U.S. patent number 3,731,013 [Application Number 05/216,134] was granted by the patent office on 1973-05-01 for switch control means.
Invention is credited to Charles D. Nightengale.
United States Patent |
3,731,013 |
Nightengale |
May 1, 1973 |
SWITCH CONTROL MEANS
Abstract
A new and improved switch controller is described which permits
any one of a predetermined number of switch controlled devices to
be actuated in any one of a predetermined number of states. In the
embodiment described, a rotary switch having a predetermined number
of positions is interconnected with a plurality of push-button
switches, so that for any position of the rotary switch one of four
push-button switches may be selectively actuated. Each push-button
switch can actuate the winding of a relay which in turn closes its
associated contacts to provide current to the solenoid of a
solenoid activated device. Thus, the rotary switch selects the
apparatus to be actuated, while the selected push-button switch
determines which solenoid winding associated with the selected
apparatus will be energized with current. Described in conjunction
with the aforesaid switch control device is a particular solenoid
actuated device, comprising a unit for operating hydraulic valve
box plungers.
Inventors: |
Nightengale; Charles D. (Scott
City, KS) |
Family
ID: |
22805841 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/216,134 |
Filed: |
January 7, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
200/4; 200/6A;
172/786; 361/191 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05G
9/04792 (20130101); G05G 2009/04744 (20130101); G05G
2009/04781 (20130101); G05G 2009/04707 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G05G
9/00 (20060101); G05G 9/047 (20060101); H01h
003/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;200/4,6A
;317/137,157,155.5 ;307/115 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Miller; J. D.
Assistant Examiner: Moose, Jr.; Harry E.
Claims
I claim:
1. A multiple switch operating unit comprising in combination:
a. a joy stick control having a shaft free to rotate within a
hollow stem and said stem being pivotally mounted;
b. rotary switch means insulatedly secured to said hollow stem;
c. said rotary switch means being provided with a continuous
substantially planar array of contact points;
d. contact arm means secured to said shaft for selectively
contacting one of said contact points as said shaft is rotated;
e. a plurality of individually actuable push-button switch means,
actuated in response to a predetermined pivotal movement of said
stem;
f. said push-button switches being selectively interconnectable
with each of said contact points.
2. The combination set forth in claim 1, further including a
plurality of groups of output devices and circuit means for
interconnecting said multiple switch operating unit with said
groups of output devices, so that said rotary switch means can
select one of said groups and said push button switch means can
select one output device within said selected group.
3. The combination set forth in claim 2, further including a
plurality of contact arms mounted on said stem, equal in number to
said push-button switches, for selectively actuating one of said
push-button switches when said sleeve is pivotally moved in a
predetermined direction.
4. The combination set forth in claim 3, wherein said means for
pivotally mounting said sleeve comprises a ball and socket
joint.
5. The combination set forth in claim 4, further including means
for constraining the pivotal movement of said sleeve to one of a
plurality of predetermined directions corresponding to the location
of said push-button switches.
6. The combination set forth in claim 2, wherein said output
devices comprise solenoid windings.
7. The combination set forth in claim 6, wherein said solenoid
windings comprise the actuating coils of at least one hydraulic
valve box actuator.
8. The combination set forth in claim 7, wherein said hydraulic
valve box actuator comprises:
a. a plunger normally in a neutral position;
b. a first and a second solenoid winding surrounding said plunger;
and
c. a reciprocable output shaft; so that current flow through said
first solenoid winding causes said output shaft to be actuated in a
first direction and current flow through said second solenoid
winding causes said output shaft to be actuated in a second
direction diametrically opposite to said first direction.
9. The combination set forth in claim 5, wherein said output
devices comprise solenoid windings.
10. The combination set forth in claim 9, wherein said solenoid
windings comprise the actuating coils of at least one hydraulic
valve box actuator.
