US2578817A

US2578817A - Distributor timing indicator

Info

Publication number: US2578817A
Application number: US133708A
Authority: US
Inventors: Diamond W Lum
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1949-12-19
Filing date: 1949-12-19
Publication date: 1951-12-18
Anticipated expiration: 1968-12-18

Description

Dec. 18, 1951 w, U 2,578,817

DISTRIBUTOR TIMING INDICATOR Filed Dec. 19, 1949 2 SHEETS-SHEET l INVENTOR Diamond [(7, Lam

BY mimi/ ATTORNEYS Dec. 18, 1951 1 w LUM 2,578,817

DISTRIBUTOR TIMING INDICATOR Filed Dec. 19, 1949 2 SHEETSSHEET 2 -a0b 31 i mum-ma fiiamomd ZU. Lam

ATTORN EYS Patented Dec. 18, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE DISTRIBUTOR TIMING INDICATOR Diamond W. Lum, Sacramento, Calif.

Application December 19, 1949, Serial No. 133,708

16 Claims. 1

This invention is directed to, and it is an object to provide, a novel signal device for warning the operator of an internal combustion engine, having an electrical ignition system, when the distributor of the latter is not properly adjusted and is working out-of-time; the invention being especially designed, but not limited, for use on motor vehicles.

Another object of the invention is to provide a warning signal, for the purpose described, which functions when the engine is in operation, and thus gives a warning to the operator immediately when an out-of-time condition exists or occurs in the distributor, whereby an adjustment may be made before engine damage or undue waste of fuel results.

An additional object of the invention is to pro- I vide an out-of-time warning signal which includes one electrically energized indicator on the instrument panel of the vehicle to warn the operator of improper engine timing; there being another electrically energized indicator adjacent the distributor adapted for use as an aid to a mechanic in making a proper timing adjustment of the distributor.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device which facilitates setting of the distributor to a proper position of adjustment; the latter being indicated by the cessation of operation of the out-of-time indicators; the latter preferably being electric signal lights whereby the out-oftime warning signal is visual.

It is also an object of the invention to provide an out-of-time warning signal designed for ease and economy of manufacture and installation.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a practical and reliable out-of-time warning signal, and one which will be exceedingly effective for the purpose for which it is designed.

These objects are accomplished by means of such structure and relative arrangement of parts as will fully appear by a perusal of the following specification and claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a plan view of a distributor embodying the invention; the distributor cap being removed, and the parts shown in the positions occupied thereby between firing points.

Fig. 2 is a similar view, but shows the parts, in their positions at the moment of firing of the distributor, when the timing adjustment is correct.

Fig. 3 is a view as in Fig. 2, but shows the positions of the parts, at the moment of firing, when the distributor is out-of-time.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary elevation of the distributor showing particularly the adjustable mount for the contact units of the warning signal device.

Fig. 5 is a diagram of the signal circuit at the moment of firing of the distributor when the latter is in-time.

Fig. 6 is a diagram of the signal circuit at the moment of firing oi the distributor when the latter is out-of-time.

Referring now more particularly to the characters of reference on the drawings, the invention is embodied in an ignition distributor which includes a hollow, distributor body I of rotatably adjustable type; the distributor having a vacuum responsive control unit 2 associated therewith, which unit is connected to a vacuum conduit 3, as is conventional. The vacuum responsive control unit 2 acts to retard and advance the distributor for low and high engine speeds, respectively.

The distributor shaft 4 extends upwardly through a fixed housing 5 axially into the distributor body I and projects through a base plate 6 in the body I.

As usual, the distributor shaft 4 is fitted, above the base plate 6, with a cam 7 which works a breaker arm 8, and the latter in turn actuates breaker points 9, one of said points being on the breaker arm 8 and the other on a bracket Ill. Additionally, the distributor shaft 4 is fitted, above the cam I, with a distributor rotor l I. numeral 12 indicates a condenser mounted on the base plate 6 and connected by a lead I3 to an input terminal M. The distributor body I normally has a distributor cap l5 removably secured thereon.

The above described distributor is of generally conventional type, and the present invention, as applied thereto, is constructed as follows:

A dielectric mounting strip 16 is secured to the bracket 10 and projects therefrom in a, generally outward direction, being fitted at its outer end with another bracket 11. A separate pair of contact points 18 are provided between the breaker arm 8 on the side opposite the points 9 and the bracket ll; said contact points l8 thus being disposed to close each time that the breaker points 9 open.

Below the base plate 6 the distributof shaft 4 is fitted with a radial arm-type rotor 19 having a roller 20 on its outer end. A pair of elongated, leaf-spring type switch units, indicated at 2| and 22, are mounted on a platform 23 exteriorly of the distributor body I and project from said p1at- The 3 form into said body through a circumferential slot 24.

The switch units 2| and 22 are disposed in adjacent but spaced relation circumferentially of the body I, and each of said units includes one arm thereof projecting into the rotary path of the roller 20, whereby with each revolution of the rotor [9 the switch units 2| and 22, which are normallyppen, are successively engaged and closed.

The platform 23 is an integral part of "a bracket 25 attached in normally fixed position exteriorly of the body I by means of a saddle plate 26 secured by screws 21 to the distributorshaft housing 5; the screws 21 extending through elon gated adjustment slots 28 which permit" the bracket 25, together with the. switch. units .2 l}, to.

is "disposed centrally 'between-the-switch units --2 5 and 22ias shown in-Fig: 2 this beinganin-time position of the distributor, and at which time the cam-i1 has actedon" the bracket-"arm 8, opening the'points'il and closing the points 18. In other words, as long as the distributor ism-time the roller 20 of the rotor 19 willbe disposed m an intermediate'position'between*the"switch units I 150:; From theforegomg descriptioniit will bev-readily 2| and 22, as in Fig. 2, when the corresponding firing point" of'the"cam- T'works the-"breaker armflj' However, if the distributor 'isout-of-timethe rollerf20"of the rotor i9 will'be' in closing engage ment Withone or the" other ofthe' switchunits' 2| "or" 22"'as the distributor reaches said "firing point,"as"shown in Fig. 3,"and"at which time the contact points'18 are simultaneouslyclosed upon' opening of the breaker points" 9."

The above'switching arrangement is employed, togive an automatic signal to indicate the out of time condition,by meansiof the circuit'shown in.Fis;j5 and 6. i

The main circuit'lead is indicatedat 3H and extends from the storage battery 3! to connecw tionwithoneof the contact points [8; such lead 30Ijhaving a pair of

electric signals

32 and 33 inte'rp'osed paralllbranches 30a" and 30b; The signals..32iand. 33 are preferably lights, with the tributor in-time,=.theroller..2il lies; between-the switcha-units 2i: andq22, when the corresponding 7 action of theadistributor occurs, with aresultant; closing of the contact points. 1| 8. Thus;

ment that the contact points it close, as hereinbefore described. When this occurs the circuit is completed as contact points i 8 and one of the switch units 2i or 22 are closed in series relation to each other, resulting in energization of the circuit and actuation of the

signals

32 and 33, said signals blinking on and oil as the rotor I9 traverses its path of movement.

Operation of the signal 32 indicates, to the operatorof the-vehicle, that. the distributor timing is not "correctfand thus afiords opportunity foradjustment of the distributor before damage occurs, or before undue fuel waste results.

The .signalu33pladjacent the distributor is for the purpose of permitting the mechanic to have an at-hand indication when the distributor, under adjustment. .is.:s et,.to correct position; i. e. as long as the distributor is out-of-time the signals 32 and33 wvill continue to blink, but when the adjustment is proper such signals will no longer function. The signalstfiz and eeiareripreferably electricl lights, aspreviously indicated; J

The :abovedescribedwvarning: zsignai provide's :a very practical;.and meliabl'eldevice :for .automati ,cally indicating when :the. ignition distributor of ani internal nombustio'n engine-His.not in' proper adjustment; the .device astanding .,read-y 1-- at --:Iall:u' times, when the engine is runningc toindicate ani outz-ofetime.-condition;-'.

seen :that there has been produced such a de vice: asnjsubstantially fulfills the objects ofr theein'Vention, asset forth herein.-

Whilei thisfspecification sets forth" in detail 1 thezpresent and preferred :construction of the device, still in practice such deviations irom sueh detail may. bSzIESOltBd to.. as--do not fo'rma departure from .the spirit *of the-invention, asdefined by the appended .claims.

io Having thus described-the invention; thefollo'w even though the contact points i8 are closed=at L engine is irunning with athe distributor '.out+of.-' timeptheroller 20 "win engage-and close one or the -other of the-switch units 2 I ior ZZ -at the moingist claimed as. new and useful; 'and-..upon which Letters Patent are desired:-

1. .An :out-of-time signal device: for an internal P combustion. engine including E an adj ustableig'ni tion distributor having distributor-shaft actu ated breaker points,ianielectricsignal an energizing:.-circuit for the. signalga switoh' in the ci-rcuit,-- means; responsive: ztojgactuation of the -breaker pointsrarranged to'cclose the switch; i a -separate-= sig nal 32lon the instrumenti'panelof the vehicle m Circuit;;andimeansactuated-by the? distributor .shaf t:" -arr.anged ito close the separateswitch simultaneously with 'said firstnamed-switch only; whennthe' distributor: istoute-ofrtime.

24A isignalw .device;: as: 111;: claim a 1,; including another electric; signal -.in1 the. circuit; 1 thedevice' 2 being mounted r on a .motor' vehicle with one-signaladjacent, the operators stationand: the other 1' signal adj a'cent the: distributor:

3.--.Axsignaldevice; as in claim 1,-mounte'deona motorrvehicie; thesignal being disposed: adjacent 3 gbrea-ke'r' points; an: electric signal; an energizing circuitfor'the signal; a switch in :thecircuihmeanse responsive to'cactuation of the breaker points arranged to close the switchta separate-switchin theucircuitgxand means .actuatedby. the distributor shaft arranged .to closethe separate switch simul taneouslyrwith "said first named switch only when the distributor is out-of-time; the distributor in eluding a breaker arrm'and said first na-med switch includingseparate contact points; oneor-" which is mounted on said arm;

awasw 2 5. An out-of-time's'ignal device for an internal combustion engine including an adjustable ignition distributor having distributor shaft actuated breaker points, an electric signal, an energizing circuit for the signal, a switch in the circuit, means responsive to actuation of the breaker points arranged to close the switch, a separate switch in the circuit, a rotor on the distributor shaft, and rotor actuated means arranged to close the separate switch simultaneously with said first named switch only when the distributor is out-of-time.

6. An out-of-time signal device for an internal combustion engine including an adjustable ignition distributor having distributor shaft actuated breaker points, an electric signal, an energizing circuit for the signal, a switch in the circuit, means responsive to actuation of the breaker points arranged to close the switch, a separate switch in the circuit, a rotor on the distributor shaft, and rotor actuated means arranged to close the separate switch simultaneously with said first named switch only when the distributor is out-of-time; there being a normally fixed support adjacent the distributor, said separate switch being mounted on the support, and said other means including an actuating element of the separate switch proj ecting into the path of the rotor.

'7. A signal device, as in claim 6, in which said support-mounted switch is adjustable relative to the distributor whereby to dispose said actuating element at a selective point in said path of the rotor.

8. An out-of-time signal device for an internal combustion engine including an adjustable ignition distributor having a driven distributor shaft, a body into which the shaft projects axially, a breaker arm in the body actuated from the shaft, and breaker points responsive to said arm; the device comprising an electric signal, a circuit for the signal, a switch in the circuit, said switch being mounted in the body and arranged to close in response to the breaker arm opening the breaker points, a separate switch in the circuit, and means actuated by the distributor shaft arranged to close the separate switch simultaneously with said first named switch only when the distributor is outof-time.

9. An out-of-time signal device for an internal combustion engine including an adjustable ignition distributor having a driven distributor shaft, a body into which the shaft projects axially, a. breaker arm in the body actuated from the shaft, and breaker points responsive to said arm; the device comprising an electric signal, a circuit for the signal, a switch in the circuit, said switch being mounted in the body and including one point on the breaker arm, such switch being arranged to close in response to the breaker arm moving to open the breaker points, a separate switch in the circuit, the distributor body being rotatably adjustable, a mount normally fixed relative to the adjustable body, the separate switch being mounted on the support, a rotor on the distributor shaft, and an actuating element of said separate switch projecting into the path of said rotor at a point such that the rotor causes closing of said separate switch simultaneously with closing of said first named switch only when the distributor is out-of-time.

10. A signal device, as in claim 9, including a fixed housing about a portion of the distributor shaft; said support being a bracket, and means securing the bracket to the housing in adjustable relation circumferentially of the distributor shaft.

11. An out-of-time signal device for an internal combustion engine including an adjustable ignition distributor having distributor shaft actuated breaker points, an electric signal, an energizing circuit for the signal, a switch in the circuit,- means responsive to actuation of the breaker points arranged to close the switch, a pair of separate switches interposed in parallel in the circuit in series relative to said first named switch, means mounting said separate switches adjacent the distributor, and means actuated by the distributor shaft arranged to close said separate switches in sequence as said shaft rotates; one or the other of said switches closing simultaneously with said first named switch only when the distributor is out-of-time.

12. An out-of-time signal device for an internal combustion engine including a distributor having a driven distributor shaft, a body into which the shaft extends axially, the body being adjustable about the shaft, a breaker arm mounted in the body actuated from the shaft, and breaker points in the body actuated by said breaker arm; the device comprising an electric signal, a circuit for the signal, a switch mounted in the body responsive to the breaker arm and arranged to close upon opening of the breaker points, said switch being interposed in the circuit, a rotor on the shaft, a separate switch in the circuit, means mounting the separate switch adjacent the distributor but independently of the adjustable body, and an actuating element of said separate switch projecting into the path of the rotor at a point such that the rotor causes closing of said separate switch simultaneously with closing of said first named switch only when the distributor is out-of-time.

13. A signal device, as in claim 12, in which said mounting means includes a bracket secured outside the body, the latter having a slot therein, and said actuating element of the separate switch projecting through the slot for rotor engagement.

14. A signal device, as in claim 13, in which the bracket is secured for adjustment circumferentially of the distributor shaft.

15. An out-of-time signal device for an internal combustion engine including a distributor having a driven distributor shaft, 2. body into which the shaft extends axially, the body being adjustable about the shaft, a breaker arm mounted in the body actuated from the shaft, and breaker points in the body actuated by said breaker arm; the device comprising an electric signal, a circuit for the signal, a switch mounted in the body responsive to the breaker arm and arranged to close upon opening of the breaker points, said switch being interposed in the circuit, a pair of separate switches connected in parallel in the circuit in series relative to said first named switch. a mount fixed relative to but adjacent the body, the latter having a slot therein, said separate switches being secured on the mount and including switch actuating elements projecting in adjacent but circumferentially spaced relation through the slot toward the shaft in the body, and a rotor on the shaft in the body including a part adapted to recurringly and successively engage said elements and close said separate switches, the closing of either of said switches simultaneously with the closing of the first named switch occurring only when the distributor is out-of-time.

16. A distributor timing indicator comprising in combination with a distributor which includes a distributor make and break arm operating the breaker points of the distributor, a separate nort0naand being c1osedvby4the actionxof said armrs each time vdme?"oreaker.:p iIits of: the distributorm are'open, a separateiarm rotating-insynchronism-:1 withwtheamake and break @arm of the distributor; and me'ans 3:011 said separate' arm operative "to REFERENCES- 1 1 close rthe: said second switch :simultaneously with o 1 the closi-ng of-vthe said first switch whenxthe-dis tributor-jisopera-ting:out ofproper time, whereby to .-.then:,c1ose.;the circuit and :operate the-signal- DIAMONDW;