrupt the battery device.

The button member of the switch is preferably slightly below the Wall marking the opening in the battery case, countersunk, or it is substantially with the wall of the battery case arc-connected (flash mounted).

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The second contact device can consist of one or more conductive strips or of the battery housing, if this is conductive, with or without additional contact strips (the second contact device serves to connect the inner environment of the end cap, i.e. the environment within the end cap, the is occupied by a conductive member, e.g. a spiral spring, which touches a pole of the battery). The main function of the second contact device is to create a conductive connection between one pole of the battery and the first contact device, which is located in the lens and reflector unit. It is also within the scope of this invention to design the switch function as a contact element in that the pole of the battery at the rear end of the battery housing is connected to the first contact device in the lens and reflector unit. This arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,798 KhO.

In this context, battery devices are intended to mean one or more cells, their number and size being determined by the The size and shape of the battery case is determined. A conventional size battery case usually holds two Cell space (D or C size).

In a particular embodiment of this invention, the battery housing can consist of the usual metal tubes in which the housing itself establishes the electrical connection between the surroundings of the end cap and the surroundings of the open end, which can be detachably attached to the lens and reflector unit. In another particular embodiment, at Since the battery case is made of a non-conductive material, a conductive strip must be used around the inside

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the end cap with the vicinity of the open end of the battery case to connect electrically. In both embodiments, it is advantageous to have a coil spring with the interior of the end cap to apply enough pressure to the battery device inside the housing and to have a good electrical Ensure contact between the battery devices and the switch contact devices. The spiral spring also electrically connects one pole of the battery to a conductive battery housing or to a conductive strip, depending on which material was used for the battery housing.

If the battery case is made of a conductive material, this embodiment of the flashlight could be made of a tubular battery case made of metal attached to his rear or first open end is closed by an end cap made of a similar material, which in turn means of a thread (threadably engaged) is connected to the first open end, while the front or second end is connected by means of a thread is connected to a lens and reflector unit. The end cap would preferably contain a coil spring, to by continuously exerted on the battery or the batteries inside the housing these against the front or second open end of the housing to press where one on one Suspension firmly secured push button is attached. A suitably shaped contact strip would be used to the battery housing with the contact shell of the lens and reflector unit to connect, which in turn is connected to an incandescent lamp, which is located in the lens and reflector unit were. The battery case of the flashlight would have the coil spring connected to one post of the battery that is near the end cap is to be electrically connected. The push button

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sclialter, which is on a suspension inside the battery case is attached, with its button in an opening in the wall of the battery housing, the contact device would Make available the opposite pole of the battery (middle terminal) to the middle terminal the light bulb can electrically connect (the electric circuit of the flashlight is closed when the switch is on the position is switched "on"). Depressing the switch button would make electrical contact between the middle Connection of the battery and the light bulb established or interrupted, depending on the state of the electrical connection before Depressing the button.

In another embodiment of this invention that could Battery housing made of a non-conductive material but a conductive strip would have to be used to hold the coil spring attached to the end cap with the To electrically connect contact shell in the lens and reflector unit. In both embodiments, one would be more flexible Closure over the opening in the battery case where the button of the switch is located. In that embodiment the flashlight, which uses a non-conductive battery case, could damage the flashlight be made waterproof that the flexible closure of the opening in the battery case is made waterproof and suitable O-ring seals on each threaded one Area, i.e. between the lens and reflector unit and the front end of the battery case and between the rear end of the battery case and the end cap. By choosing a suitable buoyant material an extremely waterproof,

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buoyant flashlight can be produced that can be operated repeatedly without losing its water resistance. The novel push button switch assembly according to the invention can be used in conjunction with battery housings of various sizes and shapes, which in turn have lens and Reflector units of various sizes and shapes can be combined to make flashlights for all purposes.

A flashlight with a push-button switch that is stuck with a suspension is connected, which in turn is housed within a battery case, the button of the Switch is located in an opening in the wall of the battery housing and has a flexible closure member (boot member), that is above the opening.

Further features, advantages and possible applications of the invention emerge from the following description of an exemplary embodiment which is shown in FIGS . 1 to 1h.

