Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
3~
01 The present invention relates to a
02 matrix-type switch with several layers of crossing
03 points especially usable in telephone or other
04 distributors, or in similar devices. It relates to
05 such a switch with selection by coordinates.
06 The switch described in Canadian Patent
07 Application 358,076, filed August 12, 1980 assigned to
08 the same assignee as the present application, is
09 formed of several first layers of parallel wires,
oriented in a first direction, and of several second
11 layers of wires oriented in a direction perpendicular
12 to the first layers, the first and the second layers
13 oE wires being intercalated relative to one another.
14 Each layer of wires is supported by a grid of
insulating material with a square mesh. Each mesh has
16 a conductor wire running through it, which wire is
17 parallel to one of its sides. The grids of the second
18 layers are angularly shifted by one quarter of a
19 rotation, all in the same direction, relative to the
grids of the first layers. One crossing point is
21 constituted by two superposed adjacent meshes and a
22 conductor surface of a plug the axis of which is
23 perpendicular to the plane of the layers, and which is
24 plugged into the meshes of the crossing point and
which makes it possible electrically to connect the
26 wire segment of the upper mesh to the wire segment of
27 the lower mesh. Each plug plugged into a pile of
28 crossing points is fitted with as many conductor
29 cylindrical rings as there are crossin~ points being
superposed. Each ring has a height chosen to
31 constitute the conductor surface of a single crossing
32 point. In some cases, the conductor surface of the
33 plugs are constituted only by ring sectors and the
34 plugs comprise crescent-shaped heads the horns
(points) of which cooperate with the flexible teeth of
36 the selection bars which can be deformed by the teeth
37
~7~
01 of the work bars. The selection and work bars are
02 crossed. Each selection bar can be pushed in one
03 direction this determining, wi-th a working work bar,
04 the rotation of a plug head by one quarter of a
05 rotation in one direction, and can be pulled in the
06 other direction, that determining, with a working
07 adjacent work bar, the rotation of the same head by
08 one quarter of a rotation in the other direction. The
09 rotation in one direction or in the other causes the
conductor sectors of the rings of the plug to set or
11 to break the connections of the piled-up crossing
12 pointsO In the other case, the conductor surfaces of
13 the rings are constituted by complete circular rings
14 and the closing or the opening of the crossing points
is obtained by displacing the plugs in a direction
16 perpendicular to the plane of the layers, either in
17 one direction or in the other.
18 Thus, in the switch described in Canadian
19 Patent Application 358,076 in each couple of grids
required to form a crossing point, a plug is wedged by
21 the two sides of the insulating superposed meshes, by
22 the wire of a mesh which constitutes a third side, and
23 by the perpendicular wire of the other mesh which
24 cons~itutes the fourth side. The plug thus is held in
place by two rigid sides and by two flexible sides.
26 The space existing between the conductors and the
27 sides of the adjacent meshes are wasted. As, in
28 addition, the widths of the mesh sides are relatively
29 more important than that of the conductor wires, there
results (from that arrangement) that, in a grid, more
31 than half the useful surface is lost.
32 One object of the present invention
3~ consists in providing for a switch with several layers
34 of crossing points, similar to the one described in
Canadian Patent Application 358,076, but in which the
36 space actually used is practically double that of the
37 former switch.
38 - 2 -
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01 Another object of the present invention
02 consi.sts in providing for a switch in which the
03 con-tact points of the plugs are in a position of
04 equilibrium, whatever their state.
05 Another object of the invention consists
06 in providing for a switch in which -the plugs have,
07 relative to the s-tep (pitch) of the layers of wires, a
08 diameter relatively larger than do those used in the
09 switches described in the above-mentioned main patent
and the first certificate of addition.
11 ~nother object of the invention consists
12 in providing for a switch which makes it possible to
13 execute folded matrices.
1~ Another object of the presen~ invention
consists in prov.iding for a plug head having a
16 structure, and for a governing member making it
17 possible to group all of the plug heads at the top of
18 the pile, that reducing the relative volume occupied
19 by -the governing device and thus increasing the possi-
bi~ities of connection at the level of the openings.
21 Another object o the invention consists
22 in providing for a plug head governing member such
23 that accessibleness is rendered possible over a single
24 face of the pile.
