TOGGLE LINKAGE APPLICATIONS IN DIFFERENT

MECHANISMS

Fig. 2 Forces can be applied through other

links, and need not be perpendicular to each other.
Fig. 1 Many mechanical linkages are based on the simple toggle that con- (A) One toggle link can be attached to another link
sists of two links which tend to line up in a straight line at one point in their rather than to a fixed point or slider. (B) Two toggle
motion. The mechanical advantage is the velocity ratio of the input point A with links can come into toggle by lining up on top of
respect to the outpoint point B: or VA /VB . As the angle α approaches 90º, the each other rather than as an extension of each
links come into toggle, and the mechanical advantage and velocity ratio both other. The resisting force can be a spring.
approach infinity. However, frictional effects reduce the forces to much les than
infinity, although they are still quite high.

HIGH MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE

Fig. 4 A cold-heading rivet
machine is designed to give
Fig. 3 In punch presses, large forces are
each rivet two successive
needed at the lower end of the work stroke.
blows. Following the first blow
However, little force is required during the
(point 2) the hammer moves
remainder of the stroke. The crank and con-
upward a short distance (to
necting rod come into toggle at the lower
point 3). Following the second
end of the punch stroke, giving a high
blow (at point 4), the hammer
mechanical advantage at exactly the time it
then moves upward a longer
is most needed.
distance (to point 1) to provide
clearance for moving the work-
piece. Both strokes are pro-
duced by one revolution of the
crank, and at the lowest point
of each stroke (points 2 and 4)
the links are in toggle.

Fig. 6 A stone crusher has two toggle linkages in series to obtain a

high mechanical advantage. When the vertical link I reaches the top
of its stroke, it comes into toggle with the driving crank II; at the same
Fig. 5 Locking latches produce a high mechanical advantage when in time, link III comes into toggle and link IV. This multiplication results in
the toggle portion of the stroke. A simple latch exerts a large force in the a very large crushing force.
locked position (Fig. 5A). For positive locking, the closed position of
latch is slightly beyond the toggle position. A small unlatching force
opens the linkage (Fig. 5B).

Fig. 7 A friction ratchet is mounted on a wheel; a light spring

keeps the friction shoes in contact with the flange. This device per-
mits clockwise motion of the arm I. However, reverse rotation
causes friction to force link II into toggle with the shoes. This action
greatly increases the locking pressure.

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 HIGH VELOCITY RATIO

Fig. 8 Door check linkage gives a high

velocity ratio during the stroke. As the door
swings closed, connecting link I comes into
toggle with the shock absorber arm II, giv-
ing it a large angular velocity. The shock
absorber is more effective in retarding
motion near the closed position.
Fig. 9 An impact reducer is on some
large circuit breakers. Crank I rotates at
constant velocity while the lower crank
moves slowly at the beginning and end of
the stroke. It moves rapidly at the midstroke
when arm II and link III are in toggle. The
accelerated weight absorbs energy and
returns it to the system when it slows down.

VARIABLE MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE

Fig. 10 A toaster switch has an increasing

mechanical advantage to aid in compressing a
spring. In the closed position, the spring holds
the contacts closed and the operating lever in Fig. 12 Four-bar linkages can be altered to give a
the down position. As the lever is moved variable velocity ratio (or mechanical advantage).
upward, the spring is compressed and comes (Fig. 12A) Since the cranks I and II both come into
into toggle with both the contact arm and the toggle with the connecting link III at the same time,
lever. Little effort is required to move the links there is no variation in mechanical advantage. (Fig.
through the toggle position; beyond this point, 12B) increasing the length of link III gives an
the spring snaps the contacts open. A similar increased mechanical advantage between positions
action occurs on closing. 1 and 2, because crank I and connecting link III are
near toggle. (Fig. 12C) Placing one pivot at the left
produces similar effects as in (Fig. 12B). (Fig. 12D)
increasing the center distance puts crank II and link
III near toggle at position 1; crank I and link III
approach the toggle position at 4.

Fig. 11 A toggle press has an increasing

mechanical advantage to counteract the resist- Fig. 13 A riveting machine with a reciprocating
ance of the material being compressed. A rotating piston produces a high mechanical advantage with
handwheel with a differential screw moves nuts A the linkage shown. With a constant piston driving
and B together, and links I and II are brought into force, the force of the head increases to a maximum
toggle. value when links II and III come into toggle.

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