US3627938A

US3627938A - Permutation switch

Info

Publication number: US3627938A
Application number: US29528A
Authority: US
Inventors: William J Davidson
Original assignee: ECC Corp (FORMERLY ELECTRONIC CONTROL CORPORATION)
Current assignee: Teccor Electronics Inc
Priority date: 1970-04-17
Filing date: 1970-04-17
Publication date: 1971-12-14
Anticipated expiration: 1988-12-14

Abstract

A plurality of tumblers are rotated by means made operable by selective movements of a combination dial to place conductive or dielectric peripheral regions of the tumblers in circuit making or breaking contact with spring contact fingers. The tumblers comprise annular outer portions surrounding inner portions which are independently rotatably mounted on a shaft. Releasable lock levers normally connect the two tumbler portions together for conjoint rotation. A radial actuator arm is secured to the rear end portion of the shaft. The inner portion of the rear tumbler includes a rear abutment positioned to be moved by the arm. Front and/or rear abutments on the inner portions of the remaining tumblers transmit rotary motion of the rear tumbler to the other tumblers. A pin is insertable from the rear of the switch through openings in the outer tumbler portions to both move the lock levers into release positions and lock such out portions together. This permits use of the dial to change the azimuthal position of the peripheral segments relative to the dial indicia, and the combination of the switch.

Description

limited tales Ptent William J. Davidson Primary Examiner-Herman J. l-lohauser Scio, Oreg. Attorney-Graybeal, Cole & Barnard Appl. No. 29,528 [22] Filed Apr. 117, 11970 ABSTRMCT: A plurality of tumblers are rotated by means Assignee Electronic Controls Corporation made operable by selective movements of a combination dial Sclo, 01mg. o place conductive or dielectric peripheral regions of the tumblers in circuit making or breaking contact with spring contact fingers. The tumblers comprise annular outer portions surrounding inner portions which are independently rotatably 11 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs. mounted on a shaft. Releasable lock levers normally connect the two tumbler portions together for conjoint rotation. A

[72] Inventor [45] Patented Dec. M, 19711 [54] PlEllIl/IIUTATION SWITCH radial actuator arm is secured to the rear end portion of the shaft. The inner portion of the rear tumbler includes a rear abutment positioned to be moved by the arm. Front and/or rear ubutmenta on the inner poriionu of the remaining tum More lrunmnlt rottu'y motion of the rum tumble! in tho Mlle! a 3nm7 Mad M 0 02 2 h? l l m m m mh "c r n "n m mm L m o m um m U Mn. N. m 5 55 l 11 tumblers. A pin is inuertable from the rear of the switch [56] Melerences Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS through openings in the outer tumbler portions to both move the lock levers into release positions and lock such out por- 200/43 tions together. This permits use of the dial to change the 70/317 azimuthal position of the peripheral segments relative to the 70/317 dial indicia, and the combination of the: switch.

2,984,717 5/1961 Davidson 1,092,874 4/1914 Taylor 2,494,575 1/1950 O'Brien........................

PATENIEUnEmmn 3527193

sum

1 or 2 INVENTOR. M11 04/ 7 J MI ADSO/V 1. ,m MMJ PlElltll/IIUTATION SWITCH BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Each of the aforementioned US. Pat. Nos. 2,797,271; 2,984,717 and 3,192,331 shows a permutation switch of the general type to which the present invention relates. In a switch of this type a plurality of disclike tumblers are arranged for free selective rotation about a support shaft mounted in a case. The tumbler peripheries have conductor and insulator regions. Contact brushes or fingers are mounted on the inside of a lateral wall of the case and project radially inwardly into contact with the peripheries of the tumblers. A combination dial is secured to one end of the shaft and a radial arm is secured to the opposite end. This radial arm and some rotary motion transmitting abutments on the tumblers function upon selective movements of the dial to temporarily couple the tumblers to the shaft, so that further shaft movement causes tumbler movement.

In the permutation switches disclosed by these three patents multiposition connections are provided between the shaft and the actuator arm so that the operating combination of the switch can be changed by a simple change in the azimuthal position of the actuator arm relative to the shaft. Also, U. S. Pat. No. 3,192,331 discloses a multiposition connection between the operating dial and the shaft, permitting further changes in the operating combination. As can be readily appreciated, in these prior art switches the number of combination changes achievable is a limited number, dependent upon the possible number of different azimuthal position settings of the actuator arm and/or operating dial relative to the shaft.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The principal object of the present invention is to provide multiposition connections between the conductive or dielectric region carrying portions of the tumblers and the dial controlled tumbler rotating elements, for the purpose of providing an almost infinite number of combination settings.

According to the invention, each tumbler comprises an inner portion which is freely rotatable about the support shaft, and an annular outer portion which concentrically surrounds the inner portion. The outer portion carries the make or break regions of the tumblers. A releasable lock means normally connects the two tumbler portions together for conjoint rota tion. When the lock means are released the inner tumbler portions are rotatable relative to the outer tumbler portions.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lock means are arranged so that they can all be simultaneously moved into their release positions by an elongated pin inserted from the rear of the switch through aligned openings in the outer portions of the tumbler. The pin serves to both release the lock means and to secure together the outer portions of the tumblers. In operation, the dial is turned in accordance with the existing combination of the switch to place the conductive or dielectric regions of the tumblers in a circuit making or breaking position relative to the contact brushes or fingets. The pin element is then inserted through the tumbler outer portions for the purpose of releasing the lock means and also holding the outer tumbler portions together and the conductive or dielectric segments thereof aligned. Next, the dial is manipulated for the purpose of changing the relative azimuthal positions of the inner tumbler portions, and the tumbler rotation causing elements thereon, relative to the outer tumbler portions and the conductive or dielectric regions thereon. This manipulation also serves to change the relative azimuthal positions of the conductive or dielectric regions relative to the indicia on the dial. The pin is then removed, permitting automatic return of the lock means to their lock positions. This readies the switch for further operation by use of the new combination.

The present invention also relates to certain specific and particularly advantageous constructions of the tumblers, and to other features and arrangements which are exemplified by the embodiments hereinafter described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 11 is a view in axial section, with some parts in side elevation, said view showing the unlocking pin being inserted in place to lock together the outer portions of the tumblers and free the inner portions of the tumblers for rotation relative to the outer portions of the tumblers;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially across line 2-2 of FIG. 11 with the unlocking pin removed, and showing one tumbler in side elevation and the locking lever carried by the outer portion of the tumbler in locking engagement with inner portion of the tumbler;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view of the portion of FIG. 2 in the region of the locking latch, with the unlocking pin inserted and the locking lever in an unlocked position;

FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view looking towards the locking lever side of a tumbler;

FIG. 5 is an assembled isometric view looking towards the locking lever side ofthe tumbler;

FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view looking towards the opposite side of the tumbler; and

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the unlocking pin.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention relates to both normally open and normally closed switches. By way of typical and therefore nonlimitive example, the invention is illustrated and will be described in connection with a normally open switch.

In FIG. I the switch 10 is shown to comprise a casing having a cylindrical lateral wall 12, an integrated front closure wall 14 and mounting flange 116, and a removable rear cover plate 18. Plate 118 is provided with an upwardly opening recess 20 providing an avenue into the casing for the electrical wires 22. The rear cover plate 18 may be secured to the casing in the manner illustrated by any of the aforementioned U. S. Pat. Nos. 2,797,271; 2,984,717 and 3,192,331, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by this specific reference.

A tumbler-supporting and operating shaft 24 is journaled, as by ajournal 26 which is inside a tube 27 extending rearwardly from the front closure wall 114. Shaft 24 may be knurled at its forward end 28, and of square section at its rearward end 30. It is circular in cross section in the area of the tumblers T, as is shown by FIG. 2. A dialing knob 32 is. removably secured to the forward end portion 28 of the shaft 24 by its grip on the knurled surface. Its front face is inscribed with numbered indicia marks (not shown) cooperable with a fixed indicator mark on the rim of the mounting flange 16.

Each tumbler T is in the form of a two part circular disc or wheel. The inner part 36 has an axial opening 38 therein for receiving the shaft 23. The annular outer tumbler portion 40 includes a central axial opening 42 for receiving an axial extension of the inner tumbler portion 36. Lock mechanisms, hereinafter to be described in detail, normally connect the two tumbler portions together for conjoint rotation.

