US3172973A - Direction sensing speed responsive switch - Google Patents

Description

March 9, 1965 e. G. GDOVICHIN ETAL 3,172,973

DIRECTION SENSING SPEED RESPONSIVE SWITCH Filed Feb. 28, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig. 2

06 um 24 22. l6

George 6. 6d0vic/1in John D. Berezansky INVENTORS March 1965 G. G. GDOVICHIN ETAL 3,172,973

DIRECTION SENSING SPEED RESPQNSIVE SWITCH Filed Feb. 28, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig.4

George 6. Gaov/c/u'n John D. Berezansky IN VENTORS MM FM United States Patent 3,172,973 DIRECTION SENSHNG SPEED RESPQNSlVE SWITCH George G. 'Gdevichin, Ehenshurg, and .lohn D. Berezanslry, Mineral Point, Pa, assignors to lab Company, Inc, Ehensburg, Pin, a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed Feb. 28, 1962, Ser. No. 176,334 9 Claims. ((31. MiG-80) This invention relates to a speed responsive switch assembly.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a centrifugally operated switch construction capable of being conditioned and adjusted for use in a variety of different installations by virtue of a novel structural arrangement.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a centrifugally operated speed responsive switch assembly that may be adjustably conditioned for operation in either rotational direction of a powered shaft or rendered operative in only one rotational direction.

In accordance with the foregoing objects, the speed responsive switch assembly of the present invention involves a rotationally powered shaft pivotally mounting weighted elements for displacing a slide actuator disposed within a hollow portion of the shaft, which slide actuator is biased to one position by means of an adjust ably biased spring mechanism. The slide actuator is connected through slots in the hollow portion of the shaft to a sleeve on which an annular bearing member is rotatably mounted. The annular member is therefore axially displaced by the shaft mounted slide member in response to either direction of rotation of the shaft because of the centrifugal forces acting on the pivotally mounted weight members that displace the shaft mounted slide member against its spring bias. The annular bearing member engages a hinged switch contact member that straddles the shaft so that the switch contact member when displaced may engage fixed contacts for switch closing purposes. The annular bearing member is however restricted rotationally by selectively adjustable direction sensing limit means whereby the annular bearing member may be rendered inoperative in response to rotation of the shaft in one direction or the other so as to prevent the switch assembly from closing the switch contacts when rotated in one direction or the other. Alternatively, the switch assembly may be conditioned for operation in either rotational direction of the shaft member.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the switch assembly enclosed within its housing.

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the switch assembly with the top lid of the housing removed.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken substantially through a plane indicated by section line 3-3 in FIG- URE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken substantially through a plane indicated by section line 44 in PEG- URE 3.

FTGURE 5 are schematic diagrams illustrating operation of the adjustable limit means whereby the switch assembly may be rendered inoperative in one direction of rotation of the shaft.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be observed that the switch assembly generally referred to Patented Mar. 9, 1965 by reference numeral ill is housed within a housing on stationary frame generally referred to by reference numeral 12 including side Walls 14, end walls 16, a top lid l8 and a base member 2%. The end walls 16 have connected thereto bearing assemblies 22 which journal there within a shaft member generally referred to by reference numeral 24. The shaft member projecting from the bearings 22 at one end may therefore be pro vided with any suitable connecting means such as the keyway 2:6 by means of which a rotationally powered member may be connected to the shaft member for imparting rotation thereto.

Referring now to FlGURE 4 in particular, it will be observed that the shaft member 24 includes an intermediate tubular portion 28 disposed within the housing 12-, said tubular portion including an initially threaded portion 3t projecting from the housing at the end thereof opposite the keyway 26. Diametrically disposed slots 32 are formed within the hollow shaft portion 28 through which a pin 34 extends. The pin 34 is connected to a speed sensing slide element 36 that is slidably mounted within the shaft portion 23 and is biased toward one position by means of a spring element 38. The spring element therefore reacts between the slide elem nt 36 and an adjustable screw element 4d maintained in an axially adjusted position by means of a setscrew 42 which may be loosened so that the screw element 46 may be axially adjusted through its slotted end 44 to change the compression of the spring element 58. The spring element therefore biases the slide element 36 into engagement with the radially inwardly projecting arm 46 of a pair of lever elements 48 pivotally mounted by pins ill on a member '52 fixed to the shaft 24 for rotation therewith. Adjustably positioned on the lever elements 48 by means of setscrews 54, are weight members 56. Rotation of the shaft member 24 will accordingly develop centrifugal forces on the weight members 56 causing pivotal displacement of the lever elements 48 from the solid line position illustrated in FIGURE 4 to the dotted line position illustrated in FIGURE 4. As a result thereof, the slide element 36 engaged by the arms 46, will be axially displaced against the bias of the spring 33. The pin member 34 will therefore axially displace a sleeve member 53 that is axially slidable on the shaft member 24 and rotatable therewith.

The sleeve member 53 constitutes part of a switch actuating bearing assembly generally referred to by reference numeral M). The bearing assembly oil includes an axial thrust bearing 62 by means of which an annular member 64 is rotatably mounted. As will hereafter be explained, the annular member 64 is adapted to be restricted both in rotational and axial movement. However, the annular member 64 under certain conditions is axially displaceable by the sleeve member 53 through the thrust bearing 62 so as to also axially displace a resilient bumper member 66 carried on the shaft member. The bumper member in turn engages a movable switch contact member generally referred to by reference numeral 68.

Referring now to FIGURES 2, 3 and 4 in particular, it will be observed that the switch contact member 68 includes a plate member 7t}! having a cutout portion 72 so that the switch plate Til may straddle the shaft portion 28. A hinge pin 74 is mounted adjacent the base portion 20 of the housing by means of the bracket assembly 76. The switch actuating plate member 7@ is therefore connected to the hinge pin '74 by means of the fastener elements 78 so as to pivotally mount the plate member 7-0 about the axis defined by the hinge pin 74. The plate member 70 is also urged to one position by means of a spring element Sll mounted on a pin $2 fixed to the plate member 70 and extending through an aperture 254 in a fixed non-conductive base post $6 also mounted within the housing by means of the fixed bracket assembly 76. The fixed base post 536 also includes a cutout portion 538 that straddles the shaft portion 28. A pair of conductive contact members as are therefore mounted on the base post 86 on opposite sides of the shaft to which electrical conductors 92 are connected extending out of the side wall 14 of the housing 12. The fixed conductive contact members 99 are therefore adapted to be engaged by movable contact elements 94 that are yieldably mounted on the movable switch plate 70. Accordingly, the movable contact elements 94 have pins )6 connected thereto and slidably received by the movable switch plate member 7ft so as to mount spring elements 94 reacting between the switch plate iii and the movable contact elements 94. Accordingly, when the movable switch plate ill is engaged by the bumped member 66 upon axial displacement of the annular member at, the movable contact members W: will be urged into yieldable contact with the fixed contact members 90 in order to close the switch. It will also be appreciated, that axial displacement of the annular member d4 will depend upon the rotational speed of the shaft assembly 24 regulated by the compression of the spring 38 through adjustable setting of the screw element As hereinbefore indicated, the annular member 64 is restricted both rotationally and axially. Accordingly, the annular member 64 includes a plurality of circurnf rentially spaced slots 98, ltltl and 102 as more clearly seen in FIGURES 2 and 3. Any one of these slots, may be engaged by a limit member ltl i mounted at the upper end of adjustable member 1% that is fixed to the base 28 of the housing. The foot portion 1% of the adjustable member 1% is therefore provided with a slot lltl so that it may be adjustably fastened ot the base 256 through the fastener element 112. As illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3, the limit member MM is engaged within the axial slot so as to prevent rotation of the annular member 64 but without restricting axial movement thereof. Accordingly, rotational movement of the shaft member 24 in either rotational direction would cause axial shifting of the annular bearing member 64 in order to engage and displace the movable switch contact assembly 63. The switch will thereby close in response to rotation of the shaft assembly in either direction. When however, the limit member 1% is axially adjusted to a fixed position on the base member 24 as depicted in the center diagram of FIGURE 5, and the annular member as rotationally positioned so that the limit member 1% engages the direction sensing slot 1% thereof, rotational movement of the annular member 64 in the direction indicated by the arrow H4 in PEGURE 5 would permit the offset portion 116 of the slot 1% to be displaced by rotation of the annular member 64 by a limited amount so that axial displacement of the annular member 64 in the direction of arrow 118 will be prevented. Accordingly, rotation of the shaft member in the direction or arrow 114, will be sensed by the portion 116 of slot 1% to prevent closing of the switch contacts since the limit member 104 will then prevent axial displacement of the annular bearing member 64. Readjustment of the adjustable member 1% so as to position the limit member 104 within another direction sensing slot N2 of the annular bearing member 64 to similarly prevent operation of the switch assembly upon rotation of the shaft member 24 in the direction of arrow 12%. Accordingly, the slot 1632 includes an offset portion 122 disposed in the rotational direction opposite to that of the offset portion 116 of the slot 1%. It will therefore be appreciated, that through the sliding adjustment of the adjustable member lltld and rotational displacement of the annular bearing member 64 so as to have the limit member 164 engage any one of the slots 98, 1% and the switch assembly may be conditioned for operation either in both directions of rotation or in one or the other direction of rotation.

From the foregoing description, operation and utility of the switch assem -ly of the present invention will be apparent. It will therefore be appre iated, that the switch assembly of the present invention may be readily adjusted tl rough operation response to any desired speed and in response to any desired direction of rotation as well. Furthermore, the switch assembly by virtue of its novel construction is and reliably operative with minimum of repairs and with reduced Wearing of the parts because of the yieldable engagement between the switch contact elements the enclosure of the regulating spring within th rotatable shaft for engagement of the slidably mounted speed sensing element.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A speed responsive switch assembly comprising, housing means, shaft means rotatably mounted in the housing means, displaceable speed sensing means slidably mounted by said shaft means, means mounted by the shaft means and engageable with the speed sensing means for yieldably biasing thereof to one position on the shaft means, bearing means rotatably mounted on the shaft means and connected to said speed sensing means for axial displacement along said shaft means, switch contact means movably mounted by the housing means for engagement by the bearing means, and limit means including interengaging structure on said housing means and the bearing means for preventing displacement of the switch contact means by the bearing means in response to one selected direction of rotation of the shaft means.

2. A speed responsive switch assembly comprising, housing means, shaft means rotatably mounted in the housing means, displaceable speed sensing means slidably mounted by said shaft means, means mounted by the shaft means and engageable with the speed sensing means for yieldably biasing thereof to one position on the shaft means, bearing means rotatably mounted on the shaft means and connected to said sp ed sensing means for axial displacement along said shaft means, switch contact means movably mounted by the housing means in operative relation to the shaft means for engagement by the bearing means, and limit means including interengaging structure on said housing means and the bearing means for preventing displacement of the switch contact means by the bearing means in response to one selected direction of rotation of the shaft means, Said bearing means comprising an axial movable sleeve connected to said speed sensing means and rotatable therewith, an outer annular member rotatably mounted on said sleeve and rendered non-rotatable by said limit means, and yieldable bumper means slidably carried on said shaft means between said annular member and the switch contact means.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein said interengaging structure of the limit means comprises, axial slot means mounted on the caring means, and axially adjustable means fixed to the housing means and engageable with said slot means for directionally limiting rotational and axial movement of the beaing means.

4. A speed responsive switch assembly comprising, housing means, shaft means rotatably mounted in the housing means, displaceable speed sensing means slidably mounted within said shaft means and yieldably biased to one position, bearing means rotatably supported on the shaft means and operatively connected to said speed sensing means for axial displacement along said shaft means, switch contact means movably mounted by the housing means for engagement by the bearing means, and adjustable means operatively connected to said housing means and bearing means and selectively operative to prevent displacement of the switch contact means by the bearing means in response to one direction of rotation of the shaft means, said bearing means comprising an axial movable sleeve connected to said speed sensing means and rotatable therewith, an outer annular member rotatably mounted on said sleeve and rendered non-rotatable by said adjustable means and yieldable bumper means slidably carried on said shaft means between said annular member and the switch contact means, said adjustable means comprising, axial slot means mounted on the bearing means, axially adjustable limit means non-rotatively fixed to the housing means and engageable with said slot means for limiting rotational and axial movement of the bearing means, said slot means including a plurality of axial slots formed in said annular member in circumferentially spaced relation to each other, one of said slots having a portion offset in one rotational direction for engagement by the limit means to prevent axial displacement of the annular member in response to rotational displacement thereof in the other rotational directional by the shaft means.

5. A speed responsive switch assembly comprising, housing means, shaft means rotatably mounted in the housing means, displaceable speed sensing means slidably mounted within said shaft means and yieldably biased to one position, bearing means rotatably supported on the shaft means and operatively connected to said speed sensing means for axial displacement along said shaft means, switch contact means movably mounted by the housing means for engagement by the bearing means, and adjustable means operatively connected to said housing means and bearing means and selectively operative to prevent displacement of the switch contact means by the bearing means in response to one direction of rotation of the shaft means, said adjustable means comprising, axial slot means mounted on the bearing means, axially adjustable limit means non-rotatively fixed to the housing means and engageable with said slot means for limiting rotational and axial movement of the bearing means.

6. A speed responsive switch assembly comprising, a frame, rotatable means mounted for rotation by the frame, switch actuating means operatively mounted on said rotatable means for axial displacement in response to rotation thereof in either direction, switch means mounted by the frame in fixed relation to the rotatable means for engagement by the switch actuating means in response to said axial displacement thereof, and direction sensing limit means operatively mounted by the frame and engageable with the switch actuating means for preventing axial displacement thereof in response to limited rotation of the rotatable means in one direction only.

7. A speed responsive switch assembly comprising, a frame, rotatable means mounted for rotation by the frame, switch actuating means operatively mounted on said rotatable means for axial displacement in response to rotation thereof in either direction, switch means mounted by the frame in fixed relation to the rotatable means for engagement by the switch actuating means in response to said axial displacement thereof, and direction sensing limit means for preventing axial displacement of the switch actuating means in response to limited rotation of the rotatable means in one direction, said limit means comprising an annular member rotatably mounted on said switch actuating means having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots therein, one of said slots having a portion offset in one rotational direction and means fixed to the frame for projection into said slots to prevent axial displacement of the annular member in response to rotational displacement thereof in the other rotational direction by the rotatable means.

8. The combination of claim 1 wherein said interengaging structure of the limit means comprises, a plurality of spaced direction sensing slots formed on said bearing means, a limit member received in one of said slots and means for mounting the limit member in fixedly adjusted position on the housing means to sense said one selected direction of rotation.

9. A speed responsive switch device comprising a frame, a member rotatably mounted by the frame, speed sensing means displaceably mounted by the rotatably mounted member, switch actuating means movably mounted by the frame and engageable by the speed sensing means for displacement relative to the frame, a switch element mounted by the frame for engagement by the switch actuating means, limit means fixedly mounted by the frame in a plurality of selected positions, and directional sensing means mounted on the switch actuating means in engagement with the limit means to prevent displacement of the switch actuating means in response to limited rotation of said member in one direction only.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,691,668 11/28 Ohmer 200 2,083,411 6/37 Swanson 20080 2,418,373 4/47 Spaller 2008O 2,598,440 5/52 Reek 20080 FOREIGN PATENTS 619,313 5/61 Canada. 701,519 1/41 Germany.

BERNARD A. GILHEANY, Primary Examiner. ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. A SPEED RESPONSIVE SWITCH ASSEMBLY COMPRISING, HOUSING MEANS, SHAFT MEANS ROTATABLY MOUNTED IN THE HOUSING MEANS, DISPLACEABLE SPEED SENSING MEANS SLIDABLY MOUNTED BY SAID SHAFT MEANS, MEANS MOUNTED BY THE SHAFT MEANS AND ENGAGEABLE WITH THE SPEED SENSING MEANS FOR YIELDABLY BIASING THEREOF TO ONE POSITION ON THE SHAFT MEANS, BEARING MEANS ROTATABLY MOUNTED ON THE SHAFT MEANS AND CONNECTED TO SAID SPEED SENSING MEANS FOR AXIAL DISPLACEMENT ALONG SAID SHAFT MEANS, SWITCH CONTACT MEANS MOVABLY MOUNTED BY THE HOUSING MEANS FOR ENGAGEMENT BY THE BEARING MEANS, AND LIMIT MEANS INCLUDING INTERENGAGING STRUCURE ON SAID HOUSING MEANS AND THE BEARING MEANS FOR PREVENTING DISPLACEMENT OF THE SWITCH CONTACT MEANS BY THE BEARING MEANS IN RESPONSE TO ONE SELECTED DIRECTION OF ROTATION OF THE SHAFT MEANS.

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