US3585557A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Snap action switch
Assignee: Danfoss AS
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Filing: 1968-11-01
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Granted: 1971-06-15
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Expires: 1988-11-01
Abstract
Abstract A snap action switch system actuating a movable switch contact into alternative contact with two fixed electrical switch contacts by two longitudinally rigid toggle levers pivotal relative to each other about a pivot actuated to two positions opposite a given plane through which the levers pass. The system has a longitudinally flexible arm so that as the rigid toggle levers pass the given plane the flexible arm is flexed longitudinally and the movable contact transported by the system effects a wiping and release action relative to one of the fixed contacts with which it is in contact before effecting a snap action switching action under control of a spring lever biased for actuating the toggle levers to one of the two positions on opposite sides of the given plane. An operator is provided for overcoming the spring lever and moving the toggle levers across said plane to another position on a side opposite to the plane thereby actuating the movable contact into contact with the other of the fixed contacts than that to it contacts under control of the spring lever.
Inventors
- 👤 Jorgen Jorgensen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:05
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/02; H01H13/26; H01H13/36
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
279 words
In a snap action switch two spaced, fIxed electrical contacts juxtapositioned relative to each other, a movable electrical contact, the improvement which comprises a snap action system for actuating said movable contact to a first operative position in which said movable electrical contact is in contact with one of said fixed contacts and for actuating said movable contact to a second operative position in which said movable electrical contact is in contact with the other of said fixed electrical contacts thereby in operation alternately opening and closing electrical circuit means established through said fixed contacts, said snap action system comprising a flexible arm fixed at one end and having a free end portion mounting said movable contact, two longitudinally rigid toggle levers pivotal relative to each other for toggle movement and having a pivot therebetween operable to positions on opposite sides of a selected plane, one of said toggle levers having a fixed end and a free end for movement, the other of said toggle levers being disposed pivotally between the free end of said arm and the free end of said one toggle lever, the fixed ends of said arm and of said one toggle lever being disposed in said selected plane, and actuating means including a movably mounted spring strip having means therein defining an aperture receiving therethrough said one toggle lever to alternately actuate said snap action system causing actuation of said flexible arm to move said movable contact with a snap action movement to said first and second operative positions when said pivot of said levers is moved to respective positions on opposite sides of said plane in response to movement of said spring strip.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
279 words
In a snap action switch two spaced, fIxed electrical contacts juxtapositioned relative to each other, a movable electrical contact, the improvement which comprises a snap action system for actuating said movable contact to a first operative position in which said movable electrical contact is in contact with one of said fixed contacts and for actuating said movable contact to a second operative position in which said movable electrical contact is in contact with the other of said fixed electrical contacts thereby in operation alternately opening and closing electrical circuit means established through said fixed contacts, said snap action system comprising a flexible arm fixed at one end and having a free end portion mounting said movable contact, two longitudinally rigid toggle levers pivotal relative to each other for toggle movement and having a pivot therebetween operable to positions on opposite sides of a selected plane, one of said toggle levers having a fixed end and a free end for movement, the other of said toggle levers being disposed pivotally between the free end of said arm and the free end of said one toggle lever, the fixed ends of said arm and of said one toggle lever being disposed in said selected plane, and actuating means including a movably mounted spring strip having means therein defining an aperture receiving therethrough said one toggle lever to alternately actuate said snap action system causing actuation of said flexible arm to move said movable contact with a snap action movement to said first and second operative positions when said pivot of said levers is moved to respective positions on opposite sides of said plane in response to movement of said spring strip.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A snap action system according to claim 1, in which said flexible arm is electrically conductive.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
A snap action system according to claim 1, in which said flexible arm is flexible longitudinally, and in which said longitudinally rigid toggle levers are dimensioned to flex said arm longitudinally when in said selected plane thereby to effect a relative sliding movement between said movable contact and one of said fixed contacts.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A snap action system according to claim 1, in which said means to actuate said snap action system comprises an operator.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A snap action system according to claim 1, in which said means to actuate said snap action system comprises means actuated in response to a thermally responsive actuator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A snap action system according to claim 1, in which said spring strip has one fixed end and engages said toggle levers adjacent said pivot therebetween.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
A snap action system according to claim 6, in which said flexible arm is flexible longitudinally and in which said spring strip comprises an end portion engaging said toggle levers allowing a snap action movement of said toggle levers from said selected plane to said positions on opposite sides of said selected plane.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
58 words
A snap action system according to claim 6, in which said means to actuate said snap action system comprises an operator for applying a force to said spring strip to overcome biasing force thereof and cause it to actuate said pivot of said toggle levers to the other of said positions on opposite sides of said selected plane.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-06-14 | 1974-12-14 | 1975-06-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-06-14 | 1978-12-14 | 1979-06-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-06-14 | 1982-12-14 | 1983-06-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |