US3157771A - Lighted push button switch assembly - Google Patents

Lighted push button switch assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
US3157771A
US3157771A US81862A US8186261A US3157771A US 3157771 A US3157771 A US 3157771A US 81862 A US81862 A US 81862A US 8186261 A US8186261 A US 8186261A US 3157771 A US3157771 A US 3157771A
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United States
Prior art keywords
push button
lamp holder
unit
casing
button unit
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 - Lifetime
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US81862A
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English (en)
Inventor
John O Roeser
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.)
Illinois Tool Works Inc
Original Assignee
Illinois Tool Works Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Illinois Tool Works Inc filed Critical Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority to US81862A priority Critical patent/US3157771A/en
Priority to FR880560A priority patent/FR1311485A/fr
Priority to DEJ20990A priority patent/DE1293286B/de
Priority to GB1010/62A priority patent/GB986825A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3157771A publication Critical patent/US3157771A/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
    • H01H13/56—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state upon the next application of operating force
    • H01H13/58—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state upon the next application of operating force with contact-driving member rotated step-wise in one direction
    • 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
    • H01H13/023—Light-emitting indicators
    • 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
    • H01H13/023—Light-emitting indicators
    • H01H2013/026—Light-emitting indicators with two or more independent lighting elements located inside the push button switch that illuminate separate zones of push buttons
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/036—Light emitting elements
    • H01H2219/039—Selective or different modes of illumination
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/036—Light emitting elements
    • H01H2219/04—Attachments; Connections

Definitions

  • lighted push button switch unit In certain types of equipment, such as control consoles, it is often necessary to employ a plurality of circuit controllers, such as push buttons. It is preferable that each of these push buttons be mounted in a manner such that the button is normally flush with the surface of the panel. It is often required that these circuit controllers or push buttons be constructed to provide visual indications of the different conditions of the control circuit, such as condition A, condition B, and condition C. This can be conveniently accomplished by means of lamps located beneath the operating surfaces of the push buttons. Since the control consoles with the push buttons mounted therein are often bathed in ambient light either from natural sources or artificial sources, it is important that the condition of the circuit is readily visible to the eye under these ambient conditions.
  • the lamps employed in these units have a relatively short life, substantially less than that of the rest of the components, it is desirable to have them arranged such that the failure of a single lamp will not render useless the push button unit duringa control operation.
  • failure of a lamp should be readily ascertainable and the construction of the unit should permit its ready removal and replacement.
  • the switch button be so arranged that the condition of the circuit is still indicated by the push button so that the operation being controlled does not have to be stopped for the mere failure of a single lamp in a control circuit.
  • the lamp may be readily replaced, the fact of its being defective'being readily ascertained from the visual inspect-ion of the push button unit.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a circuit controller of the push button type having therein a plurality of indicating lamps beneath the operating surface of the push button which are mounted in such a manner as to permit their quick removal and replacement.
  • his a further object of this invention to provide a lighted push button unit where in certain forms there is no leakage of light around the side edges of the unit to confuse the observer as to the condition being indicated.
  • a further object of this invention is to provide an assembly having an outer casing with a latch means, the push button unit and lamp holder unit being quickly and easily removed from latched engagement with the casing for replacement of lamps.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a lamp holder unit and push button unit which are relatively moveable to each other in the casing such that in normal operation, the lamp unit is not subjected to the actuating force on the push button unit so as to increase the useful life of the rather delicate lamps disposed in the lamp holder unit.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a terminal block means having spring contacts therein'which provide positive contacts over a wide range of tolerances, are compact, and have a heavy current carrying ability commensurate with other components in the circuit.
  • a lighted push button unit which normally utilizes four lamps each of which is adapted to light up eighty percent of the indicating surface which may be quickly and easily converted to a unit wherein each individual lamp will light up only twenty-five percent (25%) of the surface to provide more separate indicating functions if desired.
  • Still another object of this invention is to provide a high precision ratchet mechanism which utilizes a positive pawl means coacting with a non-spring loaded combination ratchet gear and cam means, the cam means cooperating with a lever mechanism which has a single positive actuated position, and an eithe-r/ or final position is obtained. This is obtained even thoughthe operator of the push button unit varies the force of actuation and/ or in the event of mechanical deviation from a full stroke.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide an assembly as above described which is well adapted for mass manufacturing techniques, is easy to assemble and maintain, is pleasing in appearance, has a long field life, and is otherwise well adapted for the purpose for which it was designed.
  • FIGURE 1 is an explodedperspective view of part of the components making up the novel assembly, the righthand portion of the components shown on the first sheet of drawings being assembled below the components shown in the left-hand portion of the sheet as indicated by the long arrow therebetween;
  • FIGURE 2 is a continuation of the exploded perspective View of FIGURE 1, the parts along the left-hand side of the sheet fitting in the final assembly in the bottom of the components shown on right-hand side of FIG- URE l as shown in FIGURE 5;
  • FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the component shown in the upper right-hand corner of FIGURE 1;
  • FIGURE 4 is a sectional view along lines 44 of FIGURE 3;
  • FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 55 of FIGURE 3, said sectional view being taken after assembly of most all of the components;
  • Patented Nov. 1?, 1864 i- FIGURE 6 is a bottom plan view of the terminal block means shown in the lower left-hand corner of FIGURE 2;
  • FIGURE 7 is an exploded perspective view of four of the major sub-components of the switch button assembly
  • FIGURE 8 is an end view of the precision ratchet assembly in association with the switch means as shown in the upper right-hand corner of FIGURE 2, the view being taken from the reverse side of that shown in FIG- URE 2;
  • FIGURE 9 is a sectional view along lines 9-9 of FIG- URE 8.
