Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Michael S Pedersen

Brian J Truesdale

Joseph J Spedale

Mario M Orrico

Brian Truesdale

A switch assembly comprising a body, an actuator, and a base design to provide a device that can actuate various Hall-Effect chip devices in a single design. The switch assembly of the invention may provide a momentary switch connection, such as a single push system, or a maintained switch connection, such as a push-push system. Further, the switch assembly may include feedback mechanisms, such as LED components and the like that provide a visible feedback of the switch connection, and tactile feedback components that also indicate the switch connection.

Switch assembly

A push-button switch includes a universal assembly comprising a single body design, a single plunger design, and a single base design to provide various switch options in an overall single package design. The push-button switch of the invention may be operated by either a mechanical switch assembly or a hall-effect system. The push-button switch may also provide a momentary switch connection, such as a single push system, or a maintained switch connection, such as a push-push system. Further, the push-button switch may include feedback mechanisms, such as LED components and the like that provide a visible feedback of the switch connection, and tactile feedback components that also indicate the switch connection.

Push-button switch

A rocker switch assembly comprises a rocker switch housing having a ground contact and first and second electrical circuit contact pins mounted therein. Snap-dome contacts are operatively associated with, but normally electrically disengaged from, each one of the first and second electrical circuit contact pins, and are normally disposed in electrical contact with the ground plate. A rocker actuator has first and second actuator posts integral therewith and depending therefrom so as to normally be disposed in contact with the snap-dome contacts. Depression of one side of the rocker actuator therefore forces one of the actuator posts to in turn force its associated snap-dome contact into engagement with its respective electrical circuit contact pin so as to CLOSE the electrical circuit controlled by such electrical circuit contact pin. The engagement of the actuator posts with the snap-dome contacts rocker switch facilitates a small-throw movement of the rocker actuator and tactile feedback to the operator confirming contact of the snap-dome contact with the electrical circuit contact pin and closure of the electrical circuit controlled thereby.

Rocker switch with snap dome contacts

A combination power switch housing and electrical connector housing module wherein the power switch housing comprises an upper power switch housing section within which a rocker-type actuator is located along with common and make/break electrical contacts, and a lower power switch housing section integral with the upper power switch housing section and comprising a tubular section having a throughbore extending therethrough within which the electrical connector housing can be fixedly secured. The module also comprises resilient finger and lug structure for enabling mounting of the module upon a panel member.

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Des Plaines, IL, United States of America

Michael S Pedersen