US878756A - Controller. - Google Patents

Description

No. 878,756. PATENTE-D FEB. 11, 1908.

W. J. WARDER, JR.

CONTROLLER.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 13, 1907.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

No. 878,756. I PATENTBD PEB.11, 1908. W. J. WARDER, JR.

CONTROLLER. APPLICATION FILED MAY 13. 1907.

2 SHEBTSSHEBT Z.

' part shown in Fig. 3. I

In Fig. 1, the pedestal 1 incloses the UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WALTER J. WARDER, In, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, AssIeNoR TO ROTH Bnos, or CHICAGO,

' ILLINOIS.

CONTROLLER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 11, 1908.

Application filed May 13. 1907. Serial No. 373.466.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WALTER J. WARDER, J r., a citizen of the United States of America, and a resident of Chicago, county of Cook, State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Controllers, of

which the following is a specification.

The main objects of this invention are to provide an improved form of starting or speed-controlling rheostat for electric motors, that may be safely intrusted to carelessor inexperienced operators without danger of injury to the motor when starting the same and without danger of burning the rheostat contacts by arcing as when the controller arm stops in positions between successive contacts; to provide simple mechanism whereby an improved starter or controller of this character may be operated from a moderate distance as easily as by direct manipulation; to provide an improved form of releasing mechanism adapted to instantly return the controller arm to its off or initial position when there is no voltage" in the motor Circuit, and toprovide simple mechanism for imparting a step by step movement to the controller arm and adapted when inactive to assume a position permitting the free return of the controller arm to its off position, through the action of such no voltage release. These objects are ac complished by the devices shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective of a controller constructed according to this invention and provided with an operating pedal, the motor being mounted on a pedestal inclosing the controller box. Fig. 2-is a diagram of the electrical connections of the controller and motor. Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the mechanical part of the controller. Fig. 4 is a side view of same, looking -in the direction of arrow a in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a detail of a rheostatand also provides a sup ort for the motor 2. The plate 3 is provide with a series of Contact buttons 4, having connection with the rheostat "elements in any desirable manner.

5 is the movable controller-member, which makes contact with successive buttons 4. 6 is a catch for holding said controller-mem her in Contact with any one of the buttons 4 until released as hereinafter described.

7 is an actuating member arranged to be oscillated by the operator and to impart-a step-by-ste element, w ich thus rests for a short interval upon each contact-button successively when starting the motor. I

8 is a mechanical trip or throw-off, adapted to disengage the catch 6 from the ratchet sector 12 to permit the controller-member to be thrown back to starting position by its spring 13. The actuating member 7 has a limited stroke of a certain normal length, butis capable of a short additional backward movement. When forced back by the operator so as to describe this extra movement, the member 7 causes the tri 8 to act on a lever 11 that carries the catc i 6, with the result hereinbefore stated.

9 is an electro magnet which is desirably employed for holding the catch 6 in operative Contact with the ratchet 12 while the controller-element is on any of the live contact buttons 4.

10 is a short-circuiting device for denergizing or weakening the pull of the magnet 9 when the operator desires to stop. the motor. extra movement of the member 7 that trips the pawllever 11. By the action of the deenergizing device the trip does not have to overcome the attraction of the magnet 9.

In the construction shown, the controllermember is in the form of an arm 5, pivoted on a stud 14, and urged toward oil position by a spring 13. Said arm Carries the Contact shoe l5 and is provided with a detent pawl 16, pivoted at 17 and urged to an extended position by a spring 18. A stop 19 prevents the pawl from swinging in one direction from the position shown. The hub 5 of the arm 5 is provided with a sector having ratchet teeth 12.

The actuating arm 7 is mounted to oscillate upon a stud 20, and carries at its outer end a curved ratchet 21, the teeth 22 of which face toward the pawl 16 and are adapted to engage the same when said arm is moved forward. The position of the controller-arm 5 at the time, determines which of the teeth 22 will engage the pawl thereof. This operation is due to the relative positions of the pivots 20 and 14. The path of movement of any tooth 22 is along but not parallel with that of the pawl 16. When the arm 7 is moved to the right or forward, the teeth 22 movement to the controller-- with a handle.

by a lug '29.

move inwardly toward the path of the pawl 16, fihough' in a general direction along said p The arrangement of the teeth is such that they stand at equal distances from the center of rotationpf the controller arm 5 when the part which carries said teeth isin its normal position (as shown). The result of this construction is hereinafter described.

