US2460818A - Electric switch - Google Patents

Description

J. F. FRESE ELECTRIC swITcH Feb. 8, 194.9.

9 Sheets-Sheet l Filed April 27, 1944 J. F. FRESE ELECTRIC SWITCH Feb. 8, 1949.

Filed April 27, 1944 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 J. F. FRESE ELECTRIC SWITCH Feb. 8, 1949.

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Filed April 27, 1944 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 IlllllllHl J. F. FRESE ELECTRIC SWITCH Feb. 8, 1949.

9 Sheet-Sheet 5 Filed April 27, 1944 IN VEN TOR.

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ELECTRIC SWIETGH4 Filed April 27, 1944' 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 J. F. FRESE ELECTRIC SWITCH Feb. 8, 1949.

9 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed April 27, 1944 INVENTOR.

1 25a/say@ i 5mm@ Patented Feb. 8, 1949 ELECTRIC SWITCH Joseph F. Frese, Baltimore, Md., assignor to The Monitor Controller C ompany, Baltimore, Md.,

a corporation of Maryland Application April 27, 1944, Serial No. 533,010

7 Claims.

My invention relates broadly to electrical switches and more particularly to an automatically operated electric switch system.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide an arrangement of spring driven electric switch which may be instantaneously actuated by rendering the spring effective to drive the switch.

Another object of my invention is to provide a remotely controlled automatic switch that may be opened and/or closed under control oi a spring motor which is conditioned from time to time by an electric motor.

Another object of my invention is to'provide an arrangement of high potential switch which may be moved to open orv closed position under control of a spring driven motor at uniform speed where the spring driven motor is wound from time to time under control of an electric motor.

Still another object oi my invention is to provide a construction of spring governed switch having an electric motor winding device associated therewith and in which a multiplicity of coacting auxiliary contacts are controlled synchronously with the operation of the switch.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a construction of electric switch in which a pair of switch arms may be automatically moved in opposite directions simultaneously under control of a spring motor actuator for opening and/or closing electric circuits.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a construction of spring operated actuator for driving the arms of an electric switch system where the spring operator is wound from time to time as required by an electric motor.

A further Yobject of my invention is to provide a construction of auxiliary contact system operated by cam devices controlled by the movement of the electric switch system of my invention.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a high potential switch system including insulators for mounting angularly movable arms having contactors thereon in combination with mechanism for moving the arms in clockwise and counter-clockwise `directions for making and breaking connection with stationary contacts insulatedly mounted in alignment with the switch arms.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a construction of reversed drive mechanism for a pair of electric switches with means for simultaneously moving the electricswitches in opposite directions withrespect to each other for making or breaking coacting electrical connections.

Other and further objects of my invention reside in the construction and arrangement -of parts of the automatic switch as set forth in the accompanying speciiication and shown in the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a plan View of the automatic switch system and actuator therefor; Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the automatic switch system and drive therefor; Fig. 3 is a side view of the automatic switch system and actuator; Fig. 4 is a view illustrating the arrangement of auxiliary contacts in association with one of the switch arms and illustrating the automatic drive control mechanismin association therewith; Fig. 5 is a plan view showing one of the switch arms carried by the insulator; Fig. 6 is an end view of the hardware which supports the switch arm with respect to the insulator; Fig. 7 is a cross sectional View through the hardware and insulator showing the support of the switch arm thereby; Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 4 illustrating the stationary contact which is carried by an insulator mounted on the apparatus panel; Fig. 9 is a plan View showing the auxiliary contacts and the arrangement of cams for controlling the contacts synchronously with the movement of the switch arm; Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view through the cam control mechanism for the auxiliary contacts; Fig. 11 is an end View of the switch actuator for effecting rapid operation of the automatic switch; Fig. 12 is a transverse sectional view through the case taken on line I2|2 of Fig. 1'7, the View being partially broken away; Fig. 13 is a fragmentary composite sectional and elevational view of the floating connection between the bell crank and brake actuating lever; Fig. 14 is a detailed view of the brake actuating arm; Fig. 15 is a detailed view of the brake applicator arm; Fig. 16 is an end view of the arm shown in Fig. 15; Fig. 17 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on line |1-'-|1 of Fig. 19; Fig. 18 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on line l8l8 of Fig. 19; Fig. 19 is a view showing the relative arrangement of the power spring and the spring winding mechanism taken substantially on line I9-l9 of Fig. 11; Fig. 20 is a plan view of one of the drums employed in driving the switch arms showing the adjustable members thereof; Fig. 21 is an end view of the drum shown in Fig. 20; Fig. 22 is a fragmentary sectional View illustrating how the driving band is adjustably held in place; Fig. 23 is an end 'view of the coacting drum which connects with the driving bands for driving the switch arms; Fig. 24 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 24-24 of Fig. 23 showing the method of fastening the opposite ends of the bands that are iixedly secured on drum 34 and adjustably secured on drum 50; Fig. 25 is a view of one of the adjusting screw terminus members secured to the end of the driving band; Fig. 26 is a plan view of one of the actuating earns eniployed in the switch actuating mechanism; Fig. 27 is a side elevational view of the cam shown in Fig. 26 and Fig. 28 is a schematic View of the switch system of my invention illustrating one arrangement of circuit system to which the automatic switch may be applied.

