US 4,156,802 AGranted

Electrical switch assembly

AssigneeTelaris Telecommunications, Inc.

InventorsMichael N. Gilano, James C. Hayes

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Abstract

An inexpensive, yet highly reliable, electrical switch contact assembly with excellent human factors considerations includes an electrical contact assembly having a plurality of switch positions, a cover plate disposed adjacent the switch contact assembly with an aperture for each switch position, and at each switch position an apertured key, a follower disposed within the key aperture, a cap containing the follower within the key aperture and key and follower springs biasing the key and follower respectively to provide separate and independent control over key actuation and switch contact closure forces. A contact engagement post of the follower may be accurately positioned above a switch contact notwithstanding variations in spring characteristics an a curvilinear engagement surface assures optimum distributed switch closure pressure for high reliability switch actuation. Switch contact patterns with oppositely disposed and interdigitated circularly and radially extending portions assure the security of multiple switch closure engagements.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A switch assembly comprising:

a switch contact assembly having a plurality of switch contact sets disposed at switch positions along a plane, each contact set being selectively closeable in response to a switch actuation force at a switch position;
a cover plate disposed in opposed relationship to the switch contact assembly and having opposite each switch position a plate aperture adapted to slideably receive a key and guide the key as it slides between first and second limits;
a plurality of keys, each slideably disposed in a different plate aperture to slide between first and second limits, each key having a central key aperture adapted to slideably receive and guide a follower;
a plurality of key springs, each disposed to bias a different key away from the switch contact assembly toward a non-activated position;
a plurality of followers, each slideably disposed within the key aperture of a different key and having a post extending beyond the key aperture and toward a switch contact set;
a plurality of follower springs, each disposed within a key aperture of a different key to bias a follower therein toward a contact set relative to the key;
and
a plurality of caps, each secured to a different key and retaining a follower within a key aperture in a manner permitting the post of the retained follower to extend beyond the key aperture and toward a switch contact set.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 05/844,598Filed 25 Oct 1977 · continuation in part
Priority: 10 Jun 1977
Granted: 29 May 1979
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification26 codes

H01H 13/80
Characterised by the contacts or the contact sites: characterised by the manner of cooperation of the contacts, e.g. with both contacts movable or…
H01H 13/14
Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon: operating parts, e.g. push-button
H01H 13/52
Having a single operating member: the contact returning to its original state immediately upon removal of operating force, e.g. bell-push switch
H01H 13/705
With contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches: characterised by construction, mounting or…