US2674664A

US2674664A - Combination switch

Info

Publication number: US2674664A
Application number: US156456A
Authority: US
Inventors: Roy E Clubb; Joseph P Vennari
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1950-04-17
Filing date: 1950-04-17
Publication date: 1954-04-06
Anticipated expiration: 1971-04-06

Description

April 6, 1954 R. E. CLUEB ETAL 2,674,664

A COMBINATION swITcH Filed April 17, 1950 /lw/fNroes: Por' E. Cl. U65, JasEP/f ,0. VEN/A24 Patented Apr. 6, 1954 OFFICE COMBINATION SWITCH Roy E. Clubb and Joseph P. Vennari, St. Louis, Mo.

Application April 17, 1950, Serial No. 156,456

Claims. 1

The present invention relates generally to the switch art and more particularly to a novel combination time controlled and manually operable electric switch of a size to be contained within the standard switch and receptacle box.

In one form, the combination switch comprises a housing containing a pair of terminal posts and two electrical circuits, each of which includes a switch element, contained within the housing and connected in parallel between the two terminal posts. In one circuit the switch element therein is actuated .by a manually operable lever which is moved to one position to open the circuit and another position to close it. In the other circuit, the switch element is automatically actuated by a lever which is pivotally mounted within the housing and movable between a first and second position, the lever opening the switch element when it is in the rst position. The automatically operable lever is manually movable from the rst position to the second position and when it is so moved, it compresses a spring which urges it tcward the rst position so as to actuate the switch element. Means are :provided for controlling the rate of movement of this lever toward the rst position, which, in the preferred form, is a watch type escapement mechanism. A friction clutch connects the last named means with the lever so that the latter can be manually moved between the two positions, and particularly from the rst to second position, without adversely affecting the mechanism controlling the rate of movement of the lever toward the first position.

There are numerous time controlled switches in use at the present time which actuate a switch element after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, but most of these are very large and expensive, and are not particularly advantageous for use by the average home owner.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a novel combination switch for controlling lighting circuits and the like, which is inexpensive and which contains both a time control actuator and a manually operable actuator.

Another object is to provide a combination switch of this type which is of a size to lit within the standard switch and receptacle box so that it can be used with existing equipment.

Another object is to provide a combination switch in which the accuracy of the time interval controlled by the position of the time control lever, is maintained within predetermined limits.

Other objects are to provide a combination switch which is compact in size, rugged in ccnstruction, and which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing wherein a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which:

Fig. l is a top plan View of a combination switch embodying the teachings of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational View of the switch;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view taken from the right of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional View taken on the line 4--4 in Fig. 2, showing the time control lever in the inoperative or off position;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 5-5 in Fig. 2, showing the manually operable lever in the inoperative or "oiT position;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken on the line 6--6 in Fig. 3, a portion of the watch mechanism case being broken away to show tho clutch housing;

Fig. '7 is a vertical transverse Sectional view taken on the line '1 -I in Fig. 5, showing the cam member in the operative position whereby it opens the time control circuit of the switch;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary View similar to Fig. 7, the lower half being omitted to conserve space, but showing the cam member in the inoperative position, whereby the time controlled circuit of the switch is closed;

Fig. 9 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 9 9 in Fig. 5, the cam member being shown in the operative position, as in Fig. 7;

Figs. l0 and 11 are horizontal sectional views taken on the lines IIJ-l0 and I I-l l, respectively, in Fig. 5;

Fig. 12 is a perspective View oi' the manually operable dog;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged elevational view of the clutch and clutch housing, shown removed from the watch mechanism case;

Fig. 14 is a horizontal sectional view taken on tho line lll-lli in Fig. 13; and

Fig. l5 is a schematic wiring diagram of the switch.

Referring to the drawing more particularly by reference numerals, 2li indicates generally a combination switch constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

The switch 2li includes a main housing 22 which has a U-shaped wall 2li which forms the top, baci; and bottom portions of the housing (Fig. 4).

A somewhat semicircular shaped side wall del is formed integral with the U-shaped wall 2li at the left side as viewed in Figs. 2, 7 and 9.

Flange portions 28 (Fig. 4) extend upwardly and downwardly from the U-shaped wall 2Q at the iront of the housing 22 and contain openings Sii therein for mounting the device in a standard switch and receptacle box, as will appear.

Formed integral with the housing 22 at the junction of the flange portion 2li and the U-shaped wall 24 are a pair of bosses 32 which contain openings 34.

A somewhat semicircular shaped wall is re- 3 movably fastened to the right side of the housing 22 by bolts 38 which are disposed in the openings 34.

A shoulder IIE (Eigsl 7. and 9) is formed' adjacent the bottom of the housing 22 at the junction of the left side wall 2 B with the bottom portion of the U-shaped wall 24.

Disposed between the two side walls i-and 35 is a central wall 42, the bottom endv of which is disposed adjacent the shoulder andthe upper end thereof is maintained in spaced position by a first threaded terminal post 431` (Fig. 9)- which. extends through the left side wall 26. As shown.

in Fig. 5, the central wal-1.42 stops short of the rear portion of the curved wall 24 of the main housing 22- so as to deflneachamber therewith.

Nutsl and (Fig. 97)"4 aredisposedlon the end of the terminal post 43 which extends outwardly beyond-`v the left sidewall 26, and the end of a conductor wis-'connected to thev terminalfpost 43 f between said nuts, the latter holdingthe end o1 the conductor 45 securely in position.

Both` zar-timerV controlled circuit and a manually operable circuit areY contained within the housing' 22. The manually operable circuit will be describedifi'rst.

As shown/-in-Fige 9, af-shortflength of insulated wire 41 extends downwardly from the rst terminal post intitolaY pointopposite the shoulder 40.1 Anopeni'ng-Milmige 151) extendstransversely through theileftsidelwall 25 'fand the shoulderv 4&3, and disposed therein is a= short cylindrical conductor The-lowerend'1 of the wire Mis connectedto the left end ofthe conductor* 50;` as by soldering.

Disposed on eaoliwside ofthecentral wall 4,2and extending" around/l thel bottomedge thereof, is a J-shaped sheetM ci`v electrically conducting materialzsuchi.asvcopper, andwhich` has aishort leg portion 52T- a longing` portion 54,- the short leg portion 52 being disposed betweenrthe central wall. 42 anditllreshoulderfso as to bein electrical contactwithithefrightehand end of the cylindrical conductor. 5I.. The longleg portion 54. extends upwardlyftoward:thcecenten or the. central wall 42' to atmnnion 515i: (Fig. 5)I which extends `be tween the central wall 42 and the right side wall 35i, the.l longleg. pox'tion-Mtthereby forming an electrical connection between the cylindrical Aconductor m-nd theitrunnion;

Pivotallyfmountedon. thetrunnion 53.isa dog 58 made of electrically conductingmaterial in the formelmwxr. inY Eiga. 112il The dogy contains a notch 6B at one end andtangerelilce portionJfiZ` at;the oth'enendi A shaft l64 (Fig. 7) which is in the form. of. a bolt extendsxfromtheicentral wall..42:..through 4an opening inthelrightfsidewall.36 to: a position cutside thehousingn, andanut 6.6 is disposed. on the exposed threaded end thereof.

Pivotally mounted on theshaft` 54 .within the housing 22ista manually.y operable control lever` 68 (Fig. 5), the free end of .which extendsfrom.

Becausel of this, the lever` =68 will remain in either of its` selected extreme positions until moved to the other position. In moving it from one position to the other the springr lll will be forced against theV side of the lever B8. After the levera haspassed the midpoint of its travel between the two extreme positions, the force of the spring 'In urging the curved end thereof away from the lever 58, causes the pivotalmovement of the dog 5s to accelerate, so that a snap action is provided.

Stop members 14 and 16 (Fig. 5) are disposed between the central wall 42 and the right side wall 36` so-as to limit.. the pivotal movement of the lever 68.

Adjacent the finger-like portion G2 of the dog 58 is a second threaded terminal post 1S (Figs. 5 and?) which extends from the inner wallI 4'2 through an opening in the right sidel wall 36V tol a point outside the housing 22. A nut 80 is threadL edly disposed on thev exposedend of the terminal post 18 so as to maintain the end of a conductor 32 in contact therewith.

As shown in Fig; 5, the manually operable lever 68 is movable between two extreme positionsy which are determined by thestop membersA 14"' andTG. In the position'shownin full lines; the finger-like portion of the dog 5i!I is 'pivoted away from the secondterminal post 181, and in-` tlre'-V position shown in dotted lines itis inelectrical contact with the terminal post 18. When inthe latter position, a circuity isvcompleted from the' conductor 45, throughthe first terminal post 43',1 the insulated wire 4l, the short cylindrical con"-y ductor 5t,` the short legportionv 52 and long leg` portion 54- of'l the-J-shaped sheet, the dog 58; and the second terminal post/18;' tothecoxrductor 82: This circuit is shown schematically inFig. 15.'

The time controlled circuit whichisin parallel" with the previously describedmanually opera-ble from thev conductory 4t; throughthe irst termi-nali post v43, thel blade:` 84;- andi the secondE termina'l post Wito A.the conductor 821:

As .shownf in Figs.V Sand 7, an elongatedreo" tangular shaped11 notch' 06 is contained. inthe central wall 42y adjacentv the upper end of the blade. M. Pivotally mounted' within the notch-f 85is a cam memberi:

A time. control lever SUI` isfpivotally' mountedH within the housing 22.,` aswill appear, andthe free-end thereof protrudesoutof 'the housing` 22 between the lettside'walliziiand the centralfwall 42 so as to contact"` the: enlargedend oifthe cammember 88 when.: iti` is.` in one.. extreme. position; Thus, when the, free-end' vof-thetime. control vlever 90 is adjacentlthelenlarged"endof the camf inem-V ber4 88Y asshowrr iniFigs; 7 and.. 9,. the latter is` forced'against the upper' end of the blader84hso= as` to `move it awayr from the inner end offthe first terminal post 43, wherebythel above described. circuit' isy opened. However;` when thev lever 90 is manually moved downwardly away-A` from the enlarged end of the cammember 88, the blade 841 returns tol the position shown inl Fig. 8: and' against'- the' inner end of4 the Agterrninai `j posti.

When the upper end` of the The lower end of the time control lever 90 is fastened to a shaft 92 (Fig. 6) which is rotatably mounted in an opening 94 contained in the left side wall 26.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, two bosses 96 are formed integral with the U-shaped wall 24 adjacent the rear portion of the main housing 22 and contain threaded openings 90.

An elongated supporting plate extends between the two bosses 96 and is fastened thereto by screws |02 which are disposed in the openings 98.

Fastened to the supporting plate |00 adjacent the center thereof is a cup shaped housing |04 (Figs. 5 and 6) which contains a helically coiled springs |06, the outer end of the spring |96 being fastened to the housing wall as` shown in Fig. 4. One end of the shaft 92 extends into the housing |04 and is fastened to the inner end of the coiled spring |06 (Fig. 4). Thus, when the time control lever 90 is moved from the position shown in solid lines in Fig. 4, to the position shown in dotted lines therein, thespring H36 is contracted so that there is a force tending to return the lever 90 to the position shown in solid lines.

Connected to the other end of the shaft 92 is a mechanism which controls the rate of movement of the lever 90 toward the position shown in solid lines, and which will now be described.

As shown in Figs. 6 and 14, a cup shaped clutch housing |08 is rotatably mounted on a reduced portion of the shaft 92 at the end opposite to the one fastened to the spring |06. The housing |08 contains a sprocket wheel portion ||0 and an n annular flange portion H2.

Fastened to the shaft 92 within the housing |09 is a transversely extending rod ||4 (Fig. i3). A semicircular shaped clutch band ||6, having inwardly extending end portions ||1 and made of resilient material, is disposed on each side of the rod ||4. The outer peripheral surfaces of the bands ||6 bear against the inner surface of the flange portion ||2, and the inwardly extending end portions bear against the rod H4. This frictional engagement of the bands ||6 with the inner surface of the flange ||2 tends to cause the shaft 92 and the clutch housing |08 to rotate together, but permits relative movement between them when the force on the shaft exceeds a predetermined amount.

The sprocket wheel portion ||0 of the clutch housing |08 is part of a watch escapement mechanism ||8 which is contained in a case |20 fastened to the left side wall 26 external to the main housing 22.

The watch escapement mechanism |8 includes a standard balance wheel and hairspring (not shown) which are driven from thesprocket wheel portion ||0 through a gear train (not shown). Thus, when there is a force exerted against the sprocket wheel portion ||0 tending to rotate it in one direction, the latter will rotate and cause the balance wheel and hairspring to oscillate at a substantially constant predetermined speed regardless of slight variations in the force urging rotation of the sprocket wheel portion ||0. In the present case the force urging rotation of the sprocket wheel portion ||0 is the helically coiled spring |06, as will appear.

When the time control lever 90 is moved downwardly from the position shown in full lines in Fig. 4, the shaft 92 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction (Fig. 4). This causes the helically coiled spring |06 to be contracted and also causes 6, the rod ||4 to rotate, and the clutch bands ||6 to slip within the clutch housing |08. The clutch housing |08 does not rotate with the shaft S2 when it is turned in this direction because the sprocket wheel portion ||0 can rotate in only one direction due to the construction of the watch escapement mechanism I8.

When the lever is released, the spring |06 starts to unwind and urges the shaft 92 to rotate in the clockwise direction, tending to return the lever 90 to the position shown in full lines in Fig. 4. This rotation of the shaft 92 causes rotation of the rod ||4 and the clutch bands I6. The clutch bands ||6 bearing against the inner surface of the flange portion l2 drive the sprocket Wheel portion ||0, which in turn causes the balance wheel (not shown) to oscillate at a predetermined rate.

As the lever 90 approaches the position shown in full lines in Fig. 4, its free end contacts the enlarged end of the cam member S9, thereby causing it to pivot in the clockwise direction as viewed in Figs. 7 and 9, so as to force the free end of the blade t4 away from the end of the rst terminal post 43 and thereby open the circuit between the first and second terminal posts 43 and lli.

A cover plate (not shown) for the switch and receptacle box (not shown) contains a scale graduated in units of time so that the lever 90 can be set to open the circuit after a predetermined time interval.

In use, the combination switch 20 is fastened within a standard type switch and receptacle box (not shown) by means of screws (not shown) which extend through the openings 30.

The switch 20 is particularly applicable for use in a garage or the like, where it is desirable to have the light remain energized for a predetermined length of time, as for example, for the time it takes the user to walk from the garage to the house.

Thus, let us assume that a person goes into the garage at night to nd a tool, or for some similar reason. On entering the garage he would move the manual control lever 68 downwardly to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 5, thereby closing the circuit through the insulated wire 4l, the cylindrical conductor 48, the J-shaped sheets '52-54, and the dog 58, as described above.

After locating the tool, he would then move the time control lever 90 downwardly to the marking on the scale on the cover plate which corresponds to the time it requires him to walk from the garage back to the house, and then move the lever 68 upwardly to the position shown in full lines in Fig. 5. The movement of the lever 68 causes the dog 56 to snap away from the terminal post "E3, thereby opening the manually controlled portion of the circuit. However, when the lever 90 was moved downwardly it permitted the cam member 8B to pivot and cause the free end of the blade 94 to contact the end of the terminal post 43, thereby completing the time controlled portion of the circuit so that the light remains energized.

After the lever 90 is released, the helically coiled spring |06 urges it upwardly toward the enlarged portion of the cam member 88 and the watch mechanism llt permits it to return at a predetermined speed.

When the free end of the lever 90 strikes the enlarged portion of the cam member 88, the blade amamtrolled portion .of l the.` circuit so :as to dei-'energize theilight. If theoperator changes hissmindas to 'the :setting of fthe time interval, -thelever 119,0 can beeasily and. quickly reset without ,adversely affecting the .watch mechanism H8. The constructionof the clutch as described previously is such that the clutch;bands 4IIii canbe.manually rotated within :the-housing |08 1in .either direction without 'injuring Ythe mechanism `l IB.

Thus, it is apparent that=there :has `been .provided a novel combination-manual and vtimecontrolled switch which fulfills all of the objects and advantages sought therefor.

The time control lever "9D can be -set lat any predetermined time (withinv limitsdetermined by the particular watch mechanism) andafter the predetermined ,period of `time has elapsed, vthe circuit will be automatically opened.

`The accuracy `of the time kinterval indicated by the position of the lever .90 canbe of lany degree desired, being `dependent solely upon the type of watch mechanism used.

The combination switch is small and compact so `that it will easily flt within the `standard switch and receptacle box, -whereby it can replace existing switch equipment `without requiring any modification or replacement of the existing leads or receptacles.

The friction clutch permits `the time control lever to be moved manually in `either direction without adversely affecting the watch mechanism, yet it is positivein its action in control ling the ratevof movement of the `lever toward the switch-element-actuating position.

Furthermore, 'the switch contains a `minimum number of-partsfandis relatively inexpensive to. manufacture.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawing have been given only by way of Aillustration rand example, and that changes and alterations `inthe present'disclosure, which will be readilyapparent to one skilled in the art, `are `contemplated as within the scope of the-present invention, which is limited only 'by the claims which follow.

`What is claimed is:

1. Axdevice of the type described, .compri-sing a housing; firsta'nd second terminal posts extending into the housing; a rst electrical cir cuit between the two terminal posts including a first switch element mounted within the housing; a fflrst lever member manually operable to actuate the first switch element; a second electrical circuit betweenthe two terminal posts `in parallel with 'the first circuit and including a second switch `element mounted within thehousing; ymeans for actuating the second switch element including asecond lever member movable between a first and second position; yieldable means urgingsaidlsecond lever `member toward the first position; andmeans limiting therate of movement of the second levermemberltoward the first position.

2. A device of the type described, comprisinga housing; first and second terminal posts extending into the housing; a shaft mounted within the housing; an electrical connection betweenv the nrst terminal post andthe shaft; a dog pivotally mounted on'the shaft' and movable between a first position in contact with the second terminal kpost and a second position away .from it; aflrst lever for actuating ,said dog; aresilient blade element mounted withinthe housing and having onelend thereof .urgedagainstrthe ,inner end .ofthe first terminallpost; meansformoving the blade .ele-

8 ment away from the first @terminal vlincluciing a "second .lever "pivotally 4.nnruntad withinthe housing `.and movable :between .ia :rst 4andsxsenond position; yieldable means urging the secondilcver toward the first `position; andameans controlling the rate ofzxnovement of saidseoond levertomard the first position.

3. A device of lthe :type descrihedncompriainga housing.; .a :switch elmnent mounted within f the chousing.; meansrforiactnatingfthe switchzelement includinga shaitpivntaliyzmounted in the'housing and a lever fastened thereto; yieldable means urging `rotation .of the shaft in .one direction; means for .limitingtheuate of movement :ofi-the `shaft in` said .one direction; andra friction clutch f housing; means foractuatingfthe switch element including a shaft pivotally mounted in the nous* ing and a lever fastened thereto; yieldablemeans urging rotation .of the .shaft in vone direction; means .for .limiting lthe .rate of movement lof shaft in saidone directionaand affriction clutch interconnecting the shaft `lwith .said f last inamed means, said .clutchiincluding `a cylindricalnousIb ing, .a rod-like memberv disposed transversely/.within the housing and fastenedtoitheshaft, Vanda pair of semicircularshaped resilientzbandshaving the free ends thereof bentlinwardly, -thebands being positioned within thefhousing soffthat .they bear` against vthe inner :peripheral 1. surface itliereof and the inwardly-extendingends Aarefdisposed against the rod-.likememben 5. Adevice of the type described,:comprisinga housing; a contact; -a 4resilient `4blade element mounted within the Phofusingandhaving'oneend thereof urged againstsaid f contact; xa f cam. member mounted in .the housing 'adjacentthe l"blade and movable to a positionutofmovethe bladelelement away from said contact; a fleveripivotlly mounted in the housing andmovable /betweena normal first unoperated position and a-second operated position, the vlever :actuating `the foam member so as to move the 4blade element away from'said contact when-it is' in thelnrst position; a'spring urging the lever tcwardlthe firsty position. said spring being capable of tensioning through the operationof said lever; nand-means limiting the rate of movement of the lever toward'the rst position operating through said spring.

References "Cited inthe file of this ,patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 'Name `Date 1,150,514 Gibney Aug. 117, 1915 1,622,002 Ruterlber Mar. 22, '1927 1,735,540 Lux NOV. 12, 1929 1,870,185 Thornton. Jr. Aug. 12, 1932 1,916,665 Hodge 'July 4, l15.133 2,302,110 Dow etal. Nov. 17, 1942 2,360,157 Olson Oct. 10, 1944 2,530,985 Morrison Nov. 21, 1950 FOREIGN "PATENTS Number Country l.Jatc

l 4353,228 .Great,13ntam. onta. .1931',