US3505624A - Trip relay bank - Google Patents

Description

April. 7, 1970 H. SEIDEN v TRIP RELAY BANK 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 18, 1968 www@ o 2x L O o O E? if@ QDH s m@ "n h April 7', 1970 H. sElDEN 3,505,524

I yTRIP RELAY BANK Filed April 18, 1.968 4 sheets-sheet 2 April 7,1970 e H'. sEmEN 3,505,624

l TR-IP RELAY BANK Filed April 18. 1968 4 shares-snee*h s Aprily 7, 1970 H. sElD'N 3,505,624'

TRIP RELAY BANK Filed April 18. 1968 4 sheets-snee: 4

/NvE/VTOR JMLJLQ, 3i Sw@ @M1-4m@ +122 g ,Q4/Mw wfpac/ United States Patent O 3,505,624 TRIP RELAY BANK Herman Seiden, deceased, late of Skokie, Ill., by Freida B. Seiden, administratrix, Skokie, Ill., assignor to Bally Manufacturing Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Filed Apr. 18, 1968, Ser. No. 722,488 Int. Cl. H01h 67/02 U.S. Cl. 335-107 16 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A multiple trip relay bank switch to control electric circuits wherein, in an illustrated embodiment, a drive shaft carrying a rst set of spaced cams is coupled through one or more friction clutches to a driven shaft carrying additional sets of spaced cams, the cams are engageable with a series of multi-pole switches having circuit responsive armature-controlled latches and one or more of the latches controls the engagement of the friction clutches. Other embodiments are disclosed including multiple drive of sections of interlocked cams from a single shaft with over-riding spring clutch control of any cam section.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention concerns the art of circuitry control for use in computer, communication, electric sign, score board, and game board systems wherein multiple indicia are actuated in response to known or unknown, oriented or random input signals and their individual or joint responses are recorded, relayed or momentarily sensed to provide intelligence or a desired mechanical result, including means to erase or return the intelligence to a desired value or to zero. The invention relates particularly to the art of game boards and pin ball machines and the recordation of the sequence of events taking place as a bouncing play piece travels at random through a labyrinth of electrically responsive obstacles and bumpers.

In these and related arts it is known to use cam-actuated lever mechanisms whereby through axial displacement of one or more cams on a shaft, a lirst or second series of contact levers can be actuated. Cam mechanisms of this type are used in the controls for electric street cars where movement of a control lever in one direction, operates a rheostat to convey current to one or more drive motors and reversal of the lever actuates the brakes. Some automatic temperature control devices are available which utilize cams to oscillate mercury switches. Various shaped cams are used to raise multiple pole switches in certain make and break sequence, as in periodic switches for advertising displays. Cams are used to actuate toggle switches to attain positive make and break action. Switches to control appliances such as washing machines, having wash, rise and dry cycles, employ cams with limited arcuate pivotal action to effect cycle control. Switching sequences are known in electronic computers to connect circuits in a predetermined sequence so that power is supplied to both AC and DC circuitry for proper warm-up and shut-off under stable conditions without damage to delicate crystal diodes due to excessive voltages.

The prior art devices are not adapted for use where a multitude of oriented or random input signals are to be recorded, relayed or momentarily sensed to provide an intelligence or a desired mechanical result. Furthermore thel prior art devices do not provide multiple control or sequential control of a series of switches or relays where the operation of one or more electrical circuits can be made dependent on or independent of the happening or non-happening of a previous event or the closing or openice ing of an associated circuit. The prior art devices do not provide flexibility of construction or adaptability to a varying number of switching operations. Each switch is fixed in its component parts and functions in the prior art. No provision is made for the accommodation of two or more stages of input response from a control circuit. The instant invention solves these and other problems in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention concerns a multiple trip relay bank of switches and the operating mechanism therefor adapted to control a circuit in a manner to perform any desired combination of functions with an electrical apparatus. In one embodiment the invention provides a two-part bracket assembly supporting a bank of switches and an operating mechanism as a convenient unit for easy assembly and connection into an electrical apparatus. One part of the assembly carries motor driven cam means and the other part of the assembly carries the switches and their cam-operated latches; the two parts are characterized by interlocking associated parts such that the switch assembly can be readily inserted into operative position with the cams or removed for servicing, adjustment or change in the number of switches. The switch assembly is further characterized by the provision of multiple predrilled holes and tabs for quick and accurate placement of any desired number of switches, latches and latch release means therealong to accommodate any changes in the number of functions to be performed by the electrical apparatus. A feature of the invention is the provision of motor-driven cam means comprising a segmented shaft carrying the cams with one or more friction clutches between the shaft segments and means for engaging and disengaging the friction clutches, so that the functions controlled by the cams of one segment are either dependent upon the occurrence of a function or event controlling the means for engaging the clutch of a preceding segment or independent thereof,

Still another feature is the provision of a multiple drive on a single shaft to allow sections of cams thereon to be operated independent of other sections.

