GB1270772A - Electric switch - Google Patents

Abstract

1,270,772. Automatic circuit breakers; mechanical switches retained set by latches. SOC. D'APPAREILLAGE ELECTRIQUE SAPAREL. 16 April, 1970 [17 April, 1969], No. 18299/70. Heading H1N. An automatic circuit breaker or like switch has a contact arm 6, (7) fitted with two spindles 8, 9 one of which is constrained to move along guide slots (10), 11 in fixed side plates (3, 4) (Fig. 2, not shown); a push-button assembly 15 cooperating with the other spindle 9; a pivoted lever 1 and a latch plate 17. When, in the open position, button 15 is depressed the contact arm 6, 7 is moved rectilinearly, by a lug 14, until the spindle 8 reaches the bottom of guide slots 10, 11; the lever 1 then rotates anticlockwise under the action of a spring 5 so that a shoulder 24 holds the spindle 8 at the end of the slots 10, 11, a nose 22 enters an opening 23 in the pushbutton 15 and lever 1 is latched by the plate 17. When the push-button is then let go the contact arm 6, 7 turns about spindle 8 under the action of spring 12; as the contacts 26, 27 approach one' another spindle 9 rides off lug 14 and the contacts snap shut independently of the pushbutton. The button is retained partly depressed by the nose 22. The spring 5 and a push-button biasing spring 16, both tending to turn lever 1 anticlockwise, are adjusted to almost balance the spring 12 which urges lever 1 clockwise against the latch plate 17 so that a small biasing spring 19 and a small releasing force f are sufficient for the latch; it can be released by a manual or mechanical device or by bimetal or electromagnetic tripping devices (none shown). When the latch is released the lever 1 turns clockwise allowing the contact cam 6, (7) to turn initially about spindle 9 and then about a fixed stop 28 to open the contacts. Simultaneously pushbutton 15 is released and moves upwards lug 14 riding past spindle 9 so that the mechanism is reset ready for reclosing. The switch can also be manually opened by pushing button 15 so as to force lever 1 clockwise against latch 17 and thus release the mechanism.