EP0000807A1 - Interrupteur à action brusque en combinaison avec un commutateur auxiliaire - Google Patents

Interrupteur à action brusque en combinaison avec un commutateur auxiliaire Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0000807A1
EP0000807A1 EP78300145A EP78300145A EP0000807A1 EP 0000807 A1 EP0000807 A1 EP 0000807A1 EP 78300145 A EP78300145 A EP 78300145A EP 78300145 A EP78300145 A EP 78300145A EP 0000807 A1 EP0000807 A1 EP 0000807A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
switch
contact
operating
switch device
fixed contact
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP78300145A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0000807B1 (fr
Inventor
Guglielmo Rossi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Robertshaw US Holding Corp
Original Assignee
Ranco Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ranco Inc filed Critical Ranco Inc
Publication of EP0000807A1 publication Critical patent/EP0000807A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0000807B1 publication Critical patent/EP0000807B1/fr
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/62—Heating or cooling of contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/02—Details
    • H01H37/12—Means for adjustment of "on" or "off" operating temperature
    • H01H37/28—Means for adjustment of "on" or "off" operating temperature by adjustment of the position of the fixed contact
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/02—Details
    • H01H37/60—Means for producing snap action

Definitions

  • This invention concerns improvements in or relating to electrical switch devices, with particular reference to switch devices of the kind having a movable contact carried by a snap spring element which is acted upon by an operating element to cause snap movement of the movable contact relative to a fixed contact.
  • the calibration of such a switch device that is, the determination of the points in the travel of the switch operating element at which snap operation of the switch occurs, would be carried out by adjusting the normal rest position of the part of the snap spring element which is engaged by the switch operating element.
  • the present invention provides, in one aspect, a simple method of calibrating such an electrical switch device.
  • the invention provides a method of calibrating an electrical switch device having a support member carrying a fixed contact and a movable contact carried by a snap spring element which is acted upon by an operating element, in which the support member of the fixed contact is deformed relative to movable contact upon assembly of the switch device to predetermine the operating point of the switch contacts upon displacement of the operating element in the contact-opening direction.
  • the operating point of the switch By deforming the support member of the fixed contact the operating point of the switch, specifically the point in the travel of the switch operating element at which the switch contacts open, can be predetermined, without changing or adjusting the position of any part of the snap spring element. This in turn is an important practical consideration, since it means that the switch device can be assembled with the snap spring element in a fixed predetermined position, calibration being effected subsequent to assembly of the switch device by controlled deformation of the fixed contact.
  • the invention also comprehends a snap acting switch device comprising a fixed contact carried by a support member, a movable contact carried by a snap spring element, and an operating element acting upon the spring element, the support member of the fixed contact being rigid but deformable and having a predetermined deformation which determines the operating point of the switch contacts upon displacement of the operating element in the contact-opening direction.
  • the switch device is calibrated by deformation of the fixed contact support member it is not necessary to make provision for the adjustment of the snap spring element itself, and this, as well as simplifying the assembly of the switch device, also ensures that the position of the point of engagement, with the snap spring element of the switch operating element is always the same relative to the supporting structure of the snap spring first. This in turn is an important consideraten where the shop spring element is arranged to initiate operatier of an auxiliary switch, since the point cf operation of this swtch can then be predetermined in the assembled switch device.
  • the snap spring element of the switch device has an operating tongue which is enggeable with the operating element and which is supported santilever fashion and which has a predeterminsd stable position relative to the movable contact. a part of the operating tongue being engageable with an operating lever arm of an auxiliary switch at a predetermined point in the travel of the operating tongue.
  • the operating peint of the auxiliary switch may be provided with an operating arm having a heel of predetermined dimensiane which is engageall by the operating tongue of the snap spring element. by shaping or cutting this heel to an appropriate depth it is possible to predetermine the operating peint of the auxiliary switch, without changing the operating points of the snap spring element itself and the main switch contacts associated therewith.
  • the required deformability of the fixed contact support member may be achieved by providing apertures in the support member close to and on opposite sides of the fixed contact carried These spertures, as well as weakening the support member to give it the desired defemability. the space in the immediate vicinity of the fixed and movable contacts. Such ventilation has the effect of sweeping ozone away from the vicinity of the switch contacts and thereby minimising the likelihood of arcing between the contacts.
  • Contact ventilation apertures may alternatively, or in addition, be provided in the snap spring element carrying the movable contact, in the immediate vicinity of the movable contact: such apertures may be positioned so as to enhance the torsional or flexural resilience of the snap spring element in the vicinity of the movable contact carried thereby so as to give rise to a sliding or rocking movement of the movable,contact relative to the fixed contact prior to separation of the contacts, thereby achieving a "wiping" action, which is desirable in switch contacts for the avoidance of contact welds.
  • the present invention accordingly provides a snap acting switch device comprising a snap spring element carrying a movable contact which upon operation of the switch device is movable relative to a fixed contact carried by a support member, the support and/or the snap spring element being provided with apertures in the vicinity of the respective contact carried thereby ,for the purpose of promoting the access of air to the contact make and break zone in the immediate vicinity of the contacts.
  • the electrical switch device illustrated in the drawings has a moulded plastics base 1 in which electrically conductive metal strips 2, 3, are supported, the strips 2,3, being parallel to each other and extending along opposite sides of the base 1, each strip 2, 3, being anchored to the base 1 at two positions spaced apart along its length by upsetting and staking portions of the respective strip in appropriately positioned apertures- moulded in the base 1.
  • Each strip 2, 3, has an outwardly projecting.terminal portion 4, 5, respectively.
  • the switch device has a snap acting switch blade 6 comprising a snap spring element projecting cantilever fashion from a tab 7 which is secured by rivets 8 to the terminal strip 2.
  • the switch blade 6 has two projecting cantilever arms 9, 10, which at their ends remote from the anchoring tab 7 are drawn together and interconnected by a rectangular contact element 11 which constitutes a movable contact of the switch device.
  • the contact element 1 1 is located beneath the terminal strip 3 in the plan view of Figure 1 and is therefore shown in ghost outline in Figure 1, the contact element 11 cooperating with a fixed contact 12 ( Figure 2) carried on the underside of the terminal strip 3.
  • the switch contacts are normally open ( Figure 2) the spacing between the movable contact 11 and the fixed contact 12 in the open condition being predetermined by a setting screw 16 engaged in a threaded aperture in the base 1. Closure of the switch contacts is effected by displacement of the switch operating element 13 in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 2 to bend the central tongue 15 towards the base 1. At a predetermined point in the movement of the switch operating element 13 the deformed blade 6 reaches a point of instability, at which point the blade.undergoes a snap movement towards an opposite dished configuration, in which the two cantilever arms 9 9 10 bend in the opposite direction to the central tongue 15, away from the base 1, bringing the movable contact 1 2 into engagement with the fixed contact 11.
  • the switch blade 6 in the illustrated embodiment stressing of the switch blade is such as to return the blade to its original configuration. Consequently, in this position the ceratral tongue 15 exerts an elastic return force on the operating element 13, so that upon release of the latter the operating element 13 is moved in the opposite direction of the arrow in Figure 2, causing the switch blade 6 to revert to its original stable configuration with a further snap movement, thereby causing rapid opening of the switch contacts.
  • the point at which the contacts open upon release of the switch operating element 13 is predetermined by the position of the fixed contact 12.
  • calibration of the switch device that is, the predetermination of the position of the switch operating element 13 in its return movement at which the switch contacts 11, 12 open, is effected after assembly of the components of the switch device by deformation of the terminal strip 3 carrying the fixed contact 11.
  • deformation is made possible by the fact that the terminal strip 3 has an unsupported portion, spaced from the base 1, between its two points of anchorage to the base 1.
  • the terminal strip 2 with the switch blade 6 riveted thereto is first placed in position on the base 1, and the second terminal strip 3 carrying the fixed contact 12 is then placed in position so that the fixed contact 12 lies over the movable contact 11 carried by the switch blade 6.
  • the unsupported region of the terminal strip 3 carrying the fixed contact 12 is deformed towards the base 1 by a suitable calibrating tool until the desired switch operating point is reached.
  • the apertures 17, 18, in the terminal strip 3, as well as facilitating the deformation of the fixed contact support constituted by the terminal strip 3, also act as ventilation holes promoting the flow of air between the contacts 11 and 12, and thereby removing ozone which would otherwise accumulate in the region of the two contacts 11, 12, and which could promote the establishment of an arc between the contacts when the switch opens.
  • the apertures 17, 18, in effect allow the air around the contacts to be changed after each make and break of the contacts.
  • the auxiliary switch in the illustrated embodiment has a fixed contact 19 carried by a support member 20 fixed to the base 1 and formed with an outwardly projecting terminal portion 21.
  • the contact 19 cooperates with a movable contact 22 carried at one end of a transverse arm of a T-shaped switch blade 23 which is supported cantilever fashion from the base 1 by a flexible support arm 24 constituting the stem or trunk of the T-shaped blade 23.
  • the other end of the lateral arm or-cross piece of the T-shaped blade 23 is bent at right angles to the said arm to form an upstanding heel 25 which cooperates with a flaz end portion 26 of the central operating tongue 15 of the main switch blade 6.
  • the movable contact 22 of the auxiliary switch blade is arranged beneath the fiwed co the 19 in the plan view of Figure 1.
  • the auxiliary switch contacts 19, 22 are normally open and are closed upon pivotal movement of the auxiliary swisck blads aboat the fulcrum screw 27, such pivotal movement being caused by engagement of the flat eud portico 26 of the eemral tongue 25 of the main switch blade 9 with the upstanding heel 25 of the auxiliary switch biade as a result of an excursion of the switch operating element 13 in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 2 beyond the normal excursion which closes the main smitch contacts 11, 12.
  • the operating point of the auxiliary switch contacts that is, the peint in the exemrsion of the switch operating elameyc 13 at which the auxiliary switch contacts 19, 22, are closet, can be predetermined by cutting or shaping the cperaring heel 25 of the auxiliary switch blade to an appropriate depth, thereby enabling the adjustable fulcrum afforded by the sersw 27 to be replaced by a fixed fulcrum if desired.
  • the auxiliery switch is a normally open switch
  • the auxiliary switch could slternWlvely be arranged so that ist contaets were normolly closed, by simply inserting an alternative fixed contact support 20 in which the fixed contact 19 is normally positioned below the movable contact 22 of the auxiliary switch blade, rather than above the contact 22 as in the embodiment of Figure 1.
  • auxiliary switch blade 23 may be employed in conjunction with a single fixed contact 19 according to whether the auxiliary switch contacts are to be normally open or normally closed: in this case, the auxiliary switch blade 23 would have a cranked end carrying the movable contact 22, this cranked end lying beneath the fixed contact 19, as in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, for a normally open auxiliary switch, and above the fixed contact 19 for normally closed auxiliary contacts.
  • the resilient stem portion 24 of the T-shaped auxiliary switch blade 23 serves the following purposes: (a) it acts as a return spring maintaining the auxiliary switch contacts 19, 22 normally open or closed, according to requirements; (b) it ects as a torsion spring biassing the moving contact 22.
  • the resilient cross-piece of the T-shaped blade 23 permits, by virtue of its flexibility and the location of the fulcrum 27, overtrevel of the tongue 15 once the auxiliary contacts 19, 22 are closed. Current is supplied. to the movable contact 22 of the auxiliary switch blade through the stem portion 24 which is in electrical contact with the terminal strip 2 through a metal spacer element 28 ( Figure 2).