Another feature of the invention is to provide a plurality of individual cams having journals carried by the shafts which interlock one to the other in series between the spaced clutches or terminal ends of the shaft.

In another embodiment of the invention the latch means are electromagnetically tripped against a spring bias allowing movement of a switch to a first position before engagement by a cam for movement to a second position, followed by return of the latch means and release of the switch to its original position. In still another embodment of this invention, clutch means are provided that are adapted to be held in an inoperative position for release to a position of engagement between shaft segments.

Accordingly, the primary objects of this invention are to provide ya multiple trip relay bank of switches and the operating mechanism therefor whereby to control a desired combination of functions with an electrical device. An object of the invention is to provide cam means on selectively operative shaft segments to either independently or dependently control a plurality of switches associated with each cam means. An object of the invention is to provide friction clutch means for use between segmented shafts and adapted to be released by an associated latch means.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an electromagnetic latch means for use in electrical apparatus.

An object of this invention is to provide an easily fabricated bracket assembly for a series of switches and cams which is adapted for easy dis-assembly for adjustment, repairs or alterations of the functions thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The specific embodiment of this invention is shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective (isometric) view of the switch tripping mechanism of this invention in assembled form adapted to be used as a unit;

FIG. 2 is a side view of one switch in locked position showing the relationship of a cam thereto with the electromagnetic coil unenergized;

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of a make-break switch in open position and rotating cam that can be used in the assembly;

FIG. 3a is a partial side view of the make-break switch shown in FIG. 3 in closed position;

FIG. 4 is a front partially cut-away view of the clutch control mechanism and its associated switch;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the clutch control switch of FIG. 4 in unlocked position showing the release of the clutch and the relative position of the cam thereto;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one form of cam and journal adapted to be used in relation to a clutch;

FIG. 7 is an end view of one form of the cam shown in FIG. 6 and also other cam journals which are adapted to lock to an adjacent cam of similar design;

FIG. 7a is a plane side end view of the cam shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, same also being representative of other cams and journals in the series;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one form of the clutch housing;

FIG. 8a is an end view of the clutch housing shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view in partial section of ends of two shaft segments contiguous to and within a clutch housing;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the juncture of two shaft segments within one form of overrunning spring clutch assembly;

FIG. 11 is -a cross-sectional View showing a modied form of spring clutch and shaft supporting assembly; and

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the overrunning spring clutch used with independent multiple drive sections on a single shaft, and

FIG. 12a is a dis-assembled view of the parts shown in FIG. 12.

Referring to the drawings, particularly FIG. 1, the assembly comprises end brackets or plates, 10 and 12, having, respectively, base support flanges 14 and 16 for ati tachment within a machine to be controlled fby the assembly. A pair of longitudinal tie bars 18 and 20 are attached by screws (not shown) at their ends to the brackets to hold same in spaced upright position. The bracket 10 supports reduction gear lbox 22 which is connected to drive motor 24, in a manner known in the art. Suitable electrical connections and switch means (not shown) are provided to supply electrical current to the motor 24. The motor 24 has an input shaft 26 connected to the reduction gear system within the gear box 22 and the outputA of the gear box is directly connected to the drive shaft 30 which is rotatably mounted in the bearing 32, supported by the bracket 10. The bearing 34 supported by the bracket 12 carries the last driven segment of the shaft 30. As will be described the shaft 30 is continuous or is made up of a series of segments.

The motor speed, amount of reduction and relative speed of the drive shaft segment 30 are subject to variation depending on the type of apparatus or circuitry to be controlled by the assembly. The shaft 30 can be driven for example at speeds ranging from about 1/2 r.p.m. to 60 r.p.m. for the control of most amusement, computer and like devices.

A bracket bearing 36 is supported by the tie bars 18 and and has an upstanding ear 38 carrying the shaft 30 in rotatably supporting relationship. The shaft 30 being discontinuous in the embodiment of FIG. 1 has one or more spring clutches and bracket bearings 36 intermediate its ends depending on the particular switching functions desired. The bracket bearing 36 can be placed at any desired point -along the shaft 30 and preferably a bracket 36 is used adjacent each spring clutch as will be described. The apertures 42 in bracket base 36 engage the tie bars in a snug sliding relationship to facilitate assembly and dis-assembly while at the same time, holding the bracket in an upright position.

In the embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. l the shaft 30 carries a disc cam 44, having a cam notch 46 in its periphery, through the hub member 48 which is press tted onto the rst of a series of journals or hubs 50 carried by the shaft 30. The end of the first journal has a notch 52 engaged Iby the roll pin drive 54 to hold the journal and the interconnected series of journals in rotating relationship with the shaft 30.

The series of hubs 50 each have a radially extending reset cam 56 more clearly shown in FIGS. 7 and 7a. Each hub has a central bore 58 adapted to fit snugly upon the shaft 30 with no radial movement and to be removable by sliding off either end of the shaft. Each cam 56 has a curved camming surface 60. These surfaces may be of the same curvature or different curvatures on the different cams or sets of cams. The cams are aiiixed to one end of the hubs as an integral part thereof. A segment 62 of each of the hubs is cut away at the cam end and a similar segment 64 (FIG. 7a) is cut away at the opposite end of each hub. These cutaway segments are circumferentially off-set slightly, that is, the top shoulder 66 on the cam end is displaced circumferentially on the hub from the top shoulder 68 of the segment 64 on the opposite end of the hubs. The segments 62 and 64 are of equal circumferential cutaway dimension. In the ernbodiment shown in FIG. 1 all of the hubs 50 and reset cams 56 are identical except the hub holding the cam 44, which has notch 52 instead of a cut-out segment at one end. Thus the hubs interlock one to the other with the cutaway segment of one end matching the extended peripheral edge of the opposing hub. This displaces each reset cam 56 spirally along the length of the shaft 30 as shown in FIG. l and locks all of the hubs together as a unit.

As shown more clearly in FIGS. 3 and 3A, the cam 44 operates the two-position switch 70 by movement of its peripheral surface against the feeler arm 72 having a rounded tip 74. The switch 70 comprises a sandwich of insulators 76 held together by the screws 78 (FIG. l) which are alixed to longitudinal flange 80, and hold the feeler arm 72 in extended position to register on the periphery of the cam 44, along with the spring arms 82 and 84 and finger contact 86. The spring arms 82 and 84 are held apart at their extended ends by the insulating spacer 88. The upper spring `arm 84 carries an electrical contact while the finger contact 86 carries an opposing electrical contact 92. When the cam 44 turns to the position shown in FIG. 3A the tip 74 drops into the recess 46 allowing the arms 82 and 84 to spring downwardly and close the contact points 90 and 92. This two-position switch or a series of such switches can be used to control or produce intermittent signals i.e., to operate light effects or a coin release.

Referring again to FIG. 1 and also to FIGS. 8, 8A and 9, a spring clutch 96 is provided having a housing 98 carrying clutch ange 100, from which extends the radial ear or pawl 102. The housing 98 has a peripheral notch 104 at one end and an annular inner recess 106, larger than the bore 108, at the other end. The shaft 30 (see FIG. 9) is segmented and has a retaining washer and a reduced diameter end portion i112. The shank 114 therebetween carries the clutch spring 116 with the ends 118 and 120 extending radially and circumferentially outward therefrom. The shaft 30 has a segment 30 with an end bore 122 into which is inserted the cup bearing 124 (of nylon, brass or similar bearing material) adapted to lit upon reduced end portion 112. The shaft segment 30 has the same diameter as the shaft segment 30 and these parts, when assembled, assume the relationship shown in FIG. l0i with a modified hub 50' carrying reset cam 56, overlapping the juncture of the shaft segments. The hub S0' lhas a notch 128 which receives the end 120 of the spring 116 while the notch 104 in the housing 98 receives the end 118 in the as- 4sembled position of these parts. The peripheral end of the hub 50 ts snugly within the recess 106 and holds the assembly together.

As shown in FIG. 6, the modified hub 50 has a recessed segment 62, like the balance of the hubs, at the reset cam end so as to interlock with the recessed segment 64 of the next adjacent hub. The contour of the reset cam surface 60 thereon is the same as the other curved camming surfaces. Retaining washers and split washers such as indicated at 110 are used where necessary along the shaft and hub assembly for spacing of the last hub in a series from a clutch housing.

