US3233052A - Interlocking mechanism - Google Patents
Interlocking mechanism Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US3233052A US3233052A US287436A US28743663A US3233052A US 3233052 A US3233052 A US 3233052A US 287436 A US287436 A US 287436A US 28743663 A US28743663 A US 28743663A US 3233052 A US3233052 A US 3233052A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- members
- arm
- displaced
- projecting
- contactor
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 9
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009849 deactivation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004870 electrical engineering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008092 positive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002226 simultaneous effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
- G05G5/00—Means for preventing, limiting or returning the movements of parts of a control mechanism, e.g. locking controlling member
- G05G5/06—Means for preventing, limiting or returning the movements of parts of a control mechanism, e.g. locking controlling member for holding members in one or a limited number of definite positions only
- G05G5/08—Interlocking of members, e.g. locking member in a particular position before or during the movement of another member
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H50/00—Details of electromagnetic relays
- H01H50/16—Magnetic circuit arrangements
- H01H50/18—Movable parts of magnetic circuits, e.g. armature
- H01H50/32—Latching movable parts mechanically
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H50/00—Details of electromagnetic relays
- H01H50/16—Magnetic circuit arrangements
- H01H50/18—Movable parts of magnetic circuits, e.g. armature
- H01H50/32—Latching movable parts mechanically
- H01H50/323—Latching movable parts mechanically for interlocking two or more relays
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
- Y10T74/20207—Multiple controlling elements for single controlled element
- Y10T74/20238—Interlocked
Definitions
- This invention relates to interlocking mechanism of the type serving to prevent the simultaneous displacement of two displaceable elements. It has been especially developed in connection with electrical relay and contactor apparatus, as a safety device for preventing simul taneous actuation of a pair of contactor units eg both to contact-making condition.
- Safety interlocking devices of this class are widely used in electrical engineering, one common instance of theirusefulness being provided by the situation where a reversible twoor more-phase AC. motor is connected to the power supply by way of two contactor units, the separate actuation of each of which will cause the motor to rotate in a corresponding direction by reversal of the connection between the phase windings of the motor and the supply. Should both contactors be actuated simultaneously through inadvertence or accident, a short-circuit betweenmotor phases would result and serious damage would occur.
- One common form of mechanical interlock device comprises a pair of lever arms rockable about parallel axes and mounted to be actuated by the respective contactors on movement of the latter to actuated condition. In the initial or inactive condition of both contactor units the two arms may be directed towards each other at an angle of about 90. Actuation of one of the contactor units will rock the related arm towards the other arm, and into engagement or near-engagement with it, whereupon it is placed in the path of rotation of said other arm thereby preventing actuation of the other contactor unit solong as the first unit remains in its actuated condition.
- the invention in its chief aspect comprises interlocking arms projecting from the respective members in mutually crossed relation, means actuated by each element on displacement thereof to its displaced position to rock a related one of said members from a first to a second angular position in a direction tending to move the related United States Patent O arm away from its crossed relation with the other arm, and a part on each arm projecting towards the other arm in a direction generally parallel to said axes and so positioned that with both members in their first positions said parts are. clear of each other so that either member can be displaced to its second position, while with one member in its second position the projecting part thereof stands in the path of the projecting part of the other member whereby the latter cannot be displaced to its second position.
- FIGURE '1 is a plan view, from below, showing the improved interlock applied to a pair of associated contactor units each having a pair of displaceable actuator elements in the form of vertically slidable rods:
- FIGURE 2 is a sectional elevation of the mechanism on line 11-11 of FIGURE 1; in both FIGURES 1 and 2 the electrical contactor units with which the mechanism of the invention is associated are shown in general outline only; and
- FIGURE 3 is a'perspective view of one of the two similar rocking members of the interlock mechanism.
- each contactor unit conventional per se, is shown by way of example as including an E-shaped magnetic core 1 having an energizing winding coil 2 on its central leg, and an E-shaped movable armature 3, having its three legs registering with those of core 1, and suitably mounted above the core.
