Patent · US Expired

Electrical switch assembly

US4156802A · kind A · utility

29Cited by
12References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 25, 1977
Grant dateMay 29, 1979
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 25, 1997

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01H2235/018
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.