In one embodiment (see FIGS. l and 1l) a pair of spring retainer cups 1130 and 132 with interposed spring 134 are used between the last hub or retaining washer 110 and the end bearing 34. For clarity in this description the shaft 30 which is connected to the motor drive will be referred to as the drive shaft (motor) while the clutch controlled shaft segments 30' will be referred to as the clutch-driven shaft, it being understood that more than one clutch and one clutch-driven shaft can be used in a single tandem assembly. The motor 24, gear box 22, end plates and 12 with connecting bars 18 and 20 and the shaft-hub and reset cam assembly just described constitutes a first unit of the assembly of this invention.

The second unit of the assembly comprises pivot brackets 138 and 140 attached to back support member 142 having oppositely projecting longitudinal flanges 80 and 144 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). The pivot brackets 138 and 140 having forward opening slots 146 and .148, respectively, which are adapted to fit over the collars of bearings 32 and 34. The lower edge of each pivot bracket has a notch 150 which registersl with a stud 152 pro-l truding from the inner side of each end bracket 10 and 12, to provide vertical support for the second unit. Thus, the second unit which carries the various switches, armatures and latches, to be described, can be removed from the first unit simply by lifting or pivoting the back side to disenga'ge the notches 150 from the studs 152 while rotating the second unit on the end slots 146 and 148 and pulling the units apart, whereby the end slots 150 disengage from the bearing collars.

A plurality of spaced spring-support ears 154 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 5) are cut through the vertical wall of the back support member 1142 and a plurality of pairs of space detent holes 156 are located below each spring support ear in the member 142. A series of L-shaped relay brackets 1-58 having spring support ears 160 along their front edges are attached in spaced relationship along the back support member 120 being held thereto by means of stud bolts 162 and pairs of alignment detent lugs 164 which register with the detent holes 156.

The longitudinal flange 80y has a plurality of threaded spaced holes 166 engaged by the upper ends of the stud bolts 162, wherever positioned therealong and serve also to be engaged by elongated studs 168 which extend through and hold the multiple switches 170 upon the flange 80 by means of aligned threaded holes (not shown) in the brackets 158.

The L-shaped brackets 1158 are constructed in various widths to accommodate one, two or more of the switches 170 and its associated latch mechanism and spaces (as shown in FIG. l) can be left in the assembly where it is desired to limit the number of switching functions.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section taken along lines 2-2 in FIG. 1 wherein the further relationship of parts is shown to include the sandwiched insulators 174 of the switch 170, holding spring contacts 176 in spaced relationship adjacent lower or upper spring contacts 178 in a manner known in the art. Each pair of opposed spring contacts has a matching pair of electrical contacts such as 180 and 182, aiiixed individually thereto in make-break relationship. Additional spring contacts 184 are provided with an electrical contact 186 thereunder, for registry with an opposing contact 188 on the top of certain of the spring contacts. The spring contacts have their extended ends 190 bent downwardly and extending through holes y192 in an insulated carriage 194. The various spring contacts 176 are biased downwardly carrying the carriage 194 against the switch lever 196. Electrical leads for the circuit to be controlled by the switches 170 are attached to the off-set ends 176' and 178 of the respective spring contacts.

The forward end of each switch lever 196 has an upturned flange 198 for retention of the carriage 194 thereon, while the rearward end has a down turned flange 200 which retains that end of the lever within a slot 202 (see FIGS. 2, 4 and 5) in the back support member 142. A spring 204 is attached between the tab 206 on the under side of the switch lever 196 and the tabbed opening 154 in the support member 142. The spring 204 biases the switch lever :196 downwardly.

On the underside of each switch lever and intermediate the ends thereof is an insulated catch member 208, held thereto by means of one or more rivets 210 extending through both members. The catch member 208 is preferably formed of an electrical insulating plastic and has a downwardly extending tab 212 and a reinforcing corner 214, both molded integral with the flat base 216. The back surface 217 of the tab 212 is curved outwardly and the bottom of the base 216 has an olf-set or step 218 vvwhile the rear edge 220 of the base forms a step or shoulder, with the underside of each of the switch levers 196. The underside of the switch lever 196 also carries a retainer or stop member 224 attached thereto by any suitable means.

