CA1144204A - Seal for a sliding actuator for a linear control member - Google Patents
Seal for a sliding actuator for a linear control memberInfo
- Publication number
- CA1144204A CA1144204A CA000373246A CA373246A CA1144204A CA 1144204 A CA1144204 A CA 1144204A CA 000373246 A CA000373246 A CA 000373246A CA 373246 A CA373246 A CA 373246A CA 1144204 A CA1144204 A CA 1144204A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- aperture
- channel
- seal
- actuator
- 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.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16J—PISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
- F16J15/00—Sealings
- F16J15/50—Sealings between relatively-movable members, by means of a sealing without relatively-moving surfaces, e.g. fluid-tight sealings for transmitting motion through a wall
- F16J15/52—Sealings between relatively-movable members, by means of a sealing without relatively-moving surfaces, e.g. fluid-tight sealings for transmitting motion through a wall by means of sealing bellows or diaphragms
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
- G05G25/00—Other details or appurtenances of control mechanisms, e.g. supporting intermediate members elastically
- G05G25/04—Sealing against entry of dust, weather or the like
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/02—Details
- H01H13/04—Cases; Covers
- H01H13/06—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof or flameproof casings
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
Abstract
A SEAL FOR A SLIDING ACTUATOR FOR A LINEAR CONTROL MEMBER
Abstract of the Disclosure A seal for a sliding actuator of a linear control member comprising an elongate flexible member having a central aperture a close fit around the actuator and slidably mounted in a channel of a housing, such as the top housing of a telephone set. An end of the flexible member extends into an aperture at one end of the channel and a deflecting member adjacent to the aperture deflects the flexible member into a predetermined path as the flexible member passes into and through the aperture on sliding movement of the actuator. A sliding seal can be provided at positions where a rigid sliding seal member cannot be used because of limited lateral space.
Abstract of the Disclosure A seal for a sliding actuator of a linear control member comprising an elongate flexible member having a central aperture a close fit around the actuator and slidably mounted in a channel of a housing, such as the top housing of a telephone set. An end of the flexible member extends into an aperture at one end of the channel and a deflecting member adjacent to the aperture deflects the flexible member into a predetermined path as the flexible member passes into and through the aperture on sliding movement of the actuator. A sliding seal can be provided at positions where a rigid sliding seal member cannot be used because of limited lateral space.
Description
1~44Z04 This invention relates to seals for linear control members having sliding actuators, for electrical devices and to control members embodying such seals, and is particularly concerned with dust covers for such control members.
In telecommunications apparatus, particularly desk sets, the profile is getting lower and lower. This has been enabled by the replacement of the older type of electrical items, used previously, with solid state devices. Thus one of the largest items, the gong, has been dispensed with and other relatively large items have also disappeared. It is becoming common, and popular, to provide a "hands free" mode of operation for telephone and other desk apparatus, with a microphone and speaker, apart from the handset. Or the handset may not be provided.
Under such conditions it is usually necessary to provide controls for the microphone and/or the speaker. One such control is a volume control.
For various reasons, a linear control member with a sliding actuator is required. The low profile may not provide sufficient room for a rotary member. Aesthetic reasons may result in a preference for sliding actuator. Also, it is easier to determine the control position, for example volume level, with a sliding actuator. The actuator of the control extends through a slot in the top housing. A problem arises in sealing the slot to prevent ingress of dirt and other foreign matter. In communications apparatus the surface in which such a control is mounted usually has a substantial upward facing component, making the arrangement more subject to dirt and other matter. Various ways of sealing the slot have been proposed, such as opposed lengths of pile material, the pile deflecting round the actuator, and flexible flaps. Problems arise in that dirt and other material can get through.
The present invention provides a seal for a linear control member having a sliding actuator in which the stem of the actuator emerges from the housing, passing through a flexible sliding seal member, and through a slot in a cover member, the cover member and housing defining a closed channel for the sliding seal member, and deflecting means at at least one end of the channel to deflect the flexible seal member away from the housing.
The invention will be readily understood by the following description of an embodiment, by way of example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is an exploded view of the various parts relating to a sliding seal;
Figure 2 is a cross-section on the line 2-2 of Figure 1 with the parts assembled and a control member indicated.
