US2125684A - Electric switch - Google Patents

Description

R. A.' MILLERMASTER ELECTRIC SWITCH Original Filed July 10, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet I LOAD LOAD

R. A. MILLERMASTEQ 2,125,684

ELECTRIC SWITCH Original Filed July 10, 1936 2 Sheets-Shem. 2

Patented Ann. 2, i938 anneal hlthifl'lihlfi hllt'i'iilh Match All. ltiilllermaster, lliillwanhee, Win, asslgnorto hotter-Hammer, line,

notation of heiaware teem lliiilwauhee, Wis, a cororiginal anpiication .lniy no, rose, Shi'l'ldil No. cases, now Patent No. httih'llit, dated hugnst 2i,-li9tt'. lhivided and this application .lnly 2t,

ll iliainis.

This invention relates to improvements in elec tric switches, and the invention relates more particularly to electric safety switches oi the snap type. it

tion of switches of the aforementioned character. another object is to provide an arc snufier' which is particularly well adapted for use with a m switch of the free-end, knife-blade type.

Another object is to provide improved and siniplifiedmeans for effecting snap operation of the switch to open-circuit or closed-circuit position of the parts. w Another object is to provide an improved tor-in of operating handle and handle attachingmeans tor switches of the aforementioned character.

Uther objects and advantages oi the invention will hereinafter appear.

This application is a division oi my copencling application, Serial l lo. tilttt, flied July it), with, for improvement in Electric switches, which has resultedjln Patent iiio. Eilhilflii'i', elated. ring. it,

lhe accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention which will now he described, it being understood that the embodiment illustrated is susceptible of modification in respect of certain structural details thereof without departing from the scope oi the appended claims.

in the drawings, Figure l is a top plan view, hali-size, of an enclosed or safety switch at the snap type-the hinged cover of the sheet metal casing of the switch being shown tragmentarily in open position,--and a portion of the side wall of the casing which carries the cover latch being hrolren away.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view,

" slightly greater than normal size, on the line 2-412 of Fig. 1, showing in detail the interlocking ii-it Fig. 3a is a fragmentary elevational view of certain of the parts, looking in the direction of the arrows 3 -3 of Fig. 3. r

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of certain of the switch parts shown in Fig. l,the switch cashn' object of the invention is to generally improve the details of construction and the opera- (ill. WM?) ing losing oniitted,-and certain of the parts heing hrolren away or in section.

his. 51s a fragmentary elevational view, as seen from the right-hand side of the device in Fig. i.

Fla. ii is a fragmentary elevational view oi certain oi the switch parts, as seen from the opposite side of the casing wall in Fig. 5, and

Fig. 'i is a side elevational view, on a reduced scale, oi one of the duplicate insulating arc snufling elements, showing the term oi the recess walls,

which are shown in section in Fig. i.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral it designates a hose molded irons a suitable insulating material to the form illustrated in Figs. 1 and Base it when positioned within the sheet metal housing ii is rigidly attached to the hottom wall ii oi the latter, as toy means of three holts each designated by the numeral it. The switch herein illustrated is of the denialsole type,--hut it is to he understood that my invention is applicable to switches having any desired nnn'lher of poles. Ease it is provided on its upper surface adjacent to one end thereof with a pair oi metal hiocks or plates it oi approximately L-shape which are attached thereto icy holts iii (Fig. i) and it) (Figs. 1 and 4). Each bolt it with its not li (Fig. i) likewise provides for attachment oi the post or support it which pivotally carries one end. of a hnifc hlade contactor it. Each bolt it with its nut li likewise provides for at tachment of a tuhular soldering terminal element iii ot'well known iorin.

Each contactor' ll preferably has attached to opposite sides thereof, by rivets i ii, a pair oi relatively thin flat insulating plates it of lilreform. "the projecting lower ends of said plates 2t are adapted to engage the rih it formed upon the upper surface of base it to limit the circuit closing movement of the contactors (see Fig. l). Plates it are provided with slots or notches opening in a direction away from the point of pivotal, support of the contactor, as shown at til in Fig. i. Said notches are adapted to accommodate the crank portion of a switch actuating element it, said crank portion preferably having tele-' scoped thereonto prior to bending of element it an insulating tube it torproperly insulate said element from the contactors.

