EP0268518B1 - Switch mechanism with a conducting slide having a double pivot, and switch having such a mechanism, especially for alternating current - Google Patents

Switch mechanism with a conducting slide having a double pivot, and switch having such a mechanism, especially for alternating current Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0268518B1
EP0268518B1 EP87402409A EP87402409A EP0268518B1 EP 0268518 B1 EP0268518 B1 EP 0268518B1 EP 87402409 A EP87402409 A EP 87402409A EP 87402409 A EP87402409 A EP 87402409A EP 0268518 B1 EP0268518 B1 EP 0268518B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fixed support
plane
switch mechanism
zones
zone
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 - Lifetime
Application number
EP87402409A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0268518A1 (en
Inventor
Roger Parlatore
Alain Leluc
Christian Besse
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Legrand SA
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Legrand SA
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Priority to AT87402409T priority Critical patent/ATE93992T1/en
Publication of EP0268518A1 publication Critical patent/EP0268518A1/en
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Publication of EP0268518B1 publication Critical patent/EP0268518B1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/02—Details
    • H01H23/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/58—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals
    • H01H1/5833—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals comprising an articulating, sliding or rolling contact between movable contact and terminal

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to switches of the type of those usually used for controlling the electrical supply of any circuit.
  • Such a switch comprises, in a housing, and under the control of an operating member, rocking key or push button for example, which, specific to its actuation, is available to the user, a set of parts commonly called mechanism, which forms the active part.
  • the present invention relates more particularly to the case where such a mechanism comprises, mounted movably between a fixed yoke and at least one fixed contact pad, at least one conductive brush, which is articulated to the fixed yoke, itself conductive, and which , under the control of the associated operating member, is capable of taking one or the other of two positions, one for which, by a support zone, it is in abutment against the fixed contact pad , the other for which, it is remote from it, either that, being a simple switch, it is not then in abutment against any other fixed contact pad or that it is in abutment against a simple rest pad, that is, for example being an inverter, it also bears against another fixed contact pad for this second position.
  • the fixed yoke usually comprises for this purpose a pivoting zone and the conductive brush itself comprises, for cooperation with this pivoting zone, and following for example a knife joint, a zone which, for simple convenience, will be referred to below as the contact zone, this zone normally effectively remaining permanently in contact with the pivoting zone of the fixed yoke.
  • Each of these twists translates in practice by the establishment of a mini-arc between the contact area of the conductive broom and the pivoting area of the fixed yoke, which gradually leads to degradation of the conductive broom and / or the fixed yoke, to the detriment of the desired current transmission.
  • the conductive broom for example, is thus progressively the object of a surface oxidation, and, when it is made of brass, it is jointly the object of a structural evolution due to a migration of zinc towards its surface.
  • the conductive brush generally has a loop configuration, and it is used for both '' other of its two positions, two distinct pivot zones, the conductive brush comprising, itself, for cooperation, each respectively, with these pivot zones, two distinct contact zones, and each of the pivot zones defining a pivot with the corresponding contact zone.
  • the present invention generally relates to a provision which makes it possible to overcome this difficulty in a simple and effective manner and which also leads to other advantages.
  • a switch mechanism of the type comprising, mounted movably between a fixed yoke and at least one fixed contact pad, at least one conductive brush, which generally has a configuration in loop, which is articulated to the fixed yoke, itself conductive, and which, under the control of an operating member available to the user, is capable of taking one or the other of at least two positions, one for which, by a support zone, it bears against the fixed contact pad, the other for which it is at a distance therefrom, said fixed clevis comprising, for articulation of the conductive broom, and for both of its positions, two distinct pivot zones, and said conductive brush and said conductive brush itself comprising, for cooperation, each respectively, with said pivot zones, two separate contact zones, each of the pivot zones defining a pivot with the corresponding contact zone, characterized in that, the two pivots thus defined are each arranged along a separate axis and perpendicular to the plane of movement of the conductive broom and in that the two pivots thus defined are each arranged
  • the switch mechanism according to the invention is characterized by the implementation of a real double pivot for the articulation of the conductive brush to the fixed yoke.
  • a double-pivot conductive brush switch mechanism according to the invention is thus advantageously able to allow switching of currents larger than a mechanism. comparable switch with only one pivot for the articulation of its conductive brush.
  • the two contact zones of the conductive brush are, permanently, apart from possible twists, in engagement, both, with the pivot zones of the fixed fork, whatever the position of this conductive broom.
  • loop configuration of the conductive brush advantageously combines with the implementation of two pivots for this conductive brush.
  • the switch mechanism 10 comprises, overall, in a manner known per se, mounted mobile between a fixed yoke 11 and at least one fixed contact pad 12A, 12B, a conductive brush 13, which is articulated to the fixed yoke 11, itself conductive, and which, under the control of an operating member 14 available to the 'user, is likely to take one or the other of two positions, one, Figure 1, for which, by a support area 15A, it is supported against the fixed contact pad concerned 12A, l other, Figure 4, for which it is remote from it.
  • a contact pad can be provided, for example a contact pad 12A, as shown in solid lines in FIGS. 1 and 4.
  • such a contact pad 12B can also be provided, but it is then a simple rest pad, without active intervention in the circuit whose electrical supply is to be controlled.
  • connection terminals 16 and 17A are each respectively in connection with connection terminals 16 and 17A.
  • this contact pad 12B also being in connection with a connection terminal 17B to be able to serve as an active contact pad if desired.
  • the yoke 11 and the contact pads 12A, 12B are in one piece with their respective connection terminals, and the corresponding parts are in practice solid parts suitably cut, machined or stamped.
  • the switch mechanism 10 as well constituted is arranged in a housing of insulating material.
  • the operating member 14 is a button, which, for example by lateral pins 20, of triangular or circular transverse contour, is pivotally mounted on the housing 18, along the double circular arrow F, and which, by a finger 21, is capable of acting on the conductive brush 13, this finger 21 extending for this purpose protruding on its lower surface, substantially perpendicular thereto, and having for its contact with said conductive brush 13, a tapered and rounded end.
  • the fixed yoke 11 comprises, in practice, parallel to one another, for one and the other of the two positions of the conductive brush 13, two distinct pivot zones 23A, 23B each belonging respectively to a separate axis and perpendicular to the plane of movement of the conductive brush, and said conductive brush 13 itself comprising, for cooperation, each respectively, with said pivot zones 23A, 23B, two distinct contact zones 24A, 24B.
  • the pivot zones 23A, 23B of the fixed yoke 11 are both oriented in the same direction, in this case upwards, in affecting both the same face of such a yoke 11, in this case the front face of the solid part which the latter forms with the connection terminal 16 which is associated with it.
  • each of these pivoting zones 23A, 23B is simply constituted, in a manner known per se, by a groove with a V-shaped cross-section affecting the yoke 11 in hollow.
  • each of these grooves has the edge, which forms the bottom, leveled by a planar facet.
  • the conductive brush 13 has, generally, a loop configuration, but, according to the invention, the loop which it forms is open and it closes on the fixed yoke 11, the opening ends of this loop forming by themselves the corresponding contact zones 24A, 24B.
  • the open loop which the conductive brush 13 thus forms is in one piece, by appropriate cutting and folding of a single metal strip, and, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 , 10 and 11 to 22, it is a symmetrical loop with respect to its middle zone.
  • the conductive brush 13 comprises, on the one hand, between two support zones 15A, 15B each suitable for its support on the contact pad 12A, 12B corresponding, a median strip 26, through which it is able to be under the control of the associated operating member 14, which, common to said support zones 15A, 15B, extends continuously from one to the other of these, and, on the other hand, each in turning back from said median strip 26, at the ends thereof, at least one tab 27A, 27B whose own end forms the corresponding contact area 24A, 24B.
  • the conductive brush 13 comprises, in this form of embodiment, each arranged respectively on either side of its median strip 26, parallel to each other, two tabs 27A-27 ⁇ A, 27B-27 ⁇ B, and these are the ends of these tabs 27A-27 ⁇ A, 27B-27 ⁇ B which jointly form the corresponding contact zones 24A, 24B.
  • the bearing zones 15A, 15B of the conductive brush 13 are flat, they each carry, projecting from their lower surface, for contact with the corresponding fixed contact pad 12A, 12B, a contact grain 28A, 28B, and each of the tabs 27A-27 ⁇ A, 27B-27 ⁇ B, the ends of which jointly form a contact zone 24A, 24B is in continuity with the corresponding support zone 15A, 15B, the current part at less, of such a tongue 27A-27 ⁇ A, 27B-27 ⁇ B between its end forming the contact zone (24A, 24B) and the bearing zone (15A, 15B), extends substantially along the plane of said zone d support 15A, 15B, while the associated central strip 26 has an overall configuration in M, with rounded angles, that of the legs 29A, 29B of this central strip 26 which corresponds to such a support area 15A, 15B diverging, , of the plan of this one.
  • the operating member 14 is stable.
  • the conductive brush 13 establishes electrical continuity between the fixed yoke 11 and the fixed contact pad 12A, and therefore between the corresponding connection terminals 16 and 17A, and for the position in FIG. 4 , it establishes electrical continuity between this fixed yoke 11 and the fixed contact pad 12B, and therefore between the corresponding connection terminals 16 and 17B.
  • the conductive brush 13 is engaged, by one and the other of its contact zones 24A, 24B, with, each respectively, the corresponding pivot zones 23A, 23B of the fixed yoke 11.
  • the conductive brush 13 comprises, as before, a central strip 26 ⁇ by which it is able to be under the control of the associated operating member 14, by the finger 21 thereof. ci, but, it further comprises in this case, as a variant of the previous cusp arrangement, two U-shaped connection zones 32A, 32B connecting, each respectively, continuously, the ends of this central strip 26 ⁇ to the contact zones 24A , Corresponding 24B, one of the strands of at least one of these connection zones 32A, 32B, and, for example, in the case of an inverter, one of the strands of each of these, that which is on the side opposite to the central strip 26 ⁇ , then being adapted to directly form by itself a support zone 15A, 15B for the whole.
  • the central strip 26 ⁇ has, overall, in its central zone, a V-shaped configuration 32.
  • the support zones 15A, 15B each comprise, respectively, projecting, a contact grain 28A, 28B.
  • the conductive brush 13 has a loop configuration of the type described with reference to Figure 5 above.
  • the pivot zones 23A, 23B of the fixed yoke 11 are arranged back to back, each affecting respectively two opposite faces of this yoke 11.
  • the conductive brush 13 is engaged, by a closed contour cutout 35 affecting its central zone, on the fixed yoke 11, and, at least one of the contact zones 24A, 24B by which it is articulated thereto is constituted by the end of a corrugated tongue formed by means of such a cut 35.
  • these corrugated tongues 36A, 36B each have only one corrugation in the general shape of a half-wave, with the concavity of the latter turned in opposite directions relative to the other.
  • a corrugated tongue 36B only for the single contact area 24B of the conductive brush 13, the other, 24A, contact areas of the latter being then directly formed by the edge of its cutout 35, and, more precisely, by the edge of the corresponding transverse edge thereof.
  • the finger 21 of the operating member 14 comprises two arms which each bear respectively on the corresponding longitudinal edges of the conductive brush 13.
  • two fingers 21A, 21B are provided on the operating member 14, on either side, each respectively, of the yoke 11.
  • the operating member 14 is constituted by a tilting mounted button.
  • the corresponding push button is offset, relative to the median plane of the fixed yoke 11, median plane which is perpendicular to the plane of movement of the conductive brush 13 and which is plumb with the upper face of the fixed yoke 11, and the loop that forms the conductive brush 13 is asymmetrical.
  • the conductive brush 13 suffices for the recall of the corresponding operating member 14, without it being necessary to use an additional spring to do this.
  • FIG. 10 is, as a whole, of the type of that represented in FIG. 5.
  • the action of the operating member 14 on the conductive brush 13 is effected by means of a part 21 ⁇ , commonly known as the driver, distinct from this operating member 14.
  • the actuator 14 which, as before, is a tilting mounted button, is engaged, by a yoke 41, with such a coach 21 ⁇ , and the latter is, itself, pivotally mounted on the corresponding housing 18.
  • the axis of the journals of the operating member 14 is not necessarily confused with that of the journals of the coach 21 ⁇ , and only that of the latter must remain fixed relative to the fixed yoke 11.
  • the fixed yoke 11 is, with its pivot zones 23A, 23B, no longer formed by a solid piece, but by a strip, which is suitably folded accordingly, also forming by itself the associated connection terminal 16, and which is suitably buttressed by the corresponding housing 18, a lug 42 thereof being for example inserted between its pivot zones 23A, 23B.
  • the convex central portion 32 of the central strip 26 ⁇ of the conductive brush 13 is adjusted to the rounded end of the associated driver 21 ⁇ , for fitting thereon.
  • FIGS. 11 to 22 are also, as a whole, of the type of that described in reference to figure 5.
  • the pivoting mounting of the operating member 14 takes place by a pin 44, which crosses this operating member 14 transversely, by means of a bore 45 provided for this purpose. effect therein, and which, at its ends, jointly crosses the corresponding longitudinal walls 46 of the housing 18, by means of holes 47 also provided for this purpose therein.
  • this pivot axis 44 can for example be ensured by a cover, which, attached to the operating member 14, jointly covers the latter and the portions concerned of the longitudinal walls 46 of the housing 18.
  • the pivot axis 44 is substantially arranged in the median plane of the fixed yoke 11, median plane which is perpendicular to the plane of movement of the conductive brush 13 and which is located plumb with the upper face of this fixed yoke 11, so that, as before, both of the tilting positions of the operating member 14 are stable.
  • the holes 47 of the housing 18 are circular, at the contour of the pivot axis 44, and the same is true for the hole 45 of the operating member 14.
  • the pivot axis 44 of the actuator 14 is on the contrary offset, laterally, relative to the median plane of the fixed yoke 11, median plane which is perpendicular to the movement plane of the conductive broom 13 and which is perpendicular to the upper face of this fixed yoke 11.
  • pivot axes 44A, 44B which are both offset laterally with respect to the median plane of the fixed yoke 11, median plane which is perpendicular to the plane of movement of the conductive brush 13 and which is perpendicular to the upper face of this fixed yoke 11, the projection of the pivot axes (44A, 44B) on the upper face of the fixed yoke falling in outside of the latter, these pivot axes 44A, 44B extending respectively on either side of the fixed yoke 11, one offset to the side of the fixed contact pad 12A, the other offset to the side of the stud fixed contact 12B.
  • the two pivot axes 44A, 44B both pass through holes 45A, 45B of the operating member 14, and without play, and, with play, holes 47A, 47B of the housing 18.
  • these holes 47A, 47B are then elongated in the buttonhole, generally parallel to said median plane.
  • these holes 47A, 47B can be slightly bent, while being centered on the axis opposite to that which passes through them.
  • the stable rest position of the operating member 14, and therefore of the conductive brush 13 is an intermediate position between their previous extreme tilting positions, and, for this intermediate position, shown in FIG. 21, which is a third position coming in addition to the previous two, the conductive brush 13 is at a distance from one and from the other of the fixed contact pads 12A, 12B.
  • both of these extreme tilting positions are unstable, and, for their maintenance, it is necessary to extend the corresponding action on the operating member 14, as shown schematically by the arrows F ⁇ A and F ⁇ B.
  • the switch according to the invention is in this case an inverter with neutral mid-point and two momentary closing positions.
  • FIG. 12 there may be, parallel to one another, two conductive brushes 13, with, for each of them, a fixed yoke 11 and one or two fixed contact pads 12A, 12B, the operating member 14 then having, in parallel to one another, for their joint actuation, two fingers 21.
  • the switch mechanism according to the invention is suitable most particularly for breaking an alternating current, for which it is more particularly intended, this breaking not necessarily requiring a rapid tilting of this conducting brush, it goes without saying that the field of application of the invention does not is however not limited to the only breaking of an alternating current but can, at least for certain applications, in particular when the current to be cut is low, extend as well to the breaking of a direct current.

