US3651295A - Electrical switches with indicator means - Google Patents
Electrical switches with indicator means Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US3651295A US3651295A US55020A US3651295DA US3651295A US 3651295 A US3651295 A US 3651295A US 55020 A US55020 A US 55020A US 3651295D A US3651295D A US 3651295DA US 3651295 A US3651295 A US 3651295A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bulb
- switch
- contact
- engaged
- bulb holder
- 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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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
- F02P7/00—Arrangements of distributors, circuit-makers or -breakers, e.g. of distributor and circuit-breaker combinations or pick-up devices
- F02P7/02—Arrangements of distributors, circuit-makers or -breakers, e.g. of distributor and circuit-breaker combinations or pick-up devices of distributors
- F02P7/021—Mechanical distributors
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
- H01H9/16—Indicators for switching condition, e.g. "on" or "off"
- H01H9/161—Indicators for switching condition, e.g. "on" or "off" comprising light emitting elements
Definitions
- An electrical switch includes a body, a first terminal member supported by the body and electrically connected to a fixed contact of the switch, and a bulb holder detachably engaged with the body.
- a second terminal member is secured on the bulb holder and is arranged to engage one of the contacts of a bulb supported in the bulb holder in use.
- a resilient, conductive, connector is secured to the first terminal member and is arranged to engage the other contact of a bulb supported in the bulb holder in use, the connector being stressed when engaged with the other contact of the bulb so that the other contact is engaged firmly by the connector.
- a switch includes a body, a first terminal member supported by the body and electrically connected to a fixed contact of the switch, a bulb holder detachably engaged with the body, a second terminal member on the bulb holder arranged to engage one of the contacts of a bulb supported in the bulb holder in use, and a resilient, conductive, connector secured to the first terminal member and arranged to engage the other contact of a bulb supported in the bulb holder in use, the connector being stressed when engaged with said other contact of the bulb so that said other contact is engaged firmly by the connector.
- FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, perspective viewpartly cut away of the base of a switch according to one example of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the switch shown in part in FIG. 1.
- the switch includes a moulded synthetic resin body 11 having an integral base 12. Extending through the base 12 are a pair of blade terminals 13, 14 which are electrically connected to respective fixed switch contacts within the body 11. A movable bridging member within the body 11 is movable in response to movement of the operating member of the switch to bridge the fixed contacts, and thereby complete an electrical circuit between the blade terminals 13, 14. Extending through the base 12 is a passage 20 within which is detachably received a moulded synthetic resin bulb holder 15.
- the bulb holder 15 is hollow, and is internally screw-threaded to receive a bulb 16 of the kind including a conductive cap 17 which constitutes one contact of the bulb, and which carries the second contact of the bulb, the second contact of the bulb being insulated from the cap.
- the end of the bulb holder 15 is closed by a terminal plate 18 which is riveted to the bulb holder 15, and which is engaged by the second contact of the bulb.
- the terminal plate 18 is riveted to the bulb holder 15 at a point spaced from the point which it is engaged by the second contact of the bulb, and the terminal plate 18 is resilient, so that when the bulb 16 is screwed into the bulb holder 15 the terminal plate 18 is flexed, and the inherent resilience of the plate 18 ensures that a good electrical connection is produced between the plate 18 and the second contact of the bulb.
- the blade terminal 14 is formed, adjacent the body 1 1, with a hole 19 through which one end 22 of a resilient, metal wire 21 extends.
- One wall of the bulb holder 15 is formed with an aperture, and the end of the wire 21 remote from the blade terminal 14 extends across the aperture in the bulb holder 15, and lies in contact with the cap 17 of the bulb 16, thereby electrically interconnecting the blade terminal 14 and the cap 17 of the bulb.
- the blade terminal 14 constitutes an anchorage point for the wire 21, and the wire 21 is stressed when its end remote from the blade terminal 14 is engaged with the cap 17.
- the wire 21 serves to retain the bulb holder 15 in position relative to the body 11 and serves to resist disengagement of the bulb from the bulb holder.
- the operating member of the switch is a rocker type operating member, and is provided with a transparent lens 24 (FIG. 2) which is illuminated by light from the bulb 16, when the bulb 16 is energized.
- the terminal 13 of the switch is a feed terminal, and the terminal 14 is electrically connected to earth through the component controlled by the switch.
- the terminal plate 18 is connected to earth through a conductive lead 23 and so when the switch is in its made position, with the contact piece of the switch electrically interconnecting the terminals 13,14 then the circuit to the component controlled by the switch is completed, and a circuit throu h the bulb 16 is completed by way of the wire 21 and the lea 23, so that the bulb 16 is energized.
- a visible indication that the switch is in its made position is given by the illumination of the lens in the operating member, by light from the bulb 16.
- the lens need not be on the operating member of the switch, and in the case where the switch is of the type having an operating lever rather than a rocker type operating member, the lens will be provided on the body 1 1.
- the terminal 13 is electrically connected to one pole of the battery of a road vehicle, the other pole of the battery being connected to earth.
- the terminal 14 is electrically connected through the reversing light of the road vehicle to earth, and the lead 23 is also connected to earth.
- An electrical switch including a body housing a switching mechanism, a first external terminal member supported by the body and electrically connected to a fixed contact of the switching mechanism of the switch, a bulb holder detachably engaged with the body, a second terminal member on the bulb holder arranged to engage one of the contacts of a bulb supported in the bulb holder in use, and a resilient conductive connector secured to the first terminal member and arranged to engage, externally of the body, the other contact of a bulb supported in the bulb holder in use, the connector being stressed when engaged with said other contact of the bulb so that said other contact is firmly engaged by the connector.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
- Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
- Fastening Of Light Sources Or Lamp Holders (AREA)
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
Abstract
An electrical switch includes a body, a first terminal member supported by the body and electrically connected to a fixed contact of the switch, and a bulb holder detachably engaged with the body. A second terminal member is secured on the bulb holder and is arranged to engage one of the contacts of a bulb supported in the bulb holder in use. A resilient, conductive, connector is secured to the first terminal member and is arranged to engage the other contact of a bulb supported in the bulb holder in use, the connector being stressed when engaged with the other contact of the bulb so that the other contact is engaged firmly by the connector.
Description
[ 1 Mar. 21, 1972 [54] ELECTRICAL SWITCHES WITH INDICATOR MEANS [72] inventor: David Foley, 89 Mosley Road, Bumley,
England [22] Filed: July 15,1970
[21] Appl.No.: 55,020
3,457,383 7/1969 Roberts, Jr. et al. ..200/167 A X 3,514,565 5/1970 Juery ..200/167 A 3,350,531 10/1967 Koepke ..200/167 A Primary Examiner-H. 0. Jones Attorney-l-lolman & Stern [57] ABSTRACT An electrical switch includes a body, a first terminal member supported by the body and electrically connected to a fixed contact of the switch, and a bulb holder detachably engaged with the body. A second terminal member is secured on the bulb holder and is arranged to engage one of the contacts of a bulb supported in the bulb holder in use. A resilient, conductive, connector is secured to the first terminal member and is arranged to engage the other contact of a bulb supported in the bulb holder in use, the connector being stressed when engaged with the other contact of the bulb so that the other contact is engaged firmly by the connector.
3 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures PATENTEBMARZI 1972 3,651,295
NVE NTOR Jaw)! 7 ATTORNEYS ELECTRICAL SWITCHES WITH INDICATOR MEANS This invention relates to electrical switches.
A switch according to the invention includes a body, a first terminal member supported by the body and electrically connected to a fixed contact of the switch, a bulb holder detachably engaged with the body, a second terminal member on the bulb holder arranged to engage one of the contacts of a bulb supported in the bulb holder in use, and a resilient, conductive, connector secured to the first terminal member and arranged to engage the other contact of a bulb supported in the bulb holder in use, the connector being stressed when engaged with said other contact of the bulb so that said other contact is engaged firmly by the connector.
In the accompanying drawings FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, perspective viewpartly cut away of the base of a switch according to one example of the invention, and
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the switch shown in part in FIG. 1.
Referring to the drawings, the switch includes a moulded synthetic resin body 11 having an integral base 12. Extending through the base 12 are a pair of blade terminals 13, 14 which are electrically connected to respective fixed switch contacts within the body 11. A movable bridging member within the body 11 is movable in response to movement of the operating member of the switch to bridge the fixed contacts, and thereby complete an electrical circuit between the blade terminals 13, 14. Extending through the base 12 is a passage 20 within which is detachably received a moulded synthetic resin bulb holder 15. The bulb holder 15 is hollow, and is internally screw-threaded to receive a bulb 16 of the kind including a conductive cap 17 which constitutes one contact of the bulb, and which carries the second contact of the bulb, the second contact of the bulb being insulated from the cap. The end of the bulb holder 15 is closed by a terminal plate 18 which is riveted to the bulb holder 15, and which is engaged by the second contact of the bulb. The terminal plate 18 is riveted to the bulb holder 15 at a point spaced from the point which it is engaged by the second contact of the bulb, and the terminal plate 18 is resilient, so that when the bulb 16 is screwed into the bulb holder 15 the terminal plate 18 is flexed, and the inherent resilience of the plate 18 ensures that a good electrical connection is produced between the plate 18 and the second contact of the bulb.
The blade terminal 14 is formed, adjacent the body 1 1, with a hole 19 through which one end 22 of a resilient, metal wire 21 extends. One wall of the bulb holder 15 is formed with an aperture, and the end of the wire 21 remote from the blade terminal 14 extends across the aperture in the bulb holder 15, and lies in contact with the cap 17 of the bulb 16, thereby electrically interconnecting the blade terminal 14 and the cap 17 of the bulb. The blade terminal 14 constitutes an anchorage point for the wire 21, and the wire 21 is stressed when its end remote from the blade terminal 14 is engaged with the cap 17. Thus, the inherent resilience of the wire 21 ensures that a good electrical connection is produced between the wire 21 and the cap 17 of the bulb 16 at one end, and the blade terminal 14 at the other end. Moreover, the wire 21 serves to retain the bulb holder 15 in position relative to the body 11 and serves to resist disengagement of the bulb from the bulb holder.
The operating member of the switch is a rocker type operating member, and is provided with a transparent lens 24 (FIG. 2) which is illuminated by light from the bulb 16, when the bulb 16 is energized.
In use, the terminal 13 of the switch is a feed terminal, and the terminal 14 is electrically connected to earth through the component controlled by the switch. The terminal plate 18 is connected to earth through a conductive lead 23 and so when the switch is in its made position, with the contact piece of the switch electrically interconnecting the terminals 13,14 then the circuit to the component controlled by the switch is completed, and a circuit throu h the bulb 16 is completed by way of the wire 21 and the lea 23, so that the bulb 16 is energized. Thus, a visible indication that the switch is in its made position is given by the illumination of the lens in the operating member, by light from the bulb 16. It will be appreciated that the lens need not be on the operating member of the switch, and in the case where the switch is of the type having an operating lever rather than a rocker type operating member, the lens will be provided on the body 1 1.
In one practical utilization of the switch described above the terminal 13 is electrically connected to one pole of the battery of a road vehicle, the other pole of the battery being connected to earth. The terminal 14 is electrically connected through the reversing light of the road vehicle to earth, and the lead 23 is also connected to earth. Thus, when the switch is in its made position the reversing light of the vehicle is energized, and the bulb 16 is also energized so that a visible indication that the reversing light is switched on is given to the driver of the vehicle.
Iclaim:
1. An electrical switch including a body housing a switching mechanism, a first external terminal member supported by the body and electrically connected to a fixed contact of the switching mechanism of the switch, a bulb holder detachably engaged with the body, a second terminal member on the bulb holder arranged to engage one of the contacts of a bulb supported in the bulb holder in use, and a resilient conductive connector secured to the first terminal member and arranged to engage, externally of the body, the other contact of a bulb supported in the bulb holder in use, the connector being stressed when engaged with said other contact of the bulb so that said other contact is firmly engaged by the connector.
2. A switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second terminal member is formed from a resilient material and is stressed when a bulb is engaged in the bulb holder so that said second terminal member is firmly engaged with said one contact of the bulb.
3. A switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein a bulb engaged in the bulb holder in use serves to illuminate a lens carried by the switch to indicate when the switch is in its made position.
Claims (3)
1. An electrical switch including a body housing a switching mechanism, a first external terminal member supported by the body and electrically connected to a fixed contact of the switching mechanism of the switch, a bulb holder detachably engaged with the body, a second terminal member on the bulb holder arranged to engage one of the contacts of a bulb supported in the bulb holder in use, and a resilient conductive connector secured to the first terminal member and arranged to engage, externally of the body, the other contact of a bulb supported in the bulb holder in use, the connector being stressed when engaged with said other contact of the bulb so that said other contact is firmly engaged by the connector.
2. A switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second terminal member is formed from a resilient material and is stressed when a bulb is engaged in the bulb holder so that said second terminal member is firmly engaged with said one contact of the bulb.
3. A switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein a bulb engaged in the bulb holder in use serves to illuminate a lens carried by the switch to indicate when the switch is in its made position.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB4018669 | 1969-08-12 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US3651295A true US3651295A (en) | 1972-03-21 |
Family
ID=10413637
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US55020A Expired - Lifetime US3651295A (en) | 1969-08-12 | 1970-07-15 | Electrical switches with indicator means |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US3651295A (en) |
JP (1) | JPS5135715B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE2036764C3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES160976Y (en) |
FR (1) | FR2057830A5 (en) |
GB (1) | GB1316103A (en) |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3350531A (en) * | 1966-07-13 | 1967-10-31 | Illinois Tool Works | Switch assembly including indicating means |
US3394403A (en) * | 1965-09-22 | 1968-07-23 | Maxson Electronics Corp | Lighted pushbutton assembly |
US3457383A (en) * | 1966-09-29 | 1969-07-22 | Gen Electric | Low power toggle switch mechanism |
US3514565A (en) * | 1967-06-30 | 1970-05-26 | Telemecanique Electrique | Electric contact device used with push-button activation |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE385486C (en) * | 1921-03-05 | 1923-12-05 | Siemens & Halske Akt Ges | Control and monitoring device for vehicles |
US1671623A (en) * | 1926-05-29 | 1928-05-29 | French Battery Company | Electric switch |
DE584151C (en) * | 1930-02-28 | 1933-09-15 | Aeg | Lighting device for plumbing equipment |
BE416111A (en) * | 1936-06-09 | |||
DE877561C (en) * | 1942-04-18 | 1953-05-26 | Westfaelische Metall Ind G M B | Switches for electrical systems, especially for motor vehicles |
US2546086A (en) * | 1945-11-03 | 1951-03-20 | Wilhelm W Brockway | Plate push button |
DE1778673U (en) * | 1958-09-27 | 1958-12-04 | Hochkoepper & Co P | GLOW LAMP, IN PARTICULAR FOR PUSH BUTTON SWITCHES. |
DE1169545B (en) * | 1962-09-06 | 1964-05-06 | Vedder Gmbh Geb | Electric cord switch |
DE1954073U (en) * | 1966-06-23 | 1967-01-26 | Busch Jaeger Duerener Metall | ELECTRIC INSTALLATION SWITCH WITH LIGHTING. |
DE1983608U (en) * | 1968-01-22 | 1968-04-18 | Berker Geb | ELECTRIC SWITCH WITH A GLOW LAMP OR LIGHT BULB UNIT. |
AT292932B (en) * | 1968-05-27 | 1971-08-15 | Lenin Kohaszati Muvek | PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THERMAL INSULATING MIXTURES TO REDUCE THE WEIGHT OF THE LOST CASTING HEADS OF PRODUCTS MADE OF IRON AND METAL ALLOYS |
-
1969
- 1969-08-12 GB GB4018669A patent/GB1316103A/en not_active Expired
-
1970
- 1970-07-15 US US55020A patent/US3651295A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1970-07-24 DE DE2036764A patent/DE2036764C3/en not_active Expired
- 1970-07-24 ES ES1970160976U patent/ES160976Y/en not_active Expired
- 1970-07-29 FR FR7027973A patent/FR2057830A5/fr not_active Expired
- 1970-08-11 JP JP45069773A patent/JPS5135715B1/ja active Pending
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3394403A (en) * | 1965-09-22 | 1968-07-23 | Maxson Electronics Corp | Lighted pushbutton assembly |
US3350531A (en) * | 1966-07-13 | 1967-10-31 | Illinois Tool Works | Switch assembly including indicating means |
US3457383A (en) * | 1966-09-29 | 1969-07-22 | Gen Electric | Low power toggle switch mechanism |
US3514565A (en) * | 1967-06-30 | 1970-05-26 | Telemecanique Electrique | Electric contact device used with push-button activation |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE2036764A1 (en) | 1971-02-25 |
ES160976Y (en) | 1971-07-01 |
GB1316103A (en) | 1973-05-09 |
JPS5135715B1 (en) | 1976-10-04 |
DE2036764C3 (en) | 1981-03-12 |
ES160976U (en) | 1970-10-16 |
FR2057830A5 (en) | 1971-05-21 |
DE2036764B2 (en) | 1980-06-19 |
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