192 clutches and power-stop control – Stop mechanism – Limit stop
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-20
2001-04-10
Lorence, Richard M. (Department: 3681)
192 clutches and power-stop control
Stop mechanism
Limit stop
C192S069800, C192S09300C, C068S012240
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213274
ABSTRACT:
The present invention refers to an electromechanical device that performs a mechanical traction action in the energized condition and allows the inverse, return action upon de-energizing thereof. In other words, the present invention refers to an electromechanical device that simulates the operation of a solenoid.
There are several possibilities for utilization of such a device, and, as a non-limiting reference, it will be described in the use thereof for the brake control system of garment washing machine vats; however, it should be clearly understood that the utilization of such a device is much broader in scope.
By way of example, and within the illustrative application field in question, among the several parts comprising garment washing machines is the vat brake system. According to the prior art, such system is basically comprised of a braking element, generally a non-elastomeric belt, which surrounds a portion projecting from said vat and actuated by a respective actuation mechanism provided with a spring. In turn, the belt has one end thereof fixed, whereas the other end is attached through said spring to a braking device so that, when the device is deactivated, said belt is forced against the projecting portion of the vat by action of said spring, thereby causing the latter's rotation by reason of the friction created between the belt and the projecting portion of the vat.
Among the devices known in the state of the art, we emphasize a widely employed one, which is based on the energizing of a solenoid. Accordingly, when said device is de-energized, the solenoid's armature, acting on said spring and thus indirectly on said belt, brakes the vat. Therefore, the braking condition is maintained for as long as the solenoid's armature is not being powered and, on the other hand, the brake is released upon energizing thereof.
The mechanisms employed to brake the vat, as shown, may be by action of a belt or by other means, such as those based on brake shoes acting on a specific portion of the vat, or the shaft thereof, either directly or through clamps, etc.
On the other hand, the actuation devices of these various known systems are always based on a large-sized solenoid, the armature of which is connected through said actuation spring to a belt, a brake shoe or a brake clamp.
However, the use of large solenoids is not without drawbacks. The first one lies in the noise created upon actuation of the solenoids, which for less informed people gives the impression that the equipment is malfunctioning or the like. On the other hand, the power consumption of said solenoids is not irrelevant, and the same applies to the total cost of such a device, which is mainly due to the cost of the solenoid itself.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electromechanical actuating device capable of overcoming the drawbacks of the described art.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide an electromechanical device capable of being employed in lieu of large sized solenoids, by utilization of smaller sized, less energy consuming solenoids.
More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a traction electromechanical device with free return, comprising:
an actuating shaft mechanically coupled to a reducer which in turn is connectable to a motor by means of a coupling;
a solenoid the armature of which is attached to a first end of the actuator and the opposite end of which is attached to a spring, said opposite end being provided with a ramp;
a coupling comprised of a lower crown and an upper crown, the lower portion of the upper crown and the upper portion of the lower crown being provided with a cooperating relief, said lower crown being slidable along the coupling shaft; and
electrical power leads electrically directly connected to a solenoid, and electrically connected to the motor by means of a switch the metallic shaft of which is displaced in accordance with the shaft's position.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2625248 (1953-01-01), Geldhof et al.
patent: 2963159 (1960-12-01), Stone
patent: 3576117 (1971-04-01), Cowan et al.
Emicol Eletro Elecronica Ltda.
Lorence Richard M.
Volpe and Koenig P.C.
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