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  • Rotary Switch, Piano Key Switch, And Lever Switch (AREA)
  • Tumbler Switches (AREA)
  • Slide Switches (AREA)
  • Brushes (AREA)
  • Mechanisms For Operating Contacts (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Apparatuses For Generation Of Mechanical Vibrations (AREA)
  • Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)
  • Keying Circuit Devices (AREA)
  • Ultra Sonic Daignosis Equipment (AREA)
  • Electronic Switches (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
  • Motor Or Generator Current Collectors (AREA)

Abstract

A switch mechanism comprises, movably mounted between a fixed yoke and at least one fixed contact, at least one conductive contact arm which is articulated to the fixed yoke, which is itself conductive. The arm is controlled by an operating member available to the user to assume one or other of at least two positions in one of which it bears against the fixed contact through a bearing area and in the other of which it is spaced from the latter. A double pivot is used for articulating the conductive contact arm to the fixed yoke, which comprises two separate pivoting areas parallel to each other, one for each of said two positions of the conductive contact arm. The conductive contact arm itself comprises two distinct contact areas for cooperating each with a respective one of the pivoting areas.

Description

La présente invention concerne d'une manière générale les interrupteurs du type de ceux usuellement mis en oeuvre pour le contrôle de l'alimentation électrique d'un quelconque circuit.The present invention relates generally to switches of the type of those usually used for controlling the electrical supply of any circuit.

Globalement, un tel interrupteur comporte, dans un boîtier, et sous le contrôle d'un organe de manoeuvre, touche basculante ou bouton poussoir par exemple, qui, propre à son actionnement, est à la disposition de l'usager, un ensemble de pièces communément dit mécanisme, qui en forme la partie active.Overall, such a switch comprises, in a housing, and under the control of an operating member, rocking key or push button for example, which, specific to its actuation, is available to the user, a set of parts commonly called mechanism, which forms the active part.

La présente invention vise plus particulièrement le cas où un tel mécanisme comporte, monté mobile entre une chape fixe et au moins un plot de contact fixe, au moins un balai conducteur, qui est articulé à la chape fixe, elle-même conductrice, et qui, sous le contrôle de l'organe de manoeuvre associé, est susceptible de prendre l'une ou l'autre de deux positions, l'une pour laquelle, par une zone d'appui, il est en appui contre le plot de contact fixe, l'autre pour laquelle, il est à distance de celui-ci, soit que, s'agissant d'un simple commutateur, il ne soit alors en appui contre aucun autre plot de contact fixe ou qu'il soit en appui contre un simple plot de repos, soit que, s'agissant par exemple d'un inverseur, il soit égalment en appui contre un autre plot de contact fixe pour cette deuxième position.The present invention relates more particularly to the case where such a mechanism comprises, mounted movably between a fixed yoke and at least one fixed contact pad, at least one conductive brush, which is articulated to the fixed yoke, itself conductive, and which , under the control of the associated operating member, is capable of taking one or the other of two positions, one for which, by a support zone, it is in abutment against the fixed contact pad , the other for which, it is remote from it, either that, being a simple switch, it is not then in abutment against any other fixed contact pad or that it is in abutment against a simple rest pad, that is, for example being an inverter, it also bears against another fixed contact pad for this second position.

L'un des problèmes, dans la réalisation des mécanisme d'interrupteur de ce type, tient à l'articulation à assurer entre le balai conducteur et la chape fixe, en raison de ce que, outre sa fonction de pivotement, cette articulation doit également assurer une fonction de transmission de courant.One of the problems in the production of switch mechanisms of this type is due to the articulation to be provided between the conductive broom and the fixed yoke, due to the fact that, in addition to its pivoting function, this articulation must also provide a current transmission function.

Le plus souvent, cette articulation se fait par un pivot unique.Most often, this articulation is done by a single pivot.

En pratique, la chape fixe comporte usuellement à cet effet une zone de pivotement et le balai conducteur comporte, lui-même, pour coopération avec cette zone de pivotement, et suivant par exemple une articulation à couteau, une zone qui, par simple commodité, sera dite ci-après zone de contact, cette zone devant effectivement normalement demeurer en permanence au contact de la zone de pivotement de la chape fixe.In practice, the fixed yoke usually comprises for this purpose a pivoting zone and the conductive brush itself comprises, for cooperation with this pivoting zone, and following for example a knife joint, a zone which, for simple convenience, will be referred to below as the contact zone, this zone normally effectively remaining permanently in contact with the pivoting zone of the fixed yoke.

En fait, il apparaît, en fonctionnement, c'est-à-dire lors de l'actionnement du mécanisme, qu'il se produit, au niveau d'une telle articulation, des rebondissements intempestifs entre la zone de contact du balai conducteur et la zone de pivotement de la chape fixe.In fact, it appears, in operation, that is to say when the mechanism is actuated, that there occurs, at the level of such a joint, untimely twists and turns between the contact area of the conductive brush and the pivoting area of the fixed yoke.

Chacun de ces rebondissements se traduit en pratique par l'établissement d'un mini-arc entre la zone de contact du balai conducteur et la zone de pivotement de la chape fixe, ce qui entraîne progressivement une dégradation du balai conducteur et/ou de la chape fixe, au détriment de la transmission de courant recherchée.Each of these twists translates in practice by the establishment of a mini-arc between the contact area of the conductive broom and the pivoting area of the fixed yoke, which gradually leads to degradation of the conductive broom and / or the fixed yoke, to the detriment of the desired current transmission.

Le balai conducteur, par exemple, est ainsi progressivement l'objet d'une oxydation de surface, et, lorsqu'il est en laiton, il est conjointement l'objet d'une évolution structurale due à une migration du zinc vers sa surface.The conductive broom, for example, is thus progressively the object of a surface oxidation, and, when it is made of brass, it is jointly the object of a structural evolution due to a migration of zinc towards its surface.

Les conditions de transmission de courant étant dès lors modifiées, il se produit inévitablement, entre le balai conducteur et la chape fixe, un échauffement intempestif qui, indépendamment d'une incidence éventuelle sur la tenue mécanique de la matière isolante environnante, ne peut qu'accentuer l'évolution défavorable dont il est le révélateur.Since the conditions of current transmission are therefore modified, there is inevitably an untimely heating between the conductive brush and the fixed yoke which, independently of any possible effect on the mechanical strength of the surrounding insulating material, can only accentuate the unfavorable development of which it is the revealer.

Le plus souvent, on tente d'obvier à cet inconvénient en mettant en oeuvre de la graisse dans la zone d'articulation concernée, mais il ne s'agit au mieux que d'un palliatif insuffisant.Most often, an attempt is made to overcome this drawback by using grease in the articulation zone concerned, but it is at best only an insufficient palliative.

Dans le brevet américain No 2 203 555, qui divulgue l'ensemble des caractéristiques telles qu'énonceés au préambule de la revendication 1, le balai conducteur a globalement une configuration en boucle, et il est mis en oeuvre, pour l'une et l'autre de ses deux positions, deux zones de pivotement distinctes, le balai conducteur comportant, lui-même, pour coopération, chacune respectivement, avec ces zones de pivotement, deux zones de contact distinctes, et chacune des zones de pivotement définissant un pivot avec la zone de contact correspondante.In US Patent No. 2,203,555, which discloses all of the features as set out in the preamble to claim 1, the conductive brush generally has a loop configuration, and it is used for both '' other of its two positions, two distinct pivot zones, the conductive brush comprising, itself, for cooperation, each respectively, with these pivot zones, two distinct contact zones, and each of the pivot zones defining a pivot with the corresponding contact zone.

Mais, dans ce brevet américain, pour chacune des deux positions du balai conducteur, les deux zones de pivotement sont alignées l'une avec l'autre, parallèlement à l'axe de pivotement correspondant du balai conducteur, c'est-à-dire perpendiculairement au plan de mouvement de celui-ci, ces deux zones de pivotement résultant en pratique du fractionnement en deux portions d'une zone de pivotement unique.However, in this American patent, for each of the two positions of the conductive brush, the two pivot zones are aligned with each other, parallel to the corresponding pivot axis of the conductive brush, that is to say perpendicular to the plane of movement thereof, these two pivot zones resulting in practice from the splitting into two portions of a single pivot zone.

Avec une telle configuration, un éventuel rebondissement du balai conducteur au niveau d'une articulation ainsi formée de deux zones de pivotement a toute chance de concerner simultanément l'une et l'autre de celles-ci, au prix de la même difficulté que précédemment.With such a configuration, a possible rebound of the conductive broom at a joint thus formed of two pivoting zones has every chance of simultaneously affecting both of them, at the cost of the same difficulty as above. .

La présente invention a d'une manière générale pour objet une disposition permettant de surmonter de manière simple et efficace cette difficulté et conduisant en outre à d'autres avantages.The present invention generally relates to a provision which makes it possible to overcome this difficulty in a simple and effective manner and which also leads to other advantages.

De manière plus précise, elle a tout d'abord pour objet un mécanisme d'interrupteur, du genre comportant, monté mobile entre une chape fixe et au moins un plot de contact fixe, au moins un balai conducteur, qui a globalement une configuration en boucle, qui est articulé à la chape fixe, elle-même conductrice, et qui, sous le contrôle d'un organe de manoeuvre à la disposition de l'usager, est susceptible de prendre l'une ou l'autre d'au moins deux positions, l'une pour laquelle, par une zone d'appui, il est en appui contre le plot de contact fixe, l'autre pour laquelle il est à distance de celui-ci, ladite chape fixe comportant, pour l'articulation du balai conducteur, et pour l'une et l'autre des deux positions de celui-ci, deux zones de pivotement distinctes, et ledit balai conducteuret ledit balai conducteur comportant lui-même, pour coopération, chacune respectivement, avec lesdites zones de pivotement, deux zones de contact distinctes, chacune des zones de pivotement définissant un pivot avec la zone de contact correspondante, caractérisé en ce que, les deux pivots ainsi définis sont chacun agencés suivant un axe distinct et perpendiculaire au plan de mouvement du balai conducteur et en ce que la boucle que forme le balai conducteur est ouverte et se referme sur la chape fixe, les extrémités d'ouverture de cette boucle formant par elles-mêmes lesdites zones de contact.More specifically, it firstly relates to a switch mechanism, of the type comprising, mounted movably between a fixed yoke and at least one fixed contact pad, at least one conductive brush, which generally has a configuration in loop, which is articulated to the fixed yoke, itself conductive, and which, under the control of an operating member available to the user, is capable of taking one or the other of at least two positions, one for which, by a support zone, it bears against the fixed contact pad, the other for which it is at a distance therefrom, said fixed clevis comprising, for articulation of the conductive broom, and for both of its positions, two distinct pivot zones, and said conductive brush and said conductive brush itself comprising, for cooperation, each respectively, with said pivot zones, two separate contact zones, each of the pivot zones defining a pivot with the corresponding contact zone, characterized in that, the two pivots thus defined are each arranged along a separate axis and perpendicular to the plane of movement of the conductive broom and in that the loop that forms the conductive broom is open and closes on the fixed yoke, the opening ends of this loop forming by themselves said contact zones.

En bref, le mécanisme d'interrupteur suivant l'invention se caractérise par la mise en oeuvre d'un réel double pivot pour l'articulation du balai conducteur à la chape fixe.In short, the switch mechanism according to the invention is characterized by the implementation of a real double pivot for the articulation of the conductive brush to the fixed yoke.

Il en résulte une atténuation sensible, sinon une totale suppression, des conséquences inhérentes à un éventuel rebondissement, en fonctionnement, du balai conducteur vis-à-vis de la chape fixe au niveau d'un tel pivot.This results in a significant attenuation, if not a total elimination, of the consequences inherent in a possible rebound, in operation, of the conductive brush with respect to the fixed yoke at the level of such a pivot.

En effet, à supposer qu'un tel rebondissement intervienne effectivement pour l'un des deux pivots mis en oeuvre, il y a toute chance que, pour l'autre de ceux-ci, la zone de contact du balai conducteur soit encore effectivement en appui contre la zone de pivotement correspondante de la chape fixe, ce qui, une continuité électrique étant ainsi de toute façon assurée entre le balai conducteur et la chape fixe, minimise les risques d'apparition d'un mini-arc entre ces organes.Indeed, supposing that such a rebound does indeed occur for one of the two pivots used, there is every chance that, for the other of these, the contact zone of the conductive brush is still effectively in pressing against the corresponding pivoting zone of the fixed yoke, which, electrical continuity being thus anyway ensured between the conductive brush and the fixed yoke, minimizes the risks of the appearance of a mini-arc between these members.

Conjointement, les risques d'un échauffement intempestif entre le balai conducteur et la chape fixe sont eux-mêmes minimisés, tant en raison de la mise en oeuvre d'un double pivot, qui conduit à un doublement des surfaces en contact, qu'en raison du fait que, en liaison avec ce double pivot, le balai conducteur offre une surface d'échange plus importante avec l'atmosphère ambiante, ce qui est évidemment favorable à une bonne dissipation des calories.At the same time, the risks of inadvertent heating between the conductive broom and the fixed screed are themselves minimized, both because of the use of a double pivot, which leads to a doubling of the surfaces in contact, as well as this is because, in conjunction with this double pivot, the conductive brush provides a larger exchange surface with the ambient atmosphere, which is obviously favorable for good heat dissipation.

Les conditions étant égales par ailleurs, un mécanisme d'interrupteur à balai conducteur à double pivot suivant l'invention est ainsi avantageusement à même de permettre la commutation de courants plus importants qu'un mécanisme d'interrupteur comparable ne comportant qu'un seul pivot pour l'articulation de son balai conducteur.The conditions being equal, moreover, a double-pivot conductive brush switch mechanism according to the invention is thus advantageously able to allow switching of currents larger than a mechanism. comparable switch with only one pivot for the articulation of its conductive brush.

Certes, il est décrit dans la demande de brevet français déposée sous le No 74 13557 et publiée sous le No 2 268 343, un interrupteur électrique dans lequel la chape fixe comporte deux zones de pivotement et dans lequel, en correspondance, le balai conducteur comporte deux zones de contact.Admittedly, it is described in the French patent application filed under No 74 13557 and published under No 2 268 343, an electric switch in which the fixed yoke has two pivot zones and in which, in correspondence, the conductive broom has two contact areas.

Mais, dans ce brevet français, ces zones de pivotement et de contact ne constituent pas un double pivot.However, in this French patent, these pivoting and contact zones do not constitute a double pivot.

En effet, pour chacune des positions du balai conducteur, il n'y a qu'une zone de contact de ce balai conducteur en prise avec la zone de pivotement correspondante de la chape fixe, avec les risques de rebondissement mentionnés précédemment.In fact, for each of the positions of the conductive brush, there is only one contact zone of this conductive brush in engagement with the corresponding pivoting zone of the fixed yoke, with the risks of rebound mentioned previously.

Il en est de même, pour les raisons exposées, pour les interrupteurs électriques décrits dans le brevet américain No 2 203 555 et il en est de même pour ceux décrits dans le brevet américain No 3 337 703.It is the same, for the reasons explained, for the electrical switches described in US Patent No. 2,203,555 and it is the same for those described in US Patent No. 3,337,703.

Au contraire, avec le double pivot suivant l'invention, les deux zones de contact du balai conducteur sont, en permanence, abstraction faite d'éventuels rebondissements, en prise, l'une et l'autre, avec les zones de pivotement de la chape fixe, quelle que soit la position de ce balai conducteur.On the contrary, with the double pivot according to the invention, the two contact zones of the conductive brush are, permanently, apart from possible twists, in engagement, both, with the pivot zones of the fixed fork, whatever the position of this conductive broom.

Par ailleurs, la configuration en boucle du balai conducteur se conjugue ici avantageusement avec la mise en oeuvre de deux pivots pour ce balai conducteur.Furthermore, the loop configuration of the conductive brush here advantageously combines with the implementation of two pivots for this conductive brush.

En effet, il en résulte avantageusement une grande simplicité de construction.Indeed, this advantageously results in great simplicity of construction.

Les caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront d'ailleurs de la description qui va suivre, à titre d'exemple, en référence aux dessins schématiques annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est, avec des arrachements locaux, une vue en élévation d'un mécanisme d'interrupteur suivant l'invention, pour l'une des positions du balai conducteur qu'il comporte ;
  • la figure 2 reprend, à échelle supérieure, le détail de la figure 1 repéré par un encart II sur cette figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective du balai conducteur correspondant ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en élévation analogue à celle de la figure 1, pour l'autre position de ce balai conducteur ;
  • les figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 sont des vues qui, reprenant pour partie celle de a figure 1, se rapportent chacune respectivement à des variantes de réalisation du mécanisme d'interrupteur suivant l'invention ;
  • la figure 10 est une vue qui, analogue à celle de la figure 1, concerne elle aussi une autre variante de réalisation de ce mécanisme d'interrupteur ;
  • la figure 11 est une vue en élévation-coupe reprenant, sous forme plus constructive, la forme de réalisation de la figure 5 ;
  • la figure 12 est une vue partielle en coupe transversale de cette forme de réalisation, suivant la ligne XII-XII de la figure 11 ;
  • la figure 13 en est une vue partielle en élévation-coupe, suivant la ligne XIII-XIII de la figure 12 ;
  • la figure 14 est une vue en élévation-coupe analogue à celle de la figure 11, pour une variante de réalisation ;
  • la figure 15 est une vue en élévation-coupe analogue à celle de la figure 13 pour cette variante de réalisation ;
  • la figure 16 est une vue en élévation-coupe, qui, analogue à celle de la figure 14, illustre la mise en oeuvre de cette variante de réalisation ;
  • les figures 17 et 18 sont des vues en élévation-coupe, qui, analogues, chacune respectivement, à celles des figures 11 et 13, se rapportent à une autre variante de réalisation ;
  • les figures 19 et 20 sont des vues en élévation-coupe, qui, analogues à celle de la figure 17, illustrent la mise en oeuvre de cette variante de réalisation ;
  • les figures 21 et 22 sont des vues partielles en élévation-coupe, qui, reprenant, elles aussi, chacune respectivement, pour partie, celles des figures 11 et 13, se rapportent à une autre variante de réalisation.
The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, by way of example, with reference to the appended schematic drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is, with local cutaway, an elevational view of a switch mechanism according to the invention, for one of the positions of the conductive brush it comprises;
  • Figure 2 shows, on a larger scale, the detail of Figure 1 identified by an insert II in this Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of the corresponding conductive brush;
  • Figure 4 is an elevational view similar to that of Figure 1, for the other position of the conductive brush;
  • FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 are views which, partly taking up that of FIG. 1, each relate respectively to alternative embodiments of the switch mechanism according to the invention;
  • Figure 10 is a view which, similar to that of Figure 1, also relates to another alternative embodiment of this switch mechanism;
  • Figure 11 is an elevational sectional view showing, in more constructive form, the embodiment of Figure 5;
  • Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of this embodiment, taken along line XII-XII of Figure 11;
  • Figure 13 is a partial view in elevation-section along the line XIII-XIII of Figure 12;
  • Figure 14 is an elevational section similar to that of Figure 11, for an alternative embodiment;
  • Figure 15 is an elevational sectional view similar to that of Figure 13 for this alternative embodiment;
  • Figure 16 is an elevational section, which, similar to that of Figure 14, illustrates the implementation of this alternative embodiment;
  • Figures 17 and 18 are sectional elevation views, which, analogously, each respectively, to those of Figures 11 and 13, relate to another alternative embodiment;
  • Figures 19 and 20 are sectional elevation views, which, similar to that of Figure 17, illustrate the implementation of this alternative embodiment;
  • Figures 21 and 22 are partial elevation-sectional views, which, also, each, partly, respectively, those of Figures 11 and 13, relate to another alternative embodiment.

Tel qu'illustré sur ces figures, le mécanisme d'interrupteur 10 suivant l'invention comporte, globalement, de manière connue en soi, monté mobile entre une chape fixe 11 et au moins un plot de contact fixe 12A, 12B, un balai conducteur 13, qui est articulé à la chape fixe 11, elle-même conductrice, et qui, sous le contrôle d'un organe de manoeuvre 14 à la disposition de l'usager, est susceptible de prendre l'une ou l'autre de deux positions, l'une, figure 1, pour laquelle, par une zone d'appui 15A, il est en appui contre le plot de contact fixe concerné 12A, l'autre, figure 4, pour laquelle il est à distance de celui-ci.As illustrated in these figures, the switch mechanism 10 according to the invention comprises, overall, in a manner known per se, mounted mobile between a fixed yoke 11 and at least one fixed contact pad 12A, 12B, a conductive brush 13, which is articulated to the fixed yoke 11, itself conductive, and which, under the control of an operating member 14 available to the 'user, is likely to take one or the other of two positions, one, Figure 1, for which, by a support area 15A, it is supported against the fixed contact pad concerned 12A, l other, Figure 4, for which it is remote from it.

De manière connue en soi, et s'agissant d'un simple commutateur, seul un plot de contact peut être prévu, par exemple un plot de contact 12A, tel que représenté en trait plein sur les figures 1 et 4.In a manner known per se, and being a simple switch, only a contact pad can be provided, for example a contact pad 12A, as shown in solid lines in FIGS. 1 and 4.

Mais, s'agissant d'un inverseur, et tel que schématisé en traits interrompus sur ces figures 1 et 4, il peut être prévu, du côté de la chape 11 opposé au plot de contact 12A précédent, un deuxième plot de contact, en l'espèce un plot de contact 12B.However, in the case of an inverter, and as shown diagrammatically in broken lines in these FIGS. 1 and 4, there may be provided, on the side of the yoke 11 opposite to the previous contact pad 12A, a second contact pad, in the species a contact pad 12B.

Dans le cas d'un commutateur, un tel plot de contact 12B peut également être prévu, mais il s'agit alors d'un simple plot de repos, sans intervention active dans le circuit dont l'alimentation électrique est à contrôler.In the case of a switch, such a contact pad 12B can also be provided, but it is then a simple rest pad, without active intervention in the circuit whose electrical supply is to be controlled.

Quoi qu'il en soit, pour leur insertion sur un tel circuit, la chape 11, d'une part, et le plot de contact 12A, d'autre part, sont chacun respectivement en liaison avec des bornes de connexion 16 et 17A.Anyway, for their insertion on such a circuit, the yoke 11, on the one hand, and the contact pad 12A, on the other hand, are each respectively in connection with connection terminals 16 and 17A.

Il en est en pratique de même pour le plot de contact 12B, ce plot de contact 12B se trouvant lui aussi en liaison avec une borne de connexion 17B pour être en mesure de servir de plot de contact actif si désiré.It is in practice the same for the contact pad 12B, this contact pad 12B also being in connection with a connection terminal 17B to be able to serve as an active contact pad if desired.

Dans la forme de réalisation plus particulièrement représentée sur les figures 1 à 4, la chape 11 et les plots de contact 12A, 12B sont d'un seul tenant avec leurs bornes de connexion respectives, et les pièces correspondantes sont en pratique des pièces massives convenablement découpées, usinées ou matricées.In the embodiment more particularly shown in Figures 1 to 4, the yoke 11 and the contact pads 12A, 12B are in one piece with their respective connection terminals, and the corresponding parts are in practice solid parts suitably cut, machined or stamped.

Bien entendu, le mécanisme d'interrupteur 10 ainsi constitué est disposé dans un boîtier en matière isolante.Of course, the switch mechanism 10 as well constituted is arranged in a housing of insulating material.

Ce boîtier ne faisant pas partie en soi de la présente invention, et relevant de l'homme de l'art, il ne sera pas décrit ici.This box not being in itself part of the present invention, and falling within the skill of the art, it will not be described here.

Pour l'essentiel, il n'est d'ailleurs pas représenté sur les figures 1 à 10.For the most part, it is also not shown in FIGS. 1 to 10.

Seules sont visibles sur certaines de celles-ci certaines portions de ce boîtier nécessaires à l'exposé.Only certain portions of this box that are necessary for the presentation are visible on some of these.

Elles y sont alors toutes indifféremment désignées par la même référence numérique 18.They are then all indifferently designated by the same reference number 18.

Par contre, ce boîtier apparaît plus clairement et plus complètement, sous cette même référence numérique 18, sur les figures 11 à 22.On the other hand, this box appears more clearly and more completely, under this same reference number 18, in FIGS. 11 to 22.

Dans la forme de réalisation plus particulièrement représentée sur les figures 1 à 4, et il en est de même pour les variantes de réalisation illustrées par les figures 5 à 8, l'organe de manoeuvre 14 est une touche, qui, par exemple par des tourillons latéraux 20, de contour transversal triangulaire ou circulaire, est montée pivotante sur le boîtier 18, suivant la double flèche circulaire F, et qui, par un doigt 21, est propre à agir sur le balai conducteur 13, ce doigt 21 s'étendant à cet effet en saillie sur sa surface inférieure, sensiblement perpendiculairement à celle-ci, et présentant pour son contact avec ledit balai conducteur 13, une extrémité effilée et arrondie.In the embodiment more particularly shown in Figures 1 to 4, and it is the same for the alternative embodiments illustrated by Figures 5 to 8, the operating member 14 is a button, which, for example by lateral pins 20, of triangular or circular transverse contour, is pivotally mounted on the housing 18, along the double circular arrow F, and which, by a finger 21, is capable of acting on the conductive brush 13, this finger 21 extending for this purpose protruding on its lower surface, substantially perpendicular thereto, and having for its contact with said conductive brush 13, a tapered and rounded end.

Ces dispositions sont bien connues par elles-mêmes, et, ne faisant pas en soi l'objet de la présente invention, elles ne seront pas décrites plus en détail ici.These arrangements are well known in themselves, and, not being in themselves the subject of the present invention, they will not be described in more detail here.

Il est mis en oeuvre, pour l'articulation du balai conducteur 13 à la chape fixe 11, un double pivot.For the articulation of the conductive brush 13 to the fixed yoke 11, a double pivot is used.

A cet effet, la chape fixe 11 comporte, en pratique, parallèlement l'une à l'autre, pour l'une et l'autre des deux positions du balai conducteur 13, deux zones de pivotement distinctes 23A, 23B chaque appartenant respectivement à un axe distinct et perpendiculaire au plan de mouvement du balai conducteur, et ledit balai conducteur 13 comportant, lui-même, pour coopération, chacune respectivement, avec lesdites zones de pivotement 23A, 23B, deux zones de contact distinctes 24A,24B.To this end, the fixed yoke 11 comprises, in practice, parallel to one another, for one and the other of the two positions of the conductive brush 13, two distinct pivot zones 23A, 23B each belonging respectively to a separate axis and perpendicular to the plane of movement of the conductive brush, and said conductive brush 13 itself comprising, for cooperation, each respectively, with said pivot zones 23A, 23B, two distinct contact zones 24A, 24B.

