US2743794A - Universal marine engine starter switch - Google Patents

Description

May 1, 1956 c. M. BowERsMxTH UNIVERSAL MARINE ENGINE STARTER SWITCH Filed` July 7, 1952 INVENTOR CM1/PLE: /M au/fasM/rf/ ATTORN EYS United States Patent O 2,743,794 UNIVERSAL MARINE ENGINE STARTER SWITCH Charles M. Bowersmith, akland, Calif., assigner to Carl G. Day, Berkeley, Calif.

Application July 7, 1952, Serial No. 297,532 6 Claims. (Cl. 2ll0 .18)

The present invention relates, in general, to a starter switch for engines and, more particularly, to a switch which may be employed with either single or twin marine engines and with dual battery arrangements.

In usual approved marine installations, as in cruisers and other small marine craft, single or twin marine engines are started" by means of electrical energy supplied by storage batteries. To provide a dependable source of electricity for such motor starting purposes, dual battery banks are usually employed. Accordingly, a plurality of switches are required to perform starter motor and ignition switching functions.

Moreover, due to the possible presence of volatile fuel vapors within hull portions of such craft a completely vapor tight and explosion proof switching arrangement n is desirable. Furthermore, vital switching contacts and other operating portions of the switching arrangement should be protected from moisture and the corrosive effects of marine atmospheres in order that the maximum of operating dependability is obtained therein. v

My invention provides a simple, compact, moisture 3 and vapor proof marine motor starter switch which may be employed to switch a heavy starting motor current from either one or from both banks of batteries to either single or twin marine engines or to other electric spark tired internal combustion engines. An auxiliary switching arrangement is also provided therein whereby electrical current may be simultaneously supplied to the motor ignition system from the battery free from the cranking drain imposed on the other battery. Advantageously, the contactor portions of the switch are contained in a simple l closed body cavity of the switch assembly. Such contactor portions include a pair of massive battery Contact terminals and a massive starter motor contact terminal which are bridged by a rotatable Contact element. Contact elements actuated by peripheral portions of said rotatable contact are also provided therein, thereby providing said auxiliary switching arrangement.

it is, therefore, an object of my invention to provide a simple, compact, moisture and vapor proof switch for starting marine engines or the like, which is also utilized to control and regulate the charging of the respective batteries during operation of the engines.

Another object of the invention is to provide a switch of the character described which may be used in vehicles or other installations to provide a hot starting spark, and dispense with the requirement of the conventional magneto system to perform this function.

Yet another object of my invention is to provide a marine starter motor switch capable of providing starting current to single or twin marine engines from either one or both portions of a dual storage battery system.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a marine starter motor switch wherein heavy duty rotary contacts for a high current electrical circuit and separate contacts for a lower current electrical circuit are contained in a single, explosion proof cavity.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a Cil 2,743,794 Patented May l, 1956 ICC marine starting motor switch wherein a single massive rotatable contact element is employed to close a high current circuit between a single motor contact element and either one or both contact elements of dual battery bank circuits as well as to actuate either one or both elements of an ignition switch arrangement.

The invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, some of which, with the foregoing, will be set forth in the following description of the preferred form of the invention which is illustrated in the drawing accompanying and forming part of the specification. It is to be understood, however, that variations in the showing made by the said drawing may be adopted within the scope ot the invention as set forth in the claims.

With reference to said drawing:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the marine starter motor switch of my invention, illustrated in the off position;

Figure 2 is a cross sectional view taken along the vertical plane 2 2 of Figure l;

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view taken along the horizontal plane 3 3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a vertical cross sectional view taken along the plane 4 4 of Figure 3, which plane 4 4 is perpendicular to the plane 2 2 of Figure l;

Figure 5 is a cross sectional view taken along a horizontal plane identical with plane 3 3 of Figure 2; illustrated, however, with the switch in the on position;

Figure 6 is a wiring diagram illustrating the manner of empioying the heavy duty rotary contacts in a marine engine starting motor circuit.

Figure 7 is a portional view similar to Figure 5, but illustrating a modified form of switching arrangement.

Although for purpose of illustration and description the switch of my invention may be referred to as a marine starter motor switch it will be apparent that this switch may be equally elfectively used in installations other than on marine crafts.

In general, the marine starter motor switch 10 of my invention includes a flat plate base panel 11, formed of an insulating material such as molded or laminated phenolformaldehyde resin, and a casing member 12 which, with said panel 11, defines a closed cavity 13 wherein various switch components are assembled.

More particularly, as indicated in various figures of the drawing, the base panel 11 may be formed as a square hat plate having perforations 14 formed in corner portions thereof whereby the entire switch may be attached by means of screws (not shown) to any convenient surface. The casing member 12, is preferably formed, as by molding, of a phenolformaldehyde resin type insulating material, with a circular wail portion 15 depending downwardly from a circular plate portion 16. Threaded inserts 17 are molded at radially spaced positions, into the circular wall portion 15 so as to open into the eX- posed lower end surface 1S thereof whereby said casing 12 may be attached to the upper surface 19 of panel 11 by means of screws 21 inserted therethrough. The Contact surface between the lower end surface 18 of the casing wall 15 is made to t closely with respect to the surface 19 of the panel 11 whereby the cavity 13 is made, substantially, air, vapor and moisture tight for the purposes noted above.

A circular perforation 22 is provided at a central location in the circular plate portion 16 of the casing member 12, the axis of which perforation 22 will be employed; for convenience, in describing the location of the various switch components as noted hereinafter.

As may best be seen by reference to the drawing, the said axis of perforation 22 is coincident with the line of intersection of planes 2 2 and 4 4 of Figures l and 3, respectively, and may be regarded as the central axis of rectangular coordinates formed by the lines of intersection of said planes 2 2 and 4-4 with the upper surface 19 of panel 11. Together with the circular casing wall 15, such rectangular coordinates' may be regarded to de ine a circular Varea divided into quadrant portions. Y y

As illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, a massive rectangular starter motor bar contact 2 3 is attached to the upper surface 19 of the panel 11 and extends in axial alignment along the intersection line of two adjacent quadrants from a location near the circular casing wall and terminates, inwardly, somewhat beyond the central axis of perforation 22, whereby small inward terminal portions thereof occupy central axial portions of the rernaining quadrants. Conveniently the motor Contact 23 is attached to the panel 11 by means of. a brass or copper Vstove bolt 24 extending through a terminal portion thereof adjacent the casing lwall 15, with the nut 25 disposed beneath the panel 11, whereby the lower threaded portion of the bolt may be employed for attachment, as indicated in Figure 6, of a suitable conductor 26 leading to the starting motor (not shown).

A first massive rectangular bar battery contact 27 is attached to the upper surface 19 of the panel 11, and is oriented radially, preferably along the bisector, in one of the quadrants occupied partially by the said inward terminal portion of the motor contact 23. Conveniently, 'such contact 27 is attached thereto by a copper or brass stove bolt 28, passing therethrough, adjacent casing wall 15, with the nut portion 29 thereof disposed beneath the panel 11, whereby the lower threaded end 31.

thereof, may serve to connect a suitable conductor 32 leading to one terminal of a first battery 33, as indicated inV Figure 6.

Similarly, a second massive rectangular bar battery contact 34 is attached to the upper surface 19 of the panel 11, and is oriented radially, preferably along the bisector, in the other quadrant occupied pivotally by the said inward terminal portion of the motor contact 23. Conveniently, such contact is attached by a stove bolt 35, passing therethrough, adjacent the casing wall 15, with the nut portion 36 disposed beneath the panel 11, whereby the lower threaded end 37 may serve to connect a suitable conductor 38, leading to one terminal of a second battery 39, also as'indicated in Fig. 6.

In order to close the circuit between the motor and battery bar contacts, there is provided a massive rotatable Phosphor bronze quadrant contact 39, as may best be s'eenin Figures 3 and 5 of the drawing. In detail there is provided a generally cylindrical shaft 41 passing through the central perforation 22 in the casing member 12, which shaft 41 is provided with a medial portion on which a sealing O ring is mounted. The ends of the shaft are further provided with D-shaped terminals 43 to respectively enter the handle knob and contact elements for transfer of rotary movement therebetween. Such quadrant contact 39 is mounted thereon by forming a D-shaped opening 44, adjacent the intersectional point of the straight sides, thereof and engaging one of the shaft end portions 42. When so mounted, the axial portions 45, of the quadrant contact 39, rest upon inwardly disposed terminal portions of the motor Contact 23 and peripheral portions 46, thereof, may be rotated to engage inwardly disposed terminal portions of the battery contacts 27 and 34. Vit is important to note that with this arrangement the quadrant contact may be axially moved relative to the shaft so as to permit such rotor to always lie in the proper contact plane relative to the motor contacts and insure proper electrical contact therebetween.

