Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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1059963
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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The present invention relates to a searchlight which is
adapted to be mounted on a support such as a vehicle, which is
rotatable about a vertical axis and pivotal about a horizontal
axis, and which is controlled from a position remote from its
mounting.
The searchlight assembly of the present invention has
a base frame, an intermediate frame supported by the base
frame and rotatable about a vertical axis, and a lamp frame
supported by the intermediate frame and pivotal about a hori-
zontal axis. Means are provided for rotating the intermediate
frame, and eeparate means are provided for pivoting the lamp
frame.
The rotating means includes a gear member secured to
the intermediate frame, and a reversible electric (azimuth)
motor secured to the base frame and having a drive shaft.
Power transmission means extends between the drive shaft of
the azimuth motor and the gear member for rotating the latter.
The intermediate frame, and the lamp frame, are rotatable
about a vertical axis continuously in either direction upon
appropriate energization of the azimuth motor.
The pivoting means includes linkage means supported by
the intermediate frame and having connection with the lamp
frame. Actuation of the linkage means, for pivoting the lamp
frame, is controlled by a plunger engageable with the linkage
means, and a reversible electric (elevation) motor secured to
the base frame and having a drive shaft. Power transmission
means extends between the drive shaft of the elevation motor
and the plunger for axially moving the latter. The lamp frame
i5 pivotal about a horizontal axis through a range of 120
upon appropriate energization of the elevation motor.
The electric circuit means of the motors incorporates
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four switches located in a remote control unit. This unit
includes manually operable means for actuating the switches
separately or in pairs to control energization and direction
of rotation of the motors either individually or simultaneously.
The motors are of the permanent magnet type and.upon deenergization
stop immediately thus obviating the need for any braking
mechanism. The electric circuit means of the elevation motor
incorporates a pair of switches which limit forward or rearward
pivoting of the lamp frame by interrupting energization of the
elevation motor.
A plurality of azimuth-position-indicating bulbs are
located in a remote control module. A plurality of collector
ring sectors are supported by the base frame, and are engageable
by a brush carried by the intermediate frame. The ring sectors,
brush and bulbs are incorporated in electric circuit means. The
brush is successively engageable with the ring sectors as the
intermediate frame is rotated for energizing one of the bulbs
to indicate the azimuth position of the lamp frame and lamp.
Broadly speaking, therefore, in one embodiment the
present invention provides a searchlight assembly for an
emergency motor vehicle comprising a base frame for mounting on
the vehicle, an intermediate frame supported by the base frame
and rotatable about a vertical axis, means for rotating the
intermediate frame, a lamp frame supported by the intermediate
frame and pivotal about a horizontal axis, means for pivoting
the lamp frame, a remote unit for mounting within the vehicle,
theremote unit including azimuth-position-indicia for indicating
the position of the searchlight, a plurality of collector ring
sectors carried by the base frame, and a brush càrried by the
intermediate frame and successively engageable with the collector
ring sectors as the intermediate frame is rotated for energizing
the azimuth-position-indicia.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIIE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the search-
light assembly of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the control
module and control unit of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along
the line 3-3 in Figure 2 looking in the direction indicated by
the arrows;
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along
the line 4-4 in Figure 3 looking in the direction indicated by
the arrows;
Figure 5 is a schematic view of the switches incor-
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porated in the control unit shown in Figuxes 3 and 4;
Figure 6 is a plan view of the searchlight assembly
of Figure 1 with portions of the enclosure means removed;
Figure 7 is a front elevational view corresponding
generally to Figure 1 but shows the searchlight assembly with
portions of the enclosure means removed;
Figure 8 is a sectional view taken substantially along
the line 8-8 in Figure 7 looking in the direction indicated by
the arrows;
Figure 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along
the line 9-9 in Figure 8 looking in the direction indicated by
the arrows;
Figure 10 is a partial elevational view taken substan-
tially along the plan 10-10 in Figure 8 looking in the direc-
tion indicated by the arrows;
Figure 11 is a sectional view taken substantially along
the line 11-11 in Figure 8 looking in the direction indicated by
the arrows;
Figure 12 is a partial side elevational view of the
searchlight assembly of Figure 1 with portions of the enclosure
means removed; and
Figure 13 is a schematic view of the electrical circuit
of the remote controlled searchlight of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the remote controlled
searchlight of the present invention comprises a searchlight
assembly 20, a control module 22, and a control unit 24. By
way of illustration, the searchlight assembly 20 may be mounted
on the roof of a vehicle, while the control module 22 is moun-
ted on the dashboard of the vehicle.
