GB565524A - Improvements in or relating to linear electric switches - Google Patents

Abstract

565,524. Mechanical switches; switches held set and freed mechanically. MORRISON, P. H., and PLESSEY CO., Ltd. May 6, 1943, No. 7192. [Class 38 (v)] A linear switch comprises two separate sets of stator elements, each set comprising a row of three or more contacts, one contact on each set having a common pole, a separate moving contact co-operating with each set, members sliding linearly to three positions and supporting said movable contacts which are adapted to bridge the stator contacts in pairs, or either contact may be brought into contact with appropriate single stator contacts to enable circuits to be made in a predetermined sequence. In one example, Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the switch comprises a series of sections in each of which two bridging contacts 6, borne by sliding plates 5 moved by extensions 8 of members mounted on longitudinally sliding bars 7, coact each with three or more fixed contacts 4 secured to insulating strips 2. The centre contacts of the upper and lower sets of three are connected across. By suitably positioning the sliding bars 7, the contacts 6 may bridge either two of the three or touch an end one only, whereby four separate circuit connections may be made. In this example, the bars are moved in sequence by means of projections 13 sliding in cam slots 12 cut in a rotatable sleeve 11, a " clicker " 15, 16 ensuring registration in the desired contact positions. In a modification, Fig. 9, the sliding bars 31A carry bridging contacts 6, as before, but each bar is biassed outward by springs 40, and is depressed to a biassed extent through push-buttons 33, bent-out portions 32, latching with a sliding detent 34. A similar sequence of circuit connections may thus be made,