11. The combination set forth in claim 10, wherein said hydraulic
valve box actuator comprises:
a. a plunger normally in a neutral position;
b. a first and a second solenoid winding surrounding said plunger;
and
c. a reciprocable output shaft; so that current flow through said
first solenoid winding causes said output shaft to be actuated in a
first direction and current flow through said second solenoid
winding causes said output shaft to be actuated in a second
direction diametrically opposite to said first direction.
Description
This invention relates to a switch control unit, and in particular
to a switch control unit employing in combination, a rotary
selector switch and a plurality of selectively actuated push-button
switches. This arrangement provides great flexibility and
adaptability in selectively controlling a number of operating modes
of a single machine, or in selectively controlling the operation of
a number of separate apparatuses.
In many situations it is highly desirable to utilize a control unit
which can be readily manipulated by a single hand of the operator
and at the same time provide all the control functions which a
plurality of separately actuable switches would provide. A need for
this type of control unit has been particularly felt where heavy
machinery is involved and one hand of the operator is continually
engaged in driving the apparatus, leaving only one hand free for
performing the manipulative steps required to effect the control
function. An example of such machinery, is the heavy earth moving
rig, commonly used in large scale farming operations. Not only must
the operator drive this heavy piece of equipment, but he must also
be able to selectively actuate the component parts of the earth
mover, commonly known as the scrapers. In one known form of earth
moving rig, three separate scrapers are utilized, although in
larger varieties of this machine many more scrapers may be
employed. Since each scraper requires two separate hydraulic valve
banks for its operation, each of which is controlled by two
separate windings, it can be seen that in order to select the
particular scraper to be actuated and then select the valve bank
and coil of the scraper, a great many separate switches would be
required. Similar problems are encountered in other types of heavy
machinery or in any other area where complex switching control
functions are required.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a new and
improved switching control unit which can be easily manipulated by
the user to effect a plurality of switching functions.
Another object of this invention is to provide a switching control
unit which is compact and capable of performing complex switching
functions without requiring a plurality of separate switches.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a
switching control unit particularly adapted for use in heavy
machinery such as earth moving equipment.
An additional object of this invention is to provide a new and
improved switch control unit which can be readily adapted for use
in conjunction with hydraulic valve box actuators.
These and other objects and features of the present invention will
be more readily appreciated from a consideration of the following
specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the switch control unit of the
present invention;
FIG. 2 is a partially broken away top view of the switch control
unit of the present invention as viewed in the direction of the
arrows 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the lines 3--3 in FIG. 1 as
viewed in the direction of the arrows thereon;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on the lines 4--4 in FIG. 1 as
viewed in the direction of the arrows thereon;
FIG. 5 is a view of the rotary switch of the present invention as
viewed in the direction of arrows 5--5 in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a broken away detail taken on the line 6--6 in FIG. 3 as
viewed in the direction of the arrows thereon;
FIG. 7 is a wiring diagram for a typical application of the switch
control unit of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a plan view of an hydraulic valve box actuator used in
connection with the wiring diagram in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is an end view as viewed from the left of FIG. 8; and
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic valve box
actuator taken along lines 3--3 in FIG. 8, as viewed in the
direction of the arrows thereon.
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, there is shown the preferred
embodiment of the switch control unit 10 of the present invention.
As shown best in FIGS. 1 and 4, a "joy stick" control comprises
knob 11 and shaft 12, which is free to rotate within hollow stem
20. Hollow stem 20 is fixedly secured to ball 22 of ball and socket
joint 26. Secured to shaft 12 for rotation therewith is contact arm
23 for contacting one of a plurality of switch positions 24a
through h of rotary switch 16 disposed within outer casing 13.
Shaft 12 is constrained from moving upward or downward with respect
to hollow stem 20 by collar arrangement 28.
As shown in FIG. 2, the upper surface of casing 13 is provided with
display means, 14a, 14b and 14c for indicating the position of
contact arm 23 on rotary switch 16. While only three positions are
indicated in the particular embodiment described, it should be
realized that any number of positions could be so indicated. In the
embodiment described, position 14a indicates that contact arm 23 is
in contact with the position of rotary switch 16 for activating the
front scraper of associated earth moving equipment, 14b similarly
indicates energization of the back scraper and 14c indicates the
neutral or off position. Indicating means 14a, b and c may comprise
signal lamps or other conventional means for providing a visual
indication of the position of contact arm 23. If electrical
indicating means are utilized, it should be realized that an
electrical interconnection between indicating means 14a, b and c
would be provided with the corresponding contact positions on
rotary switch 16, which will be more fully described
hereinbelow.
Also provided in the cover portion of casing 13 are orthogonally
disposed slots 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d which constrain the movement
of the joy stick assembly in conjunction with ball and socket joint
26, in one of four directions, corresponding to the location of
four push-button switches mounted at the corners of bottom plate 27
of casing 13.
As shown best in FIGS. 3 and 4, push-button switches 18a, 18b, 18c
and 18d are mounted at the four corners of bottom plate 27 of
casing 13. Mounted on hollow stem 20 and disposed over and in
operating relationship to each of the aforesaid push-button
switches 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d are corresponding contact arms 17a,
17b, 17c and 17d. Thus, when the joy stick assembly is pivoted in
ball and socket joint 26, through manipulation of knob 11 into one
of the slots 15a, 15b, 15c or 15d, the contact arm 17 in alignment
with the corresponding slot 15 will be forced against its
associated push-button switch 18, closing the switch. Spring-loaded
constraining members 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d are attached to
corresponding contact arms 17a, b, c and d to retain the contact
arms in a neutral position when the joy stick assembly is out of
engagement with any of the slots 15a, b, c or d. As shown in FIG.
3, upstanding flanges 25 are provided on either side of contact arm
17d to prevent the contact arm assembly from rotating out of its
aligned position with push-button switches 18a, b, c and d. This
relationship, among the contact arm 17d, push-button switch 18d,
spring-loaded keeper 19d and flange 25 is shown in detail in FIG.
6.
Rotary switch 16 comprises an insulating base 16a having disposed
thereon a plurality of contact points 24a through 24i for
engagement with contact arm 23. Electrically connected to each of
contact points 24a to 24i are electrical terminals 21a through 21i
which are utilized to complete the electrical connections to the
associated circuitry. As shown in FIG. 4, electrical terminal 21i
is unconnected, corresponding to the neutral or off position 14c in
FIG. 2 while the terminal 21a, as well as one other terminal (not
shown) is electrically connected to the circuitry, as will more
fully be explained hereinbelow. Insulating base plate 16a of rotary
switch 16 is attached to hollow stem 20 by conventional means such
as set screw 31.
FIG. 5 shows in detail the above-described relationship between
contact points 24a through i and terminals 21a through i. While
eight terminals and one neutral or off position are shown, as
explained above, in the particular embodiment described, only two
contact points and terminals and the off or neutral position are
utilized. As shown in FIG. 4, metallic base plate 27 of casing 13
is electrically grounded. Since contact arm 23 is in electrical
contact with the base plate through stem 20 and ball and socket
joint 26, it too will be at ground potential. Of course, some other
means might also be used to ground contact arm 23. Thus, when shaft
12 is rotated within hollow stem 20, contact arm 23 will be rotated
along with it due to the connection between these two parts and
ground will be successively applied to each of contact points 24
and electrical terminals 21. As will be more fully explained below,
in connection with the electrical wiring diagram of FIG. 7, the
application of ground to electrical terminals 21 serves to select
either the front or back scraper, in the particular example chosen,
while the application of ground through the closure of one of the
push-button switches 18a, 18b, 18c or 18d serves to apply current
to one of the four solenoid windings associated with each scraper.
As shown in FIG. 4, electrical conductors 29 and 30 are provided
for completing the circuit between electrical terminals 21 and the
associated circuitry shown in FIG. 7. In the interest of clarity,
conductors 29 and 30 are shown as unconnected in FIG. 4, but eight
separate leads are illustrated. As stated above, only two of these
leads, in the particular embodiment described, are actually
connected. Terminal 21a is connected to the front scraper actuating
relay while terminal 21d is connected to the back scraper actuating
relay.