Each of the L-shaped bracket members 158 has a pair of spaced apertures 225 to receive the tabbed ends 226 of the switch levers 228. The latter apertures form a fulcrum point for the levers 228 while the slots 202 perform the same functions for the switch levers 196. Similarly, a spring 230 attaches between the tabs 160 on the forward edge of the L-brackets 1158 and a similar tab 232 in the body of each latch lever. Thus, both the switch levers 196 and the latch levers 228 are biased counterclock-wise about their fulcrums.

The upper ends of the latch levers 228 have a flange 236 engageable with the step 218 of the catch member 208 in a irst position shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 and engageable with the bottom of the switch levers 196 against the edge 220 in a second position, shown in dotted lines in FIG. 5. The latch levers are moved from the rst position to the second position by the electromagnets 240 positioned thereto so that upon being energized from the circuit, under control by the device, the magnetic field pulls the latch levers 228 so that the end of the flange 236 strikes against the stop member 224 and the body of the lever is spaced from and cannot contact the core 242. This allows the switch levers 196 to pivot downwardly onto the ends of the latch levers which movement and bias slides the iiange 236 into step 218. The electromagnets are held in position by means of bolts 244 extending through the support 142 and the L-bracket 158. Each electromagnet has arl/insulating support 246, as part thereof, which engages through apertures in the L-bracket 158 by means of tabs 248, to align same for easy assembly. Each cam 56 is located in line with the underside of a switch lever 196.

The device of this invention can have one or more of the cams 56 rotating constantly so that once each revolution, the switch lever is raised (see FIG. 2), thereby raising the carriage 194 and performing a certain desired sequence of switching events through the contacts 186 and 188, depending on how the spring fingers `are set. Upon actuating the electromagnet 240 the latch lever 228 is moved clock-wise. This allows the switch lever 196 to lower against the second position of the latch lever 228 and perform a second set of switching operations through the contacts 186 and 188. Upon the next revolution of the cam 56 the switch lever 196 is again raised and, with the electromagnet de-energized, the spring 230 returns the latch lever to its first position and the original switching sequence continues.

Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment of this invention where a segmented shaft is employed, and a clutch 96 having a clutch flange 100 with a pawl 102 thereon, is used, the latch lever 228 is modified to provide a clutch latch 250 on the front side with a flange 252 thereon adapted to catch the pawl 102 in its first position (252') and prevent the rotation of the clutch driven shaft segment 30. The switch 170 shown in FIG. 5 can have the same or different switching sequence from the preceding switches in the series as described in relation to FIG. 2. The provision of the clutch 96 prevents the rotation of the clutch driven shaft 30', and the cam 56, until the latch lever 228 is moved by the electromagnet 240 -to its second position. This releases the flange 252 from contact with the pawl 102, and, in addition to the switching sequence performed by the release of the switch lever, allows the cam 56 to rotate, in the direction of the arrow, due to the dragging action of the spring 116 on the shank 114. The cam 56 raises the switch lever 196 to perform a second series of switching operations through the switch 170. This action occurs for one revolution of the drive shaft (motor) 30, and for each of the cams and switches carried by the clutch driven shaft 30', because the raising of the switch lever 196 against the spring 204, allows the latch lever 228 to be returned to its locked position with the flange 236 in the step 218. In the released position the flange 236 strikes the stop member 224 and any static charge build-up is dissipated.

FIG. 11 shows a modified spring clutch to 'perform these functions. In this view the terminus 112 of the drive shaft 30, carrying the cam 56, -ts Within the nylon sleeve bearing 124 and the shank 114 is threaded as at 250. The bracket or bearing plate 36 supports the shaft through nylon bearing 252 adjacent to retaining washer 110. A bushing 256 engages the -threaded shank 250 with the washer 258 against the bearing 252. The outer surface 260 of the bushing 256 is contiguous to the outer surface 262 of the clutch driven shaft 30. The clutch housing 98 has a radial pawl 102 and recesses 104 to receive the upright end 118' of the clutch spring 116'. The next adjacent hub 50 carrying the cam 56 has a notch 128 to receive the upright end 120 of the clutch spring 116. The next adjacent hub l50 carrying the cam 56 has a notch 128 to receive the upright end 120 of the clutch spring 116. The hub 50' is the same as that shown in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 12A still another embodiment of spring clutch is shown to allow multiple drive on a single one-piece shaft whereby each section of multiple cams is operated independent of the other sections. Here the drive shaft motor 30 and the clutch driven shaft 30 are combined in one continuous main shaft 300, supported at its ends by the bearings 32 and 34 (not shown). A washer 302 is used between each of the adjacent sections of serially connected cams 56 and an adapter sleeve 304 is used where certain functions are to be omitted, such as, cam `44 (FIG. 3) and the associated switch 70. The main shaft 300 carries the drive collar 306 by means of the roll pin 308 for continuous rotation therewith. The terminal roll pin drive 310 connects the shaft 300 to the output shaft from the gear reduction 22 the same as roll pin 54. A series of drive collars 306 with roll pins are used along the shaft 300 as needed for each cam section. Encompassing the main shaft 300 is an elongated cam sleeve 312 which extends to the next washer 302 or to the end of a cam series or to a spacer 304 along the main shaft. The cam `sleeve 312 carries thereon a series of cams 56 and their hubs 50 in interlocking manner as previously described.

The shaft 300 may be constructed of a smaller diameter in this embodiment so that the sleeve 312 can be constructed to tit the bores 58 of the hubs 50. The clutch spring 314 encompasses the outer surface of the drive collar 306 and extends within the enlarged bore 316 of the hub 50. The end of the sleeve 312 adjacent the drive collar 306 has a longitudinal slot 318 in which is engaged by the inwardly depending end 320 of the spring 314. The: other end 322 of the spring 314 extends radially outward beyond the outer circumferential surface of the hub' 50. The spring 314 is in frictional engagement with the outer surface of the drive collar 306 and the outer surface of the sleeve 312 so that when the shaft 300 is turned by the drive lmotor 24, lthe sleeve 312 is also turned by the drive motor 24; thus the sleeve 312 is rotated along with the hubs 50 and associated cams 56. By engagement of the end 322 of the spring 314 to a stationary part of the assembly, this frictional engagement is released or overcome and the shaft 300 continues to rotate while the sleeve 312 and the hubs and cams are stopped. Thus the end 322 of the spring 314 can operate as the radial pawl 102 and 1027 in the clutch assembly shown in FIGS. 8, 8A and ll as shown in FIG. 5 wherein the flange 252 is releasably engageable therewith.

In another embodiment a clutch housing such as 98 (FIG. 8) or 98 (FIG. l1) can be used with a slot to engage the end 322 and with a pawl like 102 to accomplish the same function.

From the foregoing description of FIGS. 12 and 12A it is apparent that a set of parts comprising the spring 314, the sleeve 312, the hub 50 and the desired number of interlocking hubs 50 are used for each clutch section along the shaft 300. Also each such section can be operated independent of the operation of other such sections along the shaft.

Referring again to FIG. l, one mode of operation of the device can be as follows: The operation of the motor 24 rotates the drive shaft (motor) 30 and continuously rotates the cam 44 and all of the interlocked cams 56 up to the bracket 36. Because of the slipping action of the cl-uch 96, the remaining interlocked ca-ms therealong up to the cup member do not rotate. Each revolution of the cams sequentially raises the switch levers 196, once for each revolution, and performs the desired switching operations through the multi-pole switches or relays 170, of Which three are shown in FIG. l. Two or more switches, such as land 170 can be operated simultaneously from the same switch lever, e.g., 196 as shown. Upon actuation of the individual armatures 240 of the switches 170, 170' or 170, in response to a signal from the circuit being controlled thereby, the second sequence of switching and relay operations of their contacts 180, 182 and 186 occurs, through the release of the latch lever 228 and through the engagement of the associated cams which move the switch levers 196 and 196' from their lowered portions to the highest cam position, then to the released position, which can be back upon the latch lever 228 in either of its positions, depending on whether the coil 240 is at that time actuated or not.

The switch 170a is modified as shown -in FIG. 5 to include the flange 252 for engagement with the pawl 102 of the clutch 96. Thus, the clutch housing 98 is prevented from rotating and the spring 116 slides upon the shank 114 and the clutch driven shaft 30 `does not rotate. When the coil 240 of the switch 170a is actuated the latch lever 228 is moved to its second position (see FIG. 5) and the pawl 102 is released, the clutch driven shaft 30' is rotated by the spring 116 and the cam 56 along with the other cams on the shaft 30 are rotated. The switch 170a and the other switches therealong are carried through their switching sequences.

With the replacement of the segmented shaft 30-30' of FIG. 1 by the multiple drive on a single shaft 300, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 12a, in the assembly of FIG. 1, operation of any section of cams is made independent of the operation of the other sections. By these means a section of cams and associated switchesadjacent the bracket 12 can be operated while all of the remaining cam sections between it and the bracket 10 are immobile.

