Abstract: The invention describes a switch, preferably a steering column switch, provided with an actuating member moved across the contact sections rigidly connected to the housing in a substantially pushing way. It is the object of the invention to provide a steering column switch which, being of a small-sized design, permanently provides for good contact making between the contacts to be interconnected. This problem, in the practice of the invention, is solved by ramps raising the contact bridge in the transitory area. Advantageous embodiments refer to the design of the ramp of the conductor bank and of the contact bridge.

Abstract: A substantially fan-shaped stationary contact base is provided at its pivot of the fan with a shaft hole and at its outer periphery with mounting bosses, each having a through bore. The mounting boss is formed in the middle of the outer periphery of a circular arc to have an enlarged area in the circumferential direction where there is provided an elongated positioning slot which is extended in the radial direction of the shaft hole. A shaft holder supported by a switch case is inserted into the shaft hole and a positioning projection provided on the side of the switch case is then inserted into the elongated positioning slot so that the stationary contact base and the switch case can be assembled together.

Abstract: A multiple switch, particularly for a motor vehicle, has a switch base, an input fixed contact arranged on the switch base, a plurality of output fixed contacts which can be connected with the input fixed contact, a ramp, contact bridges controlled by the ramp and bringing the output fixed contacts in contact with the input fixed contact, a driver movable relative to the switch base and individually supporting and guiding the bridges, springs providing a required contact pressure between the contact bridges and the input fixed contact and the contact bridges and the output fixed contacts. Each of the contact bridges have axle which is freely rotatable relative to the driver and carries a contact roller. Each of the contact bridges or the contact roller is provided with a control part which comes into contact with the ramp has a peripheral surface which produces a rubbing friction for turning the contact bridge or the contact roller about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A rotary switch has a synthetic resin substrate on the surface of which a plurality of fixed contacts are arranged in a concentric fashion, and a holder rotatable over the expanse of the substrate, including the fixed contacts. A conductor plate supported to the holder is formed with swelled contacts which act as movable contacts. A rib is positioned so that the conductor plate contacts the rib when the switch is in the off position, thereby lifting the movable contacts from the surface of the substrate. A substantially hour glass shaped slit is used to separate and insulate the fixed contacts. The wide portions of the slit act as reservoirs for conductive wearing powder, thereby delaying a short circuit due to wearing powder accumulation. Thus, the switch alleviates wear of the movable contacts and enhances switching accuracy.

Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus (10) for use as a battery disconnect device in a vehicle reduces sparking resulting from the switching of electrical currents by controlling the rate at which such switching occurs with a cam (22) and follower (20) arrangement.The apparatus (10) includes a housing (12) having a cam (22) and a shaft (18) having a follower (20). The shaft (18) extends through the housing (12), and through a movable contact (14). The cam (22) includes first and second detents (28,30) disposed substantially radially opposite one another about the shaft (18) along a first elevational plane. A third detent (34) is annularly positioned between the first and second detents (28,30) and located along a different elevational plane. The third detent (34) is spaced relatively annularly near one of the first and second detents (28,30), and spaced relatively annularly distant from the other of the first and second detents (28,30).

Abstract: A motor vehicle power switch is provided and, in the form illustrated, is for use in conjunction with an automotive antitheft device. The antitheft device has apparatus for engaging a latch in a notch in the steering column to prevent turning of the steering column when the device is operative. A key operates the apparatus which moves a slider with respect to a stator. The slider has a plurality of conductive rollers which are urged toward the stator and at appropriate locations sequentially connects a main contact with secondary fixed contacts. The fixed contacts may be connected to the coil, the service mechanism, the fuel pump, to the starter. Specially designed sections are provided on the stator to facilitate rapid and positive closure of the electrical contacts.

Abstract: An ignition switch has contact plates held in a socket plate and with trip cams on the circumference of the socket plate. A switching wheel carries a plurality of contact springs, which abut on one side against a central contact and have contact arms switchable by means of the trip cams with respect to the contact plates. The contact springs also cooperate with a starter repetition lock. The central contact is in the form of a spherical shell segment and each contact spring has a spherical shell segment pressed with a prestressing force onto the spherical shell segment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a preset plate for a VHF tuner, having a first and a second rotary bodies which are unitarily mounted on a main shaft of the VHF tuner. The first rotary plate has a plurality of coils corresponding to respective channels to be selected and a number of switching contact pieces, while the second rotary body carries a plurality of fine-adjusting screws for getting into and out of the cavities of respective coils for varying the inductance thereof. Stationary contact members are fixed on the frame of the tuner for engaging the successive switching contact pieces as the preset plate is rotated around the axis of the main shaft.

Abstract: The switch comprises a body carrying fixed electric contacts and a movable member rotatably mounted in the body. The body has curved ribs of identical radius which extend around a barrel and define between them a plurality of free spaces containing electrically conductive balls. At least two of the spaces are partly occupied by the fixed contacts. An electrically conductive ring is interposed between the balls and elastically yieldable members carried by the base of the movable element. The conductive ring is put in contact with the fixed contacts through the balls, which constitute moving contacts, and closes the switch electrically when the movable element is rotated relative to the body. The edges of the ribs constitute abutments for the balls.

Abstract: A finger-actuated rotary switch adapted for use in electric devices, such as lanterns, and operative to select a desired light or light combination wherein the rotary switch is a waterproof structure and includes an elongated rotatable stem extending through a stator and having a switch rotor retained on one end thereof. The switch rotor is in engagement with the stator and relative movement between the switch rotor and the stator is effective to move the switch rotor into and out of engagement with electrical contact heads extending from the stator all in response to movement of cam followers which extend from the switch rotor and move along and in engagement with a cam surface on the stator. The switch rotor is resiliently maintained in engagement with the stator. A support is positioned between the stator and an operating knob on the stem.