US3735080A - Snap-action electric switch - Google Patents

Snap-action electric switch Download PDF

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Publication number
US3735080A
US3735080A US00215487A US3735080DA US3735080A US 3735080 A US3735080 A US 3735080A US 00215487 A US00215487 A US 00215487A US 3735080D A US3735080D A US 3735080DA US 3735080 A US3735080 A US 3735080A
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United States
Prior art keywords
lever
snap
action
contact
snap action
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Expired - Lifetime
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US00215487A
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English (en)
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J Andresen
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Individual
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Individual
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Classifications

    • 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
    • H01H13/36—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members using flexing of blade springs

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a snap action electric switch assembly in which the contact system is completely separated from the snap action system.
  • the separation [52] US. Cl. D Em. 13/36 [58] Field of Search..................200/67 D, 83 P, 67 R feature allows adjustments of the snap action system without affecting other properties of the switch.
  • the invention relates to a snap-action electric switch having a snap-action system which can be switched over in dependence upon the distance travelled by an actuating element.
  • Switches of this kind that are actuated in dependence upon distance are widely used inthe form of microswitches. They comprise a three-part snap-action system, i.e., an actuating lever, a contact lever and a snapaction spring.
  • a plunger acts on the actuating lever, and when the plunger is displaced it moves the actuating lever through a dead-center position, where-upon the contact lever moves suddenly from a first position to a second position.
  • the actuating lever follows the return movement of the plunger.
  • a dead-center position is again reached in which the contact lever springs back into its first position.
  • the behavior of the switch during its operation therefore varies with alteration of the difference.
  • the difference may not fall below a predetermined minimum value since a predetermined minimum distance must be present to enable the system to snap over.
  • Snap-action switches are also known which have a snap-action system consisting of only two parts, i.e., only a lever in addition to the snap-action spring. If this lever is subjected to an actuating force, i.e., if it is actuated in a condenser thermostat by an operating element filled with saturated steam, or takes a form of a bimetal in a room thermostat itself, then the snap-over action takes place as soon as the actuating force overcomes the force of the snap-action spring effective in theatrest position.
  • an actuating force i.e., if it is actuated in a condenser thermostat by an operating element filled with saturated steam, or takes a form of a bimetal in a room thermostat itself.
  • a force-proportional snap-action switch of this kind comprising a bimetal lever is also known in which the movable contact of the snap'action system is independently pressed in a resilient manner against the fixed contact and is separated from this contact by the snap-action system.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a distanceresponsive snap-action switch of the initially described kind in which the above-mentioned difficulties in adjusting the difference can be avoided.
  • this object is achieved by the snap-action system consisting of only one lever and a snap-action spring, by the movable contact of the snap-action system being pressed independently against the fixed contact in a resilient manner and being separable from the fixed contact by the snapaction system, and by a change-over spring being fitted between the actuating element and the snap-action system.
  • a particularly simple construction results if the changeover spring is formed by a lever portion located between the point of engagement of the actuating lever and the link of the snap-action spring. This results in an arrangement which saves a great deal of space. If the entire lever is formed as a resilient element, no additional element at all is required for the change-over action.
  • an insulating book carries the lever, a fixed stay, which provides at its bent-over end the fixed bearing for the snap-action spring, and at least one spring carrying a contact, all these being disposed substantially parallel with each other, and if the stay carries the fixed contact, and a contact-separating element is fitted on the lever near the link with the snap-action spring.
  • a movable contact actuated by the contact-separating element, is provided on each side of the fixed contact.
  • the snap-action switch can then be used as a change-over switch.
  • the contact-separating element may carry the stops which limit the distance travelled by the snapaction system and which co-operate with the fixed stay. When the snap-over distance is fixed by these stops, no substantial changes in the other aspects of the behavior of the snap-action switch occur when adjusting the difference.
  • FIG. 1 Is a schematic section through a first embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2. Is a side view of the contact-separating element
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment in which a cup-shaped casing 1 of plastics material is closed at one end by an insulating block 2.
  • An actuating element 3 extends through a hole in the casing 1.
  • the insulating block carries: a lever 4 in the form of a leaf spring, a contact spring 5 carrying a movable contact 6, a rigid stay 7 carrying a fixed double contact 8, and a movable contact spring 9 carrying a movable contact 10, these elements being supported in the block in the order in which they are mentioned, beginning with the lever 4 at the top.
  • the stay 7 has a turnedover end 11. Between this end and the lever 4, is held a snap-action spring 12 in the form of the Greek letter Omega.
  • the lever 4 carries a contact-actuating element 13 of insulating material. This element comprises two stop faces 14 and 15 which co-operate with the free ends of the contact springs 5 and 9; the contactactuating element also contains an opening 16 comprising two stops l7 and 18.
  • the stay 7 extends through this opening.
  • the resilient lever 4 has a bias which applies a force F in the upper end position illustrated. Consequently the contact-separating element is pulled upwards until the stop 18 bears against the stay 7. The upper contact 6 is separated from the fixed contact 8. The lower contact bears against the fixed contact 8 under the force K of its spring 9. It should be added that, in addition to the force F, an upwardly directed force component is also derived from the snap-action spring 12.
  • the resilient lever 4 is downwardly deflected near the actuating element 3.
  • the end connected to the snap-action spring remains in position until the force F reverses its direction at that point and finally exceeds the force component of the snap-action spring 12.
  • the system snaps over into the lower end position in which the contact-separating element 13 bears by the upper stop 17 against the stay 7.
  • the contact 10 is separated from the fixed contact 8.
  • the movable contact 6 is released and bears against the fixed contact 8 under the force K of its spring 5. If the actuating element 3 is now returned to its initial position, the full bias F of the resilient lever 4 becomes effective, and the snap-action system springs back into the at-rest position illustrated.
  • the difference in this snap-action system is adjusted by varying the extent of the bend at the end 11 to vary the clamping force on the snap-action spring 12.
  • the function of the snap'action switch nevertheless remains unchanged in the actual snap-over action.
  • This is particularly so at regards the slight bounce which, for all switches in a production batch, can be kept extremely low by appropriate choice of size of the elements involved, even when the switches have greatly varying difference adjustments.
  • very slight difference adjustments can be obtained so that even slight displacement of the actuating element 3, such as could not be obtained with the known distance-responsive snap-action switches, can suffice for effecting the snap-action.
  • a rigid lever and an omega-shaped snap-action spring 21 are held in a resilient manner in a casing 19 between two bearings 22 and 23.
  • the bearing 23 is constituted by a setscrew.
  • This two-part snap-action system can snap-over between the stops 24 and 25 solid with the casing.
  • the actuating element is a hollow knob 26 which acts on the rigid lever 20 through a change-over spring 27.
  • a return spring 28 is supported on a stud 29 on the casing and moves the lever 20 back to the at-rest position as illustrated.
  • a contact-actuating element 30 is secured to the rigid lever 20 and through a stop face 31 acts upon a spring 33 carrying a moving contact 32. In the at-rest position illustrated, the contact 32 co-operates with a fixed contact 34, the carrier 35 of which, like the contact spring 33, passes outwardly through the wall of the casing 19 to enable a connection to be made.
  • the snap-action system remains at rest until the actuating element 26 has travelled such a distance that the force applied by the change-over spring 27 to the lever 20 overcomes the force component of the snap-action spring 21.
  • the snap-action movement then proceeds as far as the fixed stop 25, the movable contact 32 being separated from the fixed contact 34.
  • the actuating element 26 moves back into the initial position as illustrated, the snap-action system is returned to the initial position by the return spring 28.
  • the difference can be very accurately adjusted with the aid of the set-screw 23, without any of the other aspects of the switch being altered in any way.
  • a snap action electric switch assembly comprising, a frame, a lever having one end thereof pivotally mounted relative to said frame, rigid abutment means, said abutment means comprising a J-shaped bracket attached to said frame, a snap action spring between said J-shaped bracket and the other end of said lever, fixed and movable contacts with said fixed contacts being attached to said J-shaped bracket, resilient means attaching said movable contact to said frame and providing a range of movement for said movable contact, operator means for moving said lever, actuator means attached to said lever for engaging said resilient means to move said movable contact out of engagement with said fixed contact, said actuator means being spaced from said resilient means and said movable contacts when said contacts are closed, said actuator having walls defining an opening through which said J- shaped bracket extends, said walls engaging said J- shaped bracket to provide stops for said actuator in opposite directions.
  • a snap action switch assembly according to claim 1 wherein said operator means engages said lever at a point thereon spaced from said snap action spring, said lever being resilient between said point and said snap action spring.
  • a snap action switch assembly according to claim 1 wherein said frame has the form of a cup shaped member closed with an insulator block, said one end of said lever being fixedly attached to said block, said J- shaped bracket being attached to said insulator block and extending parallel to said lever, said actuator means extending transversely relative to said lever.

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  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Mechanisms For Operating Contacts (AREA)
US00215487A 1971-01-12 1972-01-05 Snap-action electric switch Expired - Lifetime US3735080A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE2101197A DE2101197C3 (de) 1971-01-12 1971-01-12 Elektrischer Schnappschalter

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3735080A true US3735080A (en) 1973-05-22

Family

ID=5795653

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00215487A Expired - Lifetime US3735080A (en) 1971-01-12 1972-01-05 Snap-action electric switch

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US3735080A (de)
CH (1) CH533896A (de)
DE (1) DE2101197C3 (de)
FR (1) FR2121796B1 (de)
GB (1) GB1377001A (de)
IT (1) IT942870B (de)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4194102A (en) * 1977-12-29 1980-03-18 Robertshaw Controls Company Condition responsive electrical switch construction and parts and methods therefor
US4363015A (en) * 1977-12-29 1982-12-07 Robertshaw Controls Company Condition responsive electrical switch construction and parts and methods therefor
US4490708A (en) * 1982-06-24 1984-12-25 General Electric Company Condition responsive electric switch system, electrical switching device and method of operation thereof
US5661274A (en) * 1995-08-08 1997-08-26 Eaton Corporation Precision double-pole single-throw switch assembly
US20060118399A1 (en) * 2004-10-28 2006-06-08 Thomas Schober Sub-miniature switch
US20100140060A1 (en) * 2008-12-10 2010-06-10 Honeywell International Inc. Ignition key switch apparatus with improved snap action mechanism
US20100236912A1 (en) * 2009-03-20 2010-09-23 Honeywell International Inc. Snap action switch with a non-metal interchangeable spring

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4528430A (en) * 1983-07-12 1985-07-09 Cherry Electrical Products Corporation Electrical appliance interlock switch with force efficient actuator
US4529852A (en) * 1983-07-12 1985-07-16 Cherry Electrical Products Corporation Electrical appliance interlock switch

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3032626A (en) * 1959-10-21 1962-05-01 Ranco Inc Control apparatus
US3354281A (en) * 1966-12-21 1967-11-21 Gen Electric Temperature control device
US3609270A (en) * 1969-02-14 1971-09-28 Danfoss As Electric reversing switch

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3032626A (en) * 1959-10-21 1962-05-01 Ranco Inc Control apparatus
US3354281A (en) * 1966-12-21 1967-11-21 Gen Electric Temperature control device
US3609270A (en) * 1969-02-14 1971-09-28 Danfoss As Electric reversing switch

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4194102A (en) * 1977-12-29 1980-03-18 Robertshaw Controls Company Condition responsive electrical switch construction and parts and methods therefor
US4363015A (en) * 1977-12-29 1982-12-07 Robertshaw Controls Company Condition responsive electrical switch construction and parts and methods therefor
US4490708A (en) * 1982-06-24 1984-12-25 General Electric Company Condition responsive electric switch system, electrical switching device and method of operation thereof
US5661274A (en) * 1995-08-08 1997-08-26 Eaton Corporation Precision double-pole single-throw switch assembly
US20060118399A1 (en) * 2004-10-28 2006-06-08 Thomas Schober Sub-miniature switch
US7205496B2 (en) * 2004-10-28 2007-04-17 Cherry Gmbh Sub-miniature switch
US20100140060A1 (en) * 2008-12-10 2010-06-10 Honeywell International Inc. Ignition key switch apparatus with improved snap action mechanism
US8173915B2 (en) * 2008-12-10 2012-05-08 Honeywell International Inc. Ignition key switch apparatus with improved snap action mechanism
US20100236912A1 (en) * 2009-03-20 2010-09-23 Honeywell International Inc. Snap action switch with a non-metal interchangeable spring

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2121796A1 (de) 1972-08-25
CH533896A (de) 1973-02-15
IT942870B (it) 1973-04-02
DE2101197B2 (de) 1973-05-30
DE2101197C3 (de) 1973-12-13
GB1377001A (en) 1974-12-11
FR2121796B1 (de) 1974-12-20
DE2101197A1 (de) 1972-07-20

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