Electricity: circuit makers and breakers – Multiple circuit control – Combined pivoted and reciprocating contact
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-24
2001-07-17
Scott, J. R. (Department: 2832)
Electricity: circuit makers and breakers
Multiple circuit control
Combined pivoted and reciprocating contact
C200S018000, C200S565000, C200S569000, C200S0060BA, C200S0060BB
Reexamination Certificate
active
06262378
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a rotary switch, more particularly, to a rotary switch that can create multiple sets of circuit signals by using a rotary dial that has a plurality of multiple sets of contacts that engage with other associated contacts on a circuit board.
FIG. 1
illustrates a previous application dated May 3, 2000 and numbered Ser. No. 09/563,344 seeking for patent, regarding an improved rotary switch proposed by the present inventor.
The previous rotary switch comprises a rotary dial
106
, a housing
103
as a platform that supports the rotary dial
106
, a contact plate
102
disposed in the housing
103
and arranged so as to rotate with said rotary dial
106
, and a circuit board
101
rigidly attached to said housing
103
. A shaft contact portion
132
and a contact member array
112
are arranged on the circuit board
101
. The contact plate
102
has a plurality of contact protrusions
122
on a surface of said contact plate
102
facing the circuit board
101
and arranged in a predetermined pattern so as to communicate in a variety of settings with said contact member array
112
. A user applies a force on the rotary dial
106
to rotate the contact plate
102
to enable some of the contact protrusions
22
to press and contact some of the contact members of the contact member array
112
to create different circuit signals. The user then depresses an operating shaft
105
to enable the shaft contact portion
111
to effect a circuit for output the mentioned circuit signals so that multiple circuit signals and two-stage control are made possible.
Some problems arise with the mentioned rotary switch:
1. Clearance between the rotary dial
106
and the housing
103
is excessive, and the rotary dial
106
is liable to skew under operation.
2. It is difficult to correctly assemble the rotary switch so that there is conformity between software and the alignment of the shaft contact portion to prevent erroneous commands.
3. As a result of the configuration of the assembled switch, circuit layout on the circuit board is difficult and hence, a secondary processing job is required.
4. The protruding section of the shaft contact portion wears out easily due to the rigidity of the operation shaft
105
. Moreover, as the operation shaft
105
lacks positioning design, it may be inadvertently moved by the rotary dial.
5. Molding is difficult for the complicated structure of a resilient indexing ring
104
and a plurality of slide-guiding grooves disposed between the rotary dial and the housing. Further, when the rotary dial is skewed, the indexing ring
104
will be inevitably deformed and hinder operation of the rotary switch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of this invention is to provide a rotary switch that can enhance a user's manipulative feeling during operation, create multiple circuitry signals, and provide for easy assembly so as to eliminate the above-said defects or inconveniences.
The improvements include the following:
1. A plurality of circular support projections extending from a side of a rotary dial that communicate with the housing so as to prevent skew of the control panel when rotating.
2. An indexing band frame arranged on the rotary dial for holding an indexing band that communicates with a plurality of axially extending cams separated by grooves and spaced circumferentially around a central through hole on the housing. The indexing band has a central ridge that engages with the cams so as to index the rotation of the rotary dial and provide an audible click when the rotary dial is rotated.
3. A resilient bushing made of a material with lesser rigidity, such as rubber or plastics, is received by the operation shaft, and contacts the shaft contact portion. The resilient bushing prevents less wear on the shaft contact portion. A mutual terminal and a plurality of connecting terminals are adopted for transmission of more distinct output signals.
4. A binding member extending from the rotary dial has a side lug that is received by a contact plate. The operation shaft has two diametrically opposed wing protrusions extending radially from the lower end. The wing protrusions are received by two grooves formed by the circuit board to provide for alignment during assembly and to avoid erroneous instructions.
5. The operation shaft comprises a notch located at a top end for receiving an press button. The rotary dial is arranged to receive a turntable to cover the side opposite to the side facing the housing. The circuit board has a plurality of fixing feet adapted for installation on an electronic device.
For more detailed information regarding this invention together with further advantages or features thereof, at least an example of preferred embodiment will be elucidated below with reference to the annexed drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4133990 (1979-01-01), Wanner et al.
patent: 4539444 (1985-09-01), Senoh
patent: 4758693 (1988-07-01), Hoffman
patent: 5008498 (1991-04-01), Yamazaki
patent: 5010214 (1991-04-01), Yamazaki
patent: 5315077 (1994-05-01), Simon et al.
patent: 5436413 (1995-07-01), Katakami
patent: 5847335 (1998-12-01), Sugahara et al.
patent: 5952628 (1999-09-01), Sato et al.
Bacon & Thomas PLLC
Scott J. R.
Shin Jiuh Corp.
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