US2758165A - Time-switch - Google Patents

Description

Filed Nov. 13. 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet l I M N INVENTORS Otto Bi-agitml lful-Z Bauer-2e 81411-7? f 7 I ATTOENEYa' Aug. 7, 1956 o. BRAITSCH ET AL 2,758,165

TIME-SWITCH Filed Nov. 15, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR;

Aug- 7, 195 o. BRAITSCH ETAL 2,758,155

TIME-SWITCH Filed Nov. 15, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 VENTOR:

ATTORNEYS Aug. 7, 1956 o. BRAITSCH ET AL 2,758,165

TIME-SWITCH Filed Nov. 13, 1952 5 SheetsSheet 5 INVENTOR' 0771) BRA/7156f? M -Kz/Rr .BAuERLE BY w. /"7ATT0 E United States Patent TIME-SWITCH Otto Braitsch, Schramberg, Schwarzwald, and Kurt Biiuerle, Schramberg-Sulgen, Germany, assignors to 'Gebruder Junghans A. G., 'Schramberg, Schwarzwald, Germany Application November 13, 1952, Serial No. 320,168 Claim priority, application Germany November 14, 1951 8 Claims. (Cl. 200-35) Time-switches of the plug-in type are known which have a running time up to 12 hours. However, in the known constructional forms, there is usually provided a knob for winding the clock mechanism and a further handle for tensioning the switch springs which serve for the automatic throwing of the tumbler switch incorporated in the time switch.

In contrast thereto, the invention provides an arrangement with a single operating handle in order to effect the following operations:

1. Tensioning of the switch spring provided in the time switch for throwing the tumbler switch,

2. Winding the clock-work spring driving the clock mechanism,

3. Setting the desired running period of the time switch, after the running-down of which the switching operations are to be effected by the time switch.

This is effected in such manner that in turning the winding handle from its rest position, there is first of all effected the tensioning of the switch spring, the winding of the clock mechanism and the other settings which have been mentioned being effected in the continued turning movement. The arrangement is preferably such that simultaneously with the setting of the hands, the spring of the clock mechanism is tensioned to an extent which is just suflicient for the running of the clock mechanism beyond the required time period. For this purpose, the winding handle, the spring core of the clock spring secured at one end to the time switch casing and also the hands and the hour wheel have a fixed engagement condition. However, a friction clutch is provided between the minute shaft of the clock mechanism and other wheels of the latter. In order to render it possible for the switch spring to be tensioned before Winding the clock-work spring, the winding handle is expediently secured to a bushing which is coupled by way of a spring clutch with the shaft effecting the tensioning of the clockwork spring. Therefore, upon turning the winding handle from its rest position, first of all only the bushing is rotated, which effects the tensioning of the switch spring by means of a cam disc, and it is only when this has taken place that the shaft effecting the winding of the spring of the clock-work mechanism is driven.

constructional examples of a time switch according to the invention are shown in the drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 shows the time-switch in section taken through the axis of symmetry of the time switch casing,

Figure 2 is a section in a plane disposed parallel to the dial plate and extending along the straight line MM in Figure 1, seen from the rear side of the time switch,

Figures 3 and 4 are sections arranged in the same manner as Figure 2, but taken along the straight line N-N of Figure l, and seen from the front,

Figure 5 is a detailed view relating to the constructional form of the retaining means for the driving knob,

Figures 6 and 7 show the contacts and the contact levers in the untensioned position on a second constructional example, as seen from the rear and front of the clock mechanism,

Figures 8 and 9 show the essential parts of Figures 6 and 7 during the tensioning operation,

Figures 10 and 11 show the essential parts of Figures 6 and 7 in the tensioned postion,

Figure 12 is a side elevation of the essential clockwork parts and contact parts, partially in section, and

Figures 13 and 14 are detailed views of the switch roller.

The following is to be premised concerning the function of the time-switch constructed in accordance with the invention (see Figures 1 to 5):

Essentially three operations are to be considered for th purpose of the invention:

Firstly, the tensioning of the switch spring 12 operating the tumbler switch provided in the time-switch;

Secondly, the winding of the clock-work spring 13 driving the time switch mechanism; and

Thirdly, the setting of the clock mechanism to the desired running time.

