This invention relates to electrical switching devices, and more particularly a toggle actuator in a toggle switch.
Toggle switches for electrical devices are well known. The actuator portion of a toggle switch is typically made of plastic, and is subject to wear every time the switch is thrown.
As shown in
An extension 52 extends from the bottom of actuator 15; the bottom end of extension 52 receives thereabout a positioning spring 56, the other end of which is positioned in a recess 54 in bottom wall 42. Extension 52, recess 54 and spring 56 provide an over-center retaining mechanism to retain toggle lever 16 in each of two distinct positions.
Extension 52 is generally formed integrally with actuator 15, and is constantly in contact with spring 56. In order to prevent rapid wear of the extension at the bearing surface (that is, where the extension contacts the spring), the entire actuator is typically made of a durable nonconducting material (e.g. thermosetting plastic). There is a need for a toggle switch actuator that can be produced at lower cost while still being resistant to wear at the bearing surfaces.
The present invention addresses the above-described need by providing a toggle switch including an actuator and a coil spring. The actuator, which is rotatably mounted in a switch body, includes an actuator body portion and a bearing surface portion; the actuator body portion and the bearing surface portion are of different materials. The coil spring has a first end and a second end; the first end surrounds an end portion of the actuator body portion while making contact with the actuator only at the bearing surface portion. The second end is positioned in a recess formed in the switch body. The end portion and the spring form a retaining mechanism for the actuator. Rotation of the actuator (such as movement of the toggle lever between the ON and OFF positions) causes the bearing surface portion to pivot relative to the spring.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, a plastic actuator for a toggle switch has a metal rod which is embedded in the actuator, with the metal surface of the rod partially exposed. This metal surface functions as a bearing surface for a positioning spring as the actuator is flipped back and forth to turn the switch on and off. The use of the metal rod as a bearing surface in the toggle actuator substantially reduces wear on the actuator, and thus permits the actuator to be made out of a thermoplastic material rather than a thermoset material, thereby effecting a cost savings.
The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred feature of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.
Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings in which similar elements are given similar reference numerals:
While the invention has been shown and described in terms of specific embodiments, it is evident in view of the foregoing description that numerous alternatives, modifications and variations of the form and details of the invention and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the scope and spirit of the invention and the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of a provisional application having application Ser. No. 60/696,469, which was filed on Jul. 1, 2005.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20070158169 A1 | Jul 2007 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60696469 | Jul 2005 | US |