William L Reinke

US Patent:

42912075, Sep 22, 1981

Filed:

Jan 11, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/111149

Inventors:

William L. Reinke - Cedarburg WI
John W. Stearley - Smithfield NC

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

H01H 2700

US Classification:

200 42R

Abstract:

A unitary, self-enclosed electric switch having a pivotally mounted subactuator (6) that actuates the contacts (18 ) and carries a locking element (24) that normally catches on the switch housing (4k) to lock the switch in "off" position. A combined actuator and lock release member (8) is snap-in mounted on the subactuator and has push-to-unlock means (8b, 8c, 22) that releases the off-lock to allow pivotal actuation of this actuator and the subactuator in unison from "off" to "on" position. This actuator is normally spring-biased (22) into ineffective position from which it must be pushed in to unlock the switch and is removable to prevent unauthorized use of the switch. The subactuator has an upward extension (6h) that serves as a handle to enable the switch to be moved from "on" to "off" position even when the actuator has been removed, this extension serving also to trap the actuator bias spring (22) to retain it in place when the actuator is removed. The off-lock shown could be changed to an on-lock by rearranging the contacts or reversing the locking element.