CA1115758A - Operating mechanism for switch - Google Patents
Operating mechanism for switchInfo
- Publication number
- CA1115758A CA1115758A CA334,517A CA334517A CA1115758A CA 1115758 A CA1115758 A CA 1115758A CA 334517 A CA334517 A CA 334517A CA 1115758 A CA1115758 A CA 1115758A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- toggle arm
- switch
- toggle
- arm member
- operating mechanism
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/32—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts
- H01H3/46—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts using rod or lever linkage, e.g. toggle
Landscapes
- Driving Mechanisms And Operating Circuits Of Arc-Extinguishing High-Tension Switches (AREA)
- Mechanisms For Operating Contacts (AREA)
Abstract
Case 2655 OPERATING MECHANISM FOR SWITCH
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A disconnect switch has two toggle arm members that are pivotally connected at one of their ends to an operating cam and that are pivotally connected at their respective other ends to a different one of two contact support arms. Each support arm supports a plurality of secondary contacts that are capable of bridging main contacts of the switch. The toggle arm members are movable between a contracted and an expanded position by rotating the operating cam. When the toggle members are in the expanded position they partially overlap and hold the two support arms in a closed position with the secondary contacts in contact with the main contacts.
When the toggle members are in the expanded position they are spread out and hold the two support arms in an open position with the secondary contacts remote from the main contacts. Previous disconnect switches did not open and close by rotating an operating cam.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A disconnect switch has two toggle arm members that are pivotally connected at one of their ends to an operating cam and that are pivotally connected at their respective other ends to a different one of two contact support arms. Each support arm supports a plurality of secondary contacts that are capable of bridging main contacts of the switch. The toggle arm members are movable between a contracted and an expanded position by rotating the operating cam. When the toggle members are in the expanded position they partially overlap and hold the two support arms in a closed position with the secondary contacts in contact with the main contacts.
When the toggle members are in the expanded position they are spread out and hold the two support arms in an open position with the secondary contacts remote from the main contacts. Previous disconnect switches did not open and close by rotating an operating cam.
Description
~ll.S~
- l - Case 2655 ~ `
OPERATING MECHANISM FOR SWITCH
This invention relates generally to a dis-connect switch having high pressure contacts and in particular to an operating mechanism for opening and closing the switch. ;
Disconnect switches employed previously have utilized a pivotal switch blade contact, hinged at one end to a base and movable at the other end into and out of engagement with a jaw type contact.
One requirement for switches of this type is that they have high contact pressure to ensure a good connection between the contacts and thereby minimize ; any arcing or similar faults when the switch is closed.
To provide high contact pressure in switches --employing a pivotal switch blade contact, the jaw type contacts are usually made to exert a high pressure on the~blade contact when the switch is closed. This results in the disadvantage that large forces must be employed when opening or closing the switch, in order to overcome the frictional resistance by the jaw contacts against the blade contacts.
; ^In my Canadian Patent No.j~ ~59,19~, i ssued ~/y ~d ~, Iq79 the frictional resistance problem was~ overcome by providing two main elongated contacts which are bridged, in the closed position, by secondary contacts. In the open position of the switch, the ~econdary contacts are held out of contact with the .,' ~ ~ ,.... .
. . . ~ , . . ~ .
r-` ' 1~1S75~
Case 2655 main contacts by the switch mechanism. Although the disconnect switch of this patent overcomes the frictional resistance problem, the operating mechanism for opening and closing the switch is a scissor-jack type of mechanism. One disadvantage with this scissor-jack operating mechanism is that it is expensive to manu-facture. Another disadvantage with the scissor-jack operating mechanism is that it tends to obstruct vlsual verification that the switch is open. Periodically such visual verification is desired when maintenance is performed on the switch. Although visual verification that the switch is open is possible, such verification usually involves close scrutiny on the part of maintenance personnel.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved operating mechanism for a disconnect switch which is simple to manufacture, readily provides visual verification that the switch contacts are open, and may be employed by a disconnect switch that over-comes the frictional problems.
This object of the invention may be achieved in a disconnect switch having a pair of toggle arm members positioned at one end of main contacts for the switch. The pair of toggle arm members may be moved between a contracted position and an expanded position where secondary contacts of the switch are respec~ively held by the toggle arm members in contact with the main contacts and remote from the main contacts. The toggle arm members are each pivotally connected at one of their ends to an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism is operable for moving the toggle arm members between the contracted and expanded positions by rotating the pivotal connections about a point central to both pivotal connections.
