US2447753A - Hermetically sealed switchboard - Google Patents

Description

1948- R. K. HELLMANN 2,447,753

HERMETIGALLY SEALED SWITCHBOARD Filed July 10, 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet l IN VENTOR Ban/mid fa. [fa/[mafia BY 4M, V'M

ATTORNEYS 8- 1948. R. K. HELLMANN 2,447,753

HERMETICALLY SEALED SWITCHBOARD Filed July 10, 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 2 INVENTOR' Ifa'nimrd l1? Hellman /Z9 WM v- M ATTORNEYS Aug. 24, 1948. R. K. HELLMANN 2,447,753

HERMETICALLY SEALED SWITCHBOARD Filed July 10, 1945 3 SheetsSheet 3 INVENTOR Kim/lard If Hal/Mann BY Id M ATTORNEYS Patented Aug. 24, 1948 2,447,753 HERIVIETIOALLY SEALED SWITCHBOARD Reinhard K. Hellmann, Meriden, Conn., assignor to Great American Industries, Inc., Meriden, Conn, a corporation of Delaware Application July 10, 1945, Serial No. 604,167

8 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a structurally and functionally improved switchboard and in its more specific aspects aims to provide a unit of this character primarily intended for use in connection with telephone or other communication systems.

It is an object of the invention to provide a switchboard which may be subjected to abuses such as immersion in water or mud without impairing its usefulness. Moreover, the unit may be maintained in operation for indefinite periods of time even when exposed to high humidity conditions such that the saturation of the atmosphere would ordinarily impair the further functioning of the apparatus.

An additional object is that of providing a unit of this type, certain parts of which may remain as a substantially permanent assembly, while others are readily removable for the purpose of cleaning the various surfaces which have been exposed to the action of moisture, sediment, etc.

Another object is that of providing a switchboard in which the several parts may be separated, cleaned and reassembled without the aid of special tools or skills; these operations being capable of achievement even under distracting circumstances such as would exist under service conditions with the armed forces.

A further object is to provide a switchboard, the interior of which may be hermetically sealed and may remain so during regular operation. Accordingly, the mechanisms within the apparatus will be unaffected by moisture and other factors to which the exterior of the apparatus is subjected.

Still another object is that of furnishing an apparatus of this type which will embody relatively few parts, each individually simple and rugged in construction; these parts being capable of assembly under virtually quantity production methods and when so assembled providing a switchboard operating over long periods of time with freedom from all difficulties.

With these and other objects in mind, reference is had to the attached sheets of drawings illustrating practical embodiments of the invention, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a face view of a switchboard or switchcontaining unit;

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view thereof taken along the lines 2-2 and in the direction of the arrows as indicated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but showing an alternative form of construction and with 2 the parts thereof in a certain predetermined position;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing an alternative form of construction and with the parts thereof in a position different from that illustrated in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view of a still further form of construction;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional View of certain of the apparatus as illustrated in Fig. 5;

Fig. '7 is a view corresponding to Fig. 6 but with certain of the parts shifted to occupy a different position;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional View of a plug construction which may be utilized in conjunction with or independently of the structure shown in the preceding views;

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of an alternative form of mechanism with certain of the parts broken away to disclose underlying constructions and other of the parts being shown in section;

Fig. 10 is a transverse sectional View of the assembly as shown in Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 9 but showing a still further type of construction which may be provided in accordance with the present teachings; and

Fig. 12 is a transverse sectional View taken through the apparatus as shown in Fig. 11.

With primary reference to Figs. 1 and 2, it will be seen that the reference numeral Ill indicates the panel of the switchboard and which conveniently provides the member which closes the open face of the receptacle or box H. A cover [2 of any desirable construction may be associated with this receptacle or unit. When the latter is inoperative, the cover (if provided) should extend to cover the face of the panel [0 and thus protect the parts associated therewith. In accordance with conventional practice, the panel [0 may be formed with sight apertures or target openings l3 and have keys l4 extending beyond its outer face.

Also, cords 15 may extend beyond this outer face and mount plugs I6. The latter, in accordance with conventional practice, are capable of being received by one of a bank of jacks H exposed on the outer face of the panel and conveniently arranged above the points at which the cords l5 pass therethrough.

A magneto handle 22 may extend through the face of the panel in and terminals 2| may project from the rear face of the casing. Fastening elements 23 may secure the panel [0 in position. Gaskets or suitable waterproof packings 24 may be disposed between the parts at points where danger of leakage exists. Moreover, in line with the apertures [3 a transparent sheet of waterproof material 25 may be mounted so that the target 26 mounted within the casing Il may be observed. The structure whereby the key It servesto shift the target has not been shown nor will it be described in detail in that such structure may follow more or less conventional practice.

Also, the keys M are preferably enclosed in boots 2'! which may be secured to the face of the panel and embody flexibility such that each key may freely be shifted. These boots, as well as the several gaskets or packings heretoforereferred to may conveniently be formed of rubber or similar material.

The interior of the receptacle and the mechanisms therein may be hermetically sealed. This may be accomplished, for example, by the gaskets and packings as heretofore referred to. However, as will be appreciated, the jacks present apertures through which fluid (air, water, and solutions) may pass if the teachings of the present invention are not followed. Therefore, the jacks H are preferably mounted on a separatepanel l8 which latter may be secured-in position by means of suitable quick-detachable fasteners l9. Also, this panel i3 is preferably provided with openings 20 adjaeent its lower edge for purposes hereinafter brought out.

As will also beneted-in Fig. 2, the panel I8 is preferably formed with a rearward extension 28 which bearsagainst the inner face of one wall of a trough portion 29-, This portion may conveniently form a part of the panel l and is of a width equal to the height of thesub-panel l8. While on this ubject, it will also be noted that, as shown in Fig. 2, the edge of the sub-panel may be slightly flared'to provide what might be termed a wedge structure assuring a firm seating of the parts with respect to each other such that no play will come into being between these parts. Leads such as have been indicated at 3llmay be connected to a mounting strip 3I-secured to the base of the trough' 29.

Each of the jacks I! may have any desired number of terminals. These terminals are connected by, for example, jumpers 32'tocontact springs 33. lE'he-Iatter are secured to the panel I 8 or to a mounting strip associated therewith. Eachof these springs-with the-sub-pan-el IS in position-engages with a contactplate or element 3 conveniently mounted by the-panel 3! secured to-the trough .29. Under certain conditions and as will hereinafterbe more particularly pointed out, a greater orlesser number of contact plates 34 --rnay be employed. As will also be noted at this time, thedetails of wiring extending from each of the terminals of the jacks or other parts of the apparat-ushave not been shown. This iswith a view-to avoiding unnecessary confusion in the illustration. The details of such wiring are wellknown to those skilled in the art and may readilybevisualized With a construction such as that heretofore described, it Wil1 be appreciated that a unit is provided which willf'urni-sh an enclosure such that moisture, water, silt and other harmful elements may not enter the interior of the casing l-l-. Such elementsespecially with the plugs not mounted within the jacksmay, however, enter-the trough 29.- This cannot be avoided if,- for no other reason than the fact thatthe opening defined by the jacks permit of such entrance. However,

moisture will readily drain through the openings 20. If the accumulation of moisture is such, or the presence of foreign substances additional to water prevents the proper operation of the jacks, then all that an operator has to do i release the fastening elements l9. Thereupon, the sub-panel !8 may be withdrawn from .the trough.

With such withdrawaltof the panel t8, the contact springs move out of engagement with the plates 34. It will be observed, however, that moist-ure cannot enter the main part of the casing H through the face1 of the trough. The operator may now flush or otherwise clean .the elements exposed'on the rearface of the panel 18. Also, he may similarly clean the interior of the trough 29. Thereupon, the panel may again be positioned within the;tr,o ugl'i;.- Automatically, with such positioning, the circuits established by engagement of the springs 33 and plates 34 will again be completed. The parts may now be operated by simply inserting the plugs asrequired into the jacks and, as will beappreciated, the structure of-the latter will be in all senses conventional, if this is de sired; In anyevent; they will present no delicate wiringproblem or maintenance technique such as would be the case if their contacts and springs were provided as-part. of a special structure designed to prevent theen'trance of foreign elements into the interior of the, trough. In fact, in the case of severe, accumulation of foreign material andafter the sub-panel IBxhas been removed, a unit such as a wire or' pipe cleaner may be employed to, free the apertures or bores of the jacks from; any accumulation of sediment;

