US3927283A - Interlocking bar allowing operation of one switch assembly in a plural column, row matrix switch assembly - Google Patents

Interlocking bar allowing operation of one switch assembly in a plural column, row matrix switch assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
US3927283A
US3927283A US341200A US34120073A US3927283A US 3927283 A US3927283 A US 3927283A US 341200 A US341200 A US 341200A US 34120073 A US34120073 A US 34120073A US 3927283 A US3927283 A US 3927283A
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Prior art keywords
interlocking
keys
coupling plate
rows
pushbutton
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Expired - Lifetime
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US341200A
Inventor
Isao Kunimine
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NEC Platforms Ltd
Nippon Tsushin Kogyo KK
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Nitsuko Corp
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/72—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard wherein the switch has means for limiting the number of operating members that can concurrently be in the actuated position
    • H01H13/74—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard wherein the switch has means for limiting the number of operating members that can concurrently be in the actuated position each contact set returning to its original state only upon actuation of another of the operating members

Definitions

  • interlocking pushbutton key switches are required to permit selection of the telephone circuit sconnected to the key telephone set.
  • key telephones are divided into different models depending on the number of telephone circuits that may be selected by the phone, such as sets using 6 or circuits.
  • the type of pushbutton key switch assembly furnished with each set therefore have different measurements corresponding thereto.
  • the pushbutton keys used in key telephone sets must be interlocking, (that is, when a certain key is locked and any other key is pushed, the locked key must release and return to its original position), but as the number of keys increase in key telephone sets to, for example, circuits, the buttons must be arranged in either two rows of ten buttons each or three rows of seven each.
  • the interlocking slide bar for prior art pushbutton key switches for telephones where multiple key rows are used have a single integrated interlocking slide bar designed specifically for the desired number of rows.
  • the key switch of the present invention performs all the required functions of interlocking pushbutton keys, but is not limited to a specific number of rows like conventional types found in the prior sets. Instead, by the present invention, the key switch rows may be assembled either singly or jointly by a very simple operation. The keys were devised to simplify assembly work and make the mounting of the keys easier.
  • the invention permits interlocking of a plurality of pushbutton rows by providing a toothed extension of an interlocking slide bar which engages in a hinged mounted, coupling plate. Because the other rows on the pushbutton assembly are similarly constructed and connected to the rotatably mounted, coupling plate, the horizontal interlocking movement of one interlocking bar as a key is depressed moves the slide bars of all other rows of keys connected to the coupling plate a substantially equal amount; thereby interlocking all the rows.
  • FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the prior art system of pushbutton keys
  • FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a 16 pushbutton key assembly constructed according to this invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a 24 pushbutton key assembly constructed according to this invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway side view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded, partial isometric view.
  • FIG. 6 is an exploded, partial isometric view of a 16 pushbutton key assembly showing the function of two 77 ofFIG. 2 showing theoperation of the keys 1 in 5 each module. 9
  • EMBODIMENT Asshown in FIGS. 2 5, in a row of pushbutton keys 1 each key mutually interlocks by conventional means, additionally one end of horizontally movable, interlocking plate 10 has a lip or hooked extension 11. In the lip 11 a small cut out permits interlocking between the rows of pushbntto ns.
  • Mounting frame 2 is designed for mounting a plurality of pushbutton key rows 1.
  • the printed circuit board connector 3 is affixed to mounting frame 2 by mounting plate 4.
  • Printed circuit board 5 connects the circuits of slide switch contacts 1c of pushbutton keys switch 1 to the contacts 5a inserted in printed circuit connector 3.
  • a coupling plate 6, having an opening 6a, is used to interlock the pushbutton keys switch rows 1 for multiple mounting.
  • Shaft 7 is used to hinge coupling plate 6 on mounting frame 2.
  • An interlocking pushbutton key switch mechanism for a key telephone comprising a box shaped mounting frame; a plurality of switch modules mounted on" said frame each module having a plurality of pushbutton keys and associated switching means including printed circuit board means mounted to each of said modules, and said frame;
  • interlocking bars being movable in a horizontal direction upon depressing one of said keys in each of said rows, said interlocking bar having a notched portion on one end thereof;
  • a rotatably mounted rectangular coupling plate pivotally mounted atone end to said frame and being substantially perpendicular to the interlocking bars, said coupling plate having an openingiat the other end of said plate, on a portion of said plate projecting out from the coupling plate at a distance below the pivot point of the coupling plate and in juxtaposition to the notched portion of said bars, for engaging the notched portion of each of said interlocking bars so that horizontal movement of one of said bars pivots said coupling plate and causes interlocking horizontal movement of all other rows of keys in substantially the same manner to thereby interlock all the rows of keys.

Abstract

An interlocking pushbutton key switch is disclosed in which the interlocking slide bar has a lipped, toothed extension which engages in a rotatably mounted, coupling plate. Other rows of pushbuttons are constructed to operate similarly. Thus the operation of one button in any row interlocks with all other pushbuttons on the pushbutton key switch assembly.

Description

United States Patent 200/5 EA, 5 EB, 50 C, 168 R, 168 K, 169 R, 169 PB, 321, 322, 293, 18
Kunimine Dec. 16, 1975 INTERLOCKING BAR ALLOWING [56] References Cited OPERATION OF ONE SWITCH ASSEMBLY UNITED STATES PATENTS IN A PLURAL COLUMN ROW MATRIX 2,932,816 4/1960 stiefel et a1. 200/5 E UX SWITCH ASSEMBLY 3,271,530 9/1966 Wirsching 200/5 EA Inventor; I530 Kunimine Kawasaki Ja 3,358,090 12/1967 Smith 2.00/5 B 3,646,283 2/1972 Hansen 200/5 EB [731 Assignees: Nippon Tsu Shin Kogyo K.K., 3,678,288 7/1972 Swanke et a1 200/5 R X Kanagawa, Japan; 3,706,863 12/1972 Britton et a1. 200/5 E X TIE/communications, Inc 3,719,786 3/1973 Mallett et a]. 200/5 EB St f d (30m 3,778,564 12/1973 NOCeIIa 200/5 R [22] Ffled: 1973 Primary ExaminerJames R. Scott [21] Appl. No.: 341,200 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Kenyon & Kenyon [30] Foreign Application Priority Data [57] ABSTRACT Jan. 31, 1973 Japan 48-12877 An interlocking pushb tton key witch is disclosed in which the inter1ocking slide bar has a lipped, toothed CL 200/5 200/5 extension which engages in a rotatably mounted, cou- 200/50 C pling plate. Other rows of pushbuttons are constructed [5 Illlt. Cl to perate Thus the peration of ne button 1 Fleld 0f Search ZOO/1 5 5 5 in any row interlocks with all other pushbuttons on the pushbutton key switch assembly.
1 Claim, 5 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent DeC. 16,1975 Sheet 1012 3,927,283
T R A R w R P uunuuunu.
r-lr'lnr'lnnnn II II Tl II II II II I U.S. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 Sheet 2 0f 2 W! MW INTERLOCKING BAR ALLOWING: OPERATION OF ONE SWITCH ASSEMBLY IN A PLURAL COLUMN, ROW, MATRIX, SWITCH ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND oE THE INVENTION The present invention relates tothe. construction of interlocking pushbutton key switches for use in, for expl .k y t p s. Y
, In key telephones using plural telephone line circuits, interlocking pushbutton key; switches are required to permit selection of the telephone circuit sconnected to the key telephone set. Ordinarily key telephones are divided into different models depending on the number of telephone circuits that may be selected by the phone, such as sets using 6 or circuits. The type of pushbutton key switch assembly furnished with each set therefore have different measurements corresponding thereto. Further, the pushbutton keys used in key telephone sets must be interlocking, (that is, when a certain key is locked and any other key is pushed, the locked key must release and return to its original position), but as the number of keys increase in key telephone sets to, for example, circuits, the buttons must be arranged in either two rows of ten buttons each or three rows of seven each. The interlocking slide bar for prior art pushbutton key switches for telephones where multiple key rows are used, have a single integrated interlocking slide bar designed specifically for the desired number of rows. The key switch of the present invention performs all the required functions of interlocking pushbutton keys, but is not limited to a specific number of rows like conventional types found in the prior sets. Instead, by the present invention, the key switch rows may be assembled either singly or jointly by a very simple operation. The keys were devised to simplify assembly work and make the mounting of the keys easier.
In summary, the invention permits interlocking of a plurality of pushbutton rows by providing a toothed extension of an interlocking slide bar which engages in a hinged mounted, coupling plate. Because the other rows on the pushbutton assembly are similarly constructed and connected to the rotatably mounted, coupling plate, the horizontal interlocking movement of one interlocking bar as a key is depressed moves the slide bars of all other rows of keys connected to the coupling plate a substantially equal amount; thereby interlocking all the rows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention, as well as its features and objects, will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the prior art system of pushbutton keys;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a 16 pushbutton key assembly constructed according to this invention;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a 24 pushbutton key assembly constructed according to this invention;
FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway side view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 2; and
FIG. 5 is an exploded, partial isometric view.
FIG. 6 is an exploded, partial isometric view of a 16 pushbutton key assembly showing the function of two 77 ofFIG. 2 showing theoperation of the keys 1 in 5 each module. 9
EMBODIMENT Asshown in FIGS. 2 5, in a row of pushbutton keys 1 each key mutually interlocks by conventional means, additionally one end of horizontally movable, interlocking plate 10 has a lip or hooked extension 11. In the lip 11 a small cut out permits interlocking between the rows of pushbntto ns. Mounting frame 2 is designed for mounting a plurality of pushbutton key rows 1. The printed circuit board connector 3 is affixed to mounting frame 2 by mounting plate 4. Printed circuit board 5 connects the circuits of slide switch contacts 1c of pushbutton keys switch 1 to the contacts 5a inserted in printed circuit connector 3. A coupling plate 6, having an opening 6a, is used to interlock the pushbutton keys switch rows 1 for multiple mounting. Shaft 7 is used to hinge coupling plate 6 on mounting frame 2.
In the operation of a pushbutton key system having two rows of eight pushbutton keys 1, (FIG. 2) contacts 5a of printed circuit board 5, (FIG. 4) connect with printed circuit connector 3 installed in mounting frame 2 on which coupling plate 6 and printed circuit connector 3 were previously fastened. At the same time the downward lip or hook I 1 of pushbutton key switch row 1 slides into hole 6a of coupling plate 6. The second row of pushbutton keys is identical in construction and mounting. In this manner, interlocking slide bars 1a for each row of pushbutton keys 1 are coupled by the freely rotatable coupling plate 6 to thereby perform the identical function to that of the single piece interlocking slide bars. That is, when interlocking bar 111 of the first row of pushbutton keys 1 is moved horizontally 1.5 mm, coupling plate 6 swings in the same horizontal direction as interlocking bar la and also moves 1.5 mm. By this step, the interlocking bar 1a in the second row, because it also is connected to coupling plate 6, also moves 1.5 mm in the same manner. Interlocking is thereby accomplished between each row. Employing the interlocking mechanism described above, it is possible to assemble interlocking pushbutton key switches for use in a key telephone set for 24 circuits as shown in FIG. 3, by simply supplementing the two rows with a third row of pushbutton keys 1 of identical construction. By this invention, it is therefore possible to easily obtain interlocking pushbutton key assemblies for use in key telephone sets having different numbers of lines by increasing or decreasing the number of rows. This ofiers the possibility of standardizing the construction and assembly of the key telephone pushbutton switches. Furthermore, since a single row of pushbutton keys is not connected directly to wiring leads, it is easy to install or remove keys. Therefore, the present device has advantages such as simplicity of assembly, ease of mounting and great practical utility.
It is to be understood that the embodiment of this invention described herein is merely intended to illustrate the operative principles of the invention and is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. Modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.
What is claimed is:
1. An interlocking pushbutton key switch mechanism for a key telephone comprising a box shaped mounting frame; a plurality of switch modules mounted on" said frame each module having a plurality of pushbutton keys and associated switching means including printed circuit board means mounted to each of said modules, and said frame;
a horizontally movable interlocking lower bar mounted in each said module and connected to each row of keys;
said interlocking bars being movable in a horizontal direction upon depressing one of said keys in each of said rows, said interlocking bar having a notched portion on one end thereof; and
a rotatably mounted rectangular coupling plate pivotally mounted atone end to said frame and being substantially perpendicular to the interlocking bars, said coupling plate having an openingiat the other end of said plate, on a portion of said plate projecting out from the coupling plate at a distance below the pivot point of the coupling plate and in juxtaposition to the notched portion of said bars, for engaging the notched portion of each of said interlocking bars so that horizontal movement of one of said bars pivots said coupling plate and causes interlocking horizontal movement of all other rows of keys in substantially the same manner to thereby interlock all the rows of keys.