Referring to the drawings in detail reference characters I and 2 designate the switch arms which are carried in fittings 3 and 4 respectively carried on the insulators 5 and 6. The manner of securing the arms to the insulators is shown more particularly in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 wherein it will be seen that the hardware 3 and 4 are recessed as indicated at i to t over the metallic cap member 8 which is secured by a suitable coating of cement er metallic layer indicated at 9 to the end of the insulator. The cap 5 has a projection It) thereon which is centrally recessed and screw-threaded at il to receive the screwthreaded member I2 which forms the connection means for the exible cable i4 constituting the electrical connection for the switch arm. Set screws I3 extend through threaded apertures in the hardware 3 and 4 and engage the projecting end of the metallic cap at I5 for iirmly securing the switch arm in position with respectY to the insulator 5. The hardware fittings 3 and contain arcuate shaped lipped portion i5 through which a set screw IS may extend for locking the hexagonal head il of the screw-threaded terminal member I2 of the ilexible cable I4 for insuring rm position of the switch arm with respect to the insulator 5. The switch arms carryl at their ends spring contact members which I have illustrated at I8 and I 9 shaped to present flat parallel faces to the coacting jaws of the fixed contacts and which are secured to opposite portions of the switch arm. The faces of contacts I8 and I 9 are silvered to insure good conductivity under conditions of arcing when establishing connection with the coacting faces of the coacting switch jaws. rThe switch arm is slotted throughout a portion of its lengthas represented at 28 to impart suiicient resiliency to the contact members I8 and ES and thus insure goed electrical contact when the contact members I3 and I9 engage between lthe jaws 2G and 2| of the xed contactor represented at 22. Conditions of vibration are thereby prevented from displacing or disturbing the contact so that the switch system is applicable in any place subject to vibration. The opposite jaws '.-ZU and 2I have their interior faces coated with a silver lining 2&0. and 2Ia to increase conductivity. The means for securing hardware 22 constituting the stationary contact with respect to the insulator are identical with the means for securing the hardware 3 and 4 constituting the support for the movable contacter or switch arm in order to facilitate production and reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs. The number ci replacement parts may thereby be maintained at a minimum. Electrical connection is established with the fixed Contact in any suitable manner such as the method explained in connection with the movable contact or through a lug and screw arrangement designatedgenerally at 23. Securing means i3d similar to the securing means I3 for the hardware associated with the movable switch arm are employed for securing the stationary hardware with respect to insulator 6.

T. have described the switch arm construction for one of the switches in detail and it will be understood that the other arm is constructed in a similar manner and that corresponding reference characters indicate similar parts. I have illust-rated my invention applied to a two-pole single throw switch, but it will be fully understood that the construction may be applied to a double throw system or multiple contact arrangement.

