US2237464A - Switch - Google Patents

Description

April 8, 1941. c, WESCHCKE 2,237,464

SWITCH Filed April 13, 1938 Ji atented All 7 1941 OFFICE ill tjlairns.

My invention relates to an improvement in switches wherein it is desired to provide a simple type or malre and brealr switch having snap action,

Numerous types of snap switches have been constructed most oi which require the assembly oi": a number of parts in the formation thereof. While these prior constructions have been me chanically fit to accomplish the desired result, they are usually quite complicated in construc tion and costly to manuiacture.

it is the object of the present invention to provide a make and brealt switch which corinprises very few parts and which entrernely simple to manufacture and to assemble. the parts may be simply constructed by eats machines and devices so that little or no specla machinery is necessary in the formation oi my switch it is the purpose of my invention to provide i snap switch having" a simple action and whicl. embodies a slidable resilient member which Slit." both on the surface oi a conductor and upon the surface of an insulation member. The move ment of the slidable member train the contact to the insulated portion is accomplished by a snap action which quiclrly makes and brealrs the contact, thereby preventing arcing of the current.

it is a purpose oi the present invention provide a simple switch which may be operated to turn the switch into closed position by a simple sliding movement and to release the switch or to open the same by continuing the sliding action in the same direction.

lit is an added purpose of my invention to pro-- vide a simple switch which may close progres sively a series of separate circuits and then to return to open position. This action may be accomplished by movement or a slidable member continuously in a single direction.

These and other objects and novel features of my invention will be more clearly and fully set forth in the following specificz-ttion and claims.

in the drawing forming a part of my invention:

Figure l is a sectional View through switch housing at a point above the mechani: i thereof to show the relationship of parts th 1 t Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure i showing the parts of the switch'in a different relation-- ship.

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figures 1 and 2 but showing the parts of the switch in slightly different relationship,

Figure i is a cross-sectional view through the Ail til? switch taken on a line indicated by the line 44 of Figure l.

Figure 5 is a sectional view through the switch casing showing the relationship of parts oi a modified form of construction.

Figure e is a cross-sectional View on a line indicated by t--t oi li igin'e 5.

Figure l is a slightly different modification of switch operating construction shown in a view similar to Figure l.

The switch rt. illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, and l is provided with a hollow casing it which is shown rectangular in shape but which may be of any desired shape or size. it permits the mechanism of the switch to be opened for inspection One side it of the casing it may be considered the base of the switch as the sliding action of the switch takes place upon this side ill.

coil spring ill is mounted by means of a bolt i l or other suitable means to one side it of the frame it overlying the base it. The spring it mounted adjacent a second side or the frame which in the form disclosed is the removable side il. Nuts iii are provided on the bolt it to hold the bolt in place and to provide a means of securing a conductor thereto.

The end oi the spring it opposite that secured to the frame it by the bolt it is provided with a transversely extending arm Ill which overlies the base it and which is provided with a downwardly extending end it. This downwardly extending end it rides upon the surface of the base it formed of insulating material. A contact plate it is secured to the base it by means of the bolt it. The bolt it extends out of the casing it through the base it and may be secured to a suitable conductor forming the other lead to the switch A. The plate Ell is recessed into the base along one edge 2? thereof as best illustrated in Figure i of the drawing, so that in the travel of the end it of the arm ill on the spring l3, this end I9 will drop off of the insulation material forming the base it and into contact with the end 22 of the plate it. A shoulder 23 of insulating material is formed between the edge 22 of the plate 20 and the surface of the base l2 and this shoulder 23 holds the spring l3 from return ing into the position illustrated in Figure 1 after the spring has been moved into the position illustrated in Figure 2.

A push button 24 is provided for moving the spring I3. This push button 24 may if desired engage a flat spring 25 positioned along the edge of the removable side ll. This spring 25 engages A removable side the spring I3 to move the same. The button 24 extends through an opening in the side II of the housing I9 and a flange 26 on the end of the button holds the same from being forced entirely out through this opening in the side II.

A cam projection or shoulder 21 projects upwardly from the base I2 and extends along the edge of the plate 20. This shoulder 21 is engaged by the end I9 of the arm I1 in the movement of the spring I3 and the end I9 is held in contact with the plate 20 by this shoulder 21. A spring 29 illustrated in Figure 4 and in dotted outline in Figure 1 of the drawing engages the top of the arm I1 during a portion of its movement holding the end I9 in contact with the plate 25.

In the operation of this switch the normal open position of the same is shown in Figure 1 of the drawing. To close the circuit passing through the switch A, it is necessary to depress the button 24, thereby bending or flexing the spring 25 if such a spring is used, and urging the spring I3 into position shown in Figure 2 of the drawing. During this movement the end I9 of the arm I1 on the spring I3 slides over the surface of the insulation base I2, flnally dropping over the shoulder 23 into engagement with the conductor plate 20. The spring 29 may be desirable in holding the arm I1 in engagement with the plate 20, but if it is desired this spring 29 may be eliminated and the natural resiliency of the spring I3 and arm I1 will hold the end I9 in engagement with the plate 26. The shoulder 23 prevents the spring I3 from flexing back into the position illustrated in Figure 1 by engaging the end I9. 3

When it is desired to open the switch circuit, the button 24 is depressed a greater amount as illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawing. During this movement the end I9 of the spring I1 slides along the inclined surface of the plate 26 and is held in engagement with the plate 26 by engagement with the shoulder or cam 21. The cam or shoulder 21 flexes the arm I1 so that the end I9 thereof action from engagement with the contact plate 20 to a position substantially spaced therefrom.

After the arm I1 has snapped off from the plate 20, the button 24 is released and the spring I3 assumes the position illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawing. In the return movement of the spring I3, the arm I1 engages the reverse side of the cam 21, finally passing this cam 21 and moving into position shown in Figure 1 of the drawing.

Figures and 6 of the drawing illustrate a modified form of construction and disclose a switch B having a casing 30 which may be similar to the casing ID. A spring 3I is secured by a bolt 32 and nuts 33 thereupon to one wall 34 of the casing 30. The free end of the spring 3| is provided with an arm 35 overlying the base 36 of the housing 30. A downwardly extending end 31 is provided on the arm 35 which end 31 slides over the surface of the base 36. A series of contact plates 39, 40, and 4| respectively, are angularly positioned in the base 36 so as to provide shoulders 42 adjacent each contact plate. The angular position of the plates 39, 40, and 4| acts to raise the end 31 up to the level of the surface of the base 36. A spring 43 may engage the arm 35 during the time the end 31 is in contact with the contact plates 39, 46, and 4i. This spring 43 adds to the natural resiliency of the material forming the same. A push button 44 is provided ior bending the spring 3i and a fiat spring 45 may be interposed between the spring 31 and the button 44 if desired. This spring 45, while not necessary acts to distribute the force of the movement of the button 44 against the spring 45 when used, and also acts to hold the button 34 normally in inoperative position. A shoulder 436 on the button 4 3 limits the outward movement of the same as it slides in its aperture through the side 41 of the housing In operation separate conductors 49, 5t, and 56, respectively, are secured to the contact plates 39, 46, and M. When in open position the switch B is normally in the position illustrated in Figure 5 of the drawing. Depression of the button l will flex the spring 3i to-move the end 3i of the arm 35 over the surface of the base 36 until it drops over the shoulder t2 into engagement with the contact plate 39. A circuit is closed through the switch from the bolt 32 to the conductor I9. Additional depression of the button 44 will act to slide the end 31 of the arm 35 over the contact plate 39 and a portion of the base 36, separating the contact plates 39 and 40 until the end 31 drops into engagement with the contact plate 40. The end 31 will be held in this position in engagement with the contact plate 40 closing a circuit from the bolt 32 to the conductor 55 until the push button M is further depressed.

Additional depression of the push button 44 will flex the spring 3I and urge the end 31 of the arm 35 over the surface of the contact plate 46 and over a portion of the surface of the base 36 until this end 31 drops over the shoulder 42 into contact with the contact plate 4I.- A circuit will then be closed from the bolt 32 to'the conductor 5i.

Further depression of the button 44 will cause the end 39 to ride up the surface of the contact plate 4I until the end 31 reaches a position flush with or slightly above the surface of the base 35. Simultaneously, with this movement the end 31 will move beyond the cam 53 or shoulder which has been instrumental in holding the end 31 in contact with the various contact plates. During the movement of the end 31 over these plates 39, 40, and M, the end 31 has engaged the cam projection 53 which acts to flex the arm 35. Upon movement of the end 31 past the projection 53 the resiliency of the arm 35 and the spring 3I will snap the end 31 "over the surface of the base 36 quickly moving the end 31 from contacting engagement with the plate 4| to non-contacting position. The button 44 may then be released and the spring 3| moves into the normal position illustrated in Figure 5 of the drawing, the end 31 engaging the opposite surface of the projection or cam 53 in this return movement.

In Figure '1 of the drawing, I have disclosed a type of switch C which is similar in construction to that shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 with the exception that a pull chain is provided in place of the button 44. In this construction, a coil spring 54 is secured by a bolt 55 to the insulation housing 56. An arm 51 on the free end of the spring 54 is provided with a downwardly extending end 59 engageable with the insulation answer,

surface lit forming a part of the casing 86. A pull chain iii is secured at 52 to the free end of the spring lid so as to bend this spring. A downward pull on the pull chain or cord Bl causes the end all to engage with the contact plate 63 which is recessed into the surface 60 in the manner shown in Figure lof the drawing. A further downward pull on the chain or cord 6! will flex the arm i past the cam projection 84 so that when the chain or cord ti is released, the spring 54 will assume the normal position illustrated in Figure 7 of the drawing in which position the circuit through the switch is broken.

It may be seen that my switch may be actuated by a push button or a pull chain or cord. any lever arrangement or any other device for bending the spring within the switch may be used in place of the specific means disclosed. in every form, however, it will be seen that a snap action is provided both in closing the switch and in opening the same and that a pull in a single direction will act to both open the switch and to close the same.

Although I have illustrated a series of preferred embodiments of my invention, it will be readily understood that various changes com ing within the spirit of my invention may sug gest themselves to those slillled in the art, and hence I do not wish to be limited to the specific form shown or uses mentioned except to the extent indicated in the appended claims which are to be interpreted as broadly as the state of the art will permit.

claim:

i. ll switch comprising a substantially flat insulation base, a coil spring mounted at one end to overlie said base and having a free end, a contact end on the free end of said spring resili ently engaging said base, the flexing of said spring moving said contact end in a predetermined path of said base, said base having a notch therein in the path movement of said contact end into which said and may resiliently engage, said spring flexing in one direction, con tact means in said notch engageable with said end, and cam means flexing said contact end in another direction to hold said contact end in en gagement with said contact for a predetermined movement of the same and to permit said contact end to disengage said contact with a snap action.

.2. a switch. comprising a substantially flat in sulatlon base, a resilient member spring urged into contact with said base and movable there over, said base having a step notch formed therein in the path of movement of said resilient member, a contact means in said step notch, and cam means projecting above said base engaging said resilient member and flexing the same in a plane substantially at right angles to the direction of flexing of said resilient member as it moves into said step notch.

3. A switch comprising a substantially flat insulation base, a resilient contact arm resiliently flexible in a plane substantially parallel'to said base and also in a direction substantially normal to said base, means supporting said contact arm slidable over said base and resiliently urged thereagainst, means on said base flexing said contact arm in a plane parallel to said base and guiding said contact arm through an endless path, said base including a step notch therein in said endless path intowhich said arm is resiliently urged, moving substantially normal to the plane of said base, and contact means in said step notch.

i. A switch comprising a substantially fiat insulation base, a resilient contact arm resiliently flexible in a plane substantially parallel to said base and also in a direction substantially normal to said base, means supporting said contact arm slidable over said base and resiliently urged thereagainst, means on said base guiding said contact arm through an endless path, flexing said arm in a plane substantially parallel to said base; said base having a step notch therein in said endless path, said step notch causing said arm to flex in a direction substantially normal to said plane, and contact means in said notch.

5. A switch comprising an insulation base, a flexible resilient contact arm slidable over said base and resiliently urged thereagainst, means flexing said contact arm. along a plane substantlally parallel to said base, said armsliding upon said base, means in the path of movement of said contact arm when flexed to guide said arm along one path when flexed by said flexing means and guiding said arm along a second path when said fielding means is released, said base having a step notch therein in said one path, said arm flexing into said step notch, moving said arm in a direction substantially normal to said plane.

6. A switch comprising an insulation base having a flat surface, a flexible resilient contact arm slidable over said fiat surface of said base and resiliently urged thereagainst, meansfor flexing said arm out of normal position, sliding said arm in a plane substantially parallel to said flat surface, cam means engaging said arm as it is flexed by said flexing means and guiding said arm along one predetermined path of move-- ment, said cam means disengaging said arm upon continued flexing thereof, cam means engaging said disengaged arm as the same springs baclr toward normal position to guide said arm along a second predetermined path of movement, said base having a step notch therein in said one path of movement into which said arm may spring, and contact means in said step notch.

l. switch comprising an insulating base having a substantially flat surface, a flexible resilient arm mounted in a normal position and slidable over said flat surface and urged against the same under spring tension, means for flexing said arm along a plane substantially parallel said fiat surface, means engageable with said arm for deflecting said arm along one path of movement as the arm is flexed, and for deflecting said arm along another path of movement as said arm is released to move back into normal position, said base flat surface having a step notch therein including a stop shoulder to prevent said arm from moving rearwardly over said one path of movement, and contact means in said step notch.

ii. a. switch comprising an insulating base having a substantially flat surface, a flexible resilient arm mounted in normal position above said surface, a contact end on said arm pressed against said surface by the resiliency of said arm, means for deflecting said arm in a plane substantially parallel said surface, said contact end thereof sliding over said surface, means for defleeting said arm along one path of movement as said arm is flexed by said flexing means, said arm returning to normal position by reason of its resiliency, means engaging said arm during return movement or said arm to deflect said contact end along a second path of movement, said base having a step notch therein in said one path of movement, the resilience of said arm urging said contact end thereinto, and contact means in said step notch.

9. A switch comprising an insulating base hav.

,ing a substantially flat surface thereupon, a

said arm for deflecting said arm along one path of movement as the arm is flexed, and for deflecting said arm along another path as said arm is unfiexed, said base having a step notch therein into which said arm may drop, moving in a direction substantially normal to said surface, auxiliary spring means engaging said arm when said arm is engaged in said notch to supplement the pressure of saidarm against said base, and contact means on. said base in said notch.

CARL WESCHCKE.

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