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 potentiometer is disclosed that provides a user with tactile feel while making adjustments. The potentiometer includes a housing having a central bore with a rotor extending therein. A knob having a protrusion is operably connected to the rotor along with a wiper. A detent member having a lobe attachment segment and a fixed segment is operably connected to the housing. The lobe is deflected by the knob protrusion while the ring is compressed by forcing the lobe attachment segment towards said fixed segment. Furthermore, attached to the housing is a base plate carrying a resistive strip engaged by the wiper.

Abstract: In a position detecting switch, a first movable contact is disposed in a first receptacle formed in a sliding body and is urged toward a casing member by a first spring so as to engage first and second stationary contacts mounted in the casing member when the sliding body is in a selected position. In order to prevent non-contact due to rotating moment of the first movable contact relative to the stationary contacts one or more features for inhibiting or reducing the relative moment are provided such as: (1) The first and second stationary contacts can be urged toward the first movable contact by fourth and fifth springs. (2) An elastic member or members can be disposed in a clearance between end walls of the sliding body and walls of the first receptacle. (3) The first spring can be restrained to apply its load to a substantially middle portion of the movable contact. (4) A plurality of the first springs can be provided to apply load the movable contact at a plurality of locations in a lengthwise direction.

Abstract: A terminal plate 6 is formed into a circular cup shape having a bottom 6b and a cylindrical wall 6a. A plurality of terminals 14 are provided on bottom 6b of terminal plate 6. A rotor 1 is rotatably supported on terminal plate 6. A contact piece 5, resiliently engaged with rotor 1, is selectively brought into contact with terminals 14 to close a circuit. An undulated portion 10 is provided along the lower end cylindrical wall 1b of rotor 1. A ball 8, a spring 9 and undulated portion 10 cooperatively constitute an intermittent movement mechanism disposed between rotor 1 and terminal plate 6. Contact piece 5 intermittently rotates against a resilient force of spring 9 to change its rotational angle in accordance with a rotation of rotor 1. An elastically deformable portion 13 is formed on cylindrical wall 1b of rotor 1 while a rigid claw 12 is formed on the upper edge of cylindrical wall 6a of terminal plate 6, cooperatively constituting a snap-in mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical switch with a return spring comprising a housing having a cylindrical shaped rotor having a brace member extending therefrom and in a centered position, the brace member is positioned adjacent to a stop abutment member protruding within the aperture of the switch housing and a spring member mounted on the rotor having arms which abut against the edges of the brace member and the stop abutment in the centered position and upon rotation of the rotor, the arms of the spring will cause the rotor to return to its centered position. The brace member abuts the arms of the return spring and upon rotation of the rotor, the braces cause the arms of the return spring to deform. The return spring in a preferred embodiment has an Omega shape.

Abstract: A rotary switch is disclosed which has a ferrule, rotor and stator assembly housed within a plastic cylindrically shaped housing. The ends of the housing are uniquely folded to hold the ferrule and stator in end positions within the housing on edges located on the interior wall the housing. The rotor has a shaft which is rotatably mounted in the ferrule for relative movement over the stator. Stationary contacts are provided on the stator, while moveable ball contacts carried by the rotor seat on the stator for displacement relative to the stationary contacts upon turning of the rotor via the shaft. A detent mechanism cooperates with the interior wall of the housing to establish detent positions corresponding with predetermined electrical coupling of the stator contacts by the ball contacts.This housing arrangement provides a relatively simple and inexpensive rotary switch of relatively small sized which has a high switch capacity.

Abstract: A reversible electric switch has movable contacts on opposite ends of a rotor adapted for interengagement with diametrically disposed pairs of stationary contacts. Intermittency or rocking of the movable contacts with respect to the stationary contacts is eliminated by extending drive pins from the rotor into the slot provided within the contact face of the movable contact, such pins passing only partially through the thickness of such contact face. Accordingly, the force applied to the movable contacts to achieve rotation thereof is substantially at the interface between the stationary and movable contacts, substantially eliminating any force couple or moment thus precluding any rocking of the movable contact upon the rotor or other relative movement between the two.

