GB1151834A - Improvements in Multiple Switches. - Google Patents

Abstract

1,151,834. Two-part couplings. AMP Inc. 30 Jan., 1968 [14 Feb., 1967], No. 4657/68. Heading H2E. A multiple switch comprises conductors 12 and 18, soldered to input cables 66, 68, supported in insulating blocks 14, 20 and extending through metal tubes 4, 6 which are attached to a metal support 2 by integral tabs 8, 10; the tubular ends 22 of the conductors 12, 18 having spring arms 24 to receive mating plugs (not shown). Two leaf springs 26, 37 pinned to the insulators 14 and 20 respectively, have lateral extensions 30 and 40 carrying contacts 32, 34 and 42 respectively, and carry nylon cams 28, 38 projecting through slots in the tubes 4, 6. A third leaf spring 44, mounted in slots in the insulators 14, 20, carries a contact 46. The springs 26 and 44 are connected to the conductors 18 and 12 respectively and are prestressed so that the contacts 32 and 46 are normally engaged, while the contact 42 is connected via a resistor 41 to a reference potential, e.g. earth. A contact bar 60, screwed to the support 2, overlies slots 52, 54 in the tubes 4, 6 and contacts tubular shields of the mating plugs, which have pins to engage the tubular conductor ends 22. When a plug is inserted into the tube 4, its outer shield depresses the bevelled cam 28, depressing the spring 26 thus breaking contacts 32, 46 and making contacts 34, 42, so connecting the input 66 to the plug-pin and the input 68 to earth. A plug inserted into the tube 6 depresses cam 38 retaining the connections of Fig. 6 and connecting the plug-pin to both inputs 66, 68. Plugs inserted into both tubes are separately connected to the inputs 66 and 68. More tubes may be employed for use with additional inputs.