US3927285A

US3927285A - Multidirectional switch with universally pivot actuator for activating plural circuits

Info

Publication number: US3927285A
Application number: US486507A
Authority: US
Inventors: Louis H Frost; Walter H Powers
Original assignee: L H FROST AND CO Inc
Current assignee: ITT Corp; L H FROST AND CO Inc
Priority date: 1974-07-08
Filing date: 1974-07-08
Publication date: 1975-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 1992-12-16

Abstract

A pair of radially spaced concentric electric terminal rings are mounted on a lever having a universal joint fulcrum mount on a housing. The lever-terminal assembly is biased toward a centered position. A plurality of pairs of contact rods have free ends which project into the annular space between the rings. Movement of the lever in different directions effects circuit-closing contact of alternate rings with (1) Any single pair of contacts for reversing the direction of a motor connected with the pair or (2) A plurality of pairs of the contacts for simultaneously reversing the direction of a plurality of motors. In one embodiment each ring is replaced by a group of four terminal fingers spaced 90* apart and supported by a diaphragm.

Description

United States Patent Frost et al.

[ Dec. 16, 1975 3,400,232 9/1968 Mathey 200/18 3,483,337 12/1969 Johnstone et al 200/6 A 3,814,871 6/1974 Osika 200/6 A 3,835,270 9/1974 Dufresne 200/6 A [75 Inventors: Louis H. Frost, Grand Rapids;

Walter H. Powers, Jackson, both of Pri r Examiner lames R. Scott C Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Bames, Kisselle, Raisch & [73] Assignee: L. H. Frost and Company, Inc., choate Grand Rapids, Mich. 57 ABS CT [22] Filed: July 8, 1974 1 A pair of radially spaced concentric electric termlnal PP 86,507 rings are mounted on a lever having a universal joint fulcrum mount on a housing. The lever-terminal as- [52] CL 200/6 200/17 200/153 K sembly is biased toward a centered position. A plural- [51-] Cl?" HOIH 21/24, 11101}! 25/00 ity of pairs of contact rods have free ends which Field of 200/1 R 1 A 1 TK 1 U project into the annular space between the rings. 200/5 R 6 R 6 B 6 6 Movement of the lever in different directions effects R L 6 275 1 circuit-closing contact of alternate rings with (1) Any 339 74/471 i single pair of contacts for reversing the direction of a motor connected with the pair or (2) A plurality of [56] References Cited pairs of the contacts for simultaneously reversing the direction of a plurality of motors. In one embodiment UNITED STATES PATENTS each ring is replaced by a group of four terminal fin- IZ i gers spaced 90 apart and supported by a diaphragm. 3,290,455 12/1966 Christensen 200/6 A 71 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures 1". I4 I88 I3 M8 /54 /92 /52 200' 202 o L IL- I [65 4 I93 fir-l76 I56 llOd 68d l J .zr: .L' I68 11 J /86 208 l I 744 +/4 T-IJ 22 U.S. Patent Dec. 1 6, 1975 Sheet2of3 3,927,285

MULTIDIRECTIONAL SWITCH WITH UNIVERSALLY PIVOT ACTUATOR FOR ACTIVATING PLURAL CIRCUITS This invention relates generally to a switch of the type used in circuitry for operating a motor selectively in forward and reverse directions. More particularly, the invention involves a switch which can be manipulated to a number of positions for selectively controlling the direction of operation of one of a plurality of direct current motors or simultaneously controlling the direction of operation of at least a pair of direct current motors.

To reverse the direction of operation of a direct current motor it is necessary to reverse the positive and negative connections to the motor windings. This requirement has lead to mechanical complications in conventional switches particularly those used for selective control of a plurality of motors. Such complications add to the cost and bulk of the conventional switch and tend to decrease its reliability and durabilrty. a

The object of the present invention is to provide a switch structure for controlling the direction of operation of a plurality of direct current motors individually or simultaneously, the switch structure being improved in simplicity, compactness, reliability, durability and low cost over conventional switch structures. Certain embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an end elevational view of a switch according to the invention with parts shown in phantom to illustrate structural details.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged scale sectional view on line 22 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a composite diagrammatic view illustrating two typical positions of the switch.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating a modified form of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating another modified fonn of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating another modified form of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view on line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of one end of the switch shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the opposite end of the switch shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view on line 10-10 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 1 1 is a view generally similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating another modified form of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a reduced scale end elevational view of the switch shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a reduced scale sectional view on line 13-13 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a reduced scale sectional view on line 14-14 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of several components of the switch shown in FIG. 11.

Shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a switch according to the present invention. This switch has a cup-shaped housing 22 having an end wall 24 and a side wall 26. Housing'22 is made of an electrically conducting material such as steel or brass. A pair of radially spaced outer and inner terminal rings 28, respectively are assembled on a lever 32 mounted on end wall 24. For this purpose ring 28 has a generally radial base 34 with a central protuberance 36 secured to lever 32 as by a riveted connection 38; a disc 40 of insulating material is fitted within ring 28 against base 34 and a generally radial base 42 on ring 30 seats against disc 40, the disc having a central boss 44 which fits within a central opening 46 in base 42.

End wall 24 of housing 22 has a central opening 48 through which lever 32 extends. End wall 24 has a portion which surrounds opening 48 and which is fashioned to provide a socket having a generally spherical surface 50 which faces the interior of housing 22. Protuberance 36 has a surface generally complementary to and engaged against socket surface 50. Interengaged protuberance 36 and socket 50 cooperate to form a universal joint type fulcrum between lever 32 and housing 22.

Means are provided for yieldably centering the position of lever 32 and of

rings

28, 30 with respect to housing 22. In the form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2 this means comprises aring of elastomeric material 52 having its outer periphery 54 engaged against the interior 56 of side wall 26 and having its inner periphery 58 engaged around ring 28.

A disc 60 of nonconducting material fits within side wall 26 and forms an end wall of housing 22 opposite from end wall 24. Disc 60 is retained in place by such means as an inwardly turned flange portion 62 at the end of side wall 26.

A plurality of pairs of contact rods pass through openings 64 in end wall 60. In the illustrated form of the invention, two pairs are shown, one

pair comprising rods

68 and 70, the other

pair comprising rods

72 and 74. The rods are secured within openings 64 by suitable means such as an adhesive or by press fitting. The rods are generally parallel. The pairs are disposed at about 90 to each other and the rods are distributed at about 90 to each other around a common center which is generally concentric with the common center of

rings

28 and 30. Each rod 68-74 has a free portion 76 which projects axially into the annular space 78 defined by

rings

28, 30.

An electrical conductor 80 passes through an opening 82 in end wall 60 and is secured within the opening by such means as an adhesive or press fitting. Conductor 80 has a head 84 engaged against inner surface 86 of end wall 60. The conductor continues in a compressed coil spring 88, one end of which is engaged against head 84 and the other end of which is engaged against base 42 of ring 30. In addition to serving as a conductor, spring 88 urges protuberance 36 into engagement against socket surface 50.

If desired, the portions of rods 68-74 and conductor 80 projecting exteriorly of end wall 60 may serve as prongs for insertion into a female electrical plug. Current of one sign, say negative, is furnished to ring 28 through housing 22, protuberance 36 and ring base 34. Current of the opposite sign is furnished to ring 30 through conductor 80, head 84, spring 88 and ring base 42.

In use, housing 22 and conductor 80 are connected to a source of direct current; rods 68, are connected with one direct current electric motor and

rods

72, 74 are connected with a second direct current electric motor. When no control pressure is applied to lever 32, elastomer ring 52

centers control rings

28, 30 and free ends 76 of rods 68-74 are out of contact with

rings

28, 30 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

To operate one motor individually in one direction, nominally forwardly, lever 32 is pushed downwardly causing protuberance 36 to pivot in socket 50 thereby shifting

rings

28, 30 upwardly against the bias of ring 52. This causes the uppermost portion, as the drawings are viewed, of ring 30 to engage contact rod 70 and causes the lowermost portion of ring 28 to engage rod 68 to close the circuit to one of the motors. This position of the parts is represented in the left view of FIG. 3

To reverse the direction of this motor lever 32 is pushed upwardly which shifts the rings in a downward direction so that the uppermost portion of ring 28 engages rod 70 and the lowermost portion of ring 30 engages rod 68. To deactuate the motor, lever 32 is released and elastomer ring 52 returns terminal rings 28, 30 to the centered position of FIG. 2 wherein the rings are out of engagement with rod ends 76 thereby opening the circuit to the motor.

Similarly, to operate the other motor individually in opposite directions, lever 32 is pushed to the right or left as FIGS. 1 and 3 are viewed to bring opposite por tions of

rings

28, 30 into engagement alternatively with

rods

72, 74. To deactuate this motor, lever 32 is released permitting elastomer ring 52 to center

terminals

28, 30 for opening the circuit thereto.

To operate both motors simultaneously in one direction, nominally forwardly, lever 32 is pushed downwardly and to the

left causing rings

28, 30 to swing upwardly and to the right. This causes upper and right hand portions of ring 30 to engage

rods

70 and 74 and causes lower and left portions of ring 78 to engage

rods

68 and 72 as illustrated in the right hand view of FIG. 3. To operate both motors simultaneously in the reverse direction, lever 32 is pushed upwardly and to the right causing upper and right hand portions of ring 28 to engage

rods

70 and 74 and causing lower and left hand portions of ring 30 to engage

rods

68 and 72. To deactuate both motors lever 32 is released allowing elastomer ring 32 to center rings 28, 30 to open the circuits to the motors.

Forward and reverse simultaneous operation of the motors can also be achieved by pushing lever 32 downwardly and to the right and upwardly and to the left as will be apparent from the drawings. Lever 32 can be moved directly from one angular position in which both motors are simultaneously operated to an adjacent annular position in which one motor only is operated and vice versa.

The modified form of the invention shown in FIG. 4 is in general similar to the form of FIGS. 1 and 2 and analogous elements, where modified, are indicated by the same reference numerals with the suffix a. In this switch, a, housing 22a is made of an electrical nonconducting material such as a plastic. Current is furnished to protuberance 3. by an electrical lead 90 which passes through a wall of the housing such as end wall 60a. This lead has an annular portion which provides the surface 50a of the socket in end wall 24a. Surface 50a is in electrical contact with protuberance 36. Elastomer ring 52 is omitted and instead spring 88a is utilized to bias the assembly of lever 32 and terminal rings 28, toward centered position wherein they are out of engagement with rods 68-74. End wall 60a may be secured to side wall 26a by such means as an adhesive. The portion of lead 90 outside of the housing may be utilized as a prong for insertion into a female electri- 4 cal plug. Switch 20a functions in a manner similar to that of switch 20.