The electrical circuits that can be controlled by the trip relay bank of this invention may have a wide variety of functions and be comprised of circuits of different voltages, e.g., 6 volt and 50 volt circuits. The circuitry for coin operated machines may include relays to control starting, coin chutes, anti-cheat mechanisms, the number of players, scoring, cam reset, tilt trip, the operation of solenoids and reset circuits. In such a circuit there are normally open switches, normally closed switches, make and break switches and motor-operated switches.

The parts which may be constructed of plastic as used in the relay bank of this invention such as insulators 76, catch member 208, stop member 224, can be formed of any plastic having good electrical insulating properties and resistance to the build-up of surface charges such as nylon, polyesters, polyethylene, iiuorothene, phenolics, furans Styron 700, tetrauoroethylene resin and acrylics, compounded and designed for electrical insulator applications.

From the foregoing description of this invention it is apparent that this invention concerns a trip relay cornprising a driven shaft mounted in a bracket assembly with a journal carrying a reset cam thereon in association with a relay, means to move the relay through a switching sequence and means to selectively engage the journal with the shaft whereby the cam contacts the switch moving means to accomplish a mechanical result or electrical response.

Although specific embodiments of the trip relay, clutch mechanism and bracket assembly of this invention has been herein shown and described, it will be understood' that the details of construction shown may be altered or omitted without departing from the spirit of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A trip relay comprising (a) a driven shaft rotatably mounted in a bracket assembly;

(b) a journal rotatably mounted on said shaft;

(c) a reset cam extending radially from said journal;

(d) a relay switch supported by said bracket including a plurality of spring-loaded contacts movable in unison through switching sequences;

(e) lever means adapted to move said switch through said switching sequences;

(f) means biasing said lever means from a raised position to a lowered position;

(g) latch means to hold said lever in an intermediate position whereby said cam on each revolution engages said lever and moves same to a lirst position and said biasing means returns said lever to said intermediate position thereafter for a iirst switching sequence;

(h) said latch means being movable to a second position whereby said lever and contacts are moved to a lowered position for a second switching sequence upon the next revolution of said reset cam and engagement with said lever;

(i) clutch means to selectively engage said journal with said rotating shaft whereby said reset cam is rotated into contact with said lever means with the rotation of said driven shaft;

(j) and electromagnetic means to move said latch means to and from said positions.

2. A trip relay in accordance with claim 1 in which (a) said latch means to hold said lever comprises a pivotal latch member.

3. A trip relay in accordance with claim 1 in which the means to selectively engage said journal comprises (a) an over-running spring clutch having a coil spring frictionally engaging a drive shaft axially aligned with said driven shaft;

(b) a clutch housing encompassing said coil spring;

(c) one end of said coil spring being engaged by said journal and the other end of said coil spring being engaged by said clutch housing; and

(d) catch means to selectively engage said clutch housing to prevent same from rotating under the frictional engagement of said coil spring with said drive shaft.

4. A trip relay in accordance with claim 3 in which:

(a) said clutch housing has a radially extending pawl;

and

(b) said catch means being movable into registry against said pawl to prevent the rotating of said clutch housing.

5. A trip relay in accordance with claim 1 having (a) a plurality of said journals interlocked one to the other along said shaft within said bracket;

(b) each of said journals having a radial reset cam extending therefrom;

(c) a plurality of relay switches supported by said bracket;

(d) lever means to move each of said relay switches through a switching sequence; and

(e) clutch means to selectively engage a first of said journals with said shaft whereby said plurality of journals and reset cams are rotated therewith in sequence against said switch moving means.

6. A trip relay in accordance with claim 5 in which 7. A trip relay in accordance with claim 1 in which said shaft comprises:

(a) a drive shaft segment and a driven shaft segment rotatably mounted in axial alignment in said bracket assembly;

(b) a journal carrying a reset cam on said drive shaft;

(c) a rst relay switch supported by said bracket and connected to means engageable by said cam to move said switch through a switching sequence;

(d)htf journal carrying a reset cam on said driven (e) a second relay switch supported by said bracket and connected to lever means engageable by said cam to move said second switch through a switching sequence; and

(f) clutch means to selectively engage said driven shaft segment for rotation by said drive shaft segment.

8. A trip relay in accordance with claim 7 in which:

(a) a plurality of said journals carrying reset cams are rotatably mounted on said drive and driven shaft segments;

(b) said journals have interlocking offset matching peripheral recesses and shoulders; and

(c) biasing means to hold said journals in juxtaposition i v one to the other for simultaneous rotation.

