Including Alternate Action Mechanism (e.g., Push-push) Patents (Class 200/523)
  • Patent number: 10717390
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component may comprise a console assembly such as a floor console. The vehicle interior component may comprise a base providing a compartment; a cover movable between a closed position and open position; and a latch mechanism comprising an arm providing a latch feature to secure the cover to the base. The cover may comprise a latch feature; the arm may move between an elevated position for the latch feature of the arm to engage the latch feature of the cover to secure the cover to the base and a retracted position for the latch feature of the arm to disengage the latch feature of the cover to release the cover from the base. The vehicle interior component may comprise a mechanism to actuate movement of the cover to the open position. The latch mechanism may comprise a concealed magnetic latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Rick Alan Anderson, Loren Ray Washburn, Dennis Jack VanHouten
  • Patent number: 10418207
    Abstract: An actuating apparatus having a signal transmitter and a mechanical operating element, wherein the mechanical operating element includes a first position that is stable over time and a second position that is stable over time, wherein the mechanical operating element, in the case of a movement from the first position that is stable over time into the second position that is stable over time, actuates the signal transmitter, and wherein the signal transmitter, upon actuation, causes a first signal change followed by a second signal change of an output signal, and an evaluation circuit detects an actuation of the mechanical operating element based on the first signal change and the second signal change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Volker Lantzsch, Arne Bahns, Mathias Müller, Richard Ludwig Schiemenz
  • Patent number: 10263400
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for actuating electrical switches housed in an electrical enclosure is disclosed. The assembly includes at least one handle assembly including a handle positioned above a cover of the enclosure, a trip bracket positioned below the cover and a shaft connecting the handle to the trip bracket. At least one slider actuator is slidably mounted over the electrical switch and coupled to a toggle of the electrical switch. The slider actuator has a drive link which is adapted to be engaged with the trip bracket such that rotation of the handle causes the drive link to slide which in turn causes a linear movement of the slider actuator to toggle the electrical switch. The use of the slider actuator allows a higher density of electrical switches to be stacked inside the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven John Taaffe, Anthony Dale Borzillo, Steven Howard Maddux
  • Patent number: 9006592
    Abstract: An entertainment button device includes: an entertainment button that a player can push; and a button-up-and-down mechanism configured to move the entertainment button up and down from a predetermined normal operation position to a protruding position in which the entertainment button protrudes upward from the normal operation position. The button-up-and-down mechanism includes: a bias member configured to bias the entertainment button in a moving-up direction; a shaft member extending in a moving direction of the entertainment button; a rotating mechanism configured to rotate the shaft member; an engagement part configured to move up and down together with the entertainment button; and a spiral guide part formed on an outer periphery of the shaft member in a spiral manner, wherein the engagement part engages with the spiral guide part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Kyoraku Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 8976002
    Abstract: A universal remote control system is disclosed. The universal remote control includes a receiver that has a wireless signal receiver unit, an electric motor that drives a mechanical arm and a microprocessor. When the receiver receives a control signal from a wireless signal transmitter, the microprocessor will energize the motor which drives the mechanical arm toward a pushbutton switch of a controlled device, such as a garage door opener, and depresses the push button, therefore activating the garage door opener. A feedback signal, for example, from the mechanical arm or the motor, may be provided to the microprocessor to inform the microprocessor when the pushbutton switch is sufficiently depressed and is in an engaged state. When the switch is in the engaged state, the motor will reverse its direction, causing the mechanical arm to raise and move back to a standby position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventors: Philip Yu Wing Tsui, Gallen Ka Leung Tsui
  • Patent number: 8785794
    Abstract: An entertainment button device includes: an entertainment button; and a button-up-and-down mechanism including: a bias member to bias the entertainment button in a moving-up direction; a shaft member extending in a moving direction of the entertainment button; a rotating mechanism to rotate the shaft member; an engagement part to move up and down with the entertainment button; a convex portion having an inverted trapezoid shape and a concave portion having a trapezoid shape formed on an outer periphery of the shaft member; a spiral guide part on one end of the convex portion in a circumferential direction; a straight part formed on the other end of the convex portion in the circumferential direction. The straight part extends in parallel with a direction of a central axis of the shaft member; and a smoothing guide part extending in a direction orthogonal to the central axis of the shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kyoraku Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 8513557
