... it did operate but did not reverse when it hit the limit switch. It tried to keep going.
Sounds like it was going in the wrong direction when it hit the limit switch. In other words, it should have been going in the opposite direction and hit the other limit switch instead. If it didn't reverse, then the top relay was not energized by the NO contacts of limit switch LS1 and actually it was NC limit switch LS2 that was actuated. Actuating LS2 DOES NOTHING unless the top relay is latched on.
Coat hangers....seriously?
Why not? Cheap, readily available, stiff enough to do the job.
Relays are far from obsolete, although many of their functions have been replaced with solid-state switches. And almost ALL of the old relay-logic is truly obsolete and its functions are now performed with PLCs or other embedded microcontrollers. Still, the time it takes a PLC to traverse a ladder diagram is significant and the delay brings it's own problems when attempting to implement control functions. I am especially distrustful of using a PLC to implement anything related to human safety without careful attention to fail-safe design practices. But that's a separate issue.
To troubleshoot the three-relay solution to the problem, try disconnecting the coil of the top relay and energizing the two bottom relay
coils directly from the 12 V supply manually through a toggle switch. Leave the wiring for the top relay contacts and the two limit switches in place for this test.
Verify that the motor reverses direction as the two bottom relays are alternately energized and de-energized by operating the toggle switch. Note: the motor runs constantly when 12 V power is available; it is
only turned off by removing the 12 V power.
If the above test procedure for motor reversal operation works, leave the mechanism positioned between the limit switches, with neither switch actuated and 12 V removed. If the motor does not reverse when the two bottom relays are alternately energized and de=energized, correct the wiring associated with the contacts on those two relays and repeat the test until the motor reverses whenever the test toggle switch is operated.
Now that you have verified that the bottom two relays will reverse the motor when energized and de-energized, re-connect the top relay coil back in parallel with the bottom two relay coils, along with the circuit containing the two limit switches and the top relay contacts.
Apply 12 V power and observe which way the motor runs and which direction the mechanism moves. The mechanism
MUST move in a direction that will eventually actuate LS1. If the mechanism is being driven away from LS1 toward LS2, reverse the two connections to the motor.
None of the relays should be energized until LS1 is actuated. If the mechanism moves in the wrong direction, i.e., toward LS2 during initial power on, reverse the two motor leads before continuing.
I have seen mechanical reversing mechanisms that operate pretty much the same way as I described for the two light switches connected with coat-hanger wire. Typically, a nut traverses a rotating lead screw until it hits a limit stop. The limit stop is mechanically connected to, and moves, a lever that reverses the lead screw rotation, driving the nut in the opposite direction. When the nut reaches the other limit stop, it pushes it in the opposite direction and this motion is communicated to the direction control lever by a connecting metal bar, again causing the lead screw rotation to reverse. The only difference between this operation and two light switches acting as limit switches with a coat-hanger wire connecting them is electrical.
Although all help is very much appreciated, sarcasm and criticism is not.
Oh, did you detect a hint of sarcasm in some of my comments? Which ones perzactly? As for criticism: it goes with the territory. If you post circuits here, they will be examined and criticized by someone if there is anything anyone perceives is wrong with your circuit. Take that with a grain of salt and weigh it against what you
know versus what you
believe. Not everyone who posts here knows WTF they are talking about, but its a free and open forum so they will post anyway. After all, facts and logic never stop a True Believer of any faith. You gets what you pays for... usually.