Abstract A manually set magnetic relay is utilized to override an electrical interlock in a one-time operation. Once the relay has been utilized, it automatically disables itself and must be manually set again for another operation. The relay includes an electromagnetic coil which closes a load switch connected in parallel with the electrical interlock. A secondary circuit for energizing the coil includes a second switch formed by a pair of flexible conductors at least one being flexible. A flexible latch engages one of the conductors of the second switch as the coil is energized and closes the load switch. The latch continues to hold the second switch in the latched and open condition when the coil is de-energized. To close the second switch and make energization of the coil possible, a manually actuated plunger engages the flexible latch and displaces it away from the one of the flexible conductors which then moves from the latched position to a position in contact with the other conductor of the second switch. The plunger also holds the load switch open during the unlatching operation to provide trip-free operation of the relay.
A manually set magnetic relay for one-time operations comprising: first switch means operatively connectible in a load circuit and including a cantilevered, flexible clapper arm; electromotive force generating means including a coil operatively connected with the clapper arm of the first switch means for closing the first switch means upon energization of the coil; second switch means serially coupled with the coil to permit energization of the coil, the second switching means including first and second conductors having portions positioned in overlying relationship for flexing in and out of contact to thereby close and open the second switch means, the second conductor extending in transverse relationship to the clapper arm of the first switch means and being engaged by the clapper arm for flexing in and out of contact with the first conductor of the second switch means; latch means operatively engageable with the first conductor of the second switch means for holding the first conductor in a latched position out of contact with the second conductor of the second switch means; the electromotive force generating means being operatively coupled to the first conductor of the second switch means for moving the first conductor into the latched position; and manually operable actuator means engageable with the latching means for releasing the first conductor of the second switch means from the latched position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
222 words
A manually set magnetic relay for one-time operations comprising: first switch means operatively connectible in a load circuit and including a cantilevered, flexible clapper arm; electromotive force generating means including a coil operatively connected with the clapper arm of the first switch means for closing the first switch means upon energization of the coil; second switch means serially coupled with the coil to permit energization of the coil, the second switching means including first and second conductors having portions positioned in overlying relationship for flexing in and out of contact to thereby close and open the second switch means, the second conductor extending in transverse relationship to the clapper arm of the first switch means and being engaged by the clapper arm for flexing in and out of contact with the first conductor of the second switch means; latch means operatively engageable with the first conductor of the second switch means for holding the first conductor in a latched position out of contact with the second conductor of the second switch means; the electromotive force generating means being operatively coupled to the first conductor of the second switch means for moving the first conductor into the latched position; and manually operable actuator means engageable with the latching means for releasing the first conductor of the second switch means from the latched position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A manually set magnetic relay as defined in claim 1 wherein: the latch means includes a flexible latch mounted adjacent the first conductor of the second switch means for engagement with the first conductor and flexibly movable out of engagement with the first conductor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
A manually set magnetic relay as defined in claim 2 wherein: the manually operable actuator means comprises a plunger mounted adjacent the latch for movement toward and away from the latch and disposed to flex the latch out of contact with the first conductor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
A manually set magnetic relay as defined in claim 3 wherein: the plunger is a reciprocating plunger having a given axis of reciprocation; and the latch includes of camming surface engaged by the plunger and disposed at an angle to the axis of reciprocation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
64 words
A manually set magnetic relay as in claim 1 wherein: the first and second conductors of the second switch means are resiliently flexible conductors mounted in cantilever fashion with the free end portions of the conductors overlying one another for flexing in and out of contact; and the latch means includes a resiliently flexible, one-piece latch having a tang engageable with the first conductor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
A manually set relay as defined in claim 5 wherein: the electromagnetic force generating means is operatively coupled to the first conductor of the second switch means by means of the clapper arm and the second conductor of the second switch means is engaged by the clapper arm.