GB870133A - Multi-position rotary electric switch device - Google Patents

Abstract

870,133. Mechanical switches without quick action; press-button retractive switches. DURANT, L. A. Sept. 2, 1958, No. 28184/58. Class 38 (5). A panel 1 carries a button 8 for energizing a circuit selected by two ten-way rotary switches controlled by knobs 2 and 3 respectively. The arrangement is such that button 8 cannot be depressed while either knob is being moved, and an electromagnet is provided to prevent any of the switches being effective while the electromagnet is energized. Each knob has a portion of translucent material carrying indices as shown for registration with fixed marks 9 and 10 on the panel 1, and windows 11 and 12 in the panel serve to illuminate the selected indices by means of lamps not shown. The button 8 contains a retractive spring, and a U-shaped member 18 is slidably positioned over a bushing 15 which reciprocates with button 8. A spring 19 causes frictional engagement between member 18 and bushing 15 so that depression of button 8 moves member 18 and closes the contacts of spring blades 23, 24. The knobs 2 and 3 rotate assemblies 56 and 57 of spring-loaded brushes over fixed contact plates 54 and 55 respectively, and are located in selected positions by spring-loaded detent members 27 and 28 which are pivoted at 29 and 30 and carry rollers 31 and 32 engaging star wheels 25 and 26 as shown. The free ends of members 27 and 28 are shaped to move over the end 14 of the button device whenever knobs 2 and 3 are moved from a rest position (Figs. 7 and 10, not shown) and thereby prevent operation of the button. An electromagnet (Figs. 8 and 9, not shown) is mounted so that when energized its armature moves a plate 42 and an arm 49 towards panel 1. The arm 49 engages one leg of member 18 and moves it out of locking engagement with bushing 15 such that depression of button 8 moves the bushing freely through member 18 and blades 23, 24 cannot be closed. The end 52 of a locking plate carried on plate 42 passes into the path of detent members 27 and 28 (see Fig. 6) to prevent rollers 31, 32 from leaving their respective star wheels 25 and 26, thus locking the rotary switches. The plate 52 is slidable on plate 42 against the action of a spring 51 so that should either knob 2 or 3 be held to make its detent member grip plate 52 the armature can restore upon de-energization of the electromagnet and as soon as the knob is released spring 51 withdraws plate 52.