US1503717A - Control apparatus and system - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 5', 1924; 1,503,717

v v. SMITH CONTROL APPARATUS AND SYSTEM Filed June 5, 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR WITNESiES. w 5 22 m j -ATTORNEY Aug. 5, 1924.

- W. H. SMITH CONTROL APPARATUS AND SYSTEM -Filed June 5, 1920 2 Sheet sSheet 2 INVENTOR wiiezyxfimfi BY WITNESSES:

' ATTO'RNEY Patented Aug. 5, 1924.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WALTER H. SMITH, 0F WILKINSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC 86 MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

CONTROL APPARATUS AND SYSTEM.

Application filed June 3, 1920. Serial No. 386,196.

To all whom it may COncern:

Be it known that I, WALTER H. SMITH, a citizen of the United States, and a residentof lVilkinsbur in th county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Control Apparatus and Systems, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to control apparatus and systems for governing dynamo-electric machines and it has special relation to the control of electric railway motors and the like under various accelerating conditions.

One object of my invention is to provide a combination relay device embodying a plurality of coils acting upon a single core, certain of the coils being concentrically related, while another is disposed in endto-end relation thereto. Another object of my invention is to provide, in conjunction with the above-mentioned core and actuating coils, an independent coil for acting upon a core that is loosely coupled with the first-mentioned core, whereby various control operations are governed by a relay device that is compact and regular in form and which has a minimum number of parts.

Viewed from another angle, it is an object of my invention. to provide a combined notching and limit relay device; that is, a relay device whereby step-by-step movement of a power-operated drum controller may be effected undereme-rgency conditions, whereas, during normal operation, such intermittent movement of the controller is effected through the agency of a current coil that is connected in circuit with the motor or motors to be governed. 7

Another object of my invention is to provide a system of control embodying my relay device whereby certain advantageous operating features may inherently be obtained, as subsequently set forth in detail.

My invention may best be understoodby reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a view, partially in side elevation and partially in section, of a relay device constructed in accordanc with my present invention Fig. 2 is a view, in front elevation, of the device;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the main circuits of a system of control to which my relay device is applied;

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic vie-w of the auxiliary governing circuits for the system shown in Fig. 3, including certain actuating coils of my relay device; and

Fig. 5 is asequence chart of well-known form, indicating the preferred order of operation of the switches shown in Fig. 3.

Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2-, the apparatus here shown comprises a suitable supporting base or slab 1 upon which is mounted a compound-coil device'Q embodying a plurality of concentric-ally wound smallwire or voltage coils 3a and 3b and another small-wire coil 4 that is disposed in end to -end relation to those coils. A further actuating or current coil 5 is located in substantial alinement with, and at the opposite end of the base 1 from the coil device 2, the complete set of actuating coils being adapted to actuate a plurality of movable con-tact members or disks 6, as subsequently set forth in detail.

A supporting yoke or U-shaped bracket 10 is adapted to extend across the end faces of the coil device 2, being suitably fastened to the base 1.. A stationary core member or magnetiZa-ble cylinder 11 has its upper end secured within an aperture in the upper arm of the bracket 10, while a second and mov able core member 12, which is attached to a pin or rod 13, is alined with the core member 11. The rod 13 extends through the two core members 11 and 12 and beyond both arms of the bracket 10. The upper end of the rod 13 terminates in an upset or enlarged head it, which operates in conjunction with a short helical spring 15 to support the weight of the rod 13 and the various parts that are attached thereto.

The actuating coil 366 is wound around the lower portion of th stationary core member 11 and somewhat more than one-half of the movable core member 12. The actuating coil 31) is concentrically wound around the actuating coil 8a. The coil l encloses the remaining or lower portion ofthe movable core 12, is located in end-to-end relation to the two coils 3c and 3b and has a diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the coil 36. Consequently, the coil device 2 is substantially cylindrical in form, which is advantageous in the matter of manufacture and assembly.

A movable contact member or disk 16 is mounted upon an insulatii'ig hub or spool 16a which loosely encloses the rod 13 below the coil device 2. The insulating hub 16a is normally held in the illustrated position by means of a plurality of short helical springs 17 and 18, the outer ends of which bear against collars or enlarged portions 19 and. 20 on the rod 13. I

A second movable contact member or disk is mounted upon an insulating hub 2560 which loosely surrounds the lower portion of the rod 13, being held in the illustrated position by means of an upset or enlarged head 26 at the lower end of the rod.

Referring to the stationary contact members, a bar or contact strip 27 is secured to the base 1 below the coil device 2, the inner end being bent into L-shape and being pro vided with a downwardly bent prong or finger 29. A similar contact strip 28 having an upwardly bent prong or finger 30 is located just below, and in alinement with, the contact members 27 and 29, respectively. On the opposite side of the rod 13, contact members 3'1 and 33, corresponding to cont- act members 27 and 29, and 32 and 3t, corresponding to 28 and 30, are likewise provided. The normal position of the contact disk 16 is midway between the pairs of contact fingers 29 and 33, and 30 and 3 1, as illustrated.

Another contact bar 35, similar to the con tact member 27, is disposed below the contact member 28 and is connected thereto by means of a bar or strip 36. A contact pin or rod 38 is fastened to the inner L-shaped end of the contact strip and the movable contact disk 25 normally touches or rests upon the pin 38.

A symmetrical arrangement of contact members 37, 39 and 10 is provided on the opposite side of the rod 13. In this way, it will be seen that, normally, the contact disk 25 makes electrical contact with the pins 38 and 10. I

The upper end of a sleeve AC5 loosely enclosesthe lower head 26 of the rod 13 and extends substantially as far as the insulating hub 25a when the contact disk 25 occupies its illustrated normal posit-ion. Loosely enclosing the sleeve 15 is a hollow stationary core member 16 which is held in position by one arm of a bracket 4'? for supporting the entire coil device 5. A bolt 48 passes through one side 19 of the bracket 47 and rigidly positions the stationary core member 16, as illustrated.

to bridge the contact fingers 30 and 3e.

However, if the coil 3a is concurrently energized, by reason of the relative positions and sizes of the coils 3a and 1 with respect to the movable core member 12, the combined point of centralized magnetic action is lo-' cated above the magnetic center of the core. Consequently, the core is lifted to its uppermost position to effect bridging of the con tact fingers 29 and 33.

The coil 3?) acts in asimilar manner to the coil 3a in that it combines with the coil 1 to provide a plane of centralized magnetic action above the magnetic center of the core 12, whereby the core is maintained in its uppermost position during concurrent energization of the coils 3b and 4.

Upon energization of the coil 5, which is composed of a relatively few turns of heavy cable or strap, the movable core member 50 is actuated upwardly to lift the contact disk 25 away from the normally engaged contact lingers 38 andetO without, however, disturbing the position of the other contact disk 16 by reason of the loose mechanical, relation between the sleeve 15 and the rod 13.

Referring to Fig. 3, the main circuits here shown comprise suitable supply-circuit conductors Trolley and Ground; a main dynamo-electric machine or propelling motor M1 having a commutator-type armature Al and a series field winding F1, a plurality of resistor-short-circuiting switches R1, R2, R3 and R4 for governing the active circuit value of an accelerating resistor 59, a line switch LS for connecting the motor circuit to the supply circuit, and the coil 5 of my relay device.

Although, for the sake of simplicity, 1 have illustrated my invention in connection with a single propelling motor, it will be understood that the field of application of the invention is not so restricted in its scope and that any well-known type of main-circuit control may be employed in connection with the use of my relay device.

The auxiliary circuits shown in Fig. 4 comprise the actuating coils of the various switches'that are shown in Fi 3, a poweroperated control. device 60 therefor, which is primarily governed by means of a master controller MC, together with a push-button device 61 that is employed in conjunction with certain coils of my relay device to effect emergency operation of the system, as about to be set forth. A suitable auxiliary source of energy, such as a battery B, is provided.

The power-operated control device 60 normally occupies the illustrated position a and is adapted to be actuated in a step-by step manner through positions I) to e, inclusive, by means of a familiar electricallycontrolled pneumaticallyoperated actuating mechanism comprising a pinion 62 that is rigidly secured to the operating shaft 63 of the drum controller to mesh with a horizontally movable rack member 64:, the opposite ends of which constitute pistons 65 and 66 that travel within suitable operating cylinders 67 and 68. A normally closed valve 69, having an actuating coil On, is adapted to normally cut off the access of fluid pressure from an inlet pipe or passage 70 to the operating cylinder 67. On the other hand, a normally open valve 71, having an actuating coil Off, is normally in position to permit the flow of-fiuid pressure from an inlet pipe 72 to the operating cylinder 68, thereby biasing the apparatus to the illustrated left-hand position.

