US3919505A

US3919505A - Multiple push-button switching assembly with actuator latch and interlocking structure

Info

Publication number: US3919505A
Application number: US478412A
Authority: US
Inventors: William Gene Becker; Frank Joseph Bruder; Michael John Howett
Original assignee: Bourns Inc
Current assignee: Bourns Inc
Priority date: 1974-06-11
Filing date: 1974-06-11
Publication date: 1975-11-11
Anticipated expiration: 1992-11-11

Abstract

A multiple push-button switching device capable of being combined integrally with or attaching to a substrate having a conductor network which may be combined with electrical or electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, diodes, etc. Each switching unit in a device is capable of being actuated as a momentary device or can be latched into an ''''on'''' or ''''off'''' mode. Each switching unit includes an elongated actuating member which is capable of camming a movable switch contact member to one of two positions, either engagement or disengagement with a fixed contact member with a provision for latching the actuating member or allowing momentary connection. Two or more switching units of the device can be connected together to provide multiple pole, multiple throw capabilities. The design of this switching device permits a high degree of flexibility in configuration and application and permits miniaturization of the switching device to a high degree.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Becker et al.

l l MULTIPLE PUSHBUTTON SWITCHING ASSEMBLY WITH ACTUATOR LATCH AND INTERLOCKING STRUCTURE [73] Assignee: Bourns. lnc., Riverside. Calif.

[22 Filed: June II, 1974 [21] Appl. No: 478.412

[52] US. Cl 200/5 R; 200/50 C; 200/159 A. 200/328. 338/l86 [5]] Int. Cl. Hflll-l 9/20;H01C [/00 [58} Field of Search 200/5. 50 C. l59 B. 159 A. 200/327. 328. 340. 329'. 338/28. 7678. 95. l25l27. 185. l86

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS l.979.588 l l/l934 \"reeland....... 200/ E L X 2.469.650 5/1949 lsserstedt 2U0/I59 A X 2.624.809 l/l953 Sinclaire 200/5 R 2.760.014 8/l956 Euler 200/5 E 3.l7l.932 3/[965 Beaudoin 200/50 C X 317L757 9/0966 Wales. Jr.... 200/5 B X 3.420.969 l/l969 Edwards er al. 200/328 X 3.489.867 l/l970 Carlson.......... 200/5 R 3.666.899 5/l972 Kerr 200/5 E /4p Mp /45 /25 /@5 lZa l U 22F Z 22 2 u r r /6/1' /6 /4 A A6 aZOs /4/2 2, 36 r; 5

/5 l a 2e Nov. 11, 1975 3.778.564 [2/1973 Nocella 200/5 E X 3.819.882 6/1974 Anderson et al. 200/159 A X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 968.934 9/l964 United Kingdom............. Zoo/32x Primary E.\'aminer.lames R. Scott Attorney, Agent. or FirmWilliam G. Becker; Richard S. Koppel [57] ABSTRACT A multiple push-button switching device capable of being combined integrally with or attaching to a sub strate having a conductor network which may be combined with electrical or electronic components such as resistors. capacitors. inductors. transistors. diodes. etc. Each switching unit in a device is capable of being actuated as a momentar device or can be latched into an on or ofF' mode. Each switching unit includes an elongated actuating member which is capable of camming a movable switch contact member to one of two positions. either engagement or disengagement with a fixed contact member with a provision for latching the actuating member or allowing momentary connection. Two or more switching units of the device can be connected together to provide multiple pole. multiple throw capabilities. The design of this switch ing device permits a high degree of flexibilit in configuration and application and permits miniaturization of the switching device to a high degree.

21 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures US. Patent Nov. 11,1975 Sheet10f4 3,919,505

v MIL FL, I, V Viv .I

5 5 f wwmw I U.S. Patent Nov.ll, 1975 Sheet20f4 3,919,505

U.S. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 Sheet4 of4 3,919,505

Era. 14A

MULTIPLE PUSH-BUTTON SWITCHING ASSEMBLY WITH ACTUATOR LATCH AND INTERLOCKING STRUCTURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The subject invention relates, in general, to switching devices and, in particular, to multiple push-button switching devices capable of momentary or latched actuation.

In the prior art, many switching devices are known which control the selection of an electric connection to two or more desired points in an electric circuit including selection within an individual component of a circuit such as a variable resistor. In US. Pat. Nos.

3,613,042 and 3,337,831, a movable contact is shown for engaging spaced fixed contacts which are in electrical contact to portions of a resistance element or to separate resistors. Such an arrangement generally requires full integration of the movable contact member into a structure having the fixed contact and limits the flexibility ofconnecting multiple inputs to multiple outputs or any combination thereof. The prior art also discloses switching devices having a plurality of pushbutton switches to control electrical connections at various points in an electric circuit such as, for example US. Pat. Nos. 3,673,357; 3,506,795; 2,890,431 and 1,867,870. Each of these appears to primarily disclose the use of a plurality of spring-biased, push-button switches to provide momentary connection between fixed and movable contacts. US. Pat. No. 3,673,357 particularly discloses the use of a spring contact sheet having integral discs wherein the contact sheet is designed to provide combined snap-disc and cantilever characteristics whose properties can be tailored to achieve a desired sequencing of contact closures and desired switch operating characteristics. However, devices such as these typically have significant minimum size requirements to allow proper functioning of the switching device and do not provide the option of allowing the user to choose a momentary contact connection or a continuous contact achieved by a latching mechanism. There are other push-button switches in the prior art (such as those disclosed in US. Pat. Nos. 3,229,053 and 2,652,470) which show multiple pushbutton switches with cam followers to allow continuous connection between fixed and movable contacts. Such mechanisms tend to be bulky, complicated in design and typically do not provide the option of permitting momentary connection. In many applications, it is highly desirable to have an option as to the mode of switching connection, i.e. either momentary or continuous, latched connection, such as where the user would want to check the operation of a number of different circuit paths and then choose one for continuous connection or where an inventory of switches could be minimized by allowing the same switch device to be used where momentary connection is necessary and also to be used where continuous connection is necessary. Also, in some applications, it is highly desirable to have a significant number of switching members, which may be either independent or interconnected, located in a small space, such as directly on a printed circuit board or in a miniaturized device.

Thus, it is an object of the subject invention to provide a switching device capable of momentary or continuous connection operation;

A further object is to provide a switching device comprised of a plurality of switching portions having wide flexibility of input and output selection;

Yet another object of the subject invention is to provide a switching device including a significant number of switching portions which can be electrically independent or electrically interconnected and which can be manufactured to occupy a small space;

Still another object of the subject invention is to provide a switching device which is integrated with one or more electrical circuits; and

A further object of the subject invention is to provide a switching device containing few parts, is simple in design and can be mass produced at a low cost.

The above-mentioned objects are satisfied in the subject invention which generally provides a multiple push-button switching device having a plurality of switch units each of which is capable of being actuated in a momentary connection mode or a continuous. latched connection mode. Each switching unit basically is comprised of an elongated actuating member, a resilient movable contact and a fixed contact. The switching device itself includes enclosure and support mem bers which provide support function and cooperating camming and locking functions for the components of each of the switching units included therein. Each actuating member has at one end a protruding portion, i.e. a button, for engagement by a user, a step portion adapted for engagement with a cooperating latching surface of a cover member to provide a latching function for continuous connection, and a cam surface at the other end for camming the movable contact member. The movable contact member is typically a cantilevered, resilient, electrically conductive member hav ing a portion thereof for engagement with the fixed contact when engaged and moved by a camming surface of the actuating member, The fixed contact member can be formed as a part of the integral switching device or can be mounted on a separate support member or substrate which can be attached to the switching device. Two or more of the switching portions can be physically connected together and the contacts can be electrically connected together to provide a high degree of flexibility in switching capability. The structural design of the subject invention permits switching devices to be manufactured having a high density of separate switching portions.

The subject matter which is regarded as the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention, however, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially in section, showing a switching device in accordance with the sub ject invention attached to a selectable fixed resistor;

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view taken along the line denoted II-II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partially in section of a switchable resistive device in accordance with the subject invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view ofa switchable capacitive device in accordance with the subject invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the device shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a single-input, multiple-output switching device in accordance with the subject invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the device in accordance with the subject invention having multiple individual switching units;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the device shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. I] is a partial perspective view ofa device in ac' cordance with the subject invention having a plurality of single-input, dual-output capability pairs of switching units;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the device shown in FIG. ll;

FIG. [3 is a partial perspective view of a switching device in accordance with the subject invention showing mechanical connecting members between selected switching units;

FIG. [4A and 14B are side sectional views of embodiments using physical connection members; and

FIG. 15 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a switching device in accordance with the subject invention with the side actuation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of a switching device It] in accordance with the subject invention. Switching device 10 is basically comprised of a cover member 12; two rows of elongated actuating members I4, 16; two rows of

movable contact members

18, 20 associated with respective actuating members 14, I6; and means 22 for attaching the switching device It) to an electrical circuit device 24, shown here as a selectable fixed impedance device of the type generally disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,745,508, which is assigned to the same assignee as the subject invention.

Electric circuit device 24 is basically comprised of an electrically non-conducting substrate 26 on which are located electrical or electronic components, in this case one or more resistive elements 28 which are printed on the substrate, fixed electrical contacts 30 which are electrically connected to the circuit elements at preselected locations, an electrically conductive shorting strip 32 which is positioned and supported a short distance above contacts 30 by means of an electrically insulative support member 34, and terminal leads 36 which are connected to the electrical circuit on substrate 26 at preselected locations to permit electrical input and output connection to device 24.