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 miniature rotary switch has nested terminals in its bottom wall and a spherical shaped movable contact arranged in a rotatable control member such that a lower portion of the ball rides over upwardly projecting portions of a common contact ring that is nested in the lower portion of a cavity defined in the switch housing or body portion. One of the terminals is staked to the contact ring to provide an OFF position while the other circumaxially spaced positions are defined by U-shaped cut outs in the contact ring that cause the ball to seat between the edges of each U-shaped cut out and the upper end of a fixed contact terminal provided in the semi-circular cut-out area defined by the common contact ring. The ring is so formed that the ball is releasably retained in each switch position and is biased toward such ON positions when not so retained.

Abstract: A multiple switch, particularly for switching-on, switching-off and/or switching-over of motor vehicles and the like has at least one roller-shaped contact roller with a generated contact surface liftable from and bringable in contact with at least two rectilinear contact faces located near one another. The contact roller is arranged in a springy deflectable manner in a guiding part displaceable rectilinearly transversely to an axis of the contact roller and parallel to the contact surfaces. The contact roller is provided with bearing pins extending at its end sides outwardly beyond the roller surface, and is linearly displaceable by the bearing pins running over at least one control path with the ramp device so that during a displacement of the guiding part the roller is lifted at its one side from one of the contact faces.

Abstract: A novel rotary switch includes metal contact segments integrally molded into annular plastic frame members which segments are then further sealed to prevent passage of flux or other contaminants from reaching the interior of the switch. Further, each contact segment has an arcuate interior contact portion which engages a rotating bridging member on the inner periphery of the arcuate surface. The arcuate segments are spaced together so that the bridging member that conducts signals to the arcuate surface never contacts a plastic surface. A toothed member is provided to cam the bridging member out of contact with one contact segment before making contact with the next adjacent contact segment.

Abstract: A modular encoder and switch assembly includes a first module containing the rotor and contact elements of an electrical encoder, and a second module that contains a switch. The two modules are axially aligned and joined together in tandem. The encoder and the switch are actuated by a common shaft that is rotatable to actuate the encoder and movable axially to actuate the switch.

Abstract: A rotary switch, adapted to be secured to a panel, comprises a stator having a bearing flange provided with a cylindrical side wall and an underside; a circumferential groove provided in the side wall and an annular groove provided in the underside; and a rotor extending over the bearing flange and having a cylindrical side wall surrounding the cylindrical side wall of the bearing flange. The rotor is rotatably supported on and relative to the stator. There are further provided a stationary contact mounted in the stator; a movable contact carried by the rotor for displacement relative to the stationary contact upon turning of the rotor; and a first sealing ring received in the circumferential groove and projecting radially outwardly from the cylindrical side wall of the bearing flange. The first sealing ring sealingly and slidably engages the cylindrical side wall of the rotor.

Abstract: A rotary key switch has a momentary action such that a lock cylinder and control member are returned to normal positions by a torsion spring provided in a central bore of the control member. The switch housing is in two parts, a lower body portion and an upper panel mounted cap portion that also supports the lock cylinder. The lower portion defines a cylindrical cavity and supports the control member on a central post that is also provided in this central bore. The housing portions are telescopically secured to one another and a stop is deformed in part by the control member and the panel mounted cap portion to positively limit the rotation of the key and lock cylinder.

Abstract: The housing has a cylindrical cavity and central bore in the bottom wall for rotatably receiving a post on the cylindrical control member and the terminals have upper ends defining circumaxially spaced fixed contacts. A tubular conductor surrounds the post and is connected to one such fixed contact to provide a common contact adjacent all of the other fixed terminals. A ball is biased downwardly into contact with the common contact and selectively with the fixed contacts. The ball is provided in a recess of the rotary control member and moves over protuberances in the bottom wall of the housing to selectively connect the common contact with the individual fixed contacts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reversing speed control switch. This control switch has a trigger arranged on a casing, a movable element which is moved upon operation of the trigger, a power switch for switching, on and off, a power source to be interlocked with the operation of the movable element, a reversing switch, connected to the switch, for switching the polarity of the power source, a reversing actuator whose shaft portion coupled to the reversing switch is located in the central portion the casing, and whose actuation portion is located outside the casing, and a speed control circuit for performing speed control, upon operation of the trigger. The movable element, the switch, and the speed control circuit are arranged around the shaft portion.

Abstract: A contact assembly for a switch is provided which has an array of fixed surfaces, such as posts, which are arranged in a pattern such as points on a circumference and into which a conductive, elastic or resilient closed loop is seated under stress. The loop completes an electrical circuit through at least some of the fixed surfaces or posts and is moved in and out of the array by an actuator. A plurality of loops and a plurality of arrays may be provided.

Abstract: Each swiveling yoke (3) of a movable element 1 includes a stem 16 concent with a shaft 6 around which moves the swiveling yoke 3 and connecting the two arms 17 between which a roller 4 is free to rotate about a shaft 11; the outer surface of the stem 16 acts as a friction surface for a friction piece 18 comprising an elastic blade 19, a bead 20 made of a good electrically conducting material and a cable 27 connected by a cable terminal 26. The elastic blade 19 rests on two cross-pins 22 and 24 inserted into insulating plates 23.

Abstract: A device for controlling the rotary movement of a platen roller of a typewriter comprises a bidirectional electric motor coupled to the platen by a worm gear and gear wheel and a pair of knobs which are disposed at the sides of the platen and which are rotatable with respect thereto. The knobs are fixed to a bar which extends rotatably through the platen roller and carries the gear wheel. Selective bidirectional rotation of the knobs causes corresponding rotary movement of a disc in a transducer. The disc has a toothed sector in mesh with the gear wheel and is the moving part of a rotary switch which generates electrical signals which determine both the power supply to the electric motor and the direction of rotation thereof. Small degrees of rotary movement of the knobs against a first spring force establish continuous rotary movement of the platen roller at low speed. A further slight rotary movement of the knobs against a stronger spring force establishes rotary movement of the platen at high speed.

Abstract: A rotary switch having a housing carrying a plurality of terminals which may be assembled within the housing in various combinations to give the switch different operating characteristics, with the terminals providing a circular array of spaced switch contacts arranged in a plane normal to the switch axis, has a rotary carrier mounting at least one disc contactor facing the array of contacts, the carrier being biased toward the plane of the contacts to urge the contactor into circuit closing relation with the contacts. A switch base snaps together with the terminal housing to enclose the carrier and an actuator, preferably in the form of a key lock tumbler plug, extends through the base and drivingly engages with the carrier to effect rotation of the contractor relative to the contacts and thereby operate the switch.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a switching mechanism particularly intended for use in connection with a braking system of a vehicle. The switching mechanism includes a switch supported in a housing and having a movable element which cooperates with an actuating system coupled to the brake pedal. The switch is contained in a housing which is arranged to frictionally engage a brake pedal arm pivot yoke. The switch actuator arm is arranged to be coupled to the brake pedal arm on the vehicle. A friction clutch is provided between the switch actuator arm and the switch actuator to permit a driving but slippable connection between the two whereby the switch actuator arm can pivot to a greater angular extent than the switch actuator. Thus, the switch mechanism of the present invention is self-adjusting despite variations resulting from manufacturing and age variations in the brake pedal assembly.

Abstract: A small-sized rotary switch which comprises a switch base plate, fixed contacts formed on the base plate, a movable contact selectively engageable with one of the fixed contacts, a converter for holding the movable contact, a rotary shaft for rotating the converter, a cap adapted to accommodate all of the above-mentioned members therein and provided at the upper portion thereof with an aperture through which the rotary shaft extends, a stopper plate attached to the rotary shaft and disposed on the upper portion of the cap, the stopper plate being provided with an ear piece, and a variable stopper attached to the upper portion of the cap, with the stopper plate intervening therebetween, with an engagement projection being formed on either one of the cap and the variable stopper to engage the ear piece of the stopper plate.

Abstract: An improved terminal pin and mounting construction therefor, for use in multicontact switches using flexible wire type contacts mounted upon a stator element, the contacts being bridged by corresponding contacts on a coaxially mounted rotor element. The mounting utilizes improved flexibility of the contact portion of each of the pins to lessen the stress placed upon the fixed mounting portion thereof.

Abstract: A reversible switch comprises four fixed contact members mounted within a base, each having an arcuate contact jointly defining an interrupted circular wall. A cylindrical body rotatable within the wall includes a pair of contact members slidably engageable with the fixed contacts to reverse polarity of an electrical circuit when rotated 90.degree. between first and second positions. An eccentric pin projecting from the body through an arcuate slot formed in a cover mounted on the base rotates the body via engagement with a lever pivotably mounted on the cover. The rotatable body is selectively retained in first or second position by a spring-biased cap received in a pair of positioning holes in the cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides low cost electrical switch assemblies. The switch assembly comprises an array of resiliently flexible metallic conductors arranged in predetermined circuit pathways on a dielectric carrier panel. A plurality of apertures or cavities are provided at predetermined locations in the carrier panel. The switch contacts comprise a pair of generally L-shaped fingers which are integral extensions of the flexible conductors. The fingers extend cantilevered from opposite edge surfaces of the carrier panel defining an associated aperture or cavity, to beyond the geometric center of the said associated aperture or cavity, with the free ends of the fingers terminating adjacent one another.

Abstract: A multiposition rotary switch including a detent mechanism wherein a resilient plastic ring having radially extending detent bumps engage cam surfaces on the inside walls of the switch casing. The detent ring is mounted on the contact carrier by means of downwardly projecting tabs which fit into corresponding radial slots in the contact carrier so that the detent ring is keyed thereto and rotatable with the contact carrier. An arcuate formed spring metal contact-wiper is keyed to the contact carrier for corresponding rotation therewith.

Abstract: A switching device for detecting the rotational positions of a rotary shaft including a lever rotating with the rotary shaft as a unit, and an electrically conductive plate spring having a central portion and two side portions which is bent and mounted on the lever. The two side portions of the plate spring are each formed with a movable electrical contact, and electrical contacts each juxtaposed against one of the movable electrical contacts on the plate spring are formed in fixed members respectively. Rotation of the lever brings one set of movable and fixed contacts into and out of engagement with each other to detect one rotational position, and further rotation thereof brings the other set of movable and fixed contacts into and out of engagement with each other to detect another rotational position. The plate spring is held in position in flexed condition on the lever by retaining means which has the effect of positively keeping the two contacts with each other.

Abstract: A multipole type switch for switching a relatively large plurality of independent circuits from one set of contacts to a second set of contacts by manual or remote operation using a solenoid or linear actuator. The switch utilizes as contacts a simple wire form cantilevered for compliance at one end, and free to move laterally at an opposite end. A plurality of bridging contacts properly sized and plated shorts adjacent pairs of wires together when the contacts move in a rectilinear or arcuate path of motion, causing the wires to laterally deflect, and causing the contacts to bridge pairs of adjacent wires to complete a circuit between them. Insulative members are positioned in the gaps between the wire contacts to limit the degree of flexing of the wires to unitary planes during movement of the bridging contacts.

Abstract: A rotary type switch for switching a relatively large plurality of independent circuits from one set of contact to a second set of contacts for manual or remote operation using a solenoid or linear actuator. The switch utilizes as contacts a simple wire form cantilevered for compliance at one end, and free to move vertically at an opposite end. A plurality of bridging contacts, properly sized and plated shorts adjacent pairs of wires together when the contacts move in an arcuate path or motion, causing the wires in the path to deflect, and causing the contacts to bridge pairs of adjacent wires to complete a circuit between them. Insulative members are positioned adjacent the gaps between the bridging contacts to limit the degree of flexing of the wires during movement of the bridging contacts.

Abstract: Membrane switch technology is applied to the more conventional switch construction found in a rotary switch. Specifically, there may be a membrane and a substrate, each having electrical contacts or contact means formed thereon. A spacer having openings or opening means is positioned between the membrane and the substrate. The spacer is rotated between the membrane and substrate to vary the position of the opening which permits membrane contacts to be moved through the opening to form a switch closure.

Abstract: A switch comprises a movable conductive contact in the form of a curved plate having an arcuate cross section, and terminals having ends projecting into a cavity. The movable conductive contact is pressed into the cavity to cause an end of the contact to be resiliently held against and slidably supported on the ends of the terminals.

Abstract: In an electrical switch being subject to high contact pressure and using contacts of relatively soft contact material, the isolating or electrical resistance is impaired by contact wear. A contact and a counter contact spring supported by an isolating support before and/or behind the contact with an area the surface of which is located lower than the level of the topside of the contact. On at least one side of said recess area, the isolating support is provided with an elevated portion which also extends in the direction of relative movement of the contact spring and on which the contact spring rests when the switch is in its open position.

Abstract: A rotary switch having a multiple throw axial cam rotor and operatively aligned detent teeth. One held stationary contact spring spider has plural radially disposed axially-movable cam follower switch contact arms engaging the axial cam, and also has plural detent springs engaging the axial detent teeth. A base has stationary contacts to be selectively engaged by the switch contacts, and a journal post upon which the rotor is rotatable. An externally accessible shaft upon the rotor has a surrounding resilient "O" ring. A housing sealed to the base and bearing upon the "O" ring seals the switch. The switch may be fabricated in DIP size and contact configuration.

Abstract: The rotary SIP switch (10) provides a single in-line package (SIP) having switching capabilities previously found in dual in-line packages (DIP) while providing more switch contacts in the same package area. The miniature rotary SIP switch (10) has a pair of oppositely disposed terminal and contact leafs (30) fixedly mounted in the base wall (27) of the switch housing (12), with the contact leaf portions (36) cantilevered within the interior of the switch housing (12). Lateral tabs (38) integral with the leaf contacts (36) effect equal spring loading upon a contact pin (44) disposed within an aperture (42) extending through a cylindrically shaped rotary driver (40). The contact pin (44) is free floating in the aperture (42) and self-centers when the rotary driver (40) is rotated and the ends of the contact pin (44) engage respective contact leafs (36). The rotary driver (40) has integral detent protrusions (48) for positioning the driver (40) and contact pin (44) in an open circuit position.

Abstract: A multiple-function electrical switch has an automatic return to an initial position upon release of the shaft (60). An annular drive (70) mounted upon the shaft (60) has a rotary contactor (100) and momentary switch contacts (90,92) secured thereto, and a torsional spring (110) is mounted in a cover (36) enclosing one end of the housing (11). As the shaft is rotated, a tongue (78) on the driver (70) engages the torsional spring (110) which will effect return of the driver and shaft to its initial position upon release of the shaft. The tongue (78) is received in a pocket (56) located in the cover (36) such that the shaft (60) may be moved axially at only one rotational position, such movement effecting engagement between the momentary switch contacts (90,92) and terminals (44,46) disposed in the cover.

Abstract: An electric circuit unit includes a through-hole type plate on one side of which is printed an electrical circuit including switch terminals and on the other side of which are attached electrical circuit elements such as resistors, capacitors and semiconductor elements. An electrically-insulating protective cover is attached to the plate so as to cover the switch terminals provided on the plate. The protective cover supports elements which include movable switch contacts which are engageable with the switch terminals provided on the plate.

Abstract: A switch (13) is provided with a common actuator (38) which is movable through successive discrete positions (47) for effecting successive circuit closures between a common circuit portion (21) and a selectable one of a plurality of conductors (20). In any selected position of the actuator, a deformation of the actuator, without changing its selected position, effects a further discrete circuit closure (58, 57) to indicate that an actuator position has been selected. These closures are advantageously utilized in a telephone station set environment to control a dialed digit display and to enable registration of a sequence of dialed digits for subsequent transmission.

Abstract: A subminiature rotary coded switch having a dual-in-line configuration. Flexible contacts making electrical connection with the dual-in-line terminals of the switch are mounted within a stationary body. A drum-shaped detenting cover has printed circuitry on its inner cylindrical surface, typically in the form of a flexible printed circuit board. The cover rotates the flexible board with respect to the body, producing a wiping action with respect to the flexible contacts, thereby producing the desired switching operations. Each such switch can be electrically equivalent to four single-pole double-throw switches and two of the switches of this invention can be mounted in one conventional 14-terminal dual-in-line array of holes in a printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a casing, an actuator, and a switch mechanism. The switch mechanism includes a contact bridging member movable between a plurality of spaced electrical contacts. The contacts act as fulcrums on the contact bridging member during its movement to assist in making and breaking the electrical connections. A conductor connects the contact bridging member to one of the contacts or to a second switching mechanism mounted in a common housing.

Abstract: A switch of an extremely small thickness is made of a reduced number of parts and can be easily assembled. The switch comprises a pair of complementary case members each of which has a plurality of fixed contacts having integrally formed terminals and a common fixed contact having an integrally formed terminal; and an operation member having a lever portion, and a disc portion disposed between the case members. The operation member is provided on its outer faces with identically shaped movable contact members having contacts on the outer surfaces thereof. The upper ends of the case members define a slot form which the lever portion of the operation member is upwardly projected, and the movement of the lever portion is restricted by the slot. The operation member is securely supported in the case members by horizontal fastener members extended from both faces of the former to the outer surfaces of the latter.

Abstract: An electrical switch having conductive contact elements each pivoted about a stationary middle contact block is disclosed. The contact elements are each formed as a triangular spring open at one apex and having a bearing the side thereof opposite the open apex for engaging its respective middle contact block. The other two sides of each spring, depending on the switch position, rest under spring tension against one or the other of stationary contact blocks arranged on either side of its respective middle contact block. The ends of these two sides adjacent the open apex are formed with hooks which are positioned with a minimum of friction in recesses and oblong openings in a rotatable actuating element, under spring tension, in such a way that the contact element serves to produce a snap action as the actuating element is rotated.

Abstract: A multiposition rotary switch including a detent mechanism wherein a cam on the rotor acting through an arm resiliently deforms a portion of a side of the housing. A contactor constrained to rotate with the rotor wipably engages a plurality of contacts carried on a base in seriatim, each contact being defined by a portion of a conductor. The contacts can be arranged on the base to provide a variety of switching functions. An insulating material is adherently deposited on a predetermined location of at least one of the conductors carried by the base to provide a coded output. An annular bearing having a relatively large bearing area rotatably supports the rotor.

Abstract: An electric switch assembly having at least one movable contact element and a plurality of fixed contact elements. The movable contact element can electrically connect at least one of the fixed contact elements to any one of the remaining fixed contacts. The electric switch assembly herein disclosed utilizes intermediate contact pieces each adapted to connect one of the fixed contact elements to the movable contact element therethrough and also to connect the movable contact element to any one of the fixed contact element.

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 multiple pole bushbutton rotary switch has axial as well as rotary travel. A first dimple in the back of the rotor of a stem and rotor assembly is rotatable over a desired number of position indicating detents for selective positioning of the rotor. The stem is then pushable on its axis to make a second dimple located on the opposite surface of the rotor travel into a second detent on a substrate and make electrical contact between the rotor and contact within the second detent which is preferably coupled to circuit conductors on the substrate. An embodiment of the pushbutton rotary switch is particularly useful for controlling a plurality of different time-date setting functions of electronic watches with a single switch mechanism.