CA2009059C - Control mechanism for an on-off switch - Google Patents
Control mechanism for an on-off switchInfo
- Publication number
- CA2009059C CA2009059C CA002009059A CA2009059A CA2009059C CA 2009059 C CA2009059 C CA 2009059C CA 002009059 A CA002009059 A CA 002009059A CA 2009059 A CA2009059 A CA 2009059A CA 2009059 C CA2009059 C CA 2009059C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- switch
- biasing means
- engaging
- movement
- actuating means
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
- H01H9/20—Interlocking, locking, or latching mechanisms
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H21/00—Switches operated by an operating part in the form of a pivotable member acted upon directly by a solid body, e.g. by a hand
- H01H21/02—Details
- H01H21/18—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
- H01H21/22—Operating parts, e.g. handle
- H01H21/24—Operating parts, e.g. handle biased to return to normal position upon removal of operating force
- H01H21/26—Operating parts, e.g. handle biased to return to normal position upon removal of operating force adapted for operation by a part of the human body other than the hand, e.g. by foot
Landscapes
- Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)
- Mechanisms For Operating Contacts (AREA)
- Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
- Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)
- Oscillators With Electromechanical Resonators (AREA)
- Cookers (AREA)
- Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure A control mechanism operable for selectively moving an on-off switch into operative and non-operative positions includes an on-off switch having opposed, first and second ends simultaneously movable in opposite directions, an actuator disposed adjacent the on-off switch selectively movable for engaging the first end of the on-off switch and urging it in a first direction to an operative position accompanied by movement of the second end of the on-off switch in the opposite direction, and a biasing device disposed adjacent the on-off switch and externally thereof for engaging the second end of the on-off switch and normally maintaining it in the non-operative position. The biasing device yieldably resists movement of the actuator when it engages the first end of the on-off switch and moves it in the first direction toward the operative position.
Description
CONT~O~ M~C~t:C8M FOR A~ ON--OFF 8w~TCX
~aç~g~ound and Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to control mechanisms for on-off switches, and more particularly to a novel control mechanism which ensures that an on-off switch will be maintained in a non-operative position once it has been switched off. In particular, I the present invention relates to a control mechanism having ; applicability to an on-of~ switch which i5 used in connection with a foot pedal or hand actuating device used to interconnect a battery with a motor to provide power, as for example, on toys such as ch$1dren's r$de-on vehicles.
~ n some models of children's battery-powered ride-on vehicles, power is trans~it~ed from the battery to a driving motor by means of a selectively actuable on-off switch. Such switches ,' 3 may ta~e the form of a rocker switch or the like which is mounted ; in a housing, appropriatelr disposed adjacent the floorboard of " .
- the vehicle. A foot pedal or the like is positionable above the rocker switch and includes an element projecting therefrom for engaging a first end of the rocXer switch, when the foot pedal is :~ 20 suitably depressed, to urge that end downwardly so a contact ,. .
interconnects the batte:y with the motor. The rocker switch is normally biased to an of' position by means of a return spring, and the foot pedal must be depressed with sufficient force to overcome the tension of the return spring so that the rocker switch may be ~oved to the on or operative position. When the foot pedal is released, the return spring moves the rocker switch into the off position.
A problem resides in conventional foot pedal/on-off switch constructions as above described because return springs may break a~ter being cycled repeated times. When the foot pedal is :, .;. ~
, -1- 7~
. . -. ~ . -2~9~9 released, so that it moves to the normally non-operative position, the rocker switch remains in the on position. The result is a vehicle in whic~ the battery remai~s interconnected with the ; driving ~otor so that the vehicle continues to travel. Such a "run-away vehicle~ is a ~rightenins as well as potentially very dangerous situation to a child rider. The present invention seeks to avoid that problem.
While there are several devices in the prior art which show various types of safety switches, ~ost are relatively complex constructions utilizing many movable parts and may be expensive.
Indicative of so~e idea~ for safety switc~es are the devices shown in Williams (3,409,101) which relates ~o motor vehicles; Miller (4,172,217); Buzzell (3,233,071); Hansen (3,358,108); ~uben (2,944,120); and Quisenberry (2,917,122).
~; With the above problems as described in mind, the ; present invention provides a novel control mechanism operable for selectively moving an on-off switch into operative and non-operative positions by utilizing an actuating means disposed adjacent the switch selectively operable for engaging a first end of the switch and urging it in a first direction to an operative .i position accompanied by movement of the second end of the switch in the opposite direction, wherein a biasing means is provided for engaging the second end of the switch and normally maintaining it in the non-operative position, with the biasing means yieldably resisting movement of the actuating means when it engages the first end of the switch and moves it in the first direction toward the operative position.
., The biasing means may be configured as a leaf or clip , 30 spring having a first portion , ~ -2-. .
, . . .
.,. -, . :.'.
~. - . - ;
.. ~ . . , . -.~ . . .
