THUMBWHEEL SWITCH STRUCTURE WITH IMPROVED U-SHAPED FASTENERS FOR MULTIPLE GAUGED SWITCH HOUSING ASSEMBLY
United States Patent 3655925
A switch structure or assembly that includes one or more modular switch units is formed with a recess around its top wall, bottom wall, and end plates. Two ridges are formed on each end plate, which ridges extend the full width of the recess but which are narrow compared with the height of the end plates. Two identical U-shaped bands lie within the recessed portion and together embrace the switch structure or assembly. One leg of each band is shorter than the other leg of each band, the longer leg of each band being adapted to extend over both ridges of one end plate and the shorter leg being adapted to extend over only one ridge of the opposite end plate. Tongues are lanced near the ends of the longer legs of each band and slots are lanced near the ends of the shorter legs of each band. The tongue of a first band engages the slot of the second band on one side of the switch structure or assembly while the tongue of the second band engages the slot of the first band on the other side of the switch structure or assembly. The bands are securely hooked together by engagement of their respective tongues and slots and thereby hold the switch structure together.
US Patent References:
Sectional digital switch
Wright - May 1963 - 3089923
Attenuator with improved housing structure
Scott - February 1967 - 3303296
Sealed electronic digital switching structure
Lien - February 1967 - 3306993
SECTIONAL DIGITAL SELECTOR SWITCH CONSTRUCTION
Wright - February 1971 - 3566049
Sectional digital switch
Wright - May 1963 - 3089923
Attenuator with improved housing structure
Scott - February 1967 - 3303296
Sealed electronic digital switching structure
Lien - February 1967 - 3306993
SECTIONAL DIGITAL SELECTOR SWITCH CONSTRUCTION
Wright - February 1971 - 3566049
Inventors:
Lincoln, Thomas C. (Arcadia, CA)
Voge, Andrew (Arcadia, CA)
Voge, Andrew (Arcadia, CA)
Application Number:
05/133602
Publication Date:
04/11/1972
Filing Date:
04/13/1971
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Becton Dickinson Electronics Company (Pasadena, CA)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
200/307, 200/295
International Classes:
H01H19/00; H01H19/04; H01H19/58; H01H9/26
Field of Search:
200/11TW,168K
Primary Examiner:
Scott J. R.
Claims:
The invention claimed is
1. A switch structure comprising:
2. A switch structure as comprised in claim 1 wherein said case has top and bottom walls, said switch structure further comprising:
3. A switch structure comprising:
4. A switch structure comprising:
5. A switch structure comprising:
6. A switch structure assembly comprising a plurality of switch units, each switch unit comprising a stationary switch structure and a rotary switch structure, said stationary switch structure comprising:
7. A switch structure having detachable parts, said switch structure comprising fastening means for holding said detachable parts together, said fastening means comprising a pair of flexible members which together embrace said switch structure, said flexible members each having a tongue lanced in one end thereof in the form of a three-sided ramp, which tongues protrude away from said switch structure, and each flexible member having a three-sided ramp lanced in the other end thereof to form an aperture, each of said tongues being adapted to engage one side of one of said apertures thereby hooking said flexible members together and holding the flexible members together around said switch structure, one of said flexible members being adapted to bear against the side of the switch structure and to hold the switch structure together while the other flexible member is being assembled on the switch structure.
1. A switch structure comprising:
2. A switch structure as comprised in claim 1 wherein said case has top and bottom walls, said switch structure further comprising:
3. A switch structure comprising:
4. A switch structure comprising:
5. A switch structure comprising:
6. A switch structure assembly comprising a plurality of switch units, each switch unit comprising a stationary switch structure and a rotary switch structure, said stationary switch structure comprising:
7. A switch structure having detachable parts, said switch structure comprising fastening means for holding said detachable parts together, said fastening means comprising a pair of flexible members which together embrace said switch structure, said flexible members each having a tongue lanced in one end thereof in the form of a three-sided ramp, which tongues protrude away from said switch structure, and each flexible member having a three-sided ramp lanced in the other end thereof to form an aperture, each of said tongues being adapted to engage one side of one of said apertures thereby hooking said flexible members together and holding the flexible members together around said switch structure, one of said flexible members being adapted to bear against the side of the switch structure and to hold the switch structure together while the other flexible member is being assembled on the switch structure.
Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 133,279, filed Apr. 12, 1971.
U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 133,633, filed Apr. 13, 1971.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention concerns means for securing an assembly of modular switch units and, more particularly, means for fastening together the detachable parts of a switch structure or an assembly of modular switch units.
Previous methods of securing together the parts of a single switch structure of the switch units of a switch assembly have employed screws inserted through the corners of the parts to be secured together. Such a construction may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 3,566,049, issued Feb. 23, 1971. A more recent method of securing the switch units of a switch assembly together involves two identical elongated U-shaped bands which have outwardly turned hooks on each end thereof. The legs of each band are slanted inwardly prior to assembly so that, when assembled, the cross member bows inwardly at its mid-section and engages the walls of the recessed portions formed in top and bottom walls of the case. These identical bands each encircle less than one-half of the switch structure assembly, one band extending from one side of the assembly across the top of the assembly to the other side while the other band extends in a similar manner across the bottom of the assembly. In that prior art structure, each side wall of the switch assembly includes a pair of parallel spaced apart U-shaped bars which extend outwardly from the side wall of the switch assembly and have their ends secured to the side walls. One end of each band passes between the cross member of one U-shaped bar and the side wall and then engages the cross member of this bar with the outwardly turned hooked portion at the end of the band. Thus, the bands are secured at their ends to bars on the side walls of the switch assembly.
Both of the above mentioned methods of securing together switch assemblies or the parts of a switch structure are relatively difficult to assemble. Furthermore, the disassembly of such a configuration is difficult and time consuming. In the latter prior art method, the bands must be formed to close tolerances in order to function at all. All of this increases the cost, both of the parts of the switch structure itself and of the labor which is required to assemble and to disassemble the switch structure.
We have invented an improved means for securing a switch structure or a switch assembly together which is easy to assemble and to disassemble and which does not require close tolerances and therefore which is more economical than prior devices of this type.
In our invention, a pair of identical U-shaped bands are provided which hook onto each other at their ends rather than hooking onto any other part of the switch structure. A tongue is lanced at one end of each band and a slot is lanced at the other end of each band. These tongues and slots are adapted to engage each other and are easily engaged and disengaged. The bands lie in a recessed portion provided around the exterior of the switch structure. A pair of ridges are formed in the recessed portion on each end plate of the switch structure. The shorter legs of each band extend over only one of the ridges while the longer legs of each band extend over both ridges. The cooperation of these ridges with the short legs of each band introduces a spring resilience which aids in accepting variations in the lengths of the bands. Therefore, these bands do not require close tolerances in the lengths of the bands. Also, differences in the thermal expansion and contraction of the metal bands and the plastic case are provided for by the spring resilience of the short leg and long leg acting in cooperation with the ridges. This compensation for differences in thermal coefficients of expansion and contraction reduces distortions in the appearance and alignment of the switch structure parts. This construction also allows the use of low strength plastics, such as acronitrile butadiene styrene -- 89140 (ABSON) which has a heat distortion temperature of 175° F. at 264 psi, for the case material rather than higher strength plastics, such as polycarbonate plastics which typically have a heat distortion temperature of 270° F. at 264 psi.
The longitudinal edges of the bands bear against the sides of the recessed portion. Also, the parts of the switch structure are provided with mating or interlocking protrusions and recesses, such as corresponding pins and holes, which are adapted to engage each other. The engagement of the edges of the band with the sides of the recessed portion and the engagement of the mating portions of the parts of the switch structure with each other provide, when the bands are in place and secured together, a very rigid assembly or structure that is of relatively low manufacturing cost and that is easily assembled and disassembled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides fastening means for securing together the detachable parts of a switch structure. The switch structure comprises a case having walls which define an electrical parts chamber. Fixed first electrical contacts are mounted adjacent to the electrical parts chamber. Movable second electrical contacts are mounted adjacent to the electrical parts chamber in cooperative relation with the first contacts for making and breaking circuits. A rotary switch wheel, having a drum with indicia on its periphery, is provided. Actuating means are adapted to rotate the wheel. The wheel is coupled to the second contacts for driving the second contacts with respect to the first contacts. The fastening means embraces the switch structure. The fastening means has a tongue formed in one end thereof, which tongue extends away from the switch structure. The fastening means also has an aperture formed in the other end thereof. The tongue and aperture are adapted to engage each other thereby holding the fastening means together around the switch structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The presently preferred form of the invention is disclosed in the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an assembly of modular switch units held together by the bands of this invention;
FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a switch structure with the bands of this invention in exploded relation;
FIG. 3 is a sectional elevational view taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 2 but with the bands in engaging relation with each other; and
FIG. 4 is a partial sectional perspective view showing the bands in engaging relation with each other.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In FIG. 1 there is shown an assembly of modular switch units 10 and 11 adapted to be mounted on a switch panel and to form a switch structure assembly. The switch structure assembly includes end plates or backets 12 which close the two ends of the switch assembly.
