US3259703A

US3259703A - Distributor mechanism having magnetically responsive ball

Info

Publication number: US3259703A
Application number: US298756A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr Herman Lansing Vail; Alfred L W Williams
Original assignee: Clevite Corp
Current assignee: Clevite Corp
Priority date: 1963-07-30
Filing date: 1963-07-30
Publication date: 1966-07-05
Anticipated expiration: 1983-07-05
Also published as: DE1214298B; GB1066997A

Description

July 5, 1966 H. L. VAIL, JR, ET

DISTRIBUTOR MECHANISM HAVING MAGNETICALLY RESPONSIVE BALL Filed July 50, 1965 FIG INVENTORS HERMAN LANSING VAIL JR. ALFRED L.W.W|LL|AMS BY M F1 3 United States Patent 3 DISTRIBUTGR MECHANISM HAVING MAG- NETICALLY RESPONSIVE BALL Herman Lansing Vail, Jr., and Alfred L. W. Williams, Cleveland, Ohio, assignors to Clevite Corporation, a

corporation of Ohio Filed July 30, 1963, Ser. No. 298,756 9 Claims. (Cl. 200-19) This invention relates generally to a high voltage vacuum switch and more particularly to a switch which is magnetically actuated.

The device of this invention is uniquely adapted to be employed in conjunction with a piezoelectric ignition system for internal combustion engines. However, the vacuum switch can be used with equal facility in other applications were exacting standards for switching high voltage are required.

In the prior art it has been customary to use a reed type switch in which the reeds are disposed in ani-evacuated housing. The reeds in this conventional arrangement are arranged in partly overlapping relationship. It is well known that the reed type vacuum switch has numerous disadvantages. For instance, the reeds must exhibit metallurgical characteristics for establishing a suflicient degree of resiliency to cause the reeds to be deflected in response to magnetic actuation to bring the reeds together. On the other hand, the reeds must be constructed of sufliciently stiff material to attain a reasonably iast reaction upon actuation. The balancing of these requirements is difiicult. The time element is of critical importance inasmuch as the reeds must move rapidly apart upon removal of the magnetic actuating force to collapse the (field of flux so that the electric charge is not dissipated .and for the switching to occur at a rate useful for devices under consideration. Timing difiiculties are frequently experienced when the reeds are too resilient, or become resilient during operation, and do not part sufliciently fast enough to avoid dissipation of electrical energy. This problem of constructing the reeds so as to obtain a fast switching device is made more diflicult by the erosion of the reed tips after substantial use. Thus, it is customary to coat the tips with a very high melting point material, such .as tungsten. This material is relatively heavy and adds to the mass which must be moved by the magnet. In the prior .art the space between the reeds and the area of overlap is a decisive load factor which must .be taken into consideration in determining the flux of the magnetic circuit and the force required to close the reeds.

The present invention avoids many of the shortcomings hereinbefore discussed. Instead of two reeds, the instant invention utilizes a rotating ball which periodically closes the circuit between the input and output conductor. The advantages are obvious. quirements of the reeds are completely eliminated. The dissipation of electric energy as normally experienced in reed type devices is substantially absent. A greater accuracy in switching is obtained since the arc gap of the device in accordance with this invention is about onehalf of the reed type switch, as the instant device uses two gaps instead of a single gap, and no area of overlap exists so that the likelihood of dissipating electric energy is substantially reduced.

It is therefore the primary object of this invention to eliminate and/or avoid the shortcomings of the devices of the prior art .by providing a device generally as aforesaid.

It is another object of this invention to provide a ball type, magnetically actuated, high voltage vaccum The critical metallurgical re-' Patented July 5, 1966 switch in which the timing for switching the electric energy is substantially improved and in which electrical and me chanical juxtaposition of the switching device relative to the input and output conductors occurs simultaneously.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a ball type high voltage vacuum switch adapted to be employed as a switching device for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine ignition system.

For a better understanding of the present invention, together with other and further objects thereof, reference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, and its scope will be pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a cross sectional view taken along line 11 of FIGURE 2 of this invention illustrating a high voltage vacuum switch;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the device of this invention; and

:FIGURE 3 is a schematic representation of a high voltage vacuum switch in a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine piezoelectric ignition system.

One aspect of this invention resides in the provision of a high voltage vacuum switch, which include-s a housing member of electrically insulating material in which the housing has an air evacuated circular cavity defining a passageway tor containing a magnetically responsive member movable within the passageway. An input and an output conduct-or are suitably secured to the housing and insulated from each other and extraneous leakage,

and project part-way into the air evacuated circular cavity for electric circuit closing position with the magnetic member. A rotatably disposed magnetic actuator is arranged in close proximity .to the magnetic member for rotating the member within and along the passageway, periodically, between the input and output conductors.

Turning now to the drawing, see FIGURES 1 and 2, there is shown a support member 10 which may be suitably mounted to an internal combustion engine (not shown). Protruding centrally through the support member 10 is a 'rotatively disposed distributor shaft 12 connectible to the cam shaft or crankshaft of the engine for rotation in unison therewith. The distributor shaft 12, composed of magnetically non-responsive material, carries a permanent magnet 14 hereinafter further described.

A partly hollow housing member 16 is formed of a material having suitable electrically insulating qualities and low permeability to gas. The housing member 16 has the configuration of a circular disc and includes a central aperture in which is disposed an annular sleeve 17 through which the permanent magnet 14 is extended. The h0using 16 is provided with an air evacuated circular cavity 18 which defines a passageway. To facilitate the construction, the member 16 is fabricated in two parts, suitably hot sealed together and fused with sleeve 17, and a small opening in one part is used to evacuate the cavity. The opening (not visible) is hot sealed by the application 'of heat to the area of the opening with the result that the vacuum within the cavity 18 collapses the opening. The support 10 includes a plurality of flanges 11 including a clamp 13 on each flange bearing on the housing to retain and carry the housing member 16 and to make it possible to turn the member 16 to change the relative location between the shaft 12 and housing 16.

A ball 20 having magnetically responsive qualities is rotatably disposed within the passageway 18 and in rolling contact with the walls thereof. An input 22 and an output conductor 24 are disposed within the housing 16 and both conductors extend through the housing and slightly into the passageway 18. The conductors are located in the housing in axially spaced relationship, i.e., one

underneath the other with the housing 16 serving as insulator, see FIG. 1, and are in substantially circumferential juxtaposition with respect to each other, see FIG. 2.

The permanent magnet 14 constitutes a magnetic actuator formoving the ball 20. The magnet or actuator 14 includes magnetic core portions 140 and two pole pieces 14a and 1412 which are spacedly located on opposite sides of the housing with the ball 20 being attracted by the magnet and therefore normally interposed between the pole pieces 14:: and 14b. The actuator rotates in unison with shaft 12 and continuously moves the ball 20 along with it.

In operation the rotatable magnetic actuator is effective to establish, periodically, simultaneous mechanical and electrical juxtaposition between the ball 20 and the input and

output conductors

22 and 24, respectively, by moving the ball 20, within the passageway 18 along the circular path thereof. Each time such juxtaposition takes effect the electric circuit between the input and

output conductors

22, 24, respectively, is closed.

FIGURES 1 and 2 also illustrate the means for advancing or retarding the circuit closing position of the conductors relative to the rotatable shaft 12. This may be accomplished by manually shifting the relative location of the housing member with respect to the shaft 12. It is also possible with the use of conventional equipment to automatically change the relative location of thetwo components to advance or retard the timing for closing the electric circuit.

Referring now to FIGURE 3, the housing member 16 is provided with four sets of conductors, each set consisting of an input and an

output conductor

22 and 24, respectively, suitably spaced around the outer periphery of the housing 16 in the same manner as previously discussed, the input conductor 22 being electrically connected to a voltage source 28 and the output conductor to a load or spark gap 30. Upon rotation of the shaft 12 and the magnetic actuator 14 electrical juxtaposition with each set of conductors is established in a continuously repeating sequence. Inasmuch as the electric circuit is closed upon electrical juxtaposition of the ball relative to said conductors, only a very small arc is established and, moreover, since the electrical circuit is completed within a vacuum, it is possible to space each set of conductors rather closely together.

While the instant invention can be used as a switching device per se as well as in a transistorized ignition system for internal combustion engines, the device is particularly suited for use in conjunction with piezoelectric ignition systems in which the main voltage is generated by a piezoelectric voltage source, not shown. When so used, it is at times desirable to include in the circuit a grounding arrangement to bleed off any residual charge that may still remain in the piezoelectric generator upon discharge of the energy through the conductor cables. When present, this residual charge is preferably eliminated since it will have the effect of cancelling out any subsequent electric potential generated by the piezoelectric device. Therefore, there is shown in FIGURE 3, schematically, a grounding means 26, the magnetic actuator 14 may be utilized for this purpose, to rotate in unison with the shaft 12. For each set of conductors there is provided one conductor 27 circumferentially spaced between the sets of conductors and connected to the piezoelectric source of potential 28 and underneath the conductor 27 there is disposed a ground conductor 29 connected to ground. Upon rotation of the grounding means 26 the circuit between

conductors

27 and 29 is closed and any residual charge is bled off. Alternatively, the ground conductor 29 may be arranged in very close proximity to

conductors

22 and 24. One of the pole pieces 14a and 14b is constructed with a circumferential width to bridge the circuit between

conductors

29 and 22 after the circuit between

conductors

22 and 24 has been broken. The conductor 27 is then not required. Conversely, the grounding means 26 itself can be suitably connected to ground and periodically close the circuit between itself and conductor 27.

While there have been described what are at present considered to be the preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention, and it is aimed, therefore, in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What we claim is:

1. A high voltage vacuum switch comprising, in combination: a substantially circular housing member of electrically insulating material having an air evacuated circular cavity defining a passageway; an input conductor and an output conductor each projecting into said housing member and each terminating proximate to said passageway substantially flush with the surface thereof: magnetically responsive means movably disposed within said passageway; and a rotatably disposed magnetic actuator arranged proximate to said magnetically responsive means for rotating said means along said passageway to establish, periodically, a closed electric circuit between said conductors.

2. A high voltage vacuum switch according to claim 1, wherein said conductors are located in said housing axially spaced and radially in parallel and in operable proximity to said passageway to establish, periodically, a simultaneous mechanical and electrical juxtaposition with said magnetically responsive means when said means is rotated.

3. A high voltage vacuum switch according to claim 1, wherein said means is a magnetically responsive ball.

4. A high voltage vacuum switch comprising, in combination: a substantially circular housing member of electrically insulating material having an air evacuated circular cavity defining a passageway; an input conductor and an output conductor each projecting into said housing member, the conductors being located therein axially spaced, radially in parallel, and terminating in operable proximity to said passageway substantially flush with the surface thereof; a magnetically responsive ball movably disposed within said passageway; and a rotatable mag: netic actuator projecting through said housing concentric with said circular cavity, said actuator including two pole pieces spacedly located on opposite sides of the housing with the said ball interposed therebetween, said actuator being effective to establish, periodically, by its action on the ball, a closed electric circuit between said conductors.

5. A high voltage vacuum switch comprising, in combination: a housing member of electrically insulating material having an air evacuated circular cavity defining a passageway; a plurality of input and a corresponding number of output conductors projecting into said housing member, said conductors being disposed in sets com: posed of a single input and a single output conductor, the conductors of a single set being located in the housing axially spaced and radially in parallel, and each set being circumferentially spaced relative to any other set of conductors; magnetically responsive means movably disposed within said passageway; and a rotatably disposed magnetic actuator arranged proximate to said magneticaL, ly responsive means for rotating said means along said passageway to establish, periodically, electrical juxtaposition with each set in a continuously repeating sequence so long as said means rotates, to effect a closed electric circuit between conductors of a single set.

6. A high voltage vacuum switch according to claim 5 connectible to a piezoelectric source of potential, including grounding means rotatably arranged in operative relation to said housing; and a plurality of conductors circumferentially spaced on said housing relative to said sets of conductors and connectible to said piezoelectric source of potential to establish, periodically, electrical 5 juxtaposition with said grounding means when said means is rotated.

7. A high voltage vacuum switch according to claim 1 connectible to a piezoelectric source of potential, including grounding means rotatably arranged in operative relation to said housing; and a third conductor circumferentially spaced on said housing relative to said input and output conductors and connectible to said piezoelectric source of potential to establish, periodically, electrical juxtaposition with said ground conductor when said conductor rotates.

8. A high voltage vacuum switch according to claim 7, and a fourth conductor connectible to ground, said grounding means being constructed and arranged to establish, periodically, a closed circuit between said third and fourth conductors.

9. A high voltage vacuum switch according to claim 1 connectible to a piezoelectric source of potential, a third conduct/or connected to ground and spaced in operative proximity to said input conductor, said actuator being constructed and arranged to establish, periodically, a closed circuit between said input and third conductors.

References Cited by the Examiner BERNARD A. GILHEANY, Primary Examiner.

H. M. FLECK, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

1. A HIGH VOLTAGE VACUUM SWITCH COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION: A SUBSTANTIALLY CIRCULAR HOUSING MEMBER OF ELECTRICALLY INSULATING MATERIAL HAVING AN AIR EVACUATED CIRCULAR CAVITY DEFINING A PASSAGEWAY; AN INPUT CONDUCTOR AND AN OUTPUT CONDUCTOR EACH PROJECTING INTO SAID HOUSING MEMBER AND EACH TERMINATING PROXIMATE TO SAID PASSAGEWAY SUBSTANTIALLY FLUSH WITH THE SURFACE THEREOF: MAGNETICALLY RESPONSIVE MEANS MOVABLY DISPOSED WITHIN SAID PASSAGEWAY; AND A ROTATABLY DISPOSED MAGNETIC ACTUATOR ARRANGE PROXIMATE TO SAID MAGNETICALLY RESPONSIVE MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID MEANS ALONG SAID PASSAGEWAY TO ESTABLISH, PERIODICALLY, A CLOSED ELECTRIC CIRCUIT BETWEEN SAID CONDUCTORS.