CA1064085A - Cam operated programmer switch - Google Patents
Cam operated programmer switchInfo
- Publication number
- CA1064085A CA1064085A CA243,998A CA243998A CA1064085A CA 1064085 A CA1064085 A CA 1064085A CA 243998 A CA243998 A CA 243998A CA 1064085 A CA1064085 A CA 1064085A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cam
- movement
- indicia
- programmer device
- contact
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H43/00—Time or time-programme switches providing a choice of time-intervals for executing one or more switching actions and automatically terminating their operations after the programme is completed
- H01H43/10—Time or time-programme switches providing a choice of time-intervals for executing one or more switching actions and automatically terminating their operations after the programme is completed with timing of actuation of contacts due to a part rotating at substantially constant speed
- H01H43/12—Time or time-programme switches providing a choice of time-intervals for executing one or more switching actions and automatically terminating their operations after the programme is completed with timing of actuation of contacts due to a part rotating at substantially constant speed stopping automatically after a single cycle of operation
- H01H43/121—Time or time-programme switches providing a choice of time-intervals for executing one or more switching actions and automatically terminating their operations after the programme is completed with timing of actuation of contacts due to a part rotating at substantially constant speed stopping automatically after a single cycle of operation using a drum
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H43/00—Time or time-programme switches providing a choice of time-intervals for executing one or more switching actions and automatically terminating their operations after the programme is completed
- H01H43/02—Details
- H01H43/04—Means for time setting
- H01H43/06—Means for time setting comprising separately adjustable parts for each programme step, e.g. with tappets
- H01H43/065—Means for time setting comprising separately adjustable parts for each programme step, e.g. with tappets using cams or discs supporting a plurality of individually programmable elements (Schaltreiter)
Landscapes
- Driving Mechanisms And Operating Circuits Of Arc-Extinguishing High-Tension Switches (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A programming device having one or more pairs of elec-trical contacts, adapted to be closed and opened at predetermined intervals to control the programme and having a contact control mechanism movable between two stationary positions namely a high position and a low position, the high position corresponding for example to a first position of a contact, and the low position corresponding to a second position of a contact, and further having control operating means, reciprocably movable to and fro along a predetermined path, each such complete reciprocal movement procur-ing a movement of said contact control means from its high to its low position, or from its low to its high position, alternately in sequence and further having a movable programme recording mem-ber, adapted to be provided with a series of standard indicia, said indicia passing in sequence past said control operating means, whereby upon the passage of each said indicia, said control operating means completes one said reciprocal movement for each said indicia, which complete reciprocal movement is thus responsible for procuring either a single closing or a single opening movement of a contact, the contact then remaining so closed or opened until the next indicia operates the control operating means.
A programming device having one or more pairs of elec-trical contacts, adapted to be closed and opened at predetermined intervals to control the programme and having a contact control mechanism movable between two stationary positions namely a high position and a low position, the high position corresponding for example to a first position of a contact, and the low position corresponding to a second position of a contact, and further having control operating means, reciprocably movable to and fro along a predetermined path, each such complete reciprocal movement procur-ing a movement of said contact control means from its high to its low position, or from its low to its high position, alternately in sequence and further having a movable programme recording mem-ber, adapted to be provided with a series of standard indicia, said indicia passing in sequence past said control operating means, whereby upon the passage of each said indicia, said control operating means completes one said reciprocal movement for each said indicia, which complete reciprocal movement is thus responsible for procuring either a single closing or a single opening movement of a contact, the contact then remaining so closed or opened until the next indicia operates the control operating means.
Description
3s The present invention relates to a mechanical programmer, such as is used for the operation of apparatus such as various electrical appliances, machine tools and the like to provide a programmed operation of various different switch contacts for controlling different portions of the equipment~
BACKGROI~ND OF THE INVENT ION
Mechanical programmers, for operating electrical switch contacts have in the majority of cases employed one or more profiled cams, mounted on a common axle or drive-shaft, and rotated through 360. Each cam on the drive-~shat will usually operate a single group of contacts, and the shape of the cam will insure that the contacts are closed or opened at the appropriate timings in the programme, or cycle of operations.
This type of programmer has the disadvantage that the cams must be manufactured in accordance with a predetermined profile. The manufacturing of such cams having a specific profile becomes relatively expensive. Accordingly, it is uneconomical for small to medium sized manufacturers to employ such programmers, and in the case of equipment which is not sold on a mass basis to consumers, it is similarly somewhat uneconomical to use such profiled cam programmers.
Generally speaking, in this type of programmer, the cam is directly responsible for the operation of the contacts.
That is to say, when a high point on the cam is reached, for example, the contacts are closed and when a low point on the cam is reached the contacts are opened. As a result, therefore, if the cam driveshaft i~ being driven somewhat slowly, then the change over from closed to open or from open ~o closed may be extended over a relatively substantial period of time. This can be somewhat mitigated by making the drop off from ~he high .
~g ;~ - ., . . - ;
-~L~6~35 point to the low point of the cam relatively abrupt. However,this may result in relatively rapid wear on the edge ~f the cam, leading to gradual alteration of the timing of the programme or cycle.
Replacement of worn cams may be re.Latively costly and require maintenance of a full inventory of d:iEferent cam shapes for servicing.
Where such cams are used, it i5 o course necessary that the cams be designed for one specific programme or cycle~ This is a relatively uneconomical form of manufacture, since th~
programmers using such cams can only be used for one particular programme or cycle, and will be of no use for any other purpose D
As a result, each and every programmer is essantially a custom manufactured item, or batch of items.
It is clearly, therefore, desirable to find some alternative me~hod of actuating electrical contacts in such a programmer, which does not require the use of custom made cams, ¦ but which instead can be manufactured of standardized components, capable of being set-up for a wide variety of different programm~s, after they have ir~t of all manufactured in a standardized form.
Preferably, it would be desirable if the programming of the standardized components can be carried out with simple readily available power tools without ~he requiremant for skilled machining techniques, such as are required in the manufactur~ of cams O
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention seeks to overcome the forego.ing and other ! disadvantages, by the provision of a programming device having one or more pairs of electrical contacts~ adapted to be closed and ~; 30 opened at predetenmined interuals to control tha programme and ::
_ ~ _ :
having a contact control mechanism movable between two stationary positions namely a high position and a low position, the high position corresponding for example to a fi.rst positio~ of a contact, and ~he low position corresponding to a second position of a con-tact, and further having control operating means, reciprocably movable to and fro along a predetermined path, each such complete reciprocal movement procuring a movement of said contact control means from its high to its low position, or from its low to its high position, alternately in ~equence and further havinq a movable programme recording member, adapted to be provided with a series of standard indicia, said indicia passing in sequence, past said control operating means,whereby upon the passage of each said indicia, said control operating means completes one said re-ciprocal movement for each said indicia, which complete reciprocal movement is thus responsible for procuring either a single closing or a single opening movement of a contact, the contact then remaining so closed or opened until he next indicia operates the control operating means.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide a programmer having the foregoing advanta~es in which the programme recorder means comprises a continuous panel, either as a flat sheet, or rolled into a cylindrical roller shaper the panel being adapted to be provided with openings along a predetermined path therealong, the opening providing the indicia as aforesaid~
More particularly, it is the objective of the invention to provide a programmer having the foregoing advantages in which the openi~gs in the programmer panel are ormed either by drilling, punching or by pre-forming weakened areas of the panel which may be pushed or pried out to provide the openings at the desired locations along said path.
~t ~ a ~u~ther and related objectiva of the inv~ on :,, ~ - . ' ' ~L~64~
to provide a programme recorder either in the form oE a flat sheet or a cylindrical roller, which is adapted to receive a plurality of insert members along a predetermined path therearound, said insert members providing standardi~ed abutmellts.
More particularly, it is an object:ive of the invention to provide a programmer having the foregoing advantages in which the contact control means comprises a cam having a plurality of standard shaped lobes located therearound at equal spaced angles, and in which the reciprocal movement means comprises a toothed wheel, and a non return ratchet device, and an operating lever adapted to push the wheel in one direction, but being incapable of returning the wheel in the other direction~ the lever being rocked to and fro by abutments on said programme recording unit.
More particularly, it is an objective of the invention to provide a programmer having the foregoing advantages in which the contact control means comprises a push rod operable between two positions, namely a high position and a low position/ and a push button device for operating said push rod, said push button device being reciprocal, and complete reciprocation of said push button device procuring movement of said push rod either from its upper to its lower position or ~xom its lower to its upper position one after the other in sequence.
Preferably if the programme recorded becomes ~orn, it may be replaced in a simple servicing operation with another standardized recorder, and ~he programme required may be set up o~ the recorder by the serviceman. Thus it becomes unnecessary to keep a large inventory of different programme recorders.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed ou~ with particularity in the ~laims annexed 30 to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better under-1~64~D~35 standing of the inv~n~ion, its operating advantages and specificobjects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
IN THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a single unit of the invention, shown in one position (i.e. the "off" position)' Figure 2 shows the same detail as Figure 1, in an intermediate position;
Figure 3 shows the same detail as figure 1 in another position (i.e. "on");
Figure 4 is a schematic illustration showing an alternate e~bodiment;
Figure 5 is a perspective illustration of another alternate embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6 7 and 8 are side elevations of the appara~us of figure 5; showing three different positions.
Figure 9, 10,11 and 12 are sb~ematic illustrations of a fuxther e~odiment.
DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODTMENT
Reerr.~ng now to Figures 1 to 4, it will be seen that the embodim~nt of the invent~on there illu~trated, which is shown esse~tially in schematic form, comprise~ a contact breaker unit 1~, which will typica~ly contain a pair of switch contacts ~not sh~wn) and haYe an operating bu~ton 12. The pressure on ~he operating but~on 12 will normally close the switch contac`ts, and when the but~on 12 i8 released the switch contacts will the~ be opened. Such a form of operation is typi~al of the vast majority o~ so called micro ~itches that are in use todayq 3~ I~ ordex to operate the button 12, a contact control means shown generally as 14 is provided. Control means 14 is ~ 5 ~
~L064~85 operated by spring-loaded reciprocal push rod member 16.
Typically, the contact operating means 14 wi;Ll consist of an operating rod 18, and a suitable escapement ox latching mechanism (not shown) contained within the housing ~0. Such operating rods and escapement mechanisms are well known in, for example, the art relating to push button switches, or in the art relating to retractable ball point pens where, for example, the pen cartridge may be likened to the operating rod 18, and the push button top of the pen may be likened to the pu~h rod 16 which is self-latching in the extended position of the cartridge.
_ _ In order to reciprocate the push b~ltton 16 upwardly and downwardly, a programme recording uni~ shown generally as 22 is provided, consisting essentially of a cylindrical drum or roller 24 the surface of which contains suitable formations, e.g. holes 25, adapted to receive standardized studs 26. The studs 26 may be of ~he type that may be pressed into the drum 24 at any point around a predetermined circular path therearound~
Preferably, the drive shaft 28 of the drum 24 is con-nected to a suitable motor (not shown) which rotates the drum 24 at a constant speed. Alternatively shaft 28 may be coupled to any drive take off in the machine or piece or equipment being controlled, through suitable gears (not shown) so as to move the programme recording unit as a percentage of machine motion.
As best shown from a comparison of Figures 1 and 2, in operation the drum 24 will rotate in the direction of the arrow, and each o~ the studs 26 will in turn contact the reciprocal push rod 16. The studs 26 are shaped with a rounded profile so as to ~ pu~h the push rod 16 upwardly away from the drum 24. As the stud 1~ 26 passes out of engagement, the push rod 16 will be re~ned ¦ 30 downwardly by spring 23 into contact with the drum 24 once more.
A complete upward and downward r~ciprocation of the push rod 15 will procure either an upward or a downward movement of the member ~ . - - , , .
.::
. .. , .. , . : -, ,.. ., :- . :: .
1~i4~)~35 18. If the member 18 is moved upwardly, then it will contact the button 12 and cause the contacts in the contact breaker 10 to close.
Passage of the next stud 26 past the reciprocal rod 16 will cause the member 18 to move downwardly thereby clisengaging from button 12 and allowing the contacts in the contact breaker 10 to open once more.
Thus, it will be seen that by simplv locating the studs 26 at suitable positions around the periphery of the drum 24~ any desired programme having any desired cycle can be set up, without expensive machining of cams, and such a programmer can then be adapted for use with a wide variety of different appliances having different cycles and different timings, without any change in the basic design of the programmer.
It will, of course, be appreciated that the shape of the drum 24 is not critical to the invention. While it would normally be a cylindrical drum, it could equally well be an endless belt wherein the studs 26 are retained in formations in such belt and progressively move past the reciprocal rod 16 along a straight linear path, rather than around an arcuate path as shown in Fig-ures 1 and 2.
It will, of course, be appreciated that the embodiment ~;
as shown in Figures 1 to 4 is essentially schematic. The drum 24 may in fact be wide enough to control several such switch contact units 10, each being provided with a contact control mechanism 14, which will be aligned with a particular line of studs or abutments 26 on the drum 24. In this way, as the drum 24 is rotated, each of the several switch contact units 10 will be operated in accordance with a predetermined sequence, as pro-gr~mmed by ~he positioning of the studs 2~ around the drum 24.
~learly, all that is required in order to alter the .
.
: . ........ : . . .
- .
.: : : , . -programme, or to pre-programme the drum for any desired programme is to simply move ~he studs or abutments 26 around the drum 24 to the particular desired location.
No costly machining is required, and the drum 24 can be manufactured in accordance with standard specifications, providing for wide flexibility of use for a wide range of different progr~mmes.
The invention may of course be carried out in other ways.
For example, as shown in Figures 5 to 8 three pairs of switch contacts 30 and 32 are shown, the contacts 32 having downwardl~
ln extending follower members 34.
The follower members 34 ride on standard cam wheels 36, each such c~m 36 having a plurality of lobes 38 separated by low points or recesses. Preferably, the switch contacts 32 will be spring biased so that the follower 34 rides up over the lobes 38 and down into the recesses, thereby following the contour of the cams 36.
Each of the cams 36 is operatively connected to an escapement type drive wheel 40. The drive wheel 40 has a plurality of serrations or teet~ 4~. The teeth 42 are angularly offset as shown, to provide an escapement type o mechanism. Preferably, there will be two such teeth 42 for each lobe 38 of a cam 46.