The first tooth 22. is made sufficiently long to e age the pawl 16 when the arm 7 is in its initi position.

' The ratchet 21,.or arm 7, may be provided But in cases where it is des'irable to o crate the controller from a distance, a pe al lever 23 is set u at the desired point and is connected to sai arm-b a rod 24. The lever 23 as shown is mounte on the floor and is in the form of a bell-crank provided with pedals 25 and 41. The actuating member 7 1s urged toward its normal position by a spring 26, which therefore actuates the connecting rod 24 in one direction; so that, excepting as hereinafter described, the operator has only to move the lever 23 in one direction. g 1

The forward stroke of the arm 7 is limited by a stop 27, rigidly held by the plate 3. The backward stroke of said arm is normally limited by a s ring stop 28 which is struck This spring is adjustable so as to balance the spring 26 when the shoe is on the off button.

The holding magnet 9 has ole pieces 30 and the lever 11, or at least t e upper art thereof, is made of soft iron. The hol 'ng pawl 6 is preferably a spring mounted upon this lever. I

The trip or throw-off, 8, is carried by the arm7, and is so arran ed that by movin about the pivot 20, it l disengage the paw 6 fromthe teeth 12. e

The deenergizing device 10 comprises a pair of spring contact ieces normally out of contact with and insu ated from each other.

The arm 7 carries a button 32, of insulating material, held in position to bring the parts 10 into contact with each other when the hereinbefore mentioned extra backward movement is imparted to said arm. The members 10 are connected by taps 33 to the respective leads of the magnet. One of the magnet leads is connected to the first or lowest-speed button 4, and the other lead is connected to the motor by wire 34. The other motor terminals are connected to the last contact button at 35 and to the switch 86,

by wires 37'and 38 respectively. From the other pole of the switch a wire 39 leads to the controller-arm 5.

' The operation of thecontroller when constructed as shown is as follows: .The arm 5 bein normally at oii position, the operator epresses the edal 25 'a number of times, it being lifte after each depression 'tOI' 12.

tor wishes to stop the motor.

starts 7 by the spring 26 of arm 7. If the device is a starting box the lever 25 is operated until the motor has attained its full speed, the arm 5 stopping on the last button. running rheostat is provided, the controllerarm may be stopped on any intermediate button for getting the required speed of the motor. As soon as the arm 5 touches the first live button 4, the magnet 9 is ener 'zed and draws up the lever 11, thereby ho ding the pawl 6 in engagement with ratchet sec The controllerarm is thus held against backward movement until the opera- To stop the motor, the opprator pressesthe foot-piece 41, therebypus 'ng on the connecting rod 24, and moving the arm 7 to the left against the spring 28. This movement also causes the contact circuit t e magnet 9, and simultaneously causes the trip 8 to move lever 11 and throw ofl the awl 6. The teeth of the ratchet 12 are pre erably of such form that the pawl 6 will not hold the arm 5 when there is no volta e on account of opening the main switc 36 or otherwise, but the mechanical trip 8 is also provided to prevent the possibihty of the catch holding on account of residual magnetism after the current is cut ofl. The firing 13 throws the controllerarm5quic yback to off position. During the operation of the actuating member 7, in starting the motor, the tooth 22 will be the first one to engage the pawl 16; on the back stroke said pawl will yield to let the second tooth pass. On the next forward stroke the second tooth will engage the pawl, which will then yield to let the third tooth pass on the return stroke, and so on until the arm 5 has been stepped up to the desired position. When this arm is released, it will fly back without the pawl touching any of the teeth 22, owing to the fact that the points of all said teeth lie beyond the path of the tip .of said pawl when the arm 7 is at normal position.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

If a.

ieces 10 to engage so as to short-.

1. In a starter or controller for 'electric motors, the combination of a movable controller member, a movable actuating member adapted to shift saidcontroller member in one direction by'its normal stroke and havin capab e of extra movement at the end of its normal return stroke, means for holding said controller member in difl erent positions, and

a normal return stroke and beingsitions, an operating member located at a distance from the controller member and connected with said actuating member for moving it, and means actuated by said operating member for returning said con troller member to its initial position.

3. The combination with a motor controller comprising a pivoted controller-arm, a movable actuating member adapted thro h a back and forth movement .to advance the controller-arm to successive positions, of an operating member located as a distance from the controller, a connection between said operating member and said movable member, and means adapted to return said controller-arm to its imtial position through a certain movement of said operating member.

4. In a starter or controller for electric motors, a pivoted controller-element, aswinging actuating-arm rovided with means for moving the control er element when moved in one direction, said'means being normally inoperative in the reverse direction, mechanical means for swinging the actuating+arm to and fro, and means for returnin the controller element to a certain initia position through a certain movement of said actuating-arm.

5. In a starter or controller for electric motors, a pivoted controller-element, aswinging actuating-arm rovided with means for moving the control er element when moved in one direction, said means being normally ino erative in the reverse direction, means for olding the controller-element in difierent positions, mechanical means for swinging the actuating-arm to and fro, and means for returning the controller-element -to a certain initial position through a certain movement of said actuating-arm.

6. In a starter or controller for electric motors, the combination of a pivoted controllerarm, a pivoted actuating arm adapted to shift the controller-arm in one direction, means for holding the controller-arm in different positions during the return move .ment of the actuating arm, and means for releasing said holding means through a certain movement of said actuating arm.

7. In a starter or controller for electric mo- 7 tors, the combination of a pivoted controllerarm, a pivoted actuating arm adapted to shift the controller-arm in one direction, electro-magnetic means for holding the controller-arm in different positions during the return movement of the actuating arm, and means for releasing said holding means through a certain movement of said actuat ing arm.

8. In a starter or controller for electric motors, the combination of a movable controller member normally urged toward. a certain initial position, a movable actuating member adapted to shift said controllermember in one direction and having a normal return stroke and being capable of extra movement at the end of its normal return stroke, means for holding said controllermember in different positions, and means actuated through said extra movement for releasing said holding means.

9. In a starter or controller for electric motors the combination of a pivoted controllerarm, a movable member adapted to shift said arm in one direction, and adapted to move in the reverse direction without shifting said arm, yielding means normally limiting the return stroke of said member, means for holding the controller-arm in different positions, and means actuated by movement of said member against said yielding means for releasing said holding means. h

a '10. In a starter or controller for electric motors, the combination of a pivoted controller-arm, provided with a pawl, an actuating arm provided with a series of projections adapted to successively engage said pawl through successive backward and forward movements of said actuating arm and thereby advance the controller-armin one direction only, and means for holding said controller-arm in different positions.

11. In a starter or controller for electric motors, the combination of a pivoted controller-arm, provided with a pawl, an actuating arm provided with a series of projections adapted to successively engage said pawl through successive backward and forward movements of said actuating arm, and thereby advance the controller-arm in one direction only, said actuating arm having a normal return stroke and being capable of extra movement at the end of its normal return stroke, means for holding the controller-arm in different positions, and means actuated by said extra movement of the actuating arm for releasing said holding means.

12. In a starter or controller for electric motors, the combination of a pivoted controller-arm, a movable member adapted to shift said arm when moved in one direction and to pass without moving said arm in the reverse direction, said member having a normal return stroke and being capable of continued movement beyond its normal return stroke, a catch for holding said arm in different positions, an electro magnet for hold ing said catch in operative position, and means actuated by said continued movement of said actuating member for de'e'nergizing said magnet and releasing the controller-arm.

13. In a starter or controller for electric motors, the combination of a controller-arm having a pivot; an actuating arm having a pivot said pivots being out of axial alinement; said actuating arm being movable to and fro; a curved ratchet carried by said actuating arm, the teeth of said ratchet being substantially equi-distant from the first pivot when the actuating arm is in its normal position; thecontroller-arm being provided with a pawl adapted to be engaged b said teeth successively whereby the controllbr-arm ma be advanced to successive positions by osci lations of the actuatingarm, and free to return tofo position when theactuating arm is in its normal position.

14. In a starter or controller for electric motors, the combination of a series of contact points, a controller-element movable along said contact points, a movable actuating member adapted by to-and-fro mov e-.

ment to advance said controller-element to successive positions,- said controller element controlling the speed of the motor, means for holding the controller element in each of said successive positions during return movemen-ts of the actuating member, and means actuated throu h a certain movement of said actuating memier for releasing said holding means. i

sive positions when moved back and forth,

means for holding the controller-element in each of its successive positions during backward movements of the actuating member,

and 'means actuated by moving the actuating member and yielding stop backward, for permitting the controller-element to return to its initial position.

16. In a starter oricontroller for electric motors, the combination of a pivoted controller arm, a pivoted actuating arm, one of said arms having thereon.a pawl, the other of said arms having thereon a series of ratchet teeth adapted to successively engage said pawl through successive backward and forward movements of said actuating arm and thereby advance said controller arm to successive positions, said pawl being adapted to yield to permit the return movement of said actuating arm without shifting said controller arm, and means for holding said controller-arm in its successive positions, and adapted to be released by a certain movement of said actuating arm.

17; In a starter or controller for electric motors, the combination of a pivoted con-" troller arm, a pivoted actuating arm, one of said arms having thereon a pawl, the other of said arms having thereon a series of ratchet teeth adapted to successively engage said pawl through successive backward and forward movements of said actuating arm and thereby advance said controller arm to suc-' cessive positions, said pawl being adapted to yield to permit the return movement of said actuating arm without shifting said controller arm, said arms being pivoted on separate axes and said actuating arm being arranged to swing to such position as to permit said controller arm to swing freely to its initial position without engagement of said pawl and ratchet teeth. a

. 18. In a device of the class described, the combination of a movable controller member, a movable actuating member adapted through a backward and forward movement to advance said controller member, one of said members having thereon a series of teeth and the other member having thereon a detent to resist relative movement of said members in one direction and freely permit such relative movement in the oppositedirection, the respective paths of movement of said detent and ratchet teeth being at an angle to each other, whereby when said actuating member is in a certain position, said controller member will be free to return to its initial position without resistance by said detent and ratchet teeth.

19. In a device of the class described, the combination of a series of'contact points, a controller member movable into contact with successive contactpoints, an actuating member adapted through forward and backward movement to advance said controller member along said series of contact points, a catch adapted to hold said controller member at each of saidcontact points during the return movement of said actuating member, an electro magnet adapted to hold said catch in position for holding said controller member against return movement and adapted when denergized to release said catch and permit saidmember to return to its initial position, and means normally urging said controller member toward such initial position.

20. In a device of the class described, the combination of a series of contact points, a controller member movable into contact with successive contactpoints, an actuating member adapted through forward and backward vmovement to advance said controller member along said series of contact points, a catch adapted to hold said controller member at each of said contact points during the-return movement of said actuating member, an electro magnet adapted to hold said catch into position for holding said controller member against return movement and adapted when denergized'v to release said catch and permit said member to return to its,initial position, means normally urging said controller member toward such initial position,

and a shunt circuit short-circuiting thewindings of said magnet and adapted to be closed through a certain movement of said actuating member for deenergizing the magnet and releasing' the catch.

21. In a device of the class described, the combination of a movable controller member adapted to vary a resistance, an actuating member adapted by repeated movements to advance said controller member step by step, and means actuated by a certain movement of said actuating member for causing said controller member to return to its initial position.

22. In a device of the class described, the combination of a movable controller member adapted to vary a resistance, a recipro-.

cative member adapted by reciprocation to advance said controller member step by step, and means actuated by a certain movement of said actuating member for causin said controller member to return to its initia position.

23. In a starter or controller for electric motors, the combination of a movable controller member, a movable actuating member adapted through repeated movements to shift sald controller member step by step in one direction, means for holding said controller member in its successive positions,

said actuating member being movable to a position clear of the path of said controller member and means adapted to release said holding'means through the act of moving said actuating member to such position clear of said path.

24. In a starter or controller for electric motors, the combination of a line-circuit, a movable controller member, a movable actuating member adapted throu h repeated movements to shift said contrfiler member step by step in one direction, and m etic means for holding said controller mem er in difierent positions and adapted through a drop in the volta e in the line circuit to re lease said control er member,

Signed at Chicago this 8th day ofMay, 1907.

WALTER J. WARDER, JR.

Witnesses:

GERTRUDE L. YORKES, EUGENE A. RUMMLER.

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