GB645074A - Improvements in or relating to plug and socket electric couplings - Google Patents

Abstract

645,074. Two-part couplings combined with switches. GENERAL ELECTRIC CO., Ltd., and HUBBOLD, S. Feb. 3, 1948, No. 3149. [Class 38 (i)] In a plug-and-socket connector 1, 2 of the kind having housings which fit together in a flameproof manner, one housing 3, 4 is provided with a fixed locating projection 18 which is separate from the contacts 6 therein and co-operates with a recess in the other housing 32, one connector part, e.g. the socket 1 containing a switch 8, 14, 17 and the other part containing means 30, 39 to operate the switch and lock the connector parts together. The socket i is provided with a base 3 carrying an insulating member 15 on which are mounted a contact pair 14 which engage contacts 17 on an insulating insert 5 in the socket. The insert 5 has a cam 25 which operates switch contacts 8 engaging contacts 7 on the socket contacts 6 in the insert which is removably secured in position. The cam 25 is rotatable on a stem 26 axially secured in the insert and terminating in a tongue 29 in a recess 27 therein. The recess is closed at its mouth except for a slot 31 through which a key 30, provided with projections 41 and mounted in the plug 2, projects to engage the tongue 29 and operate the switch contacts. The key has a spindle 38, which may be telescopic and is rotated by a wing-nut 39 whose movement is limited between stops 40 on the plug. The housing 32 on the plug screens the plug and socket contacts 23, 6 respectively and makes the coupling flameproof. A fuse 37 may be provided in the plug.