CA2615668A1 - Switch actuator - Google Patents
Switch actuator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2615668A1 CA2615668A1 CA002615668A CA2615668A CA2615668A1 CA 2615668 A1 CA2615668 A1 CA 2615668A1 CA 002615668 A CA002615668 A CA 002615668A CA 2615668 A CA2615668 A CA 2615668A CA 2615668 A1 CA2615668 A1 CA 2615668A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tongue
- switch activator
- surrounding portion
- switch
- case
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000012190 activator Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004137 mechanical activation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
- H01H3/04—Levers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
- H01M10/48—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
- H01M10/48—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
- H01M10/488—Cells or batteries combined with indicating means for external visualization of the condition, e.g. by change of colour or of light density
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/32—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts
- H01H3/46—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts using rod or lever linkage, e.g. toggle
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
Abstract
A switch activator includes a tongue including a first end and a second end and a surrounding portion. The tongue is joined to the surrounding portion at the first end and has a pressing point adjacent the second end. The tongue may be joined by glue, a heat stake or a rivet.
Preferably, the tongue and the surrounding portion integrally formed in a surface. This invention provides a very low cost method of actuating a SOCI (State Of Charge Indicator) push-button switch under the requirements of MIL-PRF-49471B, paragraph 4.7.17.
Preferably, the tongue and the surrounding portion integrally formed in a surface. This invention provides a very low cost method of actuating a SOCI (State Of Charge Indicator) push-button switch under the requirements of MIL-PRF-49471B, paragraph 4.7.17.
Description
SWITCH ACTUATOR
Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to switch actuators and is particularly concerned with those integrally formed in a plastic case housing an underlying switch.
Background of the Invention [0002] A variety of technologies call for a switch activator that allows mechanical activation of a switch housed within a case. For example U.S. Patent No. 6,844873, issued Jan.
18, 2005 discloses a computer pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, that includes a reverse cantilever button assembly to match strength-related variations in user hand size. In one embodiment a button assembly is built with two cantilever beams, the fulcrums for each beam being at opposite ends of the button assembly.
Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to switch actuators and is particularly concerned with those integrally formed in a plastic case housing an underlying switch.
Background of the Invention [0002] A variety of technologies call for a switch activator that allows mechanical activation of a switch housed within a case. For example U.S. Patent No. 6,844873, issued Jan.
18, 2005 discloses a computer pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, that includes a reverse cantilever button assembly to match strength-related variations in user hand size. In one embodiment a button assembly is built with two cantilever beams, the fulcrums for each beam being at opposite ends of the button assembly.
[0003] Another technology relates to batteries. For example military specification MIL-PRF-49471B, paragraph 4.7.17, requires a state-of-charge-indicator (SOCI) to not illuminate when "pressed against a flat, transparent surface with a normal force of 5 pounds minimum." Further complicating matters is the fact that the SOCI printed circuit board assembly, which contains the push-button switch, mechanically floats inside the battery case. So it is difficult to prevent inadvertent operation while still allowing the end user convenient access to the switch.
[0004] The MIL-PRF-49471B base document is available at http://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/ . Paragraph 4.7.17 is modified under RFW-GA204-012, 13Apr06.
Summary of the Invention [0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved switch activator.
Summary of the Invention [0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved switch activator.
[0006] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a switch activator comprising a tongue including a first end and a second end and a surrounding portion; the tongue joined to the surrounding portion at the first end; and having a pressing point adjacent the second end; the tongue.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a case comprising an first volume-defining surface and a second surface coupled to the first surface and having integrally formed therein a switch activator having a tongue including a first end and a second end and a surrounding portion; the tongue joined to the surrounding portion at the first end; and having a pressing point adjacent the second end.
[0008] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided A battery case comprising an first volume-defining surface and a second surface coupled to the first surface and having integrally formed therein a switch activator having a tongue including a first end and a second end and a surrounding portion; the tongue joined to the surrounding portion at the first end; and having a pressing point adjacent the second end.
Brief Description of the Drawings [0009] The present invention will be further understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates an switch activator in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 2 illustrates an switch activator in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment [0010] Referring to Fig. 1 there is illustrated an switch activator in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The switch activator 10 is illustrated in the context of a battery case 12. The switch activator 10 includes a tongue 14 with a press point 16 and an attachment portion 18. The tongue 14 includes a series of holes 20 for viewing underlying LEDS of a state-of-charge-indicator (SOCI) circuit (not shown in Fig. 1) and including a push-button switch contactable by the tongue 14. Preferably, the switch actuator 10 is integrally formed in a surface 20 of the battery case 12.