- an E-shaped magnetic core 1 having an energizing winding coil 2 on its central leg
- an E-shaped movable armature 3 having its three legs registering with those of core 1, and suitably mounted above the core.
- Secured to the top of the armature 3 is'a cruciform plate 4.
- Both contactor units C1 and C2 are supported on the top of a common base plate 7 having vertically depending side flanges 7a.
- the armature 3 of that unit On energization of the winding 2 of either of the contactor units, say C2, the armature 3 of that unit is attracted downwardly and causes, through the resilient connection provided by the cruciform plate 4, a corresponding downward displacement of the related pair of rods 5. In this downward displacement, the rods 5 act to close and/or open any number of contact means, not
- both contactor units As shown in the drawings, the lower ends of both pairs of actuator rods 5 lie substantially flush with the under surface of the base plate 7, while in the operated condition of a contractor unit, the related actuator rods 5 project below said under surface of the base plate.
- the interlocking mechanism that will presently be described serves to prevent simultaneous operation of both contactor units C1 and C2, i.e. prevent simultaneous down-ward displacement of both pairs of rods 5.
- Such an interlock function may be required in various contexts, for instance where the pair of contactor units C1 and C2 constitute the reverser switch means for reversing the sense of rotation of a polyphase asynchronous motor.
- the improved interlocking mechanism comprises a pair of similar rocker members associated with the respective contactor units, and generally designated L1 and U2. Corresponding parts of the two rocker members are designated in the drawings by the same numerals followed by subscript 1 or 2. The ensuing description holds for either member and the subscripts will accordingly be omitted therein, except as required.
- Each rocker member includes a rock shaft 8 having end trunnions 8a pivotally received in holes formed in the opposite vertical flanges 7a of the baseplate 7. Projecting from the ends of shaft 8 in parallel directions are similar lever arms 9, each of'which has a flat bearing surface 9a formed at its end in a common plane. From a point of shaft 8 somewhat displaced to one side from its midpoint is an arm 10- which projects in a direction generally opposite from that of the end lever arms 9, and at an angle thereto, as will be apparent from FIG- URES 2 and 3.
- the arm 10 has a boss 11 formed at its end, on theside directed towards the end of shaft 8 which is the more remote from arm 10. The configuration of boss 11'will be described later. Also projecting from the same side of arm 10 as boss 11, but at a smaller radial distance from shaft 8, is a pin 13 for anchoring one end of a tension spring as will be later described.
- the two rocker members L1, L2 thus described are mounted in mutually inverted positions with their pivots 8a in the side flanges 7a of base 7, so that the two shafts 8 and 8 are parallel in a common horizontal plane, theend arms 9 of each assembly project outwards so that the flat bearing surfaces 9a at their ends underlie the lower ends of the rods of the related contactor unit C1 or 02, While the intermediate arms 19 and are in crossed relation, as permitted by the displaced position at which each arm 10 is mounted With respect to the midpoint of its shaft '8, and the bosses 11 and 11 are directed towards each other, so as to overlap substantially completely, as will be seen from FIGURE 1.
- a tension spring 12 has its ends anchored to the respective pins 13 and 13 and urges the two'rockers in 0pposite directions about the axes of shafts 8 S specifically in the directions tending to apply the bearing surfaces 9a against the lower ends of the respective actuator rods 5.
- each of the bosses 11 includes a radially inner face 14 which is a portion of a cylindrical surface coaxial with shaft 8.
- the boss 11 includes a lateral surface portion 15 which is also part-cylindrical, somewhat smaller in radius than that of surface 14.
- the surface 15 of rocker assembly L is positioned so that its geometrical axis coincides with that of shaft 8 of the other rocker assembly L and similarly the surface 15 of L has its geometric axis coinciding with that of shaft 8 of L
- both related actuator rods 5 are displaced downward as earlier described, and their lower ends acting on the bearing surfaces 9:1 cause the rocker L to rotate as :indicated by arrow F (FIGURE 2), so I that the latter assumes the chain-line position shown at L
- the inner surface 14 of rocker L has swept past the side surface 15 of stationary rocker L remaining clear of said last surface owing to the geometrical relations indicated above.
- FIGURE 2 In the new position of rocker L .it will be evident from FIGURE 2 that counterclockwise rotation of rocker L is prevented, since such rotation would immediately bring the side surface 15 into abutting engagement with the inner surface 14 of rocker L in its new position.
- downward displacement of the actuator rods5 associated with contactor unit C is positively prevented, even in case of inadvertent or erroneous energization of the winding of said contactor.
- both rocker assemblies are identical and are simply mounted in positions that are inverted or positioned with respect to each other.
- rocker assemblies may differ correspondingly.
- One or both of the rockers may be provided with a single end lever arm 9 instead of two, or more than two may be provided.
- the lever arms 9 may be actuated by parts moving in rotation rather than in axial translation as do the rods 5 shown herein. Instead of being actuated by the moving parts of the contactors by direct engagement, as herein, they may be driven through intermediate linkage, e.g. gear sectors or otherwise.
- the spring 12 may if desired be made strong enough to provide simultaneously the storing spring force for restoring both contactor units to their idle condition.
- Interlocking mechanism for preventing simultaneous displacement of two elements to respective displaced positions, comprising a pair of members mounted for rocking about parallel axes, arms projecting from the respective members in mutually crossed relation, means actuated by each element on displacement thereof to its displaced position to rock a related one of said members from a first to a second angular position in a direction tending to move the related arm away from its crossed relation with the other arm, a part on each arm projecting towards the other arm in a direction generally parallel to said axes and so positioned that with both members in their first positions said parts are clear of each other so that either member can be displaced to its second position, while with one member in its second position the projecting part thereof stands in the path of the projecting part of the other member whereby the latter cannot be displaced to its second position and spring means for urging each of said members towards its first position.
- each of said parts has a radially inner surface which as arcuate and generally coaxial with the related rocking axis, and a side surface which is arcuate and generally coaxial with the other rocking axis in the first position of the related member, said side surface of one member providing clearance for the inner surface of the other member when said one member is in its first position, and said inner surface of said one member standing in the path of said side surface of the other member when said one member is in its second position.
- Mechanism according to claim 1 wherein the means actuated by each element to rock the related member comprise a further arm projecting from said member and engaged by said element to rock the member on displacement of the element.
- both said members are similar in construction, each comprising a shaft mounted in the base for rotation about a related one of said axes, said first arm projecting radially from the respective shaft at a point thereof displaced from the midpoint of the shaft, and said two further arms projecting radially from oposite ends of said shaft in parallel directions generally away from said first shaft, the arrangement being such that with said members mounted in mutually inverted positions on the base, said projecting parts of the first arms of the respective members both lie substantially on the mid-plane of said members.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Mechanisms For Operating Contacts (AREA)
- Rotary Switch, Piano Key Switch, And Lever Switch (AREA)
- Details Of Resistors (AREA)
- Connection Or Junction Boxes (AREA)
- Installation Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR907138A FR1338932A (fr) | 1962-08-17 | 1962-08-17 | Perfectionnements aux dispositifs de verrouillage mécanique entre appareils électriques |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US3233052A true US3233052A (en) | 1966-02-01 |
Family
ID=8785302
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US287436A Expired - Lifetime US3233052A (en) | 1962-08-17 | 1963-06-12 | Interlocking mechanism |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US3233052A (fr) |
AT (1) | AT245086B (fr) |
BE (1) | BE633097A (fr) |
CH (1) | CH395249A (fr) |
DE (1) | DE1214305B (fr) |
DK (1) | DK113454B (fr) |
ES (1) | ES287600A1 (fr) |
FR (1) | FR1338932A (fr) |
GB (1) | GB1037275A (fr) |
NL (1) | NL125905C (fr) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3354415A (en) * | 1965-07-20 | 1967-11-21 | Square D Co | Multiple contact electromagnetically actuated switch and accessories therefor |
US3478179A (en) * | 1968-04-30 | 1969-11-11 | Cutler Hammer Inc | Multiposition selector switch for an enclosed electrical control station |
US3510612A (en) * | 1967-12-14 | 1970-05-05 | Allis Chalmers Mfg Co | Mechanical interlock for electrical switches or the like |
US4076417A (en) * | 1976-05-03 | 1978-02-28 | Xerox Corporation | Interlocking apparatus for an optical system and reproducing machine |
US5189385A (en) * | 1990-04-18 | 1993-02-23 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Interlock for electromagnetic switching devices |
US5763844A (en) * | 1996-12-13 | 1998-06-09 | General Electric Company | Interlock arrangement for stationary mounted circuit breakers |
US20100038966A1 (en) * | 2008-07-30 | 2010-02-18 | Gen-Tran Corporation | Automatic transfer switch |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19547011C1 (de) * | 1995-12-15 | 1997-01-09 | Siemens Ag | Schaltgerät |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2255905A (en) * | 1939-04-06 | 1941-09-16 | Edison Inc Thomas A | Electrical control |
US2262071A (en) * | 1937-01-21 | 1941-11-11 | Square D Co | Electric switch |
-
1962
- 1962-05-02 ES ES287600A patent/ES287600A1/es not_active Expired
- 1962-08-17 FR FR907138A patent/FR1338932A/fr not_active Expired
-
1963
- 1963-04-24 NL NL291927A patent/NL125905C/xx active
- 1963-04-29 AT AT343663A patent/AT245086B/de active
- 1963-04-30 DE DET23937A patent/DE1214305B/de active Pending
- 1963-05-09 DK DK220863AA patent/DK113454B/da unknown
- 1963-05-31 BE BE633097A patent/BE633097A/xx unknown
- 1963-05-31 GB GB21980/63A patent/GB1037275A/en not_active Expired
- 1963-05-31 CH CH685163A patent/CH395249A/fr unknown
- 1963-06-12 US US287436A patent/US3233052A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2262071A (en) * | 1937-01-21 | 1941-11-11 | Square D Co | Electric switch |
US2255905A (en) * | 1939-04-06 | 1941-09-16 | Edison Inc Thomas A | Electrical control |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3354415A (en) * | 1965-07-20 | 1967-11-21 | Square D Co | Multiple contact electromagnetically actuated switch and accessories therefor |
US3510612A (en) * | 1967-12-14 | 1970-05-05 | Allis Chalmers Mfg Co | Mechanical interlock for electrical switches or the like |
US3478179A (en) * | 1968-04-30 | 1969-11-11 | Cutler Hammer Inc | Multiposition selector switch for an enclosed electrical control station |
US4076417A (en) * | 1976-05-03 | 1978-02-28 | Xerox Corporation | Interlocking apparatus for an optical system and reproducing machine |
US5189385A (en) * | 1990-04-18 | 1993-02-23 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Interlock for electromagnetic switching devices |
US5763844A (en) * | 1996-12-13 | 1998-06-09 | General Electric Company | Interlock arrangement for stationary mounted circuit breakers |
US20100038966A1 (en) * | 2008-07-30 | 2010-02-18 | Gen-Tran Corporation | Automatic transfer switch |
US8222548B2 (en) | 2008-07-30 | 2012-07-17 | Generac Power Systems, Inc. | Automatic transfer switch |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB1037275A (en) | 1966-07-27 |
NL125905C (fr) | 1969-02-17 |
FR1338932A (fr) | 1963-10-04 |
CH395249A (fr) | 1965-07-15 |
DK113454B (da) | 1969-03-24 |
NL291927A (fr) | 1965-07-12 |
ES287600A1 (es) | 1964-01-16 |
AT245086B (de) | 1966-02-10 |
BE633097A (fr) | 1963-10-21 |
DE1214305B (de) | 1966-04-14 |
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