Patent · US Expired

Pushbutton rotary switch

US5180050A · kind A · utility

43Cited by
16References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 15, 1991
Grant dateJan 19, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 15, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T74/20012
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A switch actuator mounted in a housing for axial and rotary movement operates a rotary switch on the actuator axis through an axial lost motion connection. A pushbutton switch offset from the axis is engaged by a semi-circular plate radially extending from the actuator and is actuated upon axial movement of the actuator for any rotary position of the actuator. Optionally, the plate has apertures which register with the pushbutton switch at selected actuator rotary positions to disable pushbutton operation at the selected positions. The actuator is made of light conducting transparent plastic to illuminate an indicator on the switch knob from a bulb within the housing. A flexible detent finger integrally molded into the housing engages the plate during its axial movement to impart tactile feel.

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