EP0048552A1 - Elektrische Schalter mit vereinfachter Zusammenbaufolge - Google Patents

Elektrische Schalter mit vereinfachter Zusammenbaufolge Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0048552A1
EP0048552A1 EP81303843A EP81303843A EP0048552A1 EP 0048552 A1 EP0048552 A1 EP 0048552A1 EP 81303843 A EP81303843 A EP 81303843A EP 81303843 A EP81303843 A EP 81303843A EP 0048552 A1 EP0048552 A1 EP 0048552A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
operating member
contact
relative
switch
movable contact
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP81303843A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Keith Lewis
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ZF International UK Ltd
Original Assignee
Lucas Industries Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lucas Industries Ltd filed Critical Lucas Industries Ltd
Publication of EP0048552A1 publication Critical patent/EP0048552A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • H01H1/14—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by abutting
    • H01H1/16—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by abutting by rolling; by wrapping; Roller or ball contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/58—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals
    • H01H1/5844—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals making use of wire-gripping clips or springs
    • H01H1/585—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals making use of wire-gripping clips or springs and piercing the wire insulation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/02—Bases, casings, or covers
    • H01H9/0214—Hand-held casings
    • H01H9/0228—Line cord switches

Definitions

  • This invention relates to electrical switches of the kind including, a body, an operating member movable relative to the body to operate the switch, a fixed electrical contact on the body, a movable electrical contact which co-operates with said fixed contact and is movable relative thereto by movement of the operating member relative to the body, and resilient means acting between the operating member and the movable contact.
  • a problem of switches of the kind specified is that the need to stress the resilient means between the operating member and the movable contact within the body during assembly makes assembly of the switch a complex and skilled operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a switch of the kind specified wherein the assembly sequence is simplified.
  • the movable contact and said resilient means are carried by the operating member,_the operating member, the resilient means and the movable contact being inter- engaged as a sub-assembly wherein the movable contact is capable of movement relative to the operating member within predetermined limits which encompass the necessary range of movement of the movable contact relative to the operating member during operation of the switch.
  • the interconnection of the operating member and the movable contact includes an apertured element, the aperture providing the required freedom of relative movement.
  • the operating member includes a pair of parallel apertured elements and, the movable contact extends transverse to said elements through the apertures of said elements.
  • the electrical switch illustrated in the drawings is intended to be capable of controlling operation of power operated driven window of a road vehicle, and thus has a central, stable, off position (as shown in the drawings) and first and second unstable operative positions on opposite sides respectively of the central off position.
  • the switch includes a moulded synthetic resin body 11 having a generally square base 12 from which are upstanding four integral walls, one opposite pair of walls being designated side walls 13 and the other opposite pair of walls being designated end walls 14.
  • the body 11 has an open top opposite the base 12 and the side walls 13 are extended upwardly beyond the open top and serve pivotally to support a moulded synthetic resin operating member 15.
  • each of the side walls 13 includes an integral, outwardly extending cylindrical lug 16, the axes of the lugs 16 being co-extensive, and the lugs 1 6 being received within corresponding apertures in side walls of the operating member 15 to provide the pivotal mounting of the operating member 15. It will be apparent therefore that the operating member 15 can pivot relative to the body 11 about the axis of the lugs 16 and in use this pivotal, or rocking movement of the operating member 15 causes operation of the electrical contacts of the switch.
  • the end walls 14 of the body 11 are formed with resilient latches 17 which are spaced below the level of outwardly extending flanges 18 provided at the upper free ends of the end walls 14.
  • the body 11 is inserted through a correspondingly shaped aperture in the panel until the underside of the flanges 18 abuts the upper surface of the panel.
  • the latches 17 are flexed inwardly of the body, and spring outwardly, by virtue of their inherent resilience, when the flanges 18 abut the top surface of the panel. The latches 17 thus retain the body in position in the aperture of the panel.
  • a first fixed electrical contact 19 in the form of a metal strip extending parallel to the planes of the side walls 13.
  • the upper edge of the metal strip defining the contact 19 is in the form of a V-shaped recess so that the contact 19 has first and second oppositely inclined upper edges 21, 22.
  • a rib 23 Spaced laterally of the base from the contact 19, and parallel to the contact 19 is a rib 23 which is integral with the base, and upstanding therefrom.
  • the maximum height of the rib 23 above the base 12 is less than that of the contact 19, and the central region of the upper surface of the rib 23 is formed with a V-shaped notch 24 the surfaces of which are generally co-planar with the edge surfaces 21, 22 of the contact 19.
  • the apex of the notch 24 is aligned with the apex of the recess of the contact 19.
  • the contacts 25, 26 are also in the form of metal plates and the contact 25 has an inclined upper edge co-planar with the edge 21 of the contact 19. Similarly the contact 26 has an inclined upper edge co-planar with the inclined edge 22 of the contact 19.
  • the contacts 25, 26 are spaced apart in the direction of the length of the rib 23 by a distance substantially equal to the width of the notch 24.
  • the operating member 15 which is moulded in synthetic resin material, is generally in the form of a flat plate 27 having a downwardly extending peripheral flange 28 which serves to render the plate 27 more rigid.
  • the two opposite portions of the flange 28 which define the side walls of the member 15 are extended downwardly by comparison with the portions which define the end walls, and are apertured to receive the lugs 16.
  • Centrally disposed on the platform 27 of the operating member 15 and integral therewith is a hollow cylindrical spigot 29 which extends at right-angles to the plane of the plate 27 downwardly into the body 11 of the szaitch. At its lowermost free end the spigot 29 is formed with a pair of axially extending, diametrically opposed, open ended slots 31 through which extends a cylindrical brass roller 32.
  • the roller 32 constitutes the movable contact of the switch and is urged towards the open end of the slots 31 (at the free end of the spigot 29) by a compression spring 33 housed within the spigot 29.
  • the compression spring 33 acts between the roller 32 and the operating member 15 to urge the roller 32 towards the base 12.
  • first and second contact retainers 34, 35 Positioned between the spigot 29 and the side walls of the operating member 15 are first and second contact retainers 34, 35.
  • the contact retainers 34, 35 are integral with the operating member 15, and are in the form of planar arms which extend parallel to one another and parallel to the spigot 29 downwardly from the plate 27 towards the base 12 of the body 11.
  • Aligned with the slots 31 are closed ended elongate slots 36, 37 in the contact retainers 34, 35 respectively.
  • the end regions of the roller 32 extend through the slots 36, 37 respectively.
  • the slots 36, 37 are elongate in the direction of the length of the spigot 29 and are of a width slightly greater than the diameter of the roller 32 so that the roller although guided by the slots 36, 37 can move freely therein.
  • roller 32 can be moved from the lower end of the slots 36, 37 against the action of the spring 33, but that when released the roller will return under the action of the spring 33 to a position wherein it is retained by the lower, closed ends of the slots 36, 37.
  • the switch is assembled in the following manner.
  • the contacts 19, 25, 26 are assembled to the moulded body 11, each of the contacts including a portion which extends through the base 12 and which is secured to a respective external terminal on the.exterior-of the base 12.
  • the moulded operating member 15, the spring 33, and the roller 32 comprise a sub-assembly which is assembled without reference to the body 11.
  • the spring 33 is introduced into the spigot 29, and is compressed therein while introducing the roller 32 in a lateral direction through the slots' 36, 37.
  • the spring 33 will push the roller 32 against the closed ends of the slots 36, 37 and thus the operating member 15, the spring 33, and the roller 32 constitute a pre-assembled sub-assembly which can then be offered to the sub-assembly of the body 11 and contacts 19, 25, 26.
  • the arrangement of the side walls 28 of the operating member 15 and the side walls 13 of the bodv 11 is such that the operating member 15 can /be snapped into engagement with the body so that the lugs 16 engage as a snap fit in the apertures in the walls 28.
  • the relative positioning of the apices of the recesses of the contact 19 and rib 23, and the axis of pivotal movement of the operating member 15 is such that when the roller 32 is seated in the apices of the recesses of the contact 19 and rib 23 then the plate 27 of the operating member 15 is parallel to the panel upon which the body 11 of the switch is mounted in use. Since the roller 32 seats, under the action of the spring 33, in the recesses of the contact 19 and rib 23, then this position of the operating member is a stable position of the operating member relative to the body 11.
  • the spacing between the contacts 25, 26 is such that the roller 32, in the central, stable position of the operating member 15 relative to the body 11, does not touch either of the contacts 25, 26.
  • the central, stable position of the operating member 15 is an off position of the switch. Movement of the operating member 15 in a clockwise direction from the central rest position (as viewed in Figure 2) causes the roller 32 to ride up the edge 21 of the contact 19 and ultimately to engage the inclined edge of the contacts 25 where is projects above the level of the rib 23.
  • the incline of the edge 21 of the contact 19 and the incline of the upper edge of the contact 25 is such, in relation to the radius of movement of the contact roller 32 about the axis of pivotal movement of the operating member 15, that as the roller 32 rides up the inclined edge 21 and inclined contact 25 the roller 32 is lifted relative to the spigot 29 and retainers 34, 35 along the length of the slots 36, 37 against the action of the spring 33.
  • the contact 19 is the electrical feed contact, and the contacts 25, 26 are electrically connected to the motor such that the motor runs in one direction when energised by completion of a circuit between contacts 19 and 25, and thus for example causes lifting movement of the window whereas when the motor is energised by completion of a circuit between the contacts 19 and 26 the motor runs in the opposite direction thus lowering the window.
  • the operator releases his pressure on the plate 27 of the operating member 15 then the operating member 15 will return to its central off position and movement of the window will cease.
  • the length of the slots 36, 37 and their positioning in relation to the contact 19 and rib 23 in the assembled switch is such that the necessary range of movement of the contact roller 32 against the action of the spring 33 can occur without the contact roller in any way being impeded by the provision of the retainer 34, 35.
  • the retainers 34, 35 have no function other than to retain the roller 32 when the operating member - movable contact sub-assembly is assembled. It is intended that forces transverse to the length of the roller 32 generated by pivotal movement of the operating member 15 are transmitted to the roller 32 by the side walls of the slots 31 of the spigot 29, although the side walls of the slots 36, 37 may assist in this respect.
  • the slots 36, 37 are closed and in order to assemble the contact roller 32 to the operating member it is necessary to insert the contact roller 32 through the slots 31, 36 and 37 in a direction parallel to the intended axis of pivotal movement of the operating member. It is to be understood however that apertures other than linear slots can be provided if the necessary operational movements of the contact roller 32 relative to the operatsng member so require. Moreover, in order to facilitate assembly of the contact roller 32 into the slots 36, 37, it may be desirable to break the side walls of the slots to provide an opening into the slot through which the contact 32 may be moved in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis.
  • the slot configurations could be in the form of a T or an L as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Rotary Switch, Piano Key Switch, And Lever Switch (AREA)
  • Tumbler Switches (AREA)
EP81303843A 1980-09-10 1981-08-24 Elektrische Schalter mit vereinfachter Zusammenbaufolge Withdrawn EP0048552A1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8029211 1980-09-10
GB8029211 1980-09-10

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0048552A1 true EP0048552A1 (de) 1982-03-31

Family

ID=10515984

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP81303843A Withdrawn EP0048552A1 (de) 1980-09-10 1981-08-24 Elektrische Schalter mit vereinfachter Zusammenbaufolge

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0048552A1 (de)
JP (1) JPS5778725A (de)
ES (1) ES505237A1 (de)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0182276A2 (de) * 1984-11-13 1986-05-28 Omron Tateisi Electronics Co. Kontaktschalter
FR2611080A1 (fr) * 1987-02-13 1988-08-19 Legrand Sa Mecanisme d'interrupteur a balai conducteur forme d'un simple fil, et interrupteur comportant un tel mecanisme
GB2217517A (en) * 1987-11-23 1989-10-25 Liou Maw Lin Computer keyboard
EP0505682A1 (de) * 1991-03-26 1992-09-30 Feller Ag Drucktastenschalter
GB2265255A (en) * 1992-03-04 1993-09-22 Bun Wong Electrical switch.
EP0750326A1 (de) * 1995-06-23 1996-12-27 BITRON S.p.A. Elektrischer Schalter mit beweglichen selbstreinigendem Kontakt

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5965446U (ja) * 1982-10-25 1984-05-01 ソニー株式会社 プツシユ・レバ−スイツチ

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB915076A (en) * 1960-08-04 1963-01-09 Licentia Gmbh Improvements in and relating to rotary electrical switches
GB1117926A (en) * 1964-10-24 1968-06-26 Rau Swf Autozubehoer Changeover relay
FR1540923A (fr) * 1965-07-13 1968-10-04 Rau Swf Autozubehoer Contact à rouleau
DE1640649B1 (de) * 1966-12-07 1972-02-03 Hans & Josef Kronenberg Ohg Elektrischer sicherheitsschalter
FR2172252A2 (de) * 1972-02-15 1973-09-28 Int Standard Electric Corp
FR2331874A1 (fr) * 1975-11-11 1977-06-10 Lucas Industries Ltd Commutateur electrique pouvant etre commande au pied
DE2646040B1 (de) * 1976-10-08 1978-04-13 Licentia Patent-Verwaltungs-Gmbh, 6000 Frankfurt Drehschalter mit Kontaktrollen

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB915076A (en) * 1960-08-04 1963-01-09 Licentia Gmbh Improvements in and relating to rotary electrical switches
GB1117926A (en) * 1964-10-24 1968-06-26 Rau Swf Autozubehoer Changeover relay
FR1540923A (fr) * 1965-07-13 1968-10-04 Rau Swf Autozubehoer Contact à rouleau
DE1640649B1 (de) * 1966-12-07 1972-02-03 Hans & Josef Kronenberg Ohg Elektrischer sicherheitsschalter
FR2172252A2 (de) * 1972-02-15 1973-09-28 Int Standard Electric Corp
GB1410893A (en) * 1972-02-15 1975-10-22 Int Standard Electric Corp Switching relay with a make-and-break contact member
FR2331874A1 (fr) * 1975-11-11 1977-06-10 Lucas Industries Ltd Commutateur electrique pouvant etre commande au pied
DE2646040B1 (de) * 1976-10-08 1978-04-13 Licentia Patent-Verwaltungs-Gmbh, 6000 Frankfurt Drehschalter mit Kontaktrollen

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0182276A2 (de) * 1984-11-13 1986-05-28 Omron Tateisi Electronics Co. Kontaktschalter
EP0182276A3 (en) * 1984-11-13 1988-10-12 Omron Tateisi Electronics Co. Contact switch
FR2611080A1 (fr) * 1987-02-13 1988-08-19 Legrand Sa Mecanisme d'interrupteur a balai conducteur forme d'un simple fil, et interrupteur comportant un tel mecanisme
GB2217517A (en) * 1987-11-23 1989-10-25 Liou Maw Lin Computer keyboard
EP0505682A1 (de) * 1991-03-26 1992-09-30 Feller Ag Drucktastenschalter
GB2265255A (en) * 1992-03-04 1993-09-22 Bun Wong Electrical switch.
GB2265255B (en) * 1992-03-04 1996-02-07 Bun Wong Electrical switch
EP0750326A1 (de) * 1995-06-23 1996-12-27 BITRON S.p.A. Elektrischer Schalter mit beweglichen selbstreinigendem Kontakt

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS5778725A (en) 1982-05-17
ES505237A1 (es) 1982-08-16

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: LUCAS INDUSTRIES PLC

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 19830314

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: LEWIS, KEITH