GB375328A - Improvements in electrical connectors embodying switches - Google Patents

Abstract

375,328. Plug-couplings. POWER, R. F., 18, Chesterford Gardens, Hampstead, London. Dec. 22, 1930, No. 7345/32. Divided on 374,418, [Group XXXVII]. [Class 38 (i).] A combined switch and supply lead connector for an electric iron has switch operating members, one in the form of an arm adapted to overlie the handle of the iron and to be actuated by the pressure of the operator's hand, and another extending rearward of the iron to be held selectively in operative or inoperative position by the pressure of the supporting surface when the iron is stood on end. A metal diaphragm strip 9 is held by metal plates 10, 11 situated in the sides of a recess in the connector casing 1, and carries a resilient contact strip 16 attached to a metal bush 12 through which freely passes a pin 3 working in holes in the insulating casing 1. A hollow cover 30 is pivoted at one end to a pair of links 38 attached to the pin 13, and at the other end to a pair of arms 32 extending from the front of the connector, so that when the latter is in position, the hollow cover overlies the handle of the iron. Depression of the member 30 against a spiral spring 36 causes the links 38 to bear on top of the diaphragm and to depress the contact member 16 into engagement with a contact plate 17, closing the circuit from the lead 6 to the connector socket 3. When the cover 30 is released, the spring 36, in expanding, first compresses a spiral spring 26 placed between the bush 12 and a boss on the lower end of the pin 13, and subsequently raises the bush 12 and contact arm 16 until the diaphragm has reached its dead-centre position, when the spring 26 expands and rapidly raises the contact member 16 out of engagement with the contact plate 17. Pivoted to the back of the links 38 and extending through a hole 41 in the cover is a key 43 which is adapted to bear against the supporting surface when the iron is stood on end. With the key 43 positioned as shown in chain-lines, the edge of the opening 41 bearing against the shaped surface of the key causes the links 38 to be depressed so as to close the circuit. When positioned as shown in full lines, the key 43 holds the links 38 in inoperative position. Specification 340,307, [Group XXXVII], is referred to.