US1597437A - Combined plug receptacle and switch - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 24 1926. 1,597,437

F. c. DE REAMER COMBINED PLUG RECEPTACLE AND SWITCH Filed Jan. 21. 1921 fizvezzfor: 1 361271. Cfiekeamel;

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Patented Aug. 24, 1926.

UNITED STATES FRANK C. DE REAMEB, OF SCHENECTADY,

NEW YORK. ASSIGNOR T GENERAL ELEC- TRIO COMPANY, A COBPORATIQN OF NEW YORK.

COMBINED PLUG RECEPTACLE AND SWITCH.

Application filed January 21, 1921. Serial No. 438,892.

The present invention relates to wiring devices and has for its object to provide an improved structure and arrangement in a combined plug receptacle and switch.

For a consideration of what I believe to be novel and my invention, attention is directed to the accompanying description and the claim appended thereon.

In the drawing, Fig. ,1 is a perspective view of a plug receptacle and switch embodying my invention; Fig. 2 is a side view the switch casing being shown in section and the switch closed; Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing the switch open; Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view; and Fig. 5 is a section taken on line 5-5, Fig. 4.

Referring to the drawing, 10 indicates a mounting block made of suitable insulating material, such as porcelain, and comprising a plug receptacle portion 11 and a switch portion 12. The plug receptacle portion has a flat bottom adapted to engage a mounting surface, the switch portion projecting from the opposite side of the receptacle portion. The receptacle portion has a round, central part from two sides of which project curved housings 13 open at their ends to receive plugs, suitable plugs being indicated at 14 and 14. In the bottom of the receptacle portion are four spaced recesses 15, 16, 17 and 18 connected by slots 15*,16, 17 and 18 with housings 13. Recesses 15 and 16 are on one side of the receptacle portion and are not connected to each other, while recesses 17 and 18 are on the other side and are connccted by a slot 19. In housings 13 are pairs of contacts or contact strips 20, 21 and 22, 23 which extend through slots 15, 17, 16 and 18 respectively and are provided with heads 24, located in recesses 15, 16, 17 and 18. In slot 19 is a bar 25 which electrically connects contact 21 to contact 23, the contacts and bar being held in the slots by screws 26 which pass through openings in the mounting block. Contact strips and 22 are held in position by screws 27 which serve also to hold in position spring switch contacts 28 and electrically connect them to contact strips 20 and 22.

The switch part of the mounting block has a transversely extending slot 30 in the bottom of which is a recess 31, switch contacts 28 being located at one end of such recess as shown in Fig. 5. Mounted on the bottom of recess 31 at the end remote from contacts 28 is an upright channel-shaped frame 32, having stops 33 and 34 at its top and bottom respectively. Struck out from the opposite sides of frame 32 midway between stops 33 and 34 are pivots 35 upon which is pivoted a U-shaped contact 36, the outer end of which is adapted to engage with and be disengaged from contacts 28. U-shaped contact 36 is of a Width to engage both contacts 28 simultaneously. Stops 33 and 34 he in the path of movement of contact 36 and serve to limit its movements. The open end of the U straddles frame 32, each leg having an opening through which a pivot 35 projects, the bridge between the legs of the U being at its free end. Arranged to slide longitudinally in frame 32 is an actuator 37 provided on opposite sides with projections 38 which engage stops 33 and 34 to limit the movement of the actuator. Actuator 37 is connected to contact 36 by an arm 39 provided at one end with a collar 40 and two projections 41 which enter openings in actuator 37. This serves to pivot arm 39 on actuator 37. The other end of arm 39 extends freely through an opening in the bridge at the free end of contact 36, and surrounding arm 39 and located between the bridge of contact 36 and collar 40 is an actuating spring 42 which operates in the usual manner to quickly snap contact 36 to one or the other extreme of its movement when the pivoted end of arm 39 passes beyond dead center. At 39* is a groove which serves to provide room for arm 39 to swlng.

The outer end of actuator 37 is bent at a right angle and connected to it is a post 43 insulated from the actuator by suitable washers and bushings as indicated at 44. Fitting over the switch portion of the mounting block is a metallic shell 45 having a lining 46 of insulating material and pro- 'vided with a cone shaped cover portion 47 through the apex of which post 43 extends. 1 On the outer end of post 43 is fixed a downwardly curved or rounded button 48 fastened by a screw 49', the button being preferably provided With projections which fit into grooves in post 43, asindicated at 43, so as to prevent the button from turning on the post and thus loosening the screw. Shell 45 is fastened in place by screws 50 which pass entirely through the mounting block and serve to fasten it to a support, 110

' the inner end of arm 39 here shown as a plate 51. -Post 43 makes a nice sliding fit with the opening at the apex of cone 47 thereby providing a uide for the reciprocating actuator 37, an for guiding the lower end of the actuator, frame 32 is provided at its upper and lower ends with struck in beads 52 against which the actuator is pressed by the spring 42.

When the switch is open, the switch parts stand in the sitions shown in Fig. 3. To close the switch, button 48 is pulled out thereby sliding actuator 37 longitudinally of frame 32. The inner end of arm 39 moves with the actuator forcing the outer end to slide through the bridge of contact 36 and putting spring 42 under compression. When passes beyond pivots 35, spring 42 quickly snaps contact 36 from the open position shown in Fig. 3 to the closed position shown in Fig. 2. The switch is opened in a similar manner by pushing in on button 48. Stops 33 and 34 serve to limit the movements of actuator 37 and also to limit the movements of contact 36.

It will be noted that the switch when closed serves to connect contacts-20 and 22 to each other and in the use of the device plugs 14 are wired tothe circuit and one connected to each pair ofcontacts20, 21

and 22, 23. The circuit may be then opened and closed by operating the switch. On the other hand the circuit wlres may be entirely disconnected from the switch by pulling out the plug connectors.

One application to which my invention is well adapted is that of the control switch on a washing machine or other similar machine. When applied to this use the combined switch and plug receptacle is mounted on a suitable ably on a horizontal surface so the device stands vertical. One plug, for example, plug 14, is connected to the lead coming from the motor and the other plug 14* is connected to the lead which connects to the electric circuit, usually an ordinary lighting circuit. The two plugs are then connected to the pairs of contacts 20, 21 and 22, 23 thereby connecting the motor to the electric circuit through the push and pull switch.

The combined plug receptacle and switch possesses the advantage that it does not have to be wired when being applied to any use. It is only necessary to mount it in a suitable position and plug in the connection. The mounting of the device involves no electriany one, and the connection of at art of the machine, prefer-- cal connections and can be quickly done b plug such aslet and 14" to a lead wire is a sim 1e matter and can be done very quickly. 8n the other hand, the wiring up and, mounting of an ordinary type of switch r uires considerable time and care. As a resu t, by the use of my invention I am enabled to make a good saving in the cost of wiring a machine such as a washing machine. Also in practical use my improved arrangement is of advantage in that it enables either the motor lead wire or the'circuit lead wire or boltlh to be disconnected quickly from the switc The cone-shaped cover portion 47 in connection with rounded button 48 forms a' water shed for carryingofi? any water which may be spilled on the switch preventing it from reaching the switch. This is of 5 particular advantage in the case of washing machines. In this connection it will be noted that the sides of button 48 extend down well over the end of cover 47 so as to effectively prevent entrance of water around post 43.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, I have described the principle of operation of my invention, together with the apparatuswhich I now consider to represent the best embodiment thereof, but- I desire to have it understood that the apparatus shown is only illustrative and that the invention may be carried out by other means.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is

In a controlling device for an electrical circuit, the combination of a mounting block comprising a central portion and walls which project from the central portion to form' a pair ofseparate plug receptacles, said central portion bein provided with recesses which open into t e receptacles, two of said recesses being connected by a passage which extends across the central portion, contacts mounted in said recesses and projecting into said receptacles, said contacts and receptacles being adapted to receive a pair of plug connectors, a bar in said passage connecting two of said contacts, and a switch mounted on said central portion for coniiecting the other two contacts.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 19th day of January, 1921.

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