In Figure 1 there is illustrated the top housing 10 of a communications terminal. The terminal serves as a normal telephone set but also has additional features, including repertory dialing, hands free operation in which the head set remains on the terminal, and other features. The terminal is provided with a speaker, the grill in the top housing being seen at 11. The handset recesses are seen at 12 and 13, and a hook switch actuating member 14 is positioned in one of the recesses, 12.
At the front of the housing 10 is a transverse slot 15. The slot 15 is formed in a recessed web 16 which has a rim 17 extending along a back edge 18. With the front rim or edge 19 of the housing there is defined a shallow channel open at one end, the right hand end 20 in Figure 1. At the other end there is a wall 21 below which there is an aperture 22. The channel, at the end adjacent to the slot 22, has a downwardly curving surface 23, leading to the aperture 22.
A flexible, slideable, seal member, 24, of elongate form, rests in the channel on the web 16. At the center is a short slot 25 of a size to permit passage therethrough the stem of an actuator of a control, and be a close fit around the stem. Fitting on top of the seal member 24 is a cap 26. Cap 26 rests on the rim 17 and also on a step on the front rim or edge 19 to enclose the channel and hold the seal member in the channel. The cap is retained in position by an adhesive or similar means.
The cap has an elongate, transverse, slot 27 of the same length as slot 15, the stem of the actuator also passing through the slot 27. The stem also passes through the slot 15 to the control member.
The seal member is of a length such that with slot 25 in the extreme right hand position, over the right hand end of slot 15, in Figure 1, the left hand end of the seal member extends down in contact with the curved surface 23 and through the aperture 22. Movement of an actuator to the left, in Figure 1, slides the seal member to the left. In view of the recess 13 for the handset, purely lateral movement of the seal member is not possible. In the example, the seal member curves down on the surface 23 through the aperture 22, down the side of the recess 13.
Figure 2 illustrates, in cross-section, the application of the invention. The actuator for a control member 30, is indicated at 31.
In the present instance the control member is a volume control for the terminal. The actuator stem passes through slot 15 and slots 25 and 27.
The left hand end of the seal member 24 is seen just entered through the aperture 22. On movement of the actuator 31, to the left in Figure 2, the seal member deflects or flexes down through the aperture 22, and down under the recess 13 of Figure 1 as indicated at 24a. The control member 30 is mounted on d printed circuit board 32. The flexible seal member 24 can be deflected or flexed in a variety of ways. By providing a suitable deflecting member, the seal member can be caused to flex into a coil. In other arrangements the seal member can flex through 180 and mave back under itself. Depending upon the particular installation arrangement so the seal member can be caused to flex in different ways and different directions.
It will be appreciated that at no time is there direct communication between the outside and inside of a housing. Even though there is an elongate slot in the cap 26 and an elongate slot in the web 16, no direct access through these slots occurs as the flexible seal member 24 fits closely round the stem of the actuator and closes off the slots 15 and 27. The flexible seal member does not interfere with the operation of the actuator.
While the flexible seal member is particularly applicable in a situation where a sliding actuator type of control member is necessary, for space and other similar reasons, and where there is insufficient space laterally for a rigid seal member, the invention is also applicable where a sliding actuator is used, for example for aesthetic reasons. In some forms of electronic apparatus sliding actuators are used, actuated horizontally or vertically, and often there is not room for a rigid seal member. The present invention enables effective sealing to be obtained for such actuators. The seal is much more effective than pieces of pile material, or static flexible flaps. Where insufficient lateral space exists for the flexible seal member to extend flat when the actuator is moved to the end of slot 15 remote from the aperture 22, it is possible to repeat the structure of an end wall with an aperture beneath, and a deflector, similar to the arrangement illustrated in Figure 2, for the other end of the channel. Thus the flexible seal member would be deflected down at each end, in predetermined paths.
In telecommunications apparatus, particularly desk sets, the profile is getting lower and lower. This has been enabled by the replacement of the older type of electrical items, used previously, with solid state devices. Thus one of the largest items, the gong, has been dispensed with and other relatively large items have also disappeared. It is becoming common, and popular, to provide a "hands free" mode of operation for telephone and other desk apparatus, with a microphone and speaker, apart from the handset. Or the handset may not be provided.
