US1970558A - Enclosed combined switch and fuse - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 2l, 1934.

W. G. DEXTER ENCLOSED COMBINED SWITCH AND FUSE Filed April 4, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet l Z6 Z4 1,01 Z3 7kg-Madu- QINVENTOR ATTORNEYS Aug. 21, 1934. w. G. DEXTER ENCLOSED COMBINED SWITCH AND FUSE Filed April 4, 1932 5 sheets-sheet 2 Aug. 21, 1934. w- G. DEXTER 1,970,558

ENCLOSED COMBINED SWITCH AND FUSE Filed April 4, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTORNEYS W. G. DEXTER ENCLOSED COMBINED SWITCH AND FUSE Filed April 4, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 I VEANTOR ATToRN r-:YS

Aug. 2l, 1934. w. G. DEXTER .ENCLOSED COMBINED SWITCH AND FUSE Filed April 4, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 w mw uw ATTORNEYS description.

'U' appended claims, reference being had to the' Patentedy tg'. 2l', 1934 Y rU-NITED OFFICE-1 tomos ENoLosEn COMBINED SWITCH A-ND FUSE vWallace G. Dexter, 'new roik, N'. Y. l Application April 4, i932, sentiero 602,936

ZQIa-ims. (C.

'rois invention relates to on enclosed combined switch and fuse. j VOne object of this invention isy the provision of a combined switch and fuse which is enclosed so that it is impossible to touch any in the device. v

' Another object is the provision of an enclosed' combined switch and fuse which may be rnanipue' lated so that the fuses may be replaced Without danger 'of' Corning in Contact with any current live contacts carryingv Wires o r live switch parts.

Other objects of theinvention will be 'in part obvious and in part pointed out in the following To the 'accomplishment otthefolegoing and such other objects as mai7 hereinafter appear,

this inventioncoi'nprises Vthe construction, coinbinati'on and arrangement "of parts hereinafter described and then sought to be defined inthe accompanying drawings forming a part hereof,

and which show, merely for the purpose of illus` trative disclosure, a preferred embodiment of invention and several adaptations thereof, itbej ing 'expressly understood,` however, that various changes may be iliade in practice ,within thescope of the, claiins without digressing from 'my inventive idea. lY

In the drawings: Figure 1 represents a front plan rvi ev v with parts shown incross section and parts broken away to facilitate thedisclosure. igure 2 represents a transverse verticalross section. l v U Figure 3. represents a horizontal transverse cross section takensubstantially.on llne vEle-e?? Cbpecq t'th x nt mmbe'rsnzg by Figure 4 'represents a detail view showing the.I means f the Conducting bars 36 which pass means for releasing the-operating handle ofithe' Smtedbar 38 ma alle Cocted t thlower.

Figure 2. i

fuseis substituted forithefuse shownin, Fig= Figures 9, 10, 11 'and lf2`show the'parts-in the various positions when the device is manipulated to release and expose the fuses. i

Figure 13 represents a fron-t plan viewhwith parts shown in .cross section to facilitate the' disclosure, the 'showing being 'a 'ihodiiicati'on usingv o single pole.

Figure 1 4 is o 'view similar to Figure 13 showings 'inoili'ficatioii with o. "3='pole switch.

Figure `1`5 ls a reduced perspective view of a. slightlyV iiio'o'iiieill forni to illustrate the device with the 'fuses protruding from the apertures in t'hejfroilt of tlie box container and which are concealed by the 'cove lf w lien closed, parts being broken away' one omitted to facilitate the dise closure. Referring now to the drawlngs, reference char: actor '2o designates a bei; or container for housing the switooinectlaiiisiii, the pox or Acontainer being provided vvith a back 'panel 2 1 which is of insu= loting' iiioteilal. A central top portion Q22 less in len-gta than the width ofthe container -2o, and less iti width tiran the depth of the container, is atto-oiled to oa'cl; oane12'1, Top portion 2 2 is orovjioeo at its frontedge with a Icurved lip 23, Ao-Y jaoe'nt the 4central top portion 22 and at each sigle tirets-of, the oox or' 'container 2o is provided 'with integral sloping or inclined' top portion 24. The top sloping portions 24 are provided `with tilev cutawaypottiori's 25 to permit' movement of certaiiifoarts of tlieovlce later to be described and to provide slioiiloer 26 at the iront corner ofthe front face' of the boi:l VA20 is cut away as at 27 to oiovioesoacefoi movements of certain parts ofthe oevioeto eclater described. Fixed lower oontact'inemoers 2a ateconnected to the back panerzl by means of trie not' and bolt soie; ceived "in the groove 32, The upper contact., members 34 are connected to the Aback panel 21" in a siiiillai fashion; The switch is pivotally tiiroiig'ii the 'bottoni cio-ss oar or connecting in;

clio monitors Received within the clips 39 are trie fuses 41. The upper portions of fuses 411 ater'eoelveriwitiiin clips 42 provided with con; diicting'bas 44. The c'iil'fidil'cti iigy bars 44 extend througliiand-a'eoiigiected to the upper connecte Figures 7 and 8 represent Vertical sectional; mg bar or md 46 w Ich is opratlv'ely connected views of a modification in which av knife -blade' withthe handle of the switch. I'he upper clip' meinoers' 42 nolo tlio fuses 41 with incre tension tiienlowejr olio ineiiioefs 3 9 so that when the clio of trie* stiitcii incensi-inni, the fuses' ieinain in the toner clio mein ei'42', ossriotvn in Figure 12'.

1- fri-i tiener connecting' bei" or roo 4o is provided with e reduced coa-tial ciioiilai portion 4i to receive tite iiooef oortioii 48 of iotl 49. 'roe roti@ sie 49 is telescoplcally received within the cylindrical member 50 connected at its lower end to the bottom cross bar 38 by means of the threads 51. The upper portion 49 has a semi-circular cut away portion 52 which fits central reduced portion 47 of rod 46. Connected to the upper part of rod 49 by means of screws 53 is a cap 54 provided with a semi-circular cut away portion 55 to surround the upper portion of the central reduced portion 47 of the bar 46.

The cap 54 is so attached to the rod 49 as to permit relative movement between the parts and the rod, and the rod 49 is, therefore, rotatably mounted on the central reduced portion 47 of cross bar 46. As shown in Figure 6, the cross bar is provided with a body of general rectangular form with thc reduced circular portion 47, and the spaced square portions 56 provided with the openings 58 for receiving the upper contacting bars 44. At the outer ends, the square portions 56 are provided with reduced diamond-shaped projections 60, and the reduced rounded ends 62.

The handle 64 is positioned exteriorly of the box or container 20 for manually operating the switch. The handle is provided with angular arms 66 which are connected to the bar 46 by links 61. These links are pivotally connected at 67 to the arms 66 and are provided with apertured ends which t over reduced rounded ends 62 of the cross bar 46. The arms 66 are connected to the handle 64 by the angular portions 68 which normally extend beyond the front of the container or box 20. The arms 66 are formed with the vertical elongated flat portions 70 which are normally positioned within the container or box 20. At their lower ends Athe arms are apertured, and are mounted on sleeves 72 which are slidably mounted on the axle or rod 74. The axle or rod 74 is rigidly secured to the sides of the box or container 20. At their outer ends the sleeves 72 are provided with iianges or collars 76 against which the lower apertured ends oi' portions 70 abut. At their inner ends and adjacent each other, the sleeves 72 are provided with spaced vertical ears or wings 78. Vertical portions 70 of arms 66 are provided with flanges 80 adjacent their lower ends, which are normally received in vertical slots 82 formed in the sides of the casing or container 20. Curved springs 84 are each secured at their one end to the sides of the casing by securing means 85 and the other end of each of the springs bears against flanges 80 on portions 70 of arms 66 so as to force the arms 66 forwardly and release the switch when the anges 80 are removed from slots 82.

The front portion of the box or casing 20 is provided with a button 86 slidably mounted in a housing 88 (see Figure 4). The inner portion of the button is provided with a V-shaped notch 90. When the button is pushed inwardly, vthe ears or wings 78 are drawn toward each other by the V-shaped portion 90, and the4 flanges 80 on portions 70 of arms 66 are removed from the slots 82, and the arms 66 are then forced into the position shown in Figure 9 by the springs 84. This action quickly breaks the switch and opens the circuit without arcing.

After the switch has been released it is necessary to bring the fuses through apertures in the front of the box or container so that new fuses may be inserted without danger of electric shock, and the following construction has been provided for this purpose.` The front of the casing or box 20 is provided with apertures or out away portions 91 to permit fuses 41 to project beyond the front of the casing. The front of the casing also has cut away portions 92 to permit portions 70 of arms 66 to pass to the position shown in Figure 9. The casing or box 20 is provided with a pivoted cover 93 which is substantially the same width as top portion 22 and which lits under curved lip 23. The cover is provided with the curved hooked portion 94 received in the opening 95 in the front of the box or casing 20. The cover 93 is provided with a handle 96 which is riveted or otherwise secured to the cover, the rivets or other securing means being positioned within openings or cut away portions 91 when the cover is in closed position. The lid or cover is provided with the elongated flat side portions 98. The cover is pivotally mounted at its upper rear end on the rod which is pivotally connected at each end to one end of a link 101. To hold the rod in position a curved leaf spring 102 is provided which is attached at its one end to top 22 of the box or container 20. This spring also acts against cap 54 and rod 49 to force the fuses into position when the switch is closed, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The link 101 at its other end is attached to the side wall of the box or container 20 by means of the pin or rivet 104. The side portions 98 of the lid or cover and the link 101 are spaced by means of the sleeve 106. The side portions 98 are each provided with the angular projecting portion 108 having the hook portion 110. Above the hook portions 110, side portions 98 are provided with inclined portions 112. When the button 86 is pressed, the switch is broken and the diamondshaped reduced portions 60 pass between the hook portions 110 and the inclined portions 112.

When the lid or cover 93 is lifted and during the first part of the movement, the lid or cover pivots around rod 100, the spring 102 assisting to hold the rod in position. During this movement hook portions 110 engage the diamond-shaped ends 60 of cross bar 46 and raise the fuses along a rectilinear line into the position shown in Figure 11 until the reduced rounded ends 62 abut the corners 26 of the inclined portions 24 of box or container 20 so as to prevent further rectilinear movement of the fuses. During this movement the fuses 41 have been removed from the lower clips 39 (see Figure 11). Then the lid or cover pivots around cross bar 46 and the rod 100 is forced downwardly against the action of spring 102 to the position shown in Figure 12 so that the fuses are rotated and presented at the front of the box or container and may be examined and replaced if necessary. When the fuses are presented at the front of the box, curved hook 94 at the end of its travel abuts handle 64 and prevents further movement of the lid or cover, locking in that position.

In order to prevent opening of the lid or cover when the switch is in operative position, the lid or cover is provided with struck out flanges 114 and the arms 66 are provided with struck out ears 116, the flanges and ears cooperating to form a locking means.

As before pointed out the front face of the box or container 20 is provided with cut away portions 91 to permit the fuses 41 to be extended from the box or container. The lid or cover 93 overlaps a portion of the front face of the box or container, and when in closed position covers up the fuse openings above described so that it is impossible to touch or tamper with any live parts of the switch.

Figures 7 and 8 show the invention applied to a knife blade fuse but the principle of operabinedfuse and switch and with the partsshown ther rotation of the cover. i

fil

` 'shaped notch 90 which contacts with the wings '18v` tion is similar to that described in connection with the -form shown in Figures l and-2. In thismodi-4 iication, the form of the clip members iis changed soas to accommodate a knife blade/fuse. lThe lower clip member 11'7 is formed with a cupmemf ber 118 which is formed of two parts spaced apart about the thickness of the knife blade on the fuse.- This clip member is provided with the slot or channel 120 to receive the knife bladefl22-of the vfuse 124. The upper clip memberv 126. is formed from two pieces of metal which are bent to form a cup member 128the parts being spaced apart about the thickness ,of the `knifeblade on the fuse, and is provided with a slotor channel 130 tov receive the upper blade 132,-of the knife blade fuse. Above the slot 130 the parts` are fastened together byL meanso .rivet 133 orthe like.. Above this point themembers are spread apart to form the jaw-portions 134 which-.are adaptedto receive the fixed contact members 136 which may be of one piece construction or may include a plurality .of parts. Itis' to be noted that the movable part is of a jaw construction 134.- and receives the xed member or members 136. VWhen this construction is used lin my enclosed commember is formed of two parts, 'whichl aresepa rated a suiiicient distance. to permit-passage of thelower knife blade 122, the fuse may assume the position shown in Figure 12, and be removed, examined, and replaced if necessary ater fur- Figure 13 shows the invention appliedto` a single pole switch, and Figure l4vshows the invention applied to a 3-pole switch, but the principle of operation' and the operating partsare the-same as that described in connection with the Vform spacer-sand -braces so that a single plate may be j 'used for an entire wall o r fora plurality of switches. y I i The operation of the device shown in Figs. 1 and 2 will now be described, but it is to be ex pressly understood that the other modications lusing different types of fuses and different numV bers of fuses operate in the same way. -When the switch is to be released so that the fuses may4 be examined or replaced the button 86 is pushed inwardly. The button is provided with the V- to draw the sleeves 72 inwardly.` The sleeves are provided with the anges l'I6 which draw the lower ends of elongated portions '70 of arms 66 inwardly so as to remove ears oranges from the *de- 'pressions 82.

,link 61. When the arms 66 are moved outwardly 'they remove the. conducting bars :44,from the upper contact membersl 34 `and the fuses" pivot about the bottom contact'members 28.4 Injthis position the circuit is broken and-no current.v passesthrough the fuses.. The next .operation is4 to grasp handle 96.on cover 93 and force the cover upwardly so that it pivots around rod 100 as showninFigure 10. The cover is provided with the hooknportions llwhi'ch are adapted to cooperate` with the diamonds-shaped portions 60 on rod..46 to' release the fuses and present them at the front of the box or container 20. In Figure 10 it willfbe' seen that the ends of the hook members 110 contact with the diamond shaped projections 60.-Further'rotation of the cover 93 causes the .hook member `110 to engage the diamond shaped projection 60 on rod46 as in Fig. 11. Duringthis movement the fuses have been moved in 'a straight line and have been removed from the bottomclip members 39. This is one feature of-.myv invention andIihave used a minimum of parts to effect this rectilinear movement of the fuses so that the fuses are removed from bottom clip members 39. At the end of this straight line or rectilinear movement the rounded reduced portions 62 of rod 46 'abut the front corners 26 ofthe box -.or container to prevent further rectilinearV movement of the fuses. During this movement there is a separation of cross bars 38 and 46 due to the telescopic connection 49, 50. When the cover 93 is moved further the parts pivot about rod 46 as shown'in Fig. 12, and the rod 100 is moved downwardly against the spring 102. The hook portions 110 are engaged with the diamond-shaped portions 60 and rotate rod 46 so as'to presntfthe fuses atthe front of the casing as shown in" Figure 12. f 'I'his double or compound pivoting of coverv 93 first around rod 100 and then around rod 46 is another featureof my invention and permits the 'rectilinear movement above reflerred-to and `then a rotary movement of the fusesso that they project from the front'ot the casing. 'When the'end of the movement or travel ofthe cover 93'v is reached hook portion'94 on cover- 93 abuts handle 64 and locks in this position to prevent any further relative movement between the parts. While the fuses are in this position they may be removed, examined and replaced if necessary.

When the switch is to be placed in operative position, 'the reverse of the movement just described is lperformed and the cover 93 is forced downwardly so as to cause the fuses to pivot around rod 46 into the position shown in Figure 11. Further downward movement of the cover- 93'forces the fuses 41 into the lower clip members 39 as shown in Figure 9. The handle 64 of theswitch is then forced inwardly until the ears or flanges 80 are received in depressions 82 to hold the parts into operative position with conducting bars 44 engaging the contact members 34; `In order to insure that the fuses are rigidly held in position spring 102 abutsv the cap 54- of rod 49 so as t'o'iorce the fuses downwardly into engagement `with the lower clip member 39.

While Fig. 15 is a perspective view to show the device in open position, it is also a slight modification as it shows the'casing including top 22' as -formed of an integral structure so that top 22' is the same width as the casing.

From the foregoing Vdescription it will be apparent that-I have disclosed a relatively simple, compact `device which is certain and safe in its operation. v f' -WhatI"c1aim is:

"1.In` a device of the character described, a casing, a switch and afusein said casing, means forreleasing said switch, a pivoted cover on said casing, means on said cover for'removing said fuse from said 'switch while said switch is in lan inoperative position.

2. In a.. device of the character described1 a pivoted switch provided with a fuse, means for automaticallyreleasing said switch to open the circuit, and means for removing said fuse from said switch while the circuit is open.

`3. In a device of the character described, a casing having an opening, a switch in said casing, said switch being provided with a `fuse, means whereby said switch may be released to .open the circuit, and means on said casing for removing said fuse from said switch while the circuit is open so that the fuse extends from said opening in said casing and may be manually grasped.

. 4. A deviceof the character described, including, a pivoted switch member provided with upper and lower clip members to receive a fuse, a pivoted operating handle for said switch, means for automatically releasing vsaid switch and means for separating said upper and lowerclip members and rotating vsaid upper clip member.

5. A device of the character described including, a casing, a pivotally mounted vswitch therein and provided with a fuse and clip members therefor, a cover for lsaid casing, and means associated with said cover for removing the fuse from one of said clip members.

,6. In a device of the character described, a pivoted switch, an apertured coverv plate therefor, said switch being provided with .a fuse, means for releasing said switch to open the circuit and means for releasing one end of said fuse and rotating said fuse so that the fuse projects through the aperture in said cover plate. '7. In a device of the character described, an enclosure, aY pivoted switch mounted in said enclosure and provided with upper and lower clip membersl and a fuse, means for releasing. said j switch, and means for removing said fuse from the lower clip member and then rotating said upper clip member and fuse to present the fuse at the iront of the enclosure. l Y Y 8. In a device of the character described, a housing, a pivotally mounted switch in said housing and provided with a fuse, a cover, cross bars connected to said fuse, telescopic means connecting said cross bars and means for causing relative movement between said cross bars for removing said fuse from operative position.

9. In a device of the character described, a casing, a switch pivotally mounted in said casing, an operating handle pivotally mounted in said casing, means connecting said operating handle and said switch, means for releasing said operating handle and said switch and means for removing a fuse from said switch while the switch is in released position.

10. In a device of the character described, a casing, a pivotally mounted switch in said casing and provided with a fuse, a cover for said casing, said coverbeing provided with means for causing rectilinear movement of said fuse while the switch is in released position and then for caus- -ing rotary movement of said fuse so that it projvwhereby said switch is released, and means including a compound pivoting for removing said fuse from said switch while said switch is in released position, said means rotating around one pivot to cause rectilinear movement of the fuse and free it from one of the-clip members and the means then rotating about 'another' pivot to cause rotary movement o1' the fuse and present it at. the front of the casing.

12. A device of the character described, ncluding, a housing, an operating handle held in operative position, means for releasing said handle, a pivoted switch in said housing and having clip members and a fuse, means connecting said handle and said switch, a cover provided with a plurality of pivots' and provided with means whereby when the cover is rotated on one pivot the fuse is removed from one clip member and when rotated on another pivot the fuse is given a rotary movement. l

13. A device of` the character described, including, a housing, a switch pivoted therein, said switch being provided with upper and lower clip members adapted to hold a fuse, means for releasing said switch to open the circuit, means includine a plurality `of pivots for imparting rectilinear movement to one of said clip members to releaseone end of the fuse and then imparting rotary movement -to said clip member ior rotating the same so that the fuse projects from the front of thehousing.

14. A device of the character described, including, a housing, a switch comprising upper and lower cross bars, means for telescopically connecting said vcross bars, a cover for said housing, means associated with said cover adapted to cooperate with said upper cross bar to effect a separation of said Across bars and then a rotation o! said upper cross bar whereby a fuse connected to said upper cross bar may project from said housmg. i

15. A device of the character described, including, a housing, a switch comprising upper and lower cross bars, means for telescopically connecting said cross bars, an operating handle for said switch, said upper cross bar being provided with angular means, and means pivoted on said housing and cooperating with said angular means on said upper cross bar to cause a separation of said cross bars during a part of the movement and then effecting a turning of said upper bar by engagement with said angular means on said upper cross bar. f

16. A device of the character described, including, a housing, a pivoted switch with upper and lower cross bars, said upper cross bar having an angular reduced end, means for releasing said switch, a pivoted cover on said housing, said cover having a hooked member adapted to cooperate with said angular reduced end on said upper bar to rotate said upper cross bar and expose a fuse of the switch.

17. A device of the character described, including, a housing, a switch pivoted in said housing and having upper and lower cross bars and clip members, said upper cross bar having an angular reduced end, means for releasing said switch, a cover pivoted at a plurality of places and having a hooked member adapted to cooperate with said angular reduced end of said' upper cross bar whereby rotation of said cover on one pivot moves the upper cross bar along a straight line to release a fuse in said switch and further rotation of said cover on another pivot rotates said upper cross bar whereby a fuse in said switch is exposed at the front of the housing.

. 18. A device of the character described, including, a housing, a pivoted switch therein and having upper and lower cross bars and clip members, said upper cross bar having an angular reduced end, means for telescopically connecting said cross bars, means for releasing said switch, a cover pivoted to said housing, said cover having hooked means adapted to cooperate with said angular reduced end of said upper cross bar whereby initial rotation of said cover moves said upper bar in a straight line and further movement of said cover rotates said upper bar to expose a fuse of the switch at the front of said casing.

19. A device of the character described including, a housing, a switch mounted in said housing, said switch being provided with a fuse and clip members therefor, a cover for said housing, and means associated with said cover for removing the fuse from one of said clip members while said cover is being moved to open position and when said switch is open.

20. A device of the character described, including, a housing, a cover pivotally mounted on said housing, a switch pivotally mounted in said housing, said switch being provided with a fuse, means whereby said switch may be released to open the circuit, and means associated with said cover whereby rotation of said cover on its pivot causes removal of said fuse from said switch while the switch is open so that said fuse projects from said housing and may be manually grasped.

21. In a device of the character described, a housing, a switch mounted in said housing and provided with upper and lower clip members adapted to receive a fuse, means whereby said switch may be released to open the circuit, and means for removing a fuse from one of said clip members while the switch is in released position and then rotating said other clip member so that the fuse projects from said housing.

22. In a device of the character described, a housing, a switch mounted in said housing and provided with upper and lower clip members adapted to hold a fuse, means whereby said switch may be released to open the circuit, and means for moving one of said clip members along a substantially rectilinear path while the switch is open and then rotating said last mentioned clip member so that a fuse held therein will be projected from the casing.

23. In a device of the character described, a casing, a switch pivotally mounted in said casing and provided with upper and lower clip members adapted' to receive a fuse, said casing being provided with means whereby substantially rectilinear movement of one of said clip members may be effected to remove a fuse from said other clip member While said switch is in released position and then for effecting rotary movement of said first mentioned clip member so that the fuse projects from said casing and may be removed from said first mentioned clip member.

24. In a device of the character described, a casing, a switch pivotally mounted in said casing and provided with upper and lower clip members adapted to receive a fuse, said casing being provided with means whereby rectilinear movement of said upper clip member is brought about to remove a fuse from said lower clip member while said switch is in released position and then for causing rotary movement of said upper clip member so that the fuse projects from said casing and may be removed from said upper clip member by an operator.

25. A device of the character described, including, incombination, a casing, a switch provided with a cross bar, an operating handle for said switch, said cross bar being provided with means whereby said cross bar may be moved when it is desired to replace fuses in the switch, and means on said casing cooperating with said cross bar means whereby a substantially rectilinear movement is rst given to said cross bar and then a rotary movement is given to said cross bar.

26. In a device of the character described, a casing, a Switch pivotally mounted in said casing, said switch being provided with a cross bar and adapted to receive a fuse, means whereby said switch may be released, said cross bar and casing being provided with means whereby said cross bar may be moved along a substantially rectilinear path and then rotated to project a fuse from said casing.

27. In a device of the character described, a casing, a switch pivotally mounted in said casing, said switch being provided with a cross bar and upper f and lower clip members adapted to receive a fuse,

means whereby said switch may be released to open the circuit, said cross bar and casing being provided with cooperating means whereby said cross bar and one of said clip members may be moved along a substantially rectilinear path and then rotated to project a fuse from said casing.

WALLACE G. DEXTER.

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