According to a characteristic of the
26 invention, there is provided for a switch comprising
27 several layers of parailel wires oriented in a ~irst
28 direction, and several layers of parallel wires
29 oriented in a direction perpendicular to the first one,
the first and second layers being piled up in an inter-
31 calated manner. Each layer of wires is supported by a
32 frame of insulating material. A crossing point is
33 constituted by two wires located in two neighboring
34 layers and a conductor surface of a plug, the height of
the conductor surface being sufficient electrically to
36 connect a segment of wire of the upper layer to a
37 segment of the perpendicular wire of the lower layer.
38 Each first layer is constituted by a plurality of row
39 wires oE uneven rank and by a plurality of row wires
~0 - 3 ~
~'7 ~
4/
of even rank, each s0cond layer being for~ed by a plurality of column
wires of uneven rank forr,~ig a first matrix and by a plurality of
col~nn wires of even rank forming a second matrix, first crossing points
being formed by the row and colwnn wires of the first matrix, (by)
conductor surfaces of first plugs which are wedsed between said row and
column wires of the first matrix, and the row and column wires of the
sarne rank Or the second matrix, second crossing points being formed by
the row and colwnn wires of the second matrix and conductor surfaces of
second plugs which are wedged between said row and colurnn wires of the
second matrix and the row and column wires of upper ranks of the first
matrix, the first and second plugs having a diameter uhich is superior
to the mesh side of the wire layers, each conductor area of ~ plug compr-
ising a first and a second contact surfaces galvanically connected tog~ether,
the an,ular positions of the first and of the second contact surfaces
being shifted by 90, and their axial distances being equal to those of
t~o adjacent layers.
According to another ch~racteristic, the conductor surfaces present the
shape of an L in ~rhich the base of the L corresponds to a 90 arc, and
the height o~ the L (corresponds) to the distance between the layers in
one direction and the layers in the other direction.
According to another characteristic, the first plugs have their heads at
the top of the switch~ and the second plug9 have their head at the
bottom of the pile-up.
.
~ccording to another characteristic, each la-.er of wires is placed, without
any blocking~ in grooves provided for in the OpDOSite sides of a frame
of plastic ~aterialO
5.
~ccording to another characteristic, each frame is fitted with first
slits on two opposite sides, which support the conductors (wires) and with
second slits on the two other opposite sides, the pile-up being constituted
by frames alternately shifted by 90, the second slits of an upper frame
being positioned over the oonductors or wires placed in the first slits
of the lower adjacent frame
hccording to another characteristic of the present invention, there is
provided for a switch in ~nich each plug head is co~posed of a low cam-
chaoed part comprising two arcs of cercles of different diameters joined
by segments and surmounted by an upper part in the shape of a crank
oresentin, at its end a vertical indentation, said indentation forming
a gear surface for a vertical flexible finger carried by a governing rod
of a switching member, the guiding module of the governing member having
lug pieces against which one or the other of the cam se~ments and/or one
or the other side Or the cranks come to hit
According to another characteristic, the heads of all of theplugs are
placed on a same side of the pile-up of crossing points.
Accordin~ to another characteristic, the length of the cranks is greater
than the side of the squares formed by the layers of wires, the large
diameter of the ca~s being slightly inrerior to said side of the squares~
~ccording to another characteristic3 the active end of each governing rod
is flexible and it has, at the point of suspension of the vertical flexible
fin er, a stud which is engaged in a groove dug in a vertical wall of the
switching member, the groove presenting a concave up-turned curvature, the
rod being connected to ~eans for translation displacement which cause the
3~
01 stud to describe the groove, in one direction or in
02 the other, at each switching, the high points of the
03 groove being at a level such that the low end of the
04 finger will be above the cranks, while the low zone of
05 the groove is at a level such that said low end
06 engages the indenta~ion of a crank.
07 According to another characteristic, a row
08 of lug pieces out of two is eliminated, and the
09 switching member comprises two parallel governing
rods.
11 The above-indicated characteristics of the
12 invention, as well as other, will appear more clearly
13 upon reading of the following description of examples
14 of execution, said description being given relative to
15 the attached drawing in which:
16 Figure 1 is a schema-tic view from the top
17 of a switch according to the present invention.
18 Figure 2 is a schematic view of a crossing
19 point of the switch in Figure 1, in a larger scale.
Figures 3a to 3d are schematic views meant
21 to illustrate the operation of the switch in Figure 1.
22 Figure 4 is a schematic view, in
23 perspective, of a group of plugs used in the switch in
24 Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a perspective view, partly
26 torn, of a switching unit in which ~here axe used
27 switches according to Figure 1.
28 Figure 6 is a perspective view of the unit
29 in Figure 5, the various elements (of same) being
30 fitted into one another.
31 Figures 7A and 7B are schematic views
32 which illustrate a variation of operation.
33
34
36
37
38 - 6 -
- \
~igures 8a to 8c respectively are elevatedJ plane and end views of the
active part o the switching governing member and of plug heads~ according
to the present invention.
Fi~ures 9a to 9c are schematic views which show the changes of state of a
, _
switching plug head, and
Figure 10 is an enlarged ~iew of the plug head ~ (2~2) and of t~o of the
three lug pieces located in its immediate vicinity,
The switching element, partially represented in Figure 1, comprises a
first matrix of conductor wires formed by a layer of ro~ wires Hl~l, Hl.2
etc., and by a layer of column wires Vl.l, Vl.2, etc., and a second matrix
of conductor wires formed of a laver of row wires H2.1, H2.2, etc., and of
a layer of column wires V2.1, V2.2, etc. Layers Hl and H2 of row wires
are in a same horizontal plane, the wires of one layer being alternated
with the wires of the other layer. Layers Vl and V2 of ~olumn wires also
are in a same horizontal plane, but which is different from that of layers
Hl and H2, the wires of layers Vl and V2 also being alternated. In
practice, layers Hl and H2 are on one side of an insulating frame Cl,
while layers Vl and V2 are on the other side of the frame. The edges
of frame Cl are fitted, on one side, with notches 1 which are parallel
to layers Hl and H2, into which there are inserted the ends of the wires
of those layers, and, on the other side, with notches 1 parallel to layers
Vl and V2 to maintain the ends of the wires of those layers. It must be
noted that the wires are not blocked in notches 1. Between notches 1,
the frames present inward turned swellings 2.
The first and the second matrices of conductor wires form, -together~
a matrix of squares D(Hl.p.H2.q;Vl.r.V2.s) in which Hl.p, H2.q, Vl.r and V2.s
~7~
~ .
are the references of the wires forming the square. In practice, p and q
can differ only by one unit, and the same is true for r and 9.
Squares D for which p and q are equal, as are r and 9~ are fitted with
plugs F (p,r). Squares D for which q is inferior to p and s is inferior
to r are fitted with plugs F'(p,r). Thus there has been sho-~n, in Figure 1
the plug F~l.l) in the square formed by the wires Hl.l, H2.1, n.l and V2.1,
plug F(1,2) in the square formed by the wires Hl.l, H2.1., Vl.2 and V2.2,
plug F(2,1) in the square ormed by the wires Hl.2, H2.2, n.l and V2.13
plug F(2,2) in the square forrned by the wires ~1.2, H2.2, Vl.2, and ~2.2,
etc. In the same manner t~ere has been shown Plug F'(2,2) in the square
defined by the wires Hl.2, H2.1, Vl.2 and V2.1~ plug F~(3,2) in the square
defined by the wires Hl.3,H2.2, V1.2 and V2.1, etc.
As an example, as shown in Figure 2, plug F'(2~2)~ which comprises as the other
plùgs a conductor area or surlace 3~ has a diameter slightly greater than
the side of the square in which it is lodged, that is to sa~ a diameter
which is ~reater than one half of the step or pitch of a layer of wires.
Therefore it deforrns the square into a drum as also do the four plugs
F(l,l), F(1,2), F(2,1) and F(2,2) adjacent (to it). As plugs F~ the plu~s
F' are arranged in a quincuncial manner each wire is alternately bent in
one direc-tion and in the other. It must be noted that swellin7s 2, which
form semi-circles toward the insida, play the part of plu~s for the
wires ~hich are adjacent to the ed~es of the frame.
It must be noted that there is thus obtained a uniform distribution of the
contact pressures between the surfaces of the plugs and the conductor wires.
When the plug is rotated inside its square in order to set or to brake
electric continuities, the distribution of the pressures is not modified.
3 ~
01 Several layers of row and column wires can be
02 superposed. There results from that that the cylinder
03 oE each plug is interwoven with four, eight, twelve,
04 sixteen or more bent wires or beams, depending on the
05 number of layers. That structure makes it possible to
06 ahsorb the possible size deviations which may affect
07 the diameters of the plugs, on the four arrows or
08 more, without for as much disturbing the functioning
09 of the adjacent plugs.
In addition, it appears that the elements
11 of the switch reach a state of auto-equilibrium only
12 at the contacts of the conductor wires and of the
13 plugs.
14 Figure 3a represents the two adjacent
plugs F(2,1) and F'(2,2), as well as the conductors
16 H2.1, Hl.2, H2.2, Vl.l, V2.1 and V1.2 which are
17 interwoven with them. Plug F(2,1) comprises a
18 conductor surface 3 shaped like an L, the upper part
19 of the L being at the level of the column conductors
while the bottom of the L is at the level of the row
21 conductors. The height of a surface therefore is
22 approximately equal to the diffexence of level between
23 the upper adge of the column conductors and the lower
2~ edge of the row conductors. The length of the L's
foot is of the order of one quarter the circumference
26 of the plug. In the position indicated in Figure 3a,
27 plug F(2,1) is assumed to be in its rest position or
28 state "0". Indeed, surface 2 is in contact with
29 conductor H2.2, but it is insulated from conductors
Vl.l and V2.1. No current can pass through plug
31 F(2.1).
32 Plug F(2,2) also comprises a conductor
33 surface 3', which is identical with area 3 and located
34 at the same level. In the position indicated in
Figure 3a, plug F'(2,2) also is in its postion of rest
36 or state "0". Area or surface 3' is in contact with
37 conductor Hl.2, but it is insulated from conductors
38 V2.1 and V2.2. No current can pass through plug
39 F'(2,2).
_ 9 _
~1.. '
lOo
In Figures 3a to 3d there have been represented slits 4 and 4' at the
top Or the plugs, those slits simply having as their purpose to schematically
represent a means to caus~ the plugs to rotate by means of a screw-driver.
Of course> in a practical form of execution the plugs comprise heads
having a rnore elaborate shape and which make~ it possible to ca~se their
rotation by means of switching members.
In Figure 3_, it is assumed that plug Fl(2,2) has been made to rotate in
the counter-clockwise direction, by one quarter of a rotation, as indicated
by arrow Pl. The position of plug F(2,1) has not been modi~ied. Surface
3' of plug F(2,2) now has its upoer part in contact with conductor H21,
that establishing an electric circuit between Vl 2 to H2.1, through 3~.
The crosslng point is closed. Plug ~'(2.2) is at work or in state ~1",
while plug F(2.1) still is in state "O".
In Figure 3c, it has been assumed that plug F(2~1) has been made to
counter-
rotate in a/cloclcwise direction, by one auarter of a rotation, as indicated
by arrow P2. The position of plug F'(2.2) has remained that represented
in Figure 3b. Sur~ace 3 ~f plug F(2,1) now has its upper part in contact
~th conductor V2.1~ and its lower part in contact with conductor Hl.2~
this establishing an electric circuit between V2.1 and Hl.2, through 3. The
~rossing point now i9 closed. Plug F(2,1) is working or it is in state "1",
as is plug r '(2,2)
In Fi~ure 3d, it has been assumed that plug F'(2,2) has been ~ade to
rotate in the direction of the hand of a clock, by one quarter of a
rotation, as indicated by arrow P3. The position of plug F(2,1) has
not been modified relative to that in Figure 3c~ Therefore, plug F'(2~2)
ras taken bac~ the position it had in Figure 3_, that is to say it has
. ` -
11 .
come back to skate "O", plug F(2,1) remaining in the state "1".
In order to cause plug F(2~1) to change to state "O", it is sufficient,
as indicated by arrow P~ in Figure 3a, to cause it to rotate by one
quarter of a rotation in a cloc~Jise direction.
The switchings which have just been described relative to Figures 3a
to 3d indicate that there exists no interaction between the plugs having
reference markings F and those having reference markings ~l.
The perspective view in Figure ~ shows, as an example, the Tour plugs
F'~2,2), F'(2,3), F'(3,2) and F'(3,3) the governing heads 5~ of which
are at the bottom, and plu~ F(2,2~the ~overning head 5 of which is at
the top. There have also been represented some of the conductors of
the two layers with which those plu~s can close contacts, that is to say,
for the uooer layer, conductors Xl.2, H2.2, Vl,2 and ~2.2 and, for the
lower layer, conductors Xl.2, K2.2, Ul.2 and U2.2, the latter ones being
deduced from the first ones by simple translation.
Arrow F(2,2) comprises a cylindrical body 6 fitted l~qth a head 5, the
entire complex 5,6 being of insulating plastic material. Body 6 is fitted
~ith c ontact small blades 3 in a nu~ber equal to the number of layers
of the switch. Said small blades 3 present the sha~e of an ~, as already
described relative to ~iO~ures 3_ to 3d.
Head 5 co~prises a cylindrical lower part 7 and an upper part in the
form of a circular sector 8J which presents a c~lindrical swelling~in its
center~ The center of the sylindrical swelling 9 has~ above it, a small
knob (pion) 10 in the form of a cone. Of course, the body 6 of the plug,
, ~ . .. . ... .
01 the cylinder of 7, that of 9 and cone 10 rotate around
02 the aame axis. The sectorial part 8 is limited by
03 planes 11 and 12 which together form an angle at the
04 center slightly inferior to 180.
05 Plug head 5 is meant to be used with a
06 switching member of the type of that described in the
07 Canadian patent application, indicated above.
08 At the opposite (end) of head 5, stem or
09 body 6 ends with a co-axial cylindrical projection 13
the diameter o~ which is definitely inferior to that
11 of said body.
12 All of the plugs bearing reference marking
13 F are identical to plug F(2,2), which has just been
14 described. Plugs having reference marking F' have
their bodies 6' and their small contact blades 3'
16 which can be deduced from the translation of body 6
17 and of small blades 3. Heads 5' can be deduced from
18 heads 5 by symmetry, relative to the median plane
19 perpendicular to the axes of the plugs.
In Figure 4, plugs F(2,2), F'(2,2),
21 F'(3,2) and F'(3,3) are assumed to be in the "0"
22 state, while plug F'(2,3) is assumed to be in state
23 "1". Therefore, plug F'(2,3) presents a current
24 pas~age from respectively conductors Vl.3 and Ul.3
respectively to conductors Hl,2 and Kl,2 as indicated
26 by arrows P6 and P7.
27 Figure 5 schematically represents, in
28 partially torn view, the elements of a unit of pile-up
29 of switches according to the invention, associated
with governing elements. That complex comprises a
31 governing module cover 14, a group of F' plugs, an
32 upper panel 15, a first supporting grid 16, a second
33 supporting grid 17, a third supporting grid 18 fitted
34 into a fourth
~6
37
38 - 12 -
..~'
, ,,~
1 i h ~
supporting grid3 a lower panel 20J a group of F plugs, and a governing
module cover 21.
Supporting grid 16 is formed by a rectangular frame comprising two
parallel narrow sides 22 and 23, and two parallel wide sides 24 and
25, perpendicular to the first ones. The cross section of sides 22
and 23 presents the shape of a square one horizontal arm 26 of which
is relatively long and thick relative to the vertical arm 27. In addition,
arm 26 carries an upward projecting part 28. The cross-section of sides
24 and 25 also presents the form of a square the horizontal arm 29 of
which is identical to arm 26 and the vertical arm 30 of ~lhich is identical
to arm 27. ~rm 29 also carries an opward porjecting ?art 31.
Arms 26 and 29 f~f~ a practically tapproximateLy) square fra~e the internal
edges of ~hich are joined by a series of equidistant bars 32 at 45 and by
a series of equidistant bars at 135. Bars 32 and 33 have a height equal to
the thickness of arms 26 and 29; they are peroendicular to one another;
they form the grid properly s?eaking into ~hich plugs F and ~ are pushed.
The ~5 rotation of the grid relative to the alig~ments of the plugs F
and F' ensure the quincuncial arrange~ent represented in Figure 1. The
squares of the grid of bars 32 and 33 have a side the length of which is
slightly superior to the diameter of the plug bodies, so that the latter
can be loiged into them with an aopreciable play.
Arms 27 and 30 for~, under arms 26 and 20, a ledge (rim (?) the height of
which is equal to that of the projecting parts 2~ and 31. Projecting
parts 28 and 31 form an upward-turned edge, while the edge formed by 27
and 30 iS turned downward, the arran~ement of those edges bein7 such that
the one formed by 27 and 30 fits around the one formed by 2~ and 31. In
.
- ~ -
3 ~
14.
addition~ the upper edge formed by the pro~ectin~ parts of sides 22 and
23 presents grooves 34 the pitch of which i9 that of the conductors (wires)
of the switch. The upper edge formed by the parts projecting fro~ sides
24 and 25 does not present any grooves. The lower edge formed by arms 30
tand 27 ~) of sides 24 and 25 aLso comprise~grooves 35 the pitch of which
is that of the ~res or conductors of the switch. Ths upper ~dge formed by
arms 27 of sides 22 and 23 does not comprise any grooves.
Finally, edges 24 and 25 comprise horizontal edges 38 the upper face of
which is lined up with that of arms 29 and the thickness of which is
appreciably smaller than that of 29. Those edges 35 make it possible
to separate the lay~rsor external ends of the conductors or wires.
~rid 17 is identical to grid 16, but it is shifted by 90 relative to the
latter. Said angular shift is translated by alignments between grooves 35
Or grid 17 and grooves 34 of grid 163 and so forth in the pile up.
There has been represente~ grid 18 which is identical with grid 16 and
oriented9 it~ with a few vertical wires Vl.l~ V2.1, Vl.2 and V2.2 placed
in the corresponding ~rooves 34. The ~edian plane of conductors (wires) Vl.l,
and V2.1 passes throu~h the center of the corresponding scuares formed
by bars 32 a~d 33. The distance between n.l and V2.1 is, as indicated
relative to ~igure 1, slightly inferior to the diameter OL the plugs body.
The representation of grids 18 and 19 also shows how said grids fit on
top of each other, grid 19 being shifted by 90 relative to grid 18. It
also shows the ends of the horizontal wires Hl.l, H2.1, Hl.2, and H2.2
fitted into ~rooves 35 of grid 18 and grooves 34 of grid 19. ~s an exa~ple,
15,
a terminal 37 is affixed to the end of conductor (wire~ H191~ said
terminal 37 bein~ provided so that it can be connected to the corresponding
wire of a cable.
Panel 15 is a part which practically presents the shape of the part of grid
16 located below the level of the upper edges of bars 32 and 33, minus
edges 36g but over which there is a square plate pierced with a series o~
holes 38 and 39.
Holes 38 are provided to run through them the bodies of plugs F'~ and holes
39 zre provided to receive the cylindrical studs or projections 13 of
plugs F
Panel 20 is a simpLe square pla~e provided to be inscribed inside the
perimeter formed by ed~e 27-30 of grid 19, immediately above it. It
comprises series of holes ~0 and 41. Holes 40 are provided to receive the
cylindrical studs or projections of plugs F' and holes 40 to receive plugs F.
Cover 1~ comprises as many grooves 42 the step or pitch of ~lich is that
of plugs F~ and which are oriented in the same direction as the rows of
F~ plugs, or even in the direction Or the hori~ontal conductors (wires).
The height of grooves ~2 is equal to the hei~ht of a plug head, pl~ the
height of a commutation (sl~itching) member~ The bottom of partitions 43
which define the grooves, as well as that of external walls 4~, come in
contact with the upper face of panel 15, running between the plugs.
Cover 21 is simi~ar to cover 1~, with grooves oriented in the same direction,
However, in the described exa~ple, it comprises an additional groove because
plugs F are more numerous that plugs F'.
01 Figure 6 shows the whole of the elements
02 in ~'igure 5, fi-tted into one another, plugs F and F'
03 being set in place in the inside. There can be noted
04 the compactness of the whole which practically
05 comprises twice the number of crossing points,
06 relative to the switches described in Canadian patent
07 application 358,076.
08 Of course, in Figure 5, there has been
09 shown a switch which comprises only two layers of
crossing points for the sole purpose of simplifying
11 the drawing, it being understood that a switch would
12 comprise, in practice, x layers of crossing points, x
13 varying from 2 to 7 for applications to
14 telecommunications.