Dans la forme de réalisation plus spécifiquement représentée sur les figures 1 à 4, les zones de pivotement 23A, 23B de la chape fixe 11 sont orientées l'une et l'autre dans le même sens, en l'espèce vers le haut, en affectant l'une et l'autre une même face d'une telle chape 11, en l'espèce la face frontale de la pièce massive que forme celle-ci avec la borne de connexion 16 qui lui est associée.In the embodiment more specifically shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the pivot zones 23A, 23B of the fixed yoke 11 are both oriented in the same direction, in this case upwards, in affecting both the same face of such a yoke 11, in this case the front face of the solid part which the latter forms with the connection terminal 16 which is associated with it.

En pratique, chacune de ces zones de pivotement 23A, 23B est simplement constituée, de manière connue en soi, par une rainure à section transversale en V affectant en creux la chape 11.In practice, each of these pivoting zones 23A, 23B is simply constituted, in a manner known per se, by a groove with a V-shaped cross-section affecting the yoke 11 in hollow.

Par exemple, et tel que représenté, chacune de ces gorges a l'arête, qui en forme le fond, arasée par une facette plane.For example, and as shown, each of these grooves has the edge, which forms the bottom, leveled by a planar facet.

Compte tenu de l'orientation vers le haut des gorges constituant ainsi les zones de pivotement 23A, 23B de la chape 11, les zones de contact 24A, 24B correspondantes du balai conducteur 13 sont recourbées en direction de ces zones de pivotement 23A, 23B.Given the upward orientation of the grooves thus constituting the pivot zones 23A, 23B of the yoke 11, the corresponding contact zones 24A, 24B of the conductive brush 13 are bent in the direction of these pivot zones 23A, 23B.

En pratique, dans les formes de réalisation représentées sur les figures 1 à 6, 9, 10 et 11 à 22, le balai conducteur 13 a, globalement, une configuration en boucle, mais, suivant l'invention, la boucle qu'il forme est ouverte et elle se referme sur la chape fixe 11, les extrémités d'ouverture de cette boucle formant par elles-mêmes les zones de contact 24A, 24B correspondantes.In practice, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6, 9, 10 and 11 to 22, the conductive brush 13 has, generally, a loop configuration, but, according to the invention, the loop which it forms is open and it closes on the fixed yoke 11, the opening ends of this loop forming by themselves the corresponding contact zones 24A, 24B.

En pratique, également, la boucle ouverte que forme ainsi le balai conducteur 13 est d'un seul tenant, par découpe et pliage appropriés d'un seul et même feuillard métallique, et, dans les formes de réalisation représentées sur les figures 1 à 6, 10 et 11 à 22, il s'agit d'une boucle symétrique par rapport à sa zone médiane.In practice, too, the open loop which the conductive brush 13 thus forms is in one piece, by appropriate cutting and folding of a single metal strip, and, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 , 10 and 11 to 22, it is a symmetrical loop with respect to its middle zone.

Plus précisément, dans la forme de réalisation plus spécifiquement représentée sur les figures 1 à 4, le balai conducteur 13 comporte, d'une part, entre deux zones d'appui 15A, 15B propres chacune à son appui sur le plot de contact 12A, 12B correspondant, une bande médiane 26, par laquelle il est apte à être sous le contrôle de l'organe de manoeuvre 14 associé, et qui, commune auxdites zones d'appui 15A, 15B, s'étend en continu de l'une à l'autre de celles-ci, et, d'autre part, chacune en rebroussement par rapport à ladite bande médiane 26, aux extrémités de celle-ci, au moins une languette 27A, 27B dont la propre extrémité forme la zone de contact 24A, 24B correspondante.More specifically, in the embodiment more specifically shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the conductive brush 13 comprises, on the one hand, between two support zones 15A, 15B each suitable for its support on the contact pad 12A, 12B corresponding, a median strip 26, through which it is able to be under the control of the associated operating member 14, which, common to said support zones 15A, 15B, extends continuously from one to the other of these, and, on the other hand, each in turning back from said median strip 26, at the ends thereof, at least one tab 27A, 27B whose own end forms the corresponding contact area 24A, 24B.

En pratique, pour chacune de ces zones de contact 24A, 24B, le balai conducteur 13 comporte, dans cette dorme de réalisation, disposées chacune respectivement de part et d'autre de sa bande médiane 26, parallèlement l'une à l'autre, deux languettes 27A-27ʹA, 27B-27ʹB, et ce sont les extrémités de ces languettes 27A-27ʹA, 27B-27ʹB qui forment conjointement les zones de contact 24A, 24B correspondantes.In practice, for each of these contact zones 24A, 24B, the conductive brush 13 comprises, in this form of embodiment, each arranged respectively on either side of its median strip 26, parallel to each other, two tabs 27A-27ʹA, 27B-27ʹB, and these are the ends of these tabs 27A-27ʹA, 27B-27ʹB which jointly form the corresponding contact zones 24A, 24B.

En pratique, également, dans cette forme de réalisation, les zones d'appui 15A, 15B du balai conducteur 13 sont planes, elles portent chacune, en saillie sur leur surface inférieure, pour contact avec le plot de contact fixe 12A, 12B correspondant, un grain de contact 28A, 28B, et chacune des languettes 27A-27ʹA, 27B-27ʹB dont les extrémités forment conjointement une zone de contact 24A, 24B est en continuité avec la zone d'appui 15A, 15B correspondante, la partie courante, au moins, d'une telle languette 27A-27ʹA, 27B-27ʹB entre son extrémité formant la zone de contact (24A, 24B) et la zone d'appui (15A, 15B), s'étend sensiblement suivant le plan de ladite zone d'appui 15A, 15B, cependant que la bande médiane 26 associée a globalement une configuration en M, à angles arrondis, celui des jambages 29A, 29B de cette bande médiane 26 qui correspond à une telle zone d'appui 15A, 15B divergeant, lui, du plan de celle-ci.In practice, also, in this embodiment, the bearing zones 15A, 15B of the conductive brush 13 are flat, they each carry, projecting from their lower surface, for contact with the corresponding fixed contact pad 12A, 12B, a contact grain 28A, 28B, and each of the tabs 27A-27ʹA, 27B-27ʹB, the ends of which jointly form a contact zone 24A, 24B is in continuity with the corresponding support zone 15A, 15B, the current part at less, of such a tongue 27A-27ʹA, 27B-27ʹB between its end forming the contact zone (24A, 24B) and the bearing zone (15A, 15B), extends substantially along the plane of said zone d support 15A, 15B, while the associated central strip 26 has an overall configuration in M, with rounded angles, that of the legs 29A, 29B of this central strip 26 which corresponds to such a support area 15A, 15B diverging, , of the plan of this one.

Bien entendu, c'est dans la zone médiane concave 32 de cette bande médiane 26 que porte le doigt 21 de la touche basculante constituant l'organe de manoeuvre 14.Of course, it is in the concave median zone 32 of this median strip 26 that the finger 21 of the rocking key carries constituting the operating member 14.

Mais, compte tenu de l'élasticité que lui confère sa configuration en boucle, le balai conducteur 13 est alors sous précontrainte.However, given the elasticity which its loop configuration gives it, the conductive brush 13 is then prestressed.

Il en résulte un contrôle élastique de la position de l'organe de manoeuvre 14.This results in an elastic control of the position of the operating member 14.

Autrement dit, pour l'une et l'autre des ses positions de basculement, l'organe de manoeuvre 14 est stable.In other words, for one and the other of its tilting positions, the operating member 14 is stable.

Il en est donc de même pour le balai conducteur 13.It is therefore the same for the conductive brush 13.

Pour faire passer le balai conducteur 13 d'une de ses positions à l'autre, il suffit d'agir en conséquence sur l'organe de manoeuvre 14, en vue de son basculement autour de l'axe de ses tourillons 20, suivant la double flèche F des figures 1 et 4.To move the conductive brush 13 from one of its positions to the other, it suffices to act accordingly on the operating member 14, with a view to its tilting around the axis of its pins 20, according to the double arrow F in Figures 1 and 4.

Pour la position de la figure 1, le balai conduc teur 13 établit une continuité électrique entre la chape fixe 11 et le plot de contact fixe 12A, et donc entre les bornes de connexion 16 et 17A correspondantes, et pour la position de la figure 4, il établit une continuité électrique entre cette chape fixe 11 et le plot de contact fixe 12B, et donc entre les bornes de connexion 16 et 17B correspondantes.For the position in FIG. 1, the conductive brush 13 establishes electrical continuity between the fixed yoke 11 and the fixed contact pad 12A, and therefore between the corresponding connection terminals 16 and 17A, and for the position in FIG. 4 , it establishes electrical continuity between this fixed yoke 11 and the fixed contact pad 12B, and therefore between the corresponding connection terminals 16 and 17B.

Ainsi qu'on le notera, et suivant l'invention, pour l'une et l'autre de ces positions, le balai conducteur 13 est en prise, par l'une et l'autre de ses zones de contact 24A, 24B, avec, chacune respectivement, les zones de pivotement correspondantes 23A, 23B de la chape fixe 11.As will be noted, and according to the invention, for either of these positions, the conductive brush 13 is engaged, by one and the other of its contact zones 24A, 24B, with, each respectively, the corresponding pivot zones 23A, 23B of the fixed yoke 11.

Dans la variante de réalisation représentée à la figure 5, le balai conducteur 13 comporte, comme précédemment, une bande médiane 26ʹ par laquelle il est apte à être sous le contrôle de l'organe de manoeuvre 14 associé, par le doigt 21 de celui-ci, mais, il comporte en outre dans ce cas, en variante de la disposition à rebroussement précédente, deux zones de raccordement en U 32A, 32B reliant, chacune respectivement, en continu, les extrémités de cette bande médiane 26ʹ aux zones de contact 24A, 24B correspondantes, l'un des brins de l'une au moins de ces zones de raccordement 32A, 32B, et, par exemple, s'agissant d'un inverseur, l'un des brins de chacune de celles-ci, celui qui est du côté opposé à la bande médiane 26ʹ, étant alors adapté à former directement par lui-même une zone d'appui 15A, 15B pur l'ensemble.In the variant embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the conductive brush 13 comprises, as before, a central strip 26ʹ by which it is able to be under the control of the associated operating member 14, by the finger 21 thereof. ci, but, it further comprises in this case, as a variant of the previous cusp arrangement, two U-shaped connection zones 32A, 32B connecting, each respectively, continuously, the ends of this central strip 26ʹ to the contact zones 24A , Corresponding 24B, one of the strands of at least one of these connection zones 32A, 32B, and, for example, in the case of an inverter, one of the strands of each of these, that which is on the side opposite to the central strip 26ʹ, then being adapted to directly form by itself a support zone 15A, 15B for the whole.

Pour le reste, les dispositions sont du type des précédentes.For the rest, the provisions are of the type of the previous ones.

En particulier, pour coopération avec le doigt 21 de l'organe de manoeuvre 14, la bande médiane 26ʹ a, globalement, dans sa zone médiane, une configuration en V 32.In particular, for cooperation with the finger 21 of the operating member 14, the central strip 26ʹ has, overall, in its central zone, a V-shaped configuration 32.

De même les zones d'appui 15A, 15B comportent chacune respectivement, en saillie, un grain de contact 28A, 28B.Likewise, the support zones 15A, 15B each comprise, respectively, projecting, a contact grain 28A, 28B.

Dans la forme de réalisation représentée sur la figure 6, le balai conducteur 13 a une configuration en boucle du type de celle décrite en référence à la figure 5 précédente.In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the conductive brush 13 has a loop configuration of the type described with reference to Figure 5 above.

Mais, dans cette forme de réalisation, les zones de pivotement 23A, 23B de la chape fixe 11 sont disposées dos à dos, en affectant chacune respectivement deux faces opposées de cette chape 11.However, in this embodiment, the pivot zones 23A, 23B of the fixed yoke 11 are arranged back to back, each affecting respectively two opposite faces of this yoke 11.

Dès lors, les zones de contact 24A, 24B correspondantes du balai conducteur 13, formées, comme précédemment, par les extrémités de la boucle qu'il constitue, sont droites.Consequently, the corresponding contact zones 24A, 24B of the conductive brush 13, formed, as before, by the ends of the loop which it constitutes, are straight.

Il en est de même dans les variantes de réalisation représentées sur les figures 7 et 8.It is the same in the variant embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Mais, dans ces variantes de réalisation, le balai conducteur 13 est engagé, par une découpe à contour fermé 35 affectant sa zone médiane, sur la chape fixe 11, et, l'une au moins des zones de contact 24A, 24B par lesquelles il est articulé à celle-ci est constituée par l'extrémité d'une languette ondulée formée à la faveur d'une telle découpe 35.However, in these alternative embodiments, the conductive brush 13 is engaged, by a closed contour cutout 35 affecting its central zone, on the fixed yoke 11, and, at least one of the contact zones 24A, 24B by which it is articulated thereto is constituted by the end of a corrugated tongue formed by means of such a cut 35.

Dans la forme de réalisation plus particulièrement représentée à la figure 7, il en est ainsi pour l'une et l'autre des zones de contact 24A, 24B, deux languettes ondulées 36A, 36B étant prévues à cet effet, en directions opposées l'une par rapport à l'autre, à compter de deux bords opposés de la découpe 35 correspondante.In the embodiment more particularly shown in FIG. 7, this is the case for both of the contact zones 24A, 24B, two corrugated tongues 36A, 36B being provided for this purpose, in opposite directions. one with respect to the other, from two opposite edges of the corresponding cutout 35.

En pratique, dans cette forme de réalisation, ces languettes ondulées 36A, 36B ne comportent chacune qu'une seule ondulation en forme générale de demi-onde, avec la concavité de celle-ci tournée en sens opposés l'une par rapport à l'autre.In practice, in this embodiment, these corrugated tongues 36A, 36B each have only one corrugation in the general shape of a half-wave, with the concavity of the latter turned in opposite directions relative to the other.

Dans la forme de réalisation plus spécifiquement représentée à la figure 8, il n'est prévu une languette ondulée 36B que pour la seule zone de contact 24B du balai conducteur 13, l'autre, 24A, des zones de contact de celui-ci étant alors directement formée par la tranche de sa découpe 35, et, plus précisément, par la tranche du bord transversal correspondant de celle-ci.In the embodiment more specifically represented in FIG. 8, there is provided a corrugated tongue 36B only for the single contact area 24B of the conductive brush 13, the other, 24A, contact areas of the latter being then directly formed by the edge of its cutout 35, and, more precisely, by the edge of the corresponding transverse edge thereof.

Suivant la variante de réalisation schématisée à la figure 7, le doigt 21 de l'organe de manoeuvre 14 comporte deux bras qui portent chacun respectivement sur les bords longitudinaux correspondants du balai conducteur 13.According to the variant embodiment shown diagrammatically in FIG. 7, the finger 21 of the operating member 14 comprises two arms which each bear respectively on the corresponding longitudinal edges of the conductive brush 13.

En variante, figure 8, deux doigts 21A, 21B sont prévus sur l'organe de manoeuvre 14, de part et d'autre, chacun respectivement, de la chape 11.As a variant, in FIG. 8, two fingers 21A, 21B are provided on the operating member 14, on either side, each respectively, of the yoke 11.

Dans l'un et l'autre cas, il n'est pas nécessaire que la découpe 35 du balai conducteur 13 soit à contour fermé.In both cases, it is not necessary for the cutout 35 of the conductive brush 13 to have a closed contour.

Il pourrait par exemple tout aussi bien s'agir d'une découpe en U, c'est-à-dire d'une découpe ouverte latéralement le long d'un des bords longitudinaux de ce balai conducteur 13.It could for example just as easily be a U-shaped cut, that is to say a cut open laterally along one of the longitudinal edges of this conductive brush 13.

Dans ce qui précède, l'organe de manoeuvre 14 est constitué par une touche montée basculante.In the foregoing, the operating member 14 is constituted by a tilting mounted button.

Mais, tel que schématisé par une double flèche droite F' à la figure 9, il pourrait tout aussi bien s'agir d'un bouton poussoir monté mobile en translation dans le boîtier correspondant.However, as shown schematically by a double straight arrow F 'in FIG. 9, it could just as easily be a push button mounted movable in translation in the corresponding housing.

Dans un tel cas, le bouton poussoir correspondant est décalé, par rapport au plan médian de la chape fixe 11, plan médian qui est perpendiculaire au plan de mouvement du balai conducteur 13 et qui se trouve à l'aplomb de la face supérieure de la chape fixe 11, et la boucle que forme le balai conducteur 13 est dissymétrique.In such a case, the corresponding push button is offset, relative to the median plane of the fixed yoke 11, median plane which is perpendicular to the plane of movement of the conductive brush 13 and which is plumb with the upper face of the fixed yoke 11, and the loop that forms the conductive brush 13 is asymmetrical.

Mais, pour le reste, les dispositions sont du type de celles décrites précédemment en référence aux figures 1 à 6.However, for the rest, the arrangements are of the type described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

En particulier, par son élasticité propre, le balai conducteur 13 suffit au rappel de l'organe de manoeuvre 14 correspondant, sans qu'il soit besoin d'avoir recours pour ce faire à un ressort additionnel.In particular, by its own elasticity, the conductive brush 13 suffices for the recall of the corresponding operating member 14, without it being necessary to use an additional spring to do this.

Il va de soi, cependant, que pour un mécanisme d'interrupteur dont l'organe de manoeuvre est ainsi un bouton poussoir, il n'est prévu qu'un plot de contact fixe, en l'espèce un plot de contact fixe 12B.It goes without saying, however, that for a mechanism switch whose operating member is thus a push button, there is only provided a fixed contact pad, in this case a fixed contact pad 12B.

La forme de réalisation illustrée par la figure 10 est, dans son ensemble, du type de celle représentée à la figure 5.The embodiment illustrated by FIG. 10 is, as a whole, of the type of that represented in FIG. 5.

Mais, l'action de l'organe de manoeuvre 14 sur le balai conducteur 13 se fait par l'intermédiaire d'une pièce 21ʹ, communément dite entraîneur, distincte de cet organe de manoeuvre 14.However, the action of the operating member 14 on the conductive brush 13 is effected by means of a part 21ʹ, commonly known as the driver, distinct from this operating member 14.

L'organe de manoeuvre 14, qui, comme précédemment, est une touche montée basculante, est en prise, par une chape 41, avec un tel entraîneur 21ʹ, et celui-ci est, lui aussi, monté pivotant sur le boîtier 18 correspondant.The actuator 14, which, as before, is a tilting mounted button, is engaged, by a yoke 41, with such a coach 21ʹ, and the latter is, itself, pivotally mounted on the corresponding housing 18.

L'axe des tourillons de l'organe de manoeuvre 14 n'est pas nécessairement confondu avec celui des tourillons de l'entraîneur 21ʹ, et seul celui de ce dernier doit rester fixe par rapport à la chape fixe 11.The axis of the journals of the operating member 14 is not necessarily confused with that of the journals of the coach 21ʹ, and only that of the latter must remain fixed relative to the fixed yoke 11.

Ces dispositions sont bien connues par elles-mêmes, et ne relevant pas, en propre, de la présente invention, elles ne seront pas décrites plus en détail ici.These provisions are well known in themselves, and not falling, per se, of the present invention, they will not be described in more detail here.

Pour le reste, les dispositions sont du type de celles décrites précédemment.For the rest, the provisions are of the type described above.

Cependant, dans la forme de réalisation représentée, la chape fixe 11 est, avec ses zones de pivotement 23A, 23B, formée, non plus, par une pièce massive, mais par un feuillard, qui est convenablement plié en conséquence, en formant également par lui-même la borne de connexion 16 associée, et qui est convenablement contrebuté par le boîtier 18 correspondant, un ergot 42 de celui-ci étant par exemple inséré entre ses zones de pivotement 23A, 23B.However, in the embodiment shown, the fixed yoke 11 is, with its pivot zones 23A, 23B, no longer formed by a solid piece, but by a strip, which is suitably folded accordingly, also forming by itself the associated connection terminal 16, and which is suitably buttressed by the corresponding housing 18, a lug 42 thereof being for example inserted between its pivot zones 23A, 23B.

En outre, dans la forme de réalisation représentée, la partie médiane convexe 32 de la bande médiane 26ʹ du balai conducteur 13 est ajustée à l'extrémité arrondie de l'entraîneur 21ʹ associé, pour emboîtement sur celle-ci.In addition, in the embodiment shown, the convex central portion 32 of the central strip 26ʹ of the conductive brush 13 is adjusted to the rounded end of the associated driver 21ʹ, for fitting thereon.

Les formes de réalisation des figures 11 à 22 sont, également, dans leur ensemble, du type de celle décrite en référence à la figure 5.The embodiments of FIGS. 11 to 22 are also, as a whole, of the type of that described in reference to figure 5.

On y retrouve donc, dans un boîtier 18, une chape fixe 11, et deux zones de contact 23A, 23B en V, deux plots de contact fixes 12A, 12B, un balai conducteur 13, qui, de configuration en boucle ouverte, se referme, par ses zones de contact 24A, 24B, sur la chape fixe 11, et un organe de manoeuvre 14, qui est monté pivotant, en touche basculante, sur le boîtier 18, et qui comporte, pour agir sur le balai conducteur 13, un doigt 21.There is therefore, in a housing 18, a fixed yoke 11, and two contact zones 23A, 23B in V, two fixed contact pads 12A, 12B, a conductive brush 13, which, in open loop configuration, closes , by its contact zones 24A, 24B, on the fixed yoke 11, and an operating member 14, which is pivotally mounted, in rocking action, on the housing 18, and which comprises, to act on the conductive brush 13, a finger 21.