Claims (1)

1. An interlocking pushbutton key switch mechanism for a key telephone comprising a box shaped mounting frame; a plurality of switch modules mounted on said frame each module having a plurality of pushbutton keys and associated switching means including printed circuit board means mounted to each of said modules, and said frame; a horizontally movable interlocking lower bar mounted in each said module and connected to each row of keys; said interlocking bars being movable in a horizontal direction upon depressing one of said keys in each of said rows, said interlocking bar having a notched portion on one end thereof; and a rotatably mounted rectangular coupling plate pivotally mounted at one end to said frame and being substantially perpendicular to the interlocking bars, said coupling plate having an opening at the other end of said plate, on a portion of said plate projecting out from the coupling plate at a distance below the pivot point of the coupling plate and in juxtaposition to the notched portion of said bars, for engaging the notched portion of each of said interlocking bars so that horizontal movement of one of said bars pivots said coupling plate and causes interlocking horizontal movement of all other rows of keys in substantially the same manner to thereby interlock all the rows of keys.
US341200A 1973-01-31 1973-03-14 Interlocking bar allowing operation of one switch assembly in a plural column, row matrix switch assembly Expired - Lifetime US3927283A (en)

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JP1973012877U JPS5443330Y2 (en) 1973-01-31 1973-01-31

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4122316A (en) * 1976-01-28 1978-10-24 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Push button switch assembly having independent operator interlock in at least two rows latching at least one operator
US4205557A (en) * 1977-08-26 1980-06-03 Trw Inc. Interlocking apparatus
US4297540A (en) * 1977-06-08 1981-10-27 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Interlocking gang push-button switch
US4309579A (en) * 1979-04-20 1982-01-05 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Ganged push-button switch
US4628153A (en) * 1984-12-17 1986-12-09 Marshall Daly Stand-alone keyphone system

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2932816A (en) * 1958-05-19 1960-04-12 Sperry Rand Corp Keyboard transmitter
US3271530A (en) * 1965-01-12 1966-09-06 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Pushbutton switch with latching, lockout and indicator lamp structure
US3358090A (en) * 1963-03-11 1967-12-12 Samuel H Smith Pushbutton control with retaining and disabling means
US3646283A (en) * 1970-04-20 1972-02-29 Globe Union Inc Multistation pushbutton switch assembly with master control means for alternative push-push or only one switch operable at a time modes of actuation
US3678288A (en) * 1968-10-09 1972-07-18 Dynamics Corp America Multiple push button switch speed control system
US3706863A (en) * 1970-09-11 1972-12-19 Seeburg Corp Multiple switch assembly for vending machine selecting apparatus with improved master switch control
US3719786A (en) * 1971-04-02 1973-03-06 Ark Les Switch Corp Pushbutton slide switch assemblies with interconnected laminated slider switch set assemblies allowing only one activated switch in a particular set
US3778564A (en) * 1972-07-07 1973-12-11 Honeywell Inc Switch resetting apparatus for multi-bank push button switches

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS435459Y1 (en) * 1966-11-01 1968-03-09

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2932816A (en) * 1958-05-19 1960-04-12 Sperry Rand Corp Keyboard transmitter
US3358090A (en) * 1963-03-11 1967-12-12 Samuel H Smith Pushbutton control with retaining and disabling means
US3271530A (en) * 1965-01-12 1966-09-06 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Pushbutton switch with latching, lockout and indicator lamp structure
US3678288A (en) * 1968-10-09 1972-07-18 Dynamics Corp America Multiple push button switch speed control system
US3646283A (en) * 1970-04-20 1972-02-29 Globe Union Inc Multistation pushbutton switch assembly with master control means for alternative push-push or only one switch operable at a time modes of actuation
US3706863A (en) * 1970-09-11 1972-12-19 Seeburg Corp Multiple switch assembly for vending machine selecting apparatus with improved master switch control
US3719786A (en) * 1971-04-02 1973-03-06 Ark Les Switch Corp Pushbutton slide switch assemblies with interconnected laminated slider switch set assemblies allowing only one activated switch in a particular set
US3778564A (en) * 1972-07-07 1973-12-11 Honeywell Inc Switch resetting apparatus for multi-bank push button switches

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4122316A (en) * 1976-01-28 1978-10-24 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Push button switch assembly having independent operator interlock in at least two rows latching at least one operator
US4297540A (en) * 1977-06-08 1981-10-27 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Interlocking gang push-button switch
US4205557A (en) * 1977-08-26 1980-06-03 Trw Inc. Interlocking apparatus
US4309579A (en) * 1979-04-20 1982-01-05 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Ganged push-button switch
US4628153A (en) * 1984-12-17 1986-12-09 Marshall Daly Stand-alone keyphone system

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Publication number Publication date
JPS49114804U (en) 1974-10-01
JPS5443330Y2 (en) 1979-12-14
CA1005182A (en) 1977-02-08

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