US1344925A - Electric switch - Google Patents

Description

F. C. NAUJOKS.

ELECTRIC SWITCH. APPLICATION FILED FEB. 8. I917.

1,344,925. Patented June '29; 1920.v

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE;

FREDERICK 0.. NA UJOKS, DE LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

Specification of Letters Patent. Pate t d J 29 9 0 Application filed February 8, 1917. Serial No. 147,359.

new and useful Improvements in Electric Switches, of which the following is a specification. This invention relates to electric switches;

and it is a general object of this invention.

to provide an electric switch simple in form and operation, and containing'a minimumnumber OI parts and a minimum amount of metal, and generally inexpensive of manuiacture; and also to provide, in a simple switch, a snap action to-quickly make and break the electric circuit; and, in association with good and broad contacts, to make a switch of large capacity though small in size.

Although my invention is applicable to other purposes andsituations, it maybe very effectually applied'to such switches as may be used in switch sockets and other devices 01 like nature, and in plug switches such as may be used as wall switches, automobile dash-board switches, etc. Itherefore explain preferred forms of my switch, as ap=' plied to such situations; but without thereby limiting myself to such preferred forms. I show preferred forms in the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1, is a longitudinal vertical section showing my switch applied to a switch socket;.Fig. 2 isa cross section taken on line 2-2 o'f Fig. 1; Fig.

is a cross section taken on line 3--3 or Fin. 1: Fig. 1 is a sectional view showing another term of-my switch; Fig. 5 18 a secpivoted at its apex at 16 by the simple ex.

pedient of having its apex fit into a suitably shaped notch 17 in the shell 10. In

Figs. 1, 2 3 this notch "17 is shown as being formed partly in members 11 and partly in the members 12; while in Fig. 4 thenotch 17 is shown as being merely the lower contracted portion of the cavity 13 in the lower shell member 11?. This notch is, in these instances, so shaped as to confine the apex; of the sector shaped member against loose movement, but so as to allow the sector-shaped member the requisite amount of movement about its apex as a pivot. I V y In all the forms shown in Figs. 1 to 5 the sector- shaped member 15 or 15 is preferably made of a single piece of flat or sheet metal bent to the configuration illustrated.

Inthe form shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 the member is formed of a strip of metal whose ends are at the apex 16. The member is formed with a peripheral portion 20 and side portions 21. The periphery 20 is preferably provided with a pair of notchesor depressions 22, circumferentially spaced apart, as illustrated, and preferably extending transversely across the complete face of the periphery 20, as indicated in dotted lines in l igs. 2 and 3. A spring detent 24 has its upper end at 25 shaped so as to enter either of the notches 22; and this spring detent is of sufiicient width to engage across the whole face, or substantially the whole faceof the periphery 20 of the sector shaped member 15. This spring detent 24 is set in the lower shell member 11 inthe manner indicated, being seated at 26 and 27 to preventyertical movement, and fitting in the opening 28 in such a manner as to hold the part fio'pressed resiliently against the sec ever,the socket construction, etc., is of no consequence in my lnvention; and I therefore do not go into the details ofits construction, nor of-its electrical connections excepting through the switch. hen the sector shaped member 15 is in its lowermost position, as shown in Fig. 1, then it does not contact with any switch member except the spring'detent 24; but when themember lois moved upwardly to a point where the spring detent engages the lowernotch 22, then the upper side part or side member 21 of member 15 will engage a preferably spring contact 30 whichis. set in the upper shell member 10. This spring contact is preferably made of a single straight piece of flat metal, secured by any suitable means, as by a screw 31, and extending out of the shell member 12-, so that a wire connection may be made at the binding screw 32. The shell member 12 has narrow slot 33 through which a contracted portion 34 of the member 30 passes. It will be noted that, in the specific form of structure shown, the slot 33 is directly over the notch 17 which holds the apex of sectorshaped member 15; but this slot 33 is narrower than the width of the notch 17, so that the notch-17 is not cut away to any material extent by the slot 33. In the form shown'in Figs'l, 2' and 3 preferably provide the member 15 with a pair of spring tongues 35, each struck out of the side parts 21 of member 15 and each projecting into the hollow interior of the member 15. Between these spring tongues 35 I place the crank pin 36 of the operating crank which is formed upon the shaft 37. To the outer end of this shaft 37 the usual key, or any other operating means, may be attached or connected or mounted. The shaft 37 is so positioned,and the throw of the crank 36 is such, as to throw the member 15 between its two positions one in which the detent, 24 engages the upper notch 22 and the other in which detent 24 engages the lower notch 22. V

The -operation of the form shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 is a follows: I

Supposing the parts to be in the positions shown in the drawings, then when the shaft 37 is rotated in either direction through a half revolution, the first action will be for the shaft to be turned against the upper spring tongue 35 and put this spring tongue in a state of tension, while the spring detent 24 still holds the sector-shaped member 15 from movement. After a certain amount of rotation of the crank (say nearly all its total movement) then the crank engages with the side part21 of member 15 and mechanically operates to positively move the member 15 against the restraint of the spring detent. This positive movement of member 15 is very small; just enough to start the detent out of the notch 22; when the tension on the spring tongue is then sufficient to force the notch entirely clear of the detent. Under the action of the spring tongue the sector-shaped member then quickly springs from its lower position to its upper position, the spring detent entering the lower notch 22. Just before thespring detent enters the lower notch 22, the upper face of member 15 engages the contact 30 and makes a good and broad electrical contact therewith across the entire trical circuit from thebinding screw 32 to the part 29. Another half revolution of the crank 36in either direction will throw the member 15 downwardly again, the action being the same as described, only reversed. It will be seen that it is the function of the spring 35 to interpose a resilient element in the means to move the contact member 15 the function of said resilient element being to accumulate a suflicient stress or tension to move the movable member quickly when the detent is once released, or partially released; with the result that the movable contact member springs or snaps from one position to the other. However, it will be under stood that it is possible to make the spring element (the tongue) do all the work of releasing the detent. That is, the tongue may be stiff enough to accumulate a stress sufficient in itself to force the release of the detent before the crank reaches the end of its movement. But the positive action described has the advantage of causing the release or yielding of the detent at a definite point in the motion of the partsit makes the action more mechanically positive. The spring detent, and the notches 22, are for the purpose, and perform the function, of

releasably or yieldingly holdingthe movable tially the same form as hereinbefore described, providing it withitwo peripheral notches 22, but preferably providing itwith only a single spring tongue 35 This single spring tongue is preferably made bybending the side portion 21 back on itself at the apex 16; and the side portion 21 does not extend clear down to the apex, but only extends a sufiicient distance inwardly from the periphery 20 to make a good contact surface adapted to engage the contact 30 The contact 30 is mounted in a slot 40 inthe upper shell member 12, projects across the cavity 13, opposite the part 21 of sector-shaped contact member 15 and has'a part 41 which i is clamped between theshell parts 11 and 12. One of the small bolts 42, which holds the shell parts together, passes through the part 41 and a nut 13 maybe provided to screw down on the part 41 to make good electrical contact therewith; anda binding post or screw 414 may be mounted at the upper end of thebolt 42. The spring detent 2-1 is shaped at 25 as hereinbefore' explained, to engage the notches 22; and this spring detent is secured by having a part 50, preferably integral therewith, clamped between the shell member's 11 and 12 and making electrical contact with the other bolt 42, by means of a nut 51; a binding post or screw 52 being mounted at the upper end of this bolt.

It willbe seen that the parts just described are such asto have-an operation practically the same as the parts described in connection with Figs. 1, 2 and 3. The main differences between these forms (and it will be seen that there are differences of detail) in the manner of moving the movable contact member 15. In both cases this member is moved through the medium of a resilient element (the tongues 35 or the single tongue 25 but in the form of Fig. 1 I employ a rotatable means for moving the movable contact member 15. This reciprocating means may preferably comprise a rod extending through the shell, resting in slots,

61 in the lower part-11 of the shell and hav ing collars or enlargements at 62 lying on opposite sides of the spring tongue 35 A small button 63 may be provided on each end of the rod 60. hen the button on one side is pushed, the movable member 15* is moved to one position; when the button on the other side is pushed, the movable member 15 is moved to its other position. The engagement of the collars or enlargements 62 with the side parts 21 and 21 furnishes the positive movement to force the release or yielding of the detent.

The form shown in Fig. 4 may be used as a pendant hanging switch; or may be used in a situation where it is permanently and rigidly mounted. Itwill be noted that, al-. though I have shown two buttons 63, obviously a single button may be used as a'push and pull button;

In the specific embodiments of my invention so far described, I have shown the movable switch member 15 as being preferably pivoted and moving about its pivotal point.

However, it is not a necessary feature that said member move pivotally; it may move in any other suitable manner. F or instance, it may reciprocate, as is shown in the form of Fig. 6. In Fig. 6 I show a shell 1O which may be tubular and have a stationary contact 30 at one side and a combined spring detent and contact'241 at the opposite side.

Between these two parts the movable'con-' tact member 15 is adapted to reciprocate. This movable contact member may, in one specific preferred form, be made'of a strip of resilient metal bent to a general U-shape with a central transverse portion 7 O and side portions 71 and 72. One of the'side portions, as .72, may have means for engaging with detent 24?; that is, it may have the spaced depressions 7 3 adapted to be engaged by the end 25 'of the spring detent. An operating rod 74 has a push and pull button 7 and connectswith the transverse part by passing through that part and having a pair of compression springs 7 6,confined between collars 7 7 and the part 7 0, on opposite sides of the parts 70. The operation of this form of switch is substantially identical with that of the other forms. When the button 75 is moved back and forth, a sufiicient tension or stress is initially placed upon one or the other of springs 76, and by this stress the detent 2 1 may be sprung out of the notch 78, the contact member. 15

other position. But I prefer here, as in the other cases, to provide positive detent releasing action. This may be had by making the springs 7 6 to close up after a certain amount of movement; or by providing a reduced part 74; of rod 74 to go through the part 70, the positive action taking place either when the spring closes, or whenthe shoulder at the end of the reduced portion reaches the part 7 O. In this form of device the spring action of, the detent means may be partly in the spring detent itself and partly in the side ,72 of member 15".

In Fig. 7 I show a form substantially similar to that shown in Fig. 6. The description of Fig. 6 appliesto Fig. 7 excepting that in Fig. 7 the movable contact member 15 1s made in the special form illustrated, so as to provide two tongues 35, one

on each side of a collar 62 on rod 74:. Thus made on broad surfaces, in spite of the fact that the switch mechanism is of small'si ze and very simple. The number of parts'is small, and the total amount of metal is small. Furthermore, and this is an important feature, the assembly of my switch is very simple and inexpensive. It will be seen that the operating parts are, for the most part, held inplace without the use of holding screws; and that said operating parts may be easily slipped into place in the shell. Furthermore, it will be seen that there are no partsunder any great stressv when the switch mechanism is in either position. The spring tongues, or the springs 76', are only under stress during the moment of operation; and the spring detent and contact 24 is the only part underpermanent resilient stress; and this stress is small.

For these reasons my switch has a long life.

ber, means including a resilient element for moving said member, notches in said member spaced in the direction of movement thereof, said resilient element being formed integrally with said movable contact memher, and a yielding detent means adapted to enter either of said notches.

2. In a device of the character described, the combination of a movable contact member, means including a resilient element for moving said member, notches in said member spaced in the direction of movement thereof, said movable contact member being formed of a single strip of resilient metal and said resilient element being integral therewith, and a yielding detent means adapted to enter either of said notches.

3. In a device of the character described, the combination of a movable contact memher having a spring tongue, means acting on the spring tongue for moving the contact member, and spring detent means cooperatingwith said movable contact member to hold itin either oftwo positions.

4. In a device of the character described, the combination of a movable sector-shaped contact member having a spring tongue, and

having circumferentially spaced depressions on its periphery, a spring detent adapted to enter either of said'depressions, and means to move the contact member acting upon the spring tongue. r

5. In a-device of the .character described, the combination of a movable sector-shaped contact'member having a spring tongue and having circumferentially spaced depressions on its periphery, a stationary spring detent adapted'to enter either of the depressions and thereby to releasably hold the said contact member in either of two positions,

means acting on the spring tongue to move said member, and a stationary contact with which said movable contact member engages when in one of its positions.

6. In a device of the character described,

the combination of a movable sector-shaped contact member having circumferentially spaced depressions on its periphery, a sta-..

tionary spring detent adapted to enter either of the depressions and thereby to releasably .integral spring tongue, a stationary spring detent adapted to enter either of the perlpheral depressions of the contact member, a stationary contact with which the movable contact member engages when in one position, and means acting on the spring tongue to move the contact member. V

8. In a device of the character described, the combination of a movable sector-shaped contact member pivoted at its apex and having circumferentially spaced depressions on its periphery and having a substantially J central integral spring tongue, a stationary spring detent adapted to enter either of the peripheral depressions of the contact memher, a stationary contact with which the movable contact member engages when in one position, and means acting on the spring tongue to move the contact member.

9. In a device of the characterdescribed, the combination of a movable sector-shaped contact member pivoted at its apex and having circumferentially spaceddepressions on its periphery and having a pair of integral centrally disposed spring tongues, a stationary spring detent adapted to enter either of the peripheral depressions of the contact member, a stationary contact with which the movable contact member engages when in one position, and a crankarranged between the two spring tonguesj- 1 10. In a device of the'character described,

her, means including a resilient member formed integrally with the contact member, for moving said contact member; and yielding detent means'cooperating with the movable contact member.

11; In a device of thecharacter described,

the combination of a movable contact mem ber formed of a .single strip of resilient metal; means, including a resilient member formed integrally with and of the same strip of metal as the contact member,for moving said contact member; andyielding .the combination of a movable contact memdetent means cooperating with the movable contact member.

12. In a device of the character described,

a hollow body having an interior notch, 'a

movable sector-shaped contact member piv- 1 oted in its apex in said notch, means to hold the contact member in the notch embodying a resilient element pressing against the broader end of the member, said member having peripherally spaced notches, and said resilient element adapted toalso act as a detent means by entering the notches.

13. In a device of the character described, a hollow body having an interior notch, a movable contact member pivoted at one end by having its end lying in the notch, and spring detent means pressing against the other end of the member and acting as a yielding detent to movement of the member about its pivoted end and also pressing the member into the notch.

14. In a device of the character described, a movable sector-shaped contact member pivoted at its apex, and a spring detent engaging the circumferential end of the member, the member and detent having for mations adapted to interengage to yieldingly oppose movement of the member about its pivoted end.

15. In a device of the character described, the combination of a movable contact memher having a spring tongue, means acting on the spring tongue for moving the contact member, and yielding detent means to detain the member against such movement.

16. In a device of the character described,

a skeleton-form movable switch member of sector shape, a yielding detent means at the bro-ad end of the member, and means for moving the member embodying a tongue integral with the member and projecting into its interior.

17. In a device of the character described, a skeleton-form movable switch member, and means for moving the member embodying a spring tongue integral therewith, and mechanism acting on the spring tongue to move the member.

In witness that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto subscribed my name this 1st day of Februar 1917.

ran ERICK o. NAUJOKS. Witnesses:

ELwoon I-I. BARKELEW, JAMES T. BARKELEW.

Images