As far as the component parts of the switching device 10, itself, are concerned, cover member 12 includes a switch control face l2fon one side of the device having a plurality of apertures 12a, one for each actuating member l4, 16. On the interior of cover member face 12f and adjacent each of the apertures 12a is located a latching surface 12s adapted to be engaged by a portion of actuating member l4, 16, as is described hereinafter. Cover member 12 is preferably formed of an electrically non-conductive material which can be molded, such as a plastic.

Each of the elongated actuating members I4, 16 includes a protruding portion 14p. lop (i.c. a button) extending through aperture I2a adapted for engagement by a user, a step portion 143, l6s located near the protruding portion end and adapted for engagement with surface 12s, a cam surface portion 14c. at the other end which is adapted for engagement with

movable contacts

18, 20, and a notch portion 14a, Ion intermediate the ends of the member which is utilized to limit the travel of each actuating member. Each actuating member l4, 16 is preferably formed of an electrically non-conductive material, such as plastic.

In this embodiment.

movable contacts

18, 20 are formed from a pair of metallic strips, one for each set of

contacts

18, 20 with each strip being designated by the

reference numeral

18 or 20. The strips include

movable contact fingers

18f, 20f; support portions 18s, 20s; and protruding portions 18p, 20p.

Each of the movable contact strips 18, 20 is bent to the shape best shown in FIG. 2 and is preferably formed of an electrically conductive spring material such as spring steel or a spring-type brass. Portions of the strip have been cut out to form

separate fingers

18f, 20f(in the embodiment shown eight fingers for each strip) which are cantilevered at the point where the

fingers

18f, 20f meet the support portions I85. 20s. The support portions 18s. 20s are rigidly attached to a support member 38 such as by riveting, soldering, or welding. Support member 38 is in turn attached to cover member 12 by some suitable means such as heat staking, cementing, ultrasonic embedding or riveting to cover member I2. In this embodiment. support member 38 is preferably made of an electrically conductive material. such as a metal so as to provide an electrical interconnection among all of the movable contact fingers 18f. 20f. Protrusions 18p, 20p are designed and located to fit within notches l4n, l6n in the actuating members so as to capture the actuating members within device 10 and limit the amount of their upward and downward travel. This prevents overstressing of contact fingers 18f, 20]" and prevents the actuating members from coming out of within cover member 12.

Attaching means 22 is preferably comprised of two complementary spring-type members which are attached to the outer side walls of cover member 12 by suitable means such as riveting, heat staking or cementing. In the embodiment shown, rivets 22r are used. A bent upper portion 221.: is provided on each complementing attaching means portion so that when such upper portions 22u ar pressed toward each other, component engaging portions 22e are laterally displaced to permit a component such as device 24 to be inserted within cover member 12. After the component is inserted, upper portions 221: are released to allow the component engaging portions 22e to firmly hold component 24 in place.

In the subject invention, each related actuating member, movable contact and fixed contact is considered to be a switching unit so that any switching device of the subject invention can be considered to be made up of a plurality of switching units.

To utilize the device of the subject invention, switching device 10 is attached to electric circuit device 24 utilizing attaching means 22, as described above. As all of the

movable contact fingers

18f, 20f are electrically interconnected, any desired portion of the electric circuit of device 24 (in this case resistance element 28), can be shorted out by actuating any two of the switching units. Such actuation can be either in a momentary or a latching mode. For example, if a user merely wishes to test his choice of members to be actuated, he may actuate them in the momentary mode in which case the circuit connection between the fixed and movable contacts will be only maintained as long as he continues to apply pressure to the actuating member. A]- ternatively, the user may desire to latch specific actuating members in place to effect a continuous connection between specified fixed and movable contacts.

To effect momentary actuation of a switching unit, the user would engage a protruding portion 14p 6f an actuating member and apply pressure substantially vertically downward (relative to the orientation of the device shown in the drawings). This vertical downward motion will cause cam portion 140, l6c of an acuating member to engage a movable contact finger 18f, 20fso as to force it to touch a fixed contact 30 and thereby provide an electrical connection therewith. On release of downward pressure of the user on protruding portion 14p, the spring force in the cantilevered movable contact finger 18f, 20fwill force actuating member 14, I6 vertically upward to the extent permitted by protruding portion 18p which is located with notch 14n, l6n of an actuating member. If latching is desired, application of a slight lateral force to protruding portion 14p, l6p toward surface 12s of the cover member after actuating

