US3829634A

US3829634A - Slide switch assembly having piggyback multiple actuators extending through common cover aperture

Info

Publication number: US3829634A
Application number: US00373413A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Levasseur
Original assignee: HR Electronics Co
Current assignee: HR Electronics Co
Priority date: 1973-06-25
Filing date: 1973-06-25
Publication date: 1974-08-13
Anticipated expiration: 1991-08-13

Abstract

This invention relates to a novel multiple throw switch mechanism including in its preferred form a single switch unit having a combination of several individually movable sliding switch members positioned in side-by-side relationship. More particularly each sliding switch member has one or more contacts mounted thereon for movement relative to one or more fixed contacts located on a non-movable portion of the switch unit. The fixed contacts are positioned to be selectively contacted by the associated movable contacts to establish different combinations of switch conditions in the same switch mechanism.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Levasseur [451 Aug. 13, 1974 SLIDE SWITCH ASSEMBLY HAVING PIGGYBACK MULTIPLE ACTUATORS EXTENDING THROUGH COMMON COVER APERTURE [75] Inventor: Joseph L. Levasseur, St. Louis, Mo.

[73] Assignee: H. R. Electronics Company, High Ridge, Mo.

[22] Filed: June 25, 1973 [2]] Appl. No.: 373,413

[52] US. Cl. 200/16 R, 200/16 C [51] int. Cl. H01h 15/00 [58] Field of Search 200/16 C, 16 D, 166 BE, 200/16, 17 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,528,035 10/1950 Clayton 200/16 C 2,528,115 10/1950 Clayton 200/16 C 2,683,193 7/1954 Barcus 200/16 C 2,991,349 7/1961 Garland 200/16 C X 36 Er 7m 3,258,549 6/1966 Stoi 200/17 R X 3,271,535 9/1966 Vananzi 200/16 C 3,500,003 3/1970 Schink 200/16 C 3,737,594 6/1973 Rosmanith 200/17 R X Primary Examiner.1ames R. Scott Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Charles B. Haverstock 57 ABSTRACT This invention relates to a novel multiple throw switch mechanism including in its preferred form a single switch unit having a combination of several individually movable sliding switch members positioned in side-by-side relationship. More particularly each sliding switch member has one or more contacts mounted thereon for movement relative to one or more fixed contacts located on a non-movable portion of the switch unit. The fixed contacts are positioned to be selectively contacted by the associated movable contacts to establish different combinations of switch conditions in the same switch mechanism.

11 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PAIENTEnAum 31914 III I I FIG I| SLIDE SWITCH ASSEMBLY HAVING PIGGYBACK MULTIPLE ACTUATORS EXTENDING THROUGH COMMON COVER APERTURE Many different kinds of switching devices including sliding switch mechanisms and constructions are known and are commonly used including some which are used with solid state circuits wherein the electrical currents are so minute that arcing is not a problem. The known switch mechanisms, however, have certain disadvantages and shortcomings. One principal problem with conventional sliding switches is that they are too large and cumbersome in relationship to the size of the circuits with which they are used, and for this and other reasons their usefulness is limited. For the same reason, they also have limited flexibility and versatility. These disadvantages are particularly significant with circuitry that is miniaturized or microminiaturized because in such circuits the switches may occupy more space than the rest of the circuit thereby placing a limit on the physical size thereof. For this reason, as electrical circuitry becomes more complex and more compact there is an ever increasing demand for further reduction in the size of the electrical switches involved. As described hereinafter, the present invention teaches the construction and operation of a relatively compact, unique switch mechanism which is more versatile for its size than any known switch. The subject mechanism is also more flexible, easier to use and relatively easy to manufacture in quantity. More particularly, there is disclosed a switch mechanism that can be used for independently controlling the operation of many circuits and circuit elements by means which occupy a minimum amount of space as compared to known prior art switch constructions. This is in part because in the known multi-eontact switch constructions, all of the movable switch contacts are ganged together for movement in concert using a common operator member, and hence the number of different switch settings and conditions is limited by the number of setting positions of a single member. For example, a known two pole switch having the same number of fixed and movable switch contacts has substantially fewer possible setting positions and possible operating conditions than a comparable switch constructed according to the present invention. In fact, with the present construction there are usually twice or more as many switch operating possibilities as compared to a conventional switch having the same number of fixed and movable contacts. Furthermore, the general idea of the subject construction can be'enlarged upon as described hereinafter by increasing the number of fixed and movable contacts as sociated with each operating portion of the switch as well as by increasing the number of movable operator portions on a single switch assembly. The effect of such expansions is to multiply the number of combinations without changing the basic structural and operational characteristics found in comparable prior art switch mechanisms. Several different embodiments of the subject construction are shown in the attached drawings to illustrate the subject invention.

It is therefore a principal object of the present inven tion to increase the number of possible combinations of switch setting positions and associated circuit conditions without increasing the size of the switching means for achieving this result.

Another object is to teach the construction and operation of a relatively simple and versatile switch construction.

Another object is to double the number of switch combinations possible from a single throw double pole switch without increasing the physical size or space required therefor.

Another object is to minimize the size and compactness of switching devices while at the same time increasing the number of circuit conditions available therefrom.

Another object is to reduce the number of switches required to establish different circuit operating conditions.

Another object is to provide a switch that is particularly suitable to establish different circuit conditions in vending control circuits and the like.

Another object is to provide an extremely compact and versatile switch construction particularly suitable for use with low current miniature and microminiature circuits or the like.

Another object is to minimize the space required for switch controlled circuits.

Another object is to make the size and versatility of switching mechanisms more compatible with the size and versatility of control circuits associated therewith, particularly miniaturized and microminiaturized control circuits involving semi-conductor devices and integrated circuits.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specification and the accompanying drawings which show and describe several different embodiments of the subject switch mechanism, and wherein:

FIG. I is an enlarged top plan view of a switch constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the switch assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right end view of the switch construction shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side view of one of the movable operator members included in the construction of FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 7 is a right end view of the slide member shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the contact carrier means showing the notches therein;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing a modifiedform of the movable members employed therein;

FIG. 10 shows a modified embodiment of the subject switch mechanism wherein the switch means has a greater number of stationary contacts and therefore a greater number of possible setting positions;

FIG. 11 shows another modified embodiment of the subject switch mechanism similar to that shown in FIG. 10 but wherein one of the movable members has two spaced strips as the movable contact members; and,

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing yet another modified embodiment of the subject switch mechanism also similar to that shown in FIG. 10, but wherein there are a plurality of movable switch members positioned to move in the same track on a switch assembly.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numbers, number 20 refers generally to a sliding switch mechanism constructed according to one embodiment of the present invention. The switch mechanism 20 includes a pair of movable actuator means 22 and 24 which are juxtapositioned for sliding movement parallel to each other as will be more fully explained. The actuator means 22 and 24 each includes an outwardly projecting

portion

26 and 28, respectively, which is accessible for operating or setting the subject switch. Each of the

movable members

22 and 24 also has a contact carrier or

slide portion

30 and 32 which is associated with respective projecting

portions

26 and 28.

The

contact carrying portions

30 and 32 of the

movable members

22 and 24 are shown as block shaped members which are formed of a non-conductive material such as a plastic or the like. The

operator portions

26 and 28 are positioned extending outwardly from adjacent one side edge of the respective

contact carrying portions

30 and 32 in such a way that the

contact carrying portions

30 and 32 and the

operator portions

26 and 28 are positioned in side-by-side relationship. The

operator portions

26 and 28 are preferably formed integrally with the respective

contact carrying portions

30 and 32 and extend outwardly as aforedescribed through a common opening or aperture 34 formed in a wall portion 36 of switch housing 38. The aperture 34 is preferably an elongated opening or aperture which extends beyond one or both ends of the

operator portions

26 and 28 so that the

movable assemblies

22 and 24 can be slid in the housing relative to each other into different setting positions as desired. The

operator portions

26 and 28 may be notched or serrated as at

edges

40 and 42 so that they are easy to engage when moving them to their various setting positions.

It is also contemplated to have the

operator portions

26 and 28 spaced from each other in the same or in different apertures in the housing although it is preferred to have them adjacent and in the same aperture as shown.

Each of the

contact carrying portions

30 and 32 has electrically conductive means or straps 44 attached thereto for engagement with other electrically conductive switch contact means associated with the housing 38 as will be described. These straps 44 are constructed of an electrically conductive material such as copper, silver, aluminum or the like, and shown in FIG. 4 positioned in association with wall 46 of the carrier means 30 and 32, which wall is opposite the

operator portions

26 and 28. They could also be positioned in some other wall of the carrier means 30 and 32 for contact with stationary switch contacts associated with the housing 38, for example, on the side walls thereof.

Again referring to FIG. 4, the conductive member 44 shown has a U-shape with spaced leg portions 48 positioned extending into similar spaced recesses 50 formed in the surface 46 of the respective

contact carrying members

30 and 32. Also as shown in FIG. 4, the cross portion 49 of the U-shaped member 44 is relatively flat and elongated for reasons which will be explained hereinafter.