    Abstract: An actuator device including a holder element provided to be fixed against a device operated on by the actuator device. An actuator body is displaceable in a longitudinal direction along the holder element. A guide member is provided so as to guide the actuator body along the holder element. The actuator body includes a first part that is operable from outside the actuator device, and a second part that is movable in the longitudinal direction in relation to the first part. The actuator body is displaceable to a first, non-actuated position, in which the first part and the second part of the body are movable in the longitudinal direction and a second, actuated position, in which the second part is rotationally displaced in relation to the first part and abuts an abutment surface on the holder element such that motion of the second part in the longitudinal direction towards the first position is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventor: Joakim Wåhrenberg
  • Publication number: 20090301857
    Abstract: A cantilevered push button adapted for accepting an input on an electrical or electronic device is disclosed. The button can include an elongated button top component disposed about an exterior surface of an electrical or electronic device such that it is accessible to a user, and having two opposing distal ends associated with separate user inputs. A first fulcrum is located between the first distal end and the midpoint of the elongated button top component, while a second fulcrum is located between the second distal end and the midpoint. A first electrical contact is associated with the first distal end, such that when a user presses on the first distal end, the elongated button top component pivots about the second fulcrum and the first electrical contact is actuated. A second electrical contact is similarly associated with the second distal end and first fulcrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Bradley J. HAMEL, Tang Yew TAN, Erik WANG
  • Patent number: 7485985
    Abstract: A rotary switch for vehicles including a plurality of fixed rotational positions and several spring-loaded axial positions. A first axial position is activated by a pushing movement and a second axial position is activated by a pulling movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Yngve Hagberg, Lasse Ryden
  • Publication number: 20090000935
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a push-button switch comprising: a box-like supporting structure (2) defining an inner chamber (8), the box-like structure (2) having at least one opening (9) communicating with the inner room (8) and having an opening axis (Z-Z); a push-button (21) to be matched with the supporting structure (2) at said opening (9); mechanical coupling means (22) for coupling the push-button (21) to said structure (2) such that the push-button (21) is allowed to be fastened to the supporting structure (2) while being movable relative thereto in a direction substantially parallel to the opening axis (Z-Z). The push-button switch is characterized in that the mechanical coupling means include a holding and guide frame (22) for the push-button (21), which can be fixed to the supporting structure (2) and can be interposed between the push-button (21) and the structure (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: BTICINO S.P.A.
    Inventor: Ennio Calderara
  • Patent number: 7335846
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device (30) for manually controlling the position of switching means which have two extreme positions A and C and an intermediate position B. Said device comprises a crank (5) and a crankpin (6). The invention is characterized by the fact that the device comprises a translationally movable sliding member (1) that has a neutral position and is provided with guideways (20, 21), within which the crankpin (6) is displaced. Said guideways allow the crankpin to be guided towards three areas of the sliding member, in which the position thereof is stable and which correspond to the three positions of the switching means, when the sliding member is moved towards the neutral position. The inventive device has the advantage of being simple while allowing a change in the state of the motor which operates the closing element, darkening element, or sun-shading element, or sun-shading element to be controlled by means of a single movement of a rod (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventors: Jérôme Couvreur, Dominique Dumaz
  • Patent number: 7310903
