US20010032777A1 - Air-gap slide switch - Google Patents

Air-gap slide switch Download PDF

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Publication number
US20010032777A1
US20010032777A1 US09/751,380 US75138000A US2001032777A1 US 20010032777 A1 US20010032777 A1 US 20010032777A1 US 75138000 A US75138000 A US 75138000A US 2001032777 A1 US2001032777 A1 US 2001032777A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
slide
air
gap
contact
switch
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
Application number
US09/751,380
Inventor
Marshall Finch
Sunne Smith
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C-SMART LLC
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C-SMART LLC
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Publication date
Application filed by C-SMART LLC filed Critical C-SMART LLC
Priority to US09/751,380 priority Critical patent/US20010032777A1/en
Assigned to C-SMART LLC reassignment C-SMART LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SMITH, SUNNE C., FINCH, MARSHALL A.
Publication of US20010032777A1 publication Critical patent/US20010032777A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2807—Exchanging configuration information on appliance services in a home automation network
    • H04L12/2814—Exchanging control software or macros for controlling appliance services in a home automation network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H15/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for actuation in opposite directions, e.g. slide switch
    • H01H15/005—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for actuation in opposite directions, e.g. slide switch adapted for connection with printed circuit boards
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2816—Controlling appliance services of a home automation network by calling their functionalities
    • H04L12/282—Controlling appliance services of a home automation network by calling their functionalities based on user interaction within the home
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/12—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage
    • H01H1/36—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by sliding
    • H01H1/365—Bridging contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2816—Controlling appliance services of a home automation network by calling their functionalities
    • H04L12/2821—Avoiding conflicts related to the use of home appliances
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2823—Reporting information sensed by appliance or service execution status of appliance services in a home automation network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2823—Reporting information sensed by appliance or service execution status of appliance services in a home automation network
    • H04L12/2827—Reporting to a device within the home network; wherein the reception of the information reported automatically triggers the execution of a home appliance functionality
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L2012/2847—Home automation networks characterised by the type of home appliance used
    • H04L2012/2849—Audio/video appliances
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L2012/2847—Home automation networks characterised by the type of home appliance used
    • H04L2012/285—Generic home appliances, e.g. refrigerators
    • 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
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B70/00—Technologies for an efficient end-user side electric power management and consumption
    • Y02B70/30—Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for improving the carbon footprint of the management of residential or tertiary loads, i.e. smart grids as climate change mitigation technology in the buildings sector, including also the last stages of power distribution and the control, monitoring or operating management systems at local level
    • 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
    • Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
    • Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
    • Y04S20/00—Management or operation of end-user stationary applications or the last stages of power distribution; Controlling, monitoring or operating thereof
    • Y04S20/20—End-user application control systems

