US1089919A - Alternating-current-controlling apparatus. - Google Patents

Description

E. L. GALE, s3. 7 ALTEBNATINGUUBBENT CONTROLLING APPARATUS. LPPLIUATIOH FILED DEC. 18, 1905.

1,089,919. Patent ed Mar.10,1914.

Wit-"cow ,Curre'nt-Controlling Apparatus, of which a b 0, represent the mains from the source alternating current electric motors with minimum consumption of current and miniprising the lever O and the insulated contact UNITED STATES PAT more mss'r L. GALE, sa, orYoNKE'nJs, NEW

YORK, ASSIGNOR tro OTIS ELEVATOR comm, or JERSEY CITY, NEW senses, a conronerron or new chaser.

ALTERNATING-CURBENT-QQNTROLLING APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented 11,13 if}? 4.,

Application filed December 18, 1905, Serial No. 292,121, 2 i

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, ERNEST L. GALE, Sn, a citizen of the United States, residing at Yonkers, in the county of \Vestchester and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Alternatingthe following is a specification.

My invcntionrelates to means for starting alternating current motors, and one of its objects is the provision of simple, cheap and efficient means for starting and operating mum noise.

Another object of my invention is the provision for automatically protecting an electric motor if the source'of supply is cut off and thereafter turned on again while the controlling switch. remains in closed position.

Other objects of my invention will appear hereinafter, the novel combinations of 'elements being pointed out in the claims.

Referring to the single figure of the drawing which illustrates diagrammatically my improved system of circuits and apparatus,

of alternating current supply.

S designates a main line switch. C designates an elevator car in which is placed the manual controlling switch com strips 0, (Z, 12, 59 and 13 60.

P designates a potential switch or automatic main line switch.

I designates an induction motor, B an al ternating current "electro-magnetic brake therefor, and --R the reversing switch apparatus for the motor circuits.

D designates the starting resistances for the motor with its operating means connected thereto.

'When the switch lever O is moved to circuit-closing position, for instance to the right, so as to connect contacts 12, 13, and d, a single 'phase circuit will be closed from main a through one blade of the three-pole switch S, and thence by wires land 11, contact 12, switch lever 0, contact 13, wire 14, resistance 15, wire 16, coil 17 of the potentialswitch P, wire 18', to one of the other mains, as b, which may be designated the common return. The resistance 15 is so constructed that it will prevent suilicient current from passing through coil 17- to cause the latter to move its core 26 so as to effect the closure of the switch 19, comprising contacts20, 21, 22 and 23. The contacts 20,23, are fixed, while the contacts21 and 22 are. movable, being mounted on'a bar 25, of insulating material, which issecured to the upper end of the stem 24;, which in turn isrigidly connected to core 26. When the switch lever O is moved to theright-hand position, as hereinbefore referred to, a circuit will also be closed from main a to wires 1 and 11, contact 12, switch lever 0, contact strip 0?, wire 27, C011 28 of the reversing switch R, wire 29,

contacts 30, 31, wires 34., 35, 36 coil 3? of the operating means for the motor-accelerating apparatus, wire 38,-wire 67 to terminal 10 of the induction motor I, and thence through a part of its stator winding to motor ter minal 9, and by way of common return'2 to the main 5-. Since the contacts 30and 31 are'in engagement at this time the resistance r is short-circuited so that suliicient current will flow through coil 37 to enable it to draw up its core 39 and insert the starting resistances 49 and 50 in the rotor circuits of the induction motor I. i

If the switch lever O is moved toits lefthand position so as to connect the contact strips 59, and d, a circuit will be closed from the main 0 through the switch S, and then by wires 3 and 58 to contact 59, switch lever 0, contact 60, from which the circuit continues by wire 14, through the resistance 15, Wire 16, coil'17, to the common return 2, and out through the switch S to main 6. As before the coil 17 cannot actuate its core- 26, by reason of the resistance 15 be-' ing in circuit therewith. A circuit is also closed by swit'ch leverO in its left- hand powires 3 and 58, contact .79, lever 0, contact strip (Z, and'thenc e by wire 1 to and through coil 62, resistance r, wire 36, coil 37, wire 38, main 7. motor terminal 10, part of the stator winding on induction motor I, motor terminal 9, to common return 2. It will be noticed that in this case the resistance 7 is in circuit both with the coil 62 and the coil 37. Sufficient current is allowed to fiowthrough the coil or solenoid 62 to enable it to actuate its core 64 to move its stem 63 to the left. This stem has a pin-and-slot connection 62', with a tilting or oscillating lever 32-, which is connected to a fixed pivot 33, and carries a weight W at its upper end to hold the lever 32 in either one or the other of its circuit-closing positions. The lower end of this lever 32 carries an insulated con tact 31, which is adapted to engage the fixed contact 30 or the fixed contact 63. When in position shownthat is, when the contacts 30 and 31 are in engagement with each other, the resistance r is short-circuited through the wires 29, 34 and said contacts. lVhen the lever 32 is moved to its opposite position, however, by the energization of the coil 62, the resistance r will be shortcircuited. This has the effect. of increasing the amount of current which can flow through the solenoid 37, to such an extent as to enable the latter to move upwardly its core 39. Thus it will be noticed solenoid 37 cannot operate until after the reversing switch has absolutely operated and responded to the position of car switch. The core or plunger 39 is connected to a piston of ,a dashpot, which is provided with an air-cock 45, and an outwardly opening valve 44 on its upper side. The valve 44 allows the piston to ascend quickly, but closes automatically when the piston descends. But the aircock 45 is adjusted to allow the air to enter said dash-pot slowly, so that the core 39, with the bridge piece 46, may slowly descend when desired. WVhen the solenoid 37 is energized sufficiently to lift its plunger 39, and consequently the bridge piece 46 with a rapid motion, the resistances 49 and 50 are quickly inserted in the rotor circuits of the induction motor 1. Furthermore, when the plunger 39 reaches the upper limit of its travel it strikes against lever 40, which is pivoted at 41, and normally rests on a fixed stop 42 to maintain the switch 43 in open position. lVhcn, however, the 1ever,40 is moved upwardly the switch 43 is closed to short-circuit the resistance 15. This obviously decreases the resistance of the circuit through the solenoid 17 of the potential switch P and said solenoid now receives suflicient current to enable it to lift its core or plunger 26 so as to close the switch 19. Thus it will be noticed all three magnets are absolute in action.

The'motor brake B will now be energized as a circuit is closed from main a through switch S, wire 1, contacts 20 21, wire 4, wire 57, through the coils of said brake magnet, and thence to the common return 2. The brake is preferably applied by means of a spring, and released by the alternating cur- .rent brake magnet B. The motor may now start, the circuits therefor, being closed through the switch 19 and the reversing switch R, the position of the latter determining in which direction the motor I shall rotate. If the manual operating switch lever 0 is in its right-hand position then the reversing switch will assume the position shown in the drawing, and the motor circuits may be traced as follows: from main a, through wire 1, contacts 20 21, wire 4, fixed contact 53, contact 54, which is carried by lever 32, but insulated therefrom, and then by wire 7 to motor terminal 10; another circuit is completed from main 0, through switch S, wire 3, contacts 23 and 22, wire 5, fixed contact 51, contact 52, which is also carried by but insulated from lever 32, wire 6, to motor terminal 8; and the thirdcircuit comprises the common return 2, which is permanently connected to the motor terminal 9.

When the switch lever O is moved to its left-hand position the lever 32 is moved to its left-hand position, so that the contacts 52 54 carried therebywill engage respectively with fixed contacts 55 56 instead of with the fixed contacts 51 53. In either case after the reversing switch lever 32 has once been moved to one of its circuit-closing positions, the solenoids 62 or 28 need be depended upon vno longer for holding said lever in circuit-closing position, as this is done by gravity-that is, the weight 1V acts to hold the reversing switch closed. lVhen the reversing switch lever 32 has been moved to its left hand position the circuits for the motor are changed at the mains a, 0 and motor terminals 8, 10. That is, two of the phases of themotor stator are reversed in that main a is now connected by wire 4, contacts 55, 52, to main terminal 8, while the I main 0 is connected by wire 5, contacts 56 54, and wire 7 to motor terminals 10. The direction of rotation of the lnduction motor I will therefore be reversed. The induction motor I having thus been started in the de sired direction after the resistances 49 and 50 are inserted 'in the rotor circuits, it will be noticed that when the switch 19 is closed the reversing switch solenoids and the solenoid 37 are short-cireuited. If the switch lever O is assumed to be in its righthand position and the switch 19 closed the short-circuit of the circuit starting at point 66 may be traced through the contacts 20 21, wire 4, contacts 53, 54, and by wire 7 to the point 67, which is connected by wire 38 to the coil 37. If the switch lever O is in its left-hand position, and consequently also the reversing switch lever contacts 52 and 54, and the switch 19 is in closed position the short-circuit of the circuit, including the coils 62 and 37, may be traced from point 68 through contacts 23, 22, .wire 5, contacts 56 and 54, and again by wire 7 to the point 67. It is therefore evident that as soon as either of the reversing switch magnets and the solenoid 37 have done their work these magnets and'solenoid are shortcircuited. This has the effect of releasing. the core or plunger 39, and the bridge piece 46 therefore gradually moves downwardly over the contacts 47, 48, against the action of the dash pot, and step by step cuts out the sectional starting resistances 4:9 and 50,

40 is also released, and therefore switch 43 isopened to re-insert the resistance in circuit with the solenoid 17, of the potential switch P. Although the current passingthrough the coil 17 when the resistance 15 is in circuit therewith is not sufiicient to "cause said coil to lift its core 26, this ourrent is suflicient to hold said core 26 in its uppermost position after it has once been placed in' such position. The contacts ,of

the switch 19 will therefore be held in engagement with each other with the minimum consumption of current.

Although I have herein shown only oneform of my invention, obviously those skilled in the art may make changes and variations thereof with respect to the details and the arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention as defined by theclaims. I therefore do not wish to be limited. to the exact construction herein disclosed.

What I claim and desire to have protected by Letters Patent of the United States is 1. The combination with analternating current motor of the induction type; of a reversing switch therefor; electro-magnetic means for operating said reversing switch; manual means for controlling said electric means; a sectional starting-resistance; electromagnetic means for inserting said resistance in the rotor circuits; current-reducing resistance for preventing the operation of said electro-rnagnetic means; means co-acting with said reversing switch for shortcircuiting the said current-reducing resistance and effecting the insertion of said starting resistance; an electro-magnetic main line switch; an additional resistance preventing the operation of said main line switch: means co-acting with said electromagnetic means for inserting the starting resistance, to short-circuit said additional resistance and'efi'ect .the operation of said main line switch; and circuits and connec- "tions for effecting the cutting out of the elec' tric means for operating the reversing switch, and also the cutting out of theelec t re-magnetic means for inserting the starting-resistance to effect the re-insertion of said additional resistance and also the automatic. operation of said accelerating apparatus.

2. The combination with an alternating current motor, ofmeans for controlling the same comprising an electromagnetic switch for the primary circuit. a variable impedance for the secondary, circuit, a controlling element therefor havlng a bias toward a.

minimum impedance position, an electromagnetic device for moving said element to a maximum impedance position, and connections whereby the circuit of the primary switch is closed when said element reaches the latter position.

In a self-starter for electric motors, the combination with a rheostat, of an electromagnet for operating said rh'eost'at, a motor reversing'switch', resistance in circuit with said electromagnet; means controlled by the position of said reversing switch for short- I circuiting the resistance and thereby controlling said electro-magnet, and devices for operating said reversing switch.

4. In a self-starter for electric motors, the combination with a rheostat, of reversing switch mechanism, a manual controlling SWitCll,*tlIl electro-magnet for operating said rheostat, resistance in circuit with said'electromagnet, and means operated by the reversing switch to short circuit said resistance when the reversing switch is in position corresponding to the position of said manual switch. 7' i 5. In aself-starter for electric motors, the combination with a rheostat, of an electromagnet-for operating the same, a motor reversing switch, a resistance in circuit with said electrdmagnet to prevent its operation, and a switch dependent upon the position of said reversing switch for short-circuiting said resistance.

6. In a self-starter for electric motors, the combination with a 'rheostat, of an electromagnet for operating the same, a motor re ice versing switch of the gravity type, electromagnets for shifting the position of said reversing switch, resistances in series with said first named electro-magnet, and a switch for controlling said resistances to ef- 7. In a self-starter for electric motors, the" combination with an electromagnetic rheostat, of reversing switches of the gravity type, means for preventing the operation of said electro-magnetic rheostat until said reversing switch is in a predetermined position, a main line/switch, means for preventing the closure of said main line switch until said electro-magnetic rheostat is in starting position, and circuitsfor short-circuiting the electro-magnet of said electro-magnetic rheostat and also said reversing switch magnets.

8. In a self-starter for electric motors, the combination with a. rheostat, of an electromagnet for operating said rheostat, electromagnetic reversing switch mechanism, means dependent on said reversing switch mechanism for controlling said rheostat electromagnet, an electro-magnetic main line switch, means dependent on said rheostat electro-magnet for controlling the operation of said main line switch, and means operated by said main line switch for eliminating the current in all the aforesaid electro-magnets except that of the main line switch.

9. In a self-starter for electric motors, the- 10. In'a self-starter for electric motors,

the combination'with a rheostat, of an electro-magnet for operating the same, a motor reversing switch, a pair of electro-magnets for operating said reversing switch, said first and second named electromagnets being connected in series, means dependent upon the position of said reversing switch for contro ling the operation of said firstnamed electromagnet, a 'main line electro-v magnetic switch, means dependent upon said ,rheostat electro-magnet for controlling said main line switch, and a manual switch for controlling said reversing switch magnets.

11. In a self starter'for electric motors, the combination" with a rheostat, an electromagnet for operating the same, a motor reversing switch of the gravity type, a pair'of electro-magnets for s ifting said reversing switch from one position to-another, a pair of resistances in circuit with the rheostat electro-magnet to prevent its operation, a

manual switch for controlling the circuits of the aforesaid electro-magnets, and switch ances to cause sufiicient current to flow the reversing switch is in a position corresponding to the position of said. manual switch. I

I v13. In a ,self-starter for electric motors, the combination with a rheostat, of an elecs reversing switch, means for operating said reversing switch, a resistance in circuit with .said electroa'nagnet to prevent its operation when the reve'rsing switch .is 'out of proper position, a main line switch, an elec-' tro-magnet for operating said main line switch, and circuits and connections for efswitch after the rheostat has been set.

name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

ERNEST L. GALE, s3.

\Vitnesses CHARLES M. NISSEN,

ALFRED O. BEGHET.

Copies of thil patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Gommlssioner of Patents Washington, D. O."

mechanism dependent upon said reversingswitch .to short-c1rcu1t one of said resist-- through said rheostat electro-magnet to 0ptro-magnet for operating the same, a motor fecting the operation of said main line I In testimony whereof, I have signed my cause said rheostat magnet to operate when

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