JPS61263018A - Switch and switching method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to electrical switch technology and latching mechanism technology. Particular application is found in electrical timing mechanisms for electrical appliances such as electronic ovens and clothes dryers. It should be noted, however, that the inventors find convenient applications for holding relays and other electrical and non-electrical mechanisms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the past, electrical appliances such as open circuits and dryers commonly included power relays. Setting the timer or control in question typically required pressing a start button on electrical equipment. This start button
It was connected in series with a power relay coil to activate the relay and supply power to electrical equipment. In general, the relay maintains itself, and the power relay is restored by an electrical equipment timer, safety circuit, malfunction sensor, door open sensor, etc. after a certain period of time, and the power supply to the electrical equipment is stopped.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One of the disadvantages of using prior art power relays is their cost. Another drawback lies in the possibility of failure and the requirements for repair or replacement when failure occurs.

Electronic openers and other electrical equipment typically utilize microprocessors to control and automatically change operating modes at selected times. for example.

A microprocessor-based controller can be set to enter a defrost cycle for a selected duration and automatically switch to a tack cycle for another selected duration. After this cook cycle, the controller automatically switches to maintain a warm cycle.

One drawback of microprocessor-based controllers is their initial cost and replacement cost.

Additionally, failure of microprocessor-based controllers can render electrical equipment inoperable.

The present invention overcomes these and other problems while still
It provides a relatively simple electromechanical device that performs the functions described above and other similar functions of power relays and microprocessor-based controllers.

(Means for Solving the Problems) A first invention provides a new and improved switch. At least the first and second push button parts
It is mounted for movement between positions and selectively cams the controller between "on" and "off" states. The biasing means biases the push button portion toward the first position. The holding means also holds the push button portion in the second position against the biasing force of the biasing means. The driven part is mounted so that it can move between at least a holding position and a releasing position. In the open position, the follower causes the retaining means to selectively open the pushbutton portion, so that the biasing means biases it back toward the first position.

In a second aspect of the invention, the means includes a surface that selectively engages on the push button portion and the driven portion. When the follower moves to the open position, the engagement surface disengages and the biasing means forces the pushbutton part back into the first position.

In a third aspect of the invention, the holding means includes a solenoid and selectively holds the push button in the second position. During operation, the driven part connects with the electrical contacts and supplies power to the solenoid, so that when the driven part moves to the open position, the electrical contacts open, cutting off the power supply to the solenoid, and the biasing means The push button portion is biased back to the first position.

A fourth invention provides a time setting switch.

The cam surface of the timing cam selectively engages the follower;
Move the driven part to move in and out of the open position.

A third aspect of the invention provides an electrical equipment control circuit having the above-mentioned switch section. The current control device includes a pair of electrical contacts connected between a power source and a timing motor.

Moving the pushbutton to the second position applies power to the timing motor and initiates the timing function of the electrical equipment.

(Embodiment of the invention) In FIGS. 1A and 18, the push button part 10 is
It is mounted so that it can be selectively moved vertically between a position (FIG. 1A) and a second position (FIG. 1B). A biasing means 12 such as a coil spring causes the push button portion 10 to
bias in the position direction. When pressure is applied to the free end 14 either manually or by a mechanical linkage (not shown), the pushbutton portion will move against the force of the biasing means and the second
Move selectively to a position. In the second position, external projecting camming surface 16 and engagement surface 18 that engage current control device 20 selectively cam to maintain current control device 20 in an "on" or energized position. In this embodiment, the current control device includes a pair of leaf tin ring electrical contacts. This electrical contact, when the pushbutton is in the first position,
When the push button is in the first position, it is biased toward the disconnected state, i.e., the de-energized state.
can open electrical spring contacts that are normally open. Other current control devices may also be used, such as reed control switches, compressed or hydraulic pulp, sliding electrical contacts, capacitive or conductive control bistable elements, etc.

The holding means 30 selectively holds the push button portion 10 in the second position. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 2B,
The holding means includes a follower 32 . This driven part 32
It is attached to the vertical axis of the push button section so that it can move laterally.

The follower portion defines a generally horizontal pushbutton support surface 34 along which the pushbutton portion slides longitudinally. As the pushbutton portion moves from the first position to the second position, it cams the cam surface 16Iri follower about the pivot 36 to the open position so that the cam and engagement surface move past the open position. Follower part 32 and push button part 10
The retaining surfaces 38.40 are selectively engaged so that the cam and engagement surfaces 16.18 interengage upon cam movement past the follower. The holding surface has the push button part as the second
hold in position. The driven part then moves to the open position,
Follow in this open position! fIl#-i rotates sufficiently and is no longer held in place with the holding surface. Then, a biasing force is applied by the biasing means 12 to return the push button portion to the first position.

In this embodiment, the follower portion 32 engages the surface of the timing portion 50 so that it moves to the open position at selected times or at selected intervals. Preferably, the timing portion is a timing cam and includes at least one raised cam surface or larger radially extending cam surface 52. The timing cam rotates in accordance with the operating cycle of the electrical device to which the switch is attached. When the large radial extension cam surface 52 engages the follower 32, the follower moves from the holding position to the release position. In the illustrated embodiment, timing cam 5
0 is a timing cam 50 in order to connect with a timing means 54 such as a synchronous motor or other machine #l1 during operation.
rotates at multiple selected speeds or steps.

In one mode of use, the switch shown can be used in place of the tortoise relay of the electrical device.

Set various control switches and timing cams, and when the tack, wash, and dry cycles continue, N-! i also goes to 1 lead -1 1 word 11h = -1! −−−・−! -40 - 9 - 11 When you close the door of an electrical appliance, the door activation switch closes. However, because the spring contact 20 is open, no power can reach the electrical contact. When the manual engagement end 14 of the button portion IO is pressed down, the cam surface and the engagement surface 16.18 cause the contact pair 20 to
is closed and power is provided to the electrical equipment. timing·
The cam 50 is angularly displaced as the associated mechanism moves or in conjunction with timing and cycle control signals for electrical equipment. At the end of the selected appliance cycle, the large diameter cam portion 52 moves into contact with the follower 32 so that the follower 32 moves to the open position. The electrical equipment will stop operating until it is reconfigured for the next cycle.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, elements similar to those of the embodiment of FIG.
It is attached. The push button portion 10' is selectively moved against the biasing means 12' by manual pressure applied to the free end or external groove 14'.
frM+5-ht, rn+IG'b? The rc spring contact engagement surface 18' moves and holds the pair of spring electrical contacts together in the energized position. Push button part 1
0' in the first position, the spring engagement surface 18' is displaced from the spring contact shown in phantom, opening the spring contact.

The holding means 30' is a push button part 6 made of iron or containing iron.
0 and an encircling solenoid coil 62. This solenoid coil is connected in series with electrical contact 20' and is energized when the push button is in the second position. Thus, when the pushbutton portion is manually moved to the second position, the solenoid coil holds the pushbutton portion against the blade of the biasing means 12' and maintains the electrical contacts closed and energized.

Follower portion 32' has outwardly extending electrical contact engaging arms 64 that simultaneously bias the electrical contacts. A timing cam 50' having a large radius cam surface s52' selectively engages the follower 32' to move it toward the open position. In the open position, the follower arm 64 moves outward, causing the electrical contacts to move apart, interrupting the circuit to the solenoid coil, and restoring the push button portion 10' to the first position. Additionally, a safety switch 60 such as a door open switch for electrical equipment can be connected in series with the electrical contact 20'. When the door of an electrical device opens or other safety-related situation occurs, solenoid coil 6
The power supply to 2 is stopped, and the push button section is opened.

Additionally, an electrical equipment power circuit 68 is connected in series with electrical contact pair 20' to receive electrical power flowing therethrough. Therefore, when the push button part 10' is in the second position, power is supplied only to the electrical equipment, and when the push button part is restored and returned to the first position, the power supply is stopped.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, elements similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals, but with a double prime (') at the end. Push button part 10'
selectively moves longitudinally from a first position to a second position as shown, against biasing spring 12'. As the pushbutton portion is moved longitudinally toward the second position, the camming surface 70 cams the follower portion 32' outwardly so that the retaining surface 38'
, 40' pass through each other. When the retaining surfaces bypass each other, the follower portion 32' returns to the retaining position so that the retaining surfaces engage and retain the push button portion 10'' in the second position.

In the second position, a pair of electrical leaf spring contacts 20
′ self-biases to an open, de-energized position.

Intermittent actuation means 80 selectively opens and closes contact pair 20'. In particular, the second
cam, intermittent cam number 2, is mounted for angular displacement by timing motor means 54'. In one embodiment, the large radius cam surface portion Fi is selectively increased in length to change the duration of time that the electrical contact pair is closed, ie, the duty cycle. Also, the large radius cam surface can directly engage electrical contacts. The transfer unit 86 transfers the closing/opening momentum between the large radius cam surface and the electrical contact. In addition, other duties such as eccentric cams
Selective opening of % electrical contacts by cycle control cam -
Can be closed.

The timing motor 54' also has a timing number cam 5.
Rotate 0'. When large radius timing cam surface 52' engages follower 32', retention surfaces 38', 40'
moves out of convergence. Spring 12' moves pushbutton portion 10' back to the first position. As the push button portion moves toward the first position, camming surface 16' and switch contact engaging surface 18' cam to maintain electrical contact 20' in a closed, continuously energized position or condition.

In FIG. 4, the switch of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is shown in relation to a control circuit for an electrical appliance.

Power is applied across input conductor 90 . Generally first
A first switch of the structure shown is connected between input conductor 90 and timing-motor 54. A second switch 94 having the structure shown in FIG. 3 is connected between the first switch 92 and the power circuit of the electrical equipment. In this case, this power circuit is a magnetron tube of an electronic oven or the like.

In operation, the cam 50' and the second relative angular position are selectively adjusted to select a reasonable duration of the defrost cycle and subsequent tack cycle. The second push button portion 10' of the second switch 94 is manually moved to the second position. Once both control parameters are set, the first
The first push button 10 of the interior 92 moves to the second position and the operation of the electronic oven begins.

When the timing motor 54 rotates the second defrost urn cycle cam, the large radial cam surface 84
The magnetron 96 is supplied with power pulses to intermittently close the electrical contacts 20'. By providing each large radial cam portion 84 with progressively shorter arc lengths, the duration of each pulse cycle is progressively reduced. Thus, the amount of microwave radiation applied to the food during the defrost cycle is progressively reduced.

Radial large cam surface portion 52 of second timing cam 50'
When ' moves and engages with the second driven part 32', the second push button part 10' is restored and the second electrical contact 20' is maintained in the closed state by the electrical contact holding surface 18'. Thus,
Power is continuously supplied to the magnetron and the tack cycle begins automatically. The cook cycle continues until the large radial cam surface 52 of the first timing cam 50 rotates into engagement with the first follower 32 . When the first driven part 32 opens the first push button part 10, the first electrical contact pair 20 is opened, and the power supply to the timing motor and the magnetron is stopped. Accordingly, the deployed electromechanical timing circuit automatically restores to cook mode. Thus, a defrost or intermittent power cycle of a selectable duration is followed by a tack or continuous power cycle of a selectable duration without the need for a manual reset to tack mode. The present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments in which the tack mode can automatically follow a defrost cycle or can be initiated in conjunction with a manual signal. Other modifications and changes will occur to others upon reading and understanding the above description of the illustrative embodiments. Incidentally, the pushbutton part can be mounted so that it can rotate instead of being slid in the vertical direction. Push button part 2
For holding in one of the two positions, other holding means may be provided. Other electrical equipment cycle sensing structures may be used in place of the timing cam to open the pushbutton portion. Furthermore, it is understood that the present invention covers all such changes and modifications as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims and the like, in which various intermediate elements are arranged in the link mechanism between the interacting elements of the disclosed embodiments. I want to be The above claims are based on the above embodiments.

Advantages of the Invention A first advantage of the invention is that the manual ratte switch according to the invention resets automatically at the end of a time setting cycle.

The present invention also includes: The advantage is that it is more reliable and cost effective than power relay or microprocessor based controls.

The present invention further provides a mechanical switching circuit which enables electronic ovens and other electrical appliances to switch between high and low power modes.
Alternatively, it has the advantage of being able to automatically shift between seven other operating modes.

Seven other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following examples.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The invention may take form in various components and configurations of components. It should be understood that the following drawings are solely for the purpose of illustrating embodiments of the invention and are not intended to be limiting thereto. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a switch according to the invention with the electrical contacts in the open position. FIG. 1B is a view of the assembly of FIG. 1A with the electrical contacts in the closed position. FIG. 2 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the switch is held in one state by a solenoid. FIG. 3 shows a time setting switch according to the present invention, which is turned "on"
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of continuous and intermittent states; FIG. 4 is an example of a circuit diagram of an electrical device incorporating the switches shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. %iff out 1a person Eaton Coordination-
Co-procedural amendment (on May 21, 1986 2, title of the invention Switch and switching method 3, relationship with the person making the amendment Patent applicant name: Eaton Coordination 4, agent address: Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) 1-65, date of amendment order Showa year month day

Claims (22)

[Claims] (1) a pushbutton portion movably mounted to move between at least first and second positions and selectively move the controller between at least the first and second states; biasing means for biasing the push button portion in a positional direction and operatively connecting the push button portion; retaining means selectively retaining the push button portion in a second position and operatively connecting the push button portion; a driven part that moves and in the open position selectively releases the push button part from the second position by the holding means. (2) The switch according to claim 1, further comprising a timing section that moves the driven section intermittently to the open position and opens the selection duration push button section. (3) In the switch according to claim 1, the holding means includes a holding surface that selectively engages on the push button part and the driven part, and when the driven part moves to the open position, the holding surface A switch characterized by a surface that disengages. (4) In the switch set forth in claim 3, the push button portion includes a cam surface portion, and when the push button portion moves from the first position to the second position, the push button portion is moved from the first position to the second position. A switch characterized by selectively camming the holding surfaces of the parts relative to each other. (5) The switch according to claim 4, characterized in that the push button portion is mounted to slide vertically between the first and second positions. (6) In the switch according to claim 1, the controller has a pair of electric spring contacts, the electric spring contacts being self-biased into one of a conductive and non-conductive relationship. Features: Switch. (7) The switch according to claim 6, characterized in that the push button portion has a cam surface that engages with at least one of the electrical contacts, and causes the electrical contact to cam to a closed conductive state. Yes, switch. (8) In the switch according to claim 6, the push button portion has a cam movement surface, and the cam movement surface causes the electrical contact pair to be in a closed conductive state in a first position and in an open state in a second position. A switch characterized by selective cam movement into a non-conductive state. (9) The switch according to claim 6, wherein the holding means includes a solenoid for selectively holding the push button portion in the first position, and the solenoid is connected to an electrical contact during operation to supply power. A switch, characterized in that it receives. (10) In the switch according to claim 9, the push button portion has means for moving the electrical contact, and the moving means closes the electrical contact when the push button is in the second position. A switch, characterized in that it is moved to a conductive position. (11) In the switch according to claim 10, the driven section selectively drives at least one of the electrical contacts toward the conductive position, and when the driven section moves to the open position, the A switch, characterized in that the electrical contacts move to a non-conducting position. (12) In the switch according to claim 10, the push button part is provided with a cam, the cam moves the first electrical contact in the direction of the second electrical contact, and the driven part is provided with the second electrical contact. A switch comprising a portion for selectively camming the contact toward the first electrical contact and moving the second electrical contact away from the first electrical contact when the driven portion is in an open position. . (13) The switch according to claim 6, further comprising timing motor means connected in series with an electrical contact and a power source, and when the push button portion is moved to the second position, the timing motor A switch, characterized in that electrical power begins to flow to the means. (14) The switch according to claim 13, wherein the timing motor means angularly displaces the cam portion to selectively engage the driven portion and move the driven portion to an open position. A switch, characterized in that it opens the pushbutton part and also stops the current to the timing motor means. (15) In the switch according to claim 14, a second pair of electrical contacts connected in series between the first pair of electrical contacts and a power means for an electrical device; A switch comprising second pushbutton means for selectively moving the pair of electrical contacts between a contact position and a non-contact position. (16) The switch according to claim 15, further comprising means connected to the second pair of electrical contacts for selectively supplying power in a continuous mode and an intermittent mode, the switch having a cook cycle in the continuous mode. , a switch that provides a defrost cycle in intermittent mode. (17) The switch according to claim 1, further comprising a first timing cam that selectively engages with the driven portion, and selectively moves the driven portion to the open position. Yes, switch. (18) The switch according to claim 17, characterized in that the switch includes a second cam that selectively and alternately turns the current control device into an "on" state and an "off" state. . (19) a push button portion mounted for selective displacement in the longitudinal direction between first and second positions and having a cam surface, an electrical contact engaging surface, and a retaining surface; the push button portion and its first position; a biasing means for biasing the driven portion in a direction and coupled to the push button portion during operation; a driven portion having a retaining surface selectively engaging the push button portion retaining surface; timing cam means for moving the driven portion between a holding position and a release position; and timing cam means disposed close to the push button portion to selectively move the cam between a contact position and a non-contact position by means of the push button cam surface. In a time setting switch consisting of a pair of moving electric spring contacts, the driven part has a holding position where the driven part holding surface and the push button part holding surface engage, and a holding position where the driven part holding surface and the push button part holding surface engage. A timed switch mounted for movement between open positions in which the switch is disengaged. (20) timing motor means for rotating at least one timing cam; a driven portion mounted to move between at least a holding position and an open position in accordance with the rotation of the timing cam; a push button section mounted to be displaced between a position and a second position, supporting a cam surface and moving together with the push button section; a biasing means for biasing the push button section toward the first position; and a driven section during operation. the push button portion, and selectively holds the push button portion in the second position when the driven portion is in the holding position, and selectively holds the push button portion in the second position when the driven portion is moved to the open position. holding means for opening the button part and forcing it into a first position by the biasing means; a holding means disposed proximate to the push button part, when the push button part moves between the first position and the second position; A switch for an electrical device comprising a pair of electrical contacts selectively cammed between contact and non-contact positions by the pushbutton cam surface, wherein during operation, the electrical contacts are connected to at least one of a timing motor and an electrical device control circuit. A switch in electrical equipment that connects to one side and conducts electricity selectively. (21) In a switch for an electrical device having at least a first and a second operating mode, the pushbutton portion is mounted so as to be displaceable between at least a first position and a second position, and the current control means is provided with at least a first conductive state and a second conductive state. A second conductive state is provided, wherein when the current control means is in the first state, the electrical device operates in a first mode of operation, and when the current control means is in the second state, the electrical mechanism operates in a second mode of operation. In addition, the pushbutton portion is connected to a current control means during operation, so that when the pushbutton portion moves between the first and second positions, the state of the current control means changes; Improvements such as, by displacing the push button part between first and second positions and connecting with the push button part during operation, the electric device automatically changes the operating mode after the selection duration time. Switches for electrical equipment with (22) By holding the current controller in the first state with a mechanical member, the related electrical equipment is operated in the first operation mode, the selection duration time is set, and after the selection duration time is set, the mechanical member is released. 2. A switching method, comprising: changing the state of a current controller and automatically switching associated electrical equipment to a second operating mode after a selected duration of time.