Each pair comprising a cam wheel 36 and its connected drive wheel 40 are united for rotation toqether, but are freely rotatable lndependently of oth~r such pairs of cams and drive wheels so that the operation of one such pair of a cam and drive wheel does not in any way afect operation of the other pairs of cams and drive wheels.
For the sake o convenience, all of such cam~ 36 and their associ-ated drive wheel~ ~0 will be mounted on a common axle 44, although this is not essential to the invention, and they may each be mounted on a separate rotatable spindle supported in any suitahle~ manner (not shswn~
s In order to operate the drive wheels 40, there are pro-vided a series oE rocker arms 46, which are pivotally mounted on a common mounting shaf-t 48. Each of the arms 46 is rockable on the shaft 48 independently of the other such arms 46 t and, could be mounted on separate mounting shaEts or pivots (not shown) the arrangement shown here being exemplary.
At one end of the arms 46, there are provided the flex-ible pusher members 50 which are resilien-tly inherently biased into contact with the teeth 42 of their respective drive wheels 40.
Rocking of the arms 46 in one direction will procure upward movement of the pusher members 50, the free ends of which engage the serra-tions or teeth 42, and cause rotation of the drive wheel 40 in one direction.
Rocking of the arm 46 in the reverse direction will cause the pusher member 50 to slide over the next lowermost tooth or serration 42. However the wheel 40 will not turn in the reverse direction, due, for example to friction in the mounting of the drive wheel 40.
Alternatively, it may be desirable -to provide a stop mechanism for releasably latching the wheel 40, or the cam 36 so as to prevent rotation in the reverse direc-tion. Many different forms of each a sys~em are available. For example, it may take the form of the flexible arm me~ber 52, having a tooth member 54 engaging the serrations 42, and preventing reverse rotation (see figures 6-8).
I It will thus be seen that one upward and downward rocking movement of the arm 46 will cause rotation of the drive wheel 40 by an amount e~ual to the spacing between two t:eeth 42.
Since there are two such teeth 42 for every lobe 48 of the cam wheel 36, this will produce a rotation of the cam wheel 36 by an amount equal to one-half of one lobe 38. Such movement will ~' ~ ' _ 9 _ ~6~8~
therefore either close the switch contacts 30 and 32, or open them.
Rocking movement of the arm 46 is procured in the follc)w-ing manner.
At the opposite end of the arm 46, from the flexible pusher 50, there is provided a downwardly dependent follower button 56, and a spring 58 urges the arm 46 and butt~n 56 into engagement with a programme recording de~ice namely a drum 60~ The drum 60 is mounted on a drive shaf~ 62 which may be clriven by any suitable motor 63 or a gear train, and of course may zllso be manually movable so that the operator may preset the programme to start at a desired point in its cycle.
The programme for any particular pair of switch contact~
30 and 32 is set up by means of a series of openings or recesses 62 formed in the surface of the drum 60 around a peripheral circular path. Obviously, each such recess 62 will permit the follower but-ton 56 to drop downwardly into the r~cess and will then cause it rise upwardly again, as the drum 60 is driven by the motor.
Such downward and upward movement will procure swinging of ~he arm 46, and this will in turn procure a ratchet like movement of the escapement drive wheel 40 ~y an amount equal to one tc~th 42.
This in turn will move the cam wheel 36 by an amount e~ual to one-half of one lobe 38, thereby aither closing or opening the contacts 30 and 32.
The drum 60 may have the recesses 62 formed for exam~le by drillin~ with a simple hand drill, or else by punching out holes on a punch press, or alternati~ely ~he material from which the drum 60 is made may be formed with weakened areas which can simply be pushed out or pried out for example with a screw-driver.
In this way, standardized programmers can be manufactured and shippe~ out to manufacturers having widely differ~nt requirements L
' ' ' . ` , ` ' ' ':
' ::: ' .
s ~or cycling and programming. The programmes can then be simply set up in the plant of the manufacturer by p~mching out or drilling out suitable openings in the drum 60.
If for some reason the programme must be changed, then all that is required is to provide a new drum 60 and punch ou~ the holes in a different position.
Clearly, the use of a cylindrical drum 60 is merely exemplary. The invention could equally well be carried out by means of a continuously moving belt, or for example a flat panel which reciprocates to and fro along a predetarmined linear path.
In each case however the feature of the invention will always be that each hole in the panel or drum, which is for the purposes of the present invention equivalent to an "abutment", will again procure a movement of the wheel 40 by a single tooth increment thereby moving the cam 36 by an increment equal to one-half of one lobe.
Thus the need for specially profiled cams holding the contacts either closed or opened over a predetermined length of the cycle is done aw~y with.
It will of course be appreciated that two dif~erent r~
ways in which the invention can be carried out have been illu- ` I
strated here by way of example. Many other variations will occur to persons skilled in the art, once the principle of the invention has been understood.
This type of programmer may be employed either with its own drive motor, or may be coupled to any suitable drive shaft in a machine which is to be controlled by the programmer.
In the latter case, suitable, gearing will usually be incoxporated so a~ to ensure that the programmer is driven at a 30 speed which i~ a percentage of the machina speed, and will control i i the cycle of operations of the machine.
A further form of the invention is shown in figures 9 to 1~.
In this case contacts 30 and 32 having a follower 34, as before, are operated by means of a cam wheel 70 having a series of standard lobes 72 equally spaced therearound. Wheel 70 is keye~
on shaft 74 which is rotatable in bearing 76 (flgure 12). A
separate drive shaf-t 78 is located co-axial with shat 74. A
helical spring clutch device 80 fits around shafts 74 and 78 for driving of shaft 74 by shaft 78~ one direction.Movement of shaft 78 in ~le reverse direction merely causes clutch 80 to skip on shaft 74, making the device self-latching in the selected position.
Shaft 78 has a crank arm 82, and connecting rod 84, urged downwardly by spring 86. The lower end of rod 84 rides on program record member 88. In this embodiment the member 88 may be a belt xiding over suitable rollers or guides (not shown1. [t has program ind~cia ~; in the form of studs 90, arranged in rows, one ~ow for each set of contacts, and cam wheel.
Each stud 90 will cause upward movement of the rod 84, followed by downward movement again under the influence of spring 86.
Each upward m~vement of rod 84 will rotate shaft 78 in one direction (i.e. anti-clockwise) and clutch 80 will bind on shaft 74 and rotate wheel 70 an arcuate distance of one half lobe (ie from a~peak to a vall~y or vice versa).
; Each downward movement of rod 84 will rotate shaft 78 clockwise. This m~vement will simply cause slipping of clutch 80 on shaft 74, ~Iy tendency for shaft 74 to rotate clockwise may be controlled by friction in bearing 76, or by an escapement tooth 92 on flexible arm 94.
The programme indicia ~hown herein axe either in the :
form of studs or openings. Ilowever any o-ther form oE indlcia which will procure the appropria-te reciprocable movemen-t may be used. For example indicia ribs or ridges may be used in place of studs. The drum may be a composite men~er made up of a series of standard discs of predetermined shape having suitable indicia thereon or therein. Magnetic indicia may be employed in some cases, or the indicia may be recorded magnetically on a tape or drum. Alternatively the whole system may utili~e light beams and photocells with suitable indicia in the form oE masks, or with indicia recorded on film.
Having described what is believed to be the best mode by which the invention may be performed, it will be seen that the invention may be particularly defined as Eollows:
A programmer device of the type Eor operating at least one pair of electrical contacts, which may be opened and closed for controlling some other operation for example, said programmer device comprising, contact control means for controlling clos-ing and opening of said contacts, said control means being positionable in at least two spaced positions, corresponding to contact open and contact closed positions, self-latching control operating means for operating said contact control means and being operable for moving same :Erom one said spaced posltion to the other, said sontrol operating means being movable between at least two positions each such movement procuring movement of said contact con$rol means from one said spaced position to the other, pxogramme record means movable along a prede-termined path adjacent said control operating means, and, a plurality of ~ programme indicia means carried by said programme record m~ans, I passage of each said indicia means being adapted to act:ivate said control operatin~ means, and inititate a single movement , thereof thereby procuring a single movement of said contact control means from one said spaced position to the other saicl position thereof, said control opera-ting means being latched in any said position after passage of a said indicia means until engaged by -the next said indicia means The invention further comprises a programmer device having the foregoing features wherein said control means includes an operating member reciprocable to and fro, between operative and inoperative positions and means biassing said member into its said inoperative position.
The invention further comprises a programmer device having the foregoing features wherein said self-:Latching control operating means includes a push rod movable between operative and inoperative positions in response to said indicia, an operating rod responsive to movement of said push rod to move between extended and retracted positions, and releaseable latching means for said operating rod, operative to hold same in its said extended position during alternate movements of said push rod.
;}3,,~
. . .. . : .. .
=~ ~
~C3 6~
SUPPLEMENTARY D:tSCLOS[JXE
.. .
F'igure 13 is a schema-tic side elevation of an alterna-te embodiment .
As shown in figure 13, a drum 100, essentially similar -to the drums 24, 60 and 88 is rota-tably driven on a shaft 102.
A plurality of indicia shown as recesses 104 are formed in the ~rum 100 a-t spaced intervals therearo~md.
A microswi-tch 106 is mounted on an arm 108. The arm 108 is pivotally mounted on pivot point 110, and is biased by spring 112 toward drum 100.
The microswitch 106 typically is operated by means of a button 114, the details of which are well known in khe art and require no further description.
As is well known, in the microswitch art, when the button 114 is pushed in, the switch is operated, usually to make a circult, and when the button is released it springs out agai~, thereby breaking the circuit.
In order to engage the button 114, a swingable lever 116 is pivotally mounted on pivot 118, whereby the lever 116 is swingable towards and away from the microswitch 106,the pivot point 118 being ~ecured to the arm 108.
In order to raise and lower the lever 116, a rectangular ca~ 120 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 1220 Four operating ~ins 124 ext~nd radially with respect to the shaft 122, from the four : faces of ~he rectangular cam 120.
It will, of co~rse~ be appreciated that the operating pins 124 do not in fact have to extend from the faces o the rectangular cam 120 but may be displaced laterally therefrom along a shaft 122 if desired.
r~
~i4~5 The pins 124 ride on -the surface 101 of the drum 100, as the drum 100 is rotated by shaft 102.
Ln the position shown in figure 13, one of the longer side of the rectangular cam 120 is engaging the ~mderside of the lever 116. This corresponds to -the off position of the microswitch 106.
It will be remembered that the arm 108 is being urged downwardly into engagement with the drum 100 by means of the spring 112. In consequence of this biasing of the arm 108, as the drum 100 rotates, one of the recesses 104 will register beneath one of the pins 1~4. When this occurs, such pin 124 will drop into such recess 104, procuring an essentially toothed engagement between the cam 120 and the drum 100.
As the drum 100 rotates further, such toothed engagement will cause rotation of cam 120 through a 90 degree arc. When the 90 degree arc has been completed the pin 124 will be released from the recess 104. The next two pins 124 will then ride freely ~ -on the surface 101 of the drum 100, until the next recess 104 arrives beneath one of the pins 124.
In consequence of the 90 aegree rotation described aforesaid, one of the shorter surfaces of the rectangular cam 120 will now be engaging the lever 116, and the lever 116 will thus have been displaced upwardly. This upward displacement will in turn c use upward dxsplacement of the button 114 of the microswitch causing the circuit therein to close.
The circuit will remain closed until such time as the next movement of the cam 120 takes place when a further 90 degree movement is caused by engagement of a pin 124 in a recess 104 as described above. Such further movement permits downward move-ment of button 114, permi-tting the microswitch to o~?~n ollce more.
.
s~
.. . ....
~64~
It will thus be seen that each indicium 104 on the drum 100 produces a single either on~or off movement of the microswitch 106, and that between such on or ofE movements the microswitch 106 will remain latched in its selec-ted position by reason of the engagement of one of the flat surfaces of cam 120 with lever 116, which eff-ec-tively prevents furthe.r movement, until a pin 124 is again engaged by a recess 104.
The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is given here by way of example only. The invention is not to be taken as l.imitecL to any of the specific features as described, but comprehends all such variations thereof as come within the scope of the appended claims.
~: :
~ 17 -~, '
BACKGROI~ND OF THE INVENT ION
Mechanical programmers, for operating electrical switch contacts have in the majority of cases employed one or more profiled cams, mounted on a common axle or drive-shaft, and rotated through 360. Each cam on the drive-~shat will usually operate a single group of contacts, and the shape of the cam will insure that the contacts are closed or opened at the appropriate timings in the programme, or cycle of operations.
This type of programmer has the disadvantage that the cams must be manufactured in accordance with a predetermined profile. The manufacturing of such cams having a specific profile becomes relatively expensive. Accordingly, it is uneconomical for small to medium sized manufacturers to employ such programmers, and in the case of equipment which is not sold on a mass basis to consumers, it is similarly somewhat uneconomical to use such profiled cam programmers.
Generally speaking, in this type of programmer, the cam is directly responsible for the operation of the contacts.
That is to say, when a high point on the cam is reached, for example, the contacts are closed and when a low point on the cam is reached the contacts are opened. As a result, therefore, if the cam driveshaft i~ being driven somewhat slowly, then the change over from closed to open or from open ~o closed may be extended over a relatively substantial period of time. This can be somewhat mitigated by making the drop off from ~he high .
~g ;~ - ., . . - ;
-~L~6~35 point to the low point of the cam relatively abrupt. However,this may result in relatively rapid wear on the edge ~f the cam, leading to gradual alteration of the timing of the programme or cycle.
Replacement of worn cams may be re.Latively costly and require maintenance of a full inventory of d:iEferent cam shapes for servicing.
Where such cams are used, it i5 o course necessary that the cams be designed for one specific programme or cycle~ This is a relatively uneconomical form of manufacture, since th~
programmers using such cams can only be used for one particular programme or cycle, and will be of no use for any other purpose D
As a result, each and every programmer is essantially a custom manufactured item, or batch of items.
It is clearly, therefore, desirable to find some alternative me~hod of actuating electrical contacts in such a programmer, which does not require the use of custom made cams, ¦ but which instead can be manufactured of standardized components, capable of being set-up for a wide variety of different programm~s, after they have ir~t of all manufactured in a standardized form.
Preferably, it would be desirable if the programming of the standardized components can be carried out with simple readily available power tools without ~he requiremant for skilled machining techniques, such as are required in the manufactur~ of cams O
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention seeks to overcome the forego.ing and other ! disadvantages, by the provision of a programming device having one or more pairs of electrical contacts~ adapted to be closed and ~; 30 opened at predetenmined interuals to control tha programme and ::
_ ~ _ :
having a contact control mechanism movable between two stationary positions namely a high position and a low position, the high position corresponding for example to a fi.rst positio~ of a contact, and ~he low position corresponding to a second position of a con-tact, and further having control operating means, reciprocably movable to and fro along a predetermined path, each such complete reciprocal movement procuring a movement of said contact control means from its high to its low position, or from its low to its high position, alternately in ~equence and further havinq a movable programme recording member, adapted to be provided with a series of standard indicia, said indicia passing in sequence, past said control operating means,whereby upon the passage of each said indicia, said control operating means completes one said re-ciprocal movement for each said indicia, which complete reciprocal movement is thus responsible for procuring either a single closing or a single opening movement of a contact, the contact then remaining so closed or opened until he next indicia operates the control operating means.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide a programmer having the foregoing advanta~es in which the programme recorder means comprises a continuous panel, either as a flat sheet, or rolled into a cylindrical roller shaper the panel being adapted to be provided with openings along a predetermined path therealong, the opening providing the indicia as aforesaid~
More particularly, it is the objective of the invention to provide a programmer having the foregoing advantages in which the openi~gs in the programmer panel are ormed either by drilling, punching or by pre-forming weakened areas of the panel which may be pushed or pried out to provide the openings at the desired locations along said path.
~t ~ a ~u~ther and related objectiva of the inv~ on :,, ~ - . ' ' ~L~64~
to provide a programme recorder either in the form oE a flat sheet or a cylindrical roller, which is adapted to receive a plurality of insert members along a predetermined path therearound, said insert members providing standardi~ed abutmellts.
More particularly, it is an object:ive of the invention to provide a programmer having the foregoing advantages in which the contact control means comprises a cam having a plurality of standard shaped lobes located therearound at equal spaced angles, and in which the reciprocal movement means comprises a toothed wheel, and a non return ratchet device, and an operating lever adapted to push the wheel in one direction, but being incapable of returning the wheel in the other direction~ the lever being rocked to and fro by abutments on said programme recording unit.
More particularly, it is an objective of the invention to provide a programmer having the foregoing advantages in which the contact control means comprises a push rod operable between two positions, namely a high position and a low position/ and a push button device for operating said push rod, said push button device being reciprocal, and complete reciprocation of said push button device procuring movement of said push rod either from its upper to its lower position or ~xom its lower to its upper position one after the other in sequence.
Preferably if the programme recorded becomes ~orn, it may be replaced in a simple servicing operation with another standardized recorder, and ~he programme required may be set up o~ the recorder by the serviceman. Thus it becomes unnecessary to keep a large inventory of different programme recorders.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed ou~ with particularity in the ~laims annexed 30 to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better under-1~64~D~35 standing of the inv~n~ion, its operating advantages and specificobjects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
IN THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a single unit of the invention, shown in one position (i.e. the "off" position)' Figure 2 shows the same detail as Figure 1, in an intermediate position;
Figure 3 shows the same detail as figure 1 in another position (i.e. "on");
Figure 4 is a schematic illustration showing an alternate e~bodiment;
Figure 5 is a perspective illustration of another alternate embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6 7 and 8 are side elevations of the appara~us of figure 5; showing three different positions.
Figure 9, 10,11 and 12 are sb~ematic illustrations of a fuxther e~odiment.
DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODTMENT
Reerr.~ng now to Figures 1 to 4, it will be seen that the embodim~nt of the invent~on there illu~trated, which is shown esse~tially in schematic form, comprise~ a contact breaker unit 1~, which will typica~ly contain a pair of switch contacts ~not sh~wn) and haYe an operating bu~ton 12. The pressure on ~he operating but~on 12 will normally close the switch contac`ts, and when the but~on 12 i8 released the switch contacts will the~ be opened. Such a form of operation is typi~al of the vast majority o~ so called micro ~itches that are in use todayq 3~ I~ ordex to operate the button 12, a contact control means shown generally as 14 is provided. Control means 14 is ~ 5 ~
~L064~85 operated by spring-loaded reciprocal push rod member 16.
Typically, the contact operating means 14 wi;Ll consist of an operating rod 18, and a suitable escapement ox latching mechanism (not shown) contained within the housing ~0. Such operating rods and escapement mechanisms are well known in, for example, the art relating to push button switches, or in the art relating to retractable ball point pens where, for example, the pen cartridge may be likened to the operating rod 18, and the push button top of the pen may be likened to the pu~h rod 16 which is self-latching in the extended position of the cartridge.
_ _ In order to reciprocate the push b~ltton 16 upwardly and downwardly, a programme recording uni~ shown generally as 22 is provided, consisting essentially of a cylindrical drum or roller 24 the surface of which contains suitable formations, e.g. holes 25, adapted to receive standardized studs 26. The studs 26 may be of ~he type that may be pressed into the drum 24 at any point around a predetermined circular path therearound~
Preferably, the drive shaft 28 of the drum 24 is con-nected to a suitable motor (not shown) which rotates the drum 24 at a constant speed. Alternatively shaft 28 may be coupled to any drive take off in the machine or piece or equipment being controlled, through suitable gears (not shown) so as to move the programme recording unit as a percentage of machine motion.
As best shown from a comparison of Figures 1 and 2, in operation the drum 24 will rotate in the direction of the arrow, and each o~ the studs 26 will in turn contact the reciprocal push rod 16. The studs 26 are shaped with a rounded profile so as to ~ pu~h the push rod 16 upwardly away from the drum 24. As the stud 1~ 26 passes out of engagement, the push rod 16 will be re~ned ¦ 30 downwardly by spring 23 into contact with the drum 24 once more.
A complete upward and downward r~ciprocation of the push rod 15 will procure either an upward or a downward movement of the member ~ . - - , , .
.::
. .. , .. , . : -, ,.. ., :- . :: .
1~i4~)~35 18. If the member 18 is moved upwardly, then it will contact the button 12 and cause the contacts in the contact breaker 10 to close.
Passage of the next stud 26 past the reciprocal rod 16 will cause the member 18 to move downwardly thereby clisengaging from button 12 and allowing the contacts in the contact breaker 10 to open once more.
Thus, it will be seen that by simplv locating the studs 26 at suitable positions around the periphery of the drum 24~ any desired programme having any desired cycle can be set up, without expensive machining of cams, and such a programmer can then be adapted for use with a wide variety of different appliances having different cycles and different timings, without any change in the basic design of the programmer.
It will, of course, be appreciated that the shape of the drum 24 is not critical to the invention. While it would normally be a cylindrical drum, it could equally well be an endless belt wherein the studs 26 are retained in formations in such belt and progressively move past the reciprocal rod 16 along a straight linear path, rather than around an arcuate path as shown in Fig-ures 1 and 2.
It will, of course, be appreciated that the embodiment ~;
as shown in Figures 1 to 4 is essentially schematic. The drum 24 may in fact be wide enough to control several such switch contact units 10, each being provided with a contact control mechanism 14, which will be aligned with a particular line of studs or abutments 26 on the drum 24. In this way, as the drum 24 is rotated, each of the several switch contact units 10 will be operated in accordance with a predetermined sequence, as pro-gr~mmed by ~he positioning of the studs 2~ around the drum 24.
~learly, all that is required in order to alter the .
.
: . ........ : . . .
- .
.: : : , . -programme, or to pre-programme the drum for any desired programme is to simply move ~he studs or abutments 26 around the drum 24 to the particular desired location.
No costly machining is required, and the drum 24 can be manufactured in accordance with standard specifications, providing for wide flexibility of use for a wide range of different progr~mmes.
The invention may of course be carried out in other ways.
For example, as shown in Figures 5 to 8 three pairs of switch contacts 30 and 32 are shown, the contacts 32 having downwardl~
ln extending follower members 34.
The follower members 34 ride on standard cam wheels 36, each such c~m 36 having a plurality of lobes 38 separated by low points or recesses. Preferably, the switch contacts 32 will be spring biased so that the follower 34 rides up over the lobes 38 and down into the recesses, thereby following the contour of the cams 36.
Each of the cams 36 is operatively connected to an escapement type drive wheel 40. The drive wheel 40 has a plurality of serrations or teet~ 4~. The teeth 42 are angularly offset as shown, to provide an escapement type o mechanism. Preferably, there will be two such teeth 42 for each lobe 38 of a cam 46.
Each pair comprising a cam wheel 36 and its connected drive wheel 40 are united for rotation toqether, but are freely rotatable lndependently of oth~r such pairs of cams and drive wheels so that the operation of one such pair of a cam and drive wheel does not in any way afect operation of the other pairs of cams and drive wheels.
For the sake o convenience, all of such cam~ 36 and their associ-ated drive wheel~ ~0 will be mounted on a common axle 44, although this is not essential to the invention, and they may each be mounted on a separate rotatable spindle supported in any suitahle~ manner (not shswn~
s In order to operate the drive wheels 40, there are pro-vided a series oE rocker arms 46, which are pivotally mounted on a common mounting shaf-t 48. Each of the arms 46 is rockable on the shaft 48 independently of the other such arms 46 t and, could be mounted on separate mounting shaEts or pivots (not shown) the arrangement shown here being exemplary.
At one end of the arms 46, there are provided the flex-ible pusher members 50 which are resilien-tly inherently biased into contact with the teeth 42 of their respective drive wheels 40.
Rocking of the arms 46 in one direction will procure upward movement of the pusher members 50, the free ends of which engage the serra-tions or teeth 42, and cause rotation of the drive wheel 40 in one direction.
Rocking of the arm 46 in the reverse direction will cause the pusher member 50 to slide over the next lowermost tooth or serration 42. However the wheel 40 will not turn in the reverse direction, due, for example to friction in the mounting of the drive wheel 40.
Alternatively, it may be desirable -to provide a stop mechanism for releasably latching the wheel 40, or the cam 36 so as to prevent rotation in the reverse direc-tion. Many different forms of each a sys~em are available. For example, it may take the form of the flexible arm me~ber 52, having a tooth member 54 engaging the serrations 42, and preventing reverse rotation (see figures 6-8).
I It will thus be seen that one upward and downward rocking movement of the arm 46 will cause rotation of the drive wheel 40 by an amount e~ual to the spacing between two t:eeth 42.
Since there are two such teeth 42 for every lobe 48 of the cam wheel 36, this will produce a rotation of the cam wheel 36 by an amount equal to one-half of one lobe 38. Such movement will ~' ~ ' _ 9 _ ~6~8~
therefore either close the switch contacts 30 and 32, or open them.
Rocking movement of the arm 46 is procured in the follc)w-ing manner.
At the opposite end of the arm 46, from the flexible pusher 50, there is provided a downwardly dependent follower button 56, and a spring 58 urges the arm 46 and butt~n 56 into engagement with a programme recording de~ice namely a drum 60~ The drum 60 is mounted on a drive shaf~ 62 which may be clriven by any suitable motor 63 or a gear train, and of course may zllso be manually movable so that the operator may preset the programme to start at a desired point in its cycle.
The programme for any particular pair of switch contact~
30 and 32 is set up by means of a series of openings or recesses 62 formed in the surface of the drum 60 around a peripheral circular path. Obviously, each such recess 62 will permit the follower but-ton 56 to drop downwardly into the r~cess and will then cause it rise upwardly again, as the drum 60 is driven by the motor.
Such downward and upward movement will procure swinging of ~he arm 46, and this will in turn procure a ratchet like movement of the escapement drive wheel 40 ~y an amount equal to one tc~th 42.
This in turn will move the cam wheel 36 by an amount e~ual to one-half of one lobe 38, thereby aither closing or opening the contacts 30 and 32.
The drum 60 may have the recesses 62 formed for exam~le by drillin~ with a simple hand drill, or else by punching out holes on a punch press, or alternati~ely ~he material from which the drum 60 is made may be formed with weakened areas which can simply be pushed out or pried out for example with a screw-driver.
In this way, standardized programmers can be manufactured and shippe~ out to manufacturers having widely differ~nt requirements L
' ' ' . ` , ` ' ' ':
' ::: ' .
s ~or cycling and programming. The programmes can then be simply set up in the plant of the manufacturer by p~mching out or drilling out suitable openings in the drum 60.
If for some reason the programme must be changed, then all that is required is to provide a new drum 60 and punch ou~ the holes in a different position.
Clearly, the use of a cylindrical drum 60 is merely exemplary. The invention could equally well be carried out by means of a continuously moving belt, or for example a flat panel which reciprocates to and fro along a predetarmined linear path.
In each case however the feature of the invention will always be that each hole in the panel or drum, which is for the purposes of the present invention equivalent to an "abutment", will again procure a movement of the wheel 40 by a single tooth increment thereby moving the cam 36 by an increment equal to one-half of one lobe.
Thus the need for specially profiled cams holding the contacts either closed or opened over a predetermined length of the cycle is done aw~y with.
It will of course be appreciated that two dif~erent r~
ways in which the invention can be carried out have been illu- ` I
strated here by way of example. Many other variations will occur to persons skilled in the art, once the principle of the invention has been understood.
This type of programmer may be employed either with its own drive motor, or may be coupled to any suitable drive shaft in a machine which is to be controlled by the programmer.
In the latter case, suitable, gearing will usually be incoxporated so a~ to ensure that the programmer is driven at a 30 speed which i~ a percentage of the machina speed, and will control i i the cycle of operations of the machine.
A further form of the invention is shown in figures 9 to 1~.
In this case contacts 30 and 32 having a follower 34, as before, are operated by means of a cam wheel 70 having a series of standard lobes 72 equally spaced therearound. Wheel 70 is keye~
on shaft 74 which is rotatable in bearing 76 (flgure 12). A
separate drive shaf-t 78 is located co-axial with shat 74. A
helical spring clutch device 80 fits around shafts 74 and 78 for driving of shaft 74 by shaft 78~ one direction.Movement of shaft 78 in ~le reverse direction merely causes clutch 80 to skip on shaft 74, making the device self-latching in the selected position.
Shaft 78 has a crank arm 82, and connecting rod 84, urged downwardly by spring 86. The lower end of rod 84 rides on program record member 88. In this embodiment the member 88 may be a belt xiding over suitable rollers or guides (not shown1. [t has program ind~cia ~; in the form of studs 90, arranged in rows, one ~ow for each set of contacts, and cam wheel.
Each stud 90 will cause upward movement of the rod 84, followed by downward movement again under the influence of spring 86.
Each upward m~vement of rod 84 will rotate shaft 78 in one direction (i.e. anti-clockwise) and clutch 80 will bind on shaft 74 and rotate wheel 70 an arcuate distance of one half lobe (ie from a~peak to a vall~y or vice versa).
; Each downward movement of rod 84 will rotate shaft 78 clockwise. This m~vement will simply cause slipping of clutch 80 on shaft 74, ~Iy tendency for shaft 74 to rotate clockwise may be controlled by friction in bearing 76, or by an escapement tooth 92 on flexible arm 94.
The programme indicia ~hown herein axe either in the :
form of studs or openings. Ilowever any o-ther form oE indlcia which will procure the appropria-te reciprocable movemen-t may be used. For example indicia ribs or ridges may be used in place of studs. The drum may be a composite men~er made up of a series of standard discs of predetermined shape having suitable indicia thereon or therein. Magnetic indicia may be employed in some cases, or the indicia may be recorded magnetically on a tape or drum. Alternatively the whole system may utili~e light beams and photocells with suitable indicia in the form oE masks, or with indicia recorded on film.
Having described what is believed to be the best mode by which the invention may be performed, it will be seen that the invention may be particularly defined as Eollows:
A programmer device of the type Eor operating at least one pair of electrical contacts, which may be opened and closed for controlling some other operation for example, said programmer device comprising, contact control means for controlling clos-ing and opening of said contacts, said control means being positionable in at least two spaced positions, corresponding to contact open and contact closed positions, self-latching control operating means for operating said contact control means and being operable for moving same :Erom one said spaced posltion to the other, said sontrol operating means being movable between at least two positions each such movement procuring movement of said contact con$rol means from one said spaced position to the other, pxogramme record means movable along a prede-termined path adjacent said control operating means, and, a plurality of ~ programme indicia means carried by said programme record m~ans, I passage of each said indicia means being adapted to act:ivate said control operatin~ means, and inititate a single movement , thereof thereby procuring a single movement of said contact control means from one said spaced position to the other saicl position thereof, said control opera-ting means being latched in any said position after passage of a said indicia means until engaged by -the next said indicia means The invention further comprises a programmer device having the foregoing features wherein said control means includes an operating member reciprocable to and fro, between operative and inoperative positions and means biassing said member into its said inoperative position.
The invention further comprises a programmer device having the foregoing features wherein said self-:Latching control operating means includes a push rod movable between operative and inoperative positions in response to said indicia, an operating rod responsive to movement of said push rod to move between extended and retracted positions, and releaseable latching means for said operating rod, operative to hold same in its said extended position during alternate movements of said push rod.
;}3,,~
. . .. . : .. .
=~ ~
~C3 6~
SUPPLEMENTARY D:tSCLOS[JXE
.. .
F'igure 13 is a schema-tic side elevation of an alterna-te embodiment .
As shown in figure 13, a drum 100, essentially similar -to the drums 24, 60 and 88 is rota-tably driven on a shaft 102.
A plurality of indicia shown as recesses 104 are formed in the ~rum 100 a-t spaced intervals therearo~md.
A microswi-tch 106 is mounted on an arm 108. The arm 108 is pivotally mounted on pivot point 110, and is biased by spring 112 toward drum 100.
The microswitch 106 typically is operated by means of a button 114, the details of which are well known in khe art and require no further description.
As is well known, in the microswitch art, when the button 114 is pushed in, the switch is operated, usually to make a circult, and when the button is released it springs out agai~, thereby breaking the circuit.
In order to engage the button 114, a swingable lever 116 is pivotally mounted on pivot 118, whereby the lever 116 is swingable towards and away from the microswitch 106,the pivot point 118 being ~ecured to the arm 108.
In order to raise and lower the lever 116, a rectangular ca~ 120 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 1220 Four operating ~ins 124 ext~nd radially with respect to the shaft 122, from the four : faces of ~he rectangular cam 120.
It will, of co~rse~ be appreciated that the operating pins 124 do not in fact have to extend from the faces o the rectangular cam 120 but may be displaced laterally therefrom along a shaft 122 if desired.
r~
~i4~5 The pins 124 ride on -the surface 101 of the drum 100, as the drum 100 is rotated by shaft 102.
Ln the position shown in figure 13, one of the longer side of the rectangular cam 120 is engaging the ~mderside of the lever 116. This corresponds to -the off position of the microswitch 106.
It will be remembered that the arm 108 is being urged downwardly into engagement with the drum 100 by means of the spring 112. In consequence of this biasing of the arm 108, as the drum 100 rotates, one of the recesses 104 will register beneath one of the pins 1~4. When this occurs, such pin 124 will drop into such recess 104, procuring an essentially toothed engagement between the cam 120 and the drum 100.
As the drum 100 rotates further, such toothed engagement will cause rotation of cam 120 through a 90 degree arc. When the 90 degree arc has been completed the pin 124 will be released from the recess 104. The next two pins 124 will then ride freely ~ -on the surface 101 of the drum 100, until the next recess 104 arrives beneath one of the pins 124.
In consequence of the 90 aegree rotation described aforesaid, one of the shorter surfaces of the rectangular cam 120 will now be engaging the lever 116, and the lever 116 will thus have been displaced upwardly. This upward displacement will in turn c use upward dxsplacement of the button 114 of the microswitch causing the circuit therein to close.
The circuit will remain closed until such time as the next movement of the cam 120 takes place when a further 90 degree movement is caused by engagement of a pin 124 in a recess 104 as described above. Such further movement permits downward move-ment of button 114, permi-tting the microswitch to o~?~n ollce more.
.
s~
.. . ....
~64~
It will thus be seen that each indicium 104 on the drum 100 produces a single either on~or off movement of the microswitch 106, and that between such on or ofE movements the microswitch 106 will remain latched in its selec-ted position by reason of the engagement of one of the flat surfaces of cam 120 with lever 116, which eff-ec-tively prevents furthe.r movement, until a pin 124 is again engaged by a recess 104.
The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is given here by way of example only. The invention is not to be taken as l.imitecL to any of the specific features as described, but comprehends all such variations thereof as come within the scope of the appended claims.
~: :
~ 17 -~, '
Claims (17)
1. A programmer device of the type for operating at least one pair of electrical contacts, which may be opened and closed for controlling some other operation for example, said programmer device comprising;
contact control means for controlling closing and opening of said contacts, said control means being positionable in at least two spaced positions, corresponding to contact open and contact closed positions;
self-latching control operating means for operating said contact control means and being operable for moving same from one said spaced position to the other, said control operating means being movable between at least two positions each such movement procuring movement of said contact control means from one said spaced position to the other;
programme record means movable along a predetermined path adjacent said control operating means, and;
a plurality of programme indicia means carried by said programme record means, passage of each said indicia means being adapted to activate said control operating means, and initiate a single movement thereof thereby procuring a single movement of said contact control means from one said spaced position to the other said position thereof, said control operating means being latched in any said position after passage of a said indicia means until engaged by the next said indicia means.
contact control means for controlling closing and opening of said contacts, said control means being positionable in at least two spaced positions, corresponding to contact open and contact closed positions;
self-latching control operating means for operating said contact control means and being operable for moving same from one said spaced position to the other, said control operating means being movable between at least two positions each such movement procuring movement of said contact control means from one said spaced position to the other;
programme record means movable along a predetermined path adjacent said control operating means, and;
a plurality of programme indicia means carried by said programme record means, passage of each said indicia means being adapted to activate said control operating means, and initiate a single movement thereof thereby procuring a single movement of said contact control means from one said spaced position to the other said position thereof, said control operating means being latched in any said position after passage of a said indicia means until engaged by the next said indicia means.
2. A programmer device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said control means includes an operating member reciprocable to and fro, between operative and inoperative positions and means biassing said member into its said inoperative position.
3. A programmer device as claimed in Claims 1 or 2 wherein said self-latching control operating means includes a push rod movable between operative and inoperative positions in response to said indicia, an operating rod responsive to movement of said push rod to move between extended and retracted positions, and releasable latching means for said operating rod, operative to hold same in its said extended position during alternate movements of said push rod.
4. A programmer device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said control operating means comprises an arm, swingable between operative and inoperative positions, follower means coupled to said arm and engagable with said programme record means and a rotatable drive member, responsive to said arm, whereby said drive member may be rotated through a predetermined arc by movement of said arm in one direction, from its inoperative position and being non-responsive to movement of said arm in the opposite direction.
5. A programmer device as claimed in Claim 4 wherein said rotatable drive member comprises a shaft, and including one way drive means operatively coupled between said arm and said shaft, whereby to procure rotation of said shaft in one direction as aforesaid, said shaft being non-responsive to movement of said arm in the opposite direction as aforesaid
6. A programmer device as claimed in Claim 5 including cam wheel means mounted on said shaft and rotatable in unison therewith, said cam wheel means incorporating a plurality of lobes located therearound at equally spaced intervals, said lobes being adapted to close said electrical contacts, and wherein said one way drive means comprises drive shaft means operatively coupled to said arm, and aligned coaxially with _ 19 -said shaft means carrying said cam wheel means, and helical spring means fastened to said drive shaft means, and extending therefrom into driveable engagement with said shaft means, for driving the same in one direction as aforesaid, while slipping thereon in response to reverse motion of said drive shaft.
7. A programmer device as claimed in Claim 4 wherein said rotateable member comprises a drive wheel , having a drive teeth equally spaced there around, and including a tongue member on said arm means extending into engagement with said teeth, whereby swinging movement of said arm member in one direction will cause said tongue member to push a said tooth thereby rotating said wheel a predetermined increment, and including cam wheel means operatively coupled to said drive wheel, and including a plurality of lobes on said cam wheel means, the number of lobes on said cam wheel means being one half the number of teeth on said drive wheel means, said lobes being adapted to close said electrical contact
8. A programmer device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said program. member comprises a drum rotatably mounted, and adapted to be driven by any suitable drive means at a constant speed, said indicia being carried on the surface of said drum.
9. A programmer device as claimed in Claim 8 wherein said indicia comprise a series of recesses formed in the surface of said drum around a predetermined path.
10. A programmer device as claimed in Claim 8 wherein said indicia comprise abutment members, and including opening means in said drum for receiving said abutment members in a variety of positions.
CLAIMS SUPPORTED BY THE
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
CLAIMS SUPPORTED BY THE
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
11. A programmer device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said self -latching control operating means includes cam means rotatably mounted adjacent said program record means and rotatable about a predetermined arc in response to movement of one of said programme indicia means relative thereto, said cam means being operatively connected with said contact control means, for procuring movement thereof from a said spaced position to another, and , latching means releasably securing said cam means in position after movement through said predetermined arc.
12. A programmer device as claimed in Claim 11 wherein said cam means incorporates a plurality of flat surfaces, meeting at angles, for co-operating with said latching means for latching said cam means as aforesaid.
13. A programmer device as claimed in Claim 12 wherein said cam means is rectangular, having two longer flat surfaces, and two shorter flat surfaces.
14. A programmer device as claimed in Claim 11 including a follower member riding on said cam means, and engaging said contact control means, for transmitting movement of said cam means thereto.
15. A programmer device as claimed in Claim 14 wherein said cam means is rectangular and having four flat surfaces and wherein said follower member incorporates a flat surface engageable with said flat surfaces on said cam means for releaseably latching the same.
16. A programmer device as claimed in Claim 11 including drive means for said cam means, operatively connected thereto, and engageable by individual said indicia means to procure rotary movement of said cam means.
17. A programmer device as claimed in claim 16 wherein said drive means comprises operating pin members extending outwardly relative to said cam means, and angularly spaced apart from one another.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA243,998A CA1064085A (en) | 1976-01-21 | 1976-01-21 | Cam operated programmer switch |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA243,998A CA1064085A (en) | 1976-01-21 | 1976-01-21 | Cam operated programmer switch |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1064085A true CA1064085A (en) | 1979-10-09 |
Family
ID=4105026
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA243,998A Expired CA1064085A (en) | 1976-01-21 | 1976-01-21 | Cam operated programmer switch |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1064085A (en) |
-
1976
- 1976-01-21 CA CA243,998A patent/CA1064085A/en not_active Expired
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US7229380B2 (en) | Power transmission device and plate-material feeding apparatus incorporating thereinto the same | |
| EP0077133B1 (en) | Timer drive mechanism | |
| CA1229639A (en) | Programmer/timer for appliances | |
| CA1064085A (en) | Cam operated programmer switch | |
| US4179945A (en) | Variable step size impulse drive | |
| CA1146999A (en) | Cam control mechanism | |
| US3980937A (en) | Fractional horsepower gear motor | |
| EP0038216A2 (en) | Line spacing device for a typewriter | |
| US4466310A (en) | Timing mechanism with two independent rotary outputs | |
| DE19750210C2 (en) | Limit switch device | |
| US2866021A (en) | Circuit controlling device | |
| US4579014A (en) | Incremental drive for a sequential timer | |
| US4760219A (en) | Incremental timer drive mechanism | |
| US2818473A (en) | Automatic program controller | |
| DE69021967T2 (en) | Device programming / timer with bidirectional drive. | |
| KR0138921B1 (en) | Ribbon supplying device | |
| US5020383A (en) | Intermittent rotation drive apparatus utilizing air pressure | |
| JPS6142145Y2 (en) | ||
| US3200655A (en) | Snap action incremental actuator | |
| US4415007A (en) | Apparatus for effecting back-and-forth movement of a guide synchronously with the intermittent rotary movement of a shaft | |
| DE2528110C3 (en) | Sewing machine with a device for making individual basting stitches | |
| JPS5815318B2 (en) | Stamp position adjustment device for automatic printing machine | |
| US4192198A (en) | Two gear train reduction mechanism | |
| US4866224A (en) | Incremental timer drive mechanism | |
| JPS61392A (en) | Timer apparatus of washing machine |