Electricity: circuit makers and breakers – Solid contact – Reciprocating actuator
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-11
2001-12-11
Friedhofer, Michael (Department: 2832)
Electricity: circuit makers and breakers
Solid contact
Reciprocating actuator
C200S01600R, C200S243000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06329621
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The subject invention is directed to the art of electric switches and, more particularly, to miniature electric switch devices of the type that are used where physical size dimensions and electric connection flexibility are constraints. The invention is especially well suited for use in switching circuits within motor vehicles such as, for example, in automotive dash board applications and the like and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, the invention is capable of broader application and can be used in a wide range of other applications.
One such miniature electric switch is taught in DE 31 45 802 C2. The switch in that teaching includes fixed contacts which are formed by strip-shaped contact tongues. The fixed contacts are inserted through a base plate or, alternatively, are cast together integrally with the base plate and are provided with a set of protruding bars formed of an electrically insulating material. An actuating part associated with the fixed contacts is movable relative thereto to effect switch operation. The actuating part carries a conductor configuration formed of flat material. The conductor configuration includes strip-shape contact zones which are movable along a set of fixed contact tongues, so that, based upon the overall design of the electrically insulating bars, electrical connections are either produced or not produced between the contact tongues as they slide on top of each other and selectively engage. This selectively opens and closes electrical circuits. The conductor configuration between the contact tongues is selectively interrupted so that the overall switch can, in effect, be programmed to establish varying switch positions or predetermined electrical connections.
The above switch is relatively expensive in its construction, however. Further, the above switch is limited in the extent to which the switch can be miniaturized due to the construction and overall design of the strip-shaped contacts.
Lately in the electrical switch art, increasing significance has been placed on the miniaturization of the switches, particularly those used in motor vehicle applications. In addition, because of the growing number of comfort-related accessories currently available in motor vehicles, the number of required switches is also rising. At the same time, the physical space available for the switches, particularly the dashboard space in automotive applications, has become smaller and more limited due in part to increased electronic sophistication including the addition of navigation screens, etc. disposed in the dashboard space.
There is a need, therefore, for a miniature electric switch apparatus that is inexpensive to manufacture and that can be easily configured to provide an electrical circuit configuration tailored to specific application needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The subject invention provides an electric switch construction that overcomes the noted problems and results in a switch that requires little space, which is cost-effectively produced, exhibits high functional safety during use, and is readily adaptable to meet a wide range of diverse applications and demands.
In particular, and in accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided an electric switch apparatus including a stationary base member, a plurality of elongate resilient contact members on the base member, and an electrical conductor member movable relative to the base member between first and second relative positions. Each of the plurality of elongate resilient contact members has a first end fixedly carried on the base member and a second free end defining a plurality of bow areas. In the first position of the electrical conductor member relative to the base member, the electrical conductor member engages the plurality of bow members to establish a first electrical configuration between the plurality of elongate resilient contact members. In the second position of the electrical conductor member relative to the base member, the electrical conductor member engages the plurality of bow members to establish a second electrical configuration between the plurality of elongate resilient contact members.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the invention, the plurality of elongate resilient contact members comprise fixed resilient contacts which are formed, preferably, by wires bent in a predetermined manner. It is to be appreciated that such bent wire contacts advantageously need extremely little space and can be produced in a cost effective manner. Further, such wire contacts enable simple attachment to the base plate member.
In accordance with a further limited aspect of the invention, the wire contacts are biased into engagement with the electrical conductor member. The electrical conductor member is carried on an actuating part movable relative to the base member holding the resilient wire contact members so that the electrical conductor configuration engages the bowed areas of the wire contacts as the electrical conductor member moves relative thereto into the first and second positions. The electrical conductor member is formed in a simple fashion as a wiring wafer having a selected wiring or conductor pattern formed thereon. The wiring or conductor pattern is fashioned and arranged to determine the electrical connections between the individual wire contacts to thus adapt the switch for use in particular applications. In that way, different electrical connections between the elongate wire contacts are enabled as the wiring wafer carried on the electrical conductor member is moved between the first and second positions relative to the base member. The bowed areas of the resilient wire contact members are biased into engagement with the electrical conductor member to essentially swipe the electrical conductor member carried on the actuating part as the actuating part moves relative to the base member. The overall electrical function of the subject switch as well as the overall function of the switch positions are advantageously determined by establishing the appropriate desired wiring or conductor pattern formed on the wiring wafer. In that way, a conservation of parts for a reduced inventory is enabled in accordance with the invention. More particularly, a single electrically conductive base bar can be used in the electrical conductor member to accommodate many diverse applications by merely modifying the pattern of exposed electrical conductors or areas on the actuating part to be contacted by the bow areas of the wire contacts.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the invention, each of the plurality of wire contact members have S-shaped first ends with a free outer end thereof inserted into a respective hole formed in the base member. Further, each of the plurality of the wire contact members have a U-shaped portion adjacent the free outer end. The U-shaped portion is preferably inserted into a respective slot formed in the base member. In that way, a plurality of hole/slot pairs formed on the base member carry a corresponding plurality of resilient wire contact members.
Further in accordance with the invention, the U-shaped portion of the plurality of wire contact members define at least one inwardly oriented bulge adapted to engage an edge of the respective slot formed in the base member to selectively hold the U-shaped portion clipped to the base member. This enables a particularly safe electrical and mechanical connection of the wire contacts into the base plate without requiring the use of soldering or the like.
In accordance with a further limited aspect of the invention, the subject switch apparatus includes a plurality of conductive tracks associated with the base member, preferably formed directly on the base member. When the wire contact members are attached to the slots and holes of the base member, the plurality of conductive tracks become electrically connected with the plurality of wire contact members. In that way, the switch can be connected in a simple fashion to complex electri
Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich & McKee LLP
Friedhofer Michael
TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
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