US3248491A - Slider switch construction with interfitting shaft members - Google Patents

Slider switch construction with interfitting shaft members Download PDF

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Publication number
US3248491A
US3248491A US281302A US28130263A US3248491A US 3248491 A US3248491 A US 3248491A US 281302 A US281302 A US 281302A US 28130263 A US28130263 A US 28130263A US 3248491 A US3248491 A US 3248491A
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United States
Prior art keywords
modules
rod
assembly
pushbutton
module
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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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US281302A
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English (en)
Inventor
Kroll Heinz
Steinhardt Helmut
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International Standard Electric Corp
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International Standard Electric Corp
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H15/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for actuation in opposite directions, e.g. slide switch
    • H01H15/02—Details
    • H01H15/06—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
    • H01H1/36—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by sliding
    • H01H1/40—Contact mounted so that its contact-making surface is flush with adjoining insulation
    • H01H1/403—Contacts forming part of a printed circuit
    • 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
    • H01H13/503—Stacked switches
    • 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
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/72—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard wherein the switch has means for limiting the number of operating members that can concurrently be in the actuated position
    • H01H13/74—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard wherein the switch has means for limiting the number of operating members that can concurrently be in the actuated position each contact set returning to its original state only upon actuation of another of the operating members

Definitions

  • This invention relates to pushbutton" assemblies and more partiularly to sliding switch type pushbuttons. Very often pushbuttons are used toprogram or control computers and similar devices. Among other things, thisuse requires a great flexibility of design wherein contacts may be added to, subtracted from, or otherwise ganged into an assembly of pushbutton controlled contacts to meet either existing or changing program needs. To provide such flexibility, the pushbutton assembly may be made up from many standard components which may be joined together in any convenient geometric arrangement. For example, assume that the geometry of the assembly may be described according to its distribution around horizontal and vertical axes.
  • the number of pushbuttons may be changed by adding or subtracting pushbutton components, in a side-by-side arrangement, along the horizontal axis.
  • the contacts are arranged along a vertical axis, the number of contacts per pushbutton may be increased by adding pushbutton components in a front-to-back arrangement along the vertical axis.
  • interlocking levers, bars, or other devices may be arranged to simultaneously push one or more components, according to program needs. I o
  • pushbutton requirements have varied greatly,.and no one single design has met all needs.
  • pushbuttons have required reset springs, and the loadings on these springs varied greatly as the number and type of contacts varied.
  • the drag introduced by each added contact produces additive' forces which, as a practical matter, limit the number of ontacts that can be put on any given pushbutton.
  • standardized modules have not heretofore been available.
  • many different types of machine tools, jigs, dies, fixtures, and the like have been required to manufacture pushbutton assemblies.
  • an extensive inventory of parts have been required.
  • an object of this invent-ion is to provide new and improved pushbutton assemblies and more particularly to provide assemblies of modular design. Anotherobject is to provide modular pushbutton assemblies using sliding contacts. A further object is to provide modular assemblies having contacts which may be increased, decreased or otherwise ganged into a pushbutton-controlled assembly.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide pushbutton assemblies which may be economically manufactured on conventional machine tools without requiring expensive, special purpose'production devices. More particularly, an object is to provide for the assembly of a great variety of pushbutton devices without requiring expensive inventories of special pieceparts.
  • pushbutton assemblies are made up from a number of modules.
  • Each module contains an independent sliding switch device and a number of associated contact ele- 3,248,491 Patented Apr. 26, 1966 ments.
  • This device includes all parts necessary for pressing, guiding, positioning, and returning the sliding switch element.
  • the number of pushbuttons may be increased or decreased.
  • any number of contacts may be added to or subtracted from the number of'contacts controlled by any individual pushbutton.
  • mechanical motion linkages may be arranged so that any convenient number of pushbuttons are operated simultaneously or sequentially if any one button is pushed.
  • FIG. 1 shows (by a partial cross section view) the side of a switch module constructed in accordance with this invention
  • FIG. 1A shows a fragment of FIG. 1 with the sliding contact in an operated position
  • FIG. 2 shows an end view (also in partial cross sec-' tion) of the switch module taken along line 22 of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention designed to use printed circuit components
  • FIG. 4 shows an end view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a side view showing a plurality of pushbutton-controlled modules bolted together to form a pushbutton-controlled assembly
  • FIG. 6 is a side view showing an alternative embodiment of the FIG. 5 assembly wherein adjacent pushbuttons have been ganged together for simultaneous operation;
  • FIG. 7 shows a further modification. of the assembly wherein mechanical linkages gang and interlock the various pushbuttons of FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 1 for a showing of an exemplary pushbutton module 20 which incorporates certain features of the invention.
  • This module contains a sliding switch contact assembly 21 and all supplementary equipment required to make a completely inde-- pendent assembly. The elements shown in cross section are indicated by hatch-lines.
  • The. major portions of this module are a casing or frame 22, a number of solder terminal contacts 23, a pair of sliding contact shoes 24, 25 forced outwardly by follower springs 26, 27, and a switch moving or actuating rod 28. Projecting from the righthand end (as viewed in FIG. 1) of the casing 22 and integral with the rod 28 is a pin 30.
  • the other end of the switch rod 28 is formed with a recess or opening 31 having internal dimensions suitable for receiving another pin such as 30 projecting from an adjacent module.
  • a reset spring 32 surrounds the lefthand end of the switch rod 28 and urges it in a rightward direction. Thus, at all times except when the pin 30 is pushed, the spring 32 forces the contact shoes 24, 25 to a home or normal position at the righthand extremity of the casing 22.
  • the casing 22 consists of two identical shells or portions 35 (FIG. 2). Most appropriately, each of the shells is made from a molded plastic material having good electrical insulating qualities. Imbedded in, or otherwise suitably supported by, the plastic material are two strips of contacts 36. These contacts have a configuration adapted to guide and support the sliding shoes 24, 25. The follower springs 26, 27 urge the contact shoes outwardly (with respect to rod 23), thus insuring good electrical contact between the components 24, 25, and 36.
  • the contact strips 36 are printed circuit cards, however, they may be made of a laminate of conductive and insulating materials, or other suitable material known to those skilled in the art.
  • the contacts 24, 25 make a contact from terminal B to terminal D when the switch is not operated.
  • Each of the terminals A-D is a segment of conductive material on printed circuit card 36.
  • the sliding contact shoes 24, 25 break the contact between terminals B and D and make a contact between terminals A and C, as shown in FIG. 1A.
  • the printed circuit card has any suitable configuration of contact material.
  • any suitable fastening device such as a rivet
  • a hollow rivet or sleeve is used so that it may provide passage for bolts or other devices.
  • two pairs of recesses 40, 40 are formed at opposite ends of the casings.
  • the casings include longitudinally disposed openings 41, 41 extending through the casings to receive bolts or other clamping devices.
  • At one end of each casing is a pair of outstanding lugs 42, and at the other end of the casing is a pair of mating recesses 43.
  • a plurality of modules may be arranged in a s'ide-by-side relation by fitting recesses 40, 40 against mating lugs on adjacent modules.
  • a plurality of modules may be placed in a front-toback, longitudinally disposed relation by fitting lugs 42 into recesses (such as 43) of adjacent modules.
  • modules After the modules are assembled, threaded shafts, bolts, or other suitable devices clamp them together into a unitary structure.
  • the modules that are side-by-side are held together by bolts passing through sleeves 38.
  • Those that are front-to-back, longitudinally disposed are held together by bolts passing through the holes 41, 41'.
  • the completed module assembly is mounted on a printed circuit card as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
  • the solder terminals 23 are inserted through openings in the printed circuit card 50 and then soldered into position, as shown at 51.
  • Each individual switch represents a dust-tight sealed and an independently operable structural element. Since all modules are exactly alike manufacture is simple. Each of the sliding switches uses switch moving rods and reset spring of uniform design. Thus, for making a multi-pushbutton switch assembly only a small number of different components are reqmred irrespective of the switching functions that the multi-pushbutton switch is supposed to perform. In this way there is avoided the often times rather complicated and expensive manufacture of the hitherto special purpose pushbuttons. By the simple and analogous assembly of the individual switch modules the performance is reliably safeguarded and most of the various types of switching problems are eliminated. Only the threaded bolts used to hold together the switch modules require a particular design. This, however, may be accomplished simply by cutting threaded shafts to the correct respective length. Of course there are still other advantages which may become more apparent from the following description of examples of various pushbutton assemblies.
  • FIG. 5 shows a multi-pushbutton switch assembly. This particular assembly is composed of six modules 55,
  • each module consisting of sliding switch devices. These modules are arranged next to each other in side-by-side relation. It is also possible to arrange several rows of these sliding switches behind each other.
  • Each module is provided with a push-button 56 for performing the switching motion.
  • the pushbuttons may be caps fitted on the ends of the pins 30 of the switch moving rods projecting out of the assembled system of individual modules.
  • the individual modules are clamped into position next to each other on the threaded bolts 57.
  • the dot-dashed lines 59 show how other modules may be longitudinally disposed, in front-to-back relation, thus increasing the number of contacts controlled by each pushbutton.
  • pushbutton cap 60 moves shafts 30a, 30b of adjacent modules 61, 62.
  • the pushbutton upon release, is supposed to return to normal under the action of the spring 32 of the individual module.
  • a number of pushbutton modules may be combined with an engaging mechanism to lock the pushbuttons when depressed.
  • the engaging mechanisms may be interlocking so that the switching modules are capable of mutually releasing one another.
  • FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment relating to a multi-pushbutton switch assembly, built according to the invention, in connection with an engaging mechanism 70 for causing the mutual release or individual release of the switch modules.
  • the longitudinal and cross connections of the assembly are effected with the aid of the threaded bolts 72 and 73.
  • two rows of assembly modules are actuated simultaneously. These modules are arranged behind each other in a way such that the switching motion of one module is transferred to the next successive module.
  • the pin 30 of the following assembly module engages the square recess 31 provided at the bottom side of the preceding unit.
  • the individual casings are coupled to one another with the aid of pins 42 and recesses 43 arranged at their face sides, and which engage one another thus providing a protection against twisting or distortion.
  • Slide 75 interlocks the pushbuttons in a well known manner.
  • An assembly comprising a plurality of sliding switch modules, each of said modules being made from two identical shell halves clamped together by tubular sleeves, lugs on one end and mating recesses on the other end of each shell half to facilitate end to end alignment of a plurality of said modules, a sliding switch assembly comprising a spring biased rod-like member slidably supported at either end and carrying contact making members, said rod and contact member traveling back and forth responsive to application and removal of longitudinal pressure on said rod against said spring bias, one end of said rod having an elongated pin projecting beyond said housing and the other end of said rod having a recess with contours of a shape which is complementary to said pin for receiving the pin on another end-to-end aligned one of said modules, whereby said longitudinal pressure is transferred from module to module, printed circuit card means in each of said modules for making any one of a plurality of electrical circuits depending upon the travel position of said contact member carried by said rod, means passing through said tubular sleeves for clamping a plurality of said modules together in side-
  • said interlocking means comprises a pushbutton cap extending over a plurality of said rod-like devices.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Slide Switches (AREA)
US281302A 1962-05-30 1963-05-17 Slider switch construction with interfitting shaft members Expired - Lifetime US3248491A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DEW32340A DE1245475B (de) 1962-05-30 1962-05-30 Schiebeschalter als selbstaendig funktionsfaehige Baueinheit eines Mehrfachtastenschalters

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US3248491A true US3248491A (en) 1966-04-26

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DE (1) DE1245475B (de)
GB (1) GB1040747A (de)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3399282A (en) * 1965-11-15 1968-08-27 Matsuku Kabushiki Kaisha Multiple pushbutton switch
US3441743A (en) * 1965-03-15 1969-04-29 Robert P Carroll Selector switch for multiple circuit control
US3493705A (en) * 1966-12-14 1970-02-03 Schoeller & Co Elektrotech Pushbutton switch
US3514554A (en) * 1969-04-18 1970-05-26 Allen Bradley Co Pushbutton assembly
US4013855A (en) * 1975-03-17 1977-03-22 Tektronix, Inc. Modular pushbutton switch
US4730090A (en) * 1985-11-21 1988-03-08 Indak Manufacturing Corp. Electrical switch having oppositely facing contactor

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1765881B1 (de) * 1968-07-31 1971-08-26 Eduard Hermle Mehrfachschalteinrichtung
IT1155493B (it) * 1982-04-05 1987-01-28 Champion Spark Plug Italiana Iterruttore elettrico particolarmente per antifurti bloccasterzo di veicoli a motore
CN106898514A (zh) * 2015-12-18 2017-06-27 天津彦瑞科技发展有限公司 用于鼠标按键的微动开关

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2354750A (en) * 1942-06-06 1944-08-01 Mallory & Co Inc P R Electric switch
US2588632A (en) * 1947-04-19 1952-03-11 Max L Jeffrey Switch
US2653198A (en) * 1952-01-22 1953-09-22 Westinghouse Electric Corp Electric switching device
US2776356A (en) * 1952-09-04 1957-01-01 Globe Union Inc Variable control unit and attachable line switch
US2841661A (en) * 1952-11-22 1958-07-01 Crabtree & Co Ltd J A Electric limit switches
US2874338A (en) * 1955-07-28 1959-02-17 Clum Mfg Company Unit electrical switch for gang assembly
US2903542A (en) * 1956-08-28 1959-09-08 Hubert Naimer Joint for connecting units of electrical equipment composed of a plurality of prefabricated units
US2915611A (en) * 1958-01-27 1959-12-01 Hi Voltage Equipment Company Tandem vacuum switches
US2956131A (en) * 1959-07-02 1960-10-11 Tabet Mfg Company Inc Electrical switch assembly
US2964602A (en) * 1956-04-02 1960-12-13 Joe Davidson Snap acting mechanism
US3071674A (en) * 1957-11-28 1963-01-01 Hubert L Naimer Assembly of axially aligned components

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2521561A (en) * 1948-02-17 1950-09-05 Ark Les Switch Corp Electric switch of the push-and-pull type
DE1753695U (de) * 1954-11-26 1957-10-10 Siemens Ag Hilfsschalter mit brueckenkontakten, insbesondere als steuerschalter an schaltschuetzen.
DE1045512B (de) * 1955-10-07 1958-12-04 Magnetschultz Spezialfabrik Fu Schalter
DE1097002B (de) * 1958-01-18 1961-01-12 Busch Jaeger Duerener Metall Drucktastenschalter
DE1087662B (de) * 1958-02-07 1960-08-25 Elektroschaltgeraete Goerlitz Elektrischer Stoesselschalter zur Neben- und Hintereinanderanordnung mehrerer Schalter-Elemente
DE1767092U (de) * 1958-03-20 1958-05-22 Schoeller & Co Elektrotech Reihentastenschalter mit aufgedruckter verdrahtung.
DE1710048A1 (de) * 1968-01-22 1971-10-28 Vnii Legkogo I Textil Nogo Mas Zwirnfadenbildungsvorrichtung zum pneumatischen Spinnen

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2354750A (en) * 1942-06-06 1944-08-01 Mallory & Co Inc P R Electric switch
US2588632A (en) * 1947-04-19 1952-03-11 Max L Jeffrey Switch
US2653198A (en) * 1952-01-22 1953-09-22 Westinghouse Electric Corp Electric switching device
US2776356A (en) * 1952-09-04 1957-01-01 Globe Union Inc Variable control unit and attachable line switch
US2841661A (en) * 1952-11-22 1958-07-01 Crabtree & Co Ltd J A Electric limit switches
US2874338A (en) * 1955-07-28 1959-02-17 Clum Mfg Company Unit electrical switch for gang assembly
US2964602A (en) * 1956-04-02 1960-12-13 Joe Davidson Snap acting mechanism
US2903542A (en) * 1956-08-28 1959-09-08 Hubert Naimer Joint for connecting units of electrical equipment composed of a plurality of prefabricated units
US3071674A (en) * 1957-11-28 1963-01-01 Hubert L Naimer Assembly of axially aligned components
US2915611A (en) * 1958-01-27 1959-12-01 Hi Voltage Equipment Company Tandem vacuum switches
US2956131A (en) * 1959-07-02 1960-10-11 Tabet Mfg Company Inc Electrical switch assembly

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3441743A (en) * 1965-03-15 1969-04-29 Robert P Carroll Selector switch for multiple circuit control
US3399282A (en) * 1965-11-15 1968-08-27 Matsuku Kabushiki Kaisha Multiple pushbutton switch
US3493705A (en) * 1966-12-14 1970-02-03 Schoeller & Co Elektrotech Pushbutton switch
US3514554A (en) * 1969-04-18 1970-05-26 Allen Bradley Co Pushbutton assembly
US4013855A (en) * 1975-03-17 1977-03-22 Tektronix, Inc. Modular pushbutton switch
US4730090A (en) * 1985-11-21 1988-03-08 Indak Manufacturing Corp. Electrical switch having oppositely facing contactor

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Publication number Publication date
GB1040747A (en) 1966-09-01
DE1245475B (de) 1967-07-27

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