The insulators 5 and 6 are movable with respect to a panel represented at 24 which provides mounting means for the automatic switch operating mechanism, the auxiliary contact system. the driving motor and the motor control mechanism.

Stationary contacter 22 carried by insulator 6 is mounted directly upon the panel by the socket base 25. Socket base 25 is suitably secured by flange bolts 26 to panel 24. The movable insulators 5 and 6 are each supported as illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10. Insulator 5 is secured in a socket member 21 which is secured in any suitable manner to the flange member 28 carried by the shaft 29. Shaft 29 is journaled in sleeve bearing 30. The sleeve bearing 30 is oilless and does not require lubrication. It is supported in housing 3S which forms part of the base casting 32 secured to the panel by through bolts represented at The sleeve bearing 38 extends the full length or the housing 3i which terminates in a position orming an abutment for the `hub portion 32 of the drum 313. Drum 34 has two peripheral grooves 35 and 35 within which the driving bands 37 and 38 operate. Drum 34 also carries stud bolts 39, 40 and 4I each of which include spacing sleeves 39a, 48a and 44a thereon. The spacing sleeves serve as supporters for the cam members represented at 42, 43 and 44. The end members of each of the stud bolts are formed from insulation material represented at 39h to insure against electrical breakdown between the metallic casting or housing 32 and the stud bolt fastening screws indicated at 39e. Similar insulated end members are provided on the coacting stud bolts.

The drum shown at 34 coacts with a drum 50 which is associated with the movable shaft E. Drum 50, however, is formed differently than drum 34 as represented more particularly in Figs. 19, 20 and 21 as provision is'made for the tightening of the bands and the adjustment of contact arm 6 in order to insure proper alignment of the switch arms with respect to the stationary contacts. Drum 50'contains annular grooves 5I and 52 with lugs extending into the path thereof rcpresented at 53 and 54 respectively around a chordal portion 55 of the drum. Each. of the lugs are apertured to receive adjustably screwthreaded bolt members 56 shown more particularly in Fig. 24. The bolt members 56 are bifurcated at their ends and are attached to the bands shown at 31 and 38. The opposite ends of the bands 31 and 38 terminate under screw heads 5.' and 58'engageable in the'peripheral of drum 34 as illustrated in Figs. 22 and 23. It will be observed that the ends of the bands 37 and 33 are reinforced as represented, for example, at 31a to enable them to be secured under the securing screws such as 51 and 58 in drum34 and allow precise control of effective length. The` adjustment is made by tightening. or loosening the adjusting nuts 56a onthe coasting screw-threaded bolt member such as 56 in Fig. 21. Thus adjustability may be effected on drum 50 while permanent connections are established on drum 34. Theldrum 34 is provided with screw-threaded openings into which fastening screws 59 may be inserted for securing bracket member 60 in position. Bracket member 60 forms a connecting means for the actuating link 6| leading to the cams 62 and 63 of the switch operating mechanism.

There are two of these cams one of which is shown at 62 and the other of which is shown at 63. Cams 62 and 63 are exact opposites of each other and have opposite actuating faces G2b'and 63h. The link 6| is pivotally connected to the stud bolt 64 which is pivoted in cam 63 but passes loosely through cam 62. The two cams are mounted on shaft 65 which has two flat portions 66, one on each side thereof. One cam 62 is recessed at 68 as shown in Fig. 19 to receive washer member 68a and the head of the retaining screw 69 that extends therethrough and which connects to the tapped portion of shaft 65. The two camsr62 and 63 also have internal flat faces shown at 62a and 63a to engage upon the coacting flat faces of the projecting end of the shaft 65 thus keying or locking the cams 62 and 63 to rotate fast with the extension of shaft 65 shown at 61. Extension shaft 61 extends transversely of'the casing 68 and is journaled therein at opposite ends,repre sented at 69 and 10. The bearing 10 is supported in the base plate 1| carried on the upper section of casing 68 by spacer members indicated at 12 held in place by screws' 12a.

The shaft 61 thus journaled has an enlarged section which is screw-threaded which is represented at 13. Below the screw-threaded section 13 are two flats represented at 14 on which there is mounted a cam 15 which turns with the shaft 61. A traveling nut 16 is arranged to move over the screw-threads 13 and traverses a path extending parallel with the shaft guided by two studs 11 and 18 which pass through coacting apertures in traveling nuts 16. On traveling nut 16 there is carried a projecting cam face 19 which is arranged to coact with face 80 of the cam 15 when the nut approaches its limit of travel on screw-threads 13. The studs 1l' and 18 are carried by worm gear 8| as shown. The base portions of the mounting means for studs 11 and 18 are cut away at 11a and 18a to allow clearance for the cam 15. The worm gear 8| has a sleeve portion 83 rotatably mounted on shaft 61 within the spring case shown at 84. The spring case 84 houses fiat spiral spring 85 which is secured at one end to the case 84 and at the opposite end to the sleeve 83. The bushing 81 of the spider gear wheel |32 is pinned to the shaft 61 as represented at 88. The spider gear wheel |32 forms one end of the spring case 84. The spring case 84 remains stationary while spring 85 is being wound.

The manner of winding the springs 85 will be more clearly understood by considering the arrangement of the driving motor B which is supported on panel 24. Motor 89 may be of any desired type for driving shaft 90 through suitable coupling 9| which connects to shaft 92 journaled in bearing 93 in the side wall of casing 68 terminating in pinion 94. Pinion 94 engages with the gear 95 which is carried by shaft 96. Shaft 86 is .journaled in bearingsy 91 and S8 in opposite ends of the casing 68 and carries worm gear 99 thereon which engages with the worm wheel 8|. Thus the driving motor 89 is enabled to rotate sleeve 83 which is connected to spiral spring for winding spiral spring 85 'within housing 86. During this winding operation the traveling nut 16 moves away from the cam 15 on screw-thread 13 and at the limit of its travely engages pin |00 which acts upon arm |0|. Arm 0| is pivoted on block |02 on the exterior of casing 68. An extension |03 on arm 10| is operated to engage operating member |03' of micro-switch |04. Micro-switch |04 is arranged in the motor circuit or in circuit with a relay that is arranged in the motor circuit and thus opens the power circuit to the motor when the spring 85 has been wound to a predetermined tension. The spring 85 is thus operative to control the operation of the automatic switch.

Mounted on the sub-base of the casing 68 I provide a solenoid |05 having an armature member |06 which is pivotally connected at |01 with arm |08. Arm |08 is pivoted at |09 on casing 68. The angular movement of arm |08 is restricted by bracket member I0. A counterweight is carried by the movable arm |08 and is connected through spring ||2 to the xed stud ||4 on casing 68 thus tending to maintain the arm in the full line position illustrated in Fig. 3. The arm |08 carries a movable bracket member ||5. Bracket member ||5 is bolted to bell crank ||6 which is in turn pivoted at The opposite end of the bell crank ||6 shown at ||8 is engaged beneath washer member ||9 (Fig. 23) mounted on stud |20 projecting from casing 68.A Arm |2| is also mounted on stud |20 and is free to move angularly about stud 20. Bell crank H6 is pivoted on stud ||1 which is fastened in lever arm |2| so that when bell crank ||S moves it shifts arm |2| in a circular path and applies a brake band represented at |22 to the 'brake drum shown at |23. Brake band |22 is normally loose about drum |23 by action yof spring |21 pressing against the end of lever arm |2| tending to slack off on the brake band |22. A spring |24 is arranged to maintain bell crank ||6 against stud |25 which in turn maintains arm |2| in a position in which brake band |22 is unapplied. However, upon shifting of the bell crank ||6 against the action of spring |24 when cam 62 operated by engagement with curved face ||6a. 'of bell crank ||6 the bell crank moves back imparting motion to lever |2| applying tension to brake band I 22 and establishing frictional contact with brake drum |23. The lever |2| and bell crank I6 are floating with respect to each other on pin under tension by spring |24 and as bell crank ||6 shifts it imparts motion to lever |2| which in turn increases tension on spring |21 through which stud |26 extends. Stud |26 in turn connects to the end of brake band 22 for thereby applying the friction brake in accordance with the angular displacement of lever |2|. It will be observed that bell crank ||6 has the end at ||6a thereof so shaped that it is engaged by the curved face 62h of cam 62.