Under such conditions it is usually necessary to provide controls for the microphone and/or the speaker. One such control is a volume control.
For various reasons, a linear control member with a sliding actuator is required. The low profile may not provide sufficient room for a rotary member. Aesthetic reasons may result in a preference for sliding actuator. Also, it is easier to determine the control position, for example volume level, with a sliding actuator. The actuator of the control extends through a slot in the top housing. A problem arises in sealing the slot to prevent ingress of dirt and other foreign matter. In communications apparatus the surface in which such a control is mounted usually has a substantial upward facing component, making the arrangement more subject to dirt and other matter. Various ways of sealing the slot have been proposed, such as opposed lengths of pile material, the pile deflecting round the actuator, and flexible flaps. Problems arise in that dirt and other material can get through.
The present invention provides a seal for a linear control member having a sliding actuator in which the stem of the actuator emerges from the housing, passing through a flexible sliding seal member, and through a slot in a cover member, the cover member and housing defining a closed channel for the sliding seal member, and deflecting means at at least one end of the channel to deflect the flexible seal member away from the housing.
The invention will be readily understood by the following description of an embodiment, by way of example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is an exploded view of the various parts relating to a sliding seal;
Figure 2 is a cross-section on the line 2-2 of Figure 1 with the parts assembled and a control member indicated.
In Figure 1 there is illustrated the top housing 10 of a communications terminal. The terminal serves as a normal telephone set but also has additional features, including repertory dialing, hands free operation in which the head set remains on the terminal, and other features. The terminal is provided with a speaker, the grill in the top housing being seen at 11. The handset recesses are seen at 12 and 13, and a hook switch actuating member 14 is positioned in one of the recesses, 12.
At the front of the housing 10 is a transverse slot 15. The slot 15 is formed in a recessed web 16 which has a rim 17 extending along a back edge 18. With the front rim or edge 19 of the housing there is defined a shallow channel open at one end, the right hand end 20 in Figure 1. At the other end there is a wall 21 below which there is an aperture 22. The channel, at the end adjacent to the slot 22, has a downwardly curving surface 23, leading to the aperture 22.
A flexible, slideable, seal member, 24, of elongate form, rests in the channel on the web 16. At the center is a short slot 25 of a size to permit passage therethrough the stem of an actuator of a control, and be a close fit around the stem. Fitting on top of the seal member 24 is a cap 26. Cap 26 rests on the rim 17 and also on a step on the front rim or edge 19 to enclose the channel and hold the seal member in the channel. The cap is retained in position by an adhesive or similar means.
The cap has an elongate, transverse, slot 27 of the same length as slot 15, the stem of the actuator also passing through the slot 27. The stem also passes through the slot 15 to the control member.
The seal member is of a length such that with slot 25 in the extreme right hand position, over the right hand end of slot 15, in Figure 1, the left hand end of the seal member extends down in contact with the curved surface 23 and through the aperture 22. Movement of an actuator to the left, in Figure 1, slides the seal member to the left. In view of the recess 13 for the handset, purely lateral movement of the seal member is not possible. In the example, the seal member curves down on the surface 23 through the aperture 22, down the side of the recess 13.
Figure 2 illustrates, in cross-section, the application of the invention. The actuator for a control member 30, is indicated at 31.
In the present instance the control member is a volume control for the terminal. The actuator stem passes through slot 15 and slots 25 and 27.
The left hand end of the seal member 24 is seen just entered through the aperture 22. On movement of the actuator 31, to the left in Figure 2, the seal member deflects or flexes down through the aperture 22, and down under the recess 13 of Figure 1 as indicated at 24a. The control member 30 is mounted on d printed circuit board 32. The flexible seal member 24 can be deflected or flexed in a variety of ways. By providing a suitable deflecting member, the seal member can be caused to flex into a coil. In other arrangements the seal member can flex through 180 and mave back under itself. Depending upon the particular installation arrangement so the seal member can be caused to flex in different ways and different directions.
It will be appreciated that at no time is there direct communication between the outside and inside of a housing. Even though there is an elongate slot in the cap 26 and an elongate slot in the web 16, no direct access through these slots occurs as the flexible seal member 24 fits closely round the stem of the actuator and closes off the slots 15 and 27. The flexible seal member does not interfere with the operation of the actuator.
