US3185788A

US3185788A - Centrifugal control device with two sets of engageable contacts

Info

Publication number: US3185788A
Application number: US75217A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr William J Zollmann
Original assignee: Wagner Electric Corp
Current assignee: Wagner Electric Corp
Priority date: 1960-12-12
Filing date: 1960-12-12
Publication date: 1965-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 1982-05-25

Description

May 25, 1965 w. J. zoLLMANN, JR 3,185,788

CENTRIFUGAL CONTROL DEVICE WITH TWO SETS OF ENGAGEABLE CONTACTS May 25, 1965 w. J. zoLLMANN, JR 3,185,788

CENTRIFUGAL CONTROL DEVICE WITH TWO SETS OF ENGAGEABLE CONTACTS Filed Dec. 12, 1960 v f y.

ian

May 25, 1965 3,185,788

CENTRIFUGAL CONTROL DEVICE WITH TWO SETS OF ENGAGEABLE CONTACTS Filed Dec. 12, i960 w. .1. zQLLMANN, JR

3 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVHVTOR.

FIG.3

)mL/@M J. 20L-UIMM d2. BY

United States Patent O M 3,185,788 CENTRIFUGAL CONTROL DEVICE WITH TWO SETS F ENGAGEABLE CONTACTS William J. Zollmann, Jr., Foristell, Mo., assigner to Wagner Electric Corporation, St. Louis, Mo., a corpsration of Delaware Filed Dec. 12, 196i), Ser. No. 75,217 14 Claims. (Cl. Zilli-80) The present invention relates generally to electric switches and more particularly to electric switch assemblies especially well suited for use with speed responsive devices such as centrifugal mechanisms. For example, switches of this type are often used for controlling the circuit connections of a dynamoelectric machine such as a single phase electric motor in response to the speed of rotation of the motor shaft.

Centrifugal mechanisms, such as used in operating electric motor switches, generally include a sleeve member and spring biased iiyweight units rotatable with the motor shaft, the sleeve member also being axially movable on the shaft by the iyweight units in response to the speed of the shaft. The sleeve member is adapted to engage and operate the actuating member of the switch. Because there is usually a certain amount of eccentric rotation of the shaft and sleeve member, slight unbalance in the rotating parts of the centrifugal mechanism, or slight irregularities in the engaging surfaces of the sleeve member and actuating member, as well as some looseness of the sleeve on the shaft, the sleeve and actuating member of the switch usually wobble when in engagement.

In switches where the abovementioned wobbling eltect is transmitted to the electrical contacts of the switch, such as where the actuating member carries a movable contact, poor contact pressures, increased wearing, or even intermittent electrical contact may result. This is particularly true where more than one set of contacts are to be operated simultaneously by the switch actuating member. Also, considerable noise is usually produced as the sleeve member rubs and slaps the switch actuating member unless quieting pads are used between the members; and such pads, of course, increase the cost of the switch.

In accordance with the present invention, a switch is provided wherein the above undesirable effects are greatly reduced or substantially eliminated. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a switch assembly is provided which includes a biased contact carrying member having movable Contact means engageable with stationary Contact means of the switch assembly, and an actuating member which is engageable with the contact carrying member to effect engagement of the movable and stationary contact means and which is pivotally movable relative to the Contact carrying member.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved switch assembly which is simple in design, economical to manufacture, and reliable in operation.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide an improved switch adapted to be operated by y a speed responsive device wherein the contact engagement of associated contacts of the switch when closed is substantially unaffected by any wobbling of the speed responsive device or actuating member of the switch.

Another object is to provide a switch adapted to be operated by a speed responsive device wherein there is substantially no undesirable relative movement of associated contacts of the switch when the contacts are to be maintained closed.

Another object is to provide a novel switch adapted to be operated by a centrifugal mechanism wherein the switch is especially quiet `in operation.

3,l85,78ii Patented May 25, 1955 ICC Another object is to provide a switch having more than one set of associated contacts to be simultaneously operated and wherein the contact engagement of the associated contacts is substantially unaffected by any irregular motion of the switch actuating member.

Another object is to provide an electric switch adapted to be operated by a centrifugal mechanism mounted on a shaft of a dynamoelectric machine for controlling the connections of the winding circuit of the machine wherein any undesirable wobbling or irregular motion of the actuating member of the switch or parts of the centrifugal mechanism is substantially prevented from being transmitted to contacts ofthe switch.

Another object is to provide an improved switch which includes two sets of engageable contacts wherein the contact pressures at the two sets are maintained substantially equal when the contacts are closed.

