US2945924A

US2945924A - Cyclic multi-circuit interrupter mechanism

Info

Publication number: US2945924A
Application number: US730592A
Authority: US
Inventors: Floyd B Harman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1958-04-24
Filing date: 1958-04-24
Publication date: 1960-07-19
Anticipated expiration: 1977-07-19

Description

July 19, 1960 F. a. HARMAN CYCLIC MULTI-CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER MECHANISM Filed April 24, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 [66 d EA/armczr? July 19, 1960 F. BQHARMAN cycuc MULTI-CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER MECHANISM Filed April 24, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 4 ,60 g 53 (/6 rztor 2 6] 1' r2 [(vc/ EA/armor? United States Patent CYCLIC MULTI-CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER MECHANISM 'Floyd B.Harm'an, 405 McHerlry Ave", Crystal Lake, Ill. Filed Apr. 2'4, 1958, Ser. No. 730,592

6 (Iiaims. (Cl. 290-33) This invention relates to a mechanism for periodically interrupting a plurality of electric circuits in sequence relation. More in particular this invention relates to simple construction of an electric switch mechanism which interrupts each circuit of a plurality of circuits in sequence relation of a predetermined order.

Particularly in the industrial field of illuminated dis' plays of the tube type such as for example neon signs, "a high potential orhigh voltage is required to cause "such tubes to glow. In order to cause illumination of neon tubes and the like a secondary source of power having an electric potential of 1000 volts or more is required. For example l'8002000 volts is used in many applications for operating neon and related type advertising signs. Frequently secondary potentials of higher order are required. The primary power'source for such applications is usually of the order of 110 volts to 230 volts alternating current which is of relatively low potential order. The related industry usually employs trans- 'forme'rs to step the voltage up from the primary low potential source to the required secondary high potential requirement for the gas filled tube'type'illuminating units.

Particularly in the 'field of manufacture of small type tube light adve'rtis'ing signs such as may be found frequently in window displays of stores it is desirable to have the signs flash intermittently to attract theey'e. This flashing can be readily effected in a well known manner by'inte'rrupting the primary source of low potential current applied to the transformer by some means such as a thermal bi-metal operable switch of the kind described in US. Patent No. 2,767,333. 7

-However'it is often desirable to cause certain portions of "an advertising sign to illuminate in 'a timed relation with other portions, or, in short, in cyclic sequence. Thus such an advertising sign may appear to be animated and it can be readily appreciated that a plurality of separately operated tube lights are required which must be energized independently in a timed sequence relation.

Conventional means 'for accomplishing the foregoing generally consists of employing one or more electric "motors such as, for example, synchronous motors or induction motors, in driving relation with gear mechanisms for reducing speed and camming devices for actuating electric switches intimed sequence relation. Each of the electric switches employed intermittently opens circuit interrupter mechanisms .is fexcee dingly and,

T f urtherjbec'ause of bulkiness in constructionfis unsuitable except for large outdoor type advertising signs. t e s nre t p al s e l l l i nsi "m anisms are unsuitable or impractical for use in small 2,945,924 Patented July 19, 1960 2 indoor electric advertising such as for eye-attracting counter displays in stores or the like and window advertising It is therefore a prime object of this invention to provide a cyclic multi-circuit electric interrupter mechanism of small and compact low-cost construction. I

A further object of this invention is to provide a cyclic multi-circuit electric interrupter mechanism wherein the construction excludes motors of the rotating armature or shaft type.

A stillfurther object of this invention is to provide a cyclic multi-circuit electric interrupter mechanism accord ing to the preceding objects adapted to open and close high potential circuits.

A yet further object of this invention is to provide a cyclic multi-circuit electric interrupter mechanism according to the preceding objects wherein but a single source of high potential is required.

These and other desirable and important objects inherent in and encompassed by the invention will be more readily understood from the ensuing description, the appended claims and the annexed drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the mechanism of this invention, partly broken away, illustrating the general arrangement of the intermittent motion device.