While the flexible seal member is particularly applicable in a situation where a sliding actuator type of control member is necessary, for space and other similar reasons, and where there is insufficient space laterally for a rigid seal member, the invention is also applicable where a sliding actuator is used, for example for aesthetic reasons. In some forms of electronic apparatus sliding actuators are used, actuated horizontally or vertically, and often there is not room for a rigid seal member. The present invention enables effective sealing to be obtained for such actuators. The seal is much more effective than pieces of pile material, or static flexible flaps. Where insufficient lateral space exists for the flexible seal member to extend flat when the actuator is moved to the end of slot 15 remote from the aperture 22, it is possible to repeat the structure of an end wall with an aperture beneath, and a deflector, similar to the arrangement illustrated in Figure 2, for the other end of the channel. Thus the flexible seal member would be deflected down at each end, in predetermined paths.
Claims (5)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A seal for a sliding actuator of a linear control member, comprising:
a housing having a recessed web portion, said recessed web portion defining a channel;
an elongate slot in said web portion, an elongate flexible seal member slidably mounted in said channel and having an aperture aligned with said slot;
a cap attached to said housing over said channel, the cap including an elongate slot aligned with said slot in said web portion;
an aperture in said housing at one end of said channel, and a first end of said flexible seal member extending into said aperture;
means on an inner surface of said housing adjacent to said aperture to deflect said seal member into a predetermined path;
a control member actuator extending through said elongated slots and said aperture in said seal member, said aperture in said seal member a close fit round said actuator;
the arrangement such that with said actuator at an end of the slot in the web portion remote from said one end of said channel, said first end of said seal member extends into said aperture in said housing and a second end of said seal member extends from said channel at an end remote from said aperture in said housing, and with said actuator at an end of the slot in the web portion adjacent to said one end of said channel, said seal member extends through said aperture in said housing and into said predetermined path.
a housing having a recessed web portion, said recessed web portion defining a channel;
an elongate slot in said web portion, an elongate flexible seal member slidably mounted in said channel and having an aperture aligned with said slot;
a cap attached to said housing over said channel, the cap including an elongate slot aligned with said slot in said web portion;
an aperture in said housing at one end of said channel, and a first end of said flexible seal member extending into said aperture;
means on an inner surface of said housing adjacent to said aperture to deflect said seal member into a predetermined path;
a control member actuator extending through said elongated slots and said aperture in said seal member, said aperture in said seal member a close fit round said actuator;
the arrangement such that with said actuator at an end of the slot in the web portion remote from said one end of said channel, said first end of said seal member extends into said aperture in said housing and a second end of said seal member extends from said channel at an end remote from said aperture in said housing, and with said actuator at an end of the slot in the web portion adjacent to said one end of said channel, said seal member extends through said aperture in said housing and into said predetermined path.
2. A seal as claimed in claim 1, said channel defined at said one end by a wall, said aperture in said housing positioned below said wall, said channel including a downwardly inclined surface at said one end leading to the aperture.
3. A seal as claimed in claim 2, said housing comprising the top housing of a telephone set, said web portion being at a front end of the housing, said predetermined path extending below a recess in said housing for holding one end of a handset.
4. A seal as claimed in claim 3, said channel defined at a front side by a front rim on said housing and at a back side by a rib extending along said back edge.
5. A seal as claimed in claim 4, said rib extending part way along said back edge.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000373246A CA1144204A (en) | 1981-03-17 | 1981-03-17 | Seal for a sliding actuator for a linear control member |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000373246A CA1144204A (en) | 1981-03-17 | 1981-03-17 | Seal for a sliding actuator for a linear control member |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1144204A true CA1144204A (en) | 1983-04-05 |
Family
ID=4119474
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000373246A Expired CA1144204A (en) | 1981-03-17 | 1981-03-17 | Seal for a sliding actuator for a linear control member |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1144204A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5207117A (en) * | 1990-09-29 | 1993-05-04 | Preh-Werke Gmbh & Co. Kg | Sliding regulator with lamellae sealing means |
-
1981
- 1981-03-17 CA CA000373246A patent/CA1144204A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5207117A (en) * | 1990-09-29 | 1993-05-04 | Preh-Werke Gmbh & Co. Kg | Sliding regulator with lamellae sealing means |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |