Electricity: circuit makers and breakers – Solid contact – Rocking actuator
Patent
1997-07-28
1999-01-19
Scott, J. R.
Electricity: circuit makers and breakers
Solid contact
Rocking actuator
200557, 200558, 200315, H01H 2122, H01H 2316, H01H 2326
Patent
active
058605169
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an electric restoring switch comprised of a button that allows actuation about an eccentric axle and carries at least one link that transfers the actuation, and of a contact spring which is arranged in a housing supporting electric connectors and features a notched contact tongue.
Known from DE-GM 71 38 974 is an electric restoring switch in which a bearing for the pivot axle of the button is arranged eccentrically and above a contact rail. The button features a link that acts on an elastic contact tongue of a contact spring, which contact tongue is notched out of the elastic contact spring. The contact spring is arranged approximately perpendicularly to the button in the housing. It has only one fixed bearing about which it pivots under the effect of the link contained on the button, as the button is actuated. The contact tongue is responsible for the position of the button and for the necessary contact force. This configuration necessitates a large-area design of the housing bottom and that the contact spring has a complex shape, so as to assure resetting as well as the contact force. Heat buildup due to the flow of current through the contact spring, however, will cause the spring force to diminish and the superficial forward resistance to increase, leading to a temperature buildup.
Furthermore, DE 34 21 021 C2 discloses an electric restoring switch with a button to which two links are molded symmetrically, between which a cam is fitted which alternately plunges in two depressions of a contact spring, thereby causing the contact spring to pivot to its opposite position. The two links are elastic and shaped, on their sides facing the cam, in such a way that the cam returns upon completed actuation again to its zero position. This configuration of the link and of the cam is relatively expensive and requires great accuracy in their manufacture. The recoil of the cam depends on the spring properties of the plastic material, and thus on its fatigue strength.sup.1. device! appears to be a typographic error; proper term is presumably
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The objective underlying the invention is to provide a switch of the initially cited type that manages without complex parts, allows easy assembly, offers a dependable switching feel and, besides, is small in its structure.
This objective is met according to the invention in that the link of the button acts on a switching member which is aligned approximately parallel to the direction of actuation of the button, is assembled elastically and is pivotable, the pivot of the switching member being situated away from the axle of the button, and the switching member carrying a cam that acts on the contact tongue of the contact spring, which is assembled parallel to the direction of actuation of the button.
Resulting from this measure is a reduction in parts attached to the button, an improved switching feel, since it depends no longer on the spring properties of the contact spring, which is acted upon electrically, and a size reduction of the switch, since the large-area contact spring is fitted in the housing parallel to the direction of actuation of the switch.
According to one embodiment of the invention, a projection with a support cone is provided on a cover assembled to the housing, on which cone the button bears by means of a kerf recessed in it, and to the side webs of the button extending in the direction of the axle there are clip hooks molded that pivot with the button in arcuate fashion and engage behind shoulders that are molded to the cover and extend in correspondingly arcuate fashion. Hence, the button allows selective assembly, depending on the sequence of assembly. The button can be fitted as the last component in the completely assembled switch and is thus protected from damage. It is thus possible to fit the button in the cover prior to closing the switch, in order to facilitate production line a fluent configuration.
The button assembly in the completely preassembled switch, respective
REFERENCES:
patent: 3708776 (1973-01-01), Ellenberger
patent: 3828151 (1974-08-01), Bunnell et al.
patent: 4447687 (1984-05-01), Marquardt et al.
patent: 4640998 (1987-02-01), Sorenson
patent: 4751352 (1988-06-01), Botz et al.
patent: 4916269 (1990-04-01), Spazierer et al.
patent: 5558211 (1996-09-01), Heydner et al.
patent: 5651452 (1997-07-01), Schaeffeler et al.
Eaton Controls GmbH & Co KG
Johnston Roger A.
Scott J. R.
LandOfFree
Electric switch assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Electric switch assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electric switch assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1240700