2 ~
thereof a~fixed to the actuating means with another portion normally engaging the switch's second end. When the actuating ~eans is moved to th~ off position, th~ end of the clip spring normally engaging the second end of the switch continues to bias -that end into the o~S position, thereby preventing the switch from being inadvertently permitted to remain in the on position should the return sprin~ break.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a side elevational view, taken in cross 'J' section, showing a control mechanism according to one embodiment . of the present invention including an actuating means defined by a foot pedal, positioned in the ~off~ position relative to an ~, on-off switch, with the biasing means being formed generally as a .~
~ U-shaped clip spring:
~`,,1 ~i :~ Fig. 2 is a view, similar to Fig. 1, illustrating the .~ actuating means in its fully depressed position, whereby the on-' `'.!
'~
,~
,' ~., ~ -3-, . _ . -,:, , ;. .
. .
- ~ 2~09~9 - o~: switc!l lS pos~tion~d in t.`~e "~n" ~os~t' ~n and ~havin~ th-~ia~ln$ ~ hlch n~ wltch~ s-con~ end h-in~ yl-lda~l-- ~o~ nablln~ the ~'cch eo ~- ~o~ition~ ln t~- on po~ieion~
F~ ls a vi~ lar to ~$~J. 1 ~nd 2, o~ a ,-cond ~adi~nt o~ pr~-nt ~nv~n~lo~
r~g. 4 i~ a vl-w, ~ la~ to ~e oth-r ~riew~, o~ a third c or t~- pr--<nt ln~r nt~ot~; ~Ad Flq. ~ ~ a ~rlev, ~ lar to t~ othe: v~ew~, o~ ou~h ~bod~nt o~ th pr- -nt ~nv-ntlon , lo ~
,, .
As m-nt~on-d at th- outtet, the pr~sent ~nv~nt~on ; provid-J a control m~chan~m op-r~ble fo~ ctlvely mov~ng an on-o~f Jwitch into op-rative nd non-operativ~ po~ltlonJ which lncludo~ an actuatlng m-ans and a b~a~ing ~oans foe normally m~int~ining tho ~witch in a non-operat$ve pos~tion, with th-bi~Jing me~n4 yi-ldably ro~i-ting mov~ment of th- actuatlng meanJ
wh-n th- ~witch is engag~d and moved lnto ~t5 oporatlve po~it$on A- shown in F~g. 1~ a control mechanLsm accordin~ to i th- presont Inv-ntion l~ gener~lly indicatod t lO ~b- control 2~ mochanl-m is shown ln ~ido ol-vatlonal vi-w, aAd 1- also ll~u4trat-d in C~O~J J-ction with an actuatlng moan-, ~u~h a- a `` oot pedal, g~n~rally lndicatod t 12 p~votally mountod to a b~--~late g~n-rally lndlcat~d at 14, ~hich in turn i8 suita~ly mountod to the ~loorboard or th- like of a childr~n's rld- on vehicle, ~or xa~pl~
:- A An on-off ~wit~h ~ch a- an on-o~ rocke~ ~witch a~embly is g~n-rally indicate~ at 16 and is moun~ed wlthin an aperture :. suit~bly provided in ~he base pla~e. Pedal 12 is provided wl~ a ... . .
.. ', ~ ' ' " ' ' , ~' '- .
~ ~ .
EX t ended l~a3e hook ~ er 18 whiah i~ insertable through aperture 20 provided in .
2 ~ 5 9 "
., ,.~.
,~
.
i ....
.,`j :"
` , '.' ., . . .. .
... `: . . .. . , ... ~,,."
.. `.~. - .
.. ~ .. . .
. ; . . ~.j .,.
. .
.. . .;
base plate 14 to enable the pedal to be pivoted relative thereto _o actuate on-off switch 16 in a manner to be described. Mounted hear the ~ront o~ pedal 12 and extending downwardly there~rom is an internally threaded sleeve 22 ~or threadably receiving a screw 24 which is inserted through an aperture 26 provided in the base plate. Screw 24 provides a limit means ~or limiting the extent to j which the pedal can be pivoted in a clockwise direction as shown in Fig. ~. Pedal 12 i5 provided with an element or abutment means 28 which extends downwardly ther~rom for engaging on-o~ switch 16 in a ~anner to b~ described.
,~
On-off switch 16 is of conventional const:uction, and includes a housing 30 provided with spring~ e sides 32, 34 which enable the housing to be snapped into position on base plate 14.
Mounted within housing 30 is a rocker switch 36 having a first end , 36~ and a second 36k. ~he :oc~er switch is mounted in the assembly ... .
by means of a small coil spring 38 mounted in turn onto a rocker arm 40 which is a csnduc:or having contacts 40~, 40b and 40c.
Those contacts interconnect with contacts 41~, 41b and 41c, depending on the position of rocker switch 36. A return spring is shown at 41, and normally u-ges pedal 12 in a clockwise direction to the so-called "o~ position. The pedal, which is shown in cross section, may have a length in the range of 2-3 inches and a width o~ 1-2 inches, as is typical. Thus ~ar, everything which has be-n described is convQntional~ and attention Ls now directed to ; a novel biasing means o~ the present invention generally indicated , at 42.
The biasing means, as shown in the embodiment o~ Fig. 1, i5 a ~lexible member such as a generally U-shaped clip spring which includes a ~irst portion 42~ which tran~itions by means o~ curved ; 30 portion 42k into portion 42~. The biasing means is disposed . . .
:. _5_ ,ij .~
.. :
adjacent the on-off switch and externally thereof. At the end o~
or~ion 42, there is provided a bent or offset end 42d which ensures continuous engagement with second end 36k O~ rocker switch 36. The biasing means is suitably secured to pedal 12, by means G~ a ~astener 13, and is provided with adequate spring tension so that it engages second end 36k and normally maintains it in the non-operative position. The biasing means, however, also i3 designed ~or yieldably resisting movement o~ pedal 12, and storing up spring tension, when abut~ent means 28 engages ~irst end 36a and moves it in a ~irst direction toward the operative position. The slip spring may be dimensioned approximately 1 inch in width and 2-~/4 inches in length. Suitable material ~or the spring ~and in the other embodiments as well) may include stress-relieved stainless steel or the like.
, ~ .
As shown in Fig. 2, pedal 12 has been fully depressed, and because the first and second ends o~ rocker switch 36 are movable simultaneously in opposite directions, contact 40~ o~
rocXer ar~ 40 now engages contact 39~. ~he principal reason for provision of biasing means 42 is as follows. Return spring 41, being of very small size, can breaX after repeated cycling, resulting in a run-away veh-cle even when pressure is removed from foot pedal 12 because there is no force to return rocker switch 36 to an inoperative posi~ion. However, biasing means 42 will urge second end 36~ o~ the rocker switch toward the non-operative position if return spring 41 should ~ail.
As shown in Fig. 2, it can be seen that when pedal 12 is J depressed so that the rocke- switch is in the operative position, biasing means 42 is deflected so that portion 42c is displaced toward portion 42a, i.e., it yieldably resists movement o~ the 30 pedal. Because biasing means 42 is provided with o~set end 42~, 2009~9 ~hat portion maintains its grip on second end 36b o f the rocker switch. ~hen, when foot pressure is removed from ~oot pedal 12, bia~ing means 42, havLng ~tored up spring tension, urges second end 36~ downwardly and returns it to the position shown in Fig. 1.
Thus, it can be appreciated that i~ return spring 41 fails, it is impossible for the vehicle, or whatever device switch 16 operates, to continue to run in the operative position. Biasing means 42 e~iciently provides a sa~ety override for the on-o~ switch, which is nor~ally biased into a non-operative position. ~he biasing j 1 10 means also urges pedal 12 into a non-operative position. Once pedal 12 is released, on-off switch 36 will be biased into its non-., operative position because o~ biasing means 42.
Figs. 3-S show alternative embodiments of the present invention. For example, Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment in which a lea~-like or clip sprins 44 is mounted to foot plate 14 and includes a portion 44a disposed on the underneath side of the foot ,.j plate. It will be noted ~hat base plate 14 is provided with an aperture lS to allow recep_ on therethrough of portion 44b o~ the biasing means which transi~ions into a substantially straight ~i~ 20 overlapping portion 44. 'ortion 44 transitions into bent or $ of~set end 44_ which ensures gripping onto the second end of the rocker switch. Biasing ~eans 44 is again constructed as clip spring, with the difference being that it is not mounted on pedal ~` 12 as in the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2. However, biasing means 44 still returns pedal 12 to its non-operative position, when a downwardly depressing ~orce is not applied to the ;~oot pedal, because the fi.st end of the rocker switch engages against abut~ent means 28 to urge pedal 12 upwardly by virtue of the spring action of biasing means 44.
, .
i :~ --7--.
. :
~ .:
., .
20090~9 Figs. 4 and 5 show additional embodiments. The Fig. 4 or third e~bodiment o~ th~ present invention contemplates that a biasing means 46 i5 d$mensioned to extend with an elongat~ arm 46a from the underneath side of pedal 12 as shown. A bent or o~tset end 46~ also ensures adequate gripping of the second end of the rocker switch. ~hus, the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is a clip spring which extends substantially directly from the pedal for engaging the rocker switch.
Finally, the fourth e~bodiment, as shown in Fig. S, contemplates the use ot a Siasing means formed a~ a flexible, generally bow-shaped spring member indicated at 48 which has an ; arcuate portion of the bow continuously engaging the second end of ~ the roc~er switch. The bow spring includes a forward portion 48a .~
;~ mounted adjacent abutment means 28 and an elongate mid portion 48k, ~ormed as an elongate a:c, which engages the rocker switch. An end portion 48 of the biasing means is secured to an end o~ pedal 12 as shown.
While the presen~ invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that other changes in form and detail may be made the-ein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended clai~s.
.... .
~ .
....
. .
...
.,;
.;:
, ~ 30 . ~
~aç~g~ound and Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to control mechanisms for on-off switches, and more particularly to a novel control mechanism which ensures that an on-off switch will be maintained in a non-operative position once it has been switched off. In particular, I the present invention relates to a control mechanism having ; applicability to an on-of~ switch which i5 used in connection with a foot pedal or hand actuating device used to interconnect a battery with a motor to provide power, as for example, on toys such as ch$1dren's r$de-on vehicles.