    Abstract: An accessory device for a firearm, a preferred embodiment comprising a housing, a light emitter assembly and a battery carried by the housing in circuit for energizing the light emitter assembly when switch actuated, and a tail cap switch device secured to the housing and including a switch actuator having an actuator arm rotatably urgeable by either hand of an operator clockwise or counterclockwise about the housing's longitudinal direction for placing the switch in a CONSTANT ON position from an OFF position, the actuator arm reverse rotatably urgeable by the operator for returning the switch to the OFF position, and the actuator arm having opposed ends longitudinally urgeable by the operator from the OFF position for placing the switch in a MOMENTARY ON position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Surefire, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Y. Kim
  • Patent number: 7265308
    Abstract: There is disclosed a paddle switch operated by pushing on the lower portion of a rocker paddle to turn the switch “on” or “off”. The lower edge of the paddle pivots in and out about its upper edge. The switch includes semi-rigid spiral wound driver means having a conical end coupled to be driven by the rocker paddle. When the rocker paddle is pushed in, the paddle urges the semi-rigid driver means to rotate a cam means in a first, clock wise direction, or a second, counter clock wise direction. Alternate rotation of the cam drives a slider member having a cam follower back and forth along a linear axis. A shaped leaf spring cooperates with the cam follower to assist in the movement of the slider and determines its rest positions. An indicator such as an LED is used to indicate the state of conduction of the switch. When the rocker paddle is released, it is biased by a spring to pivot back to its initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Endres, Stephen R. Kurek, Anthony Tufano, Dennis A. Oddsen
  • Patent number: 7250580
    Abstract: There is disclosed structure which overcomes the deficiencies with respect to prior art devices by providing a wiring device such as a switch having a paddle that pivots about its upper end and is biased to assume the same at rest position when either in its on position or off position. Repeated pressing and releasing the lower portion of the face of the switch paddle alternately closes and opens a set of contacts within the switch to alternately connect and disconnect a load form a source of electricity each time the paddle is pressed. Thus, regardless of whether adjacent switches are on-off switches or 3-way switches, they will always be in alignment. An on-off indicator such as a small light is provided to indicate to a user when the contacts of the switch are opened or closed. The paddle of the switch has a length-width ratio dimension that is proportioned to provide a finger contact surface of increased area to allow a user to more easily and quickly identify and operate a particular switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Kurek, Paul Endres, Anthony Tufano, Dennis A. Oddsen
  • Patent number: 7230199
    Abstract: A multi-stage button switch includes a body, an elastic element and a compression element. The compression element has an integrated flexible harness arm. The body has a track zone and a harness portion which is formed with a selected geometric shape to define the moving path of the compression element that includes a start position, a first stage compression position, a compressed position and a second stage compression position in this order. The button switch thus formed consists of fewer elements, is simply structured and can be fabricated and assembled easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Zippy Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Chin-Wen Chou, Hong-Yi Lee
  • Patent number: 7126070
    Abstract: There is disclosed a paddle switch operated by pushing on the lower portion of a rocker paddle to turn the switch “on” or “off”. The lower edge of the paddle pivots in and out about its upper edge. The switch includes flexible driver means coupled to be driven by the rocker paddle. When the rocker paddle is pushed in, it urges the flexible driver means to rotate a cam means in a first, clock wise direction, or a second, counter clock wise direction. Alternate rotation of the cam drives a slider member having a cam follower back and forth along a linear axis. A shaped leaf spring cooperates with the cam follower to assist in the movement of the slider and determines its rest positions. An indicator such as an LED is used to indicate the state of conduction of the switch. When the rocker paddle is released, it is biased by a spring to pivot back to its initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Endres, Stephen R. Kurek, Anthony Tufano, Dennis A. Oddsen
  • Patent number: 7122754
    Abstract: There is disclosed a paddle switch operated by pushing on the lower portion of a rocker paddle to turn the switch “on” or “off”. The lower edge of the paddle pivots in and out about its upper edge. The switch includes articulated driver means coupled to be driven by the rocker paddle. When the rocker paddle is pushed in, it urges the articulated driver means to rotate a cam means in a first, clock wise direction, or a second, counter clock wise direction. Alternate rotation of the cam drives a slider member having a cam follower back and forth along a linear axis. A shaped leaf spring cooperates with the cam follower to assist in the movement of the slider and determines its rest positions. An indicator such as an LED is used to indicate the state of conduction of the switch. When the rocker paddle is released, it is biased by a spring to pivot back to its initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Endres, Stephen R. Kurek, Anthony Tufano, Dennis A. Oddsen
  • Patent number: 7034236
    Abstract: There is disclosed a paddle switch operated by pushing on the lower portion of a rocker paddle to turn the switch “on” or “off”. The lower edge of the paddle pivots in and out about its upper edge. The switch includes semi-rigid spiral wound driver means having a conical end coupled to be driven by the rocker paddle. When the rocker paddle is pushed in, the paddle urges the semi-rigid driver means to rotate a cam means in a first, clock wise direction, or a second, counter clock wise direction. Alternate rotation of the cam drives a slider member having a cam follower back and forth along a linear axis. A shaped leaf spring cooperates with the cam follower to assist in the movement of the slider and determines its rest positions. An indicator such as an LED is used to indicate the state of conduction of the switch. When the rocker paddle is released, it is biased by a spring to pivot back to its initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Endres, Stephen R. Kurek, Anthony Tufano, Dennis A. Oddsen
  • Patent number: 7009131
    Abstract: A switch assembly includes switch contacts, a snap action type switch actuation mechanism, a cam block having a cam surface which is engaged by cam follower, and a manually movable push button. Upper and lower force transmitting pins extend in opposite directions from the cam block to a push button and the snap action mechanism. The cam block and force transmitting pins are integrally formed as one piece. The upper force transmitting pin is connected with the push button by a snap connection. The switch actuation mechanism includes upper and lower actuator members each of which has a main section and a pair of bearing sections. The main sections and bearing sections of each of the actuator members are integrally formed as one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Chuong Diep
  • Patent number: 7002092
    Abstract: In a latch with a switch, when a movable member is pushed into a housing against a force of a coil spring, the movable member is locked in a pushed-in position by a lock mechanism and a switch is turned on. When the movable member is pushed again into the housing, the movable member is returned to a protruding position and the switch is turned off. The switch is formed of a pin attached to the movable member and having both ends protruding from two opposite sides of the movable member; and a pair of fixed terminals fixed inside the housing. When the movable member is at the protruding position, both ends of the pin become a conducting state, and when the movable member is at the pushed-in position, both ends of the pin become a non-conducting state. The conducting and non-conducting states can be reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Takahide Ichimaru
  • Patent number: 7002091
    Abstract: A shaving head cleaner includes a housing defining a receptacle adapted to receive a shaving head of the dry shaving apparatus. A contact member extends from the housing, and is adapted to accommodate an end of the dry shaving apparatus remote from the shaving head. A pushbutton is positioned near an end of the contact member, and the pushbutton has electrical connectors configured to be moved by the pushbutton for establishing an electrical connection between the dry shaving apparatus and the shaving head cleaner. A tolerance compensating device is arranged between the electrical connectors and the pushbutton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Hoser, Diana Kappes, Andreas Larscheid, Uwe Ludascher, Svatopluk Krumnikl
  • Patent number: 6982392
    Abstract: A water resistant actuating mechanism for a plunger type limit switch using a bowed spring to activate the plunger of a plunger type switch mounted within an actuating mechanism housing includes a flexible seal for covering the hole or opening in through which the bowed spring extends. The seal may be dome shaped and cover a circular opening. A glide or shoe is positioned on or connected to each end of the spring and are held in place between an upper wall of the housing and a backing sheet connected to the housing. The glide reduces the amount of deflection of the bowed spring required to activate the plunger type switch such that the additional thickness added by the flexible seal does not increase the overall required thickness of the actuating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Philip M. Burger
  • Patent number: 6979790
    Abstract: There is disclosed a paddle switch operated by pushing on the lower portion of a rocker paddle to turn the switch “on” or “off”. The lower edge of the paddle pivots in and out about its upper edge. The switch includes flexible driver means coupled to be driven by the rocker paddle. When the rocker paddle is pushed in, it urges the flexible driver means to rotate a cam means in a first, clock wise direction, or a second, counter clock wise direction. Alternate rotation of the cam drives a slider member having a cam follower back and forth along a linear axis. A shaped leaf spring cooperates with the cam follower to assist in the movement of the slider and determines its rest positions. An indicator such as an LED is used to indicate the state of conduction of the switch. When the rocker paddle is released, it is biased by a spring to pivot back to its initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Endres, Stephen R. Kurek, Anthony Tufano, Dennis A. Oddsen
  • Patent number: 6979791
    Abstract: There is disclosed a paddle switch operated by pushing on the lower portion of a rocker paddle to turn the switch “on” or “off”. The lower edge of the paddle pivots in and out about its upper edge. The switch includes articulated driver means coupled to be driven by the rocker paddle when it is depressed and to urge the rocker paddle back to its out position. When the rocker paddle is pushed in, it urges the articulated driver means to rotate a cam means in a first, clock wise direction, or a second, counter clockwise direction. Alternate rotation of the cam drives a slider member having a cam follower back and forth along a linear axis. A shaped leaf spring cooperates with the cam follower to assist in the movement of the slider and to determine its rest positions. An indicator such as an LED is used to indicate the state of conduction of the switch. When the rocker paddle is released, it is biased by the articulated drive means to pivot back to its initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Endres, Stephen R. Kurek, Anthony Tufano, Dennis A. Oddsen
  • Patent number: 6956178
    Abstract: A switch (1) for roof lights (2) has: a supporting frame (3); a push-button (7) slidably mounted on the frame (3); a printed circuit, which is associated to the frame (3) and defines two operative positions for a lamp-bulb; and an actuator (13), which is set between the push-button (7) and the printed circuit (8) and is moved by the push-button (7) between the two operative positions; the actuator (13) being provided with a rolling element (18), which can roll on the printed circuit (8) between the two operative positions, and an motion-imparting arm (15), which supports the rolling element (18) and is actuated by the push-button (7) for moving the rolling element (18) itself between the operative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Olsa S.p.A.
    Inventor: Eugenio Bosco
  • Patent number: 6953905
    Abstract: An electrical switch for low to medium wattage applications such as in vehicles, appliances, and the like, includes a flexible, resilient spring member which is operable mechanically to latch the switch in one of two positions while also carrying electrical current to complete an electrical circuit when the switch is closed in one of the two latched positions. The switch may operate in either single pole, single throw or single pole, double throw configuration, and provides at least one audible sound or click in each of its latched positions to indicate its status, and also may include a visual indication of status. Preferably, a conductive, metallic, coil spring is carried by a non-conductive switch actuator, the spring having a contact member that is moved between latched positions by finger pressure of an operator on the actuator to open and close one or more electrical circuits connected to the switch contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Maxera LLC
    Inventor: Edward Roger Adams
  • Patent number: 6875940
    Abstract: There is disclosed a robust on-off rocker paddle switch operated by pushing on the lower portion of a rocker paddle to turn the switch “on” or “off”. The lower edge of the rocker paddle pivots in and out about its top or upper edge. Bias means urges the lower portion of the rocker paddle to always be in its out position whether the switch is in the “on” state or position or the “off” state or position. The rocker paddle of the switch is not located within a frame and the surface of the switch has, along its vertical axis, a contour of positive first differential and zero second differential, comprised of a combination of splines which extend between points of varying distances from a datum plane. The contour has zero second differential when the rate of height increase of individual splines is constant. An actuator coupled to the rocker paddle (the face) of the switch causes a cam to rotate in a clockwise direction and in a counter clockwise direction as the rocker paddle is alternately depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Endres, Stephen R. Kurek, Anthony Tufano, Dennis Oddsen
  • Patent number: 6818848
    Abstract: A pushbutton assembly includes a housing and a button slidable with respect to the housing. A passage is formed in the housing which is provided with a projection formed in the passage and a slanted face on top of the projection. A positioning disk is pivotally connected to the projection and has a positioning hole. A positioning rod is pivotally connected to the button and has a bent received in the positioning hole of the positioning disk in such a way that movement of the button drives the bent to reciprocally move from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 6770829
    Abstract: A control apparatus includes outer housing which encloses a switch assembly and a connector terminal mounting block. The switch assembly includes stationary and movable switch contacts. A push button and actuator link are connected with the movable switch contacts. Light sources are disposed on a light module housing. Conductors extend through openings in the actuator link and are connected with the light sources. The push button is illuminated by light from the light sources. An alternate action mechanism is connected with the push button and is disposed in an opening in the connector terminal mounting block. The switch assembly may be mounted on a printed circuit board with the alternate action mechanism extending through an opening in the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Roy L. Hart
  • Patent number: 6759615
    Abstract: A lock pin (9) is mounted on an operating member (4), with its proximal end portion (9a) fitted therein. A distal end portion (9b) of this lock pin can slide in a cam groove so as to releasably hold the operating member in two positions. A holding spring (10) is mounted on the operating member, and urges the lock pin toward a bottom surface of the cam groove. A pin engagement portion (15), which engages the lock pin to prevent the dropping of the lock pin in a condition before the operating member is mounted, is formed on the operating member. An engagement cancellation portion, which disengages the lock pin from the pin engagement portion in a mounted condition of the operating member, is formed on a switch base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Hiroaki Yamaguchi, Toshiki Akita
  • Patent number: 6747225
    Abstract: A safety switch includes a base having two terminals connected thereto and each terminal has a first contact point and a bimetallic plate is movably received in the base and has two second contact points which are located above the two first contact points. The two ends of the bimetallic plate can be bent when overflow. A first spring is biased between an inside of the base and the bimetallic plate. A button assembly is connected to the base and a second spring is biased between the button assembly and the bimetallic plate. The two ends of the bimetallic plate bend upward to cut off the circuit when current overflows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 6710277
    Abstract: An electrical switch comprising a casing, a fixed contact and a moving contact, and an actuator supported for movement to a first position thereby moving the moving contact into contact with the fixed contact. The actuator is movable to a second position for permitting the moving contact to move out of contact from the fixed contact. Resilient means biases the moving contact out of contact from the fixed contact. The switch includes a remover having a part provided adjacent the fixed contact and movable by the actuator moving to the second position for removing the moving contact from the fixed contact in case the moving contact stays in contact with the fixed contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Defond Manufacturing Limited
    Inventor: Kin Yu Wong
  • Patent number: 6706987
    Abstract: A rotary push switch has upper and lower housings locked together by protuberances along one housing in locking grooves along the other. A return spring and an actuator are in a carrier within the upper housing together with a push button and a movable terminal. A plurality of fixed terminals are integrally formed with the lower housing and soldering holes are formed through a bottom of the lower housing at positions corresponding to the fixed terminals so that a power line can be connected to the fixed terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Cheol-Sang Yoo
  • Patent number: 6680449
    Abstract: A press button switch is constructed to include a seesaw switching mechanism for switching the circuit between on/off positions, a spring-supported press button, and a push member pivoted to the spring-supported press button and controlled by the spring-supported press button to slide along two symmetrical endless sliding tracks and to switch the seesaw switching mechanism between on/off positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Ming-Shan Wang
  • Publication number: 20030173202
    Abstract: A lock pin (9) is mounted on an operating member (4), with its proximal end portion (9a) fitted therein. A distal end portion (9b) of this lock pin can slide in a cam groove so as to releasably hold the operating member in two positions. A holding spring (10) is mounted on the operating member, and urges the lock pin toward a bottom surface of the cam groove. A pin engagement portion (15), which engages the lock pin to prevent the dropping of the lock pin in a condition before the operating member is mounted, is formed on the operating member. An engagement cancellation portion, which disengages the lock pin from the pin engagement portion in a mounted condition of the operating member, is formed on a switch base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Hiroaki Yamaguchi, Toshiki Akita
  • Publication number: 20020157935
    Abstract: The invention relates to a push-key with lock-in and touch function that is used to actuate contact elements. The push-key (2) comprises a housing (4) in the form of a hollow cylinder and a switch tappet (6) that can be lengthwise displaced therein and that is non-rotatably guided. The push-key is further provided with spring elements and striking means (18, 20) to return the key to the rest position. An approximately heart-shaped lock-in gate (28) for the lock-in function and a longitudinal groove (30) for the touch function extending parallel to said gate and to the actuation device (16) are disposed on the inner wall (24) of the housing (4). A guide pin (44) projects radially outwards from an open ring element (42)a that is mounted on the switch tappet (6) so that it can be twisted in itself. Said guide pin can be moved from the lock-in gate (28) to the longitudinal groove (40) or vice versa by means of a tool that engages in an entry opening (46) or the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Alfred Bonn, Artur Wiese
  • Patent number: 6437270
    Abstract: An electrical switch (10) comprises switch contacts (100, 104) having a closed condition and an open condition. The switch (10) comprises an actuator (40) movable in a first direction (110) in a first stroke to close the contacts (100, 104) and movable in the first direction in a second stroke to cause the contacts to open. A rotatable bar (70) is carried by the actuator (40). The switch (10) includes a mechanism (14, 94, 96) for rotating the bar (70) in response to movement of the actuator (40) in the first direction (110) in the first stroke, to locate the bar in a latching position to hold the contacts (100, 104) in the closed condition. The mechanism (14, 94, 96) also rotates the bar (70) in response to movement of the actuator (40) in the first direction (110) in the second stroke, to move the bar from the latching position and to cause the contacts (100, 104) to open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Morrison, Daniel C. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6392180
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a press button which includes a main body, a press element and a push-pull element pivotably connected to the bottom of the press element. A curved crossed slide groove consisting of a plurality of slide rails is disposed on the inner wall of the main body, and a higher and a lower locating positions are formed in the slide groove. When the press element is pressed down, it slides along a preset path of the slide groove while it can be locked at the higher or the lower locating positions. Therefore, the change of the position of the press element can be completed by driving force in different directions when it is switched to two different locating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 6362538
    Abstract: An electrical control popout actuator mechanism preferably integrated with a trimmer potentiometer is vertically mounted directly to a printed circuit board. The electrical control popout actuator mechanism has a cam cylinder member, a spring biasing member, a shaft member, and a follower member which allow it to extend during use and retract when not in use. Flanges on said follower member follow cooperating cam paths to allow activation of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thurman Russell Reed, Jacob John Ruden, Timothy Dean Garner
  • Patent number: 6335500
    Abstract: A push button type switch comprises a body and drive means. The body has a hollow interior portion that is formed as two operation spaces by a spacing portion with a through hole thereon. The two spaces each being arranged with a press element having a protrusion enclosing with an operation area and a plurality of conductive elements same ends of which have respective switching element. The driving means include a depressing element connected to the operation area and has an end passing through the through hole of the spacing portion. An elastic element covers on the pressing element and has an end connected to the spacing portion; and a rotary seat is pivotally installed on the body and has a guide groove for supporting the depressing element. One end of the rotary seat has a positioning portion connected to the switching means so that as a force applies to the pressing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventors: Ching-Yu Chi, Chen-Fang Kao
  • Patent number: 6333476
    Abstract: The present invention, the objective of which is to provide a push-button switch realized in a way to be held lightly with a small force at the position where the push button is pressed, and obtain a large returning force when the pressing force of the push button is released, is a push-button switch realized by slidably disposing the push button on the switch body and urging it with a return spring, comprising a hole formed in the push button in its pressing direction, a spring for balls inserted in said hole, a window opening on the side face of the push button in communication with the bottom of the hole, a ball for temporary fastening disposed at said window, a concavity, formed along the wall face on the switch body side on which the push button slides, in which to fit part of the ball for temporary fastening at the position where the push button is pressed, and an auxiliary push button, disposed at the top of the push button in a way to be pressed, by being urged by said spring for ball, for pressing th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Shinkoh Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Heihachiro Umemura
  • Patent number: 6288352
    Abstract: A push-button switch provided with a hollow push button, a case supporting it, and a switching mechanism having a first contact disposed within the case and a second contact disposed opposite to the first contact, with one of its ends being inserted into a hole of the push button. Within a hole formed in an inserted section of the switching mechanism, a slide block is provided slidably in a direction crossing the direction in which the push button is pushed. A slope capable of engaging with a slope of the hole of the push button is formed on the slide block. A coil spring (return spring) for energizing a shaft of the switching mechanism so as to abut the push button is provided on the bottom of the case. This configuration enables the push button to take up a first OFF state, an ON state and a second OFF state in order of depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Idec Izuni Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Fukui, Yasushi Kamino, Kenji Inoue, Shigetoshi Fujitani, Shigeto Ogino, Toshihiro Fujita, Akito Okamoto, Yoshitaka Tsuji
  • Patent number: 6218634
    Abstract: A switch apparatus having an integrated flasher relay for activation and deactivation of a hazard signaling system particularly for use in automotive vehicles. The actuator has an integral flasher relay that moves with the actuator through the activation and deactivation operations. The switch is also provided with a detent utilizing a roller for releasably locking the actuator in a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen K. Schwartz, Christina Ucar
  • Patent number: 6207914
    Abstract: A push-button switch including a sliding member, a lock pin for locking the sliding member at a certain location, a heart cam including a lock cam along which the lock pin slides, and a movable stopper member, disposed at the heart cam, for holding the lock pin in a lock position as a result of cooperating with the lock cam or for unlocking the lock pin. The push-button switch incorporates a self-restoring function, wherein friction between the lock pin and the lock cam during an auto-off state is reduced to decrease the amount of force required to unlock the lock pin, thereby reducing the solenoid actuating current, and simplifying the actuating structure, as a result of which a more reliable product with a longer life and a smaller size can be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Alpa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiharu Mori
  • Patent number: 6180904
    Abstract: A keyboard has keys, or buttons, having guide projections which, when the keys are pushed from an operating side, are shoved along guide plates, with motion being restricted by a locator, the locator having two stops which restrict the motion of the keys between the two stops and with a switch being activated being ON and OFF by the key moving within these limits. This provides a very flat keyboard which is economical to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Bauer, Thilo Kirchner, Joachim Storath
  • Patent number: 6103983
    Abstract: A mechanism for manually controlling an electric switching member includes a control button, a guide for guiding the movement of a moving element of the switching member, and a link which moves longitudinally in the direction of travel of the control button and laterally into an abutting position which prevents longitudinal movement of the link. The mechanism further includes an element secured to the control button and configured to contact the link to cause the longitudinal movement of the link, a first spring configured to push the control button into a pulled-out position, a second return spring configured to push the link out of the abutting position, and a cylindrical bushing in which the control button slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Crouzet Automatismes
    Inventors: Bernard Truchet, Francis Fernandez, Jean-Marie Vergnes
  • Patent number: 6011228
    Abstract: A push-button nonrestoring switch having a push-button pivoted on a switch housing with a rocker switching member pivoted on the housing, with a tappet member pivoted on the push-button and engaging the rocker switching member for effecting toggled movement from a neutral to a switching position either side of the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Controls GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Leng
  • Patent number: 5967301
    Abstract: A radio keyboard supports a potentiometer on its rear surface and a popout control in the front surface. The control includes a housing between the keyboard and the radio trim plate, inner and outer stationary cams, and a rotatable cam follower on a shaft which controls the potentiometer. The cams index the cam follower each time a knob on the shaft outer end is depressed. The cams alternately hold the follower and the shaft in retracted and extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Thurman Russell Reed, John Patrick Absmeier
  • Patent number: 5924556
    Abstract: A push switch including a rotatably supported movable contact member with a movable contact portion which comes into contact with and separates from a stationary contact; and a cam shaft rotatably disposed between the lower surface of a plunger and the movable contact member. The switching driver portion of the cam shaft slides on the movable contact member. The force used to push down the plunger is exerted on the movable contact member through the switching driver portion to tilt the movable contact member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuaki Kawase, Eiji Kimura
  • Patent number: 5894118
    Abstract: A rotary electronic device such as a rotary encoder is provided which includes a rotor, a push/turn operating shaft, and a rotary sliding member. The rotor provides electric signals in response to rotation of the push/turn operating shaft and has formed therein a through hole consisting of a circular hole and a cross-shaped hole. The push/turn operating shaft includes a small diameter end portion and a cross-shaped portion engaging the cross-shaped hole of the rotor for rotating the rotor according to the rotation of the push/turn operating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takumi Nishimoto, Kenji Kataoka, Jun Sato