GB1272314A - Snap action switches - Google Patents

Abstract

1,272,314. Retractive switches. ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS Inc. 27 June, 1969 [1 July, 1968], No. 32692/69. Heading H1N. A single-pole double-throw snap switch comprises a housing 10 having an actuator member 36 mounted for movement from a normal position, Fig. 1, to a second position, a movable contact assembly engaged by actuator member 36 and including a rocking element 52 pivotally mounted at 50 to a common terminal element 28 and having a portion 60 positioned for engagement by actuator member 36, a movable contact blade 68 pivotally mounted at one end 66 to portion 64 of element 52 and carrying at its other end contact 90, 94 between fixed contacts 92, 96, portion 60 being between portions 50 and 64. A spring is stressed between fixed point 80 and a point on movable contact blade 68 for normally biasing contact 94 against fixed contact 96 and for yieldably urging portion 60 of element 52 against actuator member 36 to hold it in its normal position, actuator member 36 including at least one actuator portion 38 engaging portion 60 of rocking element 52 in rolling non-sliding relationship, the non-sliding relationship being retained throughout the range of movement of actuator member 36 from the normal to the second position. As shown, when actuator member 36 is depressed by pushbutton 102 acting through spring lever 106 rocking element 52 is depressed snapping over contacts 90, 94, actuator member 36 and pushbutton 102 retracting when pushbutton 102 is released. In an alternative embodiment, Fig. 5, actuator member 36 is replaced by spring finger 36a wrapped round support 124, and when shoulder 128 and support 124 are rotated by operating lever 130 from the full line position to the dotted line position, rocking element 52a is depressed snapping over the contacts.