US1800053A - Electrical switching mechanism - Google Patents

Description

April 7, 1931. c. F. CAPELL 1,800,053

ELECTRICAL SWI TCHI NG MECHANI SM Filed April 4, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet l kl q K INVENTOR. Carl FCapel,

A TTORNE Y.

Apnl 7, 1931. c. F. CAPELL ELECTRICAL SWITCHING MECHANISM Filed April 4, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 1, 11"""llllll INVENTOR. Carl F Cal/p656,

A TTORNEY.

CARL F. CAPELL, on SANTA MONICA, CAL

thereof durable, strong,

Patented Apr. 7, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HERBERT CUTLER IFORNI A, ASSIGNOR 0F ONE-FOURTH TO BEOWNQOF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL SWITCHING MECHANISM Application filed April 4, 1929. Serial No. 352,519.

This invention relates to an electrical switching mechanism for opening and closing the lighting circuit for the illuminable means of oscillatory signalling elements employed in connection with suction operated signalling devices of that type for projecting and retracting the signalling elements with respect to the sides of the body of a motor vehicle to conspicuously indicate, during the day or night when'occasion requires to the drivers of vehicles approaching from the front and rear the direction of turn, thereby reducing the possibility of accidents or collisions to a minimum, and the invention has for its object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, an electrical switching mechanism for a normally open lighting circuit and having as a part thereof a reciprocatory circuit closing means acting to close the lighting circuit when the signalling element is projected to signalling indicating position and with said circuit closing, means carried by the projecting and retracting means for the signalling element.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a switching mechanism for the purpose referred to including means'whereby the circuit is maintained closed during the period that the signalling element has been projected to and position. 7

Further objects of the invention are to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set held signalling indicating forth, an-electrical switching mechanism for a normally open lighting circuit for a signalling element and which has the parts capable of being readily installed with respect to an apparatus of the type referred to, and thoroughly efficient in its use and for the purpose intended therefor.

With the foregoing and other objects in view the invention consists of the novel con-' a struction, combination and arrangement of parts as hereinafter more specifically described, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein is shown an embodiment of the invention, but itis to be understood that changes, variations and modifications In the drawings wherein like reference characters denote corresponding throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a rear elevation of a suction operated signalling apparatus showing the installation therewith of a pair of electrical switching mechanisms in accordance with this invention for normally open lighting circuits. I

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view in horizontal section of the apparatus, illustrating parts of an electrical switching mechanism, in accordance with this invention for a lighting circuit and further showing a signalling element in retracted position.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary detail in horizontal section of the apparatus, upon an enlarged scale and further showing parts of the switching mechanism, in accordance with this invention for a normally open lighting circuit.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view in longitudinal section of the apparatus, upon an enlarged scale and illustrating the signalling element in retracted position and further showing parts of the switching mechanism in accordance with this invention for a lighting circuit.

Figure '5 is a section on line Figure 6 is a pander ring.

A switching mechanism, in accordance with this invention, for anormally open lighting circuit is designed primarily for use in connection with the type of suction operated signalling apparatus as disclosed in my application Serial No. 348,852, filed March 21, 1929, and in such form of apparatus the signalling elements are to be suspendingly supported, preferably at the forward end of the opposite side of the body of a vehicle in close proximity to the top of the latter, and when one is selected to indicate direction of travel or turn it is shifted laterally from and is held for the desired period a substantial distance from one side of the vehicle body. The active signalling element, when in projected position is readparts ily visible, drivers of motor vehicles approaching from either day or night, by the the'front and rear, thus reducing accidents to a minimum. The signalling element when I pro ected to active position is illuminated and tracted'movement the lighting circuit be comes open whereby thelamp of the signal ling. element is put out and illumination of the signalling element is discontinued. The drawingi'llustrates the apparatus as including two signalling elements, and associated with each is a switching mechanism for a normally open lighting circuit for the lamp of: such element. The switching mechanisms are selectively closed. As both circuits are formed of like p arts, but one will be described as the description of one will apply to the other. ,Each s gnalling element has an independent mechanism for projecting and retracting it.

' 1, 2 and each The signalling elements are indicated at is provided with a signalling indication at its front and rear. The element 1 has the indication L as at 3 to designate left turn andthe element 2 has the indication R as at'4 to designate right tur The construction and arrangement of the signalling elementszare specifically set forth in my application referred to, but it is thought advisable; to define each of said elements as provided with a cylindrical head 5, which is hollow and closed at itsouterend as at 6, a tubular neck 7 which opens at its upper end into the head and a casing 8 with which the neck Y is integral with the top thereof and such I tophas on opening 9 which registers with the neck 7. p a H Within the casing 8 is a lamp holder 10 having a socket 11 with which the lamp 12is connected 'The bottom of the holder'lO is indicated at 13 and carries the socket 11. The

7 bottom 13 is formed with an opening 14 whichcommunicates'with a recess 15 formed at the bottom of the'casing'8. Thepurpose of the I opening 14 will be presently The socket 11 extends into the recess 15. The holder 10 has its top formed of a pair of oppositely disposed flanges 16, 17 having inturned parts 18. The parts 18 of the flanges 16, 17 are oppositely disposed and arranged at inclinations, as well as beingspaced from each other to provide a clearance 19 which is arranged in alignment with the neck 7.

7 A signalling element is arranged at each referred to.

end of a tubular housing'referred to generally at 48. The housing comprises a pair of outer sections 49, and an intermediate section 51 which is telescoped by the sections 49,

50 and these latter are adjustably connected to the section 51 by the'retaining devices 52. Each outer section of the tubular housing 48 has a projecting and retracting device or mechanism for asignalling element, and'also provides a chamber forsuch device and with: inthe chamber is arrangeda combined guide and abutment for such device and further with the guide having means to constitute a contact element for one of the lighting circuits. 1

With reference to Figure 2, the manner in which the outer'sections of the tubular housing are set up is clearlyillustrated. Each outer section has its inner end closed by a flanged disk 53, formed with a central aperture '54 and with a nipple 55 which projects from the forward and rear faces of'the disk 53 and registers with aperture 54.

r The outer end of each outer section of the tubular housing .48 has extending therein a peripherally threaded, flanged packing gland 56 which abuts against the outer edge of such.

section. The gland 56 threadedly engages with threads formed on the inner face of the outer section of the housing. The gland 56 is.

also provided with internal threads as at 57. Threadedly engaging with the threads 57 is a peripherally threaded flanged collar 58 and the inner diameter of the collar 58 corresponds to the inner diameter of the gland 56 at the innerend 59 of the latter. The flanges of the gland 56 and collar 58 are indicated respectivelyat 60, 61,. andsaid flanges abutv when the collar 58 threadedly engages with the gland 56.

The disk 53, in connection with the gland 56 and outer section of the housing 48 provides a suction chamber 63 for a projecting and retracting device or mechanism for a signalling element.

- The said suction operated projecting and retracting device or mechanism for each signailing element is in the form of a piston head and a'piston rod and with the head positionedjin proximity to the inner end of the rod. The said device or mechanism includes a tubular rod 64 of material less diameter than the diameter of the chamber 63, but'of a diameter to snugly fit the passageprovided-by the gland 56 andcollar 58. The rod64 normally projects outwardly with respect to the collar .58 and has the body thereof in proximity to its outer end formed with an opening 66 for a purpose to be presently referred to. The

periphery of the rod 64 at its inner end is threaded and mounted on the forward part of such rear threaded portion, as wellas being secured therewith is an interiorly threaded collar .66 of insulation material and of a diameter less than the diameter of the chamber 63.

The collar 66 is formed with a diametrically disposed opening 67 which registers with an opening 68 formed in the rod 64. Fixed to the collar 66, as well as lapped against the forward face of the latter is a conducting band 69 formed of metallic material. The purpose of the openings 67, 68 and band 69 will be presently referred to, as they form a part of the switching mechanism. The rod 64 also provides a part of the switching mechanism as it is a carrier for a circuit conductor and also for the band 69 which provides a circuit closing means for the nor mally open lighting circuit. Positioned on the rod 64 rearwardly of the collar 66 is the piston head of the device or mechanism and which is indicated at 69. The head 69 is not specifically described herein, as it forms no part of the lighting circuit. A full description as to the construction and arrangement of the head 69 will be found in my application aforesaid. The head 69 does not extend to the rear end of rod 64, but is spaced therefrom.