All three of these operations are effected by the operating knob 6, this being effected by the fact that initially the switch spring 12 is tensioned upon turning the winding knob 6 in a clockwise direction. If this is effected by turning the winding knob through about 60, then with further turning of the knob 6, the clockwork spring 13 is wound at the same time and the hands and the release device which is coupled with the latter and which is similar as regards its'method of operation to the alarm arrangement of an ordinary alarm clock, are adjusted. This shifting mechanism is more fully described with reference to Figures 3 and 4 and its peculiarity of which consists in the cooperation of the pin 15 arranged on the hour wheel 14 with the locking lever 16. For the winding and setting operation of the time-switch, care must be taken that the clockwork mechanism of the time-switch is only wound to such an extent as is necessary for the desired running time of the time-switch; in this way therefore, the operation of setting the running time and of winding the clockwork spring are combined in one operation.

The following is to be stated as regards the details of construction of the time-switch according to the invention:

In Figure 1, 1 and 2 represent the casing of the timeswitch said casing consisting of two half shell structures. Located in a recess in the front half shell is the dial plate 3 over which the minute hand 4 and the hour hand 5 move. The operating knob 6, which serves for tensioning the switch spring, for winding the clock mechanism and setting the running time, is also arranged on the front shell 2. One of the two plug pins which are arranged on the rear of the switch casing and which serve for introducing the switch into a conventional plug socket, can be seen at 7. For the connection of the electrical appliances, there are provided two pairs of plug sockets 8, 9 and 10, 11; of these sockets, the pair 8, 9 ensures that the connected appliance only receives voltage when the clock mechanism has run down; on the contrary, the pair 10, 11 ensures that the connected appliance receives voltage until the clock mechanism has run down. Consequently, considered chronologically, a complementary switching process takes place at the pairs of sockets 8, 9 and 10, 11.

In a manner more fully to be explained hereafter, the winding knob 6 only sets the shaft 17 in rotation when it has been turned through about 60 from its rest position. This shaft 17, by means of the gear wheel 18, rotates the spring wheel 20 secured to the spring core 19. The outer end of the clockwork spring 13 is anchored to a suitable point (not shown) on the plate 21. Through the gear wheel 22, the spring wheel 20 drives the minutes shaft 23 onwhich the minute hand 4 is non-rotatably 3 arranged. Secured to the spring core shaft 15 is a driving wheel 24 which drives the hour wheel 14 and the hour hand rigidly connected with the latter. The correct setting of the hour hand relative to the spring core shaft is effected by the grub screw 25 by which the driving wheel 24 is secured on the shaft 19. Provided on the minutes shaft 23 between the friction discs 26 and 26 arranged fast on the shaft 23 is the minute wheel 27. The minutes wheel 27 is therefore only driven by friction from the spring drive of the clock mechanism. By means of the wheels 28 and 29 (Figure 3), the counter wheel 3% and the escapement 31, it drives the balance indicated at 32.

The following constructional elements serve for tensioning the switch spring 12 and also for operating the release mechanism:

The tensioning of the switch spring 12 is effected by a turning movement of the winding knob 6 before the shaft 17 which carries the knob 6 is driven. For this purpose, the knob 6 is not secured directly to the shaft 17, but the said knob 6 is carried on a bushing 33 which itself is secured on the shaft 17 so as to be capable of turning through a certain angle amounting to about 60. A screw 34 serves to secure the winding knob 6 on the bushing 33. The bushing 33 (see Figure 5) is secured to the shaft 17 by means of a screw 35; however, at the said position, the shaft is formed with a recess in such manner that in the rest position of the turning knob 6, the screw 35 rests on the surface 37 of the recess in the shaft 17; if now the turning knob 6 is moved away from its rest position, the bushing first of all travels through an angle indicated by a and amounting to about 60 until the screw 35 takes up a position on the surface 37' and now the shaft 17 is driven by the turning move ment of the knob 6. Rigidly connected with the bushing 33 is a cam disc 36, which effects the tensioning of the switch spring 12 in a manner to be more fully explained.

A spring 38 is also provided in the bore of the bushing 33. This spring is secured at one of its ends to the bushing 33, while it is secured at the other end to the shaft 17 or to a pin turned on the forward end of the shaft. Consequently, in the rest position, the cam 36 assumes the position shown in full lines in Figure 5; when however the time switch is wound, the turning knob 6 is first turned through the angle a against the action of the spring 38 before driving of the shaft 17 takes place.

The switch built into the time switch is a tumbler switch with a switch arm 39, which carries at its forward end a metal part 42 terminating in two contact blades 40 and 41. The position of the switch arm as shown in Figure 2 is the position it assumes when the clockwork mechanism is wound, that is to say, when the time switch is running. Voltage passes through the wire 44 from one of the plug pins of the time switch, which pin is shown at 7, to the contact part 43, so that therefore in the switch position which is shown, voltage passes to the contact blade 45 by way of the contacts 41 and 40 of the metal part 42; the contact blade 45 is electrically connected with the plug socket 10. However, if the switch arm 39 is moved towards the right, an electrically conducting connection is produced through the blade contacts 41, 46 to the plug socket 8. The plug pin '7 itself is connected by wires Stl, 51 with the two other plug sockets 11 and 9. 48, 49, 52, and 53 are securing nuts. It is thus seen that in the position shown in Figure 2, the circuit between the sockets and 11 is carrying voltage, while the pair of sockets 8 and 9 is switched off. If the switch arm 39 is rocked towards the right, the circuit conditions of the pairs of sockets 10, 11 and 8, 9 are reversed.

Engaging on the pin 61 on the switch arm 39 consisting of insulating material is a buckle-shaped wire spring 54 which engages in the lug 62 of a steel wire 55. The wire 55 is secured by means of the screw 57 in a hole in the shaft 56. If the shaft 56 is freed in its movement by a mechanism about to be described, it follows the force of 4 the switch spring 12 which engages on the wire 55. The shaft 56 is then rotated through about 20, so that the wire 55 assumes the position indicated in dotted lines in Figure 2. In this way, the switch arm 39 is moved towards the right into its other switching position, as indicated by the position of the pin 61 shown in dotted lines.

For the operation of tensioning the switch spring 12 and of the movement of the switch arm into the position shown in Figure 2 which is carried out therewith, as well as for releasing the shaft 56 so that it can follow the spring 12 and throw the switch arm 39 towards the right, it is essential to have a tensioning and release mechanism. The main parts of this mechanism are: the cam wheel 36 (Figures 3 to 5), the wire loop 58 secured to the shaft 56 and equipped with a small spring mechanism 61, 63 and 63' and also a latching lever 16.

The wire loop 58 is also secured in a hole in the shaft 56; it is so bent that it projects through the slot 60 to the front side of the plate 59. Here it carries an angle member 61 which can be displaced with respect to the sleeve 63' under the action of the spring 63. A locking member 16 with an angular lug 67 is provided on the front side of the plate 59 and is urged into the position shown in Figure 3 by means of a spring 65 which is secured by means of a screw 64. In Figure 3, the locking member 16 is partly covered by the hour wheel 14 mounted in front thereof.

A thin plate of insulating material is provided so that the current conducting wires from the plug pins cannot cause any short-circuit with the metal parts of the clock mechanism. 69 represents the securing screws of the plate 59. The two halves of the switch casing are held together by two screws 70.

The operation of the time switch constructed in ac cordance with the invention, and as described, is as follows:

If the winding knob 6 is turned from its rest position, the cam disc 36 bears against the bent end 66 of the angle member 61 and thus the wire loop 58 displaces the locking member 16 in an upward direction so that the said wire loop 58 is positioned with its front end behind the lug 67 of the locking lever and is held in the position shown in Figure 3. By this means, the operation of tensioning the switch spring 12 is terminated. With further rotation of the winding knob 6, the angle member 61 is then slightly displaced upwardly so that the cam- 36 can be rotated past the said member 61.

With the rotation of the knob 6 in a clockwise direction, the shaft 17 is also driven when the screw 35 abuts on the surface 37' and thus the clockwork spring is wound. At the same time, the hands are turned in a clockwise direction until they indicate on the dial plate the number of hours and minutes which is selected as the running time up to the initiation of the switching operation. If the time switch is then set in operation, the hands are rotated back in a direction opposite to the usual turning direction of clock hands and thus indicate at any instant the number of hours and minutes on the normally constructed dial plate which have still to elapse before the initiation of the switching operation. During the running down of the clock mechanism, the winding knob 6 therefore also rotates back in a direction opposite to the normal turning direction of the hands of a clock. Whereas during the winding of the clock mechanism, the frictional coupling of the minutes wheel with the friction disc 26, 26 is overcome by the winding torque, the said friction clutch is operative during the running-down of the clock mechanism and thus the running down is controlled by the oscillations of the balance 32.

The releasing operation is completed by the pin 15 arranged on the hour wheel 14 pushing the locking lever 16 at the relevant instant in time into the position shown in Figure 4. By this means, the wire loop 58 is freed from the lug 67 of the locking lever 16 so that the shaft 56 can give effect to the tensile force of the spring 12,

estates which results in the switch arm 39 being thrown into the other switching position.

The differences as compared with an otherwise customary time switch mechanism comprise the following; The shaft 17 which carries the winding knob 6, the spring core 19 rotating backwardly under the action of the spring force of the tension spring 13 and the hands 4, 5 are rigidly coupled together. A friction clutch is arranged between the minutes shaft and the gear train which consists of the gear wheels 28, 29, the running wheel 30, the escapement 31 and the balance 32. This friction clutch is overcome during the winding operation by the torque exerted by the winding knob 6 One end of the clockwork spring 13 is secured to the mechanism plate 21 of the time switch.

A further constructional example of the invention is shown in Figures 6 to 14:

Connected with the setting knob 101 is the gearing 102, 103 and the pinion 104 (Figure 12). The pinion 104 is mounted with friction on the shaft 105, the friction being effected by the spring 106. The wheel 107 is connected fast with the shaft 105, and the shaft 108 is constructed at 108:: as a spring core for a tension spring (not shown). With the setting of the time switch by the knob 101 or during the turning of the wheel 103, the tension spring is not tensioned. During the running down, the pinion 104 and the wheel 107 are driven by the tension spring by way of the wheel 103. Engaging with the wheel 107, which corresponds to the minute wheel (the shaft 105 makes one revolution in an hour), is the clock mechanism or the speed governor.- Also secured on the shaft 108 is a pinion 108i) externally of the mechanism plates. The pinion 108]: meshes with an hour wheel and rigidly connected with the latter is the bush 110 which is mounted freely on the shaft 105. The wheel 109 completes one revolution in 12 hours. Fitted on the squared end 105a of the shaft 105 is the minute hand and the hour hand is on the bush 110; (neither hand is shown).

When the setting knob 101 is turned, the hands arranged on the parts 105a and 110 are turned simultaneously with the tensioning of the driving spring arranged on the spring core 108a and can be adjusted to the desired switching time. The hands do not indicate any clock time, but the desired running time of the switch or the switching period in hours and minutes. The maximum switching period is therefore 12 hours. The switching period can also be extended to 24 hours if the reduction ratio from the wheel 109 and pinion is doubled.

Arranged on the wheel 109 is a stud 10911. By means of this stud and a cam disc 112 fitted on the bush 111, the contact mechanism is tensioned simultaneously with the setting of the hands. Located on the rear side of the clock mechanism are the elements of the switching means, namely, the switch roller 113 and also the tensioning lever 114, the switch arm 115, the locking lever 116, the spring support 117 and the springs 118 and 119 of the switch. Cooperating with the switch roller 113 are the contact studs 120, 121, 122 and 123, together with coupling pins 120a, 121a, 122a and 123a.

Arranged on the front of the mechanism are the stop device 124 with tension spring 125, the lever arm 126 and the cam disc 112 with a yieldable spring 127.

The bush 111 is rigidly connected with the shaft or pinion 102 by a screw 128. The setting knob 101 is merely connected with the bush 111 by friction. The frictional force is supplied by a pretensioned spring 129. The friction is such that the tensioning of the lever is reliably effected, but the knob 101 slides on the bush 111 with relatively strong application of force in the end positrons.

Mounted between the mechanism plates is a shaft 130. Rigidly connected with this shaft is the lever arm 126 and the tensioning lever 114. The tensioning lever 114 is fitted on a square portion 130a of the shaft 130.

ill)

The cam disc 112 is not connected fast with the bush 111 on which it is fitted, but it can not rotate arbitrarily thereon; it can only turn through a small distance. For this purpose, the cam disc 112 is mounted on the bush 111 by means of a pin 111a (Figures 7 and 9). The cam disc 112 is also formed with an elongated hole 112a; a turning moment in a clockwise direction is imparted to the disc 112 by a wire spring 127 (see Figure 7).

If the cam disc 112 is not in contact with the lever arm 126, the latter assumes the position shown in Figure 7. However, as soon as the cam disc upon tensioning, that is, with the turning of the setting knob 101 in a clockwise direction (Figure 9), comes into contact with the arm 126, the latter is moved into the position shown in Figure 9. If the cam disc 112 upon tensioning, e. upon turning the setting knob 101 in a clockwise direction, comes into contact with the lifting arm 126, it is rocked in a counter-clockwise direction corresponding to the play in the oblong aperture 112a owing to the pin mounting Which has just been described, and thereby comes into deeper engagement with the lifting arm. This is necessary, since the mounting of the arm 126 on the shaft 130 is lower than the mounting of the setting knob 101. In the extreme lifting position of the lifting arm 126, that is to say, when the stop lever i disposed behind the projection 1260 of the lifting arm 126, the cam disc 112 is still reliably engaged with the lifting arm 126 due to this yieldability. Figure 9 illustrates the instant of tensio-ning; it is possible to see the lifting of the stop lever 124 by the tensioning lever 126.

The left end of the spring 119 is suspended in a fixed spring support 117. A slot 136 is arranged .in a fixed part in order to limit the end positions of the pin 135.

The switch roller 113 consists of insulating material. Arranged on the switch roller 113 is a cover plate 113a, which is also of insulating material. The switch roller 113 and the plate 113a are held together by the threaded pin and a screw 140. The switch roller 113 is mounted on a post 141 and is secured by a screw 142. The spring contact arm 136 is let into the switch roller 113 and comprises a resilient contact arm 136a at its opposite end. The resilient contact arm 137 is also let into the switch roller 113 and has at its opposite end a resilient contact arm 137a. Secured to the contact part 136 by means of a rivet 143 is a spring 144. Secured to the contact part 137 by means of a .rivet 145 is a spring 146. The springs 144 and 146 are bent over twice at their ends (Figure 12).

The springs which are bent over twice (for example the spring 144), bear on the pin-like end 148a of the plug pin 148 which is rivetted in the casing 147. A plug pin is also associated with the spring 146. The two plug pins have a standard spacing so that they can be intrdouced into sockets. The springs 144 and 146 are made so wide and so long that they always bear resiliently on the pin ends for example pin end 148a, that is to say, in the tensioned position and in the release position.

Figures 13 and 14 show a further constructional form of the switch roller. Arranged in the switch roller 200 are springs 136136a and 137137a and merely rivetted therein by means of rivets 143 and 145 are differently shaped springs 149 and 150. The springs 149 and 150 are formed at their ends with curved portions 149a and 14912 and 150a and 15%. In this case there are also employed plug pins (151, 152) similar to plug pins 148, but the pins 151a, 152a are made longer.

The pins 151a and 152a are not constantly connected with the contact parts of the switch roller 200, but only in the end positions, that is to say, in the ready position and in the switched-off position.-

The operation of the time switch according to the invention will now be explained: 1 1

In Figure 7, the untensioned position is shown; Upon setting or turning the knob 101 in a clockwise direction,

the cam disc 112 must first of all be turned through a certain angle until the projection 11% comes into engagement with the lifting arm 126. During this movement, however, the wheel 109 with the pin 109a is simultaneously turned in a clockwise direction and the stop lever 124 is turned by the force of the spring 125 in a clockwise direction until it bears against the stop 132 at the opposite end of the slot 12412. With the lifting of the lifting arm 126 by the cam 112 (Figure 9), the stop lever 124 can yield in a counter-clockwise direction and then snaps back again into the original stop position under the action of the spring 125 after a lifting movement is completed (Figure 11). The range of the hand adjustment up to this position, that is to say, until the stop lever 124 snaps back, is about 30 minutes, i. e, the shortest time setting for the time switch is in this case about 30 minutes. By suitable shaping or transmission ratio of the lever, the shortest setting time could also be brought to a shorter period of time, for example, 20 minutes.

After the stop lever 124 ha snapped back, i. e. when the lifting arm 126 has fully raised the stop lever 124, the lifting arm can be additionally rotated a considerable amount with the continued rotation of the setting knob 101 until the projection 1121) of the cam 112 can drop down on the edge 12615 of the lifting arm 126. After the cam 112 with its projection 11% has been released from the edge 1261) of the lifting arm 126, it springs under the action of the spring 127 back into its original position again (Figures 7 and 11). If now the knob 101 is rotated further in a clockwise direction by several revolutions with long running times (Figure 11), the projection 1121) of the cam disc 112 no longer comes into contact with the lifting arm 126.

It is only after the release of the lifting arm 126 and when the latter has again reached the position shown in Figure 7 that it is possible, with a fresh setting, i. e. when the cam disc 112 is turned in a clockwise direction, that the projection 1121; can come into engagement with the arm 126 again, as previously explained.

With the tensioning of the lifting arm 126, the contact mechanism arranged on the rear side of the clock mechanism is also tensioned, and the said contact mechanism is released when the lifting arm 126 drops.

In Figure 6, the contact mechanism is shown in the relieved position, that is to say the released position. The springs 118 and 119 are relieved of tension and the switch roller has been swung in a counter-clockwise direction with the release. The lifting arm 126 then assumes the position referred to above and shown in Figure 7. The locking lever 116 is urged by a bar spring 133 against a stop 134.

