GB167840A - Improvements in and relating to electric switches - Google Patents

Abstract

167,840. British Thomson - - Houston Co., Ltd. (General Electric Co.). May 15, 1920. Switches, quick-action; retractive switches; handles.-Switches having a snap action member, the spring of which acts in conjunction with the retracting spring of an operating-lever in one position and in opposition thereto in the other position of the switch, are mounted within the hollow tubular handles of vacuum cleaners &c., the switch-operating lever being pivoted in the tube and adapted to be flush with its surface when the handle is gripped. Within the end 8 of the tubular handle is mounted an insulating- base 10 carrying fixed switch contacts 16, 17 secured to terminals 14, 15. The U-shaped movable contact-member 24 is pivoted at 25 to side plates 23 of a metal frame 22 mounted on the insulating base 10. The switch-operating lever 34 is pivoted at 36 within the tube 8 and carries an insulating pin 33 which abuts against the tail portion 27 of an intermediate member, the latter being pivoted at 28 to the frame 22. A quickaction spring mechanism is interposed between a transverse plate 26 of the contact member 24, and the shaped end of the pivoted member 27, this mechanism comprising a spring-pressed pin 30 working in a hole in the plate 26. One end of the pin 30 has a bifurcated end 29, its other end bearing an enlarged head 31, which acts as a stop to limit the motion caused by the spring 32. The retractive spring 38 encircles a curved pin 39 secured to the member 27, this spring acting between the member 27 and an apertured lug 40 of the frame 32. As the handle is gripped, the lever 34 is forced inwards until it lies flush with the surface of the tube, thereby causing the operation of the switch mechanism; outward motion of this lever on release is limited by the bent-over tip 37 of the end flange 35a. A sliding catch 45 may be provided to lock the switch in the closed position.