Electrical switch

Details Electrical switch Electrical switch

2000-07-13

2001-08-28

Walberg, Teresa (Department: 3742)

Electric heating

Heating devices

With current connection and/or disconnection means

C200S302100, C200S533000, C200S534000, C200S542000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06281482

ABSTRACT:

The present invention relates to a switch for controlling the operation of an electrical appliance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electrical appliances often require the use of more than one switch for control. For example, in the case of a hair dryer, a second switch, usually a push-button switch, is used to enable the hair dryer to provide a COOL shot.
The invention seeks to provide an improved electrical switch that may replace two separate switches.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, there is provided an electrical switch comprising a body, fixed and movable contacts provided in the body, a principal switching member supported by the body for movement in opposite directions between first and second positions, the member having an inner part providing a switching profile to operate the movable contacts with respect to the fixed contacts for switching, and a subsidiary switching member supported by the principal switching member for movement in opposite directions different from the directions of movement of the principal switching member, the subsidiary switching member having an inner part which is positioned at the switching profile for changing the switching profile while the principal switching member is in the first position.
Preferably, the principal and subsidiary switching members are supported for movement in directions substantially perpendicular to each other.
More preferably, the principal switching member is supported for sliding movement and the subsidiary switching member is supported for depression.
In a preferred embodiment, the inner part of the principal switching member is formed with a recess in the switching profile, in which recess the inner part of the subsidiary switching member is positioned.
More preferably, the inner parts are substantially planar and extend substantially parallel to each other.
It is preferred that the switching profile has protruding regions for moving the movable contacts and non-protruding regions to allow return of the movable contacts by resilience, and the recess is formed over at least one non-protruding region such that the inner part of the subsidiary switching member is movable outwards to change the region into a protruding region.
It is preferred that the switching profile has co-parallel tracks for operating the movable contacts respectively, each track comprising a protruding section for moving the corresponding movable contact and a non-protruding section to allow return of the movable contact by resilience.
Preferably, each movable contact is formed with a bend for operation by the switching profile.
It is preferred that the first and second positions are ON and OFF positions respectively.
In a specific construction, the electrical switch comprises three pairs of fixed and movable contacts which are arranged to control the operation of a motor and two heating elements, respectively, of a hair dryer.


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