Upon setting the time switch by the setting knob 101 and tensioning the lifting arm 126, the tensioning lever 114 is simultaneously turned in a counter-clockwise direction (Figure 8). Since the switch lever 115 is at first still held by the locking lever 116, it cannot be rotated therewith. Arranged on the tensioning lever 114- is a cam 114a. Shortly before completion of the tensioning operation, the locking lever 116 is lifted to such an extent by the cam 114a that it releases the switch lever 115. By the tensioning of the tensioning lever 114, the springs 118 and 119 are compressed, so that the released switch lever 115 is suddenly rocked in a counter-clockwise direction; (Figure 8 shows the position of the parts shortly before release). A driver pin 135 on the switch roller 113 is guided in a fork shaped slot 115a of the switch lever 115. With the sudden release of the switch lever 115, the switch roller 113 is suddenly turned in a counter-clockwise direction.

The mutual positions of the operating parts of the switch mechanism after the release of the switch lever 115 are shown in Figure 10. In this position, the contact springs 136 and 137 are in contact with the contact 8 studs 122 and 123 and the contact springs 138 and 139 are lifted from the contact studs and 121.

By the release of the switch lever 115, the previously tensioned spring 118 is relieved of tension. On the other band, the spring 119 remains tensioned as before. With the running down of the clock mechanism and with the final release, that is to say, when the lifting arm 126 is freed from the stop lever 124, the tensioning lever 114 of the tensioned spring 119 is suddenly swung in a clockwise direction (Figure 10). Thus the switch roller 113 is turned in a counter-clockwise direction, in that the pin 135, which may be constructed for example as a threaded pin, is guided by the projection 1141:. At the same time, the switch lever 115 which is coupled with the pin and the spring of which is relieved, is also turned; (The release position is shown in Figure 6).

The release is effected by the fact that the pin 109a arranged on the hour wheel 109 (the wheel 109 is moved in a counter-clockwise direction during the runningdown) briefly lifts the stop lever 124 at the projection 124a, whereupon the lever 126 driven by the springs 118, 119 in a counter-clockwise direction (Figure 7) drops on to a fixed stop 131 which may, for example, be bent out of the front plate. Shortly after the dropping of the lifting arm 126 and further lifting of the stop lever 124 by the pin or stud 1090, the continued turning of the stop lever 124 and the further running down of the clock mechanism is limited by a fixed stop 132 on the front plate; the stop 132 projects into the slot 124!) of the lever 124.

Between the falling of the lifting arm 126 and the stopping of the lever 124 at the stop 132, there is only a very limited lost motion, that is to say, only sufhcient for the lever 126 to be reliably released. Upon the r dropping of the lever 126, the hour hand and minute hand are in the zero position so that they therefore indicate the switching time 0 and the minute hand will continue to run for only a few minutes in a counterclockwise direction owing to the lost motion until the stopping of the clockwork mechanism.

In Figure 13, the switch roller is shown in the ready position, i. e. in the tensioned position. In this case, the pin 151a is in contact with the contact spring a and the pin 152a with the contact spring 14%. In the release position (not shown) the pin 151a is in contact with the spring 149a and the pin 152a with the spring 15%. It is to be noted that the plug pins 151, 152 and 151a, 152a are rigidly rivetted in the casing (not shown). According to whether the plugs of the appliance is introduced into the coupling studs 120a and 121a or into the coupling studs 122a and 123a, it is possible to arrange that the appliance is switched on or off upon initiation of the contact.

In Figure 6 the switch device is shown in the released position. If the plug of the appliance in this case has been introduced into the coupling pins 120a and 121a, the appliance has been switched on when the switch device is released, for current is supplied to the coupling pins 120a and 121a by way of the contact parts 13651-144 and 137a-146 or by way of the plug pins or plug. On the other hand, if the plug of the appliance (see Figure 6) is introduced into the coupling pins 122a, 123a, the appliance is switched off in the released position of the switch mechanism, since the contact parts 136137 have been lifted from the contact studs 122123. The same is the case with the construction of the switch roller according to Figures 13 and 14.