Definitions

  • This invention generally relates to the field of electrical switches and, more particularly, to the field of air-gap slide switches.
  • Dimmer switches are commonly used in home and other lighting situations to provide a highly customized lighting environment.
  • a dimmer switch may be utilized to vary the output of a lighting fixture from a completely off state to a maximum brightness state and virtually any level in between.
  • some switches may permit current to be delivered to the contacts of an attached load even when the load appears to be in a completely off state. This is a serious drawback that makes these types of dimmer switches potentially dangerous for a user.
  • a user of such a switch may turn the dimmer switch to its minimum setting in order to change a bulb or perform other work on the socket. Not realizing that the dimmer switch has not completely eliminated voltage at the socket, the user may begin to perform their work and be shocked.
  • the present invention solves the above problems by providing an improved air-gap slide switch.
  • the air-gap slide switch provided herein comprises a slide switch assembly having a slide body and a slide contact removably attached to the slide body for providing electrical conductivity between two printed circuit board contacts when the slide body is in a closed position. No conductivity is provided between the PCB contacts when the slide body is in an open position.
  • the slide body also comprises a longitudinally extending channel wherein a compression spring may be mounted.
  • the compression spring provides a biasing force between the slide body and the slide contact.
  • the slide contact includes two contact arms that retain the slide contact within two contact arm channels located on the slide body. By slidably retaining the contact arms in the contact arm channels, the slide contact is provided a degree of longitudinal motion with respect to the spring channel and the compression spring. Moreover, as the slide body is moved laterally back and forth from an open to a closed position, a near compressive force is maintained between the slide contact and the PCB contacts.
  • the present invention also provides an electrical system in which the switch assembly is utilized in conjunction with another switch, such as a dimmer switch.
  • the switch assembly may be utilized to ensure that a voltage differential does not exist at the contacts to an electrical load, thereby preventing the possibility of electrical shock.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a perspective view of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross-section of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an installation of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention in a closed position.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an installation of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention in an open position.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an exploded view of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing an application of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention.
  • the present invention is directed to an improved air-gap switch.
  • the air gap switch provided by the present invention comprises a slide switch assembly 1 .
  • the slide switch assembly 1 comprises a slide body 2 .
  • the slide body 2 is manufactured from a plastic material.
  • the slide body 2 may be made from any similar non-conductive material.
  • the slide switch assembly 1 also comprises a slide contact 8 for providing electrical conductivity between printed circuit board (“PCB”) contacts 10 A and 10 B when the slide body 2 is in a closed position.
  • PCB printed circuit board
  • the slide contact 8 should be made from a conductive material, such as copper. No conductivity is provided between PCB contacts 10 A and 10 B when the slide body is in an open position.
  • the PCB contacts 10 A and 10 B are mounted on a printed circuit board according to an actual embodiment of the present invention.
  • the PCB contacts 10 A and 10 B are also manufactured from a suitably conductive material. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the PCB contacts 10 A and 10 B are the same width as the slide contact 8 .
  • the slide body 2 also comprises upper slide extensions 4 A and 4 B and lower slide extensions 6 A and 6 B. As will be described in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 3, the upper slide extensions 4 A and 4 B, and the lower slide extensions 6 A and 6 B, operably retain the slide body 2 to a mount plate.
  • the slide body 2 further comprises a longitudinally extending channel 14 therethrough.
  • a compression spring 16 is mounted within the channel 14 .
  • the channel 14 is cylindrical.
  • the bore of the channel 14 may take any shape so long as the channel 14 is capable of removably retaining the compression spring 16 .
  • the compression spring 16 provides a biasing force between the slide body 2 and the slide contact 8 .
  • the slide contact 8 comprises two contact arms 20 A and 20 B that retain the slide contact 8 within the contact arm channels 26 A and 26 B (shown in FIG. 3) of the slide body 2 .
  • the slide contact 8 is provided a degree of longitudinal motion with respect to the channel 14 and the compression spring 16 .
  • the slide body 2 may be removably mounted within a mount plate 24 .
  • the mount plate 24 has an aperture for receiving the slide body 2 .
  • the aperture is constructed so that the slide body 2 may move only between an open and closed position.
  • the assembly also includes a button capture plate 22 having a slot for receiving an end portion of the slide body 2 .
  • the end portion of the slide body 2 is flush with a top portion of the button capture plate 22 .
  • the upper slide extensions 4 A and 4 B insulate the slide body 2 from the mount plate 24 .
  • the lower slide extensions 6 A and 6 B further insulate the slide body 2 from the mount plate 24 and prevent the compression spring 16 from pressing the slide body 2 against the button capture plate 22 .
  • the slide contact 8 provides electrical conductivity between the PCB contacts 10 A and 10 B when the slide body 2 is in a closed position. As shown in FIG. 4, when the slide body 2 is in an open position, the slide contact 8 does not provide electrical conductivity between the PCB contacts 10 A and 10 B.
  • the PCB contacts 10 A and 10 B are mounted on a printed circuit board 12 . According to the actual embodiment of the invention described herein, the printed circuit board 12 and the button capture plate 22 are removably attached to the mount plate 24 .
  • FIG. 5 an exploded view of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention will be described.
  • the complete slide switch assembly 1 is formed by inserting the compression spring 16 into the spring channel 14 of the slide body 2 .
  • the slide contact 8 is then mounted to the slide body 2 by inserting the contact arms 20 A and 20 B into the contact arm channels 26 A and 26 B, thereby compressing the compression spring 16 .
  • the slide body 2 , compression spring 16 , and slide contact 8 are then inserted through the aperture in the mount plate 24 .
  • the printed circuit board 12 is removably attached to the metal mount plate 24 .
  • the button capture plate 22 is also removably attached to the metal mount plate 24 .
  • the slide body 2 When the slide switch assembly 1 is completely assembled, the slide body 2 may be operably moved between an open and closed position in the aperture of the mount plate 24 . In the closed position, the slide contact 8 provides electrical conductivity between the PCB contacts 10 A and 10 B. In the open no electrical conductivity is provided between the PCB contacts 10 A and 10 B.
  • FIG. 6 a circuit diagram showing an application of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention will be described.
  • the switch assembly 1 may be interposed between a voltage source 10 A and an electrical load 32 .
  • the switch assembly 1 may be utilized to prevent a potential difference at the electrical load 32 when the slide body 2 is in an open position.
  • the switch assembly 1 may be utilized to provide continuity between the voltage source 10 A and the electrical load 32 when the slide body 2 is in a closed position.
  • the switch assembly 1 may be used in conjunction with a second switch 28 .
  • the second switch 28 may comprise a dimmer switch or other type of switch that gradually varies current to the electrical load 32 .
  • the switch assembly 1 may be utilized to ensure that no potential difference exists at the inputs to the electrical load 32 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
  • Slide Switches (AREA)

Abstract

An improved air-gap slide switch is provided. The air-gap slide switch comprises a slide switch assembly having a slide body and a slide contact removably attached to the slide body for providing electrical conductivity between two printed circuit board contacts when the slide body is in a closed position. No conductivity is provided between the PCB contacts when the slide body is in an open position. The slide body also comprises a longitudinally extending channel wherein a compression spring may be mounted. The compression spring provides a biasing force between the slide body and the slide contact. The slide contact includes two contact arms that retain the slide contact within two contact arm channels located on the slide body. By slidably retaining the contact arms in the contact arm channels, the slide contact is provided a degree of longitudinal motion with respect to the spring channel and the compression spring. As the slide body is moved laterally back and forth from an open to a closed position, a near compressive force is maintained between the slide contact and the PCB contacts.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
  • This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/173,741, filed Dec. 30, 1999, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.[0001]
    • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention generally relates to the field of electrical switches and, more particularly, to the field of air-gap slide switches. [0002]
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Dimmer switches are commonly used in home and other lighting situations to provide a highly customized lighting environment. For instance, a dimmer switch may be utilized to vary the output of a lighting fixture from a completely off state to a maximum brightness state and virtually any level in between. However, some switches may permit current to be delivered to the contacts of an attached load even when the load appears to be in a completely off state. This is a serious drawback that makes these types of dimmer switches potentially dangerous for a user. A user of such a switch may turn the dimmer switch to its minimum setting in order to change a bulb or perform other work on the socket. Not realizing that the dimmer switch has not completely eliminated voltage at the socket, the user may begin to perform their work and be shocked. [0003]
  • Therefore, in light of the above problems, there is a need for an air-gap slide switch that can be utilized in connection with a dimmer switch to completely insulate a user from the possibility of electrical shock. [0004]
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention solves the above problems by providing an improved air-gap slide switch. The air-gap slide switch provided herein comprises a slide switch assembly having a slide body and a slide contact removably attached to the slide body for providing electrical conductivity between two printed circuit board contacts when the slide body is in a closed position. No conductivity is provided between the PCB contacts when the slide body is in an open position. [0005]
  • The slide body also comprises a longitudinally extending channel wherein a compression spring may be mounted. The compression spring provides a biasing force between the slide body and the slide contact. Additionally, the slide contact includes two contact arms that retain the slide contact within two contact arm channels located on the slide body. By slidably retaining the contact arms in the contact arm channels, the slide contact is provided a degree of longitudinal motion with respect to the spring channel and the compression spring. Moreover, as the slide body is moved laterally back and forth from an open to a closed position, a near compressive force is maintained between the slide contact and the PCB contacts. [0006]
  • The present invention also provides an electrical system in which the switch assembly is utilized in conjunction with another switch, such as a dimmer switch. In the configuration provided herein, the switch assembly may be utilized to ensure that a voltage differential does not exist at the contacts to an electrical load, thereby preventing the possibility of electrical shock.[0007]
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0008]
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a perspective view of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention. [0009]
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross-section of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention. [0010]
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an installation of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention in a closed position. [0011]
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an installation of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention in an open position. [0012]
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an exploded view of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention. [0013]
  • FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing an application of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention.[0014]
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention is directed to an improved air-gap switch. Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals represent like elements, an actual embodiment of the present invention will be described. [0015]
  • Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention will be described. The air gap switch provided by the present invention comprises a slide switch assembly [0016] 1. The slide switch assembly 1 comprises a slide body 2. According to the actual embodiment of the present invention described herein, the slide body 2 is manufactured from a plastic material. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that the slide body 2 may be made from any similar non-conductive material.
  • The slide switch assembly [0017] 1 also comprises a slide contact 8 for providing electrical conductivity between printed circuit board (“PCB”) contacts 10A and 10B when the slide body 2 is in a closed position. To provide such conductivity, the slide contact 8 should be made from a conductive material, such as copper. No conductivity is provided between PCB contacts 10A and 10B when the slide body is in an open position.
  • The [0018] PCB contacts 10A and 10B are mounted on a printed circuit board according to an actual embodiment of the present invention. The PCB contacts 10A and 10B are also manufactured from a suitably conductive material. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the PCB contacts 10A and 10B are the same width as the slide contact 8.
  • The [0019] slide body 2 also comprises upper slide extensions 4A and 4B and lower slide extensions 6A and 6B. As will be described in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 3, the upper slide extensions 4A and 4B, and the lower slide extensions 6A and 6B, operably retain the slide body 2 to a mount plate.
  • Turning now to FIG. 2, a cross-section of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention will be described. The [0020] slide body 2 further comprises a longitudinally extending channel 14 therethrough. A compression spring 16 is mounted within the channel 14. According to the actual embodiment of the present invention described herein, the channel 14 is cylindrical. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that the bore of the channel 14 may take any shape so long as the channel 14 is capable of removably retaining the compression spring 16.
  • The [0021] compression spring 16 provides a biasing force between the slide body 2 and the slide contact 8. The slide contact 8 comprises two contact arms 20A and 20B that retain the slide contact 8 within the contact arm channels 26A and 26B (shown in FIG. 3) of the slide body 2. By slidably retaining the contact arms 20A and 20B in the contact arm channels 26A and 26B, the slide contact 8 is provided a degree of longitudinal motion with respect to the channel 14 and the compression spring 16.
  • As the [0022] slide body 2 is moved laterally back and forth from an open to a closed position, a near compressive force is maintained between the slide contact 8 and the PCB contacts 10A and 10B. This force is determined by the load value for the compression spring 16 and the vertical distance between the slide body 2 and the PCB contacts 10A and 10B. According to the actual embodiment of the present invention described herein, this vertical distance is such that the slide contact arms 20A and 20B touch neither a top or bottom portion of the contact arm channels 26A and 26B, respectively.
  • Referring now to FIG. 3, an installation view of an air-gap switch provided in an actual embodiment of the present invention in a closed position will be described. The [0023] slide body 2 may be removably mounted within a mount plate 24. The mount plate 24 has an aperture for receiving the slide body 2. The aperture is constructed so that the slide body 2 may move only between an open and closed position. The assembly also includes a button capture plate 22 having a slot for receiving an end portion of the slide body 2. According to the embodiment of the present invention described herein, the end portion of the slide body 2 is flush with a top portion of the button capture plate 22. The upper slide extensions 4A and 4B insulate the slide body 2 from the mount plate 24. The lower slide extensions 6A and 6B further insulate the slide body 2 from the mount plate 24 and prevent the compression spring 16 from pressing the slide body 2 against the button capture plate 22.
  • As shown in FIG. 3 the [0024] slide contact 8 provides electrical conductivity between the PCB contacts 10A and 10B when the slide body 2 is in a closed position. As shown in FIG. 4, when the slide body 2 is in an open position, the slide contact 8 does not provide electrical conductivity between the PCB contacts 10A and 10B. The PCB contacts 10A and 10B are mounted on a printed circuit board 12. According to the actual embodiment of the invention described herein, the printed circuit board 12 and the button capture plate 22 are removably attached to the mount plate 24.
  • Referring now FIG. 5, an exploded view of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the complete slide switch assembly [0025] 1 is formed by inserting the compression spring 16 into the spring channel 14 of the slide body 2. The slide contact 8 is then mounted to the slide body 2 by inserting the contact arms 20A and 20B into the contact arm channels 26A and 26B, thereby compressing the compression spring 16. The slide body 2, compression spring 16, and slide contact 8 are then inserted through the aperture in the mount plate 24. The printed circuit board 12 is removably attached to the metal mount plate 24. The button capture plate 22 is also removably attached to the metal mount plate 24. When the slide switch assembly 1 is completely assembled, the slide body 2 may be operably moved between an open and closed position in the aperture of the mount plate 24. In the closed position, the slide contact 8 provides electrical conductivity between the PCB contacts 10A and 10B. In the open no electrical conductivity is provided between the PCB contacts 10A and 10B.
  • Referring now to FIG. 6, a circuit diagram showing an application of an air-gap switch provided according to an actual embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the switch assembly [0026] 1 may be interposed between a voltage source 10A and an electrical load 32. In this manner, the switch assembly 1 may be utilized to prevent a potential difference at the electrical load 32 when the slide body 2 is in an open position. Likewise, the switch assembly 1 may be utilized to provide continuity between the voltage source 10A and the electrical load 32 when the slide body 2 is in a closed position.
  • According to an embodiment of the present invention, the switch assembly [0027] 1 may be used in conjunction with a second switch 28. The second switch 28 may comprise a dimmer switch or other type of switch that gradually varies current to the electrical load 32. In this manner, the switch assembly 1 may be utilized to ensure that no potential difference exists at the inputs to the electrical load 32.
  • In light of the above, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention provides an improved air-gap switch. While an actual embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. [0028]

