GB1400833A - Rotary electric switches - Google Patents

Abstract

1400833 Inert switches N S F Ltd 10 May 1973 [10 May 1972] 21803/72 Heading H1N A rotary electric switch comprises a stator assembly including two generally annular, axially spaced-apart insulating members 11, 12 carrying at least two mutually angularly spaced pairs of fixed contacts 15, the contacts of each pair presenting mutually and axially aligned contact-making portions 15a upon the inner peripheries of members 11 and 12, and a rotor assembly 13 including a movable contact 16 spring biased radially outwardly in bridging relation to said pair of fixed contacts, wherein the inner periphery of each of said members 11, 12 is provided with an integral projection 14a extending radially inwards between, but angularly spaced from, each two of said contactmaking portions 15a to provide a support surface for the contact 16 during movement thereof. The angular spacing D of projections 14a from adjacent contacts is sufficient to prevent tracking but small enough for smooth rotation of the rotor, which is axially located by periperal ribs 13k received between the stator members 11, 12. The stator members are preferably of moulded diallylphthalate, and the rotor body comprises two interfitting parts, preferably of glass-filled nylon. Tubular spacers 14d (and 12a, Fig. 3, not shown) integral with the stator members, ensure correct axial spacing. Several pairs of the members 11, 12 may be assembled on support rods (27, Fig. 5, not shown) passing through the spacers 14d (12a), with separate tubular spacers (30) between the pairs if desired, the rotors 13 being operated by a common shaft (28). The rotor 13 may carry four contacts 16 (as shown) and the stator member 12 may have fixed contacts (25, Fig. 4, not shown) which extend over the angle of three contacts 15 on member 11, thereby forming a four-pole three-way switch. Projections (24a) corresponding to projections 14a are provided between contacts (25).