US3723683A - Snap action switch assembly - Google Patents

Snap action switch assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
US3723683A
US3723683A US00158917A US3723683DA US3723683A US 3723683 A US3723683 A US 3723683A US 00158917 A US00158917 A US 00158917A US 3723683D A US3723683D A US 3723683DA US 3723683 A US3723683 A US 3723683A
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Prior art keywords
biasing
contact means
lever
engagement
control member
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US00158917A
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T Tucker
E Clemett
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McCord Corp
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McCord Corp
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H11/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches
    • H01H11/04—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches of switch contacts
    • H01H11/06—Fixing of contacts to carrier ; Fixing of contacts to insulating carrier
    • 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
    • H01H19/63—Contacts actuated by axial cams

Definitions

  • a snap action electrical switch assembly including a support housing.
  • the support housing includes a movable contact means comprising a metal cantilevered resilient lever with a contact element disposed on the distal end thereof and movable between two spaced fixed contacts.
  • a control member is snapped into rotary engagement with the support housing and extends along and engages opposite sides of the resilient lever intermediate the ends thereof.
  • a projection extends downwardly from the control member and engages a groove in a rotary cam.
  • a biasing member is snapped onto and is rotatably supported on the control member and includes a forwardly extending portion having a projection engaging the groove in the rotary cam.
  • the biasing member also includes parallel arms on each side of the control member for biasing the resilient lever in opposite directions so that as the cam rotates the biasing member moves between opposite positions biasing the resilient lever in one of two opposite directions before the cam allows the control member to rotate at which time the resilient lever will be allowed to move the contact element .into or out of engagement with one or the other of the fixed contacts.
  • This invention relates to a snap action electrical switch.
  • Snap action electrical switch assemblies are well known in the art and have as their purpose the function of snapping electrical contacts into and out of engagement with one another to prevent sparking therebetween thereby prolonging the life of the contacts of the switch.
  • a snap action switch including biasing means movable between opposite biasing positions by the cam means for biasing the contacts of the switch into and out of engagement with one another, the cam means allowing movement of the contacts relative to one another only after the biasing force is applied.
  • a snap action electrical switch which includes biasing means for biasing a movable contact means into engagement with a fixed contact means when in a first position and for biasing the movable contact means out of such engagement when in a second position and cam means operable with the movable contact means and the biasing means for moving the biasing means to the first position and subsequently allowing movement of the movable contact means out of engagement with the fixed contact means and for moving the biasing means to the second position and subsequently allowing the movement of the movable contact means into engagement with the fixed contact means whereby the movable contact means snaps into and out of engagement with the fixed contact means.
  • FIG. 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a preferred embodiment of the instant invention
  • FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a view taken substantially along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along line 6--6 of FIG. 2. 1
  • a snap action electrical switch assembly constructed in accordance with the instant invention is generally shown at 10.
  • the assembly includes a plastic support housing generally indicated at 12.
  • the housing supports at least one and, as shown, two fixed contact means, each of which is generally indicated at 14.
  • Each fixed contact means 14 includes a metal plate-like member attached to the support housing 12 with a contact element secured to the lower end thereof.
  • Each plate is attached to the housing 12 by tabs 16 and 18.
  • the assembly 10 also includes movable contact means including a resilient metal lever 20 which is secured to the housing 12 at one end and extends to a distal end where a contact element 22 is supported.
  • the lever 20 is secured to a plate-like member 24 by rivets 26 and the plate-like member 24 is secured to the housing 12 in a manner similar to the plate-like members making up the fixed contacts 14.
  • the assembly 10 also includes biasing means generally indicated at 28 for biasing the lever 20 and hence the contact element 22 into engagement with one of the fixed contact means when in a first position and for biasing the lever 20 and hence the element 22 out of engagement with the same fixed contact means when in a second position.
  • biasing means generally indicated at 28 for biasing the lever 20 and hence the contact element 22 into engagement with one of the fixed contact means when in a first position and for biasing the lever 20 and hence the element 22 out of engagement with the same fixed contact means when in a second position.
  • the movable contact element 22 may be moved between the two fixed contacts or may be moved and held in a position between the fixed contacts.
  • the assembly 10 also includes cam means generally indicated at 30 cooperable with the movable contact means and the biasing means 28 for moving the biasing means 28 to the first position and subsequently allowing movement of the movable contact means into engagement with one of the fixed contact means and for moving the biasing means to a second position and subsequently allowing movement of the movable contact means out of such engagement.
  • the movable contact means snaps into and out of such engagement.
  • control means comprising the member generally indicated at 32 operable between the lever 20 and the cam means 30 for controlling the position of the lever 20 and the contact element 22.
  • the control member 32 is rotatably supported by the support housing 12 for rotation relative thereto about an axis A.
  • the axis A is spaced from the connection of the lever 20 to the plate 24 and thus to the housing 12.
  • the lever 20 extends from its connection to the housing in a direction radially away from the axis A.
  • the control means 32 comprises a control member having a shaft 34 which is snapped into rotatable engagement with the housing 12.
  • the control member 32 extends from the shaft 34 along and in parallel relationship to and beneath the lever 20 and includes upstanding abutments 36 which engage the lever 20 on opposite sides thereof intermediate the ends of the lever 20.
  • the shaft 34 also has a lower portion onto which the biasing means 28 is snapped and supported for rotational motion.
  • the biasing means or member 28 includes first and second resilient arms 38 and 40.
  • the arms 38 and 40 are disposed on opposite sides of the lever 20 for biasing the lever 20 in opposite directions depending-upon the position of the biasing means 28. More specifically, the arms 38 and 40 have bearing portions 42 which engage opposite sides of the control member 32 so as to bias the resilient lever 20 in opposite directions by acting through the control member 32.
  • the biasing member 28 has a semi-circular upwardly extending flange 42 at the rear thereof and is snapped onto the lower portion of the shaft 34 of the control member 32 for rotation relative thereto and relative to the housing 12 about the axis A.
  • the biasing member 28 also includes a leg 46 extending forwardly from the axis A and terminating in a projection 48.
  • the biasing member 28 also includes a strengthening rib S0.
  • the projection 48 is cooperable with the cam means 30 for moving the biasing member 28 between selected positions.
  • Another projection 52 extends from the control member 32 in the proximity of the abutments 36 which engage the lever 20 and in a direction transverse to and away from the lever 20.
  • the cam means 30 is cooperable with the projections 48 and 52 for controlling movement of the control member 32 and the biasing member 28.
  • the cam means 30 comprises a rotary cam member including a cam track defined by a groove 54 for coacting with the projections 48 and 52.
  • the projection 52 remains in the track 54 and is prevented from allowing the control member 32 to rotate, thus holding the lever 20 in a position where the movable contact 22 is in the neutral position .out of contact with the upper fixed contact 16 or in contact with the lower fixed contact depending upon the configuration of the cam track.
  • the projection 52 will be disposed in a position where it is free to move laterally, thus allowing the control member 32 to rotate.
  • the control member 32 and the lever 20 will be moved very rapidly under the biasing action of the arm 40, thus snapping the movable contact 22 into engagement with the upper fixed contact 16 shown in FIG. 3.
  • the projection 48 will move .back into the track 54 thus moving the arm 38 into engagement with the control member 32 thereby urging the control member 32 to rotate in the opposite direction.
  • the control member 32 is prevented from rotating in the opposite direction because the projection 52 thereof is disposed in the offset portion 58 of the cam track 54.
  • the projection 52 reaches the end of the offset portion 58, it is free to move back into the track 54 thus snapping the movable contact element 52 out of engagement with the upper fixed contact 16.
  • the second or lower fixed contact 16 is engaged by the movable contact 22 by the action of the biasing member 28 and under the control of the cam means in the same manner as it is movable into and out of engagement with the upper fixed contact means as described above. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that the movement of the movable contact 22 is totally the function of the configuration of.
  • cam track 54 which may be of various different configurations. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various different cams may be utilized instead of the rotary cam shown, including cams utilizing plural tracks, i.e., a separate track for each of the projections 48 and 52.
  • a snap action electrical switch assembly comprising: at least one fixed contact means, movable contact means, biasing means for directly biasing said movable contact means toward engagement with said fixed contact means when in a first position and for biasing said movable contact means away from engagement when in a second position, and cam means cooperable with said movable contact means and said biasing means for moving said biasing means to said first position and subsequently allowing movement of said movable contact means into engagement with said fixed contact means and for moving said biasing means to said second position and subsequently allowing movement of said movable contact means out of engagement with said fixed contact means so that said movable contact means snaps into and out of engagement'with said fixed contact means.
  • An assembly as set forth in claim 1 including a support housing, and wherein said movable contact means includes a resilient lever secured to said housing and extending to a distal end, a contact element secured to said distal end, and control means cooperable between said lever and said cam means for controlling the position of said lever and said contact element.
  • biasing means includes positioning means cooperable with said cam means for moving said biasing means between said first and second positions.
  • biasing means includes first and second resilient arms disposed on opposite sides of said lever for biasing said lever in opposite directions depending upon the position of said biasing means.
  • control means is rotatably supported by said support housing for rotation relative thereto about an axis.
  • said control means includes a control member extending from said axis along said lever and engages said lever on opposite sides thereof intermediate the ends of said lever.
  • An assembly as set forth in claim 9 including a first projection extending from said control member in the proximity of the position in which said control member engages said lever and in a direction transverse to and away from said lever, and wherein said biasing means includes a leg extending from said axis toward said first projection and terminates in a second projection, said cam means being cooperable with said projections for controlling movement of said control member and said biasing means.
  • control member includes a shaft one end of which is snapped into rotary engagement with said housing, said positioning means being snapped onto the other end of said shaft to be rotatably supported thereby.
  • An assembly as set forth in claim 10 including in addition to said first mentioned contact means a second fixed contact means, said movable contact element being movable into and out of engagement with said second contact means by said biasing means under the control of said cam means in the same manner as it is movable into and out of engagement with said fixed contact means.
  • cam means includes at least one cam track for coacting with said projections.
  • a snap action switch assembly comprising; at least one fixed contact means, movable contact means, biasing means movable between first and second positions for directly biasing said contact means toward and away from engagement with one another, and cam means cooperable with said biasing means and said contact means for allowing relative movement between said contact means only after the biasing force is applied by said biasing means.
  • a snap action electrical'switch assembly comprising: at least one fixed contact means, moveable contact means, biasing means for directly biasing said moveable contact means toward and away from said fixed contact means, and control means coacting with said biasing means and said moveable contact means for initially restraining said moveable contact means and subsequently allowing snap action closure or separation of said electrical contacts after said biasing means applies abiasing force to said moveable contact means.

Abstract

A snap action electrical switch assembly including a support housing. The support housing includes a movable contact means comprising a metal cantilevered resilient lever with a contact element disposed on the distal end thereof and movable between two spaced fixed contacts. A control member is snapped into rotary engagement with the support housing and extends along and engages opposite sides of the resilient lever intermediate the ends thereof. A projection extends downwardly from the control member and engages a groove in a rotary cam. A biasing member is snapped onto and is rotatably supported on the control member and includes a forwardly extending portion having a projection engaging the groove in the rotary cam. The biasing member also includes parallel arms on each side of the control member for biasing the resilient lever in opposite directions so that as the cam rotates the biasing member moves between opposite positions biasing the resilient lever in one of two opposite directions before the cam allows the control member to rotate at which time the resilient lever will be allowed to move the contact element into or out of engagement with one or the other of the fixed contacts.

Description

Unite States atet 1 Tucker et al.
[ Mar. 27, 1973 [54] SNAP ACTION SWITCH ASSEMBLY [75] Inventors: Thomas M. Tucker, Royal Oak; Edwin F. Clemett, Jr., Detroit, both of Mich.
[73] Assignee: McCord Corporation, Detroit,
Mich.
[22] Filed: July 1,1971
[211 App]. No.: 158,917
[52] U.S. Cl; ..200/78 [51] Int. Cl ..HOlh 15/18 [58] Field of Search ..200/153 L, 153 LB, 77, 78
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,335,110 11/1943 Dann ..200/78 3,402,275 9/1968 Podgorski et al. ..200/153 L 1,114,225 10/1914 Cahusal ..200/153 LB [57] ABSTRACT A snap action electrical switch assembly including a support housing. The support housing includes a movable contact means comprising a metal cantilevered resilient lever with a contact element disposed on the distal end thereof and movable between two spaced fixed contacts. A control member is snapped into rotary engagement with the support housing and extends along and engages opposite sides of the resilient lever intermediate the ends thereof. A projection extends downwardly from the control member and engages a groove in a rotary cam. A biasing member is snapped onto and is rotatably supported on the control member and includes a forwardly extending portion having a projection engaging the groove in the rotary cam. The biasing member also includes parallel arms on each side of the control member for biasing the resilient lever in opposite directions so that as the cam rotates the biasing member moves between opposite positions biasing the resilient lever in one of two opposite directions before the cam allows the control member to rotate at which time the resilient lever will be allowed to move the contact element .into or out of engagement with one or the other of the fixed contacts.
15 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEUmznz-m ,7 3,5 3
sum 1 OF 2 v 55 r y 4 JIHJIlLf W 5 INVENTOR.
ATTORNEY PATENT 3,723,683
SHEET 2 OF 2 INVENTORS fivzzzas Mfacka; 5
ATTORNEY SNAP ACTION SWITCH ASSEMBLY This invention relates to a snap action electrical switch.
Snap action electrical switch assemblies are well known in the art and have as their purpose the function of snapping electrical contacts into and out of engagement with one another to prevent sparking therebetween thereby prolonging the life of the contacts of the switch.
It is an object and feature of this invention to provide a snap action electrical switch assembly having improved characteristics over those known in the prior art.
In correlation with the foregoing object and feature, it is another object and feature to provide a snap action switch including biasing means movable between opposite biasing positions by the cam means for biasing the contacts of the switch into and out of engagement with one another, the cam means allowing movement of the contacts relative to one another only after the biasing force is applied.
In correlation with the foregoing objects and features, it is another object and feature of this invention to provide a snap action electrical switch which includes biasing means for biasing a movable contact means into engagement with a fixed contact means when in a first position and for biasing the movable contact means out of such engagement when in a second position and cam means operable with the movable contact means and the biasing means for moving the biasing means to the first position and subsequently allowing movement of the movable contact means out of engagement with the fixed contact means and for moving the biasing means to the second position and subsequently allowing the movement of the movable contact means into engagement with the fixed contact means whereby the movable contact means snaps into and out of engagement with the fixed contact means.
In correlation with the foregoing objects and features, it is another object and feature of this invention to provide such a snap action electrical switch assembly wherein the movable contact means may move into and out of engagement with multiple fixed contact means.
In correlation with the foregoing objects and features, it is another object and feature of this invention to provide an improved snap action electrical switch assembly wherein the position of the movable contact means is highly flexible and only depends upon the cam means.
Other objects and attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a preferred embodiment of the instant invention;
- FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a view taken substantially along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 2; and
FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along line 6--6 of FIG. 2. 1
Referring now to the drawings, a snap action electrical switch assembly constructed in accordance with the instant invention is generally shown at 10.
The assembly includes a plastic support housing generally indicated at 12.
The housing supports at least one and, as shown, two fixed contact means, each of which is generally indicated at 14. Each fixed contact means 14 includes a metal plate-like member attached to the support housing 12 with a contact element secured to the lower end thereof. Each plate is attached to the housing 12 by tabs 16 and 18.
The assembly 10 also includes movable contact means including a resilient metal lever 20 which is secured to the housing 12 at one end and extends to a distal end where a contact element 22 is supported. The lever 20 is secured to a plate-like member 24 by rivets 26 and the plate-like member 24 is secured to the housing 12 in a manner similar to the plate-like members making up the fixed contacts 14.
The assembly 10 also includes biasing means generally indicated at 28 for biasing the lever 20 and hence the contact element 22 into engagement with one of the fixed contact means when in a first position and for biasing the lever 20 and hence the element 22 out of engagement with the same fixed contact means when in a second position. As will become more clear as the description proceeds, the movable contact element 22 may be moved between the two fixed contacts or may be moved and held in a position between the fixed contacts.
The assembly 10 also includes cam means generally indicated at 30 cooperable with the movable contact means and the biasing means 28 for moving the biasing means 28 to the first position and subsequently allowing movement of the movable contact means into engagement with one of the fixed contact means and for moving the biasing means to a second position and subsequently allowing movement of the movable contact means out of such engagement. The movable contact means snaps into and out of such engagement.
More specifically, there is included control means comprising the member generally indicated at 32 operable between the lever 20 and the cam means 30 for controlling the position of the lever 20 and the contact element 22. The control member 32 is rotatably supported by the support housing 12 for rotation relative thereto about an axis A. The axis A is spaced from the connection of the lever 20 to the plate 24 and thus to the housing 12. The lever 20 extends from its connection to the housing in a direction radially away from the axis A.
The control means 32 comprises a control member having a shaft 34 which is snapped into rotatable engagement with the housing 12. The control member 32 extends from the shaft 34 along and in parallel relationship to and beneath the lever 20 and includes upstanding abutments 36 which engage the lever 20 on opposite sides thereof intermediate the ends of the lever 20. The shaft 34 also has a lower portion onto which the biasing means 28 is snapped and supported for rotational motion. The biasing means or member 28 includes first and second resilient arms 38 and 40. The
arms 38 and 40 are disposed on opposite sides of the lever 20 for biasing the lever 20 in opposite directions depending-upon the position of the biasing means 28. More specifically, the arms 38 and 40 have bearing portions 42 which engage opposite sides of the control member 32 so as to bias the resilient lever 20 in opposite directions by acting through the control member 32. The biasing member 28 has a semi-circular upwardly extending flange 42 at the rear thereof and is snapped onto the lower portion of the shaft 34 of the control member 32 for rotation relative thereto and relative to the housing 12 about the axis A. The biasing member 28 also includes a leg 46 extending forwardly from the axis A and terminating in a projection 48. The biasing member 28 also includes a strengthening rib S0. The projection 48 is cooperable with the cam means 30 for moving the biasing member 28 between selected positions.
Another projection 52 extends from the control member 32 in the proximity of the abutments 36 which engage the lever 20 and in a direction transverse to and away from the lever 20. Thus, the cam means 30 is cooperable with the projections 48 and 52 for controlling movement of the control member 32 and the biasing member 28.
The cam means 30 comprises a rotary cam member including a cam track defined by a groove 54 for coacting with the projections 48 and 52. i
It will be clear to those skilled in the art that although the assembly illustrated in this application includes two fixed contacts with which the movablecontact element 22 may cooperate, the basic invention need only employ one fixed contact element cooperable with the movable contact 22. Thus, in describing and claiming the instant invention reference is made to one movable contact which is movable into ancl out of engagement with only one fixed contact.
In describing the operation of the assembly, reference will be made to only one fixed contact and the movable contact element 22 being moved into and out of engagement with that fixed contact, the fixed contact being the upper fixed contact as shown in FIG. 3 or the fixed contact which is shown in FIG. 2. The rotary cam rotates in the direction indicated in FIGS. 2 and 6 and upon so rotating the shoulder 56 will move the projection 48 of the biasing member 28 so as to urge the arm 40 thereof into engagement with the control member 32 thus urging the control member 32 to move the lever 20 toward the upper fixed contact 16. The projection 52, however, remains in the track 54 and is prevented from allowing the control member 32 to rotate, thus holding the lever 20 in a position where the movable contact 22 is in the neutral position .out of contact with the upper fixed contact 16 or in contact with the lower fixed contact depending upon the configuration of the cam track. As the cam 30 continues to rotate, however, the projection 52 will be disposed in a position where it is free to move laterally, thus allowing the control member 32 to rotate. The control member 32 and the lever 20 will be moved very rapidly under the biasing action of the arm 40, thus snapping the movable contact 22 into engagement with the upper fixed contact 16 shown in FIG. 3.
In reversing the action, the projection 48 will move .back into the track 54 thus moving the arm 38 into engagement with the control member 32 thereby urging the control member 32 to rotate in the opposite direction. The control member 32, however, is prevented from rotating in the opposite direction because the projection 52 thereof is disposed in the offset portion 58 of the cam track 54. When the projection 52 reaches the end of the offset portion 58, it is free to move back into the track 54 thus snapping the movable contact element 52 out of engagement with the upper fixed contact 16.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the second or lower fixed contact 16 is engaged by the movable contact 22 by the action of the biasing member 28 and under the control of the cam means in the same manner as it is movable into and out of engagement with the upper fixed contact means as described above. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that the movement of the movable contact 22 is totally the function of the configuration of.
the cam track 54 which may be of various different configurations. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various different cams may be utilized instead of the rotary cam shown, including cams utilizing plural tracks, i.e., a separate track for each of the projections 48 and 52.
The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows;
1. A snap action electrical switch assembly comprising: at least one fixed contact means, movable contact means, biasing means for directly biasing said movable contact means toward engagement with said fixed contact means when in a first position and for biasing said movable contact means away from engagement when in a second position, and cam means cooperable with said movable contact means and said biasing means for moving said biasing means to said first position and subsequently allowing movement of said movable contact means into engagement with said fixed contact means and for moving said biasing means to said second position and subsequently allowing movement of said movable contact means out of engagement with said fixed contact means so that said movable contact means snaps into and out of engagement'with said fixed contact means.
2. An assembly. as set forth in claim 1 including in addition to said first mentioned fixed contact means a second fixed contact means, said movable contact means being movable into and out of engagement with said second contact means by said biasing means under the control of said cam means in the same manner as it is movable into and out of engagement with said first fixed contact means.
3. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 including a support housing, and wherein said movable contact means includes a resilient lever secured to said housing and extending to a distal end, a contact element secured to said distal end, and control means cooperable between said lever and said cam means for controlling the position of said lever and said contact element.
4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said biasing means includes positioning means cooperable with said cam means for moving said biasing means between said first and second positions.
5. An assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said biasing means includes first and second resilient arms disposed on opposite sides of said lever for biasing said lever in opposite directions depending upon the position of said biasing means.
6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said control means is rotatably supported by said support housing for rotation relative thereto about an axis.
7. An assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said biasing means is rotatably supported on said housing for rotation about said axis.
8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said axis is spaced from the connection of said lever to said housing, and said lever extends from its connection to said housing in a direction away from said axis, said control means includes a control member extending from said axis along said lever and engages said lever on opposite sides thereof intermediate the ends of said lever.
9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said resilient arms of said biasing means engage opposite sides of said control member whereby said cam means may rotate said biasing means to said first position where a first of said arms acts through said control member to urge said lever in a direction to engage said contact element with said fixed contact meansbefore allowing said control member to rotate so that upon allowing said control member to rotate said contact element snaps into engagement with said fixed contact means and said cam means may rotate said biasing means to said second position where the second of said arms acts through said control member to urge said lever in the opposite direction before allowing said control member to rotate so that upon allowing said control member to rotate said contact element snaps out of engagement with said fixed contact means.
10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 including a first projection extending from said control member in the proximity of the position in which said control member engages said lever and in a direction transverse to and away from said lever, and wherein said biasing means includes a leg extending from said axis toward said first projection and terminates in a second projection, said cam means being cooperable with said projections for controlling movement of said control member and said biasing means.
11. An assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said control member includes a shaft one end of which is snapped into rotary engagement with said housing, said positioning means being snapped onto the other end of said shaft to be rotatably supported thereby.
12. An assembly as set forth in claim 10 including in addition to said first mentioned contact means a second fixed contact means, said movable contact element being movable into and out of engagement with said second contact means by said biasing means under the control of said cam means in the same manner as it is movable into and out of engagement with said fixed contact means.
13. An assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said cam means includes at least one cam track for coacting with said projections.
14. A snap action switch assembly comprising; at least one fixed contact means, movable contact means, biasing means movable between first and second positions for directly biasing said contact means toward and away from engagement with one another, and cam means cooperable with said biasing means and said contact means for allowing relative movement between said contact means only after the biasing force is applied by said biasing means.
15. A snap action electrical'switch assembly comprising: at least one fixed contact means, moveable contact means, biasing means for directly biasing said moveable contact means toward and away from said fixed contact means, and control means coacting with said biasing means and said moveable contact means for initially restraining said moveable contact means and subsequently allowing snap action closure or separation of said electrical contacts after said biasing means applies abiasing force to said moveable contact means.

Claims (15)

1. A snap action electrical switch assembly comprising: at least one fixed contact means, movable contact means, biasing means for directly biasing said movable contact means toward engagement with said fixed contact means when in a first position and for biasing said movable contact means away from engagement when in a second position, and cam means cooperable with said movable contact means and said biasing means for moving said biasing means to said first position and subsequently allowing movement of said movable contact means into engagement with said fixed contact means and for moving said biasing means to said second position and subsequently allowing movement of said movable contact means out of engagement with said fixed contact means so that said movable contact means snaps into and out of engagement with said fixed contact means.
2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 including in addition to said first mentioned fixed contact means a second fixed contact means, said movable contact means being movable into and out of engagement with said second contact means by said biasing means under the control of said cam means in the same manner as it is movable into and out of engagement with said first fixed contact means.
3. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 including a support housing, and wherein said movable contact means includes a resilient lever secured to said housing and extending to a distal end, a contact element secured to said distal end, and control means cooperable between said lever and said cam means for controlling the position of said lever and said contact element.
4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said biasing means includes positioning means cooperable with said cam means for moving said biasing means between said first and second positions.
5. An assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said biasing means includes first and second resilient arms disposed on opposite sides of said lever for biasing said lever in opposite directions depending upon the position of said biasing means.
6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said control means is rotatably supported by said support housing for rotation relative thereto about an axis.
7. An assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said biasing means is rotatably supported on said housing for rotation about said axis.
8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said axis is spaced from the connection of said lever to said housing, and said lever extends from its connection to said housing in a direction away from said axis, said control means includes a control member extending from said axis along said lever and engages said lever on opposite sides thereof intermediate the ends of said lever.
9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said resilient arms of said biAsing means engage opposite sides of said control member whereby said cam means may rotate said biasing means to said first position where a first of said arms acts through said control member to urge said lever in a direction to engage said contact element with said fixed contact means before allowing said control member to rotate so that upon allowing said control member to rotate said contact element snaps into engagement with said fixed contact means and said cam means may rotate said biasing means to said second position where the second of said arms acts through said control member to urge said lever in the opposite direction before allowing said control member to rotate so that upon allowing said control member to rotate said contact element snaps out of engagement with said fixed contact means.
10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 including a first projection extending from said control member in the proximity of the position in which said control member engages said lever and in a direction transverse to and away from said lever, and wherein said biasing means includes a leg extending from said axis toward said first projection and terminates in a second projection, said cam means being cooperable with said projections for controlling movement of said control member and said biasing means.
11. An assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said control member includes a shaft one end of which is snapped into rotary engagement with said housing, said positioning means being snapped onto the other end of said shaft to be rotatably supported thereby.
12. An assembly as set forth in claim 10 including in addition to said first mentioned contact means a second fixed contact means, said movable contact element being movable into and out of engagement with said second contact means by said biasing means under the control of said cam means in the same manner as it is movable into and out of engagement with said fixed contact means.
13. An assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said cam means includes at least one cam track for coacting with said projections.
14. A snap action switch assembly comprising; at least one fixed contact means, movable contact means, biasing means movable between first and second positions for directly biasing said contact means toward and away from engagement with one another, and cam means cooperable with said biasing means and said contact means for allowing relative movement between said contact means only after the biasing force is applied by said biasing means.
15. A snap action electrical switch assembly comprising: at least one fixed contact means, moveable contact means, biasing means for directly biasing said moveable contact means toward and away from said fixed contact means, and control means coacting with said biasing means and said moveable contact means for initially restraining said moveable contact means and subsequently allowing snap action closure or separation of said electrical contacts after said biasing means applies a biasing force to said moveable contact means.
US00158917A 1971-07-01 1971-07-01 Snap action switch assembly Expired - Lifetime US3723683A (en)

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2536205A1 (en) * 1982-11-12 1984-05-18 Carpano & Pons Control switchgear with cam-actuated switches
FR2599562A1 (en) * 1986-05-29 1987-12-04 Matra Communication Modular microcontact support, microcontact comprising an application thereof and process for manufacturing such a microcontact

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1114225A (en) * 1913-05-19 1914-10-20 Western Electric Co Interrupting device.
US2335110A (en) * 1941-06-11 1943-11-23 Charles W Dann Electrical switch
US3402275A (en) * 1966-10-31 1968-09-17 F & F Entpr Inc Cam actuated multiple switch

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1114225A (en) * 1913-05-19 1914-10-20 Western Electric Co Interrupting device.
US2335110A (en) * 1941-06-11 1943-11-23 Charles W Dann Electrical switch
US3402275A (en) * 1966-10-31 1968-09-17 F & F Entpr Inc Cam actuated multiple switch

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2536205A1 (en) * 1982-11-12 1984-05-18 Carpano & Pons Control switchgear with cam-actuated switches
FR2599562A1 (en) * 1986-05-29 1987-12-04 Matra Communication Modular microcontact support, microcontact comprising an application thereof and process for manufacturing such a microcontact

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