An actuator arm 44 is secured in a fixed position to the rear end portion 30 of the shaft 2%. This arm 441 includes a square opening at its mounted end in which is received the square end portion 30 of the shaft 24. A cotter pin 416 may extend through the shaft end portion 30 for the purpose: of holding the arm 44 and the tumblers T on the shaft 24. Arm 44 also includes a forwardly directed axial pin or abutment 415.

An axially extending driving pin 50 extends forwardly from each tumbler inner portion 36. A radially extending driving web 52 is provided on the rearward side of the radial wall 54 of each inner tumbler portion 36. The driving pin 50 of each tumbler T travels a collision path with the web 52 of the tumbler immediately forwardly of it. The driving web 52 on the rear tumbler T is positioned to be in the rotational path of the arm 44.

The periphery of each tumbler T is provided with adjoining V-notches 56 defining between them transverse ridges or lands of triangular section. Each outer tumbler portion 40 is made from plastic or some other dielectric material and a region of its periphery is recessed at 58 to receive a segment 60 of a conductive material.

A generally semiannular mounting member 62 of plastic or some other dielectric material is fitted within the upper portion of the housing. A plurality of two prong contact finger members 64 are secured to the mounting member 62. As shown by FIG. 1, the forwardmost member 64 and the rearwardmost member 64 are connected to the electrical wires 22. The adjacent two fingers 66, 68 of each adjoining pair of members 64 ride on the serrated or grooved periphery of an associated tumbler T. As will be apparent, when the conductive segments 60 are aligned and in contact with the fingers of the members 64, a series circuit is completed from one wire through such fingers and segments 60 to the other wire 22.

In a normally closed switch the dielectric and conductive regions of the tumbler peripheries are reversed and two bus bars are separated by a layer of insulative material secured to the mounting member 62. A contact finger or tine extends downwardly from each bus bar to ride on the periphery of each tumbler T. Each wire is connected to a different one of the bus bars. A series circuit is established from one bus bar to the other while any single pair of bus bar fingers are in contact with the conductive region of a tumbler T. The circuit of which the wires and bus bars are of a part stays closed until all fingers of the bus bars are in contact with a dielectric region of a tumbler T.

The contact fingers in the illustrated embodiment or the bus bar fingers in the nonillustrated normally closed switch embodiment, are spring members and contain sufficient spring energy to normally urge their tip portions relatively tightly against the periphery of the tumblers T. Preferably, the tip portions of the contact fingers are complementary shaped so as to generally fit within the V-grooves or valleys 56.

From the foregoing, it will be readily apparent that an electrical circuit through the contact finger elements will remain open as long as any two of the contact fingers riding a tumbler T are in contact with a dielectric portion of such tumbler T. In the nonillustrated normally open switch the electrical circuit through the bus bars of such switch will remain closed as long as a single pair of the bus bar fingers are in contact with the conductive region of the tumbler T with which they are in contact. The making or breaking of the electrical circuit in either the normally open switch or the normally closed switch can only be accomplished by rotating the tumblers T relative to eachother about their supporting shaft 24, by means of the dialing knob 32, and then only by an authorized person who has knowledge of the number of turns to the right or left thereof to bring the various conductive or dielectric minor regions of the tumbler peripheries into contact with the contact fingers.

Initially, the knob 32, and hence shaft 24 and actuator arm 44, will be rotated several revolutions, so as to bring the driving pins 52 of successive tumblers T, beginning with the rear tumbler T, into engagement with the driving webs 50 of the adjacent tumblersT so that the successive tumblers T will in turn be picked up" and rotated along with the rear tumbler T. The first stop at the indicator mark will result in the conductive segment of the front tumbler T being brought into engagement with its respective contact fingers, thus initially establishing a current path through these two contact fingers and the forward conductive segment 60 alone.

With the front or first tumbler T now held against rotation (by the contoured tips of the contact fingers in engagement with the V-notches in the conductive segment 60), the knob 32 is rotated in the opposite direction. This causes actuator arm 44 to first disengage itself from one side of the driving pin 52 of the rear tumbler, and to then rotate around into engagement with the other side of said pin 52, causing driving web 50 of the rear or fourth tumbler T to pick up the pin 52 of the third tumbler T immediately forwardly thereof, to rotate the same in said opposite direction. Web 50 of the third tumbler T will pick up the pin 52 of the second tumbler T, to rotate the same until its conductive segment 60 is engaged by the tips of its respective contact fingers, and held against further rotation thereby. With the first and second tumblers T now in the positions just mentioned, the circuit path has been extended to also include the conductive region of the second tumbler T and the two contact fingers in contact therewith. Additional rotation of the dial 32 and the actuator arm 44 in the original direction of rotation will similarly impart rotation to the third tumbler T to position its conductive segment 60 and the associated contact fingers in a circuit making position. Further rotation of dial 32 and actuator arm 44 in the reverse direction will finally position the conductive segment 60 of the rear tumbler T and circuit-making engagement with its two contact fingers, and thus complete the series circuit through the contact fingers and the conductive segments 60.

All of the dialing operations described, to be effective, must be done in accordance with the numerical combinations assigned to the switch in its entirety. According to the present invention the tumblers T are constructed so that they can be used to quickly and conveniently vary the relative azimuthal positions of the pins and webs 50, 52 relative to the dial indicia to establish almost an infinite number of different combinations. A preferred embodiment of the tumbler construction making the large number of combination changes possible will now be described.

As best shown by FIG. 6, the forward side of each outer tumbler portion 40 is recessed at 72 to provide a one sided groove or rabbet that is larger in diameter than the central opening 42. The axial extension 74 of the inner tumbler portion 36 includes a radial flange or annulet 76 which is fittable into the rabbet 72. The extension 74 may be axially cut or slotted (not shown) at several locations so that it can be compressed for fitting the annulet 76 through the smaller diameter opening 42 in the outer tumbler part 40. When the two

tumbler portions

36, 40 are assembled, and the annulet 76 is received in the rabbet 72 (FIG. 1) the fit between the two

tumbler portions

36, 40 is a relatively loose one, so that the two

portions

36, 40 can be rather easily rotated, one relative to the other. When the two tumbler portions 36, 40-are assembled the radial wall 54 of portion 36 is adjacent radial wall 80 of portion 40 and is wholly located within the rear side recess 82 of portion 40.

The lock means provided for normally connecting the inner and

outer tumbler portions

36, 40 together for conjoint rotation includes a lock lever 84. As best shown by PK]. 2, lever 84 includes a mounting hub end 86. A mounting pin 88 stands laterally outwardly from the hub 86 and is preferably a molded part thereof. This pin 88 is loosely received in an axial opening 89 formed in the radial wall 80 of the outer tumbler portion 40. The fit between the opening 89 in wall 80 and the pin 88 is loose enough to permit the lever 84 to pivot easily.

The opposite or free end portion of lever 84 is serrated or otherwise patterned and the peripheral surface of the inner tumbler portion 36 is complementarily patterned at 90. A spring seat 92 is provided circumferentially around member 40 from the pin 88, radially between a 360 flange 94 and an axial projection 96. A midportion 98 of a double spring member 100 is received within the spring seat 92. Member 100 includes two

leaf spring arms

102, 104. As best shown by FIGS. 2 and 3, arm 102 rests on an outer portion of lock lever 84 and urges it radially inwardly, and its patterned free end region into locking contact with the patterned periphery of the inner tumbler part 36. The spring arm 104 always rests on the patterned periphery 90 of the inner tumbler member 36. its function is to retard relative rotation between the two tumbler parts 36. 40, so that such rotation will not occur unless it is positively caused by a rotation of the inner tumbler portion 36 relative to the outer portion 40. in this respect it has the same rotation retarding effect as the contact fingers on the tumblers T in their entirety.

A release-pin-receiving opening we is provided axially through the radial wall portion Ml of each outer tumbler portion W in a region which is normally at least partially covered by a midportion of the lock lever 80. The angle X between the center of opening 106 and the center of the conductive segment 6% is the same for each tumbler T. Thus, when the conductive segments 66 (or the dielectric segments in the normally closed form of switch) are aligned with each other, the openings lltlh are also axially aligned with each other and with an opening lltlfl in the rear cover plate 11%.

According to the present invention, the combination of a given switch llll is simply and quickly changed by a person dialing the existing combination to place the segments 60 in line and the openings ton in alignment with each other and with the rear cover opening lltllli. Then an elongated pin llllil is insened successively through first the opening Ebb and then the openings we in the outer tumbler portions W. Since entrance into the openings we is partially blocked by the lock levers h d, the pin lllltl must first move the lock levers ti l out of the way. To facilitate this action a sloping cam surface 112 (FIG. 2) is provided on each lock lever 34 in a position to be contacted by the rounded and somewhat pointed end of the pin llltl. The force of the pin lltl on the inclined cam surface 112 causes an outward swinging movement of the lock lever 84 against the resistance of the spring 32. When pin llllt) is situated within the opening 106 (FIGS. l and 3) it serves to hold the patterned end portion 89 of lock lever EM; radially outwardly from a position of engagement with the patterned periphery 90 of the inner tumbler portion 36. When the pin 11110 is inserted through all of the openings 108 it also serves to lock together the outer tumbler portions Ml and hold them in a constant position with respect to the contact fingers. The operator then manipulates the dial 32 to reset the combination. Rotation of the dial 32 and the shaft 24 causes rotational movement of the tumbler inner portions 36 via the arm 44, its pin 45, the pins 50 and the webs 52.

Once a new combination is established the pin lllt) is removed, resulting in a return of the levers 84 to locking positions. Thereafter the switch is operable by the new combination. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

lclaim:

l. in a permutation switch tumbler of a type having an inner portion rotatable about a central support, an annular outer portion surrounding said inner portion, said outer portion having conductive and dielectric regions, and a releasable lock member carried by one of said portions, said lock member being movable between a lock position wherein it makes locking engagement with the other portion and the two portions are locked together for conjoint rotation, and a release position wherein it is free of engagement with said other portion and the two tumbler portions are rotatable relative to each other the improvement comprising:

said lock member comprising an oblique side located cam surface oriented such that a generally axial inward force against said surface will cause a generally radial movement of the locking member into its release position.

2. The permutation switch tumbler improvement of claim 1, wherein said releasable lock member comprises a lever pivotally mounting on a side ofsaid outer portion.

3. The permutation switch'tumbler improvement of claim 2, wherein said outer tumbler portion includes a side located, axially extending, mounting opening, said lever includes a mounting pin loosely fittable into said mounting opening.

4-. The permutation switch tumbler improvement of claim 2, wherein said inner portion has a patterned periphery, said lever has a patterned free end portion directed towards said periphery, and said releasable lock means also includes spring means on said outer portion normally urging said lever towards the inner portion and the patterned free end portion of said lever against the patterned periphery of said inner portion.

5. The permutation switch tumbler improvement of claim 4, further including second spring means anchored on said outer portion and exerting a drag force on said inner portion when the two portions are not locked together.

6. The permutation switch tumbler improvement of claim 4, comprising a spring member having two opposite free end portions, each of which is a leaf spring and a one of the two said spring means, and means mounting a midportion of said spring member on the outer portion of the tumbler.

7. The permutation switch tumbler improvement of claim ll, wherein said outer tumbler portion includes a circular central axial opening of a first diameter and: a circular rabbet of a second larger diameter communicating radially with said opening, and said inner tumbler portion includes a center part insertable axially into said opening, which parts includes a radially outwardly projecting annulet t'rttable into said rabbet for holding the two tumbler portions together.

8. In a permutation switch having a plurality of coaxial, independently rotatable, generally cylindrical tumblers, each of which has an inner portion and an annular outer portion surrounding said inner portion, said outer portion having conductive and dielectric peripheral regions, and means for adjustably adfixing each of said outer portions in angular posi tion relative to said inner portions conductor elements resting on the periphery of said outer tumbler portion a dial with angular position indicia, and means operable upon selective rotation of said dial for rotating said tumblers, by forces on said tumbler inner portions, into positions wherein the conductive regions of said outer tumbler portions are in circuit making contact with the conductor elements or the dielectric regions of said outer tumbler portions are in circuit breaking contact with the conductor elements, and for rotating and repositioning the tumbler inner portions independently of the outer tumbler portions the improvement comprising;

said means for adjustably adfixing each outer portion in angular position relative to the related inner portion including a releasable lock member carried by one of said portions, said lock member being movable between a lock position wherein it makes locking engagement with the other portion and the two portions are locked together for conjoint rotation, and a release position wherein it is free of engagement with said other portion and the two tumbler portions are rotatable relative to each other, said member including an oblique side located cam surface oriented such that a generally axial inward force against said surface will cause a generally radial movement of the locking member into its release position.

9. The permutation switch improvement of claim 8, wherein the lock members of all tumblers are aligned when the conductive and dielectric regions of the tumblers are aligned and at least those tumblers having another tumbler behind it including an axially extending opening which is aligned with all other such openings when the conductive and dielectric regions are aligned, said openings being positioned to receive a pin therein when the lock members are moved into their release positions, whereby a single pin can be serially forced against the cam portions of the lock members, for exerting the axial forces thereon which move them into their release positions.

10. The permutation switch improvement of claim 8, wherein said inner portion has a patterned periphery, said lock member has a patterned innner portion directed towards said periphery, and said releasable lock means also includes spring means on said outer portion normally urging said member towards the inner portion and the patterned free end portion prising aspring member having two opposite free end portions, each of which is a leaf spring and each is one of the two said spring means, and means mounting a midportion of said spring member on the outer portion of the tumbler.

Claims

1. In a permutation switch tumbler of a type having an inner portion rotatable about a central support, an annular outer portion surrounding said inner portion, said outer portion having conductive and dielectric regions, and a releasable lock member carried by one of said portions, said lock member being movable between a lock position wherein it makes locking engagement with the other portion and the two portions are locked together for conjoint rotation, and a release position wherein it is free of engagement with said other portion and the two tumbler portions are rotatable relative to each other the improvement comprising: said lock member comprising an oblique side located cam surface oriented such that a generally axial inward force against said surface will cause a generally radial movement of the locking member into its release position.

2. The permutation switch tumbler improvement of claim 1, wherein said releasable lock member comprises a lever pivotally mounting on a side of said outer portion.

3. The permutation switch tumbler improvement of claim 2, wherein said outer tumbler portion includes a side located, axially extending, mounting opening, said lever includes a mounting pin loosely fittable into said mounting opening.

4. The permutation switch tumbler improvement of claim 2, wherein said inner portion has a patterned periphery, said lever has a patterned free end portion directed towards said periphery, and said releasable lock means also includes spring means on said outer portion normally urging said lever towards the inner portion and the patterned free end portion of said lever against the patterned periphery of said inner portion.

7. The permutation switch tumbler improvement of claim 1, wherein said outer tumbler portion includes a circular central axial opening of a first diameter and a circular rabbet of a second larger diameter communicating radially with said opening, and said inner tumbler portion includes a center part insertable axially into said opening, which parts includes a radially outwardly projecting annulet fittable into said rabbet for holding the two tumbleR portions together.

8. In a permutation switch having a plurality of coaxial, independently rotatable, generally cylindrical tumblers, each of which has an inner portion and an annular outer portion surrounding said inner portion, said outer portion having conductive and dielectric peripheral regions, and means for adjustably adfixing each of said outer portions in angular position relative to said inner portions, conductor elements resting on the periphery of said outer tumbler portion, a dial with angular position indicia, and means operable upon selective rotation of said dial for rotating said tumblers, by forces on said tumbler inner portions, into positions wherein the conductive regions of said outer tumbler portions are in circuit making contact with the conductor elements or the dielectric regions of said outer tumbler portions are in circuit breaking contact with the conductor elements, and for rotating and repositioning the tumbler inner portions independently of the outer tumbler portions the improvement comprising: said means for adjustably adfixing each outer portion in angular position relative to the related inner portion including a releasable lock member carried by one of said portions, said lock member being movable between a lock position wherein it makes locking engagement with the other portion and the two portions are locked together for conjoint rotation, and a release position wherein it is free of engagement with said other portion and the two tumbler portions are rotatable relative to each other, said member including an oblique side located cam surface oriented such that a generally axial inward force against said surface will cause a generally radial movement of the locking member into its release position.

10. The permutation switch improvement of claim 8, wherein said inner portion has a patterned periphery, said lock member has a patterned inner portion directed towards said periphery, and said releasable lock means also includes spring means on said outer portion normally urging said member towards the inner portion and the patterned free end portion of said lever against the patterned periphery of said inner portion, and a second spring means anchored on said outer portion and exerting a drag force on said inner portion when the two portions are not locked together.

11. The permutation switch improvement of claim 10, comprising a spring member having two opposite free end portions, each of which is a leaf spring and each is one of the two said spring means, and means mounting a midportion of said spring member on the outer portion of the tumbler.