Digital multimeter having improved rotary switch assembly
AssigneeFluke Corporation
InventorsJeffrey E. Worones, Terry G. Morey
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multimeter includes a case having a rotary selector knob for selecting a multimeter function. A circuit board defining multiple switching terminals thereon is located in the case. A rotary switch assembly is operatively coupled to the selector knob. The rotary switch assembly has a plurality of contact pairs which selectively complete a galvanic connection across predetermined pairs of switching terminals. The rotary switch assembly further includes first and second switch members located in opposition on respective sides of the circuit board. Each of the switch members has at least one of the contact pair.
Claims22
A rotary switch assembly for use in an electronic metering device, said rotary switch assembly comprising:
- a selector knob;
- a generally planar substrate board having conductive pads thereon defining multiple switching terminals;
- a first switch member located on said substrate board, wherein said first switch member has a support disc formed of a polymeric material in which a plurality of contact pairs are carried, and wherein said contact pairs of said first switch member are operative to complete a galvanic connection across predetermined pairs of said switching terminals;
- and
- a detent disc interconnecting said selector knob and said first switch member for rotation about a common rotational axis,
- wherein said detent disc comprises a plurality of springs formed as integral extensions of said detent disc, and
- wherein said detent disc and said first switch member each include a visual alignment feature having a directional indicator, and wherein alignment of the directional indicators is indicative of rotational alignment of the detent disc and the first switch member in a correct alignment orientation to facilitate assembly.
A multimeter comprising:
- a case having a rotary selector knob for selecting a multimeter function;
- a circuit board located in said case, said circuit board defining multiple switching terminals thereon;
- and
- a rotary switch assembly operatively coupled to said selector knob, wherein said rotary switch assembly has a plurality of contact pairs that selectively complete a galvanic connection across predetermined pairs of said switching terminals, and wherein said rotary switch assembly further includes first and second switch members located in opposition on respective sides of said circuit board, each of said first and second switch members having at least one of said contact pairs,
- wherein said second switch member further includes a nonfunctional sweeper operative to facilitate balance during rotation and configured to not serve as a switch armature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.