US1948088A - Remotely controlled electric switch - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 20,1934. F. B. ADAM 1,948,088

REMOTELY CONTROLLED ELECTRIC SWITCH v Filed March 18, 1929 2 sheets-sheet 1 /5 [En f/B 3! INVENTOR fa'R/CK B. HDHM Ba/Vu? @a ATTORNEY5 Feb. 20, 1934. F B, ADAM 1,948,088

REMOTELY CONTRLLD ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed Maron 18, 1929 2 Sheets-sheet 2 2 ATTORNEYS Patented Feb. 20,' 1934 PATENT AOFFICE N REMOTELY CONTROLLED ELECTRIC SWITCH Frederick B. Adam, St. Louis, Mo., assigner to Frank Adam Electric Co., St. Louis, Mo., a corporation of Missouri Application March 18, 1929.

(Cl. 20D-87) 8 Claims.

This invention relates to remotely controlled electric switches. The device herein described is of the type adapted to be closed, and held in f closed position under the influence of an electromagnet and which, upon de-energization of the magnet, is quickly opened `by a combined spring and gravity action.

An object of my invention is to provide a switch which is of an extremely compact construction,

and the operation of which is exceptionally quiet.

Another object. is to provide means in a remotely operable switch, which will permit the armature frame, and parts carried thereby, to be swung clear of their mounting, and thus allow' free access to all the members for the purpose of replacement or repair.

A further object lies in a provision of means for preventing any harmful effect of the rebound of the varmature frame, which may occur after initial contact upon closing the switch. This condition of rebound in the armature frame and kindred moving elements is the objectionable feature of existing switches of the class described, and is one of the principal causes for sparking and burning of the contacts. These, and other objects and advantages, will appearv from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a switch constructed in accordance with my invention, the armature frame being -removed for clearness of illustration; Fig. 2 is a sectional View taken along ,the lines 2-2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3v is a fragmentary side elevation showing, partly in section, a pre-r.

ferred method of mounting the core memberf Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the armature frame,- movable core, and contacts, with the latter elements sectioned along the line 4-4 of Fig. 5; Fig. 5 is a front elevation of the main and aux- 0 iliary movable contacts; Fig. 6 is an elevation of a preferred frameV structure and mounting for the movable core therein: Fig. 7 is a side elevation, showing in detail theauxiliary stationary I contact member, and Fig. 8 is a side elevation of a portion of the assembly, and showing the manner and sequence of engagement of the contacting members. The aforementioned elements and parts will now be more fully described and indicated on the drawings by means of reference numerals.

An insulating base 10 of bakelite or other suitable material, is preferably of suiiicient dimensions to accommodate a coil 31, a plurality of fuses, ,as by means of the clips 11, and a fuse u switch 12. The switch and fuse, disposed in the Serial No. 347,937

coil circuit, protects the coil against overloads and provides a means for opening the coil circuit directly at the switch panel.

A substantially U-shaped laminated iron core 13 is positioned within a base opening 14 and e0 adapted to be cradled between the supporting pins 15 which pass through apertures 16 in the members 17 exterior of the core proper. The pins 15 are firmly secured to the base, and are preferably of smaller diameter than the apertures 16. This method of holding permits a slight, though appreciable, movement of the core, the purpose of which will be hereinafter described. The armature frame, comprising a pair of flat, substantially L-shaped members 18, aligned, and held in spaced relation by means of pins 19 or their equivalent, is adapted to be hinged at one end to a pair of fixed members 20 which extend outwardly from the base. A movable laminated core 21, preferably of a shape and construction 75 similar to the stationary core `member 13, is, like that member, also cradled in a semi-floating manner by means of pins 19 and members 20. The core 21 is aligned with the core 13 so that a closed. y magnetic path is formed upon closure of the switch. The loose, or flexible method of holding the core parts permits of them being seated firmly against each other and thereby precludes any tendency to chatter caused by improper seating of the core elements. Y

The current carrying members are insulated from the armature frame, and include a contact frame 22, a pair of main contacts 23 joined by a 4conductor such as 24, and arranged for slight rotation independently of each other, and in planes .substantially perpendicular to their contacting surfaces. The main contacts 23, preferably of heavy gauge strip copper, are separately mounted on toggle members 25 which, in turn, are pivotally mounted on the Contact frame 22 95 by means of a bearing pin 26 extending transversely therethrough. With the switch in normal openposition, the surface of the contact 23, and the surface 28 of the contact 29' (see'Figs. l and 3), lie in planes disposed at a slight angle, 100 relative to each other. Closing the switch causes each member 23 to engage itsl companion base contact 29 on its outer end or toe, and to be rotated until the surfaces 27 and 28 substantially coincide, or, as may occur in the actual operation of the switch, the contact 23 may engage the contact 29, in normal switch closed position, only on its inner end portion, or heel. This rotation is opposed by tensional springs 30 disposed between portions of the contact frame and toggle members, and upon deenergization of the actuating coil 31 hereinabove mentioned, the contacting members are quickly forced apart by action of these springs. The recited arrangement provides for a sliding or wiping contact, insuring clean surfaces between the members 23 and 29.

In addition to the main or principal contacts described above, I prefer to equip the device of my invention with a vset of auxiliary contacts 32 and 33, in multiple circuit connection with the respective main contacts 23 and 29, and so arranged that the circuit will be made and broken through the auxiliary, rather than the main contacts (see Fig. 8). Further, means are provided in certain of the aforementioned auxiliary contacts to effect a frictional grip upon engaging others thereof, which prevents rebound of the armature frame.

The contacts 32 consist of a pair of current conducting blocks, preferably of carbon, mounted upon the contact frame 22 and in electrical connection with -each other and with the main contacts 23, through the frame; The contacts 33 located, preferably, in the indents 34, in the base, have blade portions 35 extending into the path of travel of the blocks 32 and adapted to be displaced by these blocks upon closure of the switch. Each of the contacts 33 includes an angulate member 36 having a portion 37 adapted to form a pivot seat for the blade 35, and a portion 38 adapted to guide the spring 39 which bears against the blade. Each of the members 33 is secured, and connected to one of the main xed contacts, by means of screws 40.

With particular reference to Fig. 8, it will be seen that, upon energizing the coil 31 to close the switch, contact is rst made between the block contacts 32 and the blades 35. After the circuit is initially completed through these auxiliary contacts, the main contacts 23 and 29 are brought into engagement and thereafter serve to carry a substantial part of the current. Upon de-energizing the coil to open the switch, a reverse action takes place, the contacts 23 and 29 being completely separated before disengagement of the contacts 32 and 35. This sequential engagement of the main and auxiliary contacts keeps the main contacts smooth and clean at al1 times; and connes any possible arcing eifect to the auxiliary contacts, which are easily and economically replaceable.

A barrier 41 is preferably molded integrally with the base, and arranged between the main contacts, to obtain a compact disposition of live parts.

42 indicates a combined stop and latch, the purpose of which is to limit the outward movement of the armature frame. The element comprises a resilient strip of metal, fastened at one end to the base, and having at the other end, a hooked portion, adapted to engage the armature frame as by a pin 43, or the equivalent. By displacing the latch member so that the hooked portion clears the pin 43, the armature may be rotated through a half circle, thereby making all parts' accessible.-

I am aware that minor changes in the form, construction, and arrangement, and combination of the parts of the switch may be made and substituted for those herein shown and described' without departing from the nature and principle of my invention.

I claim:

1. In a remote control electromagnetic switch,

a base of moulded material provided with a recess in one face thereof, a pivoted contact carrier. main and auxiliary contacts on said carrier, a companion main contact mounted upon said base, and an auxiliary contact assembly secured in the recess in said base, and having a circuit connection with said companion main contact, said auxiliary contact assembly including a contact blade, and an angulate pivot seat element in said recess, adapted to retain the contact blade for pivotal movement therein.

2. In a remote control electromagnetic switch, a base of moulded material provided with a pair of spaced recesses in one face, a movable contact carrier, main and auxiliary contacts carried thereby, main contacts on said base, and auxiliary contact assembly inreach of said recesses, and in circuit relation with one of the main contacts carried by said base, each contact assembly including an angulate element disposed within the recess, and having a pivot seat intermediate its ends, a contact blade disposed for pivotal movement in said pivot seat, and means for displacing said blade into frictional contact with one of said auxiliary contacts on said carrier.

3. In a remote control electromagnetic switch, a base of moulded material provided with spaced recesses therein, a movable contact carrier, main and auxiliary contacts carried thereby, main con- ,tacts on said base, and auxiliary contact assemblies in said recesses, and in multiple circuit connection with said main contacts; each of said auxiliary contact assemblies including a contact blade, a blade supporting element provided with a pivot seat therefor intermediate its ends, and a biasing element tending to urge said contact blade into frictional engagement with one of said auxiliary contacts ,on said carrier; said pivoted auxiliary contacts extending beyond the main contacts on said base, to engage the companion auxiliary contacts on said base in advance of the engagement of the main contacts, as the contact carrier is actuated toward switch closing position, whereby to prevent arcing and burning at the main contacts.

4. In a remote control electromagnetic switch, a base of moulded material provided with spaced recesses therein, a pivoted contact carrier, main contacts on said base, and auxiliary contact assemblies in said recesses, and in multiple circuit relation with said main contacts, each of said k auxiliary contacts including a contact blade, a

each thereof including an angulate contact element, a pivoted support therefor, and means extending between said pivoted support and a portion of said carrier, for biasing said contact toward its companion main contact on said base, each of said pivoted main contact elements being arranged to effect a wiping engagement with its companion contact on said base, upon the actuation of the carrier to switch-closed position.

5. In a remote control electromagnetic switch, a base of moulded material having an aperture and recesses therein, main contacts on said base,

auxiliary contacts pivotally seated in said recesses, and in multiple circuit connection with said main contacts, a magnet frame secured within said base aperture, an armature and an annature frame pivotally mounted upon said magnet frame; a Contact carrier on said armature frame,

main contact assemblies pivotally mounted on said carrier, and auxiliary contacts ilxedly mounted on said carrier, said main contact assemblies including angulate contact blades arranged, upon actuation of said armature frame to switch closing position, to effect a wiping engagement with the main contacts on said base, and said pivoted auxiliarycontacts being extended beyond the main contacts on said base to engage the companion auxiliary contacts on said carrier, in advance of the engagement of the main contacts, whereby to prevent arcing and burning of 'the main contacts upon switch closing and switch opening actuation.

6. In a remote 'control electromagnetic switch unit, a base of moulded material having an aperture and recesses therein, main contacts on said base, auxiliary contacts pivotally seated in said recesses, and in multiple circuit connection with said main contacts, a magnet frame secured within said base aperture, an armature, and an armature frame pivotally mounted upon said magnet frame; a contact carrier on said armature frame, main contact assemblies pivotally mounted on said carrier, and auxiliary contacts lixedly mounted on said carrier, each of said main con tact assemblies including an angulate contact blade arranged, upon actuation of said armature frame to switch closing position, to engage its companion main contact on its toe, and to be slidably brought into normal closed contact position, in which the contact blade engages its companion contact on its heel portion; said pivoted auxiliary contacts being extended beyond the main contacts on said base, to engage the companion auxiliary contacts on said carrier in advance of the engagement of the main contacts,

whereby to prevent arcing and burning of thel main contacts upon rebound movement of the contacts during switch closing action. c

7. In a remote control electromagnetic switch unit, a base of moulded material having an aperture and recesses therein, main contacts on said base, auxiliary contacts pivotally seated in y said recesses, and in multiple circuit connection with said main contacts, a magnet frame secured .mounted on said carrier, and auxiliary contacts fixedly mounted on said carrier, each of said main contact assemblies including an angulate contact blade arranged, upon actuation of said armature frame to switch closing position, to engage its companion main contact on its toe, and to beV slidably brought into normal closed contact position, in which the contact blade engages its companion contact on its heel portion; said pivoted auxiliary contacts being extended beyond the main contacts on said base, to engage the companion auxiliary contacts on said carrier in advance of the engagement of the main contacts, whereby to prevent arcing and burning of the main contacts upon rebound movement of the contacts during switch closing action.

8. In a remote control switch unit, a base of moulded insulating material having recesses therein, main contacts on said base, auxiliary contacts pivotally seated in said recesses, and in multiple circuit connection with said main contacts, a pivoted armature frame, a contact carrier near one end of said frame; main contacts pivotally mounted on said carrier, auxiliary contacts xedly mounted on said carrier, and a ilexible arm secured upon said base, and having a hook-like end arranged to engage aportion of the armature frame to limit the outward movement of said frame, said arm also being adapted for manual actuation into an inoperative position with respect to said armature frame.v

FREDERICK B. ADAM.

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