GB1284685A - Multi-position electric switch assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

1284685 Mechanical switches SQUARE D CO 16Novl970 [18Decl969] 54368/70 Heading HlN A switch assembly comprises at least two switches (54, Figs. 2 and 5, not shown) having self-restoring reciprocable push buttons 52 mounted for operation by respective pins 45 engaged by a cam member 36 which is selectively slidable along two mutually-perpendicular paths in a base member 43 upon movement of a "joy-stick" operating lever 24 pivoted at 29 in a body member 10 and guided in planes corresponding to said paths, the said movement being restricted by a guide plate 39. As described the switches are of a type having an intermediate OFF position and the cam member 36 is shaped (Fig. 3, not shown) to provide three camming surfaces for each pin 45. As shown in Fig. 1 the pins 45 are holding the switches in their OFF condition. When cam member 36 is moved respectively left or right a surface 69 or 70 allows the associated pin 45 to rise under action of its associated button 52, while movement perpendicular to the plane of the drawing causes a surface 65 to depress the righthand pin 45 or a corresponding surface (64, Fig. 3, not shown) to depress the lefthand pin 45. Thus either switch can be selectively moved "up" or "down" while the other switch remains OFF. A spring- loaded collar 38 on lever 24 coacts with guide plate 39 to retain the lever 24 in its operated positions, or, if the guide plate 39 is formed with suitably curved recesses (as in Figs. 6 and 8, not shown), the collar 38 is lifted against springs 40 and 41 when the lever 24 is operated and provides a retracting force. The guide plate may limit the movement of lever 24 to one plane (Figs. 6 and 9, not shown). If the switches 54 have buttons 52 exposed for access through the bottom of their respective housings further switches (57, Fig. 2, not shown) may be mounted in tandem for conjoint operation. In a modification (Fig. 10, not shown) a spring-loaded rod (89) coaxially within the lever 24 carries a crosspin (92) coupled to a sleeve (93) which normally engages the central portion of the cruciform opening 21 in body 10 and locks the operating lever 24 until the end of the rod (89), forming a push button (89a) in the tip of the lever 24, is depressed.