As may be seen in FIG. 1, the switch securing or fastening means of this invention may be employed with various types of switch units. In FIG. 1 a lever-type switch unit 11 and two thumbwheel type switch units 10 are represented. A rotary switch axis X--X extends through each switch unit of the switch assembly, as will be more fully explained hereinafter. A lever-type switch unit 11 is described and shown in U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 855,226, filed Sept. 4, 1969. A thumbwheel-type switch unit 10 is described and shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,306,993, issued Feb. 28, 1967. The interior mechanism of another type of thumbwheel switch, described and shown more fully in copending U.S. Pat. applications Ser. Nos. 133,279, filed Apr. 12, 1971, and Ser. No. 133,633, filed Apr. 13, 1971, will be described briefly hereinafter in connection with FIG. 3. Only the switch unit 10 will be referred to hereinafter in the description of this invention.
As may be seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the fastening or securing means of this invention is composed of two identical U-shaped bands 22. Each of the bands 22 is composed of a resilient flexible material, such as stainless steel or the like. In the best embodiment of this invention, the band 22 is about three-eighths of an inch wide and about one sixty-fourth of an inch thick. The length of each band will depend upon the size of the switch structure or the length of the assembly to be secured together by the two bands.
Each U-shaped band 22 comprises a short leg 30, a long leg 40, and a cross member 50. Each short leg 30 of each band 22 has a slot 32 lanced near the end of the short leg 30. The lanced portion of the short leg 30 forms a three-sided ramp 34 which slopes outwardly away from the end of the short leg 30. The highest part of the ramp above the short leg 30 is equal to or greater than the thickness of the band 22. The end 36 of the short leg 30 beyond the ramp 34 is bent outwardly.
As may be seen in FIG. 2, prior to assembly of the bands 22, the short leg 30 of each band 22 is bent inwardly towards the switch structure and bears against one side wall of the switch structure to form a spring which holds the switch structure parts together when only one band is assembled on the switch structure. As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, when assembled, the short leg 30 of each band 22 is bent so that it is approximately perpendicular to the cross member 50. In this position, the ends 36 of the bands 22 slope outwardly away from the switch structure so that the long legs 40 may be inserted under the ends 36 as will be explained more fully hereinafter.
The long legs 40 are also bent inwardly prior to assembly. When the bands are assembled on the switch structure, they are about parallel to each other, thus causing the cross member 50 to bow inwardly at its central part or mid-section. The edges of the inwardly bowed section of the cross member 50 engage the walls 62 of the recessed portion 60 of the switch case, as will be explained hereinafter.
A portion near the end of each long leg 40 of each band 22 is also lanced. This lanced portion forms a tongue or a three-sided ramp 42 which projects outwardly and which slopes inwardly towards the end of the long leg. The distance between the top of the ramp and the band is equal to or greater than the thickness of the band itself.
The ramp 34 is wider than the ramp or tongue 42 in order that the tongue 42 may easily fit or rest underneath the ramp 34 when the ends of the bands engage each other, as will be explained more fully hereinafter. The ramps 34 and 42 also provide for an easy assembly of the bands by providing a sloping surface on which the short legs ride up over the long legs. The cross member 50 forms a tie between the short leg 30 and the long leg 40 of each band 22.
In order to hook the bands 22 onto each other and to secure the switch structure together, one band is mounted on the switch structure with its cross member 50 on the top or bottom side of the switch structure. In this position, the long leg of this first band will extend almost the full length of one end plate while the short leg of this first band will extend about one-third of the way down the opposite end plate. The end of the short leg will bear against end plate 12. The second band is then mounted on the other side of the switch structure with the legs of the second band oppositely positioned to the legs of the first band, as may be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. That is, the second band is positioned on the switch structure so that the end of the long leg 40 of one band 22, when mounted on the switch structure, projects under the sloped portion 36 of the short leg 30 of the other band. The ramp or tongue 42 will nest within the ramp 34 when the bands are pushed together (see FIG. 4). The tongue 42 of the long leg snaps into and engages the edge of the slot 32 of the short leg of the other band. A similar relationship exists on the opposite side of the switch structure. This nesting engagement of tongues in slots secures the two bands together at their ends and thus holds the switch structure together.
In order to disassemble the fastening means and the switch structure, the outwardly sloped portion 36 of the short leg 30 of one band is pried up and away from the switch structure, thus disengaging the tongue 42 from the edge of the slot 32 on one side of the switch structure. The long leg and the short leg are then moved slightly apart in a vertical direction. A similar operation is performed on the other side of the switch structure. The two bands are then removed entirely from the switch structure.
Thus, two identical bands are employed which hook onto each other around the switch structure and hold the switch structure and its parts together.
The case 54 of each switch unit 10 has a top wall 56 and a bottom wall 57. Angular end brackets or end plates 12 are provided to close each end of the switch structure or an assembly of switch units. A recessed portion 60, shown in FIG. 2, is formed in the top and bottom walls and end plates of the switch structure. The recessed portion 60 thus extends around the entire switch structure or assembly. Walls or flanges 62 of the recessed portion 60 also extend around the entire switch structure. The walls 62, in cooperation with the bands 22, give extra horizontal stability and rigidity to the switch structure, as will be explained more fully hereinafter.
A pair of ridges 66 are formed on each end plate 12. Each ridge 66 is formed near one end of the end plate 12 and extends the full width of the recessed portion 60. The ridges 66 are about one sixty-fourth of an inch high and are positioned about one-sixteenth of an inch from the ends of the end plates.
As may be seen in FIG. 3, the long leg 40 of each band 22 extends over and rests upon both ridges 66 of one end plate 12. The short leg 30 of each band 22 extends over upon only one ridge 66 of one end plate 12 and rests on the long leg 40 underneath the short leg. The positioning of the legs 30 and 40 on the ridges 66, together with the inward bend of the legs 30, provides a spring tension which holds the switch assembly together while at the same time the legs 30 or 40 bear only on the ends of the switch end plates. This eliminates pressure on the central portion of the end plates which could bind the interior mechanism of the switch by bowing the end plates inwardly against the interior mechanism.
As may be seen in FIG. 3, hollow spaces or cavities 68 are formed between the corners of the bands 22 and the corners of the end plates 12. These cavities 68, together with the distance provided between a ridge 66 and the end of a short leg 30, provide bands 22 which accept variations in the lengths of the bands so that the tolerances in the length of the bands are not as exacting as they would be if the corners of the bands 22 bore directly on the corners of the end plates 12. That is, the bands may be elongated somewhat by bending them at the corners and over the ridges 66 instead of by attempting to stretch the bands longitudinally. Furthermore, this construction of the bands 22, with an inwardly bent short leg and a long leg, provides a band which when mounted on the switch structure will temporarily hold the switch structure or assembly together by itself while the other band is being mounted in place.
Interengaging members, such as mating pins 70 and holes 72, shown in FIG. 2, are provided on the sides of the case walls and on the interior of the end plates. These pins and holes provide for easy alignment of adjacent switch units into a switch assembly, as is shown in FIG. 1, and for easy alignment and mounting of end plates on a switch unit to form a switch structure, as is shown in FIG. 2. Pins 70 and holes 72 also prevent any substantial horizontal or vertical motion of switch units with respect to each other and of the end plates with respect to the switch unit about the X--X axis. The pins and holes cooperate with the interlocked band members to provide a very rigid switch structure or switch assembly.
More particularly, the switch structure or assembly is held against bending in the horizontal direction by the coaction of the web of the bands 50 with the walls 62 of the recessed portion 60, which web and walls bear against each other. Any such bending is also resisted by the web of the band itself. At the same time, the alignment of the switches about the rotary axis X--X of the switch is preserved by the interengaging pins 70 and holes 72.
Thus, a low cost means of fastening the parts of a switch structure or switch structure assembly together is provided which is easily assembled and disassembled so that the user may have ready access to the individual switch units for repair, replacement, or the like. Furthermore, since the ridges 66 provide a spring resilience and the bands 22 engage each other rather than the case and are free to bend at the corners of the switch assembly, the tolerances for the lengths of the bands are less rigid and therefore the cost of the switch fastening means is reduced. Since the two bands 22 are identical, tooling costs are also reduced.
The interior mechanism of one type of switch unit which may be employed in this invention is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
Switch unit 10 comprises a case 54, preferably cast or molded of an electrically insulating material, such as any appropriate well-known thermosetting plastic resin. Case 54 is molded with a top wall 56, bottom wall 57, a back wall 58, and a front wall 59. A transverse partition wall 130 is formed between these four walls.
