Sliding Contact Patents (Class 200/571)
  • Patent number: 11338787
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a hydraulic switch including a casing, a first cable, a second cable, an electrically conductive piston and a first magnetic conductive component. The casing has a chamber and a liquid channel connected to the chamber. The first cable is disposed through the casing, and the first electrical connection portion of that is located in the chamber. The second cable is disposed through the casing, and a second electrical connection portion of that is located in the chamber. The electrically conductive piston movably is disposed in the chamber. When the electrically conductive piston is in an electrically connected position, the electrically conductive piston is in electrical contact with the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion. The first magnetic conductive component is configured to provide a magnetic force to move the electrically conductive piston toward an electrically disconnected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: En-Liang Chu
  • Patent number: 11062857
    Abstract: A switching device including a frame, a first fixed contact member having a first contact area, and a first movable contact member having a first contact arm provided with a contact area. The first movable contact member is adapted to pivot relative to the frame around a first pivoting axis between a first position and a second position. The switching device includes a spreader member that is adapted to provide a first intermediate position for the first movable contact member in which a projection of the contact area of the first contact arm overlaps at least partially with a projection of the first contact area on a switch plane perpendicular to the first pivoting axis while the contact area of the first contact arm is spaced apart from the first contact area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Andre Nordman, Benjamin Lehmann, Juha-Matti Rajala
  • Patent number: 10862250
    Abstract: A power supply circuit breaker device (1) is configured to include: a fixed-side connector device (2) provided partway along a power supply circuit (D); a movable-side connector device (3) which engages/disengages with the fixed-side connector device (2) to turn ON/OFF the power supply circuit (D); and a rotary connection mechanism (4) for engagement/disengagement between the connector devices and turning ON/OFF the power supply circuit. The rotary connection mechanism (4) is configured such that, in the engagement/disengagement between the connector devices and the turning ON/OFF of the power supply circuit, the movable-side connector device (3) is made linearly movable along an engagement direction (P), and the movable-side connector device (3) is made rotatably movable in a direction (Q) around a rotation axis parallel to the engagement direction (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Osamu Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 9433110
    Abstract: A lid element which can be connected to a further housing part for closing an opening in the housing part is formed in one piece as a molded part. The lid element includes a base plate on which several lugs are formed which extend from the base plate. The lugs are arranged on the base plate relative to the housing part in such a manner that the lugs, when the housing part and the lid element are put together, extend into indentations provided in the housing part after they have been plastically bent toward the housing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: HKR Seuffer Automotive GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Oliver Schwab, Wolfgang Bass
  • Patent number: 9035209
    Abstract: The invention provides a movable contact movable on a fixed contact or a resistor. The movable contact includes first and second sliders. The first and second sliders are arranged in such a manner as to slide along different sliding tracks from each other on the fixed contact or the resistor in accordance with movement of the movable contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: HOSIDEN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shiro Tsuduki
  • Publication number: 20140090969
    Abstract: A stationary contact for a rotary switch is provided. The stationary contact includes a connection portion for connecting to a conductor and a first portion being a contact portion for connecting the stationary contact to a rotary contact. The stationary contact also includes a second portion being a support portion for supporting the stationary contact to a switch body. The contact portion and support portion extend in the same angle from the connection portion. A method of mounting a rotary switch is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: ABB Oy
    Inventors: Oskari UITTO, Aki Suutarinen, Rainer Kolmonen
  • Patent number: 8674245
    Abstract: A switch device includes a switch shifting a pair of input and output terminals in a housing and a manipulation knob for shifting the switch. The manipulation knob includes a rotating member rotatable to a plurality of rotating positions relative to the housing and a sliding member rotating with the rotating member and slidable along both positive and negative directions at each of the plurality of rotating positions, so that the manipulation knob is interconnected with a rotary shaft member which rotates with the rotating member. The switch gives an output corresponding to each direction according to the sliding of the sliding member in both the positive and negative directions even though the manipulation knob is at any one of the plurality of rotating positions. The rotary shaft member has a shifting unit for driving an external shifting mechanism accompanied by the rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Komatsu
  • Patent number: 8586889
    Abstract: A multiposition switch that comprises a base member accommodating a plurality contact members, respectively. The plurality of contact members are adapted to electrically mate to a host printed circuit board. A routing subassembly is rotatably coupled to the base member. The routing subassembly includes a routing member that defines a plurality of electrical paths between the contact members for switching between combined and uncombined positions. An actuator is coupled to the rotating member for rotating the routing member with respect to the base member between the combined and uncombined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Owen R. Barthelmes, Michael A. Hoyack, Joachim I. Grek
  • Patent number: 8507812
    Abstract: A switch assembly and an earphone set having the same. The switch assembly includes a first plate in which a board is mounted, a second plate installed opposite the first plate, a connection member provided between the first and second plates so as to resiliently connect the first and second plates, a plurality of first contacts provided on a rear face thereof in order to selectively connect a circuit of the board, and a plurality of second contacts provided on a front face thereof in correspondence to the first contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Jin-Hong No
  • Publication number: 20130134030
    Abstract: The invention provides a movable contact movable on a fixed contact or a resistor. The movable contact includes first and second sliders. The first and second sliders are arranged in such a manner as to slide along different sliding tracks from each other on the fixed contact or the resistor in accordance with movement of the movable contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: HOSIDEN CORPORATION
    Inventor: HOSIDEN CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8003903
    Abstract: On a pivot bolt which rotatably and pivotally supports a side stand bar on a vehicle-body-side bracket, a switch unit which is constituted of a base and a rotary made of a resin and detects a rotational position of the side stand bar is mounted. A first engaging mechanism which is constituted of a groove and a projection is arranged between a cylindrical portion formed on the rotary and an engaging shaft and, at the same time, a second engaging mechanism which is constituted of a groove and a projection is arranged between the base and the cylindrical portion. The rotary on which a movable contact formed of a leaf spring is mounted allows a positioning pin which is formed on one end portion thereof to be engaged with a pin hole formed in a pivot portion and hence, the rotary is integrally rotated with the side stand bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Nakazawa, Takashi Sumada, Hiroyuki Nakajima, Masahiko Takenaka, Shujiro Inui
  • Publication number: 20110017581
    Abstract: A Z-directed switch component is mountable within the thickness of the PCB having a conductive trace on at least one of a top surface and bottom surface thereof, at least one internal layer having an internal conductive trace between the top and bottom surfaces and a mounting hole passing through the conductive traces on at least two of the top surface, the bottom surface and the at least one internal layer of the PCB. The Z-directed switch component comprises an insulative body having a top surface, a bottom surface and side surface, a length L, and a cross-sectional shape that is insertable into the mounting hole in the PCB. The side surface has a channel disposed therein extending toward the top and bottom surfaces. A compressive conductive member is disposed in and along the channel and having a portion thereof extending out beyond the side surface of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Keith Bryan Hardin, John Michael Huellemeler, Brian Lee Nally
  • Patent number: 7777147
    Abstract: An electrical rotary switch has a rotor with a periphery, a moving contact on the rotor and several connected parts adjacent the rotor periphery, and four fixed contacts around the rotor for short-circuiting by the moving contact. Each fixed contact has first, second, and third integrally connected sections. The first section bears resiliently against the rotor periphery for sliding contact with the moving contact parts. The second section turns through an angle larger than 135° from the first section. The third section turns through an angle smaller than 90° from the second section for connection of an electrical cable by self-gripping. The moving contact has an undulating profile matching with that of an adjacent part of the rotor periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventors: Memie Mei Mei Wong, Sam Yun Sum Wong
  • Patent number: 7719518
    Abstract: A computer peripheral device includes a first housing, a second housing, a connecting member and a judging circuit. The connecting member is made of a conducting material and includes a rotating shaft. The second housing is rotatable relative to the first housing with rotation of the rotating shaft, so that the computer peripheral device is switched between a first configuration and a second configuration. The judging circuit includes a first conducting contact and a second conducting contact. The judging circuit activates a first function when the computer peripheral device is adjusted to the first configuration such that the first conducting contact is electrically connected to the second conducting contact through the connecting member. The judging circuit activates a second function when the computer peripheral device is adjusted to the second configuration such that the electrical connection between the first conducting contact and the second conducting contact is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Lung Chiang, Hong-Che Yen
  • Publication number: 20090107827
    Abstract: Electronic equipment control of a parameter of electronic equipment includes contacts on relatively movable connectors to provide control output for the electronic equipment, a connector member connects electrically with a further connector members, and a direction decoder receives inputs from the contacts representing relative motion between the further connector member and the connector member to provide such control output. A method of adjusting a parameter of electronic equipment includes effecting relative movement between connected parts of an electrical connector, and using a number of contacts on the connected parts obtaining a representation of such relative movement adjusting such parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventors: Anders HANSSON, Anders LUNDQUIST, David JOHANSSON, Markus Gustav AGEVIK
  • Patent number: 7476822
    Abstract: Rotary body 22 is provided with storing hole 22E, 22F in two positions point-symmetrical to the rotational center at the upper part of flange 22C, and retainers 26, 27 having steel balls 25A, 25B, steel ball receiving holes 26A, 27A, coil springs 28A, 28B are stored therein from the opening side in order, and steel ball receiving hole 26A of one retainer 26 is provided with a tolerance that enables steel ball 25A to slightly move in the horizontal direction, and click plate 24 on which steel balls 25A, 25B are resiliently contacted is disposed between rotary body 22 and bearing 23, and as a result, it is possible to maintain rhythmical clicking and clicking sound even in case of repeating the rotating operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Seiki Miura, Takumi Nishimoto
  • Patent number: 7462797
    Abstract: An electrical rotary switch has a casing, a rotor supported within the casing for rotation, a moving contact mounted on the rotor for rotation with the rotor, and four fixed contacts located laterally of the rotor for short-circuiting by the moving contact. Each fixed contact has a contact body in the casing for contact by the moving contact and a leg extending from the contact body and projecting out of the casing for insertion through a circuit board and soldering to the circuit board for mechanical and electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventors: Memie Mei Mei Wong, Sam Yun Sum Wong
  • Publication number: 20080110740
    Abstract: A relay, in particular for radio-frequency applications, has at least one first contact electrically connected with a first conductor trace, the first contact in a contact position can be selectively electrically connected by a mechanical actuator with at least two second contacts electrically connected with at least one second conductor trace. The relay has a spatially fixed first circuit board with the first contact and the first conductor trace and a second circuit board with the second contacts and the second conductor trace that can be moved against the first circuit board into various contact positions by the mechanical actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Georg Rauh
  • Patent number: 7232972
    Abstract: A line switch able to modulate light includes an upper cover, a lower cover and a rotary selector positioned between the upper and the lower cover. When the rotary selector is turned clockwise, the line switch can turn on and modulate light to be half bright, and when the rotary selector is further continuously turned clockwise, light can be modulated to be fully bright, but when the rotary selector is further turned clockwise again to return to the original position, the line switch will be under an OFF condition again. Thus the line switch has two stages of different lighting in addition to the function of turning on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Sun-Lite Sockets Industry Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Ho Yang
  • Patent number: 7091437
    Abstract: A knob module is set on a circuit board of an electric device and comprises: a pedestal fixed on the circuit board with a plurality of interference parts and a pivotally connecting part; a rotative body with a plurality of pivotally connecting bodies corresponding to the pivotally connecting part and a plurality of interference bodies corresponding to the interference part, the rotative body is connected to the pedestal by pivotally connecting the pivotally connecting bodies with the pivotally connecting part, the interference bodies are interfered with the interference part, respectively; and, an elastically contacting piece is fixed on the rotative body, a first contacting part and a second contacting part of the elastically contacting piece are situated on the outer and inner circle of the pivot rod, the first contacting part and a second contacting part are electrically connected to corresponding places of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Premier Image Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chen-Kuang Yeh, Fu-Lin Yang
  • Patent number: 7054551
    Abstract: A mode selection device and a multi-function button containing such a device are provided. The mode selection device includes a case, a chassis and a dial. The case has a hole; the chassis, lying under the case, includes a latch and a set of slots. The latch is between the slots. The dial, installed in the hole, includes a recess and a set of protuberances corresponding to the slots. The recess is located in the center of the dial. The protuberances are located under the dial and engage with the slots. When the latch engages with an edge of the dial, the latch, the slots and the protuberances together keep the relative position between the dial and the chassis unchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: BENQ Corporation
    Inventors: Chi-Yu Liao, Jih-Yung Lu
  • Patent number: 6998553
    Abstract: A rotary manipulation type electronic component includes a space formed by a case. A base houses a rotating body holding a resilient contact as a movable element. A comb-like contact is formed as a fixed element. A first bushing in the case and a second bushing in the base rotatably support a rotating shaft that rotates together with the rotating body. An inner bottom face of a cap-shaped knob is secured onto an end of the rotating shaft so that the knob receives a barrel portion, which supports the rotating shaft as a portion of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Hisamune, Takumi Nishimoto, Jun Sato
  • Patent number: 6864442
    Abstract: An operational control is provided for setting an actuating variable, more particularly a set point for a motor vehicle air conditioner, having a rotary knob, having at least two contact tracks and one elastic wiper contact element that is in contact by means of at least one wiper contact with a contact track, wherein the contact tracks are joined to the rotary knob so as to be nonrotatable with respect thereto and in that the wiper contact elements are provided with an additional elastic wiper contact facing the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Preh GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Zegula, Thomas Ofenhitzer, Gerold Eckert, Joachim Storath
  • Publication number: 20040262144
    Abstract: A function switch includes a switch base fixed to an apparatus and formed with a plurality of angularly spaced pitches, a knob base disposed rotatably within an annular opening in the switch base, an external knob disposed on the switch seat and connected securely to the knob base for co-rotation therewith, and a spring member fixed to the knob base and having a resilient extension portion with engaging tongue slidably engaging the switch base to prevent removal therebetween. The engaging tongue collides against a respective groove to generate a clicking sound when the external knob is turned together with the knob base with respect to the switch base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: BENQ CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chi-Wen Chou
  • Patent number: 6765166
    Abstract: To reduce the number of components for facilitating assembly and parts management, and to ensure prevention of rattling of the movable block, a switch contact structure is disclosed, which comprises a substrate 63, a movable block 67 disposed so as to be movable along the substrate 63, a fixed contact 89 mounted on the substrate 63, and a movable contact mounted on the movable block 67, the movable contact being brought into and out of contact with the fixed contact 89 by the movement of the movable block 67 along the substrate 63, wherein the movable block 67 is provided with a resin spring portion 107 formed integrally therewith for urging the movable block 67 toward the substrate 63, and the movable contact plated or printed on the surface facing toward the substrate 63.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Niles Parts Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiya Otani, Takeshi Shibata
  • Patent number: 6674183
    Abstract: A contact 24 is fitted to an insulator complete 25, and the contact 24 is adapted to rotate in correspondence with the operation of an operation knob. The length of an arm 38 among arm portions 37 to 39 which are provided on the contact 24 is set to be shorter than the other arm portions 37 and 39. As a result, fixed contacts 40a and 41a with which movable contacts 37a and 38a provided at distal ends of the arms 37 and 38 are brought into contact can be arranged at concentric positions, thereby making it possible to increase the number of contacts. In this case, since a relay for a small-current load is connected to the fixed contact 41a, no hindrance is caused even if the contact force of the second movable contact 38a is set to be small by devising the angles between the respective ones of the arm portions 37 to 39.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masuo Noda, Kazuyoshi Ishiguro
  • Publication number: 20020185366
    Abstract: A key device and an assembled method thereof improves the reliability of the key device and does not deteriorate ease of installation. The key device has a first arm and a second arm. The first arm has a shaft and the second arm has a slot that includes the first and second portions. The shaft and the slot are movably connected so that the first arm and the second arm form a scissors-like structure. When the shaft is located in the first portion of the slot, the shaft is allowed to rotate and to slide. When the shaft is located in the second portion of the slot, the shaft is allowed to rotate but not to slide. The present invention also provides an assembled method for the key device as stated above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Chien-Shih Hsu
  • Patent number: 6388212
    Abstract: A push and rotation operating type electronic component that allows for rotary manipulation in a tangential direction of a peripheral surface of a cylindrical operating knob projecting from a control surface of an apparatus, and also for pushing manipulation in a direction toward a central axis of rotation of the knob. The electronic component provides for a reduction in overall dimensions of a main portion, thereby reducing a height size of an enclosure of the end-use apparatus, smooth movement to a depressing manipulation, and easy to assemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Ishihara, Masaki Sawada, Tamotsu Yamamoto, Hiroto Inoue
  • Patent number: 6365849
    Abstract: A composite switch comprises a first fixed contact unit and a second fixed contact unit which are disposed on the surface of a substrate in such a manner as to be symmetrical about a reference line which is perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, a first rotating contact unit which contacts with the first fixed contact unit or the second fixed contact unit, and a second rotating contact unit which contacts with the second fixed contact unit or the first fixed contact unit. Both rotating contact units are respectively held by a rotating member which rotates on an axis along the reference line. A first facing contact leg is electrically connected to the first rotating contact unit and a second facing contact leg is electrically connected to the second rotating contact unit, wherein the two facing contact legs are disposed in such a manner as to face each other across the reference line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Ono
  • Patent number: 6236007
    Abstract: A rotary switch includes a switch housing formed with a plurality of barriers. The barriers are formed with retention notches such that two wires of an electrical cable can be securely retained in the switch housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Chi-Wen Chen
    Inventor: Hsien-Wen Ho
  • Patent number: 6225580
    Abstract: A rotary switch is contained inside a knob. The switch operates on a surface of an electrical device. The switch has a rotating housing, an axle, an axle bearing, switch contacts, and a knob, in which the knob is the housing, and the knob, axle, axle bearing, and switch contacts are all located external to the surface of the electrical device, and are all contained within a space defined by a surface of the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Electronic Hardware Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Lemire
  • Patent number: 6175091
    Abstract: A rotary type electronic component includes (a) a bearing formed of a cylindrical section and a substrate on which the cylindrical section is situated, (b) a rotary shaft formed of an upper section protruding from the bearing, a mid section journaled by the bearing, and a lower section having a flange with a hole which communicates with a recess formed axially in the shaft, (c) a case coupled with a lower face of the substrate so that the case covers the lower section of the shaft, and on its bottom plate having fixed contacts corresponding to movable contacts, (d) a spring housed in the recess of the shaft and biasing from inner section of the recess toward the bottom plate of the case, and (e) a frictional plate having a hole in the axial direction, engaging with a rim of recess opening, being urged by the spring against the bottom plate of the case, following the rotation of the shaft and yet moving axially and independently of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Nishimura, Tetsuya Fukuda, Hiroshi Matsui
  • Patent number: 6080945
    Abstract: A control switch for an automatic vehicle transmission comprises a movable body turning in association with an operation of a gearshift lever of the automatic vehicle transmission provided in an automobile and a housing storing the movable body and having fixed contacts to be brought in and out of touch with movable contacts in consequence of the turn of the movable body. The control switch indicates a shift position of the automatic vehicle transmission in accordance with a position of the fixed contacts. Wherein a ventilation hole communicating interior to exterior of the housing is opened at a face at a side of the housing where the housing is mounted to the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Haruhiko Mihara
  • Patent number: 6066813
    Abstract: Most prior-art switch inserts for rotary switches of a type including wiped segments and a switch wiper have a tall construction, and are unsuitable for carrying high current loads. In a switch insert of this invention, wiped segments (5) are arranged inside a plastic plate (8) so that they can be contacted from another side by a further switch wiper (9) having contacts (10) arranged in a mirror image of contacts (11) of a first switch wiper (7), with the further switch wiper (9) having positioning lugs (12) that extend through control recesses (13) of the first switch wiper (7) to accept a leaf spring (15) in a locking slot (14) thereof on the other side. The leaf spring supports itself by resiliently bracing on a surface of the first switch wiper (7) facing away from the contacts (11), and thereby loads the contacts (10, 11) of both switch wipers (7, 9) against the wiped segments (5). Generally switch inserts structured according to this invention provide an extremely flat construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Bauer, Thilo Kirchner
  • Patent number: 6051801
    Abstract: An improved switch design with power cable locking capability. A lower housing has at one end of its internal sides a receptacle for a power cord fitting in it firmly. At its other internal side, a passage is provided between two deflectors for two ends of a sheared power cord, with each cord end being bent round in order to hold them in the receptacle firmly. Blade/leaf conductors are provided which have a convex end and an elastic design so that when the upper and the lower housings are assembled together, the convex end of the blade/leaf conductors will contact with the copper switching conductor on the switching wheel. The switch design provides reliable electrical conduction, prevents breakage and electrical leakage, and provides a secure electrical connection even in the case of an applied foreign force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Lien-Sheng Wang
  • Patent number: 5977496
    Abstract: A switch sensor is provided including a housing. A switch circuitry is disposed within the housing. An electrical contactor carrier is movably mounted within the housing. The electrical contactor carrier includes a shear pin hole and the housing includes a corresponding hole which each receive a shear pin therein for holding the electrical contactor carrier in a predetermined position relative to the housing during installation. The shear pin is totally contained on the inside of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Kelsy-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Roger Halberg, Dean McClenathan
  • Patent number: 5969307
    Abstract: A rotary electrical switch for panel mounting in a motor vehicle for control of a blower motor of a heating, ventilating and/or air conditioning installation, includes a set of conductive contact strips. These comprise coplanar primary strips and a secondary strip for power supply. The switch has a body mounted for rotation about an axis at right angles to the plane of the coplanar contact strips. The body supports a radial ring member which is bent back into two half rings with conductive radial projecting portions connected together electrically. Each projecting portion carries at its end an arm having two contact pads for making contact with the primary contact strips in two parallel planes. The projecting portions have at least one third pad for making a further contact with the secondary contact strip in one of the two planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Valeo Electronics
    Inventors: Louis Jean Michel Lacroix, Henry Beraud
  • Patent number: 5960939
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuaki Miki, Takenori Kano, Takuo Shimizu, Takuji Akiyama, Munetaka Torii
  • Patent number: 5934455
    Abstract: A manually operated switch device with small operating play and precise function for the control of electrical equipment which includes a switch housing which has stationary contacts adapted thereto, and a contact bridging element with moving contacts which is adapted to be movable. The switch is operated by means of an actuating member which is movable in the interior of the switch housing and which is capable of transferring, by a rotational motion of the actuating member, the moving contacts for engaging and disengaging with the stationary contacts, and by means of a transmission means for converting the rotational motion of the actuating member into an axial motion. Springs are adapted to cooperate with the transmission means for exerting a spring force onto said transmission means for engaging and disengaging said contacts by having at least two springs located at the opposite sides of the actuating member for exerting a symmetrical spring force on said actuating member and said transmission means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: ABB Control Oy
    Inventor: Valto Vuorinen
  • Patent number: 5823322
    Abstract: A lamp socket injection molded of thermo plastic in one simple piece for greater safety, plus a switch handle, or actuator. The socket is quickly assembled without tools or stripped bare wires by inserting an insulated electric wire (12) into a close fitting channel (11) in the socket base and then snap-in locking a rotatable switch actuator (9) which drives two puncture pin sets (3 & 8) into both sides of the wire instantly completing the socket circuitry. The switch handle (9), or plug in switchless models, and switch bore (4) also contain a simplified novel on/off design in the form of a springy metal conductive means (10) which transverses the switch handle stem and alternately springs "on" into two conductive means cavities (4-1 & 4-3) and then "off" into two neutral cavities (4-2 & 4-4) which circumscribe the switch bore (4) as the switch is articulated clockwise. This eliminates prior art potential faulty springs, pawls or ratchets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Bates Johnson
  • Patent number: 5803239
    Abstract: A rotary switch is mounted in a housing having a hollow interior. The rotary switch includes a shaft, which rotatably extends through a male threaded mounting. The rotatable shaft defines a bore which extends from an inlet defined on an exterior surface of the shaft, through a length of the shaft. The bore communicates with an outlet defined in the exterior surface of the shaft. The outlet is disposed within the hollow interior of the housing, while the inlet of the bore is positioned external to the housing. The bore defines a passageway within the body of the shaft through which a cleaning fluid may pass. The inlet of the bore is covered by a knob which is removably secured to the shaft. A first contact is connected to the rotatable shaft. A second contact is disposed within the interior of the housing for contacting the first contact. The first contact is also disposed within the interior of the housing. The bore may be used in cleaning the contacts positioned within the interior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: David W. Bray
    Inventors: David William Bray, Paul Ronald Petro
  • Patent number: 5762183
    Abstract: Shaft holes 12 and 22 are formed on each pivot portion of a switch case 10 having an unfolded fan shaped concave body 11. A stationary contact base 20 covers the concave body, and a corresponding end portion of a shaft holder 40 are fitted into the respective holes to rotate freely. In addition, positioning through-holes 18 and 27 are formed at each corresponding portion of the switch case 10 and the stationary contact base 20. Either the switch case 10 side or the stationary contact base side 20 is set on an assembly jig 80 toward these shaft holes 12 and 22 and the positioning holes 17 and 27. As a result, the lever 72 can be engaged from either side of the switch case 10 or the stationary contact base 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Toyodenso Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keiji Iwata
  • Patent number: 5743380
    Abstract: A three-position rotary door lock switch assembly for automobiles is provided. The switch assembly includes a rotor with reversely curved rotor contact beams having a dual radiussed contact zone with upturned edges which provide good contact and minimize gouging or grooving of the associated stator contacts. The switch assembly also includes a housing assembly sealed to keep out environmental contaminants and moisture. Additional sealing is provided at the area where the wires enter the assembly between the housings and the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Augat Inc.
    Inventor: Bradford K. Gauker
  • Patent number: 5743387
    Abstract: An improved multistage switch with a small size, convenience in assembly and excellent sensitivity. The multistage switch includes a pedestal and a cover engaged with the pedestal. The pedestal defines a central recess therein and has a boss extending upwardly from a base defining the central recess. An input conductive strip, an output conductive strip and a central conductive strip are respectively disposed within the central recess of the pedestal. An input wire connected with the input conductive strip and an output wire connected with the output conductive strip are respectively received within a pair of channels defined in the pedestal. A diode is received within a cavity defined in the pedestal and connected between the input conductive strip and the central conductive strip. A star wheel combined with a conductive base is rotatably mounted on the boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Chin-huei Chiu
    Inventor: Chi-hsiang Hung
  • Patent number: 5695048
    Abstract: A double-grid mechanical encoder is provided which includes a wheel mounted around a shaft, a metal spring unit adapted to provide power supply to the wheel and to produce different voltages to an external circuit, enabling it to detect the revolving direction and amount of movement of the wheel. The wheel has two metal cores disposed on opposite sides and electrically connected together. Two annular grids are respectively disposed on opposite sides around the metal core and offset from each other by a predetermined angle. Each of the annular grids has a plurality of electrical conducting portions coupled to the metal core and a plurality of insulative portions radially and alternatively arranged around the corresponding metal core. The metal spring unit includes a first metal spring leaf and a second metal spring leaf of equal size respectively disposed in contact with the two annular grids of the wheel and caused to produce different voltage signals upon the rotary motion of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Hsin-Te Tseng
  • Patent number: 5692600
    Abstract: A rotary position detector switch suitable for use in hydraulic fluid and having at least three stationary parallel conductive strips of tin plated low carbon steel intermittently over molded with intermediate portions exposed. An insulated rotor has a bus with spaced hardened steel pins with hemispherical ends slidably mounted thereon and bias springs connecting the pins to the bus. One stationary strip is completely exposed and is electrically common and in continuous contact with one pin. For each selected different rotor position combinations of two other pins contact different exposed portion of the remaining strips to give a discrete electrical indication, for each rotor position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Cyril Bradshaw
  • Patent number: 5682979
    Abstract: A rotary switch assembly for use with a fuel burner valve having a user rotatable shaft. The switch has an annular sleeve which upon being received over the valve shaft is engaged to be rotated by the valve shaft. The rotor has a conductive contact ring frictionally engaging the rotor with inward projections on the ring frictionally engaging torque transmitting grooves formed on the rotor. The rotor is journalled on the switch base which has stationary contacts provided on opposite sides of the rotor. User rotation of the valve shaft causes the rotor to rotate and the wiper contacts complete a circuit between the stationary contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Donald M. Krueger, Robert F. Puchalski
  • Patent number: 5680927
    Abstract: An electrical switch for use in the automotive field. The switch preferably has rotary actuation with a plurality of electrical contacts. The electrical switch comprises an insulator body having an internal recess defining a plurality of cavities, each cavity housing a pair of electrical contacts. A detent carrier is at least partially housed within the recess. The detent carrier also defines a cylindrical guide tube having a longitudinal axis. The tube houses a generally cylindrical electrically conductive plunger and a means for moving the plunger forward and backward along the longitudinal axis. When extended, the plunger makes electrical contact with the electrical contacts in a cavity of the insulator body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Thornton
  • Patent number: 5595290
    Abstract: A switch structure with multiple usages, in which the engaging seat is firmly associated with the main body only by means of engaging the the engaging hooks of the engaging seat with the reverse hooks of the main body without using any screw or rivet. The central shaft of the rotary switch is integrally formed with three arch stopper blocks and between each two arch stopper blocks is formed an acute driving block which such contacts with bent arms of the conductive plates and the connecting plate that when the rotary switch is rotated to rotarily drive the central shaft, the contacts of the central shaft are revolved clockwisely or counterclockwisely to change the positions of the contacts relative to the conductive plates so as to save power. A third conductive wire can be inserted through the other oblique notch of the main body into an insertion hole of the connecting plate to change the switch structure into one with three sets of wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Hsuan-Jui Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5577605
    Abstract: Rotational switch, in particular gear box switches, comprising a housing carrying terminals (9), the housing being provided with fixed contacts (10) arranged concentrically with one another in two parallel planes (11,12), and a contact bridge (13) electrically connecting the fixed contacts (10), characterized in that, in each plane (11, 12) the fixed contacts (10) consist of at least one printed pattern (14) which patterns in each plane (11, 12) are sprayed on contact carriers (15) equipped with distancing pieces (17) and adapting elements (18). The contact carriers (15) cooperate with a contact module (16), and contact bridge (13) is held via spring loading in a switching member (22) which rotates in the housing (1). The contact bridge (13) thereby slides within the contact volume (2) formed by the distancing piece (17) of the contact carrier (15), over the exposed contact surfaces (21) of the printed pattern (14) which are oriented towards the contact volume (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Gunter Dilly, Herrmann Mahr, Gerd Rudolph