Actuator Biasing Mechanism Patents (Class 200/557)
  • Patent number: 12218663
    Abstract: A control device comprising: a body comprising a printed circuit, a mobile actuator able to move in pivoting relative to the body about an axis 50 of rotation, a torsion spring comprising two end strands resting against two respective bearing surfaces of the actuator, said torsion spring being designed to urge the actuator to rotate towards a position of rest, at least one magnet rigidly secured to the actuator, a magnetic-field sensor arranged on the printed circuit facing the magnet and designed to detect the angular position of the magnet and to produce an electric signal dependent on the detected angular position, characterized in that it comprises two end-stops rigidly secured to the body, a respective elastic element being arranged between each end-stop and the body, each end-stop comprising a bearing surface bearing on a respective end strand of the torsion spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: APEM
    Inventor: Charly Simon
  • Patent number: 12162348
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicle including an operation unit that receives an operation for setting ON or OFF of a plurality of driver assistance functions, wherein at least two or more driver assistance functions among the plurality of driver assistance functions are driver assistance functions classified into a specific group in which the degree of intervention of control for the driving operation is smaller than other driver assistance functions, and the operation unit includes a main switch for collectively setting ON or OFF of the driver assistance functions classified into the specific group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi Hamaguchi, Shintaro Saigo, Tomoyuki Doi, Kohei Tochigi, Minami Sato
  • Patent number: 11984287
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric switch that serves to switch on and/or off electric devices and for this purpose has a contact system in the switch housing. By means of a manual actuating element or a remotely controlled actuator, a switching operation can be effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: JOHNSON ELECTRIC GERMANY GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Joerg Gassmann
  • Patent number: 11973392
    Abstract: A linear actuator includes a controlling module, a driving module and a transmission module. The controlling module includes a circuit board, two micro switches and a socket. The two micro switches are electrically connected to the circuit board. A first end of the socket is electrically connected to the circuit board, and a second end of the socket has a plurality of first connecting parts. The driving module is electrically connected to the controlling module and includes a motor and a connecting mount. The connecting mount is electrically connected to the motor and has a plurality of second connecting parts. The second connecting parts are detachably connected to the first connecting parts so as to electrically connect the connecting mount to the socket. The transmission module is connected to the motor and driven by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: J-STAR MOTOR INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wei-Fan Wu
  • Patent number: 11955304
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric switch that serves to switch on and/or off electric devices and for this purpose has a contact system in the switch housing. By means of a manual actuating element or a remotely controlled actuator, a switching operation can be effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: JOHNSON ELECTRIC GERMANY GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Joerg Gassmann
  • Patent number: 11801775
    Abstract: A seat adjustment switch includes a multidirectional force sensor, a carrier plate, and a button cap. The multidirectional force sensor is arranged on the carrier plate and includes a sensor pin. The sensor pin is pivotable via which the multidirectional force sensor is actuatable. The button cap is connected to the sensor pin. The button cap serves as an actuating element operable by an operator for pivoting the sensor pin in order to actuate the multidirectional force sensor. The carrier plate includes a receiving sleeve that is integrally formed with the carrier plate and is connected to other portions of the carrier plate via flexible regions, the sensor pin is guided through the receiving sleeve for the multidirectional force sensor to be arranged on the carrier plate. The button cap forms a form-fit connection with the receiving sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: KOSTAL Automobil Elektrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andre Fehling, Kai Brensel, Hubert Hille
  • Patent number: 11726518
    Abstract: An operating device includes a control knob, an actuator, a first switch, a second switch, and a holder. An accommodating space of the holder is defined by a first accommodating portion extending in a first direction. A first arm is accommodated in a first accommodating portion. A second arm is accommodated in a second accommodating portion. The first arm or the first accommodating portion includes an allowance portion that allows for tilting of the actuator in the second direction, without interference between the first arm and the first accommodating portion. The second arm or the second accommodating portion includes an allowance portion that allows for tilting of the actuator in the first direction, without interference between the second arm and the second accommodating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takayuki Saijo
  • Patent number: 11453133
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are described for a locking folding knife having a handle lock and a safety switch arranged around and rotatable around a pivot axis of the knife. In an engaged position the switch overlaps at least a portion of the handle lock and prevents it from moving into an unlocked position. A spring, such as a wire form spring, can be arranged within a pocket of the switch, and when the switch is moved between engaged and disengaged positions the spring can be compressed generating a rotational bias on the switch urging the switch toward either the engaged or disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Michael T. Mayberry, Danny R. Smith, Jr., Thomas Ward, Timothy Eric Roberts, Timothy James Galyean
  • Patent number: 11391436
    Abstract: An illuminated switch for use in a vehicle, including: a switch frame; a skin covering the switch frame; at least one icon defined in the skin by a plurality of openings; and at least one light lens is located between the switch frame and the skin, the at least one light lens having a plurality of posts extending from a surface of the at least one light lens, the plurality of posts being arranged to match a configuration of the at least one icon and the plurality of posts extend into the skin such that they terminate at an outer show surface of the skin such that the plurality of openings will be filled with the plurality of posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: INTEVA PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: David Whitehead, Aidano Nascimento, Tyler Bame, David Kovac, Jeffrey Macgregor
  • Patent number: 10622173
    Abstract: A rocker switch device is provided in which a pair of shaft portions are projectingly provided on mutually opposing faces of extremity portions of a pair of side wall parts of a switch case, the pair of shaft portions being aligned on the same axis as each other, a bearing hole is formed in an operating knob so as to extend therethrough, the pair of shaft portions being rotatably fitted into the bearing hole, a projecting portion is provided on an outside face of the pair of side wall parts, the projecting portion being pressed into contact with the support body to thus prevent rattling of the switch case, and a support pin is fitted into the bearing hole, opposite ends of the support pin abutting against extremities of the pair of shaft portions respectively. Such arrangement prevents switch malfunctioning, and restrains deformation of the side wall parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignees: Toyo Denso Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ikuo Hirayama, Kohei Tosa, Kazuhiko Ono, Katsuhisa Yamada, Norifumi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 10043619
    Abstract: A directional input unit is provided for a power tool having an electric motor is provided, where the input unit is configured to output a signal indicative of a rotational direction of the electric motor. The input unit includes a forward/reverse actuator having a lever extending from an engagement member and pivotable around a pivot member, the lever having a contact tip, and a biasing member. The biasing member including a lever engaging member engaging the contact tip and having an upper portion and a lower portion with a groove formed at an end common point of the upper and lower portions. A first leg of the biasing member extend downwardly from the upper portion and arranged to be securely received inside an opening of a holder, and a second leg extends upwardly from the lower portion outside the opening between the lever engaging member and the first leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Erik A. Ekstrom, Alexandros T. Theos, Alpay Hizal
  • Patent number: 9685279
    Abstract: A switch has a base comprising a flat circular recess formed on an upper surface thereof, a fixed contact disposed in an inner surface of the flat circular recess, a spring body that has a bellows shape in which a reference form unit is repetitively formed, the spring body being annularly disposed in the flat circular recess of the base, an operating body that has a turning unit fitted turnably in the flat circular recess of the base, and an operating projection provided in an inward surface of the turning unit. When the operating body is turned, the operating projection presses an end portion of the spring body to compress the spring body, which allows a contact to be switched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventor: Masaru Morimoto
  • Patent number: 9082568
    Abstract: A switch is shown which has a housing (10, 12), a key (20) that is pivotally mounted on the housing (10, 12), a rocker switch (22) that is assigned to the key (20) and can be actuated by the latter in two directions, so that it is pivoted about two axes spaced apart from each other, and two microswitches (16) that are arranged on the side of the rocker switch (22) facing away from the key (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: TRW AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS & COMPONENTS GMBH
    Inventors: Gebhard Laicher, Horst Singer
  • Patent number: 9074675
    Abstract: In a strength gate of a shift lever device, a shift hole is provided with an automatic transmission hole, a manual transmission hole, and a communication hole. The strength gate is provided with a peninsular portion that is adjacent to the automatic transmission hole, the manual transmission hole and the communication hole, and an opposing portion that is on the opposite side of the manual transmission hole to the peninsular portion. The peninsular portion is disposed to a front side with respect to the opposing portion. A reduction in the size of the peninsular portion along the vehicle left-right direction can accordingly be suppressed even if the strength gate is reduced in size along the vehicle left-right direction, thereby enabling a reduction in the strength of the peninsular portion to be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Masashi Kato, Kenichi Kako, Hayato Mori, Kenji Nakanishi, Reiji Higuchi, Yoshifumi Iwasaki, Kenta Goto
  • Patent number: 8835783
    Abstract: A switch has a manipulator that is supported by a housing and swung on one side and the other side, a power switch mechanism that brings contact portions of a movable piece and a fixed terminal into contact with each other when the manipulator is swung onto one side, the movable piece and the fixed terminal being disposed opposite each other in the housing, a returning spring that biases the manipulator in a swing manipulation direction when the manipulator is swung onto the other side, and a power retaining and releasing mechanism that includes a retaining portion and a releasing portion, the retaining portion regulating a restoring force of the returning spring according to the swing manipulation of the manipulator onto one side to retain a contact state of the contact portions of the movable piece and the fixed terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kiyono, Toshihiro Naruo
  • Patent number: 8604376
    Abstract: An electrical switch has a fixed contact and a moving contact moving between a first position in contact with the fixed contact and a second position not in contact with the fixed contact. An operating mechanism moves the moving contact and includes a resiliently biased presser resiliently pressing upon the moving contact while riding in opposite first and second directions past a barrier associated with the moving contact, and a spring having first and second parts acting on first and second sides of the presser to maintain the presser in a neutral position and providing extra biasing force to assist the presser in moving faster upon riding past the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Defond Components Limited
    Inventors: Ming Leong Kong, Man Chi Li
  • Publication number: 20130213787
    Abstract: A switch is shown which has a housing (10, 12), a key (20) that is pivotally mounted on the housing (10, 12), a rocker switch (22) that is assigned to the key (20) and can be actuated by the latter in two directions, so that it is pivoted about two axes spaced apart from each other, and two microswitches (16) that are arranged on the side of the rocker switch (22) facing away from the key (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Gebhard Laicher, Horst Singer
  • Patent number: 8492670
    Abstract: A rocker switch including a switching unit made up of a housing and including a spring-action switching element that moves back and forth with an actuating rocker that is connected to the switching element, whereby the switching element has a rotating axle rotatably supported within the housing and is surrounded by a spring. The spring is double wound and held in a prestressed state within the housing, one of the spring end shanks of the spring being fixedly supported within the housing, the other spring end shank being supported on a first arm that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotating axle, and an extended central spring leg being both fixedly supported within the housing as well as being supported on a second arm that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotating axle, and with an electrical switching unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: CoActive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Uwe Gillmann, Rainer Maurer, Michael Stoffers
  • Patent number: 8362384
    Abstract: A switch assembly includes a cover connected to a base to form a switch housing and a toggle switch movably connected to the housing. The toggle switch has a lower portion disposed within the housing and a handle disposed externally of the housing such that movement of the handle moves the toggle switch between off and on positions. A spring is disposed within the housing. A first end of the spring is connected to the base and a second end of the spring is connected to the lower portion of the toggle switch. A spring housing is disposed over at least a portion of the spring to prevent buckling of the spring when the spring moves with the toggle switch. By substantially preventing spring buckling, the switch assembly is safer and has a longer life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Sorin Ioan Mortun
  • Publication number: 20130015049
    Abstract: An electrical switch provides a center contact moving between two outer contacts, at least one of which is mounted on a lever. In the event of a contact weld forming between the center contact and the lever mounted contact, unison motion of the lever mounted contact following the center contact during switching causes a strong shear force tending to break the weld. In one embodiment, a fulcrum wall striking the lever of the lever mounted contact causes increased angulation between the contacts so that unison motion rotates and peels the contacts apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: ADRIAN J. TENGLER, Michael S. Osvatic, Michael K Hintz
  • Patent number: 8151928
    Abstract: An operator input assembly includes an operator input device. The operator input device includes a paddle and a leaf spring interfacing with the paddle so as to bias the paddle to a predetermined position. The paddle includes a region which interfaces with the leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Douglas S. States, Wolfgang Grabner, David J. Klas
  • Publication number: 20110272265
    Abstract: A switch assembly includes a cover connected to a base to form a switch housing and a toggle switch movably connected to the housing. The toggle switch has a lower portion disposed within the housing and a handle disposed externally of the housing such that movement of the handle moves the toggle switch between off and on positions. A spring is disposed within the housing. A first end of the spring is connected to the base and a second end of the spring is connected to the lower portion of the toggle switch. A spring housing is disposed over at least a portion of the spring to prevent buckling of the spring when the spring moves with the toggle switch. By substantially preventing spring buckling, the switch assembly is safer and has a longer life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Sorin Ioan MORTUN
  • Patent number: 8030587
    Abstract: The invention concerns rotary control device for remote control of a moving vehicle, particularly a civil engineering works vehicle, an agricultural implement or a goods handling vehicle comprising two parts rotatably mobile relative to one another about an axis (A) and formed of a body (2) intended to be fixed to the handle of the remote control and an actuating part (6), the device also comprising first elastic means (13) including a winding (14) and two mobile branches (15, 16), the first actuating part being immobilized, in a position of equilibrium (P), with respect to a first member (2, 6). The device further comprises second elastic means (22) supported, on a mobile branch (15, 16) of the first elastic means (13) and, designed, in the position of equilibrium, to bear against a support portion (24) of the second member (2, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth D.S.I.
