Locks – Operating mechanism – Key
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-03
2001-02-06
Gall, Lloyd A. (Department: 3627)
Locks
Operating mechanism
Key
C070S408000, C362S116000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182484
ABSTRACT:
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a key holder with lamp, comprising a two-part housing, of which one housing part bears an illumination means and has a first section of a battery-receiving chamber which is provided with a button and of which the second section is formed by the other housing part, each housing part receiving one of the two contact elements in each case.
A key holder with lamp of the type in question is known from DE 28 27 560 C2, that housing part which is larger in plan view, and receives the key grip, bearing a conically wound compression spring, of which the larger, base coil is supported on the one contact element and of which the top coil is supported on the facing broad surface of a button-cell battery positioned in the battery receiving chamber. In order to switch on the lamp, the button is actuated, this button acting on the battery counter to the force of the conical compression spring and thus bringing the border edge of the button-cell battery into contact with the other contact element, the lamp circuit being closed in the process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is to design a key holder with lamp of the Introductory-mentioned type so that, while being of a more straightforward construction, it is more advantageous in terms of usage.
This object is achieved first and foremost in the case of a key holder having the features of the Invention, wherein the contact end sections of the contact elements are assigned to the two broad surfaces of the battery housing receiving chamber and are located opposite one another at a distance which is greater than the distance between the two broad surfaces of the button-cell battery, and one of the two contact end sections, upon actuation of the button, is displaced in the direction of the other contact end section.
Such a configuration provides a key holder with lamp of the Introductory-mentioned type which, in addition to a straightforward construction, is distinguished by being more useful. It is possible, then, for the compression spring provided between the one broad surface of the button-cell battery and the one contact element to be dispensed with, this being associated with a reduction in the number of components. It is no longer necessary either for the button-cell battery, upon actuation of the button, to be displaced, overcoming the force of the compression spring in the process, in order for said button-cell battery to come to rest against the other contact element. The two contact end sections of the contact elements, then, are assigned to the two broad surfaces of the battery-receiving chamber. The distance between them is greater than the distance between the two broad surfaces of the button-cell battery. Upon actuation of the button, electrical contact with the button-cell battery is established such that the contact end section which is directed toward the button is displaced by the latter in the direction of the other contact end section, this being associated with the two broad surfaces of the button-cell battery, said surfaces having different polarities, achieving current-conducting connection as intended. This measure makes it possible for the button-cell battery to be secured non-displaceably in the battery-receiving chamber. This simplifies battery changing to a not inconsiderable extent. It is recommendable for the button to be made of flexible plastic such that the cup base, with the button-cell battery inserted in it, is located at an appropriate distance from the broad surface of the battery. The relevant contact end section extends in this interspace. Actuation of the button results in the cup base being pushed in, this being associated with the contact end section being carried along, said displacement being limited by the facing broad surface of the battery. In this pushed-in position of the cup base, electrical contact is then established, this producing the current flow to the illumination means, which is configured as an incandescent lamp. It is advantageous here for the button-cell battery to be retained with a clamp fit by the cup wall. Accordingly, there is a constant distance between the cup base and that broad surface of the button-cell battery which is directed toward it. For the purpose of changing the button-cell battery then the latter, while the two-part housing is separated into its two parts, can be assigned to the button in captive fashion, this being brought about by the cup wall, which partially encloses the button-cell battery. When the housing part which bears the button, the button-cell battery and the incandescent lamp is placed in position, it is not possible for the button-cell battery to drop out. All the essential electrical components are retained by this one housing part in captive fashion. The other housing part bears just the other contact element, this too being retained in captive fashion. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the one contact end section is located on the base of the cup. The contact end section is thus carried along directly upon actuation of the button. Furthermore, it is ensured that, when the button is not actuated, there is a sufficient distance between the facing broad surface of the button-cell battery and the contact end section, with the result that the lamp cannot be switched on unless desired. It has been found again and again in practice that the lamp-base contact is dimensioned in different sizes and, accordingly, cannot always come into contact with the contact element. This problem is eliminated according to the invention in that the contact which comes to rest against the lamp-base contact forms a compression spring, of which the rectilinear end section forms the contact end section. This ensures that, even with a wide range of different conditions, contact is always reliably made with the lamp-base contact. The contact element which is assigned to the other housing part, in contrast, is a Z-shaped metal strip, of which the planar end forms the one contact end section. The button is positioned securely in the one housing part in that its cup border is secured on said housing part. This securing operation can take place, for example, by rear engagement, in that the cup border forms outwardly oriented protrusions which engage behind the one housing part. In order that the contact element assigned to the one housing part can be fitted easily and is retained securely in the fitted position, that is to say in the use position, it is the case that, behind the incandescent lamp, a chamber, which receives the compression spring, is plugged into the one housing part with a form fit, in a clamping manner, transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the extent of the lamp. The contact end section projects out of the rear wall of said chamber such that it rests on the base of the cup.
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Farber Martin A.
Gall Lloyd A.
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