  • FIGURE 7 shows most of the major components of the invention.
  • an outer casing 14 is associated with a terminal block means 16.
  • a high precision ratchet mechanism 18 which is shown in FIGURES 8 and 9 fits within the terminal block means 16.
  • the ratchet mechanism is in turn associated with a high precision switch means 20.
  • a unitary push button and lamp holder unit 12 is adapted to fit in the top portion of casing 14.
  • the lighted push button assembly is adapted to be mounted to a panel 22 having an upper surface 24 and an aperture 26 formed therein.
  • the casing unit 14 is adapted to fit within an aperture 24, shown with a square configuration having sidewalls 28.
  • the casing 14 is essentially tubular and formed to provide a square annulus. Its upper end 30 is adapted to be mounted flush with surface 24 of the complementary panel on which it is adapted to be mounted.
  • the sidewalls 28 of the casing 14 are provided with a pair of oppositely disposed angular mounting flange brackets 34 and 36 which are fixed to the sidewalls 28 in any convenient manner and have holes 38 and 40 to facilitate their mounting on the panel.
  • the casing 14 is formed with a pair of oppositely disposed windows 46 and 48 on opposite sides of the casing.
  • a spring member 50 having a detent portion 52 is associated with window 48 and a like spring member 54 with detent portion 56 is associated with window 46, the springs 50 and 54 being suitably mounted, as by pin means 58 and 60.
  • the casing 14 essentially comprises an essentially tubular housing having angular flanges on the outer surfaces adapted to be mounted to the panel, there being latch means on the interior thereof, and having an irregular bottom surface which, as shall be described, is adapted to key the terminal block means 16 to orient it with the casing.
  • the terminal block means 16 is shown as an assembled sub-component in the lower right-hand portion of FIGURE 7 and essentially comprises a base portion 74 which is preferably formed of insulating material such as a thermo-setting plastic. Because of its irregular configuration, it is preferred that the base member 74 be of molded construction as for example from nylon. As shown in the lower portion of FIGURE 2, the top surface 75 of the terminal block base member 74 is provided with narrow shoulders 76 and '78, defined by short upstanding lugs and ridges 80 and .82 which are offset inwardly from the side surfaces of member 74 and are oppositely disposed.
  • a pair of shoulders 84 and 86 which are downwardly offset from surface 75 are formed in the other two side edges at right angles to shoulders 76 and 78, said shoulders 84 and 86 being interrupted approximately at their mid-portion to provide oppositely disposed tab receiving recesses 88 and 90.
  • the base 74 is preferably formed with a rectilinear depending lug 92 which is centrally located.
  • the lug 92 is formed with a central threaded bore for receipt of the precision ratchet means 18 to be described.
  • the top surface of the base member 74 is formed with four symmetrically arranged depressions or wells 96a, 96b, 96c, and 96d. As shown in FIGURE 6, each of the wells or depressions 96a.-d are formed with a rectilinear bore or passageway 98a98d for receipt of a depending portion of the terminal means as shall be later described.
  • a pair of through bores 102 and 104 are respectively formed in base member 74 intermediate the terminal receiving depressions or wells 96b and 960, and 98a and 98d respectively.
  • the bores 102 and 104 are adapted to receive the common terminal means 126a-b, as shall be later described. They are provided with counterbores 106 and 108 which define shoulders 106 and 108 in the interior of the base.
  • the terminal block means 16 further includes electrical terminal means for the lamps which are of two part construction, and include the base unit 110a-110d and the spring portion 120a-120d.
  • the terminal base 11011 is adapted to fit into the well or depression 96a and is formed with a generally flat portion 112a which has a complementary configuration to the base of the well 96a.
  • Three upstanding tab portions 114a extends upwardly from the base portion 112a and two depending tab portions 116a and 118a are angularly configured to extend through the slot 98a.
  • the longer tab 118a serves as a terminal post and the shorter tab 116a is bent in an angular manner so as to engage the base portion of the recess a to retain the terminal a Within the well 96a.
  • terminal 110a there are four symmetrically arranged terminals Ulla-110a and each of them is mounted in the re spective wells 96a through 96d, in the same fashion terminal 110a is mounted in well 964.
  • the upstanding tabs 114 of the various terminal bases 110a110d are adapted to engage and anchor the lower convolution of the volute springs 120a-120d.
  • the springs 120a- 120d are preferably of rectilinear cross section which greatly enhances their current carrying ability.
  • the cross sectional area of the springs permits relatively heavy current carrying capacity since the area of the Wire equals the current carrying cross section of other conductors in the circuit thus preventing circuit overload in the area of the springs.
  • the winding of the coil in volute fashion accommodates a wide range of tolerances in the mounting of other units of the assembly.
  • the springs 120a-120d are preferably conservatively stressed so that the amount of spring action of the spring is only that amount that is sufiicient to give contact pressure to assure proper electrical characteristics without the introduction of strong biasing forces into the assembly.
  • the top surface 124 of the springs 120 are spaced a considerable portion above the top surface of the terminal block base 74 when the springs are assembled in the wells 96, the springs being held in place by the tabs 114 on the terminal bases 110.
  • Each .of the common terminal means 126:: and 12Gb may be formed from four components. The components in assembly 126a only are described.
