US1158426A - Electric switch. - Google Patents

Description

F. BARR.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 10. 19|3.

1,158,426. Patented Nov. 2, 1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

Human F. BARR.

ELECTRIC SWlTCH.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 10. 1913.

1,158,426. Pamnted Nov. 2, 1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2- I/WE/VTUR i arr,

FBEDEBIC BARB, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 2, 1915.

Application filed Kay 10, 1913. Serial No. 766,666.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Fnnnnmo BARR, a citizen of the United States of America, and residing at New York, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have 1nvented new and useful Improvements in Electric Switches, of which the following is a specification.

My present invention relates particularly to switches of the so-called lever type wherein an intermittent step by step movement is imparted to a rotatable circuit closing member through the medium of an oscillating switch operating lever, the broad objects of the invention being to provide a simple, practical and inexpensive switch construction of this enera'l type.

An especial ob ect of the invention is to provide simple and practical mechanism for indicating the open and closed circuit conditions of the switch. In the accomplishment of this latter object I propose to mount a switch indicator direct upon the under-side of the cover or casing which incloses the switch parts and to operate the said indicator by means of an upstanding pawl on the switch lever en aging with dependent ratchet teeth on the indicator. By this means a step by step movement is given the indicator in accordance with the movement which is imparted at the same time to the circuit closing switch member. In the form of the invention here disclosed the ratchet teeth are provided in the form of inclined spring fingers on the underside of the indicator and the pawl consists of a lug upstanding from the switch operating lever, having an abrupt face to positively engage the ends of the spring fingers in the forward stroke of the lever and an inclined end surface to slide along under the spring fingers on the reverse or backward movement of the lever. The switch lever is provided with a handle, chain or like means for operating the same and as this operating means is usually projected out through the side of the switch cover the top of the cover may be left whole or imperferate, except for a small window opening for exposing the indicator.

Another feature of the invention consists in making the insulating base of the switch in a single piece and with an integral upstanding rim substantially inclosing the entire switch mechanism, this rim having a segmental recess therein to receive the operating lever and the end walls of this recess serving as stops to limit the oscillation of the v lever.. These stops serve also as a protective meansto prevent the lever from engaging with circuit terminals which are located in recesses d sposed in back of the said stops.

Var1ous other features of the invention Wlll appear as the specification proceeds.

The drawings accompanying this specificat1on illustrate two concrete embodiments of the invention but it will be understood that the invention is susceptible of various changes and modifications and I would have it understood further that the terms employed herein are terms of description rather than of limitation except so far as may be required by the prior art.

Figure 1, is a plan view of a switch construction in accordance with and embodymg the invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view with the cover and indicator removed. Fig. 3, is a slde View looking upward in Fig. 1. Fig. 4, is a. cross sectional view taken substantially on the plane of line 44 of Fig. 2, with the cover and indicator in place. Fig. 5, is a detail perspective View of the indicator. Fig. 6, is an inside view of the cover showing the indicator attached thereto. Fig. 7, is a bottom plan view of the insulating base. Fig. 8, is a drop perspective view of the entire switch mechanism including the operating lever and the base on which the parts are mounted. Fig. 9, is a top view of the insulating base alone. Fig. 10, is a plan View of another form of the switch, in which a chain is used for operating the switch lever. In this view the cover and the chain guide are shown in section, the section being taken substantially on the plane of the line 10--10 in Fig. 11. Fig. 11, is a side view of this form of switch looking upward in Fig. 10. Fig. 12, is a similar side view with the cover lifted. Fig. 13, is a bottom view of the insulating base. Fig. 14, is a cross taken substantially on the plane of the line plane of the line 14-44 of Fig. 10. Fig. 15, is a perspective view of the switch operating member used in this second form of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, the numeral 15 designates an insulating base of porcelain or the like material for the support of the switch mechanism. The switch mechanism illustrated consists of a central rigid post or spindle 16 upon which there is mounted a rotatable switch member 17 adapted to engage the relatively fixed inclined switch contacts 18 and 19 which are disposed at opposite sides of the spindle. This rotatable switch member may be insulated from the spindle by means of an insulating disk 20, the disk being rotatably engaged on the spindle and the switch member having an angular shaped opening 21 therein to engage a correspondingly shaped boss on the underside of the disk so that the switch member will be carried by and rotate with the disk. The switch member is rotated with an intermittent step by step movement by means of an oscillatin switch operating lever 22 which has a hu portion 23 pivotally engaged on the spindle. A pawl and ratchet connection serves as the means for converting the oscillating movements of the lever into the step by step movements of the switch member, such connection being here provided in the form of downwardly struck pawls 24 on the hub of the lever which engage the shoulders 25 of the ratchet plate 26, this ratchet plate being attached to the disk 20 which carries the switch member by having an angular opening 27 which engages over the correspondingly shaped boss 28 on the top of the disk. A spring 29 mounted on the spindle and engaging the switch operating lever and a fixed abutment 30 serves to return and normally hold the lever in the position of rest shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4. The abutment in this case is shown as a notched nut screwed on the up per end of the spindle. By engagin the upper end of the spring in the di erent notches in this nut the tension of the spring may be adjusted at will.