Show it: .

Fig. 1 is a side view of the flashlight according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the flashlight shown in Fig. 1; .

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of that shown in FIG Flashlight;

Figure k is an enlarged isometric view of a push button switch fixedly mounted on a hanger;

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5 shows an open suspension in plan view;

Fig. 6 is a partial side view of Fig. 5 along the Line 6-6;

7 shows a sectional view along the longitudinal axis of a closed one Suspension;

8 is a side view of a flexible closure (hoot) for use over the button of the holder shown in Figure 2;

Fig. 9 side view of a locking ring which serves to both the lock (boot) shown in Fig. 8 as well as those for the battery housing shown in FIG To secure the torch-appropriate suspension (Fig. 4 his?);

Fig. 10 is a side view of a bayonet lock it _t aer serves a tight fit between the closure (Figure 8) and produce the closure ring (Fig. 9);

11 is an isometric view of a flashlight according to the invention;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the one shown in FIG Flashlight;

Fig. 13 is a partial sectional view of the flashlight shown in Fig. 11;

FIG. 1h shows an isometric view of a suspension for the flashlight shown in FIG. 11.

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In Figures 1, 2 and 3, a flashlight i is shown, consisting of a battery housing 2, an end cap 3 and a lens and Befielet or unit k. The battery housing 2 is as usual - a tube made of thin metal, for example chrome-plated steel, aluminum, brass or copper-plated steel or a similar conductive material, preferably a metal that can be polished to a shine. The battery housing 2 is closed at the rear end by the end cap 3, which is connected to the rear end of the housing 2 by a thread. The end cap 3 contains a coil spring 8h _f which electrically connects the housing 2 to one pole of the battery 5 while simultaneously exerting pressure on the batteries 5 and 6 to maintain good electrical contact with the conductive strip 72 of the push-button switch 8. The front open end portion of the housing 2 ends with a threaded segment 9 which can accommodate the threaded segment 10 of the lens and reflector unit h. A circular opening 50 is located in the side wall of the housing 2 in the vicinity of the front open end.

The lens and reflector unit h consists of a lens 11, a lens ring 12, a reflector 13, a contact shell 14, a light bulb holder 15 and a lamp 16. The conventional reflector 13 comprises a reflector body cast from a non-conductive material (plastic, polystyrene) and has substantially mutually corresponding concave and convex sides; the concave side is provided with a metallic reflective coating 17 (for example made of aluminum which is applied in a vacuum using conventional methods); a centrally pierced cylindrical extension (not shown). The contact shell 14 consists of an electrically conductive material and is preferably conical and has an axially shaped

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- ii -

tubular socket. The tubular fit is, according to US Pat. No. 3,798,440, generally secured and facing inside the pierced extension of the reflector 13 a crimped bottom connected to an annular puddle which is attached to the opening of the pierced neck of the reflector is molded. The conical part of the contact shell 14 forms an annular edge 18 which is radially protrudes outwards and out of contact with the reflector 13. The crimped bottom of the tubular socket within the The reflector 13 also forms a support surface on which the attachment of the incandescent lamp 16 is mounted; the conventional incandescent lamp has a cylindrical base 19 including one button-like connection 20.

The lens ring 12 is preferably made of the same material as the housing 2 in order to have an overall streamlined shape To achieve appearance. It is also within the scope of this invention to manufacture the lens ring 12 from a material derived from your of the housing 2 is different. The end cap 3 is preferably made of the same material as the housing 2; if but if a different material is desired, care must be taken that the material is conductive so that the flashlight can use it the electrical circuit is closed.

The bulb holder 15 has a tubular shape and is made of a resilient material, preferably molded plastic such as polyethylene. The light bulb holder 15 is within the tubular socket of the reflector 13 fixedly attached by conventional devices (see U.S. Patent 3,798,440). To remove the holder 15 to the lamp 16, the holder 15 is simply removed from the tubular

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screwed out to remove it at the front end. After the light bulb has been replaced, the holder is simply pushed back into the socket. The compiled Unit consisting of the reflector 13, the contact shell 14, the bulb holder 15 and the lamp ΐβ is inside the lens and lens ring assembly by friction held between the reflector strip periphery and a bead within the lens ring 12. After dom assembly the front opening of the battery case encloses the reflector between its front thread and the lens.

According to FIGS. 4 to 7, the pushbutton switch support 22 has a substantially tubular shape with the sides being flat (24, 26); he is one around the center point 28 of the side walls 26 rotatably mounted. When opened (see Figs. 5 and 6), a flat base 30 appears in one Half of the tubular support; in the other half of the beam is an inwardly projecting circular wall 32. That inwardly projecting circular member 32 defines an opening 34 through which the lower member 36 of switch 8 is inserted while the base 38 of the switch 8 is seated on the base 30 of the carrier 22 (see Fig. 2). On the opposite Sides of the opening 34 are semicircular protruding Links 40 attached which serve to support the base 38 of the holder 8 correctly arranged when the switch 8 is placed on the carrier 22. The flat surfaces 42 are like that arranged so that they are parallel to the longitudinal sides of the base 38 when the switch 8 is placed on the carrier 22. Everyone End of the longitudinal outer ends of the beam 22 in the upper vicinity of the annular member 32 are located Recesses or openings44, the function of which is described below

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is very loving. An elongated recess 46 is located in the center of the outer lower half of the carrier, around a contact strip record (see below).

The carrier 22 can be made in one piece from a suitable plastic Material such as polyolefins (polyethylene, polypropylene, copolymers of acrylonitrile, butadiene or styrene or of any another suitable material) are cast (see Figs. 5 to 7), which is suitable for the switch 8 within the To secure the battery housing 2.

A conventional push button switch 8 can be inserted into the carrier 22 be brought by the button 36 through the opening 34 is inserted, whereupon the surface of the base 38 rests on the flange 48 of the circular wall 33 and between the members 40, as shown in FIG. 2, is oriented. Then both halves of the carrier 22 can be folded together, see above that the base of the base 38 of the switch 8 rests on the base 30 of the carrier. The switch and carrier assemblies can then inserted into the front end of the battery case 2 with a conductive strip 68 accommodated in the recess 46 and stored so that the button 36 of the switch 8 within the opening 50 of the side wall of the housing 2 is centered. A flexible fastener 52 (see Fig. 8) Rubber, a low density polyolefin or the like is accommodated above the switch 8 in the opening 50 of the housing 2, whereupon the rear flange 60 sits on the surface 62 of the carrier 22. A rigid circular locking ring 54 is attached above the closure 52 and onto the carrier 22 pressed in such a way that the cantilevered projections 64 are first bent inwardly until they reach the in the carrier located openings 44 are aligned, whereupon they are in the

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Pop out hole 44 (the rigid circular locking ring 54 has a puddle 66 which protrudes from the upper end and two narrow, flexible, protruding projections 64, protruding from the rear end). This connects both the carrier 22 and the shutter 52 to the housing 2. Dm continue to connect the lock 52 to the lock ring 54, can a bayonet lock 56 (see Fig. 10) between the The lock 52 and the lock ring 54 are pressed as shown in FIG will.

The locking ring 54 and the bayonet lock 56 can consist of one Material can be made that is similar to that used for the carrier 22 or of any other material rigid metal-like material. The sweeping protrusions 64 on the locking ring 54, however, must be flexible for the reasons mentioned above.

The flashlight is completely assembled and ready for use when the batteries 5 and 6 are in place and both the end cap 3 and the lens and reflector unit 4 are connected to the housing 2 by means of a thread (see FIGS. 2 to k). As indicated in the drawings, one pole of the battery 5 is electrically connected to the spiral spring 8k , which in turn is electrically connected to the shell Ik via the conductive housing 2 and the conductive strip 68. The push button switch 8 has two contact strips 70 and 72 (see FIGS. 2 to 4); the contact strip 70 is balanced and in contact with the lamp terminal 16, 20, while the contact strip 72 is balanced and in contact with the central terminal 74 of the battery 6. The actuation of the switch 8 internally couples or interrupts the contact strips 72 and 70, whereby the battery connection to the lamp connection is electrical

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connected or interrupted, i.e. the electric circuit of the flashlight - is effectively closed or interrupted.

Figures ii to 14 show another embodiment of this Invention; a flashlight 99 has a non-conductive housing (commonly referred to as an industrial flashlight). The lens and reflector unit 100 consists of a lens ring 101, a lens 102, a reflector 103 »one Contact shell 104, a lamp 105 and a lamp holder 106. The components are similar to those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, except that the lens ring 101 has a different shape and is made of a non-conductive material such as polyolefins (polyethylene, polypropylene, copolymers of acrylonitrile, butadiene or styrene or any other suitable non-conductive material). The lens ring 101 has a thread Segment 107 for connection to segment 108 of battery housing 109 (segment 108 is also provided with a thread) . The lens 102 can be made of a clear plastic material similar to the material of the lens ring 101 is, although the lens ring preferably has different color pigments in order to achieve a more pleasing appearance. the Lens 102 can be watertightly connected to lens ring 101 by integrating the peripheral edge of lens 102 into one Recess (not shown) is embedded in the lens ring (see U.S. Patent 3,798,440). It is also possible to use the lens and the Manufacture the lens ring in one piece by casting the lens and the lens ring in one operation. Preferably For example, the lens could be molded from a transparent synthetic resin or the like first followed by a second

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Casting process, in which the lens ring using a transparent or opaque synthetic resin on the lens could be infused. This two-step casting process could easily be carried out in that first the transparent lens is cast and then the lens is placed in the shape of the lens ring and then the material for the lens ring is injected.

The battery case 109, the circular bumps and recesses 144 is made of a non-conductive material and has an end cap 110 closed rear end; end cap 110 is threadedly connected to the rear end of the housing at location 111. The end cap 110 includes an electrically conductive coil spring 112 attached to the inner wall. An electrically conductive L-shaped Strip 113 is connected at one end to spring 112; the other end is longitudinal so that the strip 113 in electrical contact with a conductive circular ring 114 comes when the end cap 110 is screwed onto the battery case 109 (the ring 114 is on the internal rear end of the battery case 109).

The front end of the battery case 109 has an opening 137 located in the side wall around the button 115 of the push button switch 116 mounted on the bracket 117 is to be exposed. 14, the support 117 comprises a generally circular flat wall 118 with an opening 130 and a support member 119, which extends perpendicularly in one direction extends to this, while in the opposite direction the wall 118 ends with a circular wall 120. The support 119 has an opening 121 and the circular wall 120 has a flat segment 122 to provide an opening or space between

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of wall 120 and inner wall 123 of housing 109. The outer wall 120 is s- on a segment of each guide. edge 124 slightly narrower to form an arcuate surface 120 to create that on the formed flange or cantilevered rim 126 that is on the inner surface of the housing 109 is located, can sit. A second molded flange or cantilever 127 is located below the flange 126 on the inner surface of the housing 109 and is intended to abut the opposite edge 128 of the wall 120. The carrier 117 can first be properly aligned within the housing 109, i.e., proper surface alignment 125 with respect to the flange 127; then the carrier 117 can be pressed into the housing 109 until it is between the flange 126 and 127 is firmly secured.

The push button switch 116 is through with the support 117 firmly connected that its button member 115 is passed through the opening 121 and then through it at the corresponding point it is ensured that the nut 143 on the with a thread provided part 129 of the switch 116 is screwed. The switch shown in Figure 12 has a first Contact strip 131 which extends through the opening 130 extends to the carrier 117 and is in contact with the central terminal 142 of the battery 132. Furthermore, a second one Contact strip 133 shown, which turns into the opposite Direction extends and is supported so that it is in contact with the lamp connector 134. The operation of the switch 116 internally connects or separates the contact strips 131, 133 thereby the electrical connection between the battery connection 142 and the lamp connection 134 is established or interrupted. An elongated contact strip 155 extends from ring 144 to the electrical contact shell 104 of the lens and reflector

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unit 100, through the opening through the Wall 122 of the carrier 117 and the wall 123 of the housing 109 is formed. This closes the electrical circuit between the batteries 132 and 135 and the lamp 105. When the switch Il6 is switched to the "on" position and the batteries I32 and 135 are accommodated in the battery housing 109, with the lens and reflector unit 100 with its front Connected end, a flashlight is obtained, which has a complete electrical circuit to operate the lamp having.

