US2288098A - Control device for controllable apparatus - Google Patents

Description

June 30, 1942.

R. c. MARHOLZ ETI'AL 2,288,098

CONTROL DEVICE FOR CONTROLLABLE APPARATUS Filed Dec. 12, 1938 a/awmrZdP/wkr a? y Patented June 30, 1942 2,288,098 CONTROL DEVICE FOR CONTBOILABLE APPARATUS Richard C. Marholz and Alexander W. Plensler,

Chicago, 111., assignors to Belmont Radio Corporation, Ghicago, 111., a corporation of II- linois Application December 12, 1938, Serial No. 245,078

12 Claims.

Our invention relates in general to control apparatus, and more in particular to a manually operated automatic tuning device for radio receivers.

A number of manually operated automatic radio receiver, as well as for the general control of controllable apparatus.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved manually operated push button tuner.

A further object of our invention is to provide contro1 apparatus operated upon a straight line pushing movement of an actuator to rotate a shaft substantially through 180 without the use of link or gear mechanism.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a compact, sturdy control unit which may be operated with a relatively small force to an accurate operated position.

Other objects and advantages of our invention will be apparent from the following description,

taken with the drawing, in which:

Fig. lis a front elevation of the tuning and indicating structure of our invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view of the complete control and indicating apparatus of our invention, with the top of the housing for the apparatus cut away, andtaken substantially along the line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3'is a vertical sectional view along the line 33 of Fig. 2. This shows the contro1 apparatus in normal idle position.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view'similar to Fig. 3, with one control unit and an actuator in'operated position, with similar apparatus in the background shown in idleposition,

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary detail view in section of one of the control units as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4.

In practicing'our invention, we provide a plurality of adjustably mounted control units supported on a rotary shaft connected with the tuning apparatus for a. radio receiver. Each control unit comprises a pair of cam portions rigid with respect to one another and with the cam surface of one cam portion extending in a di- 55 units The pres- 1.0

3/ l9 journalled in a pair of frame plates 2| and is rection substantially opposite to the cam surface of the other cam portion. Each cam portion is provided with a stop portion at one end of the cam surface, and the two stop portions in each control unit are positioned relatively adjacent but separated from one another.. The control unit is rotated in one direction or the other, depending upon the particular cam portion engaged by means of an actuator moving in a straight line toward the control unit and having a pair of engaging portions thereon, with one en ging portion adapted to contact a corresponding cam surface to rotate the control unit until the two engaging portions are in engagement with the corresponding stop portions on the control unit. Means are provided for guiding the actuator in a straight line movement. and a return spring is connected thereto for returning the actuator from an operated to an idle position. Indicating means connected with said automatic tuning structure show the tuned position of the radio receiver, and manual means for tuning the receiver entirely over a range of signal frequencies is also connected with said indicator and acts in setting the control units to various angular positions with reference to the rotary shaft. Referring now to the drawing, Fig. 1 illustrates the front panel I of a housing H for carrying the control apparatus, it being understood of course that the housing may also be a radio receiver cabinet. A plurality of push buttons l2 are secured to corresponding movable elements in the control apparatus, and a knob l3 isalso on" or off and the volume controlled by a knob l8 likewise available in front of the panel. The control apparatus includes a rotary shaft either integral with *or directly connected to the shaft for the radio receiver. A plurality of control units 23 are mounted for angular adjustment with reference to the shaft l9 and are normally frictionally retained thereon against rotation with reference to such shaft. The control units are selectively rotated to in turnrotate the shaft 19 by means of corresponding actuator 26- having body portions mounted and guided for straight line movement in the front and back frame plates 21 and 23 respectively.

A push button I2 is secured at the front end of each of the actuators and projects through the housing II for finger engagement. The actuators 26 are each normally retained in an idle position by means of a spring 23, and each corresponding control unit remains in the angular cams are rigidly secured together into a control unit with the embossed portions fitting back to back as shown in Fig. to adequately space the cams apart axially for cooperation with the actuator as will be explained. The cam surfaces overlap so that there will be no "dead center" so far as actuation is concerned, and to correspond with the spaced apart engaging rollers. The embossed portions, and hence the two cams in each control unit, are suitably rigidly secured together as by stamping out a pair of portions indicated by the reference character 36 and peening one over the other in a manner such that the securing portions extend into the cavity 34 on one side of the control unit (Fig. 5). The projection at 36 resulting from such fastening also acts to limit the angular movement of the control unit with reference to the shaft l3 to approximately 180", as will be hereinafter explained.

A channel 38 is provided intermediate the two cams in each control unit at the wall of the embossed portion to permit the legs 33 integral with the actuator 26 and extending at right angles l3 by a pair of identical friction washers 41 ntting within the cavities 34 in the cams, and each washer has a key portion 48 fitting in a corresponding keyway 43 in the shaft I! so as to prevent angular movement of the washer relative to the shaft. Each washer has a pair of shoulders 6| spaced apart approximately 180 for enhaving a. cam surto a body portion 4| to pass therethrough to be slidably supported and guided at the rear frame plate 28. The body portion has an offset shank 42 extending through the front frame plate 21 of the tuning unit for receiving abutton I 2 thereon. A pair of rollers 43 are each rotatably mounted at the body portion 4lf or.the actuator and are positioned on opposite sides thereof for engagement with corresponding axially separated cam surfaces 32 when the actuator is pressed inwardly in a straight line movement. Each roller is thus off-center with respect to a line between the vertical midpoint of 'the body 4|, and the rotary shaft I9 so that considerable leverage is applied to the engaged cam surface. The particular cam surface 32 engaged in a control unit by a roller 43 depends upon the angular position of the control unit when the actuator is pressed inwardly. With a control unit in theposition shown in Fig. 3, the roller 431 on the outside of the actuator as viewed in Fig. 3 engages the corresponding cam surface 32 shown' entirely in full line, and rotates the control unit until each roller 43 is in engagement with a corresponding stop portion or shoulder 33, as shown in Fig. 4. This stopped position corresponds with the angular position of the control shaft is in a'predebevelled friction discs 63 tumissecuredtoa gagement by the projection 36 in the control unit to limit the rotary adjustable movement of each control unit to approximately 180' or an amount corresponding to the total rotary movement of the condenser 22 or any other similar tuning unit for the radio receiver. The washers 41 are movable axially on the shaft IS in combination with spacing collars 52 on the shaft intermediate each control unit and a washer 53, as well as a spring washer 64, all of which cooperate in applying or varying the frictional pressure on the control units. This entire assembly, including the axially movable elements described, moves to the right to apply frictional pressure on the control units as a wing nut 66 is tightened onto the threaded portion 61 of the shaft l3, or opens up to permit angular adjustment of each control unit as the wing nut is unscrewed on the shaft. A stop arm 66 secured to the shaft at the righthand end of the movable assembly, as viewed in Fig. 2, acts to limit the axial movement of such assembly in that direction. 1

The condenser 22 is rotated over the entire range of frequencies at which it can be tuned by means including the tuning knob l3, a crown gear 6| secured to the shaft l3, and a pinion gear 62 meshing with said crown gear. The pinion gear 62' is rotated by means of a' pair of and 64, with the first disc rotating with the pinion gear 62, and the latter disc 64 secured to a knob! 3. A spring 61 normally presses the shaft 66 outwardly to disengage the friction discs 63 and 64. Engagement between the two discs is of course provided by pressing in on the knob l3, after which the shaft I! may be rotated in one direction or the other through the elements just described. The angular position of the shaft I3 is indicated by the pointer l4 moving over the dial scale l6 and carried on a shaft 66, which in gear 63 meshing with the pinion gear 62. I

The angular position on the shaft I 3 is also indicated by the pointer l4, inasmuch as the connection to said pointer through the gear 69, the pinion gear 62 and the crown gear 6|, is alway maintained irrespective of the mechanism initiating movement of the shaft I 3.

Assuming that the control units are in set position and it is desired to change the angular relation of one or more of the control units with reference to the shaft N, such shaft is rotated either by the wing nut '66 or the knob l3 to a position such that the stop arm 66 engages a corresponding stop.lug 63 on the frame plate 2|.

termined tuning position for the condenser 22.

,Each actuator 26 is guided and maintained in a horizontal position, so far as the line of movement is concerned, and vertical so far as the width is concerned, by openings 44 in the frame on the control The rotation is in such direction that continued shaft 66 carrying the of the control units 23 as above explained, the shaft i3.

aaeaoae a desired tuning position. Holding the friction discs 83 and 94 engaged to maintain the shaft l9 against movement, a selected button I2 is pushed lnwardLv to engage its corresponding control unit, and the control unit is rotated with reference to the held shaft I9 until the rollers 49 engage the stop shoulders on the cams 9i, as shown in Fig. 4. This operation may be repeated with reference to each control unit or it may be followed with only a single control unit. After the desired settings have been accomplished, the wing nut is rotated in a direction to thread the same onto the shaft l9 until the stop arm 59 engages the opposite lug 59 and then continued rotation of the wing nut willrmove the control unit assembly to the right against the stop arm 59 to apply sufllcient frictional pressure on the control units to hold the same. After this, the buttons l2 may be pushed selectively to rotate a corresponding control unit 23 as previously described and move the shaft I9 to a predetermined angular position. After the selected actuator 26 has been pushed to the tuned position, the spring 29 returns the same to idle position, with the back of the body portion ll of the actuator engaging stop cushions 12 on the front plate 21 of the tuner unit.

In our invention, therefore, we provide a simple. compact control device for a radio receiver or pther controllable apparatus which is operated by a straight line movement, and this straight line movement is transposed into rotary move- .ment substantially 180 in angular distance without intermediate links or gearing as is common- 1y employed. with the actuators 26 provided in such a configuration that identical members are employed throughout the device, and yet may be reversed in position, alternate actuators are staggered with one shank l2 extending'through a bottom opening 46 in theframe plate 21, and the next adjacent shank extending through a top opening 46 in such front plate. This makes it possible to use wide push buttons l2 as shown in Fig. 1, providing ample surface for pressing engagement, and yet occupying a relatively small space at the front panel of the housing H and spaced apart projections and movable toward said control unit withone projection engaging one of the cam surfaces to move said unit thereactuator supported in said frame means for linear movement having a pair of engaging portions thereon, with one of said engaging portions acting to engage one of the cam surfaces to rotate the control unit in a position at which each engaging portion on. said actuator is in engagement with a corresponding stop portion on a cam surface. r

4. A control device for controllable apparatus, including frame means, a control unit rotatably mountedin said frame means having thereon a pair of cam surfaces extending substantially in opposite directions with respect to one another andspaced apart axially of the control unit, means for rotating said control unit including a linearly movable actuator supported in said frame means for movement toward and away from said control unit, said actuator having a pair of engaging portions with each portion adapted for engagement with one cam surface or the other, and means on said control unit for arresting the movement of the: actuator in a linear direction toward said control unit and simultaneously therewith arresting rotary movement of said control unit at a predetermined control position.

5. A control device for controllable apparatus, including frame means, a rotary shaft mounted in said frame means, a control unit supported on said shaft and normally'frictionally retained on said shaft against movement relative thereto, said control unit comprising a pair of substantially identical cams with each of said cams ineluding an apertured embossed body portion and said frame means for linear movement toward tions, said unit comprising a pair of cams operatively connected and rigid-with respect to one another, with the cam surfaces thereof extending in opposite directions with reference to one anothcr, and each cam having a shoulder portion at one end of the cam surface, and an actua cam surface at one edge thereof, with said cams being rigidly secured together at the embossed portions with such embossed portions in a back to back position, and with said secured cams mounted on the rotary shaft at the apertures in the embossed portions, and an actuator supported in said frame means for movement in a direction toward said rotary shaft for engaging one cam surface or the other and rotating said control unit to a position at which both cam surfaces are engaged by said actuator.

6. A control device for controllable apparatus including a rotatably mounted shaft, a control unit supported on said shaft and normally frictionally retained on said shaft against movement relative thereto, said control unit comprising a pair of substantially identical control members with each of said members having an apertured embossed body portion and an engaging surface at one edge thereof, with said members positioned with the embossed portions in back to back relation and being rigidly secured to ether in such position, a projecting portion on one of the embossed portions of said members, and with said secured members mounted on the rotary shaft at the apertures in the embossed portions,

ator supported said device a pair of.

4 aasaooa a friction washer on each side of said control unit keyed on said shaft against rotational movement relative thereto but axially movable thereon, with at least one of said washers having a pair of spaced-apart stop shoulders thereon for engagement with said projecting portion at said embossed portion for limiting the angular movement of the control unit with reference to the shaft, means for varying the frictional pressure intermediate said washers and said control unit, and actuating means supported in said frame means for contacting one of the two engaging surfaces upon movement of said actuating means to rotate said control unit to a position at which both engagement surfaces are contacted by said actuating means.

'7. A control device for controllable apparatus including frame means having a pair ofoppo sitely disposed frame plates, a control unit rotatably mounted in said frame means having a pair of engaging edges and stop means with said engaging edges spaced apart axially of the control unit, and means for rotating said control unit comprising a linearly movable actuator supported in said frame means and'having thereon an actuator shank, a body portion, and a guide leg,- with the guide leg parallel with the actuator shank and on a side of said body portion opposite thereto, said actuator shank being slidably supported in a corresponding aperture in one of the frame plates and said guide leg slidably supported in the other frame plate, and said body portion having a pair of engaging portions thereon, with one engaging p rtion adapted for engagement with a corresponding engaging edge on said control unitvto rotate said control unitto a position at which each engaging portion is in engagement with said stop means on said control unit.

8. A control device for controllable apparatus including frame means having a pair of oppositely disposed frame portions, a control unit rotatably mounted in said frame mean's, including a pair of engaging edges axially spaced apart and rigid with respect to one another, means for rotating said control unit including a linearly movable actuator supported in said frame means including a body portion having a pair of engaging cam-shaped edges spaced apart in an axial direction but rigid with respect to one another with each of said edges extending angularly a distance no more than 180, and extending in an opposite angular direction with respect to one another, but positioned in a manner so as to overlap at a corresponding adjacent end of each edge, and means for engaging one edge orthe other to rotate said control means to a Position at which both cam edges are engaged. 10. A control device for a radio receiver including frame means, a rotary shaft mounted in said frame means, control means mounted on said shaft for controlling'the angular rotation of said shaft, said con rol means having a pair of engaging edges spaced apart in an axial direction but rigid with respect to one another, and means for contacting one engaging edge or the other to rotate said control means to a positicnat which both engaging edges are contacted, said contact means including an actuator slidably mounted in said frame means and having a body portion positioned in the frame at right angles to the rotary shaft and intermediate said spaced apart edges,

and a contact projection at each end of said body portion onopposite sides thereof with one projection adapted to contact the one engaging edge and the other projection adapted to contact the other engaging edge.

11. Control mechanism for controllable apparatus including rotarycontrol means, and sub-- stantially linearly, movable control means, frame portions and a pair of oppositely disposed guide extensions integral with said body portion and at right angles thereto, with one of said extensions having a push button thereon, and the other of said extensions slidably supported in one of said frame portions and positioned intermediate the two engaging edges, with one of said engaging portions contacting an engaging edge of said control unit upon linear movement of said actuator to rotate said control unitto an angular position at which each engaging portionis in contact m'th a corresponding engaging edge.

9. A control device for a radio receiver including frame means, a rotary shaft mounted in said frame means, control means mounted on said shaft for fontrolling the angular rotation of said shaft, sad control means including a pair of means supporting said latter means for substantially linear movement, with one of said control means having a pair of cam surfaces thereon laterally disposed and at a portion of each overlappingly disposed but being fixed with respect to one another, with said rotary control means being moved directly by the linearly movable control means to transpose linear movement of the latter means into rotary movement in the rotary control means, and with movement of both said control means continuing to a position.

l2. Control mechanism for controllable apparatus including a plurality of linearly movable actuator means, frame means supporting said actuator means for linear movement, and a pinrality of rotary control means corresponding to said actuator means, with each control means being selectively rotated directly by its corresponding actuator means to transpose the linear movement of said actuator means into rotary movement in said control means, each of said rotary control means having a pair of radially extending portions with engaging surfaces thereon predetermined control axially displaced but fixed with respect to one another, with a corresponding actuator means being linearly movable to engage one engaging surface or the other to directly rotate said control means to a position at which said actuator means is in engagement with both. extending portions on said control means.

. RICHARD C. MARHOLZ.

ALEXANDER W. PLENSLER.

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