US2011293A - Electric snap switches of the double-pole type - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 13, 1935. A. w. KRIEGER 2,011,293

ELECTRIC SNAP SWITCHES OF THE DOUBLE POLE TYPE Filed Sept. 12, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Insulafion 5 r 5 4 I9 i 16 42 53 mi 2 z, r J9 ELECTRIC SNAP SWITCHES OF THE DOUBLE POLE TYPE Filed Sept. 12, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Insulation Patented Aug. 13, 1935 UNITED STATES ELECTRIC SNAP SWITCHES OF THE DOUBLE-POLE TYPE Alvin W. Krieger, Milwaukee, Wis., assignor to Cutler-Hammer, Inc.,

poration of Delaware Milwaukee, Wis., a cor- Application September 12, 1934, Serial No. 743,637

14 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in electric snap switches of the double-pole type.

An object of the invention is to improve and simplify the construction and assembly of the parts of double-pole snap switches of the toggle type.

Another object is to provide acommon group of different switch parts which may be employed to construct switches of the aforementioned character for either single-circuit or two-circuit control.

Another object is to provide novel forms of wiring terminal elements for such switches.

Another object is to provide switch contacts and contactors of improved form.

Another object is to provide novel means for supporting and actuating the movable contactors of the switch.

Another object is to provide a novel form of cover for certain of the wiring terminal elements of the switch.

Another object is to provide for alternative use of different forms of wiring terminal elements in switches of the aforementioned character.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter appear.

The accompanying drawings illustrate several embodiments of the invention which will now be described, it being understood that the embodiments illustrated are susceptible of modification as to certain details of construction thereof without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a top plan view of the molded insulating base and the contact and terminal elements required to provide a double-pole switch of the single-circuit controlling type, as constructed in accordance with my invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view, on the broken line 22 of Fig. 1, and showing other of the switch parts in assembled position.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view, on the line 3-3 of Fig. l, but showing the contactors in position, and showing the interlocking connection between said contactors and the insulating abutment member for the actuating spring.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view, in separated relation, of certain of the switch parts shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3.

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view of a switch of the two-circuit type as constructed in accordance with my inventicn,-the wiring termirfal elements at the ends and at the bottom of the switch being of the binding screw type.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view, partly in vertical section and partly in elevation, of a two-circuit, double-pole snap switch having all of the wiring terminals thereof concealed.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the molded insulating cover member for the bottom wiring terminals shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a unit comprising a pair of the switch contactors and a body of insulation molded thereabout.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a modified form of contactor supporting member having an endwiring terminal element formed integrally therewith.

Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view on the line l0lil of Fig. 5.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view, in separated relation, of a modified form of stationary contact and end-wiring terminal element therefor, and

Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view showing the manner in which the parts illustrated in Fig. 11 are united.

Referring first to the device shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the numeral l5 designates the base, which may be molded from any suitable electrical insulating material,--as, for instance, a phenolformaldehyde condensation product. Fig. 1 is drawn to a scale of approximately twice the actual dimensions of the switch. Base I5 is preferably of substantially rectangular contour, and as shown the same is provided with a substantially rectangular main recess I6 and four substantially rectangular auxiliary recesses l1, I8, l9, and 20,said auxiliary recesses being arranged at the respective corners of the base and being separated from the main recess l6 by the end walls of the latter.

The end walls of recess l6 are provided with longitudinally alined pairs of notches 2|, 22 and 23, 24, and the bottom wall of recess I6 is provided with a pair of rectangular openings 25 and 26 (Fig. 3) located adjacent to the respective side walls of said recess. A pair of punched and stamped sheet metal members 21 and 28 are provided, said members-are shown being of identical form, and the same having perforated lower end portions 21*, 28 which are insertable downwardly through the respective openings 25 and 26 and exposed below the lower surface of base I5 to provide for attachment of circuit wires. Members 21 and 28 are provided with straight upper edges 21, 28 and the opposite side edges of said members are undercut to provide pairs of integral lugs 21, 21 and 28, 28 which lugs are adapted to seat within the aforementioned 5 pairs of notches 2U, 22 and 23, 2d, whereby said upper edges 2?", 28 are positioned substantially fiush with the upper surface of base in.

Members 2i and 23 are sheared downwardly from the upper edges thereof at spaced points, and the intermediate portions Ell 28 thus produced are bent or offset inwardly as shown. The upper edges of said offset portions are preferably located substantially in the plane of said edges 21 28 aforementioned, and said ofiset portions are notched as shown at El 28 to provide open pivotal bearings. Said bearings El and 28 are respectively adapted to receive the hook-shaped upper ends 2%, til of a pair of flat punched sheet metal contactors 29 and 3d. Contactors 29 and 30 are of identical form, and the same are like wise provided with hook-shaped lower ends 29* 30 By forming the contactors 29 and 3d as shown it will be apparent that either the upper or lower hooked ends thereof may be engaged with said open bearings-and this feature facilitates the assembly of these switch parts. The lower ends 29 Sll of the contactors are adapted to be engaged by a molded insulating member til which is recessed and grooved from the bottom surface and grooved in the ends thereof, as best illustrated in Fig. 3, whereby said contactors are insulated from each other and interlocked in a manner to insure joint movement thereof to opposite extreme positions. The upper surface or" member 3i is provided with a substantially cylindrical boss or projection fil to accommodate and position one end of a coiled compression spring it! (Fig. 2). The opposite side walls of recess iii are preferably recessed as shown at i6 and Ni to insure proper clearance for the upper hooked ends of contactors 29 and 30.

Inasmuch as the switch illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 is of the single-circuit type only one pair of stationary contacts is required. Accordingly I have provided a pair of one-piece punched and stamped sheet metal members 32 and 33, the resilient contact portions 32 and 33- of which are adapted to extend downwardly into the main recess l6 at one end of the latter. The intermediate portion of the bottom wall of recess I 6 is curved longitudinally (see Figs. 1 and 2) to provide clearance for the contactors 29 and 30, and said bottom wall is offset downwardly on opposite sides of said intermediate portion to provide clearance for the lower ends of said contact por tions 32, 33

Said contact portions 32, 33* are of substantially inverted L-shape and the short arms thereof are integrally connected with the terminal portions 32*, 33 at points below the upper ends of the latter, whereby said contact portions are free to flex laterally from and toward each other as an incident to engagement therewith and disengagement therefrom of the contactors 29 and 30. The terminal portions 32" and 33 are insertable downwardly into the respective auxiliary recesses I! and lid-the relatively thin bottom walls of the latter being removed, as by broaching, to permit passage of the perforated lower ends 32, 33 of said terminal members to points below the lower surface of base l5. Said lower ends of the terminal portions are preferably provided with outwardly pressed beads or ribs 32 33 to strengthen the-same and to provide for a close fit thereof within the openings in said bottom walls.

The end wall of recess l6 adjacent to recesses I1 and I8 is provided with notches I6 "i to accommodate said short arms of contact portions 32, Etta-and the opposite walls of recesses I! and 118 are provided with grooves ll N and i8, lil (which are alined with the respective notches le lt to accommodate the relatively wide upper ends of terminal portions 32 and Said relatively wide upper ends are preferably provided at opposite edges thereof with bosses or projections 132 33 (Figs. 1, 2, and 4) to provide for a close fit of said upper ends within the grooves l'l ii and it, lt

As best illustrated in Fig. 2, the arrangement is preferably such that the upper ends of the terininal portions 32 and 33 are positioned substantially flush with the upper surface of base l5. A flat punched plate 36 of insulating material is adapted to overlie the members iii, 2&3, 32 and 33 to retain the same in assembled relation to base [15. A metal top plate 35 is superimposed upon plate Pith-said plate 35 having a boss 35 which is provided with an opening to accommodate the reduced lower end of an externally threaded hollow metal bushing 36. Bushing 36 is provided with an external key-way or groove 3&3 which is adapted to cooperate with a dial or indicating plate (not shown) to insure proper positioning of the latter. Moreover, the metal top plate 225 is provided with an integral lug 35 to engage the side walls of groove 36 to positively insure against rotation of bushing 36 relatively to said top plate after upsetting or spinning the reduced lower end of said bushing, as shown at 36*.

Bushing 36 is provided intermediate its ends with an annular shoulder 536 which acts as a bearing or socket for the enlargement 37f upon an actuating lever 3i. Bushing 36 is provided at its upper end with a straight-sided slot 36 which cooperates with the upper end portion 31 of lever 3? to assist in limiting the latter to oscillatory movement in a single plane. Said upper end of lever 37 is provided with an annular groove 31 into which the lower end portion of a recessed knob 38 is spun, as shown at 38 to secure said knob to said lever. The lower end of lever Bl is provided with a cylindrical recess 31 to accommodate a portion of the insulating pin 39. Pin 3d projects downwardly through a straight-sided slot M in plate 34 to further assist in limiting lever 3i to oscillation in a single plane. Spring 32 is provided at its upper end with a metal. cup member 40 having a depression formed therein to act as a hearing or abutment for the rounded lower end of pin 39.

