US3729604A - Diaphragm seal with fluid filled cavity for paddle or fluid flow responsive switch - Google Patents

Diaphragm seal with fluid filled cavity for paddle or fluid flow responsive switch Download PDF

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Publication number
US3729604A
US3729604A US00201599A US3729604DA US3729604A US 3729604 A US3729604 A US 3729604A US 00201599 A US00201599 A US 00201599A US 3729604D A US3729604D A US 3729604DA US 3729604 A US3729604 A US 3729604A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
switch
conduit
diaphragm
fluid
fluid flow
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00201599A
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English (en)
Inventor
E Groff
J Welsh
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Caterpillar Inc
Original Assignee
Caterpillar Tractor Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Caterpillar Tractor Co filed Critical Caterpillar Tractor Co
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3729604A publication Critical patent/US3729604A/en
Assigned to CATERPILLAR INC., A CORP. OF DE. reassignment CATERPILLAR INC., A CORP. OF DE. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: CATERPILLAR TRACTOR CO., A CORP. OF CALIF.
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H35/00—Switches operated by change of a physical condition
    • H01H35/24—Switches operated by change of fluid pressure, by fluid pressure waves, or by change of fluid flow
    • H01H35/26—Details
    • H01H35/2607—Means for adjustment of "ON" or "OFF" operating pressure
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H35/00—Switches operated by change of a physical condition
    • H01H35/24—Switches operated by change of fluid pressure, by fluid pressure waves, or by change of fluid flow
    • H01H35/40—Switches operated by change of fluid pressure, by fluid pressure waves, or by change of fluid flow actuated by devices allowing continual flow of fluid, e.g. vane