Before proceeding to a description of the electrical wiring diagram
of FIG. 7, the operation of the switching control unit described
above in connection with FIGS. 1 through 6 will be set forth.
Assuming the operator of the earth moving rig wishes to actuate the
front scraper, he places his hand on knob 11 of the switch control
unit which is conveniently mounted in the operator's cab, and
rotates shaft 12 until indicating means 14a shows that rotary
switch arm 23 has made contact with contact 24a of rotary switch
16. The operator will then pivot the joy stick assembly into
engagement with slot 15a, 15b, 15c or 15d, depending on the
operation he wishes to perform with the front scraper. Assume that
the operator wishes to perform the function controlled by the
solenoid winding associated with push-button switch 18a. He will
then pivot the joy stick assembly into engagement with slot 15a,
causing contact arm 17a to close push-button switch 18a. This will
then cause current to be applied to the selected solenoid winding
of the front scraper. In a similar manner, any of the other
solenoid windings of the front scraper may be selected and by
rotating shaft 12 so that contact arm 23 engages contact 21d, the
same series of operations may be performed with the back scraper.
It should be realized, however, that the earth moving rig and front
and back scraper description is given as merely exemplary and that
the switch control unit of the present invention may be applied
wherever a first switching selection followed by a second switching
selection is desired.
Turning now to the wiring diagram of FIG. 7, it can be seen that
rotary switch 16 is schematically illustrated as comprising two
on-off switches 21a and 21d. These represent respectively, contact
arm 23 applying ground to contacts 21a and 21d of rotary switch 16,
as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Push-button switches 18a, b, c and
d are also represented as on-off switches.
Associated with switch 21a is relay winding 33 and its associated
contact 33a which serves to apply B plus voltage via line 35 to the
winding of relay 37, 38, 39 or 40 in order to close one of the
respective relay contacts 37a, 38a, 39a or 40a. The closure of
switch contact 37a while contact 33a is closed, serves to apply B
plus voltage to the other end of solenoid winding 47, causing
current to flow therethrough. Similarly, closure of contact 38a
will cause current to flow through solenoid winding 48, closure of
contact 39a will cause current to flow through solenoid winding 45
and closure of contact 40a will cause current to flow through
solenoid winding 46.
The aforedescribed connections to the solenoid coils of the front
scraper are duplicated with respect to the back scraper. Thus,
closing switch 21d applies ground to the winding of relay 34,
causing its associated contact 34a to close. This in turn applies B
plus voltage via line 36 to one side of the coils of relays 41, 42,
43 and 44. Depending upon which of push-button switches 18a, 18b,
18c or 18d is actuated, ground will be applied to the other side of
one of relay coils 41, 42, 43 or 44, causing the associated
contacts 41a, 42a, 43a or 44a to close. The closure of contact 41a
causes current to flow through back scraper solenoid winding 49,
the closure of contact 42a causes current to flow through solenoid
winding 50, the closure of contact 43a causes current to flow
through solenoid winding 51 and the closure of contact 44a causes
current to flow through solenoid winding 52. Diodes 53 through 60
are provided in the relay circuits in order to prevent
feedback.
Assume then that the operator of the earth moving rig wishes to
perform an operation with the front scraper initiated by current
flow through solenoid winding 47. Joy stick assembly 11 and 12 is
rotated until indicator 14a provides an indication that contact arm
23 has made contact with the position on rotary switch 16
controlling the front scraper. The operator then pivots the joy
stick assembly into engagement with slot 15a, causing contact arm
17a to depress push-button switch 18a. This sequence of operations
will first cause switch 21a in FIG. 7 to close, in turn activating
relay 33 and causing its associated switch control 33a to close.