9. A trip relay in accordance with claim 1 in which said shaft comprises:

(a) a continuous drive shaft rotatably mounted in said bracket assembly;

(b) a sleeve rotatably encompassing said drive shaft;

(c) a rst set of interlocking journals each carrying a reset cam rotatably mounted on said sleeve;

(d) clutch means to selectively engage said drive shaft and said sleeve for simultaneous rotation of said sleeve and rst set of interlocking journals;

(e) at least one other sleeve rotatively encompassing said drive shaft;

(f) a set of interlocking journals each carrying a reset cam rotatably mounted on said other sleeve; and

(g) second clutch means to selectively engage said drive shaft and said sleeve for simultaneous rotation of said sleeve and said last mentioned set of interlocking journals.

10. A trip relay in accordance with claim 9 in which said clutch means to selectively engage said drive shaft and said sleeve comprises:

(a) a drive collar aixed to said drive shaft and adjacent one end of said sleeve;

(b) a coil spring encompassing said drive collar and a portion of said sleeve, one end of said coil spring engaging a slot in said sleeve;

(c) and catch means to selectively engage the other end of said coil spring to prevent its rotation with said drive collar and said sleeve. y

11. A trip relay in accordance with claim 10 in which said catch means to selectively engage said other end of said coil spring comprises a retractible catch operably positioned in relation to an electromagnetic coil.

12. A trip relay in accordance with claim 1 in which said bracket assembly comprises:

(a) a pair of end plates;

(b) a tie bar holding said end plates in spaced relationship with their inner opposed surfaces substantially parallel;

(c) bearing means in said end plates supporting said shaft at its ends;

(d) a pair of lug members on said end plates extending in opposed relationship to each other and spaced from said bearing means;

(e) a relay support member comprising a longitudinal wall member having oppositely directed anges extending therefrom, said lwall member having a plurality of tabbed openings therein for the attachment of spring biasing means and a slotted opening spaced above said tabbed opening;

(f) yoke members aflixed at one edge to each end of said wall member, said yoke members having slotted openings adapted to encompass said bearing means and a notched edge engageable with said lug members;

(g) a plurality of L-brackets detachably aixed to said wall member and positionable under said tabbed openings, said L-brackets having one leg thereof opposed and spaced from one flange of said wall member with a tabbed outer edge to receive a spring biasing means whereby a plurality of relay switches are attachable to said support member in operable relationship with a cammed shaft supported by said bearing means and said relay support member is removable therefrom.

13. A cam-operated relay switch assembly including:

(a) a longitudinal bracket wall member having a flanged top edge extending therefrom;

(b) a multi-pole relay switch having resilient down wardly biased make-break contact members with their ends attached to an elongated insulating carriage member;

(c) a switch lever pivotally mounted from said wall member at one end and having its extended end against and under the end of said carriage member;

(d) a stepped catch member on one side of said switch lever opposite said carriage member;

(e) a latch lever pivotally mounted at one end to said llange edge and having its extended end against said stepped catch member;

(f) means biasing said latch lever into said stepped position;

(g) electromagnetic means for moving said latch lever from said stepped position; and

(h) a rotatable cam member adapted to engage the extended end of said switch lever and raise same against said carriage member to move said contact members through a switching sequence for each stepped position of said latch lever.

14. A cam-operated relay switch assembly in accordance with claim 13 including:

(a) an over-riding spring clutch controlling the rotation of Said cam member; and

(b) flange means on said latch lever to engage said spring clutch in one position and prevent rotation of said cam member and to disengage said spring clutch in a second position to allow rotation of said cam member.

1S. A cam-operated relay switch assembly in accordance with claim 13, including:

(a) at least a pair of said multi-pole relay switches each in operable relationship with a rotatable cam member spaced along and supported by axially aligned segments of a rotatable shaft; and

(b) an over-riding spring clutch controlling the rotation of each of said shaft segments.

16. A cam-operated relay switch assembly in accordance with claim 13 including:

(a) at least -a pair of said multi-pole relay switches each in operable relationship with a rotatable cam member spaced along and supported by a sleeve member on a rotatable shaft; and

(b) an over-riding spring clutch independently controlling the rotation of each of said sleeve members.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS BERNARD A. lGILHEANY, Primary Examiner H. BROOME, Assistant Examiner U.S Cl. X.R.

Images