The means for indicating the circuit condition of the switch, is here in the form of an indicator dial 31, attached to and carried by the cover or casing 32 which incloses the switch mechanism. This dial is shown rotatably secured on the underside of the cover bv means of a central rivet 33 and as bearing suitable indications 34 on its face visible through a sight opening 35 in the top of the cover near one edge thereof. A pawl and ratchet connection between the switch operating lever and the indicator provides a means for effecting a step by step rotation of the indicator corresponding to the step by step movement imparted by the lever to the movable switch member. This connection is here shown as a series of ratchet teeth formed by the inclined spring arms 36 struck down from the dial plate and an upstanding rigid pawl 37 carried by the switch operating lever. This rigid pawl has an abrupt front face 38 which makes positive engagement with the free dependent ends of the spring ratchet teeth in the forward movement of the lever and a rearwardly inclined end surface 39 adapted to slide along under the spring arms upon the reverse or retractive movement of the lever. The indicator is by suitable means held against retractive movement during this reverse movement of the lever and the means for this urpose is here the frictional enga ement o the indicator with the undersi e of the cover. A friction washer 40 may be interposed between the dial and the under surface of the cover to make the frictional hold a more positive one. An insulating lining 41 for the cover is usually provided and the e es of this lining may, by engaging with the 1ndicator (Fig. 4), serve to assist in holding the indicator against reverse movement.

The operation will be clear from the foregoing and it will be seen that the same movement of the switch operating lever which serves to impart a circuit-opening or circuitclosing movement to the movable switch member serves also through the ratchet connection to impart a rotary movement to the indicator corresponding to the movement imparted to the switch member. Upon the return or retractive movement of the switch lever the movable switch member remains in the position to which it has just been turned and the indicator being held against retractive movement also remains in the position to which it has been turned and therefore gives indication of the true condition of the switch. Reverse movement of the switch member is prevented in the present instance by making the base with shoulders 42 which are engaged by the dependent and rearwardly inclined contact making arms 43 of the switch member 17.

The switch operating lever, is, in the form of the invention just described, provided with an operating handle 44 which extends out through a slot or opening 45 in the side of the cover and as this opening in the side of the switch housing is the only opening needed for the operating parts of the switch, the top of the cover may be made entirely closed and imperforate except for the window opening which may be provided for the indicator dial. The'cover is secured upon the base by suitable means, such means here taking the form of screws 46 in the sides of the cover which pass inward into engage- Lnent with the recesses 47 provided in the ase.

For the purpose of protecting the switch mechanism the base is shown provided with a central recess or depression 48 in which the switch parts are seated. The base is preferably made in one single piece and to afford further protection to the switch parts it may be made with an integral upstanding annular rim 49 substantially surrounding and inclosing the switch mechanism. This rim has a segmental portion 50 recessed or cut away to receive the operating lever and the opposite end walls 51 and 52 of this passed up through the bottom of the base into engagement with the angular feet 53 and 54' of the two terminals. The circuit wires are connected with the terminals by passing them up through the openings 57 and 58 in the bottom of the base. The circuit terminals are, as shown in Fig. 2, disposed on opposite sides of the switch spindle and to preclude any possibility of the switch lever ever contacting with the circuit terminals I have shown these terminals as seated in recesses 59 and 60 in the rim 49 disposed in rear of or behind the insulating stops 51 and 52. As the movable switch member is insulated from the spindle, the spindle carries no current and consequently the switch operating lever pivoted on the spindle carries no current. The engagement of the pawl on the operating lever with the indicator dial therefore does not carry any current to the dial or to the cover on which the dial is mounted.

In the modification illustrated in Figs. 10 to 14 I have shown how the switch operating member or lever may be actuated by a cord or chain insteadof a projecting handle as in the first form. In these views 61 designates the switch operating lever and 62 the chain connected to said lever for actuating the same. This chain passes out through the side of the switch housing and is preferably guided in. its movements by being passed through a tubular guide member 63. This chain guide is for attachment purposes provided with a base plate 64 having an angular foot portion 65 adapted to fit in a recess 66 shaped to receive it, formed in the base, a screw 67 being passed up through the bottom of the base into engagement with the foot of the chain guide to secure the guide in place. The cover 68 in this case is slotted at 69 to fit over the neck portion 70 of the guide. The engagement of the foot of the chain guide in the correspondingly shaped recess 66 in the base holds the chain guide against twisting or turning and the base plate 64 by engaging with the insulating stop 52 (as shown in Fig. 10) serves to further bracethe guide. The side of the cover, by engaging down over the outside of the base plate 64, as illustrated in Figs. 11, 12 and 13 acts to brace the chain guide against any outward pull. In Fig. 10 it will be noted how the cover fits the marginal rim 49 of the base.

What I claim is 1. In an electric switch, the combination of a movable switch member, an oscillating switch operating member operatively connected with the switch member, a movable switch indicator and connections between the oscillating switch operating member and the said movable indicator whereby said indicator will be moved by the operating member in accordance with the movement imparted by said oscillating operating member to the movable switch member.

2. In an electric switch, the combination of a rotatable switch member, an oscillating switch operating member operatively connected with said rotatable member, a rotatable switch indicator and operating connections from the oscillating switch operating member to the rotatable switch indicator whereby said indicator will be rotated by the oscillating operating member in accordance with the rotary movement imparted by said member to the rotatable switch member.

3. In an electric switch, the combination of a movable switch member, an oscillating switch operating member operatively connected with the switch member, a rotatable switch indicator and connections from the oscillating switch operating member to the rotatable switch indicator whereby said indicator will be rotated by the oscillating operating member in the operation of the switch member by said operating member.

4. In an electric switch, the combination of an insulating base, switch mechanism mounted thereon, an oscillating lever operatively connected with the switch mechanism, a cover applied to the base and inclosing the switch mechanism, an indicator pivotally supported on the cover and a pawl and ratchet connection between the switch operating lever and indicator whereby as the said lever is oscillated the indicator will be rotated with a step by step movement.

5. In an electric switch, the combination of an insulating base, switch mechanism mounted thereon, an oscillating lever operatively connected with the switch mechanism, a cover applied to the base and inclosing the switch mechanism, an indicator pivotally supported on the cover and provided with dependent ratchet teeth and an upstanding pawl carried by the operating lever engaging the ratchet teeth to efl'ect a step by step rotation of the indicator as the lever is oscillated.

6. In an electric switch, the combination of an insulating base, switch mechanism mounted thereon, an oscillating lever opcratively connected with the switch mechanism, a cover inclosing the switch mechanism and provided with an opening therein, an indicator pivoted on the underside of the cover and visible through the opening in the cover. the said indicator having dependent inclined spring fingers, and a pawl carried by the operating lever engaging the spring fingers to effect a step by step rotation of the indicator as the lever is oscillated.

7. In an electric switch, the combination of an insulating base, switch mechanism mounted thereon, an oscillating lever operatively connected with the switch mechanism, a cover applied to the base and inclosing the switch mechanism, an indicator pivotally supported on the underside of the cover and normally held against rotation by frictional engagement with the cover, a series of dependent ratchet teeth on the indicator, and a pawl carried by the operating lever engaging the ratchet teeth to effect a step by step rotation of the indicator as the lever is oscillated.

8. In an electric switch, the combination of a movable switch member, an oscillating switch operating lever operatively connected with the switch member, a cover applied to the base having an imperforate top provided with an indicator opening near one edge thereof, an indicator pivoted on the underside of the cover having a part visible through the opening in the cover, operating means for oscillating the switch lever extending out through one side of the cover, and a pawl and ratchet connection between the said lever and the indicator for effecting a step by step rotation of the indicator as the lever is oscillated.

9. In combination, an insulating base, switch mechanism mounted thereon, an oscillating switch lever operatively connected with the switch mechanism, a rotatable indicator provided with spring ratchet teeth, and a pawl upstanding from the switch operating lever provided with an abrupt forward face to positively engage the ends of the ratchet teeth on the forward stroke of the lever and an inclined end surface to slide under the spring ratchet teeth upon the reverse stroke of the operating lever.

10. In an electric switch, an lnsulating base provided with a marginal rim and having a circular recess in the front for the switch mechanism and passages for the condoctors at opposite sides of the circular recess, inclined switch contacts in said recess, circuit terminals extending from said contacts in said recess out beyond the walls thereof adjacent the passages aforesaid, a rotating switch contact, an oscillating operating member therefor and a cover fitting the rim of said base and inclosing the switc mechanism.

11. Inan electric switch, a base having a marginal rim, relatively fixed contacts mounted on the base, circuit terminals connected to said contacts, a spindle carried by the base between the contacts, a rotatable contact on the spindle arranged to engage the relatively fixed contacts, a ratchet for operating the rotatable contact, a cover fitting the rim of the base and inclosing the switch mechanism, an operatingmember for the ratchet extending through one side of the cover and screws passing through the cover into the base to detachably secure the cover to the base.

12. In an electric switch, the combination of an insulating basehaving a marginal rim, switch mechanlsm mounted on said base, an oscillatin lever operatively connected with the switch mechanism, a chain connected to said lever, a tubular guide for the chain having an upstanding base plate in line with the marginal rim of the base, the said base plate having an angular foot and the base having a recess shaped to receive the said foot to thereby hold the chain guide against turning, a screw passed u through the base and engaging the angu ar foot of the guide to secure the guide as thus seated in the recem, a cover fitting the rim of the base and engaging over the outside of the base plate to brace the same against outward pull on the chain guide, the said cover having a slot therein to engage over the neck portion of the chain guide and means detachably securing the cover to the base.

13. In an electric switch, the combination of switch mechanism including a. movable switch member, a switch operating member operatively connected with the movable switch member, a movable switch indicator adjacent the switch. operating member and a pawl and ratchet connection from said operating member to the said indicator whereby the indicator will be shifted according to the movement of the movable switch member.

14. In an electric switch, the combination with a movable switch member and a movable switch indicator of a. switch operating member interposed between the switch memher and the switch indicator, a pawl and ratchet connection from said operating member to the switch member at one side of the same and a pawl and ratchet connection from said operating member to the indicator at the opposite side of said operating member whereby the switch indicator will be operated in accordance with the movement imparted to the switch member.

15. In an electric switch, the combination of an insulating base, switch mechanism mounted thereon, an oscillatin lever operatively connected with the switc mechanism, a cover applied to the base and inclosing the switch mechanism, a pivotally mounted switch indicator, operating means for oscillating the switch lever extending out through one side of the cover and a W1 and ratchet connection betwen the said ever and the indicator for eifecting a step by step rotation of the indicator as the lever is as cillated.

16. In an electric switch, the combination of an insulating base provided with an up standing marginal rim, switch mechanism mounted on said base within the said rim, an operating member operatively connected with said switch mechanism, a chain connected with said operating member, a tubular guide for the chain, mounted on the base and provided with an upstanding base plate in line with the marginal rim on the base, and a cover secured to the base and fitting down over the marginal rim on the base and guide and said cover having a slot in the 15 edge thereof to engage over the projecting neck portion of the chain guide.

FREDERIC BARR. Witnesses:

W. H. FREEMAN, APPLE'roN SMITH.

It is hereby certified that in Letters Patent No. 1,158,426, granted November 2,

1915, upon the application of Frederic Barr, of New York, N. Y., for an improvement in Electric Switches, errors apbear in the printed specification requiring correction as follows: Page 1, line 99, after the word cross insert the words sectional 'mletu; same page, line 100, strike out the words plane of the line; and

that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Ofiioe.

Signed and sealed this 23rd day of November, A. D., 1915.

[smrh] J. T. NEWTON,

Acting Commissioner of Patents. Cl. 175290.

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