As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the searchlight assembly
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20 comprises a base frame 26 having an upper horizontal support
wall 28. Projecting downwardly from the support wall 28 are a
central boss section 30 through which is formed an opening 32,
a radially offset boss section 34 through which is formed an
opening 36, a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart leg
sections 38, and an interior side wall section 40 united with
two end wall sections 42 and 44. Project~ng upwardly from the
support wall 28 are a plurality of circumferentially spaced-
apart post sections 46, and a plurality of circumferentially
spaced-apart columns 48.
Supported by the base frame 26 is an intermediate frame
or carriage 50 having an upper horizontal support wall 52.
Projecting downwardly from the support wall 52 is a central hub
section 54 through which is formed an opening 56. The hub sec-
tion 54 seats on the base frame support wall 28, and is provided
with an annular shoulder 58. Extending through the base frame
opening 32 and the intermediate frame opening 56 is a bearing
sleeve 60 about which the intermediate ~rame 50 is rotatable on
a vertical axis. The bearing sleeve 60 is retained in place by
snap rings 62 and 64.
Selectively operable means for rotating the intermediate
frame 50 comprises a gear member 66 secured to the hub section
54 against the shoulder 58 thereof. Meshing with the gear mem-
ber 66 is a pinion 68 secured on the upper end of a pinion shaft
70 journaled in a bushing 72 secured in the base frame opening
36. Secured to the lower end of the pinion shaft 70 is a hub
member 74 having a reduced nose section 76 defining an annular
shoulder 78. A spur gear or worm wheel 80 is secured on the
nose section 76 against the shoulder 78 in frictionally releas-
able relationship by means of a conventional slip clutch unit
82. Meshing with the gear 80 is a worm gear 84 secured on the
end of the drivé shaft 86 of an electric reversible permanent
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magnet (azimuth) motor 88 seaured to the ~ase frame side wall
40 (Figure 12). The intermediate frame 50 can be rotated about
a vertical axis continuously in either direction upon appro-
priate energization of the azimuth motor 88.
As shown in Figures 7, 8 and 12, a pair of upright
laterally-spaced brackets 90 and 92 are secured to the inter-
mediate frame support wall 52. Journaled in the upper ends of
the brackets 90 and 92 are opposed stub shafts 94 and 96 pro-
vided at the sides of a ring-like lamp frame or holder 98 having
a radially offset side portion 99. A sealed beam lamp 100 is
releasably mounted within the lamp frame 98 by means of a plura-
lity of circumferentially spaced-apart retainer clips 102. The
lamp frame 98 and lamp 100 are pivotal about the horizontal
axis of the stub shafts 9~ and 96.
Linkage means 104, which is supported by the inter-
mediate frame 50 and has connection with the lamp frame 98, is
actuatable for pivoting the lamp frame 98 and lamp 100. The
linkage means 104 comprises a horizontal shaft 106 journaled at
its ends in the intermediate frame brackets 90 and 92. Secured
; 20 to the shaft 106 intermediate of the ends thereof is a lever
108 the free end of which overlies the bearing sleeve 60. Also
secured to the shaft 106 is a bellcrank 110; and a link 112 is
pivotally connected at its one end to the bellcrank 110 and at
its other end to the lamp frame flange portion 99 above the
stub shaft 96. Pivotal movement of the lever 108 effects pivot-
ing of the lamp frame 98 and lamp 100.
Selectively operable means for controlling actuation of
the linkage means 104 comprises a plunger 114 slidably mounted
at its upper portion in the bearing sleeve 60. The lower por-
tion of the plunger 114 is threaded and has threaded engagement
with a threaded sleeve 116 to which is secured a spur gear or
worm wheel 118. Meshing with the gear 118 is a worm gear 120
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secured on the end of the drive shaft 122 of an electric revers-
ible permanent magnet (elevation) motor 124 secured to the base
frame side wall 40, parallel to the motor 88.
The upper end of the threaded sleeve 116 bears against
a spacer ring 126 which is restrained against upward movement
by the bearing sleeve 60, while the lower end of the threaded
sleeve 116 bears against a bearing unit 128 which is restrained
against downward movement by the horizontal wall of an L-shaped
cover member 130 secured to the base frame walls 40, 42 and 44.
Accordingly, the rotatable threaded sleeve 116 is held against
vertical movement. Secured to the lower end of the plunger 114
is the one end of a horizontal strap member 132 having an up-
wardly directed arm portion 134 which slidably projects through
a slot formed in the horizontal wall of the cover member 130.
The strap member 132 and arm 134 serve to restrain the plunger
114 against rotation. By reason of the described mounting of
the sleeve 116 and plunger 114, rotation of the sleeve 116
effects vertical movement of the plunger 114.
An elongated coil spring 136 extends between the inter-
mediate frame support wall 52 and a lever plate 138 secured to
the lamp frame offset portion 99. The spring 136 urges the
lamp frame 98 to pivot forwardly, and thereby maintains the
free end of the lever 108 in engagement iwth the upper end of
the plunger 114 whereby vertical movement of the latter controls
actuation of the linkage means 104. When the lamp frame 98 is
pivoted rearwardly, the spring 136 engages and bends about the
upper end of the bracket 92 thereby to insure an adequate
return spring force. In sum, the lamp frame 98 can be pivoted
about a horizontal axis either forwardly or rearwardly upon
appropriate energization of the elevation motor 124. To
achieve balanced pivoting, the center of gravity of the lamp
frame 98 and lamp 100 is located approximately on the axis of
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the stub shafts 94 and 96.
The lamp frame 98 is adapted to be pivoted within a
range of 120, that is, between a position 30 forwardly of
vertical where the beam of light from the lamp 100 is directed
30 downwardly, and a position 90 rearwardly of vertical where
the beam of light from the lamp 100 is directed straight up-
wardly. The extreme limits of the indicated range of pivoting
are established by a pair of switches 140 and 142 which are
interposed in the electrical circuit of the elevation motor 124
and which are secured to a bracket 144 mounted on the side of
the base frame end wall 44. The normally closed switches 140
and 142 are arranged to be opened by a generally C-shaped switch.
actuator 146 secured to the outer end of the strap member 132.
As the plunger 114 moves downwardly and the lamp frame 98 is
pivoted to a position 30 forwardly of its vertical position,
the upper leg of the switch actuator 146 engages one arm of the
switch 140 and separates the same from the adjacent arm thus
opening the switch 140 and interrupting energization of the
elevation motor 124. Conversely, as the plunger 114 moves
upwardly and the ;amp frame 98 is pivoted to a position 90
rearwardly of its vertical position, the lower leg of the switch
actuator 146 engages one arm of the switch 142 and separates the
same from the adjacent arm thus opening the switch 142 and inter-
rupting energization of the elevation motor 124.
To accommodate energization of the lamp 100 and unlimi-
ted rotation of the latter in either direction, and to furnish
an indication of the rotative position of the lamp 100 as will
be described more fully hereinafter, a collector ring unit 148
is mounted intermediate of the base frame support wall 28 and
the intermediate frame support wall 52. The collector ring
unit 148 cor.prises an insulator panel 150 secured to the base
frame post sections 46. Suitably affixed to the panel 150, as
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shown in Figure 11, are an inner collector ring 152 engaged by
a brush 154, an intermediate collector ring 156 engaged by a
brush 158, and four outer collector ring sectors 160, 162, 164
and 166 engageable by a brush 168. The brushes 154, 158 and
168 are respectively mounted in brush holders 170, 172 and 174
(Figures 6 and 9) secured to the intermediate frame support
wall 52.
The lamp 100 preferably is of the dual-filament type
which includes a spotlight filament and a floodlight filament.
As shown in Figure 10, the rear of the lamp 100 is provided
with a spotlight terminal 176, a floodlight terminal 178, and
a common terminal 180. Appropriate electrical leads extend
from the terminals 176 and 178 to the brushes 154 and 158,
respectively. Also, appropriate electrical leads extend from
the several collector rings and sectors, the azimuth motor 88,
the limit swit~hes 140 and 142 and a common ground to a socket
182 (Figure 7). As shown in Figure 1, the searchlight assembly
20 includes enclosure means for sealing the same against dirt,
water and the like, and for preventing interference with motion
of the lamp 100. The enclosure means comprises a bottom pan-
shaped member 184 secured to the lower ends of the base frame
leg sections 38, an upper transparent dome member 186 resting
on the base frame columns 48, an intermediate generally annular
member 188 extending vertically between the members 184 and 186,
and a retaining ring 190.
Referring again to Figure 2, the control module 22 com-
prises a casing 192 having a front panel 194 formed with four
circumferentially spaced apart apertures 196 behind which are
mounted azimuth-positioning-indicating bulbs 198, 200, 2~2 and
204. These bulbs are electrically connected respectively with
the collector ring sectors 160, 162, 164 and 166. As the
intermediate frame 50 is rotated, the brush 168 successively
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engages the collector ring sectors whereby the bulk correspond-
ing to the brush-engaged ring sector is energized for indicating
the azimuth quadrant position of the intermediate frame 50, lamp
frame 98 and lamp 100.
The control module panel 194 is also formed with an
opening 206 in which a main double-pole double-throw switch 208
is mounted. The switch 208 includes a manually operable rocker
button 210 having a center switch-open position. Movement of
the button 210 to the left effects energization of the spot-
light filament of the lamp 100, while movement of the button 210
to the right effects energization of the floodlight filament of
the lamp 100. In either the right or left position of the but-
ton 210, the motors 88 and 124 are also conditioned for opera-
tion. A suitable multiple conductor cable (not shown) serves
to electrically connect sockets at the rear of the module casing
192 with the searchlight assembly socket 182.
Referring now to Figures 3, 4 and 5, in addition to
Figure 2, the control unit 24 includes a two-part casing com-
prised of a back casing section 212 and a front casing section
214. Mounted within the casing and secured to the back casing
section 212 are four single-pole double-throw switches 216, 218,
220 and 222, which respe~tively include switch blades 224, 226,
228 and 230 and associated slide buttons 232, 235, 236 and 238.
The pair of switches 216 and 218 are aligned in a first plane,
while the pair of switches 220 and 222 are aligned in a second
plane perpendicular to the first plane. Disposed centrally of
the switches is a preferably H-shaped switch actuator plate 240
having side edges that are engageable with the respective switch
buttons. Associated with the actuator 240 is a manually oper-
able control knob 242 having a central stem portion 244 and an
outer conical wall portion 246. The actuator 240 is secured to
the inner end of the stem 244 which projects through an opening
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248 formed in the front casing section 214.
The inner edge of the conical wall 246 and the actuator
plate 240 are slidable over the outer and inner faces respect-
ively of the front casing section 214. The switch blades, and
their associated slide buttons, are spring biased to first
radially inner positions. The spring biased slide buttons also
serve to normally maintain the actuator plate 240 in a central
neutral position. The control knob 242 and actuator plate 240
are movable radially outwardly either in line with one of the
switches or diagonally relative to an adjacent pair of switches
for moving one or any adjacent pair of switch blades from their
first positions to second radially outer positions. The swit-
ches 216, 218, 220 and 222 are interposed in the electrical
circuit of the motors 88 and 124 for controlling energization
and direction of rotation of the latter either individually or
simultaneously. A multiple conductor coiled cable 250 serves
to electrically interconnect the module 22 and unit 24.
The electrical circuit for the remote controlled
searchlight of the present invention is shown schematically in
Figure 13. In addition to the elec-trical components previously
described, diodes 252 and 254 are arranged, in parallel with
the limit switches 140 and 142, respectively, for permitting
reverse energization of the motor 124 after one of the limit
switches has been opened.
When the searchlight is to be used, the switch button
210 of the main switch 208 on the control module 22 (Figure 2~
is first moved either to the left for energizing the spotlight
filament of the lamp 100 and conditioning the motors 88 and
124 for operation, or to the right for energizing the flood-
light filament of the lamp 100 and conditioning the motors 88
and 124 for operation. Then the control knob 242 of the control
unit 24 is manipulated for controlling energization and direc-
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ion of rotation of the motors 88 and 124.
Referring to Figures 4 and 5, when the switch actuator
plate 240 is moved upwardly from its central neutral position,
the switch blade 226 is moved from its radially inner position
to its radially outer position, the elevation motor 124 is ener-
gized for rotation in one direction, and the lamp 100 is pivoted
rearwardly toward the dotted line position shown in Figure 12.
As the lamp 100 reaches the dotted line position, the switch
actuator 146 (Figure 8~ opens the switch 140 and deenergizes the
elevation motor 124.
When the switch actuator plate 240 (Figure 4) is moved
downwardly from its central neu~ral position, the switch blade
224 (Figure 5) is moved from its radially inner position to its
radially outer position, the elevation motor 124 is energized
for rotation in the other direction, and the lamp 100 is pivoted
forwardly toward the dotted line position shown in Figure 8. As
the lamp 100 reaches the dotted line position, the switch actua-
tor 146 (Figure 8) opens the switch 142 and deenergizes the
elevation motor 124.
When the switch actuator plate 240 (Figure 4) is moved
to the right from its central neutr~l position, the ,switch blade
230 (Figure 5) is moved from its radially inner position to its
radially outer position, the azimuth motor 88 is energized for
rotation in one direction, and the lamp 100 is rotated in a
clockwise direction. Correspondingly, when the switch actuator
plate 240 (Figure 4) is moved to the left from its central neu-
tral position, the switch blade 228 (Figure 5) is moved from its
radially inner position to its radially outer position, the azi-
muth motor 88 is energized for rotation in the other direction,
and the lamp 100 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction.
In addition, the actuator plate 240 may be moved (1)
diagonally upwardly to the right to jointly actuate the switches
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218 and 222 for simultaneously pivoting the lamp 100 rearwardly
and rotating it clockwise, (2) dia~onally upwardly to the left
to jointly actuate the switches 218 and 220 for simultaneously
pivoting the lamp 100 rearwardly and rotating it counter-clock-
wise, (3) diagonally downwardly to the left to jointly actuate
the switches 216 and 220 for simultaneously pivoting the lamp
100 forwardly and rotating it counter-clockwise, or (4) diagon-
ally downwardly to the right to jointly actuate the switches
216 and 222 for simultaneously pivoting the lamp forwardly and
rotating it clockwise.
The lamp 100 may be rotated continuously either clockwise
or counter-clockwiæe. Also, the lamp 100 may be stopped at any
azimuth position, or at any elevation within its range of 120,
by simply releasing the control knob. The actuated switch blade
~or blades~ is spring biased back to its radially inner position,
and the actuator plate 240 is returned by the switch button (or
buttons~ of the actuated switch blade (or blades) to its central
neutral position. When the switch blades are in their radially
inner positions, the motors 88 and 124 are deenergized. Because
the motors are of the permanent magnet-type, when the armatures
are shorted by the switches 216, 218, 220 and 222, the motors
stop rotating substantially instantaneously thus affording pre-
cision control.
As will be appreciated, the azimuth position of the
lamp 100 may be readily determined from the remote control
module 22 by observing the bulbs 198, 200, 202 and 204. The
particular bulb that is illuminated indicates the azimuth quad-
rant position of the lamp 100. When the remote control unit 24
is not in use, it is adapted to be snapped on or clipped to the
remote control module 22. For certain applications, a single
filament lamp may be substituted for the dual filament lamp 100,
in which case the main double-pole double-throw switch 208 is
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replaced with a double-pole single-throw switch.
While there has been shown and described a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood by
those skilled in the art that various rearrangements and modi-
fications may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention.
