GB649387A - Improvements in combined electric switch and socket units - Google Patents

Abstract

649,387. Two-part couplings combined with switches. SIMPLEX ELECTRIC CO., Ltd., and OSBORN, F. W. July 14, 1948, No. 1948, No. 18886. [Class 38 (i)] In a combined switch and socket unit 11, the switch operating lever 20 is mounted coaxially on a socket contact 15 which has a spring- controlled lock 19 having a part 30 which projects into the socket and prevents the lever 20 being moved to the " on " position unless a plug is inserted in the unit. The lever 20 is provided with a cam 21 to actuate a switch operating member 10 and the earth socket contact 15 is slotted at 18 to permit a plate 19, movable at right angles thereto, to project therein at 30, the plate having an extension 24 which engages a recess 23 in the lever, thereby locking it. In another embodiment (Fig. 3, not shown), the plate is guided to move radially out of the socket contact against a compression spring, while in a further modification, Fig. 4, a J-shaped member 44 has its shorter limb 45 in the socket contact and its longer limb 48 engages the lever recess 23. In a still further modification (Fig. 5, not shown), the plate is L-shaped and rotates against a torsion spring about an axis parallel to the contacts' axes. According to the Provisional Specification the switch mechanism may comprise sliding contacts which are spring biassed into engagement with the socket contacts and the lock may prevent also the plug being withdrawn with the lever in the " on " position. Also, the lever may be mounted on an axis parallel to that of the sockets.