US3622723A - Linear switch - Google Patents

Linear switch Download PDF

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Publication number
US3622723A
US3622723A US5027A US3622723DA US3622723A US 3622723 A US3622723 A US 3622723A US 5027 A US5027 A US 5027A US 3622723D A US3622723D A US 3622723DA US 3622723 A US3622723 A US 3622723A
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strip
nonconductive
conductor strip
conductor
switch
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US5027A
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Gustave Fischel
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/02Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
    • H01H3/14Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch adapted for operation by a part of the human body other than the hand, e.g. by foot
    • H01H3/141Cushion or mat switches
    • H01H3/142Cushion or mat switches of the elongated strip type
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01BCABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
    • H01B7/00Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form
    • H01B7/10Contact cables, i.e. having conductors which may be brought into contact by distortion of the cable
    • H01B7/104Contact cables, i.e. having conductors which may be brought into contact by distortion of the cable responsive to pressure
    • H01B7/108Contact cables, i.e. having conductors which may be brought into contact by distortion of the cable responsive to pressure comprising parallel conductors
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05FDEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05F15/00Power-operated mechanisms for wings
    • E05F15/40Safety devices, e.g. detection of obstructions or end positions
    • E05F15/42Detection using safety edges
    • E05F15/44Detection using safety edges responsive to changes in electrical conductivity

Definitions

  • Linear switches are made for many purposes and consequently the sensitivity thereof varies widely depending upon the field of use and particular application.
  • Some linear switches such as treadle switches which are designed to be operated by motor vehicles driving over them, operate only upon the applicationof considerable weight or force thereto.
  • many ribbon and tape switches are designed for applications where only slight pressure on the casing is required to operate the switch.
  • One way of varying or adjusting the sensitivity of the switch is by choosing a casing of the required strength. However, this is a relatively inflexible method and has obvious disadvantages.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved linear switch so constructed that sensitivity can be chosen or adjusted within a reasonable range at the time of assembly of the switch and apart from the casing.
  • Another object is to provide a novel switch contact assembly for a normally open-type linear switch which may be embodied in various types of casings to produce linear switches for particular uses.
  • a further object is to provide a switch contact assembly in which novel means is provided for normally holding the conductor strips thereof in spaced relation;
  • FIG. 1 is a sectional isometric view of a portion of a linear switch embodying the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the switch of FIG. 1 but on a larger scale with the parts in normal position;
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 2 but showing the switch closed;
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded fragmentary sectional isometric view of the switch contact assembly.
  • FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of the switch contact assembly and a representation of a switch of different sensitivity shown in broken lines.
  • numeral 11 generally designates the casing of a linear switch that can be made of any length.
  • the casing is normally made of rubber, synthetic rubber, neoprene or the like and is nonconductive and resilient, although only the upper portion thereof need be.
  • the casing is provided with a cavity or interior compartment 12 in which a switch contact assembly, designated generally 14, is positioned.
  • the assembly comprises two superposed conductor strips designated 15 and 16 respectively, each of which is provided with an insulated conductor at one end which leads through the casing to the exterior, the conductors being designated 17 and 18.
  • the conductor strips may be made of brass or some other suitable electrically conductive metal and each is preferably flat or planar.
  • nonconductive strip 20 which includes a flat main section 21 and inturned marginal flanges 22 at its side edge portions.
  • the flanges form acute angles with the main portion 21 and extend inwardly in between the twoconductor strips 15 and 16, thereby normally serving to hold them spaced apart as shown in FIG. 2 so that the switch is normally open.
  • the nonconductive strip 20 is shown beneath the lowermost conductor strip 16. However, the assembly of the two-conductor strips and one nonconductive strip might be inverted in the casing.
  • the latter In order to facilitate closing of the switch when a weight or force is applied downwardly against the upper portion of the casing, the latter is provided with an internal rib or ridge, designated 24, which extends longitudinally of the case substantially over the center of the uppermost conductor strip 15.
  • an internal rib or ridge, designated 24 which extends longitudinally of the case substantially over the center of the uppermost conductor strip 15.
  • the sensitivity of the switch is determined to a great extent by the characteristics of the nonconductive strip 20.
  • This is preferably made of the plastic mylar which in sheet or strip form possesses some spring quality whereby the inturned flanges 22 serve as springs to yieldably hold apart the two-conductor strips.
  • the angle formed between each flange and the main body of the strip By varying the angle formed between each flange and the main body of the strip, the spacing of the twoconductor strips, and hence the sensitivity of the switch, is varied.
  • FIG. 5 a relatively sensitive switch is illustrated in the full line position of the parts where it will be seen that the acute angle formed by the inturned flange illustrated with the main body of the nonconductive strip is only a few degrees and in consequence the spacing of the conductor strips is very slight.
  • the flanges 22 are formed to extend upwardly at a greater angle to the base or main portion of the nonconductive strip as shown in broken lines in the same figure, the upper conductor strip will be spaced much farther from the lower conductor strip as shown in broken lines, making the switch less sensitive.
  • the sensitivity can also be varied by changing the thickness, strength and stiffness of the nonconductive strip 20.
  • a linear switch contact assembly comprising a first-conductor strip, a second-conductor strip, and a nonconductive strip, said strips being superposed in the order mentioned, said nonconductive strip including a main flat portion and a pair of inturned opposing marginal flanges forming acute angles with the main flat portion, extending for a limited distance between said conductor strips and serving to yieldably hold the same in spaced relation.
  • a linear switch comprising:

Abstract

A linear switch having a pair of elongated superposed metal strip conductors enclosed in a resilient nonconductive casing with a nonconductive strip on the outer side of one of the conductors having inturned springy flanges extending between the strip conductors and normally holding the same in spaced relation.

Description

United States Patent Inventor Gustave Flschel 1064 S. Halt Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 90035 Appl. No. 5,027 Filed Jan. 22, 1970 Patented Nov. 23, 1971 LINEAR SWITCH 2 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.
US. Cl 200/86 R Int. Cl H0lh 13/16 Field of Search 200/86, 61.57; 340/272 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,938,977 5/1960 Koenig 200/86 3,412,224 11/1968 Koenig 200/86 3,485,974 12/1969 Wolfet al. ZOO/61.57 2,823,279 2/1958 Schulenburg 200/86 R Primary ExaminerDavid Smith, Jr. Attorney-Wham & McManigal ABSTRACT: A linear switch having a pair of elongated superposed metal strip conductors enclosed in a resilient nonconductive casing with a nonconductive strip on the outer side of one of the conductors having intumed springy flanges extending between the strip conductors and normally holding the same in spaced relation.
PATENTEDNUV 23 ml 3.622.723
WW vgiw w 4r oQJE v3 LINEAR SWITCH This invention has to do with linear switches including treadle switches, ribbon and tape switches.
Linear switches are made for many purposes and consequently the sensitivity thereof varies widely depending upon the field of use and particular application. Some linear switches, such as treadle switches which are designed to be operated by motor vehicles driving over them, operate only upon the applicationof considerable weight or force thereto. On the other hand, many ribbon and tape switches are designed for applications where only slight pressure on the casing is required to operate the switch. One way of varying or adjusting the sensitivity of the switch is by choosing a casing of the required strength. However, this is a relatively inflexible method and has obvious disadvantages.
An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved linear switch so constructed that sensitivity can be chosen or adjusted within a reasonable range at the time of assembly of the switch and apart from the casing. In this connection it is an object to provide a novel construction which inherently lends itself to producing a switch of given sensitivity within a wide range.
Another object is to provide a novel switch contact assembly for a normally open-type linear switch which may be embodied in various types of casings to produce linear switches for particular uses.
A further object is to provide a switch contact assembly in which novel means is provided for normally holding the conductor strips thereof in spaced relation;
These and other objects will be apparent from the drawings and the following description. Referring to the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a sectional isometric view of a portion of a linear switch embodying the invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the switch of FIG. 1 but on a larger scale with the parts in normal position;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 2 but showing the switch closed;
FIG. 4 is an exploded fragmentary sectional isometric view of the switch contact assembly; and
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of the switch contact assembly and a representation of a switch of different sensitivity shown in broken lines.
More particularly describing the invention, numeral 11 generally designates the casing of a linear switch that can be made of any length. The casing is normally made of rubber, synthetic rubber, neoprene or the like and is nonconductive and resilient, although only the upper portion thereof need be. The casing is provided with a cavity or interior compartment 12 in which a switch contact assembly, designated generally 14, is positioned. The assembly comprises two superposed conductor strips designated 15 and 16 respectively, each of which is provided with an insulated conductor at one end which leads through the casing to the exterior, the conductors being designated 17 and 18. The conductor strips may be made of brass or some other suitable electrically conductive metal and each is preferably flat or planar. Beyond one of the conductor strips is a nonconductive strip designated 20 which includes a flat main section 21 and inturned marginal flanges 22 at its side edge portions. The flanges form acute angles with the main portion 21 and extend inwardly in between the twoconductor strips 15 and 16, thereby normally serving to hold them spaced apart as shown in FIG. 2 so that the switch is normally open. In the particular assembly shown, the nonconductive strip 20 is shown beneath the lowermost conductor strip 16. However, the assembly of the two-conductor strips and one nonconductive strip might be inverted in the casing. In order to facilitate closing of the switch when a weight or force is applied downwardly against the upper portion of the casing, the latter is provided with an internal rib or ridge, designated 24, which extends longitudinally of the case substantially over the center of the uppermost conductor strip 15. Thus when sufficient downward force is applied to the casing, it is deformed downwardly as shown in FIG. 3 and the rib 24 depresses and deflects the upper conductor strip into contact with the lower strip, thereby closing the switch.
The sensitivity of the switch is determined to a great extent by the characteristics of the nonconductive strip 20. This is preferably made of the plastic mylar which in sheet or strip form possesses some spring quality whereby the inturned flanges 22 serve as springs to yieldably hold apart the two-conductor strips. By varying the angle formed between each flange and the main body of the strip, the spacing of the twoconductor strips, and hence the sensitivity of the switch, is varied. For example, referring to FIG. 5, a relatively sensitive switch is illustrated in the full line position of the parts where it will be seen that the acute angle formed by the inturned flange illustrated with the main body of the nonconductive strip is only a few degrees and in consequence the spacing of the conductor strips is very slight. On the other hand, if the flanges 22 are formed to extend upwardly at a greater angle to the base or main portion of the nonconductive strip as shown in broken lines in the same figure, the upper conductor strip will be spaced much farther from the lower conductor strip as shown in broken lines, making the switch less sensitive. The sensitivity can also be varied by changing the thickness, strength and stiffness of the nonconductive strip 20.
I claim:
1. A linear switch contact assembly comprising a first-conductor strip, a second-conductor strip, and a nonconductive strip, said strips being superposed in the order mentioned, said nonconductive strip including a main flat portion and a pair of inturned opposing marginal flanges forming acute angles with the main flat portion, extending for a limited distance between said conductor strips and serving to yieldably hold the same in spaced relation.
2. A linear switch comprising:
a. a body formed of nonconductive material having a central cavity therein;
b. a lower conductor strip nonmovably positioned at the bottom of said cavity of said body and supported from the lower wall of said body;
c. an upper conductor strip positioned within the cavity of said body in a normally spaced relationship with said lower conductor strip; and
d. a single pair of yieldable flanges extending between said conductor strips for a limited distance, said flanges engaging said upper conductor strip and forming an acute angle with said lower conductor strip.