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
EP78300145A 1977-07-13 1978-07-12 Interrupteur à action brusque en combinaison avec un commutateur auxiliaire Expired EP0000807B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2938177 1977-07-13
GB2938177 1977-07-13

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0000807A1 true EP0000807A1 (fr) 1979-02-21
EP0000807B1 EP0000807B1 (fr) 1982-01-06

Family

ID=10290663

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP78300145A Expired EP0000807B1 (fr) 1977-07-13 1978-07-12 Interrupteur à action brusque en combinaison avec un commutateur auxiliaire

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US4224488A (fr)
EP (1) EP0000807B1 (fr)
DE (1) DE2861505D1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2620565A1 (fr) * 1987-09-15 1989-03-17 Bk Patent Dev Element mecanique bistable, dispositif le comportant, et procede et appareil pour sa fabrication
US20190210245A1 (en) * 2016-09-23 2019-07-11 Handelsonderneming We-Ha Method for manufacturing a wood composite

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4410776A (en) * 1981-03-16 1983-10-18 General Electric Company Control device
US4464828A (en) * 1981-03-16 1984-08-14 General Electric Company Method of assembling a control device
DE3640997C1 (de) * 1986-12-01 1987-12-10 Bosch Gmbh Robert Elektromagnetisches Relais
JP2892230B2 (ja) * 1992-08-07 1999-05-17 アンデン株式会社 電磁継電器
US5467523A (en) * 1994-09-01 1995-11-21 General Electric Company Method for assembling and calibrating a condition-responsive electric switch mechanism
US5585774A (en) * 1994-09-01 1996-12-17 General Electric Company Condition-responsive electric switch mechanism
DE19909059C2 (de) * 1999-03-02 2003-10-16 Marcel Hofsaes Schalter mit Verschweißsicherung
US6188033B1 (en) * 1999-03-10 2001-02-13 Texas Instruments Incorporated Snap-acting electrical switch
US6252492B1 (en) 1999-03-18 2001-06-26 James P. Frank Condition-responsive electric switch mechanism
US6496097B2 (en) * 1999-09-21 2002-12-17 General Electric Company Dual circuit temperature controlled switch
US6525641B1 (en) * 1999-09-21 2003-02-25 General Electric Company Defrost on demand thermostat
US6538553B2 (en) * 2001-07-13 2003-03-25 Tsung-Mou Yu Switching element for electric switch