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT responsive to variation of fluid flow 70 abandone within a conduit, having an elongated member pivoted within the switch body and penetrating the fluid flow [52] US. Cl. ..200/81.9 R, 74/181, 200/168 G path within the conduit for make or break engagement [51] Int. Cl. ..H0lh 35/40, HOlh 9/04 with an electrical contact in response to fluid flow [58] Field of Search ..'....74/l8.1; ZOO/81.9 R, variations in the conduit.
  • a sea] is secured to the 200/819 168 G; /2 R member near the pivot and overlaps a surrounding portion of the switch with a cup-shaped retainer urg- References Cited ing the seal into engagement with the switch body.
  • a UNITED STATES PATENTS cav ty in the switch ad acent the seal 1s filled w1th flu1d to reduce flexure of the seal and mcrease 1ts effectwe 2,l27,823 8/1938 Leifl1eit ..200/81.9 R X life.
  • the present'invention provides a switch for monitoring flow of a fluid within a conduit while isolating the switch interior from the fluid environment. More particularly, the present switch is adaptable to monitor the flow of coolant in an engine for providing a warning signal upon unacceptable reduction of the rate of coolant flow through the engine.
  • the flow switch is of a type having an elongated 'member penetrating the fluid conduit for response to fluid flow variations within the conduit.
  • a seal isolates the switch interior from the fluid in the conduit while a stop and spring means tend to reduce pivotal motion of the member, thereby minimizing flexure of the seal and increasing reliability of the switch.
  • the present invention provides a flow switch of simple construction for achieving the objects and advantages referred to above.
  • a cavity in the switch adjacent the seal is filled with fluid to minimize flexure of the seal.
  • FIG. 1 is a generally schematic view of an engine with the present fluid flow switch associated with one of its coolant conduits;
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged view, with parts in section, of the fluid flow switch and collant conduit of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a view taken along an axis of the conduit in FIG. 2 with the conduit and switch being shown in section to better illustrate construction of the switch.
  • an engine 11 has a conduit 12 through which cooling fluid is circulated during operation of the engine.
  • a flow switch 13 is associated with the fluid conduit 12 and with a suitable warning circuit represented by the signal lamp 14 and the electrical source 16.
  • the flow switch is also an electrical communication with the engine 11 which serves as a ground connection for the circuit.
  • the flow switch 13 comprises a switch body 17 defining a generally cylindrical cavity 18.
  • the switch body includes flangesl9 which are secured to the conduit by means of cap screws 21.
  • a seal ring 22 is arranged between the flanges and the conduit to prevent leakage.
  • An elongated member 26 is arranged within the cavity l8 and is pivoted to the tubular body portion 23 by means of a pin 27. The other end of the member 26 extends into a fluid passage 28 defined by the conduit 12 and has a flat paddle portion 29 arranged perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, indicated at 31, withi the conduit 12.
  • An electrical point 32 is mounted on the end of the member 26 within the cavity 18 for make and break engagement with an electrical contact member 33 which is supported within an opening 34 in the switch body by means of an insulating member 36.
  • the electrical contact 33 is in communication with the warning circuit by means of an electrical conduit 37 which is also shown in FIG. 1.
  • a seal or diaphragm 41 is secured to the elongated member 26 adjacent its pivot 27 and extends radially outwardly to overlap the tubular portion 23 of the switch body 17.
  • a cup-like member 42 urges the seal member into sealing engagement with the tubular body portion 23.
  • the cup-like retainer 42 is maintained in position by means of a flange 43 which extends outwardly between the flanges l9 and the conduit 12.
  • the member 26 is formed with an enlarged portion 46 through which the pivot pin'27 passes.
  • a corrosion resistant retainer 47 is also secured to the member 26 adjacent the enlarged portion 46.
  • the enlarged portion 46 and the seal retainer 47 form facing annular grooves 48 and 49.
  • diaphragm 41 has an annular flange or bead adjacent the member 46 which tends to be compressed into the annular grooves 48 and 49 to increase sealing engagement between the diaphragm 41 and the elongated member 26.
  • the diaphragm 50 also includes a relatively thinner, radially extending portion 51 which is secured in place between the tubular body portion 23 and the cup-like retainer 42. This portion of the diaphragm provides an effective seal with the'tubular portion 23 while permitting pivotal motion of the elongated member 26.
  • Sealing engagement between thediaphragm 41 and the tubular body portion 23 is also enhanced by means of an annular groove 51 formed in the tubular body portion 23.
  • annular groove 51 formed in the tubular body portion 23.
  • Reduced flexure of the diaphragm 41 is accomplished by means of a variable stop 52 and a spring 53.
  • the stop 52 threadedly penetrates the body 17 to limit motion of the elongated member 26 away from the electrical contact 33.
  • the stop may be adjusted to compensate for varying flow conditions within the conduit 12.
  • the spring 53 is arranged concentrically about the stop 52 and tends to urge the elongated member 26 and electrical point 32 into engagement with the contact 33 when fluid flow drops below an acceptable rate within the conduit 12.
  • the elongated member 26, the pivot pin 27 and the switch body 17 are made of electrically conductive material so that the point 32 is in electrical communication with the conduit 12 and the engine which provides a ground return for the warning circuit.
  • the cavity 18 is filled with a fluid to minimize flexure of the diaphragm during operation of the switch.
  • the fluid may be selected from a variety of compositions which are non-corrosive to the metallic and elastomeric components of the switch.
  • a preferred fluid has been found to be a mineral-based oil having a selected chemical structure and additives to prevent corrosion of the metallic components and in the switch, including the diaphragm 41.
  • a flow switch responsive to fluid flow variations within a conduit comprising a body secured to the conduit about an opening communicating with the conduit interior, the body having a cavity extending from the opening in generally perpendicular relation to fluid flow within the conduit, a tubular portion of the body surrounding the cavity extending into the conduit opening, an elongated member arranged within the cavity, the member including a paddle arranged within the conduit for reaction to fluid flow therein, means for pivoting the member upon the body adjacent the opening in the conduit, an elastomeric diaphragm secured in sealed relation to the member adjacent the pivot and extending radially outwardly to overlap an end of the tubular body portion, the elongated member having an enlarged portion adjacent the pivot and a spaced apart seal retaining element, the enlarged portion and seal retaining element forming facing annular grooves, the diaphragm having a bead which tends to be compressed into the facing grooves,
  • the seal retainer for compressing the diaphragm against the end of the tubular body portion, the seal retainer having a flange extending radially outwardly from the opening between the conduit and flow switch body,
  • T e ow switch of claim 1 wherein the tubular body portion also forms an annular groove into which the diaphragm tends to be compressed by engagement of the cup-like retainer.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Indicating Or Recording The Presence, Absence, Or Direction Of Movement (AREA)
US00201599A 1971-11-19 1971-11-19 Diaphragm seal with fluid filled cavity for paddle or fluid flow responsive switch Expired - Lifetime US3729604A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US20159971A 1971-11-19 1971-11-19

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3729604A true US3729604A (en) 1973-04-24

Family

ID=22746492

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00201599A Expired - Lifetime US3729604A (en) 1971-11-19 1971-11-19 Diaphragm seal with fluid filled cavity for paddle or fluid flow responsive switch

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US3729604A (fr)
JP (1) JPS4859380A (fr)
BE (1) BE778127R (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3963889A (en) * 1974-07-30 1976-06-15 International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation Low velocity flow switch
US3962918A (en) * 1974-11-15 1976-06-15 Nancy Rosaen Flow indicator with weight biasing means
DE3317923A1 (de) * 1982-05-19 1983-11-24 Gerhard Walter Prof. Dr.-Ing. 5630 Remscheid Seulen Durchflussschalter
GB2206738A (en) * 1987-06-29 1989-01-11 Dwyer Instr Airflow switch for air ducts
US6076545A (en) * 1996-02-21 2000-06-20 Cooper; Michael S. Fire-control sprinkler system riser means
US6563064B2 (en) * 2000-12-21 2003-05-13 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. Fluid flow switch sensing device having a test button
US20110079301A1 (en) * 2008-06-04 2011-04-07 Yukinori Karihara Water flow detection device
US12209684B2 (en) 2020-05-04 2025-01-28 Aquestia Ltd. Hydraulically operated valve and systems for use therewith

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2127823A (en) * 1935-12-14 1938-08-23 Pioneer Instr Co Inc Ice warning device
US2583814A (en) * 1947-10-31 1952-01-29 Smith Corp A O Flow controlled water heater
US3148254A (en) * 1962-07-20 1964-09-08 Gen Motors Corp Paddle type flow indicator switch
US3279832A (en) * 1964-03-20 1966-10-18 Ford Motor Co Seal for ball and socket joint
US3487245A (en) * 1965-05-19 1969-12-30 William Grant Pontis Nutating shaft fluid flow meter with shaft transducers

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2127823A (en) * 1935-12-14 1938-08-23 Pioneer Instr Co Inc Ice warning device
US2583814A (en) * 1947-10-31 1952-01-29 Smith Corp A O Flow controlled water heater
US3148254A (en) * 1962-07-20 1964-09-08 Gen Motors Corp Paddle type flow indicator switch
US3279832A (en) * 1964-03-20 1966-10-18 Ford Motor Co Seal for ball and socket joint
US3487245A (en) * 1965-05-19 1969-12-30 William Grant Pontis Nutating shaft fluid flow meter with shaft transducers

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3963889A (en) * 1974-07-30 1976-06-15 International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation Low velocity flow switch
US3962918A (en) * 1974-11-15 1976-06-15 Nancy Rosaen Flow indicator with weight biasing means
DE3317923A1 (de) * 1982-05-19 1983-11-24 Gerhard Walter Prof. Dr.-Ing. 5630 Remscheid Seulen Durchflussschalter
GB2206738A (en) * 1987-06-29 1989-01-11 Dwyer Instr Airflow switch for air ducts
GB2206738B (en) * 1987-06-29 1991-03-20 Dwyer Instr Airflow switch for air ducts
US6076545A (en) * 1996-02-21 2000-06-20 Cooper; Michael S. Fire-control sprinkler system riser means
US6563064B2 (en) * 2000-12-21 2003-05-13 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. Fluid flow switch sensing device having a test button
US20110079301A1 (en) * 2008-06-04 2011-04-07 Yukinori Karihara Water flow detection device
US8511338B2 (en) * 2008-06-04 2013-08-20 Senju Sprinkler Co., Ltd. Water flow detection device
US12209684B2 (en) 2020-05-04 2025-01-28 Aquestia Ltd. Hydraulically operated valve and systems for use therewith

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BE778127R (fr) 1972-07-17
JPS4859380A (fr) 1973-08-20

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: CATERPILLAR INC., A CORP. OF DE.,ILLINOIS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CATERPILLAR TRACTOR CO., A CORP. OF CALIF.;REEL/FRAME:004669/0905

Effective date: 19860515

Owner name: CATERPILLAR INC., 100 N.E. ADAMS STREET, PEORIA, I

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:CATERPILLAR TRACTOR CO., A CORP. OF CALIF.;REEL/FRAME:004669/0905

Effective date: 19860515