This will place B plus voltage across relay winding 37, causing its
associated contact 37a to close when ground is connected to its
other side through the closure of push-button switch 18a. When
contact 37a closes, this will cause current to flow through
solenoid 47, since its other end is grounded and the function
controlled by that solenoid winding will be initiated. When the
operator allows the joy stick assembly to once more assume its
neutral vertical position, current will no longer flow through
solenoid winding 47 since push-button switch 18a will open. This
results in the termination of the function controlled by solenoid
winding 47.
Referring now to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, there is illustrated an
hydraulic valve box actuator, controlled by two solenoid windings
such as 47 and 48 in FIG. 7, particularly suited for use in
conjunction with the switch control unit of the present
invention.
Disposed within outer cylindrical casing 60 is plunger 68 connected
to shaft 70. Shaft 70 is connected to an hydraulic valve box which,
for example, may control the flow of an hydraulic fluid for
performing two different functions, depending upon the direction in
which shaft 70 is moved. If, for example, shaft 70 is moved toward
the right, as viewed in FIGS. 8 and 10, hydraulic valve box 71 may
cause oil to be admitted through a first set of ports to cause the
front scraper to be raised. Similarly, when shaft 70 is moved
toward the left, as viewed in FIGS. 8 and 10, hydraulic valve box
71 may cause oil to flow through a second set of ports and lower
the front scraper.
Plunger 68 is retained in a normally neutral position within cavity
67 by spring 69 and is surrounded by solenoid windings 65 and 66
for creating a magnetic field to move the plunger either to the
left or to the right. The flow of current through solenoid winding
65 will cause plunger 68 to move to the left against the force of
spring biasing means 69 while the flow of current through solenoid
winding 66 will similarly cause plunger 68 to move to the right.
Appropriate electrical terminals 61, 62, 63, and 64 are provided
for connecting solenoid windings 65 and 66 to an appropriate source
of current. For example, terminals 61, 62, 63 and 64 may be
interconnected with the circuitry of FIG. 7, in the manner shown
therein with respect to solenoid windings 47 and 48.
Thus, if solenoid winding 65 corresponded to solenoid winding 47 in
FIG. 7, and solenoid winding 66 corresponded with solenoid winding
48 in FIG. 7, the above-described sequence of operations in FIG. 7,
wherein switch 21a is closed followed by the closure of push-button
switch 18a, would result in the flow of current through solenoid
winding 65 and raise the front scraper. The release of push-button
switch 18a would then cause plunger 68 to return to its neutral
position and if the operator wishes to lower the front scraper, he
would then move the joy stick assembly into engagement with slot
15b to cause push-button switch 18b to close. Current will then
flow through solenoid winding 66, causing plunger 68 to move toward
the right against the force of spring-biasing means 69 and shaft 70
will actuate hydraulic valve box 71 in such a way as to lower the
front scraper of the earth moving rig. Upon release of push-button
switch 18b, the force of spring-biasing means 69 will cause plunger
68 to once again assume its neutral position in cavity 67.
In the particular embodiment described, solenoid windings 47 and 48
control the up and down movement of the front scraper. Similarly,
solenoid windings 45 and 46, if embodied in an hydraulic valve box
actuator such as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, could control two
other functions of the front scraper. Of course, the above
description applies equally well to the solenoid windings 49, 50,
51 and 52 of the back scraper.
While this invention has been described with particular reference
to an earth moving rig incorporating a front and back scraper for
purposes of illustration, it should be realized that the switch
control unit is readily adaptable to any multifunction application
wherein consecutive discrete controllable switching functions are
required. Thus, while the manual ease of performing the switching
functions with the switch control unit of the present invention
makes it particularly suitable for use in heavy machinery where
only a single arm of the operator may be available, it should be
appreciated that general applications are contemplated within the
scope of the present invention. Moreover, it is to be understood
that the present invention is not limited to the specific
embodiment described and illustrated herein, but that various
modifications and alternative arrangements may be employed without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the hereto
appended claims.
* * * * *