The switch housing 38 has a fixed non-conductive contact carrier member 52 which is associated therewith in the position clearly indicated in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and of the drawings. The carrier 52 has provisions for a plurality of fixed switch contacts or pin members 55,

56, 57, 58, 59 and 60 which are positioned in two parallel rows of three each. The pin portions of the fixed contacts 55-60 are psoitioned on carrier member 52 for the cooperative engagement with a suitable female connector (not shown) into which they are inserted when the switch is installed. The switch contacts 5560 can also be soldered or provided with other connecting means as desired depending, for example, on the type of circuit with which they are used. Although the embodiment shown as a plug-in type construction, the particular connecting means shown in not to be considered a primary aspect of the invention and can be changed or modified depending upon the circumstances of use. However, plug-type switches are favored for some applications such as in circuits wherein the currents are relatively small and arcing is not a problem and wherein it is desirable to be able to install and replace the switch quickly and easily.

As shown, each of the

movable slide members

22 and 24 has a

longitudinally extending groove

30A and 32A, respectively, formed in surface 46 thereof, opposite from the

operator portions

26 and 28. The

grooves

30A and 32A are provided to accommodate the contacts 44 and also to accommodate spring members 84 which are included for biasing the associated conductive member 44 outwardly therefrom and into engagement with selected ones of conductive pins 55-60. The spring members 84 are approximately the same width as the

grooves

30A and 32A and have openings 85 near the ends thereof to receive the respective leg portions 48 of the U-shaped conductors 44, which leg portions are narrower in width than the central portion 49 thereof. The springs 84 are curved or bowed members as clearly shown in FIG. 4, and the central portions thereof engage the surfaces of the associated

grooves

30A and 32A at an intermediate location between the spaced leg portions 48 of the members 44. Thus, the springs 84 provide a resilient biasing force in a direction which moves the conductor members 44 toward the stationary pins 55-60 with which they cooperate to make good electrical contact.

The housing 38 of the subject switch means has a pair of spaced

parallel side walls

86 and 88 which depend from the wall portion 36. The fixed contact carrier member 52 on which the fixed contacts 55-60 are located as aforedescribed is associated with the forms one wall of the housing 38. The carrier member 52 is formed of a non-conductive material such as fiberboard, plastic, or the like and is shown as being substantially rectangular in shape. At opposite side edges of the carrier member 52 adjacent to the ends thereof are

notches

92, 93, 94 and 95. These notches cooperate with

respective housing flanges

92A, 93A, 94A and 95A associated with

side walls

86 and 88 for the purpose of completing the housing for the subject switch.

The

movable slide members

22 and 24 are also shown having upwardly extending projections or beads 98 which engage the inner surface of the housing wall 36. This is done to minimize contact between the movable members and the housing and to facilitate movement of the said movable members. The projections 98 may also cooperate with dimples or depressions 100, formed in the wall portion 36 of the housing. In the embodiment shown, the protrusions 98 in cooperation with the detents 100 and the springs 84 resiliently hold the

movable switch members

22 and 24 in the various fixed setting positions. It is also contemplated to provide other types of detent means such as grooves or beads for cooperation between the movable and stationary members of the switch. It is also contemplated to employ yieldable biasing means to hold the movable members in their fixed positions.

The particular embodiment of the subject switch shown in FIGS. 1-5 is capable of being set in any one of four possible operating positions. For example each of the

movable members

22 and 24 may be in either of two possible setting positions. When the member 22 is in its left position and the member 24 is to the right the associated conductor members 44 bridge the gaps and make contact between the conductive pins 55-56 and 59-60, respectively. The switch may also be placed in a condition wherein both of the

movable members

22 and 24 are in their left positions, in their right positions or reversed from the positions as shown. In all of the different combinations of positions and conductive members 44 bridge different combinations of the stationary conductive pins 55-60 and establish different circuit conditions. Hence, as described, the switch mechanism shown in FIGS. l-S has four possible setting conditions while a comparable switch having all of the movable contacts on the same member would have only two setting positions for the same number of contacts.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the details of the movable slide member 22 by itself. The member 24 is of similar construction as already indicated.

In FIG. 8 the details of the contact carrier means 52 are shown together with the notches 92-95.

FIG. 9 shows a modified form of movable slide members 22A and 24A wherein the projecting

operator portions

26A and 28A are constructed to extend from the housing at angles relative to the body or

contact carrying portions

30A and 32A. In this embodiment the

operator portions

26A and 28A are easier to get hold of individually and to move. Except for the difference in the shape of the

operator portions

26A and 28A the construction shown in FIG. 9 is similar to that described above.