Figure 2 is 'a plan view in section taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1 illustrating the general arrangement of the mechanism of this invention. 7

Figure '3 is asectional view of the contactor member taken along the line 33 of Figure 2'illustrating circuit opening and closing elements.

Figure 4 is a modified form of construction of the contactor member, partly in section and partly broken away.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the contactor member of Figure 4 taken along the line 55 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a sectional view of the contactor member of Figures 1, 2 and 3, partly broken away illustrating its general structure.

'Figure 7 illustrates another modified construction of the contactor member 'wherein the circuit opening and closing elements are separable and lockable together in assembly.

Figure 8 illustrates a further modification of the construction of the contactor member whereby the 'inember comprises a plurality of discs or rings interlocked in fixed relation.

f-Figure '9 is an end view of one of the elements of Figure 7 taken on the line 99 of Figure 7.

cuit showing an'a'daptation of'this invention.

With continued reference to the drawings in Figure 1 the numeral 15 indicates the general assembly of this invention. The assembly includes a dielectricbase 16 which'may be-made of plastic'resin, ceramic or othernonconducting material. Disposed peripherally about the base 16 'is a resilient sealing element 17 which may, for example, be comprised of synthetic rubber or th'e like. Fitted in liquid-tight relation to the sealing element 1 7 is a casing For convenience the casing 18 maybe made of soft aluminum alloy which is bonded 'or "cr'impedwas at 19 to the sealin'gele'me'nt17 thus makin'g a liquid-tight seal therebetween. a v Mountedon the base 16 is a' contactormembergem erally indicated art-20 comprising a cylindrically shaped drum zl supported rotatably on hearing supports 2 2 and 23. The supports 22- and 23 :maybe rigidly connected to the base 16 by any conventional means suchasgby screws or rivets 24 and 25. The drum '21 is provided with a shaft 26 journalled for horizontal rotation on the bearing supports 22 and 23 as best shown in Figure 2.

Rigidly connected to one end of the drum 21 of the contactor member 20 is a ratchet wheel 27. In order that the rotation of the drum 21 be limited to one direction, a stop means such as a leaf spring 28 is anchored to the base 16 at one end and the other end positioned for engagement with at least one tooth of the peripheral teeth 29 thereby preventing rotation of the drum 21 in the other direction.

Mounted rigidly to the base 16 adjacent the drum 21 in parallel relation is a terminal plate 30 which may for convenience be made of the same dielectric material as that of the base 16. Firmly mounted on the terminal plate 30 in spaced relation is a plurality of electric switch actuating contact fingers four of which, for example, are

shownat 31, 32, 33 and 34 of Figure 2. It should however be understood that more or less than the four such contact fingers shown may be employed as required.

The

fingers

31, 32, 33 and 34 are anchored at one end to the plate 30 by any convenient fastening means such as screws or

rivets

35, 36, 37 and 38. The screws or rivets ,may conveniently be of metallic construction and extending downwardly through the base 16 and connected to corresponding conductor leads, one of which is shown at 39 in Figure 1. Thus each of the

contact fingers

31, 32, 33 and 34 is electrically connected to external conductors independently of each other. The other end of each contact finger projects to the top of the drum 21. The end of each contact finger is provided with a depending projection, one of which is illustrated at 40 in Figure 3.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3 it will be seen that the drum 21 is of hollow construction and is provided with openings or slots cut radially with respect to the shaft 26 in planes alined with the vertical planes formed by the contact fingers. From Figure 3 it can be readily appreciated that additional openings in a given plane may be provided such as openings 45' and 45". Now in the present embodiment the drum 21 is connected to one lead of a source of high potential electric current through shaft 26 to bearing support 22, thence to rivet 24 which rivet extends downwardly through the base 16 (not shown) to a conductor leading to said high potential source. Thus it is apparent from Figure 3 that when the drum 21 rotates in a counterclockwise direction the' projection 40 sequentially contacts the metal sections or elements between the

openings

45, 45 and 45" for closing or connecting electrically the terminals between the

rivets

24 and 36. The portion of the drum 21 engaging the projection 40 of the contact finger 32 for actuation of the electric switching is termed circuit closing elements and the

openings

45, 45' and 45" are termed circuit opening elements because actuation of the contact finger thereby causes the circuit to be opened. It can therefore be assumed that each of the

contact fingers

31, 33 and 34 serve to function in a similar manner to that just described.

Referring now to Figure 2 and the preceding discussion it can be seen that for a single revolution of the drum 21 the relative time interval for closed circuit and open circuit condition for a selected contact finger is determined by the (1) arcuate length of the circuit opening element, such as opening 45, (2) the number of openings in the drums 21 engageable with a selected contact finger, such as 32 and its projection 40, and (3) the relative positions of the openings in the same vertical plane with respect to each other. Thus since the openings (circuit opening elements) may be positioned differently with respect to each contact finger it may be appreciated that any order of timed sequence of circuit closing and circuit opening may be obtained for each contact finger in; relation to the other contact fingers subject only to the time limitation of the drum 21 in cornpleting a full revolution. p

Consideration is now given to means for rotating the drum 21. If the drum 21 is rotated slowly at constant speed such as that resulting from driving by means of a synchronous motor and speed-reducing gear train, it is well known that at the point when a contact finger moves into circuit opening position, serious burning occurs at the breakaway contact. This invention not only dispenses with expensive constant speed motors and speed reduc tion units but also eliminates or at least greatly reduces the harmful effects of electrical corona. For the purpose of moving or rotating the drum 21 of the contactor member 20 there is provided a solenoid generally indicated at 47. The solenoid 47 may comprise a stationary member or energizing coil 48 supported by a rigidly connected bracket 49 fastened firmly to the base 16 such as by

rivets

50 and 51. The energizing coil 48 is provided with a pair of

conductors

52 and 53 passing through the base 16 and connectable to a source of low potential current such as, for example, volts. The solenoid 47 is also provided with a reciprocable member generally indicated at 54. One end of the reciprocable member is engaged with a resilient element such as spring 55 anchored securely to the base 16. Thus when the coil 48 is de-energized the reciprocable member 54 is urged toward an extended position. The other end of the reciprocable member 54 is provided with a rigidly connected pawl 56 and an electrical insulator 57. The pawl 56 is positioned to engage the teeth 29 of the ratchet wheel 27 and the insulator 57 serves the purpose of preventing secondary high potential current, such as 1800- 2000 volts, from interfering with the primary low potential current in the operation of the solenoid 47. Thus it can be seen that each time the solenoid 47 is energized the drum 21 moves or rotates counter-clockwise a distance equivalent to the distance of one tooth 29 to the next adjacent tooth. Furthermore the movement is of the abrupt or snap action type thus minimizing corona formed when the high potential secondary circuits are opened. When the coil 47 is de-energized the spring 55 causes outward movement or extending of the reciprocable member 54 which in turn causes the pawl 56 to engage the next adjacent tooth on the ratchet wheel 27. During this motion, the drum 21 is restricted from clockwise rotation by the leaf spring or stop means 28 as best shown in Figure 1.

Now in order to energize intermittently the solenoid 47 there is provided a thermal switch of the bi-metal type generally indicated at 58 and also known as a chopper. The chopper 58 is preferably of the removably inserted type, an example of which is fully disclosed in US. Patent vNo. 2,767,333 and the essential construction, in schematic form, necessary to this invention is shown in Figure 10.

The leads 59 and 60 are connected in series relation with circuited and thus being de-energized begins to cool thereby causing the bi-metal 64 to deflect in the opposite direction to open the points 61 and 62 and' completes a cycle of operation. Of course the electrical resistance of the heater coil 63 should be of such selection that the minimal current passing through the coil 48 of the solenoid .47 when the points 61 and 62 of the chopper 58 are in open position should be insufficient to actuate the solenoid.