The form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 5 is in general similar to the forms described above and analagous elements, where modified, are given identical reference numerals suffixed b. In this form of the invention switch 20b has a housing 22b, is made of an electrically conducting material and a fitting 92 is mounted within opening 48b in end wall 24b. This fitting has a central opening 94, a portion of which is generally spherical and provides socket surface 50b. Lever 32b has a ball portion 96 pivotally engaged within socket 50b. The lever has a shank portion 98 which passes through an opening 100 in a disc 102 of elastomer material attached at its outer periphery to a sleeve 104 engaged against the interior 56b of side wall 26b. Bases 34b and 42b of terminal rings 28b, 30b and insulation disc 40b are mounted on lever shank 98 by a rivet connection 106.

Elastomer disc 102 yieldably centers shank 98 and tenninal rings 28b, 30b in the off position of the switch. The centering force can be adjusted by varying the axial position of sleeve 104 and disc 102 in housing 22b. To diminish the centering force disc 102 is moved closer to ball 96 and to increase this force the disc is moved further from ball 96. Functioning of switch 20b is similar to that of switches 20 and 20a.

The form 200 of the switch shown in FIGS. 6-10 is in general similar to the forms described above and analagous elements, where modified, are identified by reference numerals identical to the above forms suffixed c. In switch 200 housing 22c is formed of nonconducting material such as a plastic.

End walls

24c and 60c are formed separately from side wall 26c and are secured thereto by such means as an adhesive. Lever 32c has an enlargement 108 which is engaged against the outer surface 1 10 of end wall 240 around opening 480. Lever portion 112 which passes through opening 48c has a diameter smaller than opening 480. Lever 36c can thus be rocked universally with respect to housing 22c about the fulcrum joint provided by interengagement of enlargement 108 and wall end 110.

A lead 1 14 is provided for furnishing current to outer terminal ring 280. This lead passes through one wall of housing 22c such as wall 600 and has a portion 116 which is in electrical contactwith a washer 118 which surrounds lever portion 112 and is engaged against the inner surface 120 of end wall 240. A compressed coil spring 122 has one end engaged against washer 118 and its other end engaged against base 340 of ring 28c. This spring serves to urge enlargement 108 against wall end 110, to bias rings 24c, 30c and lever 32c toward centered relation and to conduct current from washer 118 to ring 28c.

Lever 380 has a portion 124 of reduced diameter which adjoins lever portion 112 at a shoulder 126. A sleeve 128 of insulating material surrounds lever portion 124 and abuts shoulder 126. Sleeve 128'also abuts the outer surface of ring base 340 as shown and has a portion of reduced diameter which fits within central openings 130 and 460 respectively in ring bases 34c and 42c. These bases are insulated from each other'by a washer 132 and a washer 134 of insulating material which seats against the inner side of base 42c. Shank portion 124 extends through sleeve 138, the terminal ring bases and

washers

132, 134. Lever portion 124 has a head 136 at its end which cooperates with shoulder 126 to secure these elements in assembled relation on the lever.

Contact rods 68c-74c have a thin wide flat configuration rather than the round configuration illustrated in the above described forms of the invention. As best shown in FIG. 7, the thin dimension of the rods is in a direction radial of rings 28c, 300 while the long dimension of each rod extends in a direction which is chordal with respect to annular space 78c between the rings. The purpose of this feature is described below. Conductor 800 also has thin wide strap-like configuration and the portion of this conductor within housing 220 is bent to provide a partial loop or bight 138. The free end of bight 138 is slit and deformed to provide a central finger 140 and two flanking fingers 142. Finger 140 engages the rim of terminal ring 300 and is hooked over the outer periphery of this ring. Inner fingers 142 engage a radially inner surface portion of ring 300. The purpose of this arrangement is described below. Bight portion 138 is compressed so that

fingers

140, 142 remain firmly engaged against ring 300.

In general, switch c functions in a manner similar to that of the switches described above. When lever 300 is pressed straight downwardly or upwardly or straight horizontally in one direction or the other as the drawings are viewed, one or the other of two motors is operated in forward or reversed directions. When lever 320 is pushed downwardly and to the right or left and upwardly to the right or left both motors are operated simultaneously in one direction or the other.

However, because of the increased width and chordal extent of contact rods 68c-74c, rings 28c and 300 will make contact with the rods upon movement through a distance which is appreciably smaller than the distance required for the rings to make contact with the round rods of

switches

20, 20a and 20b. Moreover, the thin flat wide configuration of the contact rods and of conductor 114 as well adapts them more readily as prongs for insertion into conventional female electrical plugs.

Fingers

140, 142 insure that the end of conductor bight 138 will remain in electrical contact with ring 300 during movement of this ring in any direction. Bight 138 faces in a direction which is angled between two of the contact bars such as

bars

700, 720 as shown. This orientation of the bight assures adequate clearance with respect to other elements of the switch as it follows movement of ring 300.

It is believed that the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 6-10 will be preferred over the FIGS. 1-6 forms in commercial exploitation of the invention.

The form 20d of the switch shown in FIGS. 11-l5 is in general similar to the forms described above and analagous elements where modified are identified by reference numerals identical to'the above forms suffixed d. In switch 20d housing 22d is formed by two generally cup-shaped

sections

144, 146 made of a nonconducting material such as plastic. Section 146 has a side wall 148 which fits within a socket 150 in the side wall 152 of section 144. The overlapping side wall portions are secured together by suitable means such as adhesive or screws 154 as shown.

Sections

144, 146 respectively define

end walls

60d and 24d of switch housing 22d. Lever 32d has an enlargement 1084'. which engages the outer face 110d of end wall 24d. Lever portion 112d which passes through opening 48d in end wall 24d has a diameter smaller than opening 48d. Lever 32d can thus be rocked universally with respect to housing 22d about the fulcrum 6 joint provided by interengagement of enlargement 108d and wall end 110d.

Lever portion 112d is grooved for reception of a snap ring 156. A 4-pronged leaf spring 158 has a central portion 160 engaged against snap ring 156 and has axially offset feet 162 engaged against the inner surface of end wall 24d. The prongs of spring 158 are stressed between ring 156 and wall 24d and yieldably bias lever 32d in its centered position. Lever 32d has an axial extension which comprises a pin 164 secured to lever portion 1 12d by such means as press fitting or cementing into a socket 165.

The outer terminal rings 28 (a, b, c) of the previously described forms of the invention are replaced by a pair of

U-shaped metal straps

166, 168 each having a pair of fingers 170 interconnected by a base portion 172 each apertured at 174. Similarly, inner contact terminals 30 (a-c) are replaced by a pair of

U-shaped metal straps

176, 178 having fingers 180 and an interconnecting base portion 182 apertured at 184.

Terminal bases 172 extend laterally of each other with their apertures 174 aligned and terminal bases 182 extend laterally of each other with their apertures 184 aligned. In the assembled relation of the terminals described more fully below,

fingers

170 and 180 are disposed in spaced apart pairs to define spaces 78d into which the end portions of metal contact straps 68d-74d project.

A thin, flexible, moisture impervious diaphragm 186 of such a material as nylon extends diametrically across the interior of housing 22d. The diaphragm has peripheral edge portions 188 opposite faces of which are clamped between

shoulders

190, 192 on interfitting

side wall portions

148, 152 respectively to form a sub-, stantially moisture tight seal. The diaphragm has a central opening 193 (FIG. 11) through which pin 164 projects into a chamber 194 defined by the diaphragm and housing section 144. Pin 164 has an enlargement 196 engaged axially against the outer face of the diaphragm.

The portion of pin 164 projecting into chamber 194 passes successively through a washer 198, an opening 200 in a conductor 202, aligned terminal openings 174, an insulating washer 204, an opening 206 in a conductor 208, aligned terminal openings 184 and a washer 210. The free end of pin 164 is threaded as at 212 and a nut 214 thereon clamps the parts in assembled relation on pin 164 between enlargement 196 and the nut. Enlargement 196 and washer 198 by snug engagement against opposite faces of diaphragm 186 form substantially moisture proof seals.

Conductors

202, 208 are relatively thin flexible straps of metal and pass through openings 216 in end wall 60d to the exterior of housing 22d. The conductors are affixed within openings 216 by suitable means such as cement or press fitting which also provides a substantially moisture proof seal between chamber 194 and the exterior of the housing. Contacts 68d74d are similarly provided with substantially moisture proof seals with respect to the openings through which they project from chamber 194 to the housing exterior. As in the previous described forms of the invention the outwardly projecting portions of the terminals and contacts provide prongs for insertion into a female electrical plug.

Conductor 202 furnishes current of one sign to outer terminal 28d formed by

elements

166, 168 and conductor 208 furnishes current of the opposite sign to the inner terminal 30d formed by

elements

176, 178. The two terminals are insulated from each other by washer 204. Pin 164 is made of a nonconducting material such as nylon.

Terminal fingers

170, 180 and contacts 68d-74d may be provided with electrical contact pads as illustrated. Each

conductor

202, 208 has a free portion 218 between pin 164 and opening 216 which is curved for a purpose to be described.

In general, switch d functions in a manner similar to that of the switches described above. When lever 32d is pressed straight downwardly or upwardly or straight horizontally in one direction of the other as the drawings are viewed, one or the other of two motors is operated in forward or reverse directions. When lever 32d is pushed downwardly and to the right or left or upwardly and to the right or left both motors are operated simultaneously in one direction or the other.

Diaphragm 186 flexes to facilitate these movements of the lever and of

terminals

28d, 30d. The diaphragm is resilient and tends to support the terminals in their centered, off position. Leaf spring 158 yieldably biases the terminals toward their off position. The curved free portions 218 of

conductors

202, 208 flex readily to permit their inner end portions to follow movements of pin 164 and the terminals.

The seals provided at the peripheral and central portions of the diaphragm and between end wall 60d and contact straps 68d-74d and

conductors

202, 208 renders substantially moisture proof the chamber 194 which contains the contacting portions of

terminals

28d, 30d and the contact straps. Thus, this form of switch is preferred where it is to be used in relatively wet or moist environments such as on boats and outdoor equipment.

Switches according to the invention can be utilized in any mechanism which requires reversing operation of a plurality of motors simultaneously or individually. One example of such a mechanism is a motorized control for positioning the front seat of an automobile. One motor could be used to raise and lower the seat while another motor could be used to move the seat forwardly and rearwardly. Both motors could be used to effect such movements simultaneously. Another example is a motorized control for a search light. One motor could be used to swing the search light vertically, the

other motor to swing the search light horizontally, and

both motors to swing the search light in intermediate angled directions.

