Abstract: An electrical switch having an internal lighting circuit which does not interfere with the movements of the internal components of the switch. The lighting circuit of the electrical switch employs a circuit board for connecting one or more lamps to electrical contacts disposed on a wall of the switch housing thereby avoiding the manufacturing problems and expenses associated with employing the extended lead wires found in prior art switches.

Abstract: A rocker-type electrical switch of the kind known as a "quiet switch" includes a manually depressible rocker having two opposed contact surfaces at a small angle to each other from which rocker depends a rocker arm terminating in a rocker cam. A slider positioned intermediately of the rocker and the rocker cam is moved back and forth by side-to-side movements of the rocker arm and opens and closes one or more pairs of contacts. Rocker movement is controlled by a rocker cam leaf spring engaging the rocker cam which spring has a cammed profile traversed by the rocker cam to slow the switch, lock the rocker and provide other desirable effects. The rocker cam spring is housed in a spring chamber longer than itself, allowing the rocker cam spring to float.

Abstract: There is disclosed a seesaw switch which includes two rubber contacts (4a, 4b) juxtaposed on a printed board (2) within a case (1) defining a through hole (6) above the rubber contacts (4a, 4b), a key button (12) inserted in the through hole (6) from inside the case (1) and placed on pushing elements (5a, 5b) formed on the rubber contacts (4a, 4b), and a collar portion (22) formed at lower end of the key button (12) and abutting against an inner surface of the case (1) on the periphery of the through hole (6).

Abstract: Rocker buttons for devices such as automotive audio systems are mounted in escutcheons of the audio systems by using rocker frame members. Light dams, unitary with the rocker frame members shield LEDs used to illuminate indicia in the rocker buttons so that the light is not transmitted through gaps between the rocker buttons and the edges of openings through the escutcheons which receive the rocker buttons. Trunions extend laterally from the rocker buttons and are received within bearings formed by grooves in the escutcheons. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the rocker frames retain trunions in the bearings and in accordance with another embodiment of the invention peripheral display lenses overlie the trunions to hold the trunions in the bearings.

Abstract: Rocker buttons for devices such as automotive audio systems are mounted in escutcheons of the audio systems by using rocker frame members. Light dams, unitary with the rocker frame members shield lamps used to illuminate indicia in the rocker buttons so that the light is not transmitted through gaps between the rocker buttons and the edges of openings through the escutcheons which receive the rocker buttons. Trunions extend laterally from the rocker buttons and are received within bearings formed by grooves in the escutcheons. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rocker frames retain trunions in the bearings and in accordance with another embodiment of the invention peripheral display lenses overlie the trunions to hold the trunions in the bearings.

Abstract: A rocker-type electrical switch of the kind known as a "quiet switch" includes a manually depressible rocker having two opposed contact surfaces at a small angle to each other from rocker depends a rocker arm terminating in a rocker cam. A slider positioned intermediately of the rocker and the rocker cam is moved back and forth by side-to-side movements of the rocker arm and opens and closes one or more pairs of contacts. Rocker is controlled by a rocker cam leaf spring engaging the rocker cam which spring has a cammed profile traversed by the rocker cam to slow the switch, lock the rocker and provide other desirable effects. The rocker cam spring is housed in a spring chamber longer than itself, allowing the rocker cam spring to float.

Abstract: A single pole electrical switch of relatively thin overall dimension has a rocker provided on an off center axis in the circuit breaker housing, which rocker is adapted to slide a moveable contact across the upper ends of the fixed contacts to achieve opening and closing of these contacts. The moveable contact in the off position is spaced from one of the end walls of the switch case housing to allow provision for a third fixed terminal in a stepped portion of the bottom wall. The upper end of this third terminal is located in close proximity to the rocker so as to afford electrical connection with a resistor or other component of the lamp circuitry provided in the rocker.

Abstract: A two color, light emitting diode having a green diode and a red diode therein is incorporated with a control switch for an automotive accessory. The control switch is normally green in color providing a finger target when the system is not operated because only the green diode emits light. The diode is amber in color upon closing the switch because the red diode and green diode are both illuminated. The two color, light emitting diode is used for accessory systems such as electric windows, traction control systems, rear window defrosters and other accessory systems.

Abstract: An electrical switch has three terminals, one that is always connected to one side of an LED and in parallel to a resistor. A rocker slides a movable contact to and from an engine OFF or kill position, from and to an engine RUN position. An oil detector circuit uses the engines magneto system to light the LED when the switch is in the RUN position and the engine is rotated. The flashing LED provides a visual indication of low oil in the engine.

Abstract: A switch device is proposed which includes a plurality of stationary contacts fixedly formed on an insulating substrate, a plurality of movable contacts capable of sliding on the insulating substrate for independently contacting with and separating from the stationary contacts, a common holder case fixed to the insulating substrate, and positioning member provided between the insulating substrate and the holder case for positioning the insulating substrate and the holder case relative to each other. The movable contacts are supported slidably so as to be brought into and out of contact with the stationary contact in a switching manner. Thus, the positioning of the movable contacts relative to the stationary contact is extremely easy, thereby providing an improved assembling efficiency.

Abstract: A switching assembly of individually backlighted rocker actuated switches mounted in a common housing. The switch is built up by mounting connector terminals on a base, securing with an insulated anchor plate and stacking thereon an upper and lower bus, each formed of a conductive strip with plastic molded thereover. Each bus has cut-outs with portions of the conductor exposed therein and with mounting stanchions which bayonet through slots in the lower bus, and each stanchion has a switch blade staked onto it. The stationary contacts on the upper and lower bus are arranged in spaced stacked pairs with a blade mounted contact extending between each pair of stationary contacts. The upper and lower buses each have a terminal formed integrally and extending internally for bayonet contact with terminals on the base. The individual rocker actuators are mounted on the cover, which is snap-locked over the assembly of the base, busses and switches.

Abstract: A switching assembly having some conductor strips molded in the base and extending outwardly to form connector terminals. Other conductive strips are disposed on the surface of the base and have the ends extending outwardly to also form connector terminals. The conductive strips have other portions bent upward to plug directly into a printed circuit board. A plurality of switches are mounted on the base and a switch is mounted on the circuit board directly above a base mounted switch. User movement of cover mounted rockers actuates the base mounted switches through push pins passing through clearance holes the circuit board. The circuit board mounted switch after user effected rocker actuation absorbs overtravel resulting from continued user movement of the rocker and is operative to move a sliding plunger in the circuit board to operate the base mounted switch directly below.

Abstract: An illuminated rocker switch having a transparent actuator in the form of a light pipe pivoted on the switch housing. The light pipe has a set of generally parallel spaced arms each transmitting light to a separate projection surface on each arm from the common edge of an aperture illuminated by a lamp. A separate arm receives light from a separate lamp at a second light receiving surface and transmits light to a projection surface on the end of the separate arm. An opaque actuator cover is attached to the light pipe and has transparent regions adjacent each projection surface for illumination. The cover has an opaque shroud tube received on the separate arm and shields it from illumination other than from its own lamp. The light pipe carries a shorting bar which, upon user movement of the actuator switches between stationary contacts on the housing.

Abstract: A switch device is provided in which a clicking touch can easily be set and which is able to stably perform a switching operation while maintaining a predetermined clicking touch, exhibiting a long life when operated and causing an advantage to be obtained in reducing a manufacturing cost. The switch device has an operating rod which is inward pushed by an end portion of an operation lever and a leaf spring which is operated by an operating rod when the operation lever is inclined by a predetermined degree, so that a desired clicking touch can be easily set by selecting the leaf spring and a problem of wear which is inevitable for realizing the clicking touch can be overcome.

Abstract: An illuminated key button is disclosed which is formed of a light permeable hard resin and has on the bottom of the key a print layer which is illuminated from below and is integral with the operating portion of the key button.

Abstract: A contact switch arrangement is provided where from a nonoperative position two switch positions can be assumed via actuatable rocker-type switch units. Such a switch arrangement is especially provided for operating windows in motor vehicles. The arrangement includes a housing that also serves to accommodate switch elements. Provided in the housing are at least two separate switch element arrangements, each of which is actuatable via a separate rocker-type switch.

Abstract: A dual lighted rocker switch having a printed circuit board. Bi-pin terminated bulbs and conductive terminals are connected to a printed circuit board to form a sub-assembly. The sub-assembly is placed upon a cover, which is then slid in to place in a housing. The housing has a rib that acts as a stop to inhibit movement of a rocker which would cause the switch to short directly across the terminals of an external battery. The printed circuit board and cover improve the durability of the rocker switch. The printed circuit board is provided to make the assembly of the rocker switch easier. Thus the design of the switch provides for a reduction of cost and time in production of the rocker switch.

Abstract: A split switch case has a base and a mounting bracket fitted thereto. The top wall of the latter has a lateral rib defining sockets for receiving shoulder portions of the actuator. Plungers in the actuator can bottom out to break free the switch contacts should they fuse together. The rocker has a unique shape and is coupled to the actuator for positive pivotal movement on a lateral axis defined by surfaces in the rocker and in the mounting bracket's top wall rib. In the illuminated switch shown, the lamp circuit has at least one lead provided in a slot defined inside the mounting bracket. The lamp can be mounted in the mounting bracket either from above or from below, two depending legs will accommodate a conventional LED from either direction.

Abstract: A switch device includes an insulating base formed of a plastics material which defines upper and lower switch operation spaces, a pair of confronting hinge bosses interposed between the upper and lower switch operating spaces, and a lamp-mounting space. An operation lever having upper and lower ends is pivotally coupled to the hinge bosses such that the upper end extends into the upper switch operation space and a lower end extends into the lower switch operating space. In this manner, the operation lever may be pivotally moved between first and second states. The lower end of the operation lever includes a bridge portion which establishes a hole such that an opposed pair of resilient contact members associated with a U-shaped movable contact are disposed adjacent to the hole and are thereby capable of being resiliently displaced therewithin. A lamp-holding connector is mounted to the base for holding a lamp within a lamp-mounting space.

Abstract: A switch device suitable for application in a window regulator of an automobile. The switch device is capable of detecting three distinct operations of a knob, and is comprised of: a first operation to one side from a neutral position; a second operation to the opposite side; and a third operation to the first side larger than the first operation. Two switches are provided in correspondence to the respective first and second operations and these switches are provided with contacts which are switched by these three operations. When the third operation is effected, an interlock member transmits this third operation to the second switch, whereby the contacts of both the first and second switches are caused to be switched simultaneously.

Abstract: A backlit control actuator includes a substrate of translucent material having a front surface with a three-dimensional symbol integrally formed thereon, and a boot of opaque, relatively soft material which is molded around the substrate so that an upper surface of the symbol is flush with an outer surface of the outer covering to permit light transmitted from the control device to backlight the symbol.

Abstract: A rocker switch, particularly for selecting voices in an electronic organ. A translucent tab is pivotally mounted at its center on a printed circuit board such that when the tab is pressed at either end, it actuates a respective elastomeric electric switch also mounted on the printed circuit board. A lamp is releasably mounted on the printed circuit board through an aperture in the back thereof by a twist-lock mechanism. A petal-like reflector and shield is disposed behind the tab for reflecting light from the lamp through the tab while blocking stray light and minimizing heat buildup. Elastomeric electric switches are positioned on the circuit board by pins and held in place by the pressure of the petal-like reflector, which is attached to the circuit board by plastic rivets. The tabs snap onto pivot points integrally formed as part of a rocker bar that includes the petal-like reflector.

Abstract: A switch device includes an insulating base formed of a plastics material which defines upper and lower switch operation spaces, a pair of confronting hinge bosses interposed between the upper and lower switch operating spaces, and a lamp-mounting space. An operation lever having upper and lower ends is pivotally coupled to the hinge bosses such that the upper end extends into the upper switch operation space and a lower end extends into the lower switch operating space. In this manner, the operation lever may be pivotally moved between first and second states. The lower end of the operation lever includes a bridge portion which establishes a hole such that an an opposed pair of resilient contact members associated with a U-shaped movable contact are disposed adjacent to the hole and are thereby capable of being resiliently displaced therewithin. A lamp-holding connector is mounted to the base for holding a lamp within a lamp-mounting space.

Abstract: A see-saw type illuminating switch apparatus having an illuminating portion provided on the upper surface of an operating portion, the apparatus having a light conduction body for conducting light of a light source, the light conduction body having a light issuing portion disposed in an oscillating direction of the operating portion under the operating portion, the operating portion being provided with a light conduction path leading to the upper surface thereof, the operating portion having a lower end formed into a forked configuration so as to ride on the light issuing portion.

Abstract: A silicone seal is molded-in-place to a frame and toggle lever pivotally mounted in the frame, the seal integrally providing a closed loop bead gasket on the lower surface of the frame surrounding the periphery of a switch cavity at the upper surface of a base. Lamp sockets are formed through the base and frame outside the closed loop gasket surrounding the switch cavity, the sockets being surrounded by additional closed loop gaskets integral with the seal, and further comprising lamp receiving resilient boots integral with the seal disposed in a front opening pocket of the frame for convenient insertion/removal of lamps from the front of the switch. A rocker button snaps onto a stub end of the toggle lever within the pocket to overlie the lamps, the button being provided with one or more windows and selected indicia. A panel gasket is molded-in-place to an under surface of a peripheral flange on the frame in the same molding operation as the aforementioned seal, and may also be an integral part of the seal.

Abstract: A multi-way change-over switch which is compact with a reduced number of parts and is improved in operability. The multi-way change-over switch comprises a manually operable lever, a rotary slider supporting the manually operable lever for rocking motion thereon and connected for integral rotation by rotation of the manually operable lever, a rotary switch mechanism having a plurality of contacts which are changed over by rotation of the rotary slider, a slide switch mechanism connected to be slidably moved in a linear direction to change over a plurality of contacts thereof by rocking motion of the manually operable lever, and a controlling mechanism for controlling a direction of sliding movement of a slider of the slide switch mechanism. The manually operable lever can be tilted and rotated to operate the slide switch mechanism and the rotary switch mechanism, respectively, to achieve various switching operations.

Abstract: A multi-unit switch assembly has a single housing which is divided into a plurality of compartment for respectively accommodating therein a corresponding number of switch mechanisms. Each switch mechanism includes contacts and an actuator rockable within the housing for closing and opening the contacts. Each of the actuators is provided with a spring catch for detachable snap connection with each of operator handles which correspond in number to the number of the switch mechanisms and positioned exteriorly of the housing and thus rockable together with the corresponding actuators for contact closing and opening of the individual switch mechanisms. With the detachable connection of the handle and the actuator in each switch mechanism within the housing, the housing may be mounted to a wall or a like supporting surface prior to assembling the operator handle to the housing.

Abstract: A key cap of a keyboard is guided at a frame 2, covers a switching element and a luminous element 5 and is provided with an operation section for the switching element 4 and with a transparent symbol zone 18 before the luminous element 5. The key cap consists of a flexible, transparent flat foil 8 fixed with a marginal section 9 at a frame 2. As operation section a body 15 is injection-moulded to the foil 8 at a distance from the marginal section 9. The foil 8 forms a joint section 21 between the marginal section 9 and the body 15, the printed symbol zone 18 being provided for between the body 15 and the joint section 21.

Abstract: An electric switch, preferably with means of illumination, is of liquid-protected design and includes parts which can largely be assembled automatically. A switch housing (2) is substantially closed in the upper region and is provided with a bottom opening (11) in the lower region. A switching pin (5) of an operating element (6) passes through a small upper opening (4) into the housing and operates a contact bridge (18). The contact bridge (18) selectively connects a middle plug terminal (12) electrically with an outer plug terminal (25). An illumination unit (30) may be integrated into corresponding recesses in the housing. All parts can be fitted in a straight line into the housing through the corresponding openings (11, 4) during automatic assembly.

Abstract: The multi-position electrical switch includes a printed circuit (PC) board arranged in a casing and supporting an array of stationary contacts encircling a light emitting element fixed on the PC board. A resilient rubber sheet covers the PC board and supports an array of movable contacts arranged opposite the stationary contacts. A control knob having a central opening rests on the rubber sheet in the region of the movable contacts. The bottom of the knob is formed with a tubular projection communicating with the central opening of the knob and extending to the level of an opening in the rubber sheet around the light emitting element.

Abstract: A contact switch having two switch positions that are attainable from a rest or unoperated position via a movable rocker-type button. The contact switch is particularly suitable for the operation of motor vehicle windows, and includes a housing that also accommodates switching elements that include switch springs that are provided with switch contacts. Actuating elements are provided that are articulatedly connected to the button and extend essentially perpendicular to the switch springs, with the actuating elements, as push members, acting upon the switch springs, which are essentially planar.

Abstract: A toggle switch has a toggle pivotably mounted in a threaded boss of the switch case. The toggle is preferably translucent so light from an internal lamp can reach the top of the toggle. A sleeve is slidably received on the toggle and has an inner end that is shaped to cooperate with an upper end of the boss to define discrete toggle positions. A spring biases the sleeve into a locked position engaging these shaped end portions.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical lamp of diameter D is provided in a miniature double pole switch case of internal height only 2.times.D. The movable contact levers are shorter than the length of the switch case cavity and an internal divider wall cooperates with skirt portions of the rocker to support these levers during pivotal movement on the upper ends of the center fixed contacts. The levers are spaced apart at least approximately by the dimension D.

Abstract: A display device which comprises a case in which a light source is accommodated, color changing means by which the color of light from the light source is changed to a predetermined color of illumination, a display panel that is formed of a light-transmitting material to cover the front opening of the case and which is provided with a light-shielding film in areas other than those corresponding to a display portion, and color display controller that is disposed on the display panel and which controls the color of illuminating light that issues from the light source and is transmitted through the display portion. The color display controller is composed of a plurality of thin strips that have a color different from that of illumination provided by the color changing means and which are spaced from each other.

Abstract: A transmission device of injection molded plastic is provided in order to be able to connect function elements (keys, light-emitting diodes) secured on printed circuit boards to remote control panels in communications terminal equipment. It contains thrust elements composed of a one-piece plastic part which assumes both the articulation function as well as the spring effect of the restoring function. An arbitrary plurality of these thrust elements is accepted by plastic guides which can either be fashioned as a solid block or can be composed of an arbitrary number of sub-elements. Entire control panels whose electrical components lie at the central assembly can be produced at an arbitrary location in this way by combination with light conductors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an illuminated switch and in particular to one having a housing, switch contacts in the housing, an electrical device disposed in the housing and operatively associated with the switch contacts, a light transmissive colored filter mounted over a neon lamp of the electrical device, and a transparent member located over a cds photoresistor of the electrical device, whereby the neon lamp will light to provide indication of the switch location in darkness and will be extinguished when the switch is turned on.

Abstract: An electrical toggle switch with self-contained indicating devices for displaying the operating condition of the switch and the electrical equipment controlled thereby. The switch may be of the single pole double throw type, or the double pole double throw type, operated by a three position toggle lever which actuates a fulcrum mounted conductive bridge. The switch housing incorporates indicating lamps with color coded lenses. A legend plate assembly mounted on the switch includes a readily interchangeable legend plate which indicates switch function whether or not specifically illuminated.

Abstract: Backlighting from a circuit board mounted below a panel display is prevented from seeping around the edges of control actuators which rely on the backlighting to illuminate legends on the face of the actuators. A continuous frame and a layer of foam are disposed about the periphery of the actuators for blocking the seepage of backlighting and half bearings are fixedly attached to the actuators in a manner permitting rotation of the actuators within openings in an escutcheon plate even though the frame is attached to the periphery of the actuators.

Abstract: A rocker switch assembly includes a rocker pivoted about a central axis, an actuator responsive to the rocker and pivoting about either end, and conductive rubber push-button switches selectively operated by the actuator with minimum lateral deformation. The actuator is translucent to serve as a light conductor to carry light from an adjacent lamp to the rocker which bears translucent legends. The actuators of adjacent pairs of switch mechanisms are lit by a single lamp between them.

Abstract: An electrical toggle switch with self-contained indicating devices for displaying the operating condition of the switch and the electrical equipment controlled thereby. The switch may be of the single pole double throw type, or the double pole double throw type, operated by a three position toggle lever which actuates a fulcrum mounted conductive bridge. The switch housing incorporates indicating lamps with color coded lenses. A legend plate assembly mounted on the switch includes a readily interchangeable legend plate which indicates switch function whether or not specifically illuminated.

Abstract: An improved circuit breaker with overload condition illuminated indicator having a secondary switch coupled to the movement inherent in conventional circuit breaker levers. The improved circuit breaker is self-powered with batteries thereby insulating itself from possible power failures.

Abstract: A switch arrangement on an electrical apparatus includes a base with two parallel rows of receptacles, a switch module held plugged in, in the base, in which the pairs of contacts together with a switch rocker form a rocker switch, and a cover fastened releasably on the base in one single possible fastening position, which on the inside of its end wall carries operating lugs for the rocker switches.

Abstract: A pair of lights are carried in a housing. One of the lights is in a constant "on" position, while the other is intermittently turned "on" and "off" through a switch means. The switch means is open and closed through a contact arm that is carried on a pivotally mounted cover for the housing.

Abstract: This invention is a wall-mounted electric switch, having a toggle switch unit, with a button that is pivotable to three positions, and the button including an illuminating lamp.

Abstract: A keyboard, particularly for control of electronics in vehicles, has at least one key mounted in a recess in the keyboard and pivotable about a pivot to press against a shaped portion of a rubber gasket to operate an electrical switch. A display, preferably a multiple character LCD, for labellingthe switch is visible through a transparent member and connected to a p.c.b. by zebra striped members. The display is not obscured by a finger operating the key. The key has a transverse bore in which a compression spring is mounted with balls at the end of the spring to co-operate with stepped generally cylindrical members mounted with their axes perpendicular to the pivot pin and forming detent means to give the key a tactile operation. Preferably the key operates three switches by way of three shaped portions.

Abstract: A three-position toggle switch having a transparent toggle lever (28) illuminated in its natural color in the center position and illuminated in second and third colors in its respective left and right positions. Molded color filters (32, 34) are structurally attached to the interior end of the lever by dovetail slots (28k, 28m) and dovetail ribs (32b, 34b) and are retained thereon by confinement within the interior switch cavity (2a). The filters (32, 34) have offset legs (32a, 32b) depending toward a lamp (8) in the switch base (2) to reflect or redirect light rays from the lamp (8) to enhance color separation while permitting an inexpensive, unfocused lamp to be utilized.

Abstract: A plastic switch actuator is fitted with a spring so as to impart sliding and rocking motion to a movable contact by virtue of direct engagement between spring and element. The actuator may be slidably or pivotally supported in the switch case and has a depending integral portion received in an opening of the element but it is the spring which keeps the element in contact with the fixed switch contacts. Other embodiments provide for illuminating the rocker in the miniature switch through a resistor also provided in the rocker itself, and switched on and off by movement of the rocker.

Abstract: In a circuit protector or the like a handle and a case from which said handle extends. Within the handle is an electrical lamp. A first pair of terminals is secured to the handle and to the lamp and a second pair of terminals is carried by the case. Electrical leads extend from the second pair of terminals to a pair of springs and the springs have end portions engageable with the first pair of terminals. The springs carried by a projection of the case and the end portions rest upon a boss formed on the case. The first pair of terminals press upon the end portions to close the circuit to the lamp.

Abstract: A rocker switch has a spring biased movable contact which is continually connected to an electrical potential source and a lamp in the actuator has one lead connected to this spring and the other to a uniquely located resistor such that the resistor is connected selectively to one of the fixed switch contacts for illuminating the lamp. The lamp wires and the resistor are retained in the rocker by means which permits ease of assembly for these elements.

Abstract: A pivoted-actuator switch having two subassemblies snap-in mounted together. An operator subassembly includes an operating member which may be a toggle lever (24) or a rocker button (32), and LED indicator lamp (22, 34) mounted in a hole in the operating member, a double-sided PC board inserted into notches (24d, 24e) or a notch (32b) in the opening member and connected to the leads (22a, 34a) of the LED, and an actuator (16) snap-in mounted to the operating member to retain the PC board therein with its lower portion extending down through the actuator. A housing subassembly includes an insulating base 2 supporting sets of stationary switch contact-terminals (4, 6) and LED contact-terminals (8, 10), and movable contacts (12) therein, switch mounting clips (40) on opposite ends of the base for snap-in mounting the switch in a hole in a mounting panel, and a bezel (42) snap-in secured to the upper rim of the base.