  • Common terminal means 126a has a component denominated as base portion anew/7'1 ber 128a extends above the top surface of base member 74 and is encircled by a spring 136a.
  • a pin or shaft 138a and a head portion 140:: having a pointed tip 142a are assembled in the bore 134a, the top convolution of the spring 136a engaging a small shoulder 141a of the head 140a, and the bottom convolution of the spring 136a engaging a shoulder 131a on member 128a.
  • the length of pin 138a, head portion 14% and the neck portion of member 128a is such that in the assembled relation, the
  • the common terminal means 128i is assembled in aperturev 102 of the base means 74 in a manner similar to the assembly of 126a in aperture 104. 7
  • the push button 144 and lamp holder 146 elements are shown in assembled relation as a unit 12 at the'top of FIGURE 7.
  • the lamp holder unit 14% comprises'a base member 148 which is preferably formed of molded plastic material. It is essential that the base portion 148 be made of a dielectric material.
  • the base member 148 is formed with a plurality (4) symmetrically arranged lamp apertures through 15003 which have diameters suitable for receiving the casing of a bulb unit.
  • the base member 148 is formed with a central through aperture 152 and four symmetrically arranged upwardly projecting shells 156LZ-156d.
  • the shells ISM-156d are offset inwardly from the side edges of the base member 143 to define a shoulder 154 which is located approximately in the midportion of the axial length of the total lamp holder unit 146.
  • the shells 15642-15611 are larger than the bores ISM-15w and each have a generally rectilinear annular configuration, the tops of which have been truncated or angularly arranged relative to a horizontal plane through the axis of the bores idea-156d.
  • the highest point on the shells 156 through 1560! is that point adjacent to the corner area of the base member 148.
  • the shells Eda-156d are arranged in quadrature in top View, and as arranged, the portions of the individual shells which are spaced from the other three shells the greatest distance in the horizontal plane also project vertically the greatest distance above the base portion 148. Stated another way, the shells 156a-156d are each configured in a manner such that the top surfaces thereof slant downwardly toward the central aperture 152. Thus, points 166a and 162d, for example, are on the same elevational plane, while the lowest portion of the individual shell is that portion 164 which is curvilinear and immediately adjacent to the aperture 152.
  • the wall portion of the shells 15611-1560] immediately adjacent to the central aperture 152 are curvilinear h. throughout their axial extent and spaced radially outwardly therefrom a short distance.
  • the base 148 is formed with two spring receiving apertures 172 and 174 in the intermediate Web portion of the base immediately between shells 156a and 1560!, and 156a and 156i) respectively.
  • the outer margins of the walls of the shells are reduced in tlnclniess to provide an extension of the bores 1'72 and 174 at 17th: and 176d relative to bore 174.
  • bores 172 and 174 do not extend through the base.
  • the bottom of the bores serve to provide an abutting surface for a spring 244, later discussed.
  • grooves 176 and 180 which define latching shoulders 178 and 182 respectively on the side edges of the base.
  • cam surfaces 179 and 181 are cam surfaces 179 and 181 respectively which coact with the rounded surfaces 56 and 52 of the spring means 54 and 50 mounted on the casing 14.
  • the bottom of the base portion 148 is formed with spaced tab receiving bores 18d and 186 for receipt of a tab from the fixedly mounted common terminal connectors 188a and 188b.
  • the members 188a and 18% are shown in FIGURE 1 immediately below the base 143 and each comprise a central fiat portion 199 having a central locking tab 194 and two somewhat longer flared springy tabs 192 and196.
  • the locking tab 194! of member 188b is adapted to fit within bore 186, the two angular tabs 192 b and 1961? respectively extending upwardly along the sidewalls of bores 15% and 1580 for engagement with the sidewalls of lamps disposed within said bores.
  • the four lamps 198a through 193d are available commerically. Each has a metallic sidewall Nita-200d, a radially outwardly extending shoulder ZtlZu-Zllld and a light transmitting glass head portion 2944146411.
  • the respective lamps 1%11-198d fit within the respective bores ISM-d with the shoul ers ZtiZa-ZtlZd abutting the bottom surface of the base member 148.
  • the terminal tabs, such as 19211-19 andli mb help to retain the bulbs in mounted position, yet permitting easy removal thereof.
  • the light from a single lamp of the four lamps in a unit of the type previously described project upwardly to light up at least eighty percent (8(i%) of the total indicating surface and two lamps light up all of the indicating surface.
  • One arrangement of lamps that is quite common is to electircally connect the four lamps in such a manner that a single pair of lamps are lit simultaneously and the other remaining pair of lamps are lit at a different time.
  • the shell covers Ztlfizz-d are preferably made of pellucid material, i.e., either transparent or translucid, colored or clear depending on characteristics desired. For indicating purposes, it is often found desirable to color code by using colored filter means.
  • shell covers 206 may be mounted on the tops of the respective shells 156a through 156d.
  • the respective lamps'associated with the red filters will be discussed as though they form a pair which are lighted simultaneously, and the green pair will light up simultaneously as well, although many other arrangements and colors are available. This arrangement is found to give good indicating characteristics on the indicating surface.
  • the shells 156(1-15641 are larger than the bulb unit and the interiors thereof preferably are treated, coated, or of a material which will provide a highly reflective surface with diffusing characteristics.
  • the entire indicating surface is illuminated in an even pattern, the intensity with two bulbs being noticeable over an indicating surface illuminated with only one bulb.