In the illustrated forms of the invention the pairs of contact rods are stationary while the terminal rings or fingers are mounted for universal movement for engagement therewith. It will be appreciated that similar functioning of the switch could be effected by mounting the pairs of rods on' a universally movable member, the terminal rings or fingers remaining stationary. Generally, it is within the invention to provide the terminals and contact rods with any mounting by which the above described relative movement therebetween can be effected.

The specific switches disclosed herein are designed for relatively small motors, for example motors operating on a maximum current of one ampere. However,

the switch can be designed for controlling larger motors.

A typical switch according to the present invention is very simple and compact, being less than half the size, for example, of FIG. 4 of the drawings. The switches are very inexpensive with little to go wrong with them and simple to operate for effecting single or simultaneous operation of motors by manipulation of a single lever.

We claim:

1. Switch structure for controlling the direction of operation of a plurality of electric motors which comprises,

support means, a plurality of pairs of electric contacts on said support means,

the contacts of each pair being adapted to be connected in current conducting relation to an electric motor,

a control member on said support means selectively movable in a plurality of directions relative to said pairs of contacts,

a positive and a negative terminal mounted for movement with said member and being electrically insulated from each other,

conductors on said support means electrically connected with said terminals and being adapted for connection with a source of electric current,

i each of said terminals having a portion adjacent to but spaced from each of said contacts in one position of said control member,

first and second of said portions of each of said positive and negative terminals being engageable respectively with alternate ones of one pair of said contacts responsive to movement of said member in first and second directions with respect to said one position,

third and fourth of said portions of each of said positive and negative terminals being engageable respectively with alternate ones of another pair of said contacts responsive to movement of said member in third and fourth directions with respect to said one position,

said first and third portions being engageable respectively with the contacts of said one pair and other pair responsive to movement of said member in a fifth direction with respect to said one position,

said second and fourth portions being engageable respectively with the contacts of said one pair and other pair responsive to movement of said member in a sixth direction with respect to said one position.

2. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said portions of said positive and negative terminals are located adjacent opposite sides of the respective contacts.

3. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein said first and second directions are generally opposite linear directions and said third and fourth directions are generally opposite linear directions.

4. The structure defined in claim 3 wherein the lines of said linear directions are angled to each other.

5. The structure defined in claim 4 wherein said fifth and sixth directions are angled to each other and to said lines.

6. The structure defined in claim 4 wherein said lines are substantially perpendicular to each other and said fifth and sixth directions are angled to said lines at about 45.

7. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein one of said terminals is disposed within a space defined by lines extending between said contacts, the other of said terminals being disposed outside of said space.

8. The structure defined in claim 7 wherein said lines define a substantially square-section and said contacts are disposed at the corners thereof.

9. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein one of said terminals is disposed substantially concentrically within the other.

10. The structure defined in claim 9 wherein said portions of the inner and outer of said terminals are arranged in spaced apart opposed pairs distributed around the common center of said terminals, each of said contacts projecting into the space between a said opposed pair. 11. The structure defined in claim 10 wherein said portions extend generally parallel to an axis through said common center, said contacts having free end portions which project generally axially into said spaces.

12. The structure defined in claim 11 wherein said terminals have bases which extend laterally of said axis and which are mounted on said member, said bases being provided with flanging adjacent their edges to provide said terminal portions.

13. The structure defined in claim 12 wherein said terminals have the shape of cups, the bottoms of which comprise said bases, said cups having side walls which form said flanging, said side walls extending continuously around said common center, portions of said side walls forming said terminal portions.

14. The structure defined in claim 11 wherein said terminals have bases which extend laterally of said axis and which are mounted on said member, said bases being provided with a plurality of fingers which form said terminal portions.

15. The structure defined in claim 14 wherein each of said terminals comprises a pair of generally U-shaped elements, each element having a base portion flanked by said fingers, said base portions of each element being interengaged and extending laterally of each other.

16. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said control member comprises a lever having a universal joint fulcrum mount on said support means,

said terminals comprising a pair of substantially concentric radially spaced rings mounted on said lever, circumferentially spaced portions of said rings forming said terminal portions,

said contacts comprising rods having free end portions which project into the space between said rings.

17. The structure defined in claim 16 wherein said lever is yieldably secured in said one position by resiliently distortable means on said support means.

18. The structure defined in claim 17 wherein said resiliently distortable means comprises a body of elastomeric material engaged with said support means and with a part of the assembly comprised of said lever and terminals.

19. The structure defined in claim 18 wherein said body of elastomeric material is engaged around the outer of said rings.

20. The structure defined in claim 18 wherein said body of elastomeric material is engaged around a portion of said lever.

21. The structure defined in claim 17 wherein said rings have generally radial bases mounted on said lever, said resiliently distortable means comprising a coil spring stressed between said support means and one of said bases.

22. The structure defined in claim 21 wherein said coil spring comprises a portion of one of said conductors.

1O 23. The structure defined in claim 21 wherein said one ring is said inner ring.

24. The structure defined in claim 21 wherein said one ring is said outer ring.

25. The structure defined in claim 16 wherein said rings have generally radial b'ases'which are mounted on said lever, said terminals being insulated from each other by insulating material between said bases.

26. The structure defined in claim 25 wherein at least one of said conductors includes a stressed spring having a portion urged into engagement against one of said terminals.

27. The structure defined in claim 26 wherein said one terminal is the inner of said terminals.

28. The structure defined in claim 27 wherein said spring is a coil spring one end of which is engaged against said base of the inner of said rings.

29. The structure defined in claim 27 wherein said spring has the form of a curved strap having a free end portion engaged against the inner of said rings.

30. The structure defined in claim 26 wherein said one terminal is the outer of said terminals.

31. The structure defined in claim 30 wherein said spring is a coil spring one end of which is engaged against said base of the outer of said rings.

32. The structure defined in claim 25 wherein said support means comprises a housing which has a side wall and two end walls, said joint comprising interengaged means on said lever and one of said end walls, said rods being supported by the other of said end walls and projecting to the exterior of said housing.

33. The structure defined in claim 32 wherein one of said conductors comprises a coil spring compressed between the base of one of said rings and a said end wall, said joint means being urged toward interengagement by said spring.

34. The structure defined in claim 33 wherein said spring is compressed between the base of said outer ring and said one end wall.

35. The structure defined in claim 34 wherein said spring is effective to yieldably bias said lever toward said one position. v

36. The structure defined in claim 35 wherein said one end wall has an opening, said lever having a portion which extends from the interior of said housing through said opening to the exterior of said housing,

said lever having an enlargement urged against the exterior of said end wall by said spring to provide said interengagement means, 7

said opening having a diameter greater than that of said lever portion to facilitate universal rocking movement thereof relative to said end wall.

37. The structure defined in claim 36 wherein said free end portions of said rods are relatively narrow in a direction radial of said rings and are relatively wide in a direction chordal of the annular space between said rings.

38. The structure defined in claim 37 wherein the other of said conductors passes through said other end wall,

said other conductor having a bight shaped portion within said housing, said bight portion having a free end portion engaged against said inner ring,

said bight portion being compressed between said inner ring and said other end wall so that said free end portion thereof is urged against said inner ring.

39. The structure defined in claim 38 wherein the portion of said other conductor within said housing has the form of a relatively wide thin strap which is bent to form said bight portion, said bight portion facing in a direction which passes between a circumferentially adjacent pair of said rods.

40. The structure defined in claim 39 wherein said free end portion is fashioned into a plurality of fingers one of which engages the rim of said inner ring and is hooked over the outer periphery of said inner ring, the other of which engages the inner periphery of said inner ring.

41. The structure defined in claim 39 wherein said rods and other conductors have generally flat strap configuration throughout their lengths from the interior to the exterior of said housing, the exterior portions of said rods and other conductors forming prongs adapted to be inserted into a female electrical plug.

42. The structure defined in claim 41 wherein said walls are made of electrically nonconductive material, said one conductor including a lead passing through a said wall and having a portion engaged between said spring and said one end wall.

43. The structure defined in claim 42 wherein said lead passes through said other end wall and defines a prong adapted for insertion into a female electrical plug. i

44. The structure defined in claim 33 wherein said spring is compressed between the base of said inner ring and said other end wall.

45. The structure defined in claim 44 wherein said lever has a shank with a ball thereon, said one end wall being provided with means defining a socket having a generally spherical surface within which said ball is engaged to provide said interengaged means.

46. The structure defined in claim 45 wherein said one end wall has an opening with a fitting therein which provides said socket.

47. The structure defined in claim 46 wherein said shank passes through a body of elastomeric material which is supported around its periphery by said side wall, said elastomeric material being effective to yieldably bias said lever toward said one position.

48. The structure defined in claim 44 wherein portions of the other of said conductors comprise said one end wall, said interengaged means and a portion of said lever.

49. The structure defined in claim 48 wherein said side wall and said one end wall comprise an electrically conducting metal cup, said other end wall comprising a body of electrically nonconducting material fitted within an open end of said cup.

"50. The structure defined in claim 44 wherein said one end wall is provided with a socket having a generally spherical surface, said base of said outer ring being formed to provide a protuberance having a generally spherical surface, said surfaces providing said interengaged means.

51. The structure defined in claim 50 wherein said socket has a central opening into which said lever extends for attachment to said protuberance.

52. The structure defined in claim 51 wherein a body of elastomeric material engages said side wall and the periphery of said outer ring, said elastomeric material being effective to yieldably bias said rings toward said one position.

53. The structure defined in claim 51 wherein said spring is effective to yieldably bias said rings toward said one position.

12 54. The structure defined in claim 50 wherein said walls are electrically nonconducting, said other conductor comprising a lead having a portion which passes through a said wall and a portion disposed between said interengaged means.

55. The structure defined in claim 33 wherein said rods and said one conductor have portions which extend to the exterior of said housing and define prongs adapted for insertion into a female electric plug.

56. The structure defined in claim 50 wherein said walls are electrically nonconducting,

said other conductor comprising a lead having a portion which passes through said other end wall and a portion disposed between said interengaged means,

said rods and conductors having portions which extend to the exterior of said housing and define prongs adapted for insertion into a female electrical plug.

57. The structure defined in claim 44 wherein said one conductor also includes a stud which passes through said other end wall, said stud having a head within said housing against which an end of said spring engages.

58. The structure defined in claim 20 wherein said body of elastomeric material is selectively longitudinally positionable relative to said lever to adjust the force on said lever necessary to distort said material.

59. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said control member comprises a lever having a universal joint fulcrum mount on said support means, a resiliently distortable diaphragm secured to means on said support means and lever, said lever being yieldably supported in said one position by said diaphragm.

60. The structure defined in claim 59 wherein a leaf spring has a central portion secured to said lever and peripheral portions engaged against said support means, said leaf spring yieldably biasing said lever toward said one position thereof.

61. The structure defined in claim 59 wherein said support means and diaphragm cooperate to define a chamber within which said contacts and terminal portions are disposed.

62. The structure defined in claim 61 wherein said diaphragm and said means on said support means and lever have portions which are interengaged to form substantially moisture proof seals.

63. The structure defined in claim 62 wherein each of said conductors has one portion connected to follow movements of said terminals and another portion which is fixed with respect to said support means,

each conductor having a free curved length between said portions thereof which is disposed within said chamber, said length being flexible to facilitate movements of said one conductor portion.

64. The structure defined in claim 63 wherein said chamber has wall portions through which said conductors and contacts pass to the exterior thereof, and means forming substantially moisture proof seals between said wall portions and said conductors and contacts.

65. The structure defined in claim 62 wherein said support means has a pair of opposed shoulders, said diaphragm having opposite peripheral face portions engaged by said shoulders to form one of said seals.

66. The structure defined in claim 65 wherein said lever projects through a central opening in said diaphragm, and washer means on said lever engaged 13 against opposite face portions of said diaphragm around said opening therein form another of said seals.

67. The structure defined in claim 66 wherein said washer means which engages the face of said diaphragm outside of said chamber is substantially fixed on said lever,

said terminals having apertured base portions through which an end portion of said lever projects,

and clamp means on said end portion cooperable with said substantially fixed washer means to clamp said base portions and the other of said washer means into assembly with said diaphragm.

68. The structure defined in claim 67 wherein said end portion of said lever is threaded and said clamp means comprises a nut thereon.

69. The structure defined in claim 68 wherein each of said terminals comprises a pair of generally U-shaped elements defining fingers which are generally parallel to said lever and an interconnecting portion,

the interconnecting portions of each pair extending laterally of each other and forming said base portion of a said terminal, said fingers forming said terminal portions.

70. The structure defined in claim 69 wherein said support means comprises a housing having two parts which are fitted together, each housing part having a said shoulder so engaged against said diaphragm,

one housing part having a side wall and an end wall which cooperate with said diaphragm to form said substantially moisture proof chamber,

the other housing part having side portions adjoining another end wall spaced axially from said diaphragm and on which said lever has said universal joint fulcrum means,

a leaf spring having a central portion secured to said lever and peripheral portions engaged against said other end wall, said spring yieldably biasing said lever toward said one position thereof,

each'of said conductors having one portion connected to follow movements of said terminals and another fixed portion which extends through said end wall of said chamber,

each conductor having a free curved length between said portions thereof which is flexible to facilitate movements of said one conductor portion,

14 said contacts passing through said end wall of said chamber, and means forming substantially moisture proof seals between said end wall of said chamber and the portions of said conductors and contacts extending therethrough. 71. Switch structure for controlling the direction of operation of a plurality of electrical motors which comprises,

support means, a plurality of pairs of electric contacts on said support means,

a positive and a negative terminal on said support means and being electrically insulated from each other,

each of said terminals having a portion adjacent to but spaced from each of said contacts in one position thereof relative to said contacts,

control means on said support means operable to effect relative movement between said terminals and said contacts in at least six different directions,

first and second of said portions of each of said positive and negative terminals being engageable respectively with alternate ones of one pair of contacts responsive to said relative movement in first and second directions with respect to said one position,

third and fourth of said portions of each of said positive and negative terminals being engageable respectively with alternate ones of another pair of contacts responsive to said relative movement in third and fourth directions with respect to said one position,

said first and third portions being engageable respectively with the contacts of said one pair and other pair responsive to said relative movement in a fifth direction with respect to said one position,

said second and fourth portions being engageable respectively with the contacts of said one pair and other pair responsive to said relative movement in a sixth direction with respect to said one position.

Claims

1. Switch structure for controlling the direction of operation of a plurality of electric motors which comprises, support means, a plurality of pairs of electric contacts on said support means, the contacts of each pair being adapted to be connected in current conducting relation to an electric motor, a control member on said support means selectively movable in a plurality of directions relative to said pairs of contacts, a positive and a negative terminal mounted for movement with said member and being electrically insulated from each other, conductors on said support means electrically connected with said terminals and being adapted for connection with a source of electric current, each of said terminals having a portion adjacent to but spaced from each of said contacts in one position of said control member, first and second of said portions of each of said positive and negative terminals being engageable respectively with alternate ones of one pair of said contacts responsive to movement of said member in first and second directions with respect to said one position, third and fourth of said portions of each of said positive and negative terminals being engageable respectively with alternate ones of another pair of said contacts responsive to movement of said member in third and fourth directions with respect to said one position, said first and third portions being engageable respectively with the contacts of said one pair and other pair responsive to movement of Said member in a fifth direction with respect to said one position, said second and fourth portions being engageable respectively with the contacts of said one pair and other pair responsive to movement of said member in a sixth direction with respect to said one position.

6. The structure defined in claim 4 wherein said lines are substantially perpendicular to each other and said fifth and sixth directions are angled to said lines at about 45*.

10. The structure defined in claim 9 wherein said portions of the inner and outer of said terminals are arranged in spaced apart opposed pairs distributed around the common center of said terminals, each of said contacts projecting into the space between a said opposed pair.

11. The structure defined in claim 10 wherein said portions extend generally parallel to an axis through said common center, said contacts having free end portions which project generally axially into said spaces.

16. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said control member comprises a lever having a universal joint fulcrum mount on said support means, said terminals comprising a pair of substantially concentric radially spaced rings mounted on said lever, circumferentially spaced portions of said rings forming said terminal portions, said contacts comprising rods having free end portions which project into the space between said rings.

23. The structure defined in claim 21 wherein said one ring is said inner ring.

24. The structure defined in claim 21 wherein said one ring is said outer ring.

25. The structure defined in claim 16 wherein said rings have generally radial bases which are mounted on said lever, said terminals being insulated from each other by insulating material between said bases.

35. The structure defined in claim 34 wherein said spring is effective to yieldably bias said lever toward said one position.

36. The structure defined in claim 35 wherein said one end wall has an opening, said lever having a portion which extends from the interior of said housing through said opening to the exterior of said housing, said lever having an enlargement urged against the exterior of said end wall by said spring to provide said interengagement means, said opening having a diameter greater than that of said lever portion to facilitate universal rocking movement thereof relative to said end wall.

38. The structure defined in claim 37 wherein the other of said conductors passes through said other end wall, said other conductor having a bight shaped portion within said housing, said bight portion having a free end portion engaged against said inner ring, said bight portion being compressed between said inner ring and said other end wall so that said free end portion thereof is urged against said inner ring.

43. The structure defined in claim 42 wherein said lead passes through said other end wall and defines a prong adapted for insertion into a female electrical plug.

50. The structure defined in claim 44 wherein said one end wall is provided with a socket having a generally spherical surface, said base of said outer ring being formed to provide a protuberance having a generally spherical surface, said surfaces providing said interengaged means.

54. The structure defined in claim 50 wherein said walls are electrically nonconducting, said other conductor comprising a lead having a portion which passes through a said wall and a portion disposed between said interengaged means.

56. The structure defined in claim 50 wherein said walls are electrically nonconducting, said other conductor comprising a lead having a portion which passes through said other end wall and a portion disposed between said interengaged means, said rods and conductors having portions which extend to the exterior of said housing and define prongs adapted for insertion into a female electrical plug.

63. The structure defined in claim 62 wherein each of said conductors has one portion connected to follow movements of said terminals and another portion which is fixed with respect to said support means, each conductor having a free curved length between said portions thereof which is disposed within said chamber, said length being flexible to facilitate movements of said one conductor portion.

66. The structure defined in claim 65 wherein said lever projects through a central opening in said diaphragm, and washer means on said lever engaged against opposite face portions of said diaphragm around said opening therein form another of said seals.

67. The structure defined in claim 66 wherein said washer means which engages the face of said diaphragm outside of said chamber is substantially fixed on said lever, said terminals having apertured base portions through which an end portion of said lever projects, and clamp means on said end portion cooperable with said substantially fixed washer means to clamp said base portions and the other of said washer means into assembly with said diaphragm.

69. The structure defined in claim 68 wherein each of said terminals comprises a pair of generally U-shaped elements defining fingers which are generally parallel to said lever and an interconnecting portion, the interconnecting portions of each pair extending laterally of each other and forming said base portion of a said terminal, said fingers forming said terminal portions.

70. The structure defined in claim 69 wherein said support means comprises a housing having two parts which are fitted together, each housing part having a said shoulder so engaged against said diaphragm, one housing part having a side wall and an end wall which cooperate with said diaphragm to form said substantially moisture proof chamber, the other housing part having side portions adjoining another end wall spaced axially from said diaphragm and on which said lever has said universal joint fulcrum means, a leaf spring having a central portion secured to said lever and peripheral portions engaged against said other end wall, said spring yieldably biasing said lever toWard said one position thereof, each of said conductors having one portion connected to follow movements of said terminals and another fixed portion which extends through said end wall of said chamber, each conductor having a free curved length between said portions thereof which is flexible to facilitate movements of said one conductor portion, said contacts passing through said end wall of said chamber, and means forming substantially moisture proof seals between said end wall of said chamber and the portions of said conductors and contacts extending therethrough.

71. Switch structure for controlling the direction of operation of a plurality of electrical motors which comprises, support means, a plurality of pairs of electric contacts on said support means, the contacts of each pair being adapted to be connected in current conducting relation to an electric motor, a positive and a negative terminal on said support means and being electrically insulated from each other, conductors on said support means electrically connected with said terminals and being adapted for connection with a source of electric current, each of said terminals having a portion adjacent to but spaced from each of said contacts in one position thereof relative to said contacts, control means on said support means operable to effect relative movement between said terminals and said contacts in at least six different directions, first and second of said portions of each of said positive and negative terminals being engageable respectively with alternate ones of one pair of contacts responsive to said relative movement in first and second directions with respect to said one position, third and fourth of said portions of each of said positive and negative terminals being engageable respectively with alternate ones of another pair of contacts responsive to said relative movement in third and fourth directions with respect to said one position, said first and third portions being engageable respectively with the contacts of said one pair and other pair responsive to said relative movement in a fifth direction with respect to said one position, said second and fourth portions being engageable respectively with the contacts of said one pair and other pair responsive to said relative movement in a sixth direction with respect to said one position.