US1149586A - Electric switch. - Google Patents

Description

` ELEcmc sw|TvcH. APPLICATION FAILED MAYSI, 19II...'

rammed Aug. 1o, 1915.

' SHEETS-SHEET l.

7 .my .......m'y/ s,

l V f/ f l -To`aZZ whom it 'may concern:

Be it known that CHARLES J. KLiiiN,

narra sa',

- /y CHARLES KLEIN, F MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, ASSIGNOR TO THE CUTLEB-HAMMEB I' MFG. C0., OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, A CORPORATION OF WISCONSIN.

meegaan.

unicornio SWITCH.

` Appiicatiqn aies May ai, i911. seriai No. 630,389.

acitizen of vthe United States,.residing at Milwaukee,'in 'the county of hl/'Jilwaulree and State of Wisconsin, have invented new and useful Improvements in Electric Switches,

of which the following is a full, clear, concise, and eXact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this specification.

.My invention relates to electric switches. .One of the objects of my invention is to .j provide an improved electric switch.

Afurtherv object of my invention is to provide an improved switch unit which is ciona'plete in itself and capable of being 'readily insertedin various forms of switchl"In "the accompanying drawings .il-lustratedftwo. forms which my invention 'mayassiime in practice. My invention is ,nothowever limited inl its use toA these parvticular forms which have been chosen for ingdeyees and which is of an exceedingly y i 4ompact, serviceable and unitary construc- .pzog i v .v

Other objects I y and advantages of my in ventlon will hereinafter appear.

' lpurposes of illustration, but is capable of being used in various other relations and of yao assuming variousother forms,

IIn the views .of the drawing, lFigure l shows a perspective view of a switch unit.

lFig. 2 shows a transverse sectional view of ==the switch unit in position in a surface switch casing. Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal sectional View of ,the construction shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 shows a modified form of unit in position in a modified form of casing(4 Fig. 5 shows aside elevation of the '.unitshown in Fig. 4 with a transverse sec- 'tion of the casing. f

The construction Vshown in Figs. 1 to 3 will be first considered. The switch mechi.' anism employed is preferablyof the type described in my previously granted Patent No.A v985,241 patented 'February 28, 1911.'

'This mechanism .includes 'a reciprocable cam .member 1 having the conformation of a A.double frustuin positioned base tobase and :fcarried upon afcentrally disposed threaded f shaft 2-carryinfg upon its opposite ends re- V' 'movable push buttons of' a smaller di- --aineter-tlian the diameter ofA the,`eiidsv of In a preferred form the :shaft 2 isi'ixedfwithin one o f the push but- I have 630,388, filed May 31, 1911, and containing a helical spring 5 is arranged -to be reciprocated upon movement of the cam member to make or break the electrical circuit with a quicksnap action when the garter spring moves across the crest of the cam-l. i

The switch mechanism is carried iii a suit- -ab`le frame which is provided with means for carrying the parts of the switch mechanisin and guiding and limiting the same in their operations, as well as means for conveying the current to the contact parts so that when ,in position .in this frame the switch mechanisi` vfoi-ins a complete unit. In a preferred foi-inthe frame is provided with two end portions 6 and 'l' which are adapted to permit the reciprocation of the push buttons through the same and serve to establish the limits of travel of 'theoperat` ing parts and to provide suitable contact surfaces with which the moving contact member may engage. The end 6 on the frame is preferably foi-ined of stamped sheety metal of the construction shown in Fig. l, being provided with a tapering portion or extension 8 bent outward as illustratedI in that figure and provided with a flange 9 at its end surrounding a perforation through which one of the push buttons 3 extends. This perforation is of a sufficient size to permit the push button tobe reciprocated through the same, but is not of a suflicient size to permit the tapered end of the cam member to move through the same so that the lange') serves as a stop for the cam member in this position. In a preferred forni side pieces l0 are formed integral with the end member G. These sides pieces connect the end member 6 with tlie'end member 7 and preferably-extend above and below the contacter 4 as illustrated in Fig. l. The end member 7 is preferably formed o-f .insulating material suchv for example as moldedstone,` rubber orl liber, and is of a.

yber l. As shownin Fig. lli-this end member is also provided atits .sides with suitable 'slots l2 arranged to receilve the reduced ends 13 of the sides 10. ,Tin/ forderte secure the extremities of the parts 13 to the end member 7 and so attach the parts of the frame as to make it form a unitary construction, I preferably provide a binding plate 14 on the outer surface of the end member 7 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. This end member 14 is provided with a central perforation arranged to permit the reciprocation of the push button through the same, but which is not of sutlicientsize to permit. the tapered end of the cam 1 through the same so that this binding plate serves as a stop for the cam member. Inf a preferred form the ends of the reduced portions 13 of the sides 10 are received in suitable openings near the ends of the plate 14 and are spread or riveted in the same as illustrated at 15 in Fig. 2. The terminal members for the switch are carried on the inner surface of the end member7 and preferably consist of terminal plates 16 arranged parallel to each other -on opposite sides of the member 7 extending substantially at right angles to the sides 10. The plates 16 are preferably carried in suitable grooves 17 in the sides of the member 7 and in a preferred form the outer edges of the member 7 are cutaway as illustrated at 1S to permit theedge of the contactor to move along the outer surface of the terminal plates. Inra preferred form the terminal plates 16 are lprovided with inte- @gral projections or legs 19 which pass through the` member 7 and are preferably riveted to the outer surface of terminal plates 20. As illustrated in Fig. 2 these ter` minal plates 20 are preferably of aconformation adapted to fit around a rounded portion 21 on the binding plate 14 which surrounds the perforation through which the push button is reeiprocated and the terminal plates 20 are also preferably set in suitable recesses 22 on opposite sides of the outer surface of lthe member 7; The terminal'plates 20 are also provided at their outer ends with binding screws 23 arranged to be suitably connected to a circuit and are also equipped with angularly disposed lugs 24 to enable a ready connection of the conductorsl to the binding screws.

In Figs. 2 and 3 I'ha've illustrated. my im proved switch unit 1n position in a surface switch casing "of'. su'bstantaally rectangular shape.. As illustrated-the 'unit isso placed i sol in a suitable base-25 that one of its sides `10 lies flatupon the bottom ofthe same -iniy 'aj suitable' 'recess 26. In a preferred 1 formthis side 10- is secured .to thebottom of vthe chamber by a screw 27 arranged tofits" opposite side.

recesses 30 are Slightly rounded as illus#` trated in Fig. 2 in order to prevent the Wear on the conductors. Since the end of the binding plate 14 may extend beyond the portion 13 of the side 10, a suitable recess 31 may be provided in the bottom of the chamber 26 near one end of the same to house the end of this plate as illustrated in Fig. 3. In order to receive the extension or tapering wall of the chamber 26 may be cut away as 80g portion 8 on the end 6 of the frame, the epd shown at 32. In order to protect the parts of the switch unit when in position in the base, a suitable cover may be provided. As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 this cover may consist of an outer metallic casing 33 of substantially rectangular cross section arranged to have its edges rest on flanges 34 formed around the edges of the base 25. In a Apreferred form this cover 33 is provided with an insulatinglining which is crimped in the cover and fits snugly within the same and the coverand lining are provided with suitable slots 36 arranged to permit the same to be slipped over the push buttons,

and suitable means such as a screw 37 for.

of the'frame 10 are held in position and se cured to the end member 7 by a binding plate of a diferent construction from that heretofore described, in this instance-thev binding plate 38 having an arched portion which is provided With a central perforatlon land fiange similar to the perforation and flange of the extension 8. .In this form the terminal members are also of a different construction since instead of being provided with terminal plates on the back'ofthe end member 7 they are provided with lateral extensions 39 .which are bent substantially at right angles to the body portion of the termmal members and are provided at their ends with binding screws and connecting ears similar to those heretofore described.

In applying this construction to service I may place the unit in a tubular insulating shell 40 having suitable perforations 41 in When the unit has been placed in position in the shell so that the perforations in the opposite ends of the' frame register with the pertorations in lthe shell 40, ythe push buttons 3 are screwed in position and the switch mechanism is accurately held Ain the desired place in the shell. Thus it is seen that the switch mechanism may be readily. inserted in any shell or receptacle by simply boring holes in the-opposite sides of the same, inserting the switch mechanism until the holes register with the perforations in the frame of the switch mechanism and later screwing in the Vpush buttons. It isobvious that any form of receptacle may be used which is desired and that when for instance an insulating shell is used the entire shell with the unit switch mechanism inside of it may if desired be 1nser'ted in a. suitable outer receptacle such for.

either against the flange 5) on the end membei' 6 or the edge of the'pcrfora'tion in the binding plate 14. As the cam member is moved the contactor i is reciprocated in an opposite direction moving with a quick snap action in this direction when the garter spring is passed over the crest of the cam member. This contactor reaches one of its limits ot travel either against the inner surface of the end member G as shown in Fig. 1 or against the terminal contacts 16 as shown in Fig. 3 at substantially the same time that the cam member reaches its limit of travel. Thus it is seen that the frame comprising the end members G and 7 and their connecting parts 'serves as a means for guiding the operating member and a. means for limiting the movement of the operating membei and the movable contact member.

liy my improved construction l have provided 'a very compact switch unit which is capable of being used in various relations wherever a single unitary construction is desired. Further the unit is of such a compact and serviceable construction that the switch mechanism occupies a very small space and is adapted to long use in service. As illustrated in the various forms described in this application, the unitary switch mechanism herein described may find various uses in the art, and may be readily adapted with lslight modifications to any use Wherein a compact and unitary construvction is desired. i

\Vhile l have in this application described the specific. construction of several` forms which my invention may assume in practice, I have chosen these forms only as means of illustrating the principle of my invention, and do not Wish tf be limited 'to the 'specific constructions herein described,

but rather wish to .cover allof the various 7 modifications of the same which my invention is capable of assuming and whichv fall within the scope of the appended claims..

lVhat I claim as new and desireto secure by Letters Patent is as follows 7 l. Ain electric switch unit comprising end members, means connecting the same to form a frame, an insulating block carried in one end of said frame. contacts carrie'd by said block. and a switch mechanism movable in 3 said frame to engage said contacts.-

Q. An electric switch unit comprising end members, means connecting the 'same to form a frame, an insulating blOCkcarried in `one end of said frame, contacts carried by 8 said block, a snap switch mechanism' movable in said frame toengage said contacts, and terminal membersfor said 'switch mechanism. i 3. An electric switch unit comprising end 9 members, means connecting the same to form a frame, an insulating block carried in oneA end of said trame, contacts carried on said insulating block, a snap switch mechanisminovable in said frame to engage said 9 contacts, and terminal inembers for said switch mechanism carried by said block.

4. An electric switch unit comprising end members, means connecting the same to form a frame, an insulating block carried in 1 one end of `said fiaine,icontacts carried by said block, and a snap switch mechanism movable in said frame to engage said contacts, said switch mechanism having its operating member guided and limited in its 1 movement by said frame.

5. An electric switch uniciisoinprising end members, means connecting the samel to form a frame, an insulating block carried in one end ot' said frame, contacts carried on i. said block, and a snap switch mechanism movable in said frame to engage said contacts, said switch mechanism. having its op erating member extending through said end members and saidinsulating block. 1

G. An electric switch unit comprising an end member, a substantially U shaped member having -its endsfextending throughthe n ends of said end member and coperating therewith/to `torni a frame, an insulating l,

block carried in one end of said frame, contacts carried on said insulating block, and a snap switch mechanism movable in said frame to engage said contacts.

7. An electric switch unit comprising end 1 members having openings therein, side members connecting the same to form the frame y an insulating block carried in one end ci I vsaid frame, contacts carried by said insulating block, and a snap switch mechanism l movable in said frame to engage said con tacts, said switch mechanism having its 0perating-memberv passing through said block and said end members and guided and limited in its movement by the latter. .L r

8. In an electric-.switch device, a push button operated snap switch mechanismfend members guiding and limiting the movement of said switch mechanism,` side members connecting said end members to form a frame, and a two-part casing attached to and inclosing said switch mechanism.

9. In combination, a substantially flat base lhaving a conductor inlet therein, a switch unit carried thereby, said switch unit having its terminals adjacent said inlet, and a cover for said switch unit, said cover and said base each being removably attached to said unit.

10. In combination, a base having a recess in one of its faces and conductor grooves communicating therewith, a switch unit set in said recess and having its terminals adjacent said conduct/.0r grooves, and a cover for said switch uni-t fitting snugly around the walls of said recess, said .cover and said base being attached to opposite sidQS Q'f said unit.

11. In combination a 'base 'having a recess in one of its faces and a pair of parallel ver.-

tically extending recesses communicating therewith, a switoh unit comprising a -frame and a Switch mohanism movable therein, said switch unit being-"55Min 'Said recess in the" face of said base and'lavigits terminals adjacent said vertically disposed recesses: and a cover for said switch unit snugly tting around the Walls of Said recess, said cover and said base bein attached to said unit frame on ,opposite Si eS Of the Same- 12. In an electric switch device, a. reciproA eating cam member having removable push- In witness whereof, I have hereunto sub` .scrlbed my name'in thepre'sence of two wlt-r nesses. I Y

l CHARLES J. KLEIN. Witnesses:v y

J S. BROCK, Gao. HAYNEs.

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