    Inventor: Thomas Chanteloup
  • Publication number: 20110114465
    Abstract: A rocker switch including a switching unit made up of a housing and including a spring-action switching element that moves back and forth with an actuating rocker that is connected to the switching element, whereby the switching element has a rotating axle rotatably supported within the housing and is surrounded by a spring. The spring is double wound and held in a prestressed state within the housing, one of the spring end shanks of the spring being fixedly supported within the housing, the other spring end shank being supported on a first arm that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotating axle, and an extended central spring leg being both fixedly supported within the housing as well as being supported on a second arm that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotating axle, and with an electrical switching unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: COACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Uwe Gillmann, Rainer Maurer, Michael Stoffers
  • Patent number: 7781692
    Abstract: A switch for controlling first and second components of an electric circuit is proposed. The switch is operable between first and second positions to control the operation of the first of said components and is operable between third and fourth positions to control operation of the second of said components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Heerlein, Wee Haw Koo
  • Patent number: 7449632
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a wall switch with a current control safety module, includes a bottom seat, a triple-conductors assembly, a press-button assembly, a top cover, and a current control safety module. The current control safety module is structurally independent of other parts of the switch and operates via a fuse with a pre-set safety current threshold. The current control safety module makes an open circuit via a blown fuse when the current goes beyond the pre-set threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Huei Fa Wang
  • Patent number: 7442893
    Abstract: A U-shaped spring member is placed on the outer periphery of a hollow cylindrical part of an operating body. Engaging portions in arm portions upwardly inwardly extending from both ends of the spring member are fitted into holes through the hollow cylindrical part and brought into resilient contact with a groove on the outer periphery of an operating shaft. This structure provides a switch device that has great resistance to pull-out of the operating body for secure fastening thereof and is easy to assemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayoshi Kishimoto
  • Publication number: 20080169657
    Abstract: A latching system for securing two members together is disclosed that includes a housing. A pawl is pivotally attached to the housing and is movable between a closed or engaged configuration and an open or disengaged configuration. The pawl is provided with a torsion spring member that biases the pawl toward the open or disengaged configuration. An electrically actuated locking member is supported by the housing. A lug projecting from the pawl is engaged by the locking member to retain the pawl in the closed configuration. When latched, the pawl captures the keeper to secure the latch to the keeper. Energizing the electrical actuating mechanism retracts the locking member out of engagement with the lug of the pawl, thus allowing the pawl to rotate under spring bias to the open configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2006
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: SOUTHCO, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Horton, Andrew Thornton
  • Publication number: 20080156629
    Abstract: A switch having an actuating handle, a restoring mechanism, a contact carrier, and a rocker. The handle is rotatable to be movable upward and downward and moves downward in response to being actuated. The restoring mechanism is movable upward and downward and is biased to move upward. The handle forces the restoring mechanism to move downward in response to being actuated. The carrier is displaceable between two positions. The rocker is rotatable and an end of the rocker facing away from the swivel axis is engaged with the carrier. During downward movement the restoring mechanism swivels the rocker in a first direction thereby causing the rocker to displace the carrier from one position to the other. During upward movement the restoring mechanism swivels the rocker in an opposite direction thereby causing the rocker to displace the carrier back to the original position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Bleckmann, Josef Fruhauf
  • Publication number: 20080099321
    Abstract: A long-life switch includes a base in which fixed contact portions are exposed in a concentric manner in an upper surface thereof; an operation lever whose turning shaft center is disposed on a shaft center of a lever portion, and turnably supported along the upper surface of the base; a movable contact piece in which movable contact portions disposed at both ends of the movable contact piece are slidably disposed to the fixed contact portions; and a coil spring in which a shaft center of a coil portion is disposed eccentrically to a turning shaft center of the operation lever, the coil spring latching an arm portion extended from one end side of the coil portion to the upper surface of the base while swingably supporting the coil portion, the coil spring latching an arm portion extended from the other end side of the coil portion to the operation lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kiyono, Toshihiro Naruo
  • Publication number: 20080099320
    Abstract: A low-cost switch includes a base, an operation lever, a movable contact piece, and a coil spring. In the base, fixed contact terminals are insert-molded, and fixed contact portions of the fixed contact terminals are exposed in a concentric manner to an upper surface. The operation lever is turnably supported along an upper surface of the base. The movable contact piece which is formed by a rod-shape conductive spring member, and the movable contact portions at both ends of the movable contact piece are slidably disposed to the fixed contact portions. The coil spring latches an arm portion on one end side to the upper surface of the base while latching an arm portion on the other end side to the operation lever, the coil spring imparts a contact force and a returning force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro KIYONO, Toshihiro Naruo
  • Patent number: 7339129
    Abstract: A plastic actuator for a toggle switch has a metal rod embedded therein, with the metal surface partially exposed. This surface of the metal rod functions as a bearing surface for a positioning spring as the actuator is flipped back and forth to turn the switch on and off. The use of the metal rod to provide a bearing surface in the toggle actuator substantially reduces wear on the actuator, and thus permits the actuator to be made out of a thermoplastic material rather than a thermoset material, thereby effecting a cost savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: George Timothy Shatley
  • Patent number: 7323650
    Abstract: A protection mechanism includes a first member connected to a switch member pivotably connected to an open top of a case so as to lift a bimetallic plate when the switch device is set to an “OFF” status, and a second member that is pivotably connected to an extension board extending form the switch member. The second member is located above the bimetallic plate and pushes the bimetallic plate downward to set the switch device to an “ON” status. The second member can be pivoted counter clockwise when the bimetallic plate is deformed upward and will not stop the deformation of the bimetallic plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7288731
    Abstract: A switching device (2) for a multi-step vehicle transmission (4) having one main transmission part (6) and an auxiliary-section transmission part (10) comprising the switching mechanisms (12, 14, 18, 38) for actuating switching elements (44, 50, 52, 54) in the main transmission part (6) and switching mechanisms (12, 14, 18, 38) for actuating switching elements (42, 46) in the auxiliary-section transmission part (10). The switching mechanisms (12, 14, 18, 38) for actuating the switching elements (44, 50, 52, 54) in the main transmission part (6) also actuate the switching elements (42, 46) in the auxiliary-section transmission part (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Josef Bader
  • Patent number: 7208693
    Abstract: A switch includes a body with a switch member and two springs are connected to an underside of the switch member. Two identical circuit assemblies are isolated from each other and received in the body. Each circuit assembly has two terminals and a bimetallic plate has a first end connected to the first terminal and the bi-metallic plate can be deformed when the switch is overloaded to separate two contact points to cut off the circuit. A carry member is connected to the two respective bi-metallic plates of the two circuit assemblies so that when either one of the two bi-metallic plates is deformed, the carry member is moved to separate the two contact points of the other circuit assembly and cut off the two circuit assemblies simultaneously when the switch is overloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Tsung Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7164093
    Abstract: An electrical switch is disclosed having improved operational characteristics wherein when a operating handle is rotated from an OFF position to an ON position the switch provides slow motion which accelerates as the operating handle is rotated to a full open position and then provides rapid establishment of electrical contact. The operating handle having a cam that when rotated from the ON position to the OFF position forces a cam follower downwards. As a result, a bridge having coil springs connected to the cam follower is forced downwards to separate at least one electrical contact placed in proximity to the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Kurek
  • Patent number: 7135651
    Abstract: A detect switch (100) includes an insulative housing (1), a first and second fixed terminals (51, 52) retained in the insulative housing, a moveable contact (3), an operator assembly (2) and a cover (4) mounted on the insulative housing. The operator assembly (2) comprises a rotator (22) lying over the moveable contact, and an actuator (21) cooperating with the rotator (22) to drive the moveable contact. The moveable contact is formed with a pair of contacting portions (311, 321), a width of which is smaller than that of the fixed terminals. The contacting portions come to contact with and thereby electrically connect the fixed terminals when the operator assembly is manipulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Ssu-Min Lung
  • Patent number: 7071435
    Abstract: A toggle switch has a switching rocker having at least one arm and one guide plate that has at least one receptacle, in which at least one activation push rod is movably guided in a linear fashion. The arm of the switching rocker can exert a force on the activation push rod. A switching unit is provided, on which the activation push rod can act so as to close an electrical contact. The guide plate and the activation push rod each have a break line, along which, before the assembly of the toggle switch, they were joined to each other in an integral fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Markus Altmann
  • Patent number: 7019243
    Abstract: A lever switch includes a common contact and a fixed contact both prepared on at least an inner bottom face, or any one of inner faces of walls surrounding the inner bottom face, and a movable contact which touches or leaves at least one of the common contact or the fixed contact when a lever rotates. Terminal sections of the common contact and the fixed contact extend through walls of the housing. This structure allows the lever switch to fix those terminal sections to a wired board, thereby preventing the lever switch from coming off from the wired board. As a result, the lever switch can work with reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Tsuda, Eiji Kodo, Yoshiharu Abe
  • Patent number: 6917008
    Abstract: A microswtich that is easy to assemble and manufacture is provided. The microswitch constantly keeps the first conductive section of a resilient component for opening/closing an electrical switch in contact with the first conductive terminal in the main body of the microswitch, and houses a plate-shaped second conductive section with a contact surface inside the main body of the microswtich, so that the second conductive section of the resilient component is driven by a press button on the contact surface of the second conductive terminal to preset the signal from an initial connection state to a final connection state in order to increase the distance required for controlling the signal connection and allow the resilient component to have an effective deformation and provide the best resilience of the press button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Zippy Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Ting Ni
  • Patent number: 6903636
    Abstract: An improved shock resistant auxiliary switch mechanism for a circuit breaker includes a common conductor having a conduction plate that is slidably translatable between electrically conductive contact with first and second conductors. The conduction plate is biased by a spring in a direction toward contact with the first conductor. An improved shock resistant circuit breaker including the improved auxiliary switch mechanism includes a crossbar that is operatively engageable with the conduction plate to releasably retain the conduction plate in a position in contact with the second conductor. When the circuit breaker is in an ON position, the conduction plate is operatively interposed between the crossbar and the bias of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6891117
    Abstract: An improved rocker-type switch has a toggle member pivotably mounted on a central pivot member in a frame of a top housing part joined to a bottom housing part holding switch contacts in a modular block subassembly. A pair of movable contact arms is actuated by spring-biased actuator members held in the central pivot member. The modular block subassembly has an insulative top block member, a top switch contact plate with switch contacts on upright tabs inserted through slots in the top block member, an insulative bottom block member sandwiching the top switch contact plate, and a bottom switch contact plate having switch contacts on upright tabs inserted through slots in the bottom and top block members, forming a pair of opposing switch contact positions for the movable contact arms. The switch contact plates have clip portions for inserting the tabs of respective switch contact terminal plates therein. For different switch configurations, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Cooper Wiring Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik J. Gouhl, Gunter A. Gallas, Jay J. Mendelson, Yuliy Rushansky
  • Patent number: 6878889
    Abstract: A device is provided to prevent unauthorized opening of the garage door by interrupting the flow of electrical power to the automatic garage door opener. A power-interrupting switch, suspended from a desired overhead location in the garage, is interposed between the power source and garage door opener to selectively interrupt or complete the flow of electricity to the garage door opener. By interrupting the electrical flow, the garage door opener is deactivated and will remain unresponsive to a possible unauthorized remote control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Richard R. Horst, Sandra L. Horst
  • Patent number: 6809274
    Abstract: A flange section presses a tip of one of four elastic arms upon tilting of a controlling unit formed of a stick and the flange section. The pressed elastic arm operates one of individual-switches disposed at four corners of a switch case. Each elastic arm extends from each side of the quadrangular switch case to at least a middle point of a side, which is adjacent and parallel to the arm. Using this structure, a four-directional control switch, which can effectively use a space in an electronic apparatus, can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatsugu Takeuchi, Hisashi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6756556
    Abstract: An oscillating switch includes: a lower casing; a contact circuit member provided on the lower casing and including a through hole; a rubber switch member provided on the contact circuit member and including a pair of rubber contact portions and a through hole; an upper casing for covering the rubber switch member; an operating knob pivotally supported by the upper casing; pressing portions formed on the operating knob so as to depress the corresponding rubber contact portions, respectively; and a click feeling-producing mechanism, for producing a suitable click feeling when the operating knob is operated, which passing through the through holes of the contact circuit member and the rubber switch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Kubota, Yasuyoshi Serizawa
  • Patent number: 6737599
    Abstract: A switch for an electric motor which inhibits vibratory noise during operation of the motor. The switch includes a housing with a wall, an electrical terminal, and a flexible switch arm. A control lever is engageable with the switch arm to actuate movement of the switch arm between positions engaging or disengaging the electrical terminal. A cantilevered spring urges movement of the lever toward a generally stationary position against the wall of the housing to inhibit vibration of the lever during operation of the motor. The spring is attached to the switch arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: William R. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6734376
    Abstract: An electrical switch or operating device is disclosed for controlling/operating an electrically controlled bicycle component. In one embodiment, the operating device controls/operates a bicycle shift device and a bicycle suspension. The operating device has a base portion, a toggle portion, a button portion, three electrical contact switches, and a clicking mechanism. The clicking mechanism is positioned in a manner to provide for a compact arrangement of the operating device. The toggle portion is pivotally mounted to the base portion to move from a toggle neutral position to first or second contact positions where the toggle portion depresses either the first or electrical contact switches. The button portion is movably coupled to the toggle portion between a button neutral position where the button portion is spaced from the third electrical contact switch and a third contact position where the button portion depresses the third electrical contact switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tadashi Ichida, Koken Ueno
  • Patent number: 6680444
    Abstract: A structure of an electronic switch is disclosed. The structure of the electronic switch comprises an adjustment groove in the neck portion of the button, a pressing element disposed in the adjustment groove, and an elastic plate area which is defined by a slit of the case of the switch. A plurality of pressing points in a form of grooves is disposed on the elastic plate area at a position where the adjustment groove is positioned, wherein the grooves correspond to every electrical signals generated by the switch, allowing to press and push the button to move the pressing element in right and left, or up and down directions through an external force, in doing so, the pressing element presses the corresponding pressing points generating the corresponding obvious synchronization contact stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Shin-Jiuh Corp.
    Inventor: King-Long Lee
  • Patent number: 6613989
    Abstract: A multidirectional switch includes (a) a case having a common contact and plural fixed contacts; (b) a contacting unit whose intermediate section is in contact with the common contact, and a tip of an arm extending from the intermediate section faces one of the fixed contacts at a given interval; (c) a spring placed on the contacting unit, and an end of a movable section at an intermediate section of the spring being in contact with the tip of the arm, and a bowed section extending from the movable section being retained by the case; (d) a cover with a hole for covering the case; and (e) an operating unit having a depressing section, being mounted movably to the case or the cover, and the depressing section extending through the hole of the cover for being brought into contact with the end of the movable section of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Tsuda, Yasuchika Kudo
  • Patent number: 6570114
    Abstract: An electrical switch includes a stationary center contact located between spaced apart stationary first and second contacts. The contacts are mounted-within the interior of a housing, and a movable-contact member selectively establishes contact between the stationary center contact and the stationary first contact, and between the stationary center contact and the stationary second contact. The center contact includes a planar upwardly facing contact surface, and the movable contact member includes a central contact area which remains in engagement with the planar contact surface of the center contact and acts as a fulcrum during movement of the movable-contact member between first and second operative positions. The spaced apart stationary first and second contacts define coplanar upwardly facing first and second contact surfaces, respectively, which are at an elevation below the elevation of the contact surface of the stationary center contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Reliance Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Neil A. Czarnecki