Claims (25)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. An air-gap slide switch, comprising:
a slide body having a longitudinally extending channel therethrough;
a slide contact slidably retained by said slide body;
a spring mounted within said channel providing a biasing force between said slide body and said slide contact; and
two contacts, and wherein said slide contact provides electrical conductivity between said two contacts when said slide body is in a closed position.
2. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 1
, wherein said slide contact does not provide electrical conductivity between said two contacts when said slide body is in an open position.
3. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 2
, wherein said channel is cylindrical.
4. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 3
, wherein said spring comprises a cylindrical compression spring.
5. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 4
, wherein said slide contact comprises a contact surface and two contact arms, and wherein said slide body further comprises two contact arm channels disposed at opposite sides of said slide body.
6. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 5
, wherein each one of said contact arms is slidably retained by one of said contact arm channels.
7. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 6
, further comprising:
a mount plate having an aperture for receiving a portion of said slide body.
8. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 7
, wherein said aperture permits said slide body to move only within said open position and said closed position.
9. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 8
, wherein said slide body further comprises an upper slide extension and a lower slide extension.
10. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 9
, wherein said mount plate is disposed between said upper slide extension and said lower slide extension.
11. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 10
, further comprising:
a button capture plate removably attached to said mount plate and having a slot for receiving an end portion of said slide body.
12. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 11
, wherein said slot permits said slide body to move only within said open position and said closed position.
13. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 12
, wherein said end portion of said slide body is flush with a top portion of said capture plate.
14. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 13
, wherein said two contacts are mounted on a printed circuit board.
15. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 14
, wherein said printed circuit board is operably coupled to said mount plate.
16. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 15
, wherein said two contacts are the same width as said slide contact.
17. An air-gap slide switch comprising:
a slide body having a longitudinally extending cylindrical channel therethrough and two contact arm channels disposed at opposite sides of said slide body;
a slide contact comprising a contact surface and two contact arms, each one of said contact arms slidably retained by one of said contact arm channels;
a cylindrical compression spring mounted within said channel providing a biasing force between said slide body and said slide contact; and
a printed circuit board comprising two contacts;
and wherein said contact surface provides electrical conductivity between said two contacts when said slide body is in a closed position.
18. The air-gap switch of
claim 17
, wherein said contact surface does not provide electrical conductivity between said two contacts when said slide body is in an open position.
19. The air-gap switch of
claim 18
, further comprising:
a mount plate having an aperture for receiving a portion of said slide body.
20. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 19
, wherein said aperture permits said slide body to move only within said open position and said closed position.
21. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 20
, wherein said slide body further comprises an upper slide extension and a lower slide extension.
22. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 21
, wherein said mount plate is disposed between said upper slide extension and said lower slide extension.
23. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 22
, further comprising:
a button capture plate removably attached to said mount plate and having a slot for receiving an end portion of said slide body.
24. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 23
, wherein said slot permits said slide body to move only within said open position and said closed position.
25. The air-gap slide switch of
claim 24
, wherein said end portion of said slide body is flush with a top portion of said capture plate.
US09/751,380 1999-12-30 2000-12-29 Air-gap slide switch Abandoned US20010032777A1 (en)

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US17374199P 1999-12-30 1999-12-30
US09/751,380 US20010032777A1 (en) 1999-12-30 2000-12-29 Air-gap slide switch

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US10/154,448 Expired - Lifetime US6865428B2 (en) 1999-12-30 2002-05-22 Method and apparatus for providing distributed control of a home automation system

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US20030040813A1 (en) 2003-02-27
AU2295101A (en) 2001-07-16
US6865428B2 (en) 2005-03-08
WO2001050684A1 (en) 2001-07-12

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