~ n some models of children's battery-powered ride-on vehicles, power is trans~it~ed from the battery to a driving motor by means of a selectively actuable on-off switch. Such switches ,' 3 may ta~e the form of a rocker switch or the like which is mounted ; in a housing, appropriatelr disposed adjacent the floorboard of " .
- the vehicle. A foot pedal or the like is positionable above the rocker switch and includes an element projecting therefrom for engaging a first end of the rocXer switch, when the foot pedal is :~ 20 suitably depressed, to urge that end downwardly so a contact ,. .
interconnects the batte:y with the motor. The rocker switch is normally biased to an of' position by means of a return spring, and the foot pedal must be depressed with sufficient force to overcome the tension of the return spring so that the rocker switch may be ~oved to the on or operative position. When the foot pedal is released, the return spring moves the rocker switch into the off position.
A problem resides in conventional foot pedal/on-off switch constructions as above described because return springs may break a~ter being cycled repeated times. When the foot pedal is :, .;. ~
, -1- 7~
. . -. ~ . -2~9~9 released, so that it moves to the normally non-operative position, the rocker switch remains in the on position. The result is a vehicle in whic~ the battery remai~s interconnected with the ; driving ~otor so that the vehicle continues to travel. Such a "run-away vehicle~ is a ~rightenins as well as potentially very dangerous situation to a child rider. The present invention seeks to avoid that problem.
While there are several devices in the prior art which show various types of safety switches, ~ost are relatively complex constructions utilizing many movable parts and may be expensive.
Indicative of so~e idea~ for safety switc~es are the devices shown in Williams (3,409,101) which relates ~o motor vehicles; Miller (4,172,217); Buzzell (3,233,071); Hansen (3,358,108); ~uben (2,944,120); and Quisenberry (2,917,122).
~; With the above problems as described in mind, the ; present invention provides a novel control mechanism operable for selectively moving an on-off switch into operative and non-operative positions by utilizing an actuating means disposed adjacent the switch selectively operable for engaging a first end of the switch and urging it in a first direction to an operative .i position accompanied by movement of the second end of the switch in the opposite direction, wherein a biasing means is provided for engaging the second end of the switch and normally maintaining it in the non-operative position, with the biasing means yieldably resisting movement of the actuating means when it engages the first end of the switch and moves it in the first direction toward the operative position.
., The biasing means may be configured as a leaf or clip , 30 spring having a first portion , ~ -2-. .
, . . .
.,. -, . :.'.
~. - . - ;
.. ~ . . , . -.~ . . .
2 ~
thereof a~fixed to the actuating means with another portion normally engaging the switch's second end. When the actuating ~eans is moved to th~ off position, th~ end of the clip spring normally engaging the second end of the switch continues to bias -that end into the o~S position, thereby preventing the switch from being inadvertently permitted to remain in the on position should the return sprin~ break.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a side elevational view, taken in cross 'J' section, showing a control mechanism according to one embodiment . of the present invention including an actuating means defined by a foot pedal, positioned in the ~off~ position relative to an ~, on-off switch, with the biasing means being formed generally as a .~
~ U-shaped clip spring:
~`,,1 ~i :~ Fig. 2 is a view, similar to Fig. 1, illustrating the .~ actuating means in its fully depressed position, whereby the on-' `'.!
'~
,~
,' ~., ~ -3-, . _ . -,:, , ;. .
. .
- ~ 2~09~9 - o~: switc!l lS pos~tion~d in t.`~e "~n" ~os~t' ~n and ~havin~ th-~ia~ln$ ~ hlch n~ wltch~ s-con~ end h-in~ yl-lda~l-- ~o~ nablln~ the ~'cch eo ~- ~o~ition~ ln t~- on po~ieion~
F~ ls a vi~ lar to ~$~J. 1 ~nd 2, o~ a ,-cond ~adi~nt o~ pr~-nt ~nv~n~lo~
r~g. 4 i~ a vl-w, ~ la~ to ~e oth-r ~riew~, o~ a third c or t~- pr--<nt ln~r nt~ot~; ~Ad Flq. ~ ~ a ~rlev, ~ lar to t~ othe: v~ew~, o~ ou~h ~bod~nt o~ th pr- -nt ~nv-ntlon , lo ~
,, .
