Patent ID: 7223927
Filing Date: 2007-05-29
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A lockable switch mechanism comprising: a switch plunger which is mounted in a housing and is displaceable relative to the housing along a predetermined axis between a first position and a second position; a switch mechanism actuated by movement of the switch plunger between the first and second positions; and a locking mechanism for locking the switch plunger in the second position and comprising: at least one first locking member that is biased against a surface of the switch plunger; at least one second locking member that is displaceable between a locked position and a released position, a surface of the switch plunger against which the at least one first locking member is biased defining a profile arranged such that movement of the switch plunger from the second position to the first position causes the profile to displace the at least one first locking member, the at least one second locking member when in the locked position preventing displacement of the at least one first locking member by the profile to thereby prevent movement of the plunger from the second position to the first position; and a pair of electrical contacts for use in monitoring when the switch plunger is in the at least one second position, and wherein the second locking member, when in the locked position, provides a conductive path between said pair of electrical contacts.