The disconnect switch may further include a second pair of toggle arm members positioned at the `'' - : .
Case 2655 other end of the main contacts. The second pair of toggle arms move between expanded and contracted posi-tions when the first pair of toggle arm members are moved to respectively open and close the switch. To achieve this an elongated cam shaft extends parallel to, and is intermediately located, between the main contacts and is connected at one end to the pivotal connections of the first pair of toggle arm members. Similarly, the second pair of toggle arm members are pivotally connected at one of their ends to the other end of the cam shaft. As the operating mechanism rotates the pivo-tal connections of the first pair of toggle arm members, the cam shaft simultaneously rotates the pivotal connections of the second pair of toggle arm members about a point central to the pivotal connections of the second pair of toggle arm members. In this switch construction the provision of two pairs of toggle arm members at both ends of the main contacts provides the application of opening and closing forces at both ends of the switch.
The toggle arm members preferably have a curved shape such as, for example, the shape of a kidney. This allows for each pair of toggle arm members to partially overlap when in the contracted position. When the toggle arm members of each pair partially overlap, they are in an on center position and are held against the pivotal connection of the other toggle arm member by the opening forces present in the switch. Thus, no constant application of closing force is required to hold the switch closed. To open the switch, force is applied by the operating mechanism to rotate the pivotal connection relative to one another.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a high pressure contacting electrical switch including two opposed elongated main contacts having their longitudinal axes laterally spaced apart and ; , ~ . ~ ., , :
, : : ' ' ! ~' ', .' ' .'.
, ' :;, . ':
1575t3 Case 2655 parallel to one another,.and a secondary contact support means having a first and a second arm mechanism each supporting a plurality of spaced apart secondary contacts extending generally transversely to the main contacts. The improvement in the switch comprises:
a first elongated toggle arm member pivotally connected at one of its ends to the first arm mechanism, the first toggle arm member having its other end pivotally connected to an operating mechanism; a second elongated 10 toggle arm member pivotally connected at one of its ends .
to the second arm mechanism, the second toggle arm ;
member having its other end pivotally connected to the operating mechanism; and, the operating mechanism being ~
operable to move the first and second toggle arm :
members between an expanded position where the first and second toggle arms respectively hold the first and second arm mechanism in an open position with the secondary contacts remote from at least one of the main contacts and a contracted position where the first and second toggle arm members respectively hold the first and second arm mechanism in a closed position with the secondary contacts in contact with the main contacts, and the operating mechanism being operable to move the first and second toggle arm members between the expanded and contracted positions by rotating the pivotal connections : of each toggle arm:member with the.operating mechanism about a point centrally disposed between the pivotal connections of each toggle arm member with the operating mechanism.
For a better understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference may be had by way of example to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of the disconnect : 35 switch disclosed herein; -~
Figure 2 is a top view of the disconnect switch : .
.~ :, ' ' ~ '' ', ' :
, , .
': ' . ~ '~ ' ' .
l~lS~
Case 2655 showing the switch in its closed position;
Figure 3 is a bottom ~iew of the disconnect switch showing the switch in its open position;
Figure 4 is an exploded isometric view of a portion of the operating mechanism shown in Figure l; and, Figure 5 is a plan view of a portion of the operating mechanism shown in Figure 1.
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 a disconnect switch is generally shown at 10 bridging bus bars 11 and 12. The switch 10 includes a secondary contact support means 14 having two contact support arm mechanisms 16 each of which support a plurality of spaced apar~
secondary contacts 18. The contact support means 14 comprises angle iron brackets 20 mounted to bus bar 11 for supporting angle iron cross members 22. The two contact support arm mechani~ms 16 are pivotally connected to cross members 22 at pivots 24. It should be under-stood that the secondary contacts 18 shown herein are similar to those shown in my Canadian Patent No. /o~9~94 f~ "~ issued Jv/y ~4, /9~g . Secondary contacts 18 extend generally transversely to elongated main contacts 28a, 28b. Main contacts 28a, 28b are shown (Figure 1) having their longitudinal axes laterally spaced apart and parallel to one another. As shown in Figure 2, secondary contacts 18 bridge main contacts 28a, 28b when switch 10 is closed. Leaf springs 30 are interposed -between each secondary contact 18 and its corresponding contact support arm mechanism 16. Leaf springs 30 hold secondary contacts 18 in a high pressure contacting relation with main contacts 28a, 28b so as to ensure a good electrical connection between contacts 18 and 28 and to minimize any arcing or similar faults when the switch is closed.
Referring now to Figures 1 to 3, the switch 10 is shown closed in Figure 2 and open in Figure 3. In the closed position, electrical current passes from :. : , : : .
- . . . ~
1~57S~
Case 2655 bus bar 12 through secondary contacts 18 to bus bar 11.
In the open position (Figure 3) secondary contacts 18 are remote from main contacts 28a, 28b and as a result no electrical current flows between main contacts 28.
To effect the movement of the secondary contacts 18 from a bridging position to a remote position with res-pect to main contacts 28a, 28b, two pairs of elongated `-toggle arm members 32 (only one of which is shown in Figures 2 and 3) and operating mechanism 60 (Figure 1) are utilized. Each pair of curved toggle arm members 32 include a first toggle arm member 34 and a second toggle arm member 36. The first toggle member 34 is pivotally connected to one of the contact support arm mechanisms 16 at pivot 38. Similarly, the second toggle member 36 is pivotally connected to the other contact support arm mechanism 16 at pivot 40. The first toggle member 34 is also pivotally connected at its other end to pivot pin 42. The second toggle member 36 is pivotally connected at its other end to pivot pin 44. In the closed position (Figure 2), each pair of toggle members 32 are in a contracted position with toggle member 34 partially overlapping toggle member 36. Also, toggle member 34 is in a centered relation to pivot pin 44 and toggle member 36 is in a centered relation to pivot pin 42. Because of the centered relationships, the two pairs of toggle arm members 32 hold the secondary contacts 18 in high pressure contacting engagement with the main contacts 28 without requiring the constant application of any additional closing force. It should be understood that the relationships may be slightly overcenter relationships, if desired. To open switch 10 from its closed position a force is applied by operating mechanism 60 to rotate pivot pins 42 and 44 approximately 180 degrees about centrally located point 35 46. Pivot pins 42 and 44 are rotated in the direction indicated by respective arrows 48 and 50. The rotation _ .
. ~' ~ . -111S~7~i~
Case 2655 of pivot pins 42 and 44 provides a force that is normal to the plane defined between the longitudinal axis of main contacts 28a, 28b and that moves the contact support arm mechanisms 16 outwardly as shown by arrows S2 (Figure
- l - Case 2655 ~ `
OPERATING MECHANISM FOR SWITCH
This invention relates generally to a dis-connect switch having high pressure contacts and in particular to an operating mechanism for opening and closing the switch. ;
Disconnect switches employed previously have utilized a pivotal switch blade contact, hinged at one end to a base and movable at the other end into and out of engagement with a jaw type contact.
One requirement for switches of this type is that they have high contact pressure to ensure a good connection between the contacts and thereby minimize ; any arcing or similar faults when the switch is closed.
To provide high contact pressure in switches --employing a pivotal switch blade contact, the jaw type contacts are usually made to exert a high pressure on the~blade contact when the switch is closed. This results in the disadvantage that large forces must be employed when opening or closing the switch, in order to overcome the frictional resistance by the jaw contacts against the blade contacts.
; ^In my Canadian Patent No.j~ ~59,19~, i ssued ~/y ~d ~, Iq79 the frictional resistance problem was~ overcome by providing two main elongated contacts which are bridged, in the closed position, by secondary contacts. In the open position of the switch, the ~econdary contacts are held out of contact with the .,' ~ ~ ,.... .
. . . ~ , . . ~ .
r-` ' 1~1S75~
Case 2655 main contacts by the switch mechanism. Although the disconnect switch of this patent overcomes the frictional resistance problem, the operating mechanism for opening and closing the switch is a scissor-jack type of mechanism. One disadvantage with this scissor-jack operating mechanism is that it is expensive to manu-facture. Another disadvantage with the scissor-jack operating mechanism is that it tends to obstruct vlsual verification that the switch is open. Periodically such visual verification is desired when maintenance is performed on the switch. Although visual verification that the switch is open is possible, such verification usually involves close scrutiny on the part of maintenance personnel.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved operating mechanism for a disconnect switch which is simple to manufacture, readily provides visual verification that the switch contacts are open, and may be employed by a disconnect switch that over-comes the frictional problems.
This object of the invention may be achieved in a disconnect switch having a pair of toggle arm members positioned at one end of main contacts for the switch. The pair of toggle arm members may be moved between a contracted position and an expanded position where secondary contacts of the switch are respec~ively held by the toggle arm members in contact with the main contacts and remote from the main contacts. The toggle arm members are each pivotally connected at one of their ends to an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism is operable for moving the toggle arm members between the contracted and expanded positions by rotating the pivotal connections about a point central to both pivotal connections.
The disconnect switch may further include a second pair of toggle arm members positioned at the `'' - : .
Case 2655 other end of the main contacts. The second pair of toggle arms move between expanded and contracted posi-tions when the first pair of toggle arm members are moved to respectively open and close the switch. To achieve this an elongated cam shaft extends parallel to, and is intermediately located, between the main contacts and is connected at one end to the pivotal connections of the first pair of toggle arm members. Similarly, the second pair of toggle arm members are pivotally connected at one of their ends to the other end of the cam shaft. As the operating mechanism rotates the pivo-tal connections of the first pair of toggle arm members, the cam shaft simultaneously rotates the pivotal connections of the second pair of toggle arm members about a point central to the pivotal connections of the second pair of toggle arm members. In this switch construction the provision of two pairs of toggle arm members at both ends of the main contacts provides the application of opening and closing forces at both ends of the switch.
The toggle arm members preferably have a curved shape such as, for example, the shape of a kidney. This allows for each pair of toggle arm members to partially overlap when in the contracted position. When the toggle arm members of each pair partially overlap, they are in an on center position and are held against the pivotal connection of the other toggle arm member by the opening forces present in the switch. Thus, no constant application of closing force is required to hold the switch closed. To open the switch, force is applied by the operating mechanism to rotate the pivotal connection relative to one another.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a high pressure contacting electrical switch including two opposed elongated main contacts having their longitudinal axes laterally spaced apart and ; , ~ . ~ ., , :
, : : ' ' ! ~' ', .' ' .'.
, ' :;, . ':
1575t3 Case 2655 parallel to one another,.and a secondary contact support means having a first and a second arm mechanism each supporting a plurality of spaced apart secondary contacts extending generally transversely to the main contacts. The improvement in the switch comprises:
a first elongated toggle arm member pivotally connected at one of its ends to the first arm mechanism, the first toggle arm member having its other end pivotally connected to an operating mechanism; a second elongated 10 toggle arm member pivotally connected at one of its ends .
to the second arm mechanism, the second toggle arm ;
member having its other end pivotally connected to the operating mechanism; and, the operating mechanism being ~
operable to move the first and second toggle arm :
members between an expanded position where the first and second toggle arms respectively hold the first and second arm mechanism in an open position with the secondary contacts remote from at least one of the main contacts and a contracted position where the first and second toggle arm members respectively hold the first and second arm mechanism in a closed position with the secondary contacts in contact with the main contacts, and the operating mechanism being operable to move the first and second toggle arm members between the expanded and contracted positions by rotating the pivotal connections : of each toggle arm:member with the.operating mechanism about a point centrally disposed between the pivotal connections of each toggle arm member with the operating mechanism.
For a better understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference may be had by way of example to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of the disconnect : 35 switch disclosed herein; -~
Figure 2 is a top view of the disconnect switch : .
.~ :, ' ' ~ '' ', ' :
, , .
': ' . ~ '~ ' ' .
l~lS~
Case 2655 showing the switch in its closed position;
Figure 3 is a bottom ~iew of the disconnect switch showing the switch in its open position;
Figure 4 is an exploded isometric view of a portion of the operating mechanism shown in Figure l; and, Figure 5 is a plan view of a portion of the operating mechanism shown in Figure 1.
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 a disconnect switch is generally shown at 10 bridging bus bars 11 and 12. The switch 10 includes a secondary contact support means 14 having two contact support arm mechanisms 16 each of which support a plurality of spaced apar~
secondary contacts 18. The contact support means 14 comprises angle iron brackets 20 mounted to bus bar 11 for supporting angle iron cross members 22. The two contact support arm mechani~ms 16 are pivotally connected to cross members 22 at pivots 24. It should be under-stood that the secondary contacts 18 shown herein are similar to those shown in my Canadian Patent No. /o~9~94 f~ "~ issued Jv/y ~4, /9~g . Secondary contacts 18 extend generally transversely to elongated main contacts 28a, 28b. Main contacts 28a, 28b are shown (Figure 1) having their longitudinal axes laterally spaced apart and parallel to one another. As shown in Figure 2, secondary contacts 18 bridge main contacts 28a, 28b when switch 10 is closed. Leaf springs 30 are interposed -between each secondary contact 18 and its corresponding contact support arm mechanism 16. Leaf springs 30 hold secondary contacts 18 in a high pressure contacting relation with main contacts 28a, 28b so as to ensure a good electrical connection between contacts 18 and 28 and to minimize any arcing or similar faults when the switch is closed.
Referring now to Figures 1 to 3, the switch 10 is shown closed in Figure 2 and open in Figure 3. In the closed position, electrical current passes from :. : , : : .
- . . . ~
1~57S~
Case 2655 bus bar 12 through secondary contacts 18 to bus bar 11.
In the open position (Figure 3) secondary contacts 18 are remote from main contacts 28a, 28b and as a result no electrical current flows between main contacts 28.
To effect the movement of the secondary contacts 18 from a bridging position to a remote position with res-pect to main contacts 28a, 28b, two pairs of elongated `-toggle arm members 32 (only one of which is shown in Figures 2 and 3) and operating mechanism 60 (Figure 1) are utilized. Each pair of curved toggle arm members 32 include a first toggle arm member 34 and a second toggle arm member 36. The first toggle member 34 is pivotally connected to one of the contact support arm mechanisms 16 at pivot 38. Similarly, the second toggle member 36 is pivotally connected to the other contact support arm mechanism 16 at pivot 40. The first toggle member 34 is also pivotally connected at its other end to pivot pin 42. The second toggle member 36 is pivotally connected at its other end to pivot pin 44. In the closed position (Figure 2), each pair of toggle members 32 are in a contracted position with toggle member 34 partially overlapping toggle member 36. Also, toggle member 34 is in a centered relation to pivot pin 44 and toggle member 36 is in a centered relation to pivot pin 42. Because of the centered relationships, the two pairs of toggle arm members 32 hold the secondary contacts 18 in high pressure contacting engagement with the main contacts 28 without requiring the constant application of any additional closing force. It should be understood that the relationships may be slightly overcenter relationships, if desired. To open switch 10 from its closed position a force is applied by operating mechanism 60 to rotate pivot pins 42 and 44 approximately 180 degrees about centrally located point 35 46. Pivot pins 42 and 44 are rotated in the direction indicated by respective arrows 48 and 50. The rotation _ .
. ~' ~ . -111S~7~i~
Case 2655 of pivot pins 42 and 44 provides a force that is normal to the plane defined between the longitudinal axis of main contacts 28a, 28b and that moves the contact support arm mechanisms 16 outwardly as shown by arrows S2 (Figure
2). In Figure 3 the toggle members 34 and 36 are shown spread out in their expanded position. In the expanded position each end of toggle members 34 and 36 pivotally connected to a respective pivot pin 42 and 44 are substantially adjacent to one another with very little overlap. In the expanded position, each pair of toggle arm members 32 hold secondary contacts 18 remote from main contacts 28a, 28b by holding contact support arm mechanisms 16 in an opened jaw position. Similarly to move each pair of toggle arm members from the expanded to the contracted position a force is applied ~y operating mechanism 60 (Figure 1) to rotate pivot pins 42 and 44 in an opposite direction to the direction they rotate to open the switch 10.
Referring now to Figure 1, an elongated link mechanism is shown at 54. The link mechanism 54 includes a cam shaft 56 extending parallel to and inter-mediately located between main contacts 28. The cam shaft 56 terminates at each of its ends in a cam 58 secured thereto. Each cam has two holes through which extend the pivot pins 42 and 44. The link mechanism 54 when rotating moves each of the two pairs of toggle arm members 32 in unison between their expanded and contracted positions. The uniform movement of the two pairs of toggle arm members 32 makes possible the application of either an opening or`a alosing force to the top and bottom of each contact support arm mechanism 16. As is evident from Figure 1, the two pairs of elongated toggle arms 32 are located at both ends of switch 10 so as to provide the opening and closing forces in a direction substantially normal to the longitudinal axes of the main contact 28.
.., -,., ~ ~`. . ....... . .
` , ~ .
7S~3 Case 2655 Referring now to Figure 4, an exploded view is sho~n for the connection of rotating crank arm 62 of operating mechanism 60 to the lower pair of the two pairs of toggle arm members 32. Pins 42 and 44 extend through apertures in crank arm 62 which acts to rotate the pins.
Referring now to Figures 1 and 5 the operating mechanism 60 is now described. In both Figures the position of the operating mechanism 60 is shown with the switch 10 closed. In Figure 5 the ghost lines show the position of the operating mechanism when switch 10 is open. As previously mentioned, operating mechanism 60 includes an elongated crank arm 62 which is connected at one of its ends to pins 42 and 44. Crank arm 62 has a groove 66 therein that extends from its other end towards pins 42 and 44. A drive crank arm 68 is pivotal-ly connected at one of its ends to pivot pin 70 and at ;
its other end to pivot pin 74. Pivot pin 70 is mounted in fixed abutment 72. Pivot pin 74 is operable for sliding along groove 66. Mounted on the top of pivotpin 74 for rotation therewith is a block or nut 76 having a threaded aperture therein for receiving jack-screw 78. Jack-screw 78 is coupled to motor shaft 80 of drive motor 82 by an insulating connector 84. Motor 82 is also mounted to an insulated base plate 86 which pivots on pivot 88 above fixed abutment 72.
Pivot 88 insures that drive shaft 80 is in aIignment with jack-scre~ 78 at all times. In operation motor 82 rotates jack-sarew 72 counterclockwise so as to drive nut 76 and moving pivot pin 74 along path 80. At the same time, the swinging end of jack-screw 78 moves along path 82 and an end of crank arm 62 follows path 84.
The rotation of~the operating mechanism 60 along paths 80, 82 and 84 in the direction of their arrows, rotates pins 42 and 44 causing the two pairs of toggle arm members 32 to move from the contracted to the expanded , : . ~: , .. .
, : - . :. ; , ~ :-~ ,. ': ` - ',: -; , .; ~:.
.
- , . , . : .: .. , : :.
.. ..
. . " . : :
. ~ . -, :~
11157S~3 Case 2655 _ g _ position so as to open switch 10. To close switch 10, operating mechanism 60 moves along paths 80, 82 and 84 in a direction opposite to their arrows which rotates pins 42 and 44 causing the two pairs of toggle arm members 32 to move from the expanded to the contracted position.
To effect the closing of switch 10, drive motor 82 rotates jack-screw 72 clockwise.
It should be appreciated that other embodiments of the invention may be apparent to a man skilled in the art in light of the disclosure. Accordingly, the invention should be limited only to that which is claimed in the claims. - -: : - : : . :; ~ .
' ' i ' ' ': ~ ' ' , ,` t ' ~ ' ' ~ ' I , ' " : .
Referring now to Figure 1, an elongated link mechanism is shown at 54. The link mechanism 54 includes a cam shaft 56 extending parallel to and inter-mediately located between main contacts 28. The cam shaft 56 terminates at each of its ends in a cam 58 secured thereto. Each cam has two holes through which extend the pivot pins 42 and 44. The link mechanism 54 when rotating moves each of the two pairs of toggle arm members 32 in unison between their expanded and contracted positions. The uniform movement of the two pairs of toggle arm members 32 makes possible the application of either an opening or`a alosing force to the top and bottom of each contact support arm mechanism 16. As is evident from Figure 1, the two pairs of elongated toggle arms 32 are located at both ends of switch 10 so as to provide the opening and closing forces in a direction substantially normal to the longitudinal axes of the main contact 28.
.., -,., ~ ~`. . ....... . .
` , ~ .
7S~3 Case 2655 Referring now to Figure 4, an exploded view is sho~n for the connection of rotating crank arm 62 of operating mechanism 60 to the lower pair of the two pairs of toggle arm members 32. Pins 42 and 44 extend through apertures in crank arm 62 which acts to rotate the pins.
Referring now to Figures 1 and 5 the operating mechanism 60 is now described. In both Figures the position of the operating mechanism 60 is shown with the switch 10 closed. In Figure 5 the ghost lines show the position of the operating mechanism when switch 10 is open. As previously mentioned, operating mechanism 60 includes an elongated crank arm 62 which is connected at one of its ends to pins 42 and 44. Crank arm 62 has a groove 66 therein that extends from its other end towards pins 42 and 44. A drive crank arm 68 is pivotal-ly connected at one of its ends to pivot pin 70 and at ;
its other end to pivot pin 74. Pivot pin 70 is mounted in fixed abutment 72. Pivot pin 74 is operable for sliding along groove 66. Mounted on the top of pivotpin 74 for rotation therewith is a block or nut 76 having a threaded aperture therein for receiving jack-screw 78. Jack-screw 78 is coupled to motor shaft 80 of drive motor 82 by an insulating connector 84. Motor 82 is also mounted to an insulated base plate 86 which pivots on pivot 88 above fixed abutment 72.
Pivot 88 insures that drive shaft 80 is in aIignment with jack-scre~ 78 at all times. In operation motor 82 rotates jack-sarew 72 counterclockwise so as to drive nut 76 and moving pivot pin 74 along path 80. At the same time, the swinging end of jack-screw 78 moves along path 82 and an end of crank arm 62 follows path 84.
The rotation of~the operating mechanism 60 along paths 80, 82 and 84 in the direction of their arrows, rotates pins 42 and 44 causing the two pairs of toggle arm members 32 to move from the contracted to the expanded , : . ~: , .. .
, : - . :. ; , ~ :-~ ,. ': ` - ',: -; , .; ~:.
.
- , . , . : .: .. , : :.
.. ..
. . " . : :
. ~ . -, :~
11157S~3 Case 2655 _ g _ position so as to open switch 10. To close switch 10, operating mechanism 60 moves along paths 80, 82 and 84 in a direction opposite to their arrows which rotates pins 42 and 44 causing the two pairs of toggle arm members 32 to move from the expanded to the contracted position.
To effect the closing of switch 10, drive motor 82 rotates jack-screw 72 clockwise.
It should be appreciated that other embodiments of the invention may be apparent to a man skilled in the art in light of the disclosure. Accordingly, the invention should be limited only to that which is claimed in the claims. - -: : - : : . :; ~ .
' ' i ' ' ': ~ ' ' , ,` t ' ~ ' ' ~ ' I , ' " : .
Claims (11)
1. In a high pressure contacting electrical switch including two opposed elongated main contacts having their longitudinal axes laterally spaced apart and parallel to one another, and a secondary contact support means having a first and a second arm mechanism each supporting a plurality of spaced apart secondary contacts extending generally transversely to said main contacts in a position for bridging said main contacts;
the improvement comprising: a first elongated toggle arm member pivotally connected at one of its ends to said first arm mechanism said first toggle arm member having its other end pivotally connected to an operating mechanism; a second elongated toggle arm member pivotally connected at one of its ends to said second arm mechanism, said second toggle arm member having its other end pivotally connected to said operating mechanism; and, said operating mechanism being operable to move said first and second toggle arm members between an expanded position where said first and second toggle arms respectively hold said first and second arm mechanisms in an open position with said secondary contacts remote from at least one of said main contacts and a contracted position where said first and second toggle arm members respectively hold said first and second arm mechanisms in a closed position with said secondary contacts in contact with said main contacts, and said operating mechanism being operable to move said first and second toggle arm members between the expanded and contracted positions by rotating the pivotal connections of each toggle arm member with said operating mechanism about a point centrally disposed between the pivotal connections of each toggle arm member with said operating mechanism.
the improvement comprising: a first elongated toggle arm member pivotally connected at one of its ends to said first arm mechanism said first toggle arm member having its other end pivotally connected to an operating mechanism; a second elongated toggle arm member pivotally connected at one of its ends to said second arm mechanism, said second toggle arm member having its other end pivotally connected to said operating mechanism; and, said operating mechanism being operable to move said first and second toggle arm members between an expanded position where said first and second toggle arms respectively hold said first and second arm mechanisms in an open position with said secondary contacts remote from at least one of said main contacts and a contracted position where said first and second toggle arm members respectively hold said first and second arm mechanisms in a closed position with said secondary contacts in contact with said main contacts, and said operating mechanism being operable to move said first and second toggle arm members between the expanded and contracted positions by rotating the pivotal connections of each toggle arm member with said operating mechanism about a point centrally disposed between the pivotal connections of each toggle arm member with said operating mechanism.
2. The switch of claim 1 wherein said first Case 2655 toggle arm member partially overlaps said second toggle arm member when said toggle arm members are in the contracted position.
3. The switch of claim 2 wherein said toggle arm members have a kidney shape.
4. The switch of claim 1 wherein the pivotal connections of each toggle arm member with the operating mechanism are rotated approximately 180 degrees by said operating mechanism.
5. The switch of claim 2 wherein the partial overlapping of the first toggle arm member with the second toggle arm member results in a substantially centered relation where each toggle arm member is held against the pivotal connection of the other toggle arm member with the operating mechanism by opening forces associated with the switch.
6. The switch of claim 1 wherein said first and second toggle arm members are located at one end of said main contacts so as to provide an opening and closing force in a direction substantially normal to the plane defined between the longitudinal axes of said main contacts.
7. The switch of claim 6 further including a third and a fourth elongated toggle arm member located at the other end of said main contacts so as to provide the opening and closing force in a direction substantial-ly normal to the plane defined between the longitudinal axes of said main contacts, said third toggle arm member pivotally connected at one of its ends to said first arm mechanism, said third toggle arm member having its other end pivotally connected to an elongated linking mechanism extending between said main contacts, a fourth toggle arm member pivotally connected at one of its ends to said second arm mechanism, said fourth toggle arm member having its other end pivotally con-nected to said linking mechanism, said linking mechanism Case 2655 being pivotally connected to the pivotal connections of said first and second toggle arm members with said opera-ting mechanism so as to move said third and fourth toggle arm members between expanded and contracted positions in unison with the movement of said first and second toggle arm members between expanded and contracted positions.
8. The switch of claim 7 wherein said linking mechanism comprises a cam shaft having a longitudinal axis parallel to the axes of said main contacts, said linking mechanism having a cam secured at either end of the cam shaft, each cam being pivotally connected to two of the toggle arm members.
9. The switch of claim 1 wherein said operating mechanism comprises an elongated crank arm connected at one of its ends to the pivotal connections of the toggle arm members with the operating mechanism, said crank having an elongated slot therein extending from its other end towards its said one end, a movable pivot pin slidable along said slot, a drive crank pivotally connected at one of its ends to a fixed abutment, said drive crank pivotally connected to said movable pivot pin at its other end, and means driving said movable pivot pin along said slot to rotate said cramk arm approximately 180 degrees about the one end of said crank arm.
10. The switch of claim 9 wherein said drive means includes a nut rotatably mounted on said pin and a jack-screw passing therethrough.
11. The switch of claim 10 wherein said jack-screw is rotatably connected by an insulated connector to a drive shaft of a motor; said motor being pivotally mounted to an abutment so as to maintain its Case 2655
11. The switch of claim 10 wherein said jack-screw is rotatably connected by an insulated connector to a drive shaft of a motor; said motor being pivotally mounted to an abutment so as to maintain its Case 2655
Claim 11 continued:
drive shaft in alignment with said jack-screw.
drive shaft in alignment with said jack-screw.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA334,517A CA1115758A (en) | 1979-08-24 | 1979-08-24 | Operating mechanism for switch |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA334,517A CA1115758A (en) | 1979-08-24 | 1979-08-24 | Operating mechanism for switch |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1115758A true CA1115758A (en) | 1982-01-05 |
Family
ID=4115019
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA334,517A Expired CA1115758A (en) | 1979-08-24 | 1979-08-24 | Operating mechanism for switch |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1115758A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2543731A1 (en) * | 1983-03-28 | 1984-10-05 | Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie | HIGH VOLTAGE SWITCH |
-
1979
- 1979-08-24 CA CA334,517A patent/CA1115758A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2543731A1 (en) * | 1983-03-28 | 1984-10-05 | Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie | HIGH VOLTAGE SWITCH |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4546224A (en) | Electric switch in which the control lever travel is arrested if the contacts become welded together | |
| US4021678A (en) | Automatic transfer switch | |
| US6326868B1 (en) | Rotary contact assembly for high ampere-rated circuit breaker | |
| KR930008898A (en) | Operation mechanism for 4-pole breaker | |
| CA2038484A1 (en) | Automatic transfer switch | |
| KR100840384B1 (en) | Automatic Transfer Switch | |
| KR101778104B1 (en) | Mechanical switch contact | |
| US6310307B1 (en) | Circuit breaker rotary contact arm arrangement | |
| US6396369B1 (en) | Rotary contact assembly for high ampere-rated circuit breakers | |
| US5272291A (en) | Dual switch actuator mechanism with Geneva drive plate and follower plates detent assembly | |
| PL194297B1 (en) | Actuation mechanism for a multiple-pole autoamtic switch and multiple-pole automatic switch incorporating same | |
| US4580021A (en) | Circuit breaker | |
| CN1066566C (en) | Circuit automatic breaker with conduct regulating device | |
| JPH0689641A (en) | Two-link free tripping mechanism used in switch assembly | |
| CN217333977U (en) | Operating mechanism and switch device | |
| CA1115758A (en) | Operating mechanism for switch | |
| SU565640A3 (en) | Automatic switch | |
| CA2113008A1 (en) | Non-linear spring for circuit interrupters | |
| US4798922A (en) | Spring actuated latch, load and trip mechanism for switchgear | |
| US6008456A (en) | Load switch for a step switch | |
| US4103133A (en) | Dual switch operator using modified geneva movement | |
| US4423296A (en) | Shock and vibration resistant electrical switch | |
| CA2151000C (en) | Operating mechanism for a manually operated load break switch | |
| US4639561A (en) | Mechanical time delay mechanism | |
| US4339636A (en) | Disconnecting switch having improved switch-blade hinging structure |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |