Centrifugal mechanism and switch
AssigneeFranklin Electric Co., Inc.
InventorEdward J. Schaefer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This disclosure relates to a centrifugal mechanism and switch construction particularly for use in an electric motor. The mechanism includes a support part that is secured to and rotates with the motor shaft, and a weight that is carried by the support part. The weight has its center of gravity to one side of the motor axis, and the weight is pivotally attached to the support part. Centrifugal force tends to swing the weight in one direction and springs connected between the support part and the weight tend to counter the centrifugal force. A lightweight disc is pivotally connected to the moving end of the weight, the disc being located to activate the switch. The weight and a hinge member form a parallel arm connection between the disc and the support part.
Claims15
In an electric motor including a rotatable shaft and a switch connected to control energization of a winding of the motor, the improvement comprising a centrifugal mechanism for actuating the switch, said mechanism comprising a support part secured to and rotating with the shaft, a movable annular member having a central opening receiving the shaft therethrough, a weight having its center of gravity to one side of the axis of rotation of the mechanism and the shaft, said weight extending between said support part and said annular member and being pivotally connected to said part and said member, said weight and said member swinging outwardly due to centrifugal force upon rotation of said mechanism, said weight and said annular member having a standstill position that exists when said mechanism is stationary and a running position that exists when said mechanism is turning at above a predetermined speed, centrifugal force acting on said weight and causing said outward swinging movement to said running position, and counterforce means directly connected to said weight and said support part and extending therebetween and causing movement to said standstill position, said annular member being adapted to engage said switch and said swinging movement of said annular member being adapted to actuate the switch.
In an electric motor including a shaft that is rotatable on an axis, the improvement comprising a centrifugal mechanism and switch assembly, said mechanism comprising a support part secured to and rotating with the shaft, a movable annular member having a central opening receiving the shaft therethrough, a weight having its center of gravity to one side of the axis of rotation of the shaft, said weight extending between said support part and said annular member and being pivotally connected directly to said part and to said member, said weight and said annular member having a standstill position that exists when said shaft is stationary and a running position that exists when said shaft is turning at above a predetermined speed, centrifugal force acting on said weight and causing pivotal movement of said weight and said member to said running position, and counterforce means directly said weight and said support part and extending therebetween and causing movement to said standstill position, said switch assembly being mounted adjacent and being engageable by said annular member and movement of said annular member acting to actuate said switch assembly.
A centrifugal mechanism for actuating a switch comprising a rotatable support part adapted to be rotated on an axis, a movable part connected to said support part and movable between a standstill position and a running position, said movable part comprising a weight having one end thereof pivotally attached to said support part, said weight having its center of gravity to one side of the axis and the centrifugal force due to rotation of said mechanism operating to pivot said weight toward said one side, counterforce means directly connected to said weight and said support part and extending therebetween and countering said centrifugal force, and an annular member pivotally connected directly to the other end of said weight and carried by said weight in said pivoting movement and pivotally connected to said support part by said weight.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.