# US 4,398,170 A · Switch assembly for variable resistor

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- Number: US 4,398,170 A
- Document ID: US4398170A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 06/275,124
- Filed: 1981-06-18
- Granted: 1983-08-09
- Earliest claimed: 1980-06-18
- Assignees: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
- Inventors: Teruo Nishikawa
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US4398170A

## CPC

- H01C 10/363: {by axial movement of the spindle, e.g. pull-push switch (H01C10/366 takes precedence)}
- H01H 3/0213: {Combined operation of electric switch and variable impedance, e.g. resistor, capacitor (H01H9/061 takes precedence)}
- H01H 13/48: using buckling of disc springs
- H01C: RESISTORS
- H01H: ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES (contact cables H01B7/10; electrolytic self-interrupters H01G9/18; emergency protective circuit arrangements H02H; switching by electronic means without contact-making H03K17/00)

## Abstract

In a multistage variable resistor consisting of rotary variable resistors stacked in a plurality of stages, the rod thereof being slideable in rotary and axial directions; a switch assembly for a multistage variable resistor having the central part of a dome movable contact movable by an actuator which is attached to the posterior end of the rod into contact with a stationary contact.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A switch assembly for use with a variable resistor formed by at least one rotary variable resistance device having a common operation rod adapted to be rotated for actuating each said rotary variable resistance device and slid axially within said variable resistor for actuating the switch assembly; comprising a substrate held posteriorly to said variable resistor and carrying a stationary contact; an actuator held to an end portion of said operation rod and spaced from said stationary contact; and a moveable contact formed of a resilient material and having a central portion shaped as a dome extending away from said stationary contact and a lead portion extending from said central portion, said lead portion being connected with said substrate, said central portion engaging said actuator while resiliently urging it continually away from said stationary contact to bias said operation rod continually in its axial outer position and adapted upon inward axial movement of said operation rod to invert the shape of said central portion abruptly to engage said central portion with said stationary contact and to dis-engage the central portion from said stationary contact abruptly upon release of said operation rod.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A switch assembly as defined in claim 1, including an insulative spacer holding said stationary contact and adapted to engage the peripheral portions of said central portion of the moveable contact, said spacer having a recess receiving said stationary contact flush therewithin.