Brief Description of the Drawings [0009] The present invention will be further understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates an switch activator in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 2 illustrates an switch activator in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment [0010] Referring to Fig. 1 there is illustrated an switch activator in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The switch activator 10 is illustrated in the context of a battery case 12. The switch activator 10 includes a tongue 14 with a press point 16 and an attachment portion 18. The tongue 14 includes a series of holes 20 for viewing underlying LEDS of a state-of-charge-indicator (SOCI) circuit (not shown in Fig. 1) and including a push-button switch contactable by the tongue 14. Preferably, the switch actuator 10 is integrally formed in a surface 20 of the battery case 12.
[0011] In operation, the actuator 10 allows operation of the underlying switch (not shown) by applying a predetermined force to the press point 16. The surface 22 surrounding the tongue 14 prevents inadvertent or accidental activation of the underlying switch.
[0012] Referring to Fig. 2 there is illustrated an switch activator in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. As with the switch activator of Fig. 1, in the second embodiment the switch activator 30 is preferably integrally formed in a battery case 32 includes a tongue 34 with a press point 36 and an attachment portion 38. The shape of the attachment portion 38 has been modified.
[0013] The plastic used in battery cases provides sufficient resiliency to the tongue of the actuator for repeated use over the expected life of the battery. While the embodiments described about have an integrally formed tongue other methods are available. For instance, a 2-shot molded plastic case where the tongue is of a different plastic, possibly more flexible than the battery case could be used. Or one might choose to glue, heat stake or rivet a tongue to the battery case [0014] For example, it can be used in battery cases that must comply with military specification, MIL-PRF-49471B, paragraph 4.7.17. This specification requires the SOCI to not illuminate when "pressed against a flat, transparent surface with a normal force of 5 pounds minimum." In the present embodiments of the invention the plastic battery case 10 is modified to provide the tongue 14 which is able deflect inwards. This allows the end user easy actuation of the SOCI
push-button switch while preventing inadvertent operation.
push-button switch while preventing inadvertent operation.
[0015] A switch activator of the type shown has many uses beyond the battery case use illustrated.
10844}[00161 Numerous modifications, variations and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments described above without departing from the scope patent disclosure, which is defined in the claims.
10844}[00161 Numerous modifications, variations and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments described above without departing from the scope patent disclosure, which is defined in the claims.
Claims (20)
1. A switch activator comprising:
a tongue including a first end and a second end; and a surrounding portion;
the tongue joined to the surrounding portion at the first end; and having a pressing point adjacent the second end.
a tongue including a first end and a second end; and a surrounding portion;
the tongue joined to the surrounding portion at the first end; and having a pressing point adjacent the second end.
2. A switch activator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surface comprising a portion of a case.
3. A switch activator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tongue and the surrounding portion integrally formed in the second surface.
4. A switch activator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tongue is affixed to the surrounding portion integrally.
5. A switch activator as claimed in claim 4, wherein the tongue is affixed by one or more of glue, a heat stake and a rivet.
6. A switch activator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the case comprises a battery case.
7. A switch activator as claimed in claim 6, wherein the battery case includes a state-of-charge-indicator.
8. A switch activator as claimed in claim 7, wherein the state-of-charge-indicator includes a switch proximate the second end.
9. A switch activator as claimed in claim 8, wherein the state-of-charge-indicator includes a series of light emitting diodes and the tongue includes a opening aligned therewith.
10. A switch activator as claimed in claim 9, wherein the opening is selected from one of a hole, a series of holes and an elongate slot.
11. A case comprising:
an first volume-defining surface and a second surface coupled to the first surface and having integrally formed therein a switch activator having a tongue including a first end and a second end and a surrounding portion; the tongue joined to the surrounding portion at the first end;
and having a pressing point adjacent the second end.
an first volume-defining surface and a second surface coupled to the first surface and having integrally formed therein a switch activator having a tongue including a first end and a second end and a surrounding portion; the tongue joined to the surrounding portion at the first end;
and having a pressing point adjacent the second end.
12. A case as claimed in claim 11, wherein the case comprises a battery case.
13. A switch activator as claimed in claim 11, wherein the tongue and the surrounding portion integrally formed in the second surface.
14. A switch activator as claimed in claim 11, wherein the tongue is affixed to the surrounding portion integrally.
15. A switch activator as claimed in claim 14, wherein the tongue is affixed by one or more of glue, a heat stake and a rivet.
16. A case as claimed in claim 11, wherein the battery case includes a state-of-charge-indicator.
17. A case as claimed in claim 16, wherein the state-of-charge-indicator includes a switch proximate the second end.
18. A switch activator as claimed in claim 17, wherein the state-of-charge-indicator includes a series of light emitting diodes and the tongue includes a opening aligned therewith.
19. A switch activator as claimed in claim 18, wherein the opening is selected from one of a hole, a series of holes and an elongate slot.
20. A battery case comprising:
an first volume-defining surface and a second surface coupled to the first surface and having integrally formed therein a switch activator having a tongue including a first end and a second end and a surrounding portion; the tongue joined to the surrounding portion at the first end;
and having a pressing point adjacent the second end;
the tongue and the surrounding portion integrally formed in the second surface.
an first volume-defining surface and a second surface coupled to the first surface and having integrally formed therein a switch activator having a tongue including a first end and a second end and a surrounding portion; the tongue joined to the surrounding portion at the first end;
and having a pressing point adjacent the second end;
the tongue and the surrounding portion integrally formed in the second surface.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US87120206P | 2006-12-21 | 2006-12-21 | |
| US60/871,202 | 2006-12-21 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2615668A1 true CA2615668A1 (en) | 2008-06-21 |
Family
ID=39537680
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002615668A Abandoned CA2615668A1 (en) | 2006-12-21 | 2007-12-20 | Switch actuator |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US7622689B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2615668A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4032729A (en) * | 1973-12-21 | 1977-06-28 | Rockwell International Corporation | Low profile keyboard switch having panel hinged actuators and cantilevered beam snap acting contacts |
| US4323740A (en) * | 1980-02-04 | 1982-04-06 | Rogers Corporation | Keyboard actuator device and keyboard incorporating the device |
| DE8714217U1 (en) * | 1987-10-26 | 1987-12-23 | Preh, Elektrofeinmechanische Werke Jakob Preh Nachf. Gmbh & Co, 8740 Bad Neustadt, De | |
| JP2517932Y2 (en) * | 1988-05-31 | 1996-11-20 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Push button device for switch operation |
| KR0164747B1 (en) * | 1995-12-22 | 1999-01-15 | 김광호 | Test switch of automatic ice maker for refrigerator |
| KR200161967Y1 (en) * | 1997-05-01 | 1999-12-01 | 윤종용 | A portable electronic appliance |
| US6051957A (en) * | 1998-10-21 | 2000-04-18 | Duracell Inc. | Battery pack having a state of charge indicator |
| DE10142503A1 (en) * | 2001-08-30 | 2003-03-20 | Bsh Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete | Electric kitchen appliance |
| US6950030B2 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2005-09-27 | Credo Technology Corporation | Battery charge indicating circuit |
| US7157882B2 (en) * | 2002-11-22 | 2007-01-02 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Method and system for battery protection employing a selectively-actuated switch |
| TWI258780B (en) * | 2005-04-29 | 2006-07-21 | Asustek Comp Inc | Button structure |
-
2007
- 2007-12-20 CA CA002615668A patent/CA2615668A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-12-20 US US12/004,501 patent/US7622689B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20080169179A1 (en) | 2008-07-17 |
| US7622689B2 (en) | 2009-11-24 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US8247714B2 (en) | Back lighted membrane keyboard with components being secured together by subjecting to ultrasonic welding | |
| US8188398B2 (en) | Press switch | |
| US7375300B2 (en) | Switch assembly | |
| EP2053622A3 (en) | Push button switch with a display device | |
| CA2615270C (en) | Miniature switch and battery holder | |
| JP2008204769A (en) | Light guide sheet, and movable contact and switch using this | |
| US20100270138A1 (en) | Push button switch for electric device | |
| US8247717B2 (en) | Power button assembly and electronic device using the same | |
| US8232495B2 (en) | Power button assembly and electronic device using the same | |
| US8143541B2 (en) | Movable contact assembly including light inlet having plural grooves, and switch using the same | |
| US8263888B2 (en) | Power button assembly and electronic device using the same | |
| US8553422B2 (en) | Push button and electronic device having same | |
| US8253051B2 (en) | Power switch module and electronic device using the same | |
| US8089772B2 (en) | Mobile electronic device with side button module | |
| US9257244B2 (en) | Electronic device with power switch | |
| US8093522B2 (en) | Press-button for electronic device | |
| US7622689B2 (en) | Switch actuator | |
| US7442890B1 (en) | Button device | |
| US20110186409A1 (en) | Push button switch | |
| US11698184B2 (en) | Lighting device with rechargeable battery sandwich between printed circuit boards | |
| US20130033828A1 (en) | Button module and electronic device | |
| EP1503392A3 (en) | Switch Assembly | |
| EP2356665B1 (en) | An electrical switch | |
| US8497442B2 (en) | Electronic device with button mechanism | |
| GB2085230A (en) | Pushbutton keyboard |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20121220 |
|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20121220 |