As best illustrated in Fig. 3 the contact portions 32*, 33 are located adjacent to the respective members 2'l' and 28, and accordingly I prefer to provide a pair of relatively thin insulating plates ti and 42 of substantially U-shape (Fig. 4). The arms of said U-shaped plates extend upwardly (Fig. 2) to a point substantially flush with the upper surface of base I5, whereby upward displacement thereof is pr vented by plate 34. As shown in Fig. 3 the contact portions 32 and 33 will act to prevent substantial lateral displacement of plates 4| and 42.

Base l5 and plates 34 and 35 are provided with pairs of registering openings to accommodate a pair of fastening members, such as rivets, one of which is shown at 23 in Fig. 2 with its hollow upper end upset over metal top plate 35 to secure the various parts of the switch in assembled relation. Base i5 is preferably provided at the bottom of its side walls with openings I52 l5 (registering with the bottom wall openings 25, 26) to accommodate the integral lugs formed at LII the lower ends of the contactor supporting and wiring terminal members of the character shown in Fig. 5.

The operation of the double-pole, single-circuit switch of Figs. 1 to 4 is believed to be apparent. Thus upon movement of knob 38 of lever 3'! toward its extreme right-hand position (Fig. 2) the contactors 29 and 30 are snapped into engagement with the respective contact portions 32 33 to complete both branches or legs of the cont-rolled circuit. Upon movement of knob 38 toward its extreme left-hand position contactors 29 and 30 are moved jointly with a snap action to interrupt both branches of the controlled circuit. Manifestly, however, the switch shown in Figs. 1 to 4, may be wired to provide for joint control of two circuits. Thus by connecting the terminals of one circuit to members 21 and 32 and by connecting the terminals of another circuit to members 28 and 33, the contactors 29 and 39 will be moved in the manner aforedescribed to jointly complete or jointly interrupt the controlled circuits.

Although I have shown the switch of Figs. 1 to 4 as provided with bottom-wiring terminal elements, it is to be understood that the base I5 is so constructed as to accommodate terminal elements of the character hereinafter described to provide for concealed wiring of the stationary contacts (lead-wire type) or to provide for end wiring of said switch contacts. The pairs of grooves |5, l5 and I5 [5 opening to opposite ends of base I5 are provided for such purposes. Where end wiring or concealed wiring of the switch contacts is contemplated the bottom walls of the four auxiliary recesses are left intact, as indicated in Figs. 5, 6, and 10. Also while I have shown the switch of Fig. 2 as provided with a relatively long bushing and an actuating lever of corresponding length it is to be understood that a relatively short bushing and lever such as shown in Fig. 5 may alternatively be employed.

The two-circuit, double-pole switch illustrated in Figs. 5 and 10 is in general quite similar to the switch aforedescribed, and certain of the parts aforcdescribed may be utilized,said parts having been given like characters of reference in the several figures. Thus the base l5 may be identical with the base aforedescribed, except that the relatively thin bottom walls of the four auxil ary recesses are left intact,certain of said bottom walls being shown at 44, 45 and 46 in Figs. 5 and 10. Two pairs of contact and terminal members, like the members 32 and 33 in Fig. 1, are employed in the device of Figs. 5 and l0,-said pairs being reversely arranged at opposite ends of the base 15, as indicated by the reference nu merals. In Figs. 5 and 10 the lower ends of the wiring terminal portions of members 32 and 33 are cut off or shortened as illustrated to provide for accommodation thereof entirely within the respective auxiliary recesses.

In order to providefor end wiring of the Sta-- tionary contacts I prefer to employ two pairs of punched sheet metal members 41, 48, said members being spot-welded or otherwise mechanically and electrically connected to the pairs of members 32 and 33, as indicated at 49 and 50 in Fig. 5. Members 41 and 48 are provided with binding screws 5| exposed in pairs at opposite ends of base I5. The shanks of the binding screws are insulated from each other by means of members (one of which is shown at 52 at the lefthand side of Fig. 5) of the character described in detail in my Patent No. 1,998,962, dated April 23, 1935.

In the device of Fig. 5 I employ a like pair of punched and stamped sheet metal members,- one of which is shown at 53. The portions of members 53 located within recess I6 are identical with the corresponding portions of members 21 and 28 aforedescribed. The exposed lower end portions 53 of members 53 are made relatively longer and wider than those portions of members 21 and 28 and said lower end portions are preferably provided with outwardly extending lugs, as shown at 53*, to act as guards for the circuit wires which are attached as by means of binding screws, one of which is shown at 54. The side openings l5 and 15 in base l5 (Fig. 3) provide clearance for the lugs 53 on members 53 (Fig. 5).

The movable contactors 29 and 3G aforedescribed are employed in the device of Fig. 5, and said contactors may be .assembled in the manner illustrated in Figs-2 to 4, or said contactors may be rigidly connected as by molding about the lower end portions thereof a body of insulation, as shown at 55 in Fig. 8. The arrangement illustrated in Fig. 8 has the advantage of minimixing the number of separate parts of the switch, whereby the assembling operation is facilitated. Moreover, by rigidly uniting the contactors in the manner illustrated in Fig. 8 I in sure against any possibility of lost motion thereof relatively to each other during the circuitmaking or circuit-breaking operations.

In Fig. 5 I have shown a relatively short externally threaded bushing 56 having an actuating lever 51 pivotally supported therewithin as by means of a transverse pin 58,--it being understood that lever 51 is recessed at its lower end to accommodate an insulating pin of the character shown at 39 in Fig. 2. When end-wiring terminal members of the character illustrated in Figs. 5 and .10 are employed I prefer to provide a corresponding number of rectangular insulating members, two of which are shown at 59 and 60 in Fig. 10,said insulating members being interposed between the terminal members and the outer walls of the respective auxiliary recesses to back up or assist in restraining the former against lateral movement, and to insure that the connections between said wiring terminal members and the respective members -32 and 33 are protected against bending strains.

As aforestated the switch of Fig. 5 is of the two-circuit, double-pole type, and accordingly the same functions in an obvious manner to provide for electrical connection of both legs or branches of one circuit and interruption of the current flow through both legs or branches of another circuit upon joint movement of the pair of contactors from each extreme position thereof to the other,the bottom wiring terminal elements of the pivotal supports for the contactors respectively being common to one leg or branch of each of said circuits.

The switch illustrated in Fig. 6 is functionally like that illustrated in Fig. 5. In Fig. 6, however, the two pairs of combined stationary contact and terminal members 32. 33, having the wiring terminal portions thereof clipped or shortened for concealment thereof entirely within the respective auxiliary recesses, have attached to the outer surfaces thereof, as by welding, brazing or soldering, the bated ends of a corresponding number of lead wires of the desired length. Two of said lead wires are shown at GI and 62,the

bared end iii of lead wire El being shown in dotted lines as welded to the outer surface of terminal portion 33 The contactor supporting and wiring terminal members are identical with those elements described inconnection with Figs. 1 to l,one of said members being shown at 28 in Fig. 6. The unit comprising contactors 29, 3B and the molded insulating body is like that shown in Fig. 8. The bushing, of which a fragment is shown at may be of the relatively long form shown in Fig. 2, or of the short form shown in Fig. 5, and the actuating lever (not shown) will be of a size and form corresponding to the type of bushing employed. The other elements of the switch of Fig. 6 which correspond with the parts aforedescribed have been given like numerals of reference.

Alead wire 64 is shown as having its bared end 64 spot-welded to the inner surface of the wiring terminal portion 28 of member 28,'it being understood that the bared end of another lead wire (not shown) will be similarly electrically connected with the other member like that shown at 2? in Fig. 4. In order to conceal the connections just mentioned I prefer to employ a molded insulating cover member of the character shown at 65 in Figs. 6 and 7. Member 85 is provided with a pair of spaced depressions or recesses 65 and 65 of a depth to accommodate the lower ends of members 2i and 28,said recesses having grooves 65 and 65 leading therefrom toward one end of member 55 to accommodate the pair of lead wires. Member 65 is provided at opposite ends thereof with openings or passages 65 65 which register with the openings in base i5 and plates 34 and 235; and a pair of rivets 66 and 61 of the required length are employed to secure said parts in assembled relation.

In Fig. 9 I have shown a modified form of contactor support and wiring terminal member 58, the main body portion of which is preferably identical with the parts aforedescribed. In Fig. 9, however, said main body portion is of such vertical length as to fit entirely within the recess H3 in base 55, and the same has formed integrally with one end thereof a wiring terminal portion 68 to adapt a switch employing the same to end wiring of said parts. Said end portion 68 is offset inwardly from the plane of the main body portion of member 58, as indicated at 68', and the same is tapped at 68 to receive the shank of a binding screw (not shown).

It is to be understood that a pair of righthand and left-hand members of the character shown at 68 will be employed,and that an insulating member like that shown at 52 in Fig. 5 may be employed to receive and insulate the shanks of the binding screws. Members of the character illustrated in Fig. 9 will of course be employed in conjunction with base I5 only in constructing a double-pole switch of the single-circuit controlling type,a pair of stationary contact and terminal members of any of the types shown in the other figures being utilized in such construction.

In Figs. 11 and 12 I have shown a modified form of combined contact and terminal member 69 which is in general like that shown at 32 and 33 in Figs. 5 and 6. However, member 69 is provided with a pair of circular openings 69, 69 which are adapted to receive the cylindrical extrusions 10* and 10 formed upon the end-wiring terminal member I0, and the hollow outer ends of said extrusions are upset over the member 68, as shown in Fig. 12, to mechanically and electrically connect said parts to each other.

not 1,293

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulation base having a recess opening to the upper surface thereof, a pair of punched sheet metal members having straight upper edges, said members being freely insertable into said recess in planes adjacent to the respective side walls of the latter, said members having bearings formed therein and arranged in alinement with each other, said members also having wiring terminal portions formed integrally therewith and arranged for exposure thereof exteriorly of said base, a pair of contactors adapted for engagement with the respective bearings; means comprising an insulating member for maintaining said contactors in spaced and insulated relationship to each other and to insure joint oscillatory movement thereof to opposite extreme positions, a pair of spaced contacts located within said recess at one end of the latter, said contacts having elements associated therewith to provide for attachment of circuit wires, a flat punched plate of insulating material overlying the upper surface of said base and adapted to retain said sheet metal members and said contacts in assembled position, a lever pivotally supported relatively to said insulating base, said plate having an opening formed therein to provide clearance for a part of said lever, and a coiled spring interposed between said part of said lever and said insulating member, said spring being adapted to eifect snap movements of said contactors into and out of engagemerit with the respective contacts upon corresponding movements of said lever toward opposite extreme positions thereof.

2. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a recess opening to the upper surface thereof, a pair of punched sheet metal members having straight upper edges, said members being freely insertable into said recess in planes adjacent to the respective side walls of the latter, said base and said members having cooperating shoulders formed integrally therewith to provide for positioning of said upper edges in a substantially flush relation to the upper surface of said base and to insure against lateral displacement of said members relatively to each other, said members having open pivotal bearings formed therein and arranged in alinement with each other, said members also having wiring terminal portions formed integrally therewith and arranged for exposure thereof exteriorly of said base, a pair of sheet metal contactors adapted for engagement with the respective bearings, means comprising an insulating member for maintaining said contactors in spaced and insulated relationship to each other and to insure joint oscillatory movement thereof to opposite extreme positions, a pair of spaced contacts located within said recess at one end of the latter, said contacts having elements associated therewith to provide for attachment of circuit wires, 9. flat punched plate of insulating material overlying the upper surface of said base and adapted to retain said sheet metal members and said contacts in assembled position, a lever pivotally supported relatively to said insulating base, said plate having an opening formed therein to provide clearance for a part of said lever, and a coiled spring interposed between said part of said lever and said insulating member, said spring being adapted to effect snap movements of said contactors into and out of engagement with the respective contacts upon corresponding movements of said lever toward opposite extreme positions thereof.

3. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a recess opening to the upper surface thereof, a pair of punched sheet metal members having straight upper edges, said members being freely insertable into said recess in planes parallel to each other, said base and said members having cooperating shoulders formed integrally therewith to provide for positioning of said upper edges in a substantially flush relation to the upper surface of said base and to insure against lateral displacement of said members relatively to each other, said members having bearings formed therein and arranged in alinement with each other, said membersalso having wiring terminal portions formed integrally therewith and arranged for exposure thereof exteriorly of said base, a pair of contactors adapted for engagement with the respective bearings, means comprising an insulating member for maintaining said contactors in spaced and insulated relationship to each other and to insure joint oscillatory movement thereof to opposite extreme positions, four resilient contacts located within said recess and arranged in spaced pairs at opposite ends of the latter, said contacts having wiring terminal elements associated therewith, said wiring terminal elements having portions thereof arranged in substantially flush relationship with the upper surface of said base, a flat punched plate of insulating material secured flatwise to the upper surface of said base and adapted to retain said sheet metal members and said contacts in assembled position, a lever pivotally supported relatively to said base, said lever having an abutment element extending downwardly into said recess, said insulating plate having an opening formed therein to provide clearance for said abutment, and a coiled compression spring interposed between said abutment and said insulating member to provide for snap movement of said contactors into engagement with said pairs of contacts alternately upon oscillatory movement of said lever toward opposite extreme positions respectively.

4. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a recess opening to the upper surface thereof, said recess having openings formed in the bottom wall thereof at points adjacent to the opposite side walls thereof respectively, the end walls of said recess having pairs of notches formed therein, the notches of the respective pairs being alined with each other longitudinally of said base, a pair of punched sheet metal members freely insertable into said recess, said members having end portions adapted to project downwardly through the respective openings aforementioned, said members also having lugs formed thereon and adapted to seat within the respective pairs of notches whereby said members are positioned with their upper edges substantially fiush with the upper surface of said base, the downwardly projecting end portions of said members being exposed below the lower surface of said base to provide for attachment of circuit wires thereto, the upper edges of said members being provided with open pivotal bearings, a pair of fiat punched sheet metal contactors eachhaving pivotal engagement with one of said bearings, a molded insulating member attached to the free ends of said contactors and adapted to provide for joint movement thereof, a pair of spaced contacts located within said recess at one end of the latter, a coiled compression spring having one end thereof in abutting engagement with said insulating member, a cupped member carried by the other end of said a flat punched plate of insulating material overlying the upper surface of said base and adapted to retain said sheet metal members and said contacts in assembled position, said plate having a relatively narrow slot extending longitudinally thereof, a lever pivotally supported relatively to said insulating case, and an insulating pin carried by said lever and extending downwardly therefrom through the slot aforementioned, said pin being in engagement with said cupped member, whereby said contactors are moved jointly with a snap action into and out of engagement with said contacts upon corresponding movements of said lever to opposite extreme positions.

5. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a main recess opening to the upper surface thereof, said recess having a pair of substantially rectangular openings formed in the bottom wall thereof at points adjacent to the opposite side walls thereof respectively, the end walls of said recess having pairs of notches formed therein, the notches of the respective pairs being alined with each other 1ongitudinally of said base, a pair of punched and stamped sheet metal members freely insertable into said recess, said members having end portions adapted to project downwardly through the respective openings aforementioned and said end portions being exposed below the lower surface of said base to provide for attachment of circuit wires thereto, said members also having lugs formed thereon adjacent to the upper edges thereof, said lugs being adapted to seat within the respective pairs of notches whereby said members are positioned with their upper edges substantially flush with the upper surface of said base, the upper end of each of said members having an intermediate portion thereof sheared and bent to provide an inwardly offset lug, the respective inwardly offset lugs having bearing notches formed therein, a pair of flat punched sheet metal contactors each having a hooked end adapted for pivotal engagement with the bearing notch in one of said inwardly offset lugs, each of said contactors also having another end portion of hook form, a molded insulating member recessed in its bottom surface and in its side edges to accommodate the last mentioned end portions of said contactors, whereby the latter are insulated from but interlocked for movement jointly with each other, a spring abutment formed integrally with said insulating member at the upper surface thereof, said insulating base having an auxiliary recess formed at each of the four corners thereof, said main recess having notches formed in the end walls thereof to provide for communication with said auxiliary recesses, four punched and stamped sheet metal contact and terminal members, the resilient contact portions of said members being arranged in pairs at opposite ends of said main recess, and the terminal portions of said members being respectively positioned within said auxiliary recesses, a flat punched plate of insulating material adapted to overlie the upper surface of said base whereby said first mentioned and last mentioned sheet metal members are retained in position, said plate having a longitudinally extending slot formed therein, an actuating lever having a pivotal support above said insulating base, an insulating pin carried by said lever and extending through the slot aforementioned, and a coiled compression spring interposed between the lower end of said pin and said abutment, said spring providing for snap movements of said contactors ing pairs of notches formed therein, the notches of the respective pairs being alined with each other longitudinally of said base, a pair of punched and stamped sheet metal members freely insertable into said recess, said members having end portions adapted to project downwardly through the respective openings aforementioned and said end portions being exposed below the lower surface of said base to provide for attachment of circuit wires thereto, said members also having lugs formed thereon adjacent to the upper edges thereof, said lugs being adapted to seat within the respective pairs of notches whereby said members are positioned with their upper edges substantially flush with the upper surface of said base, the upper end of each of said members having an intermediate portion thereof sheared and bent to provide an inwardly offset lug, the respective inwardly offset lugs having bearing notches formed therein, a pair of fiat punched sheet metal contactors each having a hooked end adapted for pivotal engagement with the bearing notch in one of said inwardly offset lugs, each of said contactors also having another end portion of hook form, a molded insulating member recessed in its bottom surface and in its side edges to accommodate the last mentioned end portions of said contactors, whereby the latter are insulated from but interlocked for movement jointly with each other, a spring abutment formed integrally with said insulating member at the upper surface thereof, said insulating base having an auxiliary recess formed at each of the four corners thereof, said main recess having notches formed in the end walls thereof to provide for communication with said auxiliary recesses, four punched and stamped sheet metal contact and terminal members, the resilient contact portions of said members being arranged in pairs at opposite ends of said main recess, and the terminal portions of said members being respectively positioned within said auxiliary recesses, a fiat punched plate of insulating material adapted to overlie the upper surface of said base whereby said first mentioned and last mentioned sheet metal members are retained in position, said plate having a longitudinally extending slot formed therein, an actuating lever having a pivotal support above said insulating base, an insulating pin carried by said lever and extending through the slot aforementioned, a coiled compression spring interposed between the lower end of said pin and said abutment, said spring providing for snap movements of said contactors to opposite extreme positions into and out of engagement with the respective pairs of resilient contact portions upon corresponding oscillatory movements of said lever, a molded irisulating member adapted to underlie said insulating base, said member being recessed to acaoi 1,293

commodate the downwardly projecting end portions of said first mentioned sheet metal members and the circuit wires attached thereto, a metal top plate superimposed upon the insulating plate aforementioned, and a pair of fastening members extending through said last mentioned molded insulating member, said base, said in sulating plate and said top plate whereby all of said parts are retained in assembled relation.

'7. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a main recess of substantially rectangular contour opening to the upper surface thereof, the bottom wall of said recess having a pair of substantially rectangular openings formed therein in planes substantially flush with the respective side walls thereof, the opposite end walls of said recess having pairs of alined notches formed therein at the points of junction thereof with said side walls, a pair of punched and stamped sheet metal members hav ing straight upper edges, said members having downwardly facing shoulders formed at opposite side edges thereof, said shoulders being adapted to seat within said pairs of notches whereby said upper edges are located substantially flush with the upper surface of said base, said members also having lower end portions of reduced width which are adapted to penetrate the openings aforementioned, said lower end portions being exposed be low the lower surface of said base and the same having openings formed therein to provide for attachment of circuit wires, a pair of contactors respectively adapted to engage in the bearings aforementioned, means including an insulating member for retaining said contactors in spaced and insulated relationship to each other and for insuring movement thereof jointly to opposite extreme positions, a coiled compression spring having one end thereof engaged with said insulating member, a lever pivotally supported above said base, on insulating element carried by the lower end of said lever and engaged with the other end of said spring, said insulating base having a pair of auxiliary recesses located at one end thereof, said auxiliary recesses having relatively narrow openings formed therein at the lower ends there'- of respectively, a pair of one-piece combined contact and terminal members, said members having the contact portions thereof located within said main recess at the aforementioned end thereof and having the terminal portions thereof located within said auxiliary recesses, the lower ends of said terminal portions extending through said relatively narrow openings and being exposed below the lower surface of said base to provide for attachment of circuit wires thereto, and a flat punched plate of insulating material secured to the upper surface of said base and overlying said sheet metal members and said contact and terminal members to retain the same in assembled relationito said base.

8. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base of substantially rectangular contour, said base having a substantially rectangular main recess, said base also having a relatively smaller recess at one corner thereof,

said recesses opening to the upper surface of said' base and having a vertical wall formed therebetween, said wall having a relatively narrow notch formed therein at the upper edge thereof, said relatively smaller recess having a pair of grooves formed in opposite walls thereof in alinement with said notch, a one-piece'combined contact and wiring terminal member formed of resilient sheet metal, the wiring terminal portion of said member being insertable within said relatively smaller recess, said wiring terminal portion having an area of relatively greater width adjacent to the upper end thereof to provide for reception thereof within said grooves, said area of relatively greater width being provided with bosses adjacent to its side edges to insure a close fit thereof within said grooves, the upper end of said terminal portion being located in a plane substantially flush with the upper surface of said base, the contact portion of said member being of substantially inverted L-shape and having the short arm thereof extending laterally from a side edge of said terminal portion at a point below the upper end of the latter, said arm being accommodated by the notch aforementioned, the long arm of said contact portion extending downwardly into said main recess in a plane substantially parallel to said terminal portion, the bottom wall of said main recess having a vertical shoulder formed thereon to be engaged by the lower end of said long arm whereby the latter is retained in position under a predetermined degree of tension, and an insulating cover member secured to the upper surface of said base and overlying said combined contact and wiring terminal member to retain the latter in assembled position.

9. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a main recess, said base also having a pair of auxiliary recesses at one end thereof, all of said recesses opening to the upper surface of said base, said auxiliary recesses being spaced from said main recess by an end wall of the latter, a pair of punched sheet metal members having straight upper edges, said members being freely insertable into said main recess in planes adjacent to the respective side Walls of the latter, the opposite end walls of said recess having notches formed therein and alined in pairs longitudinally of said base, said members having lugs formed thereon to respectively seat within said pairs of notches to provide for positioning of said upper edges in a substantially flush relation to the upper surface of said base and to insure against lateral displacement of said members relatively to each other, said members having open pivotal bearings formed therein and arranged in alinement with each other, said members also having wiring terminal portions formed integrally therewith and arranged for exposure thereof exteriorly of said base, a pair of metal contactors adapted for engagement with the respective bearings, means for insulating said contactors from each other and for insuring movement thereof jointly to opposite extreme positions, a pair of combinedcontaet and terminal members, the contact portions of said members being located within said main recess and the terminal portions thereof being located within the respective auxiliary recesses, said contact portions having their lower ends located adjacent to said sheet metal members first mentioned, a pair of relatively thin insulating plates interposed between said contact portions and said sheet metal members to insure against engagement thereof with each other, and a flat plate of insulating material secured to the upper surface of said base and overlying said sheet metal members and said combined contact and terminal members to retain the same in assembled position.

10. As an article of manufacture, a combined contactor support and wiring terminal member for electric snap switches of the toggle type, said member comprising a relatively thick and substantially non-resilient punched and stamped sheet metal member having a main body portion adapted for insertion edgewise into a suitably recessed molded insulating base, said main body portion having a straight upper edge to be engaged by the flat insulating cover member of said base, said upper edge having an open bearing formed therein to provide a support for an oscillatable contactor, said main body portion also having downwardly facing shoulders formed thereon adjacent to said upper edge to provide for positioning thereof with respect to the base, and said main body portion having a wiring terminal portion formed integrally therewith and arranged for exposure thereof exteriorly of said base.

11. As an article of manufacture, a one-piece combined contactor support and wiring terminal member for electric snap switches of the toggle type, said member consisting of a substantially rigid punched and stamped sheet metal member having a main body portion adapted for insertion edgewise into a suitably recessed molded insulating base, said main body portion having a straight upper edge to be engaged by the flat insulating cover member of said base, said upper edge having a portion thereof offset laterally and provided with an open pivotal bearing for the purpose set forth, said main body portion being undercut at opposite side edges thereof whereby positioning lugs are provided at opposite sides of the upper end thereof, and said main body portion having a perforated lower end portion of reduced Width to provide for attachment of a circuit wire thereto.

12. As an article of manufacture, a contactor unit for electric snap switches of the double-pole type, said unit comprising a pair of metal contactors, said contactors having pivot lugs formed integrally therewith at the upper ends thereof respectively, and a body of insulation molded about the lower ends of said contactors, said body of insulation being adapted to retain said contactors in fixed and insulated relationship to each other and to insure joint movement thereof to opposite extreme positions, said body of insulation having an abutment formed on the upper surface thereof for cooperation with a suitable actuating spring;

13. As an article of manufacture, a contactor unit for electric snap switches of the double-pole type, said unit comprising a pair of flat punched sheet metal contactors of identical form each of said contactors having a straight body portionv and end portions extending laterally in opposite directions relative to each other and then inwardly in parallel relation to said body portion, said contactors being arranged with either pair of the ends thereof extending inwardly toward but spaced from each other and with the other pair of ends extending outwardly to provide for pivotal and electrical connection thereof with suitable supports, a body of insulation molded about the adjacent end portions of said pair of contactors and about the inner edges of said straight body portions at the lower ends of the latter, the outer edges of said straight body portions being adapted for engagement with resilient stationary contacts of suitable form, and the upper surface of said insulating body having a substantially cylindrical abutment formed thereon to accommodate the end of a coiled compression spring.

14. As an article of manufacture, a flat punched sheet metal contactor for electric snap switches, the material of said contactor being of substan- 8 amigos tially equal width throughout its length, said contactor having a main body portion with parallel vertical edges, either of said edges being adapted for engagement with a resilient stationary contact of suitable form, the ends of said contactor having portions thereof respectively extending in opposite direetions at right angles to said main body portion and said ends having other portions ex tending inwardly toward opposite ends of said main body portion in parallel relationship to the latter, whereby reversely extending hooks are provided, either of said hooks being adapted for pivotal engagement with a suitable support, and the other of said hooks being adapted for driving engagement thereof by an insulating actuating element of suitable form.

ALWN W. KRIEGER.

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