  • the angularity of the shells, sidewalls, margins and the filter covers 20611-11 greatly aid in lighting the opposite corners of the indicating surface.
  • the push but-ton unit 144 which coacts with the lamp holder unit and other elements of the total assembly is comprised of a hollow rectilinear tubular member 208 which is open at both ends. Spaced a short way from the top surface of member 208 and on opposed sides are two windows 210 and 212, each of which provide a tool receiving surface 211 when the push button unit is mounted within the casing, the windows 210 and 212 being aligned with recesses 42 and 44 of the casing (see FIGURE 7).
  • the window 210 and 212 are shown in form of a window, in those applications where it is absolutely necessary that there be no leakage of light around the outer margins of the housing 208, the windows 210 and 212 may be formed in the shape of a dimple in the metal so as to provide a continuous surface preventing any leakage of light.
  • the hub member 216 is formed with a necked down shank portion 218 which depends from the hub 216, the necked portion at its juncture with the hub defining a shoulder 220.
  • the interior of the hub and the shank portion has a central bore 222, also having an enlarged bore section 224 located at its upper end which defines an intermediate interior shoulder 226.
  • the top surface of the hub projects slightly above the top surface of the thin vanes or spider member 214 (see FIGURES 1 and 5 and is normally notched at 228a through 228d in alignment with the vane members 214.
  • a pin member 230 Mounted in the hub bore of the housing 208 is a pin member 230 having an enlarged head 232 adjacent the top end thereof and a groove 234 adjacent its lower end.
  • a washer 236 is placed over the end of the pin 230 and a suitable retainer ring 238 is disposed in the groove 234 at the end of the pin (see FIGURE 5).
  • the Washer should be of sufiicient diameter so that when the push button unit 144 is assembled to the lamp holder unit 146, the washer 236 will also engage the bottom surface of base member 148 which surrounds the central bore 152 to maintain an assembled relationship between the push button unit 144 and the lamp holder unit 146.
  • Relatively weak springs, in coil form, such as 242 and 244 are disposed in the bores 172 and 174 so that they engage the 8 bottom of the bores and vanes 214a and 214a to bias the push button unit 144 away from the lamp holder unit 146 to the position shown in FIGURES 5 and 7.
  • a translucent cover 246 may be mounted on the margins of the upper surface of the push button housing 208.
  • This top surface serves the dual function of an actuating surface for the push button, as well as being the indicating surface which is lighted by lamps disposed in the lamp holder unit.
  • the top surface 248 of the push but-ton unit is preferably made to be flush with the panel surface 24 and the upper surface 30 of the casing 14.
  • the casing windows 210 and 212 are formed as dimples, rather than as windows. This prevents light leaking through a perforated side wall, and yet provides adequate means for dismounting the combination push button lamp holder means 12.
  • each of the lamp filters 206a206d be of a different color.
  • five indicating functions may be provided by the push button unit, i.e., four separate colors plus the control function of no light showing.
  • relatively large rigid vanes 2 50 and 252 having crossed notches 254 and 256 may be preassembled into the push button unit prior to the fixing of the top surface member 246.
  • the vanes 254-256 are conveniently placed in the slots 228a-228d which orients them in their desired relationship to the rest of the assembly.
  • the push button and lamp holder assembly 12 is designed for easy removability as a unit, but once assembled in place within the casing 14, the push button unit 144 has relative movement to the lamp holder unit 146.
  • the components are arranged as shown in FIGURE 7.
  • the entire unit 12 is pushed downwardly relative to the casing so that cam surfaces 179 and 181 on the lamp holder base 148 push the detent portions 56 and 52 of the latching means on opposite sides of the casing 14 outwardly from each other.
  • the portions 56 and 52 will then engage shoulders 178 and 182 on the base of the lamp holder means 146.
  • the latching means on the casing thus provides, due to the configuration of the base 146 and of the springs 50 and 54 an easy on hard off latching relationship.
  • the spring 240 is much heavier and stronger than the combination of forces supplied by the springs 242 and 244.
  • an actuating force (downwardly) on the push button unit 144 will cause downward movement of pin 230, the force transmitting structure being the sidewalls of the housing 208, the spiders 21411-0, the stem shoulder 220, the spring 240, the washer 236, the retaining ring 238, and the pin 230.
  • the springs 242 and 244 merely serve to return the push button unit 144 to its relatively separated position to the lamp holder unit 146 after release of the actuating force.
  • the precision ratchet means 18 and switch means 20 are mounted in the base of the terminal block means in the central aperture 94;.
  • An inverted Ushaped bracket member 258 is formed with a bail portion 260 and depending legs 262 and 264.
  • the bail portion 26% is formed with a central aperture 266, the margin being upset to provide a small orienting and locking tab 268.
  • Anactuating means force transmitting unit 270 for the ratchet means 18 includes a rod or pin 292 and a tubular member 272 which threaded on its outer diameter, as at 274, and is provided with a central bore 275.
  • the tubular member 272 is formed with a radially extending shoulder 276 and an elongated axially aligned slot 278 on the upper threadedportion. As shown in FIGURE 9,'locking tab 268 fits into the base of the slot 278 to retain the tubular member 272 in the aperture 266.
  • the lower extremity of the tubular member 272 is preferably crimped or spun over to retain member 308.
  • a second slot 282 is formed in that portion of the tubular member which is disposed within the U-shaped housing 258, said slot 282 being oppositely disposed from slot 278, as well as being aligned with the axis of the tubular member.
  • a counter bore 286 together with bore 275 and the tubular member 272 define an internal shoulder 290. Also, it will be noted that the upper end of bore 275 is chamfered at 288.
  • the pin 292 fits within the tubular member 272 and is formed with a shoulder 296 which coacts with internal shoulder 290 to limit upward movement thereof.
  • the lower portion of pin 292 is bifurcated by a slot 298 and carries a cross pin 300 which serves as a pivot for a pawl member 392 having a tooth portion 364 which extends through slot 282 in tubular member 272.
  • a coil spring 306 is interposed between the lower end of pin 292 and a spring stop member 308 which as aforementioned is mounted by the crimped ends 280 on the tubular member 272.
  • Member 398 is formed with a short upstanding lug portion 310 which serves as a spring guide for coil spring 306. The position shown in FIGURE 9 is that of the non-actuated position.
  • the precision switch means 20 essentially comprises two such switches 312a and 31212 which are mounted in side by side relation between the legs 262 and 264 of the bracket at the lower extremity thereof. Each switch has a housing 314. Only switch 312a will be described for brevity.
  • the switch unit 312a includes a housing 314a made of insulating material having therein fixed contact means portion 362 coact with the cam meansof the ratchet.
  • a plastic base member 339a is formed with a central depres sion 331a.
  • the housing 314a is apertured above the depression 3310 in the base to mount an actuator button 332a with a depending portion 334a which is also aligned with the central depression 331a.
  • a spring unit 336a is mounted in the depression 331a and engages the portion 334a to bias the push button upwardly.
  • a movable contact carrying member 338a carrying contact member 332a on the free end thereof has an over center snap arrangement by its mounting on the portion 334a and connection with spring 339a which extends through an aperture in the portion 334a.
  • the spring 339a also engages a similarly arranged contact carrying member carrying contact member 34241 which is biased to a fixed position by a spring 349a.
  • movement of the actuator button 332a causes movement only of contact 322a to positions engagement with either fixed contact 316:: or 318a.
  • the push button is in its depressed position and contact 3221; engages contact 316a thereby completing a circuit between depending terminals 328a and 324a. Release of the actuator button, to obtain the position shown in dotted lines, will cause contact 322a to move into engagement with contact 318a thereby completing a circuit between terminal 328a and 326a.
  • the two switches 312a and 32112 are mounted onto the bracket member 260 by two through pins 344 and 346 which extends through the respective bases 330a and 33% to fix the switches into position.
  • a lever actuator member 348 is formed with a pair of short upstanding arm portions 352 and 354 and is pivotally mounted at one end on a pin 35%.
  • the lever 348 is formed with a blanked out notch portion 356 on the end remote from the pivotal end, said notch 356 defining a pair of arms 358 and 360 each of which are adapted to engage the tops of the push button units.
  • Arm 358 engages push button unit 332a and arm 36,0 engages push button unit 3321;. i v
  • each of the arms 35% and ass are formed 'with a V-shaped notch 362, the angular areas on either side thereof at ass and 366 providing a ramp portion, each of which are angularly divergent relative to the other to provide a very definite point at 362 therebetween.
  • the combination ratchet gear and cam means 368 may be formed in a unitary manner and is preferably mounted on a pivotal shaft 376. Shaft 370 is mounted through the sidewalls of the bracket 258.
  • the ratchet gear and cam means may be made from a suitable material in a unitary manner.
  • the cam means portion 374 of theunitary ratchet gear and cam means 2 58 comprises a plurality of teeth 376 having pointed or sharp edges 378 which extend from an enlarged hub surface 380. It will be noted that the hub 380 has a diameter greater than the teeth 382 of the gear portion 372 of the ratchet gear. r
  • the teeth 382 on the ratchet gear 372 project outwardly and are each formed with a trailing surface 334 and a leading surface 386 which define a sharp edge therebetween.
  • the configuration of the teeth, and the disposition of the teeth around the periphery of the gear portion 372 is such that movement of the pawl 302 causes tooth portion 364 to engage trailing surface 384 on the ratchet gear causing rotation of the gear and the cam means 374.
  • the position of the edge 378 of the cam means 374 is either in the position shown in full line, or alternatively in the position shown in dotted line in FIGURE 9.
  • the ratchet mechanism is of a precision nature.
  • the arrangement of the parts and its configuration assures 11 that lever 348 is always either in the full line position or the dotted line position after the end of each actuation stroke of pin 292 independent of variations in actuating pressure, length of strokes, and mechanical tolerances encountered throughout the entire assembly. This obtains due to the ramp portions 364 and 366, together with the configuration of the teeth 376 on the cam means. They are so arranged that the teeth will return under the reaction force supplied by springs 336a and 336b of the switches so that the teeth 376 must either slide down into notch 362 or will be off the end of the lever so that the ends of the arm 358 will engage one of the hub portions 380 of the cam means.
  • spring 306 associated with pin 292, serves the dual function of returning button 292 to the position shown in FIGURE 9 as well as returning pawl 30?. to its position shown in FIGURE 9.
  • This spring 366 is so captivated that it can neither be lost or bent out of adjustment.
  • the lever 348 and the cam and ratchet gear means 368 do not need separate springs, the spring biasing force supplied to this arrangement being only from the switches themselves.
  • a keyed annulus 388 having a keyed tab 392 and two retaining ears 394 and 396 is mounted on square lug portion 92 on the base of the terminal block means.
