GB181231A - Improvements relating to electric switches - Google Patents

Abstract

181,231. Gill, H. A., (Zander & Co., J. W.). May 27, 1921. Switches, quick-action, of the type operated by rotating the cover comprise pairs of co-operating spring-plate contacts with turned-up ends normally in engagement with one another to complete the circuit through the switch, and spaced strips of insulating-material mounted on the underside of the cover eccentrically with the centre thereof so that, when the cover is rotated, the strips react with the spring contacts to cause them to separate or come together rapidly. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the upturned ends c<1>, d<1> of the contact springs c, d mounted on terminals on the base are of unequal widths and normally press against one another. The rotary cover carries, in the shape of an ellipse, a series of four spaced ridges a with bevelled ends, the spaces between them being wide enough to allow the narrow spring end d<1> to pass but not the wide end c<1>. The initial position is shown in Fig. 5; when the cover is rotated through a right-angle in either direction, both springs are pressed inwardly together, Fig. 5, until the gap is reached, Fig. 7, whereupon the narrowed spring flies back, the wider being retained. Further rotation carries the ridges between the contacts pressing the narrower contact outwardly, Fig. 8, until the next space is reached, Fig. 9, when it flies back into engagement with the wider contact.