Need some help wiring actuator for a clutch.

[TheBorgli]

Hey guys, I have a question when it comes to powering an actuator for my boats clutch.

This is going to be kind of hard to explain, but I'll do my best. Let me know if there is anything that is unclear.

I have a boat where I want the clutch to be operated by an actuator and a push button.
The actuator is a linear 12v, 2 wires. It does not extend and retract all the way with a push of a button, but requires the button to be held down until it reaches the desired position.
It also does not reach its max extension before the clutch is completely depressed, so I need to stop it when the clutch is all the way in or out. Otherwise it just keeps working. (it actually keeps working until the button is released even if it is fully extended)

With that bit of "backstory" out of the way, here is what I want it to do:

I want to have one button on my dash that will have a built in light to show when the clutch is pressed. I would like that same button to release the clutch and the light to go out when it does (so that I know what the clutch is doing).

I figure that I need some kind of reversing contactor with a normally open loop and a NC switch at either end of the actuators travel to stop it?

It would be great if someone could draw up a diagram or atleast list the parts I am going to need.

I am really handy and a pretty good shade tree mechanic, but this stuff gets me so confused

Thanks!

 

[BradtheRad]

requires the button to be held down until it reaches the desired position.

switch at either end of the actuators travel to stop it

Can you clarify which you want to do:

(a) press and hold the button down until the actuator is finished, then let up, or

(b) press once to start the actuator, press again to shut it off?

 

[TheBorgli]

Hi.
I would like to press it once, then have it automatically stop at the end of travel. The next push of the button should then take it back to the start.

Basically I want one push to engage and one push to disengage.

Thanks

 

[Warpspeed]

There was a thread on here a while back in which I drew this circuit, which would probably also do your job.

The switch at the top marked "door switch" would be your push button.

In your case, it would have to be a push on / push off locking push button similar to the type of thing typically used in bedside lights.
Although the push on/push off function is available in many other styles of push button.

That is associated with two limit switches. Both drawn on the circuit in the un operated condition, where the actuator is somewhere mid way between the two extremes of travel.

"M" is your 12v actuator motor, and the two changeover contacts either side of "M" are associated with a special latching relay, that reverses the actuator motor direction.

There are also two LEDs shown (or 12v lamps) that indicate when the clutch has reached either limit successfully and stopped.

 

[TheBorgli]

Thanks Tony, can I use a reversing contactor as the H bridge? (isn't that what you drew.?)
One little thing though. Would you mind labeling, or just writing it in a new post, what the different symbols are? Ie the triangles and rectangles that are inline with the wires.

Thanks you ?

 

[TheBorgli]

Is there a specific latching relay you would recommend?
I'm not 100% sure how they work. Does it alternate it's position each time? Seeing how both sides joins into the same latching relay.