A flexible switch boot 136 made of rubber, a low density polyolefin or the like is above the switch II6 in the opening 137 of the battery case 109 housed. A rigid seal 138 made of ABS copolymers or some other rigid metal-like material forms a seal between the closure (boot) 136 and opening 137; at the same time the shutter 136 secured in a recess 139 in the housing 109. These Shutter and sealing means provide a watertight arrangement for switch 116; also those for the operation of the switch II6 required flexibility is given. When the flexible lock I36 is depressed, the Button 115 of switch 116 will be lowered, causing the switch 116 is effectively operated. .

Seals or the 0-rings 140 and 1 ^ 1 are added to to ensure a watertight seal on the threaded connectors between one end of the Housing 109 and the lens and reflector unit 100, and between the other end of the housing 109 and the end cap 110.

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The seals or O-rings could be made of rubber, a polyolefin low density or the like produced v / ground, as long as such seals are water-resistant, so the threaded parts are sealed watertight. The finished flashlight shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 is waterproof and buoyant when made of a buoyant Material is made; it can also be used repeatedly without it leaking water.

Preferably strips could be placed inside the battery case to center the batteries more accurately within the housing.

In some applications, the seals on the threaded parts of the flashlight are not necessary and the Sealing for the switch lock can be omitted if the lock is made with a peripheral edge mount, which is so thick that the closure can be attached to the recess, at the edge of the opening in the wall of the Module housing s.

The flashlight according to the invention is suitable for all applications that require a sturdy, durable, lightweight flashlight. Although this invention is illustrated in many details it is evident that the invention is based on such details is not restricted.

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Claims (10)

- 20 claims Flashlight characterized by a lens and reflector unit having a front open end that can be detachably attached to a battery case and a lens, a Lens ring, * a lamp socket that is suitable for holding a lamp and has a first contact device in it contains; a battery case having a first open end that can accommodate a battery device and is removable can be attached to an end cap to secure the battery device located therein, a second open End at the other end, which is detachably attached to the open front end of the lens and reflector unit and wherein a second contact device is provided to surround the interior of the end cap with the first contact device to connect electrically; a push button switch, which is immovably mounted on a suspension which extends within the second open end of the battery housing is located, with the push button of the switch within a wall opening of the battery housing in the vicinity of the second open end and a flexible closure member which is attached and secured over the opening is so that when the shutter member is depressed, it depresses the button of the switch; and a third Contact device intended to be operated by pressing the push-button switch in the presence of a light bulb and battery devices to close electrical power between the incandescent lamp and the battery devices or interrupt. 2. Flashlight according to claim 1, characterized in that the battery housing consists of a conductive material. 609813/0298 3. Flashlight according to claim 1, characterized in that the battery case made of a non-conductive material and the battery housing has an electrical contact strip extending from its first open End extends to the second open end. 4. Taschenlamxje according to claim 2, characterized in that the battery case, end cap and lens ring are made of the same material. 5. Flashlight according to claim 3 »characterized in that the battery case5 the end cap and the lens ring from the are made of the material. 6. Flashlight according to claim 1, characterized in that the first open end of the battery housing by means of a thread is connected to the end cap and the second open end to the lens and reflector unit by means of a thread connected is. 7 .. Flashlight according to claim 2, characterized in that a locking ring is the suspension within the battery housing secures and connects the flexible closure with the opening in the side wall of the battery housing. 8. Flashlight according to claim 7, characterized in that there is a bayonet lock between the flexible lock and the locking ring. 60981 3/0298 9. Flashlight according to claim 3, characterized in that a seal between the flexible closure and the Opening is inserted in the dex wall of the battery case, to make a watertight seal there. 10. Flashlight according to claim 9, characterized in that a seal is added between the first open end of the battery case and the end cap the second open end imd the lens and reflector unit, to make these removable connectors waterproof close. 609813/0298