The rear end of the rod 64 is closed by a plug 70. Positioned within the outer section of the housing 48, as well as being secured therewith in a manner to be presently referred to is a combined guide and abutment element for the bar 64 and such element consists of a sleeve of insulation which abuts the inner end of the gland 56. See Figure 4. The sleeve 80 limits the outward movement of the rod 64 and has means coacting with the band 66 to close the lighting circuit. This means will be presently referred to. The sleeve 80 has its inner diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the collar 58. The sleeve 80 is of less diameter than the diameter of the chamber 63, and has its inner end provided with a band 81 and with the band crimped, as at 82 against the inner end edge of sleeve 80. The band 81 coacts with the band 69 for the purpose of closing the lighting circuit. The periphery of the sleeve 80 is dished out, as at 83 to provide for a clearance for a purpose to be presently referred to and the body of the sleeve 80 is formed with a pair of spaced openings 84, the purpose of which will be hereinafter set forth.

As illustrated the apparatus includes a series of suction lines, one of which is termed the primary suction line and indicated at 85 and the others of which are termed the secondary or auxiliary suction lines and indicated at 86, 87 and 88. The line 86 has a T extension 89 and one of the branches, as indicated at'90 leads to the nipple 55 which associates with the outer section 49 of the housing 48 and the other branch 91 leads to the nipple 54 which associates with the outer section 50 of the housing 48. The auxiliary line 87'associates with the outer section 49 of the housing 48 and the auxiliary line 88 associates with the outer section 50 of the housing 48. Thesuction lines 85, 86, 87 and 88 are connected to a common head 92 therefor, operated by a control lever 93. The head 92 is mounted in a casing 94, which is detachably connected by the clamping device 95, to the steering post 96 of the vehicle. The housing 94, head 92 and control lever 93 form elements of a controlling device for the purpose of selectively operating the signalling elements, and such controlling device is specifically described and claimed in my application aforesaid. The controlling device provides means for selectively operating the signalling elements to and from projected position.

The primary suction line 85 leads from the intake manifold 97 of the engine 98 of the motor vehicle. Each outer section of the tubular housing 48 has connected therewith a tubular terminal or binding post. The said terminals or binding posts project laterally from such outer sections of the housing and as they are of like construction and arrange ment, but one will be described as the description of one will apply to the other. A tubular binding post is designated 102 and is pt ripherally threaded. It is formed from a metallic tubing of the desired length and diameter and extends through an opening 103 provided in an outer section of the tubular housing 48. See Figure 3.

The inner end of the tube 102 engages in a nut 104. Interposed between the nut 104 and inner face of the housing section is an insulation washer 105. Mounted on the tube 102 and bearing against the outer face of the housing section is an insulation washer 106. Positioned against the washer 106 is a washer 107, and bearing against the washer 107 is a nut 108 which threadedly engages with the tube 102 and in connection with the nut 104 fixedly connects the tube 102 to the housing section.

Positioned against the nut 108 and surrounding the tube 102 is the terminal 109 of an electrical conductor 110 which leads from an electrical source 111, the latter being the battery of the motor vehicle or car. The electrical conductor which associates with the outer section 50 of the housing 48 is indicated at 110, whereas the electrical conductor which associates with the outer section 49 of the housing 48 is designated 111. Both conductors referred to lead from the source 111 to the outer housing sections, or rather to the tubular terminals 103 carried by said housing sections.

Secured to the nut 104 is a resilient conductor 112 and the latter is also secured to the band 81 fixed on the sleeve 80. The resilient conductor 112 is positioned in the cut out portion 83. The conductor 112 has an opening 113 which registers with the opening provided by the tube 102 which provides 68, 67 and electrically connected to the band- 69 is a circuit conductor 115 which is arranged within, carried by and projects from the rod 64:. The circuit conductor 115' extends downthrough the head6 and neck 7 of signalling element and into the casing 8, through the clearance 19, downthrough the opening 14 in the bottom 13 of the holder 10 and is i electrically connected with the lamp 12.

Astwo signalling elements are employed, a normally open lightlng circult is used in connection with each element.

' closedwhen'a band 69 contacts with a band battery by conductor to terminal 109,

81 and remains closed as long as the bands arein contact, one circuit being from the tube 102, conductor 112, band 81, band 69, circuit conductor to lamp and then to ground. The other circuit would .be the same with the exception that circuit conductor 111 would be employed in lieu of conductor 110. p

In Figure 6 an expander ring 116 is shown and which forms a part of piston head 69.

The- bands 69 and 81 are clear of contact with the outer housing section. The reracting and projecting device or mechanism for a signalling element provides a reciprocatory circuit closer for the lighting cir-= cult. Each slgnallmg element has its head 6 pivotally suspended from the outer end of therod 64, as at 117. The head 5 is of greater diameter than the rod 64: and by this arrangement whenthe signalling element is projected it will be oscillated on the end of the rod from the movement of the vehicle.

Iowever, the oscillatory movement of the head 5 will be arrested in either direction by rod 64. When the signalling element is retracted the head 5 abuts against the flange of the collar 58 and the signalling element is prevented from oscillating. The reciprocatorymovement of the signalling element projecting and retracting device is due to suction, which, when applied through auxih iary line 87 or 88 provides for the outwardmovement of such mechanism or rod 64 and when applied through line 86 causes the re-v tracting of the rodfi i. a

' When the rod 64 is caused to move out- A circuit is wardly the band 69 will contact with band 81, under such conditions closing the lighting circuit and with the sleeve '80 acting as an abutment to arrest the outward movement of the rod. Then the movement of the rod 64 is arrested the signalling element has been movedlaterally to the desired extent for signalling indication purposes and will be maintained in such position as long as suction is applied through auxiliary line 87 or 88. r

Owing to the manner of setting up the circuit conductor 115 it is housed within the rod 64 and signalling element and under such conditions cannot be tampered with or it is liable to become separated from rod-64 and signalling element.

t is thought the many advantages of an electrical switching mechanism for a lighting circuit for the purpose set forth and in accordance with this invention can be readily V understood, and although the preferred embodiment of the invention is as illustrated and described, yet it is to be understood that changes in the details of construction can be had which fall within the scope or" the invention as claimed. 7

Vihat I claim is z- 1. An electricalswitching mechanism for a normally openlightingcircuit for a signaliing element comprising a tubular casing, a reciprocatory, tubular rod adapted to have its outer end connected to a signalling element, said rod mounted in and projectable from said casing and having fixed thereto near its inner end a circuit closer, a conductor mounted in said rod, electrically connected with said closer and adapted to be electrically connected with the signalling element, a stationary, tubular abutment arranged within said casing and through which travels said rod, a contact fixed to the inner end of the abutment and positioned in the path of said circuit closer and adapted by the latter for closing such circuit, a stationary terminal connected toand extending into said casing, a conductor attached to the inner end of said terminal and fixed to said stationary contact exteriorly of said abutment, and said abutment limiting the outward movement of said rod. 7 I

2. An electrical switch mechanism for a normally open lighting circuit for a signal ling element comprising a tubular casing, a reciprocatory, tubular rod adapted to have its outer end connectedto the signalling element, said rod mounted in and projectable from said casing and having fixed thereto,

near its inner end, a circuit closer, a conductor mounted in said rod, electrically connected to said closer and adapted to be electrically connected to the signalling element, a stationary, tubular abutment ar rangedfwithin said casing and through which travels said rod, a contact fixed to the a tor mounted in said rod,

inner end of the abutment and positioned in the path of said circuit closer and adapted to be engaged by the latter for closing such circuit, a stationary terminal connected to and extending into said casing, and a conductor attached to the inner end of said terminal and fixed to said stationary contact exteriorly of said abutment, said abutment limiting the outward movement of said rod, said abutment provided with apertures, and a yoke shaped spring extending into said apertures and bearing against said casing and providing a ground connect-ion.

3. An electrical switching mechanism for a normally open lighting circuit for a signalling element comprising a tubular casing, a reciprocatory, tubular rod adapted to have its outer end connected to the signalling element, said rod mounted in and project-able from said casing and having fixed thereto, near its inner end, a circuit closer, a conducelectrically connected to said closer and adapted to be electrically connected to the signalling element, a stationary, tubular abutment arranged within said casing and through which travels said rod, a contact fixed to the inner end of the abutment and positioned in the path of said circuit closer and adapted to be engaged by the latter for closing such circuit, a stationary terminal connected to and extending into said casing, a. conductor attached to the inner end of said terminal and fixed to said stationary contact exteriorly of said abutment, said abutment limiting the outward movement of said rod, said abutment provided with apertures, and a yokeshaped spring extending into said apertures, bearing against said casing and providing a ground connection, said abutment having its periphery cut away to provide a clearance for the inner end of said terminal and the portion of the conductor attached to the terminal.

In testimony whereof, I aflix my signature hereto.

CARL F. CAPELL.

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