An electrical parts chamber or well 132 is formed in the transverse partition wall 130 and a corresponding cylindrical protrusion 136 is formed on the opposite side of the partition wall 130. A rotary brush holder 154, is positioned in the well 132. Rotary electrical contacts or fingers 156 are mounted on brush holder 154 and engage the fixed electrical contacts 146 on printed circuit board 141, thereby providing for circuit making and breaking. Printed circuit board 141 is mounted adjacent to well 130 with contacts 146 facing the well 130. The electrical contacts 146 are connected to terminals (not shown) at the back end of the printed circuit board 141 which extends rearwardly beyond the back wall 58 of the case 54. Fingers 156 are resiliently compressed against circuit board 141, thereby maintaining brush holder 154 against partition wall 130.
Cover plate 138 is secured over the outside of printed circuit board 141 so that the printed circuit board 141 is held in position against the partition wall 130.
Bore 150 is provided in the center of the well 132 and receives shaft 158. Brush holder 154 is mounted on one end of the shaft 158 for rotation with shaft 158 in well 132. Axis X--X is parallel to the front wall 59 of the case and forms the rotary axis for the wheel 160, shaft 158, and brush holder 154.
The operation of brush holder 154 is effected through shaft 158 by indicia carrying wheel 160 which is mounted on the other side of transverse wall 130 about cylindrical protrusion 136. Wheel 160 is mounted on the other end of shaft 158. Indicia wheel 160 includes a peripheral radially extending flange 162 which has arcuate notches 164 providing finger lugs 165 to be engaged by the operator's finger for rotation of the wheel 160 by a tangential finger movement.
The inner side of wheel 160 is provided with a concentric inwardly directed cylindrical rim or flange 166 which carries various digits, such as 0 to 9 of the decimal system, or other indicia. The front wall 59 of the unit 10 is provided with a window 168 through which various indicium on the cylindrical rim 166 of the wheel 160 may be viewed from the front of the switch. The finger lugs 165 extend beyond the front wall through aperture 170 formed in front wall 59 for engagement by the finger of an operator.
Although only one specific embodiment of the invention has been described herein, it will be obvious that the invention is not limited thereto but is capable of being embodied in many other forms. Various changes which will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art may be made in the material, form, and details of the construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the invention. Similarly, the invention may be applied to switches incorporating other modifications and to switches of various types. It is therefore understood that the invention is applicable to numerous modifications, all within the scope of the appended claims.
U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 133,279, filed Apr. 12, 1971.
U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 133,633, filed Apr. 13, 1971.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention concerns means for securing an assembly of modular switch units and, more particularly, means for fastening together the detachable parts of a switch structure or an assembly of modular switch units.
Previous methods of securing together the parts of a single switch structure of the switch units of a switch assembly have employed screws inserted through the corners of the parts to be secured together. Such a construction may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 3,566,049, issued Feb. 23, 1971. A more recent method of securing the switch units of a switch assembly together involves two identical elongated U-shaped bands which have outwardly turned hooks on each end thereof. The legs of each band are slanted inwardly prior to assembly so that, when assembled, the cross member bows inwardly at its mid-section and engages the walls of the recessed portions formed in top and bottom walls of the case. These identical bands each encircle less than one-half of the switch structure assembly, one band extending from one side of the assembly across the top of the assembly to the other side while the other band extends in a similar manner across the bottom of the assembly. In that prior art structure, each side wall of the switch assembly includes a pair of parallel spaced apart U-shaped bars which extend outwardly from the side wall of the switch assembly and have their ends secured to the side walls. One end of each band passes between the cross member of one U-shaped bar and the side wall and then engages the cross member of this bar with the outwardly turned hooked portion at the end of the band. Thus, the bands are secured at their ends to bars on the side walls of the switch assembly.
Both of the above mentioned methods of securing together switch assemblies or the parts of a switch structure are relatively difficult to assemble. Furthermore, the disassembly of such a configuration is difficult and time consuming. In the latter prior art method, the bands must be formed to close tolerances in order to function at all. All of this increases the cost, both of the parts of the switch structure itself and of the labor which is required to assemble and to disassemble the switch structure.
We have invented an improved means for securing a switch structure or a switch assembly together which is easy to assemble and to disassemble and which does not require close tolerances and therefore which is more economical than prior devices of this type.
In our invention, a pair of identical U-shaped bands are provided which hook onto each other at their ends rather than hooking onto any other part of the switch structure. A tongue is lanced at one end of each band and a slot is lanced at the other end of each band. These tongues and slots are adapted to engage each other and are easily engaged and disengaged. The bands lie in a recessed portion provided around the exterior of the switch structure. A pair of ridges are formed in the recessed portion on each end plate of the switch structure. The shorter legs of each band extend over only one of the ridges while the longer legs of each band extend over both ridges. The cooperation of these ridges with the short legs of each band introduces a spring resilience which aids in accepting variations in the lengths of the bands. Therefore, these bands do not require close tolerances in the lengths of the bands. Also, differences in the thermal expansion and contraction of the metal bands and the plastic case are provided for by the spring resilience of the short leg and long leg acting in cooperation with the ridges. This compensation for differences in thermal coefficients of expansion and contraction reduces distortions in the appearance and alignment of the switch structure parts. This construction also allows the use of low strength plastics, such as acronitrile butadiene styrene -- 89140 (ABSON) which has a heat distortion temperature of 175° F. at 264 psi, for the case material rather than higher strength plastics, such as polycarbonate plastics which typically have a heat distortion temperature of 270° F. at 264 psi.
The longitudinal edges of the bands bear against the sides of the recessed portion. Also, the parts of the switch structure are provided with mating or interlocking protrusions and recesses, such as corresponding pins and holes, which are adapted to engage each other. The engagement of the edges of the band with the sides of the recessed portion and the engagement of the mating portions of the parts of the switch structure with each other provide, when the bands are in place and secured together, a very rigid assembly or structure that is of relatively low manufacturing cost and that is easily assembled and disassembled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides fastening means for securing together the detachable parts of a switch structure. The switch structure comprises a case having walls which define an electrical parts chamber. Fixed first electrical contacts are mounted adjacent to the electrical parts chamber. Movable second electrical contacts are mounted adjacent to the electrical parts chamber in cooperative relation with the first contacts for making and breaking circuits. A rotary switch wheel, having a drum with indicia on its periphery, is provided. Actuating means are adapted to rotate the wheel. The wheel is coupled to the second contacts for driving the second contacts with respect to the first contacts. The fastening means embraces the switch structure. The fastening means has a tongue formed in one end thereof, which tongue extends away from the switch structure. The fastening means also has an aperture formed in the other end thereof. The tongue and aperture are adapted to engage each other thereby holding the fastening means together around the switch structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The presently preferred form of the invention is disclosed in the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an assembly of modular switch units held together by the bands of this invention;
FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a switch structure with the bands of this invention in exploded relation;
FIG. 3 is a sectional elevational view taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 2 but with the bands in engaging relation with each other; and
FIG. 4 is a partial sectional perspective view showing the bands in engaging relation with each other.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In FIG. 1 there is shown an assembly of modular switch units 10 and 11 adapted to be mounted on a switch panel and to form a switch structure assembly. The switch structure assembly includes end plates or backets 12 which close the two ends of the switch assembly.
As may be seen in FIG. 1, the switch securing or fastening means of this invention may be employed with various types of switch units. In FIG. 1 a lever-type switch unit 11 and two thumbwheel type switch units 10 are represented. A rotary switch axis X--X extends through each switch unit of the switch assembly, as will be more fully explained hereinafter. A lever-type switch unit 11 is described and shown in U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 855,226, filed Sept. 4, 1969. A thumbwheel-type switch unit 10 is described and shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,306,993, issued Feb. 28, 1967. The interior mechanism of another type of thumbwheel switch, described and shown more fully in copending U.S. Pat. applications Ser. Nos. 133,279, filed Apr. 12, 1971, and Ser. No. 133,633, filed Apr. 13, 1971, will be described briefly hereinafter in connection with FIG. 3. Only the switch unit 10 will be referred to hereinafter in the description of this invention.
As may be seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the fastening or securing means of this invention is composed of two identical U-shaped bands 22. Each of the bands 22 is composed of a resilient flexible material, such as stainless steel or the like. In the best embodiment of this invention, the band 22 is about three-eighths of an inch wide and about one sixty-fourth of an inch thick. The length of each band will depend upon the size of the switch structure or the length of the assembly to be secured together by the two bands.
Each U-shaped band 22 comprises a short leg 30, a long leg 40, and a cross member 50. Each short leg 30 of each band 22 has a slot 32 lanced near the end of the short leg 30. The lanced portion of the short leg 30 forms a three-sided ramp 34 which slopes outwardly away from the end of the short leg 30. The highest part of the ramp above the short leg 30 is equal to or greater than the thickness of the band 22. The end 36 of the short leg 30 beyond the ramp 34 is bent outwardly.
As may be seen in FIG. 2, prior to assembly of the bands 22, the short leg 30 of each band 22 is bent inwardly towards the switch structure and bears against one side wall of the switch structure to form a spring which holds the switch structure parts together when only one band is assembled on the switch structure. As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, when assembled, the short leg 30 of each band 22 is bent so that it is approximately perpendicular to the cross member 50. In this position, the ends 36 of the bands 22 slope outwardly away from the switch structure so that the long legs 40 may be inserted under the ends 36 as will be explained more fully hereinafter.
The long legs 40 are also bent inwardly prior to assembly. When the bands are assembled on the switch structure, they are about parallel to each other, thus causing the cross member 50 to bow inwardly at its central part or mid-section. The edges of the inwardly bowed section of the cross member 50 engage the walls 62 of the recessed portion 60 of the switch case, as will be explained hereinafter.
A portion near the end of each long leg 40 of each band 22 is also lanced. This lanced portion forms a tongue or a three-sided ramp 42 which projects outwardly and which slopes inwardly towards the end of the long leg. The distance between the top of the ramp and the band is equal to or greater than the thickness of the band itself.
The ramp 34 is wider than the ramp or tongue 42 in order that the tongue 42 may easily fit or rest underneath the ramp 34 when the ends of the bands engage each other, as will be explained more fully hereinafter. The ramps 34 and 42 also provide for an easy assembly of the bands by providing a sloping surface on which the short legs ride up over the long legs. The cross member 50 forms a tie between the short leg 30 and the long leg 40 of each band 22.
In order to hook the bands 22 onto each other and to secure the switch structure together, one band is mounted on the switch structure with its cross member 50 on the top or bottom side of the switch structure. In this position, the long leg of this first band will extend almost the full length of one end plate while the short leg of this first band will extend about one-third of the way down the opposite end plate. The end of the short leg will bear against end plate 12. The second band is then mounted on the other side of the switch structure with the legs of the second band oppositely positioned to the legs of the first band, as may be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. That is, the second band is positioned on the switch structure so that the end of the long leg 40 of one band 22, when mounted on the switch structure, projects under the sloped portion 36 of the short leg 30 of the other band. The ramp or tongue 42 will nest within the ramp 34 when the bands are pushed together (see FIG. 4). The tongue 42 of the long leg snaps into and engages the edge of the slot 32 of the short leg of the other band. A similar relationship exists on the opposite side of the switch structure. This nesting engagement of tongues in slots secures the two bands together at their ends and thus holds the switch structure together.
In order to disassemble the fastening means and the switch structure, the outwardly sloped portion 36 of the short leg 30 of one band is pried up and away from the switch structure, thus disengaging the tongue 42 from the edge of the slot 32 on one side of the switch structure. The long leg and the short leg are then moved slightly apart in a vertical direction. A similar operation is performed on the other side of the switch structure. The two bands are then removed entirely from the switch structure.
Thus, two identical bands are employed which hook onto each other around the switch structure and hold the switch structure and its parts together.
The case 54 of each switch unit 10 has a top wall 56 and a bottom wall 57. Angular end brackets or end plates 12 are provided to close each end of the switch structure or an assembly of switch units. A recessed portion 60, shown in FIG. 2, is formed in the top and bottom walls and end plates of the switch structure. The recessed portion 60 thus extends around the entire switch structure or assembly. Walls or flanges 62 of the recessed portion 60 also extend around the entire switch structure. The walls 62, in cooperation with the bands 22, give extra horizontal stability and rigidity to the switch structure, as will be explained more fully hereinafter.
A pair of ridges 66 are formed on each end plate 12. Each ridge 66 is formed near one end of the end plate 12 and extends the full width of the recessed portion 60. The ridges 66 are about one sixty-fourth of an inch high and are positioned about one-sixteenth of an inch from the ends of the end plates.
As may be seen in FIG. 3, the long leg 40 of each band 22 extends over and rests upon both ridges 66 of one end plate 12. The short leg 30 of each band 22 extends over upon only one ridge 66 of one end plate 12 and rests on the long leg 40 underneath the short leg. The positioning of the legs 30 and 40 on the ridges 66, together with the inward bend of the legs 30, provides a spring tension which holds the switch assembly together while at the same time the legs 30 or 40 bear only on the ends of the switch end plates. This eliminates pressure on the central portion of the end plates which could bind the interior mechanism of the switch by bowing the end plates inwardly against the interior mechanism.
As may be seen in FIG. 3, hollow spaces or cavities 68 are formed between the corners of the bands 22 and the corners of the end plates 12. These cavities 68, together with the distance provided between a ridge 66 and the end of a short leg 30, provide bands 22 which accept variations in the lengths of the bands so that the tolerances in the length of the bands are not as exacting as they would be if the corners of the bands 22 bore directly on the corners of the end plates 12. That is, the bands may be elongated somewhat by bending them at the corners and over the ridges 66 instead of by attempting to stretch the bands longitudinally. Furthermore, this construction of the bands 22, with an inwardly bent short leg and a long leg, provides a band which when mounted on the switch structure will temporarily hold the switch structure or assembly together by itself while the other band is being mounted in place.
Interengaging members, such as mating pins 70 and holes 72, shown in FIG. 2, are provided on the sides of the case walls and on the interior of the end plates. These pins and holes provide for easy alignment of adjacent switch units into a switch assembly, as is shown in FIG. 1, and for easy alignment and mounting of end plates on a switch unit to form a switch structure, as is shown in FIG. 2. Pins 70 and holes 72 also prevent any substantial horizontal or vertical motion of switch units with respect to each other and of the end plates with respect to the switch unit about the X--X axis. The pins and holes cooperate with the interlocked band members to provide a very rigid switch structure or switch assembly.
More particularly, the switch structure or assembly is held against bending in the horizontal direction by the coaction of the web of the bands 50 with the walls 62 of the recessed portion 60, which web and walls bear against each other. Any such bending is also resisted by the web of the band itself. At the same time, the alignment of the switches about the rotary axis X--X of the switch is preserved by the interengaging pins 70 and holes 72.
Thus, a low cost means of fastening the parts of a switch structure or switch structure assembly together is provided which is easily assembled and disassembled so that the user may have ready access to the individual switch units for repair, replacement, or the like. Furthermore, since the ridges 66 provide a spring resilience and the bands 22 engage each other rather than the case and are free to bend at the corners of the switch assembly, the tolerances for the lengths of the bands are less rigid and therefore the cost of the switch fastening means is reduced. Since the two bands 22 are identical, tooling costs are also reduced.
The interior mechanism of one type of switch unit which may be employed in this invention is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
Switch unit 10 comprises a case 54, preferably cast or molded of an electrically insulating material, such as any appropriate well-known thermosetting plastic resin. Case 54 is molded with a top wall 56, bottom wall 57, a back wall 58, and a front wall 59. A transverse partition wall 130 is formed between these four walls.
An electrical parts chamber or well 132 is formed in the transverse partition wall 130 and a corresponding cylindrical protrusion 136 is formed on the opposite side of the partition wall 130. A rotary brush holder 154, is positioned in the well 132. Rotary electrical contacts or fingers 156 are mounted on brush holder 154 and engage the fixed electrical contacts 146 on printed circuit board 141, thereby providing for circuit making and breaking. Printed circuit board 141 is mounted adjacent to well 130 with contacts 146 facing the well 130. The electrical contacts 146 are connected to terminals (not shown) at the back end of the printed circuit board 141 which extends rearwardly beyond the back wall 58 of the case 54. Fingers 156 are resiliently compressed against circuit board 141, thereby maintaining brush holder 154 against partition wall 130.
Cover plate 138 is secured over the outside of printed circuit board 141 so that the printed circuit board 141 is held in position against the partition wall 130.
Bore 150 is provided in the center of the well 132 and receives shaft 158. Brush holder 154 is mounted on one end of the shaft 158 for rotation with shaft 158 in well 132. Axis X--X is parallel to the front wall 59 of the case and forms the rotary axis for the wheel 160, shaft 158, and brush holder 154.
The operation of brush holder 154 is effected through shaft 158 by indicia carrying wheel 160 which is mounted on the other side of transverse wall 130 about cylindrical protrusion 136. Wheel 160 is mounted on the other end of shaft 158. Indicia wheel 160 includes a peripheral radially extending flange 162 which has arcuate notches 164 providing finger lugs 165 to be engaged by the operator's finger for rotation of the wheel 160 by a tangential finger movement.
The inner side of wheel 160 is provided with a concentric inwardly directed cylindrical rim or flange 166 which carries various digits, such as 0 to 9 of the decimal system, or other indicia. The front wall 59 of the unit 10 is provided with a window 168 through which various indicium on the cylindrical rim 166 of the wheel 160 may be viewed from the front of the switch. The finger lugs 165 extend beyond the front wall through aperture 170 formed in front wall 59 for engagement by the finger of an operator.
Although only one specific embodiment of the invention has been described herein, it will be obvious that the invention is not limited thereto but is capable of being embodied in many other forms. Various changes which will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art may be made in the material, form, and details of the construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the invention. Similarly, the invention may be applied to switches incorporating other modifications and to switches of various types. It is therefore understood that the invention is applicable to numerous modifications, all within the scope of the appended claims.