As m-nt~on-d at th- outtet, the pr~sent ~nv~nt~on ; provid-J a control m~chan~m op-r~ble fo~ ctlvely mov~ng an on-o~f Jwitch into op-rative nd non-operativ~ po~ltlonJ which lncludo~ an actuatlng m-ans and a b~a~ing ~oans foe normally m~int~ining tho ~witch in a non-operat$ve pos~tion, with th-bi~Jing me~n4 yi-ldably ro~i-ting mov~ment of th- actuatlng meanJ
wh-n th- ~witch is engag~d and moved lnto ~t5 oporatlve po~it$on A- shown in F~g. 1~ a control mechanLsm accordin~ to i th- presont Inv-ntion l~ gener~lly indicatod t lO ~b- control 2~ mochanl-m is shown ln ~ido ol-vatlonal vi-w, aAd 1- also ll~u4trat-d in C~O~J J-ction with an actuatlng moan-, ~u~h a- a `` oot pedal, g~n~rally lndicatod t 12 p~votally mountod to a b~--~late g~n-rally lndlcat~d at 14, ~hich in turn i8 suita~ly mountod to the ~loorboard or th- like of a childr~n's rld- on vehicle, ~or xa~pl~
:- A An on-off ~wit~h ~ch a- an on-o~ rocke~ ~witch a~embly is g~n-rally indicate~ at 16 and is moun~ed wlthin an aperture :. suit~bly provided in ~he base pla~e. Pedal 12 is provided wl~ a ... . .
.. ', ~ ' ' " ' ' , ~' '- .
~ ~ .
EX t ended l~a3e hook ~ er 18 whiah i~ insertable through aperture 20 provided in .
2 ~ 5 9 "
., ,.~.
,~
.
i ....
.,`j :"
` , '.' ., . . .. .
... `: . . .. . , ... ~,,."
.. `.~. - .
.. ~ .. . .
. ; . . ~.j .,.
. .
.. . .;
base plate 14 to enable the pedal to be pivoted relative thereto _o actuate on-off switch 16 in a manner to be described. Mounted hear the ~ront o~ pedal 12 and extending downwardly there~rom is an internally threaded sleeve 22 ~or threadably receiving a screw 24 which is inserted through an aperture 26 provided in the base plate. Screw 24 provides a limit means ~or limiting the extent to j which the pedal can be pivoted in a clockwise direction as shown in Fig. ~. Pedal 12 i5 provided with an element or abutment means 28 which extends downwardly ther~rom for engaging on-o~ switch 16 in a ~anner to b~ described.
,~
On-off switch 16 is of conventional const:uction, and includes a housing 30 provided with spring~ e sides 32, 34 which enable the housing to be snapped into position on base plate 14.
Mounted within housing 30 is a rocker switch 36 having a first end , 36~ and a second 36k. ~he :oc~er switch is mounted in the assembly ... .
by means of a small coil spring 38 mounted in turn onto a rocker arm 40 which is a csnduc:or having contacts 40~, 40b and 40c.
Those contacts interconnect with contacts 41~, 41b and 41c, depending on the position of rocker switch 36. A return spring is shown at 41, and normally u-ges pedal 12 in a clockwise direction to the so-called "o~ position. The pedal, which is shown in cross section, may have a length in the range of 2-3 inches and a width o~ 1-2 inches, as is typical. Thus ~ar, everything which has be-n described is convQntional~ and attention Ls now directed to ; a novel biasing means o~ the present invention generally indicated , at 42.
The biasing means, as shown in the embodiment o~ Fig. 1, i5 a ~lexible member such as a generally U-shaped clip spring which includes a ~irst portion 42~ which tran~itions by means o~ curved ; 30 portion 42k into portion 42~. The biasing means is disposed . . .
:. _5_ ,ij .~
.. :
adjacent the on-off switch and externally thereof. At the end o~
or~ion 42, there is provided a bent or offset end 42d which ensures continuous engagement with second end 36k O~ rocker switch 36. The biasing means is suitably secured to pedal 12, by means G~ a ~astener 13, and is provided with adequate spring tension so that it engages second end 36k and normally maintains it in the non-operative position. The biasing means, however, also i3 designed ~or yieldably resisting movement o~ pedal 12, and storing up spring tension, when abut~ent means 28 engages ~irst end 36a and moves it in a ~irst direction toward the operative position. The slip spring may be dimensioned approximately 1 inch in width and 2-~/4 inches in length. Suitable material ~or the spring ~and in the other embodiments as well) may include stress-relieved stainless steel or the like.
, ~ .
As shown in Fig. 2, pedal 12 has been fully depressed, and because the first and second ends o~ rocker switch 36 are movable simultaneously in opposite directions, contact 40~ o~
rocXer ar~ 40 now engages contact 39~. ~he principal reason for provision of biasing means 42 is as follows. Return spring 41, being of very small size, can breaX after repeated cycling, resulting in a run-away veh-cle even when pressure is removed from foot pedal 12 because there is no force to return rocker switch 36 to an inoperative posi~ion. However, biasing means 42 will urge second end 36~ o~ the rocker switch toward the non-operative position if return spring 41 should ~ail.
As shown in Fig. 2, it can be seen that when pedal 12 is J depressed so that the rocke- switch is in the operative position, biasing means 42 is deflected so that portion 42c is displaced toward portion 42a, i.e., it yieldably resists movement o~ the 30 pedal. Because biasing means 42 is provided with o~set end 42~, 2009~9 ~hat portion maintains its grip on second end 36b o f the rocker switch. ~hen, when foot pressure is removed from ~oot pedal 12, bia~ing means 42, havLng ~tored up spring tension, urges second end 36~ downwardly and returns it to the position shown in Fig. 1.
Thus, it can be appreciated that i~ return spring 41 fails, it is impossible for the vehicle, or whatever device switch 16 operates, to continue to run in the operative position. Biasing means 42 e~iciently provides a sa~ety override for the on-o~ switch, which is nor~ally biased into a non-operative position. ~he biasing j 1 10 means also urges pedal 12 into a non-operative position. Once pedal 12 is released, on-off switch 36 will be biased into its non-., operative position because o~ biasing means 42.
Figs. 3-S show alternative embodiments of the present invention. For example, Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment in which a lea~-like or clip sprins 44 is mounted to foot plate 14 and includes a portion 44a disposed on the underneath side of the foot ,.j plate. It will be noted ~hat base plate 14 is provided with an aperture lS to allow recep_ on therethrough of portion 44b o~ the biasing means which transi~ions into a substantially straight ~i~ 20 overlapping portion 44. 'ortion 44 transitions into bent or $ of~set end 44_ which ensures gripping onto the second end of the rocker switch. Biasing ~eans 44 is again constructed as clip spring, with the difference being that it is not mounted on pedal ~` 12 as in the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2. However, biasing means 44 still returns pedal 12 to its non-operative position, when a downwardly depressing ~orce is not applied to the ;~oot pedal, because the fi.st end of the rocker switch engages against abut~ent means 28 to urge pedal 12 upwardly by virtue of the spring action of biasing means 44.
, .
i :~ --7--.
. :
~ .:
., .
20090~9 Figs. 4 and 5 show additional embodiments. The Fig. 4 or third e~bodiment o~ th~ present invention contemplates that a biasing means 46 i5 d$mensioned to extend with an elongat~ arm 46a from the underneath side of pedal 12 as shown. A bent or o~tset end 46~ also ensures adequate gripping of the second end of the rocker switch. ~hus, the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is a clip spring which extends substantially directly from the pedal for engaging the rocker switch.
Finally, the fourth e~bodiment, as shown in Fig. S, contemplates the use ot a Siasing means formed a~ a flexible, generally bow-shaped spring member indicated at 48 which has an ; arcuate portion of the bow continuously engaging the second end of ~ the roc~er switch. The bow spring includes a forward portion 48a .~
;~ mounted adjacent abutment means 28 and an elongate mid portion 48k, ~ormed as an elongate a:c, which engages the rocker switch. An end portion 48 of the biasing means is secured to an end o~ pedal 12 as shown.
While the presen~ invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that other changes in form and detail may be made the-ein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended clai~s.
.... .
~ .
....
. .
...
.,;
.;:
, ~ 30 . ~
.; . . ; -,,. ,. ' .
-
-
Claims (13)
1. A control mechanism operable for selectively moving an off-on switch into its on and off positions comprising:
in combination with a switch having opposed, first and second ends simultaneously movable in opposite directions, the switch achieving one switching state by movement of the first end in one of said directions and a second switching state by movement of the second end in said one of said directions;
actuating means disposed adjacent the switch selectively movable for engaging the first end of the switch and urging the first end in said one direction to produce said one switching state, this movement being accomplished by movement of the second end of the switch in the opposite direction:
said switch including return means for engaging the first end of the switch and normally urging the first end in said opposite direction and the second end in said one direction to produce the second switching state; and biasing means disposed adjacent the switch and externally thereof engaging the second end of the switch and continuously urging the second end of the switch in said one direction to produce said second switching state, said biasing means thus complementing the urging of said return means and yieldably resisting movement of the actuating means.
in combination with a switch having opposed, first and second ends simultaneously movable in opposite directions, the switch achieving one switching state by movement of the first end in one of said directions and a second switching state by movement of the second end in said one of said directions;
actuating means disposed adjacent the switch selectively movable for engaging the first end of the switch and urging the first end in said one direction to produce said one switching state, this movement being accomplished by movement of the second end of the switch in the opposite direction:
said switch including return means for engaging the first end of the switch and normally urging the first end in said opposite direction and the second end in said one direction to produce the second switching state; and biasing means disposed adjacent the switch and externally thereof engaging the second end of the switch and continuously urging the second end of the switch in said one direction to produce said second switching state, said biasing means thus complementing the urging of said return means and yieldably resisting movement of the actuating means.
2. The combination of claim 1 wherein the biasing means is mounted on a base plate which supports the switch.
3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the biasing means is a flexible, generally U-shaped clip spring.
