US3598950A - Illuminated miniature switch - Google Patents

Illuminated miniature switch Download PDF

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Publication number
US3598950A
US3598950A US876966A US3598950DA US3598950A US 3598950 A US3598950 A US 3598950A US 876966 A US876966 A US 876966A US 3598950D A US3598950D A US 3598950DA US 3598950 A US3598950 A US 3598950A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
switch
lamp
contact plates
converter
illuminated
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
US876966A
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English (en)
Inventor
Shigeo Ohashi
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.)
Nihon Kaiheiki Industry Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Nihon Kaiheiki Industry Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nihon Kaiheiki Industry Co Ltd filed Critical Nihon Kaiheiki Industry Co Ltd
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3598950A publication Critical patent/US3598950A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/02—Details
    • H01H23/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H23/14—Tumblers
    • H01H23/143—Tumblers having a generally flat elongated shape
    • H01H23/145—Tumblers having a generally flat elongated shape the actuating surface having two slightly inclined areas extending from the middle outward
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/02—Details
    • H01H23/025—Light-emitting indicators

Definitions

  • the illuminated switch assembly includes a pair of contact plates arranged in juxtaposed relation to each other at the bottom of the switch body and a lamp means disposed between said contact plates, with a terminal of said lamp being extended out a short distance from the inner bottom of the assembly. This arrangement permits thinned switch structure and also permits the lamp to be located substantially in the center of the switch assembly so that when the lamp is lighted, light is distributed evenly to the actuator which is detachably mounted over said lamp means.
  • the present invention relates to improvements in switch means provided with a lamp or lamps for visibly indicating the off and on or changeover conditions of the switch contacts.
  • indication of the on-off or changeover conditions of the switch contacts has resorted to such practice as inscribing or otherwise affixing lettering or a sign or signs on a plate attached to the front of the switch assembly, or separately installing a lamp on a side ofthe switch assembly, thereby to indicate such conditions.
  • inscribing or otherwise affixing lettering or a sign or signs on a plate attached to the front of the switch assembly or separately installing a lamp on a side ofthe switch assembly, thereby to indicate such conditions.
  • inscribing or otherwise affixing lettering or a sign or signs on a plate attached to the front of the switch assembly, or separately installing a lamp on a side ofthe switch assembly thereby to indicate such conditions.
  • in the former case where such indication is simply made by lettering or sign on a plate it is difficult to positively confirm such indication at one glance, and in the latter case where a lamp is separately provided, a substantial space is required on the surface of the switch panel for provisions of such lamp.
  • the present invention proposes incorporation of a unique switch actuator means adapted to emit light of different colors by luminescence or by presence or absence of such luminescence whereby the on and off or changeover condition of the switch can be easily and clearly perceived at a glance, in spite of the small falling angle of the actuator.
  • the present invention is also designed to simplify the component parts mounted on the panel to realize facilitation of the mounting operation.
  • the illuminated switch assembly of the present invention comprises an actuator means and a convertermeans which are molded separately and are arranged such that the leg portions of the actuator means is snugly fitted on both sides of the converter means.
  • the actuator means can be easily demounted from the converter means whenever so desired. It is also possible, after the parts were assembled into a finished switch structure, to exchange the actuator, to change coloration of the actuator, or to replace the lamp with new one because of breakdown of the installed lamp or for change of lamp voltage, and all of these practices can be effected with extreme ease.
  • the present invention thus can overcome problems resulting from the necessity, as in the conventional practice, to keep in stock all sorts of expensive switches of different indicative colors such as red, blue, yellow, white, etc. Also, even after the switches were incorporated into a switchboard or other panelling, it is possible to freely exchange the indicating colorations with no need of disassembling the entire switch mechanism.
  • the illuminated switch assembly of the present invention also includes a pair of contact plates arranged in juxtaposed relation to each other at the bottom of the switch body, and a lamp means disposed between said contact plates, with a terminal of said lamp being extended out a short distance from the bottom of the assembly.
  • This arrangement permits the lamp to be located substantially in the center of the switch assembly so that when the lamp is lighted, light is distributed evenly to the actuator.
  • juxtaposed relationship between the contact plates and the lamp permits somewhat thinned switch structure as compared with conventional devices, and also permits simple construction and easy assemblage, resulting as a whole in a compact structure.
  • FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the positional relationship between a slider, a converter and an actuator member for actuating the contact plates;
  • FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the contacted condition of lamps and their terminals
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view of the switch case, with the actuator, converter and slider members being removed;
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic viewillustrating the positional relationship between the lamp and the converter means employed in case only one lamp is mounted between the contact plates on both sides;
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the positional relationship between the lamps and the converter means employed in case two lamps are mounted between the contact plates;
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the converter means with two lamps mounted between the contact plates and with DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • the switch assembly of the present invention comprises a switchbox or casing, designated generally by number 10, in which are incorporated a converter member 33 adapted to actuate contact plates 36 and an actuator member 30 adapted to permit rocking motion said converter member 33.
  • a terminal 12 which serves as fulcrum for the movable contact plates 36, and on both sides of said terminal 12 are provided similar terminal elements 13 arranged to be electrically contracted with the first terminal 12 in accordance with rocking inclination of the movable contact plates.
  • terminal elements 13 arranged to be electrically contracted with the first terminal 12 in accordance with rocking inclination of the movable contact plates.
  • elongated parallel slots 14 At the bottom of the switch body are formed elongated parallel slots 14 through which the ends of said terminals 12 and 13 protrude.
  • the end of the terminal 12 is extended slightly longer than the ends of the terminals 13, and the movable contact elements 36 received in said slots are arranged to be rockable in a seesaw like manner with the terminal l2 acting as fulcrum.
  • pilot lamp means 16 arranged to be mechanically and electrically contacted, in said groove or grooves 15, with terminals l7, 18 provided to extend downwardly from the bottom of the switch body 11 in the same manner as the aforementioned terminals 12 and 13.
  • cover member 19 On the switch body 11 is mounted a cover member 19 in which saidactuator 30 and converter 33, are housed.
  • the cover member 19 may be of any known configuration and is provided with mounting leaf springs 20 at both sides thereof and outwardly perpendicularly bent flanges 21 at top ends of both sides thereof. ⁇ lso, centrally at the top edges of said cover member are provided a pair of ears 22 each having a shaft-receiving opening.
  • the converter member 33 is of a configuration as best seen in FIGS. 1 and to 8. It will be noted that the converter member 33 has a central opening adapted to receive a pilot lamp or lamps l6 and also has at both sides thereof the outwardly projecting lobes or shafts 35 adapted to be received in the respective openings in said ears 22 of the cover member. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5 and 7, the central opening of the converter member 33 is rectangular and arranged such that the pilot lamp or lamps 16 located therein will not hinder rocking motion of the converter 33. This opening of the converter 33 may be divided by a central partition wall 40 into two sections to accommodate two pilot lamps l6 housed therein, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.
  • an extension 41 arranged such that the end thereof abuts against the top portion of the actuator 30 engaged with the converter 33.
  • the light of the lighted pilot lamp will illuminate only one side of the actuator, thus allowing easier perception of the on and off or changeover conditions of the switch.
  • the converter member 33 is pivotally secured through its pivots 35 received in the pivot-receiving opening in the cars 22 of said cover member, and at the bottom of the side frames of said member 33 are provided holes 39 of a size sufficient to permit extending and retracting motion of the slider members 37.
  • the slider member 37 are inserted into the respective holes 39 through the interposed spring means 38 in such a manner that the bottom ends of the slider members are slidably pressed against the upper surface of said movable elements 36.
  • the converter member 33 which is pivotally secured in this manner, is also provided with engaging faces 34 on which are fitted the leg portions 31 of the actuator member 30 having a curved top face.
  • the actuator member 30 is preferably composed of a plastic material having suitable elasticity and is provided with the leg portions adapted to be snugly engaged on the corresponding engaging faces of said converter member and with semicircular slots 32 adapted to seat themselves astride of the pivots 35 of the converter member 33, so that the actuator member 30 is securely held to the converter member 33.
  • the number of the lamps to be placed between the juxtaposed movable contact plates is not limited to two; it is possible to install only one lamp in the center of the movable contact plates as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9.
  • An illuminated miniature switch comprising contact plates and lamp means which are arranged in juxtaposed relationship at the bottom of a switch case, a converter member having a central opening and pivotally secured to said switch case, said contact plates adapted to be actuated by slider elements of said converter member, and an actuator member detachably mounted to said converter member.

Landscapes

  • Tumbler Switches (AREA)
US876966A 1969-11-14 1969-11-14 Illuminated miniature switch Expired - Lifetime US3598950A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US87696669A 1969-11-14 1969-11-14

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3598950A true US3598950A (en) 1971-08-10

Family

ID=25368968

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US876966A Expired - Lifetime US3598950A (en) 1969-11-14 1969-11-14 Illuminated miniature switch

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US3598950A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
GB (1) GB1290421A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3681556A (en) * 1971-10-26 1972-08-01 Mc Gill Mfg Co Snap-on rocker cap for electric switch
US3761664A (en) * 1970-10-30 1973-09-25 Nihon Kaiheiki Ind Co Ltd Lever switch with operating lever means detachable from movable contact carrying member only in neutral position
US3885116A (en) * 1973-06-18 1975-05-20 Yasuo Kodaira Switch with an indicator
US3996441A (en) * 1973-07-09 1976-12-07 Shigeo Ohashi Switch with rocker actuator having detachable cover
US4013857A (en) * 1974-06-12 1977-03-22 Nihon Kaiheiki Industrial Company, Ltd. Illumination-type small-sized switch
US4169972A (en) * 1978-01-10 1979-10-02 Indak Manufacturing Corp. Electrical switches with rocker action
US4242552A (en) * 1979-01-08 1980-12-30 GTE Sylvania Wiring Devices, Inc. Mounting means for interchangeable switch handles
US4480292A (en) * 1982-03-31 1984-10-30 Emhart Industries, Inc. Light assembly
US4667073A (en) * 1985-05-03 1987-05-19 Mcgill Manufacturing Company, Inc. Electrical switch with self contained indicating means
US4710858A (en) * 1987-01-20 1987-12-01 Hout James E Van Panel displays, framed lighted switch actuators therefor
US4920243A (en) * 1987-08-11 1990-04-24 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Push button switch device with illuminating means
US5008503A (en) * 1989-10-27 1991-04-16 Mcgill Manufacturing Company, Inc. Switch with colored indicator cap
US5053591A (en) * 1990-02-20 1991-10-01 Eaton Corporation Illuminated sealed rocker switch
US5063479A (en) * 1989-12-11 1991-11-05 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Illuminating switch apparatus
US5453731A (en) * 1993-11-22 1995-09-26 Chrysler Corporation Automotive switch lighted with integral diodes
US6384354B1 (en) * 2000-01-08 2002-05-07 Michael Shotey Cover for electrical switch
US20070017791A1 (en) * 2005-07-22 2007-01-25 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Button fixing mechanism
US20110259722A1 (en) * 2010-04-27 2011-10-27 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. Electrical devices with removable actuator frames

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2547246B (en) * 2016-02-12 2018-12-26 Electrium Sales Ltd Two-piece rocker switch

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3250887A (en) * 1964-12-18 1966-05-10 Carling Electric Inc Rocker switch button with replaceable caps
US3267248A (en) * 1964-12-31 1966-08-16 North American Aviation Inc Rocker switch actuator
US3435169A (en) * 1967-07-19 1969-03-25 Leviton Manufacturing Co Rocker type electric switch with pilot light

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3250887A (en) * 1964-12-18 1966-05-10 Carling Electric Inc Rocker switch button with replaceable caps
US3267248A (en) * 1964-12-31 1966-08-16 North American Aviation Inc Rocker switch actuator
US3435169A (en) * 1967-07-19 1969-03-25 Leviton Manufacturing Co Rocker type electric switch with pilot light

Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3761664A (en) * 1970-10-30 1973-09-25 Nihon Kaiheiki Ind Co Ltd Lever switch with operating lever means detachable from movable contact carrying member only in neutral position
US3681556A (en) * 1971-10-26 1972-08-01 Mc Gill Mfg Co Snap-on rocker cap for electric switch
US3885116A (en) * 1973-06-18 1975-05-20 Yasuo Kodaira Switch with an indicator
US3996441A (en) * 1973-07-09 1976-12-07 Shigeo Ohashi Switch with rocker actuator having detachable cover
US4013857A (en) * 1974-06-12 1977-03-22 Nihon Kaiheiki Industrial Company, Ltd. Illumination-type small-sized switch
US4169972A (en) * 1978-01-10 1979-10-02 Indak Manufacturing Corp. Electrical switches with rocker action
US4242552A (en) * 1979-01-08 1980-12-30 GTE Sylvania Wiring Devices, Inc. Mounting means for interchangeable switch handles
US4480292A (en) * 1982-03-31 1984-10-30 Emhart Industries, Inc. Light assembly
US4667073A (en) * 1985-05-03 1987-05-19 Mcgill Manufacturing Company, Inc. Electrical switch with self contained indicating means
US4710858A (en) * 1987-01-20 1987-12-01 Hout James E Van Panel displays, framed lighted switch actuators therefor
US4920243A (en) * 1987-08-11 1990-04-24 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Push button switch device with illuminating means
US5008503A (en) * 1989-10-27 1991-04-16 Mcgill Manufacturing Company, Inc. Switch with colored indicator cap
US5063479A (en) * 1989-12-11 1991-11-05 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Illuminating switch apparatus
US5053591A (en) * 1990-02-20 1991-10-01 Eaton Corporation Illuminated sealed rocker switch
US5453731A (en) * 1993-11-22 1995-09-26 Chrysler Corporation Automotive switch lighted with integral diodes
US6384354B1 (en) * 2000-01-08 2002-05-07 Michael Shotey Cover for electrical switch
US20070017791A1 (en) * 2005-07-22 2007-01-25 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Button fixing mechanism
US7642477B2 (en) * 2005-07-22 2010-01-05 Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. Button fixing mechanism
US20110259722A1 (en) * 2010-04-27 2011-10-27 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. Electrical devices with removable actuator frames
US9082569B2 (en) * 2010-04-27 2015-07-14 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. Electrical devices with removable actuator frames

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1290421A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1972-09-27

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