Abstract An adjustable reset timer for providing delayed time sequences for electrical circuits. In the timer, an adjustable cam member, including a cam hub having a serrated face is disposed about the drive shaft of a synchronous motor in a free wheeling relationship therewith. A clutch hub member, also having a serrated face, is received over the drive shaft in rotational driving engagement therewith and is axially shiftable along the drive shaft between engaging and non-engaging positions relative to the cam hub. In the engaging position, the serrations on the hubs mate to form a rotational driving connection therebetween so that in that position, the cam member is rotatably driving from a non-engaging to an energizing position relative to at least one load switch. The clutch hub is normally biased toward the engaging position but is prevented from engagement with the cam hub by a retaining lever. The lever is disposed in an operative relationship with an electrical relay which is selectively energizable and de-energizable to permit the lever to be moved between retaining and non-retaining conditions with resultant corresponding movement of the cam hub between the non-engaging and engaging positions.
A clutch mechanism for use in a reset timer having a drive shaft for driving said timer, motor means for rotating said drive shaft, a cam member disposed on a cam hub, said cam hub disposed about said drive shaft, said clutch mechanism operating to selectively engage and disengage said drive shaft with said cam hub to arcuately drive said cam between non-energizing and energizing modes relative to at least one load switch, said clutch mechanism comprising: a clutch hub received on said drive shaft for continuous rotation therewith, said clutch hub being axially movable along said drive shaft between a first non-engaging position and a second position in direct engagement with said cam hub for driving said cam member between non-energizing and energizing modes; biasing means for continuously biasing said clutch hub toward one of said positions; retaining means for retaining said clutch hub in the other oF said positions against said biasing means comprising a movable lever with one end engaging a surface of said clutch hub; shifting means for selectively shifting said retaining means to allow said biasing means to move said clutch hub to said one of said positions and to move said clutch hub to said other position against said biasing means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
207 words
A clutch mechanism for use in a reset timer having a drive shaft for driving said timer, motor means for rotating said drive shaft, a cam member disposed on a cam hub, said cam hub disposed about said drive shaft, said clutch mechanism operating to selectively engage and disengage said drive shaft with said cam hub to arcuately drive said cam between non-energizing and energizing modes relative to at least one load switch, said clutch mechanism comprising: a clutch hub received on said drive shaft for continuous rotation therewith, said clutch hub being axially movable along said drive shaft between a first non-engaging position and a second position in direct engagement with said cam hub for driving said cam member between non-energizing and energizing modes; biasing means for continuously biasing said clutch hub toward one of said positions; retaining means for retaining said clutch hub in the other oF said positions against said biasing means comprising a movable lever with one end engaging a surface of said clutch hub; shifting means for selectively shifting said retaining means to allow said biasing means to move said clutch hub to said one of said positions and to move said clutch hub to said other position against said biasing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A clutch mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein said cam hub and said clutch hub include radially serrated face portions for connecting engagement with each other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A clutch mechanism as defined in claim 2 wherein said movable lever of said retaining means includes a pair of diverging legs at one end thereof, each of said legs coacting with opposite sides of said clutch hub.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
63 words
A clutch mechanism as defined in claim 3 wherein said shifting means comprises an electrical relay disposed in an operative relationship with said movable lever whereby when said relay is energized, said lever is magnetically coupled therewith to retain said clutch hub in said one position and when said relay is de-energized, said clutch hub is permitted to move to said other position.