Figures 7A to 7~ represent a variation in
16 the governing device of the plugs, relative to the
17 governing device described relative to Figures 3A to
18 3D. In Figure 7A, plugs F(2,1) and F'(2,2) both are
l9 in the "0" state. In Figures 7B, plug F'(2,2) has
been made to rotate by one quarter of a rotation in
21 the direction of arrow P'2 which is the reverse of the
22 direction of arrow P2 in Figure 3B. It can be seen
23 that arrow F'(2,2) establishes an electric circuit
24 between V2.1 and Hl.2, through surEace 3'. Plug
F'(2,2) has changed to state "l". In Figure 3C, plug
26 F(2,1) is made to rotate in the direction of arrow
27 P'3, the reverse direction -from arrow P3. Figure 3C,
2~ that causing plug F(2,1) to change to state "l", etc.
29 In that way, there are obtained different switchings
by causing the plugs to rotate in one direction or in
31 the other, this offering a remarkable flexibility of
32 use.
33 Figures 8a to 8c represent a switching
34 member 45 introduced in a groove 46 of a cover 47 to
switch by rotation one of the plugs of the associated
36 pile, that is, for example, plug G(2,2). Figure 8a is
37 a section view
38 - 16 -
17.
along line VIIIa- VIIIa in Figure 8c; Figure 8b is a section view along
line VIIIb-VIIIb in Figure 8a~ and Figure 8c is a vertical section view
along line VIIIc-VIIIc in Figure 8b
Plug G(2~2) comprises a cylindrical body 48, similar to body 6, fitted
with a head ~9 which is different from head 5, the entire complex ~8 and
49 being made of insulating plastic material. Body 48 is fitted with small
contact blades 50, in a n~ber equal to the number of layers Or the switch.
Those small blades 50 have a shape which is approximately that of an S
and they work, as will be seen below, in the manner already described
relative to Figures 3A to 3D.
Head 49 of plug G~2,2), Figure 10, comprises a lower part 51 in the shape
of a ca~n, and a higher part 52 in the form of a crank which presents at
its end a vertical cut out 53 Cam 51 is limited by the arc of a circle
54 the an~le at the center of ~Jhich is close to 2~0, and of larger diameter,
and (by) an arc of a circle 55 the angle at the center of which is close
to 120 and of smaller diameter, arcs 54 and 55 being joined by straight
(ri$ht ?) segments 56 and 57 which are lined up. Crank 52 is solidary
of cam 51, and it has at its top a cone-shaped projection 58. Arcs 54, 55,
body 48 and projection 58 have the same axis of revolution, axis 59.
Grooves 46 of cover 47 a~æ defined by vertical partitions which are
either perforated or continuous, partitions 60, which are solidary of
the upper plate of the cover and the lo~er free ed~es of which each have
a series of lug pieces B(n,p), in ~ich n and p correspond to the indeces
of the plug ~ith ~hich the lug~is associated. The whole complex of
lug pieces B(n,p) therefore presents a quincuncial shape as does that the
the whole cor?lex of plugs. The horizontal section of a lug piece B(n,p)
, ,,jl. ` ~
~'7
18
presents a six-sided polyeonal shape one long side 61 of which is
parallel to the direction of partitions 60, two equal sides 62 and 63
which are adjacent and perpendicular to 61~ two oblique sides 6~ and 65
respectively adjacent to 62 and to 63, and a small side b6 which joins
the ends cf b~ and of 65 and which is parallel to 60a The distance
between the sides 61 and 66 is greater than the thickness of partition
60~ and the diference in length is distributed on each side of said partition.
The angles of sides 64 and 65 are such that, when head 49 is made to rotate
in one direction, segment 56 comes to hit (apply as a lug piece) against
side 6~, and tnat, when head ~9 is made to rotate in the other direction~
the segment comes to hit (apply as a lug piece) against side 65~ In
addition, the section of lug piece Btn,p) comprises an axis of symmetry
which is perpendicular to 60 and ~lich runs through axis 59 of plug G(n,p).
Switchin~ member 45 is composed of a U-shaped profile 67 the U of which
is ~ownward turned and the width of wnich is equal to that of a groove 46
The end 68 of the profile is be~elled to render easier the introduction
o~ the member into a groove. In profile 67, there is lodged a slide 69
the body 70 of which occupies the free space inside the U and which ends
with a flexible rod or stem 71 the section of which is definitely smaller,
and which occupies, in the state of rest, an upper part of the volume defined
by the UD As shown in Figures 9a to 9c, rod or stem 71 has an approximately
square section; it prese.~s, moving upward and seen from the top, a
first elbow 72 to the right, then a straight part 73 and, finally, a
second elbow 7~ sy~etrical with the first one. On straight part 73,
toward the outside, there is fixed a stud 7~ which is engaged in a groove
76 o~ the corresponding lateral wall of profile 67. Under the straight
3~
19.
part 73 there is set a relatively long and flexible finger 77, Groove
76 presents the shape of an arc of circle the concave side of ~hich is
upward turnedD
The length of finger 77 and the level cf the high points of groove 76
are such that it is possible, when stud 75 is in one of the high points
of 76, to move member 45 in a groove ~6, without modifying the positions of
the plug heads which are located under the end of finger 77. The low
level (the level of the bottom) of the arc of groove 76 is such that,
when slide 69 is moved relative to profile 67, the end of finger 77 moves
downward enou3h to engage ln the vertical notch or cut-out 53 of a crank 52.
Figure 9a scne~atically shows the slide 69 beyond plu3 head G(2,2).
Fi,ure 9b shows the intermediary position of slide 69 during the s~itching,
in the direction of arrow F4 (P4 ?~, of the head. Finger 77 has moved
downward, it has engaged in cut-out 53 and therefore has caused the head to
rotate by ~. In that position, rod or stem 71 is subjected to a torsion
~hich can be seen in Figure 8c, which represents that state. Figure 9c
shows the final position of the switching, in which stud 75 has gone up
at the other end of groove 76. Fin3er 77 again is completely above the
heads, this making possible the ~ithdrawal of switching member 45~
In order to perform the switching in the opposite or reverse
d rection o~ arrow F~ there would~ta~en, as initial position, that
represented in Figure 5c and~ as final position, that represented in
Fi~ure 9a, the intermedia~y position still bein3 that in Fi~ure 9b~
rigure 8a shows how the movements of the cranks and of the cams of the
plu3 heads are limited by lug pieces B(n,p), each allowed rotation being
over 90 in one direction or in the other, that corresponding to the
:
20.
f`unctioning in Figu~es 3a to 3d. It will be noted that in the course o~
the rotation of G(2~2)J its crank 52 passes above parts 51 of the neigh-
boring heads (G'(3,2) and G'(3,3). In practice, the level of the lower
plane of crank 52 can be slightly abo~e the level of the upper plane
of part 51. Thus, in the course of the rotation, there is no contact
between the elements of the nei~hborin7 heads. Crank 52 has as its object
to lengthen the lever arm on which fin~er 77 acts, that is to say to lessen
the effort supplied by said fin7er.
Fi~ure 8b shows slide 69 in dash-dot lines, in the position represented
in ~i~ure 9a, and in fin~ ;ine in the position represented in Figure 9b
and in heavy line in the position represented in Fi~ure gc, the numerical
references of the elements of the slide being in~icated only for the fine
line drawin7. The plane view in Figure 8b especially shows the di~ferent
positions 77a, 77b and 77c of finJer 77 at different stages of the switchingO
their
It will also be noted~ in Fi7ure 8a~ that in ~ rest position, the plug heads
have two bearing surfaces, one by an ed~e of cam 51, the other by an edge
of cranX 52, on two lug pieces B(n,p). In one variation of execution~ one
row out OL t~-o of lug pieces B(n,p) is eliminated, in that case we have two
shifted rows of plug heads. At rest, ~or one row of plug heads3 the
bearing sur~ace is located between one edge of crank and one lug piece
and, for the other row, between a cam ed~e and a lug piece. It is then
possible to use a switchin~ member the ~dth of which is appro~imately
double that of ~ember 45, and ~hich contains two slides respectively
allocated to the one and to the other row of plug heads.
Fi~ures 9a to 9c also show an example of execution Or a contact 50 which~
01 instead of having the already described L shape,
02 presents the shape of an S. The upper part of the S
03 can come in contact with the conductor of the layer
04 located at the lowest level and which is perpendicular
05 to the first layer. The intermediary part between the
06 zones of contact properly speaking of the S, is
07 radially fitted into the body of -the plug.
08
09
21 -