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2170767A (en) * 1937-01-27 1939-08-22 Micro Switch Corp Snap switch
CH327887A (de) * 1955-01-26 1958-02-15 Rotel Ag Elektrische Unterbrecherkontakteinrichtung
US2859608A (en) * 1955-04-14 1958-11-11 Essex Wire Corp Thermostatic switch calibrating device
US2985738A (en) * 1959-10-07 1961-05-23 Albert E Baak Switch
DE1276778B (de) * 1966-12-03 1968-09-05 Busch Jaeger Duerener Metall Mikroschnappschalter
US3634801A (en) * 1970-05-18 1972-01-11 Emerson Electric Co Bimetal-actuated snap action sequencing relay
US3688060A (en) * 1970-08-24 1972-08-29 Texas Instruments Inc Electrical switch means for effecting sequential operation
FR2294529A1 (fr) * 1974-12-09 1976-07-09 Illinois Tool Works Commutateur a ressort

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2505605A (en) * 1948-01-20 1950-04-25 Charles F Coake Snap switch
US3062932A (en) * 1958-10-24 1962-11-06 Haydon Switch Inc Switch and parts thereof
US3105887A (en) * 1958-10-24 1963-10-01 Haydon Switch Inc Switch and parts thereof
US3118029A (en) * 1959-02-12 1964-01-14 Yamamoto Michitaka Snap switches
GB882850A (en) * 1959-05-27 1961-11-22 Controls Co Of America Improvements in and relating to snap action electrical switches and a process for making the switches
US3187132A (en) * 1962-11-14 1965-06-01 Maxson Electronics Corp Overtravel actuating mechanism for a snap action electrical switch
US3578926A (en) * 1969-12-04 1971-05-18 Controls Co Of America Snap switch
US3648004A (en) * 1971-02-25 1972-03-07 Cutler Hammer Inc Auxiliary support means for electrical switch actuator
US4118610A (en) * 1974-11-16 1978-10-03 Ranco Incorporated Snap action switch blades

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2170767A (en) * 1937-01-27 1939-08-22 Micro Switch Corp Snap switch
CH327887A (de) * 1955-01-26 1958-02-15 Rotel Ag Elektrische Unterbrecherkontakteinrichtung
US2859608A (en) * 1955-04-14 1958-11-11 Essex Wire Corp Thermostatic switch calibrating device
US2985738A (en) * 1959-10-07 1961-05-23 Albert E Baak Switch
DE1276778B (de) * 1966-12-03 1968-09-05 Busch Jaeger Duerener Metall Mikroschnappschalter
US3634801A (en) * 1970-05-18 1972-01-11 Emerson Electric Co Bimetal-actuated snap action sequencing relay
US3688060A (en) * 1970-08-24 1972-08-29 Texas Instruments Inc Electrical switch means for effecting sequential operation
FR2294529A1 (fr) * 1974-12-09 1976-07-09 Illinois Tool Works Commutateur a ressort

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2620565A1 (fr) * 1987-09-15 1989-03-17 Bk Patent Dev Element mecanique bistable, dispositif le comportant, et procede et appareil pour sa fabrication
US20190210245A1 (en) * 2016-09-23 2019-07-11 Handelsonderneming We-Ha Method for manufacturing a wood composite

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US4224488A (en) 1980-09-23
EP0000807B1 (fr) 1982-01-06
DE2861505D1 (en) 1982-02-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0000807A1 (fr) Interrupteur à action brusque en combinaison avec un commutateur auxiliaire
US7248140B2 (en) Adjustable safety switch
US2249837A (en) Thermostat
US20060220779A1 (en) Adjustable safety switch
US3336449A (en) Snap action switch mechanism with improved movable contact assembly
US2814686A (en) Warp switch
US2644052A (en) Nonbounce switch
US4518943A (en) Bimetallic circuit breaker with an auxiliary switch
US2927983A (en) Electrical switches
US4214136A (en) Electrical switches for control devices such as temperature regulators
US2805297A (en) Snap switch mechanism
US2085557A (en) Control device
US5157369A (en) Circuit breaker switch
US4337451A (en) Electrical switch construction, switch blade subassembly and methods of making the same
US5548266A (en) Thermostat construction
US4166995A (en) Thermostatic snap switch
US4196325A (en) Sump pump switch
US2452508A (en) Snap action thermal limit switch
US3170998A (en) Snap acting thermostatic switch
US2293318A (en) Electric switch
US2840656A (en) Low travel switch mechanism
US4445107A (en) Thermostatic switch for electrically heated devices
CN110770867B (zh) 电开关及其开关叶片
US4103269A (en) Thermostat and tip switch assembly
US1983076A (en) Thermostatic switch

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

17P Request for examination filed
GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 2861505

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19820225

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19840605

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19840702

Year of fee payment: 7

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19860328

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Effective date: 19860402

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Effective date: 19881117

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT