US2866871A - Relay - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 30, 1958 w TANCRED 2,866,871"- RELAY Filed Oct. 27, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

Dec. 30, 1958 w. L. TANCRED RELAY 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 RELAY William L. Tancred, Wetherstield, Conn.,- assignor to The W. ,N. Borg Corporation, Hartford, .Conn., a corpora tion of Connecticut Application October 27, 1955, Serial No. 543,176

32 Claims. (Cl. 200-103) This application is a continuation-in-part of the inventors abandoned applications Serial Nos. 333,480, 264,041 and 263,793, filed January 27, 1953, December 29, 1951, and December 28, 1951, respectively.

Electrical and electronic equipment employed in many modern applications are quite often subjected to severe shock which may be caused by gunfire, explosion, impact of projectiles, rapid change in vehicle velocity, and the like. The shock created by these conditions necessarily results in considerable momentary acceleration of the framework of the equipment thereby subjecting the components to a corresponding acceleration. It can be readily appreciated that for proper equipment operation, the individual components must be designed so as not to effectuate false operation in response to the forces of acceleration.

As is well known in the art, the basic relay structure comprises a movable armature associated with an electromagnct, or a plunger acting in conjunction with a solenoid. The armature or plunger is arranged to actuate suitable contacts in response to the application of an energizing current. When such a relay structure is undergoing substantial acceleration, the armature or plunger, while being subjected to a relative motion restraining force such as that of a spring or the like, may, due to inertia, fail to accelerate as rapidly as the relay framework and to move correspondingly with the remaining portion of the relay. This relative movement tends to actuate the relay and may actually do so under severe conditions thereby producing false contact oper- I ation.

Relays have heretofore been proposed having structural arrangements devised to safeguard against false contact operation caused by the forces of acceleration. One such structure features a plurality of plunger or core members positioned within a solenoid such that contact operation is effected only by movement of said core members in reverse directions relative to one another. In the main, such relative reverse motion of the core members cannot be produced by the usual accelerating forces applied to electrical and electronic equipments. However, due to the stringent operating requirements of many modern equipments of this type, complete safeguard against false contact operation is absolutely necessary to assure satisfactory performance.

Principal objects of this invention are the production of a relay insensitive to gravity, position in operation, and shocks, which may be made either normally open or normally closed, and which operate with a very small con trolling current and in which the controlling switch may be enclosed, but is visible for inspection, and if desired may be enclosed'in an inert atmosphere shielded from moisture and foreign material.

Other objects of this invention are to provide a relay of balanced construction so that it may be operated independently of position, is insensitive to gravity or :shock, can be made either normally open or normally closed, can'be made of small size but of extreme sensimay have low inertia.

'tivity to controlling current, and have high flux density in its magnetizable portion, and wherein the moving parts It is further capable of being sealed against moisture and atmospheric disturbances and may, if desired, be operated in an inert atmosphere.

In order that all of the structural features for attaining the objects of this invention may be readily understood, reference is herein made to the drawings wherein:

Figure-1 is a central longitudinal sectional view through a relay embodying the invention and showing contacts for two controlled circuits, one normally open and the other normally closed;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the movable parts of the relay of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a detail sectional view on line 33 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a view similar to a slightly modified construction;

Figure 5 is a'view similar to Figure 1, but showing a further modification;

Figures 6 and 7 are detail sectional views on lines 6-6 and 7-7,respectively, of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary view similar to a portion of Figure 5, but showing a further modification;

Figure 9 is a central longitudinal sectional view through a normally open relay disclosing the invention in a second form;

Figures 10, 11 and 12 are detail sectional views on the correspondingly numbered section lines of Figure 9;

Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 9, but showing a' modification and a normally closed relay,

Figures 14 and 15 are detail sectional views on lines 14-414 and 15-15, respectively, of Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a fragmentary central longitudinal sectional view through a relay embodying the invention in a third form, and showing the parts in de-energized position;

Figure 17 is a view similar to a portion of Figure 16, but showing the parts in energized positions; and

Figures 18 to 22, inclusive, are detail sectional views on the correspondingly numbered section lines of Figure 16.

Referring first to Figures 1 to 3, the relay as shown comprises an actuating solenoid 1 within which is positioned a sleeve 2 of non-magnetic material, such as brass, for slidably guiding therein a pair of similar coaxially arranged magnetizable cores 3. As shown these cores are spool-shaped and are normally urged in spaced apart relation as by a coilspring 4 seated in axial sockets 5 in the cores and supported between them on a rod 6.

As shown best in Figure 2, there are a pair of bars '7" and 8 and extending within the solenoid, the bar 7, slidably extending through slots 9 in one of the cores and through slots 10 in the other core 3, but between the slots 10, this bar 7 is provided with abutments 11 which engage against the inner faces of end flanges 12 of this core. Similarly the bar 8 passes slidably through slots 14 in one of the cores and engages in slots 15 in the, other core, being provided with abutme'nts 16 engaging the inner faces of the end flanges 17 of this other core.

Figure 1 but showing This results in the bar 7 being attached for movement with the left hand core 3 and the bar 8 being attached for movement with the right hand core 3. One end of each of the bars 7 and 3 extends into an enclosure 2d at one end of the solenoidwhere it is provided with laterally elongated loops 21 and 22, respectively with which are engaged pins 23 carried by a rockable switch member 24. This switch member 24 is pivoted as at 25' to a pair of spaced posts 26 extending lengthwise of the axisof the solenoid. This, results in relative'motion of the cores 3 producing a pivotal motion ofthe switch arm 24,.

this motion'being in-clockwise direction. when the cores 3 are moved toward each other by energization of the solenoid 1 and in the opposite direction by the spring 5 when the solenoid 1 is de-energized.

The enclosure within which the pivoted switch arm 24 is positioned is formed by'an end wall 27 spaced inwardly of the outer end portion of a cylindrical casing 28. This casing has an outer end wall 30 preferably formed of transparent material, such as glass, which may be provided with a peripheral groove 31 within which may be engaged an annular rib 32 formed by bending inwardly a portion of the enclosing sleeve 33 which forms the outer wall of the enclosure 20. This end wall 30 may be provided with one or two pairs of switch terminals 35 extending therethrough and which are arranged to be bridged by end conductive plates 36 each rockably supported on an angle projection 37 of the switch arm 24 so that the pressure against the switch terminals is automatically equalized. The conducting plate 36 may be loosely fulcrumed, being secured to the projection 37, as by a rivet 4. 0.

As shown in Figure l, the parts are so arranged that when the cores 3 are separated in the position shown in this Figure, the upper pair of contacts 35 are not bridged by the switch arm 36 so that the switch formed thereby is open. At the same time, and if desired, a pair of lower spaced contacts 35:: are bridged by a conductor plate 36a mounted at the opposite end of the switch arm 24. This relay thus controls two circuits, one being closed when the other is open, and depending upon whether or not the solenoid 1 is energized.

The opposite end of the relay may be closed off as by an end plug which may be of glass or other insulating material, closing the outer end of the tube 27, and an annular closure 46 may close the space'between the tubular member 2 and the outer casing 28. Suitable leads 47 and 48 for the solenoid may be connected into an actuating circuit as will be understood.

The enclosure 20 may, if desired, be filled with an inert gas thus to extinguish any are between the contacts on making or breaking a circuit. The switch mechanism may be easily inspected through the transparent end member 30 whenever desired.

Of course, either set of fixed contacts 35 or 35a may be omitted, whereupon the relay becomes a single control relay either normally open or normally closed, depending upon which set of fixed contacts is employed.

In Figure 4 a modification is shown in which instead of using a single solenoid, a pair of coaxially arranged solenoids la and 2a are employed spaced apart by suitable spacing rings 50 and 5'1, the ring 51 being of nonmagnetic material, while the rings 50 may be magnetizable and serve as spaced pole pieces for the cores 3a. Similar spool-shaped cores 3a may be employed and these cores may normally be pulled toward contact with each other by a tension spring 5a enclosed within the central barrels of the cores and secured at their outer ends in the remote heads 12a and 17a. When the solenoids 1a and 2a are de-energized the spring 5;: draws the cores together" so that their inner ends are between the ends of the solenoids 1a and 2a. Upon energization oi these solenoids the cores are separated so as to take positions as substantially centrally of the length of their solenoids and with their outer ends contacting with stationary pole pieces 52 and 53. These cores may beassociated with actuating bars 7 and 8 like the bars 7 and 8 shown in Figure 2, and these bars may be connected to the pivoted switch arm as is shown in Figures 1 or 2; thus to make or break conta'ctwith either one or both pairs of fixed . contact elements 35 or 35a as may be desired.

In place of operatively connecting the bars 7 and'8 to a switch arm 24 such as is shown in Figures 1 and 4, these bars'may be operatively' connected as shown in Figure 5 to a switch arm 6tlfulcrumed onthe cross pin 61, the switch arm having laterally extended portions 62 provided with cylindrical end portions 63 which ride 'away from each other in orifices 64 in the end portions of the bars 7a and 8a as shown best in Figure 7 for the bar 7a. This arm 60 may have a contact-bridging member 65 at its outer end which may be brought into or out of contact with spaced fixed contacts, one of which is shown at 66 in Figure 5. These fixed contacts may be arranged to be either closed or opened by the energization of the solenoid 1b. This Figure also shows a modified arrangement for retaining the end wall 30a in position between intermediate and end portions 67 and 68 of smaller diameter which may be spun in the material of the outer casing member 280.

This figure also shows a further modification in that the solenoid 1b is wound upon a spool comprising a pair of longitudinally spaced sleeves 70 of magnetizable material which are also provided with outwardly turned annular end walls 71 and 72 between which the solenoid 1b is wound. The two similar cores 3b are mounted for sliding movement within an inner non-magnetic sleeve 74, which, as shown, may be spun to have an integral end wall 75 at one end and an enlarged diameter portion 76 at the opposite end which holds a ring 77 in which the ends of the pivot pin 61 are mounted.

The separation of the inner ends of the sleeves 79 provides for magnetic pole end portions which are operativel'y associated with the end flanges 81 of the cores 3b, and provide for increased sensitivity in the operation of the relay. These two cores are normally held spaced as by the coil spring 31 which is arranged somewhat similarly to the spring 5 shown in Figure 1.

Instead of mounting the cores in slidable relation to the inner casing 74, they may be guided directly in the sleeves 70. Such an arrangement is shown in Figure 8 in which the inner or adjacent ends of the sleeves '70 are shown as retained within a ring 85 of non-magnetizable material seated in a counterbored portion in each of the sleeves 7t) and preferably having a central fin 86, the inner face of which is flush with the inner faces of the sleeves 70 and forms therewith a sliding guide surface for the core flanges 80.

The foregoing subject matter relating to Figures 1 through 8 has been previously disclosed in applicants copending application Serial No. 263,793, filed December 28, 1951.

Referring now to Figures 9 to 15, the relay as shown comprises an actuating solenoid 101 mounted on a spool between end disks 162 and 103 on a spool tube 104 which is preferably of non-magnetizable material. Slidably mounted within the tube 104 are a pair of spoolshaped solenoid cores 105 and 106. The core 105 is provided with a central reduced diameter shank 167 and end disk portions 108. Similarly the core 106 is provided with a central reduced diameter portion 109 and end disk portions 110. There is also mounted within the tube 1% and within recesses in the disk portions 108 and 110 a support 112 which may be formed of sheet material and have a central circular portion 114 from which extend narrowed arms 115 and 116. Each of these arms has a pair of side extensions 12% (see Figure 11) which lie between the disks 108 and'the disks 110 of the cores and extend on either side of the central shank portion 107 or 169. A coil spring 121 surrounds each of the shank portions 108' and 109 and hears at one end against the outer disk portions 108 and 110 and the adjacent edges of the portions 120. The outer edges of the portions which engage within the springs 121 may be provided with lips 122 which enter the adjacent coils of the springs and actto retain them in position. These portions 12% thus form fixed abutments against which the inner ends of the springs 121 engage, the outer ends of these springs engaging the end disk portions 108 and Hit. The springs thus act to press the cores and toward the ends of the tube 1%. Means are provided by which the two cores are interconnected for equal and opposite motion from a central essert position. The means shown tor this purpose in Figures 9 to 12 include a vane element 125'pivoted on a lateral fulcrum pin 126 having its ends seated in suitable openings in the tube 104 as shown in Figure 12. This vane 125 has rounded end portions 127 which ride in transverse slots 128 in brackets 129 extending inwardly from the inner ends of the cores. These brackets 129 may, if desired, be formed integral with the cores. The cores thus being connected together for equal and opposite motion are employed to actuate switch mechanism, and since the cores are so interconnected the switch mechanism need be connected to only one of these cores.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, such switch mechanism comprises a conductive disk 130 carried by a stem 131 which extends centrally through the end member 103 and is suitably secured in the adjacent core 105 as by being threaded thereinto. The disk 130 is insulated from the stem 131 and may be carried by anipple E32 suitably secured to the outer end of the shank 131 and pressed against a flange 133 thereon by a sleeve 334 engaging the outer face of the nipple 132. This conducting disk 130 may be moved into contact with or out of contact with a pair of electrical contact elements 135 secured to a cup-shaped closure member 136 which may be of glass or other transparent material and which may be inserted within a reversely positioned cup member E37 suitably secured to the outer face of the end wall 103. These contacts 135 are connected to conductors 1 20 which extend through the wall member 136 and lead to any suitable mechanism which is to be energized by electrically connecting the contacts through the conductive disk 130.

In the construction shown in Figures 9 and 10, the relay is normally open and when the solenoid 101 is energized, the cores are drawn toward each other and the contacts 135 are bridged by the conductor 130, as shown in dotted lines, closing the relay. However, the relay can be normally closed, this being illustrated in the modification shown in Figure 13, in which the conductive disk 130 is moved in the opposite direction from that shown in Figure 9 in order to bridge the fixed contacts 14-2 to close the circuit. This figure and Figures 14 and 15 also show a modified construction and interconnection between the movable cores to insure simultaneous and opposite motions thereof, and a modification in the yielding mechanism by which the cores are normally held spaced apart.

In place of employing the vane 128 and its connection to the cores shown in Figures 9 to 12, these cores are shown as provided each with a bar 145, each bar having a widened portion defined at its ends by portions of reduced width at 1% and 147 which fit between the end disk portions 108 and 110 of the cores (see Figure 14), the bars 145 being reversed, one being so attached to one of the cores and the other similarly attached to the other core. These bars 145 each have another portion T43 of reduced width which is slidable through slots in the end disks of the opposite core to that to which they are attached, and a widened portion 149 which forms an abutment for a coil spring 150 reacting therebetween and the outermost dial; of the corresponding cor c. These springs 154i perform the same function as the springs 12]. in the structure shown in Figures 9 to 12. Each of the bars 145 is also provided with a slot 151 intermediate to its ends within which rides a projection i 2 of a vane 153 which may be made of sheet material and which is pivoted on a transverse pivot pin 154-. The adjacent portions of the vane 153 to the pivot pin 154 may be offset in opposite directions to form a central arcuate portion 155 and end arcuate portions 156 which engage on opposite sides of the pivot form a hinge connection there with.

In all the relay structures bf Figures 9-15, one of the movable cores is operatively connected "to the switch mechanism andthe two cores are operatively connected b together so that they move in unison in opposite directions. Thus the power transmitted thereto through the springs and through the actuating solenoid is transmitted from both cores to the single switch operating mechanism.

At suitable points leads are taken off from the actuating solenoid for connection to the controlling circuit as will be understood.

The foregoing subject matter relating to Figures 9 through 15 has been previously disclosed in applicants copending applicationSerial No. 264,041, filed December 29, 1951.

Referring to the relay shown in Figures 16 and 17 at 201 is indicated an excitingsolenoid for the relay which is positioned around a central spool 202 having end walls 203 and 204 between which the solenoid is positioned. Within the spool 202 there are positioned a pair of units each comprising a soft iron core member 205 and 206 and supports therefor. These supports comprise a pair of longitudinally disposed rods 207 and 208spaced diametrically from one another. One of these rods, as 207, is secured to the core 205, extends lengthwise of the solenoid, and is slidable with reference to the core 206. The other rod 208 is secured to the core 206, extends lengthwise of the solenoid, and is slidable with relation to the core 205. Opposite ends of these rods 207 and 208 engage rocking elements 209 and 210 on opposite sides of their rocking axes which are formed by the apices of transverse angular ribs 211 and 212 in end abutment plates 213 and 214 which substantially close off the ends of the spool portion 202.

The outer faces of the rockers 200 and 210 are shown as angularly disposed at a'wider angle than-the sides of the ridges 211 and 212, thus to provide for sufficient angular rocking motion corresponding to the two positions of the core units shown in Figures 16 and 17. In'Figure 16 the cores are shown as separated and in Figure 17 they have been brought together into contact with a thin nonmagnetic separator 210 which prevents facial contact therebetween. There is thus no danger of any residual magnetism holding the core members closed together in the position shown in Figure 17.

'A third rod 215 is secured to the core member 205 and projects on opposite sides thereof, one end extending slidably into a socket 216 in the end member 213. The opposite end extends slidably through the core member 206, through the rocker plate 210, and the end member 2114, and into a switchchamber 217 at one end of the solenoid. The three rods 207, 208 and 215 are thus parallel to each other. Relative rotation between the units comprising the cores and the rods connected thereto is prevented by means comprising a strip 220 seated in a longitudinal recess in the spool member 202 and engaging in slot in the end portions 221 and 222 of the core member 205 and 206.

The chamber 217 may, if desired, be enclosed by an outer lining member 225 within the outside casing 226 which encloses the entire relay, and an end wall 227, and if desired this chamber may contain an inert atmosphere, since the contacts are made and broken therein.

Several contacts may be made orbroken substantially simuitaneously for various circuits'so that the relay may when energized, either make or break the desired circuits. To this end the central rod 215 is provided with a collar 230 of insulating material which may, if desired, be secured to a sleeve 231 through which a reduced diameter portion 232 of the rod 215 extends.

This collar 230 may slidably engage the inner ends of a plurality of switch blades or arms 235, each of which is secured at its outer end to a switch terminal 236.

A plurality of other switch terminals 237 and 2,30 maybe carried by theen'd wall 227, preferably at different distances from the axis of the end plate 227.

fThese terminals 237 and 238 may be provided with conducting springs 240, and 241, respectively, having contact buttons 242 and 243, respectively, at their inner ends.

:Ihese contact buttons 242 and 243 may be arranged in spaced pairs, the spacing being somewhat greater than the thickness of i a double contact button 2% carried by each of the switch arms 235. Thus as the rod 215 is moved axially, all of the switch arms 235, the inner ends of which engage in recesses 245 in the periphery of the member 230, may be moved out of corn tact'with one of the contact buttons 241 and 242 and into contact with the other. By suitable choice of the terminals 237 and 238 for cooperation with the switch arm 235, the corresponding circuit may be arranged to be made or broken at each energization of the solenoid 201, which it will be clear, will cause the core, units to move toward each other. They are moved in the reverse directions as soonas the solenoid is dc-energized as by a spring 25% housed within an end cap 25E seated in a central opening through the end wall 227 and engaging between the cap 251 and a washer 252 engaging the outer face of the element 230. 7

it will be noted that the core element 295 is made somewhat lighter than the core element 2% by being provided with a reduced diameter portion 255 in order that the mass of the parts movable therewith may be substantially equal to the mass of the other unit comprising the core 6 and its attached rod 208.

The core units are so supported between the rocking members 2&9 and 210 that they are free to move readily without substantial friction and hence a very small exciting current for the solenoid 201 is necessary in order to produce the desired action on the switch mechanism.

The foregoing subject matter relating to Figures 16 through 22 has been ureviously disclosed in applicants copending application Serial No. 333,480, filed January 27, 1953.

It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are illustrative of the application of the principles of this invention. Other arrangements may be devised without departing from the scope of the inventron.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a relay having a controlling solenoid, a pair of similar coaxially arranged magnetic cores slidably mounted within said solenoid, means normally holding said cores in predetermined relative positions and yieldable to permit said cores to be moved to other relative positions by energization of said solenoid, a pivotable member, anda pair of parallel bars, one of said bars being operatively connected to one of said cores and to said member at one side of its pivot, the other of said bars being connected to the other of said cores and to said member at the opposite side of said pivot from said one bar.

2. In a relay having a controlling solenoid, a spool of magnetic material carrying said solenoid, said spool having a barrel comprising two axially spaced parts,v a pair of similar coaxially arranged magnetic cores mounted for axial sliding movement within said barrel, means normally holding said cores in predetermined relative position and yieldable to permit said cores to be moved away from such positions on energization of said switch mechanism, a pivoted arm, a pair of bars one of which is connected to one of said cores and the other of which is connected to the other of said cores, said bars being operatively connected to said arm at opposite sides of its pivot, and a nonmagnetic spacing element between said barrel parts and forming therewith a guiding surface for said cores.

3. In a relay having a controlling solenoid, a pair of similar coaxially arranged magnetic cores slidably mounted within solenoid, means normally holding said cores in predetermined relative position'sand yieldable to permit saidcores to be movedto other relative positions by energization of vsaidsolenoid, a pivotable member, and a pair of parallel bars, one of said bars being "8 operatively connected to one of said cores and to said member at one side of its pivot, the other of said bars being operatively connected to the other of said cores and to said member at the oposite side of said pivot from said one bar, said bars extending axially within said solenoid.

4. In a relay having a controlling solenoid, a spool of magnetic material carrying said solenoid, said spool having a barrel comprising two axially spaced parts, a pair of similar coaxially arranged magnetic cores mounted for axial sliding movement within said barrel, means normally holding said cores in predetermined relative position and yieldable to permit said cores to be moved away from such positions on energization of said switch mechanism, a pivoted arm, and a pair of bars one of which is connected to one of said cores and the other of which is connected to the other of said cores, said bars being operatively connected to said arm at opposite sides of its pivot and extending within said solenoid.

5. A relay having a controlling solenoid having a central bore, a pair of solenoid cores positioned within and movable axially within said solenoid bore, and incompressible linkages within said solenoid bore interconnecting said cores for equal and opposite motions within said solenoid bore.

6. A relay having a controlling solenoid, a pair of solenoid cores positioned within and movable axially within said solenoid, incompressible linkages interconnecting said cores within said solenoid for equal and opposite motions within said solenoid, and spring means for holding said cores spaced apart and yieldable to permit said cores to approach each other on energization of said solenoid.

7. A relay having a controlling solenoid, a pair of spool-shaped solenoid cores positioned within said solenoid and having end heads and centrally reduced diameter shanks and movable axially within said solenoid, a stationary support within said solenoid having arms extending between the heads of said cores and on either side of the shanks thereof, coil springs surrounding said shanks and bearing between the outermost head and said arms and acting to normally hold said cores spaced apart, and means interconnecting said cores for equal and opposite motions, said solenoid when energized acting tomove said cores toward each other against the action of said springs.

8. A relay as specified in claim 5 in which said interconnecting means comprises an arm positioned between said cores and pivoted transverse to the axis of said relay, and elements carried by said cores and engaged by said arm at opposite sides of its pivot.

9. A relay having a controlling solenoid, a pair of solenoid cores positioned within and movable axially within said solenoid, a pair of bars one fixed to one of said cores and slidable within said other core, and the other fixed to said other core and slidable within said one core, and a spring reacting between each core and the bar slidably mounted therein and tending to separate said cores.

10. A relay having a controlling solenoid, a pair of solenoid cores positioned within and movable axially within said solenoid, a pair of bars one fixed to one of said cores, and slidable within said other core, and the other fixed to said other core and slidable within said one core, a spring reacting between each core and the bar slidably mounted therein and tending to separate said cores, and an element pivotally mounted within said solenoid and engaging spaced from said pivot with said bars.

11. A relay having a controlling solenoid, a pairtof spool-shaped solenoid cores positioned within said solenoid and having end heads and centrally reduced diameter shanks movable axially within said solenoid, a stationary support within said solenoid having arms extending between the heads of said cores and on either side of the shanks thereof, coil springs surroundingsaid'shanks and bearing between the outermost head'and-said'arms and acting to normally hold said cores spaced 'apart, and an element pivoted centrally on said stationary support and at its ends operatively engaging said cores to thereby interconnect said cores for equal and opposite motions, said solenoid when energized acting to move said cores toward each other against the action of said springs.

12. In combination with a solenoid, "a pair "of core members axially movable within said solenoid toward and from each other, a pair of longitudinally disposed rods diametrically spaced from one another, one'secured to one of said core members andslidable lengthwise of said solenoid with respect to the other of'said core members, the other of said rods'being secured to the other of said core members and slidable lengthwise of said solenoid with respect to said one core member, abut- 'ments beyond said core members, and a member rockable on the inner face of each of said abutments'and on opposite sides ofthe rocking axis ofwhich the respective ends of said rods engage, and a'movable'switch arm operatively connected to one of said members.

13. In combination with a solenoid, a pair of core members axially movable within said solenoid toward and from each other, a pair of longitudinally disposed rods diametrically spaced from one another, one secured to one of said core members and slidable lengthwise of said solenoid with respect to the other of said core members, the other of said rods being secured to the other of said core members and slidable lengthwise of said solenoid with respect to said one core member, abutments supported beyond said core members, and a member rockable on the inner face of each of said abutments and on opposite sides of the rocking axis of which the respective ends of said rods engage, and a movable switch arm operatively connected to one of said members, said abutments having angular ridges on their inner faces and said rockable members having angularly recessed faces rockable on the apices of said angular ridges.

'14. In combination with a solenoid, a pair of core members axially movable within said solenoid toward and from each other, a pair of longitudinally disposed rods spaced diametrically from one another, one secured to one of said core members and slidable lengthwise of said solenoid with respect to the other of said core members, and the other rod secured to the other of said core members and slidable lengthwise of said solenoid withrespect to said one core member, fixed abutments beyond said core members, and a member rockable on the inner face of each of said abutments and on opposite sides of the rocking axis of which the respective ends of said rods engage, a third rod fixed to one of said core members and slidable lengthwise of said solenoid relative to the other of said core members, and switch'mechanism operatively connected to said third rod.

15. In combination with a solenoid, a pair of core members axially movable within said solenoid toward and from each other, a pair of longitudinally disposed rods spaced diametrically fromone another, one secured to one of said core members and slidable lengthwise of said solenoid with respect to the other of said core members, and the other rodsecured to the other of said core members and slidable lengthwise of said solenoid with respect to said one core member, fixed-abutments beyond said core members, and a member rockable on the inner face of each of said abutments and on opposite sides of the rocking axis of which the respective ends of said rods engage, a third rod fixed to one of said core members and slidable lengthwise of said solenoid relative tothe other of said core members, a spring operatively engaging said third rod and normally urging said third rod toward relay unenergized axial position, and switch mechanism operatively connected to said third rod.

16. In combination with a solenoid, a pair of core asamsrr members axially movable within said solenoid toward and from each other, a pair of longitudinally disposed rods, one secured to one of said core members and slidable lengthwise of said solenoid with respect to the other of said core members, and the other rod secured to the other of said core members and slidable lengthwise of said solenoid with respect to said one core member, abutments beyond said core members, and a member rockable on the inner face of each of said abutments and on opposite sides of the rocking axis of which the respective ends of said rods engage, a movable switch arm operatively connected to one of said core members, and a pair of spaced contacts between which said switch arm is movable'to contact with one or the other of said spaced contacts when said solenoid is energizedor de-energized.

17. In combination with a solenoid, a pair of units movable axially within saidsolenoid, one of said units comprising a soft iron core and a pair of rods fixed thereto and slidable relative to the other of said units,

said other unit comprising asoft iron core and a rod connected to its core and slidable relative to the other of said cores, rockers fulcrumed on transverse axes outwardly of said cores and against which the ends of one of said pair of rods and the rod connected to said other core engage, a switch arm operatively connected to the other'of said pair of rods, and means urging said units into solenoid de-energized positions.

18. In combination with a solenoid, a pair of units movable axially within said solenoid, one of said units comprising a soft iron core and a pair of rods fixed thereto and slidable relative to the other of said units, said other unit comprising a soft iron core and a rod connected to its core and slidable relative to the other of said cores, rockers fulcrumed on transverse axes outwardly of said cores and against which the ends of one of said pair of rods and the rod connected 'to said other core engage, said units being of substantially equal masses, a switch arm operatively connected to the other of said pair of rods, and means urging said units into solenoid de-energized positions.

19. In combination with-a solenoid, a pair of units movable axially within said solenoid, one of said units comprising a soft iron core and a pair of rods fixed thereto and slidable relative to the other of said units, said other unit comprising a soft iron core and a rod connected to its core and slidable relative to the other of said cores, rockers fulcrumed on transverse axes outwardly of said cores and against which the ends of one of said pair of rods and the rod connected to said other core engage, a switch arm operatively connected to the other of said pair of rods, means urging said units into solenoid de-energized positions, and non-magnetic means positioned between said cores and preventing face'to face contact therebetween. I

20. A relay comprising a rod, means supporting said ,rod for lengthwise motion, a collar carried by said rod, i a plurality of switch arms radiating outwardly from said collar, means fixing the outer ends of said arms, said collarslidably engaging the inner ends of said arms, a contact carried by each arm spaced from said collar, a pair of contacts spaced lengthwise of said rod and between which each of said arm contacts is positioned, and means for moving said rod lengthwise to bring said arm contact out of engagementwith one of said spaced contacts and into engagement with the other of said spaced contacts.

21. A relay comprising a solenoid, a pair of core members axially movable within said solenoid toward and away from each other, a contact actuating arm secured to one of. said core members and passing through the other of said core members, an electrical contact operatively coupled to said contact actuating arm, and a motion interlocking mechanism including a pair of rods and a pair of levers, each of said rods being secured to a difierent one of said core members and passing through the other of said core members, and a motion interlocking mechanism'including a pair of rods and a pair of levers, each of said rods being secured to a different one of said core members and passing through the other of said core members with each of said levers being coupled to opposite ends of said rods and translating the motion of each of said rods into a reverse motion for the other of said rods in response to the relative movement of said core members whereby said contact actuating arm effectuates a contact operation.