Still another object is to provide a new and improved switch especially well suited for changing the winding circuit connections of an electric motor having multiple running windings and a. starting winding.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein a preferred embodiment of the present invention is clearly shown and wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts wherever they occur.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of a dynamoelectric machine provided with a switch assembly embodying the present invention,

FIG. 2 is an end view, partly in section, of the motor illustrated in FIG. l,

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the switch assembly of FIG. l in another of its operating conditions,

PEG. 4 is a plan view of the switch assembly as viewed from the right side thereof in FIG. l,

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 4, and

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a motor circuit utilizing the improved switch assembly.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly r to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a dynamoelectric machine illustrated as a single phase induction motor 10 including a housing l2 having a frame 14 and end shields 16 and 1S secured to the ends of the frame by a plurality of through bolts 20. Secured in the housing is a laminated stator core member 22 provided with slots (not shown) in which suitable windings are arranged. For illustration, the windings of the stator are shown including two main or running

windings

24 and 26, and a starting winding 28.

A conventional squirrel cage type rotor member 30 is shown disposed within the bore of the stator core and mounted on a shaft 32 rotatably supported in suitable bearing structures carried by the end shields 16 and 1S.

In the type of induction motor illustrated in the drawings, it is desirable that the starting winding and a running winding be energized during the period when the motor starts and before the speed of the motor reaches a predetermined value. When the speed of the motor reaches the predetermined value it is desirable to deenergize the starting winding and thereafter maintain a running winding energized. When the motor is turned off it is, of course, desirable to have the starting winding reconnected with a main winding as the speed of the motor falls below a certain predetermined value so that the motor will be in condition for restarting. in order to accomplish control of the winding circuit of the motor in response to the speed of rotation thereof, a suitable speed responsive device, shown as a centrifugal operating mechanism 34's, is mounted on shaft 32 and adapted to operate a switch assembly 36 embodying the present invention, the switch being described in detail hereinafter.

The centrifugal mechanism 34 is mounted on shaft 32 for rotation therewith between switch assembly 36 and rotor member 3i). As seen in FIG. l, the mechanism 3ft includes a bracket 3S secured to shaft 32, such as by press fitting it thereon, a pair of spring biased centrifugal Weight units 4t) pivotally mounted on hinge pins dit fixed to opposite sides of the bracket, and an axially movable and rotatable sleeve or collar member 42. The weight units are normally biased toward one another by a pair of springs 43 (one shown) connected between the ends of the weight units at each side of the shaft. The springs 43 extend lengthwise in portions of a circular groove i4 provided in the sleeve member. The sleeve member is axially movable on the shaft by springs 43 in response to movement of centrifugal weight units 4d. At rest, and when the centrifugal mechanism is rotating below its critical or predetermined speed, springs 43 bias the weight units toward each other while urging sleeve 42 to the left, this being the condition of the mechanism as seen in FIG. l. When the shaft and centrifugal mechanism exceed the predetermined speed of rotation, weight units iti pivot outwardly from each other tensioning springs 43 which then pull the sleeve to the right, this being the condition indicated in FIG. 3 where sleeve 42; is shown spaced from switch assembly 36.

The improved switch assembly 36, as illustrated in the drawings, includes a generally L-shaped mounting or base plate 48 formed, for example, from a suitable insulating material such as berboard. The insulating plate 48 is secured within the motor housing adjacent the centrifugal mechanism by a plurality of mounting lugs 49. Terminal studs t), 5l, 52 and 53 for providing lead connections are mounted on the longer leg of the plate 4S, and the switch structure is mounted on the shorter leg adjacent the end of the plate. An opening is provided in the plate adjacent the switch structure for mounting, where desired, a conventional protective or overload device 56 which is shown in FIG. 4 attached to the mounting plate 43. In order to simplify the drawings for sake of clarity, the overload device 56 is shown only in FIGS. 4 and 7. The Winding circuit, including the connections to the terminal studs and overload device, will be described hereinafter.

The switch structure includes two spaced

stationary contacts

58 and 59 fixed to the inner side of the plate 48, which side faces the stator and rotor members of the motor. Electric terminals 6i) and 6l are secured to the opposite ends of stationary contacts 5S and 59 adjacent the opposite or outer side of the plate to provide electrical connections to the contacts. The

stationary contacts

58 and 59 are adapted to be respectively engaged by spaced movable contacts 63 and 6d fixed to a Contact carrying member 66 which is resiliently biased from the inner side of mounting plate 48. The member 66 is preferably made of conductive leaf spring metal which may be stamped, for example, from bronze sheet metal. The member 66 has one end attached to the plate 4S by means of rivets 68 and is biased from the plate by providing a bend or crease therein, such as indicated at 69. In this way, the lower end of member 66 is biased from plate 48 by the inherent resiliency thereof. The Contact carrying member is shown rectangular in shape having an opening "7@ and longitudinally extending parallel legs 71 and 72 joined at their lower ends by a laterally extending leg or end portion 73. The upper ends of the legs are joined together and end in a terminal tab 74 which provides means for making an electrical connection vto the member 66 and its

contacts

63 and 64. The

contacts 63 and 64tare disposed on the leaf spring legs il '7i and 72, respectively in biased aligned relation with

stationary contacts

58 and 59.

The switch assembly also includes a switch actuating member shown as a Y-shaped member 76 mounted on plate 48 for pivotal movement relative thereto. The actuating member is formed with

arms

77 and 73 which straddle the shaft 32, the free ends of the arms being engageable with sleeve member 42 of centrifugal mechanism 34. A pair of spaced bosses 79 extend from one side of the actuating member and bear against the mounting plate 4S between legs 71 and 72 of the contact carrying member 66 to provide a fulcrum for the actuating member intermediate its ends. The actuating member is normally biased from the plate by a biasing spring Si? disposed on a mounting pin 81 attached to the actuating member adjacent the upper end thereof. As seen more clearly in FIG. 5, the pin Si extends through an opening 82 in the plate 48 with the spring disposed between a head or enlarged end of the pin and the outer side of the plate. As seen in FiG. 3, spring 80 urges the upper end of the actuating member 76 toward the plate with the actuating member 76 pivoting at the fulcrum provided by bosses 79 to thereby cause its lower end to be biased outwardly from the inner side of the plate. The actuating member is thus longitudinally pivotal relative to the plate, i.e., the actuating member is pivotal at the fulcrum provided by bosses 79 such that the lower portion thereof is movable in a direction toward and away from the plate. Because there is some looseness of the mounting pin 81 in the opening SZ, the actuating member is also able to move and turn at various angles, within limits, relative to the mounting plate. The two spaced bosses 79 act to stabilize the actuating member and maintain the ends of the two arms 77 and '78 of the actuating member in parallel relation when biased outwardly of the plate. For the purpose of limiting the outward movement of actuating member 76, a stop member 83 is liixed to the actuating member. The stop member extends through a slotted opening 84 in the plate and has an enlarged end which is engageable with the outer side of the plate adjacent the slot portion of the opening to limit the travel of the actuating member.

As seen in FIG. 4, the upper portion of actuating member 76 is disposed laterally between the legs '7l and 72 of contact carrying member 66 with the actuating member overlying end portion 73 of member 66. A pivotal abutment member S5 is disposed between the facing surfaces of

members

66 and 76 to permit pivotal movement of member 76 relative to member 66 and concert movement of the members 66 and 'I6 in response to a force applied to member 76 by sleeve member 42 of the centrifugal mechanism. Abutment member 85 is shown for illustration in the form of a rivet xed to the actuating member and having a rounded or semi-spherical end or head to provide a substantially point contact engagement with the member 66. The pivotal abutment member 85 provides a fulcrum for actuating member 76, so that the actuating member is pivotal about the point at Which the member 85 engages the contact carrying member.

When actuating member 76 is moved toward the mounting plate by sleeve 42, pivotal abutment member 85 engages end portion 73 of contact carrying member 66 at a point laterally between the two

contacts

63 and 64. Preferably, member 85 abuts member 66 at a point equidistant from the two contacts to insure that equal contact pressures are applied at the two spaced sets of contacts. As shown in the drawings, and more clearly in FIG. 6, abutment member S5 engages member 66 at a point equidistant from

contacts

63 and 64.

When sleeve 42 is moved to the left as viewed in FIG. 1, the lower end of actuating member 76 is pivotally moved in a generally axial direction about the fulcrum provided by bosses 79, and the contact carrying member is moved in concert with the actuating member to effect engagement of

contacts

63 and 64 with contacts 5S and S9, respectively, After the movable contacts engage the stationary contacts, the actuating member then pivots aty the fulcrum provided by abutment 85 to maintain the contacts under pressure. As seen in FIGS. l and 5, bosses 79 move out of engagement with plate 48, the force applied to the actuating member overcoming the biasing force of spring 80. When the sleeve member moves to the right, the biasing force of spring 80 and the inherent biasing force of leaf spring member 66 cause the lower ends of member 76 and member 66 to move to the right so that

contacts

63 and 64 are moved away from their

co-operating contacts

58 and 59.