Claims (2)

1. A linear switch contact assembly comprising a first-conductor strip, a second-conductor strip, and a nonconductive strip, said strips being superposed in the order mentioned, said nonconductive strip including a main flat portion and a pair of inturned opposing marginal flanges forming acute angles with the main flat portion, extending for a limited distance between said conductor strips and serving to yieldably hold the same in spaced relation.
2. A linear switch comprising: a. a body formed of nonconductive material having a central cavity therein; b. a lower conductor strip nonmovably positioned at the bottom of said cavity of said body and supported from the lower wall of said body; c. an upper conductor strip positioned within the cavity of said body in a normally spaced relationship with said lower conductor strip; and d. a single pair of yieldable flanges extending between said conductor strips for a limited distance, said flanges engaging said upper conductor strip and forming an acute angle with said lower conductor strip.
US5027A 1970-01-22 1970-01-22 Linear switch Expired - Lifetime US3622723A (en)

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Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3732384A (en) * 1971-06-29 1973-05-08 G Fischel Linear switch
US4404439A (en) * 1979-03-01 1983-09-13 Leighton John D Method and construction for vehicle brake pedal and switch assembly
US4532388A (en) * 1982-08-31 1985-07-30 Erwin Sick Gmbh Optik-Elektronik Elongate resilient section at the closure edge of a closure
US4978177A (en) * 1989-07-06 1990-12-18 Nartron Corporation Signal mechanism responsive to force applied to vehicular brake pedal and the like
US5010972A (en) * 1989-07-06 1991-04-30 Nartron Corporation Combination vehicular braking and accessory control system
US5137338A (en) * 1991-02-11 1992-08-11 Nartron Corporation Combination vehicular braking and accessory control system
US5217280A (en) * 1989-07-06 1993-06-08 Nartron Corporation Pressure sensitive signal device for vehicle brake pedal
US5705990A (en) * 1994-04-28 1998-01-06 Messier; Albert J. Multiple switch pad
US6689970B2 (en) * 2001-10-04 2004-02-10 Lester E. Burgess Pressure actuated switching device and method and system for making same
US20050026108A1 (en) * 2003-07-31 2005-02-03 W&H Dentalwerk Burmoos Gmbh Foot control
US20070120707A1 (en) * 2005-11-29 2007-05-31 Rv Insite, Inc. Method for positioning recreational vehicles and portable position sensor and alert system for recreational vehicles and other vehicles
US20090120777A1 (en) * 2007-11-08 2009-05-14 Grzan John T Linear pressure switch apparatus and method

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2823279A (en) * 1954-09-13 1958-02-11 Edward J Schulenburg Detector for highway vehicle traffic
US2938977A (en) * 1958-09-02 1960-05-31 Tapeswitch Corp Of America Electric switching mat
US3412224A (en) * 1967-09-05 1968-11-19 Tapeswitch Corp Of America Selective tape switch
US3485974A (en) * 1968-05-20 1969-12-23 Switches Inc Momentary contact switches for control of accessory circuits

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2823279A (en) * 1954-09-13 1958-02-11 Edward J Schulenburg Detector for highway vehicle traffic
US2938977A (en) * 1958-09-02 1960-05-31 Tapeswitch Corp Of America Electric switching mat
US3412224A (en) * 1967-09-05 1968-11-19 Tapeswitch Corp Of America Selective tape switch
US3485974A (en) * 1968-05-20 1969-12-23 Switches Inc Momentary contact switches for control of accessory circuits

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3732384A (en) * 1971-06-29 1973-05-08 G Fischel Linear switch
US4404439A (en) * 1979-03-01 1983-09-13 Leighton John D Method and construction for vehicle brake pedal and switch assembly
US4532388A (en) * 1982-08-31 1985-07-30 Erwin Sick Gmbh Optik-Elektronik Elongate resilient section at the closure edge of a closure
US4978177A (en) * 1989-07-06 1990-12-18 Nartron Corporation Signal mechanism responsive to force applied to vehicular brake pedal and the like
US5010972A (en) * 1989-07-06 1991-04-30 Nartron Corporation Combination vehicular braking and accessory control system
US5217280A (en) * 1989-07-06 1993-06-08 Nartron Corporation Pressure sensitive signal device for vehicle brake pedal
US5137338A (en) * 1991-02-11 1992-08-11 Nartron Corporation Combination vehicular braking and accessory control system
US5705990A (en) * 1994-04-28 1998-01-06 Messier; Albert J. Multiple switch pad
US6689970B2 (en) * 2001-10-04 2004-02-10 Lester E. Burgess Pressure actuated switching device and method and system for making same
US20040140045A1 (en) * 2001-10-04 2004-07-22 Burgess Lester E. Pressure actuated switching device and method and system for making same
US20040140186A1 (en) * 2001-10-04 2004-07-22 Burgess Lester E. Pressure actuated switching device and method and system for making same
US20040154911A1 (en) * 2001-10-04 2004-08-12 Burgess Lester E. Pressure actuated switching device and method and system for making same
US6917002B2 (en) * 2001-10-04 2005-07-12 Lester E. Burgess Pressure actuated switching device and method and system for making same
US7102089B2 (en) 2001-10-04 2006-09-05 Burgess Lester E Pressure actuated switching device and method and system for making same
US20070068787A1 (en) * 2001-10-04 2007-03-29 Burgess Lester E Pressure actuated switching device and method and system for making same
US20050026108A1 (en) * 2003-07-31 2005-02-03 W&H Dentalwerk Burmoos Gmbh Foot control
US20070120707A1 (en) * 2005-11-29 2007-05-31 Rv Insite, Inc. Method for positioning recreational vehicles and portable position sensor and alert system for recreational vehicles and other vehicles
US20090120777A1 (en) * 2007-11-08 2009-05-14 Grzan John T Linear pressure switch apparatus and method
US7659485B2 (en) * 2007-11-08 2010-02-09 Grzan John T Linear pressure switch apparatus and method

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