22. A relay comprising a solenoid, a pair of core members axially movable within said solenoid toward and away from each other, a contact actuating arm secured to one of said core members and movable therewith, an electrical contact operatively coupled to said contact actuating arm, and a motion interlocking mechanism including a pair of rods and a pair of levers, each of said rods being secured to a difierent one of said core members with each of said levers being coupled to opposite ends of said rods and translating the motion of each of said rods into a reverse motion for the other of said rods in response to the relative movement of said core members whereby said contact actuating arm effectuates a contact operation.

23. An electromagnetic relay comprising a solenoid, a pair of cores movably positioned within the bore of the solenoid, a motion interlocking mechanism positioned entirely Within the bore of said solenoid and locking said cores one to the other so that reverse movements only are attainable in response to the energization of said solenoid, an electrical contact, and means translating the reverse movements of said cores into an actuating movement for said contact.

24. An electromagnetic relay comprising a solenoid, a pair of plunger cores movably positioned within the bore of the solenoid, a motion interlocking mechanism positioned substantially entirely within the bore of said solenoid and locking said cores one to the other so that reverse axial movements only are attainable in response to the energization of said solenoid, an electrical contact, and means translating the reverse movements of said cores into an actuating movement for said contact.

25. An electromagnetic relay comprising a solenoid, a pair of plunger cores positioned within the bore of the solenoid, an electrical contact, a motion interlocking mechanism positioned entirely within the bore of said solenoid and locking said cores one to the other so that reverse axial movements only are attainable in response to the energization of said solenoid, an electrical switch, and means translating the reverse movements of said cores into an actuating movement for said switch in response to the energization of said solenoid.

26. An electromagnetic relay comprising a solenoid, a pair of plunger cores positioned for axial movement within the bore of the solenoid, a motion interlocking mechanism positioned entirely within the bore of said solenoid and locking said cores one to the other so that reverse axial movements only are attainable in response to the energization of said solenoid, said interlocking mechanism including a center pivoted arm positioned between said cores and means individually connecting each of said cores to said arm at points on opposite sides of said pivot, an electrical contact, and means .translating the reverse/movementsof said cores into an actuating movement for said contact.

27.fAn electromagnetic relay comprising a solenoid, a pair of plunger cores axially movable within the bore of the solenoid, a motion interlocking mechanism locking said cores oneto the other so that reverse movements only areattainable in response to the energization of said solenoid, said interlocking mechanism including an element pivoted at an intermediate point located substantially on the longitudinal axis of said solenoid bore and means individually connecting each of said cores to said element at points on opposite sides of the pivot separated one from the other a distance not greater than the Width of the solenoid bore, and an electrical contact actuated in response to the reverse movement of said COI'CS.

28. The combination of claim 27 in which said electrical contact is positioned outside the solenoid bore, and including also a link connecting said contact to one of said cores whereby said contact is actuated in response to the reverse movement of said cores.

29. The combination of claim 27 in which said pivoted element is positioned outside the solenoid bore and said means connecting said cores to said element extend out of said bore at a common end of said solenoid.

30. An electromagnetic relay comprising a solenoid, two masses positioned within the bore of the solenoid at least one of which is a magnetizable armature movable therein in response to the energization of said solenoid, a member positioned within the bore of the solenoid and pivotable about an intermediate fulcrum, said masses being coupled to said member each on different sides of said fulcrum, an electrical contact, and means actuating said contact in response to the movement of said armature.

31. An electromagnetic relay comprising a solenoid formed with a bore having a linear longitudinal axis, two masses positioned within the bore of the solenoid at least one of which is a magnetizable armature movable therein in response to the energization of said solenoid, a member positioned within the space defined by the bore of the solenoid and longitudinal projections thereof and pivotable about an intermediate fulcrum, said masses being coupled to said member each on different sides of said fulcrum, an electrical contact, and means actuating said contact in response to the movement of said armature. 32. A relay comprising a solenoid having a central bore, two masses positioned within the bore of the solenoid at least one of which is a magnetizable armature movable therein in response to the energization of said solenoid, a rockable member positioned in said bore, and means extending from each of said masses to said rockable member and engaging it on opposite 'sides of its rocking axis respectively, whereby movement of the one mass is counterbalanced by the other;

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED, STATES PATENTS 2,131,942 Evans et a1. Oct. 4,1938 2,388,449 Sundt et al. v Nov. 6, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain Mar. 8, 1944

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