Dans la forme de réalisation représentée sur les figures 11 à 13, le montage pivotant de l'organe de manoeuvre 14 se fait par un axe 44, qui traverse transversalement cet organe de manoeuvre 14, à la faveur d'un perçage 45 prévu à cet effet dans celui-ci, et qui, à ses extrémités, traverse conjointement les parois longitudinales correspondantes 46 du boîtier 18, à la faveur de perçages 47 également prévus à cet effet dans celles-ci.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the pivoting mounting of the operating member 14 takes place by a pin 44, which crosses this operating member 14 transversely, by means of a bore 45 provided for this purpose. effect therein, and which, at its ends, jointly crosses the corresponding longitudinal walls 46 of the housing 18, by means of holes 47 also provided for this purpose therein.

La retenue axiale de cet axe de pivotement 44 peut par exemple être assurée par un capot, qui, rapporté sur l'organe de manoeuvre 14, recouvre conjointement celui-ci et les portions concernées des parois longitudinales 46 du boîtier 18.The axial retention of this pivot axis 44 can for example be ensured by a cover, which, attached to the operating member 14, jointly covers the latter and the portions concerned of the longitudinal walls 46 of the housing 18.

La disposition correspondante ne relevant pas de la présente invention, elle ne sera pas décrite plus en détail ici.Since the corresponding arrangement does not fall under the present invention, it will not be described in more detail here.

Dans la forme de réalisation représentée sur les figures 11 à 13, l'axe de pivotement 44 est sensiblement disposé dans le plan médian de la chape fixe 11, plan médian qui est perpendiculaire au plan de mouvement du balai conducteur 13 et qui se trouve à l'aplomb de la face supérieure de cette chape fixe 11, en sorte que, comme précédemment, l'une et l'autre des positions de basculement de l'organe de manoeuvre 14 sont stables.In the embodiment shown in Figures 11 to 13, the pivot axis 44 is substantially arranged in the median plane of the fixed yoke 11, median plane which is perpendicular to the plane of movement of the conductive brush 13 and which is located plumb with the upper face of this fixed yoke 11, so that, as before, both of the tilting positions of the operating member 14 are stable.

Seule l'une de ces positions est représentée, celle de la figure 11.Only one of these positions is shown, that of FIG. 11.

Conjointement, les perçages 47 du boîtier 18 sont circulaires, au contour de l'axe de pivotement 44, et il en est de même pour le perçage 45 de l'organe de manoeuvre 14.Jointly, the holes 47 of the housing 18 are circular, at the contour of the pivot axis 44, and the same is true for the hole 45 of the operating member 14.

Dans la forme de réalisation représentée sur les figures 14 à 16, l'axe de pivotement 44 de l'organe de manoeuvre 14 est au contraire décalé, latéralement, par rapport au plan médian de la chape fixe 11, plan médian qui est perpendiculaire au plan de mouvement du balai conducteur 13 et qui se trouve à l'aplomb de la face supérieure de cette chape fixe 11.In the embodiment shown in Figures 14 to 16, the pivot axis 44 of the actuator 14 is on the contrary offset, laterally, relative to the median plane of the fixed yoke 11, median plane which is perpendicular to the movement plane of the conductive broom 13 and which is perpendicular to the upper face of this fixed yoke 11.

Autrement dit, il est déporté du côté d'un des plots de contact fixes 12A, 12B, le plot de contact fixe 12B par exemple, tel que représenté.In other words, it is offset from the side of one of the fixed contact pads 12A, 12B, the fixed contact pad 12B for example, as shown.

Il en résulte que seule l'une des positions de basculement de l'organe de manoeuvre 14, et donc du balai conducteur 13, est stable, celle qui, tel que représenté à la figure 14, correspond à l'appui de ce balai conducteur 13 sur le plot de contact fixe 12A opposé à celui du côté duquel se trouve déporté l'axe de pivotement 44.As a result, only one of the tilting positions of the operating member 14, and therefore of the conductive brush 13, is stable, that which, as shown in FIG. 14, corresponds to the support of this conductive brush. 13 on the fixed contact pad 12A opposite that on which the pivot axis 44 is offset.

Corollairement, l'autre position de basculement de l'organe de manoeuvre 14, et donc du balai conducteur 13, est instable, et, pour son obtention, il faut maintenir l'action correspondante sur l'organe de manoeuvre 14, tel que schématisé par une flèche F" sur la figure 16.As a corollary, the other tilting position of the operating member 14, and therefore of the conductive brush 13, is unstable, and, to obtain it, it is necessary to maintain the corresponding action on the operating member 14, as shown schematically. by an arrow F "in FIG. 16.

Dans la forme de réalisation représentée sur les figures 17 à 19, il y a deux axes de pivotement 44A, 44B, qui sont l'un et l'autre décalés, latéralement, par rapport au plan médian de la chape fixe 11, plan médian qui est perpendiculaire au plan de mouvement du balai conducteur 13 et qui se trouve à l'aplomb de la face supérieure de cette chape fixe 11, la projection des axes de pivotement (44A, 44B) sur la face supérieure de la chape fixe tombant en dehors de cette dernière, ces axes de pivotement 44A, 44B s'étendant respectivement de part et d'autre de la chape fixe 11, l'un déporté du côté du plot de contact fixe 12A, l'autre déporté du côté du plot de contact fixe 12B.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, there are two pivot axes 44A, 44B, which are both offset laterally with respect to the median plane of the fixed yoke 11, median plane which is perpendicular to the plane of movement of the conductive brush 13 and which is perpendicular to the upper face of this fixed yoke 11, the projection of the pivot axes (44A, 44B) on the upper face of the fixed yoke falling in outside of the latter, these pivot axes 44A, 44B extending respectively on either side of the fixed yoke 11, one offset to the side of the fixed contact pad 12A, the other offset to the side of the stud fixed contact 12B.

Les deux axes de pivotement 44A, 44B traversent, l'un et l'autre, sans jeu, des perçages 45A, 45B de l'organe de manoeuvre 14, et, avec jeu, des perçages 47A, 47B du boîtier 18.The two pivot axes 44A, 44B both pass through holes 45A, 45B of the operating member 14, and without play, and, with play, holes 47A, 47B of the housing 18.

En pratique, et tel que représenté, ces perçages 47A, 47B sont alors allongés en boutonnière, globalement parallèlement audit plan médian.In practice, and as shown, these holes 47A, 47B are then elongated in the buttonhole, generally parallel to said median plane.

Si désiré, ces perçages 47A, 47B peuvent être légèrement cintrés, en étant alors centrés sur l'axe opposé à celui qui les traverse.If desired, these holes 47A, 47B can be slightly bent, while being centered on the axis opposite to that which passes through them.

Mais, en pratique, un simple jeu suffit.But, in practice, a simple game is enough.

Avec une telle forme de réalisation, la position stable de repos de l'organe de manoeuvre 14, et donc du balai conducteur 13, est une position intermédiaire entre leurs positions extrêmes de basculement précédentes, et, pour cette position intermédiaire, représentée à la figure 21, qui est une troisième position venant en sus des deux précédentes, le balai conducteur 13 est à distance de l'un et de l'autre des plots de contact fixes 12A, 12B.With such an embodiment, the stable rest position of the operating member 14, and therefore of the conductive brush 13, is an intermediate position between their previous extreme tilting positions, and, for this intermediate position, shown in FIG. 21, which is a third position coming in addition to the previous two, the conductive brush 13 is at a distance from one and from the other of the fixed contact pads 12A, 12B.

Lorsque, par exemple, suivant la flèche FʺB de la figure 19, on agit sur l'organe de manoeuvre 14 du côté du plot de contact fixe 12A, le basculement de cet organe de manoeuvre 14 se fait par pivotement autour de l'axe de pivotment 44B, et le balai conducteur 13 vient alors s'appliquer contre le plot de contact fixe 12B, cependant que, entraîné par l'organe de manoeuvre 14, l'axe de pivotement 44A se débat conjointement dans le perçage 47A correspondant du boîtier 18.When, for example, along the arrow FʺB in FIG. 19, action is taken on the operating member 14 on the side of the fixed contact pad 12A, the tilting of this operating member 14 is effected by pivoting about the axis of pivot 44B, and the conductive brush 13 then comes to bear against the fixed contact pad 12B, while, driven by the operating member 14, the pivot axis 44A struggles jointly in the corresponding hole 47A of the housing 18 .

De même, lorsque, suivant la flèche FʺA de la figure 20, on agit sur l'organe de manoeuvre 14 du côté du plot de contact fixe 12B, le balai conducteur 13 s'applique contre le plot de contact fixe 12A.Similarly, when, along the arrow FʺA in Figure 20, it acts on the operating member 14 on the side of the fixed contact pad 12B, the conductive brush 13 is applied against the fixed contact pad 12A.

Mais, l'une et l'autre de ces position extrêmes de basculement sont instables, et, pour leur maintien, il faut prolonger l'action correspondante sur l'organe de manoeuvre 14, tel que schématisé par les flèches FʺA et FʺB.However, both of these extreme tilting positions are unstable, and, for their maintenance, it is necessary to extend the corresponding action on the operating member 14, as shown schematically by the arrows FʺA and FʺB.

Ainsi, l'interrupteur suivant l'invention est dans ce cas un inverseur à point milieu neutre et deux positions momentanées de fermeture.Thus, the switch according to the invention is in this case an inverter with neutral mid-point and two momentary closing positions.

En pratique, et tel qu'illustré sur les figures 21, 22, il peut être systématiquement prévu, sur l'organe de manoeuvre 14, trois perçages 45, 45A, 45B, et sur le boîtier 18, trois perçages 47, 47A, 47B.In practice, and as illustrated in FIGS. 21, 22, it can be systematically provided, on the operating member 14, three holes 45, 45A, 45B, and on the housing 18, three holes 47, 47A, 47B .

Ainsi, suivant les nécessités, il est mis en oeuvre, à volanté, soit un seul axe de pivotement 44, 44A ou 44B, pour la constitution soit d'un interrupteur à deux positions d'ouverture ou fermeture stables, comme à la figure 11, soit d'un interrupteur à deux positions d'ouverture ou fermeture dont une seule est stable, comme à la figure 14, soit d'un inverseur à point milieu neutre et deux positions de fermeture instables, comme à la figure 17.Thus, as required, it is implemented, ruffled, either a single pivot axis 44, 44A or 44B, for the constitution of a switch with two stable opening or closing positions, as in Figure 11 , either of a switch with two opening or closing positions, only one of which is stable, as in FIG. 14, or of a reverser with neutral center point and two unstable closing positions, as in FIG. 17.

Il en résulte avantageusement une relative standardisation des réalisations correspondantes et une grande souplesse d'utilisation de celles-ci.This advantageously results in a relative standardization of the corresponding embodiments and a great flexibility of use of these.

Bien entendu, ce n'est que pour la compréhension de l'exposé que le ou les axes de pivotement de l'organe de manoeuvre mis en oeuvre dans les formes de réalisation des figures 11 à 22 ont été réellement matérialisés par des axes traversants sur ces figures.Of course, it is only for the understanding of the presentation that the pivot axis or axes of the operating member used in the embodiments of FIGS. 11 to 22 have really been materialized by through axes on these figures.

Il pourrait tout aussi bien s'agir, par exemple, de tourillons ou d'articulations à couteau, comme précédemment.It could just as well be, for example, trunnions or knife joints, as before.

La présente invention ne se limite d'ailleurs pas aux formes de réalisation décrites et représentées, mais englobe toute variante d'exécution et/ou de combinaison de leurs divers éléments dans les limites des revendications.The present invention is moreover not limited to the embodiments described and shown, but encompasses any variant embodiment and / or combination of their various elements within the limits of the claims.

En outre, il peut y avoir plusieurs balais conducteurs 13 pour un même organe de manoeuvre 14.In addition, there may be several conductive brushes 13 for the same operating member 14.

Par exemple, et tel que schématisé en traits interrompus sur la figure 12, il peut y avoir, parallèlement l'un à l'autre, deux balais conducteurs 13, avec, pour chacun d'eux, une chape fixe 11 et un ou deux plots de contact fixes 12A, 12B, l'organe de manoeuvre 14 présentant, alors, parallèlement l'un à l'autre, pour leur actionnement conjoint, deux doigts 21.For example, and as shown diagrammatically in broken lines in FIG. 12, there may be, parallel to one another, two conductive brushes 13, with, for each of them, a fixed yoke 11 and one or two fixed contact pads 12A, 12B, the operating member 14 then having, in parallel to one another, for their joint actuation, two fingers 21.

Par ailleurs, si, compte tenu de son mode de fonctionnement, qui implique une vitesse de basculement du balai conducteur lié à la vitesse d'intervention de l'opérateur sur l'organe de manoeuvre, le mécanisme d'interrupteur suivant l'invention convient tout particulièrement à la coupure d'un courant alternatif, à laquelle il est plus particulièrement destiné, cette coupure n'exigeant pas obligatoirement un basculement rapide de ce balai conducteur, il va de soi que le domaine d'application de l'invention n'est cependant pas limité à la seule coupure d'un courant alternatif mais peut, au moins pour certaines applications, notamment lorsque le courant à couper est faible, s'étendre aussi bien à la coupure d'un courant continu.Furthermore, if, taking into account its mode of operation, which implies a tilting speed of the conductive brush linked to the speed of intervention of the operator on the operating member, the switch mechanism according to the invention is suitable most particularly for breaking an alternating current, for which it is more particularly intended, this breaking not necessarily requiring a rapid tilting of this conducting brush, it goes without saying that the field of application of the invention does not is however not limited to the only breaking of an alternating current but can, at least for certain applications, in particular when the current to be cut is low, extend as well to the breaking of a direct current.

Claims (15)

  1. A switch mechanism of the kind comprising, mounted movably between a fixed support (11) and at least one fixed contact stud (12A, 12B), at least one conductor blade (13) which is generally of loop-like configuration and which is pivoted to the fixed support (11) that is itself conducting and which, under the control of an actuating member (14) for operation by the user is capable of assuming one or other of at least two positions, one in which it bears by way of a support zone (15A; 15B) against the fixed contact stud (12A; 12B) and the other in which it is at a spacing therefrom, said fixed support (11) comprising two separate pivoting zones (23A, 23B) for pivotal mounting of the conductor blade (13) and for one and other of the two positions thereof, and said conductor blade (13) itself comprising two separate contact zones (24A, 24B) for each respectively co-operating with said pivoting zones (23A, 23B), each of the pivoting zones (23A, 23B) defining a pivot with the corresponding contact zone (24A, 24B), characterised in that the two pivots which are so defined are each arranged along a separate axis perpendicular to the plane of movement of the conductor blade (13) and that the loop configuration formed by the conductor blade (13) is open and closes on to the fixed support (11), the open ends of said loop configuration by themselves forming said contact zones (24A, 24B).
  2. A switch mechanism according to claim 1 characterised in that the conductor blade (13) comprises on the one hand between said support zone (15A; 15B) and another support zone (15B; 15A) a central strip (26) which is capable of being under the control of the associated actuating member (14) and which, being common to said support zones (15A, 15B), extends continuously from one thereof to the other, and, on the other hand, each extending back in opposite relationship to said central strip (26), at the ends thereof, at least one tongue portion (27A-27'A, 27B-27'B), the actual end of which forms the corresponding contact zone (24A, 24B).
  3. A switch mechanism according to claim 2 characterised in that, each of the tongue portions (27A-27'A, 27B-27'B) of the conductor blade (13) of which the end forms a contact zone (24A, 24B) being continuous with the corresponding support zone (15A, 15B), the body part at least of such a tongue portion (27A-27'A, 27B-27'B), between its end forming the contact zone (24A, 24B) and the support zone (15A, 15B), extends substantially along the plane of said support zone (15A, 15B) while, the associated central strip (26) being generally of a M-shaped configuration, that one of the leg portions (29A, 29B) of said central strip (26) which corresponds to said support zone (15A, 15B) diverges from the plane of the latter.
  4. A switch mechanism according to claim 3 characterised in that, for each of its contact zones (24A, 24B), the conductor blade (13) comprises two tongue portions (27A-27'A, 27B-27'B) each disposed on respective sides of its central strip (26) in mutually parallel relationship.
  5. A switch mechanism according to claim 1 characterised in that the conductor blade (13) comprises a central strip (26') by way of which the conductor blade is capable of being under the control of the associated actuating member (14) and, each respectively continuously connecting the ends of same to its contact zones (24A, 24B), two U-shaped connecting zones (32A, 32B), one of the limbs of one at least of said connecting zones (32A, 32B), being that which is on the opposite side to the central strip (26'), being adapted by itself to form a support zone (15A, 15B).
  6. A switch mechanism according to claim 5 characterised in that, at least in its central zone, the central strip (26') of the conductor blade (13) is generally of a V-shaped configuration.
  7. A switch mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterised in that the open loop formed by the conductor blade (13) is in one piece.
  8. A switch mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that, the actuating member (14) being mounted pivotably, its pivot axis (44) is substantially disposed in the central plane of the fixed support (11), which central plane is perpendicular to the plane of movement of the conductor blade (13) and is vertically above the upper face of said fixed support (11).
  9. A switch mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that, the actuating member (14) being mounted pivotably, its pivot axis (44A, 44B) is displaced laterally with respect to the central plane of the fixed support (11), which central plane is perpendicular to the plane of movement of the conductor blade (13) and is vertically above the upper face of said fixed support (11).
  10. A switch mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that, the actuating member (14) being mounted pivotably, it has two pivot axes (44A, 44B) which are laterally displaced with respect to the central plane of the fixed support (11), which central plane is perpendicular to the plane of movement of the conductor blade (13) and vertically above the upper face of said fixed support (11), the projection of said pivot axes (44A, 44B) on to the upper face of said fixed support (11) falling outside said latter and said pivot axes (44A, 44B) extending on respective sides of said fixed support (11).
  11. A switch mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that, the actuating member (14) being mounted movably with a translatory movement, said actuating member (14) is displaced with respect to the central plane of the fixed support (11), which central plane is perpendicular to the plane of movement of the conductor blade (13) and is vertically above the upper face of said fixed support (11).
  12. A switch mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10 characterised in that there are a plurality of conductor blades (13) for the same actuating member (14).
  13. A switch of the kind comprising, in a casing (18), a switch mechanism (10), and, for operation by a user, an actuating member (14) for actuation thereof, characterised in that said switch mechanism (10) is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 12.
  14. A switch according to claim 13 characterised in that, the actuating member (14) of its mechanism comprising, in accordance with claim 10, two pivot axes (44A, 44B) which are laterally displaced with respect to the central plane of the fixed support (11), which central plane is perpendicular to the plane of movement of the conductor blade (13) and is vertically above the upper face of said fixed support (11), the projection of said pivot axes (44A, 44B) on to the upper face of said fixed support (11) falling outside said latter, said pivot axes (44A, 44B) pass with play through openings (47A, 47B) in its casing (18).
  15. A switch according to either one of claims 13 and 14 characterised in that, the actuating member (14) of its mechanism being mounted pivotably, it comprises three openings (45, 45A, 45B) each for a pivot axis to pass therethrough, and its casing (18) comprises three openings (47, 47A, 47B) at corresponding positions.
EP87402409A 1986-10-29 1987-10-26 Switch mechanism with a conducting slide having a double pivot, and switch having such a mechanism, especially for alternating current Expired - Lifetime EP0268518B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT87402409T ATE93992T1 (en) 1986-10-29 1987-10-26 SWITCHING MECHANISM WITH CONDUCTING SLIDE WITH DOUBLE PIVOT AND SWITCH WITH SUCH MECHANISM, ESPECIALLY FOR AC CURRENT.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8615041A FR2606208B1 (en) 1986-10-29 1986-10-29 DUAL PIVOT CONDUCTIVE SWITCH MECHANISM, AND SWITCH COMPRISING SUCH A MECHANISM, IN PARTICULAR FOR ALTERNATING CURRENT
FR8615041 1986-10-29

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0268518A1 EP0268518A1 (en) 1988-05-25
EP0268518B1 true EP0268518B1 (en) 1993-09-01

Family

ID=9340315

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87402409A Expired - Lifetime EP0268518B1 (en) 1986-10-29 1987-10-26 Switch mechanism with a conducting slide having a double pivot, and switch having such a mechanism, especially for alternating current

Country Status (13)

Country Link
US (1) US4843200A (en)
EP (1) EP0268518B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS63170821A (en)
AT (1) ATE93992T1 (en)
AU (1) AU605514B2 (en)
BR (1) BR8705905A (en)
DE (1) DE3787256T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2042595T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2606208B1 (en)
MA (1) MA21089A1 (en)
MX (1) MX162866B (en)
NZ (1) NZ222327A (en)
PT (1) PT86015B (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU8046787A (en) 1988-05-26
BR8705905A (en) 1988-05-31
FR2606208B1 (en) 1995-01-13
DE3787256D1 (en) 1993-10-07
MX162866B (en) 1991-07-02
AU605514B2 (en) 1991-01-17
FR2606208A1 (en) 1988-05-06
US4843200A (en) 1989-06-27
ATE93992T1 (en) 1993-09-15
DE3787256T2 (en) 1993-12-16
PT86015A (en) 1988-11-30
NZ222327A (en) 1990-03-27
JPS63170821A (en) 1988-07-14
ES2042595T3 (en) 1993-12-16
MA21089A1 (en) 1988-07-01
EP0268518A1 (en) 1988-05-25
PT86015B (en) 1993-09-30

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