4. In combination with a switch having opposed, first and second ends simultaneously movable in opposite directions, the switch achieving one switching state by movement of the first end in one of said directions and a second switching state by movement of the second end in said one of said directions;
actuating means disposed adjacent the switch selectively movable for engaging the first end of the switch and urging it in said one direction to place the switch in its said one switching state with such movement accompanied by movement of the second end of the switch in the opposite direction; and biasing means disposed adjacent the switch and externally thereof for engaging the second end of the switch and normally maintaining the switch in the second switching state by urging the second end in said one direction, the biasing means yieldably resisting movement of the actuating means when the actuating means engages the first end of the switch and moves the first end in the first direction, the biasing means being a flexible member secured to the actuating means and extending toward the switch.
actuating means disposed adjacent the switch selectively movable for engaging the first end of the switch and urging it in said one direction to place the switch in its said one switching state with such movement accompanied by movement of the second end of the switch in the opposite direction; and biasing means disposed adjacent the switch and externally thereof for engaging the second end of the switch and normally maintaining the switch in the second switching state by urging the second end in said one direction, the biasing means yieldably resisting movement of the actuating means when the actuating means engages the first end of the switch and moves the first end in the first direction, the biasing means being a flexible member secured to the actuating means and extending toward the switch.
5. The combination of claim 4 wherein the biasing means is a flexible, generally bow-shaped spring member having an arcuate portion thereof continuously engaging the second end of the switch.
6. The combination of claim 4 wherein the biasing means is a generally U-shaped clip spring formed with a portion which continuously engages the second end of the switch.
7. The combination of claim 6 wherein the portion of the clip spring engaging the second end of the switch is offset from an adjacent portion to ensure continuous engagement with the second end.
8. The combination of claim 7 wherein the clip spring stores up spring tension when the actuating means moves the first end of the switch in said one direction.
9. A control mechanism operable for selectively moving an on-off rocker assembly between on and off positions, the switch assembly having opposed first and second ends simultaneously moveable in opposite directions about a common axis, the control mechanism comprising:
actuating means disposed adjacent the switch assembly selectively movable for engaging the first end of the switch assembly and urging it in a first direction to an on position accompanied by movement of the second end of the switch assembly in the opposite direction: and biasing means disposed adjacent the switch assembly and externally thereof for engaging the second end of the switch assembly and normally maintaining it in the off position, the biasing means yieldably resisting movement of the actuating means when it engages the first end of the switch assembly and moves it in the first direction toward the on position, the biasing means being defined by a flexible member secured to the actuating means and extending toward the switch assembly.
actuating means disposed adjacent the switch assembly selectively movable for engaging the first end of the switch assembly and urging it in a first direction to an on position accompanied by movement of the second end of the switch assembly in the opposite direction: and biasing means disposed adjacent the switch assembly and externally thereof for engaging the second end of the switch assembly and normally maintaining it in the off position, the biasing means yieldably resisting movement of the actuating means when it engages the first end of the switch assembly and moves it in the first direction toward the on position, the biasing means being defined by a flexible member secured to the actuating means and extending toward the switch assembly.
10. The control mechanism of claim 9 wherein the actuating means is a foot pedal.
11 11. The control mechanism of claim 9 wherein the biasing means is a generally U-shaped clip spring formed with a portion which continuously engages the second end of the on-off switch.
12. The control mechanism of claim 11 wherein the portion of the clip spring engaging the second end of the on-off switch is offset from its adjacent portion to ensure continuous engagement with the second end.
13. The control mechanism of claim 11 wherein the clip spring stores up spring tension when the actuating means moves the first end of the on-off switch into the on position.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US33150189A | 1989-03-31 | 1989-03-31 | |
| US331,501 | 1989-03-31 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2009059A1 CA2009059A1 (en) | 1990-09-30 |
| CA2009059C true CA2009059C (en) | 1994-05-10 |
Family
ID=23294232
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002009059A Expired - Fee Related CA2009059C (en) | 1989-03-31 | 1990-01-31 | Control mechanism for an on-off switch |
Country Status (12)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH0795409B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR900015202A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU5246090A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2009059C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE4005059C2 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK80490A (en) |
| FI (1) | FI901364A7 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2645340B1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2229860B (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1240162B (en) |
| NL (1) | NL9000157A (en) |
| NO (1) | NO900020L (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2328796B (en) * | 1997-08-29 | 1999-10-13 | Motorola As | A switch |
| DE19817097B4 (en) * | 1998-04-17 | 2005-06-02 | Abb Patent Gmbh | Monostable electrical service switching device |
| GB2339632A (en) * | 1998-07-14 | 2000-02-02 | Penny & Giles Computer Product | An actuator for a switch |
| US7133033B1 (en) | 1999-12-02 | 2006-11-07 | Advanced Input Devices Uk Limited | Actuator for a switch |
| DE10057589C1 (en) | 2000-11-21 | 2002-07-11 | Erbe Elektromedizin | footswitch |
| DE102005029458B4 (en) * | 2005-05-30 | 2010-06-02 | Erbe Elektromedizin Gmbh | Actuating device for electromedical devices, in particular foot switches, and method for producing such an actuator |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3225156A (en) * | 1964-01-10 | 1965-12-21 | Carling Electric Inc | Dual button switch with automatic detent ball return action |
| US3319031A (en) * | 1965-10-23 | 1967-05-09 | Mechanical Products Inc | Thermal snap circuit breaker with slidable spring biased collar engaging on side of the bimetal |
| DE1248132B (en) * | 1965-12-27 | 1967-08-24 | Walther Bueromasch Gmbh | Electric snap button |
| JPS5760506Y2 (en) * | 1978-06-23 | 1982-12-23 | ||
| DE2937031A1 (en) * | 1979-09-13 | 1981-04-02 | Gebrüder Merten GmbH & Co KG, 5270 Gummersbach | Switch for domestic kitchen equipment - has swinging operating member design to receive curved pad for mounting at floor level to be foot-operated |
| JPS603520U (en) * | 1983-06-17 | 1985-01-11 | 市光工業株式会社 | push button switch |
| DE3339036A1 (en) * | 1983-10-27 | 1985-05-09 | EURAS Elektro- Forschungs- und Produktionsgesellschaft mbH, 8060 Dachau | Electrical switching device |
| DE3512665C2 (en) * | 1985-04-06 | 1994-06-01 | Marquardt Gmbh | Electrical switch |
| JPH0637551Y2 (en) * | 1986-01-28 | 1994-09-28 | 日本開閉器工業株式会社 | Switch with malfunction prevention device |
| DE3623200A1 (en) * | 1986-07-10 | 1988-01-14 | Schaltbau Gmbh | SNAP SWITCH |
-
1990
- 1990-01-04 NO NO90900020A patent/NO900020L/en unknown
- 1990-01-16 JP JP2006977A patent/JPH0795409B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-01-22 NL NL9000157A patent/NL9000157A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1990-01-30 FR FR9001088A patent/FR2645340B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-01-31 CA CA002009059A patent/CA2009059C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-02-01 GB GB9002278A patent/GB2229860B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-02-16 DE DE4005059A patent/DE4005059C2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-03-19 FI FI901364A patent/FI901364A7/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1990-03-30 AU AU52460/90A patent/AU5246090A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1990-03-30 IT IT67241A patent/IT1240162B/en active IP Right Grant
- 1990-03-30 DK DK080490A patent/DK80490A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1990-03-31 KR KR1019900004533A patent/KR900015202A/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| FR2645340A1 (en) | 1990-10-05 |
| NL9000157A (en) | 1990-10-16 |
| GB9002278D0 (en) | 1990-03-28 |
| IT1240162B (en) | 1993-11-27 |
| IT9067241A0 (en) | 1990-03-30 |
| FR2645340B1 (en) | 1993-11-19 |
| DE4005059A1 (en) | 1990-10-04 |
| GB2229860A (en) | 1990-10-03 |
| GB2229860B (en) | 1994-01-26 |
| DK80490D0 (en) | 1990-03-30 |
| JPH03196422A (en) | 1991-08-27 |
| CA2009059A1 (en) | 1990-09-30 |
| DK80490A (en) | 1990-10-01 |
| FI901364A7 (en) | 1990-10-01 |
| AU5246090A (en) | 1990-10-04 |
| IT9067241A1 (en) | 1991-09-30 |
| NO900020L (en) | 1990-10-01 |
| DE4005059C2 (en) | 1995-06-29 |
| KR900015202A (en) | 1990-10-26 |
| FI901364A0 (en) | 1990-03-19 |
| JPH0795409B2 (en) | 1995-10-11 |
| NO900020D0 (en) | 1990-01-04 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5051550A (en) | Control mechanism for an on-off switch | |
| KR840005223A (en) | Video game controls | |
| US6605790B2 (en) | Switch apparatus | |
| US4118611A (en) | Buckling spring torsional snap actuator | |
| CA2009059C (en) | Control mechanism for an on-off switch | |
| ATE176549T1 (en) | TOGGLE SWITCH WITH LOCKING DEVICE | |
| US6504120B2 (en) | Push-button switch | |
| KR950034341A (en) | Switch actuator assembly | |
| US4492838A (en) | Key switch having an actuator integral with the return spring | |
| ES2096460T3 (en) | ELECTRIC SWITCH, IN PARTICULAR A STEERING COLUMN SWITCH FOR MOTOR VEHICLES. | |
| EP1691387A1 (en) | Turn signal switch device | |
| CA1319385C (en) | Switch biasing member providing tactile feel | |
| US4929806A (en) | Headlight dimmer switch device | |
| CH641590A5 (en) | SWITCHING DEVICE FORMING PUSH BUTTON OR KEYBOARD WITH PUSH-BUTTONS. | |
| AU727029B2 (en) | Fuse cartridge of the type incorporating an operation indicator | |
| KR20070033262A (en) | Wide operating area switch | |
| US4503296A (en) | Self-cancelling mechanism for cancelling a turn-signal switch of a vehicle | |
| US5880419A (en) | Selective switch | |
| US5746309A (en) | Ratchet cam alternate action mechanism | |
| GB2220795A (en) | Push button switch | |
| DE59606479D1 (en) | Electrical switching device | |
| EP1896885B1 (en) | Switching device | |
| WO1999030930A1 (en) | Multifunction switch assembly with improved turn signal cancel system | |
| EP0778176A3 (en) | Cancellation device for turn signal switch | |
| GB2103019A (en) | Slide switch |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |