US2050359A - Electric snap switch - Google Patents

Description

lig. 1l, 1936. G, J` MEUER 2,050,359

ELECTRIC SNAP SWITCH Original Filed Aug. 25, 1954 Patented Aug. 11, 1936 PATENT ori-ICE `ELECTRIC SNAP SWITCH George J. Meuer,` Milwaukee, Wis., assigno'r to Cutler-Hammer, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation of Delaware Application August 25, 1934, Serial No. 741,362 Renewed November 7, 1935 20 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in electric snap switches, and although not limited thereto the invention relates more particularly to switches adapted for attachment to and for cooperation with radio rheostats or similar electrical devices.

A primary object of the invention is to improve and simplify the details of` construction and assembly of the parts of the switch and the operation of the latter.

Another object is to provide a novel arrangement of parts enabling production of a switch of minimum depth or transverse dimension without sacricing any of the desired structural or operative characteristics of the switch.

Another object is to provide a novel form and arrangement of the stationary and movable contact elements of the switch.

Another object is to provide a novel form of insulating carrier for the movable contactor or contactors of the switch.

Another object is to provide a novel form of d mounting means for the actuating element and the carrier.

Another object is to provide a switch having a minimum number of parts, certain of which parts O are adapted for alternative use to provide switches having substantially different electrical functions or characteristics.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter appear.

The accompanying drawing illustrates certain embodiments of the invention which will now be described, it being understood that the embodiments illustrated are susceptible of modication as to certain details thereof without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

In the drawing, Figure 1 is a plan view of the open end of a single-pole, single-throw snap switch constructed in accordance with my invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view, on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1,-the cover member for the wiring terminal elements being shown in position.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the closed end of the switch shown in Figs. 1 and 2,-the aforementioned cover member being omitted, and a pair of conductors being shown in dotted lines as attached to the terminals.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the open end of the insulating base shown in the preceding Igures.

Fig. 5 is a view similar toFig. 1, but showing a modified form of insulating base and parts associated therewith to provide a snap. switch of the double-pole, single-throw type. l

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the closed end of the switch shown in Fig. 5. 5

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the open end of the insulating base shown in Figs. 5 and 6. e

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional View on the line 8-8 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8a is a plan view of one of the switch conl0 tacts shown in Figs. 5 and 8.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the open end lof a further modied form of switch employing a base of the character shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 10 is a sectional View on the broken line 15 I-Ill of Fig. 9. y

Fig. 11 is a sort of diagrammatic plan View, 'A actual size, of the closed end of the switch shown in Figs. 9 and 10,-it being understood that in practice the insulating base is grooved in the manner shown in detail in Fig. 6, and

Fig. 12 is a detail perspective view of a contactor of the character illustrated in Figs. 1 and 5. Referring rst to Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, the

vnumeral I5.designates a molded insulating base which is preferablycomposed of the phenol-formaldehyde condensation product sold commercially under the trade name of bakelite. Base I5 is preferably of circular contour, and the same is recessed from one face thereof, as best illustrated in Fig. 4, to provide an approximately circular bottom wall I5a and a relatively thin circumferential wall or cylindrical ange I5". Base I5 is provided with an integral .boss having a at surface I5c located in a plane slightly above and 35 parallel with the plane of said bottom wall I5 (see Fig. 2). A iat punched plate I6 of impregnated fiber or other suitable insulating material of the form best illustrated in Fig. 1 is adapted to bear against said flat surface |50. I prefer to employ material consisting of a laminated phenolic sheet.

Plate I6 is provided with a relatively larg opening I6a to afford clearance for a helical compression spring I'I. Fitted into and adapted to 45 seat upon one end of spring I1 is a metal member I8 of concave form which bears against an abutment II'b formed in the wall of opening Ilia. The other end of spring I'I is provided with a diametrically extending integral portion Ha the free end of which extends slightly beyond the periphery of the spring coil (see Fig. 2) to facilitate insertion thereof into an opening provided in the downwardly offset portion I9 of an actuating element I9. Opening IIB likewise provides clearance for saidportion I9 of the actuating element.

, While I have shown the portion I9a of actuating element I9 as being offset downwardly into While still providing for a .substantially coplanar relationship of spring I 'I'.and plate IIS.Y vUnder these conditions the forwardly extending portion |9a of element I9 will be made shorter to insure location of the spring-end-receiving 4opening therein at substantially-the same radial distance from the pivot pin 29B. as is illustrated in the drawing. With either arrangement it will be apparent that spring Il acts not only to effect snap movement of platev I6 from each extreme position thereof to the other, but said spring also effects a slight bias ofthe forward end of 1.25 at the region of'a'n opening or slot 25, which opening insures'the desired degree of resiliency plate I6. toward the bottom wall 4I5a of the recess,

whereby proper engagement of contactor 29 with the-rivet-head contact 2|a is insured.

Element I9 is preferably punched and stampedL from sheet-metal to the form best illustrated in Fig. lr-the same being provided with laterally 'extending' arms I9b, I99Vof substantially triangular form which are adapted to alternately engage the circumferentialwall I5b of base I5 to limit the degree of pivotal movement of said element in each direction. Element I9 and plate I6 are respectively provided with circular openings of like size (see Fig. 2) to freely receive the pivot portion 2|) of a pin which is provided with a relatively large head 2lbl to prevent displacement of element I9 and plate I6 from saidpivot portion.l

The inner end of pivot portion 20 rests against the flat annular surface I5d (Fig. 4) of a shallow depression formed in surface I5.c of the boss aforementioned, and said pin is provided 'with a reduced end 2l)b which penetrates a corresponding opening I5e in base I5 and is upset over the lower surface of the latter as shown at-2Iic (Fig. 2)

to permanently secure the aforementioned parts in assembled relation. The bottom wall |52? is preferably provided with a recess I5t to provide clearance for springIl, and the bottom wall of 'recess I5f is also preferably provided with a relatively smallerand relatively deeper recess |58 to provide clearance for the edge portion of member I8 The actuating element IS'is provided with a e pair of upstanding parallel lugs |99, |9e,-the

upper ends of said lugs being of greater width than the lower ends thereof (see Fig. 2) and the forward portions of`said upper ends being bent or curved outwardly relatively to each other, as best illustrated in Fig. 1. Said lugs are adapted for alternate and transient engagement by an element (not shown) movable in an arcuate path and associated with the operating shaft of a radio rheostat or the like. An arrangement of thecharacter just referred to is disclosed in the copending application of myself and William C Stevens, Serial No. 537,774, led May 16, 1931.

Base I5 is provided with integral abutments I 5x vand I5y to limit movements of -plate I6 in opposite directions respectively. Base I5 is provided at a point diametrlcally opposed to the opening I5e with an opening I511 to accommodate the shank of `a rivet 2| the head 2|a of which is provided with a shoulder adapted to seat against the annular at surface I5l provided by a slight depression surrounding said opening |511. head 2| is provided with a at circular contact surface spaced very slightly. above the aforementioning of base I5 relatively to its support. Said member 22 having a perforated lug portion 22a -which initially extends upwardly at a slight angle, as indicated in Fig. 3, to facilitate insertion and soldering of the bared end of a conductor (shown in dotted lines at 23). The shank 2| of the rivet is upset over terminal member 22 as l shown at 2Ib.`

Secured to the upper surface of abutment |5Y, as by means of a rivet 24," is a resilient stationary .contact member 25, the free and upwardly curved end portion 25a of which is adapted to overlie and is biased toward the rivet head contact 2 Ia. Said bias is provided by downwardly bending contact of said contact. Contact 25 is preferably provided with a small lug 25c to fit within a correspondingly shaped notch or recess in base I5 to insure proper permanent positioning of said contact. The end 24a of rivet 24 penetrates an opening in abutment I5y and an opening in a. wiring terminal member 26 and is upset over the latter as shown in Fig. 3. Member 26 is likewise provide-d with a perforated lug 26a to receive for soldering the bared end of a wire shown in dotted lines at 2l.

After the soldering operation the aforementioned lugs 22a, 26a are preferably bent downwardly into substantially flush relationship with the lower surface of base I5, and said base as shown is provided with grooves I5k and I 51 to accommodate the wires 23 and 2l. Base I5 is likewise preferably provided with shallow grooves |51, I5n to provide for employment of other types of wiring terminal members,-as, 'for instance, the typesv shown in Figs. 6 and 11. The type of wiring terminal members shown in Fig. 3, however, provides for concealment thereof by a simple form of insulating cover member of the character shown at 28 in Fig. 2. Said cover member has an annular flange 28a to rest against the aforementioned lower surface of base I5, and the same is provided with openings (not shown)y to register with the openings |50,l I5p in base I5 through which pass the shanks of rivets or other from a fiber lplate and the same is shaped to accommodate the wires 23 and 2l and to provide for exit' thereof as by means of grooves, one of which is shown at 28h. As will be understood, the

Awire leads 23 and 21 of suitable or desired length .will be attached to terminals 22 and 26 prior to attachment of cover member 28.

The inner edge of the annular wall I5b of base A I5 is preferably provided with a pair of relatively small substantially cylindrical integral projections I5q and E11- it being understood that the metal cover member of the rheostat (not shown) is provided with openings to receive said projections with a fairly close t, whereby said projections cooperate with the fastening elements aforementioned to insure accurate and rigid posi- AS best illustrated in Fig. 2 the aforementioned lugs I9d, I9e project upwardly beyond base |5,-the rheostat cover plate being of course provided with an opening to provide clearance for said lugs in the head 2|L of rivet 2|.

the manner disclosed in said Meuer and Stevens application Serial No. 537,774.

As shown in Fig. 1, the plate I6 is provided at a point adjacent to one end thereof, and at one side of the longitudinal center line thereof, with a through passage or opening I6c of substantially elliptical contour. Said opening |6 is adapted to accommodate with a snug or press t the neck portion 29a of a contactorA 29 (see also Fig. 12) whereby the shoulders 29h, 29'formed on said contactor are adapted to fit flatwise against the lower surface of plate I6. The upper end 29e of contactor 29 is preferably curved or rounded as shown to facilitate movement thereof into and out of engagement with the upwardly curved end 25a of contact 25.

In like manner the relatively larger lower end of contactor 29 is preferably curved or rounded, as shown at 29f, to facilitate sliding movement thereof along the bottom wall I5a of the recess in base I5, and to facilitate movement of said contactor29 into and out of engagement with Thus upon a given degree of movement of actuator` I9 toward the right .(Fig. 1) the lspring I'I will 'function in a well known manner to effect snap movement of contactor 29 into bridging engagement with contacts 2|a and 25 to complete the circuit controlled by the switch,-the aforementioned resiliency and bias of contact 25 acting to insure the proper 4degree of pressure thereof against said contactor. Also obviously upon a given degree of movement of actuator I9 in the reverse direction, snap movement of the contactor to the "oif position thereof illustrated in Fig. l will be effected.

Contactor 29 may be formed ofany suitable conducting material, and I prefer to have the same composed of coin silver or other suitable silver alloy,-'the part as illustrated being punched from a' metal sheet of the required thickness.

The plate I 6 which is common to the devices illustrated in Figs. 1 and 5 is provided with a second elliptical opening I Gd, the same being adapted to receive a second contactor 29 in constructing a double-pole switch of the character illustrated in Fig. 5.

As best illustrated in Fig. 2 the arrangement of a part I9 of element I9 and spring II insubstantially coplanar relationship with the flat contact-carrying plate I6 provides for a minimum depth of my complete snap switch. This feature is of considerable importance in view of the limited space available for combination volume control and switch devices in the small or socalled midget radio receivers now on the market.

The switch illustrated in Figs. 5 to 8, inclusive, is structurally similar to that aforedescribed and embodies certain vof the parts shown in Figs. l to 3, which parts have been given like numerals of reference. Thus the contacting-carrying plate I6, the actuating element I9, spring I1, member I8, contact 25 and rivet 2l, and the contactor 29 (shown in full lines) are preferably identical with those parts aforedescribed. The molded insulating base 30 is in general quite similar tothe base I5 aforedescribed and is recessed in a corresponding manner. In the device of Fig. 5, however, I employ a second contactor 29 (shown in dotted lines) and accordingly I provide a pair of stationary contacts 3| and 32 for cooperation with said additional contactor 29.

Contact 3| is seated upon the ledge provide by the top surface of an aliutment."x- (which contact having a lug 3| to fit into a suitable notch or recess in base 30 whereby said contact may be retained in fixed position, as by means of rivet 33. The hollow end of rivet 33 is upset over the base portion of a terminal member 34 to secure the latter within a suitable groove or recess in the bottom surface'of base 30, as best illustrated in Fig. 6.

'Ihe contacts 3| and 32 are preferably bent to the respective forms thereof illustrated in Fig.` 8 whereby said additional contactor 29 is disengaged .from each of'said contacts in one extreme position of plate I6, and engaged with each upon movement of plate I6 to its opposite extreme position. Thus as shown in Fig. 8 the free and flexible ends 3Ib and 32a are normally biased toward each other and toward the opposite faces of plate I6, and said ends 3|b and 32@l are so ,formed as to facilitate movement of the upper ing 32b to accommodate the shank of a rivet 35 which serves to secure said contact in position,-

Vthe hollow end of said rivet being upset over the base portion of a terminal member 36 to likewise secure the latter to the bottom surface of base 30 (see Fig. 6)

The rivet 2|, of which the contact-head 2|a is shown in Fig. 5, has its hollow end upset over the base portion of a terminal member 31,; and the rivet 24 aforementioned has its hollow end upset over the base portion of a terminal member 38,-one end of contact 25 being seated upon the ledge formed by the flat upper surface of an abutment 3Ily. The terminal members 34, 36, 31 and 38 are .preferably arranged in the manner best illustrated in Fig. 6, whereby the upstanding perforated end portions thereof are located in planes substantially flush with the peripheral line or contour of base 30.

The lower surface of base 3|! is preferably provided with additional or alternative grooves 30h, I

switch of the character illustrated in Figs. 5 and y 6, 'a ber cover member similar to that shown at 28 in Fig. 2 (but having four properly located outlet grooves formed therein) may be employed,-the base 30 having through passages 3|)t and 30g to accommodate the shanks of rivets or other fastening members (not shown). Cylindrical projections 30h and 30i are likewise preferably providedon base 3,0 for a purpose heretofore explained in the description of the device shown in Fig. l.'4

The forms of the main and auxiliary recesses in base 30 are best shown in Fig'. 7,-the recess 3l)j being adapted to provide clearance for spring II, the recess 39k being adapted to provide clearance for member |8 and the free end 32a of contact 32, and the recess 391 being adapted to accommodate the main body portiorrof said contact 32. The contact head 2 Ia of rivet 2| is accommodated within the recess 30m, and a portion of the aforedescribed pivot pin 2|) is accommodated by the annular recess 30n formed in ilat upper sux'- face 30 of a boss located within the main recess in base 3 0.

The operation of the switch is identical win; the operation ofthe device in Fig. 1,-except that upon bridging engagement of contacts 2|, 25'by one of the contactors 29 andother contactor 29 will simultaneously engage contacts 3| and 32,and'

disengagement 'of` contactors 29 from said pair of contacts will likewise beeiected simultaneously.

In constructing the multiple#circuit-control?v ling switch illustrated in Figs. 9, and l1 I'may employ an insulating base identical with that illustrated in Figs. 5 to 8, and corresponding` parts of lthe base are designatedby like reference numerals. Also the actuating element '|9,A spring member I8. and rivets 24 and 33v are.

identical with those parts in Fig. 5.

'I'he iiat punchedplate 39 of insulating material is substantially like 'the plate I6 aforedescribed. However, the plate 39 is provided with a single substantially elliptical -opening 39'c adjacent tothe free'end thereof and in sym-metrical relationship to the longitudinal -center line of the plate. I provide a contactor 4|) the reduced upper end portion 40B of which is insertable upwardly with a press fit through said opening39c, as best illustrated in Fig. 10. Contactor 40 is provided with a relatively wide lower end portion 40h which is adapted for continuous engagement with the contact-head 2|a of rivet 2|-, as best illustrated in Fig. 10.

Left-hand and right-'hand contacts 4| and 42 are secured to the supper surfaces of abutmcnts 3l)y and 30x, as by means of the rivets 24 and 33,

said contacts being relatively shorter than the contact 25 aforedescribed. The arrangement is such that in one extreme position of contactor 40 the same is adapted to bridge contact 42 and contact-head 2|a (as shown in Figs. 9 and 10), and in the other extreme position said contactor is adapted to bridge contact 4| and said contacthead 2 la.

The hollow ends ofrivets 24, 2| and 33 are upset over terminal members 43, 44 and 45, re-

spectively,-said terminal members preferablybeing of ilat form, as best illustrated in Fig. 11,

whereby the same project laterally beyond the circumference of base` 3D. Said terminal mem-- dering operation, and to localize any bending' strains imposed upon the terminal members either accidentally or otherwise. In practice the terminal members 43 and 45 are respectively associated with different circuits, whereas the terminal member 44 is common to said circuits.

The reference character 301 in Figs. 9 and 11v designates a diaphragm or relatively thin film of the material of base 30, said diaphragm being lproduced by the molding operation. In utilizing base 30 for construction of a switch like that illustrated in Figs. 9 to 11 said diaphragm is left intact to insure a dust-proof enclosure for the movable parts of the switch upon attachment of the latter to a rheostat housing or 'other suitable support. When base 30 is employed to construct Said opening 43a is prefa switch requiring -use of the securing member 35 (as in Fig. 5) the aforedescribed diaphragm 30P is removedby'a broaching operation, or by forcibly inserting said member 35 to effect removal of said diaphragm. l

As'aforeindicated, the base 30 of Fig. 11 is in practice provided with the various grooves shown in detail in Fig. '6, whereby terminal elements of the character illustratedA in connection with each of the other types of switches Imay be-alternatively employed. 1

, What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a relatively shallow recess formed therein, a flat punched plate of insulating material located within said recess and oscillatable in a plane parallel to but spaced from the bottom wall of said recess, said plate having a relatively large opening formed therein, an actuating element, a pivot pin common to said actuating 'element andsaid plate, a helical compression' spring interposed between a. portion of saidvactuating element-and said plate, said spring being arranged. within said opening in substantially coplanar relationship to said plate, a pair of stationary contacts located within said recess, one of said contacts comprising a metal member the ilat head portion of which projects slightly above the bottom wall of said recess, the other of said contacts comprising a resilient arm positioned above and biased toward said head portion, and a punched sheet metal contactor carried by said plate and movable therewith into and out of bridging engagement with said contacts.

' '2. In an electric vsnap switch, in combination, a

molded insulating base having a relatively shallow recess formed therein, a iiat punched plate of insulating material located within said recess and oscillatable in a plane parallel to the bottom wall of said recess, said plate having a relativelylarge opening of substantially frustoconical contour, an actuating element, a pivot pin common toesaid actuating'element and said plate, a helical compression spring interposedv between a portion of said actuating element and said plate, said spring being arranged 'within said,

opening in substantially coplanar relationship to said plate, a pair of stationary contacts located within said recess, one of said contacts comprising a metal member the at head portion of which projects above the bottom wall of said recess, the other of said contacts comprising a resilient arm, a punched sheet metal contactor carried by said plate and movable therewith into and out oi'v bridging engagement withvsaid contacts, and said base having `abutments formed 'integrally therewith to limit the oscillatory movements of said plate.

3. In an electric snap switch, incombination, a molded insulating base having a relatively shallow recess formed therein, a 'flat punched plate of insulating material located within said recess and oscillatable in a plane parallel to but spaced from the bottom wall of said recess, said plate having a relatively large opening formed therein, an actuating element, a pivot pin common to said actuating element and said plate, a helical compression spring interposed between a portion of said actuating element and, said plate, said spring being arranged within said opening in substantially coplanar relationship to said plate, a pair of stationary contacts located .within said recess, a punched sheet metal contactor carried by said plate and movable therewith into and out of bridging engagement; with said contacts, said plate having a relatively small substantially elliptical opening formed therein adjacent to the free end thereof, said contactor being forcibly insertable upwardly through said last mentioned opening and having edge portions thereof exposed on opposite faces of said plate, said insulating base having a pair of abutments formed integrally therewith and located within said recess, and said insulating plate being al'ternately engageable with said abutments to positively limit movements of said plate in opposite directions respectively.

4. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base of substantially circular contour, said base being of relatively shallow depth and being recessed from one face thereof throughout the major portion of its area, a boss formed integrally with the bottom wall of said recess and having a flat surface spaced upwardly from said bottom wall, a flat punched plate of insulating material'of substantially loop-shape, one end of said plate being adapted to bear flatwise against said flat surface, a punched and stamped sheet metal actuating element having aportion thereof seated atwise upon said end of said plate, said element also having a portion thereof offset downwardly to lie substantially within the plane of said plate, said plate having an abutment formed'on the interior wall of said loop, a helical compression spring interposed between said abutment and said downwardly offset portion, a pivot pin extending downwardly through said actuating element, said end of the plate and said insulating base and upset over the outer surface of the latter, said pin having an element associated therewith to retain said parts in assembled relation, said insulating plate having a relatively small opening formed therein adjacent to the free end thereof, a metal contactor located within said opening and having portions thereof exposed on opposite faces of said plate, the lower end of said contactor being adapted to slidably engage the bottom wall of said recess, and a pair of upper and lower stationary contacts between which said insulating plate is interposed, said contactor being movable with said plate into and out of bridging engagement with said contacts.

5. In an electric switch, in combination, a re` cessed molded insulating base, a pivot pin attached to said base at a point adjacent to the periphery of the recess, a contact carrier and an actuating element oscillatably supported by said pin, said 4contact carrier comprising a flat punched plate of insulating material, said plate having a relatively large opening of substantially frusto- ,conical contour, said actuating element having a portion thereof extending downwardly into the plane of said plate, the forward wall of said opening being formed to provide a spring abutment, a helical compression spring interposed between said abutment and said downwardly extending portion of said actuating element, the walls of said opening providing clearance for said spring and said downwardly extending portion, a contactor rigidly attached to said plate adjacent to the free end thereof and having portions thereof exposed on opposite faces of-said plate, and a pair of upper and lower stationary contacts into and out of bridging engagement with which said contactor is adapted to move with a snap action upon opposite movements respectively of said actuating element.

6. In an electric switch, in combination, a recessed molded insulating base, a. pivot pin attached to saidbase at a point adjacent to the periphery of the recess, a contact carrier and an actuating element oscillatably supported by said pin, said contact carrier comprising a flat punched 5 plate of insulating material having a contactreceiving opening formed therein adjacent to the punched sheet metal member forcibly insertable upwardly through said contact-receiving opening and having portions thereof exposed on opposite faces of said plate, a pair of upper and lower stationary contacts into and out of bridging engagement with which said contactor is adapted to move with a snap action upon opposite movements respectively of said actuating element, and the bottom wall of said first-mentioned recess having an auxiliary recess formed therein to proyvide clearance for said compression spring.

7. An electric snap switch comprising, in combination, a relatively shallow molded insulating base, said base being recessed from one face thereof throughout the major portion of its area, a pivot pin located at one end of the recess in said base, a ilat punched insulating plate and a sheet metal actuating element arranged in superimposed relation and jointly supported by said pivot pin, said plate having a relatively large opening formed therein, the forward wall of said opening being formed to provide a spring abutment, a helical compression spring interposed between said abutment and said actuating element, a punched sheet metal contactor carried by said plate and having portions thereof exposed on opposite faces of said plate, a pair of upper and lower contacts located within said recess, said contactor being movable with a snap action intoand out of engagement with said contacts upon opposite movements respectively of said actuat ing element, wiring terminal elements electrically and mechanically connected with the respective contacts and located in spaced relation upon the bottom surface of said base, said bottom surface of said base having grooves formed therein to partially accommodate the respective terminal wires, and a shallow cup-shaped insulating cover member seated against said bottom surface of said base, said cover member and said base having registering openings to accommodate suitable fastening members whereby said base and cover member may be secured to each other and to a suitable support.

8. An electric snap switch comprising, in combination, a relatively shallow molded insulating base, said base being recessed from one face thereof throughout the major portion of its area,

a pivot pin located at one end of the recess in said base, a flat punched insulating plate and a sheet metal actuating element arranged in superimposed relation and jointly supported by said pivot pin, said plate having a relatively large f opening formed therein and said actuating element having a portion thereof offset downwardly for oscillatory movement thereof within said upper edge, and said lower and upper end poropening, the vforward wall of said opening `being formed .to .provide a spring abutment, afhelical compression spring interposed betweenl saidabutment and saidoffset portion, a sheet metal con. tactor carried by said plate and having portions thereof exposed on opposite faces of said plate,

a pair of upper and lower contacts located with-' in said recess, said-c'ontactor being movable with aA-snap action into and out of engagement'with.

portion having a curved lower edge ancla relatively narrower upper end portion having a curved tions having a pair of horizontal shoulders formed therebetween" to limit upward displacement of Y said 'contacter when assembled with an insulating carrier member of ,suitable form.

10. As an article of manufacture, anv actuating element for-electric snap switches, said element comprising a punched and stamped sheet metal member hav-ing av fiat base portion of substantially triangular contour, the apex of the triangle being rounded, said-base portion having a pivot opening .located substantially centrally thereof,

` the ends of said base portion on opposite sides of said pivot opening being adapted foreng'agef ment with suitable abutments to limit the degrees of oscillatory movement'of said actuating ele-v mentin oppositedirections respectively, said base portion having a relatively narrow forward vextension provided with a, perforation to actas a "spring abutment, and said forward extensionhaving a pair of lugs formed integrally therewith and bent upwardly into substantially parallel relationship to each other, the upper 'ends of said lugs being relatively wider than the lower ends thereof and the forward portions of said upper ends being bent outwardly from each other to provide for transient engagement thereofalternately by an oscillatable operating member of- Asuitable form.

11. Aslan article of manufacture, an actuating element for electric snap switches, said element comprising a punched and stamped sheet metal Vmember having a at base portion'of substantially triangular contour, the apex of the triangle being rounded, said base portion having a pivot i opening located substantially centrally thereof,

` the ends of said base portion on opposite sides of said pivot opening being adapted for engagement with suitable abutments to limit the degrees of oscillatory movement of said actuating element'in'opposite directions respectively, said base portion' having a relatively narrow forward extension and said extension having a perforated lug offset downwardly withjrespect thereto to provide a spring abutment, 'and said forward extension having a pair of lugs` formed integrally therewith and bent upwardly into substantially parallel relationship to each other, the upper ends of said lugs being relatively wider than the lower ends thereof and the forward portions of said upf between said abutment and said lug, said recess per ends being bent outwardly from each other to -provide for transient engagement thereof alternately by an oscillatable operating member of suitable form..

12. In an electricsnap switch, in combination, 5 a relatively shallow molded insulating base, said base being recessed from one face thereof throughout the majorrportion of itsarea, the bottom wall o i said recess having a fiat-faced boss formed thereon at one end thereof, a flat punched plate of insulating material adapted to bear against the fiat face of said boss, a'punched and stamped sheet metal actuating element having afflat portion thereof vsuperimposed upon said plate, a pin rigidly secured to said insulating base and adapted to pivotally support said actuating element and said plate, said plate having a relatively large cut-away portion intermediate the .length thereof, said actuating element having a lug offset downwardly from said flat portion 20 thereof and adapted to lie within the plane of said plate, an abutment formed in the wall of said cut-away portion at the forward end of the latter, a, -helical compression spring interposed 25 having .abutments formed therein to limit the degree of oscillatory movement of said plate in each direction, said actuating element having arms alternately engageable with the wall of said recess 'to limit the degree of oscillatory movement of said actuating element in each direction, saidl actuating element also having a pair of-spaced upstanding lugs to be transiently engaged alternately by an` operating element of suitable form, a pair of flat punched sheet metal 35 contactors carried by said plate' at points spaced different distances from the point of pivotal sup'- port of the latter, said contactors feach having :portions thereof exposed upon the upper and lower surfaces of said plate, two pairs of upper and lower stationary contacts, saidI contactors being simultaneously engageable with and simultaneously disengageable from the upper and `lower contacts of said pairs, and four wiring ter- -minal members electrically and mechanically connected with the respective stationary contacts and exposed upon the bottom surface of said base. 'Y A 13. In an electric snap switch, inv combination, a relatively shallow 'molded insulating base, said base being recessed from one face Athereof throughout the major portion of its area, the bottom. wall of said recess having a flat-faced boss formed thereon at one end thereof, a fiat punched plate of insulating material adapted to bear against the fiat face of said boss, a punched and stamped sheet metal actuating element hav- Aing a fiat portion thereof superimposed upon said plate, a pin rigidly secured to said insulating base and adapted to pivotally support said actuating element and said plate, said plate having a relatively large cut-away portion interme- .diate the length thereof, said actuating element having a lug offset downwardly from said 4iiat portion thereof and adapted to lie within the plane of said plate, an abutment formed in the wall of said cut-away portion at the forward end of the latter, a helical compression spring linterposed between said abutment and said lug,

said recess-having abutments formed therein to limit the degree of oscillatory movement of said plate in each direction, said actuating element having arms alternately engageable with the wall 0f said recess to limit the degree of oscillatory movement of said actuating element in each direction, said actuating element also having a pair of spaced upstanding lugs to be transiently engaged alternately by an operating element of suitable form, a flat punched sheet metal contactor located at the mid-point of the width of said plate adjacent to the forward end of the latter, said contactor having a relatively narrow edge portion exposed upon the upper surface of said plate and a relatively wider edge portion exposed upon the lower surface of said plate, a

pair of resilient stationary contacts supported upon the upper surfaces of said recess abutments respectively and having the free ends thereof alined with and spaced from each other, said relatively narrow edge portion of said contactor being engageable with said contacts alternately upon movement of plate to opposite extreme positions respectively, a rivet-head contact having a at upper surface'located slightly above the bottom wall of said recess, said relatively wider edge portion of said contactor being slidable across said flat upper surface but engaged with the latter in each extreme position of said plate, and three wiring terminal members electrically and mechanically connected with the respective contacts and exposed upon the lower surface of said base.

14. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a relatively shallow molded insulating base, said base being recessed from one face thereof throughout the major portion of its area, a boss formed integrally with the bottom wall of said y recess and having a flat surface spaced upwardly tcs from said bottom wall, a flat plate of insulating material of substantially loop-shape, one end portion of said plate being adapted to bear flatwise against said at surface, a punched and stamped sheet metal actuating element having a portion thereof seated flatwise upon said end spring interposed between said abutments and` arranged in a substantially coplanar relationship to said plate, a pivot pin extending downwardly through said actuating element, said end portion of the plate and said boss, the lower end portion of said pin being upset over the outer surface of said base, said pin having an enlarged head formed thereon to retain said parts in `assembled relation, said insulating plate having a relatively small opening formed therein adjacent to the free end thereof, a metal contactor located within said opening and having portions thereof exposed on opposite faces of said plate, and a pair of upper and lower stationary contacts between which said insulating plate is interposed, at least one of said contacts being resilient, said contactor being movable with said plate with a snap action into and out of bridgingengagement with said contacts.

15. In an electric switch, in combination, a recessed molded insulating base, a pivot pin attached to said base at a point adjacent to thev periphery of the recess, a contact carrier and an actuating element oscillatably supported by said pin, said contact carrier comprising a flat punched plate of insulating material having a contact-receiving opening formed therein adiacent to the free end thereof, said plate also having a relatively larger intermediate opening of substantially frusto-conical contour, the forward end portion of said actuating element having a relatively small opening formed therein to provide a spring abutment, a helical compression spring having a diametrically extending portion at one end thereof, said diametrically extending portion being inserted into said relatively small opening, the forward wall of the intermediate opening in said plate being formed to provide a spring abutment, the-other end of said spring being engaged with said last mentioned abutment, the walls of said intermediate opening providing clearance for said spring, a contactor comprising a sheet metal member insertable through said contact-receiving opening and having portions thereof exposed on opposite faces of said plate, a rigid lower stationary contact and an upper resilient stationary contact into and out of bridging engagement with which said contactor is adapted to move with a snap action upon opposite movements respectively of said actuating element, and the bottom wall `of said rst mentioned recess having an auxiliary recess formed therein to provide clearance for said compression spring.

16. As an article of manufacture, an actuating element for electric snap switches, said element comprising a punched and stamped sheet metal member having a flat base portion of substantially triangular contour, said base portion having a pivot opening located substantially centrally thereof, the ends of said base portion on opposite sides of said pivot opening being adapted for alternate engagement with suitable abutments to limit the degrees of oscillatory movement of said actuating element in opposite directionsrespectively, said base portion having a relatively narrow forward extension and said extension having a perforated-lug formed integrally therewith to provide a spring abutment, and said forward extension having a pair of additional lugs formedintegrally therewith and bent upwardly into substantially parallel relationship to each other, the upper ends of said pair of lugs being relatively wider than the lower ends thereof and the forward portions of said upper ends being bent outwardly from each other to provide for transient engagement thereof alternately by an oscillatable operating member of suitable form.

17. In an electric snap switch, in combination, an insulating base, a pivot pin attached to said base at a point adjacent to the periphery thereof, a contactor carrier and an actuating element oscillatably supported by said pin, said contactor carrier comprising a flat punched plate of insul lating material, said plate having a vrelatively large opening formed therein intermediate the ends thereof, means at the end wall of said opening remote from -the pivot pin to provide an abutment for a coiled compression spring, said actuating element having an abutment portion thereof located within the area of said opening, a coiled compression spring interposed between said abutments, the walls of said opening providing clearance for said spring during movement of the latter as an incident to oscillatory move- 18. In an electric snap switch, in combina- 75 tion, an insulating base, a pivot pin rigidly at-` tached to said base, a at punched plate of insulating material pivotally supported by said'pin.

:for oscillation in a plane parallel to butl spaced from a surface of said base, a punched and stamped sheet metal actuating element superimposed upon said plate and also pivot'ally supported by said pin, said plate having a relativelyv large opening formed therein, a coiled compression spring interposed between a portion of said actuating element and said, plate, said spring being arranged within said openingin substantially coplanar relationship to said plate, a pair of stationary contacts positioned upon lsaid base, one of said contacts comprising a metal member a portion of which is4 exposed at the aforementioned surface` of said base, the otherv of said contacts comprising a resilient arm positioned above and biased toward the exposed portion of said metal member, a contactor penetrating said base and oscillatable with respect thereto, a

punched and stamped sheet metalv actuating element having a portion thereof seated atwise upon said plate, said element having a portion thereof formed to provide a spring abutment, said plate having a 'spring abutment at one'end of said loop, a coiled compression spring interposed between said abutments and arranged in` a substantially coplanar relationship to said plate, a pivot pin extending through said actuating ele.- ment, -saidv plate and said base, the lower end vportion of said pin being upset over the lower surface of said base, said insulating plate having a relatively small opening formed therein adjacent tothe free end thereof, a metal contacter located within said opening and having portions thereof exposed on opposite faces of said plate, and a pair of upper and lower stationary contacts between whichrsaid insulating plate is interposed in all positions of the latter, at least one of. said contacts being resilient, said contactor being movable with said plate with a snap action into and out of bridging 4engagement with said contacts.

Y 20. In an electric snap'switch, in combination, a substantially circular Vinsulating base, a pivot pin attached to said base at a point adjacent to the periphery thereof, a contactor carrier and an actuating element oscillatably supported by said pin, said contactor carrier comprising a flat punched plate of insulating material having a contacter-receiving opening formed therein adjacent to .the free ,end thereof, said plate also having a relatively larger intermediate opening of substantially frus'to-conical contour, the forward end portion of said actuating element having a relatively smally opening formed therein to provide a spring abutment, a coiled compression spring having a diametrically extending portion at one end thereof, said diametrically extending portion being inserted into said relatively small opening, a spring abutment at theiforward end wall ofthe intermediate opening in said plate, the otherend of said spring being engaged with said Iast'mentioned abutment, the Walls of said intermediate opening providing clearance for said spring,'a contactor insertable through said contact-receiving opening and having portions thereof exposed on opposite faces of said plate, `a rigid lower stationary contact and an upper resilient vstationary contact into and out of bridging engagement with which said contactor is adapted to move with a snap action upon opposite movements respectively of said actuating element, and said base having a recessformed therein to provide clearance for said compression spring.

. vGEORGE J. MEIJER.

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