Referring now to Figure 11 it will be seen schematically the circuits of this invention. L and L are the leads from a source of low potential alternating current which is termed primary source. The lead L is connected to one terminal of 'a transformer 65 and to the conductor 52 and coil of the solenoid 47. The lead L is connected to the other terminal of the transformer 65 and to the lead 59 of the chopper 58. From this it can be seen that the primary winding of the transformer 65 is continuously energized. The lead 60 from the chopper 58 is connected to the conductor 53 of the solenoid 47. Thus when leads L and L are energized the chopper, 58 begins tofunction so that periodically the solenoid 4,7- is actuated to move or rotate the drum 21 as previously described. The secondary source of energy is, inthis instance, delivered by the secondary winding of the transformer 65. In general the primary potential at L and L is 110-120 volts and where neon or other gaseous tubes are operated by this invention the secondary winding of the transformer 65will deliver 1800-2000 volts more or less. One lead from the secondary source of power is connected to each of the lamps N N N and N as shown. The opposite terminals of the lamps N N N and N respectively, are connected to the

contact fingers

31, 32, 33 and 34. Thus as the drum 21 rotates the

contact fingers

31, 32, 33 and 34 are in closed circuit relation in a predetermined sequential or cyclic order causing the lamps N N N and N; to operate andv extinguish accordingly. The rate of rotation of the drum 21 maybe controlled by varying the number of teeth 29 of the ratchet 27 and the characteristics of the thermal bi-metal chopper 58.

At this point it should be apparent that the construction of the drum 21 of the contactor member 20 may be varied from that described in the above embodiment and Figures 1, 2, 3 and 6 of the drawings. For example, referring to Figures 4 and the drum 21 may be comprised of a metal spool 66 bonded to a sleeve-like insuwill submerge all secondary circuit breaking means above described. M

Having .thus described a preferred embodiment of the inventionit can now be seen that the objects of the inventionhave been fully achieved and it must be understood that changes and modifications may be made which do. not depart from the spirit of the invention nor from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is: 1. An electric circuit interrupter mechanism for independently interrupting the flow of electric energy in eachcircuit of a plurality of high potential circuits in sequencerelation comprising a base, a movable contactor member having a ratchet operably connected thereto mounted on said base, said contactormember having a plurality of circuit closing elements disposed in spaced relation, a circuit opening element disposed adjacent each of said circuit closing elements on said contactor member, a plurality of electric switch actuating contact fingers. electrically insulated firom each other mounted on said base in spaced relation, each of said contact fingers being positioned in engageable relation with at leastbne of said circuit closing elements, said mechanism being immersed in a liquid electrical insulating media, motion imparting means mounted on said base and a source. of power therefor adapted to move intermittently in timed cyclic relation said contacto-tmember, said means comprising a solenoid operably engageable with saidratchet for movement thereof in one lating member 67. Portions of the sleeve member 67 a 21 and that the respective secondary circuits are open when the fingers are elevated. Particularly where it is not desirable to have the drum 21 form a part of the secondary circuit the depending projections (e.g. of the contact fingers may be madeof insulating material, such as plastic, and the secondary circuit opened and closed by means of points such as points 70 and 71 shown in Figure 3.

Another type of construction of the drum 21 may conveniently be asshown in Figures 7, 8 and 9 of the drawings. A plurality of annular shaped elements or rings 72 are constructed of insulating material. One side of each annular element 72 is provided with a plurality of arcuately spaced recesses 73 and the other side having at least one protruding pin 74- Thus complete rings or segments of rings of various character may be made and stocked in advance. When the sequence characteristics are known for a given desired purpose, a hollow tube 75 and rings 72 or segments of rings are placed on the tube 75 and locked together by means of the above described pins 74 and recesses 73 in the desired order. Then the shaft 26 with

end plates

76 and 77 are placed as shown in Figure 7 after which the assembly is compressed to a rigid structure by the nuts 78 and 79. The assembled drum will then function much the same as that discussed in relation to Figures 4 and 5. Of course it is also readily apparent that the elements 72 may be in disc form which eliminates the necessity of the hollow tube 75.

Where the secondary circuit is of high potential order the entire mechanism is submerged in a liquid electrical insulating media to prevent flash-over corona as illustrated in Figure l. Trans-former oil is quite satisfiactory for this purpose. An air space 81 is provided to compensate for expansion of the media 80 due to temperature variation. If the amount of media 80 is controlled properly this invention will operate in any position with reference to the horizontal and vertical because the media direction and a thermally operable bi-metal cyclic switch serially connected with said solenoid and said source of power. for energizing said solenoid at predetermined cyclic intervals of time.

2. A cyclic electric circuit interrupter mechanism for independently interrupting the flow of electric energy in each circuit of h'igh potential a plurality of electric circuits in sequence relation comprising a base, a movable contactor member having a ratchet operably connected thereto mounted on said base, said contactor member having a plurality of circuit closing elements disposed in spaced relation, at least one circuit opening element disposed adjacent to and in cooperating relation with each of said circuit closing elements mounted on said contactor member, a plurality of electric switch actuating contact fingers electrically insulated from each other mounted on said base in spaced relation, each of said contact fingers being positioned in engageable relation with at least one of said circuit closing elements, each of said contact fingers being positioned to close altern-atelyv one of said circuits when engaged with a circuit closing element and open said circuit when engaged with a circuit opening element, said circuit closing elements and circuit opening elements being immersed in a liquid electrical insulating media, motion imparting means mounted on said base and a source of power therefor adapted to move intermittently in timed cyclic relation said contactor member whereby each of said contact fin; gers alternately. engage a corresponding circuit opening element and a circuit closing element, said means comprising a solenoid mounted on said base operably engageable with said ratchet for movement thereof in one direction and a thermally operable bi-metal cyclic switch serially connected with said solenoid and said source of power for energizing said solenoid at predetermined cyclic intervals of time.

3. A cyclic electric circuit interrupter mechanism :Eor independently interrupting periodically the flow of electric energy in each circuit of a plurality of high potential electric circuits in sequence relation comprising a base, a movable contactor member having a ratchet operably connected thereto mounted on said base, said contactor member having a plurality of circuit closing elements disposed in spaced relation, at least one circuit opening element disposed adjacent to and in cooperative relation with each of said circuit closing elements mounted on said contactor member, a plurality of electric switch actuating contact fingers electrically insulated from each other mounted on said base in spaced relation, each of said contact fingers being positioned in engageable relation with at least one of said circuit closing elements, .each of said contact fingers being positioned to close alternatively one of said circuits when engaged with a circuit closing element and open said circuit when engaged with a circuit opening element, a liquid electrical insulating media disposed about said mechanism, said circuit opening elements and circuit closing elements being immersed in said liquid media, motion imparting means mounted on said base and a source of power therefor adapted to move intermittently in timed cyclic relation said contactor member whereby each of said contact fingers alternately engaged at predetermined time intervals a corresponding circuit opening element and a circuit closing element, said means comprising a solenoid mounted on said base operably engageable with said ratchet for movement thereof in one direction and a thermally operable bi-metal cyclic switch serially connected with said solenoid and said source of power for energizing said solenoid at predetermined cyclic intervals of time.

4. A cyclic electric circuit interrupter mechanism for tric energy in each circuit of a plurality of high potential electric circuits in sequence relation comprising a base, a movable contactor member mounted on said base, said contactor member having a plurality of circuit closing elements disposed in spaced relation, at least one circuit opening element disposed adjacent to and in cooperative relation with each of said circuit closing elements mounted on said contactor member, a plurality of electric switch actuating contact fingers electrically insulated from each other mounted on said base in spaced relation, each of said contact fingers being positioned to close alternately one of said circuits when engaged with a circuit closing element and open said circuit when engaged with a circuit opening element, a liquid electrical insulating media disposed about said mechanism, said circuit opening elements and circuit closing elements and said contact fingers'being immersed in said liquid media, a ratchet mounted on said contactor member in driving relation therewith, a motion imparting device having a reciprocable member mounted on said base, a pawl mounted on said reciprocable member positioned to engage said ratchet, an energizing coil mounted on said base and a source of power therefor, said energizing coil being positioned to actuate said reciprocable member, a ther mally operable bi-metal cyclic switch serially connected with said coil and said source of power for intermittently actuating said reciprocable member in timed cyclic relation for moving said contactor member intermittently in one direction, and resilient means positioned to urge said reciprocable member in the other direction.

5. A cyclic electric current interrupter mechanism for independently interrupting periodically the flow of electric energy in each circuit of a plurality of high potential electric circuits in sequence relation comprising a base, a movable contactor member mounted on said base, a ratchet mounted on said contactor member in driving relation therewith, a solenoid including a source of power therefor having a stationary member and a reciprocable member mounted on said base, a pawl mounted on said reciprocable member positioned to engage said ratchet, said reciprocable member of said solenoid and said pawl being positioned to move said contactor member a predetermined amount in one direction independently interrupting periodically the flow of elecwhen said solenoid is energized, said contactor member having a plurality of circuit closing elements disposedin spaced relation, at, least one circuit opening element disposed adjacent to and in cooperative relation with each of said circuit closing elements mounted on said contactor member, a plurality of electric switch actuating contact fingers electrically insulated from each other mounted on said base in spaced relation, each of said contact fingers being positioned to close alternately one of said circuits when engaged with a circuit closing element and open said circuit when engaged with a circuit opening element, a liquid electrical insulating media disposed about said circuit closing elements and circuit opening elements, and a thermally operable bi-metal cyclic switch serially connected with said solenoid and said source of power for energizing said solenoid at predetermined cyclic intervals of time for moving said rcciprocable member and said contactor member.

6. A cyclic electric current interrupter mechanism for independently interrupting periodically in timed cyclic sequence relation each circuit of a plurality of high potential electric circuits comprising a dielectric base, a housing mounted on said base, a movable contactor member mounted on said base in said housing, a ratchet mounted on said contactor member in driving relation therewith, a. solenoid having a stationary member and a reciprocable member mounted on said base, a pawl mounted on said reciprocable member positioned to engage said ratchet, said reciprocable member of said solenoid and said pawl being positioned to move said contactor member a predetermined amount in one direction when said solenoid is energized, resilient means mounted on said base positioned to urge said reciprocable member in the other direction, said contactor member having a plurality of circuit closing elements disposed in spaced relation, at least one circuit opening element disposed adjacent to and in cooperative relation with each of said circuit closing elements mounted on said contactor member, a plurality of electric switch actuating contact fingers electrically insulated from each other mounted on said base in spaced relation, each of said contact fingers being adapted to close alternately one of said circuits when engaged with a circuit closing element and open said circuit when engaged with a circuit opening element, a liquid electrical insulating media disposed in said housing about said circuit closing elements and circuit opening elements, a source of power connectable to said solenoid in timed cyclic relation for moving said reciprocable member and associated contactor member, and a thermally operable bi-metal cyclic electric switch serially connected with said solenoid for intermittently connecting said source of power for energizing said solenoid.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,065,513 Eubank June 24, 1913 1,631,644 R-auch June 7, 1927 2,210,718 Henninger Aug. 6, 1940 2,435,683 Hinshelwood Feb. 10, 1948 2,564,322 Brosseau Aug. 14, 1951 2,601,010 Trad June 17, 1952 2,601,154 Krueger et 'al. June 17, 1952 2,635,154 Zukerrnan a Apr. 14, 1953 2,721,914 Cheltz Oct. 25, 1955 2,756,818 Borowski July31, 1956 2,784,276 Pearson Mar. 5, 1957 2,835,769 Milne et al May 20, 1958