GB1112457A - Multiple contact assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

1,112,457. Plugboards. J. E. TAYLOR. 12 Jan., 1967 [12 Jan., 1966], No. 1666/67. Heading H2E. A multiple contact assembly comprises a fixed panel 12, Fig. 1, carrying resilient contacts 28 and a movable panel 10 carrying patchcords, and a shaft 36 rotatably mounted on the panel 12 and carrying cams 40, the assembly being such that when the two panels are placed adjacent one another with rotatable bearing elements 22 on panel 10 seating in hanger elements 34 on panel 12, the bottom of the panel 10 lies adjacent the cams 40, and on rotation of the shaft 36, the ends of the patchcords are first caused to move vertically and horizontally towards the contacts 28 and then a short distance in the reverse direction, thus providing a wiping action between the patchcord ends and the contacts and ensuring good electrical contact. Panel 10 comprises a plurality of insulating blocks 16 having apertures 18 through which the patchcords are inserted, the blocks being contained in a frame 14 provided with handles 20. Panel 12 comprises a plurality of resilient paddle contacts 28 mounted in insulating material within a frame 24, to the ends of which are attached vertical support members 30, 32. A shaft 36 is rotatably journalled in the supports 30, 32 and an extended portion of the shaft is attached to an arm 42, which when moved, causes the shaft to rotate. The arm 42 can be moved into the recess 46 in the housing 44 attached to the outer surface of the support member 30 and can be looked therein by the detent 48 engaging the recess 50 in the arm. The hanger elements 34 are mounted in recesses in the support members 30, 32 and are provided Pith a level surface 62, Fig. 2, a channel 64 and a recess 66, the latter containing a pivoted latch 68 which engages with a pin 78 mounted on a spring 76 in the hole 74. On bringing the panels 10 and 12 together the rotatable bearings 22 are placed on the level surfaces 62 and are then pushed into the depression 72 in the latches 68. The wiping action between the patohoords and the resilient contacts is effected by raising the arm 42 towards the recess 46, this motion causing the bearings 22 to rise up into the channels 64 and, after the cams have passed their maximum rise positions, to fall slightly down the channel 64.