The mechanical operation of the actuating mechanism just described may be set forth as follows. Upon concurrent energizat'ion of the actuating coils On and Off, the initially unbalanced fluid-pressure conditions in the apparatus are reversed, that is, fluid pressure is admitted through the valve 69 to the cylinder 67 and is released from the cylinder 68 through the valve 71 to the atmosphere. Consequently, a movement of the rack 64; towards the right, causing a movement of the control drum towards the left, is produced.

To arrest such movement at any time, it is merely necessary to ls-energize the Off magnet, whereupon balanced high-pressure conditions obtained in the mechanism and a positive and reliable stoppage thereof is effected.

To produce backward movement of the device, the actuating coils On and Off are concurrently ole-energized, whereupon fluid pressure conditions in the apparatus revert to the original unbalanced state, and the desired return movement is effected.

Assuming that the various pieces of con trol apparatus occupy the illustrated positions, the operation of the system may be set forth as follows. Upon movement of the master controller MO to its initial operative position a, a circuit is established from the battery B through conductor 75, control fingers 7 6 and 7 7, which are bridged by contact segment 78 of the master controller, conductor 79, actuating coil of the line switch LS, conductor 80 and contact segment 81 of the drum controller device 60 in its initial operative position a only,

whence circuit is continued through conductors 82 and 83, control fingers 84: and 85, which are bridged by contact segment 86 of the master controller, and conductor 87 to the negative battery terminal.

As soon as the line switch LS is closed, a holding circuit for the actuating coil thereof is formed by interlock 88LSin, Which bridges conductors 80 and 82. In this way, closure of the line switch is maintained independently of the position of the drum controller 60.

At the same time, another circuit is continued from the conductor 7 9 through conductor 90, junction-point 91, conductor 92, control fingers 93 and 94, which are bridged by contact segment 95 of the drum controller 60, conductor 96, the actuating coil of the switch R and conductors 97 and 98 to the negative conductor 83.

In this way, a series circuit comprising the switches LS and R1, the accelerating resistor 59, the motor M1 and the actuating coil. 5 of my relay device is connected across the supply-circuit conductors Trolley and Ground.

Upon the closure of the line switch LS, another circuit is continued from the junction-point 91, through conductor 100, actuating coil On, conductor 101, interlock l02-LSin and conductor 103 to the negative conductor 98. However, no movement of the actuating apparatus occurs, by reason of the fact that the other coil, Off, is still deenergized.

To effect movement of the drum controller 60, the master controller is actuated to its final operative position b, whereupon a new circuit is established from the contact segment 78 through control finger 105, conductor 106, control fingers 107 and 108, which are bridged by contact segment 109 of the drum controller, conductor 110, and lower contact disk 25 of my relay device when it has returned to its lower position after the initial rush of accelerating current, whence circuit is continued through conductors 111 and 112, actuating coil Off, conductor 113, interlock 102LS-in and negative conductor 103.

Since both actuating coils of the driving apparatus for the drum controller 60 are now energized, the previously-described movement thereof occurs. This movementis goverened by the contact disk 25 of my relay device, which intermittently opens and closes the circuit of the Off magnet. In this way, a step-by-step movement of the drum controller 60 in accordancewith the current traversing the coil 5, that is, in accordance with the main-motor current, is produced.

Such movement of the drum controller.

60 through its positions Z), 0, d and 6' effects successive closure of the switches R2, R3, R 1 and R1, as will be evident from an inspection of the contour of the contact segment 95. In this: way, the accelerating resistor is gradually excluded from. circuit to effect smooth acceleration of the propelling motor M1.

The foregoing description relates to the use of my relay device as a limit switch only. The operation thereof as a notching or emergency relay will now be set forth. Under conditions of heavy main-circuit current, such as traveling up a steep grade or starting on a sharp curve, the tendency of the actuating coil of my relaydevice is to maintain the contact disk r in its upper or open-circuit position, thus preventingthe desired progressive movement of the drum controller 60.

To effect such movement under the conditions set forth and still automatically prevent more than one ste of control being taken at a time, the pus -button 61 may be depressed, thereby establishing a circuit fronji the positive battery conductor 75 through conductor 115, contact members of the push-button 61, conductor 116,, actuating coil t and conductor 117 to the negative conductor 98. By reason of the previouslydescribed construction of the coil device 2, the core member 12 is actuated downwardly to bridge the intermediate set of stationary contact members, designated as 3.0 and 3d in'Fig. 2.

In this way, the contact disk 25, with its cooperating stationary contact members 38 and 40, are bridged by the closure of a circuit by the contact disk 16, and the desired energization of the OH coil to permit forward movement of the drum controller is provided.

However, provision must be made for preventing movement of more than one step of the drum controller 60 even though the puslrbutton 61 is maintained in its lower or circuit-closing position. This action occurs as follows.

In each portion of the drum controller 60 intermediate the pairs of notching positions, an upwardly-projecting tongue or contact strip 119a, that is electrically connected to the main contact segment 95, is located. Consequently, as the drum controller 60 moves from one position to the next, a new circuit is established from the contact segments 95 and 119a, through control finger 120, conductor 121, actuating coil 3a of my relay device and conductor 122 to the negative conductor 117. As previously explained, the combined action of the coils 3a and 4t is such as to raise the movable core member 12 to its uppermost position, Wherein the contact disk 16 bridges the contact fingers 29 and 33 of Fig. 2.

Such movement of the relay device closes a holding circuit that is established from conductor 116 through conductor 123 actuating coil 3?) of my relay device, 0on

ductor 124:, contact disk 16 in its upper-' most position and conductor 125 to the negative conductor 117.

Consequently, the relay device is maintained in its upper position to prevent the bridging of the con-tact die]; 25 by means of the contact disk 16 even though the pushbutton 61 is: maintained depressed. The circuit of the second lifting coil 8a is interrupted inst before the drum controller 60 reaches its next operative position, but the energization of the holding coil 36 is main-. tained as long as the relay device occupies its upper position, that is, as long as the push-button 61 is depressed.

It will be understood that the proportion and arrangement of parts is: such that, once movement of the drum controller 60 from one position tov the next is begun, this movement will be carried on as far as the next notch, under all operating conditions. This movement is, of course, preferably emphasized or'ensured by means of the customarily employed pawl-and-star-wheel device (not shown).

To restore the circuit conditions to normal, the push-button 61 is released, thereby de-energizing the coils .8 0 and 4:. Consequently, the contact disk 16 drops to its intermediate open position, and further op eration of the controller 60 is again governed by means of the limit switch or current relay coil 5, as previously described.

I do not wish to be restricted to the specific structural details, circuit conections or arrangement of parts herein set forth, as various modifications thereof may be effected within the spirit and scope of my invention. I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. Control apparatus comprising a plurality of separately and relatively movable alined core members a plurality of coils separately acting at points respectively above and below the magnetic center of one of said core members, another coil for, actuating another core member, and a single contact member adapted for independent actuation by said core members.

2. Control apparatus comprising a plurality of separately and relatively movable alined core members, a main-circuit coil for actuating one core member, a plurality of auxiliary-circuit coils separately acting at points respectively above and below. the magnetic center of another core member, and a single contact member adapted for actuation by said core members,

3. Control apparatus comprising a plurality of separately and relatively movable alined core members, a plurality of; concentrically-wound coils adapted to act upon one of said core members, another coil adapted to act upon said core member and disposed in end-to-end relation to said concentrically- Wound coils, and another coil for actuating another core member, and a single contact member adapted for actuation by said core members.

l. Control apparatus comprising a. plurality of separately and relatively movable alined core members, resilient means for supporting one of said core members, certain of said coils being adapted to attract said core in opposite directions, another coil for actuating another core member, and a single contact member adapted for actuation by said core members.

5. Control apparatus comprising a plurality of separately and relatively movable alined core members, resilient means for supporting one of said core members, a plurality of coils separately acting at points in one core member respectively above and be low the magnetic center thereof and jointly acting at a point above said center, another coil for actuating another core member, and a single contact member adapted for actuation by said core members.

6. Control apparatus comprising a plurality of separately and relatively movable alined core members, actuating coils therefor, and a single contact member indcpendently actuable by said core members.

'7. Control apparatus comprising a plural ity of alined movable core members, actuat ing coils therefor respectively adapted for main-circuit and for auxiliary-circuit connection, and a single contact member adapted for independent actuation by said'core members,

8. Control apparatus comprising a plurality of alined movable core members, a contact member loosely mounted on a. portion of one core member, and means operated by another core member for actuating said contact member.

9. Control apparatus comprising a plurality of alined movable core members, a rod secured to one core member, a contact member loosely mounted on said rod, and a sleeve enclosing a portion of said rod and operated by another core member for actuating said contact member.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 1st day of June,

WALTER H. SMITH.

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