EP0268518A1 - Switch mechanism with a conducting slide having a double pivot, and switch having such a mechanism, especially for alternating current - Google Patents

Abstract

A switch mechanism comprises, movably mounted between a fixed yoke and at least one fixed contact, at least one conductive contact arm which is articulated to the fixed yoke, which is itself conductive. The arm is controlled by an operating member available to the user to assume one or other of at least two positions in one of which it bears against the fixed contact through a bearing area and in the other of which it is spaced from the latter. A double pivot is used for articulating the conductive contact arm to the fixed yoke, which comprises two separate pivoting areas parallel to each other, one for each of said two positions of the conductive contact arm. The conductive contact arm itself comprises two distinct contact areas for cooperating each with a respective one of the pivoting areas.

Description

The present invention relates generally to switches of the type of those usually used for controlling the electrical supply of any circuit.

Overall, such a switch comprises, in a housing, and under the control of an operating member, rocking key or push button for example, which, specific to its actuation, is available to the user, a set of parts commonly called mechanism, which forms the active part.

The present invention relates more particularly to the case where such a mechanism comprises, mounted movably between a fixed yoke and at least one fixed contact pad, at least one conducteru brush, which is articulated to the fixed yoke, itself conductive, and which , under the control of the associated operating member, is capable of taking one or the other of two positions, one for which, by a support zone, it is in abutment against the fixed contact pad , the other for which, it is remote from it, either that, being a simple switch, it is not then in abutment against any other fixed contact pad or that it is in abutment against a simple rest pad, that is, for example being an inverter, it also bears against another fixed contact pad for this second position.

One of the problems, in the production of switch mechanisms of this type, is due to the articulation to be provided between the conductive broom and the fixed yoke, because, in addition to its pivoting function, this articulation must also provide a current transmission function.

To date, this articulation is done by a single pivot.

In practice, the fixed yoke usually comprises for this purpose a pivoting zone and the conductive brush itself comprises, for cooperation with this pivoting zone, and following for example a knife joint, a zone which, for simple convenience, will be referred to below as the contact zone, this zone normally effectively remaining permanently in contact with the pivoting zone of the fixed yoke.

In fact, it appears, in operation, that is to say when the mechanism is actuated, that there occurs, at the level of such a joint, untimely twists and turns between the contact area of the conductive brush and the pivoting area of the fixed yoke.

Each of these twists translates in practice by the establishment of a mini-arc between the contact area of the conductive broom and the pivoting area of the fixed yoke, which gradually leads to degradation of the conductive broom and / or the fixed yoke, to the detriment of the desired current transmission.

The conductive broom, for example, is thus progressively the object of a surface oxidation, and, when it is made of brass, it is jointly the object of a structural evolution due to a migration of zinc towards its surface.

Since the conditions of current transmission are therefore modified, there is inevitably an untimely heating between the conductive brush and the fixed yoke which, independently of any possible effect on the mechanical strength of the surrounding insulating material, can only accentuate the unfavorable development of which it is the revealer.

Most often, an attempt is made to overcome this drawback by using grease in the articulation zone concerned, but it is at best only an insufficient palliative.

The present invention generally relates to a provision which, on the contrary, makes it possible to overcome this difficulty in a simple and effective manner and also leading to other advantages.

More specifically, it firstly relates to a switch mechanism, of the type comprising, mounted movably between a fixed yoke and at least one fixed contact pad, at least one conductive brush, which is articulated to the fixed yoke, itself conductive, and that, under the control of an operating member available to the user, is capable of taking one or the other of at least two positions, one for which, by a support zone, it bears against the fixed contact pad, the other for which it is at a distance therefrom, this switch mechanism being generally characterized in that, for the articulation of the conductive broom to the fixed yoke, a double pivot is used, said fixed yoke comprising, parallel to one another, for one and the other of the two positions of said conductive broom, two distinct pivoting zones, said conductive brush comprising, itself, for cooperation, each respectively, with lesdi your pivot zones, two separate contact zones; it also relates to a switch comprising such a mechanism.

In short, the switch mechanism according to the invention is characterized by the implementation of a double pivot for the articulation of the conductive brush to the fixed yoke.

This results in a significant attenuation, if not a total elimination, of the consequences inherent in a possible rebound, in operation, of the conductive brush with respect to the fixed yoke at the level of such a pivot.

Indeed, supposing that such a rebound does indeed occur for one of the two pivots used, there is every chance that, for the other of these, the contact zone of the conductive brush is still effectively in support against the corresponding pivoting area of the fixed yoke, which, continuity electric being thus anyway ensured between the conductive broom and the fixed yoke, minimizes the risks of appearance of a mini-arc between these bodies.

At the same time, the risks of inadvertent heating between the conductive broom and the fixed screed are themselves minimized, both because of the use of a double pivot, which leads to a doubling of the surfaces in contact, as well as this is due to the fact that, in conjunction with this double pivot, the conductive brush provides a more protruding exchange surface with the ambient atmosphere, which is obviously favorable for good heat dissipation.

The conditions being equal, moreover, a double-pivot conductive brush switch mechanism according to the invention is thus advantageously able to allow the switching of larger currents than a comparable switch mechanism comprising only one pivot. for the articulation of its conductive broom.

Admittedly, it is described in the French patent application filed under No 74 13557 and published under No 2.268.343, an electric switch in which the fixed yoke has two pivot zones and in which, in correspondence, the conductive brush has two contact areas.

However, in this French patent, these pivoting and contact zones do not constitute a double pivot.

In fact, for each of the positions of the conductive brush, there is only one contact zone of this conductive brush in engagement with the corresponding pivoting zone of the fixed yoke, with the risks of rebound mentioned previously.

The same is true for the electrical switches described in American patents Nos. 2,203,555 and 3,337,703.

On the contrary, with the double pivot according to the invention, the two contact zones of the conductive brush are, permanently, disregarding any possible twists and turns, in engagement, both, with the pivoting zones of the fixed yoke, whatever the position of this conductive broom.

According to a preferred implementation of the invention, the conductive brush generally has a configuration in b loop, so as to advantageously give it sufficient elasticity so that it can ensure by itself the position control and / or the return of the associated operating member.

Admittedly, such a loop configuration is already known, by itself, for the conductive brush of a switch mechanism.

But, here, it is advantageously combined with the implementation of two pivots for this conductive brush.

Indeed, according to the invention, the loop that then forms such a conductive brush is open, and it closes on the fixed yoke, its ends forming by themselves the corresponding contact areas of this conductive brush.

This advantageously results in great simplicity of construction.

• la figure 1 est, avec des arrachements locaux, une vue en élévation d'un mécanisme d'interrupteur suivant l'invention, pour l'une des positions du balai conducteur qu'il comporte ;
• la figure 2 reprend, à échelle supérieure, le détail de la figure 1 repéré par un encart II sur cette figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective du balai conducteur correspondant ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en élévation analogue à celle de la figure 1, pour l'autre position de ce balai conducteur ;
• les figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 sont des vues qui, reprenant pour partie celle de a figure 1, se rapportent chacune respectivement à des variantes de réalisation du mécanisme d'interrupteur suivant l'invention ;
• la figure 10 est une vue qui, analogue à celle de la figure 1, concerne elle aussi une autre variante de réalisation de ce mécanisme d'interrupteur ;
• la figure 11 est une vue en élévation-coupe reprenant, sous forme plus constructive, la forme de réalisation de la figure 5 ;
• la figure 12 est une vue partielle en coupe transversale de cette forme de réalisation, suivant la ligne XII-XII de la figure 11 ;
• la figure 13 en est une vue partielle en élévation-coupe, suivant la ligne XIII-XIII de la figure 12 ;
• la figure 14 est une vue en élévation-coupe analogue à celle de la figure 11, pour une variante de réalisation ;
• la figure 15 est une vue en élévation-coupe analogue à celle de la figure 13 pour cette variante de réalisation ;
• la figure 16 est une vue en élévation-coupe, qui, analogue à celle de la figure 14, illustre la mise en oeuvre de cette variante de réalisation ;
• les figures 17 et 18 sont des vues en élévation-coupe, qui, analogues, chacune respectivement, à celles des figures 11 et 13, se rapportent à une autre variante de réalisation ;
• les figures 19 et 20 sont des vues en élévation-coupe, qui, analogues à celle de la figure 17, illustrent la mise en oeuvre de cette variante de réalisation ;
• les figures 21 et 22 sont des vues partielles en élévation-coupe, qui, reprenant, elles aussi, chacune respectivement, pour partie, celles des figures 11 et 13, se rapportent à une autre variante de réalisation.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, by way of example, with reference to the appended schematic drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is, with local cutaway, an elevational view of a switch mechanism according to the invention, for one of the positions of the conductive brush it comprises;
• Figure 2 shows, on a larger scale, the detail of Figure 1 identified by an insert II in this Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of the corresponding conductive brush;
• Figure 4 is an elevational view similar to that of Figure 1, for the other position of the conductive brush;
• FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 are views which, partly taking up that of FIG. 1, each relate respectively to alternative embodiments of the switch mechanism according to the invention;
• Figure 10 is a view which, similar to that of Figure 1, also relates to another alternative embodiment of this switch mechanism;
• Figure 11 is an elevational sectional view showing, in more constructive form, the embodiment of Figure 5;
• Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of this embodiment, taken along line XII-XII of Figure 11;
• Figure 13 is a partial view in elevation-section along the line XIII-XIII of Figure 12;
• Figure 14 is a sectional elevation view similar to that of Figure 11, for an alternative embodiment;
• Figure 15 is an elevational section similar to that of Figure 13 for this alternative embodiment;
• Figure 16 is a sectional elevation view, which, similar to that of Figure 14, illustrates the implementation of this alternative embodiment;
• Figures 17 and 18 are sectional elevation views, which, analogously, each respectively, to those of Figures 11 and 13, relate to another alternative embodiment;
• Figures 19 and 20 are sectional elevation views, which, similar to that of Figure 17, illustrate the implementation of this alternative embodiment;
• Figures 21 and 22 are partial elevation-sectional views, which, also, each, each respectively, in part, those of Figures 11 and 13, relate to another alternative embodiment.

As illustrated in these figures, the switch mechanism 10 according to the invention comprises, overall, in a manner known per se, mounted movably between a fixed yoke 11 and at least one fixed contact pad 12A, 12B, a conductive brush 13, which is articulated to the fixed yoke 11, itself conductive, and which, under the control of an operating member 14 available to the 'user, is likely to take one or the other of two positions, one, Figure 1, for which, by a support area 15A, 15B, it is supported against the fixed contact pad concerned, the other, Figure 4, for which it is remote from it.

In a manner known per se, and being a simple switch, only a contact pad can be provided, for example a contact pad 12A, as shown in solid lines in FIGS. 1 and 4.

However, in the case of an inverter, and as shown diagrammatically in broken lines in these FIGS. 1 and 4, there can be provided, on the side of the yoke 11 opposite the contact pad 23A above, a second contact pad, in the species a contact pad 12B.

In the case of a switch, such a contact pad 12B can also be provided, but it is then a simple rest pad, without active intervention in the circuit whose electrical supply is to be controlled.

Anyway, for their insertion on such a circuit, the yoke 11, on the one hand, and the contact pad 12A, on the other hand, are each respectively in connection with connection terminals 16 and 17A.

It is in practice the same for the contact pad 12B, this contact pad 12B also being in connection with a connection terminal 17B to be able to serve as an active contact pad if desired.

In the embodiment more particularly shown in Figures 1 to 4, the yoke 11 and the contact pads 12A, 12B are in one piece with their respective connection terminals, and the corresponding parts are in practice solid parts suitably cut, machined or stamped.

Of course, the switch mechanism 10 as well constituted is arranged in a housing of insulating material.

This box not being in itself part of the present invention, and falling within the skill of the art, it will not be described here.

Basically, it is not shown in Figures 1 to 10.

Only certain portions of this box that are necessary for the presentation are visible on some of these.

They are then all indifferently designated by the same reference number 18.

On the other hand, this box appears more clearly and more completely, under this same reference number 18, in FIGS. 11 to 22.

In the embodiment more particularly shown in Figures 1 to 4, and it is the same for the alternative embodiments illustrated by Figures 5 to 8, the operating member 14 is a button, which, for example by lateral pins 20, of triangular or circular transverse contour, is pivotally mounted on the housing 18, along the double circular arrow F, and which, by a finger 21, is capable of acting on the conductive brush 13, this finger 21 extending for this purpose protruding on its lower surface, substantially perpendicular thereto, and having for its contact with said conductive brush 13, a tapered and rounded end.

These arrangements are well known in themselves, and, not being in themselves the subject of the present invention, they will not be described in more detail here.

According to the invention, a double pivot is used for the articulation of the conductive brush 13 to the fixed yoke 16.

To this end, the fixed yoke 16 comprises, in practice, parallel to one another, for one and the other of the two positions of the conductive brush 13, two distinct pivot zones 23A, 23B, said conductive brush 13 comprising, itself, for cooperation, each respectively, with said pivot zones 23A, 23B, two separate contact areas 24A, 24B.

In the embodiment more specifically shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the pivot zones 23A, 23B of the fixed yoke 11 are both oriented in the same direction, in this case upwards, in affecting both the same face of such a yoke 11, in this case the front face of the solid part which the latter forms with the connection terminal 16 which is associated with it.

In practice, each of these pivoting zones 23A, 23B is simply constituted, in a manner known per se, by a groove with a transverse V-shaped section affecting the yoke 11 in hollow.

For example, and as shown, each of these grooves has the edge which forms the bottom leveled by a planar facet.

Given the upward orientation of the grooves thus constituting the pivot zones 23A, 23B of the yoke 11, the corresponding contact zones 24A, 24B of the conductive brush 13 are bent in the direction of these pivot zones 23A, 23B.

In practice, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, 9, 10 and 11 to 22, the conductive brush 13 has, generally, a loop configuration, but the loop which it forms is open and it closes on the fixed yoke 11, its ends forming by themselves the corresponding contact areas 24A, 24B.

In practice, too, the open loop which the conductive brush 13 thus forms is in one piece, by appropriate cutting and folding of a single metal strip, and, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 , 9 and 11 to 22, it is a symmetrical loop with respect to its median zone.

More specifically, in the embodiment more specifically represented on the figs 1 to 4, the conductive brush 13 comprises, on the one hand, between two support zones 15A, 15B each suitable for its support on the contact pad 12A, 12B corresponding, a median strip 26, through which it is able to be under the control of the associated operating member 14, which, like said support zones 15A, 15B, extends continuously from one to the other of these, and, on the other hand, each in turning back from said median strip 26, at the ends thereof, at least one tab 27A, 27B whose own end forms the corresponding contact area 24A, 24B.

In practice, for each of these contact zones 24A, 24B, the conductive brush 13 comprises, in this form of embodiment, each arranged respectively on either side of its median strip 26, parallel to each other, two tabs 27A-27ʹA, 27B-27ʹB, and these are the ends of these tabs 27A-27ʹA, 27B-27ʹB which jointly form the corresponding contact zones 24A, 24B.

In practice, also, in this embodiment, the support zones 15A, 15B of the conductive brush 13 are flat, each protruding, projecting from their lower surface, for contact with the corresponding fixed contact pad 12A, 12B, a contact grain 28A, 28B, and each of the tabs 27A-27ʹA, 27B-27ʹB, the ends of which jointly form a contact zone 24A, 24B is in continuity with the corresponding support zone 15A, 15B, the current part at less, of such a tongue 27A-27ʹA, 27B-27ʹB extending substantially along the plane of said support zone 15A, 15B, while the median strip 26 associated generally has a configuration in M, with rounded angles, that legs 29A, 29B of this median strip 26 which corresponds to such a support zone 15A, 15B diverging from the plane thereof.

Of course, it is in the concave median zone 32 of this median strip 26 that the finger 21 of the rocking key carries constituting the operating member 14.

However, given the elasticity which its loop configuration gives it, the conductive brush 13 is then prestressed.

This results in elastic control of the position of the operating member 14.

In other words, for one and the other of its tilting positions, the operating member 14 is stable.

It is therefore the same for the conductive brush 13.

To move the conductive brush 13 from one of its positions to the other, it suffices to act accordingly on the operating member 14, with a view to its tilting around the axis of its pins 20, according to the double arrow F in Figures 1 and 4.

For the position in FIG. 1, the conductive brush 13 establishes electrical continuity between the fixed yoke 11 and the fixed contact pad 12A, and therefore between the corresponding connection terminals 16 and 17A, and for the position in FIG. 4 , it establishes electrical continuity between this fixed yoke 11 and the fixed contact pad 12B, and therefore between the corresponding connection terminals 16 and 17B.

As will be noted, and according to the invention, for one and the other of these poisitions, the conductive brush 13 is engaged, by one and the other of its contact zones 24A, 24B, with, each respectively, the corresponding pivot zones 23A, 23B of the fixed yoke 11.

In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the conductive brush 13 comprises, as before, a central strip 26ʹ by which it is able to be under the control of the associated operating member 14, by the finger 21 thereof. ci, but, it further comprises in this case, as a variant of the previous cusp arrangement, two U-shaped connection zones 32A, 32B connecting, each respectively, continuously, the ends of this central strip 26ʹ to the contact zones 24A , Corresponding 24B, one of the strands of at least one of these connection zones 32A, 32B, and, for example, in the case of an inverter, one of the strands of each of these, that which is on the side opposite to the central strip 26ʹ, then being adapted to directly form by itself a support zone 15A, 15B for the whole.

For the rest, the provisions are of the type of the previous ones.

In particular, for cooperation with the finger 21 of the operating member 14, the central strip 26ʹ has, overall, in its central zone, a V-shaped configuration 32.

Likewise, the support zones 15A, 15B each comprise, respectively, projecting, a contact grain 28A, 28B.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the conductive brush 13 has a loop configuration of the type described with reference to Figure 5 above.

However, in this embodiment, the pivot zones 23A, 23B of the fixed yoke 11 are arranged back to back, each affecting respectively two opposite faces of this yoke 11.

Consequently, the corresponding contact zones 24A, 24B of the conductive brush 13, formed, as above, by the ends of the loop which it constitutes, are straight.

It is the same in the variant embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

However, in these alternative embodiments, the conductive brush 13 is engaged, by a closed contour cutout 35 affecting its central zone, on the fixed yoke 11, and, at least one of the contact zones 24A, 24B by which it is articulated thereto is constituted by the end of a corrugated tongue formed by means of such a cut 35.

In the embodiment more particularly shown in FIG. 7, this is the case for both of the contact zones 24A, 24B, two corrugated tongues 36A, 36B being provided for this purpose, in opposite directions. one with respect to the other, from two opposite edges of the corresponding cutout 35.

In practice, in this embodiment, these corrugated tongues 36A, 36B each have only one corrugation in the general shape of a half-wave, with the concavity of the latter turned in opposite directions relative to the other.

In the embodiment more specifically represented in FIG. 8, there is provided a corrugated tongue 36B only for the single contact area 24B of the conductive brush 13, the other, 24A, contact areas of the latter being then directly formed by the edge of its cutout 35, and, more precisely by the edge of the corresponding transverse edge thereof.

According to the variant embodiment shown diagrammatically in FIG. 7, the finger 21 of the operating member 14 forms a yoke, the two arms of which each bear respectively on the corresponding longitudinal edges of the conductive brush 13.

As a variant, in FIG. 8, two fingers 21A, 21B are provided on the operating member 14, on either side, each respectively, of the yoke 11.

In both cases, it is not necessary for the cutout 35 of the conductive brush 13 to have a closed contour.

It could for example just as easily be a U-shaped cut, that is to say a cut open laterally along one of the longitudinal edges of this conductive brush 13.

In the foregoing, the operating member 14 is constituted by a tilting mounted button.

But, as shown diagrammatically by a double straight arrow Fʹ in FIG. 9, it could just as easily be a push button mounted movable in translation in the corresponding housing.

In such a case, the corresponding push button is offset from the fixed yoke 11, and the loop formed by the conductive brush 13 is asymmetrical.

However, for the rest, the arrangements are of the type described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

In particular, by its own elasticity, the conductive brush 13 suffices for the recall of the corresponding operating member 14, without it being necessary to use an additional spring to do this.

It goes without saying, however, that for a mechanism switch whose operating member is thus a push button, there is only provided a fixed contact pad, in this case a fixed contact pad 12B.

The embodiment illustrated by FIG. 10 is, as a whole, of the type of that represented in FIG. 5.

However, the action of the operating member 14 on the conductive brush 13 is effected by means of a part 21ʹ, commonly known as the driver, distinct from this operating member 14.

The actuator 14, which, as before, is a tilting mounted button, is engaged, by a yoke 41, with such a coach 21ʹ, and the latter is, itself, pivotally mounted on the corresponding housing 18.

The axis of the journals of the operating member 14 is not necessarily confused with that of the journals of the coach 21ʹ, and only that of the latter must remain fixed relative to the fixed yoke 11.

These provisions are well known in themselves, and not falling, per se, of the present invention, they will not be described in more detail here.

For the rest, the provisions are of the type described above.

However, in the embodiment shown, the fixed yoke 11 is, with its pivot zones 23A, 23B, no longer formed by a solid piece, but by a strip, which is suitably folded accordingly, also forming by itself the associated connection terminal 16, and which is suitably buttressed by the corresponding housing 18, a lug 42 thereof being for example inserted between its pivot zones 23A, 23B.

In addition, in the embodiment shown, the convex median part 32 of the median strip 26ʹ of the conductive brush 13 is a just at the rounded end of the associated driver 21ʹ, for nesting thereon.

The embodiments of FIGS. 11 to 22 are also, as a whole, of the type of that described in reference to figure 5.

There is therefore, in a housing 18, a fixed yoke 11, and contact areas 23A, 23B in V, two fixed contact pads 12A, 12B, a conductive brush 13, which, in open loop configuration, closes, by its contact zones 24A, 24B, on the fixed yoke 11, and an operating member 14, which is pivotally mounted, in rocking action, on the housing 18, and which comprises, for acting on the conductive brush 13, a finger 21.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the pivoting mounting of the operating member 14 takes place by a pin 44, which crosses this operating member 14 transversely, by means of a bore 45 provided for this purpose. effect therein, and which, at its ends, jointly crosses the corresponding longitudinal walls 46 of the housing 18, by means of holes 47 also provided for this purpose therein.

The axial retention of this pivot axis 44 can for example be ensured by a cover, which, attached to the operating member 14, jointly covers the latter and the portions concerned of the longitudinal walls 46 of the housing 18.

Since the corresponding arrangement does not fall under the present invention, it will not be described in more detail here.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 11 to 13, the pivot axis 44 is perpendicular to the fixed yoke 11, so that, as before, both of the tilting positions of the 'operating member 14 are stable.

Only one of these positions is shown, that of FIG. 11.

Jointly, the holes 47 of the housing 18 are circular, at the contour of the pivot axis 44, and the same is true for the hole 45 of the operating member 14.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 14 to 16, the pivot axis 44 of the maneuver 14 is on the contrary offset, laterally, relative to the fixed yoke 11.

In other words, it is offset from the side of one of the fixed contact pads 12A, 12B, the fixed contact pad 12B for example, as shown.

As a result, only one of the tilting positions of the operating member 14, and therefore of the conductive brush 13, is stable, that which, as shown in FIG. 14, corresponds to the support of this conductive brush. 13 on the fixed contact pad 12A opposite that on which the pivot axis 44 is offset.

As a corollary, the other tilting position of the operating member 14, and therefore of the conductive brush 13, is unstable, and, to obtain it, it is necessary to maintain the corresponding action on the operating member 14, as shown schematically. by an arrow Fʺ in FIG. 16.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 17 to 19, there are two pivot axes 44A, 44B, which are both offset, laterally, relative to the fixed yoke 11, each extending respectively on either side thereof, one offset to the side of the fixed contact pad 12A, the other offset to the side of the fixed contact pad 12B, and which pass through, one and the other, without play, holes 45A, 45B of the operating member 14, and, with play, holes 47A, 47B of the housing 18.

In practice, and as shown, these holes 47A, 47B are then elongated in the buttonhole, generally parallel to the median transverse plane of the assembly.

If desired, these holes 47A, 47B can be slightly bent, while being centered on the axis opposite to that which passes through them.

But, in practice, a simple game is enough.

With such an embodiment, the stable rest position of the operating member 14, and therefore of the conductive brush 13, is an intermediate position between their previous extreme tilting positions, and, for this intermediate position, shown in FIG. 21, which is a third position coming in addition to the previous two, the conductive brush 13 is spaced from one and the other of the fixed contact pads 12A, 12B.

When, for example, along the arrow FʺB in FIG. 19, action is taken on the operating member 14 on the side of the fixed contact pad 12A, the tilting of this operating member 14 is effected by pivoting about the axis of pivot 44B, and the conductive brush 13 then comes to bear against the fixed contact pad 12B, while, driven by the operating member 14, the pivot axis 44A struggles jointly in the corresponding bore 47A of the housing 18.

Similarly, when, along the arrow FʺA in Figure 20, it acts on the operating member 14 on the side of the fixed contact pad 12B, the conductive brush 13 is applied against the fixed contact pad 12A.

However, both of these extreme tilting positions are unstable, and, for their maintenance, it is necessary to extend the corresponding action on the operating member 14, as shown schematically by the arrows FʺA and FʺB.

Thus, the switch according to the invention is in this case an inverter with neutral mid-point and two momentary closing positions.

In practice, and as illustrated in FIGS. 21, 22, it can be systematically provided, on the operating member 14, three holes 45, 45A, 45B, and on the housing 18, three holes 47, 47A, 47B .

Thus, as required, it is implemented, ruffled, either a single pivot axis 44, 44A or 44B, for the constitution of a switch with two stable opening or closing positions, as in Figure 11 , either of a switch with two opening or closing positions of which only one is stable, as in FIG. 14, or of an inverter with neutral mid-point and two unstable closing positions, as in FIG. 17.

This advantageously results in a relative standardization of the corresponding embodiments and a great flexibility of use.

Of course, it is only for the understanding of the presentation that the pivot axis or axes of the operating member used in the embodiments of FIGS. 11 to 22 have really been materialized by transverse axes on these figures.

It could just as well be, for example, trunnions or knife joints, as before.

The present invention is moreover not limited to the embodiments described and shown, but encompasses any variant embodiment and / or combination of their various elements.

In addition, there may be several conductive brushes 13 for the same operating member 14.

For example, and as shown diagrammatically in broken lines in FIG. 12, there may be, parallel to one another, two conductive brushes 13, with, for each of them, a fixed yoke 11 and one or two fixed contact pads 12A, 12B, the operating member 14 then having, in parallel to one another, for their joint actuation, two fingers 21.

Furthermore, if, taking into account its operating mode, which implies a tilting speed of the conductive brush linked to the speed of intervention of the operator on the operating member, the switch mechanism according to the invention is suitable more particularly to the interruption of an alternating current, for which it is more particularly intended, this interruption not necessarily requiring a rapid tilting of this conductive brush, it goes without saying that the field of application of the invention does not is however not limited to the only breaking of an alternating current but can, at least for certain applications, in particular when the current to be cut is low, extend as well to the breaking of a direct current.

Claims (21)

1. Switch mechanism, of the type comprising, mounted movably between a fixed yoke (11) and at least one fixed contact pad (12A, 12B), at least one conductive brush (13), which is articulated to the fixed yoke (11), itself conductive, and which, under the control of an operating member (14) available to the user, is capable of assuming one or the other of at least two positions, one for which, by a support zone (15A, 15B), it is in abutment against the fixed contact pad (12A, 12B), the other for which it is at a distance therefrom, characterized in that, for the articulation of the conductive brush (13) to the fixed yoke (11), a double pivot is used, said fixed yoke (11) comprising parallel to each other, for the one and the other of the two positions of said conductive brush (13), two distinct pivot zones (23A, 23B), and said conductive brush (13) comprising, itself, for cooperation, each respectively, with said zo pivot points (23A, 23B), two separate contact areas (24A, 24B). 2. Switch mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, the conductive brush (13) generally having a loop configuration, the loop which it forms is open and closes on the fixed yoke (11), its ends forming by themselves the corresponding contact areas (24A, 24B). 3. Switch mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that the conductive brush (13) comprises, on the one hand, between two bearing zones (15A, 15B), a median strip (26) able to be under control of the associated operating member (14), which, common to said support zones (15A, 15B), extends continuously from one to the other of these, and, on the other hand, each in reverse relative to said median strip (26), at the ends thereof, at least one tab (27A-27ʹA, 27B, 27ʹB) whose own end forms the contact zone (24A, 24B) corresponding. 4. Switch mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that each of the tongues (27A-27ʹA, 27B, 27ʹB) of the conductive brush (13) whose end forms a contact zone (24A, 24B) being in continuity with the corresponding support zone (15A, 15B), the running part, at least, of such a tongue (27A-27ʹA, 27B, 27ʹB), extends substantially along the plane of said support zone ( 15A, 15B), however that, the associated median strip (26) having an overall configuration in M, that of the legs (29A, 29B) of this median strip (26) which corresponds to this support zone (15A, 15B) It diverges from its plan. 5. Switch mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, for each of its contact areas (24A, 24B), the conductive brush (13) comprises, each arranged respectively on either side of its median strip (26), parallel to each other, two tabs (27A-27ʹA, 27B-27ʹB). 6. Switch mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that the conductive brush (13) has a central strip (26ʹ), by which it is able to be under the control of the associated operating member (14), and, each connecting the ends of the latter respectively to its contact zones (24A, 24B) respectively, two U-shaped connection zones (32A, 32B), one of the strands of at least one of these zones connection (32A, 32B), that which is on the side opposite to the median strip (26ʹ) being adapted to form by itself a support zone (15A, 15B). 7. Switch mechanism suvinat claim 6, characterized in that in its median zone, at least, the median strip (26ʹ) of the conductive brush generally has a V configuration. 8. Switch mechanism according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, the pivot zones (23A, 23B) of the fixed yoke (11) being oriented in the same direction, for example affecting the one and the same side of such a screed, the areas of contact (24A, 24B) of the conductive brush (13) are bent in the direction of these pivot zones (23A, 23B). 9. Switch mechanism according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, the pivot zones (23A, 23B) of the fixed yoke (11) being arranged back to back, for example each affecting respectively two opposite faces of such a fixed yoke (11), the contact areas (24A, 24B) of the conductive brush (13) are straight. 10. Switch mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the open loop that forms the conductive brush (13) is in one piece. 11. Switch mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, by a cutout (35) affecting its central region, the conductive brush (13) is engaged on the fixed yoke (11), and at least one of the contact areas (24A, 24B) by which it is articulated thereto is formed by the end of a corrugated tongue (36A, 36B) formed by means of such a cutout (35). 12. Switch mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that the other of the contact areas (24A, 24B) of the conductive brush (13) is directly formed by the edge of its cutout (35). 13. Switch mechanism according to claim 12, characterized in that one and the other of its contact zones (24A, 24B) are formed by a corrugated tongue (36A, 36B). 14. Switch mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, the operating member (14) being pivotally mounted, its pivot axis (44) is disposed directly above the yoke fixed (11). 15. Switch mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, the operating member (14) being pivotally mounted, its pivot axis (44A, 44B) and offset, laterally, with respect to to the fixed yoke (11). 16. Switch mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, the operating member (14) being pivotally mounted, it has two pivot axes (44A, 44B), which are laterally offset relative to the fixed yoke (11), each extending respectively on either side of it. 17. Switch mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, the operating member (14) being mounted movable in translation, it is offset relative to the fixed yoke. 18. Switch mechanism according to any one of the references 1 to 16, characterized in that there are several conductive brushes (13) for the same operating member (14). 19. Switch of the kind comprising, in a housing (18), a switch mechanism (10), and, at the disposal of the user, an operating member (14) suitable for its actuation, characterized in that said switch mechanism (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18. 20. Switch according to claim 19, characterized in that, its mechanism comprising according to claim 16, two pivot axes (44A, 44B) offset laterally relative to its fixed yoke (11), said pivot axes (44a, 44B ) with clearance through holes (47A, 47B) of its housing (18). 21. Switch according to any one of claims 19, 20, characterized in that, the operating member (14) of its mechanism being pivotally mounted, it has three holes (45, 45A, 45B) each suitable for the passage of 'a pivot axis, and its housing (18) itself comprises, in correspondence, three holes (47, 47A, 47B).

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