We claim:

1. An electric time switch comprising a spring driven time mechanism having a driving spring, a toggle switch, time controlled tripping means for effecting a switching operation of said toggle switch, a single actuating member both for setting the time of operation of the time mechanism and for tensioning the driving spring of the time mechanism, a spring arbor for the said driving spring carrying a gear meshing with a pinion on a shaft and a hand on the shaft indicating the time setting of the time mechanism, a minute wheel frictionally mounted on the said shaft and being in engagement with the gear train of the timing device of the time mechanism, two springs associated with the toggle switch, a switching lever connected with the toggle switch and, provided under the force of one of the two springs, and operatively connected to the time controlled tripping means, means connected to the actuating member for shifting the switching lever of the toggle switch into a position tensioning the said spring and looking it therein, means for tripping the said locking means after expiration of the set time upon action of the said time controlled tripping means, said means connected to the actuating member for shifting the switching lever of the toggle switch into its locked position in the very first part of the time setting and driving spring tensioning operation, the other of the two springs of the toggle switch being adapted to be tensioned during the beginning of the time setting operation and to cause a quick change of the switching position of the toggle switch when the switching lever of the toggle is shifted into its position of locked engagement with the time controlled tripping means.

2. An electric time switch comprising a spring driven time mechanism having a driving spring, a toggle switch, time controlled tripping means for eflecting a switching operation of said toggle switch, a single actuating member for setting the time of operation of the time mechanism and for tensioning the driving spring of the time mechanism, a spring arbor for the said driving spring carrying a gear meshing with a pinion on a shaft and a hand on the shaft indicating the time setting of the time mechanism, the actuating member being in the form of a turning knob mounted on an axle carrying a pinion meshing with the gear of the spring arbor, a minute wheel frictionally mounted on the said shaft and being in engagement with the gear train of the timing device of the time mechanism, a pair of springs associated with the toggle switch, a switching lever connected with the toggle switch and, provided under the force of one of the two springs, and operatively connected to the time controlled tripping means, means connected to the actuating member for shifting the switching lever of the toggle switch into a position tensioning the said spring and locking it therein, means for tripping the said locking means after expiration of the set time upon action of the said time controlled tripping means, said means connected to the axle of the turning knob for shifting the switching lever of the toggle switch into its locked position in the first part of the time setting and driving spring tensioning operation, the other of the pair of springs of the toggle switch being adapted to be tensioned during the beginning of the time setting operation and to cause a quick change of the switching position of the toggle switch when the switching lever of the toggle is shifted into its position of locked engagement with the time controlled tripping means.

3. An electric time switch comprising a spring driven time mechanism, a toggle switch, time controlled tripping means for effecting a switching operation of said toggle switch, a single actuating member for setting the time of operation of the time mechanism and for tensioning the driving spring of the time mechanism, a spring arbor for the said driving spring carrying a gear meshing with a pinion on a shaft and a hand on the shaft indicating the time setting of the time mechanism, the actuating member being a turning knob mounted on an axle carrying a pinion meshing with a gear of the spring arbor, a minute wheel frictionally mounted on the said shaft and being in engagement with the gear train of the timing device of the time mechanism, a pair of springs associated with the toggle switch, a switching lever connected with the toggle switch and provided under the force of one of the two springs, and operatively connected to the time controlled tripping means, means connected to the actuating member for shifting the switching lever of the toggle switch into a position tensioning the said spring and looking it therein, means for tripping the said locking means after expiration of the set time upon action of the said time controlled tripping means, said means connected to the axle of the turning knob for shifting the switching lever of the toggle switch into its locked position in the very first part of the time setting and driving spring tensioning operation, a spiral shaped cam with a steep abutting shoulder mounted on the axle of the actuating turning knob, said cam acting as a means for shifting the switching lever of the toggle switch into its locked position in the very first part of the time setting and driving spring tensioning operation, spring controlled abutting member operatively connected to the switching lever for abutting against the shoulder of the spiral cam in the spring distensioning sense of rotation of the turning knob, the other spring of the toggle switch being adapted to be tensioned during the beginning of the time setting operation and to cause a quick change of the switching position of the toggle switch when the switching lever of the toggle is shifted into its position of locked engagement with the time controlled tripping means.

4. An electric time switch comprising a spring driven time mechanism, a toggle switch, time controlled tripping means for efiecting a switching operation of said toggle switch, a single actuating member for setting the time of operation of the time mechanism and for tensioning the driving spring of the time mechanism, a spring arbor for the said driving spring carrying a gear meshing with a pinion on a shaft and a hand on the shaft indicating the time setting of the time mechanism, the actuating member being a turning knob, an axle carrying a pinion meshing with a gear mounted on the spring arbor,,the turning knob being mounted on a tubular member, and said tubular member presenting a lost motion coupling with the axle carrying the pinion under action of a resiliently acting spring, a minute wheel frictionally mounted on the said shaft and being in engagement with the gear train of the timing device of the time mechanism, a pair of springs associated with the toggle switch, a switching lever connected with the toggle switch and provided under the force of one of the two springs, and operatively connected to the time controlled tripping means, means connected to the actuating member for shifting the switching lever of the toggle switch into a position tensioning the said spring and locking it therein, means for tripping the said locking means after expiration of the set time upon action of the said time controlled tripping means, said means connected to the axle of the turning knob for shifting the switching lever of the toggle switch into its locked position in the first part of the time setting and driving spring tensioning operation, a spiral shaped cam with a steep shoulder mounted on said tubular member acting as a means for shifting the switching lever of the toggle switch into its locked position in the first part of the actuation of the turning knob, the switching lever of the toggle switch carrying a spring slide abutting member operatively connected to the switching lever for abutting against the shoulder of the spiral cam in the spring distensioning sense of rotation of the turning knob and the other of the pair of springs of the toggle switch being adapted to be tensioned during the beginning of the time setting operation and to cause a quick change of the switching position of the toggle switch when the switching lever of the toggle is shifted into its, position of locked engagement with the time controlled tripping means.

5. An electric time switch according to claim 1, in which two pairs of plug pin sockets are provided and the toggle switch in one of its positions effects the connection of one or the pairs of sockets and in its other switching position the connection of the other socket.

6. An electric time switch comprising a spring driven time mechanism, a toggle switch, time controlled tripping means for effecting a switching operation of said toggle switch,, asingle actuating member for setting the time of operation of the time mechanism and for tensioning the driving spring of the time mechanism, a spring arbor for the said driving spring carrying a gear meshing with a pinion on a shaft and a hand on the shaft indicating the time setting of the time mechanism, the actuating member being a turning knob mounted on an axle carrying a pinion meshing with a gear'of the spring arbor, a minute wheel frictionally mounted on the said shaft and being in engagement with the gear train of the timing device of the time mechanism, a pair of springs associated with the toggle switch, a switching lever connected with the toggle switch and provided under the force of one of the two springs, and operatively connected to the time controlled tripping means, means connected to the actuating member for shifting the switching lever of the toggle switch into a position tensioning the said spring and locking it therein, means for tripping the said locking means after expiration of the set time upon action of the said time controlled tripping means, said means connected to the axle of the turning knob for shifting the switching lever of the toggle switch into its locked position in the first part of the time setting and driving spring tensioning operation, a spiral shaped cam with a steep abutting shoulder mounted on the axle of the actuating turning knob, said cam acting as a means for shifting the switching lever of the toggle switch into its locked position in the first part of the time setting and driving spring tensioning operation, said cam being mounted oscillatable to a limited extent on the said axle of the turning knob in a plane transverse to the axle, the cam being controlled as to its oscillatory movement by a spring so that an abutment of the shoulder of the cam with an abutting shoulder of the switching lever of the toggle switch is secured only in the spring tensioning direction of rotation of the turning knob, but free rotation of the latter being permitted in the opposite direction, the other of the pair of springs of the toggle switch being adapted to be tensioned during the beginning of the time setting operation and to cause a quick change of the switching position of the toggle switch when the switching lever of the toggle is shifted into its position of locked engagement with the time controlled tripping means.

7. An electric timeswitch according to claim 6, in which the toggle switch is'of the roller switch type, the switching lever being mounted on a shaft carrying a fixed and a rotatably mounted actuating toggle lever, both of said levers being interconnected by the second toggle switch spring, the fixed toggle switch lever being tripped by the time controlled switching means and performing the time controlled electric switching action and the rotatably mounted toggle lever being tripped by a tripping means provided on the shaft actuating by the switching lever and performing the shifting of the switch into the position set for performing the time controlled electric switching action.

8. An electrical time switch according to claim 6, in which the toggle switch is of the roller switch type, the switching lever being mounted on a shaft carrying a fixed and a rotatably mounted actuating toggle lever, both of said levers being interconnected by the second toggle switch spring, the fixed toggle switch. lever being tripped by the time controlled switching means and performing the time controlled electric switching action and the rotatably mounted toggle lever being tripped by a tripping means provided on the shaft actuating by the switching lever and performing the shifting of the switch into the position set for performing the time controlled electric switching action, and in which a spring controlled click is providcdfor locking the rotatably mounted lever in its initial position during the first part of the turning operation of the turning knob until upon rotation of the fixedly mounted lever thesaid click is engaged by a cam of the said lever and is tripped, whereby the rotatably mounted lever is released.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 659,766 Robertson Oct. 16, 1900 1,265,933 Mapel May 14, 1918 1,619,777 Zorgo Mar. 1, 1927 2,090,540 Marzo Aug. 17, 1937

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