member

14, 16 has been depressed will cause step portion 14s of the actuating member to engage surface 12s of the cover member thereby prohibiting actuating member l4, 16 from traveling vertically upward through aperture 120. Actuating member l4, 16 will be maintained in this latched position (with the movable and fixed contacts connected) due to the spring force exerted on it by

movable contact finger

18f, 20f. A slight lateral movement of protruding portion 14p, l6p in a direction opposite to that used to latch the member will cause surface portion 14s and 12s to disengage and allow the actuating member to move vertically upward through aperture 12a to its normally disengaged position. In this manner, any one or more of the actuating members 14, I6 and hence any one of the switching units can be simultaneously or sequentially operated. Each switching unit has therefore only two moving parts and each is capable of operating in a momentary or latching mode. In FIG. 2, the switching unit on the left has been latched to effect electrical connection between movable contact finger 18f and contact 30. The switching unit on the right is shown in the unlatched position with no electrical connection between movable contact fingers 20fand its associated fixed contact 30.

It should be noted that switching device could be attached to a printed circuit board having suitable fixed contacts and electrical circuit.

In FIG. 3, another embodiment of switching device 10' is shown. This device is substantially similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 except that the electronic circuit device is integrated into the switching device. Essentially, attaching means 22, support member 34 and shorting bar 32, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, are eliminated and substrate 26 is permanently joined to cover member 12 by suitable means such as cement. The actuating members l4, 16; cover member 12;

movable contacts

18, 20; support member 38; substrate 26; contacts 30; electronic circuit (resistance element) 28; and terminals 36 are all essentially identical to that shown and described in regard to FIGS. 1 and 2. Likewise, the method of operation of individual actuating members is identical.

FIG. 4, an electrical schematic of both the embodiment of FIGS. I and 2 and the embodiment of FIG. 3 is shown.

Connection of either electronic circuit device 24 or integral switch-inch device 10' to an external electrical circuit would be made through the two terminals 36 shown in the upper portion of FIG. 4. The other terminals shown may be used for plug-in connection to an external circuit. Portions of resistance element 28 can be selectively shorted out by actuating any two of the switching units to effect electrical connection between

movable contact

18f, 20f and its associated fixed contact 30 in a manner described above.

In FIG. 5, a partial cutaway view of another embodiment of switching device in accordance with the subject invention is shown. In this device, many of the components are substantially the same or identical to those disclosed in regard to the embodiments of FIG. I or FIG. 3.

While a cover member and actuating members are shown only in phantom in FIG. 5, components identical to those shown in FIG. 3 would be utilized.

Movable contact members

18, 20, electrically conductive support member 38, substrate 26 and terminals 26 as described in regard to the embodiments of FIGS. I and 3 are utilized.

Electrical circuit 28" of device 10" includes a capacitance network which is arranged to allow an operator to switch into a circuit selected capacitances in parallel with one another. In order to fulfill this electrical circuit 28", a bottom electrically conductive layer 40 formed of a metallic film, an intermediate dielectric film layer 42 and a plurality of metallic, electrically conductive portions 44 which are electrically con nected to contacts 30 are included. Bottom layer 40 extends substantially the entire length of the device and forms a common electrode which is electrically connected to terminal 360. Dielectric layer 42 covers bottom layer 40. Each of the top layer portions 44 acts as a second electrode of a capacitor.

As in the embodiments in FIGS. 1 and 3,

movable contact members

18, 20 are electrically connected to support 38. However, in this embodiment, support 38 is electrically connected to terminal 36b by means such as the spring contact 46 shown in FIG. 5. The switchable capacitance device 10" as shown in FIG. 5 is operated exactly the same as the devices of FIGS. I and 3. Actuation of each switching unit adds a separate capacitor in parallel thereby permitting a user to select any one of a number of different capacitances either singly or together, in parallel.

In FIG. 7, a multiple position switching device is shown, partially cut away. In this embodiment, switching device 10' has a single input with a capability of having a user select any one or more of a plurality of outputs, such as the 16 outputs shown in the diagram in FIG. 8.

The structure of this embodiment is very similar to that described in regard to FIG. 5 with the exception that the electrical circuit on substrate 26 is comprised merely of electrical connections between contacts 30 and

corresponding terminals

36, 36 with electrically conductive support member 28 being electrically connected to input terminal 36: via a spring contact 46.

As can be readily seen in FIG. 8, by operation of any one or more switching units of switching device I', as described above, a user can electrically connect any one or more output terminals to the common input terminal 36:.

In FIG. 9, still another embodiment of the subject invention is shown in which a modified structure allows each individual switching unit to function as a separate independent single-pole, single-throw switch. A modified movable contact structure. support for the movable contacts and fixed contact structure is provided as shown in FIG. 9.

First, movable contacts 120 are formed of separate, independent members as opposed to being formed from a single member. This allows each movable contact to be electrically insulated from other movable contacts. Each movable contact member includes a movable contact finger 120f, I lSf which is similar to

movable contact finger

18f, 20f, but in addition includes a portion 118p, 120p for permanently making electrical contact with one of a first set of contacts 130b. Each of contacts 13012 has its respective, electrically connected terminal l36b. Similarly, each fixed contact 1300 which is adapted for engagement by movable contact fingers I 18f. 120fis electrically connected to its respective terminal I360. In this embodiment, support member 138 is of an electrically insulative material such as a plastic or ceramic.

Movable contact members H8, 120 can be connected to support member 138 by riveting (using suitable insulating washers). as shown by rivets I38r and washers 138w or by any other suitable means such as cementing.

The mechanical operation of the device is essentially the same as that described regarding the other embodiments with each switching unit functioning electrically as a complete single-pole, single-throw switch with its own input and output terminal.

In FIG. I I, a somewhat similar embodiment is shown which permits switching device 200 to have doublethrow capabilities. In this embodiment, essentially onehalf of the device is the same as that shown in FIG. 9 with one end of movable contact 120 engaging a fixed contact Ib which is connected to terminals l36b and the finger portion 120] adapted for engagement with a fixed contact [300 which is connected to terminals 1360. However, each of the other set of movable contacts 218 does not include a separate portion for connection to a separate set of fixed contacts and terminals as in FIG. 9, but rather is electrically connected to the particular movable contact 120 located on the opposite side of support member 138. This electrical connection can conveniently be accomplished by using an electrically conductive rivet preferably made out of a metallic material to mechanically connect corresponding movable contact members together.

FIG. I2 is a schematic diagram of switching device 200. From this diagram, it can be seen that input terminal 1301: can be electrically connected to either or both of its related two output terminals 1300 by actuation of one or both of its related switching units.

The operation of each individual switch unit of device 200 is essentially the same as hereinbefore described in relationship to other embodiments. However, because each corresponding pair of switching units has a common input and separate outputs, the pair of switching units may be used to provide a doublethrow switching function.

In order to provide wide flexibility for switching devices in accordance with the subject invention, connecting devices 50 ofa variety of forms may be used to join protruding portions of actuating members to provide simultaneous actuation of two or more switching units, as shown in FIG. I3.

For example, connecting member 50a is shown which fits over two adjacent actuating members. This member 50a is in the form of a cap which may be retained either temporarily or permanently between two or more actuating members. For example, member 50a could be retained by friction, cementing, riveting, etc. It is possible to join together protruding portions of any two or more actuating members whether they be longitudinally or laerally disposed to one another. In practice, a number of connecting members 50a of different shapes can be utilized to allow simultaneous actuation of any two or more switching members. Another embodiment of connecting member 50b as also shown in FIG. 13 may be utilized where a greater flexibility in movement of the actuating members is necessary to provide proper actuation. Connecting member 50b is joined to separate actuating

members

18, 20 by a rivet 52 which permits relative rotation between the

actuat ing member

18, 20 and connecting member 50b.

In FIGS. 14A and 148. two alternate forms of switching devices similar to that shown in FIG. II are shown with laterally disposed actuating

members

18, 20 connected together by a connecting member 50b. The terminal and fixed and movable contact configurations are exactly the same as that described in regard to FIG. 11. In FIG. 14A, the cover 12. and actuating members l4, 16 are the same as that described in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3. As can be readily seen, when actuating member I4 is operated into a latched position. movable contact 218 engages fixed contact 130a. Simultaneously, actuating member 16 is forced into a non-actuated position wherein movable contact does not make electrical connection with its corresponding fixed contact a. This allows the pair of switching units to operate in a double-throw mode.

In FIG. 148, a modified cover structure 112 is provided along with a modified set of actuating members 116 which allows latching of both actuating

members

14 and 116 when they are depressed and moved to the right as shown in the figure. In this way, simultaneously, both switching units can be actuated to effect electrical circuit among terminal 136a and terminal 13611.

In FIG. 15, another embodiment of switching device 300 is shown in which side operated actuating members are used. In this embodiment, protruding portions 314p, 3l6p are provided which extend at right angles to the body of the respective actuating member and they extend out through apertures 3120 in the sides of the device. Internal to the top portion 3l2fof the cover member is a longitudinally running latching surface 312s formed from a protrusion extending downwardly into the interior of the device. At this point, it should be noted that the spring force of the movable contacts act on each corresponding actuating member in a direction having both a vertical and a lateral component.

In operation, a switching unit as has been herein defined is operated by engaging protruding portion 314p, 316p of an actuating member, pressing it vertically down and in toward the interior of the switching device so as to provide the necessary camming action of the actuating member on the movable contact to effect electrical contact between the movable contact and fixed contact while causing a step portion of the actuating member (where the vertical and horizontal portions meet) to engage latching surface 3123. The spring force from the movable contact tends to hold the actuating member against latched surface 312s. To reset the switch to the of position, protruding portion 314p, 316p is pressed vertically downward and may be pulled slightly outward away from the device to allow the spring force to return the actuating member to its unactuated position. The above illustrates the use of the switching device in a latching mode.

In the momentary mode, protruding portion 314b, 3l6b is depressed vertically with no pressure in toward the interior of the device. When pressure is relieved, the spring force from the movable contact will return the actuating member to its normal, of position.

It is obvious that many modifications may be made to the subject invention which comes within its true scope and spirit. For example, any number of rows of switching units from one, two, three or more may be utilized and these may be positioned in any configuration desired. For example, circular or curved rows may be utilized. Also, of course, any number of switching units, one or more, may be assembled in a row. The movable contact members might be formed from wire members, multiple wire members or be of a coil configuration. instead of the entire movable contact member being of an electrically conductive material, an electrical conductor may be printed, plated or attached to a member having the desired characteristics. The terminals, for example, could also be formed of wires, pins, soldering lugs, soldering pads, sockets, or any other known termination component.

It is intended that the true scope and spirit of the subject invention be limited only by the appended claims. What we claim and desire to secure by letters patent l. A device for switching among a fixed array of electrical contacts, said device comprised of:

a cover member including at least one cover face portion having at least two apertures therethrough,

at least two movable contacts each including a cantilevered finger portion and electrically conductive means at least partially located on each finger portion, said finger portions being formed of a spring material;

means for engaging said fixed array of electrical contacts with each of said movable contacts disposed adjacent to a corresponding contact of said array,

at least two elongated actuating means captured in said cover member and adapted for moving against and deflecting respective finger portions of said movable contacts to provide physical contact and electrical connection between said electrically conductive portion of said movable contacts and corresponding contacts of said fixed array, each of said actuating means having at one end a protruding portion adapted for engagement by a user, a step portion near said one end and a cam surface at the other end for engaging a respective one of said finger portions, the finger portions of said movable contacts when deflected urging the return of said actuating means to a non-actuating position, whereby a momentary connection between said electrically conductive contact portion and a corresponding contact of said fixed array may be established by depressing said actuating means to det'lect said finger portion, said connection being broken when said actuating means is released,

each of said protruding portions of said actuating means extending through a respective one of said apertures, each of said apertures being of a size and shape sufficient to allow said protruding portion to be laterally translated a small distance. said cover member further including a stationary step-like surface engaged by said step portion of each of said actuating means when said actuating means is depressed to deflect said finger portion and simultaneously laterally translated a small distance to enable said actuating means to be latched in a depressed position with the step portion of said actuating means pressed against the step-like surface of said cover member by the spring force of said finger portion; and

means for supporting said movable contacts.

2. A device as in claim 1 further including at least two or more fixed electrically conductive contacts positioned to be contacted by said electrically conductive means of said finger portions on deflection thereof by said actuating means; and

means for supporting said fixed contacts.

3. A device as in claim 2 further including means for attaching said cover member to said fixed contact sup port means.

4. A device as in claim 1 and further including a contact means associated with each of said movable contacts for providing an electrical connection to said electrically conductive means of said movable contact, each of said contact means comprising another mov able contact similar in construction to said first mentioned movable contact and electrically connected thereto.

5. A device as in claim 1 and further including a contact means associated with each of said movable contacts for providing an electrical connection to said electrically conductive means of said movable contact, each of said contact means comprising a contact member in permanent electrical connection with each of said movable contacts and adapted for physical contact and electrical connection with corresponding contacts of said fixed array.

6. A device as in claim 1, wherein a notch is provided in an intermediate portion of each of said actuating means, and further including a plurality of protruding members supported interior to said cover member, said protruding members extending into respective ones of said notches to capture said actuating means in said cover member, said notches being of sufficient size to permit said actuating means to be depressed.

7. A device as in claim 6 wherein said protruding members are formed integrally with said movable contacts.

8. A switching device comprised of:

a cover member including at least one cover face portion having at least two apertures therethrough.

at least two movable contacts each including at least one cantilevered finger portion and electrically conductive means at least partially located on each finger portion. each finger portion being formed of a spring material;

means for supporting said movable contacts;

at least two fixed electrically conductive contacts each of which being located adjacent a respective finger portion; means for supporting said fixed contacts; at least two elongated actuating means captured in said cover member and adapted for moving against and deflecting respective finger portions into electrically conductive engagement with respective fixed contacts, each of said actuating means having at one end a protruding portion adaptd for engagement by a user. a step portion near said one end and a cam surface at the other end for engaging the finger portion of one of said movable contacts, the finger portions of said movable contacts when deflected urging the return of said actuating means to a nonactuating position whereby a momentary connection between said electrically conductive contact portin and a respective fixed contact may be established by depressing said actuating means to deflect said finger portion, said connection being broken when said actuating means is released.

each of said protruding portions extending through one of said apertures. said apertures said being of a size and shape sufficient to allow said protruding portion to be laterally translated a small distance. said cover member further including a stationary step-like surface latchingly engaged by said step portion of each of said actuating means when said actuating means is depressed and laterally translated a small distance.

9. A device as in claim 8 wherein said electrically conductive means of at least two of said finger portions are electrically interconnected.

10. A device as in claim 9 further including electric circuit means connected between said fixed contacts.

H. A device as in claim 10 wherein said electric circuit means includes capacitors.

12. A device as in claim 9 wherein said electric circuit means includes resistors;

13. A device as in claim 9 wherein said movable contacts are formed of a continuous metallic strip.

14. A device as in claims 9 wherein said support means for said movable contacts is formed of an electrically conductive material.

15. A device as in claim 8 wherein said electrically conductive means of each of said movable contacts is electrically insulated from the electrically conductive means of other movable contacts; and further including contact means for providing a separate electrical connection to each of the said electrically conductive means.

16. A device as in claim wherein each of said movable electrical contacts is made of metal and wherein said means for supporting said movable contacts is formed of an electrically insulating material.

17. A device as in claim 8 wherein at least two rows of movable contacts and adjacent respective fixed contacts are provided, said movable contact support means supporting on one said thereof movable contacts of one row and supporting on the other side movable contacts of a second row.

18. A device as in claim 17 wherein the electrically conductive means of at least one movable contact in one row is electrically connected to the electrically conductive means of an adjacent movable contact in a second row.

19. A device as in claim 8 further including connecting means for physically connecting together the protruding portions of at least two of said actuating meansv 20. A switching device comprised of a plurality of switching units including:

a cover member including at least one cover face portion having a plurality of apertures therein with one aperture for each of said switching units and a stationary step-like surface;

each of said switching units comprising a movable contact, a fixed contact, and an elongated actuating means captured in said cover member and adapted for moving against and deflecting one of said movable contacts into electrically connective relationship with said fixed contact;

wherein each of said movable contacts includes a cantilevered spring electrically conductive finger portion;

and wherein each of said elongated actuating means includes a protruding portion at one end adapted for engagement by a user which extends through a respective cover member aperture, a step portion near said one end latchingly engaging the step-like surface of said cover member when said actuating member has been depressed and the protruding portion thereof has been laterally translated toward said step-like surface, and a cam surface portion at the other end for engaging and deflecting a finger portion of one of said movable contacts when said actuating means is depressed;

whereby each switching unit can be momentarily actuated by depressing one of said acuating means to cause deflection of a respective one of said movable contacts into electrically connective relation ship with a respective one of said fixed contacts and said actuating means can be latched in the depressed position by lateral translation of the protruding portion thereof to engage the step portion thereof with the mating step-like surface of said cover member.

21. A device as in claim 20 further including means for physically connecting at least two of the protruding ends of said actuating means together.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. 3,919,505 Page 1 of 2 DATED 1 November 11, 1975 'NVENTOR(5) William G. Becker, Frank J. Bruder, Michael J. Howeth.

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 3, Line 26: "FIG." should be FIGS.

Column 4, Line 52: "ar" should be are Column 5, Line 15: "6f" should be of Column 5, Line 27: "with" should be within Column 5, Line 54= "fingers" should be finger Column 6, Line 7: "FIG. 4" should be In FIG. 4

Column 6, Line 30: "terminals 26" should be terminals 36 Column 8, Line 21: "laerally" should be laterally Column 8, Line 55: "

members

18,20" should be members l4,l6-

Column 9, Line 25: "comes" should be come Colurgg 9, Line 67 "cam surface at the should be cam surface portion at the Column 10 Line 1 Column 10, Line 36: "A device" should be A switching device-- Column 11, Line 16: "adaptd" should be adapted Column 11, Line 24: "portin" should be portion UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. 3 919 505 Page 2 of 2 DATED November 11, 1975 INVENTOR(S) William G. Becker, Frank J. Bruder, Michael J.Howett it is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that sard Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 11, Line 29: "apertures said being" should be apertures each being Column 11, Line 48: "claims 9 should be claim 9 Column 12, Line 7: "on one said thereof" should be on one side thereof Signed and Scaled this Sixth Day of July 1976 [SEAL] Arrest:

RUTHC. MA'SON C. MARSHALL DANN Arresting ()ffuer Commissioner uj'larenls and Trademarks

Claims

1. A device foR switching among a fixed array of electrical contacts, said device comprised of: a cover member including at least one cover face portion having at least two apertures therethrough, at least two movable contacts each including a cantilevered finger portion and electrically conductive means at least partially located on each finger portion, said finger portions being formed of a spring material; means for engaging said fixed array of electrical contacts with each of said movable contacts disposed adjacent to a corresponding contact of said array, at least two elongated actuating means captured in said cover member and adapted for moving against and deflecting respective finger portions of said movable contacts to provide physical contact and electrical connection between said electrically conductive portion of said movable contacts and corresponding contacts of said fixed array, each of said actuating means having at one end a protruding portion adapted for engagement by a user, a step portion near said one end and a cam surface at the other end for engaging a respective one of said finger portions, the finger portions of said movable contacts when deflected urging the return of said actuating means to a nonactuating position, whereby a momentary connection between said electrically conductive contact portion and a corresponding contact of said fixed array may be established by depressing said actuating means to deflect said finger portion, said connection being broken when said actuating means is released, each of said protruding portions of said actuating means extending through a respective one of said apertures, each of said apertures being of a size and shape sufficient to allow said protruding portion to be laterally translated a small distance, said cover member further including a stationary step-like surface engaged by said step portion of each of said actuating means when said actuating means is depressed to deflect said finger portion and simultaneously laterally translated a small distance to enable said actuating means to be latched in a depressed position with the step portion of said actuating means pressed against the step-like surface of said cover member by the spring force of said finger portion; and means for supporting said movable contacts.

2. A device as in claim 1 further including at least two or more fixed electrically conductive contacts positioned to be contacted by said electrically conductive means of said finger portions on deflection thereof by said actuating means; and means for supporting said fixed contacts.

3. A device as in claim 2 further including means for attaching said cover member to said fixed contact support means.

4. A device as in claim 1 and further including a contact means associated with each of said movable contacts for providing an electrical connection to said electrically conductive means of said movable contact, each of said contact means comprising another movable contact similar in construction to said first mentioned movable contact and electrically connected thereto.

8. A switching device comprised of: a cover member including at least one cover face portion having at least two apertures therethrough, at least two movable contacts each including at least one cantilevered finger portion and electrically conductive means at least partially located on each finger portion, each finger portion being formed of a spring material; means for supporting said movable contacts; at least two fixed electrically conductive contacts each of which being located adjacent a respective finger portion; means for supporting said fixed contacts; at least two elongated actuating means captured in said cover member and adapted for moving against and deflecting respective finger portions into electrically conductive engagement with respective fixed contacts, each of said actuating means having at one end a protruding portion adaptd for engagement by a user, a step portion near said one end and a cam surface at the other end for engaging the finger portion of one of said movable contacts, the finger portions of said movable contacts when deflected urging the return of said actuating means to a nonactuating position, whereby a momentary connection between said electrically conductive contact portin and a respective fixed contact may be established by depressing said actuating means to deflect said finger portion, said connection being broken when said actuating means is released, each of said protruding portions extending through one of said apertures, said apertures said being of a size and shape sufficient to allow said protruding portion to be laterally translated a small distance, said cover member further including a stationary step-like surface latchingly engaged by said step portion of each of said actuating means when said actuating means is depressed and laterally translated a small distance.

11. A device as in claim 10 wherein said electric circuit means includes capacitors.

12. A device as in claim 9 wherein said electric circuit means includes resistors.

16. A device as in claim 15 wherein each of said movable electrical contacts is made of metal and wherein said means for supporting said movable contacts is formed of an electrically insulating material.

19. A device as in claim 8 further including connecting means for physically connecting together the protruding portions of at least two of said actuating means.

20. A switching device comprised of a plurality of switching units including: a cover member including at least one cover face portion having a plurality of apertures therein with one apertUre for each of said switching units and a stationary step-like surface; each of said switching units comprising a movable contact, a fixed contact, and an elongated actuating means captured in said cover member and adapted for moving against and deflecting one of said movable contacts into electrically connective relationship with said fixed contact; wherein each of said movable contacts includes a cantilevered spring electrically conductive finger portion; and wherein each of said elongated actuating means includes a protruding portion at one end adapted for engagement by a user which extends through a respective cover member aperture, a step portion near said one end latchingly engaging the step-like surface of said cover member when said actuating member has been depressed and the protruding portion thereof has been laterally translated toward said step-like surface, and a cam surface portion at the other end for engaging and deflecting a finger portion of one of said movable contacts when said actuating means is depressed; whereby each switching unit can be momentarily actuated by depressing one of said acuating means to cause deflection of a respective one of said movable contacts into electrically connective relationship with a respective one of said fixed contacts and said actuating means can be latched in the depressed position by lateral translation of the protruding portion thereof to engage the step portion thereof with the mating step-like surface of said cover member.