While actuating member 76 is longitudinally pivotal relative to the mounting plate 48 and contact carrying member 66, it being pivotal at the fulcrums provided by bosses 79 and abutment member 85 in response to axial movement of sleeve member 42, the actuating member is also pivotal relative to the contact carrying member in response to any irregular movement or wobble 'produced by the engagement of sleeve 42 with the actuating member during the starting period of the motor. For example, the actuating member is also laterally pivotal relative to the contact carrying member as is indicated in FIG. 6 where the actuating member is shown tilted relative to the contact carrying member. In other Words, the actuating member is pivotal about its geometric center which is indicated by the longitudinally extending dashed line 86 in FlG. 2. As previously mentioned herein, the actuating member of a switch of this type usually wobbles when it is engaged by the rotating sleeve of the centrifugal mechanism; however, with the switch assembly disclosed herein, such irregular motion is not transmitted to contact carrying member 66 since the actuating member is pivotal relative thereto at the fulcrum provided by pivotal abutment member 85. With this construction, even though the actuating member wobbles when the rotating sleeve 42 is in engagement therewith, the member 66 remains substantially stationary to maintain

contacts

63 and 64 in good contact engagement with

stationary contacts

58 and 59, respectively.

The switch assembly 36 is also shown including a third set of contacts for closing and opening another portion of the motor circuit as will be explained hereinafter. As illustrated in the drawings, a bracket S7 is xed to mounting plate 48 by rivets 88, the bracket extending outwardly from the inner side of the mounting plate and overlying a surface area of member 66. A stationary contact 39 is fixed to one end of the bracket 87 for engagement with a movable contact 90 secured to the contact carrying member in aligned relation with Contact 89. Bracket 87 is provided with an integral terminal portion, indicated at S7', to provide means for connecting a circuit lead to the bracket and Contact 39. ln the drawings, contact 90 is shown integral with contact 64 which is at the opposite side of member 66. When the sleeve member is moved to the right out of engagement with actuating member 76, the

contacts

63 and 64 are moved out of engagement with their associated

contacts

58 and 59 and the contact 90 is moved into engagement with contact 89 due to the biasing force inherent in member 66. This engagement also limits the outward movement ot contact carrying member 66. When the sleeve member moves to the left to effect engagement of

contacts

63 and 64 with

contacts

58 and 59, respectively, the contact 9i) moves out of engagement with contact 89. i

In assembling the switch, the actuating member which may be stamped and formed from any suitable sheet metal, may be assembled to the mounting plate after the member 66 is attached. The stop member 83 and pivotal abutment member S5 may be conveniently attached to the actuating member by peening or riveting operations. The opening 84 in the mounting plate is made large enough to permit insertion of the stop member 83 during assembly. Mounting pin 81 which carries bias spring may be inserted through opening 82 in the plate and riveted to the actuating member. Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a motor circuit utilizing the improved switch assembly wherein the winding 24 will be assumed to be a high speed running winding, and winding 26 a low speed running winding, the motor being operable at two different speeds. The switch is shown schematically in FlG. 7 in its motor starting condition. The running winding 24 is shown with one end connected by a lead 10i) to terminal stud 50 and the other end of the Winding to terminal stud 51 by a lead 101. Terminal stud 51 is connected by a lead 102 through a heating element 103 and a bimetallic element 104 of the overload device 56 and thence by a lead 105 to terminal stud 52, which stud may be used as a common terminal for connection to one side of an alternating voltage source lue. The other side of the voltage source is shown connected, for example, through a two-position switch 106 to terminal stud 53 which, in turn, is connected to terminal stud S0 by a lead 167, engaging

contacts

58 and 63, and a lead 108. Thus, winding 24 is connected across terminal studs 52 and 53 through co-operating contacts 58 and 63s, and Contact carrying member 66 of the switch assembly. Starting winding 28 is also connected across terminal studs 52 and 53. As shown, winding 2S has one end connected by a lead 109 to stationary contact 59 which is engaged by movable contact 64 which, in turn, is electrically connected through member 66 and lead 167 to terminal stud 53. The other end of winding 28 is connected through a phase shifting capacitor 110 and a lead 111 to terminal stud 51 and thence by a lead 102, elements 163 and 104 of the overload device, and lead ltlfl to terminal stud 52. The low speed winding 26 has one end connected through a lead 112, another heating element 113 and the element 194 of overload device 56, and lead 165 to terminal stud 52. The other end of winding 26 is connected by lead 114 to stationary contact S9, which contact is shown out of engagement with its associated movable contact 90, the contact 9i) being connected to terminal stud 53 through member 66 and lead 197.

When the voltage of source 166 is applied to terminal studs k52 and 53, it will be seen that high speed running windin 24 and starting winding 28 are energized through the two sets of engaged

contacts

58 and 63, and 59 and 64, respectively, to start the motor. After the motor reaches the critical or predetermined speed of rotation, the centrifugal forces overcome the biasing forces of springs 43 of the centrifugal mechanism causing sleeve member 42 to move out of engagement with the actuating member. This causes

contacts

63 and 64 to move out of engagement with their associated

contacts

58 and 59 and to move contact 9h into engagement with Contact 89. This action disconnects running winding 24 and starting winding 2S from the voltage source and connects low speed ruiming winding 26 through engaging

contacts

89 and 90 to the voltage source. The motor then runs on low speed winding 26.

lf it is desired to connect the motor for high speed running operation, one side of the voltage source is connected to terminal stud 5t? instead ot to terminal stud 53 to thereby impress the voltage of source 196 across terminal studs Srl and 52. yThis change in connection may be made, for example, by moving the contact arm of switch 166 to its other indicated switch position. With the voltage impressed across

studs

50 and 52, it will be seen that the motor will start, as before, with high speed running winding 24 and starting winding Z8 energized, the lower end of winding 2S being connected to terminal stud -S through engaging

contacts

59 and 64, and 58 and 63, and lead 16S. When the critical speed is reached, only the starting winding circuit is opened, high speed winding 24 remaining energized since terminal stud 50 is now directly connected to the voltage source. In this particular example of operation, the motor starts and runs with high speed winding 24 energized, the low speed winding 26 not being used.

While the switch assembly of the present invention has been shown utilized in the motor circuit of FIG. 7, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the switch assembly can be used in other circuit arrangements.

Although sleeve 42 and actuating member 76 may wobble when in engagement during the motor starting period due to such things as slight irregularities in their engaging surfaces, a slight looseness of the sleeve on the shaft, unbalance in rotating parts, or the like, the contact carrying member 66 is maintained substantially stationary since the actuating member is permitted to pivot relative thereto at the fulcrum provided by pivotal abutment member 85. This substantially prevents any pivoting of one contact on its co-operating contact and reduces mechanical and electrical noise as well as Contact wear. Also, since the actuating member is freely pivotal, within limits, at the fulcrum provided by pivotal abutment member 8S, the actuating member moves in accordance with any irregular movement of the sleeve member or irregularities in the engaging surfaces of the sleeve and actuating member, and the noise resulting from the engagement of the switch actuating member and rotatable sleeve member is therefore considerably reduced.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings have been given only by way of illustration and example, and that changes and alterations in the present disclosure, which will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. A switch mechanism comprising a base plate of insulating material, a pair of spaced contacts on said base plate, a conductive contact carrying member mounted on said plate with one end resiliently biased in spaced relation to said plate, a pair of spaced movable Contact means on said contact carrying member at one side thereof to be engageable respectively with said stationary contacts, a switch actuating member separate from said contact carrying member mounted on said plate independently of said contact carrying member and having one end resiliently biased in spaced relation to said plate, said contact carrying member having a portion interconnecting said pair of movable contact means for concert movement thereof, said actuating member having a por-tion overlying said portion or" said contact carrying member, and pivotal engagement means on one of said portions engageable with the other of said portions so that said actuating member is pivotal relative to said contact carrying member and operable to move the biased end and said portion of said contact carrying member toward said base plate to concertly move said pair of movable contact means into engagement with said contacts, respectively, in response to a force applied to said actuating member.

2. In combination with a rotatable device and a centrifugal mechanism having a movable element responsive to the speed of said device, of a switch comprising a plate of insulating material, a pair of spaced stationary contacts mounted on said plate, a leaf spring member having one end rigidly secured to said plate and the other end biased from said plate by the inherent resiliency thereof, said biased end of said spring member including spaced contact means for respective engagement with said contacts and a portion interconnecting said contact means for concert movement thereof, an actuating member separate from said spring member pivotally mounted on said plate and adapted to be operated by said centrifugal mechanism, said actuating member overlying said portion of said biased end of said spring member, and pivotal engagement means rigidly fixed to and extending outwardly from one side `of one of said members and engageable with the other of said members to provide pivotal engagement between said portion of said spring member and said actuating mcmber, said engagement means providing a fulcrum for said actuating member on said portion of said spring member for pivotal movement of said actuating member relative to said spring member and concert movement of said members toward said plate in response to a force applied to said actuating member by said movable element to concertly move said contact means into engagement with said stationary contacts.

3. A switch mechanism comprising a base plate, two spaced stationary contacts on said plate, a leaf spring member mounted on said base plate and including a pair of spaced legs having ends biased from said plate and a yoke joining the biased ends of said legs, a movable contact on each leg of said spring member in aligned relation with said stationary contacts respectively, an actuating member separate from said spring member mounted on said plate independently of said spring member with one end biased from said plate and with 4a portion overlying said yoke, said actuating member having means extending outwardly from one side thereof defining a fulcrum therefor, said fulcrum bearing against said plate between the legs of said spring member, stop means limiting the movement of said actuating member outwardly of said plate, and pivotal engagement means on one of said members engaging the other of said members and disposed between said actuating member and said yoke whereby said actuating member is pivotally movable relative to said spring member and said members are movable in concert toward and away from said plate for engagement and disengagement of said movable contacts with said stationary contacts respectively.

4. A switch mechanism comprising an insulating base plate, two spaced stationary contacts on said plate, a leaf spring member mounted on said base plate and including a pair of spaced legs having ends biased from said plate and a yoke joining the biased ends of said legs, a movable contact on each leg of said spring member in aligned relation with said stationary contacts respectively, an actuating member separate from said spring member mounted on said plate with one end biased from said plate and with a portion overlying said yoke, said actuating member having pivotal means extending outwardly from one side thereof defining a fulcrum therefor, resilient means connected with said actuating means and urging said fulcrum into engagement with said plate between the legs of said spring member and said portion of said actuating member outwardly of said plate, stop means connected between said base plate and said actuating member for limiting the movement of said end of said actuating member outwardly of said plate, and pivotal engagement means on said portion of said actuating member engageable with said yoke, said actuating member being pivotally movable on said plate against said resilient means in response to an applied force thereon to urge said pivotal engagement means against said yoke and said movable contacts into engagement with said stationary contacts, respectively.

5. A switch mechanism adapted to be operated by a speed responsive device comprising a mounting pla-te of insulating material, first and second spaced stationary contacts on one side of said plate, a leaf spring member having one end fixed to said plate and the other end normally biased from said plate by the inherent resiliency thereof, iirst and second spaced movable con-tacts secured at one side of said spring member adjacent said other end in aligned relation with said lirst and second stationary contacts, respectively, a third movable contact secured to said spring member at the other side thereof, a third stationary contact, means for mounting said third stationary contact in spaced aligned relation with said third movable contact, said third movable contact being normally urged into engagement with said third stationary contact by said inherent resiliency of said spring member, an actuating member separate from said spring member mounted on said plate tor movement relative to said plate, said actuating member overlying a portion of said other end of said spring member, pivotal abutment means on said actuating means engageable with the other side of said spring member for pivotal movement of said actuating member relative to said spring member and effect concert movement of said members toward said plate to effect engagement of said irst movable contact with said iirst stationary conltact and said second movable contact with said second stationary contact and disengagement of said third movable and stationary contacts in response to a force applied to said actuating member by said speed responsive device.

6. A switch mechanism for an electric motor adapted to be operated by a centrifugal device having an axially movable sleeve mounted on the shaft of the motor comprising a plate of insulating material mounted adjacent said shaft, a pair of spaced stationary contacts on one side thereof, connection means for connecting said contacts in the Winding circuit of the motor, a leaf spring member having one end rigidly secured to said plate and the other end biased from said plate, a pair of spaced movable contacts on said spring member adjacent the biased end thereof for e-ngagement with said stationary contacts, respectively, an actuating member separate from said spring member mounted on said plate for movement relative thereto, resilient means biasing one end of said actuating member from said plate, means limiting the movement of said one end of said actuating member outwardly of said plate, said actuating member vhaving a first portion overlying a portion of said biased end of said spring member and a second portion in aligned relation with said sleeve `for engagement therewith, and pivotal engagement means extending outward- -ly from one of said members toward the other of said members and disposed between said iirst portion of said actuating member and said biased end of said spring member, 'said pivotal engagement means being engageable with said other of said members whereby said actuating member is pivotally movable relative to said spring member and said members are movable in concert toward said plate for engagement of said movable contacts with said stationary contacts respectively when a force is applied to said actuating member by said sleeve.

'7, In an electrodynamic machine having a shaft, and a centrifugal mechanism on the shaft including a sleeve element movable axially in response to the speed of rotation of the shaft, a switch mounted adjacent said shaft adapted to be actuated by the sleeve element of said centrifugal mechanism for closing and opening an electric circuit comprising a base plate of insulating material, a pair of spaced stationary contacts on said plate connected in said electric circuit, a resilient member connected to said plate adjacent one side thereof, said resilient member having a pair of spaced legs biased from said plate and a yoke joining adjacent ends of the legs, contact means on each of said legs in aligned relation respectively with said stationary contacts for engagement therewith, an actuating member, pivotal abutment means extending outwardly from one side of said actuating member providing a fulcrum bearing against said plate between -said legs of said resilient member, pin means secured to said actuating member adjacent one end thereof, said pin means extending through an opening provided in said plate, a spring on said pin means at the other side of said plate for biasing said one end ot' said actuating member toward said plate and the other end thereof away from said plate, said actuating mem-ber overlying a portion of said yoke and having a portion adapted to be engaged by said sleeve element, and pivotal engagement means extending voutwardly from one side of said actuating member toward said yoke for providing a fulcrum for said actuating member for pivotal movement of said actuating member relative to said resilient member and concert movement of said members to effect engagement of said stationary contacts and said contact mea-ns in response to axial movement of said sleeve element in one direction yfor closing said electric circuit, said members being movable away from said plate for disengagement o said contact means and said stationary contacts in response to movement of said sleeve element in the opposite direction.

8. A switch mechanism comprising a base plate, a pair of spaced contacts on said plate, a Contact member connected to said plate including a pair of spaced contact means adapted for respective engagement with said contacts and a portion resiliently urged from said pla-te and said contacts and interconnecting said spaced contact means for concert movement thereof toward engagement with said contacts, actuating means separate from said contact member mounted on said plate independently of said contact member for pivotal movement relative to said plate, and resilient means urging said yactuating means from said plate, said portion of said contact member being disposed between said plate and said actuating means, said actuating means pivotally engaging said portion of said contact member at a point between said spaced contact means for pivotal movement of said actuating means relative to said contact member and move said contact member in concert therewith toward said plate to concertly urge said spaced Contact means into engagement with said contacts in response to an applied torce on said actuating means.

9. A switch mechanism comprising a base plate, a pair ot spaced stationary contacts on said plate, a contact member connected to said plate including a pair of spaced Contact means rthereon for respective engagement with said contacts and resiliently urged from said plate and said contacts, said contact member having a portion thereot interconnecting said contact means for concert movement thereof toward engagement with said contacts, an actuating member separate from said contact member mounted on said plate independently of said contact member tor pivotal movement relative to said iplate, resilient means connected with said actuating member and urging one end thereof from said plate, and pivotal abutment means on one ot said members engagable with the other of said members to provide substantially point contact engagement between said members, said actuating member being in point contact engagement with said portion of said contact member at a point between said spaced contact means to urge said spaced contact means into engagement with said contacts and permit pivotal movement of said actuating member relative to said contact member when a force is applied on said actuating member.

l0. A switch mechanism comprising a base plate, a pair of spaced contacts on said base plate, leaf spring member having one side facing said plate with one end xed to said plate and the other end thereof normally biased away from said plate, spaced contact means on said one side of said spring member adjacent to said other end thereof for respective engagement with said contacts, said spring member including a portion interconnecting said spaced contact means for concert movement, a movable actuating member separate from said spring member and mounted on said plate for pivotal movement relative to said plate and said spring member, resilient means biased between said plate and actuating member normally urging a portion of said yactuating member into pivotal engagement with said plate and urging one end por-tion of said actuating member in a direction away from said plate and said spring member, said actuating member overlying said portion of said spring member, and point contact engagement means on Said actuating member for engagement w-ith said portion of said .spring member at a point between said spaced contact means to provide pivotal movement of said actuating member relative to said spring member and `concert movement of said spring and actuating members toward said plate to effect engagement of said spaced contact means with said contacts when an actuating force is applied on said one end portion of said actuating member.

ll. A switch mechanism comprising a mounting plate, a pair of spaced stationary contacts on said plate, .a spring il l member having opposed ends, one of said ends being fixed to said plate and the other of said ends being biased from said plate by the inherent resiliency of said spring member, said spring member including a pair of spaced movable contacts adjacent said other end in aligned relation With said stationary contacts, respectively, for respective engagement therewith, and a yoke portion interconnecting said movable contacts for concert movement toward eng-agement with said stationary contacts, an actuating member separate from said spring member mounted to said plate for pivotal movement relative to said plate and said spring member, resilient means biased between said plate and said actuating member normally urging an end portion of said actuating member in a direction away from said plate and said spring member, said actuating member overlying said yoke portion, and means pivotally engaged between said actuating member and said yoke portion to provide pivotal movement of said kactuating member relative to said spring member and substantially concert movement of said actuating and spring members toward said plate to engage said movable contacts with said stat-ionary contacts in response to an actuating force applied on said actuating member adjacent to said end por-tion thereof.

