Flow or level sensor/switch system
View Patent ↗A flow or level switch comprises a sensor/switch assembly which is adapted for mounting in connection with either a fitting having an offset defining a channel to detect fluid flow through an orifice into the channel or a tank having a ball float to detect the level of the ball float in the tank. A switch module comprises a control rod which reciprocates and activates a switch unit having a bi-positionable contact member. A follower, which may be in the form of an axle with an angularly fixed projection, engages the control rod to cause the contact member to move.
1. A sensor/switch assembly comprising:
a fitting having an inlet and an outlet with an offset defining a channel and interiorly having a structure forming an annular orifice so that fluid can communicate from said inlet to said outlet through said orifice and channel;
a switch module comprising:
a control member partially received in said channel and having a shuttle engageable with said structure and displaceable therefrom and an intermediate collar;
a mount assembly mountable to said offset and slidably receiving said control member for reciprocal movement therein;
a spring assembly comprising a first spring exerting a first force between said shuttle and said collar and a second spring exerting a second force between said mount assembly and said collar, said first force being greater than said second force;
a contact module defining a bi-positionable contact member contactable against a first contact or a second contact and having an actuator which is actuatable by a lever to move said contact member;
a pivotal follower which engages said control member and is pivoted by the position of said control member to displace said lever;
so that when fluid flows from said inlet through said orifice above a flow set point dynamic pressure, said contact member moves to a changed contact position and maintains said changed contact position until said flow pressure is reduced below said set point pressure.
2. The sensor/switch assembly of claim 1 wherein said actuator is a pin.
3. The sensor/switch assembly of claim 1 wherein said lever engages a leaf member.
4. The sensor/switch assembly of claim 1 wherein said shuttle comprises a flange engageable with said structure and liftable therefrom.
5. The sensor/switch assembly of claim 1 wherein a threaded cap secures said mount assembly to said offset.
6. The sensor/switch assembly of claim 1 wherein said control member is a control rod having a slot which receives said follower.
7. The sensor/switch assembly of claim 1 further comprising a base which seals against said offset and slidably receives said control member and further comprising a wiper seal disposed between said control member and mount assembly.
8. The sensor/switch assembly of claim 1 wherein said pivotal follower comprises an axle and a lever-like projection which is angularly fixed to said axle and received in a slot of said control member, said projection angularly fixed relative to said lever.
9. The sensor/switch assembly of claim 1 wherein said contact module generates an electrical output.
10. The sensor/switch assembly of claim 1 wherein said actuator is a depressible pin which is displaced by a lever pivoted by said follower.
11. The sensor/switch assembly of claim 10 wherein a lever engages a leaf member to control the position of said pin.
12. A sensor/switch assembly comprising:
a tank having a ball float;
a fitting mounted to said tank and defining a central bore with a base;
a switch module comprising:
a bracket assembly mounted to said base and engageable against said float;
a control member slidably received in said bore and connectable to said bracket assembly;
a mount assembly extending from said fitting slidably receiving said control member for reciprocal movement therein so that said control member extends therethrough;
a switch unit sealingly mounted to said mount assembly comprising a bi-positionable contact member contactable against a first contact or a second contact and having an actuator which is actuatable to move said contact member from the first contact position to the second contact position;
a pivotal follower which engages said control member and is pivoted by the position of said control member to displace said actuator;
so that when the ball float changes position, said contact member moves from the first contact position to the second contact position.
13. The sensor/switch assembly of claim 12 wherein said bracket assembly is pivotal.
14. The sensor/switch assembly of claim 12 wherein said control member comprises an elongated rod which defines a slot which receives said follower.
15. The sensor/switch assembly of claim 12 wherein said actuator is a depressible pin.
16. The sensor/switch assembly of claim 12 wherein said actuator is actuated by a lever.
17. The sensor/switch assembly of claim 16 wherein said lever is pivoted by said follower and engages a leaf.
18. The sensor/switch assembly of claim 12 wherein said follower comprises an axle having a projection which is angularly fixed and is received in a slot of said control member and engages said control member.
19. The sensor/switch assembly of claim 12 wherein said switch unit generates an electrical output.