EP0240129A2 - Isolierte Schaltanlage - Google Patents

Isolierte Schaltanlage Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0240129A2
EP0240129A2 EP87301461A EP87301461A EP0240129A2 EP 0240129 A2 EP0240129 A2 EP 0240129A2 EP 87301461 A EP87301461 A EP 87301461A EP 87301461 A EP87301461 A EP 87301461A EP 0240129 A2 EP0240129 A2 EP 0240129A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
attached
switch
push
button
electrical 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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP87301461A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0240129A3 (en
Inventor
Len Gordon
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.)
LEN GORDON CO
Original Assignee
LEN GORDON CO
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 LEN GORDON CO filed Critical LEN GORDON CO
Publication of EP0240129A2 publication Critical patent/EP0240129A2/de
Publication of EP0240129A3 publication Critical patent/EP0240129A3/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/04—Cases; Covers
    • H01H13/06—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof or flameproof casings

Definitions

  • This invention relates to switch assemblies, and in particular, electrical switch assemblies which are insulated from the environment. This invention will find particular utility in conjunction with pools, hot tubs, jetted tubs, spas and the like.
  • a switch assembly wherein a conventional push-on/push-off type electrical switching element is completely encased in a water-tight housing which includes a flexible diaphragm which extends across the push-pole of the electrical switching element.
  • the switch assembly further includes a button assembly, which, when depressed, acts on the push-pole of the electrical switching element to turn it on and off.
  • the button assembly is designed such that it diverts any water which might enter the switch assembly away from the switching element. Drain holes are strategically placed so as to evacuate the water completely. To hinder possible misuse by the user, this invention also provides that the electrical switching element and the diaphragm covering same are not accessible by the user when the assembly is in place.
  • the object of this invention to provide an insulated electrical switching element which can be used at pool, hot tub, jetted tub or spa site, within easy reach by the occupant.
  • the preferred embodiment is set forth in the Figure 1 in an exploded, cross-sectional view. It comprises, generally, a button assembly 10, a body 12, a housing 14 and an electrical switch 18. Except for the electrical switch 18, or as hereafter specifically otherwise designated, the materials used for this device are of a high impact, injected molded plastic or polyurethane material, having no electrical conductivity. These plastic or polyurethane components, except where shown joined by threaded means, are joined by conventional glue, epoxy or sonic welding.
  • the button assembly 10 comprises a circular cap 20, having a center hole 22 extending therethrough, and a threaded tap 24 on the underside thereof.
  • a button 26 is sized and shaped such that it will extend through and be slidable within the center hole 22.
  • Button 26 has an axially extending plug 27 which snaps into an appropriately sized cavity in the top of collar 28 on plunger 30. This means of attachment allows button 26 and cap 20 to be interchangeable so that different color combinations can be used with the same switch assembly.
  • Collar 28 has a significantly larger diameter than button 26 and hole 22 so that it will abut the underside of cap 20 to act as a stop.
  • Plunger 30 extended perpendicularly beneath collar 28 and is axially aligned with button 26.
  • Plunger 30 is an elongate cylindrical member having at its distal end a shoulder and neck portion 32.
  • the final component of button assembly 10 is outer member 34.
  • Outer member 34 is cylindrical in shape having a central cylindrical bore 36.
  • the diameter of interior bore 36 is only slightly larger than the exterior diameter of collar 28, such that collar 28 fits snugly yet slidably within bore 36.
  • An interior flange 37 acts as a stop against which collar 28 will abut within bore 36.
  • Outer member 34 has a first threaded portion 38 which engages the threaded tap 24 on cap 20, and a second threaded portion 40 for attachment to the body 12. Threaded portion 40 is also used to secure the switch assembly to the tub top or deck by means of nut 41.
  • cap 22 is positioned above the spa, pool or tub deck (not shown), and is secured thereto by nut 41, with the remainder of the switch assembly being below the deck.
  • Body 12 has an exterior piece 42 of unitary construction. Exterior piece 42 has an interiorly threaded neck 44 which extends perpendicularly above a top portion 46 of exterior piece 42. Neck 44 mates with outer member 34 of button assembly 10. A central aperture 48 is formed in top portion 46 through which plunger 30 extends. It will be noted that aperture 48 has a diameter less than the exterior of second threaded portion 40 on outer member 34 so that it can be attached tightly in neck 44. A series of holes 50 extend radially through outer piece 42 near its bottom end. Housed within outer piece 42 is a guard 52, which is cylindrical in shape and has a top piece 54 in which a receptacle 56 is formed.
  • receptacle 56 is sized and shaped such that it mates snugly with the shoulder and neck portion 32 on plunger 30 of button assembly 10.
  • the exterior diameter of guard 52 is only slightly less than the interior diameter of outer piece 42, such that guard 52 is slidable therein.
  • Body 12 has a peripheral flange 58 which extends perpendicularly down from outer piece 42, and mates with a outer peripheral flange 60 which extends perpendicularly above sleeve 62 on housing 14 to increase the contact surface between body 12 and housing 14.
  • Housing 14 also comprises a head piece 64 to which the electrical switch 18 is attached. Head piece 64 is in turn attached to exterior piece 42 of body 12 such that the upper surface of head piece 64 is immediately adjacent to the bottom of radial holes 50.
  • Head piece 64 is preferably of unitary construction and has an elevated neck portion 66 which defines a concave cavity 68 and a central threaded aperture 70. Threaded aperture 70, concave cavity 68, receptacle 56 on guard 52, aperture 48, plunger 30, button 26 and center hole 22 are all axially aligned.
  • Completing housing 14 is a flexible diaphragm 72 which completely covers the entire neck portion 66 on head piece 64.
  • Diaphragm 72 is preferably constructed of polyurethane, is .005 inches thick and is commercially obtainable from J.P. Stevens & Co., East Hampton, Maine (part no. MP 2080).
  • Diaphragm 72 is held in position on head piece 64 by means of a compression ring 74 which is sized and shaped such that it fits snugly around the assemblage of neck 66 and diaphragm 72, and abuts an elevated flange 76 on top piece 64.
  • Electrical switch 18 is a standard push-on/push-off type bipolar double throw electrical switch.
  • a switch commercially available from Carlingswitch, West Hartford, Connecticut, Model No. PA 344, has proven effective.
  • This switch has a body 78, contacts 80 for the electrical wire 88, and a threaded neck 82 through which a push-pole 84 extends.
  • the switch 18 is activated by pushing on the push-pole 84.
  • the switch 18 is attached to top piece 64 by threading neck 82 into threaded aperture 70 such that push-pole 84 extends an appreciable distance into cavity 68.
  • the distance push pole 84 should extend into cavity 68 must be sufficient that the switch 18 can be activated easily in that position.
  • the housing 14 is completed by base plate 85 which is attached to the bottom of sleeve 62.
  • base plate 85 is molded separately from sleeve 62. It is preferred, however, to have base plate 85 formed integrally with sleeve 62.
  • Base plate 85 has a central aperture 86 through which the wire 88 can pass for attachment to the contacts 80. To ensure that water will not enter housing 14 through aperture 86, a water tight seal must be created around wire 88. This is accomplished as follows.
  • Aperture 86 is in the shape of a frustum.
  • Base plate 85 has an elongate, threaded neck portion 90 around aperture 86.
  • wire 88 Before wire 88 is attached to the contacts 80, it is threaded through, in the following order, a compression cap 92, a thrust washer 94 and a rubber frustum 96.
  • Frustum 96 has an interior bore 98 extending therethrough. The diameter of bore 98 closely proximates the exterior diameter of wire 88 such that there is a snug fit therebetween. Similarly, the exterior configuration of frustum 96 closely approximates the interior configuration of aperture 86 so that there is close mating therebetween.
  • neck portion 32 of plunger 30 will reside within receptacle 56 of guard 52.
  • the electrical switch 18 can be activated by pressing on 4 button 26 which will cause guard 52 to move downward within body 12 such that the underside of receptacle 56 will contact the flexible diaphragm 72 immediately adjacent push-pole 84, causing it to be depressed thereby activating switch 18.
  • guard 52 serves two additional purposes. First, any water that might seep into button assembly 10 through aperture 22 will be caught by guard 52 and directed away from the diaphragm 72 to the interior sides of body 12 where it will, by virtue of surface tension, trickle down the sides of body 12 and out through holes 50. In addition, guard 52 prevents access to diaphragm 72 even if the cap 22 and button 26/plunger 30 assembly are removed. This guards against damage to the diaphragm 72 or switch 18.
  • This embodiment comprises an outer body generally designated 110, a button assembly generally designated 112, an interior housing generally designated 114, an electrical switch, generally designated 115, and a base plate, generally designated 116.
  • the outer body 110 is shown in cross section. It comprises an elongate cylindrical sleeve 118, having a threaded exterior.
  • a circular, bevelled flange 120 extends exteriorly and radially around the periphery of the top end of cylindrical sleeve 118.
  • the underside of flange 120 will abut the top of the tub or spa deck and will be secured there by nut 121 which can be tightened against the underside of the tub or spa deck.
  • Running the length of the sleeve 118 is a central bore 122. Near the upper end of sleeve 118, the diameter of central bore 122 is abruptly reduced so as to form shoulder 124. Near the other end of sleeve 118 the diameter of central bore 122 is abruptly increased so as to form circular groove 126.
  • button assembly 112 comprises an outer member 128 (which resembles an inverted cup), a cylindrical cavity 130 therein, and a top piece 134.
  • the exterior diameter of outer member 128 abruptly increases to form exterior shoulder 132.
  • top piece 134 after installation of the device at the spa site, is presented to the user of the device as the button which is to be pushed to activate the electrical switch. For aesthetic purposes, some may prefer to have the top piece 134 level with the top of flange 120 of body 110 .
  • exterior shoulder 1 3 2 on button assembly 112, and interior shoulder 124 on outer body 110 are important and should be coordinated to obtain a level upper surface. It should also be appreciated that while the button assembly 112 must be slidable within interior bore 122 of outer body 110, for aesthetic purposes, long life, and to reduce the amount of water which can seep therebetween, the fit between the outer member 128 and outer body 110 should be such that it is snug, but allows for free sliding of the button assembly therein.
  • Button assembly 112 is completed by a plunger 136 which is attached to the underside of top piece 134 and extends perpendicularly therebelow. As will be explained in more detail, it is plunger 136 which contacts the electrical switch 115 to turn it on and off when the button assembly 112 is pushed down relative to outer body 110.
  • Interior housing 114 comprises a cylindrical sleeve 138 which has an exterior diameter which is appreciably less than the interior diameter of sleeve 118 such that a space 140 exists therebetween when they are arranged coaxially as shown in Figure 2.
  • Sleeve 138 is hollow, having a central bore 142 which extends therethrough.
  • head piece 144 is attached at the upper end of sleeve 138.
  • head piece 144 is of unitary construction, having a radially extending flange 146, a cavity 148 in its upper side, and a centrally located threaded aperture 150 extending coaxially therethrough.
  • a flexible diaphragm 152 Attached to the top of head piece 144 is a flexible diaphragm 152 of the same material used in the preferred embodiment.
  • the exterior diameter of head piece 144 is reduced around its upper outside edge to create a peripheral groove 154 which accommodates therein flexible diaphragm 152 which extend down the side of head piece 144.
  • Flexible diaphragm 152 is held into position on head piece 144 by means of compression ring 156, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. It will be appreciated that the depth of peripheral groove 154 is only slightly less than the thickness of the material used in flexible diaphragm 152, such that compression ring 156 exerts a compressive force on flexible diaphragm 152 to hold it into position.
  • Compression ring 156 has an exterior diameter equal to that of sleeve 138. Looking at Figure 2, it will be appreciated that the assemblage of sleeve 138, head piece 144 and compression ring 156 presents a cylindrical element having uniform exterior diameter such that the space 140 between housing 114 and sleeve 118 is constant and unobstructed. The importance of this feature will be discussed infra.
  • the electrical switch 115 is the conventional push-on, push-off bipolar electrical switching element having a body 162, electrical contacts 164, an exteriorly threaded neck portion 166 on one end of the body 162, and a push-pole 168 which extends through the threaded neck portion 166. Electrical switch 115 is turned on and turned off by successively depressing push-pole 168. Electrical switch 115 is attached to the housing 114 by means of the threaded neck portion 166 which is screwed into the threaded aperture 150 in head piece 144.
  • the depth of head piece 144 should be such that when the electrical switch 115 is attached snugly to head piece 144, the top of push-pole 168 extends slightly above the top of head piece 154, causing the flexible diaphragm to be distended slightly. It will also be appreciated that the depth of cavity 148 in head piece 144 must be sufficient to allow push-pole 168 to be depressed far enough to activate electrical switch 1 15 .
  • Housing 114 is sealed, and held in position relative to outer body 110, by means of base plate 116.
  • Base plate 116 is shown in plan view in Figure 5A, and in cross-section view in Figure SB.
  • Base plate 115 comprises an outer ring 170 which has interior and exterior diameters equal to that of sleeve 118.
  • Outer ring 170 has a perpendicular flange 172 which mates with the groove 126 on the bottom of sleeve 118.
  • Base plate 116 has an inner ring 174 which is attached to outer ring 170 by means of spokes 176 defining arcuate holes 178 therebetween.
  • the exterior diameter of inner ring 174 is equal to the exterior diameter of sleeve 138.
  • Inner ring 174 has a peripheral outer groove 180 around its upper edge into which fits the bottom end of sleeve 138.
  • An aperture 182 is formed in inner ring 174 through which wire 184 may pass for connection to the electrical switch 115.
  • a plug 186 fits snugly around the wires 184 within aperture 182 to present a water-tight seal. It will be appreciated that the combination of the housing 114, base plate 116 and plug 186 create a water-tight encasement for switch 115. It will also be appreciated that the sealing components shown with the preferred embodiment could also be incorporated here.
  • outer body 110 button assembly 112, and housing 115 are such that the plunger 136 will rest upon the top of the push pole 168 when it is in the fully extended position. Because the push-pole 168 of this switch has a rounded concave contour, a matching convex indention 188 is formed in the end of plunger 136 so that contact on the diaphragm 152 is spread over a greater area.
  • buttons 134 of button assembly 112 In operation, pressing down on top piece 134 of button assembly 112 causes plunger 136 to depress the push-pole 1 68, thereby activating switch 115. Because this invention is designed for use in close proximity to swimming pools, hot tubs, spas and the like, it is likely that the upper surface of the device will, from time to time, be splashed with water. While the electrical switch 115 is encased in water-tight housing 114, and hence would not be contacted by the water, this invention provides further precautionary measures against water contamination of switch 115. Specifically, it should be noted that the outer member 128 and top piece 134 of button assembly 112 are of unitary construction. Accordingly, water can only enter the top of this device by seeping down the space 190 between outer body 110 and button assembly 112.
  • button assembly 112 due to the design of button assembly 112, and specifically the fact that the exterior diameter of outer member 128 is greater than the exterior diameter of the housing 114, water which does seep in thusly is directed away from housing 114. Indeed, the water is made to contact the interior walls of outer sleeve 118, and hence, by virtue of surface tension, will travel down the interior surface of sleeve 118, never contacting the top of top piece 144 or flexible diaphragm 152. The water can drain out of the device through holes 178 in base plate 116.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
EP87301461A 1986-03-26 1987-02-19 Insulated switch assembly Withdrawn EP0240129A3 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US84445286A 1986-03-26 1986-03-26
US844452 1986-03-26

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0240129A2 true EP0240129A2 (de) 1987-10-07
EP0240129A3 EP0240129A3 (en) 1989-05-03

Family

ID=25292751

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87301461A Withdrawn EP0240129A3 (en) 1986-03-26 1987-02-19 Insulated switch assembly

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0240129A3 (de)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5180237A (en) * 1992-06-23 1993-01-19 Getac Corporation Keyboard for under water use

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1084814B (de) * 1957-06-13 1960-07-07 Karl Fleischmann Druckknopfzeitschalter
NL120902C (de) * 1959-01-08
DE1890267U (de) * 1964-01-29 1964-04-02 H Eduard Hermle Elektrische schaltvorrichtung.
DE7003407U (de) * 1970-01-31 1970-05-14 Hermle Eduard Elektrischer schalter
DE8015820U1 (de) * 1980-06-14 1980-11-13 Mayc Sa Elektrogerät mit Druckknopf schaltung
DE8113363U1 (de) * 1981-05-07 1981-09-17 Standard Elektrik Lorenz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart Fernsprechgerät mit Wähltastensatz

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5180237A (en) * 1992-06-23 1993-01-19 Getac Corporation Keyboard for under water use

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0240129A3 (en) 1989-05-03

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Inventor name: GORDON, LEN