GB179313A - Improvements in electrical plug switches, switch fuses, and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

179,313. Shanahan, H. F. Feb. 3, 1921. Switches w i t h o u t quick action; switches, quick-break. - Relates to switches, plug switches, switch fuses, &c., and consists essentially in a switch element comprising, as shown in Fig. 1, a base 3 carrying contacts 13, a rotatable disc 1 carrying contacts 6, 7 on its upper and lower surfaces, and a lid 10 carrying contacts 12, 11 on its inner and outer surfaces; all of these contacts registering with one another when the switch is moved to the " on " position by a key adapted to engage a turning head 4 on the disc 1. Contacts 6, 7 are metallically connected, as are contacts 11, 12. Contacts 13 are spring- pressed upwards so as to grip the contacts 6, 7 in the " on " position, and a quick-break may be obtained by a spring attached to the disc 1, and lost motion between the key and the slot 5 in the turning-head 4. Fig. 2 shows one form of plug adapted for use with the switch. The spring- pressed contacts 22 are adapted to engage the contacts 11, and the key 25 enters the slot through a slit 17 in the lid. The arrangement is such that the key can only be inserted and withdrawn when the switch is in the " off " position and the contacts 11 are made segmental in plan so that they are engaged by the contacts 22 before the switch is closed. In lieu of the above-described type of plug, a plug having contacts in the form of prongs for insertion in sockets in the contacts 11, and an independently revolving key, may be used. The upper part of the plug may also be adapted to hold a fuse wire connecting the two contacts.