Plural switch configuration in a recessed switch housing with an

Details Plural switch configuration in a recessed switch housing with an Plural switch configuration in a recessed switch housing with an

1996-11-18

1998-12-15

Scott, J. R.

Electricity: circuit makers and breakers

Electric switch details

Indicators

200339, 200553, H01H 307, H01H 918, H01H 2302

Patent

active

058500626

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an electric switch configuration for installation in a receptacle, whereby the switch can be covered, except for a cutaway portion of the actuation cap, by a shield of the receptacle.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For the installation of the switch in the receptacle, especially if several switches are to be installed, tolerances must be provided. In this case, the position of the shield that belongs to the receptacle can be moved by a certain amount relative to the latter. As a consequence, the actuation cap that is framed by the shield must also be moved correspondingly. This is not possible in switches that are commonly used, however, since the actuation cap is again rigidly connected to the switch housing, so that the position of the actuation cap is fixed by the position of the switch.
As a consequence, the size of the shield opening for the actuation cap must be selected correspondingly wide. Another problem is that, especially in the case of illuminated switches, the actuation cap inside the shield opening is offset, which causes this receptacle that is equipped with switches to look wrong.
It is known from DE-OS 42 14 794 to mount the actuation cap in a floating manner relative to the switch housing for the above-mentioned reasons. This means that the position of the actuation cap is able to adapt to the position of the shield opening within certain limits regardless of the position of the switch. In the known switch configuration, the actuation cap is mounted in a floating manner in pins in the switch housing. The cap itself rests with its bottom on an actuation element, so that the cap can act indirectly on the switch via the actuation element. In the known switch configuration, it is disadvantageous that the position areas between the actuation cap and the actuation device, on the one hand, and the actuation cap and the housing, on the other hand, are comparatively far apart, so that when fabrication is done with tolerances, undesirable tilting moments and material stresses can occur. Further, the actuation device is guided in grooves relative to the actuation cap, so that the actuation device cannot be held captive relative to the cap.
Another drawback of the known switch configuration is considered to be the fact that the cap has comparatively large support openings to accommodate the housing pins, whereby the edge area of the support openings is used simultaneously for lateral support of the cap at the shield opening of the shield that surrounds the cap. Due to the relatively large support surfaces of the groove guideway as well as the large support surface of the openings at the shield, movement of the cap is associated with comparatively significant friction.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to arrange the actuator in a captive manner relative to the cap and simultaneously to arrange the support positions among the cap, actuator and housing right next to one another to avoid undesirable tilting movements inside the switch.
The object is achieved by the combination of features as recited. The invention thus basically consists in not squeezing the actuator between cap and housing, but rather mounting it directly on the housing. The advantage is that the component via which the switching forces that are directly imparted to the switch is mounted in the housing. Independently of this, provisions are also made to mount the actuation cap relative to the housing.
To have force paths that are as short as possible among cap, actuator and the switch, the combination of features is advisable in further development of the invention. Accordingly, the lever for the force that is imparted via the two bearings is especially short, and the tilting movements produced are comparatively insignificant.
To mount the actuator especially simply and to impart additional torque via the bearing between actuation cap and actuator, is a combination of features advisable in further development of the invention. In principle, it would also be conc

REFERENCES:
patent: 4797520 (1989-01-01), Spazlerer et al.
patent: 5187336 (1993-02-01), Lang et al.

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