FIG. shows yet another modified form 102 of the subject construction. The form 102 is similar to the constructions described above except that it has a greater number of stationary contact pins 104 arranged in each of two parallel rows. This construction provides a greater number of possible setting combinations for the

movable members

106 and 108 inasmuch as the movable members can each be set in a plurality of different positions as required. Note also that the movable member 106 has two

separate straps

110 and 112 located on it to produce even greater circuit possibilities.

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment 120 similar to FIG. 10 but wherein one of the movable members 122 has two spaced

straps

124 and 126 and the other movable member 128 is shorter than the member 122 and has a shorter strap 130. This construction provides still a different number of possible setting conditions.

FIG. 12 shows a modified embodiment 140 of the same basic construction but wherein two movable slide members 142 and 144 are positioned for movement in the same track on the switch and wherein another single slide member 146 is positioned for movement in the other adjacent track. In this construction, both of the movable members 142 and 144 can be moved to different combinations of positions as can the member 146.

It is usually necessary, especially as the constructions become more complicated and have more possible setting positions, to provide some way to indicate or represent what the different possible combinations are for. This can be done by markings on the switch housing or by means of a decal and so forth. For example, in a vending machine application wherein the switch setting establishes the vending price and/or the amount to be refunded, and these amounts can be indicated on the switch to prevent error. Obviously, a greater or lesser number of vending price settings or combinations for other purposes can be provided depending upon the setting position capacity of the switch. The capacity of the switch, in turn, is determined by the number of movable members and the number of positions into which each movable member can be placed. It is also contemplated to position movable members in three or more parallel tracks on the switch, but this is usually not as desirable because it overly complicates the construction and increases its size. Also when more than three tracks are provided it is not as easy to keep the operator portions of the movable members in as convenient a relationship.

Thus there has been shown and described a relatively simple switch construction which substantially increases the number of possible combinations of switch settings for its size and which fulfills all of the objects and advantages sought therefor. It is apparent, however, that many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications for the subject switch are possible and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example in addition to those heretofore mentioned, other numbers of switch contacts and switch positions as well as other uses and applications are also possible and are contemplated as being within the intent and scope of the present invention. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications, including those mentioned and suggested in the specification, which do not depart from the intent and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. A switch device comprising a housing having an opening in one side and a plurality of stationary switch contacts located in said housing at spaced locations therealong, said spaced stationary contacts being located in at least two spaced substantially parallel rows with at least three contacts in each row, first and second relatively movable members positioned in said housing in side-by-side relationship for movement therein parallel to the rows of stationary contacts, means on each of said movable members in position to extend through the opening in the housing for access to move said movable members, and other means on each of said movable members including an electrically conductive member, the electrical conductive member in one of said movable members being positioned for slideable engagement with the stationary contacts in one of said parallel rows and the conductive member on the other of said movable members being positioned thereon for slideable engagement with the stationary contacts in the other of said parallel rows, said movable members being independently movable relative to each other and relative to the associated stationary contacts to establish different combinations of switch connections therebetween.

2. The switch device defined in claim 1 wherein each of said movable members includes means biasing the associated electrical conductive member into engagement with the stationary contacts in the associated row of contacts.

3. The switch device defined in claim 1 including cooperatively engageable means on said housing and on each of the movable members to retain said movable members in different predetermined setting positions.

4. The switch device defined in claim 1 wherein said means on the respective movable members which extend through the housing opening are positioned for movement adjacent to each other.

5. The switch device defined in claim 1 wherein the means on the respective movable members which extend through the housing opening are acutely angularly relative to each other.

6. The switch device defined in claim 1 wherein the conductive member on each of said movable members is long enough to bridge the space between at least two of the spaced stationary contacts in the associated row of contacts.

7. A switch comprising a switch housing having a plurality of spaced stationary contacts arranged in a plurality of parallel rows thereon, each of said rows having at least three contacts and each of said stationary contacts having a surface positioned inside of the housing, a single housing opening opposite said rows of stationary contacts, a plurality of relatively movable switch assemblies positioned in side-by-side relationship in said housing, each of said movable switch assemblies having contact means thereon slideably engageable with the surface of the stationary contacts in one of said rows and capable of bridging the space between at least two adjacent stationary contacts in said one row, and operator means associated with each of said movable assembly for moving said associated movable assemblies independently of each other between different setting positions in the housing whereby the respective contact means thereon move into engagement with the make contact between different ones of the spaced stationary contacts in the respective rows, the combined setting positions of the movable switch assemblies determining the setting condition of the switch, said operator means on all of said movable switch assemblies including a portion thereof which extends through the housing opening.

8. A switch comprising a housing defined by pairs of opposed walls defining a chamber therein, means on one of the housing walls forming at least two rows of stationary switch contacts having contact surfaces exposed within the housing, at least one of said rows having at least three spaced contacts in it, an opening in the housing wall opposite from the wall on which the spaced stationary contacts are located, and a pair of movable switch assemblies positioned in side-by-side relationship in the housing, each of said movable switch assemblies having an operator portion which projects therefrom to extend outwardly from the chamber through the housing opening, and conductor means on each of said movable assemblies opposite from the respective operator portions thereof, the conductor means being positioned to make sliding engagement with the stationary contacts of the respective row and long enough to bridge the gap between at least two of the stationary contacts to establish electrical contact therebetween.

9. The switch defined in claim 9 wherein the contact surfaces of said stationary contacts are arranged in a plurality of parallel rows, one of said movable switch assemblies being associated with the stationary contacts in each of said rows.

10. A switch device comprising a housing having an opening in one side and a plurality of stationary switch contacts located in said housing at spaced locations therealong said spaced stationary contacts being located in at least two spaced stationary parallel rows with at least three contacts in each row, first and second relatively movable members positioned in said housing in side-by-side relationship for movement therein parallel to the rows of stationary contacts, at least two of said second relatively movable members positioned for engagement with the stationary contacts in at least one of said rows of stationary contacts, means on each of said movable contacts in position to extend through the opening in the housing for access to move said movable members, and other means on each of said movable members including an electrically conductive member, the electrical conductive member on one of said movable members being positioned for slideable engagement with the stationary contacts in one of said parallel rows and the conductive member on the other of said movable members being positioned thereon for slideable engagement with the stationary contacts in the other of said parallel rows, said movable members being independently movable relative to each other and relative to the associated stationary contacts to establish different combinations of switch connections therebetween.

11. A switch comprising a housing defined by pairs of opposed walls defining a chamber therein, means on one of the housing walls forming at least two rows of stationary switch contacts having contact surfaces exposed within the housing, at least one of said rows having at least three spaced contacts in it, an opening in the housing wall opposite from the wall on which the spaced stationary contacts are located, and a pair of movable switch assemblies positioned in side-by-side relationship in the housing, each of said movable switch assemblies having an operator portion which projects therefrom to extend outwardly from the chamber through the housing opening, conductor means on each of said movable assemblies opposite from the respective operator portions thereof, the conductor means being positioned to make sliding engagement with the stationary contacts of the respective row and long enough to bridge the gap between at least two of the stationary contacts therein to establish electrical contact therebetween, the contact surfaces of the stationary switch contacts being arranged in at least two parallel rows on the housing, one of said rows being engageable by the conductor means on each of said movable assemblies, and a third movable switch assembly positioned in the housing chamber, said third assembly being positioned for movement in alignment with one of the switch assemblies of said pair and having conductor means slidably engageable with the stationary contacts in the respective row of contacts associated with the said one switch assembly.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PatentNo. 3,829,634 Dated August 13, 1974 Invent Joseph L. Levasseur It is certified that error appears in the above- -identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected asshown below:

Column 4 line 3, "psoitioned" should be positioned.- column 4, linell, "in" 'shouldbe is.

Column 4, line 46, delete "th e"and substitute therefor end I I 7 Column 5, line 19, delete "and" and substitute therefor the Column 7, line 43, delete "the" and substitute therefor and Column 8, line 4, delete the "9" (second occurrence) and substitute therefor 8 Column 8-, 1111512, after "therealong" insert Signed and sealed 5 this 3rd day of December 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

McCOY M. GIBSON JR. c. MARSHALL DANN Arresting Officer Comissioner, of. Pqt ents FORM PC4050 (10459) I uscoMM-oc scan-Pea i UrS. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE "I! O3CISI4 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,829,634 Dated August 13, 1974 Inv n Joseph L. Levasseur It is certified that error appears in'the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected asshown below:

Column 4, line 3, "psoitioned" should be positionedf I Column 4 line 11, '"in" shouldbe is.

Column 4, line 416, delete "the"and substitute therefor and I Column 5, line 19, delete "andWand substitute therefor the I I Column 7, line 43, delete "the and substitute therefor and Column 8, line 4, delete the. "9" (second occurrence) and substitute therefor 8 Column 8-, line.l2, after "therealong" insert Signed and sealed 7 this 3rd day of December 197 4.

(SEAL) Arrest:

MCCOY M. GIBSON JR.-- c. MARSHALL DANN I Attesting Officer Commissioner of. Patents F ORM PO-105O (10-69) uscoMM-oc 60376-P69 U. 5. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1 9.9 0-3'fi'33