Arrangedin spaced relation to the pivot posts it are a pair oi one-piece resilient sheet metal contacts it oi identical form, as shown in section in Fig. 2 and in dotted lines in Fig. i. Con-o tactsit are of constricted U-shape in vertical means of a bolt 24 the threaded shank of which extends upwardly through a passage in base Hi, penetrates an opening provided in the base portion of the contact, and takes into a tapped opening in a metal plate 25. Plate is further attached to base In by a bolt 26 the shank of which threads into a second tapped opening in said plate. Said shank extends upwardly a sufiicient distance to penetrate a clearance opening provided in the tubular soldering terminal element 21 of well known form,a nut 215 cooperating with said shank to clamp terminal 21 in fixed position.

To minimize arcing between each contact 23 and its cooperating contactor l1, and to thereby increase the life, the current controlling capacity and the safety characteristics of the switch as a whole, I provide for each contact 23 an arc snufllng device designated in general by the numeral 28. Each of said devices comprises a pair of members 28 of identical form which are preferably molded from a suitable heat-resisting insulating material. The adjacent faces of members 28*- are complementaliy recessed, as shown in Figs. 2 and 7 to jointly accommodate all parts of the stationary contact 23 associated therewith,-the arrangement being such that in the open circuit position of contactor I? the adjacent faces of members 28* may be brought into engagement with each other to completely enclose the contact 23. Members 28 are normally biased toward each other by a substantially U shaped resilient metal clip 29 the respective arms of which seat in grooves 28 of correspond ing shape upon the outer surfaces of the respective members 28* between the upperand lower ends of the latter. The free ends of the arms of member 29'are flared, as shown-at 25- in Fig. .4, to facilitate insertion thereof into said grooves. Members 2i! are likewise preferably provided at the forward and rear sides thereof with complementary recesses 28 and 28, any pair of which are adapted to accommodate at least parts of the connecting portion 29 of member 28 (see Fig. 4). Each arm of member 2! is preferably provided with an inwardly extending hemispherical boss or projection, and each groove It" is provided with a pair of hemispherical depressions, located at corresponding distances from the respective ends thereof to selectively accommodate said bosses, whereby accidental separation of clip 29 from members 28* is prevented. One of said depressions is shown in dotted lines at 28 in Fig. 4. As will be understood, the member 29 is so assembled with respect to the members 28' that the connecting portion 29 is at the end of, said members which is remote from the pivot point of contactor IT. The members 28!, however, may be" reversed with respect to contact 23 and with respect to clip 2|.-

The members 28' of the arc'snuflinz device are restrained against substantial sliding movement 1 mentioned horizontal tongues 2v; 2: (Fig. 2).,

The arrangement is such that upon initial engagement of each contactor H with the beveled edges 28'. 28" of members 22 the upper ends 28 of the latter will be spread apart against the bias of member 29, and upon continued circuit closing movement of contactor ll the members 28 will assume the positions thereof shown in Figs. 1 and 2. That'is to say, the forward edges of said members will be spread apart to the required degree to accommodate contactor l1 whereas the rear edges thereof will be biased into engagement-with each other. As hereinafter described, I preferably provide means for effecting movement of contactors H to opposite extreme positions thereof with a snap action, and the are snuifing members 28 and members 29 are so constructed and arranged as. to add only a negligible amount of resistance to such movements of the contactors.

The switch actuating mechanism is preferably so constructed that in the event of breakage or disablement of the snap action spring, the contactors ll maybe moved to open-circuit position by manual operation of the switch handle,

but in such event the contactors l1 may not be moved to circuit-closing position pending repair or replacement of the snap action spring. It is to be understood that the snapaction mechanism is adapted to become effective upon the contactors ill just prior to disengagement of the latter from the stationary contacts, wherefore the subsequent rapid movement of said contactors between the relatively large fiat surfaces 28 on members 28 will tend to cool and extinguish any arcs formed incident to separation of the contactors from the contacts. Moreover, when in the circuit interrupting movement of contactor-s ii the same are disengaged from members 28 the entire adjacent fiat faces of the latter will be snapped into engagement with each other, under the bias' of the respective members 29, thus completely enclosing the contacts 23 with which they are associated to further assist in and insure quenching or snufiing of any arcs so forrried.

The switch herein described and illustrated has a rating of 100 amperes at 575 volts A. C. It if it desired to provide a switch of substantially lower rating or current controlling capacity, the arc snufling devices, including members 28 and29 may be entirely omitted without in anywise affecting the construction or assembly of the other switch parts. Moreover, the arc snufiing devices may be readily removed to permit inspection, repair or replacement of the respective contacts by merely manually withdrawing the members 29, whereupon the members 28 are free to be removed laterally from their associated contacts. Or the member 29 of each arc snumng device may be permitted to remain in position and the forward edges of members 28 may be spread apart manually to effectv disengagement of the lower walls of auxiliary recesses 20 from the tongue 23, 23 whereupon the complete arc snuffing device may be lifted vertically out of interlocking engagement with its contact 23. The reverse of this procedure may, of course,

be followed in assembling the arc snufling devices with respect to their associated contacts.

The switch operating mechanism includes a hub member 30 having a relatively large circular end portion 30 one flat face of which is adapted to bear against the adjacent flat face of a punched and stamped sheet metal member 3!, the other face of the latter being adapted to bear against the inner surface of the side wall N of the switch casing (Fig. 3). Member 3! is provided with an opening 3i, the form of which is silenced illustrated in Fig. 3a. "I'hemain portionof the peripheral wall of opening Si is in .the form of an arc of a circle, to provide a bearing forthe arc-shaped peripheral edge of the reduced portion 3t! of theihub member: Saidportion 30 is also provided with a fiat' edge'30, and the hub member 30 and member 3!. Member 3| is provided with integral portions 3| 3! which are slightly oifsetfrom the main body thereof (Figs.

thereof is a flange M said crank: member.

3 and 3a) to minimize friction between said member and the inner surface of casing. wall it. The portion M is provided with an integral lug 3i which is bent inwardly at substantially a right angle with respect to said casing wall, and the portion 3i is similarly provided with an integral lug ii. The lugs ti ti are spaced a predetermined distance apart and in overlapping rela- Fionship to one arm of crank member 2i, as best llustrated in Fig. 1,-to provide a predetermined degree of lost motion between member 3! and Casing wall li is providedgwith a 'circular opening "li (Fig; 3) rand l prefer to position within said'opening'in -bear- 7 ing relationship to the wall thereof a circular washer (i2,said washer being of slightly greater thickness than wall it, for a purpose to be described.

Hub member 30 is provided with a. further reduced portion 30 of the contour best illustrated inFig. 3a,-the same having parallel flat sides W and 30. Washer 32 is provided with an opening of a shape corresponding to the cross sectional-contour of portion 30 whereby these parts are constrained to rotate with each other.

The operating handle 33 is non-'rotatably at-, tached to hub member dd in the following manner: A stamped sheet metal member having a main body portion 3d of substantially circular [contour is adapted to seat against the outer surface of washer 32 (Fig. 3), and said portion is provided with an opening to non-rotatably accommodate the portion 30 of the hub member. The handle 33 is provided with a portion 33 of inverted channel-shape which overlies said body portion 34 in the relationship best illustrated in Fig. 5,it being understood that the longitudinal center line of handle 33 is parallel with the fiat sides db and 30 of hub portion 3W Interposed between handle portion 33 and body portion 34 is a. pair of spaced metal membars 35 and 36, all of said elements being rigidly attached to each other, as by means of four rivets til, the tapered heads of which (not shown) are positioned in counterslnks in the surface of portion t t adjacent to casing wall ii.

