US3670119A - Switch with improved actuator means - Google Patents

Switch with improved actuator means Download PDF

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Publication number
US3670119A
US3670119A US120139A US3670119DA US3670119A US 3670119 A US3670119 A US 3670119A US 120139 A US120139 A US 120139A US 3670119D A US3670119D A US 3670119DA US 3670119 A US3670119 A US 3670119A
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Prior art keywords
arm
switch
actuating
elongated
actuator
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Expired - Lifetime
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US120139A
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English (en)
Inventor
Wallace A Gebhardt
Prentice R Corn
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Federal Mogul LLC
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Switches Inc
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Assigned to INDIANA NATIONAL BANK, THE reassignment INDIANA NATIONAL BANK, THE SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SWITCHES, INC
Assigned to FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION reassignment FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: SWITCHES, INC.
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
    • H01H3/14—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch adapted for operation by a part of the human body other than the hand, e.g. by foot
    • H01H3/141—Cushion or mat switches
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/002—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon
    • B60N2/0021—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement
    • B60N2/003—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement characterised by the sensor mounting location in or on the seat
    • B60N2/0032—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement characterised by the sensor mounting location in or on the seat mounted on springs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/70—Upholstery springs ; Upholstery
    • B60N2/7094—Upholstery springs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2210/00—Sensor types, e.g. for passenger detection systems or for controlling seats
    • B60N2210/40—Force or pressure sensors
    • B60N2210/46—Electric switches

Definitions

  • the elongated member extends generally parallel to the [56] Refrences Cited upper surface of the seat and is deflected from normal in response to an occupant 1n the seat.
  • An elongated actuating UNIT D STATES PATENTS arm cooperates with the element and the free end of the first elongated member to move the element between the first and 3,109,075 10/1963 Ratcliff ..200/52 Second positions in response to d fl ti f the elongated 2,493,157 1/1950 Merralls et a]. ..200/86 R member thereby actuating the switch
  • the Switching 3,297,841 V1967 Campbell B mechanism further includes automatic adjustment means to 3,281,818 10/1966 Morgan at B X compensate for manufacturing and age variations of the seat. 2,996,587 8/1961 McCarthy ..200/6l.58 B 3,166,146 1/1965 Shaw ..200/61.58 B X 31 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures I7 I I 8 i wil +1, 4
  • the present invention relates generally to switches and more specifically to an improved seat sensing switch for use as part of a warning system in an automobile.
  • the present invention contemplates a seat sensing mechanism which includes a switch that will be actuated when the seat is occupied and the occupant fails to fasten the seat belt.
  • the seat sensing mechanism of the present invention includes a switch having a movable element moved between positions to open and close the switch, which is supported in a housing or support.
  • a switch actuating means moves the element between the positions and includes an elongated member or arm connected to the support with a free end spaced from the support and being deflected between opposite ends from a normal position in response to an occupant in the seat.
  • An elongated strap or actuating arm is connected to the free end of the elongated member and to the movable element to convert the deflection of the elongated member to movement of the element thereby actuating the switch.
  • friction clutch means is incorporated in one of the connections to accommodate relative movement of the connected parts by the subject connection when the movement of the actuator arm is greater than the allowable movement of the actuator.
  • the actuator is interposed between the adjacent end of the actuator arm and the movable element and a friction clutch interconnects the actuator and the actuator arm and acts as yieldable means to accommodate the relative movement between the actuator and the actuator arm.
  • the friction clutch is interposed between the opposite end of the actuator arm and the free end of the elongated member or arm while the remaining end of the actuating arm, acting as the actuator, directly engages the movable element. In both embodiments, the friction clutch automatically causes the actuating means to compensate for manufacturing variations and changes induced by use in the contour of the seat.
  • the switching mechanism further includes first adjustable means for varying the amount of travel of the element between the open and closed positions and a further adjustable means for limiting the amount of travel of the actuator after the movable element is in the closed position.
  • the elongated member or tension member for the elongated strap is in the form of a spring metal strap that is directly connected to a main body portion of an elongated resinous spacer that has projections extending from one side thereof. The projections cooperate with the elongated strap to maintain the strap and the elongated member, including the steel strap and the main body portion of the resinous spacer in a spaced generally parallel condition at all times.
  • the seat sensing mechanism further includes a free or lost motion connection between the actuator and the movable element to accommodate relative movement after the element has been moved to its switch closing position.
  • This significant feature allows for the elongated member to be deflected an amount greater than necessary for closing of the movable element and returning to a stable position between the maximum and normal deflected positions to accommodate increases and decreases in forces on the elongated member while the occupant is in the seat without opening the switch.
  • a further aspect provided by the present invention is an automatic re-adjustment feature to allow for contour variations in manufacturing and changes due to use.
  • the seat sensing mechanism is re-adjusted each time the elongated member is deflected an amount greater than necessary to close the switch. This repositions the actuator causing it to engage the movable element sooner when the deflecting force is removed. When the seat returns to its static position the actuator will be repositioned to provide original contact adjustment.
  • FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a seat with the switching mechanism of the present invention incorporated therein;
  • FIG. 1a is a schematic illustration of the location of the switching mechanism in relation to the seat springs
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an electric circuit incorporating the switching mechanism
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevation view of the switching mechanism
  • FIG. 4 is a' fragmentary plan view of the switching mechanism
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken along line 66 of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view, partly in section, of a slightly modified form of the switching mechanism
  • FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the switching mechanism shown in FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 10 is a fragmentary section similar to FIG. 9 showing the switch in its actuated position
  • FIG. 11 is a sectional view on the scale of FIGS. 7 and 8, and taken generally along line 1 l-1 I of FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 12 is a further sectional view on the scale of FIGS. 7 and 8 and similar to FIG. 1], taken generally along line 12- 12 of FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view taken generally along line 13-13 of FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken generally along line 14- 14 of FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 15 is an end view of the actuating means.
  • FIG. 1 of the drawings generally discloses a seat having a back rest' 12 cooperating therewith.
  • the seat includes a thickness of compressible cushioning material that is located between upper and lower surfaces of the seat with spring means 14 extending normally front to back across the seat.
  • the spring means 14 (FIG. 1a) is illustrated as a zigzag spring which consists of a wire that is bent to a sinusoidal configuration and located in a substantially common horizontal plane along the lower surface of the seat.
  • a pair of seat belt portions 16 are attached to the support for the seat and have buckle portions 18 attached to the free ends thereof;
  • the seat sensing mechanism 20, illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-6, is specifically designed to be supported directly on the upper surface of the spring 14 and held in a fixed relation thereto, as will be described later.
  • the sensing or switching mechanism 20 includes a switch 21 (FIG. 2) having a fixed contact 22 (FIG. 6) and a movable contact or element 24 that is moved between open and closed or first and second positions to actuate the switch.
  • the respective switch contacts are supported in a housing or support 26 and respectively connected to leads or wires 28 that extend out of the housing and are connected in an electrical circuit 30 that incorporates a second switch 32, a warning device 34'and a suitable source of power 36.
  • the movable contact or element 24 is formed of a spring metal material that defines biasing means for normally maintaining the element in the closed position when allowed to close by movement of the actuator 60, to be described later.
  • Switch actuating means cooperates'with the housing and the spring biased element or contact 24 to move the contact between closed and open positions and actuate the switch in response to deflection of the seat from its normal position.
  • the actuating means is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and is capable of being deflected an amount greater than that required for actuating the switch to compensate for variations in weight of the occupant as well as variations in forces applied thereto when the occupant initially occupies the seat or moves to vary the fiexture of the actuating means.
  • the actuating means 40 for moving the element between the two positions extends from the support in a direction generally parallel to the upper surface of the seat 10 and terminates in a free end that is spaced from the support.
  • the actuating means 40 has sufficient'rigidity to remain in a substantially planar, normal condition when no load or weight is supported on the seat or load supporting device but has sufficient resiliency to be deflected to conform to any normal static seat condition between its opposite ends or assume anydeflection required when a load is supported on the seat or device.
  • the second means or actuator 60 consists of an elongated integral piece of resinous material that has a transversely extending slot or recess 62 adjacent one end thereof.
  • One surface of, the actuator is generally flat and is in contacting engagement with the adjacent surface of the elongated strap 44.
  • the interconnection between the actuator and the strap 44 includes a mechanism or friction clutch for frictionally connecting the actuator to the strap in a manner to accommodate relative movement between the actuator and the strap 44 when the strap or elongated member 42 has been deflected beyond a predetermined maximum.
  • the mechanism or friction clutch means 63 is illustrated as including a spring 64 FIG.
  • the actuating means and more specifically the actuator 60, further includes a first portion 72, defined by one side wall of the recess 62, engaging an adjacent surface of the element to hold the element 24 in the switch open position and allow movement ofthe element to the switch closed position when the elongated member or resilient arm is moved from its normal to its deflected position, as will be described later.
  • the actuator 60 also includes a second'portion 74, between the op-
  • the actuating means 40 includes a first elongatedsheet metal strap or arm 42 that has one end connected to the housing 26 and a free end 43 spaced from the housing.
  • the actuating means further includes means or a second elongated'strap or actuating arm 44 that extends generally parallel to the first arm and has one end cooperating with the switch element 24 and a free end cooperating with the free end of the first arm or strap 42 to actuate the switch in response to deflection of the straps or arms between opposite'ends.
  • the straps are maintained in a generally parallel spaced condition relative to each other, by a spacer 48 which includesa substantially continuous portion 50 of a resinous plastic material that is held in direct contacting engagement with the metal strap 42.
  • the spacer 48 has a plurality of longitudinally spaced spacer means 52 extending from the exposed surface thereof towards the elongated spring metal strap 44.'The free or outer ends of the straps 42, 44 and the spacer 48 are held in a fixed relation to each other by a rivet 54.
  • the rivet or first means 54 defines an operative connection between the straps at a location spaced from the housing 26 and more specifically adjacent the free ends of the straps.
  • the switch actuating means 40 further includes second means or an actuator 60 cooperating with the end of the strap 44 adjacent the housing to operatively connect the strap to the movable element in a manner which will now be described.
  • the actuator incorporates adjustable means for varying the extent of free motion movement between the element and the actuator.
  • This adjustable means is in the form of a screw'80 threaded into an opening in the second portion 74 of the movable plastic actuator 60.
  • the screw'or threaded stud 80 extends through an enlarge'd opening 82 in the housing or support 26 and receives a nut 84 on the outer end thereof.
  • the nut 84 engages the outer surfaces of the housing 26 upon a predetermined amount of movement of the actuator 60 relative to the housing and prevents further longitudinal movement of the actuator.
  • the extent of movement of the actuator after the element 24 is in the dotted line position shown in FIG. 6 is set by adjustment of the nut, as will be described later.
  • the actuating means of switch 20 further includes a sensitivity adjustment for varying the sensitivity of the entire device.
  • This sensitivity adjustment is in the form of a set screw threaded into an opening in the housing or support 26 with the inner end of the set screw or adjustment screw disposed in the path of movement of the actuator 60.
  • the rotation of the screw 90 will determine the extent of travel of the actuator as the switch element 24 is moved between closed and open positions and can be adjusted to vary the amount of travel of the movable element 24 between its closed and open positions, respectively shown by the dotted and solid lines of FIG. 6.
  • Theswitching mechanism 20 is inserted in the seat between the upper surface of the spring and the lower surface of the cushioning material with the wire spring 14 being received in a recess92 defined between spaced housing portions 94 and 96.
  • Therernainder of the switching mechanism consisting of the actuating means or system lies on top of the spring and is held in a position generally parallel to the upper in more detail surface of the seat by having the cushioning material in direct contact therewith or other suitable means.
  • the switch actuating means 40 including the two straps or arms 42 and 44, and the spacer 48 and the actuator 60 is in a substantially planar normal condition and the movable element or contact 24 is held in its open position, shown by the solid line position of FIG. 6, by cooperative engagement of the first portion 72 of the actuator 60 with the element 24. If an occupant should occupy the seat, the weight thereof will cause a compression of the cushioning material and transmit forces in a direction generally perpendicular to the elongated strap or actuating arm 44, through the strap supporting arm 42 and the spacer 48, to cause the elongated actuating arm 44 to deflect downwardly between its opposite ends.
  • the element or switch contact 24 is in the closed position, it is desirable to accommodate further movement of the strap or actuating arm 44 and actuator 60 a predetermined distance to allow some return deflection of the actuating means without opening the switch 21. This is desirable since, when a person initially sits down on the seat, an initial maximum force will be transmitted to the cushioning material to deflect the cushioning material and the actuating 'means an amount greater than required for supporting the occupant. After the occupant is seated, the seat and spring will assume an equilibrium condition in which the deflection or compression of the cushioning material and the spring 14 is somewhat less than the maximum force or deflection initially encountered during the period when the person is sitting down.
  • This variation is absorbed by the free motion connection between the actuator and the element so that the element remains in its closed position when the equilibrium condition of the cushioning material has been reached.
  • the amount of free travel between the actuator and the element or contact 24 is set by adjusting the nut 84 relative to the housing or support 26.
  • the adjustment screw 90 determines the extent of travel of the element 24 between its open solid line position and closed dotted line position of FIG. 6 and thereby adjusts the sensitivity of the switching mechanism.
  • the seat sensing mechanism is designed to automatically compensate for a variety of conditions by incorporation of the friction clutch 63. If a person sits down on the seat, the seat spring 14 will be deflected proportional to weight applied and deflect the switch actuating means 40 between its opposite ends into an arcuate configuration. The operative connections between the arms, the housing, and the element will convert the deflection or flexing of the arms to produce longitudinal movement of the actuating arm relative to the housing or fixed portion.
  • the switch By having the elongated strap 44 spaced from the tensioning strap 42 with the inner end guided for movement on the support or housing, the switch will be actuated with a minimum amount of deflection which will be transmitted through the operative connections to allow the spring biasing of the element 24 to move to a position cor-' responding to the closed position of the switch. After the switch is in the closed position, further deflection of the elongated members 42, 44 is accommodated without movement of the element 24 by the free motion connection between the actuator 60 and the element 24. After the nut 84 engages the outer surface of the support or housing 26, further movement of the actuator is prevented.
  • any further downward deflection of the upper strap 42 and consequent downward deflection of the lower strap 44 between its opposite ends will overcome the frictional connection or means in the operative connection between the actuating arm and the actuator, produced by the friction clutch 63 between the actuating arm and the actuator to increase the effective length of the strap.
  • the biasing force of the spring 64 must be greater than the biasing force of the movable element 24 in order to accomplish this goal.
  • the friction connection must permit relative movement between the actuator and the actuating arm when the switch is closed and the travel of the adjacent end of the actuating arm in the switch closing direction is greater than the permitted movement of the actuator.
  • the seat 10 and spring 14 will reach an equilibrium condition, in which the two portions 72 and 74 of the actuator 60 will, in most instances, be spaced from the contact or element 24 so that the element is biased and held in its closed position solely by the biasing force incorporated therein.
  • the inherent tendency for-the actuating means 40 including the straps 42, 44 and the spacer 48, will tend to return to their flat planar condition. This action is assisted by the tendency for the zigzag spring to also move to its normal condition.
  • the flexibility of the switch actuating means 40 will allow it to assume the normal condition of the seat spring 14. During such movement or return from the deflected to the normal position, the first portion 72 of the actuator will engage the movable element 24 and move theelement from its closed to its open position. After having moved to the open position, defined by the adjustment screw 90, further movement of the actuator 60 is prevented.
  • the self-adjusting feature between the actuator and the strap allows for the switching mechanism to automatically compensate for permanent changes in the contour of the seat.
  • the seat spring may have a tendency to sag from its normal condition and remain in a sagged condition without any weight being applied or supported on the upper surface thereof.
  • the switching mechanism would automatically adjust itself to accommodate such changes in configuration of the seat and still remain as sensitive as it initially was when installed into the automobile.
  • the function of the adjustment nut 84 and reset adjustment screw 80, as well as set screw 90 could be achieved by proper dimensioning of the length of the actuator 60 and the adjacent mating surfaces of the housing 26 with this arrangement the opposed inner surfaces of the housing would act as fixed stops defining the extent of travel of the actuator.
  • FIGS. 7-15 A slightly modified form of the present invention is disclosed in FIGS. 7-15 wherein several of the features described above have been deleted to simplify the construction of the switching means.
  • the switching means is specifically designed for being incorporated into the cushioning material of the seat adjacent the upper surface thereof.
  • the switching means or mechanism 100 again includes a switch (FIG. 13) consisting of a fixed contact or element 102 and a movable contact or element 104 that incorporates biasing means for normally maintaining the contacts in the closed or second position shown in FIG. 10.
  • a switch FIG. 13
  • the switching means or mechanism 100 again includes a switch (FIG. 13) consisting of a fixed contact or element 102 and a movable contact or element 104 that incorporates biasing means for normally maintaining the contacts in the closed or second position shown in FIG. 10.
  • the switch mechanism 100 further includes switch actuating means 106 (FIG. consisting of a strap or elongated arm 108 of spring metal and a spacer 110 including a main body portion 112 that is substantially coextensive in length and width with the strap 108 and has a plurality of longitudinally spaced projections 114 extending away from the free surface thereof.
  • the projections 114 define spacers and some of the spacers have slots or recesses 116 while other of the spacers have openings 118.
  • the openings 118 are in'longitudinal alignment with the bottoms of the recesses or slots 116, for-a purpose which will be described later.
  • the elongated lower strap or actuating arm is in the form of a wire 120 that extends through the openings 118 and is received into the bottoms of the recesses 116.
  • the spacers thus maintain the wire or elongated strap 120 in a generally parallel condition to the elongated member at all times.
  • the outer or free end of the wire 120 extends through an opening, 122 in the free end portion 124 of theresinous plastic spacer 110.
  • the end of the wire is preferably flattened or, as shown, of has a flat small plate 126 fixedly secured thereto.
  • the end portion of the outer free end 124 of the spacer1l0 has a segment 128 cut away to expose the lower surface of the plate 126.
  • the operative interconnection is between the bowed spring clamp 130 that encompasses the end portion 124 and the plate 126 affixed to the spring metal strap or arm 108 that'is received into the cutout segment 128 providing frictional engagement between elements.
  • the strap 108 and spacer 110 are interconnected at the outer or free end by a rivet 132.
  • the bowed spring clamp 130 provides an operative connection that produces a frictional force between the free end of the strap 120 and the ad.- jacent end of the tension member, including strap 108 and spacer 110.
  • the entire actuating means 106 is preferably enclosed in a flexible sheath or casing 136.
  • the inner end of the wire 120 is supported for relative movement on the housing or fixed portion by extending through an opening 140 defined in the support or housing 150 enclosing the switch and is of sufficient length to hold the movable element 104 in its open position shown in FIG. 9 when the'actuating means 106 is in a substantially planar condition.
  • the inner end of the wire 120 has an operative connection to the element 104 which includes an enlarger bulb or actuator 142 threaded on the free end to produce the butting engagement with the switch element 104.
  • the bulb 142 is received in a recess or enlarged bore 144, the inner end of which provides an abutment to define the extent of free travel of the. wire after the switch has been closed.
  • the adjustable stop 90 controlling sensitivity has been replaced by a fixed stop or projection 152 which defines the open position for the movable element 104.
  • the description of the operation of the modified embodiment need only briefly be summarized since it is substantially identical to the operation of the embodiment previously described.
  • the bulb 142 and the wire 120 move away from the element 104 and allows the element to move to its closed position.
  • a predetermined amount of free travel is incorporated into the mechanism after the switch has been closed and is defined by the position of the bulb 142 and the depth of the bore 144.
  • any further deflection of the actuating means 106 overcomes the friction connection in the operative connection between the plate 126 and spacer 108, produced by the spring clamp or friction clutch 130, to accommodate relative movement between the outer ends of the straps 108 and 120.
  • the circuit 30 is defined to give a visual and/or audio signal when the seat is occupied and the occupant fails to place the seat belt around him and fasten the buckle.
  • the switch 32 is closed when the seat belt is not buckled while the switch 21 is open when the seat is unoccupied so that the switch 21 closes when a person occupies the seat to produce a signal untilfthe seat belt is buckled around the person.
  • various other circuits may be utilized to perform the same function.
  • metal straps 42, 108 and spacers 48, 110 have been shown as separate pieces in both embodiments, they could readily be incorporated into one piece.
  • the function of the strap 108 could be performed by the main body portion 112 or the spacer 110.
  • the two arms and spacers could be molded as an integral piece to maintain a proper spacing between upper and lower continuous portions while accommodations relative longitudinal movement or many other combinations to achieve the same desired action.
  • the actuating system for the switch is extremely simple but the unique arrangement of parts and the operative interconnection between the various parts allows the switching mechanism to be initially incorporated into the seat and thereafter automatically compensate for numerous changes in the condition of the seat.
  • the operative interconnections automatically accommodate relative movement of certain parts after the switch has been closed and a deflection greater than the switch closing deflection is applied to the arms in the switch closing direction.
  • a switching mechanism including a switch having an element movable between firstandsecond positions to open and close said switch and a housing supporting said switch, switch actuating means for moving said element and comprising' an elongated arm having a first portion cooperating with said element and a second portion extending away from said housing; an elongated tension member connected to said housing; means maintaining at least a portion of said tension member spaced from said elongated arm; means connecting said tension member to the second portion of said elongated arm for normally maintaining said arm in a substantially planar initial condition and deflecting said arm in response to forces applied in a direction generally perpendicular thereto to cause said elongated arm to move longitudinally relative to said housing, so that said first portion of said elongated arm causes said element to move to said second position and actuate said switch.
  • said element includes biasing means biasing said element towards said second position and a lost motion connection between said element and said elongated arm, said lost motion connection accommodating independent movement of said elongated arm when said element is in said second position.
  • a switching mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which the first portion of the elongated arm that cooperates with the movable element of the switch is an end portion of said arm.
  • a switching mechanism including a switch having an element movable between first and second positions to open and close said switch and a housing supporting said switch, switch actuating means for moving said element and comprising an elongated arm having one end cooperating with said element and extending away from said housing; and an elongated tension member connected to said housing and cooperating with said elongated arm, said tension member normally maintaining said arm in a substantially planar normal condition and deflecting said arm in response to forces applied in a direction generally perpendicular thereto to cause said element to move to said second position and actuate said switch, said elongated arm having first means operatively connecting one end thereof to said free end of said tensioning member and second-means operatively connecting the opposite end of said arm to said movable element, one of said first and second means including yieldable means for accommodating relative movement between connected parts in response to deflection of said elongated member beyond a predetermined maximum.
  • said first means includes a friction clutch frictionally interconnecting the free end ofsaid tension member and said arm, said friction clutch defining said yieldable means.
  • a sensing mechanism cooperating with said device and including a switch having an element movable between positions to open and close said switch, a support for said switch; and actuating means for moving said element between said positions
  • said actuating means comprising: an elongated resilient arm connected to said support, said resilient arm extending from said support in a direction generally parallel to and below said upper surface of said device; an elongated actuating arm extending generally parallel to said resilient arm;
  • said first operative connection includes an actuator between said actuating arm and said element with said yieldable means comprising friction clutch means between said actuating arm and said actuator, said actuator having a first portion engaging said element to move said element from a switch closing to a switch opening position when said resilient arm is moved from its deflected to its normal position, said actuator having a second portion engaging said element when said resilient arm is moved beyond a predetermined maximum deflected condition to cause relative movement between said actuator and said actuating arm and increase the effective length of said actuating arm, said portions being arranged to define a lost motion connection between said actuator and said element after said element is moved to a closed position.
  • An actuating system for a switch mechanism that includes a fixed support and a movable element mounted on said fixed support and positionable in first and second positions to open and close said switch mechanism, comprising: an elongated actuating arm; a supporting connection between said arm and said fixed support accommodating longitudinal movement of said arm; an operative connection between the movable element and the actuating arm for opening and closing said switch in response to longitudinal movement of said arm; a further arm extending substantially parallel to said actuating arm; a first connection between said further arm and said fixed support; a second connection between said further arm and said actuating arm, said connections and arms cooperating to produce longitudinal movement of said actuating arm relative to said fixed support when a switch closing force is applied to said arms and means in one of said connections to permit relative movement of parts interconnected by said one of said connections when a force is applied to said arms after said switch is closed.
  • a switch comprising: a support, a first contact mounted at a fixed location on said support; a second contact carried by said support and movable toward and away from said first contact; and actuating means for controlling movement of said second contact and including a first arm secured to said support and having a portion extending outwardly therefrom, said first arm being flexible whereby said first arm deflects from a normal position to a deflected position when a force is applied thereto, said actuating means further including a second arm having a contact moving portion positioned adjacent said second contact, said second arm having a further portion ex-- tending outwardly from said support and connected to said first arm, means maintaining said second arm in spaced relationship with respect to said first am and supporting said second arm for movement longitudinally relative to said first arm, said second arm being flexible whereby said first and second arms form a deflectable unit when a force is applied to said first arm, the connection between said first and second arms giving said second arm a component of motion longitudinally of said first arm and relative to said support upon de
  • a switch as defined in claim 25 wherein said means maintaining said first arm in spaced relationship with respect to said first arm includes a spacer located between said arms and retaining said arms in spaced parallel relationship with respect to one another throughout their respective lengths.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Automotive Seat Belt Assembly (AREA)
  • Switches Operated By Changes In Physical Conditions (AREA)
US120139A 1971-03-02 1971-03-02 Switch with improved actuator means Expired - Lifetime US3670119A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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US12013971A 1971-03-02 1971-03-02

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US3670119A true US3670119A (en) 1972-06-13

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US120139A Expired - Lifetime US3670119A (en) 1971-03-02 1971-03-02 Switch with improved actuator means

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US (1) US3670119A (pt)
JP (1) JPS5345567B1 (pt)
AR (1) AR193849A1 (pt)
AU (1) AU464328B2 (pt)
BR (1) BR7201217D0 (pt)
CA (1) CA950512A (pt)
DE (1) DE2210114A1 (pt)
FR (1) FR2128531B1 (pt)
GB (1) GB1371263A (pt)
IT (1) IT952072B (pt)

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3761658A (en) * 1971-09-17 1973-09-25 Amp Inc Load responsive switch
US3842223A (en) * 1972-05-18 1974-10-15 Lucas Electrical Co Ltd Lever operated switch having adjustable contact gap
US4000385A (en) * 1975-11-06 1976-12-28 Allied Chemical Corporation Electric switch for safety belt buckle with wiping self cleaning contact structure
US4012612A (en) * 1975-11-06 1977-03-15 Allied Chemical Corporation Seat belt buckle switch assembly having self cleaning contacts
US4045631A (en) * 1976-04-02 1977-08-30 Midland-Ross Corporation Touch-sensitive door control switch
DE2917797A1 (de) * 1979-05-03 1980-11-13 Bode & Co Geb Einklemmsicherung fuer selbsttaetig oeffnende und schliessende tueren
EP0069602A1 (fr) * 1981-06-05 1983-01-12 Vachette Dispositif de déclenchement d'un interrupteur ou commutateur
US4644616A (en) * 1984-07-17 1987-02-24 Equipements Automobiles Marchall Safety belt buckle device with automatic unlocking
US4678058A (en) * 1986-04-07 1987-07-07 Outboard Marine Corporation Vehicle seat switch
US5040740A (en) * 1990-05-30 1991-08-20 Allied-Signal Inc. Dual safety belt retractor with single switch assembly
US5146054A (en) * 1991-09-04 1992-09-08 Illinois Tool Work Inc. Motion translation mechanism for a vehicle seat switch
US5179256A (en) * 1990-05-11 1993-01-12 General Engineering (Netherlands) B.V. Collision sensor
US5481078A (en) * 1994-02-18 1996-01-02 Clark Equipment Company Operator presence sensor for operator's seat
DE19600346A1 (de) * 1996-01-08 1997-07-10 Fritz Hetzer Schalter für Fahrzeugsitze
US5986221A (en) * 1996-12-19 1999-11-16 Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. Membrane seat weight sensor
US6021863A (en) * 1997-11-17 2000-02-08 Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. Seat weight sensor using fluid filled tubing
US20140367234A1 (en) * 2012-02-27 2014-12-18 Eao Automotive Gmbh & Co. Kg Dust and waterproof switch
US9623777B2 (en) * 2015-06-18 2017-04-18 Nissan North America, Inc. Vehicle seat assembly
US9744880B2 (en) 2014-02-17 2017-08-29 Lear Corporation Member mounting bracket

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3624517B2 (ja) * 1995-04-14 2005-03-02 アイシン精機株式会社 着座検知装置
FR2870489B1 (fr) 2004-05-21 2006-08-04 Faurecia Sieges Automobile Siege de vehicule automobile comportant un systeme de detection d'occupation du siege
CN110103781A (zh) * 2019-05-10 2019-08-09 无锡持胜车辆部件有限公司 一种人体压力开关及汽车座椅

Citations (8)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2276378A (en) * 1940-01-08 1942-03-17 Leo E Duguay Flasher switch
US2493157A (en) * 1947-12-10 1950-01-03 Charles N Merralls Treadle switch
US2996587A (en) * 1958-12-22 1961-08-15 Justin J Mccarthy Safety signal belt
US3109075A (en) * 1961-07-25 1963-10-29 Peary F Ratcliff Skier alarm switch
US3166146A (en) * 1963-05-14 1965-01-19 Harold O Shaw Safety belt ignition cutout switch
US3281818A (en) * 1964-05-01 1966-10-25 Morgan Seat belt lock signal
US3297841A (en) * 1963-02-19 1967-01-10 Carlson S Alinement Service Electric tension switch assembly
US3375495A (en) * 1965-02-12 1968-03-26 Joel A. Burns Seatbelt alarm system

Patent Citations (8)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2276378A (en) * 1940-01-08 1942-03-17 Leo E Duguay Flasher switch
US2493157A (en) * 1947-12-10 1950-01-03 Charles N Merralls Treadle switch
US2996587A (en) * 1958-12-22 1961-08-15 Justin J Mccarthy Safety signal belt
US3109075A (en) * 1961-07-25 1963-10-29 Peary F Ratcliff Skier alarm switch
US3297841A (en) * 1963-02-19 1967-01-10 Carlson S Alinement Service Electric tension switch assembly
US3166146A (en) * 1963-05-14 1965-01-19 Harold O Shaw Safety belt ignition cutout switch
US3281818A (en) * 1964-05-01 1966-10-25 Morgan Seat belt lock signal
US3375495A (en) * 1965-02-12 1968-03-26 Joel A. Burns Seatbelt alarm system

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3761658A (en) * 1971-09-17 1973-09-25 Amp Inc Load responsive switch
US3842223A (en) * 1972-05-18 1974-10-15 Lucas Electrical Co Ltd Lever operated switch having adjustable contact gap
US4000385A (en) * 1975-11-06 1976-12-28 Allied Chemical Corporation Electric switch for safety belt buckle with wiping self cleaning contact structure
US4012612A (en) * 1975-11-06 1977-03-15 Allied Chemical Corporation Seat belt buckle switch assembly having self cleaning contacts
US4045631A (en) * 1976-04-02 1977-08-30 Midland-Ross Corporation Touch-sensitive door control switch
DE2917797A1 (de) * 1979-05-03 1980-11-13 Bode & Co Geb Einklemmsicherung fuer selbsttaetig oeffnende und schliessende tueren
EP0069602A1 (fr) * 1981-06-05 1983-01-12 Vachette Dispositif de déclenchement d'un interrupteur ou commutateur
US4644616A (en) * 1984-07-17 1987-02-24 Equipements Automobiles Marchall Safety belt buckle device with automatic unlocking
US4678058A (en) * 1986-04-07 1987-07-07 Outboard Marine Corporation Vehicle seat switch
US5179256A (en) * 1990-05-11 1993-01-12 General Engineering (Netherlands) B.V. Collision sensor
US5040740A (en) * 1990-05-30 1991-08-20 Allied-Signal Inc. Dual safety belt retractor with single switch assembly
US5146054A (en) * 1991-09-04 1992-09-08 Illinois Tool Work Inc. Motion translation mechanism for a vehicle seat switch
US5481078A (en) * 1994-02-18 1996-01-02 Clark Equipment Company Operator presence sensor for operator's seat
DE19600346A1 (de) * 1996-01-08 1997-07-10 Fritz Hetzer Schalter für Fahrzeugsitze
US5986221A (en) * 1996-12-19 1999-11-16 Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. Membrane seat weight sensor
US6021863A (en) * 1997-11-17 2000-02-08 Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. Seat weight sensor using fluid filled tubing
US20140367234A1 (en) * 2012-02-27 2014-12-18 Eao Automotive Gmbh & Co. Kg Dust and waterproof switch
US9744880B2 (en) 2014-02-17 2017-08-29 Lear Corporation Member mounting bracket
US9623777B2 (en) * 2015-06-18 2017-04-18 Nissan North America, Inc. Vehicle seat assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS5345567B1 (pt) 1978-12-07
FR2128531B1 (pt) 1976-07-09
AU464328B2 (en) 1975-08-07
GB1371263A (en) 1974-10-23
FR2128531A1 (pt) 1972-10-20
CA950512A (en) 1974-07-02
AU3943272A (en) 1973-08-30
AR193849A1 (es) 1973-05-31
DE2210114A1 (de) 1972-09-21
IT952072B (it) 1973-07-20
BR7201217D0 (pt) 1973-05-31

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Effective date: 19821210

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