With respect to the quick-detachable and automaticconneetion, provided by the insertion of the panel l8 -in the trough or similar portion of thecas-ing attention is directed, to Fig. 3. This figureshows what is in many respect a preferred form of construction. As will be noted, a pair of jacks 35--have been indicated in'this View. In orderto avoid confusion, only a single terminal or sprin er. thisjaekhas been, shown as connected incompletetcircuit. To that terminal there is attached. a jumper 36,,connected to av spring plateor finger 3,1;which is engageable with the terminal or;- plate-38,, The latter, through a waterproof lead-in, is connectedto a lead 39; The spring finger 31 maybe supported upon a mounting strip 'Mtwhich has .i'tsinner,v endbeveled or undercut. Thisface cenvenientlycooperates with a support or. cam, secured to theinner face of the trough 29 It is apparentthat, as thepanelv l8-is secured iii/position and accordingly shifted inwardly with in the trough, the strip 40 will engage against the supporter cam,.4.l ,to force the fingers 31 into engagement. with the. -terminals;38. Thus, a cire cuit will be established in. an entirely positiveand desirablemanner. Conversely, upon. the parts beng shiftedoutwardly, thefingers 31 would readily befree'd, from theterminals 3 8.so that no bindn f the part ma u As also shown in this view, the rod 42 which may serve to reset the target or actuate any other desirable portion-of the apparatus is disposed in line with an opening in the upper face of the trough. This opening --is sealed by means of a diaphragm 43 of proper material and-which may centrally mounta bearing element engageable with the rod 42. This bearing element has been indicated-by thereference-numeral Maud is engaged by a similar-bearing element mounted by one arm ofabell' cranklever id. The opposite arm 46 of thislever may becontactable with a portion of the plug 16 insertableintothe jack.

(not shown) attached to the rod.

in Figs. 2 and 3. Thus,

.It therefore follows that at this point there is also serve to actuate any desired mechanisms within the receptacle. To secure such actuation, either a rod similar to rod 42 may be employed or a different type of actuating member may be utilized.

This connection, as shown in Fig. 4, will, however, readily permit of a thrust being imparted by the bell crank lever 45, and incident to the insertion of the plug, to the rod 42. The latter, in shifting, will serve to operate the mechanism As soon as the plug has been withdrawn, the parts will re turn to their normal positions incident to the provision of the spring 44. The latter, obviously, need not necessarily be employed where gravity itself will assure that the parts automatically assume their initial positions.

As also shown in Fig. 4, it is apparent that many alternative forms of electrical coupling may be provided over and above those illustrated as shown in this View, the lower jack has, secured to it a mounting strip 48. A spring finger 49 is suitable connected to one of the terminals of the jack assembly and bears against the contact plate 50. The mounting strip 48 may, in effect, include a divided body presenting a channel i into which the strip or terminal extends when the parts are in their normal position. The outer edge of one arm of the mounting strip 48 may be beveled as indicated at- 52 to present a cam surface. The latter cooperates with the strip 50 as the parts are shifted to their seated position and in order to assure that the strip will be shifted into firm circuit-maintaining engagement with the finger 49. Again, by means of this structure, an assembly is provided which may, without difficulty, be detached.

A further alternative form of structure is shown in Fig. 5. This has the added advantage of permitting definite permutations of circuits to be selected. More particularly, as will be seen in this view, the reference numeral l8 again indicates the sub-panel which, in this instance, is provided with a rearward extension 53. The terminals of the jack 59 are connected by jumpers or leads 54 with contacts 55. The latter are supported by the extension 53. The sub-panel I8 is, in this form of construction, conveniently of a width less than the trough portion 29. The space intervening the edge of the panel and the adjacent surface of the trough portion may be filled by a mounting strip 56. The latter supports spring contacts or fingers 51. These bear respectively on the terminals 55 and terminals 58, which latter connect with the interior of the easing of which this assembly forms a part.

As shown especially in Figs. 6 and 7, certain of the spring fingers or contacts 51 may be provided with extensions 59 Assuming that the parts are disposed in the manner shown in Fig. 7, it will be noted that one of the terminals 58 is not engaged by any of the spring fingers 51. We may assume that this terminal is, for example, connected to a buzzer or similar unit. Therefore, with no circuit being completed, that unit will be rendered inoperative. If, on the other hand, the strip 56 is withdrawn, reversed and re-inserted in position as shown in Fig. 6,

the particular terminal will be engaged by the extension 59. Therefore, the circuit will be completed. Consequently, any unit such as a buzzer connected thereto will be energized.

A structure such as this is useful in many different associations. For example, and especially where the switchboard may be employed by the armed forces, it might be desirable to utilize the apparatuswithout any buzzer or other unnecessary acoustical effect being present. Therefore, by simply withdrawing the panel [8 and the strip 56, the parts may be reassembled with the latter in the position indicated in Fig. "I. This will produce the desired result. By simply withdrawing and reversing the positon of the strip, the circuit through the buzzer or other unit may again be re-established.

Finally, referring to Fig. 8, it will be noted that a plug l6 has been indicated which is insertable through the bore or opening of a jack 60. The shank of this plug has secured to it a cup member 6| preferably of rubber. The edges of this cupmay bear within an annular groove 62 concentrically disposed with reference to the aperture of the jack. The normal tension of the cup will be such that the base portion will not be bulged. However, when associated with the mounting panel as in Fig. 8, the overall length of the side walls of the cut may be adequate to assure that these side walls will be slightly compressed, thus bulging the base of the cup. Consequently, a sealing contact is established between the cup and the panel. This is especially pronounced if a groove such as 62 is employed. Thus, in effect, a stopper structure is provided.

This will be especially valuable if the plugs are inserted into the jacks at the time that the switchboard assembly is intended to be inoperative and, for example, transported from one locality to the other. If the drain openings 20 are dispensed with under these circumstances and even if the switchboard is immersed, an entrance of water or other foreign material through the apertures of the jacks will be prevented. Consequently, it will-except under most extraordinary circumstances-be unnecessary to dismount the panel ill for purposes of cleaning the space defined by the interior of the trough as well as the parts secured to the rear face of the panel.

In certain types of apparatus it may not be desirable to provide a trough portion. In fact, in many layouts it might be preferred to produce a hermetically sealed receptacle or switchboard in which the panels or surfaces did not include a relatively recessed part. In order to illustrate the application of the present teachings to such types of constructions, attention is invited to Figs. 9 to 12 inclusive.

In these views, the reference numeral 63 indicates the panel or surface of the receptacle and 64 a cover removably mounted by the latter. In the form of construction shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the cover is moved laterally or parallel over the surface of the panel in order to mount the the former on the latter. Therefore, a retaining flange or clip 65 may be mounted by the panel to receive the extended portion 66 of the cover 64. The cover may carry any suitable number of jacks 61 which receive plugs 68 to, for example, actuate the switch structure 69 by their stems 10. Also, these stems may serve to shift actuators 11 mounted by diaphragms I2. The latter serve to seal the openings 13 against the entrance of fluid and foreign material. A member to be actuated such as, for example, a rod 14 may be disposed adjacent the actuator 1|.

Preferably mounted upon a di-electric block 15 Within the cover 64 are terminals 16 having extensions 11 which latter embody resiliency. Contacts 18 are mounted by the panel 63 and, by means of suitable backing structures, the entrance of fluid and materials into the interior of the receptacle is prevented despite the fact that these contacts extend from the exterior to the interior of the latter. A suitable securing unit 19 may serve to retain the cover 64 in mounted position above the panel 63.

With a structure such as the foregoing, it will be appreciated that an operator, by simply loosening the securing unit 19 may slide the cover 64 ,over the surface of the panel and away from the recess provided by the clip or flange 65. When the cover once clears this structure, it may be moved in a direction transverse to and away from the panel 63. Conversely, the cover may be mounted by following a reverse procedure. Under such procedure, it will be apparent that no damage will occur to the parts because a mere wiping engagement will be all that can follow as a consequence of the application of the cover to the panel. In other words, the terminals and especially the extensions 11 thereof will merely wipe against the adjacent faces of the contacts 18 as the cover is shifted into position. Likewise, the par-ts are so arranged that the actuator 1| will not come into engagement with portions of the mechanisms as supported by the cover and as the latter is being mounted. However, when the stem of the plug is inserted in the jack-, the latter will be caused to function. Also, if the actuator H is present, the insertion of the stem will cause the actuator to engage the unit 14 to be operated. This will be permitted as a consequence of the flexibility of the diaphragm 12.

,The structure shown in Figs. 11 and 12 contemplates that the cover will be moved in a plane perpendicular to the panel in order to mount the former on-the latter or detach it therefrom. .Securing devices such as 80 may be employed. Again, jack structures 8| are associated with the cover and contacts 82 which have their bodies connected with a lead within the interior of the receptacle are exposed on the exterior of the panel surface where the cover is to be mounted. These contacts are engaged by terminals 83 which again are of preferably resilient or yielding type. A-conventional and suitable switch mechanism 84 may form a part of the jack and to be operated by the stem 85 of the plug '86. A lever 81 may be pivo'tally supported by the ja-ck'structure and serve to engage an actuating portion or area of a flexible sealing member suchas .the diaphragm 88'. The-latter, in t urn,,may serve to act against and shift a rod 89 or other uitable operating unit.

In this form of construction, it willbe apparent that, in common with the structure shown in Figs. 9 and 10, a supplemental receptacle is, in effect, provided and the interior of which may readily be cleaned. In this connection, it will be appreciated that drain openings (not shown) but as previously described may form a part of the housing 64. The interior of the mainreceptacle or switchboard maybe hermetically sealed under all normal operating conditions. Simply by moving the housing as shown in Figs. 1-1 and 12 towards the panel 63 and securing it imposition, the necessary electrical connections are established.

8 Also, the apparatus is set up so that if mechanical connections are to be provided these are also automatically established.

Thus,- among others, the several objects of the invention as specifically afore noted are achieved. Obviously, numerous changes in construction and rearrangements of the partsm-ight be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

I claim:

1. A telephone switchboard including in combination a casing formed with a sight opening to the rear of which an indicator unit is positioned, means whereby said unit may be restored to a non-indicating condition, .a' receiving surface forming a part of said casing, said casing and surface being formed to prevent the entrance of fluid into said casing, terminals within the area of said surface and electrically connected with the interior of said casing, a jack, means for mounting the latter to extend adjacent said surface, means for connecting said jack with said terminals, actuating means manipulatable from the exterior of said casing, and means interposed between said restoring means and actuating means and providing a fluid-tight connection such that the functioning of said actuating means will cause an operation of said shifting means.

2. A telephone switchboard including in combination a substantially waterproof casing, wall members forming a trough portion inside said casing and in substantially fiuidtight relationship thereto, terminals disposed within said trough portion and connected .to the mechanism Within said casing, a mounting member adapted to be disposed adjacent said trough portion, apertured jacks supported by said mounting member, and means for connecting said jacks with said terminals.

3. A telephone switchboard including in combination a substantially fluid-tight casing, wall members forming a trough portion inside said casing and in substantially i-luidtight relationship thereto, terminals disposed within the area of said trough portion and connected to the mechanism within said casing, a mounting member adapted .to be disposed adjacent said trough portion, apertured jacks supported by said mounting member, means for connecting said jacks with said terminals, and said mounting means presenting an opening through which accumulations of materials between said member and trough porti-on may drain.

4.'A telephone witchboard including in combination a substantially fluid-tight casing, wall members forming a trough portion inside said casing and in substantially fluidtight relationship thereto, terminals-disposed within said trough portion and connected to the mechanism within said casing, a mounting member adapted to be disposed adjacent said trough portion, apertured jacks supported by said mounting member, and quick-detachable connecting means functioning automatically upon said member being extended into said trough portion to electrically connect the jacks with said terminals.

5. A telephone switchboard including in combination a substantially fluid-tight casing, wall members forming a trough portion inside said casing and in substantially fiu'idtigh't relationship thereto, terminalsdisposed within the area of said trough portion and connected to the mechanism Within said casing, a mounting member adapted to be disposed adjacent said trough portion, apertured jacks supported by said mounting member,

quick-detachable connecting means functioning automatically upon said member and extending inside said trough portion to electrically connect the jacks with said terminals, and said connection comprising spring fingers and plates engageable by said fingers.

6. A switchboard including in combination a substantially fluidtight casing, a mounting surface forming part of said casing, terminals extending from the face of said surface, a switchmounting panel disposable adjacent said surface, terminals mounted by said panel, a strip disposable adjacent said panel and terminals, contacts carried by said strip and extending from opposite faces thereof, the contacts at one of said faces being adapted to engage all of the corresponding terminals and the contacts at the other face being adapted to engage only a selected number of the corresponding terminals, and the said strip being adapted to be reversed so as to electrically connect difierent permutations of said two sets of terminals.

'7. A switchboard including in combination a substantially fluidtight casing having a trough portion, terminals extending from the inner face of said portion forming part of said casing, a switch-mounting panel disposable across said portion, terminals mounted by said panel, a strip interposed between the terminals mounted by said panel and the terminals extending from the face of said portion, different permutations of contacts carried by said strip, and means for securing said panel and strip with reference to said switchboard and whereby the strip may be optionally reversed to connect difierent permutations of the terminals carried by the panel with terminals carried by the trough portion.

8. In a telephone switchboard, in combination, walls forming a substantially fiuidtight casing, an aperture disposed in one of said walls, a flexible seal extending across said aperture and adapted to seal the same against the entrance of fluid and foreign matter; a rigid contact member peripherally supported by said seal and in fluid tight relationship thereto and relatively movable, normally spaced elements, forming a composite actuating mechanism, the latter elements being disposed at opposite faces of said flexible seal and being adapted to enter into relative engagement through the intermediary of said rigid contact member.

REINHARD K. HELLMA'NN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,779,058 Borgmann et al Oct. 21, 1930 1,809,025 C-ruser June 9, 1931 2,334,901 Bullerjohn Nov. 23, 1943

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