US3019317A - Time delay relay - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 30, 1962 A. P. GAuvREAu TIME DELAY RELAY 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April l0, 1959 @E NON Nm. NON mt INVENTOR ALPHONSE e GAUVREAU ATTQRNEY Jan. 30, 1962 A. P. GAUVREAU TIME DELAY RELAY 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April l0, 1959 IN VEN TOR. ALPHONSE F. GAUVREAU BY%/W ATTORNEY Jan. 30, 1962 A. P. GAuvRr-:AU

TIME DELAY RELAY 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 10, 1959 Fig. 5

INV EN TOR.

ALPHONSE R GAUVREAU www ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,019,317 TIME DELAY RELAY Alphonse P. Ganvrean, Cleveland, Ohio, assigner` to The Clark Controller Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a e017-,r poration of Ohio Filed Apr. 10, 1959, Ser. No. 805,577 16 Claims. (Cl. Zilli-#198.)

This inventiony relates to electric relays and particularly to relays of the time delay type. v

' Time delay relays of this type are comprised of a timing mechanism, an electromagnetic operator, and electric switches. The electric switches are caused to be operated after a predetermined time interval by Athe timing mechanism. When the electromagnetic operator is ar# ranged in one manner, ther timed interval starts when the electromagnetic operator is energized. When arranged in a second manner, the timed interval starts when the electromagnetic operator is ydek-energizeci. i

In the present time'delay relays, the electric switches are operated by a lever arm wconnf'mted 4directly to the moving element of the timing mechanism. This necessitates that theelectric switches be mounted close to the moving element. It also requires that the moving element of the timing mechanism be capable of traveling f ar enough and developing a force suflicient to .operate the electric switches. Electric switches of the snap action microswitchvtype are therefore used since they require the minimum of mountilg Space, operating force, and travel; lt is well known that switches of this type are not capable of interrupting the currents normally used in industrial [control circuits. This requires that an intermediate electric relay be used having an electric switch capable of interrupting the desired control circuit, and an electromagnetic operator that is v'controllable by the snap action microswitch.

Even though the snap action microswitches do require a minimum of space, the number that are usable on the present time delay relays is small.

A flexing type diaphragm is used to displace air and give the retarded movement to the"traveling element. This diaphragm'must be of a large diameter to provide the travel and force necessary to operate the snap action microswitches; and which requires that the timing mechanism itself be of a large physical size.

Therefore, the present time delay relays are limited by thek small number of electric switches`available on any one relay, the `small capacity of these switches, and the large physical size of the timing mechanism.

In carrying out the invention in accordance with the preferred arrangement, a common mounting base is utilized onto which is independently mounted the electr`omagnetic operator, the timing mechanism, andthe *electric switches. Operably attached to the timing mechanism is a latch mechanism for holdin g the electric switches during the predetermined timed interval. After the'timed interyal has elapsed, the latch mechanism is operated by the timing mechanism, releasing the electricswitches s o they operate. Y

The timing mechanism utilizes the drawing of air through an orifice from the atmosphere into acharnber in producing the time delay. The size of theori'lice is made adjustable byv a suitable mechanism to regulate the rate at which air flows through it so that different timing intervals are obtainable. f The air is drawn through the oriice into the chamber by means of a spring chamber.` The diapl'iragm is connected to a piston and is Vof a relatively small diameter. lt has deep convolutions riding over the edge of the piston, so that its action is like a piston in a cylinder. This design permits the displacement of a large volume of air within a relatively loaded i diaphragm locatjedhin they in 'Fronten i( er f 1C@ small space. A plunger is connected tothe piston in the chamber and extends outward thereof. i i

The chamber is also connected to atmosphere by means of a check valvewhich allows theilow of air only from the chamber to atmosphere. i

The timing mechanism' is'reset by means of an electromagnetic ope'rator which pushesv up against the bottom of the plunger, causing it Vto move inward. This moves the diaphragm and piston in ya direction to' compress the spring and rapidly expel the air from the chamber through thecheclr valve. v i' "A When the'force from the electromagnetic operator is removed, the diaphragm and piston are moved by the bias of the spring in the reverse direction, drawing air through the orifice into the chamber. Therate at which they `move is retarded due to the restrictionformed4 by the orifice to the flow of air therethrough. Thel plunger being connected to the piston also moves at thev same rate.' V`The latch mechanism is yattached to the timing mechanisrn suchthat itis tripped near the end ofthe plungers retarded movement. After the latch mechanism is tripped, the electric switches operate. Thelatch mechanism and the electric switches are reset atthe same time the timing mechanism is reset'.V

lft is therefore the primary object of the invention to provide a time delay relay which has the aforementioned features.V i

lt is another object of the invention to provide a time delay relay which cank be readily operated by other than electro-magnetic means. i 'i *A ft is still another object of the invention to provide a time delay relai/'having each component independently removable from a common mounting base. i l lit isa further object of the invention to` provide a time delay relayhaving a smaller, yet improved, timing mechamism'. y i,

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a time delay relay that is'capable of utilizing many electric Sweeties. i ltisanother object of the invention to provide a time delay relay that is inexpensive to manufacture'and easy toa'ssemble. i i i iM."

` The above and other objects of our invention will be made apparent toths'e skilled in the art whe'n'taken in consideration with the following specification and the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE t is a front'elevational view of an electromagnetically'operatedtimey 'delay relay embodying vthe present inventionl/ i 'i i l FlGUlE 2 is a side elevational View of the time delay relay as'shown'inFIGURE l.'Y` i `FIGURE 3'is a sideelevational View o f the time delay relay shown in `FIGUREl with the electric switches'v remm1/edt FIGURE 4 is a side elevational View of the time delay relayshownin FIGURES having the electromagnetic operator" inverted to illustrate another mode'of operation. i FIGURE is a sectional View of the timing'mechani'srn used on the time'delayrelays. v f

FIGURE 6` is a bottom'vview of the timing mechanism and electric switch taken in the ldiret'ztion ofarrows 6-f'6 inFIGURES. v "i I FIGURE 7 is a top view of the time delay relay shown Referring to the drawings, FIGURE l illustrates one form of the time delay relay having a 'base 4lill with the timing ymechanism 12, the individual electric switches 1&2, and the electromagnetic `,operator 170 independently mounted thereon.

Timing mechanism 12 (see FIGURE 5) is comprised of a phenolic housing 14 having a downwardly open recess and an upwardly open recess formed therein. The

t downwardly open recess is enclosed by a phenolic bottom member 16 to form a chamber 18.

Bottom member 16 has a pair of spaced apart downwardly extending ears 20-20 formed near its bottom rear. A pin 22 traverses through and is secured to ears 20-20 Another pair of spaced apart downwardly extending ears 24-24 are formed near the bottom front of bottom member 16 and are offset towards one side. A pin 26 traverses through and is secured in ears 24-24. The purpose of the pairs of downwardly extending ears 20-20 and 24-24, and the means by which bottom member 16 is secured to housing 14 will be fully described hereinafter.

A top member 28, with a recess formed therein to mate with the upwardly open recess in housing 14, is positioned on housing 14 so the two recesses form a chamber 30. Chamber 30 is separated into a lower charnber 30A and an upper chamber 30B by an air filter 32. Upper chamber 30B communicates with the `atmosphere by means of slots 34-34 located at one side of top member 28 (see FIGURES 3 and 4). Air filter 32 is made of material suitable to prevent particles of foreign matter from passing through and yet allow the free passage of air therethrough.

Traversing the length of top member 28 is a bore 36 having a reduced section forming a shoulder 36 at its front. A needle valve assembly 40 is positioned in bore 36 and is comprised of; an insert 42 having therein a bore 44 opening out to one end and a tapered passage 46 at the other end, a traveling member 48 having a tapered needle valve 50 at one end and a threaded member 52 at the other end, and an adjusting nut S4 which seats against shoulder 38 and extends out of top member 28 from bore 36. Adjusting nut 54 is held in bore 36 by shoulder 38 and insert 42 such that it is incapable of any movement except rotative. Threaded member 52 is screwed into adjusting nut 54 to position needle valve 50 in tapered passage 46. When adjusting nut 54 is turned, the position of needle valve 50 in tapered passage 46 is changed.

A tab 56 is formed on traveling member 48 Aand fits into a slot S8 above bore 44 to permit only longitudinal movement of traveling member 48 when adjusting nut 54 is turned.

A duct 60 is formed in housing 14 and top member 28 and connects chamber 30A to tapered passage 46. Another duct 62 is formed in housing 14 and top member 28 and connects tapered passage 46 to chamber 18. Thus, air is allowed to flow between chamber 30A and chamber 18 through the path formed by duct 60, tapered passage 46 and duct 62. The rate that air flows through this path is determined by the position of needle valve 50 in tapered passage 46.

It has been sho-wn how the turning of adjusting nut 54 will change the position of needle valve 50 in tapered passage 46, and thus change the rate of air ow between chambers 30A and 18.

An upwardly open cup-shaped piston 64 is positioned in chamber 18 and has a plunger 66 centrally connected thereto which extends out through an aperture 68 in bottom member 16. Plunger 66 has near its bottom, a section of reduced diameter 70 for purposes to be described hereinafter, A diaphragm 72 is secured to piston 64 by being clamped between the bottom of piston 64 and a piston plate 74. Piston plate 74 rests upon a shoulder 76 formed on plunger 66. Diaphragm 72 is secured in chamber 18 by the clamping of its outer periphery between housing 14 and bottom member 16, and is of a size suicient to form deep convolutions between the outside of piston 64 and the side walls of chamber 1S.

Piston 64 is of a physical size slightly smaller than chamber 18 and the deep convolutions in diaphragm 72 allows piston 64 to be moved reciprocally in chamber 18. Thus, its action is likened to a piston in a cylinder allowing it to displace the maximum volume of air with a minimum ot travel or movement. When piston 64 is moved to its top position, it expells substantially all of the air above it from chamber 18. When moved to its bottom position, it draws this same vo-lume of air back into chamber 18 as will be fully described hereinafter.

The above feature enables the physical size of chamber 18 and diaphragm 72 to be greatly reduced over what would be required if a flexing type diaphragm were used. Also, the small amount of travel allows a further reduction in the physical size of the timing mechanism.

A spring 78 is positioned in chamber 18 to normally bias piston 66 to its down position. Spring 78 is secured in its proper position by its being fitted into the cup formed by piston 66 and around a ridge 80 formed on the top wall of chamber 18.

Chamber 18 communicates with chamber 30A by means of a check valve 82 which is arranged to permit the flow of -air from chamber 18 to chamber 30A, but not in the reverse direction. Check valve 82 is comprised of a stem 84 extending through the housing 14 separating chambers 18 and 30A, a valve disc 86 attached to one end of stem 84 located in chamber 30A, and a retaining ring 88 located in a groove 96 'at the other end of stem 84 in chamber 18. A conical shape spring 92 is positioned over stenl 84 between housing 14 at the top Yof chamber 18 and retaining ring 88 to normally bias check valve 82 closed. When closed, valve disc 86 is engaged with a valve seat 94 that is formed in housing 14 at the bottom of chamber 30A. Valve seat 94 is formed around a series of holes 96--96 which serve as the path for air flow between chamber 18 and chamber 30A.

Top member 28 and bottom member 16 are secured to housing 14 by means of screws 98-98 (see FIGURES 6 and 7) which traverses through top member 26 and housing 14 and thread into bottom member 16. Diaphragm 72 is clamped between housing 14 and bottom member 16 by the retaining action of screws 98-98. Timing mechanism 12 is secured to base 10 by means of screws 100--100 traversing through holes in housing 14 and screwing into base 10.

Electric switches 102 are independently mounted on base 10 by means of screws 104-104 and are comprised of an insulating housing 106 having an upward recess 108 and a lower recess 110 formed therein, both recesses opening out to one side. Located in spaced apart relationship within each recess is a pair of stationary contacts. Stationary contacts 112 and 114 are positioned in upper recess 108 and stationary contacts 116 and 118 are positioned in lower recess 110. Stationary contacts 112 and 114 are respectively connected by conducting straps and 122 to terminals 124 and 126 located at the top front of housing 106. Stationary contacts 116 and 118 are respectively connected by conducting straps 128 and 130 to terminals 132 and 134 located at the bottom front of housing 106. The conducting straps are secured to housing 106 by means of screws 136-136.

A groove 138 connects recess 108 and 110 and extends into the top and through the bottom of housing 106. A movable Contact carrier 140 is positioned in groove 138 and guided thereby. Movable contact carrier 140 is retained in groove 138 by conducting straps 122 and 130 extending over it at the top and bottom respectively of housing 106.

A movable contact 142 is supported on movable contact carrier 140 by a suitable means in recess 108 for cooperation with stationary contacts 112 and 114. Another movable contact 144 is also supported on movable contact carrier 140 by suitable means in recess 110 for cooperation with stationary contacts 116 and 118.

A spring 146 for each movable contact is positioned on movable contact carrier 140 to obtain the proper contact pressure when the movable and stationary contact engage.

When movable contact carrier 140 is in its upper position, shown in FIGURE 2, movable contact 142` is disengaged from stationary contactsy 112 and 114,y opening the electric circuit connected to terminals 124 and 126; andmovable contact 144 is engaged with stationary contacts 116 and 118, closing the electric circuit connected to terminals 132 and 134. Conversely, when movable contact carrier 140 is in its down position, movable contact 142 is engaged with stationary contacts 112 and 114, closing the electric circuit connected to terminals 124 and 126; and movable contact 144 is disengaged from stationary contacts 116 and 118, opening the electric circuit connected to terminals 132 and 134.

For a more complete description of the details of the electric switches 102, reference should be made to the co-pending applicationl by Oswald M. Bundy entitled Electric Switch, Serial Number y803,244 tiled on March 31, 1959, assigned to the instant assignee.

The individual electric switches- 102 may be connected to be operated either upon the expiration of a predetermined timed interval or instantaneously. In many instances, it is desirable to have some electric switches on the same time delay relay that operate after the timed interval and others that operate instantaneously.

When it is desired to have the electric switches 102 operate after a timed interval, the movable contact carrier 140 of that particular electric switch is connected -to a latching mechanism.

The latching mechanism is attached to the bottom of timing mechanism 12 so it is unlatched by the movement yof plunger 66. The latching mechanism consists of trip lever 148 and a latching lever 150 (see FIGURE 6).

Trip lever 148 is preferably of a general flat construction having on both sides of its rear up-turned ears 152- 152, down-turned ears 154-154 on bothy sides at its Latching lever- 150 is L-shaped, preferably made of y nylon, and having a hook 162 formed at the end of one leg. The other leg 164 is forked to enable it to straddle the reduced diameter section 70 of plunger 66. Latching lever 150 has a hole in it, located at the junction of the two legs for pivotally mounting latching lever 150 on pin 26 between ears 24-24.

A spring 166 is wound around pin 26 between latching lever 150 and one ear 24, and has one end 168 connected behind hook 162 to bias it in the direction to latch trip lever 148.

The electromagnetic operator used in this embodiment of our invention is generally shown at 170. It is comprised of an E-shaped core 172 fastened to base 10 by means of screws 174-174 extending through ears 176- 176 formed on side plates 178-17'8 thatare located on both sides of core 172.

A winding 180, having terminals 182-182 thereon, is positioned around the center leg of core 172. Winding 180 is held in place by means of leaf springs 184- 184 which are fastened by screws 186-186 to protruding ears 18S-188 located on side plates 178-178. An armature 190 is associated with core 172 and cooperated therewith by means of an armature rod 192 which extends through a vertical bore in the center leg of core 172. Armature 1 90 is secured yto armature rod 192 by means of a pin 194 extending through a hole in both armature 190 and armature rod 192,

When winding 180 is energized, armature 190 is at- It is to be notedf in FIGURES 1, 2, and 3, the electromagnetic operator is mounted on the base. with E- shaped core 172 opening upward and armature 190 is secured to armature rod 192 above it.y In FIGURE 4, it is mounted with E.shaped core 170 opening downward and armature is secured to armature. rod 192 below it. The reason for this inversion of electromagnetic operatory 170. will be fully described hereinafter.

Attached to the top of armature rod 192 is a traverse bar 196. Traverse bar 196 is positioned so when moved to its up position, it causes timing mechanism 12 to. bey re.- set and also moves any electric switches 102 connected to be operated instantaneously to their up position. Also, in another embodiment of our invention, the upward movement of traverse bar 196 causes trip. lever 148 to be raised such that it is engaged by hook 162 of latching lever 150.

A rattrap spring 19.8 is secured to base 10 by its ends being wound around pins 200-200. In one embodiment of our invention, rattrap spring 198 extends under traverse bar 196 and its mid portion under down-turned ears 154-154.0n trip lever 148. When winding 180 is not energized, the force of rattrap spring 198 causes traverse bar 196, armature 190, and armature rod 192 to move to their up position. It also independently, by being posi- `tioned under down-turned ears 154-154, causes trip lever 148 to be moved to its up position where it bec omes latched by latching lever 150.`

In the other embodiment of our invention, rattrap spring 193 is not used and is retained in an outof the way position by being positioned in and held by hooks 202- l20,2 that are formed on side plates 178-178.

Traverse bar 196 has a rearward extending projection 204 that lits into a U-shaped bracket 206. Bracket 206 is attached to base 10 such that it opens outwards. Projection 204 is guided by bracket 206 to prevent any rotative movement of traverse bar 196 and armature rod 192 when they reciprocate. The bottom of bracket 206 also serve s as a stop to limit the upward travel of armature 190 when it is mounted above core 172.

A cover 208 made of phenolic material is attached to the front of timing mechanism 12 by means of screws y21,0 and 21,2. Screw 210 screws into a boss 214 formed `on housing 14. Screw 2 12 screws into top member 28.

Cover 208 is shaped to form a chamber 216 between it and housing 14, top member 28, and bottom member 16. A driving gear 218 is attached on adjusting nut 54 to mesh with an indicating gear 220 which is rotatably mounted on boss 214. Both gears are positioned in chamber 216. A window 222 is formed in cover 208 and is positioned to make a portion of indicating gear 220 visible therethrough. i i y Indicating gear 220 has marks spaced around its outer periphery to align with a mark on window 22,2. When adjusting nut 5 4 is rotated, gear 218 drives indicating gear 220 which rotates to change the mark alignment.v By this means, the position of needle valve 50 in passage 46 is indicated which determines the length of the timed interval. i

As before stated, the individual electric switches may be connected to be operated either upon the expiration 0f the timed interval or instantaneously, at the beginning of the timed interval. i

The electric switches that yare operated instantaneously have their movable contact carriers 140 connected by suitable means to traverse bar 198 and are shown dotted in FIGURE 1.

The electric switches that are operated upon the expiration of the timed interval have their movable contact carriers 140 connected by suitable means to tripping lever 148 as has been described, and shown solid in FIGURE 1.

Regardless of whether the time delay relay is arranged to be of the time delay after energization or time delay after de-energization type, electric switches 102 are operated when their movable contact carriers 140 move from the up position to the bottom position. The same is true whether they are connected to be operated instantaneously or after the timed interval. The only forces used to operate the switches in this direction is the force of gravity and the bias of spring 146. Therefore, the number of electric switches 102 usable on our time delay relay is in no way limited by the forces developed by plunger 66 when it moves down.

To operate the electric switches 102 upon the expiration of a timed interval after winding 180 is energized, electromagnetic operator 17() is mounted on base 1t) with E- shaped core 172 opening upward; as shown in FIGURES l, 2, and 3. Rattrap spring 198, independently, causes traverse bar 196 and trip lever 148 to be moved to their up positions. Traverse bar 196 pushes plunger 66 upward to its up position. Traverse bar 196 also moves the movable contact carriers 140 of any electric switches 102 to be operated instantaneously to their up positions. Trip lever 148 is latched by latching lever 150 when moved to its up position. The movable contact carriers 14@ of the electric switches to be operated after the timed interval are moved to their up positions since they are connected to trip lever 148.

When plunger 66 is moved to its up position, piston 6e and diaphragm 72 are moved up, expelling most of the air from chamber 1S. The air has two paths of escape from chamber 18. One is through duct 62, passage 46, and duct 60 into chamber 30A. The flow of air in this path is restricted by the position of needle valve 56 in passage 46 and thus very little air ows through it. The other is unrestricted and is through check valve 82 which opens when the pressure in chamber 1S becomes high enough to overcome the force of spring 73. This moves valve disc 86 away from valve seat 94, allowing the air to flow from chamber 1S through holes 96-96 into chamber 36A. The air ilows from chamber 30A through air lter 32 into chamber 30B and out through slots 34-34 to atmosphere.

Plunger 66 must be held in this up position by traverse bar 196; or spring 7S, which was compressed during the upward movement of piston 66, will torce it to move back downward.

When the air pressure in chamber 18 and chamber 30A becomes equal, check valve S2 will reclose due to the force of spring 92.

To start the timed interval, winding 180 is energized causing armature 190 to move down into engagement with core 172; drawing rattrap spring 198, armature rod 192, and traverse bar 196 with it.

The movement of traverse bar 196 to its down position, causes the movable contact carriers connected to it to be moved down, thus operating the associated electric switches 162 instantaneously.

Even though rattrap spring 198 was moved down, trip lever 148 is not free to move down because of its being retained in its up position by latching lever 156.

The downward movement of traverse bar 196 frees plunger 66 so it, piston 64, and diaphragm 72 are moved downward due to spring 78. However, their downward movement is retarded by the rate that air is allowed to be drawn into chamber 18. The air flow path is from atmosphere through slots 34-34, into chamber 30B, through air iilter 32, into chamber 30A, through duct 61D, passage 46, and duct 62 into chamber 18.

The air flow in this path is limited by the restriction formed by the insertion of needle valve 50 into passage '56 as previously described.

As plunger 66 moves down, its reduced diameter section 76 slides through the straddling leg 164 of latching lever 150. At a point in its downward travel, the upper shoulder formed on plunger 66 'by reduced section 70 engages leg 164. Further downward movement of plunger 66 causes latching lever 159 to rotate about pin 26 g direction to move hook 162 out from under trip lever The end of the timed interval occurs when plunger 66 has moved sufficiently to rotate latching lever free of trip lever 148, allowing trip lever 148 to rotate about pin 22 to its down position. The movable contact carriers 146i connected to trip lever 15) are thus moved to their down position to operate the associated electric switches 192 at the expiration of the timed interval.

The rotation of trip lever 1418 to its down position is caused by the force of gravity acting upon it and the connected movable contact carriers 140 and also the force of springs 146 on the movable contact carriers 140.

When piston 64 and diaphragm 72 are moved downward, the air displaced below them is expelled through holes (not shown) located in bottom member 16 and are of suicient size so as not to create a restriction regardless of the speed at which piston 64 and diaphragm 72 moves down.

As before mentioned, the timed interval is varied by changing the rate that air is allowed to be drawn from chamber 36A to chamber 18. This is accomplished by changing the position of needle valve 50 in passage 46. The further needle valve 50 is inserted into passage 46, the greater the restriction formed thereby, reducing the rate of air ow therethrough and increase the timed interval. To decrease the timed interval, needle valve Si) is moved outward from passage 46 to reduce the restriction formed thereby, increasing the rate of air llow therethrough.

The position of needle valve 50 in passage 46 may be changed by rotating adjusting nut 54. As before described, adjusting nut 54. is prevented from any movement except rotative. Thus, when adjusting nut is rotated clockwise, the threads in it and on threaded member 52 are such that threaded member 52 and traveling member 48 are moved away from adjusting nut 54 and towards passage 46. This moves needle valve 50 further into passage 46, increasing the restriction formed thereby to the ow of air, and reduce the rate of air flow therethrough.

When adjusting nut 54 is rotated counterclockwise, threaded member 52 and traveling member 48 are moved in the reverse direction, towards adjusting nut 54 and away from passage 46. Needle valve 50 is then moved outward from passage 46 to reduce the restriction formed thereby to the ow of air, allowing the rate of air tlow therethrough to increase.

To change the time delay relay from one having the timed interval after energization of winding (FIG- URE 3), to one having the timed interval after de-energization of winding 180 (FIGURE 4), it is merely necessary to physically invert the electromagnetic operator 170.

This is accomplished by removing pin 194 from the armature and armature rod 192, and the screws 174-174 from base 10. The E-shaped core 172, with winding 130 thereon, and armature 19() are slid downward until they are free of armature rod 192. They are then inverted and slid back upward over armature rod 192. Pin 194 is then reinserted through the hole in armature 190 and through a second mating hole in the bottom of armature rod 192.

When core 172 is being reslid back over armature rod 192, rattrap spring 198 must be pulled down and placed in hooks 202-262 on side plates 178-17S, which because of the inversion are now above core 172. This storing of rattrap spring 198 is required because it is not needed for the time delay after de-energization operation, and yet is readily available in the event a change 9 back to the time delay after energization operation is desired.

When assembled in this manner; armature 190, armature rod 192, and traverse bar 196 are all in their down position when winding 180 is de-energized (see FIGURE 4). Also, plunger 66 will be in its down position causing latching lever 150 to be in its unlatched position. Trip lever 148 will also be in its down position as will all of the movable contact-carriers 140 of the electric switches 262, irrespective if they are connected to traverse kbar 196 or trip lever 148.

Upon the energization vof winding 18d, armature 190 `moves up to engage the associated surface of .core 172, moving armature rod 192 and traverse bar 196 up with it. Astraverse 'bar 196 moves up, it causes the movable contact carrier l140 connected thereto to be moved up also. `raverse bar 196 engages 7plunger 66 to move it to its up position allowing latching lever 150 to return to the latch position due to the bias of spring 166. Also, traverse bar 196 engages the connection means between trip lever 148 4and movable contact carriers 140. Thus, Iboth the movable contact carriers 140 and trip lever 148 fare moved to their up position where trip lever 148 becomes engagedby the hook 1762l of latching lever 150.

Upon the de-energization of Winding 1480, armature 19t), armature rod- 192,y traverse bar 196, and the movable contact carriers 140 connected to .traverse bar 196, all move down immediately to their down position due to ,the force of gravity. This downward movement is assisted kby the force 'of the springs on the movable contact `carriers 140. n

Plunger 66 is free to move downward due yto sprin 78. As before described, this movement is retarded by the rate of air flow in the timing mechanism 12. Trip lever 148 is held in its up position by means of latching lever 150 and thus the electric switches 102 connected thereto are held in `their up position.

After the elapse of the .predetermined timed interval, the upper shoulder formed by reduced section 70 on plunger 66 engages llatching lever 150 causing it to release trip lever 148. Trip lever 148 then rotates about pin 22 to its down position, carrying the movable contact carriers 140 connected thereto with it. Thus, it is shown how the associated electric switches are operated after the expiration of the timed interval started bythe de-energization of the electromagnetic operator 170.

It is to be noted that the air filter 32 serves to clean the air when it is drawn into chamber 30A during the timed interval. While the air moves in this direction, it

is moving very slowly allowing 'air iilter 32 to be very effective.

However, when the air being exhausted, in the reverse direction, it is moving very rapidly tending to clean filter 32 and `carry some of the particles of dust and dirt collected on it back out through slots 3ft- 34. y

While I have described the invention as utilizing an electromagnetic operator, it is apparent that any other type of operator may be used; such as a pneumatic operator cumming means, etc.

I claim:

l. A time delay device comprising a timing mechanismy of the latch actuating position and moving and holding' said remaining electric switch to the first position and independently moving said at least one electric switch to the first position; and upon removal of said external means, said remaining electric switch instantaneously operate to the second position and said plunger moves re- 4tardedly to the latch 'actuating position to actu'ate said latch means and operate said at least one 'electric switch to the second position.

2. A time delay device comprising atiming mechanism and a plurality of electric switches; a latch 'means for holding some electric switches ina first position and lactuable to operate said some electric switches to a second position; the remaining electric switches operablet'o a tirst and second position and biased to the second position; a plunger biased for actuating said latch means, said plunger connected to said timing mechanism to have its movement to the latch actuating position retarded; external means for moving and holding said plunger out of the latch actuating position and moving and holding said remaining electric switches to the tirstposition and moving said some electric switches to the first position;

and upon removal of said external means, said remaining electric switches 'operate instantaneouslyto "the second position andsaid plunger moves retardedly to the latch actuating position to 'actuate said latch means and operate said some electric switches 'to the second position after `a vtimed interval.

timing mechanism to have its movement to `the latch f actuating position retarded; said electromagnetic means operable when energized to move and hold said plunger `out of the latch actuatingposition and kmove and hold said remaining electric switches to the first position and move said at least one electric switch to the first position; and upon de-energization of said electromagnetic means, said remaining electric switches operate instantaneously to the second position and said plunger moves retardedly to the latch actuating position to actuate said latch means to operate said at least `one electric switch.

4. A time delay device comprising a timing mechanism, a plurality of electric switches and an electromagnetic operator; a latch means for holding some electric switches in a first position and actuable to operate said some electric switches to a second position; the remaining electric switches operable to a `first and second position and lbiased to the second position; a plunger biased for actuating said latch means, said plunger connected to said timing mechanism to have its movement to the latch actuating position retarded; said electromagnetic means operable when energized to move and hold said plunger out of the latch actuating position, and to move and hold said remaining electric switches in the first position, and move said some electric switches to the tirst position; and upon de-energization of said electromagnetic means, said remaining electric switches opera-te instantaneously to the second position and said plunger moves retardedly to the latch actuating position to actuate said latch means to operate said some electric switches.

5. A time delay relay comprising a timing mechanism, an electric switch, and an electromagnetic means; a latch means forholding said electric switch when moved to a first position and actuable to operate said electric switch to a second position; a plunger biased for actuating said latch means, said plunger connected to said timing mechanism to have its movement to the latch actuating position retarded; said electromagnetic means having a movable member; a spring biased t0 move said electric switch to the first position and independently cause said movable member to move and hold said plunger out of the latchv actuating position when said electromagnetic means is deenergized; and upon energization of said electromagnetic 11 the latch actuating position to actuate said latch means to operate said electric switch.

6. A time delay relay comprising a timing mechanism, at least two electric switches, and an electromagnetic means; a latch means connected for holding at least one electric switch in a first position and actuable to operate said at least one electric switch to a second position; the remaining electric switch operable to a first and second position and biased to the second position; a plunger biased for actuating said latch means, said plunger connected to said timing mechanism to have its movement to the latch actuating position retarded; said electromagnetic means having a movable member; a spring biased to move said at least one electric switch to the first position and to independently cause said movable member to move and hold said plunger out of the latch actuating position and to move and hold said remaining electric switch to the first position when said electromagnetic means is de-energized; and upon energization of said electromagnetic means, said movable member retracts said spring so said remaining electric switch operates instantaneously to the second position and said plunger moves retardedly into the latch actuating position to actuate said latch means to operate said at least one electric switch.

7. A time delay device comprising a timing mechanism, a plurality of electric switches and an electromagnetic operator; a latch means connected for holding some electric switches in a rst position and actuable to operate said some electric switches to a second position; the remaining electric switches operable to a first and second position and biased to the second position; a plunger biased for actuating said latch means, said plunger connected to said timing mechanism to have its movement to the latch actuating position retarded; said electromagnetic means having a movable member; a spring biased to move said some electric switches to the first position and independently cause said movable member to move and hold said plunger out of the latch actuating position and move and hold said remaining electric switches to the first position when said electromagnetic means is de-energized; and upon energization of said electromagnetic means, said movable member retracts said spring so said remaining electric switches operate instantaneously to the second position and said plunger moves retardedly to the latch actuating position to actuate said latch means and operate said some electric switches.

8. A timing mechanism comprising a housing having a chamber therein, a piston of a slightly smaller diameter than said chamber, a diaphragm for connecting said piston to said housing and having a convolution therein to allow reciprocal movement of said piston in said chamber between a first and second position, means for normally biasing said piston to the second position, duct means for restrictively communicating air to said chamber, and a check valve for permitting unrestricted fiow of air from said chamber; external means for moving said piston to its first position and expel substantially all of the air from said chamber through said check valve; and upon removal of said external means, said piston moves to its second position and draws air through said duct means into said chamber, whereby the movement of said piston to the second position is retarded by the rate of air fiow through said duct means.

9. A timing mechanism comprising a housing having a recess and chamber formed therein; duct means for conimunicating air between said chamber and said recess; a piston having a diameter slightly smaller than said recess; a diaphragm for connecting said piston to said housing and arranged to allow reciprocal movement of said piston in said recess; means to normally bias said piston outward of said recess; passage means connecting said chamber to atmosphere; valve means in said duct means to restrict the liow of air therethrough; a check valve connecting said chamber and said recess to permit unrestricted ow of therethrough from said recess to said chamber and prevent the How of air therethrough from said chamber to said recess; external means for moving said piston against its bias to expel air from said recess through said check valve; and upon removal of said external means, said piston moves outward drawing air through said duct means into said recess, and the rate of said pistons movement being retarded by the restriction in said duct means.

10. A timing mechanism comprising a housing having a recess and a first chamber formed therein; a piston slightly smaller than said recess; a diaphragm for connecting said piston and said recess to form a second chamber, said diaphragm arranged to allow movement of said piston in one direction to substantially eliminate said second chamber and in the other direction to increase said second chamber; means to normally bias said piston in the other direction; duct means for communicating air between said first and second chamber; valve means in said duct means to restrict the flow of air therethrough; a check valve to permit unrestricted air flow therethrough from said second chamber to said first chamber and prevent air flow therethrough from said rst chamber to said second chamber; external means for moving said piston in the one direction to expel air from said second chamber; and upon removal of said external means, said piston moves in the other direction at a retarded rate determined by the restriction to air flow in said duct means.

ll. A timing mechanism comprising a housing having a recess and a first chamber formed therein; a piston hav ing a diameter slightly smaller than said recess; a diaphragm for connecting said piston and said housing to enclose said recess forming a second chamber, said diaphragm having deep convolutions between said piston and said recess to allow movement of said piston in one direction to substantially eliminate said second chamber and in the other direction to enlarge said second chamber; spring means in said second chamber to normally bias said piston in the other direction; duct means for communicating air from said first chamber to said second chamber when said piston moves in the other direction; valve means in said duct means to restrict the ow of air through said duct means; passage means connecting said first chamber to atmosphere; a check valve to permit therethrough unrestricted air fiow from said second chamber to said first chamber when said piston moves in the one direction and to prevent air fiow therethrough from said first chamber to said second chamber when said piston moves in the other direction; external means for moving said piston in the one direction to expel air from said second chamber through said check valve; and upon removal of said external means, said piston moves 1n the other direction at a retarded rate determined by the restriction to air ow in said duct means.

l2. A timing mechanism as set forth in claim 10 having filter means between said passage means and said chamber arranged to clean the air passing from atmosphere to said chamber and said filter is cleaned by the air passing from said chamber to atmosphere.

13. A timing mechanism as set forth in claim l0 wherein said valve means is adjustable to change the restriction formed with said tapered passage to the ow of air therethrough.

14. A time delay relay having a timing mechanism, an electric switch, and an electromagnetic means all independently mounted on a common base; said timing mechanism comprising a housing having a chamber therein, a piston capable of reciprocal movement in said chamber, a diaphragm for connecting said piston to said housing to all the reciprocal movement, bias means for moving said piston outward of said chamber, a duct in said housing for communicating air t0 said chamber, valve means in said duct for restricting the flow of air therethrough, and a check valve for only permitting unrestricted flow of air from said chamber; a latch means for holding said electric switch in a first position and actuable to operate said electric switch to a second position, means on said piston for actuating said latch means when said piston moves outward; a movable member for said electromagnetic means operable to move said electric switch to the irst position and move and hold said piston inward expelling substantially all of the air from said chamber through said check valve when said electromagnetic means is in a first electrical condition; and when in a second electrical condition, said movable member releases said piston allowing it to move outward to draw air through said duct into said chamber, whereby the outward movement of piston is retarded by the rate of air flow through said duct and after a timed interval said piston reaches the latch actuating position and actuates said latch means which operates said electric switch to its second position.

`l5. A time delay relay having a timing mechanism, at least two electric switches, and an electromagnetic means all independently mounted on a common base; said timing mechanism comprising a housing having a chamber therein; a piston capable of reciprocal movement in said chamber, a diaphragm for connecting said piston to said housing to allow the reciprocal movement, bias means for moving said piston outward of said chamber, ra duct in said housing for communicating air to said chamber, valve means in said duct for -restricting the flow of air therethrough, and a check valve for only permitting unrestricted ow of air from said chamber; a latch means for holding at least one electric switch in a first position and actuable to operate said at least one electric switch to a second position; the remaining electric switches operable to a first and second position and biased to the second position; means on said piston for actuating said latch means when said piston moves outward; a movable member for said electromagnetic means operable to move said at least one electric switch to the irst position, to independently move and hold said remaining electric switches to the first position and move and hold said piston inward expelling substantially all of the air from said chamber through said check valve when said electromagnetic means is in a first electrical condition; and when in a second electrical condition, said movable member releases said remaining electric switches and said piston, and said remaining electric switches operate instantaneously to the second position and said piston moves outward vdrawing air through said duct into said chamber, whereby the outward movement of said piston is retarded by the rate of air flow through said duct and after a timed interval said piston reaches the latch actuating position and actuates said latch means which operates said at least one electric switch to the second position.

16. A time delay relay comprising a timing mechanism, an electric switch, and an electromagnetic means; a latch means for holding said electric switch when moved to a first position and actuable to operate said electric switch to a second position; a plunger biased for actuating said latch means, said plunger connected to said timing mechanism to have its movement to the latch actuating position retarded, said electromagnetic means having a movable member; when said electromagnetic means is energized, said movable member moves said electric switch to the first position and moves and holds said plunger out of the latch actuating position; and upon deenergization of said electromagnetic means, said movable member moves to release said plunger and allows it to move retardedly to the latch actuating position to actuate said latch means to operate said electric switch.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,289,656 Cheney Dec. 3l, 1918 1,425,700 kScott Aug. l5, 1922 2,266,804 Roby Dec. 23, 1941 2,538,038 Ponstingl et al. Jan. 16, 1951 2,629,793 Ponstingl Feb. 24, 1953 2,656,434 Jochem Oct. 20, 1953 2,929,898 Schaefer Mar. 22, 1960

Images