Anti-vibration retaining clip for an electrical switch with connector interlock

• US 6,028,273 A
• Filed: 11/04/1998
• Issued: 02/22/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 11/04/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Thomas & Betts International Incorporated (ABB Limited)
• Original Assignee: Thomas & Betts International Incorporated (ABB Limited)
• Inventors: Osborn, Robert H. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): FRIEDHOFER, MICHAEL A
• Application Number:
  US09/187,310
• Time in Patent Office: 475 Days
• Field of Search: 200/43.01, 200/43.11, 200/43.13-43.19, 200/43.21, 200/50.01, 200/50.02, 200/318, 200/318.1, 200/321, 200/322, 200/327, 200/50.11, 200/333 , 200/334
• US Class Current: 200/51.09
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 71/1054 Means for avoiding unauthorised release
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/707 interlocked with contact members or counterpart

Abstract

An electrical switch with connector interlock apparatus having a reusable clip-on anti-vibration retaining clip assembly used to retain the spring biased operating member in the "on" position for high vibration application. In heavy high vibration environments, the clip assembly prevents the pushrod/operating member from vibrating out and tripping the circuit breaker. The clip assembly includes a clip preferably formed from 16 gauge pre-galvanized steel. One end of the clip is generally U-shaped to Fit into a groove formed in a bushing mounted in the wall. The opposite end of the clip extends over and engages the knob of the operating member thereby acting as the stop for the pushrod knob. With a plug inserted into the module, the pushrod must be pushed in to a second position in order to actuate the circuit breaker thereby compressing a pushrod spring. This results in stored energy in the spring. When vibration is introduced with an amplitude in the axial direction of the pushrod, the pushrod may work it way out with assistance from the compressed spring. The clip assembly prevents the pushrod from vibrating out under these conditions.

Claims

1. An electrical switch, comprising:

(a) a housing;

(b) a switch unit for selectively completing or breaking an electrical circuit, said unit being mounted within said housing and connected to a source of electrical power;

(c) a switch unit operating member being mounted to said housing for sliding movement between a first position and a second position, said operating member supported by a first bushing through said housing and a second bushing through an internal support tray, said operating member including a handle for enabling a human operator to move said operating member between said first and second positions;

(d) an actuating member mounted for movement corresponding to said movement of said operating member between said first position and said second position and being operatively connected to said switch unit for moving a portion of said switch unit between a first, open circuit state when said actuating member is in said first position and a second, circuit completing state when said actuating member is in said second position, said actuating member being resiliently biased toward said first position; and

(e) a clip-on anti-vibration retaining clip assembly for maintaining said operating member in said second position, said retaining clip assembly having a generally C-shaped clip with one end releasably attached to said first bushing and an opposite end engaging said handle so as to prevent said operating member from moving to said first position, said one and opposite ends being integrally attached to one another by way of a central portion, said one end further having a generally U-shaped configuration so as to snap fit into a groove formed in said first bushing.

2. An electrical switch as defined in claim 1, wherein said anti-vibration retaining clip assembly further comprises a cable assembly for permanently attaching said clip to said housing.