12. A switch mechanism adapted to be operated by a speed responsive device comprising a mounting plate, a pair of spaced stationary contacts on one side of said plate, a spring member having opposed ends, one of said ends being fixed to said one plate side and the other of said ends being biased from said one plate side by the inherent resiliency thereof, said spring member including a pair of spaced movable contacts adjacent to said other end for respective engagement with said stationary contacts and a yoke portion interconnecting said movable contacts for concert movement, an actuating member separate from said spring member and mounted on said plate for pivotal movement relative to said plate and said spring member, spring means connected between said actuating member and said plate normally urging a portion of said actuating member into pivotal engagement with said plate and another portion thereof in a direction away from said plate and spring member, said other portion of said actuating member overlying said yoke portion and adapted to have a force applied thereon by said speed responsive device, and Ipivotal abutment means on said actuating member for engagement with said yoke portion of said spring member between said movable contacts to provide for pivotal movement of said actuating member relative to said spring member and substantially concert movement of said spring and actuating members in a direction toward said plate to etect the engagement of said movable and stationary contacts when an actuating force is applied on said other portion of said actuating member by said speed responsive device` 13. A switch mechanism comprising a base plate, a pair of contacts on said plate, a contact member having a pair of spaced contact means for respective engagement with said contacts, movable switch means pivotally engaged with said plate and having an actuating portion for engagement with said contact member, said contact member being separate from said switch means and connected to said plate independently of said switch means and including a resilient portion interconnecting said spaced contact means for concert movement and normally urged away from said contacts toward engagement with said switch means, resilient means engaged between said plate and switch means normally urging said -switch means into pivotal engagement with said plate and normally urging said actuating portion in a direction away from said plate and contact member, and pivotal abutment means on one of said portions engageable with the other of said portions for pivotal movement of said switch means relative to said contact member, said switch means being pivotally movable on said plate against said resilient means in response t-o an applied actuating force on said actuating portion to urge said resilient portion of said contact member toward said plate and concertly move said spaced contact means into engagement with said contacts.

14. A switch mechanism comprising a base plate, a pair of spaced contacts on said base plate, a contact member connected with said baSe plate and resiliently urged therefrom including spaced contact means adapted for respective engagement with said contacts, and a portion interconnecting said contact means for concert movement thereof toward engagement with said contacts, a movable actuating member separate from said contact member and mounted on said base plate for pivotal movement relative to Said base plate land contact member including a portion biased from said plate and overlying said contact member portion for driving engagement therewith, and pivotal abutment means disposed on one of said portions for engagement with the other of said portions for pivotal movement of said actuating member relative to said contact member and effect concert movement of said members toward said plate to engage said contact means with `said contacts in response to an applied force on said actuating member.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,625,630 1/53 Eckles 200-80 2,662,143 12/53 Eckles 200--80 2,683,844 7/54 Schaefer Z200-80 2,806,917 9/57 Hupp et al. 20G-80 2,812,401 11/57 Waters ZOO-80 2,908,785 10/59 Stayton 200-104 2,943,166 6/60 May 200-80 FOREIGN PATENTS 671,170 2/39 Germany.

BERNARD A. GILHEANY, Primary Examiner.

MAX L. LEVY, ROBERT K. SCHAEFER,

Examiners.

Claims

14. A SWITCH MECHANISM COMPRISING A BASE PLATE, A PAIR OF SPACED CONTACTS ON SAID BASE PLATE, A CONTACT MEMBER CONNECTED WITH SAID BASE PLATE AND RESILIENTLY URGED THEREFROM INCLUDING SPACED CONTACT MEANS ADAPTED FOR RESPECTIVE ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID CONTACTS, AND A PORTION INTERCONNECTING SAID CONTACT MEANS FOR CONCERT MOVEMENT THEREOF TOWARD ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID CONTACTS, A MOVABLE ACTUATING MEMBER SEPARATE FROM SAID CONTACT MEMBER AND MOUNTED ON SAID BASE PLATE FOR PIVOTAL MOVEMENT RELATIVE TO SAID BASE PLATE AND CONTACT MEMBER INCLUSING A PORTION BIASED FROM SAID PLATE AND OVERLYING SAID CONTACT MEMBER PORTION FOR DRIVING ENGAGEMENT THEREWITH, AND PIVOTAL ABUTMENT MEANS DISPOSED ON ONE OF SAID PORTIONS FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH THE OTHER OF SAID PORTIONS FOR PIVOTAL MOVEMENT OF SAID ACTUATING MEMBER RELATIVE TO SAID CONTACT MEMBER AND EFFECT CONCERT MOVEMENT OF SAID MEMBERS TOWARD SAID PLATE TO ENGAGE SAID CONTACT MEANS WITH SAID CONTACTS IN RESPONSE TO AN APPLIED FORCE ON SAID ACTUATING MEMBER.