  • the ears 394 and 396 are bent around the side edges to retain member 388 in position.
  • tabs 394 and 396 are not bent into place until after tubular member 272 is mounted in the threaded aperture 94 in the base of the terminal block 74. Once the correct height adjustment of the top 294 of the button 292 is obtained relative to the base or bottom end of pin 230, the tabs are bent into position and the assembly is locked into place. Tab 392 prevents retrogressive rotation of the ratchet means and switch means by being disposed in the slot 278 on tubular member 272.
  • a circuit controlling device comprising, a hollow casing means having open ends, terminal block means fixedly mounted in one end of the casing means and having a through opening, a push button unit mounted in the other end of the casing means and moveable relative thereto, said unit having a depending stem portion, lamp holder means located entirely within and latchably fixed to said casing means intermediate said unit and said terminal block means, switch means including actuator means for said switch means mounted in and extending through said opening in said terminal block means, and motion transmitting means associated with said push button unit stem and said actuator means of said switch means and extending through said lamp holder means and operable upon actuation of said push button unit to transmit motion to said actuator means to actuate said switch means, said motion transmitting means permitting overtravel of said push button unit without moving said lamp holder means.
  • said casing means is characterized as being fixedly mounted to a complementary apertured work panel, the end surface of said casing receiving said push button unit being flush mounted with the top surface of said panel, and the top surface of said push button unit being flush with said end surface of the casing means and said top panel surface when in non-actuated position.
  • said push button unit comprises a housing member of a configuration complementary to said casing means and having open ends, light transmitting closure means for said housing providing an actuating surface, and spider means located in the opposite end of said unit, said spider means performing the dual function of supporting a central hollow depending stem and providing light separating vanes for cooperation with lamps located in the lamp holder means.
  • said motion transmitting means comprises a relatively heavy spring means surroundingly disposed to said stem portion of said push button unit, a headed pin disposed within said stern portion with the shank portion extending therebeyond, and washer means mounted on said shank portion, one end of said spring being engageable with said stem portion and the other end being engageable with said washer means to thereby transmit motion of said stern in a first direction to the end of said shank portion of said pin, said washer means also engaging the margins of the central aperture in said lamp holder means to transmit motion thereto on movement of said push button unit in a second direction.
  • the terminal block means includes a plurality of bulb contact terminal means and a plurality of spring loaded common terminal means, said bulb contact means being in the form of a rectilinear in cross section volute spring means whereby good physical and electrical contact may be made with bulbs disposed in said lamp holder means when said lamp holder means is disposed in latched relation to said casing, said bulb contact terminal means and said common terminal means maintaining its good electrical and physical contact over a large range of dimensional variation of assembly.
  • said switch means including actuator means comprises an inverted U-shaped bracket housing member having a central aperture aligned with said central aperture of said terminal block means, said pawl means having a portion extending through said bracket aperture, switches having spring loaded actuator buttons mounted adjacent and between the ends of the legs of said bracket housing member, a pivotally mounted lever having a free end portion and engageable with said switch push buttons intermediate said free end portion and its pivotal mount, said free end portion of said lever being upset to provide angularly disposed ramp portions defining a notch, combination ratchet gear and cam means pivotally mounted for engagement with said free end of said lever means and with said pawl means, said ratchet gear and cam means being formed with a plurality of alternate tooth and hub portions arranged and configured to engage said free end portion in an alternate manner upon actuation of said pawl means by said push button unit to alternately depress and release said lever under the bias of said spring loaded switch push buttons.
  • tubular member is threaded on its outer surface and is formed with an axial groove on the threaded portion and locking means is provided cooperable with said groove and said terminal block to lock said tubular member in position relative to said terminal block.
  • An alternate action mechanism comprising momentary switch means having spring-loaded actuator buttons biased outwardly of said switch means, combination ratchet gear and cam means rotatably mounted above said spring-loaded actuator button means, lever means disposed intermediate said combination ratchet gear and cam means and said spring-loaded actuator button means for simultaneous co-action therewith, and means engageable with said combination ratchet gear and cam means operable to selectively cause said lever means to alternately and successively depress said spring-loaded button means and release same whereby an alternate action mechanism is provided.
  • An alternate action mechanism comprising U- shaped bracket housing member disposed in inverted position and having a central aperture, switch means disposed between the legs of said U-shaped bracket housing member and having spring-loaded actuator buttons, a pivotally mounted lever mounted on said U-shaped bracket housing member having a free end portion, said lever intermediate the ends thereof being engageable with said switch push buttons, said lever having a free end portion upset to provide an angularly disposed ramp portion defining a notch, combination ratchet gear and cam means pivotally mounted for engagement with said free end of said lever, means operable to move said combination ratchet gear and cam means about its axis, said ratchet gear and cam means being formed with a plurality .of alternate tooth and hub portions arranged and configured to engage said freeend portion in an alternate manner upon rotation of said ratchet gear and cam means to thereby alternately depress and release said lever under the bias of said spring-loaded switch push buttons.
  • a lighted push button mechanism comprising in eombination:
  • Terminal block means fixedly mounted to the interior of said outer housing means
  • Unitary push button and lamp holder means removably latchably mounted in said outer housing means, said unitary push button and lamp holder means comprising;
  • Rectilinear lamp holder base means having at least five apertures therein and at least four of said apertures being operable to receive four lamp means therein;
  • Rectilinear push button housing means telescopingly mounted to said lamp holder base means for relative movement thereto and to said outer housing means when said push button and lamp holder means is latched in said outer means, said push button housing means having an upper screen surface and depending side walls;
  • a lighted push button mechanism comprising in combination: l l
  • Terminal bloclr means fixedly mounted to the interior of said outer housing meansj l
  • Unitary push button and lamp holder means removably latch ably mounted in said outer housing means, said unitary push button and lampholder means eomprising: l
  • Lamp holder base means having a plurality of apertures therein and at least some of said apertures being operable to receive lamp means therein; l l
  • Pellucid cover means foreach of said shell means and mounted thereon;
  • Push button housing means telescopingly mounted to said lamp holder base means for relative movementthereto and to said outer housing means when said push button and lamp holder means is latched in said outer housing means, said push button housing means having an upper screen surface anddepending side walls; l ll C5. Means associated with said side walls of said push button housing means spaced from said screen surface for operable association with means for transmitting motion past said lamp holder means;
  • a lighted push button mechanism comprising in combination:
  • Terminal block means fixedly mounted to the interior of said outer housing means
  • Unitary push button and lamp holder means removably latchably mounted in said outer housing means, said unitary push button and lamp holder means being operable to actuate said alternate action mechanism to in turn actuate said switch means and comprising:
  • Lamp holder base means having at least five apertures therein and at least four of said apertures being operableto receive four lamp means therein;
  • a unitary push button and lamp holder actuation means comprising:
  • said shell means being further characterized as providing a light reflective surface to reflect light from said lamp means when disposed in said aperture means;
  • Push button housing means telescopingly mounted to said lamp holder base means for relative movement thereto and to said outer housing means when said push button and lamp holder means is latched in said outer housing means, said push button housing means having an upper screen surface and depending side A.
  • Rectilinear lamp holder base means having a pluwalls; rality of apertures therein and at least some of said E5. Means associated with said side walls of said apertures being operable to receive lamp means push button housing means spaced from said therein; screen surface, for operable association with B.
  • Said means associated With Said S de alls being further characterized as providing a light refor operable association with said me n for fiective surface to reflect light from said lamp means transmitting motion to said alternate action h di d i id s me aperture means; mechanism having an Ell-fest Position and bfiing C.
  • Said individual shell means being further charactermovable relative 0
  • Pellucid cover means mounted on the top surface from lamps in any one individual shell means f h f id h ll means; thro ghindividual Pellucid cover 1116,3118 Onto E.
  • Rectilinear push button housing means telescopingly Sald Screen means ⁇ mounted to said lamp holder base means for relative whereby lighll'emanatlng from Sald lndlvldual lamps movement thereto and having an upper screen surface located in said individual shells in said lamp holder and depending Side Walls;
  • a unitary push button and lamp holder actuation 0 means comprising:
  • Lamp holder base means having a plurality of apertures therein and at least some of said apertures being operable to receive lamp means therein;
  • Shell means associated with said base means and individually surrounding each of said some apertures receiving said lamp means and projecting thereabove;
  • Push button housing means telescopingly mounted to said lamp holder base means for relative movement thereto and having an upper screen surface and depending side walls;

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Fastening Of Light Sources Or Lamp Holders (AREA)
US81862A 1961-01-10 1961-01-10 Lighted push button switch assembly Expired - Lifetime US3157771A (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US81862A US3157771A (en) 1961-01-10 1961-01-10 Lighted push button switch assembly
FR880560A FR1311485A (fr) 1961-01-10 1961-11-30 Interrupteur à bouton-poussoir
DEJ20990A DE1293286B (de) 1961-01-10 1961-12-11 Beleuchteter Druckknopf-Schaltmechanismus
GB1010/62A GB986825A (en) 1961-01-10 1962-01-10 Circuit controlling mechanism

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US81862A US3157771A (en) 1961-01-10 1961-01-10 Lighted push button switch assembly

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3157771A true US3157771A (en) 1964-11-17

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US (1) US3157771A (de)
DE (1) DE1293286B (de)
GB (1) GB986825A (de)

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3209111A (en) * 1963-07-02 1965-09-28 Burgess Products Co Ltd Illuminated push-button-type electric switches
US3265823A (en) * 1964-02-10 1966-08-09 Illinois Tool Works Snap action switch with short movement differential
US3265847A (en) * 1964-01-16 1966-08-09 Telex Corp Push button switch having indicator means
US3267245A (en) * 1964-08-24 1966-08-16 Honeywell Inc Illuminated push button switch relamping arrangement
US3268889A (en) * 1964-04-20 1966-08-23 Radar Relay Inc Indicator unit and switch
US3270162A (en) * 1965-02-01 1966-08-30 American Mach & Foundry Illuminating magnetically actuated pushbutton reed switch
US3274358A (en) * 1966-09-20 Indicator light having a pivotally-connected light housing block and a lens cover section slidably mounted thereon
US3274354A (en) * 1964-07-15 1966-09-20 Master Specialties Company Switch mechanism
US3334209A (en) * 1965-12-27 1967-08-01 F & F Entpr Inc Switch construction with attached light
US3467802A (en) * 1968-06-21 1969-09-16 Clare Pendar Co Conductor apparatus for switch structure
US3508043A (en) * 1967-08-01 1970-04-21 Gen Electric Locking mechanism
US3515835A (en) * 1967-05-29 1970-06-02 Fabrication D Instr De Mesure Illuminated pushbutton switch
US3523169A (en) * 1968-09-04 1970-08-04 Robertshaw Controls Co Two-position tubular lighted pushbutton construction
US3727020A (en) * 1971-11-22 1973-04-10 Switchcraft Electrical switch unit
US3965320A (en) * 1974-10-17 1976-06-22 Molex Incorporated Push button switch
US4086454A (en) * 1974-07-10 1978-04-25 Bluhm Otto J Battery supported light with circuit maker and breaker having terminals and mounting plate directly mounted to battery coil spring electrodes
US4332990A (en) * 1980-05-19 1982-06-01 Master Specialties Co. Miniature illuminated push button switch and indicator light
US4392037A (en) * 1980-06-07 1983-07-05 Burroughs Corporation Stabilized button for an electrical keyboard
US5146057A (en) * 1990-09-07 1992-09-08 Ford Motor Company Antireflective switch
US5391848A (en) * 1993-03-12 1995-02-21 Inventio Ag Push button switch illuminated by light emitting diodes for use with elevators
CN112271093A (zh) * 2020-10-23 2021-01-26 深圳市通宸科技有限公司 一种开关
US11914185B1 (en) * 2022-10-05 2024-02-27 Darfon Electronics Corp. Keyswitch having backlight module with three lighting units and two light modifiers
US11977250B2 (en) 2022-03-31 2024-05-07 Darfon Electronics Corp. Lighting keyboard, backlight module and lighting substrate
US12019261B2 (en) 2021-08-25 2024-06-25 Darfon Electronics Corp. Illuminant circuit board, backlight module and lighting keyboard

Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2904662A (en) * 1957-12-30 1959-09-15 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Circuit controller
US2953668A (en) * 1959-05-14 1960-09-20 Gen Electric Reversible contrast illuminated control indicator
US3007150A (en) * 1956-10-22 1961-10-31 Radar Relay Inc Electric lamp annunciator indicating assembly
US3093718A (en) * 1960-09-21 1963-06-11 Northern Ordnance Inc Indicating push button type signal light assembly

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3007150A (en) * 1956-10-22 1961-10-31 Radar Relay Inc Electric lamp annunciator indicating assembly
US2904662A (en) * 1957-12-30 1959-09-15 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Circuit controller
US2953668A (en) * 1959-05-14 1960-09-20 Gen Electric Reversible contrast illuminated control indicator
US3093718A (en) * 1960-09-21 1963-06-11 Northern Ordnance Inc Indicating push button type signal light assembly

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3274358A (en) * 1966-09-20 Indicator light having a pivotally-connected light housing block and a lens cover section slidably mounted thereon
US3209111A (en) * 1963-07-02 1965-09-28 Burgess Products Co Ltd Illuminated push-button-type electric switches
US3265847A (en) * 1964-01-16 1966-08-09 Telex Corp Push button switch having indicator means
US3265823A (en) * 1964-02-10 1966-08-09 Illinois Tool Works Snap action switch with short movement differential
US3268889A (en) * 1964-04-20 1966-08-23 Radar Relay Inc Indicator unit and switch
US3274354A (en) * 1964-07-15 1966-09-20 Master Specialties Company Switch mechanism
US3267245A (en) * 1964-08-24 1966-08-16 Honeywell Inc Illuminated push button switch relamping arrangement
US3270162A (en) * 1965-02-01 1966-08-30 American Mach & Foundry Illuminating magnetically actuated pushbutton reed switch
US3334209A (en) * 1965-12-27 1967-08-01 F & F Entpr Inc Switch construction with attached light
US3515835A (en) * 1967-05-29 1970-06-02 Fabrication D Instr De Mesure Illuminated pushbutton switch
US3508043A (en) * 1967-08-01 1970-04-21 Gen Electric Locking mechanism
US3467802A (en) * 1968-06-21 1969-09-16 Clare Pendar Co Conductor apparatus for switch structure
US3523169A (en) * 1968-09-04 1970-08-04 Robertshaw Controls Co Two-position tubular lighted pushbutton construction
US3727020A (en) * 1971-11-22 1973-04-10 Switchcraft Electrical switch unit
US4086454A (en) * 1974-07-10 1978-04-25 Bluhm Otto J Battery supported light with circuit maker and breaker having terminals and mounting plate directly mounted to battery coil spring electrodes
US3965320A (en) * 1974-10-17 1976-06-22 Molex Incorporated Push button switch
US4332990A (en) * 1980-05-19 1982-06-01 Master Specialties Co. Miniature illuminated push button switch and indicator light
US4392037A (en) * 1980-06-07 1983-07-05 Burroughs Corporation Stabilized button for an electrical keyboard
US5146057A (en) * 1990-09-07 1992-09-08 Ford Motor Company Antireflective switch
US5391848A (en) * 1993-03-12 1995-02-21 Inventio Ag Push button switch illuminated by light emitting diodes for use with elevators
CN112271093A (zh) * 2020-10-23 2021-01-26 深圳市通宸科技有限公司 一种开关
US12019261B2 (en) 2021-08-25 2024-06-25 Darfon Electronics Corp. Illuminant circuit board, backlight module and lighting keyboard
US11977250B2 (en) 2022-03-31 2024-05-07 Darfon Electronics Corp. Lighting keyboard, backlight module and lighting substrate
US11914185B1 (en) * 2022-10-05 2024-02-27 Darfon Electronics Corp. Keyswitch having backlight module with three lighting units and two light modifiers

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE1293286B (de) 1969-04-24
GB986825A (en) 1965-03-24

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