Formed integrally with the portion 3t and surrounding the major portion of the periphery Also formed integrally with portion M is a projection or lug iid which is angled away from casing wall it? to a slight degree, as shown in Fig. l. The shoulder provided at one end of projection 3 t is adapted I to abut against the edge of a' right-angled lug tile forming part of a bracket member M which is rigidly attached to wall i l as by means of rivets 39 (see Fig. to positively limit the degree of rotary'movement of handle it in one direction. The shoulder provided at the other end of projection 34 is adapted to abut against the edge of a righteangied lug 40" forming part to wall It, as by means of rivets ti. The lugs 33 d 40 are respectively provided with periorati ns shown, respectively, in dotted lines at 38 and M1 in Fig. 5; and flange GM is provided with a perforation 3t and a notch tit (see Figs. 3 and 5), which are selectively registerable with the aforementionedlug openings 38', fiit to provide for insertion of the hasp of a padlock of suitable form, whereby the switch may be locked in open-circuit or closed-circuit position.

As best shown in Fig. 3, the handle portion 33 is provided with an opening to afiord clearance for the still further reduced and threaded end portion 30 of thehub member, a nut 42 being engaged with portion til to clamp the aforedescribed parts in assembled relation. Portion 38' is preferably provided with one or more drilled passages (seeFigs. 3 and 3a) extending diametrically therethrough adjacent to the outer end thereof, and nut M is provided with a. plurality of kerfs extending from the outer end thereof to provide for insertion of a cotter pin 433, in the manner illustrated in Figs. 3 and 5, whereby loosening of nut M is positively prevented.

-To limit the degree of circuit-interrupting movement of contactors it, I prefer to pro- 3 of a bracket membeMiPwhich is rigidly attached vide a stud M projecting inwardly from the V casing wallv H to be engaged by the right-hand arm of crank member iii (see Figs. 1 and 6).

The reduced and M of stud it penetrates an opening provided in wall N and a washer t5 and is upset over the latter, as shown in Figs. 1 and 5.

Referring to Figs. '1, 3a and 6, it will be noted that the portion di of member iii is provided I with an integral offset lug 3B which is provided with an opening to register with openings provided in the enlarged and shouldered ends of a pair of metal members it and W arranged on opposite sides thereof,a headed rivet #8 being inserted through said openings-and upset as shown to provide a pivotal connection bee tween said parts. Members at and M are offset into engagement with each other throughout the major portion of the length thereof from a point adjacent to the pivot end thereof,the 7 free ends of said members being reciprocable through an opening provided in the lug th forming apart of bracket M which is attached to casing wall li as by means of rivets 5i). Lug ta is formed to provide a pair of surfaces angled toward each other to provide a sort of knifeedge bearing for one end of a coiled compression spring 5|! which surrounds members 46 and i'i,-the other end of said spring being engaged with the aforementioned shoulders at the enlarged ends of members it and M.

A latch member 52 is pivotally supported in spaced relation to casing wall it, as by means of pin 53 (Fig. 6),-a bracket M being attached to said wall, as by means of rivets 55. The horizontal portion M of said bracket has an opening to provide clearance for latch 52 and to insure proper alinement thereof with an opening or slot (not shown) provided in the casing cover M Member 52 is provided on the portion 5?! thereof with an abutment to accommodate and retain one end of a coiled compression spring-th other end of which engages a boss or abutment formed upon the lower face of the horizontal portion 5d of said bracket. Latch 52 is also preferably provided with an opening 52' to accommodate the has'p of a suitable padlock, to proprevent complete closure thereof, if desired.

The handle 33 which is formed of sheet metal has the grip portion 33" thereof drawn or swaged V tothe hollow form illustrated, and in a mannerto avoid exposure of any out edges;

It is thought that the operation of the snap switch mechanism will be obvious from the foregoing description. It may be pointed out, however, that with the various parts in the respective closed-circuit positions shown in Figs. 1

and 5, upon initial downward movement of handle 33, the lost motion between the hub member and member I is first taken up. That is to say (see Fig. 3c), the hub 30 is permitted to move rather freelyuntil the fiat edge 30 of hub portion 30 engages the flat wall portion 3 of Letters Patent is:

opening 3!. Thereupon member 3! rotates along with hub member 30 to efiect compression of spring 5!. Before the toggle (represented by the pivot pin 48) reaches dead center the lug ll (Figs. 1 and 6) will engage the right-hand arm of crank .member H to positively initiate disengagement of contactors H from their associated stationary contacts 23. As heretofore pointed out, said contactors ll may be disengaged by the operating means independently of spring 5|,but under normal conditions spring 5! will become effective prior to complete disengagement of said contactors to effect snap movement thereof to circuit interrupting position. Such movement of contactors i1 is limited by engagement of crank member 2| with stop pin 44, as aforedescribed. The are snufling devices will act in the manner aforedescribed to minimize the de-' gree of arc formation and to efiectually extinguish or snuff any arcs formed incident to the operation.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by 1. In an electric safety switch, in combination, a sheet metal casing having an openable cover, a metal bracket secured to the inner surface of one side wall of said casing, said bracket having a pivot opening formed therein, a crank member having one end thereof pivotally supported within said bracket opening, the opposite side wall of said casing having a relatively large opening formed therein in alinement with said bracket opening, a washer adapted to bear within said last mentioned opening, a hub member having a. relatively large end portion located.

within said casing, said end portion having a recess adapted to provide a bearing for the other end of said crank member, a switch actuating element having a portion thereof interposed be? tween said hub end and. the last mentioned side wall of the casing, said element and said hub member being cooperatively formed to provide a predetermined degree of lost motion therebetween, said element having spaced lugs formed integrally therewith to provide a predetermined degree of lost motion between the same and said crank member, said hub member having a portion of non-circular cross section projecting from said casing, a stamped sheet metal member having an opening therein corresponding in shape to said last mentioned hub portion to provide a positive driving connection therebetween, a sheet metal handle member having a portion of inverted channel-shape superimposed upon said stamped sheet metal member and rigidly attached thereto, said portion of the handle member having an opening formed therein, said hub member having a reduced and threaded end vide for locking cover H in closed position, or to portion extending through said opening, and a nut engaging said threaded end and having clamping engagement with said handle portion to retain the latter and said hub member in assembled relation to said casing. l

2. In an electric safety switch, in combination, a sheet metal casing having an openable cover, a metal bracket secured to the inner surface of one side wall of said casing, said bracket having a pivot opening formed therein, a crank member having one end thereof pivotally supported within said bracket opening, the opposite side wall of said casing having a relatively large opening formed therein in alinement with said bracket opening, an annular washer adapted to bear within said last mentioned opening, a hub member having a relatively large end portion 10- cated within said casing, said end portion having a recess adapted to provide a bearing for the other end of said crank member, a switch actuating element having a portion thereof interposed between said-hub end and the last mentioned side wall of the casing, said element and said hub member being cooperatively formed to provide a predetermined degree of lost motion therebetween, said element having spaced lugs-formed integrally therewith to provide a predetermined degree of lost motion between the same and said crank member, said hub member having a portion of non-circular cross section projecting from said casing a stamped sheet metal member having an opening therein corresponding in shape to said last mentioned hub portion to provide' a positive driving connection .therebetween, a sheet metal handle member having a portion of inverted channel-shape superimposed upon said stamped sheet metal member and rigidly attached thereto, said portion of the handle member having anfopening formed therein, said hub member having a reduced and threaded end portion extending through saidvopening, a nut engaging said threaded end and having clamping engagement with said handle portion to retain the latter and said hub member in assembled relation to said casing, said threaded end having a diametrical passage formed therein, said nut having a plurality of slots formed therein to selectively register with said passage, and a cotter pin cooperating with saidslotsand said passage to restrain said nut against separation from said hub member.

3. In an electric safety switch, in combination, a sheet metal casing having an openable cover, ametal bracket secured to the inner surface of one side wall of said casing, said bracket having a pivot opening formed therein, a crank member having one end thereof pivotally supported --within said bracket opening, the opposite side hub end and the last mentioned side wall of the casing, said element and said hub member being cooperatively formed to provide a predetermined degree of lost motion therebetween, said element having spaced lugs formed integrally therewith to provide a predetermined degree of lost motion between the same and said crank member, said hub member having a portion of non-circular cross section projecting from aiaaesa.

said

casing, a stamped sheet metal member having an opening therein corresponding in shape to said ,last mentioned hub portion to provide a positive driving connection therebetween, a sheet metal handle member having a portion of inverted channel-shape superimposed upon said stamped sheetrnetal member and,rigidly attached thereto, said portion of the handle member having an opening formed therein, said hubrnember having a reduced and threaded end portion extending through said opening, a nut engaging said threaded end and having clamping engagement with said handle portion to retain the latter and said hub member in assembled relation "to said casing, said switch actuating element having a lug formed integrally therewith and located in'a plane parallel to and offset from the main body thereof, a pair of sheet metal rods pivotally attached at one end thereof to said lug, said rods having shoulders formed thereon adjacent to the pivot point thereof, a bracket member sev cured to said'casing wall and having an opening to receive and guide said rods, and a coiled compression spring interposed between said bracket and said shoulders to insure snap movement of said element to each of its extreme" positions.

4. In an electric safety switch, in combination, a sheet metal casing having an openable cover, a metal bracket secured to the'inner surface of one side wall of said casing, said bracket having a pivot opening formed therein, a crank memher having one end thereof pivotally supported within said bracket opening, the opposite side Wall of said casing having a -relatively large opening-formed therein in alinement with said bracket opening, a washer adapted to bear within said last mentioned opening, a hub member having a relatively large end portion located within said casing, said end portion having a recess adapted to provide a bearing for the other end of said crank member, a switch actuating element having a portion thereof interposed between said hub end and the last mentioned side wall of the casing, said element and said hub member being cooperatively formed to provide a predetermined degree of lost motion therebetween, said element having spaced lugs formed integrally therewith to provide a predetermined degree of lost motion between the same and said crank member, said hub member having a portion of non-circular cross section projecting from said casing, a stamped sheet metal member having an opening therein corresponding in shape to said last mentioned hub portion to provide a positive driving connection therebetween, said stamped sheet metal member having an extension formed integrally therewith and adapted to provide a pair of spaced substantially radial shoulders arranged at a slight angle to the outer surface of said casing wall, and a pair of lug members rigidly attached to said outer surface of the casing wall and respectively adapted for engagement by said shoulders to positively limit movement of said member in opposite directions.

5. In an electric safety switch, in combination, a sheet metal casing having an openable cover, a metal bracket secured to the inner surface of one side wall of said casing, said bracket having a pivot opening formed therein, a crank member having one end thereof pivotally supported within said bracket opening, the opposite side wall of said casing having a relatively large opening formed ther'ein in alinement with said bracket opening an annular washer adapted to bear within said last mentioned opening, a hub member having a relatively large end portion located within said casing, said end portion having a recess adapted to provide a bearing for the other end of said crank member, a switch actuating element having a portion thereof interposed between'said hub end and the last mentioned side wall of the casing, said element and said hub member being cooperatively formed to provide a predetermined degree of lost motion therebetween, said element having spaced lugs iormed integrally therewith to provide a predetermined degree of lost motion between the same andsaid crank member, said hub member having a portion of non-circular cross section projecting from said casing, a stamped sheet metal memberhaving an opening therein corresponding in shape to said last mentioned hub portion to provide a positive driving connection therebetween, said stamped sheet metal member having an extension formed integrally therewith and adapted to provide a pair of spaced substantially radial shoulders arranged at a slight angle to the outer surface of said casing wall, a pair of lug members rigidly attached to said outer surface of the casing wall and respectively adapted for engagement by said shoulders to positively limit movement of said member in opposite directions, said lug members having openings formed therein, said member having an upstanding flange formed integrally therewith between portion of non-circular cross section adapted to penetrate said metal member and projecting from said casing, a switch actuating element having a portion thereof interposed between said hub end and the inner surface of said side wall of the casing, said element and said hub member being cooperatively formed to provide a predetermined degree of lost motion therebetween,

said element having spaced lugs formedintegrally therewith to provide a predetermined degree of lost motion between the same and said crank member, a stamped sheet metal member having an opening therein corresponding in shape to said projecting hub portion to provide a positive driving connection therebetween, a metal handle member having a portion of inverted channelshape superimposed upon said stamped sheet metal member and rigidly attached thereto, said portion of the handle member having" an opening formed therein, said hub member having a reduced and threaded end portion extending through said opening, and a nut engaging said threaded end and having clamping engagement with said handle portion to retain the latter and said hub member in assembled relation to each other.

7. In a snap make and break electric safety switch, in combination, a metal enclosing casing, a crank member pivotally supported within said casing, one side wall of said casing having a relatively large opening formed therein in alinement with the pivotal center of said crank member, a metal member of circular contour adapted to bear within said opening, a machined metal hub member having a relatively large end portion located within said casing and an intermediate portion of non-circular cross section adapted to penetrate said metal member and projecting from said casing, a switch actuating element having a portion thereof interposed between said hub end and the inner surface of said side wall of the casing, said element and said projecting A portion of the hub member being cooperatively formed to provide a predetermined degree of lost motion therebetween, said element having spaced lugs formed integrally therewith to provide a predetermined degree of lost motion between the same and said crank member, a stamped sheet metal member having an opening therein correspending in shape to said projecting hub portion to provide a positive driving connection therebetween, a metal handle member having a portion of inverted channel-shape superimposedupon said stamped sheet metal member and rigidly attached thereto, said hub member having a reduced end portion penetrating said, portion of the handle member and projecting therebeyond, means associated with said reduced end portion of the hub member to retain said handle member in assembled relation to the latter, said switch actuating element having an additional lug formed integrally therewith, a metal rod member pivotally connected at one end thereof to said last mentioned lug, said rod member-having shoulders formed thereon adjacent to the pivot point theretion type, in combination, a metal enclosing cassponding contour adapted to bear edgewise with v ing, a bail-shaped crank member pivotally supported within said casing, one side wall of said casing having a relatively large circular opening formed therein, a flat metal member of correin said opening, a machined metal hub member having a relatively large end flange located within said casing, a punched and stamped sheet metal switch actuating element having a portion directions.

thereof interposed between said hub flange and the inner surface of said side wall of the casing, said element and said hub having shoulders formed thereon to provide a predetermined degree of lost motion therebetween, said element having a pair of angularly spaced lugs formed integrally therewith to 'provide a predetermined degree of lost motion between the same and said crank member, said hub member having a portion of non-circular cross section projecting from said casing, a punched and stamped sheet metal member having an opening formed therein corresponding in shape to said last mentioned hub portion to provide a rigid and positive driving connection therebetween, said last mentioned sheet metal member having an extension formed integrally therewith and adapted to provide a pair of spaced angular shoulders, and a pair of lug members rigidly attached to said casing wall and-adapted for engagement by said shoulders respectively to limit movement of said member in-opposite directions.

9. In actuating means for electric switches, in combination, a metal enclosing casing having an opening formed in one side wall thereof, a machined metal hub member penetrating said opening and having a relatively large end flange located within said housing, a bail-shaped crank member one end of which is pivotally supported by said hub member, a. switch actuating element having a portion thereof interposed between said end flange of the hub member and said side wall, said element and said hub being cooperatively formed to provide a, predetermined degree of lost motion therebetween, said elementhaving spaced lugs formed integrally therewith to provide a predetermined degree of lostrnotion between the same and said crankmember, said hub member having a portion of non-circular cross section projecting from said casing, a metal member having an opening therein corresponding in shape to said last mentioned'hub portion to. provide a rigid and positive driving connection therebetween, said lastmentioned metal member having an extension formed integrally therewith to provide a'pair of, spaced angularly arranged shoulders, and meansncarried by said side wall of the casing" to be engaged'bysaid shoulders to positively limit movement of said member in opposite RALPH A. MIILERMAS'I'ER.

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