To assure positive pressure between the quadrant contact 39, motor contact 23 and battery contacts 27 and 34, there is provided a resilient washer 47 formed as of sponge rubber, disposed between the, upper surface of the quadrant contact 39 and adjacent casing member portions. As may be noted, such washer 47, also serves as a vapor seal for the central casing perforation 22. To eliminate friction between the quadrant contact 39 and the washer 47, there may be provided a thin flexible washer 48, as, for example, of sheet phenol-formaldehyde plastic material, disposed therebetween.

A knob 49 attached to the other end 42 of shaft 41, projecting outside of the casing 12, is employed to allow manual rotation of the quadrant contact 39, while the pointer 51 affixed to said shaft may be employed to indicate the relative contact positions appropriate inscription in the upper surface casing 12.

lt will be noted that, in the off position, the rounded pin head 52, projecting above the upper surface of the motor Contact bar 23, engages a depression 53 formed in the lower surface of the quadrant contact 39and serves to positively position the contact in such off position. When in the olf position the quadrant Contact 39 is positioned directly over the starter motor Contact bar 23; however, as may be noted Stich quadrant Contact 39 may be rotated to engage the battery contacts 27 and 34 either singly, or simultaneously. (Positions 1, 2, or all.)

rl`he auxiliary leaf switching arrangement, noted above, includes a pin contact 54 mounted on the line of intersection of quadrants between the battery contacts 27 and 34 adjacent the circular casing wall 15. Such pin contact 54- may be formed of a sleeve 55 encircling shock portions of a bolt 56, nut portions 57' of which are disposed beneath the panel 11, to provide connection with the marine engine ignition system (not shown).

A thin exible metal leaf contact 53 having an end clamped beneath the head of bolt 28 extends adjacent upper inner side portions of said pin contact 54, whereby a vertically disposed end portion 59, thereof, is in spaced relation with the said upper inner side portions of the pin contact 54. Similarly, a second thin flexible metal leaf contact 61, having one end clamped beneath the head of bolt 35, extends adjacent lower inner side portions of the pin contact 54, whereby a vertically disposed end portion 62 thereof is in spaced relation with the said lower inner side portions of the pin contact 54.

Closure of each of the leaf contacts 53 and 61 is obtained by means actuated by the rotatable quadrant contact 39. Specifically, the free end of a flexible insulating stop 63, supported at one end by engagement with a slotted pin 64, fixed to the panel 11, adjacent the circular wall 15 and disposed bet-Ween battery contact 27 and motor contact 23, contacts the inner surface of leaf contact end portion 62. Pin 64 is located in such a position that the peripheral arc marginal edge portion d'6, of the quadrant contact 39, engages central portions of the stop 63, during rotation thereof, forcing the free end out,-

wards and accordingly causing an outward motion of leaf Contact end portion 62 and engagement with pin contact 54.

Similarly, the free end of a second insulating7 strip 66, supported at one end by engagement with the slotted end of a pin 67, fixed to the panel 11, adjacent the circular wall 15 and disposed between battery contact 34 andV motor contact 23, engages leaf contact end portions 59. Pin 67 is located in such a position that quadrant contact peripheral arc portion 46engages central portions of the flexible stop 66, during rotation of the quadrant contact 39, forcing the free end outwards thereby causing closure of leaf contact end portion 59 and pin contact 54.

It will be noted that when the starter switch is in a position, whereby closure of the circuit is effected, between` motor contact 23 and tirst battery contact 27, i. e. position 1, the ignition circuit is closed through the second battery 39. Also, when the switch is in position 2, closing contact between motor contact 23 and second battery Contact 34, the ignition circuit is closed through the first battery 33. Accordingly, a higher ignition voltage is advantageously obtainable in such positions l and 2. In position all both batteries are connected in parallel to both the ignition and starting motor circuits.

While the foregoing ignition switching system will adequately perform its required functions, there are certain features thereof not particularly desirable in the switch. In Figure 7, I have illustrated a slightly modied arrangement which will produce the same results as that above described, but which is more conveniently and advantageously arranged. As seen in the drawing, the ignition terminal post 71 provides a support for a flexible conductor strip 72 preferably constructed of a light gauge phosphor bronze material. Adjacent each end of the strip 72 is a non-conducting arm 73 which is engageable by the rotatable contact 39, and upon such engagement, is capable of deflecting such strip end into engagement with the terminal end 74 of a selected one of a pair of rigid leads connected to the respective battery posts 28 and 35. Thus, when quadrant contact places the motor and rst battery contact in electrical communication, the quadrant contact will likewise engage one of the arms 73 causing the latter to urge strip 72 into engagement with the lead from the second battery.

In recapitulation with reference to Figure 6, the motor contact of the switch is connected by conductor 26, to the starter motor of the marine engine. In the event twin engines are employed, a parallel connection (shown in dotted lines) is made, with conductor 26, to the starter motor thereof. Switch battery contacts 27 and 34 are connected by means of conductors 32 and 38, respectively, to one terminal of each battery 33 and 39 and the second terminal of each battery is grounded (connected) to the marine engine frame. Accordingly, either battery or both may be connected by the switch of my invention to start said marine engines. Simultaneously the required ignition current is also connected.

I claim:

1. In an engine starter motor switch, in combination, a flat plate base panel of insulating material, a circular casing member attached to a surface of said panel and forming therewith a closed cylindrical cavity, a massive starter motor bar contact attached to said plate within said cavity and provided with conductor connector means, a pair of battery terminal bar contacts attached to said panel and radially disposed with respect to a terminal portion of said starter motor contact, a massive rotatable quadrant Contact pivotally mounted in contact with said terminal portion of the starter motor contact and adapted to engage inner terminal portions of said battery contacts with peripheral side portions thereof, an auxiliary contact mounted along the longitudinal axis of said starter motor contact and between said battery contacts, a contact carried by each of said battery contacts and having a terminal portion adjacent said pin contact, and means actuated by said rotatable quadrant contact for causing selective engagement of said pin contact with one of said contacts carried by one of said battery contacts when said quadrant contact is in engagement with the other of said battery contacts.

2. In an engine starter motor switch, in combination, a at plate base panel of insulating material, a molded casing attached by circular wall portions to a surface of said panel and forming therewith a closed cylindrical cavity, a massive starter motor base contact attached to said plate by bolt means serving also as conductor connector means, a pair of massive battery terminal bar contacts attached to said panel by bolt means serving as conductor connector means which battery contacts are radially disposed with respect to a terminal portion of the starter contact, a massive rotatable quadrant contact pivotally mounted in contact with said terminal portion of the starter motor contact and adapted to engage selective ones or both of said battery contacts with peripheral side portions thereof, a resilient washer mounted between the quadrant contact and adjacent casing portions to cause positive contact between the quadrant, motor contact and battery contacts, a pin contact mounted between said battery contacts on a longitudinal axis of the starter motor contact, a contact carried by each of said battery contacts and having a terminal portion adjacent said pin contact, and means including a pair of insulated deformable elements for effecting closure of said pin contact and selected ones of said battery contacts con tacts upon rotation of said quadrant contact.

3. In a starter motor switch, in combination, a at plate base panel of insulating material, a molded casing attached to such plate by engagement of threaded insets molded in a circular wall thereof by screws inserted through said panel and forming a closed cylindrical cavity with said panel, a massive starter bar contact attached to said panel by bolt means projecting beneath said panel, a pair of massive battery terminal bar contacts attached to said panel by bolt means projecting beneath said panel which battery contacts are radially disposed with respect to a terminal portion of the starter contact, a massive quadrant contact supported for rotation and axially slidable on a shaft projecting through a central opening in the casing end which quadrant contact is pivotally in contact with said terminal portion of the starter contact and peripheral portions of which may engage inner terminal portions of the battery contacts during rotation thereof, sealing means in engagement with said shaft and said casing end, and resilient means mounted between said quadrant contact and adjacent casing surfaces around said shaft for urging said quadrant contact against said bar contacts and for effecting further sealing of said switch.

4. The device as deiined in claim 3 wherein a knob is disposed on said shaft together with a pivoter for indicating contact positions.

5. The device as defined in claim 2 wherein a rounded pin head is provided on said starter contact which pin head is adapted to engage a depression formed in the adjacent surface of the quadrant contact when the latter is out of engagement with said battery contacts.

6, The device as delined in claim 2 wherein a washer formed of relatively smooth insulated sheet material is disposed between said quadrant contact and said resilient washer to substantially eliminate friction therebetween.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 871,970 Stull Nov. 26, 1907 1,563,411 Weiss Dec. 1, 1925 1,740,225 Cummins Dec. 17, 1929 2,067,557 Allison Ian. 12, 1937 2,264,045 Maier Nov. 25, 1941 2,400,849 Stearns May 21, 1946

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