US2958747A - Snap action switch - Google Patents

Snap action switch Download PDF

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Publication number
US2958747A
US2958747A US722318A US72231858A US2958747A US 2958747 A US2958747 A US 2958747A US 722318 A US722318 A US 722318A US 72231858 A US72231858 A US 72231858A US 2958747 A US2958747 A US 2958747A
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United States
Prior art keywords
latchable
latch
unlatching
housing
switch
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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US722318A
Inventor
Michael J Dobes
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Devlieg Bullard Inc
Original Assignee
National Acme Co
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by National Acme Co filed Critical National Acme Co
Priority to US722318A priority Critical patent/US2958747A/en
Priority to FR1209446D priority patent/FR1209446A/en
Priority to DEN15694A priority patent/DE1244273B/en
Priority to GB41497/58A priority patent/GB912223A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US2958747A publication Critical patent/US2958747A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H5/00—Snap-action arrangements, i.e. in which during a single opening operation or a single closing operation energy is first stored and then released to produce or assist the contact movement
    • H01H5/04—Energy stored by deformation of elastic members
    • H01H5/06—Energy stored by deformation of elastic members by compression or extension of coil springs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/26—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members
    • H01H13/28—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members using compression or extension of coil springs
    • H01H13/285—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members using compression or extension of coil springs having a symmetrical configuration
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H19/00—Switches operated by an operating part which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and which is acted upon directly by a solid body external to the switch, e.g. by a hand
    • H01H19/54—Switches operated by an operating part which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and which is acted upon directly by a solid body external to the switch, e.g. by a hand the operating part having at least five or an unspecified number of operative positions
    • H01H19/60—Angularly-movable actuating part carrying no contacts
    • H01H19/62—Contacts actuated by radial cams
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H21/00—Switches operated by an operating part in the form of a pivotable member acted upon directly by a solid body, e.g. by a hand
    • H01H21/02—Details
    • H01H21/18—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H21/22—Operating parts, e.g. handle
    • H01H21/24—Operating parts, e.g. handle biased to return to normal position upon removal of operating force
    • H01H21/28—Operating parts, e.g. handle biased to return to normal position upon removal of operating force adapted for actuation at a limit or other predetermined position in the path of a body, the relative movement of switch and body being primarily for a purpose other than the actuation of the switch, e.g. door switch, limit switch, floor-levelling switch of a lift
    • H01H21/285—Operating parts, e.g. handle biased to return to normal position upon removal of operating force adapted for actuation at a limit or other predetermined position in the path of a body, the relative movement of switch and body being primarily for a purpose other than the actuation of the switch, e.g. door switch, limit switch, floor-levelling switch of a lift having an operating arm actuated by the movement of the body and mounted on an axis converting its rotating movement into a rectilinear switch activating movement
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H5/00—Snap-action arrangements, i.e. in which during a single opening operation or a single closing operation energy is first stored and then released to produce or assist the contact movement
    • H01H5/04—Energy stored by deformation of elastic members

Definitions

  • the invention relates in general to electrical switches and more particularly to switches wherein electrical contact is made and broken in a rapid manner.
  • An object of the invention is to provide a snap action switch wherein the switch contacts between which electrical connection is made, are moved relative to each other with rapid acceleration to reduce arcing between the contacts and resultant burning and pitting of the same.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a switch wherein spring means is utilized to produce a definite contact pressure between the switch contacts.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a switch having an actuating or operating lever which may be arranged to produce either right or left hand operation of the switch. 7
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a snap action switch wherein no wiring is directly connected to the switch proper.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a precision quick make, quick break, snap action limit switch which is both oil and water tight.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a snap action switch wherein a movable contact is operably connected to a latchable member which latchable member is secured in a given position until a force is built up at which time the latchable member is released thereby quickly moving the same and the operably connected movable contact.
  • Figure l is an exploded isometric view, partially in section, of the switch of the present invention.
  • ' Figure 2 is a side elevational view in section of the switch
  • Figure 3 is a view taken generally along the line 3-3 of Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a view taken generally along the line 4-4 of Figure 2;
  • Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 but showing the switch in a slightly different position
  • Figure 6 is a side elevational view showing the switch in the same position as it is shown in Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a view similar to Figures 4 and 5 but show ing the switch in still another position.
  • the snap action switch of the present invention has been illustrated as a normally closed limit switch of the double make type.
  • the switch is readily adapted to be converted to a normally open type switch depending upon the manner in which the external conductors are connected to the switch as will be described hereinafter. It will also be appreciated that the instant switch might be adapted to control two external circuits which circuits would be concurrently maintained, one in open and the other in closed condition. s
  • the snap action switch has been indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 and in eludes in combination a main housing 11 having an open upper end which is adapted to be closed by a cover member 12 and sealed by a gasket 131. Screws 13 maintain the cover member in place upon the housing.
  • a cam mechanism 16 which includes first and second parts 17 and 18, respectively.
  • the first part of the cam mechanism 16 includes a cam member 20 which is rotatively carried by the cover member 12 by a shaft 21 which is journalled on the cover member.
  • This cam member 20 is provided with first and second cam portions which might otherwise be referred to as low and high surface portions 23 and 24, respectively.
  • First and second crossed slots 27 and 28, respectively, are provided upon the end of the cam member 20 opposite the cover 12.
  • the second part 18 of the cam mechanism includes a sleeve 31 in which a pivot member 32 rotatively resides.
  • the second part 1 8 also includes a raised wall portion 34 which is adapted to reside in either one of the slots 27 or 28 to non-rotatively connect the first and second parts 17 and 18 of the cam mechanism 16 together.
  • a cam mechanism return spring 36 surrounds the sleeve 31 and has two ends which engage either side of a projection '38 .which is formed as an integral part of the housing 11.
  • the second part 18 of the cam mechanism is provided with a finger 39 which extends between the two ends of the spring 36.
  • An engagement roller 44 is journalled at the end of the operating lever which roller is positioned in the path of travel of a moving mechanism 46 ( Figures 4, 5 and 7) which might be the moving part of nearly any machine, for example, a movable slide.
  • the operating lever and the cam mechanism in Figure 4 may be referred to as being in a first position whereas in Figure 7 it may be referred to as in a second position.
  • Figure 5 illustrates these parts as being intermediate the first and second positions.
  • the end of the housing 11 which is opposite the cam mechanism 16 is provided with a threaded opening 50 which receives the end of a length of electrical conduit 51 (shown only in Figures 2 and 3) within which two conductors 52 and 53, respectively, extend. These conductors extend to an external circuit (not shown) which may control the movement of the moving mechanism 46 illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 7.
  • a terminal block 55 is secured in the bottom of the housing 11 by means of screws 56 which extend therethrough and into bosses 57.
  • the terminal block 55 is constructed of plastic and has a longitudinal slot 60 extending lengthwise across the upper surface thereof and this slot communicates at one end portion thereof with the threaded opening 50.
  • First and second pairs of terminals 62 and 63, respectively, are located on first and second end portions, respectively, of the terminal block 55. Only one of these terminals is shown in Figure 1 for ease of illustration, however Figure 3 shows both pairs.
  • a terminal of each pair is located on either side of the longitudinal slot 60. It will be noted that the conductors 52 and 53 extend in the longitudinal slot and are electrically connected to the terminals of the second pair 63.
  • a first and second pair of spring biased contacts 65 and 66 are also provided on the terminal block at the first and second end portions thereof, respectively. The construction of the spring biased contacts is best seen in Figure 2 of the drawings. A spring biased contact of each of the pairs also resides on either side of the longitudinal slot. Electrical conductors 68 in the form of'a fiat metal strip are positioned on the upper surface of the terminal block for connecting the terminals of each pair with the respective spring biased contact of each pair.
  • a plastic switch housing member 72 Positioned immediately above the terminal block is a plastic switch housing member 72 which is formed into an enclosure for housing fixed and movable electrical contacts which are for the purpose of making and breaking electrical connection between the conductors 52 and 3 which lead to the external circuit.
  • First and second pairs of terminal posts 74 and 75, respectively, are fixed- 1y embedded in the plastic housing member 72 at first and second end portions, respectively. With the housing member 72 in position as shown in Figure 2, these terminal posts engage respectively the first and second pairs of spring biased contacts 65 and 66 which are located at either end of the terminal block 55. It is in this manner that electrical connection is maintained between the external circuit and the enclosure of the plastic housing member 72.
  • Each of the first and second pairs of terminal posts is provided with a fixed contact 78 which is electrically connected thereto.
  • a contact carrier 81 is positioned Within the plastic switch housing member and is movable between first and second positions'therein.
  • This contact carrier carries first and second pairs of movable contacts 83 and 84, respectively, and as will be noted, the carrier member is constructed of a plastic'insulation material.
  • the contacts of each of the first and second pairs 83 and 84, respectively, are electrically connected together and each pair is biased away from each other by means of a spring '86.
  • a latchable channel member 90 is slidably supported by the plastic switch housing member 72 immediately above the contact carrier 81.
  • the plastic switch housing member 72 has wall means at the upper open end of the enclosure which form a generally rectangularly shaped dead-ended slot 88 on one side of the V enclosure and a generally rectangularly shaped openended slot 89 on the other side of the enclosure.
  • the latchable channel includes a back member 92 which has first and second pairs of spaced ieg members or projections 93 and 94, respectively, integrally connected thereto at respective end portions thereof and these spaced members extend generally laterally of the back member.
  • First and second carrier pins 96 and 97 are mounted by the back member and extend into complementary openings 98 and 99 in the contact carrier for transmitting the movement of the latchable channel to the contact carrier.
  • the first and second pairs of spaced leg members '93 and 94 define a guideway within which a latch release channel 101 is located for movement between first and second positions and also for movement relative to the spaced leg members as will hereinafter be described.
  • the latch release channel at an intermediate portion thereof houses first and second relatively movable lugs 103 and 104 and a lug spring or resilient means 105 is positioned between these two lugs and urges them apart.
  • the function of the first lug 103 ( Figure 6) is to engage the first pair of spaced members 93 and urge them and as a result urge the latchable channel to the second position when the latch release channel 101 is moved to the second position and the function of the second lug 104 is to engage the second pair of spaced members 94 and urge them and as a result urge the latchable channel to the first position when the latch release channel moves to the first position.
  • a return spring 107 is positioned at one end of the latch release channel and urges the latch release channel to its first position.
  • the other end of the latch release channel is provided with a cam follower roller 108 and this roller is located adjacent the cam member 20 and alternately engages the first and second surface portions 23 and 24 of the cam member 20.
  • a latch plate 111 is located above the enclosure of the plastic switch housing member 72 and-is secured to the top thereof by means of screws 112.
  • the latch plate serves as a cover to confine the latch release channel, the latchable channel member and the contact carrier within the enclosure of the plastic switch housing member 72.
  • the latch plate 111 is provided with slots 115 which receive the spaced members 93 and 94 of the latchable channel.
  • the latch plate also has an opening 116 which receives the unlatching stud 109.
  • First and second pairs of latch members 118 and 119, respectively, are pivotally connected by means of pins 120 to first and second end portions of the latch plate respectively.
  • Each of these latch members 118 and 119 has a latch shoulder 122 with which a respective spaced member is engageable and springs 124 and 125 urge the latch members of a respective pair laterally toward each other at all times.
  • the latch shoulders 122 of the first pair of latch members 118 engage the first pair of spaced members 93 when the latch release channel 101 is in the first position ( Figures 2 and 4).
  • Each of the latch members is provided with a cam surface 126 which engages the unlatching stud 109.
  • This action initially causes movement of the latch release channel 101 from the first toward the second position and also causes the first lug 103 ( Figures 2 and 6) to engage the first pair of spaced members 93 which urges the latchable channel 90'to-ward the second "position.
  • the latchable channel is initially held from movement toward the second position because the latch shoulders 122 on the first pair of latch members 118 engage the first pair of spaced members 93 and prevent movement of the latchable channel ( Figures 4 andS During this period, when the latchable channel is held from movement, the latch release channel 101 is moving and the first lug 103 which engages the first pair of spaced members 93 compresses the lug spring 105.
  • This construction therefore in the initial movement of the latch release channel permits relative movement between this latch release channel and the latchable channel.
  • the movement of the latch release channel 101 causes movement of the uniatching stud M9 since this stud is fixedly secured thereto.
  • the unlatching stud engages the cam surfaces 126 on the first pair of latch members; 118 and continues to urge the first pair of latch members laterally apart against the urging of spring 124.
  • the -unlatching stud forces the first pair of latch members far enough apart ( Figure 4) so that the latch shoulders thereon release the first pair of spaced members 93 at which time the compressed lug spring 105 by way i of the first lug 103 rapidly moves the latchable channel 90 to the second position. Since the contact carrier 81 which carries the first and second pair of contacts 83 and" 84 is operatively connected to the latchable channel by means of the pins 96 and 37, it too travels rapidly from. the first to the second position. This rapid movement is transmitted to the first pair of contacts 83 which by way of their movement makes electrical connection between the fixed contacts of the first pair of terminal posts 74 and the second pairof contacts 84 breakselectrical.
  • the cam mechanism return spring 36 causes the cam member 20 to move in a clockwise direction from the position in Figure 7 to the position of Figure 4. While this movement is taking place, the return spring 107 moves the latch release channel 101 from the second to the first position.
  • the movement of the latch release channel from the second to the first position causes the snap action switch to function in much the same way only in reverse of that described hereinabove.
  • the initial movement of the latch release channel from the second to the first position causes the second lug 104 to engage the second pair of spaced members 94 to urge the latchable channel to the first position along with the latch release channel.
  • the second pair of latch members 119 engage the second pair of spaced members 94 and prevent the latchable channel member from moving to the first position which causes the lug spring 105 to be compressed.
  • the unlatching stud 109 forces the second pair of latch members 119 far enough laterally apart to release these latch members from the second pair of spaced members 94. This permits the force which has been built up by compressing the lug spring to act upon the latchable channel member to rapidly move the same to the first position. This rapid movement is transmitted to the contacts which are carried by the contact member 81 and makes a quick electrical connection between the fixed contacts of the second pair of terminal posts 75 and breaks connection between the pair of fixed contacts of the first pair of terminal posts 74.
  • contacts 83 perform no switching function, however, if external conductors were connected to terminals 62, then contacts 83 would operate to make this circuit while'cont-acts 84 were breaking the circuit of conductors 52 and 53 and vice versa.
  • the use of contacts 83 also enables one to convert the switch to a normally open type by'merely connecting conductors 52 and 53 to terminals 62 rather than 63.
  • a snap action switch wherein the quick movement of a movable switch contact relative to a fixed contact is effected by building up a force tending to move the movable contact while latching this contact from movement. After a predetermined force has been built up, the movable contact is unlatched and the force which is built up can be effectively used at once to bring about a quick action: This reduces sparking between the contacts and resultant burning and pitting of the same. It necessarily follows that the life of the contacts is greatly enhanced; The action of the lug spring in moving the movable contacts of the switch also provides a definite contact pressure between the switch'contacts giving a positive electrical connection.
  • a snap action switch including in combination a housing, a cover for said housing, a cam mechanism comprising first and second parts mounted at one end of said housing, said first part comprising a cam having first and second cam portions, said cam having first and second crossed slots across one end thereof, said second part of said cam mechanism having a raised portion thereon interfitting with one of said slots for nonrotatively connectingsaid first and second parts of said cam mechanism together, pivot means rotatively mounting said cam mechanism, an operating lever operatively connected to said cam by way of said pivot means and residing outside said housing, said operating lever having an engagement roller on an end portion thereof to transmit movement from a moving mechanism to move said operating lever from a first to a second position, a cam spring member engaging said second part of said cam mechanism and urging same to a first position, the other end of said housing having a threaded opening to receive a conduit adapted to carry electrical conductors to said housing, a terminal block having first and second end portions and comprising a plastic member residing in the bottom of said housing and having
  • housing member above said plastic contact carrier and including aback member having first and second pairs of spaced members at respective end portions thereof extending *generally laterallytherefrom, said spaced members defining a'guideway, first and second carrier pins mounted on said'back member and extending into complementary openings in said contact carrier for moving said contact carrier between said first and second positions, a latch release channel residing in said guideway between said spaced members for movement between first and second positions and relative to said spaced members, first and second relatively movable lugscarried by said latchrelease channel, a log spring between said first and second lugs urging them apart, said first lug engaging said first pair of spaced members and urging said latchable channel to 'said's'econd position on movement of said latch release channel toward said second position, said second lug engaging said second pair of spaced members and urgingsaid latchable channel to said first position on movement of said latch release channel toward said first position, return spring means urging said latch release channel to said first position, an unlatching stud carried by said latch
  • a snap action switch including in combination a housing having an opening closed by a cover, a cam mechanism comprising first and second parts mounted at one end of said housing, pivot means rotatively mounting said first and second parts of said cam mechanism, means connecting said first and second parts and permitting angular adjustment of said first and second parts relative to each other, an operating lever operatively connected to partially rotate said cam mechanism by way of said pivot means "and residing outside said housing, said operating lever having an engagement roller on an end portion thereof to transmit movement from a mechanism to move said operating lever from a first to a second position, a spring member urging said cam mechanism to a first position, a terminal block in said housing, terminals on said terminal block for connection with external conductors, spring biased contacts on said terminal block, electrical conductors connecting said terminals with a respective spring biased contact, an electrically insulated housing member formed into an enclosure for housing fixed and movable contacts, terminal posts embedded in said electrically insulated housing member and engaging at one end portion thereof a re spective spring biased contact, a fixed contact electrical
  • a snap action switch including in combination a housing, a cam mechanism mounted in saidhousing, pivot means rotatively mounting said cam mechanism, an operating lever operatively connected to said cam by way of said pivot means and residing outside said housing, said operating lever having an end portion adapted to be engaged by a moving mechanism to move said operating lever from a first to a second position, an electrically insulated switch housing formed into an enclosure for housing contacts, terminal posts in said electrically insulated housing and at one end portion thereof being electrically connected to external conductors, a fixed contact electrically connected to each said terminal post at another end portion thereof, a contact carrier movable between first and second positions and located in said enclosure of said switch housing, movable contacts carried by said contact carrier and engageable with said fixed contacts, a latchable channel supported by said switch housing above said contact carrier and including a back member having first and second spaced members extending therefrom, means connecting said contact carrier and said latchable channel together, a latch release channel residing adjacent said spaced members for movement between first and second positions and relative to said spaced
  • a snap action switch including in combination a housing having an open upper end closed by a cover member, a terminal block secured in said housing and having spring biased contacts, means for providing electrical connection between said spring biased contacts and external electrical conductors, a plastic switch housing having wall means forming an enclosure, terminal posts embedded in said plastic switch housing with one end portion thereof engaging said spring biased contacts and the other end portion extending into said enclosure, fixed contacts secured to said terminal posts, a plastic contact carrier located in said enclosure for movement between first and second positions, movable contacts carried by said contact carrier and engageable with said fixed contacts, a latchable member mounted by said plastic switch housing for sliding movement between said first and second positions, projections secured to and extending from said latchable member, means operably connecting said plastic contact carrier and said latchable member together, an unlatching member slidably mounted on said latchable member between first and second positions, lug means carried by said unlatching member and engaging said projections, spring means carried by said unlatching member and engaging said lug means for permitting relative movement between said latchable and unlatching
  • a snap action switch including in combination a main housing having an open end closed by a cover member, a terminal block secured in said housing and having spring biased contacts, means for providing electrical connection between said spring biased contacts and external electrical conductors, a plastic switch housing having wall means forming an enclosure, terminal posts embedded in said plastic switch housing with one end portion thereof engaging said spring biased contacts and the other end portion extending into said enclosure, a plastic contact carrier located in said enclosure for movement between first and second positions, contact means carried by said contact carrier and engageable with said terminal posts, a latchable member mounted by said plastic switch housing for movement between first and second positions, projection means extending from said latchable member, means operably connecting said plastic contact carrier and spasm;
  • latchable member together, an unlatching member slidably mounted adjacent said latchable memberjlug means carried by said unlatching member and engageable with said projection means, spring means carried by said unlatching member and engaging said lug means for permitting relative movement between said latchable and unlatching members, a latch plate secured to said plastic switch housing opposite said terminal block and covering said enclosure, a latch member carried by said latch plate and engageable with said projection means for latching said latchable member, a stud carried by said unlatching member and engageable with said latch member for unlatching said latchable member, a cam follower mounted by one end of said unlatching member, a cam mechanism including first and second parts rotatively mounted in said housing adjacent said cam follower for engaging and moving said cam follower, said first cam mechanism part having wall means defining a plurality of slots, said second cam mechanism having a raised wall interfittable in a selected one of said plurality of slots for rotatively connecting said first and second cam mechanism parts at a predetermined angular position relative
  • a snap switch including in combination -a main housing, a switch housing in said main housing and having wall means forming an enclosure, terminal posts in'said switch housing with one end portion thereof adapted to be electrically connected to external conductors and the other end portion extending into said enclosure, said end portions of said terminal posts in said enclosure having fixed contacts, a contact carrier located in said enclosure for movement between first and second positions, contacts carried by said contact carrier and engageable with said fixed contacts, a latchable member adapted for movement between first and second positions, means operably connecting said contact carrier and said latchable member together, an unlatching member mounted for movement between first and second positions, a latch plate secured to said switch housing and covering said enclosure, first and second latch means carried by said latch plate and engageable with said latchable member for latching the same, a camming member carried by said unlatching member and engageable with said first latch means in moving from said first to said second position for unlatching said latchable member and engageable with said second latch means in moving from said second to said first position for unlatching said
  • a snap action switch including in combination a main housing having an open end closed by a cover member, a terminal block secured in said housing and having contacts, means for providing electrical connection between said contacts and external electrical conductors, a plastic switch housing, wall means forming an open ended enclosure which extends from one side of said switch housing thereinto, terminals embedded in said plastic switch housing with one end portionthereof engaging said contacts and the other end portion extending into said enclosure, wall means at said one side of said plastic switch housing defining a generally rectangularly shaped dead-ended slot on one side of said enclosure and defining a generally rectangularly shaped open ended slot on the other side of said enclosure, a plastic contact carrier located in the bottom of said enclosure for movement between first and second positions, first and second contact means spring'biased away from each other and carried by said contact carrier and engageable with said other end portion of said terminals which extend into said enclosure, a latchable member having first and second end portions, said first end portion of said latchable member residing in said deadended slot "and said second end portion thereof residing in said open ended
  • a snap action switch including in combination a main housing having an open end closed by a cover member, a switch housing in said main housing, wall means forming an open ended enclosure which extends from one side of said switch housing thereinto, terminal means extending through said switch housing with one end portion thereof being electrically connected to external conductors and the other end portion extending into said enclosure, wall means at an upper portion of said switch housing defining a dead-ended slot on one side of said enclosure at said open end thereof and defining on open ended slot on the other side of said enclosure at said open end thereof, a contact carrier located in said enclosure for movement between first and second positions, first and second contact means spring biased away from each other and carried by said contact carrier and engageable with said other end portion of said terminals which extend into said enclosure, a latch able member having first and second end portions, said first end portion of said latchable member residing .in said dead-ended'slotandsaid second end portion thereofres-iding in sai'dlopen ended slot with the intermediate 'portionthere'of'overly
  • a snap action switch including in combination a main housing having an open end closed by a cover member, a switch housing having contact means therein adapted to be electrically connected to external conductors, wall means forming an open ended enclosure which extends from one side of said switch housing thereinto, wall means at an upper portion of said plastic switch housing defining a dead-ended slot on one side of said enclosure and defining an open ended slot on the other side of said enclosure, 2.
  • contact carrier located in said enclosure for movement between first and second positions, contact means carried by said contact carrier and engageable with said contact means in said enclosure, a latchable member having first and second end portions, said first end portion of said latchable member residing in said dead-ended slot and said second end portion thereof residing in said open ended slot with the intermediate portion thereof overlying said open ended enclosure, first and second projection means secured to either side of said latchable member and extending therefrom, means operably connecting said latchable member and said contact carrier together, an unlatching member slidably mounted on said latchable member between said first and second projection means, lug means carried by said unlatching member and adapted to engage said projection means on said latchable member upon movement of said unlatching member, a latch plate secured to said open end of said enclosure to close the same, wall means defining openings in said latch plate through which at least a portion of said first and second projection means extend, first and second latch means pivotally mounted flatwise on said latch plate 'for latching and unlatching said latchable member by engaging and dis

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Description

Nov. 1, 1960 Filed March 18, 1958 M. J. DOBES SNAP ACTION SWITCH 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. MICHAEL J. DOBES Nov. 1, 1960 M. J. DOBES 2,958,747
SNAP ACTION SWITCH Filed March 18, 1958 s Sheets-Sheet 2 60 NJ 74H55 K 5 I 20/ IIIIIIIIiWH: 42
Figs
VENT MICHAEL J. DOBES Nov. 1, 1960 Filed March 18, 1958 M. J. DOBES SNAP ACTION SWITCH 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. MICHAEL J. DOSES BY mm 2,958,747 Patented Nov. 1, 1960 SNAP ACTION swrrcn Michael J. Dobes, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, assignor to The National Acme Company Filed Mar. 18, 1958, Ser. No. 722,318
9 Claims. (Cl. 200-78) The invention relates in general to electrical switches and more particularly to switches wherein electrical contact is made and broken in a rapid manner.
An object of the invention is to provide a snap action switch wherein the switch contacts between which electrical connection is made, are moved relative to each other with rapid acceleration to reduce arcing between the contacts and resultant burning and pitting of the same.
Another object of the invention is to provide a switch wherein spring means is utilized to produce a definite contact pressure between the switch contacts.
Another object of the invention is to providea switch having an actuating or operating lever which may be arranged to produce either right or left hand operation of the switch. 7
Another object of the invention is to provide a snap action switch wherein no wiring is directly connected to the switch proper.
Another object of the invention is to provide a precision quick make, quick break, snap action limit switch which is both oil and water tight.
Another object of the invention is to provide a snap action switch wherein a movable contact is operably connected to a latchable member which latchable member is secured in a given position until a force is built up at which time the latchable member is released thereby quickly moving the same and the operably connected movable contact.
Other objects and a fuller understanding of this inven tion may be had by referring to the following description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure l is an exploded isometric view, partially in section, of the switch of the present invention;
'Figure 2 is a side elevational view in section of the switch;
Figure 3 is a view taken generally along the line 3-3 of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a view taken generally along the line 4-4 of Figure 2;
Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 but showing the switch in a slightly different position;
Figure 6 is a side elevational view showing the switch in the same position as it is shown in Figure 5; and
Figure 7 is a view similar to Figures 4 and 5 but show ing the switch in still another position.
The snap action switch of the present invention has been illustrated as a normally closed limit switch of the double make type. The switch is readily adapted to be converted to a normally open type switch depending upon the manner in which the external conductors are connected to the switch as will be described hereinafter. It will also be appreciated that the instant switch might be adapted to control two external circuits which circuits would be concurrently maintained, one in open and the other in closed condition. s
Referring to Figure l, the snap action switch has been indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 and in eludes in combination a main housing 11 having an open upper end which is adapted to be closed by a cover member 12 and sealed by a gasket 131. Screws 13 maintain the cover member in place upon the housing. Located at one end of the housing 11 is a cam mechanism 16 which includes first and second parts 17 and 18, respectively. The first part of the cam mechanism 16 includes a cam member 20 which is rotatively carried by the cover member 12 by a shaft 21 which is journalled on the cover member. This cam member 20 is provided with first and second cam portions which might otherwise be referred to as low and high surface portions 23 and 24, respectively. First and second crossed slots 27 and 28, respectively, are provided upon the end of the cam member 20 opposite the cover 12. The second part 18 of the cam mechanism includes a sleeve 31 in which a pivot member 32 rotatively resides. The second part 1 8 also includes a raised wall portion 34 which is adapted to reside in either one of the slots 27 or 28 to non-rotatively connect the first and second parts 17 and 18 of the cam mechanism 16 together. A cam mechanism return spring 36 surrounds the sleeve 31 and has two ends which engage either side of a projection '38 .which is formed as an integral part of the housing 11. The second part 18 of the cam mechanism is provided with a finger 39 which extends between the two ends of the spring 36. As a result of this construction when the cam mechanism is turned in one direction, and the turning force is released, one end of the spring 36 will return it to the position shown in Figures 2 and 3 and when the cam mechanism is turned in the opposite direction, the other end of the spring 36 will return it to the position shown in Figures 2 and 3. The shaft 21, sleeve 31 and pivot 32 together make up what might be referred to generally as pivot means for rotatively mounting the cam mechanism 16. In order to transmit rotative movement to the cam mechanism, an operating lever 42 is connected to the shaft 21, which is included in the pivot means, and this operating lever resides outside the housing. An engagement roller 44 is journalled at the end of the operating lever which roller is positioned in the path of travel of a moving mechanism 46 (Figures 4, 5 and 7) which might be the moving part of nearly any machine, for example, a movable slide. The operating lever and the cam mechanism in Figure 4 may be referred to as being in a first position whereas in Figure 7 it may be referred to as in a second position. Figure 5 illustrates these parts as being intermediate the first and second positions.
The end of the housing 11 which is opposite the cam mechanism 16 is provided with a threaded opening 50 which receives the end of a length of electrical conduit 51 (shown only in Figures 2 and 3) within which two conductors 52 and 53, respectively, extend. These conductors extend to an external circuit (not shown) which may control the movement of the moving mechanism 46 illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 7. A terminal block 55 is secured in the bottom of the housing 11 by means of screws 56 which extend therethrough and into bosses 57. The terminal block 55 is constructed of plastic and has a longitudinal slot 60 extending lengthwise across the upper surface thereof and this slot communicates at one end portion thereof with the threaded opening 50. First and second pairs of terminals 62 and 63, respectively, are located on first and second end portions, respectively, of the terminal block 55. Only one of these terminals is shown in Figure 1 for ease of illustration, however Figure 3 shows both pairs. A terminal of each pair is located on either side of the longitudinal slot 60. It will be noted that the conductors 52 and 53 extend in the longitudinal slot and are electrically connected to the terminals of the second pair 63. A first and second pair of spring biased contacts 65 and 66 are also provided on the terminal block at the first and second end portions thereof, respectively. The construction of the spring biased contacts is best seen in Figure 2 of the drawings. A spring biased contact of each of the pairs also resides on either side of the longitudinal slot. Electrical conductors 68 in the form of'a fiat metal strip are positioned on the upper surface of the terminal block for connecting the terminals of each pair with the respective spring biased contact of each pair.
Positioned immediately above the terminal block is a plastic switch housing member 72 which is formed into an enclosure for housing fixed and movable electrical contacts which are for the purpose of making and breaking electrical connection between the conductors 52 and 3 which lead to the external circuit. First and second pairs of terminal posts 74 and 75, respectively, are fixed- 1y embedded in the plastic housing member 72 at first and second end portions, respectively. With the housing member 72 in position as shown in Figure 2, these terminal posts engage respectively the first and second pairs of spring biased contacts 65 and 66 which are located at either end of the terminal block 55. It is in this manner that electrical connection is maintained between the external circuit and the enclosure of the plastic housing member 72. Each of the first and second pairs of terminal posts is provided with a fixed contact 78 which is electrically connected thereto.
A contact carrier 81 is positioned Within the plastic switch housing member and is movable between first and second positions'therein. This contact carrier carries first and second pairs of movable contacts 83 and 84, respectively, and as will be noted, the carrier member is constructed of a plastic'insulation material. The contacts of each of the first and second pairs 83 and 84, respectively, are electrically connected together and each pair is biased away from each other by means of a spring '86. A latchable channel member 90 is slidably supported by the plastic switch housing member 72 immediately above the contact carrier 81. The plastic switch housing member 72 has wall means at the upper open end of the enclosure which form a generally rectangularly shaped dead-ended slot 88 on one side of the V enclosure and a generally rectangularly shaped openended slot 89 on the other side of the enclosure. The latchable channel includes a back member 92 which has first and second pairs of spaced ieg members or projections 93 and 94, respectively, integrally connected thereto at respective end portions thereof and these spaced members extend generally laterally of the back member. First and second carrier pins 96 and 97 are mounted by the back member and extend into complementary openings 98 and 99 in the contact carrier for transmitting the movement of the latchable channel to the contact carrier. The first and second pairs of spaced leg members '93 and 94 define a guideway within which a latch release channel 101 is located for movement between first and second positions and also for movement relative to the spaced leg members as will hereinafter be described. The latch release channel at an intermediate portion thereof houses first and second relatively movable lugs 103 and 104 and a lug spring or resilient means 105 is positioned between these two lugs and urges them apart. The function of the first lug 103 (Figure 6) is to engage the first pair of spaced members 93 and urge them and as a result urge the latchable channel to the second position when the latch release channel 101 is moved to the second position and the function of the second lug 104 is to engage the second pair of spaced members 94 and urge them and as a result urge the latchable channel to the first position when the latch release channel moves to the first position. A return spring 107 is positioned at one end of the latch release channel and urges the latch release channel to its first position. The other end of the latch release channel is provided with a cam follower roller 108 and this roller is located adjacent the cam member 20 and alternately engages the first and second surface portions 23 and 24 of the cam member 20. Movement of the cam follower roller 108 from engagement with the first surface portion 23 of the cam to engagement with the second surface portion 24 causes the latch release channel to move from its first to its second position. This progressive movement is best seen in. Figures 4, 5 and 7. An unlatching stud or camming member 109 is fixedly secured to the latch release channel 101 and is adapted to travel therewith between the above referred to first and second positions.
A latch plate 111 is located above the enclosure of the plastic switch housing member 72 and-is secured to the top thereof by means of screws 112. The latch plate serves as a cover to confine the latch release channel, the latchable channel member and the contact carrier within the enclosure of the plastic switch housing member 72. The latch plate 111 is provided with slots 115 which receive the spaced members 93 and 94 of the latchable channel. The latch plate also has an opening 116 which receives the unlatching stud 109. First and second pairs of latch members 118 and 119, respectively, are pivotally connected by means of pins 120 to first and second end portions of the latch plate respectively. Each of these latch members 118 and 119 has a latch shoulder 122 with which a respective spaced member is engageable and springs 124 and 125 urge the latch members of a respective pair laterally toward each other at all times. The latch shoulders 122 of the first pair of latch members 118 engage the first pair of spaced members 93 when the latch release channel 101 is in the first position (Figures 2 and 4). Each of the latch members is provided with a cam surface 126 which engages the unlatching stud 109.
The operation of the-snap action switch described hereinabove is as follows: Assume for the sake of example, that the switch is in the first position (Figure 4) with the external circuit by way of the conductors 52 and 53 energized and that the mechanism 46 is travelling in a direc tion indicated by the arrow 1 29. Engagement of the mechanism 46 with the engagement roller 44 causes the cam mechanism and the cam member 20 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 4. Rotation of the cam member 20 causes the cam follower roller 108 on the latch release channel 101 to travel from engagement with the first surface portion 23 to the second surface pos tion 24 of the cam member 20. This action initially causes movement of the latch release channel 101 from the first toward the second position and also causes the first lug 103 (Figures 2 and 6) to engage the first pair of spaced members 93 which urges the latchable channel 90'to-ward the second "position. The latchable channel, however, is initially held from movement toward the second position because the latch shoulders 122 on the first pair of latch members 118 engage the first pair of spaced members 93 and prevent movement of the latchable channel (Figures 4 andS During this period, when the latchable channel is held from movement, the latch release channel 101 is moving and the first lug 103 which engages the first pair of spaced members 93 compresses the lug spring 105. This construction therefore in the initial movement of the latch release channel permits relative movement between this latch release channel and the latchable channel. The movement of the latch release channel 101 causes movement of the uniatching stud M9 since this stud is fixedly secured thereto. The unlatching stud engages the cam surfaces 126 on the first pair of latch members; 118 and continues to urge the first pair of latch members laterally apart against the urging of spring 124. Upon s'ufiicient longitudinal movement of the latch release channel, the -unlatching stud forces the first pair of latch members far enough apart (Figure 4) so that the latch shoulders thereon release the first pair of spaced members 93 at which time the compressed lug spring 105 by way i of the first lug 103 rapidly moves the latchable channel 90 to the second position. Since the contact carrier 81 which carries the first and second pair of contacts 83 and" 84 is operatively connected to the latchable channel by means of the pins 96 and 37, it too travels rapidly from. the first to the second position. This rapid movement is transmitted to the first pair of contacts 83 which by way of their movement makes electrical connection between the fixed contacts of the first pair of terminal posts 74 and the second pairof contacts 84 breakselectrical.
connection between the fixed contacts of the second pair of terminal posts 75. t v
When the mechanism 46 moves to-the right from the position shown in Figure 7, the cam mechanism return spring 36 causes the cam member 20 to move in a clockwise direction from the position inFigure 7 to the position of Figure 4. While this movement is taking place, the return spring 107 moves the latch release channel 101 from the second to the first position. The movement of the latch release channel from the second to the first position causes the snap action switch to function in much the same way only in reverse of that described hereinabove. The initial movement of the latch release channel from the second to the first position causes the second lug 104 to engage the second pair of spaced members 94 to urge the latchable channel to the first position along with the latch release channel. The second pair of latch members 119, however, engage the second pair of spaced members 94 and prevent the latchable channel member from moving to the first position which causes the lug spring 105 to be compressed. Upon further movement of the latch release channel towards the first position, the unlatching stud 109 forces the second pair of latch members 119 far enough laterally apart to release these latch members from the second pair of spaced members 94. This permits the force which has been built up by compressing the lug spring to act upon the latchable channel member to rapidly move the same to the first position. This rapid movement is transmitted to the contacts which are carried by the contact member 81 and makes a quick electrical connection between the fixed contacts of the second pair of terminal posts 75 and breaks connection between the pair of fixed contacts of the first pair of terminal posts 74. With the external conductors 52 and 53 connected, as shown in Figure 2, contacts 83 perform no switching function, however, if external conductors were connected to terminals 62, then contacts 83 would operate to make this circuit while'cont-acts 84 were breaking the circuit of conductors 52 and 53 and vice versa. The use of contacts 83 also enables one to convert the switch to a normally open type by'merely connecting conductors 52 and 53 to terminals 62 rather than 63.
To change the direction of operation of the switch or the switch position, for example, if the mechanism 46 were located at the lower right-hand corner of the switch (Figure 4) rather than at the upper right-hand corner, it is only necessary to remove the screws 13 and raise the cover member 12 and rotate the first part 17 of the cam mechanism 16 by way of the operating lever 42 in a clockwise direction substantially ninety degrees so that the raised wall portion 34 of the second part 18 of the cam mechanism interfits with the second slot 28 rather than with slot 27. The cover is then re-positioned and fastened in place by means of the screws 13. The operation of the switch is the same as described hereinabove, however, it will be seen that this permits greater latitude in selecting the operational positions of the switch. The operating lever may also be adjusted relative to the shaft 21.
It will thus be seen that a snap action switch has been provided wherein the quick movement of a movable switch contact relative to a fixed contact is effected by building up a force tending to move the movable contact while latching this contact from movement. After a predetermined force has been built up, the movable contact is unlatched and the force which is built up can be effectively used at once to bring about a quick action: This reduces sparking between the contacts and resultant burning and pitting of the same. It necessarily follows that the life of the contacts is greatly enhanced; The action of the lug spring in moving the movable contacts of the switch also provides a definite contact pressure between the switch'contacts giving a positive electrical connection. The utilization of the plastic housing member 72 with the terminal posts 74 and 75 embedded therein and which .make electrical connection with the spring biased contacts of the'terminal block, provides a construction wherein no wiring is directly connected to the switch proper. The construction of the cam mechanism which includes the first and second parts 17' and 18 offers a switch construction which can be easily adjusted to provide either right or left-hand operation of the switch.
Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
What is claimed is:
1. A snap action switch including in combination a housing, a cover for said housing, a cam mechanism comprising first and second parts mounted at one end of said housing, said first part comprising a cam having first and second cam portions, said cam having first and second crossed slots across one end thereof, said second part of said cam mechanism having a raised portion thereon interfitting with one of said slots for nonrotatively connectingsaid first and second parts of said cam mechanism together, pivot means rotatively mounting said cam mechanism, an operating lever operatively connected to said cam by way of said pivot means and residing outside said housing, said operating lever having an engagement roller on an end portion thereof to transmit movement from a moving mechanism to move said operating lever from a first to a second position, a cam spring member engaging said second part of said cam mechanism and urging same to a first position, the other end of said housing having a threaded opening to receive a conduit adapted to carry electrical conductors to said housing, a terminal block having first and second end portions and comprising a plastic member residing in the bottom of said housing and having a longitudinal slot extending across the upper surface thereof and communicating at one end portion with said'threaded opening, first and second pairs of terminals on said terminal block at said first and second end portions respectively, a terminal of each pair residing on either side of said longitudinal slot, first and second pairs of spring biased contacts on said terminal block at said first and second end portions respectively, a spring biased contact of each pair residing on either side of said longitudinal slot, electrical conductors connecting each said terminal with a respective spring biased contact, a plastic housing member formed into an enclosure for housing fixed and movable contacts, first and second pairs of terminal posts embedded in said plastic housing member and located at first and second end portions of said housing member and engaging respectively said first and second pair of spring biased contacts, first and second pairs of fixed contacts electrically connected to said first and second pairs of terminal posts respectively, a plastic contact carrier movable between first and second positions and located in said enclosure of said plastic housing member, first and second pairs of movable contacts carried by said contact carrier, said contacts of each said first and second pair bein electrically connected together, spring means urging said first and second pairs of movable contacts away from each other, a latchable channel supported by said plastic,
housing member above said plastic contact carrier and including aback member having first and second pairs of spaced members at respective end portions thereof extending *generally laterallytherefrom, said spaced members defining a'guideway, first and second carrier pins mounted on said'back member and extending into complementary openings in said contact carrier for moving said contact carrier between said first and second positions, a latch release channel residing in said guideway between said spaced members for movement between first and second positions and relative to said spaced members, first and second relatively movable lugscarried by said latchrelease channel, a log spring between said first and second lugs urging them apart, said first lug engaging said first pair of spaced members and urging said latchable channel to 'said's'econd position on movement of said latch release channel toward said second position, said second lug engaging said second pair of spaced members and urgingsaid latchable channel to said first position on movement of said latch release channel toward said first position, return spring means urging said latch release channel to said first position, an unlatching stud carried by said latch release channel, a cam follower roller carried by one'end of said latch release channel and residing adjacent said cam, a latch plate secured to said plastic housing member and covering said-enclosure, said latch plate having slots for the reception of said spaced members of said latchable channel and having an opening for the reception of said unlatching stud, first and second pairs of latch members pivotally connected to first and second-end portions of said latch plate respectively, each said latch member'having a latoh'shoulder with which a respective spaced member is engageable, and having cam surfaces engageable by said unlatching stud to move the same to unlatched condition, spring means urging said latch members of each pair laterally toward each other to latched condition, said latch shoulders of said first pair of latch members engaging said first pair of spaced members in the first position of said latch release channel to prevent movement of said latchable channel to said second position until said unlatching stud unlatches said first pair of latch members.
2. A snap action switch including in combination a housing having an opening closed by a cover, a cam mechanism comprising first and second parts mounted at one end of said housing, pivot means rotatively mounting said first and second parts of said cam mechanism, means connecting said first and second parts and permitting angular adjustment of said first and second parts relative to each other, an operating lever operatively connected to partially rotate said cam mechanism by way of said pivot means "and residing outside said housing, said operating lever having an engagement roller on an end portion thereof to transmit movement from a mechanism to move said operating lever from a first to a second position, a spring member urging said cam mechanism to a first position, a terminal block in said housing, terminals on said terminal block for connection with external conductors, spring biased contacts on said terminal block, electrical conductors connecting said terminals with a respective spring biased contact, an electrically insulated housing member formed into an enclosure for housing fixed and movable contacts, terminal posts embedded in said electrically insulated housing member and engaging at one end portion thereof a re spective spring biased contact, a fixed contact electrically connected to each said terminal post at another end portion thereof, an electrically insulated contact carrier movable between first and second positions and located in said enclosure of said housing member, movable contacts carried by said contact carrier and engageable with said fixed contacts, a latchable channel supported by said housing member above said contact carrier and including a back member having first and second spaced members extending generally laterally therefrom, means connect urging said latchable channel and hence said contact carrier 'to said second position on movement of said latch release channel toward said second position, said second lug engaging the other of said spaced members and urging said latchable'channel and hence said contact carrier-to said first position on movement of said latch release channel toward said first position, return spring means urging said latch release channel to said first position, an unlatching stud carried by said latch release channel, a cam follower carried byone end of said latch release channel and residing adjacent-and engageable with said 'cam mechanism, a latch plate having slots for the reception of said spaced members of said latchable channel and having-an opening for the reception of said unlatching stud, latch members pivotally connected to said latch plate, each said latch member having a latch shoulder with which a spaced member is engageable and having an actuating surface engageable by said unlatching stud to move the latch member to unlatched condition, spring means urging said latch members to a latched condition, said latch shoulders of said latch members engaging one of said spaced members in the first position of said latch release channel to prevent movement of said latchable channel to said second position until said unlatching stud unlatches said latch members.
3, A snap action switch including in combination a housing, a cam mechanism mounted in saidhousing, pivot means rotatively mounting said cam mechanism, an operating lever operatively connected to said cam by way of said pivot means and residing outside said housing, said operating lever having an end portion adapted to be engaged by a moving mechanism to move said operating lever from a first to a second position, an electrically insulated switch housing formed into an enclosure for housing contacts, terminal posts in said electrically insulated housing and at one end portion thereof being electrically connected to external conductors, a fixed contact electrically connected to each said terminal post at another end portion thereof, a contact carrier movable between first and second positions and located in said enclosure of said switch housing, movable contacts carried by said contact carrier and engageable with said fixed contacts, a latchable channel supported by said switch housing above said contact carrier and including a back member having first and second spaced members extending therefrom, means connecting said contact carrier and said latchable channel together, a latch release channel residing adjacent said spaced members for movement between first and second positions and relative to said spaced members, first and second lugs carried by said latch release channel, a spring between said first and second lugs urging them apart, said first lug engaging said first spaced member and urging'said latchable channel to said second position on movement of said latch release channel toward said second position, said second lug engaging said second spaced member and urging said latchable channel to said first position on movement of said latch release channel toward said first posit-ion, spring means urging said latch release channel to said first position, an unlatching stud carried by said latch release channel, a cam follower carried by one end of said latch release channel and residing adjacent said cam mechanism and adapted to be engaged thereby, a latch plate having slots for the reception of said spaced members of said latchable channel and having an opening for the reception of said unlatching stud, latch members connected to said latch plate, each said latch member having a latch shoulder with i which a spaced member is engageable and having actuating surfaces engageable by said unlatching stud to move the same to unlatched condition, means urging said latch members to latched conditions, said latch shouldersof a portion of said latch members engaging one of said spaced members in the first position of said latch release channel to prevent movement of said latchable channel to said second position until said unlatching stud unlatches said engaged portion of said latchmembers. l
4. A snap action switch including in combination a housing having an open upper end closed by a cover member, a terminal block secured in said housing and having spring biased contacts, means for providing electrical connection between said spring biased contacts and external electrical conductors, a plastic switch housing having wall means forming an enclosure, terminal posts embedded in said plastic switch housing with one end portion thereof engaging said spring biased contacts and the other end portion extending into said enclosure, fixed contacts secured to said terminal posts, a plastic contact carrier located in said enclosure for movement between first and second positions, movable contacts carried by said contact carrier and engageable with said fixed contacts, a latchable member mounted by said plastic switch housing for sliding movement between said first and second positions, projections secured to and extending from said latchable member, means operably connecting said plastic contact carrier and said latchable member together, an unlatching member slidably mounted on said latchable member between first and second positions, lug means carried by said unlatching member and engaging said projections, spring means carried by said unlatching member and engaging said lug means for permitting relative movement between said latchable and unlatching members, a latch plate secured to said plastic switch housing opposite said terminal block and covering said enclosure, latch members pivotally carried by saidlatch plate and engageable with said projections for latching said latchable member in a fixed position, a stud carried by said unlatching member and engageable with said latch members for unlatching said latchable member to permit movement of said latchable member from said fixed position, a cam follower roller mounted on one end of said unlatching member, a plural part cam mechanism rotatively mounted in said housing adjacent said cam follower roller for moving said unlatching member to said second position, one of said cam parts having first and second cam surfaces for alternate engagement with said cam follower roller and having wall means defining a plurality of slots, another of said cam parts having a raised wall interfittable in a selected one of said plurality of slots for rotatively connecting said cam parts, a cam spring biasing said another of said cam parts to a predetermined position, an operating lever connected to said one of said cam parts and extending externally of said housing and located in the path of movement of a moving mechanism, and a return spring for moving said unlatching member to said first position.
5. A snap action switch including in combination a main housing having an open end closed by a cover member, a terminal block secured in said housing and having spring biased contacts, means for providing electrical connection between said spring biased contacts and external electrical conductors, a plastic switch housing having wall means forming an enclosure, terminal posts embedded in said plastic switch housing with one end portion thereof engaging said spring biased contacts and the other end portion extending into said enclosure, a plastic contact carrier located in said enclosure for movement between first and second positions, contact means carried by said contact carrier and engageable with said terminal posts, a latchable member mounted by said plastic switch housing for movement between first and second positions, projection means extending from said latchable member, means operably connecting said plastic contact carrier and spasm;
said latchable member together, an unlatching member slidably mounted adjacent said latchable memberjlug means carried by said unlatching member and engageable with said projection means, spring means carried by said unlatching member and engaging said lug means for permitting relative movement between said latchable and unlatching members, a latch plate secured to said plastic switch housing opposite said terminal block and covering said enclosure, a latch member carried by said latch plate and engageable with said projection means for latching said latchable member, a stud carried by said unlatching member and engageable with said latch member for unlatching said latchable member, a cam follower mounted by one end of said unlatching member, a cam mechanism including first and second parts rotatively mounted in said housing adjacent said cam follower for engaging and moving said cam follower, said first cam mechanism part having wall means defining a plurality of slots, said second cam mechanism having a raised wall interfittable in a selected one of said plurality of slots for rotatively connecting said first and second cam mechanism parts at a predetermined angular position relative to each other, a cam spring biasing said cam mechanism to a predetermined position, an operating lever connected to said cam mechanism and extending externally of said main housing, and a return spring for moving said unlatching member to said first position.
6. A snap switch including in combination -a main housing, a switch housing in said main housing and having wall means forming an enclosure, terminal posts in'said switch housing with one end portion thereof adapted to be electrically connected to external conductors and the other end portion extending into said enclosure, said end portions of said terminal posts in said enclosure having fixed contacts, a contact carrier located in said enclosure for movement between first and second positions, contacts carried by said contact carrier and engageable with said fixed contacts, a latchable member adapted for movement between first and second positions, means operably connecting said contact carrier and said latchable member together, an unlatching member mounted for movement between first and second positions, a latch plate secured to said switch housing and covering said enclosure, first and second latch means carried by said latch plate and engageable with said latchable member for latching the same, a camming member carried by said unlatching member and engageable with said first latch means in moving from said first to said second position for unlatching said latchable member and engageable with said second latch means in moving from said second to said first position for unlatching said latchable member, means for moving said unlatching member from said first to said second position, means for moving said unlatching member from said second to said first position, first lug means carried by said unlatching member and engaging said latchable member, second lug means carried by said unlatching member and engaging said latchable member, spring means acting between said unlatching memberand said first lug means for permitting relative movement between said latchable and unlatching members whereupon said spring means is loaded upon movement of said unlatching member from said first to said second position until said camming member carried by said unlatching member engages and unlatches said first latch means whereupon said loaded spring means is released and said latchable member rapidly moves to said second position, spring means also acting between said unlatching member and said second lug means for permitting relative movement between said latchable and unlatching members whereupon said spring means is loaded upon movementof said unlatching member from said second to said first position until said cam member carried by said unlatching member engages and unlatches said second latch means whereupon said loaded spring means is released and said latchable member rapidly moves to said first position. I
7. A snap action switch including in combination a main housing having an open end closed by a cover member, a terminal block secured in said housing and having contacts, means for providing electrical connection between said contacts and external electrical conductors, a plastic switch housing, wall means forming an open ended enclosure which extends from one side of said switch housing thereinto, terminals embedded in said plastic switch housing with one end portionthereof engaging said contacts and the other end portion extending into said enclosure, wall means at said one side of said plastic switch housing defining a generally rectangularly shaped dead-ended slot on one side of said enclosure and defining a generally rectangularly shaped open ended slot on the other side of said enclosure, a plastic contact carrier located in the bottom of said enclosure for movement between first and second positions, first and second contact means spring'biased away from each other and carried by said contact carrier and engageable with said other end portion of said terminals which extend into said enclosure, a latchable member having first and second end portions, said first end portion of said latchable member residing in said deadended slot "and said second end portion thereof residing in said open ended slot with the intermediate portion thereof overlying said enclosure, first and second projection means secured to either side of said latchable member and extending upwardly therefrom, pin means on the bottom side of said latchable member and extending into said plastic contact carrier to operably con nect the two together, an unlatching member slidably mounted on said latchable member between said first and second projection means, first and second lugs carried by said unlatching member and being spaced from each other, said lugs extending laterally of said unlatching member and adapted to engage said projection means on said latchable member upon movement of said unlatching member, spring means between said first and second lugs normally biasing them apart, a latch plate secured to said open end of said enclosure to close the same, wall means defining openings in said latch plate through which at least a portion of said first and second projection means extend, first and second latch means pivotally mounted flatwise on said latch plate for latching and unlatching said latchable member by engaging and disengaging said at least a portion of said first and second projection means, a stud carried by said unlatching member, wall means defining another opening in said latch plate through which said stud extends, said stud being engageable with said first and second latch means for unlatching said latchable member, said unlatching member being movable between first and second positions, cam means for moving said unlatching member from said first to said second position, a spring member positioned in said dead-ended slot and engaging said unlatching member for moving said unlatching member from said second to said first position.
8. A snap action switch including in combination a main housing having an open end closed by a cover member, a switch housing in said main housing, wall means forming an open ended enclosure which extends from one side of said switch housing thereinto, terminal means extending through said switch housing with one end portion thereof being electrically connected to external conductors and the other end portion extending into said enclosure, wall means at an upper portion of said switch housing defining a dead-ended slot on one side of said enclosure at said open end thereof and defining on open ended slot on the other side of said enclosure at said open end thereof, a contact carrier located in said enclosure for movement between first and second positions, first and second contact means spring biased away from each other and carried by said contact carrier and engageable with said other end portion of said terminals which extend into said enclosure, a latch able member having first and second end portions, said first end portion of said latchable member residing .in said dead-ended'slotandsaid second end portion thereofres-iding in sai'dlopen ended slot with the intermediate 'portionthere'of'overlying said open ended enclosure, first and second projection means secured to either side of said latchable member and extending therefrom, means "operably connecting said latchable member and said contact carrier together, an unlatching member slidably mounted on said latchable member between said first and second projection means,-first and second lugs carried .by said unlatching member and being spaced from each other, said lugs extending laterally of said unlatching member and adapted to engage said projection means on said latchable member upon movement of said unlatching member, spring means between said first and second lugs normally biasing them apart, a latch plate secured to said open end of said enclosure to close the same, wall means defining openings in said latch plate through which at least a portion of said first and second projection means extend, first and second latch means pivotally mounted flatwise on said latch plate for latching and unlatching said latchable member by engaging and disengaging said at least a portion of said first and second projection means, a camming member carried by said unlatching member, wall means defining another opening in said latch plate through which said camming member extends, said camming member being engageable with said first and second latch means for unlatching said latchable member, said unlatching member being movable between first and second positions, means for moving said unlatching member from said first to said second position, a spring member positioned in said dead-ended slot and engaging said unlatching member for moving said unlatching member from said second to said first position.
9. A snap action switch including in combination a main housing having an open end closed by a cover member, a switch housing having contact means therein adapted to be electrically connected to external conductors, wall means forming an open ended enclosure which extends from one side of said switch housing thereinto, wall means at an upper portion of said plastic switch housing defining a dead-ended slot on one side of said enclosure and defining an open ended slot on the other side of said enclosure, 2. contact carrier located in said enclosure for movement between first and second positions, contact means carried by said contact carrier and engageable with said contact means in said enclosure, a latchable member having first and second end portions, said first end portion of said latchable member residing in said dead-ended slot and said second end portion thereof residing in said open ended slot with the intermediate portion thereof overlying said open ended enclosure, first and second projection means secured to either side of said latchable member and extending therefrom, means operably connecting said latchable member and said contact carrier together, an unlatching member slidably mounted on said latchable member between said first and second projection means, lug means carried by said unlatching member and adapted to engage said projection means on said latchable member upon movement of said unlatching member, a latch plate secured to said open end of said enclosure to close the same, wall means defining openings in said latch plate through which at least a portion of said first and second projection means extend, first and second latch means pivotally mounted flatwise on said latch plate 'for latching and unlatching said latchable member by engaging and disengaging said at least a portion of said first and second projection means, a camming member carried by said unlatching member, wall means defining another opening in said latch plate through which said camming member extends, said camming member being engageable with said first and second latch means for unlatching said 13 latchable member, said unlatching member being movable between first and second positions, and means for moving said unlatching member between said first and second positions.
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,559,329 Lemlyn Oct. 27, 1925 14 Chrastina Nov. 21, 1950 Jefirey Feb. 26, 1957 Mayzik Mar. 25, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS France June 13, 1936
US722318A 1958-03-18 1958-03-18 Snap action switch Expired - Lifetime US2958747A (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US722318A US2958747A (en) 1958-03-18 1958-03-18 Snap action switch
FR1209446D FR1209446A (en) 1958-03-18 1958-08-06 Snap-action switch
DEN15694A DE1244273B (en) 1958-03-18 1958-10-10 Electric quick switch
GB41497/58A GB912223A (en) 1958-03-18 1958-12-23 Snap action electric switch

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US722318A US2958747A (en) 1958-03-18 1958-03-18 Snap action switch

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3053950A (en) * 1959-08-13 1962-09-11 Nat Acme Co Snap-acting switch
US3373257A (en) * 1966-09-02 1968-03-12 Allen Bradley Co Fluid damped electric switch actuator
CN101393810B (en) * 2008-09-19 2011-07-27 阮坚毅 Independent pressing type control switch

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1559329A (en) * 1923-06-29 1925-10-27 Lemlyn Nicolas Electric circuit switch
FR802631A (en) * 1935-05-27 1936-09-09 Labinal Ets Electric switch
US2531350A (en) * 1947-06-27 1950-11-21 William Diefenthaler Receptacle for a switch
US2783323A (en) * 1955-03-21 1957-02-26 Max L Jeffrey Quick acting switch
US2828394A (en) * 1956-08-24 1958-03-25 Peter P Mayzik Adaptor unit

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE613927C (en) * 1934-01-16 1935-05-28 Aeg Rapid switching device controlled by cam rollers for driving switches or switching mechanisms, especially for electric rail vehicles

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1559329A (en) * 1923-06-29 1925-10-27 Lemlyn Nicolas Electric circuit switch
FR802631A (en) * 1935-05-27 1936-09-09 Labinal Ets Electric switch
US2531350A (en) * 1947-06-27 1950-11-21 William Diefenthaler Receptacle for a switch
US2783323A (en) * 1955-03-21 1957-02-26 Max L Jeffrey Quick acting switch
US2828394A (en) * 1956-08-24 1958-03-25 Peter P Mayzik Adaptor unit

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3053950A (en) * 1959-08-13 1962-09-11 Nat Acme Co Snap-acting switch
US3373257A (en) * 1966-09-02 1968-03-12 Allen Bradley Co Fluid damped electric switch actuator
CN101393810B (en) * 2008-09-19 2011-07-27 阮坚毅 Independent pressing type control switch

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Publication number Publication date
DE1244273B (en) 1967-07-13
GB912223A (en) 1962-12-05
FR1209446A (en) 1960-03-01

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