Without any current on the solenoid |05 bell crank ||6 will be engaged with the lower cam 63, the power circuit being open through control switch |35. When current isapplied from source |36 by closing switch |35 to the solenoid |05, the solenoid pulls in armature |06 rocking arm |08 (Fig. 3) about its pivot |09 and in turn moving bell crank I6. The movement of bell crank H5 shifts the abutment face ||6a thereof from a position aligned with cam face 6,21; to a position aligned with cam face 63h. It will be observed that cam 63 is the exact counterpart of cam62.-

7. Theiengagingsurface at 63h is curved in the manner similarl to the curved surface 62h ofA cam 62. The curved surface 62D of cam G2 has the tendency. of keeping bell crank H in engagement by ozirawing` the bell crank inwardly rather than kicking the bellcrank away which would be the-situationii the cam face were at or radial and not preformed as provided herein. Thus the spring 85 constituting the spring motoi` can drive the insulators 5 and'G tocertain predetermined limits determined lby abutment of faces B2b or 63bwith face ||6a.

Flywheel |28 is cairied by shaft |29 which is journaled at |30fand |3| inthe casing $8 and frame 'H forming part of sub-base ii. TheA iiywheel |28 insures a uniform speed of movement of the switch arms whenl the spring motor becomes effective to move the arms. The shaft |29 carries pinion 32' which meshes with the spider gear wheel |32 that forms part of the spring housing 84'. Shaft |29 extends beyond case E3 and carries thebrake drum |23 which is engaged by the brake 'band |22 operating as hereinbefore explained. The flywheel imparts sufficient inertie. to the system to retard the spring from excessive speed of operation when the spring initially takes over control of the switch arms. In the operation of the automatic electric switch and contacter system of my invention control switch is closed thereby energizing solenoid |05. Arm |08 is moved and imparts movement to bell crank |6 which shifts abutment face ISa from a positionV alignedy with cam faceV 62h to a positionin line withcam vi ace 63h, t .-ereby releasing shaftl which is driven byvtorsion spring 85. Link 6| connected to cam 62 drives drum 34'which simultaneously drives drum Si] in the reverse direction through the crossed bands 3i and 3B. Thus insulators 5 are rotatably driven fordriving switch arms i and 2 in coplanar relation. yThe switch arms and 2 carrying the yieldably arranged contact-ors establish electrical connection with the contacts 22 mounted on the stand-off insulators G. The reversed band arrangement 31--38 operates to drive the switch arms and 2 in opposite directions in coplanar relation. Limited movement of the switch arms is controlled by the arrangement of abutment cams62b and 63h. Constant driving torque is imparted to shaft 61 fromtorsion motor 85 which is wound by motor89 during the energization thereof at the time solenoid |95 is energized. By the arrangement set forth herein quick operation of thek switch arms is assured in opening and closing the electrical circuits controlled by the contactors.

While I have described my invention in one oi.

its preferred. embodiments, I realize that modifications may be made in the details and arrangement of the switch system and l' desire that it be understood that my invention is not limited to the particular structures-shownbut may be changed as to detail within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to securev by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:

1. A high voltage switch comprising a supportingframe, stand-off insulators mounted on said frame, contact members mounted on said standoff insulators, axiallyrotatable stand-off insulators mounted on said framein spaced relation to the aforesaid stand-oi insulators. movable switch arms mounted on said last mentioned stand-off insulators, said switch arms carrying contactors coacting with said contact members,

and means for rotating said last mentioned` stand-off insulators and said switch armszinopposit-e angular directions in coplanar relation through approximately 7 to open and closethe circuit through`- the contactors on said. switch` arms and said contact members.

2. A high voltage switch comprising a supporting frame, stand-off insulators mounted onsaid frame, Contact members mounted on said standoff insulators, rotatably mounted supports ,of insulation material extendingv from said frameadjacent said stand-oit insulators, switch arms carried by said supportscontactors carriedfby said switch arms, and means for driving saidswitch arms in opposite angulardirectionsin coplanar relation into and out of contactingr relationwith said contact members.

3. A high voltage switch,comprisingasupporting frame, stand-oi insulators mounted-on said frame, contact members mounted on said standoff insulators, rotatably mounted rod-like insulators projecting from said frame in spacial relation to said stand-off insulators, switch. arms carried by said rod-like insulators, contactors mounted on said switch arms,-and means for driving said switch arms in opposite angular-directions in eoplanar relation for opening and closing circuits through the contactorson said switch arms and said contact members.

4. A high voltage switch comprising a supportingV frame, stand-ofi insulators mounted on said frame, contact members mounted onsaid standoff insulators, axially rotatablestand-oi insulators mounted on said frame in spacial relation to the aforesaid stand-oit insulators, angul'arly` movable switchy arms carried by said last mentioned stand-off insulators, contactorsl carried by said switch arms and coacting with said Contacty members, meansfor simultaneously shifting said switch arms in opposite angulary directions Ain coplanar relation for opening and closing elec-- trical circuits through the contactors on said switch arms and said contact members andmeans for adjusting the angular ytravel of'one: of saidy switch arms with respect to the angular travel of a coacting switch arm.

5. A high voltage switch comprising a supporting frame, stand-off insulators mountedon said frame, contact members mounted on said standoii insulators, axially rotatable stand-off, insulators mounted on said frame in spacial relation to the aforesaid stand-oil? insulators, angularly movable switch arms carried by said last mentioned stand-off insulators, yieldable contactors carried by said switch arms and coacting with said contact members, means-ier simultaneously shifting said switch arms in opposite angular directions in coplanar relation for opening and closing electrical circuits through the contactors on said switch arms and'said contact members, actuating drums connected with each oi` said switch arms, members interconnecting thev peripheries of said drums, means for imparting angular movementr to said drums and means for adjusting the effective lengths of said connecting members for individually adjusting the angular throw of said switch arms with respect to said contact members.

6. A high voltage switch comprising a. supporting frame, stand-off insulators projecting'normal from said frame, contact members mounted on said stand-oi insulators, rotatably mounted rod-- like insulators projecting normal from said frame in spacial relation to said stand-oifinsulators,

switch arms carried by saidl rod-like` insulators` yieldable contactors carried by said switch arms and movable into and out of contacting relation with said contact members, drums connected with each of said rotatably mounted rod-like insulators, said drums each having a pair of grooves on the peripheries thereof, connecting means extending around said grooves and reversed upon themselves for imparting opposite simultaneous angular movement to said drums and means associated with one of said drums for adjusting the effective length of said members for correspondingly controlling the angular throw of said switch arms.

7. A high voltage switch comprising a supporting frame, stand-01T insulators mounted on said frame, contact members mounted on said standoff insulators, axially rotatable rod-like insula tors projecting from said frame in spacial relation to said stand-off insulators, switch arms having yieldable contactors thereon carried by said rod-like insulators and movable in coplanar relation into and out of contacting relation with said contact members, drums connected with each of said rotatable rod-like insulators, said drums each having multiple peripheral grooves thereon, connecting members reversed upon themselves and extending around the peripheral grooves of each of said drums, adjustable connecting means between the ends of said members and one of 10 said drums for adjusting the eiective lengths of said members and correspondingly adjusting the angular throw of said switch arms, and means for imparting angular movement to the other of said drums whereby said first mentioned drum is driven through said connecting members for simultaneously controlling the movement of said switch arms with respect to said contact members.

JOSEPH F. FRESE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

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