US3290473A - Illuminated push button switch - Google Patents

Illuminated push button switch Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3290473A
US3290473A US350204A US35020464A US3290473A US 3290473 A US3290473 A US 3290473A US 350204 A US350204 A US 350204A US 35020464 A US35020464 A US 35020464A US 3290473 A US3290473 A US 3290473A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
push button
button
light source
switch
translucent
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
Application number
US350204A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Golbeck Bernard John
William F Boulter
Jr Harry S Tice
Lewandowski Raymond Frank
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.)
Oak Electro Netics Corp
Original Assignee
Oak Electro Netics Corp
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 Oak Electro Netics Corp filed Critical Oak Electro Netics Corp
Priority to US350204A priority Critical patent/US3290473A/en
Priority to GB9691/65A priority patent/GB1096172A/en
Priority to FR8349A priority patent/FR1428323A/fr
Priority to NL6502971A priority patent/NL6502971A/xx
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3290473A publication Critical patent/US3290473A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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
    • H01H13/023—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
    • H01H13/70—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 an electric switch, and more particularly to an improvedl illuminated electric switch.
  • the general purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved illuminated push button switch which is simple in construction, eicient in operation, and relatively inexpensive.
  • An object of the invention is to provide an illuminated push button switch wherein the light source is mounted externally of the push button.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide an illuminated push button switch wherein a single light source is used to illuminate a plurality of push buttons. More specifically the push buttons land light source are so related that only the actuated push buttons may be illuminated.
  • a further object of the invention is to mount the light source of an illuminated push button switch on a resilient support to reduce filament breakage.
  • Still another object of the invention is to provide an illuminated push button switch wherein the light source may be easily and quickly removed and replaced.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a compact switching device wherein a plurality of switches may be provided in a limited space.
  • FIG. l is a plan View of a push button switching device embodying the principles of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the structure illustratcd in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the structure illustrated in FIG. l;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an energizing circuit for the light source
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the mounting means for the light source of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a plan View of the mounting means for the light source shown in FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of the structure shown in FlG. 6;
  • FIG. 8 is a plan view of the structure shown in FIG. 6;
  • FIG. 9 is a fragmentary front elevational view showing a modified form of the invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a fragmentary plan view of the illumination channel used in connection with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9.
  • Push button switches l@ are of the same general type as that illustrated in the patent to J. H. Williams, 2,973,664, having the same assignee as the present application.
  • Each switch i0 includes front plate 12 and rear plate 13 each having aligned slots which slidably receive switch operating members 14, with the rearward end 14a of the switch operating members being slidably received in suitable straps 15 carried by a terminal board 16.
  • Terminal board 16 is secured to rear plate 13 as by brackets 17, and contains a plurality of rows of contacts 18 to which the circuits being switched are connected, it being understood that suitable contacts, not shown, are carried on switch operator portion 14a to effect the desired switching action.
  • spring means are provided to bias the switch operating members 14 to an out 4position as shown in FIG. 1, and in the right hand switch operator in FIG. 2, with a latching member 20 being provide-d to lock the switch operating member in an in position, such as shown at 1d in the left hand switch operating member in FIG. 2.
  • the end portions 21 and 2.2 of latch bar 20 are slidably Imounted between side frame members 23 and 24 that are secured between plates 12 and 13, with a spring 25 being provided to urge the latch bar 20 into the position shown in FIG. l. It will be understood that when a switch operating member is pushed into the in position as shown at 14' in lFIG.
  • an upstanding abutment 26 on the switch operating member 14 engages the inc-lined surface on a corresponding abutment 27 on the latch bar 20 to shift the latch bar to the left, as viewed in FIG. 1.
  • An unlocking member 3ft having an upstanding abutment 3l, is engageable with the inclined surface of abutment 29 on latch bar 20 to shift the latch bar to the left and release the switch operating member 14 that is in the in position.
  • each switch operating member 14 is provided with a push button 34 that is slidable in a suitable opening 35 provided in escutcheon plate 11.
  • Each push button 34 includes a forward translucent portion 36, and a rearward opaque portion 37, which is provided with an enlarged peripheral flange 38 that is substantially larger than the openings 35 in escutcheon 1l.
  • Button portions 36 which are formed of an acrylic resin have functioned very satisfactorily for the purposes of this invention, in that acrylic resins have exceptional light dispersion characteristics which cause them to emit a generally foggy white light when a light source is energized. However, other translucent and/or transparent materials are satisfactory for use in push button section 36, and the present invention is not limited to the use of an acrylic resin.
  • Button portion 37 is preferably formed of a durable opaque plastic material, such as nylon, that may be solvent welded to the button portion 36 to form an integral button unit. Under certain circumstances, it
  • buttons may be desir-able that one or more push buttons be illuminated whenever the light source is energized.
  • the portions 37 of these buttons may be formed of a translucent or clear plastic, so that the respective button portions 36 will tbe illuminated regardless of whether the buttons are depressed, and dependent only upon the illumination of the light source.
  • a pair of slender elongate studs 40 are fixedly secured to escutcheon plate 11 at spaced apart positions corresponding to the width of the push button switches 10. Studs 40 are provided with an undercut portion 41 that defines a neck which cooperates with a bracket 42 to removably secure an illumination channel 43 to the studs 40.
  • illumination channel 43 is generally U-shaped in cross section, and includes a central lbight portion 44 and parallel legs 45 and 46. Central channel portion 44 is provided with a plurality of openings 47 which are spaced apart a distance corresponding to the spacing of the push buttons. Shoulders 48 are formed in openings 47 for a purpose to be hereafter described. Channel 43 is preferably formed of a reflective material, to assist in illuminating the push buttons, as will hereinafter become more fully apparent.
  • a generally U-shaped clip 50 is adapted to be inserted in each opening 47, and includes a central portion 51 and outwardly diverging sides 52 and 53.
  • a suitable lamp holder is provided with a ⁇ base 54 that is secured to central portion 51 of clip 50 (FIG. 2), and includes suitable retention members 55 adapted to hold the lamp L, and contacts 56 for connection into a circuit to energize the lamp L.
  • Legs 52 and 53 of clip 50 are provided with notches 57 at opposed sides thereof, which cooperate with the shoulders 48 on the central portion 44 of illumination bracket 43 to removably seat the clip 50.
  • Legs 52 and 53 are also provided with elongate openings S to accommodate the aforedescribed contacts 56.
  • Clip 50 is formed of a resilient material, and the distance between the end portions 59 and 60 of legs 52 and 53 is normally larger than the width of the opening 47, so that the clip is inserted by pressing end portions 59 and 60 toward one another, inserting the yclip into the opening 47, and then releasing the end portions 59 and 60 to allow the notches 57 to engage the shoulders 48. It will be readily understood that the lamp L may be easily removed by merely compressing the end portions 59 and 6l) and withdrawing the clip 50 from the illumination bracket 43.
  • Bracket or latch 42 is formed of a resilient material, and includes a thin elongate portion 62, and end portions 463 and 64 disposed at substantially right angles to the portion 62.
  • the end portion 63 of bracket 42 includes an opening 65 that is adapted to be slidably received upon stud 40.
  • Right angularly disposed tabs 66 and 67 are provided on the portion 62 adjacent the lower end thereof, and are adapted to be riveted or otherwise secured to illumination Ibracket 43 as at 68.
  • the end portion 64 of bracket 42 is provided with an elongate opening 69, the end portion of which is adapted to engage the neck 41 on stud 40 to releasably secure the illumination bracket 43 to the studs 40. It will be readily understood that when it is desired to remove the illumination channel as' a whole, bracket 42 is moved to the left, as viewed in FIG. 6, to free the bracket portion 64 from the post 40 and the entire illumination channel and bracket assembly may be slid along posts 40.
  • a single lamp L may be utilized to illuminate four push buttons.
  • flange 38 When the push lbuttons are in the out position, flange 38 is positioned closely adjacent escutcheon 11, and shields opening 35 so that the button portion 36 is not illuminated.
  • opaque flange 38 When the switch operating member 14 is in the in position, opaque flange 38 is spaced a substantial distance from escutcheon 11, and the translucent button portion 36 passes into the light ooded area behind the escutcheon 11.
  • Illumination channel 43 reflects the back and side light beams from lamp L and directs them toward the area directly behind the escutcheon so that the button portion 36 will glow brightly when it is in the in position.
  • One lamp provides illumination for four push buttons, although only the actuated push buttons glow.
  • the lamp L may be continuously illuminated, or the illumination of the lamp may be controlled by the pushing of the buttons into the in position.
  • a source of alternating current 70 is connected in a circuit with lamp L, with each of the push buttons 34 being connected in parallel, so that the pushing of any of the Ibuttons into the in position will cause the contact 71 carried by the switch operator 14 to close and energize the lamp.
  • the lamps may be operated continuously at a reduced potential and then switched to full rated potential, or the lamps may be continuously operated on half wave rectification and then switched to full wave rectification, when the push button is moved into the in position.
  • an illumination channel 43 is secured to an escutcheon plate 11' in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS. 5-8.
  • Channel 43 is provided with a plurality of lamp receiving openings 47', each of which is positioned in alignment with a push button 34.
  • Light barriers 75 are fixed at spaced positions in channel 43', as by the engagement of bent over tabs 76 with suitable openings provided in channel sides 45 and 46', between the openings 47 to divide the channel into a plurality of compartments for reception of lamps L.
  • the barriers 75 on opposed sides of each lamp L' function to prevent the light rays emanating from one lamp from illuminating an adjacent lamp. Thus, independent illumination for each button is effectively achieved.
  • a push button switching device comprising: an escutcheon plate having rows of spaced and aligned openings; a pair of mounting studs secured to said escutcheon plate between each row of openings; a push lbutton switch aligned with each row of openings and fixed to said escutcheon plate, each of said switches having a plurality of switch operators; a button carried by each of said operators, said buttons each having a translucent outer end extending outwardly of an escutcheon plate opening, and a light shield spaced inwardly of the outer end; a retlective member releasably secured to each pair of studs; at least one light source carried by each refiective member, each light source being adapted to illuminate a plurality of translucent button ends on adjacent push button switches; and means mounting said operators for movement between an out position where said shield is positioned adjacent said opening to prevent said button translucent portions from being illuminated, and an in position where said push button translucent portions are exposed to a light source to illuminate the same.
  • a push button switching device comprising: an escutcheon plate having rows of spaced and aligned openings; spaced posts ixed to said escutcheon plate between said rows; a push button switch aligned with each row and fixed to said escutcheon plate, each of said switches having a plurality of switch operators; a button carried by each of said operators, said buttons each having a translucent outer end extending outwardly of an escutcheon plate opening, and a light shield spaced inwardly of the outer end; a light source adapted to illuminate the translucent button ends; a reflective channel supporting said light source; resilient means securing said channel to said posts; and means mounting said operators for movement between an out position where said shield is positioned adjacent said opening to prevent said button translucent portion from being illuminated, and an in position where said push button translucent portion is exposed to said light source to illuminate the same.
  • a frame for removably supporting a plurality of light sources comprising: a support plate; a pair of spaced posts xed to said plate; an illumination channel having a plurality of openings; mounting means for resiliently and releasably holding a light source in ⁇ each of said openings, each mounting means having manually engageable release portions extend-ing outwardly of its respective opening; and latch means resiliently and releasably securing said channel to said posts.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
US350204A 1964-03-09 1964-03-09 Illuminated push button switch Expired - Lifetime US3290473A (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US350204A US3290473A (en) 1964-03-09 1964-03-09 Illuminated push button switch
GB9691/65A GB1096172A (en) 1964-03-09 1965-03-08 Improvements in and relating to electric switches
FR8349A FR1428323A (fr) 1964-03-09 1965-03-08 Interrupteur à bouton-poussoir éclairé
NL6502971A NL6502971A (fr) 1964-03-09 1965-03-09

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US350204A US3290473A (en) 1964-03-09 1964-03-09 Illuminated push button switch

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3290473A true US3290473A (en) 1966-12-06

Family

ID=23375660

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US350204A Expired - Lifetime US3290473A (en) 1964-03-09 1964-03-09 Illuminated push button switch

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US3290473A (fr)
FR (1) FR1428323A (fr)
GB (1) GB1096172A (fr)
NL (1) NL6502971A (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3328551A (en) * 1966-04-05 1967-06-27 Square D Co Detachable lamp assembly for electrical switch
US3409751A (en) * 1967-09-01 1968-11-05 Cutler Hammer Inc Toggle switch with subdued light indicator

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA1038841A (fr) * 1975-11-05 1978-09-19 Northern Electric Company Limited Indicateur a diodes electroluminescent pour tableau a boutons-poussoirs

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1409114A (en) * 1920-01-20 1922-03-07 Loveberg Godfrey Picture illuminator
US2440063A (en) * 1944-12-22 1948-04-20 Hotpoint Inc Push-button switch
US2537971A (en) * 1944-12-19 1951-01-16 Jr Ralph J Dames Instrument illumination
US2562498A (en) * 1946-12-13 1951-07-31 Cons Vultee Aircraft Corp Illuminating means for indicating instruments
US2585503A (en) * 1950-11-29 1952-02-12 Hotpoint Inc Selector switch signaling system for electric ranges and the like
US2748206A (en) * 1948-12-10 1956-05-29 Andrews John Lewis Multiple electric switch for domestic range
US2802082A (en) * 1955-12-02 1957-08-06 Trine Mfg Corp Electric switch
US2853565A (en) * 1957-03-28 1958-09-23 Royal Mcbee Corp Printed circuit switch constructions
US3117207A (en) * 1960-11-29 1964-01-07 Baldasare Michael Combined push button and light signal for electrical switches
US3163739A (en) * 1961-09-13 1964-12-29 Gen Electric Switch with selectively lighted pushbutton actuators
US3174023A (en) * 1961-10-11 1965-03-16 V & E Friedland Ltd Electric switch having unitary housing and indicator means

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1409114A (en) * 1920-01-20 1922-03-07 Loveberg Godfrey Picture illuminator
US2537971A (en) * 1944-12-19 1951-01-16 Jr Ralph J Dames Instrument illumination
US2440063A (en) * 1944-12-22 1948-04-20 Hotpoint Inc Push-button switch
US2562498A (en) * 1946-12-13 1951-07-31 Cons Vultee Aircraft Corp Illuminating means for indicating instruments
US2748206A (en) * 1948-12-10 1956-05-29 Andrews John Lewis Multiple electric switch for domestic range
US2585503A (en) * 1950-11-29 1952-02-12 Hotpoint Inc Selector switch signaling system for electric ranges and the like
US2802082A (en) * 1955-12-02 1957-08-06 Trine Mfg Corp Electric switch
US2853565A (en) * 1957-03-28 1958-09-23 Royal Mcbee Corp Printed circuit switch constructions
US3117207A (en) * 1960-11-29 1964-01-07 Baldasare Michael Combined push button and light signal for electrical switches
US3163739A (en) * 1961-09-13 1964-12-29 Gen Electric Switch with selectively lighted pushbutton actuators
US3174023A (en) * 1961-10-11 1965-03-16 V & E Friedland Ltd Electric switch having unitary housing and indicator means

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3328551A (en) * 1966-04-05 1967-06-27 Square D Co Detachable lamp assembly for electrical switch
US3409751A (en) * 1967-09-01 1968-11-05 Cutler Hammer Inc Toggle switch with subdued light indicator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL6502971A (fr) 1965-09-10
FR1428323A (fr) 1966-02-11
GB1096172A (en) 1967-12-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20070209916A1 (en) Button assembly with status indicator and programmable backlighting
GB993814A (en) Multiple electric switches
ATE157194T1 (de) Drucktastenschalter mit leuchtanzeige
US3290473A (en) Illuminated push button switch
US3855439A (en) Key switch
HK1009358A1 (en) Push button switch
US3309487A (en) Push button actuator
US3783204A (en) Multiple circuit control pushbutton switch assembly with improved pushbutton actuator latch bar mechanism and movable contacts
US5738206A (en) Child resistant switch lock
IL110291A (en) Electric lighting lamp with double light source
US3805004A (en) Self-illuminating switch
US3336456A (en) Illuminated push button switch
US4954675A (en) Switch operation indicator
US3103659A (en) Illuminated indicating devices
US3895204A (en) Electrical switches
US3584174A (en) Push-button switch apparatus having cam actuated switch contacts and selective illumination means
GB1142451A (en) Push button electrical switch
DE68911431D1 (de) Elektrische Schalt- und/oder Schutzgeräte, Bestandteile dieser Geräte und aus diesen Teilen gebildete Baugruppen.
US7530713B2 (en) Light-reflecting and light-shielding apparatus of computer panel
US4920243A (en) Push button switch device with illuminating means
US3305677A (en) Lighted push-button
US3739310A (en) Electrical switch
US2232582A (en) Control device for radio receivers and the like
GB1191092A (en) Push Button Switch Assembly
US3165612A (en) Lighted push button switch with latching mechanism